Tuesday Volume 567 3 September 2013 No. 42

HOUSE OF COMMONS OFFICIAL REPORT

PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES (HANSARD)

Tuesday 3 September 2013

£5·00 © Parliamentary Copyright House of Commons 2013 This publication may be reproduced under the terms of the Open Parliament licence, which is published at www.parliament.uk/site-information/copyright/. 143 3 SEPTEMBER 2013 144

strong international response to the use of chemical House of Commons weapons in Syria, while of course fully respecting the views of the House. Tuesday 3 September 2013 Sarah Newton: I do not believe that the people of Britain want the people of Syria to feel that they have The House met at half-past Eleven o’clock been abandoned in their hour of need. Will my right hon. Friend, who has shown such a lead, continue to work with partners in providing humanitarian aid to PRAYERS help to alleviate the dreadful suffering that we see in Syria, and will he consider including in that humanitarian response protection against any future use of chemical [MR SPEAKER in the Chair] weapons?

BUSINESS BEFORE QUESTIONS Mr Hague: My hon. Friend is absolutely right. The United Kingdom’s total funding for humanitarian purposes LONDON LOCAL AUTHORITIES AND TRANSPORT FOR in Syria and the region is now £348 million. That is the LONDON (NO.2) BILL [LORDS] largest total sum that the UK has ever committed to a single crisis. UK aid is funding food for more than Further consideration of Bill, as amended, opposed and 280,000 people a month, and drinking water for almost deferred until Wednesday 11 September at 4 o’clock a million people. (Standing Order No. 20). My hon. Friend also mentioned protection. The package of chemical weapons protective equipment that I announced HERTFORDSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL (FILMING ON to the House just before the summer break has now HIGHWAYS)BILL [LORDS] arrived in the region. It includes 5,000 escape hoods, Second Reading opposed and deferred until Wednesday detector paper, and a stock of nerve agent pre-treatment 11 September at 4 o’clock (Standing Order No. 20). tablets.

John Glen: Given that enormous commitment to aid, Oral Answers to Questions will the Foreign Secretary applaud the efforts of others such as Michael Bates in the other place, who last weekend completed a 518-mile walk from London to Derry in aid of Syria’s children, raising more than FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE £35,000 for the cause? Does not the record of aid and diplomacy achieved by the Government and the people in it suggest that the Government’s willingness to consider The Secretary of State was asked— military action was expressed reluctantly, and alongside an enormous commitment— Syria Mr Speaker: Order. I do not wish to be discourteous, 1. Sarah Newton (Truro and Falmouth) (Con): What but we must make progress. Questions must be much recent assessment he has made of the situation in Syria. pithier. [900075]

11. John Glen (Salisbury) (Con): What recent Mr Hague: To be brief, I join my hon. Friend in assessment he has made of the situation in Syria. saluting the work of, and the example set by, our noble [900085] Friend Lord Bates, as we should refer to him in this House. It is another example of the generosity of the 12. Karl McCartney (Lincoln) (Con): What recent British people—generosity that is being fully called on, assessment he has made of the situation in Syria. for the reasons that I have described. However, we shall [900086] have to be prepared to do even more in the months ahead, given the immense scale of the humanitarian 14. Guy Opperman (Hexham) (Con): What recent crisis. assessment he has made of the situation in Syria. [900090] Karl McCartney: It is truly regrettable that the House last week failed to vote for a motion condemning the The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth use of chemical weapons, and to back an international Affairs (Mr William Hague): The United Nations has response to the crisis in Syria. That was an outcome announced that there are now 2 million Syrian refugees that neither the Government nor the Opposition and in the region. The United Kingdom is already the their leader should have wanted to see. That same second largest donor, supporting more than 900,000 evening saw reports that the Assad regime had firebombed Syrians, and we will do more. The president of the a school. It seems that our inaction will possibly only Syrian National Coalition will visit London on Thursday, embolden Assad and his forces. Will my right hon. when we will discuss further support to save lives, Friend assure me, and the House, that the Government promote political dialogue in Syria, and advance the will continue to utilise diplomatic channels to push for a holding of a second Geneva conference. We support a solution to the crisis? 145 Oral Answers3 SEPTEMBER 2013 Oral Answers 146

Mr Hague: We absolutely will. I have referred to our along with America’s partners around Europe, trying to humanitarian work, but we must also never stop our work closely with Russia on this. As I was just saying, diplomatic efforts. We have promoted a second conference the test for Iran is whether it is really prepared to play a in Geneva, as have other nations. The Prime Minister constructive role, because we must remember that Iran discussed that with President Putin last week, and I has, from all the evidence presented, been actively supporting discussed it with my counterpart Sergei Lavrov. When the Syrian regime, including in the killing of so many the Prime Minister attends the G20 summit in St Petersburg innocent people in Syria. It has not played a constructive at the end of the week, he will have further opportunities role so far, but we are prepared to talk to it. for discussion. There is still an overwhelming case for the holding of a peace conference in Geneva, and we Dame Joan Ruddock (Lewisham, Deptford) (Lab): will continue to work towards that. What the Syrian people need is a ceasefire, not a barrage of cruise missiles. Is the Foreign Secretary aware that Guy Opperman (Hexham) (Con): What specific steps the media have reported that Senator John McCain has are being taken to put diplomatic pressure on Russia said that President Obama has told him that this will itself? not just be a punishment strike, but it will be a wider military action in order to tip the balance towards the Mr Hague: I mentioned a moment ago the conversations opposition? Will the right hon. Gentleman dissociate we have with Russian leaders. Whether they feel that as himself entirely from such sentiments? diplomatic pressure, we shall see. Russia has proved immune to what my hon. Friend and I would normally Mr Hague: I do not believe that to be the intention of regard as diplomatic pressure when it has come to votes the United States. President Obama has made his purpose at the UN Security Council. The Russians are committed very clear, but in any case he has now referred this to the also to bringing about a Geneva peace conference, so United States Congress so I think we have to allow, as we have to work on that common ground, but not only the US Administration has called for, the US Congress to bring about a peace conference, but to do it in to make its decision. We had our vote last week, and the circumstances where it has a chance of success, and US Congress will have its vote, but President Obama is that, of course, has been the most elusive thing so far. very clear that any action proposed by the United States would be to deter the further use of chemical weapons. I Mr Jack Straw (Blackburn) (Lab): Does the Foreign think we can take him at his word on that, and I am not Secretary accept that the chances of success of any going to criticise him for putting that forward. peace conference will be greatly enhanced if Iran is involved, and given the election of Dr Hassan Rouhani Mr Douglas Alexander (Paisley and Renfrewshire as President, will he say what extra efforts he has been South) (Lab): Let me return to the diplomatic initiatives making to reach out to the Iranian Government? the Foreign Secretary mentioned. Will he first offer the House an assurance that the British Government will be Mr Hague: The chances would be enhanced not urging the attendance of Lakhdar Brahimi at the G20 necessarily by Iran being involved, but by Iran playing a meeting in order to facilitate a discussion that many of constructive role in trying to bring about a settlement at us would judge necessary on Syria? Secondly, will he such a peace conference. I think nearly all of us who consider the establishment of a Syrian contact group so participated in the first Geneva conference last year that not just Iran but Russia and, indeed, the Kingdom where Iran was not present came to the view that we of Saudi Arabia could, as principal sponsors of the could not even have reached the conclusion we did on respective sides of this conflict, be engaged in trying to the need for a transitional Government in Syria had find a way towards Geneva? Iran been there. So it depends on the role Iran is prepared to play. I had a conversation a few weeks ago Mr Hague: To be clear, we expect the discussion on with the outgoing Iranian Foreign Minister. I have Syria at the G20 to be in a series of bilateral meetings. offered to meet the new Iranian Foreign Minister during As the right hon. Gentleman knows, the formal agenda the UN General Assembly in New York, and we will, of of the G20 is set by Russia working with the rest of the course, be able to discuss these issues. G20 and is about a wide range of trading and economic issues. But Syria will dominate the bilateral meetings Jeremy Corbyn (Islington North) (Lab): All wars during the G20, and we would expect it to do so. Of have to end with a conference and a peace solution, and course, we want Mr Brahimi to be involved; we usually in response to the question just raised by my right hon. facilitate and support his involvement in all critical Friend the Member for Blackburn (Mr Straw), will the discussions that take place around the world on these Foreign Secretary show a greater sense of urgency? If matters, but the right hon. Gentleman must remember there is to be a peace process, it has got to involve all the the point about the bilateral meetings in St Petersburg, neighbouring countries; it has got to involve Saudi and we continue to work with the core group of the Arabia and Iran and Russia. Will he reach out now and Friends of Syria to promote dialogue in Syria, to try to meet the Iranian Government to try to get them involved bring about a peaceful settlement. Ultimately, as other and use the G20 as the springboard to achieve that? hon. Members have said, there has to be a political solution, and so, of course, we will continue with that Mr Hague: I want to reassure the hon. Gentleman work. that there is no lack of urgency either on the part of Her Majesty’s Government or many other Governments Mr Alexander: I think that the House will be disappointed around the world, and he will know that Secretary by an admission from the Foreign Secretary that Kerry has applied himself very hard in recent months to Lakhdar Brahimi will apparently not be in attendance trying to bring about the Geneva peace conference and, in St Petersburg and nor will this be on the formal 147 Oral Answers3 SEPTEMBER 2013 Oral Answers 148 agenda of the grouping of the 20 countries. May I urge by trying to suppress and murder so many of his own the Foreign Secretary to consider requesting the Russian people, our approach radically changed. That is true of Government to place the issue of Syria at the top of the the Ministry of Defence, as well as of all other Departments. multilateral agenda? Secondly, does he not accept that there is a fundamental difference between Friends of Gibraltar Syria—those only supporting the rebels—and a contact group, which would contain parties to both sides of the conflict? 2. Jake Berry (Rossendale and Darwen) (Con): What assessment he has made of recent developments relating to Gibraltar. [900076] Mr Hague: I am sure that the right hon. Gentleman does understand, from his past experience, how these The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth meetings are conducted; it is in the bilateral meetings Affairs (Mr William Hague): Since 26 July, the Spanish that Syria will be a dominant issue in St Petersburg—and Government have conducted politically motivated checks should be. The Prime Minister will, of course, be pursuing at the border. The Prime Minister and I have made it it at every possibility and through every channel in clear to the Spanish Government that unlawful actions St Petersburg, as he has done and as I have done in a and threats against Gibraltar are unacceptable. We have whole series of bilateral and multilateral meetings in the repeatedly expressed our desire to find a diplomatic past few months. Our problem is not being unable to solution to various issues, while reaffirming our commitment discuss these things in the international community; it is to upholding the rights and sovereignty of the UK and being unable to agree how we bring about a transitional of Gibraltar. Government in Syria, formed from the Government and the opposition by mutual consent. There is no shortage of venues and platforms for discussing those Jake Berry: Does my right hon. Friend agree that the things—we have had two and a half years of discussion Spanish Government should stop seeking problems abroad on this; it is agreement that is elusive, not a forum for to distract from their own internal party funding scandal? discussion. Will he urge them to come back to the table to have sensible talks about fishing rights? Will he reassure me, and everyone in Rossendale and Darwen, that he will Sir Menzies Campbell (North East Fife) (LD): Does never give an inch on British sovereignty in Gibraltar, my right hon. Friend understand that the humanitarian unlike the Labour party when it was in government? problem extends not only to those who have sought refuge outside Syria, but to the very large number of Mr Hague: My hon. Friend will have spoken for a internally displaced persons, on whose behalf the Red great many people in the country and in Gibraltar. We Crescent is working tirelessly to seek to alleviate their are in favour of talks with Spain. Chief Minister Picardo suffering? Is he satisfied that proper opportunity is visited London last week and had discussions with me available to all organisations, inside and outside Syria, and the Prime Minister and, as the Chief Minister set that have humanitarian objectives in mind? out in his statement, we confirmed the position we took in April last year to propose ad hoc dialogue with Mr Hague: My right hon. and learned Friend asks a Spain. My hon. Friend is right: Gibraltar is British and very important question. The answer is that I am not wants to stay British, and for us that is the end of the satisfied that all the access is there. British aid is, through matter. We will never negotiate over sovereignty over non-governmental organisations and the international the heads of the people of Gibraltar, as the previous agencies, reaching into many parts of Syria; it is reaching Labour Government did. people in all 14 governorates of Syria. So British aid is being widely distributed inside Syria, as well as outside Sir Gerald Kaufman (Manchester, Gorton) (Lab): it. But there have often been, and continue to be, severe Will the right hon. Gentleman make it absolutely clear problems on humanitarian access, which is often not to the Spanish Government that Gibraltar is British permitted by the regime. It is another testimony to the and will remain British as long as the people of Gibraltar callousness of this regime towards its own people that wish to remain British, as demonstrated in an overwhelming not only has it killed so many tens of thousands, but it vote in a referendum the invigilation of which I led? obstructs the delivery of aid, including medical supplies, Will he make it clear to the Spanish Government that to people in its own country who desperately need it. harassment at the border and intrusion into British sovereign waters will not be tolerated and that, if need Angus Robertson (Moray) (SNP): What kind of message be, there will be reprisals? does it send to the rest of the world that until recently the UK Ministry of Defence was providing and paying Mr Hague: I absolutely will. I welcome everything for the training of senior military officers from the that the right hon. Gentleman has just said and I think Assad regime? that that message should resound clearly from both sides of this House—his question means that it does so. Mr Hague: I think that the House knows the attitude that we have taken to the Assad regime from the beginning David T. C. Davies (Monmouth) (Con): Since of these problems at the beginning of 2011. Successive geographical proximity has become such a priority for Governments made diplomatic approaches to the Assad the Spanish over national borders, will the Foreign regime and were right to do so. That happened under Secretary instead suggest at the next meeting that they the last Labour Government and under the current turn their attentions to Ceuta and perhaps hand it back Government, but once these troubles began and it became to the Moroccans, who have been after it for many clear that Assad was setting about dealing with them years? 149 Oral Answers3 SEPTEMBER 2013 Oral Answers 150

Mr Hague: My hon. Friend makes a valid point. If The Minister for Europe (Mr David Lidington): I very talks take place with Spain in the way that the Chief much welcome the considerable progress that Serbia Minister of Gibraltar and I have set out, we will concentrate and Kosovo have already made, including their historic on the localised issues but, of course, people cannot agreement on 19 April this year. There is still more to help making exactly the observation that my hon. Friend do, but I am confident that if both sides remain committed, has just made. full normalisation will be achieved.

Emma Reynolds (Wolverhampton North East) (Lab): It is of deep concern to Members on both sides of this Wayne David: I am sure that the Minister for Europe House that the border crisis seems to be escalating, with will join me in congratulating both the United Nations recent reports that a Spanish demonstration would and the EU High Representative on their efforts to attempt to cross the border into Gibraltar. Will the bring a better relationship between Kosovo and Serbia, Foreign Secretary reassure the House that he is working but what does he identify as the next crucial step in closely with the European Union to ensure that Spain is normalising the relationship between Pristina and Belgrade? forced to respect its EU treaty obligations?

Mr Hague: We are working closely with the European Mr Lidington: I endorse what the hon. Gentleman Union. The Prime Minister spoke directly to the President says about congratulating both the United Nations and of the European Commission, Mr Barroso, about the the EU High Representative on their work to achieve issue. We have asked the Commission to send a fact-finding progress. The next steps are the full implementation of mission to the border to investigate the delays and we what has been agreed under the dialogue and urgent welcome Mr Barroso’s confirmation that such a mission efforts to take forward some of the key outstanding will soon be deployed. It is very good that it will come issues, such as telecommunications, energy and agreement and look at the facts and we look to it to help us uphold on arrangements for municipal elections later this year. the law. Of course, we have to ensure that conditionality on normalisation is hard-wired into the framework for Middle East Peace Process Serbia’s accession negotiations.

3. Mr David Burrowes (Enfield, Southgate) (Con): Sir Tony Baldry (Banbury) (Con): Does my right What assessment he has made of the latest prospects hon. Friend agree that Kosovo would not exist if we for the middle east peace process; and if he will make a and other members of the international community statement. [900077] had not intervened in the mayhem and disintegration of the former Republic of Yugoslavia? Is there not a The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth choice for this country about whether we want to continue Affairs (Mr William Hague): I applaud the extraordinary to be a country of influence or one of isolation and commitment of Secretary Kerry to bringing about the whether we want our children to continue to write resumption of formal negotiations between Israelis and history or simply to read it? Palestinians. Hard work and difficult choices lie ahead, and both sides will need to show decisive leadership. Britain will do all it can to support efforts to bring Mr Lidington: My hon. Friend makes a good point. I about a lasting peace. would simply add that the decision that the then Government took and Parliament supported in respect Mr Burrowes: I welcome the Foreign Secretary’s response, of Kosovo showed that the UK saw that its national but given the news this week from Israel’s Shin Bet interests were served by stability in south-east Europe security agency that it has uncovered a Hamas terror and were not confined to the immediate vicinity of our cell planning attacks on Israelis during the upcoming territory. Jewish holiday season, what prospect is there for success in the peace process, particularly when Hamas states that it will never accept the negotiation track and result? Keith Vaz (Leicester East) (Lab): Serbia is a candidate country to join the EU, but Kosovo is only a potential Mr Hague: There are people—my hon. Friend is candidate. Is there a way to ensure that the timetables right to draw attention to them—who will try to disrupt coincide, so that both countries can be treated equally and sabotage this immense effort to bring about permanent and join the EU at the same time? peace between Israelis and Palestinians. On the other hand, President Abbas, the leader of the Palestinian Authority, is a genuine partner for peace for Israel and I Mr Lidington: We have consistently taken a policy welcome the bold leadership he has shown. He will visit towards EU enlargement that says that there should not the UK shortly and we will have detailed discussions be artificial timetables, but that each country’s progress with him about the way forward for Palestinians and should be determined by its success in meeting specific the need for them to embrace this process, notwithstanding accession criteria. That is the right approach to take. the obstruction of Hamas. What is important is that we make it clear that the normalisation of relations with Kosovo is integral to Serbia and Kosovo the entire Serbian accession process. I am sure that the right hon. Gentleman will welcome the fact that the 4. Wayne David (Caerphilly) (Lab): What recent Commission is about to launch negotiations for a assessment he has made of the prospects for fully stabilisation and association agreement with Kosovo. normalising relations between Serbia and Kosovo. That is a very clear signal of its European perspective, [900078] too. 151 Oral Answers3 SEPTEMBER 2013 Oral Answers 152

Israel and Palestine Sir Bob Russell (Colchester) (LD): As the Foreign Secretary was silent about the ethnic cleansing of the 5. Mrs Anne McGuire (Stirling) (Lab): What support Bedouin Arabs and the illegal building of yet more his Department has provided to projects fostering settlements on the occupied west bank, will the Minister co-existence between Israelis and Palestinians. [900079] confirm that those actions do nothing to foster co-existence between the Israelis and the Palestinians? The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (Alistair Burt): We are Alistair Burt: We are never silent in relation to issues committed to encouraging peaceful co-existence between affecting the growth of settlements. We make statements Israelis and Palestinians. Strengthening those who are about that and the Israelis are well aware of our situation. committed to a peaceful resolution of the conflict is a With respect to the internal situation affecting the Bedouin, key objective of our £4 million conflict pool, which is I have been in contact over a period of time with available in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories Ministers responsible. It is a difficult internal issue in and supports such projects with that aim. Israel and much attention is being paid to it on both the Bedouin side and the Israeli side. Mrs McGuire: I thank the Minister for his answer. The conflict pool funds operate in silos. Will he consider Ian Lucas (Wrexham) (Lab): At a time of such darkness refocusing some of those funds to support joint working in the middle east, will the Minister join me in commending to encourage co-existence and co-operation between the work carried out by the West-Eastern Divan orchestra Israelis and Palestinians? led by Daniel Barenboim, which creates a space for dialogue through music, in the words of Mr Barenboim? Alistair Burt: I am very keen to do so. I visited a Will the Minister continue to support such projects to football project between Israelis, Palestinians and Israeli foster co-existence at a very difficult time? Arabs this year. There is a very good project where Palestinian doctors are trained in Israeli hospitals and Alistair Burt: Yes. As the hon. Gentleman says, it is a return to Palestinian territories, and there is increased ray of light that, despite all the difficulties, people’s co-operation between them. At the moment, we are not interest in coming together and realising what they have getting enough applications from such projects. I am in common can sometimes overcome the most difficult very keen to see more and to see the conflict pool used things. History is full of situations where those who more to encourage co-existence. have been the bitterest enemies have, over time, developed into friends. It will take time in relation to some in Israel Mr Philip Hollobone (Kettering) (Con): What is the and in what we hope will be a new Palestinian state, but potential impact on revived trade arrangements between the efforts of those who have made opportunities for the Israelis and the Palestinians on the Gaza border as a co-existence in the years of difficulty will be seen as result of Egyptian action against the smuggling tunnels even more important in the years to come. controlled by Hamas? Jordan and Lebanon Alistair Burt: Getting a grip on the smuggling is a really important part of the future of Gaza, because its economy cannot deliver more unless this issue is dealt 6. Nicola Blackwood (Oxford West and Abingdon) with. Essentially, however, the future economic prospects (Con): What recent assessment he has made of the of Gaza are also closely bound up with a greater security and political situation in Jordan and Lebanon. relaxation by the Israelis of the restrictions currently [900080] placed on Gaza and, of course, an overall settlement in the area, which will boost the Gazan economy and that The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign of the west bank in due course. and Commonwealth Affairs (Alistair Burt): Lebanon maintains a fragile political peace, under much pressure Mrs Louise Ellman (Liverpool, Riverside) (Lab/Co-op): at present from increased violence. Jordan is continuing Organisations such as Givat Haviva and the Abraham with political and economic reforms, but both states are Fund show the importance of co-existence. Does the under increased pressure because of the conflict in Minister condemn those who campaign against co-existence Syria and the impact upon their economies and their between Palestinians and Israelis? Indeed, does he recognise security issues. that their actions might be one of the reasons for the dearth of applications to the projects that he has mentioned? Nicola Blackwood: In April I met Syrian refugees in Lebanon and heard at first hand about the atrocities Alistair Burt: Absolutely. The hon. Lady makes a they had fled. Lebanese officials told me about how very good point. The atmosphere has been so poisoned they were struggling to maintain stability in the face of over the years that two peoples whose individuals have the sheer numbers of refugees coming in, yet with the an awful lot in common and whose work together will numbers doubling in the past six months, the UN mean so much when there is a resolution to the issue appeal is only 41% funded. Will the Minister give his between the Israelis and the Palestinians have been assessment of the impact of this crisis on Lebanese prevented from doing so. Peer pressure and other pressure stability? that works against such projects is a tragedy. Separation over the years has done a great deal of damage. We Alistair Burt: The situation in Lebanon now, as the must all get behind Secretary Kerry’s efforts because if, House will probably be aware, is that practically 25% of as part of that, there can be improved personal prospects the population of Lebanon is now made up of Syrian and economic prospects for an independent Palestine, it refugees. As my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary will benefit both the Palestinians and Israel. made clear in his remarks earlier, this crisis is of massive 153 Oral Answers3 SEPTEMBER 2013 Oral Answers 154 proportions, and the news today that the number of court in July 2012 but that the formal judicial process refugees has reached 2 million and that by the end of has not concluded. He will also be aware that the time the year we may see 10 million displaced within Syria scale for the proceedings is, of course, a matter for the and beyond emphasises how important it is. We have Indian courts, but I can give both him and the company given support to Lebanon to strengthen borders and an the assurance that we sympathise with the position it is extra £50 million out of the money already distributed in and will continue to raise the issue with the Indian for humanitarian aid, but there is no doubt that what is Government. needed is not just that humanitarian aid, but an end to the conflict, because the security of those states China (Human Rights) neighbouring Syria is imperilled every day that the Syrian conflict goes on. 8. Nic Dakin (Scunthorpe) (Lab): What recent Richard Burden (Birmingham, Northfield) (Lab): Zaatari representations he has made to the Chinese refugee camp in Jordan, which the Minister and I have Government on human rights. [R] [900082] both visited, is now the largest refugee camp in the world, with 500,000 refugees in Jordan and more The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth unregistered. Britain has a good record in terms of its Affairs (Mr William Hague): Foreign Office officials humanitarian assistance in relation to the Syrian conflict, last raised our concerns about human rights issues with but what more can Britain do to ensure that other the Chinese Government on 23 July. We have also countries step up to the plate, as they need to do if the proposed dates for the next UK-China human rights UN appeal is to be met? dialogue and are waiting for the Chinese Government to respond. Alistair Burt: Every time a colleague in the House says exactly what the hon. Gentleman has said, it helps Nic Dakin: I draw attention to my entry in the Register to draw attention to the importance of the appeal. We of Members’Financial Interests. The Chinese Government’s have worked tirelessly and my right hon. Friend the response to Tibetan self-immolations is of grave concern. Secretary of State for International Development has Will the Foreign Secretary raise concerns about Dolma spearheaded the efforts both internationally, here in Gyab’s treatment and take steps to ensure that his London and elsewhere to call attention to the fact that human rights are respected by the Chinese authorities? unless the UN appeal is met, this greatest refugee crisis of the 21st century and for many years before will leave a lasting scar, because it is not just at the end of the Mr Hague: Yes. According to state media reports, conflict that help will be needed. It will take years for Dolma Gyab was sentenced to death on 15 August. We people to go back. The hon. Gentleman is right to draw urge the Chinese authorities to commute the sentence attention to the crisis, as we do almost every single day. and give a reprieve. We firmly believe that all trials should be free and fair and in line with international India (Non-payment of Invoices) standards. We remain extremely concerned about reports of self-immolations and call on all parties to use their influence to bring them to an end. 7. Mr Laurence Robertson (Tewkesbury) (Con): What recent discussions he has had with the Indian Government on the non-payment of invoices Mr James Gray (North Wiltshire) (Con): I call attention submitted by Satellite Information Services following to my entry in the Register of Members’ Financial its coverage of the 2010 Commonwealth games. Interests: namely, a visit to Tibet at the cost of the [900081] Chinese, and a visit to the Dalai Lama at Dharamsala at the cost of the Tibet Society. Although it is right to be The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign deeply concerned about human rights abuses in China and Commonwealth Affairs (Mark Simmonds): We have and elsewhere, does the Secretary of State not agree raised the issue with the Indian Government on a that excessive concentration on them or excessively number of occasions, including at ministerial level, and large noises about them, especially if linked to any talk continue to do so with relevant officials, most recently of a free Tibet, risk exactly the opposite of the end we in July. As my hon. Friend will be aware, progress on the all want: religious and political freedom within a sovereign issue has been delayed pending the outcome of judicial People’s Republic of China? proceedings. Mr Hague: Of course, human rights issues are by no Mr Robertson: The Minister will be aware that the means the only issues we discuss with the Chinese report by India’s Central Bureau of Investigation exonerated Government and others; there is a vast range of issues the company of any criminal wrongdoing over a year to discuss. But I think that we should always be clear in ago. I think that he will also be aware that the court has the United Kingdom about our belief in universal human met regularly to discuss the report but has been adjourned rights and never be afraid to give our advocacy for on every single occasion. Does he agree that the prolonged those rights. That includes relations with China. case leaves the company in a very difficult position, and will he continue to do everything he can to speed the Trading with Illegal Israeli Settlements matter up?

Mark Simmonds: My hon. Friend is absolutely right 9. Alex Cunningham (Stockton North) (Lab): What to highlight the length of time the case has taken. He is advice his Department has given to UK businesses on correct to point out that the police filed a report to the trading with illegal Israeli settlements. [900083] 155 Oral Answers3 SEPTEMBER 2013 Oral Answers 156

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Israel the economic benefits that will flow from success and Commonwealth Affairs (Alistair Burt): When asked in the peace talks that are going on. That is very much by companies, we give a clear statement of our view on work in progress. If the talks are successful, we will be those settlements: they are illegal, an obstacle to peace talking about the opportunities for Palestine and for and not helpful in creating the solution to the two-state Israel rather than having the conversations we continually process. In line with the publication tomorrow of the need to have about the difficulties caused by settlements UK action plan on business and human rights, we are and the like. updating our guidance for those working in overseas markets in relation to this issue, and that will include West Africa Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. 13. Lyn Brown (West Ham) (Lab): What recent Alex Cunningham: In the light of UK businesses discussions he has had on the threat from terrorist continuing and expanding trade and investment in the groups, organised crime and piracy in west Africa. illegal Israeli settlements in Palestine, will he confirm [900087] that it is actually wrong for them to do so? Does he not The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign agree that a bit of advice is now insufficient and that he and Commonwealth Affairs (Mark Simmonds): We take needs to take practical action to end these shameful the threat of criminal and terrorist groups in west activities? Africa seriously. Officials and Ministers have had a significant number of productive discussions with west Alistair Burt: No, I do not. I think that providing African Governments, including the Foreign Secretary advice to companies that are in a position to make their and me meeting the Nigerian President’s special envoy own choice, just as consumers can make their own and my own visit to Ghana in July, where I met the choice through labelling of goods, is the right action. President and the Ghanaian Foreign Minister. We do not support a boycott of Israel or those companies that work there, but what is most important, as the hon. Lyn Brown: I pay tribute to the success of the British Gentleman will know, is that these issues will be resolved contribution to the international effort to suppress piracy when the negotiations currently taking place between off the west coast of Somalia. What specific assistance Israel and the Palestinians are resolved and then all can will the UK provide to deal with the growing problems look forward to a much better economic future for the of piracy in west Africa? region, rather than dealing with issues of restrictions. Mark Simmonds: I am grateful to the hon. Lady for Robert Halfon (Harlow) (Con): While progress on raising these very important issues. There are clear settlements is important, is my hon. Friend aware that differences between the piracy off the east coast of the threat to Israel’s security remains a real concern, Africa and the west coast of Africa. I have offered to especially with the threat of chemical attacks from the relevant west African Governments our experiences Syria? Has he made an assessment of those possible and those of the international community, and we are chemical attacks, and what will be the response of the helpful where we can be. Only yesterday, I discussed British Government if the Assad regime drops chemical with the Cameroonian Foreign Minister the implementation weapons on Israel? of the agreement that was set out in Yaoundé between the 13 Heads of State from west and central Africa Alistair Burt: The worry of the conflict in Syria exactly to address the problems of maritime insecurity spreading over its borders is a very real one. We have off the west African coast. seen the impact of that in Syria recently. The bombings in Tripoli recently produced from the Lebanese authorities Richard Ottaway (Croydon South) (Con): The Minister an investigation into and indictment of pro-Assad will be well aware that terrorist groups are roaming supporters for that atrocity. Those in Israel are therefore throughout north and west Africa, from Sinai in the absolutely right to be constantly aware of the risks and east to Mali in the west. Throughout the region, this the dangers to them. Again, this goes to show how state of affairs is exacerbated by struggling economies, important it is to seek a resolution of the conflict in and it is causing instability. Does he agree that what is Syria, on which my right hon. Friend the Foreign needed, very urgently, is a regional initiative? Secretary is spending so much time. Mark Simmonds: My hon. Friend is exactly right to highlight the regional nature of the particular challenges Simon Hughes (Bermondsey and Old Southwark) that are faced in west and northern Africa. The principal (LD): The Government have always been very clear terrorist threat in west Africa is from the extremist about what is legal and illegal in international law in group Boko Haram, which kidnapped French nationals relation to Israel and the settlements. Now that the very in Cameroon in April. That is why we have put together welcome peace talks are under way, can Ministers assure a north and west Africa strategic framework to tackle us that they will continue to urge all parties—businesses, the region-wide threats. It is also why the G8 focused on the voluntary sector and others—to do the things that trying to provide a counter-terrorism strategy, which will support the peace process and remind people that importantly included building security, the rule of law keeping talking round the table is now the paramount and capacity, and on tackling criminal trafficking as objective because it is the best chance, possibly the last well as the terrorist threat. chance, to get some progress in the near future? Mr John Spellar (Warley) (Lab): I am very pleased Alistair Burt: My right hon. Friend has it absolutely that the Minister recognises that piracy off the coast of right. A key part of the work that is going on at the west Africa is part of a wider range of threats, including, moment is to make very clear to Palestinians and to as has been mentioned, the infiltration of terrorism 157 Oral Answers3 SEPTEMBER 2013 Oral Answers 158 from the north and organised crime from the drugs Mark Simmonds: I have seen no evidence that the trade. Will he expand on concrete proposals he has Chinese propose to intervene militarily in the eastern made to west African countries, but also, particularly, DRC. The United Nations Security Council is unified to our wider allies, as to what action can be taken to in its determination to provide assistance to the DRC counteract these multiple threats to the stability of Government in providing security and stability in the countries in the region? eastern DRC. My hon. Friend is absolutely right that there is no long-term military solution. There need to Mark Simmonds: There are a number of key initiatives be military, political and economic solutions to ensure to support, through technical facilitation, the west African sustainable economic development and growth for the countries and to enable co-operation with our Navy, in benefit of the people who live in eastern DRC. its visits to the region, to train the necessary west African naval capacity to deal with these challenges. EU (Role of National Parliaments) Ultimately, however, as we found in east Africa, the solution is on land, not on sea, so we are working with west African Governments to try to provide economic 16. Andrea Leadsom (South Northamptonshire) (Con): and developmental assistance to make sure that people What plans he has to increase the role of national have economic hope and the ability to provide for their Parliaments in the EU. [900092] families, rather than piracy off the west coast of Africa. The Minister for Europe (Mr David Lidington): National Parliaments are the fundamental source of democratic Democratic Republic of the Congo legitimacy in the European Union. We are developing ideas to increase the powers of national Parliaments to 15. Pat Glass (North West Durham) (Lab): What hold EU decision makers to account, including more discussions he has had with the UN special envoy for effective scrutiny and better checks on the proportionality the great lakes on the situation in the eastern region of and subsidiarity of EU legislation. the Democratic Republic of the Congo. [900091] Andrea Leadsom: I thank my right hon. Friend for The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign that answer. He has raised the question of introducing a and Commonwealth Affairs (Mark Simmonds): We are red card that would enable national Parliaments to very concerned about the current situation in eastern resist future legislation. Would he consider also applying DRC, in particular the impact on the civilian population that to existing legislation to enable Governments to get in the region. I spoke to Mary Robinson about this rid of some of the more onerous legislation put out by most recently on 27 August, following an earlier bilateral the EU? meeting, and I made clear the UK’s full support for the UN and MONUSCO as they work to protect civilians Mr Lidington: My hon. Friend puts her finger on a against the M23 rebels. point that is a cause of frustration not just to us, but to the Governments of a number of European Union Pat Glass: There were reports last week of fighting member states, namely that there are pieces of legislation between the M23 rebels and UN peacekeepers. Will the on the European statute book that burden industry and Minister give us details of the steps the Government are that Governments wish to revisit. The retrospective red taking, including with the UN, to put a stop to this card that my hon. Friend advocates would, indeed, be a fighting? smart way to resolve this problem.

Mark Simmonds: The hon. Lady is absolutely right to Mark Lazarowicz (Edinburgh North and Leith) (Lab/ raise her concerns about the fighting that took place in Co-op): It is also important, of course, that EU the eastern part of the DRC. We have been working Governments and member states comply with the decisions with the international community, including the United of the European Court. Will the Government now Nations. I have spoken, and offered the United Kingdom’s consider taking to the European Council the question full support, to Martin Kobler, the UN Secretary-General’s of the British and other European citizens who have special representative who is in charge of MONUSCO, failed to get justice and equal pension rights from the and to Mary Robinson. I have also spoken to the Prime Italian Government for more than 20 years, in spite of Minister of the Democratic Republic of the Congo in numerous decisions by the Italian courts? order to urge restraint, as I have to the Rwandan Foreign Minister. President Museveni of Uganda has Mr Lidington: The hon. Gentleman has been a consistent called for talks in Kampala on 5 September, and I very champion of the rights of the lettori in Italy, and I pay much hope that that will be the beginning of the process tribute to his work on that. We will certainly explore so that everybody is focused on implementing the peace every possible avenue to ensure that the Italian Government and security framework that was set out after the problems deliver on their clear legal and moral responsibilities to a few months ago. ensure that those lecturers are paid the money to which they are entitled. Mr Crispin Blunt (Reigate) (Con): The humanitarian emergency in that part of Africa is grave and long-standing. What would we say to China, as it acquires interests Topical Questions and, gradually, the ability to project military power there, if it invoked international humanitarian law to T1. [900065] Mr Andrew Love (Edmonton) (Lab/Co-op): intervene militarily and there was opposition from other If he will make a statement on his departmental members of the Security Council? responsibilities. 159 Oral Answers3 SEPTEMBER 2013 Oral Answers 160

The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth T3. [900067] Dr Thérèse Coffey (Suffolk Coastal) (Con): Affairs (Mr William Hague): I will attend the meeting The report about the balance of competences review of European Foreign Ministers in Vilnius on Friday came out in the summer. Does my right hon. Friend and Saturday, where the focus will be the middle east agree, like me, with the recommendation that we should peace process and Syria. The drafting of the new seek to curtail the initiative of the Commission to constitution in Egypt begins this week. We will watch propose over-regulative directives? that process carefully and hope that it will be inclusive and uphold human rights. The Minister for Europe (Mr David Lidington): As my hon. Friend says, we certainly need to look for every Mr Love: In the light of recent human rights violations, opportunity to curtail over-burdensome regulation. Indeed, will the Government review their decision to attend the last year we led a successful initiative to exempt micro- Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in businesses from future EU regulations as a default November? As part of that review, will they set out their position. That shows that the Government not only objectives and what targets the Sri Lankan Government make promises, but deliver results in Europe. need to meet? T2. [900066] Stella Creasy (Walthamstow) (Lab/Co-op): Mr Hague: We are very concerned, as the hon. Further to the Foreign Secretary’s answer to my hon. Gentleman knows, about human rights in Sri Lanka, Friend the Member for Edmonton (Mr Love), may I including media freedom. We raise those issues regularly press the Government to be more explicit about what with the Sri Lankan Government. The Prime Minister progress they are seeking ahead of the meeting in and I have decided to attend the Commonwealth Heads November, given the very worrying reports about of Government meeting in Sri Lanka. We think that the human rights violations in Sri Lanka? Commonwealth and its future matter so much that we must do that, no matter what the location. However, we Mr Hague: All parties in this House seek progress in will do so in a way that draws attention to the issues. We Sri Lanka on a wide range of issues, including implementing and other countries will continue to press Sri Lanka on the recommendations of the Lessons Learnt and those issues over the coming weeks. Reconciliation Commission; ensuring that there is media freedom and the operation of non-governmental Nicholas Soames (Mid Sussex) (Con): In view of the organisations; and ensuring that not only is there disappointing vote in the House the other night, will my reconstruction after the conflict, but that all political right hon. Friend confirm that British ambassadors persuasions have a genuine ability to participate in throughout the middle east will be especially strong in democracy. We are looking for continued improvements convincing our partners, allies and friends of our continuing in Sri Lanka across quite a broad front and we will be staunch commitment to the middle east? able to make those points at the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in November. Mr Hague: Yes, absolutely—I give my right hon. Friend that assurance. Notwithstanding the vote last T4. [900068] Christopher Pincher (Tamworth) (Con): week, the United Kingdom remains highly active in This morning the Azerbaijan all-party group, which I many ways, as we have already discussed in questions, chair, met Azerbaijan’s Foreign Minister. Will my right including through our humanitarian assistance and our hon. Friend confirm that the recently announced diplomatic work, in pushing forward the middle east BP-led trans-Adriatic pipeline further augments our peace process, in our determination to bring about a relations with that country, and say what further steps political settlement in Syria, and in helping the stability the FCO can take to cement our relations with that of Lebanon and Jordan. The United Kingdom must important player in the south Caucasus? always play a strong role in international affairs, including by helping to bring stability to the middle east. Mr Lidington: My hon. Friend makes a good point. Yesterday I talked to our ambassador-designate to Mr Douglas Alexander (Paisley and Renfrewshire Azerbaijan, who will go out to Baku within a matter of South) (Lab): A few moments ago, the Foreign Secretary days. We warmly welcome the work of the BP consortium mentioned his support for the drafting of a new constitution on the pipeline, and it is a further development of what in Egypt. What is the view of the British Government is already a substantial British economic relationship on recent reports that the interim Government in Egypt with Azerbaijan. The Government will do everything are considering a ban on the Muslim Brotherhood? they can to foster that relationship, while at the same time having open conversations with our Azerbaijani Mr Hague: I merely referred to the fact that the counterparts about other issues that matter to us both, constitution is being drafted, rather than expressing my including security and human rights. support for it; we will have to see what is in it. Attempts in Egypt and elsewhere to suppress the Muslim Brotherhood T5. [900069] Heidi Alexander (Lewisham East) (Lab): will be a mistake in the long term. Quite apart from the Last week the Foreign Secretary tweeted that he had obvious considerations about human rights and democracy, spoken to John Kerry after last Thursday’s vote. Has he I do not think that they will bring long-term stability to also spoken to his Russian counterpart since the vote? Egypt. It is important that Egypt’s democracy is inclusive. If not, why not, and, if he has, what was said? Egyptian leaders, in a very polarised society, have to find a way towards that. We hope that the constitution Mr Hague: I will try to remember the sequence of will be drafted in an inclusive way that allows for a that question. I speak regularly to my Russian counterpart, participatory democracy in which a wide range of views Sergei Lavrov, and I think I last spoke to him on can be represented. Wednesday last week. That was before our deliberations 161 Oral Answers3 SEPTEMBER 2013 Oral Answers 162 in this House and therefore not since the vote, but I T10. [900074] Susan Elan Jones (Clwyd South) (Lab): speak to him regularly and I spoke to him twice last The Secretary of State will be aware that several week. The Prime Minister will meet President Putin non-partisan commentators have expressed concerns later this week at the G20, so our intense contact with that any military strikes on Syria could result in Russia over Syria continues. They know our positions increased tensions between the various faith and well, and we will continue to try to work with Russia to cultural groups in the country. Does he accept their bring about a conference in Geneva and work towards a assertions in part or whole? political solution in Syria. Mr Hague: Those issues were the subject of our T6. [900070] Oliver Colvile (Plymouth, Sutton and debate last week. The hon. Lady may have gathered Devonport) (Con): Following Robert Mugabe’s that, in the light of that vote, we are not planning to put re-election—or supposed re-election—as President of forward the same proposition to the House. She could Zimbabwe, what discussion has my right hon. Friend, reserve her comments for the unlikely event of such a or other hon. Friends, had with the Southern African further debate. Development Community, and would he be willing to make a statement on potential sanctions? T8. [900072] Stephen Gilbert (St Austell and Newquay) (LD): Over the summer, we have seen a significant The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign increase in homophobic attacks in Russia since the and Commonwealth Affairs (Mark Simmonds): I assure introduction of new anti-gay and anti-lesbian laws my hon. Friend and the House that the Prime Minister, there. What representations has the Minister made to the Foreign Secretary and I have engaged closely with the Russian Government on that issue, and will he leaders of SADC countries, the African Union, the EU commit to raising it at the G20? and the US in support of free and fair elections in Zimbabwe. In the light of the serious allegations of Mr Lidington: My hon. Friend makes a good point. election irregularities, our message has been consistent: We are very concerned not only about the attacks he a peaceful election is not enough. I assure my hon. mentions, but about the new legislation that the Russian Friend that I will be visiting three SADC countries over Duma has placed on the statute book. Those concerns the next week. On sanctions, I confirm that we will have been raised directly with the Russians by the Prime continue to work with EU partners to ensure an appropriate Minister, by the Foreign Secretary and by me. It is the and robust EU response to the political and democratic Prime Minister’s intention to talk to President Putin situation in Zimbabwe. It is important that the EU about the matter in the context of other human rights shows leadership. conversations this week.

T9. [900073] Tom Blenkinsop (Middlesbrough South Ian Paisley (North Antrim) (DUP): In seven days’ and East Cleveland) (Lab): What conversations have time, the people of Gibraltar will celebrate their national the Government had with the Lebanese and Saudi day. I hope they can do so in a spirit of peace and Governments following the detention of Saudi stability. I welcome the statements that the Secretary of diplomats in southern Beirut last week, and what State has made from the Dispatch Box today, but may I conversations have they had with our allies in case the make it abundantly clear to the Spanish that, if they conflict in Syria spills out into Lebanon? continue their hostility towards the British people of Gibraltar, he will tell the Spanish ambassador in London The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign to pack his sombrero, straw donkey and sangria, and and Commonwealth Affairs (Alistair Burt): Ihavenot go? had any specific conversations about those arrests and kidnappings, but I make clear to the hon. Gentleman Mr Hague: The views on both sides of the House on that we maintain constant contact with the Lebanese the subject are clear. I am pleased to say that the and Saudi Governments about the risks of an overspill support for the people of Gibraltar, for constitutional of Syria into those areas. As I indicated in a previous rights and sovereignty, and for our position on sovereignty, answer, there are clear signs that the Assad regime is is also clear. There have been occasions in recent weeks seeking further to destabilise Lebanon directly. The when we have summoned the Spanish ambassador, but continuing risks of that conflict overrunning its borders if the hon. Gentleman will forgive me, we will use are genuine and very real. slightly more diplomatic language than he is recommending to Her Majesty’s Government. T7. [900071] Stephen McPartland (Stevenage) (Con): Stevenage is home to the Coptic orthodox cathedral in Dr Julian Lewis (New Forest East) (Con): On Thursday the UK. What representations have Ministers made on evening, the Prime Minister gave an unqualified pledge the ongoing religious violence towards the Coptic to the House and the country that he had heard the community in Egypt? message and that we will not be involved in military action in Syria, yet parts of the media are dominated by Mr Hague: That is an important dimension of events people who wanted the vote to go the other way saying in Egypt, and we have condemned violence against we should have another vote. Will the Foreign Secretary churches, particularly the burning of 12 churches in confirm once and for all that we can rely on the pledge August during the disturbances that followed the breaking that the Prime Minister gave on Thursday evening? up of sit-ins and demonstrations in Cairo. It is important that we urge everyone in Egypt—as I did earlier—towards Mr Hague: I can confirm what we have all said, inclusive political dialogue, but condemn all acts of including the Prime Minister. The House has made its violence, including those against Copts. decision, and we respect that decision. As other Ministers 163 Oral Answers3 SEPTEMBER 2013 Oral Answers 164 have said, including the Defence Secretary yesterday, we those matters. Iran has been actively engaged in assisting are not planning to return to the same vote or the same widespread murder by the Assad regime and has not so debate again. far expressed its support for the outcome of the first conference in Geneva—the creation of a transitional Mr Ben Bradshaw (Exeter) (Lab): When, after that Government—let alone contributed to a second conference vote, the Leader of the Opposition asked the Prime in Geneva. The role Iran is prepared to play, rather than Minister for an assurance that Britain would not take our attitude towards Iran, is crucial. action without the Government returning to the House for another vote, why did not the Prime Minister simply Chris Bryant (Rhondda) (Lab): Gibraltar is British—end give that assurance rather than rule action out completely? of story. It is certainly true that the Spanish Foreign Minister seems determined to get himself good headlines Mr Hague: The right hon. Gentleman may recall that in the right-wing press, but may I urge the Foreign the vote was on whether to have a further vote. The Secretary not to rise to the Spanish bait? Just keep calm proposition that the Government put to the House was and carry on. to have a second vote if military action was to be contemplated. That motion was defeated—Opposition Mr Hague: I am glad to hear an endorsement that Members voted against having a second vote. That was Gibraltar is unequivocally British—end of story. That the decision of the House. was not there 10 years ago from the Labour party, but that is progress and we must welcome it. We respond to Mr John Baron (Basildon and Billericay) (Con): In actions rather than rhetoric on the part of Spain. The welcoming the Prime Minister’s clear assertion that we hon. Gentleman has just witnessed me refuse to rise to will not be involved militarily in Syria, may I urge the the rhetoric—albeit agreeing with the direction of Government to go the extra diplomatic mile? Precisely policy—of the hon. Member for North Antrim (Ian because we are not agreeing with Iran, and because it is Paisley). That will continue in the Government’s approach. a participant in that vicious civil war, I suggest we should lobby for its inclusion in any forthcoming peace Several hon. Members rose— conference, including at the G20. Mr Speaker: Order. I am sorry to disappoint colleagues, Mr Hague: If I may say so, few questions today have but, as ever with FCO questions, demand hugely outstrips reflected a rather cheery view of Iranian diplomacy on supply and we must move on. 165 3 SEPTEMBER 2013 166

Points of Order Young Apprenticeships Motion for leave to bring in a Bill (Standing Order 12.36 pm No. 23) Dr Matthew Offord (Hendon) (Con): On a point of 12.37 pm order, Mr Speaker. In an interview with Decca Aitkenhead in The Guardian on 30 August, the violinist Nigel Kennedy Mr Dominic Raab (Esher and Walton) (Con): I beg to was asked if he voted in the last general election, to move, which he responded: That leave be given to bring in a Bill to provide for young apprenticeships for 14 to 16 year olds; and for connected purposes. “Oh yeah. In fact, my wife wasn’t there, so I got another friend to go and vote for Jackson with my wife’s voting card.” The Bill is about expanding educational opportunity, plugging the skills gap and giving 14 to 16-year-olds a Asked if he was being serious, he stated: credible, work-oriented vocational option. The 50% “Yeah, yeah, man, and it was really worth it in that case.” target for young people going to university introduced That admission undermines the democratic process and by the previous Labour Government was inevitably is a criminal offence. There have been many accusations something of an arbitrary distraction, and I am relieved of voting irregularities in many seats, including my that the coalition discarded it. As the Chair of the own, but this is the first time that someone has publicly Public Accounts Committee said, it led to Mickey Mouse admitted to having been complicit in the act of personation. courses at mediocre institutions. What action should occur in this scenario, where University is only one piece of the educational jigsaw wrongdoing has been admitted? and it is not right for all youngsters. Some children are not inspired by academic study. Yes, they need basic Mr Speaker: I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman, numeracy and literacy, but we must ditch the snobbery both for his point of order and for his courtesy in that looks down on vocational alternatives to getting a notifying me of it in advance. He is alleging that a degree. That lingering prejudice serves neither the economy criminal offence may have been committed. That is a nor youngsters looking to equip themselves for an matter for the police, not for me. increasingly competitive labour market. With the raising of the school-leaving age to 18, we risk compounding Glenda Jackson (Hampstead and Kilburn) (Lab): this mistake unless it is flexible enough to accommodate Further to that point of order, Mr Speaker. May I also an early transition into work. Youngsters need wider thank the hon. Gentleman for informing my office that options and the absence of choice is particularly stark he was going to raise this issue today? I entirely endorse for those from lower income households who have less what you have said, Mr Speaker. As it is my understanding financial support to fall back on. that the allegations are being examined by the police The coalition Government have made huge strides in under the Representation of the People Act 2000, I have promoting the “tech bacc”, university technology colleges nothing further to say on this issue. and apprenticeships, but we still lack a work-based alternative for 14 to 16-year-olds. However, that is precisely Mr Speaker: What a splendid outbreak of consensus the age in state schools when truancy rates spike by from two periodic practitioners of the art of it. We will 75%. It is at that age that the number of half-days leave it there for today. missed by persistent truants doubles. It is the critical moment when increasing numbers of children become dislocated from school. We know why: research from the Department for Education in 2007 found that many youngsters became disaffected with school because they question its relevance, find it too conceptual rather than hands-on and find it demoralising persisting with academic learning if that is not where their talents lie. According to research by the Prince’s Trust, one in three youngsters leaving school with poor GCSEs believe that they will end up on benefits. That is a tragedy. Today, a report by the Centre for Social Justice highlights the acute underperformance of white 15-year-old boys from poorer backgrounds. Why not offer those youngsters the option of a young apprenticeship between the ages of 14 and 16? As Sir Chris Woodhead, former chief inspector of schools, argues: “If a child at 14 has mastered basic literacy and numeracy, I would be very happy for that child to leave school and go into a combination of apprenticeship and further education training and a practical, hands-on, craft-based training that takes them through into a job.” He continues: “Does anybody seriously think these kids who are truanting at 13, 14 are going to stay in school in a purposeful, meaningful way through to 18? It just seems to me the triumph of ideological hope over reality.” He is absolutely right. 167 Young Apprenticeships3 SEPTEMBER 2013 Young Apprenticeships 168

Young apprenticeships were first introduced by Tony which are increasingly in demand, as well as its value as Blair’s Government back in 2004, to plug precisely the an entrepreneurial stepping stone to setting up what gap that I am talking about. They offered a two-year can be a profitable business. programme, combining English and maths with optional Labour said it wound down young apprenticeships subjects such as engineering or construction, along with because of cost, and it is true: they cost about £3,000 a various others. Crucially, pupils spent two days each student more than if they had been in school. At their week in the workplace, gaining hands-on experience peak in 2007-08, young apprenticeships cost just under and gathering practical skills. That route rapidly became £34 million. That might be because the scheme was immensely popular, with the numbers rising from 1,000 never allowed to develop the economies of scale achieved pupils at the outset to 9,000 just three years later. Young by apprenticeships for those over 16, but in any case apprenticeships went on to win praise from Ofsted, that cost is dwarfed by that of the failure to provide following reviews in 2007 and 2012. Ofsted noted the suitable educational options for teenagers. Research strong personal development of students, high attendance carried out for the Audit Commission found that each and positive feedback from employers. teenager between the age of 16 and 18 not in education, In 2010, the Young People’s Learning Agency found employment or training cost £56,000 over their lifetime, that 78% of those in young apprenticeships achieved mainly through welfare benefits and crime. five or more GCSEs at grades A* to C, compared with Government Members already recognise, through the the national average of 64%. Above all, and perhaps pupil premium, the additional price tag on schooling most interestingly, participants with lower levels of prior youngsters from disadvantaged backgrounds. I for one attainment appeared to gain most relative to peers have no problem saying that we should invest a bit more outside the programme. Of the cohort evaluated, virtually in ambitious youngsters—the grafters rather than the all went into further education, training, full apprenticeships geeks, if you like—who want to get into work sooner, or a job. Just 1% became unemployed. The success of rather than keeping their heads buried in books. The young apprenticeships also mirrors international experience. educational foundation Edge argues that limiting choice They are popular in Australia. In Switzerland, youngsters for 14 to 16-year-olds is can spend two days a week in school and the rest in “inherently unfair, and in a rapidly changing economic climate, it company training. Germany also has a dual system is not sensible either. Young people need to be able to take from 15, balancing time in the classroom with hands-on, academic and vocational courses in varying combinations linked workplace experience. to their aims and interests.” Here in the UK, young apprenticeships used to enjoy The Bill would revive young apprenticeships. It would strong bipartisan political support, but in truth the last amend the Education and Skills Act 2008 to enable us Government lost interest, and the shadow Chancellor, to provide young apprenticeships as an alternative to then Education Secretary, wound them down. Nevertheless, staying in full-time schooling until the age of 18. We there remains substantial cross-party support for reviving could easily cover the costs involved by scrapping the young apprenticeships, both on the Government Benches Government Equalities Office, which, frankly, just churns and among many in the Labour party—those who out pointless regulation and political correctness. Let us really get the challenge of boosting social mobility. I am make it abundantly clear that Government Members grateful for that cross-party support and in particular stand for an aspirational society and not for social to the right hon. Members for Kingston upon Hull engineering. Reviving young apprenticeships would promote West and Hessle (Alan Johnson) and for Birkenhead genuine opportunities for youngsters and strengthen (Mr Field), who are backing this Bill today. the skills base of our economy, and I commend the Bill As well as giving wider opportunity to youngsters, to the House. particularly those from tougher backgrounds, there is a Question put and agreed to. strong economic case for young apprenticeships, which Ordered, is equally compelling. The growing proportion of people not in active employment being supported by those in That Mr Dominic Raab, Robert Halfon, Alan Johnson, work is economically unsustainable. We need to be Priti Patel, Mr Frank Field, Jackie Doyle-Price, Laura promoting a wider range of routes into the workplace, Sandys, Nadim Zahawi, Harriett Baldwin and Caroline including youngsters with the right skills. For all the Dinenage present the Bill. soul searching about the emergence of an hourglass Mr Dominic Raab accordingly presented the Bill. economy in Britain, too few recognise the opportunity Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on to nurture the vocational route into well-paid jobs, Friday 8 November, and to be printed (Bill 103). 169 3 SEPTEMBER 2013 Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party 170 Campaigning and TU Admin Bill Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party Mr Lansley: I am grateful to my hon. Friend. It must Campaigning and Trade Union have been a fine training ground indeed that she shares with you, Mr Speaker. I will, of course, come on to Administration Bill explain in detail how aspects of the non-party campaigning Second Reading provisions will work, but let me give this assurance. We are very clear that we are in no sense seeking substantively Mr Speaker: I inform the House that I have selected to change the boundary between campaigning on policies the reasoned amendment in the name of the Leader of and issues, which charities and other third parties do to the Opposition. a substantial extent, and being required to register spending for electoral purposes—[Interruption.] We 12.47 pm are not proposing to change the boundary, so charities, think-tanks, non-governmental organisations and campaign The Leader of the House of Commons (Mr Andrew organisations should not be alarmed that this Bill will Lansley): I beg to move, That the Bill be now read a impact in any sense on their ability to campaign on Second time. policy issues. As a coalition Government, we inherited a legacy of a lack of trust and confidence in our political system. Several hon. Members rose— [Interruption.] I am surprised that Labour Members would laugh at that thought, as they were responsible Mr Lansley: All right, all right. I have given way for 13 years of it. To tackle this, we have sought to be before and will do so again. The hon. Member for the most transparent Government in history. We are the Hampstead and Kilburn (Glenda Jackson) was the first first Government to publish details of meetings that to rise, so I give way to her. Ministers and permanent secretaries have with external organisations, of our gifts and hospitality and of Glenda Jackson (Hampstead and Kilburn) (Lab): I departmental business plans, as well as a wide range of am grateful to the Leader of the House, and I am quite raw data. delighted to have the opportunity to burst his bubble of The Bill takes practical steps to take those principles confidence, because his Bill has created almost a fire-storm forward. It implements our coalition commitment to in my constituency. My constituents are appalled at introduce a statutory register of lobbyists, providing what they regard as a gagging Bill. They wish to see a transparency in who lobbies whom, and for whom. list of lobbyists that is transparent to ensure that Government cannot be bought—even though that is a Mr Tom Harris (Glasgow South) (Lab): Will the debatable issue. They know that the Bill as it stands Leader of the House place in the House of Commons would prevent democratic voices from being heard. Library the results of the public consultation that he has carried out on the Bill? Mr Lansley: I look forward to the hon. Lady having an opportunity after today’s debate to go back to her Mr Lansley: I am surprised that the hon. Gentleman constituents to tell them that the things they are alarmed is unaware of two things: first, that a consultation took about will not happen. I am very clear and the Bill is place on the issues relating to a statutory register of very clear. [Interruption.] I will come on to deal with lobbyists in January 2012 and, secondly, that the Labour this in more detail later, but let me explain to hon. party did not respond to that consultation, so seriously Members that election law already has a clear provision did it take it. that determines that if third parties wish to engage in The introduction of a statutory register of lobbyists expenditure, the intention or effect of which is to procure will fulfil a commitment made in “The Coalition: our electoral success, they are required, beyond a certain programme for government”. There are two key principles point, to register with the Electoral Commission in reflected in the Bill. The first is that transparency is respect of that expenditure—and there are limits on it: central to accountability and that the public should be that expenditure is controlled. able to see how third parties seek to influence the At the last election, I think that only a couple political system. The second is that third parties should of charities registered for this purpose and the levels of act in an open and accountable way. The Bill will give expenditure were relatively modest. Other third parties—a the public more confidence about the way third parties larger number of them—that were not charities engaged interact with the political system, including about how in such third-party expenditure, but charities by and much money they spend on political campaigning, especially large did not. That does not mean that they cannot if they seek to influence elections directly. campaign during an election period, because they campaign on policies and issues and they interact with political Tracey Crouch (Chatham and Aylesford) (Con): As a parties on those issues, and they will continue to be proud former lobbyist, both in-house and in consultancy— completely free to do so. All the Bill does—it is the right indeed, I learned my trade in the same firm in which thing to do—is, first, to make sure that the limit is more Mr Speaker himself had worked—I fully appreciate the appropriate for the future so that it does not allow those value that the industry brings to inform and educate third parties to engage in distorting activity during Members of Parliament, often on very technical issues. elections; and, secondly, to extend the definition of Having worked for many charities and voluntary controlled expenditure so that it includes advertising, organisations, too, I recognise their concerns about this rallies and such like, as well as electoral material, and to Bill, so will my right hon. Friend explain how or why disaggregate the total into parliamentary constituencies the Bill will not, as many fear it will, gag them, but will so that third parties cannot disproportionately concentrate allow them to continue their excellent work of informing their spending in individual constituencies. I think that MPs as a healthy part of the democratic process? all of that is perfectly rational. 171 Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party 3 SEPTEMBER 2013 Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party 172 Campaigning and TU Admin Bill Campaigning and TU Admin Bill James Duddridge (Rochford and Southend East) (Con): Mr Lansley: I want to make some progress before Is not my right hon. Friend missing the elephant in the giving way again. room, which is the fact that only two organisations As I say, we need to give confidence to the public spent over the £377,000 cap? The first, by quite a long about the way in which third parties interact with the way, was Unison. The reason why there is agitation on political system, including about how much money they the Opposition Benches is that they do not like having spend on political campaigning, especially if they seek political expenditure limits on political parties on account to influence elections directly. The Bill will also give the of their own parent organisations, the trade unions? confidence that trade unions know who their members are. These are sensible and reasonable steps: we are not Mr Lansley: As ever, my hon. Friend makes a very setting out to create a burdensome bureaucracy or to good point. It is accurate because at the last election, deter legitimate campaigning or representation. relatively few organisations—only two, I think—spent a sum of money that was above the proposed limit. It is Let me deal with part 1 first. conceivable that a whole range of organisations might try to spend large amounts of money to influence Mrs Cheryl Gillan (Chesham and Amersham) (Con): directly votes for candidates and political parties rather Will my right hon. Friend give way? than campaigning on policies and issues. It is important— election law already provides for this—that elections are Mr Lansley: I will give way in a few moments. fought essentially between political parties, and the Part 1 relates to the creation of a statutory register of expenditure undertaken to support candidates of political consultant lobbyists. Let me be clear, first, that lobbying parties should be authorised by them. That is why many is a necessary—indeed an inevitable and often welcome— people donate to political parties to support the campaign part of policy making and the parliamentary process. at a constituency level. We should not seek to prevent lobbying, but to make it transparent who is lobbying whom and for what. Several hon. Members rose— Mr Barry Sheerman (Huddersfield) (Lab/Co-op): On Mr Lansley: If Members will forgive me, I am at risk that very point, let me assure the Leader of the House of dealing with part 2 before I have dealt with part 1. that many Opposition Members, particularly myself, I am going to talk simply about part 1—[Interruption.] believe that lobbying is at the very heart of our democracy. I give way to the hon. Member for Wallasey (Ms Eagle). We should have it, but it should be regulated and should be transparent. What worries us is, first, that many Ms Angela Eagle (Wallasey) (Lab): I thank the right charities believe that the Bill will have deleterious effect, hon. Gentleman. Many people would want him to but secondly, we are worried about all the people that reassure third parties and charities, but he seems to me are left out—the big law firms, for example. Many of to be complacent about the issue. The Electoral Commission those firms are 50% lobbyists and 50% lawyers, yet they briefing for today’s debate states that, will not be tackled by the Bill. Big accountancy firms “the Bill creates significant regulatory uncertainty for large and that are full of lobbyists are the same, as are the small organisations that campaign on, or even discuss, public in-house lobbyists of these major companies. Why are policy issues in the year before the…general election, and imposes they being left out of this register? significant new burdens on such organisations”. Surely, the right hon. Gentleman’s complacent attitude Mr Lansley: I think we agree about the intention, is completely at odds with what the Electoral although I would add that Parliament is at the heart Commission—his own regulator—has written to all of our democracy and lobbying is an essential aspect of of us. the way in which Parliament does its job. It is clear that Members on both sides of the House have been lobbied Mr Lansley: I had conversations yesterday with the extensively in relation to the Bill, and rightly so. National Council for Voluntary Organisations, which We are not leaving out a large number of people who helpfully supplied us with a copy of its legal advice, engage in consultant lobbying. If people have a substantial which of course illustrates that, technically, the uncertainties business involving such lobbying, they should register, that are being talked about could in large part be and that will be made clear. construed to relate to existing legislation rather than the Bill that we are bringing forward. In truth, it is the responsibility of the Charity Commission, where charities Several hon. Members rose— are concerned, and the Electoral Commission for all third parties, to work together to ensure the soundness Mr Lansley: I should give way first to my right hon. of the definitions in the Bill. Frankly, they are substantively Friend the Member for Chesham and Amersham (Mrs the same definitions for electoral purposes—[Interruption.] Gillan). The definitions on controlled expenditure and on the appropriate limits are changed, but the definition that Mrs Gillan: I think every Member would agree with relates to spending being for electoral purposes if it is the Leader of the House that we want lobbying to be intended or has the effect of procuring or promoting transparent. As he knows, however, many people all support for candidates of political parties is not changed. over the country are fighting a project known as HS2, The Electoral Commission knows that part of its job is and they firmly believe that the Bill contains provisions to make sure that that boundary is policed, and the that will inhibit their effectiveness in ensuring that their guidance on that is very clear. voice is heard by the Government and by Ministers. Will the Leader of the House undertake to give specific Several hon. Members rose— consideration to the effect on anti-HS2 campaigns that 173 Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party 3 SEPTEMBER 2013 Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party 174 Campaigning and TU Admin Bill Campaigning and TU Admin Bill [Mrs Gillan] Mr Lansley: I am not sure what point the hon. Gentleman is trying to make, but Members—especially is apparent from provisions that are already in the Bill, those who have had the privilege of being in and to ensure, when examining the Bill further, that the Government—will be aware that Bills often contain voice of those people will never be inhibited by legislation? more than one specific measure. What is important, and what this Bill accurately reflects, is the Government’s Mr Lansley: Let me give my right hon. Friend this recognition not only of the necessity—as we saw it—for assurance. I believe that absolutely nothing in this legislation a statutory register of lobbyists that would enable us to would prevent those who campaign on issues relating to see how third parties seek to influence the political the High Speed 2 rail route from making their case as system through consultant lobbying, but of the existence forcefully as they wish. However, if at the time of an of further issues relating to third-party influence in the election they went further and spent money on trying to political system, and the need for assurances in regard procure or prevent the election of particular candidates, to trade unions and the way in which third parties and if that expenditure exceeded a certain limit, they campaign during elections. would quite properly be required, by existing legislation as well as by this Bill, to register and be accountable Several hon. Members rose— for it. Mr Lansley: I will give way in a moment, but let me Several hon. Members rose— first pursue the point about those who are trying to regulate all lobbying activity.Having thought very carefully Mr Lansley: I shall carry on for a bit, but I will give about whether there was a considered or credible basis way again after that. I intend to be generous and open for taking that much wider action, we concluded that about this. there was not, and that is therefore not our objective in We agree that lobbying is necessary, but, as was the Bill. I readily accept that some people would like the rightly pointed out by the hon. Member for Huddersfield Bill to be very different. Indeed, the reasoned amendment (Mr Sheerman), transparency is key. We want to know indicates that the Opposition have suddenly decided who is lobbying, and for whom. However, there is a gap that they want to include all professional lobbyists and in the current transparency regime. When Ministers everything that they do in a register, although they meet consultant lobbyists, it is not always clear on presented no such proposal to the Government last whose behalf they are lobbying. We want to rectify that, year. and the specific aim of the register is to put the information in the public domain. Thomas Docherty (Dunfermline and West Fife) (Lab) rose— I am grateful to the Political and Constitutional Reform Committee for its work in examining part 1 of Mr Lansley: I know that the hon. Gentleman presented the Bill last year, and for its subsequent scrutiny of the a private Member’s Bill. The point is, however, that we draft version of the entire Bill. are not aiming for the creation of the bureaucratic monster that would result from action of that kind. We Mr Graham Allen (Nottingham North) (Lab) rose— are aiming for transparency rather than the control of lobbying, the result of which would be the registration Mr Lansley: Let me apologise to the hon. Gentleman of thousands of lobbyists and a requirement for a before I give way to him. I think the Committee was draconian system of reporting and enforcement. irritated by the long delay that took place before the Government responded to the report that it published Jim Shannon (Strangford) (DUP): The Leader of the in June last year. I reiterate our apology for that, although, House must be well aware that the Bill will catch grass-roots as the Committee knows, our response had to wait for campaigners in the crossfire. Charitable and Christian our policy conclusions, and that took some time. Let me groups feel that it will disadvantage them, and have add, however, that in most instances the Committee, pointed out that big parties can spend millions of and many who have proffered alternative plans, are pounds when they are picking on a little guy in politics. seeking to do something different from what the Bill How would the Leader of the House respond to that? sets out to do. They are seeking to regulate lobbying activity, while we are seeking to create a transparency Mr Lansley: Let me repeat, and add to, what I have regime so that we can see who is lobbying, but are not already said about charities. Charities know, and have attempting to control the industry. told us, that the Charity Commission guidance is clear about the fact that they should not undertake party Mr Allen: I thank the Leader of the House for political activity. To that extent, there are very limited apologising on the Floor of the House for the way in circumstances in which charities might consider it essential, which the Government have treated the all-party Political from their point of view, to register their spending as and Constitutional Reform Committee. I accept his spending for an electoral purpose. I am at a loss to apology, and hope he will be able to help us create a Bill understand how they think the Bill could have an that is viable for all parties. adverse impact on their ability to campaign on policies The Leader of the House mentioned that my Committee and issues for their charitable purposes. had examined part 1 of the Bill. We did not examine The statutory register of lobbyists will require anyone part 1; we only examined the consultation document who is lobbying Ministers or permanent secretaries on relating to what has become part 1, the reason being behalf of a third party and in return for payment to that parts 2 and 3 did not appear until one day before declare his or her contact details and clients on the the recess. register. 175 Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party 3 SEPTEMBER 2013 Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party 176 Campaigning and TU Admin Bill Campaigning and TU Admin Bill John Hemming (Birmingham, Yardley) (LD): Schedule quite a good position to tell the right hon. Gentleman 1 makes an exception for Members of Parliament who that what he just said was complete tosh. lobby on behalf of people living in their constituencies, To ensure— but does not refer to Members of the European Parliament, Members of devolved Administrations, city councillors Several hon. Members rose— and the like. Do the Government intend to require councillors who write to Ministers on behalf of their Mr Lansley: Let us return to the question of the electorates to register themselves as consultant lobbyists? statutory register of lobbyists. To ensure the independence of the system— Mr Lansley: No. We believe that the position is the same as that relating to Members of Parliament, and Chris Bryant (Rhondda) (Lab) rose— that given the nature of what constitutes the business of consultant lobbying, the Bill would not include those Mr Lansley: Sit down. I am not giving way at the who were not involved in that business. moment. To ensure the independence of the system, the register Sir Gerald Howarth (Aldershot) (Con): I share a will be administered and enforced by an independent concern that has been expressed by others, including my registrar of consultant lobbyists who will provide guidance hon. Friend the Member for Wycombe (Steve Baker), on compliance and publish an online register on a who is not in the Chamber at present. Paragraph 1 of quarterly basis. The registrar will have the power to schedule 1 effectively repeats a fundamentally important issue information notices to investigate where he or she tenet of the House which is enshrined in the 1688 Bill of believes that consultant lobbying is taking place without Rights, namely that anything said in this House shall registration. Where this is found, the registrar will also not be questioned in any court of the land. Paragraph 2, have the power to impose civil penalties. Criminal sanctions however, qualifies that by stating: will be available for those guilty of deliberate non- “A Member of Parliament who makes communications…on compliance. behalf of…persons resident in his or her constituency does not, by reason of those communications, carry on the business of The register will be funded by the lobbying industry consultant lobbying. “ via a subscription charge, but to reduce the burden on I, for example, have an interest in defence. What will the smallest businesses, organisations that are not VAT- happen if I raise the question of a company that is not registered will not be required to pay the charge. There in my constituency? Will I then be in the business of will therefore be no impact on the public purse as a lobbying? And what about colleagues who raise questions result of these measures. about wind turbines? What protection is provided by the Bill of Rights? Sir Tony Baldry (Banbury) (Con): May I return briefly to the point raised by my hon. Friend the Member for Mr Lansley: My hon. Friend is right: schedule 1 Aldershot (Sir Gerald Howarth) and give an example? refers specifically to the principles of exclusive cognisance Richard III is dead; he is clearly nobody’s constituent, and parliamentary privilege, and does not seek to impinge yet the hon. Members for York Central (Hugh Bayley), on them in any way. However, we consider that the for Leicester South (Jonathan Ashworth) and for Bassetlaw normal activities of Members of Parliament could never (John Mann) want his bones in their constituency. In be considered to be lobbying, and we have included campaigning for that, do they need to register under the exclusions in the Bill which we believe make it clear that provisions of the Bill, and if not, what is the purpose of MPs are not included. I am perfectly willing to reassure the reference to Members of Parliament’s constituents colleagues that I will continue the conversations I have in schedule 1? Why not simply rely on the protections to had with the House authorities, and that I will continue Members of Parliament in the Bill of Rights and the to maintain discussions with colleagues. If there is any Parliamentary Standards Act 2009? doubt about whether Members of Parliament might, in any form in respect of their activities in the House, be Mr Lansley: We could not simply rely on the included or compromised in relation to this, we will put parliamentary privilege provisions because they would a specific provision into the Bill to make sure that does not extend to all the activities of Members of Parliament not happen. We will be very clear about that. beyond those in this Chamber and our activities directly in relation to the House. That is why in the Bill there is, Mr John Denham (Southampton, Itchen) (Lab): May we believe, both a specific exemption in schedule 1— I remind the Leader of the House that the reason the [Interruption.] If the hon. Member for Rhondda (Chris Government decided a few months ago to bring forward Bryant) were less insistent, he might listen more. the lobbying Bill was because they had dropped their proposals for plain packaging of cigarettes following Mr Speaker: Order. May I just politely suggest to the the employment of a paid lobbyist of the tobacco House that, in terms of the orderly conduct of debate, it industry as the head of the Conservative party election is probably as well if the Leader of the House responds campaign? Given that that is the origin of this Bill, can to one intervention before being aggressively exhorted the Leader of the House explain why no provisions in to take another? this Bill would shed any light or give any transparency on the involvement of Lynton Crosby in these matters? Mr Lansley: Right as ever, Mr Speaker. To respond to the question asked by my hon. Friend Mr Lansley: Since I am here presenting the Bill to the the Member for Banbury (Sir Tony Baldry), we believe House and I was the Secretary of State who initiated there is both the exemption that Members of Parliament the consultation on plain packaging, I am probably in are not caught because they are not engaged in the 177 Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party 3 SEPTEMBER 2013 Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party 178 Campaigning and TU Admin Bill Campaigning and TU Admin Bill [Mr Lansley] the hon. Member for Brighton, Pavilion said, why the Bill has not been badly drafted. This is not the first time business of lobbying and also the specific exemption in this has happened. It happens with every piece of legislation relation to representing constituents, but I will repeat in my experience. Sometimes we have to have belt, what I have just said: if there is any doubt about this braces and a piece of string to make sure everybody is matter, we will come back to the House and put it absolutely convinced that we are doing what we intend beyond doubt. So I do not think colleagues should to do. continue the debate about whether Members of Parliament are caught or not, as we will look at that. Several hon. Members rose— Several hon. Members rose— Mr Lansley: I will give way to the hon. Member for Mr Lansley: I will give way first to the hon. Member Rhondda, but colleagues behind me on the Government for Brighton, Pavilion (Caroline Lucas) and then, of Benches have also been patient. course, the Chairman of the Standards Committee, the right hon. Member for Rother Valley (Mr Barron). Chris Bryant: I am deeply grateful to the Leader of the House for giving way. He says this is all about Caroline Lucas: The very fact that the Leader of the transparency, but if I have got it right every single House is having to say he will come back to the House member of the public affairs team in-house at BSkyB to address our concerns shows that this Bill is incredibly will be able to visit as many Ministers as they want and badly drafted, but the point I want to make is that every single lawyer employed by BSkyB to advance its recent freedom of information requests reveal that Treasury case will be able to do so without any need to register. officials met fracking industry representatives 19 times The only person who would have to register would be in the last 10 months about their generous tax breaks, an independent consultant in a company that solely yet the public are denied any further details of that lobbies. How does that possibly afford greater transparency? lobbying on the grounds that it could prejudice commercial interests. Is the Leader of the House not ashamed that Mr Lansley: It promotes transparency because if a this Bill will drastically curtail the ability of charities to representative of Sky visits a Minister in order to discuss campaign in the public interest on issues such as fuel that business, it is transparent that they are doing so in poverty and energy but do nothing to curb such secretive order to represent the interests of Sky. However, if corporate influencing? somebody from “XYZ Corporation”, a consultant lobbying firm, visits a Minister in order to discuss somebody Mr Lansley: Of course the Bill does not constrain the else’s business but it is not transparent through the ability of charities to campaign. Let us look back at ministerial diary publication who they are representing, 2010. Only two charities registered for expenditure for that is not transparent. We propose to remedy that by electoral purposes and they spent very little. The making it transparent. campaigning by third parties at the last election was not in any substantial way undertaken by charities. It was Sir Peter Bottomley (Worthing West) (Con): Following undertaken by other third parties—trade unions, companies, on from my right hon. Friend’s exchange with the campaign groups and so forth. The idea that charities Green party member, the hon. Member for Brighton, are in any way constrained is completely wrong. Pavilion (Caroline Lucas), this morning I received a plea from a constituent to stop bullying charities. I Several hon. Members rose— asked which ones she was concerned about and she Mr Lansley: I promised to give way to— said, “The Green party.”I said it is already covered. She also mentioned 38 Degrees, to which I replied, “That is Chris Bryant: Please will the Leader of the House not a charity”—even though it has wiped from its give way? Wiki-entry the Labour activism of many of its founders.

Mr Lansley: Oh, the hon. Gentleman said “please”! Mr Lansley: My hon. Friend makes a very good Okay, but I will give way to the Chairman of the point. The public might well think that many of the Standards Committee. organisations that registered for electoral purposes were charities, but in fact they registered because they were Mr Kevin Barron (Rother Valley) (Lab): The Standards seeking to undertake expenditure which would not have Committee met this morning and has agreed a report been regarded as charitable and would not have been on the implications of this Bill for Members of Parliament, lawful from the point of view of the Charity Commission’s and we are making strong recommendations that guidance. It is overwhelmingly the case that charitable paragraph 2 of schedule 1 should be removed and activity by charities does not constitute expenditure for that there should be a sub-paragraph in paragraph 6 electoral purposes and therefore is not in any sense stating that any payments we get from IPSA cannot be constrained by this legislation. There are, however, other interpreted as money for lobbying. I hope the Leader of organisations that people might think are charities but the House will take this into account and make sure the which are not charities, or charities that set up campaigning requisite amendments are made before the Bill leaves arms that expressly do not have charitable status in this House at the end of next week. order for them to undertake that activity. The law is already clear that where they seek directly to influence Mr Lansley: My colleagues will, of course, take what electoral outcomes, they should register. The Labour the Standards Committee has said very much into party’s reasoned amendment accepts that that is right account, and I think that illustrates, contrary to what and there should be such regulation. 179 Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party 3 SEPTEMBER 2013 Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party 180 Campaigning and TU Admin Bill Campaigning and TU Admin Bill Several hon. Members rose— would the Leader of the House agree that the programme for the Bill’s consideration is far too short? Would he Mr Lansley: I am not giving way now. This is an agree that the programme motion needs to be rewritten important debate to which I know that colleagues want and that this House needs to be given a great deal more to contribute, and I want to commence by giving them time to consider these difficult things—as he says they the chance to hear precisely what the Bill does. are too difficult to do in many senses—and to clarify We have heard repeated calls from the Opposition these issues to reassure the charitable and community and others saying that the register should be expanded sector? to include so-called “in-house” lobbyists, but what is not clear is what problem such an expansion would Mr Lansley: I am not sure that I agree with the solve. As I said to the hon. Member for Rhondda, when premise of what my hon. Friend says, which was that a lobbyist from Shell or the WWF, to give typical this is that difficult. Clearly, as I said before, my examples, comes to meet Ministers it is quite clear conversations with the National Council for Voluntary whose interest they are representing, and these meetings Organisations show that there are existing uncertainties are already publicly disclosed—the public can see that for third parties as to what constitutes expenditure for they happen. That is unlike what happens with any such electoral purposes. The legislation does not clear up meetings with shadow Ministers, as the Opposition those difficulties because it substantively repeats the have not committed to publish their shadow ministerial existing test, so it is important for the Electoral Commission diaries. to provide guidance to support it. However, we intend In a debate some 10 weeks ago, I asked the hon. to allocate substantial time for the Bill to be considered. Member for Hemsworth (Jon Trickett), who is on the Opposition Front Bench, to consider whether Opposition Mr Laurence Robertson (Tewkesbury) (Con): The Front Benchers might like to agree now to publish their Leader of the House said that consultant lobbyists will diaries as part of this process of openness, but I am have to register whereas in-house lobbyists will not, and afraid that they have not agreed to do so. While I am I understand that point. May I return to the point made referring to the Opposition, I must say that I am bemused by the hon. Member for Huddersfield (Mr Sheerman). by their suggestions that we should create an unworkable He asked about large accountancy companies and large bureaucracy with spiralling administrative costs without firms of solicitors who represent a number of clients a policy rationale. There is some confused thinking and frequently, understandably and rightly come to there, and they are attempting to jump on a bandwagon Members of Parliament and Ministers to put forward without having considered the implications of their their point. Is there not a very fine dividing line between policies—policies that were so important to them that those who will be required to register and those who the Labour party did not even respond to the public will not? Is my right hon. Friend happy that the person consultation on our proposals last year. making the judgment on who should have to register I am therefore proud that the coalition has introduced could be very easily compromised? a Bill to put in place this register, which is a practical step in an area that the Labour party simply put in the Mr Lansley: I am not sure that it is that difficult. “too difficult” box when in government; it failed to do Either one is lobbying on behalf of one’s own organisation anything in its 13 years in office. Our proposal addresses or as a representative of an organisation. For example, a specific problem. It is designed to capture professional when I was Secretary of State for Health and I was consultant lobbyists, and that will include multidisciplinary meeting the British Medical Association, it was clear on firms that run consultant lobbying operations—a point whose behalf it was lobbying. If I was meeting a consultant important to the hon. Member for Huddersfield, who is lobbying organisation, it would not have been clear in no longer in his place. There are exclusions, however, for that way. Where there is any doubt, people will be in a those operating in a representative capacity, such as the position to ask the registrar for the statutory register vast majority of trade associations and charities. whether it is appropriate to register. I believe that the great majority of those in our Parliament and our political system behave well. But, human nature being what it is, the minority tempted to Several hon. Members rose— do otherwise need to know that they cannot engage in sustained, concealed efforts to peddle influence. Their Mr Lansley: Let me deal with the second part of the activity will be brought into the open and they must Bill—time will frustrate us otherwise, but I will give way expect to be held to account for their behaviour. Sunlight once more before I conclude. Let me explain the second is the best disinfectant. part of the Bill so that the House is clear about what it Let me turn now to the second part of the Bill. does and does not do. It is good that people are motivated to campaign for Andrew George (St Ives) (LD): My right hon. Friend what they believe in, whether they do it inside or outside said that the previous Government had put this issue in a political party. Campaign groups play an important the “too difficult to do” box. A lot of those who, like role in the political process. That will continue and it me, were working in the charitable sector before we has never been in doubt. The intention of this Bill is to came into Parliament understand the distinction between bring greater transparency when third parties campaign being non-party political as a charity and being able to in an election. Relevant expenditure on such campaigns engage robustly in policy debate. However, if this is in will now be more fully recorded and disclosed. To avoid the “too difficult” box—or certainly in the “difficult to the situation we see in some other countries, where vast do” box—and the Electoral Commission has issued a amounts of money are spent without any bar or briefing indicating that it is creating regulatory uncertainty, regulation— 181 Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party 3 SEPTEMBER 2013 Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party 182 Campaigning and TU Admin Bill Campaigning and TU Admin Bill Pete Wishart (Perth and North Perthshire) (SNP): The Bill does change the activities in respect of which Will the Leader of the House give way? spending may count towards the third parties’ spending limits. Those activities are being more closely aligned Mr Lansley: I said that I would give way a little later with the type of expenditure that is regulated for political on. As I was saying, the Bill strengthens the existing parties, a change that the independent regulator, the limits on the campaign spending of third parties. We Electoral Commission, advocated to us in June. I have spending limits on parties at elections. That ensures understand that that particular provision has caused a degree of equality of arms, and we should not see it concern within the charitable sector. Charity law prohibits undermined by distorting activity of disproportionate charities from engaging in party politics, from party expenditure by third parties. The limits we are setting— political campaigning, from supporting political candidates [Interruption.] If Opposition Members would listen, and from undertaking political activity unrelated to the they might understand better what the Bill does. The charity’s purpose. The Bill does not change that. limits we are setting will allow organisations that want Charities will still be able to give support to specific to campaign still to do so. The expenditure thresholds policies that might also be advocated by political parties at which third parties are required to register with the if it helps to achieve their charitable purposes. The Bill Electoral Commission are being lowered. That will does not seek to regulate charities that simply engage allow members of the public better to identify the great with the policy of a political party. It does not prevent number of organisations that exert influence in political charities from having a view on any aspect of the policy campaigns. of a party and it does not inhibit charities attempting to The Government’s clear view is that nothing in the influence the policy of a party. Such activity would be Bill should change the basic way in which third parties captured only if it was carried out in such a way that it campaign and register with the Electoral Commission. could be seen also to promote the election of a political Currently, third parties register if they are campaigning party or candidate or otherwise to enhance their standing to promote the electoral success, or otherwise enhance at an election. The situation is the same as under the the standing, of a party or candidates. That will stay the current legislation and remains unchanged by this Bill. same, so the argument made by the campaign group 38 That is a key point to allay charities’ concerns. Degrees that the changes stop campaigning on policy I recognise that the wording of the clause has caused areas is not correct. The requirement to register applies representative bodies to be concerned, and I am keen to only if the spending is for electoral purposes. continue the discussions with campaigners in which colleagues and I have already taken part. I can reassure Pete Wishart: The Leader of the House will know them that we are not proposing a substantive change in that in Scotland we very much welcome the contribution the test of whether third party spending is considered to of civic society to our democratic debate. He said that be for electoral purposes. the Bill has implications for Scottish parliamentary elections and other elections. Does he know what those Mike Thornton (Eastleigh) (LD): I have genuine concerns implications are yet? about the change to the definition of “charitable use”, and particularly about the use of the word “activity” for Mr Lansley: We are very clear that this has an impact electoral purposes rather than “materials”. To enable us on the structure of election law in the way described in to support the Bill and the reform, will the Leader of the Bill, and we will go through that in detail in Committee. the House assure me that that can be looked at again, with the involvement of the charitable organisations? Jeremy Lefroy (Stafford) (Con): My right hon. Friend the Member for Chesham and Amersham (Mrs Gillan) has mentioned HS2. What happens when specific Mr Lansley: I can certainly assure my hon. Friend constituency issues such as those relating to a hospital—I that I and my colleagues—the Deputy Leader of the am thinking of my Support Stafford Hospital campaign— House and the Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office, my only arise during an election campaign and it is not hon. Friend the Member for Norwich North (Miss Smith), their fault that they arise in an election period? who is responsible for political and constitutional reform— met the NCVO again yesterday. We will continue to do so. Let me reiterate that I am not looking for a substantive Mr Lansley: They will be entirely free to campaign on change in the test of what is expenditure for electoral the issues that concern them. The issue is not whether purposes, but we are looking for a change, advocated to expenditure is being undertaken during an election us by the Electoral Commission, in what constitutes period but whether the expenditure is being undertaken controlled expenditure so that it is not just about election in an election period and for electoral purposes. materials but includes activities such as advertising and Overwhelmingly, campaigning by third parties in an election rallies. election period is not done for electoral purposes; it is done in order to convey their views about policies and issues. That is perfectly legitimate, it is outwith the Mr Allen: The charitable sector is concerned about definition of “for electoral purposes” and it will not the issue, first, because the expenditure limits are tighter therefore be constrained. and will be policed, enforced and regulated in a different The Bill does change— way and, secondly, because included in the normal expenditure envelope is stuff that has not been there before, such as staffing. In effect, that reduces charities’ Several hon. Members rose— ability to campaign. That is part of the rich diversity of our political life leading into a general election and it is Mr Lansley: I will give way again later. being reduced. If the Leader of the House feels that 183 Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party 3 SEPTEMBER 2013 Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party 184 Campaigning and TU Admin Bill Campaigning and TU Admin Bill that is not his intention, I am sure that everyone in the system from becoming one in which unaccountable House would welcome clarification by amendment as groups spend millions attempting to influence the outcome the Bill makes progress. of an election. The Bill is an important step towards achieving that, without undermining the ability of third Mr Lansley: As I have explained to the hon. Gentleman parties to engage more broadly in the political process. in his Committee and as I have said to the House, Let me now turn to part 3. Trade unions are influential charities do not overwhelmingly undertake expenditure participants in public life. They have an important role for electoral purposes, so we are not necessarily principally representing members’interests both with specific employers talking about charities. We are talking about third and in wider public debate. The Government support parties—by and large, they are not charities. The Electoral that role. We also believe it is important that the public Commission asked us to include a different and wider is confident that, when a union decides how to exercise definition of controlled expenditure to bring it more its influence, all union members may choose to play a appropriately into line with the definition of controlled part. That is what the third part of the Bill is about. It expenditure for political parties. It is not true that this is will require trade unions visibly to demonstrate that the first time that staff costs have been included, because they know who their members are and can contact staff costs have been included in activity under controlled them. The principle that unions must be able to contact expenditure up until now. their members is well established in legislation. We are The point is that if someone is undertaking expenditure building on an existing duty for unions to maintain an for electoral purposes, they should expect to be regulated accurate and up-to-date register of members’ names and proper account should be taken of it. and addresses.

Several hon. Members rose— Steve Brine (Winchester) (Con): Will the Leader of the House give way? Mr Lansley: I am now 46 minutes into my speech and I am not going to give way again, because I am going Mr Lansley: Is it specifically on part 3? to explain the remainder of the Bill’s provisions— [Interruption.] I apologise to colleagues, but I have to Steve Brine: Right on it. complete the description of what the Bill will achieve. The Bill also introduces a provision whereby third Mr Lansley: Very good. I will give way. parties will be permitted to spend only up to a certain amount of their controlled expenditure in individual Steve Brine: It seems perfectly sensible to ask the constituencies. That is to prevent a third party from unions to keep a register of their members, but will my directing a large proportion of its national spending right hon. Friend assure the House that there will be no limit at only a small part of the UK, thereby focusing undue administrative burden on smaller trade unions as the full force of the considerable spending available to it a result of the measures in his Bill? on a small geographical location. That would, and indeed does, allow disproportionately large amounts of Mr Lansley: I am confident that the burden on trade money to distort election campaigns and the political unions will be very modest. As far as the certification process. officer is concerned, we are talking about only three A number of third parties campaign in a way that additional members of staff as a consequence of all supports a particular political party or its candidates. this. In future, unions will provide a membership audit That is entirely legitimate, but it must not be allowed to certificate to the certification officer alongside their become a vehicle for evading party spending rules. We annual financial return. Unions with more than 10,000 believe that it is right that the political party should be members—this helps to answer my hon. Friend’s point able to oversee which organisations offer it significant about the smallest trade unions—will be required to campaign support. The Bill introduces a new measure appoint an independent third party, an assurer, to provide that will require third parties that spend significant the certificate, which will state whether the union’s sums campaigning in a way that can reasonably be systems for maintaining the register meet the statutory regarded as supporting a particular political party or its requirements. That independent assurance will be important candidates to be specifically authorised by the political to provide confidence in large and complex membership party to campaign in that manner. That spending will records. then be counted towards both the third party and the It will be the responsibility of the certification officer political party’s spending limits. to make inquiries and to appoint an inspector to investigate The transparency of the regulatory regime is enhanced possible discrepancies, if there are circumstances suggesting by the Bill. When third parties campaign to support that a union has not complied with those requirements. political parties, expenditure will now be more fully That will complement the existing responsibilities for recorded and disclosed. Donations to third parties will investigating complaints made by individual members. now have to be published in advance of an election, We expect that in most cases the inspector will be a rather than after it. Third parties will have to provide a member of the certification officer’s staff, but it could statement of accounts. Those measures can only be be an expert third party. good for maintaining public trust in our political system. The Bill sets out how assurers and appointed inspectors The Bill also clarifies the importance of the role to be will be bound by duties of confidentiality in their played by the regulator, the Electoral Commission. The handling of member data. Of course, existing safeguards commission will now have a clear duty to monitor in data protection and human rights legislation will spending and donation controls and to ensure their apply in this case as they do elsewhere. Should the compliance with the law. We want to prevent our political certification officer find a union to be non-compliant 185 Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party 3 SEPTEMBER 2013 Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party 186 Campaigning and TU Admin Bill Campaigning and TU Admin Bill [Mr Lansley] helping to inform policy making and ensuring that views are heard by those who are in the Government, with these duties, he will make a declaration to that Parliament and beyond. That should continue, but we effect specifying where the union has failed to comply also want to prevent our political system from ending and the reasons for the declaration. In addition, he will up as we see in other parts of the world, where be able to make a civil enforcement order, requiring the unaccountable groups spend millions attempting to union to take steps to remedy the issue. However, prior influence the political system. We want to be open, to making a formal declaration and order, the certification transparent and clear about who influences the political officer will give the union an opportunity to make system, and I commend the Bill to the House. representations. This is not about making it harder for trade unions to 1.41 pm operate. We are not requiring unions to collect more Ms Angela Eagle (Wallasey) (Lab): I beg to move an data or change the way in which they keep membership amendment, to leave out from “That” to the end of the registers. Nor are we amending the requirements on Question and add: industrial action ballots. The requirement to keep a list “this House affirms its belief in the need for greater transparency of member names and addresses is distinct from information in the lobbying industry and in British politics, and considers that that a union must supply to an employer when balloting there should be a universal register of all professional lobbyists for industrial action. backed by a code of conduct and sanctions, clear rules on third party campaigning, and real reform to get the big money out of politics; but declines to give a Second Reading to the Transparency Several hon. Members rose— of Lobbying, Third Party Campaigning and Trade Union Administration Bill because the proposals on lobbying cover only Mr Lansley: I really must complete the speech; I am a tiny minority of the industry and will make lobbying less transparent, and the proposals on third party campaigning amount sorry. to a gag on charities and campaigners who have a democratic Case law is now clear that minor or technical errors in right to participate in important debates in the run up to elections; such information are insufficient for a court to grant an and strongly believes that the publication of such a Bill should injunction against industrial action. Furthermore, a have been preceded by a full process of pre-legislative scrutiny statutory protection means that unions are only required and consultation with affected parties. to supply information to the employer that is in their This is one of the worst Bills that I have seen any possession at the time. Government produce in a very long time. The last Bill this bad might even have been the Health and Social We will, though, work with both unions and employers Care Act 2012, and the Leader of the House of Commons to develop comprehensive guidance about their rights had his fingerprints all over that one, too. To be fair to and responsibilities as a result of the new regime. him, he has found himself in a very difficult place. He Furthermore, although larger unions will be required to has been landed with this risible and misconceived Bill appoint an assurer to provide the membership audit and told to ram it through the Commons with unseemly certificate, those either in their first year or with fewer haste in time for the next election. than 10,000 members will be able to self-certify. I am told that it is not a Bill with many champions in I have heard the claim that these measures represent government, where a history of previous employment an intrusion into trade unions’ right to autonomy. Rules in the lobbying industry is common. Nothing wrong of operation will vary from one union to another. We with that, we might say, but it has created a notable are not interfering with that. Unions will continue to reluctance on the part of all sorts of Ministers to touch choose how they define a member, and we are deliberately the Bill with a bargepole, and this afternoon we all not prescribing the processes that a union should adopt understand why. They have looked at the ceiling; they in their compilation and maintenance of member data. have looked at the floor; they have muttered among All we are doing is asking unions to provide an annual themselves in the hope that they would not be chosen to assurance that they are doing everything that they can pilot the Bill through the House. The Leader of the to ensure that they know who their members are and House has drawn the short straw, along with the ever-willing how to contact them. I think members would be concerned Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office, the hon. Member if their unions felt unable to comply with that. for Norwich North (Miss Smith). These measures will provide an assurance that trade This is Bill is hurried, badly drafted and an agglomeration unions—increasingly large and diverse membership of the inadequate, the sinister and the partisan. From a organisations—know who their members are and can Government who solemnly promised that they would effectively engage with them. These are reasonable fix our broken politics, the Bill will do the complete requirements. The Bill does not go further and give opposite. trade union members the right to exercise a deliberate choice whether to participate in a trade union’s political Paul Flynn (Newport West) (Lab): Following the fund or its subscription to party membership. I wrote to Government’s historic humiliation last Thursday, would the Leader of the Opposition to offer him the opportunity it be beneficial to the House, the Government and the provided by the Bill to undertake exactly the deliberate country if they spent the three weeks of recess studying choice that he said members of trade unions should the virtue of humility? enjoy, but 10 weeks after sending him that letter, I have had no response. Ms Eagle: As always, my hon. Friend has good advice for the Conservative party. The Bill, as I have shown, will do practical things to extend transparency and accountability in relation to Mr Jim Cunningham (Coventry South) (Lab): I notice third parties. Lobbyists, third parties and trade unions that the Leader of the House kept avoiding certain all play an important role in the political process, by people who wanted to intervene. More importantly, 187 Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party 3 SEPTEMBER 2013 Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party 188 Campaigning and TU Admin Bill Campaigning and TU Admin Bill does my hon. Friend agree that we and many other bad Bill. It will let Lynton Crosby continue to advise the people thought that the Bill would deal with the lobbying Prime Minister on tobacco policy. It will let big tobacco industry? We now find out that the voluntary sector and continue to target the Government, without requiring the trade unions are getting a hammering, but there is those interests to register at all, but it could stop an nothing about terms and conditions for shareholders organisation like Cancer Research UK campaigning and companies donating to political parties. Do she not against them. think that we need some legislation there? Mr David Davis (Haltemprice and Howden) (Con): Ms Eagle: My hon. Friend is right. The Bill can best The hon. Lady has used the phrase “excessive haste” be summed up as furious displacement activity by a twice in her speech so far, and with respect to part 2, I Government who hope that the public will not notice rather agree with her. Historically, constitutional and their problems with lobbying. democratic measures have not been guillotined in the House. Does the Opposition intend to vote against the Susan Elan Jones (Clwyd South) (Lab): Many of us guillotine tonight? are firmly against the Bill, and civil society seems united in that view. Does my hon. Friend not accept that one of the most disgraceful things is that the Government are Ms Eagle: Yes. We will vote against the timetable, and not allowing witnesses from civil society? If the Government I hope that the right hon. Gentleman will join us in the are so convinced of their case, why will they not allow Lobby, because one of the things that the Bill needs is witnesses in the Bill’s proceedings? more time for pre-legislative scrutiny and a closer look, so that we can get it right. Ms Eagle: I certainly agree wholeheartedly that the Bill is being rushed in a very unseemly manner through Margot James (Stourbridge) (Con): Does the hon. the House. Lady accept that the figure of 10% in relation to the expenditure committed by third-party organisations during Dr Thérèse Coffey (Suffolk Coastal) (Con): Surely, elections would be greatly increased if staff costs were the point of the Bill is to say that we have together in included, as the Bill seeks to do? Parliament tried to reduce the cost of politics. This is about recognising and putting on the record third parties Ms Eagle: Yes, the hon. Lady is exactly right. I will that want to spend money on promoting parties or come on to talk in detail about the worries about part 2 candidates. It is right that that should be controlled in that are being widely expressed outside the House, and exactly the same way as it is for political parties. the Government would be wise to listen and consider some major amendments to the suggestions that they Ms Eagle: The hon. Lady is right that we should have put before us today—or, better, to delay the Bill, so control the cost of politics, but third parties spent only that we can have proper pre-legislative scrutiny. This is 10% of what political parties spent at the last election, not a transparency of lobbying Bill; it should be renamed so I wonder why there have been attempts in the Bill— the “Let Lynton Lobby” Bill. The Bill will make things worse and not better. It is a wasted opportunity for Several hon. Members rose— political reform, and the Government must go back to the drawing board. Ms Eagle: I will give way in due course when I have finished answering the point made by the hon. Member Before I look in detail at each part of the Bill, I shall for Suffolk Coastal (Dr Coffey). Third-party campaigners comment on the way the Bill has been handled by the spent 10% of what political parties spent. If we wanted Government to date, because it is a perfect lesson in to reform politics and get rid of the big money from how not to legislate. Drafting it has been a process that politics, we should look at the cost of fighting election goes against every principle that the right hon. Gentleman campaigns for political parties, too. claims to have championed in his role as Leader of the House. The Bill was published out of the blue just two Jack Dromey (Birmingham, Erdington) (Lab): The days before we rose for the summer recess and the National Housing Federation, the Chartered Institute August holiday season. If last week’s unexpected recall of Housing, Shelter and Crisis have all said that those had not taken place, we would have found ourselves who speak out in future on either the housing crisis or taking the Second Reading of the Bill on our second the bedroom tax would be “extraordinarily at risk”. day back. We have only three sitting days until we begin They want the ability to put all parties on the spot in the the Committee stage on the Floor of the House on run-up to a general election. Why should they be Monday next week. constrained in doing so? Is this not an attempt by the After three years of silence and prevarication on Government to gag their critics? lobbying, it is important to ask why the Government are in such a sudden headlong rush. There is only one Ms Eagle: The Government will have to do a lot more conclusion: they are trying to ram through their gag on work to persuade the official Opposition and most of charities and campaigners in clause 2 so that they are civil society that they have got the balance right. silenced in time for the next general election, and they From a Government who solemnly promised that are trying to avoid the scrutiny that will show the public they would fix our broken politics, this Bill does the what a disgrace the Bill is. complete opposite. It is a sop to powerful vested interests, a sinister gag on democratic debate in the run-up to the Pete Wishart: The hon. Lady will know that the general election and a shameful abuse of the legislative public have great concerns about parliamentary patronage process to make cheap partisan points. This is a very and how party placemen can end up in the House of 189 Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party 3 SEPTEMBER 2013 Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party 190 Campaigning and TU Admin Bill Campaigning and TU Admin Bill [Pete Wishart] Several hon. Members rose—

Lords. Is she therefore disappointed that there are no Ms Eagle: I am happy to give way, but I want to get provisions in the Bill that would cover scandals such as on with my remarks. My hon. Friend the Member for cash for honours? Bolsover (Mr Skinner) has been trying to get in for a while and I shall let him do so. Ms Eagle: I agree. The House of Lords must get its house in order and the Bill touches on none of the Mr Dennis Skinner (Bolsover) (Lab): On part 2, my lobbying scandals that seemingly forced the Prime Minister’s hon. Friend has got on to the question of spending hand before he suddenly decided to come up with the money prior to an election. Is there not a connection Bill at the end of June. between the National Union of Students campaigning on student fees after 2010, and the Lib Dems? Some Barbara Keeley (Worsley and Eccles South) (Lab): people asked me, “Are the Lib Dems supporting this The Leader of the House would not give way when he rubbish—this gagging Bill?” and I said yes. That is was speaking about part 2. There are some key issues because of their fear of 2010, which they do not want for coalitions of charities. The shadow Leader of the repeated in the run-up to the next general election. House mentioned health issues such as smoking. There What a political scandal! are big differences between the parties on some of these issues and there could be a chilling effect on a coalition Ms Eagle: As always, my hon. Friend puts his finger of, say, health and social care organisations that was on an extremely relevant point. campaigning for the particular stance that one particular The Leader of the House made much of his personal party might be advocating. Charities are worried today. commitment to the pre-legislative scrutiny of Bills, and We have talked to them this morning. The Leader of the I will be the first to praise him for that. However, his House may shake his head, but they are worried. He has commitment is ringing pretty hollow now. The Government got it wrong. promised that there would be pre-legislative scrutiny on the lobbying proposals in part 1. In May 2012, when he Ms Eagle: My hon. Friend is right. Lawyers who have was the Minister responsible, the present Minister for looked at the changes that the Government are proposing Immigration, the hon. Member for Forest of Dean to make in part 2 agree with the worries of the charitable (Mr Harper), told this House: sector. A mere assertion from those on the Government “We are going to...publish our proposals and put them up Benches that the measure does not mean what everybody for pre-legislative scrutiny”.—[Official Report, 22 May 2012; Vol. 545, else thinks it means will not be enough to reassure c. 972.] people on these matters. There has been none, and the Government have deliberately chosen to preclude it by taking the Bill so quickly and Christopher Pincher (Tamworth) (Con): Although I on the Floor of the House. have some nugatory sympathy for the concerns that Let us remind ourselves of what the Parliamentary have been raised around the House, does not the hon. Secretary, Cabinet Office, the hon. Member for Norwich Lady appreciate the irony that the Labour party, which North (Miss Smith), who is now the responsible Minister, introduced the current controls around controlled told the House in April this year— expenditure, appears to be getting hot under the collar at the prospect of large organisations which, although Jacob Rees-Mogg (North East Somerset) (Con): Will they may not be political parties, spend a large amount the hon. Lady give way? of money in specific constituencies for specific candidates being called into question? It looks as though she is Ms Eagle: I will give way in due course to the hon. concerned to keep controlled expenditure on the statute Gentleman, but I am in full flow making a particular book, but uncontrolled expenditure in the constituencies. point. If he will let me finish it, I will come back to him. The current Minister in the Cabinet Office stated Ms Eagle: As a member of the Government who put earlier this year: the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act “Cabinet Office Ministers have had no meetings with interested 2000 on the statute book, I do not agree. parties on the Government’s plans for a proposed statutory register of lobbyists since September 2012.”—[Official Report, Stephen Doughty (Cardiff South and Penarth) (Lab/ 26 March 2013; Vol. 560, c. 1057W.] Co-op): My hon. Friend is making a strong case. She The hon. Lady appears to be completely unperturbed might not be aware that I was very involved in 2005, the by her lack of consultation and engagement on these general election year, in the Make Poverty History important matters. campaign, which lobbied and influenced Members and The Leader of the House has regularly praised the candidates across all parties in the House—very successfully, work of Select Committees since the Wright reforms as many of us would agree. Does she share my fear that were implemented, and claimed the credit for their in the future such campaigns in an election year would increasing power and influence. Why, then, has he chosen not be able to go ahead or would be severely curtailed? to ignore the impressive piece of work on lobbying done by the Political and Constitutional Reform Committee, Ms Eagle: That is a real fear, which is supported by which his Government have had in their in-tray for the briefing from the Electoral Commission to accompany nearly a year? We had an apology from the right hon. Second Reading. These are the issues that we need to Gentleman today, but does he really think that a two- explore extremely carefully during the unfortunately paragraph response from the Government after this Bill extremely rushed Committee stage next week. was published is the way his Government should treat a 191 Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party 3 SEPTEMBER 2013 Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party 192 Campaigning and TU Admin Bill Campaigning and TU Admin Bill serious piece of work by a well-respected Select Committee? we need to get something through fairly quickly, part of He can hardly be surprised that the Committee believes the process can be dispensed with—it will be standard that the Government have shown practice to have pre-legislative scrutiny. Had we done so “a lack of respect for Parliament and for the many people who on this occasion, we would probably be in danger of contributed to our inquiry.” arriving at a consensus on the Bill. The Political and Constitutional Reform Committee is so concerned about the Bill that it has been forced to Ms Eagle: My hon. Friend takes every opportunity, hold emergency hearings during the recess. The right with great eloquence, to further his views on how we hon. Gentleman gave evidence to the Committee this should change the House’s procedures for the better. morning. The Chair of the Committee, my hon. Friend the Member for Nottingham North (Mr Allen), spoke Chris Bryant: Is not the importance of pre-legislative for many in this House, I know, when he said last week scrutiny that all too often it means we can iron out some that the proposals on lobbying in the Bill amount to a of the unintended consequences? A classic one that I “dog’s breakfast”. The hon. Member for Clacton think we are likely to come across, in relation to part 1, (Mr Carswell), who I see in his place, immediately is that when the Government or Parliament face a big objected to the use of the term “dog’s breakfast” because issue many small charities decide to form a joint committee in his words, and employ someone specifically to act on their behalf “Far more thought has gone into pet nutrition than into this and represent them. They would be caught by this Bill, Bill.” whereas the bodies that they would probably be fighting As a Member whose constituency once contained a against, the big commercial interests, would not. That is Spillers dog biscuit factory, I can tell the hon. Gentleman the unfairness. from my own personal experience of pet nutrition that he is absolutely right. Ms Eagle: My hon. Friend is of course right. Parts 2 and 3 of the Bill came as a complete surprise to all those Sarah Newton (Truro and Falmouth) (Con) rose— in civil society who will be affected, be they charities, campaigners or trade unions. The Government designed Ms Eagle: Let me get on. I will give way to the hon. the changes in secret and sprung them on everyone in a Lady in a moment. baleful attempt to bounce them quickly on to the statute The Standards and Privileges Committee is also worried, book. They have not even bothered to consult those as the Chair of that august body told us today, about affected. Discussions I have had during meetings with the implications for privilege and for the remit given to stakeholders on all three parts of the Bill suggest that the Standards Commissioner, especially by the contents time after time e-mails, letters and calls requesting in schedule 1 and clauses 1 to 3, about which the conversations with Ministers were left unanswered. The Committee was not consulted. Hon. Members on both Government did not even tell the Electoral Commission sides of the House have raised that with the Leader of until the end of June that they were going to alter the the House. I look forward to the contributions of members rules that it is required by law to police, so they have of both of those distinguished Committees to our debate kept their own regulator in the dark. The Electoral today, as I look forward to seeing any reports on these Commission has said: matters. I know that Members are working hard to “We share the concerns that the Political and Constitutional produce them before we get to the Committee stage Reform Committee expressed… about the timing of the Bill and next week. We will all benefit from their expertise and the absence of pre-legislative scrutiny.” opinions. I cannot believe that the Leader of the House is content I give way to the hon. Member for North East with this shameful and shambolic process. He has provided Somerset (Jacob Rees-Mogg). He has moved on. I give an abject lesson in how not to develop and propose way to the hon. Member for Truro and Falmouth legislation. This is a Bill that he should be embarrassed (Sarah Newton). to be associated with.

Sarah Newton: The hon. Lady is making a powerful Seema Malhotra (Feltham and Heston) (Lab/Co-op): criticism of the pre-legislative scrutiny of the Bill. Will My hon. Friend is giving an eloquent answer to the she share with us equal condemnation of the lack of question of unintended consequences. Does she not pre-legislative scrutiny of the 2009 Bill for which she also agree that in an era when we all need to look at how claimed responsibility? There was no pre-legislative scrutiny to increase political engagement and engagement in our of the Political Parties and Election Act 2009. democracy, particularly at election time, when people might want to challenge politicians, the Bill might do Ms Eagle: I do not know which Bill the hon. Lady the very opposite by ending up with elections in which it refers to. The principle of pre-legislative scrutiny has is political parties that are talking to each other? been developing and we should continue to develop it. It is a principle that we on the Opposition Benches support. Ms Eagle: My hon. Friend makes a powerful point.

Mr Allen: We can all swap stories about who did or Sammy Wilson (East Antrim) (DUP): Could not did not do pre-legislative scrutiny, but let us have a some of the ambiguity and concern about part 2 of the principled view that it is wrong not pre-legislatively to Bill have been avoided by having proper pre-legislative scrutinise a Bill. The way to do that is to put it in our scrutiny? For example, at what point would people Standing Orders that normally—apart from emergencies, campaigning against poor housing conditions cross the when the Speaker writes a warrant stating that, because line between simply expressing their charity’s point of 193 Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party 3 SEPTEMBER 2013 Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party 194 Campaigning and TU Admin Bill Campaigning and TU Admin Bill [Sammy Wilson] permanent secretaries and if their business is mainly for the purposes of lobbying. It is estimated that that will view and become involved in political activity? The cover less than one fifth of those people currently Leader of the House was not clear today on where that working in the £2 billion lobbying industry, and the line is. Association of Professional Political Consultants estimates that only 1% of ministerial meetings organised by lobbyists Ms Eagle: The hon. Gentleman is exactly right and would be covered. Moreover, it would be extremely easy reinforces the point, which we have heard from both to rearrange how such lobbying is conducted to evade sides of the House, that much more thought should the need to appear on the new register at all. The Bill is have been given to the way the Bill was drafted. so narrow that it would fail to cover not only the lobbyist currently barnacle-scraping at the heart of Gavin Shuker (Luton South) (Lab/Co-op): My hon. No.10, but any of the lobbying scandals that have beset Friend has made the fantastic point that a lack of the Prime Minister in this Parliament. pre-legislative scrutiny leads to unintended consequences. My second point is that there is a real risk that the In my constituency, at the last election and since, a proposals will make lobbying less transparent than it is group called “HOPE not hate” has been doing fantastic now. The Government’s proposed register would cover campaigning work to ensure peace among the many fewer lobbyists than the existing voluntary register run races in Luton, including providing information about by the UK Public Affairs Council. the backgrounds of the candidates standing for the far right in elections. How can it be right that they are restricted to just 2% of what, say, the British National Mr Charles Walker (Broxbourne) (Con): Is not the party could spend in an election period? truth that far too many organisations are wasting their members’ money on hiring professional lobbyists and Ms Eagle: My hon. Friend makes an extremely powerful that their chief executives and principles would be far point. I do not think that it is right, without proper better advised to communicate directly with Members consultation, to seek to quash the kinds of activities of Parliament, rather than farming that out to third-party that are political but not party political, especially organisations? during an election period. Ms Eagle: I agree with the hon. Gentleman, but the John Mann (Bassetlaw) (Lab): On the question of Government had better get right all the issues of privilege, unintended consequences, has my hon. Friend had a because otherwise MPs might end up having to be chance to consider the complexities that the Bill would registered as lobbyists, which would be completely create for the Conservative party? The fact is that ridiculous. full-time employees are involved in creating donors’ clubs, and money from them goes from one constituency The Bill also does not propose any code of conduct to another, meaning that every single Conservative for lobbyists, which is a step backwards from the various association will be embroiled in an incredible amount of voluntary registers that already govern parts of the bureaucracy, with me monitoring every bit of their industry. The Bill is so bad that it has achieved the expenditure. unique feat of uniting both transparency campaigners and the lobbying industry against it. The Association of Ms Eagle: They should be afraid, Madam Deputy Professional Political Consultants spoke for them all Speaker—very afraid. when it told the Political and Constitutional Reform Committee that it sees I now want to look at each part of the Bill in turn, beginning with the part on lobbying. The Leader of the “a very real risk that the overall effect will be to reduce transparency”. House attempted to keep a straight face when he claimed The Opposition firmly believe that we need greater that the proposals will make the lobbying industry more transparency in lobbying, not less. We will table a transparent, but I am not sure that even he believes number of amendments to the Bill to bring in a universal it—almost no one else does. Only this Government register of all professional lobbyists, with a code of could think that the way to clean up lobbying is with a conduct backed by effective sanctions. We will also table Bill that does not even capture Lynton Crosby. Only amendments to close the revolving door between ministerial this Government could think that the way to clean up jobs and the private sector, and we will close the loophole lobbying is with a Bill that would allow a lobbyist that allows Lynton Crosby to be at the heart of No. 10 lobbying an MP about the lobbying Bill to escape the and yet to evade accountability and avoid publishing his requirement to sign its proposed register. client list. Three and a half years ago the Prime Minister, when Leader of the Opposition, told us that lobbying was Andy Sawford (Corby) (Lab/Co-op): This morning I “the next big scandal waiting to happen”. met representatives of Anti-Slavery International and He did not tell us then that he was going to do nothing we planned a campaign together. They are not my about it for over three years but survive a series of constituents but we aim to involve trade unions in the lobbying scandals and then produce a Bill so flawed campaign, representing working people. All three parts that it would actually make things worse. of the campaign are threatened by parts 1, 2 and 3 of the Bill, yet Lynton Crosby’s activities are not touched I have two key points to make about the proposals on by it. Is that not wrong? lobbying set out in part 1. The first relates to the laughably narrow definition of “consultant lobbyist”. Under the Government’s definition, someone will count Ms Eagle: It is plain wrong, and that is part of our as a lobbyist only if they lobby directly Ministers or criticism of the Bill. 195 Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party 3 SEPTEMBER 2013 Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party 196 Campaigning and TU Admin Bill Campaigning and TU Admin Bill Caroline Lucas (Brighton, Pavilion) (Green): The hon. We must be under no illusion: if these rules pass into Lady makes a very compelling case. A moment ago she law unamended they will seriously undermine free and spoke about transparency. Does she agree that that fair democratic debate in the run-up to the next election. should include financial transparency so that we can see Blogs may well be regulated and stifled too. The changes a genuine, good-faith estimate of how much money has in part 2 have met with universal opposition. Even been spent on lobbying activities and thus compare “ConservativeHome” and “Liberal Democrat Voice” what the large multinational corporations are spending have joined “LabourList” in publishing highly critical versus non-profit organisations? pieces condemning their own Government’s clampdown on free speech. Ms Eagle: The hon. Lady makes another good point. We have to see what the size and value is as well as the Angie Bray: I am sure that the hon. Lady would agree fact that there have been meetings. that it is perfectly reasonable to describe 38 Degrees as a Part 2 covers third-party campaigning in the run-up lobbying outfit. That is what it calls itself; it comprises to an election. All hon. Members will remember how lobbyists. I have been lobbied by it on many different the Prime Minister used to evangelise about the big occasions. Unless she is saying that to call somebody a society, but in one of the most sinister bits of legislation lobbyist is somehow an insult, I think that it is perfectly that I have seen in some time, this Bill twists the rules on legitimate to call it a lobbying organisation. third-party campaigning to scare charities and campaigners away from speaking out. It is an assault on the big Ms Eagle: The hon. Lady needs to look at her own society that the Prime Minister once claimed to revere. I Government’s Bill to see that it defines 38 Degrees not say this because part 2 broadens significantly what as a lobbying organisation but as a third-party organisation, activities will be caught by the phrase “election campaign”. and the Bill attempts to gag the ability of third-party That is set out in detail in new schedule 8A to the organisations to make points on policy and politics Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000. during an election campaign. Part 2 creates in clause 26 a new and extremely wide definition of “electoral purposes”. It is clear that these Stephen Doughty: In my time at Oxfam I had to take changes will have wide-ranging implications for many numerous pieces of advice on staying within the law in hundreds of charities and campaigners local and national, terms of campaigning. Charities take these things very large and small. Some of them have told us that they seriously.At Oxfam I had the benefit of a legal department will have to pull back from almost all engagement in to go to for advice. Many smaller charities do not have debates on public policy in the year before the election. that benefit, and it will be very difficult for them to These changes have created massive uncertainty for interpret this dog’s breakfast of a Bill. That will result in those who may fall within the regulations in a way that them curtailing their activities. the Electoral Commission has deplored. The changes will mean that third-party campaigning will be restricted Ms Eagle: My hon. Friend makes a powerful point. even if it was not intended to affect the outcome of an Part of the effect of this Bill, if unamended, will be to election—for example, engaging in public policy debate. chill, damp down and frighten people who might otherwise Staff costs and overheads will also have to be included campaign because they will be threatened with the in what has to be declared—something that does not criminal law if they get anything wrong. apply in this way to political parties. The Electoral Commission has said that these changes could have a Mr Charles Walker: I do not have a huge amount of “dampening effect” on public debate. The National time for 38 Degrees, but I am not going to address my Council for Voluntary Organisations has said that the concerns about that organisation. In the run-up to the changes will general election, Mind and Rethink, two charities with “have the result of muting charities and groups of all sorts and which I am closely involved, want to set out a number of sizes on the issues that matter most to them and the people that challenges for the main political parties. Does the hon. they support.” Lady feel that that will be caught by the Bill? 38 Degrees has said that the changes will Ms Eagle: It is beholden on the Government to “have a chilling effect on British democracy”. demonstrate that it will not, given that they have widened the meaning of the term “political purposes” and cut Angie Bray (Ealing Central and Acton) (Con): That the amount of money that can be spent before it is is a lobbying group. necessary to register; that part of the Bill deals with coalitions and how they account for the cost of what Ms Eagle: Conservative Members might not like the they are doing; and that they have inserted some extremely causes that 38 Degrees takes up, but surely we live in a uncertain definitions of “electoral purposes”. I do not free society and it has the right to do so. The hon. Lady want to get into a Committee-stage debate, but the has rather betrayed some of the partisan motivation Government cannot simply declaim that nothing has that lies behind this Bill. Since she does not like 38 changed when they have changed, broadened and widened Degrees, perhaps she will listen to the TaxPayers Alliance, definitions and cut the amount of money that can be which has said: spent lawfully during an election period. “The bill is a serious threat to independent politics that will stifle free and open democratic debate.” Dr Alan Whitehead (Southampton, Test) (Lab): Does Yesterday even Owen Jones and “Guido Fawkes” my hon. Friend accept that in addition to the restrictions were agreeing that this Bill is “undemocratic”, so the she has described, the effect of the Electoral Commission Government have managed to cause some unlikely having to police these very vague arrangements and coalitions, of which that is probably the most unlikely. possibly introduce sanctions after an election means 197 Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party 3 SEPTEMBER 2013 Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party 198 Campaigning and TU Admin Bill Campaigning and TU Admin Bill [Dr Alan Whitehead] Mr Tom Clarke (Coatbridge, Chryston and Bellshill) (Lab): Did my hon. Friend notice that when the Leader that self-censorship will be the order of the day, particularly of the House spoke about trade unionism he absolutely for a large number of smaller organisations, given that refused to give way? Is that an indication of an attack sanctions may be taken against them possibly a year, on democracy? Many a democracy has failed after that two years or three years after the process has taken very type of attack on the trade union movement. I am place? a member of the GMB. Does my hon. Friend agree that trade unionists are not obscure, abstract people? The Ms Eagle: My hon. Friend makes an extremely important people who have inundated me and other Members point about the chilling and dampening effect on the with correspondence are cleaners, teachers, engineers, vibrancy of our democracy of this Government’s approach. bus drivers and firefighters, and they, in a democracy, are entitled to be heard. I thought at first that the Government might just have made a mess of the drafting—after all, they often Ms Eagle: I agree wholeheartedly. do that and this Bill is certainly a mess—but it seems from the Cabinet Office response and from what the Officials from the Department for Business, Innovation Leader of the House said today that they have deliberately and Skills have been totally unable to explain the problem set out to gag critical third-party voices. They have had that this part of the Bill is designed to solve. During a repeated opportunities to address the concerns put to belated consultation meeting with the TUC—it took them by charities and campaigners, but they have dismissed place after the Bill had been published—BIS officials them. This leaves me with the only conclusion that we could cast no light on why part 3 exists at all. Nor were can draw—that this is a deliberate and cynical attempt they able to explain the origin of these proposals beyond by the Government to insulate their policies and their their oft-repeated mantra that the provisions contained record from scrutiny in the run up to the 2015 general in part 3 election. Part 2 is totally unacceptable in its current “came out of a high level meeting between the Prime Minister form and it must be changed. and the Deputy Prime Minister”. The Leader of the House tried to justify these draconian I think that revelation tells us all we need to know about measures by arguing that they tackle the problem of the grubby, partisan nature of the measures. third-party spending in politics, but he completely misses the point. Third parties spent less than 10% of Gavin Shuker: Did we not hear from the Leader of the money spent by political parties in the last election. the House that his motivation for introducing these We all know that one of the biggest problems in our measures is to help the trade unions keep better records? democracy today is the election expenditure arms race It strikes me as odd that we know how many members between political parties, not the expenditure of third the Labour party, the Liberal Democrat party and the parties. That is what drives the search for big-money trade unions have, but that, when asked to reveal its donors. This Bill was a chance to tackle the big money membership numbers, the Conservative party answers, in our politics, and the Government have completely “We can’t do that, because our records are too bad.” squandered it. Ms Eagle: I am rather sorry that I gave way to my This Government are happy to be financed by donors hon. Friend, because he has just ruined one of my lines who pay huge sums to come for dodgy dinners in from later in my speech. Great minds think alike. Downing street. They are a Government so shameless in their search for big-party donations that they were These proposals seem deliberately designed to burden happy to split between the two coalition parties the trade unions with additional cost and bureaucracy from proceeds of the late Joan Edwards’ half-a-million-pounds a Government who claim they are against red tape. This of life savings, which she had generously bequeathed to is despite the fact that unions already have a statutory the nation in her will. Their squalid behaviour is left duty to maintain registers of members. I understand unaffected by this Bill; instead, it seeks to silence legitimate from the TUC that neither the certification officer nor third-party campaigning organisations. ACAS has made any representations to suggest that that was not already sufficient. The Government have to date failed to provide any evidence or rationale for Fiona O’Donnell (East Lothian) (Lab): Has my hon. these changes, so I can only conclude that this is a Friend had any indication that the Government have deliberate attempt to hamper unions with red tape considered the impact on third-party organisations wishing because a minority of them have the temerity to support to speak out in the run-up to the referendum on Scottish the Labour party. independence, which will fall within the 12-month period? I have serious concerns about the implications of these changes for the security of membership data. We Ms Eagle: Again, I am afraid there is very little all know that the blacklisting of trade union members evidence I can give my hon. Friend that the Government may well still exist in our country. Blacklisting has have considered in any serious way the impact of anything, ruined many lives and these changes could have some since they consulted nobody before they came up with very dangerous implications, especially in the construction these proposals. industry, where many are afraid to declare their membership Finally, I want to comment on part 3, which centres of a trade union openly for fear of the repercussions. on trade union membership records. There appears to be no policy motive for the introduction of this new law Dr Hywel Francis (Aberavon) (Lab): I am Chair of other than as a vehicle for cheap, partisan attacks on the Joint Committee on Human Rights, which has not the trade unions, of which only a minority are actually had the opportunity to discuss this matter because of affiliated to the Labour party. the lack of pre-legislative scrutiny. The fundamental 199 Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party 3 SEPTEMBER 2013 Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party 200 Campaigning and TU Admin Bill Campaigning and TU Admin Bill human rights of association and privacy have been 2.27 pm raised with us by the TUC. Does my hon. Friend agree John Thurso (Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross) that my Committee should have had the opportunity to (LD): I rise to broadly support the Bill and to urge my scrutinise this Bill before it came to the Floor of the colleagues to resist the amendment tabled by the Opposition. House? I do so with some reservations, which I will come to in the course of my remarks. Ms Eagle: Once more, my hon. Friend makes a I begin by picking up the point that has been made by powerful point. That is the third Committee that the a number of hon. and right hon. Members about pre- Government have managed to ignore or insult with the legislative scrutiny. I have always been in favour of production of this appallingly, rapidly constructed Bill. pre-legislative scrutiny. I think virtually every Bill is I hope they will reconsider the Bill and think about improved by it, although this time last year—or maybe delaying its passage so that parliamentary Committees, the year before; how time flies—I had the rather sad including the Joint Committee on Human Rights, can experience of serving on the Joint Committee on the do the job the House asks of them on suggested draft House of Lords Reform Bill, and look where that Government legislation. got us. Nevertheless, I have to say that pre-legislative I hope that the Government will respond next week scrutiny and proper scrutiny of legislation is the best to our amendments on issues of confidentiality and way to defuse potential misunderstandings and to come give the assurances we seek in these important areas. to the true nature of what is being proposed. The Government have arbitrarily singled out trade The reason why I think the House should support unions for this attack but have given no reason why this Bill’s Second Reading is that I truly believe it is a other membership organisations should not be covered step forward, although it is not entirely the step forward by these costly and disruptive requirements. It is beyond it could be. I believe there are a number of irony, as my hon. Friend the Member for Luton South misunderstandings, and that has certainly been true of (Gavin Shuker) has pointed out, to be lectured by the some of today’s interventions. I think that pre-legislative Conservative party on how to ensure that membership scrutiny would have provided the opportunity to address data are accurate when it will not even confirm how them such that they might have been dealt with and we many members it has left. Perhaps it should be forced might have had clarity prior to proceedings. Although by law to appoint a highly remunerated assessor who this is by no means a perfect Bill—what Bill ever is?—it can get to the truth of it for all of us. This is another in a is a reasonable start in the direction of transparency on long list of anti-employee proposals from a Government lobbying. Therefore, I prefer to vote for it and then, I who always seem to want to make it easier to fire rather hope, see changes made during its consideration in than hire workers and to weaken rather than strengthen Committee, rather than vote against it at this stage. their security at work. We will table a range of amendments to this part of the Bill to address concerns. Roger Williams (Brecon and Radnorshire) (LD): A I also want to say this to the Government: we are large amount of time has been provided to consider the proud of our direct link to millions of working people Bill on the Floor of the House, but does my hon. Friend up and down this country and we believe in the right of agree that pre-legislative scrutiny is important and that working people to organise and stand up to unfair a large amount of time in Committee and on Report treatment in the workplace. Free trade unions are part does not make up for the lack of it? of a free and vibrant society, and the partisan use of the law in an attempt to disrupt their efficient administration John Thurso: My hon. Friend is correct. That is is yet another sinister aspect of this appalling Bill. exactly the point that I was making. Those are two different processes that arrive at different conclusions. This is a bad Bill that will make things worse, not However, we are where we are. I regret that we have not better. It makes lobbying less transparent and it places a had pre-legislative scrutiny, but we will have three days sinister gag on charities and campaigners who want to in Committee and two days on consideration. I hope make legitimate contributions to our democratic debate. that we use that time wisely to explore all the issues It is a Bill that the Government should be ashamed of. before us. It is incompetent. It is rushed. It has been developed in a high-level meeting between the Prime Minister and his deputy, but with no other consultation. It is a sop to Mr Tom Harris: The hon. Gentleman’s concern over vested interests, an illiberal attack on democratic debate the lack of pre-legislative scrutiny will have been heard and involvement, and a cheap, partisan and cynical on both sides of the House. Given that lack of scrutiny, misuse of the legislative process for the Government’s will he join us in the Lobby to vote down the programme own ends. We will vote against it and I urge Government motion and to provide a more adequate amount of time Members to join us. to debate the Bill on the Floor of the House? John Thurso: I am sorry to disappoint the hon. Several hon. Members rose— Gentleman, but I will not do that because it would not introduce pre-legislative scrutiny. There are three days Madam Deputy Speaker (Dawn Primarolo): Order. I to debate the Bill in Committee. There are some important remind Members that there is a 10-minute time limit on big issues, but not a huge number of them, so we will all Back-Bench contributions, starting from the next probably have enough time to debate them in the days speaker. A large number of hon. Members wish to that are available. participate and I put them on notice that it may be necessary to reduce the time limit later this evening in Paul Flynn (Newport West) (Lab): Will the hon. order to ensure that everybody is able to participate. Gentleman give way? 201 Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party 3 SEPTEMBER 2013 Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party 202 Campaigning and TU Admin Bill Campaigning and TU Admin Bill John Thurso: I am terribly sorry, but we are time Duncan Hames: On that point, when a registered limited and two interventions is our lot. I am afraid that lobbyist has a large number of clients, does my hon. that is it for the time being, unless I get ahead of myself, Friend believe that the introduction of registration will which is always possible. enable the public to determine for which client they In the Bill, we are trying to introduce more transparency were lobbying in any given meeting with a Minister? into areas that, by common consent on both sides of the House, require transparency. We are therefore required John Thurso: I am not entirely certain of the answer to act. We are looking to shed light on the hidden to that question, but I hope that will be the case. influence of big business, big money and big power. Perhaps when the Deputy Leader of the House responds, I want to make it absolutely clear, as I did in the he might reply to that question. Opposition debate some 10 weeks ago, that lobbying is a good and integral part of the political process. When Sheila Gilmore (Edinburgh East) (Lab): Will the hon. somebody comes to lobby me because they are my Gentleman give way? constituent or because I sit on a certain Committee, I consider that to be an important part of how I inform John Thurso: I am terribly sorry, but that clock is a myself so that I may take reasonable decisions, ask tough master. good questions in Committees or act in the interests of Much of today’s contention has been about part 2. I my constituents. I would be very concerned if I felt that believe that it is positive that people are motivated to anything stood in the way of my doing that on behalf of campaign for what they believe in. It is obvious that my constituents or with regard to my work on a Committee. such activity is moving away from traditional political As far as I can see, nothing in the Bill will do that. I parties and into third-party organisations. However, understand that some Opposition Members feel differently, when campaigning is of a political nature, it is right that but I believe that those issues can be worked out during it should be controlled properly. That is an accepted the passage of the Bill. principle in the current legislation, to which the Bill We are proposing something relatively small and proposes amendments. light touch. I would describe it as a good start. When an My understanding of the purpose of part 2 is that independent lobbyist—a company that lobbies for profit somebody who seeks to affect the outcome of the and is not associated with a particular company—is election—that is, a particular candidate or party will lobbying in a relatively secretive way and has the power benefit from their actions—will be controlled. If, on the to influence what is happening in our lives, it is right other hand, they offer policies to all parties in the hope that those people should be registered and that we that they will be taken up, they will not be included. should be aware of what they are seeking to do. The Bill Very basically, I understand that to be the core of what will not do that entirely, but it will not do anything that we are doing. stops that from happening. It is a building block that may be built on. Thomas Docherty: That is not the case. Part 1 of the Bill provides for a statutory register of lobbyists, which was in our manifesto and the coalition agreement. The Liberal Democrats have pushed hard John Thurso: I believe that that is what the Bill sets for that to be implemented. I am therefore delighted out to do. That is an appropriate and good measure to that my right hon. Friend the Deputy Leader of the take. If I am wrong, the way to flush that out is to table House is involved in introducing the Bill. The register is amendments in Committee. something that we very much wanted to see. It is deliberately I heard, as hon. Members across the House will have light touch and deals with an existing gap in the heard, the assurance that was given by the Leader of the transparency arrangements for communication between House on that point. He stated clearly what the objective third-party lobbyists and Ministers. was and gave the commitment that if, for any reason, The coalition is the first Government to publish that objective was not met by the Bill as currently quarterly data on ministerial meetings. In that way, drafted, he would accept amendments or seek to make some sunlight that has never before shone on such amendments to achieve the objective. There is good will ministerial activities has shone on them and we have on the part of Ministers to deal with something that is more idea of what is going on. That could be improved an appropriate addition to the legislation. and done a little more timeously, and some of the detail Under the current regulatory regime, third parties could be expanded on. It is not overly helpful to have a can spend a considerable amount of money. In the 2010 series of entries that say “general discussion” or whatever election, 25 third parties spent £3 million. I believe that the term might be. It is very much a work in progress. the reduction that we are making and the fact that it will However, I certainly would not wish to criticise the not be possible to target funds into one constituency are Government for starting something that we have never rather important. I was most taken by the intervention had before, even if I think that it could be improved. It by the hon. Member for Bassetlaw (John Mann). I am is an important step forward. with him, as I always am. He and I make common cause The inclusion of third-party lobbyists means that we on many matters. There are a number of organisations will be able to ascertain on behalf of which firm lobbying that will be controlled that both he and I would like to is taking place. That will fill a degree of the gap. see controlled. A foreign tycoon who funds a third party that sets out to spend a fortune in one constituency Duncan Hames (Chippenham) (LD): Will my hon. will be dealt with in the Bill. Friend give way? Mr David Lammy (Tottenham) (Lab): Will the hon. John Thurso: If it is quick. Gentleman give way? 203 Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party 3 SEPTEMBER 2013 Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party 204 Campaigning and TU Admin Bill Campaigning and TU Admin Bill John Thurso: I will not, I am afraid. Mr Allen: That is certainly one of the issues on which Such examples would not have been dealt with before. we have taken evidence, including this morning, and we That is an important step forward. I accept that there will come forward with proposals that will reassure the might be details that do not accord with the principle hon. Lady. Whether those proposals find favour across that has been set out, but we can flush those out in the House now the tramlines are set, rather than having Committee and in later stages. a special Committee that could have attempted to reach consensus, is another matter. Fundamentally, however, Part 3, which seeks to establish transparency in the there is another big-picture problem because this issue membership numbers of trade unions, is important. is not just about the House and how it does its business, There was a well-made point towards the end of the but about the public. remarks of the shadow Leader of the House, which I The public wanted a Bill on lobbying not because of will not follow up. Frankly, it is a pretty good principle some finesse about 1% of lobbyists or a couple of categories and one that we should follow. —Ministers and permanent secretaries—of people who In conclusion, this is not a perfect Bill, but it responds are lobbied. The public wanted a Bill because they felt in a measured way to a need that is evident and clear. It that we did not have the credibility, or the political is a start and will, in all probability, be built on in the classes the ability, to produce something that would future. I seriously urge the House to vote for Second tackle the scandals that appear in our newspapers and Reading and to decline the amendment so that we can on our television. Nothing in this Bill addresses that at least have that debate. concern: “You lot in Parliament, once again you’ve ducked it. You have avoided the big issues.” We have heard cases involving all parties—this is not a partisan 2.40 pm point—but not one of those issues is addressed by the Bill. People watching our debates at home will say, Mr Graham Allen (Nottingham North) (Lab): I have “There they go again. There is an esoteric little thing the great privilege of being Chair of the Select Committee about a few details, and the only thing we know is that on Political and Constitutional Reform, elected by Members they are attacking our charities.” I do not say whether of the whole House—not put on by the Whips or that is right or wrong, but that is the impression the anybody else—to speak on behalf of Members throughout public are being given by our inability to create an the House and try to give them a service in that policy effective lobbying Bill. field. Despite not having received great co-operation Briefly, if someone wanted to do O-level politics on from the Government, we intend to fulfil that service, how to produce or not to produce a Bill, I am sorry, but and on Thursday morning we will equip every Member this Bill would be an F—a fail, big time. Unfortunately, of the House with a full set of the evidence we have they need to have people on their side—political parties received since putting out a call for evidence when we where there could be consensus, the big society, charities, were told this Bill was coming. In addition to our the voluntary sector. Read the evidence from the Electoral report, we will also propose on an all-party basis a Commission when I publish it in 48 hours’ time. It is series of amendments to make the Bill workable. damning evidence from people who should really all be We are doing that because—amazingly—if we want a on the same side to ensure this provision will happen. lobbying Bill, it is possible to build one across the We should listen to people. Let us have some consultation; House. One has to work pretty hard to get Spinwatch let Parliament do its job, smoke out some of the issues on the one hand, and lobbying associations on the and attempt to resolve them. I have a fantastic all-party other, to come together and say, “We can do this,” but Committee and we could do that job for Parliament, yet we have interviewed as witnesses people from those those things have been resolutely held at arm’s length. organisations and they have told us that by working Perversely, we are trying to make a Bill that divides with a special Committee of the House for several rather than keeps people together. months we can produce a Bill to address the issues about which we are all concerned. That is partly the Zac Goldsmith (Richmond Park) (Con): The hon. problem. I agreed with the Prime Minister when he said Gentleman is making a powerful speech. Does he agree that the next big scandal may well be lobbying, so let us that the real—the biggest—lobbying scandal is that of get in there now, sort it out and be pre-emptive. I am big business with in-house lobbying divisions having a afraid, however, that the Bill does not tackle that problem. disproportionate impact on policy as a result of privileged relationships with Government Departments? That is I agree with the coalition parties and the Conservative what needs to be addressed. and Liberal Democrat Members who pulled together the coalition agreement and said, “We should have Mr Allen: Yes indeed, and it is not addressed. Neither something on the statute book about lobbying.” We are is it easy to address. By combining their wit and capability, trying to fall out when it is easier to agree, and my however, 650 Members of Parliament could design the Committee will produce the basis on which such agreement amendments to make this Bill work, if Members in all can happen, whether or not it is taken up. parts of the House are prepared, for once, to rise above the dogfight and accept some of them. I wish we were Lady Hermon (North Down) (Ind): May I make a not discussing this Bill now and that it was in a special suggestion for one of the amendments to be considered Committee. However it is not, but there will be possibilities by the hon. Gentleman’s Committee? It relates to the on an all-party basis for Members to try and make it “independence” of the registrar. The Leader of the work, and I will mention a couple of them. House mentioned that word at least twice. I may need to I say gently to my very good Friend on the Front go to Specsavers, but I have read the Bill and I cannot Bench, my hon. Friend the Member for Wallasey find a guarantee of the independence of the registrar. (Ms Eagle), that it is no good attacking the Government 205 Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party 3 SEPTEMBER 2013 Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party 206 Campaigning and TU Admin Bill Campaigning and TU Admin Bill [Mr Allen] Citizens Advice, the Howard League for Penal Reform, the Royal British Legion and Oxfam. Those organisations for not having pre-legislative scrutiny, and for the Opposition have written to the Committee in the past week or so. not then to say that we will have such scrutiny as of Others include the Voluntary Sector North West, the right and as in normal process, so that in future, when Joseph Rowntree Foundation, Roald Dahl’s Marvellous the Labour party sits on the other side of the House, Children’s Charity, the British YouthCouncil, the National our Bills will command much wider support and not come Trust, the Women’s Support Network, Christian Aid, back. I say to my hon. Friend the Member for Caithness, the Stroke Association, Girlguiding and—this is the Sutherland and Easter Ross (John Thurso), who I have real hardcore—the Woodland Trust. Mencap and the known for many years, that it is not about just getting Royal Society for the Protection of Birds have also the ball rolling. This is an opportunity to do the job written to the Committee. Surely we intend to make well, and it is perfectly within our ability to do that. those organisations believe they have an increasing rather As we know, there are three main sections to the Bill. than a diminishing part in our democracy. All I will say about the lobbying Bill—I will speak if I I ask the Government to think again and to do so am called as the Committee stage progresses—is that it seriously. The Committee will propose amendments on is very limited, not what we expected and, even more redefining terms. A number of colleagues have asked importantly, not what the public expect of us. We will what the Government mean by “electoral purposes”. seek to redefine issues such as those concerning who is What does that capture? We want to give people reassurance lobbied. People who lobby the civil service do not go to on that. the permanent secretary but talk to the desk officer or The Committee has taken evidence from the Electoral the director general. Those people are outwith the Commission. The last thing the Electoral Commission concept of the Bill. Let us also redefine who the lobbyists wants is to be given responsibility for the measures and are. At the moment, estimates vary that between 1% to be made the judge. It wants clarity and to remain and 5% of lobbyists will be caught by the Bill. Surely impartial. It does not want to be drawn into arguments nobody out there will accept that as the basis of a on freedom of speech. It does not want to be the arbiter lobbying Bill. of what is or is not quasi-political and of what is I have a pertinent and specific question for all Members perfectly legitimate. of the House about their role and function as lobbyists. I hope we are the best lobbyists that can be found, Mr William Cash (Stone) (Con): Will the hon. Gentleman particularly on behalf of our constituents. However, we give way? should tread in that area carefully because as soon as we start putting the rights of Members of Parliament in Mr Allen: I am sorry—I have only one minute left, so statute per se, we allow justiciability to take place and I must press on. people to say, “You did or you didn’t perform under I made a point briefly—I will not make it at length— your legislative duties.”That could have severe consequences, about expenditure on campaigning. If that expenditure and we must explore that in great detail in Committee. must also include staffing and a number of other things— On part 2 of the Bill, one of the most wonderful parts material costs and so on—that it did not previously of my life experience as a Member of Parliament is include, the pot for actual campaigning for charities and when we come towards a general election, and all those other organisations is diminished. We need to be clear different bodies start to get hold of us, lobby us, knock about that but, having briefly studied it, I am not clear. on our doors, phone us and send letters—“Come to our Friends who have lobbied me, the Leader of the House meeting. You will not get our vote unless we know and others are also not clear. If we make them risk-averse, exactly what you are doing on this.” Someone on the we will diminish our democracy, not improve it. opposite side then says exactly the same thing: “What We need to look again at part 3. I am mystified as to do you do? How do you think those issues through? why trade unions would not know where their members Let’s understand those issues.” That is the lifeblood and are—their lifeblood is ensuring they know where their rich diversity of our democracy, and we should be members are because their members pay the subs and doing everything we can to improve and increase it, not the wages and keep those organisations going. They to diminish and cast a shadow over it. have to know who their members are for industrial I do not believe for a moment that the Leader of the relations ballots, so it is in their interests to keep those House is trying to chill the voluntary and charitable records up to date. sectors. However, in this case, I speak as a trustee of a charity. I will not put the money in that charity, which is 2.52 pm for doing great things for kids, at risk. I will not authorise Mrs Anne Main (St Albans) (Con): I rise to support anything that even remotely possibly could risk that the Bill on Second Reading. As many colleagues have money—we are not sure what the Government mean or said, some measures need more scrutiny in Committee what they are trying to do. I will not do that, which of the Whole House and some need tightening. dampens and inadvertently chills. I should like to draw the Leader of the House’s attention to one element of the Bill so that he can think Mr David Davis: Will the hon. Gentleman give way? about it as an area to explore in Committee. Inappropriate lobbying is a pertinent issue. I welcome the Government’s Mr Allen: I must press on—I am sorry that I cannot bid to clean up that murky pool and to shine a light on give way to the right hon. Gentleman. some of the movers and shakers behind the scenes. Who are we trying to constrain? I shall tell the House That is where much of the public’s concern lies. Who is of just a few organisations that have sent evidence to my gaining access behind the scenes through special Committee. They include fringe organisations such as relationships? 207 Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party 3 SEPTEMBER 2013 Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party 208 Campaigning and TU Admin Bill Campaigning and TU Admin Bill I congratulate the Government on starting the process Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, by publishing details of departmental meetings quarterly, and once by the current one. There have been two refusals, although they could be made fuller. Hon. Members but now there is a minded-to-approve decision, which has have referred to the fact that “broad discussions” does set off my radar. What has altered? The plans are the not tell us who is lobbying on behalf of whom. Hon. same, so has pressure been applied behind the scenes? Members need to know how influence is gained, where The last refusal was quashed by the High Court in it is gained, how deals are done and who is pushing a 2011, and the process has become murky and opaque—it pet project, particularly with reference to our constituencies. is very much the sort of thing that I believe the public want hon. Members to clamp down on. In this world, Debbie Abrahams (Oldham East and Saddleworth) personal connections and relationships can come in (Lab): Will the hon. Lady give way? very handy. I have dug very deep to try to get to the bottom of how much access the developer of the rail Mrs Main: I will give way only briefly because many freight proposal has gained via his lobbyists. The proposal colleagues wish to speak in the debate. has implications for planning and transport, and for the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills. Not Debbie Abrahams: What does the hon. Lady make of only one Department is involved, but many. the statistic that the Department for Business, Innovation Like many colleagues who have concerns about the and Skills held 988 meetings with lobbyists in 2012, of undue effects of lobbying, I asked a series of parliamentary which only two would be eligible for inclusion on the questions—that is one route, albeit a tortuous one, register? Does that not make a mockery of the Bill? open to hon. Members—and, ultimately, made freedom of information requests. I discovered in a parliamentary Mrs Main: The hon. Lady makes a valuable point. answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Hertsmere The House is where we raise such concerns. I am sure (Mr Clappison) that my right hon. Friend the Member that those things will be taken into account in Committee, for Chipping Barnet (Mrs Villiers), the then Transport and in the Political and Constitutional Reform Committee Minister, admitted to having had a private luncheon report. The debate is not about playing ping-pong with meeting with the lead lobbyist for Helioslough, the blame; it is about drawing such matters into the public developer, just after the refusal—[Interruption.] I would domain. Perhaps that area will be tightened up. I am be grateful if Opposition Members listened to what I hopeful that it will be. have to say. I am making the point that the Bill will not capture those private, personal connections over lunch, Sheila Gilmore: Will the hon. Lady give way? where things are discussed. I found out that the matter was discussed over lunch Mrs Main: I will not give way to the hon. Lady. I have in a private, personal capacity with the Minister. Since read only about a paragraph of my speech. Many then, I have been chasing those private comments to see Opposition Members wish to speak, so I am sure she what they have led to. My right hon. Friend has also will have an opportunity to intervene. admitted that, since that meeting, her Department received Hon. Members are the voices of their constituencies. an e-mail from Simon Hoare entitled “Radlett SRFI—The The hon. Member for Nottingham North (Mr Allen) economic benefits”. Simon Hoare was tirelessly making made exactly that point when he said that we are the his case behind the scenes, despite the fact that the strongest lobbyists. If something is not right in our process was closed to me and my constituents. constituencies, we speak up for our constituents. It is up I submitted freedom of information requests, because to us to ferret behind the scenes and find out what is the role of all Back-Bench MPs is to speak up and going on. We need to be aware of how lobbyists play defend our constituents against what I would describe and by whose rules, and the extent of their schmoozing. as inappropriate lobbying. I have the contents of the I want to point out a worrying grey area that is not e-mails and an attached document. I also have the covered in the Bill but that could be captured as we Department for Transport letter to Mr Hoare informing work on the Bill in the next few days. I have been trying him that the e-mails were about to be disclosed. When to track the influence of lobbyists on a major project in Mr Hoare received notice that his e-mails and private St Albans. I have made no bones about the fact that I correspondence were about to be disclosed, he sent an am completely and implacably opposed, as is my council attachment, saying: at every level, to a strategic rail freight interchange on “I would prefer for my email not to be sent to the MPs”. 300 acres of green-belt land. I am concerned that lobbying I am sure he would prefer that. Unfortunately for him, behind the scenes may have led to a shift in the decision- the Department disclosed his e-mail, which makes for making process, and have made every effort to try to disturbing reading. Among a lot of other things, it find out how hon. Members, as representatives of our states: constituents, can find out who or what has gained the “I am aware the DfT is a strong supporter of the development ear of influential people. I fully accept that that does of rail freight” not always mean the Minister—it could be someone in and the Minister’s office. Members need to have a clearly defined route to find out what has gone on. Our constituents “will also doubtless be aware” do not have that opportunity. of The project has been led by Helioslough. One of its “a number of schemes…In the last 10 years my client has incurred key lobbyists is Mr Simon Hoare, who operates under costs over £12 million” various guises—it is therefore pertinent that we have a on that planning application. The letter goes on: full register. We have been fighting the proposal since “I do not believe that DCLG has a clue as to the costs of the 2006. It has been turned down twice—once by the previous planning process…While appreciating that DCLG is a quasi 209 Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party 3 SEPTEMBER 2013 Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party 210 Campaigning and TU Admin Bill Campaigning and TU Admin Bill [Mrs Main] information was later sent to the three Departments—I have the proof of that. The trail has gone somewhat judicial role vis à vis the Public Inquiry, anything your department dead and I am disappointed about that. I am still can do to press the case for a speedy and supportive decision hopeful that there is time to see sense and overturn the would be a real shot in the arm…As a courtesy, I ought to advise decision, but what has come out of this situation is the you that we are also in contact with HMT…and…BIS.” unedifying spectacle whereby I can go through many I would not have known that without a freedom of weeks of appeals with my constituents in the public information request. It goes on to say a lot more, but domain where everyone can hear everything and then, my time is constrained. unbeknownst to us, when the process is stalled, the This is what we have to clamp down on. I am sure developer can have private lunches at which, because that this is sounding very unhelpful, but at least this there happens to be a university connection, old friendships Government are tackling it—Interruption] They have have been called in. That is not acceptable; that is not an opportunity to tackle it through the Bill. Sadly, such democracy. I am sure that the Bill will now appropriately private meetings will not be covered by the current consider this grey area. proposed legislation—that is the point I am making. I am sure that the Minister would like to know that I have 3.4 pm asked the Library about this matter. It has confirmed Ian Lavery (Wansbeck) (Lab): Like many other hon. that this is still a grey area, even with the introduction Members, I have had more communications on this of the Bill: it will be up to Ministers to decide whether issue than on virtually anything else since I became a they feel that they have been influenced over lunch and Member of Parliament. Whether we agree with them or a good glass of wine. not, we have a duty to listen to the views, comments and I give the Department for Transport some credit for strong opinions of our constituents. letting me see the information trail. So far, the Department The Leader of the House and other Government for Business, Innovation and Skills has not let me see Members have suggested that the Bill is fantastic in anything, saying that it did receive documents and every way. That is absolute gobbledegook. It has also correspondence but that letting me know all about it been suggested that this is the worst Bill ever to be would involve a disproportionate cost. Well, one placed before Parliament, with its fanciful but misleading Department can let me know and I do not like what I title heading up what has to be the worst-written Bill read—it stinks. Something has changed a decision affecting ever presented. That is not unintentional; the clauses in my constituency. Somebody beat up somebody in some the Bill are intentional. They are a full-frontal attack on Department somewhere and said, “Make this thing members of society—let there be no mistake about that. happen, please”. I know we have an economic imperative The people who wrote the Bill are very well educated, to get Britain moving, but not by building an inappropriately guided very well by the Ministers in charge of the located rail freight interchange. Department. Let us not hide behind thinking that they I have asked parliamentary questions and I am dissatisfied are not and that the Bill is not really what they mean. It with the level of response. My freedom of information is exactly what they mean. Perhaps the Bill should have requests have been rather more fruitful, but at what been withdrawn. Perhaps it could be renamed the cost? The paper trail involved in trying to get to the Government’s Glorified Gagging Bill, the Can’t Criticise evidence is not without cost to the taxpayer. I have gone Cameron Bill, or the Big Society (Just Be Very Quiet) to the Information Commissioner for adjudication on Bill, because that is exactly what it is all about. the rather opaque way that this matter has been dealt It was the Prime Minister himself who warned that with. As the duly elected representative of my entire lobbying was the next great scandal waiting to happen. constituency, I represent everybody, as we all do in our It was the Prime Minister who said that he would put it constituencies, not just Conservatives. If this decision is right. The Bill misses every single target. It misses the imposed on them, they have a right to know that any big money in lobbying and hits the people at the bottom lobbying has been transparent. I am not anti-lobbying—I who are doing their best. It misses the likes of Lynton lobby like crazy on behalf of my constituents—but I Crosby, who is at the heart of a rotten Government, and want to know who has had cosy lunches and I want to hits charities such as Barnardo’s, Cancer UK and Diabetes know if quiet conversations behind closed doors have UK. To be frank, that is unacceptable. effected changes of mind. I want to know, on behalf of my constituents, whether lobbying is helping to change Andrew Gwynne (Denton and Reddish) (Lab): Does decision-making processes. my hon. Friend not find it ironic that at a time when politics is at an all-time low in public esteem, we have a In the end that is surely what we should all be agreed Government hell-bent on attacking the very groups and on, as the hon. Member for Nottingham North said. organisations that are good at getting the general public We should all want fairness from the Bill. Given that the involved in political and public debate? Library has admitted that this is a grey area and that at the moment the Bill does not capture this—it perhaps Ian Lavery: I fully agree with my hon. Friend’s remarks. captures a few other things—I desperately hope that we I will come on to that point in the later part of my can come up with guidance on the Floor of the House. contribution. If not, those cosy conversations will increase, and paper The Bill misses the Lynton Crosbys and the Lord trails will be quietly hidden away—nobody can track Ashcrofts, and will allow them to plough millions and down a quiet conversation over lunch. millions of pounds into constituencies while other people I thank my right hon. Friend the. Member for Chipping are constrained in how they want to do their business. Barnet, who admitted that the application was discussed. Not only does it fail to deal with corporate lobbyists, I gave her the courtesy of letting her know that I would but it effectively stitches together the lips of the big refer to her correspondence. She admitted that additional society, in the year before a general election, for fear of 211 Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party 3 SEPTEMBER 2013 Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party 212 Campaigning and TU Admin Bill Campaigning and TU Admin Bill breaking the rules. In her excellent contribution, my hon. what we want? I am sure it is not, so we need to listen to Friend the Member for Wallasey (Ms Eagle) mentioned what is being said out there by the people. that my hon. Friend the Member for Nottingham North The people who have been e-mailing me are hardly (Mr Allen), the Chair of the Political and Constitutional raving militants looking for a revolution. What they Reform Committee, who has just left the Chamber, want is fairness. They want to be able to understand described the reforms as a dog’s breakfast. Thehon. what this legislation is about. I was embarrassed for the Member for Clacton (Mr Carswell) disagreed, saying Leader of the House. He made a botch-up of the NHS “He is wrong, of course. Far more thought has gone into pet Bill and here he is the second time, with a Bill placed nutrition than into this Bill.” before him that he could not even defend. The hon. Member for Clacton has great experience of being a Government attack dog and someone here is Dr Francis: My hon. Friend is making a powerful barking up the wrong tree. For a Government who case. He has spoken about his constituents. Is it the case created a Minister for the big society to create such a in his constituency, as in mine, that, overwhelmingly, Bill would be laughable if it was not so frightening. It those approaching him and writing to him are not has been described as having a chilling effect on the affiliated to the Labour party? In fact, they are trade work of charities, pressure organisations and local unions such as the NASUWT—the National Association community groups. This is an unprecedented attack on of Schoolmasters Union of Women Teachers—and a our national institutions of democracy and on individual range of charities, many of them small organisations free speech. that are very local.

Mr David Anderson (Blaydon) (Lab): I apologise, Ian Lavery: Yes; in fact, of the nearly 300 e-mails I Madam Deputy Speaker, for being late for this debate; I have received, very few are from trade union members, have been in a Committee meeting. My hon. Friend massive charities or the big lobbyists. They are from said that the Bill was unprecedented. Does he agree that run-of-the-mill local people who are frightened. They the other constitutional changes that the Government are people whom the Prime Minister described perfectly parties have tried to get through this House, such as as “the big society”. They thought they had a role; they boundary changes, Lords reform and changing the are now being kicked in the teeth. voting system, are the same as this Bill? They are using In Wansbeck, the Bill will have disastrous consequences the constitution to give themselves political advantage for small charities, like those that my hon. Friend mentioned, at the next election and future elections. That is what and community groups, which have limited resources this Bill is about. and limited access to legal advice, and could easily be tripped up by the legislation. The National Trust, a big Ian Lavery: I thank my hon. Friend for his comments; organisation, often has an input into major infrastructure he is absolutely right. Everything in this Bill is about projects such as High Speed 2. Will those organisations giving the coalition political advantage in the year running be covered by the legislation? Local community groups up to the next election—and, indeed, at every election. opposing the building of wind turbines; charities seeking an increase in the level of GDP that we spend on The Bill is an unprecedented attack. Charities, international aid—will they all be covered by the legislation? campaigning organisations and local groups are frightened People are frightened about what it means, and they by the Bill, but they should wait until they hear the detail have not even begun to understand the consequences of and see how it develops. We will see people leaving local the legislation. groups. There will be no voice for the local opposition to wind turbines, fracking or anything else. We will not Let me deal with part 3 of the Bill and the nature of have trustees on trustee boards of charities because the TUC, which has been in existence since 1866. Under they will be frightened in case they break the law, this legislation, the TUC could be outlawed—it could because they do not even understand what this law be criminalised in the year running up to the election. means, and they are not the only ones. We had a The Durham miners’ gala, which I am proud to attend meeting this morning with some barristers who said every year and which upwards of 100,000 to 150,000 that they had spoken to the Electoral Commission and people attend—people from all walks of life and all they did not have a clue what the legislation meant. parts of Britain, getting together with their families—could What is more, they said that the Electoral Commission be outlawed and criminalised because of this legislation. was not even consulted on the legislation. They are the The Tolpuddle march, celebrating the history of the people who will be policing the legislation and they have people sent to Australia all those years ago, could be not even been consulted on any of the detail. It is outlawed. People could be criminalised under this legislation. absolutely unbelievable that the Government have Is it not an absolute outrage that we face this sort of approached the issue in that manner. thing in a Bill that is being rushed through Parliament? Charities and campaigners have worked tirelessly. They have opposed the bedroom tax, reductions in Dr Francis: Just on a historical point, the TUC was doctors and nurses, reductions in the police and the fire set up in 1868. More importantly, however, the leaders service, and reductions in many other public servants. of the trade unions that formed the TUC in 1868 were Those groups have opposed increases in tuition fees and overwhelmingly liberals, not socialists. issues such as fracking, wind turbines and nuclear power. You name it, Madam Deputy Speaker, local charities Ian Lavery: I accept that point from my hon. Friend. and groups have been involved, and good on them. Do In conclusion—very quickly—the legal advice suggests we not want people to be involved in politics? Are we that this is a clear violation of privacy and freedom of happy to come here as 650 MPs just to discuss ourselves association, as enshrined in the European convention and ignore what the rest of the country wants? Is that on human rights. The proposals clearly breach international 213 Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party 3 SEPTEMBER 2013 Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party 214 Campaigning and TU Admin Bill Campaigning and TU Admin Bill [Ian Lavery] Members. I am not one who always supports the Government 100%, although I do support them 100% law, namely articles 8 and 11 of the ECHR. The on this Bill because it is starting a process. When Government have got this wrong. The target was the matters are discussed on the Floor of the House, it wealthy and the corruption in politics, with MPs and creates a debate in Government and wider society, after people with finances behind them. What the Government which we can push for further improvements if that is have done is hit the people at the bottom of the tree. I what is needed. I have read the title; I have also read the urge the Government to bin the Bill. Bill and the huge amount of documentation surrounding it. 3.16 pm I want to emphasise that the Bill represents progress. We are going to establish for the first time a register of Stephen McPartland (Stevenage) (Con): Before the consultant lobbyists. I know that some Members are debate started, I was quite optimistic about the Bill, concerned about how in-house lobbyists affect what because I thought it was a positive step forward. As the happens here, but the reality is that if a Government hon. Member for Nottingham North (Mr Allen), the relations person—as I believe they are called—from a Chairman of the Political and Constitutional Reform particular firm turns up here, it is perfectly obvious that Committee, said, it would be quite nice to have a they will be trying to influence policy on behalf of that consensual way forward. I am pleased that we are firm. That is fair enough. It is the same with trade debating the Second Reading of the Bill, because it unions. It is their responsibility to try to influence gives us the opportunity next week to try to make some policy on behalf of their members; otherwise, what is amendments, if people feel the Bill needs amending, the point of them? I do not really see a distinction and allows the charities dealt with in part 2—I shall between in-house lobbyists and others. come to that in a moment—to get commitments from the Minister at the Dispatch Box on what the provisions The public are more concerned, as am I, about when in the Bill mean. we meet a representative of some public relations agency and we do not know what they are going to talk about. Before I go through the bits of the Bill that I want to When I first became a Member of Parliament, I was discuss, I should point out that a lot of those charities’ very naive in my first six or seven weeks here. I did not concerns apply to the law as it stands, as opposed to understand why so many people wanted to meet a mere what is in the Bill. If the Bill did not go through, those Back-Bench MP. I actually saw the same lobbyist three charities and third-party organisations would still have times in one week, expressing three different views. I a lot of those concerns about the current law, because of then decided never to meet a lobbyist again. Anyone what we heard earlier about regulated expenditure. We who wants to meet me has to be the chief executive of have an opportunity to have the Bill spoken about on their organisation or to be based in my constituency. In the Floor of the House next week, to get as many of us that way, I at least know who I am talking to and what as possible involved and ask as many questions as they are talking about. For me, that is key. possible, and then to get those issues out in the open, so I welcome the Bill in that sense. A further issue relates to transparency and public confidence. The public want transparency. I must confess I also welcome the fact that the Bill establishes a that, until I heard the wonderful speech by my hon. statutory register of professional consultant lobbyists. I Friend the Member for St Albans (Mrs Main), I never know that it does not do enough for some of us, but it is knew that lobbyists had any influence whatever. I thought the first step along the way. that they just sat around and had a bloody good chat and then decided that they really ought to do something, Fiona O’Donnell: Would the hon. Gentleman not but that nothing ever happened. The example that my concede that the reductions in the ceiling for registering hon. Friend gave was the first I have heard of a lobbyist for political activity and in spending limits will have a having some influence. huge impact on third parties? Lady Hermon: The hon. Gentleman seems to be Stephen McPartland: The hon. Lady makes an interesting setting great store by the creation of the new register of point. I do not think those reductions will have any lobbyists. I wonder whether he is equally content with impact whatever. I have 400 charities and voluntary the following provision in the Bill: groups in my constituency, and if any of them could spend £400,000 they would be over the moon. The “The Minister may dismiss the Registrar if the Minister is satisfied that the Registrar is unable, unwilling or unfit to perform reality is that the reductions will not affect them whatever. the functions of the office.” Dr Whitehead: I hear what the hon. Gentleman says There is no requirement for the Minister to have reasonable about the discussion of this Bill and the extent to which grounds for removing the registrar. Should not that be it can be discussed in Committee, but is he not aware changed? that the long title specifically talks about regulation of consultant lobbyists, and only regulation of consultant Stephen McPartland: I am delighted that we are the lobbyists? This Bill is not the beginning of a process; it most transparent Government ever. I cannot imagine is the end of a process. If he reads the long title, his any of our Ministers wanting to remove those provisions, hope that it can be amended more positively might but that is one of the matters that could be debated and prove to be sadly misplaced. tightened up in Committee next week. We are the most transparent Government ever, and Stephen McPartland: I did take the opportunity to transparency is very important to me. I know that this is read the long title, as I do with every Bill on which I not an appropriate time, but there should be a debate at vote. Sometimes I vote in the Lobby with Opposition some point about whether privacy is a 20th century 215 Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party 3 SEPTEMBER 2013 Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party 216 Campaigning and TU Admin Bill Campaigning and TU Admin Bill concept and transparency is a 21st century concept, millionaires behind the scenes. I can assure hon. Members given that we spend so much of our lives online and that the only millionaire funder in my constituency does involved in the data world. For me, transparency is key, not support my party; they support the party to which and that is why I support the Bill. Part 1 represents the the previous Member of Parliament belonged. first step towards recognising that lobbyists might have The introduction of the Bill is a positive step because some influence. That might not go far enough for some it allows us to talk about the issues of transparency that Members, but we should agree that it is a step in the matter to the public. Like many Members, I have had a right direction and support it for that reason. lot of e-mails about the Bill from various organisations. I had one from an organisation whose name I shall not Mrs Main: I thank my hon. Friend for complimenting deign to mention that referred to a “gagging” Bill. The me on my comments on lobbyists, who have enormous Bill will do no such thing. Not one of the 400 charities influence. The fact that the case I mentioned involved and organisations in my constituency has complained two refusals followed by a permission being granted not to me about the Bill, and none of them would consider long after a significant amount of heavy lobbying suggests themselves to be involved in political campaigning. the amount of influence that they really have. That is what we need to debate today. Mr Tom Harris: They are going to be in for a shock. Stephen McPartland: My hon. Friend makes another wonderful point. As I have said, that was the first Stephen McPartland: Well, they might well be in for a example I had heard of a lobbyist having any influence. shock, but they would not consider themselves to be I am sure that his clients were delighted, as they had part of a political campaign. I imagine that the debates probably spent a lot more than the £12 million they we will have during the general election campaign will spent on getting the planning permission on employing be the same old debates with the same people, and that previous lobbyists who had no impact whatever. nothing will have changed. Government procurement is an incredibly bureaucratic The Bill represents a positive step forward because it process that can go on for ever. We all have small allows us to discuss the issues that matter to the public, businesses in our constituencies that struggle to engage such as the need for greater transparency in politics. with those bureaucratic procedures that never really get One Opposition Member stated that he had previously anywhere. I question how much influence those procedures worked for Oxfam, and some of the earlier speakers have, but the Bill represents a step in the right direction. said that the problem with lobbying was that it did not I want to move on to part 2 of the Bill, the part that involve Ministers, but that it involved civil servants, has elicited the most consternation today. I understand desk officers and day officers. Well, that is news to me. I that charities will still be able to support specific policies genuinely think that if I had wanted to get something advocated by political parties if that will help them to done when I was in business, I would have gone to the achieve their charitable purposes, and that the law currently decision maker to get the deal done. We have to do it in prohibits them from engaging in party politics or party the most transparent way possible; otherwise, we get political campaigning, from supporting political candidates sued. I would have thought that that was how it worked. or from undertaking political activity that is unrelated As I said earlier, apart from what my hon. Friend the to the charity’s purpose. The Bill seems to be dealing Member for St Albans said, I have never heard of with trust. The Government trust the charities to engage lobbyists having any real influence other than what is in the policies that they want to engage in, and to do so generated by the media or within their own circle of responsibly. There also seems to be a lack of trust on friends, trying to inflate what they do. the part of the charities, however, which is understandable. I have with me information about what a number of They are regulated by the Charity Commission, and a charities are concerned about. They say that they want number of concerns and grumbles have been expressed greater definition of regulated activities, so when the about that over the years. The charities are asking for Bill is in Committee next week, we can ask those more specific guidance. Many of the issues that have questions and get responses from the Minister on the been brought to my attention will be relevant under the Floor of the House. That should be good enough for a current law. The charities are already having to make a lot of charities. They are concerned, too, about whether judgment call under the existing law about whether staff costs should be included. If they are spending their activities would affect the outcome of an election £800,000 on staff costs and £20,000 on leaflets, I do not and whether they are dealing with regulated expenditure. how long those charities are going to exist; if they were Many of those issues are already relevant today. a business, they would not be in business for very long. I was asked earlier about the spending limit. Reducing It is in their own interests to gain a greater understanding the spending limit from just under £1 million to just of how many of their staff are involved in these campaigns. under £400,000 is a positive step. Taking the big money I agree with what they say about aggregate spending, out of politics is the most important thing—[Laughter.] and I agree that the “Enough Food for Everyone” Opposition Members might laugh and joke about that, campaign was a very important one. I believe that, as but I remember when the Political Parties, Elections some of the charities have set out, they should be and Referendums Act 2000 was introduced and the involved only for the amounts that they have popped in. Electoral Commission came into being. One of the The final issue relates to the levels of expenditure, and I prerequisites of being employed by the commission was said earlier that I agree about that. that a person should have had no experience of doing Part 3 deals with the trade unions. I see no reason anything related to elections. The process was approached whatever why the trade unions would not want to have from the point of view that all the local organisations an up-to-date register of members, and I cannot see that we represent are hugely well funded by mysterious that this Bill will have much of an impact on most of 217 Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party 3 SEPTEMBER 2013 Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party 218 Campaigning and TU Admin Bill Campaigning and TU Admin Bill [Stephen McPartland] future funding or opportunities to gain funding or support from government, any suggestion that they them. Given that their subscriptions are involved, how they might be stopped in doing their job is a worrying matter work on a day-to-day basis is what will count, as the for them, as indeed it should be. unions engage with their members. In common with others, I have some serious concerns about how the Bill has been handled. Given that I have 3.29 pm had various exchanges across the Chamber with the Cathy Jamieson (Kilmarnock and Loudoun) (Lab/Co- Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office, the hon. Member op): It is a pleasure to have the opportunity to make a for Norwich North (Miss Smith), who I see in her place, short contribution to this afternoon’s important debate. I am somewhat surprised about the matter of pre-legislative I follow what I thought was an excellent speech from the scrutiny. If ever a Bill were designed for such scrutiny, it shadow Leader of the House, who laid out for us all would be this one, given the number of different and on behalf of many of our constituents the very real organisations and interests affected. Frankly, it is not concerns that exist over this Bill. Her speech was followed, good enough to hear Government Members saying, “It of course, by another excellent one by my hon. Friend will be all right; we will sort it out in Committee” when the Member for Nottingham North (Mr Allen), the so many serious concerns have been expressed and so Chairman of the Political and Constitutional Reform many amendments would be required to make this Bill Select Committee. workable as to make it questionable whether the Bill should proceed to Committee at all. What we have heard subsequently, from both Opposition and Government Members, is a whole series of reasons Andrew Gwynne: The list of organisations that have why this Bill should not proceed at this time. We have expressed concerns about the Bill includes the regulator, heard how it would have been possible to garner some the Electoral Commission, which has identified a series consensus and some support to deal with the real issues of controls that are unenforceable. Does that not underline around lobbying. The constituents who contacted me—not the argument in favour of pre-legislative scrutiny? If the those who could be described as “the usual suspects” or regulator cannot enforce the Bill, what is the point of it? people, as my hon. Friend the Member for Wansbeck (Ian Lavery) mentioned, seeking a revolution—are simply people who are seeking transparency, who want a Bill to Cathy Jamieson: My hon. Friend has made an extremely deal with some of the “dodgy dealings” they perceive to pertinent point. I find it astonishing that the Electoral have gone on in the past and who want to ensure that Commission has not been more involved in the process, politics is cleaned up and the lobbying industry held to and that no evidence was taken from it at an earlier account. Those are the terms in which my constituents stage with the aim of improving the Bill. contacted me. I believe in pre-legislative scrutiny. It has been part It is interesting to note the number of constituents and parcel of the way in which the legislation has been who contacted me who are involved in small voluntary dealt with in the Scottish Parliament, and I think that organisations and small charities in local communities. there should be more of it in this Parliament. If pre- They, as well as a number of trade union members, are legislative scrutiny was good enough for the Bill that genuinely worried about the implications of this Bill. became the Small Charitable Donations Act 2012—and My constituents want to see a proper register, but they I believe that it enabled us to improve that Bill—I do not like any suggestion that perfectly legitimate cannot see for the life of me why it is not good enough organisations putting forward points of view to try to for such an important and wide-ranging Bill as this. make a case to change things in their communities or to change legislation should in any way be gagged. I heard Mark Durkan (Foyle) (SDLP): Perhaps if there had the hon. Member for Stevenage (Stephen McPartland) been pre-legislative scrutiny we should be able to answer suggest that the Bill was not about gagging. I would a very basic question that people are asking now. Why respectfully suggest to him, however, that if we have a should the definition of the activities in part 2 have a coalition—if I may use that word—of organisations wide and potentially rolling scope, while the definition ranging from the trade unions through the legal sector, of consultant lobbying activities in part 1 is deliberately the Electoral Commission, the voluntary sector, charities and calculatedly narrow? and political commentators of all shapes, colours and sizes, all of which are in agreement about the problems Cathy Jamieson: That too is an important point with this Bill, it is indeed time to take notice. which could have been explored further during pre-legislative With my background in the voluntary sector and my scrutiny. I fear that if the Bill is allowed to proceed, we working for a Scotland-wide organisation before I became shall find that when we try to repair some of the a Member of the Scottish Parliament back in 1999, I damage caused by its current construction, we shall be have some concerns to express. I would not have been working on very shaky foundations. A Member suggested able effectively to do my job campaigning on behalf of earlier that we could build on the existing provisions, young people in the care system had I not been able to but the Bill has a particular scope, and if we get it approach the various Ministers of the day and the wrong when trying to build on those shaky foundations, various local authorities of the day to make my case. something will come tumbling down at some point in Indeed, it was my responsibility so to do. the future. That is what the voluntary organisations and One real concern emerging from today’s debate is charities are so concerned about. that at a time when charities and the voluntary sector I now want to say something about Scotland and the are already feeling under pressure because of cuts in devolved Administrations. My hon. Friend the Member funding and are already finding it difficult in some for East Lothian (Fiona O’Donnell) asked the Leader instances to speak out for fear of somehow prejudicing of the House a specific question about the referendum 219 Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party 3 SEPTEMBER 2013 Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party 220 Campaigning and TU Admin Bill Campaigning and TU Admin Bill in Scotland during his opening speech, but did not the terms of the Partnerships (Prosecution) (Scotland) receive a response. I hope that one will be forthcoming Act 2013, because that relates to a point that is further in the winding-up speech. expanded in clause 16, which addresses the statutory Let me put to Ministers a number of points that were maximum of any penalty notices. There is a difference made in an excellent briefing paper supplied to Members between Scotland and the rest of the UK in that context, by the Law Society of Scotland, an organisation that and I hope Ministers will consider that. has a great deal of experience and an excellent record in Madam Presiding Officer, in conclusion let me say I scrutinising the technicalities of legislation. The briefing think I have made my views clear—[Interruption.] I is very thorough, and I shall not quote from all of it in have done it again! I apologise Madam Deputy Speaker. detail, because some of it would be dealt with best in I have been talking too much about the Scottish Parliament. Committee. However, I want to put on record some of Every time I do this, I think I must not ever do it again, its key points about what it considers to be the overall and yet now I have done it again. poor shape of the Bill, because they strike at the heart I think I had better cease at this point, other than to of this debate and echo arguments advanced by voluntary say that this is a very bad Bill. It is not well drafted and sector organisations and, indeed, by Members today. it will not enact the principles it espouses, and I will vote The society says that it against it. “recognises the importance of ensuring the public’s trust and confidence in the political process”. Several hon. Members rose— I think we would all agree with that, and would also agree that Madam Deputy Speaker (Dawn Primarolo): Order. “transparency provides effective oversight and scrutiny of the Some 23 Members still wish to speak, and it is therefore political process and is a central element of good governance.” necessary to reduce the time limit for Back-Bench contributions to eight minutes with immediate effect. I The briefing continues: ask Members to consider that they are not required to “The Scottish Government has indicated that they too shall…be take up the entire eight minutes, even if there are introducing a bill for a statutory register of lobbyists.” interventions. I hope we will manage to call every It also makes the important point that Member who wishes to speak. “to ensure equal transparency, public understanding and appreciation by organisations and businesses, who engage in lobbying, of their responsibilities, the Scottish and United Kingdom Governments 3.43 pm should ensure any registers are aligned to minimise potential Angie Bray (Ealing Central and Acton) (Con): I shall business and public uncertainty.” focus primarily on the lobbying aspect of this Bill, I hope that in the closing speech the Minister will having provided media advice to a public affairs company outline what discussions have taken place with the back in the 1990s. Ironically, I have been heavily lobbied Scottish Government. In particular, have the Government on this Bill myself by the well-known lobbying organisation discussed part 2 of this Bill with the Scottish Government, 38 Degrees. I should say for the record that I certainly and if they have not, do they intend to do so and bring support parts 2 and 3, but I cannot say the same about forward further information to us? part 1. The Law Society of Scotland has also raised the The Leader of the House has told us that the Bill concern that the Bill covers only consultant lobbyists— seeks to increase transparency, but I say with regret that effectively the third-party lobbyists. It suggests that that I fear it will fail to achieve that laudable aim. Indeed, if could give rise to confusion among the general public left unamended it will simply give us a false sense of who, as we have heard, are unlikely to distinguish security, and it will be Parliament’s and the Government’s between consultant lobbyists, in-house lobbyists and reputations that will suffer when people discover that, any other form of lobbyist. That is an important point. to misquote, “It doesn’t do what it says on the tin.” I hope Ministers will also look at what the LSS has to Lobbying may not be the oldest profession, though say on a number of other technical points in relation some may feel that it shares some of the same attributes, both to the definition of businesses and the definition—this but it has certainly been around for as long as there has always arises in discussions of Bills—of “person” or been a Parliament. Naturally, those wanting to advocate “persons” and what that will actually mean in practice. an interest or to make a case will gravitate towards the Clause 12 states it will be decision makers gathered together in Parliament. As a “an offence for a person to carry on the business of consultant former Member for Enfield, Southgate, Michael Portillo, lobbying” once said in respect of lobbying, every great city needs unless they are registered, or to engage in lobbying its sewers. He was right. Some in this House may not activities if their details as entered on the register are particularly like lobbyists, but they provide a service in “inaccurate or incomplete”. contributing information to our debates and policy making. Crucially, we may choose to accept or reject The LSS raises serious concerns with regard to the this information as we see fit. Of course, the right to be strict liability offence. It is worried that heard is an integral part of our democratic process, and “a mere omission, error or inadvertency can result in an offence surely any individual or business is entitled to retain an being committed in respect of clauses 12(2), 12(3) and 12(4).” advocate to make their case. That is a very serious worry. That is not to say that legitimate concerns have not The LSS also refers to the measures in clause 13 on been raised about malpractices in the past, but the industry bodies corporate and Scottish partnerships, and suggests responded to those by establishing its own code of conduct that if the Bill proceeds—I have to say I hope it does and register, which have, so far as I am aware, been not—clause 13(3) should be amended in keeping with effective. After all, the existing register includes names 221 Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party 3 SEPTEMBER 2013 Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party 222 Campaigning and TU Admin Bill Campaigning and TU Admin Bill [Angie Bray] interest groups or trade unions. We will learn nothing more about their activities in Parliament because these of all lobbyists employed by a consultancy, as well as people will also not be covered by the Bill—so much for the names of all the clients on whose behalf they work. transparency. It may not be perfect, but it provides a great deal more I wish to focus my closing remarks on the effect of transparency than is proposed in the Bill, because fewer the Bill on charitable and other non-party campaigning. companies would be required to register under this Bill On that aspect, I am pleased to say that I am more than under the industry’s own voluntary code. Whereas supportive of the Bill. It seems iniquitous that candidates now almost all lobbyists declare any clients for whom are limited by the amount they can spend during an they provide political advice, under this Bill they would election period on setting out their arguments, but that only declare clients on whose behalf they have had a third party can lavish many more thousands of pounds direct communication with Ministers or permanent to make a political case that could have a direct influence secretaries. The Bill seems to suggest that humble Back on the outcome of a local or national result. Benchers, and members and even Chairmen of Select Committees, carry little influence. I know that Back Tristram Hunt (Stoke-on-Trent Central) (Lab): Is Benchers are sometimes described as “Lobby fodder”, there any academic evidence of the effect of third-party but it seems harsh to enshrine such a view in law. campaigning in changing the result of an election to Parliament? Stephen Doughty: The hon. Lady is making a strong point about part 1. Does she share my concern that the Angie Bray: I cannot imagine that anybody would vast majority of lobbying that goes on is not with waste their money if they did not think that there was a Ministers or permanent secretaries but with other parts desirable outcome. of the political system, and the Bill does not address that? If we are to limit election expenditure, then limit it we should without fear or favour to any political party or Angie Bray: The hon. Gentleman makes a good point, special interest group. I find it hard to believe that many one well understood by those who have had some members of the public who happily chuck a couple of experience of the lobbying industry. quid into a bucket rattled for a charity in a supermarket This aspect of the Bill will affect only “consultant on a Saturday morning fervently wish their money to go lobbyists”; it will not affect in-house lobbyists, trade into political campaigning rather than to the cause that associations, charities, trade unions, accountants or lawyers. has appealed to their generosity in the first place. That But that is not all, as it will not even affect all consultant is why I do not believe that the Bill will affect charitable lobbyists; it will affect just those for whom lobbying is a activity; I do not believe that charities, on the whole, substantial part of their businesses. There must be tend to do politics. a number of large companies for which lobbying is a substantial part of their business, but they can reasonably Chris Bryant: Will the hon. Lady give way? claim it is subsumed into all the other connected areas that they work in. Angie Bray: No. I have given way twice and other Fewer companies would be registered under this Bill Members are keen to speak. than currently register voluntarily. The point at which Let us be clear: the Bill will not curtail policy campaigning registrable activities would be triggered would actually but only campaigns during elections that are targeted mean that less lobbying activity is declared. No light directly at political parties or their candidates, who are would be shed on the numerous companies and themselves limited in what they spend. organisations that lobby us daily but do so using an I fear that the Bill will not succeed in one of its in-house lobbyist. Again, there are some large companies primary aims, and I speak as a candid friend when I whose business encompasses a wide variety of interests, urge the Minister to revisit the proposals for the register but we will not know, thanks to this Bill, which bit they of lobbyists. The Government are right to seek to are pushing at any meeting at any given time. Far from extend transparency further in the lobbying of Parliament, bringing transparency to lobbying, the Bill defines lobbying but sadly I do not think we have grabbed the opportunity so tightly and so unrealistically as to become almost with both hands, as we should. Although I hesitate to meaningless. say that we need less of a rush, given how long it has Let us remind ourselves of why this Bill, so long in taken to get to this point, we need far greater detailed gestation, has been brought forward now. It is because consideration and—dare I say it—a better understanding of a raft of allegations in the media in recent months of how the lobbying industry works. that pointed towards misconduct by parliamentarians, but let us be clear that no actual lobbying company was 3.51 pm involved in those episodes and that, in any case, rules are already in place. More importantly, the activities John Robertson (Glasgow North West) (Lab): It is a uncovered by the media would not have been registrable pleasure to follow the hon. Members for Ealing Central under this Bill, because none of the protagonists were and Acton (Angie Bray) and for St Albans (Mrs Main). either Ministers or permanent secretaries. I am afraid I do not necessarily agree with everything they said, but that in seeking to clear up the lobbying scandals we at least they have been thoughtful and have a good idea should perhaps look closer to home. of what they are talking about. A number of my Opposition Also unchecked by this Bill will be all those with colleagues have also made very good speeches. parliamentary passes and free access to Parliament We have to agree that not all lobbyists are bad. As whose ultimate paymasters are not the MP or peer Members of Parliament, we get a lot of information whose name appears on the pass, but a raft of special from lobbyists that we use to our benefit. There is no 223 Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party 3 SEPTEMBER 2013 Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party 224 Campaigning and TU Admin Bill Campaigning and TU Admin Bill way that I, as a member of the Select Committee on Previous speakers have said that Ministers will be the Energy and Climate Change, could see every person only ones who will be covered by this. It is funny that who wants a meeting with me, but I try to meet those although Members of Parliament were exposed on who will shed a light on whatever idea the Committee is television for doing something, every time that a Minister talking about at the time. We use that information when was exposed there were always rules governing the fact we talk to Ministers and that is how it should be. that they could get away with it. I mentioned that I do not believe that the Bill gives us transparency. It Deloitte has been paying for a member of a Minister’s is very narrow and I think that an idea was formed staff—the Minister is not in his place at the moment—for somewhere along the line about how it could be used. a number of years, yet Deloitte gets billions of pounds- Although I agree with my hon. Friend the Member for worth of business from this Government. That has got Wallasey (Ms Eagle) that it is a bad Bill, I also think to be wrong, yet according to all the rules of Parliament, that there must be a reason why these things are being no rule was broken. There is something wrong with that. done. These people are not idiots—they know what The Prime Minister employs someone in No. 10 who they are doing and there must be a reason behind it. is obviously having an effect, but he says, “I have not Although the Bill is a bad Bill, I believe that its purpose talked to him on this subject.” Well, he has to talk about is to stop my party winning the next election. If last something, and I dare say that, whatever was important week’s vote on Syria had gone a different way—I am in Parliament, he was getting advice from that person glad to say that it did not—would that have been on it. Whether that person should be allowed to give because third parties had lobbied us to support the him that advice and whether he should have been allowed Government in what they were trying to do? through the doors of No. 10 is another matter—and we need not go back to the matter of the gentleman who We suffered as a party in the 2005 election when the was supposedly a journalist who did his bit to try to coalition partner, the Liberal Democrats, picked up a help the Government to get into power and has now lot of votes on the back of an anti-war vote. Their ended up facing court charges. support slackened off, as we saw when we got to the 2010 election. I believe that the Bill would have stopped These things have happened, but people keep getting the third parties in 2005 saying, “Don’t vote for a away with it, and I want to know why. If we are going to Government who go to war.” I think that worked against have transparency in lobbying, transparency in campaigning us. The Government are not that stupid, and avoiding and transparency on the trade unions, we must do it that is one reason why we have the Bill. We have talked right. We should not go off half-cocked and try to about the rail network and its effect, and the same attack people whom we do not like politically or whom applies here. The Bill could be used against anything we particularly disagree with. We should include everyone that is anti-Government. in a proper manner. We should have proper scrutiny. We should talk to the relevant Select Committees to help us What are we doing? We are talking about registers of with that scrutiny, and we should not ignore them. interests. Only 1% of those who lobby will be put on a Unfortunately, what we see is a Government who want register and the rest would not be on it. Why would that to ignore everything unless it suits them, so the question be? Who are we highlighting—the small groups, the is why. individuals and the third-party wee groups who get Another example is that Volker Beckers, who is the together occasionally? Why would we want to do that? former chief executive officer of npower, has become There must be a reason. Therefore, why are we doing the chairman of the scrutiny committee of Her Majesty’s that when we are not tackling the big lobbyists whom Revenue and Customs. During his time as the CEO of we met regularly? Why are they exempt? I ask these npower, it did not pay a penny in tax. How can this questions—I hope that the Minister can answer them— happen? Is there no scrutiny of these people? Is no one because I have not for the life of me worked out why the observing what is happening? Government would want to do this. Why has this been allowed to happen? Lack of transparency and lack of knowing what is going on are James Duddridge: For many years, this House has not the cause, and the Leader of the House—unfortunately, done enough to tackle lobbying. The hon. Member for he is not in his place—must take responsibility for that. Dunfermline and West Fife (Thomas Docherty) produced He is the man in charge. If he is not following up these a massive Bill that was perhaps more along the lines things, they are his fault. He is the man who should fall that the hon. Member for Glasgow North West (John on his sword, and we should get someone who is willing Robertson) requires, but it was too difficult; it bit off to do what is required. too much to chew to be good legislation. One might We have a voluntary register at the moment. I have argue that this Bill is narrow in the wrong places, but is never been happy with anything voluntary that is to do there not an advantage in having a narrow and focused with business. I have always believed that the register Bill? should be mandatory. Unless we make it mandatory and the process is done in a proper manner that we are John Robertson: I accept what the hon. Gentleman happy with as a Parliament, we will end up with the says, and I believe that he believes what he says. I same problems that we have today, and we will still have actually believe that, if we are going to do this, everyone the same arguments. should be included. No one should be exempt, or Let me register an interest as a member of Unite, everyone should be exempt. There is no point in putting although I have not received any money off it for some a small group on to a register when everyone else can do time—certainly not in this Parliament. That might be as they will. If we are going to do it, let us do it right because I am not doing a good job—who knows? I like and put everyone on the list, so that we can see who is to think I have always been a good trade unionist. I lobbying and that they meet the criteria. believe in trade unionism. I believe in what trade unions 225 Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party 3 SEPTEMBER 2013 Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party 226 Campaigning and TU Admin Bill Campaigning and TU Admin Bill [John Robertson] James Duddridge: I gently say to the hon. Lady, 13 years and nothing done, three years and we are doing do. I believe that trade unions fight for those who do something, and the Opposition in large part are saying, not have the power to fight for themselves, and I do not “We don’t want to do it now,” or “It’s the wrong thing.” believe that unions should be attacked any more than It is contradictory. I am not saying that the Bill is anybody else. It is amazing that we have a register for perfect, but it is a contradictory position that the Opposition them. We have members lists but why do we not have a are putting forward. register of members of the Minister’s party? Should we The second part of the Bill deals with third-party therefore take on the Conservative party and disband it funding. The Leader of the House skirted around the because it does not meet the rules? If we had a mandatory subject a little. I referred to it in an earlier intervention register, that would be the case, and I would be all for it. as the elephant in the room—the trade union movement. The hon. Member for Glasgow North West is right to 4pm ask why the Government are doing this. Clearly, I have James Duddridge (Rochford and Southend East) (Con): a slightly more benign impression of the Government It is a pleasure to follow the hon. Member for Glasgow than do Opposition Members. One can think that natural, North West (John Robertson). We agree on the need for but looking at the facts and going through the House of the reform of lobbying, but disagree on quite a lot of Commons Library research paper, I wanted to know the detail and the basic principle that I believe in—that who these third parties were. I shall list some of them. taking some action now on a narrow range of issues is Unison spent £671 million in the year running up to better than waiting a very long time to find a piece of the general election in 2010. The National Union of perfect legislation that covers and encompasses all the Teachers spent £121 million—sorry, £122 million if one problems that we face on lobbying. We had a Bill before rounds up the £100,000. The Public and Commercial the House that encompassed all those issues, which was Services Union spent £84 million. Unite, which receives introduced by the hon. Member for Dunfermline and a bad press, was not spending very much money at all West Fife (Thomas Docherty), and that was rejected in compared with some of the big guns, at £16 million. large part because it was too big. The Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers The hon. Member for Glasgow North West mentioned spent just under £5 million and Wales TUC £4.3 million. that he no longer receives funding from Unite. Had the That list is not absolutely in order. There are about union been listening to this speech, I would have said 20 names and I am less familiar with a number of them, that it was much remiss. Later I will discuss third-party such as Vote for a Change Ltd. I mention it because, funding. Unite spent £16.9 million in the last general under the proposed threshold of £388,000, only it and election year. I suggest that some should come the hon. Unison would have been unable to do what they were Gentleman’s way next time round. already doing, so it is not a major issue. I also note that 38 Degrees is on the list. It spent Yasmin Qureshi (Bolton South East) (Lab): To equate either £10.8 million or £10.9 million—I do not know a trade union, which is fighting for workers’ rights, which because of my poor eyesight, but it was a sizable minimum wage and rights in the workplace, with big amount. I reflect on the e-mails that I have received companies that are influencing Government is surely about the Bill. The hon. Member for Wansbeck (Ian the wrong approach. Lavery) said that it was not just the unions that had written to him, but other constituents more generally. James Duddridge: I was not linking the two. I was The vast majority of the people who have written to me talking about third-party funding and the unions, but I about the Bill have been from one of the third-party will come back to third-party funding in more detail. funders: 38 Degrees. It was said earlier that the Wikipedia Let me take the Bill chronologically, starting with entry had changed and that the organisation was set up part 1 on the register of lobbyists. It is an interesting by Labour supporters and members. There is nothing start. I was disappointed that the long title was not wrong with that, but I think we need transparency. written to encapsulate further inclusion of other bodies if there was consensus in the House. On issues of time Dr Whitehead: The hon. Gentleman might like to scale, I deeply regret that the previous Government did take a couple of noughts off his calculations, bearing in not introduce a Bill. I deeply regret that, although it was mind that the total expenditure by third parties at the in the coalition document, we did not have the foresight last general election was £2.8 million. to start this process earlier, which would have allowed a greater degree of pre-legislative scrutiny, but it is perhaps because the subject is tricky that it has taken the James Duddridge: The hon. Gentleman is entirely Government so long, rather than their trying to hide correct; I was getting carried away—[Interruption.] The something. hon. Member for Rhondda (Chris Bryant) has asked me to start my speech again. I can list the unions again Sheila Gilmore: Can the hon. Gentleman explain why with the correct figures. For Unison the figure was we are constantly told that there has not been time, £671,000, rather than £671 million. For the National Union when we are three years and some months past the of Teachers the figure was £121,000. For the Public and general election? Not just that, but the consultation Commercial Services Union the figure was £84,000. paper on lobbying was ready well over a year ago. The Those are still enormous amounts of money that, if Select Committee held a substantial investigation into targeted in individual areas, could have a massive impact. it. It was clear that the proposals did not suit anybody There is a case for having no limits, but if we have and did not win approval on either side of the argument. that for charities and unions, perhaps the first organisations It has been a whole year and a bit since the Select that should have no limits are political parties. The House Committee reported. has taken the view, and legislated on it, that we should 227 Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party 3 SEPTEMBER 2013 Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party 228 Campaigning and TU Admin Bill Campaigning and TU Admin Bill limit public expenditure. Anyone who has been a student the piper calls the tune.” We should be avoiding, at all of American politics can very much see why. Colleagues costs, pursuing the US route, but sadly the costs of in Congress, when they hear how much we spend in politics in the UK are increasing. Therefore, the key to individual constituencies, are dumbfounded at how little ensuring that our politics is not dominated by vested money is involved. What we do not want to see in the interests is to reduce the costs of politics. United Kingdom are political action committees or Secondly, legislation on lobbying, political campaigning things of that ilk rising up and campaigning on behalf and party funding should enhance the plurality of our of or against Governments in the run-up to elections as politics, not undermine it. It is therefore a great shame a proxy service. that this Bill on lobbying fails to tackle the matter and Opposition Members disagree about Labour history, would be virtually useless in dealing with any of the so I shall talk about it in trepidation, with great generality. lobbying scandals of recent times—donations for dinners, The Labour party is the product of a union movement, cash for honours, cash for questions, and the ministerial and quite rightly that movement recognised that workers “cab for hire” scandal of the previous Labour needed representation in Parliament because they were Administration. The key question is which one of these not getting a fair crack of the whip or fair representation deplorable scandals would be stopped by the Bill. here, but I gently say that things have moved on. The I have a background in public affairs, having worked unions cannot have it both ways: they cannot give birth for Citizens Advice Cymru before entering this place. to an organisation that we accept in this place, and has The main effort of lobbying is focused on the Executive— limits on its expenditure at elections, and then spend Ministers, civil servants and special advisers in the large amounts of money themselves on those elections. Government—and not on the legislature, whether That strikes me as entirely ridiculous. Parliament or the National Assembly. After all, it is within the Executive that key decisions are made. There Stephen Phillips (Sleaford and North Hykeham) (Con): is a strong need to regulate lobbying of the Executive I will be asking my hon. Friend to write me a cheque and to deal with aspects such as the revolving door later, given his propensity to add zeros to numbers. whereby figures in Government—civil servants, SpAds Leaving that aside, he is making a very good point. and Ministers—go on to take up positions in companies Things have moved on. Is not the Bill, and specifically that have benefited as a direct result of the decisions part 3, just about creating a level playing field? If we they made while in Government. care about democracy, is it not right that on neither side During the aforementioned visit to the States we had of the House and nowhere in this country should big a meeting at the Pentagon, which was a very strange money be able to buy political influence? place for a Plaid Cymru politician to find himself. We learned that officials responsible for procurement or James Duddridge: My hon. and learned Friend is issuing contracts had to make an official annual declaration absolutely right. Under no circumstances should politicians of their financial holdings for independent assessment, on either side of the House prostitute themselves to big to ensure that their decisions were not being influenced money. Time and again that has happened. I shall not by personal financial considerations. The civil service be partisan and list 13 years of Ecclestone and so on. code in the UK does not make it a mandatory requirement Let us take a larger chunk of time. Over the past for those in commissioning positions to publish 100 years all political parties have been guilty, and that such statements. If we are to have a cleaner politics demeans this House. A number of colleagues have said Bill, surely that is the sort of measure we should be that lobbying is an important function. It is, but we considering. need to draw the line between open, transparent lobbying There is no need to rush through legislation as this and closed, dirty lobbying that involves buying influence Bill seeks to do. The amendment in the name of the hon. and lots of money. Member for Nottingham North (Mr Allen) is highly When I read through part 3, I was quite surprised, sensible. We must get agreement among all the political given the history of union negotiations and strikes and parties that operate within the British state, not have the importance of numbers and votes, that this basic something partisan being pushed forward by the information is not already available. [HON.MEMBERS: Government of the day. This Bill should be dropped “It is.”] If, as Labour Members say, the information is and a special Committee of the House be convened to already available, there is no additional burden so I am recommend rules on lobbying that should then be sure they will support part 3. implemented. Anything partisan is bound to fail. As others have noted, part 2 will impede the ability of 4.10 pm third parties such as charities, think-tanks and other groups to campaign in the year prior to a Westminster Jonathan Edwards (Carmarthen East and Dinefwr) election. I would like to highlight the potential for (PC): It is high time that the House examined the issue chaos among civil society groups operating in Wales of lobbying. Our motives should be guided by two main and the negative impact on Welsh democracy. We live in aims that we should use to judge the provisions in the a state of near-permanent elections—local, European Bill, in addition to the stated aim of transparency. and Westminster elections, and, of course, those for the First, we must tackle the corrupting influence of big devolved legislatures. Yet, again, we have a Westminster money and take it out of politics. I recently visited the Government proposing legislation that does nothing to United States on an exchange visit to Congress arranged consider its impact on Wales. by the British-American all-party group. I was amazed My previous employer is an England and Wales body, to learn that Congressmen spend a large amount of and in that post I would have been responsible for their time raising funds to fight the next election rather simultaneous UK-wide and Welsh campaigns, which than legislating. As the old saying goes, “He who pays often crossed over each other. How can organisations 229 Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party 3 SEPTEMBER 2013 Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party 230 Campaigning and TU Admin Bill Campaigning and TU Admin Bill [Jonathan Edwards] 4.17 pm possibly dissect what aspects of campaigning work come Sarah Newton (Truro and Falmouth) (Con): It gives under the provisions of the Bill, and how can the me great pleasure to follow the hon. Member for Electoral Commission regulate campaigning activity? Carmarthen East and Dinefwr (Jonathan Edwards), who reminded us of an important principle that The rules would be far more wide-ranging than reducing differentiates this country from America. Following his the annual expenditure. Regulations would cover a wide recent visit he noted that we do not have unlimited range of activities carried out for election purposes, amounts of money at general elections. It is really such as controls on spending on events, media work, important to us to create a level playing field, as far as polling, transport, policy documents, discussing party possible. Those who write the largest cheques do not get policies, election material distributed to the public, and to influence policy, and that important principle finds staff costs. The only things missing are staples and Blu itself in this Bill. Tack. Welsh democracy could suffer as a result, as I also welcome the contribution of the hon. Member charity and campaign groups may have their campaigning for Nottingham North (Mr Allen), who is right to urge activities restricted all because of a Westminster election, his own Front Benchers to recognise the significant while the same rules will not apply during an Assembly steps being taken by this Government to address a election year. complicated issue. Those Front Benchers did not take action when they were in government and they are not Wayne David (Caerphilly) (Lab): Does the hon. doing so now. They should pay heed to the work of the Gentleman share my concern that part 2 applies not Political and Constitutional Reform Committee and just to Westminster elections, but to elections for devolved the service it has done the whole House over the recess, institutions as well? not only in reminding the general public that our work does not end when Parliament goes into recess and that we work throughout the year, but in highlighting the Jonathan Edwards: The hon. Gentleman makes a very important role that Select Committees can perform very important point. There has been little consultation in scrutinising proposed legislation. I urge Labour Front in Wales, as reflected by the very strong correspondence Benchers to consider what the hon. Gentleman has said we have received from bodies in our country. and hope that every Member will use the next few days Charities and campaign groups working in Wales to examine the evidence that will be shared with us—it could have their ability to interact with and make is the result of the hard work of colleagues from all representations to the Welsh Government and the National parties over the recess—in order to reach a consensus, Assembly for Wales curtailed, which could affect the rather than this constant prevarication on what is quality of legislation designed in Wales. Critically, plurality undoubtedly a very difficult issue. It is important that in Welsh political life could be undermined. We have a we make progress on this issue. very weak civil society as it is and many of the bodies in Wales are UK-wide or England and Wales bodies. Sheila Gilmore: Will the hon. Lady give way? A large bureaucratic job is being imposed on and expected from the Electoral Commission, and it is Sarah Newton: I will give way in a moment when I ironic that this is coming form the small-state Conservative have finished my point. party, with Lib Dem backing. The Electoral Commission did not call for the changes, nor was it consulted. What This issue is important to my constituents and to extra resources will it be given to achieve the new constituents around the country. We are all concerned responsibilities that the Leader of the House is placing about powerful vested interests and their influence on on it? politics and government. The Government are right to grapple with those concerns and to open up the process Finally, on part 3, I am the son of a former trade of how policy is influenced and made in our country. union shop steward so it will be of little surprise to the Leader of the House and the Government that I have Like many Members, before I came to this House in concerns and consider the provisions to be a thinly 2010, I was very concerned about the centralisation of veiled attempt to restrict and constrict trade unions and power in the hands of an over-mighty Executive. The trade union activity. The British state already has some Bill is part of what the Government are doing in a wide of the most restrictive trade union laws in the western range of policy areas to transfer policy and power to world. Far from hindering trade union activity further, the many, and not keep them concentrated with the few. we should be incorporating the unions into the economy I very much welcome those steps and know that they as Germany has historically done, with unions playing a will be welcomed by people up and down the country. key part in industrial strategy and workers’ representatives Lobbying is a vital part of my job and the job of on company boards. everybody in Parliament. We are the champions for our In conclusion, party funding is closely linked to the constituents. It is our passion and dedication that ensure issues thrown up by the Bill. Plaid Cymru stresses the that the voices of our constituents are heard loud and need for recognition that the politics of the British state clear, and that they get the changes that they want to see is now undoubtedly a multi-party affair. Party funding in their communities and across the nation. Lobbying is rules should receive full consultation and agreement, an important part of what we do, so it is important that and not be a stitch-up by the London parties. This Bill it is properly understood and that there is greater fails in the aim of removing big money from politics transparency about how the process works. and undermines plurality. We will therefore vote against it this evening. Sheila Gilmore: Will the hon. Lady give way? 231 Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party 3 SEPTEMBER 2013 Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party 232 Campaigning and TU Admin Bill Campaigning and TU Admin Bill Sarah Newton: Actually, there are only a few minutes being an MP. Then we legislated, we had an election, left and I want to make some progress. large numbers of new people came into the House, and In the remaining time available to me, I will focus on we thought we had put the issue behind us. However, part 2 of the Bill because I am appalled by the shameless the Prime Minister was right to say that the next scandal scaremongering about the impact on charities. Like would be about lobbying, which is why I welcomed the some other hon. Members, I spent a considerable part introduction of this Bill. of my career in the voluntary sector. For most of my It was most depressing and angry-making—I was career, I worked as a campaigner for a national charity, furious—when I saw the films of Members of Parliament Age Concern, which is now Age UK. After that, I offering their services to lobbyists for money, so when worked for an independent, non-political think-tank. I the Government said they were going to introduce therefore have considerable experience of what it is like legislation, I did not mind so much about the speed as I to work in a charity that is seeking to influence policy. I wanted it done quickly but effectively.It is, however, acutely do not accept the arguments about the gagging of depressing that this Bill does nothing of the sort. By charities that have been made by Members today and excluding the vast proportion of lobbyists—the in-house by 38 Degrees in its campaign. lobbyists—we are making ourselves a laughing stock. Charities have always been heavily regulated. They Let me follow on from what the hon. Member for St understand their responsibilities during general elections. Albans (Mrs Main) said. I have experience of in-house Whatever the good cause—whether it is Citizens Advice lobbyists. In my constituency, the third runway campaign, or a cancer charity—charities know that their funds BAA, did not use external lobbyists; it used generally come from the voluntary contributions of a wide range in-house lobbyists who not only lobbied but had passes of people across the country who support all political to the Department for Transport. They were not bothered parties. They certainly do not want to upset their donors about meeting Ministers; they wanted to meet junior by trying to get particular Members of Parliament civil servants who wrote the projections of growth in elected in particular constituencies. passenger traffic and so on. That is how effective they Charities make a hugely important contribution during were. When he was the Minister responsible for aviation, election campaigns by campaigning for policy changes Chris Mullin asked how many BAA staff were in the and highlighting certain issues at a crucial time when Department for Transport on a daily basis. On the day the nation is focused on whom it will choose to represent he left, he was told that dozens of people had passes to it here and which parties it will elect into power. Charities come to the Department to influence people. I think ensure that the candidates are fully apprised of the views that is corruption in any other terms, and the sort of of the people they seek to serve. That includes the people thing we want to tackle. for whom the charities seek to improve the quality of The hon. Member for St Albans gave a brilliant speech life and those who give the charities money and support and some examples of what goes on. Bizarrely, however, their campaigns. That is something that charities have the Bill does not tackle that level of corruption but gags always done and, I am sure, will continue to do. I am the very people from whom we want to hear. It even concerned because owing to what I feel has been hysterical gags them during the general election period when they scaremongering by 38 Degrees, people are now worried can be most influential. I find the proposed legislation that they will be gagged and that there will be a dumbing- not only contradictory but shameful, and it is important down effect. to listen to what my hon. Friend the Member for Nottingham North (Mr Allen) said. We should stand Mr Russell Brown (Dumfries and Galloway) (Lab): back for the next period, listen and take evidence from Will the hon. Lady give way? organisations and individuals with experience in this field, and come to some agreement about the way forward. Sarah Newton: I have just a few seconds left. I hope If we cannot reach cross-party agreement on this that as the Bill goes through the House, the clarity that issue, the Bill will not stand up in the long term. Once is needed about the role of charities and their ability to again the House will be brought into disrepute because campaign, hold meetings and influence us will continue. we will be on the side of protecting lobbyists while I believe that charities and third sector organisations trying to gag those who, as representatives of civil have a vital part to play in a vibrant democracy—in fact society, want their voice properly heard. I urge the they will have an even greater role in the future, as we Government to think again. Let us bring the parties have seen when organisations such as Fish Fight come together outside this Chamber and have another discussion together. People’s concerns to have proper, legal clarification about a proper way forward and a realistic timetable. of the Bill will be enormously helpful. We will then have We can still meet a timetable that enacts legislation an important Bill and a good step forward to create a before the next general election, but we need the next level playing field at the next general election. couple of months for careful consideration and the proper involvement of all those who will be affected. 4.25 pm The only people who seem to be involved at the moment John McDonnell (Hayes and Harlington) (Lab): To are professional lobbying associations, not those I think be frank, I find this whole debate deeply worrying and actually deserve to be heard. If the Bill is passed in its depressing. We must remind ourselves that only a few current form, it will go down as a Bill drafted by a years ago the House was brought into contempt in the lobbyist for certain types of lobbyists, and they will be eyes of the general public because of the expenses those lobbyists who try to maximise their profit. scandal. Even those of us who were completely clean were cast in the same light. For most of us, being elected Paul Flynn: I am enjoying my hon. Friend’s speech was one of the proudest moments of our lives, but after and am grateful to him for giving way. He expresses the the expenses scandal we almost had to apologise for anger felt on both sides of the House about the potentially 233 Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party 3 SEPTEMBER 2013 Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party 234 Campaigning and TU Admin Bill Campaigning and TU Admin Bill [Paul Flynn] is forced through by the Government, we will be back to amend it. However, while it is in place, it will undermine corrupting activity of lobbyists over many years. Can democratic engagement in this country across the piece. he think of any demand from anyone who believes that the next scandal in the country will involve Oxfam, the British Legion and Save the Children? 4.33 pm Jacob Rees-Mogg (North East Somerset) (Con): It is John McDonnell: My hon. Friend makes a valid a pleasure to follow the hon. Member for Hayes and point. The Leader of the House would win the respect Harlington (John McDonnell), who is always interesting, of the House if he took time to bring those organisations although I am afraid I fundamentally disagree with him in to hear from them. He argues that gagging is not on this occasion. within the legislation. The impact of the legislation per In fact, this is an excellent, measured and balanced se will not gag those organisations, but self-gagging will Bill. It is the right Bill to introduce at this time. Every take place, because, as other hon. Members have said, aspect of it makes me admire the Lord Privy Seal more people will not want to risk their charity’s or organisation’s than I have ever done before. He is right, in part 1, to funds on lawyers to advise them or to defend them have come to this approach for regulating lobbyists, when things go wrong. I therefore ask the Government because lobbying is an important part of our constitutional to stand back, pause and consult, and introduce adequate settlement. It is a right of individuals to come here to legislation on which we can reach consensus. I am sure lobby us. Indeed, the petitioning of the Crown is a we can do it. specific right in the Bill of Rights. It is why Parliament Part 3 of the Bill is about trade unions. The reality is was assembled in the first place: people were able to that, since Mrs Thatcher’s day, the Conservatives have petition for redress of grievance. Anything done to wanted to introduce legislation that bans trade unions, regulate or control lobbying has to be done with exceptional but have realised they could not get it through the care and thoughtfulness, and to be as minimalist as House. They have therefore successively introduced possible while maintaining the proprieties we seek to legislation to ensure that they impede the activities of achieve. trade unions as best they can. That is why we have had extensive discussions on the technicalities of balloting, Paul Flynn: One of the most reliable and enthusiastic registrations and so on. lobbyists in the country has had 53 meetings with The measure is yet another way in which the Ministers in this Parliament, including 35 meetings with Conservatives are trying to encumber trade unions with members of the Cabinet, to lobby for some sensible unnecessary bureaucracy to impede them in representing causes, some eccentric causes and some barmy causes. their members. Unions already have membership lists, Should we not put this most influential lobbyist, Prince which they must regularly update, because if they ballot Charles, into the orbit of the Bill? for industrial action or on consultations, they must ensure the list are accurate—otherwise, they will be in Jacob Rees-Mogg: We are so fortunate to have a court yet again, because employers can take legal action Prince of Wales who is able to train properly for the job against them to prevent industrial action or any other he will have as our sovereign in due course, and to have form of action before strike action. access to Ministers. Of course, that should be confidential. Compared to some princes of Wales we have had in the The legislation is therefore unnecessary, but I find it past, how fortunate—how blessed—is this nation to offensive because it applies only to trade unions. Why have one who does his duty so diligently? I am glad that just trade unions? The Leader of the House’s argument he does, and I think we can admire His Royal Highness is that trade unions influence public policy, but so does for that—almost as much as we admire the Lord Privy the CBI, the Institute of Directors and a large number Seal. of organisations that are not encompassed by the legislation. That betrays the real agenda: the measure is an attack on trade unions—yet again—by the Government. Chris Bryant: I am slightly worried that the hon. Gentleman’s respect for the Lord Privy Seal is based on I hope the Government see sense on that measure. All a fundamental misconception. I do not think he has they will do is introduce another mechanism that sours read the Bill, because it does not say anything about the industrial relations climate in this country—another regulating lobbying Parliament, only about lobbying opportunity for litigation, meaning more time spent in Government. That is one of the Bill’s flaws. the courts. That does not enhance the relationship between workers and employers, or the development of Jacob Rees-Mogg: Oh dear, the hon. Gentleman gets industrial, manufacturing or other economic policy by so over-excited on these occasions that he intervenes far bringing people together; it simply increases antagonism. too early. What I was going to come on to say is that the I believe it will therefore be counter-productive. I urge matter of what happens in Parliament is, rightly, not the Government to think again on the measure. It is covered in the Bill. It is the duty of Parliament and the petty, and they are introducing it now simply for short-term House of Commons itself to regulate its own affairs. If party advantage following debates before the summer the Bill interfered in the procedures of this House I recess. The measure will do nothing for the Government’s would oppose it. We have an absolute right, under the standing or for the relationship between trade unions Bill of Rights, to freedom of speech in this House, and and employers. members of the public have the right of access to Finally, this is no way to legislate. I fully agree with Members of Parliament. That absolute right must be much of what has been said by hon. Members on both defended. Members of the public must be free, whether sides of the House on that. This is no way to introduce a individually or collectively, to express their views to major constitutional reform. At the end of the day, if it Members of Parliament. If MPs fall foul of the high 235 Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party 3 SEPTEMBER 2013 Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party 236 Campaigning and TU Admin Bill Campaigning and TU Admin Bill standards that are expected of them, then that is a under this Bill if they happen to organise a rally or matter for the Privileges Committee to deal with. We campaign in the run-up to an election. How can he have powers not only to expel Members if necessary, square those two things? but to imprison them, and they have no right of appeal to any court in the land. Jacob Rees-Mogg: The hon. Lady has been taken in That is how we should proceed in terms of Parliament. by the scare story and this absurd idea of firestorms. Government is another matter and that is why it is right That is not what is happening. Charities are not allowed that part 1 deals with the lobbying of Ministers of the to campaign in general elections, and quite rightly so. Crown and of civil servants. That is a matter rightly Political parties fight hard to raise their money, whether confined to legislation. it comes from unions, business or individuals. Why should they not have charitable status, when charities Thomas Docherty: I am most grateful to the hon. may intervene in elections using the tax they have Gentleman for giving way, but he just mentioned civil reclaimed—the extra funds and the status they have as servants. In fact, the Bill does not cover civil servants, charities—but without standing for election fully? And just permanent secretaries. Is that not a failing and an they cannot: the law does not allow charities to be oversight of the Bill? directly involved in general elections. That is quite correct, and it will be maintained by this Jacob Rees-Mogg: I do not think it is. It is important Bill. There is no change in the status of charities: they to deal with the senior figures who will be important in are not allowed to promote particular candidates in decision making, and the Bill is right to do that. elections. That is surely right, and it is why this Bill has caused a storm that is quite unnecessary, because charities The Bill is also absolutely right to confine itself to will be able, as they are now, to put forward the views professional lobbyists. It is surely reasonable that when they hold dear, but not to back individual candidates. a public company—for example, Coca-Cola or Shell—has With all the tax and fundraising advantages that charities a meeting with Ministers, we know and understand that have, they should not be involved in the election process. they will be promoting their own business. However, That is the standard of the Charity Commission as it is when an obscure lobbyist wanders into Downing street, today; it should remain so. The controls that are in we want to know who that obscure lobbyist is promoting. place are not being changed. [Interruption.] Bing Crosby? I do not think he has been going to Downing street recently. As far as I am aware What is being changed is the position on third parties— he is no longer alive. It is right that regulation should be those organisations that lack the courage to stand for at ministerial level. Crucially, the Bill defends the liberty election, but wish to intervene in the election process by of people to lobby, so it has got that difficult balance spending money up and down the country. They should right. There has been talk about the long gestation be subject to the same requirements as political parties. period of the Bill. That has been because it has not been If we are to have a cap on total spending for political easy for the balance, between the protections of freedom parties that openly stand for election, a lower cap of speech and the need to regulate lobbying, to be should be applied to third parties that do not have the correctly aligned. The Government, in their wisdom, courage to put their names forward to stand. If we do have succeeded magnificently in doing that. not have that, the alternative is to go down the American route, for which I have some sympathy, of completely Part 2 is even better—it is the highlight of the Bill. It unlimited spending—people can spend as much as they is so sensible that we should regulate third parties in the can raise. Opposition Members would not like that, same way as political parties. The idea that a third party because I can tell them that we on the Conservative side in a general election should be subject to less regulation would raise a good deal more money on that basis than than a political party that is openly fighting an election they do. We would outspend them a great deal, so they is the height of absurdity. The panic that we have had should be pleased about the caps, which are given by from the Opposition Benches and some in the charities benign Conservatives to level the playing field with our section is glorious to behold. The hon. Member for socialist friends. That is a good way of ensuring that the Hampstead and Kilburn (Glenda Jackson) said that democratic process is fair and is not skewed by money. there was a firestorm—a literal firestorm—in Hampstead. I was hoping that London’s noble fire brigade was not A lot of campaigning organisations, including the going to go out and be disappointed—that it would not NCVO—the National Council for VoluntaryOrganisations react as when it was summoned by Matilda, as you will —receive a lot of money directly from the Government, remember, Mr Deputy Speaker: it came out in all its and they are now spending that Government money glory and, of course, there was no fire, because Matilda lobbying the Government. That seems a terrible waste called the fire brigade when there was not a fire to be of public funds. I hope that the Bill will be amended in seen. Eventually, there was, and she burnt to death. Committee to make it even more perfect than perfect—to That is the danger of saying that there are firestorms, gild the lily—and prevent that wastage of public money. when in fact this is a perfectly sound Bill. 4.44 pm Lady Hermon: I thank the hon. Gentleman for giving Sammy Wilson (East Antrim) (DUP): It is always a way. He is so enthusiastic about this Bill. May I invite joy to follow the hon. Member for North East Somerset him to come to Northern Ireland, where I am sure (Jacob Rees-Mogg), although it is sometimes a bit everyone listens to every word he utters and takes it frightening as well. On this occasion, I am probably on seriously? This Government are passing legislation in stronger ground than at other times. It is not hard to Northern Ireland to continue giving anonymity of political knock down any arguments that the Bill is “excellent”, donations to political parties, yet we have wonderful “balanced”, “sensible” or demonstrating “care and charities in Northern Ireland that will be criminalised thoughtfulness”. I agree with the hon. Gentleman that 237 Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party 3 SEPTEMBER 2013 Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party 238 Campaigning and TU Admin Bill Campaigning and TU Admin Bill [Sammy Wilson] does not, it is a criminal offence. Let me ask the Leader of the House a genuine question: how are third-party lobbying is an important part of our democracy, but we organisations meant to measure that? How are parties must be sure that it is transparent and open to scrutiny. themselves meant to make that assessment? If the Bill is However, the Bill excludes most lobbying activities. As a as ambiguous and unclear as that, it is not good legislation; former Minister in the Northern Ireland Assembly, I it is not sensible legislation; it is not carefully thought know that it would have been daft if any lobbyist’s first out legislation. That is one reason why we shall vote port of call had been my office or that of the permanent against it tonight. secretary. They went first to the officials who were writing reports for me. Any Bill that excludes that Ian Paisley (North Antrim) (DUP): I think that the aspect of lobbying is not excellent, not balanced and momentum of my hon. Friend’s comments is absolutely not sensible. spot on, but does he agree with me on this? Whenever Let us look at who the Bill covers. It must cover the lobby groups approach us, we assume that they have main lobbying activity, even though there are many already spoken to all of our colleagues and all of our ways of disguising that. As the hon. Member for Glasgow competitors—sometimes, by the way, that might be the North West (John Robertson) pointed out, if anyone same person! The lobbyists, we assume, have already wants to get round the rules, they need only turn to spoken to all of those other people in the round anyway, schedule 1 of the Bill, because the way to get round so there is no big secret about what they are telling us. Is them is to ensure that they get their man in on the it not just that they are giving us their spin on a inside. The lobbying organisation simply needs to ensure particular subject? that their lobbyist becomes an official and an employee. The Bill is not balanced, and it certainly does not Sammy Wilson: We have already discussed the address some of the issues that we are concerned about. importance of lobbying groups in providing the sort of information we require to do our job, but if we are to I tend to agree with the hon. Member for North East regulate them, they have to know what they are being Somerset—and to disagree with some Opposition regulated for. In closing, let me give a couple of examples. Members—about third-party organisations. Of course they should be covered by the legislation, because many I can think of many lobbying organisations that, of them involve themselves quite openly in political because of the position I previously had in the Northern activity. I suspect that many of the organisations that Ireland Assembly, had to see through many of the have lobbied me on this issue do not share my views on expenditure cuts that came as a result of decisions made a whole range of subjects, but they nevertheless play an here. They probably attached a lot of the blame for the important part in the debate in our democracy. However, consequences to me, and when it comes to the election, if we are to have rules and regulations covering third-party I am sure they will make that point. Does that sort of organisations, there needs to be certainty in that regard. campaigning have to be declared as controlled expenditure, The organisations need to know what the rules are, and or is it simply what we would generally expect from what is expected of them. organisations that have control over welfare changes, capital spending cuts and so forth? The hon. Member for North East Somerset said that this part of the Bill was sensible, but let us just look at the hurdles those organisations will have to overcome. Mr Lansley: Let me intervene to disappoint the hon. Any expenditure that they undertake that is deemed to Gentleman a little by pointing out that the bit of text he be controlled expenditure will not be able to be used for referred to in the Bill relating to what is defined as being “election purposes” or in connection with for electoral purposes is exactly the same text as currently applies under the Political Parties, Elections and “promoting or procuring electoral success at any relevant election Referendums Act 2000. That is what the current law for…one or more particular registered parties”. provides, and it is simply being repeated in the context How is that to be measured? Who will measure it? We of this new Bill. The hon. Gentleman is thus attacking carry out assessments within our own parties after the Bill for doing something that already exists in law. elections to determine what worked and what did not, and half the time even we cannot quantify which have Sammy Wilson: It may well already be in law, but been the important elements in the election campaign there are now additional penalties attached and additional and which have been irrelevant. We find it difficult to requirements made on the organisations. For that reason, determine what counted, what brought votes in and it does make the situation difficult for these groups. what did not. And it is even worse than that, because such controlled expenditure will also not be able to be Let me provide another example. One group that is used for not affected by the Bill but nevertheless contacted me is the Christian Institute in Northern Ireland, which has “otherwise enhancing the standing…of any such party or parties” taken a very strong view on gay marriage. Over the last not only in the next election but in “future relevant six months, it has lobbied heavily on the issue, which elections”. might well have influenced how people who support the That being the case, how will a third-party organisation Christian Institute will vote in future elections. Is that be able to determine whether the expenditure has had organisation, then, to be subject to all the scrutiny of its an impact and ought therefore to be registered and expenditure and so forth—not just for this election, but declared? Of course, it gets worse because there are for future ones—and to all the uncertainty attached to implications for the parties. The Bill goes on to set out that? that, if such expenditure has enhanced the standing of The Leader of House says that the provisions are an individual or a party, or helped to procure their already in place, but there are additional requirements election, the relevant party will have to declare that. If it for controlled expenditure to be declared and if it is not 239 Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party 3 SEPTEMBER 2013 Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party 240 Campaigning and TU Admin Bill Campaigning and TU Admin Bill declared, it will count as an offence. If an offence has was fine, but that is not what those organisations are been committed, the organisations will of course find telling me. For the time being, I remain concerned themselves either having to defend themselves in court about the impact of the Bill on charities, which are or simply accept the allegations made against them. expressing deep alarm about it. Again, that will have a chilling effect on their activities. If they have to defend themselves in court, it will lead to Lilian Greenwood (Nottingham South) (Lab): Like additional expenditure and it might also mean that the many other Members, I have received hundreds of organisation will be tarnished. That is one reason why e-mails about this issue. One of them came from the many of these third-party organisations are saying, director of Self Help Nottingham, Sarah Collis, who “This is bad legislation; this is going to damage us; the wrote: legislation should be voted against.” “Self Help Groups are often at the real grass roots of campaigning The Bill does not deal properly with the ordinary for better services, treatment of the most vulnerable and for fairer lobby organisations: it does not include all their lobbying treatment of our society’s voiceless.” activities. It does include the activities of third-party Was she not absolutely right to draw attention to the organisations. Members may or may not approve of fact that organisations such as self-help groups may not those activities, but the fact is that such organisations be able to raise their voices and tell us of their concerns can currently engage in them, but will be dissuaded during the year leading up to a general election? from doing so in the future. For those reasons, we will vote against Second Reading. Jenny Chapman: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for raising that point. Moreover, it seems that it will not Several hon. Members rose— apply only to the run-up to general elections. Elections currently seem to be taking place nearly all the time: Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Lindsay Hoyle): Order. I am European elections, police and crime commissioner elections reducing the speaking limit to six minutes to enable and local elections. Will the Bill apply to all those everyone to speak. elections? If so, it will surely have a constant chilling effect on the activities of some charities.

4.55 pm Paul Farrelly (Newcastle-under-Lyme) (Lab): The Bill Jenny Chapman (Darlington) (Lab): I shall endeavour appears to be a reaction to undercover newspaper reporting not to speak for the full six minutes, so that others can alleging rule-breaking at Westminster, but does my hon. contribute. It is a pleasure to follow the hon. Member Friend agree that it does not address the issue at all? Is it for East Antrim (Sammy Wilson), and I agreed with not in reality an opportunistic attack on the ability of much of what he said. groups in civil society, including trade unions, to deliver My principal concerns about the Bill relate to part 2 a message that might be unwelcome to the Government? and the issue of third parties. The rallying cry from Is it not also deeply disappointing that Liberal Democrat Government Back Benchers seems to be, “This is better members of the coalition have signed up to the Bill, than doing nothing,” but a large part of the Bill is not given their historic emphasis on civil liberties? better than doing nothing, and the rest of it probably is doing nothing. Jenny Chapman: That is a disappointment, but I have to say that it is not surprising that Liberal Democrat Government Members appear to be very worried Members may wish to avoid the scrutiny to which such about charities. According to the hon. Member for groups might want to subject their record come the next Ealing Central and Acton (Angie Bray), charities do election. not do politics. Things are clearly a lot quieter in Ealing during the run-up to an election than they are in Darlington, I speak as a trustee of a charity and as someone who where organisations such as Stonewall, Shelter, and is deeply careful about the way in which the money is even the NCT and Age UK devote much time, effort spent. I make sure, as it is a trustee’s job to do, that we and creativity to trying to persuade candidates to sign do not take decisions that may land the charity in any up to some cause or pledge. I can understand why the kind of difficulty. We want to be sure that the money Deputy Prime Minister may be keen on reducing that that we have worked hard to raise and that it is our job kind of activity before an election, but it is nevertheless to look after is not misspent on having to buy legal crucial in encouraging vibrancy and participation in advice or defend ourselves in court. our electoral process by people who may be largely I am very concerned about what may happen if there sceptical about politics. I think that such campaigning is a charity campaigning on, perhaps, the closure of a by charities is good for our democracy, because it helps hospital and an election candidate decides to support more people to engage in political debate and enlightens that cause. The charity may not have made the decision candidates as well. I myself knew nothing of badgers— to align itself with a political party or candidate, but among other issues—before I was lobbied about them, they somehow become entwined. There will be a loser and I found that lobbying immensely helpful. in that election, as there always is, and what might The Leader of the House seemed to be attempting to happen then? Can the other parties who have not been inject some ambiguity into the position taken by the successful in the election mount a challenge? Who would voluntary sector, but every piece of correspondence be responsible for paying for the defence of that charity that I have received from charities in the run-up to the as a result of the outcome of such an election? debate has expressed deep concern about the implications There are very great concerns, therefore, and my of the changes that the Bill may introduce. He said that sense is that the Leader of the House was not properly he had met representatives of the National Council for cognisant of them before leading this debate today. I Voluntary Organisations yesterday, and that everything can only hope that he becomes more alive to them 241 Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party 3 SEPTEMBER 2013 Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party 242 Campaigning and TU Admin Bill Campaigning and TU Admin Bill [Jenny Chapman] be captured under the definition of consultant lobbying as set out in the Bill. I would therefore like to be quite clear that it is during the course of the Committee stage, although I absolutely not the intention of the Bill to do so.” have to say that I am a bit doubtful of that based on my Although we welcome that assurance, we still have some experience of serving on Committees. reservations about the Bill as drafted. People will know It would have been far preferable to have had some the exemptions it contains, one of which is to protect form of pre-legislative scrutiny, but that is not where we our use of privilege in this place. That is set out in are. I must commend my hon. Friend the Member for schedule 1(1), which, in effect, protects the provisions Nottingham North (Mr Allen) on, in effect, creating a intended to assert the continuing force of article 9 of process for trying to inject further scrutiny of this Bill. the Bill of Rights. Although some question remains about whether or not that could change in the future, There are very real concerns—they are not invented we have no problem with it in the context of this Bill. concerns—and I look forward to hearing the Minister trying to deal with some of them when he sums up. The problem lies where schedule 1 deals with Members’ communications on behalf of their constituents, as the 5.1 pm provisions are restrictive. We believe that the main mischief in the Bill’s current drafting is in paragraph 2 Mr Kevin Barron (Rother Valley) (Lab): Members of schedule 1, which contains the other exception for will know that I chair the Standards Committee, and Members in Parliament. It states: this morning we agreed a report on this Bill and how it “A Member of Parliament who makes communications within might affect us in our role as Members of Parliament. It section 2(3) on behalf of a person or persons resident in his or her was published just half an hour ago at 4.30 pm and I constituency does not, by reason of those communications, carry assume it is now in the Vote Office if anyone wants to on the business of consultant lobbying.” look at it, but I want to give a brief overview of what we The paragraph goes on to state that found. “‘resident’ has the meaning which it has for the purposes of Shortly after the publication of the Bill, Members section 4 of the Representation of the People Act 1983”. received an e-mail from the director of Justice in Financial Simply put, we believe that the Bill, as drafted, would Services, Joe Egerton. He was concerned about the stop us going beyond representing a constituent who effect the Bill would have on us. I was contacted by has contacted us about a matter; it would severely several Members from both sides of the House about restrict me, as a Member of Parliament, in communicating this matter, and last week I gave evidence to the Political with Ministers on public health matters and on many and Constitutional Reform Committee on its investigation other things. My Committee’s report recommends that into the matter. we remove paragraph (2) of schedule 1 altogether and Members will know that there have been concerns that we add a sub-paragraph to paragraph 6, stating about lobbying for many years. As early as 1695 the that a reference to payment does not include a reference House resolved that: to the salary of a Member of Parliament. “The Offer of any Money, or other Advantage, to any Member of Parliament, for the promoting of any Matter whatsoever, Mr Jeffrey M. Donaldson (Lagan Valley) (DUP): We depending, or to be transacted, in Parliament, is a high Crime and Misdemeanour, and tends to the Subversion of the Constitution.” are greatly concerned about this particular issue. As the House will know, there are five constituencies in Northern Successive resolutions have restricted what Members Ireland for which no Member takes his or her seat in are permitted to do. The current code of conduct states this House. People living in those constituencies often that no Member shall want parliamentary representation and so come to other “act as a paid advocate in any proceeding of the House”. Members representing Northern Ireland constituencies Indeed, the guide to the rules relating to the conduct of in order to gain it. That matter needs to be given Members makes it clear that the prohibition on advocacy consideration. is not limited to proceedings in the House or approaches to Ministers, but extends to approaches to colleagues Mr Barron: I am grateful for that intervention, and I and to any servants of the Crown. Consultant lobbying entirely agree; my Committee thinks that we are in a as it is normally understood consists of the acceptance dangerous area in respect of doing our job as Members of money in direct return for lobbying activity. As the of Parliament and being a voice for our constituents or code of conduct is currently written, this would almost a voice for wider issues in society. Simply put, if things certainly be a breach of the advocacy rule. were restricted in the way that the Bill now envisages, I We also note that the requirements for registration of would be getting my information from the Executive Members’ financial interests are far more detailed than rather than from organisations that can come here to the Bill’s requirements for entries on the register of lobby me as a legislator and give me wider knowledge consultant lobbyists. Although Members are permitted than perhaps the Executive would, on occasion, want to have outside interests, a Member who carried out me to have when we are legislating. I believe it is “consultant lobbying” would be breaking the current important that we address that. rules of conduct of the House. While we recognise that The registrar of consultant lobbyists is given sweeping that might change, we think it is important that problems powers under this Bill. It is perfectly possible that the do not arise. courts and the registrar will clarify that the definition As Chair of the Standards Committee, I wrote to the does not extend so far, to us, but primary legislation Leader of the House and he responded on 30 August, should be unambiguous about such matters—this Bill is saying, exactly the opposite. The letter from the Leader of the “I know that there has been some misunderstanding about House contained an offer in relation to sorting out this whether the normal activities of Members of Parliament would problem, and I hope that this will be taken seriously. 243 Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party 3 SEPTEMBER 2013 Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party 244 Campaigning and TU Admin Bill Campaigning and TU Admin Bill The Committee would like to see it done while the Bill is action, particularly at a local level, in the year before an having its passage through the House of Commons, if election and can be judged for so doing by the Electoral we agree, in the next week or so. Commission. Believe me, the last thing the commission wants to do is to get involved in political judgments about who has been doing what at a local level and in 5.8 pm local elections. Those people will be subject to all sorts Dr Alan Whitehead (Southampton, Test) (Lab): When of penalties as far as registration is concerned, which I first looked at the Bill, I initially thought that it was they never thought they would have to undertake. badly drafted. As has been mentioned on several occasions, My view, on balance, is that the drafting is deliberately it has been described as a dog’s breakfast, and I initially vague to ensure that pesky groups do not come along to thought it was even less nutritionally useful than that. I constituencies during an election period and start have now come to a different view. I think it is a campaigning on the doorstep about parties that might well-drafted Bill, because it serves several specific purposes, have a few worries about their approach to the election. none of which actually serves the purposes that we think the Bill should serve in terms of cleaning up Mr Andy Slaughter (Hammersmith) (Lab): My hon. lobbying, sorting out third-party funding and regulating Friend hits the nail on the head. The Bill attacks the the way in which the political process works as far as most important parts of civil society: charities, non- elections and parties are concerned. governmental organisations, pressure groups and trade Part 1, as several hon. Members have suggested, unions. It might well be unlawful under articles 8 and ought to be the subject of further discussion and broadening 11 in schedule 1 the Human Rights Act 1998; but of out. The hon. Member for St Albans (Mrs Main) made course, the Government would like to get rid of the an excellent speech in which she set out the extent to Human Rights Act as well. This is a fundamental which lobbying seems to have made a substantial difference attack on civil society. in her constituency on a particular issue close to her heart. Of course, such lobbying not only cannot be Dr Whitehead: I am tending towards that view. As included under the definitions in the Bill but has been has been said, the Bill should be a matter of careful designed out of it. The title of the Bill includes the thought. Indeed, over a long period there has been phrase “transparency of lobbying”, which will mean substantial and careful thought about third-party that people think the Government are doing something campaigning. Nevertheless, the Bill has been the subject to sort it out, but the long title shows that it is only of no consultation, not even with the Electoral Commission about “consultant lobbying”, excluding 97% of the real on how it would carry out this rag-bag of proposals lobbying that goes on in and around this place. without putting itself in an impossible position. Turning The Liberal Democrats said in their election manifesto up without consultation or warning is just not the way that they would: to organise and regulate third-party campaigning at “Curb the improper influence of lobbyists by introducing a elections. statutory register of lobbyists, changing the Ministerial Code so Part 3 seeks further to regulate trade unions to count that ministers and officials are forbidden from meeting MPs on their membership in a way that they already do. I issues where the MP is paid to lobby”, wonder what that is about. That seems to be dog-whistle but I am sorry to say that they have ended up as a politics that says, “We are putting further impediments human shield for a Bill that is trying to minimise the in the way of trade unions, which are already doing changes that can be made. It is a damage limitation Bill, what they are supposed to do, but we are taking action not a change to lobbying overall. Those hon. Members as though they weren’t.” who think that they will take part in a process over the next couple of weeks whereby we have a dialogue for Overall, this is a shocking Bill, which goes 100% away change have already lost. The Bill seeks to limit the from what we should be doing to regulate lobbying and process by which lobbying can be changed, which is about the process of third-party campaigning and civil what the public expect this House to be dealing with. It society. We really need to take the Bill away and think does so to such an extent that it is mendacious about its again. I hope that we will vote to do that today, to get a real effect on lobbying. Bill that we are in favour of— Part 2, unlike part 1, was not long in gestation. Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Lindsay Hoyle): Order. Indeed, it turned up out of a bright blue sky two days before the House went into the summer recess. Its effect comes from the opposite form of drafting. The drafting 5.16 pm of the regulations and amendments is so loose and vague that third-party lobbyists, campaigners and Natascha Engel (North East Derbyshire) (Lab): I organisations will, as hon. Members have said, probably want to read out something that the Leader of the self-police to ensure that they do not inadvertently get House said about introducing legislation on lobbying in caught by it. an Opposition day debate in June: Do not get me wrong—I think that it is important “The other way forward is to be clear about the standards that we take further action on lobbying of Parliament expected, based on the Nolan principles, and to ensure that all by third-party groups. Hearing some of the discussions those who exercise responsibilities—and all those who seek to this afternoon, one might think that the process had influence them—are subject to the necessary transparency in their actions and contacts, and held accountable for their actions, so only started with this Bill, but such groups are subject that we can see who is doing what, and why. For those who seek to to considerable regulation under the Political Parties, influence the political system without the necessary transparency, Elections and Referendums Act 2000. The Bill states there will be clear sanctions available.”—[Official Report,25June that people can be caught retrospectively for undertaking 2013; Vol. 565, c. 175.] 245 Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party 3 SEPTEMBER 2013 Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party 246 Campaigning and TU Admin Bill Campaigning and TU Admin Bill [Natascha Engel] of the wrong kind of lobbying, but the Bill captures the right sort of lobbying—exactly the sort that we as That is beautifully put, but it is not what the Bill does. If politicians should encourage. We want people to influence it were what the Bill did, most hon. Members would the way that we make decisions because it is their support it. democratic right to do so, and those are not the sort of On lobbying, we all agree that transparency is absolutely people that we want to criminalise. important, but so is the need to raise standards in the It is on trade unions that I have the greatest problems. lobbying industry and to make those rules apply equally In the run-up to the 2005 general election I worked as and fairly to everyone. As my hon. Friend the Member the trade union liaison officer for the Labour party, and for Southampton, Test (Dr Whitehead) just pointed straight after the general election I helped to co-ordinate out, 97% of lobbying activity will not be captured by the last round of political fund ballots, so I know from the Bill. The way to improve things would be to ensure personal experience just how heavily regulated trade that everyone is captured by it and that they abide by an union political activity and financial matters are. They industry code, to make sure that we raise standards and are extremely heavily regulated. Membership records that they apply to absolutely everyone. are up to date. Trade unions must have up-to-date The worrying thing is that, instead of doing that, the membership records; otherwise they would be cutting Bill will limit what civil society organisations do in down their own income. When they ballot members for campaigning on policies in which they have a legitimate strike action, they need to know who those members interest, because Governments of any persuasion do are and where they live, and when they want them to not like effective campaigns against them. Whether participate in internal elections, it is in their own interest from business, charities or trade unions, the Government that their membership records are up to date. They are find them embarrassing, and they would much rather also kept up to date by law. silence them. Sometimes, as with the Bill, a Government Trade unions are democratic and accountable institutions. need to be embarrassed into not doing what is wrong. The Leader of the House implied that trade unions are For instance, we might not like what Guido writes somehow unaccountable institutions. That is absolutely about us on his blog, but we should fight any legislation not so. Any trade union member has the right to opt out that would curb his ability to do so. It is salient to think of paying into a political fund. Members may choose how many people are members of the organisation, not to pay the political levy. Every 10 years they are 38 Degrees: 1.7 million members subscribe to 38 Degrees. balloted about whether they want a political fund in For us as political organisations, we collectively do not their trade union. Also, in those ballots every 10 years—we add up to that many people. For us to dismiss 38 Degrees are going into the fourth one now—more than 90% of as an organisation where people press the send button members who vote are in favour of keeping their political and something inconveniently pops up in our inbox is fund. These are massive figures, which we as political to dismiss those people who we represent in our parties can only dream of. constituencies who are legitimately engaged in political activity at a time when we are complaining about how It is important to remember that freedom of affiliation people are disengaging from the political process. is a fundamental pillar of our democracy. Before we rush into changing the way that these very important We need to consider something that Len McCluskey institutions work in society, we should reflect more said recently: the combined membership of Unite also carefully on what the perfectly foreseeable consequences adds up to far more than the combined memberships of of such legislation could be. The Bill is badly drafted. I all registered political parties, and they pay an awful lot take the point made by my hon. Friend the Member for more to be members of Unite. Newport West (Paul Flynn) that it may be a deliberate attempt to do something else. Bob Stewart (Beckenham) (Con): As I understand it, 38 Degrees was invited to be briefed by the Government on the Bill but did not turn up, which is sad. Mr Anderson: Will my hon. Friend give way?

Natascha Engel: I do not see the relevance of 38 Degrees not turning up to a briefing, which would almost certainly Natascha Engel: I need to finish quickly so that other have been largely pointless as the Bill would gag the Members can come in. activities that 38 Degrees legitimately wants to undertake The Bill is badly drafted because it is badly motivated. in the run-up to a general election. It is a panicked response to corrupt activities that have been taking place and are already against the law. The Paul Flynn: Does my hon. Friend think that there current law captures everything that has happened in might well be a Machiavellian motive in the Government the past, but it was broken. It needs to be better enforced. drafting the Bill as they have, which has meant that the The Bill will do nothing to change people’s behaviour, great majority of the speeches today have been about but it will stop non-party campaigners speaking out for the non-existent excesses of charities or trade unions, or against candidates and policies 12 months before a and that we have neglected the fact that the Bill woefully general election. That worries me. fails to address the terrible excesses of lobbyists? I look forward to voting against the Bill tonight. I hope it goes the way of the boundary review, Lords Natascha Engel: That is exactly right and it is why the reform, the alternative vote referendum and all the debate today has been a missed opportunity. We would other pieces of gerrymandering dressed up as constitutional all like to do something quickly about curbing the excesses reform, and that it ends up in the bin. 247 Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party 3 SEPTEMBER 2013 Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party 248 Campaigning and TU Admin Bill Campaigning and TU Admin Bill 5.24 pm Chris Bryant: My hon. Friend is absolutely right. If Chris Bryant (Rhondda) (Lab): It is a great shame there is already a rake in the political system when that the hon. Member for North East Somerset (Jacob it comes to money, the Bill will simply increase it and Rees-Mogg) is no longer in the Chamber, because I think make it more difficult for ordinary members of the that not only did he let his voters and the House down, public to have a say in the political life of this country. but—worst of all—he let himself down. He is the arch- Secondly, when the Mental Health Act 2007 was patriot, but lobbying is one of the things that Britain going through Parliament I was a Back-Bench Member gave the world. The only reason it is called lobbying is on the Government side. I did not just want to be voting because of the lobby outside St Stephen’s chapel, where fodder in Committee; I wanted to understand the issues the House of Commons used to sit. That is why when Paris as we went through them. They were very complex and lost the bid to host the 2012 Olympic games, Bertrand I am not a mental health or medical specialist. The fact Delanoë complained passionately in French that the that all the mental health charities got together and British had engaged outrageously in lobbying—“doing paid someone to organise them, creating an alliance the lobby,” as he put it. and then coming to members of the Bill Committee to A fundamental part of our history, and of the way we argue their case, informed us and made sure that we have grown up as a democracy, has been the right to could be far more creatively involved in the Committee turn up at the door of Parliament, or a little further away than would have been the case. since this ghastly building was built in the 1850s, and My worry is that the Bill will mean that those ensure that one’s voice is heard. The age of consent in organisations, which created an alliance because none this country is now 16, but it had been 13 until the late of them had a large lobbying department of its own, 19th century, because the only thing Josephine Butler would not be on a level playing field with the big could do was come and stand at the door of the House pharmaceutical companies that also came to lobby of Commons to lobby, grabbing hold of MPs as they us—it was legitimate that they did so. The small charities came in to try to persuade them of her point of view, will have to declare that they have effectively set themselves and eventually she won the argument. up as a lobbying consultant, but the pharmaceutical It has been that way for centuries. In 1432 the Brewers’ companies, which have vast arrays of lawyers and in-house Company wanted a new licence and a new company operatives, will not have to declare, and that is fundamentally charter, so they tried to persuade Parliament. They unfair. I hope that is an unintended consequence of the failed, but then they paid the Lord Chancellor £40 and way that the Bill is drafted, but I am not so sure. miraculously got their piece of legislation. In 1455 John An essential part of our democracy in general elections Whittocksmead was paid a noble to be a friend for is the business when we get all those irritating e-mails another honourable company in parliament. In 1485 the and letters asking, “What is your position on the following longstanding battle between the canons and the Poor issues?” Homosexuality was mentioned earlier by an Knights of Windsor was resolved when the Clerk of the Irish Member, but there are many others—animal welfare, House was given a very sumptuous breakfast to persuade abortion, euthanasia, or whatever issue people want to him to get a Bill through. The Doorkeeper was given take up. They will then say to the public, “Look, this is tuppence, the Serjeant at Arms was given a noble, the how people are saying they are intending to vote on Speaker was given six pounds, six shillings and eightpence, these individual issues; we would prefer it if you voted and the King was given £100. for the following people who have a three-star record on Quite rightly, as the Chair of the Standards and those issues as we see them.” My worry is that, yet Privileges Committee said earlier, we have outlawed again, this Government Bill will prevent that important receiving money in return for putting forward a case in part of the democratic process in this country, which this House, but that is not the case in the other House. I will mean that we have a poorer political process. suggest that many of the problems relating to lobbying The Bill fails on many counts. It excludes the in-house and to corruption in our parliamentary system stem teams and the lawyers. As far as I can see, schedule 1 from the other end of the Corridor, because many people excludes nearly everybody apart from the poor organisations pursue their commercial interests through how they that decide to create an alliance and the charities. It will vote in that Chamber, which I think is inappropriate. dismantle the voluntary system that we already have My personal experience is twofold. First, I was the BBC’s because there will be no incentive to keep it going. It lobbyist in Brussels. That must make me the Daily will catch the charitable coalitions. It will scare off Mail’s arch-hateperson—the BBC, Brussels and lobbying charities from engaging with political debate. It does all in one—but I was proud of the fact that, by persuading nothing about the abuse of parliamentary passes down MEPs and Commission members, we managed to see off at the other end of the building. Much of the language Rupert Murdoch’s attempt, ironically enough, to make is highly nebulous. On the anniversary of Cromwell’s Brussels determine that the BBC’s licence fee was unfair death, it is perhaps ironic that the Government have state aid. Murdoch using Brussels to try to make that united the Royal British Legion, every single think-tank case was slightly odd. I am delighted that we won that in the land, Help the Aged and Guido Fawkes in battle by convincing people through legitimate lobbying. opposition to the Bill. I agree with them. Paul Farrelly: Does my hon. Friend agree that the Bill would tilt even further an already unlevel playing field? 5.51 pm At the next election the vast majority of the press, including the Daily Mail, will support the Conservative Mr Tom Harris (Glasgow South) (Lab): I am delighted party, yet the Bill will seek to restrain, for example, the to follow my hon. Friend the Member for Rhondda National Union of Students and the education unions (Chris Bryant). I felt that I was listening to a trailer for from reminding the Government of their record on his forthcoming biography of Parliament, and I am university tuition fees. now even more enthused about buying my copy. 249 Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party 3 SEPTEMBER 2013 Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party 250 Campaigning and TU Admin Bill Campaigning and TU Admin Bill Mr Speaker: Order. I hope that the hon. Gentleman from the Liberal Democrats. I have on my phone—I will reference the fact that there are to be two volumes know you do not like such gimmicks, Mr Deputy of the said work. He will be making two purchases Speaker—a photograph of the leader of the Liberal rather than one. Democrats holding a pledge card during the last general election that reads: Mr Harris: As you might say, Mr Speaker, it is now “I pledge to vote against any increase in tuition fees”. on the record. He is flanked by the then Lib Dem candidate for Cambridge, I would not want the House to believe that I have spent who has a smile on his face, so I guess it was before he my whole time during this debate reading tweets, but it was elected to this place. At that time, the Liberal would be appropriate to mention at the outset that Iain Democrats presumably had no objection at all to a Martin of The Daily Telegraph recently posted a blog nationwide campaign by the National Union of Students entitled, “How did David ‘Big Society’ Cameron end up targeting specific individuals to support its stance on sanctioning a bonkers bill that bosses around charities?” tuition fees, but something tells me that they do not I hope that it will become required reading for the Leader want the NUS to lead a similar campaign next time in of the House, his deputy and all Government Members response to their decision to do a complete U-turn on who plan to vote for this Bill. The Leader of the House their tuition fees policy. That is what this Bill is about. It has told us that it will not have the effect that many Labour might as well have been called the “Defend Liberals in Members have insisted that it will. He has a long way to Marginal Seats Bill”, because that is what it will do. go if he is still trying to persuade Telegraph journalists. Mike Thornton: Will the hon. Gentleman read out a In the run-up to the 2010 general election, an organisation specific part of the Bill that would outlaw the things he called Power 2010 took it upon itself to campaign is saying it will? It is very interesting that I have not seen personally against me and five other Members of the any such parts. House because we had the barefaced cheek to have long records of opposing nonsense like electoral reform. It Mr Harris: If the hon. Gentleman will forgive me, I took out national newspaper advertising and even came have only one minute and 57 seconds left, so I am sure to my constituency to launch a specific campaign directed he can find that himself. at me, which was very entertaining. We got lots of its leaflets and plastered them all over my campaign office—not my If exactly the same Bill had been proposed by the publicly paid-for constituency office. That had the effect previous Labour Government, not a single Lib Dem of increasing my share of the vote to above 50% for the would have voted for it, and when the next Labour first time since 2001, and my majority went up to 12,600. Government move to abolish the legislation—by that time I hope the Lib Dems will have retaken their traditional I could therefore welcome the Bill, because if it and rightful place on the Opposition Benches—I suspect becomes an Act that kind of campaign specifically that not a single Lib Dem MP will object to the repeal targeting individual MPs will be outlawed, but I do not of the Act. want that to happen. For a start, such a campaign is perfectly democratic. If people want to spend money On 5 June I challenged the Prime Minister at Prime faffing about and wittering on about nonsense like Minister’s questions. I asked him whether it was when electoral reform, that is entirely their business and they an undercover reporter pretending to be a lobbyist are welcome to it. It does not have any impact on or entrapped an MP that he decided that now was the right relevance to my constituents, but if people want to time to launch an all-out attack on the trade unions. spend their money on it, that is fine. Secondly, there is Where is the demand for new curbs and new regulations the effect that it had on my majority. on trade unions? Why are Conservative and Liberal MPs so frightened of trade unions? I have been a member One of the many problems with this Bill is that it of a trade union my whole working life and am proud affects aspects that do not need redress and ignores to be a member of Unite. For me that is a matter of aspects that do need redress. If the Deputy Leader of pride; for many workers it is a matter of necessity. Why the House casts his mind back to last year, he will do the Conservatives still see trade unions as the enemy remember that the then Secretary of State for Culture, within? This part of the Bill simply does not need to be Media and Sport had a little bit of a kerfuffle regarding there. Where has the demand come from? What are they his special adviser, Adam Smith. It was clear that News so scared of? Is it now un-British for there to be any International had lobbied Adam Smith to try to get a kind of fierce political debate during election campaigns? change of policy from the Government with regard to its attempt to take over Sky. We all remember the drama If the Leader of the House is right and this Bill that ensued in this House. This Bill would not affect will not result in the gagging of third parties, what is the such a situation in the slightest, because only permanent Bill for? Either the behaviour of third parties in recent secretaries and Ministers are now affected. years has been unacceptable and needs to be addressed, or it has been perfectly acceptable and does not need to Before I came to this House I used to lobby for an be addressed, in which case there is no point to this organisation called Strathclyde Passenger Transport. I appalling Bill. knew then, and I know even more now, that if I wanted to affect policy I should speak not to the Minister, but to their Parliamentary Private Secretary or SpAd. Those are the 5.38 pm people with a direct link to the Minister and the policy- Fiona O’Donnell (East Lothian) (Lab): It is a pleasure making process. This Bill does absolutely nothing. to follow my hon. Friend the Member for Glasgow The Bill is an obnoxious piece of proposed legislation: South (Mr Harris). Like him, I welcome lobbying from it is illiberal, anti-democratic and badly drafted. I am constituents and organisations, whether they agree with left with the conclusion that it could only have come me or not. I thank the hundreds of constituents who 251 Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party 3 SEPTEMBER 2013 Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party 252 Campaigning and TU Admin Bill Campaigning and TU Admin Bill have e-mailed me in recent weeks about this issue, Syria, That is the cost of one member of staff—one political the badger cull and so many other things. It makes life communications officer—in a voluntary organisation. difficult for us, but life should be difficult for us, because What will that do to the quality of debate in Scotland? the decisions we make in this place can be of the utmost The marriage of the Government parties is a rocky gravity and have an impact on the people of these one. It is perhaps not surprising that what we have islands and beyond these shores. Never was that more today is the worst kind of shotgun legislation. The Bill clear than last week, so I was very pleased to receive so has been rushed through at the last minute. I do not many e-mails scrutinising my thought process and my know why that is. I do not know whether the Government decision. On gay marriage, too, many organisations and mean the Bill to be bad or do not know that it is bad. individuals in my constituency told me how disappointed Either possibility is undesirable. We do not have time to they were that I supported that legislation. However, it debate it or scrutinise it properly in this place. There has meant that when I walked through the Lobby in support been no public consultation. Even worse, there will be of that Bill, I was unshakably certain that I was doing no time for voluntary organisations to prepare for the the right thing. That is the healthy and, at times, slightly legislation coming into force before the next general humbling process that we all go through. election. In Scotland, where there will be a referendum I hope that right now the National Union of Students on independence in 2014, the legislation will make is calculating how many pairs of flip-flops it can buy many third-party organisations very nervous about speaking before the general election. I hope that animal rights out. That is to be regretted. It is not what we need in groups and the proponents and opponents of gay marriage Scotland and it is not helpful. are all getting ready to remind our constituents how we I will close by quoting David McColgan of the Scottish have voted. If we have treated the process seriously, we Council for Voluntary Organisations: have nothing to fear from that. “It is universally accepted that democracy and public policy I was tempted to quote Owen Jones, who wrote an right across the United Kingdom is richer when all corners of excellent piece in The Independent yesterday, but I thought society participate and feel they are free to do so. This bill deters I would have a better chance of getting the Government engagement. It deters dissenters and it deters open reasoned to listen if I used the commentary of the Electoral debate.” Commission and many other organisations. The Government have to get their fingers out of their ears and improve this Bill. This is a bad Bill, but we should not be surprised about that, given the form of the Leader of the House. This is a man who drives policy through with a finger in both ears, refusing to listen. He should reflect today on 5.45 pm the process that he went through with the Health and Dr Eilidh Whiteford (Banff and Buchan) (SNP): I am Social Care Bill. When he finally took his fingers out of glad we have the opportunity to debate the influence of his ears and listened, it was a better Bill. I would like to third parties and non-elected actors on our political know whether he agrees with that. I want the Lib Dems process, and I think the regulation of such activities to think about what puppets they were during the needs to be reviewed. So far, however, the Bill is proving passage of that legislation. They sat on the original a flawed means of doing that, and we all agree that Public Bill Committee and voted down Labour there needs to be much greater transparency of lobbyists. amendments, and then found themselves having to support I echo concerns already raised about the missed opportunity the same amendments in the name of the Government to include a code of conduct in that process, and I in the Committee of the recommitted Bill. I hope that cannot help but observe and echo observations by other this time the Lib Dems will do the right thing. When hon. Members that not a single lobbying scandal from they see amendments that will improve the Bill, I hope recent years would have been in any way affected had they will support them. Let us make this a better Bill, this Bill been enacted. because there is certainly lots of room for improvement. Part 1 of the Bill, wholly inadequate as it is, relates to The hon. Member for North East Somerset (Jacob matters that are largely devolved in Scotland, so in the Rees-Mogg) completely missed the point today. I am short time available I will address part 2. The measures always amazed when he rises from a prone position to in part 2 are particularly deeply flawed, and in spite of speak, as if using a secreted system of hydraulics. He all the assurances we have heard from the Leader of the has completely missed the point on this Bill. Even the House, they will place undue restrictions on the ability Electoral Commission has said that defining electoral of campaigning organisations to raise legitimate concerns purposes is extremely difficult. If the independent regulator about public policy issues. Although it is not a declarable says that it will be difficult to reach a definition, what interest, I feel I ought to put on record my background hope is there for the Bill in its current form? The working in public affairs and campaigning in the voluntary Electoral Commission also says that the Bill is devoid of sector, as well as my past directorships of charities, both policy aims. It is not clear what the Bill is trying to do. large and small. I am also a member of the Electoral In fact, it is so directionless that I am surprised the Commission parliamentary advisory group. Deputy Prime Minister has not turned up to close the My key point is that an active, politically engaged, debate for the Government. challenging civil society is a hallmark of democracy and I ask everybody in the House to think about the the lifeblood of live political culture, every bit as much people who are involved in the voluntary sector. My as a free press or free and fair elections. I have grave hon. Friend the Member for Kilmarnock and Loudoun concerns that a side effect of the Bill will be to restrict the (Cathy Jamieson) and others have spoken about the discursive space where citizens can make a fuss about volunteers who are worried what the Bill will mean for public policies that affect their lives. In Scotland, as the them. For Scotland, the limit for registering will be hon. Member for East Lothian (Fiona O’Donnell) outlined, £2,000 and the limit on expenditure will be £35,000. there has been considerable concern about how the Bill 253 Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party 3 SEPTEMBER 2013 Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party 254 Campaigning and TU Admin Bill Campaigning and TU Admin Bill [Dr Eilidh Whiteford] is “intended…for another purpose.” will restrict perfectly legitimate activities. Martin Sime, That belies the Government’s statement, made to try to the chief executive of the Scottish Council for Voluntary assuage hon. Members, that the measure will not have a Organisations, has gone so far as to say it is an restrictive effect—it clearly will have such an effect. “assault on…charities’ right to campaign”. The Electoral Commission has raised some of the That is strong language from organisations that are not most serious concerns about the Bill, including the lack usually prepared to put their heads above the parapet so of pre-legislative scrutiny. I cannot help but believe that quickly. pre-legislative scrutiny would have gone an awfully long As legislators and decision makers we are often way to address problems with the Bill. However, in challenged in the ways that citizens want us to meet pointing out the obvious—that campaigning organisations their expectations. They share their experiences and are not like political parties—the commission highlights views with us in ways that immeasurably enhance the the difficulties it foresees in the discretion it will have to democratic process, and any dilution of their ability to interpret what activity will be regulated as political engage with us and hold us to account for our decisions campaigning. It has made it clear that it does not is a wholly retrograde step. Sometimes that can be believe it is appropriate for it to have such wide-ranging uncomfortable for us in the Chamber and in Parliaments discretion. In any case, it is concerned that the wide and council chambers around these islands, but without definition in the Bill and its explanatory notes of “election the ability to raise concerns through collective efforts, purposes” will be open to legal challenge. our citizens will be deprived of important avenues of I know from my involvement in charities that they are engagement in the political process and our democracy often very risk-averse—other hon. Members with extensive will be immeasurably poorer. involvement in charities have said the same. They will shy away from anything that might embroil them in It is important to remember that campaigning civil difficult legal wrangling and threaten their charitable society organisations that are also charities are already purposes under their charitable status. The measure will highly regulated by the Charity Commission, the Charity lead to a risk-averse and self-censoring culture among Commission for Northern Ireland, and the Office of charitable organisations. Also, no hon. Member has so the Scottish Charity Regulator. Charitable organisations far mentioned the capacity of the Electoral Commission are already prevented from campaigning in a politically to deal with the new layer of bureaucracy. partisan way, and during election periods they are already restricted in the kinds of activities they can undertake. It is important for the Government to address the In my experience, charities take those responsibilities regulation of third-party spending at elections, but they extremely seriously and are careful about the public must do so in a coherent way. Part 2 of the Bill goes statements and activities they undertake ahead of elections. much further than their stated intentions. I hope they The proposals, however, go much further. Existing legislation take on board the concerns hon. Members have highlighted on charities is working well, and we should not be in the debate about the duplication and spiralling of looking to increase the regulatory burden on charities regulation. through the Bill. Part 2 of the Bill would do exactly I have not had time to go into the referendum in the that, and serious concerns have been raised about the Scotland and the regulations that have been agreed. unworkability of the proposals and the changes to However, I hope the Deputy Leader of the House takes definitions they would involve. I have listened carefully the opportunity when winding-up to address that and to those on the Front Benches this afternoon. other issues, and that he affirms the positive role of an outspoken civil society. Fiona O’Donnell: Does the hon. Lady agree that we also need clarity about coalitions of charities—they 5.52 pm may be experts on this—and what happens when individual Mrs Anne McGuire (Stirling) (Lab): It is a pleasure to members in a network engage in political campaigning? follow the hon. Member for Banff and Buchan (Dr Whiteford). I echo her comments about the denial on Dr Whiteford: That is an important point and I will the Government Benches that the Bill will be restrictive. return to a concrete example from my experience and One has only to look at clause 26, and even the explanatory highlight the work of the Stop Climate Chaos coalition notes by implication identify that the Bill will be restrictive, in Scotland, which I think enabled and facilitated cross-party because the Government are extending and broadening support for the passage of a world-leading piece of types of expenditure that can be regulated. The most legislation—the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009. damning comment in the explanatory notes is this one: It is exactly such campaigns that will be in jeopardy and “regardless of whether those incurring the expenditure intended might simply not happen, if we take the Electoral it (or also intended it) for another purpose.” Commission’s evidence seriously. Therefore, a small local charity’s campaign on a local issue could be taken up by a candidate in a general Another concern is that a much wider range of activities election, but before we can say, “Bob’s your uncle,” the will be regulated, including organisations’ media activities. charity finds itself in breach of the legislation. The explanatory notes state: Like many other hon. Members, I spent a great deal “The definition of ‘for election purposes’ does not rely solely of my working life before I became an MP in the on the intent of the third party; the effect of the expenditure must also be considered.” voluntary sector. I was the deputy director Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations. With the greatest Such spending can be controlled respect to the Deputy Leader of the House, who will “regardless of whether incurring the expenditure” wind up the debate for the Government, the Bill, and 255 Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party 3 SEPTEMBER 2013 Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party 256 Campaigning and TU Admin Bill Campaigning and TU Admin Bill certainly part 2, is predicated on a misunderstanding of I spent a few days at a conference in Sarajevo not the role of charities in our society. There has hardly long after Bosnia and Herzegovina became independent. been a piece of social legislation in the past 150 years Speaking to the embryonic voluntary sector organisations that has not had the involvement of charities or voluntary there—harking back to what the hon. Member for sector organisations. Some of the pressure and some of North East Somerset said—I explained that one of the the great reforms have come from charities. I fear that great things about the UK voluntary sector was that it the Bill reveals the Government’s tunnel vision about was accepted as independent: it could express its views what charities and voluntary sector organisations are in the way it wanted. We now have an implied threat or about. And we should make the distinction between demand that organisations that take money from charities and voluntary organisations, which are not Government should have their independence curtailed. always exactly the same. The Bill gives considerable discretion to the Electoral The big society seems to be about services, not Commission, which is among the groups most critical involvement in public debate. If the Government really of this element of the Bill. I put it to the Minister that believe in a big society, they should be encouraging that causes its own conflict. The Charity Commission, charities and voluntary organisations to be involved in the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator and the our public discourse. There is sometimes an arrogance Charity Commission for Northern Ireland regulate charities among full-time politicians. They assume that they are and decide whether their objectives are appropriate. the only people who are interested in politics, that Now we are bringing in the Electoral Commission. somehow politics is our particular preserve. The reality Under the proposed legislation, if the Charity Commission is that civic society has proved, over many years, that it says that it is perfectly acceptable for an organisation to has a significant role to play in our public discourse. pursue a particular line of policy and the Electoral Independence is crucial to the voluntary sector. I was Commission says that it is not sure, which body will astonished to hear the hon. Member for North East regulate the charity? Where does the charity go for a Somerset (Jacob Rees-Mogg) imply that because the definitive statement on the pursuit of its charitable National Council for Voluntary Organisations takes objectives? I hope the Minister has a lot to say when he money from Government, it should not be independent stands up, as opposed to the chuntering from the Front and should not be allowed to express the opinions it Bench we have had in the past 10 minutes or so. The wants to express. Electoral Commission has recognised this conflict, saying: “we do not think it is appropriate for us to have a wide discretion over what activity is covered by the rules”. Mr Brian H. Donohoe (Central Ayrshire) (Lab): May The Electoral Commission, who are the experts, is I ask one question about my right hon. Friend’s position, asking the Government not to put it in the position of and the position of any Member standing at the next having to regulate what activity is appropriate. general election? When a charity turns up at a hustings and issues leaflets, that will become illegal. How, in I can speak from personal experience. When I was the those circumstances, will a candidate get to know about deputy director of the Scottish Council for Voluntary that charity and take forward its work? Organisations, we were also involved in all sorts of political campaigning against some of the things we thought were wrong. I was also the candidate against Mrs McGuire: The other thing that is even more the Conservative Secretary of State, now Lord Forsyth, disturbing is that if my hon. Friend happens to say that who funded my organisation. Should my organisation he supports a particular charity and something it is therefore have said, “Hey, wait a minute, Anne—I don’t promoting, and the charity happens to put that on a know whether you can continue in your job”? What leaflet, along with perhaps three of the four or five would be the position then? Would everything that I did other candidates, it might find itself in the same position. have been misinterpreted by this piece of ludicrous The alternative to that is that it may well just put out a legislation? list of people who support their objectives. It is just a nonsense and a mishmash. I am frankly astonished that As I think one of my colleagues said earlier, the the Liberal Democrats, who made and built up their Government have united the most disparate group of people reputation as community activists, are going along with against this Bill—the TUC, LabourList, Conservative this proposed legislation. [interruption.] The Deputy Home, the TaxPayers Alliance, Guido Fawkes and Owen Leader of the House can sneer all he likes. This is Jones. Frankly, they should almost be congratulated on denying the heritage of the Liberal Democrats, who building that alliance against this ludicrous piece of were forever telling us they were community politicians. legislation. Why are the Government so frightened of the charitable and voluntary sector in this country? If they are just legislating for things that already happen, Mike Thornton: I wonder whether the right hon. why are we all here? This is a piece of arrogance from Lady can tell me this. That is the law at the moment and the Government. They do not understand the independence the law is not changing, so why is she objecting to it? If of the sector and they are trying to curtail its activities. she objected to it before, why did she not want it changed before? 6pm Mrs McGuire: I have already pointed out that clause 26 Thomas Docherty (Dunfermline and West Fife) (Lab): broadens the definition, but if it is the law at the I feel that we are almost repeating the debate we had in moment why are we wasting time and paper on the Bill? January, when I introduced my private Member’s Bill That is the question that the Deputy Leader of the on lobbyists—I think today’s turnout is slightly higher House needs to pick up on when he addresses the than it perhaps was on that Friday. I am sorry that the House. Government have not reflected on that debate or on last 257 Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party 3 SEPTEMBER 2013 Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party 258 Campaigning and TU Admin Bill Campaigning and TU Admin Bill [Thomas Docherty] that there are fewer than 100. So the £500,000 that it will cost to set up the register, and the £200,000 a year year’s excellent report by the Political and Constitutional running costs, will have to be met by 50 or 60 firms. Reform Committee, and have introduced this dreadful Great free-marketeers and defenders of business such Bill. as the hon. Member for North East Somerset (Jacob Owing to time constraints, I will speak about part 1, Rees-Mogg) should join us in the Lobby tonight, because but, in the interests of transparency, let me put on the burden that that will place on the companies caught record the fact that my wife works for a charity in by the legislation, many of which are small businesses, Scotland and is therefore indirectly affected by the is ridiculous and disproportionate. The Bill will do proposed legislation. nothing to solve that problem. Fred Michel, Adam Werritty, Fiji-gate, MPs for hire like cabs, peers for questions—all are scandals that have Jacob Rees-Mogg: If one takes a free-market view, blotted Parliament and politics in the past four years. It the conclusion is not that we should have more regulation is not an unreasonable test to ask the Government of many more people, as the hon. Gentleman wants to which, if any, of those scandals this Bill seeks to prevent have. from happening again. The harsh reality is that part 1 of the Bill would have avoided none of them, because the Thomas Docherty: I believe in a level playing field. It Government have drafted it so narrowly—I suspect should not matter whether someone works in-house or deliberately—that the only type of activity covered is elsewhere, or whether they work for Rio Tinto or Oxfam, direct communication with a Minister of the Crown for Bell Pottinger or CAFOD. The same set of rules and a permanent secretary. Therefore, if a lobbyist or should apply equally to all of them. I am surprised that even a consultant lobbyist communicates with a private the hon. Gentleman does not think that the rules should secretary—I would suggest that the Prime Minister’s apply to all those who are paid—handsomely in some private secretary has a great deal of influence, perhaps cases—to carry out this work. more than the Deputy Prime Minister, on certain areas I want to return to the point raised by the hon. of policy, such as tobacco packaging and other things—that Member for St Albans, and to take it slightly further. As will not be covered. If, as the hon. Member for St Albans I said to Ministers this morning, there was a case (Mrs Main) said, a lobbyist speaks to a senior official in recently in which a Minister of the Crown met a third-party the Department for Transport, that is okay, provided it consultant—a commercial lobbyist, as I think they are is not the permanent secretary. If a lobbyist speaks to called—to discuss a planning application in their the special adviser, as Fred Michel clearly was in the constituency. The Government seem to define that as a News International scandal, that would okay. That is a private discussion. If that consultant had chosen to failure of the Bill; it is one that I cannot support this raise other issues at the meeting, that activity would not evening. be covered by the Bill because the consultant would say, “I am meeting the Minister not in their role as a Mrs Main: For clarification, may I point out that I Minister of the Crown but in their role as a Member of was referring to a private lunch with the Secretary of Parliament. I just happened to raise a general issue of State for Transport? Government policy that might be of interest and over which the Minister might have some influence.” That Thomas Docherty: I am grateful to the hon. Lady, would be ludicrous. because I intended to come to the point she made. It is For that reason, if for no other, the rules should an important point and one that I raised this morning. I apply to all parliamentarians. Ministers of the Crown— had a meeting with the Deputy Leader of the House whether in the House of Lords or the House of and the Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office, the Commons—are all parliamentarians. Extending the rules hon. Member for Norwich North (Miss Smith). It was would avoid any double standards. Many Members of very civil and I got a cup of coffee out of it, but I do not Parliament are members, and chairs, of influential Select think we made much progress in agreeing on very much. Committees. They have a greater amount of influence The problems with the Bill are so fundamental that in shaping the early stages of Government policy than even the impact assessment is wrong. The civil servants those who serve as Parliamentary Under-Secretaries of who drafted the Bill—who, ironically, would not be State. Anyone who has read Chris Mullin’s excellent covered by the lobbying Bill they are seeking to introduce— book, “A View from the Foothills”, will remember the have failed to understand the lobbying industry. That is ceaseless slog of the life of an Under-Secretary. I see a not surprising, given that they failed to meet anybody, Parliamentary Private Secretary smiling at that suggestion. from either side of the argument, in the last 12 months. Select Committee Chairs are hugely influential. Similarly, They have not met Spinwatch, Unlock Democracy, Members of Parliament who sit on Bill Committees Charter88, the charities or the Association of Professional help to shape our legislation. They are the people who Political Consultants—I could go on. Those civil servants should be protected from unscrupulous lobbyists, and if have met nobody. They have stuck their fingers in their we did that we would provide the public with far greater ears and produced a Bill that no one in the industry or confidence in the process. The rules have to apply to all on either side of the argument is prepared to support. those who exert influence. That is a shocking state of affairs. The rules cannot only be about those who directly The civil servants who drafted the Bill have also communicate with those in a position of power. In all of misunderstood how to calculate the number of lobbyists. my eight years as a lobbyist, in the House and in Their impact assessment claims that there are between consultancy, I met a Minister on two occasions, at most. 800 and 1,000 lobbying firms, but the evidence to the I used to advise others on who in the Government, in Political and Constitutional Reform Committee shows Parliament and in the Scottish Parliament it was best to 259 Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party 3 SEPTEMBER 2013 Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party 260 Campaigning and TU Admin Bill Campaigning and TU Admin Bill go and see, on the correct issues on which to press them, One has to ask why the Government are seeking to and on what their arguments should be. The Bill does gag charitable and other organisations. Is there a not cover any of the people who do that. Machiavellian reason? Is it to ensure greater transparency The Bill is so narrow that it does not even cover those or is it to close down debate on any issues in advance of consultants who sit in the room during meetings, because a general election, ensuring the return of the Government a person has to actually communicate with a Minister party or parties to continued power and control? To me or permanent secretary in order to be covered. The and my party, that is censorship and is anti-democratic. consultant might have done all the preparatory work Civic society has made an enormous contribution to and the strategy, and we have all taken meetings that an emerging democracy in Northern Ireland. Prior to have been facilitated by the consultant, but they might our new democratic structures of government, it was not actually be in communication with the Minister or civic society—along with many of us in the political the permanent secretary. For example, if a consultant classes—that helped to identify the issues and work were to contact the diary secretary of the Leader of the with people who felt marginalised, informing the House, that would still not be covered by the Bill. Government and political parties of the issues, whether This is a dreadful Bill. It is not worthy of further progress they were about welfare, community care or wider health and I hope that the House will reject it and ask the and education issues. It was very much the conscience Government to come back and do their homework correctly. of society. Do the Government want to silence those members of civic society who were so well equipped to 6.9 pm deal with those issues? In a former life, I was the Minister for Social Ms Margaret Ritchie (South Down) (SDLP): Very Development in the Northern Ireland Executive. I was few people disagree about the need for greater transparency responsible for establishing the Charity Commission for in the lobbying industry or the need for a universal register Northern Ireland and responsible for the voluntary and of all professional lobbyists backed by a code of conduct community sector. Are we trying to stultify the work of and sanctions. There is, however, a real fear that this Bill the Charity Commission? We need to think about those does not go far enough to prevent unscrupulous lobbying issues, which is why we shall vote against Second Reading activity by commercial interests yet introduces completely tonight. unreasonable restraints on charities and civil society. First, there must be a concern at the fact that this Bill is being put through Parliament with such speed and 6.14 pm haste, when detailed pre-legislative scrutiny and consultation Stephen Doughty (Cardiff South and Penarth) (Lab/ with the affected parties has not yet taken place. Secondly, Co-op): This truly is a rotten Bill with sinister and this Bill was meant to concentrate on the negative underhand objectives. impact of non-transparent commercial lobbying, but it Let me begin by placing on record my past work with seems instead to be being used as a Trojan horse to a range of charities, coalitions and trade unions in introduce a range of measures that will impair the campaigning on domestic and international poverty. I functioning of civil society and third-sector organisations. certainly would have described myself as a lobbyist and It will change the nature of campaigning on important a campaigner, and I am proud to have worked on those issues that matter to members of the public in the campaigns—in some instances with Members of Parliament run-up to elections, whether they be about welfare in previous roles, such as the hon. Member for Banff reform, health, education, community care, international and Buchan (Dr Whiteford). development or foreign policy. I am still in contact with many former colleagues who I want to concentrate on part 2 because its provisions are deeply concerned about the Bill. Moreover, I can may well gag and restrict the work of charities and safely say that I have received one of my largest ever trade unions that have a democratic right not only to postbags since becoming an MP, from constituents of participate in these important debates and issues in the all political persuasions and none. They are deeply year of the run-up to elections, but to inform wider critical of the Government’s attempt to muzzle civil society and hear and listen to its views on social and society and close down democratic debate while failing economic issues. If this Bill is enacted unamended, I to get to the heart of the lack of transparency and fear it will not only restrict the role of charitable bodies, undue influence that are present in some parts of the but have a severe impact on wider civic society, which lobbying sector. It is no wonder that #gagginglaw is will be prevented from communicating and engaging trending on Twitter today. directly with politicians and political parties. This could make more members of the public even more disillusioned At times, the campaigns that we all face can be and isolated from the democratic political process at a challenging, frustrating and even, dare I say, irritating, time when the number of people not registering their but that is exactly as it should be. The power and mandate is increasing. The vote is gradually reducing. vibrancy of civil society, trade unions and other coalitions Do we want that? Do we want to marginalise people of interests of ordinary people in this country are one from the democratic process? Do we want to marginalise of our greatest strengths. those members of civic society who undertake such an In 2005 I was a campaigner with World Vision, one of important role for us? After all, the Prime Minister has the world’s leading Christian international development told us in recent years that he wants to underpin “the and relief organisations. Like so many other organisations, big society”. By virtue of this very Bill, however, he will we had played a crucial role in the Make Poverty undermine both the big society and civic society, making History campaign, and I truly believe that our work had more members of the public disillusioned. This Bill is, I an impact on the willingness of the United Kingdom feel, a blunt tool to silence the important campaigns of Government, and other G8 Governments, to take crucial charities. steps in cancelling debt and increasing our support for 261 Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party 3 SEPTEMBER 2013 Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party 262 Campaigning and TU Admin Bill Campaigning and TU Admin Bill [Stephen Doughty] In fact, it excludes most of the lobbyists and most of the lobbying, which strikes me as completely pointless. We the world’s poorest countries. Later in 2005, I travelled have all heard how the Bill will capture only 1% of the to Malawi to speak at a gathering of campaigners from meetings organised with lobbyists. The idea that the countries across southern and central Africa. I shared only crucial lobbying that goes on is in meetings with with them our experiences of that campaign here in the Ministers and permanent secretaries is, frankly, ridiculous. UK, and told them what we had achieved together. I Without wanting to be disrespectful, it is often the least explained that we had been able to secure cross-party experienced and most junior officials and advisers in support and consensus, given the focus of a general Government who are the most susceptible to undue election that was taking place that year. influence, whereas, in contrast, most of the Ministers—of I recall that many of my colleagues at that conference, all parties—and most of the permanent secretaries whom from countries such as the Democratic Republic of the I have dealt with have taken a critical-thinking approach Congo, Zimbabwe and Kenya, were amazed not only by to the lobbying and approaches they receive, whether what we had achieved, but by how freely and openly from Oxfam, the CBI or other interest groups. people were able to debate and engage with others in We have heard that Spinwatch has called the Bill “a Britain. They were amazed by the fact that ordinary sham”, and that the Chartered Institute of Public Relations civil society, churches and citizens’ groups had access to has said that it the highest levels of Government and Parliament, and “would not even come close to preventing the alleged breaches of by the fact that, while that access and openness might parliamentary standards that have seen this legislation rushed not be funded to the same extent as traditional big through.” interests such as business, energy and defence companies, The Bill does nothing to open up this part of the it was at least on a par with them in principle. industry, which is the majority of it, or to make it more transparent. That makes it all the more sinister that the Mr Tom Clarke: I am very interested by what my hon. latter parts of the Bill could result in shutting down the Friend is saying. Does he agree that the laudable type of influence and activity—the raising of voices on achievement, or near-achievement, of the target of behalf of ordinary people and causes lacking in money, expenditure of 0.7% of gross national income on overseas power and existing relationships—that is needed to aid would probably never have been possible without balance out those big influences. the pressure that was exerted by agencies such as Oxfam, We have heard from many colleagues on both sides of which put their views by focusing on every candidate in the House of the many organisations and causes that every constituency? are worried about this Bill. I know from personal experience how seriously charities and campaign coalitions take Stephen Doughty: I entirely agree. That is exactly their existing obligations. I believe they already often what happened, and, as I have said, it involved all err on the side of caution, rather than risk being seen to parties. The campaigners from those other countries be operating in any way that could open them up to who did not benefit from the same open, democratic allegations of partisanship or undue influence. I am ways, and from the strengths of civil society, found it therefore very worried on a number of fronts about the particularly striking. They shared with me their experiences ill-thought-out and unclear provisions in part 2. of fighting for rights in places such as Zimbabwe. I am First, staff costs and overheads could be included in sorry to say this, but the Bill has a whiff of Zimbabwe what has to be declared, meaning that larger charities about it. [Interruption.] It appears to be nothing more might have to pull back to avoid hitting the lower than a cynical and ill-thought-out attempt to clamp spending limits set out in the Bill. Secondly, I am deeply down on the challenge that is presented to all of us concerned about the possible impact on smaller charities, when we stand for Parliament. a number of whom have commented during the course of this debate about how they will not be able to cope, Mr Lansley: Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will answer from a legal perspective, when they are less well resourced. this question. In 2005, when he conducted his campaign I was lucky to have the support of an excellent and with World Vision, electoral law required any expenditure experienced legal department when such questions arose for electoral purposes to be registered. Was any part of in Oxfam, making sure that we met our legal objectives. that expenditure registered for electoral purposes, or That is simply not available to many smaller charities did he not seek to promote the electoral success of any and community organisations and that will result, essentially, party or candidate in his campaign, in which case all the in their muzzling. expenditure would have remained outwith the regulatory structure? Alok Sharma (Reading West) (Con): It is astonishing that the hon. Gentleman should paint the ridiculous Stephen Doughty: The real issue is that many charities picture that this Bill will somehow make us like Zimbabwe. will observe the lack of clarity in the Bill, and, unable to That is an awful thing to say. I spent some time this gain access to the legal advice and expertise that is weekend with people from Zimbabwe who have really needed to deal with it, will effectively be muzzled. That suffered, and it is outrageous of the hon. Gentleman to is what is really going on: a clampdown on charities and make that comment. community organisations. At the same time, the Bill does not deal with the likes of Lynton Crosby—the rich Stephen Doughty: All I would say to the hon. Gentleman and already powerful members of society. is this: why, therefore, have the NCVO and the 50 charities As I have said, the main issue is that the Bill does that signed a letter, and all the others who are speaking nothing to clamp down on the activities of the big out today, made the points that they have? They have lobbying industry and make them more transparent. been very clear about their views on this. 263 Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party 3 SEPTEMBER 2013 Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party 264 Campaigning and TU Admin Bill Campaigning and TU Admin Bill Alok Sharma rose— lobbyist scandals in the past three years and one thing links them all—none of them will be covered by this Stephen Doughty: I will not give way again as I do not Bill, including the enormous scandal over Lynton Crosby. have enough time and other Members want to speak. The Bill is ridiculously narrow—it is estimated to cover I also remain deeply concerned and confused about only 1% of ministerial meetings—and that ensures that the differential impact this Bill will have in the nations more than 80% of the activity of the lobbying industry of the UK, as we have heard from other colleagues, and will not be regulated and will not have to register. especially in Wales, subject as we are now to multiple The Bill actually provides less transparency than election cycles, different periods of purdah and regulated there is now. It sets up a new register with much lower periods. We have also heard concerns about the run-up standards of practice than there are even under the to the referendum vote. Can Ministers provide any voluntary register—for example, it contains no code of assurance that campaigning by civil society and charities conduct. Loopholes mean that lobbyists will still keep in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland will not be their client lists secret. Lobbyists will not have to register hampered by these measures even more than they appear if they have a business that, it can be argued, is mainly a likely to hamper that work in England? non-lobbying business—that will give lawyers a field Finally, I cannot let pass the opportunity to add my day. The Bill will not require consultant lobbyists to voice of concern to those who see the trade union-related declare how much they spent on their lobbying activities. provisions of this Bill as nothing more than a naked That is a crucial omission, but the biggest omission is attempt—uncoincidentally, just before the TUC—to the lack of a code of conduct backed by sanctions, make a crude and partisan attack on those organisations. which means that the whole exercise is spineless, as In particular, I want to draw the House’s attention to there will be no penalties for bad practice. the concerns expressed by the Wales TUC, which has As we know, part 2 outrageously curtails the ability spoken out very clearly this week. It is deeply concerned of charities and other non-party groups to campaign on that not only could the Wales TUC conference cease to political issues in the 12 months before a general election. be lawful in 2014, but that this Bill’s provisions could The Bill cuts by almost two thirds the amount that undermine the special social partnerships the Wales third-party groups can spend during that period. As has TUC has with the Welsh Government, as enshrined in frequently been mentioned, there is great uncertainty the Government of Wales Acts, and that it could damage about what the Bill means by “for political purposes”. their anti-racism campaigning work in constituencies The uncertainty about how exactly that will be operated across Wales from May 2014. That point has been made is bound to have a chilling effect on freedom of expression. by Hope not hate and many other organisations. The Bill also contains anti-trade union provisions. In conclusion, in the aftermath of a week in which we Unions with more than 10,000 members are to be have seen Parliament’s ability to hold the Government required to submit to the certification officer an annual to account very much enhanced, regardless of what side membership audit certificate, in addition to the current of the argument we came down on, it would truly be a duty to submit an annual return. The certification officer tragedy to see the restriction of the voice and opportunity will have the power to require the production of relevant for influence of millions of people across the country— documents, including membership records and even whether by postcard, protest, tweet or e-mail—in our private correspondence. What is the rationale for these political system and our civil society. There are some draconian provisions? No evidence is put forward in the other agendas at work here. We had a whiff of that from discussion paper to demonstrate that communications the hon. Member for North East Somerset (Jacob Rees- are not reaching union members or that there are any Mogg). Some Government Members and some in other shortcomings in the trade unions’ duty to maintain a parts of our society would like to see these organisations register of members. Not a single objection has been clamped down on, and an attempt made to exert undue raised to the certification officer in the past two years influence on them through funding arrangements and on these grounds. Lobbyists are being let off the hook other things, but I think civil society will speak out and almost entirely by the Bill, so why are trade unions not have that. gratuitously and wantonly being screwed down to tighten We should be speaking out to enhance the people’s a system that is already working perfectly satisfactorily, voice and to balance out the influence of money, power without a shred of evidence being provided to suggest and privilege, which this Bill does nothing to counter. It otherwise? [Laughter.] There has not been a single is truly a rotten, ill-thought-out and cynical piece of objection in the past two years to the certification legislation, and I will be voting wholeheartedly against officer; the hon. Member for Reading West (Alok Sharma) its Second Reading. ought to consult the facts. Surely it is obvious that the real motive behind this Several hon. Members rose— part of the Bill is that the Government are eager to help employers to mount injunction proceedings when union Mr Speaker: Order. The Front-Bench wind-ups will members have voted for industrial action, seizing on begin at 6.40 pm, so we have 16 minutes remaining minor, if not miniscule, details which the Court of before then, and four hon. Members are seeking to Appeal had previously regarded as de minimis or accidental. catch my eye. Hon. Members are very capable of doing That whole process of inserting minor, minute, technical, the arithmetic for themselves. bureaucratic obstacles and hurdles in the path of unions that are carrying out their perfectly legitimate and 6.24 pm proper functions is really behind part 3. Mr Michael Meacher (Oldham West and Royton) Even by the standards of this Government, this Bill is (Lab): This has been a sleaze-ridden Government, as we a nasty little Bill. It is full of vicious partisanship and it all know. There have been at least eight well-reported will be a stain on the statute book of this country if it is 265 Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party 3 SEPTEMBER 2013 Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party 266 Campaigning and TU Admin Bill Campaigning and TU Admin Bill [Mr Michael Meacher] figures for the membership of the Conservative party, so let me give a couple of examples. In South allowed to pass. Like many hon. Members, I strongly Cambridgeshire, membership has gone down by 21 and believe that what is needed is for the Leader of the they are down to just 13 friends this year. In Tatton, House to have the courage to withdraw this Bill, in the membership has gone down by 43 and in Witney, it has light of the fact that there is almost no support for it gone down by more than 100. Surrey Heath has lost across the House, and to start the process again via 350 members—a third of its membership—in the past consultation and negotiation in the Select Committee three years. That might show the crisis in the Conservative on Political and Constitutional Reform. party and might be why we have this attempt at gerrymandering today. 6.29 pm John Mann (Bassetlaw) (Lab): I have some questions 6.34 pm for the Minister to answer, if he will. Under the Bill, will paid transport provided by the South Cambridgeshire Mrs Emma Lewell-Buck (South Shields) (Lab): I did Conservative association for people to go to the London not expect when I was elected in May this year that one mayoral election be covered as third-party expenditure? of my earlier contributions to the House would be to Will the Tatton patrons’ club, as an independent body, debate a Bill in this manner, mainly because I was of the be required to declare those who have contributed to its impression that the Bill would be preceded by pre-legislative expenditure and where that expenditure has gone? Will scrutiny. However, I am speaking here today because that also apply to other patrons’clubs of other Conservative more concerns have been conveyed to me about part 2 associations across the country? When money from than about any other issue in my short time as a Tatton, Witney, Surrey Heath and many other patrons’ Member. My constituents in South Shields recognise associations goes via constituency association accounts the real danger that part 2 poses to the democratic to other third parties—in other words, to other Tory process. It excludes the voices of small campaign groups associations—none of that is now specifically declared. up and down the country. It will silence some of the Will the Bill require both sides to declare such activity? most effective contributors to our national debate. It is clear in the Bill that the Government propose to outlaw My right hon. Friend the Member for Rother Valley charity campaigning and to restrict the activities of the (Mr Barron), the Chairman of the Committee on Standards organisations that might hold them to account. and Privileges, made a point about the role of MPs as lobbyists. I eventually but successfully took 43 different I share the concerns of my right hon. Friend the firms of solicitors through the Law Society for misconduct, Member for Stirling (Mrs McGuire) about clause 26, but I named a number of them publicly in advance which defines “controlled expenditure” as any spending without having had constituents come to me. I suspected incurred “for election purposes”. According to the that I had constituents who had been wrongly charged explanatory notes, by them, but I did not have a mandate from a specific “the definition of ‘for election purposes’ does not rely solely on individual constituent. Would that action categorically the intent of the third party; the effect of the expenditure must have been permissible under the Bill? If there is a legal also be considered.” challenge in a comparable situation—that case involved Put simply, any activity that might support any party’s firms of solicitors and there were many that might have position could apply, even if the activity made no done that at the time—will there be indemnity for reference to any election or political party. This is very Parliament and for Members of Parliament? I hope that worrying, as it would effectively silence policy experts the Minister who replies will give precise answers to those and civil society organisations in important policy debates. questions, because I think the House deserves to know. How valuable can a public discussion of, for example, On the general points, there is nothing in the Bill the bedroom tax be without the impact of campaigning about the imbalance in party funding. The Conservative organisations that dedicate their time and resources to party wasted £250,000 trying to get rid of me, which had studying the problem? How informed can a debate be if no impact whatsoever. Nevertheless, the unfairness in the experts who travel the country to talk to our constituents the democratic system remains. Do the Liberal Democrats and conduct research are not allowed to participate? intend to introduce an amendment on that point, so that Politics goes beyond what happens here in Westminster, we can support it if the Bill proceeds to its next stage? and political parties should not be the only voice that On cash for access, we have seen MPs declaring that voters hear. they are like taxis and we have also seen the recent I also have serious concerns about the impact that the scandals. Do the Liberal Democrats intend to introduce Bill will have on campaigning groups. Clause 27 will specific additional proposals to bring such activity into halve the level of spending at which third-party groups the scope of the Bill? It is wholly missing at the moment. will have to register as a recognised third party. Therefore, As other Members have demonstrated, bodies such as all manner of smaller organisations with a local or BSkyB are excluded. Do the Liberal Democrats intend regional focus will now have to comply with a new and to introduce a specific clause that would bring the complex set of regulations, the costs of which are major lobbyists under the remit of the Bill, should it be unclear. passed today? Or is this a flawed attempt at gerrymandering, In my constituency, where Government cuts have a half-cocked Bill that does not give anything to anyone already led to increasing homelessness and food poverty, other than confusion? those local charities have stepped in to fill the gap. Finally, let me answer one point for my colleagues on Those organisations do not take a party political stance; the Opposition side of the House who wanted information their concern is for the welfare of their citizens, yet if about why the Bill might be being introduced. There are they chose to speak about the growing crisis in constituencies 267 Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party 3 SEPTEMBER 2013 Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party 268 Campaigning and TU Admin Bill Campaigning and TU Admin Bill such as mine, they would be subject to regulations that It has been a fascinating debate. We heard 27 or would divert valuable resources from their work on the 28 Back-Bench contributions. I cannot refer to them all ground. but, needless to say, there were powerful contributions I find it ironic that the Government want to introduce from all parts of the House. Eighteen or 19 Opposition laws that make it more difficult for local campaigners Back Benchers made the most powerful speeches in and community groups to have their voices heard. It is which a wide variety of concerns were articulated—concerns shameful to do that under the guise of tackling the about the voluntary sector, trade unions and the way in worst abuses of lobbying, while not actually doing so. which lobbying will effectively be left unregulated if the These proposals are unacceptable in a country that Bill goes through. Voices were clearly heard from Wales, prides itself on vibrant and democratic debate. I hope Scotland and Northern Ireland, which will face additional that the Government have listened to my hon. Friends’ problems if the legislation is adopted. concerns today and will commit to fixing the Bill. Significant contributions were made from the Back Benches by two Members who have been witnesses to 6.38 pm lobbying in their own constituencies. One was the hon. Member for St Albans (Mrs Main), who described Sheila Gilmore (Edinburgh East) (Lab): In the very behind-the-scenes influence and the expenditure of short time left to me, I want to say two things. First, it is £12 million on attempts to reverse a planning consent. significant that the number of Opposition speakers far Let me tell the hon. Lady and the House that the Bill exceeded that of Government speakers. I therefore suspect would not cover that as local government is wholly that their heart is not really in it if Government Front excluded from it, which seems to me to be remiss. We Benchers could not roust out enough speakers to speak heard witness evidence from my hon. Friend the Member on the Bill. for Hayes and Harlington (John McDonnell), who Secondly, there has been plenty of time to get part 1 described—whatever one’s view of the third runway at absolutely right. The Political and Constitutional Reform Heathrow—the most profound activities by employees, Committee was unequivocal in its criticism of the original as I understand it, of BAA, who have passes to enter the consultation paper. Unusually, one of the recommendations Department for Transport. I have news for the House: was to withdraw the whole thing and start all over those people would not be registered, as the register again, because it was so bad. Having sat through the specifically excludes anybody who is a so-called in-house evidence that we took at that time, it was clear to me lobbyist. that no one on any side of the debate on lobbying was satisfied. The people who wanted more regulation thought The most important contributions of all came from that the proposal was not good enough; the people who three Chairs of Select Committees, speaking for all perhaps did not want regulation also thought that it members of their Committees. The Chair of the Joint was very bad. Committee on Human Rights said that he was very concerned that there had been no pre-legislative scrutiny For a whole year, there was no proper response from and that the Bill would clearly impact on human rights. the Government. Normally, the Government respond My right hon. Friend the Member for Rother Valley to Select Committees with a detailed report that comments (Mr Barron), the Chair of the Standards Committee, on and argues their position. There was none of that. warned the House that paragraph 2 of schedule 1 is The issue was kicked into the long grass. A lot of people likely to imperil the privileges of Members of the House outside the House noticed that there was nothing on which, we heard, have stood intact since the Bill of lobbying in the Queen’s Speech. Then, all of a sudden, Rights in 1688. The hon. Member for North East in a panic, the Bill comes forward. It is not a good Bill. Somerset (Jacob Rees-Mogg) was the only Member We should not go ahead with it, but we need to do who made what sounded like a positive contribution in something about lobbying. relation to the Bill, but he planted a small hand grenade in his speech: he said that he could not support any 6.40 pm attack on the rights and privileges of hon. Members. Yet the legislation appears to do precisely that. Jon Trickett (Hemsworth) (Lab): Thanks to the wonders of the internet, we already know what The Daily Telegraph Then we heard from the Chair of the Political and thinks about today’s debate. It describes grisly scenes, Constitutional Reform Committee, my hon. Friend the referring to the contributions of Members on the Member for Nottingham North (Mr Allen), who told Government Benches in today’s debate. It has been a us that the Committee was alarmed by the way the Bill particularly interesting debate and I hope the Government has been introduced and pressed through in quite a have listened very carefully to it—they have not listened reckless way. He assured the House that it was possible to anyone else. They should at least listen to their own to reach a consensus on lobbying, even across the parties Back Benchers, and I will come to that in a moment. and across wider society, if only we took the time. A The Government have achieved something remarkable common theme running through all the contributions —they have a Bill which is so dreadful that it has united was this: why did the Government choose these particular the lobbying industry and campaigners who are trying time scales, which prevent pre-legislative scrutiny or to bring more openness and transparency to the lobbying witness statements being made to the Select Committee? industry. They seem to have united the whole of the I will return to that point in due course, because it is a so-called big society, but it is unity in opposition to the disgrace. Government’s proposals. They even managed to ensure There were seven contributions from Government that the LabourList and Conservative Home websites Back Benchers, and each of them in their own way both came out against the Bill. Even the ultra-loyalist damned with faint praise either the entire Bill or elements political blog Lib Dem Voice whispered its reservations of it. Whether or not the Leader of the House listens to about the Bill. contributions from the Opposition side, he would be 269 Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party 3 SEPTEMBER 2013 Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party 270 Campaigning and TU Admin Bill Campaigning and TU Admin Bill [Jon Trickett] change the British constitution in quite a fundamental way. There is no precedent for imposing an allocation of well advised to listen to the warning voices from Members time motion under those circumstances. I very much behind him, particularly the story from St Albans. The hope that the House votes against this Bill. hon. Members for Stevenage (Stephen McPartland), for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross (John Thurso), for Ealing Central and Acton (Angie Bray), for Rochford 6.50 pm and Southend East (James Duddridge) and for Truro and Falmouth (Sarah Newton) all warned that powerful The Deputy Leader of the House of Commons (Tom vested interests lurk in our society, seeking to influence Brake): We have had a lengthy and impassioned debate, with the power of money the way we make decisions. and I am grateful to all Members for their contributions. They all warned that the legislation is simply inadequate I am afraid that in the nine or so minutes that are left I in its present form and needs to be amended. Indeed, will not be able to address all the points that have been the Leader of the House himself said that he thought made. some amendments would probably have to be brought First, let me remind Members of what this Bill is forward. intended to achieve. It will push this Government’s The Bill simply fails to live up to the demands of the culture of openness and transparency further by creating epoch through which we are living. We live in a time of a statutory register of lobbyists, which the Government great flux and of distrust in the ruling political and promised to do in the coalition programme. It will commercial elites. We live in a democratic century in ensure that third parties that campaign at elections do which—rightly, in my view—the wider public long ago so openly and within a fair regulatory framework. It abandoned deferential attitudes to the people at the top. will provide assurance that trade unions, as increasingly They want to know how decisions are taken and on large and diverse membership organisations, know who whose behalf. A quiet revolution is taking place in our their members are and can engage effectively with them. country, with the growth of active citizenship, which Those are all reasonable and valuable changes to our this House would be foolish to ignore. People are much political system. more active in taking control of their lives, which partly Let me now address some comments, concerns and explains the explosion in the number of campaigning myths. The Bill is not about closing down charities’ organisations, not-for-profit groups and charities. It is ability to influence policy, as many Members claimed. I not simply that the Government misunderstand the want to put on record the following so that it is clear to zeitgeist I am describing; in truth, they consistently Labour Members, because I think there is some confusion. make the wrong decisions because they are too tightly At present, a charity can undertake non-party political bound up with the interests of the most rich and powerful activity where its trustees can show that it supports the in our country, rather than the millions who work hard, charity’s purposes and will be an effective use of the play by the rules and struggle hard to get by. charity’s resources. Charity law prohibits charities from This legislation runs contrary to the spirit of the engaging in party politics, from party political campaigning, times in which we live. It permits lobbying by the rich from supporting political candidates, or from undertaking and powerful to continue in an unregulated way and in political activity unrelated to the charity’s purpose. the shadows, while at the same time it seeks to silence Charities, and indeed all other organisations, currently wider civic society. Big tobacco’s voice will still be heard need to register as third parties only if they are spending in the seats of power, while the voices of cancer activists money on campaigning to procure or promote the will not. The voice of arms manufacturers will be heard, electoral success of a party or candidates. That test will but not that of the Royal British Legion. The voice of remain under the Bill. private medicine will be heard, but not the unions As under the current provisions, charities can still representing nurses and hospital cleaners. The tax avoidance give support to specific policies advocated by political industry will be heard, but not the tax justice campaign. parties if that would help to achieve their charitable The Bill is poorly drafted and needs to be radically purposes. Provided that charities continue to campaign amended. We have tabled our reasoned amendment, as they currently do, maintaining their political neutrality which I hope Members will vote for. If it is rejected by and independence, expenditure incurred by them is the House, we should vote against the Bill. We then unlikely to come within the definition of “controlled need to make one further decision tonight, on the expenditure”. It does not now and it will not under our allocation of time. I hope that Members who have proposals. Of course, the Government have on a number reservations listen carefully to the point I want to make. of occasions expressed a willingness to work with charities The Bill is being stampeded through, and there are to ensure that this is clear, and if more guidance is strong reasons why more time needs to be given, so we needed we will certainly ensure that it is in place. will oppose the programme motion. Before dealing with the myths, I want to touch on Let me give six reasons. First, there has been no scientific theories. Today we have had a very significant pre-legislative scrutiny; secondly, witnesses have not scientific theory proven—that there are parallel universes. been able to come before the House to react to the Bill; Labour Members are debating a Bill that will gag thirdly, the debate on part 1 next Monday will be charities and destroy trade unions; we are building on curtailed because there will be a statement and other the transparency already created by this Government in business; fourthly, as we have heard, the privileges of relation to Ministers reporting their meetings by establishing MPs will be affected; fifthly, my hon. Friend the Member a register of consultant lobbyists, by reducing the risk for Nottingham North has told us that he believes that of super-PACs, or political action committees, and by with time we could get a consensus; and sixthly and ensuring that trade unions have up-to-date membership most importantly, we are witnessing a Bill that will lists. 271 Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party 3 SEPTEMBER 2013 Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party 272 Campaigning and TU Admin Bill Campaigning and TU Admin Bill I have never heard as many myths as enthusiastically Select Committees to ensure that their views are taken mouthed and endorsed with so little evidence as I have into account. That is very much our intention. We also by Labour Members today. The shadow Leader of the want to ensure that the issue of parliamentarians and House spoke for 44 minutes during which she made no the role we play will be clarified very clearly in relation reference to her own party’s policy. We had high-octane to this Bill. rhetoric that was very low in calorific value. She talked about furious displacement activity—reference, presumably, Mr Allen: Will the Deputy Leader of the House give to what happened in the 13 years of Labour Government, way? when there was furious displacement activity on lobbying but no lobbying legislation. This Government are now acting on that. I wonder whether the hon. Lady feels Tom Brake: I am very happy to give way to the Chair any embarrassment about her wildly inaccurate allegations of the Political and Constitutional Reform Committee. about what the Bill will or will not do. I am not sure whether she is doing that because she has not actually Mr Allen: A series of scandals led the Prime Minister read the Bill or because she has misunderstood it. I will to say that lobbying would be the next big crisis for the give her a couple of examples. British political system and to the inclusion in the There were a few interventions, one of which alleged coalition agreement of a provision to regulate lobbying. that, under this Bill, Make Poverty History would not Would this Bill attack any of those cases? Is it in any have happened. That is simply not true. As the hon. way relevant to the public concern about lobbying? Member for Cardiff South and Penarth (Stephen Doughty) will know, in 2005 that campaign did not register as a Tom Brake: As the hon. Gentleman will know— third party campaign, because it conducted its campaigning [Interruption.] in the appropriate way as a charity. That will continue under this Bill. Another intervention was on whether the Bill would impact on the Scottish referendum. The Mr Speaker: Order. The right hon. Gentleman must shadow Leader of the House indicated that she believes be heard; let us hear him. it would have had an impact on Make Poverty History and that it will have an impact on the Scottish referendum, Tom Brake: As the hon. Gentleman will know, the but neither of those cases is relevant to the Bill. MPs’ code of conduct covers some of the misdemeanours to which he refers. What we are doing in relation to Fiona O’Donnell: If the Deputy Leader of the House lobbying is specifically about third party lobbyists. is right that there is nothing for charities to fear from In conclusion, I reiterate that the Bill is about the Bill, why are they and the Electoral Commission all transparency, openness and fairness. I wanted to spend so concerned? Is it simply a case of the same old the limited time available allaying unfounded fears and Government excuse of bad communication? addressing some of the myths that have been brandished across this Chamber in the past few hours. I wanted to Tom Brake: Clearly, the Electoral Commission has be clear about what this Bill is intended to do and why expressed concerns and when the Bill goes through its the Government are doing it. It is not an attack on Committee stage, I am absolutely certain that further freedoms and democracy. The very opposite is true, and clarity will be provided and the commission will be in a I commend the Bill to the House. better position to provide the guidance it is required to Question put, That the amendment be made. give in order to ensure that charities understand the basis on which we are proceeding. The House divided: Ayes 243, Noes 313. Division No. 71] [6.59 pm Bob Stewart: As I understand it, on 18 July the Leader of the House gave a timetable for this Bill and there was no objection to it. AYES Abbott, Ms Diane Blears, rh Hazel Tom Brake: I thank my hon. Friend for that intervention. Abrahams, Debbie Blenkinsop, Tom Ainsworth, rh Mr Bob Blomfield, Paul Alexander, rh Mr Douglas Blunkett, rh Mr David Simon Hughes (Bermondsey and Old Southwark) Ali, Rushanara Bradshaw, rh Mr Ben (LD): Some of us are very pleased that the Government Allen, Mr Graham Brennan, Kevin are introducing a Bill to deal with transparency of lobbying, Anderson, Mr David Brown, Lyn which the previous Government never did. There has Ashworth, Jonathan Brown, rh Mr Nicholas been an enormous amount of hype and overstatement, Austin, Ian Brown, Mr Russell but perhaps some improvements could be and need to Bailey, Mr Adrian Bryant, Chris be made. May I have a clear undertaking that next Bain, Mr William Buck, Ms Karen week’s Committee stage will be open to amendments Balls, rh Ed Burden, Richard from across the House, including from relevant Select Banks, Gordon Burnham, rh Andy Committees with an interest in and knowledge of the Barron, rh Mr Kevin Byrne, rh Mr Liam subject? Bayley, Hugh Campbell, Mr Alan Beckett, rh Margaret Chapman, Jenny Begg, Dame Anne Clark, Katy Tom Brake: I thank my right hon. Friend for that Benn, rh Hilary Clarke, rh Mr Tom intervention. Clearly, the Government have stated on a Benton, Mr Joe Coaker, Vernon number of occasions that we are very keen to work with Berger, Luciana Coffey, Ann charities, non-governmental organisations and, indeed, Betts, Mr Clive Cooper, Rosie 273 Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party 3 SEPTEMBER 2013 Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party 274 Campaigning and TU Admin Bill Campaigning and TU Admin Bill Cooper, rh Yvette Howarth, rh Mr George Reed, Mr Steve Thornberry, Emily Corbyn, Jeremy Hunt, Tristram Reynolds, Emma Timms, rh Stephen Creagh, Mary Irranca-Davies, Huw Reynolds, Jonathan Trickett, Jon Creasy, Stella Jackson, Glenda Riordan, Mrs Linda Turner, Karl Cruddas, Jon James, Mrs Siân C. Ritchie, Ms Margaret Twigg, Derek Cryer, John Jamieson, Cathy Robertson, Angus Twigg, Stephen Cunningham, Alex Jarvis, Dan Robertson, John Umunna, Mr Chuka Cunningham, Mr Jim Johnson, rh Alan Robinson, Mr Geoffrey Vaz, rh Keith Cunningham, Sir Tony Jones, Helen Rotheram, Steve Vaz, Valerie Curran, Margaret Jones, Mr Kevan Roy, Lindsay Walley, Joan Dakin, Nic Jones, Susan Elan Ruane, Chris Ward, Mr David Danczuk, Simon Jowell, rh Dame Tessa Ruddock, rh Dame Joan Watson, Mr Tom Darling, rh Mr Alistair Kaufman, rh Sir Gerald Sarwar, Anas Watts, Mr Dave David, Wayne Keeley, Barbara Sawford, Andy Weir, Mr Mike Davidson, Mr Ian Kendall, Liz Seabeck, Alison Whiteford, Dr Eilidh Davies, Geraint Khan, rh Sadiq Shannon, Jim Whitehead, Dr Alan De Piero, Gloria Lammy, rh Mr David Sharma, Mr Virendra Williamson, Chris Denham, rh Mr John Lavery, Ian Sheerman, Mr Barry Wilson, Phil Dobbin, Jim Lazarowicz, Mark Shuker, Gavin Wilson, Sammy Dobson, rh Frank Leslie, Chris Skinner, Mr Dennis Winnick, Mr David Docherty, Thomas Lewell-Buck, Mrs Emma Slaughter, Mr Andy Winterton, rh Ms Rosie Donaldson, rh Mr Jeffrey M. Lewis, Mr Ivan Smith, rh Mr Andrew Wishart, Pete Donohoe, Mr Brian H. Long, Naomi Smith, Angela Wood, Mike Doran, Mr Frank Love, Mr Andrew Smith, Nick Woodcock, John Doughty, Stephen Lucas, Caroline Smith, Owen Woodward, rh Mr Shaun Dowd, Jim Lucas, Ian Spellar, rh Mr John Wright, David Doyle, Gemma MacNeil, Mr Angus Brendan Straw, rh Mr Jack Wright, Mr Iain Dromey, Jack Mactaggart, Fiona Stuart, Ms Gisela Dugher, Michael Mahmood, Shabana Sutcliffe, Mr Gerry Tellers for the Ayes: Durkan, Mark Malhotra, Seema Tami, Mark Graham Jones and Eagle, Ms Angela Mann, John Thomas, Mr Gareth Heidi Alexander Eagle, Maria Marsden, Mr Gordon Edwards, Jonathan McCabe, Steve NOES Efford, Clive McCann, Mr Michael Elliott, Julie McClymont, Gregg Adams, Nigel Bruce, Fiona Ellman, Mrs Louise McCrea, Dr William Afriyie, Adam Bruce, rh Sir Malcolm Engel, Natascha McDonagh, Siobhain Aldous, Peter Buckland, Mr Robert Esterson, Bill McDonnell, John Amess, Mr David Burley, Mr Aidan Evans, Chris McFadden, rh Mr Pat Andrew, Stuart Burns, Conor Farrelly, Paul McGovern, Alison Arbuthnot, rh Mr James Burns, rh Mr Simon Fitzpatrick, Jim McGuire, rh Mrs Anne Bacon, Mr Richard Burrowes, Mr David Flello, Robert McKechin, Ann Baker, Norman Burstow, rh Paul Flint, rh Caroline McKenzie, Mr Iain Baker, Steve Burt, Alistair Flynn, Paul McKinnell, Catherine Baldry, Sir Tony Byles, Dan Fovargue, Yvonne Meacher, rh Mr Michael Baldwin, Harriett Cable, rh Vince Francis, Dr Hywel Meale, Sir Alan Barclay, Stephen Cairns, Alun Gardiner, Barry Mearns, Ian Barker, rh Gregory Campbell, rh Sir Menzies Gilmore, Sheila Miliband, rh Edward Baron, Mr John Carmichael, rh Mr Alistair Glass, Pat Miller, Andrew Barwell, Gavin Carmichael, Neil Glindon, Mrs Mary Moon, Mrs Madeleine Bebb, Guto Cash, Mr William Godsiff, Mr Roger Morden, Jessica Bellingham, Mr Henry Chishti, Rehman Goggins, rh Paul Morrice, Graeme (Livingston) Benyon, Richard Clark, rh Greg Goodman, Helen Morris, Grahame M. Beresford, Sir Paul Clarke, rh Mr Kenneth Greatrex, Tom (Easington) Berry, Jake Clegg, rh Mr Nick Green, Kate Mudie, Mr George Bingham, Andrew Clifton-Brown, Geoffrey Greenwood, Lilian Munn, Meg Binley, Mr Brian Coffey, Dr Thérèse Griffith, Nia Murphy, rh Mr Jim Birtwistle, Gordon Collins, Damian Gwynne, Andrew Murphy, rh Paul Blackman, Bob Colvile, Oliver Hain, rh Mr Peter Murray, Ian Blackwood, Nicola Cox, Mr Geoffrey Hamilton, Mr David Nandy, Lisa Blunt, Mr Crispin Crabb, Stephen Hanson, rh Mr David Nash, Pamela Boles, Nick Davey, rh Mr Edward Harman, rh Ms Harriet O’Donnell, Fiona Bone, Mr Peter Davies, David T. C. Harris, Mr Tom Onwurah, Chi Bottomley, Sir Peter (Monmouth) Havard, Mr Dai Owen, Albert Bradley, Karen Davies, Glyn Healey, rh John Paisley, Ian Brady, Mr Graham Davies, Philip Hermon, Lady Pearce, Teresa Brake, rh Tom Davis, rh Mr David Hillier, Meg Perkins, Toby Brazier, Mr Julian de Bois, Nick Hilling, Julie Phillipson, Bridget Bridgen, Andrew Dinenage, Caroline Hoey, Kate Pound, Stephen Brine, Steve Djanogly, Mr Jonathan Hood, Mr Jim Qureshi, Yasmin Brokenshire, James Dorrell, rh Mr Stephen Hopkins, Kelvin Raynsford, rh Mr Nick Brooke, Annette Dorries, Nadine Hosie, Stewart Reed, Mr Jamie Browne, Mr Jeremy Doyle-Price, Jackie 275 Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party 3 SEPTEMBER 2013 Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party 276 Campaigning and TU Admin Bill Campaigning and TU Admin Bill Duddridge, James Hunt, rh Mr Jeremy Opperman, Guy Stewart, Bob Duncan, rh Mr Alan Hurd, Mr Nick Ottaway, Richard Stewart, Rory Duncan Smith, rh Mr Iain Jackson, Mr Stewart Parish, Neil Streeter, Mr Gary Dunne, Mr Philip James, Margot Patel, Priti Stride, Mel Ellis, Michael Jenkin, Mr Bernard Paterson, rh Mr Owen Stuart, Mr Graham Ellison, Jane Johnson, Gareth Pawsey, Mark Stunell, rh Sir Andrew Ellwood, Mr Tobias Johnson, Joseph Penning, Mike Sturdy, Julian Elphicke, Charlie Jones, Andrew Penrose, John Swales, Ian Eustice, George Jones, rh Mr David Perry, Claire Swayne, rh Mr Desmond Evans, Graham Jones, Mr Marcus Phillips, Stephen Swinson, Jo Evans, Jonathan Kawczynski, Daniel Pickles, rh Mr Eric Syms, Mr Robert Evennett, Mr David Kelly, Chris Pincher, Christopher Tapsell, rh Sir Peter Fabricant, Michael Kirby, Simon Poulter, Dr Daniel Thornton, Mike Fallon, rh Michael Knight, rh Mr Greg Prisk, Mr Mark Timpson, Mr Edward Farron, Tim Kwarteng, Kwasi Pugh, John Tomlinson, Justin Featherstone, Lynne Lamb, Norman Raab, Mr Dominic Tredinnick, David Field, Mark Lancaster, Mark Randall, rh Mr John Truss, Elizabeth Foster, rh Mr Don Lansley, rh Mr Andrew Reckless, Mark Turner, Mr Andrew Fox,rhDrLiam Latham, Pauline Redwood, rh Mr John Tyrie, Mr Andrew Francois, rh Mr Mark Laws, rh Mr David Rees-Mogg, Jacob Uppal, Paul Freeman, George Leadsom, Andrea Reevell, Simon Vaizey, Mr Edward Freer, Mike Lee, Jessica Reid, Mr Alan Vara, Mr Shailesh Fuller, Richard Lee, Dr Phillip Rifkind, rh Sir Malcolm Vickers, Martin Garnier, Sir Edward Lefroy, Jeremy Robathan, rh Mr Andrew Villiers, rh Mrs Theresa Garnier, Mark Leslie, Charlotte Robertson, rh Hugh Walker, Mr Charles Gauke, Mr David Letwin, rh Mr Oliver Robertson, Mr Laurence Walker, Mr Robin George, Andrew Lewis, Brandon Rogerson, Dan Wallace, Mr Ben Gibb, Mr Nick Lewis, Dr Julian Rudd, Amber Watkinson, Dame Angela Gilbert, Stephen Liddell-Grainger, Mr Ian Ruffley, Mr David Webb, Steve Gillan, rh Mrs Cheryl Lidington, rh Mr David Russell, Sir Bob Wharton, James Glen, John Lilley, rh Mr Peter Rutley, David White, Chris Goodwill, Mr Robert Lloyd, Stephen Sandys, Laura Whittaker, Craig Gove, rh Michael Lord, Jonathan Scott, Mr Lee Whittingdale, Mr John Graham, Richard Loughton, Tim Selous, Andrew Wiggin, Bill Grant, Mrs Helen Lumley, Karen Sharma, Alok Willetts, rh Mr David Gray, Mr James Macleod, Mary Shelbrooke, Alec Williams, Mr Mark Grayling, rh Chris Main, Mrs Anne Shepherd, Sir Richard Williams, Roger Green, rh Damian Maude, rh Mr Francis Simpson, Mr Keith Williams, Stephen Greening, rh Justine May, rh Mrs Theresa Skidmore, Chris Williamson, Gavin Grieve, rh Mr Dominic Maynard, Paul Smith, Miss Chloe Wilson, Mr Rob Griffiths, Andrew McCartney, Jason Smith, Henry Wollaston, Dr Sarah Gummer, Ben McCartney, Karl Smith, Julian Wright, Jeremy Gyimah, Mr Sam McIntosh, Miss Anne Soames, rh Nicholas Wright, Simon Hague, rh Mr William McLoughlin, rh Mr Patrick Soubry, Anna Young, rh Sir George Halfon, Robert McPartland, Stephen Spelman, rh Mrs Caroline Zahawi, Nadhim Hames, Duncan McVey, Esther Spencer, Mr Mark Hammond, rh Mr Philip Menzies, Mark Stanley, rh Sir John Tellers for the Noes: Hammond, Stephen Metcalfe, Stephen Stephenson, Andrew Greg Hands and Hancock, Matthew Miller, rh Maria Stevenson, John Jenny Willott Hancock, Mr Mike Mills, Nigel Harper, Mr Mark Milton, Anne Question accordingly negatived. Harrington, Richard Mitchell, rh Mr Andrew Harris, Rebecca Moore, rh Michael Question put forthwith (Standing Order No. 62(2)), Hart, Simon Mordaunt, Penny That the Bill be now read a Second time. Hayes, rh Mr John Morgan, Nicky The House divided: Ayes 309, Noes 247. Heald, Oliver Morris, Anne Marie Heath, Mr David Morris, David Division No. 72] [7.14 pm Heaton-Harris, Chris Morris, James Hemming, John Mosley, Stephen AYES Henderson, Gordon Mowat, David Adams, Nigel Baron, Mr John Hendry, Charles Mulholland, Greg Afriyie, Adam Barwell, Gavin Herbert, rh Nick Mundell, rh David Aldous, Peter Bebb, Guto Hinds, Damian Munt, Tessa Amess, Mr David Bellingham, Mr Henry Hoban, Mr Mark Murray, Sheryll Andrew, Stuart Benyon, Richard Hollingbery, George Murrison, Dr Andrew Arbuthnot, rh Mr James Beresford, Sir Paul Hollobone, Mr Philip Newmark, Mr Brooks Bacon, Mr Richard Berry, Jake Holloway, Mr Adam Newton, Sarah Baker, Norman Bingham, Andrew Hopkins, Kris Nokes, Caroline Baker, Steve Binley, Mr Brian Horwood, Martin Norman, Jesse Baldry, Sir Tony Birtwistle, Gordon Howarth, Sir Gerald Nuttall, Mr David Baldwin, Harriett Blackman, Bob Howell, John Offord, Dr Matthew Barclay, Stephen Blackwood, Nicola Hughes, rh Simon Ollerenshaw, Eric Barker, rh Gregory Blunt, Mr Crispin 277 Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party 3 SEPTEMBER 2013 Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party 278 Campaigning and TU Admin Bill Campaigning and TU Admin Bill Boles, Nick Garnier, Mark Leslie, Charlotte Rogerson, Dan Bone, Mr Peter Gauke, Mr David Letwin, rh Mr Oliver Rudd, Amber Bottomley, Sir Peter George, Andrew Lewis, Brandon Ruffley, Mr David Bradley, Karen Gibb, Mr Nick Lewis, Dr Julian Russell, Sir Bob Brady, Mr Graham Gilbert, Stephen Liddell-Grainger, Mr Ian Rutley, David Brake, rh Tom Gillan, rh Mrs Cheryl Lidington, rh Mr David Sandys, Laura Brazier, Mr Julian Glen, John Lilley, rh Mr Peter Scott, Mr Lee Bridgen, Andrew Goodwill, Mr Robert Lloyd, Stephen Selous, Andrew Brine, Steve Gove, rh Michael Lord, Jonathan Sharma, Alok Brokenshire, James Graham, Richard Loughton, Tim Shelbrooke, Alec Brooke, Annette Grant, Mrs Helen Lumley, Karen Shepherd, Sir Richard Browne, Mr Jeremy Gray, Mr James Macleod, Mary Simpson, Mr Keith Bruce, Fiona Grayling, rh Chris Main, Mrs Anne Skidmore, Chris Bruce, rh Sir Malcolm Green, rh Damian Maude, rh Mr Francis Smith, Miss Chloe Buckland, Mr Robert Greening, rh Justine May, rh Mrs Theresa Smith, Henry Burley, Mr Aidan Grieve, rh Mr Dominic Maynard, Paul Smith, Julian Burns, Conor Griffiths, Andrew McCartney, Jason Soames, rh Nicholas Burns, rh Mr Simon Gummer, Ben McCartney, Karl Soubry, Anna Burrowes, Mr David Gyimah, Mr Sam McIntosh, Miss Anne Spelman, rh Mrs Caroline Burstow, rh Paul Hague, rh Mr William McLoughlin, rh Mr Patrick Spencer, Mr Mark Burt, Alistair Halfon, Robert McPartland, Stephen Stanley, rh Sir John Byles, Dan Hames, Duncan McVey, Esther Stephenson, Andrew Cable, rh Vince Hammond, rh Mr Philip Menzies, Mark Stevenson, John Cairns, Alun Hammond, Stephen Metcalfe, Stephen Stewart, Bob Campbell, rh Sir Menzies Hancock, Matthew Miller, rh Maria Stewart, Rory Carmichael, rh Mr Alistair Hancock, Mr Mike Mills, Nigel Streeter, Mr Gary Carmichael, Neil Harper, Mr Mark Milton, Anne Stride, Mel Cash, Mr William Harrington, Richard Mitchell, rh Mr Andrew Stuart, Mr Graham Chishti, Rehman Harris, Rebecca Moore, rh Michael Stunell, rh Sir Andrew Clark, rh Greg Hart, Simon Mordaunt, Penny Sturdy, Julian Clarke, rh Mr Kenneth Hayes, rh Mr John Morgan, Nicky Swales, Ian Clifton-Brown, Geoffrey Heald, Oliver Morris, Anne Marie Swayne, rh Mr Desmond Coffey, Dr Thérèse Heath, Mr David Morris, David Swinson, Jo Collins, Damian Heaton-Harris, Chris Morris, James Syms, Mr Robert Colvile, Oliver Hemming, John Mosley, Stephen Tapsell, rh Sir Peter Cox, Mr Geoffrey Henderson, Gordon Mowat, David Thornton, Mike Crabb, Stephen Hendry, Charles Mulholland, Greg Timpson, Mr Edward Crouch, Tracey Herbert, rh Nick Mundell, rh David Tomlinson, Justin Davey, rh Mr Edward Hinds, Damian Munt, Tessa Tredinnick, David Davies, David T. C. Hoban, Mr Mark Murray, Sheryll Truss, Elizabeth (Monmouth) Hollingbery, George Murrison, Dr Andrew Turner, Mr Andrew Davies, Glyn Hollobone, Mr Philip Newmark, Mr Brooks Tyrie, Mr Andrew de Bois, Nick Holloway, Mr Adam Newton, Sarah Uppal, Paul Dinenage, Caroline Hopkins, Kris Nokes, Caroline Vaizey, Mr Edward Djanogly, Mr Jonathan Horwood, Martin Norman, Jesse Vara, Mr Shailesh Dorrell, rh Mr Stephen Howarth, Sir Gerald Offord, Dr Matthew Vickers, Martin Dorries, Nadine Howell, John Ollerenshaw, Eric Villiers, rh Mrs Theresa Doyle-Price, Jackie Hughes, rh Simon Opperman, Guy Walker, Mr Charles Duddridge, James Hunt, rh Mr Jeremy Ottaway, Richard Walker, Mr Robin Duncan, rh Mr Alan Hurd, Mr Nick Parish, Neil Wallace, Mr Ben Duncan Smith, rh Mr Iain Jackson, Mr Stewart Patel, Priti Watkinson, Dame Angela Dunne, Mr Philip James, Margot Paterson, rh Mr Owen Webb, Steve Ellis, Michael Jenkin, Mr Bernard Pawsey, Mark Wharton, James Ellison, Jane Johnson, Gareth Penning, Mike White, Chris Ellwood, Mr Tobias Johnson, Joseph Penrose, John Whittaker, Craig Elphicke, Charlie Jones, Andrew Perry, Claire Whittingdale, Mr John Eustice, George Jones, rh Mr David Phillips, Stephen Wiggin, Bill Evans, Graham Jones, Mr Marcus Pickles, rh Mr Eric Willetts, rh Mr David Evans, Jonathan Kawczynski, Daniel Pincher, Christopher Evennett, Mr David Kelly, Chris Poulter, Dr Daniel Williams, Mr Mark Fabricant, Michael Kirby, Simon Prisk, Mr Mark Williams, Roger Fallon, rh Michael Knight, rh Mr Greg Pugh, John Williams, Stephen Farron, Tim Kwarteng, Kwasi Raab, Mr Dominic Williamson, Gavin Featherstone, Lynne Lamb, Norman Randall, rh Mr John Wilson, Mr Rob Field, Mark Lancaster, Mark Redwood, rh Mr John Wollaston, Dr Sarah Foster, rh Mr Don Lansley, rh Mr Andrew Rees-Mogg, Jacob Wright, Jeremy Fox,rhDrLiam Latham, Pauline Reevell, Simon Wright, Simon Francois, rh Mr Mark Laws, rh Mr David Reid, Mr Alan Young, rh Sir George Freeman, George Leadsom, Andrea Rifkind, rh Sir Malcolm Zahawi, Nadhim Freer, Mike Lee, Jessica Robathan, rh Mr Andrew Tellers for the Ayes: Fuller, Richard Lee, Dr Phillip Robertson, rh Hugh Greg Hands and Garnier, Sir Edward Lefroy, Jeremy Robertson, Mr Laurence Jenny Willott 279 Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party 3 SEPTEMBER 2013 Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party 280 Campaigning and TU Admin Bill Campaigning and TU Admin Bill NOES Lucas, Caroline Robertson, John Lucas, Ian Robinson, Mr Geoffrey Abbott, Ms Diane Doyle, Gemma MacNeil, Mr Angus Brendan Rotheram, Steve Abrahams, Debbie Dromey, Jack Mactaggart, Fiona Roy, Lindsay Ainsworth, rh Mr Bob Dugher, Michael Mahmood, Shabana Ruane, Chris Alexander, rh Mr Douglas Durkan, Mark Malhotra, Seema Ruddock, rh Dame Joan Ali, Rushanara Eagle, Ms Angela Mann, John Sarwar, Anas Allen, Mr Graham Eagle, Maria Marsden, Mr Gordon Sawford, Andy Anderson, Mr David Edwards, Jonathan McCabe, Steve Seabeck, Alison Ashworth, Jonathan Efford, Clive McCann, Mr Michael Shannon, Jim Austin, Ian Elliott, Julie McClymont, Gregg Sharma, Mr Virendra Bailey, Mr Adrian Ellman, Mrs Louise McCrea, Dr William Sheerman, Mr Barry Bain, Mr William Engel, Natascha McDonagh, Siobhain Shuker, Gavin Balls, rh Ed Esterson, Bill McDonnell, John Skinner, Mr Dennis Banks, Gordon Evans, Chris McFadden, rh Mr Pat Slaughter, Mr Andy Barron, rh Mr Kevin Farrelly, Paul McGovern, Alison Smith, rh Mr Andrew Bayley, Hugh Fitzpatrick, Jim McGuire, rh Mrs Anne Smith, Angela Beckett, rh Margaret Flello, Robert McKechin, Ann Smith, Nick Begg, Dame Anne Flint, rh Caroline McKenzie, Mr Iain Smith, Owen Benn, rh Hilary Flynn, Paul McKinnell, Catherine Spellar, rh Mr John Benton, Mr Joe Fovargue, Yvonne Meacher, rh Mr Michael Straw, rh Mr Jack Berger, Luciana Francis, Dr Hywel Meale, Sir Alan Stuart, Ms Gisela Betts, Mr Clive Gardiner, Barry Mearns, Ian Sutcliffe, Mr Gerry Blears, rh Hazel Gilmore, Sheila Miliband, rh Edward Tami, Mark Blenkinsop, Tom Glass, Pat Miller, Andrew Thomas, Mr Gareth Blomfield, Paul Glindon, Mrs Mary Moon, Mrs Madeleine Thornberry, Emily Blunkett, rh Mr David Godsiff, Mr Roger Morden, Jessica Timms, rh Stephen Bradshaw, rh Mr Ben Goggins, rh Paul Morrice, Graeme (Livingston) Trickett, Jon Brennan, Kevin Goldsmith, Zac Morris, Grahame M. Turner, Karl Brown, Lyn Goodman, Helen (Easington) Twigg, Derek Brown, rh Mr Nicholas Greatrex, Tom Mudie, Mr George Twigg, Stephen Brown, Mr Russell Green, Kate Munn, Meg Umunna, Mr Chuka Bryant, Chris Greenwood, Lilian Murphy, rh Mr Jim Vaz, Valerie Buck, Ms Karen Griffith, Nia Murphy, rh Paul Walley, Joan Burden, Richard Gwynne, Andrew Murray, Ian Ward, Mr David Burnham, rh Andy Hain, rh Mr Peter Nandy, Lisa Watson, Mr Tom Byrne, rh Mr Liam Hamilton, Mr David Nash, Pamela Watts, Mr Dave Campbell, Mr Alan Hanson, rh Mr David Nuttall, Mr David Weir, Mr Mike Carswell, Mr Douglas Harman, rh Ms Harriet O’Donnell, Fiona Whiteford, Dr Eilidh Chapman, Jenny Harris, Mr Tom Onwurah, Chi Whitehead, Dr Alan Clark, Katy Havard, Mr Dai Owen, Albert Williamson, Chris Clarke, rh Mr Tom Healey, rh John Paisley, Ian Coaker, Vernon Hermon, Lady Wilson, Phil Pearce, Teresa Coffey, Ann Hillier, Meg Wilson, Sammy Perkins, Toby Cooper, Rosie Hilling, Julie Winnick, Mr David Phillipson, Bridget Cooper, rh Yvette Hoey, Kate Winterton, rh Ms Rosie Pound, Stephen Corbyn, Jeremy Hood, Mr Jim Wishart, Pete Qureshi, Yasmin Creagh, Mary Hopkins, Kelvin Wood, Mike Raynsford, rh Mr Nick Creasy, Stella Hosie, Stewart Woodcock, John Reed, Mr Jamie Cruddas, Jon Howarth, rh Mr George Woodward, rh Mr Shaun Reed, Mr Steve Cryer, John Hunt, Tristram Wright, David Reynolds, Emma Cunningham, Alex Irranca-Davies, Huw Wright, Mr Iain Reynolds, Jonathan Cunningham, Mr Jim Jackson, Glenda Riordan, Mrs Linda Cunningham, Sir Tony James, Mrs Siân C. Tellers for the Noes: Ritchie, Ms Margaret Curran, Margaret Jamieson, Cathy Heidi Alexander and Robertson, Angus Dakin, Nic Jarvis, Dan Graham Jones Danczuk, Simon Johnson, rh Alan Darling, rh Mr Alistair Jones, Helen Question accordingly agreed to. David, Wayne Jones, Mr Kevan Bill read a Second time. Davidson, Mr Ian Jones, Susan Elan Davies, Geraint Jowell, rh Dame Tessa Davies, Philip Kaufman, rh Sir Gerald TRANSPARENCY OF LOBBYING, NON-PARTY Davis, rh Mr David Keeley, Barbara CAMPAIGNING AND TRADE UNION De Piero, Gloria Kendall, Liz ADMINISTRATION BILL (PROGRAMME) Denham, rh Mr John Khan, rh Sadiq Dobbin, Jim Lammy, rh Mr David Motion made, and Question put forthwith (Standing Dobson, rh Frank Lavery, Ian Order No. 83A(7)), Docherty, Thomas Lazarowicz, Mark That the following provisions shall apply to the Transparency Donaldson, rh Mr Jeffrey M. Leslie, Chris of Lobbying, Non-Party Campaigning and Trade Union Donohoe, Mr Brian H. Lewell-Buck, Mrs Emma Administration Bill: Doran, Mr Frank Lewis, Mr Ivan Committal Doughty, Stephen Long, Naomi (1) The Bill shall be committed to a Committee of the whole Dowd, Jim Love, Mr Andrew House. 281 Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party 3 SEPTEMBER 2013 Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party 282 Campaigning and TU Admin Bill Campaigning and TU Admin Bill Proceedings in Committee Barwell, Gavin Featherstone, Lynne (2) Proceedings in the Committee of the whole House shall be Bebb, Guto Field, Mark completed in three days. Bellingham, Mr Henry Foster, rh Mr Don Benyon, Richard (3) The proceedings shall be taken on the days shown in the first Fox,rhDrLiam column of the following Table and in the order so shown. Beresford, Sir Paul Francois, rh Mr Mark Berry, Jake Freeman, George (4) The proceedings shall (so far as not previously concluded) be Bingham, Andrew brought to a conclusion at the times specified in the second Freer, Mike Binley, Mr Brian column of the Table. Fuller, Richard Birtwistle, Gordon Garnier, Sir Edward Blackman, Bob Garnier, Mark Table Blackwood, Nicola Gauke, Mr David Proceedings Time for conclusion of proceedings Blunt, Mr Crispin Gibb, Mr Nick Boles, Nick Gilbert, Stephen First day Bone, Mr Peter Clauses 1 and 2, Schedule 1, The moment of interruption Bottomley, Sir Peter Gillan, rh Mrs Cheryl Clause 3, on the Bradley, Karen Glen, John Schedule 2, Clauses 4 to 25, first day Brady, Mr Graham Goodwill, Mr Robert new Clauses Brake, rh Tom Gove, rh Michael relating to Part 1, new Brazier, Mr Julian Graham, Richard Schedules relating Brine, Steve Grant, Mrs Helen to Part 1 Brokenshire, James Gray, Mr James Second day Brooke, Annette Grayling, rh Chris Clause 26, Schedule 3, Clauses The moment of interruption Browne, Mr Jeremy Green, rh Damian 27 to 32, on the Bruce, Fiona Greening, rh Justine Schedule 4, Clauses 33 to 35, second day Buckland, Mr Robert Grieve, rh Mr Dominic new Clauses Burley, Mr Aidan Griffiths, Andrew relating to Part 2, new Burns, Conor Gummer, Ben Schedules relating Burns, rh Mr Simon Gyimah, Mr Sam to Part 2 Burrowes, Mr David Hague, rh Mr William Burstow, rh Paul Third day Halfon, Robert Burt, Alistair Part 3, new Clauses relating to The moment of interruption Hames, Duncan Byles, Dan Part 3, new on the Hammond, rh Mr Philip Cable, rh Vince Schedules relating to Part 3, third day Hammond, Stephen Part 4, Cairns, Alun Hancock, Matthew remaining new Clauses, Campbell, rh Sir Menzies remaining new Schedules, Carmichael, rh Mr Alistair Harper, Mr Mark remaining proceedings on the Carmichael, Neil Harrington, Richard Bill Cash, Mr William Harris, Rebecca Chishti, Rehman Hart, Simon Hayes, rh Mr John Consideration and Third Reading Clark, rh Greg Clarke, rh Mr Kenneth Heald, Oliver (5) Any proceedings on Consideration and proceedings on Third Clifton-Brown, Geoffrey Heath, Mr David Reading shall be taken in two days in accordance with the Coffey, Dr Thérèse Heaton-Harris, Chris following provisions of this Order. Collins, Damian Hemming, John (6) Any proceedings on Consideration shall (so far as not previously Colvile, Oliver Henderson, Gordon concluded) be brought to a conclusion one hour before the Cox, Mr Geoffrey Hendry, Charles moment of interruption on the second day. Crabb, Stephen Herbert, rh Nick (7) Proceedings on Third Reading shall (so far as not previously Davey, rh Mr Edward Hinds, Damian concluded) be brought to a conclusion at the moment of interruption Davies, David T. C. Hoban, Mr Mark on the second day. (Monmouth) Hollingbery, George Programming committees Davies, Glyn Hollobone, Mr Philip de Bois, Nick (8) Standing Order No. 83B (Programming committees) shall not Holloway, Mr Adam Dinenage, Caroline apply to the proceedings on the Bill in Committee of the whole Hopkins, Kris House, to any proceedings on Consideration or to proceedings on Djanogly, Mr Jonathan Howarth, Sir Gerald Third Reading. Dorrell, rh Mr Stephen Howell, John Other proceedings Dorries, Nadine Doyle-Price, Jackie Hughes, rh Simon (9) Any other proceedings on the Bill (including any proceedings Duddridge, James Hunt, rh Mr Jeremy on Consideration of Lords Amendments or on any further messages Hurd, Mr Nick from the Lords) may be programmed.—(Mr Syms.) Duncan, rh Mr Alan Duncan Smith, rh Mr Iain Jackson, Mr Stewart The House divided: Ayes 300, Noes 249. Dunne, Mr Philip James, Margot Jenkin, Mr Bernard Division No. 73] [7.27 pm Ellis, Michael Ellison, Jane Johnson, Gareth Ellwood, Mr Tobias Johnson, Joseph AYES Elphicke, Charlie Jones, Andrew Adams, Nigel Baker, Norman Eustice, George Jones, rh Mr David Afriyie, Adam Baker, Steve Evans, Graham Jones, Mr Marcus Aldous, Peter Baldry, Sir Tony Evans, Jonathan Kawczynski, Daniel Amess, Mr David Baldwin, Harriett Evennett, Mr David Kelly, Chris Andrew, Stuart Barclay, Stephen Fabricant, Michael Kirby, Simon Arbuthnot, rh Mr James Barker, rh Gregory Fallon, rh Michael Knight, rh Mr Greg Bacon, Mr Richard Baron, Mr John Farron, Tim Kwarteng, Kwasi 283 Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party 3 SEPTEMBER 2013 Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party 284 Campaigning and TU Admin Bill Campaigning and TU Admin Bill Lamb, Norman Raab, Mr Dominic Williams, Mr Mark Wright, Simon Lancaster, Mark Randall, rh Mr John Williamson, Gavin Young, rh Sir George Lansley, rh Mr Andrew Reckless, Mark Willott, Jenny Zahawi, Nadhim Latham, Pauline Redwood, rh Mr John Wilson, Mr Rob Tellers for the Ayes: Laws, rh Mr David Rees-Mogg, Jacob Wollaston, Dr Sarah Greg Hands and Leadsom, Andrea Reevell, Simon Wright, Jeremy Anne Milton Lee, Jessica Reid, Mr Alan Lee, Dr Phillip Rifkind, rh Sir Malcolm NOES Lefroy, Jeremy Robathan, rh Mr Andrew Leslie, Charlotte Robertson, rh Hugh Abbott, Ms Diane Denham, rh Mr John Letwin, rh Mr Oliver Abrahams, Debbie Robertson, Mr Laurence Dobbin, Jim Lewis, Brandon Ainsworth, rh Mr Bob Rogerson, Dan Dobson, rh Frank Lewis, Dr Julian Alexander, rh Mr Douglas Rudd, Amber Docherty, Thomas Liddell-Grainger, Mr Ian Ali, Rushanara Ruffley, Mr David Donaldson, rh Mr Jeffrey M. Lidington, rh Mr David Allen, Mr Graham Russell, Sir Bob Donohoe, Mr Brian H. Lilley, rh Mr Peter Anderson, Mr David Doran, Mr Frank Lloyd, Stephen Rutley, David Ashworth, Jonathan Doughty, Stephen Lord, Jonathan Sandys, Laura Austin, Ian Dowd, Jim Loughton, Tim Scott, Mr Lee Bailey, Mr Adrian Doyle, Gemma Lumley, Karen Selous, Andrew Bain, Mr William Dromey, Jack Macleod, Mary Sharma, Alok Balls, rh Ed Dugher, Michael Main, Mrs Anne Shelbrooke, Alec Banks, Gordon Maude, rh Mr Francis Simpson, Mr Keith Barron, rh Mr Kevin Durkan, Mark May, rh Mrs Theresa Skidmore, Chris Bayley, Hugh Eagle, Ms Angela Maynard, Paul Smith, Miss Chloe Beckett, rh Margaret Eagle, Maria McCartney, Jason Smith, Henry Begg, Dame Anne Edwards, Jonathan McCartney, Karl Smith, Julian Benn, rh Hilary Efford, Clive McIntosh, Miss Anne Soames, rh Nicholas Benton, Mr Joe Elliott, Julie McLoughlin, rh Mr Soubry, Anna Berger, Luciana Ellman, Mrs Louise Patrick Spelman, rh Mrs Betts, Mr Clive Engel, Natascha McPartland, Stephen Caroline Blears, rh Hazel Esterson, Bill McVey, Esther Spencer, Mr Mark Blenkinsop, Tom Evans, Chris Menzies, Mark Blomfield, Paul Stanley, rh Sir John Farrelly, Paul Metcalfe, Stephen Blunkett, rh Mr David Stephenson, Andrew Fitzpatrick, Jim Miller, rh Maria Bradshaw, rh Mr Ben Stevenson, John Flello, Robert Mills, Nigel Brennan, Kevin Stewart, Bob Flint, rh Caroline Mitchell, rh Mr Andrew Bridgen, Andrew Flynn, Paul Moore, rh Michael Stewart, Rory Brown, Lyn Fovargue, Yvonne Mordaunt, Penny Streeter, Mr Gary Brown, rh Mr Nicholas Francis, Dr Hywel Morgan, Nicky Stride, Mel Brown, Mr Russell Gardiner, Barry Morris, Anne Marie Stuart, Mr Graham Bryant, Chris George, Andrew Morris, David Stunell, rh Sir Andrew Buck, Ms Karen Gilmore, Sheila Morris, James Sturdy, Julian Burden, Richard Mosley, Stephen Swales, Ian Burnham, rh Andy Glass, Pat Mowat, David Swayne, rh Mr Desmond Byrne, rh Mr Liam Glindon, Mrs Mary Mulholland, Greg Swinson, Jo Campbell, Mr Alan Godsiff, Mr Roger Mundell, rh David Syms, Mr Robert Carswell, Mr Douglas Goggins, rh Paul Munt, Tessa Tapsell, rh Sir Peter Chapman, Jenny Goldsmith, Zac Murray, Sheryll Thornton, Mike Clark, Katy Goodman, Helen Murrison, Dr Andrew Timpson, Mr Edward Clarke, rh Mr Tom Greatrex, Tom Newmark, Mr Brooks Tomlinson, Justin Coaker, Vernon Green, Kate Newton, Sarah Tredinnick, David Coffey, Ann Greenwood, Lilian Nokes, Caroline Truss, Elizabeth Cooper, Rosie Griffith, Nia Norman, Jesse Cooper, rh Yvette Turner, Mr Andrew Gwynne, Andrew Offord, Dr Matthew Corbyn, Jeremy Tyrie, Mr Andrew Hain, rh Mr Peter Ollerenshaw, Eric Creagh, Mary Uppal, Paul Hamilton, Mr David Opperman, Guy Creasy, Stella Vaizey, Mr Edward Hancock, Mr Mike Ottaway, Richard Cruddas, Jon Hanson, rh Mr David Parish, Neil Vara, Mr Shailesh Cryer, John Harman, rh Ms Harriet Patel, Priti Vickers, Martin Cunningham, Alex Harris, Mr Tom Paterson, rh Mr Villiers, rh Mrs Theresa Cunningham, Mr Jim Havard, Mr Dai Owen Walker, Mr Charles Cunningham, Sir Tony Healey, rh John Pawsey, Mark Walker, Mr Robin Curran, Margaret Hermon, Lady Penning, Mike Wallace, Mr Ben Dakin, Nic Penrose, John Watkinson, Dame Danczuk, Simon Hillier, Meg Perry, Claire Angela Darling, rh Mr Alistair Hilling, Julie Phillips, Stephen Webb, Steve David, Wayne Hoey, Kate Pickles, rh Mr Eric Wharton, James Davidson, Mr Ian Hood, Mr Jim Pincher, Christopher Whittaker, Craig Davies, Geraint Hopkins, Kelvin Poulter, Dr Daniel Whittingdale, Mr John Davies, Philip Hosie, Stewart Prisk, Mr Mark Wiggin, Bill Davis, rh Mr David Howarth, rh Mr George Pugh, John Willetts, rh Mr David De Piero, Gloria Hunt, Tristram 285 Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party 3 SEPTEMBER 2013 286 Campaigning and TU Admin Bill Irranca-Davies, Huw Qureshi, Yasmin TRANSPARENCY OF LOBBYING, NON-PARTY James, Mrs Siân C. Raynsford, rh Mr CAMPAIGNING AND TRADE UNION Jamieson, Cathy Nick ADMINISTRATION BILL (MONEY) Jarvis, Dan Reed, Mr Jamie Jones, Helen Reed, Mr Steve Queen’s recommendation signified. Jones, Mr Kevan Reynolds, Emma Motion made, and Question put forthwith, (Standing Jones, Susan Elan Reynolds, Jonathan Order No. 52(1)(a)), Jowell, rh Dame Tessa Riordan, Mrs Linda That, for the purposes of any Act resulting from the Transparency Kaufman, rh Sir Gerald Ritchie, Ms Margaret of Lobbying, Non-Party Campaigning and Trade Union Keeley, Barbara Robertson, Angus Administration Bill, it is expedient to authorise the payment out Kendall, Liz Robertson, John of money provided by Parliament of: Khan, rh Sadiq Robinson, Mr Geoffrey (1) any expenditure incurred by a Minister of the Crown under or Lammy, rh Mr David Rotheram, Steve by virtue of that Act, Lavery, Ian Roy, Lindsay and Lazarowicz, Mark Ruane, Chris Leslie, Chris Ruddock, rh Dame (2) any increase attributable to the Act in the sums payable under Lewell-Buck, Mrs Joan any other Act out of Emma Sarwar, Anas money so provided.—(Mr Evennett.) Lewis, Mr Ivan Sawford, Andy Question agreed to. Long, Naomi Seabeck, Alison Love, Mr Andrew Shannon, Jim Lucas, Caroline Sharma, Mr Virendra TRANSPARENCY OF LOBBYING, NON-PARTY Lucas, Ian Sheerman, Mr Barry CAMPAIGNING AND TRADE UNION MacNeil, Mr Angus Shuker, Gavin ADMINISTRATION BILL (WAYS AND MEANS) Brendan Skinner, Mr Dennis Motion made, and Question put forthwith, (Standing Mactaggart, Fiona Slaughter, Mr Andy Mahmood, Shabana Smith, rh Mr Andrew Order No. 52(1)(a)), Malhotra, Seema Smith, Angela That, for the purposes of any Act resulting from the Transparency Mann, John Smith, Nick of Lobbying, Non-Party Marsden, Mr Gordon Smith, Owen Campaigning and Trade Union Administration Bill, it is expedient McCabe, Steve Spellar, rh Mr John to authorise: McCann, Mr Michael Straw, rh Mr Jack (1) the charging of fees under this Act in connection with a McClymont, Gregg Stuart, Ms Gisela register of lobbyists, and McCrea, Dr William Sutcliffe, Mr Gerry (2) the payment of sums into the Consolidated Fund.—(Mr Evennett.) McDonagh, Siobhain Tami, Mark Question agreed to. McDonnell, John Thomas, Mr Gareth McFadden, rh Mr Pat Thornberry, Emily McGovern, Alison Timms, rh Stephen Business without Debate McGuire, rh Mrs Anne Trickett, Jon McKechin, Ann Turner, Karl DELEGATED LEGISLATION McKenzie, Mr Iain Twigg, Derek McKinnell, Catherine Twigg, Stephen Motion made, and Question put forthwith (Standing Meacher, rh Mr Michael Umunna, Mr Chuka Order No. 118(6)), Meale, Sir Alan Vaz, Valerie Mearns, Ian Walley, Joan PUBLIC BODIES Miliband, rh Edward Miller, Andrew Watson, Mr Tom That the draft Public Bodies (Merger of the Gambling Commission Moon, Mrs Madeleine Watts, Mr Dave and the National Lottery Commission) Order 2013, which was Morden, Jessica Weir, Mr Mike laid before this House on 25 March, in the last Session of Morrice, Graeme (Livingston) White, Chris Parliament, be approved.—(Mr Evennett.) Morris, Grahame M. Whiteford, Dr Eilidh Question agreed to. (Easington) Whitehead, Dr Alan Motion made, and Question put forthwith (Standing Mudie, Mr George Williams, Stephen Order No. 118(6)), Munn, Meg Williamson, Chris Murphy, rh Mr Jim Wilson, Phil NATIONAL HEALTH SERVICE Murphy, rh Paul Wilson, Sammy Murray, Ian Winnick, Mr David That the draft National Health Service (Licensing and Pricing) Regulations 2013, which were laid before this House on 4 June, be Nandy, Lisa Winterton, rh Ms Rosie approved.—(Mr Evennett.) Nash, Pamela Wishart, Pete Nuttall, Mr David Wood, Mike Question agreed to. O’Donnell, Fiona Woodcock, John Onwurah, Chi Woodward, rh Mr Shaun Owen, Albert SITTINGS OF THE HOUSE Wright, David Paisley, Ian Wright, Mr Iain Ordered, Pearce, Teresa That, at the sitting on Wednesday 11 September, notwithstanding Perkins, Toby Tellers for the Noes: Standing Order No. 20 (Time for taking private business), the Phillipson, Bridget Heidi Alexander and Private Business set down by the Chairman of Ways and Means Pound, Stephen Graham Jones may be entered upon at any hour, and may then be proceeded with, though opposed, for three hours, after which the Speaker Question accordingly agreed to. shall interrupt the business.—(Mr Evennett.) 287 3 SEPTEMBER 2013 Baroness Thatcher’s Legacy 288

Baroness Thatcher’s Legacy sick to death of people reminiscing about how the good old days were and how to get out of poverty. I wanted Motion made, and Question proposed, That this House someone to inspire me with a philosophy that would get —(Mr Evennett.) do now adjourn. me out of poverty if I followed it, and for me that person was Margaret Thatcher. 7.42 pm I missed our earlier debate here, but I did attend the Mr David Amess (Southend West) (Con): With your ceremonial funeral. I thought that Margaret’s funeral permission, Mr Speaker, I have agreed with the Minister was an absolute tribute to those who organised it and to to take a number of interventions on the basis that all this country. It was a privilege for me, and for so many the interventions are of a pleasant nature. of my colleagues who did not really know Margaret—they Margaret Hilda Thatcher, born on 13 October 1925, were not in the House when she was an MP—but were died Baroness Thatcher of Kesteven on 8 April 2013, inspired in every way by the person she was. Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1979 until When Margaret became the leader in 1979, Britain 1990, Member of Parliament for Finchley from 1959 until was, as we all know, the sick man of Europe—we were 1992. I was in America visiting my oldest daughter, an the Greece of our times, seeking aid from the International aspiring actress, who lives in Hollywood when she knocked Monetary Fund. The rot was really setting in. Interest on my bedroom door and broke the news that Margaret rates were staggeringly high, at nearly 14%, the impact Thatcher had died. As she is an actress, I did not of which we appreciate if we recall what they are today. initially believe what she had said. I could not get back Inflation was in double digits and the top rate of tax in time for the very moving occasion when the House was 83%. The power was in the hands of the unions, paid its own tributes, so I am unashamedly using this which gave us the winter of discontent. The three-day occasion to pay my tribute to Margaret Thatcher. week was fresh in the memory of many, the dead could I would like to refer Members to a speech I gave from not be buried and rubbish was not being collected. I was this very place—from where I also made my maiden there, living during those times; I have not read it in a speech—on 7 December 1990. [Interruption.] As my book—I experienced it. Evidently, all was not well and good friend, the Lord Commissioner of Her Majesty’s something had to change. Treasury, my hon. Friend the Member for Bexleyheath Baroness Thatcher did not, however, as many have and Crayford (Mr Evennett), says from a sedentary claimed, break the post-war consensus; the post-war position, he was there when I made it. It was on a consensus had destroyed itself. It was the job of the Friday, and I can do no better than quote the motion I then Mrs Thatcher to build a new Britain from the initiated: ashes. In the words of Lord Healey, of all people, “That this House notes the political developments in the United Kingdom since 1979; salutes the right honourable Member “the time had come for a shift from government to the market, as for Finchley for the part she has played in these developments; far as economic policy was concerned, and ending the rule of the congratulates her upon her leadership of the country as Prime trade unions in deciding policy.” Minister for eleven and a half years and pays tribute to the many As I have said, I was privileged enough to have been fine personal qualities that she brought to the performance of her elected, together with my hon. Friends the Members for duties, including, in particular, her integrity, steadfastness and Aldershot (Sir Gerald Howarth) and for Bexleyheath courage; and looks forward to her continued contribution to the and Crayford (Mr Evennett), in 1983. Indeed, it was political life of this country.”—[Official Report, 7 December 1990; Vol. 182, c. 564.] from this very spot that I made my maiden speech on the community charge. I believe that people called it the Of course, 20 years ago I was a little upset about the “poll tax” then, but I never referred to it as such. way in which Margaret was removed from office. I have calmed down now and am in a position to reflect on her The House was absolutely packed and my speech followed life and the service she gave to her country. that of Sir Ted Heath. Matthew Parris was on the Bench behind me and in your place, Mr Speaker, was Only today, I was contacted by a councillor in Grantham, the late Jack Weatherill. It was a fantastic occasion and Councillor Davies; apparently—this is independent of I flatter myself that Margaret, as she sat on the Front the council—a statue to Margaret is definitely going to Bench where my right hon. Friend the Member for be erected there. I support that campaign and I hope Rayleigh and Wickford (Mr Francois) is sitting now, that other hon. Members will do likewise in Grantham. listened to my support for the policy. I visited Grantham earlier this year, having never been before, and visited Margaret’s birthplace, which is now Margaret Thatcher was absolutely inspirational. This a health spa. The place is very humble; it certainly was a is not a criticism, Mr Speaker, so please do not take humble little shop that she used to run, but obviously offence, but I was thinking about the debate last week. Grantham has changed and the place is right opposite In those days, the Chamber was full of giants. There an Asda. If Margaret had been born in my constituency, were many experts and I was in awe of everyone, but we would be celebrating the fact that we had that great 30 years on I am not in awe of anyone. I feel that this is citizen as one of our local residents. now a Chamber of amateurs. I do not mean that in a I can think of no other British politician whose nasty sense, but in a sense of the way we are now. One legacy is as lasting or far-reaching as Margaret’s. There has to look to the other place for the real experts. We can be no doubt that her philosophy has influenced are all sent here, however articulate we are or not, as every aspect of our lives today. I have been a member of equals. As my voice was not heard last Thursday, I am the Conservative party for 45 years and I would never very glad that my voice is being heard this evening in have joined it all those years ago were it not for Margaret. praise of Margaret Thatcher and her great legacy. I was a resident in the London borough of Newham, Margaret Thatcher understood that people had the which contains the constituency that produced the first opportunity to be upwardly mobile. The right to buy ever Labour Member of Parliament, Keir Hardie. I was gave to millions. In my then constituency of Basildon, 289 Baroness Thatcher’s Legacy3 SEPTEMBER 2013 Baroness Thatcher’s Legacy 290

[Mr David Amess] tax cuts and fewer days lost to strikes, Baroness Thatcher was able to bring Britain back from the brink and build we had 30,000 houses in public ownership and it gave a stronger economy. many people the chance to own their property for the first time. Share ownership trebled during Margaret’s Jim Shannon (Strangford) (DUP): I spoke to the hon. decade. Historically, long-term financial gains are made Gentleman beforehand, and he knows what I am going in housing and equity investment, unlike cash savings, to say. Baroness Thatcher’s legacy is threefold for us in which are often gobbled up by inflation. As people were Northern Ireland. First, although we Unionists were interested in business and the economy as newly empowered not happy with the Belfast agreement, she recognised shareowners and mortgage bearers, strikes were naturally that in her memoirs and said so accordingly, and we much less appealing and the power of the unions was appreciate and understand that. Secondly, she took on broken. the hunger strikers and beat them, and broke the back Britain became a place to aspire to be and we were of the IRA at that time as well. Thirdly, she said: back in business. I remember that my right hon. Friend “Ulster is as British as Finchley.” the Member for Rayleigh and Wickford was then a local councillor in Basildon. People began to work together That is the legacy that we have in Northern Ireland—the to build growth and it is no coincidence that in the ’80s United Kingdom is more unified than ever before, and many successful start-ups were born, including Waterstones, Northern Ireland is an integral part of that as never Dairy Crest, Bloomsbury, Sky and Virgin Atlantic. I before—and that is a legacy well worth holding on to. recall that my hon. Friends the Members for Aldershot and for Bexleyheath and Crayford and I received an Mr Amess: I have always regarded the hon. Gentleman invitation from the chairman of British Airways. Lord as my hon. Friend. I thank him for making that point. King grasped the great opportunity he was offered; he The only upsetting thing that I can recall was one was another inspirational leader. moment during Prime Minister’s Question Time when Of course, there is also the fundamental legacy of there was a very unfortunate exchange about Northern privatisation and economic policy. That policy was never Ireland between Enoch Powell and Margaret. But that reversed by successive Governments and has been copied is all history now, and it is very good that the hon. all over the world. As late as 1977, the UK Government Gentleman has paid tribute to Margaret’s legacy, as were still nationalising industry—aerospace and ship demonstrated in how Ireland is today. building—and Baroness Thatcher had to reverse the We should not forget anything that Margaret did for trend to resuscitate our country, which was then known education. We know the unfortunate slogan, but how as the sick man of Europe. More than 50 companies many people realise that Margaret created more were put back into the hands of the people, including comprehensive schools than any Education Secretary huge companies such as British Gas, British Telecom before or after her? Some Members might say, “We and British Airways. Not only was £50 billion raised for don’t support that,” but I am simply saying that, again, the Treasury, but competition was birthed and private she was misrepresented. As Prime Minister, she offered shareholding grew. The consumer benefited, with gas schools a chance to come out of direct council control—a prices falling by 25% in 1995 and telecom charges policy that is successful and popular to this day. She falling by 40%. The basic rate of tax fell from 33% in implemented a core curriculum, with a national standard 1979 to 23% by the time Margaret left office. A strong that every school had to attain. She focused the curriculum pro-aspiration message was heard. Incredibly, 29 million on the essentials: maths, English and the sciences. The working days were lost to strikes in 1979, whereas that current Secretary of State for Education certainly applauds figure was down to 2 million in 1990—an absolutely Margaret’s policies. Parents were given more power in staggering decline. how schools were administered. The Government designed policies around serving children and parents. Her policy Sir Gerald Howarth (Aldershot) (Con): My hon. Friend victories in this area and more widely are no small feat, is paying a wonderful tribute to the salvation of the but let us look now at some of her tangible legacies, nation. Does he agree that the figures he has just given because at the moment, these are just words. for the reduction in the number of strikes from 29 million days lost to 2 million days are evidence that far from Margaret Thatcher’s tangible legacies are found where being divisive, that magnificent woman was responsible I was born: the east end of London. She, through her for restoring to the members of trade unions power that dynamism, absolutely changed the docklands, which had been seized by their leaders to use for political everyone enjoys now, and as we particularly did during purposes? last year’s Olympic games. The Daily Telegraph recently ran a story asking, “Will Canary Wharf be Baroness Thatcher’s greatest lasting legacy?” I know that it will Mr Amess: I absolutely agree with my hon. Friend. I be one of them. After designating the London docklands paid tribute to him when he was appointed as Margaret’s as an enterprise zone and offering tax breaks to local Parliamentary Private Secretary. If only he had been businesses, the then Prime Minister phoned Paul Reichmann her Parliamentary Private Secretary a little earlier, she to kick-start the project and persuaded him, as only she would never have lost by four votes, but that is probably could, to take on the project. None of this could have rewriting history. I absolutely agree about how Margaret’s happened without the lifting of exchange controls, which legacy has been completely misrepresented. Baroness Thatcher did when she was first elected. Finance Contrary to left-wing opinion, Britain’s manufacturing from abroad poured into London, and it became the production rose by 7.5% during Baroness Thatcher’s most prominent city in the world. The regeneration of a time as Prime Minister. In short, because of policies huge area took place over the next few decades, and east such as the right to buy, share ownership, privatisation, London is now entirely unrecognisable from how it was 291 Baroness Thatcher’s Legacy3 SEPTEMBER 2013 Baroness Thatcher’s Legacy 292 my childhood. The docklands light railway was part of minds of the Polish people. She had the presence to this legacy—a line that has assisted greatly in the quite change a nation’s mind in one visit. I am not surprised stunning transformation of east London. that President Reagan was in awe of this remarkable Margaret Thatcher was always described as being woman. Not content with defeating socialism at home— anti-Europe. For 100 years, people had talked about the although sadly, as a result of that, she gave us Tony channel tunnel, but did it happen? Absolutely not, but Blair—together with President Reagan she vanquished Margaret Thatcher was responsible for driving that the forces of communism across Europe, and there are grand infrastructure project. I was then Michael Portillo’s many millions of people who rightly revere her name Parliamentary Private Secretary, and we walked together for bringing about freedom, democracy and commercial down the channel tunnel as it was being bored—absolutely opportunity in eastern Europe. extraordinary—and although we take it for granted today, I suppose that one of the only things I will ever be it was entirely due to Margaret Thatcher. I well remember remembered for is the 1992 election, although for me when she met then President Mitterrand halfway down privately, when I won the first time in 1983, that was my the tunnel. greatest moment. I was under the cosh, as my right hon. The previous project had been started in 1974 but it Friend the Member for Rayleigh and Wickford will had to be abandoned because of the financial pressure attest, as he ran the campaign team in his remarkable that built up during the old, broken consensus. It took a way. Every single journalist, not only local and national more innovative approach and Mrs Thatcher asked but international, descended on Basildon because they private companies to tender for contracts in 1981. Just had been told by my enemies that Barclays bank tellers nine years later, the tunnel was built. It was part of her were to be brought in to do the count, it would be done wider vision to build up Britain again and to revitalise within an hour, and they would see live on TV the first our economy. Even the roots of Crossrail, which we can Conservative to lose their seat. all see with our own eyes, can be found in Margaret’s Who came to my rescue? Margaret Thatcher. Just time. As a former director of UK Contractors Group three days before the general election she arrived, as remembers, “she really pushed” Crossrail forward. always, magnificently dressed in blue, and she was given This project also gives us an insight into the outward- a heroine’s welcome. looking nature of Mrs Thatcher’s leadership. It was a I owe her everything, and that was particularly true in leadership which did not just look to Britain’s shores, 1992. but looked to change the world. My goodness, what an I will not dwell on what happened when she stood international leader Baroness Thatcher was! She showed down as Prime Minister; I think it is best to draw a line a remarkable aptitude for the international political under that. I will just say to my Conservative colleagues stage. Unlike some leaders who are no longer in the in the Chamber that we should never air our dirty linen House, she was far from being a warmonger. She used in public. The greatest leader I have even known should to do everything she possibly could to avoid war and certainly have been treated differently. Considering that broker peace. It was only when the Falklands were I represented a highly marginal seat, I had nothing to invaded that she had to defend those isles. I struggle to gain and everything to lose. put it better than Niall Ferguson, who wrote: I want to allow time for my hon. Friend the Minister, “She was also mostly right about foreign policy. She was right whose father, Lord Hurd of Westwell, was of course to drive the forces of Argentina’s junta out of the Falklands and she was right to exhort a ‘wobbly’ George H. W.Bush to mete out Margaret’s Foreign Secretary at the end, so I will bring the same treatment to Saddam Hussein’s forces in Kuwait. . . Like my remarks to a close. I can find no finer words than my Ronald Reagan, she was quick to see the opportunity offered by” own, in “Margaret Thatcher: A Tribute in Words and Mikhail Gorbachev’s Pictures”, compiled by Iain Dale. Apparently, I said: “Margaret Thatcher was the consummate politician. She had “policies of glasnost and perestroika.” those unique qualities of charisma, enormous courage and Mrs Thatcher was right about Europe, supporting determination. She was blessed with first-class skills of leadership the idea of free and fair trade while opposing the idea of and undoubtedly not only changed this country but the world for a unified currency. Europe was still divided between the better.” east and west when she was first elected and, as we know, Margaret Thatcher was a remarkable Prime Minister it was the Soviet press that nicknamed her the “Iron and an inspiration to any young women today, proving Lady”. She was strong when necessary, but she was that women can do not only an equal job to us men, conciliatory too. When I had the privilege to meet but—this is certainly the experience in my household—a Mikhail Gorbachev when he came to this place, he far superior job. It is difficult to believe that the same looked at me and said, “David, you are young to be a Prime Minister who revitalised east London, the place Member of Parliament.” I said to him, “Well, you’re where I grew up, successfully restructured the whole very young to be the Soviet leader.” But what a different economy, dragging Britain away from the danger zone, type of leader he was to some who have followed him. leaving the physical marks of her success in, for instance, When Margaret, Ronald and Mikhail were working the Eurostar and the London docklands. together, my goodness, they made a huge difference. It Margaret loved this country and loved the place in was as a result of Margaret’s policy that the Berlin wall which we now work. She believed in the supremacy of was eventually taken down. Parliament, as I do and as you certainly do, Mr Speaker— I was delighted to see that a council in Poland is may the army of unelected decision-makers take note. trying to re-name a roundabout after Margaret, as She stood up for Britain in Europe and liberated the roundabouts, as far as I am concerned, ensure that Falkland Islands from the Argentine invaders. She stood U-turns are redundant. Margaret is a hugely popular up for freedom and democracy against the tyranny of figure in Poland today.Her visit in 1988 is well remembered, communism. She defeated socialism. She believed that establishing an alternative option for government in the Government should create the conditions under which 293 Baroness Thatcher’s Legacy3 SEPTEMBER 2013 Baroness Thatcher’s Legacy 294

[Mr Amess] that the legacy she leaves is as lasting and far-reaching as anyone’s, and I totally agree. I think that the only every human being should be given the opportunity to point of comparison is with Winston Churchill. make the most of their lives. She made this country and Like my hon. Friend, I was very proud to be at our world better places in which to live. She is certainly St Paul’s with other colleagues to represent our constituents. the greatest politician I have ever met, and I am just so I was there with my father, who, as my hon. Friend blessed to have worked in Parliament under her leadership. kindly mentioned, served Margaret Thatcher for such a The memory of this remarkable lady will last for ever. long time. It did feel like the passing of an era. Much has been said, and was said there, about her strength 8.7 pm and resolve. Personally, I was very pleased that in all the The Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office (Mr Nick tributes so much was said about her personal kindness Hurd): I feel a lot better, having listened to that speech. and courtesy, alongside the Boadicea-style tributes. It My hon. Friend the Member for Southend West was hard not to be moved by the concern that she (Mr Amess) is a distinguished Member of the House, showed for the families of British soldiers, not least and I see that he is wearing his 1983 tie with pride, as he those who died in the Falklands. My father still speaks should. I am delighted that he has had the opportunity of his admiration for the way in which she handled to place on the record, with the passion and conviction herself in the incredibly difficult situation after the for which he is known, his great and persistent admiration Hillsborough tragedy, walking round the hospital with for and loyalty to Margaret Thatcher. I am also delighted him and talking to families as they stood round the that he has been so well supported by colleagues and bedsides of young lads from Liverpool, many of whom friends, not least his two fellow ’83ers, my hon. Friends were to go on to die. He said that she was absolutely the Members for Aldershot (Sir Gerald Howarth) and magnificent. In a situation that he found personally for Bexleyheath and Crayford (Mr Evennett). very awkward, she did not find it so; she knew exactly what to do. It would be hard to disagree with a single syllable of what my hon. Friend said, particularly when he talked I was pleased that in his admirable address the Bishop about what Margaret Thatcher did to reverse the tide of of London nailed a few of the myths, not least one that defeatism in this country and unleash aspiration. He I feel very strongly about, which is the myth around the spoke movingly about how she inspired him. Well, she misquotation of inspired so many others. I know that he struggled to “there’s no such thing as society.” find a quote to encapsulate her greatness that matched Of course, she later went on say: “My meaning” was the one he provided to Iain Dale, but I will humbly “clear at the time but subsequently distorted beyond recognition”. suggest some others. The leader of the free world, the current President of the United States, said: What she meant to say, and did say, “She stands as an example to our daughters that there is no “was that society was not an abstraction, separate from the men glass ceiling that can’t be shattered.” and women who composed it, but a living structure of individuals, families, neighbours and voluntary associations.” He also said: I am proud to be part of a Government who are trying “As prime minister, she helped restore the confidence and pride to reassert the value of social responsibility about which that has always been the hallmark of Britain at its best.” she felt so strongly, alongside everything else that we are Our own Prime Minister put it well when he said: doing. I see those as very Conservative actions and values “Her legacy will be the fact that she served her country so well to get this country back to living within its means, and that she saved our country, and that she showed immense making work pay, and supporting the wealth creators courage in doing so”. and job creators. I sincerely hope that one of the greatest The Leader of the Opposition deserves credit for saying: leaders this country has ever seen—I agree with my “She will be remembered as a unique figure. She reshaped the hon. Friend’s description—would approve. politics of a whole generation.” Question put and agreed to. My hon. Friend was entirely right in talking about her legacy. We are all painfully aware as politicians that very few of us who pass through this place leave any 8.12 pm traces that stand the test of time. His central point was House adjourned. 1WH 3 SEPTEMBER 2013 Tobacco Products (Plain Packaging) 2WH

I declare my interest as secretary of the all-party Westminster Hall parliamentary group on smoking and health. In common with my colleagues, I think that there is no good reason Tuesday 3 September 2013 for delaying the implementation of standardised packaging, for child protection and health reasons.

[MR PHILIP HOLLOBONE in the Chair] Dame Angela Watkinson (Hornchurch and Upminster) (Con): I draw Members’ attention to my entry in the Tobacco Products (Plain Packaging) Register of Members’ Financial Interests. Does my Motion made, and Question proposed, That the sitting hon. Friend agree that the Government are already be now adjourned.—(Mr Swayne.) investing heavily in anti-smoking strategies through advertising in the print and broadcast media, hoardings 9.30 am in the street and smoking cessation classes? A packet of cigarettes says in bold letters, “Smoking can kill”. Any Mr Philip Hollobone (in the Chair): There are a lot of individual who makes a conscious decision to disregard Members here, and I am keen that all those who have all those warnings surely will not be influenced further indicated that they wish to speak should be able to do by the removal of brand names from packets of cigarettes. so. However, because of the numbers, I am afraid that we will have to limit Back-Bench contributions to three Bob Blackman: The key issue, to which I will come, is minutes. Front-Bench speakers will have no more than not discouraging current smokers but preventing children 10 minutes. from smoking in the first place. I encourage Mr Blackman not to take interventions from those who have sought permission to speak. It is Dr Sarah Wollaston (Totnes) (Con): Will my hon. my intention that Members should be able to speak, but Friend give way? it will greatly help their chances if they do not intervene on another speaker. Likewise, it will help everyone’s Bob Blackman: I will give way a bit later, as I have chances of speaking if Members do not take interventions been directed by the Chairman not to take too many during their three-minute contributions. I cannot force interventions. Members to do so, but I greatly encourage them to. If anybody has not let the Speaker know that they would My view was reinforced by a recent Observer article like to catch my eye, they should let the Clerk know so revealing that Philip Morris, one of the big tobacco we can add them to the list. companies, set out in 2012 to persuade the Government to 9.31 am “wait and see what happens in Australia” Bob Blackman (Harrow East) (Con): It is a pleasure two or three years down the line. That is undesirable. to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Hollobone. This Most smokers begin when they are children. Two thirds august debating Chamber has probably never been so of existing adult smokers report that they started before full at 9.30 on a Tuesday morning; the number of hon. age 18, and almost two in five started before age 16. I Members wishing to speak shows how much interest have no objection if people choose to put a cigarette in there is in this topic. I will try to keep my remarks brief, their mouth, light it and help kill themselves—if that is as per your direction, because I know how many people what they choose to do, they have that right. However, I want to contribute. object to innocent children starting the habit and then not being able to give it up. I wish to cover a particular set of issues, as I am sure others do. The key issue is standardisation of tobacco products and cigarettes, rather than just plain packaging, Ian Mearns (Gateshead) (Lab): I am grateful to my and I will emphasise that throughout my speech. I am hon. Friend for giving way; I call him my hon. Friend delighted that there are so many Members here from on this occasion because we are on the same team. I across parties, all of whom I trust are here to participate gave up smoking when I was nine years old, believe it or in this debate. The issue transcends party lines. It should not. I had two older sisters. They did not encourage me not be a party political matter. to smoke, but I used to get cigarettes off them. I do not think that I was encouraged by the packaging at that I was delighted in April 2012 when the Government age, but packaging is now clearly aimed at a younger decided to consult on standardising cigarette packaging. market. Due to the annual number of deaths among However, I was disappointed when they then decided, in smokers and the number of people who give up, the July this year, that they would not implement plain smoking industry needs new recruits, and it uses any packaging and standardisation until the emerging impact means at its disposal to get them. of the decision in Australia can be measured. Sir Gerald Howarth (Aldershot) (Con): As my hon. Bob Blackman: I thank my hon. Friend; I return the Friend rightly said, the Government consulted extensively. compliment on this occasion. As I said, it is key to Some 665,000 people responded to that consultation, of prevent children from starting smoking in the first whom 64% opposed what he is advocating. place. According to the analysis produced by statisticians at Cancer Research, which I do not think is disputed, Bob Blackman: It was not a referendum or a vote; it 207,000 children under the age of 16 start smoking was a consultation. It is the power of the arguments every year. If the Government wait for three years that matters in a consultation, rather than necessarily from December 2012, when standardised packages were the volume, particularly when the arguments are organised introduced in Australia, about 600,000 children will by a lobby such as Philip Morris. begin to smoke before the Government take any action. 3WH Tobacco Products (Plain Packaging)3 SEPTEMBER 2013 Tobacco Products (Plain Packaging) 4WH

[Bob Blackman] Children in poorer communities in particular—high-risk groups, specifically—are more likely to smoke. For example, That is very useful for Philip Morris and big tobacco, 45% of smokers in routine and manual occupations but what a tragedy for the children, their families and report that they began to smoke before the age of 16; their communities in later life. 57% of teenage mothers smoked during pregnancy; and in 2002, the Office for National Statistics reported that Gareth Johnson (Dartford) (Con): I congratulate my a truly shocking 69% of children in residential care were hon. Friend on securing this debate. Does he not agree, smokers. Starting to smoke is associated with a range of though, that if we adopt plain packaging, the danger is key risk factors, including smoking by parents, siblings that we will simply add to the mystique surrounding and friends, and exposure to tobacco marketing. In my tobacco products, inadvertently encouraging more young judgment, most people start smoking at stressful times people to smoke? in their lives. Bob Blackman: As I shall describe later, the evidence Packaging is used by the tobacco industry as a residual indicates the reverse; I will come to that in a few form of advertising, since all other forms are now minutes. unlawful. Smokers display the branding every time they take their pack out to smoke. The industry understands I am pleased that the borough of Harrow, which I that well. Helpfully, Philip Morris International’s submission have the honour to represent, has a lower than average to the Government consultation on the future of tobacco smoking rate. The latest data still estimate that 500 control stated: 11 to 15-year-olds in Harrow currently smoke, which is 500 too many. I am sure that other hon. Members here “Packaging is…a means of communicating to consumers about what brands are on sale and in particular the goodwill”— have much higher smoking rates in their constituencies. Clearly, the Government’s duty to local authorities to to use the term literally— promote public health means that they will have to take “associated with our trademarks, indicating brand value and action against smoking. quality.” Nowhere else would someone get away with a product Ms Margaret Ritchie (South Down) (SDLP): Does that kills people being advertised in such a way. the hon. Gentleman agree that some research suggests Peer-reviewed studies, summarised in the systematic that when young people and children start smoking review of evidence cited in the Department of Health’s ordinary cigarettes, they can then move on to harder consultation document, have found that standard drugs, destroying not only their health but their families packaging, compared with branded cigarettes, is less and their future career and health prospects? attractive to young people, improves the effectiveness of Bob Blackman: Clearly, the younger someone starts health warnings, reduces mistaken beliefs that some smoking, the more likely they are to increase their brands are safer than others and is, therefore, likely to smoking in later life, and the greater harm they will do reduce smoking uptake among children and young their health. Evidence indicates that the earlier someone people. That evidence is from the Department of Health, starts, the more heavily they are likely to smoke later in which is not yet acting on it. More recent evidence from life, increasing their dependency and lowering their Australia is that smokers using standard packs are more chances of quitting. They therefore have a higher chance likely to rate quitting as a higher priority in their lives of premature death from smoking-related disease. The than smokers using brand packs. That is only the early appalling truth is that half of all lifetime smokers will evidence. die from illness caused by their addiction. Dr Wollaston: So-called plain packaging is actually Mark Pawsey (Rugby) (Con): Is my hon. Friend “stark staring truth” packaging, and has nothing to do aware of the concerns of cigarette packaging manufacturers with mystique. It will not increase mystique; such packaging that standardised packaging will be much easier for will simply help vulnerable children stop being the new counterfeiters to copy? There is thus a grave danger that recruits for an industry that is killing its customers. the very people about whom he is concerned are more likely to be smoking more dangerous illicit cigarettes. Bob Blackman: Indeed. In Australia, we have seen immediately that standard packs, which are often described Bob Blackman: I will come to packaging later in my as plain, are anything but. Colleagues in the House and speech. The key issue is the risk of counterfeiting under members of the public have been confused into thinking the current arrangements, and it has yet to be proven that standard packs would be grey or white, with no what action can be taken about that. With standardised markings at all. That impression has been deliberately packaging, measures are possible to make it harder for fostered by the tobacco industry—for example, by Japan the illicit trade to continue. Tobacco in its grossly misleading newspaper adverts, The illnesses are awful—lung cancer, other cancers, which were rightly condemned by the Advertising Standards emphysema, peripheral vascular disease. Doctors and Authority. In fact, as in Australia, standard packs would medical professionals do not support tobacco control be highly designed, with images of the likely health measures, including standardisation of packaging, out effects of smoking. No wonder the industry is determined of some perverse desire to control people and tell them to stop such packaging. what to do; they support tobacco control because they The evidence we already have amounts to a strong have seen hundreds of patients dying from terrible and enough reason for action now. Are there any arguments preventable diseases. They want that dreadful waste of against that? There are certainly a number of myths, life to end, and we should listen to them. I declare a endlessly repeated by the tobacco industry and its front personal interest: both my parents died of cancer when groups. High on that list is the argument that standardised I was young, because of tobacco and no other reason. packs will increase the level of the illicit trade, as has 5WH Tobacco Products (Plain Packaging)3 SEPTEMBER 2013 Tobacco Products (Plain Packaging) 6WH been mentioned. That is fiction. In fact, data from Her through advertising and marketing? The tobacco industry Majesty’s Revenue and Customs show clearly that the has made a great fuss about its intellectual property illicit trade in cigarettes fell from around one in five rights, but why should we allow any such claimed rights consumed in the UK in 2000 to fewer than one in 10 by to trump the requirements of child protection and 2010-11. That represents a great success for HMRC and public health? The nub of the debate is that children, the Government as a whole, partly as a result of the and the most vulnerable groups of children in particular, sensible decision by the Government to protect the need protection from the tobacco industry and its never funding for that area of HMRC’s work in the previous ending search for new consumers. spending round. People may ask whether standardised packaging would Sir Gerald Howarth: My hon. Friend has been most reverse that welcome trend, but there is no good reason generous in giving way. He obviously feels passionately, to believe so. I invite any hon. Member who does to as I feel passionately in the other direction. As a traditional consider this fact: the three key security features on a Tory, I believe in a free society: people are warned of the pack of cigarettes are the numerical coding system dangers and should be allowed to make their own printed at the bottom of the pack, which will continue; decisions. Given the passion with which my hon. Friend a covert anti-counterfeit mark in the middle of the has argued his case and given his connection with the pack, which can be read by a hand-held scanner and all-party group, is he really in favour of having tobacco would also remain; and some features of cigarette design, banned altogether in this country? Surely that is the in particular the distinctive marks on filter papers, logic of his argument. which would continue. All those features would continue with standard packs. Bob Blackman: I do not agree with banning tobacco Andy Leggett, the deputy director for tobacco and completely. If people want to put a cigarette in their alcohol strategy at HMRC, said that mouth, light it and kill themselves, they make that “there is no evidence that that risk”— choice as conscious adults. My concern is for young children who begin smoking before they realise the of an increase in the illicit trade— dangers; they then cannot quit, because they are addicted. “would materialise to any significant degree.” The tobacco industry’s aim in its packaging is to encourage His opinion was shared by serving police officers, senior more people to start. trading standards officers and a representative of the Tobacco packaging should be made as unattractive EU anti-fraud office, OLAF, when they gave evidence as possible. It should never again be used to try to to the inquiry on the illicit trade conducted by the recruit new addicts and new victims, particularly among all-party group on smoking and health, of which I am the young. Standardised packaging is an inevitable and secretary. welcome step forward in tobacco control. I predict that Standardised packaging is not a party political issue. it will come sooner or later, and on this side of the It is strongly supported by politicians of all parties, argument, the sooner the better. If not now, when? I many of whom are present for this debate. It is also look forward to hearing my hon. Friend the Minister popular with the public. Contrary to what my hon. making the Government’s position clear so that we Friend the Member for Aldershot (Sir Gerald Howarth) know what it is. If they then refuse to introduce a debate said, a February 2013 poll on the issue found that, in the House, we will. overall, 64% of adults in Great Britain were in favour of standardised packaging—great public support. Mr Philip Hollobone (in the Chair): Order. The speeches A further poll by YouGov, conducted in March, from the Front Benches will start no later than 10.40, so showed support for the policy from 62% of Conservative we have 50 minutes remaining. Hon. Members have the supporters, 63% of Labour supporters and 60% of right to take interventions, but the fewer there are, the Liberal Democrats. There was majority support from better the chances of all hon. Members being able to all ages, genders, classes and political parties. Were speak, which is my sole objective this morning. I call there a free vote in the House of Commons, I believe Nick Smith. that a significant majority of MPs would support legislation on standardised packs. I also firmly believe that Parliament Alex Cunningham (Stockton North) (Lab): It is should debate and decide the matter. a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, I remember, before I was elected, the 2006 debate on Mr Hollobone— smoke-free public places, support for which was passed by a majority of more than 200. That piece of legislation Mr Philip Hollobone (in the Chair): Order. I call has proven to be highly successful and popular, enabling Mr Nick Smith. people to enjoy restaurants, pubs and other facilities without having to endure smoke. That legislation was achieved in part because it was seen to be beyond 9.51 am conventional party politics. I strongly urge the Government and my hon. Friend the Minister to introduce a debate Nick Smith (Blaenau Gwent) (Lab): I, too, congratulate in the main Chamber so that we can discuss it and take the hon. Member for Harrow East (Bob Blackman) on a decision, with a vote, on standardised packs. securing this debate and on his principled support for To sum up, fundamentally the issue is simple: smoking plain packaging. tobacco is a lethal addiction. Cigarettes are the only It bears repeating that the costs of smoking are huge. legal product sold in the UK that kills consumers when The cost to the NHS in Wales alone is estimated at used exactly as the manufacturer intends. Why should around £400 million. A Welsh health survey in 2012 any company be allowed to promote such a product showed that 23% of the population smoke and, sadly, in 7WH Tobacco Products (Plain Packaging)3 SEPTEMBER 2013 Tobacco Products (Plain Packaging) 8WH

[Nick Smith] health and the risks of dying prematurely, not only from lung cancer but from other illnesses. What research my constituency that figure is 28%. The Welsh Government’s has been done to understand better why so many youngsters commitment to reduce it to 16% by 2020 is a massive still take up smoking and what more can be done to challenge. discourage them from doing so? The smoking ban has made our pubs and cafés Having a father whose study was full of cancerous healthier and more pleasant places in which to relax, lungs in jars was a pretty significant disincentive to but young people are still being recruited to the habit taking up smoking, in addition to seeing people dying and more than 200,000 under-16s start to smoke every from cancer. There is a disconnect here. Human beings year. We expected that by now the message that smoking are supposedly rational and sentient, yet each year is bad for you would have ended the recruitment of new some 200,000 youngsters make a decision that will have young smokers. Yet in the summer of 2012, when ASH serious long-term consequences on their health and Wales had a campaign road show around Wales to talk that of others. to schoolchildren about the impact of tobacco marketing on them, when shown the marketing currently on the shelves, they described cigarettes as looking like perfume 9.57 am boxes, posh tissues and even Lego. Alex Cunningham (Stockton North) (Lab): It is a ASH Wales estimated that 40 teenagers every day try pleasure, Mr Hollobone, to speak under your chairmanship. smoking cigarettes. Cigarette packs come in a wide I assure you that I will have my hearing tested. range of shapes, sizes and designs that are fashionable, I congratulate the hon. Member for Harrow East colourful and attractive to young smokers. I have been (Bob Blackman) on securing this debate. As he and told that slimline feminine packets are perfect for small colleagues throughout the House who are concerned handbags, and such comments underline why plain about the Government’s decision not to implement packaging is supported by the chief medical officer for standardised packaging for tobacco products said, this Wales and the Children’s Commissioner for Wales. It debate is not about scoring political points, but about has majority public support of 63% and is widely holding the Government to account for what many of supported by parents in my constituency. us consider to be a wrong move. I am pleased that the Welsh Minister for Health and Clearly, the Government have recognised the negative Social Services is looking at our devolved powers to see consequences arising from ready access to non-standardised what unilateral action might be taken to introduce plain packaging, yet they drag their feet, are adamant that the packaging, but I have no doubt that concerted action evidence is not substantial enough and insist that non- throughout the UK is the best option. We must defeat legislative solutions are better suited to the task in the mantra that those who want to up the pace of hand. Pressure on smoking must be continuous and reform are advocates of the nanny state and greater relentless because we are fighting a pervasive, lethal and regulation. Instead, we must show that plain packaging powerful addiction. Plain packaging fits the bill. Not will save lives and money, and is clearly right. only is there a real need for it, but it is a solution that is both wanted and workable. Tobacco is the only consumer 9.53 am product that, if used as instructed, kills half of its long-term users. All tobacco products damage health, Sir Tony Baldry (Banbury) (Con): When I was a child so it is right that they are treated differently from other and until I was about 18, I spent every Christmas day consumer products. on the wards of my father’s hospital. They were old Nightingale wards with beds on both sides. On one side I shall make it clear what that means. In my local of the male wards were the old soldiers whom my father authority area of Stockton, more than 250 people die and GPs had conspired to bring into hospital to give prematurely every year from smoking-related diseases. them a good Christmas. On the other side were men We have a lung cancer rate of 67.1 per 100,000 people, who were dying of lung cancer, which is a bloody awful which is a staggering 40% higher than the national way to die. In effect, sufferers drown because they average. cannot breathe. It is degrading, they fight for breath and they need oxygen tanks. It is a horrid way to go. Julie Elliott (Sunderland Central) (Lab): Does my In the 1950s and 60s, many of the chaps who were hon. Friend agree that the way to protect children is to dying had started smoking during the great war when act now? Around 50 studies say that the measure would the link between cancer and smoking was not clear. have an impact, so the Government need not wait for That is clear now, and although smoking rates have the results of the Australian change in the law. dropped significantly since the 1950s when my father was appointed a consultant, it is a striking and sad fact Alex Cunningham: That is certainly the case. Children that one fifth of adults in the UK still smoke. More are the most vulnerable group and they need protection disconcerting is the fact that more than 200,000 children from exposure to lethal smoking in closed spaces such a year start smoking. as cars and the tobacco industry’s never-ending search The point I want to make to the Minister—I understand for new addicts. Marketing is known to pull children her position of wanting an evidence-based approach—is into smoking and the pack is just another marketing that, having read the Library briefing and the briefing tool. from various groups, which sensibly sent it to colleagues The tobacco industry is now prevented from conventional for the debate, it is not clear to me what research the advertising in this country, so we must look abroad to Department of Health has done. We all know the discover its true intentions. I have been sent the wording desperate impact of smoking on people’s long-term on a US internet site advertising Vogue cigarettes, a 9WH Tobacco Products (Plain Packaging)3 SEPTEMBER 2013 Tobacco Products (Plain Packaging) 10WH brand that is owned by British American Tobacco and John Glen (Salisbury) (Con): Would my hon. Friend aimed at young women. They are on sale throughout not wish to make a distinction between moderate the UK. One US site says: consumption of alcohol and fatty foods, which is perfectly “Vogue Cigarettes stand out among other cigarette brands for tolerable, and moderate consumption of cigarettes, which both their appearance and their unique recognisable taste...The have an appalling effect, no matter how many are all-white box design with a tiny coloured branch and different consumed? There is a real distinction. coloured leaves reflects the romantic essence that is Vogue Cigarettes”. Another site says that Mark Field: No doubt the health lobby would quickly suggest that alcohol and fatty foods were equally intolerable, “the Vogue cigarette’s style was based on the 1950s couture…The even at the lowest level. length and the…appearance…is an attribute of the femininity”. Let me make it clear at the outset: I accept fully that What crass nonsense! The tobacco industry calls tobacco is addictive, but it is a legal drug for adults. I these cigarettes “romantic” and “feminine”; I call them am the father of two young children—a son of five and addictive and deadly. The real concern of the tobacco a daughter of two—and I would not want them to take industry about standard packaging is, of course, that it up tobacco, not least because my late father also died of would prevent them from marketing their products and lung cancer. In passing, it is worth making the observation recruiting new smokers, and there is a standard litany of that our coalition partners and the Opposition would excuses. allow 16 and 17-year-olds to vote, but not to purchase One is that standard packs would increase illicit cigarettes. The age restriction for tobacco, of course, trade. That myth has already been dealt with by the has risen from 16 in recent years. hon. Member for Harrow East. Another is that standard I accept that tobacco smoking is subject to commensurate packs would put the packaging industry out of business, regulations and restrictions. No one should sensibly but let us not forget that we need to worry about the want to see children take up smoking or should encourage good health of the nation, and tough as it would be on them to take up the habit. I believe that we should do all employees and others involved in production and supplies, we can to discourage, to educate and ultimately to if that good health is to be achieved, we should not prevent those under the legal age from taking up smoking. really be focusing on the downside. There are many However, I also believe passionately in the concept of other excuses too, from the damage that will be done to freedom of choice. The decision of whether or not to retailers and the loss of tax revenues, to the amazing smoke should remain that of an informed adult, without claim from some in the industry that packaging does gratuitous interference from the state. not really matter. So many excuses, so little evidence. One should not forget that tobacco is already one of The case for standard packs is strong, and the need the most highly regulated products in the world. The for action is urgent. On one side there is the rich and introduction of plain packaging would almost certainly utterly cynical industry that is quite happy to market amount to a regulation too far, and the so-called products that still kill more than 100,000 people across “denormalisation” of tobacco is not a sufficiently valid the UK every year—more than the next six most common policy decision to justify such action. Any decision by causes of preventable death. On the other side is the the coalition Government must be unequivocally evidence- medical and health community, politicians from all based. To contemplate taking such a significant measure parties, and the general public. In the middle are the for a legal product, the evidence base must be rock solid Government: they have lost the political will to act, so and reliable, with a guarantee that it will have the they must let Parliament decide. outcome intended. I must confess that I am very pleased that the Department did not place a bid in this year’s Queen’s Speech, and 10.1 am that the Government, with a very libertarian junior Mark Field (Cities of London and Westminster) (Con): Minister as we know, have sensibly delayed making a As my hon. Friend the Member for Harrow East (Bob decision until it is clear what impact plain packaging Blackman) has made clear, the Government, at the has in Australia, where a plain-packaging law has been behest of the very well funded, vocal and influential introduced. In my view, it makes sense to see how that health lobby, are examining whether to introduce plain experiment works first, before following their lead. packaging for the nation’s tobacco industry. I, for one, Any decision must be categorically made on the basis believe that that is an entirely unjustified step and that it not of who shouts loudest or which side of the debate is would create an unsettling precedent—the state prohibiting able to muster the largest number of automated e-mail the producers of a legal product to use its legally responses. The enforced introduction of plain packaging protected and valuable branding. It is a serious challenge would infringe fundamental legal rights that are routinely to all those who believe in free markets, enterprise and afforded to international business. It would erode some the economic system of capitalism. important British intellectual property and brand equity, I would very much agree with what was said in the and it would create a dangerous precedent for the future earlier exchanges: if it is such a terrible product, have of commercial free speech in areas such as alcohol and, the honesty, as many in the health industry do not, to indeed, within the food industry. say that the whole product should be banned. I would There is so much more that I would like to say, accept that if it is felt to be such an unhealthy product, Mr Hollobone. It has been an interesting debate. I it should be banned, but we would also then be going accept that my contribution is on a different path from down a road that would probably, before long, affect those of many other Members here, but it is a voice that the alcohol industry, fatty foods and so on. That is not a perhaps needs to be heard in this debate, which we will state of affairs that I would like. no doubt have in the months and years to come. 11WH Tobacco Products (Plain Packaging)3 SEPTEMBER 2013 Tobacco Products (Plain Packaging) 12WH

10.5 am issue, we are absolutely, totally and completely wrong. We have to recognise that counterfeiters are rubbing Ian Paisley (North Antrim) (DUP): The Government their hands with glee at the prospect of their job being face a choice: to make policy on the basis of emotion— made easier. They will be able to get a simpler package indeed, of emotional blackmail—or to make it on the cover that is standardised across the whole UK and basis of evidence. I welcome the recent statement by the push it out across the UK, getting people to smoke Government that they will look at and assess the evidence, brands that are counterfeit and illicitly brought into the then take a decision on that basis. That is an eminently country. Remember that the people doing that are not sensible way to approach making policy. Sunday school teachers; they are serious organised criminals Other Members do themselves a disservice if they who are involved in serious criminal endeavours. take a particular position on the sale, manufacture and distribution of tobacco, saying that those activities are somehow aligned with those of child killers, cancer 10.9 am pushers and drug dealers. That is the import of what is Dr Julian Huppert (Cambridge) (LD): It is a pleasure being said today about people who wish to defend an to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Hollobone. I industry that employs 66,000 people in this country. If congratulate the hon. Member for Harrow East (Bob we put it out of business, it will not reduce the consumption Blackman) on securing this important debate and on or sale of cigarettes by one; they will simply be his excellent speech. I hope that we do have a debate manufactured in other countries and imported here, and a vote in the House on this issue. I also pay tribute and they will continue to be smoked here. to the work that has been done over many years by my hon. Friend the Member for Bristol West (Stephen Sammy Wilson (East Antrim) (DUP): Does my hon. Williams). He recently got a World Health Organisation Friend agree that despite the statistics that have been medal for his work to try to control tobacco. That is given here today, and despite all the health warnings very well deserved. and pictures on cigarettes, 200,000 people are still recruited The tobacco industry clearly has a desperate fight on into the cigarette industry every year? It is evident that its hands to keep its profits. Over many years—many the packaging—the shape and colour, and what is on decades—it has resorted to a range of techniques. One it—does not deter people from smoking. story that used to be told was that if someone smokes, they are less likely to get Alzheimer’s disease. That is Ian Paisley: My hon. Friend makes an excellent point. absolutely true, as has been said—but the main reason I shall deal with the evidence on three issues. First, the is that they are quite likely to die before they get Republic of Ireland has the tightest, harshest laws on Alzheimer’s disease. I am not sure that that is quite what public smoking. When it introduced those laws 10 years was intended. ago—it set the trend on this—smoking stood at 30% of The question that we must ask when thinking about the public. After 10 years of enforcement, enforcement, proposals to introduce plain packaging, which I completely enforcement, today the number of people who smoke in and utterly support, is this: will it work? Study after the Republic of Ireland is 30%. There has not been one study shows that with plain packaging, the packs will be single change to consumption, yet we are told that this less attractive to adults and to children and that that drive is all about reducing consumption. It does not will reduce the number of people taking up smoking. actually work. Some 200,000 children take up smoking each year. We How do we address consumption? We do what the could make a real change. Smoking is presented as cool, hon. Member for Banbury (Sir Tony Baldry) says: but that is not the type of cool that we want to see. We educate young people. In Germany, they have done that can make a difference. and consumption has fallen to 16%. Why? Because they In Australia, there is already research on what the educated the very young and persuaded people that effects of plain packaging have been. It is very clear that smoking was not the course of action they should take. plain packaging increases smokers’ urgency to quit and They educated them away from cigarettes. They also do lowers the appeal of smoking. It is going the right way; another thing: they enforce. In other words, an adult it is having the right results. That is why I was so cannot go into a shop, buy fags and give them to a disappointed to see the Government’s decision to wait 16-year-old. They enforce against adults who do that. until we have a clearer view of the impact in Australia. Unfortunately, many people in this country go into shops and purchase cigarettes, or purchase illicit trade From a scientific perspective, it always makes sense to cigarettes out of the back of someone’s car, and then wait for better evidence. We could wait another year, give them to young people. We should enforce against five years, 10 years or 100 years and we will get more that. and more evidence, but in the meantime people will be taking up smoking and dying as a result. We simply do I also want to deal with the myth about illicit trade. not have the luxury of waiting for ever to get the most The hon. Member for Harrow East (Bob Blackman) perfect possible results. Australia has understood that should know much better. To suggest that HMRC is on and taken action, and many countries around the world, top of the illicit trade in this country is to put one’s head from Ireland to India, are following that lead. As the in the sand. Last year, HMRC gave evidence to the Australian Attorney-General, Mark Dreyfus, highlighted, Select Committee on Northern Ireland Affairs about the laws are “anti-cancer, not anti-trade”. That is where illicit trade, and tobacco was dealt with. HMRC is we should want to be. fighting a tsunami of counterfeit trade in this country. In my country, 25% of all cigarettes smoked are Sammy Wilson: The hon. Gentleman talks about illegal. In Scotland, the figure is about 27%. If we are how plain packaging makes smoking less attractive, but pretending today that the authorities are on top of the the evidence from Australia is actually that plain packaging 13WH Tobacco Products (Plain Packaging)3 SEPTEMBER 2013 Tobacco Products (Plain Packaging) 14WH makes those cigarettes less attractive than those that smoking in public places. But we did not do enough and have a brand name on them, not that it makes smoking we need to do more. When I spoke about this package at less attractive. It simply makes one packet less attractive an anti-smoking do in Parliament, JTI—Japan Tobacco than the other. There is no evidence that it reduces the International—had a spy in the room and wrote to me number of people coming forward to smoke. afterwards, saying, “Mr Ruane, you’ve got it all wrong. These are called 14s because there are 14 cigarettes Dr Huppert: I think that we have seen different data inside the packet.” It was a Miss Laura Oates who sets from Australia. My understanding is very clear that castigated me and she went on to criticise the Labour there is a substantial reduction there. Government for not doing enough on proxy purchasing. We will continue to see the resistance; we will continue I agree: I think that we should take up Miss Laura to hear the arguments that if tobacco is legal, it must be Oates’s cry for more pressure on the tobacco industry possible to sell it freely. We have already heard the and concentrate on that. This is just one step in the summary from “The Oxford Medical Companion” that campaign to cut and then eliminate smoking in the UK. tobacco is the only legally available consumer product Thanks go to Laura Oates for suggesting other campaigns that kills people when used entirely as intended. That is as well. I think that we should have a whole string of something that we should rightly be concerned about. them over the next 10 years. It should be a long-term Although the tobacco giants will continue to fight their policy to— case, we have a duty and a responsibility to fight on behalf of the people who will continue their lives—who Roger Williams (Brecon and Radnorshire) (LD): Will will continue their healthy lives. the hon. Gentleman give way? The fact that MPs from across the political spectrum— this is shown by the vast majority of speeches here Chris Ruane: No, I will not; I have given way once. today—have come together to ask for a U-turn on the It should be a long-term policy to eradicate smoking original U-turn is proof of the political will that exists in our country. The tobacco industry is very successful to take on tobacco. We know that that is supported by at capturing young hearts, minds and lungs, to such an the public outside the House. I hope that we will keep extent that 567 children a day start smoking. A majority raising the issue and that we will have a chance to make of those smokers will continue smoking until the day the difference. they die—early. The industry has been forced to get new recruits 10.13 am because people are dropping off on the other end. Chris Ruane (Vale of Clwyd) (Lab): Ignatius Loyola, Mature people, adults, older people are stopping smoking. who founded the Jesuits, said: They are also dying—150,000 people a year are dying, so the industry needs to get new recruits as early as “Give me the boy at seven and I will give you the man.” possible; the earlier it gets them, the more profitable it I think that the strapline for the tobacco advertising is. If it can get 50 or 60 years of smoking out of a industry is, “Give me the child smoker at 12 and I will 12-year-old, that is much more profitable than getting give you the early grave.” an adult at the age of 18. It is an extra six years of The advertising industry is finely honed. It uses profitability, built on the back of that child’s life—or psychology, science, art, craft and design to get a message death. across. It is not just happenstance or chance; the packages I know that we should not be party political, but the that cigarettes come in are dedicated to capturing hearts Government have back-pedalled on this issue and that and minds. I am holding one—this is what we are of the unit pricing of alcohol. There is time for a talking about here today. This is a “super-slim” cigarette. rethink. There is a lot of co-operation and support in What 12-year-old girl would not like to be super slim? It the Chamber and outside. We ought to work together to is a fine, elegant-looking bullet—or cancer stick. See force this issue and force it quickly. this other one I am holding up. Guess who it is aimed at—14-year-olds. These packages will be responsible for hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of deaths of 10.17 am UK citizens over the next few decades. It is the most Mr David Nuttall (Bury North) (Con): It is a pleasure pernicious form of advertising in the country. to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Hollobone. I have managed to constrain the urge to intervene, in Ian Paisley: I appreciate what the hon. Gentleman is accordance with your exhortation to us this morning, saying, but I remind him that in 2008 the then Health so I will be reluctant to accept any interventions myself, Secretary, the right hon. Member for Kingston upon on the basis, as you said, that we want to have as many Hull West and Hessle (Alan Johnson), said in a statement speakers as we can. to the House that: I am, as most people in the room know, I suspect, on “there is no evidence base that” the side of my hon. Friend the Member for Cities of plain packaging London and Westminster (Mark Field) and the hon. “actually reduces the number of young children smoking.”—[Official Member for North Antrim (Ian Paisley) in this matter. I Report, 16 December 2008; Vol. 485, c. 945.] take the view that plenty of measures are already in He had sought to introduce the policy himself, but then place to protect children from smoking. Let us face it: it dismissed it. is already illegal to sell cigarettes to children. The principal point that I want to make to start with Chris Ruane: I thank the hon. Gentleman for that is that we ought to be taking more measures to enforce intervention. He is right. Labour did many good things. the laws that we have already. There is already a ban on We curtailed advertising. We introduced the ban on advertising, a ban on the display of cigarettes in large 15WH Tobacco Products (Plain Packaging)3 SEPTEMBER 2013 Tobacco Products (Plain Packaging) 16WH

[Mr David Nuttall] legally for the first time will also have an effect on those who are only 13 or 14. From a marketing perspective, supermarkets, which is shortly to be extended to all they are in the same age bracket. shops, and a ban on smoking in public places. We already have extensive education measures. Jim Shannon: I thank the hon. Gentleman for his What really starts children smoking is peer pressure. intervention. It is clear that cigarette companies target We have seen that, as a result of all the measures in young people and we need to address that. Cancer place already, the numbers of people smoking are falling. Research points to substantial evidence that shows Government figures from the general lifestyle survey advertising and promotion drawing young people into show a national fall in the number of smokers, from smoking and that packaging is an important part of 39% in 1980 to 21% in 2011—19% in England and 24% tobacco promotion. in Scotland and Wales. I have never met anyone who, Standard packs would build on the success of the when I asked why they smoked, said, “I took up smoking advertising ban. Eighty five per cent. of people back because I was attracted by the colour or style of the Government action to reduce the number of young packet and I wanted to have one in my pocket.” people who start smoking and 63% of people support standard packs, with only 16% opposed. One hundred Chris Ruane: Get rid of it, then. and ninety health organisations support standard packs, Mr Nuttall: It is all very well saying that, but the including the royal medical colleges and health charities, Minister said in a previous debate that the new packs as well as the World Health Organisation. were not going to be plain packaged at all, but were I was not aware that we waited for countries, such as going to have lots of glamorous, glitzy holograms on Australia, to implement initiatives before we would do them in different colours. [Interruption.] The Minister so in the UK. It was my impression that we sought to did not say “glamorous”, but she did mention different lead the field in safety. Even if we are waiting on smoke colours and holograms. The point is that I never met signals, or hopefully a lack of smoke signals—forgive anyone who said that it was the packet that made them the pun—from Australia, research from Cancer Research want to take up smoking. that is making its way back from Australia shows early indications not only that the policy is making cigarettes Mr Philip Hollobone (in the Chair): Order. I call Jim appear less appealing, but that there is no evidence of Shannon. problems for retailers. I spoke to my colleague, Northern Ireland Health 10.20 am Minister, Edwin Poots, about the issue and he said that Jim Shannon (Strangford) (DUP): I thank the hon. he fully supports the concept of plain packaging. He Member for Harrow East (Bob Blackman) for bringing further told me that it was essential that there is a this important matter to Westminster Hall for consideration. UK-wide scheme to tackle smoking. I put a question to the Minister in June in which I referenced the fact that, when a patient is ill and visits Roger Williams: Will the hon. Gentleman give way their GP, they do as the doctor orders. One hundred on that point? thousand people will die of lung cancer this year and doctors support the campaign for plain packaging, so Jim Shannon: I cannot. I urge the Government not to the question I put to the Government today is, when put off the measure by waiting to get the all clear from will they do as the doctor orders and bring in plain Australia, when too many people are not getting the packaging for tobacco? all clear from lung cancer and other diseases. Take the steps necessary. They might prevent some of the Numerous individuals, as well as groups such as 567 children who may start smoking today, every day Action Cancer and Cancer Research UK have contacted and every week, from doing so. me. Schoolteachers have asked me to support the introduction of plain packaging in the hope that some of the cool factor will be lost and children will not take 10.24 am up the habit. Government research shows some 567 children Stephen Williams (Bristol West) (LD): I congratulate start smoking every day. Half of those go on to become my hon. Friend the Member for Harrow East (Bob regular smokers, who will die as a result of their habit, Blackman) on securing the debate. He is my honourable despite anti-smoking advertising campaigns, attempts friend in a different context, as an officer in the all-party to educate children at school about the dangers and the parliamentary group on smoking and health, which I fact that it is now illegal to sell cigarettes to anyone have chaired for the past three years. under 18 in Northern Ireland. After much research, Cancer Research backs We have two debates in Parliament that will attract standardised plain packs due to the evidence that such public attention today—this one and the debate on packaging will help to save lives as part of a comprehensive lobbyists this afternoon. I think that we could move tobacco strategy. No one here is claiming that it is the seamlessly from one to the other, because the fact that answer and will stop people smoking, but it can be and the Government have stalled on this important public must be part of a campaign to save lives. Eight in 10 health measure is proof positive of the effectiveness of smokers start smoking by the age of 19 and 207,000 the lobbying industry. The industry must see it as a 11 to 15-year-olds become smokers each year. triumph that it has caused the Government to stop and think again. Ian Mearns: I hope that the hon. Gentleman agrees Over the past 18 months or so there has been frantic that marketing and advertising aimed at reaching young and frenetic lobbying by the tobacco companies to stop people on their birthday when they can buy and smoke the Government introducing legislation to standardise 17WH Tobacco Products (Plain Packaging)3 SEPTEMBER 2013 Tobacco Products (Plain Packaging) 18WH the packaging of cigarettes. That is because it is the last on smoking in public places. That Parliament imposed remaining marketing ploy that the tobacco companies a comprehensive ban on smoking in public places. I have. They have used the same arguments they made hope that this House or the House of Lords will act in about the ban on smoking in public places and the the same way in this Parliament. display ban: that it will destroy small shops, and lead to a huge increase in smuggling and criminal activity. Those arguments were wrong then and they are wrong 10.28 am now. Barbara Keeley (Worsley and Eccles South) (Lab): It is a pleasure to speak in the debate under your Mark Field: Will the hon. Gentleman give way? chairmanship, Mr Hollobone. As an MP for Salford, I want to speak because smoking, smoking-related deaths Stephen Williams: The hon. Gentleman has spoken, and lung cancer rates are all too high there. One in four so I will follow the Chair’s mandate and not give way. of the population in Salford smoke, which is a much Other people are lobbying against the policy, such as higher rate than the average of one in five people in Unite the Union. I took part in a debate during the England as a whole. Consequently, we have much higher recess on BBC Radio Bristol with a shop steward from rates of smoking-related death and a higher incidence the tobacco packaging factory in east Bristol. He said of lung cancer, with 175 new cases of lung cancer that if legislation went ahead that factory would lose diagnosed each year. The worst statistic is perhaps the hundreds of jobs. I say to the hon. Member for North Cancer Research UK estimate that around 1,000 children Antrim (Ian Paisley) that I see no problem at all with in Salford start smoking each year; that addiction will being a constituency MP—Imperial Tobacco, one of kill one in two of them, if they become long-term the largest tobacco companies in the world, is based in smokers. Bristol—and arguing against the tobacco trade, because Early evidence from Australia on the introduction of tobacco kills people in my city and kills people from plain packaging suggests that branded cigarette boxes poorer communities. It is a public health tragedy that can influence the perception of smoking among young smoking now disproportionately affects poorer people people and that plain packaging might help the fight in society. The middle classes have largely followed all against starting smoking, which is what is important to the health warnings and given up smoking. me. In a study there, 70% of those interviewed who smoked from plain packets said that they thought that Ian Paisley rose— the cigarettes were “less satisfying”, and they rated quitting as a higher priority than those who continued Stephen Williams: As I mentioned the hon. Gentleman, to smoke from a branded pack. In an important separate I will give way. online study, 87% of the children interviewed rated plain packets as “uncool” and said they would not want Ian Paisley: I have no problem with that, but I must to be seen with them. ask the hon. Gentleman whether he takes the same There is, therefore, weight behind the argument that approach to the alcohol trade. I accept that cigarettes cigarette packaging is the last legal form of tobacco kill, but that is not the argument. The argument is about advertising and that it has an influence on young people’s illicit trade and the impact on jobs and employment. perception of smoking. That is why it is really important That is where the argument is and where we need to that we take action to introduce plain packs. look. We need to get the evidence that shows that plain In the previous Parliament, we introduced a ban on packaging will do what it says on the tin: stop people smoking in public places and it made a difference. I from smoking; it will not. visited Copenhagen earlier this year, and found myself in public places where people were lighting up. It is easy Stephen Williams: There is a big difference between to forget how unpleasant it is to be in a public place alcohol and tobacco: alcohol consumed in moderation where people are smoking and to come home with will not kill someone; smoking tobacco, whatever the clothes and hair stinking of smoke, but worse is the strength, over a long period, will shorten your life. That effect of second-hand smoke on health. Since 2002, is a fundamental difference. tobacco advertising has been banned from TV,billboards As hon. Members have said, tobacco is already one and sports such as Formula 1; the next step is to tackle of the most regulated trades. So why regulate further? the advertising on the packaging. Because regulation has been proven to work. Over the In 1950, 80% of men and 40% of women smoked. past 50 years, with restrictions on tobacco advertising, Cigarette advertising at that time used images of doctors sponsorship and points of display, health warnings and and celebrities to promote the different brands. One NHS cessation programmes, we have seen the rate of brand even used images of Santa Claus smoking. smoking drop from more than half of adult males in the late 1960s, when I was born, to about one-fifth now. Chris Ruane: I mentioned two packs earlier. One I We know that state intervention works, but tobacco was not able to get hold of for today, despite my trying. companies need a new generation of susceptible young It is a lovely 1950s retro pack, which opens up to show minds to take up the addiction. nice pink cigarettes inside—very appealing to a 12-year-old. I am deeply disappointed with my Government for What does my hon. Friend think about that kind of stalling. I know that the Minister’s heart is in the right retro advertising by the tobacco industry? place and I feel for her on this occasion. The Government have not acted, so there is an opportunity for Parliament. Barbara Keeley: It just shows that all these methods I remember Patricia Hewitt in the previous Parliament are being used to attract smokers—particularly, and defending, almost until the last minute, the partial ban sadly, young smokers. To think that we once used Santa 19WH Tobacco Products (Plain Packaging)3 SEPTEMBER 2013 Tobacco Products (Plain Packaging) 20WH

[Barbara Keeley] It is a tragedy that each year 200,000 people start to smoke when we could take action. I do not believe that Claus to claim that a brand was easy on the throat. We the fact there have already been successful measures is have heard of the damaging impacts and the dreadful an argument for not taking further action—quite the way in which people die. opposite. According to one statistic I have seen, the I congratulate the stop smoking services in Salford, display ban on large shops has contributed towards particularly for their programme that focuses on reducing 100,000 fewer young people taking up smoking each smoking in families with children under 16. Research year. If that is correct, let us build on the success. Let us has shown that, if children do not see their parents do more, and see more and more young people discouraged smoking, they are less likely to start smoking themselves. from taking up smoking. Many of our programmes in Salford are targeted at If I saw a young child drowning in a canal or about to families. I think it is true that most smokers do not want run in front of a car, I would do all that I could to stop their children to start smoking. them and to save that life. Is that not what we are in a All the advertising is pernicious. It focuses on young position to do in this House? The public do not want to people, and on young women who want to remain slim see young people’s lives and futures damaged by smoking. and, for heaven’s sake, in the past, it used Santa Claus More than 190 health organisations support standardised and doctors. It is time we moved on to take the next packaging. People in this House support it. Let us have important step to close down cigarette advertising by a debate and a vote, and take action to protect the introducing plain packs. It is time to prevent children health and lives of future generations. and young people from starting smoking—I do not want to continue to see 1,000 children a year in Salford 10.36 am starting to smoke—and to reduce the large numbers of Paul Burstow (Sutton and Cheam) (LD): I congratulate people affected by smoking-related illness and early the hon. Member for Harrow East (Bob Blackman) on death, in my authority and across the country. securing the debate at this early stage, so that we can put the case for Parliament making the decision and getting 10.32 am the solution, getting on with it in a way that the Government have been reluctant to do. Fiona Bruce (Congleton) (Con): I congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Harrow East (Bob Blackman) I want to pick up on the phraseology: standardised not only on an excellent speech—which I fully support—but packaging versus plain packaging. Standardised packaging on his work on the all-party group on smoking and is what we are talking about. It is clear, and enables health, of which I am a member. public health messages to be delivered powerfully. The way in which the packages are designed has a clear My motivation in supporting the debate today comes psychological impact in reducing the likelihood of people entirely from wanting to ensure that we protect children taking up smoking and increasing the likelihood of and save lives. I echo everyone who has said, “Let’s do their quitting. It is important that we talk about standardised as much as we can to prevent young people from packaging, because it really makes a difference. starting to smoke,” because the later they start the less likely they will become addicted and the fewer lives we Annette Brooke (Mid Dorset and North Poole) (LD): will see debilitated. It is not just about saving lives; it is The case has been well made that clever packaging about the quality of life that many will suffer. How seduces children into smoking, but how will standardised many people who have taken up smoking desperately packaging impact on the rational adult person’s choice want to stop? The best way to stop smoking is not to to smoke? start in the first place. Paul Burstow: I would use the phrase “insidious John Glen: Does my hon. Friend share the grave packaging”. That is what we are talking about. We have concern that a disproportionate number of people from seen today examples of the sort of packaging that has the poorest communities are taking up smoking in ever been used, and in the evidence submitted as part of the increasing numbers? preparations for the debate we have seen how those who lead tobacco companies talk about the value they place Fiona Bruce: I absolutely do, and I also share the view on packaging as a tool to solicit more custom and get that young people are attracted to designer brands. more people to take up smoking in the first place. Big They are attracted not just to the product but to the tobacco needs to recruit more smokers because it has to packaging. I have two young sons—one is 17 and one replace those who quit and, more chillingly, those who is 20—and I was amazed to discover that not only do die as a consequence of taking up smoking. That is why young people want to buy designer clothing but there is we must have a bias towards action to protect the health a trade on eBay for the tags and packaging. People of children and young people from the harm that collect the labels. smoking does. We have known for a long time that young people are In its systematic review of evidence, published as part attracted to labels. In 1995 a survey of youth in America of its consultation, the Department of Health gathered told us that young people associated the following absolutely clear and strong evidence of the impact of words with designer packaging: popular, cool and good- standardised packaging on reducing smoking. The evidence looking. With cigarettes in plain packaging, they associated is there; what is lacking is the political will. The Minister the words boring, geeky and cheap. In 2012, another has that will, but the Government as yet do not. Parliament survey found that young people felt that if they smoked should take a leaf out of the book of the previous stylish packs they would be “better and more popular”. Parliament, when it came to smoking in enclosed public The evidence is there. We do not need to delay. places. It was not the then Government who led on that; 21WH Tobacco Products (Plain Packaging)3 SEPTEMBER 2013 Tobacco Products (Plain Packaging) 22WH they hid behind many of the same arguments that are Mark Field: Will the hon. Lady give way? being used now. Yet again, it took the leadership of the Health Committee—having an inquiry, producing a report and publishing the evidence—to make the case Ms Abbott: I am afraid that I cannot. for the ban, and the Government being prepared to We know that half of lifetime smokers will die from allow a free vote. smoking, that it remains the largest preventable cause We should have a debate and a free vote in this House of cancer, that it causes one in four deaths from cancer to give effect to the policy change, because it will save and eight in 10 deaths from lung cancer, and that lives. It is no longer satisfactory or acceptable to be smoking is the biggest cause of health inequality. That kicking this can down the road. We should not have is what makes tobacco packaging different and makes been doing that with the ban on smoking in enclosed the measures so important. public spaces and we should not be doing it now with On children, the key to the debate is not whether a standardised packaging. change in packaging would make established smokers I hope that people will be moved by this debate and alter their habits, but the attraction that packaging that the Minister can move her colleagues. I know that holds for children. The question is one of child protection: both she and the Minister of State, Department of although adults can make their decision about smoking, Health, my hon. Friend the Member for North Norfolk society has a responsibility, which some speakers have (Norman Lamb), are committed to this change, which ignored, to protect children. Even Members who do not is an essential public health goal. As one speaker said, accept that must agree that we have a responsibility to controlling tobacco and saving lives requires us over bear down on the millions of pounds a year that it costs time systematically to improve and strengthen regulation. the NHS to deal with the consequences of smoking. This is another step on the journey of changing public We have seen important local leadership on smoking. attitudes and saving lives. A lot can be done locally, which is why it is so important to move public health to local authorities. I want to 10.40 am name the leader of Newcastle city council, Nick Forbes, and Fresh North East for their innovatory work. Ms Diane Abbott (Hackney North and Stoke Newington) (Lab): I thank the hon. Member for Harrow East (Bob This is one of those issues on which what is done Blackman) for making possible this important debate upstream—Government measures—has the most impact. at this stage in the Parliament. I also thank you, In the lifetimes of everyone in the Chamber, levels of Mr Hollobone, for your exemplary chairing, which has smoking have gone down, and attitudes to smoking allowed everyone who wanted to speak to do so. have changed. When I was a child, people smoked on the television, in films, in meetings and in offices, none In my brief remarks, I want to deal with the bogus of which is now acceptable. That shows what we can do point that doing anything about cigarette packaging in public health with a mix of moral suasion and necessarily affects how we treat alcohol and fatty foods, legislation, but there is more to be done, and I believe and to talk about the importance of protecting children that the packaging measure is the last brick in the wall. and local leadership. I first want to congratulate my hon. Friends the Members for Blaenau Gwent (Nick It is important to make the point that we are discussing Smith),for Stockton North (Alex Cunningham) and for UK packaging. As part of my role as shadow public Worsley and Eccles South (Barbara Keeley) on their health Minister, I have been to Europe—to Brussels and excellent speeches, as well as my colleague, my hon. so on—to talk about the issue. In Brussels, people are Friend the Member for Vale of Clwyd (Chris Ruane), clear that one reason why the tobacco industry is so for his helpful visual aids, which enabled us all to focus exercised about packaging is not profits in the UK, but on what the debate is about in practice. I found the the example that UK legislation would set to the rest of contribution from the hon. Member for Banbury (Sir the world, including the huge markets in China and Tony Baldry) quite moving. For me, the image of a Africa. What is at stake is not a marginal decrease in child on his father’s ward with all those men dying from profit here; it is the big problem of profits forgone in the lung cancer, a type of cancer in which people drown, huge markets elsewhere. That is why it is so important was particularly vivid and moving. for us in Parliament to set the right example—not just for the health of British people or because of the costs First and foremost, I will deal with the bogus idea to the health service, but for the rest of the world. that we can compare the packaging of cigarettes with that of sweet or fatty foods, alcohol and so on. If people In closing, I congratulate such organisations as Cancer consume alcohol and packaged sugary or fatty goods in Research UK and Action on Smoking and Health that the quantities indicated on the packaging—all packaged have been ceaseless in bringing the facts before the goods now have information about calories and what public and MPs. We know that the issues are difficult proportion of people’s diets should be made up of and that the Government face the money and power of particular food groups, and all alcohol packaging tells big tobacco. To be candid, that is why my Government people the advisable level of consumption—the effect in the end allowed a free vote. If this debate can get one on health is marginal. If they consume tobacco in the important thing rolling, it should be pressure on the way manufacturers indicate, half of lifelong smokers Government at the highest level to allow Parliament to will die—no ifs, no buts. Tobacco is the only legal discuss the question: let us debate and decide. The substance for which, if consumed as indicated, half of health of Britain’s children and the general population consumers will die. In relation to packaging, that makes depends on it and the spiralling cost of the NHS tobacco a wholly different case from alcohol and sugary depends on it, as does the health of people all over the and fatty foods. In my view, it is a dishonest argument world, to whom we can set an example with exemplary to try to make that comparison. legislation on cigarette packaging. 23WH Tobacco Products (Plain Packaging)3 SEPTEMBER 2013 Tobacco Products (Plain Packaging) 24WH

10.47 am hon. Friend the Member for Bury North (Mr Nuttall) who says that he has never met anyone so drawn; well, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health he has now, because I am that person, and I am not (Anna Soubry): It is a pleasure, as ever, to serve under alone by any means. your chairmanship, Mr Hollobone. I echo the remarks of many speakers by congratulating my hon. Friend the Mark Field: There is little doubt that if alcohol were Member for Harrow East (Bob Blackman)—a long- synthesised for the first time today, or if we discovered standing friend, if I may say so—on securing the debate sugar for the first time, it would be banned. The Minister and on his excellent speech. As he knows, I have been has made the case about nicotine. Ideally, does she want called many things, but I have never been called “very the product banned? She talked about protecting young libertarian”, and I am still in a state of shock at that people. What age is she talking about? In America, for description. example, alcohol is banned for anyone under the age I make it clear that I am no great fan or supporter of of 21. Is that the age she is considering, especially as we the nanny state. I do not have a particular problem with could outlaw both tobacco and alcohol at university standardised packaging, because that does not relate to when people are at an impressionable age? the nanny state. As we have heard in the many excellent speeches from Members of all parties, the issue is the Anna Soubry: My hon. Friend is most naughty. He protection of children, not preventing anybody from asks me in a short period of time, when I have other smoking or going out to buy cigarettes. It is about matters to address, to answer about three or four questions protecting young people from the attraction of taking all at once, most of which are completely irrelevant. We up smoking. cannot say that there is a correlation between alcohol and tobacco; of course there is not. One can enjoy a It is important that I declare my interest. My father, a glass of wine on an occasional basis. Indeed there is lifelong smoker, died at the age of 56 from lung cancer. I evidence that it can help certain people with their do not think that there was any doubt that that cancer health. I am talking about the gentle consumption of was caused by his lifelong addition to tobacco—to alcohol or sugar. Indeed there is nothing wrong with smoking. I say with considerable shame, if I may put it eating sweets for goodness sake or even chips and other that way, that until just over five years ago, I, too, was a fatty substances. It is all a question of how much one smoker; both my brothers continue to smoke. I am not eats; it should be part of a sensible and well-balanced for one moment saying that if people are not or have diet. There is nothing in support of cigarettes or tobacco. not been smokers, they cannot engage in the debate, It is about as barmy as saying, “If you want to help because that would obviously be complete nonsense, yourself after a stressful day, have a fag.” Cigarettes— but they have to have been a smoker to understand the tobacco—kill people and harm people’s health. Get it! perverse psychology of smoking.

We know that 8 million people in this country continue Alex Cunningham: The Minister is making a tremendous to smoke and that the overwhelming majority of them case—a better one than most of us—for standard want to stop. It is an admission of some weakness packaging. Will she therefore persuade the Health Secretary within us, which I think is the power of nicotine. It is that he does not have to wait for Back Benchers or often said that nicotine is more addictive even than others to take the matter to the Backbench Business heroin. Although I have never directly experienced heroin, Committee to get a vote on the Floor of the House of when I was a criminal barrister I had enough clients to Commons? He can actually crack on now with tremendous know how powerful heroin and cocaine are. Goodness support from across the House. me, even they would say that nicotine is a dreadful substance in its addiction. That accounts for why so many smokers, like me, found it so difficult to give up. Anna Soubry: I suppose that I am sort of grateful for that intervention. It was not the most helpful, but it was I want to make it clear that like so many smokers, I a fair one and it is a good point that needs addressing. I took up smoking before the age of 18. I accept that have no difficulty in waiting for the evidence to emerge I sound very weak when I say—this is one of those from Australia. It is on that point that I agree with the moments where one almost wants to confess—that the hon. Member for North Antrim (Ian Paisley). However, power of the packet had an effect on this 17-year-old it is the only point on which we agree on this matter. It is from Worksop who was working in a toy shop, which, important that we consider the evidence. Of course we bizarrely, sold cigarettes in those days. Younger people know that the Irish Government have also said that listening to this debate will be amazed to hear that a toy they want to introduce this measure. Again, we will wait shop could sell cigarettes, but those were the days. and see. It is no simple matter to introduce standardised packaging. There will be many challenges that the Irish I have never forgotten the first time that I bought a will face in their attempts. It is right and fair that we packet of cigarettes. I deliberately chose a packet of wait to see all of that as it develops. St Moritz because they were green, gorgeous and a symbol of glamour. Do hon. Members remember the rose— madness of those advertisements that talked of the cool Barbara Keeley fresh mountain air of menthol cigarettes? Those were the days that some of us remember because of our age. I Anna Soubry: May I make some progress, because it distinctly remember the power of that package. It was is really important that I make the matter clear? The the opening of the cellophane and the gold and the coalition Government have made no final decision. As I silver that was so powerfully important to many people have said, we wait to see the evidence as it emerges from who, as youngsters, took up smoking. I say that to my both Ireland and Australia. It is important to say that 25WH Tobacco Products (Plain Packaging)3 SEPTEMBER 2013 Tobacco Products (Plain Packaging) 26WH standardised packaging is no silver bullet. There is no holograms can be put on standardised packaging—not simple solution to the problem of persuading both the to be attractive but as part of the argument against the remaining 20% of the population to give up smoking claim that anybody will be able to counterfeit it. and our youngsters not to smoke. Far from being a counterfeiter’s charter and dream, standardised packaging is a counterfeiter’s nightmare. I I want to deal if I may with some of the excellent wish that I had with me some of the packets that have points that have been made. I, like many other Members, been produced by Australia. If we had them, Members have talked about the power of the package. The hon. would see that they are far from plain. On the contrary, Member for Vale of Clwyd (Chris Ruane) helpfully they have colour in them, but they have the standardisation, brought in some packets. He mentioned the cigarettes which takes away this incredibly powerful marketing that are deliberately targeted at young women. My hon. tool and the attraction for young people. Friend the Member for Banbury (Sir Tony Baldry) asks why children, in the face of the overwhelming evidence Barbara Keeley: On the point about waiting for the and the health messages, take up smoking. He is right to evidence, it is not 20% of people who smoke in Salford say that we need to do more research. We know many but 25%, and much more in some areas, and it is 1,000 things. children. As we wait, 1,000 children every year will start smoking in Salford. Why are we waiting? We know, for instance, the power of parents. If a child is brought up by parents who smoke, they are Anna Soubry: I think I have explained why we have likely to smoke because they will see it as the norm. One waited. My understanding of the statistics is that it is of the great benefits of the legislation that was introduced 20%, but it differs in different parts of the country. I by the previous Administration—I pay full credit to also want to make the point that the Government have them for introducing that ban on smoking in open not stepped away from taking action against the harmful places—was that it made smoking less socially acceptable. effects of tobacco. We have a tobacco control plan for Effectively, it turned many of us into modern-day lepers. England that sets out our national ambitions and our If we wanted to smoke, we were reduced to standing comprehensive evidence-based strategy of national and outside, ostracised from our workmates, and that was a local actions to achieve them, including high-profile powerful reason why so many of us gave up smoking. marketing campaigns. Our Stoptober campaign, which Many of us remember with shame, as I do, sitting in was hugely successful last year and which we will be restaurants thinking that we had some God-given right running again this year, provided help and assistance to to smoke next to people who rightly found it deeply smokers, the majority of whom want to quit. offensive, and who were trying to enjoy their meals. It is I also want to pay tribute to local authorities, which astonishing to look back at films and television programmes now have responsibility for public health. I have met of only a few years ago to see how acceptable smoking members and representatives from councils in the north-east was and how the previous Parliament changed that. who are doing some terrific work persuading people to stop smoking or not to take it up, and that shows good I absolutely agree with all those who are trying to nail local action. the falsehood in two important parts of this argument As ever, the clock is against me, but I hope that I have about standardised packaging. The first is whether it is made the Government’s position absolutely clear. I plain. I concede that one of the great failings of this congratulate again everybody who has spoken in this debate is to explain what we mean by “standardised”. debate. My own views are clear, but it is right to wait to That goes back to the point that was inaccurately made see the evidence. I assure Members that the wise words by my hon. Friend the Member for Bury North. I never from so many different parties today will be taken back said that packaging would be glamorous or glitzy, but to the Government and will be listened to. It is to be that, as I think my hon. Friend the Member for Harrow hoped that in due time, standardised packaging will be East also tried to say, under the regulation and legislation introduced. 27WH 3 SEPTEMBER 2013 Social Enterprise: Wider UK 28WH Economy Social Enterprise: Wider UK Economy Enterprise 100 Index, which follows the growth of the social enterprise sector, shows the top 100 social enterprises 11 am growing by 60% in the past year. Although down from 90% growth in the previous year, a growth rate of 60% Chris White (Warwick and Leamington) (Con): I am is still very commendable. Also, the Cabinet Office’s delighted to be able to speak about a topic that I believe research into the sector indicates that social enterprises is one of the most important facing our country today: are likely to be larger than traditional SMEs. Therefore, how do we create a fairer and more sustainable economy increasing the number of social enterprises is likely to that can provide jobs and growth for the future? Given lead to greater job growth. Given the focus that is being the topic and my role as the chairman of the all-party placed on growth and job creation across Government, group—[Interruption.] the evidence suggests that, if we want to achieve those objectives, we have to place social enterprise at the very Mr Philip Hollobone (in the Chair): Order. Out of heart of our economic agenda. courtesy to Mr White, who is making his important speech, would all those who are not staying for this However, this issue is not just about micro-economics. debate please leave Westminster Hall quickly and quietly? I know that the Treasury and other Departments are often in the grip of the macro-economic debate. Since Chris White: I am grateful to you for that, Mr Hollobone. the mid-1970s, wages as a percentage of GDP have I titled this debate, “Social Enterprise and the Wider fallen considerably, from more than 64% of GDP to UK Economy”, because I wanted to focus on the economic around 55%, creating a gap of £7,000 between the dimension of social enterprise. Social enterprise is often potential for earnings if they had stayed at the same considered by politicians solely in the context of charitable percentage of GDP as in the mid-1970s and the current and voluntary organisations, under the umbrella title percentage. That has been mirrored by a fall in investment of voluntary community and social enterprises. That during the same period, but there has been a rise in is understandable, of course. Social enterprises are profits, particularly in financial services. The increasing community-focused organisations designed to fulfil a financialisation of our economy has reduced growth, certain social purpose, and, because of that social purpose, with profits being creamed from the real economy, they are often confused with charities or voluntary which in turn has led to reduced investment in new organisations. products and lower wages. Personally, I see social enterprises as being much We need a new model of business that is unlikely to wider and much more than that. I see the social enterprise succumb to that process, and to ensure that growth does model as a way of reforming our economy so that we not merely lead to higher profits but is reinvested in our combine competitiveness and profitability with social communities and comes back into the pockets of our justice and fairness; a way of spreading growth across people. I believe that social enterprise is that model. The the country, so that all communities can benefit; and a principles of social enterprise see profits reinvested in way of engaging with parts of our society that have communities, and the focus placed on engaging with found it difficult to get involved in our economy, and staff and improving their lives, not only because of the allowing their talents to shine. In short, I see social productivity benefits but—most importantly—because enterprise in the mainstream of the British economy, it is the right thing to do. So, whether it is micro or powering a socially and economically sustainable future. macro, the case for social enterprise is very strong. That potential for economic and social renewal was We should not be afraid of new business models. In highlighted by the recent state of the sector survey the 19th century, many of our major businesses and compiled by Social Enterprise UK. The survey, which employers were family-run firms or partnerships. Then was excellently titled, “The People’s Business”, showed we saw the emergence of large publicly traded companies, that social enterprises are not only growing faster than where the discipline of the market would lead to growth. traditional small and medium-sized enterprises, but are As that model appears to be flagging, we should look to more resilient, focused on our most deprived communities the next structure that can achieve our aspirations, both and create a more diversified business leadership. for social progress and economic growth. Social enterprise According to the survey, 38% of social enterprises is that next step. saw an increase in turnover compared with 29% of I hope that I have justified why social enterprise SMEs, and only 22% of social enterprises experienced a needs to be at the heart of our strategy in the years decrease in turnover compared with 31% of SMEs. ahead. Now I believe that we need to focus on the Also, the number of social enterprises that expect to practical steps we can take to achieve that. We should take on more employees in the next 12 months is double focus on a number of areas. First, the Government need the number that traditional SMEs have indicated in to take several steps to improve the way that they similar surveys. In addition, 38% of social enterprises engage with social enterprise. As I mentioned at the worked in the most deprived 20% of our communities start, social enterprises are often just lumped together in the UK, compared with just 12% of SMEs; 38% of with charities and voluntary organisations. Although social enterprises had a female leader, compared with the social enterprise sector has strong links to civil 19% of SMEs; 91% of social enterprises had at least society as a whole, ultimately we need to consider social one woman on their leadership team, compared with enterprise in the same way as we consider other forms less than half of SMEs; and, finally, 15% of social of business. enterprise leaders are from the black, Asian and minority In the same way that policies targeted at SMEs are ethnic communities. developed in the Department for Business, Innovation Those are not merely isolated statistics. There is and Skills, we need to do more to have social enterprise evidence from other sources that social enterprises are considered in BIS policy making and to ensure that this growing rapidly. The Royal Bank of Scotland Social type of business is considered alongside SMEs and 29WH Social Enterprise: Wider UK 3 SEPTEMBER 2013 Social Enterprise: Wider UK 30WH Economy Economy other key areas. That would be useful for a number of The Government can also assist by creating strong reasons. Primarily, it would ensure that, when policies social investment tax relief. I appreciate that a consultation directed at supporting businesses are created, social is under way to examine how such tax relief might be enterprise is considered as part of that. created, and I look forward to contributing to that in The enterprise investment scheme and the venture due course. I urge the Minister to ensure that the capital trusts scheme were both welcome policies to Treasury considers a tax regime that is as broad and attract additional investment to growing parts of our extensive as possible. Across the country and across the economy. However, the structure of those policies was world, members of the public, banks, pension funds such that social enterprises were often unable to take and businesses want to generate returns on their investments. part in them. I cannot help but think that, if social At a time of low interest rates when good returns are enterprise was being equally considered in BIS as well hard to find, we have a chance to encourage investors to as in the Cabinet Office, social enterprises would have consider social as well as financial returns. been fully integrated into those important policies at a A bold social investment tax relief regime that made time when those enterprises needed them most. It would it easy for investors to invest and took into account the also send out a strong message to social enterprises and particular challenges facing social enterprises—around to the wider economy about the role that the Government equity finance, profits and governance—could help boost see social enterprise as possibly playing. the sector and institutionally ingrain an understanding As I said, I believe that social enterprise could be in of social investment. I hope, therefore, that the Government the mainstream of our economic strategy. However, will listen to organisations that have contributed to the placing social enterprises just under the “civil society” discussion, including Social Enterprise UK, the social banner suggests that social enterprise is not being considered investment forum and the National Council for Voluntary in the same light as traditional business. That is not the Organisations, and establish a tax regime that lasts for right message, and if we want to support the sector the next decade and helps meet the real need for finance more widely, having BIS lead equally on social enterprise that holds back many fantastic social enterprises. would be helpful. Alongside tax relief, the Government would be wise Moreover, when budgetary and spending decisions to consider a new form of ISA for social investment. are made, social enterprise should be considered for not There is growing public appetite for ethical and responsible merely its social but its wider economic impact. I believe investment. According to a YouGov poll for national that having social enterprise at the heart of BIS would ethical investment week last year, 55% of adults in help ensure that that was the case. I understand that the Britain who have investments want their bank or financial Minister covers part of the Government’s social enterprise adviser to tell them more about how they can generate brief, but correspondence with the Department suggests both social and financial returns. Other polling indicates that that relates only to community interest companies that the vast majority of the public want their banks rather than to the sector as a whole. One might argue and pension funds to think about environmental, social that, given the Cabinet Office’s role in social investment, and governance issues when deciding in whom to invest. social enterprise should remain in its portfolio, but I do The creation of a social investment or social impact not believe that to be necessary. ISA would open up billions of pounds for social enterprises Although social enterprise is at the centre of discussions and feed the appetite of the public for socially responsible about social investment, many of the problems that face investment. The structure of the ISA would have to social enterprise relate to traditional forms of finance, compensate investors for the likelihood that the risks tax and regulation. Social investment is a special kind of would be higher and the returns lower, but we must tap investment, which also covers charities and voluntary into the much wider pool of personal savings and make organisations, and although it is appropriate for social people feel part of the social enterprise movement. investment to remain in the Cabinet Office and remain closely linked with social enterprise, social enterprise is I could touch on other areas that affect social enterprise, much broader than social investment. such as public sector contracts and access to finance, The Government can assist the sector by better data but I have raised such issues previously and the ground collection. Social Enterprise UK currently undertakes has been well trodden. I hope that, during this short the largest dedicated survey of the social enterprise speech, I have been able to outline the potential that sector, which is useful for policy makers, but to assist social enterprise has for our economy and the need for the social enterprise sector further we need more detailed it to be considered as part of the mainstream of the data over a long period to track its progress effectively. economic debate. If we are going to grow in the years Good policy making can take place only when decision ahead, the UK needs to develop a resilient economic makers have adequate data on which to base decisions. model that uses all our communities’ talents. To do so, we require a different type of business and a more Although a variety of good research exists, there are socially responsible model, and BIS must work with the still many things that we do not know about the social Cabinet Office to achieve that. enterprise sector. The Government should use their strong statistical organisation to fill those gaps and Social enterprise is challenging, because it stands as a create a comprehensive picture of the sector, working bridge between civil society and the traditional private with organisations such as Social Enterprise UK and sector. The fact that it crosses those boundaries is its regional bodies like Social Enterprise West Midlands to greatest strength, but it can be a weakness in public capture as much knowledge as possible. Doing so would policy making. We need a joined-up approach that enable the UK to remain a world leader in social recognises that social enterprises are not only catalysts enterprise and encourage countries to partner with UK of social action, but businesses that can help create social enterprises to learn more about such business and jobs, spread growth more fairly across our communities its rich potential. and bring about a sustainable economic recovery. 31WH Social Enterprise: Wider UK 3 SEPTEMBER 2013 Social Enterprise: Wider UK 32WH Economy Economy [Chris White] Friend said, reinvest in the community in which they operate. Many MPs on both sides of the House are I am confident that the Minister appreciates that and interested in supporting local businesses in their areas works with her colleagues in the Cabinet Office, such as so that more of the money spent in the local economy the Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office, my hon. can stay there and help local people to thrive. There is Friend the Member for Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner also the issue of the investment organisations make in (Nick Hurd), who has responsibility for civil society. their people. However, I urge her to do more to ensure that social enterprise is at the heart of consideration in BIS about Social enterprise is a good model from a business and how to support economic growth. a productivity point of view. As my hon. Friend said, however, it is also often one way of doing the right The present economic and political situation represents thing. He highlighted the fact that customers and investors a unique window of opportunity. The social enterprise are more and more interested in the way in which sector is keen to take the lead in driving growth in our businesses operate. The issue is not just the return economy and improving our society. New movements businesses provide or the price people pay at the till, but such as the social economy alliance indicate the interest the way in which businesses operate in wider society. and support that exists across the country for a new way Through the Trading for Good website, my Department of doing business and structuring our economy. The has been supporting initiatives to enable small businesses Government have an interest in seeing that happen, and to showcase the great things they are doing, such as I hope that we can focus on removing barriers to social employing apprentices and dealing with youth employment enterprise and establishing practical policies to support in their area, as well as their environmental credentials its growth. I look forward to the Minister’s comments and their support for fair trade and developing countries— on the matter, and I hope that she and her colleagues in there is a whole range of ways in which small businesses BIS and across Government will continue actively to take their responsibilities seriously. There is, therefore, engage with the social enterprise sector to ensure that an increasing appetite for a different approach. we achieve our shared social and economic objectives. That very much dovetails with an issue I have championed in the House for many years. Before I was 11.17 am a Minister, I was a co-founder of the all-party group on The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business, wellbeing economics, which recognises my hon. Friend’s Innovation and Skills (Jo Swinson): I am grateful to my point about how we see the importance of growth. Is hon. Friend the Member for Warwick and Leamington GDP the be-all and end-all? If we ask most people what (Chris White) for securing this debate on the important they want from life, they will talk about the health and issue of social enterprise. I start by paying tribute to the happiness of themselves and those close to them, but work that my hon. Friend has done and will continue to we have a system that has until now deified the pursuit do on the matter, in his role as social value ambassador of GDP growth above all else. That is why I was pleased and as chair of the all-party group on social enterprise. to see the Government working with the Office for He raised several important issues in his speech, which I National Statistics on measuring national well-being so look forward to debating. As a Minister with a keen that we can assess policies and the impact of Government interest in social enterprise, I look forward to working decisions against a much wider range of metrics than with him in future, because we must drive progress and purely GDP. Although GDP remains an important help social enterprises not only to become successful in tool, we should also be able to analyse social and themselves but to develop into an attractive model for environmental impacts, which might even lead to some other organisations to adopt. more innovative policy proposals. That is an important approach in business, as well as in Government policy My hon. Friend described the numerous advantages making. that flow from social enterprise as a business model, including resilience in tough times, increased turnover While it is important to extol the benefits and virtues and improved diversity in comparison with more traditional of social enterprise, it is worth noting in passing that business models. He focused, importantly, on the fact businesses can use different models in taking their that social enterprise is a new model of business, which responsibilities seriously. Many businesses out there offers an exciting opportunity. The financial crisis of may not meet the definition of a social enterprise in 2008 was a huge shock to our economy. We all want our terms of where their profits go and what their prime economy to grow, to recover and to get back on to a purpose is, but they none the less take great pride in sure footing, but simply to return to business as usual in conducting their affairs with a degree of responsibility exactly the same way as we did before the downturn we would want others to copy. would be a mistake and a wasted opportunity. We have We want not only to promote social enterprise, but to an obvious opportunity to consider new ways of doing encourage other business models to embrace corporate business that might better serve not only our economy responsibility. Indeed, as part of a consultation, a call but our communities and our society.Business is inextricably for views is currently ongoing on how to develop a linked with the communities and societies in which it corporate responsibility framework so that businesses operates, because its customers and staff are based in representing a range of different models can showcase that society. Many more enlightened businesses recognise what they are doing on corporate responsibility.I encourage the need to hold on to that. interested hon. Members to contribute to that call for It was also right to highlight that growth should help views before it closes later this month. Indeed, for the to lead to higher profits, which can increase wealth and benefit of those watching on BBC Parliament or reading improve living standards. However, it is also important the record of our proceedings in Hansard, I should say to ensure that, as businesses grow, they can, as my hon. that that offer is open not only to MPs. 33WH Social Enterprise: Wider UK 3 SEPTEMBER 2013 Social Enterprise: Wider UK 34WH Economy Economy It is vital to recognise the clear benefit of social with match funding, to support the work of social enterprise to our economy. While it puts social and enterprises in Yorkshire and the Humber. We hope to environmental concerns before profit, it also plays a continue the programmes under that fund. significant role in our economy. In 2012, the BIS small It is important to talk about the social investment business survey found that there were 70,000 SME market, which has now passed the £200 million mark, social enterprise employers. The figure is as high as so it is rapidly growing. That figure is up from £150 million 283,000 if we include sole traders, and it is even higher if just three years ago, and we want to grow the market we include larger companies. Many of the 1,700 registered further so that it is measured in billions, not millions. housing associations are social enterprises, and they The proposal for tax relief on social investment, which spend £13 billion a year in the UK. Social enterprise my hon. Friend mentioned, is a key part of that. The creates employment for about 1 million people in the Prime Minister launched it at the G8 social impact UK economy, and it makes an overall contribution of investment conference on 6 June. Again, I encourage £18 billion, so it already plays an important role across people to send their views into the consultation on this the wider economy. issue. Through public sector contracts, we need to improve My hon. Friend encouraged me to ensure the Treasury the way in which smaller social enterprises can win did the right thing, and I am flattered by his view that business, and there is an opportunity to enhance further I have the power to require it to do anything. However, I the role social enterprise plays. However, we would not know my Treasury colleagues are also committed to this be doing social enterprise justice if we viewed it purely issue, and the intention is that we will introduce tax through the lens of the role it can play in public sector relief in 2014. The consultation is open until Friday, contracts, because it also plays a vibrant role in the and I hope my hon. Friend will contribute; the more private sector, and its main source of income is trade voices there are encouraging the Treasury, the better. with the general public. The proposal will be an important part of the Government’s support for social enterprises, and it will complement My hon. Friend was absolutely right when he made initiatives that are already in place, such as Big Society the key point that BIS has a key interest in this area. Capital—the world’s first social investment bank—and Like him, I do not want social enterprise just to be social impact bonds. lumped in with charities and civil society, important I could not finish without touching on the Public though they are. This is a business issue, so BIS is Services (Social Value) Act 2012, which I am sure my rightly involved. Back in June, we reaffirmed our hon. Friend is proud to have introduced in the House. commitment to helping SMEs succeed, and we will Not every MP gets to take legislation through the launch a strategy on that in the autumn. One of the key House, and it is not easy to do, so I congratulate him on stakeholders we will be working with in developing it is his success. The Act means public sector organisations Social Enterprise UK, because social enterprises are an must take account of economic, social and environmental important part of the SME sector. well-being in connection with public services and contracts, I would like to outline a few of the ways in which the which should be good news for social enterprise. Government are supporting social enterprise. Community I hope I have outlined the Government’s support for interest companies were mentioned, and they are a new social enterprise, as well as how significant social enterprise and exciting way of forming a company. As my hon. is to the UK economy more widely. Social enterprise Friend said, they are covered by my Department. Such adds vitality and challenge to the vibrant mix of business companies are the world’s first legal form for social models in the UK economy. The goal is to look beyond enterprises, so we are pioneering on this matter, which is simple measures of GDP, which do not capture everything the right place for Britain to be. That model is very that determines society’s well-being. As we still come to helpful. terms with the financial crisis of 2008, the contribution of social enterprises will no doubt be more important We also have the regional growth fund, which will than ever. I hope today’s debate has encouraged us all to provide £60 million of funding over six years for lending think more carefully about what more the Government to small and micro-businesses that create or safeguard can usefully do to support this important sector. jobs, with a significant impact in communities in parts of the country that most need that funding, some of Mr Philip Hollobone (in the Chair): Perfect to the which goes to social enterprises. second. There is also the European regional development 11.30 am fund. We secured £3 million, which increases to £6 million Sitting suspended. 35WH 3 SEPTEMBER 2013 Firearms Controls 36WH

Firearms Controls There should be a presumption to refuse applications where there is a pattern or evidence of behaviour indicating [JIM SHERIDAN in the Chair] violent conduct; I do not mean a single violent outburst, but a clear pattern or evidence of domestic violence or where there are concerns about mental illness or substance 2.30 pm abuse. Such an approach is in stark contrast to the current legal requirement for the police to make just a Grahame M. Morris (Easington) (Lab): It is a pleasure single home visit prior to issuing a licence. to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Sheridan. Thank you for allowing time for this important debate. In my As I am sure the Minister is aware, one in three remarks I will try not to be party political or partisan. I women killed by their domestic partner is shot with a recognise that the first role of Government is the defence legally owned weapon, which is an incredible number. of the realm, but equally important is the duty to According to the stats that I have seen, two women a protect public safety. On firearms controls, it is important week are killed—not necessarily with a firearm—by a that lessons are learned from recent tragedies, to ensure husband, partner or ex-partner. I am surprised by the public safety. statistic that, in some areas of the country, police are reporting that as many as one in five calls received relate This debate has arisen following the tragic deaths of to incidents of domestic violence. That indicates the Susan McGoldrick, Alison Turnbull and Tanya Turnbull scale of the issue. at the hands of Susan McGoldrick’s partner, Michael Atherton, on new year’s day 2012. At that time, rather A history of domestic violence should be a clear than be steamrollered into making rash comments and marker that an individual applying for a licence is judgments, I appealed for a calm and considered public unsuitable for gun ownership. I stress that I am not debate. making a case for outlawing gun ownership. I am not anti-guns; I simply want to ensure that the legislation The shootings claimed the lives of four people—including that we have is fit for purpose and for protecting public Michael Atherton, who took his own life—and they safety. came as a shock to the tight-knit former mining community I have previously raised concerns about the effectiveness of Horden. Following such incidents, when emotions of strengthening the guidance, particularly if those are running high, there is inevitably a demand for processing the applications are not aware of the existing immediate action, which can lead to ill-considered changes guidance. I am pleased that the Minister is here, because to the law that, in the fullness of time, are considered to I previously asked him how effective any new guidance be counter-productive. would be given that there is evidence that not all officers I stress that there has been no such kneejerk reaction involved in the licensing process are aware of the current in this particular case, and I am grateful to the Minister guidance from the Home Office and the Association of and to Labour Front Benchers for meeting Mr Turnbull Chief Police Officers. He told me—I am sure it was not and other family members to listen to their point of his intention to mislead me or the House—that he is view. Indeed, the victims’ family have conducted themselves sure that officers do understand the guidance, and he with the utmost dignity. Bobby Turnbull, who sadly lost said that new guidance would be issued by the end of his mother, sister and aunt in the shootings, has campaigned the year, which it has been. tirelessly to try to bring some positives out of a most I advise the Minister, however, that the 12 March tragic situation. I pay tribute to him because he has 2013 report on the Horden shootings by the coroner, ensured that firearms controls remain on the political Andrew Tweddle—I understand that the Home Office agenda, and his fight for tougher gun laws is a message was sent a copy—states that that has been delivered to Ministers and shadow Ministers. “not all individuals involved in the licensing process were aware of I thank my right hon. Friend the Member for Normanton, the existence of the Home Office and ACPO guidance documents Pontefract and Castleford (Yvette Cooper), the shadow both published in 2002 let alone the detailed contents thereof.” Home Secretary, for meeting my constituent Bobby It is all very well to say that we have the toughest Turnbull. licensing regime in the world, but if the officers charged Two inquiries into the Horden shootings—an with implementing the guidance have not read the investigation by the Independent Police Complaints guidance, or are not familiar with it, there is a major Commission and the report of the coroner, Andrew failing in the system. Tweddle—have now been completed. Both inquiries have reported, and they highlight a number of serious Ian Mearns (Gateshead) (Lab): It has come to my failings, both in the existing licensing process and with attention that, across the police authorities in the north-east the decisions to accept Mr Atherton’s application and of England, there has been a relatively significant increase to return firearms to him following repeated incidents in the number of firearms licences issued in the past that should have raised questions about his suitability couple of years. I am concerned about that, given to possess such deadly weapons. everything that my hon. Friend has outlined. I am I welcome the Government’s proposal to revise the particularly concerned about the number of legitimately existing guidelines, which are both complex and convoluted, owned firearms used in domestic violence cases, often running to in excess of 200 pages. Considering all the leading to the death of one of the partners. available evidence, I believe that the only way to safeguard the public is through legislation mandating that chief Grahame M. Morris: I am grateful for that intervention, police officers conduct a full review of background which makes an important point. In preparing for this checks on applicants and that those checks involve GPs, debate, I looked at statistics on page 66 of the Office for the police and, equally importantly, previous and current National Statistics document on crime in England and domestic partners. Wales in 2000. In England and Wales, one in three 37WH Firearms Controls3 SEPTEMBER 2013 Firearms Controls 38WH women killed by their partner is shot with a legally Grahame M. Morris: That is an eminently sensible owned weapon. Some 64% of those murders involve suggestion. I also have a couple of points to put to the shotguns. Minister that I hope will elicit some consideration in a The figure regularly cited by the Home Office and reply. Labour party in press releases is that the incidence of domestic violence murders is two a week. According to Roger Williams (Brecon and Radnorshire) (LD): The the most recent figures, for 2011-12, 88 women—about hon. Gentleman makes a good suggestion. I am surprised 1.7 a week—were killed by their partner or ex-partner. I that that is not being done at the moment. I once asked am sure that hon. Members will agree that that is a large the police to attend at a particular place to prevent a number. breach of the peace. One of the people involved was later refused a shotgun licence, and blamed me for Karl McCartney (Lincoln) (Con): It is a pleasure to asking the police to attend. Such things are taken into serve under your chairmanship as ever, Mr Sheridan. I account. thank the hon. Gentleman for giving way, and commend him for following through with this issue. We have debated it previously, and I am sure that we will debate Grahame M. Morris: It is not automatic. One problem it in future. is inconsistency in how various police forces go about I would like to examine some of the statistics that the their task. I was about to ask the Minister about the hon. Gentleman is using. He cited the percentage of training of licensing officers. While I welcome the females killed by partners using shotguns, but then gave Government’s and his commitment on new guidance, a statistic of 88 females killed; I am not sure that all the basic problem is that it is still guidance, not a change those 88 were killed by shotguns or other firearms. As in the law as such. When I have sought advice from an aside, has he spoken with or even gone to shoot with people who are legally qualified—I have a deal of any shooting organisation as part of his no doubt service in local government, and we often dealt with extensive consultation before coming to this debate? guidance on housing benefit and so on—the advice that Also, is he aware that in one in three domestic violence I have got is that the legal status of the revised guidance cases, the victim is male? is the same as that of the old guidance, which was clearly found wanting. We need a change in the law to Grahame M. Morris: The hon. Gentleman’s question mandate chief police officers to act in a particular way. is in three parts, which I will try to answer. The source We need to toughen up the laws in that area to deal with for the figure of 88 women killed by their partner or domestic violence. ex-partner in 2011-12 is an ONS report. I qualified that One way to address the point made by the hon. by saying that in England and Wales, one in three Member for Brecon and Radnorshire (Roger Williams) women killed by their partners is shot with a legally is formal training for police officers who deal with owned weapon, and 64% of those murders, or almost firearms licences. The issue was noted by the coroner in two thirds, involved shotguns. his report on the Horden shootings. No formal training The hon. Gentleman asked whether I had been involved was available to officers in 2006-07 in Horden, where with the shooting fraternity. I have never shot a shotgun the perpetrator, Michael Atherton, applied for shotgun or rifle, but that does not prevent me from holding a and firearms licences. More concerningly, it is evident legitimate opinion. I have never taken cocaine or heroin, that even today, after the lessons from Horden and but I have a view on what the legal framework should be other incidents around the country, little formal training in respect of the use of those substances. is offered to police officers. The expectation is effectively that police officers learn on the job, presumably from Karl McCartney: I am sorry to interrupt the hon. more experienced colleagues. That could be hugely Gentleman in the middle of his answer. I advise the problematic and lead to enormous variations around former, but not the latter. the country. Despite recognising in the introduction to the revised Grahame M. Morris: Point taken. I note the hon. guidance published in December 2012 that firearms Gentleman’s concerns. I am not suggesting that all cases legislation and the subject of firearms generally are of domestic violence result in deaths from firearms; I complex and highly specialised, the Home Office and am suggesting that if it is possible for licensing officers Ministers provide no assurances that officers will be to assess history and patterns of domestic violence as provided with suitable training. The guidance states: part of the process, that could substantially reduce the “It is not practicable to provide comprehensive training for number of fatalities. That is the point that I am trying every police officer on the administration of the Firearms Acts.” to make, in a rather laboured fashion. It should be possible. I hope that the Minister will offer some insight or clarification on what training is being Ian Mearns: Given the significant proliferation of made available to officers processing firearms applications. legally held weapons in our society—in the north-east I do not believe that Home Office guidance alone is a of England, where the population is about 2.6 million, suitable replacement for comprehensive training for there are about 90,000 legally held firearms licences—and officers determining firearms applications. the proliferation of domestic violence cases, when a domestic violence case is reported and there is a pattern I have raised concerns about training because, like of it in a family, the police authorities or chief constables many people to whom I have spoken, I find it difficult should be asking officers to check automatically whether to understand how, even with the old guidance that a firearms licence is held by the perpetrator of the applied before December 2012, Mr Atherton, the shooter domestic violence. in the Horden case, was able to obtain and then retain 39WH Firearms Controls3 SEPTEMBER 2013 Firearms Controls 40WH

[Grahame M. Morris] The police, therefore, are mindful of that when doing risk assessments; they are defensive about being counter- his firearms; they were revoked for a period in 2006. sued, and we must examine that issue. The Home Office guidance states that consideration Even when police forces have correctly followed the should be given to any of the following factors: guidance, therefore, they have not always received the “Evidence of alcohol or drug abuse that may indicate that a support that they should from the courts. I have received person is unfit/unsuitable to possess a firearm due to the possible no indication that stronger guidance would resolve the impairment of judgement and loss of self-control…Evidence of aggressive or anti-social behaviour, which may include domestic matter, but a change in the law mandating comprehensive disputes…Evidence of disturbing and unusual behaviour of a checks, with a presumption to refuse an application kind which gives rise to well-founded fears about the future when there is evidence or a pattern of violent conduct, misuse of firearms. A pattern of abuse should generally be domestic violence, mental illness or substance abuse, regarded more seriously than a single incident, although isolated would provide the required safeguards. My contention incidents should not be disregarded in the assessment of the is that we need to change the law. person concerned and their fitness to possess a firearm.” From looking at the case, from talking to the family and Mr Atherton had his firearms removed following an the people involved and from looking at the coroner’s incident in September 2008 in which he threatened to and Independent Police Complaints Commission reports, self-harm, and that highlights a number of questions there was clear evidence to suggest that Mr Atherton that were overlooked, ignored or not given the attention was unsuitable to possess a firearm. I can detail the that they deserved at the time. The case involves multiple reasons. failures, which unfortunately led to the loss of life. I would like to be standing here today saying that it could Bill Wiggin (North Herefordshire) (Con): I agree that never happen again—we have learned the lessons, the we should do all we can to prevent any sort of death by Minister has tightened up the guidance and everything firearm, but, clearly, from what the hon. Gentleman has is in place to prevent a similar tragedy—but I do not said, at some stage a judgment needed to be made, and believe that to be the case. At the very least, I would like the judgment was wrong. No amount of change in the to say that we have done all we can to mitigate the risk law can alter a subjective judgment, which the police and to make another such incident less likely. officer who gave back those weapons got wrong. Does On GPs, I hope that the Minister will support my the hon. Gentleman agree? efforts and those of the Turnbull family, who are calling for a check with GPs, domestic partners and the appropriate Grahame M. Morris: It is an interesting intellectual authorities as a matter of routine, with a presumption—if argument about risk assessment and judgment. We not a requirement—to refuse an application when there need to ensure that the processes in place are robust is a pattern or evidence of behaviour indicating violent enough, that the responsible officers in Durham or the conduct. The British Medical Association, according to hon. Gentleman’s constituency are suitably trained and the brief that was circulated this morning, clearly has that the guidance is fit for purpose to protect public some concerns about being involved in risk assessment, safety. My concern from the evidence, perhaps with the and some GPs feel that they do not have the necessary benefit of hindsight, is that the guidance is not fit for qualifications to express a professional opinion. Some purpose and could, relatively straightforwardly, be tightened GPs—and some MPs—are asked to countersign firearm up. There is an opportunity to do that shortly, because certificates, but they say that they are certifying applicants of the legislation going through the House. as a fit person to hold a certificate on a personal rather In the Michael Atherton case, there were concerns than a professional basis. and there were opportunities to revoke his licence. However, the police were concerned about not having sufficient backing from the courts. The case file includes Bill Wiggin: I think it is true that someone must have a note from the firearms licensing supervisor, the officer an assessment as well. in charge of the two officers who actually did the licensing: “4 domestics”—four incidents of domestic Grahame M. Morris: Under the guidance on checking violence—the most recent being on 24 April 2004, with GPs, including the revised guidance, but a complete which was two years before the licence was issued. package would include the police being mandated through According to the note, Michael Atherton a change in the law, with a presumption not to issue a “was cautioned for assault. Still resides with partner”, certificate in such circumstances. whom he subsequently murdered. The supervisor continued: The costs are contentious, in particular for the shooting “Would like to refuse—have we sufficient info—refuse re public lobby, which has a large fraternity in my constituency. safety”. In the current economic climate and given the coalition’s That concern seems to have been passed up the chain of policies, although I am not seeking to make a party command, but it was not acted on, because of legal political point—[Interruption.] No,Iamnot,Iam advice to Durham constabulary indicating that there trying to be helpful. The public deserve the proper levels were no grounds to refuse. of protection and want to have confidence that the At the inquest, Chief Superintendent Carole Thompson- system is robust, but additional checks would be more Young cited a similar case, not in Durham but in a time-consuming and involve a cost, so that cost should different force area, in which a gun owner won an not fall on the individual police authorities, as would be appeal after having his licence revoked, because, the case at the moment. The Government have made a “the judge deemed that the person was entitled to have a gun particular allocation to the Home Office for the police because there had been no gun used in relation to domestic service, so additional costs should not have to be balanced violence”. by cuts elsewhere. It is only fair and reasonable that the 41WH Firearms Controls3 SEPTEMBER 2013 Firearms Controls 42WH cost of the licence, including any more onerous regulatory family of any applicant with a known history of domestic regime, should be reflected at least in part, if not violence and that speaking to an applicant’s spouse or completely, in the fee. That would be right and proper. partner might be considered essential. Such discussion Those seeking to possess a firearm should meet the would be in complete confidence and a partner would true cost incurred by the police in processing the application. not be asked to approve or not approve a firearms I do not want the police in my area or any other to say, licence. That guidance will ensure that the correct “Well, we were hampered from carrying out the necessary consultation takes place when anyone with a history of checks, because we didn’t have the requisite resources.” domestic violence applies for a firearms licence. I urge the Government to allow the police to increase While the hon. Gentleman was speaking, I was thinking the cost of firearm licences to somewhere near the true that when I first became a Member of Parliament 21 cost of processing. That would go some way towards years ago the law did not require police officers to meeting the stated aim of the Home Office guidance: investigate domestic violence at all unless bodily harm that the protection of the public is paramount. was involved. That shows how far we have come on We cannot legislate to mitigate every risk. I am not domestic violence and I suspect that the law and practice suggesting that we can, but my proposals for sensible relating to firearms certificates and domestic violence and considered changes to the Firearms Act would have not caught up with the general trend in society. significantly enhance public safety in a way that revising the guidance does not. I like to think that these proposals Grahame M. Morris: Perhaps I was a little unclear are a calm and measured response and evidence based. I about the specific case, but domestic violence was cited call on the Minister to act on them and to use the by the officers who sought to revoke Atherton’s shotgun opportunity of the legislation currently going through licence. A senior officer looked at case law and, because Parliament, which completed its Committee stage just a firearm was not used in the four earlier recorded before the recess, to introduce the requisite amendments. incidents of domestic violence, the judgment was made that the courts would not support revocation of his 3pm firearms licence. The guidance is not strong enough in such circumstances and we must ensure that the courts Geoffrey Clifton-Brown (The Cotswolds) (Con): I am will back up the police. grateful to have caught your eye, Mr Sheridan, during this important debate on firearms control. I congratulate the hon. Member for Easington (Grahame M. Morris) Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: I am grateful for the hon. on securing it and for the moderate and reasonable way Gentleman’s intervention. I know a little about the in which he portrayed his case, particularly the dreadful subject, and I think it is often easier for police officers incident involving Mr Atherton and some of his to grant or re-grant a firearms or shotgun certificate constituents, for whom we all have great sympathy, than risk the possibility of judicial review. In fact, they particularly those who legally hold firearms certificates, should be more robust and say no if they believe that and the shooting fraternity. Whenever such an incident someone should not be granted a shotgun or firearms takes place, it tarnishes the shooting community and certificate and should, if necessary, defend the case those who legally hold firearms certificates. I welcome robustly at judicial review. In my experience that does the Minister because he knows a great deal about the not always happen and it is when it does not happen subject and always handles it sympathetically and that there are problems such as the Atherton case. pragmatically. There was clear evidence, which I will come to later, that the police should have decided to revoke the certificate. We all want a robust firearms-licensing system to In any case, I think the new guidance that was published prevent cases such as those the hon. Gentleman has at the end of 2012 will help. I have no doubt the talked about, but I emphasise that such incidents involve Minister will mention it in his summing up and I look a mere 0.01% of firearms licence holders in this country. forward to hearing what he says. Such cases are dreadful and dramatic, but involve a very small number of those who legally hold firearms and shotgun certificates. In this debate and in Parliament we Jim Shannon (Strangford) (DUP): I apologise, Mr are discussing giving the police more time to deal with Sheridan, for not being present at the beginning of the those cases and to ensure that such people never hold a debate—I was in a Committee meeting that has just firearms certificate. I totally agree with the hon. Gentleman finished—but I am interested in this subject. Is the hon. on that, but I do not agree that the way of dealing with Gentleman aware of many other incidents? I am aware the matter is through further legislation. We must ensure of allegations in my constituency by ex-partners or that existing legislation works properly. ex-wives against their spouses that are then unsubstantiated. First, I will outline how the Home Office’s new guidelines The process that applicants for firearms certificates will protect people suffering from domestic violence. So must go through is laborious, and they may be removed much of the debate today has been about that. Secondly, or reinstated. A balance must be struck. Does the hon. I will highlight the importance of the guidelines being Gentleman believe that the legislation, which I understand implemented properly. Finally, I will specifically mention the shooting bodies support, is balanced? the Atherton case, which occurred in the hon. Gentleman’s constituency. Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: My hon. Friend—I call him The new guidance published by the Home Office that because I know he knows a great deal about the recently includes specific provisions to ensure that subject—is absolutely right. Of course, a balance must individuals with a history of domestic violence are not be struck and, as he said earlier, often a judgment must entrusted with a firearms licence. As part of that guidance, be made. If an experienced firearms-licensing officer, police offers are told that they should speak to the hopefully with the appropriate training, has made a 43WH Firearms Controls3 SEPTEMBER 2013 Firearms Controls 44WH

[Geoffrey Clifton-Brown] of people’s medical circumstances can change dramatically; for example, if they become a severe depressive, or judgment that a licence should never have been issued addicted to alcohol or drugs. That should be reported or should be revoked, they should stick to that judgment to the police by a medical professional and should lead robustly, even if it leads to judicial review. to serious consideration of a revocation of a licence, My hon. Friend is right, and there is always a process which in normal circumstances, only occurs every five that must be gone through, inquiries to be made, and a years. There should also be a robust check when a judgment to be reached. The experience of firearms licence is granted or re-granted to assess whether any officers should ensure that a wise judgment is made. information is being withheld by the applicant from the According to the guidelines, every new incident of domestic doctor or police. violence should automatically prompt a police review and police officers would not have to rely only on actual Jim Shannon: I just want to put this point on record. convictions of domestic violence in making their decision, The hon. Gentleman will be aware that some police allowing them to use their discretion on whether they forces in England share data with the Royal Society for believe an applicant is suitable to hold a firearms licence. the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, for example. Because of that, and the fact that data can be used by My second point is the lack of need for specific other—well, we do not know what it can be used for, of legislation on firearms licensing. I understand that the course; that is the question we are all asking. However, hon. Member for Easington wants consistent application does he feel that when it comes to the data that the of the rules throughout all 43 police forces and I strongly police hold, they need to ensure that the data are for use agree with him. It is critical that the guidance on within the control of the police and that they are not for firearms control is implemented fairly, equally and use by any other organisations, whatever their motives consistently throughout the country. I have spoken to might be? the Minister about that and I believe that he has some sympathy with it. Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: Where I do agree with my I agree that it would be more rational to have a hon. Friend is that there should not be a two-way share national licensing authority instead of licensing decisions of information; I think the police should be able to gain being made separately by 43 different authorities. That their information from any source they like. However, I, would achieve much greater consistency in the application too, read the reports that the police are sharing their of the guidelines and gun licensing legislation, as well as information with the RSPCA and I wholly deprecate being quicker and cheaper for applicants. It would that. It is quite wrong for the police to share any ensure that all current shotgun or firearms licence holders information that they have with any other organisation. are immediately entered on the police national database. After all, it is of a confidential nature and it should remain confidential. Perhaps the Minister may care to Bill Wiggin: I wholeheartedly agree that a national say something about that when he winds up. firearms register is the right way forward, but ultimately As I said to my hon. Friend the Member for North the visit will have to be done by a local officer, so we will Herefordshire (Bill Wiggin) after his intervention, a return to the problem of a subjective judgment needing comparison is to be made with the issuing of a driver’s to be made. At least the cost would be consistent and licence. Although there is no legal obligation on the uniform, because I fear—I hope my hon. Friend agrees— medical profession, there is a strong public duty on a that forces such as West Mercia police in my constituency doctor to report a change in a driver’s medical condition. are trying to add to the cost of owning a firearm in the Doctors can report their concerns to the DVLA. GPs hope of discouraging people. That must be wrong. are able to do that at any point and are not expected to wait until a licence is due to be renewed. I understand Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: I thank my hon. Friend for that the DVLA follow up medical investigations that that intervention. I will refer in a moment to the Driver are reported to it. Indeed, it has its own medical team to and Vehicle Licensing Agency and licences. I envisage carry out medical investigations and assessments. There that many local police firearms officers would still be should be a similar, although perhaps stronger, obligation employed by the national agency to make the local on doctors in relation to firearms certificates. inquiries, so there would still be an element of localism in a national firearms licensing organisation. I would also welcome a codification of the existing pieces of legislation. As the hon. Member for Easington If the new guidelines are recognised and implemented said, there are 34 separate pieces of legislation relating consistently throughout the country, they will be able to to firearms. Bringing them into one document would protect against inappropriate decisions being made. The provide clarity and understanding, and I would completely guidelines are there to be implemented, and it is crucial support that move. However, I am opposed to increasing that they are used by police officers when making the amount of legislation, as I do not think it will be decisions on issuing firearms licences. any more effective in protecting vulnerable people against In line with that consistency, I also want to see an the consequences of putting guns into the wrong hands. improved system of health checks for firearms licence holders, which the hon. Member for Easington also Gareth Johnson (Dartford) (Con): I think we would talked about. We need to have proper arrangements in all agree that unsuitable people should not be able to place so that doctors are required to pass on any related obtain firearms licences, but I want to pick up on a health developments to the police. One way of achieving point my hon. Friend just made. Clearly, he would agree that may be to negotiate such an obligation into the with me that the danger of having legislation imposed GP’s contract. That duty must be done on a continuous in this area is that unintended consequences flow from basis, and not just at the application or renewal stage of it, particularly for those law-abiding people, in the vast a firearms licence. That is because a very small number majority, who hold firearms licences. 45WH Firearms Controls3 SEPTEMBER 2013 Firearms Controls 46WH

Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: That is precisely why I do some forces amalgamate the function among themselves—it not want to see any further legislation in this area. I should not be too difficult to ensure that they all receive want to see it consolidated into one completely clear better training. I happily give way to the hon. Gentleman. piece of legislation, so that for the 43 police forces—if we have to have 43, rather than one national licensing Grahame M. Morris: The hon. Gentleman has authority—it will be easier for their firearms licensing anticipated my intervention and answered my point. officers to interpret exactly who should have a certificate What he said would be completely sensible, and I find it and who should not. I repeat that it is the 0.01% that we difficult that the Home Office and Ministers say that it need to be concentrating on to see whether they should is not practicable. It clearly is, and it is in the interests of have a certificate. Those are the people who wreak such public safety to do it. havoc, causing damage and loss of life. The Minister has previously highlighted that firearms Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: The hon. Gentleman and I control in the UK is already among the toughest in the agree on a great deal of things surrounding the whole world, and he is right. However, where there are gaps, issue—except, perhaps, on the need for additional we need to ensure that that they are tightened up, but legislation. further legislation is not the way to go about it. After It is obvious that if police forces do not use the all, the majority of gun crimes are carried out with guidance given to them, these tragedies will continue to illegally held firearms. If the guidelines are applied occur. In similar cases, other police forces have used the consistently across all 43 police force constabularies, guidelines to revoke the licences of individuals who they will succeed. have displayed patterns of inappropriate behaviour. It is That brings to me to my third and final points. The that failure that needs to change to ensure that people actions of Michael Atherton, in the constituency of the like Atherton are never given access to firearms. Increasing hon. Member for Easington, were appalling under any the amount of legislation around firearms will not circumstances, and no one wants to see them repeated. improve public safety any more than implementing the He should never have been given a firearms licence, current guidelines. given his history. Indeed, in September 2008, following Let me return to where I started. The Atherton case an incident where he threatened to commit suicide, his was a dreadful tragedy and I praise the hon. Gentleman’s guns were taken away from. However, they were returned constituent, Bobby Turnbull, for his campaign. It is to him later. I heard what the hon. Gentleman said right to ensure that effective measures are in place to about the possibility of judicial review in the courts, but prevent firearms from landing in the wrong hands. I if the police reckon that they had the grounds to take note, however, that there are 146,000-odd firearms them away from him in the first place, surely they had certificates in England and Wales, up to the end of the grounds to ensure that he did not get them back March 2013. That was up 3.2% on the year before, again, unless there was compelling evidence that something slightly refuting the comments of the hon. Gentleman’s had changed. As far as I am aware from the case’s neighbour, the hon. Member for Gateshead (Ian Mearns), circumstances, nothing had changed. It was a catastrophic about the huge proliferation of firearms. There are error on the part of the Durham constabulary, as his 570,726 shotgun certificates in existence. That is up licence should have been permanently revoked, as it 1.4% compared with the year before. This is where the almost certainly would have been in similar circumstances 0.01% of serious incidents comes from; there are a very under a different police. Had the guidelines been followed large number of firearms and shotgun certificates in by the Durham constabulary and Atherton’s licence existence and an incredibly low number of significant revoked, we would not have seen the tragic events in the incidents. Having said that, one incident is too many, hon. Gentleman’s constituency. and that is what the debate is all about today. The case highlights the importance of police forces I strongly believe that further legislation is not the using published guidance, because that clearly was not best way of achieving our aims. If new Home Office used in the Atherton case. That was highlighted during guidelines are listened to and implemented by police the inquest, which the hon. Gentleman referred to, forces across the country, we should never again see the following the tragedy, where officers dealing with Atherton’s tragedy that took place in County Durham. The incident licence claimed never to have seen the Home Office or was not a failure of the law or of the guidelines; it was a ACPO guidance. Those guidelines had been published failure to implement them consistently across the country. 10 years previously, so there is little excuse for a firearms licensing officer to be unaware of them. It is obvious 3.19 pm that if a police force does not use the guidance given to it, these tragedies will occur. Mr David Hanson (Delyn) (Lab): I join other Members serving under your chairmanship, Mr Sheridan, in addressing this important issue. I congratulate my hon. Grahame M. Morris rose— Friend the Member for Easington (Grahame M. Morris) on bringing the matter of gun control to the House Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: I will happily accept the hon. again and on raising it so effectively on numerous Gentleman’s intervention, but before he speaks, I was occasions. about to make a comment that may be the subject of his The debate is about a specific aspect of gun control: intervention. This issue concerns the training of police how we reduce the small percentage of gun deaths firearms licensing officers. Given that there are only 43 resulting from actions taken by individuals with a history constabularies, and given that most constabularies only of domestic violence or of alcohol and other problems. employ one or two firearms licensing officers—so we We have had a useful debate, including the contribution are dealing with between 40 and 80 officers, because from the hon. Member for The Cotswolds (Geoffrey 47WH Firearms Controls3 SEPTEMBER 2013 Firearms Controls 48WH

[Mr David Hanson] Mr Hanson: That is worthy of examination. Nobody is saying that the two women per week killed by a Clifton-Brown), which contained nuggets worthy of husband, partner or ex are killed with shotguns or guns. pursuit. He raised issues about the way in which firearms However, if a significant body of evidence says there is are licensed, which the Minister should address. Although a high correlation between gun deaths of women and there was a swathe of his comments I cannot agree with, domestic violence, the issue is worthy of consideration. he has raised some important points. It is also worth mentioning that the hon. Members Bill Wiggin: One must never underestimate the for North Herefordshire (Bill Wiggin), for Lincoln (Karl importance of doing everything we can to combat any McCartney), for Brecon and Radnorshire (Roger Williams) form of domestic violence. However, I urge the shadow and for Strangford (Jim Shannon) have taken the time Minister to be careful, because two thirds of these to come to the debate to intervene and to add their murders—that is what they are—are not caused by expertise to our discussions. firearms. My hon. Friend the Member for Easington approached Are people applying for guns so that they can murder the issue in a measured, reflective and considered way. people? No, they are not. Does the fact that guns are On his doorstep, he has faced what can only be described available force somebody to go to a gun cupboard, as an enormous tragedy, with Mr Michael Atherton’s unlock it, take the gun out and commit murder? If that murders of Susan McGoldrick, Alison Turnbull and is the process they go through, it does not matter what Tanya Turnbull on 1 January 2012. That has highlighted the law says, because they are determined to commit a to him a way in which we could tighten the legislation to crime so serious that they deserve to go to prison for the prevent such incidents in the future. As he said, he has rest of their lives. We have to be careful to think about not jumped to conclusions; he has looked at this matter. why these things take place, rather than how they take I, too, have not jumped to conclusions; I have looked place. at what the Home Affairs Committee, the Independent Police Complaints Commission, Durham police and ACPO have said about the steps the Government could Mr Hanson: I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for take to mitigate the circumstances we are talking about. that important point, which we need to reflect on. I agree with the hon. Member for The Cotswolds that However, other domestic violence deaths occur because they may be small in number, but that does not mean we of the use of the body—the hands—or of day-to-day should ignore the issue. There is real merit in looking items around the house, such as knives. We cannot not only at the guidance, but at whether we need legislative control or legislate for such potential activity, but we back-up to reduce the potential for incidents such as the can reduce the risk posed by access to shotguns, which one that took place in my hon. Friend’s constituency are not day-to-day items readily available around the last January. house, where there is substantiated evidence that people— I fully accept, as the hon. Member for North this is not about all the hon. Gentleman’s constituents Herefordshire said, that this boils down to judgment. or all my constituents—are guilty of violent conduct, Judgement is important, but it is now coloured by not domestic violence, or drug or alcohol abuse. That, in a only the old guidance, but, potentially, the new guidance sense, is what the guidance said previously, and it is issued this month. However, it can also be coloured by what the revised guidance, announced at the end of July legislation, and my hon. Friend made the case for small and issued by the Minister, is trying to do. tweaks during the passage of the Anti-social Behaviour, The discussion we had in the Committee considering Crime and Policing Bill to strengthen previous and the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Bill, and current guidance, applying additional rigour and scrutiny the discussion we are having today, is about whether we to applications for gun or shotgun licences. It is that could back up that guidance with the rigour of legislation. potential which I support. That would reduce the ability of the courts to make a As we have heard, there is a pressing need for action determination about the judgment of the police. ACPO better to control firearm violence, small though the has made representations to me, saying that police number of cases may be. My hon. Friend pointed out forces refused an application for a firearm licence on that one in three women killed by their domestic partner three separate occasions, but, despite the deputy chief is shot with a legally owned weapon. Some 64% of constable or the chief constable appearing in court to those murders involved shotguns. In the past 12 months, defend the decision, the courts upheld the appeal because 75% of female gun deaths occurred in a domestic there were not sufficient legal grounds to refuse the setting; in 2009, the figure was 100%. Whatever our individual’s application. view of the small number of deaths caused by shotguns If we look at the wording of my new clause 4 to the or guns, that figure shows that a high percentage of Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Bill, which women who die in domestic violence situations do so as will be debated in October—[Interruption.] I hope the a result of someone using a gun or shotgun. hon. Member for North Herefordshire will examine it with interest. Let me tell him, however, that I doubt it is Grahame M. Morris: Those are important figures. perfect; I do not have the great back-up of the Home Members are saying that the problem is relatively small, Office, as I once did when I held ministerial office. given the large number of licences that are issued, and However, the Minister does, and he could reflect on the that people use firearms properly. However, evidence principle of new clause 4 over the next few weeks before from Canada suggests that if we went down the route I Report to see whether legislative back-up of the guidance suggested, we could dramatically reduce the number of is practicable and deliverable. That would at least ensure fatalities—particularly those where partners or ex-partners that we had a black-and-white judgment, rather than a involved in domestic violence use a firearm. judgment based on a court interpretation. 49WH Firearms Controls3 SEPTEMBER 2013 Firearms Controls 50WH

Members do not need to listen to me, although I I will give three examples. North Wales police spent hope they will. They could, however, listen to the more than £417,000 on issuing licences, but recouped Independent Police Complaints Authority. Having looked only £113,000 in licence fees, which means that taxpayers at my hon. Friend’s constituency case, it said in its first in my constituency faced a net cost of £303,000 for recommendation: supporting the issuing of police licences. In Devon and “The Home Office should revise the current legislation and Cornwall, a £1.2 million total cost generated only £514,000 guidance to allow for a single uniform test for the assessment of in revenue. In Thames Valley, £928,000 of cost generated suitability and fitness to possess both firearms and shotguns. only £148,000, leaving a net cost to the local ratepayers ‘Fitness to be entrusted’ should form a specific element of the of £780,000. shotgun application process to ensure clarity and consistency around both applications.” At a time when we are potentially asking more of the police in relation to shotgun licensing, with legislation The word “legislation” was included by the IPCC. In at hand, this is an appropriate moment for the Minister finding 3 of the report it said: to reflect on the cost of licences, and whether taxpayers “The Home Office, Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) and ratepayers should continue to subsidise people who and the College of Policing should devise clear guidance and apply for them to the tune of £18.6 million this year. tighter restrictions around applications for firearms or shotgun The figure is worthy of examination. ACPO has said it certificates”. would like the fee for a shotgun licence to rise to about I venture to suggest that the guidance element has been £94. That would not mean full recovery of costs, but examined, but will the Minister confirm that to date the given that the figure for a licence has not changed in IPCC’s legislation recommendation has not been met? 10 years, there is scope for the Minister to reflect on the matter, or to explain why he is happy for £18.6 million Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: The right hon. Gentleman of ratepayers’ money to be taken from police budgets to has just made my case. He has read out two paragraphs support the cost of issuing licences to be used for work from the report. One asks for legislation about a person’s or sport. fitness to hold a shotgun or firearms licence. I do not I have touched on only two points, but there is a know quite how legislation about someone who has strong case for the Government and Parliament to been involved in a domestic incident would be framed, consider tightening legislation, to ensure that what happened or the exact nature of the incident that would contribute to Susan McGoldrick, Alison Turnbull and Tanya Turnbull to someone’s not being a fit person to hold a firearms does not happen again, to give the police extra support licence. to work positively on the issue, and at the very least to Secondly, the right hon. Gentleman referred to guidance. begin examining the issue of recovering the cost of gun It is much easier to frame such matters in guidance. licences. That cost is already a considerable one for the Before he rushes to call for extra legislation, does he 43 forces, which are hard-pressed by what are, by any know how many times, in other force areas, someone stretch of the imagination, severe cuts in their grants. who has been involved in a serious incident of domestic I look forward to hearing the Minister’s reply, and violence has not had his licence revoked? thank my hon. Friend the Member for Easington and other hon. Members for their thoughtful speeches. The Mr Hanson: The IPCC also said in its report that the Committee on the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and legislation should be devised in particular to Policing Bill will consider new clause 4 after the September “take account of bind-overs, arrests and police call outs for recess. domestic violence and an accumulation of convictions for offences where the penalty falls short of that requiring prohibition”. 3.36 pm That means that if someone has a history of a range of matters to do with domestic violence, but has not yet The Minister for Policing and Criminal Justice (Damian fallen foul of the guidance so as to prevent their having Green): It is always a pleasure to serve under your a shotgun licence, that should be sufficient in legislation chairmanship, Mr Sheridan. I want to add my voice to to ensure that the guidance is tighter. That should be the congratulations given to the hon. Member for Easington backed up by strong legislation, and we have attempted (Grahame M. Morris), particularly on the measured to draft such legislation in new clause 4 to the Anti-social tone in which he introduced the debate. I agree with his Behaviour, Crime and Policing Bill. I sense a difference remarks about the appropriate way to discuss the matter, between my view and that of the hon. Member for The and I am happy to say that that approach was echoed Cotswolds. That is the nature of our debates, but our throughout the debate. My hon. Friend the Member for intention is to put to the Minister, in the measured way The Cotswolds (Geoffrey Clifton-Brown) made a speech of my hon. Friend the Member for Easington, suggestions that was knowledgeable and thoughtful, as were the for helping to reduce such incidents. interventions from both sides of the House. My hon. Friend mentioned the issue of full cost The hon. Member for Easington has inevitably been recovery for shotgun and other firearms licences. There concerned about the issue in question since the tragic was a nugget in the remarks of the hon. Member for events in his constituency on New Year’s day last year. The Cotswolds, about improving the licensing procedure, Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of the that sparked some interest in me. It may come as a three victims, Susan McGoldrick, Alison Turnbull and surprise to hon. Members that only this year ACPO Tanya Turnbull, whose lives were so terribly cut short gave the net cost to police forces of shotgun licences as by the incomprehensible acts of Michael Atherton. £18.6 million. The debate has focused primarily on I have listened carefully to the speeches. It is now a domestic violence, but the Minister needs to reflect on year since the hon. Member for Easington obtained a what he will do to ensure that we deal with the current similar debate on firearms control, and apart from costs. answering the specific points that have been raised I 51WH Firearms Controls3 SEPTEMBER 2013 Firearms Controls 52WH

[Damian Green] appropriate, but there are indeed issues about how the current law is applied in individual cases, which I will should like to update the House on some of the work come to shortly. that has been done since then. The Government have responded to the terrible act in question, and there have been many changes. One of the things that unites everyone Grahame M. Morris: I thank the Minister for the in the debate is agreement that the focus of the work considered way in which he is responding to various must be on ensuring that gun controls continue to be points made in the debate by me and other hon. Members, robust and effective, so as to minimise the risk of harm but we cannot overlook the fact that the coroner discovered, to members of the public. having questioned the two police officers who were the licensing officers in Durham, that not only were they As has been mentioned several times, since the debate not familiar with the guidance—they could not quote last October the Independent Police Complaints the various sections—but they claimed that they had Commission has issued its report into the Atherton not seen it, had not referred to it, as a working document. case. We are considering the recommendations and we shall respond in the autumn. In doing so I shall, of I am not suggesting that every force was the same, but course, take into account the points that have been surely a simple solution is to ensure that there is adequate made about the report in today’s debate. As the hon. training of licensing officers, not just in Durham—I Member for Easington said, I have met Bobby Turnbull, might say that that has been properly addressed now by a close relative of the victims, more than once, and I will the new police and crime commissioner—but throughout take his views carefully into account. the country. I know that there will be a cost to that. In June this year, my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary responded to a letter from Mr Andrew Tweddle, Damian Green: I agree with the point; I shall come to the Durham coroner, who wrote to draw attention to a the training point in a moment, if the hon. Gentleman number of issues related to the Atherton case. Mr will bear with me. Tweddle expressed the view that there needed to be a Overall, the low rates of gun crime in this country root-and-branch review of firearms licensing. I absolutely support the view that the legislation is robust. Figures understand why he made that recommendation, but I from the Office for National Statistics, which my hon. do not agree with him. Many of the issues raised by the Friend the Member for The Cotswolds cited, show that coroner centred on the weaknesses in the handling of firearms offences account for fewer than 0.2% of all Atherton’s case by the local police force. That has been recorded offences. Provisional figures show that in the the subject of much comment today as well. 12 months to March 2013, there was a 15% fall in Durham constabulary has, of course, subsequently firearms offences, and the volume of firearms offences reviewed and strengthened its processes and shared the has more than halved—it is down by 54%—since its development of that work directly with the Turnbull peak in 2005-06. family. Again, I take the point made by a number of Nevertheless, I, like everyone else, am deeply concerned hon. Members that we need consistency of application by the fact that Atherton had been permitted to continue throughout the country and a degree of competence to possess guns despite a history of domestic violence and common sense in applying the laws throughout the that was known to the police. I want to make it very country. I know that other police forces will take that clear that, although each case must be assessed on its into account as well. merits, evidence of domestic violence and abuse will generally indicate that a person should not be licensed Jim Shannon: On the point about consistency, I to possess a gun. To that end, on 31 July we published mentioned in an intervention on the hon. Member for new firearms guidance on domestic violence as a specific The Cotswolds (Geoffrey Clifton-Brown) the data that issue. It sets out how the police should handle firearms some police forces in England make available to other applications where it may be a factor. organisations—for example, the RSPCA. That information It has been proposed that it should be mandatory is confidential. It is specific to firearms, where they are that the partners of firearm applicants are directly held, but also to the individuals. Does the Minister involved in the process and that they should be interviewed intend to ensure that confidential information such as to establish whether they support the application. We that is not disclosed to other organisations without sought views on that proposal, including those of domestic knowledge of what is going to happen, and that whatever violence organisations, and our collective conclusion is happens happens consistently across the whole of England that we should not adopt that approach. We are concerned and Wales? that it could put victims of domestic violence at greater risk, particularly if an application is subsequently refused; Damian Green: I am as concerned as the hon. Gentleman or they may feel unable to speak openly for fear of that the use of confidential data should be controlled so reprisals. that it is serving a specific purpose, proportionate and My hon. Friend the Member for Brecon and Radnorshire done in an appropriate way. Indeed, the issue that he (Roger Williams) said that he had been regarded as has brought up has been brought to my attention by instrumental in preventing a licence from being granted other hon. Members, so I am very aware of it. and he was subsequently blamed for that. Imagine how However, I think that the practical problems that the much more difficult it would be for a potential or actual coroner revealed are different from there being issues victim of domestic violence to be put in that position. with the licensing process at national level. I am We think that it is better to have a system in which the satisfied that the existing test in law for the grant or police can interview widely if the evidence suggests that renewal of a firearm or shotgun certificate remains that is merited. It can include interviews with partners 53WH Firearms Controls3 SEPTEMBER 2013 Firearms Controls 54WH or ex-partners. In that way, their views can still be for sale or transfer. That will also carry a maximum sought, but without making them a specific and identified penalty of life imprisonment and will attract the mandatory component of the decision-making process. minimum sentence within the existing legislation. The firearms guidance on domestic violence provides a framework for the police in handling cases sensitively Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: What action is my right hon. and linking up with domestic violence teams and other Friend the Minister taking with the Department of agencies. I intend this revised guidance to have a real Health to address the medical questions in relation to and positive impact in supporting the police to make the granting, re-granting and revocation of firearm and robust and evidence-based decisions on applications shotgun licences? I know that he has to collaborate with where domestic violence is a factor. colleagues in the Department of Health. He knows that During this debate, much of the time has been spent there is considerable inconsistency at the moment as to discussing legislation. The hon. Member for Easington how such matters are dealt with. Some forces require a and the shadow police Minister, the right hon. Member medical certificate prior to the granting of a licence, for Delyn (Mr Hanson), have said that new guidance is while some do not. We need consistency across the not enough and that we must go further and change the country and a robust system that works. law. The hon. Gentleman co-sponsored the new clause that was debated during the Committee stage of the Damian Green: I am happy to tell the House and my Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Bill. That hon. Friend that we are in discussion not only with new clause was designed to amend the Firearms Act colleagues at the Department of Health, but with the 1968 to mandate that background checks be carried out British Medical Association, the police and, as he knows, by the police and to introduce a presumption in favour shooting organisations over the role GPs can play in of the refusal of an application where there is substantiated ensuring that the licensing process is as effective as it evidence of violence, mental illness or drug and alcohol can be. The police generally now contact an individual’s abuse. GP when a firearm or shotgun certificate is granted or renewed. That means the GP has the opportunity to The right hon. Gentleman has already advertised raise any concerns they may have, and has resulted in a that he has tabled a similar new clause for Report in number of revocations of firearms licences. We now October. In Committee, I explained why we do not want to explore whether we can build greater safeguards support such an amendment to the Firearms Act, and into that arrangement by making the consultation with that remains our position—I will spare the right hon. GPs part of the application process. In doing so, we Gentleman the speech that he heard from me a few obviously need to ensure that there is balance around weeks ago—mostly because the police can already take burden and cost. Those discussions continue. these factors into consideration when they consider a firearm application. The hon. Member for Easington made a good point The Firearms Act specifies that, before a licence can about training. The police are taking steps to improve be issued, the police must be satisfied that the applicant consistency and promote high standards across police can possess a firearm or shotgun without danger to firearms licensing departments. Authorised professional public safety or the peace. As I said, the revised guidance, practice on firearms licensing will be introduced by the which we issued in July, after the Committee stage of College of Policing early next year to complement the the Bill, sets out the factors, including any history of firearms guide. He will be interested to know that Her domestic violence, that must be considered in more Majesty’s inspectorate of constabulary is undertaking a detail. I believe that the law is sound in this respect and scoping exercise on this very issue with a representative there is no need to change it. In fact, inclusion of that number of forces. I hope he welcomes that. level of detail in the firearms guide, rather than in law, The conclusions of the scoping study will determine enables it to be updated rapidly when necessary. I invite whether a full inspection should take place at a future the right hon. Gentleman and the hon. Gentleman to date. I hope the hon. Gentleman is reassured that, first, consider that point. the College of Policing—a new body designed to enhance It has also been suggested that the firearms guide professional standards in the police—is producing a should be statutory or an approved code of practice. I new code on the very specific issue he raises, and, do not think that that would be the right way forward, secondly, that HMIC is looking at forces to see how the either. The law provides the police with discretion in system works in practice. If it decides that the system is recognition of their responsibility for issues of public not working on the ground, it will mount a full inspection. safety in local areas. That is important because each I am confident that if HMIC concludes that the system application is different and needs to be considered on its has not improved, it will say so and police forces around merits. I have not seen any evidence or heard any the country will act. compelling arguments to indicate that that is the wrong I take the hon. Gentleman’s point that whether we are approach. talking about guidance or legislation, we need to get it I should say that I am not ruling out legislation in all right, but it is at least equally important that individual areas of gun control, because we have introduced legislation firearms officers in police forces across the country do to combat the illegal import and supply of guns. That their job effectively and consistently. We have taken will help to tackle the threat posed by middlemen who steps to ensure that that happens. supply firearms that are used to harm others, particularly As I said, we are in the process of revising and by gangs and organised criminals. The Anti-social updating the whole firearms guide. I am glad to say that Behaviour, Crime and Policing Bill will increase the that task is nearing completion and should be completed maximum sentence to life imprisonment for illegal this year. As hon. Members observed, firearms law is importation and exportation. We are also creating a complex. There are a large number of separate pieces of new offence of illegal possession of a prohibited weapon legislation, so the revision of the document is a significant 55WH Firearms Controls3 SEPTEMBER 2013 Firearms Controls 56WH

[Damian Green] standard, which all forces, obviously, will apply. As he knows, we are moving to a different licensing system, step forward in aiding understanding of the law. Sixteen which will be online. chapters have now been published, and the aim is to We are making other changes—for example, a new complete the revision by the end of September. single form for firearm and shotgun applications is due to be introduced shortly. I hope that greater consistency Mr Hanson: On that point, is not the key issue that will be built into the system from the start. It is impossible although guidance is open to judicial discretion, legislation for any Minister to guarantee that all 43 police forces is open to tighter discretion in the judicial process? Why will perform at the same level in all areas of activity. We does the Minister think that a guidance approach will all recognise that there are likely to be better and worse not result in similar judicial discretion, which will allow performers in each area. It is sensible to ensure that the firearms licences to be issued? system is flexible, clear, as simple as possible in this complex area, uses new technology to assist with the Damian Green: The right hon. Gentleman will know desirable changes we want and guarantees the consistency from his experience in the Home Office that just as and competence that people of all views wish to see. guidance is open to judicial interpretation, so is legislation. I have been involved in passing various laws that the I shall talk briefly about the Select Committee on courts have interpreted in a way that surprised me, as Home Affairs report, because the right hon. Member the Minister who introduced the legislation. To some for Delyn mentioned it. extent, it is a distinction without a difference. Bill Wiggin: Like me, the Minister is disturbed, I am Whether we are talking about legislation or guidance, sure, by the domestic violence figures we heard today. it should be written clearly enough that the amount of We will never know how many victims would have been judicial interpretation is minimised. That is a job for murdered had the murderer not had access to a firearm this House and we need to get better at it. We need to be or shotgun, but we can know, if he would be kind able to respond more quickly than we have in the past, enough to find out, how many times a shotgun or and, as I said, changing guidance is easier and quicker firearms certificate holder has committed an offence than changing legislation. With the forthcoming revision and not reached for a gun. Whatever sort of crime is of the guide, for the first time, we are ensuring that it committed, if it involves a firearm or shotgun certificate can be updated online, which means that updates will be holder, it must be logged in police records. Will he write made faster in future. If anomalies arise, perhaps as a to me, when he knows what the numbers look like? result of judicial interpretation, we will be able to respond much faster. Damian Green: I hesitate to answer off the top of my There has been discussion this afternoon about a head. I suspect that cross-referencing someone’s being national licensing authority. We are worried that a the legal owner of a shotgun with their committing a central authority would not be in touch with the kind of crime is the sort of information that would, to use the local information known to police. In his report on the phrase, “be available only at disproportionate cost.” I Dunblane tragedy, Lord Cullen recommended that licensing cannot guarantee to find out the information, but I take functions remain with the police. We should listen to the point my hon. Friend makes. what he said in the wake of that terrible tragedy. The Government support shooting sports and are Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: I am grateful for the not opposed to the possession of firearms for legitimate comprehensive way in which my right hon. Friend the purposes. The vast majority of firearms are used responsibly Minister is putting the case for how the system will and safely and the controls must be proportionate and operate. I have one question. If he has rejected a national administered fairly. We intend to keep firearms controls firearms licensing authority, can he tell us how the 43 under review, so that public safety is protected and to police forces will not only operate consistently according minimise the risk of tragic events occurring, such as to the guidelines, but operate an efficient system consistently, those last year in the constituency of the hon. Member so that the worst performing constabularies come up to for Easington. the level of the best performing constabularies and the I am carefully considering the IPCC recommendations licence holder knows what to expect from the police? with that approach in mind. A good deal has been achieved over the past year, which is helping to ensure Damian Green: My hon. Friend makes a perfectly that firearms controls are as effective as they can be, valid point. We are taking a number of steps, as I and that will continue over the coming months. I welcome explained. The College of Policing is producing a new this debate as part of that process. 57WH 3 SEPTEMBER 2013 Kamran Majid and the Legal Services 58WH Commission Kamran Majid and the Legal Services Knights Solicitors, and on 7 May 2010 it approved his Commission electronic registration for a CDS12—the duty solicitor application form. At that time, the LSC knew that Knights Solicitors was under investigation for legal aid 4pm fraud, and had been since 2009. On 27 May 2010, it Steve McCabe (Birmingham, Selly Oak) (Lab): I am terminated Knights Solicitors’ unified legal aid contract, grateful, Mr Sheridan, for this opportunity to talk having previously placed a contract sanction on the about a dispute that has been going on for three years, firm’s accounts. and which highlights serious concerns about the work When Mr Majid complained to the LSC about how and responsibilities of the Legal Services Commission. he had been disadvantaged as a result, Mr Ross Lane of At its heart is an issue about the role of the commission the commission attempted to muddy the waters by in relation to duty solicitor slots and the application of claiming that Mr Majid knew that Knights Solicitors the 2010 standard crime contract and section 6 of the had been under investigation since 2009. Mr Majid contract specification. discovered details of the investigation only through a My constituent, Mr Majid, suffered when the Legal subsequent county court order, but the LSC attempted Services Commission—the LSC—launched an investigation to use that as a reason for dismissing his claim. Mr into fraudulent activities at Knights Solicitors, which Lane, of course, knew that the LSC was doing everything resulted in its terminating Knights’ unified contract for it could to resist Mr Majid’s freedom of information crime. My constituent is the son of immigrants and he requests, which would have shed light on the fact that it has represented this country as an Olympic sportsman, negligently registered him with a firm that was under winning world and European championships in investigation for fraud and that it withheld that information. weightlifting. Through his own honest endeavour and Mr Majid has a further complaint about the LSC. hard work, he has achieved the position of solicitor and When he discovered that Knights Solicitors had lost its advocate of our Supreme Court—something of which contract, he asked if he might be able to transfer his one might think we would be proud. Instead, today I slots to another law firm. The LSC was quick to deny am telling the story of how the LSC set out to wreck Mr him the opportunity, and drew his attention to section 6 Majid’s career and reputation. of the standard crime contract specification. It is unable, I want to highlight two main points: first, the injustice however, to offer any explanation as to why 14 other suffered by my constituent and the reluctance of the solicitors, identified by Mr Majid, have been given that LSC to deal with the matter, admit its errors and seek to same opportunity. I could name those people—people put them right and, secondly, the appalling performance to whom the LSC afforded an opportunity it denied my of the LSC, and of other agencies one might reasonably constituent, people who have suffered no financial loss expect to call upon in such circumstances, such as the and no damage to their reputation or career—but I will Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman—the not, because Mr Majid has no desire to cause them PHSO—the Law Society and the Solicitors Regulation distress. I am happy, however, to share their names with Authority.The last two bodies have distinguished themselves the Minister, because the time for trying to brush what by washing their hands of concerns about the treatment has happened under the carpet is at an end. Mr Majid received. The intervention of the PHSO Let me further point out that some of those people leaves a great deal to be desired, and the behaviour of benefited from the opportunity to transfer their slots the LSC in dealing with the fraudulent activity of before Knights Solicitors lost its contract, and some Sajjad Ahmed Khan of Knights Solicitors needs a great afterwards, so the LSC’s attempts to argue that it was deal of scrutiny. It is not Mr Majid who should be an error that it has now put right do not stand up to suffering as a result of this affair. He is an innocent scrutiny. It allowed flexibility in contract arrangements victim. to safeguard the finances and reputation of 14 other Mr Majid’s experience involves a catalogue of people, but denied the opportunity to my constituent unsatisfactory behaviour by the LSC and an insipid and attempted to cover that up. response from the PHSO, which calls into question why We also need to ask some wider questions about the we pay public money to support the two agencies. Mr LSC. For how much public money is it responsible? I Kamran Majid has done nothing wrong, but he has believe it is about £2 billion. To whom is it accountable? been dismissed as a nuisance and a pest by the agencies, Can the Minister say in all candour that it is an agency because he is unwilling to accept their flawed reasoning, in which he has confidence, or that its transition in inadequate investigations and failure to address the April of this year to the Legal Aid Agency will have a core of his complaint. The matter has still not been significant impact on its behaviour? Mr Sajjad Ahmed resolved, despite three years of battling on Mr Majid’s Khan of Knights Solicitors—the real villain—is involved part. During that time, my constituent has suffered in a fraud that might run into millions of pounds, as a unemployment, loss of income and damage to his result of claiming legal aid fees for services that were reputation, and has been forced to accumulate considerable never provided. It would appear that, after four years, debts—he estimates that he is approximately £45,000 Sajjad Ahmed Khan is finally likely to be brought out of pocket. before the solicitors disciplinary tribunal, but as yet Let me clarify a point that seems to have escaped the there has been no effort to recover the millions he LSC, despite so many of its communications being fraudulently obtained, and he still practises as a solicitor. mired in legal gobbledegook. Mr Majid was never an No wonder that the Government are being forced to employee of Knights Solicitors. He was a freelance duty make swingeing cuts in legal aid, which risks bankrupting solicitor, an arrangement that the LSC approved and thousands of small, decent law firms and calling the encouraged. The commission approved Mr Majid’s whole of our legal system into question. If the Legal application to work as a freelance duty solicitor through Services Commission and its successor are allowed to 59WH Kamran Majid and the Legal Services 3 SEPTEMBER 2013 Kamran Majid and the Legal Services 60WH Commission Commission [Steve McCabe] actually happened and to quote a contract specification that it had failed to follow in other cases, but insisted on cover up a multi-million pound fraud and penalise the using against my constituent. Mr Majid suffered compared innocent, because they dare to bring that fraud to the with his contemporaries. The LSC told the PHSO that attention of the authorities and get too close to the Mr Majid knew about the investigation into Knights, truth, something rotten is going on. which was not true, and it deliberately sought to avoid I have attempted to assist my constituent since the explaining that it was responsible for sitting on FOI summer of 2011. I have had numerous exchanges of requests that would have confirmed the basis of his correspondence with the LSC and the PHSO. Gina complaints. It also behaved appallingly in the way that Brady of the LSC’s complaints handling team replied to it handled the Sajjad Ahmed Khan fraud, and it gives my inquiries with a rather curt note confirming that the no confidence that it is fit to discharge its public duties. LSC was of the opinion that Mr Majid had received a I would appreciate anything that the Minister could full response to all his complaints and that it would not do to recognise how much my constituent has suffered respond to any further inquiries. I am here today because and that he deserves to be compensated. I would welcome the LSC is judge and jury—not willing to engage with a a thorough investigation into the agency. I believe that Member of Parliament, and not accountable to anyone. there is a precedent for a judicial review in a similar When it comes to malpractice, misuse of public funds, case, because too many people are gaining from the incompetence and cover-up, that agency might be top public purse who are not doing the job for which we are of the list. paying them. Someone is getting away with a cover-up, I also find it shocking—I hope the Minister does as and it is plain wrong. well—that the PHSO comes out of this case as toothless and hopeless, and all too ready to drop Mr Majid’s case 4.16 pm on the say so of the LSC, whose arguments simply do not stack up. On 5 January 2012, PHSO’s assessor The Minister for Policing and Criminal Justice (Damian Michelle Yore wrote to me that it had now concluded its Green): I am grateful to the hon. Member for Birmingham, investigation. It used a familiar approach: it asked the Selly Oak (Steve McCabe) for calling this debate, and I LSC about Mr Majid’s complaint. The LSC denied appreciate the passion with which he presented his case. there was any substance to it and, relying on that, the I should also put on the record my appreciation for the PHSO told my constituent that he had no grounds for information that he sent me before the debate, so that I his complaint. When he objected, and argued that it could consider the points he proposed to make. had not looked properly at the substance of his complaint, I will make some general remarks, and then move on the PHSO investigated its own procedures and concluded to the hon. Gentleman’s specific points, but I note at the that it had complied with them. outset that an entirely independent body, the PHSO, I hope that the Minister can see how unsatisfactory has rejected Mr Majid’s case. I hear what the hon. that is, and what a waste of public funds. The whole Gentleman says in criticism of that body, but it is worth thing is all process and expensive form-filling. Like too noting that it is entirely independent of the LSC and of many investigations we have come across recently, this the Government more widely. is yet another example of investigators being more I have obviously listened carefully to what the hon. interested in process than in getting at the truth and Gentleman said. I hope that he agrees that we should be delivering justice—wasting public money in endless hours very proud of our legal system: it is a valuable contributor of process, rather than finding out who did what wrong to our society, and the Government recognise that legal and what is required to put it right. I cannot believe that aid is a vital component of the system. I am well aware these people accept their bloated salaries and can sleep of the important role that duty solicitors, such as his at night. No wonder there is a crisis of confidence in constituent, play in the criminal justice system. our public services. I have always made it clear that defence lawyers are Who is the responsible person? Is it the current chief central to the criminal justice system. Throughout this executive or the former chief executive, Carolyn Regan, year, I have taken their views on how to make the who, I understand, departed with the usual large pay-off system more efficient and on what we can do to help after questions were asked about financial controls at them work more efficiently. Today, there are about the LSC? I do not know how many people work for the 6,500 duty solicitors—qualified professionals who can agency and its successor, but so far I have come across offer advice and assistance to those who, without their Stephen O’Connor—he seems to have played a major own lawyer, are being questioned by the police or facing role in not enforcing section 6, other than against my charges before the courts. The system ensures that all constituent—Mr Rimmer, Mr Williams, Mr Forrester, eligible people have access to legal advice from suitably Ross Lane, Sarah Aylwin, Natasha Hurley and Gina qualified legal representatives, whose role is crucial to Brady. With so many fingers in the pie, it might be ensuring that the criminal justice system can operate better if one person had set out to get to the bottom of efficiently. the affair. Last year alone, there were 734,000 acts of assistance The Legal Services Commission has sought to deny to people being questioned by the police, at a cost of that Mr Majid has a valid complaint. It must know £160 million to the taxpayer. A similar scheme for perfectly well that it should not have accepted his solicitors in the magistrates court operated at a cost of registration, given that it knew that it was investigating almost £22 million, providing help to individuals in the firm and that action was imminent. The LSC was courts across England and Wales. The Legal Aid wrong to allow 14 other solicitors to transfer business Agency—as the hon. Gentleman correctly said, that is between law firms before and after the action against what the Legal Services Commission has become—has Knights Solicitors, to attempt to disguise what had a statutory responsibility to run and maintain both the 61WH Kamran Majid and the Legal Services 3 SEPTEMBER 2013 Kamran Majid and the Legal Services 62WH Commission Commission police station and the magistrates court duty solicitor Those proposals have focused on criminal legal aid, schemes in England and Wales, which it does by entering which accounts for around £1 billion of the overall legal into contracts with firms of solicitors. The last tender aid budget of just under £2 billion. Obviously, no process was for the 2010 standard crime contract, with sensible Government can overlook such a sizeable portion contracts starting on 14 July 2010. of Government spending, which is why we have embarked The case made by the hon. Gentleman is that his on the proposals to transform legal aid to deliver a constituent raised a concern with him about how the more credible and efficient system. then LSC dealt with his complaint regarding the allocation The Law Society, as part of its response to the of duty solicitor slots in the summer of 2010. From his consultation, has highlighted some inefficiencies within contribution, I can appreciate that the period in question the current system. In particular, it has focused on the and since has been extremely distressing for his constituent. precise issue that the hon. Gentleman has raised today—that What I can usefully do now is explain a little more of the duty work allocation methods. The Law Society about how the process works so that we can understand has described the current approach to slot allocation as more about how the issue arose in the first place. inefficient. In its response to the consultation, it described the incentive that firms have to employ more and more The first point on which to be clear, and this directly duty solicitors to gain more slots, even though the total addresses one of the hon. Gentleman’s points, is that size of the market is declining. I am sure that the hon. contracts are not awarded to individual duty solicitors, Gentleman recognises that that is not a sustainable but to legal aid firms. The proportion of slots that each approach. The Law Society has also highlighted a practice organisation receives is determined by the number of that it calls “ghost solicitors”, which refers to solicitors duty solicitors that it has registered with the LAA, who have minimal links to a firm receiving a payment formerly the LSC. The allocation of slots is typically that is neither a salary nor linked to work done for the refreshed every six months, and organisations are required firm. to submit the necessary forms to demonstrate how many duty solicitors they employ. A deadline is set to The Law Society has called for a new method that no ensure fair and equal treatment for all the firms involved. longer allocates work to firms on the basis of the number of duty solicitors employed. The Government have been working with the Law Society to explore Steve McCabe: Does the Minister think that it was those proposals and are considering all the other responses just bad luck that, with those 14 people I mentioned, to the consultation. There is a real general issue here. I there was no effort to implement that part of the appreciate that most of the hon. Gentleman’s speech contract—for those who were granted the exemption was about the specific things that his constituent suffered, before the termination of Knights Solicitors’ contract but it is worth putting that in context. I will deal briefly and those granted it afterwards—or that my constituent with some of his individual points now, but I will also has clearly been dealt with differently from the other 14 take them away and look at them further. people? The hon. Gentleman said that the LSC approved Mr Majid’s application to work as a freelance duty solicitor Damian Green: I hear what the hon. Gentleman says. through Knights Solicitors, and on 7 May it approved He kindly gave me advance notice of some of his points, his electronic registration for a CDS12. Mr Majid did so I can happily guarantee that I will go away and look not personally make an application to the LSC to work at some of the details. However, there are some details as a freelance duty solicitor for Knights. The LSC that are worth setting on the record now. accepts only applications from firms, and those firms I have talked about the deadline for slot allocation, are required to declare that the solicitors are employed and there are two advantages to that approach. First, it by them. Therefore it cannot be said that the LSC ensures that firms have six months of stability of duty approved of any specific employment arrangement between solicitor slots, enabling them to plan their workloads. Mr Majid and Knights in May 2010. Secondly, it provides administrative benefits to the LSC The hon. Gentleman also said that the LSC negligently as rotas are issued at fixed points without the need for registered Mr Majid with a firm that was under investigation many amendments. That is essential given the scale of for fraud and withheld that information. Again, I have the task in assembling the rotas. There are more than to be clear that the firms themselves submit their own 250 individual schemes with almost 800 rotas generated lists of duty solicitors. The LSC simply received the at each point. application in May 2010. On the allegation of withholding In the case of hon. Gentleman’s constituent, there information, I should be clear that this was a police was a deadline for all firms to submit their list of duty investigation, so the LSC was not acting inappropriately solicitors by 14 May 2010. It would not have been at the time. possible to accept new submissions in June 2010 without The hon. Gentleman also said that the LSC has treating firms differently in the tendering process. Owing behaved appallingly in the way in which it has handled to the finite number of slots available, late additions the fraud and therefore gives no confidence that it is fit would affect the allocation set for all firms that work on to discharge its public duties. It is fair to say that the those schemes. No other firm was requesting an extension LSC acted promptly on concerns that Knights breached to the May deadline. If a firm wishes to challenge its its contractual duties, and that led to the termination of duty slot allocation, there are options available to it to the contract. The LSC, or the LAA as it now is, is appeal under the terms of its contract. However, the always there to act to protect taxpayers’ money. approach to slot allocation has been the subject of The hon. Gentleman also made some remarks about attention during 2013 as part of the debates that have the PHSO. Experience tells us that the Parliamentary been taking place following the publication in April of and Health Service Ombudsman always acts robustly the Government’s proposals to transform legal aid. with organisations such as the LSC and on this occasion, 63WH Kamran Majid and the Legal Services 3 SEPTEMBER 2013 64WH Commission [Damian Green] Brain Tumours in Children it mounted a full investigation. It was completed without 4.30 pm any further action being required. We have all been in Mr Dominic Raab (Esher and Walton) (Con): Thank this situation, whereby our constituents have gone to you, Mr Sheridan, for calling me to speak; I believe that the parliamentary ombudsman and not had the result this is the first occasion that I have spoken under your that they required. I have heard what the hon. Gentleman chairmanship. has had to say about the PHSO, but I can only repeat I have to say that on this particular topic I come as that sometimes it comes up with a result that we regard something of a novice. I was regrettably unaware of as satisfactory and sometimes it does not, but it is an many of the basic facts about children in Britain who entirely independent organisation. It is designed to be a are afflicted by brain tumours until recently, when I was court of appeal outside governmental structures, so approached during the summer by a constituent, Anne that people can have some confidence that they are Pickering, who is here in Westminster Hall today. On a getting an independent response, and that is what it did family holiday to the Isle of Wight in 2008, Anne’s in this particular case. daughter, Charlotte, collapsed on a beach as a result of a brain haemorrhage. Charlotte was rushed to Southampton Steve McCabe: Is the Minister willing to have a general hospital. She underwent surgery, she remained further meeting with me to discuss some of the other on life support for 10 days and she lay in a coma for five aspects of this case that have not been aired today? weeks. Later she spent five months in rehabilitation at the amazing Children’s Trust in Tadworth and this Damian Green: I suspect, and I will happily discuss courageous young woman, who is now 16, has made a this with the hon. Gentleman afterwards, that the most full recovery. useful meeting he can have is with Matthew Coats, who is the chief executive of the new organisation. That I should say at this point that I have been down to the might be a better way to take his case forward. If he is Children’s Trust to see for myself the incredible work happy with that suggestion, I will just say that I am that it does. Witnessing the tenacity of children with grateful to him for giving us the opportunity to discuss serious brain injuries from tumours, haemorrhages and what is clearly a vital issue to his constituent and an various other illnesses making the long, hard and often important issue to him. uneven road to recovery is like watching someone crawl a marathon, inch by inch. It is nothing short of heroic— both heartrending and uplifting at the same time—and what is achieved at the Children’s Trust is quite something to behold. However, the truth, of course, is that not all such stories end as well as Charlotte’s did. During Charlotte’s treatment, her mum Anne met Sacha Langton-Gilks, whose son, David, was fighting a brain tumour that had been diagnosed late. Despite David’s herculean efforts, he died aged 16. All anyone has to do is to google his name to read the many accounts of this lad’s epic bravery. David was diagnosed with a tumour the size of a golf ball on 24 October 2007. He struggled for nearly five years, through chemotherapy, radiotherapy and a stem cell transplant, stoically refusing to give up on life, whether it was reading up on Buddhist philosophy or tobogganing in the snow with his brother and sister. The term “inspirational” does not even begin to do this young man justice. Very sadly, David died on 14 August last year, but not before he stood up in front of the full glare of the national media, despite his terminal diagnosis, in a valiant effort to raise awareness of the prevalence of brain tumours in children, in order to save lives. Neil Parish (Tiverton and Honiton) (Con): It is great that my hon. Friend has been able to secure this debate. Early diagnosis is vital, and there are charities such as the Brain Tumour Charity, which runs the HeadSmart campaign, and others that are working along with the Government to try to ensure that professionals are aware of brain tumours at a very early stage, because the sooner they can be found the sooner people can be cured. I have constituents who have been affected by tumours. Mr Raab: I thank my hon. Friend for that intervention. He is absolutely right, and what we must do is to keep pushing the HeadSmart campaign to move it along even further. 65WH Brain Tumours in Children3 SEPTEMBER 2013 Brain Tumours in Children 66WH

Jim Shannon (Strangford) (DUP): Will the hon. That was up to three times longer than the diagnosis Gentleman give way? delay in other countries, including the US and Canada. Let us just think about what that means. It means child Mr Raab: I will just make a small amount of progress after child walking around—in their home, around before giving way, because I do not want to give a their school and even through their own GP’s surgery—with disjointed account. identifiable symptoms of brain tumours that could have David’s case is tragic and moving, but it is not a been picked up but sadly were not. one-off; that is why we are here in Westminster Hall today. The cases I have mentioned are not isolated Guy Opperman (Hexham) (Con): I am lucky enough incidents. Each year, 500 children are diagnosed with a that I collapsed in this austere palace and was taken brain tumour and brain tumours take three young lives straight to St Thomas’s hospital with a brain tumour, every fortnight. Brain tumours kill more children in this and I am living proof that someone can recover from a country than leukaemia does; only traffic accidents brain tumour. I should declare my support for the take more young people’s lives than brain tumours. National Brain Appeal, which I raise money for. Brain tumours pose as great a danger to our children as Does my hon. Friend agree that there needs to be a meningitis, and yet most parents and doctors have at designated GP within the cluster of GPs’ surgeries that least a rough idea of how to identify the symptoms of we all have in our communities who is the first point of meningitis. Of course, it is not just those children who reference when an individual child or adult presents to a lose the battle with a brain tumour who suffer. Of the GP clinic with some designated head symptoms? children who survive a brain tumour, 60% of them are left with life-altering disabilities, including blindness Mr Raab: I thank my hon. Friend for his intervention. and brain damage. That sounds to me like a perfectly sensible suggestion. Again, it is a practical recommendation about how to Jim Shannon: I congratulate the hon. Gentleman on deal with the fast-tracking from diagnosis to treatment, bringing this matter to the House for consideration; it is and again I am sure that the Minister has taken it on a very important issue. He will be well aware that it is board. better for a child to be diagnosed with a brain tumour in The key thing that I have realised from being informed the United States of America, for instance, than in the by HeadSmart and others about this issue is that the United Kingdom; to be precise, it is three times better. warning signs of a brain tumour—particularly in children, One reason why the United States does better in its who are the focus of this debate—are not especially diagnosis of children with brain tumours is that education technical or terribly difficult to detect. We are talking and health work together there. Does he feel that perhaps about regular headaches or vomiting; difficulty in what the Minister could do here is to have better co-ordinating, balancing, or walking; blurred vision; co-ordination between staff in schools and the health and fits or seizures. Those are the most common symptoms, system, to achieve better early diagnosis? and they are signs that parents, doctors, teachers and children should be able to pick up on. Mr Raab: I thank the hon. Gentleman for his intervention, and he is absolutely bang on. I will come Mary Macleod (Brentford and Isleworth) (Con): Will on to discuss the three specific measures that are key as my hon. Friend give way? part of that co-ordination. Many of these tragedies could be averted. Whether it Mr Raab: Again, I will make a small amount of is preventing avoidable deaths or limiting the permanent progress and then I will give way to my hon. Friend. As damage inflicted by brain tumours, early diagnosis is I was saying, those signs are symptoms that we should the key, as has already been said; I suspect that there be able to pick up on, even if it is just to get them will be consensus on that. checked out properly so as to allay fears. The scale of these tragedies led the Brain Tumour James Duddridge (Rochford and Southend East) (Con): Charity to launch the HeadSmart campaign in 2011, to As well as early diagnosis, early treatment is vital; in try to raise greater awareness and in particular to cut many cases, that involves immediate surgery. Will my this life-threatening delay in diagnosis; there is also the hon. Friend press the Minister to make some statement issue of the delay between diagnosis and treatment. The as to how long it takes from diagnosis to treatment, and thing that occurs to me is that we have seen truly about how things are progressing on that front? amazing public awareness campaigns in this country. Think of the drink driving adverts; think of the campaigns Mr Raab: I thank my hon. Friend for his intervention; in the 1990s to “Just Say No” to drugs; and more I know that he feels very strongly about that point. It is recently there have been the Vinnie Jones CPR adverts an excellent point and the Minister will have heard it. I and the campaign to identify the early signs of a stroke, have a range of points that we can certainly follow up which is particularly germane to this debate. We are with the Minister if they are not addressed in her quite good at this work in this country, if we get hold of speech, but that is an important point on top of the an issue and grasp it. HeadSmart wants to do something critical importance of early diagnosis. similar about brain tumours in children, but in a different There is a wealth of clinical and scientific evidence to way. back up the argument that early diagnosis is key. Research up until 2006 showed that the median delay in diagnosing Mary Macleod: I am delighted that my hon. Friend a brain tumour in a child in Britain was 12 to 13 weeks. has taken up this issue. I have already been to see the In other words, half the affected youngsters took more Minister about it, and generally she has been very than three months to reach diagnosis and then treatment. helpful on brain tumours. Does he not find the statistics 67WH Brain Tumours in Children3 SEPTEMBER 2013 Brain Tumours in Children 68WH

[Mary Macleod] There are various aspects to the ongoing campaign, and hon. Members have intervened already with particular that he mentioned about the delay of 12 to 13 weeks dimensions that they want to explore. I want to focus on unacceptable? If there was some sort of public awareness three basic steps, which are well within our gift as campaign on those symptoms, more people might be politicians, to help us reach that critical five-week target. helped to go to their GP earlier and then we might also The crux of the debate, compared with so many others need extra sharing of best practice among the primary that we grapple with, is that that target is reachable and health sector. these three measures are in the “eminently doable” category.We really ought to stretch our sinews as politicians Mr Raab: My hon. Friend is right. It is particularly to ensure that the target is reached. regrettable that we have such a delay in comparison First, and most importantly, the HeadSmart campaign with other countries if we could take simple steps, has made it a priority to get its credit card-sized awareness which would not even cost the taxpayer money, to cards into every school and nursery in the country, as reduce the delay through political will and co-ordination. my hon. Friend the Member for Romsey and Southampton North (Caroline Nokes) has mentioned. I have got one Caroline Nokes (Romsey and Southampton North) here. It can fit into the smallest wallet or purse; it (Con): I congratulate my hon. Friend on securing the explains the early symptoms of a brain tumour; it debate. He has mentioned political will and co-ordination; differentiates between symptoms depending on the age does he agree that county councils and local education of the child; it tells you what to do if you are worried; authorities can play a critical role in getting the HeadSmart and it gives contact details and a website to find out cards out to schools? Will he join me in commending more information. If the cards are handed out to children Hampshire county council, which has met Mrs Langton- at school to take home to their parents, that will go a Gilks and is working to ensure that the message is better long way towards heightening awareness and ensuring disseminated to schools to increase awareness? that children and parents have an easy reference tool to hand. Mr Raab: My hon. Friend is bang on. I was going to HeadSmart is already making progress. As we have come on to exactly that point, and I could not agree heard, distribution has been carried out in Wiltshire, more. East Sussex, Sutton and Reading. Those areas are the trailblazers, and other councils are expected to follow Iain Stewart (Milton Keynes South) (Con): Will my their lead soon. I will be visiting Surrey county council hon. Friend give way? with Sacha tomorrow. To date, the campaign has benefited from local co-ordinators who make contact Mr Raab: I will make a bit more progress, because with councils to encourage them to disseminate the otherwise the Minister will not have a chance to respond cards through their internal mail system. Critically, at length, which I know she will want to do. because the Brain Tumour Charity pays for the cards The HeadSmart campaign has developed an online and bundles them for distribution, the measure costs education module to help health professionals to recognise the councils nothing. the signs and symptoms of brain tumours in children What we need now from Government is co-ordination and young people. There is now a network of clinical and, frankly, political will, rather than pounds and champions in each of the neuro-oncology centres around pence. I have a very simple request, which is the most the UK giving presentations to fellow health professionals important purpose of the debate. Will the Minister on the subject. There is also, critically, a network of write to every head of public health in all our councils, local champions. David’s mum, Sacha, who is also here given their new responsibilities in the area, and urge for the debate, is the first of those. them to back the campaign by sending out these cards HeadSmart awareness packs have been distributed to for distribution via every school and nursery? That is more than 1,000 doctors’ surgeries around the country, the single measure that can contribute the most towards and more than 625,000 symptom cards have been nailing the five-week target. distributed across the UK. Only one year after the launch of the HeadSmart campaign, the diagnosis delay Andrew Selous: Brain tumours are the main cause of has fallen from an average of 9.3 weeks in 2011 to 7.5 cancer deaths in children. Does my hon. Friend share weeks in 2012. This year, it is down further to 6.9 weeks. my concern that they get only 0.8% of research funding, That is terrific progress, and we should welcome it. given that they are so significant? Andrew Selous (South West Bedfordshire) (Con): Will my hon. Friend give way? Mr Raab: Although I am focusing on three practical aspects of the campaign, I thank my hon. Friend for Mr Raab: I am just going to make a bit more progress, that wider point about research funding. It was well if I may, but I will come back to the hon. Gentleman. made and I am sure that it has been registered. The progress has been good, but it has also highlighted The second key measure under the HeadSmart campaign how easy it is, with practical steps, to save lives and is for the Government to encourage secondary school prevent the serious and permanent damage that tumours head teachers to invite the Teenage Cancer Trust to do a can inflict on their survivors. HeadSmart’s explicit aim one-hour talk on the subject, because that has a proven is to get the average diagnosis delay down to five weeks, track record of spreading awareness. Will the Minister which represents best practice in the west. That would take the lead and team up with her colleagues at the save countless lives and reduce the number of permanent Department for Education to deliver on that important disabilities. step? 69WH Brain Tumours in Children3 SEPTEMBER 2013 Brain Tumours in Children 70WH

Mary Macleod: I have a quick suggestion based on will, however, increase our opportunity to pick up obvious my hon. Friend’s last two points. Might MPs perhaps and evident symptoms and ensure that they are checked help in the co-ordination effort? HeadSmart could send out further. their leaflets to MPs to distribute to schools in their I am asking for three basic measures, which I hope own areas. I, for one, would be perfectly happy to do so. the Minister will respond to. I am not asking for a miracle cure, which is something that science regrettably Mr Raab: I thank my hon. Friend for her intervention. cannot yet provide. I am not asking for a huge financial I am open to that idea, but the point is that councils investment in a time of austerity; the measures I have have an internal mail system for delivering items to outlined will not cost the taxpayer a penny. I am calling schools and nurseries. They are used to distributing in for the political will to implement three modest but bulk, which is what we are talking about, to all schools. ambitious measures that will have a massive impact on If we distributed the cards via MPs, I am not sure that it families across Britain. The Minister is known for her would happen in every case, although it certainly would gumption, and I urge her to put her shoulder full square for many.We need a comprehensive, co-ordinated approach, behind the cause. and, of course, our local councils have responsibility in this area. 4.49 pm

Mr Robin Walker (Worcester) (Con) rose— The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health (Anna Soubry): It is a pleasure, as ever, to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Sheridan. I have been called Iain Stewart rose— some bizarre things today. I was called “very libertarian” in a debate in this Chamber this morning, and I have Mr Raab: I am going to make progress, because been called something else this afternoon. I think it is a otherwise there will not be time for the Minister to compliment, but in any event I will take it as such. respond. I begin by congratulating my hon. Friend the Member The third and final measure that I recommend to the for Esher and Walton (Mr Raab) on securing this Minister is that she write to the cabinet members for important debate. As I have said on many occasions, the children’s services in all our local councils to direct clock is always against us. I look around and I see the health visitors to include the awareness cards in every faces of Members who have been engaged not just in child’s and baby’s red book, or at least to display them similar debates but, most importantly, in some of the in every baby clinic alongside the meningitis cards that meetings and in the all-party group on brain tumours, are already there. That is an effective way to raise with which we have all been involved for some time. awareness among parents of babies and young children. I pay tribute to my hon. Friend the Member for The campaign is powerful and compelling, and I pay Brentford and Isleworth (Mary Macleod). She and I tribute to HeadSmart and all those who have been had a very good meeting with some of her constituents involved in it. It is compelling not least because we can on brain tumours in adults, and many of the problems do something about the problem. The tragedies of of diagnosis are also experienced by adults who suffer children dying or being left permanently and severely from this unpleasant, horrible and often fatal disease. I scarred by disability as a result of late-diagnosed brain also pay tribute to my hon. Friend the Member for tumours move us all. How could they fail to? The scale Cannock Chase (Mr Burley) and Trudy’s Trust. Some of the suffering is far greater than is generally realised of us were at the launch of Trudy’s Trust with Mr or acknowledged, but we have a real opportunity to do Speaker. something about it through a concerted team effort, by I also pay tribute to my hon. Friend the Member for joining up central Government and local authorities Castle Point (Rebecca Harris) and the Danny Green with the pioneering efforts of the voluntary sector Fund. We hear today of yet another tragedy that has through HeadSmart. occurred, but some good comes out of every evil. One Today, I have flagged up three simple steps that can of the good things that comes out, especially when a bring us within touching distance of the five-week child dies from a brain tumour, is the great power of a diagnosis target, which would represent a major family to leave a legacy and make a great tribute to that breakthrough in this country. child. There is nothing worse than the loss of a child—it is every parent’s nightmare—but to be able to turn that awful situation into something good, and to use that Iain Stewart: I want to speak about the impact of power to great effect, is something that we see in many awareness among medical professionals. A constituent instances. Today we have heard about just some of of mine whose son suffers from a brain tumour and a them, and there are others. friend of mine who lost his daughter to a brain tumour have both drawn my attention to the fact that the Sir Gerald Howarth (Aldershot) (Con): I, too, symptoms of brain tumours often mimic those of less congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Esher and serious conditions. We must be aware of the fact that Walton (Mr Raab) on securing this debate, because brain tumours are often undiagnosed by the medical HeadSmart is based in my constituency. Will my hon. profession, as well as of the need to create awareness Friend, the Minister pay tribute to Neil and Angela among the broader community. Dickson? Their daughter Samantha died of a brain tumour and they have done fantastic work, not only to Mr Raab: My hon. Friend has made a good point, produce the kind of initiatives that have been mentioned and I am not suggesting that the awareness cards will by several hon. Members today, but to raise funds that suddenly save every single child with symptoms. They have contributed to research that has produced results 71WH Brain Tumours in Children3 SEPTEMBER 2013 Brain Tumours in Children 72WH

[Sir Gerald Howarth] GP referral for suspected cancer—that is for all cancers—in the first quarter of 2013-14, and 96.4% of patients that have enabled the causes of brain tumours to be urgently referred by their GP for suspected brain or identified in part. Neil and Angela Dickson deserve central nervous system tumours were seen by a specialist many congratulations on what they have achieved. within the two-week period. In the first quarter of 2013-14, 96.4% of patients in England urgently referred Anna Soubry: I am more than happy to add my by their GP for a suspected children’s cancer were seen grateful thanks for the work of Neil and Angela Dickson, by a specialist within the two-week period. I think those and the work of all those who support them. There are are good figures, but of course we can always do better. many such examples, and funds are often raised for research and to support families or other bits of work. James Duddridge: Will the Minister give way? As my hon. Friend the Member for South West Bedfordshire (Andrew Selous) said, money that goes Anna Soubry: Briefly, yes. into research often has the most powerful results. I pay tribute to Headcase cancer trust in my constituency, as I James Duddridge: Those are the figures for being seen am very much aware of the great work that continues to by a consultant, but are there figures for when surgery be needed on brain cancer, which is a pernicious and actually takes place? Will the Minister provide us with horrible disease that affects people of all ages, but it those figures after the debate? seems somehow to be particularly cruel and wicked when it is inflicted on children. Anna Soubry: I do not believe I have those figures in There are a few things that I want to mention before front of me, but I am more than happy to provide them moving on to some of the substantive points raised by to everyone who has taken part in the debate. My my hon. Friend the Member for Esher and Walton. We official is indicating that we have the figures, and it is recognise that we need to do more to bring cancer not a problem for me to give them to my hon. Friend. survival rates up to the level of the best in the world— NHS England now monitors the use of key diagnostic survival rates have been languishing in the wrong place tests through the diagnostic imaging dataset, and the for too long—so we have an outcome strategy that sets latest available provisional data for the period from out our ambition to halve the gap between England’s April 2012 to March 2013 show that 28,995 tests—which survival rates and those of the best in Europe through is about a quarter of all tests—that may have been used saving an additional 5,000 lives every year by 2014-15. to diagnose or discount cancer were requested by GPs We know that the earlier a cancer is diagnosed, the under direct access arrangements. greater the scope for curative treatment, and our strategy I pay huge tribute to HeadSmart, and of course I therefore prioritises addressing late diagnosis. To support welcome its “Be brain tumour aware” campaign and the that, we have £450 million over four years going into collaboration between the Brain Tumour Charity, the early diagnosis, which is part of the £750 million of children’s brain tumour research centre at the university additional funding from the Government for addressing of Nottingham—to which I admit I have a bias, being a cancer over the spending period. That funding will do Nottinghamshire MP—and the Royal College of Paediatrics much great work that I am happy to identify in a letter and Child Health. I have written to HeadSmart offering to my hon. Friend. encouragement and advising that it could apply to the On direct GP access to diagnostic tests, my hon. voluntary sector investment programme for funds to Friend the Member for Hexham (Guy Opperman) made raise awareness of HeadSmart cards in schools. I will a good point about having someone within each clinical continue to work with those great and wonderful charities, commissioning group who knows about not only brain and I look forward to seeing them inform the development cancers and brain tumours but other similar afflictions. of our nationally led campaigns. As he rightly identifies, when a child has a headache, or My hon. Friend the Member for Esher and Walton when an adult has some other complaint and they are directly challenges me to take action, and I shall tell him not sure what it is, there could be a more specialist GP what I will do. I might not completely agree with all that who can say, “Maybe this is the sort of case that we he proposes, but I am more than happy to speak to my need to scan swiftly,” or, “Maybe it needs some other colleagues at Public Health England—cancer screening treatment.” That is a very good point, but we need GPs is an obvious priority for Public Health England—about to recognise symptoms that could be indicative of cancer how we can best advance HeadSmart cards in schools. and, where appropriate, to refer patients to more specialist As he knows, of course, public health is now devolved care. to local authority level. And as he also knows, we are a The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence Government who believe in localism, and therefore it is has published referral guidelines for suspected cancers, not for Ministers to tell people what to do, however including a section on children, to help GPs and primary much we might want to at times. care professionals identify children with suspected cancer. The idea advanced by my hon. Friend the Member The Department of Health published guidance in April for Brentford and Isleworth is very good. A great deal 2012 on the best practice for what we call “referral of work can be done by local MPs. Of course, hon. pathways” for GPs. Members might not know about this, but we can talk When GPs suspect a brain tumour, they are able afterwards about how we can alert our colleagues urgently to refer patients for special care using the throughout the House to what can be done. A letter two-week urgent referral pathway, and I have been from a local Member of Parliament to their director of helpfully supplied with some figures that I hope will public health, or to the chair of their health and wellbeing give comfort and encouragement. Some 95.5% of patients board, will frankly have more weight than any letter were seen by a specialist within two weeks of an urgent from me. 73WH Brain Tumours in Children3 SEPTEMBER 2013 Brain Tumours in Children 74WH

Andrew Selous: As my hon. Friend the Member for Mr Raab: I thank the Minister for giving way. The Esher and Walton (Mr Raab) has said, local authorities whole point of this debate is to try to get central are already writing to schools and putting stuff in the Government to co-ordinate with local government. We post. If MPs do that too, it will cost the public purse. It are not talking about forcing local government, but we strikes me that that already happens, and cheaply. are talking about urging local government to do something through its internal mail system. Will she give that Anna Soubry: I do not agree. I do not know about my further consideration and perhaps meet me and the hon. Friend, but I write to all my schools. In truth, I do HeadSmart campaign? not have that many schools, so there are not that many letters. A letter from a Member of Parliament to all their schools and to their health and wellbeing board Anna Soubry: Yes. That is a brilliant idea, and I am could be very powerful. I am more than happy to talk to more than happy to do it, especially as I have only six my colleagues in the Department for Education, but I seconds left. Seriously, though, between us all we can am not sure that a letter to cabinet members will have find a way to ensure that we all get what we want. any weight. Question put and agreed to. Mr Raab: Will the Minister give way?

Anna Soubry: I am going to run out of time. Unless 5pm my hon. Friend is very quick, I do not see how I can respond. Sitting adjourned.

17WS Written Statements3 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Statements 18WS

does not currently exist. Research in the paper concludes Written Statements that remaining part of the borderless United Kingdom could boost real incomes in Scotland by as much as 4% Tuesday 3 September 2013 after 30 years, equivalent to £5 billion in 2012 prices or £2000 per household, compared to the outlook if Scotland were to become independent. TREASURY Future papers from the Scotland analysis programme will be published over the course of 2013 and 2014 to Scotland Analysis ensure that people in Scotland have access to the facts and information ahead of the referendum. The Chief Secretary to the Treasury (Danny Alexander): The Government have published the fifth paper in the Scotland analysis programme. This series of publications COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT is designed to inform the debate on Scotland’s future within the United Kingdom ahead of next year’s referendum. Improving Planning “Scotland analysis: Macroeconomic and fiscal performance” looks at Scotland’s economic performance and finds that, as part of the UK, Scotland is outperforming The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for most other parts of the country and its performance is Communities and Local Government (Nick Boles): The comparable to many other independent European countries coalition Government have taken a series of steps to as a result of the benefits of deep economic integration ensure a streamlined, easy-to-use planning system. A with the rest of the UK. number of statutory instruments to make planning practice swifter and simpler are being laid this week. These benefits include free access to the larger UK market, a common regulatory framework, integrated Faster planning appeals to support sustainable economic supply chains and a highly flexible labour market. As a growth result, Scottish companies trade more goods and services Following the consultation last year on proposals to with the rest of the UK than with the rest of the world, make the planning appeals process faster and more exporting £36 billion of goods and services to the rest of transparent, reforms are being introduced from 1 October the UK. Flexible labour movement between Scotland 2013 under statutory instruments laid today that mean and the rest of the UK allows businesses to recruit the that appeal decisions can be taken sooner, while ensuring best people from across the whole UK, and the benefits the process remains fair. of being part of the UK have made Scotland an attractive Where appeals are allowed, development will be able destination for foreign investment. to commence sooner, bringing forward much needed The paper finds that the absence of a border is key jobs and growth. Communities will be able to see for economic integration. Even where free trade agreements an appellant’s whole case when making their own exist and physical borders are weak, neighbouring countries representations, as this will now be submitted up front with similar economies are affected by the presence of a when they make their appeal, giving greater transparency. border. The analysis finds, for example, that that trade A new commercial appeals service, closely modelled between the US and Canada is thought to be 44% lower on the successful householder appeals service, will introduce than it could be as a result of the border between them. an expedited procedure for some minor commercial Canadian provinces trade around 20 times more with appeals such as those relating to advertisement consent one another than with US states of a similar size and or shop fronts, allowing decisions to be made in only proximity, despite a free trade agreement between Canada eight weeks. and the US. Labour migration between Scotland and the rest of the UK is also estimated to be as much as Guidelines on acquiring land 75% higher within an integrated UK, allowing the Revised guidance on the compulsory acquisition of sharing of skills and knowledge. land or rights over land for nationally significant The UK’s diverse economy protects Scotland from infrastructure projects will help applicants understand economic shocks and the volatility of oil prices. An the powers in the Planning Act 2008 and how they can integrated UK and a broader and more diverse tax base be used to best effect. It will also help ensure that the helps to maintain the stability of public spending in process of dealing with such orders is as fair, straightforward Scotland and smooth the impact of volatile sources of and accurate for all parties as possible. I am arranging revenue, such as North Sea oil and gas. for a copy of the guidance to be placed in the Library of The paper shows that since 1999, Scotland’s onshore the House. economy has generated 8.3% of the UK’s tax receipts, A better process for consents in conservation areas while at the same time Scotland has received an average New secondary legislation will complete the removal of 9.4% of UK public spending. Relative to the UK of the requirement for obtaining conservation area generating and spending £100, this means that Scotland’s consent when demolishing unlisted buildings in conservation onshore economy has generated £98 for the UK Exchequer, areas, and from 1 October 2013 make these proposals while receiving £112 of public spending. subject to planning permission instead. It will remain Integration is at the heart of the UK’s current economic necessary to obtain the permission of the local planning and fiscal union. Independence would fundamentally authority for such demolition, but the changes will transform and fragment this relationship, ending the reduce complexity in the system, by removing a separate pooling of resources and risk-sharing between Scotland consent regime. The level of protection of unlisted and the rest of the UK, and erecting a border where one buildings in conservation areas will remain unchanged. 19WS Written Statements3 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Statements 20WS

Britain is building It has been brought to my attention that the information This Government have introduced a wide ranging provided in the original answer did not contain secondary package of measures to support stalled development. care figures for December 2012. The table below shows This includes making £570 million available through the correct figures. The revised answer is as follows: the Get Britain Building fund to unlock new homes on small sites that have planning permission, and a £474 million Expenditure by national health service trusts in London, fund for investment in the local infrastructure necessary as defined by the former London Special Health Authority to support housing and commercial development. Our (SHA), is provided for both anti-retroviral HIV medicines investments to date are helping to bring forward new and anti-cancer medicines. homes, boosting the construction industry and stimulating economic growth. Through the Growth and Infrastructure London generally has a larger proportion of its medicines Act, we have enabled developers to request reconsideration costs going through hospitals than other SHAs as patients of the affordable housing component of any section 106 from areas surrounding London are likely to travel to agreement, to ensure development is not being made London hospitals for some treatments. unviable by unrealistic requirements. We have also taken steps to boost the housing market by improving access Primary care Secondary to mortgage finance through initiatives such as the cost1 care cost2 funding for lending and help to buy schemes. Drug type Year (£000s) (£000s) In October 2012, a temporary measure introduced by Anti-retroviral HIV3 2008 321.04 175,398.3 the previous Government that enables applicants to seek more time to implement a planning permission 2009 502.4 191,720.7 was extended by 12 months. To encourage developments 2010 642.0 206,752.9 to start on site promptly once planning permission is 2011 555.5 214,542.6 granted, this temporary measure will not be extended 2012 539.4 233,949.2 further. This will complement the £1 billion Government are investing to get stalled sites moving again and help to reduce the 60,500 sites that are currently on hold. Anti-cancer5 2008 17,299.84 112,677.5 Better performance for the planning process 2009 23,486.3 131,052.7 The Growth and Infrastructure Act 2013 allows 2010 22,461.9 147,571.4 applications for major development to be made directly to the Secretary of State, in those few cases where a 2011 20,958.7 157,944.3 local planning authority is designated as under-performing. 2012 13,017.26 188,663.9 The statutory instruments being laid this week explain Sources the procedures that need to be followed, including the Prescribing Analysis and Cost tool (PACT) system. Copyright © local hearing that will ensure communities have an 2013, the Health and Social Care Information Centre, Prescribing effective say on any applications made in their area. The and Primary Care Services. Government expect to make the first designations by IMS data. Copyright © IMS HEALTH: Hospital Pharmacy Audit. Some supplies through homecare providers may not be capture,d the end of October, and applications can be made to the therefore cost estimates may be under-stated. Secretary of State from that time. Notes Amendments to the fees regulations will also help to 1Net ingredient cost. 2 improve performance by requiring a refund of the planning Cost of medicines at NHS list price and not necessarily the price paid. application fee if a planning application has not been 3As classified within British National Formulary (BNF) section 5.3.1 decided within 26 weeks, in line with the Government’s HIV infection. “planning guarantee”. 4Information for 2008 primary care costs is only available for May to December 2008. 5As classified within British National Formulary (BNF) section 8.1 HEALTH Cytotoxic drugs, paragraph 8.2.3 Anti-lymphocyte monoclonal antibodies, paragraph 8.2.4 Other immunomodulating drugs (Aldesleukin, Bacillus Parliamentary Written Answer (Correction) Calmette-Guerin (B.C.G.), Lenalidomide and Thalidomide (immunomodulating) only), section 8.3 Sex hormones and hormone antagonists in malignant disease. The Minister of State, Department of Health (Norman 6The main reason for the lower cost is the large reduction in the cost Lamb): I regret that the written answer given to the right per item price for three drugs, as lower-cost generic formualions hon. Member for Mid Sussex (Nicholas Soames) on became available (Anastrozole, Exemestane and Letrozole). These are 27 June 2013, Official Report, column 344-45W,contained mainly used in primary care; therefore there was not the comparable reduction in secondary care costs. some incomplete figures in the table. 7P Petitions3 SEPTEMBER 2013 Petitions 8P

The Petitioners also request that the House of Commons Petitions hold a debate regarding compensation for the victims of punishments without crime to include children stolen Tuesday 3 September 2013 by the State and consider the role of McKenzie Friends in Courts and Prisons. And the Petitioners remain, etc.—[Presented by John PRESENTED PETITION Hemming .] [P001217] Petition presented to the House but not read on the Floor OBSERVATIONS Children Placed in Foster Care

The Petition of members of the Association of Mckenzie TRANSPORT Friends, Isham by-pass (Northamptonshire) Declares that the Petitioners express their grief for The Humble Petitionof residents of Isham, Northamptonshire the thousands of British and foreign families whose and the surrounding areas, children were taken against their will; children who were placed in foster “care”, with private foster “parents”, Sheweth, in foster homes or were adopted without parental consent, That there is an urgent need to construct the A509 especially in the case of foreign nationals, parents who Isham by-pass, not only to relieve the current unacceptable are falsely imprisoned and adoptions which take place number of traffic movements through the village, but in court hearings in their absence, without full knowledge also mindful of the extra proposed traffic movements and certainly without due process. which will occur due to: Further declares that these serious violations of human The 5,500 houses that are being built at Cranford; the rights also violate the UN Convention of the Rights of 3,500 houses that are being built at the station in the Child and have created incalculable damages Wellingborough; the proposed 3,000 house development emotionally, legally, financially and economically; further off Niort Way in Wellingborough; the proposed industrial that some 2,500 hand written signatures requesting the site development at Appleby Farm in Wellingborough Return of Our Stolen Children were submitted to No. with an estimated daily vehicle movement of 2,000, the 10 on 26 July 2013, after a week-long protest opposite majority of which will be lorries; the widening of the Downing Street from 19 to 26 July 2013 stating; A14 road at the A509 Junction one mile from Isham. Wherefore your Petitioners pray that your Honourable Dear Mr Cameron, House urges the Secretary of State for Communities Take the Lead and Return our Stolen Children and Local Government, Northamptonshire County Council (http://mckenzie-friends.co.uk/2013/07/28/dear-mr-cameron- and the Borough Council of Wellingborough work take-the-lead-and-return-our-stolenchildren/) together to ensure that the Isham A509 bypass is The Petitioners therefore request that the House of constructed imminently. Commons work with the Government to: Order the And your Petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever return of children to their rightful biological parents in pray, &c.—[Presented by Mr Peter Bone, Official Report, cases where children were taken because of “emotional 16 July 2013; Vol. 566, c. 1060.] harm”, where this has not been proven adequately; all [P001199] children taken because of the “risk of future emotional Observations from the Secretary of State for Transport: harm”; all children who were taken at or shortly after birth and thus denied their right to breast feeding Responsibility for funding and delivering schemes (the precedent judgment by the current President of such as this is held locally. the Family Courts is persistently ignored (http:// From 2015 Local Transport Bodies will support Local www.baili.org/ew/cases/EWHC/Admin/2003/ Enterprise Partnerships in deciding priorities for local 850.html)); all foreign national children; all children major transport schemes within the available Government whose wishes and feelings have not been heard despite funding. These schemes will need to demonstrate a their own heartbreaking letters or words, if they are too strong business case and value for money. A local young. transport body for Northamptonshire has now been set up. Further details, including papers of their meetings Order the abolition of forced adoptions without parental which are open to the public, can be found at the consent; our petition asking the EU Parliament for following website: Abolition of Adoptions without Parental Consent was lodged with the Petitions Committee on 31 May 2013 http://www.northamptonshire.gov.uk/en/councilservices/ Transport/TP/Pages/Northamptonshire-Local-Transport- and it was published with different emphasis on three Body.aspx. different platforms. All funding for schemes prior to 2015 has already Order to lift the Secrecy of Family Courts; our online been allocated. petition has now reached over 1,500 signatures (http:// The first step in progressing this scheme would therefore www.gopetition.com/petitions/the-secrecy-of-the- be to discuss this scheme with Northamptonshire local family-courts-should-be-lifted-now.html) and it was transport body, and with the Northamptonshire County submitted to the President of the Family Courts on Council, as they will be responsible for securing the 20 Jan 2013, together with comments. necessary funding for local transport schemes from Order a review of gagging orders in the spirit of local public and private sources and deciding which openness, transparency, fairness and common sense. schemes will be supported.

47W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 48W

when they are made redundant. Of these, we estimate Written Answers to around 600 individuals in the most dangerous and challenging jobs, including in posts alongside the Army, Questions will be eligible for resettlement to the UK. However, information on local staff is not held in a format that would allow reliable estimates of the numbers who Monday 2 September 2013 might be eligible if the criteria included alternative or additional criteria of a qualifying period of 30 months [Continued from Column 46W] service, or service that ended before 19 December 2012: The scheme has been put in place to support these individuals who lose their employment as a result of UK drawdown in Afghanistan and the Government DEFENCE recognises that this does not include staff who left employment before this date. Afghanistan Separately, our existing intimidation policy will remain in place for all local staff regardless of the nature, date Mr David Davis: To ask the Secretary of State for and duration of their employment. This is designed to Defence how many Afghan interpreters have applied assist any who find that their immediate safety or that for asylum in the UK under the current intimidation of their family is under real threat as a result of their policy. [166358] service. Intimidation is considered on an individual basis and in the most extreme cases there is the possibility Mr Robathan: The right to claim asylum is unrelated of resettlement in the UK. to our Intimidation Policy. Intimidation claims are Neither the redundancy scheme nor the intimidation considered on a case by case basis. In the most extreme policy affect an individual’s right to claim asylum. cases there is the possibility of resettlement in the UK. Any asylum claim made in the UK will be considered on its individual merits and protection offered to those Mr David Davis: To ask the Secretary of State for who are at genuine risk of serious harm in their country Defence what criteria are used in the current intimidation of origin. The Government does not record previous policy for Afghan interpreters working with the Army occupations when processing asylum claims and as a to enable them to relocate within Afghanistan. [166361] result, we do not hold statistics on how many Afghan interpreters have applied for asylum while in the UK. Mr Robathan: Our Intimidation Policy covers all locally employed staff, including interpreters, regardless Mr David Davis: To ask the Secretary of State for of the nature, date and duration of their employment. Defence (1) how many Afghan interpreters who have The policy is designed to assist those locally employed worked with the Army in the last 10 years would be staff whose safety or that of their family is under real eligible for asylum in the UK should his Department’s threat as a direct result of their service. Intimidation is policy change to include those who have worked for the considered on an individual basis. In the most serious, Army for 30 months prior to December 2012; [166359] and extreme cases, there is the possibility of resettlement (2) how many Afghan interpreters who have worked within Afghanistan or to the UK. with the Army since December 2012 will qualify for Claims of intimidation are investigated by a locally asylum in the UK; [166360] employed staff welfare team which works with embassy (3) how many Afghan interpreters who worked with security staff and other agencies, as appropriate, to the Army between November 2001 and December 2012 establish how best to protect staff. In exceptional cases, will not qualify for asylum in the UK. [166427] where the relevant welfare team judges there to be a significant and imminent threat to the safety of the LE Mr Robathan: Under the refugee convention, asylum staff member and/or their family that can not be resolved cannot be applied for while individuals remain in their through any other means, the welfare team will relocate country of origin. Any asylum claim made in the UK the individual and their family within Afghanistan. If will be considered on its individual merits and protection they want to relocate outside Afghanistan they are free will be offered to those who are found to be at genuine to do so, but any financial support from HMG will be risk of serious harm in their country of origin. It is based on the cost of relocation within Afghanistan. therefore not possible to accurately estimate how many Afghans who have previously worked for the UK armed forces might apply for asylum in the UK in the future, Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for and subsequently be found in need of protection. Defence how many personnel from 51 Squadron will be deployed to Afghanistan to support US operations The scheme announced by the Secretary of State for using the Rivet Joint aircraft. [166801] Defence, my right hon. Friend the Member for Runnymede and Weybridge (Mr Hammond), on 4 June 2013, Official Report, column 88WS is not about asylum. It is a Mr Robathan: No personnel from 51 Squadron will generous redundancy scheme for local staff employed be deployed to Afghanistan to support US operations in Afghanistan. Qualification for this scheme is limited using the Rivet Joint aircraft. However, 51 Squadron to those staff who were in post, working directly for Her personnel routinely deploy and fly missions on US Majesty’s Government, on 19 December 2012 (when Rivet Joint aircraft in support of Operation HERRICK the Prime Minister announced the drawdown of UK as part of an ongoing co-operative engagement programme forces), and who have served more than 12 months with the US. 49W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 50W

Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme Armed Forces: Deployment

Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) when each Minister in his Department has Defence what the (a) rank and (b) job title is of the met the Chairman of the Armed Forces Parliamentary posts held by UK officers on exchange with the US at Scheme since May 2010; and what issues were Combined Air Operations Centre. [R] [166497] discussed at each such meeting; [166913] (2) what assessment he has made of the effectiveness Mr Robathan: There are 10 UK officers on exchange of the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme in informing with the United States in the Combined Air Operations hon. and right hon. Members of both Houses of the Centre in Al Udeid. These consist of a range of grades work of Armed Forces. [166914] from junior officers up to a single Air Commodore position. These roles support the command and control Dr Murrison: The Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme of coalition air operations, principally over Afghanistan (AFPS) has offered parliamentarians a useful insight and the Persian Gulf. into the work and lives of our armed forces for more I am withholding the actual number of personnel at than 25 years, and the governance framework recently each rank as releasing the small numbers involved may agreed with AFPS stakeholders (Mr Speaker, the Lord divulge personal information. Speaker, the. Secretary of State for Defence and the Armed Forces: Lone Parents Commercial Sponsors) provides the basis to ensure the scheme’s long-term sustainability. Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for The former Minister of State for the Armed Forces, Defence (1) how many single parents in each branch of my hon. Friend the Member for North Devon (Sir Nick the armed forces have been promoted in each of the Harvey), and I have facilitated the review of the governance, last three years; [166886] transparency and accountability of the scheme and (2) how many members of the armed forces are have addressed the delivery of the improvements identified. single parents. [166887] This included meetings or telephone calls with the AFPS Chairman on the following occasions: Mr Francois: The armed forces aim to support service Minister of State for the Armed Forces personnel in meeting their parental responsibilities, whether 30 November 2010 they are single or not. However, the information is not 10 May 2012 held in the format requested. Minister for International Security Strategy Armed Forces: Sexual Offences 23 October 2012 25 October 2012 Mrs Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence 1 February 2013 pursuant to the answer of 10 July 2013, Official Report, 6 February 2013 column 266W, on armed forces: sexual offences, what sanctions against a perpetrator are available to a 7 February 2013 commanding officer following the conclusion of an 25 March 2013 investigation of an offence under sections 3, 66, 67 and 14 May 2013 71 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003; and if he will make 6 June 2013 a statement. [167030] 5 July 2013 11 July 2013 Mr Francois: None. Once a charge is laid under any section of the Sexual Offences Act 2003 a Commanding My noble Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Officer has no authority to deal with it summarily, the Defence (Lord Astor of Hever) and my predecessor, my defendant would face a court martial. hon. Friend the Member for Aldershot (Sir Gerald Howarth), dined with the AFPS Chairman on 15 June Mrs Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence 2010 and 28 September 2011, respectively. pursuant to the answer of 10 July 2013, Official Report, In addition, Ministry of Defence Ministers have regularly column 266W, on armed forces: sexual offences, what attended events intended to promote the AFPS and guidance is given to a commanding officer on the conduct mark its success, including graduation dinners, annual of investigations of an offence under sections 3, 66, 67 reunion receptions, and briefings for new recruits. and 71 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003; and if he will make a statement. [167057] Armed Forces: Carbon Emissions Mr Francois: Commanding Officers have access to several avenues of counsel when conducting investigations David T. C. Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for into any offence under the law, civil or military, including Defence whether the armed forces are being required to those offences under sections 3, 66, 67 and 71 of the undertake any measures to reduce carbon emissions. Sexual Offences Act 2003. In the first instance guidance [166927] is provided in Annex F to Volume 1, Chapter 6 of Joint Service Publication (JSP) 830, The Manual of Service Mr Francois: The Ministry of Defence (including the Law, when read in conjunction with Chapter 11. A copy armed forces) is working towards reducing its carbon of the JSP is available in the Library of the House and emissions. We are on track to meet the Greening may also be found at the following link: Government Target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/joint-services- by 25% by March 2015. publication-jsp-830-manual-of-service-law-msl 51W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 52W

BAE Systems Military Intelligence

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if he will estimate the (a) number of Defence how many flights over the UK have been payments and (b) cost to the public purse of key conducted under the Open Skies treaty, by nation industrial capability notices issued to BAE systems conducting each flight, since 2002. [166929] under the terms of the 2009 Terms of Business Agreement; [166804] Mr Robathan: Since 2002 a total of 40 missions have (2) on how many occasions BAE systems has written taken place over the UK. There were 24 quota missions to his Department to notify it of a (a) key industrial conducted by: Russia—20; Ukraine—three; and Sweden— capability trigger event and (b) key industrial capability one. There were 16 training flights conducted by: Benelux notice under the terms of the 2009 Terms of Business (joint with Estonia); Estonia (joint with Benelux); Georgia—three (one joint with Sweden); Sweden—three Agreement since June 2012. [166805] (one joint with Georgia); USA—three; Latvia; Lithuania; Romania; Slovenia; and Yugoslavia. Mr Dunne: I refer the hon. Member to the answer my predecessor, my hon. Friend the Member for Mid NATO Worcestershire (Peter Luff), gave on 24 May 2012, Official Report, column 828W. Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether the Royal Navy continues to offer a Defence: Procurement frigate or destroyer to NATO Immediate Reaction Force activation. [167047] Alison Seabeck: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will publish the invitation to negotiate for Mr Robathan: The Royal Navy maintains a strong his proposed Government Owned Contractor relationship with NATO, including through the NATO Maritime Headquarters, based in the United Kingdom, Operated model. [R] [166822] which is permanently commanded by a Royal Navy Vice-Admiral. Mr Dunne: The invitation to negotiate for the Materiel Strategy programme will be published in due course, at The Royal Navy continues to offer a frigate or destroyer a time when it will not prejudice the commercial process. to the NATO Immediate Reaction Force. Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Gibraltar Defence which NATO member states have sent maritime patrol aircraft to (a) RAF Lossiemouth and Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for (b) RAF Leuchars since December 2012; which Defence what information his Department holds on the aircraft were sent; and what the purpose was of their number of UK service personnel based in Gibraltar visit. [166802] who have accounts with Barclays Bank. [166885] Mr Robathan: The United States, Canada, France Mr Francois: There are 60 UK service personnel and Norway have sent maritime patrol aircraft to RAF based in Gibraltar who have bank accounts with Barclays Lossiemouth and RAF Leuchars since December 2012 Bank, but not with a branch of Barclays Gibraltar. as part of joint exercises. The aircraft sent include P-3C However, there are some 24 members of the Gibraltar Orion, CP-140 Aurora, and Atlantique 2. Regiment who are account holders with Barclays Gibraltar. Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Military Aircraft: Helicopters Defence what requests the UK has made to other NATO member states to provide maritime patrol aircraft to patrol UK waters in order to detect submarines since Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for March 2010. [166803] Defence when the main gate decision will be taken for the Crowsnest project; and what recent estimate he has Mr Robathan: The Ministry of Defence cannot disclose made of its total cost. [166770] the total number of requests for Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) as the release of this information would, or Mr Dunne: The main investment decision for Crowsnest would be likely to, prejudice the capability, effectiveness is scheduled for late 2017, though we are investigating or security of the armed forces. whether we can accelerate the project. As this decision However, NATO and other allies MPA have participated has not yet been taken it would be inappropriate to in nine separate training exercises since March 2010. provide a firm estimate of total cost. These include the Joint Warrior series of maritime focussed exercises that are held twice yearly and two Military Intelligence other UK led anti-submarine warfare exercises held in November 2010 and June 2013 respectively. Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Patrol Craft Defence whether Project Crossbow operates from UK bases in the US. [R] [166555] Mr Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent consideration he has given to the Mr Robathan: No. building of two new offshore patrol vessels. [166800] 53W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 54W

Mr Dunne: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I Mr Robathan: The Memorandum of Understanding gave on 14 February 2013, Official Report, column between the UK and US is currently being reviewed. 833W, to my hon. Friend the Member for New Forest Once this has been completed I will consider placing a East (Dr Lewis). copy in the Library of the House. Veterans: Suicide Reserve Forces: Cardiff Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence Mrs Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent estimate he has made of the number of (1) what budget is allocated for the (a) Royal Naval armed forces veterans who have committed suicide in Reserve HMS Cambria and (b) proposed additional the last five years; and if he will make a statement. reserve unit in Cardiff; and if he will make a statement; [166553] [167058] (2) how many sites are being considered for the Mr Francois: The Ministry of Defence (MOD) does proposed additional reserve unit in Cardiff; whether not hold information on the number of suicide and the site will be (a) rented and (b) purchased; and what open verdict deaths amongst all veterans, but data has budget has been allocated for a site to be (i) rented and been compiled and analysed for veterans of two campaigns, the Falklands Campaign and the 1991 Gulf Conflict. (ii) purchased. [167074] In the last five years (2008 to 2012), there were 10 Mr Robathan: The Navy Command Maritime Reserves suicide and open verdict deaths among Falklands veterans. team is scoping potential options for a new Royal Naval There would have been an estimated 19 suicide and Reserve site in Cardiff. The details of the site occupancy open verdict deaths among Falklands veterans if they arrangements will not be known until an option is had experienced the age and gender specific mortality chosen. rates of the UK general population. I am withholding information on the budgets involved In the same period, there were 32 suicide and open in this scoping study, as its disclosure would prejudice verdict deaths among 1991 Gulf Conflict veterans and commercial interests. 30 in the Era comparison cohort (a similar sized group of veterans that did not deploy to the Gulf). There would have been an estimated 49 suicide and open Reserve Forces: Pay verdict deaths among the Gulf Conflict veterans, and 48 in the Era cohort, if they had experienced the age Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for and gender specific mortality rates of the UK general Defence what cap he will set on the level of reservist population. award in non-specialist roles. [166888] The MOD is currently undertaking a study on veterans of Operations Telic in Iraq and Herrick in Afghanistan. Mr Francois: The independent Armed Forces Pay This will monitor the causes of death (including suicide) Review Body makes recommendations about pay and of all serving members of the armed forces from 2003 allowances. It will continue to do so, taking account, as (the start of operations in Iraq) until the end of operations now, of the overall reservists’ remuneration package. in Afghanistan. The intention is to run the study for the The recent White Paper on Reserves (Reserves in the lifetime of the cohort; the population will therefore Future Force 2020: Valuable and Valued Cm 8655) include both serving and discharged personnel. outlined the intent for the cap to be reviewed, this work Defence Statistics expect to publish the initial results is ongoing. of the study towards the end of 2014, dependent on the time required to process and analyse the data. Unmanned Air Vehicles

Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT Defence what evaluation his Department has made of the level of sound emitted by unmanned aerial vehicles Affordable Housing: Rural Areas and the effect such sounds have on communities living in areas where they are used. [R] [166498] Gavin Williamson: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what guidance Mr Dunne: The noise emitted by unmanned aerial his Department issues on the valuation of rural vehicles has been evaluated where necessary to ensure exception site land in the Green Belt. [166593] compliance with environmental, health and safety legislation. No other assessments have been made. Nick Boles: We have issued no guidance on valuing rural exception sites. However, our policies on planning It is Ministry of Defence policy to mitigate, as far as for housing, Green Belt, and the function of rural is reasonably practicable, the effects of environmental exception sites are set out in the National Planning noise that its activities produce. Unmanned aerial vehicles Policy Framework. are intrinsically less noisy than most types of military aircraft. Apprentices

Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities pursuant to the answer of 12 June 2013, Official Report, and Local Government how many apprentices are currently column 327W, on unmanned aerial vehicles, if he will employed by his Department; and how many such place a copy of the Reaper Agreement in the Library. apprentices are aged (a) under 19, (b) 19 to 25, (c) 26 [R] [166500] to 30, (d) 31 to 59 and (e) 60 years and over. [167021] 55W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 56W

Brandon Lewis: There are currently 10 apprentices Floods: Finance employed by the Department. two apprentices are aged under 19 and eight apprentices are aged 19 to 25. Mary Creagh: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government pursuant to the answer of 27 June 2013, Official Report, columns Building Regulations: Electrical Safety 335-6W, on floods: finance, how much funding will have been paid out to each local authority between 1 Roberta Blackman-Woods: To ask the Secretary of January and 31 July 2013 under the Bellwin scheme as State for Communities and Local Government what a result of flooding. [166821] assessment he has made of the potential effects of third party certification under the revision of Part P of the Brandon Lewis: Bellwin provides emergency financial Building Regulations on the ability of non-registered assistance to local authorities to help them meet uninsurable electricians to perform work. [166765] costs they incur when responding to a major emergency in their area. The level of funding over time is causally Mr Foster: Third-party certification will allow DIYers linked to the scale of flooding. It operates by local and non-registered electricians to employ a qualified authorities retrospectively claiming spending back, third-party electrical inspector (rather than a building The following table sets out the Bellwin payments control body) to certify that electrical installation work relating to flooding that have been made to each local complies with the Building Regulations. We estimate authority between 1 January and 31 July 2013. that the effect will be to reduce the average cost of certification from around £250 to £150. The Part P Local Authority Bellwin Grant (£) impact assessment is available at: Devon County Council 3,023,598 https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/building- Herefordshire Council 2,048,963 regulations-part-p-electrical-safety-in-dwellings Teignbridge District Council 38,234 Uttlesford District Council 16,643 Roberta Blackman-Woods: To ask the Secretary of Newark and Sherwood District 3,407 State for Communities and Local Government if he will Council consider restricting the use of the third-party certification Richmondshire District Council 915 option under the revision of Part P of the Building Total 5,131,760 Regulations to those carrying out work not-for-trade for the purposes of preventing electricians from being Payments may not necessarily be in the same financial encouraged to leave Part P competent persons schemes. or calendar year as the incidents occurred. [166769] Gambling Mr Foster: The Government has no plans to restrict the use of third-party certification to only those carrying Mr Nuttall: To ask the Secretary of State for out work not-for-trade. We do not believe that third-party Communities and Local Government how many times certification will reduce the incentive for electricians to the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for his register with competent person self-certification schemes, Department has had meetings with Derek Webb of the since the ability to self-certify will, on a project by Fairer Gambling Trust. [166647] project basis, be less costly than employing a third party. Brandon Lewis: Details of Ministers’ meetings with external organisations are published on a quarterly basis and are available at: Council Tax: Arrears https://www.gov.uk/government/ publications?departments%5B%5D=department-for- communities-and-local- Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities government&publication_type=transparency-data and Local Government how many people in (a) Barnsley Central constituency, (b) Barnsley, (c) South Yorkshire Islamophobia Working Group and (d) England are in council tax arrears. [167015] Mr Wallace: To ask the Secretary of State for Brandon Lewis: The information requested is not Communities and Local Government what progress held centrally. the Islamophobia Working Group has made; and if he will make a statement. [166810]

Fires: Warehouses Mr Foster: The Anti-Muslim Hatred Working Group is playing an important role in advising Government on what more could be done by us and others to prevent Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for and tackle anti-Muslim hatred. It has decided to focus Communities and Local Government pursuant to the initially on promoting more accurate and balanced answer of 16 July 2013, Official Report, column 59W, reporting in the British media; exploring how hate on on fires: warehouses, at which warehouse each such fire the internet can be tackled; supporting Tell MAMA’s took place. [167044] community outreach work; strengthening the commemoration of the genocide in Srebrenica; highlighting Brandon Lewis: I am arranging for this information the role that Muslim soldiers played in World War One to be placed in the Library of the House. and improving our understanding of anti-Muslim hatred. 57W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 58W

Local Government Services Decisions on major infrastructure applications are to be made within a strict timetable set out under the 2008 Mr Betts: To ask the Secretary of State for Act. Acceptance of applications .takes 28 days, examination Communities and Local Government (1) what legal six months and recommendation (to the relevant Secretary responsibility he has if a local authority declares itself of State) three months. The Secretary of State has a unable to meet its statutory obligations; [166418] further three months in which to issue a decision. (2) what powers he has to act if a local authority The Planning Inspectorate’s most recent annual report declares that it is unable to fulfil its statutory functions. shows continued effective performance against its [166419] performance measures. For example, all appeals and called in planning applications subject to a bespoke Brandon Lewis: Where a local authority fails to meet timetable, were issued in accordance with that timetable. its legal obligations or fulfil its statutory duties, the 93% of planning appeals decided by Inspectors met the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government Planning Guarantee, and 80% of Householder appeals may use his powers of intervention which can be exercised met their eight week target. Performance on enforcement in different ways depending on the circumstances. appeals also exceeded their 80% performance measure for all procedures. The Planning Inspectorate will be working to further increase their performance on the Mortgages: Government Assistance Planning Guarantee. Planning Permission: Fees and Charges Bridget Phillipson: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many people of each income group have used Help to Buy to Mark Field: To ask the Secretary of State for date. [R] [166508] Communities and Local Government (1) when the Government will announce the findings of its further Mr Prisk: Our aim is to help people achieve their work to understand the implications of decentralisation aspiration to live in a home that gives them security to of planning fees; [167065] plan for their future. The Help to Buy equity loan (2) what progress his Department has made on its scheme will help up to 74,000 households into home commitment to consider whether the scope of fee chargeable ownership with investment of over £3.5 billion. My applications should be widened to potentially include Department will be publishing take up of the scheme, in allowing local authorities to charge for services on a accordance with the UK Statistical Authority’s Code of cost recovery basis which do not currently require a fee Practice for Official Statistics. The scheme is, however, as set out in the Proposals for changes to planning proving to be extremely popular, with house builders application fees in England—Summary of responses; reporting nearly 7,000 reservations in the first three [167076] months. (3) what progress his Department has made in respect of its work with the Local Government Association to Planning Permission further understand the implications of the decentralisation of planning fees across all authorities as set out in his Jonathan Reynolds: To ask the Secretary of State for Department’s document on Proposals for changes to Communities and Local Government what time limits planning application fees in England—Summary of are set for decisions made by the Planning Inspectorate. responses. [167077] [166796] Nick Boles: We recognise the work which the Local Government Association has undertaken through the Nick Boles: The Planning Inspectorate determines Planning Benchmark on locally set planning application planning and enforcement appeals under the Town and fees. This has been very valuable but the benchmark Country Planning Act 1990 and national infrastructure also identified a number of anomalies in the costing of applications under the Planning Act 2008. It also holds the development management service, which in turn, examinations into local plans and determines a number could have unintended consequences for applicants. We of other appeals, including various environmental appeals, continue to work with the Planning Advisory Service to under other legislation. understand better the costs of local planning services, Planning and enforcement appeals represent the bulk but I would not want to give a misleading impression of of its casework. The Planning Guarantee requires Section any further, specific policy commitment at this point in 78 appeals under the Town and Country Planning Act time. to be determined within 26 weeks. Householder Appeals Service are measured against an 80% target within eight Radicalism weeks, with Bespoke appeals (inquiries for more complex appeals) being 100% with a timetable agreed with the Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for parties. Communities and Local Government what steps she is Enforcement Appeals are exempt from the Planning taking following the murder of Drummer Lee Rigby in Guarantee but have the following targets: Woolwich on tackling far right extremism and groups Written Representations Appeals—80% within 32 weeks such as the English Defence League. [167009] Hearings—80% within 33 weeks Mr Foster: Our approach to integration is set out in Local Inquiries—80% within 43 weeks ’Creating the Conditions for Integration’, with five 100% of plan examinations are to be issued within a themes guiding our work; the need to speak out against bespoke timetable agreed with the local planning authority. all forms of intolerance and’ extremism; the need to 59W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 60W emphasise the common ground between people and rose by just 1.3% in England in the 12 months to May communities; their responsibility towards each other; 2013, a fall in real terms, given consumer prices index encouraging people to feel empowered and to participate inflation was 2.7% in the same period. in their communities; and increasing social mobility Social Rented Housing: Housing Benefit and opportunities for everyone to get on in society. Local councils and police forces know their communities best and we trust them to put in place suitable local Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for measures to counter the influence and minimise the Communities and Local Government if he will make impact of English Defence League activity. We provide an assessment of the effects on levels of rent arrears advice and support where it is requested but the principle reported by registered social landlords in (a) Barnsley way we help local partners is to support them to share central constituency, (b) Barnsley and (c) each region their experience and build networks. In July 2012 we of England in (i) April 2012, (ii) May 2012, (iii) June provided £200,000 of funding to Luton borough council 2012, (iv) April 2013, (v) May 2013 and (vi) June 2013 and Blackburn with Darwen borough council for them of the changes made in housing benefit rules which to jointly establish and lead a national Special Interest took effect on 1 April 2013. [166605] Group to help local areas share their experiences of what works well in tackling the English Defence League Mr Prisk: I refer the hon. Member to my answer of locally. Membership of the Special Interest Group is 8 July 2013, Official Report, column 33W. open to all local authorities in England. Travellers: Caravan Sites In February 2012 we provided £200,000 for Show Racism the Red Card to give 9,400 young people in Jonathan Reynolds: To ask the Secretary of State for England the skills they need to reject groups like the Communities and Local Government how many decisions English Defence League. As of September 2013, 6,000 relating to potential Traveller and show people sites young people will have been reached by the project by have been determined by the Planning Inspectorate in way of school workshops across England. In 2012 we 2013 to date. [166856] also provided Searchlight Educational Trust with £66,000 to support their campaign to give communities in areas Brandon Lewis: Between 1 January 2013 and 12 August, experiencing high levels of activity the tools they need the Planning Inspectorate has determined 89 decisions to outflank the League’s divisive messages and .create relating to traveller sites (including travelling show people). positive, shared local identities. Written Questions In response to the murder of Lee Rigby, the Prime Minister set up a new cross-Government task force on tackling extremism and radicalisation. The taskforce is Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for considering how to tackle all forms of extremism. As Communities and Local Government (1) how many the Prime Minister explained when he visited the Jamia questions answered by his Department included fewer Mosque in Manchester recently, this includes exploring than four pages of statistics in the Official Report for what more Government should do to support communities the last month; [166697] to tackle anti-Muslim hatred and extremists like the (2) if he will make it his policy to ensure that all English Defence League. answers provided by his Department containing tables of statistical data which would not require more than Rents four pages in the Official Report are published in full rather than by reference to a hyperlink. [166722]

Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Brandon Lewis: 16 answers in June 2013 included Communities and Local Government what estimate he tables of figures in the substantive answer. has made of the cost of renting a three-bedroom family property in each (a) region of the UK and (b) As I explained to the hon. Member in my answer to London borough in (i) 2011-12 and (ii) 2012-13; and if him of 17 July 2013, Official Report, column 708W, he will make a statement. [166917] tables of unpublished statistics that are short in length will generally be included in the answer but, longer and Mr Prisk: The published estimates of private rents by more complex tables and datasets are deposited in the type of property and area are published by the Valuation Library of the House on a case by case basis. Office Agency, and are available online, respectively for 2011-12 and 2012-13, at: www.voa.gov.uk/corporate/statisticalReleases/ EDUCATION 120531_PrivateResidentialRentalMarketStatistics.html Academies and www.voa.gov.uk/corporate/statisticalReleases/ Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for 130530_PrivateRentalMarket.html Education how many academies have been The Valuation Office Agency figures show that the co-sponsored by local authorities to date; and if he will median, private sector, monthly rent of a three bedroom make a statement. [166959] property in England was £650 in 2011-12 and also £650 in 2012-13. Mr Timpson: 14 local authorities have co-sponsored More broadly, I would observe that the Office for 20 academies. The role of co-sponsor varies in each National Statistics Index of Private Housing Rental academy but all co-sponsors work closely with the lead Statistics (26 June 2013) show that private sector rents sponsor. The role of a co-sponsor could include promotion 61W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 62W of the academy within the local community. Co-sponsors Mr Timpson: Results for all academies are published may be appointed by the lead sponsor as a member or in the “School and College Performance Tables” each governor of the academy trust. year.

Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for The closest measure we have to assess truancy rates is Education what freedoms are available to academies the unauthorised absence rate. This includes family that are not automatically available to local authority holidays taken during term time but not agreed by the head teacher, late arrival at school, and any other schools; and if he will make a statement. [166984] absence that is not authorised. Mr Timpson: Academies are independent of local At secondary level, rates of unauthorised absence are authorities and have a range of freedoms and flexibilities lower in academies than in all state-funded schools—in that give headteachers and teachers more power to 2011/12, there was a rate of unauthorised absence of teach, spend money and run their schools in the way 1.2% in secondary academies, compared to 1.3% in all that best meets the needs of their pupils, parents and state-funded secondary schools. the local community. Academy freedoms include the following areas: Information on unauthorised absence for those academies with GCSE results for 2009/10, 2010/11 and 2011/12 (a) Deployment of budgets. has been placed in the House Library. (b) Delivery of the curriculum (academies are required to deliver a broad and balanced curriculum, including English, mathematics, science and religious education). (c) Pay, conditions and employment of staff. (d) Setting the length of school days and terms. Chethams School of Music (e) Governance. (f) Procuring services. (g) Setting up early years provision. Lucy Powell: To ask the Secretary of State for Education (h) Management of assets. whether he has received the action plan from Chethams Some freedoms will vary from academy to academy School of Music expected in May 2013; and whether he and are dependent on when their funding agreement is confident that the necessary safeguarding and child was signed. protection measures are in place to protect pupils at the school. [167088] Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what the cost has been of each new academy built since 2010; and what the estimated costs are of each Mr Timpson: The school’s action plan was received academy so far approved but not completed. [166985] on 7 May and after evaluation by the Independent Schools Inspectorate, it was approved by the Department Mr Timpson: Academy new build1 projects are procured with modifications. The school is now working to complete and delivered by local authorities and academy trusts the actions set out in the plan. A progress monitoring with funding support from the Department. The inspection will be carried out early in the autumn term Department does not record any additional contributions and on the basis of that, and any other evidence available, from local authorities or academy sponsors towards the Secretary of State will decide whether regulatory these schemes. As such, the Department does not hold standards have been met. complete information on each academy’s total cost. Since 2010, the Department has approved 105 new build academy projects. Of these, 80 were continuing new build projects under the existing Building Schools Children in Care for the Future (BSF) and Framework Academies programmes. The average funding allocation for these projects was £23 million. Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for The remaining 25 new build projects were approved Education how many children have been (a) in care through the 71 Academies programme. These projects and (b) taken into care in each year since 2010; if he were subject to detailed scrutiny as part of the review will place in the Library a breakdown of the reasons following the July 2010 announcement on BSF. This why children went into care; and if he will make a resulted in substantial savings. The average funding statement. [166950] allocation for these projects was £14 million. This is a saving of approximately 40% compared to the continuing BSF and Framework projects. Mr Timpson: The information requested has been 1 New build is defined as replacing 70% or more of the existing provided in the table. school estate with new buildings. These numbers do not include refurbishment projects. This information is supplied by third A child taken into care is defined as one who starts to parties and cannot be guaranteed as correct. be looked-after, or one who is looked-after, under a legal status of care order; police protection order, emergency Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for protection order or child assessment order. Children in Education what the (a) GCSE results and (b) truancy care or taken into care are a subset of those looked-after rates were for each academy in each year since 2010; or who start to be looked-after at any point during the and if he will make a statement. [166986] year ending 31 March. 63W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 64W

Children who were taken into care during the years ending 31 March by category of need1, 2, 3 Years ending: 31 March 2010 to 2012 Coverage: England Number 2009 2010 2011 2012

All children looked-after at 31 March 60,910 64,460 65,520 67,050

Children “in care” at 31 March4 36,370 38,270 39,150 40,150

All children who started to be looked-after in the year ending 31 March5 25,690 28,100 27,500 28,220

Category of need of those starting to be looked-after in the year ending 31 March5, 6 Abuse or neglect 12,690 14,670 14,880 15,670 Child’s disability 700 730 750 840 Parents illness or disability 1,180 1,240 1,100 1,070 Family in acute stress 2,770 3,150 2,900 2,850 Family dysfunction 3,660 4,660 4,860 5,010 Socially unacceptable behaviour 1,080 1,040 940 830 Low income 70 110 110 80 Absent parenting 3,540 2,490 1,960 1,880

Children who were taken into care in the year ending 31 March4, 5 8,180 9,580 9,560 10,100

Category of need of those taken into care in the year ending 31 March4, 5, 6 8,180 9,580 9,560 10,100 Abuse or neglect 6,040 6,890 6,850 7,270 Child’s disability 60 70 90 70 Parents illness or disability 300 340 350 380 Family in acute stress 560 710 630 650 Family dysfunction 970 1,300 1,360 1,460 Socially unacceptable behaviour 90 110 110 80 Low income 20 20 20 10 Absent parenting 130 150 160 170 1 Numbers have been rounded to the nearest 10. 2 Figures exclude children looked-after under an agreed series of short-term placements. 3 Historical data may differ from older publications. This is mainly due to the implementation of amendments and corrections sent by some local authorities after the publication date of previous materials. 4 Children who were taken into care and those ″in care″ are children who started to be, or were at 31 March, looked-after under a care order, police protection, emergency protection order or child assessment order. Children taken into care are a subset of those who started to be looked-after. 5 Only the first occasion on which a child started to be looked-after, or was taken into care, in the year has been counted. 6 The most applicable category of the eight “Need Codes” at the time the child started to be looked-after rather than necessarily the entire reason they are looked-after. Source: SSDA 903.

Children: Day Care (2) what assessment his Department has made of the role of grandparents and other extended family members in providing informal childcare. [167003] Lucy Powell: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what assessment he has made of the availability of Elizabeth Truss: On 16 July 2013 we launched a places for the 130,000 disadvantaged two-year-olds eligible public consultation on the regulation of childcare. This for the free 15 hours childcare for disadvantaged two- has been placed in the House Library. We propose to year-olds scheme. [167000] streamline registration processes while maintaining and strengthening safeguarding and welfare requirements for registered providers. The types of provision the Elizabeth Truss: From 1 September 2013 local authorities questions refer to are not currently required to register will be under a statutory duty to secure a place for any with Ofsted. We are not proposing to change those eligible two-year-old should their parents wish them, to arrangements which provide essential flexibility for busy, take up a place. The early years market is already working parents. The consultation will close on responding positively to the increase in demand for 30 September: early learning for two-year-olds. In April 2013 reports https://www.education.gov.uk/consultations/index.cfm?action from local authorities suggested that more than 50,000 =consultationDetails&consultationId=1921&external two-year-olds were already accessing a place. The =no&menu=1 Government will continue to monitor take-up closely. Children: Mental Health Services

Lucy Powell: To ask the Secretary of State for Education Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for (1) whether the Government has any plans to regulate Education what steps he is taking to improve access to nannies and other home child carers working outside mental health services for children; and if he will make the childcare regulatory system; [167001] a statement. [166949] 65W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 66W

Mr Timpson: The Government is helping children Mr Laws: The information requested is provided in and young people access good mental health services the following table: through the Improving Access for Psychological Therapies Number of full-time equivalent teaching assistants by local authority and (IAPT) programme, which is the responsibility of NHS region—England, November 2012 England. The Department of Health have funded Children Total number of teaching assistants and YoungPeople’s IAPT with £54 million, and underlined (full-time equivalent) that commitment by emphasising the importance of Local authority (LA) children and young people’s mental health through the NHS Mandate. This will encourage local clinical City of London 11.6 commissioning groups to invest in children and adolescent Camden 671.0 mental health services (CAMHS), Greenwich 1,454.2 Hackney 1,131.7 It is best practice for CAMHS to offer a triage service Hammersmith and Fulham 588.8 so they can more quickly identify children and young Islington 728.4 people who need specialist provision very quickly, or Kensington and Chelsea 394.1 where needs are less urgent, signpost them to a more Lambeth 1,373.9 appropriate source of support. Many schools and colleges Lewisham 1,033.3 offer pastoral support, including access to counselling Southwark 1,189.1 sessions to support their students’ mental health and Tower Hamlets 1,784.6 well-being. Wandsworth 1,276.2 Increased targeted access to CAMHS, as well as Westminster 646.0 other support services, will be reinforced by reforming Barking and Dagenham 822.6 the current behavioural, emotional and social difficulties Barnet 1,410.4 (BESD) category of special educational need. The new Bexley 1,049.0 category description will promote awareness of mental Brent 1,261.0 health issues and enable more targeted support. Bromley 1,185.4 Croydon 1,519.8 Classroom Assistants Ealing 1,094.6 Enfield 1,842.6 Jonathan Reynolds: To ask the Secretary of State for Haringey 955.8 Education what recent assessment he has made of the Harrow 889.3 role of teaching assistants. [166855] Havering 1,021.7 Hillingdon 1,477.9 Mr Laws: The Department’s recent publication, ‘Review Hounslow 905.3 1 of Efficiency in the School System’ outlines a range of Kingston upon Thames 551.6 reforms to support and encourage effective work force Merton 793.7 deployment. The review shows that differences in the Newham 1,877.2 impact of teaching assistants on school attainment can Redbridge 1,229.0 be explained by factors associated with their deployment. Richmond upon Thames 563.3 We have, therefore, begun gathering information about Sutton 755.8 models of effective practice, which we intend to share Waltham Forest 1,158.6 with schools. Birmingham 5,967.4 https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/review-of- Coventry 1,563.5 efficiency-in-the-schools-system Dudley 1,568.9 Sandwell 1,940.7 Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for Solihull 914.0 Education what change there has been in the number of Walsall 1,521.8 teaching assistants in England since 2010; what Wolverhampton 1,264.0 assessment he has made of the effects of that change Knowsley 803.7 on levels of pupil attainment; and if he will make a Liverpool 1,661.9 statement. [166951] St. Helens 887.5 Sefton 1,202.5 Mr Laws: The number of teaching assistants in publicly Wirral 1,434.8 funded schools has increased by 18,400, from 213,900 Bolton 1,434.8 in 2010 to 232,300 in 2012. Bury 889.2 It is for headteachers and school governors to decide Manchester 2,790.9 whether to employ teaching assistants and in what Oldham 1,480.8 capacity and this includes determining their role and Rochdale 1,418.8 responsibilities and how they should be deployed. In Salford 1,084.4 making such decisions we expect headteachers to consider Stockport 1,128.6 evidence about the impact teaching assistants have on Tameside 1,053.7 pupils’ attainment, which indicates that this is mainly Trafford 815.1 dependent on the way in which they are deployed. Wigan 1,296.7 Barnsley 1,175.8 Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for Doncaster 2,425.2 Education how many teaching assistants are employed Rotherham 1,534.6 in each (a) Government region and (b) local Sheffield 2,428.0 education authority. [166952] Bradford 3,367.1 67W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 68W

Number of full-time equivalent teaching assistants by local authority and Number of full-time equivalent teaching assistants by local authority and region—England, November 2012 region—England, November 2012 Total number of teaching assistants Total number of teaching assistants (full-time equivalent) (full-time equivalent)

Calderdale 1,035.4 Thurrock 773.2 Kirklees 1,883.0 Herefordshire 648.9 Leeds 3,596.9 Worcestershire 2,286.5 Wakefield 1,563.8 Kent 6,869.6 Gateshead 705.8 Medway 1,185.5 Newcastle upon Tyne 1,015.3 Lancashire 5,543.0 North Tyneside 736.5 Blackburn with Darwen 774.0 South Tyneside 552.1 Blackpool 617.7 Sunderland 1,140.8 Nottinghamshire 3,138.3 Isles of Scilly 15.5 Nottingham 1,520.7 Bath and North East Somerset 606.9 Shropshire 1,229.5 Bristol City of 1,587.1 Telford and Wrekin 797.7 North Somerset 668.0 Cheshire East 1,395.8 South Gloucestershire 907.5 Cheshire West and Chester 1,398.5 Hartlepool 625.9 Cornwall 2,462.0 Middlesbrough 780.1 Cumbria 1,497.3 Redcar and Cleveland 652.8 Gloucestershire 2,113.6 Stockton-on-Tees 869.5 Hertfordshire . 4,459.5 Kingston upon Hull City of 1,441.1 Isle of Wight 680.5 East Riding of Yorkshire 1,423.9 Lincolnshire 3,026.9 North East Lincolnshire 673.7 Norfolk 3,733.4 North Lincolnshire 682.9 Northamptonshire 3,370.6 North Yorkshire 2,004.5 Northumberland 1,102.3 York 681.0 Oxfordshire 2,751.7 Luton 1,551.6 Somerset 2,323.2 Bedford 780.0 Suffolk 2,697.8 Central Bedfordshire 1,132.6 Surrey 4,386.2 Buckinghamshire 2,219.7 Warwickshire 2,205.7 Milton Keynes 1,472.1 West Sussex 2,725.8 Derbyshire 3,124.1 Derby 1,148.5 Region Dorset 1,623.6 North East 10,450.3 Poole 558.8 North West 32,050.5 Bournemouth 660.0 Yorkshire and the Humber 25,916.9 Durham 1,831.6 East Midlands 19,738.6 Darlington 437.7 West Midlands 25,999.6 East Sussex 2,010.8 East of England 25,569.7 Brighton and Hove 974.1 Inner London 13,661.6 Hampshire 4,480.3 Outer London 20,985.8 Portsmouth 938.1 South East 35,789.5 Southampton 928.0 South West 21,157.0 Leicestershire 2,481.6 Leicester 1,769.3 England1 231,319.5 Rutland 158.6 1 The published national figure for teaching assistants is approximately 1,000 Staffordshire 3,165.5 higher than the sum of local authorities and regions as it includes an estimate Stoke-on-Trent 925.4 of teaching assistants working in the small number of schools for which data Wiltshire 1,590.0 was not received. Source: Swindon 985.6 School Workforce Census (Underlying data (Excel format): Bracknell Forest 488.9 https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/school-workforce-in-england- Windsor and Maidenhead 605.6 november-2012 West Berkshire 796.3 Reading 630.2 Curriculum Slough 861.8 Wokingham 784.5 Cambridgeshire 3,007,8 Fabian Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for Peterborough 1,213.5 Education (1) if he will use any unused funds from the Halton 586.2 phonics matched funding scheme to give additional Warrington 854.7 support for extra curriculum resources for schools for Devon 3,115.1 the new National Curriculum; and if he will make a Plymouth 1,322.2 statement; [166638] Torbay 617.9 (2) which schools have participated in the matched Essex 5,450.9 funding for phonics programme to date; and if he will Southend-on-Sea 769.4 make a statement. [166639] 69W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 70W

Elizabeth Truss: Until the end of October this year Extended Schools the Department is offering match-funding to all state-funded schools in England with key stage 1 and key stage 2 Mary Creagh: To ask the Secretary of State for pupils to purchase phonics products and training. By Education how many breakfast clubs there are in the end of July we had provided match-funding to schools by (a) region and (b) local authority. [166823] 13,432 schools. Schools have until the end of October 2013 to claim Elizabeth Truss: The Department for Education does the match-funding. If there is any unspent funding the not collect information about the number of breakfast Department will consider how to allocate it in line with clubs in schools in England. It is up to schools individually its priorities. to decide whether or not to operate a breakfast club. Breakfast clubs can support a healthy start to the Nic Dakin: To ask the Secretary of State for Education school day and provide more affordable child care for (1) what support he will provide for continuing professional parents. On 12 July 2013 we published the School Food development to ensure teachers are equipped to teach Plan1, in which the Department has agreed to provide the curriculum following the National Curriculum Reform; £3.15 million over the next two years to increase healthy when such budgetary support will be determined; and if breakfast provision in schools where over 40% of pupils he will make a statement; [166654] are eligible for free school meals. (2) what steps he is taking to raise awareness among The Government is also making it easier to set up teachers of the changes made to the teaching of the on-site breakfast clubs. Subject to the will of Parliament, curriculum following the National Curriculum Reform; we will introduce legislation to allow child care providers and if he will make a statement. [166656] to register once with Ofsted for provision on multiple sites. We will also work with schools and child care Elizabeth Truss: The Government believes that schools providers to look at ways in which we can help make it are best placed to decide which professional development easier for out-of-hours provision to be made available meets their needs to support successful implementation on school sites. of the new national curriculum, and to secure these 1 Note: accordingly. We therefore expect schools to identify http://www.schoolfoodplan.com their own priorities for action, and to identify appropriate sources of support. We recognise that the high expectations Families: Advisory Services set by the new national curriculum will present some challenges for schools. To assist with this, existing Lucy Powell: To ask the Secretary of State for opportunities funded by Government in core subjects Education what funding his Department has provided are being adapted to reflect the requirements of the new for Family Information Services in each of the last four curriculum. For example, the National Centre for Excellence years; and what such funding it plans to provide in in the Teaching of Mathematics (NCETM) has a range 2014-15. [167002] of support for schools on implementing the new curriculum, and Myscience.co Limited, who run the Science Learning Mr Laws: Local authorities have a legal duty under Centres, are also refocusing their support. The match section 12 of the Children’s Act 2006 to provide funding scheme of £3,000 for phonics materials and information, advice and assistance to parents, and training has been extended until October 2013. We have prospective parents, about the provision of child care, made £2 million available to recruit 400 master teachers early years and other children’s services. in computer science over the next two years. We also Funding for this was included in the Early Intervention announced a further £2 million to support teaching Grant, which from 2013-14 transferred into the Department schools to take forward the delivery of the new curriculum of Communities and Local Government’s new Business in their alliances. In March we announced £150 million Rates Retention. Scheme. The Early Intervention Grant a year of ring-fenced funding for primary school sport. and the Business Rates Retention Scheme are not ring- We are also working with subject experts, publishers, fenced and it is for each local authority to decide how to educational suppliers and others to identify what support allocate the available funding to best meet local needs for schools is already in place, any gaps that need to be and priorities. filled, and how that might be done. This will also The Department does not therefore hold a breakdown support providers in adapting their initial teacher training of this information. to take account of the new curriculum from 2013/14 onwards. In addition, we have given prominence to Financial Services: Education national curriculum subjects in our bursaries for teacher training commencing in September 2013. Alun Cairns: To ask the Secretary of State for Education We have made considerable efforts to make sure that what importance he proposes to give to (a) the principles both teachers and the general public are aware of the of financial education and (b) financial mathematics in changes we are making to the national curriculum. Our his revision of the National Curriculum. [166509] consultation on the new programmes of study between February and April this year attracted over 17,000 Elizabeth Truss: The Government has made financial responses, many of which were from teachers. When the education and financial mathematics a priority in its final version of the curriculum is available in September, revision of the national curriculum. we will use a range of communications channels to Through our proposed revisions to the citizenship make sure that schools are aware of the changes, and curriculum, for the first time we are making financial where they can access quality support to prepare to education compulsory in maintained schools from age 11 introduce them. to 16. 71W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 72W

We have also strengthened the mathematics curriculum Proportion of GCSE examination entries1 for pupils at the end of key stage 4 2 in two ways. Primary school pupils will focus more on achieving A* to A grades, between 2009/10 to 2011/12 in England mastering arithmetic, including arithmetic with money Percentage and percentages, giving them the necessary foundations 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 for their financial education in secondary school. Secondary Independent 56.6 56.3 53.8 school pupils will be taught the mathematics necessary schools to enable them to make sound financial decisions on 1 Includes attempts and achievements by these pupils in previous academic years. matters such as mortgages and loan repayments. We 2 Discounting has been applied. This means that the best grade is only counted also intend to include financial mathematics in the new where pupils have taken the same subject more than once. mathematics GCSE from 2015. 3 State-funded schools include academies, free schools, city technology colleges and state-funded special schools but exclude independent schools, independent special schools, non-maintained special schools, hospital schools and Free School Meals alternative provision, including pupil referral units. Source: 2011/12 Key Stage 4 attainment data (Final) Lucy Powell: To ask the Secretary of State for Education when he plans to consult on the eligibility of Headteachers free school meals for children whose parents will be in receipt of universal credit ahead of the introduction of Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for universal credit. [166994] Education what proportion of head teachers in England are within (a) one year, (b) two, (c) three, (d) five and Mr Laws: We have not yet made final decisions on (e) 10 years of standard pension age; and if he will what the entitlement criteria for free school meals under make a statement. [166956] universal credit will be. We are working with the Department for Work and Pensions to develop suitable criteria which Mr Laws: The following table provides the percentage will ensure that free lunches continue to be available to of full-time equivalent head teachers in service in publicly those families on the lowest incomes. funded schools in England within one year, two years, We will allow good time for interested parties to three years, five years and 10 years of their normal comment on our proposals before we introduce the new pension age (NPA) of 60 in November 2012, the latest criteria. information available. No head teachers with a NPA of 65 were within 10 years of that age. Free Schools Years before normal pension age Percentage of head teachers1,2

Jim Dobbin: To ask the Secretary of State for 13.8 Education what discussions he had with the (a) 28.4 Roman Catholic Church and (b) Church of England 3 13.5 when deciding on a 50 per cent cap on admissions for 5 23.9 Free Schools. [166900] 10 45.8 1 Percentages are cumulative. 2 There were a further 6.1% of head teachers in service who were over their Mr Timpson: Ministers from the Department for NPA. Education met representatives of the Roman Catholic Source: Church and the Church of England during the passage School Workforce Census of the Academies Act 2010, discussing a range of issues of interest to the churches, including admissions. Our Members: Correspondence position remains that when schools are undersubscribed, there is no cap restricting the number or proportion of Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for pupils of a particular faith who can be admitted to a Education when he expects that the Minister of State faith free school; and when faith free schools are for Schools will reply to the letter to him of 3 July 2013 oversubscribed, they can offer up to 50% of places on from the hon. Member for Harrow West; and if he will the basis of faith. make a statement. [166920]

GCSE Mr Laws: A response to the letter of 3 July 2013 was sent to the hon. Member for Harrow West on 6 August Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for 2013. Education what proportion of GCSE entries from (a) independent schools and (b) state schools scored an Offences against Children A* or A grade in each year since 2010. [166963]

Mr Laws: The requested information is given in the Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Education following table. (1) what support his Department is providing to local safeguarding children’s boards to raise awareness of Proportion of GCSE examination entries1 for pupils at the end of key stage 4 achieving A* to A grades, between 2009/10 to 2011/122 in England child sexual exploitation among Year 6 and Year 7 [166816] Percentage students; 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 (2) what steps his Department is taking to ensure the provision of resources for voluntary organisations that State- 20.9 22.1 21.8 funded3 are effectively supporting official agencies in tackling schools child sexual exploitation. [166817] 73W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 74W

Mr Timpson: The Government is leading a concerted Publications campaign against child sexual exploitation (CSE). The foundations laid through the Government’s 2011 Tackling CSE Action Plan are now being taken forward through Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for the wider drive to tackle sexual violence against children Education what guidance his Department gives to its and vulnerable people announced on 24 July 2013. officials on making references to the policies of the previous Government in the drafting of press releases, Local safeguarding children boards (LSCBs) play a statements, explanatory memoranda and other lead role in tackling CSE, agreeing strategies and awareness departmental publications. [166989] raising with local statutory partners, and putting in place effective measures to protect and support those most at risk. To support these activities, the Department Elizabeth Truss: The Department for Education does issued revised Working Together guidance in April 2013. not issue specific guidance on making references to the This sets out how organisations and individuals should policies of the previous Government in the drafting of work together to safeguard and promote the welfare of press releases, statements, explanatory memoranda and children and how practitioners should conduct the other departmental publications. They are all drafted in assessment of children. accordance with the Civil Service Code, which forms part of the terms and conditions of employment of From September 2012 to March 2014 the Department every civil servant. is providing £240,000 in funding to the Association of Independent LSCB chairs which, among other things, has allowed the appointment of a lead officer to share and embed effective practice on CSE, missing and trafficked children. Pupil Exclusions The Department is also investing £1.8 million in the following four new voluntary and community sector projects that are developing and undertaking various Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for activities to tackle CSE: Education what proportion of appeals against permanent exclusion were decided in favour of parents in each year The National Working Group project, which supports LSCBs since 2010; and if he will make a statement. [166978] on CSE issues by providing information, specialist advice and guidance; Parents Against Child Sexual Exploitation (PACE), an organisation Elizabeth Truss: Information on the number and who help to engage parents and carers in safeguarding children percentage of appeals determined in favour of the parent from abuse and exploitation; for 1997/98 to 2011/12 in maintained primary, secondary A Barnardo’s project, Families and Communities Against and special schools can be found in table 13 of the Sexual Exploitation, which aims to embed more effective practice ‘Permanent and Fixed Period Exclusions from Schools on safeguarding children and young people, including those in in England 2011/12’ Statistical First Release1.Acopyof foster care; and this document has been placed in the House Library. A project run by Yorkshire MESMAC (Men who have sex with This Government has ensured that from September men—action in the community) which aims to improve awareness 2012 appeal panels can no longer force, heads to readmit of the prevalence of sexual exploitation among boys and young pupils they permanently excluded. men. 1 https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ attachment_data/file/224893/SFR29-2013.pdf David T. C. Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Education further to his letter to the hon. Member for Monmouth, what progress his Department has made Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for on locating the school attended by Adil Rashid. Education how many pupils were (a) temporarily and [166926] (b) permanently excluded from English (i) infant schools, (ii) primary schools, (iii) secondary schools and (iv) colleges in each year since 2010, by age; and if he will Elizabeth Truss: We are currently in contact with make a statement. [166987] Nottingham Crown Court regarding this case, following which the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Schools, Lord Nash, will write to my hon. Friend. Elizabeth Truss: Information for state-funded primary schools and state-funded secondary schools for 2009/10 to 2011/12 is shown in the table. The Department does not have information for colleges.

Primary Education: Class Sizes To provide data for infant schools would incur disproportionate cost. The latest information on the number of permanent Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for and fixed period exclusions for the 2011/12 school year Education if he will estimate the annual cost of is published in the ’Permanent and Fixed Period Exclusions reducing class sizes at Key Stage 1 in English schools to from Schools in England 2011/121 Statistical First Release’. (a) 20 or fewer and (b) 25 or fewer. [166957] 1 Note: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/permanent-and- Mr Laws: We have not made estimates of the costs of fixed-period-exclusions-from-schools-in-england-2011-to-2012- specific smaller class size limits. academic-year 75W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 76W

State-funded primary and state-funded secondary schools1,2,3: number of permanent exclusions and number of pupils with one or more fixed period exclusions by age, England, 2009/10 to 2011/12 Permanent exclusions State-funded primary schools1,2 2009/104 2010/11 2011/12 2009/104 No. of %ofthe No. of %ofthe No. of %ofthe No. of %ofthe permanent school permanent school permanent school permanent school Age6 exclusions population5 exclusions population5 exclusions population5 exclusions population5

4 and under 20 0.00 10 0.00 20 0.00 0 0.00 5 400.01500.01500.0100.00 6 600.01700.01800.0100.00 7 90 0.02 100 0.02 110 0.02 * * 8 100 0.02 110 0.02 140 0.03 * * 9 150 0.03 120 0.02 160 0.03 10 0.04 10 150 0.03 140 0.03 140 0.03 20 0.08 11****00.003900.07 12 0 0.00 0 0.00 0 0.00 900 0.16 13 0 0.00 0 0.00 0 0.00 1,370 0.25 14 0 0.00 0 0.00 0 0.00 1,610 0.29 15 0 0.00 0 0.00 0 0.00 670 0.12 16 0 0.00 0 0.00 0 0.00 30 0.01 17 0 0.00 0 0.00 0 0.00 10 0.01 18 0 0.00 0 0.00 0 0.00 * * 19 and over 0 0.00 0 0.00 0 0.00 0 0.00

Total 620 0.02 610 0.01 690 0.02 5,020 0.15

Permanent exclusions State-funded secondary schools1,3 2010/11 2011/12 Age6 No. of permanent exclusions % of the school population5 No. of permanent exclusions % of the school population5

4 and under 0 0.00 0 0.00 5 * * 0 0.00 6**** 7**** 8**** 9 * * 10 0.03 10 20 0.08 10 0.03 11 380 0.07 410 0.08 12 760 0.14 740 0.14 13 1,240 0.22 1,190 0.21 14 1,370 0.25 1,450 0.26 15 560 0.10 570 0.10 16 10 0.01 10 0.01 17 * * 10 0.00 18 0 0.00 * * 19 and over 0 0.00 0 0.00

Total 4,370 0.13 4,390 0.14

Pupils with one or more fixed period exclusions7 State-funded primary schools1,2 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 2009/10 No. of pupils No. of pupils No. of pupils No. of pupils with one or with one or with one or with one or more fixed %ofthe more fixed %ofthe more fixed %ofthe more fixed %ofthe period school period school period school period school Age6 exclusions population8 exclusions population8 exclusions population8 exclusions population8

4 and under 660 0.08 670 0.08 820 0.09 * * 5 1,380 0.24 1,450 0.25 1,520 0.26 10 0.41 6 1,790 0.33 1,900 0.34 1,960 0.34 20 1.01 7 2,380 0.45 2,570 0.47 2,700 0.48 10 0.86 8 3,090 0.58 3,270 0.62 3,380 0.62 20 1.24 9 4,280 0.82 4,360 0.85 4,070 0.80 240 1.12 10 5,710 1.08 5,460 1.05 5,140 1.01 370 1.46 11 110 1.99 40 1.22 40 1.12 16,540 3.01 77W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 78W

Pupils with one or more fixed period exclusions7 State-funded primary schools1,2 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 2009/10 No. of pupils No. of pupils No. of pupils No. of pupils with one or with one or with one or with one or more fixed %ofthe more fixed %ofthe more fixed %ofthe more fixed %ofthe period school period school period school period school Age6 exclusions population8 exclusions population8 exclusions population8 exclusions population8

12******27,5504.86 13 0 0.00 0 0.00 0 0.00 35,540 6.38 14 0 0.00 0 0.00 * * 40,740 7.28 15 * * 0 0.00 0 0.00 31,480 5.57 16 0 0.00 0 0.00 0 0.00 1,310 0.62 17 0 0.00 0 0.00 0 0.00 590 0.35 18 0 0.00 0 0.00 0 0.00 60 0.33 19 and over 0 0.00 0 0.00 0 0.00 0 0.00

Total 19,400 0.47 19,730 0.48 19,630 0.47 154,470 4.75

Pupils with one or more fixed period exclusions7 State-funded secondary schools1,3 2010/11 2011/12 No. of pupils with one or more No. of pupils with one or Age6 fixed period exclusions % of the school population8 more fixed period exclusions % of the school population8

4 and under * * * * 5 10 0.31 10 0.28 6 10 0.48 10 0.40 7 20 0.86 10 0.50 8 20 1.27 20 0.93 9 150 0.82 170 0.96 10 340 1.38 240 1.09 11 16,560 3.04 15,160 2.85 12 25,930 4.69 24,470 4.46 13 34,810 6.15 31,140 5.63 14 38,620 6.97 36,370 6.44 15 30,650 5.54 27,700 5.06 16 1,200 0.55 1,140 0.53 17 540 0.31 570 0.32 18 60 0.26 60 0.29 19 and over * * * *

Total 148,900 4.60 137,070 4.26 ‘*’ = Less than 5, or a percentage based on less than 5. 1 Includes middle schools as deemed. 2 Includes all primary academies, including free schools. 3 Includes city technology colleges and all secondary academies, including all-through academies and free schools. 4 Figures relating to permanent exclusions for 2009/10 are estimates based on incomplete pupil-level data. Totals include permanent exclusions where the pupil’s age could not be determined. 5 The number of permanent exclusions expressed as a percentage of the number (headcount) of pupils in each age and school type (excluding dually registered pupils) in January each year. 6 Age as at 31 August of the previous academic year. 7 Pupils may be counted more than once if they moved schools during the year, or are registered at more than one school. 8 The number of pupils with one or more fixed period exclusions expressed as a percentage of the number (headcount) of pupils in each age and school type (excluding dually registered pupils) in January each year. Note: Totals may not appear to equal the sum of component parts because numbers have been rounded to the nearest 10. Source: School Census

Pupils: Disadvantaged Financial year Financial year 2012-13 2011-12 Jonathan Lord: To ask the Secretary of State for Number Number Summer Education how much schools in (a) Woking Amount of Amount of schools constituency, (b) Surrey and (c) England received in received pupils received pupils funding funding from the pupil premium in 2011-12; and how Area (£) eligible (£) eligible (£) much such schools received in 2012-13. [166779] Woking 596,000 11,370 1.193 12,040 10,000 parliamentary million Mr Laws: The pupil premium funding allocations for constituency Woking, Surrey and England are set out in the following Surrey county 5.944 12,740 12.658 20,890 115,250 table: council million million 79W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 80W

Average revenue per pupil funding (DSG + grants cash) Financial year Financial year 2012-13 £ 2011-12 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 Number Number Summer Amount of Amount of schools received pupils received pupils funding Wolverhampton 5,420 5,350 5,350 Area (£) eligible (£) eligible (£) Worcestershire 4,680 4,600 4,600 Notes: England 622.973 1,303,180 1.180 1,924,920 24.2 1. For financial year 2010 to 2011 this covers funding through the dedicated million billion million schools grant, school standards grant, school standards grant (personalisation) 1 We are unable to provide data regarding pupils attending alternative and standards fund; it excludes grants which are not allocated at local authority provision or those recorded as looked after children at parliamentary level. constituency level as these figures are collected at local authority level only. 2. Figures have been rounded to the nearest £10. 3. In financial year 2011 to 2012, most separate grants were mainstreamed in to the DSG. The exceptions were grants that were time-limited and planned to end Between 2011-12 and 2012-13, the pupil premium in financial year 2010 to 2011. budget doubled in size. As a result, we extended the 4. Figures do not include pupil premium. Details of which are shown separately. eligibility criteria so that a pupil who has claimed free school meals at any point in the previous six years The figures for the financial year 2010 to 2011 do not became eligible. include funding from the YoungPeople’s Learning Agency to ensure that figures are on the basis of funding for In addition, the per pupil rate for the deprivation and pupils aged three to 15 and are comparable with figures looked after child premium increased from £488 to £623 for financial years 2011 to 2013. per pupil and the service child premium increased from £200 to £250 per pupil. In financial year 2013 to 2014, the DSG was reformed to allocate funding to local, authorities in three blocks In 2013-14, the pupil premium budget further increased (schools, early years and high needs) and so figures are to £1.875 billion, which allowed the per pupil rate for not comparable to previous years. For information, the the deprivation and looked after child premium to rise schools block unit of funding (SBUF), which does not to £900 per pupil and the service child premium increased cover funding for early years or high needs, for west to £300 per pupil. In 2014-15, the budget will increase midlands local authorities is given as follows: to £2.5 billion and primary schools will receive £1300 per eligible pupil. We expect to announce the secondary Local Authority 2013-14 SBUF (£) school rate for 2014-15 shortly. Birmingham 5,218 Coventry 4,862 Dudley 4,459 Herefordshire 4,306 Pupils: West Midlands Sandwell 4,771 Shropshire 4,113 Steve McCabe: To ask the Secretary of State for Solihull 4,188 Education how much his Department spent per pupil Staffordshire 4,310 for (a) primary and (b) secondary schools in each Stoke-on-Trent 4,507 local authority area in the West Midlands for each year Telford and Wrekin 4,367 Walsall 4,643 since 2010. [166921] Warwickshire 4,079 Wolverhampton 4,827 Mr Laws: Since the introduction of the dedicated Worcestershire 4,231 schools grant (DSG) in the financial year 2006 to 2007 the Department does not distribute funding to local, authorities on the basis of phase of education. The From financial year 2011 to 2012 schools have received total per pupil revenue funding figures for financial the pupil premium, which targets funding at pupils years 2010 to 2013 for all local authorities in the west from the most deprived backgrounds to help them midlands are provided in the following table. The following achieve their full potential. In that year, the premium figures are for all funded pupils aged three to 15 and are was allocated for each pupil known to be eligible for in cash terms. These figures do not include pupil premium free school meals, looked after children and children of allocations, which are shown separately. parents in the armed services. In financial year 2012 to 2013 coverage was expanded to include pupils known to Average revenue per pupil funding (DSG + grants cash) have been eligible for free school meals at any point in £ the last six years. The amounts per pupil amounts for 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 each type of pupil are shown in following table in cash Birmingham 5,750 5,690 5,690 terms: Coventry 5,260 5,230 5,230 Dudley 4,990 4,900 4,900 Pupil Premium per pupil (£) Herefordshire 4,780 4,720 4,720 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 Sandwell 5,370 5,310 5,310 Free school meal pupil and 488 623 900 Shropshire 4,680 4,610 4,610 looked after children Solihull 4,690 4,650 4,650 Service children 200 250 300 Staffordshire 4,720 4,650 4,650 Stoke-on-Trent 5,270 5,200 5,200 Telford and Wrekin 4,950 4,850 4,850 Total pupil premium allocations for all local authorities Walsall 5,200 5,130. 5,130 in the west midlands region for each year are shown in Warwickshire 4,740 4,660 4,660 the following table in cash terms: 81W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 82W

The proportion of pupils taking up school lunches (£ millions) has increased from 41.4% for primary and 35.8% for Pupil premium allocations 2011-12 2012-13 2013-141 secondary in 2009-10, to 44.1% and 37.6% in 2010-11, Birmingham 27.565 46.996 67.886 again rising to 46.3% and 39.8% in 2011-12. Coventry 5.157 9.299 13.432 On 12 July 2013 the Department published the School Dudley 4.172 7.527 10.871 Food Plan2 and agreed to monitor the impact of the Herefordshire 1.300 2.632 3.767 Plan’s actions. We have agreed to test and consult on a Sandwell 5.550 10.983 15.866 set of revised food based standards (built on a nutritional Shropshire 2.137 4.238 6.080 framework), with the intention of applying them to Solihull 2.224 4.696 6.782 maintained schools and all new academies and free Staffordshire 7.071 14.317 20.654 schools after September 2014. Stoke-on-Trent 4.132 7.768 11.218 1> http://www.childrensfoodtrust.org.uk/assets/research-reports/ Telford and Wrekin 2.594 4.862 7.004 seventh_annual_survey2011-2012_full_report.pdf Walsall 4.973 9.125 13.181 2www.schoolfoodplan.com Warwickshire 4.034 8.344 12.036 Wolverhampton 4.405 8.200 11.844 Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for Worcestershire 4.771 8.958 12.934 Education what proportion of children in English 1 Allocations for financial year 2013 to 2014 are indicative and are based on January 2012 pupil numbers. Final allocations will be based on January 2013 schools took school meals in each year since 2010; and pupil numbers. if he will make a statement. [166966]

Reading Mr Laws: The proportion of children who took school meals in English primary schools was 41.4% in Karen Lumley: To ask the Secretary of State for 2010, 44.1% in 2011 and 46.3% in 2012. The figures for Education what steps he is taking to encourage children English secondary schools were 35.8% in 2010, 37.6% in to read more books in the summer holidays. [167062] 2011 and 39.8% in 2012.

Elizabeth Truss: This Government endorses the Summer Schools Reading Challenge run by The Reading Agency specifically to encourage children to read during the summer holidays. Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for Children aged four to 11 read six books during the Education how many (a) teachers, (b) pupils, (c) summer holiday and this year’s theme is ’Creepy House’. teaching assistants and (d) support staff there were in Children can read whatever they like from fact books English (i) primary schools and (ii) secondary schools and joke books to the classics of children’s literature. A in each year since 2010, by local authority area; and if certificate is issued to those who complete the Challenge. he will make a statement. [166980] The Summer Reading Challenge is open to all children and is designed for all reading abilities. Schools work Mr Laws: The information requested has been placed with local libraries and give out information to encourage in the House Library. children to take part. School Meals Schools: Admissions

Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for Jonathan Lord: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many (a) primary and (b) secondary Education what proportion of children in (a) Surrey schools in each local authority area have no on-site and (b) England secured places at (i) their first choice facilities for producing hot school lunches; what and (ii) one of their top three choices of secondary information his Department collects on the (i) quality, school in the most recent application period. [166775] (ii) availability and (iii) take-up of school lunches; whether all English schools meet the food-based and Mr Laws: The Department collects data from local nutrient standards for lunch and non-lunch food; and if authorities on how many parents received an offer of a he will make a statement. [166960] place for their children at one of their preferred secondary schools. The most recent data relate to the start of the Elizabeth Truss: According to information from the 2013/14 academic year. Figures for England and Surrey School Food Trust1, in 2011-12 17.9% of primary schools local authority are given in the following table: had no on-site facilities for producing hot lunches, with Table: Applications and offers for entry to secondary schools in England and 16.5% of these schools transporting meals from another Surrey local authority in academic year 2013/14 source. 1.2% of secondary schools had no facilities, Percentage of children with 0.5% transporting meals from elsewhere. These Surrey England figures remain virtually unchanged from 2010-11. Offered first preference school 84.9 86.7 99% of primary and 95% of secondary schools with Offered one of top three 95.4 96.5 local authority catered school lunch provision were preferences compliant with the food-based standards for school Note: lunches; and 93% and 79% respectively with the nutrient- Data collected from local authorities on National Offers Day—1 March 2013 based standards. For schools with non-local authority These figures were published on 26 March 2013 in the provision, 97% of primary and 95% of secondary schools ‘Statistical First Release Secondary school applications were thought to be compliant with or “working toward” and offers in England: March 2013’1 the food-based standards; and 97% and 94% respectively 1 https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/secondary-school- for nutrient-based standards. applications-and-offers-in-england-march-2013 83W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 84W

Schools: Capital Investment Mr Laws: The system of funding allocations we inherited is largely based on how much each authority Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for spent in 2005-06. The 2005-06 expenditure derived from Education what the total capital spending on (a) a formula that included an area cost adjustment, which primary and (b) secondary schools was in each year incorporated a labour market measure of employment since 2010 in real terms; what the planned real-term costs. figures are for each year to 2015; and if he will make a The current distribution of funding is also affected statement. [166958] by other factors, including separate grants which have been incorporated into the overall funding allocation, Mr Laws: The Department for Education’s total and therefore is not a direct reflection of the staffing schools capital allocations in real terms since 1997 are cost measure included in the original formula. given in the following table: Schools funding is in need of reform. That is why we are currently preparing to consult on the introduction Total capital allocations £ in 2015-16 of a national fair funding formula for schools. Financial year million (real terms) We are considering whether staff cost weightings should 1997-98 1,026 be part of the consultation on the national funding 1998-99 1,399 formula. 1999-2000 1,482 2000-01 2,346 Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for 2001-02 2,502 Education what proportion of schools funding is 2002-03 3,105 distributed without reference to pupil numbers; and if 2003-04 4,160 he will make a statement. [166977] 2004-05 4,668 2005-06 5,145 Mr Laws: The Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) is 2006-07 5,375 made up of three blocks: schools, early years and high 2007-08 5,817 needs. In 2013-14, the Department for Education allocated 2008-09 5,899 85% of the DSG to local authorities based on the number of pupils in schools and early years settings. 2009-10 6,197 13% of DSG was allocated based on an estimate of the 2010-11 7,314 amount required for places for pupils with high needs as 2011-12 5,241 agreed with local authorities.1 2012-13 4,606 2013-14 3,983 Once they receive the DSG, local authorities have some flexibility in the amount of funding that they 2014-151 4,484 allocate to schools through each factor in their local 2015-161 4,405 formula. 1 Provisional. Note: In 2013-14, local authorities allocated 11% of the Figures exclude PFI credit allocations schools block to schools through a combination of A significant proportion of this funding is devolved non-pupil led factors. The non-pupil led factors are the to local authorities so that they decide their own priorities lump sum, split sites, rates, private finance initiative for investment. The Department does not collect (PFI) contracts, flexibility for local authorities within expenditure data centrally and it could therefore be the London fringe area, sixth form and exceptional provided only at disproportionate cost. circumstance funding. In 2014-15, we will require all local authorities to Schools: Defibrillators allocate a minimum of 80% of funding through pupil-led factors. The six pupil-led factors are the basic per-pupil Sir Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for entitlement, deprivation, looked after children, low prior Education if he will make it his policy that all new attainment, English as an additional language and mobility. schools or major extensions should have defibrillators 1 The remaining 2% of DSG is made up of additions for the provided; and if he will establish a programme to funding of early education places for two-year-olds from lower provide defibrillators in all existing schools. [166766] income households and transition funding following ending of the 90% funding floor protection for three year olds. Further Mr Laws: It is a matter for individual schools to details of these additions can be found in the OSG Technical decide whether to have a defibrillator and to arrange for note: suitable training of the school workforce in its use. http://www.education.gov.uk/schools/adminandfinance/ However, there is a common law duty on all staff to act financialmanagement/schoolsrevenuefunding/a00218077/ in loco parentis while children are at school and we funding-settlement-2013-14 know that schools take their responsibilities for the health of all children seriously. Karen Lumley: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what recent progress he has made on plans Schools: Finance to move to a fairer schools funding formula before 2015. [167064] Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what increased resources are provided to Mr Laws: In the spending round 2013, the Government schools due to higher staff costs in some parts of the committed to consult on how best to introduce a national country; what the basis is of that allocation policy; and fair funding formula for schools in 2015-16. We are how if he will make a statement. [166962] preparing for the consultation. 85W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 86W

Schools: Governing Bodies Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what recent assessment he has made of the Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for structural changes necessary in the schools system to Education if he will bring forward proposals to give drive up standards; and if he will make a statement. school governing bodies the power to remove poorly [166981] performing governors. [166820] Elizabeth Truss: The academies programme is delivering Mr Timpson: The Education Select Committee included structural reform to the schools system. As of 1 August this point in its recent report ‘The Role of School there are 3,086 academies, 81 free schools, 16 studio Governing Bodies’ (HC 365-1), published on 4 July schools and five university technical colleges; 1,462 of (paragraph 117 and recommendation 20 of the report). these are part of a chain. 52% of secondary schools and The Government will respond to the Select Committee’s 8% of primary schools are academies or free schools. report shortly and will address this point in its response. The number of open academies on 1 September can be 1 1 http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201314/cmselect/ found on the Department’s website. cmeduc/365/365.pdf These changes are driving up standards for pupils across England. Between 2011 and 2012, sponsored Schools: Inspections academies improved standards faster than comparable local authority maintained schools at key stage 4. Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for The Department has recently released the academies Education how many Ofsted school inspections took annual report for the academic year 2011/122; it includes place in each year since 2010. [166964] information on academies, free schools, studio schools and university technical colleges. Mr Laws: This question is a matter for Ofsted. HM 1 http://www.education.gov.uk/schools/leadership/typesofschools Chief Inspector, Sir Michael Wilshaw, has written to /acadernies/b00208569/open-academies the hon. Member, and a copy of his response has been This information will be updated on 5 September. placed in the House Library. 2 https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/academies-annual- report-academic-year-2011-to-2012 Schools: Sports

Mr Andrew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Sixth Form Education Education what criteria or formula his Department used to determine the funding allocations for additional money for physical education and sport in primary Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for schools. [166849] Education what plans he has to increase the number of schools with post-16 provision; and if he will make a Mr Timpson: Following the Prime Minister’s statement. [166979] announcement of cross-Government funding of £150 million per annum for academic years 2013/14 and Mr Laws: Local authorities (LAs) are responsible for 2014/15, all state-funded primary schools with 17 or ensuring that there are enough school places to meet more pupils will receive £8,000 plus a top-up of £5 per demand in their areas. This responsibility extends to pupil. Schools with 16 or fewer pupils will receive £500 post-16 provision, including sixth forms. per pupil. Academies can also play a key role in meeting local Each primary school will receive a sum equivalent to demand for post-16 provision by requesting a variation the cost of two days per week of a specialist PE teacher’s of their funding agreement to include such provision time, with an additional weighting to reflect the size of and expand their age range. each school’s roll. School sixth forms are just one type of 16-19 provider In smaller schools, where there are not sufficient in a diverse sector that consists of sixth form colleges, pupils to make optimum use of a specialist PE teacher’s FE colleges, 16-19 academies, studio schools and university time, the proportional funding of £500 per pupil enables technical colleges. It is the Department’s aim to develop the school to pay for cover for a teacher to attend a broad range of high quality institutions to meet relevant continuing professional development and/or to demand from students and their parents, with increased pay for additional equipment or facilities. choice driving improvement, quality and innovation.

Schools: Standards We have, therefore, provided an additional £80 million in 2013-15 through the Demographic Growth Capital Fund, which is available specifically for increasing the Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for number of post-16 places, including sixth form expansions Education how many schools were classed as requiring in both maintained schools and academies, in LAs that significant improvement in each reporting period since have identified insufficient capacity. In addition to this 2010. [166965] the Government is providing £5.2 billion to local authorities over the spending review period to help meet the demand Mr Laws: This question is a matter for Ofsted. HM for school places. This funding is delivered via basic Chief Inspector, Sir Michael Wilshaw, has written to need allocations and the targeted basic need programmes, the hon. Member, and a copy of his response has been both of which are available for increasing sixth form placed in the House Library. provision. 87W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 88W

Special Educational Needs Statistical First Release, Special Educational Needs in England, January 20121, a copy of which has been Andrew Bridgen: To ask the Secretary of State for placed in the House of Commons Library. In 2011-12, Education what assessment he has made of the potential 86% of all statements of special educational needs were effects of the new funding system for higher needs completed within the statutory 26-weeks. Data since students on (a) a local authority’s ability to commission 2008-09 were published in separate statistical releases, independent specialist colleges to provide courses, (b) Special Educational Needs Statements Issued within 2 the teaching time a student can expect and (c) the 26-weeks , which have also been placed in the House of quality of the course. [166839] Commons Library. Draft regulations drawn up under the Children and Mr Laws: We have conducted extensive preparatory Families Bill, which will be published for consultation work to introduce the new funding system for high in the autumn, will propose a reduction in the statutory needs students. The funding reforms enable education, time limit for assessing children’s special educational health and social care budgets to be brought together, needs and drawing up Education, Health and Care and pave the way for all students or their parents to plans. These will replace statements of special educational hold personalised budgets and to have a new legal right needs subject to Royal Assent for the Bill. to express a preference for provision. 1 This can be found at: The Education Funding Agency has worked closely https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/special- with local authorities to ensure they fully understand educational-needs-in-england-january-2012 the new funding system and to support them during 2 The 2010-11 publication can be found at: implementation of the changes. Local authorities have https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/special- been commissioning individual student placements from educational-needs-sen-statements-issued-within-26-weeks- independent specialist colleges for a number of years. financial-year-2010-to-2011 The Department offers a level of protection for provision and the 2008-09 and 2009-10 publication can be found in independent specialist colleges over the next two at: academic years. Transitional protection will be paid in https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/special- instances where the numbers of places commissioned educational-needs-statements-issued-within-26-weeks- by local authorities in the 2013 to 2014 academic year academic-year-2009-to-2010 are fewer than in the 2012 to 2013 academic year. Teachers: Training The Department has not set any criteria for local authorities on the number of hours needed by students with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. We expect a Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for local authority and a provider to work together to agree Education how many people are training to become a suitable study programme and support package for (a) primary and (b) secondary school teachers by those students with high needs. subject area; and how many were in such training in each of the last five years. [166961] Arrangements for inspecting the quality of provision have not been changed by the introduction of the new Mr Laws: The data requested has been set out in the high needs funding system. following table. Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for The National College for Teaching and Leadership Education what the average time taken was to carry out publish data about initial teacher training in England in an assessment for a statement of special educational their annual publication “the initial teacher training needs in each year since 2010, broken down by local performance profiles”. The latest published data are for education authority; and if he will make a statement. the academic year 2010/11. The 2011/12 data will be [166948] published in September 2013. The data shown in the table is the number of first Mr Timpson: The Department does not collect data year trainees (rounded to the nearest ten) on an initial on the average time taken to complete assessments for teacher training programme in England in the academic statements of special educational needs. year shown. However, we do publish data on the percentage of Vocational subjects include: applied art and design, statements in each local authority that are completed applied biology, applied business studies, applied chemistry, within the statutory 26-weeks. Data for the 2011-12 applied physics, applied ICT, engineering, health and financial year is published as additional tables in the social care, leisure and tourism, and psychology.

2006/07 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11

Primary 17,920 17,300 17,350 17,920 17,960 Secondary by subject: Art and Design 780 700 700 660 580 Business Studies 730 630 590 590 580 Citizenship 270 280 250 280 270 Classics 40 40 40 40 50 Design and Technology 1,220 1,190 1,190 1,350 1,260 Drama/Dance 540 630 150 490 480 English 2,570 2,490 2,300 2,250 2,340 89W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 90W

2006/07 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11

Geography 840 700 650 730 720 History 890 820 800 750 650 Information and Communications Technology 1,110 920 850 950 940 Mathematics 2,280 2,210 2,340 2,680 2,650 Modern Languages 1,630 1,460 1,410 1,610 1,450 Music 780 770 750 770 660 Physical Education 1,900 1,820 1,700 1,590 1,510 Religious Education 850 900 870 830 830 Science 3,340 3,290 3,280 3,440 3,240 Social science/studies 130 120 150 130 120 Vocational subjects 310 360 450 460 450 Diploma subjects 1— 1— 1— 150 1— Economics 2—101—1010 Other (not identified) 90 2—10 2— 2— 1 Not applicable. 2 Fewer than five.

Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Laws: The following table provides the full-time Education what steps he is taking to attract more of the equivalent number of teachers and teaching assistants best graduates into teaching; and if he will make a who were in service in publicly funded schools in each statement. [166982] of the last five academic years in Yorkshire and the Humber and Brigg and Goole constituency. Mr Laws: We are committed to raising the status and November 2011 data for Brigg and Goole constituency quality of the teaching profession, by attracting more is incomplete and therefore not available. of the best graduates into teaching. Full time equivalent teachers and teaching assistants in service in publicly funded schools, January 2008 to 20091, November 2010 to 20122, Yorkshire and the In academic year 2012/13 we introduced a bursary Humber region and Brigg and Goole constituency system which awards higher bursaries to trainees with 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 good degrees, and this system is continuing in the academic year 2013/14. For priority subjects, including Teachers maths and physics, we offer a bursary of £20,000 for Yorkshire and 44,970 44,640 43,600 42,580 44,160 trainees with a first class degree, £15,000 for those with the Humber upper second class degrees and £12,000 for those with Brigg and 670 670 670 n/a 660 3 lower second class degrees. For other subjects we offer a Goole bursary of £9,000 for trainees with first class degrees and £4,000 for trainees with upper second class degrees. Teaching 19,420 20,090 20,570 24,320 25,920 Under this bursary system, initial teacher training (ITT) assistants Yorkshire and 290 300 260 n/a 320 candidates holding third class or ordinary degrees are the Humber no longer eligible for a training bursary. This approach Brigg and will help raise the status of teaching as a career choice Goole3 and incentivise the best graduates to become teachers. 1 Sources: Form 618g for Yorkshire and the Humber region (teachers) and School Census for Yorkshire and the Humber and Brigg and Goole (teachers The ITT scholarship scheme has been expanded and and teaching assistants). scholarships worth £20,000 each are now available in 2 Source: School Workforce Census. maths, physics, chemistry and computer science. 3 2010 teaching assistant figures for Brigg and Goole are estimated. Announcements on bursary and scholarship levels for Truancy AY 2014/15 will be made in due course. The National College for Teaching and Leadership Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for also provides bespoke support to top graduates through Education what the total spend by his Department was its Premier Plus service. This includes help in securing on anti-truancy programmes in each year since 2010; school experience prior to making an ITT application, and what assessment of value for money has been and personalised one-to-one support throughout the made of such spending. [166947] application process. We are also quadrupling the Teach First programme Mr Timpson: In 2009/10 and 2010/11, the Government which is successfully getting top graduates into teaching. spent £6 million a year on a behaviour and attendance programme through the then National Strategies, before the contract ended in March 2011. Ofsted’s review of the National Strategies raised considerable doubts about Teachers: Yorkshire and the Humber the effectiveness of its programmes. Our assessment was that this programme did not provide good value for Andrew Percy: To ask the Secretary of State for money. Instead the Government has taken what Ministers Education how many (a) teachers and (b) classroom believe to be more effective action to reduce truancy: assistants were employed in maintained schools in (i) increasing fines for truancy; reducing the amount of Brigg and Goole constituency and (ii) Yorkshire and time parents have to pay truancy fines; and reducing the the Humber in each of the last five academic years. threshold for persistent absence so that schools tackle [166649] the problem sooner. 91W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 92W

Unemployment: Young People further 21 responses (6%) referred hon. Members to statistics or other documents which had been placed in Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for the House Library, and 16 responses (5%) referred hon. Education what his latest estimate is of the (a) number Members to information, which was already publicly and (b) proportion of (i) 16, (ii) 17 and (iii) 18 year available on the internet. olds who are not in education or training; and if he will We publish information on the internet proactively so make a statement. [166944] that it is easily available to hon. Members and the public. The Department will continue to follow guidance Matthew Hancock: I refer the hon. Member to the from the Leader’s office about how to provide statistics answer I gave on 11 July 2013, Official Report, when answering parliamentary questions. column 412W. Vocational Education CABINET OFFICE Average Earnings Jonathan Reynolds: To ask the Secretary of State for Education when he expects to announce what subjects Dan Jarvis: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office will be included in the technical baccalaureate. [166854] what the average weekly gross earnings of full-time employed (a) men and (b) women in (i) Barnsley Matthew Hancock: The Technical Baccalaureate is a Central constituency, (ii) South Yorkshire and (iii) England performance measure that will be included in the were in each year since 2006-07 in (A) cash terms and performance tables from 2016. (B) constant prices. [166604] We will identify the qualifications that count towards the Technical Baccalaureate in the autumn. Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have Written Questions asked the authority to reply. Letter from Glen Watson, dated July 2013: Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Education As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I (1) how many questions answered by his Department have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question included fewer than four pages of statistics in the Official asking what the average weekly gross earnings of full-time employed Report for the last month; [166701] (a) men and (b) women in (i) Barnsley Central constituency, (ii) South Yorkshire and (iii) England were in each year since 2006-07 (2) if he will make it his policy to ensure that all in (A) cash terms and (B) constant prices. (166604) answers provided by his Department containing tables The Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE), carried of statistical data which would not require more than out in April each year, is the most comprehensive source of four pages in the Official Report are published in full earnings information in the United Kingdom. Weekly levels of rather than by reference to a hyperlink. [166726] earnings are estimated from ASHE, and are provided for employees on adult rates of pay, whose earnings for the survey pay period Elizabeth Truss: Between 18 June and 18 July inclusive, were not affected by absence. the Department answered 314 written questions from The tables show estimates of median gross weekly earnings in Barnsley Central constituency, South Yorkshire local authority Members of the House of Commons. Checking the and England from 2006 to 2012, the latest period for which results answers as published showed that 54 of the responses are available. Figures are provided for full-time male employees (17%) provided statistics or other information set out in and full-time female employees and are given separately in cash a table, which was published in the Official Report.A terms and in 2012 prices.

Median gross weekly earnings (£, cash prices) for employeesa in Barnsley Central constituency, South Yorkshire local authority and England between April 2006 and April 2012

Full-time males Full-time females

Barnsley Central constituency South Yorkshire England Barnsley Central constituency South Yorkshire England

2006b *429.2 450.2 494.5 332.6 337.1 388.5

2006c *427.8 449.2 492.1 332.6 332.6 386.1

2007 *427.4 460.0 505.5 374.2 344.6 400.0

2008 *500.5 477.9 528.8 385.0 363.1 417.3

2009 *446.5 477.2 538.2 396.1 396.8 430.8

2010 *512.5 498.0 545.8 426.9 409.1 442.5

2011d *500.9 498.3 547.8 433.2 399.7 448.5

2011e *498.7 497.8 547.4 429.7 393.5 442.3 93W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 94W

Median gross weekly earnings (£, cash prices) for employeesa in Barnsley Central constituency, South Yorkshire local authority and England between April 2006 and April 2012 Full-time males Full-time females Barnsley Central constituency South Yorkshire England Barnsley Central constituency South Yorkshire England

2012 *497.5 505.1 553.0 427.1 413.7 452.3 Notes: a Employees on adult rates whose pay for the survey pay-period was not affected by absence. b 2006 results with methodology consistent with 2005. c 2006 results with methodology consistent with 2007. d 2011 results based on Standard Occupational Classification 2000. e 2011 results based on Standard Occupational Classification 2010. Guide to Quality: The coefficient of variation (CV) indicates the quality of a figure; the smaller the CV value, the higher the quality. The true value is likely to lie within +/- twice the CV—for example, for an estimate of 200 with a CV of 5% we would expect the population average to be within the range 180 to 220. Key: CV <= 5% * CV > 5% and <= 10% ** CV > 10% and <=20% Source: Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE), Office for National Statistics Median gross weekly earnings (£, 2012 prices) for employeesa in Barnsley Central constituency, South Yorkshire local authority and England between April 2006 and April 2012 Full-time males Full-time females Barnsley Central Barnsley Central constituency South Yorkshire England constituency South Yorkshire England

2006b 518.7 544.0 597.6 401.9 407.4 469.5 2006c 517.0 542.8 594.7 401.9 401.9 466.6 2007 502.7 541.0 594.5 440.1 405.3 470.4 2008 571.7 545.9 604.0 439.7 414.7 476.6 2009 498.4 532.7 600.8 442.1 442.9 480.9 2010 551.5 535.9 587.4 459.4 440.3 476.2 2011d 516.0 513.3 564.3 446.3 411.8 462.0 2011e 513.7 512.8 563.9 442.7 405.4 455.6 2012 497.5 505.1 553.0 427.1 413.7 452.3 Notes: a Employees on adult rates whose pay for the survey pay-period was not affected by absence. b 2006 results with methodology consistent with 2005. c 2006 results with methodology consistent with 2007. d 2011 results based on Standard Occupational Classification 2000. e 2011 results based on Standard Occupational Classification 2010. Guide to Quality: The coefficient of variation (CV) indicates the quality of a figure; the smaller the CV value, the higher the quality. The true value is likely to lie within +/- twice the CV—for example, for an estimate of 200 with a CV of 5% we would expect the population average to be within the range 180 to 220. Key: CV <= 5% * CV > 5% and <= 10% ** CV > 10% and <=20% Source: Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE), Office for National Statistics

Chris Ruane: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Median gross weekly earnings (£) for employees1 in the UK between April 1997 Office what the average gross weekly earnings of and April 2012 full-time employed (a) men and (b) women in the UK Year (April) Full-time males Full-time females in each year since 1997 were in cash terms. [167089] 1997 356.9 265.2 Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the 1998 372.7 276.5 responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have 1999 383.9 288.5 asked the authority to reply. 2000 397.7 298.1 Letter from Glen Watson, dated July 2013: 2001 415.7 314.3 2002 430.1 330.7 As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question 2003 444.6 343.0 asking what the average gross weekly earnings of full-time employed 20042 463.0 360.8 (a) men and (b) women in the UK in each year since 1997 were in 20043 460.0 356.7 cash terms. (167089) 2005 471.0 371.4 The Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE), carried 20064 487.1 385.8 out in April each year, is the most comprehensive source of earnings information in the United Kingdom. Weekly levels of 20065 484.3 383.3 earnings are estimated from ASHE, and are provided for employees 2007 498.3 394.8 on adult rates of pay, whose earnings for the survey pay period 2008 522.0 412.4 were not affected by absence. 2009 531.0 425.8 The following table shows estimates of median gross weekly 2010 537.6 439.0 earnings for full-time male employees and full-time female employees in the UK from 1997 to 2012, the latest period for which results 20116 538.5 445.1 are available. 20117 538.2 440.0 95W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 96W

Median gross weekly earnings (£) for employees1 in the UK between April 1997 Median gross weekly earnings (£, cash prices) for employees1 in Wales between and April 2012 April 1997 and April 2012 Year Year (April) Full-time males Full-time females (April) Full-time males Full-time females

2012 545.8 448.6 2003 397.6 303.8 1 Employees on adult rates whose pay for the survey pay-period was not affected 20042 423.1 325.2 by absence. 20043 417.7 320.5 2 2004 results excluding supplementary survey for comparison with 2003. 3 2004 results including supplementary survey designed to improve coverage of 2005 425.5 334.8 the survey, for more information see ONS website: 20064 440.8 349.2 www.ons.gov.uk 20065 438.7 346.7 4 2006 results with methodology consistent with 2005. 5 2006 results with methodology consistent with 2007. 2007 441.0 355.6 6 2011 results based on Standard Occupational Classification 2000, 2008 463.8 369.2 7 2011 results based on Standard Occupational Classification 2010. 2009 478.8 383.3 Note: The numbers are in current prices/cash rather than constant prices. 2010 482.8 401.2 Source: 20116 485.9 402.6 Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE), Office for National Statistics 20117 482.4 398.2 Average Earnings: Wales 2012 482.4 403.9 1 Employees on adult rates whose pay for the survey pay-period was not affected by absence. Chris Ruane: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet 2 2004 results excluding supplementary survey for comparison with 2003. 3 2004 results including supplementary survey designed to improve coverage of Office pursuant to the answer of 15 July 2013, Official the survey. For more information see ONS website: Report, columns 556-8W, on average earnings: Clywd, www.ons.gov.uk what the average weekly gross earnings of a full-time 4 2006 results with methodology consistent with 2005. 5 2006 results with methodology consistent with 2007. employed (a) man and (b) woman in Wales was in 6 2011 results based on Standard Occupational Classification 2000. cash terms in each year since 1997. [166869] 7 2011 results based on Standard Occupational Classification 2010. Source: Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE), Office for National Statistics responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have Chris Ruane: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet asked the authority to reply. Office pursuant to the answer of 15 July 2013, Official Letter from Glen Watson, dated July 2013: Report, columns 556-8W, on average earnings: Clwyd, As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I what the average weekly gross earnings of a full-time have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question employed (a) man and (b) woman was in each local asking what the average weekly gross earnings of a full-time authority area in north Wales in cash terms in each employed (a) man and (b) woman in Wales was in cash terms in year since 1997. [166972] each year since 1997. (166869) The Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE), carried Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the out in April each year, is the most comprehensive source of responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have earnings information in the United Kingdom. Weekly levels of earnings are estimated from ASHE, and are provided for employees asked the authority to reply. on adult rates of pay, whose earnings for the survey pay period Letter from Glen Watson, dated July 2013: were not affected by absence. As Director General for the Office of National Statistics, I The following table shows estimates of median gross weekly have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question earnings for full-time male employees and full-time female employees asking what the average weekly gross earnings of a full-time in Wales from 1997 to 2012, the latest period for which results are employed (a) man and (b) woman were in each local authority available. area in north Wales in cash terms in each year since 1997. Median gross weekly earnings (£, cash prices) for employees1 in Wales between (166972) April 1997 and April 2012 The Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE), carried Year out in April each year, is the most comprehensive source of (April) Full-time males Full-time females earnings information in the United Kingdom. Weekly levels of earnings are estimated from ASHE, and are provided for employees 1997 335.9 244.5 on adult rates of pay, whose earnings for the survey pay period 1998 343.6 251.2 were not affected by absence. 1999 350.2 263.4 The tables show estimates of median gross weekly earnings for 2000 362.9 276.2 full-time male employees and full-time female employees in each 2001 373.7 282.1 local authority area in north Wales from 1997 to 2012, the latest 2002 383.9 ’290.5 period for which results are available.

Median gross weekly earnings for employees1 in each local authority area in North Wales between April 1997 and April 2012 Isle of Anglesey Gwynedd Conwy April Full-time males Full-time females Full-time males Full-time females Full-time males Full-time females

1997 **359.2 X **276.2 **254.6 **278.2 **216.6 1998 **382.1 **260.7 *312.6 **281.9 **307.0 *222.8 1999 **342.1 **283.5 *320.5 **242.8 *316.6 **234.6 2000 **366.1 **262.4 *315.8 **240.0 *328.3 **243.2 2001 **325.4 **291.8 *329.9 **238.5 *343.1 **276.7 2002 **319.9 **284.9 *360.9 **269.0 **328.7 **261.0 2003 **416.5 **284.2 *331.2 *278.9 *384.2 **289.4 97W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 98W

Median gross weekly earnings for employees1 in each local authority area in North Wales between April 1997 and April 2012 Isle of Anglesey Gwynedd Conwy April Full-time males Full-time females Full-time males Full-time females Full-time males Full-time females

20042**431.6 **284.9 *363.8 *326.4 *428.7 **321.5 20043 *439.5 **285.2 *367.4 *323.7 **414.7 **321.3 2005 **434.1 **328.9 *385.2 **322.3 *411.6 **360.1 20064 **426.2 **299.3 *403.2 **375.9 **393.0 *354.1 20065 **426.5 **302.8 *404.1 **375.9 **388.0 *354.7 2007 *443.4 X *394.4 **371.3 **396.7 **340.5 2008 *482.6 **362.1 *431.6 *336.2 **427.4 **378.0 2009 *497.2 **350.9 *430.6 *345.5 *407.4 *320.0 2010 **472.7 *329.7 *409.6 **417.8 **442.3 **356.8 20116 *486.8 *342.7 *433.9 **391.0 **450.9 **370.8 20117 *484.5 *343.9* *430.7 **389.6 **452.1 **350.6 2012 *498.3 **342.1 *406.9 **361.3 **503.9 **397.6

Denbighshire Flintshire Wrexham April Full-time males Full-time females Full-time males Full-time females Full-time males Full-time females

1997 *302.9 **245.0 *360.1 **258.2 *338.3 **233.6 1998 *341.2 **282.6 *374.9 **259.7 *365.2 **232.5 1999 *317.1 **281.9 *381.5 **276.5 *384.0 *236.0 2000 *345.7 **313.2 *397.1 **287.9 *387.1 **252.4 2001 *356.9 **273.4 *428.4 **314.8 *400.7 *264.7 2002 *402.0 **262.4 417.2 **320.1 *412.0 *268.4 2003 *383.9 **256.7 431.9 **297.6 *404.4 *288.5 20042 *382.5 **271.5 466.2 *320.3 *457.4 *297.8 20043 *374.3 **271.5 450.5 *320.3 *445.6 *288.6 2005 *394.7 **305.0 482.0 *318.4 *430.1 *306.6 20064 *367.3 *335.1 476.2 *381.4 *458.1 *327.9 20065 *367.9 *333.5 476.2 *375.4 *458.1 *325.6 2007 *382.4 **351.9 *445.6 *363.2 *470.1 *332.4 2008 **437.3 *391.6 500.0 *379.5 *475.0 *337.8 2009 **482.7 **446.3 *526.6 *389.9 *493.4 *383.9 2010 **439.7 **408.0 521.6 *389.9 *488.4 *387.1 20116 *463.6 *475.7 547.9 *366.6 *443.2 *354.6 20117 *460.9 *454.3 *547.9 *366.6 *438.7 *353.7 2012 *454.4 *468.0 563.7 *372.7 *477.6 *376.4 1 Employees on adult rates whose pay for the survey pay-period was not affected by absence. 2 2004 results excluding supplementary survey for comparison with 2003. 3 2004 results including supplementary survey designed to improve coverage of the survey (for more information see ONS website: www.ons.gov.uk). 4 2006 results with methodology consistent with 2005. 5 2006 results with methodology consistent with 2007. 6 2011 results based on standard occupational classification 2000. 7 2011 results based on standard occupational classification 2010. The numbers are in current prices/cash rather than constant prices Guide to Quality: The Coefficient of Variation (CV) indicates the quality of a figure the smaller the CV value the higher the quality. The true value is likely to lie within +/- twice the CV—for example, for an average of 200 with a CV of 5% we would expect the population average to be within the range 180-220. Key CV <= 5% * CV > 5% and <= 10 ** CV > 10% and <= 20% X unreliable Source: Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE), Office for National Statistics

Big Society Capital Banks (four high street banks that contributed start-up capital to it. These are independent from Government Chi Onwurah: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet The Big Society Trust (a company limited by guarantee) Office (1) with reference to the answer of 25 February has a controlling interest in BSC ensures that BSC 2013, Official Report, column 198W, on Big Society remains true to its mission to grow the social investment Capital, to which Government Minister or other public market in the UK. BSC must report regularly to the body Big Society Capital is accountable; [166211] BST on its financial and organisational performance. (2) what assessment he has made of the rate of This information is publically available in its annual interest at which Big Society Capital is offering to lend report and accounts. money; [166230] (3) what recent representations he has received As BSC is an independent social investment institution, regarding Big Society Capital. [166301] the Cabinet Office has not made a formal assessment of the rate of interest at which BSC is offering to lend Mr Hurd: Big Society Capital (BSC) is accountable to money. its shareholders—Big Society Trust and the Merlin 99W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 100W

I meet regularly with representatives from across the migrated from the UK to (a) other EU states, (b) other social investment sector to discuss market development. Commonwealth countries and (c) the rest of the world in the last five years. [166556] Cobra ONS produces estimates of Long-Term International Migration (LTIM), primarily based on the International Passenger Survey Keith Vaz: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office (IPS). The IPS is a continuous voluntary sample survey conducted how many times the COBRA Committee has convened by ONS and is the prime source of long-term international migration data for the UK providing estimates of both inflows since January 2013. [166783] and outflows. LTIM is the only data series to provide single year estimates of emigration from the UK and to separate EU states, Mr Maude: The Cabinet Office Briefing Rooms (COBR) other Commonwealth countries and the rest of the world. have been used on a number of occasions since January Table 1 shows estimates of emigration from the UK for the 2013, In line with the practice of previous Administrations, year ending December 2007 to the year ending December 2011. further details of Cabinet Committee and other ministerial Data for the year ending December 2012 will be published on meetings are not routinely disclosed. 28th November 2013. Table 1: LTIM emigration estimates from the UK, by country of next residence, Data Protection for EU countries, commonwealth countries, and the rest of the world Year Other Chi Onwurah: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet ending Other EU Commonwealth Rest of the 1 Office what guidance his Department provides to December: states countries world Total officials on anonymising public data. [166036] 2007 131,000 127,000 83,000 341,000 2008 202,000 119,000 105,000 427,000 Mrs Grant: I have been asked to reply on behalf of 2009 144,000 127,000 97,000 368,000 the Ministry of Justice. 2010 136,000 102,000 102,000 339,000 The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) is the 2011 124,000 124,000 103,000 351,000 independent regulatory body responsible for enforcing 1 Other EU states estimates are for the EU27 states excluding the UK. Source: the Data Protection Act 1998 in the UK. ONS The ICO has produced the “Anonymisation: managing http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/migration1/long-term-international-migration/ 2011/2-02-ltim-country-of-last-or-next-residence--1991-2011.xls data protection risk code of practice” which describes LTIM provisional estimates of emigration by citizenship for the steps an organisation can take to ensure that the year ending September 2012 can be found within our published anonymisation is conducted effectively, while retaining tables at the following link: useful data. The code of practice is available on the ICO http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/migration1/migration-statistics- website at the following link: quarterly-report/may-2013/provisional-long-term-international- http://www.ico.org.uk/for_organisations/data_protection/ migration--ltim--estimates-sep-2012.xls topic_guides/anonymisation Revised net migration, immigration and emigration figures have been published as components of change in revised mid-year Dove Trust population estimates from the year to mid-2002 to the year to mid-2010 for England and Wales. These take into account the Ms Gisela Stuart: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet results from the 2011 Census, and included a revision to the net Office what reports he has received from the Charity migration component, focussed primarily on immigration during Commission on the advice it has given to charities the middle part of the decade before improvements were made to the International Passenger Survey in 2009. This is explained in a whose funds were frozen when the Charity Giving report published in December 2012. Table 7 of that report shows website and accounts were closed. [166781] the differences between LTIM and the revised net migration component. Pages 7 and 15 specifically refer to revisions made to Mr Hurd: The Charity Commission has appointed an the emigration flows. Interim Manager to the Dove Trust which runs, the http://ons.gov.uk/ons/guide-method/method-quality/specific/ Charity Giving website. The Interim Manager has provided population-and-migration/population-statistics-research-unit-- advice to donors, fundraisers and charities on the Charity psru-/methods-used-to-revise-the-national-population-estimates- Giving website. This advice has been, and will continue for-mid-2002-to-mid-2010.pdf to be reviewed and updated as the situation develops. ONS plans to publish a further analytical report in Autumn Answers to frequently asked questions are also available 2013 that will further explain the differences between LTIM and on the Charity Commission website. the net migration component of the revised population estimates series. Emigration Government Departments: Information Lindsay Roy: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many people migrated from the UK to (a) Chi Onwurah: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet other EU states, (b) other Commonwealth countries Office (1) what recent discussions he has had with and (c) the rest of the world in the last five years. ministerial colleagues on the format of data published [166556] by Government; [166038] Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the (2) what recent discussions he has had with his responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have ministerial colleagues on the accessibility of data asked the authority to reply. published by Government. [166039] Letter from Glen Watson, dated July 2013: As Director General for the Office for National Statistics Mr Hurd: In line with practice of previous (ONS), I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question Administrations details of internal discussions are not asking the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many people normally disclosed. 101W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 102W

Government Departments: Procurement These revisions are explained in a report published in December 2012. Table 7 of that report shows the differences between LTIM and the revised net migration component: Keith Vaz: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office http://ons.gov.uk/ons/guide-method/method-quality/specific/ when the audit of procurement contracts held by G4S population-and-migration/population-statistics-research-unit-- and Serco will (a) start and (b) finish. [166753] psru-/methods-used-to-revise-the-national-population-estimates- for-mid-2002-to-mid-2010.pdf Miss Chloe Smith: The Government-wide review, of ONS plans to publish a further analytical report in Autumn contracts held by G4S and Serco commenced on 22 July 2013 that will further explain the differences between LTIM and 2013 and is expected to report in the autumn. Details the net migration component of the revised population estimates are available at: series. Any decision regarding the revision of LTIM will be made in the light of this analysis. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/review-of-government- g4s-and-serco-contracts National Security Council Further information on the costs of the review will be published in due course. Keith Vaz: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what proportion of National Security Council Migration: Statistics meetings have focused on (a) terrorism and (b) organised crime since May 2010. [166785] Mr Frank Field: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if he will request that the Office for National Mr Maude: In line with the practice of previous Statistics revises its long-term international migration Governments, information relating to the proceedings estimates. [166350] of Cabinet Committees is generally not disclosed.

Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the New Businesses: Woking responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority to reply. Jonathan Lord: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Letter from Glen Watson, dated July 2013: Office how many business start-ups there have been in As Director General for the Office for National Statistics Woking constituency in each of the last three years. (ONS), I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question [166777] asking the Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will request that the Office for National Statistics revises its long-term international Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the migration estimates. [166350] responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have ONS produces estimates of Long-Term International .Migration asked the authority to reply. (LTIM), primarily based on the International Passenger Survey Letter from Glen Watson, dated July 2013: (IPS). The IPS is a continuous voluntary sample survey conducted by ONS and is the prime source of long-term international As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I migration data for the UK providing estimates of both inflows have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question and outflows. asking the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many business start-ups there have been in the Woking constituency in each of In light of the 2011 Census, revised net migration, immigration the last three years. [166777] and emigration figures have been published as components of change in revised mid-year population estimates from the year to Data on the number of business start-ups (enterprise births) mid-2002 to the year to mid-2010 for England and Wales. These are available in the ONS release on Business Demography at: include a revision to the net migration component, focussed http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/bus-register/business- primarily on the middle part of the decade before improvements demography/index.html were made to the International Passenger Survey in 2009. This The latest data available are for 2011. Data for 2012 will be provides a revised series of net migration for the inter-censal available in November 2013. period, which is shown in Table 1: The following table contains the count of enterprise births in Table 1: Population Estimates for England and Wales: Components of Change the Woking constituency in the last three years. for Net International Migration for the year to mid-2002 to the year to mid-2010 Thousand Count of enterprise births in the Woking constituency 2009-2011 Asylum Count seekers net Net Immigration Emigration migration Migration 2009 530 2001-02 375 271 67 171 2010 520 2002-03 402 288 59 173 2011 645 2003-04 457 292 25 190 Notes: 2004-05 569 283 15 302 1. The above table has been produced using an extract from the Inter Departmental Business Register. 2005-06 541 332 8 217 2. Figures have been rounded to protect confidentiality. 2006-07 587 345 10 252 3. These numbers do not include very small businesses, typically those 2007-08 548 318 14 244 below the threshold for VAT and PAYE. 2008-09 515 353 18 181 2009-10 510 300 11 220 Office for Civil Society: Leyton Note: Net migration includes visitor and migrant switchers, plus asylum seeker net migration. John Cryer: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Source: Office how much each project in Leyton and Wanstead http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/about-ons/what-we-do/publication-scheme/ published-ad-hoc-data/population/may-2013/mid-2002-to-2010-revised- constituency has received funding from the Office for components-of-change-for-england-and-wales Civil Society to date. [166143] 103W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 104W

Mr Hurd: A record is kept of all organisations that Mr Hurd [holding answer 18 July 2013]: The Cabinet receive direct funding from the Cabinet Office. However, Office offers support to social enterprises across the my Department does not keep a record of expenditure UK, including through the Investment Readiness by constituency. Programme. This programme includes both the Investment and Contract Readiness Fund Public Sector Employment www.beinvestmentready.org.uk open to more established social enterprises across the Jessica Morden: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet UK; and the Social Incubator Fund Office what recent estimate he has made of the www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/global-content/programmes/ proportion of public sector workers in Wales who work england/social-incubator-fund part-time; and what proportion of such workers are which specifically targets social incubators. The Social women. [166507] Incubator Fund is particularly looking to support social enterprises in the north of the country, see Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the http://socialincubatornorth.org.uk/ responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have but it is open to all regions. The Cabinet Office also asked the authority to reply. works closely with other key organisations such as Letter from Glen Watson, dated July 2013: Social Enterprise UK, Social Finance and the Big Lottery As Director General for the Office for National Statistics Fund to support social enterprises across the UK. (ONS), I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking the Minister for the Cabinet Office for the proportion of Spice Innovations public sector workers in Wales who work part time and what proportion of such workers are women. (166507) Mr Thomas: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet The ONS compiles Labour Market Statistics for areas below Office what funding his Department has provided to the UK following International Labour Organisation (ILO) definitions the charity Spice in (a) 2010-11, (b) 2011-12 and (c) using the Annual Population Survey (APS). 2012-13; and if he will make a statement. [165936] Individuals in the APS are classified to the public or private sector according to their responses to the survey. The public Mr Hurd [holding answer 17 July 2013]: In 2010-11, sector estimates provided do not correspond to those derived as Spice received £250,000 administered by NESTA to part of the calculation of the official Public Sector Employment design and develop a showcase programme of Time estimates. These are based on a National Accounts’ definition, are generally lower and are not available by gender within regions. Credit systems in Lewisham, West Norfolk and Wiltshire. In 2011-12 Spice also received £548,000 under the Social According to APS interviews held during the period April 2012 and March 2013, the latest available period, 28% of public Action Fund programme managed by Social Investment sectors workers in Wales were employed on a part-time basis and Business, to scale their model in England—building of these 85% were women. partnerships, engaging new volunteers and developing As with any sample survey, estimates from the APS are subject materials and resources. to a margin of uncertainty. Sports: Voluntary Work National and local area estimates for many labour market statistics, including employment, unemployment and claimant count are available on the NOMIS website at Clive Efford: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet http://www.nomisweb.co.uk Office (1) how many former Games Makers have volunteered to help organise local sport activities as a Public Sector: Information result of being involved in the London 2012 Paralympic and Olympic Games; and if he will make a statement; [166188] Chris Heaton-Harris: To ask the Minister for the (2) how many 2012 Games Makers have been contacted Cabinet Office when he plans to publish a national data by Join In (a) within one month, (b) within three strategy, as recommended by the Shakespeare Review, months, (c) within six months, (d) within nine months published in May 2013. [166590] and (e) to date since the end of the London 2012 Paralympic Games; and if he will make a statement; Mr Maude: The Shakespeare Review recommended [166189] that Government should produce a recognisable and (3) what proportion of Games Makers contacted by actionable National Data Strategy. The Government Join In have refused to get involved in activities organised; response to the Shakespeare Review agreed that the what reasons have been given for such refusals; and if National Data Strategy would be taken forward through he will make a statement; [166190] the Information Economy Strategy which was published on 14 June, and through the UK OGP National Action (4) when Join In was first able to access contact Plan, The UK National Action Plan will be presented details of the 2012 Games Makers; and if he will make at the annual Open Government Partnership Summit in a statement; [166191] London on 31 October. (5) by what means Join In has attempted to contact 2012 Games Makers; how many attempts at contact failed due to changes in contact details; and if he will Social Enterprises make a statement. [166192]

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Mr Hurd [holding answer 18 July 2013]: Join In was Office what support he plans to introduce for social established to embed the volunteering legacy of the enterprises based outside London. [166056] 2012 Games. They do this through various channels 105W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 106W including social media, direct contact, as well as promotions particular measures. With this in mind, we are currently via radio and print media. Join In own a database of exploring the potential nationally for the livestock industry 18,000 people who they regularly e-mail with information to be more actively involved in the process of defining about volunteering opportunities. They also have access appropriate standards and to reduce the burden of to the volunteering section of the LOCOG database bureaucracy by them entering into voluntary commitments with details of 53,000 people, mostly Games Makers. (underpinned by robust science and veterinary expertise). Join In has contacted those on the LOCOG database on Our intention is to encourage a similar approach at various occasions and estimate that of the database global level through .the OIE (the international animal some 17,000 e-mail addresses are no longer active. health and welfare organisation) where the UK already We do not hold information on the number of refusals plays a leading role in shaping global standards. to get involved, nor of the reasons for any refusal. Billing Unmanned Air Vehicles Nick de Bois: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Watson: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many Office whether the potential for hostile governments creditors to his Department owed more than £10,000 and non-state actors to employ drones in an offensive remained unpaid for more than (a) 30 days, (b) 45 manner against the UK or its Overseas Territories is days, (c) 60 days, (d) 75 days and (e) more than 90 considered as part of the National Security Risk days in each of the last three years. [166373] Assessment. [R] [166499] Richard Benyon: The following table shows the number Miss Chloe Smith: The National Security Risk of organisations owing core DEFRA more than £10,000 Assessment (NSRA) provides a comprehensive assessment as at 31 March for each year given. We are able to and prioritisation of all major extant and emerging provide the information in the following format: numbers risks which .seriously threaten the UK’s national security of organisations that had amounts outstanding for 0-30 interests. The NSRA focuses on strategic level threats, days, 31-60 days, 61-90 days and 91 plus days. and uses a range of generic state-led and non-state led threats to our national security interests. The employment 31-60 91 plus of an array of offensive technologies, including drones; 0-30 days days 61-90 days days was considered when assessing these generic threat scenarios. 31 March: Written Questions 2011 7 2 0 13 2012 10 3 2 9 Chris Ruane: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet 2013 3 3 1 8 Office (1) how many questions answered by his Department included fewer than four pages of statistics in the Official Bovine Tuberculosis Report for the last month; [166696] (2) if he will make it his policy to ensure that all Mr Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for answers provided by his Department containing tables Environment, Food and Rural Affairs for what reasons of statistical data which would not require more than the document entitled, Monitoring the humaneness of four pages in the Official Report are published in full badger population reduction by controlled shooting rather than by reference to a hyperlink. [166720] provided by his Department to Humane Society International/UK on 16 May 2013, in response to a Mr Maude: My Department does not collect the Freedom of Information request, was heavily redacted. information requested. [166300] Tables longer than four pages are routinely placed in the Library of the House. Hyperlinks are often given Mr Heath: Information was redacted from the document when information is already in the public domain. in question since not doing so could adversely affect public safety and/or damage the environment. Non- disclosure of information in this manner is permitted and is in accordance with the Environmental Information ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS Regulations, which include specific exceptions. Animal Welfare British Overseas Territories Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what his policy is Dr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for on linking the use of funding from international finance Environment, Food and Rural Affairs where the British institutions to agricultural and food producers to improve Overseas Territories rank in his Department’s animal welfare standards. [166692] international priorities. [166431]

Mr Heath: The Government is fully committed to Richard Benyon: Support for the protection of the raising animal welfare standards internationally and is natural environment of the UK Overseas Territories is prepared to explore all practical options to this end. a high priority for DEFRA. The new Overseas Territories However, we believe standards will only be effectively Environment and Climate Fund (″Darwin Plus″), overseen and consistently applied if those responsible for the by DEFRA, dedicates around £2 million per annum to animals concerned are convinced of the efficacy of the the 14 Overseas Territories. 107W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 108W

Buildings Drownings: Young People

Sir Paul Beresford: To ask the Secretary of State for Mrs Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many answer of 5 July 2013, Official Report, column 826W, children and young people in England died from on buildings, whether he has received any approach by drowning in lakes, rivers or the sea in each month since potential purchasers to all or some of the 49.7 hectares July 2008. [167321] of land known as Old Rectory Farm which is contiguous with Wisley Airfield; and if he will make a Mr Hurd: I have been asked to reply. statement. [165752] The information requested falls within the responsibility Richard Benyon [holding answer 16 July 2013]: There of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority have been three approaches to core DEFRA expressing to reply. interest in purchasing all or some of the land which is Letter from Glen Watson, dated September 2013: known as Old Rectory Farm. As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I Coastal Areas have been asked to reply to your recent question asking the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State many children and young people in England died from drowning in lakes, rivers or the sea, in each month since July 2008. (167321). for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) if his Department will estimate the income generated by Table 1 provides the number of deaths where the underlying walking and recreation in coastal communities; cause was accidental drowning in natural water or involving watercrafts, for persons aged under 20 years, in England, for [166791] deaths occurring each month between July 2008 and December (2) if his Department will estimate the income generated 2012 (the latest year available). by the England Coast Path for coastal communities; Deaths from intentional self-harm or assault by drowning and [166792] submersion, and drowning and submersion of undetermined (3) if his Department will estimate the income generated intent have not been included in Table 1. by walking and recreation by county. [166794] Figures shown in Table 1 are for deaths occurring, rather than deaths registered in each calendar month. Due to the length of Richard Benyon: DEFRA does not hold figures for time it takes to complete a coroner’s inquest, it can take months the income generated by walking and recreation in or even years for a death to be registered. The median delay for coastal communities or by county. However, annex 4 of deaths due to accidental drowning in 2011 was 169 days; therefore the impact assessment of the Marine and Coastal Access figures for 2011 and 2012 may be incomplete due to registration Act 2009, which was published in March 2010, included delays. Further information on registration delays for a range of an assessment of the costs and benefits of the provisions causes of death can be found on the ONS website: on coastal access under part 9 of that Act. www.ons.gov.uk/ons/guide-method/user-guidance/health-and- life-events/impact-of-registration-delays-on-mortality-statistics/ Natural England has recently commissioned a literature index.html review on the benefits and costs of public access and Table 1. Number of deaths where the underlying cause was accidental drowning countryside recreation. The review estimates that walking in natural water or involving watercrafts, persons aged under 20 in England , as a countryside leisure activity in England involves an deaths occurring in each month between 2008 and 20121,2,3,4 expenditure of £6.14 billion a year, supporting £2.8 billion Deaths in income and up to 246,000 jobs overall. 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State January — 1 0 0 1 for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what his February — 1 1 1 1 policy is on the future implementation of the England March — 0 2 2 2 Coast Path project. [166793] April — 1 1 2 1 May—2011 Richard Benyon: Part 9 of the Marine and Coastal June — 3 5 0 0 Access Act 2009 imposes a coastal access duty on the July24200 Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural August 4 2 1 1 0 Affairs and Natural England. This has the objective to September 0 0 0 1 0 secure a coastal route for open-air recreation around October 0 0 1 0 0 the English coast along with an associated coastal margin. November 0 0 0 1 0 The Act allows the Secretary of State and Natural December 0 1 0 0 0 England to fulfil the duty in stages over a number of Total 6 15 13 9 5 years. One stretch of the coast path at Weymouth Bay 1 Accidental drowning was defined using the International Classification of Diseases Tenth Revision (ICD-10) codes W69 (Drowning and submersion while was opened last year. in natural water), W70 (Drowning, and submersion following a fall into natural The Government is continuing the programme to water, V90 (Accident to watercraft causing drowning and submersion) and V92 (Water transport-related drowning and submersion without accident to watercraft). extend the coastal path network around the English 2 Figures exclude deaths of non-residents. coast. We have recently approved Natural England’s 3 Figures are based on boundaries as at May 2013. proposals for a further two stretches of the English 4 Figures are for deaths occurring, rather than deaths registered in each calendar month. Due to the length of time it takes to complete a coroner’s inquest, it can coast between North Gare and South Bents in Durham, take months or even years for a death to be registered. The median delay for Hartlepool and Sunderland and between Allonby and deaths due to accidental drowning in 2011 was 169 days, therefore figures for Whitehaven in Cumbria. Any necessary establishment 2011 and 2012 may be incomplete due to registration delays. Further information on registration delays for a range of causes can be found on the ONS website: works are expected to be completed in time for the two http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/guide-method/user-guidance/health-and-life-events/ coastal paths to be opened early next year. impact-of-registration-delays-on-mortality-statistics/index.html 109W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 110W

Environment Protection: British Overseas Territories Nature Protection Act. It is the responsibility of the Royal Gibraltar Police to enforce Gibraltar law, including Dr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, illegal fishing, within BGTW. Food and Rural Affairs which policy documents his Food: Retail Trade Department uses to allocate (a) legal, (b) scientific, (c) policy and (d) financial resources to support environmental stewardship in the British Overseas Mr Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment Territories. [166442] he has made of the environmental effects of the Richard Benyon: Territory Governments are business model used by large food retailers in the UK. constitutionally responsible for the protection and [165152] conservation of their natural environments. As outlined in the White Paper on the Overseas Territories, which Mr Heath: We meet representatives of the major food has a whole chapter dedicated to the environment, the retailers on a regular basis and discuss environmental Government is committed to supporting the Territories sustainability issues. in fulfilling these responsibilities. The Communiqué of We have no plan to make an assessment of the the Joint Ministerial Council in 2012 details the specifics environmental effects of the business models used by of each commitment. The guidance material provided these retailers. However, many of these businesses have for the Darwin Plus scheme also informs the allocation their own sustainability strategies, which they share of resources to Overseas Territories to support their with DEFRA. They are also signatories to voluntary environmental stewardship. agreements such as the British Retail Consortium’s “A Better Retailing Climate” initiative and the Courtauld Equality Commitment on reducing food and packaging waste, while the British Retail Consortium itself has also recently Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for joined the soft drinks sector’s sustainability “roadmap” Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much has as a supporter. been spent by his Department (a) in total and (b) on Fracking staff costs on promoting equality and diversity in each of the last three years for which figures are available; and how many people are employed by his Department Bill Esterson: To ask the Secretary of State for for this purpose. [165453] Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment he has made of the risks of (a) water contamination Richard Benyon: The staff costs of promoting equality and (b) air pollution arising from fracking for shale and diversity in each of the last three years and the gas. [166229] number of staff employed for this purpose are as shown in the following table: Richard Benyon: The Government’s previous Chief Scientific Adviser, Sir John Beddington FRS, asked the Financial year Royal Society and the Royal Academy of Engineering to review the scientific and engineering evidence concerning Total staff costs over the risks associated with hydraulic fracturing as a means 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 period (£) to extract shale gas. The review’s key finding was that the health, safety and environmental risks from fracking Staff 129,869 14,298 82,988 227,165 costs (£) for shale gas can be managed effectively in the UK. Number 413—The Environment Agency must make an assessment of staff of the risk of pollution to groundwater on a case by employed case (site by site) basis. The Environment Agency would The non-pay costs specifically attributable to promoting require an operator to apply for an environmental permit equality and diversity are not held in a way that enables for groundwater activity before hydraulic fracturing them to be identified separately. could commence, if it determined that there could be a risk of pollution of groundwater at a site. This permit Fisheries: Gibraltar would put conditions on the operation that would control the risks of pollution in order to safeguard groundwater Dr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for and water quality. Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assistance Similarly, the Environment Agency would require an his Department has provided to the government of environmental permit application if waste gases resulting Gibraltar with regard to illegal fishing by Spanish from the activity were to be burnt in a flare, potentially vessels in the Southern Waters of Gibraltar Special causing air pollution. Area of Conservation. [166459] Greyhounds Richard Benyon: DEFRA is aware of current difficulties regarding Spanish fishing vessels operating in British Jim Fitzpatrick: To ask the Secretary of State for Gibraltar Territorial Waters (BGTW). Should DEFRA Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many receive a request for advice or assistance from HM greyhounds were put to sleep for (a) welfare and (b) Government of Gibraltar (HMGoG), the Department economic reasons in 2012. [167327] would aim to assist in any way it can. Under the Gibraltar Constitution, HMGoG is responsible for the Mr Heath: The Government does not hold annual management of the marine environment, including the records of the numbers of greyhounds euthanized. 111W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 112W

Jim Fitzpatrick: To ask the Secretary of State for The Code of Practice for Using Plant Protection Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps his Products which can be found on the Gov.UK website Department is taking to improve the welfare of racing outlines measures that should be taken to meet this greyhounds. [167328] requirement. Individual products carry instructions regarding safe disposal and additional, guidance is also Mr Heath: The Welfare of Racing Greyhounds (England) provided by organisations such as the industry Voluntary Regulations 2010 provides minimum standards for the Initiative for Pesticides. welfare of racing greyhounds in England. In addition, the Animal Welfare Act 2006 provides more general Mr Charles Walker: To ask the Secretary of State for protection for all kept animals, including racing greyhounds. Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what action his If anyone has any concerns about the welfare of greyhounds Department is taking to assess the dangers posed by at a race track or anywhere else they should contact the chlorpyrifos to the UK’s water courses; and if he will relevant local authority or the Greyhound Board of make a statement. [166598] Great Britain. Mr Heath: All pesticides are subject to regular review High Speed 2 Railway Line to make sure that they meet current safety standards. This is a two-stage process, with a review of the active Mrs Gillan: To ask the Secretary of State for substance approval by the EU being followed by national Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what environmental reviews of the related products. evaluations of High Speed 2 have been conducted by his Chlorpyrifos is at the second stage of that process; Department; and if he will publish all reports that have the EU has confirmed approval of the active substance been prepared for Ministers on that matter. [166745] and the chemicals regulation directorate is reviewing existing product authorisations. The likelihood of Richard Benyon: No environmental evaluations of chlorpyrifos getting into water and the risk that this High Speed 2 (HS2) have been conducted by DEFRA. would pose to people and to the environment will form HS2 Ltd is the Government’s developer of the railway part of this assessment. and DEFRA officials work closely with the company, Natural England, the Environment Agency and colleagues Joan Walley: To ask the Secretary of State for at the Department for Transport, to ensure that its Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what research his environmental assessments are in line with Government Department has (a) carried out and (b) funded into policy. non-chemical methods of pest control for oil seed rape; The Department for Transport will be publishing an and if he will make any useful findings of such research Environmental Statement for Phase 1 of HS2 alongside available to farmers ahead of the two year suspension the hybrid Bill before the end of this year. of some uses of neonicotinoid insecticides. [166782]

Insecticides Mr Heath: Non-chemical methods of pest control for oilseed rape are currently very limited. This is due in Mr Charles Walker: To ask the Secretary of State for part to the historical availability of a range of insecticides, Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent and therefore an underdeveloped research area in identifying representations he has received on (a) the banning of non-chemical methods. Additionally, for those pests chlorpyrifos and (b) the licensing of chlorpyrifos for with the greatest potential for causing significant yield professional use only; and if he will make a statement. losses, high levels of control are required, particularly in [166596] those seasons favourable to population development. A range of cultural techniques and the awareness of the Mr Heath: Following the recent incident in the River value of natural predators do already form a very Kennet, which is thought to be as a result of chlorpyrifos important component in the overall integrated control entering the water, several parties have raised concerns programme. about the authorisation of chlorpyrifos. Once the DEFRA-funded Project PS2141 “integrated pest investigation into the cause and nature of that incident management of pollen beetles in oilseed rape: The way has been completed, the implications for authorisation forward” is currently being undertaken by Rothamsted and controls on pesticides will be fully considered. and the university of Reading and includes looking at Chlorpyrifos products are only authorised for use by non-chemical methods for controlling this pest for oilseed professionals. rape. The project will draw together all the research DEFRA has previously funded in this area. In terms of Mr Charles Walker: To ask the Secretary of State for non-chemical methods, the project objectives cover: Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what measures examining prospects for natural, semi-chemical-based (a) are in place and (b) have previously been in place alternatives and for biological control of pollen beetles to assist with the safe disposal of (i) chlorpyrifos and and examining possibilities for improved habitat (ii) similar pesticides. [166597] management (including conservation biocontrol) to reduce the risk of pollen beetle infestation. The outcomes of Mr Heath: Longstanding UK law requires that those this research should be available early next year and the disposing of any pesticide authorised for professional key messages will be picked up and disseminated to the use and its remnants take reasonable precautions to growers by the groups mentioned as follows. ensure that this does not endanger human health or the The Insecticide Resistance Action Group (IRAG) environment. This includes all products containing and HGCA (the cereals and oilseed division of the chlorpyrifos. Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board) are 113W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 114W also good sources of advice for farmers. HGCA-funded forward proposals on restricting any materials, we need research has formed the basis of advice on cultural to be content that restrictions are the best-value way of methods, and natural predators (described above), and moving material up the waste hierarchy and that the are included in their guide on pest management in costs to businesses and the public sector are affordable. cereals and oilseed rape. IRAG looks specifically at resistance issues in the UK and developing advice on Meat: Ritual Slaughter resistance management. It has a wide-ranging membership across industry and regulators. Guidance is produced regularly, via the IRAG website, disseminating grower Julian Sturdy: To ask the Secretary of State for body outputs. An example is the collaborative approach Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps he is and joint advice given in response to the development taking to ensure appropriate labelling of meat that has of pollen beetle resistance to pyrethroids in oilseed come from animals who have not been stunned due to rape. HGCA research refined existing historical thresholds, ritual slaughtering. [166799] and this is included in their information sheet (18) on monitoring and control of pollen beetle in oilseed rape. Mr Heath: We are currently awaiting the results of an This includes IRAG advice, which is reviewed and EU Commission study on method of slaughter labelling updated each year, and also gives a risk assessment, and and will look at what options are available for providing advice on the importance of natural predators. HGCA information to consumers in light of these EU information sheet 12 mentions opportunities for enhancing developments. Where any information of this nature is natural control through agronomic practices such as provided voluntarily, it must be accurate and must not trap cropping. A knowledge of the insect pest’s biology be misleading to the consumer. and making use of the optimum sowing rates for the oilseed rape can also help the farmer. Members: Correspondence Insects Sir Gerald Kaufman: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when he intends Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for to reply to the letter to him dated 31 May 2013 from Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to the the right hon. Member for Manchester, Gorton with answer of 4 July 2013, Official Report, column 731W, regard to Ms L. Molona. [166968] on pollinators, whether his review of policy and evidence and national pollinator strategy will consider the effects Richard Benyon: The Secretary of State for Environment, of neonicotinoid pesticides on bees and other pollinators. Food and Rural Affairs, my right hon. Friend the [166017] Member for North Shropshire (Mr Paterson), responded to the letter from the right hon. Member with regard to Mr Heath: The review referred to in the answer of 4 Ms L. Moloney on 12 June 2013. July 2013, Official Report, column 731W is designed to develop a better understanding of the various factors that can harm these insects and the changes that Nature Conservation: Ascension Island Government, other organisations and individuals can make to counter their impact. Pesticides, including Dr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, neonicotinoids, are one of the relevant factors but there Food and Rural Affairs what assessment his Department are many others. These include changes in land use, the has made as to whether the Ascension Island government’s type of crops grown, alien species and climate change. draft Marine Protection Ordinance will fulfil that Territory’s The Government has an ongoing commitment to responsibilities under the Convention on Biological keep the evidence on neonicotinoids and pollinators Diversity. [166445] under active consideration. We are currently considering the further work that is needed on this issue, taking into Mark Simmonds: The UK Government has not received account the European Commission’s commitment to a formal request from the British Virgin Islands Government review the available evidence in 2015. for technical assistance in drafting this Bill. We stand ready to consider such assistance and/or representation Landfill if requested to do so by the Territory Government.

Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Dr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment Food and Rural Affairs what (a) technical assistance he has made of the Committee on Climate Change’s his Department has provided and (b) representations recommendation of banning food waste from landfill. his Department has made to the Ascension Island [166149] Government with regard to the draft Marine Protection Ordinance. [166453] Richard Benyon: We have received the Committee on Climate Change’s report: “Meeting Carbon Budgets—2013 Mark Simmonds: I have been asked to reply on behalf Progress Report to Parliament” and will be publishing a of the Department for Foreign and Commonwealth detailed response in October. Affairs. The Government agrees that we need to reduce the The UK Government has not received a formal request amount of biodegradable waste sent to landfill. Our from the Ascension Island Government for technical experience from looking into the case for a restriction assistance in drafting this Ordinance. We stand ready to on wood waste highlighted the complexities and costs consider such assistance and/or representation if requested of landfill restrictions across the board. Before bringing to do so by the Territory Government. 115W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 116W

Nature Conservation: British Overseas Territories The Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty provides for the comprehensive protection of the Antarctic Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for environment and designates Antarctica as a natural reserve, devoted to peace and science. Under the Protocol, over 30 areas of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many (a) British Antarctic Territory have, to date, been designated as terrestrial protected areas and (b) marine protected Antarctic Specially Protected Areas. A further four areas have areas in each of the four British Overseas Territories been designated as larger scale Antarctic Specially Managed have been covered by the UK’s ratification of the Areas. The vast majority of these designations include reasons Convention on Biological Diversity. [164975] specifically relating to biodiversity conservation. A full list can be can be found at: Richard Benyon: The four UK Overseas Territories http://www.ats.aq/e/ep_protected.htm that the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) has Within the British Indian Ocean Territory there are 55 islands, been extended to are: British Virgin Islands; Cayman of which seven islands are fully protected, in addition to the Islands; Gibraltar; and St Helena, Ascension and Tristan island of Diego Garcia which has part protection. da Cunha. The designation of terrestrial protected areas In respect of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, and marine protected areas is a responsibility devolved the Wildlife and Protected Areas Ordinance 2011 affords an to Territory Governments. Therefore we do not hold a extremely high level of protection to terrestrial habitats and flora central record of how many terrestrial protected areas and fauna throughout South Georgia and the South Sandwich or marine protected areas are designated in the Overseas Islands. The Government of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Territories to which the UK’s CBD ratification has Islands is developing plans for Specially Protected Areas, which been extended. can be designated under the Wildlife and Protected Areas Ordinance, and will undertake stakeholder consultation on those plans in due Dr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, course. Food and Rural Affairs (1) what assessment his Department has made as to which protected areas designated for Dr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, biodiversity conservation in the British Overseas Territories, Food and Rural Affairs (1) what assessment his Department to which the Convention on Biological Diversity has has made as to which species are at most imminent risk been extended, are more threatened; [166433] of global extinction in the (a) three uninhabited British (2) how many (a) terrestrial and (b) marine protected Overseas Territories, (b) four British Overseas Territories areas have been designated for biodiversity conservation to which the Convention on Biological Diversity has in the (i) three uninhabited British Overseas Territories, been extended and (c) other seven British Overseas (ii) four British Overseas Territories to which the Convention Territories; [166438] on Biological Diversity has been extended and (iii) (2) how many (a) critically endangered species and other seven British Overseas Territories; [166439] (b) globally threatened species there are which occur in (3) what proportion of the total land area is covered (i) England, (ii) the UK and (iii) the British Overseas by protected areas designated for biodiversity conservation Territories. [166443] in the (a) three uninhabited British Overseas Territories, (b) four British Overseas Territories to which the Richard Benyon: DEFRA does not undertake annual Convention on Biological Diversity has been extended assessments of globally threatened species present in and (c) other seven British Overseas Territories. the UK, England and the UK Overseas Territories but [166444] the latest information by country is available on the IUCN Red List website. This is accepted as the authoritative Richard Benyon: The four UK Overseas Territories source on assessing extinction risk for the world’s species. that the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) has been extended to are: British Virgin Islands; Cayman Currently this shows that there are 82 IUCN Red List Islands; Gibraltar; and St Helena, Ascension and Tristan threatened species in the UK (there is no separate da Cunha. Responsibility for the designation of Terrestrial England entry). The number for individual Overseas Protected Areas and Marine Protected Areas (MPA) is Territories is as follows, although some species may devolved to Overseas Territory Governments. We do occur in more than one Territory: not therefore hold a central record of how many Terrestrial Protected Areas or MPAs have been designated in the Number Overseas Territories, or the proportion of the total area Anguilla 39 they cover. Neither have we made an assessment of Bermuda 55 which of these protected areas is most threatened. British Antarctic Territory 1— For the Uninhabited Overseas Territories, we hold British Indian Ocean Territory 81 the following information: British Virgin Islands 49 The British Indian Ocean Territory declared a no-take MPA in Cayman Islands 39 2009 across its maritime zone of 640,000 km2. Falkland Islands 24 Prior to ratifying the Antarctic Treaty, 1959, which places Gibraltar 23 Antarctic sovereignty issues in abeyance, the UK had only declared Montserrat 42 a three-mile territorial sea around the British Antarctic Territory. Pitcairn 43 However, in 2009, the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan 65 Marine Living Resources agreed an MPA of 94,000 square kilometres da Cunha on the Southern Shelf of the South Orkney Islands. South Georgia and South Sandwich 10 In 2012 the Government of South Georgia and the South Islands Sandwich Islands declared a sustainable-use MPA of one million Sovereign Base areas of Akrotiri and 1— square kilometres in size (equivalent to four times the terrestrial Dhekelia area of the United Kingdom), including over 20,000 square Turks and Caicos Islands 44 kilometres of no-fishing zones. 1 No figure 117W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 118W

Of those species that have been studied, there are 101 Dr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, critically endangered species in the UK Overseas Territories Food and Rural Affairs how much his Department has and 29 critically endangered species in the UK. spent in financial terms on biodiversity conservation in (a) England and (b) the British Overseas Territories in Dr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for each of the last three years. [166441] Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment his Department has made as to whether the scientific evidence needs of biodiversity conservation in the Richard Benyon: Territory Governments are British Overseas Territories are adequately addressed constitutionally responsible for the protection and conservation of their natural environments. Details of in his Department’s 31 evidence plans. [166440] DEFRA spend on biodiversity conservation in England Richard Benyon: The evidence needs of biodiversity and in the British Overseas Territories in each of the conservation in the British Overseas Territories are last three years, as well as 2012-13, are provided in the specifically addressed in the Department’s Biodiversity following table. These figures represent DEFRA programme and Ecosystems Evidence Plan. This is aligned to underpin spend and spend by the wider DEFRA network but do the policy agenda, as set out in Biodiversity 2020, with not include staff costs. They also include total agri- robust and wide-ranging evidence and analysis, and environment scheme expenditure and the DEFRA integrated approaches. Objective 9.2 of the Evidence biodiversity research programme, of which a major Plan is to improve the evidence base in the UK Overseas share is judged to be spent on biodiversity in England. Territories to assist in meeting international commitments, Estimated public expenditure by DEFRA network in particular the control and management of invasive organisations on biodiversity conservation in England species. and the British Overseas Territories.

£ million Area of spend 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13

DEFRA: Agri-environment schemes1 351.1 388.1 416.2 408.7

Other DEFRA expenditure: Biodiversity programme2 3.2 1.9 2.7 1.9 Biodiversity evidence and research1 6.7 5.1 7.8 7.0

Environment Agency 25.5 26.2 25.3 21.4 Forestry Commission 20.6 18.7 18.0 23.3 Natural England 56.9 36.5 25.5 26.5 Joint Nature Conservation Committee 2.1 2.2 3.2 3.3 DEFRA network total3 466.1 478.7 498.7 492.1

Biodiversity conservation in the British Overseas Territories 1.7 1.4 3.0 1.6 1 Total scheme and research expenditure,’ consisting largely of work related to biodiversity in England. 2 Due to restructuring of the budgets, the expenditure figure for the Biodiversity programme is not directly comparable with estimates from previous years.

DEFRA spend on biodiversity conservation in the It is the responsibility of the British Virgin Islands British Overseas Territories includes commitments under Government to ensure that it meets the requirements of the Darwin Initiative and support for projects to address the Convention on Biological Diversity. If requested we invasive non-native species. It also includes spend by the will work with the Territories to which the Convention Joint Nature Conservation Committee and the Centre on Biological Diversity been extended to help them for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science. It meet their obligations. does not include spend by others. In addition, since 2010 DEFRA has provided funding amounting to nearly Dr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for £67,000 to biodiversity conservation projects in the UK Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what (a) Overseas Territories through the Flagship Species Fund. technical assistance his Department has provided and (b) representations his Department has made to the Nature Conservation: British Virgin Islands government of the British Virgin Islands with regard to that Territory’s draft Environmental Management and Dr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Conservation of Biodiversity Bill. [166435] Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment his Department has made of whether the government of the British Virgin Islands’ draft Environmental Mark Simmonds: I have been asked to reply on behalf Management and Conservation of Biodiversity Bill of the Department for Foreign and Commonwealth will advance that Territory’s responsibilities under the Affairs. Convention on Biological Diversity. [166434] The UK Government has not received a formal request from the British Virgin Islands Government for technical Mark Simmonds: I have been asked to reply on behalf assistance in drafting this Bill. We stand ready to consider of the Department for Foreign and Commonwealth such assistance and/or representation if requested to do Affairs. so by the Territory Government. 119W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 120W

Nature Conservation: Cayman Islands the Territories to which the Convention on Biological Diversity has been extended to help them meet their Dr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for obligations. Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment his Department has made of whether the government Noise: Pollution Control of the Cayman Islands’ draft National Conservation Bill will fulfil that Territory’s responsibilities under the Sir Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for Convention on Biological Diversity. [166436] Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what progress his Department has made on noise policy since the Mark Simmonds: I have been asked to reply on behalf publication of the 2010 Noise Policy Statement; and if of the Department for Foreign and Commonwealth he will make a statement. [166584] Affairs. It is the responsibility of the Cayman Islands Government Richard Benyon: Since the publication of the Noise to ensure that it meets the requirements of the convention Policy Statement for England (NPSE) in 2010, DEFRA on biological diversity. If requested we will work with has worked closely with other Government Departments the territories to which the convention on biological to embed the vision and aims in policies developed diversity has been extended to help them meet their across Whitehall. These include the National Planning obligations. Policy Framework, the National Policy Statements that support Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects, Dr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, the Public Health Outcomes Framework indicator set, Food and Rural Affairs what (a) technical assistance and the Aviation Policy Framework. his Department has provided and (b) representations In addition, the policy has been implemented through his Department has made to the Cayman Islands the EU environmental noise directive noise action planning government with regard to that Territory’s draft National process. This has created a framework and mechanism Conservation Bill. [166437] enabling the relevant authorities to identify, investigate and, where necessary, treat those locations exposed to Mark Simmonds: I have been asked to reply on behalf the highest levels of noise from transport sources. of the Department for Foreign and Commonwealth We also continue to develop evidence and appraisal Affairs. methods to support the implementation of the NPSE. The Cayman Islands Government first drafted a National Conservation Law in 2001. The UK Government reviewed Northcote House the draft in November 2001. Since then the draft has been amended several times. The UK Government stands ready to consider further technical assistance and/or Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for representation if requested to do so by the Cayman Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many (a) Islands Government. Ministers and (b) officials in his Department used the facilities at Northcote House, Sunningdale Park, Dr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Berkshire in (i) 2010-11, (ii) 2011-12 and (iii) 2012-13; Food and Rural Affairs what recent assessment his and if he will make a statement. [164820] Department has made of the effect of waste management practices on biodiversity conservation in the Cayman Richard Benyon: Following a review of learning and development across Government the National School Islands. [166458] of Government which delivered training on the Sunningdale Mark Simmonds: Environmental issues, including waste Park site closed in March 2012. Data on which individuals management and biodiversity conservation, are the may have used the site was not retained. responsibility of the Cayman Island Government. The UK Government stands ready to consider technical Ofwat advice in these areas if requested to do so by the Territory Government. Miss McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the level of Nature Conservation: St Helena consultancy fees commissioned by Ofwat was in the last 12 months; and if he will make a statement. [166626] Dr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment his Department Richard Benyon: In 2012-13 Ofwat has spent £5.378 has made as to whether the St Helena Government’s million on consultancy services. Ofwat’s spending fluctuates draft Environmental Protection Ordinance follows best during the regulatory cycle, rising as it moves towards practice and will enable delivery of that Territory’s the end of a price review period. Consultancy is a more responsibilities under the Convention on Biological efficient way of managing these peaks than maintaining Diversity. [166452] a larger permanent staff over the whole period.

Mark Simmonds: I have been asked to reply on behalf Pets: Sales of the Department for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs. Naomi Long: To ask the Secretary of State for It is the responsibility of the St Helena Government Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if he will bring to ensure that it meets the requirements of the Convention forward proposals to examine the effectiveness of pet on Biological Diversity. If requested we will work with shop licensing legislation. [166865] 121W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 122W

Mr Heath: There are no plans to examine the effectiveness Description of pet shop licensing legislation. The Government considers Years: that the Pet Animals Act 1951 together with the Animal 2001-12 Regulated sites Unregulated sites Total fires Welfare Act 2006 provide local authorities with suitable powers to investigate allegations of poor welfare in pet 2001 154 92 246 shops. 2002 203 140 343 2003 288 110 398 Naomi Long: To ask the Secretary of State for 2004 254 83 337 Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment 2005 239 107 346 he has made of the extent of the issue of people 2006 284 95 379 running large puppy breeding operations form their 2007 236 54 290 own home without a suitable licence. [166866] 2008 227 48 275 2009 282 55 337 Mr Heath: The Government has not made any 2010 286 59 345 assessment around claims of people carrying out large 2011 348 77 425 scale dog breeding operations. However, the existing 2012 247 55 302 laws on the breeding and sale of dogs provide powers to local authorities to investigate allegations of large scale Derek Twigg: To ask the Secretary of State for dog breeding operations taking place in inappropriate Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to the conditions. answer of 8 July 2013, Official Report, column 10W, on recycling, how many sites have received notice or Naomi Long: To ask the Secretary of State for warnings about the way material was being stored at Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) what the sites before a fire occured. [166618] consideration he has given to prohibiting the sale of puppies in pet shops; [166867] Richard Benyon: The Environment Agency records (2) what assessment he has made of the suitability of information on breaches of permits, but it would incur pet shops as a place to provide for the welfare needs of disproportionate cost to look at the individual circumstances young puppies before they are sold. [166868] of each of the 3,048 fire incidents at regulated sites since 2001. Mr Heath: The Government has no proposals to Environmental permits may specify the maximum prohibit the selling of dogs from pet shops. It is for local quantities of waste that may be stored. Operators may authorities to decide whether an individual pet shop is also be required to produce accident management plans suitable to sell particular animals, including dogs. Conditions that include measures to prevent fire. can be placed on individual pet shop licences restricting the animals that can be sold. If anyone is concerned Regulation about the welfare of animals in a pet shop they should report the matter to the relevant local authority. Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the title is Rabies of each regulation his Department (a) introduced and (b) revoked in (i) 2010, (ii) 2011, (iii) 2012 and (iv) Jim Fitzpatrick: To ask the Secretary of State for 2013 to date; and if he will make a statement. [165911] Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many local authorities (a) have a contingency plan in place in the Richard Benyon: Core DEFRA has introduced 202 event of a rabies outbreak and (b) are currently statutory instruments between May 2010 and 3 July reviewing such a plan. [166840] 2013 but no primary legislation. In addition 224 regulations were revoked either in whole or in part. These regulations Mr Heath: The Civil Contingencies Act 2004 places a will be placed in the library of the house. statutory duty on local authorities to maintain and Regulations due to be introduced during the period review emergency plans for scenarios which threaten July to December 2013 are listed in the Statement of serious damage to human welfare or the environment. New Regulation published in July 2013: Local authorities must carry out and then review risk https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department- assessments to decide what plans are required, and for-business-innovation-skills/series/one-in-two-out- when they might need revising. Information on which statement-of-new-regulation local authorities are currently reviewing animal disease plans is not held centrally. Rural Areas

Recycling: Fires Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what opportunities Derek Twigg: To ask the Secretary of State for his Department provides for stakeholders to comment Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to the on proposals for new environmental land management answer of 8 July 2013, Official Report, column 10W, on schemes. [166788] recycling, how many fires were at regulated sites. [166617] Richard Benyon: Stakeholders have been involved at every stage of scheme development to date. They have Richard Benyon: The table shows the number of fires actively taken part in individual review groups which recorded by the Environment Agency at both regulated have examined each of the current scheme options and and unregulated sites for the period 2001-12. considered the scope for additions or amendments. 123W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 124W

DEFRA officials hold regular informal monthly meetings Richard Benyon: The Government supports the with representatives of industry and environmental non- generation of energy from waste. As part of the modelling governmental organisations to discuss emerging thinking for the Rural Community Energy Fund (RCEF) both and to seek views on the development of the new community-scale anaerobic digesters and combined heat environmental land management scheme. Representatives and power units were among the technologies assessed of particular interest stakeholder organisations also for funding. Details about the support now available meet with officials on request and have had the opportunity through the RCEF for these and other technologies can to submit and present their own propositions for new be found at: scheme design. www.wrap.org.uk/content/rural-community-energy-fund Updates and discussions on particular aspects of new scheme design take place with all stakeholders at quarterly Senior Civil Servants Natural England-led Agri-environment Stakeholder Group meetings. Stephen Barclay: To ask the Secretary of State for In addition, DEFRA also runs two groups to ensure Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many the proposals for a new scheme are appropriately challenged. senior civil servants left his Department and public These are a farmers’ panel and a group of senior bodies under voluntary exit and received a severance stakeholders, academics, think tanks and others. payment in each of the last three years; and what the value of such payments was. [164400] Regular updates on scheme development and associated matters are provided through a scheme bulletin available Richard Benyon: The information following shows on the Natural England website at the number of senior civil servants and equivalent staff http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/farming/funding/ (SCS) who left core DEFRA, its executive agencies and developments.aspx non-departmental public bodies under voluntary exit in This is also available via Twitter. The bulletin contains a the years specified. This includes all non-compulsory link to a Natural England-managed mailbox for the departures under the Civil Service Compensation Scheme. submission of views and suggestions. Financial Number of SCS and Total value of severance year equivalent voluntary exits payments (£) Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what consultation 2012-13 5 365,858 his Department has undertaken with stakeholders in 2011-12 26 2,662,974 respect of new environmental land management schemes. 2010-11 43 4,239,446 [166789] Changes to the Civil Service Compensation Scheme were introduced in December 2010, which reduced the Richard Benyon: DEFRA has not yet formally consulted amounts of compensation payments available. The reformed on the new environmental land management, scheme scheme allows for greater distinction between voluntary currently being developed. However, there has been and compulsory exits and is designed to encourage regular informal consultation with stakeholders about voluntary rather than compulsory departures. the various stages of development to date. The figures for 2012-13 will be published as part of We will continue to discuss initial scheme design with the Annual Report and Accounts. stakeholders during the summer, ahead of formal consultation on the new programme which is expected Sky Lanterns to follow in the autumn. Patrick Mercer: To ask the Secretary of State for Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what consideration representations he has received on the dangers posed he has given to providing funding for landowners for by Chinese lanterns. [166848] walking and access infrastructure under new environmental land management schemes. [166790] Mr Heath: I have received a number of recent representations on this issue from farming groups and Richard Benyon: Continued funding for permissive other interested parties. Because of the concerns that access infrastructure, as currently provided through people have about the possible impacts of sky lanterns, Environmental Stewardship, is under consideration. This DEFRA and the Welsh Government commissioned an forms part of our work to develop a new environmental independent report to improve the evidence-base. Published land management scheme which will replace Environmental in May 2013, the report brings together and evaluates Stewardship, as part of the next Rural Development the available evidence, including submissions from the Programme. No firm decisions have yet been taken on farming sector and the results of a survey of stakeholders. what might be funded by the new programme. While farmers have lost livestock due to ingested wire from sky lanterns, this research suggests that the risk of injury and death to cattle and impact on the environment Rural Community Energy Fund is low.

Mr Bellingham: To ask the Secretary of State for Tree Health and Plant Biosecurity Expert Taskforce Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment he has made of the Rural Community Energy Fund’s Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for capacity to fund low carbon waste removal projects. Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to the [165993] written statement of 16 July 2013, Official Report, 125W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 126W columns 78-9WS, on Tree Health and Plant Biosecurity The Plant Health (England) Order 2005 (as amended) Taskforce, what (a) powers, (b) budgets and (c) staffing and the Plant Health (Forestry) Order 2005 (as amended) the Chief Plant Health Officer will be given; whether include requirements to protect against the risk of these will be on an equivalent basis to those given to the introducing harmful plant pests via soil. These include Chief Animal Health Officer; and if he will make a a prohibition on importing soil from most countries statement. [166850] outside Europe. Where small quantities of soil are attached to plant roots to sustain their vitality, the soil Mr Heath: The Secretary of State for Environment, must meet specific import requirements on pest freedom. Food and Rural Affairs, the right hon. Member for We are currently working with the European Commission North Shropshire (Mr Paterson), laid a written ministerial and other member states to assess the effectiveness of statement on 16 July 2013, Official Report, columns 78- these controls and consider what further measures might 79WS, which updated the House on progress on the be necessary to protect the EU as a whole. As a first Tree Health and Plant Biosecurity Expert Task Force step, the European Food Safety Authority has been recommendations, including the appointment of a Chief asked to produce a scientific opinion on this issue. Plant Health Officer. Trees: Imports DEFRA will be launching an exercise later in the summer to recruit a senior-level Chief Plant Health Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Officer in response to the Taskforce’s recommendation. Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many (a) She or he will play a prominent and influential role in larch, (b) oak, (c) plane, (d) horse chestnut, (e) elm advising Ministers, industry and others about the risks and (f) pine trees were imported into the UK in the posed by plant pests and diseases and will also ensure latest period for which figures are available. [166005] that measures are in place to manage those risks and minimise their impact. In the event of a major disease Mr Heath: Since the beginning of October 2012 there outbreak, the Chief Plant Health Officer will lead the have been no imports of larch, oak, plane, horse chestnut, operational response, providing clear leadership and or sweet chestnut trees from outside the EU into England accountability. or Wales. There were 152 Pinus pentaphylla (Japanese Like the Chief Veterinary Officer, the Chief Plant white pine) and 10 Ulmus parvifolla (Chinese elm) Health Officer will have direct access to Ministers and imported as bonsai from Japan. These are different species the authority to act when necessary. The Secretary of to the English elm (Ulmus procera) or the common pine State has recently initiated monthly biosecurity meetings for which there were also no recorded imports. to assess the latest risks to plant health, animal health Movements of trees within the EU single market are and from non-native invasive species. The Chief Plant not officially recorded routinely. However, DEFRA Health Officer will report directly to Ministers and introduced a statutory notification scheme on 17 January other senior officials at those meetings and will be able 2013 for certain tree genera (including ash, oak, sweet to call on the appropriate resources to tackle threats. chestnut and plane) moved into England from other The Secretary of State will publish a full response to EU member states. Since then, there have been no all of the Task Force recommendations later this year. notifications for ash trees, which remain subject to import and movement restrictions as part of the management strategy against Chalara fraxinea. There have been 214,554 Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for oak trees, 2,300 plane trees and 21,040 sweet chestnut Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to the trees notified. There is no statutory notification required Written Statement of 16 July 2013, Official Report, for elm, horse chestnut, larch and pine in England or columns 78-9WS, on Tree Health and Plant Biosecurity Wales. The Plant Health (Scotland) Amendment (No. Taskforce, what steps he has put in place to (a) avoid 2) Order 2013 introduced statutory notification of pine the introduction into the UK of the emerald ash borer in June 2013 for Scotland. A similar requirement is and (b) reduce the threat to tree health and bio-security currently being considered in England and Wales for from the global trade in soil; what assessment he has possible introduction later this year. made of whether the emerald ash borer would reproduce The Forestry Commission also records trees imported effectively in and kill the ash trees showing resistance to from the EU for forest reproductive purposes. Since Chalara; and if he will make a statement. [166851] October 2012 there have been 81,825 oak trees (30,000 of those are also included in the DEFRA figures), Mr Heath: The emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis) 33,500 larch, 20,275 pine and 7,300 sweet chestnut would be a potentially damaging pest to ash trees in the imported into England and Wales for that purpose. UK, including those showing resistance to Chalara There are no records for elm during this period. Horse fraxinea, if it were introduced and allowed to establish. chestnut and plane are not species considered for forest It is not present in the UK or elsewhere in the EU; the reproductive material, therefore imports are not recorded Plant Health (England) Order 2005 (as amended) and for this purpose. the Plant Health (Forestry) Order 2005 (as amended) include requirements to protect against its introduction. Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Specific measures are in place to ensure that imported Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many ash ash trees and wood are free of the pest. Ash trees trees were imported into the UK in the latest period cannot currently be imported, due to the restrictions in before the ash import ban was implemented. [166006] place in connection with Chalara fraxinea. Following the UK pressing for these measures to be reviewed for Mr Heath: Prior to the introduction of the import the EU as a whole, new legislation is now being prepared and movement restrictions of ash plants for planting, which will further strengthen the protection in place. some 0.56 million bare-rooted ash plants (Fraxinus 127W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 128W excelsior) were imported into the UK during 2011 for Jo Swinson: The Government is aware of and concerned forestry purposes. A survey of UK growers conducted about the impact that cumulative, distorted and unrealistic in November 2012 by the Horticultural Trades Association images can have on people’s self-esteem and wellbeing. (HTA) indicated that imported ash could represent as Since 2010 we have run a Body Confidence Campaign, much as 3.5 million trees per year. This is significantly which works with the media, advertising, retail and higher than the previous figure because the survey fashion industries. The campaign promotes positive includes imports for purposes other than forestry and and diverse representations of appearance in the media species of Fraxinus other than F. excelsior. and other cultural forms, strengthens individual media DEFRA implements the EU Plant Health regime literacy and resilience to low body confidence, and (directive 2000/29/EC) in England and, under a concordat, supports young people’s aspirations and confidence in in Wales. Separate arrangements apply in Scotland and their contribution to society. The programme is evidence- Northern Ireland. Most imported trees are introduced based and guided by an expert advisory group drawn through England, even if intended for other parts of the from industry, academia and the third sector. UK. Movements of trees within the EU single market The Campaign worked with the Professional Publishers are not officially recorded routinely. However, DEFRA Association to develop an industry award to recognise introduced a statutory notification scheme on 17 January and reward best practice in the area of diverse body 2013 for certain tree genera (including ash, oak and images in magazines. This is called the PPA Diversity plane) moved into England from other EU member Award and the first winner (Essentials Magazine) was states. Since then, there have been no notifications for announced at the annual PPA awards ceremony in ash trees, which remain subject to import and movement June 2012. restrictions as part of the management strategy against Chalara fraxinea. The Campaign worked with the Media Smart Trust, Written Questions a charity run by the advertising industry, to produce online resource packs for parents and teachers to help Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for them educate children about the images used in advertising, Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) how many how they can be distorted, and the impact this can have questions answered by his Department included fewer on individuals. These packs have been downloaded over than four pages of statistics in the Official Report for 30,000 times and can be found at the last month; [166703] www.mediasmart.org.uk/resources/bodyimage (2) if he will make it his policy to ensure that all answers provided by his Department containing tables The Campaign has also been involved with the of statistical data which would not require more than development of Pretty As A Picture, produced by Credos, four pages in the Official Report are published in full the research arm of the advertising industry.This researched rather than by reference to a hyperlink. [166728] the opinions and attitudes of young women to the images represented in advertising, and published the Richard Benyon: From 17 June to 17 July 2013, DEFRA findings in an attractive and accessible format. This answered 385 parliamentary questions. Of these, 41 report can be viewed at answers contained statistics that were less than four pages in length. www.credos.org.uk/publications The Office of the Leader of the House provides The Advertising Association is currently launching a guidance to all Departments on the practice of answering new project to understand BME attitudes to advertising, parliamentary questions by reference to Government which will explore BME expectations and aspirations, websites. brand preferences and media use. The guidance advises that the answer should give the Member the factual information requested (including In July I met with the Chair of the Advertising supplying paper copies of the website pages); with an Association and the CEO of Pearl & Dean to discuss additional line in the answer indicating that the information further ways in which the advertising sector can work to is already made readily available. support promote positive body confidence. A number The full Guide is available on the Cabinet Office of projects are currently being scoped, including the website at: possibility of incorporating training in body confidence http://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guide-to- and diversity into industry programmes, and the details parliamentary-work of these will be announced once they are finalised. A copy of the guidance relating to referring to websites The Body Confidence Campaign also supports and has already been placed in the Library and the Office of encourages good practice across industry. Examples of the Leader of the House of Commons intends to review this include initiatives by retailers such as Debenhams, the Guide to Parliamentary Work later this year. who have produced a Look Book featuring models of different ages, sizes and physical abilities, and have made a commitment to use un-airbrushed photography. BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS The Campaign supports the organisation Models of Diversity, which campaigns for a wider range of races, Advertising: Health ages, shapes, sizes and abilities to be represented across the modelling industry, and participated in their recent Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for documentary on models with disabilities. This documentary Business, Innovation and Skills what steps he plans to can be viewed at take in relation to the use of distorted body images in advertising; and if he will make a statement. [165932] www.modelsofdiversity.org 129W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 130W

Apprentices Local employers and providers have the local knowledge and profession expertise to best identify the skills that Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for are most valuable, not bureaucrats in London. The Business, Innovation and Skills what strategies he has apprenticeship reforms will strength this approach. to create apprenticeships in his Department; and what As apprenticeships are real jobs with training, the plans he has to promote such strategies. [165883] locations and sectors where apprenticeships are available is therefore determined by employers offering Jo Swinson: The Department for Business, Innovation apprenticeships and recruiting apprentices. and Skills (BIS) has a strategy in place to promote and Final data for the full 2012/13 academic year will be offer apprenticeship opportunities to all existing staff at available by January 2014 along with provisional data grades AA to SEO (excluding Fast Streamers who have for the first quarter of the 2013/14 academic year. Final their own development programme) across levels 2 to 4 data for the full 2013/14 academic year will be available in a range of subject areas that meet the capability by January 2015. priorities of the civil service. Since October 2012, 44 staff have taken up this opportunity, which was recently Apprentices: Nottinghamshire promoted as part of Adult Learners’ Week. As part of the strategy the Department also offers apprenticeships John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, in subjects relevant to BIS professions such as Innovation and Skills who has been contracted to provide communications and finance and in the longer term the the apprenticeships funded by the Skills Funding Agency intention is to extend the offer to apprenticeships at in (a) Newark, (b) Bassetlaw, (c) Sherwood, (d) Gedling, level 5 and beyond where this meets business needs. (e) Ashfield and (f) Nottingham city. [166901] BIS has undergone a major restructure which has seen staff numbers reduce by 20% since 2010, but is now Matthew Hancock: The providers of government-funded in a position to expand the apprenticeships opportunities apprenticeships within each local authority are published available to young people. There are six apprentices in a supplementary table to a quarterly Statistical First under 21 in the Department at present and the Department’s Release (SFR). Information is not published at the offer includes apprenticeships in finance and the parliamentary constituency level. Government’s first communications apprentices who http://www.thedataservice.org.uk/NR/rdonlyres/4027FBE2- joined the Department in June 2013. EA08-4040-8A39-828C06648A3D/0/January2013_ BIS has played a key role in the development of the Participation_by_Provider_Funding_Stream_Learner_and_ new civil service apprenticeship offer and is welcoming Learning_Characteristics201112.xls six young apprentices into the Department in September, Arms Trade: Exports with plans to take on at least another six in the second phase of the scheme in early 2014. Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for HR Directors from across BIS and partner organisations Business, Innovation and Skills pursuant to the First have established a network to share ideas and best Report of the Committees on Arms Exports Control, practice on the recruitment, development and support Scrutiny of Arms Exports and Arms Control, Annex 13: of apprenticeships so that opportunities can be expanded Extant arms export licences to Countries of concern, across the BIS family. Ev w170, Letter from the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills to the Chair of the Committees, John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, dated 10 May 2013, and Ev w264, Letter from the Innovation and Skills (1) how many apprenticeships Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills to funded by the Skills Funding Agency in the next year the Chair of the Committees dated 20 May 2013 on the will be based in (a) Mansfield, (b) Bassetlaw constituency, Standard Individual Export Licence (Permanent) for (c) Sherwood, (d) Nottingham city, (e) Ashfield and equipment employing cryptography and software for (f) Newark; [166514] equipment employing cryptography of the value (2) in which sectors apprenticeships will be provided £7,765,450,000 to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian by the Skills Funding Agency in 2013 in (a) Territories, how many companies the licence was granted Nottingham city, (b) Ashfield, (c) Gedling, (d) to; for what reasons the value of the licence is higher Sherwood and (e) Bassetlaw constituency; [166515] than others for similar goods; and if he will provide (3) in which sectors apprenticeships funded by the further details on what the licence was granted for. Skills Funding Agency in 2013 in Mansfield will be [166871] provided; [166529] (4) how many apprenticeships funded by the Skills Michael Fallon: This licence was granted in the first Funding Agency in 2013 will be based in Gedling. quarter of 2013 to a single company and permits the [166530] export of equipment and software for building public mobile phone networks in residential areas and for Matthew Hancock: The Government has no role in small businesses. The exporter has confirmed that the deciding the location or type of apprenticeships being high value of the licence is based on the expectation of done, and therefore does not have this information. a large number of orders over the two year validity of This Government skills policy has shifted from forcing the licence. skills providers to meet detailed centrally determined All export licence applications are rigorously assessed skills targets, to giving providers, employers and learners on a case by case basis against the Consolidated European the flexibility and ownership to determine which skills Union (EU) and National Arms Export Licensing Criteria. will best provide employment and respond to skills gaps Export licences are not issued where they would be in the local and national economy. inconsistent with the criteria. 131W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 132W

Billing Credit: Interest Rates

Nick de Bois: To ask the Secretary of State for Jim Sheridan: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how many creditors to Business, Innovation and Skills what estimate he has his Department owed more than £10,000 remained made of the number of people who have taken out a unpaid for more than (a) 30 days, (b) 45 days, (c) 60 payday loan in (a) Paisley and Renfrewshire North days, (d) 75 days and (e) more than 90 days in each of constituency, (b) Renfrewshire, (c) Scotland and (d) the last three years. [166365] the UK. [166678]

Jo Swinson: Departmental finance records show that Jo Swinson: The Government does not keep any data the following number of creditors owed over £10,000 on the number of people that have taken out a payday remained unpaid in each of the last three calendar loan in (a) Paisley and Renfrewshire North constituency, years. For ease, the year to date figure has also been (b) Renfrewshire, (c) Scotland and (d) the UK. Estimates provided. of the number of households in Great Britain using payday loans varies from 330,000 according to the More than More than More than More than 30 days 45 days 60 days 75 days YouGov Debt track survey (2011) to around 1.5 million (2012) according to the Aviva Family Finances Survey. 2010 6 4 1 0 2011 4 3 1 1 Sir Peter Bottomley: To ask the Secretary of State for 2012 8 1 2 0 Business, Innovation and Skills what proportion of 2013 (to 2201households with one or more adults in employment July) used (a) home collected credit, (b) payday loans and (c) [166758] The Department takes prompt payment very seriously all forms of high cost credit in 2012. and on average over 99% of all creditor invoices are paid within 30 days and of these, 95% are paid within Jo Swinson: The following table provides data on the five working days. Delays in payments are rare and proportion of households within Great Britain with most often occur when invoices are disputed. one or more adults working using (a) home collected credit, (b) payday loans and (c) all forms of high cost Business: Yorkshire and the Humber credit in 2012. This data is taken from the YouGov Debt track survey. Mr David Davis: To ask the Secretary of State for Households with one or more adults working Business, Innovation and Skills how many small and Percentage medium-sized businesses in Haltemprice and Howden Home collected credit 1.2 constituency were offered Enterprise Finance Payday loan 1.8 Guarantee loans in (a) 2010, (b) 2011, (c) 2012 and Any high-cost credit 3.1 (d) 2013 to date. [167023]

Michael Fallon: Enterprise Finance Guarantee loans Sir Peter Bottomley: To ask the Secretary of State for are provided by participating lenders with the support Business, Innovation and Skills what proportion of of the Government guarantee. households used credit for everyday living expenses in The following table details the volume of EFG loans (a) 2008-09, (b) 2009-10 and (c) 2011-12. [166759] provided to businesses and includes loan offers and actual loans drawn down for the Haltemprice and Howden Jo Swinson: The following table provides data on the constituency are as follows: proportion of households within Great Britain reporting they used credit for everyday living expenses in (a) Calendar year Offered number Drawn number 2008-09, (b) 2009-10 and (c) 2011-12. This data is 2010 8 7 taken from the YouGov Debt track survey. 2011 6 4 Percentage 2012 3 4 2008-09 2009-10 2011-12 2013 to date 1 1 All the time 11 11 10 Conditions of Employment: Cambodia Once in a while 15 13 13 Either 26 25 23 Michael Connarty: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills whether he has Debts discussed with Tate and Lyle the alleged use of child labour in that company’s supply chain in Cambodia. [166237] Sir Peter Bottomley: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what the average amount Jo Swinson: The Secretary of State for Business, owed by households in relation to (a) student loans, Innovation and Skills, my right hon. Friend the Member (b) personal loans, (c) credit cards, (d) overdrafts and for Twickenham (Vince Cable) has not had any discussions (e) high cost credit in (i) 2011 and (ii) 2012 was. with Tate & Lyle on this matter. [166760] 133W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 134W

Jo Swinson: The following table provides data on the Michael Fallon: UKH2Mobility, a Government and average amount owed by all households within Great cross-industry programme, is currently evaluating the Britain in relation to (a) student loans, (b) personal potential for use of hydrogen and fuel cell technology in loans, (c)credit cards, and (e) all high cost credit in (i) travel and what support the industry might need. It is 2011 and (ii) 2012. This data is taken from the YouGov expected to report at the end of this year. Debt track survey. For (d) overdrafts, the survey only Working with the Office for Low Emissions Vehicles includes data on authorised overdrafts. (OLEV) the Technology Strategy board has invested in excess of £41 million into fuel cell and hydrogen technologies Mean (£), 2011 Mean (£), 2012 since 2009. In this financial year 2013-14 the TSB has Student loans 1,100 1,300 plans to invest a further £4.5 million into ongoing Personal loans 800 700 activity supporting fuel cell manufacturing and the supply chain and £5 million into technologies specifically Credit cards 900 900 enabling the market for hydrogen. Fuel cells and hydrogen Authorised overdrafts 100 100 technologies are a part of TSB’s Energy strategy and All high cost credit <50 <50 further investments into this area are anticipated during the current spending review period to continue to support Electronic Government UK companies developing products for this growing global market. Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for In addition hydrogen fuel cell electric cars are eligible Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment he has under the existing plug-in car grant scheme, administered made of the NAO report Digital Britain published 28 by OLEV, which offers motorists a grant of 25% towards March 2013, HC 1048. [166147] the cost of the vehicle, up to a maximum of £5,000. Mr Hurd: I have been asked to reply on behalf of the Cabinet Office. Insolvency The National Audit Office’s Digital Britain 2 report endorsed the Government’s digital agenda. It recognised Mr Brady: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, that the Government’s aim of making public services Innovation and Skills what representations he has received digital by default was broadly acceptable to most people on plans by creditors to introduce modifications to and also small- and medium-sized businesses. Work is Individual Voluntary Arrangements (IVAs) that may already under way to make digital the preferred means make it difficult for an IVA to be provided to a debtor of accessing public services; and to help people who by a licensed insolvency practitioner; and whether he cannot, or do not wish to go online, access public has any plans to bring forward further regulation in services. light of these plans. [167036]

Enforcement Restriction Orders Jo Swinson: I have received three letters on this issue; I do not have any plans to bring forward further regulation Mr Brady: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, in light of these plans. Innovation and Skills if he will implement the We are, however, considering Professor Kempson’s enforcement restriction order, as provided for under recommendations following her review of insolvency Part 6A of the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act practitioner fees and will respond shortly. 2007. [167038]

Jo Swinson: At this time, I have no plans to implement Mr Brady: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, the enforcement restriction order regime. Innovation and Skills if he will take steps to encourage all creditors to agree to the Debt Management Plan Exports: Israel Protocol. [167037]

Chris Heaton-Harris: To ask the Secretary of State Jo Swinson: BIS officials in The Insolvency Service for Business, Innovation and Skills what the value of are liaising with various trade associations representing UK exports to Israel was in 2012. [166879] different creditor organisations in order to encourage take up of the Debt Management Plan Protocol. Michael Fallon: Data showing the value of UK exports of goods and services to Israel in 2012 are available Mr Brady: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, from Table 9.3 of the ONS’ UK Balance of Payments Innovation and Skills (1) what assessment he has made (Pink Book) publication at the following link: of how many informal debt management plans might http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/bop/united-kingdom-balance- be replaced by Simple IVAs; [167039] of-payments/2013/rft-part-3--chapter-9-tables--geographical- (2) what assessment he has made of the potential breakdown-of-the-current-account.xls effect on returns to creditors across all debt resolution Fuel Cells procedures which may occur if the simple IVA were to be introduced; [167040] Peter Aldous: To ask the Secretary of State for (3) if he plans to introduce the simple IVA, as Business, Innovation and Skills what mechanisms his originally proposed by the Insolvency Service in Department is considering providing to support the November 2008; [167041] deployment of hydrogen and fuel cell technology in (4) whether he plans to introduce further reform of transport. [166478] personal insolvency procedures. [167046] 135W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 136W

Jo Swinson: We undertook an in depth review of the Mr Willetts: The Government funds advanced personal insolvency regime 2010/11 (″Managing Borrowing manufacturing research and development (R&D) through and Dealing with Debt″), which asked for views on support of the Technology Strategy Board (TSB), the whether the regime itself was fit for purpose. The conclusion BIS Advanced Manufacturing Supply Chain Initiative of that review was that the current options available do (AMSCI) and the Engineering and Physical Research provide a balance between debt write off and relief and Council (EPSRC). reasonable levels of debt repayment. Therefore in the light of the responses there are no current plans to £ introduce legislation for simple IVAs. million 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013- However, we will be introducing major changes to the 141 debtor petition route into bankruptcy by removing the 3 courts and making the process administrative; we will EPSRC 61.6 50.3 50.3 — Spend on dedicated also be evaluating the debt relief order regime next year. manufacturing research2 The key issue for Government is to ensure that consumers in financial difficulty know where to go for free and TSB 20 65 65 93 impartial advice on the various debt remedies available Spend to stimulate and support to them, both formal insolvency procedures and informal business-led innovation in debt management plans. Some debtors will prefer the manufacturing formality that an individual voluntary arrangement, for example, will bring; for others, the more informal debt RGF Projects 3 14.7 4137 management plan will be the preferred route. In developing Spend on research the debt management plan protocol with industry we will be collating more data on debt management plans, which will allow us to better assess how well the debt Other management market is meeting consumer needs. Spend by BIS on manufacturing 18.4 20.8 44.9 5156 R&D 1 Estimated Local Enterprise Partnerships: North East 2 Research grants only (as published in EPSRC annual report and accounts)— does not include spend on postgraduate training and fellowships in manufacturing, other research of relevance to manufacturing, nor research Catherine McKinnell: To ask the Secretary of State relevant to manufacturing funded by other Research Councils. 3 Projected to be slightly higher than 2012-13. for Business, Innovation and Skills how much of the 4 Estimate to August. £539.6 million announced by his Department on 27 June 5 £150 million aerospace-related. 2013 for the North East Local Enterprise Partnership for 2014 to 2020 will be allocated to (a) Northumberland, In 2011-12 £125 million was made available to support (b) Tyne and Wear and (c) County Durham; and if he UK Supply Chains as part of Rounds 1 and 2 of will estimate how much funding each of these areas AMSCI. Some of the projects supported include a would have received if the EU formula for the allocation manufacturing R&D component. of funding had been implemented. [166882] A further £120 million is being made available for AMSCI Rounds 3 and 4 from 2013-14. £20 million of Michael Fallon: Apart from the Tees Valley and Durham this funding is allocated to Financial Year 2013-14 and, transition region there is no more detailed breakdown as with Rounds 1 and 2, some of this funding will of the allocations to the north eastern Local Enterprise support manufacturing R&D. Partnerships (LEPs). It is up to the LEPs to lead local discussions about how the ESI funds are spent in their areas. The EU formula is only used to determine the Music: Copyright national envelope for each category of region and, as such, local authority specific allocations have not been calculated except for where they happen to map onto Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for transition regions. Business, Innovation and Skills how composers and The figure for allocations for the North East Local performers will be rewarded if fair compensation is Enterprise Partnership is ¤539.6 million rather than recovered at the point of sale under proposals for a £539.6 million. As set out in the letter of 10 July 2013 to private copying exception. [167026] the north eastern LEP, the allocation to County Durham, which is the transition region part of the LEP, is Jo Swinson: The Government’s proposed new private ¤145.3 million (this figure does not include the performance copying exception will be drafted so as to minimise any reserve of 7% which cannot be released until agreed possible harm to copyright owners, It will simply permit targets and milestones have been met, based on a consumers to copy content they have lawfully acquired performance review to take place in 2019). for their own use. Most people already think they can do this, without realising it is an infringement of copyright. Manufacturing Industries: Research The exception will not allow anyone to get copies for free. Lindsay Roy: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, This narrow measure will minimise any possible harm Innovation and Skills what government funding has to copyright owners. As such there will be no need to been provided for research and development in the provide compensation to them. Copyright owners, including manufacturing sector in (a) each of the last three years composers and performers, will continue to be rewarded and (b) 2013-14. [166501] when people buy copies of their works. 137W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 138W

New Businesses: Government Assistance Michael Fallon: Data showing the value of bilateral trade (exports and imports of goods and services) between Karen Lumley: To ask the Secretary of State for UK and Israel in 2012 are available from Table 9.3 of Business, Innovation and Skills what steps his Department the ONS’ UK Balance of Payments (Pink Book) is taking to improve public awareness about how to publication at the following link: access funding for new business ideas. [166993] http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/bop/united-kingdom-balance- of-payments/2013/rft-part-3--chapter-9-tables--geographical- Michael Fallon: The Government recognises the breakdown-of-the-current-account.xls importance of making sure businesses are aware of funding support available to them to help them start up Restaurants: Gratuities and grow a business. The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) has therefore launched a Jim Sheridan: To ask the Secretary of State for significant communication campaign this summer to Business, Innovation and Skills what recent discussions promote a targeted range of Government backed finance he has had with representatives of the restaurant products. The campaigns promote Start-Up Loans, the industry that do not allow waiters to keep tips, but Regional Growth Fund, Enterprise Finance Guarantee instead use this additional income to pay other and a number of tax reliefs offered to investors. Activity business costs. [166672] launched in May and runs through until the end of September. Jo Swinson: There have been no recent discussions on The gov.uk website features a number of interactive this subject with Ministers at the Department for Business, tools and pages of information to help businesses find Innovation and Skills. Government support easily. Businesses can use an interactive tool to find Government Jim Sheridan: To ask the Secretary of State for support Business, Innovation and Skills what steps he is taking http://gov.uk/business-finance-support-finder to reduce the number of restaurants that do not allow The Finance Finder informs businesses of the different types waiters to keep tips, but instead use this additional of finance available to them income to pay other business costs. [166673] http://www.gov.uk/which-finance-is-right-for-your-business And there is a guide to finance at Jo Swinson: Under the national minimum wage http://www.gov.uk/business-finance-explained regulations tips cannot be used to make up minimum In addition, BIS is working on a major government wage pay. This means that workers must receive at least communications campaign for the autumn, as part of the minimum wage in base pay, with any tips they which sources of help for new business ideas, including receive being paid on top. where funding can be obtained, will be explained. Where tips are paid to the business and collected by the employer (for example where they are added to Overseas Trade: Human Rights payments by credit card), they are the property of the employer. There are no legal requirements setting out how an employer must handle such tips. Instead it is a Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for matter for agreement between the employer and workers Business, Innovation and Skills what regard his what proportion of these monies are distributed to Department has for the Foreign and Commonwealth workers. Office’s Countries of Concern List as part of its work promoting exports and trade. [167011] Cash tips given by customers directly to a worker do not belong to the business but to the member of staff to whom they are given. Workers can agree to pool or Michael Fallon: The Department for Business, Innovation share their cash tips, but employers cannot force members and Skills is fully engaged in the work of the Foreign of staff to do this. and Commonwealth Office (FCO) in support of human rights issues relating to export and trade across all The Government has made available best practice countries around the world, including those listed in the guidance on tips on gov.uk website. This guidance FCO’s Countries of Concern List. recommends: The UK Government works proactively to promote that workers should be fully informed on how tips are shared respect for human rights policies among UK companies between the business and the workers; operating overseas. The UK is committed to upholding that business should seek to reach agreement with workers on the principles of the OECD Guidelines for Multinational any change of policy; and Enterprises and the United Nations Guiding Principles businesses clearly display their tips policy for consumers. on business and Human Rights. We encourage all British companies to observe these international standards and Royal Mail we stand ready to help them with advice. Fabian Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for Overseas Trade: Israel Business, Innovation and Skills whether in the event of the privatisation of Royal Mail every member of staff Chris Heaton-Harris: To ask the Secretary of State will receive the same number of shares; who will decide for Business, Innovation and Skills what the value of how many shares each staff member receives; and what bilateral trade between the UK and Israel was in 2012. criteria will be used in the decision of how many shares [166880] each member of staff receives. [166484] 139W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 140W

Michael Fallon: Government has announced that it Number of full-time undergraduate enrolments by living arrangements: English- domiciled students at UK higher education institutions, academic years 2001/02 will transfer 10% of the shares in Royal Mail to an and 2006/07 employee share scheme on or around the time of IPO. 2001/02 2006/07 Shares will be allocated to eligible employees equally, Students living with 146,910 179,840 regardless of grade or pay levels. The allocation will be parents1 pro-rated based on an employee’s typical hours to Students living away from 487,860 581,010 differentiate between full- and part-time workers. We home2 expect circa 150,000 Royal Mail employees will be eligible Other3 144,290 115,610 for the share scheme. Total 779,060 876,460 Employees can opt not to receive shares. Further 1 Students who report term-time accommodation as living with parent(s) or guardian. details will be provided in the run up to the IPO. 2 Students living in own home, other rented accommodation, private-sector halls of residence or in an institution-maintained property. Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for 3 Term-time accommodation is unknown, missing, unspecified or simply the student is not in attendance at the institution during the reported academic Business, Innovation and Skills what criteria were used year. to select the banks included in the syndicate responsible Source: for the floatation of Royal Mail. [166495] Higher Education Statistics Agency

Michael Fallon: The Government appointed the banks Students: Debts on the basis of their relevant experience and expertise; their research and distribution capabilities; and their Mr Woodward: To ask the Secretary of State for commitment to delivering the strength and quality of Business, Innovation and Skills (1) how much debt on investor demand required for a major IPO. average (a) in total, (b) excluding loans relating to Their selection came after a highly competitive tender tuition fees and (c) excluding all loans derived from process and the Government focused on securing the public funds a student at an institution in England and best banks to execute an IPO in line with the Government’s Wales had on completion of (i) a three year undergraduate objectives for the sale and ultimately, to secure the best degree course, (ii) a two year foundation degree course outcome and value for money for the UK taxpayer. and (iii) a one year postgraduate degree course in each of the last five years; and if he will make a statement; Science: Research [166245] (2) what estimate he has made of the average debt (a) Tracey Crouch: To ask the Secretary of State for in total, (b) excluding loans relating to tuition fees and Business, Innovation and Skills what proportion of (c) excluding all loans derived from public funds likely gross domestic product the UK spends on scientific to accrue to a student at an institution in England and research. [167019] Wales completing (i) a three year undergraduate degree course, (ii) a two year foundation degree course and (iii) Mr Willetts: The latest figures for gross expenditure a one year postgraduate degree course in each of the on research and development (GERD), published by next 10 years; and if he will make a statement. [166246] ONS in March 2013, show that in 2011 research and development accounted for 1.8% of UK GDP. Mr Willetts: The Student Income and Expenditure Survey 2011/12, published on 27 June 2013, is a sample Shipping: Minimum Wage survey of 3,900 undergraduate higher education students attending 96 higher education institutions (including Katy Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, the Open university) and further education colleges in Innovation and Skills whether the national minimum England and Wales. wage applies to non-EEA seafarers employed on a The survey provides estimates of the overall financial commercial passenger vessel working on routes between position of students, including the amounts borrowed ports in the UK and Ireland. [166923] from different sources. Jo Swinson: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I In 2011/12, full-time undergraduate student borrowing gave on 29 October 2012, Official Report, column 116W. was predominantly made up of student loans, which accounted for 88% of all borrowing. Commercial credit Students made up 5% and overdrafts 6% (and “other” 1%). Further breakdowns of this information, including estimates Mr Denham: To ask the Secretary of State for of borrowing among final year students, are available in Business, Innovation and Skills pursuant to the answer the published report at the following link (see Table of 1 July 2013, Official Report, column 524W, on A6.16): students, how many full-time undergraduate English- https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/student-income- domiciled students at UK higher education institutions and-expenditure-survey-2011-t0-2012 lived (a) at home and (b) away from home whilst Estimates of average total graduate borrowing on completing their studies in (i) 2001-02 and (ii) 2006-07. completion of higher education for the next 10 years are [166620] not available.

Mr Willetts: The number of English-domiciled full-time Mr Woodward: To ask the Secretary of State for undergraduate students studying in the UK by term-time Business, Innovation and Skills (1) what the average living arrangements is shown in the following table. The interest rate on debt relating to loans (a) derived from figures are collected by the Higher Education Statistics public funding and (b) provided by the private sector Agency (HESA). taken out by a student at an institution in England and 141W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 142W

Wales completing (i) a three year undergraduate degree balances the need for a sustainable HE system with the course, (ii) a two year foundation degree course and impact on students and the overall affordability for (iii) a one year postgraduate degree course was in each Government. of the last five years; and if he will make a statement; The support package for academic year 2014-15 was [166247] announced in a written ministerial statement on 11 March (2) what estimate he has made of the average interest 2013, Official Report, columns 1-2WS. We have also rate on debt relating to loans (a) derived from public announced, as part of the spending review, that the funding and (b) provided by the private sector taken maintenance grant for academic year 2015-16 will be out by a student at an institution in England and Wales maintained at 2014-15 levels. The remainder of the completing (i) a three year undergraduate degree package for 2015-16—maximum tuition fees and loans, course, (ii) a two year foundation degree course and loans for living costs, dependants grants and disabled (iii) a one year postgraduate degree course in each of students allowances—will be announced in the new year. the next 10 years; and if he will make a statement. More broadly, I have asked HEFCE to monitor the [166248] overall impact of the HE reforms on students and institutions. HEFCE published its first report in March Mr Willetts: The interest rate charged on student 2013, and will update this analysis in spring 2014. loans in each of the last five years can be found on the Student Loans Company (SLC) website. The rate on Students: Health this type of income contingent loan is set by using the March retail prices index (RPI) figure, and applying Sarah Champion: To ask the Secretary of State for that rate of interest for 12 months commencing 1 September Business, Innovation and Skills (1) what his future until 31 August. However, there is a mandatory low plans are for support for (a) students aged 16 to 24 interest cap, which means that the interest rate must be with cancer and (b) students aged 16 to 24 with serious adjusted if the base rate plus 1% across a specified and complex long-term health conditions in further group of banks is lower than RPI. and higher education; [165997] http://www.studentloanrepayment.co.uk/portal/page?_pageid (2) what support his Department provides to (a) =93,6678642&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL students aged 16 to 24 with cancer and (b) students For new scheme loans available to new students from aged 16 to 24 with serious and complex long-term September 2012, the rate is also set by reference to the health conditions to help access and maintain further March RPI figure but with an additional 3% added to and higher education opportunities. [165999] the rate for those studying and up until the April after Matthew Hancock: Further education colleges and leaving their course. The interest rate charged to borrowers higher education institutions (HEIs) have the same once they become liable to repay will be dependent on duties under the Equality Act 2010 to support disabled their income. The rate of interest charged on these loans students. Additional funding is provided to help them is also set out in detail on the SLC website here: meet the needs of students with disabilities, and this http://www.studentloanrepayment.co.uk/portal/page?_pageid includes those with cancer and serious and complex =93,6678755&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL long-term health conditions to enable them to participate The rates of interest detailed above will apply to fully in education and training opportunities. As students on both a three year undergraduate degree autonomous institutions, further education colleges and course and a two year foundation degree course. HEIs have the flexibility to determine how they provide Postgraduate degree students are not eligible for publicly such support in individual cases and according to local funded loans. needs. Estimates of the average interest rate on publicly A comprehensive package of financial support for funded student loans for the next 10 years are not students with disabilities studying in higher education is available. provided by the institution they attend and individually Students are a heterogeneous group and the private through disabled students’ allowances (DSAs). DSAs sector is likely to assess each individual before deciding are provided to help students in higher education with whether to offer them a loan and what interest rate to the extra costs they may incur because of a disability, charge. We are unable to provide information on the including a long-term health condition. Spend on DSAs average interest rate on debt relating to loans provided has increased steadily in recent years. by the private sector. In 2010/11 spend on English students in receipt of full-time DSAs was £109.2 million (on 47,400 students). Students: Finance DSAs play a vital role in supporting disabled students to achieve their potential and the Government has Mr Woodward: To ask the Secretary of State for already announced increased levels of support that Business, Innovation and Skills what plans he has to students will be able to access in the next two academic review the current level of (a) tuition fees and (b) years. student maintenance support; and if he will make a In further education, the Government provides funding statement. [166566] to help providers meet the additional needs of learners with learning difficulties and disabilities through the Mr Willetts: This is the first year of the Government’s Skills Funding Agency and the Education Funding higher education (HE) reforms, and we are monitoring Agency. The two agencies have published a joint statement the impact of the new system closely. on funding for LLDD learners for 2013/14 on the Decisions on tuition fee caps and the support for website at: living costs are taken on an annual basis. In determining http://readingroom.lsc.gov.uk/SFA/FINALMarch_2013_ the amounts of support provided, the Government EFA_and_SFA_LLDD_Position_statement_2.pdf 143W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 144W

Some students aged 16 up to 25 with cancer or with Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for serious and complex long-term health conditions have Business, Innovation and Skills how many answers by learning difficulties or disabilities which call for special his Department to the last 100 Parliamentary educational provision. The Children and Families Bill Questions asked involving tables of statistics fewer currently being considered by Parliament will extend than four pages in length were (a) printed in full and new rights and protections to young people in further (b) provided via a link to a website. [166852] education comparable to those in schools. This includes the right to request an assessment for a new Educational Jo Swinson: Records show that of the last 100 written Health and Care (EHC) Plan which will replace the parliamentary questions, answered by the Department, current system of learning difficulty assessments. during the period 9-18 July 2013, a total of 17 provided The plan would specify their special educational needs, tables which were printed in full in the Official Report. the outcomes they want to achieve, the special educational A further four answers contained links to statistical provision and any health care and social care they information in the public domain; one referred to the reasonably require. Young people will also have a right Economic and Social Research Council website; the to state a preference for where they study, and will be other three to the United Kingdom Trade and Investment able to appeal to the Special Educational Needs Tribunal website. if they are unsatisfied with their provision.

Work Experience TREASURY Jim Sheridan: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how many businesses Banks: EU Action have been convicted of hiring unpaid interns in (a) 2013 to date, (b) 2012, (c) 2011 and (d) 2010. Mr Binley: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer [166677] what ex-post levies will be raised on the financial sector in support of the EU single resolution mechanism; and Jo Swinson: From 2010 to 2013 there have been two if he will make a statement. [166975] prosecutions for minimum wage offences. The term “intern” is not defined in legislation and Greg Clark: Under the Commission’s proposal for a entitlement to the minimum wage depends on whether single resolution mechanism and single bank resolution or not an individual performing work experience of this fund, firms established in participating member states nature is a worker for minimum wage purposes. In will provide ex-post contributions where the fund is not 2012/13 HMRC identified £3.9 million in arrears of sufficient to cover losses, costs or other expenses incurred. wages for over 26,000 workers—a figure which includes These contributions will be allocated between firms in individuals taken on as unpaid interns but who were accordance with the rules for ex-ante contributions. The actually workers under national minimum wage law. Government has announced that the UK will not participate This Government is clear; exploitation of interns is in the single resolution mechanism. unacceptable and we do not hesitate to act where we find that employment law has been broken and someone Children: Day Care who is entitled to the minimum wage has not been paid it. Lucy Powell: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Anyone who thinks they have not been paid the what estimate he has made of the number of families minimum wage that they might be entitled to should receiving the current childcare vouchers scheme which call the Pay and Work Rights Helpline directly on 0800 will not be eligible for the new tax free childcare scheme 917 368: in 2015 due to their children being over the age of five. https://www.gov.uk/pay-and-work-rights-helpline [166995] for free, confidential advice and to make a complaint. In 2012/13 HMRC identified £3.9 million in arrears Sajid Javid: Information on the numbers of families of wages for over 26,000 workers. affected by the new scheme for tax-free child care will not be available until the consultation launched on 5 Written Questions August is complete and the policy details have been fully defined. Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for The new scheme will be available for children up to Business, Innovation and Skills how many questions the age of 12 when fully implemented, and any parents answered by his Department included fewer than four in receipt of child care vouchers at the start of the new pages of statistics in the Official Report for the last scheme will continue to benefit from the relief whether month. [166694] or not they are eligible for the new scheme.

Jo Swinson: Of the 235 written parliamentary questions Lucy Powell: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer answered by the Department in the last month before what projections his Department has made of the cost the 2013 summer recess, 120 contained statistical data of the overheads associated with the new tax free of less than four pages. Seven of the other 115 questions childcare scheme. [166998] contained a reference to a statistical source. None of the 235 answers provided statistical data of four pages Sajid Javid: No projection will be available until the or more. tax free child care system has been designed and developed. 145W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 146W

Economic and Monetary Union Sir Bob Russell: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make it his policy to introduce financial incentives for food and drink businesses Mr Binley: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer which endorse public health responsibility deals; and if what his policy is towards the development of the he will make a statement. [167566] social dimension of Economic and Monetary Union; and if he will make a statement. [166955] Danny Alexander: Over 550 public health, voluntary, public sector and commercial organisations have signed Greg Clark: Discussions on the possible development up to play their part in improving the public’s health of the social dimension of EMU are at an early stage. through the public health responsibility deal; helping The Government is clear that the UK will not participate people to adopt a healthier diet, fostering a culture of in measures for closer euro area integration, but will responsible drinking, increasing physical activity levels engage fully in negotiations on any future specific proposals and improving the health of their staff. so as to protect our national interests, in particular on the single market. The Government has no proposals to provide specific financial incentives for responsibility deal partners. Mr Binley: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what his policy is on the European Commission’s proposals Members: Correspondence to establish a joint Eurozone Society Security Fund with payments linked to adherence to policy targets; Sir Gerald Kaufman: To ask the Chancellor of the and if he will make a statement. [166976] Exchequer when he intends to reply to the letter dated 30 May 2013 from the right hon. Member for Manchester, Greg Clark: As yet, there are no specific proposals for Gorton with regard to Ms P. Atkinson, transferred a joint Eurozone Social Security Fund with payments from the Secretary of State for Communities and Local linked to adherence to policy targets. However, the Government. [166969] Government is clear that the UK will not participate in measures for closer euro area integration, but will engage Mr Gauke: I replied to the right hon. Member on 22 fully in negotiations on any future specific proposals so July 2013. as to protect our national interests, in particular on the single market. Minimum Wage Mr Binley: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what his policy is on participating in projected Jim Sheridan: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer solidarity mechanisms under future Eurozone how many minimum wage compliance officers there are arrangements; and if he will make a statement; [166990] in HM Revenue and Customs. [166674] (2) whether he plans to opt into EU contracts for Mr Gauke: I refer the hon. Member to my answer of competitiveness and growth. [166991] 10 June 2013, Official Report, column 35W.

Greg Clark: There are as yet no specific proposals for Jim Sheridan: To ask the Chancellor of the EU contracts for competitiveness and growth, nor for Exchequer how many instances of non-compliance new solidarity mechanisms for the Eurozone. However, with minimum wage were identified in (a) Paisley and the Government is clear that the UK will not participate Renfrewshire North constituency, (b) Scotland and in measures for closer euro area integration, but will (c) the UK in each of the last five years. [166675] engage fully in negotiations on any future specific proposals so as to protect our national interests, in particular on Mr Gauke: HMRC does not keep statistics at the single market. constituency level. I refer the hon. Member to my answer of 23 April 2013, Official Report, column 815W, Government Departments: Procurement for the number of non-compliant employers in the UK for the period requested. Mrs Gillan: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer The number of non-compliant employers identified what current projects in all Government departments in Scotland for the period requested is in the following have no financial limit imposed on them by his Department. table: [166744] Number of non-compliant Financial year employers in Scotland Danny Alexander: No projects across Government have no financial limit. All projects above a Department’s 2008-09 175 delegated authority require explicit Treasury approval. 2009-10 145 2010-11 95 Health 2011-12 72 2012-13 83 Mr George Howarth: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has any proposals to financially Jim Sheridan: To ask the Chancellor of the incentivise food and drink businesses which endorse Exchequer whether he plans to increase the number of Public Health Responsibility Deals. [166385] minimum wage compliance officers. [166676] 147W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 148W

Mr Gauke: HMRC is planning an increase in the TRANSPORT number of caseworkers, at higher officer level, that are available to carry out NMW compliance work. A31

Reservoirs Mr Chope: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when the Highways Agency will take action Dr Huppert: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer to facilitate access by mobility scooters, wheelchairs for what reason agricultural reservoirs were not and pushchairs to the pavements at the junctions of St included within the Annual Investment Allowance Leonard’s Hospital with the A31 trunk road. [166667] scheme. [166912] Stephen Hammond: The Highways Agency has had Sajid Javid: The Annual Investment Allowance covers discussions with Dorset County Council and agreed capital expenditure on plant and machinery. The UK that the County Council will undertake work to the capital allowances system does not generally provide pavements at the junction of St Leonards Hospital with relief for expenditure on buildings, structures or alterations the A31 to facilitate access by mobility scooters, wheelchairs to land. and pushchairs. The County Council will prepare a scheme for delivery by March 2014 in partnership with Taxation: Betting Shops St Leonards and St Ives Parish Council. Billing Mr Tom Clarke: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much betting shops have paid in (a) VAT and (b) corporation tax in each year since 2003. Nick de Bois: To ask the Secretary of State for [166666] Transport how many creditors to his Department owed more than £10,000 remained unpaid for more than (a) Sajid Javid: The information is not available. Corporation 30 days, (b) 45 days, (c) 60 days, (d) 75 days and (e) Tax records and VAT returns are not broken down to more than 90 days in each of the last three years. the level of detail required to identify VAT and Corporation [166381] Tax revenue from betting shops. Norman Baker: The information requested is in the table below. This covers the Department for Transport VAT and its Executive Agencies.

Andrew Griffiths: To ask the Chancellor of the During Exchequer what estimate he has made of the annual financial (a) 30 (b) 45 (c) 60 (d) 75 (e) 90 cost to the public purse of reducing VAT to five per year days days days days days cent on all hospitality, rooms, food and alcohol. 2010-11 224 89 66 37 51 [167052] 2011-12 167 60 39 25 25 2012-13 114 30 14 4 17 Mr Gauke: Based on ONS data from 2012, the revenue Note: foregone by reducing VAT to 5% on all hospitality Data for the MCA in 2010-11 and 2011-12 is an estimate. (which includes rooms, food and alcohol) would have an estimated cost of £11 billion to £12 billion a year to Bus Services: Concessions the Exchequer. Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Written Questions Transport how much his Department has spent on concessionary bus travel for (a) pensioners and (b) Chris Ruane: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer disabled people in (i) Barnsley Central constituency, (ii) how many questions answered by his Department Barnsley, (iii) South Yorkshire and (iv) England in each included fewer than four pages of statistics in the year since 2004-05. [166819] Official Report for the last month. [166715] Norman Baker: The Department does not have a Sajid Javid: This is a matter of public record. concessionary travel spend breakdown by Parliamentary constituency or Metropolitan Borough. In addition, Chris Ruane: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer total spend cannot be split into older and disabled if he will make it his policy to ensure that all answers people sub-totals. provided by his Department containing tables of Local Authorities who are Travel Concession Authorities statistical data which would not require more than four (TCAs) are responsible for administering concessionary pages in the Official Report are published in full rather travel and reimbursing bus operators. Annual TCA than by reference to a hyperlink. [166740] spend on concessionary travel can be found in table BUS0812 at the following link Sajid Javid: I refer the hon. Member to the answer https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/concessionary- given by the Leader of the House of Commons, my travel-statistics-england-2011-12-and-2012-13 right hon. Friend the Member for South Cambridgeshire Prior to 2008, TCAs received funding for concessionary (Mr Lansley), on 12 February 2013, Official Report, travel funding through the Department for Communities column 649W, to the hon. Member for West Bromwich and Local Government’s (DCLG) Formula Grant. This East (Mr Watson). block grant was unhypothecated so it is not possible to 149W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 150W identify how much funding was allocated to a local and (e) the UK; and what assessment he has made of authority for a particular service such as concessionary whether any such changes resulted from changes in the travel. number of (i) people taking up cycling and (ii) trips by In 2008 the statutory minimum was extended to existing cyclists. [167008] cover England-wide travel and the Department for Transport provided local authorities with a one off Norman Baker: The Department for Transport publishes payment of £31 million for the re-issue of concessionary estimates for Great Britain residents of the average travel passes—of which South Yorkshire Passenger number of miles cycled per person per year in 2011 and Transport Executive received £1.078 million. The 2012 from the National Travel Survey. In 2011, the Department also provided a portion of funding through average number of miles cycled per person per year was a special grant to local authorities until 31 March 2011 49. In 2012 the average was 53 miles. for the increase cost of the extension to the scheme. The The average distance travelled for cyclists who made Special Grant funding was: at least one cycle trip during the week of their survey £212 million in 2008/09 was 18 miles a week in 2011 and 20 miles a week in £217 million in 2009/10; 2012. £223 million in 2010/11. Estimates of cycling rates for local authorities are Details of the overall Special Grant allocations covering also published by the Department for Transport from the period concerned can be found at:: the Active People Survey (APS), In 2010/11, 10 per cent http://www.official-documents.gov.uk/document/hc0708/hc02/ of adults in Barnsley and 10 per cent of adults in South 0256/0256.pdf Yorkshire cycled at least once a month. In 2011/12 the and figures were 9 per cent for Barnsley and 13 per cent for South Yorkshire. The average for England was 10 per http://www.official-documents.gov.uk/document/hc0910/hc03/ cent in both 2010/11 and 2011/12. 0306/0306.pdf Since April 2011 all funding for the statutory England- As with any sample surveys, results from the Active wide travel concession has been provided through DCLG’s People Survey and the National Travel Survey have Formula Grant. The overall amount of Formula Grant margins of error, and can be volatile from one year to funding available for local government from 2011/12 the next. As a result, long-term trends are generally has been set out in the relevant Spending Reviews. more reliable than single-year changes in survey statistics. The Department has made no other assessment of Cycling whether these trips are by people taking up cycling, or by existing cyclists. Dr Huppert: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimate of future levels of bicycle use Driving: Young People his Department used when predicting the future spending on roads in its recently published Roads Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for Strategy. [166558] Transport if he will make an assessment of the RAC Foundation’s report entitled YoungDriver Safety Solutions Stephen Hammond: The Department’s recent publication to an Age-old Problem published in July 2013 and its ‘Action for Roads’ focuses primarily on the Strategic conclusions on (a) a minimum learning period that Road Network and all evidence suggests that cycling, contains requirements to drive in all conditions and (b) unlike other vehicle types, is concentrated on minor placing limitations on newly-qualified drivers. [166829] roads. Last year 101.8 billion vehicle miles were travelled on the SRN by motor vehicles, with less then 0.1 billion Stephen Hammond: We intend to issue a green paper vehicle miles travelled by pedal cycles. which will cover these issues later this year. However, cycling demand is factored in to the Department’s National Transport Model (NTM), which is used to produce the traffic forecasts published alongside Ferries: Scotland ‘Action for Roads’. Current assumptions on cycling trends used in the Katy Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport NTM are based on previous analysis carried in 2010-11, what recent discussions officials in his Department have using National Transport Survey data, and include: 5% had with their counterparts in Transport Scotland regarding increase in trips up to 2015, a 7.5% increase for 2025 his Department’s policies on (a) procurement, (b) and a 10% increase for 2035. service levels, (c) passenger fares and (d) concessionary fare schemes in the ferries sector; and whether such However, the Government is doing much to advance meetings take place on a regular basis. [166924] the traction of cycling uptake within the UK. On 12 August, the Prime Minister announced a £148 million investment in cycling between now and 2015, with £77 million of Stephen Hammond: The specification of subsidised Government funding going to eight cities, £17 million ferry services in Scotland is a devolved matter. going to four National Parks, and an additional £54 million Notwithstanding that, the UK Government has overall of local investment. responsibility for ensuring that the arrangements comply with EU rules on State Aids and relevant sectoral law: Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport in this instance, maritime cabotage. what change there was in the number of miles cycled in Officials in the Department for Transport and their 2012 compared with 2011 in (a) Barnsley, (b) Barnsley counterparts in Transport Scotland are in regular contact Central constituency, (c) South Yorkshire, (d) England on matters of mutual interest but have held no recent 151W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 152W discussions specifically on these matters. Exchanges We expect HS2 Phase Two to directly create 10,000 between officials are generally by correspondence, usually jobs in construction and 1,400 permanent jobs in operations by e-mail. and maintenance. In addition, up to 70,000 indirect jobs will be supported around the proposed stations. First Aid Some regional groups foresee even higher levels of job creation. The Core Cities group predict that HS2 Jim Fitzpatrick: To ask the Secretary of State for will actually underpin the delivery of 400,000 jobs Transport what proportion of staff at the Highways within the cities and 1 million in the wider urban areas. Agency and the Vehicle and Operators Services Agency Centro estimate that, in the West Midlands alone, HS2 are first aid-trained. [166863] could support a £1.5 billion increase in economic output, an extra 22,000 jobs and an average wage increase of Stephen Hammond: 16.1% of VOSA staff and 39% of £300 per worker per year. Highways Agency staff have first aid training. High Speed 2 Railway Line Lilian Greenwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many (a) apprentices and (b) graduate trainees are working on High Speed 2 (HS2) in (i) his Mrs Gillan: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport Department and (ii) HS2 Ltd. [166811] how much has been paid from the public purse to WS Atkins from contracts related to High Speed 2 since Mr Simon Burns: The Department has no apprentices May 2010; and how much remains to be paid under working on HS2. Among the permanent DFT staff uncompleted contracts. [166743] working on HS2, a number are recent graduates gaining early career development in this area, in addition three Mr Simon Burns: From May 2010 to date, spend interns appointed under the Summer Diversity Internship including VAT on WS Atkins contracts for HS2 Ltd scheme are working during summer 2013 in the HS2 was £28,728,796 with a further contracted spend of team. £6,670,562. HS2 Ltd is currently directly employing four apprentices Mrs Gillan: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport and two graduate trainees, with its wider contractor what (a) discussions and (b) correspondence Ministers base having already given over 800 graduate trainees of his Department have had with Ministers of the and apprentices experience of working on HS2. Scottish Government on the subject of High Speed 2; and if he will publish such correspondence. [166746] Lilian Greenwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will place in the Library a copy of the Mr Simon Burns: Ministers in the Department for (a) feasibility study and (b) any value management Transport are in regular contact with the Scottish studies for HS2 Ltd’s option 8 design for Euston Government on a variety of matters; however, Ministers station. [166814] have not met with the Scottish Government regarding HS2. A meeting is currently being arranged between the Mr Simon Burns: On 12 July 2013 my Department Secretary of State for Transport and Keith Brown MSP released a HS2 Ltd board paper which summarised the to discuss HS2. The Department does not routinely feasibility work on option 8 design for Euston station, publish ministerial correspondence. in response to a Freedom of Information request. This Details of ministerial meetings with external organisations can be accessed at: are published quarterly and can be found at: https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/159811/response/ 408426/attach/3/130711%200FOI%20F1%20FINAL.doc http://www.dft.gov.uk/publications/ministerial-transparency/ #meetings The design of Euston station was included in a recent design refinement consultation which closed on 11 July. Mrs Gillan: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport Government is now considering the response to this how many jobs have been created (a) directly and (b) consultation before deciding on whether to proceed indirectly by High Speed 2 to date; and how many such with the proposed revision to the design of Euston jobs will be created in (i) phase 1 and (ii) phase 2 of the station. project. [166747] London, Tilbury and Southend Railway Line Mr Simon Burns: HS2 Ltd currently directly employs the equivalent of 246 full-time members of the staff, by James Duddridge: To ask the Secretary of State for the end of 2013 this is expected to rise to over 500 Transport what the current timetable is for the Essex full-time members of the staff. In addition, HS2 Ltd Thameside franchise; and whether the tender process employs the equivalent of over 1,200 full-time contractors will include a commitment that all rolling stock will be and a further 118 members of staff at the HS2 Ltd of equal or better quality than at present. [166873] development partner. To date, HS2 Ltd’s contractors have enabled over 800 graduate trainees and apprentices Mr Simon Burns: The competition to award the Essex to work on the project. Thameside franchise is in progress as per the schedule We expect HS2 Phase One to directly create 9,000 announced by the Secretary of State for Transport, my jobs in construction and 1,500 permanent jobs in operations right hon. Friend the right hon. Member for Derbyshire and maintenance. Up to 30,000 indirect jobs are also Dales (Mr McLoughlin), on 26 March 2013, Official expected to be supported by HS2 in station redevelopment Report, columns 95-98WS. An Invitation to Tender areas in Euston, Old Oak Common, Birmingham (ITT) was issued to bidders in July with the new franchise Interchange and Birmingham Eastside. start date planned for September 2014. The Department 153W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 154W expects to specify minimum requirements for rolling The Department can also call upon commercially stock on the Essex Thameside franchise and maintain operated fixed wing aircraft based at Inverness and East existing levels of performance and customer satisfaction. Midlands Airports and a military C-130 Hercules to support long range SAR operations. Railway Signals Roads Lilian Greenwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the role of Dr Huppert: To ask the Secretary of State for signalling in achieving efficiencies in the rail sector. Transport what steps he is taking to ensure that the new [166812] motorists’ champion will provide a strong voice for non-motorised road users. [166559] Mr Simon Burns: The Department supports Network Rail’s deployment of the European Rail Traffic Stephen Hammond: As set out in “Action for Roads: a Management System (ERTMS), which will be progressively network for the 21st century”, published on 16 July, the rolled out across their network. The Department’s High Department is currently looking at options for establishing Level Output Statement for Network Rail’s Control a motorists’ champion. The champion would provide a Period for 2014-19 confirms our support for the efficiencies strong voice for all road users, hold the new strategic ERTMS will bring. highways company to account and encourage the best In addition I am aware that Network Rail’s operational performance and value for road users. strategy will rationalise signalling controls across their network, and that this will bring substantial additional Severn River Crossing efficiencies to signalling. The delivery of this strategy will be overseen by the independent regulator for rail, the Office of Rail Regulation (ORR). Jessica Morden: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the life expectancy is of the original Lilian Greenwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Severn Bridge. [166362] Transport what assessment he has made of the recent steps taken by Network Rail to reduce delays caused by Stephen Hammond: There is no specific life expectancy signal failures. [166813] for the Severn Bridge. The bridge is regularly inspected, monitored and maintained by a dedicated team with Norman Baker: Ministers regularly meet Network the aim of keeping the condition of the structure in a Rail and other industry bodies to discuss trends and steady state. issues concerning rail performance. While there are currently concerns about the reliability of some elements of the infrastructure, particularly on long-distance routes, the Department is not aware of a systematic problem JUSTICE relating to signal failures. Detailed ongoing assessment of Network Rail’s performance and infrastructure Alternatives to Prosecution management is a matter for the Office of Rail Regulation. Rescue Services Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many out-of-court disposals for young people Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for have been issued by type of disposal in each year from Transport what assets he has designated for search and 2010 to date. [165777] rescue under section 2.5 of Annex 12 of the Convention on International Civil Aviation; and where Jeremy Wright: The number of out of court disposals each is located. [166772] issued to juveniles (aged 10 to 17 years), by disposal type, in England and Wales, in each year from 2010 to Stephen Hammond: The Department for Transport 2012 (latest available), can be viewed in the table. can call upon a range of assets currently designated for The number of out of court disposals issued to search and rescue under 2.5 of Annex 12 of the Convention juveniles (aged 10 to 17 years), fell by 42% between 2010 on International Civil Aviation. These assets are set out and 2012. in the following table: Please note, the out-of-court disposal data in the table include cautions, penalty notice for disorders (PND) Stornoway Airport Coastguard S92s and cannabis warnings, however, cannabis warnings are Sumburgh Airport Coastguard S92s only available for adults. RAF Lossiemouth Sea Kings RAF Boulmer Sea Kings Apprentices RAF station, Leconfield Sea Kings RAF station, Wattisham Sea Kings Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for MCA Daedalus (Lee-on-Solent) Coastguard AW139s Justice (1) how many apprenticeships his Department MCA Portland Coastguard AW139. offered to people aged (a) 16 to 18, (b) 19 to 21 and RNAS Culdrose Sea Kings (c) 22 to 26 years old in each year since 2010; [165878] RAF station, Chivenor Sea Kings RAF Valley Sea Kings (2) what strategies he has to create apprenticeships in his Department; and what plans he has to promote HMS Gannet Sea Kings such strategies. [165896] 155W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 156W

Mrs Grant: Under this Government, the number of costs in different ways and so the resultant average costs apprenticeship opportunities in the Ministry of Justice are not directly comparable against each other. has increased by 62%. The data requested is shown in the table for the From 1 April 2008 to 31 March 2013, my Department month of May 2013: offered a total of 2,587 apprenticeship qualifications to the existing work force. The breakdown between years Average cost Proportion of Proportion of is shown in the table. of processing invoices paid invoices paid a supplier electronically by cheque invoice (£) (%) (%) Staff taking apprenticeship qualifications In-house shared 2.61 99.99 0.01 service operation 2008-09 321 (direct labour 2009-10 412 costs only) 2010-11 503 External supplier 5.19 91.04 8.96 2011-12 682 of finance shared 2012-13 669 services (contractual rate) Total 2,587

Information available on the ages of apprentices for Bribery Act 2010 2012-13 is set out in the table. This age range data is aligned with Skills Funding Agency rules. For the period Pauline Latham: To ask the Secretary of State for before April 2012, different ages, groups and funding Justice whether his Department plans to review the rules applied. Therefore the information for the period Bribery Act 2010; and if he will make a statement. 2010 to April 2012 is not centrally available and would [159104] require analysis of individual staff records, and incur disproportionate costs. Damian Green: The Government is not reviewing the Act itself but as part of the Government’s continuing Staff taking apprenticeship implementation of the Bribery Act, the Ministry of Age range qualifications in 2012-13 Justice in association with the Department of Business Under 19 0 Innovation and Skills is working to ensure small and medium-sized enterprises fully understand how the Act 19-23 27 and the guidance relate to their business. 24 and over 633 Not known 9 Care Proceedings Total 669

The Ministry of Justice continues to work closely Miss McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for with the National Apprenticeship Service to maximise Justice what assessment he has made of the care proceedings opportunities to support the use of apprenticeships pilot at York County Court whereby proceedings are to within the Department. be completed within 26 weeks; whether extraneous factors will be taken into account to allow for a delay where Internal processes for recruitment have been changed appropriate; what the national average length of time so that apprenticeships are an option to fill vacancies. taken is for care proceedings; and if he will make a The Ministry of Justice currently has one recruited statement. [164292] apprentice with a further eleven due to start in September 2013 as part of the Civil Service Fast Track Apprenticeship Jeremy Wright: The pilot in question is a national Scheme. one to implement a revised Public Law Outline (PLO) The Ministry of Justice continues to encourage suppliers for care, supervision and other Part 4 proceedings. This to recruit apprentices. Where relevant, a paragraph has is a key strand of the reforms to the family justice been included in contracts requesting contractors to system and supports the introduction of a 26-week time take all reasonable steps to ensure that up to 5% of all limit in care and supervision proceedings. The lime limit employees or staff working on the contract must be on is included in the Children and Families Bill, currently an apprenticeship programme. before Parliament, and the revised PLO will inform the necessary secondary legislation implementing the time limit. Billing Piloting the revised PLO will assist key agencies in their preparations for the introduction of the primary Mike Freer: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice legislation. Progress in implementing the revised PLO what the average cost to his Department was of processing and its impact on court proceedings will be evaluated. the payment of an invoice in the latest period for which figures are available; and what proportion of invoices The pilot is permissive in nature and areas can implement settled in that period his Department paid (a) electronically the new approach in a phased way from 1 July 2013, and (b) by cheque. [162637] depending on local readiness. There is an expectation that all areas will implement the revised PLO by 7 October Mrs Grant: The processing of payments of supplier 2013. invoices within the MOJ is undertaken by an in-house The York Local Family Justice Board have decided to shared services organisation and an external supplier implement the revised PLO from 1 July. They have also through a commercially negotiated contract for finance been selected to be one of the eight areas that will be services. The two organisations calculate the average evaluated during the pilot phase. 157W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 158W

The starting point for the court should always be that requested. While any disciplinary action taken against a the proceedings should be disposed of without delay, coroner as a result of a complaint to the OJC is published and in any event within 26 weeks. However, the court on its website, it does not disclose information on will have the discretion to extend the case beyond the 26 complaints that are not upheld. Release of this information time limit if it is considered that it is necessary to for each coroner district could lead to the identification resolve the proceedings justly. The Family Procedure of the coroner concerned and would be a breach of the Rules Committee (FPRC) has been invited to consider Data Protection Act and the statutory duty for whether it should make rules that the court should have confidentiality under section 139 of the Constitutional regard to when deciding whether to grant an extension. Reform Act. The time taken for the disposal of a care or supervision 2. The OJC does publish, in its annual reports, the order in January to March 2013 was an average of total number of complaints made against coroners. The 42.2 weeks, down from 45.1 weeks in the previous figures for the last three financial years are included in quarter and down from 53.9 weeks in the same quarter the following table: in 2012. This is a reduction on the national average of 55 weeks when the Family Justice Review reported in Number November 2011. The average duration for care and supervision proceedings for York County Council in 2009-10 36 January to March 2013 was 25.6 weeks, down from 45.2 2010-11 35 weeks in the same period in 2012. 2011-12 32

Coroners Courts: Closures

Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice on how many occasions bodies of the deceased were how many courts have been closed in each year since not released by the coroner within 28 days of death in 1997; and how much these closures realised in (a) (a) 2010, (b) 2011 and (c) 2012. [161363] capital receipts and (b) revenue savings. [166022]

Mrs Grant: The Ministry of Justice publishes annual Mrs Grant: The information is as follows. statistics on the work of coroners in England and Number of court closures Wales, including the time taken by coroners to issue disposal certificates, where the death occurred in England Table A shows details of the court closures within and Wales. The data are collected in three time-bands; Her Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service (including ‘One week or less’ (from the date the death was reported to the magistrates courts, county courts and Crown courts) coroner); since 1997. ‘Over one week and up to one month’, and Up until 1 April 2005 magistrates courts were the ‘Over one calendar month’ responsibility of locally managed magistrates courts committees that were not required by statute to inform Data are recorded separately for cases where an inquest the Department of any magistrates courts closures that was opened, and for those where no inquest was held. were not subject to an appeal under Section 56 (3) of In 2012, there were 384 cases where the disposal the Justices of the Peace Act 1997 (now repealed). certificates were issued over one calendar month from the date the death was reported to the coroner (where In December 2010, Ministers announced the closure no inquest was held). This comprised less than half of of 142 magistrates and county courts in England and 1% of all non-inquest cases, and the percentage has Wales under the Court Estate Reform Programme (CHRP). remained stable over the last three years. To date 137 courts have closed, comprising of 89 magistrates courts and 48 county courts. There were also 1,197 cases where disposal certificates were issued over one calendar month from the date the Table A: Court closures death was reported to the coroner (where an inquest Number of court closures was opened); this was less than 4% of the total. This 1997 30 percentage has also been stable over the last three years. 1998 31 Information held by MoJ in relation to coroners is 1999 10 published at: 2000 17 https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coroners- 2001 31 statistics 2002 9 2003 13 Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice 2004 2 how many complaints his Department received about 2005 0 each local coroner in (a) 2010, (b) 2011 and (c) 2012. 2006 2 [161364] 2007 3 2008 2 Mrs Grant: The information is as follows: 2009 1 1. The Office for Judicial Complaints (OJC) considers 2010 22 complaints about the personal conduct or behaviour of 2011 121 coroners, but not deputy or assistant coroners who are 2012 14 employed by the appropriate local authority. The OJC 2013 5 is unable to release, or does not hold the information 159W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 160W

Revenue Savings Mrs Grant: The number of violent incidents reported Prior to 2005 locally managed magistrates courts in magistrates courts and Crown courts are as follows: committees were responsible for managing magistrates courts and were not required by statute to inform the Magistrates court Crown court Department of any magistrates courts closures. We 2010-11 107 23 therefore do not have these figures for revenue savings 2011-12 112 11 for this period. Between 2005 and 2010 there were 2012-13 83 17 25 courts closed outside of the Court Estate Reform Programme. These were delivered as part of new build My Department takes the security of all court users schemes or implemented through business as usual and seriously and it is the policy of Her Majesty’s Courts the Department is unable to obtain revenue savings and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) that all security incidents without incurring disproportionate costs. are reported and investigated. All incidents involving As of 30 June 2013 the net revenue savings under violence are reported to the police for further investigation. CERP totalled £19.34 million. As of 6 August 2013 a The figures provided comprise reported incidents from total of 40 buildings have been sold so far attracting the reporting years April to March and resulting in disposal receipts of £17.16 million. The total cumulative actual violence and include incidents between and against gross benefits are expected to be £99.2 million over the parties, court users and court staff and contractors. SR10 period. This consists of resource savings, including These figures do not include incidents of verbal abuse reduced property costs and pay bill savings resulting or verbal threats as they do not fall within the remit of from court closures of £60.6 million, and gross capital the request. proceeds of £38.6 million from the sale of buildings. Courts: York Capital receipts Table B: Capital receipts Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for Number of disposals Capital receipts Justice how many victims of crime and witnesses were 1997 4 2,019,000 supported by the Witness Service at (a) York Crown 1998 6 460,100 Court and (b) York Magistrates’ Court in each year since 2004-05. [163894] 1999 5 1,723,000 2000 6 5,752,018 Mrs Grant: The Ministry of Justice does not routinely 2001 7 8,302,061 collect this data. Victim support holds these data only 2002 1 255,164 from 2009-10 to 2012-13. 2003 1 756,076 2004 2 58,322,633 As part of its Grant in Aid to victim support, the Ministry of Justice requires the provision of a court 2005 1 275,000 based witness service. Victim support provides support 2006 3 6,625,258 to all witnesses who wish to receive it when attending 2007 7 11,023,475 court. 2008 6 1,692,914 2009 7 12,021,783 York Crown court York magistrates court 2010 8 2,832,328 2011 9 3,314,504 2009-10 717 606 2012 28 41,172,411 2010-11 701 405 2013 7 3,026,410 2011-12 612 368 2012-13 557 333 Table B includes buildings disposed by HMCTS The figures correlate with a decrease in the business precursor agencies HM Courts Service (from 2005) and of the magistrates court. Courts Service (from 1997 to 2005), but excludes disposal receipts received by locally managed magistrates courts Curfews committees and various tribunal agencies. The table details receipts received by Her Majesty’s Courts & Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Tribunals Service for disposal of operational and Justice how many offences have been committed by administrative buildings since 1997 through both court those on home detention curfews since 2008. [165191] closures and other surplus courthouses delivered through new build or co-location schemes. Not all closed courts Jeremy Wright: Data on the criminal histories of will generate capital receipts. A number of courts were offenders currently on Home Detention Curfews (HDC) retained for other uses, those that are on the market, or are not held centrally in the same database and to leasehold properties where the lease will have ended or answer this question in full would require a matching been surrendered. process between two different databases which due to its size and complexity will incur disproportionate cost. Courts: Crimes of Violence Dangerous Dogs

Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Tracey Crouch: To ask the Secretary of State for how many incidents of violence were recorded in (a) Justice how many dog owners have (a) been ordered to magistrates’ courts and (b) Crown courts in (i) 2010, muzzle their dog, (b) received a custodial sentence for (ii) 2011 and (iii) 2012. [164576] possession of a prohibited dog, (c) received a community 161W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 162W sentence for possession of an out of control dog and The number of offenders sentenced at all courts to a (d) been banned from keeping a dog in each region of community sentence for offences relating to out of England in each of the last five years. [165305] control dogs, in England by region from 2008 to 2012 (latest available), can be viewed in Table 2. Information on dog owners ordered to muzzle their Jeremy Wright: The number of offenders sentenced dog, or where a ban from keeping a dog is part of an at all courts to immediate custody for possession of a offenders sentence, is not collated centrally.This information prohibited dog, in England by region from 2008 to 2012 may be held on court files, which could be collated only (latest available), can be viewed in Table 1. at disproportionate cost.

Table 1: Offenders sentenced at all courts to immediate custody for possession of a prohibited dog1, in England by regions, 2008 to 20122,3 Regions 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

NorthEast 10000 NorthWest 23210 Yorkshire and Humberside 00011 East Midlands 00000 West Midlands 00100 East of England 00000 London 22031 South East 00001 South West 00001 1 An offence under s.1(3) of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991. 2 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. When a defendant has been found guilty of two or more offences it is the offence for which the heaviest penalty is imposed. Where the same disposal is imposed fortwoor more offences, the offence selected is the offence for which the statutory maximum penalty is the most severe. 3 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 extractedfrom 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. Source: Justice Statistics Analytical Services—Ministry of Justice Table 2: Offenders sentenced at all courts to a community sentence for offences relating to out of control dogs, in England by regions, 2008 to 20121,2 Offence Region 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

Allowing dog to be dangerously out of NorthEast 55282 control in a public place3 North West 27 16 24 35 31 Yorkshire and Humberside 8 10 18 11 16 East Midlands 7 5 15 10 16 West Midlands 9 11 2 10 16 East of England 3 3 12 12 15 London 23 22 43 23 44 South East 7 6 11 10 13 South West 6 5 11 7 6

Allowing dog to enter a non-public place NorthEast 00100 and injuring any person/causing reasonable apprehension of injury4 NorthWest 12300 Yorkshire and Humberside 13311 East Midlands 00001 West Midlands 00101 East of England 01210 London 31401 South East 01000 South West 00011 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. When a defendant has been found guilty of two or more offences it is the offence for which the heaviest penalty is imposed. Where the same disposal is imposed 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 extractedfrom 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 Includes the following offences under s.3(1) of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991: Allowing dog to be dangerously out of control in public place so subsequently causing injury Owner/person in charge of dog dangerously out of control in a public place—no injury 4 Includes the following offences under s.3(3) of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991: Allowing dog to enter non-public place, and subsequently cause injury Owner allowing dog to enter non-public place causing reasonable apprehension of injury Source: Justice Statistics Analytical Services—Ministry of Justice 163W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 164W

Devolution Jeremy Wright: The number of defendants found guilty at all courts for driving under the influence of Margaret Curran: To ask the Secretary of State for illegal substances in the England and Wales in each of Justice if he will place in the Library any concordats the last five years, can be viewed in table 1. which his Department or the public bodies for which he Data for Scotland and Northern Ireland are matters is responsible have with the devolved administrations. for the Scottish Government and the Department of [163155] Justice Northern Ireland. Mrs Grant: The Memorandum of Understanding Havering has merged with Redbridge, Barking and and Supplementary Agreements, agreed in September Dagenham to form North East London from 1 January 2012, set out principles which underlie the relationship 2012. The information provided in table 2 shows the between the UK Government and the devolved number of defendants found guilty at magistrates courts Administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. for driving under the influence of illegal substances in These documents are available in the Library. the Havering local justice area for each year between A concordat existed between the former Department 2008 and 2011, and in the North East London local for Constitutional Affairs and the Scottish Government. justice area in the year 2012 (latest data available). The Ministry of Justice does not have any concordats Defendants proceeded against at magistrates courts and found guilty at with the devolved Administrations of Scotland, Wales all courts of driving under influence of illegal substances1, England and and Northern Ireland, although we are in the process of Wales, 2008 to 20122,3 negotiating a concordat with the Welsh Government. Proceeded against Found guilty The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority has a bilateral agreement with the Scottish Government. The 20084 76,431 73,155 National Archives has a concordat with the Welsh Government. The Information Commissioner has a 2009 72,694 69,579 bilateral agreement with the Public Records Office of 2010 57,109 54,505 Northern Ireland. The Law Commission has a bilateral agreement with the Welsh Government. I will arrange 2011 53,988 51,609 for these documents to be placed in the Library of the House. This answer assumes that service level agreements 2012 53,758 51,131 fall outside the scope of the question. 1 Includes the following offences under the Road Traffic Act 1988: Driving or attempting to drive a mechanically propelled vehicle while unfit to drive through drink or drugs Domestic Violence Driving or attempting to drive a mechanically propelled vehicle while unfit to drive through drink or drugs—Drink Driving or attempting to drive a mechanically propelled vehicle while Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice unfit to drive through drink or drugs—Drugs (1) how many incidents of violence involving members Being in charge of mechanically propelled vehicle while unfit to drive through drink or drugs of families of defendants were recorded in magistrates’ Being in charge of mechanically propelled vehicle while unfit to drive courts in (a) 2010, (b) 2011 and (c) 2012; [164514] through drink or drugs—Drink (2) how many incidents of violence there were in Being in charge of mechanically propelled vehicle while unfit to drive magistrates’ courts that involved the family of through drink or drugs—Drugs Driving or attempting to drive a motor vehicle while having a breath, defendants in (a) 2010, (b) 2011 and (c) 2012; blood or urine alcohol concentration in excess of the prescribed limit [164935] In charge of a motor vehicle while having a breath, blood or urine (3) how many incidents of violence there were in alcohol concentration in excess of the prescribed limit Failing without reasonable excuse to provide a specimen of breath for Crown courts that involved the family of defendants in a preliminary test (a) 2010, (b) 2011 and (c) 2012. [164936] Driving or attempting to drive a motor vehicle and failing to without a reasonable excuse provide a specimen for a laboratory test or 2 Mrs Grant: Her Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service specimens for analysis of breath In charge of a motor vehicle and failing without reasonable excuse to (HMCTS) do not maintain records detailing whether provide a specimen for a laboratory test or two specimens for analysis an incident of violence has involved the family of the of breath defendant for the period detailed above. Failing to allow specimen of blood to be subjected to laboratory test: (a) driving or attempting to drive, (b) all other cases. I refer the right hon. Member to the response given to 2 The figures given in the table relate to persons for whom these his PQ 164576. offences were the principal offences for which they were dealt with. When a defendant has been found guilty of two or more offences it is the offence for which the heaviest penalty is imposed. Where the same Driving under Influence: Drugs disposal is imposed for two or more offences, the offence selected Is the offence for which the statutory maximum penalty is the most severe. Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for 3 Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate Justice (1) how many people have been convicted of and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extracted from large administrative data systems generated by driving under the influence of illegal substances in the the courts and police forces. As a consequence, care should be taken UK in each of the last five years; [161434] to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are (2) how many people have been convicted of driving taken into account when those data are used. 4 Excludes data for Cardiff magistrates’ court for April, July and under the influence of illegal substances in the London August 2008. Borough of Havering in each of the last five years. Source: [161435] Justice Statistics Analytical Services, Ministry of Justice 165W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 166W

Defendants proceeded against and found guilty at magistrates courts of poor driving is involved, and death or injury are caused, driving under the influence of illegal substances1, Havering local a range of more serious offences may be charged, with justice area2,2008to20113, and North East London local justice area, 2012 long terms of imprisonment available. Proceeded against Found guilty Exhumation 2008 324 313 2009 322 312 Iain Stewart: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice 2010 265 256 (1) how many exhumation licences were issued for 2011 176 166 archaeological excavations in each year since 1 January 20122 656 611 2007; how many such applications were refused; and 1 Includes the following offences under the Road Traffic Act 1988: for what reason each such application was refused; Driving or attempting to drive a mechanically propelled vehicle while [164416] unfit to drive through drink or drugs Driving or attempting to drive a mechanically propelled vehicle while (2) on how many occasions his Department has unfit to drive through drink or drugs—Drink withdrawn and not reissued exhumation licences as a Driving or attempting to drive a mechanically propelled vehicle while sole consequence of errors by officials in his Department unfit to drive through drink or drugs—Drugs since 1 January 2007; [164418] Being in charge of mechanically propelled vehicle while unfit to drive through drink or drugs (3) how many exhumation licences his Department Being in charge of mechanically propelled vehicle while unfit lo drive has issued in each year since 1 January 2007; and what through drink or drugs—Drink proportion of such licences did not relate to Being in charge of mechanically propelled vehicle while until to drive [164419] through drink or drugs—Drugs exhumations within public cemeteries. Driving or attempting to drive a motor vehicle while having a breath, blood or urine alcohol concentration in excess of the prescribed limit Mrs Grant: The number of licences to exhume single In charge of a motor vehicle white having a breath, blood or urine sets of buried human remains and to exhume buried alcohol concentration in excess of the prescribed limit human remains for archaeological purposes issued in Failing without reasonable excuse to provide a specimen of breath for a preliminary test each year since 2007 are set out in the following table. Driving or attempting to drive a motor vehicle and failing to without We are not aware that the Department has withdrawn a reasonable excuse provide a specimen for a laboratory test or two any exhumation licences because of errors by officials specimens for analysis of breath without subsequently issuing a correct licence to replace In charge of a motor vehicle and failing without reasonable excuse to the defective one. provide a specimen for a laboratory test or two specimens for analysis of breath Failing to allow specimen of blood to be subjected to laboratory test: Single exhumation Archaeological licences exhumation licences a) driving or attempting to drive, b) all other cases. 2 Havering has merged with Redbridge and Barking and Dagenham 2007 991 68 to form North East London from 1st January 2012 2008 1,050 162 3 The figures given in the table relate to persons for whom these offences were the principal offences for which they were dealt with. 2009 1,081 200 When a defendant has been found guilty of two or more offences it is 2010 1,032 207 the offence for which the heaviest penalty is imposed. Where the same 2011 1,019 194 disposal is imposed for two or more offences, the offence selected is 2012 927 242 the offence for which the statutory maximum penalty is the most 2013 (at 9 July 2013) 519 109 severe. 5 Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have It would not be possible to identify whether or not been extracted from large administrative data systems generated by each licence related to a public cemetery without incurring the courts and police forces. As a consequence, care should be taken disproportionate cost as each licence would need to be to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are checked. taken into account when those data are used. Source: Archaeological licence applications are not refused Justice Statistics Analytical Services, Ministry of Justice. unless the application is to exhume from a former burial ground to enable development work to take place, in Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for which case there will instead be an order issued under Justice what steps his Department has taken to the Disused Burial Grounds Act 1884 and the Disused introduce tougher sentences for those caught driving Burial Grounds (Amendment) Act 1981, or where the remains are to be exhumed from consecrated ground under the influence of illegal substances. [161436] and reinterred within consecrated ground in which case Jeremy Wright: The Crime and Courts Act 2013 authority from the Church of England in the form of a created the offence of driving with a specified controlled Faculty is required instead. We do not keep records of drug in the body above a specified limit. The existing the number of these cases. offence of driving whilst impaired through drugs (section 4 of the Road Traffic Act 1988) is difficult to enforce Fines due to the need to show that the driver was impaired and the impairment was due to a drug. The maximum Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice penalty for the new drug driving offence is the same as how many fines were (a) issued by the courts and (b) that for the current drug driving offence (and drink collected in (i) 2010, (ii) 2011 and (iii) 2012. [165784] driving): this remains at six months imprisonment, a fine of £5,000 and disqualification. However this offence Mrs Grant: The numbers of financial imposition is designed to increase the likelihood of conviction of accounts opened, and closed along with the values those who drive under the influence of drugs, thereby imposed and collected and the total collections are set enabling the court to punish these drivers. Where culpable out in the following table: 167W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 168W

Number of financial Value of financial impositions that were impositions that were Total value of financial Number of financial opened in the period April Value of financial imposed April to March impositions collected in imposition accounts to March that were closed impositions April to that were collected in the the year regardless of date opened April to March in the same period March (£) same period (£) imposed

2010-11 1— 1— 1— 1— 282,375,257 2011-12 1,189,323 485,304 309,152,830 147,285,715 279,310,438 2012-13 1.122,871 459.411 401,895.898 155,752,883 284,505,025 1 Data not available

Financial impositions include fines imposed in the standards in the latest period for which figures are magistrates and Crown courts, costs orders, compensation available is 100% or £60 million per annum. orders, victim surcharge orders and unpaid fixed penalty The data set used to inform this figure has been notices and penalty notices for disorder which are registered calculated using actual sales data against the current as fines for enforcement. The numbers of accounts MOJ foodstuff contracts for the provision of prisoner closed and the value collected in the same period of food during the quarter period October 2012 to January imposition is the position as at the end of March of the 2013. year specified and those accounts/amounts outstanding at the end of the period could now have been closed or Green Planning Solutions collected. Accounts that were still outstanding at the end of a period include those that were being paid by Robert Neill: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice instalments or were not due for payment by the end of what funding (a) his Department and (b) the Legal the year. Accounts that are closed are accounts with a Services Commission has provided to Green Planning zero balance which could have been by payment or Solutions in the last five years. [160150] administrative or legal cancellation. Mrs Grant: There have been no payments made by Data are not available for opened and closed in the the Ministry of Justice or the Legal Aid Agency to same year pre-April 2011 as these data are taken from Green Planning Solutions in the last five years. management information reports which only came into force in April 2011. Housing: Forfeiture HMCTS takes the issue of fine enforcement very seriously and is working to ensure that clamping down Jesse Norman: To ask the Secretary of State for on fine defaulters is a continued priority nationwide. Justice how many applications for the forfeiture of leasehold residential property were made to the courts Food in each of the last five years for which figures are available; and how many such applications were Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State successful. [160815] for Justice what proportion of all food procured for his Department was sourced from (a) British producers, Mrs Grant: The number of applications for the forfeiture (b) small and medium-sized enterprises and (c) of leasehold residential property and how many such producers which met British buying standards in the applications were successful are not readily available latest period for which figures are available. [164771] and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. Human Trafficking Jeremy Wright: The proportion of all food (by value) procured through the Ministry of Justice Foodstuff Mr Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Contracts for the provision of foodstuff to prisoners Justice how many human trafficking convictions were and prison staff sourced from (a) British producers for recorded on a principal offence basis only in 2012. which figures are available is 46% or £27.5 million [164917] extrapolated over a 12-month period; (b) small and medium-sized enterprises for which figures are available Jeremy Wright: The number of offenders found guilty is 51% or £25.7 million extrapolated over a 12-month at all courts of human trafficking offences, in England period and (c) producers which met British buying and Wales, in 2012, can be viewed in the table.

Offenders found guilty at all courts of human trafficking offences, England and Wales, 20121, 2 Offence Number

Arrange/facilitate arrival into the UK of a person for sexual exploitation 7 (trafficking)3 Arrange/facilitate travel within the UK of a person for sexual exploitation 3 (trafficking)4 Arrange/facilitate the departure from the UK of a person for sexual — exploitation (trafficking)5 Trafficking persons into the UK for the purpose of exploitation6 2 Trafficking persons within the UK for the purpose of exploitation7 — Trafficking persons out of the UK for the purpose of exploitation8 — Knowingly holding a person in slavery or servitude9 1 169W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 170W

Offenders found guilty at all courts of human trafficking offences, England and Wales, 20121, 2 Offence Number

Knowingly require another person to perform forced/compulsory labour10 — ‘—’ = Nil 1 The figures given in the table relate to persons for whom these offences were the principal offences for which they were dealt with. When a defendant has been found guilty of two or more offences it is the offence for which the heaviest penalty is imposed. Where the same disposal is imposed for two or more offences, the offence selected is the offence for which the statutory maximum penalty is the most severe. 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 An offence under S57 Sexual Offences Act 2003 4 An offence under S58 Sexual Offences Act 2003 5 An offence under S59 Sexual Offences Act 2003 6 An offence under S4(1) Asylum and Immigration (Treatment of Claimants, etc.) Act 2004 7 An offence under S4(2) Asylum and Immigration (Treatment of Claimants, etc.) Act 2004 8 An offence under S4(3) Asylum and Immigration (Treatment of Claimants, etc.) Act 2004 9 An offence under Section 71(1)(a) of the Coroners and Justice Act 2009—took effect 6 April 2010 10 An offence under Section 71(1)(b) of the Coroners and Justice Act 2009—took effect 6 April 2010 Source: Justice Statistics Analytical Services—Ministry of Justice.

Mr Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Number Justice pursuant to the answer of 8 July 2013, Official Report, column 110W, on human trafficking, in what IT equipment lost/stolen 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 ways publishing the county in which a victim has been (a) Computers (PCs and laptops) 84 55 57 found could result in such a victim being rediscovered (b) Mobile telephones 1— 1— 1— by their trafficker; and how many victims of trafficking (c) Blackberrys 56 28 164 have been placed in a Salvation Army shelter situated (d) Other pieces of IT equipment 183 184 198 in the same county as the one in which they were first (RSA/RAS secure ID tokens, discovered. [165955] Becrypt encryption tokens and removable media) 1 Not held centrally. Mrs Grant: As explained in my answer of 8 July 2013, Official Report, column 110W, the identification of The aggregate number of users of PCs, laptops and potential victims of trafficking, including where they BlackBerrys in the Department is c. 77,000. Over recent have been found, is a role undertaken by the National years the Department has increased the number of Referral Mechanism which is operated by the UK Human BlackBerrys issued to staff. Trafficking Centre. The Salvation Army collects information All Ministry of Justice laptops and BlackBerrys are on the organisation or agency that discovered the victim encrypted and protected with a complex password; and and made a referral to the Salvation Army. Publishing all BlackBerrys that are registered as lost or stolen are information more detailed than the region could put blocked remotely, making it impossible for them to be both the rescued victim and any other victims harboured used. The Ministry also implements security incident by their trafficker in danger. It would also inform the management procedures to ensure that the impacts of traffickers that the authorities are undertaking law incidents are risk managed and investigations are enforcement activity in those areas. undertaken to seek, and where possible retrieve, lost or In the interests of victim safety and confidentiality, stolen assets. the Ministry of Justice cannot provide information The Ministry adopts government security policy about the work of the 12 shelters that are contracted by framework requirements to securely protect its assets. the Salvation Army to provide accommodation and Clear processes are in place for notification of any loss, assistance. including reporting it to the police. The compliance of staff with policy and guidance is a line management responsibility, and in the event of any breach, disciplinary ICT action may be taken. Specific sanction is applied to the removal of unencrypted laptops or other official IT Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice equipment containing personal or protectively-marked how many (a) computers, (b) mobile telephones, (c) data from a secure location and in the event of this BlackBerrys and (d) other pieces of IT equipment occurring disciplinary action will be taken which may were lost or stolen from his Department in (i) 2010-11, result in dismissal. (ii) 2011-12 and (iii) 2012-13; and if he will make a statement. [156431] Independent Monitoring Boards

Mrs Grant: Details of (a) computers, (b) mobile phones, (c) BlackBerrys and (d) other pieces of IT Kate Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice equipment lost or stolen from the Ministry of Justice in (1) what proportion of members of independent (i) 2010-11 (ii) 2011-12 and (iii) 2012-13 are supplied in monitoring boards fell within the age range (a) 20 to the table. Information on the number of (b) mobile 30, (b) 31 to 40, (c) 41 to 50, (d) 51 to 60, (e) 61 to 70 telephones lost or stolen is not held centrally, and can and (f) over 70 in the most recent year for which be obtained only at disproportionate cost. information is available; [166257] 171W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 172W

(2) what proportion of members of independent Ethnic origin Percentage of 1,687 members monitoring boards fell in each ethnic category in the most recent year for which information is available; 33—Mixed Black Caribbean and 0.12 [166258] White 34—Other Mixed Ethnic 0.12 (3) what proportion of members of independent Background monitoring boards were (a) women and (b) men in the 36—Other Ethnic Background 0.29 most recent year for which information is available; 37—Undeclared 9.78 [166259] 99—White British or Mixed British 1.77 (4) what information his Department holds on the socio-economic background of members of 166259 independent monitoring boards. [166260] The following table sets out the proportion of members Jeremy Wright: As at 17 July 2013 there were 1,697 of independent monitoring boards who were (a) women independent monitoring board members. and (b) men as at 17 July 2013.

166257 Gender Percentage of 1,697 members The following table sets out the proportion of members of independent monitoring boards who were aged (a) Female 50.8 20 to 30, (b) 31 to 40, (c) 41 to 40, (d) 51 to 60, (e) 61 Male 49.2 to 70 and (f) over 70 as at 17 July 2013. 166260 Age range Percentage of 1,687 members The information cannot be provided. The Department 20 to 30 3.12 does not hold information on the socio-economic 31 to 40 3.83 background of members of independent monitoring 41 to 50 7.25 boards. 51 to 60 16.15 61 to 70 49.44 Legal Aid Scheme Over 70 20.21 Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for 166258 Justice (1) how much has been spent on (a) civil and (b) criminal legal aid in (i) cash and (ii) real terms in The following table sets out the proportion of members each of the last 20 years; [160682] of independent monitoring boards in each ethnic category as at 17 July 2013. (2) how many and what proportion of people with cases before (a) civil and (b) criminal courts received Ethnic origin Percentage of 1,687 members legal aid in each of the last 20 years. [160683]

01—White English 81.44 Jeremy Wright: The amount spent on (a) civil and 04—White Irish 0.06 (b) criminal legal aid in (i) cash (i.e. net of operating 05—White Scottish 0.18 receipts) and (ii) real terms in each of the last 20 years is 06—White Welsh 0.06 shown in the following tables. 11—Black 0.47 The LAA does not record the number of people who 12—Black African 1.06 receive legal aid. Instead it records the number of ‘acts 13—Black Caribbean 1.00 of assistance’. One individual may receive a number of 14—Black Other 0.11 separate acts of assistance, and one act of assistance 21—Asian 1.24 can help more than one person. As the categorisation of 22—Asian Bangladeshi 0.06 legal aid has changed over the last 20 years, acts of 23—Asian Indian 0.88 assistance relating to representation in court cannot be 24—Asian Pakistani 0.53 accurately compared over time. Instead the Legal Aid 25—Chinese 0.18 Agency has provided the total acts of assistance relating 31—Mixed Asian and White 0.47 to civil and criminal cases. The information is available 32—Mixed Black African and White 0.18 from 1995 onwards.

Spend Actual £ million 1993-94 1994-95 1995-96 1996-97 1997-98 1998-99 1999-2000 2000-01 2001-02 2002-03

Civil 682 730 775 808 791 844 768 791 734 508

Crime 528 568 616 669 734 779 783 873 982 1,096

Total 1,210 1,298 1,391 1,477 1,525 1,623 1,551 1,664 1,716 1,909

2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13

Civil 89H 845 831 809 844 913 942 969 951 944 Crime 1,179 1,192 1,197 1,171 1,179 1,187 1,207 1,165 1,089 1,034 Total 2,077 2,037 2,028 1,980 2,023 2,100 2,149 2,134 2,040 1,978 173W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 174W

Spend Real (2011-12 prices) £ million 1993-94 1994-95 1995-96 1996-97 1997-98 1998-99 1999-2000 2000-01 2001-02 2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13

Civil 1,023 1,079 1,115 1,128 1,083 1,132 1,012 1,036 944 1,020 Crime 791 940 886 934 1,005 1,045 1,032 1,144 1,263 1,375 Total 1,655 1,919 2,002 2,062 2,087 2,176 2,043 2,180 2,206 2,395 Civil 1,102 1,007 968 918 935 984 1000 1,002 963 944 Crime 1,447 1,421 1,395 1,329 1,306 1,280 1,282 1,204 1,103 1,034 Total 2,549 2,428 2,364 2,247 2,240 2,264 2,282 2,206 2,066 1,978

Acts of assistance Million 1995-96 1996-97 1997-98 1998-99 1999-2000 2000-01 2001-02 2002-03 2003-04 2004-05

Civil 1.52 1.51 1.52 1.46 1.51 1.09 1.01 1.01 0.92 0.87 Crime 1.75 1.79 1.88 1.87 1.87 2.01 1.77 1.64 1.67 1.58 Total 3.27 3.31 3.40 3.34 3.38 3.10 2.78 2.66 2.59 2.46

2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13

Civil 0.99 1.08 1.01 1.58 1.43 1.25 1.09 0.93 Crime 1.62 1.60 1.50 1.28 1.53 1.47 1.39 1.36 Total 2.61 2.69 2.51 2.86 2.97 2.71 2.48 2.28

Meg Munn: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice We received approximately 16,000 responses to the whether his proposed new arrangements for criminal consultation. Figures will be approximate until the logging legal aid will apply to children. [161948] process has been completed. A number of these responses addressed the potential effects of our proposed reforms Jeremy Wright: The proposed changes to criminal on victims of trafficking and domestic violence. legal aid do not affect a child’s eligibility for legal aid We are currently analysing responses and will consider where they have been accused of a crime. carefully points raised during the consultation in respect Between 9 April and 4 June 2013 the Government of the impact of our proposals, including representations consulted on a number of proposals to reform legal aid received on the potential effects on victims of trafficking via the Transforming Legal Aid: delivering a more and domestic violence. credible and efficient system consultation. This included a proposed model of competitive tendering for criminal Sarah Teather: To ask the Secretary of State for legal aid services. We have been clear we must continue Justice what the (a) average and (b) range of time it to bear down on the cost of legal aid, including nearly has taken the Legal Aid Agency to make a decision £1 billion of taxpayers’ money spent on criminal legal following an application for exceptional case funding aid a year, to ensure we are getting the best deal for the has been since 1 April 2013. [164007] taxpayer. The proposed changes to criminal legal aid would Jeremy Wright: To date, the average time it has taken affect the way services are procured and delivered for all the Legal Aid Agency to make a decision following an criminal legal aid recipients, but would not affect a application for exceptional case funding, since 1 April child’s eligibility for criminal legal aid. Therefore, where 2013, is just under four days. necessary, children would continue to be eligible for The range of time it has taken to make a decision is criminal legal aid as now. The only proposal which between one and 20 days depending upon the complexity would affect the scope of criminal legal aid is the of the case. All new applications for exceptional case proposal relating to legal aid for prison law cases. The funding have a target rate of 20 days. Applications for a proposed change would apply to all prisoners, including review of an exceptional case determination have a those under eighteen years of age. target of 10 days. These targets have been met to date. We are now carefully considering all responses with a Exceptional funding is available where a case is excluded view to publishing the Government response in the from the scope of civil legal aid as defined in the Legal autumn. Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012.

Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State Magistrates for Justice what recent representations he has received on the potential effects of reforms to legal aid on Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice victims of trafficking and domestic violence. [163100] how many magistrates there were in (a) total and (b) each local court area in (i) 2010, (ii) 2011 and (iii) 2012. Jeremy Wright: Between 9 April and 4 June 2013 the [165064] Government consulted on a number of proposals to reform legal aid via the “Transforming Legal aid: delivering Mrs Grant: As of 1 April there were 23,499 magistrates a more credible and efficient system” consultation. in 2013 respectively. Further information can be found 175W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 176W in the table provided. We are only able to provide Advisory Committee Total information on the total number of magistrates in England and Wales. Leeds District 423 Leicester 306 This information can be found in table 8.4 of Court Leicestershire 225 Statistics Quarterly for January to March 2013: Lincolnshire 341 https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/court-statistics- Liverpool 295 quarterly-jan-mar-2013 Manchester 404 The Magistracy Mid Glamorgan 258 (a) Justices of the Peace, by sex, 1 April 2006-2013 Newcastle Upon Tyne 228 Men Women Total Norfolk 402 North Cleveland 86 2006 14,519 14,346 28,865 North East London 651 2007 15,007 14,809 29,816 North Sefton 79 2008 14,672 14,747 29,419 North Tyneside 155 2009 14,472 14,798 29,270 North West London 805 2010 14,067 14,540 28,607 North Yorkshire 395 2011 13,186 13,780 26,966 Northamptonshire 415 2012 11,822 12,445 24,267 Northumberland 183 2013 11,342 12,157 23,499 Nottingham 442 Nottinghamshire 237 Advisory Committee Total Oldham 174

2010 Oxfordshire 316 Pembroke 62 Avon 318 Plymouth 151 Barnsley 112 Pontefract 85 Batley and Dewsbury 95 Powys 86 Bedfordshire 306 Rochdale Middleton and Heywood 166 Berkshire 374 Rotherham 108 Birmingham 424 Salford 168 Bolton 196 Sandwell 213 Bradford 278 Sheffield 309 Bristol 308 Shropshire 229 Buckinghamshire 370 Solihull 165 Bury 184 Somerset 241 Calderdale 145 South Cleveland 324 Cambridgeshire 328 South East London 605 Carmarthenshire 129 South Glamorgan 335 Ceredigion 51 South Sefton 130 Cheshire 480 South Tyneside 133 Cities of Westminster and London 433 South West London 751 Clwyd 309 St. Helens 140 Cornwall 196 Staffordshire 520 Coventry 211 Stockport 171 Cumbria 270 Suffolk 261 Derbyshire 411 Sunderland 188 Devon 343 Surrey 366 Doncaster 180 Sutton Coldfield 129 Dorset 325 Tameside 163 Dudley 175 Trafford 143 Durham 303 Wakefield 96 East Sussex 402 Walsall 143 Essex 592 Warwickshire 220 Gateshead 128 West Glamorgan 225 Gloucestershire 263 West Sussex 339 Gwent 320 Wigan and Leigh 186 Gwynedd 105 Wiltshire 255 Hampshire 714 Wirral 230 Hereford and Worcester 502 Wolverhampton 140 Hertfordshire 474 Total 28,607 Huddersfield 95 Humberside 279 Isle of Wight 69 2011 Keighley 118 Avon 314 Kent 908 Barnsley 111 Kingston Upon Hull 164 Batley and Dewsbury 92 Knowsley 81 Bedfordshire 274 Lancashire 1,143 Berkshire 374 177W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 178W

Advisory Committee Total Advisory Committee Total

Birmingham and Heart of England 882 Somerset 229 Black Country 609 South East London 602 Bolton 182 South Tyneside 127 Bradford 273 South West London 757 Bristol 302 Staffordshire 494 Buckinghamshire 338 Stockport 163 Bury 174 Suffolk 247 Calderdale 139 Sunderland 198 Cambridgeshire 304 Surrey 359 Carmarthenshire 126 Tameside 157 Ceredigion 45 Trafford 136 Cheshire 482 Wakefield 90 Cities of Westminster and London 436 Warwickshire 217 Cleveland 388 West Glamorgan 219 Cornwall 189 West Sussex 335 Cumbria 261 Wigan and Leigh 186 Derbyshire 422 Wiltshire 253 Devon 313 Total 26,966 Doncaster 175 Dorset 318 2012 Durham 292 Avon and Somerset 521 East Sussex 374 Bedfordshire 248 Essex 567 Berkshire 333 Gateshead 117 Birmingham and Heart of England 798 Gloucestershire 258 Black Country 558 Gwent 300 Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire 541 Hampshire 699 Cambridgeshire 267 Hereford and Worcester 496 Central and South London 897 Hertfordshire 458 Cheshire 452 Huddersfield 90 Cleveland 346 Humberside 286 Cumbria 230 Isle of Wight 67 Derbyshire 411 Keighley 110 Devon and Cornwall 500 Kent 881 Dorset 286 Kingston Upon Hull 157 Durham 272 Lancashire 1,117 Dyfed Powys 273 Leeds District 415 Essex 518 Leicester 299 Gloucestershire 220 Leicestershire 212 Greater Manchester 1,312 Lincolnshire 329 Gwent 291 Manchester 374 Hampshire and Isle of Wight 723 Merseyside 279 Hertfordshire 446 Mid and South Glamorgan 541 Humber 410 Newcastle Upon Tyne 205 Kent 828 Norfolk 375 Lancashire 1,080 North East London 668 Leicestershire and Rutland 393 North Tyneside 152 Lincolnshire 305 North Wales 406 London West 1,040 North West London 829 Merseyside 769 North Yorkshire 376 Mid and South Glamorgan 489 Northamptonshire 357 Norfolk 353 Northumberland 188 North and East London 963 Nottingham 418 North Wales 397 Nottinghamshire 226 North Yorkshire 344 Oldham 164 Northamptonshire 341 Oxfordshire 273 Northumbria 817 Pembroke 59 Nottinghamshire 583 Plymouth 151 South Yorkshire 628 Pontefract 79 Staffordshire 438 Powys 83 Suffolk 225 Rochdale Middleton and Heywood 152 Surrey 340 Rotherham 109 Sussex 664 Salford 160 Warwickshire 204 Sheffield 297 West Glamorgan 210 Shropshire 229 West Mercia 684 179W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 180W

Total in-use certified normal accommodation, operational capacity and Advisory Committee Total population of HMP Oakwood between April 2012 and June 2013 In-use certified West Yorkshire 1,077 normal Operational Wiltshire 242 accommodation capacity Population Total 24,267 2013 Note: Between 2010 and 2012, Advisory Committees throughout England and Wales restructured, with some areas merging to create a new Advisory January 1,605 1,605 1,346 Committee covering a larger geographical area. February 1,605 1,605 1,503 Mobile Phones March 1,605 1,605 1,561 April 1,605 1,605 1,554 Mike Freer: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice May 1,605 1,605 1,584 which companies supply (a) mobile telephones and June 1,605 1,605 1,593 (b) mobile data services to his Department. [162691] Note: These figures have been drawn from administrative IT systems, which, as with any large scale recording system, are subject to possible error with data entry Mrs Grant: The suppliers to the Ministry of Justice and processing. for the provision of (a) mobile telephones are Vodafone Ltd UK, O2 and EE Ltd, and for (b) mobile data Offender Rehabilitation Bill (HL) services are Vodafone Ltd UK, EE Ltd, Message 4 u and Textmagic. Steve McCabe: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice whether he intends to release his Department’s Oakwood Prison impact assessment of the Offender Rehabilitation Bill. [166489] Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what the certified normal accommodation for HM Jeremy Wright: On 20 June 2013, the Ministry of Prison Oakwood has been in each month since it first Justice published an updated impact assessment of the opened; and how many offenders have been held in the Offender Rehabilitation Bill. The impact assessment is prison in each month since it first opened. [165797] available online at: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ Jeremy Wright: The opening and full occupation of attachment_data/file/208171/updated-rehabilitation-bill- HM Prison Oakwood, which is by far the largest new impact-assessment.pdf prison to be built in recent years, was delivered safely and on schedule. The rate at which prisoners were Offenders received was agreed between the National Offender Management Service (NOMS) and G4S, the prison’s Mr Llwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice operator. This was to ensure that the prison opened in a whether people who are sentenced to less than 12 safe a secure way, maintaining good order and control months imprisonment and who are subsequently and recognising that HM Prison Oakwood was a newly- released are subject to licence conditions in England built prison with newly-recruited and trained staff. As a and Wales. [156886] result, it was agreed between NOMS and G4S that the increase of capacity and prisoners would be kept under Jeremy Wright: Adult offenders who are sentenced to review and would be slowed or stopped if there were immediate custody for a period of less than 12 months considerations about safety or security. Full operational are not subject to release on licence, apart from those capacity was available from January 2013. who are released on home detention curfew prior to The following table shows the total in-use certified their automatic release date. Young adult offenders normal accommodation, operational capacity and serving sentences of detention in a young offenders population of HMP Oakwood, as at the last working institute are subject to three months’ supervision on Friday in each month since its opening on 24 April licence following release. All young offenders serving 2012. Individual prison population and capacity detention and training orders are subject to supervision information is published monthly via the following link: on licence when released. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/prison- On 9 May we published “Transforming Rehabilitation: population-figures A Strategy for Reform”, in which we set out our intention Total in-use certified normal accommodation, operational capacity and that all offenders leaving prison, including those sentenced population of HMP Oakwood between April 2012 and June 2013 to less than 12 months in custody, will now spend a In-use certified normal Operational minimum of 12 months being supervised and rehabilitated accommodation capacity Population in the community. We have introduced provisions in the Offender Rehabilitation Bill to this effect. 2012 April 25 25 17 Mr Llwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice May 160 160 93 who is responsible for the statutory supervision of June 363 363 330 people who are sentenced to periods of 12 months July 675 675 598 imprisonment and who are subsequently released in August 1,050 1,050 711 England and Wales. [156887] September 1,365 1,365 915 October 1,365 1,365 969 Jeremy Wright: Probation trusts and youth offending November 1,365 1,365 1,112 teams are currently responsible for supervising offenders December 1,365 1,365 1,214 released from custody on licence. On 9 May we published “Transforming Rehabilitation: A Strategy for Reform”. 181W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 182W

Once these reforms are implemented, offenders released 2008-09 and 2012-13, can be viewed in the accompanying on licence will be supervised either by contracted table. Research commissioned by the Ministry of Justice rehabilitation providers or by the new national probation and the National Offender Management Service has service. been included. Parole Offenders: Rehabilitation Ian Lavery: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Roberta Blackman-Woods: To ask the Secretary of what the backlog was of Parole Board cases involving State for Justice with reference to the proposals outlined prisoners serving (a) an indeterminate sentence for on page 23 of Transforming Rehabilitation: A Strategy public protection and (b) a life sentence in each month for Reform, what training private sector employees will since March 2012. [166533] receive in respect of suitability for dealing with (a) breach of community orders and (b) recall to prison. Jeremy Wright: The information is provided in the [165662] following table. This lists, in respect of each month Jeremy Wright: ‘Transforming Rehabilitation: a Strategy since March 2012, the number of indeterminate sentences for Reform’, sets out the plans for transforming the way for public protection (IPP) cases and life sentence cases in which offenders are managed in the community in which had reached the target date for a parole hearing order to bring down reoffending rates. Under these and had not been allocated an oral hearing date or reforms we will create a new national public sector where a decision had not yet been made on the case probation service. It will be the responsibility of the papers. National Probation Service to decide on action in relation The total number of cases is also provided in respect to all potential breaches beyond a first warning, they of each month. As the Parole Board has not always will also advise the Courts or Secretary of State on recorded cases by sentence type, I regret that this data is sanctions or recall to custody. not available for the months of June 2012 and April Current probation staff train and qualify as Probation 2013. Offices and Probation Service Officers via the Probation The Parole Board is committed to working in an Qualifications Framework. The framework sets out the effective and efficient manner in order to meet the objective, learning and occupational competence needed to qualify contained in the Board’s current business plan, to and practise as a probation officer, including enforcement significantly reduce the back log by the end of 2013/14. of court orders and licences. The Probation Qualifications As well as increasing the number of Parole Board Framework will continue to apply across the National Members and hearings, work is also underway to streamline Probation Service. the end to end parole process in order to deliver lasting New providers will be required to ensure that their improvements. delivery in respect of public protection meets all quality standards, including working with the public sector in Month IPP sentence Life sentence Total the discharge of the public protection function. They March 2012 792 706 1498 will be expected to evidence in their bids how they will April 2012 888 713 1601 manage a workforce with appropriate levels of training May 2012 886 699 1585 and competence. June 2012 1— 1— 1618 July 2012 807 763 1570 Ian Lavery: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice August 2012 852 755 1607 how many people completed accredited offending September 886 705 1591 behaviour and substance misuse programmes while in 2012 (a) custody and (b) the community in (i) 2011-12 and October 2012 896 731 1627 (ii) 2012-13. [166532] November 852 697 1549 2012 Jeremy Wright: The information requested can be December 2012 867 692 1559 found in the Accredited Programmes Annual Bulletin January 2013 799 648 1447 2012-13 (England and Wales), published by the Ministry February 2013 786 628 1414 of Justice on 25 July 2013 at the following location: March 2013 773 609 1382 April 2013 1— 1— 1323 https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ attachment_data/file/225196/accredited-programmes-annual- May 2013 705 553 1258 bulletin-2012-13.pdf June 2013 724 558 1282 July 2013 856 593 1449 August 2013 826 526 1352 Ian Lavery: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice 1 Data unavailable how much his Department has spent on research on each prisoner rehabilitation programme in each of the Pay last five years; and which organisation undertook each such research programme. [166535] Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice (1) how many employees of (a) his Department and Jeremy Wright: The term ‘prisoner rehabilitation (b) its agencies and non-departmental public bodies programmes’ covers a broad range of activity, delivered have an annual salary of (i) £100,000 to £150,000, (ii) in prison and through the gate, aimed at the rehabilitation £150,001 to £200,000, (iii) £200,001 to £250,000, (iv) of offenders. A list of external research projects on £250,001 to £300,000, (v) £300,001 to £350,000 and (vi) prisoner rehabilitation programmes, commissioned between over £350,000; [154315] 183W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 184W

(2) how many employees of (a) his Department and published is from the last working Friday in March in (b) the agencies and non-departmental public bodies each year and not on 1 April as requested. We need to for which he is responsible have an annual salary of (a) ensure that our custodial estate has sufficient places to between £100,000 and £150,000, (b) between £150,001 meet the demand of the courts while securing best value and £200,000, (c) between £200,001 and £250,000, (d) for money for the taxpayer. between £250,001 and £300,000, (e) between £300,001 These figures have been drawn from administrative and £350,000 and (f) over £350,001. [154390] IT systems, which, as with any large scale recording system, are subject to possible error with data entry and Mrs Grant: The number of officials in the Ministry of processing. Justice (Ministry of Justice HQ, HM Courts and Tribunals Service, and Office of the Public Guardian) and non- Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice departmental public bodies that earned a full-time how much increased capacity in the prison estate since equivalent salary in excess of £100,000 as at 30 September May 2010 has come about as a result of (a) new prison 2012 stood at 45 and is broken down as follows. places becoming available, (b) existing accommodation Since 2010 both MOJ core and NOMS have significantly being returned to use, (c) an increase in multiple reduced the number of staff with salaries over £100,000. occupancy of prison cells and (d) other measures. [166025] Salary band Number of staff

£100,000 to £150,000 41 Jeremy Wright: In June 2013, the Justice Secretary £150,001 to £200,000 4 announced that a new prison that could hold around £200,001 to £250,001 0 2,000 prisoners will be built in north Wales, delivering a £250,001 to £300,001 0 significant and rapid investment to the Welsh economy. £300,001 to £350,001 0 The new prison—the first to be built in north Wales—will Over £350,000 0 bring around £23 million a year to the regional economy, providing much needed jobs and opportunities for local business. It is estimated around 1,000 jobs will be created. Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice The following table shows the number of places (1) how many employees of (a) his Department and between Friday 30 April 2010 and Friday 26 July 2013 (b) its agencies and non-departmental public bodies which were delivered as a result of (a) new prison have an annual salary before tax of over £142,000; accommodation becoming available, (b) existing [154316] accommodation being returned to use (e.g. being returned (2) how many employees of (a) his Department and to use following maintenance or refurbishment work), (b) the agencies and non-departmental public bodies (c) an increase in multiple occupancy of prison cells for which he is responsible have an annual salary before and (d) other measures. tax of over £142,000. [154391] Number of places between Friday 30 April 2010 and Friday 26 July 2013 which were delivered as a result of (a) new prison accommodation becoming available, Mrs Grant: The number of officials in the Ministry of (b) existing accommodation being returned to use, (c) an increase in multiple Justice (Ministry of Justice HQ, HM Courts and Tribunals occupancy of prison cells and (d) other measures Service and Office of the Public Guardian) as at Number 30 September 2012 (the latest data available) that have (a) New prison accommodation becoming 5,274 had an annual salary before tax of over £142,000 was available three. (b) Existing accommodation being 2,603 returned to use The number of officials in the Ministry of Justice’s (c) An increase in multiple occupancy of 477 arm’s length bodies and National Offender Management prison cells Service as at 31 March 2013 that had an annual salary (d) Other measures (these are places 1,320 before tax of over £142,000 was eight. returning to use following change of function and those places reclaimed for use Since 2010 MOJ core has significantly reduced the as prisoner accommodation) number of staff with salaries over £142,000. Total 9,674 Prison Accommodation The table does not reflect the 9,193 places that have Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice been taken out of use since 30 April 2010. 4,932 places what the occupancy rate as a proportion of population have been taken out of use as a result of prison closures to in-use certified normal accommodation was in (a) at HMPs Lancaster Castle, Wellingborough, Latchmere the whole of the Prison Service and (b) each public House, Ashwell, Canterbury, Gloucester, Bullwood Hall, and privately-run prison in England and Wales on Kingston, Shrewsbury and Shepton Mallet; 2,609 places 1 April (i) 2009, (ii) 2010, (iii) 2011, (iv) 2012 and (v) were taken out of use for refurbishment purposes; 2013. [154417] 857 places were taken out of use as a result of decreases in multiple occupancy of prison cells; and finally, 795 places Jeremy Wright: The information requested has been were taken out of use due to other measures such as a placed in the Library of the House and is also published change of function. online at: Between Friday 30 April 2010 and Friday 26 July https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/prison- 2013 the total operational capacity of the prison estate population-figures increased by a net 481 places, comprising 9,674 increases The data is produced on the last working Friday of and 9,193 decreases. This included a net decrease of March in years 2009 to 2013 and therefore the information 380 places in multiple occupancy prison cells. 185W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 186W

These figures have been drawn from administrative Offenders sentenced at all courts for offences relating to violence IT systems, which, as with any large scale recording against the person or sexual offences who were sentenced to imprisonment for public protection (IPP)1, by offence class sentenced, system, are subject to possible error with data entry and England and Wales, 1 October 2011 to 31 December 20122, 3 processing. Offence group Offence class Sentenced to IPP

Violence Attempted murder 19 Steve Brine: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice against the what funding his Department plans to provide for person capital expenditure on new prison places in (a) the Threat or conspiracy to 17 current spending review period and (b) the next murder spending review period. [166621] Manslaughter4 24 Wounding or other act 222 Jeremy Wright: The information is as follows: endangering life Other wounding 37 (a) The priority is to provide enough prison places for those sent there by the courts—and to do so in a way Cruelty to or neglect of 2 children that gives taxpayers the best possible value for money. Sexual Indecent assault on a 9 In the current spending review period covering the offences male years 2011-12 to 2014-15, a total of approximately £219 Rape 174 million will be spent on new prison places. This includes investment to complete a previous prison capacity Indecent assault on a 67 female programme, four new house blocks and to start the Unlawful sexual 16 recently announced new prison in North Wales. Across intercourse with girl the country we are reducing the cost of prison by under 13 replacing old, inefficient buildings with newer Unlawful sexual 38 accommodation that is cheaper to run. The new prison intercourse with girl in Wales allows us to continue this work while providing under 16 a significant and rapid investment in the Welsh economy. Incest 2 (b) In the next spending round period covering 2015-16, Sexual offences with 1 person with mental the indicative budget is currently £100 million. disorder Child prostitution and 4 pornography Prison Governors Miscellaneous sexual 13 offences 1 Sentences of imprisonment for public protection introduced by the Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Criminal Justice Act 2003 on 4 April 2005. how many current prison governors have criminal 2 The figures given in the table relate to persons for whom these convictions. [166026] offences were the principal offences for which they were dealt with. When a defendant has been found guilty of two or more offences it is the offence for which the heaviest penalty is imposed. Where the Jeremy Wright: I refer the right hon. Gentleman to same disposal is imposed for two or more offences, the offence my answer to his question on 18 June 2013, Official selected is the offence for which the statutory maximum penalty is Report, column 634W. the most severe. 3 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 Prison Sentences 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 Mr Slaughter: To ask the Secretary of State for used. 4 Justice how many (a) sex offenders and (b) violent Includes offences of manslaughter, causing death by dangerous driving, and manslaughter on the grounds of diminished offenders convicted of what offence were given responsibility. imprisonment for public protection in each of the last Source: 15 months. [164458] Justice Statistics Analytical Services—Ministry of Justice

Mr Gibb: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Jeremy Wright: The number of offenders sentenced pursuant to his answer of 3 July 2013, Official Report, at all courts for offences relating to violence against the column 641W, on prison sentences, if he will provide person or sexual offences who were sentenced to the information requested in the original question; and imprisonment for public protection (IPP), by offence if he will fix the web link provided in the original class sentenced, in England and Wales, from 1 October Answer. [165480] 2011 to 31 December 2012 (latest data available), can be viewed in the table. IPP sentences were replaced by a Jeremy Wright: Pursuant to the answer of 3 July robust new determinate sentencing regime, and mandatory 2013, officials in my Department have confirm that the life sentence for repeated very serious violent and sexual web link provided in the original answer is correct and offending, in the Legal Aid Sentencing and Punishment live. For reference please see the tables I have placed in of Offenders Act 2012, and are not available for offenders the House Library. Table A5.2 presents figures for convicted on or after 3 December 2012. volumes of offenders sentenced at magistrates courts. Court proceedings data for 2013 are planned for Table A5.3 presents figures for volumes of offenders publication in May 2014. sentenced at the Crown court; table A5.9 shows the 187W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 188W percentage of offenders sentenced to immediate custody, Breakdown by year of convictions of staff (for corruption related by court type for the period of 2002 to 2012; and table offences) A5.26 presents offenders sentenced for indictable offences Convictions at the Crown court: plea, immediate custody and average Total 74 sentence length, for the period of 2002 to 2012. The tables referred to in the answer are available The information provided has been drawn from live through the following link: administrative data systems which may be amended at https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ any time. Although care is taken when processing and attachment_data/file/203849/5-sentencing-tables-dec12.xls analysing the returns, the detail collected is subject to the inaccuracies inherent in any large scale recording Prison Service system.

Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Ian Lavery: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice (1) on how many occasions employees of the Prison what changes in the level of National Offender Management Service have been (a) charged and (b) found guilty of Service staffing at each prison establishment have been each category of criminal activity in the workplace in achieved as a consequence of the Comprehensive Spending each year since 2010; [156689] Review; and if he will make a statement. [161448] (2) how many times and for what offences employees of the Prison Service have been charged with criminal Jeremy Wright: Since the start of the current Spending activity in the workplace in each year since 2010. Review period (2011/2012 - 2014/2015), NOMS has [156653] taken a wide-ranging strategic approach to meet the financial challenges set including: a comprehensive Jeremy Wright: The National Offender Management restructuring of Headquarters and the wider organisational Service (NOMS) does not hold records of employees structure; significant frontline efficiencies across public charged with criminal activity. prisons and probation, whilst maintaining safe, decent Whilst the vast majority of its staff are honest and and secure offender services; reconfiguring the prison hard working, the National Offender Management Service estate and the closure of prison establishments; clear, (NOMS) is committed to detecting, deterring and disrupting specified front-line services, with comprehensive costing any and all corrupt behaviour by individuals working in information to identify efficient cost models and challenge prisons. A dedicated NOMS Corruption Prevention and eliminate expensive delivery; and reduced contract Unit was set up to ensure staff corruption is identified costs. and tackled. As part of this work NOMS has compiled Over the two years since the start of the Spending a central record of staff convicted of offences which Review, NOMS has successfully delivered £475 million meet the NOMS definition of corruption. cashable savings against the 2010/2011 baseline budget This definition is that corruption occurs when a position, whilst maintaining high levels of performance. person in a position of authority or trust abuses their Since April 2011, there have been changes in staffing position for their or another person’s benefit or gain. levels at each prison establishment but it is not possible Therefore the NOMS central record does not include to attribute any of these changes in staffing levels all types of criminality as not all offences meet the specifically to the consequences of the Comprehensive definition. No central data exists prior to 2008. Sentences Spending Review. handed down to individuals working in prisons since 2010 is given in the following table. Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Breakdown by year of convictions of staff (for corruption related how many people were employed in the Prison Service, offences) by rank, on 1 June (a) 2010, (b) 2011, (c) 2012 and Convictions (d) 2013. [161684]

2010 18 2011 20 Jeremy Wright: Information on the number of staff 2012 25 directly employed by NOMS in public sector Prison 2013 (to date) 11 Service establishments, broken down by grade, is contained in the following table:

Table 1. Headcount staff in post in the public sector Prison Service, excluding NOMS HQ by grade—31 May 2010, 2011, 2012 and 30 April 2013 Grade grouping 31 May 2010 31 May 2011 31 May 2012 30 April 2013

Operational Senior Managers 200 200 200 190 Managers 990 940 890 840 Principal Officer 940 790 650 630 Senior Officer 3,920 3,670 3,460 3,150 Prison Officer 20,390 20,250 19,170 18,140 Operational Support grade 7,840 7,580 7,090 6,580 Operational total 34,280 33,420 31,450 29,530

Non Operational Senior Civil Servant 1— 1— 1— 1— Senior Managers 50 40 30 30 189W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 190W

Table 1. Headcount staff in post in the public sector Prison Service, excluding NOMS HQ by grade—31 May 2010, 2011, 2012 and 30 April 2013 Grade grouping 31 May 2010 31 May 2011 31 May 2012 30 April 2013

Managers 1,100 960 880 800 Executive Officer 800 730 690 660 Administrative Officer 3,750 3,800 3,640 3,380 Administrative Assistant 360 370 350 380 Other Admin 390 350 320 190 Psychology 890 930 930 850 Chaplaincy 380 380 360 340 Healthcare—Nursing grades 380 300 210 140 Healthcare—Other healthcare 60 60 40 20 Industrial 3,490 3,380 3,190 2,920 Other grades 1,390 1,370 1,280 1,150 Non Operational total 13,040 13,040 12,660 11,920

Grand total 47,320 46,080 43,370 40,390 1 Denotes suppressed values of five or fewer. Notes: 1. Information relates to Public Sector Prison Service establishments and regionally organised staff directly providing services to establishments. NOMS HQ is not included. The definition of NOMS HQ has recently been altered to exclude more regionally based units. This means that the totals given in this answer do not necessarily agree with previous answers which used the more wide-ranging definition of headquarters. 2. In April 2012 a new system of pay-bands was introduced for new recruits. The figures relating to 2012 and 2013 therefore include some staff working in the new banding structure. For the purposes of this table those staff are allocated to the equivalent grade grouping. 3. In October 2011 HMP Birmingham transferred to the private sector causing a reduction of 639 staff. 4. Over the period being reported the number of healthcare staff directly employed by NOMS has fallen as a result of the transfer of staff employment to primary care trusts. 5. As with all HR databases, extracts are taken at a fixed point in time, to ensure consistency of reporting. However the database itself is dynamic, and where updates to the database are made late, subsequent to the taking of the extract, these updates will not be reflected in figures produced by the extract. For this reason, HR data are unlikely to be precisely accurate, and to present unrounded figures would be to overstate the accuracy of the figures. Rounding to 10 accurately depicts the level of certainty that is held with these figures. 6. All figures are rounded to the nearest 10. Totals and changes are formed from unrounded parts and may therefore not equal either sum of or difference between the rounded totals.

Private sector establishments are managed by contractors on private sector establishments by the individual with different grading structures. Information provided contractors is presented in the following tables:

Table 2: Headcount of G4S staff in Prison Service establishments by grade, 1 June 2010 to 2013 Grade (G4S) 1 June 2010 1 June 2011 1 June 2012 1 June 2013

2 130 1— 1— 1— 3601— 1— 1— 4201— 1— 1— 5 1— 1— 1— 1— 1A 130 1— 1— 1— IB 10 1— 1— 1— Band 1 1— 1— 1— 1— Band 3 1— 1— 1— 1— C2 1— 1— 1—10 CAS 1—605050 Dl 1—101010 D2 1—203020 D2 (Operational) 1— 1— 1— 1— El 10 50 70 70 El (Operational) 1— 1— 1— 1— E2 10 160 190 190 E2 (Operational) 1— 1— 1— 1— F 1— 150 180 190 F1 80 160 180 180 F1 (Operational) 1—20201— F2 60 90 90 80 Non Banded Operative 20 30 80 10 Non Banded Supervisor/Team Leader 1— 1— 1— 1— 0 1— 1— 1— 1— 00 1—202030 01 20 20 1— 1— 02 220 330 330 320 OTR 1— 1— 380 330 TR 1— 1— 160 130 191W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 192W

Table 2: Headcount of G4S staff in Prison Service establishments by grade, 1 June 2010 to 2013 Grade (G4S) 1 June 2010 1 June 2011 1 June 2012 1 June 2013

N/A 960 650 860 930 (blank) 1— 1— 160 100 Grand total 1,740 1,800 2,830 2,650 1 Denotes suppressed values of five or fewer Notes: 1. Information presented in grade structure of contractor and reflects changes in grade structure over the period. 2. All figures are rounded to the nearest 10. Totals and changes are formed from unrounded parts and may therefore not equal either sum or difference of the rounded totals.

Table 3: Headcount of Sodexo staff in Prison Service establishments by closures of older accommodation enabling prisoners to be held grade—1 June 2010 to 2013 in generally larger and more efficient prisons gaining economies 1 June 1 June 1 June 1 June of scale in respect of prisoner-staff ratios Grade 2010 2011 2012 2013 general efficiencies and benchmarking that have sought to Operational Managers 70 60 50 50 make the most effective use of officer time and deployment Principal Officer 1— 1— 1— 1— Prisoner to Prison Officer/Prison Custody Officer Ratio—30 June 2009 to 2012 Senior Officers 110 no 110 100 As at 30 June: Prison Officers 680 690 620 630 2009 2010 2011 2012 Operational Support 100 110 130 150 Grades Officers 22,415 22,275 21,998 21,404 Non-operational 20 30 30 30 Population 82,646 84,089 84,339 86,048 Managers Ratio 3.7 3.8 3.8 4.0 Administration Grade 120 160 160 160 Notes: Other staff 300 290 280 280 1. The ratio of Prison Officers to prisoners is based on the headcount of Total 1,400 1,440 1,380 1,400 prisoners to the Prison Officer Full Time Equivalent. As Prison Officers work shift patterns, the ratio does not indicate the actual number of prisoners per Notes: Prison Officer on duty at any given point in time. 1. Information presented as far as possible in the grade structure of public 2. Staffing information for HMP Lowdham Grange is not available from the sector. current contractor prior to 2012. The establishment has therefore been excluded 2. All figures are rounded to the nearest 10. Totals and changes are formed from from the ratio calculation prior to 2012. unrounded parts and may therefore not equal either sum or difference of the 3. Officers working in the public sector in headquarters or regional structures rounded totals. are not included. Table 4: Headcount of Serco staff in Prison Service establishments by grade—1 4. Private sector staffing numbers refer to prison custody officers and have been June 2010 to 2013 provided by individual contractors. 1 June 1 June 1 June Grade 2010 2011 2012 1 June 2013 Ian Lavery: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Managers 120 110 190 180 what changes there have been in capital expenditure Prison Custody 470 460 870 900 budgets of each prison in the UK since April 2010. Officers [166536] Others 520 490 620 600 Total 1,100 1,060 1,680 1,680 Jeremy Wright: Capital expenditure budgets are not 1 Denotes suppressed values of 5 or fewer. given to individual prisons. Budgets for capital expenditure Notes: 1. The contractor does not hold information for HMP Lowdham Grange for are managed at regional and national level and are 2010 and 2011. subject to rigorous assessment and governance, and 2. All figures are rounded to the nearest 10. Totals and changes are formed money is allocated to projects on a priority basis. from unrounded parts and may therefore not equal either sum or difference of the rounded totals. Note: The Ministry of Justice is only responsible for prisons in England Jenny Chapman: To ask the Secretary of State for and Wales. Justice what the average ratio of prison officers to inmates in prisons in England and Wales was in June Prison Service: North East (a) 2009. (b) 2010, (c) 2011, (d) 2012 and (e) 2013. [164834] Grahame M. Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for Jeremy Wright: It is standard practice to produce Justice pursuant to the answer of 3 July 2013, Official staffing ratios as the total number of prisoners divided Report, column 642W, on Prison Service: North East, by the total number of prison officers employed. (1) what the equivalent figures were for all other prisons Information on the ratio of prisoners to prison officers in England and Wales; [166486] in the public sector and prison custody officers in the (2) how many staff were employed at each private sector in establishments of the Prison Service of establishment in each of the identified grades. [166485] England and Wales on 30 June 2009 to 2012 is contained in the table. Data are not yet published as at 30 June Jeremy Wright: The response to the question provided 2013. the number of staff who had received an exceeded A number of factors have influenced the prisoner to marking on their staff personal development record for officer ratio in recent years. Each of these has enabled 2011-12 in the North East region. The equivalent establishments to operate effectively with an increased information for all public sector Prison Service prisoner to officer ratio. These include: establishments is provided in table 1. Staff numbers at the civilianisation of services previously undertaken by uniformed each of the grades specified at 31 March 2012 are prison officers, such as health care and catering provided in table 2. 193W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 194W

Table 1: Number of staff in post in public sector Prison Service establishments receiving an exceeded marking on staff personal development record, brokendownby grade and establishment, 2011-12 Operational Operational manager Administrative Establishment support grades Officers and senior managers grades Other grades Total

Askham Grange — 10 — — — 20 Aylesbury — 30 — — — 40 Bedford — 20 — 20 — 50 Belmarsh 10 80 10 20 10 130 Blantyre House — — — — — 10 Blundeston — 10 — 10 10 40 Brinsford — 10 — — — 20 Bristol — 20 — — — 30 Brixton — 10 — — — 10 Buckley Hall — 10 — 10 10 40 Bullingdon — 70 10 30 20 140 Bullwood Hall — 10 — 10 — 20 Bure 10 40 — 20 10 100 Canterbury 10 20 — 10 10 50 Cardiff — 40 10 30 20 90 Channings Wood 10 80 — 40 30 160 Chelmsford — 30 10 20 10 60 Coldingley — 10 — 10 10 40 Cookham Wood — 30 — 20 — 60 Dartmoor 10 30 — 20 10 80 Deerbolt — 20 — 20 10 60 Dorchester — 30 — 10 — 40 Dover — 10 — 10 — 30 Downview — 10 — 10 — 30 Drake Hall — 10 — 10 — 30 Durham — 50 10 40 10 110 East Sutton Park — — — 10 — 20 Eastwood Park 10 40 — 20 10 90 Elmley 10 50 — — — 60 Erlestoke and Shepton Mallet — 10 — 10 10 40 Everthorpe — 20 — 20 10 60 Exeter — 40 10 30 — 80 Featherstone — 10 10 20 20 60 Feltham — 30 — 10 — 40 Ford —— — 101020 Foston Hall — 20 — 10 — 30 Frankland 10 100 10 50 60 220 Full Sutton 10 50 10 30 20 130 Garth 10 10 — 20 10 50 Gartree — 20 — 20 20 60 Glen Parva — 40 10 20 20 100 Gloucester — 30 — 20 — 50 Grendon — 20 10 20 10 50 Guys Marsh — 30 — 20 30 80 Haslar — 10 — — — 20 Haverigg 10 10 — 20 10 60 Hewell 10 50 — 30 10 110 High Down — 20 10 20 10 50 Highpoint 10 50 10 60 30 160 Hindley 10 40 10 10 10 90 Hollesley Bay — 10 — 10 — 30 Holloway — 10 — 10 — 30 Holme House 10 100 10 40 30 190 Hull 10 70 10 20 20 120 Huntercombe — 20 — 10 20 60 Isis — — — — — 10 Isle of Wight 10 40 — 40 10 100 Kennet — 30 — 10 10 60 Kingston — 10 — 10 10 30 Kirkham — 10 — 20 10 50 Kirklevington Grange — 20 — 10 10 40 Lancaster Farms — 30 10 20 10 80 Leeds 10 70 — 30 10 130 195W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 196W

Table 1: Number of staff in post in public sector Prison Service establishments receiving an exceeded marking on staff personal development record, brokendownby grade and establishment, 2011-12 Operational Operational manager Administrative Establishment support grades Officers and senior managers grades Other grades Total

Leicester — 10 — — 10 20 Lewes 10 40 — 10 — 60 Leyhill 10 30 10 30 20 90 Lincoln — 20 — 20 10 60 Lindholme 10 40 10 50 30 140 Littlehey — 30 10 20 20 80 Liverpool 10 70 10 20 10 120 Long Lartin 10 40 10 30 10 100 Low Newton — 20 10 20 — 50 Maidstone — 20 10 10 — 40 Manchester 10 110 10 50 40 220 Moorland 10 70 10 30 30 150 Morton Hall — 10 — — — 20 New Hall 10 50 10 30 20 120 North Sea Camp — — — 10 10 30 Northallerton — 30 — 20 — 50 Northumberland 10 60 10 50 20 140 Norwich — 10 10 10 10 30 Nottingham 20 40 — 20 10 100 Onley 10 20 — 10 — 40 Pentonville — 30 — 10 10 50 Portland 10 30 — 20 10 70 Preston 10 40 10 20 — 70 Ranby — 20 10 20 20 80 Reading — 10 — — — 20 Risley — 40 10 30 30 110 Rochester 10 40 — 20 20 90 Send — 10 — 10 — 30 Sheppey Central Services 10 30 — 20 30 100 Shrewsbury — 10 — 10 10 50 Stafford 10 50 10 20 40 120 Standford Hill — 10 — 10 — 30 Stocken — 30 — 20 10 60 Stoke Heath — 50 10 10 20 100 Styal 103010202080 Sudbury — 20 — 20 10 50 Swaleside — 60 — 20 10 90 Swansea — 30 — 10 10 50 Swinfen Hall 10 60 — 20 10 110 The Mount 10 30 — 20 10 80 The Verne 10 10 — 10 — 30 Thorn Cross — 10 — 20 10 50 Usk/Prescoed — 10 — 10 — 30 Wakefield 10 50 10 20 30 130 Wandsworth — 60 — 20 — 90 Warren Hill — 20 10 20 — 50 Wayland 10 60 10 20 20 120 Wealstun 10 20 10 20 20 70 Wellingborough — 10 — 10 10 40 Werrington — 10 — — — 20 Wetherby — 40 — 20 30 100 Whatton 10 30 — 20 20 90 Whitemoor 10 50 10 40 20 120 Winchester — 10 — 10 10 30 Woodhill — 40 10 20 10 80 Wormwood Scrubs — 20 — 10 — 40 Wymott 10 40 — 30 30 120

Total 560 3,650 580 2,230 1,400 8,420 Note: ‘—’denotes suppressed values of five or fewer. Low numbers are suppressed, in conjunction with the rounding policy to prevent disclosure in accordance with the Data Protection Act, 1998. All figures are rounded to the nearest 10. Totals are formed from unrounded parts prior to rounding. For this reason, rounded totals may not equal the sum of their rounded parts. 197W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 198W

Table 2: Number of staff in post in public sector Prison Service establishments broken down by grade and establishment, 31 March 2012 Operational Operational manager Administrative Establishment support grades Officers and senior managers grades Other grades Total

Askham Grange 10 20 — 10 10 60 Aylesbury 40 140 10 40 40 270 Bedford 30 140 — 50 20 250 Belmarsh 210 490 10 70 70 850 Blantyre House 10 30 — 10 10 60 Blundeston 40 140 10 30 50 270 Brinsford 50 220 10 40 50 370 Bristol 50 200 10 40 40 320 Brixton 50 200 10 40 20 320 Buckley Hall 30 100 10 30 20 200 Bullingdon 60 260 10 70 50 450 Bullwood Hall 20 70 — 20 20 130 Bure 50 150 10 40 40 280 Canterbury 40 100 — 20 20 180 Cardiff 40 260 10 50 70 440 Channings Wood 50 180 10 50 60 350 Chelmsford 60 210 10 40 50 370 Coldingley 40 120 10 30 40 230 Cookham Wood 30 130 — 30 20 220 Dartmoor 40 150 — 40 50 290 Deerbolt 60 170 10 50 40 330 Dorchester 20 110 10 20 20 180 Dover 50 130 10 20 40 250 Downview 30 110 — 30 20 200 Drake Hall 30 80 10 30 30 180 Durham 80 270 20 70 60 480 East Sutton Park 10 20 — 10 10 60 Eastwood Park 30 140 10 40 20 250 Erlestoke and Shpeton Mallet 80 180 10 50 60 370 Everthorpe 50 160 10 50 40 300 Exeter 30 170 10 40 40 280 Featherstone 50 150 10 50 70 320 Feltham 110 370 10 90 90 670 Ford 30 60 10 30 30 150 Foston Hall 40 110 — 20 10 190 Frankland 130 590 10 80 120 930 Full Sutton 130 420 20 50 100 720 Garth 70 250 10 40 90 470 Gartree 40 200 10 60 60 380 Glen Parva 60 240 10 60 40 410 Gloucester 30 120 — 40 20 210 Grendon 50 130 10 40 60 290 Guys Marsh 50 120 10 40 50 270 Haslar 10 50 — 10 30 100 Haverigg 60 140 10 50 60 310 Hewell 110 320 20 90 60 600 High Down 90 260 10 60 50 480 Highpoint 110 270 10 90 90 580 Hindley 50 250 20 50 50 420 Hollesley Bay 30 50 — 30 30 140 Holloway 70 200 10 50 40 380 Holme House 60 340 20 80 60 560 Hull 80 300 10 60 60 510 Huntercombe 30 100 10 30 40 220 Isis 30 160 10 50 10 250 Isle of Wight 130 420 10 110 140 810 Kennet 50 130 10 30 40 250 Kingston 10 60 — 20 30 120 Kirkham 40 80 10 40 50 210 Kirklevington Grange 30 50 — 30 20 130 Lancaster — — — — — — 199W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 200W

Table 2: Number of staff in post in public sector Prison Service establishments broken down by grade and establishment, 31 March 2012 Operational Operational manager Administrative Establishment support grades Officers and senior managers grades Other grades Total

Lancaster Farms 60 200 10 50 40 360 Latchmere House — — — — — — Leeds 90 350 10 60 50 560 Leicester 30 130 10 30 10 210 Lewes 70 200 10 40 20 350 Leyhill 30 70 10 50 50 200 Lincoln 60 190 10 40 20 320 Lindholme 100 220 20 70 60 460 Littlehey 90 250 10 60 100 510 Liverpool 110 320 10 60 60 560 Long Lartin 120 390 20 60 80 670 Low Newton 50 140 10 40 40 280 Maidstone 60 130 10 30 30 260 Manchester 160 470 10 70 120 820 Moorland 100 300 10 60 60 530 Morton Hall 50 120 10 20 20 220 New Hall 60 200 10 50 40 360 North Sea Camp 20 50 — 30 10 120 Northallerton 20 60 10 30 10 130 Northumberland 130 390 20 80 110 740 Norwich 60 190 10 50 50 360 Nottingham 100 310 10 70 40 520 Onley 50 150 10 70 40 310 Pentonville 80 360 10 60 40 550 Portland 60 180 10 50 50 340 Preston 70 260 10 50 30 430 Ranby 90 230 10 60 70 460 Reading 30 100 — 20 20 180 Risley 70 270 10 50 60 470 Rochester 60 220 10 50 60 400 Send 30 90 10 30 20 180 Sheppey Cluster 180 700 20 190 130 1,220 Shrewsbury 40 110 — 30 30 210 Stafford 60 180 10 40 70 360 Stocken 60 200 10 60 30 350 Stoke Heath 60 220 10 50 60 400 Styal 50 170 10 40 30 300 Sudbury 30 60 — 30 20 150 Swansea 20 140 10 40 40 260 Swinfen Hall 70 190 — 40 60 360 The Mount 50 150 10 60 50 310 The Verne 50 100 10 40 50 260 Thorn Cross 20 90 — 30 30 180 Usk/Prescoed 30 90 — 30 30 180 Wakefield 120 410 20 60 80 680 Wandsworth 110 390 10 90 70 670 Warren Hill 30 140 10 40 30 240 Wayland 60 220 10 50 70 400 Wealstun 70 200 10 60 70 420 Wellingborough 50 140 10 50 20 260 Werrington 30 90 — 30 20 180 Wetherby 60 240 10 50 50 420 Whatton 80 190 10 60 50 380 Whitemoor 120 380 10 80 90 700 Winchester 50 180 — 50 30 320 Woodhill 130 430 20 70 70 720 Wormwood Scrubs 80 320 20 70 70 570 Wymott 80 270 10 60 90 510

Total 7,100 23,350 1,040 5,660 5,630 42,780 Note: ‘—’ denotes suppressed values of five or fewer. Low numbers are suppressed, in conjunction with the rounding policy to prevent disclosure in accordance with the Data Protection Act, 1998. All figures are rounded to the nearest 10. Totals are formed from unrounded parts prior to rounding. For this reason, rounded totals may not equal the sum of their rounded parts. 201W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 202W

Prisoner Corruption Unit Jeremy Wright: The following table shows the total amount of cost of hiring transport, including taxis, for Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice prisoners for financial years 2010-11 to 2012-13 for what the budget of the Prisoner Corruption Unit was public sector prisons in England and Wales. in each year since 2010-11. [164469] Transport hire costs for prisoners Jeremy Wright: This Government is committed to Financial year (£) ensuring that the agencies are free from corruption and that those who do commit illegal acts are dealt with 2012-13 3,133,614 swiftly and reported to the prosecuting authorities. The 2011-12 3,337,250 National Offender Management Service’s (NOMS’) 2010-11 3,595,191 Corruption Prevention Unit (CPU) is its national Additionally it may be helpful to note expenditure intelligence hub through which corruption intelligence from the five years prior to this (2005-06 to 2009-10). is passed between prisons and the police. The CPU undertakes strategic analysis of corruption intelligence Transport hire costs for prisoners across the prison estate and provides operational assistance Financial year (£) to prisons through a network of regional and local corruption prevention managers. 2009-10 3,431,290 The allocated budget for the operation of the NOMS 2008-09 3,731,809 CPU is provided as follows for the financial years 2007-08 2,984,439 2010-11 and 2011-12. 2006-07 2,977,117 2005-06 2,829,476 Budget (£) Notes: 1. Figures are extracted from our central accounting code and include 2010-11 588,000 costs of hiring transport e.g. taxis, coaches, mini-buses etc. for taking prisoners to court and for all other escorts including bedwatches, 2011-12 421,300 funeral escorts and regime activities not in official vehicles. Also, these figures have been drawn from NOMS central accounting records, From 1 April 2012, the CPU was integrated in to the which, as with any large scale recording system, are subject to possible NOMS National Intelligence Unit (NIU) within Security errors with data entry and processing. Group. The NIU allocated budget for 2012-13 and 2. Private prisons are excluded. 2013-14 is provided as follows. 3. Charges for taxis used for medical escorts are reimbursed by primary care trusts (PCTs). PCTs have the commissioning and funding responsibility for all medical escorts and bedwatches for prisons but Budget (£) exclude open prisons, immigration remand centres and prisons in Wales. 2012-13 1,605,102 2013-14 1,863,972 The Prisoner Escort Custody Service (PECS), which is part of the National Offender Management Service, is responsible for the movement of prisoners between Prisoner Escapes prisons, police stations and courts and their care and security while in court custody. PECS manages the Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice secure escort contracts covering all those sent to custody how many escaped prisoners remain at large. [165799] in the prison estate, apart from category A prisoners. However, there are occasions when the prison service Jeremy Wright: The total number of escapes from may make use of taxis to provide prisons with a cost- custody has been falling since 1995 when central records effective, flexible way of fulfilling transport requirements began, despite an increasing prison population. for prisoners where there is a strong operational justification Between April 1997 and March 2012, the most recent for doing so. This mode of transport is comparatively period for which data is available, 245 prisoners escaped cheaper than cars; they also reduce potential overheads from either a prison establishment or from a HM Prison for prisons, including maintenance and cleaning, and service escort. Of these escapees seven are currently still the impact that this might have on staff time. Additionally, at large.1 Data on recapture of prisoners prior to 1997 is this allows prisons to source transport at short notice to not centrally held and can be obtained only at fulfil urgent requirements. disproportionate cost by manual interrogation of electronic incident and prisoner records. Prisoners on Remand Between April 2010 and March 2012 23 prisoners escaped from a contractors escort. Of these four are Mr Gibb: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice currently still at large. Data prior to this is not centrally how many remand prisoners voted in the May 2010 available and can be obtained only at disproportionate General Election. [161096] cost. Most contractor escapes occur at court. 1 Jeremy Wright: Information on the number of remand As of 15 July 2013. prisoners who vote in UK elections is not collected. Prisoner Escorts: Taxis Prisoners’ Transfers

Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for how much the Prison Service spent on taxis to Justice how many prisoners convicted of each category transport prisoners in (a) 2010, (b) 2011 and (c) of crime have been moved to a lower category of prison 2012. [164609] in the last 12 months; what the (a) original and 203W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 204W

(b) current category of prison is in each such case; and MOJ Minister Counterpart what length of time had been served by each such prisoner at the time of their transfer. [166308] 21 January 2013 Justice Secretary Bulgarian Minister of Justice. Diana Kovatcheva Jeremy Wright: All prisoners have their security 28 February Jeremy Wright Romanian Deputy Justice categorisation risk assessed on an individual basis following 2013 Minister, Ovidiu Putura 26 April 2013 Justice Secretary Hungarian Minister of conviction and sentencing. This assessment considers Public Administration and the likelihood of their attempting to escape or abscond, Justice, Tibor Navracsics the risk of harm to the public should they do so and any 6 June 2013 Jeremy Wright Polish Secretary of State other issues that impact on the security and good order for Justice. Stanislaw of the prison. The assessment takes account of factors Chmielewski 13 June 2013 Lord McNally Croatian Minister for such as the nature of the offence, sentence length and Justice, Orsat Miljenic previous convictions. Prisoners are then assigned to the lowest security category appropriate to managing the Prisons: Doncaster level of risk presented. The prisoner’s security category is subsequently reviewed at regular intervals or whenever there is a change in circumstances affecting the prisoner’s Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for risk levels. The aim is to ensure that the prisoner continues Justice if he will undertake an urgent review of the to be held in conditions of the lowest security consistent prison management competition for the Doncaster with managing risk. cluster of prisons. [166634] We do not generally hold data on the individual Jeremy Wright: I have no plans to review the prison reasons for a prisoner’s transfer, including transfers management competition for the Doncaster cluster of following re-categorisation. Where this is available, the prisons. The Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for information could be obtained only at disproportionate Justice, my right hon. Friend the Member for Epsom cost as it would involve a manual trawl through the and Ewell (Chris Grayling), has requested that individual records of every transferred prisoner in the PricewaterhouseCoopers undertake an audit of all my last 12 months. Department’s existing contracts with Serco and G4S following issues that arose in relation to the current Prisoners: Age contracts for electronic monitoring. While this audit includes existing prisons contracts, it Mr Nicholas Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for does not extend to the competition for operating the Justice what the average age is of (a) the prison South Yorkshire prisons as no contract has yet been population and (b) those serving first-time prison awarded. That competition was run according to the sentences. [166512] terms of the competition Official Journal of the European Union notice. It adhered to Government procurement Jeremy Wright: As at 30 June 2012 (the most recent regulations, and each bidder’s proposal was robustly data available for part (b)), the average age of both the evaluated using the same agreed methodology. total prison population and those serving their first Consequently, I do not believe there is any need to custodial sentence was 34. undertake a review of the competition. These figures have been drawn from administrative IT systems which, as with any large scale recording Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for system, are subject to possible errors with data entry Justice what the reasons were for the delay in announcing and processing. the new contract for managing the Doncaster cluster of prisons; and what affect the over-charging by firms for existing departmental contracts has had on this process. Prisoners: Repatriation [166635]

Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Jeremy Wright: In light of issues with MOJ’s electronic (1) with which countries the Government is currently monitoring contracts the Lord Chancellor and Secretary negotiating prison transfer agreements; [165801] of State for Justice, my right hon. Friend the Member (2) what meetings Ministers in his Department have for Epsom and Ewell (Chris Grayling), requested an held with their EU counterparts on the EU Prisoner audit of all of my Department’s contracts with Serco Transfer agreement; and when each such meeting was and G4S. We have been clear that we will not award any held. [165802] further contracts to the two companies unless the results of this audit process are satisfactory. Jeremy Wright: Prisoner transfer agreements can be a The leading bidder in the competition to operate the sensitive issue for some countries and it could be counter- South Yorkshire prisons is Serco. We will not take a productive to reveal details of discussions before they decision on whether to award the contract until the are concluded. However, I can assure you that my audit of other Serco contracts has concluded. ministerial colleagues and I are actively engaging with a number of countries and remain determined to secure Prisons: Electronic Equipment compulsory agreements wherever possible. This year the following meetings have taken place Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice between MOJ Ministers and their European counterparts whether prisoners are required to buy their own (a) where the EU Prisoner Transfer Agreement (EU PTA) televisions, (b) games consoles and (c) other was formally discussed as part of the agenda: entertainment devices. [155044] 205W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 206W

Jeremy Wright: On 30 April 2013, we announced Mrs Grant: I can confirm that there have been four significant changes to the Incentives and Earned Privileges occasions when a prison has had to be re-locked since (IEP) scheme. The purpose of the IEP scheme will 2010. The cost to the public purse was £337,551 (excluding change so that not only are adult prisoners (over 18) VAT) and the prisons were Swaleside, Glen Parva, expected to behave well, but they will also be expected Warren Hill and Birmingham. The cost of the latter to actively work towards their own rehabilitation and, was met by the operator of the prison, G4S. to reach the highest level of the scheme, demonstrate both an active commitment o their own rehabilitation Prisons: Private Sector and provide help or support to other prisoners and/or prison staff. Gaining additional privileges will require Mr Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for not just the absence of negative behaviour, but also the Justice (1) what financial reductions his Department demonstration of positive behaviour targeted at has negotiated at each privately-operated prison; and if rehabilitation. We have announced a review of the scheme he will make a statement; [160078] as it applies to young people. We are currently exploring (2) what contractual amendments have been how and to what extent the principles of the review of negotiated at each privately-operated prison since May IEP for adult prisoners can apply to young people. 2010; and if he will make a statement. [160091] Access to in-cell televisions is not provided at cost to the taxpayer. The provision of in-cell television is entirely Jeremy Wright: The information is as follows: self-financing from the rental payments made by prisoners, PQ 160078 and all costs related to the purchase and provision of The information is in the following table. The review televisions and the digital switchover programme are period for data relating to this question is April 2011 to being recovered from this charge. Where prisoners are April 2013. The savings figures in the table show the permitted to purchase DVD players, under local IEP total decrease in spend over the life of contracts for schemes, this is at their own expense. Prisoners are no individual prisons arising from either one-off or annually longer allowed 18-rated DVDs since they were banned negotiated reductions. Some savings figures reported in by the Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for the table will be subject to annual pricing indexation Justice, my right hon. Friend the Member for Epsom adjustment in accordance with the terms of the relevant and Ewell (Chris Grayling), earlier this year. contract. Access to games consoles is limited and only available, in the adult estate (over 18), to prisoners who are on the Prison Total estimated savings (£) highest level of the IEP scheme. Games consoles are purchased at prisoners’ own expense. Individual access HMP Altcourse 22,571,189 to games consoles in the young people’s estate is only HMP Ashfield 429,000 available to those on the enhanced level of the scheme. HMP Birmingham 1,831,080 Youngpeople on enhanced level are permitted to purchase HMP Bronzefield 17,803,004 computer games and a games console for their own use HMP Dovegate 2,420,196 and from a pre-determined list of approved consoles. HMP Forest Bank 18,187,444 Youngpeople are also permitted access to games consoles HMP Lowdham Grange 1,500,413 provided in communal areas when on enhanced or HMP Parc 11,374,443 standard levels. HMP Peterborough 20,276,250 Prisons: Employment HMP Rye Hill 21,960 HMP Wolds 599,845 Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what proportion of the budget of each prison in the PQ160091 UK is spent on wages of those providing external The information is provided in a table which will be auxiliary services (a) in total and (b) excluding the placed in the Library of the House. The review period wage costs of prison officers and prisoners. [159628] for data relating to this question is May 2010 to present day, as requested. Jeremy Wright: The National Offender Management Service’s central accounting system does not record Prisons: Security separately expenditure on wages relating to providing external auxiliary services at each public sector and Grahame M. Morris: To ask the Secretary of State private prison in England and Wales. To establish such for Justice how many (a) full and (b) part Tornado costs would require an individual establishment-wide teams were provided from each prison establishment in survey to identify those staff, prisoners and others England and Wales in each of the last four years; and if employed in the provision of external auxiliary services. he will make a statement. [166346] This would be a significant exercise and could be done only at disproportionate cost. Jeremy Wright: Operation Tornado is the code name used by the National Offender Management Service to Prisons: Locks and Keys describe mutual aid arrangements across the prison estate in England and Wales. These arrangements are in Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice place to assist establishments response to serious incidents, how many incidents there were of prisons needing to such as concerted indiscipline, mass evacuation, etc., by have their locks replaced since May 2010; what the cost providing specially trained resources above and beyond to the public purse was of such incidents; and in which those already available at an establishment. The size of prison each incident took place. [165800] a prison determines the extent to which it is able to 207W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 208W contribute to Operation Tornado. A full Tornado Unit Details of the number of operational Tornado teams or half teams provided by consists of two section commanders and 12 staff. Smaller prison establishment in 2013 establishments provide what is called a “half team”, Establishment Commitment (number of units) being half this deployment. Highpoint 1 Hindley 1 Details of the number of Tornado Teams or half Hollesley Bay 0 teams provided from each establishment are only available Holloway 1 for 2013 and are set out in the following table. Information Holme House 1.5 about the number of teams provided for the preceding Hull 1.5 years is not held centrally and could be determined only Huntercombe 1 at disproportionate cost. Isle of Wight 2 Details of the number of operational Tornado teams or half teams provided by Isis 1 prison establishment in 2013 Kennet 0.50 Establishment Commitment (number of units) Kirkham 0 Altcourse 2 Kirklevington Grange 0 Ashfield 1 Lancaster Farms 1.5 Askham Grange 0 Leeds 1.5 Aylesbury 1 Leicester 1 Bedford 1 Lewes 1 Belmarsh 2 Leyhill 0 Birmingham 1.5 Lincoln 1 Blantyre House 0 Lindholme 1.5 Blundeston 1 Littlehey 1 Brinsford 1 Liverpool 1.5 Bristol 1 Long Lartin 2 Brixton 0 Low Newton 0.50 Bronzefield 1 Lowdham Grange 1 Buckley Hall 0.50 Maidstone 1 Bullingdon 1 Manchester 2 Bure 0.50 Moorland 1.5 1 Cardiff 2 Morton Hall 0 Channings Wood 1 New Hall 1 Chelmsford 1 North Sea Camp 0 Coldingley 1 Northallerton 0 Cookham Wood 1 Northumberland 1.5 Dartmoor 1 Norwich 1.5 Deerbolt 1 Nottingham 2 Doncaster 2 Oakwood 2 Dorchester 1 Onley 1 Dovegate 1 Parc 2 Dover1 0.50 Pentonville 2 Downview 0.50 Peterborough 2 Drake Hall 0 Portland 1 Durham 1.5 Preston 1.5 East Sutton Park 0 Ranby 1 Eastwood Park 1 Reading 0.50 Elmley 2 Risley 1.5 Erlestoke 1 Rochester 1 Everthorpe 1 Rye Hill 1 Exeter 1 Send 0 Featherstone 1 Stafford 1 Feltham 2 Standford Hill 0 Ford 0 Stocken 1 Forest Bank 2 Stoke Heath 1 Foston Hall 0 Styal 0.50 Frankland 2 Sudbury 0 Full Sutton 2 Swaleside 2 Garth 1.5 Swansea 1 Gartree 1 Swinfen Hall 1 Glen Parva 2 Thameside 2 Grendon/Spring Hill 1 The Mount I Guys Marsh 1 The Verne 1 Haslar1 0.50 Thorn Cross 0 Hatfield 0 Usk/Prescoed 0 Haverigg 1 Wakefield 2 Hewell 1 Wandsworth 2 Highdown 1 Warren Hill 0 209W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 210W

Details of the number of operational Tornado teams or half teams provided by Prisons: Staff prison establishment in 2013 Establishment Commitment (number of units) Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Wayland 1 (1) how many full-time equivalent staff were employed Wealstun 1 in (a) publicly run prisons and (b) privately run Werrington 0 prisons on 1 April in each year since 2008; [154381] Wetherby 0 Whatton 1 (2) how many full-time equivalent staff were Whitemoor 2 employed in the Prisons Service in each year since [154382] Winchester 1 2008. Wolds 1 Woodhill 2 Jeremy Wright: Information on the number of full-time Wormwood Scrubs 2 equivalent staff employed in public and private sector Wymott 1.5 Prison Service establishments each year since 2008 is 1 Immigration Removal Centre contained in the following table. Information for 2013 has not yet been published and so has not been included Prisons: Seized Articles in the table. The public sector and private sector estates are not Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice directly comparable, in size, complexity or function. For how many seizures of (a) Class A drugs, (b) mobile example, in 2012 there were 117 public sector establishments telephones and (c) knives there were from each prison compared with 14 in the private sector. All of the High in London in 2012. [166021] Security prisons, which typically have some of the highest number of staff are also in the public sector. The figures Jeremy Wright: The following table shows the number provided for the Public Sector Prison Service also include of drug and mobile phone seizures in each prison in the staff in regional support teams for which there is no National Offender Management Service (NOMS) London equivalent in the private sector. The number of private region in 2012. sector establishments has increased over the period from 11 in 2008 to 14 in 2012. Included in the increase Prison Drugs Mobile phones in private sector establishments was the movement of Belmarsh 10 8 HMP Birmingham from public to private sector Brixton 18 15 management in October 2011. Bronzefield 19 3 Full-time equivalent staff in public and private sector Prison Service Coldingley 5 28 Establishments—April 2008 to 2012 Downview 3 2 Public sector Private sector Total Feltham 21 45 2008 46,790 4,800 53,590 High Down 2 35 2009 47,420 4,820 54,250 Holloway 5 10 2010 45,670 5,080 52,760 Isis—Opened March 8382011 44,920 5,100 52,030 2012 2012 41,690 5,700 49,400 Pentonville 53 120 Notes: Send 0 11 1. Public sector includes staff working in establishments and in regional support Thameside 19 7 teams. Wandsworth 7 115 2. Public sector data relates to 31 March in each year. 3. Figures are rounded to the nearest ten. Totals are rounded separately, and as Wormwood Scrubs 34 39 such may not equal the sum of the rounded parts. Totals 204 476 Prisons: Voluntary Work Drugs seizures include all seizures of drugs and drug paraphernalia. The data held centrally are not differentiated by Class of drug and include seizures of drug paraphernalia. Jenny Chapman: To ask the Secretary of State for To disaggregate Class A drugs from the data would Justice what guidelines his Department issues to prison require manually examining each record, which is not governors on the engagement of volunteers in prisons. possible without incurring disproportionate cost. [164835] One mobile phone seizure could constitute a phone only, a SIM card only, or a mobile phone with one SIM Jeremy Wright: The National Offender Management card or media card inside. Service (NOMS) has issued two guidance documents to Seizures of knives are held on the NOMS Incident prison governors and directors of contracted prisons Reporting System under a miscellaneous category. To covering services provided by partner organisations, disaggregate the knife incidents from other miscellaneous including those using volunteers. These are: incidents would require manually examining each one, ‘Prison Service Instruction 43/2010 Pre-Appointment Security which is not possible without incurring disproportionate Vetting’; and cost. ‘Prison Service Instruction 31/2012 Security Vetting: Additional All figures in this answer have been drawn from live Risk Assessment Criteria Following Disclosed Criminal Convictions administrative data systems which may be amended at (Ex Offenders)’. any time. Although care is taken when processing and The latter was introduced following feedback from the analysing the returns, the detail collected is subject to voluntary sector. It ensures that suitable ex-offenders the inaccuracies inherent in any large scale recording can enter prisons to provide rehabilitative support to system. The data are not subject to audit. their peers following local risk assessment. 211W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 212W

A series of guides on volunteering and mentoring in victim was in each racially aggravated offence recorded the criminal justice system, funded by the Ministry of in each of the last five years. [165184] Justice and produced by the charity Clinks, have been publicised to prison governors through the NOMS website. NOMS has also helped the Prison Reform Trust to Jeremy Wright: The ethnicity of the offenders found distribute their report on volunteering within prisons by guilty at all courts of offences containing a racially prisoners, ‘Time Well Spent’, to all governors and directors. aggravated description, in England and Wales, in each year from 2008 to 2012 (latest available) can be viewed Under the Department’s Transforming Rehabilitation in the table. reforms, the market will be opened up to a diverse range of new providers. We expect this to result in greater use Following the introduction of the Libra case management of volunteers. Current guidelines will be kept under system during 2008, the recording of ethnicities improved review to ensure they reflect any changes resulting from and the numbers recorded as not stated or unknown these reforms. decreased. The documents cited above can be found via the For reporting purposes as from 1 September 2009 following web links: racial and religiously aggravated offences cannot be http://www.justice.gov.uk/downloads/offenders/psipso/ separately identified by the Ministry of Justice on the psi2010/psi_2010_43_security_vetting_aug_2010.doc Court Proceedings Database. http://www.justice.gov.uk/downloads/offenders/psipso/psi- 2012/psi-31-2012-security-vetting-ex-offenders.doc Information held centrally by the Ministry of Justice http://www.clinks.org/vol_guides on the Court Proceedings Database does not include http://www.prisonreformtrust.org.uk/Portals/0/Documents/ the circumstances behind each case beyond the description Time%20Well%20Spent%20report%20lo.pdf provided in the statute. It is not possible to separately identify from this centrally held information the ethnicity Racially Aggravated Offences of the victims of racially aggravated offences. Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Specific information on recorded crimes is the Justice what the ethnicity of the (a) offender and (b) responsibility of the Home Office (HO).

Table 1: Offenders found guilty at all courts of offences that contain a racially or racially/religiously aggravated description, by ethnicity and year1,2,3 Year Offence description4 Ethnicity of offender5 20086 2009 2010 2011 2012

Racial malicious wounding White 1,024 1,550 775 333 137 and other like offences (incl. ABH) Black 68 116 51 33 12 Asian 4970541711 Other 18 32 16 6 — Not Stated/Unknown 815 384 84 40 19

Racial or religious White 205 394 1,672 2,194 2,358 malicious wounding and other like offences (incl. ABH) Black 12 22 107 158 196 Asian 16 19 85 110 117 Other 413212229 Not Stated/Unknown 226 92 172 232 231

Racially aggravated other White 125 154 45 16 8 criminal damage Black 3 3 2 — — Asian — 2 1 1 — Other — — 1 — 1 Not Stated/Unknown 74 26 3 2 —

Racially or religiously White 32 48 189 205 202 aggravated other criminal damage Black 12595 Asian 14244 Other —1211 Not Stated/Unknown 36 10 6 7 14 213W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 214W

Table 1: Offenders found guilty at all courts of offences that contain a racially or racially/religiously aggravated description, by ethnicity and year1,2,3 Year Offence description4 Ethnicity of offender5 20086 2009 2010 2011 2012

Racially aggravated other White 289 377 172 56 30 offences against the State and Public Order Black 18 39 11 8 6 Asian 1618751 Other 4 8 4 1 — Not Stated/Unknown 264 93 26 14 4

Racially or religiously White 96 117 435 445 502 aggravated other offences against the State and Public Order Black 8 4 30 37 32 Asian 6 4202022 Other 51467 Not Stated/Unknown 65 30 46 48 50

Racially aggravated White 1,146 1,837 623 165 125 harassment alarm or distress, Black 49 148 58 24 16 Asian 4090531617 Other 2037671 Not Stated/Unknown 1,009 424 121 42 32

Racially or religiously White 180 290 1,818 1,907 1,803 aggravated harassment, alarm or distress Black 7 23 147 154 144 Asian 6 14 85 127 82 Other 2 6 36 16 19 Not Stated/Unknown 156 79 209 241 207 Total 6,095 6,561 7,202 6,729 6,445 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. When a defendant has been found guilty of two or more offences it is the offence for which the heaviest penalty is imposed. Where the same disposal is imposed 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 extractedfrom 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 Following the introduction of the Libra case management system during 2008, the recording of ethnicities improved and the numbers recorded as not stated or unknown decreased. 4 From 1 September 2009 racially aggravated offences became obsolete and racially and religiously aggravated offences (already in use) were used in their place. Offenders found guilty under racially aggravated offences after 1 September 2009 relate to offences that took place prior to this date. 5 Officer identified ethnicity. 6 Excludes data for Cardiff magistrates court for April, July and August 2008. Source: Justice Statistics Analytical Services—Ministry of Justice

Rape 94% of offenders received a custodial sentence. For sexual assault more than half received a custodial sentence Jenny Chapman: To ask the Secretary of State for and for grievous bodily around two thirds received a Justice (1) how many of those found guilty of rape in custodial sentence. 2012 were (a) under 18 years, (b) between 18 and 21 For the number of offenders found guilty at all courts years and (c) over 21 years old; [166065] and sentenced to a non custodial sentence for rape, (2) how many of those found guilty of (a) rape, (b) sexual assault and grievous bodily harm, by age breakdown, sexual assault and (c) grievous bodily harm were in England and Wales for the period of 2012 (latest sentenced to a non-custodial sentence in 2012; [166063] available) can be viewed in the table. (3) what the average number of previous convictions The average number of previous convictions for any held by those found guilty of rape in 2012 was. offence for those convicted of rape in 2012 is 4.17. The [166064] average is derived from the number of previous conviction occasions where an offender was sentenced. Jeremy Wright: In 2012 the majority of offenders convicted of rape, sexual assault and grievous bodily harm received a custodial sentence. For rape, nearly all, 215W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 216W

Offenders found guilty at all courts and sentenced to a non custodial sentence for 41 to 50, (d) 51 to 60, (e) 61 to 70 and (f) over 70 in rape, sexual assault and grievous bodily harm, by age, England and Wales, 20121,2 the most recent year for which information is available; Offence and [166253] outcome Under 18 years 18 to 21-year-olds Over 21 (2) what proportion of referral panel members fell in Rape3 each ethnic category in the most recent year for which information is available; [166254] Found guilty 96 140 909 Non (3) how many of referral panel members were (a) Custodial women and (b) men in the most recent year for which Sentences information is available; [166255] Absolute 100 discharge (4) what information his Department holds on the Community 34 5 7 socio-economic background of referral panel members. sentence [166256] Suspended 001 sentence Jeremy Wright: The information requested is not Otherwise 559held centrally. The responsibility for the recruitment of dealt with volunteers to youth offender panels lies with local authorities and their youth offending teams. Sexual Assault4 Statutory guidance on youth offender panels states Found guilty 185 173 1,966 that youth offending teams must aim to recruit members Non to panels that are properly representative of the local Custodial community. Opportunities for participation in youth Sentences offender panels must be open to all, regardless of age, Absolute 202 discharge ethnic or racial origin, gender, sexual orientation, social Conditional 2535background, religion, disability or any other irrelevant discharge factor. The guidance is available online at: Fine 0 3 39 http://www.justice.gov.uk/downloads/youth-justice/referral- Community 144 65 514 orders/referral-order-guidance.pdf?type=Finjan-Download sentence &slot=00000025&id=00000424&location=0A644212 Suspended 0 23 243 sentence Reoffenders Otherwise 81346 dealt with Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many offenders who breached their licence conditions Grievous or re-offended whilst on licence were (a) returned to bodily harm5 prison to serve the full sentence, (b) returned to prison Found guilty 443 1,308 3,928 to serve a shorter sentence than the remaining period of Non Custodial their licence and (c) not returned to prison in the latest Sentences period for which figures are available. [165405] Absolute 101 discharge Jeremy Wright: Information on the length of time to Conditional 205be served upon recall to custody is not available within discharge centrally held licence recall data sources. Information Fine 0 1 6 on the number of offenders recalled and those not Community 249 96 199 sentence returned to custody is routinely published within the Suspended 0 334 900 Offender Management Statistics Quarterly bulletin. The sentence latest available information on the number of offenders Otherwise 29 10 70 recalled to custody and not returned to custody as at 31 dealt with March 2013 can be found within the licence recall tables 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 via the following link: with. When a defendant has been found guilty of two or more offences it is the https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/offender- offence for which the heaviest penalty is imposed. Where the same disposal is management-statistics-quarterly--2 imposed for two or more offences, the offence selected is the offence for which the statutory maximum penalty is the most severe. Over the period 1999 to March 2013, a total of 2 Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and 622,000 offenders were released from prison on licence complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extracted from large administrative data systems generated by the courts and police supervision. Between April 1999 and March 2013, 155,498 forces. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection of those released on licence were recalled to custody for processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those breaching the conditions of their licence, eg failing to data are used. 3 Sexual Offences Act 2003, s1 and s5 report to their probation officer. Of all those recalled to 4 Sexual Offences Act 2003, s2, s3, s6, s7 custody, less than 1% (998) had not been returned to 5 Offences against the Person Act 1861, s20. s18 custody by the end of June 2013. This total may include Source: Justice Statistics Analytical Services—Ministry of Justice some offenders believed to be dead or living outside of the UK but who have not been confirmed as dead or Referral Panels deported. Offenders serving a sentence of 12 months and over Kate Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice are released from prison, in most cases automatically at (1) what proportion of referral panel members fell the halfway point of their sentence, under licensed within the age range (a) 20 to 30, (b) 31 to 40, (c) supervision to the probation service. They are all subject 217W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 218W to a set of standard licence conditions, requiring them Jeremy Wright: Officials in my Department are currently to report regularly to the probation service, live at an establishing what information is held centrally to identify address approved by the probation service and to be of the prosecuting authority in each case. good behaviour. However, it is known that this information is not held There are various reasons why offenders are recalled centrally for periods prior to 2008 due to changes in the to custody for breaching their licence conditions besides data collection method, and so the information requested committing a further offence. For example, an offender could be obtained from court files only at disproportionate may be recalled if there is any deterioration in behaviour cost. which leads the probation service to conclude that there I will write to my hon. Friend at the conclusion of is an increased risk of the offender committing further this investigation to advise what information is available. offences. These figures have been drawn from administrative Karl McCartney: To ask the Secretary of State for IT systems which, as with any large scale recording Justice how many private prosecutions were brought by system, are subject to possible errors with data entry the RSPCA (a) in the five years prior to November and processing. 2010 and (b) in each year since. [163690]

Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Jeremy Wright: Officials in my Department are currently Justice how many offenders released on licence establishing what information is held centrally to identify following a life sentence have committed (a) homicide the prosecuting authority in each case. and (b) other offences in each of the last two years. However, it is known that this information is not held [165513] centrally for periods prior to 2008 due to changes in the data collection method, and so the information requested Jeremy Wright: Data on life sentence prisoners who could be obtained from court files only at disproportionate commit offences of homicide are taken from the NOMS cost Public Protection Unit Database. I will write to my hon. Friend at the conclusion of The most recent figures were published in July 2012 this investigation to advise what information is available. and may be found at the following web address: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ Sentencing attachment_data/file/163377/2012-compendium-reoffending- stats-analysis.pdf.pdf In the last two years there were four murders committed Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for by four offenders on life licence, two in each year. To Justice what the sentencing outcomes in each offence provide some context, there are around 1,900 life sentence group for those sentenced for either-way offences has prisoners on supervision in the community at any one been in (a) Crown courts following the defendant’s time. election for a jury trial and (b) magistrates courts in each of the last three years. [165192] Data on offenders released on life licences who have committed offences other than murder are not held Jeremy Wright: Offenders sentenced at the Crown centrally in a readily accessible format for the last two court, after being tried at the Crown court, for triable years. To obtain these data would exceed cost limits. either-way offences, by offence group and sentence outcome, However, there are also data from published proven in England and Wales, from 2010 to 2012 (latest available), re-offending statistics for England and Wales for life can be viewed in Table 1. sentenced prisoners. These statistics are published on a Offenders sentenced at magistrates courts for triable quarterly basis and the latest bulletin, which was published either-way offences, by offence group and sentence outcome, on 26 April 2013 on the Ministry of Justice website, is in England and Wales, from 2010 to 2012 (latest available), available at the following address: can be viewed in Table 2. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/proven-re- offending--2 The Ministry of Justice Court Proceedings Database holds information on defendants proceeded against, RSPCA found guilty and sentenced for criminal offences in England and Wales. This database holds information Karl McCartney: To ask the Secretary of State for on offences provided by the statutes under which Justice how many times the RSPCA has achieved a proceedings are brought but not the specific circumstances criminal conviction in each of the last 15 years; how of each case. It is not possible to separately identify many of those convictions were for breaches of the from this centrally held information those defendants Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976 in each such year; who appeared for trial at the Crown court who elected and what the nature was of each offence, by type. for a jury trial from those who appeared for trial at the [163563] Crown court after being committed for trial by a magistrate.

Table 1: Offenders sentenced at the Crown court, after being tried at the Crown court, for triable either-way offences, by offence group and sentence outcome, England and Wales, 2010-121, 2 Offence group Sentence outcome 2010 2011 2012

Violence against the person Sentenced 15,728 14,485 11,610 Absolute discharge 7 5 9 Conditional discharge 383 280 185 Fine 179 136 91 219W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 220W

Table 1: Offenders sentenced at the Crown court, after being tried at the Crown court, for triable either-way offences, by offence group and sentence outcome, England and Wales, 2010-121, 2 Offence group Sentence outcome 2010 2011 2012

Community sentence 3,350 2,826 1,933 Suspended sentence 4,857 4,394 3,619 Otherwise dealt with 480 354 213 Immediate custody 6,472 6,490 5,560 Custody rate3 41.1 44.8 47.9

Sexual offences Sentenced 2,140 2,301 2,064 Absolute discharge 1 3 2 Conditional discharge 46 33 24 Fine 16 12 11 Community sentence 555 598 514 Suspended sentence 247 290 265 Otherwise dealt with 43 64 55 Immediate custody 1,232 1,301 1,193 Custody rate3 57.6 56.5 57.8

Burglary Sentenced 7,231 7,961 7,636 Absolute discharge 2 1 0 Conditional discharge 26 22 19 Fine 15 13 3 Community sentence 1,058 923 810 Suspended sentence 983 1,008 1,005 Otherwise dealt with 35 38 40 Immediate custody 5,112 5,956 5,759 Custody rate3 70.7 74.8 75.4

Theft and handling stolen goods Sentenced 7,343 7,334 6,066 Absolute discharge 5 5 2 Conditional discharge 527 392 236 Fine 248 184 130 Community sentence 1,909 1,761 1,324 Suspended sentence 1,748 1,735 1,646 Otherwise dealt with 58 57 31 Immediate custody 2,848 3,200 2,697 Custody rate3 38.8 43.6 44.5

Fraud and forgery Sentenced 4,337 4,381 3,586 Absolute discharge 2 4 4 Conditional discharge 211 155 101 Fine 108 64 58 Community sentence 1,019 841 582 Suspended sentence 1,461 1,540 1,369 Otherwise dealt with 16 12 14 Immediate custody 1,520 1,765 1,458 Custody rate3 35.0 40.3 40.7

Criminal damage Sentenced 1,054 927 574 Absolute discharge 2 2 2 Conditional discharge 134 67 31 Fine 39 36 8 Community sentence 320 246 143 Suspended sentence 192 185 131 Otherwise dealt with 63 47 37 Immediate custody 304 344 222 221W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 222W

Table 1: Offenders sentenced at the Crown court, after being tried at the Crown court, for triable either-way offences, by offence group and sentence outcome, England and Wales, 2010-121, 2 Offence group Sentence outcome 2010 2011 2012

Custody rate3 28.8 37.1 38.7

Drug offences Sentenced 12,484 12,203 11,560 Absolute discharge 9 10 7 Conditional discharge 347 289 265 Fine 311 227 204 Community sentence 1,807 1,621 1,735 Suspended sentence 2,557 2,666 2,717 Otherwise dealt with 101 110 100 Immediate custody 7,352 7,280 6,532 Custody rate3 58.9 59.7 56.5

Other indictable offences Sentenced 10,208 9,610 7,452 Absolute discharge 17 19 11 Conditional discharge 292 221 141 Fine 432 359 254 Community sentence 2,505 2,020 1,613 Suspended sentence 2,647 2,423 1,923 Otherwise dealt with 447 406 237 Immediate custody 3,868 4,162 3,273 Custody rate3 37.9 43.3 43.9 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 proportion of offenders sentenced who are sentenced to immediate custody. Source: Justice Statistics Analytical Services—Ministry of Justice. Table 2: Offenders sentenced at magistrates courts for triable either-way offences, by offence group and sentence outcome, England and Wales, 2010-121, 2 Offence group Sentence outcome 2010 2011 2012

Violence against the person Sentenced 22,536 21,482 18,483 Absolute discharge 73 68 74 Conditional discharge 1,366 1,406 1,246 Fine 1,836 2,082 2,163 Community sentence 11,975 10,461 8,132 Suspended sentence 3,017 2,877 2,545 Otherwise dealt with 852 793 630 Immediate custody 3,417 3,795 3,693 Custody rate3 15.2 17.7 20.0

Sexual offences Sentenced 1,321 1,347 1,308 Absolute discharge 4 5 3 Conditional discharge 76 54 62 Fine 92 107 91 Community sentence 843 844 780 Suspended sentence 110 120 124 Otherwise dealt with 43 52 46 Immediate custody 153 165 202 Custody rate3 11.6 12.2 15.4

Burglary Sentenced 12,976 13,329 10,705 Absolute discharge 20 30 12 Conditional discharge 496 481 318 Fine 358 366 264 223W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 224W

Table 2: Offenders sentenced at magistrates courts for triable either-way offences, by offence group and sentence outcome, England and Wales, 2010-121, 2 Offence group Sentence outcome 2010 2011 2012

Community sentence 7,498 7,470 5,771 Suspended sentence 1,089 1,185 1,021 Otherwise dealt with 563 471 395 Immediate custody 2,952 3,326 2,924 Custody rate3 22.7 25.0 27.3

Theft and handling stolen goods Sentenced 108,734 108,639 100,209 Absolute discharge 586 561 522 Conditional discharge 23,949 23,661 22,120 Fine 16,433 16,772 15,911 Community sentence 39,263 38,738 32,561 Suspended sentence 5,483 5,862 5,695 Otherwise dealt with 5,864 5,470 5,512 Immediate custody 17,156 17,575 17,888 Custody rate3 15.8 16.2 17.9

Fraud and forgery Sentenced 12,758 11,916 9,793 Absolute discharge 29 24 36 Conditional discharge 2,124 1,917 1,457 Fine 2,479 2,260 1,775 Community sentence 5,662 5,238 4,100 Suspended sentence 1,128 1,206 1,189 Otherwise dealt with 376 334 321 Immediate custody 960 937 915 Custody rate3 7.5 7.9 9.3

Criminal damage Sentenced 5,967 5,359 4,645 Absolute discharge 58 54 47 Conditional discharge 1,393 1,215 1,087 Fine 775 734 725 Community sentence 2,811 2,467 1,965 Suspended sentence 148 167 140 Otherwise dealt with 425 363 379 Immediate custody 357 359 302 Custody rate3 6.0 6.7 6.5

Drug offences Sentenced 46,395 45,686 42,525 Absolute discharge 414 412 399 Conditional discharge 8,102 7,953 8,471 Fine 22,963 23,010 21,025 Community sentence 11,072 10,475 8,973 Suspended sentence 712 759 596 Otherwise dealt with 1,966 2,002 2,027 Immediate custody 1,166 1,075 1,034 Custody rate3 2.5 2.4 2.4

Other indictable offences Sentenced 36,081 32,774 28,540 Absolute discharge 575 568 438 Conditional discharge 2,836 2,623 2,394 Fine 12,863 11,862 10,796 Community sentence 8,131 5,192 4,045 Suspended sentence 1,410 1,315 1,216 Otherwise dealt with 5,283 6,598 5,554 Immediate custody 4,983 4,616 4,097 225W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 226W

Table 2: Offenders sentenced at magistrates courts for triable either-way offences, by offence group and sentence outcome, England and Wales, 2010-121, 2 Offence group Sentence outcome 2010 2011 2012

Custody rate3 13.8 14.1 14.4 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. When a defendant has been found guilty of two or more offences it is the offence for which the heaviest penalty is imposed. Where the same disposal is imposed 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 extractedfrom 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 proportion of offenders sentenced who are sentenced to immediate custody. Source: Justice Statistics Analytical Services—Ministry of Justice.

Sentencing: Appeals There is also a dormant account called @justicegovuk which is not managed or monitored. Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice if he will bring forward legislative proposals to Travel allow the Crown Prosecution Service to appeal to the Crown Court against convictions and sentences from Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice magistrates’ courts. [165404] (1) what his Department’s budget for ministerial travel for (a) the Government Car Service, (b) private hire Mrs Grant: It is a long-standing principle that a vehicles, (c) taxis, (d) rail, (e) aviation and (f) other is person should not be subjected to trial twice for the for (i) 2013-14, (ii) 2014-15 and (iii) 2015-16; [157530] same offence. Exceptions to this ’double jeopardy’ rule, (2) how much his Department spent on ministerial which are rare, are limited to Crown court cases only. In travel by (a) Government Car Service, (b) private hire summary cases, although the prosecution may challenge vehicles, (c) taxis, (d) rail, (e) aviation and (f) other a decision that appears to be wrong in law or in excess means in each year of the current parliament. [157551] of jurisdiction, it has no right of appeal against a decision to dismiss or against sentence, and the Government Damian Green: The Department does not budget has no plans to change this. separately for ministerial travel within Private Office. Small Claims The travel budget for Private Office includes travel for both Ministers and Private Office staff who may accompany Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for on visits, external meetings and overseas trips. Justice (1) what assessment his Department has made The travel budget is not apportioned to transport of the likely effect of raising the small claims limit on categories for rail, taxis and aviation. the (a) number of cases going through the small claims Forecasting travel for ministers is dictated by government court and (b) number of litigants in person; [166637] policy and political events. (2) when he plans to publish his response to the Information relating to the Department’s budget consultation on reducing the number and cost of allocated to Private Office for travel for each year in the whiplash claims. [166644] current parliament is included in the following table: Mrs Grant: On 16 May I announced in a written ministerial statement that the Government would defer £ its response to the ‘reducing the number and cost of Period Budget Spend whiplash claims’ consultation until after the Transport 2011-12 234,000 82,000 Committee had published its own report and 2012-13 233,000 35,000 recommendations in this area. The Committee’s report 2013-14 103,000 — was published on 31 July and is being considered, along with the responses received to the consultation. The The provision of transport for ministers is currently Government’s response will be published later this year. under review with a number of options being trailed at Alongside our consultation paper, the Government present. Therefore, it is not yet possible to forecast published an impact assessment on the potential effects budget required for 2014-15 and 2015-16 at the level of of the proposal to increase the ‘small claims limit’ for detail requested. personal injury claims. A revised impact assessment will The Budget for the Government Car Service for be published at the same time as the Government’s 2013-14 is £150, 000. Details of the charges incurred by response to the consultation. Departments for the use of official Government cars provided to Ministers by the Government Car and Social Networking Dispatch Agency (GCDA) are published in an annual WMS published by Department for Transport. These Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for can be accessed via the following links: Justice if he will list all Twitter accounts for which officials of his Department (a) have had and (b) 2009/10: currently have responsibility for (i) monitoring and (ii) http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201011/ updating. [163556] cmhansrd/cm101028/wmstext/101028m0001.htm# 10102827000372 Jeremy Wright: The Ministry of Justice is responsible 2010/11: for three Twitter accounts. The following Twitter accounts http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201212/ are monitored and updated across the Department, cmhansrd/cm120116/wmstext/120116m0001.htm# @mojgovuk, @mojpress, @mojubrennan. 12011611000194 227W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 228W

2010/12: Cracked trial hearings1 by reason and court type, England and Wales, 12 months ending March 2013 http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201213/ Number of hearings cmhansrd/cm121220/wmstext/ Court type 121220m0001.htm#12122056000216 Outcome and reason Magistrates courts Crown court 2012/13: Trials 152,676 36,329 Will be published in due course. Cracked: 58,834 13,286 The Ministerial Code, published on 21 May 2010, Accepted guilty plea(s) 30,560 8,511 dramatically reduced the circumstances in which Ministers entered late Accepted guilty plea(s) 4,173 2,181 are entitled and allocated cars and drivers, with a move to alternative new to a Ministerial Car Pool System. charge There are no formal arrangements for ministerial car Defendant bound over 697 128 travel other than that provided by the Government Car Prosecution end case 23,356 2,452 and Dispatch Agency and private hire vehicles are not Other2 48 14 used by ministers in the Department. 1 A cracked trial does not commence on the scheduled date and the trial is not rescheduled, as a trial hearing is no longer required. Information relating to expenditure for ministerial 2 ’Other’ includes where the ’defendant is deceased’ or ’unable to proceed with trial because defendant incapable through alcohol/drugs’. travel by taxis for each year in the current parliament is Source: included in the following table: Criminal Court Statistics, Justice Statistics Analytical Services

Period Cost (£) Unpaid Fines 2010-11 [1 April - 31 March] 1,193 2011-12 954 Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice 2012-13 461 what the total amount of uncollected fines issued by courts is. [165758] The Department’s policy on travel by taxi (or use of the government car service) is that it is not an entitlement Mrs Grant: The total amount of financial penalties and, where possible, journeys should be made by public (excluding confiscation) outstanding at the end of March transport. Taxi fares may be reimbursed only where 2013 was £575,507,170. This amount includes the balance there is no other suitable form of public transport, or outstanding of fines, costs orders, compensation orders, where heavy luggage has to be transported, or where the victim surcharge orders and unpaid fixed penalty notices saving in officials’ time is important. Where necessary, a and penalty notices for disorder which are registered as standing arrangement may be made, say, for the conveyance fines for enforcement purposes. The amount outstanding of a large number of files from a court office to a includes the balance on accounts that are being paid by separate court building. instalments or are not yet due for payment. The amount outstanding can relate to amounts that were imposed in All Ministers are encouraged to walk or use public the 2012-13 year or any previous year. transport wherever practicable. The balance on accounts remains outstanding until For expenditure on rail and aviation we are unable to the impositions are paid in full or cancelled. Financial provide the information because no central records are impositions are only administratively cancelled in maintained. To ascertain this information, expense claims accordance with a strict write off criteria, after all would need to be reviewed individually for claims submitted attempts to collect the amount outstanding have been over the period in question; this would involve made. The circumstances under which amounts can be disproportionate cost. administratively cancelled can include offenders who have gone abroad with little prospect of return, offenders who have been sent to a mental health institution for 12 Trials months or more, and offenders who have died. They can also include cases where offenders who cannot be traced and the imposition is over 12 months old, and all Emily Thornberry: To ask the Secretary of State for reasonable steps have been taken to enforce the amount. Justice how many criminal trials at the (a) Crown Financial impositions which are administratively cancelled Court and (b) magistrates’ court were cracked because can be written back on to the system if more information, of (i) a late guilty plea being accepted, (ii) a guilty plea for instance a new address, is found. to an alternative new charge, (iii) the defendant being bound over and (iv) the prosecution ending the case in HMCTS takes the issue of fine enforcement very 2012-13. [156925] seriously and is working to ensure that clamping down on fine defaulters is a continued priority nationwide. In the 2012-13 financial year the total amount Mrs Grant: The number of cracked criminal trial outstanding was reduced by £17.8 million (3%), and the hearings by reason is published as part of the quarterly total amount collected of £284 million was a record high. National Statistics bulletin ‘Court Statistics Quarterly’. Data up to March 2013 was released on the 20 June Unpaid Fines: Nottinghamshire 2013 and is available at the following link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/court-statistics- Vernon Coaker: To ask the Secretary of State for quarterly-jan-mar-2013 Justice what level of unpaid fines are owed to the The following table details cracked trials by reason courts in (a) Nottingham and (b) Nottinghamshire. and court type for the 12 months ending March 2013. [166560] 229W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 230W

Mrs Grant: It is not possible to identify the value of Mrs Grant: The Ministry of Justice and its agencies financial impositions outstanding in just Nottingham. provide a wide range of services to people resident in The total amount outstanding for financial impositions Wales or usually resident in Wales. These include (but in Nottinghamshire at the end of March 2013 was are not limited to) offender management and probation £6,051,107. services; courts and tribunals services; provision of legal aid; youth justice services; public guardianship services; Financial impositions include fines imposed in the criminal injuries compensation; and claims management magistrates and Crown courts, costs orders, compensation regulation. orders, victim surcharge orders and unpaid fixed penalty notices and penalty notices for disorder which are registered Welsh Language as fines for enforcement. The balance outstanding includes accounts that were being paid by instalments or were Guto Bebb: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice not due for payment by the end of the year. whether his Department has a current Welsh Language HMCTS takes the issue of fine enforcement very scheme; when that scheme was adopted; and whether it seriously and is working to ensure that clamping down has been reviewed since May 2011. [166092] on fine defaulters is .a continued priority nationwide. Mrs Grant: The Ministry of Justice’s current Welsh Victim Support: North Yorkshire Language Scheme was published on 24 March 2010. The scheme is monitored every year and an Annual Monitoring Report sent to the Welsh Language Board/ Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Welsh Language Commissioner. The scheme is currently how much core grant was provided by his Department being reviewed with the aim of publishing an updated (a) to Victims Support for services to support its Crown scheme in 2014. Court Witness Service and (b) Magistrates’ Court Witness Service in North Yorkshire in each year since 2004-05. Work Capability Assessment: Appeals [163893] Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for Mrs Grant: The Government provides a grant of £38 Justice what the cost to his Department of appeals million per year to victim support to provide core made against the outcome of work capability assessments services to support victims and witnesses; this has increased was in (a) 2011-12 and (b) 2012-13. [166279] from £30 million in the year 2004-05. The Grant Agreement stipulates that this must provide Mrs Grant: The First-tier Tribunal—Social Security a national court based witness service that is free at the and Child Support (SSCS), administered by HM Courts point of use, and is independent of the police and & Tribunals Service (HMCTS) hears appeals against courts. Department for Work and Pensions decisions on entitlement The core Grant Agreement does not specify the amounts to employment and support allowance (ESA) (decisions to be spent on the provision of the witness service in which the work capability assessment is a key factor) nationally or at regional or court level. Victim support rather than appeals against work capability assessment estimates that the witness service costs £13 million per outcomes themselves. year, and provides 1.1 million hours per year of support The estimated total cost of the 189,459 ESA appeals to witnesses on a national basis. in which the work capability assessment was a factor Victim support has provided the following figures for disposed of during the period April 2011 to March the period requested: 2012 is £43 million. The estimated total cost of the 234,055 ESA appeals North Yorks: in which the work capability assessment was a factor Total Government North Yorks: Funding allocated disposed of during the period April 2012 to March funding to victim Funding allocated to magistrates support (£ to Crown court court witness 2013 is £58 million. million) witness service service These estimated costs were calculated by multiplying 2004-05 30 17,865 105,496 the average cost of an individual SSCS tribunal case in 2005-06 30 25,600 97,406 2011-12 and 2012-13 respectively by the number of 2006-07 30 25,600 97,406 ESA appeals disposed of, in which the work capability 2007-08 35.8 25,600 97,406 assessment was a factor. 2008-09 37 28,586 74,354 The increased cost is due to inflationary uplifts and 2009-10 38.2 31,056 87,430 also due to the expansion of the tribunal to deal with 2010-11 44.3 27,776 84,203 the increased volume of appeals received. 2011-12 38 26,314 95,295 HMCTS constantly reviews and continually improves 2012-13 37.8 164,964 Included in Crown figure its administrative processes in order to drive down the 1 Victim support no longer separate out magistrates court from Crown court costs of SSCS appeals. spend. The 2012-13 figure is less than previous years following a local restructure. Young Offenders Wales Stephen Gilbert: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice (1) how many individuals held in secure children’s Guto Bebb: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice homes have been convicted of crimes for their behaviour whether his Department provides services to people since entering the establishment in each of the last three resident in Wales or usually resident in Wales. [166110] years; [163766] 231W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 232W

(2) how many individuals held in young offenders Youth Custody: Barnsley institutions have been convicted of further crimes for their behaviour since entering the establishment in each Michael Dugher: To ask the Secretary of State for of the last three years; [163767] Justice what proportion of young offenders ordinarily (3) how many people currently held in a secure resident in Barnsley East constituency have been given training centre have been convicted of further crimes custodial sentences in the last three years. [160926] for their behaviour since entering the establishment in each of the last three years. [163769] Jeremy Wright: The Ministry of Justice Court Proceedings Database holds information on defendants Jeremy Wright: The Ministry of Justice Court proceeded against, found guilty and sentenced for criminal Proceedings Database holds information on defendants offences in England and Wales. This database holds proceeded against, found guilty and sentenced for criminal information on offences provided by the statutes under offences in England and Wales. This database holds which proceedings are brought but not all the specific information on offences provided by the statutes under circumstances of each case. Information on where a which proceedings are brought but not all the specific defendant resides is not included in the information circumstances of each case. The Youth Justice Board collated centrally. centrally collate data on individuals held in Secure Children’s Homes, Secure Training Centres and Youth Offenders Institutions, but at present these two data Youth Work sources are not matched. It is not therefore possible to identify the number of individuals who have been convicted Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice of crimes for their behaviour whilst in the youth secure how much funding his Department allocated for youth estate. work in (a) 2010-11, (b) 2011-12 and (c) 2012-13; and Prosecutions are brought about in circumstances where if he will make a statement. [164083] this is a proper and proportionate response. The Code for Crown Prosecutors states that Crown Prosecutors Jeremy Wright: The Ministry of Justice provides must consider the interests of the youth, amongst other funding to a number of youth work programmes. These public interest factors, when deciding whether a prosecution include contributions to education for young offenders, is needed. All criminal justice agencies, when dealing the Troubled Families programme, grants made by the with youths, must have regard to the principal aim of Youth Justice Board (YJB) to youth offending teams the youth justice system which is to prevent offending (YOT) to develop good practice and commission research by young persons. and YJB grants to other organisations.

£ million Funding details 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13

The Department’s contribution to Youth Justice Board grants to youth offending teams in England and 119.0 101.0 101.0 Wales Youth Justice Board grants to other organisations for youth work in England and Wales 2.6 3.3 4.3 Funding for the education of young offenders in youth offender institutions (YOIs) in England 18.0 13.5 12.8 The Department’s contribution to the Troubled Families programme in England, which includes work to get 008.0 children back into school and reduce youth crime and antisocial behaviour

Total 139.6 117.8 126.1

YOTs reported working with 66,430 young people in and (b) each of the non-departmental public bodies 2011-12, a 48% reduction since 2008-09 and a reduction for which he is responsible has allocated to Barnsley of 22% since 2010-11. The average youth custodial Metropolitan Borough Council in each of the last five population has also fallen: from 2,040 in 2010-11 to years. [167013] 1,963 in 2011-12 and 1,561 in 2012-13 (a 23% reduction from 2010-11, figures for 2012-13 are provisional). It is against this backdrop that decisions relating to funding have been made. Mr Hoban: The funding allocated by the Department, and our non-departmental public bodies, to Barnsley metropolitan borough council in each of the last five WORK AND PENSIONS financial years is detailed in the following table: Local Government Finance: Barnsley

Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how much funding (a) his Department

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

Housing/council tax benefit subsidy 69,206,332 80,991,839 85,358,565 90,135,255 195,264,311 Housing/council tax benefit administration subsidy 2,092,649 2,387,209 2,267,611 2,161,374 2,089,733 233W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 234W

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

Additional funding elements towards administering — 6,315 52,907.41 56,815.38 31,807 housing/council tax benefit Government contribution towards discretionary housing 34,121 34,329 33,564 65,820 116,210 payments Local welfare provision set up — — — — 8,343 Right to Control Trailblazer2 — — 397,524 293,452 191,446 1 This figure is an interim figure claimed by Barnsley metropolitan borough council pending being audited. 2 This funding is paid to Barnsley as the lead council but covers both Barnsley metropolitan borough council and Sheffield city council.

Atos Healthcare The uprating letter also included a link to the Gov.uk site. This site includes an online PIP checker which Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for allows DLA claimants to see how they might be affected Work and Pensions how many ATOS Healthcare by the introduction of PIP by entering a few simple full-time equivalent health professionals work on the details. We have also published answers to the most Work Capability Assessment contract. [166550] common questions about PIP to help existing DLA claimants, as well as a PIP toolkit for support organisations Mr Hoban: As at July 2013, Atos Healthcare have and advisers. Information on PIP is also available on 907.7 full time equivalent Healthcare Professionals (HCP) the DWP website. Feedback from stakeholder organisations working on Work Capability Assessments. and the volume of hits on these sites suggest good levels of overall awareness of PIP among DLA recipients. Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Employment Work and Pensions how many times he and Ministers in his Department have met ATOS Healthcare senior management to discuss the contract for delivering the John Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for work capability assessment since May 2010. [166554] Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the average number of weekly job applications submitted Mr Hoban: Ministers from this Department meet by each jobseeker each week in (a) Glasgow North with Atos to discuss a range of topics. The Department West constituency, (b) Glasgow, (c) Scotland and (d) publishes details of meetings held with external the UK in each of the last 24 months. [166133] organisations and the information you have requested can be found on the following link: Mr Hoban: No such estimate has been made as this https://www.gov.uk/search?g=dwp+ministers+meetinqs+with+ information is not routinely gathered. external+&tab=government-results Employment: Young People Billing Sarah Champion: To ask the Secretary of State for Nick de Bois: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Work and Pensions (1) what support his Department and Pensions how many creditors to his Department provides to (a) young people aged 16 to 24 with cancer owed more than £10,000 remained unpaid for more and (b) young people aged 16 to 24 with serious and than (a) 30 days, (b) 45 days, (c) 60 days, (d) 75 days complex long-term health conditions to assist access to and (e) more than 90 days in each of the last three and maintenance of employment and training years. [166384] opportunities; [165998] (2) what his future plans are for support for (a) Mr Hoban: The information requested is not collated young people aged 16 to 24 with cancer and (b) young centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate people aged 16 to 24 with serious and complex long-term cost. health conditions in employment and training. [166000]

Disability Living Allowance Esther McVey: This Department does not provide condition-based labour market regimes for specific illnesses. John Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for The Department’s programmes, including its specialist Work and Pensions what assessment he has made of disability employment programmes, aim to identify and the awareness of disability living allowance claimants meet the needs of the individual, including young people of its replacement by personal independence payment. aged 16 to 24 with cancer. [166131] This Government recognises the important role work experience can play as a route into employment. Access Esther McVey: We want to ensure all disability living to Work already supports YouthContract work experience allowance (DLA) claimants, and those who support and I announced on 16 July that £2 million from the them, are aware of what personal independence payment Access to Work budget will be set aside to support (PIP) is and what it might mean for them. disabled people to access a range of opportunities that With this in mind, the annual DLA uprating letters help them get ready for employment. which were issued to 3 million existing DLA claimants These will include traineeships, sector-based work during February and March contained background academies and supported internships, and will complement information about PIP, and details of claimants who existing initiatives such as supported apprenticeships will be affected when the changes would be introduced. and individually arranged work experience. Specialist 235W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 236W disability employment training is also available to 16 to foster carers. Discussions are ongoing as to how this 24-year-old disabled people through Work Choice and will be done, including who will conduct the relevant residential training provision. research. Going forward, the Department is developing an employment strategy for disabled people and those with Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Work health conditions and within this is looking specifically and Pensions if he will publish (a) the initial findings at employment and transitions for young disabled people. and (b) the final report of the research commissioned The strategy is scheduled for publication later in the by his Department on the effects on its work of recent year. housing benefit reforms. [166518] Steve Webb: The initial findings and the final report Food Banks of the research will be published as departmental research reports and will be publicly available on the DWP Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for website. Work and Pensions (1) when he next plans to visit a food bank; [166807] Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Work (2) what assessment he has made of the merits of and Pensions whether his Department’s research into recording on a regular basis the number of food bank the effect of the under-occupancy penalty on prospective vouchers issued by jobcentres; and if he will make a foster carers, adopters and special guardians will be statement; [166808] carried out (a) on a national basis and (b) in specific areas. [166521] (3) what plans he has to discuss with representatives of groups operating food banks the reasons for recent Steve Webb: In relation to the removal of the Spare trends in the level of food bank demand; and if he will Room Subsidy, subject to certain conditions registered make a statement. [166809] foster carers are already allowed one additional bedroom under the size criteria. Mr Hoban: Food banks are not part of the welfare system and statistics are not collected on the number of In addition the Department for Work and Pensions referrals to food banks or the reasons. There is no and the Department for Education have committed to reliable evidence that welfare reforms are linked to monitor the effect of the removal of the spare room increased use of food banks. Ministers do not have any subsidy on foster carers, prospective adopters and special immediate plans to visit a food bank or meet representatives guardians. Discussions are ongoing as to how this will of groups operating food banks. be done. Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Foster Care: Housing Benefit and Pensions who is conducting the research into the effect of the under-occupancy penalty on prospective Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Work adopters and special guardians. [166522] and Pensions how many current foster carers will be contacted during the research into the effect on the Steve Webb: The Department for Work and Pensions under-occupancy penalty on prospective foster carers. and the Department for Education have committed to [166516] monitor the effect of the removal of the spare room subsidy on prospective adopters and special guardians. Steve Webb: This information is not available. Discussion are ongoing as to how this will be done, In relation to the removal of the Spare Room Subsidy, including who will conduct the relevant research. subject to certain conditions registered foster carers are already allowed one additional bedroom under the size Health and Safety Executive criteria. The Department for Work and Pensions and the Gordon Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for Department for Education have committed to monitor Work and Pensions what powers the Health and Safety the effect of the removal of the spare room subsidy on Executive has to object to an approved planning consent foster carers. Discussions are ongoing as to how this should an issue of concern in their remit develop after will be done, including who will conduct the relevant approval is granted. [166421] research. Mr Hoban: The Health and Safety Executive (HSE)’s Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Work role in planning is advisory only; it cannot formally and Pensions who is conducting the research into the object to planning consents. As a statutory consultee, effects of the under-occupancy penalty on prospective HSE provides advice to the relevant local authority on foster carers. [166517] the risks of certain types of development in the vicinity of major hazard sites and pipelines. The local authority Steve Webb: In relation to the removal of the Spare then weighs these risks against the other relevant planning Room Subsidy, subject to certain conditions registered considerations to reach a decision. foster carers are already allowed one additional bedroom When a planning authority in Scotland is minded to under the size criteria. grant planning permission against HSE’s advice, the The Department for Work and Pensions and the application is automatically referred to Scottish Ministers Department for Education have committed to monitor for a decision. HSE provides further safety advice to the effect of the removal of the spare room subsidy on Scottish Ministers during this process. In England or 237W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 238W

Wales, the planning system allows HSE to request a Steve Webb: The information requested is not available review by the relevant Minister, based on advice from a at a local authority level. Planning Inquiry (‘call-in’). Estimated numbers of the average weekly HB reduction However, HSE exercises these powers very rarely and per affected claimant for Great Britain and region are only in cases of exceptional public safety concern; available in the Equality Impact Assessment at: requesting call-in only five times in the past 40 years. https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ attachment_data/file/174973/eia-social-sector-housing-under- Housing Benefit: Social Rented Housing occupation-wr2011.pdf

Hywel Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Davidson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Work and Pensions what future sums he has earmarked and Pensions what assessment he has made of the for relief of hardship arising from the under-occupancy number of people in work that are adversely affected penalty. [166690] by the under-occupancy penalty. [167079]

Steve Webb: Additional funding of £35 mullion has Steve Webb: DWP estimate the number of housing been added this year specifically to support housing benefit claimants affected by the under-occupancy changes benefit claimants affected by the removal of the spare in the social rented sector from April 2013 is about room subsidy in the social sector. 140,000 where either the claimant or their partner will The £35 million funding consists of: £10 million be in work. transitional payments that will be distributed to councils; Note: £5 million discretionary housing payment funding for the 21 least densely populated areas in the country to Estimate is rounded to the nearest 20,000. help fragile remote areas; and a further £20 million Source: discretionary housing payment contingency funding. Policy Simulation Model (PSM) output based on family Resources This is in addition to the £155 million discretionary Survey (FRS) data from 2009-10. housing payment funding provided to councils this year. A further £120 million has provisionally been Jobcentre Plus allocated for 2014-15. Mr Crausby: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Hywel Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for and Pensions what the most recent ratio of Jobcentre Work and Pensions what guidance he has issued to Plus advisors to claimants is. [166413] local authorities in respect of the priority to be given to competing applicants for help from hardship funds Mr Hoban: The following table contains the most allocated to relieve the effects of the under-occupancy recent available Jobcentre Plus adviser to claimant ratios. penalty. [166691] Number Steve Webb: The Department for Work and Pensions Claimants per issued revised guidance on 1 April 2013. This included a Claimants Advisers adviser good practice guide which provided examples as to when a discretionary housing payment may be appropriate. JSA 1,415,900 10,071 141 However as the scheme is discretionary the guidance ESA 1,445,140 899 1,608 reminded local authorities that each individual case IS 1,189,190 1,044 1,139 should be determined on its own merits rather than on a Total 4,050,230 12,013 337 set of pre-defined criteria. Mr Crausby: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Mr Woodward: To ask the Secretary of State for and Pensions how many people have been employed by Work and Pensions how many people in St Helens Jobcentre Plus in each of the last five years; and what South and Whiston constituency have been affected by estimate he has made of the number of such staff in the under-occupancy penalty; and how many such 2015-16. [166414] people are disabled. [167067] Mr Hoban: The number of staff employed by Jobcentre Steve Webb: The information requested is not available Plus/DWP Operations over the last five years are: at a local authority level. Estimated numbers of affected claimants in Great Number Britain and region, and estimated numbers of disabled affected claimants in Great Britain are available in the 2008-09 67,210 Equality Impact Assessment at: 2009-10 82,647 https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ 2010-11 72,939 attachment_data/file/174973/eia-social-sector-housing-under- 2011-12 77,251 occupation-wr2011.pdf 2012-13 74,923

Mr Woodward: To ask the Secretary of State for The above figures are whole time equivalent which Work and Pensions if he will estimate the average count part time workers as a proportion of their full-time change in benefit for those in St Helens and Whiston counterparts dependent on the number of hours they constituency affected by the under-occupancy penalty. work. [167068] The figures are taken as at 31 March of each year. 239W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 240W

Due to an organisational restructure in 2011 Jobcentre Occupational Health Plus, as an organisation within the Department for Work and Pensions, ceased to exist. Therefore the figures Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for for the last two years represent DWP Operations as a Work and Pensions pursuant to the answer of 8 July whole and are therefore not directly comparable. 2013, Official Report, columns 58-9W, on occupational The DWP Operations figures would include staff health, who the members of the advisory group on the that were previously in the Pensions, Disability and new health and work assessment and advisory service Carers Service Directorate. Also, some corporate functions are. [166506] that were within Jobcentre Plus, for example Finance, are now in their own Directorate and so are not included Mr Hoban: The group consists of two academics, six in the Operations figures. health care professionals and seven delegates from With regards to staffing levels in 2015-16, it is not professional bodies. The group does not have any formal standard practice to provide forecast information as involvement with the project to set up the Health and this is usually indicative, for internal management purposes Work Assessment and Advisory Service, nor are they only and subject to change during the financial year. involved in the governance processes. They provide Forecasts are reviewed regularly as part of a continuous advice alongside stakeholder engagement events. planning process. Offshore Industry: Safety

Jobseeker’s Allowance Gordon Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions when he last discussed the safety of Graeme Morrice: To ask the Secretary of State for the Forties oil pipeline with the Health and Safety Work and Pensions (1) what monthly statistics his Executive. [166426] Department collates on the number of jobseeker’s allowance claimants who have been temporarily barred Mr Hoban: This is a matter within HSE’s competence from claiming in (a) each local authority area and (b) and I have had no such specific discussion. each parliamentary constituency; [166406] Pension Credit: Wales (2) how many Jobseeker Allowance claimants were temporarily barred from claiming on a monthly basis Jessica Morden: To ask the Secretary of State for in the last year for which figures are available by (a) Work and Pensions what proportion of those eligible local authority area and (b) constituency; and what for pension credit in (a) Newport East constituency the average length of bar was. [166899] and (b) Wales claim this benefit. [166428] Mr Hoban: Statistics on the number of jobseeker’s Steve Webb: The Income Related Benefits: Estimates allowance (JSA) claimants who have been sanctioned in of Take-up report covers Great Britain for the financial (a) each local authority area and (b) each parliamentary year 2009-10. It provides caseload and expenditure constituency in each month from April 2000 to May estimates of take-up for income support and employment 2012 will be placed in the Library. and support allowance (income-related), pension credit, Information on the average length of sanction is not housing benefit (including local housing allowance), readily available and could be provided only at council tax benefit and jobseeker’s allowance (income- disproportionate cost. based). The latest release updates the statistics previously released on 10 June 2010. The figures are available Mr Crausby: To ask the Secretary of State for Work online and can be found here: and Pensions what consultation work has been done to http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/index.php?page=irb determine the capability of Jobcentre Plus to manage a Estimates of take-up are not available for 2010-11 or change to weekly sign on for jobseeker’s allowance 2011-12 nor are they sufficiently robust to present at claimants. [166412] Geographies below Great Britain. As such estimates are not available for (a) Newport East constituency and Mr Hoban: The spending review announced new (b) Wales. measures to support people to move into work, to improve welfare spending control and ensure that the Personal Independence Payment welfare system remains affordable. One of the measures announced included introducing weekly signing for around Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Work half of all jobseeker’s allowance claimants. This policy and Pensions what assessment he has made of the is in development and we will be fully assessing the influence in decision-making of the advocate in personal change to mitigate any adverse impacts. independence payment benefit assessments for people with cognitive impairments who lack insight into their Graeme Morrice: To ask the Secretary of State for condition. [166918] Work and Pensions what statistics his Department holds on the length of time a temporary bar is in force Esther McVey: Decisions on entitlement to personal for jobseeker’s allowance claimants in each (a) local independence payment are made by a departmental authority area and (b) parliamentary constituency in decision maker. Decision makers will consider all of the each month. [166479] available evidence when making their decision. Such evidence may include the claim form, any additional Mr Hoban: The information requested is not readily evidence that the claimant has provided, any further available and could be provided only at disproportionate evidence that the assessment provider has obtained, and cost. the report from the assessment provider. 241W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 242W

The PIP assessment makes greater use of appropriate Information on current disability living allowance evidence than did the assessment for disability living caseloads at a parliamentary constituency level can be allowance, including evidence from claimants, from found on the Department’s website at: supporting professionals and from the face-to-face http://83.244.183.180/100pc/tabtool.html consultations that most individuals will attend. The Guidance for users is available at: face-to-face consultation gives the claimant the opportunity to put across; their own views of the impact of their https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ attachment_data/file/203439/tab-tool-guidance.pdf impairment. Individuals are encouraged to bring with them a relation, friend or a professional who supports them. We recognise that information given by their Personal Independence Payment: Wales companion can be useful, particularly in cases where the claimant may lack insight into their condition, Hywel Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for understate the challenges they face or have difficulty Work and Pensions on what date he expects personal communicating. independence payments to be implemented in Wales. [166687] Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions for what reasons the mobility criteria for Esther McVey: Personal independence payment (PIP) personal independence payment has been changed to was implemented nationally across Great Britain to 50 metres instead of 20 metres. [167022] new claimants on 10 June. From October 2013, existing DLA recipients will be Esther McVey: We had always intended that being invited to claim PIP (where they report a change in their unable to walk more than 50 metres should lead to care or mobility needs, where their fixed term awards entitlement to some rate of personal independence are coming to an end or where they reach age 16). payment’s mobility component. However under the However, the majority of DLA recipients will not be second draft of the assessment criteria being unable to invited to claim PIP until October 2015, in line with our walk 50 metres did not automatically entitle claimants published plans for reassessment available on the internet: to the enhanced rate. Within the group who could walk https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ up to 50 metres we wanted those who face the greatest attachment_data/file/180964/pip-reassessments-and- barriers to mobility to receive the enhanced rate and the impacts.pdf remainder the standard rate. In the second draft of the assessment criteria we differentiated by the type of aid Regulation and appliance an individual needed. In the final version of the criteria we differentiate by distance, which we feel is clearer. Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the title is of each regulation his In the final draft individuals who cannot walk 20 Department (a) introduced and (b) revokedin(i) metres can be certain they will receive the enhanced 2010, (ii) 2011, (iii) 2012 and (iv) 2013 to date; and if he rate, regardless of whether they need an aid or appliance. will make a statement. [165923] Individuals who can walk distances longer than 20 metres could still receive the enhanced rate, depending Mr Hoban: Information listing the title of each regulation on whether they can do so safely, to an acceptable that the Department for Work and Pensions has made standard, repeatedly and in a reasonable time period. in (i) 2010, (ii) 2011, (iii) 2012 and (iv) 2013 to date will Personal Independence Payment: Paisley be placed in the Library. This information includes statutory instruments processed via the Privy Council Jim Sheridan: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Office. and Pensions what estimate he has made of the number The following table lists the title of each regulation of people who will be affected by the move to personal that the Department has revoked in (i) 2010, (ii) 2011, independence payment in Paisley and Renfrewshire (iii) 2012 and (iv) 2013 to date (information for the North constituency. [166684] Health and Safety Executive is provided in a separate table). For the purpose of this response we have restricted Esther McVey: The available information on personal our searches to regulations made within the relevant independence payment (PIP) is published in the periods that revoke entire sets of regulations (to do Reassessments and Impacts briefing note. This can be otherwise would incur disproportionate cost). Revoked found on the gov.uk website at: regulations are listed by the date that the revoking https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ instrument was made, not the date revocation comes attachment_data/file/180964/pip-reassessments-and- into effect, so revocation of some of the regulations impacts.pdf listed is pending but has not yet come into force.

(b) Regulations Revoked

(i) 2010 The Disability Discrimination (Meaning of Disability) Regulations 1996 The Disability Discrimination (Providers of Services) (Adjustment of Premises) Regulations 2001 The Disability Discrimination (Blind and Partially Sighted Persons) Regulations 2003

The Disability Discrimination (Employment Field) (Leasehold Premises) Regulations 2004

The Disability Discrimination (Educational Institutions) (Alteration of Leasehold Premises) Regulations 2005 243W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 244W

(b) Regulations Revoked

The Disability Discrimination (Service Providers and Public Authorities Carrying Out Functions) Regulations 2005 The Disability Discrimination (Private Clubs etc.) Regulations 2005 The Disability Discrimination (Premises) Regulations 2006 The Employment and Support Allowance (Transitional Provisions, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit) (Existing Awards) Regulations 2010/875 The Occupational Pension Schemes (Levy Ceiling) Order 2009 The Pension Protection Fund (Pension Compensation Cap) Order 2009 The Social Fund Winter Fuel Payment (Temporary Increase) Regulations 2009 The Social Security Benefits Up-rating Order 2009 The Social Security (Breach of Community Order) Regulations 2001 The Social Security (Maximum Additional Pension) Regulations 1978 The Social Security (Maximum Additional Pension) Amendment Regulations 1979 The Vaccine Damage Payments (Specified Disease) Order 2009

(ii) 2011 The Occupational Pension Schemes (Age-related Payments) Regulations 1997 The Occupational Pension Schemes (Discharge of Protected Rights on Winding Up) Regulations 1996 The Occupational Pension Schemes (Levy Ceiling) Order 2010 The Occupational Pension Schemes (Mixed Benefit Contracted-out Schemes) Regulations 1996 The Pension Protection Fund (Payments to meet Investment Costs) Regulations 2005 The Pension Protection Fund (Pension Compensation Cap) Order 2010 The Personal Pension Schemes (Compensation) Regulations 1988 The Protected Rights (Transfer Payment) Regulations 1996 The Social Security Benefits Up-rating Order 2010 The Social Security Benefits Up-rating Regulations 2009 The Social Security Benefits Up-rating Regulations 2010

(iii) 2012 The Jobseeker’s Allowance (Work for Your Benefit Pilot Scheme) Regulations 2010 The Occupational Pension Schemes (Levy Ceiling) Order 2011 The Pension Protection Fund (Pension Compensation Cap) Order 2011 The Occupational Pension Schemes (Levy Ceiling) Order 2011 The Occupational Pension Schemes (Levy Ceiling—Earnings Percentage Increase) Order 2011 The Occupational Pension Schemes (Levy Ceiling—Earnings Percentage Increase) Order 2010 The Occupational Pension Schemes (Levy Ceiling—Earnings Percentage Increase) Order 2009 The Occupational Pension Schemes (Levy Ceiling—Earnings Percentage Increase) Order 2008 The Occupational Pension Schemes (Levy Ceiling—Earnings Percentage Increase) Order 2006 The Pension Protection Fund (Pension Compensation Cap) Order 2011 The Social Security Benefits Up-rating Order 2011 The Social Security Benefits Up-rating Regulations 2011 The Social Security (Notification of Deaths) Regulations 1987

(iv) 2013 The Child Support (Maintenance Assessment Procedure) Regulations 1992 The Child Support (Maintenance Assessments and Special Cases) Regulations 1992 The Child Support (Maintenance Assessments and Special Cases) Amendment Regulations 1993 The Child Support Departure Direction and Consequential Amendments Regulations 1996 The Child Support (Maintenance Calculations and Special Cases) Regulations 2000 The Child Support (Variations) Regulations 2000 The Child Support (Maintenance Calculation Procedure) Regulations 2000 The Disability Living Allowance Advisory Board Regulations 1991 The Pension Protection Fund and Occupational Pension Schemes (Levy Ceiling and Compensation Cap) Order 2012 The Social Security Benefits Up-rating Order 2012 The Social Security Benefits Up-rating Regulations 2012

Health and Safety Executive (HSE) (b) Regulations Revoked

(i) 2010 The Health and Safety (Fees) Regulations 2009 (Revoked by The Health and Safety (Fees) Regulations 2010—see above) 245W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 246W

Health and Safety Executive (HSE) (b) Regulations Revoked

(ii) 2011

(iii) 2012 The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006 The Health and Safety (Fees) Regulations 2010 The Anthrax Prevention Order 1971 etc (Revocation) Regulations 2005 The Employment Medical Advisory Service (Factories Act Orders etc. Amendment) Order 1973 The Locomotives and Waggons on Lines and Sidings in or used in connection with Premises under the Factory and Workshop Act 1901 The Health and Safety (Foundries etc) (Metrication) Regulations 1981 The Non-ferrous Metals (Melting and Founding) Regulations 1962 The Pottery (Health and Welfare) Special Regulations 1950 The Pottery (Health etc.) (Metrication) Regulations 1982

(iv) 2013 The Identification and Traceability of Explosives Regulations 2010 The Identification and Traceability of Explosives Regulations 2012 The Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 (Application outside Great Britain) Order 2001 The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (Application outside Great Britain) (Variation) Order 2011 The Management of Health and Safety at Work (Amendment) Regulations 2006 The Docks Regulations 1988 The Celluloid and Cinematograph Film Act 1922 (Exemptions) Regulations 1980 The Celluloid and Cinematograph Film Act 1922 (Repeals and Modifications) Regulations 1974 The Construction (Head Protection) Regulations 1989 The Docks, Shipbuilding etc. (Metrication) Regulations 1983 The Gasholders (Record of Examinations) Order 1938 The Gasholders and Steam Boilers (Metrication) Regulations 1981 The Notification of Conventional Tower Cranes (Amendment) Regulations 2010 The Notification of Installations Handling Hazardous Substances (Amendment) Regulations 2002 The Notification of Installations Handling Hazardous Substances Regulations 1982 The Notification of Conventional Tower Cranes Regulations 2010 The Shipbuilding and Ship-repairing Regulations 1960 The Locomotives etc. Regulations 1906 (Metrication) Regulations 1981 The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995 The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences (Amendment) Regulations 2012 in so far as they apply to Great Britain The Biocidal Products (Amendment) Regulations 2005 The Biocidal Products (Amendment) Regulations 2007 The Biocidal Products (Amendment) Regulations 2010 The Export and Import of Dangerous Chemicals Regulations 2008

Remploy: Abertillery Senior Civil Servants

Nick Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what information his Department holds Stephen Barclay: To ask the Secretary of State for on how many of the former workers of Remploy Work and Pensions how many senior civil servants left Abertillery made redundant in August 2012 have his Department and public bodies under voluntary exit subsequently secured full-time employment; and what and received a severance payment in each of the last the duration of that full-time employment has been in three years; and what the value of such payments was. each case. [165262] [164409] Esther McVey: Of the 20 Remploy employees made redundant in August 2012, 11 have secured and remain in full-time employment, two have retired, two are on Mr Hoban: The number of senior civil servants that sabbatical, a further four are claiming ESA/JSA, two of left DWP and its public bodies under voluntary exit and which are on Work Choice undertaking training and received a severance payment in the financial years other activities aimed at moving them closer to employment. April 2010 to March 2011, April 2011 to March 2012 One former employee has not registered to use the and April 2012 to March 2013 and the cost are shown in Jobcentres services; we are therefore unable to say what the table. All were approved under contractual and they are now doing. Civil Service Compensation Scheme terms. 247W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 248W

Social Fund: Merseyside Number of SCS Cost (£) Mr Woodward: To ask the Secretary of State for 2010-11 9 621,042 Work and Pensions how many applications for a (a) 2011-12 47 6,160,445 budgeting loan and (b) crisis loan in (i) St Helens 2012-13 8 683,536 Metropolitan Borough Council area and (ii) Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council area were (A) made and During the three-year period, which included a (B) approved in each month since April 2013. [167069] restructure of the Department, the SCS has reduced in Steve Webb: Information on the number of budgeting size by around 30% with a similar percentage reduction loans and crisis loans made in 2013-14 is not available at in the SCS pay bill since 2009-10. borough council level. The lowest level breakdown of The Civil Service Compensation Scheme was reformed data available is by social fund budget area. St. Helens in 2010. Under the previous terms there could be costs and Knowsley borough councils are part of the Greater extending for up to 10 years from a departure, while Liverpool and Cheshire social fund budget area. Table 1 under the reformed scheme all of the costs fall within shows the total number of applications and awards the year of departure. made in this budget area between April 2013 and June 2013. The reformed scheme allows for greater distinction The crisis loan scheme closed on 31 March 2013 but a between voluntary and compulsory exits and is designed number of applications and awards were processed in to encourage voluntary rather than compulsory departures. April 2013. These are the crisis loan figures shown in Figures for 2010-11 and 2011-12 were included as Table 1. Note that awards are not always made on the part of the published Annual Report and Accounts. same day that the application was received; consequently, the higher number of crisis loan awards than applications Figures for 2012-13 will be included as part of the in April 2013 is due to applications received at the end 2012-13 Annual Report and Accounts. of March not being processed until April.

Table 1: Budgeting loan and crisis loan applications and awards in Greater Liverpool and Cheshire social fund budget area between April 2013 and June 2013 Budgeting loans Crisis loans Applications received Awards made Applications received Awards made

April 2013 6,370 5,000 10 20 May 2013 6,030 3,910 — — June 2013 6,150 5,050 — — Notes: 1. The information provided is management information. Our preference is to answer all parliamentary questions using official/national Statistics but in this case we only have management information available. It is not quality assured to the same extent as official/national statistics and there are some issues with the data, for example, these amounts do not include expenditure on applications which were processed clerically and have not yet been entered on to the Social Fund Computer System. 2. Application and award volumes are rounded to the nearest 10. Source: DWP Policy, Budget and Management Information System

Social Security Benefits https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ attachment_data/file/207954/benefit-cap-wr2011-ia.pdf Graham Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Derek Twigg: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Work and Pensions how many households in receipt of and Pensions (1) how many claimants affected by the benefits are exempt from the benefits cap. [166477] benefits cap were assessed as capable of work on 1 April (a) 2012 and (b) 2013; [166390] Mr Hoban: From the data available in June 2013, we estimate around 80,000 households are in receipt of (2) how many and what proportion of claimants benefits above the level of the cap but are exempt from affected by the benefits cap were actively seeking work the benefit cap. on 1 April (a) 2012 and (b) 2013. [166391] Exemptions from the benefit cap include households with someone in receipt of the following benefits: disability Mr Hoban: The benefit cap was not in operation on living allowance (including a child in receipt), its replacement either 1 April 2012 or 1 April 2013. Phased implementation personal independence payment, attendance allowance, in four London boroughs started on 15 April 2013 and industrial injuries benefits (and equivalent payments national roll out started 15 July 2013 and will be complete made as part of a War Disablement Pension or the by September 2013. Armed Forces Compensation Scheme) or the support component of employment and support allowance. In In the Impact Assessment published in July 2012 we addition, households with someone who is entitled to estimated that 34% of the cases potentially affected by working tax credit are excluded. War widows and widowers the cap when fully implemented will be on jobseeker’s are also exempt, reinforcing our commitment to those allowance so required to look for work as a condition serving in or who have served in our armed forces. for receiving benefit. In addition, we estimated that 25% of the cases potentially affected by the cap when fully There is also a grace period of 39 weeks during which implemented will be on employment support allowance time the cap will not apply to households where the and assessed as having limited capability for work. claimant, or if applicable their partner, has worked for 50 weeks out of the 52 weeks preceding their last day of This Impact Assessment is available here: work. 249W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 250W

Dr Whiteford: To ask the Secretary of State for Work of the UK Government’s position on the cumulative and Pensions what estimate he has made of the number conditions that apply for waiving the past presence test of people affected by the benefits cap who are in receipt in cross-border situations. [166585] of (a) disability related benefits and (b) carer’s allowance in each parliamentary constituency. [166531] Mr Hoban: This matter is currently under discussion with the European Commission. Correspondence between Mr Hoban: The benefit cap does not apply where the the Commission and the member states on such cases is claimant or the claimant’s partner or a dependent child generally regarded by both parties as confidential between is receiving disability living allowance or where the them. This approach recognises that preserving the claimant or the claimant’s partner is receiving employment space for the conduct of frank and effective discussions and support allowance which includes a support and negotiation best ensures that Community law is component, an industrial injuries benefit, an attendance implemented and upheld. allowance, a war pension, an armed forces independence payment or a personal independence payment. Social Security Benefits: EU Nationals Around 4,000 households in receipt of carers allowance are estimated to be affected by the benefit cap. This Mr Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State figure is consistent with the ad hoc statistics release of for Work and Pensions with reference to Article 24(2) the number of households we estimate to be affected by of Directive 2004/38/EC, for what reasons EU the benefit cap published in April 2013, which can be nationals residing in the UK as jobseekers are allowed found at: to access income-based jobseeker’s allowance, housing benefit and council tax benefit; and if he will make a https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ attachment_data/file/196895/ statement. [166906] Ben_Cap_Updated_Estimate.pdf Mr Hoban: We have a legal duty to provide support It is not possible to provide a breakdown by to people who come to this country, in line with our parliamentary constituency as in all areas fewer than national and international obligations. 100 households affected, and so all values are suppressed as additional disclosure control has been applied to Under EU law an EEA national has a right to reside these areas. in another member state as a jobseeker for as long as they can provide evidence that they are continuing to Estimates assume that the situation of these households seek employment and that they have a genuine chance will go unchanged, and they will not take any steps to of being engaged. Although there is no obligation under either work enough hours to qualify for Working Tax EU law to provide social assistance to jobseekers, there Credit, renegotiate their rent in situ, or find alternative is an obligation to provide benefits which facilitate accommodation. The Department has made extensive access to the labour market. contacts with households who are likely to be affected by the cap and we are offering advice and support EEA national jobseekers are qualified persons under through Jobcentre Plus, including, where appropriate, the Immigration (European Economic Area) Regulations early access to the Work Programme before the cap is 2006 and have a right to reside for as long as they are a introduced. jobseeker. They can claim income-based jobseeker’s allowance and housing benefit if they satisfy the habitual Chris Skidmore: To ask the Secretary of State for residence test. Work and Pensions if he will estimate the potential Council Tax benefit ceased 1 April 2013 and was total savings to the public purse of setting a benefits replaced by a new council tax reduction scheme which is cap at (a) £26,000, (b) £20,000, (c) £19,000, (d) the responsibility of local authorities. £18,000 and (e) £17,000. [166847] Unemployment Benefits Mr Hoban: The potential total savings to the public purse of setting a benefits cap at (a) £26,000, (b) Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Work £20,000, (c) £19,000, (d) £18,000 and (e) £17,000 are and Pensions what estimate he has made of the number outlined as follows: of households whose only income is out-of-work benefits with a higher household income than households with Level of the cap Savings (£ million) one person or more in employment. [167033]

(a) £26,000 185 Mr Hoban: There are no households whose only (b) £20,000 735 income was from out of work benefits, and who received (c) £19,000 820 a higher household income than the median income of (d) £18,000 1,015 households with one or more people in employment as (e) £17,000 1,255 derived from the Family Resources Survey. These estimates have been calculated in a consistent This may be because only a small number of households way with those already estimated and approved by receive only out of work benefits. Households receiving Office for Budget Responsibility. out of work benefits may also be entitled to other state support. Social Security Benefits: British Nationals Abroad Out of work benefits income refers to jobseeker’s allowance, employment support allowance, and income Sir Roger Gale: To ask the Secretary of State for support. Work and Pensions if he will publish his response to the Median income refers to median household income European Commission’s letter requesting clarification adjusted for household size and composition (equivalised). 251W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 252W

Unemployment: Older People Universal credit will progressively roll-out in a carefully managed and controlled way from October 2013 with Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for all those who are entitled to UC claiming the new Work and Pensions what assessment he has made of benefit by 2017. the support provided by Jobcentre Plus to jobseekers aged over 50 with prior senior managerial experience. Ian Lavery: To ask the Secretary of State for Work [166883] and Pensions what estimate he has made of the number of additional new claims as a result of the universal Mr Hoban: Although no specific assessment has been credit rollout to six hub jobcentres. [166543] made in relation to the support provided by Jobcentre Plus to jobseekers aged 50 with prior senior managerial Mr Hoban: The exact number of claims will depend experience, an evaluation of the Jobcentre Plus offer on local economic conditions, but it will allow us to was commissioned in late 2011. The Department has expand our ability to test and learn as we progressively been using the research to help ensure that the offer roll out. successfully delivers to all claimants Furthermore, work is being carried out with districts Ian Lavery: To ask the Secretary of State for Work to enable them to make better use of the 50+ module and Pensions what estimate he has made of the costs of within the support contract. This module is an employability (a) purchase and maintenance of the 6,000 new computers and job search workshop aimed at unemployed and associated software and (b) staff training associated professionals but tailored for 50+ customers. with the roll out of universal credit announced by his Department on 10 July 2013. [166579] Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what guidance his Department Mr Hoban: We are actively considering the commercial provides to Jobcentre Plus staff on assisting jobseekers options for the supply of the hardware and software to aged over 50 into employment. [166889] support this service and as such all figures are commercial in confidence. The new PCs will increase digital access Mr Hoban: Advisers have generic guidance and learning in our local Jobcentres, so that our customers can more on how to provide individual jobseekers with the help easily access a wide range of on-line services offered by they need to give themselves best prospects of employment. DWP, not solely universal credit. This supports our This is supplemented by a ‘Supporting Older Worker’ move to digital service provision. intranet site, which pulls together relevant information We are also introducing some aspects of universal such as the support available to help older workers credit early across all of our Jobcentres. We estimate we move into work, labour market statistics, research into will need to re-train 20,000 staff to introduce the claimant older workers, adviser training, case studies, good news commitment across 36 districts. Cost of staff training stories, best practice and other initiatives. will include delivery and backfill costs while staff are It also provides links to the Older Workers Statistical away on training. The costs and timescales remain Information Booklet and The Age and Employment subject to review as the detailed plans for this next Network’s ‘Survey of Jobseeker’s Aged 50+’. phase of implementation are worked through. Universal Credit Hywel Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what provisions will be made for Ian Lavery: To ask the Secretary of State for Work those wanting to claim universal credit through the and Pensions (1) what the current ratio of staff to medium of Welsh. [166688] claimants is in the universal credit pilot areas; [166537] (2) how many people are currently in receipt of Mr Hoban: We will be providing UC in Welsh and universal credit. [166539] English in line with our Welsh Language scheme, and we are looking into the detail of how this will be done. Mr Hoban: I refer the hon. Member to the reply I provided to the right hon. Member for Birmingham, Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Hodge Hill (Mr Byrne, on 6 June 2013, Official Report, Work and Pensions pursuant to the answer of 16 July column 1253W. 2013, Official Report, column 660W, on universal The Department is working to guidelines set by the credit, whether he expects any further jobcentres to UK Statistics Authority to ensure we are able to publish take new claims for universal credit before April 2014. statistics that meet high quality standards at the earliest [166806] opportunity. We intend to publish official statistics on pathfinder areas in autumn 2013 and on nationally Mr Hoban: I refer the right hon. Member to the implemented universal credit from autumn 2014. answer I gave him on 16 July 2013, Official Report, column 660W. Ian Lavery: To ask the Secretary of State for Work We remain committed to delivering universal credit and Pensions what the timetable is for the complete by 2017. Between October 2013 and March 2014 six national rollout of universal credit. [166538] more Jobcentres will be taking new claims for universal credit. This means we will be testing UC in each region Mr Hoban: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I across the country. This will significantly expand our gave the right hon. Member for Birmingham, Hodge ability to test and learn as we progressively roll out Hill (Mr Byrne) on 3 June 2013, Official Report, column universal credit. The exact number of claims will depend 1052W. on local economic conditions. 253W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 254W

We will make further details of our plans available in with departmental officials as part of Professor Harrington’s the autumn. Independent Review of the Work Capability Assessment. Over the last 10 years, the Department has made Lucy Powell: To ask the Secretary of State for Work payments of circa £216,000 to Unum companies. and Pensions if he will carry out an impact assessment of the introduction of housing costs contributions The reason the hon. Member did not receive an answer on this matter in April 2013 was because named under universal credit. [166999] day questions cannot be answered before the named Steve Webb: I refer the hon. Member to the written day given by the Member and since the named day for answer I gave the hon. Member for Bradford East (Mr the hon. Member’s question number 153540 was 29 April Ward), on 6 June 2013, Official Report, columns 1252-54W. 2013, by which date the House had prorogued, it could not therefore be answered. Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how the universal credit IT systems Welfare State: Reform will take into account the planned uprating of the national minimum wage from 1 October 2013; and if Mr Woodward: To ask the Secretary of State for he will make a statement. [167027] Work and Pensions if he will estimate the effect of the measures in the Welfare Reform Act 2012 on the economy Mr Hoban: Development work is currently taking of (a) St Helens South and Whiston constituency and place to ensure that there are systems/processes in place (b) the North West. [167066] to accommodate the change to national minimum wage from 1 October 2013. Mr Hoban: An assessment of the effect of the measures Universal Credit: Wales in the Welfare Reform Act 2012 on the economy of St Helens South and Whiston constituency and the North West is not available. Hywel Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions on what date he expects universal The Government produces impact assessments which credit to be implemented in Wales (a) as a pilot scheme provide detailed information on the impact of policy and (b) in full. [166686] measures on benefit recipients. In addition the Government regularly produces analysis Mr Hoban: As part of our plan for progressive rollout, of the cumulative impact of all coalition changes, including Shotton Jobcentre is one of six new sites which will welfare, on households across the income distribution. begin dealing with universal credit claims during 2013-14. This information is published at every Budget and other We are now working with partners locally to agree an major fiscal events, in the interests of transparency. implementation plan and go live date. However this analysis is unable to be broken down to lower geographies. The most recent update was published UNUM with the spending review on 26 June. The publication of cumulative impacts is a coalition Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for initiative and was not produced by the previous Work and Pensions whether Unum Ltd or any subsidiary Administration. companies of Unum Ltd had a role in designing the work capability assessment; what relationship there has Work Capability Assessment been between his Department and Unum over the last 10 years; what payments have been made by his Department to any Unum companies in that time period; and for Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for what reason this question originally tabled by the hon. Work and Pensions how many people experiencing a Member for Brighton, Pavilion on this matter on 23 mental health condition undertook the work capability April 2013 did not receive an answer. [166645] assessment in each year between 2008 and 2012. [166505] Mr Hoban: I can confirm two Unum employees, a doctor and an occupational therapist, were part of the Mr Hoban: In November 2012 the Department released technical working groups which carried out reviews of an ad-hoc statistical publication which breaks down the the personal capability assessment. As with all members outcomes of all initial work capability assessment (WCA) of the technical working group they were appointed as outcomes by physical and mental health condition. recognised experts in benefit assessment and in supporting Table 2b in the spreadsheet accompanying the publication return to work for people with disability. gives the WCA outcomes for claimants with a mental The Department consults on a range of policy issues health condition by the month the WCA was completed, and with various external bodies. As the Department for assessments held up to May 2012, and can be found does not maintain a central register of all meetings with at: external organisations, I am unable to provide detailed https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ information for the last 10 years of it’s interactions with attachment_data/file/223138/ Unum. However, the Department has a record of two esa_wca_outcomes_physical_mental_health_condition.xls meetings with Unum officials since May 2010. In October Further information is available in the publication 2010, a Unum representative met with the Minister for which can be found at: Welfare Reform and Departmental officials as part of a https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/employment- delegation from the UK Rehabilitation Council. Further and-support-allowance-work-capability-assessment- to this on 14 February 2011, Unum representatives met outcomes-by-physical-and-mental-health-condition 255W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 256W

Work Programme As happens across Government, any underspend at the end of the financial year are returned to Her Majesty’s Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Treasury. Work and Pensions for what reasons his Department had a £248 million underspend on the Work Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for programme in 2012-13; and in what alternative ways Work and Pensions how much his Department paid in this was spent. [158175] (a) attachment, (b) job outcome and (c) sustainment payments to Work programme providers in each month Mr Hoban: The Commons Committee Report, to since June 2011. [164332] which the question relates, notes that the Government spent some £248 million less on the Work programme Mr Hoban: The tables show how much the Department than anticipated in 2012-13. The level of spending paid in (a) attachment, (b) job outcome and (c) depends on the number of job outcomes, sustainment sustainment payments to Work programme providers in payments and attachment feeds paid. each month since June 2011.

£ million 2011 2012 June July August September October November December January February March

Attachments 8.9 41.4 29.2 31.4 24.1 26.6 25.7 26.2 26.9 27.0 Outcomes 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.2 0.7 3.2 8.4 1.2 Sustainments 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.3 1.1 1.3 Recoveries 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 (0.4) (0.1) (0.1) (0.1) (0.1) (0.1) Total 8.9 41.4 29.2 31.4 23.7 26.7 26.4 29.6 36.4 29.5

£ million 2012 2013 April May June July August September October November December January February March

Attachments 15.8 15.5 15.1 30.2 10.5 12.6 13.2 16.2 10.7 15.6 13.2 11.9 Outcomes 4.0 9.4 7.1 5.5 8.9 20.4 12.0 16.0 11.7 18.8 12.0 16.7 Sustainments 2.0 3.1 3.0 4.8 6.4 9.3 12.1 15.3 9.7 20.3 25.0 20.1 Recoveries 0.0 (0.1) (0.0) 0.8 (1.3) (0.5) (0.6) 1.1 (1.1) 0.0 (0.0) 1.1 Total 21.8 28.0 25.1 41.3 24.5 41.6 36.7 48.6 30.9 54.7 50.1 49.8 Note: Due to the rounding of the figures in the above table the sum of the individual lines in the table do not always equal the total figure shown.

John Woodcock: To ask the Secretary of State for identified as being from an ethnic minority background, Work and Pensions what steps his Department takes to and how many have secured a sustained job outcome (a) provide independent inspection of Work from June 2011 to 31 March 2013 can be found at: Programme contractors and (b) collect feedback from https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department- Work Programme clients. [166601] for-work-pensions/series/work-programme-statistics--2 Guidance for users is available at: Mr Hoban: Work Programme contractors are paid for supporting clients into sustained employment. Any https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dwp-tabulation- clients dissatisfied with the support they receive from tool-guidance their provider can access a complaints process that leads ultimately to the Independent Case Examiner. The Department has put in place robust arrangements Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for to assess the validity of job outcome claims, and these Work and Pensions how many people aged over 50 who arrangements have been independently assessed by the have been referred to the Work Programme since June National Audit Office. Beyond that, independent inspection 2011 (a) received a sanction while on the Work of the Work Programme is not necessary or appropriate. Programme, (b) disputed the sanction and (c) had a sanction overturned. [166890] Feedback from clients is collected as part of the formal evaluation of the Work Programme commissioned by the Department, which will report in due course. Mr Hoban: Information on non-JSA claimants and JSA claimants, for reasons other than failing to participate, Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for who have been referred for a sanction after being referred Work and Pensions how many people aged over 50 who to the Work Programme is not readily available and have been referred to the Work Programme since June could be provided only at disproportionate cost. 2011 were identified as being from an ethnic minority Statistics on how many jobseeker’s allowance (JSA) background; and how many have secured a sustained claimants aged over 50 who have been referred to the job outcome to date. [166884] Work Programme (a) received a sanction while on the Work Programme, (b) disputed the sanction and (c) Mr Hoban: Statistics on how many people aged over had a sanction overturned from 1 June 2011 to 21 October 50 who have been referred to the Work programme were 2012 are given in the following table: 257W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 258W

Number1 of jobseeker’s allowance (JSA) claimants aged over 502 with a Mr Hoban: The Department answered 380 ordinary sanction referral for failing to participate in Work Programme by referral action3 1 June 2011 to 21 October 20125 written and named day questions between 19 June and Referral action3 for failing to 18 July 2013. As departmental IT systems do not collate participate in the Work Programme Total whether or not the answers include fewer than four Sanction: pages of statistics, the information could be provided only by examining each question clerically, which would (a) Applied 6,330 incur disproportionate cost. (b) Reconsidered 3,400 (b) Appealed 290 Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Work (c) Overturned after reconsideration 2,080 and Pensions if he will make it his policy to ensure that (c) Overturned upon appeal 100 all answers provided by his Department containing 1 Figures are rounded to the nearest ten and will include individuals who have had more than one referral action e.g. if an individual has a sanction applied tables of statistical data which would not require more and has also appealed a sanction then they will appear twice. than four pages in the Official Report are published in 2 Age: Age of claimant is calculated at the date the referral for a decision was full rather than by reference to a hyperlink. [166742] made. 3 Referral action: The number of sanctions applied is the number of fixed4 length sanction referrals where the decision was found against the claimant. The Mr Hoban: The Department follows procedures that decision to apply a sanction can be overturned following reconsideration or were agreed with the ministerial team in 2012 on how to appeal by the Sector Decision Maker. 4 Fixed Length sanctions: A sanction of between one week and 26 weeks is provide statistics when answering parliamentary questions. programme or carry out a jobseeker’s direction. Payment of benefit continues DWP makes a wide range of official statistics readily in full pending the Adjudication Officer’s decision on a sanction question. 5 The 21 October 2012 is the last date covered by the old sanctions regulations available via online software. This is an efficient way of and is the latest date for which figures are available. answering a wide range of parliamentary questions and Source: freedom of information requests. DWP Information, Governance and Security Directorate: JSA Sanctions and Disallowance Decisions Statistics Database. Work Programme: Cumbria HEALTH John Woodcock: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how much has been paid to Work Accident and Emergency Departments Programme contractors working in Cumbria since the commencement of that programme. [166600] Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the average waiting time to be seen by a doctor in Mr Hoban: The total paid to Work Programme Providers accident and emergency for (a) walk-in patients and in the UK is £736 million from the start of the programme (b) those arriving by ambulance are (i) for each through to 31 March 2013, the period covered by the 27 hospital in South Yorkshire and (ii) nationally. [167014] June 2013 Statistical Release. Due to commercial in confidence considerations we are not able to release Anna Soubry: Information showing the average financial data below the national level at this time. waiting time to be seen by a doctor in accident and emergency (A&E) is not collected centrally. However, Written Questions data on the average (median) waiting time in (A&E) from arrival to assessment, to treatment and to Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Work discharge is available. These data separately identify and Pensions how many questions answered by his patients who arrive by ambulance and all other Department included fewer than four pages of arrivals. Average waiting times by these categories for statistics in the Official Report for the last month. each hospital in South Yorkshire and for England are [166717] set out as follows.

Average (median) waiting times in minutes from arrival to assessment, treatment and departure at A&E by arrival mode for 2011-121—Activity in English NHS hospitals

Minutes

Arrival by ambulance/helicopter

Provider name Median wait to assessment Median wait to treatment Median wait to departure

England 4 57 195

Sheffield Children’s NHS 2 34 129 Foundation Trust

Barnsley Hospital NHS 0 69 189 Foundation Trust

The Rotherham NHS 7 62 174 Foundation Trust

Sheffield Teaching Hospitals 0 39 167 NHS Foundation Trust

Doncaster and Bassetlaw 10 67 197 Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust2 259W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 260W

Minutes Arrival other than by ambulance/helicopter3 Provider name Median wait to assessment Median wait to treatment Median wait to departure

England 10 51 105

Sheffield Children’s NHS 64190 Foundation Trust Barnsley Hospital NHS 20 81 112 Foundation Trust The Rotherham NHS 12 66 123 Foundation Trust Sheffield Teaching Hospitals 14087 NHS Foundation Trust Doncaster and Bassetlaw 328 48 103 Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust2 1 The last full year for which data is available. 2 Doncaster and Bassetlaw Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has a large number of assessment times recorded as exactly midnight. 3 Data on walk-in patients is not collected separately, these patients are included within ’arrival other than by ambulance/helicopter’, this includes patients arriving by any other means than ambulance, for example, patients who arrive on foot or who arrive by prison/police escort.

Apprentices (2) what estimate he has made of the average amount that will be paid by individuals under plans to cap Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Health personal care costs at £72,000 to meet (a) moderate or how many apprentices are currently employed by his low needs and (b) substantial needs which are not Department; and how many such apprentices are aged deemed eligible under the scheme. [166504] (a) under 19, (b) 19 to 25, (c) 26 to 30, (d) 31 to 59 and (e) 60 years and over. [167020] Norman Lamb: No estimate has been made because the Care Bill does not define care needs in this way. Dr Poulter: The Department currently has no apprentices. From April 2015, subject to the passage of the Care The Department runs and actively encourages teams to Bill, there will be a single set of criteria to describe a offer, work experience and other opportunities to candidates minimum threshold of eligible needs for adults needing from Government schemes. These initiatives include the care in England. On 28 June, we published a discussion, Civil Service Whitehall Internship programme, the Summer document, ‘Draft national minimum eligibility threshold Development and Placement scheme, plus the Department’s for adult care and support’, to allow consideration of own Building Bridges programme, the NHS Management the draft regulations and the implications for implementing trainee programme, and placements for finance and the new national eligibility criteria. The £72,000 cap analytical students. Since 2012 the Department has would apply to charges for care and support to meet increased its allocation on the Building Bridges programme those eligible needs. to eight places, due to the high demand. A copy of the publication has already been placed in the Library. Care Homes

Mr Betts: To ask the Secretary of State for Health General Practitioners when he plans to begin an information campaign to explain the details of the care cap to the public. [166420] Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many GPs who have been elected to the Norman Lamb: We published a public consultation boards of clinical commissioning groups hold document, ‘Caring for our future: Consultation on directorships or have shares held in private health care reforming what and how people pay for their care and companies. [166815] support’, on 18 July, setting out the details of our reforms to social care funding, including the introduction of a cap on charges to individuals. Dr Poulter: The National Health Service Act 2006, as amended by the Health and Social Care Act 2012, sets The consultation includes a call for evidence on how out the clear requirements on clinical commissioning best to raise awareness of the capped cost system. groups (CCGs) in relation to registers of interests and A copy of the document has already been placed in managing conflicts of interest. the Library and is available at: Under section 140 CCGs are responsible for maintaining www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ registers of interests of the members of its boards. attachment_data/file/223915/ CONSULTATION_Caring_For_Our_Future_FINAL.pdf However, information contained on registers of interest is not collected centrally. CCGs should also make Mr Betts: To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) arrangements for managing conflicts of interest and what estimate he has made of the proportion of people potential conflicts of interest, to ensure they do not who will have their personal care costs capped at affect or appear to affect the integrity of their decision- £72,000 who will pay an additional amount for care for making process. low and moderate needs and non-eligible substantial NHS England is responsible for supporting CCGs to care; [166503] manage conflicts of interest, and has produced guidance 261W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 262W setting out the statutory requirements and principles for Health Services: Wales managing conflicts of interest. The guidance is available at: Mr Mark Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/ccg- Health what health protocols have been entered into by conflict-int-guide.pdf English NHS trusts with neighbouring Welsh health boards. [166563]

Health Services Anna Soubry: From 1 April 2013, NHS England took over responsibility from the Department for the detail Rosie Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for and implementation of cross-border health policy. The Health what recent representations he has received on protocol for cross-border health care services has been the revision of the Quality and Outcomes Framework. renewed and developed between the national health [166551] service in England and Wales to secure cross-border health care provision in a way that supports improved Anna Soubry: Since 1 January 2013, Ministers have patient outcomes and avoids the fragmentation of care. had not had any meetings to specifically discuss revisions The protocol is available on the NHS England website to the Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF). However at: QOF may have been raised as part of wider discussions www.england.nhs.uk/ourwork/part-rel/ at ministerial meetings. Ministers have responded to 20 NHS England is currently discussing the operation of parliamentary questions regarding QOF, and one oral the protocol with the Welsh Assembly Government. question. The Department does not manage or review agreements A search of the Department’s ministerial correspondence between local NHS organisations, and does not hold database has identified 89 items of correspondence any information about specific local arrangements along about the revision of QOF. This is a minimum figure the border between England and Wales. which represents correspondence received by the Department’s ministerial correspondence unit only. Health: Restaurants The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence encourages anyone with an interest in health to comment Mr George Howarth: To ask the Secretary of State on their proposals and the current indicators in QOF for Health how many quick service restaurants have and other frameworks. endorsed Public Health Responsibility Deals in the UK; and how many such restaurants have committed to deals that deliver a healthier product to consumers. Health Services: British Nationals Abroad [166388] Sir Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many quick service restaurants have Health (1) what estimate he has made of the number of endorsed public health responsibility deals to date; British pensioners who permanently live abroad but which of those have committed to deals that aim to returned to the UK to access health treatment via the deliver a healthier product to consumers; and if he will NHS in the latest period for which figures are available; make a statement. [166580] [166606] (2) if he will undertake a review of (a) who is and Anna Soubry: 11 quick service restaurants are currently (b) who is not entitled to NHS care. [166619] signed up to the Public Health Responsibility Deal through its Food Network and have made commitments Anna Soubry: The Department has concluded a to help consumers improve their diet. comprehensive review of the rules of entitlement to free We have defined quick service restaurants as outlets national health service care of visitors and migrants. which have take away or eat in, or both, and where the Following that review, the Department has since published customer pays, and generally collects their food up a consultation entitled “Sustaining services, ensuring front—before sitting down or leaving with their food. fairness: A consultation on migrant access and their financial contribution to NHS provision in England” Heart Diseases on proposals to make the charging system fairer including seeking views on who should be entitled to free NHS Stuart Andrew: To ask the Secretary of State for care. Health (1) what steps his Department is taking to draw A copy of the consultation and the summary report upon patient experience when comparing unit with unit “2012 review of overseas visitors charging policy” have in the new congenital cardiac review; [166353] already been placed in the Library. (2) if he will take steps to ensure that, following the The Department is currently not able to make a new congenital cardiac review, configuration of children’s reliable estimate of the number of British pensioners heart surgery units will not be determined by the location who permanently live abroad but return to the United of existing specialist services; [166354] Kingdom to access NHS treatment. To support the (3) if he will take steps to ensure that the future of development of the proposals within the consultation, cardiothoracic transplant and respiratory extra corporeal the Department has commissioned independent membrane oxygenation will be contingent on the final professional research to better understand the extent of proposals for congenital heart surgery and that the use of the NHS of migrants and visitors, including configuration will not be determined by the location of British pensioners. existing specialist services. [166356] 263W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 264W

Anna Soubry: NHS England is taking forward the Anna Soubry: There are no current plans to assess the new national review of congenital heart disease services. remaining nine children’s cardiac surgery units in the My hon. Friend will be aware that NHS England has same way as the local review currently under way in published its early thinking on the way forward in Leeds. The review at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS improving these services. This paper is available at: Trust was specifically commissioned to look at the day www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/180713- to day safety of the unit following the concerns which item13.pdf had been raised. We are advised by NHS England that its aim is to The safety of all children’s cardiac surgery units is develop a process which is robust, transparent and paramount. We are advised by NHS England that it is inclusive, particularly in the use of evidence and data. It continually working with professional bodies such as is too soon to describe the exact process, or what the National Institute for Cardiovascular Outcomes account will be taken of the current location of other Research and independent regulators to ensure that specialist services. Information will be gathered from a individual units are meeting and operating within the wide variety of sources as the review seeks to deliver an appropriate safety standards. effective and equitable solution in the interests of securing the best outcomes for all patients. Hinchingbrooke Health Care NHS Trust Rosie Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for Health with reference to his Department’s Cardiovascular Disease Mr Woodward: To ask the Secretary of State for Outcomes Strategy, published in March 2013, what Health (1) what deficit has been accumulated by Circle progress NHS England has made on working with the Healthcare Ltd in each year since it was awarded the Resuscitation Council, the British Heart Foundation operational franchise of Hinchingbrooke Health Care and other stakeholders (1) to consider ways of increasing NHS Trust; and if he will make a statement; [166470] the number of people trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the use of automated external (2) what the ratio of public to private patients is defibrillators; [166623] expected to be at Hinchingbrooke Health Care NHS (2) to promote first responder programmes by Trust in each of the next five years; and if he will make a statement; [166471] ambulance services; [166624] (3) (a) to promote automated external defibrillator (3) what savings are budgeted for under the (AED) site mapping and registration and (b) the use of agreement governing the operational franchise of the existing national database of AEDs. [166625] Hinchingbrooke Health Care NHS Trust in each of the next 10 years; and if he will make a statement. [166527] Anna Soubry: NHS England’s work on these commitments is in the early stages. It will provide Anna Soubry: The following table shows the financial details on how they are being taken forward in due position for Hinchingbrooke Health Care NHS Trust in course. each year to date since the franchise agreement was awarded to Circle Healthcare Ltd. Stuart Andrew: To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) whether the Scottish congenital cardiac £000 surgery unit will be included in the new review of 2011-12 operating 2012-13 operating congenital cardiac care; [166907] Trust name surplus surplus (2) when the new review of congenital cardiac care Hinchingbrooke 186 0 will commence; [166908] Health Care NHS (3) whether the new review of congenital cardiac care Trust will consider quality of care through the entire process Notes: 1. Figures for 2011-12 are published in The Quarter 4 publication for of child heart surgery; [166909] 2011-12 (Department of Health). (4) what role (a) patients, (b) the public and (c) 2. Figures for 2012-13 are taken from Q4 returns from NHS trusts. other stakeholders will have in the new review of congenital cardiac care. [166910] Information on the ratio of public and private patients expected to be treated by the trust is not held centrally. Anna Soubry: NHS England is responsible for conducting The budgeted savings under the franchising agreement the new national review of congenital heart disease in each over the next 10 years are published in the services, which is now under way. The process will be National Audit Office report, ‘The Franchising of discussed with interested parties and confirmed in due Hinchingbrooke Health Care NHS Trust’ (8 November course. 2012), at Figure 9. The total projected savings over the We are advised that NHS England is committed to a 10 years are £311 million.. The report is available at: review that is robust, transparent and inclusive, in the www.nao.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/1213628.pdf interests of delivering high quality and sustainable services A copy has been placed in the Library. for all patients. Heart Diseases: Children Hospitals: Buckinghamshire Stuart Andrew: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will take steps to ensure that all children’s Mrs Gillan: To ask the Secretary of State for Health cardiac surgery units are as vigorously assessed as the what special measures are being applied to Buckinghamshire Leeds Children’s Cardiac Surgery Unit has recently Health Trust following the Keogh review into hospital been. [166355] mortality rates. [166552] 265W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 266W

Dr Poulter: The NHS Trust Development Authority commission fertility services; and what his policy is on (NHS TDA) has written to Buckinghamshire Healthcare intervention by NHS England in such cases. [166664] NHS Trust suspending its foundation trust application and asking it to set out its plans for implementing the Anna Soubry: Infertility affects thousands of couples findings of the Keogh review. The trust will have its so the Department welcomed the National Institute of action plan rigorously scrutinised and the board leadership Care Excellence recommendations in its revised 2013 will be further assessed by the NHS TDA. guideline on fertility. The Department expects local The NHS TDA will work with the Buckinghamshire national health service organisations to have regard to Healthcare NHS Trust to support it to improve but will this new guidance when making decisions about offering take every necessary action to ensure that the issues fertility services to their communities. raised in the Keogh review are addressed. We recognise that some NHS commissioners have set their own local criteria for access to fertility treatment, including restriction related to existing children. This Human Papillomavirus was identified by the Expert Group on Commissioning NHS Infertility Provision in 2009 and an approach to Mike Freer: To ask the Secretary of State for Health address these variations was outlined in Infertility Network what the annual cost of the HPV vaccination UK’s (INUK) “Standardising Access Criteria to NHS programme under each cost heading is. [166137] Fertility Treatment” guidance, which was funded by the Department. Anna Soubry: The average annual administration cost The Department has promoted this guidance in letters of the Human Papillomavirus vaccination programme to the NHS, in replies to correspondence, in funding for the three year period from the start of April 2010 to INUK to engage with NHS commissioners and through the end of March 2013 was £8.6 million. links to the Department of Health and NHS England This figure excludes the cost of the vaccine and its websites. storage and distribution as this information is commercially It is for NHS England to make decisions about confidential. issuing guidance to clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) about the commissioning of fertility services. In February In Vitro Fertilisation 2013, it published “Commissioning fertility services factsheet”, which provides guidance to CCGs about Mr Benton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health commissioning fertility services. (1) what his Department’s policy is on local assisted It is for NHS England to assess in individual cases conception policies which restrict access to IVF treatment whether a CCG has failed to discharge its functions. It on the grounds that one partner has children from a is also for NHS England to provide guidance on the previous relationship; [166661] threshold for the use of its formal intervention powers. (2) if he will endorse the recommendations contained within the 2013 NICE guideline on fertility Monitor which recommends that three full cycles of IVF be provided to eligible couples; [166662] Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many of the 14 hospitals investigated as part of (3) with reference to the answer of 1 March 2013 to Sir Bruce Keogh’s recent report were regulated by the hon. Member for Wolverhampton South West, Monitor; and what steps the regulator took to address Official Report, column 726W, on IVF, when Infertility the problems identified in the Keogh Report at each Network UK’s eligibility criteria commissioning tool such hospital during the last five years. [166752] was published; and what steps his Department has taken since then to reduce variations in access criteria Dr Poulter: Of the 14 hospitals that were investigated across the country; [166663] as part of Sir Bruce Keogh’s recent report, nine are (4) if he will issue guidance on whether a clinical regulated by Monitor. A summary of the actions taken commissioning group can be deemed to have failed in by Monitor in relation to the nine hospitals is set out as its duty to discharge its functions if it refuses to follows.

Trust Monitor Action

Blackpool Found in significant breach of terms of authorisation in November 2010 because it had a financial risk rating (FRR) of 2. In March 2011 a board governance review commissioned by the trust highlighted issues with board leadership. During the significant breach period board governance, financial governance and financial position all improved. A follow up review of board governance was commissioned for March 2012. A high hospital mortality rate led to Monitor requiring the trust to commission an external review of mortality in March 2012. Prior to de-escalating the trust (which happened in May 2012) Monitor confirmed with Care Quality Commission (CQC) their view that trust was compliant with outcomes and all outstanding CQC compliance actions had been removed.

Colchester Found in significant breach of terms of authorisation in November 2009 due to concerns with governance, high mortality (of which there had been no reduction in figures during 2007-08 and 2008-09) and poor CQC inpatient results. Monitor intervened to remove the chair, following which there were a number of changes made to the leadership of the Trust with appointments of a substantive Chair, Chief Executive, Financial Director, Chief Operating Officer and four new Non-Executive Directors (NEDs). Trust de-escalated from significant breach in September 2012 after follow up reviews which reported in March 2012 that demonstrated sustained reduction in hospital mortality and an improvement in compliance regarding targets and standards. 267W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 268W

Trust Monitor Action

Dudley Found in significant breach during December 2009 due to persistent failure to meet accident and emergency (A&E) targets. The implementation of an action plan to address this was monitored. During December 2010 Monitor removed the trust from significant breach as it had demonstrated sustainable improvement.

Basildon Found in significant breach during November 2009 due to governance concerns caused by rates of health care associated infections (HCAIs), high mortality rates and CQC’s review of children’s services. Monitor intervened to put in place temporary support for the Medical and Nursing Directors and required the trust to put a task force in place to drive change. Monitor oversaw a number of changes to the board including the appointment of a new chair, NEDs, chief executive (CE), director of nursing and medical director (MD) (chair, CE and MD all appointed in last 12 months). During May 2012 Monitor commissioned an independent review of legionella management at the trust as this had been a persistent problem and required the trust to address the issue. The trust is still in breach of its licence for general governance, A&E performance, referral-to-treatment-time performance, mortality figures and standards in paediatric services. The trust is required to implement a turnaround plan and quality governance review.

Medway Found in significant breach during April 2011 due to FRR2. At that time, the trust was required to have an external review of its financial plan and financial governance. The trust was required to take proactive action to understand its elevated mortality rates in 2011-12. They established a mortality working group to address this. The trust was required to deliver against certain milestones and key deliverables in their action plan to address this during 2012. Monitor required the trust to get peer input on their approach to addressing their mortality rates. This came from Frimley Park. Monitor wrote to the CQC in late 2011 and 2012 to request feedback on quality related concerns. Off the back of this we required the trust to get a quality governance peer review in April 2012. Monitor required the trust to gain external support from ECIST (effective approaches in urgent and emergency care) in 2012-13. Monitor required the trust to appoint a turnaround director and get an external review of cost improvement programmes.

Burton Found in significant breach during November 2011 for financial reasons (FRR2). Monitor asked CQC in November 2011 of their view on the trust given their status as a mortality outlier. CQC acknowledged the trust’s performance on mortality but took no further action. An external review of board effectiveness took place in March 2012. An external review of quality governance took place in May 2012. An external review of financial governance took place in June 2012. The chair stepped down in July 2012 as a result of reviews in June 2012. board commissioned a clinical governance review (focus patient safety) in December 2012. ECIST review of urgent care in December 2012 was followed up in June 2013 and there had been positive progress. An external review of Finance/Cost Improvement programme will take place during 2013. Follow up review of board effectiveness and full quality governance review took place in June 2013.

Sherwood Found in significant breach during October 2012 and required the trust to: appoint an interim chair; appoint a chief executive; commission reviews of quality and board governance and commission a diagnostic review of the trust’s financial position and long term strategy. These reviews identified significant governance concerns and the trust is required to complete a governance improvement plan by September 2013.

Tameside Found in significant breach during February 2011 for financial reasons (FRR2). The trust is required to develop and deliver a recovery plan. This has been on track in 2011-12 and in 2012-13 but the trust still has an FRR2. The recovery plan has the trust moving to an FRR3 by Q4 2013-14. Monitor required the trust to commission a review of quality governance and this was completed in November 2011. A follow up review in November 2012 found that the trust had generally made good progress. Regular risk summits that had been held between Monitor, CQC and the Strategic Health Authority (SHA) ceased in September 2012 when CQC and SHA agreed the trust was successfully addressing quality issues. The trust commissioned a peer review of nursing from University Hospitals South Manchester in February 2012. The review was very critical of nursing leadership and the nursing director was replaced in June 2012. Monitor has requested CQC to review aspects of quality of care a number of times, each time no major issues were identified (most recent May 2013).

North Lincolnshire and Goole Found in significant breach during Q4 2008-09 due to governance concerns reflected by high HCAI rates. In Q3 2009-10 Monitor removed the trust from significant breach as improvement had been demonstrated. On two other occasions Monitor has considered finding the Trust in breach for high HCAI rates. The Trust did not meet the threshold for significant breach at these times.

NHS: Finance Before applying for foundation status an NHS trust must first receive approval from the NHS TDA, but it is Mr Woodward: To ask the Secretary of State for ultimately Monitor that makes the assessment to ensure Health how many NHS trusts would currently fail the the trust is financially viable, legally constituted and tests for financial viability to convert a NHS trust to a well governed before awarding foundation trust status. NHS foundation trust; what assessment he has made of the extent to which each such failure could be caused The Secretary of State commissioned a review of the by PFI-related financing arrangements; and if he will private finance initiative (PFI) contracts to determine make a statement. [166567] whether the affordability of PR schemes was a critical factor in the financial viability of certain trusts. The Anna Soubry: There is no single test that assesses work identified six NHS trusts and one foundation long-term financial viability. trust as requiring central support for PFI contracts. To The majority of national health service trusts will access any PFI central support the trust must ensure have the opportunity to achieve foundation trust status. that four tests laid down by the Secretary of State can For many this will be through a standalone application be satisfied. process, and for others it may be through a merger or as part of an acquisition. The NHS Trust Development Authority (NHS TDA) is working with the remaining Mr Woodward: To ask the Secretary of State for NHS trusts to scrutinise closely the financial and clinical Health which NHS Trusts are in debt relating to the feasibility of each organisation to ensure that each trust accumulation of annual deficits; what the size of each is capable of providing high quality, sustainable services relevant debt is; and if he will make a statement. to patients. [166569] 269W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 270W

Dr Poulter: National health service trusts with a foundation trust status part way through any year, the breakeven cumulative deficit position in 2012-13 are data provided is only for the part of the year the shown in the following table. organisation operated as an NHS trust. The Department does not collect data from individual NHS foundation trusts. Where an NHS trust obtains

NHS trust Breakeven cumulative position—Deficit (£000)

Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust 239,340 Barnet and Chase Farm Hospitals NHS Trust1 7,660 East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust 2,000 Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust 19,158 George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust 2,374 Hinchingbrooke Healthcare NHS Trust 38,014 Ipswich Hospital NHS Trust 3,403 Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust 932 Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust 65,312 NHS Direct NHS Trust 38,857 North Bristol NHS Trust 1,504 North Cumbria University Hospitals NHS Trust 2,233 North West London Hospitals NHS Trust 57,346 Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust 4,510 Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust 798 Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust 12,629 Scarborough and North East Yorkshire NHS Trust2 13,056 Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust 22,013 South London Healthcare NHS Trust 192,713 Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust 44,270 United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust 8,083 West Middlesex University NHS Trust 18,049 Weston Area Health NHS Trust 2,911 Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust 18,327 1 Data based on draft accounts. 2 Absorbed by York Foundation Trust on 1 July 2012.

Mr Woodward: To ask the Secretary of State for NHS trust 2012-13 Operating deficit (£000) Health which NHS trusts had an annual deficit in the last financial year for which reports are available; what South London Healthcare NHS Trust 44,718 the size of each such annual deficit was; and if he will make a statement. [166575] Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Health which NHS Trusts had an end-of-year deficit between Dr Poulter: National health service trusts with an their income and expenditure in (a) 2011-12 and (b) operating deficit in 2012-13 are shown in the following 2012-13 by (i) region and (ii) multiples of £500,000; table. and if he will make a statement. [166916]

NHS trust 2012-13 Operating deficit (£000) Dr Poulter: National health service trusts with an operating deficit in 2011-12 and 2012-13 are shown by Barking, Havering and Redbridge 39,492 Hospitals NHS Trust region in the following tables. Epsom and St Helier University 12,094 The Department does not collect data from individual Hospitals NHS Trust NHS foundation trusts. Where an NHS trust obtains Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust 21,839 foundation trust status part way through any year, the North West London Hospitals NHS 20,456 data provided are only for the part of the year the Trust organisation operated as an NHS trust.

(i) By region Trust name Operating deficit (£000)

2011-12

North of England region

Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust 19,217

Midlands and East region

Mid Essex Hospital Services NHS Trust 2,156 271W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 272W

(i) By region Trust name Operating deficit (£000)

London region Barking, Havering and Redbridge Hospitals NHS Trust 49,913 Baits Health NHS Trust 3,940 Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust 12,211 Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust 8,419 North West London Hospitals NHS Trust 7,534 South London Healthcare NHS Trust 65,063

South of England region Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust 6,056 Southampton University Hospitals NH5 Trust 1,908

2012-13 North of England region Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust 21,839

London region Barking, Havering and Redbridge Hospitals NHS Trust 39,492 Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust 12,094 North West London Hospitals NHS Trust 20,456 South London Healthcare NHS Trust 44,718

(ii) Multiples of £500,000—only categories with entries are shown in the following table £000

2011-12 £65,000 to 65,500 South London Healthcare NHS Trust 65,063 £49,500 to £50,000 Barking, Havering and Redbridge Hospitals NHS Trust 49,913 £19,000 to £19,500 Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust 19,217 £12,000 to £12,500 Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust 12,277 £8,000 to £8,500 Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust 8,419 £7,500 to £8,000 North West London Hospitals NHS Trust 7,534 £6,000 to £6,500 Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust 6,056 £3,500 to £4,000 Barts Healthcare NHS Trust 3,940 £2,000 to £2,500 Mid Essex Hospital Services NHS Trust 2,156 £1,500 to £2,000 Southampton University Hospitals NHS Trust 1,908

2012-13 £44,500 to £45,000 South London Healthcare NHS Trust 44,718 £39,000 to £39,500 Barking, Havering and Redbridge Hospitals NHS Trust 39,492 £21,500 to £22,000 Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust 21,839 £20,000 to £21,500 North West London NHS Trust 20,456 £12,000 to £12,500 Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust 12,094

NHS: Innovation Evaluation’ (CtE). It is currently subject to NHS England Board executive approval. If approved it will be rolled out across England. Alan Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for CtE is intended to support directly commissioned Health when Commissioning through Evaluation will specialised procedures or services where there is currently be introduced by NHS England. [166562] insufficient evidence of relative clinical and cost-effectiveness to be routinely commissioned by NHS England, but John Glen: To ask the Secretary of State for Health where there is believed to be genuine ‘promise’ as a (1) when NHS England will start to fund procedures potential future treatment option. It is particularly pertinent through the Commissioning Through Evaluation to specialised services where small patient numbers are criteria; [166548] less amenable to randomised controlled trials. (2) how much NHS England has committed to fund Procedures or treatments agreed as part of the CtE technologies to be considered as part of programme will be commissioned on a limited basis as Commissioning Through Evaluation. [166549] part of a formal evaluation project, with patient selection criteria, provider selection criteria and evaluation measures developed with a range of stakeholders including patients Anna Soubry: NHS England has developed a new and clinical experts. Findings will then be used to approach to commissioning called ‘Commissioning through inform future substantive commissioning policy decisions. 273W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 274W

NHS England envisage that the initially proposed number of staff currently working in the NHS in England CtE programme should be open to patients by the who had been engaged by NHS bodies (a) through autumn. personal service companies and (b) as permanent members NHS England is still working up the detailed costings of staff before having their contract of employment for this programme but, in general, investment for these terminated and then being re-employed; and if he will treatments is expected to be set at the level of historic make a statement. [166881] national health service expenditure (such as equivalent to expenditure during 2012-13), and will vary from Dr Poulter: The Department does not collect information treatment to treatment. on staff employed in the national health service through personal services companies and does not have robust NHS: Judicial Review data on the number of permanent staff who have had their contracts of employment terminated for all reasons Mr Woodward: To ask the Secretary of State for and then been re-employed. However, we do have validated Health how many applications for judicial review have data on those staff who have had their contracts of been brought against NHS trusts and NHS foundation employment terminated by reason of redundancy and trusts in England and Wales in each of the last 10 who have subsequently been re-employed. years; which NHS Trusts and NHS foundations trusts 15,700 NHS employees were made redundant during have been the subject of such applications; whether the the period May 2010 to the end of December 2012. The decisions challenged in such applications were upheld; overwhelming majority of the staff made redundant and if he will make a statement. [166571] were from the back office and administrative areas. The number of clinical staff increased by 5,522 during the Anna Soubry: This information is not held centrally. same period, showing that this Government is committed NHS: Private Sector to investing in the NHS frontline. Of those made redundant, 2,400 were subsequently re-employed up to the end of Mr Woodward: To ask the Secretary of State for January 2013. Health which NHS trusts or NHS foundation trusts Patients: Greater Manchester have entered into which operational franchises with a private company; and if he will make a statement. Mr Crausby: To ask the Secretary of State for Health [166570] how many patients were registered with NHS trusts in Greater Manchester in each of the last five years. Anna Soubry: Hinchingbrooke Health Care NHS [166464] Trust is currently the only trust operating under franchise arrangements. Circle Healthcare Ltd began operating Anna Soubry: The information is not held in the the trust in 2012, under a 10-year contract. format requested. Patients do not register at NHS trusts. NHS: Staff However, numbers of patients registered with general practitioners in Greater Manchester Primary Care Trusts Catherine McKinnell: To ask the Secretary of State (PCTs) for 2008 to 2012 (as at 30 September) are shown for Health what recent estimate he has made of the in the following table:

Greater Manchester PCTs 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

Salford PCT 235,664 239,908 243,115 247,873 247,892 Stockport PCT 296,277 297,563 298,391 299,411 299,444 Ashton, Leigh and Wigan PCT 308,241 318,416 319,709 320,512 320,562 Bolton PCT 283,600 290,175 292,719 295,125 295,583 Oldham PCT 236,333 237,390 238,459 240,028 238,974 Bury PCT 192,354 193,934 193,803 195,119 196,291 Tameside and Glossop PCT 237,272 237,984 239,598 240,378 240,968 Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale PCT 218,522 221,456 222,633 223,816 224,860 Trafford PCT 226,606 230,963 229,099 233,534 230,707 Manchester PCT 526,247 537,130 547,395 558,663 564,922 Total 2,761,116 2,804,919 5,824,921 2,854,459 2,860,203 Notes: 1. The PCTs used covered the 10 districts that constitute Greater Manchester. It should be noted that Glossop is not in Greater Manchester but is part of Tameside and Glossop PCT and cannot be separated. 2. The Health and Social Care Information Centre seeks to minimise inaccuracies and the effect of missing and invalid data, but responsibility for data accuracy lies with the organisations providing the data. Methods are continually being updated to improve data quality where changes impact on figures already published. This is assessed but unless it is significant at national level figures are not changed. Impact at detailed or local level is footnoted in relevant analyses. Source: The Information Centre for Health and Social Care—GP Workforce and Facilities Annual Census

Regulation (iii) 2012 and (iv) 2013 to date; and if he will make a statement. [165914]

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the title is of each regulation his Department Dr Poulter: The information requested has been placed (a) introduced and (b) revoked in (i) 2010, (ii) 2011, in the Library. 275W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 276W

School Milk initial management, acute-phase care, rehabilitation and long-term management. All hospitals now run specialist Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Health transient ischaemic attack clinics. whether, as part of its consideration of a contract-based The CVD Outcomes Strategy reiterates our commitment model for the administration of the Nursery Milk Scheme, to the NHS Health Check programme. NHS England his Department has assessed the likelihood that a company will be working with Public Health England (PHE) to that wins the contract would be able to put in place an make the NHS Health Check programme as effective as immediate supply chain. [166915] possible, helping to reduce people’s risk of developing CVDs through advice on lifestyle factors. Dr Poulter: The Department is currently analysing The Act FAST (face, arm, speech, time to call 999) evidence and responses received to the Next Steps for stroke awareness campaign has been one of the Nursery Milk consultation. A decision about the future Government’s most successful campaigns. PHE will operation of the Nursery Milk Scheme will be made continue to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms after full consideration is given to the evidence, responses of stroke by running campaigns such as Act FAST and and other relevant information. trialling new campaigns. Strokes The Tobacco Control Plan, the Call for Action on Obesity, the Change 4 life programme and the Responsibility Rosie Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for Deal all aim to support healthier lifestyles and reduce Health (1) what steps he is taking to improve awareness risk factors for stroke and other cardiovascular diseases. amongst the public and healthcare professionals of the Tobacco: Scotland symptoms of stroke; [166646] (2) what steps his Department is taking to support Cathy Jamieson: To ask the Secretary of State for healthier lifestyles and reduce cardiovascular and Health what discussions he has held with his Scottish stroke risk; [166657] counterpart on the use of a Section 104 to assist with (3) what steps he is taking to involve stroke patients the introduction of plain packaging for cigarettes. in their care planning; [166658] [166425] (4) what steps he is taking to ensure that stroke patients are treated in acute stroke centres that provide Anna Soubry: No such discussions have taken place. 24 hour care; [166659] (5) what progress he has made on diagnosing and treating transient ischaemic attacks. [166824] ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE

Anna Soubry: One of the objectives in the Government’s Air Travel Mandate to NHS England is for the national health service to give patients more power to manage and Gavin Williamson: To ask the Secretary of State for make decisions about their own care and treatment. Energy and Climate Change (1) how many officials of Achieving this objective would mean that by 2015, his Department travelled economy class by aeroplane everyone with a long-term condition will be offered a in (a) 2009, (b) 2010, (c) 2011 and (d) 2012; and personalised care plan that reflects their preferences what the total cost was of such travel in each such year; and agreed decisions. [165371] We know that stroke patients do better when admitted (2) how many officials of his Department travelled to stroke units. The Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) first class by aeroplane in (a) 2011-12, (b) 2010-11, Outcome Strategy, published in March 2013, sets out (c) 2009-10 and (d) 2008-09; and what the total cost that all CVD patients should have access to what is was of such travel in each such year; [165374] recognised as the right treatment; including specialist (3) how many officials of his Department travelled teams and 24-hour services where appropriate. business class by aeroplane in (a) 2008-09, (b) In 2008, the National Institute for Health and Care 2009-10, (c) 2010-11 and (d) 2011-12; and what the Excellence (NICE) produced clinical guidelines on the total cost was in each year. [165436] diagnosis and treatment of acute stroke and transient ischaernic attacks. NICE subsequently published a quality Gregory Barker: DECC was created in October 2008 standard on stroke which covers care provided to adult and full financial data for the period 2008-10 are unavailable. stroke patients by healthcare staff during diagnosis and The following table shows the data centrally held:

2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13

No. of officials £000 No. of officials £000 No. of officials £000 No. of officials £000

Economy n/a n/a n/a 356 n/a 460 n/a. 446

Business n/a n/a 64 321 51 215 19 167

First class n/a n/a — — 1 0.5 — —

Total 11,216 64 677 52 676 19 613

1Class of travel could not be determined from the records held for 2009-10 277W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 278W

The Department’s records include the number of Climate Change flights taken rather than the number of officials travelling. We have reviewed the data to determine the number of David T. C. Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for individual officials travelling in non-economy but we Energy and Climate Change (1) what estimates his are not able to complete the same exercise in respect of Department were given in 2008 of the expected average economy travel without incurring disproportionate cost. global temperature in 2013; [166928] It is possible that some flights may have been booked directly with carriers by staff and the costs reimbursed. (2) what estimates his Department has been given by We do not hold details of such flights centrally the Met Office of the expected average global The nature of DECC’s work necessitates international temperature in 2018. [167028] travel. One of DECC’s four key priorities is “to drive ambitious action on climate change at home and abroad”. Gregory Barker: The Met Office published its first In order to fulfil this objective, officials engaged in the experimental decadal forecast in 2007 and has issued international energy and climate change arena have to updates looking five to ten years ahead on its web site undertake overseas travel to engage with international since December 2009; no update to the initialised forecast bodies and stakeholders. was supplied to DECC in 2008. These forecasts are not intended to predict a particular year’s global temperature Billing as year-to-year variations in global temperature are dominated by the effects of the El Nino Southern Oscillation, which is not predictable more than a year Nick de Bois: To ask the Secretary of State for ahead. Instead, they aim to forecast slow fluctuations in Energy and Climate Change how many creditors to his the climate system over the next few years. Department owed more than £10,000 remained unpaid for more than (a) 30 days, (b) 45 days, (c) 60 days, Nevertheless, values for individual years can be extracted (d) 75 days and (e) more than 90 days in each of the and the very first forecast, made in 2007, suggested that last three years. [166372] 2013 would likely be 0.53 to 0.89 degrees C (90% confidence) warmer than the 1961 to 1990 average. No Gregory Barker: For the two financial years 2010-11 equivalent estimate is currently available for 2018 as the and 2011-12 there were no creditors owed more than latest five-year forecast, issued in December 2012, is for £10,000. The accounting system used by the Department the period 2013 to 20171. However, this shows that the during those years only recorded invoices at the point of Earth is expected to maintain the record warmth that payment. has been observed over the last decade, with the possibility The Department’s current accounting system recognizes that new record global temperatures may be reached in invoices when they are submitted if they are made out the next five years. to the Department of Energy and Climate Change and Met Office five-year forecasts are assessed once the a valid purchase order number is provided. As of 31 verifying observations are available. March 2013, the following number of invoices over 1 http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/research/news/decadal-forecasting £10,000 remain unpaid: 30 to 45 days: one invoice David T. C. Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for 45 to 60 days: one invoice Energy and Climate Change what assessment his 90 + days: four invoices (not being paid until issues raised with Department has made of whether an increase of the suppliers are properly resolved) 0.8 degrees celsius in average global temperatures is statistically significant. [166941] British Gas Trading Gregory Barker: The world has warmed by about John Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for 0.8 degrees Celsius since the 19th century1. This warming Energy and Climate Change pursuant to the answer of was reported to be statistically significant by the 24 June 2013, Official Report, column 59W, on energy: Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), in finance, what process was followed in the award to Section 3.2 of its Fourth Assessment Working Group I British Gas Trading of a capital grant for heat pumps Report. and thermal storage of £2,800,000 in 2012-13. [166225] 1 Met Office (2013). The recent pause in global warming (1); What do observations of the climate system tell us? Michael Fallon: DECC awarded a grant of up to £2.8 http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/media/pdf/e/f/ million to the Customer Led Network Revolution (CLNR) Paper1_Observing_changes_in_the_climate_system.PDF programme, of which British Gas is a partner with Northern Powergrid, Durham University and EA Technologies. CLNR was subject to a competitive process David T. C. Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for under Ofgem’s Low Carbon Innovation Fund. DECC Energy and Climate Change what estimate his was approached by Ofgem and the project consortium Department has made of the cost to the UK of to provide support within the CLNR’s work programme complying with the Climate Change Act 2008. [166945] on heat pumps (to understand the potential benefits to the distribution network of integrating heat pumps Gregory Barker: The Climate Change Act 2008 sets with thermal storage). The grant was approved since in place a legally binding target for the UK to reduce the objectives of this project aligned closely with the greenhouse gas emissions by 80% on 1990 levels by priorities of DECC’s innovation programme and at the 2050: time there was no other project pursuing similar activities http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2008/27/pdfs/ at the scale of CLNR. ukpga_20080027_en.pdf 279W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 280W

There are uncertainties around how this 2050 target about their energy consumption over the long term. The EDRP will be met. However, in the Carbon Plan (December trialled a range of methods of providing customers with improved 2011), the Department put forward four plausible example feedback on their energy consumption, including: pathways that meet the target: smart electricity and gas meters https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ real-time display devices, which show energy use in pounds and attachment_data/file/47613/3702-the-carbon-plan-delivering- pence our-low-carbon-future.pdf more accurate and more frequent bills Details of the pathways, including associated estimates energy saving information of full energy system costs, can be examined in the community engagement. report and using the 2050 Calculator: a tool which The trials were made up of different combinations of allows users to examine the full range of physically these actions and explored the responses of over 50,000 possible scenarios for meeting the 2050 target: different households. The trials began in 2007 and http://2050-calculator-tool.decc.gov.uk/ finished at the end of 2010. The EDRP was match-funded The costs of technologies out to 2050 are uncertain, by government and industry. however the following table shows our best estimates for the four pathways, which vary between £4,735 and Energy Companies Obligation £5,329 per person per year on average between 2010 and 2050. These costs include all capital, operating and Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for fuel costs for the whole energy system including cars, Energy and Climate Change what discussions his trains, planes, power stations, boilers and insulation, Department has had with the Department for Business, but exclude the damage costs of climate change and the Innovation and Skills regarding BT Openreach’s work costs of changing people’s behaviour, such as encouraging to deliver measures under the Energy Company them to turn down their thermostat. The table also Obligation. [166363] shows that if climate change wasn’t tackled, the cost would be £4,690 per person per year on average between Gregory Barker: Government policy on 2010 and 2050; however, if climate change damage costs telecommunications related issues is a matter for the were also included, the cost-would be even higher. Department of Culture Media and Sport (not the These are just some of the possible scenarios. It Department for Business, Innovation and Skills). BT is might be cheaper to meet the carbon target than not, also regulated by the communications regulator—Ofcom. even if the costs of climate change damage are excluded. The Department has raised with both these bodies the This depends on the future cost of fossil fuels, the extent issue of work BT may undertake related to the installation to which technologies such as electric vehicles fall in of measures under the energy company obligation. cost and the extent to which people are willing to change behaviour. Using the tool, members of the Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for public can explore these uncertainties. Energy and Climate Change what assessment he has made of the effect of fees being charged by BT Amortised annual per capita total energy system costs to 2050 Openreach for eyebolt installations on the cost of Pathway Total (£) delivering the Energy Company Obligation. [166364] Not tackling climate change 4,690 Higher renewables 5,120 Gregory Barker: We have made no assessment of the Higher nuclear 5,329 costs charged by BT relating to eyebolt installations, Higher CCS 5,265 which may be required as part of the installation of solid wall insulation. MARKAL 3.26 4,735 Note: However, we are aware of concerns raised by some Based on 2050 Calculator version 3.4.6. promoters of energy efficiency schemes under ECO about the costs charged by BT for related work and also E.ON UK by BT about alleged damage to, and unlawful interference with, their equipment by those undertaking energy efficiency John Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for schemes. Energy and Climate Change pursuant to the answer of We will encourage energy companies and the supply 24 June 2013, Official Report, column 59W, on energy: chain to take the issue of BT equipment into account finance; what projects the Research and Development when planning schemes and will consider any evidence, Expenditure (Programme) payments to E.ON of (a) that we are presented with, that suggests that there is a £1,519,351 in 2009-10 and (b) £8,767,856 in 2010-11 wider problem related to solid wall insulation measures were earmarked for. [166152] and the provision of telecommunications infrastructure.

Michael Fallon: Payments to E.ON of (a) £1,519,351 Energy: Finance in 2009-10 and (b) £8,767,856 in 2010-11 were for two projects. These were: John Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for 1. £9,734,083 for the Front End Engineering and Design Energy and Climate Change which energy companies (FEED) studies produced under the Carbon Capture and Storage have received capital grants from his Department in (CCS) Demonstration Programme for E.ON’s proposed Kingsnorth each of the last five years. [166126] project. 2. £553,124 for the Energy Demand Research Project (EDRP), Gregory Barker: Capital grant payments made by the which was a suite of large scale trials across Great Britain. The Department of Energy and Climate Change to identified aim was to understand how consumers react to improved information energy companies is given in the table. 281W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 282W

obligation (ECO) are required to comply with the Electricity £000 and Gas (Energy Company Obligation) Order 2012, 2008-09 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 Total and guidance published by Ofgem entitled ‘Energy Scottish and 94 46 — — 140 Companies Obligation (ECO): Guidance for Suppliers Southern (Version 1.1)’. Energy plc British Gas — — — 2,800 2,800 Links to these documents, detailing installer requirements Trading Ltd for both schemes, can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ Energy: Housing attachment_data/file/69090/ green_deal_code_practice_version_3.pdf http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukdsi/2012/9780111525227/ Oliver Colvile: To ask the Secretary of State for contents Energy and Climate Change with reference to his http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukdsi/2012/9780111525456/ Department’s publication entitled Final Project contents Report: An investigation of the effect of EPC ratings on house prices, what the evidential basis is for his https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/publications-and-updates/energy- companies-obligation-eco-guidance-suppliers-version-1.1-0 Department’s conclusion that the cost of energy is having an affect on house prices. [166640]

Gregory Barker: The report shows there is a link between domestic properties’ energy performance certificate Insulation: Woking (EPC) ratings and the price at which they are sold in the market. This is based on analysing data from the Land Jonathan Lord: To ask the Secretary of State for Registry and Landmark available for properties sold. In Energy and Climate Change how many homes in addition to its EPC rating, information is available on: a Woking constituency have received insulation under his property’s actual sale price; its size; its characteristics Department’s energy efficiency programmes in each of (e.g. detached, terraced etc.); its age; and its location. the last three years. [166778] The study covered property transactions for 325,950 dwellings between 1995 and 2011. It found that, in Gregory Barker: The Energy Savings Trust (EST) addition to other factors, EPC ratings were significant publishes reports on cavity wall insulation and professionally in explaining price differentials in most regions and for installed loft insulation delivered through the Carbon most property types. It also found that revealing EPC Emissions Reduction Target (CERT) as recorded in the ratings had a positive impact on energy efficient properties. Homes Energy Efficiency Database. The following table It did this by tracking the same properties that were shows the number of installations of cavity wall and sold before and after 2007 (when EPCs were mandatory), loft insulation under CERT in each of the last three and compared their price premiums them to those that years for the Woking constituency, as published by EST. were less energy efficient, according to their EPC. The CERT year runs from 1 April to 31 March; the DECC has issued a clarification to some of the final year of CERT runs from l April 2012 to 31 comments it is aware of since the study’s release at: December 2012. http://blog.decc.gov.uk/2013/07/24/addressing-criticism-to- Table 1: Cavity wall and loft insulation delivered under CERT, Woking deccs-epchouse-price-hedonic-pricing-report/ constituency 1 April 2010 to 1 April 2011 to 1 April 2012 to 31 Green Deal Scheme 31 March 2011 31 March 2012 December 2012 Cavity wall 602 779 654 Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for insulation Loft 814 1,032 886 Energy and Climate Change if he will bring forward insulation proposals to allow Green Deal finance to cover the upfront cost of purchasing heat pumps. [166007] The following table shows the number of installations Gregory Barker: A contribution to the costs of installing of insulation measures under Warm Front in the Woking a purchasing heat pump can already be included in the constituency. financing of a Green Deal Plan, up to the limit of the Table 2: Installations of insulation under Warm Front, Woking constituency expected savings made as a result of the package of 1 April 2010 to 1 April 2011 to 1 April 2012 to 31 measures. Any future payments under the renewable 31 March 2011 31 March 2012 March 2013 heat incentives are not currently included in that calculation. Cavity wall 7 1— 1— insulation Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Loft 20 4 1— Energy and Climate Change what differences there are insulation in the obligations placed on installers by the codes of 1 Not shown in order to protect confidentiality. practice for the Green Deal and the Energy Company Obligation. [166992] The number of properties that have installed measures through the Energy company obligation (ECO) or through Gregory Barker: Installers operating in the Green cashback by local authority and parliamentary constituency, Deal are required to comply with the Green Deal framework up to 30 June 2013, will be included in the next quarterly regulations and relevant parts of the Green Deal code Green Deal/ECO statistical release which is planned for of practice. Installers operating under the energy company publication on 19 September. 283W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 284W

Oil: Prices regarding the alleged manipulation of the published prices for a number of oil and biofuel products. This is a Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State matter for the appropriate competition authorities. for Energy and Climate Change if he will commission an investigation into the UK’s oil price setting process. Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State [166748] for Energy and Climate Change what recent assessment he has made of the (a) US and (b) EU regulation of Michael Fallon: Competition decisions are for the oil prices. [166750] independent competition authorities. Michael Fallon: DECC has not made a recent assessment The European Commission is investigating concerns of the US and EU regulation of oil prices. regarding the manipulation of the published prices for a number of oil and biofuel products, and has made clear Rail Travel that it would inappropriate to comment further until the facts are known. The UK Government and regulators Gavin Williamson: To ask the Secretary of State for will provide any assistance necessary to the European Energy and Climate Change (1) how many officials in investigators, and we expect the companies concerned his Department travelled business class by train in (a) to fully comply with these investigations. 2009, (b) 2010, (c) 2011 and (d) 2012; and what the Earlier this year the Office of Fair Trading published cost was in each such year; [165337] a report into the competitiveness of the fuel market in (2) how many officials in his Department travelled by which they suggested that making more information economy class train in (a) 2009, (b) 2010, (c) 2011 available about the price of fuel at motorway service and (d) 2012; and what the cost to the public purse was areas would be useful to drivers. At that time, the OFT in each such year; [165343] did not receive evidence on the impact on pump prices (3) how many officials in his Department travelled by of potential manipulation of derivatives markets. However, first class train in (a) 2009, (b) 2010, (c) 2011 and (d) they did set out that they encouraged market participants 2012; and what the cost to the public purse was in each to approach the OFT and FSA as appropriate if they such year. [165345] had evidence of such practices. Gregory Barker: For the purpose of this question on Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State rail travel, “Economy” has been interpreted as second for Energy and Climate Change what recent class and “Business” as first class. DECC was created in representations he has received calling for a review of October 2008 and full financial data for the period the oil price setting process. [166749] 2008-09 are unavailable. It has not been possible to identify the breakdown by class of travel for the year Michael Fallon: We have had some representations 2009-10 nor provide the number of all travellers without from interested parties following the announcement of incurring disproportionate costs. The following table the European Commission investigation into concerns shows the data centrally held:

2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 No. of officials £000 No. of officials £000 No. of officials £000 No. of officials £000

Second class n/a n/a n/a 212 n/a 277 n/a 242 First class n/a n/a 66 30 19 12 33 9 Total — 625 — 242 — 289 — 251

Renewable Energy A note further summarising details of this analysis was published on the DECC part of the Government website on 7 August 2013: Mr Nicholas Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ Energy and Climate Change on what evidential basis attachment_data/file/227491/CfD_contract_length_note.pdf he made the decision to set the duration of the https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ proposed Contracts for Differences for renewable attachment_data/file/48373/5358-annex-b-feedin-tariff-with- energy at 15 years; and if he will publish the analysis contracts-for-differe.pdf produced in support of this decision. [166895] Solar Power

Michael Fallon: The Contracts for Difference (CfD) Mr Bellingham: To ask the Secretary of State for draft Operational Framework1 provides the analysis Energy and Climate Change what estimate he has made which was conducted to inform the decision on contract of the proportion of the UK’s total solar energy likely length, this considered the appropriate length for different to be provided by individual homes under the types of renewable generation and focused on two main Renewable Heat Incentive. [166136] factors: the net present value of support provided over the lifetime of Gregory Barker: DECC does not hold the relevant the CfD to generators. figures to provide an estimate. Investor financing costs, including the availability of debt The domestic Renewable Heat Incentive has been financing for project financed independent generation. introduced to give households a genuine choice as to 285W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 286W how they heat their homes. Hot water is an important Gregory Barker: The Department answered a total of element in this decision and Solar Thermal can make a 257 ordinary written and named day parliamentary significant contribution to the production of hot water questions between 18 June and 18 July 2013. not only for homes but businesses too. DECC estimates Of those 257 questions answered in the period given, that there could be 28,000 installations a year in the 132 questions asked for statistical data as part of the long term but the. size and scale of this deployment is answer. Of the answers given to those 132 questions: dependent on the market and on home owners choosing 90 answers included fewer than four pages of statistics tables in solar thermal technology as part of their energy provision. the Official Report; Wales 12 answers only included internet links to statistical information; 30 answers did not provide any statistical information. These Guto Bebb: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy included nil responses, or where no assessment had been made, and those where information was not provided because of and Climate Change whether his Department provides disproportionate cost. Also included in this category are questions services to people resident in Wales or usually resident which referred to published information, or where the department in Wales. [166104] deposited the information in the Libraries of the House. I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by the Gregory Barker: The Department of Energy and Leader of the House of Commons, my right hon. Climate Change provides a range of services and carries Friend the Member for South Cambridgeshire (Mr out a number of statutory duties in Wales. Lansley), to the hon. Member for West Bromwich East The Department’s statutory duties carried out in (Mr Watson) on 12 February 2013, Official Report, Wales include; its responsibilities for the nuclear power column 649W. industry, such as sponsoring the Civil Nuclear Policing Authority; Civil Nuclear Constabulary; and the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority.Furthermore, the Department also sponsors the Coal Authority and oversees the National Fuel Concessionary Scheme, both of which FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE provide services to Wales. The Department has a wide range of policies which Anti-Semitism operate in Wales and are administered by Ofgem across Great Britain. Ofgem, as the GB energy regulator, is Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for also responsible for the regulation of gas and electricity Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will assess in Wales. Finally, the Energy Saving Advice Service the effectiveness of the UK Envoy for Post-Holocaust (0300 123 1234) offers advice on saving energy and Issues; and if he will make a statement. [166751] reducing bills for consumers in Wales and England. Mr Lidington: Since his appointment in 2010, Sir Wind Power: Seas and Oceans Andrew Burns, the Special Envoy for Post-Holocaust issues, has drawn together activity across Government David T. C. Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for and, working with academic and non-governmental Energy and Climate Change what estimate his experts, has provided a clearer British international Department has made of the potential cost of offshore profile, presence and influence on all Holocaust-related windfarm construction to meet the UK’s renewable matters. He has especially focused on those relating to targets for 2020. [166846] education and the opening of archives, and responding to the concerns of Holocaust victims and their families. Michael Fallon: DECC publishes cost estimates of As a result, the International Holocaust Remembrance various generation technologies, including offshore wind, Alliance requested the UK to take on Chairmanship of on the DECC website. the Alliance for the year 2014-15. The International A summary report of the most recent cost data Tracing Service, which ensures the management of (“Electricity Generation Costs 2013”) was published in Holocaust era archives, asked Sir Andrew to lead the July 2013 and is available at: recruitment process to secure a new Director and establish https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ effective governance arrangements around this appointment. attachment_data/file/223940/DECC_Electricity_ The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Generation_Costs_for_publication_-_24_07_13.pdf Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Richmond Table 7 on page 25 shows a range of offshore wind (Yorks) (Mr Hague), renewed Sir Andrew’s appointment cost estimates. last year as his personal envoy for as long as he holds Written Questions office in this Parliament.

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Apprentices and Climate Change (1) how many questions answered by his Department included fewer than four pages of Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for statistics in the Official Report for the last month; Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) how many [166702] apprenticeships his Department offered to people aged (2) if he will make it his policy to ensure that all (a) 16 to 18, (b) 19 to 21 and (c) 22 to 26 years old in answers provided by his Department containing tables each year since 2010; [165874] of statistical data which would not require more than (2) what strategies he has to create apprenticeships in four pages in the Official Report are published in full his Department; and what plans he has to promote rather than by reference to a hyperlink. [166727] such strategies. [165892] 287W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 288W

Alistair Burt: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office Alistair Burt: Our ambassador and his team regularly (FCO) offers a range of internship and work experience discuss implementation of the recommendations of the schemes which are designed to support the FCO’s future Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry (BICI) work force requirements, but is not currently offering and the UN Human Rights Council Universal Periodic formal apprenticeship schemes. We will keep this under Review with the Government of Bahrain, including the review. Minister of Justice, who heads the BICI Follow-up FCO Services, a Trading Fund of the Foreign and Unit, The unit published two reports last year which Commonwealth Office, does offer apprenticeships and detailed progress made since the BICI presented its will continue to recruit about 10 Technical Engineering recommendations to HM King in November 2011. apprentices annually to its successful Engineering While progress has been made in certain areas, there is Apprentice programme run in partnership with Milton still more that needs to be done and we continue to raise Keynes College. Their programme is promoted using this with the Bahraini authorities. We remain supportive local and national media, careers fairs and other events of the reforms already underway and will continue to and through the National Apprenticeship Service website. offer technical assistance where appropriate to help In 2012, FCO Services ran an IT trainee scheme for the bring long-term stability to the Kingdom of Bahrain. first time. They are also developing a Project Management Conor Burns: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Higher Apprentice programme and plan to recruit to and Commonwealth Affairs for what projects the UK is this programme in the next 12 months advertising the providing technical assistance to the government of opportunity using a range of communication tools. Bahrain to assist that country’s implementation of the The number of apprenticeships offered by FCO Services Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry’s to people aged (a) 16 to 18, (b) 19 to 21 and (c) 22 to recommendations. [167049] 26 years old in each year since 2010 are as follows: Alistair Burt: We are working closely with the

Age Range Government of Bahrain to provide technical assistance to help the authorities deliver on their commitment of 16 to 18 19 to 21 22 to 26 Over 26 full implementation of the Bahrain Independent 2010 2 5 2 1 Commission of Inquiry (BICI). UK assistance has been 2011 — 4 3 0 designed to support a Bahraini led reform process. We 2012 3 1 5 1 have provided assistance in torture prevention, the judiciary, community policing and civil service capacity building. We also continue lo work closely with the Bahraini Arms Trade: Human Rights Ministry of Human Rights and the Ministry of Justice in particular. For example in mid-January the Foreign and Commonwealth Office funded a visit to Bahrain by Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for officials from Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Prisons to Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment share best practice on National Preventive Mechanisms he has made regarding the attendance of foreign against torture in detention centres and conducting delegations from (a) countries of concern and (b) independent inspections. We remain committed to other countries identified by his Department in its supporting the authorities to improve the human rights annual human rights report at the Defence and of all its citizens. Security International Exhibition in London. [167012] Conor Burns: To ask the Secretary of State for Alistair Burt: The Government undertakes a stringent Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment process of scrutiny and approval before inviting foreign he has made of the government of Bahrain’s (a) recent Governments to a major UK defence exhibition like the human rights reforms and (b) establishment of the Defence and Security International Exhibition in London National Institution for Human Rights in that country. (DSEI). Respect for human rights and fundamental [167050] freedoms are mandatory considerations undertaken in Alistair Burt: We believe the Bahraini Government the process, and we also consider how invitations will remains committed to improving its human rights record impact on bilateral engagement including on issues like as recommended by the Bahrain Independent Commission human rights. In addition, we review invitations in cases of Inquiry (BICI) and during the Universal Periodic where the situation in any one country changes significantly Review process last year. The visit of the EU Special prior to an exhibition. Invitations do not imply that Her Representative for Human Rights to Bahrain in June Majesty’s Government would be prepared to issue export was a positive step. We also welcome the establishment licenses for the equipment that may be displayed, and of the National Institution for Human Rights in response any subsequent sales are assessed on a case-by-case to the recommendations set out in the BICI which will basis against the Consolidated European Union and spearhead efforts to embed a culture of respect for National Arms Export Licensing Criteria. human rights. While the Government of Bahrain has made progress in addressing the human rights concerns outlined in the BICI, there is still more that needs to be Bahrain done and we continue to raise this with the Bahraini authorities. Conor Burns: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Conor Burns: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the government of Bahrain’s implementation made of the recent efforts made towards national of the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry’s conciliation and power-sharing by the government of recommendations. [167048] Bahrain. [167051] 289W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 290W

Alistair Burt: We believe the Bahraini Government China remains committed to working toward national conciliation. The UK fully supports the National Consensus Dialogue, Cathy Jamieson: To ask the Secretary of State for which resumed on 28 August after a recess on account Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when the next of Ramadan and Eid holiday. Our ambassador and his UK-China human rights dialogue will take place; what team follow progress on the dialogue closely and continue its agenda will be; and if he will raise concerns about to encourage all sides to play an inclusive and constructive the human rights of the Tibetan people at this dialogue. role in the process. We respect the national ownership of [R] [166650] the dialogue and stress the importance of it being a Bahraini-led process and that any solution is agreed by Mr Swire: We are working with the Chinese to agree Bahrainis for Bahrainis. dates for the next Human Rights Dialogue in 2014. An British Council agenda has not yet been finalised, but we would expect Tibet to form a key part of any such discussions, alongside other concerns we have about the broader Pauline Latham: To ask the Secretary of State for human rights situation in China. Tibet was discussed at Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make an the last UK-China Human Rights Dialogue in January assessment of whether the education provider activities of the British Council constitute unfair competition to Cathy Jamieson: To ask the Secretary of State for British private-sector education providers abroad. Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make [166953] representations to his Chinese counterpart on that country upholding its constitutional commitments to Mr Swire: The British Council has a fair trading allow freedom of assembly and religious belief; and if policy which ensures that the organisation fully complies he will request an investigation into the actions of the with competition and charily law so that its trading security forces who opened fire on unarmed Tibetans activities are at all times conducted fairly and in accordance celebrating the birthday of their spiritual leader. [R] with relevant legal requirements. They maintain a robust accounting firewall that ensures that use of grant funds [166652] does not result in any distortion of competitive markets. Mr Swire: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office There is a huge unmet demand for English and regularly raise our concerns about the human rights education services globally, far outstripping anything situation in Tibet with the Chinese Authorities. We the British Council and other UK suppliers combined outlined our concerns in the Foreign and Commonwealth can offer, presenting abundant opportunities for both Office’s Annual Human Rights Report, which was the British Council and private sector providers to published on 15 April 2013 and can be found at: expand their operations. www.hrdreport.fco.gov.uk The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has and in the update to it, published on 19 July 2013. We approved the British Council’s corporate plan which also expect to discuss Tibet at the next UK-China sets out ambitious targets for growing the Council’s Human Rights Dialogue. self-generated income to reduce its dependence on government grants. All of the British Council’s income We raised our concerns at official level on 23 July generation activities further its charitable objectives about the incident in Dawu on the Dalai Lama’s Birthday. with any surpluses generated reinvested in its charitable Commonwealth work around the world.

Pauline Latham: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Woodward: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if his Department Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the policy of will examine where it can work with British private- his Department is on encouraging other Commonwealth sector education providers to reduce the cost to the member states that criminalise consensual, private same-sex public purse of providing services through the British sexual conduct to repeal the applicable legislation; and Council. [166954] if he will make a statement. [166233]

Mr Swire: The British Council delivers many of its Mr Lidington: The protection and promotion of the services in education and English training on a full cost rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) recovery basis which is at no cost to taxpayers. Funding people is an integral part of the Government’s wider provided by the UK Government grant supports the international human rights agenda. delivery of certain services in strategically important LGBT rights remain a difficult and controversial countries, for example in conflict zones and developing issue in the Commonwealth. Indeed, in addition to countries where market opportunities for income generation some Commonwealth member states having existing are limited or non-existent. legislation criminalising homosexuality, we have been The strategy on how the British Council fulfils its concerned by recent attempts in several other aims and objectives, as set out in the British Council Commonwealth states to introduce punitive laws to corporate plan, which is approved by Foreign and address homosexuality. Commonwealth Office (FCO) Ministers, is for the British We regularly raise LGBT issues at meetings with Council Board of Trustees to determine. The British Commonwealth counterparts and non-government Council is directly engaged with the Education UK organisations. The UK supported the Commonwealth Unit within the Department for Business, Innovation Charter which opposes all forms of discrimination on and Skills and contributes to the delivery of the over-arching all grounds. We continue to press other member states UK International Education Strategy. to live up to this commitment. 291W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 292W

The UK continues to work through our high British Antarctic Territory has no exclusive economic commissions to promote tolerance and non-discrimination zone. However, in 2009, the Commission for the against LGBT people and to address discriminatory Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources laws, in particular those that criminalise homosexuality. agreed a marine protected area of 94,000 km sq on the southern shelf of the South Orkney Islands.

Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting Dr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps his Department Mr Woodward: To ask the Secretary of State for initiated to foster (a) terrestrial and (b) protected area Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what networks in each of the British Overseas Territories. representations the Government plans to make at the [166430] 2013 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in relation to discrimination against lesbian, gay, Mark Simmonds: Territory Governments are bisexual and transgender people; and if he will make a constitutionally responsible for the protection and statement. [166236] conservation of their natural environments, including the designation of any marine or terrestrial protected Mr Lidington: UK Ministers took every opportunity areas. The UK Government works in partnership to at the 2011 Commonwealth Heads of Government provide Territory Governments with the technical advice Meeting (CHOGM) in Perth to raise human rights and support they need to fulfil their environmental issues, including lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender commitments. (LGBT) people. The Secretary of State for Foreign and In the uninhabited Territories and those directly governed Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member by the UK Government, the principles of environmental for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague), told the protection and sustainable ecosystem management are Commonwealth Peoples Forum the UK “would like to enshrined in our activities. This can, if there is sufficient see the Commonwealth do more to promote the rights evidence to warrant so, involve the designation of marine of its LGBT citizens”. and terrestrial protected areas. Plans for this year’s CHOGM in Sri Lanka have not yet been finalised, however the Prime Minister and Dr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Secretary of State will use their visit to highlight human and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment his rights issues and press for progress on human rights Department has made as to whether exemplary both in Sri Lanka and in the wider Commonwealth. environmental management with regard to biodiversity conservation is being achieved in the three uninhabited British Overseas Territories. [166467] Environment Protection: British Overseas Territories Mark Simmonds: The principles of environmental Dr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign protection and sustainable ecosystem management are and Commonwealth Affairs what proportion of the enshrined in our activities, in the uninhabited territories. total Exclusive Economic Zone covered by marine British Antarctic Territory (BAT) is covered by the protected areas designated for biodiversity Antarctic Treaty System, whose signatories meet annually conservation is in (a) the three uninhabited British to ensure continued effective environmental management Overseas Territories, (b) the four British Overseas of Antarctica as a whole. In addition, the Government Territories to which the Convention on Biological of BAT has developed an ambitious rolling five year Diversity has been extended and (c) the other seven strategy which has environmental protection at its core. British Overseas Territories. [166429] The Government of South Georgia and the South Mark Simmonds: Responsibility for the designation Sandwich Islands commissions a detailed report every of marine protected areas (MPAs) is devolved to Territory few years that measures the biodiversity on and around Governments. We do not therefore hold a central record the islands. It also makes recommendations for future of what proportion of the total exclusive economic policy, and reports on the effectiveness that previous zones (EEZs) of the inhabited Territories are covered measures have had. by MPAs. In the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) we are In the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) the UK committed to working with our American partners to in right of the BIOT did not establish a full EEZ. ensure the on-going protection of this unique environment. Instead we have claimed a 200 nautical miles zone in The BIOT Administration has developed a legislative which it exercises sovereign rights and jurisdiction under framework which underpins the protection of sites and international law concerning fisheries and living resources species of particular importance, and has also designated (the FCMZ) and protection and preservation of the special reserves. marine environment (the EPPZ). The area of the FCMZ/ EPPZ has been designated as an MPA, excluding only the island of Diego Garcia and its waters out to 3 nautical EU Institutions: Civil Servants miles. The MPA covers an area of 640,000sq km. The MPA around South Georgia and the South David T. C. Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Sandwich Islands covers its entire Maritime Zone Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether British (equivalent to an EEZ) north of 60 degrees south. This civil servants seconded to the EU or to EU bodies pay covers an area of 1.07 million sq km. tax at the same level as other British citizens. [166896] 293W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 294W

Mr Lidington: Yes. Secondees from member state Mark Simmonds: We will not seek to pre-empt the Governments to the EU Institutions pay tax on their conclusions of the feasibility study, though the funding salary as per domestic arrangements. British civil servants of any resettlement is clearly an important issue that seconded to the EU will therefore pay tax on their will need to be considered as part of the process. salary at the same level of other British citizens. Some secondees will be paid living allowances which fall Iran under the EU Institutions’ tax arrangements. Guto Bebb: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign European Parliament Members and Commonwealth Affairs how many representations he has received on Iran’s nuclear programme in the last David T. C. Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for year. [167060] Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the income tax arrangements are for UK members of the Alistair Burt: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office European Parliament. [166844] has received 33 inquiries about the state of Iran’s nuclear programme during the last year, in addition to the Mr Lidington: UK tax rules and rates apply to any frequent discussions of Iran’s nuclear programme that salary, allowances and pension received as a UK MEP. take place in the course of regular diplomatic engagement. Since 2009, the salary of most MEPs has also been The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth subject to an EU level Community tax, which UK Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Richmond MEPs are entitled to offset against their overall UK tax (Yorks) (Mr Hague), set out the UK’s assessment of liability. Iran’s nuclear programme in his evidence to the Foreign Affairs Select Committee on 16 July 2013. Ilois: Resettlement Israel Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs with reference to Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for the written statement of 8 July 2013, Official Report, Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment columns 3-4WS, if he will ensure that the feasibility he has made of the European Union-wide regulation study is concluded by the summer of 2014 so that the requiring any agreement or contract signed by an EU Government can make decisions and take forward country with Israel to include a clause stating that the resettlement before the next election. [166668] settlements are not part of the State of Israel and therefore are not part of the agreement; what steps he Mark Simmonds: While there is no fixed timetable for will take to implement this regulation in any bilateral the conclusion of the exercise, we will aim to complete agreements with Israel; and if he will make a statement. the exercise as quickly as possible. It is important that [166496] any feasibility study is thorough. The previous study, which was carried out 10 years ago, took 18 months to Alistair Burt: On 19 July 2013 the EU published complete. guidelines on the eligibility of Israeli entities and their activities in the territories occupied by Israel since June Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for 1967 for grants, prizes and financial instruments funded Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether the scope by the EU from 2014 onwards. These guidelines were of the Chagossian feasibility study is restricted to prepared to implement the commitment made by EU resettlement on the Outer Islands. [166669] Foreign Ministers in December 2012 to make a distinction in relevant EU agreements and funding programmes Mark Simmonds: The scope of the feasibility study between the state of Israel and Israeli settlements in the has not yet been determined, but will be agreed by Occupied Palestinian Territories. Ministers in due course. The guidelines reiterate the long-held EU position that bilateral agreements with Israel do not cover the Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for territory that came under Israel’s administration in Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will ensure June 1967. They are intended to clarify the EU’s position that the Chagossian feasibility study is conducted by in advance of negotiations of agreements with Israel independent and objective consultants with the necessary during the forthcoming financial perspective commencing scientific, economic and social science background. in 2014. The specific provisions of the guidelines will [166670] not be implemented before 1 January 2014. A copy of the guidelines can be found at: Mark Simmonds: The Terms of Reference for the http://eeas.europa.eu/delegations/israel/documents/news/ feasibility study have not yet been written. Our objective 20130719_guidelines_on_eligibility_of_israeli_entities_en.pdf is for an open and transparent process that commissions the most suitable consultants to carry out the study. Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for has received on the role of G4S in the Israeli prison Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he plans system. [166685] to seek funding from non-UK government sources so that the cost of Chagossian resettlement is not a heavy Alistair Burt: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office ongoing contingent liability for the UK taxpayer. does not receive reports on G4S’s role in the Israeli [166671] prison system. 295W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 296W

However, the Government has made clear our concerns We have been clear that we oppose sanctions and about Israel’s treatment of Palestinian detainees and boycotts on Israel, and do not believe such steps would our position on the illegality of Israeli settlements G4S, promote the urgent progress towards a two-state solution including at meetings with representatives from G4S in of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that we want to see. July 2013 and in October 2012. Libya Ms Ritchie: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment he Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what has made of the UK’s trade policy with respect to the representations he has made to his Libyan counterpart EU’s directive that member states should not sign deals on co-operation with the International Criminal Court with Israel unless a settlement exclusion clause is on the trials of Saif al-Islam Gaddafi and Abdullah included. [166825] al-Senussi and other members of the former Gaddafi regime; [166399] Alistair Burt: We have not made any recent assessment (2) what recent reports he has received on the recent of the UK trade policy with respect to the EU guidelines. announcement by al-Seddick al-Sur, a member of The guidelines themselves apply to EU, rather than Libya’s Office of the Public Prosecutor, who stated in a UK, programmes. They would only apply to a programme press conference on 17 June 2013 that the trials of Saif implemented by the UK if that programme received al-Islam Gaddafi and Abdullah al-Senussi are to start financial contributions from the EU budget. in the first half of August within Libya’s national borders alongside the trials of other members of the Andrew Percy: To ask the Secretary of State for former Gaddafi regime. [166400] Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the answer to the Answer to the hon. Member for Birmingham, Alistair Burt: The UK remains a steadfast supporter Northfield of 12 June 2013, Official Report, column of the International Criminal Court (ICC) and we 355W, on Occupied Territories, whether UK companies continue to urge Libya’s full cooperation with the court. operating in Israel and the Occupied Territories will be During my recent visit to Tripoli in June this year, I consulted during the development of a UK strategy on raised the importance of continued co-operation between business and human rights. [166827] Libya and the ICC with Libyan Ministers. Furthermore, our ambassador in Tripoli has repeatedly encouraged the Libyan Government to continue to cooperate with Alistair Burt: A number of British companies were the ICC. He raised the issue again as recently as 3 invited to a series of consultation workshops between August 2013 with the Libyan Minister of Justice. 2012 and 2013 to help inform the drafting of the UK Action Plan on Business and Human Rights. The various On 18 July 2013 the ICC Appeals Chamber ruled companies, of differing size, were selected to provide a against Libya’s request, submitted on 7 June 2013, to mixed representation from across the business sectors, suspend the transfer of Saif al-Qadhafi to the court. and were not selected according to the overseas geographical Libya is under an obligation to hand Saif al-Qadhafi area in which they operate. over to the court. A significant factor preventing Libya from complying with its ruling to transfer Saif al-Qadhafi to The Hague is that he is not in state detention. Andrew Percy: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the We support the ICC Prosecutor’s efforts to address answer to the Answer to the hon. Member for Birmingham, these crimes, including in Libya. The UK is also committed Northfield of 12 June 2013, Official Report, column to encouraging states to pursue domestic prosecution of 355W, on Occupied Territories, when his Department crimes of sexual violence committed in conflict, and will publish the UK strategy on business and human supports all efforts undertaken to combat this issue. rights. [166828] The UK is providing significant support for the political transition in Libya and plans to increase technical assistance Mr Lidington: The UK Action Plan on business and for the justice sector as part of a new three year programme human rights will be launched on 4 September 2013 at to help strengthen the capability, accountability and an event hosted by the Secretary of State for Foreign responsiveness of Libya’s security, justice and defence and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the sectors. Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague), and the Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) if he will encourage the right hon. Member for Twickenham (Vince Cable). the Libyan government to implement the decision of Pre-Trial Chamber I of the International Criminal Court Guto Bebb: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign (ICC) of 1 March 2013 on the treatment of materials and Commonwealth Affairs how many representations seized during a visit by ICC staff to Saif al-Islam he has received calling for a boycott of Israeli goods Gaddafi in 2012; [166475] and services in the last year. [167059] (2) if he will sponsor an urgent resolution at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) affirming Alistair Burt: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office Libya’s right to hold national trials under the principle has received a number of parliamentary questions from of complementarity but demanding the Libyan Members of the House of Commons and the other Government co-operate with the International Criminal place, letters from Members of Parliament on behalf of Court (ICC) over cases which are pursued by the ICC’s their constituents and letters and emails from members Office of the Prosecutor under the jurisdication of of the public calling for boycotts and sanctions to be UNSC Resolution 1970 and are found to be admissible imposed on Israel. under Article 19 of the ICC’s Rome Statute. [166476] 297W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 298W

Alistair Burt: The UK remains a steadfast supporter Libya is under an obligation to hand Saif al-Qadhafi of the International Criminal Court (ICC) and we are over to the court. A significant factor preventing Libya fully committed to the principle that there should be no from complying with its ruling to transfer Saif al-Qadhafi impunity for the most serious crimes of concern to the to The Hague is that he is not in state detention. international community. We continue to urge Libya’s We support the ICC Prosecutor’s efforts to address full co-operation with all decisions of the Court in the these crimes, including in Libya. Saif al-Islam Qadhafi case. UN Security Council Resolution The UK is providing significant support for the political 1970, which referred the situation in Libya to the ICC transition in Libya and plans to increase technical assistance Prosecutor, decided that the Libyan authorities should for the justice sector as part of a new three year programme cooperate fully with and provide any necessary assistance to help strengthen the capability, accountability and to the Court and the Prosecutor. We have no plans to responsiveness of Libya’s security, justice and defence propose a new UN Security Council resolution at this sectors. stage. We support the right of Libya to hold national trials for crimes committed within its jurisdiction; any Malaysia action taken must be in line with the decisions of the ICC. Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on how many Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will issue a occasions officials based at the British High Commission statement of support for the new Chief Prosecutor of in Kuala Lumpur met Malaysian police between 1995 the International Criminal Court, Fatou Bensouda, in and 1997; and whether the police investigation into the bringing cases relevant to Libya addressing allegations killings at Batang Kali in December 1948 were discussed of rape and sexual violence against other members of on any such occasions. [166891] the former Gaddafi regime and allegations of crimes Mr Swire: We have no records on how many occasions committed by rebels or revolutionary forces. [166493] officials at our high commission in Kuala Lumpur met Malaysian Police during the period 1995-97 and whether Alistair Burt: The UK remains a steadfast supporter the Batang Kali case was discussed during meetings. of the International Criminal Court (ICC) and we continue to urge Libya’s full cooperation with the court. Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for We support the ICC Prosecutor’s efforts to address Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs for what purpose these crimes, including in Libya. The UK is also committed officials based at the British High Commission in to encouraging states to pursue domestic prosecution of Kuala Lumpur monitored the 1993-96 Malaysian crimes of sexual violence committed in conflict, and police investigation into the killings at Batang Kali, supports all efforts undertaken to combat this issue. Malaya in December 1948. [166893] The UK is providing significant support for the political transition in Libya and plans to increase technical assistance Mr Swire: Officials at our high commission in Kuala for the justice sector as part of a new three year programme Lumpur monitored the Malaysian police investigation to help strengthen the capability, accountability and in order to keep the Foreign and Commonwealth Office responsiveness of Libya’s security, justice and defence (FCO) in London informed of developments and to sectors. help the Metropolitan Police make contact with the Royal Malaysian Police when the need arose. Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he plans to offer Maldives Libya technical assistance other than that of a single detention advisor for that country’s prison reform Karen Lumley: To ask the Secretary of State for project; and what plans he has to engage personally on Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his latest the issue of pursuing fairly national trials of members assessment is of the situation in the Maldives. [167063] of the former Gaddafi regime with the support of international partners whilst transferring effectively to Alistair Burt: The Maldives continue to prepare The Hague all individuals ordered to appear by appropriately for the first round of its presidential Pre-Trial Chamber I in front of the International elections on 7 September. Criminal Court. [166494] As outlined in my statement of 30 July, the British Government welcomed the confirmation that the chosen Alistair Burt: The UK remains a steadfast supporter candidates of all political parties are able to stand in of the International Criminal Court (ICC) and we elections. Political campaigning in the country is now continue to urge Libya’s full cooperation with the court. well under way, and EU Election Experts are currently During my recent visit to Tripoli in June this year, I in place in Malé. An official Commonwealth Observation raised the importance of continued co-operation between Mission will also monitor the elections. Following Libya and the ICC with Libyan Ministers. Furthermore, presidential elections, we call on all parties to work our ambassador in Tripoli has repeatedly encouraged together, and to respect the result of the election. We the Libyan Government to continue to cooperate with will continue to encourage all political parties to engage the ICC. He raised the issue again as recently as 3 August in political dialogue to keep improving this young 2013 with the Libyan Minister of Justice. democracy. On 18 July 2013 the ICC Appeals Chamber ruled Our high commission, together with international against Libya’s request, submitted on 7 June 2013, to partners, monitors the situation in Maldives closely and suspend the transfer of Saif al-Qadhafi to the court. will continue to engage with all political parties. 299W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 300W

Middle East Alistair Burt: The mandate of the Quartet Representative does not extend to covering the political situation in Paul Maynard: To ask the Secretary of State for Egypt. Any comments made by the Quartet Representative Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent on this subject are made in a personal capacity. representations he has made to his Israeli counterpart on reports of Israeli incitement against Palestinians. Nepal [166066] Ann Clwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Alistair Burt: Recent reports have concluded that and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment his both parties to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict need to Department has made of the effect of funding do more to promote a positive portrayal of each other, allocated under the EU’s Nepal Peace Trust Fund. reflecting the principles of co-existence, tolerance, justice [166874] and human dignity.The UK regularly condemns incitement and registers our concerns with both sides. Mr Swire: The Nepal Peace Trust Fund (NPTF) is a joint government-donor initiative to support the peace process in Nepal, which is owned and managed by the Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for Government of Nepal. The UK is one of eight funding Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions partners to the NPTF (others being Denmark, European he has had with his EU counterparts on the length of Union, Finland, Germany, Norway, Switzerland, and the current appointment of the Special Envoy to the the US). Middle East of the Quartet and the arrangements for reappointments and new appointments. [166393] As a multi-donor initiative, regular monitoring of the impact is carried out jointly by the contributing partners, Alistair Burt: No discussions have taken place within including Department for International Development the EU on the length of appointment of the current (DFID) staff through regular field visits and reports Representative of the Middle East Quartet, or arrangements updating on the progress made. Financial and progress for reappointments or new appointments. The current reports, and annual certified audit statements are also Quartet Representative’s role was agreed by the Quartet provided to the donor group. DFID also carries out its in 2007 and is open ended. own Annual Reviews. Finally, independent external reviews are carried out Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for every two years. The reports can be found on the NPTF Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what website. accountability arrangements the EU agreed for the Since it was set up in 2007, the NPTF has played a Special Envoy to the Middle East of the Quartet. significant role in supporting the peace process in Nepal. [166394] There have been a number of notable results, including support for; peaceful 2008 Constitutional Assembly Alistair Burt: The Quartet appointed Mr Blair as its elections, the integration of former Maoist combatants Representative in 2007 to facilitate achieving the Quartet’s into the Nepal army, the construction of police units objectives. His mandate is to mobilise international and police training, the clearance of mine fields, the assistance to the Palestinians; help identify and secure implementation of Nepal’s National Action Plan on the international support needed in order to address the Women, Peace and Security. institutional governance needs of the Palestinian Authority; and develop plans to promote Palestinian economic Ann Clwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign development. Within the framework of this mandate, and Commonwealth Affairs what steps his Department the Quartet Representative reports back to the Quartet is taking to assist with addressing the problem of Principals, including the EU High Representative, Baroness impunity in Nepal. [166876] Ashton. Mr Swire: The UK has been at the forefront of international efforts to ensure that any transitional justice Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for mechanisms in Nepal are in line with international Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what information standards. The UK’s lobbying of the Government of his Department holds on the remuneration of the Nepal and other decision-makers in the political parties, Special Envoy to the Middle East of the Quartet. includes efforts to ensure that Nepal’s proposed Truth [166395] and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) complies with Nepal’s obligations under international human rights Alistair Burt: We do not hold information on and humanitarian law. Our embassy in Kathmandu remuneration of the Special Envoy to the Middle East continues to press Nepal to sign up to the Optional Quartet. Protocol of the Convention Against Torture (OPCAT), The hon. Member may wish to contact the Office of as well as pressing Nepal to implement and enforce the Quartet Representative directly. measures agreed during its Universal Periodic Review in 2011-12. Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for Furthermore, the UK has funded a number of projects Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether the EU in recent years which have focused on the issue of has been consulted on the extension of the terms of impunity and transitional justice in Nepal. Projects in reference of the Special Envoy to the Middle East of this area include support for: strengthening the right to the Quartet to cover the political situation in Egypt. remedy and reparation for human rights abuse victims, [166396] efforts to ensure that Nepal’s proposed TRC genuinely 301W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 302W exposes the truth around alleged conflict-era abuses, Regulation transitional justice training for political parties at Essex university, strengthening the criminal justice system in Nepal, and human rights training for the Nepalese Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for army. Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the title is of each regulation his Department (a) introduced and (b) revoked in (i) 2010, (ii) 2011, (iii) 2012 and (iv) Ann Clwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign 2013 to date; and if he will make a statement. [165912] and Commonwealth Affairs what recent steps the Government has taken to (a) support human rights defenders, (b) support those working to end impunity Mr Lidington: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office and (c) implement the EU Guidelines on Human has introduced no new regulations since May 2010. One set of regulations was amended in 2013. The Consular Rights Defenders in Nepal. [166902] fees (Amendment) regulations 2013 amended the schedule of fees prescribed under the Consular Fees Act 1980 to Mr Swire: Our embassy in Kathmandu, in conjunction allow consular fees to be paid in sterling in addition to with other EU member states regularly raise the importance the currency in circulation at the place of payment. of protection for Human Rights Defenders (HRDs) Consular fees are levied so that the costs of providing with the Nepalese Government. consular services can be recovered from the customers We have been clear on the need to protect those in that use them. The regulations had no impact on business. civil society—including human rights defenders and This amendment will also result in a reduction in the journalists—who play a crucial role in holding governments costs to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office of accountable to this obligation. We also raised this issue converting funds from foreign currency into sterling. at the Human Rights Council in March this year. We continue to play a leading role in the EU Working Republic of Ireland Group on HRDs in Nepal which regularly considers the situation of HRDs. Mr Nicholas Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Feedback from HRDs and advocacy groups suggest Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether holders that they appreciate our Embassy’s active role. We will of UK travel documents who are not UK citizens continue to raise the issue with the Nepalese Government require a visa to visit the Republic of Ireland. [166875] at appropriate opportunities. Mr Lidington: Whether someone needs a visa to enter Occupied Territories a country is determined by their nationality, not by what travel documents they hold. UK and European Economic Area nationals do not need a visa to enter the Guto Bebb: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Republic of Ireland, but citizens of many other countries and Commonwealth Affairs how many representations do. he has received in opposition to Israeli settlement activity. [167075] Detailed questions on immigration arrangements for the Republic of Ireland are a matter for the Government of the Republic of Ireland. Alistair Burt: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has received numerous parliamentary questions from Members of the House of Commons and the other Tibet place, letters from Members of Parliament on behalf of their constituents and letters and emails direct from Cathy Jamieson: To ask the Secretary of State for members of the public on this issue. Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make Representatives of President Abbas and the Palestinian representations to his Chinese counterparts on the Authority have raised concerns about settlement activity whereabouts and wellbeing of the 10 Tibetans who with us on a regular basis. The issue is also raised were shot and injured whilst taking part in a peaceful regularly in contacts with our European, Arab and community picnic to celebrate the birthday of the other international partners. Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama. [R] [166651]

Palestinians Mr Swire: The FCO made representations at official level on 23 July regarding this issue. We regularly raise our concerns about the human rights situation in Tibet Robert Halfon: To ask the Secretary of State for with the Chinese Government and will continue to raise Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent our concerns with the Chinese embassy in London and representations he has made to the Palestinian the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Beijing. Authority about fulfilling its Road Map commitment to end incitement against Israel. [166641] Welsh Language Alistair Burt: Recent reports have concluded that both parties to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict need to Guto Bebb: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign do more to promote a positive portrayal of each other, and Commonwealth Affairs whether his Department reflecting the principles of co-existence, tolerance, justice has a current Welsh Language scheme; when that and human dignity.The UK. regularly condemns incitement scheme was adopted; and whether it has been reviewed and registers our concerns with both sides. since May 2011. [166088] 303W Written Answers2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 304W

Mr Lidington: This Government is fully committed The Foreign and Commonwealth Office, along with to the Welsh language and to providing Government other Government Departments, is not considered a services in the Welsh language where there is demand “public body”under the provisions of the Welsh Language for them. It is important that, in the non-devolved Act (section 21), meaning that it is not required to areas, sufficient support should be given to the Welsh prepare Welsh language schemes. No such scheme has language, and the Government is committed to ensuring therefore been published. this is done.

ORAL ANSWERS

Tuesday 3 September 2013

Col. No. Col. No. FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE..... 143 FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE— China (Human Rights) ...... 154 continued Democratic Republic of the Congo...... 157 Middle East Peace Process ...... 149 EU (Role of National Parliaments)...... 158 Serbia and Kosovo ...... 149 Gibraltar...... 148 Syria...... 143 India (Non-payment of Invoices)...... 153 Topical Questions ...... 158 Israel and Palestine ...... 151 Trading with Illegal Israeli Settlements ...... 154 Jordan and Lebanon ...... 152 West Africa ...... 156 WRITTEN STATEMENTS

Tuesday 3 September 2013

Col. No. Col. No. COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT.. 18WS TREASURY ...... 17WS Improving Planning ...... 18WS Scotland Analysis...... 17WS HEALTH...... 19WS Parliamentary Written Answer (Correction) ...... 19WS PETITIONS

Tuesday 3 September 2013

Col. No. Col. No. PRESENTED PETITION ...... 7P TRANSPORT ...... 8P Children Placed in Foster Care...... 7P Isham by-pass (Northamptonshire) ...... 8P WRITTEN ANSWERS

Monday 2 September 2013—[Continued.]

Col. No. Col. No. BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS ...... 127W BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS—continued Advertising: Health...... 127W Work Experience...... 143W Apprentices...... 129W Written Questions ...... 143W Apprentices: Nottinghamshire ...... 130W Arms Trade: Exports...... 130W CABINET OFFICE...... 92W Billing ...... 131W Average Earnings ...... 92W Business: Yorkshire and the Humber ...... 131W Average Earnings: Wales...... 95W Conditions of Employment: Cambodia ...... 131W Big Society Capital...... 97W Credit: Interest Rates ...... 132W Cobra...... 99W Debts ...... 132W Data Protection...... 99W Electronic Government ...... 133W Dove Trust ...... 99W Enforcement Restriction Orders...... 133W Emigration...... 99W Exports: Israel...... 133W Government Departments: Information ...... 100W Fuel Cells...... 133W Government Departments: Procurement ...... 101W Insolvency...... 134W Migration: Statistics...... 101W Local Enterprise Partnerships: North East ...... 135W National Security Council...... 102W Manufacturing Industries: Research ...... 135W New Businesses: Woking...... 102W Music: Copyright...... 136W Office for Civil Society: Leyton...... 102W New Businesses: Government Assistance ...... 137W Public Sector Employment...... 103W Overseas Trade: Human Rights ...... 137W Public Sector: Information...... 103W Overseas Trade: Israel ...... 137W Social Enterprises...... 103W Restaurants: Gratuities ...... 138W Spice Innovations...... 104W Royal Mail ...... 138W Sports: Voluntary Work ...... 104W Science: Research ...... 139W Unmanned Air Vehicles ...... 105W Shipping: Minimum Wage ...... 139W Written Questions ...... 105W Students ...... 139W Students: Debts...... 140W COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT.. 54W Students: Finance ...... 141W Affordable Housing: Rural Areas...... 54W Students: Health ...... 142W Apprentices...... 54W Col. No. Col. No. COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT— EDUCATION—continued continued Sixth Form Education...... 86W Building Regulations: Electrical Safety ...... 55W Special Educational Needs...... 87W Council Tax: Arrears...... 55W Teachers: Training...... 88W Fires: Warehouses ...... 55W Teachers: Yorkshire and the Humber ...... 89W Floods: Finance ...... 56W Truancy...... 90W Gambling...... 56W Unemployment: Young People...... 91W Islamophobia Working Group ...... 56W Vocational Education...... 91W Local Government Services...... 57W Written Questions ...... 91W Mortgages: Government Assistance...... 57W Planning Permission ...... 57W ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE ...... 276W Planning Permission: Fees and Charges ...... 58W Air Travel...... 276W Radicalism ...... 58W Billing ...... 277W Rents...... 59W British Gas Trading...... 277W Social Rented Housing: Housing Benefit ...... 60W Climate Change ...... 278W Travellers: Caravan Sites ...... 60W Energy Companies Obligation ...... 280W Written Questions ...... 60W Energy: Finance ...... 280W Energy: Housing ...... 281W DEFENCE...... 47W E.ON UK ...... 279W Afghanistan ...... 47W Green Deal Scheme...... 281W Armed Forces: Carbon Emissions...... 49W Insulation: Woking...... 282W Armed Forces: Deployment ...... 50W Oil: Prices...... 283W Armed Forces: Lone Parents...... 50W Rail Travel...... 284W Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme ...... 49W Renewable Energy...... 283W Armed Forces: Sexual Offences...... 50W Solar Power...... 284W BAE Systems ...... 51W Wales ...... 285W Defence: Procurement...... 51W Wind Power: Seas and Oceans ...... 285W Gibraltar...... 51W Written Questions ...... 285W Military Aircraft: Helicopters ...... 51W Military Intelligence...... 51W ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL Military Intelligence...... 52W AFFAIRS...... 105W NATO...... 52W Animal Welfare ...... 105W Patrol Craft...... 52W Billing ...... 106W Reserve Forces: Cardiff ...... 53W Bovine Tuberculosis ...... 106W Reserve Forces: Pay...... 53W British Overseas Territories...... 106W Unmanned Air Vehicles ...... 53W Buildings...... 107W Veterans: Suicide...... 54W Coastal Areas...... 107W Drownings: Young People...... 108W EDUCATION...... 60W Environment Protection: British Overseas Academies...... 60W Territories ...... 109W Chethams School of Music...... 62W Equality ...... 109W Children: Day Care ...... 63W Fisheries: Gibraltar...... 109W Children in Care...... 62W Food: Retail Trade ...... 110W Children: Mental Health Services ...... 64W Fracking...... 110W Classroom Assistants ...... 65W Greyhounds ...... 110W Curriculum ...... 68W High Speed 2 Railway Line ...... 111W Extended Schools...... 70W Insecticides...... 111W Families: Advisory Services...... 70W Insects...... 113W Financial Services: Education ...... 70W Landfill ...... 113W Free School Meals...... 71W Meat: Ritual Slaughter...... 114W Free Schools...... 71W Members: Correspondence ...... 114W GCSE ...... 71W Nature Conservation: Ascension Island ...... 114W Headteachers ...... 72W Nature Conservation: British Overseas Territories. 115W Members: Correspondence ...... 72W Nature Conservation: British Virgin Islands ...... 117W Offences against Children ...... 72W Nature Conservation: Cayman Islands...... 119W Primary Education: Class Sizes...... 73W Nature Conservation: St Helena ...... 119W Publications ...... 74W Noise: Pollution Control...... 120W Pupil Exclusions...... 74W Northcote House ...... 120W Pupils: Disadvantaged...... 77W Ofwat ...... 120W Pupils: West Midlands ...... 79W Pets: Sales ...... 120W Reading...... 81W Rabies ...... 121W School Meals ...... 81W Recycling: Fires...... 121W Schools ...... 82W Regulation ...... 122W Schools: Admissions ...... 82W Rural Areas...... 122W Schools: Capital Investment...... 83W Rural Community Energy Fund ...... 123W Schools: Defibrillators ...... 83W Senior Civil Servants...... 124W Schools: Finance...... 83W Sky Lanterns...... 124W Schools: Governing Bodies ...... 85W Tree Health and Plant Biosecurity Expert Schools: Inspections...... 85W Taskforce ...... 124W Schools: Sports ...... 85W Trees: Imports...... 126W Schools: Standards...... 85W Written Questions ...... 127W Col. No. Col. No. FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE..... 286W JUSTICE—continued Anti-Semitism...... 286W Fines ...... 166W Apprentices...... 286W Food ...... 167W Arms Trade: Human Rights...... 287W Green Planning Solutions ...... 168W Bahrain ...... 287W Housing: Forfeiture...... 168W British Council...... 289W Human Trafficking ...... 168W China ...... 290W ICT ...... 169W Commonwealth ...... 290W Independent Monitoring Boards...... 170W Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting ... 291W Legal Aid Scheme ...... 172W Environment Protection: British Overseas Magistrates ...... 174W Territories ...... 291W Mobile Phones ...... 179W EU Institutions: Civil Servants ...... 292W Oakwood Prison ...... 179W European Parliament Members ...... 293W Offender Rehabilitation Bill (HL) ...... 180W Ilois: Resettlement...... 293W Offenders ...... 180W Iran...... 294W Offenders: Rehabilitation ...... 181W Israel...... 294W Parole...... 182W Libya...... 296W Pay...... 182W Malaysia ...... 298W Prison Accommodation ...... 183W Maldives ...... 298W Prison Governors...... 185W Middle East ...... 299W Prison Sentences ...... 185W Nepal ...... 300W Prison Service ...... 187W Occupied Territories...... 301W Prison Service: North East...... 192W Palestinians ...... 301W Prisoner Corruption Unit ...... 201W Regulation ...... 302W Prisoner Escapes ...... 201W Republic of Ireland...... 302W Prisoner Escorts: Taxis...... 201W Tibet ...... 302W Prisoners: Age...... 203W Welsh Language...... 302W Prisoners on Remand...... 202W Prisoners: Repatriation ...... 203W HEALTH...... 258W Prisoners’ Transfers...... 202W Accident and Emergency Departments ...... 258W Prisons: Doncaster...... 204W Apprentices...... 259W Prisons: Electronic Equipment...... 204W Care Homes...... 259W Prisons: Employment...... 205W General Practitioners ...... 260W Prisons: Locks and Keys ...... 205W Health: Restaurants ...... 262W Prisons: Private Sector ...... 206W Health Services ...... 261W Prisons: Security ...... 206W Health Services: British Nationals Abroad...... 261W Prisons: Seized Articles ...... 209W Health Services: Wales ...... 262W Prisons: Staff...... 210W Heart Diseases ...... 262W Prisons: Voluntary Work...... 210W Heart Diseases: Children...... 263W Racially Aggravated Offences...... 211W Hinchingbrooke Health Care NHS Trust...... 264W Rape...... 213W Hospitals: Buckinghamshire ...... 264W Referral Panels...... 215W Human Papillomavirus ...... 265W Reoffenders...... 216W In Vitro Fertilisation ...... 265W RSPCA ...... 217W Monitor ...... 266W Sentencing...... 218W NHS: Finance ...... 267W Sentencing: Appeals...... 225W NHS: Innovation ...... 271W Small Claims...... 225W NHS: Judicial Review ...... 273W Social Networking ...... 225W NHS: Private Sector...... 273W Travel ...... 226W NHS: Staff ...... 273W Trials...... 227W Patients: Greater Manchester...... 274W Unpaid Fines ...... 228W Regulation ...... 273W Unpaid Fines: Nottinghamshire ...... 228W School Milk ...... 275W Victim Support: North Yorkshire...... 229W Strokes ...... 275W Wales ...... 229W Tobacco: Scotland...... 276W Welsh Language...... 230W Work Capability Assessment: Appeals ...... 230W Young Offenders ...... 230W JUSTICE...... 154W Youth Custody: Barnsley ...... 232W Alternatives to Prosecution ...... 154W Youth Work ...... 232W Apprentices...... 154W Billing ...... 155W Bribery Act 2010...... 156W TRANSPORT ...... 148W Care Proceedings ...... 156W A31 ...... 148W Coroners ...... 157W Billing ...... 148W Courts: Closures ...... 158W Bus Services: Concessions ...... 148W Courts: Crimes of Violence...... 159W Cycling...... 149W Courts: York ...... 160W Driving: Young People...... 150W Curfews...... 160W Ferries: Scotland ...... 150W Dangerous Dogs ...... 160W First Aid ...... 151W Devolution...... 163W High Speed 2 Railway Line ...... 151W Domestic Violence ...... 163W London, Tilbury and Southend Railway Line...... 152W Driving under Influence: Drugs ...... 163W Railway Signals...... 153W Exhumation ...... 166W Rescue Services ...... 153W Col. No. Col. No. TRANSPORT—continued WORK AND PENSIONS—continued Roads...... 154W Jobseeker’s Allowance...... 239W Severn River Crossing ...... 154W Local Government Finance: Barnsley...... 231W Occupational Health...... 240W TREASURY ...... 144W Offshore Industry: Safety...... 240W Banks: EU Action...... 144W Pension Credit: Wales ...... 240W Children: Day Care ...... 144W Personal Independence Payment...... 240W Economic and Monetary Union ...... 145W Personal Independence Payment: Paisley ...... 241W Government Departments: Procurement ...... 145W Personal Independence Payment: Wales...... 242W Health...... 145W Regulation ...... 242W Members: Correspondence ...... 146W Remploy: Abertillery...... 245W Minimum Wage ...... 146W Senior Civil Servants...... 246W Reservoirs ...... 147W Social Fund: Merseyside ...... 248W Taxation: Betting Shops...... 147W Social Security Benefits...... 247W VAT ...... 147W Social Security Benefits: British Nationals Written Questions ...... 147W Abroad ...... 249W Social Security Benefits: EU Nationals ...... 250W WORK AND PENSIONS ...... 231W Unemployment Benefits...... 250W Atos Healthcare ...... 233W Unemployment: Older People ...... 251W Billing ...... 233W Universal Credit...... 251W Disability Living Allowance...... 233W Universal Credit: Wales...... 253W Employment ...... 234W UNUM...... 253W Employment: Young People...... 234W Welfare State: Reform ...... 254W Food Banks...... 235W Work Capability Assessment...... 254W Foster Care: Housing Benefit...... 235W Work Programme...... 255W Health and Safety Executive ...... 236W Work Programme: Cumbria...... 257W Housing Benefit: Social Rented Housing ...... 237W Written Questions ...... 257W Jobcentre Plus ...... 238W Members who wish to have the Daily Report of the Debates forwarded to them should give notice at the Vote Office. The Bound Volumes will also be sent to Members who similarly express their desire to have them. No proofs of the Daily Reports can be supplied. Corrections which Members suggest for the Bound Volume should be clearly marked in the Daily Report, but not telephoned, and the copy containing the Corrections must be received at the Editor’s Room, House of Commons,

not later than Tuesday 10 September 2013

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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.

PRICES AND SUBSCRIPTION RATES DAILY PARTS Single copies: Commons, £5; Lords, £4. Annual subscriptions: Commons, £865; Lords, £600. LORDS VOLUME INDEX obtainable on standing order only. Details available on request. BOUND VOLUMES OF DEBATES are issued periodically during the session. Single copies: Commons, £105; Lords, £60 (£100 for a two-volume edition). Standing orders will be accepted. THE INDEX to each Bound Volumeof House of Commons Debates is published separately at £9·00 and can be supplied to standing order. All prices are inclusive of postage Volume 567 Tuesday No. 42 3 September 2013

CONTENTS

Tuesday 3 September 2013

Oral Answers to Questions [Col. 143] Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs

Young Apprenticeships [Col. 166] Motion for leave to to bring in Bill—(Mr Raab)—agreed to Bill presented, and read the First time

Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party Campaigning and Trade Union Administration Bill [Col. 169] Motion for Second Reading—(Mr Lansley) Amendment—(Ms Angela Eagle)—on a Division, negatived Motion—(Mr Lansley)—on a Division, agreed to Programme motion—(Mr Lansley)—on a Division, agreed to

Baroness Thatcher’s Legacy [Col. 287] Debate on motion for Adjournment

Westminster Hall Tobacco Products (Plain Packaging) [Col. 1WH] Social Enterprise: Wider UK Economy [Col. 27WH] Firearms Controls [Col. 35WH] Kamran Majid and the Legal Services Commission [Col. 57WH] Brain Tumours in Children [Col. 64WH] Debates on motion for Adjournment

Written Statements [Col. 17WS]

Petitions [Col. 7P] Observations

Written Answers to Questions [Col. 47W]