Friday Volume 567 6 September 2013 No. 45

HOUSE OF COMMONS OFFICIAL REPORT

PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES (HANSARD)

Friday 6 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/. 589 6 SEPTEMBER 2013 590 House of Commons Deep Sea Mining Bill

Friday 6 September 2013 9.47 am Sheryll Murray (South East Cornwall) (Con): I beg to move, That the Bill be now read a Second time. The House met at half-past Nine o’clock Mining is not a new industry, certainly not for us in Cornwall. There is a saying, “Wherever there is a hole in PRAYERS the ground, there will be a Cornish miner at the bottom of it.” With over 4,000 years of history, the Cornwall [MR SPEAKER in the Chair] and West Devon mining landscape became a world heritage site in 2006, and I was very proud to be a Mr David Nuttall (Bury North) (Con): I beg to move, councillor on Caradon district council when that was That the House sit in private. decided. Question put forthwith (Standing Order No. 163). The Cornish have emigrated all over the world to give their expertise in mining, and today have vibrant The House divided: Ayes 0, Noes 33. communities as far afield as Australia and New Zealand. Division No. 76] [9.34 am They still celebrate their fantastic Cornish pride and heritage in those communities. AYES Tellers for the Ayes: Sir Peter Bottomley (Worthing West) (Con): I cannot Jacob Rees-Mogg and remember whether I picked this up in 1981 when the Mr David Nuttall Deep Sea Mining (Temporary Provisions) Act 1981 was passed by this House, but I think I am right in saying that most of the exploration that has been going on NOES under the international authority is in the central Indian Baker, Norman Hollobone, Mr Philip basin of the Indian ocean, and in the northern part of Barker, rh Gregory Hunt, rh Mr Jeremy the Pacific ocean, in the Clarion Clipperton zone. If Bottomley, Sir Peter Hurd, Mr Nick there are Cornish miners there, I send them my best Brennan, Kevin Jenkin, Mr Bernard wishes; I hope they are swimming well. Brown, Mr Russell Lewis, Brandon Burt, Alistair Milton, Anne Sheryll Murray: My hon. Friend is absolutely correct. Coffey, Dr Thérèse Morris, Grahame M. Davies, Philip I am sure that they still pride themselves in taking their (Easington) lunch in the form of a Cornish pasty: the pastry protects Duncan, rh Mr Alan Murray, Sheryll what is inside from dirty hands. Pasties are something Elphicke, Charlie Pincher, Christopher else that we Cornish people are extremely proud of. Gardiner, Barry Randall, rh Mr John Gauke, Mr David Tami, Mark Gilmore, Sheila Vaizey, Mr Edward The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Grant, Mrs Helen Vara, Mr Shailesh and Commonwealth Affairs (Alistair Burt): I hope they Green, rh Damian Villiers, rh Mrs Theresa withstand high pressure. Hancock, Matthew Harris, Rebecca Tellers for the Noes: Sheryll Murray: Absolutely. Heath, Mr David Mr Robert Syms and Hoban, Mr Mark Mr Robert Goodwill It gives me great pride as a Cornishwoman to take this Bill forward in Parliament today. The concept of deep-sea mining is not new, but as we make technological The Speaker declared that the Question was not decided advances, this new industry is fast becoming a reality, because fewer than 40 Members had participated in the and I am keen that Britain should be at the forefront. Division (Standing Order No. 41). Everyone will know of my interest in the sea and the marine environment, and no one is more aware than me of the deep sea’s potential in contributing to the great expertise for which we are world-renowned. The United Kingdom is well placed to benefit strategically, economically and in employment terms, and to influence how deep-sea mining is taken forward.

Charlie Elphicke (Dover) (Con): I congratulate my hon. Friend on bringing the Bill to the House. Is the Bill necessary because technology and particularly robotics miniaturisation mean that deep-sea mining can be done remotely so it can be done by an individual or an enterprise rather than its requiring governmental assistance?

Sheryll Murray: My hon. Friend is partially correct. The Bill is all about exploitation. We have the potential in about five years’ time to start looking at exploitation. It is much better that the United Kingdom should 591 Deep Sea Mining Bill6 SEPTEMBER 2013 Deep Sea Mining Bill 592

[Sheryll Murray] mankind. One must be a signatory to the UN convention to be able to apply to the ISA for a licence. We, as a control the licence applications because we must be able signatory to UNCLOS, are in the best position to apply to control the environmental situation in which exploitation for the contract with the ISA on behalf of one of our and exploration are carried out. companies because we can then apply the most stringent and best environmental conditions. Sir Peter Bottomley: My hon. Friend probably already appreciates that we must change our provisions because Philip Davies: Does that mean that a company cannot the 1981 Act was passed before the establishment of the apply to the ISA for a licence without the sponsorship authority in Kingston, Jamaica, and we must meet our of a nation state, that it has to have the sponsorship of international obligations. It may also be worth observing its home country to be granted a licence? briefly that economics matter. When some years ago the price of metal commodities was going up, everyone Sheryll Murray: That is correct. I am sure that my thought that digging down into the oceans would be a hon. Friend the Minister will be able to expand on that good idea. Now that the commodity prices are not quite if he speaks. so high that may not happen, but at some stage the cycle may turn again and we may find some commercial exploitation. Sir Peter Bottomley: In time, my hon. Friend will get to paragraph 9 of the schedule, which states: Sheryll Murray: We are seeing a shortage of some “Omit section 9 (the deep sea mining levy) and section 10 (the metals, and the deep sea provides the opportunity to Deep Sea Mining Fund).” gather metals that are needed, particularly rare earths. I think that answers the issue raised by my hon. Friend The UK is well placed to influence how deep-sea the Member for Shipley (Philip Davies). Instead of mining is taken forward, what standards should apply money being paid to us for us to pay to the authority, it and how to minimise the impact on the environment. In will go straight to the authority. The licence has to be 2012, the UK sponsored its first application to the obtained from the national Government under legislation, International Seabed Authority for a UK company to but if payments become due, they will go straight to the explore for polymetallic nodules in the deep sea in the authority, which cuts out some of the bureaucracy. Pacific ocean, as my hon. Friend mentioned. The application was agreed and a contract was signed between the ISA Sheryll Murray: That is right, and of course this and the UK company. In 2013, the UK sponsored Government want to minimise bureaucracy as much as another application from the same company. That still possible. has to be considered by the ISA council, but the UK Government was able to sponsor and issue a licence to that company under the 1981Act. Mr Nuttall: As my hon. Friend will be aware, the United States of America has not signed or ratified the agreement, so will she explain the position of a company Mr David Nuttall (Bury North) (Con): My hon. incorporated in the USA? Would it not have to apply to Friend makes a persuasive case for her Bill, but as she the international body? admits that an application has already been made under the existing Act and we have been able to proceed, why is it thought necessary to amend the Act? Sheryll Murray: I know that Secretary of State Clinton and the United States Administration were, as recently Sheryll Murray: The 1981 Act predates our signing as 2012, very keen to sign up to UNCLOS. It is not for up to the United Nations convention on the law of the me to make a judgment on that—it is up to the USA—but sea, so it is vital that we make these amendments to it. perhaps the Minister will expand on it later.

Sir Peter Bottomley: Just to clear my mind by using Sir Peter Bottomley: Speaking as an historian, I point my mouth rather than just my ears, I think this is a very out that in 1994 the United States got a modification to conservative approach. We maintain what we have and the convention. Since 1997, even under George W. we improve it. Bush, the recommendation has been that the United States should sign it. It has not got around to it yet, but Sheryll Murray: My hon. Friend is correct. I understand that that is its intention. My hon. Friend The UK was able to sponsor and issue a licence to the Minister will probably cover the issue of whether a that company under the existing Act, which became US company could apply to another Government for valid only upon the issue of a contract by the ISA. a licence and therefore get the authority indirectly.

Philip Davies (Shipley) (Con): This is complicated Sheryll Murray: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for stuff, most of which is way over my head, but it seems his expertise and for updating us. rather bureaucratic. Why do people have to get a licence As I have said, the 1981 Act predates the signing of from the ISA and the UK Government? Why do people the 1972 UN convention on the law of the sea and, have to undergo that double whammy? Why is one not subsequently, the implementing agreement to part 11 of sufficient? the convention, which relates to deep-sea mining. In some small, niche areas the Act is not entirely consistent Sheryll Murray: Under the United Nations convention with the convention, including with regard to providing on the law of the sea, any resources beyond the 200-mile for the enforcement of decisions of the sea bed disputes limit median line were declared the common heritage of chamber of the international tribunal for the law of the 593 Deep Sea Mining Bill6 SEPTEMBER 2013 Deep Sea Mining Bill 594 sea. The tribunal was established under the convention, I do not see any mention in the Bill of a requirement on and I am sure that right hon. and hon. Members will the Secretary of State to do that. I would be grateful if agree that it is totally necessary. the hon. Lady could point out to me any such requirement. Putting our legislation in good order is important for Sheryll Murray: I welcome the hon. Gentleman’s the UK, not least because we are strong proponents of intervention. I think the whole House will know how the convention, which defines the rights and obligations interested he is in the global maritime environment. of coastal states, including the entitlement to various However, he may be unaware—I am sure my hon. maritime zones over which different levels of sovereignty Friend the Minister will expand on this—that a lot of may be exercised. the environmental requirements will be covered in the wording of the contract with the International Seabed Charlie Elphicke: I thank my hon. Friend for giving Authority, so we do not to include that in legislation. way again; she is being very generous in taking interventions. Mr Nuttall: If I may assist my hon. Friend, I think Will she explain exactly how deep-sea mining works? that section 5 of the 1981 Act is pertinent to the point For example, what are polymetallic nodules? the hon. Member for Brent North (Barry Gardiner) raised. It says: Sheryll Murray: I hope my hon. Friend will be patient, “In determining whether to grant an exploration or exploitation because I will come on to that later. licence the Secretary of State shall have regard to the need to protect…marine creatures, plants and other organisms…from UNCLOS defines the rights and obligations of users any harmful effects which might result from any activities to be of the seas, such as flag states and fishing states. I think authorised by the licence”. all hon. Members will understand how passionately I Sheryll Murray: That is very helpful. I am sure my care about the fishing states. A few years ago Canada hon. Friend can reassure the hon. Member for Brent used UNCLOS to arrest the Spanish fishing vessel the North (Barry Gardiner) when he speaks. Estai which was illegally fishing outside Canadian territorial Another important provision in the Bill widens the waters. It brought her into Canada to measure her nets scope of minerals for which licences can be granted. and confiscated them. Perhaps hon. and right hon. The 1981 Act is limited to one type—polymetallic Members will remember that the Canadian flag was nodules—and the Bill widens the definition to all mineral flown in many fishing ports at the time in support of resources. In recent years, there has been a growing their counterparts, the Canadian fishermen. UNCLOS interest in polymetallic sulphides and cobalt-rich crusts. also relates to states that want to lay submarine There are now agreed international regulations for the telecommunication cables across the ocean floor and exploration of such minerals. In future, other mineral those that want to undertake marine scientific research. types could be discovered or become commercially viable A convention that is accepted by most states, that for deep-sea mining. UK-registered firms should be addresses those issues and that provides various dispute able to take part in exploration and possible exploitation resolution mechanisms helps maintain international peace of such resources, as much as companies from any and stability in the maritime space. other state. Sea-bed mining has enormous potential. Scientists Charlie Elphicke: A mining process could lead to know that lying on the surface of the sea bed at great contamination of the sea, which might either contaminate depths are valuable new sources of nickel, copper, cobalt, the fish or, indeed, polish them off. Does my hon. manganese, which was mentioned by my hon. Friend Friend agree that it is important that we ensure that any the Member for Worthing West (Sir Peter Bottomley), mining operations that are given licences do not cause who is not in his place, and rare earth elements in the environmental difficulties? form of polymetallic nodules. Such metals are vital to new materials technology. Nickel is used in superalloys; cobalt and manganese are used in energy storage Sheryll Murray: Deep-sea mining takes place at great technology; and rare earth elements, which are strategically depth in specific areas of the ocean. I do not think that important, are used in low-carbon technology, lasers, the warps, bridles and trawl doors on my late husband’s superconductors and many telecoms applications. boat were long enough to trawl the sea bed. We should not excavate in a non-environmentally friendly way, and Philip Davies: I must confess that, not for the first I will come on to discuss that. This is one of the reasons time this morning, I am slightly confused by what my why the UK needs to amend the 1981 Act, so that we hon. Friend says; that has nothing to do with her can impose stringent and clear environmental conditions. delivery, but with my lack of understanding. She said The UK takes part in the council meetings, which are that it is important for the Bill to include other minerals considering—this was started at the last meeting in because we want British companies to be able to explore July—what conditions should be applied to the exploitation. and exploit them in the same way that other countries These are very early days—we are talking about exploration can. Am I right in thinking that if such minerals are not at the moment and not exploitation, which is still some covered by international agreement, British companies way off—but the UK should be a leader in that sphere. are already free to do so without a licence, and that including such minerals in legislation will add bureaucracy and cost to UK companies rather than assist them? Barry Gardiner (Brent North) (Lab): I am most heartened by the hon. Lady’s response to the hon. Member for Sheryll Murray: No, it will not, because we already Dover (Charlie Elphicke) that one of the reasons why it have the ISA granting contracts—I will come on to who is important to legislate and ensure that licences come holds contracts at the moment—and one must be a through the UK state system is that we would then be signatory of UNCLOS before one can apply to the ISA able to apply improved environmental measures. However, for a licence and contract. 595 Deep Sea Mining Bill6 SEPTEMBER 2013 Deep Sea Mining Bill 596

Charlie Elphicke: Rare earth metals are used in mobile with them. He also welcomed the industry workshop telephones. I believe that there may be some such metals event that was arranged to follow the ceremony celebrating in the granite rock under the mountains of Cornwall. the granting of the contract. The Chinese seem to have a lock on that market. Is it One immediate example of the benefits to the United not important that rare earth metals are more widely Kingdom was the announcement at that event of available, particularly for use in our mobile telephones? environmental work planned by the UK contractor. It has assembled a team of six world-class scientists, including Sheryll Murray: Absolutely. That is another point one from the National Oceanography Centre in that I will address. Southampton, which I am sure will please the hon. Member for Brent North, and one from the Natural Jacob Rees-Mogg (North East Somerset) (Con): History museum. They will work alongside the company Following up on the intervention by my hon. Friend the in an environmental survey expedition to study the Member for Shipley (Philip Davies), is a company in a taxonomy of deep-sea organisms, of which little is country that is not a signatory, such as the United currently known. That is a good reflection of the expertise States, prohibited from undertaking any deep-sea mining, we have in this country, and it is important for UK or is it able to go ahead without applying for a licence scientists to work at the cutting edge of science. because it is allowed to do so under its own domestic law? Might we therefore be disadvantaging British The importance of the new industry is clear, but what companies against American companies? exactly is deep-sea mining and what does it involve? By deep-sea mining we mean the deep sea, not anywhere Sheryll Murray: Companies in countries that are not near any coastal settlements. In fact, we mean at least signatories to UNCLOS would have to find a host that 200 nautical miles out to sea. Of course, the UK does was a signatory to make an application for them. not have a complete 200-mile limit. I cannot really There are large quantities of these metals. Whether it envisage any deep-sea mining taking place in the channel, is because of increased demand, shrinking supply or but we have a median line there because the channel is both, metal prices have increased notably in recent fewer than 200 nautical miles wide. years. As was mentioned by my hon. Friend the Member The contract held by the UK company for the exploration for Dover (Charlie Elphicke), rare earth elements, which of polymetallic nodules is for an area in the mid-Pacific, have a particularly limited number of land-based sources, in the Clarion-Clipperton zone. It is important to emphasise are attracting great interest. Those factors led to the that deep-sea mining is not fracking, nor does it involve emergence of the first serious commercial interest in many of the techniques associated with land-based deep-sea mining only a couple of years ago. A mining. Specifically, deep-sea mining for polymetallic UK-registered company is now following up that interest. nodules does not involve the excavation of any rubble An event to celebrate the granting of an exploration or the use of explosives. contract by the ISA to the UK was held at the Excel centre on 11 March this year. I was very pleased that my Mr Nuttall: Although my hon. Friend says that it right hon. Friend the Prime Minister was able to attend. does not involve any excavation, as I read the Bill, At that event, he spoke of the potential benefits to the it does not exclude that possibility. Will she confirm UK and of the supply chain jobs that would probably that it would be possible if a company wished to do it? be created in areas such as Portsmouth, Southampton, Plymouth, Bristol, Liverpool, Newcastle, Aberdeen and—I Sheryll Murray: I will come on to that, but I can hope this is the case—Cornwall. Jobs are likely to be inform my hon. Friend that I was referring specifically created in areas such as engineering, high-tech remote to polymetallic nodules, the harvesting of which does underwater vehicles and ship stabilisation. He said that not involve the use of explosives. The nodules lie on the that activity was estimated to be worth up to £40 billion sea bed, or are partially embedded in sediment on the to our economy over the next 30 years. sea bed. Techniques to mine them are likely to involve scooping or vacuuming them up from the sea bed. Many people from my constituency work in Plymouth. I want to ensure that we have the necessary legislation in place to make the most of these new opportunities. I Charlie Elphicke: My hon. Friend drew a distinction am grateful to my hon. Friend the Member for Plymouth, between deep-sea mining and fracking. Will she confirm Sutton and Devonport (Oliver Colvile), who cannot be that fracking and other processes for winning fossil here today, for sponsoring the Bill. fuels such as oil and gas are not within the ambit of the Bill? Mr Nuttall: I am interested to hear that there have been developments in this field this year. Will my hon. Sheryll Murray: We are talking about sourcing Friend tell the House whether she has received any hydrocarbons, which I will move on to a little later in direct representations since the publication of the Bill? my speech. If I miss anything out, I am sure my hon. Friend the Minister will pick up on it. Sheryll Murray: I have received one e-mail requesting Mining for polymetallic nodules could be a lot less a meeting from WWF, which is very friendly towards environmentally damaging than land-based mining for the Bill and is working to progress it. I have also written the same minerals. To assist my hon. Friend the Member to my local press and contacted the local media explaining for Bury North (Mr Nuttall), mining for polymetallic the Bill and its economic benefits, and they have all seen sulphides and cobalt-rich crusts is a different matter. It it as a move towards the future by the United Kingdom. would involve the excavation of rock. Mining for those The Prime Minister has welcomed the fact that more materials is even further off than mining for polymetallic than 80 UK companies have been identified as having nodules, and the principles that might apply to nodules the relative expertise for the UK contractor to work would have to be reconsidered for sulphides and crusts. 597 Deep Sea Mining Bill6 SEPTEMBER 2013 Deep Sea Mining Bill 598

We are determined to ensure that the highest environmental 10.31 am standards are applied to any use of those minerals. The Barry Gardiner (Brent North) (Lab): I am delighted point is that international regulations have been agreed to speak in this debate, which is important not simply for the exploration of different types of minerals, and because of the economic interests that the hon. Member they were in place in advance of exploration contracts for South East Cornwall (Sheryll Murray) has outlined; being issued. The various regulations have been continually she spoke of a potentially accessible resource that could reviewed and updated in the light of developments and be worth something to the tune of £40 billion. As she new considerations. appreciates, it is also important because of the natural There are no regulations yet on the exploration of environmental resource that could be at risk from both any of the minerals in question—they are probably at the exploration, and ultimately the exploitation, of those least five years off. As I mentioned earlier, it was only resources. this year at the ISA’s annual meeting that the council I was grateful for the clarification made by the hon. had a preliminary discussion on the process for the Member for Bury North (Mr Nuttall) on clause 5 of the development of a regulatory framework for the exploitation 1981 Act, which I have highlighted in my copy. When he of polymetallic nodules. quoted the clause, however, he left out one salient phrase: Philip Davies: My hon. Friend suggests that the industry “so far as reasonably practicable”. is still in its infancy, and I appreciate that, but the Act Let me quote the clause in full: that the Bill would amend was passed in 1981. The “In determining whether to grant an exploration or exploitation matter was regarded then as so urgent that the Act had licence the Secretary of State shall have regard to the need to to be passed without even waiting for the international protect (so far as reasonably practicable) marine creatures, plants convention to come into force. Something must have led and other organisms and their habitat from any harmful effects to that feeling of urgency back in 1981. Can my hon. which might result from any activities to be authorised by the Friend explain why nothing really happened after the licence; and the Secretary of State shall consider any representations Act was passed? made to him concerning such effects.” In its time, that was an eminently good and sensible environmental protection to introduce, but 32 years Sheryll Murray: I was not around in the House later, environmental law has superseded it. It is no during the passing of the 1981 Act. longer the significant protection that it may have been regarded as when it was introduced in 1981. Alistair Burt: You weren’t born in 1981. In particular, we need to pay attention to principle 15 of the Rio declaration—the precautionary approach—in all such environmental matters. Principle 15 states simply Sheryll Murray: I have to confess that I was—a long that, if there are indications of likely but uncertain time before, in fact. significant adverse environmental impacts, an activity All I can say to my hon. Friend the Member for should not be authorised to proceed. The principle Shipley (Philip Davies) is that we are always unsure how switches the burden of proof. Of course, in overall quickly we will see technological advancement. I really terms, deep-sea ecosystem processes, connectivity and hope that Members will support the Bill today, because the importance of deep-sea ecosystem services are poorly the UK should be a world leader in the field. understood by contemporary science. The hon. Member for South East Cornwall described The UK prides itself on taking a close interest in some processes, and mentioned scooping and vacuuming, environmental matters and having a good reputation on but she will also know of the process of crushing when them—that may have been why the 1981 Act was passed. mining for these nodules. More than most hon. Members, It follows that, being one of the first states to sponsor a she will be aware of the deep-sea ocean currents that commercial company to undertake exploration—and, I can take sediment produced from such operations and trust, being able to demonstrate the highest regard for disperse it over wide areas. As some of the minerals international law by passing the Bill—the UK is well being explored are so toxic, it is difficult to understand placed to ensure that discussions leading towards a with modern science just what the effect of their dispersal regulatory framework for exploitation reflect both the by those deep-sea ocean currents could be. desire for the highest environmental standards and what is practically possible from an industry and technological Sheryll Murray: Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the perspective. I am assured that during the preliminary polymetallic nodules are golf ball-size spheres that occur discussions on a regulatory framework at the ISA this in ocean bed sediments? I bow to his expertise, but my year, the UK delegation emphasised just that. knowledge of the sea bed suggests that trying to crush a Now that commercial companies have become involved, polymetallic would simply bury it further into the sediment. deep-sea mining looks inevitable. As much as for the We need the Bill so that the UK can ensure that the benefits, the UK needs to be involved so that it can environment is cared for and so that the activities are shape regulations and standards. I hope that hon. Members undertaken in the most environmentally friendly way. If show support for the scientists, the commercial companies he is concerned about the hoovering and harvesting of with the expertise and the people who work in the the nodules, he should support my Bill. associated companies, and that we can achieve and secure protection for the marine environment as the Barry Gardiner: Let me give the hon. Lady the assurance technology progresses. By passing the Bill, we can also that I am sure the Bill will pass on Second Reading. I make a big contribution to the UK economy over the have no desire to stuff it and am not foolish enough to next 30 years. I hope the House supports it. attempt to do so. However, I would like to obtain from 599 Deep Sea Mining Bill6 SEPTEMBER 2013 Deep Sea Mining Bill 600

[Barry Gardiner] will not oppose the Bill. I certainly seek not to oppose the Bill, but to improve it. Indeed, the hon. Member for her and the Minister another assurance: that the Worthing West (Sir Peter Bottomley) said that it was a environmental protection, which is currently only in the good Conservative principle to conserve what we have 1981 Act, will be strengthened when the Bill goes into and to improve it. On the sea bed we have immeasurable Committee. The burden of proof in the precautionary riches, and the international community has stated clearly principle is reversed in the Act, which states: that they are part of the common heritage of humanity. “In determining whether to grant an exploration or exploitation That is what the international community has agreed licence the Secretary of State shall have regard to the need to and that is what the Government have signed up to. protect”. That common heritage should be preserved, protected I want to change the focus, so that instead of the and improved. If the hon. Member for South East Secretary of State having regard to the need to protect, Cornwall will give the assurance that in Committee we no licence is granted unless full environmental impact can ensure that protection through this legislation, I for assessments have been undertaken. one will be very happy to see the Bill make progress.

Alistair Burt: Does the hon. Gentleman intend to present evidence on any matters that would affect the 10.41 am issue of licences by the UK under the 1981 Act? Has Mr David Nuttall (Bury North) (Con): It is a great any such evidence given him cause for concern that pleasure, as always, to follow the hon. Member for environmental protection measures are insufficient? I Brent North (Barry Gardiner), who has raised the issue understand where he is going, but does he have, or is he of environmental protection, which goes to the very aware of, any concerns about how successive Governments heart of the Bill. I happen to take the view that resources have applied the condition? I take his point and understand were placed on this world for the exploitation of man, where he is coming from, but he can also present these but we must ensure that they are exploited with great concerns in Committee. care and caution, whether they are on land, in the sea or on the sea bed. Barry Gardiner: As the Minister knows, few licences have been granted since the 1981 Act took effect, so I Philip Davies: Has my hon. Friend identified the would not at this stage seek to adumbrate examples. contradiction in what the hon. Member for Brent North However, I am aware of many concerns from the (Barry Gardiner) said? He said that he supports the environmental community about deep-sea mining and Bill, but believes in the precautionary principle. Of about how the Bill does not reinforce the protections course if the precautionary principle had applied back that I believe hon. Members on both sides of the House in 1981, the 1981 Act would not have become law in the would want us to have. first place. The World Wide Fund for Nature position paper on deep-sea mining states: Mr Nuttall: My hon. Friend is right. There is a “Distinct ecosystems are or can be associated with these minerals contradiction in that position. It is interesting to ask at and will be affected in different ways by different types of mining. what point in the last 32 years the Labour party changed Dredging for nodules is likely to damage large areas of the seabed its position on this legislation. Did the conversion happen and disperse large clouds of sediment. Polymetallic sulphide mining may destroy active and inactive hydrothermal vents (black this morning, at the last general election or at some smokers) and their associated communities and disperse toxic other point? I look forward to hearing from the shadow materials. The extraction of cobalt rich crusts may destroy the Minister on Labour’s conversion, because it voted against benthic seamount communities and dependent fauna.” the Bill that became the 1981 Act on its Second and I will not quote the paper at length—it is available Third Readings. online for hon. Members to read for themselves—but I congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for South we need to take those concerns seriously. The global East Cornwall (Sheryll Murray) on retrieving this legislation community has a principle on environmental legislation. from the dusty Foreign Office shelf where it had been It is the precautionary principle, which is that when we languishing, perhaps for several years—although it may do not know, we do not do something that we have have been drafted this year. It was an orphan waiting to good reason to believe will cause damage. be adopted and I am grateful that she has adopted it and brought it before the House this morning. Philip Davies: There are always uncertainties, so the precautionary principle would mean that we never did Philip Davies: Does my hon. Friend endorse the anything. Many of these environmental concerns were words of our former colleague, Teddy Taylor, who said raised in the debate back in 1981, and according to in the debate in 1981: Hansard the Labour party opposed that Bill. Does the “The Bill appears to be a small and sensible measure, but hon. Gentleman accept that the misgivings expressed anyone who has Britain’s interests at heart must view with suspicion back then were unfounded, and therefore the misgivings any measure which has anything to do with our Foreign Office.”— that he is expressing are also likely to be unfounded? —[Official Report, 29 April 1981; Vol. 3, c. 867.]?

Barry Gardiner: That is a very interesting interpretation Mr Nuttall: I read those comments, although I am of the precautionary principle—that because misgivings sure that with the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign were unfounded in the past, they are likely to be unfounded and Commonwealth Affairs, my hon. Friend the Member in the future. for North East Bedfordshire (Alistair Burt)—a predecessor I do not speak from the Front Bench, but I understand of mine in Bury North—at the Dispatch Box this from my hon. Friend the Member for Dumfries and morning we have no need to fear, as the Bill will be Galloway (Mr Brown), who will do so today, that we handled with the utmost care. 601 Deep Sea Mining Bill6 SEPTEMBER 2013 Deep Sea Mining Bill 602

Some important economic issues are at stake. It of the world. The reason it was required was that it had would be easy for an individual or company wanting to been discovered that valuable hard mineral resources, exploit the resources of the seabed to relocate to the known as manganese or polymetallic nodules, existed jurisdiction they thought most favourable to them. Like on the seabed, as we have heard, and United Kingdom my hon. Friend the Member for South East Cornwall, companies, among others, were interested in mining who so ably proposed the Bill this morning, I want our them. country to be the world leader in this industry. Despite the fact that it has been 32 years since the original Act Barry Gardiner: The hon. Gentleman just used the was passed, we can still describe it as being in its important word: “hard” mineral resources. The Bill infancy, and this nascent industry has great potential would excise that word to allow for the exploitation of for the future. oil and gas as well. Would he care to reflect on the assurance given by the hon. Member for South East Sheryll Murray: Does my hon. Friend agree that this Cornwall (Sheryll Murray) in introducing the Bill that country has always been a world leader in oceanographic operations at a deep-sea level such as fracking would studies, and that we should support those institutions not be used? through this Bill? Mr Nuttall: I cannot give any assurances about that; it is not for me to do that. I know that the hon. Mr Nuttall: It is true that this nation has been a world Gentleman is concerned about environmental protection, leader in exploring the world. As an island nation we and quite rightly too, but I venture to submit that if the have an affinity with the sea and a natural interest in Bill is not made friendly towards companies, there is a deep-sea matters, exploring the seas and fishing—as my danger that they will go and seek some other jurisdiction hon. Friend knows only too well. It is important that we with a lot fewer environmental protections than in this continue that tradition, and I see the Bill as an opportunity country. There is a danger in going too far the other to do just that. But there are risks, as my hon. Friend way. We have to strike the right balance on these matters, the Member for Shipley (Philip Davies) suggests, in that and I believe the Bill attempts to do that. it would be all too easy for us to try to cover every environmental risk and make the terms of the licences United Kingdom companies at that time were among so onerous that we would not only fail to attract companies those interested in mining polymetallic nodules. The from overseas to our jurisdiction, and thereby benefit idea behind the 1981 Act was to provide a statutory economically from their success, but drive away British framework for the development of a nascent industry. companies from our jurisdiction. They would look at As my hon. Friend the Member for South East Cornwall our legislation and think, “We might as well relocate said, it was passed in the full knowledge that negotiations our company to some other jurisdiction.” were taking place at the United Nations. As we have heard, unfortunately, things did not proceed quite as More than 160 other countries have signed up to the fast as parliamentarians at the time thought they might. UN convention, so companies would have plenty of That might be due to a difficulty with the technology. choice. It would be easy to shop around the world for a Indeed, it is interesting to consider that man was able to legislative environment that was more economically send rockets and put men on the moon, the satellite of advantageous than ours. We must therefore exercise our planet, back in the 1960s, yet it has proved to be great care when examining this legislation. technologically much more difficult to travel to the On the face of it, this Bill is rather dull, and to a depths of our planet. casual observer it could appear uninteresting. However, A United Nations conference on the law of the sea it is one that could open up the high seas—or, more had for several years been working towards an agreement accurately, our deepest oceans—to what could turn out on establishing an international system for regulating to be the 21st century equivalent of the 19th-century the exploitation of the mineral resources of our oceans. gold rush. It is like the Klondike. The ocean depths It was hoped that when a satisfactory agreement had contain some of the last unexplored areas on our planet. been reached and had entered into force, the international The Bill seeks to update the existing statute, which, as arrangements would supersede the national provisions we have heard, dates back to 1981. It perhaps needs to contained in the 1981 Act. It was for that reason that be explained why an Act passed 32 years ago as a the legislation was sold to the House as a temporary temporary measure is now not only being amended, but measure. The Government of the day anticipated that turned into a permanent fixture. Indeed, the original there would be no need for any national legislation once Act was so clearly intended to be a temporary measure the United Nations convention came into force. that its official title included the words “Temporary The Government of the day were understandably Provisions”, while section 18(3) made provision for the keen to improve the security and availability of future Secretary of State to repeal it. supplies of vital raw materials for our UK industries. The UK was, and still is, heavily dependent on a small Sheryll Murray: Does my hon. Friend agree that that number of countries for supplies of minerals that are could have been because discussions were taking place critical raw materials for our manufacturing industries. about the UNCLOS agreement? It was always the intention The possibility of securing our own supplies of minerals of the House to introduce further legislation in line with such as nickel, cobalt, copper or manganese from the UNCLOS, but that has never happened. sea bed was understandably regarded as a very welcome prospect indeed. Furthermore, the prospect of UK Mr Nuttall: My hon. Friend is absolutely right. Indeed, companies participating in the new industrial activity of I was coming on to say that my understanding was sea-bed mining promised an economic opportunity for precisely the same. The 1981 Act set out to regulate the benefit of the companies involved and the wider mining on the sea bed in the farthest and deepest oceans British economy. 603 Deep Sea Mining Bill6 SEPTEMBER 2013 Deep Sea Mining Bill 604

[Mr Nuttall] come into force. The second was a declaration of principle stating that the sea bed beyond the limits of national The nodules that gave rise to that flurry of interest jurisdiction, and its resources, were the common heritage and activity were described at the time not as being like of mankind. golf balls, as my hon. Friend the Member for South A United Nations conference on the law of the sea East Cornwall described them, but as like charred potatoes was convened in 1973 to negotiate an international that varied in size and, where they occurred, were like a system of regulation for sea-bed mining. No agreement carpet on the sea bed in a single layer. We do not yet was reached by the time of the passage of the 1981 Act, fully understand how and why the nodules form, but it even though the conference had met regularly since is clear that they apparently require the undisturbed 1973 and made some progress on developing an conditions that are found only in the deepest areas of international regime. The negotiations were sufficiently the ocean. Although the nodules were found in various advanced, however, for it to be fairly clear that any parts of the ocean, only very few areas contained sufficiently convention emanating from the talks would contain rich deposits to justify the enormous costs of establishing complex provisions for operations by private companies commercial mining operations. The deposits of nodules and by an international sea-bed authority. Incidentally, are beyond the limits of national jurisdictions and were the negotiations apparently stalled because the United consequently treated as resources of the high seas, States decided to carry out a full review of its policy on which any nation could attempt to recover. the law of the sea, and therefore decided not to play an It is perhaps worth considering what exactly it is active role in those negotiations. envisaged will be mined as a result of the Bill. There are Those uncertainties demonstrated the problems that essentially three types of minerals involved. First are would face Governments and mining companies until the polymetallic nodules, which contain manganese, an international convention could be agreed and ratified. copper, cobalt and nickel. As my hon. Friend mentioned, Because of those uncertainties, the United Kingdom they either occur on the surface or are partially buried, Government of the day considered it necessary to pass and are discovered at depths of 3,000 to 6,000 metres—in the 1981 Act as an interim measure to give the UK other words, some 4 miles deep, so we are not talking mining industry a firm basis for proceeding, pending an about something that one can undertake lightly. It is international agreement being reached. estimated that the global reserves of deep-sea manganese nodules are in the order of 10 billion tonnes. Those of greatest economic interest are made up, on average, of Sheryll Murray: Does my hon. Friend agree that we about 30% manganese, 1.5% nickel, 1.5% copper and had to pass an Act of Parliament even though we were a 0.3% cobalt. However, I understand that the presence of member of the European economic area because the traces of other, rare earth elements might also attract competency lay with the member state? Because the interest in these resources, particularly as the supply of European Economic Community was not a nation, it such metals from land-based resources is reducing. could not have that same recognition. Secondly, there are polymetallic sulphides, which are Mr Nuttall: I am extremely grateful to my hon. sulphide deposits found at water depths of up to 3,700 Friend for bringing up the matter of the European metres in mid-ocean ridges, back-arc rifts and sea-mounts. Union. I was wondering whether we might be able to They often carry high concentrations of copper, zinc touch on that. She is absolutely right to suggest that the and lead, in addition to gold and silver. That is what EU plays an important role in this matter. I understand gave me the idea that there could be a 21st century that it has taken it upon itself to become a signatory to Klondike in the deep sea. Thirdly, there are ferromanganese the convention, which demonstrates just how it can crusts, in which cobalt-rich iron-manganese forms on behave as though it were a single European state. It is the sea floor. These, too, could lead to mining activity. clearly positioning itself so that, one day, it will be able Before I began to research the Bill, the letters “ISA” to take over the organisation of and responsibility for had always stood for “individual savings account”. passing legislation such as this. She might think that Now, when I see them, I think of the International that is of little consequence, but she has highlighted a Seabed Authority. That new body was established under real fear. There is a danger that, if the European Union the United Nations convention on the law of the sea, continues on the path that it appears to be taking, this and it plays a pivotal role in deep-sea mining. The will be yet another area over which this House will have authority has stated that the areas of exploration have no competence whatever. not advanced much since 1981. They still mainly comprise As I was saying, the Government of the day considered the Clarion-Clipperton fracture zone in the equatorial the 1981 Bill necessary, because of all the uncertainty, north Pacific ocean, south and south-east of Hawaii, in order to allow British companies to proceed with and the central Indian basin in the Indian ocean. some certainty, notwithstanding the involvement of the Exploration for polymetallic sulphides is also taking European Community at that time. place in the south-west Indian ridge and in the mid-Atlantic ridge. I should point out that the 1981 Bill was by no means uncontroversial. Indeed, it divided the House on Second Unsurprisingly, in view of the potential economic Reading and Third Reading. One concern that was importance of those resources, there has been considerable raised at the time was that people wondered why it was international interest in, and concern about, the nature necessary to introduce legislation at all, given the progress of their exploitation. In 1967 and 1970, that concern that was being made on securing an international agreement. was formalised in two resolutions of the United Nations. Concern was expressed that, if the United Kingdom The first sought to impose a complete moratorium on passed unilateral legislation, it could jeopardise the deep-sea mining until international arrangements had wider international treaty negotiations. 605 Deep Sea Mining Bill6 SEPTEMBER 2013 Deep Sea Mining Bill 606

The answer was that that Government were keen to nationals, Scottish firms or anybody incorporated under pass an interim measure because the text of the draft UK law and resident in any part of the UK. That is the convention available at the time contained a provision 1981 definition, and I shall deal later with how the Bill for the convention not to become effective until 60 states proposes to extend it. had ratified it. That was the threshold set in the draft The crucial change is made to the description of what agreement. It was therefore clear that, even if agreement might be mined. The 1981 Act referred to “hard mineral were reached fairly soon after the Bill had reached the resources”, but it is now proposed to change that to statute book, it was likely that several years would pass “mineral resource”, which is defined in amended before 60 states had ratified the treaty. subsection (6) as The Government of the day were absolutely right to “a solid, liquid or gaseous…resource”. predict that it would take several years to bring together That definition is obviously much wider than the previous that number of signatories. Indeed, although international one, which was very specifically defined as meaning agreement was reached the year after the Bill became law and the convention was signed on 10 December “deposits of nodules containing…quantities” 1982 at Montego Bay in Jamaica, it was not until some of 12 years later on 16 November 1994—one year after “at least one of the following elements…manganese, nickel, cobalt, Guyana had become the 60th nation to ratify the copper, phosphorous and molybdenum” convention—that it actually came into force. Members in “quantities greater than trace”. The new definition might wonder why it was signed at Montego Bay. The will allow several different explorers to start prospecting answer is that that is where the headquarters of what is for different minerals at the same time in the same area. now the International Seabed Authority are situated. In view of the much wider definition, I wonder what Another concern expressed at the time was that the will be the likely increase in the number of explorers delays and uncertainties in the international arrangements who will now need to seek a licence. I am sure that, left the developing deep-sea mining industry in a difficult when we hear from him, the Minister will want to and uncertain position. The industry was in its infancy reassure us that the Government have in place sufficient and had to carry out costly development work before resources to enable them to deal with what I hope will being ready to embark on commercial operations. be sudden rush of applicants wanting to take advantage Understandably, mining companies were not prepared of the opportunities provided once the Bill has passed to invest the huge sums required to undertake this through here and the other place. development work without a reasonably stable legal The crucial definitions in amended section 2 introduce framework in which to operate. If the 1981 Act had references to the International Seabed Authority and to never been passed, the Government feared that mining what the provisions refer to as a “corresponding contract”, companies would allow their development programmes defined as to run down, and if they did run down, there was no guarantee that they would ever be built up again. “a contract…granted by the Authority to the licensee” A further reason why legislation was required was either to explore or exploit mineral resources in a given that the companies that had pioneered the development licensed area. As has been said, this is very much a of sea-bed mining had already expended considerable twin-track approach. It is no good a company only efforts on prospecting large areas of the ocean floor. obtaining a licence from the UK, as it must at the same They wanted to secure their claims to potential areas of time ensure that it has a contract from the International exploration and exploitation—the areas that they had Seabed Authority. identified as worthy of further investigation, particularly There is also a requirement to pay a fee to the when other countries were already pressing ahead with Government, so we need not think that there will necessarily their own national legislation. be a cost to the UK Government, although I express the The key concern was, of course, ensuring that the hope that any fee does not put off potential applicants. exploitation of the valuable mineral resources did not As I said earlier, there is a real danger that if we do not result in damage being caused to the marine environment. establish a friendly regime for exploration companies, As already mentioned this morning, section 5 of the they will simply go elsewhere. Nevertheless, the requirement 1981 Act provided for protection of the marine to pay a fee is retained. Proposed new subsection (3) of environment, which was a central part of the legislation section 2 makes it clear to applicants that double at that time, and it is the one section, incidentally, of the authorisation is required by specifying that a licence Act that is hardly altered at all by my hon. Friend’s Bill. granted by the Secretary of State under the UK legislation shall Of course, the whole purpose of the present Bill is to amend the 1981 Act. Although on the face of it, this Bill “not come into force before the date on which a corresponding is very short, I venture to suggest that it is deceptively contract comes into force.” short. There are only two clauses, but the real meat It will thus not be sufficient for any individual or lies in the schedule, which extends to no fewer than company to obtain just a licence. 12 paragraphs containing 11 separate sets of amendments Proposed new subsection (3A) sets out a minimum over six pages. list of terms and conditions that a licence may include. I The first of the amendments to the 1981 Act is add, although the hon. Member for Brent North is no designed to substitute proposed new subsections (1) longer in his place, that this subsection could provide and (2) in section 1 of the 1981 Act. That Act presently the means and the mechanism by which any further prohibits anyone covered by the section from undertaking environmental protection that the Government felt mining activities in the deep sea without a licence. There necessary in any particular case could be dealt with— are essentially two types of licence: exploration licences without any necessity to amend the Bill in Committee and exploitation licences. The provisions apply to UK or on Report. 607 Deep Sea Mining Bill6 SEPTEMBER 2013 Deep Sea Mining Bill 608

[Mr Nuttall] I note that, unlike the Act, the Bill does not extend to Scotland. I can only assume that deep-sea mining is a Proposed new subsection (5) provides that where a reserved matter for the Scottish Parliament, and that person has been the House of Commons no longer has power to legislate “granted an exploration licence, the Secretary of State may not in that area. If there is no corresponding legislation in grant an exploitation licence which relates to any part of the Scotland, I wonder what would be the position of a licensed area” company that chose to incorporate north of the border. or to Would it be able to bypass this legislation? “any of the mineral resources to which that licence relates” I believe that the Bill presents the United Kingdom to anyone other than with an enormous opportunity to become a world leader in this emerging industry. I believe that, if we “the holder of the exploration licence” adopt a sympathetic and light-touch approach, we shall without their “written consent”. be able to attract exploration companies from all over Of course, that immediately poses the question why, the world which will choose to set themselves up in the when an exploitation licence can be granted only to UK to take advantage of both the licensing regime someone who has an exploration licence, anyone would established by the Bill and the fact that, thanks to the want to go prospecting on the patch of someone else. I actions of the Chancellor of the Exchequer, they will thought that that could happen only if they had in mind benefit from one of the most competitive corporation a joint venture agreement with the holder of the exploration tax regimes and lowest corporation tax rates anywhere licence and cut a deal with them. in the G20. Conversely, I believe that, if we make our The amended section 8 adds two new subsections to regime too onerous, it will not encourage applications, reflect the fact that under the terms of the 1994 agreement, and other countries throughout the world will profit there is a requirement for judicial and arbitration decisions from this new area of human activity. to be recognised. This area was not covered at all in the I do not wish to be in any way critical of the Bill, but 1981 Act. Sections 9 and 10 of the 1981 Act are then I wonder whether it would not have been simpler to removed. Perhaps worthy of note is just how much repeal the 1981 Act and introduce a new Bill, which debate and discussion took place around the two clauses might have made it easier for people to understand what when the Bill was debated back in 1981. Hours and the legislation was all about. Notwithstanding that small hours were spent considering them, and we now discover, point, however, I wish the Bill well. I trust that it will 32 years later, that neither the deep-sea mining levy nor receive an unopposed Second Reading today—time will the deep-sea mining fund have, in fact, ever operated tell—but, regardless of whether it is opposed or not, I at all. hope that it will be given a Second Reading, that it will The schedule then makes provision for the list of then enjoy a smooth and speedy passage through both definitions to be extended to take into account the new Houses, and that, in the fullness of time, this country structures and terms introduced by the 1994 agreement. will be able to benefit from the enormous opportunities Finally, it removes the reference to the 1981 Act as a that it affords and we shall be world leaders in an temporary measure and it removes the provisions that emerging industrial activity. allowed the Secretary of State to repeal it. I assume that it is the intention of my hon. Friend the Member for 11.24 pm South East Cornwall for this legislation to become Philip Davies (Shipley) (Con): It is a pleasure to permanent. follow my hon. Friend the Member for Bury North (Mr Nuttall), who, as usual, made many comments Jacob Rees-Mogg: Does my hon. Friend share my with which I should like to be associated. I join him in view that it is a pity so to tidy up the statute book as to congratulating our hon. Friend the Member for South remove the word “temporary”, which always serves as a East Cornwall (Sheryll Murray) on her Bill, which she useful reminder? Even income tax was introduced on presented with her customary charm. I think that that a temporary basis. We are very bad at ensuring that the will stand her in good stead today, and, like my hon. word “temporary” means what it says. Friend the Member for Bury North, I hope that the Bill is passed without too much trouble. Mr Nuttall: My hon. Friend is absolutely right, and Reading up on this subject has been a learning curve this is a case in point. The House was given all sorts of for me. I was not particularly well versed in it before, assurances in 1981, when the original Bill was debated, unlike the Minister, who, I know, is a long-standing that it would be a temporary measure, extending even—as expert in the field. My starting point was to establish I said earlier—to the inclusion of the word in its title. what deep-sea mining actually was. I had not realised Section 18 of the Act sets out the mechanism enabling that it was such a controversial subject until, like my the Secretary of State to repeal it, but of course that hon. Friend the Member for Bury North, I read the never came to pass, although, as we have heard this report of the 1981 debate. Having assumed that the debate morning, the expected flurry of applications did not must have been fairly consensual and that the issue had materialise. It was expected that once an agreement had not been particularly controversial, I was astounded to been reached there would be no need for national discover how heated the discussion had become on legislation, but, notwithstanding that, the Act remains some occasions. If I detected accurately what was said on the statute book to this day. earlier by the hon. Member for Brent North (Barry I want to make two brief points about clause 2. First, Gardiner), the Labour party had changed its mind I am pleased that it retains the provision in the Act for about the legislation, so I am delighted. However, I the legislation to be extended to the British overseas think that some of the reservations that have been territories by Order of Her Majesty in Council. Secondly, expressed about this Bill are similar to those expressed 609 Deep Sea Mining Bill6 SEPTEMBER 2013 Deep Sea Mining Bill 610 in 1981. It is strange that people who now say that they if we were constantly concerned about things we are not are in favour of the 1981 Act and who seem to be in yet aware of. Such an approach would not take us very favour of the Bill should express the same reservations far forward. that they expressed in 1981. Deep-sea mining, I learn, is the process of retrieving Mr Nuttall: In a similar vein, does my hon. Friend minerals, raw materials and precious metal from the not think there will be some difficulty in establishing deep-sea bed. The United Kingdom has a great tradition whether these cone-shaped nodules are living or dead, of oceanography and similar activities. The modern age and who is going to monitor whether the correct sort of in that respect—certainly the modern age as far as my nodule has been mined? hon. Friend the Member for North East Somerset (Jacob Rees-Mogg) is concerned—began in 1872, when Philip Davies: My hon. Friend makes a good point, HMS Challenger set out on its four-year voyage to and I hope that such detailed questions, which go way explore the oceans. The expedition was led by John beyond my sphere of expertise, will be covered by the Murray and Charles Thomson, who should be commended Minister. He has much more expertise in these matters for the fact that, as my hon. Friend the Member for than me, and I have hopes that he will be able to cover Bury North pointed out, much of our present exploration much of this ground in more detail than I could. and exploitation activity is thanks to their discovery of Environmentalists are also concerned about pollution what was out there. We should be incredibly grateful to of the deep sea, which they say is likely to occur from them for that. Only yesterday, I believe, the Prime deep-sea mining activities as the ocean currents may Minister said that pretty much everything that was carry sediments and toxic pollution far from the area of worth inventing was invented by people in this country. mining activities to areas of fishing, which would potentially Much of what was worth discovering was discovered by have a terrible impact on fishing levels. However, it is people in this country, too, and we should be immensely worth quoting from a magazine that I am sure is read by proud of that great tradition. many Members called Mining Weekly—I am sure you I had not previously been particularly well versed in are a regular reader of it, Mr Speaker, so you will be polymetallic nodules and deep-sea hydrothermal vents—or, able to correct me if what I say is wrong. The environment for that matter, manganese nodules—but they are actually principal and marine ecologist for De Beers, Dr Patti more fascinating than people may think. They are very Wickens, said: productive, and not only rich in minerals but home to “An environmental-impact assessment was undertaken in the unique organisms that have evolved to live in extreme early 1990s to assess the impact of offshore diamond mining on the seabed in Namibia. It was found that while mining activities conditions and are of interest to scientists for their alter the nature of the seabed landscape or habitat, this effect is genetic properties, which have many remedial, medical not permanent.” and other practical applications. We should bear that point in mind: there may be some I may be doing him a disservice, but it is possible that changes, but they will not be permanent, and the habitat the hon. Member for Brent North has read—as I have—the will return to its normal state after the mining ceases in briefing on the Bill that was sent to us by Greenpeace, an area. I hope that gives comfort to those with concerns. which I am sure was also read with great interest by my hon. Friend the Member for South East Cornwall. Mr Russell Brown (Dumfries and Galloway) (Lab): I Greenpeace fears that if sea-bed mining is allowed to agree to a certain extent with what the hon. Gentleman proceed in the absence of a comprehensive system of says, but what if the damage is so significant that the environmental protection, we may be destroying species environment cannot repair itself as he blandly indicates? for ever before we have fully explored what they are. Is there not a real risk that damage may not be reparable? That returns us to the precautionary principle mentioned by the hon. Member for Brent North. Philip Davies: I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for giving me more credit than I am due. I was not Sheryll Murray: Some of the cone-shaped polymetallic claiming anything; I was merely quoting what a principal nodules are alive and smoking, and certain marine marine ecologist said. I would not wish the hon. Gentleman creatures live in their environment. I understand that to think that was my theory. I would not want to claim the harvesting will be restricted to the dead ones. I think credit for what Dr Patti Wickens said in Mining Weekly. the Greenpeace paper refers to the living ones, which we I can only refer him to her if he wants to argue the case. see in films with smoke coming out of them, but I I suspect he will get much further if he argues the toss understand it is the dead ones that are going to be with her rather than me. I will leave on the record what mined. she said, however, and people can make their own minds up as to whether the hon. Gentleman or Dr Patti Wickens knows more about this subject. That is a Philip Davies: My hon. Friend has far more expertise judgment we will all have to make at some point. in this field than me, and I am grateful to her for that clarification. I do not necessarily agree with the Greenpeace The deep-sea bed is defined in the schedule as an stance, but I think there are certain points that are “area of the sea bed situated beyond the limits of national worth putting on the record. The concern is that problems jurisdiction of the United Kingdom or any other State”. we are not yet aware of may arise from deep-sea mining. The main marine mineral content of interest is manganese It is always difficult to counter such arguments: if we nodules, manganese crusts and seafloor massive sulphides. are not aware of the problems, how can we give reassurance Two metallic mineral resources of the deep-sea floor on them? I suspect we cannot. Sometimes we have to incorporate dissolved metals from both continental and take a leap of faith, however; otherwise, we would never deep ocean sources. One of these is what my hon. do anything. We would never do anything in this country Friend the Member for South East Cornwall—and, I 611 Deep Sea Mining Bill6 SEPTEMBER 2013 Deep Sea Mining Bill 612

[Philip Davies] that in the Tea Room at a later date. I am certainly one for upholding British sovereignty, however, as most think, my hon. Friend the Member for Bury North people will appreciate. (Mr Nuttall)—described as golf ball-sized polymetallic Let me now deal with some of the points that I would modules. I have heard them described as “golf-to-tennis” like the Minister to cover. I am interested in the licences ball size, but I am not sure whether there is any mileage that the UK Government offer and give to people who in arguing about the size, as we know what we are apply for them. My hon. Friend the Member for Bury talking about here. North referred to the resources that the Government These nodules precipitate from sea water over millions provide to ensure that the licences are dealt with properly of years on sediment that forms the surface of the deep and in a timely manner. I am not entirely sure what the ocean. It is understood that they require the undisturbed fees are for these licences and how our fees compare conditions which are found in areas of the deepest with those in other countries. As he said, we want the oceans. That serves to highlight again the environmental UK to be an international leader in this field. If companies point that the undisturbed conditions are what is important. can, in effect, apply to any signatory country for a To clarify: licence, in order to take that to the International Seabed “Polymetallic massive sulphides are types of minerals discovered Authority, we want a commitment from our Government in the oceans in 1979 that were previously known only from that the fees they charge for these licences will be deposits that have been mined on land since pre-classical times for competitive—more competitive than those charged by copper, iron, zinc, silver and gold.” other countries. I would be interested to hear whether Rather than get bogged down in all the science, which or not they are. my hon. Friend the Member for Bury North covered in This is not just about the fee; it is also about the some detail, I will focus on some of the impacts of this timeliness of how a licence application is determined proposed legislation and ask some questions, which I and a licence issued. I hope that the Government also hope the Minister may be able to answer. make a commitment to ensure that licences are processed The history is important. The oceans had long been more quickly here than in competitor countries, because, subject to a freedom of the seas doctrine, a principle again, that might be a factor in which country a company dating back to the 17th century essentially limiting chooses to go through. I would be interested to know rights and jurisdiction over the oceans to a narrow belt how many licences have been applied for and how many of sea surrounding a nation’s coastline. The rest of the applications have been rejected. That would allow me to seas were proclaimed to be free to all. That seems to me see whether the process was strenuous or whether licences to be a sensible doctrine. It has been challenged by some were just given out on the nod. countries, however, which have tried to claim the rights to certain seas beyond what international agreement Mr Nuttall: Does my hon. Friend share my concern indicates. that perhaps one reason why so few licences have been applied for under the 1981 Act is that the regime it Mr Nuttall: Does my hon. Friend think there is any established was too onerous and companies have been merit in the international community, through the auspices going elsewhere in the world? of the United Nations, simply stating by way of further agreement that all these international seas should be Philip Davies: My hon. Friend makes a good point, dealt with only by the International Seabed Authority, and we certainly would not want what he describes to and leaving the matter of national jurisdictions out of it have been happening. As he said, we want the UK to be altogether? a world leader in this field and to be seen as such, so I hope that the Minister can give some assurances on Philip Davies: My hon. Friend makes a very good those points. point, and it should be considered. Again, the Minister I would also be interested to know how the licences maybeabletoaddressit. are policed once they have been granted and who does the policing. The international authority, presumably, Mr Speaker: Order. The hon. Gentleman is making a polices the contract that it has agreed can be carried conscientious application to serve on the Bill Committee, out. However, given that the UK Government has also where that matter, among many others to which he has issued a licence, are they happy just to accept the briefly alluded, can be explored in further detail. policing carried out by the ISA? Do they have their own policing to ensure that the licence conditions they have Philip Davies: I am very grateful to you for highlighting applied are being adhered to? If that is the case, how my pitch for me, in a far more eloquent way than I was, many of the licences that have been granted have been Mr Speaker, so that nobody could be in any doubt that subject to a revocation because the conditions were not I would, obviously, be delighted to serve on the Committee. being met? Alternatively, are the licences given and that is the end of the matter, everyone just cracks on with it Jacob Rees-Mogg: I am concerned that my hon. and nobody will bother contacting the people involved Friend might have been tempted down a dangerously again? internationalist path by my hon. Friend the Member for I would like clarification on a further point, which Bury North (Mr Nuttall). It is always important in relates to the heart of why it is important that we have a these matters to preserve British sovereignty. competitive system, particularly when it comes to time scales. What happens when different companies in different Philip Davies: I certainly agree with that. I am not countries all want to explore or exploit the same area at sure that what my two hon. Friends are saying is necessarily the same time? That must be a fairly common situation. incompatible, but I am sure they will be able to discuss It is a bit like supermarkets really: when one company 613 Deep Sea Mining Bill6 SEPTEMBER 2013 Deep Sea Mining Bill 614 decides it wants to open a store in a particular place and is available for us. We have heard of the metals that its competitors get wind of it, all of a sudden two or there may be—of molybdenum, of rare earth metals. It three applications are made for the same place, because occurs to me that at the depths of the ocean there may all the companies think, “That’s a good area. We all even be gold, and it might be possible for us, through want a slice of that action.” Presumably the same things the ingenuity of British companies, to go down fathom must apply in this field, so if different companies in after fathom to explore and find the gold that could be different countries are all looking to exploit the same used to replace that which was sold by a former Chancellor area, is the company that can do so decided on a of the Exchequer at an extraordinarily low price and first-come, first-served basis? Is the company that gets against the advice of the Father of the House, my right its licence first and gets a contract agreed with the ISA hon. Friend the Member for Louth and Horncastle the one that gets to do the exploring? Or are more (Sir Peter Tapsell), who thought it was very unwise to rigorous criteria used? If this is done on a first-come, sell that gold at a rock-bottom price. That is what it is first-served basis, it is crucial that we process these really about: exploring these resources that could add to licences as quickly as possible. the wealth not only of the nation but of the globe at My hon. Friend the Member for South East Cornwall large. As we have seen the emergence of the new made a good job of dealing with my next point, but I economies—of China, India, Brazil and Russia—so we just ask the Minister to say a little about whether we are have seen demand for resources grow extraordinarily. unnecessarily introducing or increasing bureaucracy at The demand has been for steel, obviously, and all that the expense of UK companies. That point was also goes into manufacturing it: the components and the made by my hon. Friend the Member for North East other metals that make steel of a particular strength to Somerset in intervention. Although we want the licences ensure that the skyscrapers that have gone up across and legislation in place to allow UK companies to get Asia can be built safely. involved in this field, we certainly would not want them As demand increases we will find that the traditional to have to do it in an overly bureaucratic way or one sources of metals and minerals can be exhausted. We that disadvantaged them in relation to what other countries will then find that economic growth across the globe would expect them to do. How has this country’s licensing slows down because the prices of commodities will rise. regime stacked up against those of other countries? As you know, Mr Speaker, the laws of supply and I hope that the Minister can answer those issues demand would come into effect and if the supply is satisfactorily. Many of those points are not really about limited in relation to the demand, the price rises. If the the principle of the Bill but about the application of the price rises, the burden of higher prices will ultimately regulations, the legislation and the licensing. I hope he fall on the consumer and standards of living in the will make sure that this country is at the forefront in this country at large and, indeed, in the world at large would field, and that he will help UK companies rather than be reduced. There could be an exciting resource in the hinder them—I am sure that is the case. depths of the ocean in an area where mankind has hardly dared go before—there have been limited efforts, Teddy Taylor is a great man and this House has a lot and cables have been laid, but we have otherwise been to be grateful to him for. I am sure that the point he able to do very little in terms of exploration. If we find made about the Foreign Office in the debate in 1981 is on the base of the ocean little things the size of golf somewhat unfair, although probably only slightly; I am balls, or possibly even cricket balls, that could add to sure that the Foreign Office always has the British our wealth, that would be exciting, but we want British people and British companies as its priority and wants companies to be at the forefront. We do not want to to do its best for them. I hope that the Minister will be allow the Americans, who are not following this regulatory able to reassure us that, on the points I have raised, the path, to get ahead of us as they have on other occasions. British Government are at the forefront of making sure we are world leaders so that the Bill will what do what I I hope that the Minister will focus on international am sure my hon. Friend the Member for South East law. I am always very suspicious of internationalism. I Cornwall intends, which is to ensure that this country think that the nation state is the right way of dealing becomes, as my hon. Friend the Member for Bury with problems. It is the right way of legislating, of North said, a world leader in this field. representing a democratic mandate and of ensuring a fair and better economic outlook for the country. If there are international agreements to which major countries 11.46 am are not signed up, in what position are those countries Jacob Rees-Mogg (North East Somerset) (Con): It is and their companies left? International law is only a great pleasure to follow my hon. Friends the Members enforceable by the acceptance of the people on whom it for Shipley (Philip Davies) and for Bury North (Mr Nuttall), is enforced. There is no equivalent to this Parliament who have been, for a Friday, most amazingly reticent that can pass a law for the whole world nor is there a and brief in their remarks. I am worried that this Bill court that can lead a judgment against a country that may not therefore get the scrutiny that it deserves, given refuses to accept what international law proposes. that people who normally go into every detail have Indeed, we discussed how, by the 17th century, the skated over some of the more important points—perhaps oceans were viewed as owned by everybody and as free, that will come at a later stage, however. but we did not go on to develop how that freedom was The great thing that we should bear in mind as a protected. It was protected by the might of one great nation is that our companies and our businesses should nation and one great navy, the Royal Navy, which went never be disadvantaged against foreign businesses and across the world ensuring the freedom of the seas. foreign companies. Any regime we have of licensing and Although the argument was that the seas were global, of regulation should be as light-touch as possible, they were global by the fiat of the British empire, which particularly when this enormous and exciting resource enforced internationalism and the security and safety of 615 Deep Sea Mining Bill6 SEPTEMBER 2013 Deep Sea Mining Bill 616

[Jacob Rees-Mogg] Every pound that is spent on a licence is a pound that cannot be spent on exploration, or on exploitation of those travelling on the high seas. Indeed, it was a the asset once it is found. How relieved I was to hear deliberate change of British policy. In the reign of from Mining Weekly about the speed with which the sea Elizabeth I, letters of marque were issued to allow bed—the mighty sea bed—restores itself to pristine piracy on the high seas as a means of getting at the condition after someone has been down and done a Spanish wealth. We changed our policy to internationalise little digging. That conjures up wonderful images. I was and that is the situation that we are now in, but sadly delighted to hear my hon. Friend the Member for South our Navy is not what it was. East Cornwall (Sheryll Murray) say that there is always Do we have the hundreds of capital ships that we a Cornish miner involved, and that they go down and used to have? Do we have the dreadnoughts that we dig, even at the depths of the ocean, to find valuable used to have ready to save the high seas from dangers? assets that we may be able to exploit for the benefit of No, we do not. So, we must think about who will the British people. That is a free-enterprise endeavour. enforce the freedom of the seas. Which great navy is left Interestingly, those who spoke in the debates in the today that can patrol those open spaces? The US navy, early ’80s thought there would be a great expansion of of course. Which state is not a party to the agreements activity at the depths of the ocean. Why did that not that will regulate mining at the depth of the ocean? The happen? Is it not obvious, Mr Speaker? The dead hand United States, of course. So we must consider who will of legislation and bureaucracy came crushing down on act against an American company that has not come those who wanted to be enterprising in their prospecting along dutifully to get a licence from the Secretary of activities. So there was no equivalent of the Californian State and applied to an international body for confirmation gold rush. There was no shout of, “There’s gold in them of that licence. What if an American company goes there hills,” or anything of that kind, of the undersea out? Who will say no? Perhaps the Russian navy might hills. go out, but I doubt it. The British Navy would certainly As we are talking about geology, it is worth mentioning be unwise to take on the United States in such that the great father of geology, a Mr Smith, started all circumstances. We must consider what we are imposing his work in North East Somerset, in the village of High on our companies and our fellow subjects that is not Littleton. Going down in a mineshaft, he saw the different necessarily being applied internationally. layers of the earth and worked out— Philip Davies: Is my hon. Friend saying that, given the lack of support for internationalism, so to speak, we Mr Speaker: Order. I am all agog at the racy and should not have the International Seabed Authority, intoxicating oration that the hon. Gentleman is delivering and that we should have a free-for-all whereby, if our to the House, but I have two concerns. First, if the hon. companies want to go out there and explore or exploit Gentleman leads a lengthy sojourn, either accompanied somewhere, they should just get on with it irrespective or unaccompanied, in the terms that he describes, he of what any international body might say? may be sorely missed in North East Somerset. Secondly, I feel sure that, ere long, notwithstanding the quite Jacob Rees-Mogg: That is an exciting way of looking legendary eloquence that the hon. Gentleman has thus at it—to adopt a real free-market approach, which far deployed, he will turn his attention to the contents allows companies to go out to prospect, as they did in of the Deep Sea Mining Bill itself. California in the 19th century, and as Cecil Rhodes did when he went to South Africa. He found great acres of Jacob Rees-Mogg: Because so many other Members space and he made a claim and he dug and he dug and are keen to speak in the debate, I shall keep my remarks he dug, and he found gold, diamonds and platinum, short. I know the Benches are not currently filled, but and he put them into a great company, and he made people are waiting in their offices to come racing down millions—in modern money, billions—of pounds by into the Chamber the minute the Minister has said a doing that. That was not through state regulation, not few words, such is their excitement to talk about the through international bodies, not through the United details of the Bill. Nations reaching an agreement to say, “You may do The details of the Bill are of course crucial. Its worst this,” or “You may do that,” but by enterprise, hard aspect is that it removes the Secretary of State’s ability work and energy—by all those great British virtues of to repeal legislation. If there is one thing that I take which we should be so proud. Why not say that of the particular exception to, it is the idea that legislation that oceans? Why not mount expeditions? We could launch was temporary and could be removed is now to become one together, Mr Speaker, to try and find the lost city of a permanent burden on our statute book. When we Atlantis, which we would expect to have all sorts of look, in the No Lobby, at the statutes of this great valuables—metals, gold, excitements—in it. nation, we see one volume covering the first few hundred We could have other companies, perhaps, doing more years of the existence of Parliament, and now we see a careful geological surveys to locate those metals—the volume barely doing a Session of Parliament. How rare earth metals. An interesting fact about rare earth glorious it would be if more Bills gave Secretaries of metals is that they are not particularly rare. The Chinese State power to take them off the statute book—to sold them very cheaply to start with, but they became a deregulate. I would urge that the Bill should have a monopolist and then they raised the price. In doing so, more deregulatory ambition, and therefore in the early they showed absolutely classic monopolistic behaviour. stages of its consideration we should delete the conversion Those metals are not particularly rare, although they of the 1981 Act from temporary to permanent, because are quite expensive to gather together. People could go the temporary nature of legislation is one of the pious off as a free-enterprise endeavour, without having to hopes that all legislators should have. We should wish pay for licences and regulations. our legislation to deal with a temporary problem and 617 Deep Sea Mining Bill6 SEPTEMBER 2013 Deep Sea Mining Bill 618 then restore the liberties of the British subject as soon To that extent, I am happy to support the Bill. I do as possible. That would be my first concern over the Bill not think that there will be much opposition to it. It is a and the regulations within it. sensible level of amendment to what already exists, bearing in mind my overarching concern that we are Philip Davies: My hon. Friend knows that I agree being too internationalist and that, in principle, we are with him about this, and in my time I have unsuccessfully not encouraging enough enterprise. tried to introduce sunset clauses or expiry dates into Bills. But will he concede that, in essence, every Bill is 12.3 pm temporary in the sense that it can be repealed at any Mr Russell Brown (Dumfries and Galloway) (Lab): It time? is a privilege to follow the hon. Member for North East Somerset (Jacob Rees-Mogg). With you having appeared Jacob Rees-Mogg: If only that were true. I would on the scene, Mr Deputy Speaker, I thought that he was hope that Bills would be repealed at any time, but sadly about to take a second crack at the whip— the House is much keener to pass new Bills than it is to repeal old and defunct ones. Every so often a Session Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Lindsay Hoyle): He would will pass 20 repeals of ancient Bills. I think we had one have been all at sea. earlier in this Session or at the end of the last Session, Mr Brown: I suspect that he would have been. which repealed some Bill relating to the purchase of the Isle of Man from whoever previously owned it to make I congratulate the hon. Member for South East Cornwall it part of the Crown territory. That does happen, but (Sheryll Murray) on introducing her private Member’s not often enough. Bill this morning. Like many others in the House, I fully understand her passion for all things maritime. She is A sunset clause in this Bill would be particularly steeped in the very issue. The Bill would amend the attractive, especially if the Americans are not part of Deep Sea Mining (Temporary Provisions) Act 1981. this. I rather like the American approach to internationalism; Like one or two others in the House this morning, I that is to treat it with the deepest caution, and not to knew very little about deep-sea mining until I discovered sign up to every international body that comes along. that I would be at the Dispatch Box this morning. I My hon. Friend mentioned what Sir Teddy Taylor said thank the House of Commons Library for producing a about the Foreign Office. It is interesting that in the standard note, which has been used by other Members United States the State Department almost always wants this morning and which was my starting point. to sign up to any bit of internationalism that is going. But the sensible people in the Senate who have to ratify I want to make clear my interest in the environment treaties almost never do, because they do not think it is and that I make a monthly contribution to the WWF, in the interests of the American people. Because of our but I say to those on the Government Back Benches system, we seem to be rather too keen to sign up to that that does not colour my position. It is a contribution international agreements, when, as I was saying earlier, that I make to the WWF, not one that it makes to me. It we should do things by free enterprise, which will often does not lobby me in any shape or form; let me be frank ensure more success, riches and wealth for the nation at about that. large. I had breakfast this morning with an expert, my hon. Friend the Member for Ellesmere Port and Neston It is a pleasure to see you in the Chair, Mr Deputy (Andrew Miller), who is chair of the Parliamentary and Speaker. Mr. Speaker has done a long stint and we are Scientific Committee. Members present may be interested glad to have you standing in for him. to know that the committee will undertake a programme of work during the autumn and bring in experts to Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Lindsay Hoyle): This will be examine the issue of deep-sea mining. Back Benchers an even longer stint. who have spoken this morning may wish to attend those sittings. Jacob Rees-Mogg: Then Mr Deputy Speaker will no Just because we cannot see something does not mean doubt be pleased that I will try to entertain him for at it is not precious. There is much going on down in the least part of his stint in the Chair. depths of the seas and oceans, and as I said earlier, if we do things in a radical way we could do damage that can Following that preamble and my concerns about the never be repaired. I believe that we should explore—I nature of the Bill and internationalism, including the do not know whether exploitation is the right word, risks that that has for democracy and the problem of it because it worries me—what could be of benefit to being a dead hand on enterprise, if we are to have this mankind. That is what this is all about: we have explored type of regulation, the Bill is obviously sensible. It is space, so why not explore the depths of the oceans as obviously wise to extend it from purely metals to include well? gas and liquids, because there may be all sorts of exciting things at the depths of the sea. There may be We must, however, be measured in our approach. My endless supplies of gas. There may be oil spurting out as hon. Friend the Member for Brent North (Barry Gardiner) if Saudi Arabia was on the sea bed rather than in completed a quote that the hon. Member for Bury Arabia where it is more normally located, and therefore North (Mr Nuttall) gave earlier by pointing out that we one would find that there is this enormous wealth that have to be “reasonably practicable”. As a trade unionist, could reduce the price of oil to the enormous benefit of I know that the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act our constituents, particularly those in rural seats where 1974 is littered with the term “reasonably practicable”. the price of petrol is a serious problem. These resources, I would like to think that we have moved on since the liquid and gas, could be sucked out of the earth and Deep Sea Mining (Temporary Provisions) Act 1981, used to the benefit of our constituents. which is the very reason why the hon. Member for 619 Deep Sea Mining Bill6 SEPTEMBER 2013 Deep Sea Mining Bill 620

[Mr Russell Brown] Mr Nuttall: I am listening carefully to the hon. Gentleman. Does he think the primary responsibility South East Cornwall has proposed the Bill. It is 30-odd for the crucial task of setting the level of environmental years later and I know that the hon. Member for Bury protection should lie with this House or the ISA? North will be wondering why the Labour party has changed its mind. We need clarification—perhaps the Mr Brown: At the end of the day, we are passing Minister will provide it—on how many applications legislation that must meet the needs of mining companies have been made for licences and how many have been and other businesses not just in this country, but elsewhere. refused, and on the important issue of how we will We should definitely be looking at what best meets the police the companies that have secured them. I will not needs of the UK, but we cannot ignore what is going on be anywhere near as radical as the hon. Member for internationally. North East Somerset, because I think we need some To conclude, I wish the hon. Member for South East kind of control over what is happening. Our environment Cornwall well in taking the Bill through Committee. I is precious not only to us, but to those who will come do not know whether her Back-Bench colleagues who after us. are in the Chamber today will assist her with it as it progresses to its next stage, but if Opposition Members Mr Nuttall: On the question of policing, does the in the Committee table amendments—I know that only hon. Gentleman think that the present provision in one has turned up today to take part in the debate—I section 11 of the 1981 Act, which gives the Secretary of hope that she will take them on board, because they will State the power to appoint inspectors to assist in the be intended not to destroy it but to improve it. I wish execution of the Act, is satisfactory? her well in the Bill’s next stage.

Mr Brown: I thank the hon. Gentleman for that 12.15 pm intervention. It raises the question of how the inspectors The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign carry out their work. It brings to mind the old adage, and Commonwealth Affairs (Alistair Burt): It is a great “Out of sight, out of mind.” pleasure to be able to respond to the debate. I begin, of course, by congratulating my hon. Friend the Member Barry Gardiner: I am sure that my hon. Friend will for South East Cornwall (Sheryll Murray) on her success understand that the provision of inspectors relates more in the ballot and on introducing a Bill that is so appropriate to the other functions under the 1981 Act, whereby to her interests and her constituency. She speaks with certain minerals could be made available to the Secretary passion about fishing, Cornwall and the heritage of the of State and the Government for inspection so that sea, and she has been able to apply that passion to there was a clear understanding of the quantities and concerns about how we balance the opportunities presented qualities of the minerals that were being mined. I think by the resources of deep oceans with the environmental that that is the inspection regime that was envisaged in protection that we need if we are to ensure that we all section 11, not going down to the sea floor and seeing have the type of world that we wish to live in. how the mining was being carried out. I do not often get the chance to speak on a Friday in my current position, and I feel as though I were taking Mr Brown: My hon. Friend is absolutely right to part in a pro-am tournament—I am speaking on a day provide that distinction. Again, without wishing to put when the professionals get to work. We have heard pressure on the Minister, perhaps he will be able to give some exceptional speeches by colleagues who take a the history of what has been done. broad and deep interest in matters before the House, even if they are not subjects with which they have been Greenpeace, as quoted in the standard note, draws familiar. They have an ability to turn their forensic attention to minds to issues of importance to the House, so that “the rapid increase in license applications being made to the they can quite properly ensure that private Members’ International Seabed Authority to exploit the mineral resources Bills and the Government response to them are under found in international waters.” full scrutiny. It also states: The hon. Member for Brent North (Barry Gardiner) “If seabed mining is allowed to go ahead without a comprehensive is a regular here and always ensures that particular system of environmental protection in place we may be destroying points of interest are raised, in this case concern about species forever before they have even been scientifically described.” the environment, which he frequently expresses. I very The hon. Member for South East Cornwall gave an much appreciate his comments and the way he went explanation of what Greenpeace is talking about. There about making them. are things down there that have not yet been determined My hon. Friend the Member for Shipley (Philip or detected. Davies) made some pertinent comments about the Let me make it absolutely clear that the Opposition importance of business and enterprise to the United will not oppose the Bill. However, as was said earlier, we Kingdom and how that consideration should be balanced. would like certain parts of the schedule to be improved. I am old enough to remember his predecessor, the late The Bill is about the protection of our environment and Sir Marcus Fox, a great man. Many Members have fond the opportunity to use the resources that are there for memories of him, and it is a great pleasure to be this nation—I am sure that the hon. Member for North reminded of him by my hon. Friend’s presence. East Somerset would agree with that. We should be able I am old enough actually to be the predecessor of my to fully utilise what lies in the murky waters of our seas hon. Friend the Member for Bury North (Mr Nuttall). and oceans, but we must consider the manner in which As you will be aware, Mr Deputy Speaker, I could spend that is done. the next hour reminiscing about Bury North. 621 Deep Sea Mining Bill6 SEPTEMBER 2013 Deep Sea Mining Bill 622

Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Lindsay Hoyle): But I know but by being at the forefront of developments, we can you will not. ensure that the UK economy sees the benefits and that any environmental concerns are fully addressed. Alistair Burt: As I think the House knows well, Bury The subject of the Bill is probably, in all fairness, North is not only a constituency that I was proud to unfamiliar to most colleagues. The hon. Member for represent for 14 years but my birthplace and home, and Dumfries and Galloway was honest enough to say that the place to which my fondest memories are attached. It it is a relatively new subject for him. I could pretend remains a matter of great pride that I was able to that my situation is different, but I will not. I am represent my home town, and I only ask that my hon. indebted to Mr Chris Whomersley and other Foreign Friend take my very best wishes to the metropolitan and Commonwealth Office colleagues for their assistance borough, all those in it and the diverse community of in preparing me for the debate. Bury. On the background, I want to fill out what colleagues Mr Nuttall: Will my hon. Friend give way? have said about the origins of the Bill and the importance of correct definitions of, for example, the deep sea bed. Alistair Burt: Indeed. Deep-sea mining does not come up every day, so it is important to alleviate concerns, particularly bearing in Mr Deputy Speaker: Order. Before the Minister gives mind recent concerns about mineral extraction and the way, it may help if I say that we are not going to have a environment on land, by noting that any activity would love-in about Bury, either North or South, or the north-west. take place a long way from any coastal area. The term “deep sea bed” is defined in amendments in Mr Nuttall: I will take the Minister’s good wishes the Bill to the Deep Sea Mining (Temporary Provisions) back to Bury, but to return to the Bill, does he agree Act 1981. The UN convention on the law of the sea that it has potential advantages for businesses based calls it the “area” of the there? Opportunities will open up for them as a result of “sea-bed and ocean floor, and the subsoil thereof, beyond the it, maybe not directly but through the supply chain. limits of national jurisdiction”. Alistair Burt: My hon. Friend is absolutely right. I That is commonly referred to as the common heritage remember—he will know this from first-hand knowledge— of mankind, a phrase that has found its way into the how wide the industrial base is in Bury. For example, I UN convention in article 136. The concept, which goes recall being very impressed with how many were involved back to the 1960s, expresses a profoundly important in the aerospace industry. point, namely that the area and its resources do not belong to any one state. They should be developed for the benefit of everyone on the planet. They are controlled Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Lindsay Hoyle): Order. I am through the International Seabed Authority, an international now intervening. It is a great temptation to listen to the organisation to which all states can become a party. I Minister talk about the wonders of the north-west as I will say more about the ISA later. represent a north-west constituency, but I am sure he is itching to get on to the Bill. The problem is that the rest To refer to a point made by my hon. Friend the of the Chamber is also itching to hear him on the Bill Member for North East Somerset (Jacob Rees-Mogg), rather than on the virtues of our great north-west. getting the balance right between what is controlled by regulation and legislation and what is allowed to run Alistair Burt: With that admonition, Mr Deputy Speaker, free, as it were, is difficult. My hon. Friend the Member I will leave the subject of Bury North when I have for Shipley spoke about the freedom of the seas and the reminded my hon. Friend to take my best and fondest like. Access to the sea and freedom to roam on the seas wishes to Bury football club, and to Gordon and Morris is important, as is the enforcement of such rights to who do the commentary on Shakers Player every week. freedom. However, the world recognises that the resources I am young enough to have played football regularly of the sea and what lies on the sea bed and below are with the hon. Member for Dumfries and Galloway genuinely precious. Hon. Members are aware how resources (Mr Brown)— can be badly exploited—I am sure my hon. Friend the Member for South East Cornwall knows that some Mr Deputy Speaker: Order. I will help the Minister. I countries have badly exploited resources through their do not want to hear about football or about Bury, and fishing practices. That gives us pause to say, “Simply certainly not about whether he plays football with the having a free-for-all will not work.” My hon. Friend the shadow Minister. I want to hear about the Bill. I know Member for North East Somerset can be assured, however, he will tell me about it. If not, we will move on. that the attitude of the United Kingdom is to ensure that, if international regulation does curtail freedoms, it Alistair Burt: I am very pleased to move on. must be because that is the right thing to do. We have to take our responsibilities seriously, and our responsibility Mr Deputy Speaker: Not as pleased as I am. to the environment and the need to ensure that the regulations cover that adequately are as important as Alistair Burt: I should like to set out responses to the ensuring that opportunities for prosperity are not lost Bill, which was introduced by my hon. Friend the through over-regulation or complicated bureaucracy. Member for South East Cornwall, and, when I have The “area”, or the common heritage of mankind, is made some progress, to deal with the series of questions the area beyond the limits of any coastal state’s continental colleagues have raised during the morning. This has shelf. Under article 76 of the UN convention, a coastal been a wide-ranging debate, and I thank colleagues for state is entitled to a continental shelf of at least 200 nautical their contributions. Deep-sea mining is in its infancy, miles from coastal baselines, and more where the slope 623 Deep Sea Mining Bill6 SEPTEMBER 2013 Deep Sea Mining Bill 624

[Alistair Burt] and lead, in addition to gold and silver, as my hon. Friend the Member for North East Somerset will be of the continental margin meets certain specified criteria. pleased to hear. Not for the first time, he is right on the This entitlement is without prejudice to the question of ball—the tennis ball-sized ball. Such deposits are associated delimitation of the continental shelf between states with previous volcanic activity, where the deposits have with opposite or adjacent coasts. The exception to the built up over time via plumes from vents. Where such rule is for a small islet or rock that cannot support vents are active, they tend to be places of unique fauna economic life. Under the UN convention, such rocks and flora. However, mining would take place only when only generate a territorial area—a maritime zone up to such sites were extinct, not least because of the very 12 nautical miles from coastal baselines. high temperatures associated with live vents. That deals The UK has one such rock which is sometimes the with one of the questions that my hon. Friend the subject of academic debate. That is Rockall, some 186 Member for Shipley raised. There is no question of nautical miles west of St Kilda in the Outer Hebrides of mining such areas when they are live, because frankly Scotland. Anyone who has seen this rock, or seen the temperatures would make it impossible. pictures, will well understand why we could not claim The third group of mineral elements to which the that it could support economic life, being only a jagged current legislation applies are found in cobalt-rich crusts spike of rock jutting up some 60 feet above sea level. or ferromanganese crusts, which form at the flanks and Therefore, and contrary to some of the sometimes summits of seamounts, ridges and plateaus. They contain ill-informed comments about Rockall, the United Kingdom amounts of iron and manganese, and are especially does not regard Rockall as capable of generating a enriched in cobalt, manganese, lead, tellurium, bismuth continental shelf of its own. Does this mean that deep and platinum. Such minerals are important. Mineral sea mining could take place in the vicinity of Rockall? prices have increased noticeably since 2000, largely as a No. While the UK uses a baseline on St Kilda—which, result of increases in demand, especially from emerging coincidentally, is uninhabited but has in the past supported economies such as China and India, as colleagues have a human population—the UK claims a continental noted. According to the United States geological survey shelf beyond 200 nautical miles in a westerly direction, in 2013: way out into an area known as the Hatton Rockall “China has advanced from consuming less than 10% of the plateau. Other states have overlapping continental shelf global market for metals to over 25% of the market in the past claims in the same area, but while the claims exist and few years and that trend is increasing; India is following on a their validity is yet to be considered by the appropriate similar path.” international body, the area does not fall within the As I will explain, changes in demand have created a definition of one need for legislation. “beyond the limits of national jurisdiction”. To be clear, deep sea mining as provided for by the Barry Gardiner rose— Bill, would not take place anywhere near the coast of the UK, or the UK’s overseas territories, or any other Alistair Burt: I will answer colleagues’ questions in coastal state for that matter. Indeed, most of the current due course, but I am happy to take an intervention now. applications relate to areas in the Pacific ocean, as my hon. Friend the Member for Worthing West (Sir Peter Barry Gardiner: I might have missed it in the Minister’s Bottomley) mentioned, and are a long way from any remarks about the various chemicals, but the briefings landmass. that I have read refer to deposits of submerged massive I have described the “where”, now let me explain the sulphides—the hon. Member for Bury North talked “what”. As hon. Members appreciate, we are not talking about the ISA, but this is SMS. Will the Minister say about hydrocarbons, at least not at the moment. My what category SMS falls into? My understanding is that notes suggest that it is safe to say that many hon. a different treatment might apply in their mining. Members will be unfamiliar with the mineral types, but the debate suggests that they have made themselves very Alistair Burt: The point I was making in going through familiar with the mineral types we are discussing. Those the three mineral types is that they are the ones that are minerals currently being explored for in the deep sea are currently affected by regulation, but we are moving on. composite mineral deposits, in formulations unique to The hon. Gentleman is absolutely right: as he will be the sea bed, which is why they are so special. well aware, seafloor massive sulphide deposits are the Presently there are international regulations in place modern equivalents of ancient volcanogenic massive for the exploration of three mineral types in the deep sulphide ore deposits—or VMS deposits, as we call sea. The first, polymetallic nodules, have already been them in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. The the subject of discussion today. Polymetallic or manganese term has been coined by mineral explorers to differentiate nodules contain manganese, copper, cobalt and nickel, modern from ancient deposits. SMS deposits are indeed and are—as far as the FCO is concerned—potato-shaped relevant; I will come to the reason for changing the balls generally found on the sea bed surface. I have no legislation. information about whether they may be tennis-ball There is also an issue of limited sources of supplies. sized, and it is the official view of the Foreign and For example, in 2010 it was estimated that the Congo Commonwealth Office that they are potato-shaped balls. produced 40% of global cobalt supplies, South Africa They are generally found partially buried in sediment, 79% of global platinum and China 97% of global rare and cover vast plains in the deepest areas of the sea bed. earth elements. That factor can distort total global Secondly, there are polymetallic sulphides. These, mainly supplies and costs. Access to supplies makes these sulphide deposits, are found in ocean ridges and seamounts, strategically important minerals. An increase in available and often carry high concentrations of copper, zinc stocks of such minerals should increase competition in 625 Deep Sea Mining Bill6 SEPTEMBER 2013 Deep Sea Mining Bill 626 the global market, reduce the price faced by consumers He need not fear that we are not considering these and help to ensure sufficient future supplies to satisfy matters. Nor need he fear that this matter has caused rising global demand. For example, present estimates any concern to date. suggest that there is a 100-year supply of cobalt deposits on land, which might increase to 200 to 300 years if Barry Gardiner: I am grateful to the Minister for deep-sea supplies are included. trying to respond fully to my concerns. I appreciate As the world, we hope, exits recession—helped in the that. However, it is not sufficient to say that there is no United Kingdom, of course, by this Government’s economic cause for concern simply because only two licences have policies—it is inevitable that demand for minerals will been issued to date and because there have been no increase. It is certain that commercial companies will be problems with the way in which section 5 of that looking for new sources of such minerals, and the deep 32-year-old Act of Parliament is being implemented. sea bed is the new frontier for them. We in the United He knows very well that section 5 states that Kingdom must be at the forefront of such developments. “the Secretary of State shall have regard to the need to protect” the marine environment. The words “have regard to” do Barry Gardiner: The Minister has drawn a parallel not provide for a strong protection. All we are asking is that will have ramifications for the environmental agenda. that that wording should be upgraded in the Bill. He will know that the mentality of the Klondike and the frontier, and the rush for the extraction of minerals Alistair Burt: I am sure that my hon. Friend the on land, resulted in some of the worst environmental Member for South East Cornwall will give that matter degradation. Will he accept that the Opposition are her consideration. I was not seeking to link the fact that simply trying to ensure that the Bill contains proper only two licences had been issued to the issue of safeguards and environmental protections relating to environmental protection. There have been only two the new frontier that he is describing, so that a similar applications because only two consortia have felt it laying waste of the environment that happened as a necessary to do that kind of work. Others have not been result of the extraction of natural resources on land prepared to do it. There is no linkage between the two does not happen on the sea bed? points. My point was that we have no evidence that environmental issues have ever been a matter of concern in relation to those applying for a licence under our Alistair Burt: That is the intention not only of the legislation and going on to be sponsored for permission hon. Gentleman and his party; it is part of the Bill’s from the ISA. The protections that are in place have in raison d’être and of the working environment on which no way been considered inadequate. Had they been, the regulations are already based. There is already a that would have been an important point of evidence, double lock. The reason that UK legislation provides but we do not have any such evidence to date. for licences is to ensure that those whom the UK sponsors for licence applications to the ISA have already Mr Nuttall: Does the Minister have any evidence to passed the standards that this House, and this country, suggest that any companies have been put off from would expect from those involved in mineral extraction applying for a licence as a result of this country’s and exploration. Once the UK has been satisfied, the regulatory regime over the past 32 years, and that they second lock comes into operation. That involves the have gone elsewhere? environmental controls put forward by the ISA, and I will cover that subject in more detail in a moment. Alistair Burt: No. The sort of work we are talking There is no difference between us on the importance about is immensely expensive. If a company is to get of this matter. In answer to some of the hon. Gentleman’s down and explore the resources in deep sea, that will previous questions, there has not, to date, been any mean a very expensive financial commitment. Companies challenge to the existing arrangements. Only two licences have not come forward because it has not been worth have been granted under the 1981 legislation. The original their while to do so, but the world is moving on. There is reason for introducing those temporary provisions was no evidence to suggest that anything in UK regulation that the possibility of Klondike-type activity was in the has been in any way off-putting; indeed, quite the minds of companies in the early 1980s. That proved to contrary. The most recent company to go through the be a false expectation, however, and the pace of exploration process made reference to the helpfulness of the British has been slow. The reason for introducing this legislation Government as it pursued its licence. I hope I can set now is that we anticipate the pace picking up, given the my hon. Friend’s mind at rest: regulation does not seem increase in information and technological development. to be an issue. In the interim, however, the environmental protections Let me make a little more progress. When one thinks in section 5 of the 1981 legislation have proved entirely of the offshore, what inevitably springs to mind first is sufficient, as have the inspections. If the hon. Gentleman the search for oil and gas. However, industry has yet to does not believe that and wishes to raise a challenge to express an interest in possible supplies of hydrocarbons what we have done, he is entitled to do so. He is right to in the deep sea, which is why no international regulations be concerned about this, but I am genuinely not aware have been developed for their exploration. That is not to of any challenges to those who have taken licences say that it will not happen. It may sound odd to suggest through the United Kingdom. We must protect for the that international regulations for the exploration of future, however, and I will go on to explain how that is hydrocarbons would be needed when exploration for being covered by the ISA, how we are dealing with hydrocarbons is not new. Multinational corporations negotiations as we look forward four or five years to are exploiting hydrocarbons all around the world, often mineral exploitation—which is not anticipated yet—and in very deep water, but the point is that when we talk of how we are involved with the ISA in relation to that. the deep sea and “the area”, we talk of the role of the 627 Deep Sea Mining Bill6 SEPTEMBER 2013 Deep Sea Mining Bill 628

[Alistair Burt] Members have asked what penalty would be imposed on a company that operated outside that sphere, and International Seabed Authority in managing the resources. just went rogue and mined. I understand that there So any exploration or exploitation would need to be would then be a question mark over the title to the under those ISA regulations, not national ones. minerals, as a result of which the company would be at Let me deal now with some of the questions raised risk in selling on those minerals or anything else. As far about the Bill, as it would be pertinent to do so now that as we are aware, however, the issue does not arise at I have set out the background, before providing some present. The legislation has encouraged companies to comment on the history of the Bill and why we are operate in accordance with the rules because it is in where we are with it. If I may, I shall discuss the issues their interests to do so. The costs of exploitation of in relation to the hon. Members who raised them. resources in the deep sea are such that a company would not wish to be involved unless it was absolutely sure that I thank the hon. Member for Dumfries and Galloway it would be able to sell on what it had, and that it was for setting out the position of the Opposition and for protected. The legal ramifications of not going through indicating that the Opposition will support the Bill for international regulation would be enormous. the reasons that he set out. He rightly emphasised that policing needed to be done in respect of those who had Jacob Rees-Mogg: Is that also the view of the United applied for, and been successful in gaining, licences. The States Government, or might they be willing to protect need to get on with the job has to be balanced with an American company that had mined and was not concern for the environment. Our intention is closely to party to the convention? scrutinise the activities of contractors. The current contractor is a highly reputable company, and we are satisfied that it will act appropriately. Alistair Burt: Obviously I cannot speak for the United States Government. I am not sure whether they would The ISA has responsibilities, too, in respect of those be able to protect a company based in the United States who apply for licences from it. Reports have to be made under their laws if that company was in breach of the to the ISA, whose legal and technical commission scrutinises international regulation and convention that apply here. them. We are pressing for improvements in the quality However, as I have said, that does not arise at present, of the licences, which will become part of the negotiation; and there are ways of handling the accession of companies we anticipate greater exploitation of these resources. I whose nation states are not party to the convention. shall say a little more about that in a few moments. My hon. Friend the Member for Bury North asked My hon. Friend the Member for Bury North raised a why the 1981 Act was being changed now, and why it series of points. He mentioned the involvement of the was passed at the time. I dealt with that question a European Union, but I am conscious that this is a track moment ago. The atmosphere surrounding the exploration down which it would probably be inadvisable to go or of deep-sea minerals was very different in 1981. Things spend any time; there might be some differences between have moved on since then, and we need to upgrade the him and me on certain elements of the EU. I would like legislation. The Act was passed at a time when early and to give him an absolute assurance, however, that there is rapid exploration was anticipated, but it did not happen, no question of the UK ceding any powers to the EU, so there has been no need to replace that temporary which is represented on the ISA for two reasons. First, a provisions legislation during the intervening years. However, number of states without maritime interests want the market and technological developments now suggest EU to represent them, and secondly, a number of areas that the time is right to amend it, and the Government in the convention on the law of the sea fall within will therefore support the Bill. Community competence. They are listed in a declaration and include issues such as the marine environment, My hon. Friend the Member for Shipley raised questions trade in minerals and fishing, and there is no intention about the prosperity agenda. He asked how we could to go any further. ensure that our determination to enforce environmental controls and licensing did not get in the way of those Questions were raised about a company from a country wishing to become involved in business. Fees are prescribed outside the parties that had committed to the convention— with the consent of the Treasury. I must admit that I do and the United States came up as an obvious example. not have the fees in front of me, but I can assure my How would it go about things if it was prevented from hon. Friend that I will have them in time for the Committee participating? As my hon. Friend the Member for South stage. I can tell him that only two licences have been East Cornwall suggested, it would need to seek a applied for over the years, and I have no reason to sponsorship from a party in a participating state. Such a believe that the fees have posed any difficulty. Indeed, as sponsorship is not lightly handled; the regulations are I said earlier, the company that was most recently covered by the ISA, which has set out in regulation 11 involved in the process thanked the Government and details of a certificate of sponsorship and the exact congratulated them on their help and support. What I connection between a state and company wishing to do know is that the fee for application to the ISA for a apply for registration by using either its own state or licence is some US$500,000. We are not talking about another. applications by companies operating on a small scale. As for the position of the United Kingdom, we have We are talking about big business and serious sums, a contractor that is largely based in the United States which is understandable if the authority is to be allowed but has a subsidiary in the UK which allows it to apply to do its work and ensure that no one makes a frivolous through the UK to the ISA. Companies are not prevented application. from being sponsored by the fact that their nation states As I said, only two licences have been issued In the have not signed the convention, but they will be sponsored United Kingdom under the 1981 Act. We monitor in a way that is properly controlled. carefully the compliance by the contractor with the 629 Deep Sea Mining Bill6 SEPTEMBER 2013 Deep Sea Mining Bill 630 terms of the licence, and we are not aware that any UK to be involved and NGOs are very supportive of company has applied for a licence and been refused, or our engagement. There has been a meeting between had its licence revoked. I can reassure Members who are officials and the WWF in relation to this Bill. I understand worried that there is no evidence that the regime is in it is content with the way we are going about things. A any way putting anyone off. further meeting is promised and we will keep in close touch. Bearing in mind the record of some other states, Mr Nuttall: I mentioned in an intervention that I had the fact that a British Government—of any party—should been interested to hear that an application had been be involved in dealing with these issues should be of granted under the existing legislation. That prompts comfort to international NGOs. We will be fully engaged. this question: if that licence is valid under the existing Let me again deal with the point about section 5 of legislation, why is there a need to change it? Also, will the 1981 Act to which we may return in Committee. My that company have to reapply under the new legislation? note from my colleague says that nobody has suggested before that section 5 is inadequate, and that although Alistair Burt: I doubt it very much. Speaking off the the Act can change the duties imposed on the Secretary top of my head, I imagine there would be a passing-on of State, it is for the ISA to establish environmental provision that would assume that those who had complied standards for applications from other countries. We with the terms of the 1981 Act will be, as it were, have our own standards, but a double lock and a double automatically passported under new legislation. The check are in place. I am happy to go into that in further new legislation will expand the scope of the minerals detail in Committee, making sure that I have got absolutely being sought and cover associated issues. I am sure I up-to-date information on how this has been handled. I can assure my hon. Friend that nothing in relation to am very content with the general reassurance I can give the practical operation of the new legislation would that it is not complacency but experience to date that require what he asks about. leads me to believe that there has not been a challenge. My hon. Friend the Member for Shipley asked how However, we will double check and then see whether the licensing regime in the UK compares with those in there is any need for any increased provision. If there is, other countries. Because of the scale of the issues I am sure that my hon. Friend the Member for South involved here, very few states have any legislation on East Cornwall will be the first person to introduce it. deep-sea mining. We are confident that UK legislation My hon. Friend the Member for Dover (Charlie balances the need to ensure proper control over contractors Elphicke) raised the issue of fracking. As I said at the with the need to avoid having an over-burdensome beginning of my remarks, we are hundreds of miles regulatory regime. away from that; it is not an issue in relation to this Bill My hon. Friend also asked how long it takes to issue and there is no connection with this activity. My hon. licences. We act very quickly. We have worked with Friend the Member for North East Somerset raised contractors to ensure that licenses are issued promptly. issues relating to our companies being disadvantaged The most recent licensee expresses happiness with its compared with US companies, and I believed we have relationship with the Government. covered that. I do not think there is any evidence of that On the ISA, my hon. Friend asked how overlaps are happening, and I hope that we have the balance right avoided. That question reminds me of the situation in between that problem of international regulation and the Klondike, as represented in the 1950s black-and-white the prosperity agenda and the like. B-movies we remember so fondly, when people would I have answered a number of specific questions, but go out and stake the land. Occasionally, I believe, I have not dealt with some key parts of the Bill that I fisticuffs might have been involved if there were disputes. would like to address. Of course, if hon. Members have We have moved on from that, although it is still a further questions, I am happy to take interventions. The first-come, first-served business as the licenses are processed. 1981 Act was passed at a time when the prospects for a The ISA is the stakeholder and once it has granted a United Nations agreement on deep-sea mining were licence for a particular piece of the sea bed, that is it. uncertain. The United Kingdom, along with a number That prevents any overlap. The system ensures there is of other countries, therefore decided to enact its own no problem in terms of competing claims. legislation to enable the Government to license British The hon. Member for Brent North raised some companies to undertake deep-sea mining. That was environmental concerns. We have made it clear that the coupled with a system under which the various other ISA should consult relevant NGOs in developing mining countries that had enacted legislation would reciprocally regulations. That goes to the heart of the issue of where recognise each other’s licences. we go from here. As has been made clear, the expectation The 1981 Act provides for the Secretary of State to is that the licences being sought will be for exploration. issue exploration and exploitation licences, and for licences There is a distinction between exploration and exploitation. issued by reciprocating countries to be recognised. It Exploitation under the wider scope of the legislation is also made provision for the revocation of licences where, not expected in the next four or five years. At present for example, there was a threat to safety or the welfare the ISA is consulting member states about what their of persons, or there was a need to protect the fauna and regulations should be for that mining and exploitation. flora of the deep-sea bed—even then, such issues were a The UK has a crucial role to play in that, given our matter of concern to this House. As we have discussed, history of, and engagement in, environmental protection. the Act also included provision in section 5 to place a We are engaged with the ISA in working through the strong obligation on the Secretary of State, in exercising new regulations that will govern mining. his or her powers, to have regard to the protection of As far as UK-based NGOs are concerned, there is an the marine environment. That is likely to be unchanged understanding that this is going to happen and it will by the new Bill, but I have given a commitment to the not be stopped. Accordingly, it is a good thing for the House that we will take a hard look at whether there is 631 Deep Sea Mining Bill6 SEPTEMBER 2013 Deep Sea Mining Bill 632

[Alistair Burt] of an agreement on the implementation of part XI of the convention in July 1994. Such agreements assisted genuinely any need to consider that further, and we will the UK’s joining the convention. do so. The Government expect any company that we The part XI agreement is particularly pertinent to the sponsor, as well as those sponsored by other states, to Bill. It remedied the major defects of the original convention comply with the highest environmental standards. and, in particular, it addressed the costs to states parties Although certain UK companies were interested in and ensured that they were kept to a reasonable level. It deep-sea mining, in fact no mining was conducted in clarified and streamlined the procedures for the approval accordance with the licences issued under the 1981 Act. of applications to explore for or exploit the mineral The UN convention on the law of the sea was adopted resources of the deep-sea bed. The agreement reduced in 1982, with part XI dealing with deep-sea mining. the possibility for the so-called Enterprise, an international However, the United Kingdom, again in the company organisation composed of states parties, to participate of a number of our allies, did not find those provisions in exploitation or exploration. It emphasised that decision acceptable. We did not believe that they were conducive making in the authority should normally be by consensus. to encouraging commercial companies to engage in It resolved satisfactorily the problem of how to ensure deep-sea mining. We therefore did not become a party equitable representation of all states in the council, to the convention at that time, even though most of the including the industrialised and developing states, as other provisions were acceptable and, indeed, welcome, well as the consumers of metals and land-based producers. to us. The agreement ensured that any transfer of technology I should add that I very much endorse what my hon. to developing countries should be by agreement. It also Friend the Member for South East Cornwall said about stated that the development of the resources of the area the importance of the convention; it has rightly been should take place in accordance with sound commercial called the “constitution of the oceans”. The United principles. It emphasised that the system of payments Kingdom is a strong supporter of the convention, which to the authority should be fair to both the contractors we believe, overall, provides an appropriate balance and to the authority and established a finance committee, between the rights of the various users of the seas. As a on which the United Kingdom has a member, which maritime nation, it is especially important to the United has a key role in scrutinising the finances of the authority. Kingdom that the international rules on the law of the sea should be clear and fair. A number of colleagues The adoption of the part XI agreement paved the have mentioned that our good friend—and our closest way for the United Kingdom to become a party to the or oldest ally, whichever is the current term—the United convention in July 1997. When the UK became a party States has not yet ratified the convention. I know that to the convention, we considered whether the 1981 Act the Administration in Washington have expressed an was sufficient to enable us to comply with our obligations eager desire to do so, and we wish them well with the under the convention. At the time it was concluded that endeavour. We look forward to their participation in the it did—although, as I think it is fair to say, only just. convention and, in particular, to their playing a full role Obviously the intention behind the 1981 Act was not to in the ISA. implement the convention, which had not even been adopted when the Act was enacted, but the essential Jacob Rees-Mogg: I am grateful to the Minister for elements were thought to be sufficient. In particular, as giving way. Under the treaty of Windsor of 1386, our we have seen, the Act provided for the issue of licences oldest ally is Portugal. to prospective contractors and we are satisfied that that gives the United Kingdom sufficient powers in relation to such contractors to comply with the requirements of Alistair Burt: This is a fact never lost on the Foreign the convention, particularly that the sponsoring state and Commonwealth Office. I also have in my room at should have effective control over its contractors. the FCO a copy of a treaty with Algeria that dates back many centuries; we have such treaties scattered around The International Seabed Authority is the body that the place. There are many claims to be our oldest ally under the convention is responsible for regulating deep-sea and we can be quite sure that the facts would prevent mining. It has its seat in Kingston, Jamaica. The House the United States from claiming that. For the avoidance will be aware of the extent of my portfolio in the of any doubt, however, let me make it clear how close FCO—Iraq, Iran and various countries throughout and warm our relationship is with the United States the middle east—so I hope it will not mind if I apply to across the board. Environmental protection and the law the Foreign Secretary to suggest that it might be necessary of the sea is another area where the House can expect for me to visit the ISA in Kingston, Jamaica at some the warmest and closest engagement between us and the point, with, of course, an appropriate delegation including US. We look forward to the US’s playing a full role in Members of the Opposition, to ascertain that the proposals the International Seabed Authority. made by my hon. Friend the Member for South East Cornwall in her Bill will be accepted by the authority. As I have said, the UK, in common with other With the permission of the House, I will make that industrialised countries, did not feel able to participate request to the Foreign Secretary. However, that is a in the original convention because of the terms of part digression. XI. There was a general recognition that it was unsatisfactory for the industrialised countries to remain outside the convention. So in 1990 the then Secretary- Barry Gardiner: Will the Minister give way? General of the United Nations, Mr Perez de Cuellar, convened informal consultations, which continued for several years. The UK played a key role and the result Alistair Burt: Of course, and I will check on the was the adoption by the United Nations General Assembly tickets before we go. 633 Deep Sea Mining Bill6 SEPTEMBER 2013 Deep Sea Mining Bill 634

Barry Gardiner: Just to correct the impression that So not only is there a pledge on behalf of the United may have been given to the House by the hon. Member Kingdom Government, and accordingly we can be held for North East Somerset (Jacob Rees-Mogg), the treaty to that, but there is a recognition, because it is a narrow of Windsor in 1386 was of course a treaty between field and people know one another, of the importance Portugal and England, and as so often with the hon. of it personally to those involved. I say that simply to Gentleman, the key is, who is the— give a sense of how seriously environmental protection is taken; the House need not be worried that it is glossed Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Lindsay Hoyle): Order. I over in any way. think the hon. Gentleman is testing the patience of the The standard clauses for exploration contracts granted Chamber a little bit, and I will be quite honest with him. by the ISA are also covered by published documents, We have had a lot of long interventions, and the last which set out what environmental monitoring is necessary. thing I want to get into is a history lesson from either Those documents are available. We might talk to the side of the House, because other Bills want to get a Library about making any of these documents available hearing, and I am sure he has an interest in those as before the Committee, so that Members will see what well. the ISA says, what we say, and so on. I hope that that will help. Alistair Burt: Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. The procedures for handling applications to explore Having made the sponsored application, the applicant for minerals on the deep sea bed are set out in the makes a presentation to the legal and technical commission regulations adopted by the authority—one set for each of the authority. As I have said, in the case of applications type of minerals, polymetallic nodules, polymetallic sponsored by the United Kingdom, the Government sulphides and cobalt-rich crusts. The applicant makes send representatives to speak during the presentations an application to the authority, and pays the fee of in the legal and technical commission, to demonstrate $500,000. But as we have indicated, there is a certificate not only our support for the applications but the of sponsorship from the state party concerned; it is responsibility that we take as a Government for them. I stipulated in the convention that all applications must hope that is reassuring. After approval by the legal and be sponsored by a state party. technical commission, the applications are forwarded to the council. Because of the concerns voiced about environmental protection, I have taken the liberty of obtaining a copy We were very pleased that the first application sponsored of the two applications for licences that we have made by the UK was successfully approved by the International under that sponsorship. The House will be pleased to Seabed Authority in 2012, and that the contract between know that in both, the issue of environmental standards the British company and the authority was signed earlier is put forward by a representative of the United Kingdom, this year. The second application was put to the legal who makes the application on behalf of the company and technical commission this year, although, being sponsored. So environmental protection is at the disappointingly, it was not approved by the commission heart of the application that is made by the United because of lack of time. We hope, however, that the Kingdom when sponsorship applications are made. application will be approved by the commission next year. We are convinced that it is a first-class application. Mr Russell Brown: For clarity, would the Minister be prepared to put copies of those documents in the Library I would like to pay tribute to the staff of the International for other Members to inspect, should they wish? Seabed Authority, particularly its Secretary General, Mr Odunton of Ghana, and his deputy, Michael Lodge, who is British. We have found them knowledgeable and Alistair Burt: I do not know yet, because these are helpful, and we have enjoyed a fruitful working relationship applications relating to commercial companies. I will with them over many years. check. My understanding is that when the application is made to the ISA, there is a nomination process which is My hon. Friend the Member for South East Cornwall led by a speech or a recommendation by the representative rightly referred to an event in March this year to mark of the sponsoring state, to explain that it backs the the signing of an exploration contract granted by the application. So the document relates to a specific company. International Seabed Authority to a UK-registered I genuinely do not know whether these are public company. That licence, for the exploration of polymetallic documents. If they are, I do not think there would be nodules, is in an area of the mid-Pacific ocean at depths any problem, but I must check. of around 4 km below sea level. The Minister for However, I do not think there would be any problem Universities and Science, my right hon. Friend the in my reading out the appropriate section in one of the Member for Havant (Mr Willetts), who spoke at the applications. It states: event, called the new venture a “As was made plain last year—and indeed the United Kingdom “huge vote of confidence in the UK”, has said on a number of occasions in the Assembly and the Council—the United Kingdom is committed to ensuring the and declared that we have the skills and technology to highest environmental standards for companies which it sponsors make it a success. As a number of colleagues have said, under Part XI.” we want the United Kingdom to be a world leader in Again, our experts have looked at the application by this regard. He talked of how the decision to grant a this particular company and are entirely satisfied that licence reflected British technological strengths in areas the company will be applying the highest environmental such as marine engineering and marine science, and standards. I know from my personal contacts with the how it would give British companies and British scientists company that they feel equally strongly about the need the opportunity to undertake groundbreaking work in to do so. fields such as deep sea biology. 635 Deep Sea Mining Bill6 SEPTEMBER 2013 Deep Sea Mining Bill 636

[Alistair Burt] The International Seabed Authority developed regulations for the exploration of polymetallic nodules The 1981 Act was sufficient to do the job—to ensure some 10 years ago. To date it has issued 13 contracts the UK Government had sufficient jurisdiction and and is in the process of issuing more. They are all for control over the UK company in order for it to sponsor areas in the Clarion-Clipperton fracture zone in the its first application in 2012. Now we want to ensure that equatorial north Pacific ocean, except for one in the British companies are able to take up the opportunities central Indian basin of the Indian ocean. Exploration available to explore for different mineral types—the regulations for polymetallic sulphides were agreed in point made by the hon. Member for Brent North—namely the past few years, with the authority issuing contracts polymetallic sulphides and cobalt-rich crusts, and we to China, Russia, Korea and France, and cobalt-rich want to ensure that we are fully compliant with UNCLOS. crust regulations were only agreed in 2012, since when The Bill is really about the balance between commercial there have been only a couple of applications. companies’ need to find the resources that the world Of the total of 23 contracts awarded or pending, over seeks and environmental protection. It is also about half were submitted in the past few years. That gives an saying, “The United Kingdom is open for business in indication of how the pace of interest and demand has this sphere.” We can say to any company that seeks the changed, which is another reason why my hon. Friend United Kingdom’s sponsorship of an application for the Member for South East Cornwall has proposed this polymetallic sulphides or cobalt-rich crusts, “Yes, we Bill at this stage and why it is important to support it can sponsor your application.” But at present, without and make progress. this Bill, because of the changes in technology, if they At this year’s annual meeting, the ISA’s council discussed were applying for minerals outside the scope of the a paper on the process towards development of a regulatory legislation, we would have to turn such companies away. framework for the exploitation of polymetallic nodules. That is why the change is necessary. The Government As I have said, so far the activity in relation to deep-sea simply do not believe that that would be the correct mining has been confined to exploration, but the time position for our country to be in. At its heart, the Bill is for exploitation—that is, mining—is coming. I know designed to enable the United Kingdom to take advantage that the secretariat to the authority is acutely aware of of the opportunities that this new, emerging and very the challenges that will be posed by the development of exciting technology offers us. regulations for the exploitation of polymetallic nodules. As we have discussed this morning, the Bill is quite a It has, therefore, sensibly engaged a well-respected team technical measure, with all the substantive amendments of consultants to look at the issues. I have here a copy of to the 1981 Act being set out in a schedule to the Bill. I the consultants’ report, which is on the authority’s could say a good deal about each of the amendments, website. It sets out clearly and carefully the issues with but that might stretch the patience of the House, so I which the authority will have to grapple. It is entitled, will not go through them in any great detail. We have “Towards the Development of a Regulatory Framework covered a lot in the interventions and discussions that for Polymetallic Nodule Exploitation in the Area”, and we have had. The point to make is that the Act is being I commend it to the House and to colleagues who have brought up to date in relation to the sort of minerals expressed their interest in the affair today. that are now available for exploitation and in relation to It is worth reiterating two points that the UK made changes in the law. It deals with some of the technical clear in our statement. First, we emphasised that aspects relating to Scotland and other jurisdictions, but polymetallic nodule exploitation must be conducted in it keeps at its heart the need to balance commercial accordance with the highest environmental standards. opportunity with environmental protection, which has Secondly—I believe we were alone in the states that already proved to be successful. But none of us is naive, spoke to make this point—we called for full engagement and none of us can forget that there are states that with all stakeholders, including contractors, technology operate differently. Without being absolutely certain providers and non-governmental organisations, in the that international regulation will follow the sort of development of a regulatory regime. I hope that that is intentions that we in this House would have, the of interest to the House and its needs. Government will not be happy. In our dealings with the I repeat those points because they are essential and lie ISA, we will look to ensure that that works its way at the heart of our approach. It is only by working through. together to develop a regime that we will be able to strike the right balance between protecting the environment The amendments in the schedule refer to changing and encouraging commercial enterprises. Stakeholders definitions of the minerals to be exploited, appropriate need to pool their knowledge and expertise, including dates for corresponding contracts with the ISA, the that in the economics of deep-sea mining, the technology tightening up of the licences, and ensuring that reciprocal available and the biology of the environment involved, recognition is brought up to date. They provide for in order to begin to understand the full picture and important work to be done to arbitrate disputes and reach the best solutions. We see environmental NGOs deal with the international tribunal for the law of the as important contributors in that process. Officials already sea and to ensure that it is relevant in relation to this engage with NGOs at authority meetings. I had a work. They remove redundant terms and bodies and meeting with officials in advance of this Second Reading ensure that the terms used in the Act are up to date. debate and have promised more consultations in advance As we have heard, despite the Bill’s title and the 1981 of future meetings. We see this as an ongoing collaboration. Act, no mining or exploitation has been conducted in The Government believe that, given the advances in the deep sea by a UK company or any other company. technology, a likely increase in future demand for mineral Even with the most optimistic outlook, this is probably resources and a steady if not increasing cost for those five years off for polymetallic nodules and longer for resources, deep sea-bed mining is inevitable. It is a other mineral types. question of when, not if. In other words, deep-sea 637 Deep Sea Mining Bill6 SEPTEMBER 2013 Deep Sea Mining Bill 638 mining is going to happen and we could not stop it even will be aware that Mr Speaker ruled in 2006 that any if we wanted to. The fact that companies have started to confidential papers that are referred to ought to be take up exploration licences from the ISA when previously placed in the Library with the confidential information they were the domain of research institutes is a sign of a removed. Will that practice be followed today? new phase in development. A UK-registered company is one of those that have taken up a licence and it is our Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Lindsay Hoyle): That is clear intention to be at the forefront of this emerging obviously a matter for the Minister, but as the hon. industry. It is important that the UK should be in that Gentleman is going off a previous ruling, I am sure the position. This is an opportunity for us to ensure that Minister will take it on board. our values, particularly in the protection of the environment, should be taken into account. Alistair Burt indicated assent. We believe that this Bill, modest though it is in some ways, is a crucial stepping stone in ensuring that the United Kingdom can be in the right place to influence 1.21 pm developments. We believe that, as a responsible sponsoring and licensing state, we will be able to fulfil our obligations Sheryll Murray: The explanatory notes that accompany to ensure that the highest environmental standards are my Bill state that a copy of the impact assessment will adopted and applied by our licensees in the work that be available in the Vote Office. I understand that it is they carry out. I can also assure the House that we will not, but I will ask that it be made available to interested make use of our leadership role as a sponsoring state to Members before the Committee. try to ensure that the best possible practices are adopted I thank hon. Members on both sides of the House for when the ISA develops a regulatory regime for mining. their support for the Bill today. My hon. Friend the In conclusion, the Government believe that the Bill Member for Worthing West (Sir Peter Bottomley) brings will signal our support for and readiness to uphold a lot of experience, because he sat in the House during UNCLOS, provide leadership in calling for and upholding the passage of the 1981 Act. I thank my hon. Friends the highest possible environmental standards, and ensure the Members for Bury North (Mr Nuttall), for Shipley that the UK aims to make the most of the opportunities (Philip Davies), for North East Somerset (Jacob Rees-Mogg) offered by this increasingly important industry. I cannot and for Dover (Charlie Elphicke), who all made valuable commend the House enough for the attention it has contributions. I also welcome the contributions from paid to my hon. Friend the Member for South East the hon. Members for Brent North (Barry Gardiner) Cornwall’s Bill and I cannot commend her enough for and for Dumfries and Galloway (Mr Brown). In particular, proposing it. I look forward to taking it further with the I thank my hon. Friend the Minister for all the support consent of the House, with the intention of maintaining he has given in ensuring that the Bill reached this stage. the balance we have all strived to achieve in the past few I hope the House will support the Bill, so that it can years. move to Committee. Jacob Rees-Mogg: On a point of order, Mr Deputy Question put and agreed to. Speaker. The Minister referred to placing papers that Bill accordingly read a Second time; to stand committed contain confidential information in the Library. You to a Public Bill Committee (Standing Order No. 63). 639 6 SEPTEMBER 2013 UK Corporate and Individual Tax 640 and Financial Transparency Bill United Kingdom Corporate and Individual rather like the lobbying Bill that is currently before the Tax and Financial Transparency Bill House—the Government are extremely keen to be seen to be doing something, but they have no intention Second Reading whatever of actually doing much. If we are really serious about tackling tax avoidance and the financial opacity 1.23 pm of our tax system, a more robust approach is needed. That is what my Bill is intended to offer. Mr Michael Meacher (Oldham West and Royton) (Lab): I beg to move, That the Bill be now read a The Bill was drafted by Richard Murphy, who is the Second time. founder and director of Tax Research UK and, I think everyone will agree, one of this country’s foremost tax At the outset, I want to say that this is the only time I accountants. I am extremely grateful to him, as I believe can remember witnessing a Government Front-Bench the whole House should be. spokesperson engaging in a time-wasting filibuster on the scale we have seen today. It was an abuse of the There are two drivers behind the Bill. One is the House. The Deep Sea Mining Bill is widely regarded as demand for fairness and social justice. The country is in a Government hand-out Bill and yet the Minister took the middle of a deep economic recession caused by the more than an hour over it—two or three times longer bankers, yet the Government have imposed on the than he would have taken over a Government Bill. The victims the liability for meeting the ensuing very high practice needs to be stopped. national debt and budget deficit.

Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Lindsay Hoyle): Order. May Mr Nuttall: Will the right hon. Gentleman give way? I say to the right hon. Gentleman that I did stop the Minister at the beginning of his speech over time-wasting? Mr Meacher: No, I am not going to give way. The The right hon. Gentleman may remember that I interrupted hon. Gentleman was one of those who engaged in the the Minister to suggest that he moved on to the subject filibuster, and I am not giving him any more time. at hand. The Chair did its job. The right hon. Gentleman is in danger of questioning the Chair if he is not careful. By and large, those victims are the poorer and poorest households, which bear no responsibility whatever for Sunday Times Mr Meacher: I was not in any way referring to you, the crash five years ago. According to the Mr Deputy Speaker; I was saying that the regulations rich list, the wealthiest 1,000 persons in the UK—just and procedures of the House need to be examined in a 0.003% of the adult population—have increased their way that prevents an abuse of that kind. gains by a staggering £190 billion since the crash. Most of that has now been squirreled away in tax havens, hidden behind nominee shareholdings or secreted in Mr David Nuttall (Bury North) (Con): Will the right opaque trusts. Frankly, that is utterly intolerable. It is hon. Gentleman give way? high time that the very richest people in this country made a fair contribution to resolving the financial Mr Meacher: No, I am not going to give way. crisis. The Bill would help them to do so. Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Lindsay Hoyle): Order. I will The second driver behind the Bill is sheer, plain, help both Members. We are not going to carry on in this down-to-earth, honest-to-God common sense, if I can vein. I want to hear about Mr Meacher’s Bill, and I am put it like that. My right hon. Friend the Member for sure he wishes to get on with it. I want to hear about its Edinburgh South West (Mr Darling), the last Labour content. Chancellor, reduced the budget deficit by about a third by the end of 2010 through his stimulatory measures, Mr Meacher: I am entirely of the same mind, Mr Deputy but it has now been stuck at about £120 billion after Speaker. flatlining for most of the past three years. Tax avoidance and financial transparency, or perhaps The current Chancellor has, through his enormous I should say the lack of financial transparency, have of expenditure and benefits cuts, persistently squeezed virtually course been high on the Government agenda for the every last drop of demand out of the economy. That is a past two years. They even led Prime Minister to make counter-intuitive and self-destructive policy if ever there tax transparency and trade his central international was one, because it has plainly not reduced the deficit, focus at the G8 at Lough Erne in June. However, having but extended austerity indefinitely. A policy that will marched his troops up the hill, rather like the Grand reduce the deficit significantly is patently needed. The Old Duke of York, the Prime Minister has since proceeded obvious way to do that is to take public sector-driven to march them down again. Rather little of significance— stimulatory measures to kick-start real growth, but as that is being generous—has happened on the tax and the Chancellor has a fetish for cutting and is adamantly transparency front since then. opposed to giving the public sector any role in promoting At the G8, the UK published an action plan on growth, I submit that my Bill is the next best option. tackling some of the issues involved, but it is not unfair First, following the revelations of which we have to say that it was decidedly modest in its ambition. The heard repeatedly in the past few months of colossal tax same can certainly be said of the scope of the subsequently scams perpetrated by US multinationals Starbucks, Apple, announced consultation on disclosing the beneficial Facebook and Amazon—I recognise that those scams ownership of companies. The Government have, of are more or less exactly the same as those perpetrated course, published the general anti-abuse rule, but as has by a great many UK multinationals—the Bill proposes often been said, it will cover only the most egregious that the tax details and implied tax liabilities of both the forms of tax abuse and is consequently in danger of wealthiest individuals and the biggest corporations are appearing to legitimise lesser forms. The GAAR is made public, and that the beneficial owners of companies 641 UK Corporate and Individual Tax 6 SEPTEMBER 2013 UK Corporate and Individual Tax 642 and Financial Transparency Bill and Financial Transparency Bill who hide behind nominee shareholdings are also made would also have to supply the information to HMRC, known. That has repeatedly been discussed but never which would then be required to demand a tax return done. My Bill proposes that it should now happen. The from any company with a bank account. tax enforcement that will result from what is revealed The sanctions—and sanctions are the only thing that will raise tens of billions of pounds for the Exchequer will make the legislation work—for failing to supply and significantly deplete the deficit and interest payments any information demanded from the company by on the debt. Therefore, the Bill tackles the extreme Companies House or HMRC would be either the removal opacity in the tax affairs of both the largest companies of limited liability status or making directors and beneficial and the wealthiest individuals in the UK by requiring owners liable for the debts. Under the Bill’s provisions, that the tax returns of the top 250 in each group are put HMRC would also be granted the power to access the on public record. company’s bank account data, so that estimated tax Four criteria are used to define the 250 largest companies, assessments could be raised if the company refused to starting with the FTSE 100. The Bill will ensure that supply accounts. Again, the directors and beneficial other companies with substantial sales, profits and numbers owners would be held responsible and would have to of employees are also required to disclose. As a result of pay the consequential tax. my Bill, companies that seek to avoid UK corporation In order to avoid an obvious loophole, the requirement tax but that still have a significant undertaking in this for a company to have information on its beneficial country will, for the first time, be required to disclose ownership and its accounts on public record—on its the full range of their tax dispositions. On individuals own website, or wherever—would be extended to the of highest net worth—to use the commonly used phrase— tax havens in Britain’s Crown dependencies and overseas the Bill will reveal how income is commonly shifted into territories, although of course only if the company in capital gains, and in turn reduced by allowances and question had a beneficial owner outside that territory. relief. In respect of both companies and individuals, the Finally, the Bill deals with the question of trusts and data will enable the tax abuse that, according to Her would require that they, too, declare the true identity of Majesty’s Revenue and Customs and Treasury data, their settler, the trustees and beneficiaries to HMRC. If costs this country at least £35 billion a year, to be they do not, the sanction would be that the trust property effectively addressed for the first time. would pass to the Crown. Trust data will also be placed Secondly, multinational corporations have, as hon. on public record, but only in the case of those with Members know, hidden their activities behind complex significant assets or income, and those that control and often secret corporate networks that conceal their companies—I am not worried about trusts that are tax liability—the networks are set up to do that—especially relatively trivial in their economic impact. Those measures if a subsidiary is incorporated in a tax haven. The Bill are necessary to enforce the requirements. The information requires any multinational corporation to publish the has always been available to the Government, but under accounts of all its subsidiaries on public record. both parties there has been an unwillingness to use the measures that are patently available to ensure that tax is Thirdly, the Bill requires that companies identify paid in accordance with what Parliament has determined. their beneficial owners and pass the details to Companies It is no exaggeration to say that the effect of these House. That is important because the registered legal measures on the UK system’s capability would be nothing owners can easily disguise who is behind a company, less than transformational. We have repeatedly been and thus present an entirely false view of its structure. shocked by multinational corporations and their armies For example, many quoted companies list only some of of City lawyers and accountants regularly running rings their shares on the stock exchange; the rest are in around the UK tax authorities—sometimes, one might beneficial ownership. Limited liability partnerships are think, with the apparent complicity of Government—but widely used for tax abuse, because members of an LLP that is not inevitable or irreversible. My Bill will redress are taxed, but not the partnership itself. If the details of a massive injustice in tax burdens, put a stop to enormous ownership are known and put on the public record, the tax abuse by large companies which has persisted for far tax liabilities can be correctly assessed. Unlimited companies too long and make a huge contribution to reducing the are almost routinely inserted into major corporation budget deficit. I commend it to the House. group structures in order to disguise ownership or control, often in ways that are designed to mislead about the true nature of transactions being undertaken. 1.40 pm Obviously, foreign branches must be included if an Jacob Rees-Mogg (North East Somerset) (Con): It is enormous loophole is not to be created in the disclosure a pleasure to follow the right hon. Member for Oldham of beneficial ownership. West and Royton (Mr Meacher), partly because I disagree I would be the first to recognise that to presume that with almost everything he has said, but also because it is a company bent on tax avoidance or other dishonest rather refreshing that Opposition Members are willing purposes will necessarily comply with its obligation to to say it. Most of them hide their true socialist credentials, disclose its beneficial owners is, frankly, naive. The Bill but the right hon. Gentleman is a socialist red in tooth would therefore also place a new obligation on UK and claw. That is admirable, because it gives us on the banks to report the information they collect on their Conservative Benches something to get our teeth into limited company clients under money-laundering and oppose. regulations, including the real trading address of a I disagreed with the right hon. Gentleman from the company, who its directors and beneficial owners really very outset of his speech. I disagree with the way he are, and where they are located. The banks would be examined the financial crisis and the blame he places. required to submit that information to Companies House, He puts it exclusively on the bankers, but it is not as which would then be required to publish it. The banks simple as that. It takes two to tango—not, I must 643 UK Corporate and Individual Tax 6 SEPTEMBER 2013 UK Corporate and Individual Tax 644 and Financial Transparency Bill and Financial Transparency Bill [Jacob Rees-Mogg] on the taxation side as was possible was undertaken by the Government, but had they gone as far as the right confess, something I do very often, if ever. The crisis hon. Gentleman proposes, any prospect of economic needed people and institutions to borrow the money recovery would have been postponed. The tightening that the bankers were lending. It needed the regulatory would have been too great, which would have harmed system that was set up by the last Government, which the economy. It would have taken money out of the took the Bank of England out of regulating the banks. economy simply to put it into the Government’s coffers. That would have led to a shrinkage of the economy, not Sheila Gilmore (Edinburgh East) (Lab): In criticising least because people would have changed their affairs so the lack of regulation, is the hon. Gentleman suggesting as not to pay that extra burden of taxation. that his party leader was wrong to say in opposition that there should be less regulation? Philip Davies: Did not that intervention from the right hon. Member for Oldham West and Royton Jacob Rees-Mogg: That is a complete non-sequitur. (Mr Meacher) go to the heart of the difference between The issue is bad regulation, not too much or too little. It his views and ours? His view was that the Government is perfectly logical to argue that there was too much bad would create all those jobs, whereas it is our view that regulation prior to the financial crisis and not simply the private sector companies that he so hates will create think that we need more to solve the problem. I would those jobs for the economy. argue that the Governor’s eyebrow is not something that can be regulated particularly effectively. No Act of Jacob Rees-Mogg: My hon. Friend is absolutely right. Parliament, powerful though Acts of Parliament are, It is certainly my view—I accept that it is not the view of can determine how the Governor should raise his eyebrows the right hon. Member for Oldham West and Royton—that or not; on the other hand, that was an effective way of it is the private sector that creates employment. Every regulating banking and ensuring that banks did not job in the public sector has to be paid for by the taxes of become overextended. Ticking boxes to comply with the private sector. The public sector has no ability to regulation often ensures that people obey the detail of create jobs without imposing a burden of taxation it, but get away from the spirit. That is certainly what either now or in the future. I shall not go into the details happened with some of the bank capital regulations of Ricardian equivalence, but the electorate understand prior to the financial crisis and some of the behaviour that extra spending that is borrowed is merely taxation of financial institutions, which followed the letter of the postponed. law but got into a great deal of trouble. It was not that there was too much or too little regulation; it was that Mr Meacher: In the depths of a recession, the private there was bad regulation. sector will not take this country or any other country I disagree with the right hon. Member for Oldham out of that recession. There is £775 billion in corporate West and Royton on his understanding of the crisis, but cash stockpiles in this country that is not being used. I disagree with him even more firmly on the Government’s The problem is a lack of demand. The only way to approach to solving it. Getting the public finances back insert demand into the economy is, initially, through a into good order is the essential foundation for an economic public sector-driven promotion of stimulatory measures. recovery. The idea that the situation could have been Only when the economy starts to rise will the private improved by spending more each year in deficit, when sector take off. tax revenues were low and the economy was weak, than we had ever spent in peacetime, is absurd. It would have Jacob Rees-Mogg: Once again, I do not agree with just put us into a debt spiral. The United Kingdom’s the right hon. Gentleman’s assertion. Placing an extra credit would have declined and we would have been tax burden on the private sector during the lowest point unable to finance our annual deficit and our cumulative in a downturn will make that downturn even worse. The debt. cash that has been built up by the private sector is waiting to encourage the recovery as it begins and as the Mr Meacher: I was not proposing any increase in private sector begins to recover. At that point, people public expenditure at all. The whole point of my Bill is become more confident because they have kept their that raising money from the extremely wealthy individuals own money, rather than it having being taken by the of this country, and possibly also some corporations, Government. would provide the money to generate probably 1 million or 2 million jobs within a couple of years. That would Mr Nuttall: Does my hon. Friend agree that, contrary lead to a far bigger reduction in the deficit than anything to what has been said, it is the private sector that is the Government have done or just concentrating on leading the way in this recovery? The fact is that the cutting expenditure. private sector has created 1.3 million new jobs since the Jacob Rees-Mogg: The Government had a fiscal last election. tightening and a plan for increasing taxation—which has come through—that forecast taxation going up to Jacob Rees-Mogg: I am very glad that my hon. Friend over 38% of GDP.Taxation at 38% of GDP is about the has put it in that way. Sometimes, the Government highest level that Governments ever achieve. If we go claim that they have created 1.3 million private sector back to Harold Wilson’s prime ministership, we still jobs, and that is a turn of phrase that I particularly find that it is almost impossible to get taxation at much dislike. It is not the Government who have done it; it is more than 38% of GDP. The issue was that spending the private sector. was so high, not that taxation was too low. The ability I am particularly enjoying discussing the right hon. to squeeze imaginary rich people to get a lot of money Gentleman’s Bill. It is sometimes alleged that politics coming in was simply not there. Such fiscal tightening has all become too similar and that all the parties agree. 645 UK Corporate and Individual Tax 6 SEPTEMBER 2013 UK Corporate and Individual Tax 646 and Financial Transparency Bill and Financial Transparency Bill That might be true of those on our Front Benches, but continent, but they allow many protections to be built there are still some of us on the Back Benches who are into ownership. Trusts allow the protection of minors in willing to put forward in a more forthright way the how they are structured and they allow continuity in the views that we hold according to our respective political holding of assets, including allowing some of this country’s traditions. That certainly makes the debate in the Chamber great historic treasures to be kept within the country more interesting. through the trust structure of ownership. Putting unduly Having set out my broad-brush objection in principle onerous charges on them and requirements to report to what the right hon. Gentleman has proposed, I want would, I think, be unreasonable. to move on to the details of the Bill. And here it gets Looking at the detail, the idea is that, if trusts do not worse. The Bill is an astonishing, fundamental attack meet the requirements, their income should go to the on some of the basic principles that we ought to enjoy. Crown. That is what happened in the Court of Wards in As a taxpayer—I am sad to say that I am not in the top the 17th century. It was one of the things that caused 250, although I would not mind if I were—I have a right such trouble between Parliament and the King because to privacy. The Government do not have a right to the Crown was able to take the estates of minors and publish my financial information; that is my private, effectively ruin them during the minority of the beneficiary. confidential affair. I am not advocating tax evasion, We moved away from that type of arbitrary rule of which is a criminal activity. It is quite right that it giving power to the Crown—in this context, it is not a should be criminal, and the Government should enforce personal Crown; the Crown is the Executive—to do those laws. However, the prevention of that crime does things such as take funds from private property, not in not require the Government to deny people their the form of tax, but in a regulatory way, squeezing fundamental right to privacy. income for a certain period until onerous requirements People’s most personal and intimate financial details, are met. as set out in their tax return, should not be made I think that would be an extraordinarily unsatisfactory available to all and sundry, and it is quite right that the way of proceeding. It would undermine the right of tax authorities should maintain vigorous rules of property—again a fundamental right that we ought to confidentiality, even when appearing before Select enjoy. Going back to the Magna Carta, the Crown Committees of the House of Commons. It is a right cannot take property away from people unless there is a that we all enjoy as British subjects that our financial judgment—a judgment in a court—against them; it affairs are a private matter. Yes, we have to pay a degree cannot be done on the basis of some failure to meet of taxation and, yes, we have to make declarations to some bureaucratic standard. This seems to me to illustrate the Revenue, but we do so on the understanding that where the Conservative, a believer in the rights of property they will be kept confidential. Once this begins with the and a believer in the individual, stands up against the top 250, the next stage will be the top 1,000 and it will socialist, a believer in the collective and the rights of the develop further so that nobody has the right to maintain collective to override the rights of property. I stand privacy of their own financial affairs. I thus oppose this four-square in favour of the rights of property and provision very strongly. four-square, too, in favour of the rights of the Crown I oppose less strongly the requirements for disclosure dependencies, by and large, to regulate their own affairs. by public companies because they have exchanged a right to privacy in return for limited liability, so they are The Bill is again onerous in what it requires to be expected to make disclosure and are obliged to do so to done, by Order in Council, for territories that, by and their shareholders. Clause 1 deals with “Disclosure of large, are no longer treated as mere colonies. The Crown financial information by large companies” and from the dependencies are allowed to develop and run their own perspective of a shareholder as an investor, I believe affairs and have their own elective councils to take that I am entitled to such information anyway; and with charge of those affairs. The Bill is a throwback to how large public companies, the shareholder list is so extensive this country behaved in the 19th century when we felt that, once that information is given to shareholders, it is we had a greater right to order about the non-dominions— effectively in the public domain. with dominions starting, first with Canada, in the latter I add at this point that my background and career part of the 19th century. We seem to be taking the have been in investment management, so I know that Crown dependencies back to a period before dominion the more information we get from listed companies, the status started to be granted. I consider that to be easier it is to do the job of an investment manager and undemocratic, and unfair on them. It attacks their the better the investments it is possible to make. Perhaps fundamental livelihoods, namely, their ability to provide inadvertently, then, the right hon. Gentleman will help financial services and a degree of confidentiality at the the investment community in that, if clause 1 were same time. introduced, financial analysts in the City of London There is a fundamental disagreement—and I am not would practically be dancing with joy at their ability to entirely of the Government’s view either—about the find out every single financial statement of large private attempt to elide tax avoidance and tax evasion. It is very companies. It might be quite helpful in stopping them important to be clear about the difference between the from hiding unwelcome, loss-making subsidiaries two. Tax evasion is criminal, illegal deliberate breaking somewhere at the bottom of the balance sheet, tucking of the tax law; tax avoidance is following the law as it is them away under a contingent liability. Because this is written. It seems to me that, when people are being essentially dealing with already public companies, I accused of avoiding tax, it is the job of Parliament to would make no objection to the clause, but I would pass good laws that make that avoidance difficult, and maintain the privacy of individuals—and of trusts. to make the tax collectible by Act of Parliament, rather I do not think that trusts should be attacked in this than turning the position the other way round and way. Trusts are, in fact, one of the glories of the British saying “We are not very good at writing tax law, and legal system. They are much less understood on the therefore we will make you disclose absolutely everything 647 UK Corporate and Individual Tax 6 SEPTEMBER 2013 UK Corporate and Individual Tax 648 and Financial Transparency Bill and Financial Transparency Bill [Jacob Rees-Mogg] free is tax avoidance, a form of tax avoidance that some of us rather enjoy when we have been a bit further afield so that, ex post facto, we can determine how much tax than the European Union. Pension funds are tax avoidance. we think you ought to have paid.” That strikes me as Individual savings accounts are tax avoidance. All those fundamentally unjust. elements of tax avoidance are elements of which the It has been a solid principle of British law for decades Government approve. It is, I think, unreasonable to say formally, but for centuries effectively, that the individual that people should arrange their affairs so as not to take taxpayer does not have to arrange his affairs so as to advantage of legitimate tax avoidance that is in the increase the amount of tax that the Revenue is entitled legislation—and who is then to decide whether the tax to take. It is an important part of justice that the law avoidance provided by pension contributions is legitimate should be clear, and should be enforced fairly. or the tax avoidance provided by some business start-up scheme has suddenly become illegitimate? It is the law Philip Davies (Shipley) (Con): I entirely agree with that should be deciding these things, and the best way to my hon. Friend. It seems bizarre that people should be solve the problem is not by denying people the right to criticised for following the law of the land. privacy, not by confiscating their property, not by excessive and onerous burdens on the taxpayer, but by having a The Government have introduced a new concept, much simpler and clearer tax system without the that of “aggressive tax avoidance”. Given my hon. Government giving all sorts of incentives to do one Friend’s expertise, I wonder whether he can explain to thing rather than the other. us the difference between tax avoidance and aggressive tax avoidance. We need a more Ronald Reagan-style approach to taxation where deductions are removed and rates come down. That leads, by and large, to more people paying Jacob Rees-Mogg: My understanding of aggressive their tax. If we go down the other route and have an tax avoidance is that it is, in fact, tax evasion when the incredibly onerous reporting system and put ever more Revenue has not yet got around to taking action. One burdens on individuals and on trusts, all that will happen of the schemes reported in the newspapers involved is that those on The Sunday Times rich list—a vast some comedian whose name escapes me: he is modern, number of whom are foreign nationals who have come and apparently very funny if you like that sort of thing. to live in this country, and who are very mobile and who What he was doing struck me as evasion, not avoidance, bring wealth, prosperity and employment into this although that was not directly his fault. It seemed to me country—will take up their wealth and leave. that the scheme was so far removed from any sensible understanding of the tax law that “aggressive tax avoidance” What sort of a nation do we want to be? Do we want was essentially a euphemism for “We will try to scrape to be a nation that encourages enterprise, that believes things back rather than charging people.” I should in freedom, that respects the right of property and, prefer to see Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs using crucially, the rule of law, or do we want to be a nation of the law as it is, and testing the law in the courts to arbitrary Government? The choice is very clear, and I establish whether such activity really is evasion. If it am very grateful to the right hon. Member for Oldham proves to be evasion, people should be punished accordingly, West and Royton for bringing before this House the and if it proves to be avoidance, it should be considered question of whether we want the fundamental arbitrariness legitimate. of socialism: the belief that the state—the collective—comes first, and individual rights and privacy are trampled I do not think it is possible to say that there is the law, upon to ensure that the state can get what it feels like. there is the non-law, and somewhere in between there is That is not the nation I want to see us become. I want something that the Government would quite like us to one, as we have historically been, based on strong and do. There are an awful lot of things that the Government enterprising individuals who obey the law because they would quite like us to do. At one point, they wanted us feel that the law is part of them and part of the nation all to eat five vegetables a day. Indeed, they probably they belong to. Therefore, I hope this Bill will be utterly still want us to eat five vegetables a day, but that cannot rejected. be law. It is wrong to try to say that good behaviour, generosity and charity should be a matter of law. That is a different concept. The law, with all the might and 2.2 pm power and sanction behind it, is a more absolute thing Mr David Nuttall (Bury North) (Con): It is, as always, than that. a great pleasure to follow my hon. Friend the Member for North East Somerset (Jacob Rees-Mogg). I entirely Mr Nuttall: Does my hon. Friend accept that there concur with his remarks and rise to oppose the Bill. I might be such a person as a diligent tax avoider—someone entirely accept that the right hon. Member for Oldham who reads the legislation, spots a loophole, and decides West and Royton (Mr Meacher) has introduced this Bill to take advantage of it? with the very best of intentions. I am sure he wants to achieve for the people of our country the same as I want Jacob Rees-Mogg: Sometimes the Government want to achieve for them: improved conditions and high-quality people to avoid tax. Sometimes they allow people to do public services. However, I am by no means convinced that because, although they do not much like it, they that the way to do that is by introducing measures such cannot stop it. Let us take, for example, people who as those contained in the snappily titled United Kingdom bring cigarettes into this country from abroad. There is Corporate and Individual Tax and Financial Transparency an agreement with the European Union that, if people Bill. have bought cigarettes in another member state, they When I first read this Bill, I did not know where to are entitled to bring them in. In that way they collectively begin in expressing my thoughts as to just how bad a avoid, probably, billions of pounds’ worth of tax. Duty piece of proposed legislation it was. I do not criticise the 649 UK Corporate and Individual Tax 6 SEPTEMBER 2013 UK Corporate and Individual Tax 650 and Financial Transparency Bill and Financial Transparency Bill manner in which it has been prepared and written, I question asked by my hon. Friend the Member for hasten to say. I am sure that Richard Murphy, who Dover (Charlie Elphicke) is yes, it will undoubtedly add prepared it, has done an excellent job, and I have read to the burden, particularly for the banks. the article he wrote about it. I am sure that he, too, had only the best intentions when he put this Bill together. Charlie Elphicke: I praise the right hon. Member for However, it does absolutely nothing to increase the Oldham West and Royton (Mr Meacher) for bringing wealth of this nation. It does nothing to help generate the Bill to the House as he is a sincere campaigner new industry and new services, or to promote economic against tax avoidance—a concern I share. Does my hon. growth. I am prepared to accept that the Bill is born out Friend agree, however, that a better way to tackle tax of intentions that were good, but I fear that it will have avoidance is to get rid of the loopholes by simplifying nothing but the opposite effect. our tax system and making it easier for people to I was surprised and disappointed, perhaps in equal understand? measure, that no explanatory notes accompanied the Bill—there were none in the Vote Office when I asked Mr Nuttall: My hon. Friend is absolutely right. My for them—and no assessment had been provided of its view—I suspect it might well be that of my hon. Friend, possible impact on British companies and individuals. too—is that if the Government wish to increase the tax Without an impact assessment, I can only imagine what yield on behalf of the nation and to make it easier for the impact would be. I shall discuss my conclusions and individuals and companies to abide by their obligations, imaginings in due course, but I assure the House that the way forward is to pass simpler tax legislation that they were not that the Bill augured well for this country’s we can all understand. I am sure that my hon. Friend prosperity. has greater expertise in these matters than I do, but I have always found tax legislation particularly difficult Charlie Elphicke (Dover) (Con): My hon. Friend is to follow. I do not know the latest figures for Tolley’s making a detailed and thoughtful argument. Does he tax guides, but when I was in practice in the legal believe the Bill would be likely to lead to further profession they were substantial volumes and I suspect administration for companies in this country and would that they can only have grown in the past few years. increase the regulatory burdens on them? Each one, on one tax alone, is a substantial doorstop. It is no surprise that loopholes are discovered by Mr Nuttall: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for that accountants and tax advisers because the law is so intervention, which I can answer in one word—yes. I complex and convoluted. There are so many different absolutely believe the Bill would increase the regulatory taxes, some of which overlap, that there is scope for tax burden on companies. We must draw a distinction here, loopholes to arise by accident. Governments do not set as my hon. Friend the Member for North East Somerset out to create tax loopholes other than those that are set did. Large, well-resourced public companies may have out in legislation by design, they are precisely what they the capability and capacity to deal with yet another are called—tax loopholes. piece of legislation, and, as has been mentioned, there As has been mentioned, it is often the Government’s may well be good grounds, particularly for financial desire to create what might be called loopholes, such as analysts, for this information to be in the public domain. ISAs. I have been waiting to get to this point, as it gives However, the Bill goes far, far wider than just the top me my second opportunity this morning to refer to ISA. 100 public companies—the FTSE 100 companies. This time, I do not mean the International Seabed My reading of clause 2, on which I am prepared to be Authority but the individual savings account. Before I corrected if I am wrong, is that the next 150 companies looked into deep-sea mining, that was the only form of are not necessarily public companies. Subsection 1(b) ISA I had heard of. ISAs are a form of tax avoidance set refers to up to replace personal equity plans and were established as a means of encouraging people to save. They were set “those 50 large companies, not being members of the FTSE 100, up to encourage private individuals to save in a tax-efficient that have, when arithmetically combined with their UK resident manner in that they would not have to pay income tax related undertakings, the largest by value UK taxable profits before the offset of all tax allowances and reliefs of any sort on the income their account had earned. That could be whatsoever in a year ended 31 March”. called a tax loophole, but it is a legal tax loophole set up by the Government. That does not restrict the provision’s scope to public companies, so one must conclude that private companies Let me return to the Bill. We must draw a distinction will be included. The same applies in respect of paragraph between tax evasion and tax avoidance. Let us be clear: (c), which deals with the next 50 largest companies by tax evasion is already illegal, but almost weekly in this their House I hear the two terms being confused. People say that someone has been a tax avoider, suggesting that “value of supplies in the United Kingdom, whether chargeable or exempt, for the purposes of value added tax” they have acted illegally. Well, if they have, they are not a tax avoider; they are a tax evader, and they should be and paragraph (d), which deals with brought to book and prosecuted. I have no sympathy “those 50 large companies” with them whatsoever. If someone has deliberately under- declared their income, I entirely agree that they should that have be brought to book by the Revenue and Customs, that “the largest liability to make payment of income tax and national they should be prosecuted and, in certain cases, sent to insurance contributions”. prison. Let us not beat about the bush. I am sure I am in In other words, the greatest employers in our land are agreement with my hon. Friend the Minister on that. I being attacked by this Bill. I cannot believe that the Bill do not want to go easy on people who have deliberately will encourage those companies, so the answer to the avoided their obligations to society by breaching our 651 UK Corporate and Individual Tax 6 SEPTEMBER 2013 UK Corporate and Individual Tax 652 and Financial Transparency Bill and Financial Transparency Bill [Mr Nuttall] manner as to enable those activities to be accurately identified; the percentage of the related undertaking tax legislation in such a way as to avoid paying their controlled by the company; a statement of the turnover, dues and demands under the law. That increases the net profit before tax, current taxation liability owing, burden on everyone else. number of employees and their total employment cost Of course, we already have measures in place to and the net assets of the related entity for the period for provide the mechanism for the Revenue to ferret out which the company is reporting, whether such data be these people. It can open up inquiries into their tax audited or otherwise; and finally, the web address where affairs, and it frequently does. A whole industry exists the most recent financial statements can be found. If around dealing with inquiries into people’s tax affairs. that does not increase the burden on companies, I do My accountant sent me details of an insurance policy not know what does. that I could take out for that very occasion. I could pay The real danger with all this added bureaucracy and a premium, and then if my tax affairs were investigated red tape is that it makes this country a less desirable by the Revenue, the policy would cover my accountancy place to do business. As I said earlier to my hon. Friend costs while the inquiry was dealt with. the Member for North East Somerset, there may well be However, returning to the Bill, our Government have merit in respect of a public company putting this already taken a great deal of action on tax avoidance information in the public domain, but I do not see that and tax evasion. Since 2010, the Government have to be case in respect of private limited companies, collected over £23 billion in extra tax by challenging the which are not excluded. Certainly I do not see the tax arrangements of large businesses. I am informed benefit in respect of individuals. that, by tackling transfer pricing alone, the Government Clause 3 places on HMRC an obligation, no later have collected £2 billion since 2010. It may well be that than 1 March each year, arithmetically to combine for the right hon. Member for Oldham West and Royton is each taxpayer who has submitted a tax return by 31 January introducing the Bill because he thinks that those figures in respect of all their taxable income of all sorts, with a are not high enough. If the measures in the Bill are such few exceptions, and to publish those in descending a good idea, why, in the 13 years of the previous Labour order of magnitude—in other words, the 250 wealthiest Government, under Tony Blair and the right hon. Member individuals. This clause gives the revenue just one month for Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath (Mr Brown), was none to complete the task. The tax returns need not be in of these measures introduced? If it is such a good idea until 31 January, and within one month it has to have now, why was it not such a good idea then? I do not carried out this rather complicated calculation, which I know whether my hon. Friend the Minister ever went to will not go into the details of. Subsection (2) requires the Treasury team at the time with this Bill and said, HMRC to publish, no later than 15 March each year, “Look, here is the answer to our problems.” the 250 tax returns for the previous tax year ended Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Lindsay Hoyle): Order. The on 5 April that ranked highest on the listing produced debate is not about then; it is about now, and it is about in accordance with the provisions of subsection (1). the Bill before us. I do not want a debate on whether it Subsection (3) requires that they should not be anonymised, should have been done in 1985 or 1998; it is about now. and this is the crucial point about this clause—they I know that you are very good at wanting to get into the would all be public information. In other words, the detail of the Bill; you must get back to it. private tax affairs of any individual will no longer be private. Mr Nuttall: Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. I would I can draw only one conclusion from that: there is a just make the point that perhaps the reason why such real risk that, were the Bill enacted, it would cause the legislation was not introduced by the last Labour wealthiest individuals in our society—I hasten to add Government is that it is not a very good idea. I will that I very much doubt the Bill would ever bother attempt to demonstrate, if I may, by looking, as you me—to go elsewhere. We as a nation would lose their rightly suggest, at the detail of the Bill, why it is not a wealth and the income it produces. To return to the very good idea. point with which I started, I fail to see how that would Detailed the Bill indeed is, running to 13 clauses. benefit what both the right hon. Member for Oldham It deals essentially with three elements: the disclosure of West and Royton and I want to see, which is improved the tax affairs of large companies, the tax affairs of public services. We would not be able to improve our individuals, and the tax affairs of trusts. Those are the public services if the wealthiest individuals in our country three primary areas that the Bill seeks to attack. The and all the tax they pay disappeared as a result of first of those relates to large companies, which, in onerous and intrusive obligations that the Bill imposes answer to the question of my hon. Friend the Member on them. They would simply use their wealth to look for Dover, we have already established covers not just around the world, find a more suitable home and tax public limited companies but those purely in the private regime and leave our shores. sector. I want to address in particular the obligations that The Bill provides that the Companies Act 2006, passed the Bill places on our banks, because they give rise to a under the last Labour Government, should be amended great deal of complication. Clause 5 requires financial by adding new section 409A, which would require a institutions to company to provide in respect of each one of its related “notify Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs and Companies undertakings its registered name; the jurisdiction of its House that they have opened or closed an account in the United incorporation; its company number; the jurisdictions in Kingdom for a company within thirty days of that account being which it trades; the trading name it uses in each jurisdiction opened or closed stating— if that is different from its registered name; the precise (a) the name and registered number of the company; nature of its trade, sufficiently described in such a (b) the address at which they correspond with that company; 653 6 SEPTEMBER 2013 Business without Debate 654

(c) the names and full addresses, dates of birth and nationalities Hon. Members: Object. of those persons who they have accepted as having authority to Bill to be read a Second time on Friday 28 February take action with regard to the account; 2014. (d) the names and addresses, dates of birth and nationalities of those persons who they have identified as the beneficial owners of the company in question as required by Regulation 5 of the Money Laundering Regulations 2007; NATIONAL SERVICE BILL (e) the number of the account that they have opened; and Motion made, That the Bill be now read a Second (f) the numbers of any other accounts that they maintain for time. the company.” I may be reading this wrongly, but there does not Hon. Members: Object. appear to be any question whatsoever about the size of Bill to be read a Second time on Friday 28 February the company. It does not say that the company has to be 2014. of a certain size; it simply says that if a company opens a bank account, it has a duty to report it. That covers literally thousands and thousands of bank accounts. It EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES ACT 1972 would increase enormously the burden on our financial (REPEAL) BILL institutions and banks at a time when we want them to Motion made, That the Bill be now read a Second concentrate on the much more important task of getting time. the British economy moving again and on lending to businesses. I do not want our bankers to have to fill in Hon. Members: Object. forms and write down the names and addresses of companies and the addresses to which they write. That Bill to be read a Second time on Friday 28 February would stop them doing their primary task, which is to 2014. play their part in getting the British economy moving and growing. As we know, it is starting to grow, but there is much more to do. LOCAL GOVERNMENT (REVIEW OF Let us be clear: no one is suggesting that the Bill does DECISIONS) BILL not have the best of intentions behind it. However, the Motion made, That the Bill be now read a Second Government have already increased significantly the time. compliance yield, which is the amount that the Government expect to get from tax— Hon. Members: Object. 2.30 pm Bill to be read a Second time on Friday 13 September. The debate stood adjourned (Standing Order No. 11(2)). Ordered, That the debate be resumed on Friday SPECIALIST PRINTING EQUIPMENT AND 1 November. MATERIALS (OFFENCES) BILL Business without Debate Motion made, That the Bill be now read a Second time. FACE COVERINGS (PROHIBITION) BILL Motion made, That the Bill be now read a Second Hon. Members: Object. time. Bill to be read a Second time on Friday 13 September. 655 6 SEPTEMBER 2013 Work Capability Assessments 656

Work Capability Assessments That lasts until they go through the first assessment and a decision is made on their claim. If they are declared fit Motion made, and Question proposed, That this House for work and believe the decision is wrong, they can ask do now adjourn.—(Mr Syms.) the decision maker, who is a DWP official, to reconsider it before they lodge a formal written appeal with HM 2.31 pm Courts and Tribunals Service. I want to focus on that Sheila Gilmore (Edinburgh East) (Lab): I welcome in-between period, which is referred to as reconsideration this opportunity to raise an important aspect of but is effectively an informal appeal. employment and support allowance and the work capability Although claimants are not automatically paid ESA assessment. This is my fourth Adjournment debate on at the assessment rate during that in-between period, the subject. In each debate, I have started by highlighting they are entitled to it and can apply for it if they know the scale of the problems with the benefit. Although about it. That entitlement continues if the decision many people who listen to or read this debate will be remains unchanged and the claimant decides to appeal. familiar with the procession of figures, it is important However, following the passage of the Welfare Reform to put them on the record again. Act 2012 and subsequent regulations, that is set to Between the introduction of the assessment in October change. Claimants will have to apply for reconsideration 2008 and May 2012, 1.47 million new claimants were before they can lodge an appeal, and they will no longer assessed and 846,800 were declared fit for work. Of be entitled to ESA at the assessment rate during that those, 332,300 appealed the decision and 123,700 were period. successful and were awarded employment and support The Minister’s colleague Lord Freud admitted in the allowance. That means that nearly one in 10 of the other place on 13 February that, as a result of that assessments has been overturned. Although the proportion change, there would be a “gap in payment”. Initially, of the assessments that are overturned has started to that might not appear problematic. Claimants will be fall a little, the overall number remains very high. Those told that they can simply apply for jobseeker’s allowance are the figures for new claims. They do not include the instead while their reconsideration request is being regular reassessments of those who are already on ESA, considered, then go back to claiming ESA at the assessment nor do they cover all the incapacity benefit claimants rate if they go to formal appeal. Leaving aside all the who are being migrated to ESA—a process that is due procedures involved in doing that, there is a serious to be completed in 2014. problem for people in that position in claiming JSA. It I will briefly summarise the progress, or lack of it, comes with a great degree of conditionality. In particular, with regard to the other concerns that I have raised in claimants have to be available for and actively seeking the past 18 months. In May last year, I argued in favour work. They must attend regular work-focused interviews, of a new set of mental health descriptors that had been undertake job searches and make a minimum number drawn up by Mencap, Mind and the National Autistic of applications every week. That in itself may prove Society. An evidence-based review was commissioned tiring or stressful, and it could exacerbate people’s to evaluate those descriptors and I understand that the existing physical or mental conditions. More importantly, report is due to be published imminently. In December, those who apply and fail to meet those conditions can I highlighted the fact that claimants were regularly be sanctioned or refused benefit altogether. I have being called back for reassessments just months after encountered situations where Jobcentre Plus has advised their previous claims had been granted on appeal. I claimants that they cannot claim JSA because they are regret that that is not being properly addressed by not fit for work, for example because they have a fit Ministers. I continue to meet constituents who are still note—what used to be called a sick note—from their on that stressful and unnecessary merry-go-round. doctor. Just before the summer recess, I secured a commitment Conditionality is not new, but the new mandatory from the Minister that claimants would be informed reconsideration stage will interact with it to have an that they could have their assessment recorded, and that adverse effect on people who are ill or disabled and have the time limits that were preventing that from happening to apply temporarily for JSA while their ESA claim is would be dropped. I continue to urge the Minister, undergoing reconsideration. The state will effectively be when assessing whether audio recordings improve the telling those people that they are too fit to claim ESA quality of assessments, to consider the rate of successful but too sick or disabled to claim JSA—a veritable trap. appeals, rather than just the demand among claimants Although mandatory reconsideration has yet to come for audio assessments. into full effect, my constituent Ms Rose Burgess already Before I move on to the specific issue that I want to faces that predicament in a related situation. She suffers cover today, I must highlight the announcement that from arthritis and depression, and she applied for ESA the Minister made on 22 July. He admitted that some earlier this year. She underwent a face-to-face assessment Atos reports were so poor that staff were being retrained and was declared fit for work. She appealed, and the and additional providers brought in. Given that the judge upheld the DWP’s original decision. However, Government now acknowledge that there are major when she then claimed jobseeker’s allowance, she was problems with the assessment process, it is even more told she was ineligible because she had a fit note from important that we ensure that financial support is available her GP. She was not entitled to ESA, and she was told to those who are wrongly found fit for work. That is that she was not entitled to JSA either. Her condition what I want to focus on today. has since deteriorated further and she has now reapplied To put the matter into context, as soon as a claimant for ESA and is awaiting the application of her fresh contacts the Department for Work and Pensions to application, but her example shows how easy it already claim ESA, they are paid it at what is known as the is for people to slip into the limbo between ESA and assessment rate, which is equivalent to jobseeker’s allowance. JSA, even without the mandatory reconsideration period. 657 Work Capability Assessments6 SEPTEMBER 2013 Work Capability Assessments 658

Similarly, another constituent who suffers from back However, in many cases, the damage will have been problems was claiming JSA. His problem flared up done. With no income during that period, people run when he was due to attend his work-focused interview. the risk of becoming destitute. Many will have to rely When he arrived at his jobcentre and explained that he on already stretched food banks. Some will be driven would be unable to manage to climb up the stairs to into the hands of payday lenders, amassing debts they where the interview would take place, he was told that will struggle to repay even if benefits are subsequently his claim would be ended because he was not fit for reinstated. work. He raised the matter vigorously and the situation The Minister can do a number of things to address was rectified fairly quickly, but that example demonstrates the problem. At a minimum, it would be helpful if he the emphasis placed by jobcentres on JSA claimants provided the House with information, first to confirm being fit and available for work. exactly when the new system of mandatory reconsiderations For people whose claim to ESA is marginal and will begin. Secondly, he could give the House information whose health problems are not too great—some people on what alternative sources of income people have if might believe that is what I am describing—a brief they cannot claim either ESA or JSA. Thirdly, he could period on JSA might be just about manageable. However, tell us what internal targets he will introduce on the Camberwell Myalgic Encephalomyelitis Support Group time taken for mandatory reconsiderations. has told me that it currently works with many people Several changes would help at least to alleviate the who score zero points on their initial assessment, but worst effects of this policy. One example would be to who, after appeal, are placed in the support group. The reintroduce a degree of flexibility into the sanctions appeal shows that they have serious health conditions, system, so that ESA claimants declared fit for work and but they might find themselves in that position. The having their claim reconsidered are not subject to normal Camberwell group says that many of those whom it JSA sanctions. Alternatively, the Minister could put a helps find that they cannot physically get to a jobcentre statutory limit on the time DWP can take to conclude on certain days, as is required under JSA. the reconsideration process. But the one thing that The scale of the problem that people are likely to face would resolve this issue entirely would be to amend the is exacerbated because there is less discretion on sanctions regulations to allow ESA claimants to continue to than previously. A leaked memo from Walthamstow receive ESA at the assessment rate during the Jobcentre Plus showed earlier this year that a targets reconsideration period. Otherwise many people who culture appears to have emerged on sanctioning, whether the state will later conclude should not be available for or not Ministers have explicitly sanctioned it. At the work will be required to claim a benefit that explicitly very least, we must consider reintroducing a degree of requires that they should be. Many people will end up flexibility in the sanctions regime when we are dealing without any support from the state, being too fit for with people who have health problems. ESA, but too sick or disabled for JSA. In the other place, Lord Freud referred to other sources of income that people could access during that 2.46 pm period, but I am not clear what he meant by that. I expect that most claimants are similarly at a loss. I would The Minister of State, Department for Work and be grateful to the Minister if he could explain what Pensions (Mr Mark Hoban): I thank the hon. Member other sources of income people could access. for Edinburgh East (Sheila Gilmore) for raising the issue of the reconsideration of work capability assessments One way to limit the impact of the gap in payment and for letting me see a copy of her speech in advance, would be for the Government to set a statutory time which I hope will enable me to answer the points that limit on how long the Department for Work and Pensions she has raised. She may not be satisfied, and doubtless can take to complete a reconsideration. However, they she will come back again if that is the case. have deliberately omitted to do so. On 13 February, Lord Freud stated that “a number of respondents” to The hon. Lady is interested in how the new mandatory the Government’s consultation reconsideration process will affect ESA claimants who are found fit for work. In this regard, I intend to address “suggested that there should be a time limit on the reconsideration her main concerns on the length of time a mandatory process…we are not making any statutory provision for this. Some cases are more complex and require additional time— reconsideration will take and the availability of JSA to particularly, for example, where extra medical evidence needs to those people who are found fit for work. Before I be sought. However, we recognise the concern here and are consider those concerns, it is important to give the issue considering the scope for internal targets.”—[Official Report, some context and explain why we have introduced House of Lords, 13 February 2013; Vol. 743, c. 744-45.] mandatory reconsideration. I fear that non-binding and non-public internal targets To put the matter at its simplest, the current disputes simply will not be adequate, especially given the pressure process does not work for benefits in general or ESA in that the much-reduced Department for Work and Pensions particular. The introduction of the ESA in 2008, and staff are under. As a result, it is possible that people particularly the conversion of incapacity benefit awards who will eventually be deemed entitled to support will to ESA, has—as the House will know—resulted in a be left without income for a protracted period. high volume of appeals, with more than 500,000 last I raised the issue with the Minister at the Select year. Committee on Work and Pensions on 21 November The Government have taken a series of steps to 2012, and asked about it again at Work and Pensions improve the WCA process but we accept that people questions on both 11 March and 20 May 2013. On the will appeal. The Government do not believe that it is last occasion, he emphasised that, if people do not acceptable to write people off to a lifetime on benefits claim JSA, their ESA claim would be backdated should because they have a health condition or impairment. they appeal and have their fit-for-work decision overturned. Many people with health conditions are able to sustain 659 Work Capability Assessments6 SEPTEMBER 2013 Work Capability Assessments 660

[Mr Mark Hoban] be taken into account. Where we seek medical evidence, there is a broader responsibility on those from whom and progress in employment. Evidence points to the we seek it to respond in a timely manner. That, too, negative impacts of being without work and that work would help the process. is generally good for people regardless of whether they Let me turn to the concerns raised by the hon. Lady. are disabled or not. The first was the time it will take for a reconsideration. The Department therefore needs to ensure that people Although we are not introducing a statutory time limit currently receiving incapacity benefit and ESA are for decision makers, I assure the House that we will supported in preparing for a return to work where some have a process geared to timely decision making. Anything form of employment is a possibility. Claimants are less would be frankly unacceptable. We owe it to claimants being reassessed using the WCA. This is based on the not to delay their right to exercise their right of appeal. principle that a health condition or impairment should However, the time taken will depend on whether the not automatically be regarded as a barrier to work. It claimant intends to provide new evidence—obtaining it has been designed to be a more accurate reflection of an could take some time, as I said in connection with the individual’s capability for work, taking account of modern first request for further medical evidence—and whether workplaces, health care and legislation. the decision maker needs to seek further advice on that The volumes of appeals are placing some strain on evidence from Atos. If there is nothing new for the the appeals system. We also recognise that the process decision maker to consider, he or she can get on and can put pressure on claimants too. That is why a claimant make that decision. can ask for a decision to be reconsidered. It was intended However, the key is quality, not speed. There would that people would ask for this reconsideration in the be no benefit to anyone in rushing the process, effectively first instance if they felt their decision was wrong. In forcing an appeal and then having it allowed at a practice, however, many people do not do so and instead hearing some time later. The new process is aimed at make an appeal from the outset. This is more costly for getting decisions right, not simply passing disputes to the taxpayer; more time consuming and more stressful the tribunal to resolve. Equally, however, it is in no one’s for claimants and their families; and, for a significant interest for this to be an open-ended procedure. We will number of appellants, unnecessary. I say unnecessary monitor the introduction of the change for the first six because a significant number of decisions are overturned months. In April 2014, we will look at the times taken on appeal because of new evidence presented at the and consider whether we have enough information to tribunal—more than 55% in recent months. This is introduce realistic internal targets. mainly oral evidence, which accounts for 70%, but also During the mandatory reconsideration phase, when includes written evidence that has not been considered someone is fit for work and not in work, they will be by the decision maker. entitled to jobseeker’s allowance. I accept that someone I hope that hon. Members will agree that we need a seeking a reconsideration is likely to protest to the process that enables this evidence to be seen or heard by jobcentre that they are not fit for work. However, that the decision maker at the earliest opportunity. Mandatory does not rule out entitlement to jobseeker’s allowance. reconsideration does just that. Another decision maker That is the case even where the claimant presents a fit will review the original decision, requesting extra note. Disability employment advisers, trained by specialist information or evidence as required via a telephone staff from the Department, will work with those who discussion. If this means a decision can be revised, there identify themselves as having a health condition or is no reason for an appeal—an outcome that is better disability. They will take into account individual for the individual, the Department and the Tribunals circumstances, including any advice given by the claimant’s Service. We hope that, because of the robust nature of doctor, and will consider placing limitations on a client’s the reconsideration and the improved communication, availability or modifying their conditionality. There is the process will result in either decisions being changed nothing new about this. or claimants making an informed decision not to escalate The hon. Lady also expressed concerns about claimants their dispute to an appeal tribunal. being sanctioned while on JSA. Let me address that point. To reiterate, the modified conditionality militates Sheila Gilmore: The Minister’s argument about the against a sanction being imposed. If the adviser has appeals process often relates to whether evidence is agreed to modify conditionality, it would be perverse if available in the first place. However, a number of my they then took a heavy-handed approach. As I have constituents and those of a lot of my colleagues say that previously informed the House—let me take the opportunity such information is not requested in the first instance, to repeat this—there are no sanction targets. It was this at the time of the WCA, more and more of which are Government who removed the sanction targets—they done through paper-based applications, as I am sure he were in place under the previous Government. We continue is aware. If people were asked for that information, it to monitor to ensure that sanctions are applied consistently would not have to be looked at later. and only where appropriate. The hon. Lady asked what would happen if a claimant were subject to a sanction. Mr Hoban: The hon. Lady has looked into this She will know—I think she might have served on the matter in detail, and I am sure she will recollect my Delegated Legislation Committee that dealt with this—that comments about where we seek further medical information a claimant can still apply for hardship payments. from health care professionals, as nominated by the A health condition or impairment should not appellants themselves. The problem is straightforward. automatically be regarded as a barrier to work; in fact, Too often, either the information is not supplied by the there are many people who juggle work and a health health care professionals from whom we have sought condition. Such claimants might be disputing their additional medical evidence or it is supplied too late to decision, but at that time they have been through an 661 Work Capability Assessments6 SEPTEMBER 2013 Work Capability Assessments 662 assessment process and are, in the eyes of the law, fit for decisions made as part of our summary reasons pilot. I work. The appropriate benefit is jobseeker’s allowance, am confident that accuracy will continue to improve and it is appropriate that we apply conditionality that is and that the proportion of decisions overturned will tailored to claimants’ needs so that we can move them continue to be reduced. closer to the labour market and, we hope, back to work. It has been suggested that we should pay employment Sheila Gilmore: Will the Minister give way? and support allowance during that period because of Mr Hoban: I was about to conclude my speech, but I the standard of decision making on ESA, as evidenced will give way once more as I am a generous man. by the number of decisions overturned on appeal. Let me just remind the hon. Lady of the statistics that Sheila Gilmore: I understand the Minister’s concern demonstrate the quality of the decisions made. Between about information and about ensuring that the process October 2008 and February 2012, around 800,000—about is carried out timeously. One suggestion that has emerged 15%—of those decisions that found the claimant fit for from the discussions is that the time for submitting the work were overturned on appeal. She will know, having ESA50 could be extended from four to six weeks, which looked into this, that a significant proportion of decisions would give people more chance to get the necessary are overturned at tribunal because of oral or written information together. evidence being presented at the tribunal that has not been discussed with or seen by the decision maker. It is Mr Hoban: I thought that the hon. Lady’s motivation that new evidence that is the reason for the overturning was to accelerate the process, to ensure that the right of a decision. As I stated earlier, we hope that mandatory decisions were made as quickly as possible. Now she reconsideration will allow that new evidence to be discussed seems to be advocating delay by adding an extra two at an earlier stage, leading to a decision being revised if weeks to the process. I am not sure that that would be in necessary. We need to try to accelerate the process so the interests of claimants, as they would face a longer that we can get the decision right first time and as soon assessment phase that would take them further away as possible. from the market if they were fit for work. I question whether it is the right approach to lengthen the process Sheila Gilmore: Given that the Minister has conceded rather than to improve it by making it shorter and more that there were substantial failings in the initial WCA effective, where possible. As I was saying, getting the process, and that steps have been taken to retrain staff, decision right first time has always been our priority. to bring in outside staff to give further advice and to In conclusion, the aim of the modifications that we bring in other providers, surely this is not simply a have introduced is to get the decision right first time, problem of new evidence being presented to the tribunal. but if claimants believe that we have not done that in Is there not a flaw in the system? their case, we need a step to put things right before we end up at a tribunal. Mandatory reconsideration will Mr Hoban: No, I do not agree with that. If the hon. offer claimants that opportunity. It seeks to address two Lady goes back to the statement that my noble Friend concerns: the length of the appeals process and the fact Lord Freud made in the other place in July, she will see that new evidence can be brought forward which has an that that is not the case. There was an issue with the impact on a decision. It is in the best interests of quality of the recording of the assessments, but not claimants to introduce that new step. Mandatory necessarily with the quality of the assessments themselves. reconsideration will help to ensure that the right decision That is a very different matter. is reached as quickly as possible. We are not complacent. That is demonstrated by the The Government are committed to supporting those tough way in which we have responded to Atos’s failings. who are unable to work owing to health conditions or There is always room for improvement, and much is disability, but we believe that those who are able to work happening. The hon. Lady will be familiar with the should receive help into employment to enable them to recommendations made by Professor Harrington in his realise their aspiration to independence and to support three reports. They included proposals for improving themselves and their families. We also believe that those the ESA forms to encourage claimants to provide their who are unable to work should receive the support to own evidence, for better contact between decision makers which they are entitled, and it will be in the best and claimants at the decision-making stage, and for interests of everyone involved in the process if we can enhanced training and guidance for decision makers. reach decisions in those cases more quickly, without There was also a proposal for a simpler and more compromising their quality. empathetic process to be adopted for the assessment of Question put and agreed to. cancer sufferers, with more claimants being placed in the support group, the better to reflect their difficult 3pm circumstances. We are also learning from the tribunal House adjourned.

33WS Written Statements6 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Statements 34WS

that many of the concerns identified in the report are Written Statements not unique to the PSED, we will take account of this recommendation in the wider work, led by the Justice Friday 6 September 2013 Secretary, to ensure that disputes are resolved in the most proportionate way possible and in the most appropriate setting. Finally, I will work closely with all my ministerial CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT colleagues to reduce the impact of red tape on the public sector, and to ensure that their Departments, and the sectors for which they are responsible, respond Public Sector Equality Duty Review urgently and positively to the review’s findings and recommendations. A copy of the steering group’s report and supporting The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport documentation will be available later today at: (Maria Miller): I am today publishing the outcome of https://www.gov.uk/government/publications?departments the review of the Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED). %5B%5D=government-equalities-office. This review was announced by the Home Secretary on 15 May 2012 following the red tape challenge spotlight I am also arranging for this report to be deposited in on equalities. the Libraries of both Houses. The PSED, which was introduced through the Equality Act 2010, came into force across Great Britain on 5 April 2011 and comprises a general duty (s149 of the ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS Act) and specific duties set out in regulations which vary across England, Scotland and Wales. It was introduced to ensure that public bodies take account of equality Water Bill (Flood Insurance Clauses) when carrying out their day-to-day work—in shaping policy, in delivering services and in relation to their own employees—and to address the bureaucracy associated The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for with the previous duties on race, disability and gender. Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Richard Benyon): The review was established to examine whether the The Water Bill was introduced on 27 June which, along PSED is operating as intended. with clauses on water sector reform, included a placeholder clause on flood insurance. The Government’s proposed The Government appointed an independent chair, approach to the future of flood insurance was also Rob Hayward OBE, and steering group to oversee the published and a six-week consultation launched. review. Over the course of 2013, supported by officials in my Department, they have led an extensive programme Today, I am publishing the draft clauses on flood of engagement and evidence-gathering, including a series insurance to provide those interested with the opportunity of roundtables with experts, site visits to public bodies, to examine our proposed legislative approach. We had an open call for evidence, and independent qualitative hoped to publish draft clauses during the formal research. consultation period that ran from 27 June to 8 August, but more time was needed to develop the detail of the The Government are grateful to the chair and steering proposed approach. group for their thorough work and welcome their report. The review has not considered repeal of the PSED. We Along with the draft clauses and draft explanatory agree with its conclusion that a full evaluation should notes, I have provided a commentary on the policy be undertaken in 2016 when the duty will have been in intention for the clauses. This gives a fuller picture of force for five years. The review has however identified a what is intended and provides further insight into the number of issues associated with the implementation of Government’s proposals. This additional information the PSED and makes recommendations for the Equality should be read in conjunction with the material published and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), for contractors, in June. I have placed a copy of the draft clauses and for public bodies and for Government. We would like to commentary in the House Libraries. see these recommendations implemented fully by all I am grateful for the comments and evidence provided relevant parties, in particular to reduce procurement during the public consultation. We received a positive gold-plating by the public sector. response and are considering the comments carefully. In relation to the specific duties which apply in England We will publish our response in parallel with drafting (and non-devolved bodies in Scotland and Wales), we the clauses for inclusion in the Water Bill by Government note there was not consensus from the steering group amendment at Committee stage. but nonetheless accept the chair’s recommendation to consider the operation and effectiveness of these duties. Public authorities must be transparent about their objectives HOME DEPARTMENT and performance on equality, and it is vital that the specific duties support this aim. We will therefore keep these duties under review and work closely with the Domestic Violence and Abuse (England and Wales) EHRC as it conducts its more detailed assessment of the specific duties. We accept the recommendation to consider what The Secretary of State for the Home Department complementary or alternative means, other than judicial (Mrs Theresa May): Tackling domestic violence and reviews, there may be to enforce the PSED. Recognising abuse is one of my key priorities. I am determined to see 35WS Written Statements6 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Statements 36WS continued reductions in domestic violence and abuse I am adding Hong Kong to the list of participating and the Government’s updated violence against women countries and territories on the UK’s youth mobility and girls (VAWG) action plan sets out our approach for scheme, further strengthening business, trade and cultural achieving that. ties between us. The police play a key role in responding to, and I am introducing rules to give effect to the Secretary protecting, victims of domestic violence and abuse. It is of State for Defence’s statement to this House of 4 June therefore essential that the police response is effective 2013, which provides for some locally engaged staff, and has the confidence of victims. who have been or will be made redundant as a result of I have written to Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of our draw down, to relocate to the UK in recognition of Constabulary to ask that he conducts a thematic review the unique contribution they have provided to the UK’s of the police response to domestic violence and abuse efforts in Afghanistan. The new rules allow eligible across England and Wales. applicants, their spouse/partner and their minor dependent I have asked that the review focuses on: children to be granted a period of five years’ leave to enter if their character and conduct is satisfactory. the effectiveness of the police approach to domestic violence and abuse, focusing on the outcomes for victims; In line with the statement of intent “Knowledge of whether risks to victims of domestic violence and abuse are language and life in the UK for settlement and adequately managed; naturalisation” published on 8 April, I am also making identifying lessons learnt from how the police approach changes to the way in which applicants for indefinite domestic violence and abuse; leave to remain are required to demonstrate their knowledge of the English language and of life in the UK, together making any necessary recommendations in relation to these findings when considered alongside current practice. with necessary consequential amendments. These changes will come into effect on 28 October. I have asked that the inspection is completed and that the findings in respect of the above are published no I am making changes to slow the path to settlement later than April 2014. for refugees, and those granted humanitarian protection, A copy of the letter will be placed in the Library of who have committed crimes. Applications for settlement the House. from refugees will be refused for 15 years from the date of their sentence if they have been sentenced to over 12 months’ imprisonment; for seven years if they have been sentenced to up to 12 months’ imprisonment; and Immigration Rules for two years if they have been given a non-custodial sentence. Discretion to delay the route to settlement will apply in the case of repeat offenders.

The Minister for Immigration (Mr Mark Harper): My I am creating new temporary immigration rules to right hon. Friend the Home Secretary is today laying facilitate the entry and stay of certain Commonwealth before the House a statement of changes in immigration games participants and personnel during the 2014 rules as set out below. Commonwealth games. I will expand the process of genuineness assessments I am making minor changes and clarifications to the and interviews to tier 1 (general), tier 2 (minister of immigration rules, including those relating to family religion), and tier 5 (temporary worker) applications for life. entry and leave to remain, and to tier 4 students applying for further leave to remain. I will also be replicating for I am making minor changes to repeal measures that tier 4 in-country extensions the existing power to refuse are no longer required. applications where the applicant cannot speak English. We will add Barbados to the list of countries whose I am making a minor change to the curtailment rules. nationals benefit from different documentary requirements This change adds a power to curtail leave where a and are exempt from the genuineness test when applying migrant’s offending is persistent or causes serious harm. for a tier 4 visa. The change supports the Home Office in its work to take tough action against those who commit offences I am making several small changes to economic while here. routes to make them more attractive and more flexible for businesses. These changes include new provision in I am making changes to the rules for dependants in tier 1 for artists of exceptional promise, removing the the points-based system and other work routes, following English language requirement for intra-company transferees, the High Court judgment in R—(on the application of making it easier for graduate entrepreneurs to switch Zhang) v Secretary of State for the Home Department. into tier 2, and waiving share-ownership restrictions for The changes will allow dependants to apply from within senior staff earning £152,100 or more. the UK, providing they are not here illegally, as visitors, I will also be introducing flexibility for tourists and or on temporary admission or temporary release. They business visitors to undertake some study where it is will still need to satisfy all other existing requirements. incidental to the main purpose of their visit, as well as I am making changes to the visit visa requirement for increasing the permissible activities a business visitor Kuwaiti nationals holding diplomatic and special passports can undertake in the UK. I am retaining the student issued by Kuwait. When travelling to the UK for the visitor route for those whose purpose in coming here purpose of an official or general visit, they will no is for short-term study. The prospective student route is longer have to obtain a visit visa to travel to the UK. being removed because it is little used and anomalous. 37WS Written Statements6 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Statements 38WS

JUSTICE To that end, the paper makes proposals in a number of areas: the courts’ approach to cases which rely on minor procedural defects; rebalancing financial incentives; Judicial Review speeding up appeals to the Supreme Court in a small number of nationally significant cases, which would extend beyond judicial review; and planning challenges. The Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice I also think it makes sense to explore the potential for (Chris Grayling): I will today lay and publish the paper reforming the test as to who can bring a judicial review, “Judicial Review: further proposals for reform”(Cm 8703) as well as whether there are mechanisms other than which seeks views on potential areas for the reform of judicial review for resolving disputes related to the judicial review and related issues, including legal aid. public sector equality duty, following a recommendation Reforming judicial review is an important part of the by the Public Sector Equalities Steering Group. Government’s programme to tackle public burdens, promote growth and stimulate economic recovery. I am clear that Having listened to concerns raised in the Transforming judicial review is, and will remain, an important means Legal Aid consultation, which closed in June, this package to hold Government to account where it is acting unlawfully, also includes a proposal in relation to the payment of but I remain concerned that too often it is being used legal aid providers in judicial review cases. In addition either as a campaign tool or to delay or frustrate to our original proposal that providers would only be decisions that have been properly made. I am also guaranteed payment for their work on a judicial review concerned that legal aid resources should be targeted at where permission is granted by the Court, this consultation those judicial review cases where they are needed most proposes that the Legal Aid Agency will have a discretion if the legal aid system is to command public confidence to pay providers in certain genuinely meritorious cases and credibility. where the provider has been unable to secure a costs order or costs agreement as part of a settlement. A number of reforms have already been made to the procedural aspects of judicial review, including removing The proposals I am publishing today are intended to the right to an oral renewal in a case certified by the deliver a much needed rebalancing of judicial review so judge as “totally without merit” and aligning the time that it operates in a more proportionate manner without limits for bringing a planning or procurement judicial undermining how Government are held to account, review with the relevant statutory challenges. A new fee allowing scarce taxpayer-funded resources to be focused will soon be introduced for an oral renewal. While these where they should be. The consultation will close on 1 reforms are a worthwhile first step, it is right that we test November, and all responses will be considered carefully the potential for further substantive reform. before I respond.

13P Petitions6 SEPTEMBER 2013 Petitions 14P

And the Petitioner remains etc.—[Presented by Kevin Petition Brennan, Official Report, 16 July 2013; Vol. 566, c. 1062.] Friday 6 September 2013 [P001211] Observations from the Secretary of State for Energy OBSERVATIONS and Climate Change: The single electricity market operating across Great Britain brings with it benefits to industry and consumers. ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE Generators invest in plant in Wales with the expectation of unrestricted access to sell their electricity to the full A Unified Welsh Power Grid British market. Their presence benefits the Welsh economy The Petition of Gruffydd Meredith, including through direct and indirect job creation. Furthermore, consumers in Wales benefit from the security Declares that the current and historical energy map of supply provided by a large integrated power network of Wales shows all the classic indicators of an extractive and from competition amongst all generators and suppliers economy, with the extractive drainage lines either extending across the wider market in Great Britain, which helps east out of Wales or to the ports; further that Wales is drive efficiencies and place downward pressure on electricity already greatly more than self-sufficient in electricity bills. This approach is consistent with the steps being generation, producing at least twice more electricity taken by all EU Member States to ensure enhanced than what we use but most of this is given to the UK inter-connection and market integration across Europe national grid and then sold back to us; further that in order to support a resilient and competitive European future renewable energy projects for Wales show that we electricity market. could be easily producing at least four times more than we use if we realised basic achievable renewable energy The integrated electricity network in Great Britain, projects (including tidal lagoons and the Severn estuary and the legislative framework which underpins it, enables instead of a barrage) and this without even mentioning this nationwide electricity market to operate and ensures the possibility of clean coal and methane gas extraction, the network meets the needs of its users in a cost-effective which could make this figure higher again; further that and efficient manner. The Electricity Act (1989) already joining the currently unconnected electricity lines could places an obligation on electricity transmission and be done with specially designed pylons that blend in distribution network companies to develop and maintain with the Welsh environment, by underground cables or efficient, co-ordinated and economical networks. The by placing undersea cables in Cardigan Bay and this fulfilment of this obligation is a matter for the network would mean that all of Wales’ energy production is companies and Ofgem, as the independent regulator. quantifiable and our abundant excess energy can be The generation of electricity and transmission, exported and providing potentially thousands of new distribution and supply of electricity are non-devolved jobs. matters in respect to Wales, and are specifically excepted The Petitioner therefore requests that the House of in Schedule 7 to the Government of Wales Act. The Commons make the necessary amendment to the Government consider it important these issues continue Government of Wales Act 2006 and any other relevant to be dealt with strategically on a Great Britain-wide act in order to facilitate the development of an unified basis, particularly in the light of the UK’s transition to Welsh power grid, joining the currently unconnected a low-carbon energy mix, which requires significant electricity lines on North, Mid and South Wales. investment in energy infrastructure across the country.

533W Written Answers6 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 534W Written Answers to Comet Group Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for Questions Business, Innovation and Skills by what date he expects to receive the Insolvency Service report into Comet. [168004] Friday 6 September 2013 Jo Swinson: The Insolvency Service’s investigation has continued to progress. However, given the complexity of the issues and the size of the company under enquiry, BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS it is not yet possible to set a date for completion without compromising the depth and thoroughness of the inquiry. Arms Trade: Export Controls Conditions of Employment Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills with reference to his Jim Sheridan: To ask the Secretary of State for Department’s Notice to Exporters 2013-18: Important Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment he has Changes to the Strategic Export Control Transparency made of the effect of non-zero-hour contracts on the Initiative, for what reason exporters will not be required flexibility of the workforce. [167253] to (a) report the rating or goods description and (b) provide control list classifications or descriptions of the Jo Swinson: While no assessment has been made of items exported. [167265] the effect of non-zero hours contracts on the flexibility of the work force, flexible working benefits businesses, Michael Fallon: The Government is committed to society and individuals. transparency in export licensing, which is why we regularly publish information about licences issued and refused Flexible working allows businesses access to a wider through annual and quarterly reports. Comprehensive pool of skills and talents in the workforce, along with information is available at improved recruitment and retention rates, and increased staff morale and productivity. https://www.exportcontroldb.bis.gov.uk/eng/fox/sdb/ SDBHOME The social benefit is seen where individuals are able In extending this commitment to transparency it has to remain in employment when they are unable to become clear that we need to strike a proper balance maintain standard working hours or patterns of work. between increased transparency and the need to minimise This supports the economy and reduces the number of administrative burdens on business. The original proposals people dependent on the state. did not strike that balance. In making the final preparations Individuals who are parents and carers are able to for the launch of the Transparency initiative we reviewed spend more time with their children and relatives alongside its scope and the potential for it to impose unnecessary work and individuals are able to get more involved in burdens on business. Consequently, the requirement for community projects when they are able to adapt their exporters to report on the rating or goods description work patterns. and to provide control list classifications or descriptions of the items to be exported was removed. Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what his most recent Arms Trade: Trade Fairs estimate is of the number of people employed on zero hours contracts, by region. [168001] Mr Godsiff: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what steps his Jo Swinson: The Department for Business, innovation Department is taking to ensure that weapons or and Skills is using Labour Force Survey (LFS) data to equipment which are banned by the UK will not be estimate numbers of people on zero hours contracts. promoted at the Defence and Security Equipment BIS estimates that there were 250,000 people on zero International exhibition in London in September 2013. hours contracts in the UK in the fourth quarter of [167272] 2012. The LFS sample sizes at regional level for zero hours Michael Fallon: DSEI is a commercial event organised contracts are too small to provide reliable regional by the company Clarion Events. The Export Control estimates of the numbers on zero hours contracts. Organisation has agreed a Memorandum of Understanding with Clarion which sets out their role and responsibilities, Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for and those of the exhibitor companies, in respect of Business, Innovation and Skills by what date he expects export and trade control legislation. Clarion’s terms to receive the findings of his Department’s review of and conditions for their exhibitors makes clear that the zero hours contracts; and if he will place in the Library responsibility for applying for any relevant export licences a copy of that review. [168002] lies with the exhibiting companies. BIS officials, alongside counterparts from other Jo Swinson: The information gathering exercise on Government Departments, are working very closely zero hours contracts is near its conclusion. Officials with Clarion Events to ensure that the exhibitors comply have been reporting back periodically on the information as necessary with export and trade control legislation. they have gathered from a wide range of sources. 535W Written Answers6 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 536W

An announcement will be made when Ministers have Michael Fallon [holding answer 5 September 2013]: considered all of the information and made decisions Information about export licences issued between 1 on next steps. This will include a decision on how the January 2011 to 30 June 2012 is available in the Annual findings of the review will be published. and Quarterly Reports on Strategic Export Controls which are available to view on the Strategic Export Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for Controls: Reports and Statistics website at: Business, Innovation and Skills what meetings took https://www.exportcontroldb.bis.gov.uk/eng/fox place between Ministers and officials of his Department These reports contain detailed information on export and external stakeholders and others as part of his licences issued, refused or revoked, by destination, including Department’s investigation into zero hours contracts; the overall value, type (e.g. Military, Other) and a and on what dates each such meeting took place. summary of the items covered by these licences. The [168003] names of the companies granted the licences are exempt from disclosure because this information was provided Jo Swinson: Throughout the review officials carried in confidence and is commercially sensitive. out research drawing on a wide range of information sources including social media, published data and conversations within government and with external Thomas Docherty: To ask the Secretary of State for stakeholders. The main conversations with external Business, Innovation and Skills whether consultation stakeholders took place in July and August. They are took place with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office detailed as follows: and the Ministry of Defence before export licences to Syria were granted for the period January 2011 to June Date 2012. [167718]

38 Degrees 22 August 2013 Michael Fallon [holding answer 5 September 2013]: Alliance Boots 17 August 2013 All export licences to Syria were rigorously assessed on Association of Colleges 29 July 2013 a case by case basis against the consolidated European British Hospitality Association 31 July 2013 Union (EU) and National Arms Export licensing criteria, British Retail Consortium 10 July 2013 and final decisions are based on advice from other Chartered Institute of Personnel 14 August2013 relevant Departments. Development Confederation of British Industry 22 July 2013 and 20 August 2013 Thomas Docherty: To ask the Secretary of State for Institute of Directors 16 July 2013 Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment the Low Pay Commission 25 June 2013 Government made of the risk of exporting potassium Manpower 29 August 2013 fluoride and sodium fluoride to Syria in the granting of Roundtable Meeting of Recruitment 25 July 2013 export licences in 2011-12. [167719] Employment Confederation members Resolution Foundation 8 July 2013 Michael Fallon [holding answer 5 September 2013]: Round Table Meeting at Trade Union 24 July 2013 All export licences to Syria were rigorously assessed on Congress a case by case basis against the Consolidated European Tempo 20 August 2013 Union (EU) and National Arms Export Licensing Criteria, Universities and Colleges Employers 13 August 2013 taking into account all relevant factors, including the Association prevailing circumstances in the recipient country, the University and College Union 7 August 2013 nature of the goods, the identity of the end-user and the stated end-use. Export licences are not issued when Exports: Government Assistance they would be inconsistent with the Criteria.

Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills whether the Government Business, Innovation and Skills on how many has made an application for approval under EU state occasions export licences for (a) sodium fluoride and aid rules in relation to the Exports Refinancing Facility. (b) potassium fluoride have been granted for export to [168005] Syria in each of the last 10 years; who the customer was; what the intended use of the chemicals was; and Michael Fallon: No application has been made. The how much was exported under each such licence. facility is being designed so that it does not breach EU [167823] state aid rules. Michael Fallon [holding answer 5 September 2013]: Exports: Syria The information is as follows: (a) Six licences have been authorised for sodium fluoride in the last 10 years—in 2004, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2010 and 2012. Thomas Docherty: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how many export (b) One licence has been authorised for potassium fluoride in the licences were issued for the period 1 January 2011 to last 10 years, in 2012. 30 June 2012 to companies seeking to export materials Retrieving the information on the amount of chemicals to Syria listed by company and description of material. exported over the last 10 years could be provided only [167717] at a disproportionate cost. 537W Written Answers6 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 538W

The 2012 licences had an intended end use for metal Overseas Companies: China finishing in making aluminium showers and window frames for civilian end use. All other licences were for Catherine McKinnell: To ask the Secretary of State the manufacture of toothpaste by commercial companies. for Business, Innovation and Skills what recent assessment he has made of the risks to British Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for businesses operating in China; and what support his Business, Innovation and Skills what advice (a) he and Department provides to assist such businesses in (b) officials in his Department have received from (i) operating in that country without contravening the the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, (ii) the Ministry provisions of the Bribery Act 2010. [167523] of Defence and (iii) other government agencies on the Michael Fallon: Foreign and Commonwealth Office potential for strategic exports from the UK being used (FCO) and UK Trade & Investment (UKTI), both in for internal repression in Syria since 2011. [167824] the UK and abroad, frequently advise companies on the specific risks of operating in overseas markets, including Michael Fallon [holding answer 5 September 2013]: in China. Information can be found on the Overseas Officials in the Export Control Organisation (ECO) Business Risk section of the UKTI website within BIS receive advice from a range of Departments, http://www.ukti.gov.uk/pt_pt/export/howwehelp/ including those mentioned, when considering export overseasbusinessrisk.html?null licence applications for Syria. Advice on whether the including a section dedicated to risks around bribery proposed export would be used for internal repression and corruption or the abuse of human rights, i.e. Criterion 2 of the http://www.ukti.gov.uk/pt_pt/export/howwehelp/ Consolidated Criteria, is principally received from the overseasbusinessrisk/briberycorruption.html?null Foreign and Commonwealth Office. as well as country-specific risks in China http://www.ukti.gov.uk/pt_pt/export/countries/asiapacific/ Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for fareast/china/overseasbusinessrisk.htmh Business, Innovation and Skills what information (a) Additionally, as part of the FCO Charter for Business, he and (b) officials in his Department requested from FCO also regularly shares its political, economic and other Departments and agencies when deliberating on security analysis in written and oral briefings for UK the annual licences for the export of dual-use chemicals business and publishes this analysis on the UKTI website to Syria which were granted on 17 and 18 January to help companies understand and manage new and 2012. [167825] emerging risks in those markets. On the specific question of the Bribery Act, the Michael Fallon [holding answer 5 September 2013]: Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) is There is a well-established process for taking decisions a sponsor of the Business Anti-Corruption Portal. It on export licence requests. Both licences were assessed is a comprehensive and practical business tool offering by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, support to business to help them avoid and fight corruption. and by other Government Departments with an interest, The portal is found at against the Consolidated EU and National Arms Export http://www.business-anti-corruption.com/ Licensing Criteria, including whether there was a clear It contains a number of country profiles, including China. risk that they might be used for internal repression or be diverted to another end use. Royal Mail Ian Murray: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills whether he plans to Business, Innovation and Skills what discussions (a) he make a statement to the Stock Exchange on the sale of and (b) officials in his Department had with officials Royal Mail; and if he will make a statement. [167967] of EU institutions on the substances (i) sodium fluoride and (ii) potassium fluoride (A) before 17 and Michael Fallon: On 10 July, the Secretary of State for 18 January 2012 and (B) between 19 January 2012 and Business, Innovation and Skills, the right hon. Member 17 June 2012. [167826] for Twickenham (Vince Cable) announced the Government’s intention to float shares on the London Stock Exchange via an Initial Public Offering (IPO) in Michael Fallon [holding answer 5 September 2013]: this financial year. The Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and The next step in taking forward the IPO will be the Skills, the right hon. Member for Twickenham (Vince issue of an Intention to Float (ITF) announcement Cable) and BIS officials had no such discussions. which we will do in line with normal market practice. No decision has been made on the timing of the ITF. Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills on what date (a) he and (b) officials in his Department were informed that CABINET OFFICE no chemicals were exported under the export licences issued on 17 and 18 January 2012. [167827] Communities First Fund Mr Watson: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Michael Fallon [holding answer 5 September 2013]: Office how much funding was allocated to the Community The export licences issued on 17 and 18 January 2012 First programme in years (a) one and (b) two; what were revoked on 30 July 2012 following the imposition proportion of that funding has been spent by local of EU sanctions in respect of Syria. BIS was informed Community First panels; and what assessment he has that the licences had not been used on 30 July 2012. made of the effectiveness of the programme. [167879] 539W Written Answers6 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 540W

Mr Hurd: The Community First programme costs for death certificate, and it is not possible to tell which was primarily these years are published in the Cabinet Office Annual responsible for the death. More information on how to interpret Report and Accounts 2012-13 at: data on drug-related deaths can be found in the bulletin mentioned below. https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ attachment_data/file/225980/HC_15.pdf The number of drug-related deaths registered in England and Wales from 1993 to 2012 are available on the ONS website: An evaluation of the Community First Neighbourhood Match Fund programme is being carried out by IPSOS www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/subnational-health3/deaths-related- to-drug-poisoning/index.html Mori and nef Consulting. A final report will be published in 2015. Table 1: Number of deaths where the underlying cause was drug- related poisoning and a new psychoactive substance was mentioned on Conflict, Stability and Security Fund the death certificate, by region, England, deaths registered in 20121,2,3,4 Region Deaths Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what plans he has to include in the terms of North East 3 reference of the Conflict, Stability and Security Fund North West 11 the effects of climate change, energy security and Yorkshire and The Humber 4 resource competition. [166009] East Midlands 6 West Midlands 6 Miss Chloe Smith: The new Conflict, Stability and East of England 4 Security Fund (CSSF) will bring together resources London 9 from across Government, and draw on the most effective South East 3 combination of defence, diplomatic, development, security South West 3 and intelligence, and other cross-Government capabilities. 1 Cause of death related to drug poisoning was defined using the The CSSF will build on the Building Stability Overseas International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD 10) Strategy, and the National Security Strategy. These codes shown in Box 1 below. capabilities are at the heart of the Prime Minister’s 2 Deaths were included where the underlying cause was drug-related, ″golden thread″ and can play a vital role in tackling the and where one or more of the substances shown in Box 2 below was mentioned anywhere on the death certificate. root causes and impacts of conflict and instability in 3 Figures for regions are based on boundaries as of August 2013 and fragile states. The National Security Strategy identified exclude deaths of non-residents. climate change, energy issues and resource competition 4 Figures are for deaths registered, rather than deaths occurring in as drivers of global insecurity. These are therefore clear each calendar. Due to the length of time it takes to complete a priorities for the NSC (National Security Council) and coroner’s inquest, it can take months or even years for a drug-related death to be registered. More details can be found in the ‘deaths related will be considered in conjunction with other NSC conflict to drug poisoning’ statistical bulletin: drivers and priorities. www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/subnational-health3/deaths-related-to-drug- Death: Drugs poisoning/index.html Box 1. ICD 10 codes used to define deaths related to drug poisoning John Woodcock: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet ICD 10 Office how many deaths occurred in each region in Description Codes 2012 where novel psychoactive substances were mentioned on the death certificate. [167964] Mental and behavioural disorders due to drug use F11-F16, (excluding alcohol and tobacco) F18-F19 Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the Accidental poisoning by drugs, medicaments and X40-X44 responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have biological substances asked the authority to reply. Intentional self-poisoning by drugs, medicaments X60-X64 and biological substances Letter from Glen Watson, dated September 2013: Assault by drugs, medicaments and biological X85 As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I substances have been asked to reply to your recent question asking how many Poisoning by drugs, medicaments and biological Y10-Y14 deaths occurred in each region in 2012 where novel psychoactive substances, undetermined intent substances were mentioned on the death certificate [167964]. There is no official definition of the term ‘novel psychoactive substances’. However the Office for National Statistics does monitor Box 2. Drugs classified as new psychoactive substances deaths from drug-related poisoning, allowing analysis of deaths 1-(Benzofuran-6-yl)-propan-2-amine by specific substances involved. 2-(1H-lndol-5-yl)-1-methylethylamine In recent years a number of new psychoactive substances have been controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. These 4-Fluoroephedrine include gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) and its precursor gamma- 4-Fluoromethcathinone butyrolactone (GBL), piperazines (benzylpiperazine—BZP and 4-Methylamphetamine trifluoromethylphenylpiperazine—TFMPP), pipradrols such as desoxypipradrol, and cathinones such as mephedrone. These 4-Methylethcathinone types of drugs have been mentioned in association with the term Alpha-methyltryptamine ‘novel/new psychoactive substances’, and although they are also BZP sometimes referred to as ‘legal highs’, many are now controlled Cathinone under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. A full list of drugs currently classified as ’new psychoactive substances’ by ONS is shown in Desoxypipradrol Box 2 below. Fluoromethcathinone Table 1 provides the number of deaths where the underlying GHB cause was drug-related poisoning and a new psychoactive substance Khat was mentioned on the death certificate in each region of England for deaths registered in 2012. It is important to note that around Legal high half of these deaths mentioned more than one substance on the Mephedrone 541W Written Answers6 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 542W

Methiopropamine Right to Buy Scheme Methoxetamine Methylenedioxypyrovalerone Mrs Lewell-Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Methylone Communities and Local Government what impact Synthetic cannabinoid assessment his Department has produced on measures in the draft Deregulation Bill reducing the waiting TFMPP period for right to buy. [167784] Public Sector: Procurement Mr Prisk: The Department has produced an impact Chi Onwurah: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet assessment on the proposed change to the Right to Buy Office what guidance his Department offers on the qualifying period. We will shortly submit a copy of the inclusion of contract bonds in the commissioning and impact assessment to the Joint Committee as part of its procurement of public services. [167906] call for evidence on the Deregulation Bill and a copy will also be placed in the Library of the House. Miss Chloe Smith: The Cabinet Office issued Procurement Policy Note 02/13 on 18 February 2013. Temporary Accommodation: West Midlands Transparency of Lobbying, Non-party Campaigning and Trade Union Administration Bill Mr Godsiff: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many (a) Tom Blenkinsop: To ask the Minister for the families in Birmingham, Hall Green constituency (b) Cabinet Office what discussions he has had with (a) and the West Midlands are recorded as living in ConservativeHome, (b) the Taxpayer’s Alliance, (c) bed and breakfast accommodation; and how many the Countryside Alliance and (d) charities about the such families were recorded as living in such draft Transparency of Lobbying, Non-party Campaigning accommodation in (i) 2010, (ii) 2011 and (iii) 2012. [167495] and Trade Union Administration Bill. [168098]

Mr Maude: As part of my Department’s transparency Mr Prisk: The Department collects figures on the programme, details of ministerial meetings with external numbers of households in temporary accommodation organisations are published on the Cabinet Office website in individual local authority areas and so those which at: most closely relate to the Birmingham Hall Green constituency are those for the whole area covered by https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/cabinet-office/ series/ministers-transparency-publications Birmingham city council. The latest figures on the number of households with Voluntary Work: Young People dependent children or expectant mothers with no other dependent children recorded as living in bed and breakfast Tristram Hunt: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet accommodation relate to 31 March 2013. The following Office what the total cost was of delivery per table therefore includes figures for Birmingham city participant of the National Citizenship Service in (a) council, as at 31 March in 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013. 2012 and (b) 2013 to date. [167983] Birmingham city council Number of households with dependent children or expectant mothers Mr Hurd: The Natcen evaluation of the 2012 programme with no other dependent children in bed and breakfast accommodation was published in July and gives details of how many As at 31 March: Number young people took part and the cost of delivery: http://www.natcen.ac.uk/study/national-citizen-service- 2010 72 evaluation 2011 48 The monetary benefits of the 2012 NCS programme 2012 28 were estimated at up to 2.8 times the cost of delivery. 2013 87 Details for the 2013 programme will be published in due Source: course. PIE quarterly returns As outlined in the written ministerial statement of 18 September 2012, Official Report, columns 32-33WS, my Department no longer publishes statistics by Government COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT office region. I am placing in the Library of the House, Housing: Construction a table giving local authority figures from which regional estimates for the former West Midlands government Hilary Benn: To ask the Secretary of State for region can be calculated. Communities and Local Government (1) how many The figures are the total numbers reported by local new homes have been built as a result of the New authorities as at each date. It is not possible from the Homes Bonus to date; [167769] information provided to identify individual households (2) by what date 400,000 additional homes will be and so to track the number of households in bed and built as a result of the New Homes Bonus. [167770] breakfast accommodation as at 31 March 2013 that had also been in bed and breakfast accommodation on any Mr Prisk: To date, the New Homes Bonus has rewarded particular previous dates. Figures for 30 June 2013 will delivery of almost 470,000 net additions to the housing be published on 5 September. stock, including over 400,000 new homes and over We announced funding of nearly £2 million in June 55,000 empty properties brought back into use. to support intensive work with seven local authorities 543W Written Answers6 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 544W that account for almost 50% of families in bed and RAF Akrotiri breakfast over six weeks. Birmingham is one of the successful bidders and will receive £297,500 of that Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for funding. The lessons learned will be shared with other Defence how much his Department has spent on local authorities. improving armed forces accommodation in RAF Akrotiri, Cyprus, in each year since 2010. [167921]

Mr Francois: It will take time to gather this information, DEFENCE I will write to the hon. Member.

Chemicals: Exports Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which military units have been deployed at Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for RAF Akrotiri, Cyprus, in the last 12 months. [167922] Defence pursuant to the oral answer of 2 September 2013, Official Report, column 19, on what date it was Mr Robathan: The UK has the following military considered that the sodium fluoride and potassium units permanently deployed at RAF Akrotiri: fluoride could be precursors in some other application; A Squadron which operate Griffin helicopters to provide search what these applications were considered to be; for what and rescue for the Sovereign Base Areas and Republic of Cyprus; reason that consideration was not given before those The Cyprus Operational Support Unit which is responsible for export licences were issued; and if he will make a managing the transit of military goods and personnel to and from statement. [167924] operations in Afghanistan. Separately, a number of military units have also Mr Dunne: Export licences are approved by the conducted routine training at RAF Akrotiri in the past Department for Business Innovation and Skills. 12 months. The full list of military units, together with The two standard individual export licences for sodium their deployment dates, is not held centrally and could fluoride and potassium fluoride were revoked following be provided only at disproportionate cost. a revision to the sanctions regime which came into force Since 26 August 2013, the Ministry of Defence has in June 2012. The revision introduced new prohibitions deployed the following military assets with supporting on certain chemicals, including sodium fluoride and personnel to RAF Akrotiri: potassium fluoride. In these cases the chemicals were to Six Typhoon fast jets in the air defence role. be used for metal finishing of aluminium showers and Two Tri-Star air-to-air refuelling aircraft; one Tri-Star returned windows. There was no evidence at the time of granting to the UK on 4 September 2013. the licences—and there has been no evidence One E3D Sentry Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) subsequently—to suggest that the end-use was anything Command and Control aircraft. other than stated. Our system of export controls is A Type 101 Radar to increase air surveillance coverage in the robust, responsive and effective in protecting our interests region. and upholding the highest international standards. The licences were not used before they were revoked. Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much his Department has spent on the HMS Dragon education of the children of armed forces personnel based at RAF Akrotiri, Cyprus, in each year since Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for 2010. [167923] Defence whether HMS Dragon is accompanying the USS Nimitz to the Eastern Mediterranean. [167970] Mr Francois: The amount spent on providing education for children attending school in Akrotiri in each year Mr Robathan: No. HMS Dragon is currently returning since 2010 is shown in the following table: from a routine deployment to the Gulf where it worked with the USS Nimitz and other international partners Financial year Amount (£ million) to promote regional security. 2010-11 1.978 2011-12 1.942 Military Bases: Germany 2012-13 1.971 Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for These figures are for children attending Akrotiri Primary Defence how many armed forces personnel will be School and include children of both Ministry of Defence stationed in British Army bases in Germany in each service and civilian personnel. year until 2019. [167920] Children of secondary school age living at RAF Akrotiri attend school in Episkopi. It would not be Mr Robathan: Before the strategic defence and security possible in the time available to extract the data required review in 2010 there were around 20,000 Service personnel to determine the costs incurred for secondary school in Germany, of which approximately 19,000 were on pupils whose parents are based at RAF Akrotiri. Army bases. There are currently 14,560 armed forces personnel in Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Army bases in Germany, which is expected to reduce to Defence which NATO member states have sent (a) 12,480 by December 2014 and 6,800 by December 2015. maritime patrol aircraft and (b) high altitude surveillance This number will remain broadly consistent until the aircraft to RAF Akrotiri since June 2013; which aircraft last major formation, 20 Armoured Brigade, begins its were sent; and what the purposes were of their visits. withdrawal towards the end of the decade. [167971] 545W Written Answers6 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 546W

Mr Robathan: No NATO member states have sent Sub-Unit Integrated with: Comment maritime patrol aircraft or high altitude surveillance aircraft to RAF Akrotiri since June 2013; however, an 81 Signal Squadron 10th Signal Regiment — Italian Air Force Gulfstream G3 surveillance aircraft Land Information 15th Signal Regiment — was deployed to RAF Akrotiri from 15 June until 15 Communications (Information July 2013 in support of UN operations in Lebanon. Support Group Support) Land Information Joint Cyber Unit Army Syria Assurance Group (Reserves) contribution to tri-service unit Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Joint Service Signals Joint Service Signals Army Unit (Reserves) Organisation contribution to Defence what training of Syrian Army personnel has tri-service unit taken place in British Overseas Territories since 2001. [167972]

Mr Robathan: There is no corporate recollection of any training of Syrian army personnel taking place in EDUCATION the British Overseas Territories since 2001. Academies Territorial Army Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what the role is of his Department’s Defence what (a) current and (b) former units within Academies Presumption Team. [167881] the Territorial Army have had expertise in signals and cyber/electronic warfare; and from which locations Mr Timpson: Under Section 14 of the Education Act such units were recruited. [167918] 1996, local authorities must plan and secure sufficient schools for their area. Where a local authority identifies Mr Robathan: The details of signals units in the the need to establish a new school, Section 6A of the Territorial Army prior to the changes under Army 2020 Education and Inspections Act 2006 (the ’academy and those that will be part of the Army Reserve are presumption’), requires it to seek proposals for an academy shown in the following table: or free school. The Secretary of State for Education, my right hon. Friend the Member for Surrey Heath (Michael Sub Unit and Sub Unit and Gove), decides the successful proposal. Detachment Locations Detachment Locations The Academy Presumption team’s role within the Unit Pre Army 2020 Post Army 2020 Department for Education is to advise local authorities 32nd Signal Belfast Darlington Aberdeen Belfast in meeting their obligations under the legislation and to Regiment East Kilbride Dundee East Kilbride advise my the Secretary of State during the decision Edinburgh Glasgow Edinburgh Glasgow making process. Hartlepool Liverpool Londonderry Londonderry Manchester Children: Day Care

37th Signal Birmingham Birmingham Coventry Karen Lumley: To ask the Secretary of State for Regiment Cambridge Cardiff Darlington Leeds Education what steps he is taking to reduce the cost of Colchester Coventry Liverpool Manchester childcare. [167130] Redditch Stratford Nottingham Redditch upon Avon Sheffield Elizabeth Truss: The Government published More Affordable Childcare in July, which set out the steps we 38th Signal Aberdeen Banbury Withdrawn from the are taking to reduce the costs of child care. Regiment Bletchley Coulsdon order of battle Dundee Kingston More Affordable Childcare sets out plans to: upon Thames Leeds 1. help families to meet the costs of child care Nottingham Rugby Sheffield 2. increase the amount of affordable provision 3. give parents the right information so they can make informed choices about child care 39th Signal Aylesbury Brighton Bath Bristol Cardiff Regiment Bristol Eastbourne Gloucester Windsor Copies are available online at the Department for Gloucester Windsor Education’s website1 and in the Library. 1 Available at: 71st (City of Bexleyheath Bexleyheath www.gov.uk/government/publications/more-affordable-childcare London) Chelmsford Lincolns Chelmsford Colchester Yeomanry Inn Southfields Coulsdon Lincolns Inn Lucy Powell: To ask the Secretary of State for Signal Uxbridge Whipps Uxbridge Whipps Regiment Cross Cross Education what assessment has been made by his Department on the extent of provision of holiday child In addition, the following Reserve signals elements care for (a) all age groups, (b) disabled children and formed part of the Territorial Army and remain in the (c) children living in rural areas. [167299] Army Reserves order of battle. These elements recruit nationally and will continue to do so. They are fully Elizabeth Truss: The latest available information is integrated into Regular Army regiments or Joint (tri-service) for 2011 when it is estimated that there were 7,900 organisations as shown: holiday clubs offering child care1. 547W Written Answers6 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 548W

Table 1 provides national estimates of the age breakdown Mr Laws: A table containing disaggregated ethnicity of children who attended holiday clubs in 2011. breakdowns by (a) local authority and (b) region for Table 1 the Department’s headline indicator ‘pupils achieving Age Holiday club attendees (%) 5+ A*-C grades inc English & mathematics GCSEs’, for the academic year 2011/12, has been placed in the Under 2 years old 7 House Library. 2 years old 9 Information for the other achievement indicators 3 years old 11 presented in Table 3 in the Department’s publication, 4 years old 11 GCSE and equivalent attainment by pupil characteristics 5 to 7 years old 30 in England: 2011 to 2012, could be provided only at 8 to 10 years old 25 disproportionate cost. Likewise a gender breakdown 11 years or older 7 and data for past years could be provided only at Source: disproportionate cost. Table 4.20b Childcare and Early Years Providers Survey 20112. Table 2 provides national estimates of the proportion Mr Hollobone: To ask the Secretary of State for of holiday clubs caring for children with disabilities in Education how many children in (a) England and (b) 2011. Kettering constituency failed to achieve a grade C in (i) Table 2 mathematics and (ii) English at GCSE level in the last Caring for Holiday clubs (%) year for which figures are available. [167902] Minor disabilities 41 Mr Laws: The requested information has been provided Moderate disabilities 35 in the following table: Severe disabilities 13 Number of pupils at the end of key stage 4 not achieving A*-C grades Does not currently care for 43 in English and in mathematics GCSE1 in 2011/122,3,4 children with disabilities Number of Number of Source: KS4 pupils not KS4 pupils not Table 4.20 Childcare and Early Years Providers Survey 2011. achieving an achieving an Data is not available on the extent of provision of Number of A*-C grade in A*-C grade in holiday child care for children living in rural areas. eligible pupils English mathematics 1 The Department for Education’s Childcare and Early Years England 559,076 184,061 170,589 Providers Survey collects information on the number of holiday Kettering 1,112 401 327 clubs in England that provide holiday care for children under the 1 Figures include results in full GCSEs, double award GCSEs, accredited age of eight. Where these providers also offer care for children international certificates (iGCSEs) and their predecessor iGCSEs and over eight, information on this is collected. AS levels. 2 https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/childcare-and- 2 Figures are based on the postcode of the school location covering all early-years-providers-survey-2011 state-funded schools including academies and free schools. 3 Final data. Conferences 4 Figures do not include pupils recently arrived from overseas but otherwise include all those pupils at the end of KS4 regardless of whether or not they entered the subject. Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Source: Education which external conferences he attended in National Pupil Database an official capacity in 2012. [167841] Primary Education: South Yorkshire Elizabeth Truss: To retrieve and compile this information would exceed disproportionate cost. Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what assessment he has made of the number Education: Finance of primary school places available in (a) South Yorkshire and (b) Barnsley in (i) 2013, (ii) 2014 and Lyn Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for (iii) 2015. [167904] Education when he expects to announce the calculation of the return funds to local authorities following the Mr Laws: The Department collects information from 2012-13 top-slicing for academies; and when local each local authority on the number of school places authorities will receive this payment. [167279] (school capacity) in state funded primary and secondary schools (except special schools) via an annual survey1. Mr Laws: I refer the hon. Member to her previous South Yorkshire consists of four local authorities: question answered on 19 June 2013, Official Report, Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield. The column 707W. following information relates to the position as at May GCSE 2012 and provides the number of places to be added by 2013/14 as advised by each local authority:

Damian Hinds: To ask the Secretary of State for LA advised Education with reference to Table 3 in his 2012 number primary places Department’s publication, GCSE and equivalent of primary to be added by attainment by pupil characteristics in England: 2011 to schools 2012 capacity 2013/14 2012, if he will further disaggregate those results by Barnsley 80 19,187 0 ethnicity from the broad categories of ethnicity listed Doncaster 100 27,106 360 at (a) local authority and (b) Government Office Rotherham 98 23,218 617 Region level. [167449] 549W Written Answers6 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 550W

Mr Laws [holding answer 2 September 2013]: Prior LA advised 2012 number primary places to 2012, no protection at all existed to prevent schools of primary to be added by putting school buildings on playing fields. Schools could schools 2012 capacity 2013/14 build over playing fields without seeking consent and with impunity. This led to the disappearance of thousands Sheffield 133 44,400 444 of playing fields—Fields in Trust (formerly The National 1 Available at: Playing Field Association) estimated 2,540 playing fields, https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/school-capacity- or 26 sites a month, were lost between 1997 and 2005. academic-year-2011-to-2012 This Government has introduced protections on playing fields where there were none before, so that schools and Schools: Inspections local authorities now have to seek permission if they want to change the use of public playing fields by Mark Pritchard: To ask the Secretary of State for putting school buildings on them. We now require Education if he will review the appeals process for schools to apply for consent even where the buildings Ofsted inspections; and if he will make a statement. are being used for education or recreational purposes. [167140] When considering applications to place school buildings on playing fields we take into account the amount of Mr Laws: Ofsted as a non-ministerial Government playing field a school will be left with after the building Department is responsible for its own complaints work, whether there will be any impact on sport and arrangements. The inspectorate introduced a revised play, and the reason for the proposed change. complaints process in April this year following a public Since February 2012, there have been 128 applications consultation exercise. Changes included strengthening to change the use of school playing fields by putting the process to encourage resolution of concerns before school buildings on them. Of these: 104 applied to build the end of an inspection. Ofsted will review the effectiveness classrooms and 24 applied to build other structures of these changes as part of its monitoring of the such as an extension to the school kitchens or the implementation of the new arrangements. widening of a cycle path. The Department for Education is responsible for As the Minister responsible, I have approved 70 proposals managing the contract for the independent complaints to build classrooms, with 34 currently being considered adjudication service for Ofsted. The service handles and 18 other buildings with six currently being considered. complaints for complainants who remain dissatisfied with the outcome of Ofsted’s internal complaints process. The vast majority of these applications seek consent The contract for the adjudication service was awarded to use small areas of outdoor space not used for sport, in January 2013 and there are currently no plans to to extend school facilities in areas of severe pupil place review these arrangements. pressure or to improve the school facilities, with no effect on the delivery of the curriculum or pupils’ space Mark Pritchard: To ask the Secretary of State for to play. The average amount of playing field built on by Education what processes his Department has put in the 88 schools given consent to do so since the new rules place to monitor the quality of Ofsted inspections came into effect in February 2012 is 3.90% of their total carried out by sub-contracted companies. [167141] playing field space. In every case the land is retained for educational use. Mr Laws: Ofsted as a non-ministerial Government Department has direct responsibility for its inspection Schools: Vocational Guidance arrangements. This includes the management of, and the monitoring of performance for, its contracts with Tristram Hunt: To ask the Secretary of State for inspection service providers who engage additional Education (1) what the date and location was of each inspectors to deliver inspections on behalf of Ofsted. visit Ministers of his Department have made to Where matters of concern are raised with the Department, maintained schools that have secured external these are passed to Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector to provision of independent, impartial careers advice investigate. since September 2012; [167984] Schools: Playing Fields (2) what the date and location was of each visit he has made to maintained schools that have secured external provision of independent, impartial careers Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State advice since September 2012. [167985] for Education how many schools and local authorities have (a) sought and (b) been granted permission to Elizabeth Truss: The Department does not collect change the use of playing fields by putting school data on how the maintained schools visited by the buildings on them since February 2012. [167024] Secretary of State for Education, my right hon. Friend the Member for Surrey Heath (Michael Gove), or his Mr Laws [holding answer 2 September 2013]: I refer Ministers, secure and deliver careers guidance or the the hon. Member to parliamentary question number number or proportion doing so through different routes. 167025, answered today.

Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State Teachers: Lancashire for Education how many schools and local authorities have (a) sought and (b) been granted permission to Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for change the use of playing fields by putting classrooms Education how many (a) teachers and (b) special on them since February 2012. [167025] educational needs support staff have been awarded 551W Written Answers6 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 552W scholarships by the National Scholarship Fund to of the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority develop specialist knowledge and skills in (i) Pendle its (a) Chairman, (b) Board members, (c) Chief Executive and (ii) Lancashire since May 2010. [167765] and (d) chief officers have visited the constituency offices of hon. Members; and in each case if he will list Mr Laws: The National Scholarship Fund for teachers those constituencies; [165744] and special educational needs (SEN) support staff is (2) on how many occasions in each year since the administered by the National College for Teaching and formation of the Independent Parliamentary Standards Leadership. The scholarships are awarded where Authority its (a) chairman, (b) board members, (c) applications are judged to be of sufficient merit. chief executive and (d) chief officers have met individual In round one (2011/12) of the National Scholarship hon. Members excluding Ministers to ascertain what Fund the number of teachers who received a National the work of a Member of Parliament entails; and in Scholarship Fund award in Pendle was eight and the each case if he will list the hon. or Right hon. Members number of teachers who received a National Scholarship concerned. [165748] Fund award in Lancashire was 14. In round two (2012/13), the National Scholarship Mr Charles Walker [holding answer 16 July 2013]: Fund invited invitations from teachers and SEN support The information requested falls within the responsibility staff. The number of teachers who received a National of the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority. Scholarship Fund award in Pendle was 0 and in Lancashire I have asked IPSA to reply. were four. The number of SEN support staff who received a National Scholarship Fund award in Pendle Letter from Andrew McDonald, dated 5 September 2013: was two and in Lancashire was seven. As Chief Executive of the Independent Parliamentary Standards Round three (2013/14) of the National Scholarship Authority, I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Fund has recently made offers of funding to 514 teachers Question asking about meetings with MPs and visits to constituency and SEN support staff. Until successful scholars accept offices. their award, exact numbers for Pendle and Lancashire IPSA Board Members and staff from across the organisation cannot be finalised. regularly meet and visit MPs as part of their duties. For example: Teachers: Qualifications the four ordinary members of the Board of IPSA who took office in January 2013 have carried out a programme of induction, which has included the shadowing of MPs both in their constituencies Mr Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for and in Westminster as appropriate. Education if he will consider allowing Early Years The policy team visited eight constituency offices in the winter PGCE students who have failed the Numeracy QTS of 2011/12 as part of the review of the MPs’ Scheme of Business skills test to resit that test within one year. [167371] Costs and Expenses. It is not possible to provide the total number of visits and Mr Laws: On 1 September 2012, a limit to the number meetings, as not all of these are recorded centrally. Releasing only of attempts permitted at the skills tests in literacy and the centrally held figures would provide an incomplete and inaccurate numeracy was introduced as part of wider Government picture. policy to raise the standard of those entering the teaching Given the need for IPSA to maintain effective working relationships profession. Students who do not meet the requirements with MPs and their staff, I do not intend to release the names or within three attempts will not be able to attempt the constituencies of those MPs with whom we have met. tests again for a two-year period. There are no current plans to review this limit, but we will continue to monitor closely the impact of the tests. Sir Bob Russell: To ask the hon. Member for Broxbourne, representing the Speaker’s Committee for Working Parties the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, if he will make it his policy that the Independent Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA) should Education whether he is a member of any of his provide specific funds to enable hon. and Right hon. Department’s ministerial working groups. [167900] Members to publish an annual report to constituents as suggested by IPSA. [165747] Elizabeth Truss: The Department for Education’s working assumption is that the Secretary of State for Mr Charles Walker [holding answer 16 July 2013]: Education, my right hon. Friend the Member for Surrey The information requested falls within the responsibility Heath (Michael Gove), is a standing member of all its of the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority. ministerial working groups. I have asked IPSA to reply. Letter from Andrew McDonald, dated 5 September 2013: As Chief Executive of the Independent Parliamentary Standards INDEPENDENT PARLIAMENTARY Authority, I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary STANDARDS AUTHORITY COMMITTEE Question asking about the proposals of an annual reporting mechanism for MPs. Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority IPSA has proposed an annual reporting mechanism for MPs in the next Parliament in its consultation paper ‘MPs’ Pay and Sir Bob Russell: To ask the hon. Member for Pensions: A New Package, July 2013’. The precise nature of any Broxbourne, representing the Speaker’s Committee for such report, or its means of communication, have not yet been the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, agreed. Therefore it is too early to make any observations about (1) on how many occasions in each year since the formation funding. 553W Written Answers6 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 554W

Meetings The figures above do not include routine uplifts to provide cover for MPs’ staff members on long-term sick leave or maternity, paternity or adoption leave. Those uplifts do not require approval Sir Bob Russell: To ask the hon. Member for by the Contingency Panel and are managed by the IPSA payroll Broxbourne, representing the Speaker’s Committee for team. the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority on how many occasions (a) Government Ministers Sir Bob Russell: To ask the hon. Member for and (b) Treasury officials have had meetings with the Broxbourne, representing the Speaker’s Committee for Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority in the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority each month of 2013 to date. [165128] in financial year ending 2012-13, how many hon. Members had more than £1,000 unallocated in their Mr Charles Walker: The information requested falls staffing allocation in financial year 2012-13; and how within the responsibility of the Independent Parliamentary much of the total available for staff salaries remained Standards Authority. I have asked IPSA to reply. unallocated at the end of that financial year. [167556] Letter from Andrew McDonald, dated 5 September 2013: As Chief Executive of the Independent Parliamentary Standards Mr Charles Walker: The information requested falls Authority, I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary within the responsibility of the Independent Parliamentary Question asking on how many occasions IPSA has met with Standards Authority. I have asked IPSA to reply. Government Ministers and with Treasury officials. The information requested is set out in the following table. The Letter from Andrew McDonald, dated 5 September 2013: figures shown do not include meetings where the participants As Chief Executive of the Independent Parliamentary Standards were not acting in their capacity as members of the Board or staff Authority, I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary of IPSA. Question asking about MPs’ staffing expenditure. As at 4 September 2013, there were 620 MPs whose staffing Meetings with Government Meetings with Treasury expenditure fell £1,000 or more below their budget limit for the Ministers officials 2012/13 financial year. January 2 0 As of the same date, the total expenditure by all MPs on February 1 0 staffing expenditure (which includes staff salaries, employer’s National Insurance Contributions, employer’s pension contributions March 0 2 and other staffing costs) was £14,520,632.77 below the combined April 1 1 limit of all MPs’ staffing expenditure budgets. May 1 0 June 4 1 Selsdon Park Hotel July 4 1 August 0 0 Sir Bob Russell: To ask the hon. Member for Broxbourne, representing the Speaker’s Committee for Members’ Staff the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority if he will publish a breakdown of the costs associated Sir Bob Russell: To ask the hon. Member for with the two-day gathering at the Selsdon Park Hotel Broxbourne, representing the Speaker’s Committee for to discuss remuneration proposals for hon. Members. the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, [166767] how many hon. Members were given contingency payments to allow additional allocation to their Mr Charles Walker: The information requested falls staffing budget in the (a) last financial year and (b) within the responsibility of the Independent Parliamentary current financial year; and what was the total sum paid Standards Authority. I have asked IPSA to reply. out in such fashion. [167553] Letter from Andrew McDonald, dated 5 September 213: Mr Charles Walker: The information requested falls As Chief Executive of the Independent Parliamentary Standards within the responsibility of the Independent Parliamentary Authority, I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking about the IPSA Board meeting in Croydon. Standards Authority. I have asked IPSA to reply. The total cost was £2,008.50 for 13 delegates, which equates to Letter from Andrew McDonald, dated 5 September 2013: £154.50 per person. This cost included conference facilities, overnight As Chief Executive of the Independent Parliamentary Standards accommodation and refreshments (including meals and hot drinks, Authority, I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary but no alcoholic beverages). Question about contingency funding. MPs who believe they need more funding may apply to IPSA’s Sir Bob Russell: To ask the hon. Member for contingency panel, demonstrating why their circumstances are Broxbourne, representing the Speaker’s Committee for exceptional. the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority In 2012/13, 36 MPs received uplifts to their staffing expenditure on what dates (a) board members and (b) staff of budgets. The total value of these uplifts was £182,497. In 2013/14 the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (to 30 August), 5 MPs have received uplifts to their staffing expenditure budgets. The total value of these uplifts was £27,991. attended the Selsdon Park Hotel to discuss remuneration proposals for hon. Members; whether These figures represent approved uplifts and do not necessarily indicate that an MP will make claims equal to the amount of the other locations were considered for the meeting; and uplift. The total sums actually claimed by each MP under each who attended. [166768] budget heading are published annually on our website: www.parliamentary-standards.org.uk Mr Charles Walker: The information requested falls The latest annual figures, for 2012-13, will be published on within the responsibility of the Independent Parliamentary 12 September 2013. Standards Authority. I have asked IPSA to reply. 555W Written Answers6 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 556W

Letter from Andrew McDonald, dated 5 September 2013: Letter from Andrew McDonald, dated 5 September 2013: As Chief Executive of the Independent Parliamentary Standards As Chief Executive of the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Authority, I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking about the IPSA Board meeting in Croydon. Question asking about meetings between representatives of IPSA The meeting took place over 24 hours from lunchtime on and HM Treasury. Sunday 14 April to lunchtime on Monday 15 April. The venue Since 1 January 2013 the following meetings between representatives was selected after a procurement exercise, in which other venues of IPSA and HM Treasury took place. were considered, in line with best practice. On 7 March, the Director of Finance and Operations met The meeting was attended by the IPSA Board and senior Treasury officials. members of the IPSA Executive team. On 6 April, an IPSA official met Treasury officials. On 25 June, an IPSA official met Treasury officials. On 6 April, an IPSA official met Treasury officials. Standards On 10 July, the Director of Policy and Communications and another IPSA official met Treasury officials. Lindsay Roy: To ask the hon. Member for On 19 April, the Director of Finance and Operations met Broxbourne, representing the Speaker’s Committee for Treasury officials. the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority On 19 July, the Chair and Chief Executive met the Chief what steps IPSA is taking to improve its efficiency and Secretary to the Treasury. HM Treasury officials were also present. effectiveness. [167908] These meetings covered a variety of issues relating to IPSA’s statutory responsibilities. Mr Charles Walker: The information requested falls I do not intend to provide further details of these meetings as within the responsibility of the Independent Parliamentary to do so may inhibit free and frank discussions in the future. Standards Authority. I have asked IPSA to reply. Letter from Andrew McDonald, 5 September 2013: As Chief Executive of the Independent Parliamentary Standards INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT Authority, I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking about IPSA’s efficiency and effectiveness. Developing Countries: Taxation IPSA is improving both its efficiency and effectiveness. The Main Estimate for 2012-13 included a 6% reduction in resources over the previous year to fund IPSA’s operating costs. Pauline Latham: To ask the Secretary of State for We achieved these savings in 2012-13 by: International Development what conditions relating to sub-letting part of our accommodation, yielding savings of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and over £500,000; Development, the International Monetary Fund or World Bank tax-related rules and guidance his implementing new working practices to automate elements of the claims validation process; and Department places on developing nations in receipt of UK official development assistance. [167851] improving the operation of the MPs’ Scheme of Business Costs and Expenses by offering MPs the ability to purchase stationery on line, introducing a self service report allowing MPs Mr Duncan: The UK does not place specific conditions to review current and projected spend on staffing, and introducing relating to Organisation for Economic Co-operation online timesheets for MPs’ staff. and Development, the International Monetary Fund or One example of the improved efficiency is the reduction in the World Bank tax-related rules and guidance, on developing time taken to process claims. In the financial year 2012-13 processing nations in receipt of UK official development assistance. a claim for payment took, on average, 9.6 days from the receipt of the supporting evidence. Our current performance is 7.13 days. The Estimate for 2013-14 includes a further 5% reduction in resources to fund IPSA’s operating costs. IPSA is currently JUSTICE implementing changes to deliver the efficiency savings of 5% and to continue with operational improvements to the MPs’ Scheme Electronic Government: Welsh Language of Business Costs and Expenses. Nia Griffith: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice if he plans to make it possible to pay fines on the Treasury Government website www.gov.uk/Cymraeg through the medium of Welsh. [164096] Sir Bob Russell: To ask the hon. Member for Broxbourne, representing the Speaker’s Committee for Mrs Grant: There are no immediate plans to translate the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, the fine payment webpage into Welsh. The Government on which dates the Independent Parliamentary Digital Service will be evaluating data on Welsh language Standards Authority (IPSA) has held meetings with pages and searches on GOV.UK in December 2013 and (a) Ministers and (b) officials of HM Treasury since 1 will consider adding more pages based on evidence of January 2013; which Ministers and officials attended demand. each such meeting; and what subjects were discussed at each such meeting. [168176] Electronic Tagging

Mr Charles Walker: The information requested falls Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice within the responsibility of the Independent Parliamentary what the timetable is for awarding the new tagging Standards Authority. I have asked IPSA to reply. contracts. [165793] 557W Written Answers6 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 558W

Jeremy Wright: Having announced preferred bidders It is Government policy to extend or negotiate on 20 August, we hope to be in a position to award compulsory prisoner transfer agreements with other contracts towards the end of the year. countries. Juries: Mental Illness We have voluntary prisoner transfer agreements with more than 100 countries, allowing prisoners to serve their sentences in their home countries. Bob Stewart: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice if he will review policy on the disqualification for life EU sentenced receptions, sentences of two years or from jury service of people who have had mental health more, 2008-2012, England All problems. [167845] 2008 658 Mrs Grant: Eligibility for jury service is regulated by 2009 776 the Juries Act 1974. It does not disqualify for life those 2010 (July to December)1 412 who have had mental health problems. 2011 822 Furthermore, the Government recently supported a 2012 928 Private Members Bill—now the Mental Health 1 Data for January to June 2010 is not available (Discrimination) Act 2013—which provides that those voluntarily receiving treatment for a mental health condition Pornography are no longer disqualified from jury service. Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for Legal Aid Scheme Justice if he will bring forward legislative proposals to make the possession of pornography depicting rape a Mr Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for criminal offence. [161563] Justice what assessment he has made of the effect of his proposed changes to legal aid on victims of human Mrs Grant: The Prime Minister has recently announced trafficking. [166462] plans to extend the existing extreme pornography offence to cover the possession of images of rape. We will bring Jeremy Wright: At around £2 billion a year we have forward legislation on this issue when parliamentary one of the most expensive legal aid systems of its type time allows. in the world. The consultation paper, “Transforming Legal Aid: delivering a more credible and efficient Regulation system”, contained a range of measures aimed at reducing the cost of and promoting public confidence in the legal Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for aid scheme, including a proposal that those applying for Justice what the title is of each regulation his civil legal aid should have a strong connection to the Department (a) introduced and (b) revokedin(i) UK (with exceptions for asylum seekers, serving members 2010, (ii) 2011, (iii) 2012 and (iv) 2013 to date; and if he of Her Majesty’s armed forces and their immediate will make a statement. [165917] families). We have analysed responses to our consultation carefully Mrs Grant: The information is as follows: and will publish our response shortly. (a) Since 2010, the Ministry of Justice has introduced the following regulatory measures as set out in the Offenders: EU Nationals Government Statements of New Regulation (SNR): EU Maintenance Order; John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many non-UK EU nationals in (a) Bassetlaw Implementation of the Legal Services Act 2007; constituency and (b) England received prison Amendment of the Client Specific rule 6(b) of the Claims sentences of two or more years in each of the last five Management Regulator’s Conduct of Authorised Persons Rules 2007; years; and how many such nationals were (i) recommended for deportation, (ii) deported and (iii) Claims Management Rules Review (Phase 2); not deported. [154157] Referral Fees in Personal Injury Claims; Reform of Civil Litigation Funding and Costs in England and Jeremy Wright: The Ministry of Justice Court Wales (Jackson); Proceedings Database holds information on defendants Scheme Rules for the Office of Legal Complaints (Legal proceeded against, found guilty and sentenced for criminal Ombudsman). offences in England and Wales. This database holds (b) The Ministry of Justice has not revoked any information on offences provided by the statutes under regulation since 2010 to date. which proceedings are brought but not the specific The latest Statement (SNR6) covering the period July circumstances of each case. It is not possible to identify to December 2013 can be found at: from this centrally held information the nationality of https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ offenders sentenced for criminal offences. attachment_data/file/211164/bis-l3-p96a-sixth-statement-of-new- However, the best alternative for these figures are the regulation.pdf prison statistics in the following table, which presents the number of sentenced receptions into custody of Squatting non-UK EU nationals between 2008 and 2012 in England. There were no receptions of non-UK EU nationals into Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for prisons in Bassetlaw constituency between 2008 and Justice what assessment he has made of changes in 2012. the prevalence of squatting in commercial premises 559W Written Answers6 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 560W following the introduction of the criminal provisions for Norwich North (Miss Smith), subsequently wrote to contained in the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment the Northern Ireland Executive after introduction of of Offenders Act 2012. [165181] the Bill. Details of my meetings with external organisations Damian Green: We are aware of reports that the are published on a quarterly basis and can be accessed offence of squatting in a residential building, which on GOV.UK at came into force last September, might be encouraging https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/cabinet-office/ squatters to occupy non-residential buildings. We are series/ministers-transparency-publications monitoring this situation closely and are not ruling out Information for the period April-June 2013 will be further action if needed. If he is aware of evidence to published shortly. suggest that instances of squatting in non-residential buildings have increased in the Shipley area since the offence was introduced, we will look closely at any information he has. PRIME MINISTER Written Questions: Government Responses Russia

Charlotte Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for Caroline Lucas: To ask the Prime Minister if he will Justice when he plans to answer question 161697, raise the matter of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender tabled by the hon. Member for Bristol North West on and intersex rights with President Putin at the 20 June 2013 for answer on 25 June 2013. [165844] forthcoming G20 meeting in Russia. [167973]

Jeremy Wright: I understand that you have now The Prime Minister: I refer the hon. Member to the received a response to your parliamentary question and answer I gave to the hon. Member for Bristol East on 4 I apologise for the delay. September 2013, Official Report, column 381W.

LEADER OF THE HOUSE TRANSPORT Adjournment Debates Blue Badge Scheme Mr Amess: To ask the Leader of the House pursuant to the contribution of the hon. Member for Southend Valerie Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for West of 18 July 2013, Official Report, columns 1381-3, Transport what his policy is on the automatic renewal when the hon. Member will receive replies from the of blue badges for eligible persons whose disability will Government relating to the issues which he raised. not improve. [167600] [167991] Norman Baker: The Government seeks to address the Tom Brake: Following the hon. Member’s excellent needs of severely disabled people by providing automatic contribution at the Pre-recess Adjournment debate of badge eligibility to people who are already in receipt of 18 July, my office commissioned a response from Her certain mobility awards (including, for example, under Majesty’s Treasury. The Department responded to the Disability Living Allowance). Badge renewal for these hon. Member on 16 August 2013. My office will be able people should involve little more than verifying that to assist the hon. Member should he have any further their award and personal details are correct. queries on this matter. To improve the scheme, we have introduced a new, joined up system across Great Britain and all badge Transparency of Lobbying, Non-party Campaigning details are now held electronically. Therefore, even for and Trade Union Administration Bill those who do not have automatic eligibility, where the disability will clearly not improve the renewal process Dr Alasdair McDonnell: To ask the Leader of the should be a straightforward process. House (1) what discussions he has held with Ministers Blue Badges are issued for a period of 3 years as there of the Northern Ireland Executive on the Transparency is a need to ensure on a regular basis that personal data of Lobbying, Non-Party Campaigning and Trade remain up to date so that the scheme remains both Union Administration Bill; [167974] efficient and secure. (2) how many meetings he has held with representatives of (a) FTSE 100 companies, (b) High Speed 2 Railway Line charities, (c) non-governmental organisations and (d) trades unions on the Transparency of Lobbying, Non- Stephen Barclay: To ask the Secretary of State for Party Campaigning and Trade Union Administration Transport what comparison his Department has made Bill. [167975] between investment in High Speed 2 and investing the same amount in upgrading track gauges and associated Mr Lansley: Officials in the Cabinet Office have worked works across the network in order to increase capacity. closely with their counterparts in the Northern Ireland [167999] Office prior to introduction of the Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party Campaigning and Trade Union Mr Simon Burns: The Department has considered, Administration Bill. The Minister for Political and on several occasions, a range of high level alternative Constitutional Reform, my hon. Friend the Member packages to HS2, most recently in the Atkins study 561W Written Answers6 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 562W

’High Speed Rail Strategic Alternatives: Update Following These characteristics are the same for both long consultation’ which is available on the Department’s distance and other rolling stock. The standard applies website. appropriate values to each of the mass definitions for https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ each type of train. This standard was approved on attachment_data/file/3664/hs2-strategic-alternatives-study- 23 April 2009 and came into force by November (each update.pdf member state has to individually adopt the standard). Alongside HS2, the Government is investing heavily This was the first issue of the standard, prepared in the conventional rail network. Network Rail will under a mandate given to CEN by the European invest £37.5 billion in the UK’s rail infrastructure in Commission and the European Free Trade Association, Control Period 5 (2014-19). and supports essential requirements of EU Directive 2008/57/EC so does not directly replace any previous Marine Management Organisation standard.

Jim Fitzpatrick: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what discussions Ministers in his Department CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT have had with their Ministerial colleagues in the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to resolve Broadband outstanding issues in relation to the Marin Management Organisation. [167450] Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for Stephen Hammond: The Department for Transport is Culture, Media and Sport to which enterprise zones not aware of any outstanding issues relating to the superfast broadband has been made available to date. Marine Management Organisation (MMO). [168044] The Department for Transport (DFT) is a sponsoring Mr Vaizey: Superfast broadband is available in part, Department of the MMO, and as such we have interests or throughout the following enterprise zones: in most aspects of the Organisation’s work which includes marine planning and licensing, conservation, and fisheries Current superfast broadband management. Enterprise zone availability A ministerial roundtable is currently being set up to Cornwall Aerohub Available discuss ports planning and environmental matters. This will include MMO and relevant Ministers from the Sandwich Discovery Park Available Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, MIRA Leicestershire Available and the Department for Communities and Local Sci-Tech Daresbury Available Government. London Royal Docks Available Manchester Airport City Partial availability I meet the MMO’s chief executive on a quarterly basis to discuss all matters of interest to the DFT. In New Anglia Partial availability addition, a senior official from this Department is a Nottingham Partial availability member of a cross-Government Sponsorship Group Black Country Partial availability which provides support and advice to DEFRA’s Secretary Bristol Temple Quarter Partial availability of State on the discharge of the MMO’s responsibilities Tees Valley Partial availability under the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009. Hereford Skylon Park Partial availability North Eastern Partial availability Rolling Stock Humber Partial availability Birmingham Partial availability Northampton Waterside Partial availability Mr Raab: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport with reference to British Standard BS EN15663:2009, Railway applications, what the (a) usable standing Broadband: North Yorkshire area vehicle reference and (b) definition of vehicle reference masses is for (i) long distance and (ii) other Nigel Adams: To ask the Secretary of State for rolling stock currently in use on the UK rail network or Culture, Media and Sport how many people in rural on order for future use; when that standard was last areas of North Yorkshire who have access to superfast revised; and what the usable standing area vehicle broadband have been provided with such access reference and definition of vehicle reference masses through government programmes since May 2010. [R] were under the previous version of that standard. [167997] [167898] Mr Vaizey: The Government-supported project in Mr Simon Burns: Standing area is defined as: The North Yorkshire has to date increased superfast broadband unobstructed area which can be used by passenger (e.g. availability for over 50,000 premises. vestibule, corridor, stairways, wheelchair area…). The definitions of mass are contained in section 2.1 Creative Industries Council of the standard. These include: dead mass, design mass, design mass in working order, design mass under normal Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, payload, design mass under exceptional payload, Media and Sport how often the Creative Industries operational mass, operational mass in working order Council has met in the last 12 months; and how often and operational mass under normal payload. that body will meet in the next 12 months. [167965] 563W Written Answers6 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 564W

Mr Vaizey: In the last 12 months, the industry-led Mr Vaizey: The Director of Public Prosecutions published Creative Industries Council met on 31 January and guidelines on cases involving communications sent by 5 June. It is scheduled to meet on 27 November this social media in June this year. This guidance makes year, and three times in 2014. Minutes from all CIC clear that in cases where communications constitute meetings are placed on the gov.uk website. Sub-groups credible threats of violence or specifically target an have been set up for each of the priority areas identified individual or individuals should be robustly prosecuted. by the CIC, who each meet on a regular basis to take There are instances where content does not cross the forward work programmes for their areas. In addition, criminal threshold but may not meet the acceptable use Ministers and officials hold regular meetings with the policies social media platforms have in place. Where chair and individual member organisations of CIC, and this is the case, Government expects social media companies those in the wider creative industries. to have robust processes in place for enforcing such policies, including the removal of content and the suspension or termination of accounts as appropriate. Gambling Online abuse does not just affect the individuals directly involved, but the wider community of women Mrs Lewell-Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for and men. Ministers in my team have met with a number Culture, Media and Sport how many gambling operators of stakeholders who campaign against sexist abuse online, (a) were investigated and (b) received warnings or and we will continue to listen to proposals for positive punitive action as a result of breaching self-exclusion action in this area through the women’s engagement agreements in each year since 2009. [167780] programme.

Hugh Robertson: To date, no operators have received Public Libraries formal regulatory sanctions as a result of self-exclusion agreements being breached. However, as part of the Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Commission’s ongoing compliance work, it regularly Media and Sport what progress her Department has engages with licensed operators on this issue and has made on introducing a national library card. [167903] worked with them, on particular cases, to improve effectiveness. The Gambling Commission requirements Mr Vaizey: Arts Council England are currently testing are that operators have effective procedures for self-exclusion automatic library membership for children and young as part of their licence conditions and that they, take all people cards. There are 22 pilot projects across England reasonable steps, to refuse service or otherwise prevent and the aspiration is that it will lead to an increase in an individual, who has entered a self-exclusion agreement, children, young people and families using their local from participating in gambling. libraries and stimulate more reading for pleasure. Mr McKenzie: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what steps is she taking to Social Networking tackle problem gambling; and if she will make a statement. [167926] Jim Sheridan: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what guidance her Hugh Robertson: All commercial gambling in Great Department gives to social networking sites with Britain is subject to extensive regulatory controls, based headquarters in the UK on the legality of content on the three statutory objectives of keeping crime out of produced by their users. [167249] gambling, making sure it is fair and open and protecting children and vulnerable people from being harmed or Mr Vaizey: Government do not provide guidance on exploited. All licensed gambling operators are required the legality of content posted on the internet. to put in place effective policies and procedures to What is illegal offline is also illegal online and where achieve these objectives. While we recognise that gambling illegal content is posted, law enforcement action should problems can have a very serious impact on individuals, be, and is, taken. There will be instances where content their friends and families and their communities, our does not cross the criminal threshold but may not meet system of gambling regulation has contributed to a the acceptable use policies social networking sites have relatively low rate of problem gambling in the adult in place. Where this is the case, Government expect such population of around 0.9%. Nevertheless, we will continue sites to have robust processes in place for enforcing such to bring pressure to bear on the gambling industry to policies, including the removal of content and the ensure the right balance is struck between the need to suspension or termination of accounts as appropriate. protect the vulnerable and the position of gambling as a mainstream leisure activity. Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what steps she is taking to (a) reduce the number of threatening messages and Internet: Bullying harassment of women on social media platforms and (b) ensure that all platforms improve the ease of Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for reporting such abuse; and if she will make a statement. Culture, Media and Sport what assessment analysis her [167348] Department has made of the effect of sexist abuse online on the numbers of women entering (a) journalism, Mr Vaizey: The Director of Public Prosecutions published (b) politics and (c) other areas of public life; and if she guidelines on cases involving communications sent by will make a statement. [167665] social media in June this year. This guidance makes 565W Written Answers6 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 566W clear that in cases where communications constitute The CRC is intended to change corporate behaviour, credible threats of violence or specifically target an by increasing corporate awareness of energy usage and individual or individuals should be robustly prosecuted. improve energy management. Social media platforms also have a role to play in ensuring that their acceptable use policies and the processes for enforcing them, including reporting processes, the Energy removal of content and the suspension or termination of accounts as appropriate, are robust. Chris Heaton-Harris: To ask the Secretary of State Staff for Energy and Climate Change what estimate he has made of the total cost to (a) consumers, (b) industry and (c) government of energy and climate change Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for policies in each year since 2002; and what the costs Culture, Media and Sport how many of her have been of each such policy. [R] [167336] Department’s jobs have been relocated from London to each region of the UK in each of the last 10 years. [168009] Gregory Barker: The Government publishes an annual estimate of the impacts of all climate change and energy Hugh Robertson: No jobs have been relocated from policies on energy prices and bills for households, medium- London. The Department has always been, and remains, sized businesses and energy-intensive industries. The located in London. most recent report was published in March 20131, showing the estimated impacts on prices and bills for 2013, 2020 Young People: Suicide and 2030. We do not have estimates of the total costs to consumers Jake Berry: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, of all policies in each year since 2002. However, Table 1 Media and Sport if she will take steps to remove the provides cost information that is available for policies option of anonymity for uses of websites associated which place obligations into energy suppliers, who pass with teenage suicides. [167445] the costs onto consumers through their energy bills. Mr Vaizey: The Government expects all social media This is the most up-to-date information available, but to make it easy for users to choose not to receive for some policies this is not available on an annual basis anonymous posts, to have simple mechanisms for reporting and costs are shown over the entire lifetime of the abuse, and to take action promptly when abuse is reported. policy. Costs are shown for calendar years or financial Anonymity online is an important protection for people years depending on the policy in question. living in oppressive regimes around the world, but we In terms of how these costs fall on different consumers, expect the industry to ensure that all parents and children the Government does not dictate whether and how have the tools and information they need to use social policy costs are passed on through energy bills and it media safely. remains up to the energy supplier if and how to recover these costs. Therefore it is not possible to be definitive about how these costs have been recovered across different consumers (i.e. households and businesses) over a number ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE of years. Carbon Emissions: Business Our assumption however is that companies will pass on the costs the way they are levied, typically on the John Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for basis of relevant units of energy supplied. For those Energy and Climate Change pursuant to the answer of policies that apply to both households and non-domestic 1 July 2013, Official Report, column 425W, on consumers (eg the renewables obligation and feed-in-tariffs) greenhouse gas emissions, what steps he is taking to our assumption is that, approximately one-third of the encourage energy companies to limit carbon emissions costs fall on households and two-thirds on the non-domestic in their own business activities. [167226] sector—reflecting their respective shares of total electricity consumption. Gregory Barker: The EU Emissions Trading System There are also some policies (eg energy supplier (EU ETS) incentivises participants to reduce emissions, obligations such as CERT) which only apply to households putting a price on carbon by placing a cap on total EU and are only assumed to be levied on them, while others greenhouse gas emissions from the power and industrial (eg the climate change levy) only apply to non-domestic sectors and enabling trading of allowances to ensure consumers. However, taken as a whole, approximately emissions reductions are delivered cost efficiently. one-third of policy costs faced by energy suppliers are The UK has also introduced a carbon price floor assumed to be passed directly onto household bills. designed to top up the EU ETS carbon price to a target There are a number of policies that are funded through minimum level for the UK electricity generation sector, general taxation. These include up to £1 billion for the which sends an early and credible signal to drive investment CCS commercialisation competition, around £200 million in low-carbon electricity generation. capital funding to support the launch of the Green The UK’s CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme (CRC) is Deal, the Renewable Heat Incentive (£1.9 million designed to encourage large public and private sector and £27.4 million in 2011-12 and 2012-13 respectively organisations to reduce their emissions through energy (2012-13 prices) and the renewable heat premium payment efficiency. Energy companies have non-power generating (£9.5 million and £12.7 million in 2011-12 and 2012-13 emissions captured by the CRC. respectively (2012-13 prices2). 567W Written Answers6 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 568W

Table 1: Estimated costs of energy and climate change policies since 2002 * Active policies 1 https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/estimated-impacts-of- energy-and-climate-change-policies-on-energy-prices-and-bills Estimated cost to 2 Source—DECC Annual Reports and Accounts: Time period date (£ billion, Real https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/annual-report-and- Policy considered 2012 prices) accounts-2012-13 3 Calculations of EEC I, EEC II, are based on an evaluation of costs by Eoin Lees Energy, Available at Energy Efficiency April 2002-March 30.5 http://eoinleesenergy.com/ Commitment 2005 4 Calculations of CERT, CERT Extension and CESP are based on (EEC) I impact assessments published by DECC. 5 Costs represent FITs Levelisation Fund, and include generation payments, deemed export payments claimed by generators, Energy Efficiency April 2005-March 1.1 qualifying (administration) costs claimed by FIT licensees, minus the Commitment 2008 value of deemed export to licensed electricity suppliers. (EEC) II Figures for 2010-11 and 2011-12 are taken from the Ofgem Annual FITs Report for those years. See Carbon Emissions April 2008-March 43.4 https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/environmental-programmes/feed-tariff- Reduction Target 2011 fit-scheme/feed-tariff-reports/annual-reports (CERT) Figures for 2012-13 are taken from Ofgem FITs Quarterly Update reports. See https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/environmental-programmes/feed-tariff- Carbon Emissions April 2011- 2.0 fit-scheme/feed-tariff-reports/fit-update-reports Reduction Target December 2012 These figures should be treated as provisional. Final figures for (CERT) Extension 2012-13 will be published in the 2012-13 FITs Annual Report (to be published December 2013). 6 Community Energy October 2009- 0.3 Spending under the Renewables Obligation is calculated as the Saving Programme December 2012 overall obligation multiplied by the buy-out price. These figures can (CESP) be found in Ofgem’s RO annual reports for 2002-03 to 2011-12, available at: https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/environmental-programmes/renewables- Estimated cost to obligation-ro Time period date (£ billion, Real For 2012-13, the obligation level and buy-out price can be found at: Policy considered 2012-13 prices) https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/publications-and-updates/renewables- obligation-total-obligation-levels-2012-13 7 5 Ofgem (2012) ’Warm Home Discount Scheme Annual Report— Feed in Tariffs (FiTs)* 2010-11 0.01 Scheme Year 1’: https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/ofgem-publications/58950/ 2011-12 0.15 whdar08oct2012.pdf 8 HMRC publish data from 2008 (see link). The tables provide 2012-13 0.50 historic data since the beginning of the CCL: http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/climate-change-levy 9 https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/estimated-impacts-of- energy-and-climate-change-policies-on-energy-prices-and-bills Renewables 2002-03 0.38 Obligation6*(RO) It should be noted that the above figures do not account for the direct benefits to energy consumers 2003-04 0.56 from these policies and the impact they have in helping to offset costs. For example, the Government’s latest 2004-05 0.64 estimate of the total impacts of energy and climate change policies on energy prices and bills9 finds that in 2005-06 0.73 2013 households are estimated on average to save around 5% (or £65) on their energy bills compared to what they 2006-07 0.88 would have paid in the absence of policies. This is because the total monetary savings from policies which 2007-08 1.04 help households save energy more than offset the necessary cost of investing in new capacity and efficiency. By 2020 2008-09 1.18 it is estimated that households will save on average 11% (£166) on their energy bills compared to what they 2009-10 1.23 would have paid in the absence of policies. 2010-11 1.42 Separate estimates of the compliance costs of the EU ETS can be found here: 2011-12 1.53 http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20121025080026/ http://decc.gov.uk/publications/basket.aspx?filetype=4& 2012-13 1.99 filepath=what+we+do%2fglobal+climate+change+and+energy% 2ftackling+climate+change%2femissions+trading%2feu_ets%2 fpublications%2f895-cost-euets-uk-operators-compliance.pdf

Warm Home 2011-12 0.24 7 Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Discount * Energy and Climate Change what assessment he has of changes in the UK’s gross domestic product (a) to date and (b) by 2020 as a result of climate change and Climate Change See footnote energy policies initiated in response to climate change. Levy8* [167485] 569W Written Answers6 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 570W

Gregory Barker: Studies indicate that the long-term on 19 December 2012. By 30 September 2012, the growth benefit from avoiding climate change will exceed suppliers had installed 300 smart meters and over 622,000 the cost of co-ordinated global action to tackle climate smart-type meters in domestic properties and 365,000 change by helping to avoid the potentially catastrophic smart and advanced meters in smaller non-domestic implications of failing to act. Most notable of these properties. The Government will publish the number of studies is the Stern review, which found that the global smart meter installations by the larger energy suppliers costs of climate change could be between 5% and 20% up to the end June 2013 on 26 September 2013. of GDP per annum if we fail to act, dwarfing the costs of effective international action, estimated at 1-2% of Hinkley Point Power Stations global per capita consumption by 2050l. Most published analysis also suggests that current UK ambition on climate change can be achieved without large impacts Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy on overall short-term economic output. and Climate Change what representations his Department has received on the radiological effect on The Department of Energy and Climate Change local populations of the opening up of intermediate (DECC) does not possess an analysis of the historical level radioactive waste storage vaults at Hinkley Point impact of climate change and energy policies on the nuclear power plant in preparation for decommissioning UK’s gross domestic product (GDP). However, as part the Magnox waste storage facilities. [167499] of the Carbon Plan, the impacts of the policies to meet the first three Carbon Budgets and illustrative measures Michael Fallon: Vaults were constructed at Hinkley to meet the fourth budget were modelled using the HM Point in 1963 and 1983 to store intermediate level waste. Revenue and Customs (HMRC) Computable General They were not designed with long-term storage in mind. Equilibrium model2. It should be noted that there is In order to aid future decommissioning, the waste needs substantial uncertainty around the results of this modelling, to be retrieved, conditioned and. transferred to a new and this is inherent in all similar analyses. facility to enable continued safe and secure interim The HMRC model estimated that the first three storage pending construction of a geological disposal carbon budgets could be met at an average cost of facility. around 0.4% of GDP over the period 2011-22 (i.e. the level of GDP is on average 0.4% lower compared to a The NDA has recently received representations on baseline scenario without carbon budget policies), and this topic from Parents Concerned About Hinkley, which the fourth carbon budget could be met at an average were also copied to the Department. cost of around 0.6% of GDP over the period 2023-27. The actual impacts on GDP will depend on a range of Renewable Energy: Feed-in Tariffs factors, including fossil fuel prices and future technology costs. Jesse Norman: To ask the Secretary of State for As stated above, there is significant uncertainty around Energy and Climate Change what stage his these estimates. Furthermore, certain potential costs investigations into Ofgem’s decision to class Big and benefits were not reflected in the HMRC model at Lottery funding as state aid for the purposes of the the time of the Carbon Plan. Importantly, innovation Feed-in Tariff scheme have reached; and if he will benefits and the productivity improvements from energy make a statement. [167456] efficiency were not captured, nor are the benefits on future UK growth of the avoided risks from global Gregory Barker: DECC is not conducting an investigation climate change. Furthermore, it should be noted that into Ofgem’s decision that National Lottery grants are the modelling largely assumes that the UK acts unilaterally. “grants from public funds” for the purposes of FIT Potential welfare costs of resulting behaviour changes accreditation. It is the role of Ofgem and licensed are not accounted for, or any cost or time overruns in suppliers to determine eligibility for FITs, based on the policy delivery. Each of these excluded factors also has legislation that underpins the scheme. a high degree of uncertainty with regards to scale. 1http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20100407012453/ Staff http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/sternreview_index.htm 2 The results of this analysis are presented in Annex B of the Carbon Plan (2011), available on DECC’s website: Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-carbon-plan- and Climate Change how many of his Department’s reducing-greenhouse-gas-emissions--2 jobs have been relocated from London to each region of the UK in each of the last 10 years. [168012] Energy: Meters Gregory Barker: DECC was created in 2008. DECC has staff based in London and Aberdeen. However, John Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for since 2008, no jobs have been relocated from London. Energy and Climate Change how many smart meters have been installed in (a) residential and (b) business properties to date. [168146] Tidal Power

Gregory Barker: The Government reported on the Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for number of smart, smart-type and advanced meters Energy and Climate Change what plans he has to installed by the larger energy suppliers in domestic and support tidal stream and wave technologies in the smaller non-domestic properties in the First Annual context of his proposals for electricity market reform. Progress Report on the Roll-out of Smart Meters, published [167243] 571W Written Answers6 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 572W

Michael Fallon: Tidal stream and wave technologies Chemicals: Exports will be eligible for support under the Feed in Tariffs with Contracts for Difference (CfDs) which are being Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for introduced as part of electricity market reform. These Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the technologies are still at an early-stage of development oral answer of 2 September 2013, Official Report, accordingly, we are consulting on CfD strike prices of column 19, what discussions he has had with the £305/MWh for both tidal stream and wave technologies Secretary of State for Defence and the Secretary of for projects commissioning in the years 2014 to 2018-19. State for Business, Innovation and Skills on the reasons Further detail is set out in our EMR Delivery Plan for consideration that sodium fluoride and potassium consultation, which is available at: fluoride could be precursors in some other application www.gov.uk/government/consultations/consultation-on-the- not being given before the licences were issued; and if draft-electricity-market-reform-delivery he will make a statement. [167925] Travel Alistair Burt: No such discussions were held. The two standard individual export licences for sodium fluoride John Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for and potassium fluoride were revoked in July 2012—before Energy and Climate Change what guidance with any of the goods had been exported—as a direct result regards to (a) cost and (b) carbon emissions his of an expansion of the EU sanctions regime for Syria. Department uses to decide what mode of transport is The consideration of the licence applications against used by his departmental staff on official business. the Consolidated Criteria included an assessment of the [167221] risk that they would be diverted to be used as precursor chemicals in the manufacture of chemical weapons. But Gregory Barker: The Department of Energy and there was no evidence that these exports would be so Climate Change (DECC) is committed to helping the diverted, and the quantities concerned were consistent Government achieve its goal of tackling climate change with their stated end use for commercial purposes. No by reducing carbon emissions. subsequent evidence has arisen to cast doubt on the Online detailed guidance is available to staff reminding assessment made at the time. them of the necessity to keep travel for work to the minimum to achieve work goals and to always look for Colombia sustainable travel options. With regard to cost, staff are reminded to consider, Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for when planning any travel for work, whether it has been Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent planned in the most cost-effective and time-efficient discussions he has had with his Colombian counterpart way. on the detention of Mr Huber Ballesteros; and if he will make a statement. [167907] With regard to carbon emissions, DECC has a sustainable travel policy and a business travel emissions reduction Mr Swire: We are aware of the detention of plan which strongly encourages use of more carbon Mr Ballesteros. Our ambassador to Colombia has written efficient modes of transport and the use of video and to the Colombian Prosecutor-General highlighting our audio conferencing. Carbon data is included in monthly interest in the case and requesting information on the management information reports. charges. Staff at our embassy in Bogota are seeking permission to visit Mr Ballesteros in jail. While the UK cannot interfere in Colombia’s judicial process, we will FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE continue to monitor Mr Ballesteros’ case and raise any concerns regarding due process with the Colombian Burundi authorities. Israel Jeremy Lefroy: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions his Department has had with the government of Grahame M. Morris: To ask the Secretary of State Burundi on (a) the recent enactment of a press law in for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what that country and (b) the restriction the provisions of estimate he has made of the number of Palestinian children currently held in Israeli prisons; [167756] that law impose on the freedom of the media. [167816] (2) what estimate he has made of the number of Mark Simmonds: Our non-resident ambassador to prisoners held in Israeli prisons who are Israeli; Burundi joined other EU member states in a démarche [167757] concerning the media law before it was enacted, and he (3) what estimate he has made of how many has continued to raise UK concerns about the issue and Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli prisons have been its impact on press freedom, most recently with the released since 29 July 2013; how many such prisoners Ministry of the Interior on 29 August. have since been re-arrested; and how many new Officials have also raised the issue with the Second Palestinian prisoners have entered Israeli prisons since Vice President of Burundi. Officials continue to meet that date. [167758] journalists and members of civil society in Burundi (4) what information his Department holds on how regularly to discuss the new laws and how their impact many Palestinian children (a) held in Israeli prisons could be mitigated. The UK will continue to raise its have been released and (b) have been arrested by concerns, and encourage other like-minded states to Israeli police and security forces since 29 July 2013. do so. [167783] 573W Written Answers6 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 574W

Alistair Burt: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office Mark Simmonds: Since the outbreak of the recent has made no estimate of the number of prisoners, either fighting in eastern DRC, I have spoken to both the Palestinian or Israeli, being held in Israeli prisons. I Special Representative of the Secretary General and the would encourage the hon. Member to seek this information UN Special Envoy, to express the UK’s full support for from the Israeli embassy or from the Israeli Prison the UN and MONUSCO and to de-escalate the situation. Service directly. In close co-ordination with the UN, I have also spoken to both the DRC Prime Minister and the Rwandan Kashmir Foreign Minister to get their perspective on the recent Debbie Abrahams: To ask the Secretary of State for violence in DRC. I have urged both parties to exercise Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent restraint, seek a political solution to the conflict, and assessment he has made of the situation in Kashmir. engage constructively with the UN. [167882] Mr Swire: UK officials in Islamabad and Delhi regularly HEALTH discuss the situation in Kashmir with both governments. The long standing position of the UK is that it is for Dental Services: Veterans India and Pakistan to find a lasting resolution to the situation in Kashmir, one which takes into account the Andrew Selous: To ask the Secretary of State for wishes of the Kashmiri people. It is not for the UK to Health whether veterans of the armed services receive prescribe a solution or to mediate in finding one. We priority dental care. [167890] encourage India and Pakistan to take further steps to Dr Poulter: The Armed Forces Covenant makes clear strengthen their relationship, but recognise that the that veterans should receive priority treatment from the pace and scope of this is for them to determine. national health service where it relates to a condition which results from their service in the armed forces, Kidnapping subject to clinical need. This includes NHS dental care. Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for Haemolytic Uraemic Syndrome Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has held with the United Nations Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Human Rights Council on human rights and terrorist Health on what date he expects NHS England to ratify hostage taking. [167775] the Clinical Priorities Advisory Group recommendation for the use of eculizumab made on 12 July 2013. [167905] Alistair Burt: The UK participated in discussions on human rights and terrorist hostage taking at official Dr Poulter: We understand that NHS England intends level at the 21st session of the Human Rights Council in to publish its decision on the Clinical Priorities Advisory September 2012, at which a resolution was adopted. group’s recommendations on eculizumab in the near Officials continue to engage with members of the Council, future on its website: and will do so at the next session in September 2013. www.england.nhs.uk Middle East Mental Capacity Act 2005

Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Wallace: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment what body or individual is responsible for monitoring he has made of positive steps towards peace taken by the implementation of the provisions of the Mental the (a) Israeli Government and (b) Palestinian Capacity Act 2005 in hospitals. [167701] Authority since 29 July 2013. [167742] Norman Lamb: Hospitals are responsible for ensuring Alistair Burt: We warmly welcome the resumption of that the care they provide complies with the provisions direct talks between Israeli and Palestinian negotiators of the Mental Capacity Act. Clinical Commissioning in Washington on 30 July and the resumption of formal Groups have a role in ensuring that hospitals from negotiations on 14 August, with a view to resolving all whom they commission care comply with legislative final status issues. The resumption of talks has been requirements. possible because of the courageous leadership already The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is responsible shown by Prime Minister Netanyahu and President for inspecting hospitals against their registration Abbas, as well as the commitment of negotiators on requirements, one of which refers to gaining consent both sides. under the Mental Capacity Act. The CQC also considers The UK has consistently urged both sides to avoid compliance with the provisions of the Mental Capacity steps that undermine US efforts and to take measures to Act during its thematic reviews. The CQC has a specific build trust. In this regard, we also welcome the bold and duty to monitor practice under the .Mental Capacity forward-looking decision taken by Israel to release 26 Act Deprivation of Liberty safeguards and is required Palestinian prisoners in advance of talks. to report annually on its findings. Rwanda Smoking Tom Blenkinsop: To ask the Secretary of State for Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent (1) what the average lifespan was of (a) male and (b) discussions he has had with his counterparts in (a) female smokers, and of (i) male and (ii) female Rwanda and (b) Democratic Republic of Congo about non-smokers in each year since 1983 for which data is the alleged shelling of Rwandan territory. [168095] available; [167872] 575W Written Answers6 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 576W

(2) what estimate he has made of the number of Anna Soubry: The Department is aware of evidence working days lost due to smoking-related illness in that shows that maternal smoking during pregnancy each year since 1983 for which data is available; and and passive exposure of the mother-to-be to second-hand what estimate he has made of the cost to the economy smoke can have serious negative health consequences of those lost days. [167888] for the foetus, the baby post-partum and the mother-to-be. According to the Royal College of Physicians’ 2010 Anna Soubry: The information requested is not held report, Passive Smoking and Children, active maternal by the Department. smoking causes up to about 5,000 miscarriages, 300 perinatal deaths, and 2,200 premature singleton births in the United Kingdom each year. Exposure of the Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Health foetus to active maternal smoking also impairs foetal how many people died of smoking-related illness in growth and development, increasing the risk of being each year since 1983 for which data is available; and small for gestational age and reducing birth weight by what estimate he has made of the number of people about 250g, and probably increases the risk of congenital who will die of smoking-related illness in each of the abnormalities of the heart, limbs, and face. Active next three years. [167884] maternal smoking causes around 19,000 babies to be born with low birth weight in the UK each year. Anna Soubry: Information on how many people aged The report also describes how maternal passive smoking 35 and over died of smoking-related illness in England is likely to have similar adverse effects on foetal and is only available since 2004. Data from 2004 to 2011, reproductive health, but of smaller magnitude. with the exception of 2006 for which data is not available, inclusive is shown in the following table. A copy of Passive Smoking and Children is available at: Information for 2012 is expected to be published by the Health and Social Care Information Centre on www.rcplondon.ac.uk/sites/default/files/documents/passive- 8 October 2013. smoking-and-children.pdf The Government has made no estimate of the number of people who will die of smoking-related illness in Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Health each of the next three years. what estimate he has made of the proportion of pregnant teenagers who smoked All deaths among adults aged 35 and over that can be attributed to smoking, 2004, 2005, 2007-11, England Attributable number Anna Soubry: The official source of data on smoking during pregnancy (measured at the time of giving birth) 2004 88,800 is the “Statistics on Women’s Smoking Status at Time 2005 81,900 of Delivery” publication (SaTOD). SaTOD, however, 2007 82,900 does not collect data by age. 2008 83,900 2009 81,400 Therefore, we have provided information from the 2010 81,700 Infant Feeding Survey, which collects information on 2011 79,100 smoking before and during pregnancy from mothers Notes: after birth. This survey is carried out at five yearly 1. 2004 figures are for England and Wales and not just England. intervals. 2. Estimated attributable number, rounded to the nearest 100. Information on smoking before or during pregnancy for mothers aged under 20 for the years 2000, 2005 and Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 2010 is shown in the following table. what estimate he has made of how many 11 to A copy of the Infant Feeding Survey 2005 chapter 10 15-year-olds started smoking in each year since 1983. and Infant Feeding Survey 2010 chapter 11 has been [167885] placed in the Library. Smoking during pregnancy in England by mother’s age (2000, 2005 Anna Soubry: The information is not available in the and 2010) format requested. Percentage who smoked Percentage who smoked We do not hold information on how many 11 to before or during pregnancy throughout pregnancy 15-year-olds start smoking each year. We do, however, 2000 2005 2010 2000 2005 2010 hold information on the proportions of pupils within Under 64 68 58 39 45 36 that age range who have ever smoked or who regularly 20 smoke. Note: Information on the prevalence of smoking among Excludes mothers who did not supply sufficient information to classify their smoking status. 11 to 15-year-olds from 1982 to 2012 is shown in tables 2.1a and 2.1b of “Smoking, drinking and drug use among young people in England in 2012”. Tobacco: Packaging This publication has been placed in the Library. Ms Ritchie: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent discussions he has had on the introduction what assessment he has made of the effect of smoking of standardised packaging for cigarettes and tobacco on the developing foetus. [167886] products; and if he will make statement. [168000] 577W Written Answers6 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 578W

Anna Soubry: The Government set out the current Funding for future years will be determined in line position on standardised tobacco packaging in a written with this formula and will be reviewed as part of future ministerial statement on 12 July 2013, Official Report, spending rounds. We will also review the size of the columns 53-54WS. The Government has decided to Fund should revenue rise or fall significantly in any wait before making a decision on standardised packaging. given year. This allows time to benefit from the experience of Australia, where they introduced standardised packaging Council Tax: Rebates in December 2012. This remains the Government’s position. Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will introduce a council tax rebate for homes participating in the Green Deal in addition to the Green Deal Launch cash-back scheme. [167342] TREASURY Sajid Javid: Following the Chancellor’s announcement Child Benefit Office and Child Support Agency of £200 million additional capital to encourage uptake of Green Deal in the 2011 autumn statement, the Graeme Morrice: To ask the Chancellor of the Government is using £125 million of this to fund a Exchequer (1) what steps he (a) has taken and generous Cashback scheme to be claimed by those who (b) plans to take to implement an automatic link for take up Green’ Deal from January 2013. the Child Benefit Office to notify the Child Support Other uses of the additional capital include £12 million Agency of its decisions; [167192] of funding that has been allocated to seven cities across (2) what steps he (a) has taken and (b) plans to take England to help pilot Green Deal in their regions. to improve the sharing of information between the The Government does not have any plans to introduce Child Benefit Office and the Child Support Agency; a council tax rebate for homes participating in the [167193] Green Deal. (3) what recent assessment he has made of the adequacy of the sharing of information between the Crown Lands and Estates: Minerals Child Benefit Office and the Child Support Agency; [167194] Mr Gibb: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (4) what steps he (a) has taken and (b) plans to take (1) what estimate he has made of royalty income from to reduce the time taken by the Child Benefit Office to Crown-owned mineral rights attached to land in the carry out investigations. [167223] UK in (a) 2012-13 and (b) 2013-14; [167853] (2) how much the Exchequer received in royalty Sajid Javid: As some child benefit decisions may income from Crown-owned mineral rights on land in impact on decisions made by the Child Support Agency, (a) 2009-10, (b) 2010-11 and (c) 2011-12. [167854] the agency has automated access to the child benefit system to check whether child benefit is or is not in Sajid Javid: Under the Crown Estate Act 1961, 50% payment for a child or young person. The information of the Crown Estate’s net income received from land accessed is limited to that which is proportionate and based minerals goes to the Exchequer with the remaining relevant for the purposes of the agency’s functions. As 50% going into the Crown Estate’s capital accounts for not all child benefit decisions are relevant to the agency, reinvestment in the portfolio. it would be disproportionate and not relevant for the agency’s functions to receive notifications of all child Between 2009 and 2013 the amount returned to the benefit decisions. Exchequer from the Crown Estate’s onshore mineral interests was: HM Revenue and Customs has recently reviewed and improved the process and priority given to investigating £ million allegations made by third parties that a claimant may be continuing to receive child benefit for a young person 2009-10 1.2 who is no longer in full-time non-advanced education. 2010-11 1.1 2011-12 0.9 Coastal Communities Fund: Northern Ireland 2012-13 1.1

Ms Ritchie: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Figures for 2013-14 will be available at financial year how much funding has been allocated to the Coastal end in 2014. Communities Fund in Northern Ireland in each of the next three years. [167268] Entertainments: Tickets

Danny Alexander: Funding for the Coastal Communities John Robertson: To ask the Chancellor of the Fund is equal to 50% of the revenues generated by the Exchequer if he will estimate the annual revenue Crown Estate’s marine assets. forgone to HM Revenue and Customs as a result of the Northern Ireland will receive £0.5 million in 2013-14, operation of the secondary ticketing market. [167591] £0.6 million in 2014-15 and the 2015-16 allocation is yet to be determined. This determination is dependent on Mr Gauke: Secondary ticket sellers carrying on a the Crown Estate’s Marine 2013-14 Revenues in Northern trade are liable to pay tax on their profits in the same Ireland. way as primary ticket sellers are. Self-employed sellers 579W Written Answers6 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 580W will be subject to income tax and companies will be Toby Perkins: To ask the Chancellor of the subject to corporation tax. VAT will also apply if their Exchequer (1) how many charities have made turnover exceeds the legal threshold. successful gift aid declarations in three out of the HMRC does not hold information on the amount of previous seven tax years; and how many charities have tax collected from the ticketing market, or on the tax made successful gift aid declarations in two out of the foregone through ticket re-sales in the hidden economy. previous four tax years; [167549] (2) what assessment he has made of the effect of the Excise Duties: Tobacco Small Charitable Donations Act 2012 on the ability of small charities to claim gift aid. [167550]

Grahame M. Morris: To ask the Chancellor of the Sajid Javid: The Small Charitable Donations Act Exchequer what plans he has to implement Article 4 of 2012 introduced the Gift Aid Small Donations Scheme Council Decision 2010/12/EU; and if he will make a (GASDS), which enables charities and Community statement. [167557] Amateur Sports Clubs to claim Gift Aid-style payments on small cash donations. The GASDS was introduced Sajid Javid: The Government is currently assessing at the beginning of this tax year for donations received the implications of applying quantitative restrictions from 6 April 2013 onwards, so it is too early to assess its provided for by Article 4 of Council Directive 2010/12. impact. The Government committed to reviewing the Article 4 allows members states to apply quantitative GASDS after three years of the scheme becoming restrictions on the personal importations of cigarettes operational. from other member states with excise duty rates below From December 2013 HM Revenue and Customs the permitted minimum rates, following the increase to (HMRC) will be publishing national statistics on the the EU minimum excise duty rate from 1 January 2014. amounts paid out under the GASDS. HMRC publishes national statistics on the number of Fracking: Scotland charities that claim Gift Aid each year here: http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/statistics/charity/table10-4.pdf Ann McKechin: To ask the Chancellor of the Historic Buildings: Repairs and Maintenance Exchequer what oral and written representations he has received from the Scottish Government regarding the proposed fiscal regime for shale gas to date. Mr Amess: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer [167383] (1) what recent discussions he has had with his ministerial colleagues on the refurbishment of Frogmore House; [167546] Sajid Javid [holding answer 4 September 2013]: The Chancellor of the Exchequer has not received any oral (2) what recent representations his Department has or written representations from the Scottish Government received on the refurbishment of Frogmore House. regarding the proposed fiscal regime for shale gas. [167547] Sajid Javid: The refurbishment of Frogmore House is Gift Aid the responsibility of the royal household, which has considerable flexibility over its use of the sovereign Toby Perkins: To ask the Chancellor of the grant. There have therefore been no discussions. Exchequer (1) if he will introduce (a) a central Housing Benefit: Fraud database of Gift Aid donors and (b) a campaign to make more people aware of Gift Aid; [167536] Steve McCabe: To ask the Chancellor of the (2) what steps he is taking to ensure that unclaimed Exchequer what the estimated level of housing benefit gift aid is claimed by charities. [167537] fraud in England was in (a) 2009-10, (b) 2010-11 and (c) 2011-12. [167182] Sajid Javid: The Government launched a consultation in July on the future of Gift Aid, in particular how Gift Steve Webb: I have been asked to reply on behalf of Aid works with new forms of digital donations. This the Department for Work and Pensions. consultation runs until 20 September and asks for views The figures for England only are not available. The on a database of universal Gift Aid declarations, which estimated levels of housing benefit fraud in Great Britain could be populated with details of donors who have are as follows: (a) £250 million (1.2% of spend) in made Gift Aid declarations. 2009-10, (b) £300 million (1.4% of spend) in 2010-11 The consultation also seeks views on the promotion and (c) £350 million (1.5% of spend) in 2011-12. of Gift Aid, to raise awareness and to increase its take The information is derived from the 2012-13 preliminary up on more donations that are eligible for a Gift Aid estimates of benefit fraud and error. Further information repayment. can be found by accessing the following link: To operate Gift Aid as a tax relief, the donor must https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ knowingly give permission for the tax they pay on their attachment_data/file/203097/nsfr-final-090513.pdf donation to be repaid under Gift Aid. The Government does not collect information about the donations on Steve McCabe: To ask the Chancellor of the which Gift Aid could be, but has not been, claimed. Not Exchequer how many prosecutions for housing benefit all donors can donate under Gift Aid, and some that fraud were recorded in each local authority area in can choose not to. (a) 2009-10, (b) 2010-11 and (c) 2011-12. [167183] 581W Written Answers6 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 582W

Steve Webb: I have been asked to reply on behalf of The detail of the new policy is still to be decided. the Department for Work and Pensions. However, under current rules, people are exempt from DWP publishes a range of Housing Benefit Recovery waiting days if they claim jobseeker’s allowance within and Fraud statistics at Local Authority level. These can 12 weeks of entitlement to employment and support be accessed here: allowance or incapacity benefit, coming to an end. https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department- for-work-pensions/series/housing-benefit-recoveries-and-fraud- PAYE data Specifically, the number of successful prosecutions is Stephen Timms: To ask the Chancellor of the included in table 2.10 of the documents linked as follows: Exchequer how many applications for annual PAYE 2011-12 tables status have been received since the introduction of real https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ time information; and how many such applications attachment_data/file/223303/hbrf_1012.xls have been granted. [167877] 2010-11 tables Mr Gauke: Employers must satisfy HMRC that they https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ meet the criteria to have an annual PAYE status applied attachment_data/file/223304/hbrf_1011.xls to their record. HMRC does not record the number of 2009-10 tables requests for annual status received or granted. https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ attachment_data/file/223305/hbrf_0910.xls Public Sector Debt Jobseeker’s Allowance David T. C. Davies: To ask the Chancellor of the Katy Clark: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Exchequer if he will estimate the proportion of tax whether the proposal in the 2013 Spending Round to revenue required to service interest payments on the make jobseeker’s allowance claimants wait seven days national debt in each of the next 10 years. [167300] before becoming eligible for financial support will apply to those moving directly to the benefit from (a) Sajid Javid: The independent Office for Budget employment and support allowance and (b) incapacity Responsibility (OBR) is responsible for producing the benefit. [166409] official economic and fiscal forecasts in the UK. In the latest March 2013 Economic and Fiscal outlook, debt Mr Hoban: I have been asked to reply on behalf of interest payments for each fiscal year in the forecast the Department for Work and Pensions. period can be found in Table 4.29, as follows:

Table 4.29: Key changes to debt interest since December Forecast (£ billion) 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18

December forecast 47.1 48.6 51.8 56.6 61.6 67.1 March forecast 46.5 49.5 51.8 57.8 64.4 71.3 Change -0.6 0.9 0.0 1.2 2.8 4.2 of which: Financing 0.0 -0.2 -0.1 0.4 0.8 1.3 Gilt rates 0.0 0.1 0.1 0.4 1.0 1.5 Short rates 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.1 0.3 Inflation -0.3 1.0 0.3 0.6 1.0 1.1 B&B and NRAM 0.0 -0.1 -0.1 -0.3 -0.4 -0.3 Other -0.2 0.0 -0.1 0.1 0.3 0.4

Public sector current receipts (PSCR) for each fiscal year in the forecast period can be found in Table 4.7, as follows:

Table 4.7: Current receipts £ billion Outturn Forecast 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18

Current receipts 572.6 586.8 612.4 633.1 657.6 694.1 723.0

Memo. UK oil and gas revenues 11.3 6.5 6.8 6.1 4.7 4.8 4.3

The proportion of PSCR required to service debt interest payments for each fiscal year in the forecast period in the following table: 583W Written Answers6 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 584W

PSCR Debt interest payments Proportion of tax revenue required to service debt interest payments (%)

2012-13 586.8 46.5 7.9 2013-14 612.4 49.5 8.1 2014-15 633,1 51.8 8.2 2015-16 657.6 57.8 8.8 2016-17 694.1 64.4 9.3 2017-18 723.0 71.3 9.9

The Government remains committed to reducing the Mr Gauke: The requirements for the exemption from deficit and addressing the permanent structural estate duty depend on the date when the event which deterioration in the public finances caused by the lasting gave rise to the tax charge occurred. For events up to 28 impact of the financial crisis. Implementation of the July 1950, the only obligation is that the objects are not fiscal consolidation plans is well under way. As a result, sold. For events after that date, there are additional the Government has made significant progress in reversing requirements that the objects are kept in the UK and, in the unprecedented rise in borrowing between 2007-08 certain cases, that they are preserved and made available and 2009-10. Public sector net borrowing has fallen by for inspection by authorised persons for preservation or over a third, from 11.2% of GDP in 2009-10 to 7.0% in research purposes. 2012-13. Cumulative debt interest payments from 2010-11 to 2015-16 are forecast to be £31 billion lower than Helen Goodman: To ask the Chancellor of the expected at the June Budget 2010. Exchequer what recent assessment has been made of the effectiveness of the exemption from estate duty Tax Allowances: Cultural Heritage of heritage assets as a contribution to public enjoyment of heritage assets. [167639] Helen Goodman: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the (a) number and (b) Mr Gauke: The estate duty exemption preserves and monetary value of heritage assets exempt from estate protects almost 45,000 heritage items which may have duty which are (i) land, buildings and their contents, otherwise been sold or taken out of the UK. (ii) works of art and (iii) collections of art. [167634] Helen Goodman: To ask the Chancellor of the Mr Gauke: The estate duty exemption only applies to Exchequer what records his Department maintains of chattels. It does not apply to land and buildings or to the number of visits by members of the public to each collections of art. The number and value of exempt heritage asset in respect of which exemption from assets which are land and buildings is therefore nil. The estate duty has been granted. [167640] total number of exempt items, which includes contents, works of art and collections, is approximately 44,700, Mr Gauke: No records of visits by members of the with an estimated value of about £250 million. public to these assets are kept by HM Revenue and Customs. Helen Goodman: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the average Taxation: Developing Countries annual cost to the public purse of offering an exemption from estate duty for heritage assets. [167636] Pauline Latham: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much HM Revenue and Customs has Mr Gauke: Exemptions from estate duty are not spent on supporting tax administrations in developing currently offered and have not been offered since 1975 countries in each of the last five years. [167852] when estate duty was replaced. The annual cost of the estate duty exemption is therefore nil. Mr Gauke: HMRC is fully committed to supporting In terms of the cost of existing exemptions, I refer the tax administrations in developing countries. hon. Member to the answer given on 27 June 2013, However, all of the associated costs in relation to this Official Report, column 339W, [161863]. work over the last five years are nil, as they are covered by the Department for International Development (DFID) Helen Goodman: To ask the Chancellor of the and international organisations, such as the Organisation Exchequer on what date the terms of the regime for for Economic Cooperation (OECD). exemption from estate duty of heritage assets were last reviewed. [167637] VAT: Imports

Mr Gauke: Estate duty was replaced in 1975. Prior to Ms Ritchie: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer that, the terms of the estate duty exemption were last how many applications for certification have been amended on 25 July 1969 by section 39 of Finance Act made for simplified import VAT accounting in each of 1969. the last five years; and how many such applications were (a) approved and (b) rejected. [167958] Helen Goodman: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what requirements are placed on owners of Mr Gauke: The number of applications for simplified heritage assets which are exempt from estate duty. import VAT (SIVA) certification in each of the last five [167638] years is as follows: 585W Written Answers6 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 586W

1 April 2012 to 31 March 2013: 733 (527 of which were people who might need support with the new demands approved and 181 rejected) of universal credit, such as help with getting online. 1 April 2011 to 31 March 2012: 783 (543 of which were The Department will continue to work with local approved and 163 rejected) authorities and service providers, including charities 1 April 2010 to 31 March 2011: 840 (608 of which were and social landlords, in order to develop local partnerships approved and 149 rejected) to provide the additional support for digital inclusion. 1 April 2009 to 31 March 2010: 757 (560 of which were approved and 105 rejected) We have provided some funding to the Tinder foundation (formerly Online Centres Foundation) and invested in 1 April 2008 to 31 March 2009: 1000 (732 of which were approved and 189 rejected). the Digital Deal challenge fund for social landlord led projects to support their digitally excluded tenants. There is a discrepancy, per annum, between the number of applications received and the total of applications Employment and Support Allowance approved and rejected. The remaining applicants did not supply sufficient information to HMRC for a decision to approve or reject the application. Sheila Gilmore: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many individuals placed in the Ms Ritchie: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Work-Related Activity Group received a prognosis who has made applications for simplified import VAT statement that they are unlikely to return to work in the accounting certificates in each of the last five years; last six months. [167857] and which applications were approved. [167959] Mr Hoban: The information requested is shown in Mr Gauke: HMRC is unable to provide the taxpayer the following table: specific information requested as it falls outside boundaries New claims—Outcomes of initial functional assessments by of data which can legally be made available. Specifically prognosis and month of result date, for the work related activity group, the confidentiality clause under s18 of Commissioners Great Britain for Revenue and Customs Act 2005 (CRCA) restricts Claimants with prognosis of two the disclosure of this type of information. years and over

2012 WORK AND PENSIONS September 200 October 300 Atos Healthcare November 300 December 200 Mr Graham Stuart: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many appointments for ATOS face-to-face assessments in England were cancelled in 2013 the last 12 months because a healthcare professional January 200 was not available for the appointment; and for what February 200 reason such appointments were cancelled. [167290] Note: Figures are shown rounded to the nearest 100. Mr Hoban: 13,795 face-to-face work capability Source: assessments for employment and support allowance Data in the table is derived from administrative data held by the DWP and assessment data provided by Atos Healthcare. and incapacity benefit reassessments were cancelled Scope: because a health care professional was not available for Initial functional assessment—the first assessment of the Employment the appointment for the period August 2012 to July and Support Allowance claim. 2013. 779,305 were successfully completed for the same The outcome recorded is the final DWP Decision Maker’s decision or period. the recommendation made by the Atos Healthcare Professional where the Decision Maker’s decision is not yet available. The reasons for cancellation were: Number of clients attended exceeded the medical capacity Occupational Pensions Health care professional was unavailable Health care professional did not attend for the session. Jim Sheridan: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Digital Technology and Pensions what guidance his Department gives to employers regarding automatic enrolment options for Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for pensions. [167761] Work and Pensions what funding his Department is making available for digital inclusion (a) directly and Steve Webb: The Pensions Regulator (TPR) is responsible (b) through partner bodies. [167630] for communicating with employers about the reforms and has an extensive programme of engagement in Mr Hoban: We are investing in improved access to place. This includes holding face to face meetings with digital services across Jobcentre Plus and 6,000 new the largest employers and writing to all employers ahead computers will be installed across the country to help of their staging date. claimants who are digitally excluded make online TPR has published detailed guidance for employers, transactions. and their intermediaries, on how to comply with the The universal credit programme is also investing in new duties and to help them select an appropriate local authority-led pilots to test how we support claimants workplace pension for their workers. It is designed to and digital inclusion is one of the approaches being demonstrate to employers what a good scheme looks tested. The Universal Credit Local Support Services like and sets out the key factors an employer should Framework sets out the basic principles for helping consider when choosing a scheme. 587W Written Answers6 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 588W

Many employers will already have a pension scheme Mr Hoban: The Department for Work and Pensions in place before their automatic enrolment staging date. routinely takes account of population projections in Providing that their existing scheme meets minimum planning its business. quality requirements and is suitable for automatic enrolment they can continue to use existing scheme(s). All they Social Security Benefits: Glasgow have to do is certify that their scheme meets the required standard. The Department for Work and Pensions has produced supporting guidance on certification of Defined John Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Contribution, Defined Benefit and Hybrid pensions as Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the qualifying schemes. amount that has been (a) overpaid and (b) underpaid in benefits in each of the last five years in (i) Glasgow Jim Sheridan: To ask the Secretary of State for Work North West constituency, (ii) Glasgow, (iii) Scotland and Pensions what estimate he has made of the amount and (iv) the UK. [167712] of resources devoted to publicising (a) NEST as an automatic enrolment option and (b) other alternatives Steve Webb: Constituency, Glasgow-wide and Scotland to NEST as automatic enrolment options in the last fraud and error estimates are not available. year. [167764] The estimated amount of money overpaid and underpaid through benefit fraud and error in Great Britain can be Steve Webb: It is the Government’s strategy to promote found on the DWP National Statistics Fraud and Error automatic enrolment awareness rather than any particular in the Benefit System webpage: scheme. http://statistics.dwp.gov.uk/asd/asd2/ The Pensions Regulator (TPR) provides support for index.php?page=fraud_error employers via their website to help them comply with For the last five years the estimated level of benefit their new duties; as part of this TPR has issued fraud and error was as follows: comprehensive guidance to assist employers in selecting an appropriate pension scheme for their workers. It is Overpayments Underpayments designed to demonstrate to employers what a good £ billion Percentage £ billion Percentage scheme looks like and sets out the key factors an 1 employer should consider when choosing a scheme. 2012-13 3.5 2.1 1.4 0.9 2011-12 3.4 2.1 1.3 0.8 As part of their duty for supporting automatic enrolment 2010-11 3.2 2.1 1.2 0.8 the Regulator has a responsibility to remind employers 2009-10 3.3 2.2 1.3 0.9 that NEST is one qualifying scheme they can choose to use and that NEST has public service objective to 2008-09 2.9 2.2 1.2 0.9 1 2012-13 are preliminary estimates based on estimated 2012-13 accept any employer who wishes to use it. financial year expenditure and October 2011 to September 2012 sample data for individual benefits. Personal Independence Payment: Appeals Northern Ireland fraud and error estimates, which are comparable to the above Great Britain statistics, can Mr Byrne: To ask the Secretary of State for Work be found at: and Pensions what estimate he has made of the proportion of personal independence payments that http://www.dsdni.gov.uk/index/publications/annual_reports/ publications-ssa-annual-reports.htm will be successfully appealed in the next 12 months. [167849] John Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Esther McVey: PIP replaced DLA for people of working Work and Pensions what steps he is taking to ensure age in April this year in parts of the North of England, that all those entitled to and in need of benefits in alongside other reforms which require individuals to Glasgow North West constituency claim all relevant seek a reconsideration of the decision from DWP before benefits. [167711] they can lodge an appeal direct with Her Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service. It was extended nationally Mr Hoban: District and Regional Partnership Teams in June. hold regular meetings with partner organisations and update them on benefit-related topics. Scotland’s DWP To date only a small number of mandatory staff hold meetings with Scottish Customer Representative reconsiderations have been received and it is too early to Groups three times a year, at which new benefits, changes form a reliable estimate of the proportion of decisions to benefits and all other relevant information is provided which will be successfully appealed. to groups who represent our customers. One to one The timetable for release of PIP statistics is provided meetings also take place with these partner organisations, in the publication strategy. on an as and when basis. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/personal- We direct claimants to the Gov.uk website: independence-payment-release-strategy www.gov.uk Population which includes a section on how to claim benefits and incorporates a Benefits Adviser Tool where potential John Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for claimants can find out what benefits they could be Work and Pensions whether his Department is entitled to, anonymously. undertaking research on the effects of population National campaigns are occasionally run to notify growth in the UK on the Department’s services. the general public of new benefits or to try and increase [167714] the take-up of existing ones. 589W Written Answers6 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 590W

If staff identify vulnerable customers who might 16 to 24-year-olds (excluding those who are full-time need additional help in claiming all they are entitled to, students) down 37,000 in the year to April to June 2013, a referral may be made to DWP’s visiting staff. to 676,000. The number of young people claiming jobseeker’s General benefit advice is provided to employees faced allowance also fell by 72,100 in the year to July 2013, to with a large scale redundancy situation. 381,300. In Scotland, Benefit Directorate participate in benefit Although improving, youth unemployment remains information sessions for the Scottish Refugee Council too high. That is why we have modernised our services for new arrivals to the country. by giving Jobcentre Plus advisers access to a comprehensive menu of help tailored to support the individual at the I have no specific examples in relation to Glasgow most appropriate point in their claim. North West. We introduced the YouthContract which will provide Social Security Benefits: Brighton nearly half a million new opportunities for young people— including wage incentives, incentives to take on apprentices, Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for and extra work experience placements. Extra funding is Work and Pensions (1) what proportion of applications being made available to support the most vulnerable 16 for employment and support allowance made by and 17-year-olds not in education, employment or training residents of Brighton and Hove unitary authority area into learning, an apprenticeship or job with training. were rejected on the basis of the findings of a work Youngpeople also have access to the Work programme capability assessment in (a) the latest period for which which provides tailored support for those claimants figures are available and (b) the preceding period; and furthest from the labour market. Young claimants are what proportion of such decisions were (i) reversed and referred to a provider after 9 months of seeking work (ii) upheld on appeal; [167276] and those with more challenging barriers to work can (2) what proportion of incapacity benefit be referred at three months. Providers are paid on the reassessment applications made by residents of results they achieve, and are paid more for supporting Brighton and Hove unitary authority area were the harder to help into work. rejected on the basis of the findings of a work capability assessment in (a) the latest period for which Universal Credit figures are available and (b) the preceding period; and what proportion of such decisions were (i) reversed and (ii) upheld on appeal. [167277] Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions pursuant to the answer of 19 June 2013, Mr Hoban: Statistics on what proportion of applications Official Report, column 707W on free school meals, for for employment and support allowance made by residents what reasons free school meals were not included in of Brighton and Hove unitary authority area that were universal credit pathfinders from the outset. [167280] rejected on the basis of the findings of a work capability assessment and what proportion of such decisions were Mr Hoban: As outlined in the answer on 19 June (i) reversed and (ii) upheld on appeal from 27 October 2013, free school meals were included in universal credit 2008 to 31 May 2012 have been placed in the Library. from the outset. Statistics on what proportion of incapacity benefit reassessment applications made by residents of Brighton John Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for and Hove unitary authority area that were rejected on Work and Pensions what recent assessment he has the basis of the findings of a work capability assessment made of the effectiveness of universal credit in from 27 October 2008 to 31 May 2012 can be found at: incentivising work. [167710] https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department- for-work-pensions/series/employment-and-support-allowance- Mr Hoban: Universal credit will lead to an increase in outcomes-of-work-capability-assessment employment due to improved financial incentives, simpler Information on what proportion of such decisions and more transparent system, and changes to the were (i) reversed and (ii) upheld on appeal is not readily requirements placed on claimants. Overall, this could available and to provide it would incur disproportionate lead to the equivalent of up to 300,000 additional cost. people in work. We published our assessment of the likely impact of universal credit in December last year. Unemployment: Young People This can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/universal-credit- Lindsay Roy: To ask the Secretary of State for Work impact-assessment and Pensions what change there has been in the level of We will monitor and evaluate the effects of universal youth unemployment in the last three years; and what credit as the programme rolls out. Details of our evaluation steps he plans to take to reduce youth unemployment framework are at: in the next two years. [167855] https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/universal-credit- evaluation-framework Mr Hoban: Youth unemployment is at a similar level now to when the coalition took office, having risen by nearly 250,000 in the two years leading up to the 2010 Vacancies general election. There have been periods of both rising and falling Mr Byrne: To ask the Secretary of State for Work youth unemployment since 2010 but recent figures have and Pensions when the most recent statistics on been encouraging, with the number of unemployed vacancies by constituency will be published. [167848] 591W Written Answers6 SEPTEMBER 2013 Written Answers 592W

Mr Hoban: DWP is working with Monster Worldwide bogus/fraudulent employers from accessing the service. Limited, the Universal Jobmatch supplier, on a timetable Checks are also made to identify inappropriate, fraudulent for prioritising and implementing improvements to the and bogus jobs in order to block them from being available Universal Jobmatch Ml, including breakdowns posted. Additionally, a ‘Contact Us’ facility is provided by parliamentary constituency, subject to funding, and so users can quickly highlight any employers that users so it has no current plans to publish statistics on vacancies may have concerns about, which are then fully investigated. by constituency. Work Capability Assessment Any snapshot of unfilled vacancies at a point in time will miss the regular turnover of new vacancies that are Mr Byrne: To ask the Secretary of State for Work notified as existing opportunities are filled. It will also and Pensions with reference to his Department’s miss jobs coming up through other recruitment channels announcement of 22 July 2013 on improving the Work or filled by direct approaches to employers or word of Capability Assessment, if he will publish his Department’s mouth. audit which identified an unacceptable reduction in the Vacancies: Fraud quality of written reports produced following assessments. [167846] Sir Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what steps his Department is Mr Hoban: I intend to provide Parliament with a full taking to tackle sham job advertisements. [167551] update on this matter in the autumn and will publish our audit findings alongside this. Mr Hoban: The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) takes approximately 4 million job vacancies Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for from about 330,000 employers every year. During the Work and Pensions when he intends to publish the period January 2013 to August 2013, 312 employer Evidence Based Review of the Work Capability accounts were identified as inappropriate and closed. Assessment. [167858] Although a relatively small percentage of the total number of vacancies handled, the Department regards Mr Hoban: Our original intention was to publish the any infiltration of its services as a serious matter and final report for the Evidence Based Review of the Work takes immediate steps to minimise adverse impact to Capability Assessment in the spring/summer of 2013; jobseekers. however, in order to ensure a robust examination of the evidence collected, we will now we publishing later than Since 19 November 2012 DWP has operated Universal expected, with the final report produced by the end of Jobmatch, an online self service job posting and matching the year. service for both employer/recruiters and jobseekers. Before using the service all employers must confirm that the Work Programme jobs they advertise are genuine. Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for The service proactively identifies potentially inappropriate Work and Pensions how many people returned to Job job advertisements by checking for known IP addresses Centre Plus after completing two years on the Work (through specific computer recognition) and email domains Programme in (a) June, (b) July and (c) August 2013. that are linked to this activity.Searches are also undertaken [167859] to identify particular words/phrases to eliminate potentially improper access. Mr Hoban: The next release of Work programme Where it is known that Universal Jobmatch has been Official Statistics on the 26 September 2013 will include directly targeted, the offending job advert is removed figures for the first time on those who complete the immediately. In cases where DWP establish evidence Work programme at 104 weeks. that jobseekers have been matched to potentially spurious jobs, immediate action is taken to alert the Jobseeker Charlotte Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for not to proceed further with the job application. DWP Work and Pensions what steps he has taken to ensure has also worked with police authorities to support the that organisations participating in the Work programme pursuit of criminal proceedings. deliver in accordance with their contracts. [167875] Sir Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Hoban: Providers delivering the Work programme Work and Pensions what steps are taken to ensure the are required to at least meet minimum performance authenticity of businesses placing job advertising in levels set out in contracts. Those not meeting minimum Jobcentre Plus premises. [167552] levels will be issued with formal notices requiring them to improve, with the prospect of losing contracts if they Mr Hoban: Registration for Universal Jobmatch is fail to do so. through the Government Gateway. Employers are obliged Providers are also required to deliver at least the to sign up to detailed terms and conditions, agreeing minimum standard of service they promise for each that the jobs they advertise on the Universal Jobmatch participant. To ensure promised service standards are service are available to jobseekers on an open and fair being delivered, the Department conducts a monthly basis; and that all vacancies comply with employment review of a sample of participants from each contract, related legislation including the Equality Act 2010, requiring providers to rectify any shortcomings identified. Health and Safety legislation and working time regulations. This is backed up by an accessible and independently Built into the service are monitoring tools and vacancy backed complaints process that enables participants to checks, which help to detect, deter and remedy inappropriate raise concerns they might have with the support they use of the site. The service is designed to block known receive. 7MC Ministerial Corrections6 SEPTEMBER 2013 Ministerial Corrections 8MC

National Portrait Gallery Ministerial Correction Natural History Museum Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich Friday 6 September 2013 Royal Armouries Royal Museums Greenwich (National Maritime Museum) Science Museum Group CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT Sir John Soane’s Museum Victoria & Albert Museum Charities Wallace Collection. The correct answer should have been: David T. C. Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will publish a table Hugh Robertson: The following charities receive more listing every charity which receives more than 25% of than 25% of their funding from the Department for its funding from her Department. [167261] Culture, Media and Sport: [Official Report, 2 September 2013, Vol. 567, c. 11W.] Arts Council England Letter of correction from Hugh Robertson: British Film Institute An error has been identified in the written answer British Library given to the hon. Member for Monmouth (David T. C. British Museum Davies) on 2 September 2013. Churches Conservation Trust The full answer given was as follows: English Heritage Geffrye Museum Hugh Robertson: The following charities receive more Horniman Museum than 25% of their funding from the Department for Imperial War Museum Culture, Media and Sport: National Film and Television School Arts Council England National Gallery British Film Institute National Museums Liverpool (National Museums and Galleries British Library on Merseyside) British Museum National Portrait Gallery Churches Conservation Trust Natural History Museum English Heritage Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich Geffrye Museum Royal Armouries Horniman Museum Royal Museums Greenwich (National Maritime Museum) Imperial War Museum Science Museum Group National Film and Television School Sir John Soane’s Museum National Gallery Victoria & Albert Museum National Museums Liverpool (National Museums and Galleries Wallace Collection on Merseyside) Youth Sport Trust.

WRITTEN STATEMENTS

Friday 6 September 2013

Col. No. Col. No. CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT ...... 33WS HOME DEPARTMENT...... 34WS Public Sector Equality Duty Review ...... 33WS Domestic Violence and Abuse (England and Wales) ...... 34WS Immigration Rules ...... 35WS ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS...... 34WS JUSTICE...... 37WS Water Bill (Flood Insurance Clauses)...... 34WS Judicial Review ...... 37WS PETITION

Friday 6 September 2013

Col. No. ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE ...... 13P A Unified Welsh Power Grid...... 13P WRITTEN ANSWERS

Friday 6 September 2013

Col. No. Col. No. BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS ...... 533W DEFENCE—continued Arms Trade: Export Controls ...... 533W Territorial Army ...... 545W Arms Trade: Trade Fairs ...... 533W Comet Group...... 534W EDUCATION...... 546W Conditions of Employment...... 534W Academies...... 546W Exports: Government Assistance ...... 535W Children: Day Care ...... 546W Exports: Syria ...... 535W Conferences ...... 547W Overseas Companies: China...... 538W Education: Finance...... 547W Royal Mail ...... 538W GCSE ...... 547W Primary Education: South Yorkshire ...... 548W CABINET OFFICE...... 538W Schools: Inspections...... 549W Communities First Fund...... 538W Schools: Playing Fields ...... 549W Conflict, Stability and Security Fund...... 539W Schools: Vocational Guidance...... 550W Death: Drugs ...... 539W Teachers: Lancashire...... 550W Public Sector: Procurement...... 541W Teachers: Qualifications...... 551W Transparency of Lobbying, Non-party Working Parties ...... 551W Campaigning and Trade Union Administration Bill ...... 541W ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE ...... 565W Voluntary Work: Young People...... 541W Carbon Emissions: Business...... 565W Energy...... 566W COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT.. 541W Energy: Meters...... 569W Housing: Construction...... 541W Hinkley Point Power Stations...... 570W Right to Buy Scheme ...... 542W Renewable Energy: Feed-in Tariffs...... 570W Temporary Accommodation: West Midlands...... 542W Staff ...... 570W Tidal Power...... 570W CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT ...... 562W Travel ...... 571W Broadband ...... 562W Broadband: North Yorkshire ...... 562W FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE..... 571W Creative Industries Council...... 562W Burundi...... 571W Gambling...... 563W Chemicals: Exports ...... 572W Internet: Bullying...... 563W Colombia ...... 572W Public Libraries...... 564W Israel...... 572W Social Networking ...... 564W Kashmir...... 573W Staff ...... 565W Kidnapping...... 573W Young People: Suicide...... 565W Middle East ...... 573W Rwanda...... 573W DEFENCE...... 543W Chemicals: Exports ...... 543W HEALTH...... 574W HMS Dragon...... 543W Dental Services: Veterans...... 574W Military Bases: Germany ...... 543W Haemolytic Uraemic Syndrome ...... 574W RAF Akrotiri...... 544W Mental Capacity Act 2005 ...... 574W Syria...... 545W Smoking...... 574W Col. No. Col. No. HEALTH—continued TRANSPORT—continued Tobacco: Packaging ...... 576W High Speed 2 Railway Line ...... 560W Marine Management Organisation ...... 561W INDEPENDENT PARLIAMENTARY Rolling Stock ...... 561W STANDARDS AUTHORITY COMMITTEE ...... 551W Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority... 551W TREASURY ...... 577W Meetings ...... 553W Child Benefit Office and Child Support Agency .... 577W Members’ Staff ...... 553W Coastal Communities Fund: Northern Ireland ...... 577W Selsdon Park Hotel ...... 554W Council Tax: Rebates ...... 578W Standards...... 555W Crown Lands and Estates: Minerals...... 578W Treasury...... 555W Entertainments: Tickets ...... 578W Excise Duties: Tobacco ...... 579W INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT...... 556W Fracking: Scotland...... 579W Developing Countries: Taxation ...... 556W Gift Aid ...... 579W Historic Buildings: Repairs and Maintenance...... 580W Housing Benefit: Fraud...... 580W JUSTICE...... 556W Jobseeker’s Allowance...... 581W Electronic Government: Welsh Language ...... 556W PAYE...... 582W Electronic Tagging ...... 556W Public Sector Debt ...... 582W Juries: Mental Illness...... 557W Tax Allowances: Cultural Heritage ...... 583W Legal Aid Scheme ...... 557W Taxation: Developing Countries ...... 584W Offenders: EU Nationals...... 557W VAT: Imports ...... 584W Pornography ...... 558W Regulation ...... 558W WORK AND PENSIONS ...... 585W Squatting ...... 558W Atos Healthcare ...... 585W Written Questions: Government Responses ...... 559W Digital Technology...... 585W Employment and Support Allowance ...... 586W LEADER OF THE HOUSE ...... 559W Occupational Pensions...... 586W Adjournment Debates...... 559W Personal Independence Payment: Appeals ...... 587W Transparency of Lobbying, Non-party Population ...... 587W Campaigning and Trade Union Administration Social Security Benefits: Brighton...... 589W Bill ...... 559W Social Security Benefits: Glasgow ...... 588W Unemployment: Young People...... 589W PRIME MINISTER ...... 560W Universal Credit...... 590W Russia ...... 560W Vacancies ...... 590W Vacancies: Fraud...... 591W TRANSPORT ...... 560W Work Capability Assessment...... 592W Blue Badge Scheme...... 560W Work Programme...... 592W MINISTERIAL CORRECTION

Friday 6 September 2013

Col. No. CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT...... 7MC Charities ...... 7MC 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 Friday 13 September 2013

STRICT ADHERENCE TO THIS ARRANGEMENT GREATLY FACILITATES THE PROMPT PUBLICATION OF THE VOLUMES

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 Friday No. 45 6 September 2013

CONTENTS

Friday 6 September 2013

Deep Sea Mining Bill [Col. 590] Motion for Second Reading—(Sheryll Murray)—agreed to

United Kingdom Corporate and Individual Tax and Financial Transparency Bill [Col. 639] Motion for Second Reading—(Mr Meacher)

Work Capability Assessments [Col. 655] Debate on motion for Adjournment

Written Statements [Col. 33WS]

Petition [Col. 13P] Observations

Written Answers to Questions [Col. 533W] [see index inside back page]

Ministerial Correction [Col. 7MC]