Thursday Volume 525 17 March 2011 No. 134

HOUSE OF COMMONS OFFICIAL REPORT

PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES (HANSARD)

Thursday 17 March 2011

£5·00 © Parliamentary Copyright House of Commons 2011 This publication may be reproduced under the terms of the Parliamentary Click-Use Licence, available online through The National Archives website at www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/information-management/our-services/parliamentary-licence-information.htm Enquiries to The National Archives, Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 4DU; e-mail: [email protected] 457 17 MARCH 2011 458

Helen Goodman (Bishop Auckland) (Lab): The uplands House of Commons review obviously came out of the excellent report produced by the Commission for Rural Communities last summer. Thursday 17 March 2011 Will the Secretary of State explain why she has attempted to frustrate the clearly expressed will of the other place by cutting the CRC’s budget by some 90%? The House met at half-past Ten o’clock Mrs Spelman: It is not a question of frustrating the PRAYERS will of the other place. There has been a change of Government, and the two parties that together form the Government have Members of Parliament who mostly [MR SPEAKER in the Chair] have rural constituencies. It is thus easier for us to champion rural causes, as in our uplands policy review. The hon. Lady’s Government had 13 years in which to Oral Answers to Questions do something about the uplands, but it has taken a change of Government to achieve that.

Pig Farming ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS 2. Dr Daniel Poulter (Central Suffolk and North The Secretary of State was asked— Ipswich) (Con): What recent representations she has received on the profitability of the pig farming sector. Uplands Policy Review [47194]

1. Miss Anne McIntosh (Thirsk and Malton) (Con): The Minister of State, Department for Environment, What representations she has received on the report of Food and Rural Affairs (Mr James Paice): The Secretary of State and I discussed the difficulties faced by the the uplands policy review. [47193] pig industry with representatives of the National Pig The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Association and the British Pig Executive two weeks Rural Affairs (Mrs Caroline Spelman): I begin by informing ago. I am very much aware of the high cost of feedstuffs the House that I have written to the Japanese Environment and the problems that it is creating, causing serious Minister, Mr Matsumoto, with whom I spent a great losses for pig producers. deal of time negotiating in Nagoya, to express our sincerest condolences. As the House would expect, I Dr Poulter: I am sure the Minister is aware that, have also offered the services of my Department in according to the National Farmers Union, over the past respect of technical expertise on flood recovery, air and three years pig producers have been losing £20 per pig, water quality and radiological decontamination. whereas at the same time retailers have still been making I thank my hon. Friend and the Select Committee on £100 profit per pig. May I call on him and the Department Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, which she chairs, to take some action and put pressure on retailers to give for highlighting the importance of the uplands. I have our pig producers a fair price for their pigs? received numerous positive reactions from a wide range of stakeholders to the conclusions of the uplands policy Mr Paice: I understand my hon. Friend’s point entirely. review, which I announced last week. It is incumbent on any retailer that is concerned about ensuring that it can supply British pigmeat not just this Miss McIntosh: May I share in the Secretary of State’s year but in years to come to do what it can to ensure expression of condolences and thank her for writing to that our industry can continue through this difficult offer the services of her Department? I also thank her period. I am sure that prices will recover at some stage, for her answer. but it is down to the retailers to ensure that their The uplands are the jewel in our farming crown, but long-term supply chain interests come through into the the continuation of active farming needs to be encouraged, practices they follow today. particularly the keeping of livestock. My right hon. Friend will be aware of the difficulties that tenant Natascha Engel (North East Derbyshire) (Lab): Will farmers are currently suffering. Will she come up with the right hon. Gentleman outline what particular help some positive measures in the policy review to encourage he is giving pig farmers at a time when not only are feed them to maintain livestock in the uplands? prices very high but oil costs are rising? That is increasing the price of pig farming to breaking point. Mrs Spelman: We feel very strongly about the value and potential of our uplands, which have been overlooked Mr Paice: As I am sure the hon. Lady is aware, pig for too long. That is why, as a new Government, we farming has largely been outside any Government have prioritised our review of uplands policy.Our intention involvement for many years now. Pig farmers have not is to support and encourage all hill farmers to become received any form of payment or subsidy for many more competitive, and we have made available up to decades, and that is the right way to go. I trust that she £6 million a year more for environmental stewardship is not suggesting that we reverse that approach. She is schemes. When I launched the review, I impressed on quite right that energy prices are a major problem landowners that they should be constructive when they across all of agriculture. All that I can offer is the rural receive requests from tenants to participate in such development programme, through which we can provide schemes. assistance for businesses that wish to invest. 459 Oral Answers17 MARCH 2011 Oral Answers 460

Mr Richard Bacon (South Norfolk) (Con): Does my Dr Whiteford: I hope the Minister shares my outrage right hon. Friend think that customers of Tesco and at the 150,000 tonnes of mackerel that the Faroese have other supermarkets would be surprised if they understood subsequently unilaterally awarded themselves as a quota the disgusting animal welfare practices that those for mackerel for next year, and I know he shares my supermarkets support by importing meat produced under concerns about the jobs that will be affected by that, such poor animal welfare conditions? Is not the answer both in my constituency and in other pelagic areas. As a for British consumers to go to supermarkets such as matter of urgency, will he meet the Scottish Pelagic Morrisons, which has a 100% British meat policy? Fishermen’s Association and other key UK stakeholders to discuss this matter further? Mr Paice: I am sure that consumers have heard what my hon. Friend says without me getting into an internecine Richard Benyon: I recently met stakeholders and war between retailers. What really matters is that the raised the matter this week—yesterday, in fact—with consumer is properly informed of the benefits of buying Commissioner Damanaki, when I gave support to her British pigmeat. That is why the Government are keen, strong call for measures to be taken against the Faroese as he is, on country of origin labelling. and neighbouring states that cause so much damage to a sustainable stock. The problems that the hon. Lady’s Sky Lanterns constituents and others around our coast face are very much our priorities, and we will continue to support 3. Simon Hart (Carmarthen West and South strong measures to deal with them. Pembrokeshire) (Con): What representations she has received on the effects of the use of sky lanterns on Fish Discards livestock and livestock feed. [47195] 5. Neil Parish (Tiverton and Honiton) (Con): What The Minister of State, Department for Environment, recent discussions she has had on reductions in fishing Food and Rural Affairs (Mr James Paice): Ihavereceived discards; and if she will make a statement. [47197] a number of representations regarding the risks to livestock from releasing sky lanterns. I share those 13. Sarah Newton (Truro and Falmouth) (Con): What concerns and urge consumers to think twice before recent discussions she has had on reductions in fishing releasing lanterns. DEFRA officials are working with discards; and if she will make a statement. [47208] other Departments and the farming unions to see what action can be taken to reduce risks. The Department for The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills has written to local Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Richard Benyon): authority trading standards officials to encourage them I was delighted to participate in a recent high-level to work with importers and manufacturers, and we are meeting on discards with the EU Commission and taking other actions. other members states, which agreed with the UK that tackling discards must be a priority for common fisheries Simon Hart: The Minister will be aware of that other policy reform and that action must be taken now. There great hazard facing farmers and livestock—namely fly- was a constructive and positive debate about measures tipping, which currently costs taxpayers something like needed as part of that reform. The UK is clear that £1 million per week. Will he assure us that that will be these must be practical, effective and developed in addressed in the Government’s waste strategy, and to co-operation with industry. coin a phrase, will he be tough on grime, and tough on the causes of grime? Neil Parish: I know that the Minister, like me, welcomes the fact that Devon fishermen have cut their discards by Mr Paice: I do not wish to open that can of worms, 50%. Can he work on the total eradication of discards but I can assure my hon. Friend that we very much by promoting the greater use of other types of fish? recognise the problem of fly-tipping and that it will be Fish that do not meet human consumption standards addressed in the waste review. could be ground down for use as fishmeal for fish farming, because we must keep that resource. Mackerel Quotas Richard Benyon: I understand my hon. Friend’s point—he 4. Dr Eilidh Whiteford (Banff and Buchan) (SNP): eloquently made it yesterday at the Select Committee What assessment she has made of the outcome of the on Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. DEFRA’s recent coastal states discussions in Oslo on mackerel “Fishing for the Market” project looks at the fact that fishing quota; and if she will make a statement. [47196] more than 50% of discards are created because there is no market for those fish. By taking up my hon. Friend’s The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for suggestions and by working with fishermen to support Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Richard Benyon): the industry to find better markets for such fish, we will The meeting of coastal states in Oslo from 9 to 11 March further reduce discards. ended without agreement on the management of the north Atlantic mackerel stock for 2011. This is very Sarah Newton: Does my hon. Friend agree that in this disappointing as it puts the future sustainability of this important quest to find new markets for what were extremely important stock at risk. The positions of the formerly discarded fish we should work alongside parties involved remain wide apart but we will continue organisations such as my local fish and chip shop in to work with industry, other EU member states and the Penryn, the Mariners, which offers people delicious, Commission to find the best possible outcome to this locally caught and unusual choices, but not cod and difficult situation. haddock? 461 Oral Answers17 MARCH 2011 Oral Answers 462

Richard Benyon: I applaud my hon. Friend for bigging Battery Cages up her local fish and chip shop. I also applaud the Fish Fight campaign, one benefit of which is that thousands 6. Henry Smith (Crawley) (Con): What recent discussions of people have been going to their fishmongers and she has had on the introduction of a prohibition on supermarkets and asking for precisely the species that battery cages for laying hens. [47199] we have been discarding on a large scale, such as dab 7. David T. C. Davies (Monmouth) (Con): What and pouting, which are perfectly delicious, and which recent discussions she has had on the introduction of a we should be using more of, because they can be fished prohibition on battery cages for laying hens. [47200] sustainably. The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Barry Gardiner (Brent North) (Lab): Will the Minister Rural Affairs (Mrs Caroline Spelman): At the Agriculture commission research into the scientific levels of non-quota and Fisheries Council on 21 February, some member stock, and will he consider making it mandatory for states sought more time to implement the ban on scientists to go onboard vessels or at least to ensure that conventional cages, which is coming into force on 1 January discards are quantified, so that scientists can have that 2012. I was the first Minister to emphasise that any information? delay would be grossly unfair to egg producers in the UK and other member states that have made significant Richard Benyon: The hon. Gentleman makes a very investments to adapt and enrich cages. The Government good point. The fisheries science partnerships have will continue to play a full part in EU discussions to been doing precisely that, and have been doing good find a practical solution. work. In prioritising this matter we are going with the Henry Smith: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for that grain of public opinion and the opinion of fishermen, answer and for her excellent efforts. Did those discussions who want to see an end to this practice, and yes, we have also include the importation of derived products into to do it on the basis of sound evidence. There is good this country? practice going on, with scientists going onboard fishing boats for a variety of reasons, including to get a better Mrs Spelman: Yes, I can give my hon. Friend that understanding of what discards are and how we can assurance. It is important that we are clear about the tackle them. That work is highly valued. provenance of liquid-egg and dried-egg products. Many farmers in the European Union have made the investment Mr William Bain (Glasgow North East) (Lab): As to improve the welfare of laying hens, and therefore the well as an end to discards, we need firm action on deadline has to be respected. by-catch. Does the Minister welcome the announcement by Princes and Asda to follow other major retailers in David T. C. Davies: The Minister will be aware that ceasing to sell tuna caught using fishing practices that many farmers in my constituency of Monmouth have Greenpeace estimated in 2007 resulted in levels of by-catch worked extremely hard to comply with that legislation. of 182,000 tonnes per year? Will he also give a guarantee I am grateful to her for saying that it would be unfair if to persuade the remaining retailers selling unsustainably other EU countries do not, but can she say what would fished tuna to reflect the views of the 661,000 people happen if other countries, including new entrants, were who signed the Fish Fight petition and end fishing exempt from that legislation? practices that damage the biodiversity of our oceans? Mrs Spelman: I am not talking about exemption. Obviously the Commission can threaten infraction Richard Benyon: Yes to all that. I can assure the hon. proceedings against member states whose egg producers Gentleman that the Government are at the forefront of are non-compliant, but in my view that will not be measures to protect blue fin tuna. I thoroughly welcome enough. One of the options that we have suggested to the move by Princes and other processors to ensure that the Commission is an intra-Community trade ban, they use tuna from sustainable stocks, and we will which would restrict the sale of eggs that continued to continue to work with Members on both sides of the be produced from conventional cages after the deadline House to ensure that this continues. had expired. Mr Barry Sheerman (Huddersfield) (Lab/Co-op): Will Andrew George (St Ives) (LD): I am pleased with the right hon. Lady show some caution on this? Those what I hope is significant progress in this policy area of us who are passionate about animal welfare remember after many years of campaigning, but how can fish when this country moved ahead on protecting young stocks be protected effectively if discards are taken into calves reared for veal from disgraceful conditions. Veal account, and how can we distinguish between intended in this country is now well produced. The young animals and unintended by-catch in the management of stocks? have a decent life, but most of them are killed at birth, which means that we import badly produced veal from Richard Benyon: No doubt when a lot of those who France. signed the Fish Fight petition see the words “Discard ban imposed”, they will think, “Job done”, but Mrs Spelman: Veal is not the same thing as eggs. unfortunately, as the hon. Gentleman and his fishermen None the less, the sentiment expressed in the hon. know, life is not that simple. Working with the fishing Gentleman’s question is important. The point is that industry is the way to find solutions. For too long there member states and producers have known for 10 years has been too much stick and not enough carrot. We are that the change would come, and the accession countries proposing—we have benefited from this through policies seeking to join the Union knew full well before they such as the 50% project and catch quotas—that when entered that those were the welfare standards that would we work with the industry we get much better results. apply. 463 Oral Answers17 MARCH 2011 Oral Answers 464

Thomas Docherty (Dunfermline and West Fife) (Lab): Angela Smith (Penistone and Stocksbridge) (Lab): Given the Secretary of State’s remarks, can she clarify This is a key issue in my constituency, which was badly whether she will be proposing a ban on shell, liquid and flooded in 2007. Why have the Government decided to powdered egg from countries such as Poland that will ignore the Pitt recommendation that flood investment not meet the deadline, and if so, will she also be should enjoy an above-inflation settlement each year? banning products such as quiche and cakes from those countries? Richard Benyon: We are taking forward all 92 of the Pitt recommendations—well, certainly 91 of them. The Mrs Spelman: I can give the hon. Gentleman an question of flood funding has been raised frequently in assurance that the Commission is looking at this. He the House. We have protected capital funding works might be interested to know that the Minister of State over and above all other areas of activity because we and the Commission will both appear before the Select recognise that that is an absolute priority for the future. Committee on Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 22 March, when there will be ample opportunity to Mr Jamie Reed (Copeland) (Lab): This Department debate in detail the application of measures to ensure has taken the biggest hit across government, and flood that the deadline is respected. defence spending has been cut by 27%. The Pitt review did indeed recommend Exercise Watermark. It also recommended that flood defence spending should be Rehman Chishti (Gillingham and Rainham) (Con): increased above inflation year on year, as my hon. According to the European Commission’s social and Friend the Member for Penistone and Stocksbridge economic report, a free-range egg costs just 2p more to (Angela Smith) said. Will the Minister tell us what produce than a battery egg. Does the Minister agree lessons have been learned from Exercise Watermark? that this is a price worth paying for animal welfare? What does he say to those communities who thought that their flood defences were going ahead but now find Mrs Spelman: It is absolutely clear that the welfare of that they are not? Can he guarantee that they will be laying hens is improved by investment in enriched cages. able to access universal flood insurance after the statement However, it is also true that many consumers enjoy the of principle ends soon? choice of free-range eggs, and those choices should continue to exist. Richard Benyon: We have had many discussions on this matter. The 8% difference between the last four Flooding years’ spending on capital and the next four years’ spending shows that this is a massive priority— [Interruption.] The hon. Member for Copeland (Mr Reed) 8. Laura Sandys (South Thanet) (Con): What knows that continuing with this tired old riff is 180 away measures her Department is taking to ensure its from the facts. We are working closely with the insurance preparedness to respond to major flooding incidents. industry to ensure that we can move beyond the statement [47201] of principles after 2013. The lessons from Exercise Watermark are being learned and will be learned in the The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for future. Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Richard Benyon): Last week, Exercise Watermark took place, which was Urban Foxes the largest civil emergency exercise ever held in the United Kingdom. It successfully demonstrated the ability of Departments, emergency services, local authorities, 9. Greg Hands (Chelsea and Fulham) (Con): If she communities and voluntary organisations to work together will discuss with ministerial colleagues measures to to deal with a range of devastating flooding scenarios. exterminate urban foxes. [47202] We will learn lessons from the exercise and publicise them to the House. The Minister of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Mr James Paice): While the extermination of urban foxes, or indeed rural ones, is Laura Sandys: I welcome the Minister’s exercise in neither desirable nor possible, problem foxes do need to flood prevention and working through all the different be controlled. In urban areas, that is the responsibility systems. However, in my constituency, Sandwich—one of the owner or occupier of the property, who can use of the most beautiful medieval towns in the country— legal methods to cull or remove foxes. faces huge flood problems. Will the Minister update us on what the defence scheme is and when it might be Greg Hands: Last summer, a number of my constituents implemented? were attacked in their own homes by urban foxes, including Annie Bradwell, who lost part of her ear, and Richard Benyon: Sandwich was included in the original Natasha David, who was bitten twice as she slept in her draft list of schemes going ahead next year, so I specifically bed. Will the Minister liaise with the Secretary of State asked why it was not in the programme. I understand for Communities and Local Government to see whether that the reason was that we could not guarantee that the we can change the law so that urban foxes can be treated scheme would start in the coming financial year. However, as vermin in the same way that rats and mice are? I am happy to meet my hon. Friend—and perhaps also Paul Carter, the leader of the taskforce looking at Mr Paice: I am very happy to talk to the Communities regeneration in her constituency—to discuss how hopeful Secretary about that, but I do not think that a change in we can be about the scheme progressing in the very near the law is necessary to enable local authorities to take future. action. They are not required to do so, but it is perfectly 465 Oral Answers17 MARCH 2011 Oral Answers 466 within their remit to take action if they have the kind of Stephen Metcalfe (South Basildon and East Thurrock) problem with the fox population to which my hon. (Con): Does my hon. Friend agree not only that it is Friend refers. wrong to throw dead fish back into sea, because it damages the viability of our fishermen, but that there is Paul Flynn (Newport West) (Lab): The Minister will an environmental and marine eco-system effect of which be aware that it would be an error to make laws on the we must also be aware? basis of isolated and rare cases. Having some wildlife in urban areas gives great delight to many people, and Richard Benyon: My hon. Friend is absolutely right. I foxes can make a contribution to urban life by scavenging have heard evidence of crab potters, for example, saying for waste food. We certainly do not need the usual Tory that the problem is affecting the bait they put in their solution to such problems, which is to kill wild animals. pots in certain areas. The real point, however, is that in a Mr Paice: I made it clear that we do not think that hungry world, throwing away perfectly edible fish is an foxes should be exterminated in any part of the country. affront to the vast majority of the British public, as well However, to pretend that they do not cause problems in as to the fishermen who have to carry it out. some areas would be blinkered thinking. The fact is that, as my hon. Friend the Member for Chelsea and Wild Animals (Circuses) Fulham (Greg Hands) said, foxes can be a serious pest in urban areas and elsewhere. Also, the scavenging that 11. Jim Fitzpatrick (Poplar and Limehouse) (Lab): the hon. Member for Newport West (Paul Flynn) describes When she plans to announce her policy on wild can cause serious problems with refuse and waste left animals in circuses. [47206] out overnight. But, yes, foxes have a role to play in our urban areas. The Minister of State, Department for Environment, Roger Williams (Brecon and Radnorshire) (LD): The Food and Rural Affairs (Mr James Paice): Following Minister might be aware that there is a belief in the further discussions with welfare groups, the circus industry countryside that urban foxes are trapped alive, put in and other parties involved with performing animals, I lorries, taken out into the countryside and released, at am pleased to tell the hon. Gentleman that the great detriment to their welfare and great inconvenience Government’s policy is now close to completion. to their country cousins. Will the Minister deprecate that activity and make every effort to resist it? Jim Fitzpatrick: I am pleased to hear that the policy is close to completion, but I am sure that the Minister Mr Paice: My hon. Friend makes a relevant point. will realise that his answer is somewhat disappointing—not There is a lot of evidence—albeit anecdotal evidence—that just to me, but to Members of all parties, to organisations people trap urban foxes and release them in the countryside. such as the Born Free Foundation, Animal Defenders I suggest that that is very cruel, because those foxes are and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to not accustomed to living on their own or to hunting for Animals and, not least, to the 94.5% of the 13,000 their prey, because it is all there for them in the refuse respondents who said last March that they wanted this bags in urban areas. Farmers and others will bear practice stopped. We have now reached the anniversary, witness to the fact that many of them wander round the so how much longer is it going to take? countryside in a somewhat dazed state. Fish Discards Mr Paice: No one will be more pleased than I will be when the issue is closed and the hon. Gentleman stops 10. Karl Turner (Kingston upon Hull East) (Lab): asking me the question. I can assure him that, although What proposals she has to reduce the incidence of fish I cannot give a precise time, the policy is very close to discards. [47204] completion. However, as he knows, because he used to be the responsible Minister, other issues are relevant, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for such as the impact on the film and theatre industry and Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Richard Benyon): other areas where animals are involved in performances, I refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer that I gave and we have to clarify them and get them right before some moments ago. we announce anything. Karl Turner: Will the Minister outline exactly what he is doing to give incentives to the UK fishing industry to Labelling (Meat Products) reduce discards?

Richard Benyon: We have promoted the catch quota 12. Angie Bray (Ealing Central and Acton) (Con): scheme, and this year we will see no discards in the What recent progress her Department has made on North sea from the boats in that scheme. We are extending labelling meat products by method of slaughter; and if the scheme to the south-west and I am delighted to she will make a statement. [47207] announce that four vessels from that region are entering the scheme for the channel sole stock. We are also The Minister of State, Department for Environment, promoting the “Fishing for the Market” scheme, which Food and Rural Affairs (Mr James Paice): As part of I mentioned earlier. Of course, there is the success— our implementation of the new welfare at slaughter applauded abroad and by the Commission—of the 50% regulations, which will come into force in January 2013, project in the south-west. All those examples show how I shall be meeting all interested parties during the if we work with the fishing industry, we can have a course of this year, and this will of course include serious impact on the scourge of discards. discussion of possible labelling aspects of the issue. 467 Oral Answers17 MARCH 2011 Oral Answers 468

Angie Bray: Many of my constituents who are concerned we must be careful to ensure that prime, productive about animal welfare are worried that they are unknowingly agricultural land is there to provide the food that we are eating meat from animals that might not have been so obviously going to need. pre-stunned during slaughter, and supermarkets simply will not provide the information. Does the Minister Gavin Shuker (Luton South) (Lab/Co-op): DEFRA agree that labelling is the simplest solution to the problem? has said that it is tackling climate change through its Will he reassure my constituents that he will push for new strategy, contained in the document “Mainstreaming implementation as soon as possible? sustainable development”. The seven-page document, which was snuck out the night before the Government Mr Paice: The Government strongly believe that abolished the Sustainable Development Commission, consumers should be properly informed about what has been attacked by the president of the National they are buying. It is also true that the Government Farmers Union and slated by Jonathon Porritt, who believe, overall, that animals should be stunned before said that it was slaughter, but we recognise that the Jewish and Muslim “without a doubt the most disgraceful government document communities like some of their meat to be produced relating to Sustainable Development” differently. The challenge for labelling is traceability. As my hon. Friend is probably aware, the vast majority of that he had ever seen. How is the mainstreaming going? meat slaughtered under halal conditions is pre-stunned, so the issue is not quite as straightforward as some Mrs Spelman: First, let me welcome the hon. Gentleman people believe. to his new position. I hope that he will convey our thanks to his predecessor for the role that he played. Climate Change Perhaps we could start off on a slightly better footing. We made a decision, as a Government, to mainstream 14. Mr Peter Bone (Wellingborough) (Con): What sustainable development, and there is clear evidence responsibilities she has for the Government’s policies from the business plans of the Government Departments on climate change. [47209] that it has been mainstreamed. In addition, I have asked the hon. Gentleman’s colleague the Chairman of the The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Environmental Audit Committee, the hon. Member for Rural Affairs (Mrs Caroline Spelman): DEFRA leads Stoke-on-Trent North (Joan Walley), to hold Departments on climate change adaptation in England and on to account for the sustainable development that is engagement with the EU on adaptation. DEFRA works mainstreamed into their business plans. DEFRA will to reduce emissions domestically in the areas for which continue to perform its role of scrutinising new policy we have responsibility and also works across Whitehall on sustainable development. However, mainstreaming to ensure that progress on mitigation is achieved in a is an obvious step forward from the position when the sustainable way. hon. Gentleman’s party was in power, when sustainable development was outside the remit of Government and Mr Bone: The Prime Minister is keen on smaller and in the hands of an arm’s length body. more efficient government. If the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills were to take back responsibility for energy, would the Secretary of State think it appropriate Common Agricultural Policy for her Department to take back the rest of the climate change responsibilities, because then we could get rid of 15. Julian Sturdy (York Outer) (Con): What recent a whole Department? discussions she has had on reform of the common agricultural policy; and if she will make a statement. Mrs Spelman: If we are talking about efficiency, I can [47210] tell my hon. Friend that in my experience, reorganisation— including the attempted reorganisation of local government The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and by the last Administration—is not always the most Rural Affairs (Mrs Caroline Spelman): At this precise efficient thing to do. moment Lord Henley is attending the Agriculture Council, representing the United Kingdom. I hope Members will Mark Lazarowicz (Edinburgh North and Leith) (Lab/ appreciate the presence of a full team of House of Co-op): The Secretary of State will know of the growing Commons Ministers here to answer oral questions. fear that, in the European Union and elsewhere, the However, I have spent two full days this week in Brussels, understandable increasing use of biofuels is having a where the Environment Council discussed CAP reform. distorting effect on the food market, and particularly on I met Members of the European Parliament—including food prices for some of the world’s poor. I do not want the officers and rapporteur of the Agriculture Committee to make any assumptions about the implications of the —to discuss CAP reform, as the European Parliament tragic events in Japan, but it is clear that they might has the power of co-decision. have implications for the energy market and biofuel prices. What is the Government’s current policy on biofuels at European level? Julian Sturdy: Let me begin by drawing Members’ attention to my declaration of interest. Mrs Spelman: If we are to increase the amount of Will the Secretary of State confirm that the negotiating renewable energy that we secure and reduce our dependence position that she intends to take on CAP reform is on fossil fuels, it is important for renewable energy from different from that of the last Government, and that biomass to be in the mix. However, I agree with the hon. food security is at the heart of all decision-making Gentleman that, faced with the challenge of food security, processes? 469 Oral Answers17 MARCH 2011 Oral Answers 470

Mrs Spelman: Yes, I can confirm a change from the Mary Creagh: OECD reports show that UK food traditional stance taken by the last Government. Calling prices have risen by more than 6% in the last year, and for direct payments to end forthwith was unrealistic. families across the country are feeling the pain. The Our farmers need those direct payments at the moment, Foresight report says we need to increase production although I can envisage a time when, given rising food not just to feed the UK, but to meet growing demand prices, they may not be necessary. The new, more realistic for food across the world. The Environment Secretary position means that we are a player at the negotiating told her officials she wanted to be briefed on the price of table, part of an important alliance of member states a loaf of bread. Can she tell the House by how much that want CAP reform so that we can confront the the price of a loaf has gone up in the last six months, serious challenges presented by the need for food security and why does her newly published sustainable development and by climate change. strategy make no mention at all of the CAP, food or farming? Kerry McCarthy (Bristol East) (Lab): According to farmsubsidy.org, the number of CAP millionaires rose Mrs Spelman: I am sure the hon. Lady does the by 20% in 2009 to 1,212, and they pocketed a total of household shopping in the same way that I do, and it is ¤4.9 billion. Does the Secretary of State agree with interesting that the hike in world food prices has not yet those who say that there should be a cap—if Members fully translated through into the cost of the grocery bill. will excuse the pun—on maximum payments to individual This issue is a concern not only in the UK, but in other recipients, and that there should be far more transparency countries. It was also a concern to her Government across Europe in relation to who is receiving such during the last price hike in 2008. She should also be payments? concerned about the farm-gate price of food: farming input costs are rising, making it extremely difficult for Mrs Spelman: We are calling for a substantial reduction farmers to provide us with food at a reasonable price. in single farm payments, but we do not share the That is one of the reasons why we made it a priority in Commission’s view that a cap should be introduced. our business plan to support British food and farming The capping of farms whose size made them eligible in a way that her Government did not. would result in the fragmentation of farm structures, which would prevent agriculture from becoming more competitive and market-orientated. Mr Speaker: I am grateful to the Secretary of State for that answer. I call Simon Kirby. He is not here. I therefore call Yvonne Fovargue. Mary Creagh (Wakefield) (Lab): The CAP has two key roles: ensuring security of food supply and environmental management. On 17 December, The Daily Telegraph reported a secret stitch-up between the Prime Animals (Illegal Trade) Minister and President Sarkozy of France: no reform of the CAP in return for French support for the British 19. Yvonne Fovargue (Makerfield) (Lab): What rebate. Yet the right hon. Lady the Secretary of State funding she has allocated over the period of the told the Oxford farming conference in January: comprehensive spending review to reduce the level of “Now is the time to make very significant progress towards illegal trade in animals and animal products. [47215] reducing our reliance on direct payments”, but her colleague the Farming Minister, the right hon. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Member for South East Cambridgeshire (Mr Paice), Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Richard Benyon): contradicted her in the Farmers Guardian saying: DEFRA provides funding for the convention on “Farming could not survive without direct payments…we will international trade in endangered species. Total funding be suggesting a long, long transition from the current CAP levels for the next four years have yet to be agreed. The system.” National Wildlife Crime Unit will be funded for the We know the Prime Minister has full confidence in all next two years. DEFRA provides no funding to delivery his Cabinet Ministers, but who is in charge of CAP agents, but continues to provide policy and risk advice negotiations? to the UK Border Agency, which has enforcement responsibility for illegal imports of animal products. Mrs Spelman: I think the hon. Lady should rely a little less on speculation reported in newspapers. She Yvonne Fovargue: What discussions has the Minister has been a politician for long enough to know that we had with the Home Department about the impact of should take what we read in the papers with a pinch of UK Border Agency cuts on intercepting products of salt. She obviously was not listening when I very clearly animal origin at UK airports? set out our position. Her Government’s position on the CAP over their 13-year period in office was, frankly, not credible: they suggested that direct payments should Richard Benyon: I met a representative of the UK end immediately. If the hon. Lady does not know Border Agency this week to discuss these matters. I also enough about farming in this country to know that attended a meeting of the Partnership for Action against farmers cannot manage at this point in time without Wildlife Crime, which has built up an enormous breadth their direct payments, she has a lot of learning to do. of expertise. When I visited the animal reception centre Our new position is much more realistic: it is to look at Heathrow, I understood very clearly how partnership forward to the time when subvention will not be required, working and working on a risk basis is effective in while in the intervening period helping the industry to making sure Britain plays its part in cutting out this adapt so that it is more competitive and market-oriented. terrible trade. 471 Oral Answers17 MARCH 2011 Oral Answers 472

Topical Questions The Minister of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Mr James Paice): I entirely T1. [47218] Neil Parish (Tiverton and Honiton) (Con): agree with my hon. Friend, which is why the Government If she will make a statement on her departmental will publish Government buying standards very shortly. responsibilities. They will require all of central Government to purchase food produced to British standards wherever that can The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and be done without extra cost, which should not really Rural Affairs (Mrs Caroline Spelman): My Department come into it. I must tell her that we are working very takes responsibility for safeguarding the environment, hard on the specific issue of bacon and the armed forces supporting farmers and strengthening the green economy. with the British Pig Executive and the Ministry of In that regard, I draw attention to the written statement Defence. We face some specific challenges relating not I have laid today, confirming the details of the independent only to the specification but to the quantity that the panel to advise on the future direction of forestry and MOD needs and that fact that everything needs to be woodland policy. The panel will be chaired by the Right frozen. Trials have been done using sow bacon and Reverend James Jones, the Bishop of Liverpool, and other things, but we are still working on the challenge. will be made up of leading experts in the field of conservation and woodland management, along with T5. [47222] Chi Onwurah (Newcastle upon Tyne Central) other representatives of the broad range of issues associated (Lab): According to the Commission for Rural with forestry in England, such as access and timber Communities, one in 20 women in rural areas is an supply. entrepreneur, which is a higher proportion than in cities. However, in a recent article in The Independent, Neil Parish: I very much welcome the Secretary of many complained that slow broadband was slowing State’s statement on setting up this panel on forests. She down their business. Labour guaranteed universal talked about food prices rising, but one of the great broadband by 2012. What is the Secretary of State problems is that the money is not going back to the doing about it? farmers—too much is being taken out by the supermarkets and others. I know that the Business Secretary has to The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for deliver this, but when is he going to put the grocery Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Richard Benyon): adjudicator in place? I am very happy to tell the hon. Lady that our plans to roll out superfast broadband to rural communities will Mrs Spelman: On 17 February, the Under-Secretary assist all entrepreneurs, including women, and rural of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, my hon. areas will be able to see the benefits of superfast broadband Friend the Member for Kingston and Surbiton (Mr Davey) in the creative industries and every other kind of industry. indicated during his Department’s questions that he We have put £530 million over the next four years into would publish the relevant Bill in April. Obviously, that, so it will be happening very soon. Parliament is in recess for a significant amount of that month, but the Bill will be published some time around T3. [47220] Miss Anne McIntosh (Thirsk and Malton) Easter. (Con): I wish to raise the whole sorry saga of the single farm payment, as administered by the Rural Payments Mary Creagh (Wakefield) (Lab): I welcome the Agency. One farmer in my area has not received production of the forestry panel, but the trees are not payment since 2009. I understand that the target for yet out of the woods. This Sunday, thousands of people March will not be met, that the accuracy of the figures will gather in forests across the country to keep up the remains woefully short of what might be expected and pressure on the Government to abandon their sale of that we risk incurring EU fines. Can the Minister 100,000 acres of England’s forests. People will be asking assure the House that that will not be the case this me in Dalby forest why their local organisations have year? been excluded from this panel. What should I tell them? Mr Paice: As my hon. Friend said, the new Government Mrs Spelman: I am delighted to tell the hon. Lady inherited a catastrophic situation with the RPA, which that the independent panel will hold its meetings in had incurred for the country massive fines from the EU different parts of England, as was the original intention as a result of late payments and inaccuracies—I am with the consultation, to come to people who have determined not to repeat that. I am extremely sorry that concerns about forests. A huge number of organisations— we are not going to be able to meet the target for end of more than 70—applied to go on the panel, which will March payments, but we are determined that this year’s engage them all by seeking information, views and payments should be accurate, rather than have a evidence from them all so that everyone feels involved. continuation of the problems of errors and the fines that then ensue. I am determined to get money flowing T2. [47219] Claire Perry (Devizes) (Con): May I return as quickly as possible to the many farmers whom I to the topic of the difficulties faced by pig farmers, recognise need it. which are particularly acute in my constituency? Is the Minister aware of the answer given by the Minister for T7. [47225] Kerry McCarthy (Bristol East) (Lab): The the Armed Forces to my recent written question Government’s policy on badger culling once again showing that under the previous Government less than seems to be a complete shambles. Will the Minister 1% of the bacon served to our armed forces was confirm that they have now decided to take into British? Does he agree that if we are to do what we say account the vast majority of scientific evidence, which as a Government and help British farmers, we should says that badger culling is not an adequate way to deal put our money where our mouth is and encourage the with bovine TB, and rule out a return to the culling public sector to buy British? that we have seen in the past? 473 Oral Answers17 MARCH 2011 Oral Answers 474

Mr Paice: The Government consulted on our proposals Tom Blenkinsop (Middlesbrough South and East in the autumn and we are still working through the Cleveland) (Lab): Does the Secretary of State believe consequences and results of that consultation, including that reducing funding by nearly a third to the national all the scientific advice and practical issues that were parks, such as the North York Moors national park in raised. We shall make our announcements in due course. my constituency, is good for promoting tourism and I can promise that at this stage we have made no final helps small and medium-sized businesses in Guisborough decisions. and east Cleveland?

T4. [47221] David Mowat (Warrington South) (Con): Mrs Spelman: I can give the hon. Gentleman an The Arpley landfill site in my constituency is in the assurance. I visited the Lake District national park last process of applying for a multi-year extension to its week as part of launching the uplands policy and the licence and yet we know that best practice countries, park authority expressed itself quite capable of making such as Germany and Denmark, have virtually no savings, which are pro rata across the Department because landfill because they incinerate for power that which we have to repair the finances after what was left behind cannot be recycled. Can we not move faster in that by his Government. I am therefore confident that it can direction? protect the front line while making savings in the back office. That park, in conjunction with many national Richard Benyon: We are shortly to publish our waste parks, is setting about doing that constructively. review, which is examining the balance and trying to move waste up the waste hierarchy. It will demonstrate Mr Speaker: I call Mr Douglas Carswell. He is not this Government’s serious ambition to work towards here. getting as close as we can to a waste-free society and to Mr Marcus Jones (Nuneaton) (Con): I met a number ensure that communities are protected wherever they of Warwickshire dairy farmers last week and they told can be. me that they are still receiving less for their milk from Dr Alan Whitehead (Southampton, Test) (Lab): This the supermarkets than it costs to produce. When the morning, the Secretary of State repeated her suggestion high cost of feed is added to that, it will either drive that the Environmental Audit Committee might take farmers away from producing milk or out of business over the functions of the Sustainable Development altogether. What can the Secretary of State do to support Commission, which she has abolished, as a watchdog our dairy farmers and protect UK food security? on sustainable development. Does she recognise that Mr Paice: My hon. Friend has identified a real difficulty that will be a complete fantasy unless resources and in the dairy sector that, as he rightly says, affects most organisation are fundamentally addressed? What efforts dairy farmers throughout the country.The biggest challenge has she made to get resources for the EAC so that it can is the range of prices, which go from the relatively perform that role? acceptable prices paid to producers who are designated into the liquid supply chain down to the very low prices Mrs Spelman: The hon. Gentleman might have paid by processors. I am working through the dairy misunderstood what I said. There is a four-pronged supply chain to try to improve the overall market structure approach to mainstreaming sustainable development, so that we can raise prices at the bottom, which will in which the Environmental Audit Committee might, I create an upward pressure right through the chain. suggested, play the role of holding Secretaries of State to account in the way that Select Committees regularly Mark Lazarowicz (Edinburgh North and Leith) (Lab/ do. Although the Select Committees are bodies of Co-op): At first sight, the independent panel on forestry Parliament rather than Government, I have written to includes three people who represent landowning or the Chair of the Public Accounts Committee to ask industry forestry interests but does not include anyone whether some of the 700 auditors in the National Audit who represents the trade unions or the people who work Office, which comes under her jurisdiction, might be in that area. The Institute of Chartered Foresters is released to help the Environmental Audit Committee in represented, but that is very much a specialist interest. that role. Is it not an omission not to have a trade union represented on the panel? Mr Speaker: I am grateful to the Secretary of State. Mrs Spelman: When I made my statement on this T6. [47223] David T. C. Davies (Monmouth) (Con): matter in the House, I heeded very carefully the point Returning to my earlier question, will the Minister that was made by Opposition Members that those who consider ensuring that the public sector buys only work in the forests ought to be represented on the eggs that have been produced to EU standards when panel. That is why Shireen Chambers of the Institute of the new legislation banning battery cages has been Chartered Foresters will be on it. The panellists are implemented? there not as delegates but as representatives to look at the broad range of issues concerning forestry and woodland Mr Paice: Yes, I will. As I said a few moments ago, in England. the Government will be publishing Government buying standards in the very near future and that will include a T9. [47227] Robert Halfon (Harlow) (Con): Epping requirement to purchase only produce produced to forest has 20% of all Travellers pitches in the east of British standards—that does not mean that it has to be England, over 80% of which are in Nazeing or Roydon British, but it has to be produced to our standards. in my constituency. Can the Minister reassure my From 1 January next year, no British eggs will be from constituents that local communities will now be free to traditional cages. They will all be from enriched or choose how many Travellers pitches they accept rather better systems. than having them imposed from Whitehall? 475 Oral Answers17 MARCH 2011 Oral Answers 476

Mrs Spelman: This is a matter principally for the declaration of overriding public interest, would he be Department for Communities and Local Government, empowered to impose conditions such as the use of which I know is striving to find a balanced solution more suitable vessels in the medium term? for both the settled and the travelling communities. I have sympathy with my hon. Friend, as I also have Richard Benyon: I am well aware of the importance of to deal with this issue in my constituency. The this issue to the hon. Gentleman and his constituents. abolition of regional spatial strategies puts an end to We have to bear in mind the economic value of that the top-down provision of sites in favour of local solutions route to the Isle of Wight as well as other elements in to provide the authorised sites that the travelling community his community. I assure him that I will exhaust every needs. effort to make sure that we can get a solution with which every side is happy. Jim Fitzpatrick (Poplar and Limehouse) (Lab): Yesterday, there was a march on City hall by residents of Poplar Mr Barry Sheerman (Huddersfield) (Lab/Co-op): Are and Limehouse who are very concerned about the possible we ever going to get a fair deal for farmers or consumers loss of King Edward Memorial park due to the necessary when ruthless monopolies such as Tesco dominate our building of the Thames tideway tunnel. Can the Secretary retail trade? Tesco now has 30% of the trade—by my of State or one of her Ministers reassure me and my economic training, that is a monopoly that any Government constituents that just as DEFRA will keep an eye on have to recognise and take on. costs, as outlined on its website, it will also keep a conscious eye on the need to protect that precious open Mrs Spelman: The Department’s business plan sets space, which is much loved by thousands of my out clearly its priority of supporting British food and constituents? farming. Obviously, we are trying in the CAP negotiations to get a fair deal for British farmers, consumers and the Richard Benyon: I understand the concerns of a number environment alike. There was an investigation into abuse of communities in London about the construction phase of competition through the Competition Commission, of this project, if it goes ahead. I am delighted that one but the new element that we bring into play is the particularly popular area of green space south of the grocery adjudicator. As I said, the Department for river has been protected and I applaud Thames Water Business, Innovation and Skills intends to introduce for having found an alternative site. I am happy to work legislation on that around Easter. with the hon. Gentleman and others to make sure that the impact of the construction of the project is as minimal as possible. Duncan Hames (Chippenham) (LD): On taking sustainable development mainstream, the Secretary of Sir Alan Beith (Berwick-upon-Tweed) (LD): Will State gave me her clear assurance during DEFRA questions Ministers look again at the funding of Northumberland on 4 November that she would continue to meet the national park, because pro rata cuts hit very hard the designated green Ministers from each Department. Will least well-funded national park, which suffers from she tell the House who the designated green Ministers what is known to be an unsatisfactory distribution of in each Department are, and when they last met? funding between national parks? Mrs Spelman: I am delighted to be able to tell the Richard Benyon: I am well aware of the national House that DEFRA has instituted the green Ministers park’s concerns. I have to be cautious because I believe breakfast. Ministers from across the Government come that there might be legal proceedings under way, but I to DEFRA once a month for this popular event. As you am a firm fan of what it does. It is important to note would expect, Mr Speaker, the Department of food and that the national parks will go back, as a collective drink makes absolutely sure that they do not go hungry. group, to the funding of about five years ago. Life did The events have brought about the huge benefits of not stop in the national parks back then—they did a lot breaking down silos between Departments and putting of good stuff then and they will continue to do a lot of in place a really joined-up approach to green issues and good work in future. sustainable development right across the Government.

Barry Gardiner (Brent North) (Lab): I welcome the Mr Speaker: We are now much better informed and Minister’s attempts to reduce inaccuracies in single thank the Secretary of State. farm payments and the fines incurred as a consequence, but he will know that fines are also incurred for late Thomas Docherty (Dunfermline and West Fife) (Lab): payment after the June deadline. Has he conducted any We saw this week that the Department has been slapped research in his Department about the flexing between down a second time by the Prime Minister—this time inaccuracy fines and late payment fines to ensure that over CAP payments. Does that explain why we still do the best and optimal amount is achieved for the taxpayer? not have a water White Paper? Mr Paice: The objective is to have no fines at all rather than to choose between fines. I am determined to Richard Benyon: We expect to have a water White make the payments as accurate as possible so that we Paper in the summer. can draw a line under the sorry past under the previous Government. Equally, however, I want to keep to the Andrew George (St Ives) (LD): Further to questions payment deadline of June, and we plan to do so. about the grocery adjudicator, I should declare an interest as chair of the Grocery Market Action Group, as well Mr Desmond Swayne (New Forest West) (Con): If the as because last week I met the Under-Secretary of State Under-Secretary were to find himself seeking to preserve for Business, Innovation and Skills, my hon. Friend the ferry operations in the Lymington river by use of a Member for Kingston and Surbiton (Mr Davey), who 477 Oral Answers17 MARCH 2011 Oral Answers 478 confirmed that the draft Bill would be published after work on producing a Bill in this Parliament, which I the purdah period in May. Will the Secretary of State hope will help to inform his colleagues in the Department reassure the House that she will use every endeavour to for Business, Innovation and Skills. I know that the work with the business managers of this place and the Deputy Leader of the House is anxious that we make Business Department to ensure that the measure is good progress on the important Bill that my hon. introduced this year and that we have effective regulation Friend mentioned. of the sector as soon as possible? Mr Speaker: I thank colleagues for their co-operation Mrs Spelman: I am happy to give my hon. Friend an which, not for the first time, has ensured that every absolute assurance that I will use all my best endeavours question on the Order Paper has been reached and to ensure that we proceed swiftly. I pay tribute to his substantially more besides. 479 17 MARCH 2011 Business of the House 480

Business of the House Will the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government come to the House to explain why he decided to attend the recent meeting of the Young 11.32 am Britons’ Foundation, an organisation whose president Hilary Benn (Leeds Central) (Lab): Will the Leader has described the NHS as a 60-year mistake and whose of the House give us the forthcoming business? chief executive has called for it to be scrapped? Was the Secretary of State there to pick up tips on how to The Leader of the House of Commons (Sir George destroy local government from people who want to Young): The business for the week commencing 21 March destroy the NHS? will be: May we have a statement from the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions on figures from his own Department MONDAY 21 MARCH—Remaining stages of the Budget Responsibility and National Audit Bill [Lords], followed that show that the housing benefit changes will leave by a motion relating to Members’ salaries. 450,000 disabled people an average of £13 a week worse off? People are worried about having to leave their TUESDAY 22 MARCH—Remaining stages of the Scotland homes, which might have been specially adapted to Bill. their needs. What a waste of money. Can the Leader of WEDNESDAY 23 MARCH—My right hon. Friend the the House reassure them that that will not happen? Chancellor of the Exchequer will open his Budget Last week I raised Westminster city council’s odious statement. new byelaw banning the distribution of free food to the THURSDAY 24 MARCH—Continuation of the Budget homeless. Now we discover that the council has an debate. accomplice: the Home Secretary.Will she make a statement The provisional business for the week commencing during the report stage of the Police Reform and Social 28 March will include: Responsibility Bill to explain why clause 149 will give local councils the power to seize and retain property in MONDAY 28 MARCH—Continuation of the Budget debate. connection with any contravention of that byelaw? It means that, as well as fining people up to £500 for TUESDAY 29 MARCH—Conclusion of the Budget debate. giving out free food, Westminster city council will be WEDNESDAY 30 MARCH—Remaining stages of the Police given the power to seize, if it so wishes, the soup, the Reform and Social Responsibility Bill (Day 1). urns, the vans, the ladles, the bread, the tea bags and THURSDAY 31 MARCH—Remaining stages of the Police anything else that is distributed. Reform and Social Responsibility Bill (Day 2). The byelaw will apply to an exclusion zone that FRIDAY 1APRIL—Private Members’ Bills. includes Westminster cathedral. Will the Leader of the House clarify for us and for the Archbishop of Westminster Hilary Benn: I am grateful to the Leader of the whether, if there is a service of holy communion in the House for his reply. open air outside the cathedral, under the byelaw and the Bill, priests would face a fine and communion wine Will the right hon. Gentleman join me in expressing cups and wafers could be seized by zealous officials of our deep sorrow at the continuing suffering of the Westminster city council? What on earth would St Patrick, Japanese people as they seek to deal with the many whom we celebrate today, make of all that? It is quite disasters that have befallen them? Did he hear this clear that Westminster city council’s Tory members have morning’s report of protestors being fired on and killed completely taken leave of their senses, but why on earth in Bahrain, and will he join me in condemning that? are the Government helping them in this madness by a On Monday’s motion on the Senior Salaries Review shabby piece of legislative complicity? Body report, will the Leader of the House indicate Finally, while we are on the subject of nasty when he proposes to give effect to the Independent Conservatives, I am afraid that I must tell the House Parliamentary Standards Authority taking responsibility that yet another private Member’s Bill trying to cut the for MPs’ pay? minimum wage has made an appearance. This time it is The humanitarian emergency response review is due the Training Wage Bill, which is due to be debated to report shortly. May we have an oral statement from tomorrow. I was delighted that after my criticism of the the International Development Secretary? previous Bill it mysteriously vanished from the Order Two months ago I raised with the right hon. Gentleman Paper. Will the Leader of the House join me in condemning the suggestion of extending topical questions to all this Bill so that we can perhaps make it disappear as Departments that do not currently have them. He said well? that he had a lot of sympathy with my proposal. Can he tell us when he plans to implement it? Sir George Young: I endorse what the right hon. It has been a very bad week for the Government’s Gentleman said about Japan and Bahrain. In the debate NHS reforms, with revolting Lib Dems, 21 of whom that is to follow shortly, he might find that the Foreign failed to vote with the Government yesterday, angry Secretary will say much more about Bahrain and touch doctors and Ministers reduced to pleading that their on the humanitarian issues in Japan and what is happening Bill has been misunderstood, a sure sign that they have to UK citizens there. I certainly endorse what he said lost the argument. Mind you, it takes a special kind of about the need for Bahrain to move towards democracy political genius to turn those whom they say they want and not deal violently with those who are protesting to help—general practitioners—against them, so I have peacefully. to hand it to the Secretary of State for Health. The On IPSA and the debate on Monday, the Government more he talks about his Bill, the more he destroys public support the independent determination of MPs’ pay, as confidence in it. I said in my written statement of 20 January. I fully 481 Business of the House17 MARCH 2011 Business of the House 482 intend that that debate should not lead to Members from the shadow Secretary of State, and I hope to make routinely voting on their salaries, so I can confirm that I an announcement relatively soon, once I have completed will commence the relevant parts of the Constitutional the necessary consultations with my ministerial colleagues. Reform and Governance Act 2010 shortly to allow for fully independent determination of MPs’ salaries in Elizabeth Truss (South West Norfolk) (Con): My future. constituents were delighted to hear in the autumn On DFID, the right hon. Gentleman will know that comprehensive spending review that the final stretch of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for International the A11 was to be dualled. This will have a magnificent Development made a full statement to the House on impact on economic growth in the county and on local 1 March about the humanitarian work and the businesses, yet we are still to hear exactly when that Department’s aid reviews, and since then the House has major work will take place. Will the Leader of the been kept informed about what we are doing in House ask the Transport Minister to make a statement Christchurch, Japan and Libya. The humanitarian to the House about when that will happen? emergency response review, to which the right hon. Sir George Young: I am grateful to my hon. Friend. I Gentleman referred, is an independent review and, therefore, am afraid that when I was Secretary of State for Transport slightly different from the reviews that were the subject for two years I omitted to do as much as I should have of the statement at the beginning of the month, but of about the A11, but it is now among the 14 schemes that course I will pass his views to my right hon. Friend the Highways Agency expects to be able to start before about that very important report, which is being undertaken 2015, subject to the completion of statutory processes. I by Lord Ashdown. understand that the agency is now working on the On health, we had an extensive debate yesterday, but detailed delivery of that particular scheme, and I will I was slightly disappointed at the relatively few Opposition ask the Transport Minister to write to my hon. Friend. Members in attendance, indicating a slight lack of interest in this very important subject. During the debate, we Lilian Greenwood (Nottingham South) (Lab): Before made clear our commitment to the NHS: we are spending the general election, there was cross-party support for a more on it than the outgoing Labour Government consultation on improving voting opportunities for service planned to spend; we want to address the decline in personnel serving overseas. That was also recommended NHS productivity that the Public Accounts Committee by the Electoral Commission in its report on the referred to earlier this year; and we want to drive up administration of the 2010 general election. With only outcomes. 500 of the 10,000 troops in Afghanistan exercising their On housing benefit, the right hon. Gentleman will right to vote last May, should not the Government have know that local authorities will have at their disposal progressed the matter with much greater urgency? Can substantial discretionary funds to avoid exactly the sort we have a statement on the postal voting arrangements of situation to which he refers—people being displaced for the forthcoming alternative vote referendum in respect from their homes because of any shortfall in housing of service personnel serving overseas? benefit as we introduce the changes. I very much hope that those discretionary funds, which have been increased, Sir George Young: The hon. Lady is quite right. will be adequate to avoid the problems that he outlines. There was considerable concern in the previous Parliament at the problems that confronted a number of those in On Westminster city council, I do think the right hon. the armed services who wished to exercise their right to Gentleman’s imagination slightly ran away with him, vote, and there was disappointment expressed, certainly given what he said about the byelaws. I understand that by Opposition Members in that Parliament, at the the council has invited him to see what it is doing and failure to make progress. I will raise with the Electoral how it is approaching the rough sleeping initiative, and I Commission the issue that she has mentioned. I am hope that he will accept that invitation. I hope also that anxious, as I am sure is every hon. Member, that everyone that will give the council an opportunity to allay some should take part in the AV referendum on 5 May. of the concerns that he has raised. I pay tribute to the work of the nuns at Westminster cathedral, who run Nadhim Zahawi (Stratford-on-Avon) (Con): In the The Passage, a very sympathetic approach to helping past, we have had themed days for the Budget debate. those who are homeless, and I very much hope that Can the Leader of the House tell us on what day we will Westminster city council can work with the volunteers be able to debate the claim by the Opposition that a cut and work as a team to address the problems of in VAT on fuel could be paid for by the bank levy, given homelessness, which I think he and I would both like to that Labour has pledged that money 10 times over? see resolved. Now— Sir George Young: There will be discussions through the usual channels on which Ministers will be answering Hilary Benn: Topical questions. on which day, but I am confident that during the four-day debate that I have just announced there will be an opportunity for Opposition Members to shed some Sir George Young: Topical questions, yes. light on the rather plaintive comment made over the On topical questions, it is indeed my intention to weekend by the Leader of the Opposition that, when it make progress. A number of Departments answer questions comes to the economy, for only 30 minutes, and at the moment there are no “I can make no commitment to do anything differently”. opportunities to answer or, indeed, to ask topical questions. I am having discussions with ministerial colleagues to Valerie Vaz (Walsall South) (Lab): Two of my constituents see whether we can change that. The most urgent one are ex-soldiers in receipt of very small pensions of relates to DFID, where there has been a direct approach £60 and £124 a week. They have been told that they do 483 Business of the House17 MARCH 2011 Business of the House 484

[Valerie Vaz] United States accused of passing on information to WikiLeaks? His mother is Welsh, and she attended a not qualify for jobseeker’s allowance. Can we have an school in Wales for a time. There is considerable interest urgent debate to see whether the Secretary of State for in his case. I would say his treatment is similar to that Work and Pensions could use a discretion to exclude meted out to people at Guantanamo Bay. such small pensions so that these ex-soldiers who have served their country can qualify for benefits? Sir George Young: I understand the right hon. Lady’s concern, which I think is widely shared. I cannot promise Sir George Young: As the hon. Lady knows, there are a debate in Government time, but it sounds like an two accesses to JSA, one contribution-based and the appropriate subject for a debate in Westminster Hall in other means-tested, and it sounds as though her constituents the next few weeks. have fallen short on the one that is means-tested. I will certainly raise the issue with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence to see whether there is Neil Carmichael (Stroud) (Con): With localism in any possibility of a disregard in the circumstances she mind, could we have a debate about the future of local has outlined. government finance, particularly the future of the business rate, in which my own council is very interested? Martin Vickers (Cleethorpes) (Con): It is British tourism week, and the Tourism Alliance has produced an Sir George Young: There may be legislation in a encouraging report showing good progress for Government future Session that addresses the issue of the business tourist initiatives. That said, tourist chiefs in Cleethorpes rate. As my hon. Friend knows, there are no such and northern Lincolnshire tell me that additional support provisions in the Localism Bill that is before the House. is needed to assist specific tourism business start-ups. The coalition Government propose to reform the Can the Leader of the House find time for a debate on arrangements for business rates, so there may be legislation the wider aspects of the benefits to the country of the in a future Session. tourism industry? Mrs Louise Ellman (Liverpool, Riverside) (Lab/Co-op): Sir George Young: As someone who produced a On 9 February, the Prime Minister told this House that thesis on the future of the British tourist industry in Liverpool passport office, which has 400 employees, 1972, this is a subject in which I still have some interest. was being considered for closure. He said that the My hon. Friend may find that there is an opportunity Minister for Immigration was choosing between Newport during the Budget debate to raise the issue of support and Liverpool. I do not believe that a proper consultation for the tourist industry. I will certainly bring his comments has been carried out. Yesterday, I received a letter from to the attention of the Chancellor of the Exchequer. the Minister for Immigration which said that the Prime Grahame M. Morris (Easington) (Lab): Would it be Minister’s information was wrong. I have yet to receive possible to have an oral statement from the relevant a reply to my letter to the Prime Minister. Can we have a Health Minister about Government support to improve statement so that we know what is going on? the health and lives of people with learning disabilities and, in particular, whether the Department will continue Sir George Young: The hon. Lady is certainly entitled to support for a further two years a study on the health to know what is going on. I would like to make some care needs of people with learning disabilities? The inquiries about the exchange of correspondence to which study is currently hosted by the North East of England she referred, and will ensure that an accurate representation Public Health Observatory. of what has taken place is communicated to her very soon. Sir George Young: The hon. Gentleman may know that last week we announced a review of those who have Mr Matthew Offord (Hendon) (Con): The decision special educational needs, and there may be an opportunity by officials at the Ministry of Defence to purchase and for him to take part in that. It is an important subject, destroy the complete first print run of Toby Harnden’s and I hope that he might apply for an Adjournment book, “Dead Men Risen”, cost the UK taxpayer more debate so that we can explore the issues at greater length than £150,000. The second edition that was printed and see what more can be done to help the people to today contains just 50 word changes. Given that the whom he refers. Ministry of Defence is seeking to address a budget deficit of £38 billion and in light of the book’s contents, Mr David Nuttall (Bury North) (Con): Could the will the Leader of the House allow for a debate on Leader of the House please confirm that the Committee MOD procurement and spending decisions? stage of the Bill that will be required to ratify the proposed change to the treaty on the functioning of the European Union, which the House debated last night, Sir George Young: I understand my hon. Friend’s will be taken on the Floor of the House? If he is not concern. The Ministry of Defence rather reluctantly able to do that today, could we have a statement on the bought the entire first print run of the book because at matter in the future? a late stage the text was found to contain information that would damage national security and put at risk the Sir George Young: I will consider how we handle such lives of members of the armed forces. Faced with the a Bill when the opportunity presents itself. stark choice between compromising that security and making the payment to the publisher for amendments, Ann Clwyd (Cynon Valley) (Lab): Can we have a regrettably the MOD had little option but to pay the debate on the treatment of Bradley Manning, the young money. I will share the concerns expressed by my hon. US soldier who is held in solitary confinement in the Friend with Ministers at the MOD. 485 Business of the House17 MARCH 2011 Business of the House 486

Keith Vaz (Leicester East) (Lab): Yesterday, the Minister have the resources that they need to do their job and to for Immigration chose to go to the stock exchange, discharge their responsibilities. I am sure that we all rather than the House, to announce changes to the await with interest the outcome of the review, which I immigration rules. At midnight last night, the Select think is due next week. Committee on Home Affairs published its report on student visas. I appreciate that the Leader of the House Jessica Lee (Erewash) (Con): Following the Cabinet’s will not have had a chance to read it since its publication. recent visit to Rolls-Royce in Derby, which is near my However, is it not important to debate immigration constituency of Erewash, and the Prime Minister’s changes in the House in Government time, rather than announcement on enterprise zones, will my right hon. announcements being made in places such as the stock Friend consider making time available in this House for exchange or in written statements? a debate on the important issues of wealth creation and support for businesses in the regions, perhaps with Sir George Young: It is certainly the case that all particular emphasis on the east midlands? important announcements of Government policy should be made in the first instance to the House when it is Sir George Young: My Cabinet colleagues and I enjoyed sitting. That does not mean that Ministers are not free our visit to Derby last week, including the presentations to make speeches outside the House, as appropriate. I from Rolls-Royce and from other entrepreneurs in the have not read the report to which the right hon. Gentleman area. Enterprise zones are currently being considered. refers, but I have heard details of it in the media. The Having been a Minister in the 1980s, I think that Government will respond in due course to the report, enterprise zones were a particular success, for example which has just been published. We believe that the in transforming the London docklands development system is in need of reform and we want to reduce net area. I hope that my hon. Friend will have an opportunity inward migration from outside the EU from the hundreds in the four-day debate on the Budget to develop her of thousands to the tens of thousands. The Select views on how we might help the east midlands and the Committee will receive a considered response in due enterprises to which she referred. course. Owen Smith (Pontypridd) (Lab): During yesterday’s Andrew Bridgen (North West Leicestershire) (Con): It debate on the NHS, the Secretary of State for Health has been a bad week for the shadow Chancellor. First, implied that the Health and Social Care Bill will not he was wrong about being able to obtain an EU derogation extend competition law into the NHS to a greater for VAT on fuel. Then he did not seem to know whether extent. That contradicts the Minister of State, Department we were planning to cut— of Health, the right hon. Member for Chelmsford (Mr Burns), who told the Public Bill Committee that Mr Speaker: Order. The hon. Gentleman will resume competition law will affect the NHS to a much greater his seat. Business questions are an occasion for requests extent. Can we have an urgent statement on how for statements and debates in the following week, and competition law will bite on the NHS under the Bill? not for prefacing questions with lengthy descriptions of Sir George Young: My right hon. Friend the Secretary things that have happened to another party. That is not of State for Health made it crystal clear in yesterday’s an orderly way to proceed. I hope I do not have to say debate that under the Bill before the House, there is no that again. We will move on to someone else. change in EU competition law. Mr Peter Bone (Wellingborough) (Con): Recently in Karen Bradley (Staffordshire Moorlands) (Con): The business questions, the Leader of the House was unhappy Leader of the House has referred to how thinly occupied with the idea of confirmation hearings for Ministers. the Opposition Benches were during yesterday’s debate On reflection, I was clearly not being radical enough. on the NHS. Will he tell the House what pressure he can Can we have a statement next week on whether we can put on the Opposition to hold another debate on this reintroduce the procedure whereby if someone is appointed important topic, so that we can discuss thoroughly the to be a Minister, they must resign their parliamentary idea— seat and fight a by-election? Mr Speaker: Order. Again, that is not an appropriate Sir George Young: My hon. Friend is correct that that matter for business questions. I appreciate that new was the procedure until some time around 1920. I detect Members are getting to grips with these things, and no particular appetite from those on either Front Bench generally extremely well, but I am afraid that that to revert to that procedure. On reflection, I am not question is not orderly and we will have to leave it there. convinced that it would serve any useful purpose. Robert Halfon (Harlow) (Con): Will my right hon. Jim Sheridan (Paisley and Renfrewshire North) (Lab): Friend find time for an urgent debate on the sale of Notwithstanding the public sensitivities surrounding murderous knives on numerous internet sites? According Members’ salaries, may I ask the Leader of the House to a presentation at Harlow college by my local police in his dealings with IPSA to remind it gently that public community support officers, Phyllis Chipchase and Karen opinion should not be the only criterion when deciding Rogers, 100 people suffered from knife crime in Harlow Members’ salaries, but that external comparators should last year. Will he take urgent action to ensure that the also be used? big society becomes the safe society? Sir George Young: I hope that when it comes to IPSA Sir George Young: We want the big society to be the taking over responsibility for Members’ salaries, the safe society. On 2 February, my right hon. Friend the hon. Gentleman will make representations. It is important Home Secretary announced £18 million of funding that IPSA remembers that its task is to ensure that MPs over two years to tackle knife, gun and gang crime, and 487 Business of the House17 MARCH 2011 Business of the House 488

[Sir George Young] That is a somewhat different position from the one that he suggested. If there are surplus assets that can be to prevent youth crime. The Government’s position is returned to the Treasury, I am sure they would be clear on what should happen when someone carries a gratefully received. knife. Any adult who commits a crime using a knife can expect to be sent to prison, and serious offenders can Stephen Metcalfe (South Basildon and East Thurrock) expect a long sentence. (Con): In my constituency, antisocial behaviour is an ongoing problem. I welcome the Government’s consultation, Mr Chuka Umunna (Streatham) (Lab): I, like others, but will the Leader of the House consider holding a was delighted for Prince William and Kate Middleton debate so that we can discuss that serious issue and when the news of their engagement was announced. I demonstrate that we, unlike the previous Government, look forward to celebrating their wedding with many of are serious about tackling antisocial behaviour? my constituents at street parties on the big day. However, this day of national celebration should not be exploited Sir George Young: I announced in the forthcoming by fly-by-night companies looking to make a fast buck business two days of Report stage on the Police Reform from the wedding, such as Eleven Events, which is and Social Responsibility Bill, and my hon. Friend may planning to transform Clapham common in my have an opportunity either to table amendments or to constituency into a mass campsite for thousands of take part in the debates so that he can ventilate his people to mark the occasion. The company is of concern and urge the Government to do even better. questionable origin, having been in existence for only a year, and has no track record on such events. Can we Barry Gardiner (Brent North) (Lab): I have a letter have a statement from the appropriate Minister to tell from the Comptroller and Auditor General, in which he us what the Government are doing to ensure that states: communities such as mine are protected from unscrupulous “It is not acceptable practice for those commissioning a service outfits trying to cash in on the royal wedding? subsequently to be remunerated as contractors for that service…and it is not appropriate for one group of providers to have exclusive Sir George Young: I understand the hon. Gentleman’s power to determine the value of that portion of the contract for concern. As a former councillor in Lambeth who which they will become the contracted party.” represented a bit of Clapham common, I have a residual In the light of that advice, will the Leader of the House and nostalgic interest in that part of south London. It ensure that there is a statement from the Health Secretary sounds to me as if responsibility has been devolved to about probity and procurement in a health service with the local authority—either Lambeth council or the GP contractors? neighbouring Wandsworth council. I will ask my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Communities and Sir George Young: I am sure the hon. Gentleman is Local Government whether there is any locus for him to not casting any aspersions on the integrity of my right resolve the dilemma. hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health, but I will share with my right hon. Friend the concern that he has Harriett Baldwin (West Worcestershire) (Con): Many just mentioned and seek to reassure him that there are churches in west Worcestershire have fundraising no irregularities at all in the arrangements for GP thermometers to monitor how much progress they are commissioning. making on their fundraising. In light of next week’s Budget debate, could we discuss installing similar Graham Evans (Weaver Vale) (Con): Members of thermometers on either side of the House so that we Sandymoor parish council recently presented me with a can keep track of the spending commitments, and in petition signed by hundreds of parents in my constituency particular of how many times the one-off bankers’ about a lack of secondary school choice in that new-build bonus levy can be spent? area. The root cause of the problem is the Labour Sir George Young: I understand my hon. Friend’s council giving planning permission for many thousands interest. I do not know whether Westminster city council of new homes without thinking to provide essential would allow the installation of a giant thermometer amenities such as schools. May we have a debate about outside New Palace Yard on which was calibrated the planning policy and the importance of avoiding such growing number of commitments made by the Opposition, problems in future developments? but in principle I agree entirely. Sir George Young: My hon. Friend will know that it is Mr Dave Watts (St Helens North) (Lab): Given that not unusual for local authorities to use their section 106 the Government have already damaged the economy in planning powers to require a developer to make provision the north-west by doing away with the regional development for a new primary or secondary school to cope with agency and cutting regeneration funding by two thirds, rising population. He will also know that we have may we have a debate on their latest proposals to sell off passed legislation introducing free schools and reducing the assets of the RDA and return them to the Treasury? the planning barriers that confront them, to respond to parents’ wishes when they want a new school to be Sir George Young: I dispute the premise on which the established in their area to provide high-quality education. hon. Gentleman bases his question. The OECD report published yesterday states: Mr Barry Sheerman (Huddersfield) (Lab/Co-op): The “The government is pursuing a necessary and wide ranging Leader of the House will have seen the dire unemployment programme of fiscal consolidation and structural reforms aimed figures this morning, particularly to do with the young at achieving stronger growth and a rebalancing of the economy unemployed. That is a mounting problem in our society over time.” and bodes very ill for the future. May we have an early 489 Business of the House17 MARCH 2011 Business of the House 490 statement and/or debate on that important matter? CASSRs are councils with adult social services Members of all parties are deeply worried about the responsibilities. Will the Leader of the House get some growing problem of youth unemployment. urgency into the Department of Health and get it to take a grip of what is clearly a major national problem, Sir George Young: Of course, Members on both sides and may we have a statement next week on the outcome? of the House share the concern about youth unemployment, which went up by some 40% during the period of the Sir George Young: I understand the concern on behalf last Labour Government. There will be opportunities to of Southern Cross residents in the light of the financial debate unemployment during the four-day debate on problems that confront that company. Southern Cross the Budget. I hope the hon. Gentleman will take some is having discussions with Government officials about comfort from the fact that 430,000 new private sector the plans that it has in place to address its financial jobs have been created in the past year, and that more difficulties and, crucially, to ensure that services are than 70,000 were created in the last three months of maintained. Ministers will continue to keep in close 2010, more than counterbalancing the 45,000 jobs lost touch with the situation and will work with local authorities, in the public sector. the Care Quality Commission and others to ensure that there is an effective response that delivers protection to Julian Sturdy (York Outer) (Con): The Leader of the everyone affected. I will ask the Minister of State, House has just announced the days for debate on the Department of Health, my hon. Friend the Member for Budget. Has he had any indication of the day on which Sutton and Cheam (Paul Burstow), to write to the right the former Prime Minister, the right hon. Member for hon. Gentleman. Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath (Mr Brown), has put in to speak? Ian Murray (Edinburgh South) (Lab): My 77-year-old Mr Speaker: Order. I must say that there is a growing constituent Mr Muir received a letter from Her Majesty’s discourtesy about some of these inquiries, against which Revenue and Customs stating that it was I counsel very strongly. There are certain conventions in “sending HMRC agents to your house to seize your possessions this place, and a basic courtesy from one Member to for sale at auction in order to pay your debt.” another is expected and must apply. I have no idea That was for a £549 rebate that Mr Muir had received in whether the hon. Gentleman mentioned to the right HMRC’s error, which had already been repaid some hon. Member in question his intention to refer to months before. Such complaints about HMRC by my him—if he did not he certainly should have done—but constituents are becoming regular. May we have an in any case, it is not a proper matter for a business urgent debate or statement on the resources available to question. it to do its job effectively?

Barbara Keeley (Worsley and Eccles South) (Lab): Sir George Young: I very much regret the sequence of Last week, our national elite female swimming squad events that the hon. Gentleman refers to, and I understand were asked to do a naked underwater photo-shoot, the distress that it has caused. There will be questions to which was apparently linked to funding for the team’s Treasury Ministers on Tuesday, and he may like to raise Olympic dream as sponsored by the national lottery the matter again then. and British Gas. I understand that the national lottery requires our elite athletes to do such public relations Tom Blenkinsop (Middlesbrough South and East and photo-shoots as a condition of their funding. Will Cleveland) (Lab): Unemployment is at a 17-year high the Leader of the House provide time for a debate on and running at 14% in Middlesbrough. Growth is sluggish how we are funding the Olympic ambitions of our elite according to the OECD, and public sector cuts are yet athletes? Does he agree that it would be inappropriate if to come. May I echo the words of my hon. Friend the conditions and requirements for that sort of PR, which Member for Huddersfield (Mr Sheerman) in asking for seems exploitative, started to be attached to funding? a debate on the Floor of the House about unemployment and its consequences for communities such as mine in Sir George Young: I will certainly raise the hon. the north-east? Lady’s concerns with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport. There is total investment of £264 million in Olympic sports for Sir George Young: As I have said before, there will be the London four-year cycle, and funding for swimming four days of debate on the Budget, and a Budget for has increased significantly in the past two Olympic growth has at its heart dealing with the unemployment cycles. It now receives the third-highest amount of problems to which the hon. Gentleman refers. There public investment of the Olympic sports. I understand will be ample opportunities to discuss unemployment the concern that she has expressed, and I will share it next week and the week after, but to put it in context, with my right hon. Friend. employment has also risen. Mr John Spellar (Warley) (Lab): May we have a Nic Dakin (Scunthorpe) (Lab): As has been statement next week on Southern Cross Healthcare? It mentioned, young people’s unemployment is at a 30-year is a company in financial crisis that has more than high, and the number not in education, employment or 750 care homes, about 31,000 residents and many worried training continues to rise exponentially. We still do employees. In a reply to me on 2 December, the Minister not know what the discretionary learner support to of State, Department of Health, the hon. Member for replace the education maintenance allowance will look Sutton and Cheam (Paul Burstow), stated: like. Will the Leader of the House arrange for the “Any discussions regarding continuing provision for residents appropriate Minister to come and make a statement to of care homes should take place between care providers and the House about what the Government’s policy for CASSRs.”—[Official Report, 2 December 2010; Vol. 519, c. 1014W.] young people is? 491 Business of the House17 MARCH 2011 Business of the House 492

Sir George Young: I understand the hon. Gentleman’s Edinburgh city council were caught lying to the Scottish concern. Those who are continuing with their education Parliament’s Public Audit Committee on the issue of in September will want to know what regime is replacing the Gathering. Will the Government make a statement EMA, which we believe had a lot of deadweight attached next week on probity in local government, so that such to it. We will shortly announce a replacement scheme disgraceful behaviour does not happen again? for EMA that will enable low-income families to continue accessing further education. It will be aimed at eligible Sir George Young: I am not sure whether this would individuals aged between 16 and 19. be in order, but the remaining stages of the Scotland Mr Ian Davidson (Glasgow South West) (Lab/Co-op): Bill are before the House next Tuesday; with some If a thermometer is to be erected outside the House, ingenuity, the hon. Gentleman may be able to work the could it measure rising youth unemployment in this issue to which he refers into that debate. country? May we have a debate on that, shortly before a debate on the nationalist proposal for Scotland to have Angela Smith (Penistone and Stocksbridge) (Lab): a separate time zone, which was recently before the BBC Radio Sheffield provides a much-valued service House? I understand that Scotland’s time would be for the people of South Yorkshire, especially in times of roughly an hour and a quarter different from London’s, crises, such as when the area flooded in 2007. May we so at noon in London it would be 13.14—Bannockburn have a debate on the future of BBC local radio in the time—in Scotland, thereby allowing the result of the context of the threat to the future of the service from Barnsley by-election to be announced in Scotland before the BBC Trust? the polls closed. Sir George Young: I gather that that proposition Sir George Young: There will be an opportunity on received extensive attention during the debate on the 28 March to raise that matter with the Department for Scotland Bill a few days ago. It was a very good joke the Culture, Media and Sport. The Chair of the Backbench first time round, but it has diminishing returns. There Business Committee is in the Chamber and will have are limits to the extent to which one can take devolution. heard the hon. Lady’s question. A bid for a debate on local radio might be well supported by all Members, Mr Andrew Love (Edmonton) (Lab/Co-op): If there and the Committee might provide an opportunity for is to be no statement on the publication this week of the such a debate in future either here or in Westminster Hutton report—the Will Hutton report—which rejected Hall. a pay cut in the public sector alone and called for much greater transparency on pay in both the public and Natascha Engel (North East Derbyshire) (Lab): As private sectors, may we have a debate on top pay in you know, Mr Speaker, the Backbench Business Committee both, so that we can see what can be done about the is given comparatively little time to allocate debates in arms race that has been going on in recent years? the Chamber, and all Chamber time is liable to be Sir George Young: The Government are grateful to withdrawn or eaten into by the Government at very Will Hutton for his recently published report, and we short notice. Westminster Hall, on the other hand, has a will respond in due course. There will be an opportunity regular, protected three-hour Thursday slot for Back in the Budget debate to discuss differentials between Benchers, and it is just as effective at holding the low, medium and top pay, and approaches to reducing Government to account as the Chamber. However, them. the more we look down our noses at Westminster Hall, the more difficult it will be to use the second Chamber Paul Flynn (Newport West) (Lab): The decision to as a way of holding the Government to account. Will build new nuclear power stations was greatly influenced the Leader of the House encourage Members to respond by the belief that there would be a shortfall in generating to the Procedure Committee’s sitting hours inquiry, capacity within a decade. That shortfall will now not including on the role of Westminster Hall, so that we take place because of the extended life of many of our can make full use of our second Chamber and not just power stations. Would it not be right to extend debate see it as second best? on the Government’s very welcome decision to look at the safety of nuclear power stations to their very high Sir George Young: The hon. Lady said at the beginning cost and their impractical, unrealistic timetables? of her question that her Backbench Business Committee did not get enough days in the Chamber, but it gets Sir George Young: The hon. Gentleman raises a 35 more days than it got in the previous Parliament, so crucial point. He will know that my right hon. Friend at least we are moving in the right direction. the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change has asked Dr Weightman to conduct a review in the I agree entirely with the hon. Lady on the importance light of the problems in Japan. The details of his report of Westminster Hall. My hon. Friend the Deputy Leader will be established shortly, but the review will be conducted of the House will be there this afternoon for an important in close co-operation with the International Atomic debate on privilege—I hope to look in on that. As she Energy Agency and other international regulators to says, debates in Westminster Hall are not interrupted by establish carefully what lessons can be learned. The statements or proceedings in the Chamber, and they reports will be put in the public domain and may well take place at predictable times and for three hours. It is form the basis for a debate in due course. important that Westminster Hall is not seen as the poor relation of the Chamber. It is a partner and has a Thomas Docherty (Dunfermline and West Fife) (Lab): crucial role to play in our proceedings, and I would I am sure the Leader of the House has seen the newspaper encourage all hon. Members, where appropriate, to take reports this week that the leader and deputy leader of part. 493 Business of the House 17 MARCH 2011 494

BILL PRESENTED North Africa and the Middle East

TAX AND FINANCIAL TRANSPARENCY BILL Mr Speaker: Before I call the Foreign Secretary to Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57) open the debate, I remind Members of the House that Caroline Lucas, Kate Green and Jeremy Corbyn in view of the level of interest in speaking in it, I have presented a Bill to require the Secretary of State to take imposed a 10-minute limit on Back-Bench speeches. steps to require banks, corporations and trusts to provide information on their status, income arising and tax 12.16 pm payments made in each jurisdiction in which they operate; and for connected purposes. The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (Mr William Hague): I beg to move, Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on Friday 10 June, and to be printed (Bill 166). That this House has considered the matter of North Africa and the Middle East. Before turning to the entirety of that subject, Mr Speaker, you have indicated to me that it would be in order to say a few words about the situation in Japan, and that that would be an appropriate way of keeping the House up to date. Clearly, the situation in Japan is of great concern. The devastation suffered in this crisis is truly appalling, and we are doing all we can to support the Japanese people during this traumatic time. We have severe concerns over a number of British nationals whom we have so far been unable to locate. Our consular teams in London and Japan are working round the clock to locate and assist British nationals. We are following up all the leads from the helpline that we have set up. We advise against all non-essential travel to Tokyo and north-eastern Japan, given the damage caused by the earthquake and resulting aftershocks and tsunami. We are providing high levels of support for British nationals who are directly affected and their families, and have sent more than 50 additional staff to the affected region. They have been visiting reception centres, hospitals and locations affected by the earthquake and tsunami. Our assistance includes help with transport out of the immediate danger zone and from Sendai to Tokyo, and financial support for people who need essentials such as food, accommodation, clothing and telephone calls home. We are bussing British nationals from the Sendai region to reach Tokyo later today. We know, too, that British residents in Tokyo and other parts of the country that were not directly affected by the tsunami are concerned, particularly by the situation at the Fukushima nuclear facility. We advise British nationals to follow all relevant advice from the Japanese authorities, and as an additional precautionary measure, not to go within 80 km of the site, and to stay indoors if they are within and unable to leave that area. Owing to the evolving situation at that nuclear facility and potential disruptions to the supply of goods, transport, communications, power and other infrastructure, we are advising that British nationals currently in Tokyo and to the north of Tokyo should consider leaving the area. To help British nationals who wish to leave, we are chartering flights from Tokyo to Hong Kong to supplement the commercially available options. Full details of those flights will of course be made available through our website, and we are keeping that travel advice under constant review.

Mr Denis MacShane (Rotherham) (Lab): As someone who has visited Japan regularly for 30 years—most recently last November—I want to place on the record my personal tribute to David Green, the ambassador, and his staff. The Foreign Office and its staff have done 495 North Africa and the Middle East17 MARCH 2011 North Africa and the Middle East 496

[Mr Denis MacShane] Mr Hague: I very much agree with the right hon. Lady. If democracy is able to develop in these countries, everything that could be done, and I was rather dismayed it will be much stronger for the widespread participation by the unpleasant criticisms in some of the papers of women. In the view of this House and the country, it today. Frankly, at this moment of tragedy, we should would not be true democracy without that participation, unite with the Japanese people and our staff in Japan, but we cannot impose our culture on other countries. who are doing tremendous work. However, I will come on to ways in which we can act as a positive magnet for change and a demonstration of Mr Hague: I am grateful to the right hon. Gentleman, such democratic values. and I agree wholeheartedly with his comments, although David Warren is our ambassador in Tokyo, as I am sure Jeremy Corbyn (Islington North) (Lab): I agree with he knows. Our staff are doing a tremendous job. There the Foreign Secretary that there is a thirst for peaceful, have been some criticisms of them, but I believe them to constitutional and democratic change across the region. be baseless, and I hope the newspapers that have printed However, that raises questions about at what point them will correct their accounts. Britain has seriously contested human rights abuses in For good reason, the middle east has long been a Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Oman, Bahrain and several other central preoccupation in foreign affairs for successive places, and at what point our thirst for selling arms British Governments and Members on both sides of the outweighed our serious concerns about human rights House. It is vital to our security and our economy, and throughout the region. We need a complete rethink of many of the greatest challenges in foreign affairs, including western strategy towards the whole region. Does he nuclear proliferation, terrorism, religious extremism and agree? piracy, are all present in the region. The search for peaceful co-existence between Israelis and Palestinians Mr Hague: I agree with part of the last bit of what alone has demanded more international attention and the hon. Gentleman said. The pace and scale of events effort than any other single international issue for most are such that many things will have to be rethought in of the past 60 years, and the House will need no the future. There is no doubt about that. However, to be reminding of the loss of British lives during the war in fair to previous Governments and our record in office Iraq. over the past 10 months, Britain has always been prepared to raise human rights. In Bahrain, for instance, which is On top of all those considerations, however, an a country with which we have strong and friendly unprecedented wave of change is now sweeping across relations, we have never hesitated, within the context of the Arab world, triggering a series of simultaneous that strong relationship, to raise human rights concerns. crises. Almost every middle eastern country has been Our ambassador there has always done so, sometimes affected at the same time by demands for greater political to the annoyance of the Bahraini authorities. When I openness and democratic freedom. In Egypt and Tunisia, was there last month, of course I met the leaders of it has led to new interim Governments and the hope of Bahrain, but I also met human rights organisations and a more democratic future. In Libya, legitimate protest raised their specific cases. It is possible, therefore, to has been followed by bloody civil strife at the hands of a have working relationships while pushing hard on human Government willing to countenance any loss of life in rights and arguing that future economic development order to cling to power. In each instance of instability, and political stability are not in contradiction to human there have been implications for thousands of British rights, but actually depend on the better observance of expatriates who live and work in these countries, and I human rights and other such values. This country should pay tribute, following the words of the right hon. Member take that position strongly. for Rotherham (Mr MacShane), to British and locally engaged Foreign Office staff who are serving British Several hon. Members rose— citizens valiantly in extremely difficult situations. I put on the record my gratitude to them for their continued Mr Hague: I must be able to get into my speech, but and often unsung efforts. let me give way to a few more hon. Members. Each nation involved has a distinct culture, political system and level of economic development, so whatever Martin Horwood (Cheltenham) (LD): Is the Foreign their futures hold, there will be no single model. However, Secretary particularly concerned about this morning’s there is clearly a common hunger for justice, accountability, news from Bahrain and some of the footage on the political rights and economic opportunity, given that internet that clearly shows unarmed protesters being the overwhelming majority of the demonstrations that shot in the streets there? The authorities are clearly we have seen have been peaceful and staged spontaneously beginning to follow the path of brutality and repression by ordinary citizens. Our message to all Governments that I am afraid other states have tried as well. of the region is that without change popular grievances will not go away. The right to peaceful protest must be Mr Hague: I will come on to Bahrain. I want to make respected and responded to with dialogue. a few general points and then go quickly through each of the countries concerned. Perhaps I can respond to Joan Ruddock (Lewisham, Deptford) (Lab): Did the those points then. Foreign Secretary notice, as I did, the impressive women- only demonstration in Benghazi yesterday? Does he Nicholas Soames (Mid Sussex) (Con): Does my right agree that there can be no real democracy in any country hon. Friend agree that for decades British ambassadors unless there is the participation of women? It is regrettable throughout the Gulf, pressed by their political masters, that the military regime now in place in Egypt has having been urging political reform on those countries? appointed a constitutional committee in which no female It is nothing new; it is just that they have not been lawyer is present. heeded. 497 North Africa and the Middle East17 MARCH 2011 North Africa and the Middle East 498

Mr Hague: My hon. Friend, who knows the region Egypt’s internal security agency, which for decades has and our diplomats there well, is absolutely right; it has been blamed for human rights abuses and was regarded been done by British ambassadors under, as I said, as a powerful symbol of state oppression, has been successive Governments. This is not a partisan point. abolished. However, its importance has been enhanced by recent These extraordinary times call for an unprecedented events, and the connection between political stability, response by the international community. We have not the proper observance of human rights and the development brought about these events, and neither we nor our of democracy has been underlined by them. allies can determine the future of middle eastern countries or dictate who leads them, but we cannot be bystanders. Thomas Docherty (Dunfermline and West Fife) (Lab): Our values and interests require us to be actively involved I draw the House’s attention to my registered interest in in encouraging economic and political development, to this matter. Can the Foreign Secretary tell us on how stand up for universal human rights and to give practical many occasions since Monday the Prime Minister has assistance where we can. If change can be achieved spoken to President Obama about these human rights peacefully in the middle east, it will be the biggest issues? advance of democratic freedoms since the countries of the old Warsaw pact threw off the oppressive yoke of communism. However, if change cannot be achieved Mr Hague: The Prime Minister speaks to President peacefully, we are likely to see turmoil and unrest that Obama extremely regularly. The same goes at all levels sets back the cause of democracy and human rights, of the US and UK Governments. I cannot tell the hon. erodes gains that have been made, betrays the hopes of Gentleman the number of times they have spoken about many who look to us for support, and damages our human rights, but we have continual discussions with interests, including our security. As the Prime Minister the US Government on all these issues—I spoke to said in his speech to the Kuwaiti Parliament: Secretary Clinton last night, for instance. I can update “political and economic reform in the Arab world is essential as a the hon. Gentleman on that point another time, but I long term guarantor of stability,” do not have the details to hand. prosperity and security. We will not be silent in our belief that freedom and the rule of law are what best Mr William Cash (Stone) (Con): My right hon. Friend guarantee human progress and economic success, and speaks of human rights, but human rights include the that each country should find its own path to achieving right to live as well as the right to protest. As we speak, peaceful change. it appears that Benghazi airport is being attacked and people there are being massacred. Why have the Mr Andrew Love (Edmonton) (Lab/Co-op): I look arrangements for lifting the arms embargo in relation to forward to an update on the current situation in the those in the resistance not been followed up, despite middle east. On the points that the right hon. Gentleman calls by me and others over the past two weeks—when has already raised, is it not critical that, while recognising there was time to do that—for such action? I understand the great differences among those countries, the UK the problems, but it appears that no real attempt has and the west should be consistent in upholding democratic been made. I think that we will pay a great price for not and human rights principles? having done so. Mr Hague: It is indeed important to be consistent, Mr Hague: Again, I will come on to the situation in but it is also important to couple that—as the hon. Libya. My hon. Friend knows that UN resolution 1970 Gentleman did—with a recognition that there are many was passed nearly three weeks ago, which placed an differences in countries and cultures. The imposition on arms embargo on the whole of Libya, as well as many other countries of everything that we believe in our restrictions and sanctions on the Libyan regime. He country is not always the best way of getting people to also knows that we are arguing urgently—these discussions do what we think is the right thing. are starting again as we speak in New York—for a new UN resolution that would improve our ability and that Keith Vaz (Leicester East) (Lab) rose— of our international partners, including in the Arab world, to protect and support the civilian population in Libya. I will say more about that in a moment. Mr Tobias Ellwood (Bournemouth East) (Con) rose— My argument fits with the issues that hon. Members have been raising. The right to peaceful protest must be Mr Hague: I will take two more interventions and respected and responded to with dialogue, and no country then I really must crack on a bit. can safely or legitimately ignore these demands. Indeed, in both Tunisia and Egypt, Governments paid the price Keith Vaz: I am most grateful to the Foreign Secretary for not responding quickly enough to the aspirations of for allowing this intervention. May I take him to Yemen? their people. The example of Tunisia, where preparations He might not have mentioned Yemen yet, but he might for elections are being made, media censorship has been be mentioning it later in his speech, so may I ask that removed, political prisoners have been freed and formerly the process that has been started will continue and that banned political parties have been allowed to operate a Minister will attend the Friends of Yemen meeting in for the first time, has inspired others in the region and Riyadh that starts next week? I acknowledge the need raised their expectations. To some extent and in some for reform, but let me say that the enormous amount of ways, the same is true in Egypt, although there are face time that the Foreign Secretary and the Department deficiencies, as the right hon. Member for Lewisham, for International Development have invested in keeping Deptford (Joan Ruddock) has pointed out. However, Yemen as stable as possible is also important. 499 North Africa and the Middle East17 MARCH 2011 North Africa and the Middle East 500

Mr Hague: I will come to Yemen in a moment, to home—acts that we deplore. We want Iranian citizens which several of my hon. Friends on the Front Bench to enjoy full civil, political and human rights, and all the and I give great priority. The Friends of Yemen meeting benefits of an open relationship with the rest of the may have been overtaken by events, but the Gulf world, but that will require the settlement of the nuclear Co-operation Council is attempting to convene a meeting issue, where the ball is firmly in Iran’s court. Until Iran to bring about agreement between Government and negotiates seriously on that issue, the international pressure opposition forces in Yemen on the way forward. That is on it will only increase. the essential next step. Mr Mark Field (Cities of London and Westminster) Mr Ellwood: My right hon. Friend has explained the (Con): The Foreign Secretary is right that there is a gargantuan changes taking place across the region. passion for democracy, although I find that this passion There can be a tendency on our part to celebrate the is often shared more by would-be politicians and political removal of one dictator but then encourage the same leaders. The public in Egypt and many other countries thing to continue somewhere else. Will my right hon. want not just free elections but, much more importantly, Friend focus on what is happening in Egypt, where the the institutions that are the foundation of democracy—the revolution—if we can call it that—is only 40% of the rule of law, a free and independent judiciary, and a free way there? There are worrying developments involving press. Obviously they take rather longer to develop, but the Muslim Brotherhood and the army excluding other what efforts will we make to ensure that they develop? opposition voices. Where Egypt goes other Arab countries often follow. We may have got rid of one dictatorship, Mr Hague: My hon. Friend is quite right that democracy but we need to be careful about what is put in its place. is not just the holding of elections. We are all familiar with countries where elections of a kind are held, but Mr Hague: That is a very helpful intervention because we would not call them democracies. Indeed, some of it brings me neatly on to the next paragraph of my the countries concerned used to hold elections. Democracy intended speech, which is about exactly that point. does indeed require all those things—an independent judiciary, strong civil institutions, free media, and so on. The Prime Minister and I both met young people in I have already outlined what we are doing in Tunisia to Egypt and Tunisia respectively whose passionate desire support their development, and I want to put the argument to live in democratic societies bounded by the rule of about what the European Union as a whole can do to law was inspiring and a great source of optimism for the encourage them. future of those countries. We are ready to play our part and help to ensure that the scenario that my hon. Mike Gapes (Ilford South) (Lab/Co-op): The Foreign Friend pointed to does not come about. In Tunisia, I Secretary mentioned the position of the Iranian announced our new Arab partnership initiative, which Government. Does he share my absolute disgust at the will support the development of the core building blocks nauseating, hypocritical remarks of President Ahmadinejad, of democracy, including free media, civil society, political who has protested about what is happening in Bahrain, participation and private sector development—work but at the same time is suppressing people in his own that we hope will be continued for many years with country? Can the Foreign Secretary say something about cross-party support in this House. We are already funding the role that Iran might be playing in fomenting difficulties experts to assist Tunisia’s political reform commission between Shi’a and Sunni communities in the Arab as it drafts the new electoral law. We are also offering world? advice on financial governance and the key economic challenges that the country faces. In Egypt, our embassy Mr Hague: The hon. Gentleman does not overstate is working closely with the Government, opposition his case. The words that he uses are wholly appropriate political activists and think-tanks, calling for a clear to the words and behaviour of the President of Iran. I timetable for democratic elections that meet the aspirations do not have direct evidence of Iranian interference in, of the Egyptian people. for instance, the affairs of Bahrain—although many We will continue that active role in British foreign would suspect such interference and influence—but policy. The Prime Minister and I have between us with Iran’s links to Hezbollah and Hamas, I do not visited 11 countries in the region since January, and we think that it is currently playing a positive role in will be visiting many more, but this is clearly a challenge bringing about peace in the middle east. to the international community as a whole. Together we must encourage further change across the region, support Sir Menzies Campbell (North East Fife) (LD): Does those countries that have already made a democratic the Foreign Secretary accept that economic progress in transition and welcome positive steps towards reform such countries will be an important buttress to democratic by others, which is an important part of the policy. progress? Does he also agree that a unity of purpose Such steps include the Government of Algeria ending both among European Union and NATO members and their state of emergency, the important statements made across the Atlantic will give us the best chance of by the King of Morocco last week on constitutional achieving the objectives that he has set out? reform, and the programmes of political and economic reform put forward by the leaders of Jordan and Oman. Mr Hague: Yes, very much so. Again, that brings me These are all important steps that have been brought to my next point. about directly by recent events. There are many international organisations, such as Iran, of course, is an exception to that. Iran has the United Nations and the World Bank, that will have shown breathtaking hypocrisy in claiming to support an important role to play in supporting democratic freedom in the Arab world, while violently suppressing development in the region. However, there is a particular demonstrations and detaining opposition leaders back onus on European countries to be bold and ambitious. 501 North Africa and the Middle East17 MARCH 2011 North Africa and the Middle East 502

In a sense we have been here before, when we helped the European Union relating to its neighbourhood were young democracies of central and eastern Europe. The brought into one coherent policy, even my hon. Friend nations of north Africa are not European and will not might be driven to agree that that could play a positive join the European Union. Nevertheless, this is the most role in the developments in the region. significant watershed in the external relations of the EU since that time, and we must be ready with a positive Mr Robert Walter (North Dorset) (Con): The Foreign vision for the region that can act as a magnet for Secretary will be aware that the European neighbourhood change. policy has spent several billion euros over the years on Over the past two months, the Prime Minister and I trying to evolve a policy on that region. At the same have made the case in EU meetings for a transformed time, Turkey has been much more successful, in economic EU neighbourhood policy that supports the building and political terms. Will he tell us whether Turkey will blocks of democracy in the Arab world, offers incentives be included in this new initiative, rather than excluded, for positive change and targets its funding effectively. as it has been in the past? The German Foreign Minister, Guido Westerwelle, and I wrote to our colleagues last week calling for a Mr Hague: Yes, that is a very important point. I comprehensive partnership of equals between the peoples certainly want this to be coherently organised with of Europe and the European neighbourhood, underpinned Turkey as well. Turkey is of course a positive model of by deeper and wider economic integration and using democracy in a Muslim nation, and it has a vital role to the many instruments at the disposal of the EU to play in the entire future development of the middle east. promote freedom, democracy, the rule of law and human That is one of the reasons that we have placed such rights. We believe that this transformation partnership importance on bilateral relations with Turkey, and on should bring all the EU levers and incentives into one the EU’s relations with the country. policy, and give the greatest support and benefits to those countries reforming fastest, with clear conditions Mark Pritchard (The Wrekin) (Con): First, may I attached. congratulate the Foreign Secretary on his excellent We have proposed a path towards deeper economic leadership of his Department, given the multiple challenges integration with the European market, in clear stages that it faces? I also congratulate his ministerial colleagues. leading up to a free trade area and, eventually, a customs Turkey wants to become a key member of the European union, progressively covering goods, agriculture and Union. It is today a key member of NATO. This is a services. We are calling for an increase in the number of moment of truth for Turkey. Does my right hon. Friend scholarships and grants, access to the resources of the agree that Prime Minister Erdogan’s statement that the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, no-fly zone proposed by the United Kingdom Prime the re-apportionment of EU funds in favour of democratic Minister would be an unacceptable intervention in Libya reforms, the removal of existing quotas for countries will perhaps not help Turkey to attract the support of that disregard the fundamental values of the EU, and the Turkey-sceptics in this House or in other European consideration of an EU regional protection programme Parliaments, especially that of France, that it needs? for north Africa to support the protection of displaced persons and to improve local infrastructure. Mr Hague: We must not expect the countries that we work with to agree with us or with each other on every Mr Cash: Will the Foreign Secretary give way? single issue all the time. Yes, the Prime Minister of Turkey has made remarks to that effect, but that does Mr Hague: I did not want to upset my hon. Friend by not mean that Turkey will not have a powerful role to talking about the European Union, which in this case play in the wider relationship between the European has a hugely positive role to play, with the nations of nations and the countries of the middle east over the Europe acting together. I will give way to him one more next decade. time. The European Union must now follow through on the European Council’s declaration of last Friday and Mr Cash: In the light of the Prime Minister’s attempts make a real and credible offer to those countries, involving to get a no-fly zone—which are greatly appreciated by genuinely broader market access and the prospect of many people on this side, and across the House—and closer association with Europe. I hope that there will be the problem of not being able to supply arms to the considerable support across the House for such an resistance, surely the Foreign Secretary understands approach. It is a long-standing strength of British foreign that these problems have arisen because the European policy towards the middle east that it receives a wide Union, among others, has been resistant to those ideas. degree of bipartisan support—tripartisan support, We do not have the necessary unity, and talking about indeed—in Parliament and beyond, and that is something quotas, assets and all the rest of it has no bearing on the that this Government hope to foster and continue. real problem, which is that we need to help the people I also believe that there is support in the House for who are in such peril in Libya at the moment. our view that the peace process must not become a casualty of uncertainty in the region. It is too important Mr Hague: I am going to talk about Libya in a to be allowed to fail. There are dangerous undercurrents moment. What I am talking about now is the long-term in the region, including the existence of armed groups approach of the United Kingdom and, we hope, the wedded to violence and young people vulnerable to whole of the European Union to the region. I am radicalisation, and a vacuum in the peace process risks talking about the offer that should be made, and the conflict and even greater instability. Furthermore, the magnet that should be held out to encourage positive changing situation on the ground—in particular the change in the region. If all the levers and policies of the illegal encroachment of settlements on the west bank 503 North Africa and the Middle East17 MARCH 2011 North Africa and the Middle East 504

[Mr Hague] As we speak, there is continued unrest in Bahrain and deep instability in Yemen. In both cases, our immediate and East Jerusalem, the isolation of Gaza and the priority is the welfare of British nationals as well as the entrenchment of Palestinian divisions—has made a two- need to support dialogue and political reform. In Bahrain, state solution harder to achieve. Such a solution is the the situation is serious and deteriorating, and the whole only lasting hope for sustainable peace and security in House will deplore the loss of life and the escalation of the region, but it is possible to foresee that the option of violence. The Prime Minister spoke to the King of a two-state solution will have an expiry date if it is not Bahrain two evenings ago to emphasise that violence is taken up now. unacceptable and counter-productive—whether it be In our view, the Quartet could help to achieve a from protesters, vigilante groups or the security forces. I breakthrough in the current stalemate by setting out in spoke to the Foreign Minister of Bahrain along the a statement the parameters for a future settlement. same lines yesterday. These should include: 1967 borders with equivalent We call on all security forces in the country not to land swaps; arrangements that protect Israel’s security use violence against the demonstrators, and on the and respect Palestinian sovereignty; just, fair and agreed demonstrators not to engage in provocative or intimidating solutions for refugees; and Jerusalem as the capital of actions. It is essential for all sides to take steps to calm both states. The statement should call on both sides to the situation in Bahrain. We are extremely concerned by commit to negotiations based on those clear principles. reports that opposition figures have been arrested. We Britain, France and Germany made such a statement at do not want to see a reversion to the days when Bahrain the UN on 18 February. routinely held political prisoners. The Government and the security forces must respect the civil rights of peaceful Mrs Louise Ellman (Liverpool, Riverside) (Lab/Co-op): protesters, the right to freedom of expression and freedom I certainly recognise all the difficulties that the Foreign of assembly, and must uphold their obligations to ensure Secretary has identified, but does he also recognise the that wounded protesters get immediate access to medical problems created by Iran in relation to the peace process? treatment. We also call on opposition groups to enter For example, it sent more than 50 tonnes of illegal the dialogue offered by the Bahraini Government and weapons bound for Gaza on a ship that was intercepted to desist from violence themselves. by the Israelis only a few days ago. We advise against all travel to Bahrain until further notice and we recommend that British nationals who do Mr Hague: I fully recognise the often deeply unhelpful not have a pressing reason to remain should leave. The role of Iran; I have already referred to that in a different first option for British nationals should remain commercial context. I absolutely agree with the hon. Lady about routes, which continue to fly to and from Bahrain that, but I also say, as a long-standing friend of Israel, international airport, which is operating normally. In that putting real energy into bringing about a two-state addition, the UK Government are chartering planes to solution is the best way to secure the future that the supplement those commercial flights. That will assist friends of Israel want to see for it—namely, as a peaceful, the departure of British nationals from Bahrain to secure democracy and a homeland for the Jewish people. Dubai today and further flights will be provided as We will make that case energetically over the coming needed. weeks. For Britain, that also includes continuing our firm and frank dialogue with Syria on Lebanon, including Mr David Winnick (Walsall North) (Lab): I have the special tribunal for Lebanon, and on the importance absolutely no illusions about the thuggery of Gaddafi, of progress on a peace agreement between Syria and which has been evident since 1969. If we had already Israel. intervened in Libya—I mean western intervention or British intervention on its own—would not the response Robert Halfon (Harlow) (Con): Settlements are often inevitably be, including from myself, why not intervene cited as a barrier to peace, but does my right hon. in Bahrain? Friend acknowledge that Israel initiated a 10-month freeze on the building of settlements and that the Mr Hague: It is important not to think about the Palestinians came to the negotiations nine months later, issue—I am coming on to Libya in a few moments—in leaving only one month for talks? terms of western intervention; it is about the responsibilities of the wider world, including the Arab world. That is Mr Hague: I am not arguing that all the fault is on why we have said that whatever we do in Libya—it one side. There have been failures by Israeli and Palestinian applies to other nations as well—it must be legal; there leaders over the past few years to take the opportunity must be a demonstrable need for it; and there should be to make real progress in the peace process. However, I broad support for it within the region. Any action that strongly wish that the Israeli Government had decided appeared to be “the west” trying to impose itself on to continue the moratorium on settlement building, in these countries would be counter-productive, as has order to give the direct talks that began last September been suggested. a better chance. We urge all concerned, on both sides, to make the necessary compromises to bring about peace. Rehman Chishti (Gillingham and Rainham) (Con) rose— Several hon. Members rose— Mr Hague: I will give way one more time, to my hon. Mr Hague: I am conscious that many other hon. Friend, before I move on to deal with Libya. Members wish to speak, so perhaps I should continue. I want to talk about the instability in Bahrain, Yemen Rehman Chishti: I thank the Foreign Secretary, but and, of course, Libya. I shall then conclude my speech does he agree that the monarchy in Bahrain has made so that others can speak. considerable reforms, including a referendum on a 505 North Africa and the Middle East17 MARCH 2011 North Africa and the Middle East 506 constitution in 2001 and an elected Parliament? Has my and we also have concerns about the policing of the right hon. Friend made an assessment of Iran’s current arms embargo and the use of mercenaries. Following involvement in the Bahrain situation? extensive consultations with Lebanon, France, the US and others, the text of a further UN Security Council Mr Hague: I mentioned Iran’s involvement earlier, resolution on Libya will be under discussion today. but I agree with my hon. Friend that there have been many positive attempts at reform in Bahrain. It is Mr Chuka Umunna (Streatham) (Lab): I completely important not to view Bahrain and Libya as analogous. agree that, as far as Libya is concerned, we cannot be In the case of Bahrain, the Government have genuinely bystanders. The Prime Minister has acknowledged in offered dialogue with opposition groups and offered a the past 24 hours the wide range of views on the referendum on a new constitution. Colonel Gaddafi is Security Council about the no-fly zone, and I was not in the position of offering a referendum to his encouraged by the Foreign Secretary’s comments. I was people on a constitution—he is at the other extreme. All surprised, however, to read that the Prime Minister has these circumstances should not be considered to be spoken to President Obama about Libya and the imposition analogous. of a no-fly zone only once in the last week. I wonder We are also advising against all travel to the whole of whether the Foreign Secretary could expand on what he Yemen, where the situation is very fragile. On 4 March, sees as the principal obstacle for the American we advised all British nationals in Yemen to leave by Administration in moving towards the no-fly zone. In commercial means if they had no pressing reason to the Foreign Secretary’s view, what is holding them back? remain. On 12 March, we updated our advice to nationals saying they should leave immediately by commercial Mr Hague: There is nothing holding them back. means while they are still available. We welcome the Yesterday, the US proposed a strengthening of the President’s initiative a week ago, in which he set out resolution, which the UK, France and Lebanon put plans to amend the Yemeni constitution, to move from forward together at the Security Council, so the US a presidential to a parliamentary system and to respect position came out very clearly there. I assure the hon. the right of peaceful protest and address the protesters’ Gentleman that, as I said earlier, there is massive, demands. The Yemeni authorities must now urgently sometimes hourly contact between the United States demonstrate their commitment to dialogue with all and the United Kingdom—at the Security Council, opposition groups committed to a peaceful and orderly with the Secretary of State, with the National Security political transition. Violence and other heavy-handed Adviser, with the State Department, with the Pentagon techniques against peaceful protesters undermine attempts and between 10 Downing street and the White House. to create dialogue and diplomatic activity in support of That contact is going on all the time, so trying to make it. All Yemenis have the right to protest peacefully and out that we are not in touch with the US Government, participate in the political process. We urge all parties to when we should all be working together on these huge come together in a constructive and credible fashion to issues, has something ridiculous about it. achieve an orderly transition so that all Yemenis, with the support of the UK and Friends of Yemen, can Several hon. Members rose— address the urgent economic needs of their country. We continue to follow developments closely. Mr Hague: I shall give way only to Members to The most immediate challenge—several hon. Members whom I have not already given way. I really must have already raised the issue and it is the last subject conclude my speech in a few minutes’ time. that I shall address—continues to be the appalling situation in Libya. As we speak, regime forces continue Dr Julian Lewis (New Forest East) (Con): I thank my to bombard rebel-held areas and are making threats to right hon. Friend. Will he confirm whether assessments retake Benghazi. We remind all concerned in Libya that show that a no-fly zone is likely to be effective against the chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court the ground attacks against the Libyan rebels? Will he has begun his investigation, and that for those committing confirm that in order to mount such a no-fly operation or considering crimes, the reach of international justice quickly, carrier-borne aircraft—sadly, not ours—will be will be long. essential at the beginning? Will he further confirm that The UK has been at the forefront, with France, of if we are involved in such operations, they will be paid international efforts to isolate the Gaddafi regime. As for by funds additional to the existing defence budget we have been reminded in the debate, time has been of and not subtracted from it? the essence throughout this crisis, as the regime has sought to use every day to regain ground. We have Mr Hague: Financial arrangements will depend on already achieved the fastest EU sanctions, the fastest the circumstances and discussions in government, and UN Security Council sanctions regime, the fastest referral are secondary to the urgency of taking these decisions. to the International Criminal Court and the first suspension No, carrier-borne aircraft are not necessary, as none of of a member state by the UN Human Rights Council. the contingency planning of any of the nations involves We are working at this moment to agree a new UN the use of aircraft carriers. I agree with my hon. Friend Security Council resolution, following up urgently the on one point—that a no-fly zone is not the complete lead given by the Arab League, which has called for the answer, although it might be one element that helps. imposition of a no-fly zone over Libya and the creation Having a no-fly zone does not mean that everything of safe areas in places exposed to shelling. would be sorted out and everybody would be fully The grounds for a new resolution are clear: there are protected. We should not pretend otherwise. As I say, it multiple breaches of resolution 1970. Gaddafi is ignoring is one element and the Arab League has called for it. the Security Council’s unanimous call for “an immediate end to violence”, Several hon. Members rose— 507 North Africa and the Middle East17 MARCH 2011 North Africa and the Middle East 508

Mr Hague: I cannot give way to Members to whom I in a further resolution: that is the legal position, as have given way already. In order to be fair to the House, understood by the Security Council and all its permanent I must end my speech in a few minutes. However, I will members. The solution, or attempt at a solution, that is give way to the hon. Member for Paisley and Renfrewshire most likely to be agreed by the Security Council is a North (Jim Sheridan), because I have not given way to thorough and full enforcement and policing of the arms him before. embargo, rather than amendments to an embargo that was agreed nearly three weeks ago. Jim Sheridan (Paisley and Renfrewshire North) (Lab): Notwithstanding the bravery of the diplomatic corps Mr Bernard Jenkin (Harwich and North Essex) (Con): and, indeed, the military in Libya, may I share with the Will my right hon. Friend give way? Foreign Secretary the experiences of my constituent James Coyle, who was eventually brought back to Britain Mr Hague: No, I will not give way any more. I must from Libya? He and his family, and indeed his employer, be fair to the rest of the House. experienced great difficulty in communicating with the The draft resolution that is being discussed today Foreign Office and obtaining information. Has the Foreign includes demands for an immediate ceasefire, a complete Secretary had time to reflect on what lessons have been end to violence, and a ban on all flights in Libyan learned, and on how we can best deal with such airspace with the exception of humanitarian flights. It circumstances in the future? authorises all necessary measures to enforce compliance with that ban. It calls for all necessary measures short Mr Hague: It is important for the hon. Gentleman to of an occupation force to protect civilians under threat remember that, thanks to the commendable organisation, of attack, including those in Benghazi. It also includes a immense bravery and skill of the Royal Air Force and variety of measures to enforce the arms embargo in the special forces, people such as his constituent were Libya, to tighten the assets freeze and travel ban imposed lifted out of the desert in Libya and brought safely on regime members, and to deny Libyan planes permission home. That is something of which we in the House to take off from, land in or overfly the territory of UN should be proud, rather than trying to find fault with member states. the way in which the exercise was carried out. I am sure There is a range of views in the Security Council on that people who are rescued in those circumstances will the measures that have been proposed, and the draft be grateful for what the United Kingdom did for them. resolution already reflects that range of views. We must Certainly the people of 43 other nationalities in whose not pretend that agreement on the proposal, or even on evacuation from Libya we assisted are very grateful for large elements of it, will be easy. However, we are clear our assistance. about the fact that it is right to seek authority for a combination of measures for the people of Libya, for Sir Malcolm Rifkind (Kensington) (Con): Will my all those in the region who are campaigning for change, right hon. Friend give way? and for Britain’s national security. Negotiations on the proposals are beginning now in New York, and the Mr Hague: I will give way, for the last time, to my Government will keep the House and the country informed right hon. and learned Friend the former Foreign Secretary. of developments as they arise. We will do our utmost to ensure the passing of a resolution that places the maximum Sir Malcolm Rifkind: My right hon. Friend told us pressure on the Libyan regime and extends protection that a new Security Council resolution might be in the to the beleaguered and oppressed civilian population of process of being tabled. If I understood him correctly, Libya. he said that part of the thinking behind it related to This, then, is our approach to the middle east. It is to evidence that Colonel Gaddafi might be seeking to be on the side of the legitimate hopes and aspirations of breach the arms embargo restrictions. Does he agree millions of people who seek change and reform; to that it would be intolerable for the Gaddafi regime—which encourage Europe to act as a magnet for the long-term is already very heavily armed—to be able to continue to future for economic openness and political stability and obtain additional armaments while the insurgents who democracy; to champion the cause of the middle east are fighting it are being denied access to any military peace process, and to advocate renewed strong international equipment because of legal advice that the arms embargo engagement on it; to confront the dangers posed by the has been drafted so tightly that it extends beyond the nuclear intentions of Iran; to seek, however we can and Gaddafi regime to other elements in Libya? If there is at all times, to protect British nationals and bring them to be a new Security Council resolution, will my right to safety; to encourage dialogue in very troubled countries hon. Friend do all in his power to ensure that it clarifies such as Bahrain and Yemen; and now—today—to seek the fact that the embargo is directed against the Gaddafi international agreement on protection and support for regime, and does not prevent the provision of help for the people of Libya. those who are fighting it? 1.6 pm Mr Hague: The situation described by my right hon. and learned Friend would indeed be intolerable. That is Mr Douglas Alexander (Paisley and Renfrewshire why the proper enforcement and policing of the arms South) (Lab): Let me begin by associating myself with embargo is an important and legitimate subject for the the Foreign Secretary’s expression of support for the resolution. However, I do not want to leave my right people of Japan. I have noted all that he has told the hon. and learned Friend in any doubt about what the House today about the position of United Kingdom Security Council intended by the arms embargo in nationals. I urge him to continue to monitor this very resolution 1970. It was clearly intended to apply to the worrying situation closely, and, of course, to keep the whole of Libya. Any change would have to be embodied public and the House up to date in the days ahead. 509 North Africa and the Middle East17 MARCH 2011 North Africa and the Middle East 510

I welcome the debate. It is always important for the we are on common ground in believing that settlements House to dedicate time to discussing complex issues are illegal. As I have said, this is an urgent issue, which such as this, but it is especially significant today. As needs to be addressed through a reinvigorated process Members in all parts of the House will be aware, we in the months ahead. meet at a time when north Africa and the middle east Historians will spend decades analysing the causes of face a moment of great possibility but also great peril. the sweeping changes across the broader region in recent In the 20th century, our own continent of Europe twice months, but we can, perhaps, all agree on one overriding generated conflicts that in turn engulfed the world. factor. In a speech in Cairo in 2009, President Obama Today, the middle east generates many of the most affirmed his threatening challenges faced by the international community. “unyielding belief that all people yearn for certain things: the The courageous youthful protests and their advocacy ability to speak your mind and have a say in how you are of human rights, freedom and democracy, in what has governed; confidence in the rule of law and the equal administration come to be termed the Arab spring, have swept aside of justice; government that is transparent and doesn’t steal from old assumptions, and still present an opportunity for the people; the freedom to live as you choose.” the catalysing of fundamental change in the region. The events of the last few months have given the lie to Although these popular revolts have been generated the idea of Arab exceptionalism: the notion that somehow within and not beyond the region, I believe that the the middle east is immune to the appeal of more democratic international community must develop a coherent and governance and that the aspiration for a better life is strategic response which encompasses countries that somehow not universal. We can, and must, use British have experienced popular revolts in recent weeks and influence to support political transitions in north Africa, now aspire to be democratic Governments, and other a region that is just 8 miles from Europe at its nearest countries in the region with which we have long-standing point. Europe’s security and stability would be better relations; which maps our response to the security challenges served by having more stable, prosperous and democratic that still confront the region; and which, even at this neighbours on its southern border. late hour, responds with urgency to the distinctive I have said previously that I believe the European circumstances in Libya. Union to have been “slow off the mark” in its response to the events in Egypt and Tunisia, but the EU has an Mr Jenkin: Will the right hon. Gentleman give way? honourable record in assisting its eastern neighbours in their transition to democracy. For those countries to the Mr Alexander: I am keen to make a little progress, but east, there was a clear link between democratisation I shall be happy to take an intervention later. and the rule of law and the goal of accession. Given that accession is not on offer to the north African Peace and security in the middle east remains one of countries, we must think about what Polish Foreign the most important foreign policy objectives of our Minister Sikorski has rather colourfully called “multiple country. Let me begin by addressing the conflict that small carrots”in respect of European support for countries has generated grievance across the region for so many in transition to democracy in north Africa. In years to decades: the Israel-Palestine conflict. There is today, I come, that should mean multiple elements of conditionality believe, fairly broad agreement across the House about too, if regimes backslide into the ways of the past. the steps that are required for movement from a peace process to a peace agreement. We are broadly united in How would such a programme need to develop? the view that the entire international community, including First, as was the case when the European Bank for our friends and allies in the United States, should now Reconstruction and Development swung into action support the 1967 borders with land swaps as the basis almost 20 years ago, these societies are in need of for resumed negotiations. The outcome of those capital investment. The European Union’s High negotiations should be two states, with Jerusalem as a Representative has spoken about the European Investment future capital of both, and a fair settlement for refugees. Bank increasing its work in north Africa, and I take My party will stand shoulder to shoulder with the from the brief reference to that that the Government Government if they take the necessary steps to bring are supportive of the suggestion. others in the region, and beyond, to that point of view. Let me incidentally affirm that the Government’s decision Mr MacShane: Yesterday a number of Members this month to back a United Nations Security Council from all parties met Tunisian Ministers and the Tunisian resolution making clear Britain’s opposition to illicit ambassador, and found out that, rather dismayingly, settlement building by Israel was the right decision, Tunisia has not been, and is not, what is called a despite the veto exercised by the United States. priority country in respect of the overseas trade activities of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills. Jeremy Corbyn: Does my right hon. Friend not accept That highlights the real problem: we have taken our eye that settlement building is illegal, end of? Why are we off the north African ball for far too long—that applies still talking about moratoriums and suspensions, when to both recent Governments. the issue should be no settlement building whatsoever, and withdrawal of those settlements from the west Mr Alexander: Let me continue the recently established bank? This should not be a matter for negotiation; it tradition of the Foreign Secretary in thanking my right should be a matter for the assertion of international hon. Friend for that intervention, especially given that law. the next paragraph of my speech addresses the issue of trade. Mr Alexander: I hope my hon. Friend will forgive me I welcome the fact that the Government now advocate if I say that there may be a rather Jesuitical distinction that the Commission should be developing a package of between a moratorium and an end to settlements. However, trade measures that addresses in particular the tariffs 511 North Africa and the Middle East17 MARCH 2011 North Africa and the Middle East 512

[Mr Douglas Alexander] Let me now make a little more progress with my speech. First, I ask the Minister who winds up this and quotas that currently lock out north African agricultural evening to answer the following questions on Egypt: goods, not least those from Tunisia. Further, each European have the British Government taken steps to ensure that country, with their different democratic traditions, should the Egyptian authorities release the political prisoners stand ready to assist those countries working to strengthen who were detained at the time of the protests, and what and support civil society. I hope I speak for all in this specific recommendations have been made on the House in paying tribute to the work of our own Westminster recognition of trade unions and other institutions in Foundation for Democracy, and I hope it will be able to Egyptian civil society? play an active role in supporting that transition. On 14 February, the Secretary of State told this House: However, just because the media’s focus has moved “We have also received a request from the Egyptian Government on from Egypt, that does not mean the process of to freeze the assets of several former Egyptian officials. We will of change in Egypt is now complete. When the Minister course co-operate with this request, working with EU and international winds up, will he update the House on what discussions partners as we have done in the case of Tunisia. If there is any the Government have had with the military authorities evidence of illegality or misuse of state assets, we will take firm in Egypt about the timetable and preparations for the and prompt action.”—[Official Report, 14 February 2011; Vol. 523, free and fair elections? c. 715.] We discovered only at Foreign Office questions on Mr Cash: On the right hon. Gentleman’s recitation of Tuesday of this week that the Government did not have the advantages of the EU in the context of trade and the necessary information from the Egyptian authorities investment, it should be pointed out that we have been and that our European partners were not moving quickly supplying moneys to the Maghreb countries for generations, enough. Will the Minister therefore tell the House what so there is nothing new in that. The real question about steps the Government have taken to get the necessary the crisis in Libya, and the massacre that may yet come, information from the Egyptian authorities, and what is this: does he believe it was right that there was the Government are doing to move the process along in resistance within the EU to the no-fly zone, and what the European Union? does he think about the failure to lift the embargo for Bahrain has, rightly, already been the subject of a those in the part of Libya around Benghazi who need number of interventions. The situation in Bahrain is arms and are fighting valiantly, but who are increasingly deeply worrying, and it is deteriorating. The real risk in peril? today is not simply that the legitimate aspirations for reform and change in that country are denied—important Mr Alexander: Let me try to address each of the three thought that is—but that this tiny island could become questions that the hon. Gentleman cunningly asked the violent fulcrum of a wider battle for regional influence. within that single intervention. First, I was seeking to That is why I stand with the Government in their urging make a different point about the EU position. I was of restraint in these dangerous days. Indiscriminate saying that trade barriers are a crucial issue if we are to violence used against peaceful protests is unacceptable enable these countries to trade their way out of the anywhere and should be condemned comprehensively. stagnation that has contributed to many of the problems in the region. I accept that there are issues in relation to The security response taking place in Bahrain cannot resource transfer, and I am on the record as saying be a substitute for a political resolution. A political about the EU’s external budget that we should look at solution is necessary and all sides must exercise restraint whether, for example, resources should be transferred and work to produce a dialogue that addresses the from Latin America to north Africa in the light of what needs of all the Bahraini citizens. I listened with care to we have witnessed. There is a pressing challenge in the Foreign Secretary’s remarks indicating that our relation to trade, therefore. Prime Minister had talked to the King of Bahrain and that the Foreign Secretary himself had spoken to the Secondly, on the European Council’s deliberations Bahraini Foreign Minister, and I welcome those on Friday, it was disappointing that there were such interventions, but may I ask the Minister to tell the House discordant voices around the table. It is not yet fully what representations the Government of the United clear to me whether a specific proposal was tabled at the Kingdom have made to the Government of Saudi Arabia EC, or whether a general conversation ensued. From to urge restraint, and have our Government obtained a my experience of working in the Foreign Office as clear picture of Saudi Arabia’s intentions in Bahrain? Europe Minister in a different period, I was surprised that the judgment was made that a joint letter issued by Reform towards a constitutional monarchy is being the British Prime Minister and the French President countenanced not only in Bahrain: in Morocco on was likely to secure European unity. Given the need to 9 March King Mohammed tasked a group of esteemed try to secure not least the support of Chancellor Merkel, Moroccans, including dissidents, to draft a new constitution. I would have thought a more judicious approach might In particular, he called for a separation of powers, have been to try to ensure the co-operation and engagement including an independent judiciary, a more equitable of Berlin at an earlier stage in the process. system of governance across the country’s provinces, The hon. Gentleman’s third point was about the and a series of amendments that would enshrine individual arming of the rebels. I have consistently made it clear liberties, human rights and gender equality. What some during this crisis that all options should remain on the have called “the King’s revolution” must translate words table and all contingencies should be considered by into deeds and the promise of reform into the reality of the international community. I am not convinced that change. the EU would be the appropriate body in that regard, Elsewhere across north Africa and the middle east we but I have said that all contingencies should remain on need to be consistent in urging the embrace of more the table. democratic reform, which is why, on Yemen, the 513 North Africa and the Middle East17 MARCH 2011 North Africa and the Middle East 514

Government are right to urge progress on national (Sir Malcolm Rifkind), a former Foreign Secretary, dialogue with opposition parties and democratic reforms. when he wrote in an article in The Times on Monday: Clearly, there also needs to be a clear plan for economic “The reaction of the international community to events in development and poverty reduction in Yemen, as well Libya has, so far, been uncertain, disunited and at best tactical as an intensification of action against al-Qaeda in the rather than strategic.” Arabian Peninsula. In recent days, the international community’s disagreements on the important issue of the no-fly zone has been a Keith Vaz: I wholeheartedly agree with what my right dispiriting reminder of the importance of the international hon. Friend has said, which is much in accordance with community speaking with one voice in circumstances of what the Foreign Secretary has said on Yemen. As my crisis. right hon. Friend started the Friends of Yemen process last year, in January 2010, does he not believe it is Robert Halfon: Given what the right hon. Gentleman important that it continues? I was disappointed to learn has just said, does he accept that his Government got it that the meeting will not be taking place in Riyadh next wrong in having such close relations with Gaddafi, and week, but even if a formal meeting does not take place it in facilitating business and academic links? When he is important that we ensure that what has been started was responsible for the Export Credits Guarantee should be completed; otherwise, we will see al-Qaeda Department, he allowed defence equipment to go to running Yemen. Libya. Does he agree that that was a big mistake?

Mr Alexander: As so often, my right hon. Friend Mr Alexander: A trend seems to be developing whereby speaks with great authority on Yemen. Of course, it was those on the Government Benches ask three questions under the previous Government that the Friends of under the guise of a single intervention. On the issue of Yemen process started, when we welcomed Secretary of arms exports, it is a matter of record and the records State Clinton here to London. At that time, clear and were rightly published transparently by the previous solemn undertakings were given that the international Government. I have also made it clear that if changes community would not forget Yemen; and that there need to be made in relation to the consolidated agreement would be a continuing focus not simply on the real between the European Union and ourselves on arms security issues that are of direct concern in the United sales, I will support the efforts of the Governments in Kingdom and other countries, but on a commitment to that endeavour. the long-term development that is necessary. If my On the second issue, may I make a general point and recollection serves me rightly, Yemenis the only low-income then a specific one? The general point is that in trying to country in the middle east. It has a truly horrendous understand the stimulus to the changes that we are number of weapons per head of population and is seeing across north Africa and the middle east, it is afflicted by many simultaneous challenges. Although I indisputable that engagement with the outside world fully respect the fact that difficult judgments have to be has contributed, in part, to the extraordinary courage, made on the formal timing of meetings, I agree with my passion and bravery that we saw from demonstrators in, right hon. Friend that we must not lose sight of or the for example, Tunisia and Egypt. In that sense, it is focus on the continuing urgency and importance of the important that the default setting of the international situation in Yemen. community should be engagement with countries, even May I also take this opportunity to condemn outright where there are profound and long-standing disagreements. the utterly unacceptable behaviour of Iran that resulted, On the specific issue as to whether it was appropriate on 5 February, in British special forces seizing a shipment in the early years after 2001 to engage directly with of suspected Iranian arms intended for the Taliban in Gaddafi, I find myself in agreement not with the hon. Afghanistan? That is but further proof, if any were Gentleman, who is a Back Bencher, but with his Front- needed, of the real danger that Iran poses, not only Bench team, who generously but wisely have recognised through its nuclear programme but through its continuing that foreign affairs at times involves dealing with those policy of attempting to destabilise its neighbours in the with whom one has profound disagreement in the service region. We are fully with the Government in their of a greater good, which in this case is the security of efforts to deal with Iran, and I agree with the Foreign the United Kingdom and the broader international Secretary when he says: community. We were trying to address a situation in “Iran should not think that recent events in the middle east”— which Gaddafi had, by any reckoning, armed the IRA—he and north Africa— was responsible for the largest arms shipment to the IRA—and so had actively sponsored terrorism against “have distracted the world’s attention away from its nuclear United Kingdom citizens. He was also in the course of programme.” developing a capability for ballistic missiles, for nuclear Given the continuing risks represented by Iran’s nuclear missiles and for other weaponry. There is and will be the programme and Iran’s failure to engage in any serious opportunity to look more broadly at what other lessons way in the recent talks in Istanbul, could the Minister can be drawn from our engagement with Libya, but I do perhaps update the House on the Government’s discussions not resile from the difficult judgment that was exercised with international partners on the next steps to increase at the time to engage with Gaddafi, notwithstanding his the legitimate peaceful pressure on Iran to comply with record, in the service of what I think was the right UN Security Council resolutions and the requirements judgment to make British citizens more secure. of the International Atomic Energy Agency? In the time remaining to me, I wish to deal with the Sir Menzies Campbell: May I take the shadow Foreign most urgent and pressing issue of Libya. I agreed with Secretary back to his expression of disappointment at the right hon. and learned Member for Kensington the tentative nature of the international community’s 515 North Africa and the Middle East17 MARCH 2011 North Africa and the Middle East 516

[Sir Menzies Campbell] As United States Senator John Kerry commented yesterday, the time lost by the international community has response? Does he understand that those of us who “compacted the choices, diminished the options. And it’s changed were in the House during the Bosnian crisis feel some the state of play somewhat. familiar echoes from that period, when the response of The calculation that many people in Libya might have made a the international community was equally uncertain? week…10 days ago, if we’d started to announce and move certain Should we not have learned lessons from that unhappy things, might have been considerably different than the calculation period? that they might make today. And those calculations are critical in these kinds of events.” Mr Alexander: As so often, not only in recent days, Senator Kerry’s analysis is as accurate as it is devastating, but over many years in this House, the right hon. and for as we debate today the opportunity for meaningful learned Gentleman speaks with great authority and action is simply slipping away. wisdom. I was coming on to a passage in my speech where I was keen to suggest to the House that it is illuminating at times to take, momentarily, that longer Mr Offord: The right hon. Gentleman talks about a view and to appreciate the full extent of the failure that lack of action, but it is the Prime Minister who has we have seen over recent weeks. provided that action, calling for a no-fly zone. When the right hon. Gentleman talks about the lack of a voice In different times and, admittedly, in different across the international community, I believe that he is circumstances, Lord Robertson of Port Ellen said of referring to the Obama Administration. When the call the Kosovo conflict: of “Democracy!” was shouted, where was the leader of “We ran a military campaign and in parallel we ran an information the free world? campaign. Both were professional and focused but it was, to my mind, the information campaign which won it.” He went on to say: Mr Alexander: My point is that public declarations of support for a policy need to be matched by private “Publics across the world got the message that we meant business and that we were absolutely committed to achieving our diplomacy. It appears that there is a fashion in the objectives summed up succinctly as ‘NATO in, Serbs out, refugees Government to take a different view and a different home’. The Kosovars watched and were reassured by our resolution approach from the previous Government on many aspects and in Belgrade the generals and the Serbs generally began to of policy.There might be a view in the present Government understand that once NATO had taken on a mission, it was that the action the previous Prime Minister took ahead simply not going to fail. And as they got that message their of the G20 meeting—getting on a plane, travelling to resolution crumbled and even though their immediate military Brazil and travelling around the world making the case advantage remained, they gave up.” for concerted international action in circumstances of Sadly, the clarity, coherence and effectiveness of that economic crisis—was somewhat overplayed. I personally communication have not been matched in recent weeks think that there is a genuine need for action to be taken by the international messaging to the Gaddafi regime. at this stage but that public words need to be matched by private conduct. In that sense, there must be concerted Mr Matthew Offord (Hendon) (Con): Will the right efforts to try to bring the international community hon. Gentleman give way? together. That challenge is not unique to the United Mr Alexander: I am keen to make just a little progress. Kingdom—it is a responsibility that falls on all those in positions of leadership—and I would be the first to The Foreign Secretary said on 27 February that concede that this is a challenging and difficult set of “it is time for Colonel Gaddafi to go, that is the best hope for circumstances in which, to date, the international Libya.” community has not been united. That is why, however, I A few days later, on 3 March, President Obama stated think it demands effort, skill, application and judgment that “he must leave”. But since those categorical statements to ensure that we do what we can to cohere the international the urgency of the diplomatic efforts have, alas, not community rather than further to divide it at a point at matched the urgency of the situation. which judgments are being made not only in Tripoli but The Foreign Secretary has already told the House in Benghazi about the commitment of the international that the Prime Minister and the US President speak community to supporting these changes. “extremely regularly”, so may I ask the Foreign Secretary to take this opportunity genuinely to confirm to the Martin Horwood rose— House what is more than of passing interest: whether or not the Prime Minister has spoken to President Obama Mr Bernard Jenkin rose— regularly in the wake of this crisis, over the past seven days? I ask that question because Downing street briefings suggest that there has been only one telephone call, and Mr Alexander: I am happy to give way to the hon. I would be happy to afford the Foreign Secretary the Member for Cheltenham (Martin Horwood). opportunity to intervene on me today to clarify the facts. Calling for action is not the same as acting to Martin Horwood: I agree with the right hon. Gentleman ensure that the action takes place. Public statements at a that there is a danger of Governments giving mixed time of crisis need to be matched by the important work messages. In that vein, will he accept that his Government of private diplomacy. I suggest that if ever there was a did that too? Does he now regret granting arms licences time when such dialogue, leader to leader, was needed, and promoting arms sales—including of ammunition, it is a time like now. Indeed, not only has uncertainty crowd-control equipment and tear gas—to the Gaddafi about the international community’s position delayed regime in the closing years of the Labour Government? action, but it will have been closely observed in Libya That does not sound like the sort of positive engagement itself. that he seemed to be talking about earlier. 517 North Africa and the Middle East17 MARCH 2011 North Africa and the Middle East 518

Mr Alexander: Let me repeat my point: if there is this not, if it fails, a crucial test of the credibility of evidence that British exports have been used in the British foreign policy, which has perhaps not adapted to appalling repression that we are witnessing, that should the shortage of defence capability we now suffer as a be cause for change. I stand ready to work with the result of the strategic defence and security review or to Government effectively and in a constructive manner to the fact that we have a completely different kind of try to secure the tightening of the arms regime if that United States, which is prepared to be passive in an proves necessary. On the substantive question of whether international crisis? it was correct for the UK Government, many years ago, to engage directly with the Gaddafi regime, I think that Mr Alexander: The hon. Gentleman is continuing the there might be an honourable disagreement between the newly established tradition of making a number of pair of us. I have made it clear that— points. Let me try to address them. On the substantive point of whether the hugely significant events we are Martin Horwood: Will the right hon. Gentleman give witnessing in north Africa make the case for reopening way? the strategic defence review, I find myself in sympathy Mr Alexander: If the hon. Gentleman will forgive me, with him. Serious questions are prompted by the fact I will finish the point and then I will be happy to take a that we have aircraft carriers without planes, given the further intervention—perhaps from somebody who has context of the discussions we are now having in this not yet had the opportunity to intervene. I think that House. there can be an honest disagreement between us about The hon. Gentleman’s second point is important and whether it was right for the UK Government to engage I shall reflect on it in my remaining remarks. This is an with Gaddafi at the time. There has been much criticism issue not simply for the people of Libya or for the west, of former Prime Minister Tony Blair for shaking hands but for the broader interests of the international community. with Colonel Gaddafi. I would simply point out that It appears from what we have heard that the decision President Obama and Nelson Mandela have both shaken was taken by the Saudi Arabian Government and the hands with Colonel Gaddafi. Any serious consideration Gulf Co-operation Council to provide troops and tanks of the issues recognises that it is important for there to to the people of Bahrain without consultation with the be engagement with regimes in order to try to secure United States. To me, that would have been inconceivable change. only a few weeks ago. It is one of the further assumptions that have been directly challenged by the huge events Mr MacShane: I am afraid that my right hon. Friend that we are witnessing across the region. I think, therefore, is right. The Former Foreign Secretary, the right hon. as I sought to reflect at the beginning of my speech, that and learned Member for Kensington (Sir Malcolm Rifkind), this is a time of great possibility and also of great peril. who has just left the Chamber, was eloquent on this If, however inadvertently, the message is heard by dictators subject on the “Today” programme and in this House: and despots not just in the region but in the wider world the diplomatic gain of weaning Gaddafi off WMDs that the words spoken by prominent international leaders and terrorism was worth the connection. The previous are not matched by actions, that will be a worrying Conservative Administration gave a knighthood to Robert development with consequences far beyond the borders Mugabe as Sir John Major tried to make friends with of Libya. him and, up until 19 February of this year, those on the Government Front Bench were selling arms to Bahrain. Tony Baldry (Banbury) (Con): Is it not important I am not criticising them for that—I am sorry, but we that one message that is heard by dictators is that once are an arms-manufacturing and exporting nation. This they are indicted by the International Criminal Court, is really the most piffling and irrelevant hypocrisy. The they will remain indicted and there will be a determination Foreign Secretary and the shadow Foreign Secretary sooner or later to bring them to justice? There is no are concentrating on important issues and the way we statute of limitation for war crimes or crimes against should go forward. Having this sort of row about who humanity, as Charles Taylor well knows as he stands shook hands with who and which guns were sold— trial in The Hague. Martin Horwood: And tear gas. Mr Alexander: That is an important point. Of course, Mr MacShane: And tear gas. The hon. Member for we have seen the trial of Charles Taylor but we have also Cheltenham (Martin Horwood) is part of the coalition seen the example of Milosevic, who died while on trial Government who were selling tear gas and small arms at The Hague. That is an issue on which we stand weapons to Bahrain. He has no right to get pompous together, both in our advocacy at an early stage of the about what was happening before May 2010. International Criminal Court and as regards its applicability in the face of the terrible scenes we are witnessing. Mr Alexander: Let me try to turn to the events that are under way at the moment. I am also conscious that I I am conscious that a number of Members are keen have not given way to the hon. Member for Harwich to speak, so I want to make progress. The Security and North Essex (Mr Jenkin), so let me do so now. Council meets as reports say Libyan rebels have deployed tanks, artillery and a helicopter to try to repel an attack Mr Jenkin: Is not the most important issue in this by pro-Gaddafi forces on the key town of Ajdabiya. It debate the fact that events in Libya appear to be at a is said by those on the ground to be the first time turning point? I am sure that the Government are defecting army units have faced Government forces. If grateful for the support that Her Majesty’s Opposition that town falls to Gaddafi, the next step will be Benghazi have given to my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister and the 1 million people who live there. It is often and my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary on the forgotten in the coverage that Benghazi is comfortably no-fly zone initiative and the toppling of Gaddafi. Is the second largest city in Libya. 519 North Africa and the Middle East17 MARCH 2011 North Africa and the Middle East 520

[Mr Douglas Alexander] In north Africa and the wider middle east, we are now at the centre of the most momentous events. History As I have argued over recent weeks, there are concrete is sweeping through the region. The events that we are steps that the international community can and should debating today were inevitable but largely— indeed, be considering to support the Libyan people who stand almost wholly—unforeseen. A Tunisian man who set between invasion and acquiescence. A no-fly zone would himself on fire because no official of a deeply corrupt be a strong step forward but it would not be a panacea. state would listen to him after months of his asking has The importance of a no-fly zone, however, should not caused the lid to be blown off an entire region with frail blind us to other measures that can be taken. institutions, scant civil society and virtually no democratic The Government should be considering a range of traditions or culture of innovation. We are, as my right contingencies, such as taking measures to disrupt Gaddafi’s hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary said, witnessing military communication and IT infrastructure and using something akin to the importance of the fall of the British naval assets in concert with other nations to Berlin wall, and we will need to be clear in the days deliver further humanitarian support to areas such as ahead about what these developments mean and how Benghazi, so that Gaddafi cannot literally starve people Britain and the west in general should respond to them. into submission. Other possible actions include further The democratic transition will be a very hard road to efforts to set up an escrow account, as has been suggested follow, for the truth is that the much-vaunted stability by a Government Member, to hold revenues in trust for that we all went along with for generations was a the benefit of the Libyan people rather than allowing stability frozen in time and that the hopes and aspirations those resources to be used for hiring foreign mercenaries, now stirring in many parts of the Arab world have been and, of course, taking immediate and strong diplomatic smothered for generations. People are now seeking their action against those countries whose nationals are fighting rights, sometimes at great personal danger to themselves. as mercenaries for Gaddafi in Libya. Nothing will ever be the same again, and a complete I have been arguing for weeks now that the Arab policy rethink will be demanded and required in the League, which has been shown in recent weeks to be days ahead as we all struggle to keep up with unfolding taking a leadership role in this crisis, should come events. I urge the House not to underestimate the profound together as a matter of urgency with the European sense of change sweeping across the whole middle east Union in an emergency summit to communicate the that the Arab humiliation is now over and that there is a breadth of international revulsion at the regime’s actions long overdue dawn of pride and dignity and a great and the breadth of support for the Libyan people. I expectation that freedom and opportunity have arrived—a have also been arguing for the establishment of a friends tide that is unstoppable and that brings with it great of Libya group, bringing together the Arab League, the uncertainty and very great difficulties. European Union and the United States to overcome Contrary to much received opinion and caricature, the very institutional inertia that has so blighted the quite apart from its vast, unmatched contribution to international response to date and to allow for rapid civilisation in the past, the Arab world is proving that it decision-making in the face of rapidly changing events. rejects injustice, that it wants freedom and that it is The Libyan people could be facing defeat in a matter willing to die for democracy. There is thus no overstating of days. Time is not our friend. We should be under no the importance of the fact that this Arab revolution is illusion that if Gaddafi were to triumph, this would not the work of the Arabs themselves. The answer is broadly only represent a defeat for the Libyan people, for whom that reform, and not repression, is the way to lasting the Arab spring would be replaced by a brutal and stability, and Arab Governments need to understand bleak winter, but would have long-term and damaging very quickly that denying people their basic rights does consequences for the United Kingdom, the European nothing to preserve even a veneer of stability. As W. B. Union and the broader interests of reform and stability Yeats said after the difficulties in Dublin: in the region. Now, at this late hour, debate must give “A terrible beauty is born.” way to decision and argument must give way to action. The international community’s response in the coming I fear that the wealthy western nations have regarded hours and days will not only impact upon events in with complacency for far too long the hopeless stagnation Libya but will echo through history and will affect our of many Arab countries. Protestors in Egypt, Libya, strategic position and the future of democratic, social Yemen, Jordan, Syria, Iran, Bahrain, Gaza, Algeria and and economic reform across the broader region for Tunisia are denouncing the malignancy of joblessness, years to come. the lack of opportunity and the dreadful corruptness of oppressive rule. It is thus far bad news, in my judgment, Several hon. Members rose— that no single leader in the Arab world has yet put Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Nigel Evans): Order. This is forward a creative political strategy to address this a well-subscribed debate. There is a 10-minute limit on discontent, opting instead for half-measures designed speeches with the usual injury time for two interventions. principally to safeguard the very systems that public opinion is rejecting. We do not know where this will 1.42 pm end, but Britain must play a big role and I am confident Nicholas Soames (Mid Sussex) (Con): I do not propose that she will do so, particularly through the judicious to follow the formidable speech of my right hon. Friend use of our soft power with all that that involves. the Foreign Secretary, who dealt very easily with the Further, as the Prime Minister has said, now is not situation in many of the countries that we are discussing, the time to park the middle east peace process. I pay nor the Opposition’s preoccupation with the telephone great tribute to the energetic work of the Under-Secretary habits of President Obama, but rather to concentrate of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my on what has animated the extraordinary events that we hon. Friend the Member for North East Bedfordshire have seen across the middle east in the past few weeks. (Alistair Burt), in the middle east and I commend the 521 North Africa and the Middle East17 MARCH 2011 North Africa and the Middle East 522 excellent way in which he goes about his very difficult countries, there is no Gorbachev figure. There is no job. I hope that he will consider whether it would be restraining hand on Erich Honecker. There is no one to right to resurrect the Arab peace initiative of 2002—the persuade and to deal with the situation faced by Jaruzelski Saudi peace initiative—which still lies on the table and in Poland. Of course, we had Ceausescu in 1989, and is the only remaining architecture extant for the continuation perhaps the closest parallel with Saif Gaddafi is Nicu of the peace talks. My hon. Friend the Member for Ceausescu. I do not know whether the Ceausescu family’s Harlow (Robert Halfon) and I take a slightly different fate will befall the Gaddafi family, but there is nevertheless view on these matters but we both want to see peace in a clear parallel: a family regime that uses the state as its the middle east. He is a doughty champion of these own private bank. Unfortunately, the Libyan regime is causes and he knows that peace cannot come about not the only one for which that is the case. We have unless the Arabs and the Palestinians are made to go heard reports from Tunisia, and there have been accusations back to the table and proceed. There is no better time about the Mubarak family in Egypt. I read on the web than now; an Arab peace initiative at this time would just a few hours ago that there is a “kleptocracy” in give the Arabs face and confidence, and the Israelis Bahrain. should seize this moment. They should see that a tide The public can now access information in ways that and spirit of change is sweeping though the middle east they could not in the past. The United Nations Arab and should catch this great surf of history. human development report that was published about a Contrary to what my hon. Friend the Member for decade ago highlighted the lack of publications and Stone (Mr Cash) might think, the European Union can limited number of books per head of population in the give substantial practical help to the consolidation of Arab world compared with other parts of the world. democracy and the rule of law within the Arab League However, such availability is not as necessary when a countries, particularly via the Barcelona process and generation of young people can access new technologies. through many other means. We should, of course, provide There has therefore been an acceleration of change, every assistance that we can to those countries that especially among the young populations of north Africa clearly intend to do the right thing. Britain should press and Arabia who, in huge numbers, are unemployed. in the Council of Ministers and the Foreign Affairs This social and global phenomenon will continue for Council for properly supervised arrangements to support decades. the training of police and civil servants and the setting The hon. Member for Mid Sussex (Nicholas Soames) up of electoral commissions and independent legal and said that not everything that happens in such revolutionary prosecution services. We should also seek to assist in the situations is pleasant. Some very unpleasant things building of political and other institutions—a piece of came out from underneath the stones in 1989 and 1990: work that has been most admirably done by the Westminster growing anti-Semitism, racism and nationalism. We Foundation for Democracy, to which an hon. Member may well find that one of the consequences of the has already paid tribute. We should, at all costs, provide removal of military authoritarian regimes will be that large-scale assistance for those countries that are truly people lose not only their fear, but their inhibition prepared to change. about saying things that are difficult and unpleasant. The peoples of the middle east now demand a better We have already heard comments about what the life. After years of betrayal, bad government and oppression, Iranian Government might be up to. I worry that those they deserve the opportunity to enjoy the rights and people who want to gain political power by attacking freedoms that we take for granted. I am confident that other minorities will do so in ways that lead to tensions the British Government, with our American allies and and conflicts between Sunni and Shi’a. We have seen European partners, will play a bold and energetic role in the terrible carnage caused by that conflict in Iraq. We securing that endeavour. were right—I stand by my opinion—about the removal of the Saddam regime, but none of us estimated quite 1.50 pm what terrible crimes would be carried out as a consequence Mike Gapes (Ilford South) (Lab/Co-op): As we look of lifting that repression. That problem is still not at these events around the world, we must reflect on resolved in Iraq. whether there are historical parallels and past occasions Egypt is at the beginning of the process, so what will when similar things have happened. At the moment, happen there? There will be a presidential election and a everyone is talking about the events in central and new constitution, and then, as in central and eastern eastern Europe, and the Soviet Union, in the late 1980s, Europe, we will probably see a multitude of small but there are other parallels, such as what happened in political parties—or individuals and groups calling the revolutions of 1848. We could also draw parallels themselves political parties. with the student protests of 1968. Some 22 years ago, I was working in the Labour The important thing about this revolutionary process party’s international department. My job was to go to is that it has been widely broadcast through new central and eastern Europe, where I met people who technologies that did not exist in those eras. As a result, said, “We are the true new social democratic party.” I as we have clearly seen, the regimes have tried to stop met groups in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Czechoslovakia such technology, close down the internet and prevent as was, Russia and elsewhere who all said that they were people inside and outside from accessing messages on the true inheritors of the social democratic tradition. Facebook, on Twitter and online. That is another argument People from the Conservative party were also involved for retaining BBC World Service shortwave radio broadcasts in a similar way, because the hon. Member for New at key times, and the Foreign Affairs Committee is Forest East (Dr Lewis) was in Prague just a few weeks engaged in that debate with Ministers. after me in late 1989. We all discovered that most of the The other difference from 1989 is that while these people who claimed to represent the new political forces events are happening in a multitude of Arab Muslim did not do so at all. 523 North Africa and the Middle East17 MARCH 2011 North Africa and the Middle East 524

[Mike Gapes] against the background of the EU resolution calling for broader market access and political co-operation. These The process will take time, and we will need dedicated are desperately important factors, but there is a whiff of and well-funded democracy-building exercises throughout inconsistency here. We have lived with this situation the Arab world. The Westminster Foundation for since the second world war, and the reason we have Democracy has been mentioned. I chaired its board turned a blind eye to much of this is that we want the until 2005. At that time, its total budget from the energy resources of the region. I think that we should Foreign and Commonwealth Office was £4.1 million, give those countries time to make the transition. In which was peanuts, but since then it has been cut. I Britain, 300 years passed between the civil war and understand that it will receive an additional £500,000, women getting the vote, so we should not be driven by which is welcome, but that will still leave its budget the drumbeat of the 24/7 media. We should give those below what it was a few years ago. countries time to develop their reforms as they come International democracy foundations need to work naturally. together. Our Government, our European partners, the The major issue of the day, and the one I have been National Democratic Institute in the US, and the Friedrich most concerned about for some weeks, is the no-fly Naumann Foundation and Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung zone. The Prime Minister set out three conditions that in Germany, for example, need to work in a co-ordinated would have to be met before he would support a no-fly way because governance, democracy and institution zone: regional support, a demonstrable need and a clear building will take time. It would be useful if people legal basis. With the resolution of the Arab League, from central and eastern Europe could make a contribution there is clearly regional support. Demonstrable need is because many of them went through such a process 10, subjective. We have moved on from the slaughter of 15 or 20 years ago. innocent women and children and now have a civil war Finally, if, potentially, Gaddafi regains control of in Libya. In truth, we will be taking sides, and the rebels Libya, we will face the most immediate, appalling crisis. are armed. I think that we have to look at the clear legal It will be perceived as a major setback. It will send a basis very carefully indeed, because we can see the mess clear signal, which may already have been picked up in that we got into in Iraq because of the uncertainty over Bahrain, that regimes can keep power if they are repressive whether there was a clear legal basis. What we need is and brutal because the international community will clarification. either make grandiose statements, as many Europeans The need for a UN chapter VII resolution is crystal have done—I am not critical of our Government on clear, but I would be surprised, and relieved, if we got it. these matters, as we are doing the right thing and are on Whether or not Russia or China will veto it remains to the right side—or prevaricate, as unfortunately the be seen. If we do get it, we can all row in behind the Americans have done. Let us hope that the Security Government because we will have a clear legal basis. I Council adopts a robust resolution today and then does wish them well in their efforts in the coming hours to the right thing. achieve that.

2pm Mr Ellwood: I am listening carefully to my hon. Richard Ottaway (Croydon South) (Con): It is a Friend’s very powerful speech. He mentioned the Prime pleasure to follow my predecessor as Chairman of the Minister’s three conditions. I humbly urge caution, in Foreign Affairs Committee. Leaving aside his international the words used by the Arab League. It is an important adventures on behalf of the Labour party, I agree with symbolic gesture, bringing together a collective voice, everything that he said. I also pay tribute to the excellent but it has no power. The organisation is made up of speech made by my hon. Friend the Member for Mid Foreign Ministers who have no organisational power Sussex (Nicholas Soames). No one has a better knowledge over many of the dictators to whom they report back. of the Arab world than he has. There was much power In making a statement and linking it to their respective in what he said. I particularly agree with the important Governments, they have as much power as the Foreign point that the EU has a role to play in this. Affairs Committee has when it produces a report. It was Comrade Lenin who said that revolution is unpredictable but when it comes it comes very quickly. I Richard Ottaway: In that case it has great force. think that the speed with which everything has happened Joking aside, my hon. Friend makes an important point, has caught us all very much on the wrong foot. With but we cannot ignore a resolution of the Arab League. hindsight, we should have seen it coming after last It is indicative of the way things are shifting. year’s food riots in Egypt, brought about by unsustainable My concern is that we might get a legal basis that is levels of population growth and the fact that 50% of its not clear. If we do not get a chapter VII resolution, the population is under 25. The other factor that combined fallback situation would be what is known in the UN as with others to form the prefect storm is the role of the a responsibility to protect. It is not clear whether that is internet as the method of communication of those a part of international law. It suggests young people, which the hon. Member for Ilford South “collective action, in a timely and decisive manner, through (Mike Gapes) referred to. The situation is fast-moving the Security Council, in accordance with the Charter, including but has a long way to go. I watch with concern how Chapter VII”. things are developing in Bahrain and possibly in Saudi It sets as high a hurdle as a chapter VII resolution. We Arabia. I believe that things will get worse before they are yet to see how things will develop, but I would be get better. rather surprised if we were to get that through. We I support what the Prime Minister said in his statement would then be left with a legal basis that was not clear. on Monday: that we must encourage freedom, democracy If there is another doctrine, I would very much like to and an open society in the Arab world. He said that hear it. 525 North Africa and the Middle East17 MARCH 2011 North Africa and the Middle East 526

Yesterday, the Government added a fourth condition: start. That is why I am concerned about where this is all the national interest. In the Foreign Affairs Committee leading. I do not think that we have the troops to put in yesterday I asked the Foreign Secretary how he would on the ground, and that is why I come to the difficult reply to a request from a country such as Ivory Coast, conclusion that, without a UN resolution, we should where genocide was going on, or Burma or Somalia—there not consider a no-fly zone. are plenty of places with internal conflict. He replied The Prime Minister posed a question to people such that that has to be judged on a case-by-case basis, and as myself, who have their reservations about a no-fly that is under the national interest. If we intervene in zone, when he said on Monday: Libya, will that set a precedent that will be relied on by “‘Do we want a situation where a failed pariah state festers on those countries? Europe’s southern border, potentially threatening our security, That means, in effect, that we are picking our countries. pushing people across the Mediterranean and creating a more Let us be clear exactly what that means. It is a reincarnation dangerous and uncertain world for Britain and for all our allies as of the Chicago doctrine introduced by Tony Blair 12 years well as for the people of Libya?’”—[Official Report, 14 March 2011; ago. It is worth reading the speech that he made in April Vol. 525, c. 27.] 2009 in Chicago, 10 years after his original speech in That is a very good question, and it deserves an answer. Chicago. He said that it My answer is, we have had this pariah state for 42 years, “argued strongly for an active and engaged foreign policy, not a and we have lived with it: we have put up with it; we had reactive or isolationist one: better to intervene than to leave well to bomb it once; we had Lockerbie; and we are still here alone. Be bold, adventurous even in what we can achieve.” and it is still there. That is a pretty gung-ho approach. I am not saying that I do not want to see us get sucked into a war—a the current Government are being gung-ho, but it is a dispute—in the middle east. We need to tighten the warning about how we could get carried away unless we noose as hard as we can, with the toughest sanctions sit back, are rational and address the need for a clear possible, and if necessary we need to give all support, legal basis. short of intervention, to the rebels. But we should not We then have the problem of what will happen if go down the road of arguing, campaigning or pushing another Arab state behaves in the same way as Libya for a no-fly zone without a UN resolution on either does. We have seen what is going on in Bahrain, with the chapter VII or the responsibility to protect. There are state of emergency. We all heard reports on the radio huge risks politically and militarily without one, and I this morning of protesters being killed. We cannot urge the Government to proceed with caution. intervene in every case. We could end up with a very awkward situation where one Arab country provides 2.12 pm aircraft to help police the no-fly zone and then ends up attacking its own people. Then what is our national Sir Gerald Kaufman (Manchester, Gorton) (Lab): interest? The hon. Member for Croydon South (Richard Ottaway), with my hon. Friend the Member for Ilford South I would add a fifth condition. If this does not succeed, (Mike Gapes), adverted to what took place with regard we must have a strategy. There has to be a plan B. to the liberation of Kuwait. Kuwait was liberated because Where is exactly is this leading? My hon. Friend the Margaret Thatcher, together with the President of the Member for Beckenham (Bob Stewart) has great experience United States, decided that the situation could not be of the no-fly zone in Bosnia, and there was a no-fly allowed to continue. zone in Iraq. In both cases, we had to put in ground troops to seal the deal and finish the job. A no-fly zone in Libya is most likely to end up with a stalemate in Mike Gapes: John Major. which the rebels cannot lose and Gaddafi cannot win. Sir Gerald Kaufman: John Major, but Margaret Thatcher Mike Gapes: Does the hon. Gentleman accept, however, was also involved. that the ground troops did not go into Iraq in 1991 and In the same way, action not words dealt with the 1992 and that for 11 or 12 years the no-fly zones, which situation in the former Yugoslavia. My hon. Friend is protected the Shi’a marsh Arabs in the south and the right in his conclusion that, if the situation in north Kurds in the north, were very effective in stopping Africa is to be solved in any way acceptably, it will be by Saddam using his air force to bomb them? action, not by continued talk. The world community should hang its head in shame at the prolonged delay to Richard Ottaway: I have heard the hon. Gentleman take practical action on behalf of the people of Libya. make that point before, and the answer to it is that Time is very short, indeed, before it becomes too late, Saddam Hussein remained in Baghdad. My point is but complacent indifference has long dominated the that the policy under discussion would end in stalemate, west’s approach towards Gaddafi’s brutality. Even in too, with Colonel Gaddafi still in Tripoli, the rebels in recent months, the Home Office has insisted deplorably Benghazi, a no-fly zone and a completely static situation. on sending a Libyan asylum seeker back into Gaddafi’s If we want to get rid of Colonel Gaddafi, we will clutches, just as it insists on sending asylum seekers have to use ground troops, so I would like the Minister back to Iran. As usual, the United States, under its to answer the question, what is our commitment on present Administration, has been vocal about Libya, ground troops? Would we be prepared to use them to but words are easy; action is what counts. finish the job? What is the Government’s attitude to the In the case of Israel’s transgressions and brutalities, use of warships? The war is being conducted along a the Americans have been even more shameful. As is his coastal strip. At the end of the day, if we commit to a wont, Obama has been long on self-indulgent, vacuous no-fly zone, we have to be prepared to finish the job and rhetoric, but absent when it comes to meaningful action. to put troops in on the ground, otherwise we should not Let us witness the illegal Guantanamo Bay torture 527 North Africa and the Middle East17 MARCH 2011 North Africa and the Middle East 528

[Sir Gerald Kaufman] should be a warning to us all about changing electoral systems, now persecutes non-governmental organisations camp, remaining open two years after he promised that that work for progress and racial harmony. it would close. “Absent”, though, understates Obama’s The Israelis do not believe in a two-state solution and pernicious policies. When he sought to wheedle the are completely uninterested in any kind of genuine Israelis into a moratorium on settlement building, he peace process, yet what is being done to curb this promised that if they paused such building he would regime? Nothing. Nada. Zilch. They get away with it by veto any Security Council resolutions regarded as critical exploiting guilt over the holocaust. They get away with of Israel. The Israelis ignored him, and still he vetoed it by whimpering about their need for security, when the recent, otherwise unanimous, Security Council they have the strongest armed forces in the region, resolution on settlements. nuclear weapons and the fourth-strongest armed forces Yet that United States Administration, if they wished, in the world. They get away with it, because Obama, could bring the Israelis to heel, simply by cutting off the apprehensive about the United States presidential election supply of arms and economic aid to that rogue country. next year, is scared of Jewish pressure groups in the Economic sanctions on Israel work, as was demonstrated United States. when President Bush senior forced Yitzhak Shamir to The world’s tolerance of the Israeli persecution of talks in Madrid by suspending loan guarantees. 5 million Palestinians is a blot on whatever international Certainly, when it comes to rogue regimes, the world morality exists. When Palestinians commit atrocities, as is long on denunciations but short on action, and it is with the murderous attack on the Fogel family of settlers important to place on the record those transgressions last weekend, there is justifiable anger. Israeli soldiers against international law by a country that has one of shot two Palestinian parents dead in front of their the most aggressively right-wing regimes in the world. children in Gaza, as those children told me: the girl The Israelis have built an illegal wall through occupied stood there, an Israeli soldier shot her father in the Palestinian territory, in many, many cases cutting head, and then shot her mother in the head. When Palestinians off from their livelihoods, as I have seen for things like that happen, nobody bats an eyelid. myself recently. The Israelis’ settlements are, again, a We are right to be profoundly concerned about Libya violation of international law, yet they expand them. and about the lethal tension in certain Gulf states. My Again, I recently saw for myself how, in Jerusalem and hon. Friend the Member for Ilford South is absolutely elsewhere, settlers, with the connivance of the Israeli right when he says that if the people of Libya go under, police, throw Palestinians out of their homes and force other countries will take that as a lesson that suppressing them to live in tents. Israel’s hundreds of checkpoints their populations by force works. This is a very big test on the west bank make it difficult, and sometimes for the entire world community. We are right to be impossible, for Palestinians to get to workplaces, schools, vigilant about Tunisia, and right to keep an anxious eye universities and hospitals. The Jordanian Foreign Minister on Egypt to ensure that the revolution there is not told me recently how, when he was travelling with the baulked or frustrated. But until the world takes action Palestinian President on the west bank in separate cars, to force Israel to deal justly with the Palestinians, the he felt obliged to invite the President to travel in his car, middle east will remain a turbulent and dangerous because the President’s own car was continually being region and a blot on all our consciences. stopped at checkpoints. 2.20 pm Mrs Ellman: Will my right hon. Friend give way? Mr Roger Gale (North Thanet) (Con): I should like Sir Gerald Kaufman: I will proceed for a moment. I to touch briefly on matters relating to Libya, and then, think I can anticipate the kind of thing my hon. Friend as chairman of the all-party group on Tunisia, to refer would say if I were to give way to her. The Israelis kill to that country. Palestinians whenever they feel inclined. They have I wish to revert to the comments that I made to the killed two this very week, and the blockade of Gaza—of Prime Minister following his statement to this House on 1.5 million people—is totally illegal. Rebuilding after Monday. In 1956, the Hungarians were led to believe by the havoc caused by the Israeli invasion has been minimal the United States that were there to be a revolution, the because of the Israeli embargo on the entrance of many Americans would give them support. There was a supplies. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency revolution. I remember sitting in our kitchen as a 13-year- reported to me on the appalling effect on nutrition of old, listening to a crackling valve radio, with a voice the Israeli blockade. Hundreds of thousands of Palestinian from Budapest screaming at us, “Help me, help me!” No children are growing up malnourished, and that affects help came. The US cavalry did not arrive, the Russian both their physical and mental growth. The estimable tanks rolled into Budapest, and the revolution was head of UNRWA, whom I have met several times, says crushed. A decade later, almost the same thing happened that the alleged easing of the blockade, following the in Czechoslovakia. Alexander Dubcek was removed, Israeli attack on the flotilla on 31 May, has made the the west did not help, the Russian tanks moved in, and situation worse. He himself has given up and is taking the revolution was crushed. I believe that unless the free on another assignment outside Palestine. Of course, the world stops talking and starts acting within the next Israeli navy does not hesitate to commit piracy in 48 hours, then as far as Libya is concerned, the Arab international waters, either. spring will be over, and that revolution, too, will be The Israelis have the most extremist Government in crushed. their history, with a Foreign Minister who is actively My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister took a racist and overtly advocates ethnic cleansing. The Israeli brave lead in calling for a no-fly zone, and he was Parliament, elected by proportional representation, which derided by the British media for sabre-rattling. That, of 529 North Africa and the Middle East17 MARCH 2011 North Africa and the Middle East 530 course, is precisely the same courageous British media papers that trigger the entire process will be deposited who are now complaining that the Americans are not at the end of this month or very early in April. That will backing a no-fly zone forcefully enough. lead to the opportunity for the creation of the election commission, the rules of the election, the electoral Richard Ottaway: Quite right. process, the electoral register, and the approval of that register. Tunisia has already extended an invitation to Mr Gale: My hon. Friend, the Chairman of the international election observers from the European Union Foreign Affairs Committee, says “Quite right”, but his to go to see fair play. I hope and believe that this view is that we should not act because we should not country will particularly wish to send observers and to walk to the drumbeat of the 24/7 media. I fear that we give the Tunisian interim Government every possible shall shortly be walking to the drumbeat of death if no help to ensure that the election is successful. action is taken. I repeat: in Tunisia, democracy is absolutely dependent The supply lines from Tripoli to Benghazi are long. It on economic success. Economic failure was the reason is a moot point as to whether Colonel Gaddafi’s regime for the revolution, and it could cause the country to fail can service troops entering Benghazi, so the logical again. I urge the Minister in responding to the debate to progression is that he will use his war planes. I do not state clearly that we are four-square behind that regime believe that Colonel Gaddafi will be remotely concerned and what it is trying to achieve, and that it has our good about bombing and rocketing the women and children will. of Libya. Unless the free world moves to take out the planes on the runways, innocent women and children To conclude, the Tunisian Foreign Minister yesterday will die, and the revolution will end. This morning, I passed Members a letter in which he said: received a telephone call from rebels currently in London. “I strongly believe that our two countries have the opportunity They told me that they have three aircraft that they have to further strengthen their friendship and partnership, on the used so far—sparingly, because they do not have the basis of common interests and common values.” resources to back them up. If the Arab spring is to survive and if those words are to My right hon. and learned Friend the Member for mean anything, Tunisia deserves and must have our Kensington (Sir Malcolm Rifkind) has referred to the support. lunacy of UN Security Council resolution 1970, which imposes an arms embargo on an already very uneven 2.29 pm playing field. Gaddafi’s regime has the weapons, the resources and the back-up; the rebels do not. At the very Mrs Louise Ellman (Liverpool, Riverside) (Lab/Co-op): least, therefore, the free world has to allow the rebels the In 1993, the current President of Israel, Shimon Peres, opportunity to obtain the equipment that they need to wrote a visionary book called “The New Middle East”, defend themselves. I do not believe that anybody can be in which, elated after the signing of the Oslo accords, he held to account for allowing people to fight for what wrote about his concept of a community of nations they believe to be right in their way and to defend their across the middle east. He said that four conditions women and children. I can only repeat: failure to act were required before that could become a reality: political will lead, within a very short time, to the end. What has stability, higher living standards, national security and been described as the defining moment will be a defining democratisation. I hope that in recent weeks we have moment in the failure of democracy, and those who seen the beginning of that democratisation spreading have failed to act will have the blood of the innocent on across the middle east. their hands. It may yet prove to be the defining moment At this stage, none of us can be certain whether that of Mr Obama’s legacy. will be successful. However, even now we can see that Turning to Tunisia, the entire process began as a what has happened over recent weeks and what has result not particularly of oppression, although of course come from the hearts of the people of the middle east that was a very relevant factor, but of unemployment. have given the lie to the commonly accepted view that Very many bright, well-educated and well-qualified people the only major conflict in the middle east is the Israeli- in Tunisia found themselves unable to earn a living. We Palestinian conflict and that Israel is responsible for all need to look carefully at what is happening in Tunisia the problems of the middle east. That has never been and what will happen unless we give the Tunisians true and now it evidently is not true. wholehearted support. There were some 400,000 jobs What is needed to solve the tragic conflict of the related to tourism in Tunisia prior to the revolution. clash of nationalisms between the Jewish people in the That translates into a dependency on tourism of some state of Israel and the Palestinians, two peoples who 2 million people—two in 10 of the population. Hatem deserve national determination in a land of their own? Atallah, the Tunisian ambassador, came to the House First, it is essential that there is a resumption of negotiations of Commons yesterday and told us that in the first three between Israelis and Palestinians to create two states. months of this year Tunisia’s tourism has effectively Much has been said about the impact of the WikiLeaks been halved. Of the 7 million visitors a year, 3 million revelations. Those revelations showed how close Palestinians came from Libya and related states, leaving 4 million and Israelis came to achieving a durable peace at the from France, Germany and the United Kingdom. They Annapolis conference in 2007. It is sad that when those need us to give them the support that will enable their leaks emerged, the Palestinian people realised that they businesses and commerce to survive. Without that, that simply did not know what their negotiators were doing. revolution could also fail. The message is very clear: it is The Israelis were very well aware of what the Israeli a 3,000-year-old civilisation, and it is open for business. negotiators were doing. What happened during the We must have faith in that. discussions at that conference shows that both sides On 25 July, the elections will be held. As my right were, and I hope are, willing to make the compromises hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary said, the campaign necessary for a durable peace. 531 North Africa and the Middle East17 MARCH 2011 North Africa and the Middle East 532

[Mrs Louise Ellman] communities in this country. It is leading to anti-Semitic discourse, as shown so graphically by the invaluable It is important that it is recognised that Israel has work of the Community Security Trust. genuine security issues. Two checkpoints were removed I shall give just one recent example of what has last month near Nablus. It is right that checkpoints are happened. On 2 February, on the campus of Edinburgh removed to support the development of the Palestinian university, a meeting was held at which Israeli diplomat economy, but it also has to be recognised that in the Ishmael Khaldi, a Muslim Bedouin, attempted to hold month following the removal of the those checkpoints, a discussion. There was organised opposition to that there have been two major incidents in or near Nablus. meeting, and the microphone was snatched from him. Only last week, the Fogel family were murdered, among He was forced to abandon the meeting, against cries of them three children. Their throats, including that of a “Nazi”. That is both absurd and deplorable. That three-month old baby, were slit in cold blood in their demonstration, like many others, was organised by the home. That was a harsh price to pay. Such atrocities Palestine Solidarity Campaign, an organisation that must be recognised, and it must be realised that Israel does not wish to see peace but wishes to sow the seeds of has genuine security issues. Much has been said of dissension. One of the consequences is that we are Israel’s action in Gaza in relation to its security. Just in being taken further and further away from peace, and the last few days, the Israeli navy seized a boat that had the seeds of anti-Semitism are being sown. 50 tonnes of weapons hidden in bags of Syrian lentils. It is vital that efforts are maintained to find a solution The boat was bound for Gaza and is thought to have to this complex problem. The two peoples have a right come from Iran. That was a genuine security issue. to a homeland, and the Jews in Israel and the Palestinians It is vital that proper recognition is given to the have a right to their land. All efforts must be made to nature of Hamas, which is running Gaza. Hamas’s bring both sides back to the negotiating table on the charter shows clearly what it is about. Its religious basis of creating two states. All the key issues—borders, convictions mean that it cannot accept the concept of a refugees and the need to share Jerusalem—must be Jewish state. It displays blatant anti-Semitism, such as resolved around the negotiating table. I applaud all in article 22 of its charter, which states that Jews efforts that bring that situation about. “amass great and substantive material wealth… With their money, they took control of the world media, news agencies, the press, 2.38 pm publishing houses, broadcasting stations, and others. With their money they stirred revolutions in various parts of the world with Martin Horwood (Cheltenham) (LD): Many of us are the purpose of achieving their interests and reaping the fruit inspired by what we have been seeing in the middle east therein. They were behind the French Revolution, the Communist and north Africa in recent weeks and by the courage revolution and most of the revolutions we…hear about.” and heroism of the protestors, particularly the young That is just one example of the blatant anti-Semitism of people who have lived their entire lives under repression. Hamas. That should be recognised by those who talk Equally, many of us feel sick at the prospect of repression loosely about “Jewish influence” impeding a solution of triumphing in many parts of the region. the Palestinian-Israeli issue. In that vein, I welcome many of the things that the Hamas recently attacked a United Nations Relief Foreign Secretary announced today. The new Arab and Works Agency school because it did not like girls partnership and the promise of practical support for and boys being educated together. It has also said that it what we hope are the emerging democracies of Egypt will prevent the teaching of the holocaust in Gaza, and Tunisia are excellent. I think he said that there because it believes that doing so would poison the would even be promotion of think-tanks. I am not minds of Palestinians. In recent days the Foreign Press entirely sure whether that is a good thing, but they are Association has bemoaned the clampdown on the press certainly better than the other kind of tank. in Gaza, while Hamas continues to attack those who do The Foreign Secretary also reported positive not belong to or support its organisation. developments in both countries, including the abolition In seeking a durable peace, it is also important that of their secret police organisations. That is welcome, we recognise the malevolent influence of Iran in both but there are also worrying reports, including the recent Lebanon and Gaza. In just the past week the Iranian one in Egypt about the forcible clearance of Tahrir supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has stated square. The experience of Europe, Latin America and again that Israel is a “cancerous tumour”. The problem the new African democracies is that old habits sometimes is not just about words, because by arming and training die hard among security forces. Perhaps we should take Hamas and Hezbollah, Iran is actively involved in up that theme with the Egyptian Government in particular preventing a negotiated peace between Palestinians and and with all the emerging democratic movements. Israelis. The involvement of Iran adds to the complexity It is also welcome that the Foreign Secretary described of the situation and must be recognised when people a bold and ambitious vision at the European level. A rush all too quickly, and without much thought, to positive vision of transforming the European condemn Israel as the reason why peace has not been neighbourhood and actively promoting freedom, reached. That is not the case. democracy, the rule of law and human rights is very Finally, it is vital that more is done on the domestic good indeed, as is the role of the European Bank for scene, and that there is a proper challenge to the hate Reconstruction and Development in that. I hope that talk against Jews and Israelis in this country and to the the Department for International Development will vicious boycott campaigns that are gathering force. also play an active role in considering how that programme The problem shows itself in many ways. It is leading to should be carried out. It is very important that the the attempt to create an atmosphere of intimidation on people of the middle east and north Africa see a democratic student campuses, where Jewish students feel increasingly dividend from their transition to democracy, and DFID uneasy, and disquiet is being caused among Jewish can play an important role in that. 533 North Africa and the Middle East17 MARCH 2011 North Africa and the Middle East 534

Sadly, however, freedom, democracy, the rule of law the shadow Foreign Secretary, who said that we should and human rights are not all that British Governments look at other imaginative ways of intervening, particularly have promoted in the region. In 2009, EU arms exports in respect of IT infrastructure, to make life impossible to Algeria, Egypt, Morocco and Tunisia, none of which for the Libyan regime. enjoyed good human rights records at the time, totalled The hon. Member for Mid Sussex (Nicholas Soames) ¤2.3 billion. Export licences granted by the previous made an eloquent speech in which he called for a Government—the most recent details I have are from complete policy rethink. There is a lot of truth in that. 2009—make disturbing reading. We sold tear gas to At UK, European and international level, we need to Bahrain, imaging cameras to Iran, bombs and missiles review how we can rapidly respond to situations such as to Egypt, anti-riot shields to Kuwait, crowd control the one in Libya. We need to do that quickly, because equipment and tear gas to Libya, crowd control ammunition similar situations could soon emerge elsewhere. to Qatar, small arms ammunition to Syria, armoured personnel carriers to Saudi Arabia and so on. For that reason, I welcome the Minister’s announcement on Mr MacShane: Is the hon. Gentleman aware that on 17 February that we were revoking many licences to 17 February I called on the Foreign Secretary to export to Bahrain, and his unambiguous statement on “agree to a wide review of UK foreign policy in the region before that day: it is too late”?—[Official Report, 17 February 2011; Vol. 523, c. 1136.] “We will not authorise any exports…we assess…might be used to facilitate internal repression.” I made that call, and I am glad that one month later That is an incredibly important announcement. more Government Members are supporting it.

Jeremy Corbyn: I agree with the burden of what the Martin Horwood: I am not sure what I am supposed hon. Gentleman says about arms sales and I welcome to say to that, except that I have already said that I the suspension of arms sales to Bahrain, but we still support a review of international policy. That has to pursue massive arms sales to Saudi Arabia, and the happen quickly. We also need to review—unfortunately— people dying on the streets of Bahrain are being killed how we treat brutal dictators who survive using violence with equipment that has been sent there from this and repression. That needs to be addressed urgently. At country. Does the hon. Gentleman agree that it is time an international level, we need a strategy for persuading to stop the whole arms sales policy to that region? Russia and China in particular—both quick enough to intervene in their neighbourhoods—that the international Martin Horwood: Bluntly, yes—the use of Saudi arms community’s responsibility to protect needs to become and armour in Bahrain, particularly in the context of a practical reality. Perhaps we also need some fresh today’s disturbing pictures of unarmed protesters being faces in the international community’s peace efforts, not shot in the streets by security forces, means that we must least in the context of the middle east, and Israel and question any continuing arms sales to countries that Palestine. In that vein, will Ministers tell us exactly what have records of repression. contribution and progress the former Prime Minister Tony Blair is making in his role as the Quartet’s special I regret that in the midst of the democratic revolutions, envoy? He was always a rather bizarre choice as a the Prime Minister, on his tour of the middle east, middle east peace envoy, and I would like to know which had many positive aspects, was nevertheless whether Ministers think the time has come for him to accompanied by representatives of BAE Systems, QinetiQ, go and to make way for fresh faces and those slightly the Cobham group, Thales UK, Babcock International more actively engaged in the massive changes taking and Atkins. place in the region. In the spirit of coalition, I remind Ministers of the Liberal Democrats’ pre-election criticism of arms sales The clear policy of Arab partnership also needs to to the region, and specifically to Libya, and of our extend to states and people currently overlooked. I will support for an international arms trade treaty and the end with one example that I hope Ministers will take prevention of arms sales to any regime that could use up: the case of Dr Kamal al-Labwani. He is a Syrian them for internal repression. That last objective has doctor, writer and artist who took part in the brief but now been strongly expressed by the Minister, but I hope unsuccessful Damascus spring in 2001 and the founder he confirms today that the sale of tear gas and crowd of the excellently named Liberal Democratic Union. In control ammunition to anyone is completely incompatible 2005, he was charged with weakening national morale with those objectives. and imprisoned. He was behaving only as a free citizen in a free country would have done—an extraordinarily There is a clear danger that Libya will not be seen in courageous approach once described in Europe by Vaclav future in the same light as Egypt and Tunisia; sadly, we Havel as living in truth—but it resulted in his imprisonment. might see it alongside Czechoslovakia, Rwanda, Bosnia The charge was changed to scheming with a foreign and Hungary as one of the great failures of the international country with the aim of causing it to attack Syria, and community to intervene on behalf of the people. I do he was sentenced to 12 years’ imprisonment. He is now not envy the Foreign Secretary the decisions he must on hunger strike, along with other prisoners in the Adra make, but I can assure him of Liberal Democrat support prison. His detention has been condemned by a UN for any belated action by the international community, working group on arbitrary detention as arbitrary and although he was right to be wary of any intervention contrary to the UN declaration of human rights, and there that could be described as “western”. That would be a is now disturbing news of fresh detentions and dangerous path to go down, and any intervention must disappearances, including of members of Dr al-Labwani’s be undertaken with wide international support. family, who bear no responsibility for any of his political I support the remarks made by the right hon. Member actions. If we are to have a real Arab partnership for for Paisley and Renfrewshire South (Mr Alexander), peace, democracy and reform in the region, it must 535 North Africa and the Middle East17 MARCH 2011 North Africa and the Middle East 536

[Martin Horwood] Libya, there would be no less of an argument for doing so in the case of Bahrain. However, if the United reach out to people such as Dr al-Labwani and other Nations Security Council agreed to a no-fly zone, it courageous members of democratic movements who should be supported by the international community at might not be in government, and not just to the emerging large. That would give legitimacy if any intervention democratic Governments. was to take place, but without such a resolution, there would be no legitimacy whatever. 2.48 pm One or two hon. Members who have spoken—including the hon. Member for Cheltenham (Martin Horwood), Mr David Winnick (Walsall North) (Lab): I want to who spoke a few moments ago—have rightly deplored comment on the Israeli-Palestinian dispute, but first on arms sales to Libya, but there was an arms fair in Libya north Africa I want to say that I, like everyone who has last November. I am not making a party point now—if spoken, welcome the popular uprisings that started in my side had been in government, that arms fair would Tunisia. The hon. Member for Mid Sussex (Nicholas obviously have taken place and we would have participated Soames) gave us the background to it: the suicide of the as a country—but is it not deplorable? We read of person involved and what followed in Tunisia, Egypt, France and other countries deploring what is happening, Libya and now Bahrain. However, I disagreed with him but information published by the Library shows that when he gave the impression that all along Britain has “Bombs, torpedoes, rockets, missiles…other explosives” been on the side of those in Arab countries seeking freedom, dignity and respect. That has not been the were all sold to Libya by France and Germany, including position—I only wish it had been. some no doubt sold by us. They are being used now against the Libyan people, so I ask the question: when One of the few advantages of age is that one can we sold that ammunition, who did we believe it was remember what has happened in the past in one’s own going to be used against? I think the answer is pretty lifetime. Sixty years ago, there was a reforming Iranian obvious. Government with Mossadegh as Prime Minister. In no way was he ever accused—it would have been farcical Let me say a few words in the time I have left about had he been—of being an Islamist or connected with the Israel-Palestine dispute. My remarks will be somewhat terrorism. The truth was far from it. However, that different in tone from those of my right hon. Friend the reforming Government was overthrown by Britain and Member for Manchester, Gorton (Sir Gerald Kaufman) the United States, and of course a few years later came and my hon. Friend the Member for Liverpool, Riverside the sad and tragic Suez episode. We do not have an (Mrs Ellman). It goes without saying that I deplore the honourable record, and I only wish that we did. murder of the Fogel family which occurred last week. There could be absolutely no justification, no matter It came as no surprise to anyone—certainly not to what policies Israel had pursued, for that murder, which me—that Gaddafi’s murderous regime refused to give was absolutely deplorable. I totally agree with every way, as happened in Egypt and Tunisia. Gaddafi was single word that my hon. Friend the Member for Liverpool, determined to stay on with his cronies. What is happening Riverside said about anti-Semitism, whether from Hamas in Libya now is deplorable to say the least, and the or sources in this country. I recently had a letter in a International Criminal Court should certainly keep a newspaper where I again made it clear that there should careful record and prepare the necessary indictment of be total condemnation of every aspect of anti-Semitism, Gaddafi and those responsible. However, as I have and I doubt whether anyone here would disagree. argued in the past fortnight, I am not persuaded that western military intervention in that country would be Similarly, what I am about to say should in no way be the right course to pursue, let alone any unilateral interpreted as any kind of justification for the murders, action by Britain. It would be interpreted in most parts but some 1,355 Palestinian children have been killed as of the Arab world—if not by the Governments, then by a result of Israeli military action in the occupied territories the population—as an attempt once again to control a since 2000. There is obviously a difference. However country because of its oil resources, and would be much we deplore the military action, there is a difference looked on as a colonial or imperialist intervention. As I between what I have just described and the deliberate said in an intervention on the Foreign Secretary, if we murders that took place last weekend, but can anyone were to intervene in Libya, why not in Bahrain? What imagine what the parents of those Palestinian children would be the argument for intervening militarily in one must have gone through as they watched their children country, but refusing to do so in Bahrain? There would being killed? A book has been published recently about be absolutely no logic to it. a Palestinian surgeon whose three daughters were killed. He has no desire for revenge; he wants reconciliation Rory Stewart (Penrith and The Border) (Con): May I and a settlement. This is all part of the ongoing tragedy politely suggest to the hon. Gentleman that the answer of a dispute that continues year after year. At the end of depends on the difference between Bahrain and Libya? October last year, 256 Palestinian children were in Israeli We cannot adopt a world view that assumes that all detention, including 34 between the ages of 12 and 15. those countries are the same; it is the specificities of I respect my hon. Friend the Member for Liverpool, those countries that are relevant. Riverside, and I respect the way in which she defends Israel at every opportunity, but I did not hear one single Mr Winnick: Yes, of course there are differences, and word of criticism of Israel in her speech. I have already no matter how non-democratic Bahrain is, I am not said that I endorse her condemnation of anti-Semitism. suggesting that it is on the same level as Gaddafi’s As far as the occupied territories are concerned, however, regime, but there has already been a foreign intervention there seems to be no recognition by Israel that the in Bahrain. What I am saying—and I do not see how it settlements are completely illegal under international could be contradicted—is that if we were to intervene in law. Such settlements now occupy 42% of the land area 537 North Africa and the Middle East17 MARCH 2011 North Africa and the Middle East 538 of the west bank. Indeed, that was the figure last June; a freedom for religion and freedom from religion, equal large amount of construction has taken place since justice under the law, laws based on individual rights then. What justification exists for that? It is being done and women’s rights and an independent judiciary. The in defiance of international law. UK should not press for immediate free elections without I am very pleased indeed that the British Government the fundamental pillars of democracy being in place. If supported the resolution deploring such settlements, democracy is not nurtured and built steadily, radicals although the resolution was unfortunately vetoed by will emerge. This will not only drive a wedge between the United States. I am not in the habit of congratulating Israel and the Arab world, but deepen the divide between this Government, but I am also very pleased that the the west and the Islamic world. Palestinian delegation here has now been upgraded to a Recent history has shown that having free elections in mission. That is the right course of action, and I am a country, without the entrenched safeguards of a genuine sure that it is fully supported by those on my Front democracy, can result in the election of oppressive and Bench. undemocratic organisations. These dangers were witnessed in 2006, following the election of the Palestinian terrorist Stephen Twigg (Liverpool, West Derby) (Lab/Co-op) group Hamas, which subsequently launched a violent indicated assent. civil war to oust the moderate opposition group, Fatah. We also saw it in1979 in Iran after the Shah was Mr Winnick: Israel, and those who support it, often toppled. Within nine months, radical Islamists cemented refer to their wish for two states, but I do not see how their control of the country with the election of the that can be taken to be genuine if, at the same time, they ayatollahs. use every opportunity to build further settlements in It will take time for legitimate political movements to such a way that makes it almost impossible for a viable establish themselves in Egypt, after several decades in Palestinian state to come into existence. which the extreme Islamist organisation, the Muslim If, as we all now recognise, there is a wish in the Arab Brotherhood, stood as the only alternative, albeit outlawed, world for a new life, for dignity, for the rule of law and to President Hosni Mubarak’s monolithic national for being able to work and to hold a similar position to democratic party. The Muslim Brotherhood, as the only those in the western world, why cannot the Palestinians large organised opposition group, could use elections to have those things too? Do they deserve any less? How get into power before completely abandoning democratic long must they remain under almost military colonial structures. It is one of the world’s most influential occupation? The Palestinian people have a right to a Islamist movements, guided by an expansionist and land and a state of their own, and I only hope that that anti-Israel agenda, and its goal is to implement strict will come about in my lifetime. sharia law, which is the antithesis of democracy. The Muslim Brotherhood leader, Kamal al-Halbawi issued 2.58 pm a series of provocative statements on a trip to Iran in this month, and expressed his hope that Egypt would Mr Matthew Offord (Hendon) (Con): We have certainly become a “true Islamic state”. heard some interesting contributions in the debate today. The political future of Egypt has implications that go Unfortunately, the previous speaker was not one of far beyond that country’s borders. The UK Government them. must provide support for Egypt during this important Following the collapse of the Berlin wall, many political transition period while making it clear to the current commentators were left considering what the implications military leadership that it must continue to meet its would be, beyond that of a reunified Germany. Since regional responsibilities. Egypt has a critical role to play then, we have seen changes in immigration across Europe, in promoting Israel-Arab dialogue: indeed, its peace as well as different forms of terrorism being promoted treaty with Israel remains the cornerstone of wider and the economic markets being subjected to different peace and stability throughout the region. It is in the problems from those that they had experienced before interest of the international community, Egypt and the the fall of the wall. wider middle east that this agreement remains firmly in I urge Members to consider what the implications of place. The UK Government should also strongly urge the recent unrest and demonstrations in the middle east Egypt’s military authorities to continue to confront will be. The collapse of authoritarian regimes in Tunisia radicalism, particularly by taking an active role in preventing and Egypt as a result of the region-wide uprising provides the flow of weapons to Hamas in Gaza. Last week’s a unique opportunity for the development of genuine terror attack in Itamar, which claimed the lives of five democracy in the middle east. The Government must Israeli civilians, along with the recent seizure of Iranian- not, however, make the same mistake as occurred in supplied weapons designated for terrorists is a reminder Iraq, by introducing a political vacuum that extremism that extremist elements pose an ever-present danger to will fill. regional peace efforts. In Egypt, the cultural and political heart of the Arab A truly democratic Egypt that promotes regional world and a strategic pillar of EU policy in the region, peace is of paramount interest for the UK. The UK the stakes are immense. The emergence of a democratic Government can contribute to this by helping to foster Egypt could serve as a moderating element throughout the traditions and institutions of a democratic society the region and promote a more stable, peaceful and and by actively encouraging the country to continue to progressive middle east. play a positive and stabilising role in the region. Democracy is, however, more than mere elections. To In mentioning the middle east, commentators often avoid having a repressive Government freely elected, it focus on Israel itself. Her detractors, as we have already is first necessary to introduce and firmly establish institutions heard this afternoon, claim human rights abuses, while of democracy such as a free press, free speech, a constitution, her supporters speak of a beacon of democracy. I 539 North Africa and the Middle East17 MARCH 2011 North Africa and the Middle East 540

[Mr Matthew Offord] Alistair Burt: I will not give the answer quite yet, but I signed off the question this morning, and it is therefore believe now is the moment when we can all unite to seek in my mind. I will ensure that the text is available to me a better middle east. Now that the opportunity has in time for my winding-up speech so that I can make arisen, the Government must ensure that the Quartet, one or two references to it. The hon. Gentleman can be with Tony Blair as its representative, takes a leading role sure that a very good and complete answer is well on its in making it happen. For too long, there has been a way to him. political myopia as to what is happening in the middle east beyond the borders of Israel. Our debate today Jeremy Corbyn: I would expect nothing less, but I provides an opportunity to address that and reveal to should have loved to have it before the debate so that the world the truth about what we can achieve in the I could have referred to it. That is why I tabled the middle east. question. However, I thank the Backbench Business Committee for securing the debate in the first place. 3.4 pm We need to embark on a complete reappraisal of our Jeremy Corbyn (Islington North) (Lab): This is a very policy on the whole region. We cannot go on supporting important and valuable debate, in which a wide range of potentates and dictators, absolute monarchs and abuses opinions have been expressed. I was disappointed that of human rights. We cannot continue to sell arms, tear the hon. Member for Hendon (Mr Offord) should make gas, riot shields and all kinds of weapons of destruction, such an unpleasant remark about my hon. Friend the and then not be surprised when they are used. As my Member for Walsall North (Mr Winnick), who had hon. Friend the Member for Walsall North said in expressed a perfectly legitimate and well thought-out relation to the sale of arms to Libya, who on earth was point of view. Remarks of that kind do no credit to the supposed to be attacking Libya? Why should it require debate. such a vast array of armoury, along with Saudi Arabia Mr Winnick: I am most grateful to my hon. Friend—what among other countries? We need to think carefully he has said is very kind—but in view of what the hon. about that. Member for Hendon (Mr Offord) said, I must say that According to an article in the online edition of The any insult from him is a compliment indeed. Guardian, Mr Offord: Likewise. “NMS took up to 50 British companies to arms fairs in Libya in 2008 and last November. The last exhibition reportedly showcased Jeremy Corbyn: I am glad that I have helped to military wares such as artillery systems, anti-tank weapons, and perpetuate the sense of equality that we are observing infantry weapons.” this afternoon. All those are being used as we speak. As for the question Obviously, this is a vital debate. My hon. Friend the of arms sales, the Campaign Against Arms Trade refers Member for Walsall North rightly drew attention to its to historical connotations, and to Britain’s historical “UK weapons used against pro-democracy protesters in the Middle involvement in the region. We tend to delude ourselves East”, in the House that Britain is seen as a benign liberal and goes on to report: democracy that never operates out of self-interest but is “The UK sold tear gas, crowd control armament and sniper concerned only with the greater good of mankind as a rifles to Libya and Bahrain in 2010.″ whole, and that we seek to promote the rule of law, As we speak, they are being used against protesters democracy and independence throughout the world. there. The Prime Minister, rather bizarrely, took a number Sadly, the history of Britain’s involvement in north of arms salespersons with him on his recent trip. Only a Africa and the middle east hardly adds up to that. We year before that, we were selling equipment to Saudi have seen, for instance, the 1952 coup in Iran and all its Arabia that is currently being used in Bahrain. And so subsequent ramifications, the Suez operation in 1956, the list goes on and on. the United States bombing of Libya in 1986 when the planes took off from this country, the obsessive dealing We cannot continue to assume that none of that has in arms in exchange for oil, and the turning of a blind anything to do with us. It is time that we changed our eye to volumes and volumes of human rights abuses in policy on arms sales completely, and ceased to have an countries that we claim are close friends of ours. economy that is apparently so dependent on the sale of Last week I tabled what I thought was a perfectly arms to so many people around the world. You cannot innocuous and reasonable question to the Secretary of sell arms and then complain about human rights abuses State, asking him to tell me on which occasions since when those arms are used against people who suffer as a June last year result. “human rights issues have been raised with… (a) Morocco, (b) Tunisia, (c) Algeria, (d) Libya,(e) Egypt, (f) Yemen, (g) Saudi Mr MacShane: On 17 February, the Foreign Secretary Arabia and (h) Bahrain”. said that the UK I was very disappointed to be told that the Minister “would strongly oppose any interference in the affairs of Bahrain would answer “shortly”. I hope that he will answer by other nations”—[Official Report, 17 February 2011; Vol. 523, shortly— c. 1135.] Is my hon. Friend aware of any statement from the The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Foreign Office calling on the Saudis immediately to and Commonwealth Affairs (Alistair Burt) rose— withdraw their invasion force? Jeremy Corbyn: I will give way to the Minister immediately so that he can give me the answer to my Jeremy Corbyn: I am not aware of any such statement, question. and I wish there was such a statement, because the Gulf 541 North Africa and the Middle East17 MARCH 2011 North Africa and the Middle East 542

Co-operation Council sending forces into Bahrain is an they were delighted with the removal of President Ben invasion and an occupation, and is resulting in a great Ali, but they were frightened about the possible return deal of oppression of people in Bahrain at present. of the Ben Ali regime in a different guise through the I want to mention three further specific matters. power of the security services and patronage in the Palestine has been raised on a number of occasions, and state. They were therefore frightened of what may well there are a lot of issues to do with Palestine; indeed, last happen in the future. weekend I was at a conference dealing with Palestinian I was talking to some students in the central square prisoner issues. I shall refer to just one astonishing fact, who were very effectively kettling a group of army however: since 1967, Israeli occupation forces have arrested officers and soldiers, as well as their equipment and more than 800,000 Palestinians, and at present there are tanks. It was slightly bizarre to see a lot of students thought to be 6,600 Palestinians in Israeli prisons, including keeping the army in a square, because in most children, elected members of the Palestinian Authority, demonstrations I have been on if the army turns up, a number of prisoners who are in isolation and at least people generally think it is bad news. These students 1,000 who are deprived of any kind of family visit. thought it was good news to keep the army there Those are abuses of the human rights of those individuals. because, as they explained to me, a vast array of European- Add that to the construction of the wall, add that to the supplied anti-riot equipment was around the corner in settlement policy, add that to the checkpoints, add that the hands of the riot police and they thought that to the imprisonment of the people of Gaza, add that to keeping the army in the square would keep the police the huge levels of unemployment resulting in Gaza, add out because they probably would not fire on the army. It that to the ethnic cleansing of the Palestinians living in was therefore a perfectly logical choice to make. the Negev desert, add that to the removal of Israeli- I discussed with the students what their hopes for the Palestinian homes in Haifa and Jaffa—add all that up future were, and the answers were diverse; there was no and what we clearly get is a constant harassment of all coherent central theme to what they wanted, except the Palestinian people. freedom to demonstrate, freedom of assembly, freedom I hope that we are serious about human rights, but of expression and so on. When I asked them whether Israel has been building the wall and continuing the they wanted western help they said, “No, because when settlements in defiance of all international law and all the west comes in it never leaves. We want to do this pressures to the contrary. Where are the condemnations ourselves and we want to achieve something different and the sanctions? Where is the public discussion in the ourselves.” west of Israel’s behaviour and policy? I do not want any Amnesty International has sent out a very interesting bombing or assassinations—I do not want any murders briefing, pointing out the abuses of human rights and or killings—but we see a whole process of hate developing the shootings of people that have gone on in so many because there is no condemnation of what is being countries: Tunisia, Algeria, Sudan, Egypt, Bahrain, Oman done, which is so damaging to the Palestinian people. and Saudi Arabia. The list goes on and on, and it One issue that has not so far been raised is the includes Yemen, describing what is happening there at situation in Morocco, and the Moroccan occupation of the moment. There is a common theme, which relates the Western Sahara and the several hundred thousand not only to the thirst for peace and democracy, but to Sahrawi people who have been in refugee camps in an economic issue. So many of those countries have Algeria since 1975. I hope that one day the UN through adopted economic policies that resulted in mass youth MINURSO—the United Nations Mission for the unemployment. This is about the anger of young people Referendum in Western Sahara—will take on a human who see no future and no security for themselves in an rights role, which I think it should have, and that it will oppressive state that has been largely supported by the succeed in carrying out the decolonisation statutes, west. which would give the people of the Western Sahara a We need to think very carefully. We need to express a right of self-determination. great deal of hope about what is going on throughout There is now a third generation of residents in those the region, but military intervention has brought problems refugee camps in Algeria, hoping one day to be able to in every place that we have been in in the past. I go home. Can we imagine what that must be like? It is understand all the arguments for a no-fly zone over not good enough for Morocco to say, “Well, there can Libya, but I do not see how it will do anything other be a degree of autonomy in the Western Sahara.” than exacerbate an already tense situation. Under international law, it is absolutely clear that, as a former Spanish colony, Western Sahara should, on removal of the colonial power, have the right of self- 3.17 pm determination. That right has been denied to the Sahrawi Rory Stewart (Penrith and The Border) (Con): This people. It is a sore that runs through their feelings and debate is, of course, an extraordinary phenomenon. We that runs through the whole region. Again, that can be have been stuck in intervention for the past 20 years. We the start of a problem for the future. I am well aware have spent $3 trillion, we have had 100,000 lives lost and that the Minister has some sympathy with the views we have had more than 1 million soldiers pass through that I am expressing. The all-party group on Western Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan, yet we do not Sahara had a useful meeting with him, and I hope he seem to have a clear answer on what we do in Libya. will be able to give us some further news on this issue in The lessons that we are taking from history are very his speech. dubious. People are referring to Bosnia, but they are Three weeks ago I went on a short visit to Tunisia, forgetting that Bosnia was a sovereign, independent where I spent a lot of time talking to people of all state when it asked for assistance—the entire debate in political persuasions: those of the left, the centre, a the Security Council was completely different. We fail number of Islamic groups and others. It was clear that also to understand ourselves. As hon. Members from all 543 North Africa and the Middle East17 MARCH 2011 North Africa and the Middle East 544

[Rory Stewart] We need to be cautious. A lot of nonsense is talked about democratisation and it is very easy for us to parts of the House have mentioned, we fail to understand imagine that we can somehow go into someone else’s our own tendency to be unable to do something with society and create civil society and good governance passionate moderation. We shift quickly from dipping and eliminate corruption when those are not things that our toe in the water to being submerged up to our we have proved very able to do in Kenya, Nepal or neck—we go from a no-fly zone into a troop deployment. Afghanistan. That does not mean, however, that we can The final thing that we misunderstand—this is the do nothing. reason why we need to lift our eyes from Libya—is the The lesson from the experience of central and eastern way in which we are increasingly perceived in the middle Europe is that progress is possible, but the kind of east after our interactions with Iraq and Afghanistan. If progress we should make is exactly the kind of progress we were discussing this immediately after the events in that we have been speaking about. I applaud what the Kosovo, the whole debate would be completely different. Government have said about access—to markets and to If those events had just happened, we would be able to people—but the lesson from eastern Europe is that that stand up and say, “We don’t care that the Russians are needs to be adjusted. What was very smart about what blocking us in the Security Council. We have done a we did in eastern Europe was that our policy, for good job in Kosovo and we are going to do the same example, towards Slovakia was different from our policy thing in Libya.” But the intervening 10 years have made towards the Czech Republic—we were more open towards that option impossible, which is why the Government’s the Czech Republic, and people in Slovakia saw that position is the correct one. and moved. Too often, our policy towards north Africa If I understand it correctly, the Government’s position has been a one-size-fits-all policy. We now need a policy is to push strongly for a no-fly zone, but a no-fly zone that not only no longer says that Tunisia is simply only with strong international backing. Many people within France’s sphere of influence—that we will not do on both sides of the House have suggested that that is a anything about Tunisia because that is a French affair—but paradox and that it is somehow impossible. They say, says that Tunisia might deserve different treatment from “Either you push for a no-fly zone or you don’t. Your countries such as Libya, and that Egypt might deserve rhetoric has to be matched with your action. If you different treatment from countries such as Morocco. think you have a humanitarian right and an obligation, you should do it regardless of the international politics.” Mr MacShane: The hon. Gentleman is making a That no longer makes sense. It is perfectly consistent to fascinating speech. Frankly, the comparisons with 1989 say that we have a moral right and a moral duty to are wrong, because this is more like the crushing of impose a no-fly zone but will not do so without the what happened in Hungary or Prague than a gentle support of the United Nations. One of the most important transition to democracy. We should never forget that things to remember in that context is not Russia but Mrs Thatcher did not support German unification at Brazil, India and South Africa—the emerging powers that time. In 1980, when Solidarnosc was suppressed, who are not, at the moment, on our side. If we try to many countries were quite happy to see stability restored lurch into this thing without bringing with us what will and caution was the watchword of the day. probably be the majority of the countries in the world, On the hon. Gentleman’s narrow point about how we it will be extremely unwise and very dangerous. Does treat Tunisia, when I was Europe Minister I tried to get that mean that we should do nothing? No. It means that Tunisia, Morocco and Algeria switched to the European we need to lift our eyes above Libya. We need to see the department of the Foreign Office, but the Africanists incredible potential in this region, if we are patient, over put their little feet down and said, “No, they belong the next 20 to 30 years. permanently to Africa.” Will he talk to his colleagues at We tend, I think, to get caught up in exactly what the Foreign Office and get those countries treated as happens when a helicopter lands near Benghazi, rather part of the broader south Mediterranean and European than keeping our eyes on Egypt and Tunisia and on hinterland rather than African ex-colonies? what the middle east and north Africa mean to us. They mean so much to us. It is not just that they are on the Rory Stewart: I disagree very strongly and I think other side of the Mediterranean. It is not just that they that in 10 to 20 years’ time, the right hon. Gentleman have this incredible young, unemployed population who will have been proved wrong. I think the situation is are both a potential source of prosperity for their own equivalent to 1989 and that is the direction in which nations and for us and a potential threat to us. We also those countries are heading. It is patronising and mistaken have much greater leverage on those countries than on of him to believe that this is simply a repeat of the 1950s the nations that are much further away, such as Afghanistan. and 1960s. The relationships between France and Morocco and Let us look at Libya specifically. Gaddafi is going to between Italy and Libya—indeed, around the whole be a very peculiar, eccentric and isolated figure even Mediterranean littoral—are so close that that region is within his own country. Everything is shifting against definitely within Europe’s sphere of influence. If we can that man. When he came to power, the population was move from panicking about exactly what is happening rural and there was an anti-colonial movement. He now in Libya to considering how to invest over the next 10 to faces a situation in which 80% of Libyans live in cities in 30 years and how to put ourselves in a position where which he is perceived as a colonial oppressor. He has all the talk about what we do to make this our 1989 and gone from the bloodless revolution that brought him to to make the middle east and north Africa another power four decades ago to a bloody attack on his own example, along with central and eastern Europe, of how people. What we are hearing in Egypt and Tunisia is not we can move countries to a more prosperous, democratic some accidental, sporadic pop-up that will be constrained future, it will obviously be good for us and for them. by inevitable forces of tyranny or Arabic culture. It is 545 North Africa and the Middle East17 MARCH 2011 North Africa and the Middle East 546 probably something closer to what we have seen in to give the prestige and investment to our energies in central and eastern Europe and in Latin America in the north Africa and the middle east that was given to those past 20 to 30 years. Furthermore, it is in our political countries. and moral interests to support it. Even if I am wrong If we get those things right and we keep to the and it is not an inevitability but only a probability that principles on Libya that the Government have put in things are going in that direction, it is the direction in play—first, clarity; secondly, a coalition; thirdly, a which we should be pushing. This is Britain’s opportunity recognition that we can set strategic direction without and Europe’s moment, and that is the direction we need having to rush in with our troops; and finally, institutional to go in. investment over the next 10 to 20 years in our relationships with these countries—I think we will find that although Ms Gisela Stuart (Birmingham, Edgbaston) (Lab): I we can do much less than we pretend, we can do much take absolutely no issue with the hon. Gentleman’s more than we fear. comment that it is our political and moral duty to do that. However, at the risk of rehearsing European history, 3.30 pm the 10 countries that joined the European Union in 2004 were democracies before the iron curtain fell, so Mr William Bain (Glasgow North East) (Lab): It is a we were restoring democracy and we did it within the pleasure to speak in the debate and to follow the interesting framework of membership of the European Union. It is and thought-provoking speech made by the hon. Member different. for Penrith and The Border (Rory Stewart). We are living through extraordinary times when a Rory Stewart: I thank the hon. Lady for those comments. single incident in Tunisia has sparked a movement The last thing that I, or any of us, want is to be against dictatorship and repression, and a movement starry-eyed about this. The differences that she has for democracy, human rights and freedom, throughout raised are incredibly important and have to be considered the regions of north Africa and the middle east. It is in relation to how we speak to the middle east. The still too early to say whether these times possess the whole movement in central and eastern Europe and the precise significance of the events that led to the fall of ability to speak about democracy, liberty and joining the communist regimes in eastern Europe in the late NATO and the European Union was driven by the 1980s and early 1990s, but the international community history of the 1930s and by the cold war. The language must ensure through its collective action over the coming on the streets in the middle east today is very different. I days and weeks that the Arab spring does not become am afraid that George Bush has done a great disservice simply another Prague spring. While democracy should to words such as liberty, equality and democracy—words never be imposed by external forces, we should endeavour that were on the lips of Vaclav Havel—which do not sit to assist those who are campaigning for human rights so easily today when we talk to those countries. We need and freedoms in their hour of need. new words and I was pleased to hear the hon. Member Let me turn first to the most pressing area of concern: for Mid Sussex (Nicholas Soames) talk instead about Libya. The unrest there began on 16 February following dignity and justice. We need a whole new language and the arrest of Fathi Terbil, the human rights lawyer, and it needs to be driven by them, not us. Freedom is not peaceful demonstrations in the east of the country, something that is given but something that is taken. which for many years has been left in a state of under- All those words of caution need to be considered, but development by the Gaddafi regime. Those protests led we can, nevertheless, have a constructive role over the to a widespread rebellion against the regime and then next 20 to 30 years in helping the middle east and north the bloody fight back that the regime has launched Africa be more stable, more prosperous and more humane against its own people. It is clear that the Gaddafi than today. That is our mission. That is what we have to regime has lost its authority to remain in power, and the put our weight behind and is where we need to invest, Libyan people should be supported in their efforts to which means a number of things for our foreign policy. remove it. Rhetorically and financially we have been stuck in Asia. There is a need for immediate action by the international Financially, if we include debts and veterans’ costs, we community to prevent further attacks by the Gaddafi are spending more than £7 billion a year in Afghanistan. regime on the protestors and the interim national council. Rhetorically, we have been in China and Brazil for good While we have been engaged in this debate, the BBC reasons—they are big emerging countries—but this is a and Reuters have said that air strikes have been reported wake-up call about what is going on at the other end of on the outskirts of Benghazi and at Benghazi airport, the Mediterranean, which, in demographic, energy, religious so the situation is clearly fast-moving. If the regime and security terms will prove to be more important to launches a brutal counter-attack, there is a strong possibility our institutions and future than we have acknowledged of a severe loss of life in Benghazi, so the international in the past five to 10 years. We therefore need to invest community must be ready to consider measures such as in institutions. a ceasefire and a no-fly zone over Libya. Latest reports, I absolutely celebrate what the Foreign Office is doing and indeed the Foreign Secretary’s opening speech, in recruiting more Arabists. We need people who can indicate that the UN Security Council might consider focus on Azeri and people who speak different languages. and vote on the draft resolution on Libya in the next There are not enough British ambassadors in the middle few days. east who speak fluent Arabic. We need to make sure Views differ about the nature of any no-fly zone. that Tunisia is no longer seen as some French extension General McPeak, the former US air force chief of staff and we also need to take into account the lessons from who helped to oversee no-fly zones in Iraq and the European enlargement. We need to look at the way in Adriatic, has advocated a no-fly zone over rebel-held which the Commission approached Bulgaria, Romania, areas, which would not require the incapacitation of air Poland, the Czech Republic and Slovakia and we need defence systems. Other no-fly zones have been extremely 547 North Africa and the Middle East17 MARCH 2011 North Africa and the Middle East 548

[Mr William Bain] UNICEF in its efforts to make an immediate response to alleviate the humanitarian crisis as soon as it can demanding to police, as they have required AWACS, safely enter the country. aircraft refuelling support and round-the-clock monitoring. The key point is that the international community We should be mindful of what we might ask of the cannot abandon the Libyan people in this time of need. pilots involved in policing a no-fly zone, as well as the This must not be another situation like 1992 where, risk of incidents of friendly fire. A no-fly zone did not having supported the Shi’a community in Iraq, we then stop the Srebrenica massacre in 1995, but if such a abandoned them when Saddam began to attack them measure proves vital for humanitarian reasons in the and gave little other than moral support thereafter. coming days and weeks, the Security Council should In the few moments remaining I will turn to some of follow the lead of the Arab League. the other states in the neighbouring areas. In Bahrain, movement towards a genuine constitutional monarchy Bob Stewart (Beckenham) (Con): A no-fly zone did seems to me to be the most likely step to bring about not stop what happened in Srebrenica—I was there reconciliation and progress. Other middle east Governments earlier than that—but the no-fly zone over Bosnia was must respond to the movements for political and economic ineffective because it was not properly set up. If we are reform, such as those in Saudi Arabia and Yemen. As going to do something, let us do it properly and make many Members have said, we need to revive the Israeli- sure that it works—otherwise forget it. Palestinian peace process and secure a viable Palestinian state, cohabiting alongside an Israeli state, in order to Mr Bain: The hon. Gentleman makes an important begin the process of providing a better future for people point, and one I will refer to later in my remarks. in the region. We ought to follow the lead of the opposition national I saw some very interesting data from the Pew global council and the EU and take the steps required to attitudes project last year, which found a decline in protect against future and further atrocities by the support in the Muslim world for radicalism and terrorist regime. There are important contrasts with the more attacks. I think that that shows the genuine beliefs of complex no-fly zone that operated in Iraq between 1991 the people in the middle east. They want peace and and 2003, which required on average 34,000 sorties a security and, above all, economic development and year, at an annual cost of nearly $1.5 billion. Shashank reform. As Secretary of State Clinton set out in her Joshi said recently: speech in Doha on 13 January, there are many signs of the potential for a new and innovative middle east, but “In Libya, by contrast, NATO might only need to cover Tripoli, its transport corridors, and… urban areas threatened by there are also huge problems, such as mass youth Qadhafi loyalists.” unemployment, which is approaching 20%, a stagnant political order and depleted resources. We in the west As he also pointed out this week, arming the opposition can play our part by securing a completion of the WTO would cause a serious risk. Portable anti-aircraft missiles Doha round to liberalise trade and to encourage growth could slip out of responsible hands and be used against in poorer states, and by building links between the EU western targets, and small arms proliferation is already and the middle east and north Africa. a blight in that part of the world. Developing civil society, helping to reform the economy and helping the peoples of the middle east and north Mr Cash: Does the hon. Gentleman realise what he Africa to increase their human rights and freedoms will has just said? I think that he said that we should not be vital to their future and to the security of the region, arm the resistance movement. Does he realise that and in an interconnected world it will be increasingly Richard Dannatt and many others who have great important for our security here at home in Britain, too. experience are calling for these people to be properly armed? Otherwise, there will be a massacre. Does he 3.40 pm really appreciate what he is saying? Laura Sandys (South Thanet) (Con): My mind has been expanded by many people’s contributions today. Mr Bain: There is a range of views on this, and we We have looked at the situation in the middle east from should proceed very carefully and in full recognisance many different perspectives, and I was interested to hear of all the arguments before taking steps over the next the hon. Member for Glasgow North East (Mr Bain) few days, particularly on arms. talk about trade issues. I will begin by looking at what It is clear that any no-fly zone would require a sound has been going in the middle east and its wider diplomatic legal mandate invoking chapter VII of the UN charter impact on us, and then I will come back to the pressing where possible. There are also practical difficulties in issue of what we must do for the 1 million people in enforcing a no-fly zone against helicopters, as a breach Benghazi. of it might require attacks against ground targets. The world has changed fundamentally. It has changed The humanitarian situation in Libya and its neighbouring financially in the past four years, and now our diplomatic states has worsened over the past few weeks, with the policy, which has held for decades in the middle east, UN High Commissioner for Refugees reporting that has been shaken. Stability, over legitimacy, has been the more than 280,000 people have fled Libya and crossed watchword, but now we have reversed that and need to the borders into Tunisia and Egypt. This week, the ensure that not only we as a country but Europe and the UNHCR reported that people seeking to flee combat west are at the forefront of this new, emerging and areas in search of refuge are unable to do so or are neighbouring area in the middle east. being prevented from doing so, with a particularly We face a new world order, with not only instability critical situation affecting trapped refugees and asylum in the middle east, but changing priorities for some of seekers who have been detained. We should support our closest allies, and that requires a revised response 549 North Africa and the Middle East17 MARCH 2011 North Africa and the Middle East 550 from this country—a reshaping of our approach to resolution allow for arms to enter Benghazi as part of diplomacy. Dealing with volatility diplomatically is always the UN right to protect? Are we able to adopt new difficult, and certainty is most certainly elusive in the mechanisms that reflect our support for people over middle east and north Africa, but the desire for certainty their Governments? I ask one question of the Government: must not tempt us to back winners throughout the are they offering support for the Libyan rebels in support region. of their desire and need to establish a small enclave very Many, including myself, think that it might be more quickly? I am looking to see whether it would be possible than 10 years before we can see an exact pattern—an to establish a humanitarian state over a short period exact level of stability—in countries that are going and create a humanitarian protectorate immediately. through such fundamental change, but it would be extremely We need game-changers, because the game has changed. dangerous if we at this stage chose who we believed were I hope that the new, more creative and immediate going to be the Governments or the winners in those responses that we need will be put in place quickly countries, so we need to be cautious of supporting one enough to save the 1 million people in Benghazi. iteration of these dynamic events over another. We need to be seen to be the supporters of the 3.47 pm citizens of those countries, rather than of their Ms Gisela Stuart (Birmingham, Edgbaston) (Lab): It Governments. If their future Governments reflect the is a pleasure to follow the hon. Member for South wishes of those citizens, our stated support for their Thanet (Laura Sandys), who put her finger on the main aspiration will coincide with support for their Government. issue that I want to address—no-fly zones. There has If those Governments are not in step with their people, been a confusion between military and humanitarian they will not represent stability, so we need to be more aims and outcomes, and if we are not clear when we are subtle, nuanced and sensitive to the citizens, not just to taking military action and do it under the guise of their Governments. Volatility in diplomacy is going to humanitarian action, we might end up doing neither be the new certainty. properly. Fundamental changes in power structures are also The hon. Lady also mentioned the move towards a taking place. Regional power is playing a stronger role, duty to protect—a concept that the United Nations has over the global structures that we have had in the past, started to develop. The question of the stage at which and it is really positive to see the Arab League making the United Kingdom feels that it should step into the some decisions. For too long it has been merely a breach in a duty to protect is a very live one. The talking shop, but Europe needs to be more united, too, Foreign Secretary said in his evidence to the Foreign and to have a stronger voice throughout north Africa Affairs Committee that it depended on circumstances. and the middle east. Of course, that is right, but this place, at some stage— These developments, particularly in the middle east, probably not now—needs to think through what the have revealed a changing world and, explicitly, changing duty to protect would mean in practice. If there was one expressions of interest. Direct national interest appears mistake that the Blair Administration made in the to be determining countries’ appetite for engagement, run-up to the Iraq invasion it was that the debate and the US has shown quite a reluctance to commit one should have been about “Why now?”rather than weapons way or another, but ironically that has offered greater of mass destruction. That should have been the logic of space for, and demanded increased responsibility from, his Chicago speech and the subsequent actions. regional actors, such as the Arab League, Europe and However, today’s debate is about north Africa and the African Union. the middle east. I should like to make a technical and Our Government and European countries are taking narrow contribution about no-fly zones, which many the lead in the UN. I know that there are some questions people have talked about. Even when the Prime Minister about certain members of the European Union, but it is raised the issue, I was not entirely convinced that he a European initiative that is coming forward. We now really knew what he was asking for. I thought it might need to allow for regional solutions to come forward be useful to look back at the experiences of previous too, with people neither expecting nor depending on no-fly zones and the lessons that we should have learned intervention by global powers. However, although from them regarding where they worked and where they regional responses may be positive in sharing responsibility did not. and expanding the horizons of different parts of the The no-fly zone in northern Iraq from 1991 to 2003 European and African space, they might create increasing is, by and large, seen as a successful one. The reason is instability and less international control over conflicts that the northern no-fly zone linked western air operations and crises. with Kurdish political parties and militias. In combination, I should like to return to the point that my hon. they deterred Iraqi military action against the Kurds, Friend the Member for Stone (Mr Cash) has ensured which enabled a stable and sophisticated political and we have not forgotten. One million people are trapped economically prosperous autonomous Kurdish cell. That in a town that has been surrounded and is being bombed success endured, even after the 2003 chaos. The northern at this moment. We are facing a very horrid dilemma. Iraqi no-fly zone is arguably the most successful single Do we enter Libya? Do we arm the rebels in Benghazi? engagement of the entire UK military engagement in Are we to ensure that we deliver a no-fly zone? Should Iraq since 1991. We ought to hold on to that point, we be looking at the supply lines as being the crucial because I do not think that the subsequent two no-fly bloodstream that is allowing Gaddafi to intervene? zones were successful and we must consider why. These are some of the approaches that we have used The southern Iraqi no-fly zone lasted from 1992 to in the past. I believe that we now need to look carefully 2003, and was imposed after the brutal repression of at a new international peacekeeping and humanitarian the Shi’as was effectively complete. In other words, we toolkit. Are we being creative enough? Will our UN stepped in after the disaster had happened. No coherent 551 North Africa and the Middle East17 MARCH 2011 North Africa and the Middle East 552

[Ms Gisela Stuart] Mr Ellwood: The hon. Lady is making a powerful case about something that we are only starting to Shi’ite political structure was accessible to the west and understand—the strength of the armed forces involved. there was no appetite for direct action to prevent Iraq She is absolutely right to say that second-generation draining the southern marshes, on which the Shi’as bits of kit are involved in the current situation, some of depended for survival. From a humanitarian standpoint, which have fallen into the rebels’ hands and are being the no-fly zone achieved little. As a coercive policy used. However, it is dangerous to compare Libya with instrument, it achieved more. In 1994, it was extended Bosnia, Iraq and other places, because the terrain is from latitude 32° north to 33° north. To prevent a very different. A 750-mile stretch of land, 5 miles wide, re-attack on Kuwait, its terms were widened to make it is the area that needs to be controlled, so we are a no-drive zone for Iraqi armoured and mechanised comparing apples and pears. I urge caution in suggesting divisions. In 1998, Operation Desert Fox was launched that because something did not work in Iraq or Bosnia, through the southern no-fly zone against sites associated it could not work in Libya, which is a very different ball with the development of weapons of mass destruction game. in central Iraq. The capture of Iraq’s senior commanders in 2003 revealed that Operation Desert Fox persuaded Ms Stuart: I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman, Iraq to abandon its manufacture of WMD. because he allows me to correct the impression I might The third no-fly zone I will discuss was in Bosnia be giving that I am against no-fly zones. I believe that from 1993 to 1995, and I am glad that there is somebody we need to consider this carefully and positively and in the Chamber who knows much more about it than I. work out how to make it happen. In a sense the Libyan The assessment is that it was neither a practical nor a terrain is much easier, not least because, to state the political success. Its effectiveness was limited by restricted obvious, it is much flatter than Bosnia in particular. rules of engagement that prevented action against However, I do not believe that we yet have the local helicopters, and by poor coordination between NATO engagement with the political parties and groups on the and the UN. Its coercive impact was seriously undermined ground that made the northern Iraq no-fly zone successful. by a bitter political dispute between European capitals We have not yet achieved that in Libya, and we need to and the Clinton Administration over America’s preference establish it. I suggest that the Libyan air force capabilities to lift the arms embargo on the Bosnian Muslims and are probably pretty much comparable with what Yugoslavia to strike the Bosnian Serbs directly. and the Iraqis had in the 1990s. I come now to the practicalities and what we should do in Libya. The conflicts in Iraq, Syria and Yugoslavia I think it was the hon. Member for Penrith and The indicate that air forces equipped with 1970s and 1980s Border (Rory Stewart) who cautioned us to try to learn Soviet and French aircraft are comprehensively outmatched from history. As A. J. P. Taylor said, it is perfectly by air forces equipped with modern western aircraft possible not to learn lessons from history and to make and training. Technically and tactically, the US and entirely new mistakes. There are some things that we NATO have consistently proved their ability sufficiently can learn from no-fly zones. We need absolutely clear to suppress 1980s vintage integrated air defence systems, and unambiguous rules of engagement and absolute and thus enable air operations at an acceptable level of clarity about when the purpose is humanitarian and risk. That does not necessitate the complete destruction when it is military, and unless the no-fly zone supports of the IADS. Indeed, that was never achieved in Iraq or something that is happening on the ground, it will not the Balkans. In Iraq, between 1998 and 2000, there were help. We had better be aware of that. 470 separate engagements of American and RAF aircraft by Iraqi surface-to-air missiles and anti-aircraft artillery. 3.57 pm They were defeated by a combination of tactics, self- protection counter-measures carried by all participating Paul Maynard (Blackpool North and Cleveleys) (Con): aircraft, aircraft equipped with anti-radiation missiles It is a pleasure to speak in this debate. I have listened designed to attack air defence radars, and airborne carefully to all the contributions so far, and I have been stand-off jammers. Importantly, the US remains the struck by the efforts of various speakers to understand only nation with the electronic warfare and ARM better what is going on by finding some frame of capabilities needed to support sustained operations against historical reference to link it to. Is it more like 1989, a functioning IADS. 1956, 1918, 1848, 1789 or 1453? It is a tempting game to Clear command and control to prevent the destruction play. As the hon. Member for Birmingham, Edgbaston of friendly military or civil aircraft is a prerequisite for (Ms Stuart) made clear, historians often debate any air operations, as are legal and unambiguous rules whether we can learn adequately from the past, or of engagement. Ambiguities that might allow transport whether we repeat mistakes from the past. I would aircraft and helicopters to fly or for civilian aircraft to argue, however, that we can learn some lessons from the be used for combat operations provide obvious points themes of the past. of challenge. The southern Iraqi no-fly zone was Members have spoken about the revolutions that we undermined by Iraqi Airways flights between Baghdad have seen in the Arab world. It is worth remembering and Basra, and Baghdad and Mecca. The Bosnian the etymology of the word “revolution” and the no-fly zone was rendered ineffective by the consistent circumstances in which it was first used. It was in the use of helicopters, particularly by the Bosnian Serbs. Italian city states of the renaissance, where rich families The success of the US special forces and air power and ruled cities and feuded with each other. One family the Northern Alliance’s forces in Afghanistan 2001 would take over amidst much bloodshed, and there reinforces the experience of the northern Iraqi no-fly would be a change of ruling family. That was called a zone. To be effective, air operations must be designed to “revolution”, because there had been a full cycle and affect the surface of the earth and influence protagonists. things came back to exactly where they had started. 553 North Africa and the Middle East17 MARCH 2011 North Africa and the Middle East 554

The big fear about the situation in north Africa is power behind the throne remains. That is not a democratic that we will see the blooming of potential but then a revolution, but merely a changing of the guard. return to the status quo. That would be the greatest I am also greatly concerned about the impact that tragedy of all. History has shown that at the moment events in Egypt will have on Israel. No matter what when autocracy is weakened and a dictator takes his some in the House say, Israel remains in a very fragile foot off the neck of the people whom he is oppressing, strategic position. Compromise becomes ever harder to not only is there the greatest opportunity for more find in Israeli politics. We have spent a lot of time in this freedom and democracy but there is the greatest risk debate discussing the impact of demographics on the that extremists will be able to use the opportunity to unleashing of the Arab spring. As one hon. Member flourish and to gain legitimacy through the ballot box. said, the combination of a young population and the I was pleased to hear hon. Members speak earlier lack of economic growth conjured up a perfect storm. about the importance of civil society. One contributor We see a similar perfect storm in Israel. The higher said that civil society could not be created from outside, birth rate among the orthodox community and the but I strongly believe that the greatest contribution the Arab population in Israel is changing Israeli electoral Government can make to what is sadly occurring in dynamics. As the hon. Member for Walsall North north Africa and middle east is to do all they can to use (Mr Winnick) rightly pointed out, Israel has a very pure their soft power to strengthen civil society. form of proportional representation that allows very My hon. Friend the Member for Mid Sussex (Nicholas small parties to get in on very small shares of the vote. Soames) was quite right to point to the need for evolution It then becomes extremely hard to build broad-based, over time, but equally we have been urged to raise our stable and endurable Governments that are committed sights over and above Libya. That is difficult to do on to the cause of peace. the day we hear of Benghazi being bombed, and of a I am greatly concerned that as these demographic million inhabitants being threatened. Who knows what trends continue the pro-peace centre of Israeli politics Muammar Gaddafi will unleash? will shrink and shrink, and it will become ever harder When an autocrat takes his foot off the gas, the for the great number of people in Israel who want peace international community seems to get the message that to prevail within their own political system. I know that now is the time for him to go, as we saw in Egypt and we do not like to interfere in other people’s electoral Tunisia. However, when a dictator appears to be more systems, but I strongly believe that until Israel addresses implacable, as in Libya and—dare I say it?—Côte d’Ivoire, the stability of its Governments, the chances of achieving they appear to manage to gain greater legitimacy, and a lasting and endurable peace will be that much harder. indeed more staying power, and the developed world ceases to take notice. Suddenly, those dictators are not Jonathan Reynolds (Stalybridge and Hyde) (Lab/Co-op): onthefrontpagebutonpage2,oronpage22ofLe The hon. Gentleman is making an admirable speech, Monde, as someone noted earlier. It is important that and I support a lot of what he says. He made an when the international community sends a message, it interesting point about the nature of Israeli politics and remains resolute, so that the message does not diminish its influence on the peace process. However, does he over time. agree that if Israeli citizens felt more secure they might As someone who came to political maturity—if I can choose candidates and Governments more conducive to call it that—during 1989, I found it deeply inspirational the peace process? to see people reclaiming democracy in Egypt. As the hon. Member for Birmingham, Edgbaston pointed out, Paul Maynard: That is an interesting point. There is a the Egyptians had a history of democracy and civil wider one though, which is that the nature of the society, and were claiming it back. However, true democracy electoral system gives a disproportionate amount of and true freedom is not a matter of forming an orderly power to those more radical. It is their influence rather queue outside a polling station to cast a vote; it is far than the amount of support they have that causes the greater than that. I want to ensure that we do not problem in Israel. replicate in Egypt what we saw happen in Gaza, where Finally, I want to make the point I feel most passionate the mechanisms of freedom and an electoral process about. We have spoken about the importance in north gave an opportunity to Hamas to take power, and to Africa and the middle east of inculcating democracy, exploit and misuse those opportunities. The hon. Member freedom and the ability to live a free, harmonious, for Liverpool, Riverside (Mrs Ellman) spoke eloquently economically meaningful life. That is at risk, however, and more than adequately about the true nature of for a key and important group of people in the region—the Hamas—I have no wish to repeat what she said, because Christian community. I have been deeply disturbed to it was all entirely true. learn of disquiet—bordering on violence—in Cairo, I would rather we looked to the example of Turkey, with the Coptic Christian community, and deeply concerned where an Islamist party has managed to demonstrate its to learn of the murder of a Polish monk in Tunisia. The democratic credentials and minimise the role of the hon. Member for Ilford South (Mike Gapes) rightly army. My great concern in the case of Egypt is the pointed out that a lot of nasty things will creep out immense strength that the army retains, in terms not from under the stones of revolution, and I deeply hope merely of military power but of economic power. The that one of those is not more violence against Christian Egyptian army has fingers in so very many pies—it even communities of whatever denomination. We have seen owns tourist hotels and transport companies. The great it happen in Algeria, and I do not want it happening danger is that we will see a true renaissance revolution across the whole of the middle east, because if that in Egypt, whereby in a few months’ time we will have region is to succeed in the way that my hon. Friend the gone through the cosmetic process of creating an electoral Member for Penrith and The Border (Rory Stewart) register and holding notionally free elections, but the pointed out, it needs a deeper level of harmony. That 555 North Africa and the Middle East17 MARCH 2011 North Africa and the Middle East 556

[Paul Maynard] I will not talk about making any sort of military intervention in Libya, because there are others who are means the ability of people of all faiths, be they Jewish, experts. However, if, as the hon. Member for Penrith Muslim or Christian, to get on. Until those divides are and The Border (Rory Stewart) pointed out, the intervention healed, I fear that the middle east will not take up its in Iraq helped to increase al-Qaeda’s standing and rightful role in the world. status, then perhaps non-intervention in Libya will have It is worth bearing in mind that many in Europe exactly the same impact. In the non-intervention philosophy regard the Mediterranean as a border. However, some of the 1930s—if I could take my hon. Friend the of the finest Roman ruins are in Leptis Magna on the Member for Birmingham, Edgbaston (Ms Stuart) a Libyan coast. In Roman times, the Mediterranean was little before her birth date—the line was “Do not intervene”, called Mare Nostrum—“our sea”. As someone who and as a result the most horrible dictatorships and usually does not have much time for the European repressions were given the green light. Union, I think it is important that in the Euro-Med What do we have as a foreign policy? There are process and in what President Sarkozy has sought to do perhaps three components to our foreign policy: hard we reach out to north Africa and see it as part of power, soft power and political influence. Sadly, because Europe, not just another continent that we do not wish of cuts in the military our hard power is, frankly, to know about. decreasing. We have two aircraft carriers that are now Britain’s no-fly zones because we do not have planes 4.8 pm that can fly off them. We are also heavily engaged in Afghanistan. However, just as America’s international Mr Denis MacShane (Rotherham) (Lab): It is a pleasure influence was drained by its presence in Vietnam year to follow the hon. Member for Blackpool North and after year—the Americans stayed for many years after Cleveleys (Paul Maynard). Of course, if he goes to they could serve any useful purpose, allowing Brezhnev Tunis, he will see the ruins of Carthage, where our dear and other horrible dictators to roam freely round the Roman friends sought to ensure that the Carthaginians world—we need to look at reducing our profile in were destroyed and not permitted a future. We do not Afghanistan faster. want to revert to that kind of parallel. We need to look at the fact that we are cutting back There are a couple of interesting anniversaries for us our diplomatic service, including our diplomatic foreign to consider today. One is dear to me: it is 30 years since language training schools. The hon. Member for Penrith the suppression of the Polish union Solidarnosc at the and The Border appealed for more Arab-speakers. “Ditto,” end of 1981. That great hopeful moment of liberation say I, but we are not just cutting Arab-speaking diplomats; for the Polish people was then crushed by a cruel we are cutting our entire diplomatic presence. dictatorship, and we did not know how to respond. I hope that we can think constructively about what is Moving to soft power, the last time the Foreign happening in north Africa, which indeed is a revolutionary Secretary came to the House to answer an urgent question, moment and a hopeful moment for the world. We have it was to defend the cuts to the BBC World Service. Two heard good speeches from both sides of the House in weeks ago the Secretary of State for International what is a most enjoyable debate to listen to. Development announced that he was cutting support for the International Labour Organisation’s core funding. Today is also an anniversary of a different sort, However, there are trade unions in Egypt and Tunis; because exactly one month ago, on 17 February, the indeed, I have been meeting them on and off for 20 years, Foreign Secretary came to the House to make a statement including the Union Générale Tunisienne du Travail, on Bahrain, in response to an urgent question granted the one Tunisian trade union that has some independence. by Mr Speaker. The Foreign Secretary had just been That union wants help from the ILO and the TUC, but there, and immediately following his visit there were the we are cutting such aid at the very moment that it could first demonstrations, repressions and killings; however, be most useful in building civil society. he did not seem to know that this was about erupt. It is that lack of what I would call intuitive imagination We are also reducing the number of students from about world affairs that is the problem in our handling those areas coming to study in Britain. We have fewer of foreign policy. I am not making a strictly party Chevening scholarships, but more importantly, we are political point, because the same applies just as much to saying to those students around the world, “You’re no the previous Administration. I asked the Foreign Secretary longer welcome to come and study in mainstream British to come to the House and, as the hon. Member for Mid universities,” because of the anti-immigration nostrums Sussex (Nicholas Soames) pointed out in his excellent of the Conservatives, in thrall to an unpleasant press. speech, I asked him: That is the decline in our soft power. I put it to the “Does he agree that a wind of change is blowing through the House that every Tunisian, Libyan or Egyptian who Arab world”? comes and gets a degree in Britain leaves a friend of I also put it to him that he should Britain. “agree to a wide review of UK foreign policy in the region before it is too late”.—[Official Report, 17 February 2011; Vol. 523, Ms Gisela Stuart: Does my right hon. Friend also c. 1136.] recognise the work of the Westminster Foundation for I wish that such a review had taken place earlier, but as Democracy? Its funding has been increased, but it has so often in our country, it is now taking place under the also been working in Lebanon and Egypt on strengthening force of events. There have been some unhappy reactions, parliamentary democracy. but there is no point going over who made a mistake, who went on an arms sales trip, which planes could not Mr MacShane: I am a fan of the WFD, but its total leave the tarmac and the rest of it. Rather, we should income is less than half the going rate for a banker’s work out how we need to go forward. bonus—[Interruption.] For once, that was not my phone. 557 North Africa and the Middle East17 MARCH 2011 North Africa and the Middle East 558

Madam Deputy Speaker and I have a relationship over it from a £4 million or £5 million a year outfit to an my mobile phone. Over it sounding in the Chamber, I £80 million or £100 million a year organisation. Even hasten to add. that amount would still not be remotely close to the We are saying to the students of the region, “You are annual allocation that we will give to India and other not welcome in Britain any more.” We are losing it on countries that benefit from DFID aid. Let that be what the soft power front. We are even withdrawing the we will learn from this whole crisis, which will continue, pitiful amount of funding that we give to the Quilliam albeit unevenly. I learn from Le Monde today that there Foundation, whose director was imprisoned in Cairo is a lot of repression in Morocco, for example, and I am and who knows the leaders of the Cairene opposition. worried about Prince Charles going there later this It is preposterous that the Home Office should be week. Tunisia is also far from stable, and Egypt still shutting down that outfit at a time when it needs more effectively has military power. Britain needs to think help, not less. differently, and this House should be at the heart of making that happen. I understand from replies to my parliamentary questions that the Department for International Development will spend more than £1 billion in the next four years on 4.19 pm aid to India, a country with more billionaires and Mr Tobias Ellwood (Bournemouth East) (Con): It is a millionaires than we have, with a space programme—almost pleasure to follow the right hon. Member for Rotherham a man-on-the-moon programme—and with its own aid (Mr MacShane), who always brings an interesting angle programme. We are giving £1 billion to India, yet we are to these debates. not finding any money at all for Tunisia, Algeria and I begin by congratulating the Prime Minister, the Morocco because they were not on any United Kingdom Foreign Secretary and my Front-Bench team on recognising aid programme. Tunisia was not even a target country the scale of the unprecedented change that is taking for our trade promotion activities. place in the middle east and the role that the international That is what I mean about the Government’s utter community must play in promoting democratic reform. lack of intuitive, emotional understanding of the changes That is in stark contrast to some of our allies, who have that are about to take place. I know that there has been been either slow or deliberately hesitant to speak out a crisis at the Foreign Office and that that has been and join us in calling for change. It poses the question: uncomfortable for Ministers, and I do not blame officials, how good are the international alliances and organisations although perhaps I am not so sure about all the strategic of which we are part if they fracture at the first contact top grip. I wrote an article in May last year saying that with an international crisis? For the UN, the EU and the right hon. Member for Sheffield, Hallam (Mr Clegg) the G8, these are questions worth addressing so that we should become the Foreign Secretary and that the right can act more propitiously when these events take place hon. Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague) should in future. I pose a question to Germany. It is a staunch become the Deputy Prime Minister. I still think that ally and close colleague in Europe but why does it that is a job swap that the Prime Minister should remain silent and fail to support a no-fly zone over consider. The foreign policy announced after the change Libya? of Government was very simple. It consisted of trade, I called some friends in America, two Senators in trade and more trade—hence the embarrassment of the particular, to ask why we had not heard more from the arms sales to which hon. Members have referred, which other side of the Atlantic. A lot of noise came back: continued for two more days after 17 February when concerns about spreading forces and interests too widely the Foreign Secretary came to the House to make his across the world, still undecided issues about Afghanistan, statement. but also questions about who we are dealing with and We also need to find ways of making our Parliament the consequences of removing this particular dictator. more involved and engaged in these extraordinary events, After all, he is a much-improved dictator than he was not only in the region that we are discussing but elsewhere 10 years ago. around the world. Since November last year, I have made 11 requests at business questions for a debate in Mr MacShane: If it is any consolation to the hon. Government time on international and foreign affairs. Gentleman, he gets an extra minute by giving way to We are now having such a debate, but only thanks to the me. In some respects, the hon. Gentleman and other Backbench Business Committee. Yes, we have debates speakers are slightly behind the curve, as the United on specific issues relating to the middle east or to a States is now working at the UN with Britain and particular country or cause of concern, but we do not France on a composite motion with good things in it. discuss synoptically what we want from our foreign On Germany, I agree with him, but is the response policy. Of course we can all do the party political surprising when some Members make speech after speech knockabout, but there should be much more that unites in this House attacking Germany and the EU and then, us than divides us. For that to be achieved, however, we when they need Germany’s help, turn round and say, need more parliamentary involvement. When hon. “Will you be our friends after all?”? Members go abroad, the event should not be pilloried in the press as a “junket”, and the Whips have to Mr Ellwood: First, I am aware of where the US now understand that travel not only broadens the mind but stands and, secondly, I am not attacking anyone, but makes for a better House of Commons. simply asking for some form of clarification of why Finally, I repeat the appeal that I made to the Prime Germany has taken the stance it has. I have inquired Minister, to which I have received a sympathetic response, about it, but got no reply. that we need to create a British foundation for democracy On the issue of why countries might be reticent, the development. This would in part incorporate the particular dictator we are dealing with is a relevant Westminster Foundation for Democracy and transform issue. Gaddafi had, after all, turned his back on terrorism; 559 North Africa and the Middle East17 MARCH 2011 North Africa and the Middle East 560

[Mr Ellwood] The Arab League has been mentioned, and I referred to it in an intervention. The Arab League has no power. he had stopped funding the IRA; he had paid compensation It is a group of Foreign Ministers who have no influence to victims of the Lockerbie bombers; he had suspended over the dictators to whom they report back. Moreover, his nuclear programme; and he was no longer seeking Arab forces have never been organised. If we look back weapons of mass destruction. He was co-operating with at the 1948, 1967 and 1973 wars, we see that they have the EU on the movement of refugees. Yes, he might well never been united. If a no-fly zone is imposed or be bad, but what will his successor be like? If we want to intervention takes place, it will not be through those avoid another Somalia, perhaps we should keep this Arab nations. Their armed forces are nowhere near as guy. strong as they seem to be on paper. We also need to bear in mind the reputation we gain It is also necessary for us to understand the terrain. for wandering into countries, particularly in Arab countries As I said when I intervened on the hon. Member for such as Iraq. I happened to disagree with our invasion Birmingham, Edgbaston (Ms Stuart), a no-fly zone in in 2003, but the long-term consequences of it on Britain’s Libya would be very different from a no-fly zone in reputation in the Arab world as a whole are huge—and Bosnia or Iraq. We need to understand the structure of stay with us to this day. This reticence to go into Libya communities in Libya. There is one long road leading is strengthened by reports circulating in America that from east to west which contains two main cities, two suggest that twice as many foreign fighters against the main groups of communities in Tripoli and Benghazi. US in the Iraq invasion came from Libya than from any We should control Libya with not just a no-fly zone but other part of the Arab world. I can understand those a no-drive zone. Such a measure would be far easier to arguments, but I do not agree with them. implement than any that we have seen before. The first problem is that such arguments fail to Allowing Gaddafi to stay will have a number of recognise the changing mood across the Arab nations. consequences. There will be repercussions for his own The mother of all Parliaments here should, after all, people, and questionable alliances will develop. Gazprom encourage democracy. The world is a much smaller will eye the region with envy, and will resolve to take interrelated global community. Oil prices, stock exchanges, over all the operations in north Africa and Libya in trade movements and deals, business interests and so particular if Gaddafi stays. That may be one reason forth: for all these, we are so much more interrelated in why it is not willing to support a no-fly zone. comparison with the independence we used to have— perhaps enjoyed—in the decades and centuries before. We have also touched on military tactics. What is the Politicians move; ideas are set; and there are consequences purpose of a no-fly zone? Is it humanitarian or military? when an event happens in one part of the world—whether Those of us who have served in the military know that it it be a natural disaster as in Japan, or a human catastrophe is a force multiplier—a way of creating an advantage such as we are seeing in Libya, with the movement of for one side or another. It would probably be necessary refugees and so forth. We cannot dissociate ourselves only to create a no-fly zone over Benghazi initially, and from what is going on in north Africa. then to move forward from that. A no-fly zone is There are also more moral questions. One issue not intended to prevent aircraft from moving, but that can much talked about is the level of genocide. How many be done in another way. A Storm Shadow missile could people need to die before we wake up and say, “We must be fired right now, landing on the runways and preventing step in.”? I am reminded of the spokeswoman who, in the aircraft from taking off in the first place. The May 1994, said of Rwanda—Members might recall it aircraft that are available are not good, and many of from the films about the country—that the word “genocide” them are already in rebel hands. There are other questions should not be used, and that “acts of genocide” should we should ask about tactics. We tend to grab at labels be used instead. She could not bring herself to use that and to say, as armchair generals do, “That is what we term. have done in the past, so that is what we should do now.” Apparently, 5,000 people have already died in Libya. We must ask ourselves at what point we should make a judgment. We should do that from a moral perspective, Christopher Pincher (Tamworth) (Con): My hon. Friend let alone a legal one. asks “What is a no-fly zone?”. That is exactly the The Prime Minister has made clear three requirements question that should be asked. Does he agree that it for the establishment of a no-fly zone: a need for it, should not be merely a humanitarian air umbrella protecting legal grounds for it, and of course regional support. people from being attacked in Benghazi, but should Unfortunately, the dithering that has taken place over extend to Tripoli, so that Gaddafi cannot import more the last couple of weeks has allowed Gaddafi to regroup mercenaries—his merchants of death? his forces. It has allowed to him to recruit mercenaries— because he cannot trust many of his own troops—and Mr Ellwood: We are getting into the weeds here. We to steal the initiatives. need to step back and consider the creation of a no-fly We should also ask ourselves why the “good” dictators, zone from a strategic perspective. What is our mission if I may call them that, have stepped down in this Arab in supporting the rebels, rather than trying to create spring, while the bad dictators—the ones who stay in something about which the military tacticians need to there and fight—are being rewarded by being allowed decide? We must determine what our strategy is. A to keep their jobs. Our failure to support the people in no-fly zone may be part of it, and the extent of the that regard sends a message to the other dictators, who no-fly zone might be considered as well. say “Let us hold our ground. Let us stick it out.” That is We are becoming very focused on Libya, but I mentioned what will happen if the international community is not the importance of Egypt in another intervention. The organised enough, and has not the necessary gravitas revolution there is not complete. There are worrying and determination, to mount a challenge. signs, such as the agreements that we have seen between 561 North Africa and the Middle East17 MARCH 2011 North Africa and the Middle East 562 the Muslim Brotherhood and the armed forces. People by some in this House and the media that democracy is are being told, “You can only be a full citizen of Egypt somehow incompatible with Islam. We should now if you can prove that your grandfather and your father provide humanitarian assistance, and help the people of were born in the country.” That completely removes a the Arab world to set up a good system of civic governance group of middle-class citizens who could possibly help and capacity-building. I know that the Foreign Secretary to establish a new political society. We must not lose and the Foreign Office are supportive of that. sight of where Egypt is going. Because it is so influential Today and in the past, we in this House have talked in north Africa and the Arab world in general, where about the hypocrisy of various countries around the Egypt goes other nations will follow. world, and Iran has been mentioned many times, but is Many comparisons have also been drawn with the it fair to single out one country as hypocritical? Have we changes following the fall of the iron curtain, and they not at many—or, indeed, all—times applied double are useful to some extent. However, communism was a standards in our dealings with different countries? As one-party system, and it is far simpler to make the the senior American politician, Senator Lindsey Graham, transition from that to a democracy—especially as many observed last month: of the countries concerned were democracies prior to “There are regimes we want to change, and those we don’t.” being entrapped behind the iron curtain—than it is to Let me give some examples of our double standards. make the transition to democracy from a dictatorship, We talk of democracy, yet there was a democratic where the power is focused on an individual and the movement in Egypt in the ’50s, and we quelled it. We society is based on fear. Huge dangers arise when did the same in Iran in the ’50s: we opposed democracy oppressive rule is released from its shackles, when they there, and supported the Shah on the throne. As we see have been broken because of the creation of a power on our television screens, there are many parts of the vacuum. We should consider our experiences in world where there has been systematic genocide, ethnic Afghanistan: 10 years after we wandered in there and cleansing and humanitarian disasters, with hundreds of tried to install some form of democracy, we are still thousands of deaths, yet we did nothing. Countries we struggling. could mention include Bosnia, the Democratic Republic The world has been following the latest headlines of the Congo and Rwanda. To those who say, “Well, very carefully. As we speak, Gaddafi is doing exactly those are past conflicts,” I refer to current conflicts in what I said he would: he is deliberately bombing the countries including Zimbabwe, Sudan, Palestine and Sri runways in Benghazi to stop the rebels using their Lanka, with the Tamil Tigers’ rebellion. Thousands and planes. The world is asking why the international thousands of people died in that war, so why did we not community is not doing more, and the people of Libya intervene there? Why do we choose where we want to are asking the same question. The turbulent chapter in intervene? world history that we are now experiencing, and which opened with the fall of President Mubarak, is far from Bob Stewart: The answer to the hon. Lady’s rhetorical over, and future generations will judge the current generation question is that we can do only what we can do. We of leaders on its outcome. would like to go into some of these countries, but we At the heart of the matter is freedom, and the desire cannot possibly do so because we just do not have the to grasp a rare opportunity to sow the seeds of democracy means or the local support—we have got to have that. as people-power tries to usurp dictatorships across north Africa and the middle east. Events in the middle east Yasmin Qureshi: But that is not right, because if the are testing the international community, and they are test is whether a humanitarian disaster is taking place moving too swiftly for us to be able to be a positive or whether human rights are being violated, we should influence or force. To do nothing is to leave things to not be cherry-picking which fights we want to have; we fate, and I fear that Iran is not going to do that, and nor should be prepared to go for all of them or stay out of is al-Qaeda. It is a sad irony that the global community all of them. is more than willing to help on one side of the world in Martin Horwood: Will the hon. Lady give way? saving and rebuilding lives after a natural disaster, but fails to act to prevent, or intervene in, a man-made Yasmin Qureshi: I just want to deal with my next disaster. point. For Libya, the window of opportunity is closing. I was not planning to talk about Palestine, but I shall Gaddafi has taken advantage of our collective dithering do so because so many hon. Members have referred to it to regroup and unleash hell on those who dared to and it is an interesting case. The undisputed facts of the stand up to him in the name of democracy. Across history of Palestine are that before the creation of the north Africa and the middle east I believe that, state of Israel 9% of the land belonged to the Jewish unfortunately, the worst is still to come, and the west people and 91% belonged to the Palestinians; the Nakba must be better prepared to respond. resulted in 75% of Palestinians being forced out of their I shall end as I began, by praising the work of our homeland; 4 million people have since been left displaced— Government and the lead they have taken. I only hope they are living in Lebanon, Jordan and elsewhere—and our allies will now play catch-up. many thousands have died; and the massacres at Shatila and Sabra refugee camps killed more than 20,000 people. 4.32 pm The UN has passed a number of resolutions regarding Yasmin Qureshi (Bolton South East) (Lab): I, like all the illegal settlements, but they have not been dismantled other Members of the House, am pleased at events in and continue to be built. As the Prime Minister said on Tunisia and Egypt, and I welcome the desire of the Monday, if Israel carries on in this way there will be no people of the Arab world to bring about change in their land for a two-state solution. The people of Gaza have countries. That certainly puts paid to the myth peddled been collectively punished, with some 1.5 million people 563 North Africa and the Middle East17 MARCH 2011 North Africa and the Middle East 564

[Yasmin Qureshi] settlement was reached. That has been the way forward. We need to try that with all the countries in the world. living on 3 km of land. That situation has been declared Hon. Members can call me cynical, but the difference illegal by the UN, and when visiting Turkey our Prime is that Sudan, Zimbabwe, Kashmir, Palestine, Sri Lanka Minister described Gaza as a “prison camp.” I went to and all those other countries do not have oil. Rwanda Gaza last year and I was appalled by the conditions in and the Democratic Republic of the Congo do not have which people are living there. If that is not an abuse of oil. Libya does. Is that our motivation? Do we want to human rights, what is? The segregation wall has also ensure that we control that country? been declared illegal. Again, land and livelihoods have been taken but nothing happens. We do not do military Mr MacShane: My hon. Friend mentioned Robin intervention there. I am not asking for military intervention Cook and I served with him as a Parliamentary Private there, but I am saying that we need to be careful when Secretary for a number of years. I remember how we start invading other countries. bitterly he was criticised by some hon. Members who We have heard about the concept of so-called “liberal are now present in the Chamber for authorising and interventions.” If we really want to undertake those, the supporting the intervention in Kosovo without UN United Nations should set up a special international sanction and, indeed, the bombing raids on Iraq, some army representing all the different nations. All the nations of which were without UN sanction. Kosovo had no would make a contribution and it could then go to all oil—the intervention was illegal and did not have UN the various hot spots of the world to sort the problems authority. My hon. Friend was not in the House at that out. However, I know that that is unrealistic and it is time, but where did she stand on that particular armed not going to happen. We cherry-pick the disputes we intervention? want to have and decide that we do not want to bother Yasmin Qureshi: I happened to spend two years working with others, perhaps because the regime has been in Kosovo after the armed conflict and after the Serbian sympathetic to us in the past or perhaps because we bombing. Having seen the situation, I can say that that have economic trade with the regime and we conveniently was an immediate international humanitarian disaster forget about whatever else it might have done. That has that followed the massacre of 100,000 Muslim Bosnians. been the problem for our international policy, because It was very much an effort by the United Nations to do perhaps we have not been an honest broker in a lot of with that particular war. these world disputes—perhaps it is about time we became As has been mentioned, one cannot compare two one. This is not a party political point, because successive things as though they are the same. Libya is a very Governments have been carrying on with these policies. different ball game to Kosovo and Serbia. Everybody However, in some respects there has been no genuine knows what happened in the former Yugoslavia—hundreds honest brokering of the peace. of thousands of people were massacred and something I recall hearing the speech that Robin Cook made in had to be done. That is not the situation that we are this Chamber setting out in a very analytical way the talking about here. reasons not to go into Iraq. He mentioned a number of things, including the lack of information, the fact that Damian Collins (Folkestone and Hythe) (Con): I the need for the war might have been pumped up and think the point being made by the right hon. Member the fact that drumbeating for the war had risen sharply. for Rotherham (Mr MacShane) was that there was not He urged caution and said that we should not go into a British commercial interest in going into Kosovo—we the war. Many people did not accept or heed what he did it to save lives and because it was the right thing to said and now, with the benefit of hindsight, most people do. That is the comparison that we are seeking to draw say, “Oh yes, what Robin Cook said was right.” We now here. hear that we had the wrong information. Yasmin Qureshi: A number of people in this country, On Libya, the situation is bad and I do not condone even at that time, did not want to go into Kosovo. One the death of anyone. I was sad to hear about the Fogel might say that there was no economic rationale for family in Israel. I do not believe in killing people and do going into Kosovo, but there was certainly an American not think that it can be justified. On those grounds, I strategic reason. The listening post in Cyprus was soon am one of those people who do not believe that we coming to an end and they wanted an additional listening should go into a sovereign nation and invade it. If we post in the area of Kosovo. I spent two years in Kosovo want to do that, we should invade all other nations and I saw the Americans’ Camp Bastion, which was a where there have been even bigger problems. For example, solid construction while most other countries had NATO in Sudan, 100,000 people have died—Libya is nothing flat-pack constructions, so there was certainly a strategic in comparison. reason for the Americans to go in there. I agree that Robin Cook was able to persuade the then Government Jeremy Corbyn: Does my hon. Friend acknowledge regarding Kosovo, but that has been the only honourable that wars are awful, invasion is awful and occupation is exception in all the disputes of the past 30 to 40 years. awful and that at the end every war has to be settled politically in some way? Does she join me in regretting 4.45 pm that far greater efforts were not made at the beginning Bob Stewart (Beckenham) (Con): I thank the hon. of the Libyan crisis to emote some sort of political Member for Bolton South East (Yasmin Qureshi) for settlement despite all the obvious obstacles? her speech. I have to say that I am struck by the idea of there being a listening post in Kosovo and I am particularly Yasmin Qureshi: I agree entirely. We do not have to struck by the idea that the second world war and the look far afield—we need merely to look to Ireland, with Falklands war were negotiated settlements. We actually all its history and violence. In the end, a political had to fight to win those wars. 565 North Africa and the Middle East17 MARCH 2011 North Africa and the Middle East 566

I am afraid that I, too, want to talk about Libya, window of opportunity for action—perhaps up to 28 days particularly about the timing of decisions and what we or even more, but hopefully not a shorter period. However, should do. I feel very lucky, as we all do, to live in the as more time goes by, our chances of helping drop United Kingdom. I have been to a few rotten places in dramatically, so we must act as soon as we can. We are my life and I feel very strongly as an internationalist in a race against time and we must move fast. that we should help countries and peoples who are less Despite speed, however, we still must act morally and fortunate than ourselves. Where we can help, we should—I within a legal framework. What do we need in place? made that point earlier in an intervention—but we have Many hon. Members have touched on the requirement to be pragmatic about our foreign policy. There should for a Security Council resolution. The trouble with the also be a moral dimension and we should be constructive. Security Council is that it often takes decisions at the I am no warmonger. I have seen for myself what conflict speed of a striking slug. Of course, there might also be a brings. As the first British United Nations commander problem with one or two of the permanent members. in Bosnia, I witnessed man’s inhumanity to man and I However, as many hon. Members have stressed, it is found it loathsome. For me, the political lesson of essential that we have such a resolution because it gives Bosnia was this: if you are going to do something, do us top cover. it—make your decision and act. Be decisive, and be Secondly, we must have Libyan support. By hook or clear about your objectives. I do not think we can by crook, we must ensure that whatever we do has the pussyfoot around when it comes to international crises. support of those people who oppose Gaddafi. At the We should either do something effective or do nothing. moment they want a no-fly zone. As Gaddafi’s forces Indecision is next to useless. advance—I hope they do not; I hope they are defeated—I In such situations, the mission has to be clear from bet those people’s wish for more extensive military the start, but that did not happen to me in Bosnia. I had action in their support will become greater. I would like no formal mission for three months, but I said to my to see the no-fly zone for which they are calling, but let soldiers that we would have a mission. I told them that us be clear that there cannot be a no-fly zone without our mission was to save lives and I do not reckon that the United States. would be a bad mission for us in Libya—I think that all hon. Members present would agree with that. The tactics Jeremy Corbyn: What happens at the point when the being used by Gaddafi’s thuggish forces seem remarkably opposition forces in Libya ask for something beyond a similar to the tactics that I saw being used by General no-fly zone—ordnance, troops or whatever? Mladic in Sarajevo in 1992 and 1993. He had no thought whatever for civilian casualties. I watched that happening Bob Stewart: I thank the hon. Gentleman for his and I felt impotent with rage because we could have intervention, but the answer is that I do not know. I done something about it but we did nothing. We all would like to think that we would have some form of abhor what is happening in Libya on the road to Benghazi. answer. I would also like the Arabs to come forward Some hon. Members have suggested that we should not with assistance for their brothers in arms, which brings take too much from the past, but I am afraid that I am a me on to my next point. We have good Arab League bit of a dinosaur and I think that the lessons of Bosnia support although, as my hon. Friend the Member for hold true. Bournemouth East (Mr Ellwood) stressed, it might not be speaking for its members’ Governments, even though The military situation for the rebels in Libya, which it should be. we have not touched on, is pretty dire at the moment but is not terminal yet. In the west, Gaddafi’s forces Yasmin Qureshi rose— have not yet taken Misurata. In the east, approximately 5,000 of Gaddafi’s troops are besieging Ajdabiya, which Bob Stewart: I shall give way to the hon. Lady because is close to the strategic crossroads leading to either she gave way to me. Tobruk or Benghazi. We know that Gaddafi’s forces rely heavily on mercenaries. Those guys carry out their Yasmin Qureshi: And everyone else as well. business for gold, not love, and we somehow have to get I was interested that the hon. Gentleman said, “I to them. don’t know,” when my hon. Friend the Member for Islington North (Jeremy Corbyn) asked what would Mr Ellwood: I hesitate to interrupt my hon. Friend, happen if the rebels asked for more help. The hon. who is making a powerful speech, but does he agree that Gentleman talked about the hope that other Arab countries Gaddafi’s trust in his armed forces is questionable? He would intervene, but surely we cannot plan a war without cannot predict that a pilot getting into an aircraft who knowing what we are ultimately prepared to do. is told to go and bomb the rebels will actually go and do that and not fly somewhere else. That is why he is having Bob Stewart: We are not planning a war; we are to resort to using mercenaries. trying to stop Libyans dying. My mission in Bosnia was to stop people dying. Bob Stewart: I absolutely agree with my hon. Friend. Yasmin Qureshi rose— Gaddafi has unreliable forces, so he needs to use mercenaries, whom he pays in gold. Bob Stewart: I shall not take another intervention Gaddafi’s forces are on extended lines of communication from the hon. Lady. I was generous because she gave and supply, which is a good thing because he is not waytome. going as fast as he would want to. The key point is his Europe must participate, too. France is doing its best, rate of progress. Assuming the current rate of progress but I would like to know where Italy would stand, given of his forces, it seems that they might take another that Libya was one of its colonies—until, of course, the month to get to Benghazi. There might therefore be a Eighth Army kicked them out in 1943. Finally, we must 567 North Africa and the Middle East17 MARCH 2011 North Africa and the Middle East 568

[Bob Stewart] I am not ashamed to admit that I tend towards the neo-conservative view of the world, as someone who consider our own British public, who need to be fully on believes that freedom, human rights, property rights, side. I suspect that they would be on side if the conditions the rule of law, equality towards women, religious tolerance that the Prime Minister and other hon. Members have and rejection of terrorism are all inalienable human laid down came into play. I do not think that we could rights and should be spread all over the world. They say do it unilaterally, and certainly not without a Security that a neo-conservative is a liberal who has been mugged Council resolution. by reality. While I am not talking about my colleagues I agree with the no-fly zone, but it must be effective. It on the coalition Benches, I prefer to use the term cannot just be words. We must be able to strike on the “muscular enlightenment”. ground if necessary. I am sorry about that, but that is It seems to me that realpolitik involves appeasing or what a no-fly zone means. I was underneath Bosnian collaborating with unsavoury regimes in order to achieve Serb jets in 1993; there was supposed to be a no-fly certain foreign policy objectives. It is as far removed zone, but they were 200 feet above me. A no-fly zone from an ethical foreign policy as it is possible to be. Let requires a lot of organisation and, of course, it requires us examine how realpolitik has failed. With the Saudis, the Americans to help. I happen to agree with the idea the deal seems to be that we work with them financially, of arming the rebels, but when we arm people we must and in exchange they are allowed to promote their also train them. strain of Wahabi Islam throughout the world, a branch There is an embargo in place on Gaddafi. My long- of Islam which many orthodox Sunni and Shi’a groups standing right hon. and learned Friend the Member for consider extremist and heretical. On top of that, the Kensington (Sir Malcolm Rifkind) has made a plea that Saudis are allowed to pour millions into our universities. we should somehow get around that embargo for the What has been the result? There has been terrorism at rebels, and I support that idea. Military ground intervention, home and abroad; Islamist extremism in our universities which is another option, is extremely unlikely on the has increased; and we are no closer to a two-state part of the west. Some have suggested that Egypt might solution in Israel and Palestine. do something, but I think that that, too, is unlikely. If Nowhere is the failure more true than in our relations we have time we can establish a no-fly zone. We could with Libya. My family knows something about that even start to arm the rebels in Benghazi. country, as my grandfather lost his home and business In conclusion, I am prepared to support a no-fly zone to Gaddafi, and my father was born there and even and the arming of rebels, particularly if the substantial remembers shaking Gaddafi’s hand sometime in the conditions I have outlined are in place. The Libyans are 1950s, before he took power. With the release of al-Megrahi, crying out for our help. They are pleading for help. the Lockerbie bomber, the previous Government hid behind the fig leaf of devolution to help facilitate the Martin Horwood: Will the hon. Gentleman give way? release of a mass murderer. In return for stability and curtailing Gaddafi’s alleged weapons of mass destruction, Bob Stewart: I have so little time that I will not. Tony Blair and the right hon. Member for Kirkcaldy If we want to help the Libyan people, we must do and Cowdenbeath (Mr Brown) went far beyond what something very quickly. Time is of the essence. It may was necessary to build relations with Libya. Appeasement already be too late. became collaboration, and we saw that Government boost business links with Libya and facilitate university contracts with the Libyan authorities. 4.57 pm As reported on the website of Liverpool John Moores Robert Halfon (Harlow) (Con): One of the reasons university, dated 3 May 2007, the British ambassador to we need to have this debate today is that recent events Libya, Sir Vincent Fean even said: have shown that Government policy toward the middle “My vision for Libya…is”— east has failed lamentably in recent years. It has been inconsistent, because on one hand we played realpolitik, for— appeasing certain regimes, and on the other hand we “a closer and more productive relationship with the UK than have said that dictators are evil and that we must take with any other country.” action against them. It has been ineffective, because we Let me repeat that phrase: are friendly with a number of repressive states, particularly those in the Gulf, hoping for low oil prices. However, as “a closer and more productive relationship with the UK than with any other country.” current events have shown, this appeasement has not led to the stability we hoped for. More significantly, the If hon. Members think of Libya, they will find that that policy has been intolerable, because it has had a very statement is quite astonishing. It is a totalitarian state limited effect on stopping human rights abuse or promoting which murdered our own citizens in the Lockerbie democracy, with exceptions that I will come on to later. massacre, yet our own ambassador says that he wants It is often said that the measure of a man can be deeper relations with Libya than with any other country. found by looking at his friends. In the same way, the Truly, the fish rots from the head down. measure of a country can be found by looking at its It was wrong for universities in Britain to do deals allies. Honour killing is still legal in Iran, Jordan, Syria, with Libya, but we cannot blame them completely. Saudi Arabia and the Palestinian Authority.Homosexuality Yes, the London School of Economics and other universities is still punishable by death in Iran and Saudi Arabia, signed contracts worth millions of pounds, but the and by three years’ imprisonment in Syria. The events Government urged them on, and, as written answers of recent years in particular have shown us that our have revealed, the previous Labour Government met middle eastern policy has been wrong. at the most senior levels to push those issues forward 569 North Africa and the Middle East17 MARCH 2011 North Africa and the Middle East 570 with the Gaddafi regime. We have to ask: why was What is to be done? We need a radical reappraisal of this happening, what were we selling and what were the our foreign policy. We need a strategy that supports Libyans buying in terms of influence and acceptability? democracy over dictatorships. The thrust has to be to John Kennedy said that foreign policy should be support reformist movements in the region. Let me idealism without illusions. The realist school says, “You briefly talk about two of them. First, there is Kurdistan. can’t just drop democracy from a B52 bomber,” but that To those who argue that democracy takes hundreds of was always a misrepresentation of muscular enlightenment. years to evolve, and who say that we should not interfere, It was never just about military invasion; it was about Kurdistan, in northern Iraq, proves the opposite. Established winning hearts and minds and supporting throughout only in 2003, the regional government makes its own the globe those democratic movements that share the laws, controls its own army, and decides its own pace of ideals of freedom. I reiterate the point that has been economic development. It is a relatively terrorist-free made this afternoon: democracy is not just about elections. and progressive Muslim country, despite facing continuous If it is only about elections, we have the situation of threats from al-Qaeda. I declare an interest, because I 2006 in Gaza, where Hamas sent its militia on to the am an active member of the all-party group on Kurdistan streets, attacking members of the more moderate Fatah and recently visited the country. Only today, the Bishop party and throwing them off the rooftops. of Arbil was in Parliament—because I was here in the debate I was not able to go—explaining that Kurdistan Those who oppose freedom in the middle east, however, has welcomed thousands of Christians who have suffered are exactly like those who opposed the end of slavery in very badly from terrorist attacks in Iraq. I urge the the southern states of America in the 19th century. Government to do more to support Kurdistan in its They always said, “Yes, we want to end slavery, but not welcoming of Christians to the region. yet,” and the realpolitik of the middle east says, “Yes, In the same way, our current policy towards Israel they should have democracy and human rights for should be much more supportive. Criticism of Israel is women, but not yet.” So, what can we do to help out of all proportion to that of other countries. It is freedom spread throughout the middle east? always incredible how everyone wants to be a candid friend of Israel but no one is a candid friend of France, Mr Winnick: Does the hon. Gentleman condemn the Germany or America. Yes, of course Israel is imperfect, settlements in the occupied territories and agree with and yes, there are problems with settlements, but the the UN resolution, which was voted for by Britain but fact is that in a region of dictators, Israel is a bulwark of vetoed by the United States? freedom. The excuse is often given that Israel-Palestine is the driving force behind all conflict in the middle east, Robert Halfon: No, I do not agree, actually. I believe but recent events have disproved that. I believe that in a two-state solution, and I believe that some of the peace would happen incredibly quickly in Israel with west bank will obviously be given over as part of a two states—a Palestinian state and an Israeli state—if Palestinian state, but I did not agree with my Government Arabist dictators stopped funding terrorism. The more when they voted for that motion. democratic these countries become, the less likely there I accept that popular uprisings, such as the waves of is to be a war. I do not think there is an example in protest throughout north Africa and Arab countries, history of two democracies that have fought each other. might lead to Islamist fundamentalist rule, and we are I have often met Palestinian moderates who have the not sure yet whether this is eastern Europe 1989 or Iran will to make peace, but not the authority, whereas 1979. Arguably, indeed, Iran is living through its own Hamas, sadly, has the authority but not the will. version of the terror that followed the French revolution Let us have a foreign policy in the middle east that in 1789, with a despotic and brutal regime. That is why actively supports democracy over dictatorships. As my we have to divert aid into building democratic institutions hon. Friend the Member for Beckenham (Bob Stewart) and nurturing them where they exist. said, let us do all we can to have a no-fly zone in Libya. Let us do all we can to supply arms to those bravely I want to turn to Iran as the elephant in the room. fighting against Gaddafi—today or tomorrow, if possible, Through Hezbollah, Iran has huge influence in Lebanon. and unilaterally, if we have to. In doing so, we will In Gaza, Iran supports Hamas. Iran also has close reverse the many mistakes of recent years and make a relations with the President of Syria. We know that Iran stand for the people in the middle east who have the supports activities against British troops in Afghanistan right to freedom. and Iraq. It may soon have more influence in Bahrain. And, of course, it is about to have nuclear weapons. 5.9 pm Iran is what Reagan once described the Soviet Union Stephen Phillips (Sleaford and North Hykeham) (Con): as—the new evil empire. Using the example of Iran, we It is an enormous pleasure to follow my hon. Friend the must not let the middle east fall out of the frying pan of Member for Harlow (Robert Halfon), and to have learned dictatorship into the fire of Islamism. for the first time that his father shook the hand of Colonel Gaddafi. I suspect that there are many in the Nicholas Soames: Does my hon. Friend agree that it House this afternoon, and indeed across the world, who is very important not to confuse the Iranian people with rather wish that he had shaken him by some other part the Iranian Government? of his anatomy. There have been contributions of great substance Robert Halfon: My hon. Friend makes an incredibly during the debate. For the most part, they have rightly important point. I agreed with much of his speech. The focused—for perfectly understandable reasons, given Iranian people have a totally opposite view from that of where we are today—on the situation that currently the regime which, sadly, has suppressed them for so prevails in Libya. I will concentrate my remarks a few long. hundred miles to the east, on the nation of Egypt. In 571 North Africa and the Middle East17 MARCH 2011 North Africa and the Middle East 572

[Stephen Phillips] The demonstrations of the 1920s in Egypt and the subsequent rise of nationalism were ample indication of Egypt, a largely bloodless transition occurred and elections a people ready to govern their own destiny. Had we left have been promised by the interim military Government the Egyptians to get on with their own lives rather within the next six months. As my hon. and gallant earlier than 1954, the generations that have come since Friend the Member for Bournemouth East (Mr Ellwood) might well have had a better quality of life, and the indicated, those elections are extremely important and Egyptian state a growing democratic maturity, which our Government will have to hold the interim Egyptian would have assisted in the cause of peace throughout Government to that promise. the region. It is for that reason, if for no other, that the Like many people, I think that Libya would not be in Prime Minister was entirely right to hold talks with the the state that it is today if it had followed the template interim Government last month in Cairo immediately of what happened in Egypt. It has an uncertain immediate after President Mubarak announced that he would step future and has the potential to return to its pariah down. status, should the Gaddafi regime prevail in the current struggle. Most, if not all, Members hope that that does There is little in Egypt or in the region by way of a not occur. model for an open and democratic society upon which those who seek to promote such a society can draw. The lesson from Egypt, as from other areas of the There is only so much that can be borrowed from world, is clearly one of hope. We must not lose sight of nations such as ours, given the different cultural histories that in the course of this debate. Authoritarian regimes and the lack of entrenched democratic traditions in the across the region may from time to time win battles region. Demonstrations of support for the transition to against those in whose name they purport to govern. democracy are important, since Egypt and the other However, in the end, like Ozymandias, their fate is countries in which revolution—if that is the right word—has always the same: it is to fall at the hands of those to been seen this year need to know that the interference of whom they have done such disservice. the west is a thing of the past. They need to know that, This country has a historical responsibility for Egypt. like them, we have grown up and that the rights that we We played a part in its governance, although not always take for granted but value are not just for us but for the a glorious one, for a not inconsiderable period. Given southern and eastern Mediterranean and the Gulf states. current events, it is not without irony that I read what In short, they need to know that we now trust the Valentine Chirol wrote as long ago as 1920 at the end of nations of the middle east in a way that the generations chapter 16 of his book entitled “The Egyptian Problem”: that immediately preceded us showed no sign of doing. “Not till we have left behind us the No Man’s Land of Those demonstrations of support are important also government by martial law can we hope to regain the confidence for reasons alluded to by my hon. Friend the Member of a new generation of Egyptians by applying to the altered for Blackpool North and Cleveleys (Paul Maynard). We conditions which any measure of self-government must imply the same broad constructive statesmanship which won for us the do not want to see in countries across the middle east confidence of an older generation.” the sort of revolution that merely involves one dictator With the exception of an 18-month period between stepping down to be replaced by another. 1980 and 1981, martial law has effectively held sway in I have alluded to the fact that we have not always Egypt since 1967 when the emergency law of 1958 was done well by those in the middle east, but one exception, first used. The transition to democracy in Egypt will and one person who supported Arab independence, was not be easy. However, we all hope—and I have no doubt of course T. E. Lawrence. In preparing my remarks this will prove to be the case if the Government hold to today, I came across his review in The Observer of their position, as they should—that this marks the end 19 September 1920 of Chirol’s work, to which I have of the application of that emergency law, with all that it already referred. It shows again that, whatever the hon. has entailed for ordinary Egyptians and for peace in the Member for Birmingham, Edgbaston (Ms Stuart) says, middle east. history teaches us much. As Lawrence wrote, more than The removal of that law and other emergency laws nine decades ago now, to read Chirol’s book across the region is necessary for the democratic aspirations that led to the recent uprisings to find expression in “is to learn that the diseases of the Government of Egypt are Governments who have broad support. In Egypt, there mostly mental, and the statement of the causes nearly cures must be a Government who have support across a them”. nation that straddles the east and the west, and which As he also noted, this country provided a sorry sequel has so often been the hinge on which world events have to Lord Cromer’s magnificent beginning. It has taken turned. It is now a nation of more than 80 million 90 years for the prospect of good government in Egypt people. It has a unique history, of which all Egyptians to re-emerge. are justifiably proud. This situation is not something of which we should The current picture is one of hope. If the Egyptians be afraid. Democracy is not easy. It has mostly been succeed in creating a successful model of what a free easy for people in this country, but that is not the Arab democracy can look like in this century, their experience across the world. Democracy is not something neighbours, including in Libya, will be hard-pressed not to which we should pay lip service only. Our interference to follow suit. It is the task of Members of this House in the middle east, often ostensibly in the name of to assist the Egyptian people and those across the stability—Egypt is as good an example as anywhere middle east as best we can. Given the prize before us, I else—has done our nation little good. It has caused look forward to hearing from the Minister at the end of resentment and on occasion bloodshed, as well as setting the debate, and again as often as may be convenient in back the cause of democracy for others across the future, precisely how the Government propose that that world. task should be accomplished. 573 North Africa and the Middle East17 MARCH 2011 North Africa and the Middle East 574

5.17 pm Saudis make the suggestion or was a request made? He was quite right to ask whether the Americans were Neil Carmichael (Stroud) (Con): This has been a involved. There is a danger in unilateral action; we need timely and excellent debate, and Members on both sides more collective and multilateral action, which is why I of the House have made valuable contributions. I wish emphasised the role of the EU. We also need to work to follow on from the comments of my hon. Friend the hard with other key nation states, notably America, but Member for Penrith and The Border (Rory Stewart), also those that neighbour north Africa and the middle who made some very good points. One was about the east. In that respect, should Turkey, whose geopolitical amount of time that we should allow for significant role we need to think about carefully in this context, be changes to take place in north Africa and the middle involved? east. He talked about it taking two decades or more, and I think he was absolutely right. Although things are I firmly believe that we need a two-state solution to happening very fast in the immediate situation, we have the Israel-Palestine problem. Nothing less will do, and to take a long-term view. we must ensure that we encourage the US to think in the My hon. Friend was also right to say that we have to same terms. It was refreshing to hear other hon. Members be more engaged and flexible with the various nation say that the 1967 boundaries should, broadly speaking, states that we are dealing with and make use of collective give or take, be respected. The truth is that the Israelis, European values as well as the experiences of individual who must be fed up with wondering who will attack states. The relationship between France and Morocco is them next, will also benefit from a solution. We must a good example, but not the only one, and we need to be make it abundantly clear that they need the security intelligent about how we respond to developments. that will come from a two-state solution. My hon. Friend the Member for North Thanet (Mr Gale) Obviously, things are moving fast in Libya and, made an interesting point. He wondered why we were worryingly, Colonel Gaddafi’s forces are moving towards not in Hungary in 1956. The answer is that we were in Benghazi. I am not convinced that a no-fly zone will Suez. He wondered why the west was not dealing with happen, and nor am I convinced that it would necessarily Czechoslovakia in 1968, and the answer is that we were work, because there is an awful lot of ground activity in Vietnam. Well, we were not, but certainly the United rather than air activity. However, we must learn lessons. States was. That is a signal that we have to think about Our attitude to such crises must be based on a willingness our interests much more carefully than we have in the to construct coalitions. We must also learn how to deal past. with such situations in future, because in some respects we have failed to act quickly enough. There are some parallels between the current situation and 1989 to 1991, but one of the most important However, we should never think that interventions parallels is with 1975, when the Helsinki accords were should happen just because we feel like it. We must agreed. They gave comfort to the people of the Warsaw ensure that people in the countries involved want us to pact countries, because President Gerald Ford and others be there. This country, other EU members and other insisted on including human rights as a key plank of the active nation states, but above all states in north Africa accords. We should remember that and think about and the middle east, should encourage that. what it did later. We need to give that type of comfort to the middle east and north Africa now. 5.25 pm The points that other hon. Members have made are worth embellishing. Democracy is a great thing, but the Bob Blackman (Harrow East) (Con): The situation in Foreign Secretary is absolutely right to say that we the middle east and north Africa is the most challenging cannot rely on elections only—we also need democratic and tumultuous for more than 30 years. Our Foreign institutions, the rule of law and so forth. The Westminster Office team face a great challenge in dealing with countries Foundation is valuable in providing such help, but the emerging from dictatorships that, for whatever reasons, EU needs to be willing to promote our values. Many Governments of both political persuasions have had to hon. Members asked why the EU should show interest make deals and arrangements with. As a result, the in the middle east and north Africa. The answer is that people who have rebelled against those dictators have a they are nearby, and we should have interests and links natural distrust of Britain, the United States and other in nearby places. western powers. The challenge for our foreign policy, as we develop it over the next few weeks and months, is to ensure that it embraces the people who will be forming Damian Collins: Will my hon. Friend give way? the next Governments in these countries. Neil Carmichael: I cannot, because we have only five I believe that Iran’s Government have had a long-standing minutes left, and I know my hon. Friend the Member aim to be the central, dominating power in the region. for Harrow East (Bob Blackman) wants to say a few Western policy used to be that Iraq and Iran balanced words. each other out. As colleagues know, more people were killed in the wars between Iraq and Iran than in the first Developing economic links and ensuring that countries world war; both sides sacrificed their personnel by benefit from the opportunities of trade links and throwing them against each other. When our country entrepreneurial activity is important. I have been to joined the US in invading Iraq, we unbalanced the many countries in the middle east, including Morocco position, and now we have an Iranian state that wishes and Israel, and noted an interest in getting on with to pursue the nuclear option and to dominate the entrepreneurial activities, which we need to stimulate. region. I was shocked when I heard that Iranian battleships Interestingly, the shadow Foreign Secretary asked had been allowed to use the Suez canal for the first time. how Saudi involvement in Bahrain came about. I, too, It will start to make all countries in the region nervous wonder about that. Who invited the troops? Did the about Iran’s intentions, so we should make representations 575 North Africa and the Middle East17 MARCH 2011 North Africa and the Middle East 576

[Bob Blackman] Friend the Member for Ilford South (Mike Gapes), the previous Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee. However, to the new Egyptian Government to ensure that they do I should apologise to the hon. Members for South not allow Iran that free and unfettered access. The fear Thanet (Laura Sandys) and for Blackpool North and is that it will unbalance the countries in the region that Cleveleys (Paul Maynard) and to my hon. Friend the we count on as allies. Member for Birmingham, Edgbaston (Ms Stuart) for Much of the debate on north Africa has been about not being in the Chamber for their speeches. Libya, yet we forget Tunisia, which depends on visitors. Members in all parts of the House have addressed the People there are suffering because the economy is shot practical challenges that we as British politicians face in to pieces, and it needs to rebuild and encourage visitors, providing the support to build democracy in the middle yet people remain deterred from visiting. As a result, east and north Africa. I want to echo what a number of unemployment is high and the economy is in a state of hon. Members have said about the importance of the shock. That needs to change. work of the Westminster Foundation for Democracy. My next remarks will concentrate on the situation in There has been some discussion about the appropriateness Israel and Palestine. Israel faces a challenge to develop or otherwise of drawing parallels with previous periods a two-state solution with Palestine—a solution I of our history.The Westminster Foundation for Democracy wholeheartedly support—but on the northern border was born out of the collapse of the iron curtain and the Hezbollah, armed by Iran, is preparing once again for a Berlin wall, and it has done some important work in potential attack on Israel. The Israelis say it is only a central and eastern Europe, Africa, Lebanon and other matter of time before there is another war between parts of the world. We in the Opposition applaud that them and Hezbollah, which could trigger other events. work and see an opportunity for the foundation, working We have to put pressure on Iran to stop it arming with similar European, American and other foundations Hezbollah in order to prevent those attacks. in north Africa and the middle east, to provide practical support in building democracy, not just for elections, On the west bank, the economy is growing well—it is but for all the other aspects of democracy that hon. developing far better than the British economy. Fatah Members have described. and the Palestinian Authority are ready and willing to Quite understandably, hon. Members have referred become a proper democratic state, yet in Gaza Hamas to the history of the region and the mistakes that we refuses to take part in elections. In this fledgling democracy, and others have made. Let me say that because we have the party ruling Gaza refuses to participate in elections, got things wrong in the past—and we have—that does so does not have a renewed mandate. We need to put not mean that we should not try to get things right in pressure on the PA and Hamas to agree on elections, so the future. It is not about the external imposition of that we can have a democracy under the PA that can democracy; it is about how we respond most appropriately negotiate with Israel. to the demands of the people. My right hon. Friend the Finally, on the situation in Israel, those who go to see Member for Rotherham (Mr MacShane) made an Jerusalem will know that the security barrier has stopped important point about Parliament’s role as an institution suicide bombings and other attacks on Israelis and in supporting democracy, both in discussions such as Arabs in Jerusalem, and that has to be good news. today’s debate and in all the practical ways that we can Although the security barrier looks unacceptable to the support the development of democracy in other parts outside world, it has clearly solved the security problem. of the world. I look forward to the day when that security barrier is Crucial to that is the point that the hon. Member for dismantled and all the people of Israel and Palestine Bournemouth East (Mr Ellwood) made about the failure can coalesce together. That is the challenge. of multilateral institutions in the past few weeks, and in I will end with the issue that I raised in Foreign and particular the slow response of the United Nations and Commonwealth Office questions earlier this week. The the European Union. There are significant lessons that murder of the Fogel family in Itamar has made it much we need to learn from these crises, both now, as a matter harder for Prime Minister Netanyahu to drive forward of urgency, and moving forward. The hon. Member for the peaceful settlement that we all seek. What we need Croydon South (Richard Ottaway), the Chair of the to get across to the terrorists in Hezbollah, Hamas and Foreign Affairs Committee, spoke about the responsibility Islamic Jihad is that their activities will never, ever to protect. The crisis in Libya demonstrates that a great succeed. They need to participate in a peaceful process deal more work needs to be done to make policy on the leading to the two-state solution so that everyone can responsibility to protect fully operational, otherwise it thrive. is, frankly, meaningless. My hon. Friend the Member for Bolton South East 5.30 pm (Yasmin Qureshi) challenged us to consider the grounds on which intervention should be made. She was absolutely Stephen Twigg (Liverpool, West Derby) (Lab/Co-op): right to remind us of the need for rigour in deciding Last month I visited Israel and the west bank, and I when we should and should not intervene. We all have refer hon. Members to my relevant entry in the Register perspectives shaped by our own experience. For me of Members’ Financial Interests. personally, the failures of the international community We have had an excellent and wide-ranging debate, in Bosnia and Rwanda in the 1990s shaped my outlook with a number of powerful speeches, in particular from on many of the challenging issues that we now face. As I the hon. Members for Mid Sussex (Nicholas Soames) think the hon. Member for Beckenham said in response and for Beckenham (Bob Stewart). I found myself in to my hon. Friend the Member for Bolton South East: pretty much complete agreement with what both had to where we can, we should. That is absolutely right. What say. We have also had a number of interesting speeches we actually do is a whole other matter, and it will not from Opposition Members, including from my hon. necessarily involve military intervention. The discussions 577 North Africa and the Middle East17 MARCH 2011 North Africa and the Middle East 578 on intervention on both sides of the House have tended Afghanistan were mentioned, and we must not forget to focus purely on the military, which has relevance, but the appalling domestic human rights position in Iran it also involves broader diplomatic, economic and other itself. That must remain high on our agenda. forms of engagement. On Libya, everyone who has spoken today has shared Another important point made by a number of speakers the feeling of revulsion at what Gaddafi has done and was that there is no one-size-fits-all response to what is what we have seen on our television screens over the happening. The countries involved are very different past few weeks. My right hon. Friend the Member for from each other, with different histories, different political Paisley and Renfrewshire South asked a number of systems and different levels of development in their civil questions, to which I hope the Minister will respond, society. No two countries will require the same response. about the possible military, diplomatic and economic measures that could be put in place to make a difference Jeremy Corbyn: The one thing that most of those to the situation on the ground in Libya. countries do have in common is that they have been the These events since January—in Tunisia, through events recipient of large amounts of arms sales. Most of them in Egypt, Libya and parts of the Gulf—remind us, as a have trade agreements with the European Union, all of number of hon. Members have said, that democracy, which contain human rights clauses. Those clauses have human rights and freedoms are universal aspirations. all been universally ignored. Does my hon. Friend not We have witnessed the enormous courage of people think that we need to be a bit more proactive on the across the middle east and north Africa in standing up legal front, particularly on human rights and arms against dictatorships. Ordinary people in the Arab world sales? value democracy just as much as we do. Stephen Twigg: My hon. Friend makes a very fair When I was in Israel and Palestine last month, I met point. Members on both sides of the House have referred young people in Nablus and Tel Aviv, whose passion for to this matter today, and my simple answer to him is yes, justice and freedom matched that of the young people we do need to have that debate. We need to look at how we have seen on the streets of Cairo, Tunis and now we can strengthen the existing codes, which, as he Benghazi. For the Palestinian people, justice must mean rightly says, refer on paper to human rights and other a viable state based on 1967 borders with equivalent considerations. Those terms do not always seem to be land swaps, appropriate security arrangements, Jerusalem kept to when arms sales are taking place. as the capital of both Israel and Palestine and a just solution for Palestinian refugees. For the people of Let me focus now on the middle east peace process. Israel, justice must mean true security, an acceptance Several Members have referred to the appalling murders that security is a real challenge for them and recognition last weekend of the Fogel family in Itamar. I join them by the Arab countries of the middle east of Israel’s right in deploring those wicked acts. As the Foreign Secretary to exist. I hope and trust that a democratic Egypt will said in questions earlier this week, we must respond to reaffirm the peace treaty between Egypt and Israel. that appalling act by stepping up our efforts to reach out to the moderate majority of Israelis and Palestinians What today’s debate has demonstrated is the profound who really do want to see the two-state solution to sense of solidarity felt by us in Parliament but, more which speakers on both sides of the House have referred importantly, by the people we are sent here to represent. today. This week, in Gaza and on the west bank, we Yet it is a solidarity, I would argue, that is tempered by a have seen thousands of young people protesting for frustration at the weakness and inertia of international peace and national unity in Palestine. institutions. Almost 20 years on from the genocide in Rwanda, the United Nations has again been too slow to I welcome the Government’s decision to upgrade the act. Two decades on from Bosnia, Europe has again status of the Palestinian delegation here in London to been hesitant and divided. I would say to the Minister that of a mission. I echo the view expressed by a and to the Foreign Secretary as a matter of some number of hon. Members that it is vital that Israel place urgency, that the British Government have an opportunity an immediate moratorium on the building and expansion to lead a debate on making the responsibility to protect of settlements. It is equally vital that Gilad Shalit be a practical, operational reality. Otherwise, it will simply released. These are the conditions that can create be fine words on paper. We must also press our European reconciliation and peace. I echo the views expressed by partners to give practical support to help achieve democracy the hon. Member for Mid Sussex on the Arab peace and self-determination across the region. initiative in his powerful speech, and I want to say to the Government that we see that initiative as central to the As a number of Members have said, stability has prospects of moving forward in this crucial period for been the cornerstone of our policy in the middle east for the middle east peace process. decades; stability based on the suppression of freedom, however, is no genuine stability. It is in our national It is difficult in 15 minutes to do justice to all the interest, as well as being morally right, for us to support elements of today’s debate, but let me say something democracy, strong civil societies and the protection of about Iran. In his opening speech, my right hon. Friend minorities across the middle east and north Africa. My the Member for Paisley and Renfrewshire South right hon. Friend the Member for Rotherham made the (Mr Alexander) reminded us of the threat of Iran’s point that this House has an important part to play in nuclear programme, and invited the Minister to update promoting these shared values. Today’s debate has the House on what work the Government were doing, demonstrated that we are rising to that challenge. with international partners, to increase the legitimate pressure on Iran to comply with UN Security Council resolutions. A number of hon. Members referred to 5.43 pm Iran’s negative role in exploiting Sunni-Shi’a divisions The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign in the region and in supporting terrorism. Its support and Commonwealth Affairs (Alistair Burt): I thank the for Hezbollah in Lebanon and for the Taliban in hon. Member for Liverpool, West Derby (Stephen Twigg) 579 North Africa and the Middle East17 MARCH 2011 North Africa and the Middle East 580

[Alistair Burt] Our policy needs to be resilient. We need to remain on a crisis footing. Members did not linger on consular for his contribution, which has been absolutely up to issues today, but they will be aware that some of the the high standards we have seen this afternoon; I agree changes in the region have raised significant consular with much of what he said. I also commend the House issues for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, both for the excellent standard of contributions in these here and overseas. In the main, that office has responded genuinely extraordinary times. remarkably. There are tales all over the world of people We began with an outstanding contribution by my who have been brought back to this country thanks to right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary, in which he its extraordinary work and effort. I appreciated what analysed the broad sweep of events into the turn of the the right hon. Member for Rotherham (Mr MacShane) year. He then looked at the more immediate issues on said about that. However, we must remain alert to which we urge or will an end to the violence, which future emergencies. prevents the establishment of the conditions necessary We need to keep an eye on strategic issues, including for the peaceful pursuit of legitimate aspirations and immediate issues that may pop up. We have discussed the chance of a response from existing Governments. the middle east peace process and Iran, and I will return It has become a commonplace to recognise the events to those subjects later. We need to continue to make a we are living through in north Africa and the middle case for those building blocks for the future, based not east as a generational shift—a massive historical change on western values but, as the hon. Member for Liverpool, in the Arab psyche. As my hon. Friend the Member for West Derby said, on universal values. We need to take Mid Sussex (Nicholas Soames) noted, in what I thought account of the clearly expressed views of the Arab was a succinct, deep and well-informed speech that set League. We must recognise that the case for Arab the tone for the debate, the stability we went along with exceptionalism may now be weaker than it has ever for so long was frozen in time and nothing will ever be been before, and that the tides of history affect all. We the same again. He is right; it will not. must also recognise that all countries are different, and My hon. Friend the Member for Croydon Central will handle the pathway to reform in different ways. (Gavin Barwell) said that history would ask whether we Finally, we must build on relationships in the region. should have anticipated these events and what we could When we came to office, we recognised that both north have done. I suspect that that will be a matter of debate Africa and the Gulf would repay closer attention. With for a long time to come as we examine all the ramifications. the Gulf initiative and our activities in relation to north It should not go unsaid, however, that this country Africa, we sought to build and boost relationships. I do has persistently maintained in relation to many other not think we expected then that quite so much attention countries—both publicly and privately, and often quietly— would be focused on the Gulf and north Africa, but I that although there may be different roads to stability, think that both this Government and this Parliament there are certain building blocks for democracy. It may are ready to meet the challenges. not necessarily be a Westminster style of democracy, but key factors are freedom of expression and assembly, I want to divide some of the issues that have been human rights, some form of representative system to raised today into themes, and then answer some of the express opinion, free trade, and peaceful relations with questions that have been asked. The broad sweep of the neighbours. events in the region was mentioned by a number of Members, notably my hon. Friend the Member for Mid Equally, as has been recognised in several speeches Sussex. My hon. Friend the Member for South Thanet today, the strategic needs of the United Kingdom have (Laura Sandys) spoke with great passion about the required, and still require, that we maintain relationships opportunities for relationships between peoples that with Governments of many kinds, not all of whom have had been generated, and my hon. Friend the Member demonstrated the fullest adherence to international for Penrith and The Border (Rory Stewart) brought his obligations or been free from problems with their own experience to bear in discussing that broad sweep of people. That applies to the region that we are discussing, events. More colleagues raised a number of these issues, and to other parts of the world. A number of Members but I have not mentioned them now as I want to try to have reflected today that these events provide an opportunity refer to Members only once. to reset relationships, and that must be true. The Prime Minister has referred to the “precious opportunity” Several Members addressed future opportunities for that they have created, an opportunity that should be the exercise of soft power. I am pleased that the Westminster seized and not denied. I think that the House will Foundation for Democracy was mentioned by, among re-examine those relationships with great excitement others, the hon. Member for Ilford South (Mike Gapes), and genuine relish. the right hon. Member for Rotherham—again—and It is in that atmosphere of change, and recognition of my hon. Friend the Member for Stroud (Neil Carmichael). change, that today’s debate has taken place. Let me set When any of us visit any of the countries mentioned, the tone by making some key points before dealing in we are struck by the extraordinary respect that there is more detail with issues that Members have raised. for our language, the British Council and the Chevening There must be a recognition of the sovereign position scholarships, all of which help to create a relationship of the peoples in the region. This is not a west-inspired between peoples, and we can only see greater opportunities change; it is an Arab-inspired situation, locally driven for them in the future. The House can rest assured that and locally led. I too have met some of the young the Foreign and Commonwealth Office is alert to the people in Egypt. I met some just last week who had opportunities that are available in this regard. been part of the Tahrir square protest, and who are now A number of colleagues mentioned specific countries. part of the national dialogue. Their style and commitment My hon. Friend the Member for North Thanet (Mr Gale) should give any of us in this place genuine hope for the spoke of Tunisia. I recently met the ambassador, who is future. a first-rate ambassador for his country. We have spoken 581 North Africa and the Middle East17 MARCH 2011 North Africa and the Middle East 582 to him about the opportunities for economic progress. and human rights defenders, and during the Prime My hon. Friend was right to say that the economics of Minister’s recent visit to Egypt he called on the Government what has happened is as important as the politics. A to release all political prisoners and end the state of number of these countries—especially Tunisia and Egypt— emergency. I think the right hon. Gentleman and I find have been greatly affected by the changes in tourism ourselves in tune on that. and other industries. It is essential that the work on the A number of colleagues mentioned the middle east economic package that we are currently doing with our peace process and issues affecting Israel and Palestine. European partners bears fruit, and that support is made My hon. Friend the Member for Mid Sussex raised the available. I can assure my hon. Friend that that is indeed Arab peace initiative, and we support that. There is a the case. We have drawn up priority areas for our own huge sense of urgency in this House about the need to bilateral support, and we are also working with the EU get an element of certainty introduced to an uncertain on new, more substantial financial packages, which are area. That is why we are working so hard to help both likely to be available in the new financial year. My hon. the Israelis and the Palestinians appreciate that seeking Friend’s comments were well drawn. a settlement now, or at least getting the parameters set On Morocco, we welcomed the recent statement by out, would be of such benefit to all. We have been His Majesty the King, and the hon. Member for Islington working tirelessly on this over the past few months and North (Jeremy Corbyn) rightly drew attention to issues we are not letting this ball drop just because people’s there, as he often does. Egypt was mentioned by my minds have been distracted by other things. hon. and learned Friend the Member for Sleaford and Many colleagues, including my hon. Friend the Member North Hykeham (Stephen Phillips), and I want to turn for Hendon (Mr Offord), the right hon. Member for briefly to that country as the shadow Foreign Secretary, Manchester, Gorton (Sir Gerald Kaufman), the hon. the right hon. Member for Paisley and Renfrewshire Members for Liverpool, Riverside (Mrs Ellman) and South (Mr Alexander), made a number of remarks on for Bolton South East (Yasmin Qureshi), my hon. Friend it, and I am keen to respond. the Member for Harrow East (Bob Blackman) and the The sense that I got from being in Egypt last week hon. Member for Walsall North (Mr Winnick), spoke was one of optimism. I do not think there is any sense of some of the misery on both sides. This House knows there that the military are looking to hang on to office. of this catalogue of misery only too well, and what it Indeed, the reverse is the case; I think they wish to push does, whether we are talking about the Fogels or another power back to the people as quickly as possible. There is group, is increase the urgency of finding an answer. widespread debate about the sequence of the elections. This Government will press on that, with all parties, as There is no firm timetable yet; indeed, there is no much as we can. agreement as to whether the presidential should come before the parliamentary, and there is much talk about Iran was mentioned by a number of colleagues, that. principally my hon. Friends the Members for Harlow (Robert Halfon) and for Harrow East, and we are all There is a general sense of optimism in respect of the watching to see what exploitation there might be of the engagement between the politicians, and their relationship current situation. Despite everything else that is going with those activists who were outside the Government, on, we remain concerned about Iran’s nuclear activities. as well as the relationship between all of them and the Following the disappointing talks in Istanbul, which military. Many things can go wrong, and there is concern were sabotaged by the attitude of the Iranians, we are about those who might have ties to the old regime continuing not only to keep a door open, but to make seeking to create trouble between different communities clear suggestions that the tightening of sanctions will such as the Muslims and the Copts, but the people seem continue. They are having an impact and we all want to be alert to that. There is a lot of time still to go, but that process to lead to an abandonment of the Iranians’ the signals from those with responsibilities were good, desire for nuclear capability. Civil nuclear power is and I suspect any colleague visiting would pick that up. something that we all support and that can be controlled, The right hon. Member for Paisley and Renfrewshire but Iran must be open about its nuclear ambitions. It South asked about asset freezes. The United Kingdom must open its doors and its books to the International has been at the forefront of the arguments within the Atomic Energy Agency in a way that it has not done EU to take action on Egyptian requests to freeze the before. It must come back to the open negotiating table assets of several members of the former regime. A of colleagues in order to reassure the world community. decision on that has not been taken, but we expect that Understandably, the no-fly zone and Libya dominated a decision will be taken soon at EU level. As my right a great deal of what my right hon. Friend the Foreign hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary suggested, the difficulty Secretary and other colleagues said, and the concerns has been the lack of information that has been supplied expressed echoed the warnings that the Prime Minister by the Egyptian authorities. We need to see evidence of gave here just the other day. If Gaddafi were able to corruption as well as further information about the secure victory at the point of a gun and again dominate individuals in question, but that process is under way. and terrorise his people, that would send out a sad I have mentioned the election timetable. The right signal. So far, the work that has been done to isolate hon. Member for Paisley and Renfrewshire South asked and shrink that state, and warn it of the consequences, about representations made in respect of political prisoners. has had an effect: it has reduced the money that could We have continued to urge the authorities to respect have gone towards arms and it will have affected behaviour fully human rights and democratic freedoms, including on the ground. However, as the troops advance, the freedom of expression and communication and the urgency gets ever more acute. That is why the Foreign right of peaceful assembly. On numerous occasions Secretary and the Prime Minister are working so hard, throughout the revolution we raised our concerns with and why so much work is going on in New York today the authorities about the mistreatment of journalists on the resolution. We are hoping that the urgency of the 583 North Africa and the Middle East 17 MARCH 2011 584

[Alistair Burt] Medway City Status Motion made, and Question proposed, That this House situation will convince those who have been reluctant. do now adjourn.—(Miss Chloe Smith.) Nobody should underestimate either the difficulty or the commitment that this Government have to see that through. We have heard the pleas of the people of 6pm Libya for what it is they wish to see and we, too, call on Rehman Chishti (Gillingham and Rainham) (Con): the international community to respond to the resolution Thank you, Mr Speaker, for choosing my topic for that we have put forward with others and, crucially, this debate. I declare my interest as a councillor on with the support of the Arab League, to make some of Medway council. Since I became the Member for this a reality. It is much needed and time is short. Gillingham and Rainham, I have, as I am sure hon. We watch the situation in Bahrain with great concern. Members know, keenly spoken about my wonderful We know that the Government of Bahrain have been constituency and the wider area of Medway—a place involved in a political dialogue, but that it has been that is less than 30 miles from the House. After all, it is stalled for a period of time. We are monitoring the the place where I went to school, grew up and, of situation closely.We call on all parties to exercise maximum course, still live. It is therefore no wonder that I am a restraint and avoid violence, so that a political dialogue passionate advocate for the Medway area and strongly can begin. support its bid to become a city during the Queen’s Arms is the only substantive topic that I have not diamond jubilee year in 2012. really touched on, and I have only a minute in which to Anyone who visited Medway would fully understand do so. The issue has been raised before, and the Prime why. It is not only a place with a fantastically rich Minister said the other day that although we have the history and heritage, but an innovative and growing most rigorous arms control legislation, which does require area that is going places with a great future ahead of it. looking back and revoking licences when necessary, Medway consists of the towns of Chatham, Gillingham, there probably are some questions to be asked. It must Rainham, Rochester and Strood, as well as the remain rigorous and colleagues are right to examine the internationally renowned Hoo peninsula. All those places issue in terms of the future. The regime will remain as are interwoven by one thing: the River Medway, a place rigorous as possible, not only to satisfy the legitimate that, over the centuries, has been the setting for an desires of nations to defend themselves—this is an awe-inspiring history. industry that we are able to supply well—but to ensure Medway has Rochester castle, which was built in the that neither internal repression nor regional conflict is 13th century for the Archbishop of Canterbury and is supported. one of the finest examples of a Norman keep The House of Commons has been thoughtful and anywhere in the country. It has Rochester cathedral, informed this afternoon. It has expressed itself optimistic which is England’s second oldest cathedral, built in the that the changes sweeping the region could be beneficial. 7th century. If we move along the river, there is Upnor We have said that we would desire such an outcome and castle—an Elizabethan fort built to defend naval ships that both bilaterally and with friends we will do all we from attack by the Dutch. Mind you, as they sailed past can to will the means—economic, political and social—to it to burn the English fleet at anchor 70 years later, it make such an end possible. But we have rightly also could be said that it was not exactly the finest example been wary. Long experience of such matters in this of public money being spent on a successful infrastructure place means that we would not be doing our job if we project. were not cautious and careful of what we wish for and There is also, of course, the naval dockyard, a place of dangers that lurk around the corner. We have reasserted that has provided men and arms during the ages of sail the values that uphold us, although we are not blind to and steam and in more recent times. For example, our past or to the reality of the future. We seek to Admiral Nelson’s flagship HMS Victory was built there support those in other places who have the same wishes and the old sea dog himself lived there. The Chatham as us. The great thing about what has happened is that it naval dockyard used to be one of three royal naval is led by those in those countries who wish to see the dockyards in England, with the others at Portsmouth freedoms and freedoms of expression that we have. We and Plymouth—two places that already have city status. hope that we will stand by them. What the Prime In the 1980s, Chatham dockyard closed and tens of Minister has called a “precious moment of opportunity” thousands of people lost their livelihoods. As I am sure will be watched carefully at Westminster— the House will understand, that was a devastating and bleak time for the whole area. Many people thought 6pm Chatham and the wider Medway towns would never Motion lapsed (Standing Order No. 9(3)). recover, but the people of Medway are a resourceful and resilient lot, who, after a period of shock, picked themselves back up. Even though no one at the time would have imagined that Medway could have recovered from that awful milestone in its history, it has shown it can do more than that and has exceeded all expectations. Since the closure, Medway has been transformed. St Mary’s island and the Chatham docks have been successfully regenerated and more is to come along the Rochester riverside and in Chatham town centre, where regeneration work continues despite the recession. 585 Medway City Status17 MARCH 2011 Medway City Status 586

We have seen major growth companies starting up in council opinion poll has shown that more than two Medway over the last few decades and four universities thirds of people in Medway are in favour of the bid. have also come together in a unique partnership at a They recognise that being honoured with city status shared campus that caters for more than 10,000 students. next year by Her Majesty would give it the greater The figure is set to grow. With the new high-speed rail national and international profile it deserves, putting it links, its close proximity to the capital and Kent’s major back on the map. ports, it also has fantastic transport connections. People elsewhere in the country might know about We are proud of our close historic ties with the armed the five towns that make up Medway, but they might forces, including, of course, the fact that Chatham was not realise that those towns make up the largest conurbation at the forefront of British naval history for centuries, as in the south-east outside London, or that it has great well as our association with the Royal Engineers, based links to London and continental Europe. City status at Brompton barracks. That rich association led to the would give Medway new opportunities to present itself area being the first to host the national armed forces as a great place to do business. I know the area could day in 2009. attract more inward investment to increase job prospects Medway also offers a diverse range of sporting and for young people by providing them with more good, cultural events, thanks to its new centre for sporting quality local jobs. I am aware that Medway has a excellence, Medway Park, an Olympic training ground number of competitors for city status in 2012, many of based in my constituency, and our excellent calendar of which have some of the things that make a great city but activities, which include cutting-edge art festivals and none of which has the full range of qualities of Medway. celebrations of Charles Dickens, who moved to Medway I have said it before and I will say it again: Medway is a at the age of five and based part of his novel “Great place with a rich heritage and a great future, and I Expectations” and his unfinished work “The Mystery believe in recognition of that it should be honoured of Edwin Drood”, there. We are also home to Kent’s next year with city status. only league football club, the mighty Gills, which I 6.9 pm know will get promoted this year. Who knows—one year they might be in the premiership. I am told that The Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office (Mr Mark Medway has more days of free festivals than any other Harper): I congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for area in the south-east outside London and I think it is Gillingham and Rainham (Rehman Chishti) on securing fair to say that Medway is a city in all but name—a the debate. He follows the recent example of our hon. place with a rich heritage that is going places and that Friend the Member for Southend West (Mr Amess) in undoubtedly has a great future. securing an opportunity to debate his area’s hopes of winning the diamond jubilee city status competition. As Over the past few decades, much of our regeneration I said in that debate, other hon. Members will note this work has benefited from Government funding, but with mechanism for promoting the bid of their constituency the huge national deficit the country now has, much of or area for city status. I am sure, Mr Speaker, that you that funding is no longer possible. Medway council and your team of Deputy Speakers will have the realises that and is acting in a thoroughly pragmatic opportunity to hear about many more interesting bids way. Not only has it just approved, through careful and over the coming year as we travel around our United concise planning, a balanced budget for the next financial Kingdom. year, but it has found savings while protecting all its I understand that my hon. Friends the Members for front-line services. Recently, the council’s leader, Rodney Chatham and Aylesford (Tracey Crouch) and for Rochester Chambers, has spoken of the need to bring more inward and Strood (Mark Reckless)—the other two Members investment to Medway. He said that city status would whose seats contain parts of Medway—share the views present Medway with a “golden opportunity” to up its of my hon. Friend the Member for Gillingham and profile and bring that about. Rainham, but unfortunately they could not attend the Businesses across Kent agree. Medway’s bid is backed debate because of pressing constituency engagements by Arriva, BAE Systems, MHS Homes, Asda, Sainsbury’s, that they had previously arranged. I spoke to my hon. Christian Salvesen, Swain Haulage, Hochiki Europe, Friend the Member for Chatham and Aylesford this Peel Ports, Nordic and Ward Homes to name just a few. morning, so I know that she agrees with many of the My hon. Friend the Minister will know that some of the views that my hon. Friend the Member for Gillingham hardest people to win over in any debate are our friends and Rainham expressed. in the media. That is why I am particularly delighted I welcome today’s manifestation of Medway’s intention that Medway’s bid is also backed by the Kent Messenger to apply for city status, which gives us an indication of group, which publishes the south-east’s biggest-selling the interest and enthusiasm that the diamond jubilee weekly regional newspaper. competition has aroused throughout the United Kingdom. Medway also plays host every July to some of the Some people have tried to cast doubt on the legitimacy biggest names in UK music in our castle concerts. Last of a bid from a local authority area such as Medway, summer, Medway’s city status bid was backed which contains within its borders a number of towns wholeheartedly by stars from Status Quo to Will Young, and rural areas. It is therefore worth saying that I can The Saturdays and Diversity, but support from celebrities, confirm that the local authority is welcome to apply, as businesses and the media is not enough. It is also are others like it. Medway’s entry will be fairly and important that people living in Medway back the bid impartially considered alongside all those received. The for city status. That is why I am pleased to tell the only absolute requirement, which applies everywhere House that I know, from the many conversations I have but Scotland, is that an applicant local authority must had with people living in Medway, that the idea of the want the whole of its area to be made a city. The area becoming a city in recognition of Her Majesty’s position is different in Scotland for historical reasons diamond jubilee is definitely a popular one. A Medway and because of the way local government works there. 587 Medway City Status17 MARCH 2011 Medway City Status 588

[Mr Mark Harper] impartially at all bids that meet the rules, and eventually we will make a recommendation to Her Majesty the I shall give my hon. Friend the Member for Gillingham Queen on the grant of city status in her diamond jubilee and Rainham an example of a similar area, although I year. hope he will forgive me for mentioning it because this My hon. Friend set out well the area’s claims and area and Medway were in competition before. Brighton some of its history. He talked about its business and and Hove became a city in a previous competition, so it culture, and concluded by setting out the public support was not Brighton alone that became a city but the entire for the bid. He and other hon. Members will understand, local authority area. Brighton and Hove is a good however, that I cannot endorse or support Medway’s example for Medway to follow, given that its bid was aspirations, exactly as I could not support those of successful. We understand that Medway council intends Southend. Indeed, my right hon. Friend the Prime to bid on behalf of the entire local authority area and Minister had to refuse to support the claims of Ballymena, we welcome that intention. even though the hon. Member for North Antrim (Ian Medway has something unique about it, because as Paisley) tempted him to do so. Ministers will remain well as the towns of Chatham, Gillingham, Rainham impartial, as we must, to ensure that city status continues and Strood, the surrounding rural areas and the Hoo to be a real honour that is fairly bestowed, and that the peninsula, Medway includes within its borders a former diamond jubilee competition remains a real competition city. It is well known that Rochester had the misfortune all the way to the end. to lose its ancient city status in 1998 following local We know that local authorities in all parts of the government reorganisation. Given that Rochester does United Kingdom are compiling their entries, or looking not have its own council, it would not be allowed to at the guidelines on the Department for Culture, Media apply by itself for this competition, but a bid from and Sport’s diamond jubilee website so that they can Medway council for the entire area of Medway will be decide whether to apply. All valid entries that reach the very welcome. Cabinet Office by the closing date of 27 May will be Rehman Chishti: The Minister acknowledges the unique fairly and impartially considered, and I look forward to nature of Medway and Rochester’s former city status. Medway’s being among them. Does that mean that he will look on Medway’s bid more Question put and agreed to. favourably? Mr Harper: I am afraid that I will have to disappoint 6.14 pm my hon. Friend. The Government will look fairly and House adjourned. 139WH 17 MARCH 2011 Bill of Rights 140WH

on, for one reason or another, it is somewhat difficult Westminster Hall for it to produce any results whereby the grievances are redressed. We face serious problems if Parliament is Thursday 17 March 2011 blinded or deafened by the actions of others. I have some other laws here, which are important. In the area of family proceedings, people very often refuse [MR PETER BONE in the Chair] to, or are pressurised not to, give information to Members of Parliament. There have been a number of changes BACKBENCH BUSINESS over the years. In 2005, a statutory instrument creaked open the door to the family courts, and then there were the Family Proceedings (Amendment) (No.2) Rules 2009, Bill of Rights which are important because they made it clear under Motion made, and Question proposed, That the sitting “communication of information for purposes connected be now adjourned.—(Miss Chloe Smith.) with the proceedings” that a “party or the legal representative of a party, on behalf of and 2.30 pm upon the instructions of that party, may communicate information relating to the proceedings to any person where necessary to Mr Peter Bone (in the Chair): This very important enable that party…by confidential discussion, to obtain support, debate is about articles 9 and 13 of the Bill of Rights advice or assistance in the conduct of the proceedings”. and the role of Parliament in dealing with all grievances This might come as a surprise to some people: Members and the importance of freedom of communication between of Parliament are human beings. The law was opened constituents and Members, and I know that it is very up very clearly in 2005, and it was made explicit in 2009 important, because the Leader of the House trailed it that any person is allowed to have information from a earlier. I remind Members of the importance of privilege, party. Article 9 of the fundamental constitutional law which we have here in Westminster Hall as in other of the UK of course trumps statute and statutory parts of Parliament, but Members should always exercise instruments, but we have here a statutory instrument their rights with care, particularly when naming individuals, that makes it extremely clear that a Member of Parliament and should avoid intrusion into areas that are within may obtain information from a party; for example, the jurisdiction of the courts, particularly things that from a parent or a child who is aggrieved at their are active before the courts. treatment by the family courts. Often children have great difficulty escaping from this strange world; a 2.31 pm number of teenagers who have found it very difficult to John Hemming (Birmingham, Yardley) (LD): I thank escape the system have contacted me. you, Mr Bone, and also the Backbench Business Committee, There is another old constitutional law that I would on which I sit, for providing the opportunity to debate like to refer Members to: the Magna Carta. The Magna this very important issue. Carta 1297 is the version that is in force—in statute. It is I often find the older laws interesting to look at, and rather sad, in some senses, that so little of it remains. A they are all available on the modern websites. On the lot of it has been repealed, and only articles I, IX and statute law website, found at legislation.gov.uk, we can XXIX are left. Article I is on the confirmation of find the Bill of Rights 1688, which is sometimes called liberties, and basically refers to the Church of England. the Act of Rights 1689. Article 9 of that Bill is on Article IX refers to the liberties of London, and as a freedom of speech, and says Member of Parliament for Birmingham I wonder why “the Freedome of Speech and Debates or Proceedings in Parlyament an article about London and the Cinque ports has not ought not to be impeached or questioned in any Court or Place been repealed when so many of the others have gone. out of Parlyament.” Article XXIX is an important one, on imprisonment Interestingly, that it is often misunderstood to mean contrary to law and the administration of justice: absolute privilege, when it in fact means that the courts “NO Freeman shall be taken or imprisoned, or be disseised of cannot look at what is said in Parliament, which gives a his Freehold, or Liberties, or free Customs, or be outlawed, or defence not only against defamation but against contempt exiled, or any other wise destroyed; nor will We not pass upon of court. Things that perhaps otherwise could not be him, nor condemn him, but by lawful judgment of his Peers, or by spoken of, can be spoken of within Parliament because the Law of the Land. We will sell to no man, we will not deny or of article 9. It is absolutely crucial to recognise that that defer to any man either Justice or Right.” is a liberty of the British people: the powers of Parliament, I emphasise the last sentence of that article, the key to in the body of democracy, to represent the citizens of which, as I see it, is that people are equal before the law, the United Kingdom are liberties of the British people. and that one’s wealth should not affect how one is seen Contempt of Parliament and parliamentary privilege by the legal system. There are lots of debates going on are there to protect the citizens of the UK, and of the about access to justice, and last week I raised the issue world more widely, and I shall go into some detail about of the balance between two different cases, and of how that later. the people involved in them were treated. One case Article 13 is about frequent Parliaments: involved a particularly wealthy person and the other a “And that for Redresse of all Grievances and for the amending relatively poor person, and I will come on to that later strengthening and preserveing of the Lawes Parlyaments ought to because it is important. be held frequently.” This debate is particularly about the position of That clearly gives Parliament two functions, one being communication with Members of Parliament, and the the redress of all grievances. The nub of my arguments right hon. Member for Haltemprice and Howden today is that if Parliament does not know what is going (Mr Davis) has a very important point to raise in 141WH Bill of Rights17 MARCH 2011 Bill of Rights 142WH

[John Hemming] Mental Capacity Act 2005, which specifies circumstances under which people’s capacity can be removed, but I association with that. Even if we did not have the Bill of was surprised to find a situation in which someone who Rights, it is clear that there are circumstances in which seems coherent could be told, basically, “You’re too it would be lawful for people to communicate with stupid to tell a solicitor what to do. And, because you Members of Parliament. There are other situations, are too stupid to tell a solicitor what to do, we will when there are court injunctions or other pressures on appoint what is called a litigation friend”—one must people through employment contracts and the like, distinguish between a litigation friend and a McKenzie when it perhaps is not as lawful for people to communicate friend, because people sometimes confuse the two. The with their Member of Parliament. I am particularly litigation friend acts on someone’s behalf. The Official concerned about situations in which people are bullied Solicitor is often appointed as litigation friend even and threatened to prevent them from raising their grievances though the Official Solicitor ought really to be appointed with their Member of Parliament, and there is obviously as a litigation friend of last resort. a question as to where the limits of that lie. I tend to With the agreement of the Official Solicitor on behalf construe it more broadly, in that when information is of Mr Gilliland, a decision was made by the court. The needed for proceedings in Parliament that should be house he lived in was to be sold, with half the money protected by the law. The law of Parliament is part of going to him—roughly £50,000. However, he was to be the law, even if some solicitors firms do not understand evicted and, of the £50,000, more than £37,000 would that, such as Withers last year. go to his solicitor. Who is protecting Mr Gilliland’s interests? He did not start out as a particularly wealthy Mr Richard Bacon (South Norfolk) (Con): On that individual, then the state came in and said, “Youare too point, and particularly in connection with family law, it stupid to instruct a solicitor, but you can’t see the basis is the bullying of constituents that is one of the most upon which we have made that decision. Oh, and by the offensive aspects of this. In trying to explain to way, we are going to take three quarters of the money parliamentary colleagues why we sought to hold this you might have had, turfing you out of your house and debate and what is so important about it, the example putting you on the streets, and give it to your solicitor.” that I have given that has most grabbed their attention is that of a social services department saying to a constituent, I do not see that as treating Fred Goodwin on the one “If you talk to your Member of Parliament, we’ll make hand and Lee Gilliland on the other hand equally. Fred sure you lose custody of your child.” Does that not Goodwin can afford to spend a lot of money on getting illustrate vividly the nature of the problem that we are an injunction, or even a super-injunction under which dealing with? someone cannot even talk about him having the injunction. I will come to what I call hyper-injunctions. One of the John Hemming: Yes, it is a dreadful abuse of state freedom of speech issues is that media organisations are power to threaten to remove a child from the care of the generally commercial organisations, and there gets to parents because they deign to speak to their Member of be a point at which it is not worth their while trying to Parliament. That happened to one of my constituents, challenge the system and to get information out. With Andrew France, and I will come to the detailed that, we return to the article 9 issue, because our freedom documentation on that later. I think that is a dreadful of speech in the House is obviously on behalf of the thing to do with people. citizens. We need to know of grievances so that we can On the Family Proceedings (Amendment) (No.2) Rules raise them and talk about them publicly, so that the 2009, I pointed out that it is in fact entirely lawful to citizens of the UK can know. If it costs £20,000 or talk to anyone. To say, “We will remove your child, £30,000 in legal fees to write an article, in most circumstances because you had the effrontery to raise your concerns a media organisation will just give up. The freedom of about process with your Member of Parliament” is a speech is basically sold down the river, because of the dreadful thing to do. Parliament should not tolerate costs of the legal processes. that, because it undermines the actions of Parliament. Later, I will come in detail to the example from Australia Mr David Davis (Haltemprice and Howden) (Con): I which demonstrates that it can be interpreted as contempt congratulate my hon. Friend on securing the debate on of Parliament, so Parliament could take action on those a massively important subject. grounds to ensure that people’s right to talk to their MP I was not at the signing of the Magna Carta, or later is protected. ones, but I have been in the House for 22 years and I Last week, I raised the issue of Fred Goodwin and have a couple of observations. One of the reasons that Lee Gilliland. Everyone tended to concentrate on Fred the Cinque ports and London are still on the statute Goodwin and the banker issue, but I think that the issue book is because the redress of grievances was always of Lee Gilliland is more important. The Gilliland case done before the Crown—the state now—and it got its is slightly complex, and I cannot refer to some things, interest, its reward, its return and its borrowing from because proceedings are continuing. However, in the the City of London. historic proceedings to which I referred last week, he What we are seeing, and it has got worse over the had his mental capacity removed, on his right to instruct course of the past 22 years, is the interests, prejudices a solicitor, on the basis of a report from his GP which and career risks of the organisation dealing with the was written some five months after his GP had last seen individual, be it a solicitor or even a family or social him and which he has still not seen—I spoke to him services officer, put to the fore—not always, but about half an hour ago. sometimes—ahead of the interests of the constituent. It took me a little time to get into the issue of mental Those officers of local authorities, courts and so on capacity, when I first encountered it a number of years have put their interests or privileges ahead of ours, and ago, because it seemed so shocking. Yes, we have the it has happened time and time again. In my constituency, 143WH Bill of Rights17 MARCH 2011 Bill of Rights 144WH teachers have been accused of sexual misdemeanours agreed to those recitals in the court order, the council which were later proven not to be true, and people have would have taken action—he was told—which would been threatened with their children being taken away—a have been to apply for a care order taking his four-year-old whole series of areas. daughter into care. Our job is to be the defence of last recourse for the individual. We stand between the individual and the Mr Bacon: For the benefit of the House, can my hon. misdemeanours of the state or, indeed, the lynch-mob Friend clarify, in case anyone did not notice? Is he law at the other extreme. That is why, in modern terms, saying that a court order was made prohibiting a constituent and not just in terms of the ancient rights, our access to from talking to him as a Member of Parliament? information is fundamental to continuing freedom in Britain. Once our right to have that information is John Hemming: Exactly. The court order is slightly taken away, the freedoms of our citizens and constituents different from that, because it is in the recitals. Some are undermined. Parliament itself—its officers and the court orders prohibit people from talking to Members Speaker—should take a stand and make a statement to of Parliament, but, because it is in the recitals, it implies the effect that we have those rights on behalf of our an agreement. It is slightly more complex, but, in essence, constituents. May I have the view of my hon. Friend? a lot of pressure was placed on him to agree not to talk to me. The threat was that, if he talked to me, they John Hemming: I very much agree with my right hon. would apply to take his child into care. A note from his Friend; he is entirely right. People recognise that we in barrister, June Williams, said: the House act as the last resort in many ways. I will give “All the advocates stressed to me the danger of Father having examples from among my own constituents for whom I any contact with John Hemmings MP”— have acted in the last resort. We need to stand up for the I wish she had got my name right— citizen. “(for the Liberal and Democrats).” One of the problems with how things have developed, She did not get the party’s name right either. I shall miss and with all the secrecy rules, is that they seem to act to out a couple of the points that she mentioned, because protect not vulnerable people but those who make they are totally untrue, but she continued that he was money out of the system. That is dangerous, because we “scathing” about the care system then have what Councillor Len Clark in Birmingham “and had been heavily criticised by the Court of Appeal about his talked about as the “penguin mentality”. Basically, involvement in cases. The collective view was that he would do whenever there is any criticism—he was citing social more harm than good. Mr Grove confirmed that he advised workers—they stand like penguins, back to back, on a Mother not to contact the media again and she confirmed that different continent to everyone else, Antarctica, and she would not. I spoke to Father about this, as the parties had they just refute all criticism. Any real problem in the prepared the recital to the order about the parents not contacting system is then very difficult to deal with. the media or John Hemming”— We will look at the issue of Dr Waney Squier later. she got my name right that time— Her problem is that the area on which she can argue her “or any third party about this case. Father was very defensive at case is trapped by the secrecy of the family courts. That first and said ‘No’ and that effectively this was a gagging order,” is protecting not children but the judicial process from which, of course, it is. scrutiny. It is about identifying not the children or the parents involved in the case but the rational process by Mr Bacon: Surely, it must be the case that any right- which a conclusion has been reached. thinking court that had informed itself properly—in My right hon. Friend the Member for Haltemprice this case, it would have to be a higher court revisiting and Howden is entirely and totally right. We need to the decision—would come to the conclusion that any stand up collectively, and we hope that the Speaker agreement made under duress would be a nullity and might do as my right hon. Friend requests. void. I will now look in more detail at Andrew France’s John Hemming: I agree with my hon. Friend that it is case. I have some of the documentation with me, including completely wrong to be made to agree not to talk to a county court order—for proceedings that have now one’s MP. I also think that that process of bullying is a completely ended, so it is a public document, and there contempt of Parliament and that action should be is no issue of privilege. The document is there in the taken by Parliament to deal with it. courts. In the recitals, it states: The note continues: “upon the first and second Respondents agreeing that they will make no further disclosure in respect of this matter to any third “I explained to Father to think carefully about his actions party, including in particular the media and John Hemmings especially the impact on the child”. MP.” It goes on to talk about other children getting hold of It is somewhat surprising that I am such a threat to this and causing difficulties, but talking to one’s MP the system that so much effort will go into stopping one does not inherently mean that something will enter of my constituents speaking to me. He was wrongly Parliament; it merely means getting additional support imprisoned on a made-up allegation of rape, so he went and explanations. The note goes on: through a serious process. He won his criminal appeal “Father said that he went to the media because he wanted to but he complained about a social worker in the process, clear his name”— so the authorities decided to start proceedings in the which is fair enough— family courts. Luckily, an excellent judge junked it in “having suffered negative coverage in the media at the time of his the bin, because it was transparently such nonsense, trial. I stated that I understood why he did it, but stressed it was and everything ran smoothly for the family. However, the potential impact on his child that he must give consideration my constituent was under no illusion that had he not to.” 145WH Bill of Rights17 MARCH 2011 Bill of Rights 146WH

[John Hemming] she “ran and hugged one of the males believed to be her brother, He has been portrayed by the media as a rapist and before getting into the car and being driven away. A history of” wants to get publicity that says that he is not. I find it her odd that it is thought that trying to get publicity to clear “being the subject of an allegation of forced marriage was mentioned. his name would cause problems for his child. Concerns were mentioned in the Police report that family will try The note continues: to take her out of the country,” “Mr Grove joined me, whilst I was speaking to Father in the which is refuted by the family. waiting area, and reiterated the danger in Father in having any The report continues: contact with John Hemming. I advised Father that he must have “It was stated ‘the Airport Unit at Birmingham Airport was faith in his legal team, and that contacting 3rd parties such as informed so that any immediate attempts to remove” John Hemming, would not be consistent with working alongside his legal team. I stressed that John Hemming would not assist him her any better than his legal team, at the fact finding hearing. I urged “from the country could be identified.’ him against such further contact and sought his confirmation as to whether he was agreeable to the preamble to the order. Father It goes on to say that she at first said that he would agree to it but was not happy about it. I “was found by the Police at her mother’s home address in Sparkhill, stressed that I needed to be certain that he was in full agreement Birmingham. A large number of family members were present to it, and after Mr Grove had spoken to Father about this, as and a party atmosphere was described. It was stated that” mentioned above, Father stated clearly that he would agree to it, she and appreciated the point that I was making.” “‘was unequivocal that she wished to remain with her parents’ The essence of it is that he has no real choice. If he does and when it was explained by police that it was not possible but not agree to it, the local council, of which I used to be she could remain with her sister she was very excited. It was also deputy leader, would take action to take his child into stated ‘it was established that there was no legal authority to care. remove” her On the processes of councils, it is interesting that I have discovered that their senior management and “to the care of Social Services and no authority to use force to do councillors have no knowledge of what is really going so.’” on in social services departments throughout the country She was separated from her family for 10 years and on a day-to-day basis. There is no real scrutiny in the found them near where they live. She ran into the car councils, and the fact that elected officials are in charge with her brothers, went to her parents’ house and there of them does not result in any proper scrutiny. was a party because they had found her after 10 years. They went to court and a social worker from Birmingham— That is one example where it is obvious that action was wrongly taken to bully somebody into agreeing not to contact me. I have to be very careful with the example Mr Peter Bone (in the Chair): Order. I am sorry to of another of my constituents, because proceedings are interrupt the hon. Gentleman, but I just want to make continuing, so I shall have to refer to historic information. sure that this is not sub judice and not active before the It may be best if I do not name this constituent, because court. it will save difficulties. She is 26 years old and has mild learning difficulties. She came back to Birmingham, John Hemming: This particular part is not active. It is having been separated from her family 10 years ago. A a distinct proceeding that relates to a decision taken in consultant psychiatrist’s report quotes the police in 2009. It is important that hon. Members gain an relation to the situation faced by my constituent, who understanding of the basis on which these decisions are was on the electoral role in my constituency for the taken. It is said in the Court of Protection that decisions general election. I should also add that Acocks Green is are taken via the judge, who relies on an expert witness. part of my constituency and it has an Iceland shop. I will read out the expert’s report that empowered the local authority to get a decision from the judge to put The report states: my constituent in a home. The report has a heading and “Police records made available to me via the instructing Solicitors includes the names of a social worker and the witness, provide details of the incident on 8/10/09, reported as an abduction.” but I shall not mention them. The specific question was: They say that she was abducted by her family. The where does she want to live? It went on: report states that the description from the police was “Does the service user understand the information necessary that she was to make the decision at this time?” “out shopping in Acocks Green Village, with 2 other residents” The answer given was “Yes”and the report said that she had from her home. It goes on to say that, while in Iceland, she “listened and quickly responded that she had heard but wanted to stay with her family.” “saw one of her sisters. The sister asked the carer for contact It is clear, therefore, that she had a view of what she details but this was refused. She left the shop in tears. In the aftermath of this incident” wanted. The report also asked: she “Can the service user retain the information for long enough to “and her party were walking away from ‘Iceland’ a silver car make this decision?” pulled over, containing” The answer given was that she her “two brothers.” The report goes on to say that “is quickly stating yes, she is not giving reasoning or considering “it is described in the Police report that when the silver car pulled risks which she herself has previously expressed relating to potential over” forced marriage and not wanting contact with family members.” 147WH Bill of Rights17 MARCH 2011 Bill of Rights 148WH

The report went on to ask: Mr David Davis: I am listening with fascination to “Can the service user weigh up the information in order to this case because it seems to me that it is clearly a make this decision?” contempt of Parliament. Who is the Official Solicitor responsible to, if not to us? The answer given was that she “is not weighing up information about different options for her John Hemming: The Official Solicitor’s answer is that accommodation. She will only state she wants to live with her he is accountable to the court. However, I cannot see mum and dad or sisters. She said that she likes to make people where the real scrutiny of that process is. Let us consider happy and that she will be happy if her family are happy. Her family will be sad and angry if she leaves so she would like to stay the case I mentioned earlier—the £37,000 case—which with them. I suggested she could have continued contact with her also involved the Official Solicitor. Obviously, Alastair family even if living elsewhere but” Pitblado does not trundle around the country like Father Christmas, visiting every court for a few seconds. We she are talking about members of his staff, who will vary in “said this would make them angry.” calibre. As far as I can see, there is no real scrutiny of the Official Solicitor. Yes, the court may spot something, The report concluded: but it is very difficult. Who is actually acting to protect “The result of this Capacity assessment is that in relation to somebody against what the Official Solicitor does? That deciding accommodation” is a very difficult question. In addition, I have asked if I she “does not have Capacity.” can go and see the constituent concerned and have been refused. So, someone is being held incommunicado That is not really a long assessment in terms of the from her Member of Parliament. Mental Capacity Act 2005. Where in the assessment is there an attempt to assist her in making her decision? On the issues surrounding what can be done as a last There is no record of it whatsoever. The assessment is resort, I shall discuss another constituent: Michael given as a sufficient basis to, basically, imprison her. It Singleton. His mum was very surprised that he had was in secret and there was no accountability and no been jailed for five years, given that the allegation was second opinion at that stage. that he had intentionally set fire to the house they were living in and had gone back to bed in the same house. I wrote to a Minister who told me to write to the Care She came to see me and we filled in the forms for him to Quality Commission, which told me to write to the appeal to the criminal Court of Appeal as a litigant in solicitors, who did not respond. I wrote to the council, person, after which he was released. That shows the which told me: “The judge has banned us from talking importance of having the last resort because the state to you.” I wrote to the Official Solicitor—this is a would have wasted a lot of money keeping him locked mental capacity case and the Official Solicitor has been up when there was nothing to be gained from doing so. appointed to deal with her best interests—and I got a It was lucky that that case was not covered by any letter back that said: confidentiality and that no one was trying to ban him “You are correct when you suggest that I take the view that I from talking to me or his mum or anything like that, am not accountable to you as an MP for the way in which I act in and he was therefore released. individual cases.” The other person I have mentioned is still basically in We have a sort of vacuum here. There is no proper the power of the state, and the people concerned are accountability in this area whatsoever. Her sisters were banned from coming to talk to me. Therefore, I cannot talking to me and were threatened that they would be in give them any advice on how they might be able to contempt of court if they continued to do so. One of appeal the process and challenge things. I do not have a the sisters is a constituent and another one lives just degree in law, although I have a certain amount of outside my constituency. We have here another contempt experience with it. My degree is more science-based. I of Parliament, where effort is being put into stopping shall also mention another, more recent constituency external scrutiny of the processes. case. I will not name the person concerned because it might be sub judice. We are trying to get it to be sub In the case I am talking about, a large sum of money judice. has been spent on keeping this particular girl in the custody of the state—she is effectively a secret prisoner. Mr Peter Bone (in the Chair): Order. May I just say to The family has expressed the view that the true reason the hon. Gentleman that it is quite proper to refer to she was taken into care some 10 years ago was to cases to illustrate the general debate, but this is a wider prevent the investigation of an allegation of sexual debate? He should not spend too much time on any assault against a member of staff of the city council. single case because I know that other hon. Members They think that the reason this kicked off is that, when wish to speak. she came back to Birmingham, someone did not want the investigation of the sexual assault from 10 years ago to kick off. I have seen some of the police records, and John Hemming: I will speed up a bit. Dr Waney the family have a reasonable case for saying that that Squier is another example of someone who, to clear her might be the motivation underlying such a massive name, needs access to secret material that does not expenditure of public money. Whatever way we look at affect any children or parents. However, she cannot get the matter, this is a dreadful case and it is very clear access to that. what is going on. It has been said that her father is a risk We should consider again the wider questions of to her. However, he died last July—possibly partly as a court decisions in respect of contact with Members of result of the stress of the case—so he is not much of a Parliament and others. I have here a case from 2005—folio risk now. It is therefore difficult to understand what the No. 773. It is an injunction that says that if someone justification is for what has been done. disobeys this order, they may be found guilty of contempt 149WH Bill of Rights17 MARCH 2011 Bill of Rights 150WH

[John Hemming] (e) Anything to do with the potable water tanks of any of the above-named vessels, their coating or recoating which he has of court and may be sent to prison or fined or their learned as a result of these proceedings, including without limitation assets may be seized. I am not going to name the parties the content of paragraphs 5 to 7 of the first affidavit of G. in that case because more research needs to be done into (f) Any speculation that the illness of any individual (including it. However, without me putting this into parliamentary without limitation the collapse of H) was, has been or will be brought out by the chemical composition or the chemicals present proceedings, I cannot even write to the people involved. in the coating of the potable water tanks on the C.” Obviously, an ordinary letter not connected with proceedings in Parliament is not covered by the Bill of There is a lot of stuff in that. It goes beyond a super- Rights. Paragraph (1) of the document concerned states: injunction; it is what I would call a hyper-injunction. It is an injunction in a case where someone is not even “Neither the Defendant nor any third party with notice of the allowed to refer to the existence of these proceedings. Injunction may communicate with any third party regarding these proceedings in general and the potable water tanks or There is the desire not to have the matter mentioned to system referred to in the Injunction in particular.” Members of Parliament. There is also the interesting reference where it says Mr Peter Bone (in the Chair): Order. I am sorry to “with the exception of lawyers or legal advisors instructed for the interrupt again. I want to go back to my previous point: purpose”. we must not deal with active cases. Will the hon. Gentleman I believe that the person concerned got a two-week assure the House that this is not active? suspended sentence for talking to a lawyer about whether he could have it on a no win, no fee basis. So there is a John Hemming: The case has not been active to my real question about whether he can get a fair trial on knowledge since 2006. It is definitely not active now. I this basis. One of the things to which he is not supposed think the case ended in 2006—the date of the injunction— to refer is the fact that in the potable or drinking water partly because of the trap that the individual concerned tanks of these vessels, the paint was defective. In certain has found himself in. circumstances, the coating could break down and release small quantities of a toxic substance into the water Mr Bacon: It may assist hon. Members if I draw my contained in the tanks. What we have, therefore, is hon. Friend’s attention to the Select Committee on passenger vessels trundling around the world with Procedure’s 2004-05 report on the sub judice rule. On potentially toxic substances being released into the tanks, page 19, that report makes it clear that the purpose of although to be fair, the problem with the coating in the the sub judice rule is to protect active proceedings. It tanks is being fixed; but one of those who worked on also makes it clear that criminal proceedings cease to be the tanks collapsed as a result. We also know that the active when they are concluded by verdict and sentence situation continued. or discontinuance, and that civil proceedings are active The reason why I have not named people is simple: I when arrangements for the hearing—such as the setting do not know the nature of the toxins or whether they down for a case for trial—have been made until the are serious, and they might not be. However, I am proceedings are ended by judgment or discontinuance. greatly worried about transparency, and I might pass If there has been a judgment or a court order, there can these details to a Committee of the House, if there is be no question of the matter being sub judice. one that wishes to look at them. From a health and safety point of view, we want to think that the water we John Hemming: I thank my hon. Friend for that. In are drinking is safe and that it will not cause health fact, in this case, that goes even further because there is problems; the difficulty in this case is that we do not nothing going on. Not only was there a judgment or know. What we do know is that corporations used the court order injunction in 2006, but nothing has been massive force of the law to gag an individual and truss going on since in the courts— although there may have him up so much that he could not really challenge the been other things going on in the outside world in process. relation to the matter. Returning to paragraph (1)(a) of the document, it states: Mr Bacon: What my hon. Friend has just said is really “The third parties with whom the Defendant (and/or such quite extraordinary. As I understand him, he is saying third party) must not communicate in that regard include (but are that a court in this country made an order with a whole not limited to): load of provisions in it. What particularly attracted my (i) A or any other owner or operator of ships. attention, however, was that it prohibited someone from (ii) The United States Coastguard or any other coastguard or talking to a Member of Parliament and from referring similar organisation; to the existence of the proceedings. When one thinks of (iii) B or any classification society; secret courts, one thinks of unsavoury regimes such as (iv) Members of parliament, journalists and lawyers, with the those in Burma, Cuba, Hungary in the 1950s or Stalin’s exception of lawyers or legal advisors instructed for the purpose Russia, but one does not think of the United Kingdom. of assisting his defence of these proceedings. How can a judge feel it appropriate to make an order (2) The Defendant (and/or such third party) must not communicate making it unlawful—supposedly—to refer to the existence to third parties (without prejudice to the generality of the terms of proceedings? of the Injunction): (a) The existence of these proceedings; John Hemming: The person in question could actually (b) The existence or terms of the Injunction; be jailed for telling his MP that he had been in court (c) The fact that the potable water tanks of C and D were case No. 773. What is so sensitive about that? In practice, recoated; even family court proceedings are not that confidential. (d) The fact that the potable water tanks of other vessels (such I think this case was in the Commercial and Admiralty as the E and F) were also recoated. court. My first question is not just how the hell this 151WH Bill of Rights17 MARCH 2011 Bill of Rights 152WH could happen—I apologise for the non-parliamentary it is not privileged; if it is connected with proceedings in language, Mr Bone. How does this happen? How many Parliament, it is privileged. That obviously gives the more of these cases are there? How many secret cases House control over which communications with Members do we have in this country, with people being banned of Parliament are privileged and protected by article 9. from even saying that the case exists? In the past couple of days, Lord Neuberger has said Mr David Davis: I do not know which level of court that super-injunctions are dubious. There is an argument would make that judgment, but it produces an enormous for a temporary super-injunction from time to time in a perverse incentive. That became apparent during the fraud case so that money can be chased around the case involving my hon. Friend the Member for Ashford world, but it is complete nonsense to have something (Damian Green)—now the Minister for Immigration. that is still in force almost five years later and whose He was arrested for handling information that had been existence cannot even be mentioned outside parliamentary leaked from the Government; it was actually in the proceedings. In this case, there is also the health and public interest that he handled that information, but we safety issue. I do not know how serious it is, although will put that to one side. One of his defences was that he now that the case has been mentioned in parliamentary used the information in his role as a Member of Parliament. proceedings, I will send people a copy of Hansard, ask However, there was a vast quantity of information—I for their comments and see what explanation they give. handled it and he did, too, because he worked for me at If I can find an appropriate Committee in the House to the time—and we made judgments all the time about pass the details to, I will do so. not putting things in the public domain in Parliament. By doing so, however, we put ourselves at risk. I can This is not the sort of thing that should happen. This think of a couple of secret pieces of information—I will is not about transparency and accountability, but about not relay them now—that would have affected terrorism using lots of money. We come back to Magna Carta and which we did not put in the public domain. By not and somebody with a lot of money. We are talking putting them into a parliamentary question or into about various companies with lots of money gagging parliamentary debate, we put ourselves at risk. The some poor individual. Where is the equality of arms in impact of this judgment therefore seems perverse in that? Where is the idea that we will not sell justice? The terms of public policy and in terms of its impact on the courts may not be selling justice, but the legal process as behaviour of individual Members of Parliament. a whole is not really very balanced if this is the sort of thing that goes on. John Hemming: The question is how closely something However, let us move on. I hope I have given enough is connected with proceedings in Parliament. A Member examples and that everyone is happy, but I think we might say that something will, under no circumstances, should move on to the more general points about be connected with proceedings in Parliament. I think contempt of Parliament. As colleagues know, the House that deals with my right hon. Friend’s valid concern. We of Commons has the power, by referring cases to the all deal day to day with real situations and we sift Standards and Privileges Committee, to deal with contempt information, and it should not have to find its way into of Parliament. In fact, the last example came about at a debate to be protected by privilege. I was particularly my suggestion. I moved a motion to refer someone to concerned about the arrest of my hon. Friend the the Committee last year, when Withers threatened me Member for Ashford because the Executive were interfering with legal action unless I agreed not to say something in with Parliament; there is no question about that. Parliament the House. That was an obvious and very straightforward is here to protect citizens of the UK, not MPs. The contempt of Parliament. individual who was trussed up by that secret hyper- There is an interesting case involving the Member for injunction needs protecting. We all need protecting Preston in the Parliament of Victoria in Australia, and I from water that people are being told to drink without have a copy of the Legislative Assembly Privileges being warned that there are potentially toxins in it. That Committee report if any hon. Member would like to see causes me great concern. This is about protecting people, it afterwards. The case is interesting because it involved not about using money and wealth to get legal processes threats of legal action against a constituent for passing to gag people. There is a way round these issues, but it information to a Member of that Parliament, with a requires Parliament to stand up for the people and for view to preventing that Member from speaking about people’s right to communicate with Members of Parliament. an issue there. I think we are bang to rights, because the The same issues have cropped up in other jurisdictions. case provides exactly the precedent that would be necessary Obviously, all the common law jurisdictions tend to to justify using contempt of Parliament proceedings have a similar process. I gave the example from Australia, against those who wish to prevent people from talking which was valid there; however, there is also the interesting to Members of Parliament in the UK. case of Germany, which involves a similar sort of protection. The issue is quite straightforward; in fact, it has been Obviously, the exemptions on the continent are quite looked at in the domestic courts to determine the extent different. There is protection for members of the Bundestag, to which communications with Members of Parliament but not members of the Bundesrat, which is not too are potentially privileged. In the case of Rivlin v. Bilainkin, surprising. That protection is under article 47 of the the judgment, which was delivered on 18 December Basic Law, which relates to the right of refusal to give 1952, concluded that a communication with a Member evidence. Members of the Bundestag have a right to of Parliament is not automatically privileged, even if it refuse to say where the information they have has come is handed over in Parliament. It is the institutions that from. matter; in that respect, we constitute Parliament just as We need to go further than that. We need to protect much in this Chamber as in the main Chamber. If people’s right not be bullied. Somebody might say, in all something is not connected with proceedings in Parliament, innocence, that they would like to talk to their MP 153WH Bill of Rights17 MARCH 2011 Bill of Rights 154WH

[John Hemming] She lives in the constituency of the Minister responsible for children, who must know about some of the strange about a housing problem or something else, but they things that get done by the family courts. might then be threatened and told that if they try to get Yvonne Goder was jailed in secret for a short while help, action will be taken against them. last year. Her committal hearings and various discussions We have looked at the issue of the accountability of were all held in secret. She believes that three properties the Official Solicitor, who is basically not accountable were taken from her family. This is a Court of Protection at all, not on an individual case basis. We were lucky matter. On 17 January 2000, the capacity of her mother with the Gilliland case because that is a probate case in Efi Goder-Marsh to manage her own affairs was taken open court. Most of the cases are in secret: there is no from her and given to her husband, who denies ever access to the transcripts, there is no way of challenging getting it. On 26 May 2000, 37 Montague road, Tottenham the experts’ opinions, and there is no independent scrutiny. was sold—this is all in the public records—for £107,000 Often the people involved are quite poor and may not to George Leonidas of an address in Chingford. On be very bright, and it is a challenge getting accountability 11 August 2000, 339 Green lanes, Harringay, N4 1DZ in that situation. was sold for £230,000 to Tracey Emanual of the same address in Chingford. Then 8 Etherley road, N15 3AJ The accountability of the judiciary depends to some was sold on 18 January 2002 for £195,000 to Southern extent on openness, at least open judgments. There is Territory Ltd, one of whose shareholders was George the issue of article 6 subsection (1) of the European Leonidas, also of the same address in Chingford. All convention on human rights, though some people may these properties are going to the same address in Chingford. not be so enthusiastic about it: I have the transfer deeds; each was signed differently by somebody in an illegible manner, claiming to be Efi “In the determination of his civil rights and obligations or of any criminal charge against him, everyone is entitled to a fair and Goder-Marsh’s husband. It looks different and he denies public hearing within a reasonable time by an independent and signing them. The documents were all witnessed by impartial tribunal established by law. Judgement shall be pronounced somebody in a particular solicitors’ firm, with which I publicly by the press and public may be excluded from all or part am in communication. of the trial in the interest of morals, public order or national Here is the difficulty. As it is a Court of Protection, security in a democratic society, where the interests of juveniles or the protection of the private life of the parties so require, or the the person cannot be identified without matters going extent strictly necessary in the opinion of the court in special into parliamentary proceedings. That causes all sorts of circumstances where publicity would prejudice the interests of problems in terms of investigation. I hope that that will justice.” not be a problem in future. She is another secret prisoner; what was the situation there? Why were there secret There are exemptions to parts of the trial mentioned committal hearings? It is a contempt issue. there, but judgment should be pronounced publicly. What is the basis of banning the mention of proceedings Other MPs have cases. The hon. Member for Heywood and banning telling MPs about proceedings’ existence? and Middleton (Jim Dobbin) has been working with me How many of those cases do we have? and my hon. Friend the Member for South Norfolk (Mr Bacon) on the issue. He had a situation with a Looking further into issues of accountability, I will family judge pressuring constituents not to talk to him. cover two other cases quickly. One is of Rachel Pullen, My hon. Friend the Member for Carshalton and Wallington which is in the European Court. She can be named; (Tom Brake) had a similar problem, with pressure put there are no problems there. I have a psychiatric report on his constituents not to talk to him. I hope that my indicating that she does have capacity. The Official hon. Friend the Member for Wells (Tessa Munt) will be Solicitor conceded the case against her when she was here later to explain a similar problem. My right hon. Friend told she did not have capacity. I have Husan Pari—a the Member for Orkney and Shetland (Mr Carmichael) very similar case. The Official Solicitor was appointed had a constituent threatened over an employment case, in part because an IQ test was given through an interpreter who was told not to speak to the MP and that they who did not speak the right language. With someone would suffer at work if they did so. There have been who could speak to her in her own language, she has the secret meetings with soldiers about weaponry. My hon. capacity to understand the case. She was not allowed to Friend the Member for Winchester (Mr Brine) referred run her own case. I am doubtful about the case I to me a case where a housing association had been mentioned earlier. The European Court is going to look getting aggressive towards a constituent with learning at two of those cases. difficulties, and refused to consider her case because her MP had been involved. The question is: is the inter-play between the estates of our constitution operating correctly? Obviously, I am not the only one having problems. When I talk Government Ministers should not be looking at the to colleagues of all parties, they all find similar problems decisions of judges, but Parliament should, and particularly with the aggressive way in which apparatchiks of the at the secret courts. Parliament has a role to do that. I state attempt to ban constituents from talking to MPs. have asked for an inquiry into all the secret prisoners we We have judges creating situations where it is made an have. There are a number of different types of secret imprisonable offence to tell an MP that a case exists. I prisoner. There are people such as Matthew Hawkesworth; do not think that is right, transparent or accountable. I cannot work out why he is in jail, but he is locked up. I would like to thank the Backbench Business Committee, Martin McCabe is an interesting one. His wife, Susan on which I sit, for agreeing to this debate. I am sorry McCabe is living on the continent, having been on the about going on for such a long time, though I do not run. He was jailed for driving her to Dover. Susan think I have repeated myself. I thank hon. Members for McCabe’s mother, Conservative County Councillor their forbearance, and hope that Parliament will act in Janet Mockridge, is particularly irate about the situation. future. 155WH Bill of Rights17 MARCH 2011 Bill of Rights 156WH

Mr Peter Bone (in the Chair): It might be helpful to Paul Flynn: I previously had difficulty when I wished say how the debate may proceed. I intend to call the to have a debate on the subject of the misrepresentation Back-Bench Members who want to speak. I will then go of the swine flu pandemic by Governments throughout to the Front Bench and, at the end if we have time, let Europe. I was told that I could bring the subject up in a Mr Hemming sum up. debate on the general issue of health. There is a real problem of order, Mr Bone, because of the view taken 3.27 pm by the Backbench Business Committee. I communicated Paul Flynn (Newport West) (Lab): I am grateful for my problems with the previous debate to the Committee, the opportunity to speak today, Mr Bone. I was about where the previous Chair and the Minister involved did to say that your career has peaked by your elevation to not think that the swine flu issue should be considered your present job. However, that would not be true, in such detail, although that was what was in the mind because your career peaked when you were running of the Backbench Business Committee. We are in the a business in my constituency. Any move from being a area of new procedures in the House and it was the businessman in Newport to a Conservative MP is a suggestion of the Backbench Business Committee, including descent rather an ascent. However, we wish you well. the hon. Member who secured this debate, that the The case being presented today is one with which I debate should be allowed. If it is not going to be am familiar. I congratulate the hon. Member for allowed, well so be it, but I wish to— Birmingham, Yardley (John Hemming) on securing the debate. We all listened in fascination to the surprising Mr Peter Bone (in the Chair): Order. I have the slight facts he detailed. I hope that there will be a positive advantage of chairing the debate and also being a outcome. The Backbench Business Committee has allowed member of the Backbench Business Committee. In me to have this micro-debate within a debate on a granting the debate, it was thought appropriate for the subject of parallel interest, although that might not be hon. Gentleman to speak, but not that there would be a obvious. They are, however, connected by the rights and substantive debate in relation to what the hon. Gentleman duties of Members of Parliament. wants to talk about. He can talk about the principle, but he would have to apply elsewhere if he wanted a substantive I want to talk about the conduct of our trade debate on what I think he was leading to. I would also representative, Prince Andrew. There are difficulties. I say that there is something in “Erskine May” on that. was told on Monday that it might be unfair to say anything that might be derogatory of a member of the Paul Flynn: Well, I have looked at “Erskine May”. royal family, on the grounds that they cannot answer Perhaps we could have a ruling. I believe these are back. Indeed, the person involved has been defended points of order, Mr Bone, between you and me. There is very adequately by both the Prime Minister and the clearly no point in continuing if I cannot have the Secretary of State, and he has the 24-hour support of debate that I applied for. That was the understanding of the generously taxpayer-funded royal spin machine working the Backbench Business Committee. I was clear at the on his behalf. If he is not defending himself, he is being Backbench Business Committee that I wished to raise more than adequately defended by others. I believe that the conduct of Prince Andrew and the harm that many he can without any problem defend himself if he so people believe it is doing. If I am to be denied the wishes, if he thinks he is being criticised unfairly. chance of doing that, I will end my speech now and The question of parliamentary convention has been apply in different circumstances. discussed; whether there is a convention that nothing disrespectful or derogatory is said about members of John Hemming: Perhaps the hon. Gentleman could the royal family. There is nothing, as far as I can see, in cite an example of something that he thinks should be “Erskine May” on the matter. If there is some spectral allowed to be said under article 9 of the Bill of Rights convention that we are not allowed to speak on the that may not be allowed to be said. matter, I believe it should have a stake driven through its heart, and should be buried today. These issues have Paul Flynn: I do not know if I can proceed on those been debated at great length in the media, in blogs and lines, because the subject is one of— everywhere else. Why on earth should the only people to have their mouths bandaged into silence on the issue be Mr Peter Bone (in the Chair): That may well be a elected Members? Why on earth should we not be free point of order. [Interruption.] It was. Right. Just to to talk about this matter, which is of considerable help the House, “Erskine May” states on page 384: interest and importance? I will be very selective in what “Unless the discussion is based upon a substantive motion, I say today. I will certainly not quote the salacious drawn in proper terms, reflections must not be cast in debate tittle-tattle that has been in the press and I will not upon the conduct of the Sovereign, the heir to the throne, or quote from sources that appear to be ill-founded rumours. other members of the Royal Family.” What I want to speak about are the comments made by Therefore, while it is possible to talk about the principle serious people making serious criticism. and the convention, the hon. Gentleman cannot talk about the substantive issue, because it is not a substantive Mr Peter Bone (in the Chair): I am determined that motion on that point. That is my ruling. this debate will be as wide as possible, but it does have to be within the framework of the motion before us. It is Paul Flynn: In those circumstances, there really is no entirely right for the hon. Member to talk about the point in continuing. We are clearly in a position where convention and whether it should apply, and whether there is censorship on hon. Members discussing an there even is a convention, but we cannot have a long issue of great importance, where our country’s interests debate on the substance. As I said to Mr Hemming, it is and business may be damaged. The view of the House, right to mention an individual case in illustration, but however, seems to be that MPs have a rule of omertà we cannot have a debate purely on that subject. and we cannot discuss it. 157WH Bill of Rights17 MARCH 2011 Bill of Rights 158WH

Mr Peter Bone (in the Chair): Order. What the hon. in my own constituency. You will be pleased to hear, Gentleman is saying now is absolutely in order, because Mr Bone, that I shall not dwell in great detail on any of he is referring to the principle of whether we should be them, and also that the particular instance I had in debating it or not. What we cannot do is actually have mind was nothing like as severe as those mentioned by the debate. my hon. Friend the Member for Birmingham, Yardley. I had a case where two parents came to see me about Paul Flynn: I am grateful to you, Mr Bone. I shall their child, who was being bullied in school. The child apply to the Backbench Business Committee for a full had an autistic spectrum condition and was also visually debate entirely on that subject so that we can test impaired. Those were contributing factors to his being whether the House is under censorship. bullied at school and the parents wanted me to help to sort it out. On a subsequent occasion, at a meeting with John Hemming: Will the hon. Gentleman cite an the school, the parents were told that it would probably example of some criticism that he thinks should be be better if they did not go back and see me again. allowed to be made? Naturally enough, I took umbrage at that, on the same basis as the stories told by my hon. Friend the Member Paul Flynn: I could, but it would be an unsatisfactory for Birmingham, Yardley. In substance, however, it did way of conducting the debate. There is a principle not make much difference, because in essence I ignored involved. Can we, or can we not, discuss the conduct of the school’s request, which it had not made to me. I minor members of the royal family? That is what I want continued to help the parents, continued to advocate on to do. To do it under a device here, where I would be their behalf and, indeed, met with the school. The issue limited to what could be discussed, would seem to be was—how can I put it?—improved, if not fully solved futile. What I want to challenge today— satisfactorily. The Parliamentary Secretary, Office of the Leader of The principle of constituents being told that they the House of Commons (Mr David Heath): On a point should not contact Members of Parliament is deeply of order, Mr Bone, it might help the hon. Gentleman to offensive to me, as I think it would be to most Members. know that there is nothing to prevent him from bringing The principle that a court of law should order someone such a matter forward on a substantive motion. The not to contact their Member of Parliament, which I was problem is that he cannot do so, according to “Erskine not aware of until I had detailed discussions with my May”, in the context of another debate, or other than in hon. Friend, is even more offensive. I contend that, the context of a substantive motion. That is a very clear according to the Bill of Rights, it is not correct or way in which he must proceed if he wishes to carry on possible for a judge to make such an order, because the with the comments that he wishes to make. ability of a constituent to contact an MP so that they can help to deal with a grievance, whatever it is, is of the essence—it is fundamental. Mr Peter Bone (in the Chair): On the point of order, I say again that the way the hon. Member for Newport West was speaking just now, when he was talking about John Hemming: Would my hon. Friend agree that the principle and the convention, is absolutely what this making such an order is, in effect, an attempt to interfere debate is about. What we cannot go into, because of with the workings of Parliament by preventing Parliament that convention, is the detail of what he wants to do. By from obtaining information? all means, the hon. Gentleman should carry on and talk about the principle and whether he thinks it is right or Mr Bacon: Yes, I absolutely would. I am no constitutional wrong, but we cannot actually go into the substance lawyer, but my belief is that an English judge trying to because we are not allowed to. make such an order is in contempt of Parliament, which is, after all, a court. I know that people tend to roll their Paul Flynn: I can only describe what the position is, eyes when the subject of the High Court of Parliament as far as I understood it. I understood that these were is raised, but the fact is that it is a court, and that, new procedures under the Backbench Business Committee. ultimately, it has sovereign power in this country. I had an e-mail from my hon. Friend the Member for North East Derbyshire (Natascha Engel), the Chair of The subject of parliamentary privilege has been raised that Committee, saying—because I anticipated this on several occasions, and I, too, shall refer to it. The difficulty—that she had communicated with you, Mr Bone, phrase “parliamentary privilege”is particularly unfortunate, and the Minister responsible. I understood that under especially in the modern world. The word “privilege” the new procedures, micro-debates of this kind, which has almost entirely pejorative connotations. I prefer to are not entirely within the boundaries of the motion call it the right of MPs to speak up for and defend the before us, would be allowed. If that is not so, I must seek British people, which I think is a much better way of a further opportunity to debate the matter elsewhere. conveying what we mean by parliamentary privilege. In my parliamentary career, I have certainly taken advantage of my right as an MP to use parliamentary privilege to 3.37 pm speak up for and defend the British people in my work. Mr Richard Bacon (South Norfolk) (Con): It is a A particular case came to my attention because of pleasure to take part in this debate, Mr Bone. I was very paperwork that was sent to me by an official in Her keen to do so after discussions with my hon. Friend the Majesty’s Revenue and Customs. The dossier showed Member for Birmingham, Yardley (John Hemming), that people from eastern Europe—criminal gangs, in because of some of the things that he had described fact—were coming to this country, getting employment about the bullying of constituents. The idea of a debate in low-paid jobs and then applying for tax credits. Once immediately commended itself to me because of instances the tax credit claim had been made and a British bank 159WH Bill of Rights17 MARCH 2011 Bill of Rights 160WH account had been set up for the payments, the fraudsters the leaks from the Home Office— returned to their home country.They left their employment “and should not have to rely on the police. The smooth running but continued to receive tax credit payments which were of Government is an understandable concern but not an obvious extracted using a cash card in various points east—in matter for the police.” different cities in eastern Europe. In some cases, the When the former chief constable of the British Transport fraudsters managed to make several thousand pounds, Police, Sir Ian Johnston, undertook his inquiry at the which they used to buy homes in parts of eastern request of the Government, he also found that the Europe where property is much cheaper: Slovakia, parts actions of the Home Office and of the police had not of Romania and elsewhere. been proportionate. He said that the leaks amounted to When I was sent the information, I thought that it embarrassment for the Government but did not threaten was in the public interest that something should be national security. done, and that that was part of my job as an MP. I have The whole case was peculiar to anyone who had sat on the Public Accounts Committee since I was followed the legislation in the late 1980s which put the elected in June 2001. Indeed, my right hon. Friend the security service on a statutory basis and separately Member for Haltemprice and Howden (Mr Davis) was redefined the law of official secrets. A significant purpose the Chairman of the Committee on the day that I first of the legislation was to remove from the ambit of the attended a meeting of it. I have had great concern criminal law whole swathes of Government information, throughout my parliamentary career for the proper use so that the wrongful disclosure of information by an of public money, and for ensuring that it is not squandered. official to someone else would not itself be a criminal I thought that the right thing to do was to make sure act but would be a civil matter that would be dealt with that the information came into the public domain, but I under the law of employment contract. That was a was careful to ensure that nothing might be disclosed welcome development. One would not have expected that would impede any investigation of what was happening, that disclosures of the kind that were made could or disclose to anyone how it was that I had come by the possibly have led to an arrest for potential criminal information, other than to say that it was sent to me by action because there was no criminal action, as was an official. I certainly did not want to disclose who the subsequently shown. official might be. I had his name and mobile phone I certainly would not have expected to have the police number on my Blackberry and other information that knocking on my door, looking for papers, because of would have disclosed his identity, but I felt safe in the what I had been doing in respect of the tax credits fraud knowledge that were I simply to send the dossier to the committed by people from eastern Europe. Following Comptroller and Auditor General at the National Audit the scandal of the arrest of my hon. Friend the Member Office and ask him to investigate it, things would happen, for Ashford (Damian Green), I hope that we have taken something would be done and the fraud would be a step back and recognised more rightly where the stopped. Indeed, that is what happened. parameters should lie. Imagine my surprise to find that, in doing his job, another MP—a colleague of mine to whom my right John Hemming: Would my hon. Friend agree that as hon. Friend the Member for Haltemprice and Howden the legislation aimed to protect whistleblowing, given referred a moment ago—who is now the Minister for that MPs are the whistleblowers of last resort, there Immigration was arrested by the police. That caused me should be greater protection of disclosures to MPs? not a little concern. I remember at the time that my hon. Friend’s office was ransacked by the police in what I Mr Bacon: I absolutely agree. The role of an MP is to regarded as an unlawful and unwarranted search—in be an advocate of last resort. We all know that people fact, unlawful search and seizure of his possessions and come to us when they do not know where else to turn. documents—and that his Blackberry was taken away Sometimes, sadly, they come to us too late, when there from him. One can imagine what I started to think: is nothing that we can do. Sometimes we see in our what if that happened to me? What if my Blackberry surgeries cases about which we think, “If only they had were taken away from me, with the telephone number come a bit sooner, we might have been able to act.” I on it of the HMRC official who had given me important had that happen with a farmer in my constituency who information which I thought it was my job to disclose, had been made bankrupt by the time he came to see me, in the public interest? by which time it was too late to do anything for him. My For that reason, I was deeply perturbed by the arrest hon. Friend is absolutely right. Because of the nature of of my hon. Friend. It breached some important principles. an MP’s work, and the nature of the contact between a One of the most important is that there has to be a constituent who has a grievance and the MP, we should certain amount of agreement. Our political system can get extra protection. operate only if there is agreement between different I mentioned that I would speak about parliamentary political actors and parties on certain fundamentals, privilege, or the right of MPs to speak up for and and one of them is that the Government of the day shall defend the British people. A quite different case involved not use the resources of the state to harry and intimidate an approach made to me by people who were concerned their opponents. Indeed, I was pleased when Her Majesty’s about what was happening at the Manchester College inspectorate of constabulary produced its report, “Review of Arts and Technology, or MANCAT, as it is better of the Lessons Learned from the Metropolitan Police known. They approached me in my capacity as a member Service’s Investigation of Home Office Leaks”, in which of the Public Accounts Committee and because of my it stated: known predilection for detestation, if one can have a “Departments and the Cabinet Office should have the capability predilection for detestation—my known dislike of the to deal with the matter”— waste of public money might be a better way of putting it. 161WH Bill of Rights17 MARCH 2011 Bill of Rights 162WH

[Mr Bacon] At the time of the arrest of my hon. Friend the Member for Ashford, I received a number of e-mails The case involved MANCAT, which has subsequently from people who were under the impression that I, as a merged with City College Manchester, and basically Member of Parliament, thought that some people, including concerned investigations into management practices which Members of Parliament, should be able to break the had been hampered because MANCAT officials were law, and that we were somehow above the law. That was alleged to have destroyed auditable documents and had another aspect of the unfortunate phrase, “parliamentary reached financial settlements with certain ex-members privilege”, because that is how they had understood it. of staff on the condition that they signed confidentiality It surprised me—I had always understood it in the agreements—gagging clauses—in their settlement terms used by my hon. Friend the Member for Stone—to agreements, which were obviously paid for with public realise that the majority of people had put a completely money. different connotation on it. My hon. Friend the Deputy The point at issue was that staff felt that they were Leader of the House is listening to this debate, and under pressure from the college to falsify student attendance perhaps Parliament should consider the whole question registers and other funding-related paperwork in order of what we call such things. It is misleading, and it is to enable MANCAT to claim extra money from the important that we understand what we are talking then Learning and Skills Council. Indeed, one witness about. was planning to explain the extent of the malpractice at One of the stupidest things I ever heard a journalist an employment tribunal where she had been in the say was when someone was defending The Daily Telegraph process of seeking redress for constructive dismissal, sting, when Members of Parliament were secretly recorded but she was offered a financial settlement with a gagging in their surgeries. I thought that that was an outrage, as clause, so she could not easily take the matter further. did many other people, including many in the media As a result of the privilege granted to Members of who thought that it was a step too far. I did not catch Parliament, I was able to draw those matters to public the journalist’s name, but when trying to defend the attention in two Adjournment debates over a period of sting he said on the radio, “Well it’s not exactly the months. The Guardian later wrote an article on 27 January confessional.” I remember thinking at the time, as I 2009. It was headed, “College faces fraud claims” and shouted at the radio, as we sometimes do, that that is sub-headed, “A Manchester institution stands accused exactly what it is. of altering registers to claim extra funding, reports All Members of Parliament know that it is a fairly Andrew Mourant”. In my view, and I suspect in the common experience for people to come to our surgeries view of most hon. Members, such matters should be and to burst into tears. Last time that happened to me brought to public attention. My point is that that would was the week before last, not last week, but two weeks not have been possible without parliamentary privilege ago. It happens quite frequently, because when dealing and the right of Members of Parliament to speak up for with constituents, we are often dealing with them as an and to defend the British people. That is why I feel so advocate of last resort when they have nowhere else to strongly about the matter. turn. Sometimes they come with a supporter—a friend—to help them, because they do not know whether they will Mr William Cash (Stone) (Con): I totally and absolutely get through it and whether the Member of Parliament endorse what my hon. Friend is saying. I was much will be helpful or a scary and intimidating figure of involved in the Damian Green affair— authority. I have had people come to see me who looked completely Mr Peter Bone (in the Chair): Order. I am sorry to balanced and calm, and in full possession of their interrupt the hon. Member. I know that we sometimes faculties, only to discover when I said the wrong thing refer to the Damian Green affair, but we should refer to that I triggered a wave of emotion about things that had the hon. Member for Ashford. happened to them. From being perfectly collected, the constituent would suddenly break down in tears. It is Mr Cash: I accept your point, Mr Bone, and will refer exactly a confessional. I can think of a range hypersensitive to the matter of my hon. Friend the Member for Ashford. cases at my surgeries involving child custody, marital Does the Minister worry that there are moves afoot to breakdown, allegations of paedophilia, armed robbery, adjust, in the light of political correctness, the so-called allegations of corruption, and so on, and other hon. role of the Member of Parliament and degrade it? Are Members will have had similar experience. Our ability they not missing the biggest wood for the biggest trees to help people in desperate situations is what we want to by not realising that the Member of Parliament, who is protect. elected by voters and who, if given privilege and using it responsibly, is the best possible defence for the right of Mr Cash: Does my hon. Friend accept that journalists the individual to obtain the protection that they need are liable to be at the rough end of this, because of through that privilege, not for our sake but for theirs? certain aspects of investigative orders, European arrest warrants and so on? Here we go again on the European Mr Bacon: My hon. Friend is absolutely right, and issue. The plain fact is that the defences that are available that is why I labour the point that “privilege” is an through Members of Parliament to protect the public unfortunate word. It is better to speak of the right of include invasion from external legal requirements that Members of Parliament to speak up for and to defend are imposed on us and undermine our ability to carry the British people, because that is what we are talking out our duties. That includes the Bill of Rights and a about. My hon. Friend is right that those who want to whole raft of other things. People may find that funny, chisel away at the rights of Members of Parliament are but it is deadly serious, and the more they laugh, the chiselling away at the rights of the British people. more stupid they look. 163WH Bill of Rights17 MARCH 2011 Bill of Rights 164WH

Mr Bacon: I would never say of my hon. Friend, the review set up by the coalition Government, matters “There he is, going on about the European issue again”, concerning the proposed new Bill of Rights will be and I certainly do not intend to do so today. He is right. tackled. I may be unduly suspicious, but I want to know What exercised me most in the recent debate that the whether the Bill of Rights will enhance and increase the Backbench Business Committee held in the main Chamber rights of the people of the United Kingdom. That point on prisoners voting was not whether prisoners should will emerge in due course and perhaps the Deputy have a vote but, as my right hon. Friend the Member for Leader of the House will be in a position to tell us when Haltemprice and Howden said in that debate—sadly, he he responds to the debate this afternoon. is not in his place at the moment—the second of the two main points at issue. The first was whether prisoners One difficulty is that, as I conceive it, the Bill of should have a vote; the second was who should decide. Rights would not withstand measures such as the European As he pointed out at the time—I subsequently read the arrest warrant, investigative orders and powers of entry. judgment of the European Court of Human Rights—the We heard about such matters in a debate the other day court misinformed itself. It said things in its judgment on the so-called Protection of Freedoms Bill, and about about why it thought prisoners in the UK should have a the problem of the rulings by the European Court of vote that were factually inaccurate. I have a lot of Human Rights. Fairly recently—I think it was 11 March sympathy with what my hon. Friend the Member for 2010, almost exactly a year ago—the Lord Chief Justice Stone says. made a speech to the Judicial Studies Board. He said that judges were interpreting Strasbourg precedents in I do not want to detain the House much longer, such a way that they were applying them as if they were except to say that, as my hon. Friend the Member for UK law. The concerns of the Lord Chief Justice were Birmingham, Yardley said at the outset, if Parliament is encapsulated by his warning, “We must beware.” Those blinded or deafened by the acts of others, it cannot see are the words he used and he was talking specifically to or hear all grievances, and it is very clear from the Bill of the judges. I want to know that the Bill of Rights, which Rights that one of our purposes is to be able to see and includes, or is associated with, matters as important as hear all grievances—I emphasise “all grievances”—and habeas corpus, will be retained. If such things are to be to do something about them. If Parliament cannot see given renewed constitutional primacy, they must be or hear all grievances, it cannot seek to remedy them. absolute and not a sub-text of a European legal system The whole development of English constitutional that overrides them. thought owes a great deal to the word “remedy”. The history of administrative law in this country and how it Two days ago I attended a European Committee with has grown over the past 300 years shows that the the Lord Chancellor, a man I greatly respect. We have seeking of a remedy was the point at issue. When our totally different views about these matters, but we should constituents come to us with a grievance, they are not think that he does not understand that the arguments seeking a remedy. The connection and the relationship I present must be answered. That is why he came to the between us and our constituents is a sacrament. It is Committee. He was talking about the charter of something that we must work hard to protect; it is not fundamental rights, which is directly related to the issue something that we can take for granted. We must uphold of the Bill of Rights. If we have a Bill of Rights, will it it, cherish it, and protect the right of Members of be superior in some fashion to the European treaties Parliament to speak up for and to defend the British and to the European Communities Act 1972, which people. incorporates the protocol for the charter of fundamental rights? If people do not understand that matter, they should start reading the material. There is no point in 3.58 pm pontificating about a Bill of Rights if we do not understand the hierarchy of laws. That hierarchy says that European Mr William Cash (Stone) (Con): I had not intended Community law comes first and is enforceable by the to speak in this debate. Tomorrow we have a debate on European Court. the Floor of the House on parliamentary sovereignty, an issue on which I have spoken several times in this When the Lord Chancellor says, “Oh, nothing has Chamber, which is the best means of expressing views changed; we had a discussion on the Lisbon treaty and that sometimes get lost in the House, with all the a lot of people got it all wrong”, I am bound to point restrictions on debate that are imposed on Members of out that he voted for the Lisbon treaty and for the Parliament through the wilful use of programming. I charter of fundamental rights—unlike the Conservative wait with enormous interest to hear what the Deputy party—and he voted against the referendum. I am not Leader of the House has to say. criticising him for that; I respect him for it. That is his I alluded to one aspect of this matter just now; I have right. However, one provision in the Bill of Rights is the spent some time taking an interest in the principles that right of free speech, including in the House of Commons hinge on the question of a Bill of Rights. I am all for a and elsewhere. It is similar to the question about privilege, Bill of Rights, but the question is: which one? Similarly, or about how the rights of people in this country are on the question of the rule of law: which law, whose law, expressed through the rights of their Member of Parliament, and who is going to enforce it? to which my hon. Friend the Member for South Norfolk (Mr Bacon) so rightly referred. Eventually, one returns to a question that I am sure exercised those who devised the original Bill of Rights If we are to talk about a Bill of Rights, let us get the in 1689, which as it happens was never incorporated in hierarchy right. I do not want a public relations job an Act of Parliament. Nevertheless, by convention, and done on that, or any Government spin or spivvy attempt therefore by custom, that statement was enforceable in to convince the British people that they are getting its own fashion, and deals with some fundamental something that they are not getting. Let us have it out; matters. I want to know exactly how, in the context of let us know that this is the supreme law of the United 165WH Bill of Rights17 MARCH 2011 Bill of Rights 166WH

[Mr William Cash] be a surrender to the so-called universality of law, or will it be something that is modelled and devised by the Kingdom, and not something churned out to give people British people, for the British people, given that we are the impression that they are getting something when able to claim that we have been the defenders of liberty they are not. and freedom throughout the world for a very long time? I want to know what the relationship will be between Last night I was at a dinner at which people were the Bill of Rights and the European convention on discussing the future of conservatism. I had the temerity—I human rights, and between the Bill of Rights and the think some people were quite glad—to mention Edmund charter of fundamental rights. Therefore, I have two Burke. I do not have the whole quotation at hand, but simple questions. At its apex, will the Bill of Rights be he wrote very clearly about the fact that there are no supreme in UK law, enforceable and enforced by the discoveries to be made. We have already understood, as Supreme Court, as against, contradictory to and, if he put it, what is a proper kind of freedom. That necessary, inconsistent with the European Court, and compares with Thomas Paine’s “Rights of Man”, which the assertions of certain members of the Supreme Court was an entirely abstract and in the event utterly destructive that they have ultimate authority? Will that be the case approach, adopted, as it happens, by the French notwithstanding the European convention, the charter revolutionaries with dreadful consequences. of fundamental rights and the European Communities Our rights and freedoms are based on practical Act 1972 and all treaties under that? If the Bill of experience, not on theory, so some of us get a little Rights is to be effective, I want it to be a real Bill of amused, if not bored, by people who make certain Rights and not simply a rather obscure version of an assertions about those of us who are interested in amalgamation of those other charters and conventions. having referendums or, for that matter, insisting on the At the moment—I do not know whether the Deputy sovereignty of the United Kingdom Parliament when Leader of the House knows this—chapter 3, I think, of all we are doing is seeking to ensure that the rights that the Lisbon treaty sets out, in article after article, the are conferred on the British people and the legislation source and derivation of the charter of fundamental that is passed are consistent with what the British rights. In terms of derivation, there is the United Nations people in general elections, rather than coalition agreements, this and the European Court of Human Rights that. have actually agreed to do. That is my template: if I There is a list of sources, and I trust the Minister has it have made a promise to my constituents, I intend to with him so that he will be in a position to answer my stick to it. I also think that it is good for our democracy question. Which legislation will have superiority? that people should be able to accept that the promises made in general elections are carried through. John Hemming: One topic that has been at the top of I do not want in any way to prejudge, and I do not media issues recently is the development of the law of think that I have said a word today to prejudge, what privacy. A number of us share concerns about that, and the Bill of Rights will contain or what the new commission I am interested in the hon. Gentleman’s views. that has been set up will come up with, but I have taken this opportunity, at very short notice, to try to set out, Mr Cash: My views are very strong indeed. I can very simply, the principles on which that entire judgment reasonably claim to have been the progenitor of the must be made. First, foremost and exclusively, not Calcutt inquiry, because some years ago I tabled an partially, it must be based on the Bill of Rights being early-day motion that attracted more than 300 signatures supreme in terms of the law applied to the people of and called for an Act on privacy, which would have this country through our courts and notwithstanding been a tort, and ensured that the ordinary citizen had any other legal systems or legal requirements, whether the right to privacy compared with those in the public emanating from the European Community, the European eye. I distinguished matters of interest to the public convention on human rights, the European Union or from those genuinely in the public interest, and that any other source. That must be the case if the Bill of subject remains a matter of deep concern. Rights is to mean anything. We are not an island in the sense that we are exclusively unaffected by other parts It is also true—here I make a concession—that article 8 of the world, but we do have the right to determine our of the European convention contains a right of privacy, own jurisdiction and the right to determine it through but my answer to that is not that I have any objection to this Parliament. Because we are elected by the voters of the rights of privacy that are now in that convention. this country, we can insist that the Bill of Rights is The question that is far more important than any other, indigenous to this country and not dependent on some in my view, is this. Why should people assume that we other hierarchy of law. need a European convention? By the way, we drafted the convention for the purposes of—shall I put it 4.14 pm delicately?—helping other countries to understand that there were rights that might be usefully employed in Helen Jones (Warrington North) (Lab): It is a privilege their own countries. There, we were helpful, but what is to speak under your chairmanship, Mr Bone. This has to prevent us from legislating, from passing laws, on our been a very interesting debate. I congratulate the hon. own terms, through our own elected representatives, Member for Birmingham, Yardley (John Hemming), that provide the kind of rights that otherwise are provided the other hon. Members in charge of the debate and the under things such as the European convention or the Backbench Business Committee on bringing it about, charter of fundamental rights? In other words, will this because it raises fundamental issues about the role of law be indigenous? I look at the Deputy Leader of the Members of Parliament and about Parliament itself. As House deliberately at this point. Will it be, to use a hon. Members rightly said, the rights and privileges of slightly unusual expression, an autochthonous United Parliament exist not to provide protection for MPs Kingdom law or will it be a dependent law? Will there merely, but to protect the rights of their constituents. In 167WH Bill of Rights17 MARCH 2011 Bill of Rights 168WH that sense, articles 9 and 13 of the Bill of Rights are of it, too. I have also known Liberal Democrat councillors complementary. We all know, and the hon. Member for tell my constituents that they should not come to see Birmingham, Yardley quoted clearly, article 9, which me. states that A case can probably be made for educating people, “the Freedome of Speech and Debates or Proceedings in Parlyament but we certainly need a clearer definition. Indeed, the ought not to be impeached or questioned in any Court or Place rights of Parliament need to be made clear to many who out of Parlyament.” work for public bodies. In these circumstances, I normally Article 13 makes it clear that one purpose of holding find that a fairly stroppy letter from me—I can write frequent Parliaments is to be able to redress grievances. very stroppy letters when I need to—usually puts the In other words, Parliament is here not just to make laws, matter right. However, some of the cases that we have but to address the grievances of Members’constituents—the heard of today are much more serious. two are part of the same thing. We have to face up to the difficulties of interpreting article 9 that arise simply because of its age. Parliament Mr Cash: I do not want to take the hon. Lady into a has developed and changed since 1688. It would be great dialogue on this; I will simply ask her a question. strange if it had not. We now live in a multi-media age, Is she as confident of what she has just quoted in the which covers aspects of communication that were not light of the judgment in the Jackson case, in which known when the Bill of Rights was drafted. several members of the Supreme Court questioned the Many Members would be surprised to learn the extent to which they had ultimate authority and said limits of parliamentary privilege. For that reason, a that parliamentary sovereignty was being qualified? review of parliamentary privilege was undertaken by a They used those words, and many more besides. Joint Committee in 1999. The Committee drew attention to the fact that although Members are not exposed to Helen Jones: If the hon. Gentleman allows me to any civil or criminal liabilities in respect of what they proceed a little, perhaps I can touch on the issues that say and do in the course of proceedings in Parliament, he raises, but I want to keep my remarks to the subject there is no comprehensive definition of what “proceedings of the debate. in Parliament”covers. Equally, there is no proper definition of what constitutes a place “out of Parliament”. That One reason why becoming a Member of this House needs to be tackled. confers huge privileges on us all is that it enables us to act on behalf of our constituents. To be able to do that It is generally accepted that proceedings in Parliament effectively, as several hon. Members have said, Members are covered by the formal proceedings of the House and of Parliament must have access to information. A number its Committees and any documentation directly associated of cases have been raised today, and many of us have with those proceedings, but there are grey areas around had experience of hospitals, schools sometimes and that, as the hon. Member for South Norfolk (Mr Bacon) councils trying to deny hon. Members the information noted about the documents that he had received. The that they request. In my experience, that is normally Committee said that article 9 needs clarification. It fairly easy to deal with, although the cases involving the clearly does, in light of Members’ experience and given courts are much more complex. I hope to be able to what we have heard today. come to those in a moment. Mr Bacon: Does the hon. Lady agree that in so far as Hon. Members know that they must use the protection article 9 needs to be clarified, it should be undertaken in granted by parliamentary privilege sparingly and not such a way as to expand and strengthen the role of for their own advantage, but use it they must if it is Members of Parliament rather than in any way inhibit necessary to right a wrong or to get justice for a constituent. or constrict them? Since I came into the House, I have seen a number of examples of hon. Members rightly taking up issues on behalf of their constituents and using parliamentary Helen Jones: The hon. Gentleman touches on an privilege to do so, because that is the only way to get important point. I am a great defender of this House something done. and of Members of all parties having the right to carry out their functions properly. Any review should strengthen If I may speak anecdotally, I have had experience of the work of Members of Parliament, not undermine it. that myself. Not long after I came into Parliament, I felt it necessary to initiate an Adjournment debate about a The Committee believed that the general principle of charity that I felt was not operating properly. I came article 9, which prohibits the examination in any court under huge pressure from the people running that of parliamentary proceedings, should be confirmed. It organisation, but I felt that it was necessary to do that also believed that three exceptions should be made to and to use parliamentary privilege to do it, because I that general principle. That is something that the House believed that the people who were supposed to be being will have to consider in due course. looked after by that organisation, many of whom suffered First, the Committee believed that nothing in article 9 severe learning difficulties and did not have friends or should prevent proceedings in Parliament being examined family to speak up on their behalf, were being done out in court in so far as the examination related to the of their rights. Many other hon. Members will have interpretation of an Act of Parliament or subordinate come across cases such as that. At some point or other, legislation. That would enshrine in statute the decision we have all known of constituents who have been told of the court in the case of Pepper v. Hart; that case that they cannot or should not approach their Member made many Ministers much more careful about what of Parliament. I say gently to the hon. Member for they said in Committee and on the Floor of the House, Birmingham, Yardley that I have known councils and because their words could be used to help the courts public bodies tell people that, and he must have known consider what purpose Parliament intended for an Act. 169WH Bill of Rights17 MARCH 2011 Bill of Rights 170WH

[Helen Jones] John Hemming: Does the hon. Lady agree that if Parliament were to show some willingness to act in one Secondly, the Committee suggested that nothing in or two cases, it might result in a shift of culture? article 9 should prevent parliamentary proceedings being used in court for the purpose of judicial review, or in Helen Jones: First, Parliament needs to define what it other court proceedings where a Government decision wants to do. The question of privilege is complex. was a material factor. That is not to question the Although I might disagree with the hon. Gentleman on decision itself; again, it is about interpreting the decision. numerous issues, I would defend absolutely the right of Thirdly, the Committee believed that courts should any of his constituents to consult him whenever they be able to examine parliamentary proceedings when wished to do so, as I would for any other Member of there is no suggestion that anything forming a part of this House. those proceedings is untrue or misleading, and—the Another matter of concern was raised today—the “and” is very important—there is no question of legal role of the courts and of court orders when the preamble liability. to the order or the order itself prevents people from I suspect that these recommendations, especially the speaking to their Member of Parliament. That is a last, will provoke hours of debate when we come to the serious issue, which the House needs to consider in privilege Bill, but other matters will probably need to be some detail. Like the hon. Member for South Norfolk, I considered as well. The first is the status of Members’ have great concern about whether such an order can correspondence, particularly that between Members and stand in law. None the less, I understand that in some Ministers about constituency cases or proceedings before cases, particularly family cases, the pressure is on people Parliament. At the moment, that is not covered by to agree to such a preamble. privilege. As we do more and more of our work through The hon. Member for South Norfolk asked how correspondence—not everything is done on the Floor information coming to MPs should be protected. Many of the House, as it was in 1688—the House will need to of us remember the case of Clive Ponting, who was consider carefully how to deal with it. tried for giving out information about the sinking of the Belgrano. His defence was that he had given the information The second matter is correspondence with Members to a Member of Parliament. of Parliament, a subject raised by the hon. Member for South Norfolk. It is clearly difficult to get the drafting right in such cases. Taking the two extremes, one wants Mr Bacon: I remember the case very well because I to protect genuine whistleblowing and disclosure without wrote a book about it. Unfortunately, I was not able to protecting those who write to accuse their neighbours persuade a publisher to publish it, but that is another of all sorts of crimes but who have no evidence. matter. When my papers are published, it will come out. Ponting’s defence was that he communicated the The third matter that we shall have to deal with information to a person to whom it was, in the interests is defining proceedings in Parliament that are placed of the state, his duty to communicate it. That was the “out of Parliament”, and the replacement of section 13 point; not that it was a Member of Parliament, although of the Defamation Act 1996. The Joint Committee it was, of course, the marvellous Tam Dalyell to whom recommended a new procedure, allowing the House to he communicated it. waive article 9 in appropriate circumstances. Again, that allows Members to defend themselves in defamation Helen Jones: I had not quite finished my sentence, proceedings, and we have seen cases like that in past but the hon. Gentleman is right; Ponting said that it was years. in the public interest to communicate the information. There are serious matters to be considered. I know Whether or not that defence was sound, the jury simply that the hon. Member for Birmingham, Yardley has refused to convict him. already had a case referred to the Standards and Privileges Committee, in which a law firm was held to be in Mr Cash: This is, of course, related to the proposed contempt of the House for telling him not to repeat parliamentary privilege Bill to which the hon. Lady has something in the House. I confess that I do not understand referred. The Duncan Sandys case turned on the question how a firm of lawyers could ever draft a letter suggesting of proceedings in Parliament. It was clear that there that; it is first-year law stuff. It seemed to take the firm was a total and deliberate breach of the Official Secrets an awfully long time to discover its error, but in the end Act and that that, in itself, was in the public interest it apologised unreservedly to the House. because Whitehall, or the Defence Department at the The hon. Gentleman and others raised various important time, was correctly alleged to have been misleading the matters. One is that in order to redress grievances House of Commons. There are cases, therefore, in which Members of Parliament need access to information. a breach of the criminal law and the Official Secrets Act The hon. Gentleman was right to say that the family can be justified on the grounds of parliamentary “privilege”. courts are opening up, and that information can be I mention that as a good example. given to Members of Parliament with the agreement of the parties concerned, but it is often not recognised. Helen Jones: The hon. Gentleman makes a point, but Another problem, when minors are involved in proceedings, the public interest defence in all these cases is the one is the question of who is able to give consent on their that is usually used. behalf. There is also the question of bullying constituents, I cannot comment on some of the individual cases and Parliament needs to consider that very carefully. As that were raised today because I have no personal I said earlier, such matters are often dealt with swiftly; knowledge of them. None the less, they are serious but if they go beyond that, Parliament needs to consider matters that deserve to be addressed. We have all carefully people’s right to consult their MP. encountered people who do not want to answer MPs, or 171WH Bill of Rights17 MARCH 2011 Bill of Rights 172WH who just want to send a brush-off answer. In minor action. It is those two issues that I wish to address this cases, I find that a nice letter from me saying that if they afternoon. References have been made to specific cases do not answer me, I will just table questions in Parliament during the course of the debate. Like the hon. Member and they will have to answer anyway sorts it out. However, for Warrington North, I do not propose to comment on we have heard about much more serious cases where them today, as it would not be proper to do so in a there is a refusal to recognise the representative role of a general debate of this kind. In particular, I am mindful Member of this House acting on behalf of a constituent. of the risk of contravening the House’s resolution relating I will be interested to hear what the Deputy Leader of to matters sub judice, and I know that hon. Members the House has to say about that. will understand why I will exercise extreme caution in Article 9 exists to facilitate article 13; the two are everything that I have to say about the relationship inextricably linked. There is no doubt that we need to between this House and the courts. clarify the scope of privilege and the rights of Members Article 9 of the Bill of Rights applies only to proceedings of this House. Concerns have already been expressed in Parliament, and its protection is absolute. The meaning about the way in which some legislation might be eroding of “proceedings” in this context is open to interpretation, those privileges. Although the Government disagreed but the House has never sought to assert that it should with this, the Clerk of the House raised concerns about apply to dealings between Members and their constituents the Fixed-term Parliaments Bill and how it could bring or other members of the public. My hon. Friend the proceedings in Parliament into the ambit of the courts. Member for Birmingham, Yardley asserts that it should Similar concerns were raised about the Parliamentary and I am simply stating the fact that it never has. Standards Act 2009. Moreover, there were issues about However, the courts have regarded the communication putting lay members on the Committee on Standards of information to a Member of Parliament by a constituent and Privileges and whether they would be able to vote as enjoying qualified privilege at law. Similarly, a Member on matters relating to privilege. who passes on a constituent’s concerns in good faith to As Parliament has expanded its role, a load of issues the proper authority, such as a Minister, will not be have emerged that need to be clarified. We look forward protected by parliamentary privilege, but is likely to be to the publication of the draft parliamentary privilege protected by qualified privilege. Qualified privilege provides Bill. I hope that the House will be given sufficient time protection in certain situations where a person, acting to consider the matter seriously. We have to get it right in good faith and without any improper motive, makes not just for ourselves but for future Members of this a statement about another person, which is in fact House. It is not a party political issue but about getting untrue and defamatory. According to the case of Adam the workings of the House right and about the privileges v. Ward in 1917, qualified privilege arises in situations that need to be accorded to hon. Members to allow where them to do their job. “the person who makes a communication has an interest, or a duty, legal, social or moral, to make it to the person to whom it is I hope, too, that when the Bill finally comes before made, and the person to whom it is made has a corresponding the House, we get sufficient time to examine it and, if interest or duty to receive it.” necessary, to amend it. If we do not give proper That point was clearly made during the debate. There consideration to this matter and ensure that the drafting are other cases, such as Rivlin v. Bilainkin to which my is right and that Parliament works properly on behalf of hon. Friend the Member for Birmingham, Yardley referred, the people we represent, we will be failing not ourselves where the courts held that it was not lawful for a person but our constituents, and that is the important point to pass on information if they were not seeking to bring that has been raised in this debate. I look forward to a to the attention of a Member of Parliament something proper examination of that draft Bill and to hearing the which was his duty to pass on to another authority, but Deputy Leader of the House’s response. was simply making a point. In that case, a woman was making a point about her former husband, and it was 4.35 pm held that that was not proper use of the facility and did not benefit from the qualified privilege that would The Parliamentary Secretary, Office of the Leader of otherwise apply. the House of Commons (Mr David Heath): I am pleased The issue of passing on correspondence to a Minister to see you in the Chair this afternoon, Mr Bone. Let me is important and it was referred to by the hon. Member start by congratulating my hon. Friends the Members for Warrington North. As I have said, at the moment for Birmingham, Yardley (John Hemming) and for that does not have absolute privilege—parliamentary South Norfolk (Mr Bacon) on securing this debate. privilege—but it has qualified privilege. However, there This is the second time in recent weeks that I have is the very important case of Beach. In that case, an MP participated in a Westminster Hall debate that was passed on a constituent’s letter that complained about a initiated by the Backbench Business Committee. I am local firm of solicitors to two third parties, the Law also grateful to the hon. Member for Warrington North Society and the Lord Chancellor, and the firm of solicitors (Helen Jones) for her comments, most of which I entirely took action for defamation against the MP. The court agreed with. As she said, this is not a party political held in that case: issue; it is a matter of Parliament standing up for the privileges of our constituents, who are so important to “1. MPs have an interest in receiving correspondence from constituents bringing matters of concern to their attention; our process. 2. MPs have a consequential interest or duty in “passing the The debate has focused largely on the right of constituents complaint on to the proper quarter”; and others to approach their own MP to share information 3. The Law Society and the Lord Chancellor both had an with them lawfully, without fear of reprisals, and the interest in receiving complaints about the conduct of solicitors; right of hon. Members, having received that information, 4. Consequently, a qualified privilege was made out in this case to raise any matter in the House, without fear of legal which acted as a bar to an action for defamation”. 173WH Bill of Rights17 MARCH 2011 Bill of Rights 174WH

[Mr David Heath] the Standards and Privileges Committee or the Committee has found that the actions alleged did not amount to a That is a very clear illustration of where qualified breach of privilege. privilege assists an MP in the exercise of their proper My hon. Friend addressed the situation in Australia, duties and in the sort of action that we would expect where the position in the state of Victoria is slightly any hon. Member of this House to take on behalf of different from that here. There was a 2006 case in the their constituents. Parliament of Victoria, in which the Parliament upheld a privilege complaint from Michael Leighton, the Member Helen Jones: The Deputy Leader of the House is for the electoral district of Preston. In that case, the quite right about the case that he has just quoted. complaint was that a constituent who provided information However, does he think that it is now time to consider to Mr Leighton relating to an issue that he had previously whether an MP who is carrying out their proper duties raised in the Parliament later received a solicitor’s letter should be subjected to a case in court and have to threatening legal action if Mr Leighton repeated certain defend it with qualified privilege, or should we consider allegations in the Parliament. That illustrates that there enshrining privilege in statute? might be particular circumstances in which interference with communication between an MP here and a constituent might be regarded as a contempt of the House, although Mr Heath: I am certainly open to the suggestion that it does not demonstrate that communications between we should consider that issue as part of the privilege MPs and constituents should generally be regarded as Bill that we intend to introduce. I will discuss that Bill in being protected by parliamentary privilege. a little while. However, there are two points that we must remember about the Victoria case. First, the threat to take legal Mr Cash: What the hon. Lady has just said raises the action against the constituent was specifically in respect question of who would actually interpret the statute. So of any allegations that might be repeated by the Member we are back to the courts in that event. What we need to in the Parliament of Victoria and it was therefore an do is entrench a procedure into the privilege Bill, when indirect attempt to constrain the Member’s freedom of we pass it into law, that might, for example, prevent speech in the Parliament. I have to say that that bears such a case being taken to court, or that at least would some level of similarity with my hon. Friend’s case ensure that if the case went to court a judge would have against Withers, where the House acted quite properly a kind of pre-trial opportunity to consider it. It is in his defence, or perhaps it would be more correct to probably a procedural question, but we cannot avoid say that it acted in defence of his constituent. the fact that even if privilege is put into statute it will still be open to interpretation. The second point, or rather the second difference between the situation here and the situation in Australia, is quite important in the context of this debate. It is that Mr Heath: I think that we would be in the same parliamentary privilege in Australia is defined in the position that we are in now, with the present interpretation Parliamentary Privilege Act 1987, so Australians do not of the absolute parliamentary privilege that we enjoy in rely on the Bill of Rights as we do. In addition, there is a the comments that we make in this House. I do not see definition of “proceedings” in that Act, which is that there would be any difference if we were to extend our statutory interpretation of proceedings to include “all words spoken or acts done in the course of, or for the purposes of or incidental to, the transacting of the business of a correspondence in the way that the hon. Lady suggests. House or of a committee.” However, let me not attempt to pre-empt a serious debate that will inevitably need to happen in preparing I think that my hon. Friend is arguing that we ought to the statute on which this Bill will be based, both in have some similar provision here and we will need to terms of the pre-legislative scrutiny and then our scrutiny look at that issue when we consider the matter of of whatever is proposed. parliamentary privilege more widely.

John Hemming: I may not be right but I am thinking Mr Bacon: I am listening with great interest to the of the Strauss case, which was about a letter from a Deputy Leader of the House. There is an article 13 Back-Bench MP to a Minister about cables. I believe point here, which is that the Bill of Rights says that that at the time the Standards and Privileges Committee Parliament should “frequently” meet recommended that the House should consider that case “for redress of all grievances”. to have privilege, but the House voted—albeit not Is it not an axiom of that, in effect, that Parliament can unanimously—not to treat it as being privileged. only do its job of redressing “all grievances” if MPs know about “all grievances”, and therefore that Mr Heath: My hon. Friend brings me on to a very communications that are intended to ensure that MPs important point about the attitude of the House to do know about “all grievances” are inherently bound up date. He is eager to change that attitude, but the House with the Bill of Rights? has not yet shown a predilection, to use his own word, to do so, because in the past the House itself has not Mr Heath: I hear what the hon. Gentleman says and I regarded attempts to interfere with or to frustrate a have some sympathy with what he says. However, I have constituent’s communication with their MP as a breach some difficulty with the interpretation of article 13 of of privilege. “Erskine May” records cases where threats the Bill of Rights. I say that not as a constitutional have been made against a constituent by his employer in lawyer, but as someone who is making the simple respect of communications with the constituent’s MP observation that article 13 of the Bill of Rights is and either the House has declined to refer the matter to headed, “Frequent Parliaments”, and therefore it seems 175WH Bill of Rights17 MARCH 2011 Bill of Rights 176WH to me to that article 13 is inherently about the frequency vitiate those decisions by disclosing on the Floor of the of Parliament rather than the reason for holding House information that might fatally undermine their Parliaments frequently, which is purpose. For example, if a court orders that the identity “for redress of all grievances”. of a party to legal proceedings should not be disclosed— It is the emphasis within article 13 of the Bill of Rights usually because it would render the proceedings nugatory— that I am addressing. Having said that, we are talking Members should think very carefully before using the about a 1688 Act and it would be very surprising indeed auspices of parliamentary privilege to subvert such a if it was construed in 1688 in exactly the same way that judgment. modern eyes construe it. Therefore, I do not want to The guiding principle must be one of comity: the replace centuries of jurisprudence on the subject with House and its Members will respect the jurisdiction of my lay observations today. However, I hear what the the courts, and the courts will not trespass on to territory hon. Gentleman says. that is properly occupied by Parliament. If Parliament I want to move on to Parliament and the courts, collectively believes that some injustice arises from how because a lot of what my hon. Friend the Member for the courts apply the law, it is open to Parliament to Birmingham, Yardley had to say was about the relationship change the law. There is no need to use the blunt between Parliament and the courts. Yet again, I enter instrument of parliamentary privilege as a battering the caveat that as a member of the Executive I need to ram with which to beat the courts. be careful about what I say about that relationship and I If there are deficiencies in family court proceedings, hope that hon. Members will understand that. my hon. Friend ought to seek to amend those rules, in My hon. Friend the Member for Birmingham, Yardley the first instance, or the statute under which they operate, referred to circumstances in which parties to court if he feels that they are ineffective in allowing him proceedings are forbidden to talk about them, either properly to represent the interests of his constituents. because of a specific injunction to that effect or, as in the case of certain family court proceedings, because Mr Cash: I appreciate that I am intruding somewhat proceedings are conducted in private, for example in the into this rather narrow debate about parliamentary family court or the Court of Protection. That would not privilege and the Act. The Deputy Leader of the House prevent a Member from raising in the House matters referred to family law. As such matters are absorbed that it would be a contempt of court to raise elsewhere. into the broader context of the jurisdiction of the We saw that in the recent Trafigura case, in which I had European Court of Justice, the manner in which the an interest. I was clear about what Parliament’s position courts respond to them within the framework of the law should be, and I am happy that that was supported by will be interpreted by that Court. I fear that some of the others. If proceedings had been concluded, the House’s assumptions being made, including that we will be able sub judice resolution would not necessarily prevent to legislate in line with the kind of principles that the such matters being referred to. Deputy Leader of the House has referred to, will not be The crux of the issue is the degree of legal protection applicable, because it will not be a matter exclusively for offered, not to my hon. Friend the Member for our courts. Birmingham, Yardley were he to raise the matter in the House—as he has done this afternoon—but to an individual who discloses information to their Member Mr Heath: I hear what the hon. Gentleman says. He of Parliament. The extent of that protection is less talks about the European Court of Justice. I thought clear, as in many cases it depends, as we have heard, on that he was going to talk about the European convention qualified privilege. In family proceedings, the Family on human rights, because it could be argued that the Proceedings (Amendment) (No. 2) Rules 2009 include way these matters operate is outwith ECHR provisions, certain exemptions about the disclosure of information, other than the fact that we are using the licence within including in rule 11.4(1)(d), which provides that a the relevant article in the convention, which allows for “party or the legal representative of a party, on behalf of and specific items—the interests of minors are mentioned—to upon the instructions of that party, may communicate information be excluded from the general rule of open proceedings relating to the proceedings to any person where necessary to in court. We must bear that in mind. I understand the enable that party…to make and pursue a complaint regarding the hon. Gentleman’s point, and I have no doubt that we law, policy or procedure relating to a category of proceedings to will discuss the matter on many other occasions. which this Part applies.” Coming back to what my hon. Friend the Member However—that is a significant “however”—I emphasise for Birmingham, Yardley was saying, I think that he is that that is a general rule, which is subject to any particularly exercised about the office of the Official direction of the court, and the court may direct that Solicitor. He seems to have an interesting relationship such disclosure, though generally allowed, should not with the Official Solicitor, in the pursuance of his be allowed in certain cases. That, I think, is the circumstance various interests in the cases in which he has been to which my hon. Friend refers. involved. He essentially asks where the Official Solicitor’s I agree with the many Members who have said that supervision and accountability are, in the exercise of his an individual’s right to approach his or her MP should duties. My hon. Friend knows that the antecedents of be regarded as an essential part of the democratic the office go back a long way, to its origins in the Six process. However, we need to consider how to deal with Clerks Office, which was mentioned by Pepys. This cases in which one person’s right of access to their MP officer of the court has a long pedigree, and he acts on could interfere with the rights of others, including the behalf of those who were originally defined as paupers, right to a fair trial and the right to privacy. There is no including lunatics and infants, and needed protection point in Parliament making laws conferring decision-making under the law. The office is an ancient one, but it has powers on the courts, if an individual Member can always been an office of the court. 177WH Bill of Rights17 MARCH 2011 Bill of Rights 178WH

[Mr Heath] I was concerned when the issue arose during the Trafigura case. I am also concerned that we have allowed a whole Under the most recent legislation, the office is a new jurisprudence to develop without any real consideration statutory office of the Supreme Court, and we have of where it will end, or the consequences for our judicial been very clear in the House, by statute and otherwise, process. that we respect the independence of the Supreme Court, Happily, the Master of the Rolls, who has a proper and that we will not seek to interfere with the activities role in the matter, has recognised the public concern. He of the Supreme Court, as a legislature. We have to be established a committee in April last year to examine very careful in expecting something of an officer of the the use of injunctions that bind the press, including Supreme Court, who I suppose is answerable in extremis super-injunctions. He brought together a committee of to the Lord Chancellor in the exercise of their duties. It the judiciary, the legal profession and the press. I anticipate is not a matter for normal, democratic control, any that it will report soon, and we in the House should more than a judge sitting in the High Court is a matter have particular concern about what it says. that should be under the control of the House. Such injunctions have an impact, potentially, on what Mr Bacon: I have listened to the Deputy Leader of we do in the House, and certainly on the interests of our the House with great interest. He said that we should constituents. Personally, I look forward to seeing whether not seek to interfere with the operation of the Supreme the Master of the Rolls wishes to bring into effect any Court as a legislature. Did he mean that we should not, significant changes to how the courts interpret the as a legislature, seek to interfere with the operation of whole role of super-injunctions, and what he has to say the Supreme Court? There is a fundamental difference. about the position that has been established whereby my hon. Friend, as a Member of Parliament, cannot Mr Heath: I meant that we, as a legislature, should know that his constituent is even involved in a case, let not seek to interfere with the activities of the Supreme alone get involved in it, because his constituent is injuncted Court. There was a comma, which the hon. Gentleman by a super-injunction to prevent him passing on that did not, I think, hear. It was there; I assure him. information. My hon. Friend’s concern is perfectly legitimate and I am glad he has had the opportunity to express it Mr Bacon: I regret that I did not hear the comma, but today. does the Deputy Leader of the House not agree that this goes to the heart of what my hon. Friend the Mr Bacon: Many people, including the hon. Member Member for Stone (Mr Cash) was talking about? Although for Newcastle-under-Lyme (Paul Farrelly), who raised the late and much-lamented Lord Chief Justice, Tom the Trafigura case, have had concerns about super- Bingham, made it extremely clear in his recent book, injunctions. Does the Deputy Leader of the House “The Rule of Law”, that he thought that the Court agree that such people should also be concerned about should ultimately defer to the democratic will of the what my hon. Friend the Member for Birmingham, elected legislature, my hon. Friend the Member for Yardley has identified as another category, hyper- Stone says that there is abroad—“abroad” is the wrong injunctions, whereby a court makes an order not to word, although it is also true—around the place, including refer to the existence of proceedings? Is that not simply here and also abroad, a kind of judge who does not take a step far too far? that view. That is a source of great concern. Mr Heath: I am not sure that I understand the Mr Heath: I understand the concern about what is distinction that my hon. Friend was making between a normally described as judicial activism, and about the super-injunction and a hyper-injunction, because what judiciary perhaps wishing to extend its role beyond is called a super-injunction is an injunction that requires what has been the traditional separation between its a particular course of action to be taken, including not role and that of the House. We have to be extremely reporting that the injunction in place is proceeding. It is wary about that. Nevertheless, I maintain that it is not an injunction squared, or a self-referring injunction. I and never has been the role of Members of Parliament am concerned about it, as are a lot of hon. Members, to decide whether officers of the court are behaving but we must wait and see what the Master of Rolls has properly in the exercise of their duties. Our role is to to say on the subject when he—or, rather, his committee— create the statutory environment in which they work, reports. and that is a very different matter. I want to conclude by talking about the draft parliamentary privilege Bill. Helen Jones: It is a difficult area, but does the Deputy Leader of the House agree that while we would not wish Mr Cash: I realise that I asked a much broader to see Members of Parliament interfering in the judicial question than was intended for the debate, so I do not process—we have both probably had experience of telling ask the Deputy Leader of the House to go into any constituents that we cannot do that—a constituent who detail, but in general does he take on board my point feels that they have not received justice or due process about the hierarchy of laws and the necessity to ensure ought to be free to raise that with a Member of Parliament? where the final jurisdiction lies? The issue has come up There are two different issues. in various forms in exchanges on the draft parliamentary privilege legislation and its proposals. The Supreme Mr Heath: The hon. Lady puts it very well. There is a Court and other courts in the European dimension are distinction, and we are right to make it. claiming greater jurisdiction than previously over what I share the concern of my hon. Friend the Member we do, indirectly and, sometimes, more directly. That is for Birmingham, Yardley about the growth of the super- an innovation, which was certainly not around five injunction, and what he described as the hyper-injunction. years ago. I ask the hon. Gentleman to do no more than 179WH Bill of Rights17 MARCH 2011 Bill of Rights 180WH take into account the fact that these points are not just of other people, rather than what it does mean, which is the emanations of those who are concerned obsessively that it enables us to do our job on behalf of the people about such matters; they need to be taken very seriously we represent. because the process is on the march. Such interpretations were perhaps exaggerated by the recent court cases involving former Members of Mr Heath: I was going to come to the hon. Gentleman’s the House. The proposition before the court was that points at the conclusion of my other remarks, but I will parliamentary privilege somehow prevented them from answer them now. facing due criminal proceedings in the courts. Of course, privilege did not do that; we said so at the time and I am I am loth to usurp the authority of the Lord Chancellor, pleased that the courts held it to be the case. However, which I suspect would be lèse majesté on the part of a that message simply must go out: parliamentary privilege junior Minister. Therefore, it would not be appropriate is not about privileges for Members, it is about privilege for me to second-guess the Lord Chancellor’s views, in for our constituents to have a Member of Parliament particular as he had the opportunity recently to set out who can stand up and speak without fear or favour on some concerns in a Committee, as the hon. Gentleman their behalf in the House, and to do so on whatever said. terms that Member feels fit, and without the threat of The hon. Gentleman knows that the Government are court action or the actions of the Executive preventing setting up a commission to look at the case for a UK them from acting in the fullest capacity as a Member of Bill of Rights. He knows that the announcement has Parliament. We intend to produce the draft Bill by the been made and that that will happen. He knows what is end of this Session, in spring 2012. That will provide in the coalition agreement in respect of the issue, and I us with a further opportunity for these matters to be do not need to remind him of that. He also knows, discussed. because I heard him recently ask the question of my I am grateful to you, Mr Bone, for chairing this right hon. Friend the Minister for Europe, that the sitting and to the Backbench Business Committee for Government strongly support reform of the European providing us with the opportunity to debate the subject. Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg. There is a I am grateful too to my hon. Friend the Member for package of considerations and I will not pre-empt any Birmingham, Yardley for bringing forward matters of conclusions, but I hear what the hon. Member for Stone considerable importance, which have now been given an has said. I am sure that other colleagues in the Government airing in the House. will have heard his comments as well. It is probably safest if I leave it at that. He understands that there is a Mr Peter Bone (in the Chair): With the leave of the limit to how far I can expand on the subject. House, I call the hon. Member for Birmingham, Yardley. Returning to a perhaps slightly safer area for which I 5.10 pm do have some responsibility, the Government intend to John Hemming: I thank everyone who attended this bring forward a draft parliamentary privilege Bill. As debate, and I thank the Backbench Business Committee we have heard this afternoon, it is a complex subject. for allowing it. I also thank you, Mr Bone, for chairing We have the report from some years ago to which the it so ably. hon. Member for Warrington North referred. We need to revisit it, to ensure that it meets all our present The debate can be summed up in a few words. Parliament circumstances, but we hope that we will soon be able to needs to know about grievances and to be able to take provide a draft Bill on which every hon. Member will action. We need to take action to protect our constituents. have the opportunity to comment. In particular, I hope The accountability of the courts rests on people knowing that Members involved in this afternoon’s debate will what is going on, even if anonymously. The difficulty make their views well known as part of the consultative with the operation of the Official Solicitor’s office is process, because they will have the opportunity to shape that people do not know what is going on. There is no the content of the Bill. question but that reform is needed in that area. However, the points have been reasonable and we have had a good I was intrigued by the suggestion of the hon. Member debate. I thank my hon. Friend the Member for South for South Norfolk (Mr Bacon) that we should do away Norfolk (Mr Bacon) for working with me on the debate. with “privilege” altogether and call it something else. I On that point, I shall end. make no commitment that that will form part of the Question put and agreed to. Bill, but “privilege”is sometimes misinterpreted, deliberately or purely by ignorance, and assumed to mean that we 5.11 pm somehow place our interests, and ourselves, above those Sitting adjourned.

17WS Written Ministerial Statements17 MARCH 2011 Written Ministerial Statements 18WS

local solutions to challenges that they face. The Government Written Ministerial are supporting this approach by providing good practice information to assist LEPs in meeting their challenges. Statements Thursday 17 March 2011 EU Competitiveness Council

BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills (Mr Edward Davey): My noble Solutions for Business Portfolio Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, Baroness Wilcox, has today made The Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation the following statement. and Skills (Mr Mark Prisk): The Government confirm The EU Competitiveness Council took place in Brussels that they have simplified the Solutions For Business on 9 and 10 March 2011. Andy Lebrecht, the UK’s portfolio. The Solutions for Business portfolio announced Deputy Permanent Representative to the EU represented in March 2010 contained 32 interventions, designed to the UK on research issues on 9 March and I represented help businesses at different stages of their development. the UK on internal market and industry issues on Going forward we believe that the portfolio should 10 March. A summary of those discussions follows. target only those areas where a Government lead is The main research issues discussed on 9 March required, including supporting innovation and helping were the Commission’s Europe 2020 (long-term EU companies reach international markets. competitiveness) strategy’s annual growth survey (from Ministers have decided to proceed with simplification the research perspective); the interim evaluation of the of the portfolio which will see it streamlined, with seventh EU research framework programme; and the 13 products in the new portfolio, with a focus on European innovation union flagship initiative. There growth. The details of the products in the new portfolio was also a lunchtime discussion on the Commission’s are being published today, alongside new information proposed new “common strategic framework” for future to help local enterprise partnerships as they establish EU research and innovation funding. their economic priorities. On the Commission’s annual growth survey, Ministers The 13 products in the new nationally funded portfolio debated research and innovation priorities to help Europe are: recover from the economic crisis. The UK emphasised High Growth Coaching that it was maintaining its science spending and that Helping Your Business Grow Internationally there should be increased focus on innovation-oriented Manufacturing Advisory Service EU public procurement and on addressing issues regarding Designing Demand access to finance for innovators. The UK also said it Knowledge Transfer Partnerships planned to monitor the effectiveness of EU research Networking for Innovation and innovation reforms. Collaborative Research and Development The Council adopted conclusions on the seventh EU Grant for Research and Development research framework programme in response to the Workplace Training, including Apprenticeships independent interim evaluation. The conclusions called Improving Your Resource Efficiency for simplification of funding rules, a greater economic Finance for Business impact from EU research investment and examination Understanding Finance for Business of the reasons for low participation in certain member Rural Development Programme for England Business Support states. The transition to the streamlined Solutions for Business On the European innovation union flagship initiative, portfolio will take place from April 2011 onwards. This the Commission reported plans to develop a new innovation transition will be managed and implemented as contracts performance indicator, a new EU standardisation policy for existing products expire and are retendered, to ensure and to look at how EU-wide procurement schemes and maximum value for money for the taxpayer. a proposed pan-EU venture capital fund could better The new nationally funded portfolio is part of a support innovation. wider package of measures that the Government are delivering to support business growth. For most of In the lunchtime discussion on future EU research those starting out in business for the first time, or and innovation funding, the Commission reported plans looking for straightforward advice and guidance on to introduce a more co-ordinated approach. Member running their business, the improved businesslink.gov.uk states generally supported the Commission’s approach website and start-up hub will be available to provide and identified the simplification of existing EU funding high quality online support. This will be supplemented rules as a priority. The UK emphasised the importance by a telephone contact centre for businesses unable to of scientific excellence when allocating EU funding. access the internet or who cannot find the information The research any other business items discussed were they are looking for online. In addition, where businesses a report on “The knowledge-based bio-economy towards have challenges that cannot be met through the website, 2020” conference held in September 2010 and proposals access to experienced business mentors will be available for a framework programme for nuclear research and through the new volunteering gateway. training activities for 2012 to 2013. A simplified and well-defined national offer creates The main internal market and industry issues discussed the opportunity for local businesses to work together on 10 March were the Commission’s analysis of the and through their local enterprise partnership to identify results of the public consultation on the Single Market 19WS Written Ministerial Statements17 MARCH 2011 Written Ministerial Statements 20WS

Act; progress on implementation of the EU services deliver a more effective income stream for councils. The directive; the Council authorisation decision on the EU focus will be to free up as many local authorities as patent enhanced co-operation process; the Europe 2020 possible from dependency on central Government funding, strategy’s annual growth survey (from the industry as well as develop better incentives for local authorities perspective) and the Commission’s raw materials initiative. to promote economic growth in their areas and to There was also a lunchtime discussion on the Commission’s benefit financially from that growth. The first phase of mid-term review of the Small Business Act. the review will deliver proposals for reform by July On the Single Market Act, the Commission reported 2011. that 770 online responses had been received and that it The review will consider the way in which local would be difficult to identify priorities that would meet authorities are funded, with a view to giving local everyone’s concerns. The UK called for an emphasis on authorities greater financial autonomy and strengthening growth and that EU single market priorities should be the incentives to support growth in the private sector progress on services, on the digital single market and on and regeneration of local economies. better regulation. Most member states supported a It will look at ways to reduce the reliance of local focus on growth. The Commission concluded that further government on central Government funding, increase work was needed to agree priorities with member states. local accountability and ensure that the benefits of On the EU patent, the Commission said that it was economic growth are reflected in the resources authorities vital to help EU competitiveness. In discussion, the UK have. stressed that it saw the EU patent as a package and that it was studying the European Court of Justice opinion The review will include consideration of changes to on the patent court that had been issued on 8 March. the business rates system, and focus in particular on: Council legal services confirmed that consideration of a) the optimum model for incentivising local authorities to the opinion did not prevent agreement on the enhanced promote growth by retaining business rates, while ensuring co-operation process and 25 member states (including that all authorities have adequate resources to meet the needs of their communities and to deliver the commitments the UK) confirmed their support for the authorisation set out in the spending review; decision. b) the extent to which these proposals can set local authorities In the lunchtime discussion reviewing the Commission’s free from dependency on central funding; Small Business Act initiative, the UK highlighted the c) considering how to fund authorities where locally raised importance of better regulation. In the annual growth funding would be insufficient to meet budget requirements survey discussion, the UK emphasised its support for and control council tax levels, as well as councils who do not measures supporting growth. The majority of member collect business rates, such as upper-tier authorities, recognising states stressed the importance of the EU single market that some parts of the country are currently more dependent and to improve the EU regulatory framework. on Government funding; The Council also adopted conclusions on the progress d) reviewing the scope for greater transparency and localisation of implementation of the EU services directive and on of the equalisation process; the Commission’s raw materials initiative. e) the position of councils whose business rate yield would There were also internal market and industry any be significantly higher than their current spending; other business items discussed on the internal market f) how to ensure appropriate protections are in place for information system (IMI); the SOLVIT annual report; business, within a framework of devolving power to the the fifth consumer scoreboard; public consultations on lowest level possible; collective redress and alternative dispute resolution; g) how to deliver tax increment financing proposals against a the benefits of electronic invoicing for Europe; and on context of greater retention of business rate revenues; the recommendations of the high-level group on the h) how various aspects of the business rate system, including competitiveness of the European chemical industry. business rate revaluation and reliefs, should be treated; i) examining the scope for further financial freedoms for local authorities, while standing up for and protecting the interests of local taxpayers, and COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT j) the wider implications of rates retention for related policies, including the work of the Commission on the Funding of Care and Support and the Government’s other incentive Local Government Finance schemes (the new homes bonus and the commitment to allow communities to keep the business rates for renewable energy projects). The Secretary of State for Communities and Local The review will take account of the responses made Government (Mr Eric Pickles): I would like to make a to the questions in “Local growth: realising every place’s statement on the work of the local government resource potential”. It will also conduct extensive engagement review. with interested parties, including businesses of all sizes, The current dependency of councils on central grant to ensure that all views and perspectives are taken into allocations makes planning difficult, weakens accountability, account. In developing the proposals, the Government and stifles local innovation. In the future, I am keen to are clear that businesses should not be subject to locally move to a radically different system of funding and imposed increases in the burden of taxation that they support for councils that is built on strong incentives, is do not support. driven by local decision making and breaks this dependency. Following the announcement at the spending review I have therefore set up a review of local government and through introduction of the Welfare Reform Bill resources that will consider how we can recast the that Government will localise council tax benefit, the distribution of business rates and formula grant to review will also consider the design of the new scheme 21WS Written Ministerial Statements17 MARCH 2011 Written Ministerial Statements 22WS

(to be launched in 2013-14) and what flexibilities local 95.6% were offered a place at one of their three preferred authorities should have to help keep overall council tax schools. In total, 97.2% of families were offered a place levels down. at one of their preferred schools. I am placing a copy of The first phase of review will conclude by July 2011, these data in the Library of the House. followed by the necessary steps to implement the concluded There is considerable variation in these figures nationally. reforms. Outside London, more than 87.8% of parents were The second phase of the local government resource offered a place at their first-preference school. The review will commence in April 2011 and will focus on north-east had the highest percentage of first-preference community budgets. It will be taken forward in parallel offers with 94.3% and west midlands the lowest with with the continued roll-out of these budgets. Detailed 81.1%. For Greater London, this figure is 66.2%. However terms of reference will be published shortly. across London, 94% of families have been offered a place at one of their chosen schools. Parents have the right of appeal against any application that has been turned down; and over the summer, local CABINET OFFICE authorities and schools will be re-allocating places where others have moved address or chosen a different route Fixed-term Parliaments Bill of education for their child. We are committed to improving the supply of high- quality school places, to put our trust back in schools The Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office (Mr Mark and to support them in raising standards for all our Harper): The Government have been engaged in discussions children. Through the White Paper, “The Importance with the parties in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland of Teaching”, we announced our intention to review the about the potential coincidence of elections in May school admissions framework, with a view to delivering 2015. a simpler, more streamlined admissions and appeals code. We are determined to remove unnecessary burdens The Government have tabled amendments to the on schools while retaining accountability, transparency Fixed-term Parliaments Bill to implement the agreement and fairness. We shall shortly be consulting on slimmer, we have reached with the Scottish Parliament and National less bureaucratic admission and appeals codes. Assembly for Wales. Following the discussions, motions were passed in the Scottish Parliament on 3 March and Our aim is to create an education system where every in the Welsh Assembly on 16 March calling on the UK school is a good school, where discipline and attainment Government to bring forward provision to defer the are principles for all; where teachers have the confidence 2015 Scottish and Welsh general elections until 5 May to teach the knowledge and concepts that young people 2016 in order to avoid the two sets of elections coinciding. need to thrive in a global economy. Only when every school is a good school will we be able to remove the The amendment will provide that the normal rules anxiety parents feel when selecting a school for their pertaining to general elections to the Scottish Parliament children. These figures show that too few parents, especially and National Assembly for Wales apply to the deferred in London, have access to good school places, with one polls. in six parents failing to secure their first preference. The Government will also carry out a detailed assessment We will continue our focus on improving performance of what the implications would be of the two sets of in underperforming schools. The Secretary of State elections coinciding at a later date. Then in the light recently wrote to all local authorities asking them to of this we will consider whether to conduct a public develop school improvement plans for those schools consultation in Scotland and Wales on whether the below the floor standards. These plans will help identify Parliament and Assembly terms should permanently be the action needed to turn around those schools that are extended to five years. failing to provide a high quality of education. Schools Following correspondence with parties in Northern will be supported to improve but if they do not do so Ireland on this issue, Northern Ireland Office Ministers quickly, we will look to transform them through conversion have concluded that it would be better to await the to academy status, under strong sponsors with a proven outcome of the combined polls scheduled for May 2011 record in turning around underperformance. We will before taking a decision on whether special provision also continue our drive to increase the number of academies would be needed for Northern Ireland. and to open more free schools to respond to demand. This written ministerial statement contains Government and policy statements in relation to the statistical release EDUCATION “Secondary school applications and offers 2011” which can be viewed on the DFE research and statistics gateway. This statistical release was produced by officials working Secondary School Application/Offers 2011 under the direction of Government statisticians in accordance with the code of practice for official statistics and was released at 9.30 am today. The Minister of State, Department for Education The Information as to Provision of Education (England) (Mr Nick Gibb): Today we are publishing validated Regulations 2008 require local authorities to submit data, based on returns from 151 local authorities showing data to the Department for Education on how many that across the country 84.6% of families received an families received an offer of a place at one of their offer at their first-preference secondary school—compared preferred secondary schools. This year on 1 March, with 83.2% last year. A further 8.1% of families were almost 513,000 families were advised at which secondary offered a place at their second-preference school and school their child was being offered a place. 23WS Written Ministerial Statements17 MARCH 2011 Written Ministerial Statements 24WS

ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS right hon. Friend the Prime Minister stressed to Parliament in his statement of 14 March, Official Report, columns 25-27 (see link below), HMG’s position is that Europe must Independent Panel on Forestry seize this opportunity to support ordinary people in north Africa and across the middle east in their aspirations for a more open and democratic form of government. The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and The EU now needs to follow through on its declaration Rural Affairs (Mrs Caroline Spelman): Further to my of 11 March with a real and credible offer to these statement on 17 February 2011, Official Report, countries, based around the massive economic opportunities column 1155, I have today announced that the right which lie in greater trade and co-operation with Europe. Rev. James Jones, Bishop of Liverpool, has agreed to Discussion of Libya and other specific country issues chair an independent panel to advise me on the future will depend on events in the next few days. direction of forestry and woodland policy in England and on the role of the Forestry Commission in http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/news/latest-news/ implementing policy. The members of the panel are: ?view=PressS&id=564995382 Shireen Chambers (Institute of Chartered Foresters) Sahel Dr Mike Clarke (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds) The Sahel is one of the poorest regions of the world. Tom Franklin (Ramblers) It faces a number of challenges to its security and Stuart Goodall (Confederation of Forest Industries) development simultaneously, including terrorism and Stephanie Hilborne QBE (Wildlife Trusts) frequent food shortages. At the FAC, Ministers are Sue Holden (Woodland Trust) expected to review proposals for an EU strategy to deal Dr Alan Knight QBE (Single Planet Living) with the Sahel’s security and development needs in a Dame Fiona Reynolds (National Trust) coherent way. The proposals are particularly important given recent instability in the region. Sir Harry Studholme (Forestry Commissioner) John Varley (Clinton Devon Estates) Somalia William Worsley (Country Land and Business Association) Ministers should be asked to agree conclusions on The members of the panel bring a wide range of Somalia, the first since July 2009. Discussion is expected interests and expertise covering the environmental, social to focus on handling of the planned end of the transitional and economic aspects of forestry. I have published the period in August 2011 and on tackling piracy. We want panel’s terms of reference on the DEFRA website to see a clear statement that there can be no extension of (www.defra.gov.uk/rural/forestry/). the Transitional Federal Institutions beyond August without reform to make them more representative and legitimate in the eyes of the Somali people. We will look to emphasise the importance of tackling the causes of FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE piracy on land and continue to push for the European External Action Service to play a leading role in co-ordinating donor activity in those regions most affected Foreign Affairs Council and General Affairs Council by piracy, including in Puntland. Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) The Minister for Europe (Mr David Lidington): The We expect conclusions to be adopted on BiH on Foreign Affairs Council and General Affairs Council proposals to reinforce the EU’s presence there. We are will meet in Brussels on 21 March. My right hon. supportive of the package in which there was broad Friend the Foreign Secretary will attend the Foreign agreement at the February FAC. The conclusions should Affairs Council. I will attend the General Affairs Council. also address the political situation in BiH, where a FOREIGN AFFAIRS COUNCIL (FAC) Government is yet to be formed nearly six months after Japan elections. Japan is not currently on the agenda for the FAC, and Belarus the constantly evolving situation makes it difficult to predict the nature of a possible discussion. But we Ministers are due to discuss the political and human would expect Ministers to review the EU’s response to rights situation in Belarus. We hope the discussion will the devastating earthquake and tsunami, and to take focus on what further measures the EU can take to stock of the latest developments on the nuclear issue. apply political pressure on the regime to release all The EU’s response so far has been summarised in the political prisoners and cease the ongoing repression of press release below. human rights defenders. http://europa.eu/rapid/ Serbia/Kosovo pressReleasesAction.do?reference=MEMO/11/ Baroness Ashton will update Ministers on the 166&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN& EU-facilitated dialogue between Pristina and Belgrade. guiLanguage=en Following appointment of the new Kosovo Government EU Southern Neighbourhood on 22 February, the first meeting of the dialogue took On Libya, Ministers will want to take stock following place in Brussels on 8-9 March. We expect EU member the extraordinary European Council of 11 March, at states to give Baroness Ashton strong support for her which EU leaders called on Gaddafi to “relinquish efforts on the dialogue as a way of building co-operation power immediately” as his regime had lost all legitimacy between Kosovo and Serbia and of helping both countries and was no longer an interlocutor for the EU. As my make progress towards the EU. 25WS Written Ministerial Statements17 MARCH 2011 Written Ministerial Statements 26WS

Iran human rights Discussion focused on action to increase pressure on We seek conclusions which pave the way towards EU the Libyan regime and the draft declaration by the targeted measures on Iran, including a travel ban and European Council. The Foreign Secretary and others asset freeze on human rights offenders; and which called for the stepping-up of pressure, to include develop the EU’s human rights dialogue with Iranian consideration of a no-fly zone, based on a proper legal civil society. base, regional support and a demonstrable need. Many Ministers took the opportunity to comment on the Middle East Peace Process draft Council declaration. Baroness Ashton conveyed Baroness Ashton will report on the 2 March Quartet these comments to President van Rompuy and EU envoys’ meeting and provide an update on work being Heads of Government at their meeting the following done in preparation for the April meeting of Quartet day. principals. The UK will continue to make clear that the The Foreign Secretary welcomed the Commission’s peace process must not become a casualty of uncertainty and External Action Service’s communication on the in the region, that it is too important to fail or falter, EU’s policy on the southern neighbourhood (see link and that we must strive for a breakthrough this year. below). In particular, he noted that the communication The UK has set out views on this with France and expressed the right level of ambition, and brought Germany in our explanation of vote on the draft UNSCR clarity as to what conditionality might mean in practice. on settlement; see link below: He stressed the EU’s new offer to the region should be http://ukun.fco.gov.uk/en/news/ based on market access and progress towards political ?view=News&id=555290382 reforms. We also expect Baroness Ashton to update on progress http://eeas.europa.eu/euromed/docs/ in implementing her proposal for EU support to Gaza. com2011_200_en.pdf#page=2 GENERAL AFFAIRS COUNCIL (GAC) An FCO report of the meeting, including comments European Councils by the Foreign Secretary, can be found at: Ministers will review follow-up to the extraordinary http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/news/latest-news/ European Council of 11 March, which discussed the EU’s ?view=News&id=563517982 response to the current crisis in Libya and the southern Gymnich neighbourhood. The declaration made by the Council My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary attended on 11 March can be found at: the Gymnich informal meeting of EU Foreign Ministers http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_data/ of 11-12 March. The meeting was co-hosted by Hungarian docs/pressdata/en/ec/119780.pdf Foreign Minister Martonyi (EU Presidency) and Baroness In addition to the Prime Minister’s statement of Ashton. Discussions focused on Libya, north Africa 14 March (see earlier link), an FCO report of the and the middle east, including a substantive session on European Council can be found at: these issues with Turkey, Croatia, Iceland, Macedonia http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/news/latest-news/ and Montenegro. Ministers reviewed the Council’s ?view=News&id=564968482 declaration agreed the day before. Ministers will also discuss preparation for the spring Additionally, there were brief discussions of other European Council on 24 March. The current draft countries in the middle east and north Africa. There agenda includes: was broad support for the EU efforts to aid transition in Egypt and Tunisia. the southern neighbourhood and EU action to promote stability in the region (see comments on FAC); Baroness Ashton and Commissioner Fule (enlargement/ legislative proposals for economic governance in the Eurozone; neighbourhood) briefed on the joint communication on European Council decision amending article 136 of the southern neighbourhood policy (link included in FAC treaty on the functioning of the European Union and informal report above). intergovernmental arrangements setting up the European Baroness Ashton’s concluding remarks can be found Stability Mechanism. These were agreed at the December at: European Council, see link: http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction. http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_data/docs/ pressdata/en/ec/118578.pdf do?reference=SPEECH/11/171&format= TML&aged=0&language=en&guiLanguage=en.

Foreign Affairs Council/Foreign Ministers (Informal Meeting) HOME DEPARTMENT

The Minister for Europe (Mr David Lidington): My Control Order Powers right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary attended an informal meeting of EU Foreign Ministers on 10 March, ahead of the extraordinary European Council meeting The Secretary of State for the Home Department of 11 March attended by my right hon. Friend the (Mrs Theresa May): Section 14(1) of the Prevention of Prime Minister. Terrorism Act 2005 (the 2005 Act) requires the Secretary Baroness Ashton chaired the meeting. Her remarks of State to report to Parliament as soon as reasonably ahead of the meeting can be found at the link below. practicable after the end of every relevant three-month http://www.consilium.europa.eu/eudocs/cms_Data/ period on the exercise of the control order powers docs/pressdata/EN/foraff/119734.pdf during that period. 27WS Written Ministerial Statements17 MARCH 2011 Written Ministerial Statements 28WS

The level of information provided will always be section 10(3) of the 2005 Act against a decision by the subject to slight variations based on operational advice. Secretary of State to refuse a request by a controlled The future of the control order regime person to revoke their order or to modify any obligation under their order. During this reporting period two On 26 January 2011 I made a statement to Parliament appeals were lodged with the High Court under setting out the Government’s intention to replace control section 10(3) of the 2005 Act. In one of these appeals, orders with a less intrusive and more targeted regime of an interlocutory application for an injunction was also terrorism prevention and investigation measures. Legislation made, seeking an order staying the effect of the modification to achieve this will be introduced in due course. Additional until a full hearing had taken place and judgment resources for covert investigative techniques will be handed down. made available to complement the new system. The full control order regime will continue to operate until the One court order was made in relation to proceedings replacement measures are in force. I have now renewed under section 10(1) of the 2005 Act during this reporting the powers in the 2005 Act until 31 December 2011, period. On 8 March 2011 the court dismissed BH’s following the debates in the House of Commons on appeal against the renewal of his control order but 2 March and in the House of Lords on 8 March. allowed it in so far as it related to obligations imposed by the order. The obligations were modified by agreement The exercise of the control order powers in the last between the parties and annexed to the court order. quarter On 10 March 2011 an oral judgment was handed As explained in previous quarterly statements, control down in relation to the injunction application referred order obligations are tailored to the individual concerned to above. The injunction was refused and directions and are based on the terrorism-related risk that individual were set for an expedited appeal. poses. Each control order is kept under regular review to ensure that the obligations remain necessary and proportionate. The Home Office continues to hold control order review groups (CORGs) every quarter, with representation from law enforcement and intelligence Equality Act 2010: Public Sector Equality Duty agencies, to keep the obligations in every control order under regular and formal review and to facilitate a review of appropriate exit strategies. During the reporting The Secretary of State for the Home Department period, no CORGs were held in relation to the orders in (Mrs Theresa May): The Equality Act 2010 includes a force at the time. This is because meetings were held just new single public sector Equality Duty which will replace before, and are due to be held just after, the reporting the existing race, disability and gender equality duties period. Other meetings were held on an ad hoc basis as and will extend to also cover gender reassignment in specific issues arose. full, age, religion or belief and sexual orientation. During the period 11 December 2010 to 10 March The Act contains a power enabling a Minister of the 2011, two non-derogating control orders were made, Crown to make regulations imposing specific duties on with the permission of the court, and served. One public bodies listed in parts 1 (general) and 4 (cross-border non-derogating control order was made, with the permission authorities) of schedule 19 to the Act to enable them to of the court, and revoked without ever being served carry out the Equality Duty more effectively. Following following the identification of an administrative error. a public consultation on draft specific duties regulations A further non-derogating control order was made in which ran from August to November last year, revised respect of the same individual, with the permission of draft regulations were published alongside the Government’s the court, but was not served during the reporting response to the consultation on the Government Equalities period. Two control orders have been renewed in accordance Office website on 12 January 2011. with section 2(6) of the 2005 Act in this reporting Since then, we have considered the draft regulations period. further in the light of our policy objective of ensuring In total, as of 10 March, there were 10 control orders that public bodies consider equality when carrying out in force, all of which were in respect of British citizens. their functions without imposing unnecessary burdens All of these control orders were non-derogating. Three and bureaucracy. As a result, we think there is room to individuals subject to a control order were living in the do more to strip out unnecessary process requirements. Metropolitan Police Service area; the remaining individuals Today, we are publishing a policy review paper seeking were living in other police force areas. views on new draft specific duties regulations. Our proposals are designed to deliver a clear focus on One set of criminal proceedings for breach of a transparency, freeing up public bodies to take responsibility control order was concluded during this reporting period for their own performance in delivering equality following a CPS decision that prosecution was no longer improvements and to publish the right information so in the public interest. that the public can hold them to account. This approach During this reporting period, 53 modifications of will be better for equality because it will focus on the control order obligations were made; 21 requests to delivery of results, not the performance of bureaucratic modify control order obligations were refused. processes. Section 10(1) of the 2005 Act provides a right of The new general Equality Duty will come into force appeal against a decision by the Secretary of State to on 5 April. For the period from 5 April until the new renew a non-derogating control order or to modify an specific duties are in place, public bodies will still need obligation imposed by a non-derogating control order to comply with the general Equality Duty. without consent. No appeals have been lodged with the We welcome comments on the new draft regulations High Court during this reporting period under section 10(1) from public bodies, equality organisations, users of of the 2005 Act. A right of appeal is also provided by public services, businesses which work with public 29WS Written Ministerial Statements17 MARCH 2011 Written Ministerial Statements 30WS organisations and other interested parties. Comments and search powers provided by sections 44 to 47 of the should be submitted to the Government Equalities Office Terrorism Act 2000 are, in effect, replaced by a much by 21 April 2011. more targeted and proportionate power. The use of an The policy review paper, including the draft regulations, urgent remedial order is a necessary and sensible step to is available on the Government Equalities Office website: ensure that the police have the necessary powers in www.equalities.gov.uk. Copies are also being placed in place to continue to protect the public from a risk of the Library of the House. Comments can be sent to: terrorism. [email protected]

Terrorism Stop and Search Powers JUSTICE

Her Majesty’s Land Registry The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mrs Theresa May): I announced on 26 January the findings from my review of counter-terrorism and security The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice powers. This included a recommendation that the (Mr Jonathan Djanogly): My right hon. Friend the Government consider whether the police needed the Minister of State, Ministry of Justice, Lord McNally, new counter-terrorism stop and search power more has made the following written ministerial statement: quickly than the Protection of Freedoms Bill would Land Registry has a new vision: “Putting the customer, quality allow. On 1 March 2011 I announced that, given the and innovation at the heart of land registration services”. current threat environment, I had concluded that the To meet this vision, the following strategic objectives have been police do need the powers more quickly than the Bill adopted with key performance indicators: would allow. Customer The most appropriate way of meeting the legal and To identify, anticipate and satisfy customer needs by constantly operational requirements concerning the counter-terrorism refining and developing products, services and channels. stop and search powers exercisable without reasonable Customer satisfaction: Target 95%. suspicion is to make a remedial order under section 10 Develop and implement the capability to: of the Human Rights Act 1998 to make immediate Electronically deliver the top-six dealing transactions. changes to the legislation. I therefore made a remedial order concerning the Terrorism Act 2000 on 16 March View the index map online. and that order has today been laid before Parliament. Increase the number of services available on business gateway. The new powers contained in that order are supported Improve intuitive online navigation. by a robust statutory code of practice. I have used the External e-channel availability: Target better than 99%. urgency procedure provided by paragraph 2(b) of schedule 2 Increase add value revenue by at least 25% with a minimum net to the Human Rights Act to make the remedial order contribution of 14%. because I have concluded that having these powers Quality available to the police now is in the interests of national To continually improve operational delivery in order to drive security and is needed to protect the public from a risk efficiencies, quality and value. of terrorism. Percentage of registrations processed within 12 working days: The remedial order replaces sections 44 to 47 of the Target 80%. Terrorism Act 2000 with a more targeted and proportionate Percentage of completed registrations that meet specified internal power. The provisions in the order will cease to have quality standards relating to key areas: Target 97%. effect on the coming into force of the similar provisions Percentage of completed registrations requiring correction: Target in the Protection of Freedoms Bill—in other words, the less than 1.5%. order makes temporary provision and Parliament will Percentage of successful changes applied to electronic services: have the opportunity to fully scrutinise the replacement Target 95%. powers in the usual way during the passage of the Innovation Protection of Freedoms Bill. The order removes the To build a flexible and efficient organisation to enable us to incompatibility of sections 44 to 46 of the Terrorism respond to market fluctuations and changing customer needs and Act 2000 with the European convention of human to identify and implement opportunities for Land Registry. rights in the light of the European Court of Human Introduce performance and innovation continuous improvement Rights’ judgment in the case of Gillan and Quinton methodology into two operational offices and extend use in which became final in June 2010. human resources directorate by 31 March 2012. The making of a remedial order using the urgency Complete phase 1 of accelerated transformation programme by procedure means that it will come into force on 18 March. 31 December 2011. It will cease to have effect if both Houses have not Embed new values and behaviours into individual performance approved the order by resolution within 120 days of the management and recruitment processes by 31 March 2012. remedial order being made (the calculation of “days” Percentage of staff positively engaged with Land Registry: Target 50%. for this purpose does not include any time during which Finance Parliament is dissolved or prorogued, or both Houses To meet all financial and efficiency targets while funding our are adjourned for more than four days). future work investment programmes. The decision to make a remedial order means that the Percentage return on average capital employed: Target 3.5%. discredited, ineffective and unfair “no suspicion” stop Cost per unit in cash terms (real terms): Target £29.46 (£18.34).

493W Written Answers17 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 494W

Written Answers to Days Secretary of State Questions 2008 83 2009 81 2010 133 Thursday 17 March 2011 2010 282 2011 319

NORTHERN IRELAND Minister of State Bill of Rights 2008 133 2009 124 Naomi Long: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern 2010 141 Ireland pursuant to the answer of 2 March 2011, Official 2010 272 Report, column 452W, on the Bill of Rights, if he will 2011 319 take steps to increase the likelihood of agreement being 1 Up to general election 6 May 2010 reached amongst Northern Ireland parties on a Northern 2 From appointment on 12 May 2010 3 To date Ireland Bill of Rights. [47123] Serious Organised Crime Agency Mr Swire: The Government continue to stress the importance of reaching agreement among political Mr Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for representatives and the wider community on the issue Northern Ireland (1) what discussions he has had with of supplementary rights for Northern Ireland in their the Secretary of State for the Home Department on the discussions with interested groups. We will continue to migration to the National Crime Agency of the work consider how best to proceed over the coming months. carried out in Northern Ireland by the Serious Departmental Public Bodies Organised Crime Agency; [47245] (2) how many people formerly employed by the Fiona Mactaggart: To ask the Secretary of State for Assets Recovery Agency in Northern Ireland were Northern Ireland which public bodies sponsored by his transferred to the Serious Organised Crime Agency; Department (a) have been and (b) are to be closed, [47246] merged or reorganised following his appointment; and (3) what assessment he has made of the effectiveness how many (i) women and (ii) men who are public of the operation of the Serious Organised Crime appointees at each body will no longer hold such an Agency in Northern Ireland; [47250] appointment in consequence. [47100] (4) what discussions he has had with ministerial Mr Swire: The Northern Ireland Office sponsors colleagues on the operation of the Serious Organised three bodies that are classified as public bodies by Crime Agency. [47255] Cabinet Office. These are: the Boundary Commission Northern Ireland, the Parades Commission and the Mr Swire: Matters relating to the Serious Organised Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission. The Crime Agency fall under the responsibility of the devolved Department has no current plans to close, merge or Administration in Northern Ireland. The Northern Ireland reorganise any of these bodies. Justice Minister and his Department work closely with the Secretary of State for the Home Department, the Departmental Public Expenditure right hon. Member for Maidenhead (Mrs May), and her Department on such matters. Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for The Secretary of State and I meet regularly with the Northern Ireland what steps he has taken to reduce Northern Ireland Justice Minister to discuss as necessary departmental expenditure. [46811] matters relating to security in Northern Ireland. Mr Swire: My Department has already taken steps to reduce travel, accommodation and other general administration costs, and is committed to reducing ATTORNEY-GENERAL overall expenditure by 25% by the end of the spending review period. Legal Advice and Assistance: Libya Domestic Visits Mr Spellar: To ask the Attorney-General whether he Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for provided legal advice to Ministers prior to the recent Northern Ireland on how many days in each of the last diplomatic mission to eastern Libya; and if he will three years (a) he and his predecessors and (b) Ministers make a statement. [47291] of State have been in Northern Ireland on official business. [46812] The Attorney-General: By long-standing convention, observed by successive administrations and embodied Mr Paterson: The Minister of State, the right hon. in the Ministerial Code, the fact that the Law Officers Member for East Devon (Mr Swire) and I, and our have advised (or have not advised) on a particular issue, predecessors, have been in Northern Ireland on official and the content of any advice, is not disclosed outside business on the following number of days: of Government. 495W Written Answers17 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 496W

TRANSPORT Departmental Regulation

Bus Services: Concessions Gordon Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what regulations his Department introduced Mr Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of between 3 February 2011 and 28 February 2011. [47034] State for Transport what recent assessment he has made of the adequacy of availability of services to David Mundell: Between 3 February 2011 and 28 provide free bus passes to elderly people in rural areas; February 2011 the Secretary of State for Scotland and if he will make a statement. [46516] introduced no regulations.

Norman Baker: The National Travel Survey 2009 Gordon Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for estimated that 87% of households in Great Britain were Scotland what regulations his Department revoked between within six minutes walk of a bus stop while a further 3 February 2011 and 28 February 2011. [47035] 10% were within 13 minutes. Between 1998 and 2009, the proportion of households in rural areas that were David Mundell: Between 3 February 2011 and 28 within 13 minutes walk of an hourly or more frequent February 2011 the Secretary of State for Scotland revoked bus service increased from 45% to 58%. no regulations. The England-wide concessionary travel pass is valid for free travel on local buses at off-peak times in any Domestic Visits local authority. Its use is not restricted to the local authority in which the pass holder resides. Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many days (a) he and (b) his predecessors have spent in Scotland on official business in each of the last three years. [46956] WALES David Mundell: The Secretary of State for Scotland and I routinely conduct official business in Scotland. Business Advisory Group Details of meetings with external organisations are published on the Government’s Transparency website Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales at: what the name is of each member of the Business http://data.gov.uk Advisory Group for Wales. [46776] and are also published on the Scotland Office website. Mr David Jones: Members, confirmed, as of the first meeting were: Elections David Rosser (CBI Wales) Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland Russell Lawson (FSB Wales) with reference to the Spring Supplementary Estimate Steve Thomas (Airbus) 2010/11, HC 790, for what reasons there is proposed a Phil Orford ( Forum of Private Business) reduction of £15 million in non-voted expenditure in Dylan Jones Evans (University of Wales) relation to Scottish Parliament elections. [46823] Graham Hillier (Toyota) Colin Orr Burns (Dragon LNG) David Mundell: The funding for the Scottish Parliament Professor Stuart Cole (Wales Transport Research Centre) election forms part of the grant to the Scottish Consolidated Professor Wayne Powell (Institute of Biological, Environmental Fund; however the costs of the Scottish Parliament and Rural Sciences, Aberystwyth University) election fall to the Scotland Office. The Spring Supplementary Estimate 2010-11, HC790, transaction Paul Gorin (Smart Solutions Ltd.) is the transfer of the £15 million non-voted expenditure from the Scottish Consolidated Fund to the Scotland Office. SCOTLAND

Departmental Public Bodies TREASURY

Fiona Mactaggart: To ask the Secretary of State for Cheques Scotland which public bodies sponsored by his Department (a) have been and (b) are to be closed, Roger Williams: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer merged or reorganised following his appointment; and what recent representations he has received on proposals how many (i) women and (ii) men who are public from the UK Payments Council to phase out cheques as appointees at each body will no longer hold such an a method of payment; and if he will make a statement. appointment in consequence. [47098] [47312]

David Mundell: The only public body sponsored by Mr Hoban: The Treasury has received a number of the Scotland Office is the Boundary Commission for representations from individuals and businesses that are Scotland. The Boundary Commission for Scotland has affected by the decision of the Payments Council, and not and is not to be closed, merged or reorganised. who wish to continue to use cheques in future. 497W Written Answers17 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 498W

I refer the hon. Member to my letter of 10 December their life cycle but different patterns of profits and 2010 to all Members of the House setting out the losses over the years, pay broadly the same amounts of Government’s position on cheques. tax overall and recognises the economic reality that grouped companies are part of a wider whole. This is Child Care Tax Credit balanced, however, with the need for a pragmatic approach to protect tax revenues. Mr Bain: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Departmental Assets how many families in (a) Glasgow North East constituency, (b) Glasgow, (c) Scotland and (d) Great Britain received assistance with the cost of childcare under the tax credit Chi Onwurah: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer system in each of the last four financial years. [46893] whether receipts from the sale of assets owned by regional development agencies are reflected in the spending Mr Gauke: The following table shows the number of plans of his Department for (a) 2012-13 and (b) families that were benefiting from the child care element 2013-14. [47415] of tax credits at December in each of the past four years: Danny Alexander: No receipts from the sale of assets owned by regional development agencies are reflected Number of families benefiting from the child care element of tax credits in the spending plans of HM Treasury for 2012-13 and At December 2013-14. each year: 2007 2008 2009 2010 Departmental Rail Travel Glasgow 1,100 1,100 1,100 1,100 North East Mr Godsiff: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Glasgow City 5,800 6,200 6,500 6,600 how many and what proportion of civil servants in his Scotland 40,100 42,300 43,600 44,200 Department are entitled to travel first class by rail Great Britain 412,500 445,000 463,000 469,500 within the UK. [47069]

Civil Servants: Pensions Justine Greening: There is no entitlement for any HM Treasury staff members to travel first class by rail. Ian Murray: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Members: Correspondence whether he plans permanently to uprate civil service pensions using the consumer prices index. [42231] Sir Gerald Kaufman: To ask the Chancellor of the Danny Alexander [holding answer 28 February 2011]: Exchequer if he will ensure that there is sent to the Public service pensions will continue to be index linked right hon. Member for Manchester, Gorton without and continue to protect individual pensions against further delay a copy of the letter of 21 February 2011 increases in the cost of living. Legislation which governs setting out the Government’s overall position on fuel the uprating of benefits, tax credits, and public service duty related risks. [46752] pensions requires consideration to be given to increases in the general level of prices, estimated in such manner Justine Greening: I have arranged for a copy of the as the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions thinks letter, sent to all hon. Members, dated 9 February 2011, fit. The Government consider that the Consumer Prices on Fuel Duty issues to be sent to the right hon. Member. Index, already used to set the inflation target for the National Insurance Contributions Bank of England, is the appropriate index to use for such estimates in future. Stephen Lloyd: To ask the Chancellor of the Corporation Tax Exchequer how many companies have made use of the regional employers national insurance contribution holiday for new businesses since June 2010. [47367] Mr Bain: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the proportion of businesses trading in Mr Gauke: The Government intend to publish details the UK which paid no corporation tax in each of the of the take-up of the NICs holiday around Budget later last four financial years. [44849] this month. Mr Gauke: For the last four financial years where PAYE figures are available it is estimated that the proportion of companies, that were required to make a Corporation Julie Elliott: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer tax (CT) return, which paid no CT is 53% (2005-06), what progress has been made on reforming the PAYE 44% (2006-07), 46% (2007-08) and 50% (2008-09). These system to introduce real time collection of payments. companies either made losses or had no taxable profits [46720] after deductions. These deductions include losses brought forward from Mr Gauke: HMRC published a consultation document earlier years and carried back from later years and group “Improving the operation of Pay As You Earn (PAYE): relief surrendered by companies within the same group. Collecting Real Time Information” in December 2010. Group and loss relief policies remain broadly unchanged The formal consultation closed on 28 February 2011 since the inception of the CT regime in 1965. Group and the written responses are being analysed. and loss relief are important elements of the CT regime A summary of responses will be published in due which ensure that companies with similar profits over course. 499W Written Answers17 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 500W

Pensions: Public Sector Days taken Headcount

Philip Davies: To ask the Chancellor of the Year ended 31 December 2010 Exchequer what estimate has been made of the number Benefits and Credits 70,364 7,126 of retired people receiving public sector pensions worth Business Tax 32,401 4,300 more than (a) £100,000, (b) £75,000 and (c) £50,000 Corporate Services 56,873 6,529 per year; and what estimate has been made of the Enforcement and Compliance 257,977 28,715 number of people working in the public sector who are Personal Tax 352,090 28,796 expected to receive pensions after retirement worth Unknown—grouping not 62,754 2 more than (i) £100,000, (ii) £75,000 and (iii) £50,000 found per year. [43720] Total 832,459 75,468 Danny Alexander: HM Treasury does not hold member data centrally. This is an issue for Departments who Year ended 31 December 2009 lead on individual public service pension schemes. Some Benefits and Credits 93,078 7,306 information was included in the interim report of the Business Tax 34,893 4,147 Independent Public Service Pensions Commission, led Corporate Services 64,532 7,154 by Lord Hutton of Furness, published on 7 October 2010: Enforcement and Compliance 281,432 29,850 Personal Tax 434,170 32,543 http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/indreview_johnhutton _pensions.htm Unknown—grouping not 72,163 41 found Table 1.C of the report provides details on the distribution Total 980,268 81,041 of pension payments in the public service schemes. In particular, it estimates that 34,252 pensioners receive at least £37,000 per annum and 2,960 pensioners receive at Year ended 31 December 2008 least £67,000 per annum. Benefits and Credits 96,417 7,806 Business Tax 20,039 3,185 Corporate Services 68,123 8,038 Revenue and Customs: India Enforcement and Compliance 305,639 36,314 Personal Tax 472,156 35,848 Mr David Davis: To ask the Chancellor of the Unknown—grouping not 48,438 8 Exchequer what matters officials of HM Revenue and found Customs discussed with their Indian counterparts Total 1,010,812 91,199 when in Delhi between 29 November and 5 December 2010. [47303] Year ended 31 December 2007 Mr Gauke: HMRC officials met with Indian tax Benefits and Credits 706 104 officials in Delhi and Mumbai between 29 November Business Tax 12,259 2,996 and 5 December 2010. Discussions covered transfer Corporate Services 55,027 8,734 pricing, advance pricing agreements, mutual agreement Enforcement and Compliance 222,345 39,264 procedures, arbitration, tax treaty matters, sharing Personal Tax 544,343 42,258 information on tax avoidance, and help which HMRC can provide to India. In addition they covered international Unknown—grouping not 51,159 2,185 found tax bodies of which HMRC and the Indian tax authorities are members, reform of the Indian tax system (the Total 885,839 95,541 introduction of a goods and services tax and the new direct taxes code), tax law rewrite, post-clearance audits Year ended 31 December 2006 and tax enforcement matters, including money laundering. Benefits and Credits 427 92 As a result of those discussions, arrangements have Business Tax 7,196 2,724 been made for two teams of Indian tax officials to visit Corporate Services 36,779 9,946 HMRC. Enforcement and Compliance 172,443 41,757 Personal Tax 398,277 45,886 Revenue and Customs: Sick Leave Unknown—grouping not 272,996 50 found Total 888,118 100,455 John McDonnell: To ask the Chancellor of the Notes: Exchequer what the gross total was for the number of 1. There have been structural changes within HMRC over the period days lost due to staff sickness in each of HM Revenue covered by the table. Data which could not be attributed to a and Customs business streams in each of the last five particular business stream have been recorded as ‘Unknown’. The years. [43745] two former departments did not move to a single IT system until November 2006 and that accounts for the relatively high number of unknowns in that year. For example, Benefits and Credits comprised Mr Gauke [holding answer 7 March 2011]: The following only the project team establishing the new business stream; other table gives the total number of days lost to staff sickness staff are included in the figures for Personal Tax. in each of HM Revenue and Customs business streams 2. The numbers are actual days taken and not the full-time in each of the last five years. equivalent. 501W Written Answers17 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 502W

Revenue and Customs: Training The Government published the consultation document “Corporate Tax Reform: delivering a more competitive Glyn Davies: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer system”on 29 November 2010 which includes the proposals what training staff have undertaken on claiming and for a new CFC regime and for reforms to the taxation of payment of working tax credit before assessing foreign branches. The Government are committed to an individual claims. [46876] open transparent consultation and have encouraged engagement with all interested parties. This has included Mr Gauke: HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) engaging with non-governmental organisations (NGOs). assess, calculate and pay tax credits entitlement The Government work through a variety of channels automatically. Rapid data capture (RDC) techniques to deliver high-quality capacity building in developing are used to scan information on tax credits claims country tax administrations to ensure that these countries electronically and record it onto the tax credits computer are in a position to collect the tax they are owed. system. Further information about RDC is published on the HMRC website at: www.hmrc.gov.uk/manuals/ntcmanual/rdc/ntc1101100.htm Taxation: Domicil All claims are subject to a range of automated checks. HMRC often need to make more detailed inquiries into Mark Reckless: To ask the Chancellor of the incomplete claims or those that fail risk checks. Exchequer (1) how many taxpayers became non- resident in each of the last three years for which figures HMRC deliver targeted learning to all staff when are available; [42367] they are deployed to different aspects of tax credits work. Depending on the nature of the task, the learning (2) what proportion of taxpayers who became can be delivered face to face, computer based, guided non-resident paid tax at a rate of 40 per cent. or higher using work books or a combination of these. That in each of the last three years for which figures are learning is supported by detailed guidance, some of available. [42368] which is published on the HMRC website at: www.hmrc.gov.uk/thelibrary/manuals.htm Mr Gauke: The information on the number of taxpayers who become non resident in each of the last three years and consolidated by a series of ongoing quality assurance is not available. checks. Not all taxpayers who become non-resident either need or are obliged to notify HMRC if they become Tax Avoidance non-resident. The main source of data on residence is Self Assessment Mr David Davis: To ask the Chancellor of the (SA) returns. Of the non residents who filed a SA Exchequer how many tax investigations were settled for return, it is estimated that those who became non-resident a sum of more than (a) £10 million and (b) £100 during each of the last three tax years for which figures million below the tax estimated to have been at risk in are available were as follows: the last three years. [41453] Number Mr Gauke [holding answer 17 February 2011]: Cases involving sums of this order are likely to involve big 2006-07 23,000 business. HMRC estimates the tax under consideration 2007-08 32,000 in any case involving big business before starting inquiries. 2008-09 29,000 That estimate is made without considering the likelihood of success in the case or examining the facts or how the These figures do not include those taxpayers who law applies in specific circumstances. If an investigation became non-resident but who had no obligation to is started, then the tax under consideration is kept submit a SA return. under review and will usually change as the case progresses. The percentage of those individuals who paid income The tax ultimately considered to be at risk is usually tax at 40 per cent or higher in each year is as follows: the amount for which the case is settled. HMRC are not able to identify any cases settled by agreement for £10 Percentage million or £100 million below the amount of tax at risk. 2006-07 27 2007-08 23 Taxation 2008-09 29

Mr Hanson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 2008-09 is the most recent tax year for which data is what (a) discussions he has had with the Secretary of available. State for International Development and (b) consultation he has undertaken with (i) developing countries and (ii) non-governmental organisations on VAT: Energy proposed changes to the controlled foreign company rules and taxation of foreign branches. [45372] Roger Williams: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will assess the merits of reducing the Mr Gauke: Treasury Ministers hold regular conversations rate of value added tax on energy efficiency home with the Secretary of State for International Development improvements in order to help meet the objectives of on a wide range of issues regarding developing countries. the Green Deal. [47013] 503W Written Answers17 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 504W

Mr Gauke: The Government keep all taxes under Housing: Construction review, and will continue to consider proposals for new reliefs carefully. A reduced rate of VAT is already applied Mike Weatherley: To ask the Chancellor of the to the installation of certain energy-saving materials in Exchequer whether he plans to take steps to support domestic properties, including insulation, draught stripping, the financing of self-build homes. [46873] solar panels and micro combined heat and power units. Grant Shapps: I have been asked to reply. Self builders are already one of the country’s largest Video Games: National Income house builders. They form an important part of the Government’s strong commitment to increasing the supply Hazel Blears: To ask the Chancellor of the of affordable and sustainable homes and promoting Exchequer (1) what contribution the video games economic growth. industry made to gross domestic product in (a) 2007, This is why we have invited industry experts to work (b) 2008, (c) 2009 and (d) 2010. [46887] with us on a Government-Industry working group to (2) what proportion of the contribution made to the prepare an action plan, which will set out the concrete gross domestic product from the video games industry steps needed to make it easier for people to build their came from (a) London, (b) the North West, (c) the own homes, whether on their own or as part of a North East, (d) the South East, (e) the South West, community effort to create a new neighbourhood. (f) the East Midlands, (g) the West Midlands and (h) The working group have identified finance availability the East of England in (i) 2008 and (ii) 2010; [46888] as a key challenge to the growth of the industry. A (3) what proportion of the tax revenues from the sub-group of industry experts will be examining finance British video gaming industry came from (a) London, issues in detail, and will identify any actions that can be (b) the North West, (c) the North East, (d) the South taken to support self builders. The group will be making East, (e) the South West, (f) the East Midlands, (g) recommendations to me by the summer. the West Midlands and (h) the East of England in (i) 2008 and (ii) 2010; [46889] (4) what estimate he has made of the receipts to the DEFENCE Exchequer from taxes on the video games industry in the UK in each year since 2007. [46942] Afghanistan: Peacekeeping Operations

Mr Gauke: The information necessary to provide Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for estimates broken into these regions, sectors and years is Defence how many suicide bombings against International not available. Security Assistance Force forces operating under Regional Command South in Afghanistan were recorded in each month since June 2006. [36155] Working Tax Credit: Fraud Dr Fox [holding answer 25 January 2011]: The numbers of suicide Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Device Glyn Davies: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (IED) and Suicide Person Borne IED attacks recorded how much working tax credit has been overpaid due to in Regional Command South each month since January fraudulent claims in each of the last five years. [46886] 2007 are shown in the following table. None were recorded between June and December 2006. Regional Command Mr Gauke: The latest published estimates show levels South was split into Regional Command South West of tax credits error and fraud of 8.9% in 2008-09. and Regional Command South in July 2010, so the HMRC do not record the levels of error and fraud numbers of attacks from this month onward occurred within working tax credit and child tax credit separately. within a smaller geographical area. HMRC has a target to reduce the combined levels of error and fraud to no more than 5% by the end of Total attacks in Regional March 2011. Command South HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) publish its error January 2007 9 and fraud statistics on its website. The most recent February 2007 7 information is for 2008-09 and can be found at: March 2007 9 www.hmrc.gov.uk/stats/personal-tax-credits/cwtcredits- April 2007 3 error0809.pdf May 2007 3 The Trust Statement that accompanied HMRCs 2009-10 June 2007 3 accounts explains in more detail how the Department July 2007 7 measures the overall level of tax credits error and fraud, August 2007 4 published at: September 2007 6 www.hmrc.gov.uk/about/hmrc-accs-0910.pdf October 2007 4 November 2007 3 HMRC published a joint strategy with the Department for Work and Pensions to help drive down error and December 2007 2 fraud across the benefits and tax credits system. The January 2008 8 publication can be found at: February 2008 8 March 2008 1 www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/tackling-fraud-and-error.pdf 505W Written Answers17 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 506W

Amphibious Vehicles Total attacks in Regional Command South

April 2008 9 Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the construction cost of RFA Largs Bay May 2008 8 was; and what its running cost was in the last June 2008 7 12 months for which figures are available. [46289] July 2008 6 August 2008 4 Peter Luff: It is not possible to separate the costs of September 2008 9 procuring RFA Largs Bay as these were part of the October 2008 4 Landing Ship Dock (Auxiliary) project which provided November 2008 6 a batch of four Bay Class ships. The total procurement December 2008 10 cost of the Bay Class of amphibious support ships was January 2009 2 £660 million. February 2009 11 March 2009 10 The annual running cost of RFA Largs Bay, based on the expenditure incurred by the Department in 2009-10, April 2009 16 was approximately £9.5 million. This figure includes May 2009 12 maintenance, manpower, inventory expenses, satellite June 2009 9 communications and fuel costs, but excludes depreciation. July 2009 5 August 2009 12 September 2009 13 Armed Forces: Pensions October 2009 2 November 2009 4 December 2009 3 Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for January 2010 8 Defence (1) what discussions he has had with ministerial February 2010 5 colleagues on potential exemption from changes to the indexation of pensions and benefits for (a) service March 2010 15 widows and (b) maimed service personnel; [46461] April 2010 13 May 2010 11 (2) pursuant to the contribution of the Parliamentary June 2010 7 Under-Secretary of State for Defence of 16 February July 2010 5 2011, Official Report, column 1067, what steps his August 2010 16 Department is taking to examine the future pensions of [46462] September 2010 4 (a) service widows and (b) maimed personnel. October 2010 3 November 2010 4 Mr Robathan: I understand the implications of the December 2010 7 changes for these particular groups and I am in discussion with the Forces Pension Society on this issue. These numbers are based on information derived from a number of sources and can only be an estimate not least because of the difficulties in ensuring a consistent Armed Forces: Redundancy interpretation of the basis for collating statistics in a complex fast-moving multinational operational Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for environment. The numbers may change over time as Defence pursuant to the oral statement of 15 February more information becomes available. 2011, Official Report, columns 815-6W,on armed forces (redundancies), which Minister in his Department is responsible for ensuring that no further army personnel Aircraft Carriers receive notification of redundancy by email. [46083]

Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Robathan: I refer the right hon. Member to the Defence what the cost to his Department will be of answer given by the Secretary of State for Defence, the installing a catapult on the new aircraft carrier in each right hon. Member for North Somerset (Dr Fox) on year of the comprehensive spending review period. 10 March 2011, Official Report, column 1248W. [45910] Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Peter Luff: Investigations into the conversion of the Defence pursuant to the oral statement of 15 February operational Queen Elizabeth Class carrier are ongoing 2011, Official Report, columns 815-6W, on armed and will produce detailed cost estimates when they forces (redundancies), what arrangements have been conclude. We currently expect to take firm decisions on put in place to ensure that the correct procedure is which carrier should be converted, the launch and followed to notify Army personnel facing redundancy; recovery equipment to be fitted and the overall conversion and who is responsible for the implementation of such strategy in late 2012. a procedure. [46086] The Aircraft Carrier Alliance is fully involved in supporting studies as part of our investigations. Mr Robathan [holding answer 14 March 2011]: I No decisions have yet been taken and our final decision refer the right hon. Member to the answer 1 gave on date may change as the investigations progress. 9 March 2011, Official Report, column 1098W). 507W Written Answers17 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 508W

Army: Manpower Mr Robathan: Information on auditors’ remuneration, including the identity of the auditing organisation, is Richard Drax: To ask the Secretary of State for disclosed in the annual report and accounts of the Defence what plans he has for the size of the Army Department and of those public bodies with an accounts following the withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan. direction from Her Majesty’s Treasury. [47350] This information is as follows:

Nick Harvey: Government policy on the size of the Expenditure (£) Army is described in the Strategic Defence and Security Body 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 Review White Paper, ‘Securing Britain in an Age of MOD 13,600,000 13,600,000 13,600.000 Uncertainty’. Defence Science and 100,000 100,000 100,000 Technology Atomic Weapons Establishment Laboratory Defence Support 2144,000 137,000 109,000 Group Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the answer of 16 February 2011, Met Office 79,500 79,500 75,000 UK Hydrographic 79,000 79,000 79,000 Official Report, column 805W, on nuclear weapons, Office what estimate he has made of the likely level of savings National Army 8,450 8,650 11,650 to the public purse in (a) submarine production, (b) Museum the nuclear warhead, (c) supporting infrastructure and National Museum of 3— 3— 12,311 (d) efficiency savings at the Atomic Weapons Establishment the Royal Navy in each of the next 10 years. [46025] Oil and Pipelines 8,000 8,000 9,000 Agency Peter Luff: I am withholding the information requested, Royal Air Force 13,100 13,300 18,500 as providing greater details of expected savings would Museum prejudice commercial interests. Royal Naval 8,150 8,350 4— Museum Royal Marines 7,650 7,850 4— Blue Force Property Museum Royal Navy 7,650 7,850 4— Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence Submarine Museum what discussions his Department had with (a) Blue Fleet Air Arm 7,850 8,050 4— Force Property and (b) Blue Force Services (i) before Museum and (ii) since the companies went into liquidation; and 1 Notional charge only. Includes notional audit fees for the Ministry if he will make a statement. [41701] of Defence’s Annual Report and Accounts, the Armed Forces Pension Scheme Accounts and the Accounts of the MOD’s on-Vote Agencies. Mr Robathan [holding answer 28 February 2011]: We 2 This figure reflects the combined fees paid by the Army Base had some discussions with BlueForces in the autumn Repair Organisation and the Defence Aviation Repair Agency before regarding its financial position and its plans for dealing they merged to become the Defence Support Group on 1 April 2008. 3 with it. We were not aware prior to the announcement Established on 1 April 2009. 4 Disestablished as non departmental public bodies on 31 March of BlueForces’ plans to go into liquidation and have 2009. had no substantive discussion with its managing director since. The auditing organisation has been the National Audit Office for both the MOD and its public bodies. Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence The National Museum of the Royal Navy has also what estimate he has made of the number of (a) engaged Baker Tilly UK Audit LLP. The remaining, serving members of HM armed forces and (b) former advisory, non-departmental public bodies sponsored by service personnel who entered into property deals with the MOD lie within the MOD’s departmental accounting (i) Blue Force Property and (ii) Blue Force Services; boundary. what his estimate is of the money lost by serving and former personnel as a result of the liquidation of those companies; and if he will make a statement. [41703] Departmental Land

Mr Robathan [holding answer 28 February 2011]: As Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence this is a private matter, we hold no detailed information if he will takes steps to reduce the size of his Department’s on how many service personnel are affected and how estate; and if he will make a statement. [45892] much they stand to lose. Mr Robathan: The Ministry of Defence (MOD) keeps Departmental Expenditure its estate under constant review to meet present and planned future requirements, with a view to disposing Stephen Barclay: To ask the Secretary of State for of surplus assets as quickly as possible in accordance Defence what expenditure (a) his Department and (b) with Treasury Guidelines (Managing Public Money each public body sponsored by his Department Annex 4.8). Work is currently ongoing with each of the incurred on engaging external audit services in each of armed forces to identify additional estate rationalisation the last three years; and to which service providers such opportunities in accordance with the Strategic Defence and payments were made in each year. [43760] Security Review and is due to report in the summer. 509W Written Answers17 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 510W

The new Defence Infrastructure Organisation will Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for create a single delivery organisation responsible for all Defence what estimate he has made of the unfunded infrastructure projects, estates and property management liability in respect of (a) equipment, (b) procurement, including the ‘soft’ facilities management such as catering, (c) support and (d) each other expenditure category in cleaning and reception services. This approach will better his Department’s budget over the next 10 years. [47353] balance defence requirements against available resources and help provide improved support to the delivery of Dr Fox: The unfunded liability of £38 billion was military capability. The change will enable the Ministry calculated before the Strategic Defence and Security of Defence to identify further opportunities to rationalise, Review (SDSR). The SDSR announced substantial utilise or better manage the estate leading to reductions reductions through non-front line savings and efficiencies, in estate contract and utility costs of £160 million a year as well as reductions to the pre-SDSR planned force by 2014 and estate disposal receipts of over £500 million structure. during the next four years. The process of aligning resources and commitments Departmental Public Expenditure will continue through the current Planning Round. Departmental Regulation Mr Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans his Department has to make Gordon Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for budgetary savings in addition to those identified in the Defence what regulations his Department introduced Strategic Defence and Security Review in each of the between 9 and 28 February 2011. [47051] next four years. [45337] Dr Fox [holding answer 10 March 2011]: The outcomes Mr Robathan: Between 9 and 28 February 2011, the of the Strategic Defence and Security Review (SDSR) Ministry of Defence made one new order, namely the and the spending review form the basis of the Department’s Armed Forces and Reserve Forces (Compensation Scheme) annual planning round (PR11), which is ongoing and Order 2011 (SI 2011/517). This order revokes and re-enacts premature speculation is not helpful to that process, to the Armed Forces and Reserve Forces (Compensation our armed forces, or to industry. Scheme) 2005, with modifications incorporating the recommendations of the Review of the Armed Forces Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Compensation Scheme by Admiral the Lord Boyce, Defence how much his Department expects to save as a which was laid before Parliament in February 2010. result of the commitment in the strategic defence and An Order-in-Council relating to service pensions was security review to reductions in spending on commodities, also made during this period, namely the Naval, Military including substantial savings on food, energy and and Air Forces Etc. (Disablement and Death) Service professional services in each year of the comprehensive Pensions (Amendment) Order 2011 (SI 2011/235). spending review period. [45749] Devolution Peter Luff: I refer the right hon. Member to the answer I gave on 29 November 2010, Official Report, Thomas Docherty: To ask the Secretary of State for column 582W. It is too early to say what potential Defence what correspondence he has received from the savings may accrue from the strategic defence and security devolved Administrations on the (a) principle and (b) review (SDSR) in all of the detailed categories listed. A implementation of the armed forces covenant and report; great deal of work is now required to work through the and if he will publish each item of correspondence. detailed implications of the SDSR decisions and their [42019] implementation. We will be providing the fullest possible information as progress is made. Mr Robathan [holding answer 28 February 2011]: We Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for have corresponded with Ministers in Northern Ireland, Defence what professional services to his Department Scotland and Wales, advising them of the provisions to he expects to be reduced as a result of commitments in be added to the Armed Forces Bill on the Armed Forces the Strategic Defence and Security Review; and whether Covenant, prior to its introduction to Parliament. any redundancies will result from such reductions. It would not be appropriate to publish their responses [46470] without their consent. Officials in the Ministry of Defence are currently in the process of seeking their agreement Peter Luff: It is too early to say what potential and if it is obtained a copy will be placed in the Library savings may accrue in this area from the Strategic of the House. Defence and Security Review, but since the commitment to reduce spend on professional services relates to a European Fighter Aircraft range of services bought in from the private sector, for example on areas such as consultancy through to specialist Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for technical support, it is unlikely to generate any direct Defence what discussions he has had with the Indian redundancies in the defence workforce. It is not possible government on the sale of tranche 3 Typhoon aircrafts; to assess any associated redundancies in the private and if he will make a statement. [46673] sector. Savings will come both from reduced use of professional services, particularly consultancy, and from Peter Luff: The German Government are leading on getting better rates for the work, including through the export campaign to supply Typhoon to satisfy the working with the centralised procurement arrangements Indian Air Force Medium Multi Role Combat Aircraft being established by the Efficiency and Reform Group competition. The UK Government, through UK Trade to optimise economies of scale. and Investment Defence Sales Organisation and the 511W Written Answers17 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 512W

Ministry of Defence, is supporting this campaign. As Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for part of a ministerial delegation of the Typhoon Partner Defence what information his Department holds on the Nations, I attended the Aero-India 2011 air show in relative costs of basing a soldier in (a) Germany and Bangalore in February 2011. While there, I had several (b) the UK. [45855] meetings with Indian defence ministers and senior officials in support of the Typhoon export campaign. In addition, Nick Harvey: The Ministry of Defence holds information the Secretary of State for Defence, the right hon. Member on the capitation costs of individual soldiers. This for North Somerset (Dr Fox), raised Typhoon with his includes their pay, National insurance and pension Indian interlocutors during his visit in November 2010. contributions. This basic cost of a soldier in Germany is comparable to that of a soldier in the UK. Soldiers France: Nuclear Weapons based in Germany are also paid a local overseas allowance which is calculated according to their rank and personal circumstances. Tessa Munt: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence All soldiers will receive other allowances in addition with reference to the proposed UK-France treaty on to their basic pay which are dependent on their personal nuclear weapons co-operation, from what date military circumstances and are not directly affected by their flights between the UK and France transporting nuclear posting location. materials are to commence; and what the proposed flight path of this transport route will be. [46278] Libya: Diplomatic Service

Dr Fox: The proposed UK-France treaty on nuclear Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for weapons co-operation provides for the transport of Defence on what dates he discussed the recent nuclear material between the two countries. No dates or diplomatic mission to eastern Libya with the (a) flight paths have yet been agreed but details of such Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth flights would be likely to be withheld for the purpose of Affairs and (b) Prime Minister. [45936] safeguarding national security. Dr Fox [holding answer 14 March 2011]: I refer the Frigates hon. Member to the statement given by the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Hague), to the House on 7 March 2011, Official Report, Defence what capabilities the (a) Type-22 and (b) columns 643-45. Throughout the current situation in Type-23 frigate has to act as a flagship. [46298] Libya there have been frequent ministerial level meetings, including COBR, where I and my Cabinet colleagues Peter Luff: The Type 22 frigate can embark a Task have discussed the Government’s response to the crisis. Group Commander’s staff, able to command small scale joint and maritime operations. The Type 23 frigate Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence does not have the capability or configuration to act as on what date he received the submission outlining the flagship and is not tasked in this way. The new Type 45 intention of the Secretary of State for Foreign and destroyers have been designed with the capacity to Commonwealth Affairs to send a diplomatic mission to undertake the flagship role. eastern Libya. [46372] A flagship, currently HMS Albion, is always assigned to the Commander UK Task Group. Dr Fox [holding answer 14 March 2011]: I refer the hon. Member to the statement given by the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right Germany: Military Bases hon. Friend the Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague), to the House on 7 March 2011, Official Report, Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for columns 643-45. Throughout the current situation in Defence whether his Department will be required to Libya there have been frequent ministerial level meetings, make any payments to the German government under including COBR, where I and my Cabinet colleagues the NATO Status of Forces Agreement and its have discussed Her Majesty’s Government’s response to supplementary agreement in connection with the vacation the crisis. As part of this, there was regular communication of military bases in Germany. [45767] between Whitehall Departments including between the Ministry of Defence and Foreign and Commonwealth Nick Harvey: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I Office. gave on 31 January 2011, Official Report, columns 582-3, Libya: HMS Cumberland to the hon. Member for Easington (Grahame M. Morris). Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on what days HMS Cumberland has (a) been Defence what the estimated cost to the public purse is docked in Benghazi Port and (b) been deployed in Libyan of maintaining and operating bases in Germany in territorial waters in 2011; and what the cost to the 2010-11. [45768] public purse of such actions has been to date. [46304]

Nick Harvey: The estimated cost to the public purse Dr Fox [holding answer 14 March 2011]: In 2011, of maintaining and operating bases in Germany in HMS Cumberland was docked in Benghazi port, and 2010-11 is approximately £190 million. deployed in Libyan territorial waters, on Thursday 513W Written Answers17 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 514W

24 February, Sunday 27 February, and Sunday 6 March Peter Luff: The Submarine Dismantling Project (SDP) during which time she evacuated over 400 entitled persons is developing a cost model to inform its planning for the including over 120 British nationals. The additional disposal of 27 of the UK’s nuclear submarines. The costs of the recent deployment to Libya are currently scope of the SDP covers past and current classes, excluding being assessed. the Astute class, but the project’s cost modelling work is intended to inform the development of similar costs for Libya: Special Forces the Astute class. Accordingly, it is not yet possible to provide estimated costs for the Astute class. Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what contribution (a) he and (b) other Ministers Radioactive Materials: Transport in his Department made to the Government’s policy on the deployment of special forces in Libya. [46303] Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence Dr Fox [holding answer 14 March 2011]: As the hon. (1) on what date the safety case for the new truck cargo Member should be aware, the Ministry of Defence has heavy duty mark 3 vehicle was approved; [47137] a long-standing policy of not commenting on matters (2) on what date the truck cargo heavy duty mark 3 concerning Special Forces. vehicle will enter into service; [47138] (3) on what date the truck cargo heavy duty mark 3 Military Bases vehicle will replace the former high security vehicles on duties requiring the transport of special nuclear Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for materials; [47139] Defence which barracks his Department is considering (4) whether the practice of displaying radioactive for sale or demolition as part of the proposed rationalisation materials hazard warning signs on vehicles carrying of the defence estate arising from the outcome of the special nuclear materials will continue when the truck strategic defence and security review. [45873] cargo heavy duty mark 3 vehicle enters into service. [47140] Mr Robathan: The Ministry of Defence (MOD) keeps its estate under constant review to meet present and Peter Luff: On current plans, the safety case for the planned future requirements, with a view to demolition new Truck Cargo Heavy Duty (TCHD) Mark 3 vehicle or disposal of surplus assets as quickly as possible in is expected to be approved in June 2011 ahead of entry accordance with Treasury Guidelines (Managing Public into service later in the summer. Money Annex 4.8). Work is currently ongoing with each of the armed forces to identify additional estate It is then planned to commence the replacement of rationalisation opportunities in accordance with the the High Security Vehicle with the TCHD Mark 3 in strategic defence and security review and is due to spring 2012. report in the summer. The decision on whether to display radioactive materials The new Defence Infrastructure Organisation will hazard warning signs on TCHD Mark 3 has not yet create a single delivery organisation responsible for all been taken. infrastructure projects, estates and property management including the ‘soft’ facilities management such as catering, Special Forces cleaning and reception services. This approach will better balance defence requirements against available resources Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for and help provide improved support to the delivery of Defence which Minister in his Department approved military capability. The change will enable the MOD to the use of special forces in operations in Libya on identify further opportunities to rationalise, utilise or 4 March 2011. [47352] better manage the estate leading to reductions in estate contract and utility costs of £160 million a year by 2014 Dr Fox: As the hon. Member should be aware, the and estate disposal receipts of over £500 million during Ministry of Defence has a long standing policy of not the next four years. commenting on matters concerning Special Forces. Nimrod Aircraft Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Mrs Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence Defence what procedure is followed in his Department what consideration he has given to the merits of using for Ministerial clearance for the deployment of UK Nimrod MRA4 aircraft for monitoring flights over the armed forces. [47354] Mediterranean, Libya and North Africa. [47171] Dr Fox: The Royal Prerogative provides the mechanism Dr Fox [holding answer 16 March 2011]: None, The by which the UK Armed Forces can be deployed. The Strategic Defence and Security Review decision not to Defence Council, which I chair, provides the formal bring it into service precludes its use in any Defence role. legal basis for the conduct of Defence in the UK through a range of powers vested in it by Parliament, Nuclear Submarines: Decommissioning through statute, and Her Majesty, through Letters Patent and known as prerogative powers. Dr Huppert: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence For overseas operations the political decision to deploy what his most recent estimate is of the projected (a) the Armed Forces rests with my right hon. Friend the discounted and (b) undiscounted nuclear decommissioning Prime Minister and the Cabinet through their exercise costs for the seven Astute-class submarines. [45751] of the Royal Prerogative. 515W Written Answers17 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 516W

Strategic Defence and Security Review addressed in the Strategic Defence and Security Review (SDSR), unlike vehicle types like AS90 heavy artillery Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for and Challenger 2 main battle tanks. Defence with reference to the strategic defence and Full details of the changes in wider equipment holdings security review, which capabilities to counter explosive are being prepared as part of the work of SDSR ordnance and improvised explosive devices will receive implementation and will be available in due course. increased funding from his Department in each year of the comprehensive spending review period. [45901] Trident Peter Luff: I refer the right hon. Member to the answer I gave on 30 November 2010, Official Report, Nick Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for column 746W. Defence how much his Department has spent (a) in total and (b) on (i) design, (ii) purchase of materials Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for and (iii) other categories of expenditure on Trident in Defence what equipment will be (a) sold (b) each of the last three years. [45213] decommissioned and (c) deleted as a result of the commitment in the Strategic Defence and Security Review to rationalise wider equipment holdings. [45909] Peter Luff: I have interpreted this question as relating to the programme to replace the Vanguard class submarines. Peter Luff: This undertaking refers to equipment Expenditure on this programme for the past three holdings within Land Forces which were not specifically years is as follows:

£ million FY 2008-09 FY 2009-10 FY 2010-11 (to end Total February)

Design in support of 121.1 264.4 188.4 573.9 Concept and Common Missile Compartment Purchase of materials — — 6.0 6.0 Other categories of 17.7 24.9 24.7 67.3 expenditure Total 647.2

The bulk of this expenditure has been on design and CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT research activity including technical development Ofcom: Consultants programmes to inform the options presented in the initial gate business case. Work undertaken during the Stephen Barclay: To ask the Secretary of State for concept and assessment phases will provide a robust Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport pursuant to the evidence base on which the Government can take decisions, answer of 11 February 2011, Official Report, column and in the event of a main gate decision with a like-for-like 472W,on Ofcom: consultants, on what services Ofcom’s alternative, the programme will be able to deliver on £6.7 million expenditure in 2009-10 on consultancy time and to budget. professional specialist was spent; which companies provided each such service; how many hours each such provider worked on the provision of such services; and what estimate he has made of the number of staff involved in provision of such services. [45771] WE 177 Nuclear Bomb Mr Vaizey [holding answer 14 March 2011]: Ofcom made use of 163 professional consultancies (non- Tessa Munt: To ask the Secretary of State for procurement framework) in 2009-10 as part of its overall Defence what the cost to the public purse of the annual programme of work. The table sets out the WE.177 missile programme was (a) in cash terms and suppliers used, the services provided and the total sums (b) in 2011 prices up to the date of its withdrawal from paid. service; and what the cost of procurement of each Information provided to Ofcom as part of a tendering missile was. [46277] process is commercially sensitive. Ofcom is unable to provide a more detailed breakdown of the number of Peter Luff: I will write to the hon. Member, as the hours worked and staff provided by each supplier since information requested may take some time to retrieve disclosure of this may compromise future tendering from archive. processes.

Vendor Description Total (£)

3 Reasons Ltd Media and telecoms strategy advice 5,288 Advanced Top Development & Images Technical Spectrum advice 237,763 517W Written Answers17 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 518W

Vendor Description Total (£)

Aegis Systems Ltd Spectrum technology research 17,250 Aidan Elliott Internal communications advice and implementation 1,691 Alan Fellows Associates Ltd Technical Spectrum advice 3,856 Alderman Limited Strategic regulation advice 2,875 Allen & Overy Commercial and procurement advice (142) Alterian (Newbury) Ltd Media consultancy 546 AMTEC Consulting Plc IS programming 30,761 Analysys Mason Ltd TV technical, economic and policy advice 39,721 Andrew Chesher Broadcasting policy relating consultancy 1,380 AON Ltd (Redhill) Insurance related services 5,575 Arqiva Spectrum clearance activities, planning and advice 1,285,667 Artemis International Corporation Ltd Software solutions 1,035 Atner Associates Ltd TV policy advice 1,500 BAFTA Management Ltd Telecoms policy advice 12,938 Barclay Associates Ltd Spectrum related advice 9,979 BDG workfutures Premises advice 3,495 BDO Stoy Hayward LLP Tax advice, telecoms accounting advice, and spectrum clearance advice 70,186 Bentley Associates Investigations advice 9,720 Best Foot Forward Ltd Carbon audit and ecological footprint 16,172 Bloomberg LP Accounting and market data services 12,344 Blue Moth Ltd Spectrum technical advice 52,420 Bob Foss Strategic Spectrum advice 78,120 Bristows Spectrum clearance advice 88,038 British Broadcasting Corporation Spectrum clearance planning, activities and advice 77,378 Canaleon Ltd Technical Spectrum clearance advice 50,517 Capgemini IS technical work (23,966) Cary Bazalgette Media literacy advice 1,000 Central Office of Information Marketing and communication 4,053 Change Agency (UK) Ltd Consultancy for digital participation consortium 100,196 Claire Milne Antelope Consulting Telecoms policy consultancy 5,980 Clarus Design Consultancy Ltd Design work 932 Cleo Sylvestre Diversity research 350 Cromwell Associates Ltd Site inspection 86 David G. Money Spectrum clearance advice 23,163 Deloitte & Touche LLP Spectrum clearance activities, advice and planning 412,772 Denton Business Services Ltd Premises advice 4,370 Digital UK Spectrum clearance activities 144,432 Dotecon Ltd Spectrum auction expertise 31,630 Dotted Eyes Ltd Software solutions 3,835 E2 Systems Ltd IS Testing (6,169) Edward Rushton Telecoms strategy advice 58,649 eGourmet Ltd Telecoms consumer research 24,071 Ember Services Ltd Telecoms policy consultancy 12,741 Enders Analysis Ltd Media strategy advice and research 5,001 ERA Technology Ltd Technical Spectrum work and technology research 96,094 Erkmar Ltd Technical equipment advice 19,123 ETC Venues Ltd Premises activities 1,139 Europa Technologies Ltd Technology research 2,760 Europe Economics Spectrum economic advice 58,069 European Policy Forum Telecoms policy advice 17,250 Euro-Tec Investigations activities 4,661 Fishburn Hedges Boys Williams Ltd Spectrum clearance activities 66,717 Fletcher Priest Architects LLP Premises advice 4,893 Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) Translation services 5,447 Forman Computer Staff Ltd IS software solutions and activities 72,750 Frank B. Dehn & Co. Legal intellectual property advice 6,831 Frank Verboven Mobile and TV economic advice 5,005 George & Lennard Associates Telecoms research and policy analysis (583) GfK NOP Media Consumer research 23,316 GfK Retail and Technology UK Ltd Telecoms market research 6,986 GR Media UK Ltd Media research 20,470 Grant Dawe LLP Legal advice for investigations 2,644 519W Written Answers17 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 520W

Vendor Description Total (£)

Grapevine Search & Selection Ltd Office support temp search (27) Harry McConnell HR employment advice 14,526 Hays Office Support IS programmers 72,080 Helios Technology Ltd Technical Spectrum advice 46,138 I.D.AT.E. Telecoms market data and research 40,583 i2 Media Research Ltd Spectrum consumer research 26,738 Ian Cooper Competition pensions advice 45,928 iBurbia Limited Media research and advice 14,488 IDC UK Ltd Media research, data and advice 5,750 Ideas Unlimited TV Ltd Technology research and advice 10,120 IET Services Ltd Technical networks forum 8,813 Institution of Engineering & Techno Programme management activities 29,622 Isotek Electronics Ltd Spectrum technology research 793 Item Consulting & Services Ltd Design work 1,380 Ivetsey Communications Ltd BT adjudicator 415,786 Julian Franks Financial telecoms consulting 19,690 Knight Frank LLP Premises activities 760 KPMG LLP Economic analysis, and internal audit work 49,577 Lane Clark & Peacock LLP Pensions advice (695) Law Debenture Pension Trust Corporation Professional pension trustee governance 139,379 LECG Ltd Economic analysis 35,511 Lizloenard Media Media literacy work 7,361 London Economics Economic analysis and research 110,225 LS Telcom AG IS programming and support 206,376 Maritime Spectrum Working Group Technical Spectrum advice 2,115 Mayer Brown International LLP Pension advice 14,278 McGrigors Belfast LLP Procurement and commercial advice 10,763 Mediatique Ltd Strategy and research advice 92,384 Meeting Deadlines Ltd Software solution 1,610 Mercer (Switzerland) SA Consultancy 700 Merrill Legal Solutions Legal support 717 Milner Company Marketing LLP Spectrum market analysis 6,239 Mitie Ltd Premises equipment and activities 1,293 Morgan Stanley & Co Ltd Spectrum activities (61,656) Mott MacDonald Ltd Technology research 17,396 MTM London Ltd Media and market analysis 46,000 National Audit Office Audit of IFRS trigger point 4 13,000 National Economic Research Association Economic analysis 2,838 NCC Services Ltd IS support services 36,686 NICC Standards Ltd Technical networks forum (1,294) Northgate Payroll solutions provider (40) Official Charts Company Media analysis 2,644 Oliva Lawson Internal communications analysis 1,800 Oliver & Ohlbaum Associates Ltd Media analysis and research 48,751 Opinion Leader Research Ltd Consumer research 20,007 Oracle Corporation UK Ltd Software solutions (1,829) Osirian Consulting Ltd IS programming and support 16,513 Outsights Ltd Sector analysis and research 17,250 Ovum Ltd Strategy and market analysis 17,625 PA Consulting Group IS support and programme management advice 449,362 Parity Resources Ltd IT system services 130,931 Peter Cramton Spectrum economic analysis 5,485 PFT Ltd Employee and pensions advice 6,550 Pharos 8 Ltd Organisational development 2,645 Phil Davidson Associates Spectrum activities 29,991 Planned Action Ltd Insurance advice 1,380 Plum Consulting Spectrum technology research 44,100 Progressive Computer Recruitment Ltd IS resource solutions 44,291 Pure Pricing Ltd Economic analysis 10,575 QCG Ltd HR consultancy 3,819 Quiddity Solutions HR development advice 758 Radio Systems Information Ltd Technical Spectrum advice 7,259 521W Written Answers17 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 522W

Vendor Description Total (£)

Rational Energy Ltd Economic analysis 525 Real Wireless Ltd Technical Spectrum advice 177,315 Richard Carter Telecoms policy advice 166 RKnight Consulting Ltd Spectrum clearance activities 32,746 Ruth Evans Consumer representation following postal services integration 1,120 SamKnows Ltd Telecoms market data and analysis 107,334 Saxonbury Services Ltd HR Development advice 5,988 Secured by Design Ltd Security design activities 2,465 Selex Sistemi Integration Ltd Technology research 63,043 Sherbourne Consultancy Organisational development activates 8,671 Sian Evans Media consultancy 24,513 Simon Carne Competition pensions advice 21,554 Simon Fonebi Licensing analysis 19,650 Smith Institute Software testing of Spectrum auction platform 32,633 Specialist Computer Centres Software solutions activities 3,105 Spitfire Communications Limited Diversity advice 3,910 Square One Resources Ltd IS Temp support 15,606 Stern Consultancy Ltd Catering management advice (8) Steve Carter Telecoms technical activities 59,300 Steven J. Barnett Media analysis 2,400 Strategic IT Consulting IS systems advice 34,870 Strategy Analytics (SA Teligen) Market research 43,125 Sweet & Maxwell Ltd HR data and analysis 549 Synovate Ltd Consumer research 103,458 Thales Research & Technology (UK) Ltd Spectrum technical research 21,151 The Brattle Group Economic analysis 11,801 The Writer Ltd Editing consultancy 2,964 Think Indigo PC support 1,725 Tommaso Valletti Economic analysis 7,868 Total Conflict Management Ltd HR advice 6,363 Total Reporting & Quality Solutions Operations analysis 15,532 Towers Watson Pensions and actuarial advice 621,151 TrinityStar Services Ltd Technical Spectrum advice 995 University of Warwick Economic analysis 45,799 User37 Ltd Media activities 74,395 Verint Systems UK Ltd IS analysis 58,225 Watermark & Co. Consumer panel policy advice 15,275 Journal: Re-categorisation of cost for IS Journal: Re-categorisation of cost for IS transformation programme (597,042) transformation programme Journal: Re-categorisation of costs for Journal: Re-categorisation of costs for Olympics Programme (58,317) Olympics Programme Journal: Accounting adjustments Journal: Accounting adjustments (1,101) 6,667,426

Arts: Finance Broadband: Contracts

Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Gavin Williamson: To ask the Secretary of State for Olympics, Media and Sport how many local authorities Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport how much Arts have issued tender documents for contracts to provide Council England spent on grants to projects in high-speed broadband services to date. [46791] 2009-10. [45805] Mr Vaizey [holding answer 15 March 2011]: In recent years a number of local authorities have issued tenders Mr Vaizey: Arts Council England has supplied 2009-10 for contracts to provide high speed broadband, which grant spend, which includes both grants to projects and vary in scale and in some instances the procurement to regularly funded organisations, as follows: was for an exclusive public sector network (PSNs) and in others there was provision for wider use. Since Projects £000 responsibility lies with the local procuring authority there was no requirement to notify individual procurements Net grant in aid commitments (including 417,555 regular funding to organisations) and while Broadband Delivery UK (BDUK) are aware Net lottery grant commitments 143,203 of the major PSNs and public initiatives by local authorities Total 560,758 there is no central record of every small scale local procurement. 523W Written Answers17 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 524W

Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, John Penrose: Special advisers pay bands and actual Olympics, Media and Sport how many local authorities salary, where this is £58,200 or higher, are published by in England have issued tenders for contracts for the the Cabinet Office in accordance with the Government’s provision of high-speed broadband. [47362] transparency agenda and can be found at the following link: Mr Vaizey: In recent years a number of local authorities http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/resource-library/special- have issued tenders for contracts to provide high speed adviser-data-releases broadband, which vary in scale and in some instances Special advisers salaries are pensionable under the the procurement was for an exclusive public sector Principal Civil Service Pension Scheme. network (PSNs) and in others there was provision for wider use. Since responsibility lies with the local procuring Departmental Procurement authority there was no requirement to notify individual procurements and while Broadband Delivery UK (BDUK) Stephen Barclay: To ask the Secretary of State for are aware of the major PSNs and public initiatives by Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport (1) how many local authorities there is no central record of every local procurement projects with a monetary value greater procurement. than (a) £10 million, (b) £50 million and (c) £100 million (i) his Department and (ii) each non-departmental public Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, body and agency for which he is responsible was engaged Olympics, Media and Sport what plans he has for local upon in the latest period for which figures are available; authorities to issue tenders for contracts for the [45553] provision of high-speed broadband in England. [47363] (2) which procurement projects engaged upon by (a) Mr Vaizey: Responsibility for contract tenders lies his Department and (b) each non-departmental public with the local procuring authorities. Guidance on the body and agency for which he is responsible had a content of local broadband plans which are to form the designated senior responsible owner in the latest period basis of a submission to Broadband Delivery UK was for which figures are available; and on what date each issued on 7 March 2011. officer was appointed in each such case. [45554] Broadband: Scotland John Penrose: The Department has not engaged upon any procurement projects with a monetary value greater Cathy Jamieson: To ask the Secretary of State for than £10 million in 2009-10 and 2010-11 (to date). Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport pursuant to the The Department does not collate this information for answer of 4 March 2011, Official Report, column 611W, its agency or non-departmental public bodies. Accordingly, on broadband: public expenditure, what assessment he I have asked their chief executives to write to my hon. has made of the effects on the pilot project in the Friend. Highlands and Islands of Scotland of restrictions on Copies of the replies will be placed in the Libraries of the use of BT’s ducts and poles. [45951] both Houses.

Mr Vaizey [holding answer 14 March 2011]: No such Departmental Public Consultation assessment has been made. The Highlands and Islands project will be subject to open procurement procedures Alok Sharma: To ask the Secretary of State for which have to be technology neutral. British Telecom’s Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport how many public (BT) ducts and poles are being made available for use by consultations his Department has conducted in each of competitors. Reference offers were submitted by BT in the last 10 years; for how long each consultation was January and these are the subject of industry consultation open; how many responses were received to each at the moment consultation; and what the cost to the public purse of conducting each consultation was. [46592] Departmental Assets John Penrose: There have been 185 Department Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for consultations since 2000, information can be accessed Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport whether receipts on our current website and UK Government web archive: from the sale of assets owned by regional development http://www.culture.gov.uk/consultations/default.aspx agencies are reflected in the spending plans of his The number of responses from May 2010 are available Department for (a) 2012-13 and (b) 2013-14. [47417] at: John Penrose: The Department does not benefit from http://www.culture.gov.uk/consultations/6566.aspx any sale of assets by regional development agencies and Responses before May 2010 and all costs are not held has not made any assumption of receipts from them in centrally and it would be at disproportionate cost to its spending plans. collate this information for the last 10 years. Departmental Ministerial Policy Advisers Departmental Regulation

Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State Gordon Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport how much his Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what regulations Department has spent on (a) salaries and (b) pension his Department (a) introduced between 4 February entitlements for special advisers in the financial year and 28 February 2011 and (b) repealed between 2 February 2010-11 to date. [46582] and 28 February 2011. [45978] 525W Written Answers17 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 526W

John Penrose: The following instruments sponsored (4) with reference to the Government Tourism Policy by the Department have been made between 2 February of March 2011, what mechanisms he plans to use to set and 28 February 2011: benchmarks for (a) improvements in standards of 1. The Films Co-Production Agreements (Amendment) Order visitor accommodation and (b) quality comparisons 2011 (SI 2011/236); and between the UK and its constituent parts and overseas; 2. The Horserace Betting and Olympic Lottery Act 2004 [46660] (Commencement No.4) Order 2011 (SI 2011/462 (C.17)). (5) with reference to the Government Tourism Policy During the same period the following instrument was of March 2011, what assessment he has made of the revoked: contribution of Hospitality Assured accreditation to 1. The Films Co-Production Agreements (Amendment) Order the objectives of National Tourist Boards in respect of 2009 (S.I. 2009/3009). the visitor economy; [46662] Departmental Written Questions (6) with reference to the Government Tourism Policy of March 2011, what the quantitative evidential basis is Thomas Docherty: To ask the Secretary of State for for the assessment that consumer-led websites offer Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what proportion significant potential to drive up standards; and what of written questions tabled to him for answer on a measures he plans to use to measure consequent trends named day did not receive a substantive answer on the in hotel standards. [46665] day named for answer between 27 May 2010 and 9 March 2011. [46555] John Penrose: Pursuant to my answer of 2 February 2011, Official Report, column 819W,and the Westminster John Penrose: The Department received 271 named Hall debate on 15 February 2011, tourism is a devolved day questions for answer during the period between matter and the operation of the quality schemes in each 27 May 2010 and 9 March 2011. Of these 56 (20.66%) of the home countries is a matter for their respective did not receive a substantive answer on the named day. Governments. As made clear in the Government’s Tourism The Department is very aware of the importance of Policy published on 4 March, we do not intend to answering parliamentary questions on time and we abolish the rating schemes in England, but given the endeavour to answer all named day parliamentary questions number of participants in the schemes in recent years, on the day specified but if this is not possible then we particularly in the guest accommodation sector, the aim to send out a substantive reply as soon as is Government believe a different approach needs to be practicable. considered in order to help drive up quality. We strongly ″The Government has committed to providing the Procedure believe that both the tourism industry and consumers Committee with information relating to Written Parliamentary should take more responsibility for quality assessment. Question performance on a sessional basis. Statistics relating to This includes tracking changes in trends in quality, if Government Department’s performance for the 2009/10 session the information is commercially useful to them or to were recently provided to the committee and are available on the their customers; if it isn’t then there’s no point in ″ Parliament website. Government doing it instead. Gambling The wide and growing popularity of websites offering feedback from customers is clear from industry figures Fiona O’Donnell: To ask the Secretary of State for on their usage. Their content is not regulated any more Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport when he plans to closely than any other part of the web, and we have no respond to his Department’s consultation on remote plans to do so. Web users make their own judgments gambling; and if he will make a statement. [47280] about the quality and accuracy of any information they find, and rapidly switch to alternative sites if they offer John Penrose: I continue to speak to key stakeholders something better. about the issues raised in the Department’s consultation The Government will continue to give encouragement and hope to make an announcement in due course. to any rating schemes or customer websites which improve Holiday Accommodation: Standards the quality of information which visitors can use.

Mr Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Irish Language Olympics, Media and Sport (1) with reference to the Government Tourism Policy of March 2011, what Ms Ritchie: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, assessment he has made of the likely future availability Olympics, Media and Sport what progress he has made across the UK of accurate information relating to the in his Department’s responsibilities for language facilities and performance of self-catering holiday properties maintenance and development under the European under his proposals for accommodation quality rating Charter for Minority or Indigenous Languages in schemes; [46657] respect of the Irish language. [47174] (2) with reference to the Government Tourism Policy of March 2011, what assessment he has made of the Mr Vaizey [holding answer 16 March 2011]: The (a) market penetration, (b) accuracy and (c) reliability Communications Act (2003) and the BBC’s Charter of information relating to self-catering accommodation and Agreement contain requirements to cater for cultural posted on visitor accommodation websites with user- interests throughout the UK. generated content; [46658] The 1998 Belfast/Good Friday agreement contained (3) with reference to the Government Tourism Policy the obligation to extend the Irish language channel TG4 of March 2011, whether he has assessed the potential to audiences in Northern Ireland. In February 2010, the vulnerability to malware of hotel review websites with UK and Irish Government signed a memorandum of user-generated content; [46659] understanding designed to ensure co-operation over 527W Written Answers17 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 528W digital switchover and the provision of Irish language Supplier Total (£) Note services in Northern Ireland in a digital form. Since then considerable progress has been made in making Sweet & Maxwell Ltd. 600 Employment law arrangements with the Irish authorities for the broadcasting Towers Watson 40,989 Pension advice of TG4, an Irish language television service, in digital Underwood & Co. (6,165) Property law form in Northern Ireland to coincide with digital switchover Accounting adjustments 32,815 Accruals and in the latter part of 2012. adjustments Total legal (non policy) 771,765 Members: Correspondence Supplier Total (£) Note Mrs Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Allen & Overy (28,920) Employment law Olympics, Media and Sport when he plans to reply to Arnold & Porter UK LLP 9,083 The legal policy1 the letter from the hon. Member for Bridgend of 23 Blackstone Chambers 209,206 The legal policy1 November 2010, reference MM/JH/22/11/2010. [46275] Brick Court Chambers 25,034 The legal policy1 Denton Wilde Sapte 881 Debt collection advice John Penrose: The Department has conducted a thorough Cough Square Chambers 23,407 The legal policy1 check and has no record of receiving this letter. If the Grant Dawe LLP 7,203 The legal policy1 hon. Member could submit a copy of her letter I will Julian Franks 13,294 The legal policy1 ensure a timely response is sent. Keltie 1,436 The legal policy1 1 Ofcom: Legal Costs Ken Baublys 525 The legal policy LS Telcom (2,013) IS services Maples and Calder 174 The legal policy1 Stephen Barclay: To ask the Secretary of State for Merrill Legal Solutions 557 The legal policy1 Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport with reference to Michael Simkins LLP 14,722 The legal policy1 Ofcom’s supplementary written evidence to the Public Monckton Chambers 544,667 The legal policy1 Accounts Committee on expenditure 2009-10, with Nabarro LLP 42,433 Commercial and which companies the (a) £0.8 million expenditure on Procurement advice legal non-policy and (b) £0.6 million on legal policy Prodigy internet Ltd (1,639) The legal policy1 was spent; and what services were provided to Ofcom Simmons & Simmons 4,593 The legal policy1 as a result of such expenditure. [45773] Taylor Wessing LLP. 1,438 The legal policy1 Underwood & Co 1,880 Property law Mr Vaizey [holding answer 14 March 2011]: Ofcom Accounting adjustments (139,348) Accruals adjustments have advised that the companies involved in expenditure Net costs awarded in favour (122,822) Net costs awarded to of this nature are set out in the table: of Ofcom Ofcom One Brick Court 8,049 The legal policy1 Supplier Total (£) Note Total legal (policy) 613,841 The legal policy1

ABV Solicitors 16,595 The legal policy1 Total legal 1,385,606 Allen & Overy 197,416 Employment law 1 Allen Hirson 1,035 The legal policy1 The legal policy expenditure comprises: External counsel to assist Ofcom’s internal legal team in preparing for and 1 Blackstone Chambers 345 The legal policy defending appeals against Ofcom’s public policy decisions and to appear as Bristows 83,769 The legal policy1 representatives for Ofcom in courts; Burges Salmon LLP 66,388 The legal policy1 A lesser amount is spend on securing a second opinion to that of Ofcom’s internal legal team and general counsel on particularly complex questions of 1 Chambers of Michael 17,300 The legal policy statutory interpretation. Hubbard Clarke Willmot (2,874) Property law Ofcom: Official Hospitality Collyer Bristow LLP 56,805 Property law Solicitors Stephen Barclay: To ask the Secretary of State for Denton Wilde Sapte 5,499 Property law Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport with reference to E Rex Makin & Co. 667 The legal policy1 Ofcom’s supplementary written evidence to the Public Freshfields Bruckhaus 55,219 Employment law Accounts Committee on expenditure 2009-10, with which Deringer companies the £1.8 million expenditure on outsourcing Her Majesty’s Courts 2,090 The legal policy1 Service special events was spent; and what services were provided John McCormack 5,151 The legal policy1 to Ofcom as a result of such expenditure. [45770] Johnson & Gaunt Solicitors 403 Employment law Lane Clark & Peacock LLP 8,775 Pension advice Mr Vaizey [holding answer 14 March 2011]: Under Lester Maddrell 7,171 The legal policy1 the Deregulation and Contracting Out Act 1994, Ofcom MacRoberts LLP (38) Property law has put in place an agreement with JFMG Ltd for the McGrigors Belfast LLP 155,729 Commercial and provision of spectrum licensing services in respect of Procurement advice Programme Making and Special Events (PMSE). The Monckton Chambers 426 The legal policy1 Contracting Out (Functions relating to Wireless Telegraphy) Nabarro LLP 22,152 Commercial and Order 1996 (SI 1996 no. 2290) enables this arrangement. Procurement advice License fees collected by JFMG Ltd under the Wireless Norrie Waite and Slater 1,202 The legal policy1 Telegraphy Act are passed to the Consolidated Fund. Solicitors Ofcom are invoiced by JFMC Ltd for this activity in Russell Jones & Walker 2,875 Employment law line with the terms of the agreement. Ofcom paid SNR Denton UK LLP (975) Property law £1.8 million (including VAT) to JFMC Ltd during the Spence & Home Solicitors 403 Employment law course of 2009-10 under this agreement. 529W Written Answers17 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 530W

Sports: Dartford John Penrose: The Government recognise that the May day bank holiday is important to many, which is why we are planning to consult with all sectors of Gareth Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for industry as well as with voluntary and community Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport whether his sector organisations, to assess any potential benefits of Department is taking steps to support grassroots and moving it. The Government also understand the need community sport in Dartford constituency. [46419] to ensure that public holiday dates reflect the priorities and preferences of the whole of the UK. Consequently, Hugh Robertson: Sport England is the arm’s length we will consult with the devolved Administrations to body with responsibility for community sport. Their ensure that changes to public holidays are made only if aim is to increase and sustain levels of participation in they are likely to enjoy widespread public support. sport. National Governing Bodies of sport are responsible Tourism: Publications for the strategy, delivering through their networks of community clubs, coaches and volunteers, across all Mr Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, parts of the country. Sport England is investing £480 Olympics, Media and Sport for what reason the million through 46 governing bodies over the next four Government Tourism Policy published on 4 March years and has agreed ‘grow’ and ‘sustain’ targets with 2011 was unavailable on his Department’s website on each one. Each sport has developed a whole sport plan the day of launch; and for what reason his Department to achieve these targets. has not supplied copies to the Vote Office for distribution Additionally, the £135 million Mass Participation to hon. Members. [46661] Olympic Legacy—Places People Play—was launched in November 2010 and will benefit residents of Dartford John Penrose: Private sector publishing software failed and the country more widely. This programme will be outside the hours of technical support and nothing funded by lottery money and has been developed in could be published to the website for a period of time. partnership with Sport England, the London Organising The problem could not be fixed by the Information and Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Communications Technology service managers and had British Olympic Association, and the British Paralympic to be referred to the software supplier. The strategy was Association. published and available on the Department for Culture, Media and Sport’s website from approximately 11am As part of their Iconic Facilities programme, Sport on 4 March 2011, which was as soon as the fix had been England has invested £1 million towards the development applied for the problem diagnosed. of a 43 hectare sports park to offer a comprehensive For reasons of cost savings and efficiency, the document range of cycle sport disciplines and other related sports. was produced solely in digital form and no copies of the The Kent county council led project will be of direct Government’s Tourism Policy were therefore supplied benefit to the Dartford constituents, located close to the to the Vote Office. The document may now be downloaded A2 to the south of Gravesend. from the departmental website. In addition, since 2001, the Dartford constituency has seen a total of £861,370 of Exchequer funding and £102,503 of lottery funding invested through Sport England. HOME DEPARTMENT

Tourism: Public Holidays Counter-terrorism

Yvette Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for the Mr Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Home Department when she expects her Department’s Olympics, Media and Sport (1) with reference to the review of the Contest programme indicated in its Government Tourism Policy of March 2011, whether business plan to begin. [45461] he has undertaken an assessment of the potential asymmetrical effects on tourism businesses in different Mrs May [holding answer 10 March 2011]: Work to parts of the UK of moving the May day bank holiday revise the Contest counter-terrorism strategy (action to October; [46663] 6.4 of the Home Office business plan) started in November (2) what steps he plans to take to measure the (a) 2010. visitor preference and (b) projected revenue for the visitor economy associated with the proposed move of Departmental Assets the May day bank holiday to October; and whether he plans to market-test the popularity of the proposal and Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for the the proposed designations for the October holiday in (i) Home Department whether receipts from the sale of Scotland, (ii) England, (iii) Wales and (iv) Northern assets owned by regional development agencies are Ireland; [46664] reflected in the spending plans of her Department for (3) whether he plans to take account of the traditional (a) 2012-13 and (b) 2013-14. [47408] pattern of school holidays in the autumn in Scotland when assessing the (a) merits and (b) likely effect on Damian Green: The Home Office does not have any tourism businesses of moving the May day bank holiday sales of assets owned by regional development agencies to October. [46666] factored into its spending plans. 531W Written Answers17 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 532W

Departmental Public Consultation Support for victims of domestic violence who are on migrant spouse’s visas and are forced to flee their home while their immigration claims are dealt with. Alok Sharma: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many public consultations her Full details of the action plan can be found at: Department has conducted in each of the last 10 years; www.homeoffice.gov.uk/vawg for how long each consultation was open; how many Firearms responses were received to each consultation; and what the cost to the public purse was of conducting each consultation. [46591] Damian Collins: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department between what dates the sodium Damian Green: According to the Home Office website: rhodizonate test was used by the Metropolitan Police Forensic Science Laboratory to detect firearms http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20100418065544/ discharge residue. [46963] http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/about-us/haveyoursay/ index.html James Brokenshire [holding answer 15 March 2011]: the following number of Home Office consultation Sodium rhodizonate testing remains in use as a forensic papers have been selected for preservation by the National technique. The Metropolitan Police Forensic Science Archives: Laboratory merged with the Forensic Science Service in 1996 and would have been using this test until that Number point. Information on the date that this test was introduced 2009 16 is not held by the Home Office. I have asked the 2008 20 Forensic Science Service to check their historical records 2007 20 and write to the hon. Member with the date when this 2006 23 test was introduced. 2005 25 Human Trafficking 2004 26 2003 26 2002 18 Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for the 2001 18 Home Department what plans she has to implement Article 6 of the Council of Europe Convention on 2000 11 Action against Trafficking in Human Beings in relation The website shows a snapshot of records taken on 5 to the incorporation of study of human trafficking in March 2010 and in each case the consultation is listed statutory schooling. [47130] according the calendar year in which the consultation closed rather than its date of publication. Figures for Damian Green: The UK has an obligation under the 2010 and 2011 are not centrally available. Council of Europe Convention to provide educational programmes for young people during their schooling, The Department does not keep a central record of emphasising the unacceptable nature of discrimination how long each consultation was open, how many responses based on gender, the consequences thereof, gender equality were received and the cost to the public purse. To and the dignity and integrity of every human being. attempt to calculate these for each of the 203 documents listed above would entail disproportionate costs. The non-statutory framework for Personal, Social, Health and Economic education (PSHE) at Key Stages 3 and 4 provide opportunities for young people to explore Domestic Violence such issues as: the similarities, differences and diversity among people of Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for the different race, culture, ability, disability, gender, age and sexual Home Department what steps she plans to take to orientation; support victims of domestic violence. [47430] the impact of prejudice, bullying discrimination and racism on individuals and communities; Lynne Featherstone: The Government are committed characteristics of positive relationships, and awareness of to tackling domestic violence. On 8 March 2011 we exploitation in relationships and of statutory and voluntary published a detailed action plan supporting our Call to organisations that support relationships in crisis; and, End Violence Against Womenand Girls narrative published the need to take the initiative in challenging this and other on 25 November 2010. offensive behaviours and in giving support to victims of abuse. Some of the key actions we are taking forward in Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for the relation to domestic violence include: Home Department what plans she has to take steps in Providing over £28 million of stable Home Office funding for accordance with the requirements of Article 5 of the specialist services to support victims of domestic and sexual Council of Europe Convention on Action against abuse over the next four years. This includes areas to support Trafficking in Human Beings in the next 12 months. independent domestic violence adviser (IDVA) posts, and the role of multi-agency risk assessment conference (MARAC) co-ordinators. [47131] We will make over £900,000 available per year over the next four years to support national helplines including the National Damian Green: We keep our compliance with the Domestic Violence Helpline, the Men’s Advice Line and Broken Council of Europe convention under review. Rainbow. Prevention of human trafficking will be a central part A 12 month pilot of Domestic Violence Protection Notices of the new strategy which will be published in the (DVPNs) and Domestic Violence Protection Orders (DVPOs). spring. 533W Written Answers17 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 534W

Imitation Firearms Police

Cathy Jamieson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Mr Chope: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent representations her Home Department whether it is her policy that after Department has received from (a) police organisations, May 2012 chief constables should be able to enter into (b) medical professionals and (c) others on legislation significant contracts without the prior authority of on the sale, ownership and use of BB guns. [45940] police commissioners. [40245] Nick Herbert [holding answer 11 February2011]: This James Brokenshire [holding answer 14 March 2011]: is not the Government’s intention. We are considering The term ‘BB gun’ is commonly used to refer to airsoft further the proposed arrangements for chief constables’ guns. The Home Office has received no recent formal ability to enter into contracts, in the light of debate on representations on their sale, ownership and use. They the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Bill, and are subject to the provisions of the Anti-Social Behaviour representations on the issue. Act 2003 to the extent they are imitation firearms. Vernon Coaker: To ask the Secretary of State for the Northumbria Police: Overtime Home Department if she will publish each response to her Department’s consultation on Policing in the 21st Century. [46790] Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many overtime hours were paid to (a) warranted officers and (b) civilian staff of Nick Herbert [holding answer 15 Mach 2011]: The Northumbria Police Force in each of the last three Home Office has an obligation to those who responded years; and what the total cost to the public purse was of to the consultation to review all responses and ensure any disclosure of information protects individuals’ interests such overtime in each such year. [46537] under the Data Protection Act 1998. As nearly 900 responses were received, it was estimated that the cost Nick Herbert: The Home Office does not hold of analysing them in line with these obligations would information about the number of overtime hours worked be prohibitive. The Government published a consultation by police officers and police staff. Data on the total response, which summarised the responses and the amount of overtime paid to police officers and staff are Government’s position on them. This is available on the published by the Chartered Institute of Public Finance Home Office website. and Accountancy (CIPFA). The data for Northumbria police in each of the three most recent financial years Bridget Phillipson: To ask the Secretary of State for are shown in the following table: the Home Department how many police officers in each police force hold the rank of sergeant. [46795] £000 Financial year Officer overtime spend Staff overtime spend Nick Herbert [holding answer 15 March 2011]: The latest available data are provided in the table which 2007-08 7,878 11,318 shows the number of police officers in each police force 2008-09 7,424 1,178 who hold the rank of sergeant as at 30 September 2010 2009-10 8,138 1,159 (full-time equivalents). 1 Checked with Northumbria police. The number of police officers in each police force who hold the rank of Source: sergeant as at 30 September 2010 (full-time equivalents) CIPFA Actuals Sergeant

Passport Office: Closures Avon and Somerset 484 Bedfordshire 194 Mrs Ellman: To ask the Secretary of State for the Cambridgeshire 252 Home Department what assessment she has made of Cheshire 353 the compliance of her Department’s consultation on Cleveland 241 the closure of Newport Passport Office with the Cumbria 187 Government’s code of practice on consultation. [47400] Derbyshire 316 Devon and Cornwall 603 Dorset 234 Damian Green: The Identity and Passport Service is conducting a collective consultation with staff and trade Durham 225 unions on the proposed closure of the application processing Dyfed-Powys 195 centre at Newport. The consultation period ends on Essex 540 18 March 2011 and has been carried out under the Gloucestershire 320 Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Greater Manchester 1,160 Act 1992, as amended by the Collective Redundancies Gwent 234 and Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Hampshire 620 (Amendment) Regulations 1995. The consultation has Hertfordshire 318 followed the guidance issued by the Department for Humberside 306 Business, Innovation and Skills and by the Advisory, Kent 527 Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) on conducting Lancashire 594 a collective consultation. Leicestershire 358 535W Written Answers17 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 536W

The number of police officers in each police force who hold the rank of Nick Herbert: The Office of Surveillance Commissioners sergeant as at 30 September 2010 (full-time equivalents) (OSC) is an independent body established by the Police Sergeant Act 1996 and Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act Lincolnshire 185 2000 to keep under review the authorisation of certain London, City of 139 covert techniques regulated by those Acts. The OSC Merseyside 665 does not issue general guidance. Any specific guidance it gives to a particular public authority is confidential Metropolitan Police 5,558 between it and that public authority. Norfolk 283 Northamptonshire 225 HM Inspectorate of Constabulary expects to complete Northumbria 603 its review into the operational accountability of undercover North Wales 275 work by the National Public Order Intelligence Unit within the next three to six months. The Home Office North Yorkshire 207 will consider what appropriate action to take, including Nottinghamshire 408 the appropriateness of reviewing codes of practice, South Wales 516 following the conclusion of the review. South Yorkshire 446 Staffordshire 362 Police: Training Suffolk 206 Surrey 293 Bridget Phillipson: To ask the Secretary of State for Sussex 542 the Home Department how many police officers in Thames Valley 690 each police force have current specialist traffic and Warwickshire 130 vehicle training. [46793] West Mercia 398 West Midlands 1,206 Nick Herbert [holding answer 15 March 2011]: This West Yorkshire 807 information is not collected centrally. Wiltshire 193 Police: Bureaucracy Total 22,599 Note: This table contains full-time equivalent figures that have been rounded Bob Stewart: To ask the Secretary of State for the to the nearest whole number. Home Department if she will take steps to reduce the amount of duplication in the forms police officers are Police: Firearms required to complete when responding to incidents. [45510] Bridget Phillipson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police officers in Nick Herbert: The Government are looking at reducing each police force had received up-to-date training in duplication in police forms as part of its work to reduce the use of firearms on the most recent date for which unnecessary bureaucracy in policing. The police service figures are available. [46796] must also play its part in cutting duplication within police forces. Nick Herbert [holding answer 15 March 2011]: The The Government have already scrapped the national number of fully trained police authorised firearms officers reporting requirements for stop and account and reduced by force in England and Wales are published annually. the reporting requirements for stop and search, which The latest publication for 2008-09 can be found at: will save up to 800,000 man hours per year. We will http://tna.europarchive.org/20100419081706/http:// continue to look at reducing duplication as part of our www.police.homeoffice.gov.uk/documents/Police-firearms- work to reduce bureaucracy in all areas of policing. 2008-09.html Refugees: Finance Police: Surveillance Ben Gummer: To ask the Secretary of State for the Clive Efford: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment her Department Home Department pursuant to the answer of 14 February has made of the effect of proposed reductions in 2011, Official Report, columns 519-20W, on police: refugee integration funding on (a) statutory and (b) investigations, (1) what procedural and interpretational non-statutory services for refugees provided by (i) other advice and guidance the Office of Surveillance Government departments, (ii) non-departmental public Commissioners has given regarding the type of bodies and (iii) local authorities. [47328] organisations that should be subject to covert surveillance by undercover police officers; and if she will make a Damian Green: Individuals granted refugee status statement; [47036] have full entitlement to access public funds and services. The impact of the reduction in funding on statutory (2) if she will review her Department’s codes of and non statutory services provided by other Government practice in relation to the types of organisations which Departments, non departmental public bodies and local should be subject to undercover police operations; and authorities will therefore be minimal. UK Border Agency if she will make a statement; [47037] officials will be co-chairing a working group with the (3) when she expects HM Inspectorate of Constabulary voluntary sector to identify practical cost neutral solutions to complete its review of operational accountability of to address the integration needs of refugees. The undercover work by the National Public Order Intelligence membership will include representatives from other Unit; and if she will make a statement. [47038] Government Departments. 537W Written Answers17 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 538W

UK Border Agency: Sick Leave Figures taken from the Home Office sick absence time series data for the Home Department. Mr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for the Vandalism Home Department how many days on average employees of the UK Border Agency have taken in sick leave in Mr Ruffley: To ask the Secretary of State for the each year since its inception. [46522] Home Department how many instances of vandalism were reported in each police force area in England and Damian Green: The rolling year average number of Wales in each year since 1997. [47792] sick leave days per employee as at March 2010 was 9.16 days. James Brokenshire: The available information relates The rolling year average number of sick leave days to offences of criminal damage recorded by the police per employee as at December 2010 was 7.97 days and is given in the following table.

Offences of criminal damage recorded by the police in England and Wales Number of offences 1997 1998-991 1999-2000 2000/01 2001-02

Avon and Somerset 20,396 20,605 20,519 22,479 26,990 Bedfordshire 8,025 7,893 8,048 7,892 8,191 British Transport police3 ———— — Cambridgeshire 9,250 11,925 12,110 13,197 13,972 Cheshire 11,205 11,596 12,627 13,078 16,546 Cleveland 11,274 10,681 10,812 10,684 13,446 Cumbria 8,047 8,405 8,943 8,922 10,120 Derbyshire 13,387 14,316 15,207 14,997 17,125 Devon and Cornwall 15,232 17,722 18,490 18,284 19,875 Dorset 8,245 8,303 8,408 9,419 10,766 Durham 10,518 11,122 10,654 10,375 13,018 Dyfed-Powys 4,497 4,497 4,417 4,571 4,949 Essex 18,845 18,834 21,766 24,673 26,990 Gloucestershire 6,158 6,570 7,990 9,087 9,264 Greater Manchester 68,100 67,052 75,201 77,154 84,631 Gwent 9,947 11,690 12,253 11,221 9,934 Hampshire 26,429 25,100 28,125 28,714 31,624 Hertfordshire 9,831 10,177 11,560 13,839 15,302 Humberside 20,177 21,486 20,739 20,910 22,839 Kent 24,047 23,049 24,806 27,947 28,708 Lancashire 26,767 21,360 22,776 25,445 31,925 Leicestershire 14,034 15,143 16,889 16,664 18,903 Lincolnshire 7,145 7,728 8,391 9,078 11,282 London, City Of 287 297 409 260 365 Merseyside 23,677 27,465 30,822 30,593 33,899 Metropolitan 140,516 136,870 151,590 144,231 147,803 Norfolk 9,782 10,393 10,978 11,481 13,065 Northamptonshire 11,595 11,771 11,736 11,448 12,961 Northumbria 35,314 31,634 30,436 29,775 34,027 North Wales 11,238 9,652 10,102 12,182 14,388 North Yorkshire 8,537 8,372 8,617 9,167 11,436 Nottinghamshire 28,165 23,953 23,692 23,187 25,684 South Wales 29,331 30,227 28,154 25,313 27,590 South Yorkshire 23,568 24,198 25,305 24,173 27,513 Staffordshire 16,940 15,668 18,442 21,655 25,385 Suffolk 7,835 7,898 9,547 10,150 12,095 Surrey 6,557 7,576 8,602 12,318 12,964 Sussex 23,945 23,828 26,361 27,219 27,375 Thames Valley 25,584 26,006 28,630 29,719 32,152 Warwickshire 6,362 6,888 7,439 7,290 8,008 West Mercia 14,965 15,346 17,410 16,817 22,739 West Midlands 49,120 50,407 61,422 57,459 61,010 West Yorkshire 46,446 49,239 48,106 49,568 59,262 Wiltshire 5,722 6,644 7,151 7,452 8,374 Total 877,042 879,586 945,682 960,087 1,064,495

Number of offences 2002-032 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10

Avon and Somerset 26,430 29,949 31,642 30,992 33,557 30,063 26,627 23,034 539W Written Answers17 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 540W

Number of offences 2002-032 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10

Bedfordshire 10,050 11,065 10,561 10,817 10,717 10,141 8,720 8,029 British Transport 11,353 12,948 12,772 12,660 13,444 10,461 8,974 7,606 police3 Cambridgeshire 16,153 16,534 16,227 14,680 15,597 14,001 12,980 11,519 Cheshire 18,921 22,556 24,365 24,966 22,363 18,949 16,518 13,800 Cleveland 14,591 16,958 16,941 18,604 18,591 17,545 13,746 11,183 Cumbria 10,304 11,629 12,858 13,627 12,669 11,425 8,995 7,432 Derbyshire 17,789 18,932 17,991 19,025 20,140 17,894 16,642 14,635 Devon and Cornwall 26,883 30,116 31,021 31,274 32,908 28,982 25,982 21,932 Dorset 12,229 13,428 12,297 12,545 12,460 11,907 11,331 9,972 Durham 14,067 14,244 15,176 16,322 16,422 14,674 13,027 10,856 Dyfed-Powys 4,920 7,032 8,186 7,939 8,003 6,657 5,932 4,953 Essex 30,337 34,253 32,406 30,564 30,010 26,379 23,554 20,589 Gloucestershire 10,103 10,847 10,802 11,259 11,999 10,342 9,095 7,477 Greater Manchester 76,960 81,123 73,662 75,545 77,450 65,150 60,384 48,779 Gwent 13,126 13,681 13,494 12,875 13,659 12,524 12,191 11,428 Hampshire 34,736 43,557 42,210 42,352 45,362 38,927 35,409 28,609 Hertfordshire 17,988 19,887 20,762 20,986 20,713 17,374 14,999 12,824 Humberside 24,347 28,635 28,202 26,152 26,468 22,064 19,202 17,852 Kent 29,068 34,537 35,274 36,701 36,827 31,425 27,735 22,719 Lancashire 30,733 39,447 40,863 40,110 37,804 32,284 29,639 25,139 Leicestershire 19,210 19,480 18,955 18,302 19,418 18,642 16,997 15,019 Lincolnshire 13,694 15,176 14,934 14,069 14,528 13,345 12,243 11,070 London, City Of 366 319 311 284 310 234 275 263 Merseyside 37,455 39,966 41,838 42,869 41,080 30,773 25,787 23,461 Metropolitan 144,373 147,465 135,684 122,400 113,938 102,483 95,217 88,263 Norfolk 16,030 17,462 17,470 17,577 17,258 14,790 12,647 10,440 Northamptonshire 15,687 17,295 16,842 16,341 16,025 14,858 13,703 11,827 Northumbria 42,222 42,523 41,248 36,911 36,087 29,758 27,178 22,551 North Wales 17,079 17,036 15,107 14,436 14,841 12,938 11,808 10,223 North Yorkshire 13,168 14,732 13,573 12,723 12,509 11,023 10,764 8,707 Nottinghamshire 23,980 26,308 29,073 30,728 30,278 26,735 24,234 19,993 South Wales 30,935 28,519 27,558 28,794 28,550 27,671 26,762 22,719 South Yorkshire 29,861 30,933 35,384 40,293 39,507 35,467 30,408 24,850 Staffordshire 23,271 24,447 23,262 24,328 24,944 20,509 19,015 16,610 Suffolk 11,497 12,817 12,781 13,067 13,084 12,207 11,308 10,419 Surrey 13,669 16,571 17,271 16,968 17,501 15,961 14,650 13,047 Sussex 25,548 28,792 30,830 29,288 30,060 26,659 23,601 20,964 Thames Valley 33,693 37,320 37,338 37,356 40,273 35,931 34,104 30,300 Warwickshire 8,514 9,318 9,728 10,054 10,267 9,234 8,006 6,458 West Mercia 21,258 23,615 21,962 20,563 20,675 18,672 17,060 14,568 West Midlands 57,319 59,150 55,996 56,729 56,134 46,670 41,977 37,486 West Yorkshire 61,447 68,476 63,666 60,600 59,041 51,526 46,760 38,692 Wiltshire 9,246 9,446 9,020 9,674 11,569 10,929 10,179 8,423 Total 1,120,610 1,218,524 1,197,543 1,184,349 1,185,040 1,036,183 936,365 806,720 1 The coverage was expanded and counting rules changed in 1998-99. Figures before and after that date are not directly comparable. 2 The National Crime Recording Standard was introduced in 2002-03. Figures before and after that date are not directly comparable. 3 Includes the British Transport police from 2002-03.

Vetting Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many criminal records checks Diana Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for the have been received and processed by her Department in Home Department if she will publish (a) the minutes each year since 2005. [47371] of meetings her Department has had with and (b) written submissions her Department has received from Lynne Featherstone: The figures for the number of (i) the NSPCC, (ii) Barnardos, (iii) Sir Roger Singleton criminal records checks that have been received and and (iv) the Children’s Commissioner during preparation processed by the Criminal Records Bureau in each year of the Protection of Freedoms Bill. [46819] since 2005 can be found in the following table:

Lynne Featherstone: A number of consultation meetings Applications received Certificates despatched with interested parties have taken place during the 2005 2,736,774 2,655,928 Vetting and Barring Scheme and criminal records reviews 2006 3,183,035 3,143,109 and other aspects of the Protection of Freedoms Bill. 2007 3,382,807 3,353,101 We would not normally publish material submitted by 2008 3,810,670 3,701,295 third parties without their express consent to do so. 541W Written Answers17 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 542W

Applications for Section 8 Contact Orders in Children Act (Private Applications received Certificates despatched Law) cases in the county courts and High Court of England and Wales, by applicant relationship to child, 2005-09 2009 4,269,971 4,198,256 Applicant 2010 4,219,395 4,307,690 relationship to child 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 The figures for despatched volumes may include carry over from previous years, eg applications received in Father 25,339 24,967 24,079 25,369 28,777 December 2009 may have been despatched in January 2010. Other 7,997 8,210 8,187 8,761 9,852 Unknown 264 295 278 278 375 Total 33,600 33,472 32,544 34,408 39,004 INDEPENDENT PARLIAMENTARY Notes: 1. Data are taken from HM Court Service’s FamilyMan system. STANDARDS AUTHORITY COMMITTEE 2. The figures reflect the number of applications made, counted by child. This means that where an application was made for contact Budget Limits with two children the case will be counted twice. 3. In the applicant relationship to child categories “father” may be an Yasmin Qureshi: To ask the hon. Member for adoptive parent or a natural parent, and “other”includes any relationship Broxbourne, representing the Speaker’s Committee for (e.g. mother, aunt or uncle) and “unknown” reflects cases where no relationship was specified or where the relationship was unclear the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, because there was more than one relationship specified for the case. on what date the Independent Parliamentary Standards 4. The figures exclude applications made in Family Proceedings Authority expects to publish budget limits for 2011-12. Courts (FPCs). This is because, during the period considered, not all [46885] FPCs were using FamilyMan and information on applicant relationships to children was not available for all FPCs. In 2009 FPCs represented Mr Charles Walker: The information requested falls about 26% of private law contact order applications. 5. The figures also exclude section 8 contact order applications made within the responsibility of the Independent Parliamentary in public law (child protection) cases. Standards Authority. I have asked IPSA to reply. 6. The overall totals for each year may differ slightly from previously Letter from Scott Woolveridge, dated March 2011: published figures as FamilyMan is a live system and the data used to produce these figures was a more recent extract than that used to As acting Chief Executive of the Independent Parliamentary produce the earlier published figures. This means that the figures will Standards Authority, I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary take into account changes made to data held on FamilyMan since Question asking the date the Independent Parliamentary Standards previously published statistics was extracted. Authority expects to publish budget limits for 2011-12. IPSA will outline MPs’ budget limits for 2011-12 when it Provisional statistics for private law applications in publishes the revised MPs’ Expenses Scheme on 25 March 2011. 2010 are due to be published in the October to December edition of the report Court Statistics Quarterly, which will be published on 31 March and available from the Ministry of Justice website at: JUSTICE http://www.justice.gov.uk/publications/ Contact Orders courtstatisticsquarterly.htm

Mr Raab: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice (1) how many contact orders under section 8 of the Departmental Assets Children Act 1989 issued to fathers in respect of their children were issued in response to the breach of an Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for existing contact order in each year since 2000; [47358] Justice whether receipts from the sale of assets owned (2) how many contact orders under section 8 of the by regional development agencies are reflected in the Children Act 1989 were issued to fathers in respect of spending plans of his Department for (a) 2012-13 and their children in each year since 2000; [47359] (b) 2013-14. [47407] (3) how many (a) parents and (b) fathers applied to court in respect of (i) one breach and (ii) three or more Mr Djanogly: The Ministry of Justice does not fund breaches of a contact order issued under section 8 of the regional development agencies and is not financially linked with them, so receipts from any sale of regional the Children Act 1989 in each year since 2000; [47360] development agency assets would not be included in the (4) how many contact orders under section 8 of the MoJ’s future spending plans. Children Act 1989 were issued in response to the breach of an existing contact order in each year since 2000. More information about the funding of the regional development agencies can be found on their website at: [47361] http://www.englandsrdas.com/funding-and-accountability Mr Djanogly: Information about contact applications in respect of breaches of a contact order, contact orders issued in response to the breach of an existing contact Departmental Public Appointments order, or about to which party contact orders are issued is not held centrally. This information can be obtained Fiona Mactaggart: To ask the Secretary of State for only through the inspection of individual files at Justice which public bodies sponsored by his Department disproportionate cost. (a) have been and (b) are to be closed, merged or However, information on the total number of applications reorganised following his appointment; and how many for a contact order made by fathers in the county courts (i) women and (ii) men who are public appointees at and High Court is available centrally, and figures for each body will no longer hold such an appointment in 2005 to 2009 are provided in the following table. consequence. [47101] 543W Written Answers17 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 544W

Mr Kenneth Clarke: The coalition Government are Male Female committed to increasing the accountability of public public public bodies, and this involves reducing their number and Arm’s length body Proposed reforms appointees appointees their cost to the taxpayer. The proposals for the majority Victims’ Advisory No longer an NDPB: 00 of bodies across all Departments were announced and Panel Abolish body and published on 14 October 2010. An updated list reflecting function changes since October 2010 has been published on the Youth Justice Board of No longer an NDPB: 64 Cabinet Office website this month. England and Wales Abolish as part of wider criminal justice Summary information on public appointments is reforms published annually by the Cabinet Office. This includes 1 Figures not available at present. 2 The CPS/RCPO are not sponsored by the Ministry of Justice, but the data on gender. Copies of the most recent report can be Department has responsibility for policy. downloaded from: www.civilservice.gov.uk/ndpb Electronic Tagging In relation to those bodies sponsored by the Ministry of Justice which are subject to possible closure, merger Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice or reorganisation the following table gives details of the (1) what estimate he has made of the average cost to his proposed reforms and the gender split for any public Department of administering the electronic tagging of appointees involved: an individual for (a) 90 and (b) 120 days in the latest period for which figures are available; [47125] Male Female (2) what reports he has received of instances where public public Arm’s length body Proposed reforms appointees appointees procedures to be followed in the event of a breach of electronic tag conditions have not been adhered to in Advisory Committees Merge: Merge and 1— 1— the last three years; [47126] of Justices of the reduce number to 48 Peace (x101) on grounds of (3) whether any contractual penalties have been performing a function imposed on companies who hold electronic tagging which requires impartiality contracts in England and Wales. [47127] Administrative Justice No longer an NDPB: 13 8 and Tribunals Council Abolish body and Mr Blunt: The average cost to the Ministry of Justice function for electronic monitoring a person for 90 and 120 days Chief Coroner of No longer a statutory 00 England and Wales/ body: Abolish body is shown in the following table. The costs differ for Office of the Chief and function. Certain adults and juveniles. Coroner (1 body) functions to be transferred, either to Average national cost (inc VAT) – 2010-11 the Lord Chancellor or £ the Senior Judiciary Adults Juveniles Courts Boards (x19) No longer an NDPB: 93 45 Abolish body and 90 day 1,063 1,503 function 120 day 1,368 1,935 Crown Court Rule No longer an NDPB: 10 Committee Abolish body and transfer functions to The Department does not routinely collect the Lord Chief Justice in information requested. Details on all breaches of electronic consultation with other rule committees monitoring curfews are held by the electronic monitoring Crown Prosecution Merge: Public Bodies 00suppliers G4S and Serco. Obtaining this information Service/Revenue and Bill will legislatively would require the suppliers to check all breach cases Customs Prosecutions complete the reform over the last three years to identify instances where Office2 which was effected in Jan 2010 breach proceedings were not adhered to; this could be HM Inspectorate of No longer a statutory 00met only at a disproportionate cost. Court Administration body: Abolish body However, all the electronic monitoring providers do and transfer essential functions to the have a specific service level in place about the timely appropriate reporting of electronic monitoring breaches to court, in inspectorate, as the year 2009-10 both contractors reported 100% previously announced compliance with this service level. Legal Services No longer an NDPB: 51 Commission Abolish as NDPB, Contractual penalties have been imposed on the electronic change to executive agency, as previously monitoring suppliers, Serco and G4S for failure to meet announced specific service level agreements. The suppliers repay Legal Services No longer a statutory 00credits to the Ministry of Justice for these failures. Ombudsman body: Abolish both Details of the credits that the Department has received body and function, decision already taken for the last four financial years are as follows: to abolish by 2011 Magistrates Courts No longer a statutory 40 Total credits (£) Rule Committee body: Abolish body, will be discontinued 2007-08 168,444.07 and function will 2008-09 66,787.04 transfer to other rule committee 2009-10 23,638.27 Public Guardian No longer a statutory 342010-11 14,617.55 Board body: Abolish body Overall total 273,486.3 and function 545W Written Answers17 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 546W

Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice HM Inspectorate of Prisons: Political Activities how many people were sentenced to supervision by the courts in England and Wales with a condition of being Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice electronically tagged in (a) 2009 and (b) 2010. [47153] whether the role of Chief Inspector of Prisons is politically restricted under civil service guidelines. [46908] Mr Blunt: The number of people who received a community order with a requirement for an electronic Mr Blunt: The civil service guidelines do not apply to monitoring curfew was (a) 55,189 in 2009 and (b) Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Prisons (HMCI Prisons), 62,233 in 2010. since the appointment is not within the civil service. The data provided are from the Electronic monitoring However, it is the policy of the Ministry of Justice to service suppliers, G4S and Serco. It shows the number include in HMCI Prisons’ terms of appointment a of electronic monitoring orders received by the suppliers provision that restricts the political activities of the and not individuals. office holder. That is to say, HMCI Prisons must not Family Courts engage in national political activities such as adoption as a candidate, holding office in a party political organisation, or canvassing on behalf of a parliamentary Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State candidate or political party. Permission may be sought for Justice (1) what steps he has taken to improve the to take part in local political activities or to engage in working of family courts; [46806] matters of local political controversy. Under schedule 1 (2) what steps he has taken to minimise any adverse of the House of Commons Disqualification Act 1975, effect on a child arising from participation in court the serving Chief Inspector is not permitted to stand as proceedings. [46807] a Member of Parliament; under the Scottish Parliament (Disqualification) Order 2010 the Chief Inspector is Mr Djanogly: A Family Justice Review is currently also prohibited from standing as a member of the under way looking at the workings of the family justice Scottish Parliament. system with a view to implementing significant reform. The review panel, comprising experts from across the Human Rights field of family justice, will make recommendations for reform in two core areas: the promotion of informed settlement and agreement; and management of the Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice family justice system overall. Recommendations will on which occasions the UK Supreme Court has declared focus on ensuring that the interests of the child are an incompatibility between domestic legislation and the paramount in any decision affecting them, unnecessary European Convention on Human Rights under section 4 delay is avoided and conflict between individuals is of the Human Rights Act 1998 since the Court’s inception; minimised as far as possible. An interim report is expected and what the Government’s response was in each such shortly and a final report is due in the autumn. case. [46900] Pending the outcome of the review, in public law Mr Djanogly: Since the Supreme Court began operating proceedings an interim “system-wide approach” has in October 2009, it has declared one piece of domestic been adopted with the aim of reducing unnecessary legislation incompatible with the European convention delay. The approach comprises efforts focussed around on human rights (ECHR) in accordance with section 4 local solutions and initiatives, and is being taken forward of the Human Rights Act 1998 (HRA). by a network of newly established “local performance improvement groups”. A National Performance Partnership On this occasion, the Supreme Court upheld a declaration has also been established to collate best practice and of incompatibility issued by the Court of Appeal in take a strategic approach to improving performance relation to section 82 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003, and reducing delay. Ministry of Justice and Department pursuant to the R (on the application of (1)F (2) Angus for Education officials are working closely with system Aubrey Thompson) v. Secretary of State for the Home agencies (Her Majesty’s Courts Service, CAFCASS, Department case. On 16 February 2011, the Home Legal Services Commission and local authorities) as Secretary made an oral statement in the House of well as with the President of the Family Division to Commons announcing that the Government would shortly identify and share best practice to reduce delay and bring forward proposals to implement the Supreme improve performance in public law proceedings. To Court’s ruling in this case. support these efforts, Her Majesty’s Court Service allocated The courts listed under section 4(5) of the HRA an additional 4,000 county court sitting days over the other than the Supreme Court have also exercised the course of 2010-11 to create extra capacity in the system. power to grant a declaration of incompatibility since In relation to private law disputes, the President of the HRA came into force on 2 October 2000. the Family Division issued a revised Practice Direction in April 2010 setting out the principles to be followed. A Offenders: Berkshire key feature is the requirement to list a first hearing within four weeks, and no later than six weeks, from the Alok Sharma: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice issue of proceedings. At the first hearing, the court will (1) how many people arrested and charged for drug-related identify the issues and make decisions about the timetabling offences in (a) Reading West constituency, (b) Reading and next stages in the case. These decisions are informed and (c) Berkshire were prosecuted in each of the last by a short report from CAFCASS setting out the result five years; and how many such cases resulted in (i) a of initial safeguarding checks with the local authority custodial sentence, (ii) a non-custodial penalty, (iii) the and police to ensure that any decisions made at the first case being dropped due to a lack of evidence and (iv) hearing are safe for the child and parties. the defendant being cleared of all charges; [46599] 547W Written Answers17 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 548W

(2) how many people arrested and charged for drink- Mr Blunt: From information held by the Ministry of and drug-related driving offences in (a) Reading West Justice, the number of persons proceeded against at constituency, (b) Reading and (c) Berkshire were magistrates courts and found guilty at all courts for; prosecuted in each of the last five years; and how many drugs, drink and drug driving, firearms, burglary and of those cases resulted in (i) a custodial sentence, (ii) a knife possession offences, and the sentence breakdown non-custodial penalty, (iii) the case being dropped due in Thames Valley police force area, 2005-09 (latest to a lack of evidence and (iv) the defendant being available) can be viewed in the table. cleared of all charges; [46627] Information available centrally does not allow a (3) how many people arrested and charged for firearm- breakdown below police force area or local justice area related offences in (a) Reading West constituency, (b) in which the cases were heard. Therefore information Reading and (c) Berkshire were prosecuted in each of for Thames Valley police force area has been provided the last five years; how many of those cases resulted in in lieu. (i) a custodial sentence, (ii) a non-custodial penalty, (iii) Court proceedings data for 2010 will be available in the case being dropped due to a lack of evidence and the spring of 2011. (iv) the defendant being cleared of all charges; [46628] Charging information is not held by the Ministry of (4) how many people were prosecuted for burglary in Justice. (a) Reading West constituency, (b) Reading and (c) The Home Office are responsible for information Berkshire in each of the last five years; and how many relating to arrests. The latest published information on cases resulted in (i) a custodial sentence, (ii) a non-custodial arrests can be found in chapter 1 of the Home Office penalty, (iii) the case being dropped because of a lack of Statistical Bulletin, “Police Powers and Procedures 2008-09”. evidence and (iv) the defendant being cleared of all Table 1.01 contains data on arrests for drug offences in charges; [46635] Thames Valley police force area. (5) how many people were prosecuted for possession A link to the bulletin as well as previous bulletins can of a knife in (a) Reading West constituency, (b) Reading also be found as follows: and (c) Berkshire in each of the last five years; and how http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/police-powers.html many cases resulted in (i) a custodial sentence, (ii) a Arrests data reported to the Home Office are for the non-custodial penalty, (iii) the case being dropped because main offence groups only e.g. violence against the person, of a lack of evidence and (iv) the defendant being sexual offences, etc. It is therefore not possible to provide cleared of all charges; [46636] the specific information requested.

Number of persons proceeded against at magistrates courts and found guilty at all courts for selected offences and sentence breakdown in Thames Valley police force area, 2005-091, 2 Offence/Outcome 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

Drugs: Proceeded against3 1,759 1,962 1,789 2,049 2,064 Terminated early4 142 133 97 105 101 Acquitted5 46 56 44 58 50 Found guilty 1,573 1.747 1,643 1,924 1,916 Sentenced6 1,571 1,747 1,636 1,922 1,900 Of which: Immediate custody 200 211 240 268 195 Other sentences7 1,371 1,536 1,396 1.654 1,705

Drink and drugs related motoring: Proceeded against3 3,412 3,379 3,299 2,875 2,425 Terminated early4 170 196 174 91 79 Acquitted5 33 23 25 23 22 Found guilty 3,211 3,161 3,102 2,763 2,323 Sentenced6 3,211 3,163 3,101 2,762 2,326 Of which: Immediate custody 96 85 70 91 58 Other sentences7 3,115 3,078 3,031 2.671 2,268

Firearms: Proceeded against3 72 79 61 64 80 Terminated early4 98633 Acquitted5 9133 417 Found guilty 47 55 48 45 46 Sentenced6 49 55 46 44 47 Of which: Immediate custody 14 18 16 14 11 Other sentences7 35 37 30 30 36 549W Written Answers17 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 550W

Number of persons proceeded against at magistrates courts and found guilty at all courts for selected offences and sentence breakdown in Thames Valley police force area, 2005-091, 2 Offence/Outcome 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

Burglary: Proceeded against3 912 907 872 958 870 Terminated early4 144 133 85 112 109 Acquitted5 48 61 65 68 62 Found guilty 685 649 674 681 607 Sentenced6 666 648 663 673 612 Of which: Immediate custody 252 295 278 283 259 Other sentences7 414 353 385 390 353

Possession of a knife: Proceeded against3 192 227 165 167 289 Terminated early4 42 41 19 15 22 Acquitted5 10 13 14 16 18 Found guilty 145 178 139 138 238 Sentenced6 147 179 137 145 243 Of which: Immediate custody 26 32 32 24 55 Other sentences7 121 147 105 121 188 1 The figures given in the table on court proceedings relate to persons for whom these offences were the principal offences for which they were dealt with. When a defendant has been found guilty of two or more offences it is the offence for which the heaviest penalty is imposed. Where the same disposal is imposed fortwoor more offences, the offence selected is the offence for which the statutory maximum penalty is the most severe. 2 Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extractedfrom large administrative data systems generated by the courts and police forces. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used. 3 The total of the ’Terminated early’, ’Acquitted’ and ’Found guilty’ columns may exceed the number proceeded against where defendants are found guiltyinthe year following that in which proceedings occurred. 4 Includes proceedings which are discontinued or withdrawn. 5 Includes proceedings which are discharged or dismissed. 6 The sentenced column may exceed those found guilty as it may be the case that a defendant found guilty, and committed for sentence at the Crown court, may be sentenced in the following year. 7 Includes: Absolute/conditional discharge, Fine, Community Sentence, Fully Suspended Sentence, and Otherwise dealt with. Source: Justice Statistics Analytical Services - Ministry of Justice.

Playgrounds: Acklington be done by the end of July and that transfer of land at Acklington to the Parish Council for recreational use Sir Alan Beith: To ask the Secretary of State for could proceed this summer. Justice when the estates directorate of his Department will notify Acklington Parish Council of its Police: Prison Accommodation conclusions on the transfer of land at Acklington for a children’s play area; and when he plans to respond to Mr Ruffley: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice the letter from the right hon. Member for Berwick- how many prisoners are being held in police cells; at upon-Tweed of 10 January 2011 on this matter. [47301] what cost; and how many were so held in each police force area in England and Wales in each of the last five Mr Djanogly: A copy of the reply from the Secretary years. [46945] of State for Justice, my right hon. and learned Friend, the Member for Rushcliffe (Mr Clarke), to the right Mr Blunt: Police cells have not been used since 22 hon. Gentleman’s letter of 10 January was emailed to September 2008 and no police cells have been on stand his office on 3 March. A further copy of this reply was by since the end of October 2008. sent to his office on 15 March. The following table details usage by police force area The Ministry of Justice is unable to process applications between October 2006 and 31 October 2008 and gives for the transfer of land until its policy on disposal of the aggregated total of the number of prisoner nights in surplus property is finalised. It is expected that this will which a police cell was used.

Aggregated total number of prisoner nights in which a police cell was used by police force area from October 2006 to 22 September 2008 2006 2007 2008 Total

Avon and Somerset 0 122 35 157 Bedfordshire 0 414 82 496 Cambridgeshire 212 1,262 414 1,888 Cheshire 103 4,437 1,558 6,098 Cleveland 0 4 0 4 Cumbria 0 351 89 440 Derbyshire 113 454 341 908 551W Written Answers17 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 552W

Aggregated total number of prisoner nights in which a police cell was used by police force area from October 2006 to 22 September 2008 2006 2007 2008 Total

Devon and Cornwall 38 1,995 432 2,465 Dorset 71 380 109 560 Durham 42 1,226 377 1,645 Dyfed Powys 1 682 0 683 Essex 1,009 4,387 645 6,041 Gloucestershire 0 17 1 18 GMP 15 3,086 611 3,712 Gwent 0 962 0 962 Hampshire 65 1,555 475 2,095 Hertfordshire 40 1,216 395 1,651 Humberside 0 81 30 111 Kent 335 3,654 948 4,937 Lancashire 0 1,802 263 2,065 Leicestershire 0 2,970 723 3,693 Lincolnshire 168 1,569 2 1,739 Merseyside 196 170 43 409 Met 333 10,740 4,423 15,496 Norfolk 0 20 12 32 North Wales 14 1,785 453 2,252 North Yorkshire 0 39 20 59 Northamptonshire 219 1,232 43 1,494 Northumbria 0 1,242 0 1,242 Nottinghamshire 0 188 34 222 South Wales 81 1,401 715 2,197 South Yorkshire 0 1,015 194 1,209 Staffordshire 0 2 58 60 Suffolk 83 1,171 369 1,623 Surrey 0 107 9 116 Sussex 338 262 223 823 TVP 433 2,727 688 3,848 Warwickshire 93 1,191 893 2,177 West Mercia 0 63 1 64 West Midlands 570 6,959 939 8,468 West Yorkshire 45 3,672 948 4,665 Wiltshire 0 91 6 97 Totals 4,617 66,703 17,601 88,921

Mr Ruffley: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Costs shown in the table exclude prisons operated how much was allocated to the daily cost of food for a and managed by the contracted sector. prisoner in (a) a prison cell and (b) a police station The ADFE per prisoner has been calculated using cell in each of the last five years. [46946] available management information from the NOMS finance systems and assumes that all transactions have Mr Blunt: The information is as follows: been allocated and recorded against the correct accounting For prisoners in prison cells: codes. Responsibility for determining prison establishment For prisoners in police station cells: food budgets lies with the governing Governor who will Police cells have not been used since 22 September set aside a realistic sum that will meet the dietary needs 2008 and no police cells have been on stand by since the of the population of the establishment. Menu requirements end of October 2008. vary between establishments and are based on the prisoner However Operation Safeguard was in use between population, local regimes and seasonal availability. mid-October 2006 and 31 October 2008. Throughout Prisons provide breakfast, lunch and dinner together this period NOMS was invoiced by police forces in with all condiments and beverages. The average daily arrears. Expenditure on meals provided for prisoners food expenditure (ADFE) per prisoner for each of the held in police cells is not readily available from invoices last five years is as follows. submitted. This information could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. However, the agreement between Estimated average daily food NOMS and ACPO at this time placed an upper limit of Year ending 31 March: expenditure per prisoner (£) £12 expenditure on meals for each prisoner over a 24 hour period. 2010 2.20 2009 2.31 Under the current agreement between NOMS and 2008 2.12 ACPO governing Operation Safeguard an all-inclusive 2007 1.97 rate is charged which includes the cost of meals and 2006 1.93 other ancillary items. This agreement was finalised in May 2009. 553W Written Answers17 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 554W

Police: Video Recordings Prison Service: Training

Mr Ruffley: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what assessment he has made of the merits of using what the budget for staff training in each prison was in videolink equipment installed in prisons to record (a) 2009-10 and (b) 2010-11. [46912] interviews between police officers and witnesses in prison. [46947] Mr Blunt: The table details the budgets allocated on Mr Blunt: The Ministry of Justice Video Services do the National Offender Management Service’ (NOMS) not currently have a recording facility available on any central accounting system for staff training in each video link equipment. There are no plans at present to prison for financial years 2009-10 and 2010-11. The upgrade the service but we will consider this issue as training budgets cover externally provided staff training part of the Department’s wider plans to roll out video courses and further education courses, and also include services. the purchase of associated training course materials and training equipment. Prison Accommodation The budgets do not include training delivered to staff internally within NOMS, or that training that may occur within the normal working environment in the John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for form of on the job learning and development. This Justice how many offenders held in a cell designed for information is not held centrally on the NOMS accounting one inmate shared it with (a) one other inmate and (b) system. two other inmates in the last 12 months for which figures are available. [46828] £ Prison 2009-10 2010-11 Mr Blunt: The number of offenders held in a cell designed for one inmate who shared with one other Acklington 15,500 15,500 inmate in the 12 months from April 2009 to March 2010 Ashwell 13,475 14,800 is set out in the following table in the column headed Askham Grange 5,618 5,700 “doubling”. Aylesbury 13,400 6,000 Trebling refers to cells designed for two which are Bedford 12,000 12,000 occupied by three. Figures for trebling are available for Belmarsh 68,387 55,784 each of the 12 months from April 2009 to March 2010 Birmingham 23,000 34,000 and are shown in the following table. Blantyre House 3,000 600 Blundeston 14,440 10,413 Doubling Trebling Brinsford 18,050 51,000 2009 Bristol 10,333 12,000 Brixton 8,000 9,000 April 18,702 993 Buckley Hall 20,000 10,700 May 18,760 1,076 Bullingdon 7,000 13,000 June 18,914 1,154 Bullwood Hall 9,000 8,600 July 19,275 1,076 Canterbury 11,000 8,000 August 19,725 1,198 Cardiff 15,000 10,000 September 19,082 1,147 Castington 18,000 0 October 19,404 1,131 Channings Wood 21,875 19,900 November 19,470 1,041 Chelmsford 21,000 33,000 December 18,602 952 Coldingley 6,000 6,000 2010 Cookham Wood 9,000 8,000 January 18,718 861 Dartmoor 4,000 10,000 February 18,872 894 Deerbolt 12,000 12,000 March 19,466 871 Dorchester 5,000 5,000 Total 228,990 12,394 Dover 14,100 14,650 Downview 60,250 15,800 These figures have been drawn from administrative Drake Hal! 12,866 9,500 IT systems, which, as with any large scale recording system, are subject to possible errors with data entry Durham 23,000 33,000 and processing. East Sutton Park 4,000 600 Eastwood Park 15,830 8,273 Occupancy levels at individual prisons will vary according Erlestoke 11,000 19,914 to the amount of capacity available overall, the number Everthorpe 22,400 24,615 of prisoners and the way in which the prison population Exeter 12,000 12,000 is managed. Featherstone 20,000 20,000 We will continue to keep capacity requirements under Feltham 22,000 26,000 review against current headroom in the estate, expected Ford 7,500 7,500 prison population levels and the impact of wider Foston Hall 21,010 22,592 developments such as the Government’s Green Paper Frankland 167,250 171,346 ″Breaking the Cycle: Effective Punishment, Rehabilitation Full Sutton 73,400 68,300 and Sentencing of Offenders″. 555W Written Answers17 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 556W

£ £ Prison 2009-10 2010-11 Prison 2009-10 2010-11

Garth 58,914 32,074 Swinfen Hall 23,000 18,000 Gartree 34,574 20,774 Thorn Cross 11,000 9,000 Glen Parva 25,900 12,500 Usk 2,986 6,000 Gloucester 11,600 8,600 Verne (The) 10,079 12,000 Grendon 15,900 10,500 Wakefield 56,000 75,000 Guys Marsh 6,500 12,500 Wandsworth 97,080 42,000 Haslar 4,400 5,150 Warren Hill 6,762 10,000 Haverigg 9,000 5,000 Wayland 41,000 29,000 Highdown 18,000 9,000 Wealstun 8,000 8,000 Edmunds Hill 18,000 6,000 Wellingborough 6,000 18,000 Highpoint 26,000 24,700 Werrington 16,100 17,000 Hindley 25,500 25,500 Wetherby 96,733 64,100 Hollesley Bay 3,500 5,500 Whatton 55,950 43,000 Holloway 20,000 30,000 Whitemoor 204,282 168,716 Holme House 33,800 39,700 Winchester 10,200 13,200 Hull 32,000 7,000 Woodhill 43,999 35,000 Huntercombe 18,565 11,403 Wormwood Scrubs 25,000 15,000 Kingston 5,000 5,000 Wymott 34,000 23,500 Kirkham 36,000 9,000 Springhill 5,100 4,500 Kirklevington 5,000 5,000 Isle of Sheppey 23,842 44,259 Grange Cluster Lancaster Castle 6,000 6,000 Kennet 15,000 15,000 Lancaster Farms 36,000 15,600 Hewell 14,100 21,000 Latchmere House 4,000 3,800 Bure 19,500 30,000 Leeds 19,097 15,247 Isle of Wight 44,000 39,000 Leicester 8,000 23,520 Cluster Lewes 14,400 19,630 Isis 48,000 52,000 Leyhill 19,000 19,500 Total 3,102,901 2,780,140 Lincoln 17,700 16,800 Lindholme 52,000 15,000 Littlehey 13,017 45,269 Prisoners’ Release Liverpool 24,163 12,200 Long Lartin 70,650 70,695 Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Low Newton 17,000 29,356 how many people were subject to home detention Maidstone 10,000 15,000 curfew in England and Wales on the latest date for Manchester 106,147 110,147 which figures are available. [47154] Moorland 19,000 19,000 Morton Hall 20,150 10,000 Mr Blunt: On 11 March 2011 there were 2,699 prisoners Mount (The) 20,000 6,000 under Home Detention Curfew supervision. This New Hall 36,474 32,874 information is published weekly on the HMPS website: North Sea Camp 6,000 11,400 http://www.hmprisonservice.gov.uk/resourcecentre/ Northallerton 6,000 7,300 publicationsdocuments/index.asp?cat=85 Norwich 14,735 15,260 These figures have been drawn from administrative Nottingham 15,665 21,200 IT systems which, as with any large scale recording Onley 32,500 39,500 system, are subject to possible errors with data entry Pentonville 11,128 12,000 and processing. Portland 21,300 2130 Preston 43,900 27,000 Ranby 26,000 17,000 Prisoners: Finance Reading 7,500 7,500 Risley 30,000 20,000 Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Rochester 33,825 29,750 how much his Department has given to prisoner Send 8,000 18,000 support groups in each year since its inception. [46835] Shepton Mallet 7,000 4,500 Shrewsbury 10,000 10,380 Mr Blunt: Financial information for grants and contracts Stafford 10,000 25,000 paid to voluntary and community sector providers since Stocken 27,000 35,500 the Department’s inception is not collated centrally. Stoke Heath 31,500 22,500 Individual prisons and Probation Trusts have responsibility Styal 60,500 11,750 for contracting directly with the voluntary and community Sudbury 6,000 10,400 sector providers, and the National Offenders Management Swansea 5,000 5,000 Service has only recently commenced putting in processes to collect data at a national level. 557W Written Answers17 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 558W

Prisons: EU Action (b) reprimand for providing prisoners with mobile telephones in (a) 2007, (b) 2008, (c) 2009 and (d) Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice 2010. [47085] (1) whether the Government were consulted in advance of the adoption by the Committee of Ministers of Mr Blunt: The information requested is not held Recommendation (87)3 on European prison rules; whether centrally and could be obtained only by contacting the European Prison Rules have effect in UK domestic individual prison establishments and by reviewing individual law; and if he will make a statement; [46848] employee personal files at a disproportionate cost. (2) whether the UK was consulted in advance of Prosecutions the adoption by the Committee of Ministers of Recommendation (2003)23 on the management by prison administrations of life sentence and other long-term Mr Ruffley: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice (a) prisoners; whether the Recommendation has effect in how many prosecutions have been brought by the (b) UK domestic law; and if he will make a statement. Crown Prosecution Service and local authorities for offences of (i) fly-tipping, (ii) graffiti, (iii) dog fouling, [46849] (iv) dropping of litter and (v) parking in each year since 2006. [46939] Mr Blunt: The Committee of Ministers is composed of representatives of Council of Europe member states, Mr Blunt: The number of defendants proceeded against and Her Majesty’s Government regularly contributes to at magistrates courts for (i) fly tipping offences, (ii) discussions about prison rules and standards within the ‘other’ criminal damage, (iii) dog fouling, (iv) littering Council of Europe. The European prison rules are not and (v) parking offences since 2006 is given in the table legally binding on member states. However, our domestic from 2006 to 2009 (latest available). The offence class of rules, standards and policies are generally consistent ‘other’ criminal damage includes, but cannot separately with the principles of the European rules. identify, offences of graffiti. Information collated centrally Prisons: Mobile Phones on court proceedings does not specifically identify the prosecuting authority. Karl Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Court proceedings data for 2010 are planned for how many prison officers received a (a) caution and publication in spring 2011.

Number of defendants proceeded against at magistrates courts for selected offences, England and Wales, 2006 to 20091,2,3 Offence description Statute 2006 2007 2008 2009

Fly-tipping Environmental Protection Act 1990, s.33(6)(8)(9), 34 and 59; Control 1,791 1,842 1,817 1,772 of Pollution Act (Amendment) Act 1989, s.1; Refuse Disposal (Amenity) Act 1978. Other criminal damage Explosive Substances Act 1883 s.2 (part), 3 (part); Malicious Damage 13,478 12,848 8,567 6,345 Act 1861, ss.35, 36, 47 and 48; Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Area Act 1979; Criminal Damage Act 1971 s.1(1). Dog fouling Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996, s.3. 404 376 478 680 Littering Environmental Protection Act 1990, s.87, 93, 94, 94(8)(9) as substituted 2,031 3,066 3,571 4,449 by Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005, s.21. Parking Road Traffic Act 1988, s.22; Road Traffic Act 1988, s.160, sch. 2A 9,059 6,370 6,595 7,319 P.2(1)(2)(3)(4), and P.4 as added by Road Safety Act 2006, s.22 Transport Act 2000, s.173(5)(6)(7), 174(3), 175(2)(3)(4), 190; Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988, s.62(2); Traffic Management Act 2004, ss.78, 79, and 82. 1 The figures given in the table on court proceedings relate to persons for whom these offences were the principal offences for which they were dealt with.Whena defendant has been found guilty of two or more offences it is the offence for which the heaviest penalty is imposed. Where the same disposal is imposed fortwoor more offences, the offence selected is the offence for which the statutory maximum penalty is the most severe. 2 Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extracted from large administrative data systems generated by the courts and police forces. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used. 3 Excludes data for Cardiff magistrates court for April, July and August 2008. Source: Justice Statistics Analytical Services—Ministry of Justice.

Rape: Victim Support Schemes Existing rape support centres Over the next three-year period, the Ministry of Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Justice will provide up to £10.5 million in grant funding pursuant to the answer of 21 December 2010, Official for existing rape support centres. This will give centres Report, columns 1166-67W, on rape: victim support the financial certainty they need to build a sustainable schemes, what funding he has allocated to rape crisis presence. centres in each year of the comprehensive spending review period; and what proportion of such funding Development of new rape support centres will come from the victim surcharge. [46931] In the first phase of a longer-term program of work Mr Blunt: The Government are committed to providing to develop new centres in areas where there are gaps in existing rape support centres with stable, long-term provision, up to £600,000 in funding will be provided funding and developing new centres where there are over the next 12 months to develop new rape support gaps in provision. Funding has been allocated as follows: centres in Hereford, Devon, Trafford and Dorset. 559W Written Answers17 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 560W

We are currently working with the voluntary sector to Mr Blunt: Information held by the Ministry of Justice finalise budgets for the four new centres for financial on the number of offenders cautioned, found guilty and years 2012-13 and 2013-14 and to identify further areas sentenced to a Community Rehabilitation Order, where the need for such services is particularly acute. Community Order, Suspended Sentence and Immediate It is intended that the commitment will be predominately Custody at all courts for ‘stealing from shops and stalls’ funded from the proceeds of the victim surcharge. We (shoplifting), in the East of England region, 1999 to are also in discussions with other interested departments 2009, are shown in the following tables 1 and 2. about contributing towards its costs. The court proceedings database does not hold specific Shoplifting: Sentencing information on the offender beyond age, gender and the court where the case was heard; therefore the Ministry Mr Ruffley: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice of Justice cannot tell if the offender was a resident of how many incidents of shoplifting led to a (a) caution the east of England region. and (b) conviction resulting in (i) probation and (ii) Court proceedings data for 2010 are planned for custodial sentences in each parliamentary constituency publication in spring 2011. in the East of England in each year since 1999. [47024]

Table 1: Number of offenders cautioned1, 2 for ‘shoplifting’3, east of England region 1999 to 20094 Region/police force area 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

Bedfordshire 681 492 647 513 641 753 855 887 687 699 629 Cambridgeshire 433 532 430 428 420 550 843 770 601 748 739 Essex 1,016 946 1,014 810 767 805 1,277 2,069 2,611 1,305 2,130 Hertfordshire 568 704 777 604 662 760 749 897 980 852 989 Norfolk 573 638 495 382 400 580 648 886 708 538 424 Suffolk 379 572 599 396 428 466 487 521 604 510 537 East of England 3,650 3,884 3,962 3,133 3,318 3,914 4,859 6,030 6,191 4,652 5,448 region 1 The cautions statistics relate to persons for whom these offences were the principal offences for which they were dealt with. When a defendant has been cautioned for two or more offences at the same time the principal offence is the more serious offence. 2 From 1 June 2000 the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 came into force nationally and removed the use of cautions for persons under 18 and replaced them with reprimands and warnings. These figures have been included in the totals. 3 Stealing from ‘shops and stalls’ (shoplifting) is an offence under Theft Act 1968. section 1. 4 Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extractedfrom large administrative data systems generated by the courts, and police forces. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used. Source: Justice Statistics Analytical Services—Ministry of Justice. Table 2: Number of offenders found guilty, sentenced and given a community rehabilitation order1, community order2,suspended sentence3 or an immediate custodial sentence for ‘Shoplifting’4 at all courts, east of England region 1999 to 20095, 6, 7 Region/police force area 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

Bedfordshire Found guilty 798 805 867 916 1,098 1.073 879 551 594 652 608 Total sentenced 809 812 874 928 1,109 1,076 881 554 593 649 605 Of which: Community 12515414615215512991———— rehabilitation order Community order n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 40 100 110 142 143 Suspended ——2322322251818 sentence Immediate 176 213 236 268 312 285 229 106 112 123 106 custodial sentence

Cambridgeshire Found guilty 704 872 895 857 791 717 802 808 717 1,016 1,155 Total sentenced 701 869 897 353 791 716 803 808 710 993 1,145 Of which: Community 68 116 121 171 124 124 39 1 — — 1 rehabilitation order Community order n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 92 152 152 248 239 Suspended — 2————1133457667 sentence Immediate 82 101 122 97 113 86 99 119 109 210 244 custodial sentence

Essex Found guilty 1,622 1,578 1,744 1,624 1,686 1,646 1,841 1,715 1,913 1,868 2,155 561W Written Answers17 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 562W

Table 2: Number of offenders found guilty, sentenced and given a community rehabilitation order1, community order2,suspended sentence3 or an immediate custodial sentence for ‘Shoplifting’4 at all courts, east of England region 1999 to 20095, 6, 7 Region/police force area 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

Total sentenced 1,628 1,573 1,746 1,631 1,701 1,646 1,846 1,716 1,896 1,849 2,137 Of which:

Community 214 229 230 236 229 151 68 4 3 4 12 rehabilitation order Community order n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 164 311 394 416 479 Suspended 3—3122369811376109 sentence Immediate 360 372 466 486 542 518 535 419 432 480 429 custodial sentence

Hertfordshire

Found guilty 779 889 917 964 1,051 1,130 1,126 874 846 929 1,127 Total sentenced 781 892 916 966 1,049 1,126 1,131 867 839 928 1,130 Of which:

Community 121129154160165134712131 rehabilitation order Community order n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 106 178 182 211 265 Suspended 1— 1— 2—1840434764 sentence Immediate 86 134 176 199 191 237 239 199 160 163 191 custodial sentence

Norfolk

Found guilty 1,027 991 1,088 1,045 944 925 923 1,040 885 865 1,024 Total sentenced 1,033 989 1,083 1,043 941 919 920 1,035 885 859 1,027 Of which:

Community 921071461519060356231 rehabilitation order Community order n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 116 256 192 200 211 Suspended 12333—1456364353 sentence Immediate 122 133 152 147 152 157 106 136 150 166 196 custodial sentence

Suffolk

Found guilty 666 749 771 743 839 726 745 659 732 604 753 Total sentenced 654 745 770 739 836 724 744 658 725 602 755 Of which:

Community 59 92 94 88 98 52 55 4 2 1 — rehabilitation order Community order n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 27 77 131 114 154 Suspended 2213344042563636 sentence Immediate 101 106 102 112 132 104 110 111 99 88 113 custodial sentence

East of England region Found guilty 5,596 5,884 6,282 6,149 6,409 6,217 6,316 5,647 5,687 5,934 6,822 Total sentenced 5,606 5,880 6,286 6,160 6,427 6,207 6,325 5,636 5,648 5,880 6,799 Of which:

Community 679 827 891 958 861 650 359 17 8 11 15 rehabilitation order Community order n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 545 1,074 1,161 1,331 1,491 Suspended 7 6 10 10 12 8 122 291 318 296 347 sentence 563W Written Answers17 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 564W

Table 2: Number of offenders found guilty, sentenced and given a community rehabilitation order1, community order2,suspended sentence3 or an immediate custodial sentence for ‘Shoplifting’4 at all courts, east of England region 1999 to 20095, 6, 7 Region/police force area 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

Immediate 927 1,059 1,254 1,309 1,442 1,387 1,318 1,090 1,062 1,230 1,279 custodial sentence n/a = Not applicable. 1 Formerly a probation order. 2 Under the Criminal Justice Act 2003, various types of community order previously available for adults (community punishment order, community rehabilitation order, drug treatment and testing order) were replaced by a single generic community order with a range of possible requirements. Courts are able to choose different elements to make up a bespoke community order, which is relevant to that particular offender and the crime(s) they committed. 3 Fully suspended sentence prior to April 2005, Suspended Sentence Order for offences committed from 4 April 2005 4 Stealing from ‘shops and stalls’ (shoplifting) is an offence under Theft Act 1968, section 1. 5 These statistics relate to persons for whom these offences were I he principal offence for which they were dealt with. When a defendant has been found guilty of two or more offences the principal offence is the offence for which the heaviest penalty is imposed. Where the same disposal is imposed for two or more offences, the offence selected is the offence for which the statutory maximum penalty is the most severe. 6 Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. however, it is important to note that these data have been extractedfromlarge administrative data systems generated by the courts, and police forces. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their Inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used. 7 The sentenced column may exceed those found guilty as it may be the case that a defendant found guilty, and committed for sentence at the Crown court, may be sentenced in the following year. Source: Justice Statistics Analytical Services—Ministry of Justice.

Terrorism: British Nationals Abroad Information on the number of YROs issued from this date, including the type of requirement attached to the Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice order, age, gender and ethnicity of the offender was (1) what estimate his Department has made of the published in January 2011 as part of the Youth Justice potential cost to the public purse of introducing the Board’s 2009-10 YouthJustice Statistics. These are available victims of overseas terrorism compensation scheme in online on the Ministry of Justice website at: each year of the comprehensive spending review period; http://www.justice.gov.uk/publications/youth-justice- [46933] statistics.htm (2) what estimate he has made of the number of Information on the number and type of YROs in the claimants that would be eligible under the victims of 2010-11 YouthJustice Statistics is planned to be published overseas terrorism compensation scheme during the in January 2012. comprehensive spending review period. [46934] A breakdown of YROs issued to date as requested is provided in the following table. Mr Blunt: Previous proposals for compensating victims Number of youth rehabilitation orders issued in London borough of of terrorism overseas are being considered alongside a Bexley, London and England between 30 November 2009 and 31 review of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme March 2010 (CICS) and wider victims’ services. Number

We are working with the Foreign and Commonwealth Bexley 4 Office to establish estimates of the numbers of individuals London 359 who may be eligible for any ex-gratia scheme. England 2,252 Note: Young Offenders: Reoffenders These figures have been drawn from YouthOffending Team administrative IT systems, which, as with any large scale recording system, are Mr Ruffley: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice subject to possible errors with data entry and processing and may be how many persistent young offenders are registered; subject to change over time. and how many and what proportion of total offences were attributable to persistent young offenders in each police force area in England and Wales in each year WORK AND PENSIONS since 1997. [47003] Children: Maintenance Mr Blunt: There is no register of persistent young offenders and centrally available data does not provide Ms Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and the information requested. Pensions how many (a) non-resident parents and (b) parents with care called the Child Maintenance Youth Justice Options Service in the last 12 months. [46064]

Mr Evennett: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Maria Miller: The Child Maintenance and Enforcement (1) what recent assessment he has made of the Commission is responsible for the child maintenance effectiveness of Youth Rehabilitation Orders; [46763] system. I have asked the Child Maintenance Commissioner (2) how many Youth Rehabilitation Orders have to write to the hon. Member with the information been issued in (a) the London borough of Bexley, (b) requested and I have seen the response. London and (c) England since their creation. [46765] Letter from Stephen Geraghty, dated 11 March 2011: In reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about the Mr Blunt: The Youth Rehabilitation Order (YRO) Child Maintenance and Enforcement Commission, the Secretary was introduced for offences committed from 30 November of State promised a substantive reply from the Child Maintenance 2009 and an evaluation has not yet been undertaken. Commissioner. 565W Written Answers17 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 566W

You asked the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how weekly maintenance liability (a) less than £5, (b) between many (a) non-resident parents and (b) parents with care called the £5 and £10, (c) between £10 and £20, (d) between £20 Child Maintenance Options Service in the last 12 months. [46064] and £30, (e) between £30 and £40, (f) between £40 and The service is confidential and provision of personal information £50 and (g) £50 or above. [46066] is voluntary. As such, not all callers provide information to create a client record and not all information is complete on every record. Maria Miller: The Child Maintenance and Enforcement In the 12 months to December 2010, around 57,100 inbound Commission is responsible for the child maintenance calls were from parents with care and 14,300 were from non-resident parents. 94,500 outbound calls were to parents with care and system. I have asked the Child Maintenance Commissioner 1,100 were to non-resident parents. These figures are based on an to write to the hon. Member with the information extrapolation of the 60% of client records where the role of the requested and I have seen the response. caller was captured. Letter from Stephen Geraghty, dated 11 March 2011: I hope you find this answer helpful. In reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about the Child Support Agency, the Secretary of State promised a substantive Ms Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and reply from the Child Maintenance Commissioner as the Child Pensions how many referrals were made by the Child Support Agency is now the responsibility of the Child Maintenance Maintenance Options Service to its face-to-face service and Enforcement Commission. in the last 12 months; what the criteria for referral were; You asked the Secretary Of State for Work and Pensions, in and how many face-to-face interviews took place. what percentage of Child Support Agency cases which have a [46065] positive maintenance liability is the weekly maintenance liability (a) less than £5, (b) between £5 and £10, (c) between £10 and £20, (d) between £20 and £30, (e) between £30 and £40,;(f) Maria Miller: The Child Maintenance and Enforcement between £40 and £50 and (g) £50 or above. [46066] Commission is responsible for the child maintenance system. I have asked the Child Maintenance Commissioner The table below shows the percentage of cases with a current positive maintenance liability in each of the requested ongoing to write to the hon. Member with the information weekly maintenance bands in the quarter to December 2010. This requested and I have seen the response. includes cases administered both on and off system where an Letter from Stephen Geraghty, dated 11 March 2011: ongoing maintenance liability exists. In reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about the Child Maintenance and Enforcement Commission, the Secretary Assessment amount Percentage of State promised a substantive reply from the Child Maintenance Less than £5 16 Commissioner. Between £5 and less than £10 24 You; asked the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many referrals were made by the Child Maintenance Options Between £10 and less than £20 6 Service to its face-to-face service in the last 12 months; what the Between £20 and less than £30 9 criteria for referral were; and how many face-to-face interviews Between £30 and less than £40 13 took place. [46065] Between £40 and less than £50 10 In the last 12 months to February 2011 a total of 4,357 £50 or above 22 requests were made for a face to face visit, of which 3,300 have Total 100 been completed. The criteria for referral are shown in the list Note: below. Arrears only cases are not included Circumstances where a visit is always offered I hope you find this answer helpful. Caller is 17 years or younger Those that have; recently separated Ms Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Circumstances where visits can be offered Pensions what proportion of maintenance direct cases Low skills dealt with by the Child Support Agency (CSA) in Lives at home with parents 2009-10 reverted to the CSA’s normal collection service during the course of the year at the request of Disabilities the parent with care. [46067] Emotional/Distressed Mentions a key worker Maria Miller: The Child Maintenance and Enforcement Hard of hearing—If caller is finding it difficult to understand Commission is responsible for the child maintenance information system. I have asked the Child Maintenance Commissioner No friends or family nearby to write to the hon. Member with the information Concerns alongside maintenance and requires help in prioritising requested and I have seen the response. actions Letter from Stephen Geraghty, dated 10 March 2011: Foreign language calls In reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about the The remit of the Child Maintenance Options face-to-face Child Support Agency, the Secretary of State promised a substantive consultants has recently been expanded to include community reply from the Child Maintenance Commissioner as the Child outreach. Consultants are visiting children’s centres, Jobcentre Support Agency is now the responsibility of the Child Maintenance Plus offices, Citizens Advice Bureaux and other key organisations and Enforcement Commission. and professionals who come into contact with separated and separating parents to promote awareness of the benefits of child You asked the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what maintenance to families and children. proportion of maintenance direct cases dealt with by the Child Support Agency (CSA) in 2009-10 reverted to the CSA’s normal I hope you find this answer helpful. collection service during the course of the year at the request of the parent with care. [46067] Ms Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and In the quarter to March 2009, there were 165,300 maintenance Pensions in what proportion of Child Support Agency direct cases. 10,400 (6%) of these had a liability to pay maintenance cases which have a positive maintenance liability is the via the CSA collection service at least once in quarters ending 567W Written Answers17 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 568W

June 2009, September 2009, December 2009 or March 2010. The Dr Whiteford: To ask the Secretary of State for Work CSA does not record the reason why these cases reverted to the and Pensions what guidance he plans to provide to collection service. individuals who have exceeded the social fund crisis I hope you find this answer helpful. loan cap on accessing alternative sources of emergency financial assistance. [45646]

Crisis Loans Steve Webb: Customers declined assistance from the Social Fund on the grounds that they have reached the Dr Whiteford: To ask the Secretary of State for Work limit of three awards in a 12-month period will have and Pensions how much the Social Fund crisis already been required to attend a face-to-face interview loan scheme cost to operate in each of the last five at which they are signposted to national and local years. [45528] organisations for independent financial and debt advice. Additionally, Jobcentres maintain lists of local sources Steve Webb: The administration of Social Fund crisis of assistance and will signpost customers as appropriate. loans is carried out by Jobcentre Plus. The following Exceptionally, those who are otherwise subject to the table provides data back to 2006-07. This is the earliest three awards in 12-months restriction can still access time for which data are available for Social Fund activity. support from the Social Fund in certain circumstances. Data have been included up to and including 2009-10, These include rent in advance, charges for board and the latest year for which audited Jobcentre Plus annual lodging accommodation and for hostels. The restriction report and accounts are available. also does not apply to applicants whose applications, in Social Fund crisis loan direct staff administration costs the opinion of the Decision Maker, have arisen from a £ million disaster or emergency.

2009-10 68.5 Crisis Loans: Bexley 2008-09 46.4 2007-08 38.8 Mr Evennett: To ask the Secretary of State for Work 2006-07 24.0 and Pensions (1) how many (a) men and (b) women Notes: resident in (i) Bexleyheath and Crayford constituency 1. The costs shown represent the direct staff costs within Jobcentre Plus associated with Social Fund crisis loan activity.The basis for allocating management, and (ii) the London Borough of Bexley applied for a support costs and head office costs has changed over this period and it would be Social Fund crisis loan in the last five years for which disproportionately costly to attempt to include all of these costs on a comparable figures are available; and in how many such cases a basis. [45954] 2. The increase in costs over the period above reflects an increase in the volumes Social Fund crisis loan was granted; of crisis loans. Volumes have increased as the Department has improved public (2) how much was paid in total to (a) men and (b) awareness of the availability of crisis loans. 3. In 2009-10 face to face interviews were introduced where an individual made women resident in (i) Bexleyheath and Crayford a third or subsequent request for a crisis loan within a rolling 12-month period. constituency and (ii) the London Borough of Bexley in The aim of these interviews is to: Social Fund crisis loans in the last five years for which Help ensure that the fund is not being mis-used. Evidence suggests that on being invited to interview, significant numbers of applicants either terminate the figures are available; and what the average payment was telephone call or fail to attend the appointment. in each such case. [45957] Help sign-post genuine needy customers for independent money advice so that they can receive help with matters such as budgeting. Source: Steve Webb: The information requested is available Jobcentre Plus Activity Based Management System only by Government office region or Jobcentre Plus Social Fund Budget area, not at constituency or local Dr Whiteford: To ask the Secretary of State for Work authority level. However that information cannot be and Pensions for what reason the number of social split by gender. fund crisis loans available to an individual in a 12 month period is to be set at three; and whether any Mr Evennett: To ask the Secretary of State for Work discretion is to be available in respect of people facing and Pensions how many (a) men and (b) women hardship. [45607] resident in (i) Bexleyheath and Crayford constituency and (ii) the London Borough of Bexley defaulted on Steve Webb: As outlined in my written ministerial Social Fund crisis loan repayments in the last five years statement of 3 March 2011, Official Report, columns for which figures are available; and what the total 45-46WS, we are taking urgent action to ensure that we monetary value of such defaults was. [45956] are able to meet the needs of those in genuine crisis while controlling continued growth in demand from a Steve Webb: The following information relates to the cash limited budget. national position for crisis loan write-offs in the last five full financial years. The further detail by gender and From 4 April, individuals will be limited to no more location is not available/held centrally and could be than three crisis loan awards in a rolling 12-month period. obtained only at disproportionate cost. I believe that this restriction strikes the right level between effective help to customers in genuine crisis Total amount of crisis Total volume of crisis while preventing misuse of the system by others in attempts loans written off (£) loans written off to gain further access to the limited funds available. 2009-10 545,205 6,649 In exceptional circumstances, a Decision Maker can 2008-09 567,076 7,001 make a fourth or subsequent crisis loan award where 2007-08 467,071 5,696 the need is as the result of an emergency deemed not to 2006-07 473,320 5,379 be the result of an act or omission on the part of the 2005-06 910,219 11,237 applicant or partner and unavoidable. 569W Written Answers17 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 570W

Departmental Land Maria Miller: The current criteria for receipt of disability living allowance broadly rely on a disabled individual Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for Work having prescribed levels of care or mobility needs. and Pensions if he will takes steps to reduce the size of Entitlement to the three rates of the care component is his Department’s estate; and if he will make a established by an individual having care needs at a statement. [45890] prescribed level. For example, someone with who has care needs on a frequent or prolonged basis both day Chris Grayling: The Department aims to have an and night may be entitled to the highest rate care estate that: supports service needs; provides the right component. Entitlement to the mobility component working environment for staff; and provides value for does not work on a similar basis: the lower rate is money for the taxpayer. available to people who require guidance or supervision DWP now own no estate assets of our own. Under a when out of doors in unfamiliar places; and entitlement private finance initiative (known as PRIME), all market to the higher rate is, with some exceptions, available to risks sit with Telereal Trillium at rent review and lease people who, by virtue of a physical disability, are unable renewal and they use their prominent position in the or virtually unable to walk. These entitlement criteria market to ensure they obtain optimal outcomes. have remained unchanged over the last five years. Further details on the entitlement criteria are available on the We will need fewer sites as our core staffing numbers Directgov website reduce following the spending review 2010. DWP is still developing the detail on the size and scale of universal http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/ FinancialSupport/DisabilityLivingAllowance/index.htm credit and, therefore, our estate reductions need to be made in the light of that context. We will ensure that the From April entitlement to the higher rate mobility reduction of estate capacity is measured and prudent, component will extended to people who have been and will not add to delivery risks. certified as blind or severely visually impaired by an ophthalmologist and have a prescribed degree of visual Departmental Procurement impairment. Awards of disability living allowance can currently be Stephen Barclay: To ask the Secretary of State for decided on the basis of self-reporting of need, and Work and Pensions how many procurement projects although medical evidence is sought for certain awards, with a monetary value greater than (a) £10 million, (b) it is not mandatory. The current system lacks consistency £50 million and (c) £100 million (i) his Department and in the way it supports disabled people with similar (ii) each non-departmental public body and agency for needs; and decision making on awarding the benefit can which he is responsible was engaged upon in the latest be subjective. That is why from 2013 we will replace period for which figures are available. [45690] disability living allowance for people of working age with personal independence payment, a new, more Chris Grayling: The information is as follows: transparent benefit with an objective assessment of (a) The Department has let three contracts and the individual need. Support through personal independence Health and Safety Executive, an Executive agency of payment will be focussed on those who have the most the Department, has let one with a value in excess of barriers to overcome to live independently. The detailed £10 million and less than £50 million in the period from criteria that will be used in the new assessment to 1 April 2010 to 14 March 2011. No contracts with a determine eligibility are currently being developed and monetary value of greater than £10 million have been are being informed by the consultation which closed on let by a non-departmental public body. 18 February.The Government are considering the feedback (b) No contracts were let in the period with a value from this consultation exercise and will publish their of between £50 million to £100 million by the Department response shortly. or one of its non-departmental public bodies. Disability Living Allowance: Autism (c) No contracts with a value in excess of £100 million were let in the period by one of the Departments Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State non-departmental public bodies. for Work and Pensions if he will bring forward proposals Departmental Regulation to amend the provisions of the Welfare Reform Bill which require people diagnosed with autism and in Gordon Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for receipt of disability living allowance to undergo a face- Work and Pensions what regulations his Department to-face interview. [45975] revoked between 8 February 2011 and 28 February 2011. [45983] Maria Miller: We are considering the most appropriate delivery model for the personal independence payment Chris Grayling: No regulations have been revoked by assessment and no decisions have yet been taken on the DWP between 8 February and 28 February 2011. detail of its operation, including how it will apply to existing DLA recipients. We believe that advice from a Disability Living Allowance suitably trained and approved individual, for example a health care professional, will be an important part of Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Work ensuring that the assessment is more objective and and Pensions what the criteria for receiving the (a) consistent. In most cases, we expect this to involve a higher and (b) lower rate of disability living allowance face-to-face consultation to enable an in-depth look at (i) are and (ii) were in each of the last five years; what an individual’s circumstances. Both I and departmental changes to such criteria are planned; and if he will officials have met with the National Autistic Society to make a statement. [45515] discuss our reform proposals and to seek their views on 571W Written Answers17 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 572W how the new benefit can best support those with autism. Employment and Support Allowance We agree with many of the points raised in the National Autistic Society’s recent report on DLA reform, ‘Who Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for benefits?’, and we are looking closely at how these Work and Pensions (1) how many and what proportion recommendations can be incorporated into its design. of claimants in the (i) assessment phase and (ii) work-related To ensure that we get this reform right, we are keen to activity group of employment and support allowance continue to work with disabled people and their whose claim was of a duration of up to three months organisations as the detail of the assessment criteria moved into (A) employment and (B) employment of 16 and its operation is developed and tested. hours a week or more in each quarter for which figures are available; [39748] Disability: Children (2) how many and what proportion of claimants in the (i) assessment phase and (ii) work-related activity Mike Weatherley: To ask the Secretary of State for group of employment and support allowance whose Work and Pensions what plans he has for the future of claim was of a duration of three to six months moved the disability benefits system for children aged into (A) employment and (B) employment of 16 hours a under 16. [45848] week or more in each quarter for which figures are available; [39749] Maria Miller: Personal independence payment will (3) how many and what proportion of claimants in replace disability living allowance for working-age (16-64) the (i) assessment phase and (ii) work-related activity adults from 2013 and the new objective assessment is group of employment and support allowance whose being designed to gather information about adult needs. claim was of a duration of between six and 12 months We want to build on the experience of developing an moved into (A) employment and (B) employment of 16 assessment and applying it to new and existing claimants hours a week or more in each quarter for which figures of working-age to inform our decisions about the are available; [39750] arrangements for children. Therefore we will not consider extending personal independence payment to new claims (4) how many and what proportion of claimants in from children or to children already receiving DLA, the (i) assessment phase and (ii) work-related activity until we have had an opportunity to consider the group of employment and support allowance whose effectiveness of the new arrangements for working age claim was of a duration of between one and two years people. moved into (A) employment and (B) employment of 16 hours a week or more in each quarter for which figures In developing the arrangements for children on DLA are available. [39751] we also want to take account of ongoing work across Government. The Department for Education’s Green Chris Grayling: The information requested on those Paper “Support and aspiration: A new approach to leaving employment support allowance (ESA) and moving special educational needs and disability”, published on into work is not available. 10 March, sets out the Government’s aspiration to move towards a single assessment process for a child’s Claimants leaving ESA are not required to inform social care, health and special educational needs. The the Department of their destinations or future intentions Department for Education plan to test the approach and hence the information that is collected on this starting this year and we will look at the findings of the group is incomplete. pathfinders to explore whether the single assessment For information, the following table breaks down the process might also be used to support claims for the ESA case load as at May 2010 by claim duration and disability living allowance and personal independence phase of ESA in payment. These data are published on payment. the DWP website.

Case load (thousand) ESA claim duration (May 2010) Up to 3 months 3 months up to 6 months 6 months up to 1 year 1 year and up to 2 years Total

Assessment phase 136.05 74.03 74.46 36.31 320.85 Work Related Activity 0.96 14.45 43.47 50.38 109.27 Group Support group 0.69 5.4 16.08 16.94 39.11 Unknown 13.54 17.84 15.83 10.68 57.89 Total 151.23 111.73 149.85 114.31 527.12 Note: Phase/stage of ESA claim is only available from February 2010 onwards. The phase is derived from payment details held on the source system. Where the claimant is not in receipt of any benefit payment then the stage of benefit is shown as unknown.

Employment and Support Allowance: Mental Illness Darra Singh. I have asked him to provide the hon. Member with the information requested. Alun Cairns: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will take steps to ensure that those Letter from Darra Singh: with variable mental health conditions are not penalised for missing a work-focussed interview. [47275] The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question asking about the steps taken to ensure that those with variable Maria Miller: The administration of Jobcentre Plus mental health conditions are not penalised for missing a Work- is a matter for the chief executive of Jobcentre Plus, Focussed Interview (WFI). 573W Written Answers17 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 574W

This is something that falls within the responsibilities delegated As part of their bids, organisations have confirmed to me as the Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus. their intention to partner with a number of organisations We have in place a range of safeguards to ensure that vulnerable of various sizes from all sectors who will be regular customers (including those with a mental health condition) are delivery partners during the lifetime of the work programme fully aware of the requirement to participate in a WFI. In contracts. particular, safeguard procedures for customers claiming Employment and Support Allowance include: advising the customer at the point of claim about the requirement Alun Cairns: To ask the Secretary of State for Work to undergo, and the purpose of, the work-focussed interview; and Pensions whether he has made an estimate of the notifying the customer (in writing) of the date, time and place proportion of Work programme contracts which will of the work-focused interview and asking them to get in touch if awarded to small and medium-sized enterprises. [47277] they cannot make it; contacting the customer (by telephone) before each work-focused Chris Grayling: DWP has encouraged representation interview to remind them that it is due; from small and medium enterprises in all its commercial considering the context of each work-focused interview whether competitions. the interview should be waived or deferred; For the Work programme, only those organisations offering them a more convenient location or a home visit where that are on DWP’s the Employment Related Support appropriate, and encouraging advocacy support if needed; Services Framework were able to bid, details of these identifying any relevant issues from medical evidence where organisations are published on the Supplying DWP available, that might impact on attendance; website. visiting those customers with whom there has been no verbal contact prior to the work-focused interview; and Until the commercial competition for the Work programme is complete we will not know which bidders visiting every customer, with a representative if appropriate, where it is known that the customer has a stated mental health have been successful or the size and type of organisations condition or learning disability before a sanction is imposed. that will make up their supply chains. By following the steps above, we ensure that we will contact the customer by telephone two days before the interview is scheduled Teresa Pearce: To ask the Secretary of State for Work to take place, to make sure that the appointment is appropriate. If and Pensions what assessment he has made of compatibility it becomes clear from the customer or their advocate, at this point with regulations on the national minimum wage of the or during the WFI itself, that the agreed timing of the WFI is requirement for jobseekers to undertake work experience inappropriate for the customer’s particular circumstances at that placements under the Work programme. [47351] time, the WFI may be postponed to a later date. If it is clear that the presence of a carer is important, we would seek to arrange the WFI around the carer’s availability. Chris Grayling: Once a jobseeker’s allowance claimant For lone parents claiming income support, where there is is selected or volunteers, our intention is that participation evidence to believe that the customer falls into a vulnerable group, in the Work programme will be required using powers a home visit is always considered before a formal decision is made in regulations made under section 17A of the Jobseeker’s that they have failed to attend the work-focused interview. Act 1995. We plan to lay these regulations before Parliament Before sanctions are considered (for any benefit) the customer shortly. will be invited to show good cause, and there is a right of appeal against the decision to apply a sanction. Factors considered by Where a Work programme provider requires a participant the Decision Maker in establishing whether the customer had to complete work experience under these regulations, good cause include whether the person may have misunderstood the activity concerned will be mandated and there will the requirement to take part in an interview because of their be no express or implied contract. Therefore the claimant varying mental health condition, and whether the person was will not fall within the definition of ‘worker’ and the suffering from a disability that made it impracticable for them to National Minimum Wage Act 1998 will not apply. attend. If a customer has failed to attend an appointment, or has Industrial Health and Safety: Inspections committed another act or omission that warrants a sanction, then the Jobcentre Plus Decision Maker will consider all the available evidence before applying a sanction. This can of course include, John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for but is not limited to, whether the failure was caused by a fluctuation Work and Pensions how many workplaces registered an in their health condition. (a) accident or (b) incident with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in each year since 2000; and on what Employment Schemes date prior to each incident and accident an unannounced inspection had been carried out by HSE officials in Alun Cairns: To ask the Secretary of State for Work those workplaces for which such information is available. and Pensions whether he is taking steps to ensure that [45973] small and medium-sized enterprises can compete for contracts under the work programme. [47276] Chris Grayling: The information requested is not held centrally and can be provided only at disproportionate Chris Grayling: Throughout the work programme cost. competition the Department has emphasised the importance of and the expectation that bidding John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for organisations will work with a broad range of sub- Work and Pensions what recent (a) submissions and contractors and delivery partners to reflect the needs of (b) representations he has received which propose an the local customers and economies. alternative workplace inspection model to the unannounced In total 30 organisations have bid to be work programme inspection model used by the Health and Safety Executive; prime contractors. and if he will make a statement. [45974] 575W Written Answers17 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 576W

Chris Grayling: The Secretary of State has the principal Third Sector responsibility to Parliament for the Health and Safety Executive and routinely receives submissions and representations on their work. Recent submissions are Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Work concerned with a range of matters relating to the and Pensions what account he has taken of the formulation and delivery of health and safety policy. Compact between the Government and Civil Society in policy development. [42603] Pensions Chris Grayling: The Department for Work and Pensions Katy Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Work takes the compact with the civil society very seriously and Pensions what discussions he has had on the levels and has worked closely with Local communities, voluntary of annuities offered by private pension providers. sector organisations and others to embed the principles [42697] into our commissioning policies. Mr Hoban: I have been asked to reply. Treasury Ministers and officials have discussions with Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Work a wide variety of organisations in the public and private and Pensions what steps his Department has taken to sectors as part of the process of policy development support the Big Society initiative. [42644] and delivery.As was the case with previous administrations, it is not the Government’s practice to provide details of all such discussions. Chris Grayling: The Department for Work and Pensions has several programmes aimed at achieving the Big Personal Independence Payment: Autism Society goals of catalysing social action, decentralising power and opening up public services. In October 2010 the Department introduced two new initiatives, Work Mr Buckland: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Clubs and Work Together, which form part of a new and Pensions if he will put in place support for people range of back-to-work support being made available to with autism who lose eligibility for a personal independence jobseekers to get Britain working. Work Clubs are designed payment or disability living allowance to take into to be locally led and delivered, moving away from account the challenges of adults with autism trying to centrally-determined support, while Work Together seeks access social care services. [45977] to promote the benefits of volunteering and raise customer awareness of local opportunities. Both initiatives fit Maria Miller: From 2013 we will replace disability with the Government’s Big Society concept in that they living allowance for people of working age with personal encourage people to play an active role within their independence payment, a new, more transparent and communities and support unemployed people in the sustainable benefit with an objective assessment of locality. individual need. Support through personal independence payment will be focused on those with the most need. With respect to benefits, the Government are introducing The detailed design of the new assessment is currently universal credit from 2013 to replace six separate benefits. being undertaken with the support of a group of This will reduce bureaucracy and make the system independent specialists in health, social care and disability, easier to navigate, but also place a greater emphasis on including disabled people. This design will also be, personal responsibility for finding employment. In addition, informed by feedback from the public consultation a number of Right to Control trailblazers across England which closed on 18 February 2011. I am, therefore, are testing how disabled people can be given more unable at this time to comment on the details of how choice and control over the funding they are eligible for, the new assessment will impact on people with specific including funding to help them move into work. These health conditions or impairments. We are committed to trailblazers will help develop ways to create a more ensuring that it reflects the needs of all individuals personalised service, pushing decision-making down to effectively. We recognise that the current assessment the lowest level. To replace Social Fund community criteria for disability living allowance can favour physical care grants and crisis loans for general living expenses, impairments and our proposals are that personal locally-delivered systems of support will be provided. independence payment needs to improve the support This will be delivered by local authorities in England provided to disabled people with mental, intellectual, and the devolved Administrations in Scotland and Wales. cognitive and development impairments, including autistic The new assistance will provide more relevant and spectrum disorders. better targeted support which can be aligned with existing provision at a local level. Social Security Benefits: Fraud As part of its Big Society ambition for older people, the Department is working in partnership with the Stephen McPartland: To ask the Secretary of State Community Development Foundation to provide £1 million for Work and Pensions how many investigations of to fund ‘Active at 60’, a project that will help older individuals suspected of benefit fraud have taken more people who are most at risk of loneliness and social than nine months in the latest period for which figures isolation. Each local community organisation within are available. [46045] the selected areas will recruit at least one Active at 60 Community Agent who will volunteer their time to Chris Grayling: The information requested is not help motivate, encourage and organise people within available, as to collate this data would incur a their own communities to become more active, physically, disproportionate cost. socially and mentally. 577W Written Answers17 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 578W

The Department is also working to develop older ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE people’s democratic involvement in their communities. These local networks will be linked through the English Carbon Emissions: Housing Forums on Ageing to the UK Advisory Forum on Ageing. The English Forums on Ageing also provide a Graham Stringer: To ask the Secretary of State for channel of influence for older people on local delivery Energy and Climate Change pursuant to the answer of decisions and the aim is to build on these relationships 20 January 2011, Official Report, column 935W, on to enable older people to take up the opportunities carbon emissions: biofuels, (1) which other energy introduced in the Localism Bill. generation technologies he defines as (a) zero-carbon More generally, the Government’s local agenda is technologies and (b) technologies which if used in leading Jobcentre Plus to look for ways to better utilise domestic buildings would contribute nothing to their the expertise of front-line staff, who will be given more carbon emissions if it met the criterion of a minimum freedom to tailor and coordinate services in ways that greenhouse gas emission saving of 60 per cent. over the best meet the needs of their community. The Department use of a fossil fuel; [47183] is committed to ensure that staff have the flexibility to (2) whether he defines biomass as a technology work in real partnerships at the local level; and to which, if used in domestic buildings, would contribute respond to local and customers’ needs, including looking nothing to their carbon emissions if it met the criterion at the scope for closer working with partners in the of a minimum greenhouse gas emission saving of 60 co-ordination, location and design of services. This per cent. over the use of a fossil fuel. [47187] approach to worklessness balances a national benefit system with a range of other support delivered through Gregory Barker: For practical purposes the Government different channels—the Government’s own delivery regards technologies contributing to zero or low carbon organisations, private providers, other public sector policies as those which qualify for promotion under the organisations and the voluntary and community sector. provisions of the 2009 renewable energy directive. These include photovoltaics, sustainably-sourced biomass Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Work technologies (such as biomass combined heat and power, and Pensions whether (a) he and (b) Ministers in his or energy from waste), hydro and wind. Other low Department are participating in volunteering activities carbon technologies include efficient ground and air as part of his Department’s involvement in the Big sourced heat pumps. Society initiative. [42664] Developers may use biomass technologies to comply with the requirements of part L of the building regulations Chris Grayling: Lord Freud is a sponsor and board which are being developed to implement the Government’s member of the charity ‘Grand Mentors’. This is a zero carbon homes policy. Emissions associated with charity where mainly older retired people mentor and the production and transport of the fuel are taken into tutor young individuals. account in other sectors. Steve Webb volunteers at a local Sunday school every week. Carbon Sequestration Iain Duncan-Smith is involved in the Big Society agenda via his work for the Centre of Social Justice. Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change whether his Department’s The Department has introduced a number-of carbon capture and storage (CCS) competition will programmes aimed at achieving the Government’s Big take into account the creation of a CCS infrastructure Society goals. These include the following initiatives; to support industry as well as power generation. [47679] Work Clubs and Work Together for jobseekers, Active at 60 for older people and the Right to Control for Gregory Barker: As set out in the information note disabled people. “UK Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) Commercial Scale Demonstration Programme: Delivering Projects 2-4 (Further Information)” available from: www.decc.gov.uk DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER published by my Department in December, applicants to the demonstration programme may propose projects Public Bills: Internet that involve oversized CCS infrastructure capable of capturing, transporting or storing CO2 exceeding the Natascha Engel: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister capacities required for the demonstration project. This whether the dedicated website for public reading stages could allow for future use by industrial CO2 emitters. of bills will inter-operate with the Your Freedom We would expect that the additional cost of such website. [41658] oversizing of infrastructure be supported entirely by the applicant or other private sector investors without The Deputy Prime Minister: The ‘Your Freedom’ reimbursement by DECC and that it would not increase website was open to the public from 1 July-10 September the overall risk to delivery of the demonstration project. 2010, after which time it became part of the National Archives online. The site has therefore closed, meaning Climate Change: International Cooperation that there is no opportunity for it to inter-operate with live websites. The technical aspects of the Public Reading Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Stage website will be evaluated by the Office of the Energy and Climate Change pursuant to the answer of Leader of the House of Commons. 22 October 2010, Official Report, column 866W, on 579W Written Answers17 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 580W aviation: carbon emissions, if he will take steps to I believe the current membership of the CCC contains include the issue of global aviation emissions in the EU a good mix of the relevant expertise (including scientific), position for the Durban climate change conference. and creates a committee which is focused and dynamic. [47151] Electricity Generation Gregory Barker: The Government are committed to addressing emissions from international aviation and Craig Whittaker: To ask the Secretary of State for will continue to push actively for an ambitious global Energy and Climate Change if he will take steps to agreement on emissions reduction targets for both ensure that studies of the cost of power generation international aviation and maritime transport. At the technologies commissioned by his Department estimate EU Environment Council meeting on 14 March, the separately the (a) generation and (b) carbon costs Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change and associated with such technologies. [46869] other EU Ministers reiterated, in Conclusions adopted by the Council on the follow-up to the Cancun climate Gregory Barker: DECC already ensures that estimates conference, the need to address these emissions. We will of power generation costs commissioned by the department continue to work through the EU to press for progress estimate carbon costs and generation costs separately. to be made at the meeting later this year in Durban. The following information is an example of cost information Committee on Climate Change from the last such study, by Mott MacDonald. DECC is currently undertaking an update of these cost estimates which will include the same level of detail. Craig Whittaker: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change whether he has made an The following table is taken from Mott MacDonald assessment of the diversity of the range of scientific (2010) and gives levelised cost estimates (average generation opinion on climate change that is represented on the cost per megawatt-hour) for new build plants in the Committee on Climate Change. [46870] main large-scale electricity generation technologies in the UK, including both fossil fuel and low carbon Gregory Barker: The Climate Change Act 2008 sets plant, at current engineering, procurement and construction out a list of desirable expertise (including climate science, (EPC) contract prices. This demonstrates how the cost and other branches of environmental science), which is estimates are separated into component parts. The report intended to broadly mirror the range of factors which and data sets DECC hold break this down further still. the CCC is required to take into account in considering It should be noted that for the purposes of presentation, its advice. Taking this into account the membership of the table only gives either ‘FOAK’ (first-of-a-kind) prices the CCC is kept under regular review with specific or ‘NOAK’ (nth-of-a-kind) prices for each technology. attention given to whether their work programme calls The full report can be accessed via this link: for additional expertise at either board level or by http://www.decc.gov.uk/assets/decc/statistics/projections/71- consulting outside when required. uk-electricity-generation-costs-update-.pdf

Table 1: 10% discount rate, 2009 project start at today’s EPC prices, with mixed FOAK/NOAK Gas Coal CCGT ASC coal Coal IGCC Offshore Offshore Nuclear Gas with CCS with CCS IGCC with CCS Onshore wind wind R3 PWR Levelised cost CCGT (FOAK) ASC coal (FOAK ) (FOAK) (FOAK) wind (FOAK) (FOAK) (FOAK)

Capital costs 12.4 29.8 33.4 74.1 61.7 82.0 79.2 124.1 144.6 77.3 Fixed operating 3.7 7.7 8.6 18.6 9.7 17.7 14.6 36.7 45.8 12.2 costs Variable 2.3 3.6 2.2 4.7 3.4 4.6 — — — 2.1 operating costs Fuel costs 46.9 65.0 19.9 28.7 20.3 28.3 — — — 5.3 Carboncosts15.12.140.36.539.65.5———— Decomm and —————————2.1 waste fund

CO2 transport —4.3—9.6—9.5———— and storage Steamrevenue—————————— Total levelised 80.3 112.5 104. 5 142.1 134.6 147.6 93.9 160.9 190.S 99.0 cost Source: Mott Macdonald (2010), UK Electricity Generation Costs Update

It should be noted that the estimates of levelised costs cost of carbon, of electricity generated from (a) coal, for different types of electricity generation are highly (b) biomass and (c) oil in the latest period for which sensitive to the assumptions used for capital costs, fuel figures are available. [46872] and EU ETS allowance prices, operating costs, load factor, and other drivers. Meaning that there is significant Charles Hendry: The table is taken from Mott uncertainty around these estimates. MacDonald (2010) and gives levelised cost estimates (average generation cost per megawatt-hour) for new Craig Whittaker: To ask the Secretary of State for build coal and biomass plants. The Mott MacDonald Energy and Climate Change what recent estimate he report gives the cost estimates for the main large-scale has made of the cost per megawatt hour, excluding the electricity generation technologies in the UK, including 581W Written Answers17 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 582W both fossil fuel and low carbon plant, at current engineering, In Wales in 2008, there were around 152,000 rural procurement and construction (EPC) contract prices. households that were fuel poor (around 34% of all rural The Department does not have estimates for the cost of households in Wales). new oil plant. Combining most recent available data from each It should be noted that for the purposes of presentation, country of the UK leads to an estimate of around 1.275 the table only gives either ‘FOAK’ (first-of-a-kind) prices million rural households in fuel poverty, around 24% of or ‘NOAK’ (nth-of-a-kind) prices for each technology. all rural households. The full report can be accessed via the following link: http://www.decc.gov.uk/assets/decc/statistics/projections/71- Dr Wollaston: To ask the Secretary of State for uk-electricity-generation-costs-update-.pdf Energy and Climate Change what recent assessment he has made of the level of fuel poverty in rural areas in Table 1: 10% discount rate, 2009 project start at today’s EPC prices, (a) Totnes constituency, (b) South Devon, (c) the with mixed FOAK/NOAK South West and (d) England. [47572] Large Biomass Levelised cost ASC Coal (FOAK) Gregory Barker: The following table shows the number Capital costs 33.4 46.1 of households and the number of rural households in Fixed operating costs 8.6 13.4 fuel poverty in 2008, the latest year for which this Variable operating costs 2.2 2.5 information is available. Fuel costs 19.9 31.2 Carbon costs 40.3 - Thousand Total levelised cost 104.5 93.2 Number of rural Source: Geographical Number of households households in fuel Mott Macdonald (2010), UK Electricity Generation Costs Update area in fuel poverty poverty It should be noted that the estimates of levelised costs (a) Totnes 7 n/a for different types of electricity generation are highly constituency sensitive to the assumptions used for capital costs, fuel (b) South 31 n/a and EU ETS allowance prices, operating costs, load Devon1 factor, and other drivers, meaning that there is significant (c) South West 339 152 uncertainty around these estimates. (d) England 3,335 847 1 South Devon here comprises of the following local authorities: Electricity Interconnectors: Iceland Plymouth, South Hams and Torbay. The number of rural fuel poor households is not Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for available for geographical areas smaller than Government Energy and Climate Change pursuant to the answer of office region. 10 February 2011, Official Report, column 438W, on energy: EU action, what discussions he has had with Fuel: Prices his Icelandic counterpart on proposals for an electricity cable between Iceland and Great Britain. [47146] Mr Spellar: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what recent assessment his Department Charles Hendry: I have not met the Icelandic Minister has made of the potential effects of speculation on oil but my officials have had discussions with Icelandic prices. [47308] power companies about the possibility of building an electricity interconnector between Iceland and Great Charles Hendry: Given the complex nature of the Britain. At the Prime Minister’s UK-Nordic-Baltic summit market, it is extremely difficult to distinguish financial in January this year, which was attended by the Icelandic players from physical players. Furthermore, not all financial Prime Minister, it was agreed that the countries concerned market activity is speculative. For example, through should cooperate in areas of mutual interest, including their active participation in the market, hedgers can ways of accelerating the low-carbon transition. This is provide market liquidity and reduce price risk. an example of a project which could be of benefit to We recognise that non commercial activity in financial both the UK and Iceland. However, there are a number oil markets can have a transitory impact on prices. The of regulatory, technical, legal and commercial issues Government have not yet seen clear, robust evidence which would need to be explored before any decision that this type of activity can have a long term price can be made by any potential developers on the viability impact. of such a project. We will be taking forward any legal and regulatory issues which fall to Government with Hinkley Point C power station the appropriate Icelandic parties. Tessa Munt: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Fuel Poverty: Rural Areas and Climate Change if he will take steps to provide support for communities adversely affected by the Craig Whittaker: To ask the Secretary of State for proposed Hinkley C connection project. [45483] Energy and Climate Change what estimate he has made of the likely level of fuel poverty in rural areas in (a) Charles Hendry: Support for communities affected England, (b) Wales and (c) the UK. [46871] by major infrastructure projects can be provided in a number of ways. Within the planning system, planning Gregory Barker: In 2008, there were around 847,000 obligations and the Community Infrastructure Levy rural households in England that were fuel poor (equivalent can be used to provide for site specific mitigation and to around 20% of all rural households). for general infrastructure contributions. Developers may 583W Written Answers17 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 584W also work with communities outside these mechanisms A copy of the projections can be found in the Libraries to review benefits for the local area. An example is the of the House. recent community benefit protocol published by RenewableUK. Squatting In addition, Government are creating a framework of incentives for local authorities to deliver sustainable Mike Weatherley: To ask the Secretary of State for economic development. This includes consideration of Energy and Climate Change how many buildings on proposals to deliver better incentives, through the business his Department’s estate were occupied by squatters in rates system, for local authorities to promote growth. each year between 2006 and 2010; and on how many The Local Government Resource Review will deliver occasions his Department sought interim possession proposals on this by July this summer. orders to remove squatters from such buildings in each of those years. [47615] Nuclear Power Stations Gregory Barker: Since its formation in October 2008, no buildings on the DECC estate have been occupied by Graham Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for squatters. Therefore no interim possession orders have Energy and Climate Change what recent assessment he been sought in that period. has made of the safety of nuclear power plants in the UK. [47230] Wind Power

Charles Hendry: In the light of the events in Japan, Craig Whittaker: To ask the Secretary of State for the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, Energy and Climate Change what assessment he has my right hon. Friend the Member for Eastleigh (Chris made of the Mott MacDonald report, UK Electricity Huhne), has called on the chief nuclear inspector, Dr Generating Costs update in determining the commercial Mike Weightman for a thorough report on the implications viability of offshore wind. [46868] of the situation in Japan and the lessons to be learned. This will be prepared in close cooperation internationally Charles Hendry: DECC commissioned Mott MacDonald with other nuclear regulators, with an interim report in consultants to provide an updated assessment of electricity May and a final report within six months. generation costs. The generation costs data provided by It is essential that we understand the full facts and Mott MacDonald was used in the power market modelling their implications, both for existing nuclear reactors by Redpoint consultants of options for electricity market and any new programme, as safety is always our number reform1. In modelling the generation and capacity mix one concern. under different scenarios, the Redpoint model looks at the commercial incentives to invest in different generation Renewable Energy: Feed-in Tariffs technologies. As part of the RO banding review, we are also Sheryll Murray: To ask the Secretary of State for reviewing the level of support for all renewables technologies Energy and Climate Change what consideration he has accredited under the renewables obligation (RO) from given to the potential effect on the UK’s reputation as 2013-14 to 2016-17, and will consult on any changes to an investment destination of potential changes to the RO bands this summer. As part of that process, we have qualification criteria for projects already initiated asked our consultants Arup and Ernst and Young to arising from this review of Feed-in Tariffs. [46862] provide updated assumptions on potential deployment and costs for each renewable electricity technology. Gregory Barker: We have always stated that the Feed-in 1 Details of the consultation on electricity market reform are Tariffs (FITs) scheme would be subjected to periodic available at: reviews, including early reviews to consider any significant http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/consultations/emr/ changes to the fundamentals affecting the operation of emr.aspx the scheme. Wind Power: Planning Permission We have been clear that there are no intentions to act retrospectively. Any changes implemented as a result of the review will only affect new entrants into the scheme. Joan Walley: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what timetable he has set for taking decisions on consent on Round 2 offshore wind Solar Power: Feed-in Tariffs farm applications which have not yet been approved. [46268] Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what projection he has Charles Hendry: There are four remaining Round 2 made of the level of take-up of solar photovoltaics for offshore wind farms consent applications which are the Feed-in Tariff scheme in (a) 2010-11 and (b) with the Department for consideration. These are large 2011-12. [45858] schemes which have the potential to impact (both on their own and in combination with other projects) on Gregory Barker: Modelling for projected take-up of environmental resources and on the interests of Feed-in Tariffs (FITs) scheme was undertaken by the organisations and people and so have to be given careful previous Administration prior to the implementation of consideration. We are waiting for information from the scheme. The projected uptake for new solar each of the developers involved in the projects but will photovoltaics (PV) in 2010-11 was 20,309 and 34,544 determine the applications as soon as possible once all for 2011-12. the issues raised have been thoroughly assessed. 585W Written Answers17 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 586W

In the Major Infrastructure Planning Reform Workplan As long as these standards are met, the Government published in December, Ministers undertook to determine recognise that the UK market has a place for “sustainable the pre-Planning Act schemes at the earliest opportunity. intensification” and more traditional production and We are working to enable the cases to be determined at added-value production, to enable the industry to be the earliest opportunity. competitive on UK, EU and global markets. Fish Discards Joan Walley: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what the time taken by his Department was to process each application for 20. Stephen Metcalfe: To ask the Secretary of State consent for Round 2 offshore wind developments for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent which have so far been approved. [46269] discussions she has had on reductions in fishing discards; and if she will make a statement. [47216] Charles Hendry: The time taken to process applications for those Round 2 offshore wind farm developments Richard Benyon: I was delighted to participate in a which have been approved are as follows: recent high level meeting on discards with the EU Commission and other member states, who agreed with Months the UK that tackling discards must be a priority for common fisheries policy reform and that action must be London Array Consented in 18 taken now. December 2006 Thanet December 2006 13 There was a constructive and positive debate about Greater Gabbard February 2007 16 measures needed as part of reform. The UK is clear that these must be practical, effective and developed in Walney November 2007 20 cooperation with industry. Gunfleet Sands II February 2008 8 Sheringham Shoal August 2008 27 Dr Alan Whitehead: To ask the Secretary of State for West of Duddon September 2008 29 Sands Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what proposals she has to reduce the incidence of fish discards. [47212] Lines October 2008 20 Gwynt y Môr December 2008 37 Richard Benyon: The UK is working to eliminate Humber Gateway February 2010 35 discards through targeting the principal reasons for The time scales reflect the large scale of the Round 2 discarding. We continue to take action domestically— projects that have been dealt with (ranging from 64 MW working with our fishing industry to increase the selectivity with 18 turbines to 1,000 MW with up to 341 turbines) of fishing gears and improve the utilisation of unavoidable and the need for developers to consider and address a catches. We are also trialling a system of catch quotas to number of potentially complex issues raised during reduce discards and better control fishing mortality. consultation, particularly the impacts of developments The UK sees the reform of the common fisheries on navigation, civil and military aviation and birds. policy as key to solving this problem and will work hard Satisfactory resolution of any such issues, which on to influence and shape the policy. occasion can take the developers some considerable time, is required before the Department can take decisions Animal Welfare on the specific applications. Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much funding her Department allocated to research and ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS development on (a) sustainable farming and food and (b) animal health and welfare in each of the last five Battery Cages years; and how much such funding she plans to allocate in each of the next four financial years. [34262] 16. Rehman Chishti: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent Mr Paice: Table 1 shows DEFRA’s expenditure on discussions she has had on the introduction of a farming and food and animal health and welfare research prohibition on battery cages for laying hens. [47211] and development over the last five financial years. Table 1 Mrs Spelman: I refer the hon. Member to the answer £ million I gave earlier to questions 6 and 7. DEFRA DEFRA research and research and Total DEFRA Dairy Farming development development agricultural spend on spend on research and farming and animal health development 18. Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for food science and welfare spending Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what her policy is on the practice of intensive dairy farming; and if she 2009-10 29 35 64 will make a statement. [47214] 2008-09 29 36 65 2007-08 29 39 68 Mr Paice: All dairy farming is covered by the Animal 2006-07 34 41 75 Welfare Act and the Farm Animal Welfare Regulations. 2005-06 38 40 78 These will apply equally to all livestock farms, regardless Source: of scale. Data taken from the Science and Information System 587W Written Answers17 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 588W

DEFRA now allocates budgets on the basis of evidence, economic and statistical analysis and modelling, secondary rather than research and development. analysis and synthesis, and analysis of stakeholder views. Evidence is defined as reliable and accurate information Evidence allocations have been made for 2011-12 and that DEFRA can use to support sound decisions in are shown in Table 2 with the equivalent figures for developing, shaping, and evaluating policy. It includes 2010-11. research and development, monitoring and surveillance,

Table 2 £ million Evidence budget allocations for farming and food Evidence budget allocations for animal health and welfare

2010-11 43 66 2011-12 42 62

Final allocations for individual policy areas for Cotton: EU Action subsequent years have not yet been determined as a proportion of the total available has been retained as a Mr David: To ask the Secretary of State for reserve. Flexibility in the evidence allocation process for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on how many 2012-13 onwards is essential so that we can adjust our occasions she has raised the issue of cotton subsidies in investment in evidence to respond to developing challenges. the EU Council of Ministers; and if she will make a Across all DEFRA policy areas, a total of £43 million statement. [46181] evidence savings will be found by 2014-15 against a core DEFRA evidence baseline of approximately £210 million Mr Paice: The UK has consistently argued in Brussels in 2010-11; this is in proportion to the overall cuts in in favour of decoupling and against harmful export DEFRA’s programme spend. For comparison, the budget subsidies, although the specific subject of cotton subsidies for evidence in 2009-10 was £213 million, of which £125 has not been raised at the Agriculture Council itself in million was classified as research. the period since May 2010. Animals: Crime The forthcoming Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) reform negotiations will provide a major opportunity Pamela Nash: To ask the Secretary of State for for the UK to raise this issue and seek an end to all Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what funding coupled payments, including those to the cotton sector. she has allocated over the period of the comprehensive spending review to reduce the level of illegal trade in Dairy Farming: Animal Welfare animals and animal products. [47205] Nic Dakin: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Richard Benyon: DEFRA provides funding for the Food and Rural Affairs what research her Department Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species. has (a) commissioned and (b) evaluated on the effects Total funding levels for the next four years have yet to on animal welfare of zero-grazed dairy herds; and if she be agreed. The National Wildlife Crime Unit will be will make a statement. [47198] funded for the next two years. DEFRA provides no funding to delivery agents but Mr Paice: Research ending in 2003 concluded that continues to provide policy and risk advice to the UK zero grazing systems were associated with higher than Border Agency which has enforcement responsibility average lameness compared with other dairy farms. for illegal imports of animal products. However, the level of stockmanship and housing were Common Agricultural Policy found to be better in zero grazing systems, as practised in the UK. Overall, the welfare of cows in zero grazing systems is equivalent to other dairy systems. Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent discussions she has We are currently funding another project to investigate had on reform of the common agricultural policy; and the management and welfare of continuously housed if she will make a statement. [47203] cows.

John Howell: To ask the Secretary of State for Departmental Regulation Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent discussions she has had on reform of the common Gordon Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for agricultural policy; and if she will make a statement. Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what regulations [47213] her Department revoked between 3 February and 28 February 2011. [45980] Mrs Spelman: Lord Henley attended Agriculture Council to represent the UK. I spent two days this week in Brussels where the Environment Council discussed CAP Mr Paice: The Department revoked the following reform and met members of the European Parliament, two statutory instruments between 3 February and including the officers and rapporteur of the Agriculture 28 February 2011: Committee, to discuss CAP reform as.-the European The Seed Marketing Regulations 2010 (SI 2010/2605) Parliament has the power of co-decision. The Poultry Meat (Water Content) Regulations 1984 (SI 1984/1145). 589W Written Answers17 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 590W

Gordon Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for 8. Marine Licensing (Register of Licensing Information) Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what regulations Regulations 2011 (SI 2011/424) her Department introduced between 9 and 28 February 9. Petroleum Act 1998 (Specified Pipelines) Order 2011 2011. [47047] (SI 2011/423) 10. Marine Licensing (Exempted Activities) Order 2011 > Richard Benyon: The Department made the following PART 3 (SI 2011/409) 11 statutory instruments between 9 and 28 February 11. Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 (Amendment) Regulations 2011: 2011 (SI 2011/405). 1. Marine Licensing (Application Fees) Regulations 2011 Oil: Accidents (SI 2011/564) 2. Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 (Commencement Craig Whittaker: To ask the Secretary of State for No 5, Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Order 2011 (SI 2011/556) Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many oil spills at (a) residential and (b) commercial properties 3. Seed Marketing Regulations 2011 (SI 2011/463) in each region were reported in each of the last five 4. Reporting of Prices of Milk Products (England) (Amendment) years. [46193] Regulations 2011 (SI 2011/456) 5. Bovine Semen (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2011 Richard Benyon: The numbers of oil spills at residential (SI 2011/454) and commercial premises are set out in the following 6. Poultrymeat (England) Regulations 2011 (SI 2011/452) tables. These figures are from the Environment Agency’s 7. Natural Mineral Water, Spring Water and Bottled Drinking National Incident Recording System and are split into Water (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2011 (SI 2011/451) Environment Agency regions.

Oil pollution incidents—commercial 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

EA Wales 84 69 73 88 90 Anglian 177 155 134 130 127 Midlands 274 207 255 197 216 North East 105 112 113 127 124 North West 94 72 56 73 78 Southern 96 94 80 114 123 South West 190 169 136 135 121 Thames 134 97 117 105 108

Oil pollution incidents—residential 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

EA Wales 43 36 34 36 53 Anglian6880785962 Midlands 56 64 51 35 56 NorthEast2519221317 North West 15 16 16 11 9 Southern 73 53 63 38 48 South West 108 93 92 83 79 Thames 37 49 32 41 48

COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT www.beacouncillor.org.uk/ To enable the public to act as ‘armchair auditors’, we Community Development are increasing the transparency of council spending, including by publishing on 7 February a draft Code of Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State Recommended Practice for local authorities on data for Communities and Local Government what recent transparency. steps his Department has taken to encourage citizen On 23 February we wrote to principal local authorities participation in local democracy. [46865] to emphasise the importance of their giving citizens the opportunity to access and experience their local democracy Grant Shapps: The Government are taking forward a using modern communication methods; so they can range of action to encourage participation in local blog, tweet and film during proceedings and disseminate democracy. their recordings or comments via social media networks. On 7 December we launched a call for talented Our Localism Bill, which completed its Committee community champions to consider standing as local stage on 10 March, includes provisions that will give councillors in the upcoming local elections. We highlighted residents the power to instigate local referendums on by a press notice on 13 February that there were just 50 any local issue, and to approve or veto in a referendum days left for people to sign up as candidates in the excessive council tax increases, and establishes a elections. And throughout the year Government have Neighbourhood Planning regime giving the whole supported the Local Government Leadership’s website, neighbourhood a say, through a referendum, on whether where details about becoming a councillor can be found: proposals are acceptable. 591W Written Answers17 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 592W

We have recently approved a further year’s funding Community Relations for the Participatory Budgeting Unit, a third sector organisation, to provide advice and guidance on Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State Participatory Budgeting, which gives people a direct say for Communities and Local Government what recent over how part of a local budget is spent. steps his Department has taken to improve community We have continued to support Take Part, an active relations between different populations. [46866] citizenship and leadership learning programme aimed at increasing the skills’, knowledge and confidence of Andrew Stunell: Integration and positive relations individuals to have more of a say in their local area. The between different populations are integral parts of the Take Part website was. launched in February 2011 and big society. As the Prime Minister set out in his recent can be viewed at: speech in Munich, integration is fostered by meaningful www.takepart.org and active participation in society, which is achieved by We have continued the Empowerment Fund up until shifting the balance of power away from the state and March 2012, supporting voluntary and community sector towards the people, and by initiatives such as the National organisations to help people play a greater part in Citizen Service. DCLG also recently awarded the Church civic life. Urban Fund £5 million to promote interaction in local communities between people of different faiths, through Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State a new programme called Near Neighbours. DCLG are for Communities and Local Government what recent considering what additional, specific activities are needed steps his Department has taken to improve facilities for to improve integration and overcome divisions in local community use. [46867] communities. We are working to develop a cross-government approach by May 2011. Andrew Stunell: The Department’s goal is to put individuals and groups in the driving seat in their communities, with government playing an enabling role in building a big society. Departmental Land A key plank of this strategy will be delivered through the Localism Bill, which will introduce new Community Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for Rights. The Community Right to Buy will give community Communities and Local Government if he will take organisations a better chance to bid to take over assets steps to reduce the size of his Department’s estate; and and facilities that are important to them to save them if he will make a statement. [46220] for community use. The Community Right to Challenge will hand the Robert Neill: The Department for Communities and initiative to voluntary and community bodies with good Local Government’s Estate Strategy focuses on reducing ideas about how services could be run better or more the size and cost of its estate through the surrender of cost effectively, ensure these ideas get a. fair hearing, facilities at appropriate lease break/end opportunities, and give them the time they need to organise themselves through the consolidation and collocation of business and develop their ideas to be able to bid to run the operations and by maximising space efficiency by further service. implementing flexible working practices. Local authorities will be required to maintain a list of An example of our Strategy in action is where we are public and private assets of community value. When the working to reduce the cost and size of the Government owner of a listed asset wants to sell it a window of Offices for the Regions estate, in advance of their abolition opportunity will come into effect to give communities on 31 March 2011. This work will reduce the size of more time to develop a bid and raise the necessary that estate from 14 buildings currently to 10 buildings capital. They will then be in a better position to bid to by the end of 2011-12 and down to seven by the end of buy the asset when it comes on the market at the end of the spending review period. The retained buildings will the window of opportunity. be used by a range of Government Departments. The new provision will help local communities to The Government announced in spending review 2010 save important community assets, tackle social need that as a first step to introducing a more co-ordinated and build up resources and employment in their approach to property management in the central civil neighbourhood in more innovative, enterprising and office estate it would set up, through the Government cost-effective ways. In particular, it will give communities Property Unit, Property Vehicles for the Central London the chance to save facilities threatened with closure that and Bristol office estates from 2011-12. are important to them. Property Vehicles will be responsible for managing a The Department has also extended funding for the more co-ordinated Government-wide approach to property. Asset Transfer Unit enabling it to continue to offer They will manage the estate strategically, achieving practical support to communities who want to take on more efficient use of the property assets, as well as work community assets such as youth centres, libraries, museums with Departments to reduce their estates and maximise and former town halls for the benefit of local people. the commercial potential of their property portfolios. We will provide support to help community organisations Furthermore the Government announced this month take advantage of their new rights. We are currently a new system of National Property Controls across the consulting on the detail of both rights—including the central civil estate. These controls require Departments support which would be most helpful. These consultation to adopt a common, disciplined commercial approach documents can be viewed on the DCLG website at: to the use of the estate. These build on the success of http://www.communities.gov.uk/localgovernment/ the Lease Moratorium introduced in May 2010, which decentralisation/localismbill/communityrights/ to-date has reduced property costs by around £50 million. 593W Written Answers17 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 594W

The Department is co-operating fully with both these Departmental Rail Travel Government Property Unit led initiatives in order to drive down the size of the Department’s estate. Mr Godsiff: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many and Departmental Location what proportion of civil servants in his Department are entitled to travel first class by rail within the UK. Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for [47075] Communities and Local Government if he will bring forward proposals to relocate (a) staff and (b) offices Robert Neill: In line with the Government’s of his Department to Brighton; and if he will make a announcement on 24 May 2010, all civil servants in the statement. [43472] Department are expected to travel standard class unless they can demonstrate a good business reason for not Robert Neill: The Department for Communities and doing so, for example when a first class ticket is cheaper Local Government does not propose to relocate staff than a standard ticket. Any first class travel must be and/or offices to Brighton. This is due to the leasehold agreed in advance by directors or above. agreement signed by the last Administration on the Department’s building at Eland house, Victoria. Departmental Written Questions

Departmental Procurement Thomas Docherty: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what proportion Stephen Barclay: To ask the Secretary of State for of written questions tabled to him for answer on a Communities and Local Government how many named day between 27 May 2010 and 9 March 2011 procurement projects with a monetary value greater did not receive a substantive answer on the day named than (a) £10 million, (b) £50 million and (c) £100 for answer. [46556] million (i) his Department and (ii) each non- departmental public body and agency for which he is Robert Neill: The number of written questions for responsible was engaged upon in the latest period for answer on a named day received by the Department for which figures are available. [45551] answer in the period 27 May 2010 to 9 March 2011 was 603. 14% of these (85 questions) were not answered Robert Neill: No contracts with a monetary value of substantively on the due date. The corresponding proportion greater than £10 million have been awarded in the last for the 2009-10 Session was 18% (66 questions out financial year, 2009-10 or the current one, 2010-11. of 371). Information on costs incurred by public bodies sponsored The Government have committed to providing the by the Department is not held centrally and could be Procedure Committee with information relating to provided only at disproportionate cost. written parliamentary question performance on a sessional basis. Statistics relating to Government Department’s Stephen Barclay: To ask the Secretary of State for performance for the 2009-10 Session were recently provided Communities and Local Government which procurement to the committee and are available on the Parliament projects engaged upon by (a) his Department and (b) website. each non-departmental public body and agency for which he is responsible had a designated senior responsible owner in the latest period for which figures are available; Housing: Construction and on what date each officer was appointed in each such case. [45552] Mike Weatherley: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government whether he plans Robert Neill: This information is not held centrally to take steps to encourage self-build home projects. and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. [47088] All contract awards over £20,000 would have a Senior Responsible Officer. Identifying them and ascertaining Grant Shapps: Self builders are already one of the when they were appointed could be established only at country’s largest house builders. They form an important disproportionate cost. part of the Government’s strong commitment to increasing the supply of affordable and sustainable homes and Departmental Public Expenditure promoting economic growth. This is why we have invited industry experts to work Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for with us on a Government-Industry working group to Communities and Local Government whether receipts prepare an action plan, which will set out the concrete from the sale of assets owned by regional development steps needed to make it easier for people to build their agencies are reflected in the spending plans of his own homes, whether on their own or as part of a Department for (a) 2012-13 and (b) 2013-14. [47414] community effort to create a new neighbourhood. The working group have identified finance availability Robert Neill: Only £100 million of income from regional as a key challenge to the growth of the industry. A development agencies asset disposals in 2013-14 is sub-group of industry experts will be examining finance incorporated in departmental spending plans. If this issues in detail, and will identify any actions that can be income is not fully realised we have contingency funding taken to support self builders. The group will be making to meet any shortfall. recommendations to me by the summer. 595W Written Answers17 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 596W

Non-domestic Rates: Empty Property Mr Gibb [holding answer 31 January 2011]: There is a legal requirement under independent school regulations, Gordon Henderson: To ask the Secretary of State for which apply to all academies, for there to be a minimum Communities and Local Government what plans his of five students of compulsory school age per independent Department has to review the rules relating to the school. The Department issues no separate requirement requirement to pay rates on empty properties. [46874] regarding the number of pupils required for academy status and each application is considered separately. Robert Neill: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I Collaboration with other schools is encouraged for all gave on 8 February 2011, Official Report, column 178W, types of academy, either as part of a formal partnership to my hon. Friend the Member for Newark (Patrick or joining an existing academy trust with a proven track Mercer). record of school improvement. This may be particularly attractive to small schools wishing to share resources. In general, head teachers and school governors will be best Northwest Regional Development Agency placed to know what will work for their school.

Alison McGovern: To ask the Secretary of State for Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Education Communities and Local Government whether he has how many schools approached his Department to request made an assessment of the (a) cost to the public purse advice on conversion to academy status between May and (b) effect on employment levels in the North West 2010 and January 2011. [38553] of the transfer to the Department for Communities and Local Government of the North West Regional Mr Gibb: The Department has responded to large Development Agency’s European regional development volumes of telephone and e-mail inquiries from schools fund management support function. [45801] seeking advice about converting to academy status, although numbers of such inquiries are not recorded. Robert Neill: The transfer of this function is governed Between May 2010 and the end of January 2011 the by the Cabinet Office Statement of Practice on Staff Department received 2,611 specific Registrations of Interest Transfers in the Public Sector 2000 (COSOP) which in becoming an academy under the Academies Act. provides rights for the transfer of the existing staff. All those who work for at least half their time on the Academies: Pupil Exclusions European Regional Development Fund will transfer to the Department for Communities and Local Government. Karl McCartney: To ask the Secretary of State for The precise costs and employment impacts were assessed Education what estimate he has made of the effect on on this basis, and will become clearer post transition. the number of pupils excluded from school of trends in the number of schools becoming academies; and what provision he plans to make for pupils excluded from Trade Unions such academies. [46995]

Andrew Griffiths: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Gibb [holding answer 15 March 2011]: Idonot Communities and Local Government what guidelines expect to see any significant changes in exclusion figures his Department issues to local authorities on payments as a result of more schools converting to academy to trade unions (a) in cash and (b) in kind. [43843] status. Under current arrangements, pupils who have been Robert Neill: No guidance was issued by the last permanently excluded from an academy will become Government. Individual councils, in their role as employers, the responsibility of the local authority who will find are responsible for the decisions about how to manage appropriate educational provision for that pupil. All their workforce, interact with local trade unions and academies must take part in the local in-year Fair ensure value for money for the taxpayer. Access Protocol which requires them to admit their fair The new Government’s transparency agenda will help share of challenging pupils of which some are likely to ensure that cash payments to trade unions and the titles have been excluded from another school. of staff posts are open to public scrutiny. We intend to test a new approach to permanent At a time when councils need to make sensible savings exclusions where schools have a duty to arrange alternative to help pay off the budget deficit, councillors will provision for excluded pupils. The objective of this rightly wish to review the merits of (full-time) union policy is to improve outcomes for pupils at risk of officials funded by the taxpayer and the provision of exclusion or who have been permanently excluded from the office facilities to trade unions. school. Academies: Rotherham

EDUCATION John Healey: To ask the Secretary of State for Education if he will place in the Library a copy of each (a) letter and (b) email his Department has received of Academies support for the Three Valleys Independent Academy, Rotherham. [45361] Karen Lumley: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what assessment he has made of the Mr Gibb [holding answer 10 March 2011]: As part of minimum required number of pupils in a school to their initial proposal, Three Valleys Independent Academy support academy status in (a) primary and (b) first provided the Department with representations from schools. [37017] 423 supporters. The majority of these representations 597W Written Answers17 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 598W are as part of a petition or a short standard statement Mr Gibb: The Building Schools for the Future project of support. As such, we regard them as made in confidence number PRJ-S148 is still in the construction phase and to the proposer and do not think it would be appropriate no interest is due to be paid until the schools enter into to provide the Library with a copy of each. operation. There are three schools on the site, opening on a phased basis over approximately three months Aiming High for Disabled Children from late February. £67.45 million of PFI credits have been allocated to Yasmin Qureshi: To ask the Secretary of State for the project. The capital value is estimated to be £51.1 Education what plans he has for the future provision of million. funding through the Aiming High for Disabled Children The equity holders of the project are Interserve, grant in (a) Bolton South East constituency, (b) Bolton. Barclays Private Equity, Building Schools for the Future [44830] Investments, Sandwell metropolitan borough council and Sandwell Futures Ltd. Sarah Teather: Funding for disabled children’s services will be provided through the new early intervention Information about the estimated total interest payments grant (EIG). We have made over £800 million available to be paid and the total level of payments to be made to to local authorities over the spending review period for equity holders of the project is contained within the provision of short breaks for disabled children and documentation which is defined as commercially sensitive their families, which represents a small increase in available information in accordance with the terms of the project funding compared with the 2010-11 financial year. agreement entered into by Sandwell metropolitan borough council and the contractor. As this figure is not ring fenced it will be for local authorities to determine how they use that resource to In terms of cost to the public purse, the total unitary best effect, including what services would be funded for charge forecast to be paid over the life of the contract is families with disabled children. £176.8 million. In addition to the cost of construction and financing, this covers maintenance, life cycle and Local authorities received details of their EIG allocation facilities management costs over 25 years. just before Christmas. Building Schools for the Future Programme: Sandwell CAFCASS

James Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for Kelvin Hopkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Education (1) how much interest is due under private Education whether he has received reports of Children finance initiative arrangements to the equity holders of and Family Court Advisory and Support Service managers the Building Schools for the Future Wave 3 Project allocating cases to practitioners without the consent of number PRJ-S148 commissioned by Sandwell that practitioner. [46031] metropolitan borough council; [41400] Tim Loughton: The Department does not record specific (2) how much funding has been allocated through information on representations received about the Children private finance initiative arrangements to the Building and Family Court Advisory and Support Service managers Schools for the Future Wave 3 project number PRJ-S148 allocating cases to practitioners without the consent of commissioned by Sandwell metropolitan borough council; that employee. [41408] Searches of the Department’s correspondence system (3) if he will estimate the capital value of the Building have not located any such reports. Schools for the Future Wave 3 project number PRJ-S148 commissioned by Sandwell metropolitan borough council; Early Intervention Grant Allocations [41409] (4) what the company name is of each equity holder Mrs Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for of the Building Schools for the Future Wave 3 project Education (1) what estimate he has made of the amount number PRJ-S148 commissioned by Sandwell metropolitan of money which local authorities will be expected to borough council; [41410] hold back from their early intervention grant allocation (5) if he will estimate the total interest payments to be to facilitate results-based payments in (a) 2011-12 and paid to the equity holders of the Building Schools for (b) 2012-13; [39459] the Future Wave 3 project number PRJ-S148 commissioned (2) when he plans to announce early intervention by Sandwell metropolitan borough council; [41411] grant allocations for (a) 2012-13 and (b) 2013-14; (6) if he will estimate the total level of payments to be [39465] made to the equity holders of the Building Schools for (3) which 20 local authorities have had the greatest the Future Wave 3 project number PRJ-S148 commissioned reduction in the level of their early intervention grant by Sandwell metropolitan borough council; [41412] allocation for 2010-11; [39467] (7) what estimate he has made of the capital value (4) how much funding he has drawn from other spent through private finance initiative on the Building Departments for the purposes of funding the early Schools for the Future Wave 3 project number PRJ-S148 intervention grant. [39468] commissioned by Sandwell metropolitan borough council; [41413] Sarah Teather: The Early Intervention Grant is an (8) what the cost to the public purse is of the un-ring-fenced and un-hypothecated grant. Local Building Schools for the Future Wave 3 project number authorities are therefore free to decide, taking into PRJ-S148 commissioned by Sandwell metropolitan account the views of their communities, how best to use borough council. [41415] it, including developing their own payment by results 599W Written Answers17 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 600W systems at a local level. The Department has as yet not of young people aged 16 and 17 in terms of their prior published proposals for results-based payments and attainment as well as other factors, for example, gender, will work with a small number of local authorities to and post-16 destination. The following table sets out trial new approaches. prior attainment of young people sampled compared The Secretary of State for Education, the right hon. with those nationally. The study did not explore GCSE Member for Surrey Heath (Michael Gove), announced attainment by receipt or non-receipt of EMA. indicative allocations for the Early Intervention Grant Summary of achieved sample by key characteristics compared with national data on 13 December 2010 for 2011-12 and 2012-13. Final Percentage allocations for 2011-12 will be announced before the Self-reported CCIS local data National dataset beginning of the new financial year. Similarly, it is expected that final allocations for 2012-13 will be announced Gender in March 2012. Indicative allocations for 2013-14 have Male 50 50 51 not been announced and no date has been set although Female 50 50 49 they are likely to be published as part of the local government settlement in December 2012, with final Achievement allocations being announced in the following March. 5+ A*-C 69 n/a 68 The Early Intervention Grant (EIG) did not exist-in 2010-11. However, funding within the grant in 2011-12 Education Maintenance Allowance: Bolton South East has been allocated in a transparent way with a focus on disadvantage, prevention and a premium on early years. Most of the EIG has been allocated using the Department’s Yasmin Qureshi: To ask the Secretary of State for existing early years formula, with the remainder allocated Education how many students will have their education according to a youth services formula. A notional 2010-11 maintenance allowance payments terminated before their baseline for each authority based on an aggregation of programme of study is complete in (a) Bolton South 2010-11 predecessor grants was created and a floor was East constituency, (b) Bolton and (c) England. [44755] applied to the 2011-12 allocations so that no authority loses more than 12.9% compared to their 2010-11 baseline. Mr Gibb: The information requested is not available Half of the authorities sit on this 12.9% floor and so it centrally as we do not hold data which links EMA is not possible to name 20 local authorities who have recipients to the courses they take or the duration of had the greatest reduction in the level of their EIG their courses. allocation. The new Early Intervention Grant will provide a Education Maintenance Allowance: Comprehensive substantial funding stream to enable local authorities to Spending Review act more strategically and target investment early, where it will have greatest impact. The grant provides local John Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for authorities with funding to support early intervention Education what estimate he has made of the costs to and preventative programmes. Funding for the grant the public purse of replacing education maintenance has been provided as part of the DFE spending review allowance over the comprehensive spending review settlement. Further additional funding of £10 million period; and if he will make a statement. [39503] from the Home Office to go into the Early Intervention Grant was announced on 2 February 2011. Mr Gibb [holding answer 10 February 2011]: We are Further details can be found at: working with the Young People’s Learning Agency, http://www.education.gov.uk/inthenews/inthenews/a0070450/ which administers the education maintenance allowance written-ministerial-statement-by-the-secretary-of-state-for- (EMA) on behalf of the Department for Education, to education-on-schools-financial-settlement-education- assess any costs that may arise from the replacement of spending EMA with a package of financial support that is better targeted to those students facing the greatest financial Education Maintenance Allowance barriers to participation. Teresa Pearce: To ask the Secretary of State for Education pursuant to the answer of 10 January 2011, Education: Finance Official Report, column 80W,on the education maintenance allowance, how many (a) current students and (b) Julian Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Education students who were surveyed as part of the National whether he has assessed the average cost per pupil of Foundation for Education Research study into education educating children aged 16 to 18 years in (a) school maintenance allowance attained (i) at least four A* to C sixth forms and (b) further education colleges. [44692] grades at GCSE, (ii) at least five D to G grades at GCSE and (iii) at least one GCSE qualification. [34169] Mr Gibb: The Government fund 16-19 education on the basis of average costs for particular types of courses. Mr Gibb [holding answer 17 January 2011]: There The funding paid to schools and colleges takes account are no administrative data on GCSE attainment by of the different programme types and the number of receipt or non-receipt of education maintenance allowance hours required. These costs are reviewed annually. (EMA). The White Paper “The importance of teaching”, The research carried out by National Foundation for published in November 2010, set out the Government’s Educational Research (NFER), working in partnership commitment to end the disparity in funding for 16 to with Triangle and QA Research, was based on a sample 18-year-olds so that by 2015 schools and colleges are of young people who were chosen to be representative funded at the same level as one another. 601W Written Answers17 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 602W

Education: Ofsted Family Rights Group: Finance

Kelvin Hopkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Bridget Phillipson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education if he will take steps to require Ofsted to take Education what plans he has for the funding for the into account pupil success rates when assessing the Family Rights helpline from March 2011; and if he will education provided by school sixth forms. [44555] make a statement. [24438]

Mr Gibb: Ofsted supports the work of the Department Sarah Teather: The Department opened a new for Education and Department for Business, Innovation procurement process on 6 December 2010 to fund family and Skills to develop standard performance measures support telephone helplines and online services from for all 16-18 provision, including work to develop success April 2011. One of the aims of the family services rates for school sixth forms. When standardised performance procurement is to support children and young people in data becomes available, inclusive of all 16-18 provision, England through supporting their parents and families, Ofsted will use the data provided in a consistent way with a particular focus on early intervention support for across all the remits it inspects. the most disadvantaged parents and families with early intervention. The Family Rights Group was eligible to submit an application under this process. EU Educational Policy The procurement process was delayed in January while we considered the full implications for the family sector after the Department for Education’s spending Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for review settlement. Departmental officials contacted Education (1) how many EU-branded diaries schools organisations on 25 February about the outcome of in England received in 2010; [38923] their applications under the first stage of the procurement (2) what discussions his Department has had with the process. For those organisations invited to submit bids European Commission on the sending of EU-branded under the second stage of the process, officials also diaries to schools; and if he will make a statement. provided full details of the tender and a revised procurement [38924] timetable. In view of the delay, officials contacted the Family Justin Tomlinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Rights Group and other organisations currently in receipt Education what the cost was of the 350,000 EU-produced of departmental funding to provide telephone helpline school diaries distributed to UK schools to (a) the and online services on 25 February offering them extensions Government and (b) the EU. [42749] to their existing grants or contracts for up to three months from 1 April 2011. This will ensure continuity Mr Gibb: The Department has not had any discussions of service provision to families for the duration of the with the European Commission about the EU branded current procurement exercise. diaries. In addition, I refer my hon. Friends to the I will write to the hon. Member to let her know the replies given by the Minister of State, Foreign and outcome of the procurement process once it is completed. Commonwealth Office, my noble Friend, Lord Howell of Guildford, on 7 February 2011, Official Report, Food Technology: Education House of Lords, columns WA15-16 and on 1 March 2011, Official Report, House of Lords, column WA304, Justin Tomlinson: To ask the Secretary of State for to questions about the diaries. Education what plans he has for the retention of the requirement that all Key Stage 3 pupils should receive at least 24 hours of practical cookery lessons. [38311] EU Youth on the Move Strategy Mr Gibb: On 20 January the Secretary of State announced that we are conducting a review of the national Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Education curriculum at both primary and secondary levels. This what assessment he has made of the (a) likely effect on review will include consideration of the status of design and (b) cost to his Department of the implementation and technology (and all its constituent modules). of the EU Youth on the Move strategy; which policies of his Department will be affected; and if he will make a Free Schools statement. [44284] Mr Slaughter: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Gibb: There are no direct policy implications for Education what estimate he has made of the average the Department arising from the European Commission’s cost per pupil of free schools (a) including and (b) Youth on the Move Strategy. It is up to EU member excluding start-up costs. [39928] states to decide what action, if any, should be taken in response to the strategy, in the light of their own Mr Gibb: Revenue funding for free schools is on an circumstances and national policies. We expect more equivalent basis to maintained schools and academies detail on the actions proposed under the strategy to in the same local authority. Every free school is different emerge over the next 12 months. The Government will and the costs will vary between projects. Many of these closely examine these proposals, to ensure that they costs are yet to be determined and paid, so it is not support and supplement domestic policy, and do not currently possible to calculate the average cost per pupil result in an increase in EU competence in the field of of free schools. Full details of the support costs of free education. We will also make an assessment of the school projects will be made available shortly after a likely costs involved in the process. free school opens, when a total figure is known. 603W Written Answers17 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 604W

Mr Slaughter: To ask the Secretary of State for Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education which free schools have had their business Education what plans he has for future standards of case and funding agreement approved; and how much music tuition in (a) primary and (b) secondary funding has been allocated in each case for (a) schools. [43192] acquisition, (b) major works and (c) other costs. [44114] Mr Gibb: Following the review carried out by Mr Henley we are making a substantial investment into Mr Gibb: 11 Free School proposals have had their music education because we are determined that every business case and plans approved and are at the pre-opening child will have access to a quality music education. stage. We shall be setting out our plans on music tuition, The Secretary of State has now signed the first funding later this year, in a National Plan for Music Education agreement, for the West London Free School in the and in a Teach Music First programme, which will London borough of Hammersmith and Fulham. As the enable our best young musicians to spend time teaching acquisition of the permanent site has yet to be completed, in schools. we are unable to release details of the acquisition or refurbishment costs at this stage. Primary Education: Finance For other costs such as support costs for Free School projects, we have yet to finalise them and these will be Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Education made available when the school opens. what estimate he has made of the proportion of funding for primary and secondary education in England derived GCSE : Mathematics and English from (a) public and (b) private sources in the latest period for which figures are available. [44603] Kate Hoey: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what the average proportion of pupils per Mr Gibb: Private income in each of primary and school (a) nationally and (b) in the London borough secondary local authority maintained schools in England of Lambeth was who achieved five or more GCSEs accounted for 0.8% of their respective incomes for the including mathematics and English at grade (i) A*, (ii) financial year 2009-10. Hence the remaining 99.2% of A or above, (iii) B or above and (iv) C or above in the funding within each phase was derived from public latest period for which figures are available. [39774] sources. These data are taken from the 2009-10 Section 251 Mr Gibb: The information requested is in the following Outturn statements submitted by local authorities to table and covers pupils at the end of Key Stage 4 in the Department. All figures are available on the DfE maintained secondary schools that were published in website: the 2010 Secondary School Performance Tables. http://media.education.gov.uk/assets/files/xls/o/ Average number of pupils per school outturn%20summary%202009%2010.xls achieving 5 or more GCSEs including English and mathematics at grades: Pupils: Disability Average number of pupils per Lyn Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for school at the end of Key Education what plans he has for the future provision of Stage 4 A* A*-A A*-B A*-C funding for children with disabilities in (a) West Ham constituency, (b) Newham and (c) London through London 107.7 0.5 4.6 18.5 48.0 borough of the Aiming High for Disabled Children grant. [26488] Lambeth England 151.5 2.1 13.3 36.6 75.9 Sarah Teather: Funding for disabled children’s services will be provided through the new Early Intervention Music: Education Grant (EIG). We have made over £800 million available to local authorities over the spending review period for Mr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for the provision of short breaks for disabled children and Education whether the review of music education led their families, which represents a small increase in available by Darren Henley will consider the ability of children funding compared to the 2010-11 financial year. whose families cannot afford to pay for lessons to learn As this figure is not ring-fenced it will be for local a musical instrument. [40643] authorities to determine how they use that resource to best effect, including what services would be funded for Mr Gibb: We want every child to learn a musical families with disabled children. instrument and to sing. We are making a substantial Local authorities received details of their EIG allocation investment in music services because we are determined for 2011-12 and 2012-13 just before Christmas. that every child will have access to a quality music education, including those from families that cannot afford to pay for private lessons. We have protected Schools money to the front line, and we shall be setting out our plans, later this year, in a National Plan for Music Christopher Pincher: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, which will set out proposals for how music Education if he will bring forward proposals to services can continue to provide access to good quality promote vertical integration between primary and music education for all children in state funded schools. secondary schools. [37122] 605W Written Answers17 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 606W

Mr Gibb: It is important for primary and secondary studio school within a maintained school, 10 community, schools to work closely together, particularly at the one community special, two foundation and five voluntary transition point between primary and secondary, to controlled schools, all with a 14 to 19 age range. ensure children who are struggling are getting the help Schools: Closures they need. But getting the fundamentals of literacy and numeracy right early on is crucial to a child’s success in secondary education and throughout their adult life. Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what consultations he has undertaken on the proposal We are committed to raising standards in literacy, to give the Secretary of State power to close schools and ensuring that no child gets left behind at school. As that have received an intervention order. [37868] set out in our White Paper, one of the ways we aim to achieve this goal is by strengthening the use of systematic Mr Gibb: The Secretary of State for Education currently synthetic phonics in the teaching of reading. We are only has the power to direct a local authority to close introducing a new phonics screening check for children one of their maintained schools where it is eligible for in Year 1, which will help to ensure that six-year-old intervention as a result of it being judged by Ofsted as children have grasped the essential phonics that underpin requiring special measures. The Education Bill extends good reading as well as identify the children who need this power to those schools which are, not only eligible extra help so they are given support by their school to for intervention because they require special measures, improve their reading skills. but also to those which are eligible for intervention as a Our White Paper also set out our commitment to result of being judged by Ofsted as requiring significant mathematics specialism in primary schools. It also reiterated improvement or those which have failed to comply with our belief that schools are best placed to make decisions a performance standards and safety warning notice. about pupils’ needs and about school improvement. “The Importance of Teaching” Schools White Paper, which was published in November, set out the Government’s Mr Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for plans to tackle consistent underperformance. In particular Education what his policy is on the establishment of it highlighted the Government’s aim to transform some schools for pupils aged between 14 and 19. [44621] of the most challenging schools in the country by imposing Academy solutions. The White Paper outlined Mr Gibb: We recognise the importance of education the provisions which would be taken in the Education and training for 14 to 19-year-olds and the need for Bill to strengthen the Secretary of State’s intervention opportunities allowing them to follow the curriculum powers and set out the plan: most appropriate to them. “to extend the Secretary of State’s closure powers to schools In addition to raising standards at existing schools subject to a notice to improve.” the Government are supporting and incentivising innovation During the development of the White Paper, and which is firmly linked to employer needs by establishing since its publication, Ministers and officials have had different types of academy, including university technical regular engagement with interested parties and discussed colleges (UTCs) and studio schools, which are specifically the key issues and policies of importance to them. This aimed at vocational education for 14 to 19-year-olds. has allowed us to take on board the views of a range of We expect the vast majority of 14 and 15-year-olds to organisations and interested parties. These discussions follow the national curriculum and take GCSEs and, will continue now the Bill is at the Committee stage. where appropriate, other qualifications at level 2. In her Schools: Ethnic Groups report which was published on 3 March 2011, Professor Alison Wolf is supportive of young people under 16 Damian Hinds: To ask the Secretary of State for being able to enrol in further education colleges and Education what proportion of pupils attending (a) UTCs, but she stresses the importance of a core academic Church of England, (b) Catholic, (c) other denominational programme for all pre-16, regardless of the type of or faith and (d) other maintained (i) secondary and (ii) educational institution a young person is attending. We primary schools in (A) Greater London and (B) nationally are currently considering all of Professor Wolfs were from each ethnic group in academic year 2009-10. recommendations and will publish a Government response [43675] in the spring. There are currently three sponsored academies (including Mr Gibb: The requested information is shown in the one UTC and one ‘standalone’ studio school), one table.

Maintained primary and state-funded secondary schools1,2: percentage of pupils by ethnic group3,4 by religious character of the school. as at January 2010 in greater London and England Pupils of compulsory school age and above Maintained primary schools1 Greater London England Other No Other No Church of Roman religious religious Church of Roman religious religious England Catholic character character England Catholic character character

White 49.3 51.4 70.2 41.5 86.1 78.7 81.7 76.3

White British 39.6 33.8 59.5 30.8 82.5 70.1 76.9 71.9

Irish 0.4 4.0 0.1 0.3 0.2 1.7 0.1 0.2 607W Written Answers17 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 608W

Maintained primary and state-funded secondary schools1,2: percentage of pupils by ethnic group3,4 by religious character of the school. as at January 2010 in greater London and England Pupils of compulsory school age and above Maintained primary schools1 Greater London England Other No Other No Church of Roman religious religious Church of Roman religious religious England Catholic character character England Catholic character character

Traveller of Irish 0.0 0.3 0.0 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.0 0.1 heritage Gypsy/Roma 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.2 0.2 0.1 0.1 0.2 Any other White 9.2 13.2 10.7 10.0 3.2 6.6 4.6 3.9 background

Mixed 9.8 9.7 4.6 8.6 3.6 5.3 3.3 4.4 White and Black 3.0 2.3 0.2 2.7 1.0 1.4 0.6 1.4 Caribbean White and Black 1.3 1.4 0.2 1.1 0.4 0.7 0.3 0.5 African White and Asian 1.5 1.6 0.6 1.3 0.9 1.0 0.7 1.0 Any other 4.0 4.4 3.6 3.5 1.3 2.1 1.7 1.6 Mixed background

Asian 8.5 6.4 9.5 22.7 5.2 5.4 8.2 11.5 Indian 1.7 2.1 5.2 6.3 1.4 2.1 2.9 2.9 Pakistani 1.2 0.2 3.0 5.1 2.4 1.2 4.4 4.9 Bangladeshi 3.5 0.2 0.6 6.6 0.8 0.2 0.3 2.1 Any other Asian 2.0 3.8 0.8 4.6 0.6 1.8 0.6 1.5 background

Black 26.2 26.5 7.2 20.2 3.3 8.1 3.1 5.1 Black Caribbean 9.5 5.4 1.4 5.9 1.1 1.7 0.5 1.4 Black African 13.9 18.1 4.9 12.2 1.8 5.3 2.2 3.1 Any other Black 2.8 3.0 1.0 2.1 0.4 1.0 0.4 0.6 background

Chinese 1.0 0.4 0.1 0.7 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.4

Any other ethnic 4.1 4.9 6.4 5.3 0.8 1.7 2.1 1.6 group

Classified4 98.8 99.2 98.1 99.0 99.3 99.4 98.8 99.3

Unclassified5 1.2 0.8 1.9 1.0 0.7 0.6 1.2 0.7

Minority ethnic 59.2 65.4 38.7 68.2 16.9 29.3 21.9 27.4 pupils6

All pupils7 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0

Pupils of compulsory school age and above State-funded secondary schools1,2 Greater London England Church of Roman Other No Church of Roman Other No England Catholic religious religious England Catholic religious religious character character character character

White 40.9 47.8 39.9 45.7 80.0 79.4 75.2 81.7 White British 33.6 32.9 29.3 36.9 76.7 71.2 70.6 78.2 Irish 0.4 4.2 0.2 0.4 0.2 1.9 0.3 0.2 Traveller of Irish 0.0 0.1 8— 0.1 0.0 0.1 0.0 0.0 heritage Gypsy/Roma 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 Any other White 6.8 10.6 10.3 8.2 3.0 6.2 4.2 3.1 background 609W Written Answers17 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 610W

Pupils of compulsory school age and above State-funded secondary schools1,2 Greater London England Church of Roman Other No Church of Roman Other No England Catholic religious religious England Catholic religious religious character character character character

Mixed 7.8 8.4 6.4 7.5 3.7 4.5 3.6 3.4 White and Black 2.4 2.2 2.4 2.5 1.2 1.4 1.1 1.2 Caribbean White and Black 1.0 1.1 0.7 0.9 0.4 0.5 0.3 0.3 African White and Asian 1.1 1.4 0.4 1.1 0.7 0.9 0.7 0.7 Any other 3.3 3.7 2.9 2.9 1.4 1.7 1.5 1.2 Mixed background

Asian 12.7 7.7 10.4 21.4 5.9 4.6 9.5 8.4 Indian 2.8 2.7 5.8 7.1 1.9 1.7 4.0 2.6 Pakistani 1.2 1.0 1.4 4.6 1.7 1.0 3.4 3.3 Bangladeshi 5.3 0.6 2.0 5.4 1.2 0.3 1.0 1.4 Any other Asian 3.4 3.5 1.2 4.3 1.1 1.6 1.0 1.2 background

Black 31.3 29.0 16.0 18.1 7.4 8.3 4.9 3.8 Black Caribbean 10.4 7.2 7.4 5.9 2.4 2.1 1.7 1.2 Black African 17.4 18.7 7.0 10.5 4.1 5.3 2.6 2.1 Any other Black 3.6 3.1 1.6 1.7 0.8 0.9 0.6 0.4 background

Chinese 1.2 0.4 0.4 0.8 0.5 0.3 0.6 0.4

Any other 4.8 5.0 6.3 5.0 1.3 1.6 1.9 1.1 ethnic group

Classified4 98.7 98.3 79.3 98.5 98.8 98.8 95.7 98.8

Unclassified5 1.3 1.7 20.7 1.5 1.2 1.2 4.3 1.2

Minority 65.1 65.4 50.0 61.6 22.1 27.6 25.1 20.5 ethnic pupils6

All pupils7 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 1 Includes middle schools as deemed. 2 Includes city technology colleges and academies. 3. Pupils of compulsory school age and above were classified according to ethnic group. Excludes dually registered pupils. 4 Number of pupils by ethnic group expressed as a percentage of all pupils of compulsory school age and above. 5 Information refused or not obtained. 6 Includes all pupils classified as belonging to an ethnic group other than White British. 7 All pupils of compulsory school age and above. 8 Percentage based on less than five pupils. Source: School Census and EduBase

Schools: Warrington programme in Warrington. The Parliamentary Under- Secretary of State for Schools, my noble Friend Lord Hill, has had two discussions about school buildings Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for with the hon. Member for Warrington South (David Education what recent discussions he has had on the Mowat) on 26 July and 25 November last year. The school building programme in Warrington; and when hon. Member for Warrington North took part in the he expects to announce those school building projects latter discussion. which are to go ahead. [40259] No further announcements on capital for maintained schools will be made for 2011-12. Details of capital Mr Gibb: The Secretary of State for Education, my from 2012-13 will depend on the outcome of the capital right hon. Friend the Member for Surrey Heath (Michael review and we aim to publish the final report shortly. Gove), has had no discussions on the school building However, the level of support for basic need and for 611W Written Answers17 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 612W capital maintenance for each year to 2014-15 is expected which local authorities are required to report on their to stay in line with the total amount allocated for expenditure on children’s services. From 2011-12, local 2011-12. authority expenditure on Sure Start Children’s Centres will be published, including how much funding is held Schools: Wolverhampton back for local authority central administration costs, and how much is spent on front line services. Emma Reynolds: To ask the Secretary of State for Education when schools and further education colleges Yasmin Qureshi: To ask the Secretary of State for in Wolverhampton will be informed of their allocation Education what the level of entitlement funding was in of discretionary learner support for 2011-12. [44669] (a) 2010-11 and (b) 2011-12 for (i) Bolton South East constituency, (ii) Bolton and (iii) Greater Manchester. Mr Gibb: We will be announcing details of the new [44850] arrangements for financial support for young people 16-19 shortly. Sarah Teather: The spending review confirmed that all three and four-year-olds will continue to receive 15 Sexualisation of Young People Review hours of free early education per week, delivered more flexibly. Funding for free early education places for 3 Mr Buckland: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and 4-year-olds is provided through the dedicated schools whether the independent review of the excessive grant (DSG), which supports the majority of education commercialisation and premature sexualisation of children provision for children aged 3-16. Local authorities, in will include an assessment of the role of (a) schools, consultation with their Schools Forum, decide how best (b) the retail sector and (c) the advertising sector; and to distribute 3-16 funding across their locality. As such, if he will make a statement. [44813] funding allocations for local authorities are not available. Local authorities report on financial expenditure through Sarah Teather: I have asked Reg Bailey, chief executive returns required under section 251 of the Apprenticeships, of the Mothers’ Union, to conduct the independent Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009. From April review of the commercialisation and sexualisation of 2010, about half of LAs were pathfinders for the Early childhood and to report with recommendations in May Years Single Funding Formula (EYSFF), a new method 2011. As laid out in the ministerial statement to Parliament for LAs to fund providers of free early education. From on 6 December 2010, Official Report, column 7WS, and April 2011, every LA will be operating the EYSFF. in the terms of reference for the review, Mr Bailey will Bolton LA were an EYSFF pathfinder. Where a local consider the views of the business community, and in authority was a pathfinder for the early years single particular the advertising and marketing industry, as funding formula in 2010-11, the detail of their formula well as the views of consumers, especially parents. It can be found in their section 251 statement. will be open to Mr Bailey to consider the role of schools. As part of this considerative process, Mr Bailey Because of the way section 251 operated previously, has invited industry and other organisations, as well as it is not possible to obtain complete data on free early parents, to submit evidence. He is also meeting education spend for non-pathfinders. From section 251 representatives from a wide range of businesses and data, Bolton budgeted to spend £8.2 million in 2010-11, others with an interest, including, for example, the and this was allocated through a formula to early years Advertising Standards Authority and the Advertising settings. Budget statements for 2011-12 have not yet Association, as well as leading retailers and their been completed. representative bodies. Targeted Mental Health in Schools Grant: Finance Sixth Form Colleges: VAT Mrs Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for Damian Hinds: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what funding his Department allocated to Education how many and what proportion of sixth the Targeted Mental Health in Schools Grant in (a) form colleges in England are registered for value added 2008-09, (b) 2009-10 and (c) 2010-11. [40710] tax. [45641] Sarah Teather: Between 2008 and 2011, the Department Mr Gauke: I have been asked to reply. for Education allocated a total of £60 million to the The Secretary of State for Education has asked me to Targeted Mental Health in Schools (TaMHS) programme. reply as Minister responsible for this area. I refer the This was broken down to: £10 million in 2008-09, hon. Member to my reply to him of 14 March 2011, £20 million in 2009-10 and £30 million in 2010-11. Official Report, column 96W. The aim of the TaMHS programme was to develop Sure Start: Bolton innovative models of early intervention and targeted support in schools for children and young people aged Yasmin Qureshi: To ask the Secretary of State for 5-13, and their families, who were at risk of and/or Education what the average administration costs were experiencing mental health problems by building on of Sure Start children’s centres in Bolton in the latest existing universal work in schools to promote pupils’ period for which figures are available. [44828] social and emotional development. From April 2011, funding for Targeted Mental Health Sarah Teather: The Department for Education does in Schools (TaMHS) services for children and young not collect data on average administrative costs for people will be available through the new Early Intervention children’s centres. We have consulted on changes to data Grant. This non-ring-fenced grant, worth £2.2 billion in 613W Written Answers17 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 614W

2011-12, will give local areas the freedom and flexibility There was, therefore, no need to undertake an impact to invest in early intervention, responding effectively to assessment on its abolition. TPIAG published its final local need and priority. report on 14 December 2010. While TPIAG was not responsible for the delivery of Teachers: Training the Teenage Pregnancy Strategy, it did produce regular reports, with recommendations on how the Strategy Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Education could be improved. I would like to take this opportunity (1) what assessment he has made of the effects of the to thank the members of the Group for their reports removal of the further education initial teacher training and recommendations on both preventing teenage bursary for (a) history and (b) information and pregnancies and improving support for teenage parents communication technologies PGCE students; [42178] and their children. The Group’s expert input has made (2) what assessment he has made of the effects of the an important contribution to the understanding of the removal of the bursary for information and communication measures needed to reduce teenage pregnancies, which technologies PGCE students on the number of information have fallen by 18.1% between 1998 and 2009 (the latest and communication technologies teachers in secondary year for which data are available), to the point where in schools in each of the next five years; [42214] 2009, the under-18 conception rate was at its lowest level for nearly 30 years. (3) what assessment he has made of the effects of the removal of the further education initial teacher training In my response of 25 October 2010, Official Report, bursary for history graduates on the number of history column 95W, to the hon. Member for Stafford (Jeremy teachers in secondary schools in each of the next five Lefroy), I emphasised the importance of local areas years; [42215] continuing to prioritise reducing teenage pregnancy rates. This will contribute to their efforts to reduce child (4) what assessment he has made of the effects of the poverty and health inequalities. removal of the further education initial teacher training bursary for history PGCE students on the take-up of Teenage Pregnancy Scheme: Finance history within the English Baccalaureate in each of the next five years; [42216] Mrs Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for (5) what assessment he has made of the effects of the Education what funding his Department allocated to removal of the further education initial teacher training the Teenage Pregnancy scheme in (a) 2008-09, (b) bursary for design and technology PGCE students on 2009-10 and (c) 2010-11. [40715] the number of design and technology teachers in secondary schools in each of the next five years; [42217] Sarah Teather: The following table sets out the budget (6) what assessment he has made of the effects of the allocated to support work on reducing teenage pregnancy removal of the further education initial teacher training rates and improving outcomes for teenage parents and bursary for design and technology PGCE students on their children, in this and the preceding two years. It the number of students taking up vocational subjects in separates out the amounts spent on: local implementation secondary schools; [42218] (paid through a grant to each top-tier local authority in (7) what consultations he undertook with (a) trade England); and the amount retained by the Teenage unions, (b) head teachers’ associations, (c) local authorities Pregnancy Unit (TPU) to pay for the elements of the and (d) schools on his decision to remove further strategy that were best managed centrally, such as funding education initial teacher training bursaries for (i) information for a national media, campaign and for the national and communication technologies, (ii) history and (iii) PSHE continuing professional development (CPD) design and technology PGCE students in the 2011-12 programme for teachers. academic year. [42219] £ million Mr Gibb: The training bursary arrangements for Local students taking further education PGCEs are a matter Financial year implementation Central costs Total for the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills. 2008-09 27.5 5.5 33 2009-10 27.5 5.5 33 Teenage Pregnancy Independent Advisory Group 2010-11 27.5 5.5 33

Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for Education Teenage Pregnancy: Personal Income (1) what impact assessment he has undertaken of the abolition of the Independent Advisory Group on Teenage Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Education Pregnancy; [24043] what assessment his Department has made of potential (2) what his most recent assessment is of the effectiveness links between income inequality and rates of (a) teenage of the Independent Advisory Group on Teenage Pregnancy births and (b) teenage pregnancy. [44263] in carrying out its functions. [24044] Sarah Teather: Analysis of the Longitudinal Study of Sarah Teather: The Teenage Pregnancy Independent Young People in England (LSYPE) shows that young Advisory Group (TPIAG) was set up in 2000, to monitor women from less well off backgrounds are more likely the previous Administration’s 10 year Teenage Pregnancy to have been pregnant and, in particular, more likely to Strategy. It is an advisory non-departmental public have become mothers, by the age of 18 than those from body (NDPB) whose work was scheduled to come to an more affluent backgrounds. The survey found that while end in 2010 and the group has had no responsibility for 13% of females interviewed were eligible for free school implementation of the Teenage Pregnancy Strategy. meals in Year 11, this group made up 22% of those who 615W Written Answers17 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 616W became pregnant by age 18, and 32% of those whose information, advice and the power to provide accurate first pregnancy resulted in them having the baby. Females information on drugs and alcohol through drug education with parents from higher or lower, professional occupational and targeted information via the FRANK service; to backgrounds made up 45% of the survey population at tackle problem behaviour in schools, with wider powers age 18, but only 28% of those who became pregnant by of search and confiscation; and to work with local the age of 18 and an even smaller proportion, 12%, of voluntary organisations, the police and others to prevent those who went on to have a baby. drug or alcohol misuse. We will make sure that other Rates of both teenage pregnancy and teenage professionals working with young people also have motherhood are higher in areas with higher levels of access to the information they need to raise awareness deprivation. Teenage pregnancy rates in the 10% most of these issues. deprived wards are four times higher than in the 10% Furthermore, through the Early Intervention Grant least deprived. This association is even stronger when it we are giving local authorities in England more freedoms comes to teenage motherhood, where the rate of births and flexibilities to maintain and focus on essential to under-18s in the most deprived 10% of wards is nine frontline services and to invest in early intervention and times higher than in the 10% least deprived. High rates prevention to protect the most vulnerable, including of teenage pregnancy are mainly concentrated in deprived those young people at risk of substance misuse. urban areas. However, teenage pregnancy ‘hotspots’ (wards with rates over 60 under-18 conceptions per Young People: Unemployment 1,000 females aged 15-17) are found in virtually every local authority in England, including in some rural Mr Ruffley: To ask the Secretary of State for Education areas. how many and what proportion of young people aged Written Questions: Government Responses (a) 16, (b) 17 and (c) 18 were not in full-time education or training in each local education authority area in the Bridget Phillipson: To ask the Secretary of State for East of England in the latest period for which figures Education when he plans to reply to question 24438, on are available. [44929] funding for family rights helplines, tabled on 13 Mr Gibb: Estimates of participation in education and November for ordinary written answer. [29615] work-based learning (WBL) for young people in each Sarah Teather: A response has been issued to the hon. local authority (LA) in England are published by the Member today. Department in a Statistical First Release (SFR) each June. The full set of local estimates can be found on the Young People: Alcoholic Drinks Department’s website at: http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/rsgateway/DB/SFR/s000938/ Nick Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for index.shtml Education if he will take steps to raise awareness of the The following table shows, for local authorities in the problems of under-age excess drinking through the east of England: estimates for the number of young Youth Service. [39886] people participating in full-time education and WBL; population estimates; and estimates for the number and Sarah Teather: The national Drug Strategy published proportion of young people not in full-time education in December 2010, set out Government’s ambition for or WBL. Estimates relate to a snapshot at the end of preventing drug and alcohol misuse among young people. 2008, and are shown for young people of academic In it, we committed to ensure that school staff have the age 16 and 17. Figures for 18-year-olds are not available.

Participation in full-time education (FT Ed) or work-based learning (WBL) at academic age 16 and 17 for local authorities in the east of England

Academic age 16 Academic age 17

In FT Population Not in FT Proportion not In FT Population Not in FT Proportion not Ed/WBL Ed/WBL in FT Ed/WBL Ed/WBL Ed/WBL in FT Ed/WBL

Number Number Number Percentage Number Number Number Percentage

Bedford112,100 12,100 10 10 1,800 2,100 300 13

Cambridgeshire 6,500 7,400 900 12 5,900 7,700 1,700 23

Central 2,800 3,300 500 16 2,400 3,400 1,000 30 Bedfordshire

Essex 14,900 17,900 3,000 17 12,900 18,300 5,400 30

Hertfordshire 13,400 14,500 1,000 7 11,900 14,500 2,600 18

Luton 2,300 2,500 200 7 2,000 2,700 600 23

Norfolk 8,500 9,900 1,400 14 7,100 10,100 3,000 30

Peterborough 1,800 2,100 300 12 1,600 2,300 700 31

Southend-on-Sea 1,800 2,100 200 12 1,500 2,100 500 26

Suffolk 7,700 9,000 1,400 15 6,700 9,300 2,500 27

Thurrock 1,600 1,900 300 17 1,300 2,100 800 38

East of England 63,500 72,700 9,200 13 55,200 74,500 19,300 26 617W Written Answers17 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 618W

Participation in full-time education (FT Ed) or work-based learning (WBL) at academic age 16 and 17 for local authorities in the east of England Academic age 16 Academic age 17 In FT Population Not in FT Proportion not In FT Population Not in FT Proportion not Ed/WBL Ed/WBL in FT Ed/WBL Ed/WBL Ed/WBL in FT Ed/WBL Number Number Number Percentage Number Number Number Percentage

England 577,700 659,400 81,700 12 511,600 677,300 165,700 24 1 Note that in some cases estimates of participation at LA level can equal or exceed 100%. This is because for participants in independent schools, where residence data on pupils are not collected, an assumption is made that the young people live in the LA that the school is located. This will tend to inflate participation estimates for LAs with both an untypically high number of independent schools and where cross border flows between LAs are common (such as Inner London). Bedford is one of the LAs whose estimates at age 16 are suppressed in the published participation figures (which include part-time education) because the estimate of overall participation exceeds 100%. Note: Numbers are rounded to the nearest 100.

HEALTH The final 2011-12 Adult Social Care Outcomes Framework will be published by the Government shortly. Autism Cataracts: Surgery Ms Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what progress his Department has made in producing a Mike Weatherley: To ask the Secretary of State for protocol for the recording and sharing of information Health whether he plans to take steps to increase the on adults with autism; and if he will make a statement. number of patients who are able to choose implantable [46772] lens technology on the NHS for the treatment of cataracts under his proposals for the reform of NHS Paul Burstow: The published document, “Implementing commissioning. [46761] ‘Fulfilling and rewarding Lives’: Consultation for statutory guidance for local authorities and NHS organisations Mr Simon Burns: Currently primary care trusts are to support the implementation of the autism strategy”, able to commission eye care services as they judge them December 2010, set out clear local authority responsibilities to be needed in their areas. for ensuring that correct processes are put in place for conducting assessments of needs and for the prompt The Health and Social Care Bill currently before the sharing of information of adults with autism. House sets out our proposals to devolve power and responsibility for commissioning services to local consortia The Department will lead the development of an of general practitioner (GP) practices, supported by the agreed protocol for what information should be recorded creation of the NHS Commissioning Board. and how it should be shared with other services. This protocol will also look at how information about numbers Subject to parliamentary approval, GP consortia will of adults with autism locally should be compiled and be responsible for commissioning the vast majority of fed into centrally collated data about rates of autism. national health service services including those for patients with cataracts. GP consortia will be responsible for A copy of the guidance has already been placed in managing their own commissioning budgets, and using the Library. these resources for commissioning services to achieve the best and most cost-efficient outcomes for patients. Ms Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for Health The NHS Commissioning Board will hold them to for what reasons people with autism are not included in account for the quality of their commissioning. the draft social care outcomes framework; whether he plans to address social care outcomes for people with Contraception: Expenditure autism; and if he will make a statement. [47065]

Paul Burstow: The Adult Social Care Outcomes Ms Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Framework is intended to provide an overarching picture how much his Department and the NHS spent on of social care at the national level, reflecting the common contraceptive (a) services and (b) provision through outcomes which matter to people receiving services and primary care in the last 12 months for which figures are their carers. Outcome measures are not intended to available; and if he will make a statement. [46773] focus on any one disability exclusively, but reflect more holistic outcomes as far as possible to give a broader Anne Milton: Information on national health service overview, with more detailed information available for spending on contraceptive services through primary further analysis. Outcomes for people with autism should care is not collected by the Department. be included in the framework to the extent that these The NHS Information Centre collects some information high-level measures are relevant for autism. on spending on contraception provision in primary The 2011-12 Adult Social Care Outcomes Framework care. The latest 12-month period available covers October is based upon existing national data collections, since 2009 to September 2010. Contraceptives are listed in changes to data requirements cannot be made in the the British National Formulary under section 7.3 and short-term. Data on autism are not currently collected Prescription Services classify contraceptive appliances from councils at the national level, hence this information (such as intra-uterine contraceptive devices) under 21.4. is not disaggregable from current proposals. However, The following figure covers all products in these sections we are exploring means of addressing the availability of except for ovulation thermometers. information on specific disabilities, including autism, Expenditure (net ingredient cost) on prescriptions for through data development with the local government contraception, dispensed in the community in England, sector. year ending 30 September 2010, was £91,992,499. 619W Written Answers17 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 620W

Contraceptives can also be supplied without a Mr Simon Burns: The numbers of dentists with national prescription either through contraceptive and sexual health service activity, by contract type, during the year health clinics, or by pharmacists under a Patient Group ending 31 March 2010 are available in Table G2 of Direction. Condoms are not provided on prescription Annex 3 of the “NHS Dental Statistics for England: but can be supplied by the NHS via other routes. 2009-10” report. Expenditure on these items is not included in the figure Information is provided for England and by strategic above. health authority and primary care trust. This information Notes: is based on the dental contractual arrangements, introduced 1. Prescription Cost Analysis (PCA) Data on 1 April 2006. This report, published on 18 August Prescription information is taken from the PCA system, supplied 2010, has already been placed in the Library and is also by the Prescription Services Division of the NHS Business Services available on the NHS Information Centre website at: Authority, and is based on a full analysis of all prescriptions www.ic.nhs.uk/pubs/dentalstats0910 dispensed in the community, i.e. by community pharmacists and appliance contractors, dispensing doctors, and prescriptions submitted Following a consultation exercise in 2008, this measure by prescribing doctors for items personally administered in England. is based on a revised methodology and therefore supersedes Also included are prescriptions written in Wales, Scotland, Northern any previously published workforce figures relating to Ireland and the Isle of Man but dispensed in England. The data the new dental contractual arrangements. This revised do not cover drugs dispensed in hospitals, including mental methodology counts the number of dental performers health trusts, or private prescriptions. with NHS activity recorded via FP17 claim forms in 2. Prescribers are general practitioners, hospital doctors, dentists each year ending 31 March. This revised methodology and non-medical prescribers such as nurses and pharmacists. applies to data published from 2008 onwards and includes 3. Net Ingredient Cost (NIC) 2007 revised data. It is not comparable to the information NIC is the basic cost of a drug. It does not take account of collected under the old contractual arrangements. discounts, dispensing costs, fees or prescription charges income. These published figures relate to a headcount and do Cord Blood not differentiate between full-time and part-time dentists, nor do they account for the fact that some dentists may do more NHS work than others. Lilian Greenwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will visit the Anthony Nolan cord blood bank Departmental Rail Travel in Nottingham South constituency to discuss an increase in the UK stock of umbilical cord blood. [47357] Mr Godsiff: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many and what proportion of civil servants in his Anne Milton: The Secretary of State for Health, the Department are entitled to travel first class by rail right hon. Member for South Cambridgeshire (Mr Lansley), within the UK. [47071] has not yet received an invitation to visit the Anthony Nolan Cord Bank in Nottingham. As the Minister, with Mr Simon Burns: The Department’s current travel responsibility for NHS stem cell transplantation services, and expenses policy allows staff to travel first class by both cord blood and bone marrow, I would be happy to rail only if there is a business need for them to do so. visit this facility in the future when my diary permits. Staff at senior executive officer (SEO) level and above The Government remain committed to this work and may travel first class without separate approval. I have personally met with members of the UK Stem Latest data submitted by the Department to the Cell Strategic Forum, including the Anthony Nolan, to Office of National Statistics as at 31 December 2010 drive forward work to make current services more effective shows that there were 2,656 civil servants in the Department. and efficient. As further proof of this commitment, I 1,604 of these were employed at SEO level or above; announced an additional £4 million towards improving that is, 60% of the Department’s workforce. the provision of these life saving therapies in the national All staff have a responsibility to consider at the health service. outset whether they have a definite need related to their Dental Services: East of England work to travel first class by rail. Where air travel is cheaper than rail travel, officials are encouraged to obtain economy class air tickets from the Department’s Mr Ruffley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health travel contractor. how many and what proportion of practising dentists in each county in the East of England are taking on The Department is implementing a new travel and new NHS patients. [47027] expenses policy guidance for staff in April 2011 which reflect latest Treasury principles and the Government’s Mr Simon Burns: The information requested is not efficiency measures, announced in May 2010, to reduce centrally held. The hon. Member may wish to approach first class travel. the East of England strategic health authority for local Departmental Regulation information. Dental Services: Manpower Gordon Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what regulations his Department introduced Mr Ruffley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health between 9 and 28 February 2011; [47049] how many dentists are operating under (a) general (2) what regulations his Department revoked dental services contracts and (b) personal dental services between 9 and 28 February 2011. [47060] agreements in (i) Suffolk, (ii) Bedfordshire, (iii) Cambridgeshire, (iv) Essex, (v) Hertfordshire, (vi) Norfolk Mr Simon Burns: The information requested is in the and (vii) England. [46917] following tables. 621W Written Answers17 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 622W

Statutory instruments introduced before Parliament for the period 9 February 2011 to 28 February 2011 SI title Made Laid Coming into force SI number

The North West London Hospitals National Health Service Trust 5 February 2011 9 February 2011 1 April 2011 2011/238 (Transfer of Trust Property) Order 2011

The Buckinghamshire Primary Care Trust (Transfer of Trust 7 February 2011 11 February 2011 1 April 2011 2011/253 Property) Order 2011

The Food Additives (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2011 7 February 2011 11 February 2011 31 March 2011 2011/258

The National Health Service (Quality Accounts) Amendment 8 February 2011 11 February 2011 1 April 2011 2011/269 Regulations 2011

The Food Labelling (Declaration of Allergens) (England) 11 February 2011 17 February 2011 17 March 2011 2011/402 Regulations 2011

The Healthy Start Scheme and Welfare Food (Amendment) 14 February 2011 17 February 2011 6 April 2011 2011/426 Regulations 2011

The National Health Service (Functions of Strategic Health 23 February 2011 28 February 2011 1 April 2011 2011/503 Authorities and Primary Care Trusts and Administration Arrangements) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2011

Statutory instruments revoked between 9 February 2010 and 28 February 2011 SI revoked By SI Made Laid Coming into force SI number

The Food Labelling The Food Labelling 11 February 2011 17 February 2011 17 March 2011 2011/402 (Declaration of Allergens) (Declaration of Allergens) (England) Regulations (England) Regulations 2011 2009 (SI 2009/2801)

General Practitioners www.ic.nhs.uk/webfiles/publications/010_Workforce/ nhsstaff9909/GP/General%20Practice%20%20 Bulletin%20Tables%201999%20-%202009.pdf Mr Ruffley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many (a) GP surgeries and (b) single-handed GP surgeries there were in (i) Suffolk, (ii) Bedfordshire, (iii) Mr Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of Cambridgeshire, (iv) Essex, (v) Hertfordshire, (vi) State for Health what assessment he has made of the Norfolk and (vii) England in each year since 1997. merits and demerits of requiring patients to make [46916] appointments with GPs through call centres; and if he will make a statement. [47368] Mr Simon Burns: The information requested is not available in the format requested. However, information Mr Simon Burns: None. General practitioners (GPs) is available by strategic health authority (SHA)/primary practices are responsible, as independent contractors to care trust (PCT) area. the national health service, for ensuring their patients Table 1 includes information relating to the number can make appointments to obtain the care they need of general practitioner (GP) practices in the former from general practice. In making such decisions, GPs SHAs and PCTs in the East of England area covering will want to secure both the best and most effective the period from September 2001 to September 2005, arrangements for their patients and for the practice. and the number of GP practices for the reconfigured There are no requirements for practices to move to call SHA and PCT areas for 2006 to 2009. centres for appointment-based bookings. Table 2 is the number of single-handed practices in the same area over the same period. For data collection General Practitioners: Working Hours purposes, single-handed GP practices are defined as those who do not employ a salaried GP but may be assisted by a GP registrar or GP retainer. Mr Ruffley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Table 3 provides information on the number of single- what the average distance travelled for an out-of-hours handed providers from 1997 to 2005 but where a single- GP appointment was in (a) Suffolk, (b) Bedfordshire, handed provider is defined as one which may also (c) Cambridgeshire, (d) Essex, (e) Hertfordshire and include a salaried GP, GP registrar or GP trainee. (f) Norfolk in each of the last 10 years; and what the Therefore; this information is not comparable to the average waiting time for an out-of-hours GP appointment information in table 2. was in (i) Suffolk, (ii) Bedfordshire, (iii) Cambridgeshire, Copies of these tables have been placed in the Library. (iv) Essex, (v) Hertfordshire and (vi) Norfolk in each of Information on the number of single-handed providers the last 10 years. [47029] in England from 1999 to 2009 is available in the workforce census bulletin “General and Personal Medical Services Mr Simon Burns: The information requested is not 1999 to 2009 (second edition)” published by the NHS centrally held. The hon. Member may wish to approach Information Centre for Health and Social Care. A copy the relevant primary care trusts within the east of of the bulletin can be found at: England region for local information. 623W Written Answers17 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 624W

Health Services £000 Managers Nursing and Administrative Bill Esterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and senior midwifery and clerical managers what assessment he has made of the expenditure by (a) Sefton Primary Care Trust and (b) other primary care Ipswich Hospital 4,764 40,412 16,464 trusts of the Improving Access to Psychological Therapies NHS Trust grant in the latest period for which figures are available. West Suffolk 4,382 34,929 10,809 [47278] Hospital NHS Trust Notes: Paul Burstow: Sefton primary care trust (PCT) received 1. 2009-10 is the most recent financial year for which figures are a total of £1.081 million in funding for Improving available. Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) in 2010-11. 2. The data are taken from the Financial Returns. The Financial Returns are a means for the national health service to provide This was comprised of £608,000 in their baseline as planning and costing information to the Department, and these their weighted capitation share of £103 million shared essentially provide a more detailed breakdown of individual between all PCTs for the IAPT programme, and a direct expenditure lines reported in the audited summarisation schedules. allocation of a further £473,000 from the £70 million The Financial Returns data are not itself audited, but are instead growth funding allocated to individual PCTs by their validated by reference to the audited summarisation schedules from which the NHS Summarised Accounts are prepared. There are a strategic health authorities (SHAs) as part of this number of factors which may distort the figures and they may programme in 2010-11. contain errors and omissions at an individual level (mainly as a result of classification errors) which are not material at the national Sefton started its IAPT service in October 2010. In its level. first quarter, between 1 October and 31 December 2010, Source: this service saw 1,228 patients entering treatment, of NHS Financial Returns, Department of Health which 679 completed it. Another 117 patients moved to recovery with many others showing significant improvement Gordon Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for in their symptoms and still being in treatment at the end Health how much (a) Suffolk Primary Care Trust and of this period. Seven of the people treated in this three (b) the East of England Strategic Health Authority months came off sick pay or benefits. spent on (i) management and (ii) other consultants in Total funding provided nationally for the IAPT each of the last five years. [47031] programme in 2010-11 was £173 million. This comprised £103 million shared between all PCTs’ baselines on a Mr Simon Burns: Expenditure on consultancy services weighted capitation basis. The £70 million growth money by Suffolk Primary Care Trust and East of England for 2010-11 was shared between SHAs on a weighted Strategic Health Authority for the financial years 2007-08 capitation basis and allocated by them to PCTs in their to 2009-10 is shown in the following table: region, in the light of local circumstances and decisions to start new services. Some PCTs have chosen to add £000 funding to their allocations in order to enhance their 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 local services and others have struggled to find the full Suffolk Primary 387 3,062 878 amount in their baselines but the detail of this is not Care Trust held centrally. East of England 0 3,446 6,370 Strategic Health Across the country in the quarter between October Authority and December 2010 91,527 people entered IAPT treatment, Note: 64,230 completed it, 22,369 moved to recovery with 2007-08 was the first year that expenditure on consultancy services many more showing significant improvement in their was separately identified in the audited summarisation schedules. It symptoms and remaining in treatment across the end of is not possible to disaggregate the amounts spent on management this period. A total of 4,238 people treated came off and other consultants from these figures. Source: sick pay or benefits. Audited Summarisation Schedules 2007-08 to 2009-10, Department of Health Health Services: Reciprocal Arrangements

Health Services: East of England Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many residents of each (a) EU member state and (b) non-EU country were treated by the NHS in each Mr Ruffley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health of the last five years; and what the cost to the public how much was spent by (a) West Suffolk Hospital purse was of such treatment in each such year. [47008] NHS Trust and (b) Ipswich Hospital NHS Trust on salaries and wages for (i) general and senior managers, (ii) nurses and midwives, and (iii) administrative and Anne Milton: Under European Union Regulations 883/2004 and 987/2009, the United Kingdom is able to clerical staff in each year since 2009-10. [46936] claim full reimbursement for the cost of treatment provided in the UK to residents of another European Mr Simon Burns: Expenditure on managers and senior Economic Area member state or Switzerland. Separately, managers, nursing and midwifery and administrative the UK has bilateral health care agreements with a and clerical staff costs by West Suffolk Hospital NHS small number of non-EU countries, which entitle nationals Trust and Ipswich Hospital NHS Trust in 2009-10 is or residents of those countries to free national health shown in the following table: service hospital treatment when the need for it arises 625W Written Answers17 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 626W during their visit to the UK. Residents of other countries NHS: Information and Communications Technology are not usually entitled to free NHS treatment and will be charged. Mr Bacon: To ask the Secretary of State for Health The following table shows the total audited losses, how many delay event notices in the National Programme bad debt and claims abandoned for overseas visitors for for IT in the Health Service have been issued by (a) years 2005-06 to 2009-10, for England. As well as Connecting for Health (b) other NHS bodies and (c) written off debt for foreign nationals, including EEA BT in relation to the Cerner deployment at North and Swiss nationals, who are not ordinarily resident in Bristol NHS Trust; and what the value is in each case. the UK or exempt from charges, these data include [46805] written off debt for UK nationals who are not ordinarily resident here. Further, the data do not include monies Mr Simon Burns: Under National Programme for owed that hospitals are still in the process of recovering. Information Technology Local Service Provider (LSP) Bad debts and claims abandoned in respect of overseas patients contracts, LSPs, but not the Department, nor national £ health service organisations, are obliged to issue a delay

2005-06 3,883,017 event notice (DEN) when they anticipate being unlikely 2006-07 5,046,763 to achieve a contractual milestone on time. The duty to 2007-08 6,468,751 issue a DEN is the LSP’s, whether or not the LSP is 2008-09 5,204,856 responsible for the event concerned. 2009-10 6,967,780 Only one DEN has been issued in relation to the Cerner deployment at the North Bristol NHS Trusts. It Insulin was issued by BT on 16 September 2010, citing two delay events requested by the trust. BT have not to date Mike Weatherley: To ask the Secretary of State for associated any cost with the DEN. Health whether he has plans to bring forward proposals to increase access to insulin pumps for people with Type 1 diabetes. [46762] NHS: Negligence

Paul Burstow: The National Institute for Health and Paul Uppal: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines along with what steps he plans to take under his NHS reforms to international evidence are clear on usage and benefits of ensure redress for patients who suffer injury as a result these devices. of negligent medical treatment in an NHS hospital; Dr Rowan Hillson, the National Clinical Director for and if he will take steps to ensure that such rights of Diabetes is currently chairing a working group considering redress are no less than those that would apply to a the steps that need to be taken to increase uptake of patient suffering injury in a privately-run hospital. insulin pumps. “The NHS Operating Framework for [46684] 2011/12” also highlights the need to do more to make these devices available. Mr Simon Burns: The standard national health service In addition, the NHS Technology Adoption Centre contracts already place a requirement on providers of has published guidance for the national health service NHS care to have appropriate indemnity arrangements to help drive the uptake of these devices in line with the in place. guidelines provided by NICE. Patients still continue the right to make a claim where they have been negligently harmed, regardless of the Mental Illness: Ex-servicemen who the provider of care was. Hazel Blears: To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) how much funding his Department provided NHS: Per Capita Costs to Timebank for its Shoulder to Shoulder programme in (a) 2007, (b) 2008, (c) 2009 and (d) 2010; [46881] (2) what assessment he has made of the effect on the Mr Ruffley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health NHS budget of the Timebank Shoulder to Shoulder what the total public expenditure per head of population was on (a) capital and (b) running costs of the NHS in programme. [46996] (i) Suffolk, (ii) Bedfordshire, (iii) Cambridgeshire, (iv) Essex, (v) Hertfordshire, (vi) Norfolk and (vii) each of Mr Simon Burns: The Shoulder to Shoulder project is the English regions in each year since 1997. [47025] a partnership between Timebank and Combat Stress, funded by the Department with the aim of providing mentors to young service leavers to aid their transition Mr Simon Burns: The Department does not collect into civilian life. The project began just over a month any information for the national health service by either ago, and any evaluation would be premature. county or English region. The funding available is shown in the following table: Information on running costs is not available centrally. Total capital expenditure by strategic health authorities £ (SHAs), primary care trusts (PCTs) and NHS trusts per head of population, summarised by SHA area, is shown 2010-11 48,829 in the following table. The East of England SHA, and 2011-12 58,147 its predecessors, covers the six counties referred to in 2012-13 57,927 this question. 627W Written Answers17 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 628W

£ 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10

East of England strategic health authority area Q01 Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire Strategic 46.8 33.5 24.2 n/a n/a n/a n/a Health Authority Q02 Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Strategic 34.8 21.0 22.6 n/a n/a n/a n/a Health Authority Q03 Essex Strategic Health Authority 49.9 41.8 57.2 n/a n/a n/a n/a Q35 North West London Strategic Health n/a n/a n/a 17.63 22.14 24.73 36.53 Authority

Other Strategic Health Authority areas Q04 North West London Strategic Health 76.0 60.3 62.4 n/a n/a n/a n/a Authority Q05 North Central London Strategic Health 54.1 57.2 16.6 n/a n/a n/a n/a Authority Q06 North East London Strategic Health 66.9 57.1 62.1 n/a n/a n/a n/a Authority Q07 South East London Strategic Health Authority 51.6 51.0 45.0 n/a n/a n/a n/a Q08 South West London Strategic Health 55.6 41.2 23.4 n/a n/a n/a n/a Authority Q09 Northumberland, Tyne And Wear Strategic 60.4 43.8 49.9 n/a n/a n/a n/a Health Authority Q10 County Durham and Tees Valley Strategic 34.7 35.3 46.1 n/a n/a n/a n/a Health Authority Q11 North and East Yorkshire and North Lincs 40.5 36.9 53.1 n/a n/a n/a n/a Strategic Health Authority Q12 West Yorkshire Strategic Health Authority 44.5 33.4 36.4 n/a n/a n/a n/a Q13 Cumbria and Lancashire Strategic Health 46.5 47.2 34.5 n/a n/a n/a n/a Authority Q14 Greater Manchester Strategic Health 44.6 35.7 45.4 n/a n/a n/a n/a Authority Q15 Chester and Merseyside Strategic Health 54.5 57.0 56.9 n/a n/a n/a n/a Authority Q16 Thames Valley Strategic Health Authority 35.3 35.3 26.6 n/a n/a n/a n/a Q17 Hampshire and Isle of Wight Strategic Health 49.6 55.8 39.6 n/a n/a n/a n/a Authority Q18 Kent and Medway Strategic Health Authority 31.8 39.1 46.2 n/a n/a n/a n/a Q19 Surrey and Sussex Strategic Health Authority 45.9 45.0 22.9 n/a n/a n/a n/a Q20 Avon, Gloucester and Wiltshire Strategic 30.8 28.4 30.7 n/a n/a n/a n/a Health Authority 021 South West Peninsula Strategic Health 54.5 30.8 44.9 n/a n/a n/a n/a Authority Q22 Dorset and Somerset Strategic Health 35.6 40.9 62.8 n/a n/a n/a n/a Authority Q23 South Yorkshire Strategic Health Authority 53.1 25.0 14.3 n/a n/a n/a n/a Q24 Trent Strategic Health Authority 43.2 37.9 19.1 n/a n/a n/a n/a Q25 Leics, Northants and Rutland Strategic Health 41.8 45.9 44.0 n/a n/a n/a n/a Authority Q26 Shropshire and Staffordshire Strategic Health 45.8 35.8 37.5 n/a n/a n/a n/a Authority Q27 Birmingham and the Black Country Strategic 74.8 56.5 23.6 n/a n/a n/a n/a Health Authority Q28 West Midlands South Strategic Health 39.8 35.7 32.2 n/a n/a n/a n/a Authority Q30 North East Strategic Health Authority n/a n/a n/a 44.52 13.54 37.59 31.72 Q31 North West Strategic Health Authority n/a n/a n/a 52.90 42.61 30.88 61.37 Q32 Yorkshire and the Humber Strategic Health n/a n/a n/a 36.46 29.88 31.36 50.13 Authority Q33 east Midlands Strategic Health Authority n/a n/a n/a 38.23 37.63 41.93 53.53 Q34 West Midlands Strategic Health Authority n/a n/a n/a 33.41 34.76 34.43 47.70 Q35 London Strategic Health Authority n/a n/a n/a 28.99 47.22 54.36 89.97 Q36 South East Coast Strategic Health Authority n/a n/a n/a 35.13 42.05 35.54 41.36 Q37 South Central Strategic Health Authority n/a n/a n/a 57.74 40.30 46.42 109.13 Q38 South West Strategic Health Authority n/a n/a n/a 41.04 37.44 42.10 44.15 Notes: 1. Expenditure data used in the calculation of capital expenditure per capita values is taken from the audited summarisation schedules of NHS bodies, 2003-04 to 2009-10. 2. In accordance with HM Treasury guidance, expenditure was accounted for using UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice the financial years 2003-04 to 2008-09; expenditure for 2009-10 was accounted for using International Financial Reporting Standards. 3. ‘n/a’ indicates that the organisation did not exist in the financial year. 629W Written Answers17 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 630W

Organs: Donors fracture have vision impairment, as do around 50% of patients admitted to elderly medicine wards. The research Sheryll Murray: To ask the Secretary of State for review document can be found at: Health whether his Department is taking steps to www.cochranejournalclub.com/preventing-falls-in-nursing- reduce regional variations in the number of people on care-facilities-and-hospitals/pdf/CD007146_standard.pdf the NHS Organ Donor Register; and if he will make a statement. [46861] Mike Weatherley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what costs have been incurred by the NHS in Anne Milton: NHS Blood and Transplant works in each region as a result of (a) treatment for and (b) partnership with the national health service, local authorities, payments to patients who have suffered accidental falls commercial and third sector organisations to support in NHS facilities; and if he will make a statement. local promotional and awareness-raising activity around [46804] the country. Everyone in the United Kingdom can register via national initiatives such as joining the Organ Mr Simon Burns: Data on costs of treatment to Donor Register when registering with a doctor or applying patients who have suffered accidental falls is not held by for a driving licence. either the Department or the NHS Litigation Authority (NHSLA). People of Asian and African-Caribbean descent are three to four times more likely than white people to In respect of payments to patients, it is not possible develop renal failure and need a kidney transplant. Yet to separate falls which involve patients as opposed to there are far fewer donors from these communities. visitors. Therefore the information provided is for claims That is why NHS Blood and Transplant, undertakes a involving falls made against members of the NHSLA number of specific initiatives targeted at these communities schemes. working with specific faith organisations, advertising Information on claims involving falls made against on black and Asian television channels, radio stations members of the NHSLA schemes: and newspapers or through social media, to raise awareness about the benefits of organ donation, and to encourage Strategic health authority Total paid (£) more people to add their name to the Organ Donor Register. East Midlands 1,179,086 East of England 1,990,870 Sheryll Murray: To ask the Secretary of State for London 5,088,975 Health what proportion of 16 to 20 year-olds are on North East 1,608,316 the NHS Organ Donor Register. [46864] North West 5,399,399 South Central 1,144,180 Anne Milton: As at 10 March 2011, 22% or 888,100 South East Coast 2,016,164 people aged 16-20 years (inclusive) in the United Kingdom South West 2,063,236 were on the Organ Donor Register. West Midlands 3,103,023 Yorkshire and The Humber 2,668,680 Patients: Accidents Total 26,261,929 Source: NHS Litigation Authority March 2011. Mike Weatherley: To ask the Secretary of State for We have used data from April 1999 which was when Health if he will estimate the proportion of accidental the NHSLA introduced the Liabilities to Third Party falls suffered by patients in NHS facilities which are the scheme. result of poor vision; and if he will make a statement. [46757] These claims are subject to excesses, with member bodies responsible for handling and funding below-excess Mr Simon Burns: This information is not held centrally. claims themselves. They can, however, ask the NHSLA to handle these claims for them for a handling fee. There are a number of initiatives that encourage staff to check for visual problems in hospital patients who are at high risk of falls. These include the National Prescriptions: Fees and Charges Patient Safety Agency’s “Slips trips and falls in hospital” and Patient Safety First’s “How to” guide for reducing Mike Weatherley: To ask the Secretary of State for harm from fails. The documents can be found at: Health if he will assess the merits of extending the www.nrls.npsa.nhs.uk/resources/patient-safety-topics/patient- range of conditions which qualify parents for prescription accidents-falls/?entryid45=59821 charge exemptions. [46755] and Mr Simon Burns: The Government announced in the www.patientsafetyfirst.nhs.uk/ashx/Asset.ashx?path=/ Intervention-support/FALLSHow-to%20Guide%20v4.pdf spending review, that to ensure spending in the national health service is focused on priorities, some programmes respectively. announced by the previous Government but not yet Research on falls prevention recognises impaired vision implemented will not be taken forward. This includes as an important contributing factor to falls, usually in extending free prescriptions to all those with long term combination with other risk factors such as balance conditions. We are continuing to explore options for problems or muscle weakness rather than in isolation, reforming the current prescription charging arrangements, and that identifying and treating cataract reduces the taking into account the financial context. In particular, risk of further falls. United Kingdom research has we are examining the implications of the introduction indicated around 45% of patients admitted with hip of universal credit in relation to those current benefits 631W Written Answers17 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 632W that entitle the recipient of that benefit to free prescriptions. INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT We are also looking at the implications of state pension age changes. We will make announcements about how Departmental Land these changes will be implemented in due course. Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for Suffolk Primary Care Trust: Pay International Development if he will take steps to reduce the size of his Department’s estate; and if he Mr Ruffley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health will make a statement. [46745] how much Suffolk Primary Care Trust spent on salaries and wages for (a) general and senior managers, (b) Mr Duncan: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer nurses and midwives, and (c) administrative and provided by the Under-Secretary of State for Business, clerical staff in each year since 2009-10. [46937] Innovation and Skills, the hon. Member for Kingston and Surbiton (Mr Davey) on 14 March 2011, Official Mr Simon Burns: Expenditure on managers and senior Report, column 150W. managers, nursing and midwifery and administrative In the meantime, officials from the Department for and clerical staff costs by Suffolk Primary Care Trust in International Development (DFID) are already in 2009-10 is shown in the following table: discussion with the Government Property Unit on possible opportunities to reduce our estate. 2009-10 (£000) Departmental Regulation Managers and senior managers 11,646 Nursing and midwifery 25,712 Gordon Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for Administrative and clerical 7,411 International Development (1) what regulations his Notes: 1. 2009-10 is the most recent financial year for which figures are Department revoked between 27 January 2011 and 28 available. February 2011; [47032] 2. The data are taken from the Financial Returns. The Financial (2) what regulations his Department introduced Returns are a means for the national health service to provide between 9 and 28 February 2011. [47043] planning and costing information to the Department, and these essentially provide a more detailed breakdown of individual expenditure lines reported in the audited summarisation schedules. The Financial Mr Duncan: The Secretary of State for International Returns data are not itself audited, but are instead validated by Development has not introduced any regulations since reference to the audited summarisation schedules from which the 9 February 2011 and is not responsible for any regulations NHS Summarised Accounts are prepared. There are a number of that are currently in force. factors which may distort the figures and they may contain errors and omissions at an individual level (mainly as a result of classification errors) which are not material at the national level. Developing Countries: Business Source: NHS Financial Returns, Department of Health Ms Harman: To ask the Secretary of State for Third Sector International Development how much his Department spent on programmes where businesses participate in corporate social responsibility initiatives in developing Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Health countries in the latest period for which figures are whether (a) he and (b) Ministers in his Department available. [46733] are participating in volunteering activities as part of his Department’s involvement in the Big Society initiative. Mr Andrew Mitchell: The Department for international [42660] Development’s (DFID’s) support for corporate social responsibility (CSR) is incorporated into our broader Mr Simon Burns: The Department’s Ministers are work on responsible business practices. Interventions actively involved with charities on a private basis as include activities that promote increased corporate detailed in the list of Ministers’ interests recently published engagement and investment that demonstrably contribute by the Cabinet Office, and in addition are involved in to poverty reduction and support growth in developing other local voluntary and community activities in our countries. constituencies. We do not have centralised information on DFID’s spend in this area across our country offices. Central Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) funding from the Department in 2009-10 on projects Regulations 2006 that supported responsible business comprised:

Mr Raab: To ask the Secretary of State for Health £ whether he plans to use the provisions of the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations Business Call to Action 258,361.81 2006 to transfer employees of primary care trusts to Business Innovation Facility 167,700.00 local GP consortia. [47404] The Food Retail Challenge Fund 108,074.65 Responsible and Accountable Garments Sector 13,599.20 Mr Simon Burns: Subject to the circumstances in Challenge Fund each case, the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Programme Partnership Arrangement with the 530,000.00 Employment) Regulations may apply to primary care Ethical Trading Initiative Accountable Grant with Fairtrade Labelling 500,000.00 trust staff transferring to general practitioner commissioning Organisations International consortia. 633W Written Answers17 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 634W

some countries such as Mozambique we are supporting £ the development of public works programmes that can Organisation for Economic Co-operation and 115,000.00 be scaled up when food prices rise sharply. In response Development (OECD) Guidelines for to global crises—including food price spikes—DFID Multinational Enterprises has contributed £2 million to the World Bank’s Rapid Social Response Multi-Donor Programme, which provides Developing Countries: Social Protection technical assistance to help strengthen social protection systems. We have also committed £200 million to a Craig Whittaker: To ask the Secretary of State for World Bank Crisis Response Facility which will also International Development what support his Department help to pay for social protection systems in low income has provided to World Bank social protection programmes countries. in each of the last three years. [46299] Microfinance Mr Duncan: In response to the global food, fuel and financial crises in 2009, the Department for International Valerie Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Development (DFID) has been providing support through International Development in which countries his the World Bank to help developing countries and the Department funds microfinance projects. [47119] poorest in those countries that are vulnerable to shocks. Between 2009-10 and 2010-11 DFID has provided £2 Mr Duncan: The Department for International million to the World Bank’s Rapid Social Response Development’s (DFID’s) support for microfinance is Multi-Donor Programme which supports strengthening incorporated into broader financial sector development of social protection systems in developing countries. programmes, which have a range of interventions including DFID has also provided £200 million over the same policy and regulatory reform, capacity building, product period to enable the setting up of a ‘Crisis Response innovation and research. Programmes are often Window’ (CRW) that is supporting low income countries implemented by intermediaries, such as non-governmental affected by the crises. CRWfunds have supported initiatives organisations, government agencies or in partnership such as a labour-intensive works programme in Yemen with other donors. and a food and basic needs programme for vulnerable We do not hold a central database with disaggregated households in Nepal. information on support provided to microfinance projects In addition to these centrally supported initiatives, through DFID-funded financial sector development DFID country level work on social protection is often programmes. Examples of financial sector development implemented in partnership with the World Bank. For programmes with microfinance components include: example, over the last three years, DFID has provided Financial Sector Deepening Trusts in Kenya and Tanzania nearly £2 million through the World Bank in Pakistan promoting access to finance for the poor. to support the Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) Enhancing Financial Innovation and Access in Nigeria developing to deliver better targeted cash transfers to the ultra poor a national financial inclusion strategy, innovating products and in the country, reaching over 2.5 million families. building the capacity of financial institutions. International Finance Corporation’s $150 million multi-donor Craig Whittaker: To ask the Secretary of State for programme implemented in 19 countries in the middle east and International Development how much his Department north Africa. expects to have spent on social protection in 2010-11; The Consultative Group on Assisting the Poor (CGAP) developing and what budgetary allocation has been made for best practice, standards and technical tools to support the sustainable 2011-12. [46300] development of microfinance in developing countries worldwide.

Mr Duncan: The Department for International Overseas Aid Development expects to have spent £78.9 million on social protection in 2010-11. Budgetary allocations for Craig Whittaker: To ask the Secretary of State for 2011-12 are still being agreed to deliver the commitments International Development what recent discussions he made following the recent bilateral and multilateral aid has had on (a) the outcome of his Department’s recent reviews. evaluation of cash transfers and (b) the potential implications of such findings for his Department’s policies Craig Whittaker: To ask the Secretary of State for on this issue. [46374] International Development whether his Department is taking steps to support the development of social protection Mr Duncan: The Department for International systems in developing countries to address the potential Development (DFID) is currently finalising a effects of (a) recent and (b) future increases in food comprehensive Evidence Paper on Cash Transfers that prices. [47281] has drawn on expertise inside and outside of DFID. The paper concludes that cash transfers can be a highly Mr Duncan: The Department for International effective way to reach the poorest and help them lift Development (DFID) is committed to helping 6 million themselves out of extreme poverty, The paper will be people escape from extreme poverty through cash transfers, published in the next two weeks on DFID’s which help recipients cope with a variety of shocks Research4Development website. Findings from the paper including food price rises. We are also working to have already fed into the discussions that Ministers have improve cash transfer delivery systems to make them had as part of the recent Bilateral Aid Review. Coming more responsive to food price rises. For example in out of that review, DFID has committed to helping Ethiopia, people can receive their transfer as food rather more than six million of the world’s poorest to escape than cash if they cannot afford local food prices. In extreme poverty—through cash transfers. 635W Written Answers17 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 636W

West Africa: Cotton Big Society Network

Justin Tomlinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Tessa Jowell: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet International Development what estimate he has made Office what contracts his Department holds with the of the effects of EU cotton subsidies on West African big society network. [46525] cotton farmers; and if he will make a statement. [46766] Mr Hurd: None. Mr Duncan: The UK Government have supported significant research into the impact of cotton subsidies Census on African and West African farmers, including the impact of EU cotton subsidies. These subsidies have a Tessa Munt: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet significant negative impact on farmers in West Africa Office (1) what options he is considering as an alternative and their removal is a key objective of the UK Government. to holding a full UK Census in 2021; [46954] The Department for International Development (DFID) (2) what estimate he has made of the financial works closely with DEFRA to reform the EU common savings which would accrue from holding an alternative agricultural policy and eliminate direct support to the to a full UK Census in 2021; [47080] EU cotton sector. (3) what consideration he has given to (a) accuracy, Developing Countries: Multinational Companies (b) data security and (c) ethics in assessing alternatives to a full UK Census for 2021. [47081] Mr Hanson: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment he has Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the made of the costs to developing countries of the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have proposed relaxation of the controlled foreign company asked the authority to reply. rules and taxation of foreign branches proposals. Letter from Stephen Penneck: [46089] As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Questions asking: Mr Gauke: I have been asked to reply. (1) what options are being considered as an alternative to Treasury Ministers hold regular conversations with holding a full UK Census in 2021 (46954) the Secretary of State for International Development (2) what estimate has been made of the financial savings which on a wide range of issues regarding developing countries. would accrue from holding an alternative to a full UK Census in The Government published the consultation document 2021 (47080) “Corporate Tax Reform: delivering a more competitive (3) what consideration has been given to (a) accuracy, (b) data system”on 29 November 2010 which includes the proposals security and (c) ethics in assessing alternatives to a full UK for a new CFC regime and for reforms to the taxation of Census for 2021. (47081) foreign branches. The Government are committed to an The UK Statistics Authority proposed looking at alternatives open transparent consultation and have encouraged to the traditional census and this work is being taken forward by engagement with all interested parties. This has included the National Statistician through the Beyond 2011 programme. engaging with non-governmental organisations (NGOs). Proposals will be made in 2014. The Government work through a variety of channels The Beyond 2011 programme is currently at the early initiation to deliver high-quality capacity building in developing stages, launching in April 2011, and it will look at the full range of country tax administrations to ensure that these countries options for providing census-type information. Current international practice is to collect socio-demographic data through a variety of are in a position to collect the tax they are owed. different approaches including using administrative sources and registers, traditional censuses, rolling censuses, voluntary surveys or a combination of these. CABINET OFFICE Users will be widely consulted as part of a Beyond 2011 consultation which will take place later in 2011. There are likely to Big Society Bank be open web based consultations, road shows and a system of advisory committees and user groups as happened during the review to determine the need for the 2011 Census. These events Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Minister for the will provide ample opportunity to contribute to all aspects of the Cabinet Office what arrangements he plans to put in Beyond 2011 debate, including for central and local government, place to fund the big society bank; and whether he Parliament and the wider public. expects there to be any differences in the operation of There will be many considerations in coming to a decision in the bank in each nation or region. [42415] 2014 about our future approach, most notably meeting our legal obligations, accuracy and costs. It is too early to provide answers Mr Hurd: The Government have committed to using at this point on these issues but they are central to the work that is being undertaken. Data security, ethics and other risks will also 100% of dormant accounts funds available for spending be carefully considered in the assessment of future options, as in England to set up the big society bank. In addition, they are for the traditional census. four of the UK’s main banks have agreed to support the All contributions to this work will be welcome. The Beyond establishment of the bank with the injection, on a 2011 programme team directly can be emailed directly on commercial basis, of £200 million of capital over two [email protected] and progress can be checked through years, commencing in 2011. the ONS website at: We expect that the independent big society bank will www.ons.gov.uk/about-statistics/methodology-and-quality/ have the ability to operate across the UK. imps/beyond-2011/index.html 637W Written Answers17 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 638W

Charities: Finance The Charity Commission can intervene only in cases where there is a serious risk of significant harm to or Jon Trickett: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet abuse of a charity, its assets, beneficiaries or reputation, Office what proportion of operational charities receive and where it considers intervention is necessary and funding from the public purse. [45933] proportionate. Otherwise the Charity Commission is precluded by statute from intervening in the administration Mr Hurd [holding answer 14 March 2011]: The of a charity, including decisions about redundancy Department does not hold data on the proportion of payments. operational charities in receipt of funding from the public purse. Charity Commission: Political Activities Data from the National Council for Voluntary Organisations’ Civil Society Almanac 2010 estimate Kate Hoey: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office that 22% of general charities receive income from statutory if he will have discussions with the Charity Commission sources in the form of grant or contract income. on the requirements for political neutrality of that body. [44954] Jon Trickett: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many (a) charities and (b) operational Mr Hurd: There are no plans to have such discussions charities with two or more employees receive funding with the Charity Commission. The Charity Commission from the public purse. [45934] has an important and well-known role in promoting Mr Hurd [holding answer 14 March 2011]: The public trust and confidence in charities as the independent Department does not hold data on the number of registrar and regulator of charities in England and charities and operational charities with two or more Wales. As a non-ministerial department it is independent employees in receipt of funding from the public purse. of Government and its independence from ministerial Data from the National Council for Voluntary direction or control is set out in statute, and is an Organisations’ Civil Society Almanac 2010 estimates essential feature as it needs to be politically impartial in that 22% of general charities receive income from statutory its decision making. The recent review of public bodies sources in the form of grants or contracts; however this also reached this conclusion. data is not broken down by number of employees. The Charity Commission adheres to the Civil Service Survey estimates for the wider voluntary, community Code, including the requirement for impartiality—acting and social enterprise (VCSE) sector are available through solely according to the merits of the case and with the National Survey of Third Sector Organisations. political impartiality. These estimates are based on a sample response from a range of sector organisations and as such are not Community Development comparable to NCVO figures on general charities only. Data from the 2008 Survey, re-analysed by the Third Chris Ruane: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Sector Research Centre, are as follows: Office if he will assess the influence of religious engagement on levels of civic engagement. [42123] Proportion of VCSE organisations in receipt of public funds (grant and Number of staff (FTEs) contract income) (estimated) Mr Hurd: The Cabinet Office has no plans at the moment to assess the influence of religious engagement No FTE 22 on levels of civic engagement. 139 245 3to5 59 Efficiency and Reform Group 6to10 69 11 to 30 71 Tessa Jowell: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet 31 to 100 74 Office what the highest salary is of a member of staff 101 plus 75 working in his Department’s Efficiency and Reform No answer n/a Group. [46429] Total 36 Mr Maude: Salaries for senior civil servants were Charities: Redundancy Pay published on the Cabinet Office website as part of the Government’s Transparency Agenda: Kate Hoey: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/resource-library/structure- if he will have discussions with the Charity Commission charts-cabinet-office on the size of redundancy payments permitted to be made by charities. [44953] Employment: Third Sector Mr Hurd: There are no plans to have such discussions with the Charity Commission. Charity trustees are under Tom Blenkinsop: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet a duty to act in their charity’s best interests, but are free Office what estimate he has made of the number of to make decisions relating to their charity if made people to be employed in the charitable and voluntary properly and within the law. This is the cornerstone of sector in (a) England, (b) the North East, (c) Teesside charities’ independence. The Charity Commission’s role and (d) Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland is to ensure transparency so that the public, in its constituency at the end of (i) March 2011 and (ii) each various capacities as taxpayer, donor and beneficiary, subsequent financial year of the Comprehensive Spending can hold trustees to account on such issues. Review period. [47589] 639W Written Answers17 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 640W

Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the group and (ii) strategic health authority’s area died in responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have circumstances attributable to epilepsy in each of the asked the authority to reply. last five years. [45600] Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated March 2011: As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have for the number of people to be employed in the charitable and asked the authority to reply. voluntary sector in (a) England, (b) the North East, (c) Teesside Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated March 2001: and (d) Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland constituency at the end of (i) March 2011 and (ii) each subsequent financial year As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I of the Comprehensive Spending Review period (47589). have been asked to reply to your recent question asking how many The Office for National Statistics (ONS) does not produce (a) males and (b) females in each (i) age group and (ii) strategic such estimates. health authority’s area died in circumstances attributable to epilepsy in each of the last five years. (45600) National and local area estimates for many labour market statistics, including employment, unemployment and claimant The table provides the number of deaths where epilepsy was count are available on the NOMIS website at the underlying cause of death, for (a) males and (b) females in each (i) age group and (ii) strategic health authority in England, http://www.nomisweb.co.uk from 2005 to 2009 (latest year available). Epilepsy: Death The number of deaths registered in England and Wales each year by sex, age and cause are published annually on the National Mr Amess: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office Statistics website at: how many (a) males and (b) females in each (i) age http://www.statistics.gov.uk/statbase/Product.asp?vlnk=15096

Table1: Number of deaths where epilepsy was the underlying cause of death, by sex, age group and strategic health authority, England, 2005-091, 2, 3 Deaths Male Female Strategic health authority Age group 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

North East 0-09 0011001241 10-19 3221002120 20-29 3346013021 30-39 5521421304 40-49 86108611612 50-59 5549240410 60-69 3137411355 70-79 2242655442 80andover5152568548

North West 0-09 0122104212 10-19 4845415121 20-29 8746765754 30-39 19 17 15 8 10 4 7 2 2 3 40-492217202018899119 50-59 17 9 10 13 9 9 10 2 8 6 60-69 10 10 7 7 13 6 7 7 6 7 70-79 8 6 8 12 17 9 5 15 10 4 80 and over 10 6 7 14 7 11 15 10 11 18

Yorkshire and the 0-09 3200201021 Humber 10-19 5043222342 20-29125711475334 30-39 3 9 12 7 10 9 2 3 6 3 40-49 712146664449 50-59 78669881144 60-69 6 11 8 6 10 6 6 5 6 5 70-79 5335559765 80and89623141191615

East Midlands 0-09 0021112201 10-19 3210800241 641W Written Answers17 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 642W

Table1: Number of deaths where epilepsy was the underlying cause of death, by sex, age group and strategic health authority, England, 2005-091, 2, 3 Deaths Male Female Strategic health authority Age group 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

20-2910548150243 30-39 6656685315 40-49 8 8 10 10 11 1 5 6 2 4 50-59 3891544047 60-69 3328953424 70-79 2557477646 80andover65556979610

West Midlands 0-09 2201411111 10-19 6322122341 20-29 7461764276 30-3914815109667512 40-49 15 15 12 15 21 7 8 7 6 8 50-59 10 14 7 12 11 7 6 6 3 3 60-69121169713532 70-79 8124410858611 80 and over 11 11 5 11 10 12 11 8 15 10

East of England 0-09 2222111140 10-19 2312311423 20-29 40610546536 30-3912587762754 40-491711513535559 50-59 781211945643 60-69 7 5 6 11 10 6 7 5 4 2 70-79 65755264610 80+ 71371071510151615

London 0-09 1212230140 10-19 4314104133 20-29108127885534 30-3910141119789582 40-49 20 20 18 19 10 4 7 6 6 3 50-59 9 13 5 12 11 7 7 4 8 9 60-69 9874686367 70-79 63410973528 80 and over 7 7 8 11 4 10 11 9 8 14

South East Coast 0-09 0001011003 10-19 2221122010 20-29 3334554043 30-39 57310531730 40-49 910711674745 50-59 77751223911 60-69 6555737445 70-79 9553565545 80andover245151010121013

South Central 0-09 1111220140 10-19 0232220101 20-29 6452450401 30-39 5743344224 643W Written Answers17 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 644W

Table1: Number of deaths where epilepsy was the underlying cause of death, by sex, age group and strategic health authority, England, 2005-091, 2, 3 Deaths Male Female Strategic health authority Age group 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

40-49131469654515 50-59 5579242335 60-69 2944422092 70-79 4344443344 80andover62953811867

South West 0-09 0110010130 10-19 3101232123 20-29 5825855897 30-39 56671568324 40-4910769524404 50-59 83691221243 60-69 6648545436 70-79 6483359434 80andover551555510122117 1 Cause of death for epilepsy was defined using the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10) codes G40-G41. 2 Based on boundaries as of 2011. 3 Figures are for deaths registered in each calendar year.

Mutual Pathfinder Fund duties from (i) the Department for Communities and Local Government and (ii) the office of the Deputy Chris Evans: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Prime Minister. [46549] Office what estimate he has made of the potential monetary value of bids to the Mutual Pathfinder Mr Hurd: Since the creation of the Office for Civil Fund. [44892] Society (May 2011) there has been one official on secondment from the Department for Communities Mr Hurd: The mutuals pathfinder programme has no and Local Government. Government funding attached. The Pathfinder organisations receive support through expert mentors. All the mentors Office for Civil Society: TimeBank have offered their support for free and are working with staff in the Pathfinder projects to help them develop a range of sustainable, efficient and pioneering employee-led Hazel Blears: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet services. Office how much the Office for Civil Society paid to Government will invest over £10 million to fund a TimeBank in each year since 2007. [46948] programme of support for some of the most promising and innovative mutuals so that they reach the point of Mr Hurd: Since the beginning of the financial year investment readiness. This programme is currently being 2007-08 the Office for Civil Society has provided TimeBank developed. with grants of the following value:

Office for Civil Society: Operating Costs £

2007-08 609,950 Roberta Blackman-Woods: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what estimate he has made of the 2008-09 622,750 operational costs of the Office for Civil Society at the 2009-10 775,300 end of (a) March 2011 and (b) each subsequent 2010-11 525,300 financial year in the comprehensive spending review Total 2,533,300 period. [46548] Older People: Voluntary Work Mr Hurd: Expenditure by the Office for Civil Society in 2010-11 is reported in the Cabinet Office annual report and accounts and includes information on Jonathan Evans: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet administrative expenditure. Office what recent assessment he has made of the contribution to the economy of older volunteers. Office for Civil Society: Secondment [45488]

Roberta Blackman-Woods: To ask the Minister for Mr Hurd: The Cabinet Office has not made a recent the Cabinet Office how many civil servants have been assessment of the contribution to the economy of older engaged in work of the Office for Civil Society (a) volunteers. However, a research report, “Gold age through secondment and (b) in addition to their usual pensioners—valuing the socio-economic contribution 645W Written Answers17 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 646W of older people in the UK”, was published on the Hazel Blears: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet subject in March 2011 by the charity, WRVS. This can Office what estimate he has made of the potential be downloaded from: effects of reductions in Government funding to the www.goldagepensioners.com charities and voluntary sector on the level of employment in that sector. [47325] Public Sector: Mutual Societies Mr Hurd: The Government’s programme of reform will create significant new opportunities for the voluntary, Tessa Jowell: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet community and social enterprise sector as we open up Office how many organisations have tendered to deliver public service markets and make these markets more the programme of support for public sector mutuals. accessible to the sector. [46425] Data are not available to enable the Department to forecast future levels of employment in the sector. However Mr Hurd: Government will invest over £10 million to we continue to work closely with partners in the sector fund a programme of support for some of the most and across Government to assess and support the capacity promising and innovative mutuals so that they reach the of the sector. point of investment readiness. This programme is currently being developed. Therefore, no tender process has been undertaken to date. Third Sector: Manpower

Third Sector Roberta Blackman-Woods: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what estimate he has made of the number of people he expects to be employed in the Roberta Blackman-Woods: To ask the Minister for charitable and voluntary sector at the end of (a) March the Cabinet Office how many civil servants have been 2011 and (b) each subsequent financial year of the engaged in the work of the big society ministerial group Comprehensive Spending Review period. [46546] (a) through either secondment and (b) in addition to their usual duties; and how many such people are employed by (i) his Department, (ii) the Department for Mr Hurd: The Government’s programme of reform Communities and Local Government and (iii) the office will create significant new opportunities for the voluntary, of the Deputy Prime Minister. [46545] community and social enterprise sector as we open up public service markets and make these markets more accessible to the sector. Mr Hurd: The Cabinet Office estimates that providing secretariat to the IMG on big society and localism Data are not available to enable the Department to requires approximately 0.1 fte at grade 5, 0.2 at Band A, forecast future levels of employment in the sector. However and 0.15 at B2, along with minimal time at administration we continue to work closely with partners in the sector grades and within Minsters’ private offices. In addition, and across Government to assess and support the capacity we estimate that preparation of a typical paper for the of the sector. Group requires approximately three working days at either Band A or B2 level; the Cabinet Office typically Third Sector: Redundancy Pay presents two papers at each IMG meeting. Secretariat and most papers for the IMG are provided by the Office for Civil Society; while OCS works closely on common Roberta Blackman-Woods: To ask the Minister for issues with the ODPM, it has not so far commissioned the Cabinet Office what estimate he has made of the papers from this unit for a meeting of the IMG. proportion of the Transition Fund which will be spent on redundancy payments. [46544] DCLG estimate that the IMG requires less than 0.1 fte at Grade 7, and less than 0.1 fte at HEO. Time to Mr Hurd: The Transition Fund is intended to help prepare papers is similar to OCS estimates; DCLG organisations make the necessary changes in order to typically presents one paper to each meeting of the thrive in the long term, for example by restructuring, IMG. developing a social enterprise arm and preparing for The IMG on big society and localism meets for the changes such as personal budgets. There have been over third time on 16 March 2011. 1,700 applications to the Transition Fund and these are still being assessed by Big Fund, our delivery partner. It Third Sector: Finance is not possible to say what proportion of the Transition Fund will be spent on redundancy payments but, given the focus of the fund, we do not expect it to be a Roberta Blackman-Woods: To ask the Minister for significant amount. the Cabinet Office what mechanisms he has put in place to evaluate the performance of his Department’s Transition Fund for civil society organisations. [46543] Voluntary Organisations: Business

Mr Hurd: The Transition Fund is being monitored Esther McVey: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet and evaluated by Big Fund, the delivery partner, against Office pursuant to the answer of 9 February 2011, the programme outcome that: Official Report, column 370W,on voluntary organisations, “civil society organisations, which deliver high quality public what recent assessment his Department has made of the services, are more resilient, agile and able to take opportunities progress made in establishing Business Connectors; and presented by a changing funding environment”. if he will make a statement. [44463] 647W Written Answers17 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 648W

Mr Hurd: Business Connectors is a business-led initiative. Mr Hurd: The information requested is available in Last autumn, Business in the Community (BITC) consulted the Governments Citizenship Survey. The survey shows with senior business leaders on what business sees as its the following levels of formal and informal volunteering role in supporting the Government’s vision of a big once a month. society. The clear response was that business can and Percentage of people participating in formal and informal volunteering wants to do more to engage and support local communities, (at least once a month) in England, by year and that the most successful business/community Percentage partnerships are based on individuals from business 2001 2003 2005 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 working with local civil society organisations. Informal 34 37 37 35 35 29 In December, the Prime Minister challenged business volunteering to increase the number of these brokers or ‘business Formal 27 28 29 27 26 25 connectors’. BITC will shortly announce 20 pilot areas. volunteering More information about Business Connectors can be found through Business in the Community: Voluntary Work and Charitable Donations www.bitc.org.uk Chris Ruane: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Esther McVey: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office whether his Department has a policy to Office pursuant to the answer of 9 February 2011, encourage its employees to (a) volunteer and (b) Official Report, column 370W,on voluntary organisations, donate via payroll giving. [43231] what recent assessment his Department has made of the progress made on the Every Business Counts initiative; Mr Hurd: Cabinet Office encourages all employees to and if he will make a statement. [44464] (a) volunteer and (b) donate via payroll giving. Cabinet Office staff are eligible for up to five days special paid leave per year for volunteering activity.Staff are encouraged Mr Hurd: The Prime Minister launched ‘Every Business to donate via payroll giving through regular promotion, Commits’ in a speech on 2 December 2010, calling on including as part of the induction of new staff. businesses to help create a more sustainable and community-centred approach to doing business. Work Voluntary Work: Young People on this initiative is being led by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS), and the responsible Minister is the hon. Member for Kingston and Surbiton Roberta Blackman-Woods: To ask the Minister for (Mr Davey). the Cabinet Office how many young people he expects to participate in the National Citizen Service BIS is working with networks of small and medium programme following its initial pilot scheme. [46547] enterprises (SMEs) to identify ways in which the Government can make it easier for business to respond Mr Hurd: No decisions have been taken about the to Every Business Commits. This includes identifying roll-out of National Citizen Service beyond the two-year businesses’ priorities for success and determining where pilot stage. Over 11,000 young people will have the barriers, such as regulation, can be removed. BIS is also opportunity to take part in pilot schemes in summer talking to large businesses about how they can support 2011, and a further 30,000 in summer 2012. An external SMEs through their own activity and supply chains. evaluation of the pilots will inform decisions about the nature and scale of future roll-out. If the pilots are Voluntary Organisations: Labour Turnover successful, we hope that over time NCS can be made available to all 16-year-olds who want to take part. Alun Michael: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what estimate he has made of the likely change in the number of jobs in the voluntary sector in the FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE next three years. [43275] Armed Forces: Children Mr Hurd: The Government’s programme of reform will create significant new opportunities for the voluntary, Jack Lopresti: To ask the Secretary of State for community and social enterprise sector as we open up Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is public service markets and make these markets more taking to help prevent the recruitment and deployment accessible to the sector. of child soldiers. [47310] Data is not available to enable the Department to forecast future levels of employment in the sector. However Mr Bellingham: We are committed to ending the we continue to work closely with partners in the sector recruitment and deployment of child soldiers. We apply and across Government to assess and support the capacity diplomatic pressure to offending governments and armed of the sector. groups, as well as funding projects to help protect and rehabilitate vulnerable children. The UK is also a member Voluntary Work of the Security Council Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict (CAAC), which helps to lead the international response to the issue of child soldiers. Hazel Blears: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet This includes pressing armed groups to work with the Office what assessment he has made of trends in the UN to verify and release any child soldiers associated level of volunteering in the last 10 years. [47326] with them. 649W Written Answers17 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 650W

British Overseas Territories: Official Visits Democratic Republic of Congo: Elections

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Mark Pritchard: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will discuss to make an official visit to British Overseas Territories. with his counterpart in the Democratic Republic of [47442] Congo steps to ensure that (a) parliamentary and (b) presidential elections are held in that country in 2011. Mr Bellingham: The Secretary of State for Foreign [47342] and Commonwealth Affairs has no immediate plans to visit British Overseas Territories. Mr Bellingham: The Independent Election Commission Since my appointment as Minister for the Overseas in the Democratic Republic of Congo recently informed Territories, I have visited the Turks and Caicos Islands donor countries that technical delays in voter registration and Anguilla. I am keen to continue to visit Overseas mean that one or both elections may now have to take Territories and plan to make further visits later this place in early 2012. We continue to urge the authorities year, but it is not practice to announce these visits until of the Democratic Republic of Congo to ensure that they are confirmed. parliamentary and presidential elections are held in a timely, transparent manner, and that any changes to the China: Politics and Government electoral calendar are made constitutionally and in consultation with all parties. Mark Pritchard: To ask the Secretary of State for Our ambassador recently met the President of the Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will raise National Assembly and the Vice-Prime Minister of the with his Chinese counterpart reports of unauthorised Democratic Republic of Congo to express our concern access by state officials to personal and business email over any delays to the electoral process, and will continue accounts operated by British news organisations in that to raise the issue at the most senior levels. country. [47240] Mark Pritchard: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Jeremy Browne: We have consistently raised the Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will discuss treatment of foreign media working in China with the with the Secretary General of the United Nations an Chinese authorities both bilaterally in London and extension to the UN mandate in the Democratic Republic Beijing and in conjunction with EU partners. of Congo until after free and fair parliamentary and We are aware of reports of unauthorised access of presidential elections have taken place. [47343] email accounts of representatives of the international media. Mr Bellingham: The UN Organisation Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo We oppose any form of pressure on or intimidation (MONUSCO) mandate expires in June 2011 and its towards foreign media by Chinese authorities to influence renewal is due to be discussed by the UN Security their reporting. We have consistently called on Chinese Council shortly. Under UN Security Council Resolution authorities to observe their obligations on human rights 1925, MONUSCO is mandated to provide logistical under international law, including on freedom of speech, and technical support for the elections. The UK is clear and will continue to do so. that the priority for MONUSCO must be protection of Council of Europe civilians. Any decision related to drawdown of MONUSCO forces must be made by the UN Security Council on the Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign basis of the situation on the ground. and Commonwealth Affairs whether the UK has Departmental Expenditure participated in the Council of Europe’s project on Living together in 21st century Europe; and what Stephen Barclay: To ask the Secretary of State for discussions Ministers have had with (a) the Council of Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what expenditure Europe and (b) their member state counterparts on the (a) his Department and (b) each public body project. [46847] sponsored by his Department incurred on engaging external audit services in each of the last three years; Mr Lidington: ‘Living Together in 21st Century Europe’ and to which service providers such payments were is a report being prepared for the Council of Europe made in each year. [43747] (CoE) by the CoE Group of Eminent Persons. This group consists of independent experts. Ministers have Alistair Burt: Expenditure by the Foreign and not discussed the forthcoming report (due for publication Commonwealth Office on engaging external audit services in May) within the CoE or with member state counterparts. for the last three financial years was as follows:

£000 Auditor 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10

Foreign and Commonwealth Office1 NAO 250 288 265

FCO Services2 NAO 75 109 123

BBC World Service KPMG 100 100 100 651W Written Answers17 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 652W

£000 Auditor 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10

British Council NAO 128 136 136 Howarth Clark Whitehill LLP 5.9 — —

Marshall Aid Commemoration Commission NAO 4.7 4.6 4.7

Great Britain China Centre NAO — 5 5 Keith, Vaudrey and Co 2.4 — —

Westminster Foundation for Democracy NAO — 14.7 12 Baker Tilly 14.7 — —

Wilton Park1 NAO 202323 1 Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Wilton Park; audit fee is a non cash charge and therefore notional (2007-10). 2 FCO Services; notional cost only in 2007-08.

Departmental Leaseback Arrangements Departmental Regulation

Stewart Hosie: To ask the Secretary of State for Gordon Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assets his Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what regulations Department has sold and leased back over the last 12 his Department revoked between 9 and 28 February months; what the sale price was of each asset so sold; 2011. [47058] and what estimate he has made of the cost to the public purse of leasing back each such asset over the period of Alistair Burt: Regulations are a specific type of statutory the lease. [45068] instrument. They are very rarely sponsored by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. The Foreign and Alistair Burt: Over the last 12 months the Foreign Commonwealth Office did not revoke any secondary and Commonwealth Office has not sold and leased legislation between 9 and 28 February 2011. back any assets in the UK. Egypt: Politics and Government Departmental Procurement Kwasi Kwarteng: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent reports Stephen Barclay: To ask the Secretary of State for he has received on the plans of the Government of Egypt Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many for a democratic settlement in that country. [47181] procurement projects with a monetary value greater than (a) £10 million, (b) £50 million and (c) £100 Alistair Burt: We welcome the appointment of the million (i) his Department and (ii) each non-departmental new Egyptian Prime Minister and his Government. The public body and agency for which he is responsible was recent Cabinet re-shuffle has introduced many new engaged upon in the latest period for which figures are faces into the Egyptian Government. The constitutional available. [45561] referendum due to take place this Saturday is another significant and important development. We encourage Alistair Burt: The number of procurement projects the Egyptian Government to continue to consider wider within the three monetary value thresholds for the constitutional reform in due course. Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) are: During my visit to Egypt from 9 to 11 March 2011, (a) £10 million: 12 1 met the Prime Minister and other members of the (b) £50 million: 0 Government, and encouraged them to work out a public (c) £100 million: 0. timetable for elections to allow for the development of These projects cover the time period 2009-10 and effective political parties. A key first step to this action 2010 to date. Their objectives were to improve the will be a new law on political parties. We understand FCO’s global operations and provide better value for that the Supreme Council of the Armed Force will issue money for the taxpayer. For example, the Echo project just such a law shortly after the referendum. We will will deliver cheaper and better IT services to the FCO continue to urge the Egyptian Government to engage in and other Government Departments and save up to £90 meaningful dialogue with opposition and activist groups million, and will reduce flights, travel and carbon emissions to build trust with them so as to enable the aspirations through increased use of video conferencing. Other of the people to be realised. contracts include security guarding, close protection and police mentoring to help ensure the safety of our Human Rights staff. All projects are subject to strict value for money criteria. There are no procurement projects that fall Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for within the above criteria for Wilton Park and the non- Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on which occasions departmental public bodies. human rights issues have been raised with the Government 653W Written Answers17 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 654W of (a) Morocco, (b) Tunisia, (c) Algeria, (d) Libya, The issue of human rights formed a core component (e) Egypt, (f) Yemen, (g) Saudi Arabia and (h) Bahrain of both the EU Association Agreement and Advanced by staff of his Department since June 2010. [46960] Status negotiations with the previous Tunisian Government. The issue has been an integral part of discussions with Alistair Burt [holding answer 16 March 2011]: As the the present Government, both here in London and in Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Tunisia, as they implement a series of reforms in their Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Richmond move towards an open democratic society. (Yorks) (Mr Hague), has made clear, the Government Discussions on human rights form a core component are committed to promoting human rights around the of the EU Association Agreement with Morocco. Senior world. Foreign and Commonwealth Office officials have also Our high commissions and embassies have a raised human rights issues regularly with our Moroccan responsibility to monitor and raise human rights in counterparts. their host countries. They routinely raise our concerns In Bahrain our ambassador has raised repeatedly with other governments and where possible, take action with the Government of Bahrain since June 2010 the on individual cases where persecution or discrimination need to investigate transparently allegations of abuse of has occurred and lobby for changes in discriminatory detainees; the need to respect freedom of expression; practices and laws. The Government are in close cooperation and the dismissal of the Board of the Bahrain Human with our EU and international partners to improve Rights Society. human rights across the world. Embassy officials in Riyadh met the President of the In June 2010, we raised our concerns with the Libyan Saudi Human Rights Commission in June 2010 and Government about reports of human rights abuses at January 2011 to discuss human rights. The UK supported migrant detention centres and the temporary closure of EU officials in November 2010 in raising the case of a the UN High Commissioner for Refugees office in Sri Lankan national sentenced to death. Our embassy Tripoli. We also raised on numerous occasions during raises human rights as part of their regular meetings last year a number of individual cases, including that of with the Saudi Government. a British national who was held in incommunicado Our ambassador in Sana’a and senior visiting officials detention in Libya for five months until August 2010. raised concerns about media restrictions with the Yemeni On 21 February 2011, the Permanent Under-Secretary, Government in February this year. In September and Simon Fraser, summoned the Libyan ambassador to December 2010 the UK participated in EU demarches underline the Government’s grave concerns about the concerning freedom of expression and the death penalty. recent violence in Libya and Britain’s clear condemnation Human rights form part of the agreed deliverables for of the unacceptable use of force against protestors in the Friends of Yemen group in New York on 27 September Libya. On 16 March 2011, the Permanent Under-Secretary 2010. With reports of human rights violations during called the ambassador to the Foreign Office to emphasise recent protests we have voiced our concerns directly to the UK’s profound concern about the Libyan regime’s senior Yemeni ministers. ongoing attacks on civilians stating that perpetrators of such violence will be held to account. He also expressed Indonesia: Foreign Relations concern about the continued harassment and detention of journalists in Libya. Mr Spellar: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign We have also raised our concerns about human rights and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment he in Libya in international fora. In November 2010, we has made of the state of relations between the UK and made a statement at Libya’s Universal Periodic Review Indonesia; and if he will make a statement. [47334] in which we raised a number of concerns, including freedom of expression, arbitrary detention and the incidence of torture. In response to serious human Mr Jeremy Browne: Relations between the UK and rights violations in Libya in February 2011, the UK Indonesia continue to strengthen as Indonesia consolidates drove through a UN Security Council resolution, which its economic and political development. Our cooperation was passed with unanimous support and, as well as with Indonesia spans a wide range of activities including imposing sanctions, referred Libya to the Prosecutor of regional peace and security, trade and investment, the the International Criminal Court. We also led on Human economy, climate change and counter-terrorism. The Rights Council resolution 15/2 that mandated a UK is the third largest investor in Indonesia and we are Commission of Inquiry to investigate alleged violations working hard to enhance our links in this area. of international human rights law in Libya and played a The Indonesian Government have made significant key role in Libya’s suspension from the Council on efforts in recent years to entrench democratic reforms 1 March 2011. and good governance. Challenges remain but we believe In Egypt, we have raised human rights issues on a the best way to consolidate progress is through enhanced number of occasions, including during the UK-Egypt engagement. Strategic Dialogue in January 2011, with the Egyptian Assistant Minister for Human Rights in June and Libya: British Nationals Abroad September 2010, during the electoral period in November and December 2010, and throughout the recent revolution. Kate Hoey: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Discussions on human rights form part of the Annual and Commonwealth Affairs whether he plans to Strategic Dialogue between the UK and Algeria as well request any payment from oil companies in respect of as a core component of the EU Association Agreement the cost of evacuating workers from oil fields in Libya. and discussions within the UN. [44235] 655W Written Answers17 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 656W

Alistair Burt: In an evacuation, the Government will from the UK but spent by project implementers in the pay for transport out of the affected country, if there countries where we run projects, is not held centrally are no commercial means available. In line with this and therefore could be obtained only at disproportionate policy, on 23 February 2011, the Secretary of State for cost. Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs agreed with the Chancellor of the Exchequer that there should be no £ charging for any aspect of our charter or evacuation Country 2009-10 2010-11 operations from Libya. Afghanistan 24,946,846 26,366,583 Many oil companies operating in Libya rightly took Albania 517,817 494,633 responsibility for evacuating their own staff where they Algeria 2,393,256 1,905,795 could. Some oil workers were able to leave Libya across Angola 1,436,593 1,443,148 land borders with neighbouring countries. We therefore Anguilla 331,472 369,124 focused our efforts on British nationals in places where self-evacuation was not an option and it was too dangerous Argentina 2,458,243 2,413,797 for the oil companies to conduct their own operations. Armenia 522,933 531,856 Ascension Islands 120,249 13,266 Libya: Higher Education Austria 3,506,005 3,216,862 Azerbaijan 1,229,051 987,939 Robert Halfon: To ask the Secretary of State for Bahrain 842,812 960,181 Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether his Bangladesh 3,262,325 2,628,723 Department has (a) had any discussions with and (b) Barbados 1,621,312 1,591,849 provided any assistance to British universities in securing Belarus 454,154 491,657 (i) contracts and (ii) financial support from Libya in the Belgium 10,550,738 9,598,253 last 10 years. [46074] Belize 600,864 710,558 Bermuda 146,372 16,101 Alistair Burt: I refer my hon. Friend to the response Bolivia 444,113 473,438 given to him by the Minister of State, Department for Bosnia-Herzegovina 1,083,558 1,109,992 Business, Innovation and Skills, the hon. Member for Botswana 273,428 624,531 Hertford and Stortford (Mr Prisk) on 15 March 2011, Brazil 9,496,236 10,942,314 Official Report, column 306W. British Virgin Islands 320,416 234,857 Middle East: Politics and Government Bulgaria 1,233,231 1,045,772 Cameroon 784,339 662,838 Canada 6,061,612 6,482,119 Kwasi Kwarteng: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent Cayman Islands 137,636 157,628 discussions he has had with the Iranian Government Chile 1,651,731 1,767,215 on measures to increase the level of stability in the Colombia 2,549,031 2,780,721 Middle East and the Gulf. [47180] Costa Rica 524,288 453,133 Croatia 1,187,988 1,089,711 Alistair Burt: We have repeatedly urged Iran to work Cuba 841,452 885,174 with the international community to build a stable and Cyprus 2,641,565 2,981,451 secure future for the region. Unfortunately Iran’s current Czech Republic 2,024,344 1,430,798 behaviour, including support for militant groups throughout Denmark 3,317,394 3,642,693 the region, is at odds with its claim to support stability. Dominican Republic 390,849 450,488 We are deeply concerned by the latest evidence that Iran Ecuador 633,638 572,098 continues to supply the Taliban with weaponry. Egypt 2,798,691 2,392,620 We remain gravely concerned by Iran’s nuclear Eritrea 141,589 151,433 programme, which is a serious source of instability in Estonia 876,354 807,525 the Middle East. We remain committed to a diplomatic Ethiopia 1,534,963 1,458,478 solution but Iran must show it is serious about addressing Falkland Islands 167,139 110,250 international concerns or face increasing international Finland 2,245,999 2,242,864 isolation and pressure. France 13,496,089 13,850,162 Overseas Aid Gambia 731,952 734,031 Georgia 891,166 912,423 Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State Germany 10,550,580 11,363,915 for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what estimate Ghana 3,199,980 3,413,193 he has made of the monetary value of all of his Gibraltar 1,057,274 1,019,953 Department’s expenditure in each individual country in Greece 4,095,346 3,601,321 (a) 2009-10, (b) 2010-11 and (c) 2011-12. [40310] Guatemala 663,921 757,776 Guyana 739,272 511,010 Mr Hague: Foreign and Commonwealth Office Hungary 1,794,003 1,517,235 administration costs for 2009-10 and 2010-11 is found Iceland 375,535 442,132 in the following table. 2010-11 figures contain actual India 11,851,064 12,247,784 and forecast expenditure. 2011-12 details cannot be Iran 3,422,475 3,387,878 provided as we are still finalising budgets. Programme Iraq 4,047,654 5,656,973 expenditure by country, some of which is paid directly 657W Written Answers17 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 658W

£ £ Country 2009-10 2010-11 Country 2009-10 2010-11

Ireland 2,992,273 2,476,518 Turkey 7,046,664 8,166,476 Israel 2,683,275 2,628,336 Turkmenistan 600,539 513,402 Italy 8,363,489 8,262,603 Turks and Caicos 338,277 380,708 Jamaica 3,088,609 2,898,477 Islands Jerusalem 2,131,168 2,106,354 Uganda 1,521,395 1,761,842 Jordan 2,535,857 2,270,166 Ukraine 1,756,998 2,186,661 Kazakhstan 1,090,939 1,113,559 United Arab Emirates 8,334,915 11,210,848 Kenya 3,587,792 3,850,557 Uruguay 848,208 917,432 Kuwait 2,477,141 2,278,577 USA 24,710,760 29,197,884 Latvia 715,669 612,219 Uzbekistan 834,864 857,801 Lebanon 2,240,985 2,342,288 Venezuela 1,468,968 1,649,687 Libya 2,319,326 2,340,171 Yemen 2,022,984 2,077,981 Lithuania 672,259 658,083 Zambia 966,463 1,000,263 Luxembourg 551,367 366,470 Zimbabwe 1,798,044 2,150,411 Macedonia 921,002 812,815 Malawi 505,906 606,708 Patrol Craft: EU Grants and Loans Malta 695,215 691,585 Mexico 3,222,095 3,477,690 Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Moldova 416,627 386,175 Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he plans Montenegro 372,328 311,734 to apply for funding for maritime patrol aircraft under Montserrat 350,306 259,100 the EU External Borders Fund. [46416] Morocco 2,562,066 2,062,862 Mozambique 976,010 778,401 Damian Green: I have been asked to reply. Namibia 250,532 262,981 The UK is excluded from the External Borders Fund Nepal 1,087,447 842,713 as it builds on the part of the Schengen Agreement in Netherlands 3,418,644 3,251,204 which the UK does not participate. Nigeria 15,605,438 15,933,706 Norway 2,127,002 3,021,447 Peacekeeping Operations Oman 1,822,752 1,678,947 Pakistan 5,669,861 5,542,736 Panama 679,376 494,501 Kwasi Kwarteng: To ask the Secretary of State for Peru 1,501,152 1,368,054 Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his policy is Pitcairn 75,244 62,639 on the circumstances in which UK armed forces should Poland 2,238,891 2,386,551 be committed for the purpose of keeping internal order Portugal 2,421,398 2,831,716 in another country. [47182] Qatar 1,866,127 1,800,397 Romania 1,859,524 1,723,445 Mr Lidington: The Strategic Defence and Security Russian Federation 8,177,285 8,368,002 Review set out the Government’s position on the use of the armed forces. We will deploy them where key UK Rwanda 534,859 867,834 interests are at stake, where we have a clear strategic Saudi Arabia 4,576,469 4,040,259 aim, where the likely political, economic and human Senegal 571,247 942,864 costs are in proportion to the likely benefits, where we Serbia 3,530,377 3,026,665 have a viable exit strategy, and where justifiable under Sierra Leone 1,345,351 1,404,590 international law. Decisions on individual deployments Slovakia 731,722 702,085 will be a matter for discussion in the National Security Slovenia 733,994 736,089 Council. South Africa 7,149,702 9,190,062 Spain 9,614,422 10,497,275 Qatar: Trade Agreements Sri Lanka 1,219,419 1,309,033 St Helena 162,688 60,842 St Lucia 131,965 118,662 Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State Sudan 4,514,136 4,684,739 for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he Sweden 2,826,793 3,697,158 has to reach trade agreements with other countries following the model of the recent agreement with the Switzerland 5,617,438 5,839,303 Government of Qatar. [45377] Syria 1,254,283 1,207,300 Tajikistan 490,074 483,435 Mr Prisk: I have been asked to reply. Tanzania 1,041,733 814,710 The Democratic 1,893,115 2,082,864 Following the signature of the memorandum of Republic of Congo understanding (MOU) on Business, Trade and Technical Trinidad 1,211,794 952,999 Co-operation with Qatar in October 2010, we have Tristan da Cunha 288,787 20,172 signed a similar MOU with the Kuwaiti Government in February 2011. There are no other similar MOUs planned Tunisia 1,202,934 941,481 at this time. 659W Written Answers17 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 660W

Somalia: Politics and Government Lynne Featherstone: The recent meeting of Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for considered two items of particular relevance. It took Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment note of the annual report on progress towards equality he has made of the political situation in Somalia; and between women and men 2010. This report acknowledges what reports he has received of the (a) capture of Bulo areas where progress has been made, both at national Hawo and (b) recent deaths of African Union peacekeepers. and European level. This report was for information [46415] only and no action is required. The Council also adopted Council Conclusions on Mr Bellingham: The political situation in Somalia the European Pact for Gender Equality (2011-2020). remains fragile and we continue to work with the This Pact reaffirmed the Council’s intention to make Transitional Federal Government and our international progress on gender equality, particularly with regard to and regional partners to take forward the UN-led Djibouti closing the gender gaps in employment and social Peace Process. We have made clear to the Transitional protection; promoting better work-life balance for women Federal Institutions that there can be no extension of and men; and combating all forms of violence against their mandate without reform to make them more legitimate women. The Government are already taking comprehensive and representative in the eyes of the Somali people. We action in these areas, such as voluntary pay reporting are aware of the recent fighting in and around Bulo and our Violence Against Women Action Plan. We are Hawo and are watching developments closely, particularly therefore not required to take additional action to any impacts on the humanitarian situation in the area. implement the Gender Pact, and the additional I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to implementation costs arising from the pact are nil. the professionalism, commitment and bravery of the African Union peacekeeping troops in Somalia. We regret the recent deaths of troops of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and have sent our BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS condolences to the Governments of Burundi and Uganda. Apprentices The UK fully supports AMISOM in its efforts to create secure space in Mogadishu. We have recently announced Richard Fuller: To ask the Secretary of State for a £2 million contribution to the UN Trust Fund for Business, Innovation and Skills what estimate he has AMISOM in support of its efforts. made of the number of apprenticeships which will be created in (a) Bedford constituency and (b) England in Sri Lanka: Human Rights the next 12 months. [45393] Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State Mr Hayes: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports to my hon. Friend the Member for Southend West (Mr he has received on the level of independence of Sri Amess) on 16 March 2011, Official Report, column Lanka’s Human Rights Commission. [44422] reference 432W. Alistair Burt: The UN Office of the High Commissioner Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, for Human Rights downgraded Sri Lanka’s Human Innovation and Skills how many (a) apprenticeship Rights Commission status in 2007. This changed the and (b) advanced apprenticeship starts there were in (i) status from one of full compliance with the Paris Principles: Southend West constituency, (ii) the Southend borough http://www2.ohchr.org/english/law/parisprinciples.htm council area and (iii) the Essex county council area (A) to one of not full compliance and reflected concerns in total and (B) in each sector in each of the last five over its political and financial independence. years; and what proportion of each were (1) men and New Human Rights Commissioners have recently (2) women. [45514] been appointed, in accordance with the 18th amendment to Sri Lanka’s constitution, which was passed in 2010. Mr Hayes: I will place the relevant data tables in the Upon the passing of the 18th amendment we expressed Libraries of the House. our concern that the new appointment procedures as We only hold information at region, local education outlined, including for the Human Rights Commission, authority and parliamentary constituency levels of risked further weakening public trust in the independence geography. Information on the number of apprenticeship of key institutions. starts is published in a quarterly statistical first release We have raised with the Sri Lankan Government the (SFR). The latest SFR was published on 27 January at: importance of having an effective Human Rights http://www.thedataservice.org.uk/statistics/statistical firstrelease/ Commission. We will monitor the work of the newly sfr_current constituted Commission. Credit Cards: Fees and Charges

WOMEN AND EQUALITIES Mr David Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for Equality Business, Innovation and Skills when he expects the Office of Fair Trading to complete its investigation into Priti Patel: To ask the Minister for Women and surcharges for credit and debit card purchases. [47117] Equalities what steps she plans to take to introduce (a) the recommendations of the recent meeting of the Mr Davey: The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) is not Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs currently investigating the surcharges for credit and Council and (b) the European Pact for Gender Equality; debit card purchases. However it expects to receive a and what estimate she has made of the cost to the super-complaint on surcharges from Which? at the end public purse in implementing each. [47005] of March. The OFT will consider the evidence submitted 661W Written Answers17 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 662W and undertake whatever work is necessary to establish (3) what the definition is of the cohort referred to by the extent, if any, of the alleged problems. The OFT the phrase “co-funding for those who are settled here” must then publish a response within 90 days from the in the ESOL section of his Department’s strategy document, day after which the super-complaint was received stating Further Education—New Horizon: Investing in Skills what action, if any, it proposes to take in response to for Sustainable Growth; [46348] the complaint and giving the reasons behind its decision. (4) whether he has sought information from providers In some cases, it may be possible to resolve the concerns of courses of English for Speakers of Other Languages and propose remedies within the 90-day period but, in on (a) expected changes in the level of fees for their more complex cases, further work may be called for. courses in the next academic year and (b) the reasons for such changes; and if he will make a statement. Departmental Rail Travel [46349] Mr Hayes: The Equality Impact Assessment published Mr Godsiff: To ask the Secretary of State for alongside “Skills for Sustainable Growth” (November Business, Innovation and Skills how many and what 2010) found that, at the aggregate level, there are unlikely proportion of civil servants in his Department are to be disproportionate impacts on protected groups. A entitled to travel first class by rail within the UK. separate assessment of how the changes may affect [46778] English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) learners is currently being carried out by this Department, and I Mr Davey: All staff are asked to give full consideration expect to be able to publish the assessment in due to the class of travel they use and the expectation is that course. At the local level, colleges and training organisations staff will make official journeys at the lowest cost and are best placed to work with their communities to using standard class of travel. identify particularly vulnerable learners as a part of Under the current travel policy however for the their business planning and local engagement. Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) In the 2009/10 academic year, 1,310 adult learners in all staff in grades senior executive officer to senior civil Brighton and Hove local education authority participated service have a contractual entitlement to travel first in Government-funded ESOL courses; 700 were in receipt class by rail within the UK. This represents 1,436 staff of full Government funding from the Adult Learner and equates to 53% of BIS staff. Responsive funding stream. From August, full Government Staff who have a contractual entitlement have been funding will be provided for unemployed people in asked to reflect on whether they exercise this right receipt of jobseeker’s allowance or in the Employment before booking any travel at first class. First class rail and Support Allowance (Work-Related Activity) Group, travel from December 2010 to February 2011 represented and this will include ESOL courses where English language 3% of the total journeys taken by the Department. skills have been identified as a barrier to entering employment. We will continue to pay 50% of ESOL Departmental Regulation course fees for people who are settled here. We will no longer fund ESOL courses delivered in the workplace. Gordon Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for Eligibility for full or part public funded ESOL provision Business, Innovation and Skills what regulations his is set out in the Skills Funding Agency’s learner eligibility Department has repealed between 4 February and criteria, which is based on a person’s ordinary residence. 28 February 2011. [45982] For funding purposes, the agency regards an ordinarily resident any person who habitually, normally and lawfully Mr Prisk: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I resides from choice and for a settled purpose in England. gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Vale of Glamorgan Full learner eligibility guidance can be found on the (Alun Cairns) on 16 March 2011, Official Report, Skills Funding Agency and YPLA website: column 433W. http://readingroom.ypla.gov.uk/ypla/agency-leg2010-11- version1aon12-04-2010.pdf English Language: Education As autonomous bodies, further education (FE) colleges and training providers are responsible for their fees Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for policies. We have introduced increased freedoms and Business, Innovation and Skills (1) if he will set out, flexibilities for FE colleges and providers providing with statistical evidence relating as closely as possible them with increased flexibility to respond to the needs to Brighton, Pavilion constituency, his assessment of of their communities. the effects of his Department’s policy of removing Further Education: Learner Support Fund funding for English for Speakers of Other Languages learners for people on benefits other than jobseeker’s Ben Gummer: To ask the Secretary of State for allowance and employment and support allowance in Business, Innovation and Skills whether he proposes to the work-related activity group; [46346] permit further education colleges to distribute funds (2) what estimate he has made of the number of from the Learner Support Fund to students aged 19 English for Speakers of other Languages (ESOL) learners and over. [47329] who receive benefits in the Brighton and Hove area who received ESOL funding during the current academic Mr Hayes: Further education colleges currently distribute year who would not receive funding under the proposals discretionary learner support funds to students aged 19 in his Department’s Further Education—New Horizon: and over. The future arrangements for administering Investing in Skills for Sustainable Growth strategy; these funds are under consideration and announcements [46347] will be made in due course. 663W Written Answers17 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 664W

Green Investment Bank: Interest Rates Northwest Regional Development Agency

Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Alison McGovern: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what recent representations Business, Innovation and Skills whether he has made he has received on the mechanism for setting the interest an assessment of the (a) cost to the public purse and rates for the Green Investment Bank; and if he will (b) effect on employment levels in the North West of make a statement. [46273] the transfer to the Department for Environment, Food Mr Prisk: In the course of setting up the bank we and Rural Affairs of responsibility for the North West have received a number of representations as to its Regional Development Agency’s rural development business and operating model. I will be making a detailed programme. [45800] announcement in May. Green Investment Bank: Scotland Mr Paice: I have been asked to reply. There are limited costs as a result of the transfer of Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for responsibility to deliver elements of the Rural Development Business, Innovation and Skills how many meetings he Programme for England (RDPE) from regional has had with the Secretary of State for Scotland on the development agencies to DEFRA, primarily as a result Green Investment Bank; and on which date each meeting of some IT and accommodation moves. These will be took place. [46184] met from DEFRA’s existing administrative RDPE budget, including costs related to the transfer of responsibilities Mr Prisk: To date the Secretary of State for Business, from the North West Regional Development Agency. Innovation and Skills has had one meeting with the Efficiencies arising from these transfers are expected to Secretary of State for Scotland on the Green Investment contribute towards the savings currently anticipated Bank on the 26 January 2011. under that programme as part of the Department’s Local Enterprise Partnerships: Internet spending review settlement. Michael Fallon: To ask the Secretary of State for Employees of the North West Regional Development Business, Innovation and Skills how many local Agency who currently administer the delivery of the enterprise partnerships have websites. [47158] rural development programme have the right to transfer into DEFRA under the terms of the Cabinet Office Mr Prisk [holding answer 16 March 2011]: Currently Statement of Practice on staff transfers. The RDPE nine local enterprise partnerships have bespoke websites. delivery will continue to be focussed on improving Other local enterprise partnerships are using local authority agricultural competitiveness and supporting rural businesses, or existing partnership websites to share information. including those in the North West. ORAL ANSWERS

Thursday 17 March 2011

Col. No. Col. No. ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS— AFFAIRS...... 457 continued Animals (Illegal Trade) ...... 470 Mackerel Quotas...... 459 Battery Cages...... 462 Pig Farming ...... 458 Climate Change ...... 467 Sky Lanterns...... 459 Common Agricultural Policy ...... 468 Topical Questions ...... 471 Fish Discards ...... 460 Uplands Policy Review ...... 457 Fish Discards ...... 465 Urban Foxes ...... 464 Flooding ...... 463 Wild Animals (Circuses) ...... 466 Labelling (Meat Products)...... 466 WRITTEN MINISTERIAL STATEMENTS

Thursday 17 March 2011

Col. No. Col. No. BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS ...... 17WS FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE..... 23WS EU Competitiveness Council ...... 18WS Foreign Affairs Council and General Affairs Solutions for Business Portfolio ...... 17WS Council ...... 23WS Foreign Affairs Council/Foreign Ministers CABINET OFFICE...... 21WS (Informal Meeting) ...... 25WS Fixed-term Parliaments Bill ...... 21WS

COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT.. 19WS HOME DEPARTMENT...... 26WS Local Government Finance ...... 19WS Control Order Powers ...... 26WS EDUCATION...... 21WS Equality Act 2010: Public Sector Equality Duty .... 28WS Secondary School Application/Offers 2011 ...... 21WS Terrorism Stop and Search Powers...... 29WS

ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS...... 23WS JUSTICE...... 30WS Independent Panel on Forestry ...... 23WS Her Majesty’s Land Registry ...... 30WS WRITTEN ANSWERS

Thursday 17 March 2011

Col. No. Col. No. ATTORNEY-GENERAL ...... 494W CABINET OFFICE—continued Legal Advice and Assistance: Libya...... 494W Mutual Pathfinder Fund...... 643W Office for Civil Society: Operating Costs...... 643W BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS ...... 660W Office for Civil Society: Secondment...... 643W Apprentices...... 660W Office for Civil Society: TimeBank...... 644W Credit Cards: Fees and Charges ...... 660W Older People: Voluntary Work ...... 644W Departmental Rail Travel...... 661W Public Sector: Mutual Societies...... 645W Departmental Regulation...... 661W Third Sector...... 645W English Language: Education ...... 661W Third Sector: Finance ...... 645W Further Education: Learner Support Fund...... 662W Third Sector: Manpower...... 646W Green Investment Bank: Interest Rates...... 663W Third Sector: Redundancy Pay...... 646W Green Investment Bank: Scotland...... 663W Voluntary Organisations: Business...... 646W Local Enterprise Partnerships: Internet ...... 663W Voluntary Organisations: Labour Turnover ...... 647W Northwest Regional Development Agency ...... 664W Voluntary Work ...... 647W Voluntary Work and Charitable Donations...... 648W CABINET OFFICE...... 635W Voluntary Work: Young People...... 648W Big Society Bank...... 635W Big Society Network ...... 636W COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT.. 589W Census ...... 636W Community Development...... 589W Charities: Finance...... 637W Community Relations ...... 592W Charities: Redundancy Pay ...... 637W Departmental Land ...... 592W Charity Commission: Political Activities...... 638W Departmental Location...... 593W Community Development...... 638W Departmental Procurement...... 593W Efficiency and Reform Group ...... 638W Departmental Public Expenditure...... 593W Employment: Third Sector...... 638W Departmental Rail Travel...... 594W Epilepsy: Death...... 639W Departmental Written Questions ...... 594W Col. No. Col. No. COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT— EDUCATION—continued continued Education Maintenance Allowance...... 599W Housing: Construction...... 594W Education Maintenance Allowance: Bolton South Non-domestic Rates: Empty Property...... 595W East...... 600W Northwest Regional Development Agency ...... 595W Education Maintenance Allowance: Trade Unions ...... 595W Comprehensive Spending Review...... 600W Education: Ofsted ...... 601W CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT ...... 516W EU Educational Policy...... 601W Arts: Finance ...... 521W EU Youth on the Move Strategy ...... 601W Broadband: Contracts...... 522W Family Rights Group: Finance...... 602W Broadband: Scotland ...... 523W Food Technology: Education ...... 602W Departmental Assets...... 523W Free Schools...... 602W Departmental Ministerial Policy Advisers...... 523W GCSE : Mathematics and English...... 603W Departmental Procurement...... 524W Music: Education...... 603W Departmental Public Consultation...... 524W Primary Education: Finance ...... 604W Departmental Regulation...... 524W Pupils: Disability...... 604W Departmental Written Questions ...... 525W Schools ...... 604W Gambling...... 525W Schools: Closures ...... 606W Holiday Accommodation: Standards ...... 525W Schools: Ethnic Groups ...... 606W Irish Language ...... 526W Schools: Warrington ...... 609W Members: Correspondence ...... 527W Schools: Wolverhampton ...... 611W Ofcom: Consultants ...... 516W Sexualisation of Young People Review...... 611W Ofcom: Legal Costs...... 527W Sixth Form Colleges: VAT...... 611W Ofcom: Official Hospitality...... 528W Sure Start: Bolton ...... 611W Sports: Dartford ...... 529W Targeted Mental Health in Schools Grant: Tourism: Public Holidays...... 529W Finance...... 612W Tourism: Publications ...... 530W Teachers: Training...... 613W Teenage Pregnancy Independent Advisory Group . 613W DEFENCE...... 504W Teenage Pregnancy: Personal Income ...... 614W Afghanistan: Peacekeeping Operations ...... 504W Teenage Pregnancy Scheme: Finance ...... 614W Aircraft Carriers ...... 505W Written Questions: Government Responses ...... 615W Amphibious Vehicles...... 506W Young People: Alcoholic Drinks ...... 615W Armed Forces: Pensions...... 506W Young People: Unemployment...... 616W Armed Forces: Redundancy...... 506W Army: Manpower ...... 507W ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE ...... 578W Atomic Weapons Establishment...... 507W Carbon Emissions: Housing...... 578W Blue Force Property ...... 507W Carbon Sequestration ...... 578W Departmental Expenditure ...... 507W Climate Change: International Cooperation ...... 578W Departmental Land ...... 508W Committee on Climate Change ...... 579W Departmental Public Expenditure...... 509W Electricity Generation...... 580W Departmental Regulation...... 510W Electricity Interconnectors: Iceland ...... 581W Devolution...... 510W Fuel Poverty: Rural Areas...... 581W European Fighter Aircraft ...... 510W Fuel: Prices ...... 582W France: Nuclear Weapons ...... 511W Hinkley Point C power station ...... 582W Frigates ...... 511W Nuclear Power Stations...... 583W Germany: Military Bases ...... 511W Renewable Energy: Feed-in Tariffs...... 583W Libya: Diplomatic Service...... 512W Solar Power: Feed-in Tariffs...... 583W Libya: HMS Cumberland ...... 512W Squatting ...... 584W Libya: Special Forces ...... 513W Wind Power ...... 584W Military Bases...... 513W Wind Power: Planning Permission ...... 584W Nimrod Aircraft...... 513W Nuclear Submarines: Decommissioning...... 513W ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL Radioactive Materials: Transport...... 514W AFFAIRS...... 585W Special Forces ...... 514W Animal Welfare ...... 586W Strategic Defence and Security Review ...... 515W Animals: Crime...... 587W Trident ...... 516W Battery Cages...... 585W WE 177 Nuclear Bomb ...... 515W Common Agricultural Policy ...... 587W Cotton: EU Action ...... 588W DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER ...... 577W Dairy Farming ...... 585W Public Bills: Internet ...... 577W Dairy Farming: Animal Welfare ...... 588W Departmental Regulation...... 588W EDUCATION...... 595W Fish Discards ...... 586W Academies...... 595W Oil: Accidents ...... 590W Academies: Pupil Exclusions...... 596W Academies: Rotherham...... 596W FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE..... 648W Aiming High for Disabled Children ...... 597W Armed Forces: Children...... 648W Building Schools for the Future Programme: British Overseas Territories: Official Visits...... 649W Sandwell...... 597W China: Politics and Government ...... 649W CAFCASS ...... 598W Council of Europe ...... 649W Early Intervention Grant Allocations ...... 598W Democratic Republic of Congo: Elections ...... 650W Education: Finance...... 600W Departmental Expenditure ...... 650W Col. No. Col. No. FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE— INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT—continued continued Departmental Regulation...... 632W Departmental Leaseback Arrangements ...... 651W Developing Countries: Business...... 632W Departmental Procurement...... 651W Developing Countries: Multinational Companies.. 635W Departmental Regulation...... 652W Developing Countries: Social Protection...... 633W Egypt: Politics and Government ...... 652W Microfinance...... 634W Human Rights ...... 652W Overseas Aid...... 634W Indonesia: Foreign Relations...... 654W West Africa: Cotton ...... 635W Libya: British Nationals Abroad...... 654W Libya: Higher Education...... 655W JUSTICE...... 541W Middle East: Politics and Government...... 655W Contact Orders ...... 541W Overseas Aid...... 655W Departmental Assets...... 542W Patrol Craft: EU Grants and Loans ...... 658W Departmental Public Appointments...... 542W Peacekeeping Operations ...... 658W Electronic Tagging ...... 544W Qatar: Trade Agreements ...... 658W Family Courts ...... 545W Somalia: Politics and Government ...... 659W HM Inspectorate of Prisons: Political Activities .... 546W Sri Lanka: Human Rights...... 659W Human Rights ...... 546W Offenders: Berkshire ...... 546W HEALTH...... 617W Playgrounds: Acklington...... 549W Autism ...... 617W Police: Prison Accommodation ...... 550W Cataracts: Surgery...... 618W Police: Video Recordings...... 553W Contraception: Expenditure...... 618W Prison Accommodation ...... 553W Cord Blood ...... 619W Prison Service: Training ...... 554W Dental Services: East of England...... 619W Prisoners: Finance...... 556W Dental Services: Manpower ...... 619W Prisoners’ Release ...... 556W Departmental Rail Travel...... 620W Prisons: EU Action ...... 557W Departmental Regulation...... 620W Prisons: Mobile Phones...... 557W General Practitioners ...... 621W Prosecutions...... 558W General Practitioners: Working Hours...... 622W Rape: Victim Support Schemes ...... 557W Health Services ...... 623W Shoplifting: Sentencing ...... 559W Health Services: East of England...... 623W Terrorism: British Nationals Abroad ...... 563W Health Services: Reciprocal Arrangements ...... 624W Young Offenders: Reoffenders ...... 563W Insulin...... 625W Youth Justice...... 563W Mental Illness: Ex-servicemen...... 625W NHS: Information and Communications NORTHERN IRELAND ...... 493W Technology ...... 626W Bill of Rights ...... 493W NHS: Negligence ...... 626W Departmental Public Bodies ...... 493W NHS: Per Capita Costs ...... 626W Departmental Public Expenditure...... 493W Organs: Donors ...... 629W Domestic Visits ...... 493W Patients: Accidents...... 629W Serious Organised Crime Agency...... 494W Prescriptions: Fees and Charges...... 630W Suffolk Primary Care Trust: Pay ...... 631W SCOTLAND...... 495W Third Sector...... 631W Departmental Public Bodies ...... 495W Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Departmental Regulation...... 496W Employment) Regulations 2006 ...... 631W Domestic Visits ...... 496W Elections ...... 496W HOME DEPARTMENT...... 530W Counter-terrorism ...... 530W Departmental Assets...... 530W TRANSPORT ...... 495W Departmental Public Consultation...... 531W Bus Services: Concessions ...... 495W Domestic Violence ...... 531W Firearms ...... 532W TREASURY ...... 496W Human Trafficking ...... 532W Cheques ...... 496W Imitation Firearms...... 533W Child Care Tax Credit...... 497W Northumbria Police: Overtime...... 533W Civil Servants: Pensions ...... 497W Passport Office: Closures ...... 533W Corporation Tax ...... 497W Police ...... 534W Departmental Assets...... 498W Police: Bureaucracy...... 536W Departmental Rail Travel...... 498W Police: Firearms ...... 535W Housing: Construction...... 504W Police: Surveillance ...... 535W Members: Correspondence ...... 498W Police: Training ...... 536W National Insurance Contributions ...... 498W Refugees: Finance ...... 536W PAYE...... 498W UK Border Agency: Sick Leave ...... 537W Pensions: Public Sector ...... 499W Vandalism ...... 538W Revenue and Customs: India...... 499W Vetting ...... 539W Revenue and Customs: Sick Leave ...... 499W Revenue and Customs: Training...... 501W INDEPENDENT PARLIAMENTARY Tax Avoidance ...... 501W STANDARDS AUTHORITY COMMITTEE ...... 541W Taxation...... 501W Budget Limits ...... 541W Taxation: Domicil ...... 502W VAT: Energy...... 502W INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT...... 632W Video Games: National Income ...... 503W Departmental Land ...... 632W Working Tax Credit: Fraud...... 503W Col. No. Col. No. WALES...... 495W WORK AND PENSIONS—continued Business Advisory Group...... 495W Disability: Children...... 571W Disability Living Allowance...... 569W WOMEN AND EQUALITIES...... 659W Disability Living Allowance: Autism...... 570W Equality ...... 659W Employment and Support Allowance ...... 572W Employment and Support Allowance: Mental WORK AND PENSIONS ...... 564W Illness...... 571W Children: Maintenance ...... 564W Employment Schemes ...... 573W Crisis Loans ...... 567W Industrial Health and Safety: Inspections ...... 574W Crisis Loans: Bexley...... 568W Pensions...... 575W Departmental Land ...... 569W Personal Independence Payment: Autism...... 575W Departmental Procurement...... 569W Social Security Benefits: Fraud ...... 575W Departmental Regulation...... 569W Third Sector...... 576W Members who wish to have the Daily Report of the Debates forwarded to them should give notice at the Vote Office. 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CONTENTS

Thursday 17 March 2011

Oral Answers to Questions [Col. 457] [see index inside back page] Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Business of the House [Col. 479] Statement—(Sir George Young)

Tax and Financial Transparency [Col. 493] Bill presented, and read the First time

North Africa and the Middle East [Col. 494] General debate

Medway City Status [Col. 584] Debate on motion for Adjournment

Westminster Hall Bill of Rights [Col. 139WH] Debate on motion for Adjournment

Written Ministerial Statements [Col. 17WS]

Written Answers to Questions [Col. 493W] [see index inside back page]