Tuesday Volume 528 24 May 2011 No. 163

HOUSE OF COMMONS OFFICIAL REPORT

PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES (HANSARD)

Tuesday 24 May 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] 757 24 MAY 2011 758

The Deputy Prime Minister (Mr Nick Clegg): Ihave House of Commons received many representations expressing a wide variety of views— Tuesday 24 May 2011 Mr Speaker: Order. I believe the Deputy Prime Minister is seeking a grouping. The House met at half-past Eleven o’clock The Deputy Prime Minister: Yes, forgive me. [HON. MEMBERS: “Oh!”] I would like to group questions 3, 4, 5, PRAYERS 11 and 12. A major issue—my omission to group the questions. That is how over-excited Members on the Opposition Benches get. [MR SPEAKER in the Chair] 4. Charlie Elphicke (Dover) (Con): What recent representations he has received on his proposals for Oral Answers to Questions House of Lords reform. [56962] 5. Mr Ben Bradshaw (Exeter) (Lab): What recent representations he has received on his proposals for reform of the House of Lords. [56963] DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER 11. Mr Alan Reid (Argyll and Bute) (LD): What The Deputy Prime Minister was asked— representations he has received on his plans for the future composition of the House of Lords. [56969] Disabled People (Elected Office) 12. Mel Stride (Central Devon) (Con): What recent 1. Amber Rudd (Hastings and Rye) (Con): What representations he has received on his proposals for progress he has made on implementing his proposals reform of the House of Lords. [56970] for additional support for disabled people to achieve elected office. [56959] The Deputy Prime Minister: The loudest voices inevitably belong to those who object the most to our proposals to The Deputy Prime Minister (Mr Nick Clegg): We make the House of Lords a more democratic Chamber conducted a public consultation exercise, which ran but, as the hon. Member for Edmonton (Mr Love) said from 16 February to 11 May, to seek views on a range of last week, a democratic Chamber was endorsed in the proposals designed to help to remove barriers faced by manifestos of all three of the largest parties in the disabled people who are seeking elected office. We are House. currently analysing the responses, and intend to announce the strategy later this year. Mr Love: Accountability is the essence of democracy. Amber Rudd: I thank the Deputy Prime Minister for If the newly elected Members serve only one term for that answer. In Hastings we have 32 councillors and in 15 years, how can that be called democratic? East Sussex 49, but not one of them is registered disabled. Can he give any advice to the leaders of my The Deputy Prime Minister: As was discussed in the councils about what can be done to encourage more debate last week, the principle that one of the ways disabled people to get involved in local politics? in which we distinguish between a reformed House of Lords and this Chamber is to introduce long non-renewable The Deputy Prime Minister: My hon. Friend is right: terms for the elected component in the other place was the issue is applicable not just to this place, but to not invented by this Government. It was identified in a councils up and down the country. There are clearly series of cross-party commissions over many years, but barriers impeding the participation of people with if the Joint Committee that is to be established thinks disabilities in politics at all levels. I pay tribute to those otherwise, that is exactly the kind of thing that we who were involved in the Speaker’s Conference on should debate in the months ahead. Parliamentary Representation, which was started some years ago and identified this as a problem. In our access Charlie Elphicke: Given that reform of the House of to elected office strategy, which we will announce, we Lords was in all three major parties’ manifestos, is it not will address how that might affect local councils as well right that the House discuss the matter in Committee to as this place. work out the best way to implement it?

Mr Speaker: I call Lindsay Roy. He is not here, so I The Deputy Prime Minister: Yes, and that is precisely call Mr Andrew Love. why we look forward to a Joint Committee of both Houses being established through the usual channels, House of Lords which will be able to get to grips with all the many questions, queries and objections that have been raised, 3. Mr Andrew Love (Edmonton) (Lab/Co-op): What so that we can as far as possible proceed on a cross-party representations he has received on his plans for the basis on something that all parties are committed to future composition of the House of Lords. [56961] seeing through. 759 Oral Answers24 MAY 2011 Oral Answers 760

Mr Bradshaw: From his conversations with the Prime as we campaign at election time, but it does not mean Minister, how committed would the Deputy Prime Minister that they are unimportant. We discuss many things in say the Prime Minister is to facing down his own Back this House, from local government finance to world Benchers and, if necessary, using the Parliament Act to trade rules and all sorts of things that are not raised get the reform through before the next election? from day to day in our local communities, but that are none the less important. That is why we as a country The Deputy Prime Minister: The Prime Minister gave have been struggling with this dilemma for more than an unambiguous answer to the question about the 100 years and why all three parties have a manifesto Parliament Act at Prime Minister’s questions last week. commitment finally to make progress on reforming the Not only was the commitment made by all three parties other place. in their manifestos, but it is one that we entered unambiguously into the coalition agreement. Chris Bryant (Rhondda) (Lab): The thing we find most bizarre about all this is that it is a priority for the Mr Reid: Does my right hon. Friend agree that it is Government at this time. The coalition agreement states important that the reforms lead to an increase in the that they will continue to appoint peers to the House of diversity of representation in the second Chamber? Lords What steps will he take to ensure that that is the “with the objective of creating a second chamber that is reflective outcome of the reform? of the share of the vote secured by the political parties in the last general election.” The Deputy Prime Minister: One of the advantages of There are currently 792 unelected peers, after a year of the system that we are introducing, as explained in the the fastest level of appointment of new peers in the White Paper, is that it will permit political parties to history of this country. To get to the objective set out in take active steps, in so far as they wish to do so, to use the agreement, the Deputy Prime Minister would have elections to the other place to increase the diversity of to appoint another 269. Are there another 97 Liberal representation in Westminster as a whole. Democrats to make peers in the House of Lords? Should there not be a moratorium? Mel Stride (Central Devon) (Con): Given the country’s firm rejection of AV in the recent referendum and the The Deputy Prime Minister: Every time the hon. fact that the Government’s proposals include the possibility Gentleman asks a question, I find it more and more of some form of proportional representation for election baffling why anyone should want to hack his phone of Members of this Parliament, will my right hon. and listen to his messages. It is quite extraordinary. The Friend at least consider giving the people of this country point he has just made illustrates why we need to reform a referendum on this important constitutional change? the House of Lords.

The Deputy Prime Minister: The first point of which Postal Voting to remind my hon. Friend is that this was a manifesto commitment of all three parties. It is something that we 6. Graham Evans (Weaver Vale) (Con): What recent as a country have been discussing for around 100 years assessment he has made of arrangements for the or so, and we have introduced changed electoral systems provision of postal votes on demand. [56964] to a number of Assemblies and Parliaments in the UK without referendums in the past. The Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office (Mr Mark Harper): We have made no specific assessment of postal Mr David Winnick (Walsall North) (Lab): It is voting on demand, but we of course keep postal voting understanable that there is tension and disagreement under review as we consider electoral administration in between the two coalition parties on this issue, and general. perhaps on other matters, but it was reported last week that during a recent meeting of Tory MPs one Member Graham Evans: There have been widespread reports described the Liberal Democrats as “yellow” followed of shocking abuses of postal votes, especially in areas by a second word beginning with “b” then “a” and with high levels of multiple occupancy housing. Will ending in “s”. Was the Deputy Prime Minister as shocked my hon. Friend tell the House what steps the Government as I was by such behaviour? are taking to stamp out postal vote fraud and ensure honesty in our elections? Mr Speaker: Order. May I gently say to the Deputy Prime Minister and to the House that I do not think he Mr Harper: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for that is responsible for what is said at meetings of Conservative question. He will know that we are introducing individual Members of Parliament? voter registration before the next general election, which will mean that everyone who wants to cast an absent Mr Andrew Turner (Isle of Wight) (Con): Should the vote, a postal vote in this case, will have to register right hon. Gentleman not drop this unpopular policy, individually and provide their identifiers to their registration which does not resonate with the majority of the public, officer in order to make the register more secure. and concentrate instead on finding a solution to the problem of the West Lothian question? Mr John Spellar (Warley) (Lab): Conservative Members are very prone to making rash statements about alleged The Deputy Prime Minister: I am the first to acknowledge postal vote fraud, and not just in this House, but in that, whether it is the West Lothian question or reform another place. I have been in correspondence with the of the House of Lords, these are of course not matters Minister and regularly asked the Leader of the House that are raised by our constituents or on the doorsteps whether he can get Baroness Warsi to retract her statement 761 Oral Answers24 MAY 2011 Oral Answers 762 that the Conservative party was robbed of a majority at has made it clear that the Government plan to lengthen the last election because of electoral fraud on behalf of the campaign period for general elections so that overseas the Labour party, particularly in the Asian community. voters, including our service personnel, have more Although a Cabinet member, she resolutely refuses to opportunity to vote. That is a very clear promise— reply. Will the Minister do so now on her behalf? Mr Speaker: We are immensely grateful to the Minister. Mr Harper: The right hon. Gentleman raised this matter at business questions. My right hon. Friend the Bob Stewart (Beckenham) (Con): When the Minister Leader of the House drew it to my attention, as I am talks to the Ministry of Defence about voting, will he the Minister responsible for that policy area, and I try to ensure that not just the way our servicemen and replied as quickly as possible and gave the right hon. women vote but the way they are required to register is Gentleman a full answer. If he wishes to raise it with me as simple as possible?. again and ask me anything—[Interruption.] If Labour Members would actually listen, they might hear my answer. If he would like to ask me anything that I have Mr Harper: I agree, and we are doing two things. We not already answered in my letter, I would be delighted are going to make registering as a service voter more to write to him again. straightforward, and we are going to undertake some data-matching pilots with a number of local authorities, Voting Facilities (Service Personnel) working with the Ministry of Defence, so that we can look at improving the way service personnel are registered so they all have the chance to register and vote in 7. Lilian Greenwood (Nottingham South) (Lab): What elections. discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Defence on steps to facilitate voting in elections by service personnel serving abroad. [56965] Police and Crime Commissioners

The Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office (Mr Mark Harper): I have discussed that issue with the Minister 8. Nia Griffith (Llanelli) (Lab): What discussions he responsible for defence personnel, my right hon. Friend has had with the Electoral Commission on the conduct the Member for South Leicestershire (Mr Robathan), of elections for police and crime commissioners. and our officials in the Cabinet Office and the Ministry [56966] of Defence are continuing to work on proposals to make it easier for our brave service personnel abroad The Deputy Prime Minister (Mr Nick Clegg): Ihave to be able to participate in general elections. The hon. discussed the conduct of the elections for police and Lady will know some details about that from the written crime commissioners with the chair of the Electoral answers I gave her last week. Commission. Cabinet Office officials have also been working closely with their counterparts at the Electoral Lilian Greenwood: I thank the Minister for that answer, Commission as part of work with the Home Department but I am disappointed by the lack of urgency with on the policy and legislation that will be required to which his Government are addressing the matter. I was allow for the conduct and regulation of those elections. shocked to find that, as a result of the Government’s initiative in relation to voting on 5 May this year, only Nia Griffith: Many of my constituents would far 40 of the thousands of service personnel deployed in rather see the estimated £100 million cost of running Afghanistan voted in secret by post in the referendum, such elections for police commissioners spent on keeping compared with the 217 who voted by post in the general police on the beat, but will the Deputy Prime Minister election last year. At a public meeting in October 2008— tell us the views of the Electoral Commission on limits to the campaigning expenses for elected police commissioner Mr Speaker: Order. We must have a one-second question; candidates? there is a lot to get through. Quick question, and we will carry on. The Deputy Prime Minister: The intention will of course be to bring the legislation on elections for police Lilian Greenwood: The Deputy Prime Minister assured and crime commissioners into line with that on other my constituent Devina Worsley that he and the Armed elections. We are absolutely determined to deliver the Forces Minister would take action to address the issue. commitment in the coalition agreement to hold the Is that another broken promise, or is he just not up to elections so that we have greater accountability in policing. the job? Policing matters to every single family and community in this country, and that is why we should make the Mr Harper: I thought that we were going to get police more accountable to the people they serve. something good then, but that was clearly rehearsed. The hon. Lady will know from my detailed answer that Mr Gregory Campbell (East Londonderry) (DUP): the number of people who voted in the specific initiative Can the Deputy Prime Minister assure us that he will that we set up, building on the one that the Labour do what he can to ensure that there is no repeat of what party undertook for the general election, does not take happened in Northern Ireland earlier this month, when into account all personnel in Afghanistan, some of we had three different polls on one day, an inordinate whom will have registered separately. She will know also delay in declaring the AVreferendum result and significant that my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister delays in the other polls as well? 763 Oral Answers24 MAY 2011 Oral Answers 764

The Deputy Prime Minister: I am obviously very keen Graeme Morrice: I thank the right hon. Gentleman to hear from the hon. Gentleman any specific reservations for his answer. Now that the Deputy Prime Minister is he has about how the combination of polls operated, even less popular than the Swiss entry in the recent but the provisional feedback seems to be that, despite Eurovision contest—at least they got 19 points—what some very dire warnings about the combination of polls immediate plans does he have to redeem himself in the not only in Northern Ireland but elsewhere, on the public eye? Moreover, what principle or value is he not whole it was conducted very successfully indeed. prepared to sell out over in his quest to cling to power?

Sadiq Khan (Tooting) (Lab): The Deputy Prime Minister The Deputy Prime Minister: Well read and well rehearsed! will know that plans for police commissioners are a I will tell the hon. Gentleman one thing that I am not pretty major change in the way we do things, with new going to flinch from for one minute, and that is to clear electoral boundaries and a new post. I will not go into up the mess left by Labour. Because of the sheer economic the substance of the disagreement between the two incompetence of the Labour party in government, this sides about police commissioners, but on a procedural country, on the backs of our children and grandchildren, point the right hon. Gentleman has mentioned his is borrowing £400 million a day. He might think that is discussions with the Electoral Commission. How soon okay; I do not. in advance of the elections, which are now less than a year away, will we see the rules on spending limits, on fundraising transparency and on how the elections are T2. [56975] Miss Anne McIntosh (Thirsk and Malton) held? He will be aware that all parties need to have time (Con): Can the Deputy Prime Minister give the House to select candidates throughout the country. a timetable for his proposed reforms of the House of Lords? Will it be during the life of this Parliament, and The Deputy Prime Minister: The right hon. Gentleman how flexible are the proportions? Would he consider —unusually—makes a fair point. We do need to get 30, 30 and 30? these rules into place in good time, and we will be working with the Electoral Commission at all levels to make sure that the rules are available to everybody who The Deputy Prime Minister: The timetable is that the wants to participate in these elections in good time so Joint Committee of both Houses first needs to complete that they can be held in the proper way. its work, and we hope that it will do so in the early stages of next year, with a view to the Government then publishing a Bill in the second Session in order to see Political and Constitutional Reform the first steps in a reformed House of Lords and the first elections taking place in 2015. 9. Mr Peter Bone (Wellingborough) (Con): What representations he has received on the application of Ms Harriet Harman (Camberwell and Peckham) (Lab): the Salisbury convention to legislative proposals relating People are worried about the NHS being turned from a to political and constitutional reform. [56967] public service into a commercial market. Part 3 of the Health and Social Care Bill makes this about profits, The Deputy Prime Minister (Mr Nick Clegg): Ihave not patients. The Deputy Prime Minister has reportedly received no representations on this subject. told his Back Benchers that he is against that, so will he tell the House now that the Government will strike out Mr Bone: The Deputy Prime Minister is well known of the Bill the whole of part 3? He has been talking for his love of Parliament and democracy. Perhaps no tough in private, but will he say it here in public? representations have been made because there is no question of the Parliament Acts being invoked at any time during this period of government because no The Deputy Prime Minister: I can be very clear, and single party was elected to government. the Government as a whole can be very clear, that there will be no privatisation of the NHS. It will not be run The Deputy Prime Minister: The hon. Gentleman’s for profit and it will not be fragmented; it will be free at question is about the Salisbury convention, which is one the point of use based on need rather than the ability to of many conventions that entrench the relationship pay—full stop. between the other place and the House of Commons. The Parliament Acts are also vital in that regard. We have Ms Harman: The right hon. Gentleman ducked the no intention of altering either the Acts or the convention. question on part 3, did he not? It is clear that he will not stand up for the NHS against the Tories. There has been Topical Questions a pause in Parliament, but have not the Tories told him that on the ground they are forging ahead with this? T1. [56974] Graeme Morrice (Livingston) (Lab): If he will make a statement on his departmental responsibilities. The Deputy Prime Minister: It was the right hon. and learned Lady’s party in government that rigged contracts The Deputy Prime Minister (Mr Nick Clegg): As with private sector providers, undermining the NHS Deputy Prime Minister, I support the Prime Minister and undermining NHS hospitals—a rigged contract on the full range of Government policy and initiatives. with private sector providers to undermine the very Within Government, I take special responsibility for this ethos of the NHS. We are legislating to make sure that, Government’s programme of political and constitutional once and for all, there is a level playing field in the NHS reform. for everyone who is providing care to the British people. 765 Oral Answers24 MAY 2011 Oral Answers 766

T3. [56976] Gavin Barwell (Croydon Central) (Con): manifesto, so he wants to circumvent the manifesto on Just 30,000 of the 5.5 million British citizens living which he stood at the last general election by way of a overseas are registered to vote. What plans do the referendum. Government have to make it easier for them to register and to lengthen the election timetable so that those T7. [56980] Jesse Norman (Hereford and South who do register can vote by post? Herefordshire) (Con): I know that the Deputy Prime Minister shares my view that the influence of lobbying can cause serious defamation to the democratic The Deputy Prime Minister: I think there is a strong process. Will he update the House on the status of his case for lengthening the election timetable to address register of lobbyists? that issue. We are looking at the matter in detail and will come forward with proposals as soon as we can. The Deputy Prime Minister: The Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office, my hon. Friend the Member for Forest T5. [56978] John Cryer (Leyton and Wanstead) (Lab): of Dean (Mr Harper), has announced in the House that The Deputy Prime Minister has made it clear that he is we are consulting on that matter. We hope that the prepared to see Liberal MPs and peers veto the Health consultation will proceed during the summer to meet and Social Care Bill. Given that, why did he sign the the objective in the coalition agreement of creating a foreword to the health White Paper? register of lobbyists.

T8. [56982] Stella Creasy (Walthamstow) (Lab/Co-op): The Deputy Prime Minister: The principles of the Will the Deputy Prime Minister update the House on White Paper were less bureaucracy, more patient-centred the discussions he has had with his Government and health, greater control for people who know patients party colleagues on the circumstances in which best so that they can decide where money circulates in parliamentarians should be above the rule of law? the system, greater accountability, and less centralisation. First, those are worthwhile reforms. Secondly, they build on many of the reforms that the Labour party The Deputy Prime Minister: I do not think that introduced when in government. If the hon. Gentleman anyone should be above the rule of law. If we do not like and his colleagues were more honest, they would back the law in this place, we should act as legislators to our attempt to listen to the British people and reform change the law, not flout it. the NHS so that it is safeguarded for future generations. T10. [56984] Mr David Amess (Southend West) (Con): Given that the Deputy Prime Minister’s proposals for Mr Speaker: Order. I am sure no one is suggesting House of Lords reform were not met with total acclaim that any right hon. or hon. Member would be dishonest last week, will he reflect on the points that have been in this Chamber. [Interruption.] Order. I take that as made last week and this week, and try to seek consensus read. on the issue? To invoke the Parliament Act would be a most unwise move. T4. [56977] Charlie Elphicke (Dover) (Con): Did not the Government inherite an unreformed, unwieldy, The Deputy Prime Minister: I do not think that any unaccountable health service that was partly privatised, proposal to reform the other place has been met with and are not these reforms necessary to secure the future total acclaim for as long as the matter has been discussed, of the health service for the next generation? which is more than a century. That is the nature of the issue. There are strong feelings on all sides of the debate and, let us be frank, some strong vested interests who The Deputy Prime Minister: I strongly agree with my do not want to see any change. That is why we want to hon. Friend. Opposition Members simply cannot get establish a Joint Committee of both Houses. I could not their heads around the fact that this Government are agree more with my hon. Friend that, where possible, prepared to listen. We are prepared to listen to doctors, we should proceed on a cross-party basis on something nurses, consultants and patients. What is more—this is as significant as this. something the Labour Government never did—when we think we can improve our proposals, we are prepared T9. [56983] Chi Onwurah (Newcastle upon Tyne Central) to do so. (Lab): Under the Government’s proposals, Newcastle will have a mayor and a police commissioner imposed on it by London. Given that the people of Newcastle T6. [56979] Graham Stringer (Blackley and Broughton) recently voted overwhelmingly for a Labour council (Lab): The Deputy Prime Minister has repeated ad to replace a Lib Dem one, does the Deputy Prime nauseam that the commitment to reform the House of Minister agree that the democratic voice of the people Lords was in all three parties’ manifestos. [HON.MEMBERS: of Newcastle is loudly against wasting money on such “It was.”] Of course it was. Does that not mean that the vanity projects? electorate did not have the choice to vote for somebody who did not want to reform the House of Lords? Is there not therefore a strong case for a referendum on The Deputy Prime Minister: I do not think there is this issue, which is much more important than AV? anything wrong with asking people to vote for more representatives, particularly on issues as important as policing. The basic principle of enhancing and increasing The Deputy Prime Minister: A seriously surreal doctrine accountability, and of enriching our democracy by giving is emerging. The hon. Gentleman was unable to persuade people more opportunity to express their opinions at his colleagues to exclude the issue from the the ballot box, seems to me a good one. 767 Oral Answers24 MAY 2011 Oral Answers 768

T13. [56987] Eric Ollerenshaw (Lancaster and Fleetwood) Mr David Evennett (Bexleyheath and Crayford) (Con): (Con): Given the announcement that Anglican bishops What steps is my right hon. Friend taking to review the will remain in the newly reformed House of Lords, effectiveness of the current methods of electoral registration, does the Deputy Prime Minister have any ideas about and to assist all councils to maximise the number of representation for other Christian groups, and indeed people on the electoral register? other faiths? The Deputy Prime Minister: We are planning to legislate The Deputy Prime Minister: One of the options that to introduce individual electoral registration, which of we have set out in detail in the draft Bill is indeed course is intended principally to deal with cases of continued representation, if on a much reduced numerical electoral fraud. At the same time, we hope to pilot in basis, of what is after all the established Church in the coming months new schemes to compare the electoral England. That is clearly what distinguishes it from register with other publicly available databases, so that other faiths in England. electoral registration officers can go out to communities in which they are active and ensure that if people are missing on one database, they can be included in the T11. [56985] Kerry McCarthy (Bristol East) (Lab): During the Oldham East and Saddleworth by-election other. earlier this year, the Deputy Prime Minister said about the newly opened Tesco in Greenfield that we needed to T14. [56988] Bill Esterson (Sefton Central) (Lab): The Deputy Prime Minister told my right hon. and learned “keep our high streets diverse, and make sure that we support Friend the Member for Camberwell and Peckham small shops as well as big ones”. (Ms Harman) that there would be no privatisation of Why, then, did his party vote against Labour’s new the NHS. I will give him another chance. Will he clause 29 to the Localism Bill, which would have required oppose part 3 of the Health and Social Care Bill, or are councils to include a retail diversity scheme in their his comments just meaningless words? local development framework? The Deputy Prime Minister: There is a world of The Deputy Prime Minister: We feel that the provisions difference between allowing patients greater choice and in the Localism Bill, which give local communities an ensuring that there is diversity in how the best health ability to express their views on what they want to care is provided to patients, and any sell-off of the NHS happen in their neighbourhoods to an extent that did to bargain-basement bidders, which we have ruled out. not exist for the 13 years under Labour, are sufficient to There will be no privatisation of that kind whatever meet precisely the demand that the hon. Lady makes. under this Government’s plans.

Sir Menzies Campbell (North East Fife) (LD): Does Jacob Rees-Mogg (North East Somerset) (Con): I my right hon. Friend agree that any discussion of the wonder whether the Deputy Prime Minister has noticed West Lothian question, and therefore of the role of that if proportional representation is used for a reformed Scottish MPs in this place, would necessarily have to House of Lords, the Liberal Democrats will almost include the position of Welsh MPs and those from always hold the balance of power in the other place. Northern Ireland, where there are also devolved forms Does he intend to make being Deputy Prime Minister a of government? job for life? The Deputy Prime Minister: As the hon. Gentleman The Deputy Prime Minister: That is one of the many knows, in a House of Lords without any elections of questions that we are now considering in advance of any description whatever, no party has an overall majority making an announcement about the establishment of in any event, so a balance of power in a reformed House the commission to look into the West Lothian question, of Lords is no different from the status quo. which we will do during the course of this year. Mark Durkan (Foyle) (SDLP): If, as the Deputy T12. [56986] Alun Michael (Cardiff South and Penarth) Prime Minister told us last week, the main role of a (Lab/Co-op): The Deputy Prime Minister has just said reformed House of Lords will be as a revising Chamber, that he is in favour of the public having more people to why does he propose that people should be appointed vote for. Has he read the Hansard proceedings of last under prime ministerial patronage as Ministers and week’s debate in Westminster Hall, in which Conservative, Members of that House? Would it not be better if Labour and Plaid Cymru MPs criticised the fact that nobody could sit as a Minister in that House? Would the relationship between Wales and Westminster was not that properly differentiate the role of this Chamber being put at risk by the cut in representation from from that one? 40 MPs to 30? Only Liberal Democrats seem willing to defend that policy. Is he ready to repent, or has he given The Deputy Prime Minister: We looked at this very up on Wales? carefully and proposed, on balance, that a very small number of appointees should be Lords only for the time The Deputy Prime Minister: WhatIhavenotgivenup that they hold ministerial office. We need to ensure that on is having a system of election that is fair. I do not Ministers are held to account in either this Chamber or think it is right or fair to have some Members of the the other place. We therefore felt it right to suggest that House representing far, far fewer constituents than the Prime Minister retains a prerogative for a very small colleagues in other constituencies. The principle that all number of positions, so that for the limited time that of us should represent roughly the same number of those appointees are Ministers, they are accountable to people seems to me a basic one. the reformed House of Lords. 769 Oral Answers24 MAY 2011 Oral Answers 770

Mr David Burrowes (Enfield, Southgate) (Con): The Mr Edward Leigh (Gainsborough) (Con): Does my Deputy Prime Minister has been a good supporter of right hon. Friend accept that many of us who have to my constituent, Gary McKinnon, and his case. He will support his and the Government’s measures night after recall that when the Prime Minister visited America, night cannot understand why, when the country is in President Obama said that because of the unsurpassed such crisis, he is prepared to invoke the Parliament Act special relationship between our countries, an appropriate and gridlock essential legislation in the other place? solution would be found. Will the Deputy Prime Minister Will he invoke the Tory principle of gradualism, ditch ensure that the case of Gary McKinnon is raised during those radical proposals and come back with something the President’s visit, and does he agree that the appropriate much more modest? solution is to stop that extradition to the US? The Deputy Prime Minister: I do not know what The Deputy Prime Minister: I cannot anticipate exactly could be more gradualist than a proposal that would what will be said in those meetings, but I am sure the start in 2015 and not be complete until 2025. Many of hon. Gentleman, and everybody who has followed the the options for transition that we set out in the White case with great interest over a long period, welcome Paper could not reasonably be accused of going too the fact that the Home Secretary has made it quite clear fast. We totally accept that a change on this scale, given that she is available to listen to new representations that it has been discussed for more than 100 years, from Gary McKinnon, his family and his solicitors; needs to be done carefully and incrementally. that she will judge that new information against the impact on his human rights; and that she will make up Mr Dennis Skinner (Bolsover) (Lab): At the beginning her mind in a quasi-judicial form as soon as possible. of Question Time, the Deputy Prime Minister said that he was against “privatisation”. Half an hour later he said Mr George Howarth (Knowsley) (Lab): Will the Deputy that he was against “privatisation of that kind”. A week Prime Minister explain how a second Chamber elected used to be a long time in politics, but he has reduced it under a different voting system, some of whose Members to half an hour. could be elected for 15 years, and almost certainly on a different manifesto altogether, would improve the legislative The Deputy Prime Minister: I said there would be no process? privatisation of the NHS, and that is what I meant. There will be no privatisation of the NHS. The Deputy Prime Minister: I always thought that the Labour party was against bastions of privilege and Jo Swinson (East Dunbartonshire) (LD): Will the patronage. I thought that one of the founding principles Deputy Prime Minister reassure my constituents that of the so-called progressive party was that it believed the Government will resist any siren calls to water down that the British people should be in charge, not politicians the Equality Act as part of the red tape challenge? in Westminster. Labour Members seem to be turning their backs, yet again, on one of their many long-standing The Deputy Prime Minister: I can certainly confirm traditions. that, as far as I am concerned, there will be no move to dilute incredibly important protections to enshrine and Mr James Clappison (Hertsmere) (Con): Does the Deputy bolster equality in this country under the guise of Prime Minister think that the proposed new House of dealing with unnecessary or intrusive regulation. Lords will cost more or less than the existing one? Mr Barry Sheerman (Huddersfield) (Lab/Co-op): If The Deputy Prime Minister: We want to reduce the the Deputy Prime Minister is in listening mode, from number of people in the reformed House of Lords very where is he hearing a vote or voice calling for a House dramatically—the draft Bill and White Paper that we of Commons diminished in power and influence? published last week suggests 300 Members. Exactly The Deputy Prime Minister: I ask the hon. Gentleman, what the cost will be depends, of course, on the proportions as I ask all his Opposition colleagues: what is wrong of elected and non-elected Members, so it is quite with the basic democratic principle that those who create difficult to come up with precise estimates at this stage. the laws of the land should be accountable to the millions Rachel Reeves (Leeds West) (Lab): Good businesses of people who have to abide by the laws of the land? It in all our constituencies are being denied bank lending, used to be called democracy. It used to be something the and new data show that bank lending to small businesses Labour party believed in. I do not know why it is is £2 billion short of the Government’s targets. When turning its back yet again on a progressive step towards will the Government show some backbone and take further reform. robust action on the banks?

The Deputy Prime Minister: That comes from a party ATTORNEY-GENERAL that let the banks run completely amok, and a party that landed us with that problem in the first place! However, I totally agree with the hon. Lady on the The Attorney-General was asked— Merlin agreement, which the Government have signed Domestic and Sexual Violence with the banks—it commits the banks to lending targets to businesses generally, and to small and medium-sized 1. Diana Johnson (Kingston upon Hull North) (Lab): enterprises specifically. The agreement is in its very What discussions he has had with ministerial colleagues early days, but we have made it unambiguously clear to on the provision of specialist domestic and sexual violence the banks that they must honour its terms. If they fail to services to support prosecutions involving allegations do so, we will not be bound by our side of it either. of such offences. [56989] 771 Oral Answers24 MAY 2011 Oral Answers 772

The Attorney-General (Mr Dominic Grieve): Ihave and efficient service, for example by making good use of not held specific discussions with ministerial colleagues all available technology; and, by working with the police on the provision of domestic and sexual violence services and the courts, to eliminate unnecessarily bureaucratic to support prosecutions. The Solicitor-General is a systems, while at all times promoting justice. member of the inter-ministerial group on violence against women and girls, which is responsible for monitoring Luciana Berger: I thank the Solicitor-General for his progress against its action plan. This action plan identifies answer, but will he respond to the serious concerns of the importance of support for victims of violence against defence barristers and Victim Support about the CPS women. instructing single counsel for the prosecution, including for murder cases with multiple defendants, as a result of Diana Johnson: I know that the Attorney-General cost pressures? has recognised the importance of specialist services in pushing up prosecution rates. Does he share my concern The Solicitor-General: I do not know whether that is about the cuts to these services up and down the country? a direct result of cost pressures, but I, too, have raised If so, what is he doing about it? this very matter with the CPS, and we are looking into it with some care. The Attorney-General: It is worth bearing in mind the fact that the Department for Communities and Local Gavin Shuker: The cost pressures on the CPS over the Government has secured £6.5 billion of funding for the coming period are leading it to prioritise cases such as Supporting People programme, which will include those involving serious domestic or sexual offences. accommodation for vulnerable people, including domestic What cases will it have to de-prioritise to achieve those violence victims, over the next four years. That equates aims? to an average annual reduction over the four years of less than 1% in cash terms. In addition, I can reassure The Solicitor-General: In all prosecuting decisions, the hon. Lady that the issue continues to be a high the CPS will look at the prosecutors code to see whether priority for the Crown Prosecution Service and the there is sufficient evidence and whether it is in the police. The evidence to date suggests that despite the public interest to prosecute. It is not a question of difficult financial climate, the success rate for prosecuting picking one type of crime and not picking another. this type of offence continues to improve. Miss Anne McIntosh (Thirsk and Malton) (Con): I Mrs Eleanor Laing (Epping Forest) (Con): Will the support the Government’s drive for more prosecutions Attorney-General agree that, contrary to recent media of rape. Will the Solicitor-General support my move to distortion, Members on both sides of the House take allocate a centre to North Yorkshire and York to help crimes of violence against women very seriously indeed? victims of rape? Were we to have such a centre— Will he further assure the House that the Government will continue to support alleged victims of rape and that Mr Speaker: Order. I am not sure that this is a he will do all he can to ensure that justice is done in priority of the Crown Prosecution Service, but the cases that are often very difficult to prosecute? Solicitor-General can respond to the first part of the question briefly. The Attorney-General: I can assure my hon. Friend that that is the position. The provision of specialist The Solicitor-General: I share my hon. Friend’s concern co-ordinators and rape prosecutors, the issuing of stalking about the way in which rape cases are currently prosecuted. guidance and the effective monitoring of the measures As was stated in this House the other day, we want to we have put in place will continue. As I said in answer to bear down on the attrition rate. The conviction rate the earlier question, the evidence suggests that the good bears comparison with other aspects of the criminal work done by the previous Government is being successfully system, but we want to ensure that rape victims can continued. I want to emphasise that both in terms of report their allegations to the police and that they are the volume of prosecutions and their success rate. treated with care and sensitivity right the way through to what we hope is a conviction. Crown Prosecution Service Mr Tom Watson (West Bromwich East) (Lab): The Prime Minister has said that it should be a priority for 2. Luciana Berger (Liverpool, Wavertree) (Lab/Co-op): the CPS and the Metropolitan police to follow the What priorities the Crown Prosecution Service has set evidence where it goes in the phone hacking scandal. during the comprehensive spending review period. Will the Minister say whether it is cost pressures at the [56990] CPS that have left the Metropolitan police reluctant to pursue the evidence of other private investigators involved 8. Gavin Shuker (Luton South) (Lab/Co-op): What in the illegal covert surveillance of British citizens? priorities the Crown Prosecution Service has set during the comprehensive spending review period. [56996] The Solicitor-General: I do not think that that is at all true. The hon. Gentleman has taken a close interest in The Solicitor-General (Mr Edward Garnier): The priorities this matter and I have no criticism of him for doing are to provide a prosecution service of the highest that, but the relationship between the CPS and the quality, informed by its core quality standards, published Metropolitan police is entirely clear and constitutional, in April 2010, which set the measures by which the CPS and will, as the Prime Minister has said, permit both to is judged by itself and others; to provide a more streamlined lead the investigation to where the evidence takes it. 773 Oral Answers24 MAY 2011 Oral Answers 774

CPS Advocate Panels The Solicitor-General (Mr Edward Garnier): Ihave had no recent discussions with the Crown Prosecution 3. Stephen Phillips (Sleaford and North Hykeham) Service on forced marriages, but I shall have one of my (Con): What plans he has to reduce the administrative regular meetings with the director later today, at which I burden on those completing references for candidates have no doubt the matter will be discussed. The CPS for appointment to Crown Prosecution Service advocate and the Law Officers are studying the Home Affairs panels. [56991] Committee’s report on forced marriages, and the Government will respond to it in due course. The Attorney-General (Mr Dominic Grieve): On 17 May 2011, the Crown Prosecution Service announced three Emma Reynolds: I thank the Minister for his answer. changes to improve the reference process: allowing Forced marriages are an appalling abuse of human additional time by extending the deadline for applications rights and have no place in modern society. May I press by two months; removing the requirement for a minimum him further on the subject of the Home Affairs Committee’s number of judicial references; and allowing references report and ask whether the Government will consider to be submitted directly to the CPS, rather than via the legislating to make forced marriage a criminal offence? candidate. The Solicitor-General: I am sure that the Government Stephen Phillips: I am most grateful to my right hon. will, but it will essentially be a matter for the Home and learned Friend for that answer, but he will probably Office and the Ministry of Justice to consider. The know that the completion of such references—indeed, matter was considered by the previous Administration. the entire process—places a considerable burden on the The Labour Government held a consultation via the judiciary and others. Will he undertake to ensure that a Home Office in 2005, and announced in 2006 that, on rather more simplified procedure is applied the next balance, they did not consider that it would be advantageous time such an exercise is undertaken? to turn forced marriage into a criminal offence. The Select Committee’s report is now available for us all to The Attorney-General: As my hon. and learned Friend consider, and the Government will come back to the will be aware, the issue is ensuring that the panels House with their response. prepared by the CPS are of a high quality, and are able to provide both sustained support to the CPS and Mrs Glindon: Forced marriage and associated crimes regular work to the barristers who are on them. I have are already thought to be chronically under-reported. to say that I do not agree that the forms are particularly Will the Minister explain how 25% cuts to the CPS’s onerous to fill in. A form requiring somebody to provide budget will enable more, rather than fewer, victims of between 100 and 300 words of reference does not seem forced marriage to come forward? to me to be onerous. Many judges are very happy to fill it in, but there are always lessons to be learned from any The Solicitor-General: The most essential thing in this process of change, and I will bear in mind his comments. area of the criminal law, as in any other, is to encourage people who have been affected to come forward with Anna Soubry (Broxtowe) (Con): Does the Attorney- evidence, because it is upon evidence that we can bring General agree that there is widespread concern among prosecutions. I can assure the hon. Lady that neither the the criminal Bar about the new procedure, notably the Attorney-General nor I is in the least bit reluctant to fact that someone who is unsuccessful in applying for encourage the prosecution of people who have committed one grade is not allowed to apply for another? There crimes. The CPS works hard to ensure that women, in seems to be no parity with CPS in-house advocates. particular—forced marriage cases principally involve women, but about 17% of those affected are men—are The Attorney-General: The process of evaluation of properly protected by the law of England, and we will CPS in-house advocates is at present extremely complicated, endeavour to ensure that they are. and rather thorough. I do not think that it could be satisfactorily extended to the independent Bar. Discussions Fraud and Economic Crime on the panels’ structure are continuing between the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Bar Council the Criminal Bar Association and the circuits, and I am 5. Karl Turner (Kingston upon Hull East) (Lab): rather confident that they will find a satisfactory solution. What steps he is taking to maintain the capacity of the I would like to emphasise, however, that the provision of Serious Fraud Office to investigate and prosecute economic those services by the independent Bar in future is dependent crime during the comprehensive spending review period. on having an effective panel system in which there is [56993] widespread confidence. 6. Steve McCabe (Birmingham, Selly Oak) (Lab): Forced Marriage What steps he is taking to ensure the effective prosecution of cases involving fraud and economic crime. [56994] 4. Emma Reynolds (Wolverhampton North East) (Lab): What recent discussions he has had with the Crown 7. Lisa Nandy (Wigan) (Lab): What steps he is taking Prosecution Service on the prosecution of cases to maintain the capacity of the Serious Fraud Office to involving allegations of forced marriage. [56992] investigate and prosecute economic crime during the comprehensive spending review period. [56995] 10. Mrs Mary Glindon (North Tyneside) (Lab): What recent discussions he has had with the Crown Prosecution The Attorney-General (Mr Dominic Grieve): The Serious Service on the prosecution of cases involving allegations Fraud Office will meet the requirements of the of forced marriage. [56998] comprehensive spending review by making efficiency 775 Oral Answers24 MAY 2011 Oral Answers 776 savings in all areas of its business and ensuring that its in its dedicated staff in delivering its service. I have budget is focused on its core activities of investigating every confidence that they will be able to do so in the and prosecuting crime. The Crown Prosecution Service future as well. also recognises the need to ensure that fraud and economic crime are prosecuted effectively and efficiently.Its structure Catherine McKinnell (Newcastle upon Tyne North) ensures that cases requiring input and direction by (Lab): As The Times reports today, the Government’s specialist prosecutors are dealt with rigorously. proposals on serious fraud and international corruption are in total disarray. First, there was dilly-dallying over Karl Turner: The director of the Serious Fraud Office the Bribery Act 2010 and now there are trailed press has said: reports on dismantling the SFO. Are the Government following the trend and going soft on economic crime? “My concern has always been if investigations and prosecution When will a statement on the SFO’s future be made, powers…are split, the fight against complex economic crime will be damaged.” and will the Attorney-General confirm that it will be made first on the Floor of the House? Does the Minister share those concerns? If so, why are this Government insistent on letting dodgy bankers off? The Attorney-General: I have no doubt at all that it will be made first on the Floor of the House, but I The Attorney-General: I am not quite sure that I see entirely disagree with the hon. Lady’s premises. The the direct correlation between the second part of the position is very straightforward. The SFO is doing a hon. Gentleman’s question and the first. On the structure good job, but I think everybody agrees that we need to of the Serious Fraud Office, it is certainly my opinion see ways of improving the fight against economic crime. that the present structure has been successful in delivering To take the hon. Lady’s point to its logical conclusion, growing effectiveness in dealing with serious and complex there should be no discussion in government or anywhere fraud. The director has an important point to make. else about such structures because doing so might raise The Government are discussing how they can achieve some uncertainty. I simply do not share that view. I am the best structures for dealing with serious and complex confident that we will come out with the correct outcomes crimes of all kinds, and discussions are taking place on and that they will enhance our capacity to deal with how the Serious Fraud Office will fit into that structure. economic crime generally. [Interruption.] I can assure the hon. Gentleman that the point that he has raised is very much in the Government’s mind. Mr Speaker: Order. I was trying to indicate gently that the hon. Member for Kingston upon Hull East (Karl Turner) must not leave before the question has Steve McCabe: Nevertheless, the director of the Serious been concluded. I am sure that he is enjoying the Fraud Office has major concerns. If the Attorney-General exchanges. is determined to pursue this route, what assurance can he give the House that the impact of the change on Jim Shannon (Strangford) (DUP): In parts of the complex crime prosecutions will be monitored, so that United Kingdom, there is widespread organised criminal it does not have the effect that my hon. Friend the activity. During the comprehensive spending review, Member for Kingston upon Hull East (Karl Turner) is what assurance can the Minister give us that those concerned about? involved will not be able to gain yet more from their illegal and ill-gotten deeds and activities? The Attorney-General: The hon. Gentleman pre-judges a decision that has not been made. It is sensible within The Attorney-General: The hon. Gentleman makes a government for discussion to take place on how to very important point, perhaps missed by other questioners improve the services, including prosecution, that the —that there are different kinds of economic crimes, Government deliver. My point in reply to the earlier some of which move into serious organised crime as question was that the director has an important role in well. That is why it is so important for the Government contributing to that debate, and I am sure that his views to give this matter a high priority. As I said to the hon. will be listened to very carefully. I certainly listen to Member for Newcastle upon Tyne North (Catherine them very carefully indeed. McKinnell), that is precisely why my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary and others, as well as me, have been Lisa Nandy: In his previous question session, the focusing on how to deliver the best outcome to cover Solicitor-General told the House that the UK’s international the sort of thing that the hon. Member for Strangford reputation on tackling corruption would be safeguarded (Jim Shannon) has spoken about, while also ensuring by his getting on with his job. Will he therefore explain that the financial end of serious crime is tackled correctly. how he expects staff at the SFO to get on with their I am very confident that we are going to come up with crucial jobs in the face of 50% budget cuts and the the right solutions. separation of its investigation and prosecution functions? Mr Tom Clarke (Coatbridge, Chryston and Bellshill) (Lab): Will the Attorney-General assure us that the The Attorney-General: The first point to make is that Serious Fraud Office will not be swallowed up by the the Serious Fraud Office is getting on with the job very national crime agency, relegating fraud and corruption effectively indeed. During 2010-11, it took 17 complex to third place after terrorism and organised crime? cases to trial with at least one conviction in every case; 31 defendants, both corporate and individual, went to The Attorney-General: I am absolutely confident— trial, of whom 26 were found guilty, giving a conviction because of my own commitment and that of my fellow rate of 84%. That is an extremely good rate, and I wish Ministers to this matter—that the area of crime the to see it continued and built on. I have every confidence right hon. Gentleman identifies is of the highest priority in the professionalism of the Serious Fraud Office and to the Government. That is precisely why it is being 777 Oral Answers24 MAY 2011 Oral Answers 778 discussed. I can reassure him—and I will stand by it servant who has greatly improved the performance of when the time comes for announcements—that the outcome the SFO, but I believe that that improvement is threatened will commend itself, I hope, widely across the House. by the proposal to break the SFO into an investigating arm and a prosecuting arm. It appears that the Law Transnational Bribery Officers are currently having an argument with the Home Office about the matter. The House clearly supports 9. Hugh Bayley (York Central) (Lab): When he last the Law Officers. May I have an assurance that even if met the Director of the Serious Fraud Office to discuss the nature of the SFO changes, the prosecuting and the investigation and prosecution of transnational investigating arms of whatever new agency takes over bribery. [56997] will be kept under one roof? The Solicitor-General (Mr Edward Garnier): I hold monthly meetings with the director of the Serious Fraud The Solicitor-General: I thank the hon. Gentleman Office to discuss all aspects of the SFO’s work, including and agree with his assessment of the SFO’s director, transnational bribery. As the hon. Gentleman will know, Mr Richard Alderman, who has proved to be a loyal the Bribery Act 2010 comes into force on 1 July and the and dedicated public servant and prosecutor in whom SFO is well prepared for it. the Attorney-General and I have the utmost confidence. I am delighted by the hon. Gentleman’s support for Hugh Bayley: I was reassured by some of what the the Law Officers. We accept whatever support we can Attorney-General said in reply to an earlier group of whenever we can get it. On that basis, I will quit while I questions. Richard Alderman is a very talented civil am ahead. 779 24 MAY 2011 Libya 780

Libya Thirdly, if this were to happen, would the operational allowance be extended to those serving in and around Libya in the same way as in respect of Afghanistan? 12.31 pm Fourthly, does the hon. Gentleman agree with the Defence Mr Jim Murphy (East Renfrewshire) (Lab) (Urgent Analysis estimation that the cost of the conflict could Question): To ask the Secretary of State to update the be £1 billion by September? Finally, will he say more about House on military deployments in Libya. the UK’s military capability to maintain the current tempo, and have the Government decided to order further The Minister for the Armed Forces (Nick Harvey): Brimstone? Pursuant to United Nations Security Council resolution Parliament thought long and hard about whether 1973, NATO-led air strikes have been successful in to commit military force over Libya on behalf of the reducing Colonel Gaddafi’s ability to attack his people, United Kingdom. The House sought in good conscience but he continues to target civilians in clear contravention to take a deep and significant decision about our nation, of UN Security Council resolutions and international and now we are expected simply to wave through a possible law. As the Foreign Secretary has said, it is now necessary major escalation in military commitment without a proper to intensify the military, economic and diplomatic pressure debate in Parliament. It is utterly unacceptable that the on the Gaddafi regime. UK Parliament has to be informed about a possible We constantly review our military operations to ensure deployment of UK forces by the French Defence Minister. that we can continue to enforce UNSCR 1973 and On this complicated issue, the Government need to prevent Gaddafi from attacking the Libyan people. provide greater clarity. On behalf of this Parliament Attack helicopters are one tool for that purpose, and and those who voted for this conflict, which we support— the use of such helicopters is one of a range of capability and, indeed, on behalf of those who voted against the options under consideration. However, I stress that no conflict—Parliament is right to demand that decisions decision has yet been made about whether to use our such as this one are announced in this Parliament, attack helicopters in Libya. We will keep the House debated in this Parliament, scrutinised in this Parliament, informed as decisions are made. and should never be kept from Parliament again.

Mr Murphy: Thank you for allowing the urgent question, Nick Harvey: The right hon. Gentleman quotes the Mr Speaker. French Minister, and my understanding is that the French have indeed taken a decision to deploy their attack The Opposition have always made it clear that we helicopters in Libya. I state again for the avoidance of support the stated aims of the military operation in all doubt that no such decision has been taken by the Libya: to enforce UN Security Council resolution 1973, United Kingdom. It is an option that we are considering, to protect Libyan civilians, and to implement a no-fly but no decision has been taken, and there is absolutely zone. We have also made it clear not just that we no sense in which it is true to say that we have kept support the Government and the UN mandate, but that Parliament in the dark about a decision that we have taken. it is crucial for Parliament to have an opportunity to scrutinise Government decisions and the campaign in I do not accept that if we were to take the decision to Libya. use attack helicopters at some point in the future, that would be an “escalation” of what we are doing in Libya. Yesterday Le Figaro reported that 12 French helicopters The targets would remain the same; it would simply be had been dispatched to Libya on 17 May. There was no a tactical shift in what assets we used to try to hit those comment from the Ministry of Defence other than targets. The right hon. Gentleman asks why we would “we are constantly reviewing our options”, consider doing this, and what would be the military but the French Defence Minister, Gérard Longuet, said: logic of contemplating using attack helicopters. The “The British, who have assets similar to ours, will also commit…The principal advantage it would give us over the air assets sooner the better is what the British think.” we are currently deploying is the ability to strike moving Is that an accurate statement by a French Minister of targets with greater precision. the British Government’s policy on Libya? The British The right hon. Gentleman asked about the costs. I do people will be desperately concerned that French Ministers not recognise the figure he gives. It is not possible to seem to know more about the deployment of British compute in real time a figure, but I say to him again that military equipment than the British Parliament. the Chancellor of the Exchequer has made it clear that Parliament has not written the Government a blank the cost of this operation will be met by the reserve. cheque on Libya, and Ministers should never keep the The right hon. Gentleman asked about maintaining British public in the dark about major deployments. the momentum. We keep our stocks under regular review, This is a serious moment, and it would be a serious including specifically of Brimstone. We are content that escalation if such a commitment were to be made. we can keep going for the foreseeable future, but we will Parliament should never be kept in the dark. have to make adjustments as time goes on and calculate I want to ask the Minister a number of questions. whether it will be necessary to increase our stocks. First, why have discussions about an escalation of such On the operational allowance, the arrangements will magnitude with our French partners and colleagues remain as they are, but we are looking into the possibility reached such an advanced stage without Parliament of extending special consideration for those who would being allowed even the courtesy of discussion or scrutiny? not meet the normal criteria. Secondly, will the Minister go into more detail about The Government have been doing their utmost to the situation on the ground which is leading Ministers ensure that the House is kept informed about what is at least to consider—and, in a private conversation with going on. There have been debates and questions, and the French, to confirm—this military commitment? we have given several briefings, and if the right hon. 781 Libya24 MAY 2011 Libya 782

Gentleman feels at any stage that he needs more would be a tactical switch from using one asset to using information, he needs only to ask and we will do another, which is why I do not believe it would constitute everything we can to afford him that information. We an escalation, but I repeat that no such decision has, as are involved in a military operation, however. We have yet, been taken. The French have taken a decision and to consider from time to time the tactics we are using, announced it. We have not taken that decision, but I and you will understand, Mr Speaker, why we would confirm that it is an option we are considering. not do so in advance on the Floor of the House. Apart from anything else, telling the enemy exactly what we John McDonnell (Hayes and Harlington) (Lab): This are up to would be a very unusual strategy. As soon as decision, if it is made, would make a qualitative difference decisions are taken, however, we will ensure that Parliament to the strategy, because it would mean a greater risk to is informed. British service personnel. For that reason, the Government should seek not only a debate on the Floor of the Nicholas Soames (Mid Sussex) (Con): I thank my House, but a renewed vote to sanction any such measure. hon. Friend for his statement. If the Apache helicopter May I also ask the Minister what efforts are being were to be deployed, that would be entirely appropriate, made, again, to get a negotiated settlement to this war? particularly given the Gaddafi forces’ change in tactics, and the requirement to have a highly effective machine Nick Harvey: I do not agree with the hon. Gentleman. that can lurk and deal with the hard-to-find targets. The use of attack helicopters in contested territory is What steps would need to be taken to marinise the certainly inherently dangerous—about that there can be Apache if it were to be operating off-carrier? no doubt—but they have been used elsewhere very effectively and those dangers have not had a deadly Nick Harvey: I agree with my hon. Friend that we are effect. I repeat that this is a consideration of using right to consider this in pursuance, as I said, of UNSCR another tactic; this is not a step change in what we are 1973. Gaddafi and his regime remain a real threat to the doing. The suggestion that while we are in the course of civilian population in Libya and if we were to take a operations we would come to the House of Commons decision to use an attack helicopter, it would be in for a full debate and a fresh resolution every time we pursuit of that resolution. Such helicopters give us a took an operational tactical decision is not realistic, greater ability to pinpoint targets, we are able to operate and I do not think it would be justified. them from HMS Ocean or other maritime assets, and there is no need for any specific adaptation in order to Mr James Arbuthnot (North East Hampshire) (Con): do that. As I ordered the attack helicopters, I am rather disappointed to hear that no decision has been taken on their use. I Mr David Winnick (Walsall North) (Lab): Like many agree entirely with the Minister that firing a missile others, I am very concerned about the massive air raid from a rotary-wing aircraft as opposed to a fixed-wing that took place last night, which will inevitably cause aircraft is not an escalation, but does he agree that this civilian casualties, although I entirely accept that the decision would also help to address another issue of Gaddafi regime will try to make as much propaganda of increasing concern, which is the airframe hours left in it as possible. Is the Minister aware that there is an the Tornados? That matter is worrying a number of increasing feeling that, despite denials, resolution 1973 people. is being used for regime change? I emphasise again that regime change is totally outside international law. Nick Harvey: I congratulate my right hon. Friend on having placed that order, because the Apache helicopter Nick Harvey: We are very familiar with the terms of has proved itself in Iraq and Afghanistan over the years UNSCR 1973, which remains absolutely our abiding since then. It is useful that it is at our disposal for objective. I recognise that there are risks inherent in consideration at this time. I agree that sharing the duties whatever military options we take, but let me reassure out across our air assets will better enable us to sustain the House that we are doing our utmost, and so are our them over a period of time. I repeat that no decision to NATO allies, to ensure that there is no loss of civilian do that has been taken. life. The hon. Gentleman is right to say that that is in sharp distinction to the Gaddafi regime, which is retaining Chris Bryant (Rhondda) (Lab): The trouble is that if that loss as its objective and is continuing to cause it. the Government’s aim is not regime change, we are We are there to prevent it from doing so. basically at stalemate. The worry for many of my constituents is how long that stalemate will go on. Sir Menzies Campbell (North East Fife) (LD): May I sympathise with the Minister’s reluctance to permit a Nick Harvey: I do not accept that we are at stalemate, running commentary on operations in Libya, for the as I believe recent events in Misrata have demonstrated. reasons that he has outlined? Were Apache helicopters, The situation is still dynamic and fluid and we have to which carry missiles, to be deployed, how would that be respond to the situation on the ground by making different in principle from the use of fast jets carrying tactical decisions. The consideration of whether we missiles? should use attack helicopters will be informed in no small part by the tactical call of those closest to it, who Nick Harvey: I entirely agree with my right hon. and make the judgments about what we face. learned Friend: the objective and the targets would remain exactly the same, but we would have at our Mark Lancaster (Milton Keynes North) (Con): May disposal a weapon with a greater degree of precision, I remind the House of my interest as a member of the which is better able to hit targets, including moving military stabilisation support group? Will the Minister ones, and with a lower risk of collateral damage. This update the House on the post-conflict reconstruction 783 Libya24 MAY 2011 Libya 784

[Mark Lancaster] view artificially to accelerate a military decision in order to comply with the parliamentary timetable. If a decision planning and, crucially, does he believe that it will is made it will be made according to military criteria require a further UN resolution to implement it effectively? and the operations will be conducted in the normal way. We will inform Members as soon as we can if any such Nick Harvey: We already have a stabilisation unit in decision is taken but I stress again that no such decision Benghazi preparing the ground for the post-conflict has been taken and I cannot anticipate that it will be situation. We would expect the UN to play the leading taken on any particular timetable. role in co-ordinating that and there might well be an appetite for EU involvement, too. We are laying the Mr Bernard Jenkin (Harwich and North Essex) (Con): ground as best we can but we are taking these things a May I assure my hon. Friend that he is entitled to plan stage at a time. The overriding priority at the moment military operations and discuss them with allies in remains preventing Gaddafi and his regime from attacking private and that so long as he reports decisions to the civilians in Libya. House he will not have taken his country’s name in vain in any manner at all? May I draw his attention to the Ann Clwyd (Cynon Valley) (Lab): According to the fact that US Carrier Strike Group Two will be visiting latest statement from the International Committee of Portsmouth this weekend and then proceeding to the the Red Cross, there is a growing humanitarian crisis on Mediterranean? Will President Obama be included in the ground. What can we do to address that? these discussions about military options in Libya, because we either have to break the stalemate or broker a peace? Nick Harvey: There are certainly immense humanitarian difficulties in various parts of Libya, the most obvious Nick Harvey: I thank my hon. Friend for his initial example being Misrata. We were among several nations remarks. He is absolutely right that, as my right hon. in sustaining the pressure to get supplies and relief into and learned Friend the Member for North East Fife Misrata. There has been some success with that operation, (Sir Menzies Campbell) said, it would not be appropriate but one does not want to overclaim on that. It remains to keep up a running commentary throughout an operation an overwhelming priority to ensure that we can relieve on the tactical decisions we might take. The French humanitarian suffering by all means possible. have taken a decision and have seen fit to put that into the public domain and that is entirely a matter for the Mr John Baron (Basildon and Billericay) (Con): Whether French. So far as the Americans are concerned, it is or not we deploy attack helicopters, the fact that a key certainly the case that during President Obama’s visit NATO ally has represents, in my view at least, a significant we will be discussing with him operations in Libya and escalation in this conflict and reinforces the point that Afghanistan as well as other world issues. My hon. regime change has been the objective of our intervention. Friend is entirely right that the US carrier strike group Given the air strikes and this latest news, at what point will be passing through the Mediterranean—I understand does the Minister believe that our actions on the ground that is the intention—but these are things that we will will cross the line as regards UN resolution 1973? keep discussing with allies. Let me say again that absolutely no decision has been taken. Nick Harvey: My hon. Friend refers to operations on the ground and asks at what point they would cross UNSCR 1973. What was specifically prohibited was a Mr Dennis Skinner (Bolsover) (Lab): Has not this landing and occupying force and I do not see that one intervention been subject to mission creep ever since it can in any way compare the use of attack helicopters to began, as statements to the House have indicated? There take on moving targets with a landing and occupying has been a little bit of help here, the use of special forces force. We are talking about two completely different there and further intervention. It is no surprise to me things. The French have, as I understand it, taken the that the French, who initiated the intervention in the decision to use attack helicopters, although I do not first place because of an election in France next year, believe that they have as yet started in practice to do so. are now telling the British Government what the next I do not accept, for the reasons I set out earlier, that phase is. How many civilians, whom we were supposed that would constitute an escalation of the conflict in to safeguard, have been killed by NATO forces? When Libya. It would be a tactical shift in the way we were will we reach £1 billion of expenditure on this intervention, pursuing it. which is paid for by the British taxpayer? Is it right what the media say that it will be at the end of this summer, Mike Gapes (Ilford South) (Lab/Co-op): The House or will it be even sooner? is going into recess today and will not resume until 7 June. Given that the Minister has said on several Nick Harvey: We know for a fact that Gaddafi was on occasions that no decision has been made, can he tell us, the verge of an absolute bloodbath in Benghazi and first, why the French Defence Minister thinks a decision that if we had not intervened there would have been has been made and, secondly, when this House will an absolute slaughter. In conducting this operation we know when a decision is made, if it is? have at all times done our utmost to minimise the number of civilian casualties, of whom there are far Nick Harvey: I cannot comment on what the French fewer than Gaddafi has killed and would have killed. I Minister has said, but I absolutely assure the hon. do not accept that there has been mission creep from Gentleman once again that we have not taken this UNSCR 1973 at all. It remains the case that we are decision and have not suggested to the French that we prosecuting it to the best of our ability and it remains have taken it. I am aware that we are about to have a our overriding priority to reduce the risk to civilian life short recess, but it would be wholly unacceptable in my and the suffering of civilians. The best way in which 785 Libya24 MAY 2011 Libya 786 that could be concluded would be for Gaddafi to comply Nick Harvey: I really cannot be expected to justify with UN resolution 1973 and stop killing his own what may or may not have been said by French Ministers civilians. giving briefings to newspapers. I repeat to the hon. Gentleman that no decision has been taken. No decision Stephen Gilbert (St Austell and Newquay) (LD): I do has been taken by the National Security Council and no not see this as an escalation but rather as a proper recommendation is awaiting the Prime Minister’s approval. tactical response to a changing tactical situation on the It is an option that we are considering and at some ground that is in line with UN resolution 1973. We point in the future we might decide to go down that know from Afghanistan and Somalia that helicopters route. If the French really have briefed in those terms can be more vulnerable to attack than fixed-wing aircraft. they have clearly misunderstood the situation in the What assessment has been made of UK search and United Kingdom. rescue capability should one of our helicopters unfortunately be downed? Stephen Phillips (Sleaford and North Hykeham) (Con): My hon. Friend has been clear that no decision has yet Nick Harvey: I thank my hon. Friend for his supportive been taken to deploy ground-attack helicopters. May I remarks. It is inherently true that the use of attack ask him to assure the House that if such a decision were helicopters in contested territory is dangerous, but we taken, it would in no way adversely affect our operations are deploying all our assets through NATO and if we in Afghanistan? were to decide to use attack helicopters it would be through NATO co-ordinated efforts, so the assets of Nick Harvey: I can indeed confirm that. There are other partner countries would be available to us to help currently Apache helicopters in the Mediterranean as defend them. We have experience of using Apache part of exercise Cougar and if any decision were taken helicopters in contested territory and we have successful to use Apache helicopters in Libya, they would most ways of minimising the threat to them, but it is an likely be the ones used. That would therefore not have inherently dangerous business—there is no way of getting any impact on operations in Helmand. around that. Mr Andy Slaughter (Hammersmith) (Lab): Does the Thomas Docherty (Dunfermline and West Fife) (Lab): Minister accept that the more regime targets in Tripoli Will the Minister update the House on how many that are bombed and the more tactical weaponry that is countries have now sent military advisers to Libya to employed on the side of the rebels, the more this appears, help the rebels? Can he confirm who is responsible for to the Arab world in particular, as a political rather co-ordinating their work? than a humanitarian intervention? Nick Harvey: We have sent some of our own advisers and they are working with the French. We co-ordinate Nick Harvey: The purpose of our being there is to that between us and they are the pre-eminent military carry out UNSCR 1973, the objective of which is to advisers. There are some from other countries in that reduce the threat to civilian life. What the hon. Gentleman region but they are undertaking specific tasks in refers to as regime targets are in fact command and co-ordination with the British and French forces, so control targets—military targets. They are targets relating the predominant effort is Anglo-French and we are to the regime’s ability to persecute its own civilians, so co-ordinating it between us. those are the targets we have been aiming to hit. I do not accept a narrative from that that regime change is the objective of the exercise. The aim is to prevent the Rehman Chishti (Gillingham and Rainham) (Con): I regime from slaughtering its civilians and that will welcome the Minister’s statement. Will he clarify what continue to be the aim. the assessment is of the situation in southern Libya, bordering Chad—an area with a huge amount of oil deposits? Amber Rudd (Hastings and Rye) (Con): If the decision is made, will the Apache helicopters be allowed to land Nick Harvey: The hon. Gentleman is right that there on Libyan soil? are huge oil assets to the south. I can only repeat that our objective in Libya is the protection of civilians, who Nick Harvey: I say again that this is simply an option we know are predominantly in the north and along that is being considered, and the detail of how exactly those coastal stretches. The regime still has effective these things would be organised has not yet been worked control over some of the oil assets to the south, but up. It is not the intention that the helicopters would clearly its efforts to transport and export them have land. The intention is that they would be deployed, if at been significantly curtailed by the efforts of the coalition all, from naval assets, most probably from HMS Ocean, to implement UNSCR 1973. but that is the sort of detail that is being worked through at present as the option is worked up and Mr Tom Watson (West Bromwich East) (Lab): My considered. It certainly should not be inferred that there understanding is that the French have publicly briefed is any intention to use helicopters in order to land the press that the National Security Council has taken ground troops and take off in a different direction. the decision to deploy the helicopters. When the Minister says that the decision has not been taken, does he mean Nick Smith (Blaenau Gwent) (Lab): I endorse the that there is a recommendation from the National Security Minister’s emphasis on saving civilian lives. Can he Council awaiting rubber-stamping from the Prime Minister update us on whether the Libyan electricity and water in order to get sign-off from the President for an infrastructure has been damaged by bombing in recent announcement later in the week? weeks? 787 Libya24 MAY 2011 Libya 788

Nick Harvey: We have no grounds to think so. There and if any decision is taken we will take steps to inform are undoubtedly problems with electricity and water the House. The idea that we should have a votable supplies in different parts of Libya for different reasons, resolution each time we make a tactical decision to use a but we have no grounds to believe that the actions of different air asset is ludicrous. NATO or any of our allies have had that effect, and of course it is most certainly not our intention or objective Mark Durkan (Foyle) (SDLP): In his first answer the to do anything of that kind. Minister spoke of the need to increase the military pressure on the Gaddafi regime, but subsequently refuted Mr Edward Timpson (Crewe and Nantwich) (Con): any concerns about escalation or regime change. As What discussions has my hon. Friend had, or does he well as reporting to the House, under resolution 1973 intend to have, with Arab League countries as part of any country or group of countries taking an action the decision whether to deploy Apache helicopters? under that resolution must report it to the Secretary-General of the UN, who will then refer it to the Security Council. Nick Harvey: If any decision were to be taken to go Have the latest actions been reported by France or on down that route, that would be discussed with Arab NATO’s behalf, and does the Minister anticipate no countries through the contact group. I stress to the concerns from any member of the Security Council that House that the Arab League support for what we are the resolution has been exceeded? doing in Libya remains strong, and we will consult our allies in the Arab League as we go along. Nick Harvey: In my initial answer I was quoting the Foreign Secretary, who said, quite rightly, that we had Graham Stringer (Blackley and Broughton) (Lab): to step up the pressure on the Gaddafi regime through The Minister’s reason for withholding information from military, economic and political-diplomatic channels. the House makes no sense at all. If French helicopters That is true. I do not, however, accept that there is any are attacking Gaddafi’s forces, there is no tactical advantage significant escalation or a broadening of our military to knowing that there will be British helicopters attacking objectives. It remains the case that our overriding objective with them; that gives no militarily useful extra information is to prevent the threat to civilian life, and if there are to Gaddafi. When he made the original statement, the different assets that different members of the international Prime Minister gave a commitment to keep the House force working in Libya can bring to bear at different informed in detail. There should be a votable resolution points in time, I do not think that such micro-operational on the matter because there has undoubtedly been decisions need bother the Secretary-General of the UN. mission creep towards an objective of regime change However, if we were to shift focus significantly on what since the start of this war. we were doing, that would be of a different order altogether, and the UN very well might be involved. Nick Harvey: I am not withholding information from the House. There is no information to withhold. No Mr Speaker: Order. I am grateful to the Minister of decision to deploy attack helicopters has been taken, State and to colleagues. 789 24 MAY 2011 Green Investment Bank 790

Green Investment Bank subordinated debt or senior debt on a pari passu basis. In due course, we will transfer these investments to the new institution. 1.5 pm I am also creating a green bank advisory group, The Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and comprising independent finance experts, who will advise Skills (Vince Cable): Today I am publishing detailed Government on the setting up and strategic direction of plans for a green investment bank, building on the the new institution. Sir Adrian Montague has very announcements that the Deputy Prime Minister made kindly agreed to chair this advisory group. yesterday. Copies of the document will be placed in the As the Chancellor set out in the Budget this year, the Libraries and will be available to download from the initial capitalisation of the GIB will be £3 billion and BIS website. I would like to take the opportunity from the bank will invest with and through the private sector inform the House of these proposals. and tackle risks that the private sector cannot adequately The UK will be the first country in the world to finance. In this way, the bank will mobilise projects create a bank dedicated to the greening of the economy. significantly in excess of the Government’s contribution. This Government are committed to ensuring that the With the funding provided in this Parliament the GIB UK makes a successful transition to a low-carbon economy. could mobilise an extra £15 billion of private investment. This will be a big challenge. The UK is committed by We do not envisage that this level of activity will require law to a 50% reduction in carbon emissions by 2025. a large institution—an estimated 50 to 100 professional Over the coming decades, much of the UK’s energy, staff during this Parliament. Proposals have been made transport and waste infrastructure will have to be to locate the headquarters in, among others, London, revolutionised or even rebuilt in order to achieve the Edinburgh and Bristol, and a decision will be taken in ambition of decarbonised electricity, low-emission cars due course based on their ability to deliver the aims of and an end to landfill. This transition will involve the bank. considerable costs, but also considerable benefits if new The Government will enable the GIB to have borrowing enterprise can seize the opportunities presented by the powers from 2015-16 and once debt is falling as a green economy. The task for our Government is to percentage of GDP, which will allow it to scale up its ensure that these benefits exceed the costs. operations significantly at a time when the financing Vital to achieving a successful transition is the need is greatest. We are not seeking at this stage to be development of well-designed, long-term and stable prescriptive about which form borrowing should take policies. They are needed to provide the incentive for or, more generally, about the bank’s products or structure. businesses to invest in new green infrastructure, which Once state aid approval is achieved, we will move to by its very nature repays the investment only over many enshrine the institution’s enduring status in legislation. years. To this end the Government have introduced a In conclusion, setting up a bank of this kind is a carbon price floor, proposals on electricity market reform, major undertaking. There is much work to be done to the green deal for energy efficiency in buildings, a major build and grow the green investment bank, and the waste policy review and new initiatives to encourage the Government look forward to updating the House on roll-out of electric vehicles. further milestones in future. However, the lack of available finance could be a limiting factor. Detailed research and market analysis Mr John Denham (Southampton, Itchen) (Lab): I have established the need for an institution to address thank the Secretary of State for his statement, but market failures that are constraining the flow of finance. although the Deputy Prime Minister announced this The proposals published today set out a vision for a policy yesterday and the statement was timed for 12.30 pm new and enduring institution—the world’s first dedicated today, I had not received a copy by 10 minutes to 1, and national green investment bank—to complement the did not receive it until five minutes to 1. existing policy landscape. A successful green investment bank can make a The green investment bank’s mission will be to accelerate significant contribution to developing low-carbon private sector investment, with an initial remit to focus technologies and enabling British companies to succeed on relatively high-risk projects that are otherwise likely in the low-carbon green technology markets of the to proceed slowly or not at all. It will work to a “double future. That is why the green investment bank was in bottom line” of both achieving significant environmental Labour’s manifesto. Will the Business Secretary confirm impact and making financial returns delivering value that it has taken a year of infighting to get to this stage? for money. It will also operate independently and at Is it not true that the Government are at odds over arm’s length from Government, who will agree its strategic green policy, and will he confirm that only a month ago long-term priorities. Initial market analysis suggests he tried to block the adoption of the carbon emissions that the early contenders to be priority sectors for the targets announced this week? So much for “the greenest bank are offshore wind, industrial energy efficiency and Government ever”! waste, but a wider range of energy and other activities Progress is welcome, but have the Government not could become relevant over time. already taken a series of decisions that have damaged The new institution will need to comply with state investment in green technologies and activities? Did aid rules. Therefore, the proposals that I am publishing they not set feed-in tariffs that encouraged many investors today will need to be approved by the European into green energy and then suddenly change the rules, Commission before we can establish the bank. The time leaving investors high and dry and deeply cynical about to act is now, so in order to make rapid progress, from the Government’s commitment to green technology? Is April 2012, my department will start to make direct, the Business Secretary aware that the target for zero-carbon state aid-compliant investments in green infrastructure homes by 2016 was encouraging new and innovative projects. Investments could be in the form of equity, business approaches to architecture, building technology, 791 Green Investment Bank24 MAY 2011 Green Investment Bank 792

[Mr John Denham] at least, have access to capital—which would invest largely in the installation of established technologies, skills training and offset technologies? It was already often supplied by overseas companies? Does he recognise encouraging a supply chain to make our homes greener. that that risk could prevent UK-based innovators and Now that has been changed by the flip-flops of Government suppliers from winning market share and developing decision making. Is it not true that when the Severn the established technologies of the future? What assurances barrage was abandoned the Government ruled out any can be given that the bank will focus not only on the tidal investment for five years, so that when this country areas of activity named by the Deputy Prime Minister turns to tidal power we will end up relying on foreign yesterday, but on the less mature technologies that technology? remain unmentioned, such as solar and marine energy? Despite all the talk of private investment, where is the There is clearly a balance to be struck between major evidence for it? Is it not damning that the Pew Environment infrastructure investment and all the activities of innovative Group’s report in March stated that investment in renewable companies, but will the Secretary of State tell us how he technology in the UK crashed from £11 billion in 2009 intends to ensure, in the legislation that will set out the to £3.3 billion in 2010—due, it says, to political uncertainty. green investment bank’s remit, that he will strike the That saw the UK drop from sixth to 13th in the ranking right balance between those activities? of countries encouraging green investment—another Finally, given the huge uncertainty and inconsistency example of the Tories letting go Labour’s green legacy. that the Government have shown over the past year, can As with the green deal and the electricity market the Business Secretary set out how he intends to create reforms, green businesses know enough about the green greater confidence in green industry companies about investment bank to be excited, but not enough to start the future direction of Government policy? There was planning investments and changing business models. precious little about that in the Government’s growth Does the Business Secretary not accept that the bank plan, but without that market confidence none of the will not work without much greater consistency, certainty high hopes that we all share for the green investment and clarity about Government policies for green energy bank will come to fruition. and the low-carbon economy than we have seen to date? When will the green investment bank legislation be Mr Speaker: Order. Before I ask the Secretary of brought forward? Will he publish draft legislation so State to reply, I make the point that I allowed the right that all those interested can help shape it and ensure hon. Member for Southampton, Itchen (Mr Denham) that the bank truly does become a long-term part of to reach his conclusion because I saw that he was the infrastructure? How will the bank be staffed, and getting towards it, but we cannot again have a situation will he ensure that it is not an offshoot of the Treasury in which the response to a statement is longer than the or his Department? Will he learn the lessons of statement. Labour’s technology strategy board, where private sector leadership and real operational independence Vince Cable: I take it that, despite the slightly carping have helped to contribute to its considerable success? tone of the response, the Opposition do support this Given non-governmental organisations’ role in shaping proposal. It is important that they support it, because all parties’ policies on this issue, will the Secretary of the concept of the green investment bank is that it State at least consider allowing an NGO representative should be an enduring institution that lasts through to join in the work of the advisory board that he successive Parliaments. It is important that we have proposes to set up? all-party support for what we are doing. Will the Secretary of State tell the House why the The right hon. Member for Southampton, Itchen bank will be barred from raising its own finance until (Mr Denham) seems to be claiming credit for this 2015 at the earliest? What does he say to the CBI, which policy, which leaves me with a very simple question: made it clear at the time of the Budget that the investment why, in 13 years, did Labour not do it? The demand was “is welcome, but the bank should have powers to borrow from the there and there were institutional finances looking for outset to give investors confidence.” such an institution, but it never happened. Why did the Has the Treasury imposed this rule? If so, is that not Labour Government not do it? They did have a financial another case of the Government allowing their preferred vehicle to fund infrastructure investment: the private reckless approach to deficit reduction to take priority finance initiative. The whole point about PFI was that it over the investment in jobs and growth that would make was off balance sheet and the debt was hidden. It was it easier to get the deficit down? not independently assessed as the green investment bank Can the Secretary of State confirm that, as of today, will be, and as a result numerous institutions, including he does not even know whether the activities of the hospitals and schools, have been lumbered with debts green investment bank will be on or off the public that they cannot manage. Our proposal is a soundly balance sheet? And is it not essential that that is clarified based financial institution leading with equity risk capital, at the earlier possible opportunity? Does he not recognise which is what this kind of investment requires. that denying early investment in fledgling green industries The Government present this, and I am a Business will hinder their ability to create and expand into new Secretary proud to lead on such an environmental initiative. markets? Does he agree that, above all, the UK needs The right hon. Gentleman referred to something I said long-term investment in the innovative, entrepreneurial earlier about carbon objectives. We must obviously companies that have the potential to become the pace strike a balance between promoting new green industries setters and global market leaders of the future? and jobs, which are absolutely crucial for growth, and Does the Secretary of State recognise the risk that the taking proper account of energy-intensive industries, available funds could easily be absorbed by major energy several of which are well represented on the Opposition supply companies—companies that, relatively speaking Benches, such as the steel, ceramics and chemicals 793 Green Investment Bank24 MAY 2011 Green Investment Bank 794 industries. Of course we must take those into account Vince Cable: That complements the earlier question and manage the process by which the expansion of about how we integrate SMEs into the process. The fact green industries takes place alongside proper regard for is that the green investment bank will predominantly be those industries. I am surprised that he is so insensitive concerned with very large-scale projects, and that is to an important sector of industry that should be of partly where the market failure lies—in mobilising large concern to many of his Back Benchers. amounts of capital. In practice, however, large-scale The right hon. Gentleman asked about the timing of projects can involve combinations of small-scale enterprises, legislation. Legislation will be initiated once the state and of course SMEs will also be an important part of aid process has been completed, and we hope that that the supply chain—particularly, for example, in offshore will take place rapidly. wind, which is a crucial dimension. The right hon. Gentleman asked specifically about less mature technologies, and he is quite right that Luciana Berger (Liverpool, Wavertree) (Lab/Co-op): there is a spectrum of activities of varying degrees of The Deputy Prime Minister, in his speech yesterday, risk and maturity. There are institutions, including the said that the green investment bank might be used to excellent technology strategy board, to take on early deliver the first stages of the green deal. A couple of stage technologies, and there are bodies such as the months ago, however, the Energy Secretary wrote to the Carbon Trust to deal with early stage activities. The WWF stating that he was confident that there was an green investment bank has a specific role and mandate appetite in the finance community to lend for the green for projects that are high risk, but none the less mature deal, and that he had concerns about using the green and ready for commercial investment. investment bank for it. Will the Secretary of State The right hon. Gentleman asked about the scale of outline why the policy has changed? the activity. I do not think that most people would regard £15 billion of investment as trivial, and such an Vince Cable: There has been no change to the policy. undertaking by the end of this Parliament is very ambitious. The green deal has a very sound business model, it will He says, “Well, why don’t you just borrow more?” But proceed and it will be successful. We do not rule out the that is the problem. We have an exceptionally high level possibility of the green investment bank complementing of debt in relation to our GDP, and it is a painful and working with its activities. process working it down, which is what the Government have been doing. It is frivolous and irresponsible to say Lorely Burt (Solihull) (LD): I know that my right that we can deal with those problems simply by borrowing hon. Friend said in his statement that he does not more and adding to the debt. want to be prescriptive about the nature of the bank’s borrowing or structures, but will he look seriously at the Neil Carmichael (Stroud) (Con): I welcome this excellent recommendations of Ben Warren from Ernst and Young, statement, because it describes an institution wholly who told the Environmental Audit Committee that appropriate to the needs of Britain, but will the green “it was crucial to not only focus on big investors when looking to investment bank be able to support small and medium-sized raise capital, but also to work on a structure that allows individual businesses in a significant way? They are often the citizens to invest in the GIB”? drivers of innovation. Vince Cable: That may well be one of the ways in Vince Cable: It will be difficult to support small and which the green investment bank will be involved in the medium-sized enterprises directly—but there are other longer run—once it is securely established. Large numbers mechanisms for doing so. One area of investment will of people will no doubt want to invest, through individual be industrial energy efficiency, and through the aggregation savings accounts for example, and that could well be a of projects, SMEs might well be part of that. product that the bank eventually produces. We certainly do not rule that out, and we want to encourage creativity. Mr Adrian Bailey (West Bromwich West) (Lab/Co-op): The CBI has expressed concern about the dangers of the Government’s overall green strategy inhibiting Caroline Lucas (Brighton, Pavilion) (Green): Given manufacturers’ ability to provide the necessary green that the green investment bank is being set up to promote infrastructure. May I seek reassurance from the Minister new green technology, can the Secretary of State confirm that he will fight resolutely on behalf of manufacturing that it will not be used to support nuclear, because industry to sustain that capacity to deliver in this country? nuclear is not new, because many of us do not believe it is green, and above all, because such support would clearly constitute a public subsidy? Vince Cable: Yes I will fight, and do fight, resolutely for manufacturing industry, which of course is now seeing significant growth. It is leading this country out Vince Cable: The initial analysis suggests that nuclear of recession, and the CBI has very strongly made the power would not be an appropriate sector for the bank’s point to me about the need for the manufacturing sector investment, but in the very long run we are not ruling in green industries, and the need to safeguard the industries out particular possibilities, including nuclear. It is not with energy-intensive plants, too. part of the bank’s immediate planning, however.

Henry Smith (Crawley) (Con): I, too, very much Richard Graham (Gloucester) (Con): Today seems to welcome my right hon. Friend’s statement. How will be playing an important role in Labour’s revisionist larger organisations be encouraged through the process history. This morning in Westminster Hall I listened to to work with smaller, innovative technology companies, an Opposition Member claim that Labour was the such as Ceres Power and Riomay in my constituency? saviour of post offices— 795 Green Investment Bank24 MAY 2011 Green Investment Bank 796

Mr Speaker: Order. The hon. Gentleman will resume inserted to pep him up. It is not possible to pick winners his seat. [Interruption.] Order. We are pressed for time, in this area, and a great deal of investment is needed in and questions are about the policy of the Government, the research and development of new technologies, so not of the Opposition. I have made the point several will the green investment bank just pick winners or will times; I would have thought that the hon. Gentleman it be involved in research and development, accepting had heard it by now. that sometimes such projects will not come to fruition?

Andrew Bridgen (North West Leicestershire) (Con): Vince Cable: Any business organisation making project Historically, whatever services the Government decide choices is trying to pick winners, and that is what the to offer, the private sector tends to withdraw from them, bank will be trying to do. It will try to get a return for so what steps is the Secretary of State taking to ensure the economy and for society through environmental that the green investment bank complements private improvements, so of course it will have to make choices sector investment in green technologies and does not and pick winners. New technologies are being developed merely replace it? through the technology strategy board, we have announced a couple of technology innovation centres—another Vince Cable: The bank will not replace such investment. will be announced later this week—and they will develop The whole purpose of our extensive market analysis has the pioneering technologies to which I think the hon. been to identify the areas where the private sector is not Gentleman is referring. investing and will not invest. The advisory committee is being established, we have appointed the chairman, and Miss Anne McIntosh (Thirsk and Malton) (Con): I it will give us much more specific guidance on how to congratulate the Business Secretary on bringing forward get the right balance between the commercial and this proposal, and I hope that the bank will come to environmental criteria. York and north Yorkshire. May I ask for a commitment from him—that in trying to resolve one environmental Robert Flello (Stoke-on-Trent South) (Lab): The ceramic problem he does not inadvertently create another? Will industry in my city of Stoke-on-Trent will be listening he assure the House that the business and environmental and watching very carefully as the green investment cases for offshore wind turbines, in particular, will meet bank develops, but my question is specifically about an the strictest and most stringent conditions? engineering firm in my constituency that was looking to manufacture the gearing systems for refurbishing wind Vince Cable: It will indeed do that. As I indicated in turbines. It had no joy from Advantage West Midlands, my statement, there is what we call a double bottom and it has had no joy from the local enterprise partnership, line. The projects must be commercially attractive, and because it has no funds, so can the Secretary of State we have to decide what the rate of return would be. reassure me, and the firm, that the green investment bank They must be economically viable. They must also, at will be on its feet quickly, and will not be so prescriptive the same time, make an environmental contribution. that the company might just as well go to a moneylender, Getting that trade-off will not be easy, and it will be one because the terms and conditions will be so tight? of the important early tasks of the bank. I will undertake Vince Cable: I have already said that loans can start to add York to the list of cities looking for such an to be made from roughly April 2012. There will be opportunity. substantial activity, and the firm in the hon. Gentleman’s constituency may well be a successful supplier to the Barry Gardiner (Brent North) (Lab): I welcome the industry, but if I were him I would not be too negative green investment bank. Will the Secretary of State about the other sources of finance. The regional growth confirm, however, that the EU Commission has written fund is entering its second tranche, and if it is a good to the Government expressing its concerns, under state company with a good project, and if there is a good LEP, aid rules, that the Government’s proposals in the electricity it will be eligible for that money. market reform for contracts for different feed-in tariffs and a floor price for carbon may constitute a subsidy Martin Horwood (Cheltenham) (LD): I strongly welcome for nuclear? If it has done so, will he make the letter my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State’s announcement available in the Library? today—especially if the green investment bank ends up in Bristol, where it can take advantage of Gloucestershire’s Vince Cable: I cannot confirm that. If the information expertise in financial services. Will he look positively at is available, I am sure we can pursue it in the proper way. allowing the bank to finance, or to play a part in As it happens, I met the Competition Commissioner financing, the green deal? That would send a positive last week and he did not refer to that, but he is alerted reassurance to investors in green deal businesses. to the green investment bank state aid application, and he will deal with it professionally, I am sure. Vince Cable: An Opposition Member has already asked me a variant of that question, and I have made it Sir Robert Smith (West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine) very clear that the green deal is proceeding. It is a (LD): One of the crucial things for investors in the successful business model, and we understand the green investment bank will be certainty in understanding mechanisms by which large-scale investment will be signals to the market. I understand that investors in forthcoming, but we certainly do not rule out the possibility bioethanol plants are uncertain as to where the renewable of the green investment bank complementing it. fuels obligation is taking them in this investment climate. Will the Government undertake to make the bank really Clive Efford (Eltham) (Lab): I congratulate the Secretary work by ensuring that investors in that technology have of State on getting to the end of his statement—for a certainty about their future when it comes to Government minute I thought he was going to need a wind turbine policy? 797 Green Investment Bank24 MAY 2011 Green Investment Bank 798

Vince Cable: As I said, we are trying to create a stable inertia than by examination of the excellent business framework—what is sometimes called a regulatory asset cases that have already been given to him, such as the base—against which long-term investment decisions can one from Edinburgh. be made. We have heard several references to the electricity market review and feed-in tariffs. The Minister of State, Vince Cable: There will be a proper process, and it is Department of Energy and Climate Change, my hon. important that we consider carefully all serious applications Friend the Member for Bexhill and Battle (Gregory on their merits. I commend my hon. Friend and his Barker), is involved in the process of establishing a clear colleagues in Edinburgh for the high level of professionalism set of rules. The green investment bank will sit alongside that they have brought to bear on their application. those clear policy frameworks in order to ensure that They have met me and my departmental officials and large-scale investment takes place. have taken great interest in it, and I commend their approach. Chris Leslie (Nottingham East) (Lab/Co-op): If the Secretary of State is considering the location of the Mark Durkan (Foyle) (SDLP): I welcome the progress green investment bank in its ability to deliver, he must that is reflected in the published plans and in the surely take seriously the bid from the city of Nottingham statement, and I hope that we can rely on much of their because of our combination of financial services and promise. Can the Secretary of State assure us that the low-carbon business innovation. Will he or his officials green investment bank will be open and accessible to all agree to meet a delegation from Nottingham so that we the devolved regions; that no project or company will be can overwhelm him with our case? disqualified on the grounds that its project has a cross- border character, which would be natural and necessary Vince Cable: As I say, we have not come to a decision in Northern Ireland; that nobody will be disqualified on on the ideal location, and we are certainly open to good, the grounds that their project has been funded by new suggestions. The hon. Gentleman and his colleagues devolved Administrations; and that such funding would in Nottingham will have to think about whether, for not be the subject of a qualifying precondition? example, they have a sufficient concentration of project finance specialists; I am sure that they have. Vince Cable: The bank is a UK-wide institution that will apply in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, so I Simon Hughes (Bermondsey and Old Southwark) do not see any problems of that kind. As regards the (LD): I would hope that throughout the UK there will cross-border aspects, the hon. Gentleman raises an be real enthusiasm for the announcement that by 2015 interesting legal question that I will need to look at there will be £18 billion of investment in green industries. carefully. Can the Secretary of State add to that enthusiasm by sharing his vision of what sector of the economy green Stephen Williams (Bristol West) (LD): I very much industries may represent and the number of jobs that welcome my right hon. Friend’s statement. He mentioned that will bring to Britain? In addition, our tidal and future milestones in the setting up of the bank, one of wind can be linked with projects such as the European which will be its location. At the risk of exposing him to renewable energy project and solar power from the a civic beauty parade from all around the Chamber, he south of Europe, thus transforming the whole of our mentioned three cities, two of which are political capital energy economy. cities that already have many national institutions. Is there not a clear and compelling case for the new green Vince Cable: My right hon. Friend is absolutely right investment bank to go to the green capital of the United to sketch out the scale of what green industries are and Kingdom—the city of Bristol? can become. We estimate that some 800,000 people, perhaps more, are already employed directly in green Vince Cable: I am not sure that I am yet in a position economy-related activities, and I understand that that to be a beauty parade judge, but they are all beautiful will expand substantially. I hope later this week, in cities, including Bristol. a more wide-ranging comment, to add some more information for his purposes. Nick Smith (Blaenau Gwent) (Lab): Like other colleagues, I note that the Secretary of State is still considering Tom Greatrex (Rutherglen and Hamilton West) (Lab/ where to base the green investment bank, and I see that Co-op): Is it still the Government’s intention that the there is a possibility of its going to Bristol. May I ask fossil fuel levy money sitting in a bank account in him to look across the Severn river and base the HQ in Scotland will be rolled into the green investment bank? south Wales, given that investment in the Severn barrage has been stalled? Vince Cable: I did not follow fully where the hon. Gentleman was going, but, no, as I understand it that is Vince Cable: This is slightly in danger of getting out not the intention. The £3 billion contribution from the of control, but I compliment the hon. Gentleman on his Government is not tied to any specific source. nerve in pursuing it.

Mike Crockart (Edinburgh West) (LD): I welcome Mr Barry Sheerman (Huddersfield) (Lab/Co-op): May my right hon. Friend’s announcement, particularly his I give an unalloyed welcome to the fact that we are to commitment to the long-standing, enduring nature of have a green investment bank? It is great news. As the green investment bank. May I urge him, however, to someone who is very much involved in the third sector set a clear time scale for when a decision on location will environmentally, the one aspect on which I would push be made? I fear that once the bank has been incubated the Secretary of State a bit further is the need for third in Victoria street, its location may be decided more by sector co-operation. That sector has been very hard hit 799 Green Investment Bank 24 MAY 2011 800

[Mr Barry Sheerman] Points of Order by some other Government policies. I am also a little worried by one of his previous answers when he said 1.39 pm that small and medium-sized companies will not be eligible for much of the funding. Chris Bryant (Rhondda) (Lab): On a point of order, Mr Speaker. You may recall that last Monday, 16 May, Vince Cable: I did not say that they were not eligible; we had a statement from the Secretary of State for I referred to the fact that the initial round was likely to Defence about the military covenant. Following that, involve large-scale projects. However, I thank the hon. because a lot of it had been leaked to the newspapers Gentleman for his very positive comments. As for the over the weekend, I raised a point of order in which I third sector, I did not respond to the point made by the said that right hon. Member for Southampton, Itchen (Mr Denham) “the Under-Secretary of State for Defence, the right hon. Member about participation in the advisory board, which we will for South Leicestershire (Mr Robathan)” certainly reflect on. It was a helpful contribution. had Mr William Bain (Glasgow North East) (Lab): Since “on the record” 2004, the US Treasury has had the facility to issue up to given $2 billion in green bonds to enhance the green economy “quotations to The Daily Telegraph”, in the United States, and since 2007 the European announcing the policy before doing so in the Chamber. Investment Bank has issued more than ¤1 billion in The Under-Secretary then said, in some kind of climate awareness bonds. Is not it a real lost opportunity clarification: that the Secretary of State has been unable to persuade the Chancellor to keep to his pre-election commitment “If the hon. Gentleman cares to read what was in the newspapers, to introduce green bonds in the United Kingdom? he will discover that what he has said is not in fact in any way correct.”—[Official Report, 16 May 2011; Vol. 528, c. 43-44.] Vince Cable: As I said, there is a variety of possible I have now read the newspapers. The Saturday edition ways of raising funding, one of which is obviously the of The Daily Telegraph to which I referred says clearly: capital markets. If and when the institution goes to the “a defence minister told The Daily Telegraph that the Government’s capital markets, the investment could well take the form plans, to be announced in the House of Commons on Monday, of bonds marketed in the way the hon. Gentleman would put the covenant ‘on a statutory basis for the first time’.” describes. I am sure that we should draw on those In case there is any doubt about who that Minister was, experiences. the article later says: “Andrew Robathan, the defence minister…told The Daily Telegraph…‘We are putting the military covenant on a statutory basis for the first time.’” It is one thing for a Minister to leak something to the national newspapers before it is announced in this House. It is quite another for a Minister to give the House a very misleading understanding of what they have done. I do not think that the words used by the Under-Secretary in the Chamber can possibly be squared with what was in the newspaper. I hope, Mr Deputy Speaker, that you will ask Mr Speaker to ensure that the Under-Secretary comes back to the House to make the true situation absolutely clear.

Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Lindsay Hoyle): What has been said is on the record for everyone to see. I assure the hon. Gentleman that I will refer the matter to Mr Speaker, and that he will look at what has been said today.

John Cryer (Leyton and Wanstead) (Lab): On a point of order, Mr Deputy Speaker, of which I have given Mr Speaker notice. Every Member of this House is doubtless aware that yesterday, the hon. Member for Birmingham, Yardley (John Hemming)—I use the word honourable in its broadest possible sense—named a premiership footballer who is at the centre of the super- injunction row. A lot of people in this place and outside it find it difficult to see the exact public interest in naming that footballer, and I think that it was an act of gross opportunism by a politician on an ego trip. Can you, Mr Deputy Speaker, reiterate the traditional attitudes of the House towards such gross abuses of privilege? 801 Points of Order 24 MAY 2011 802

Mr Deputy Speaker: I thank the hon. Gentleman for Autism (Quality Standards) giving Mr Speaker notice of his point of order. I will Motion for leave to bring in a Bill (Standing Order simply repeat what Mr Speaker said yesterday: No. 23) “I strongly deprecate the abuse of parliamentary privilege to flout an order or score a particular point.” He went on: 1.42 pm “It is important…that we recognise the need to temper our Mr Robert Buckland (South Swindon) (Con): I beg to privilege with responsibility.”—[Official Report, 23 May 2011; move, Vol. 528, c. 653-654.] That leave be given to bring in a Bill to require the Secretary of I think that that is all that needs to be said on the State to make a referral to the National Institute for Health and matter. Clinical Excellence (NICE) to develop and publish quality standards for autism spectrum disorders; and for connected purposes. Autism, autism spectrum disorders and Asperger’s syndrome are terms that are increasingly entering public consciousness. The number of people who are diagnosed with those conditions is rising. That is the result of a growing awareness of the conditions and the greater specialism that is now available. However, far too many people are not having their needs met. Most Members will have had casework relating to children, young people and adults with those conditions. Such cases are usually about the difficulty that they and their families experience in accessing appropriate diagnostic services, education, health care or social care. I declare an interest as the parent of a child with ASD, but I speak today for all families across the country who experience difficulties in accessing services. The Bill is an attempt to plug a gap that I believe exists in the commissioning and provision of health and social care for people with autism, particularly those whose IQ is above the level of diagnosis for a learning disability. The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence has quality standards for conditions such as chronic kidney disease, dementia and stroke, and it is working on more as we speak. However, none of those standards will relate to autism. I am encouraged that NICE is developing three sets of guidelines relating to autism management in children and adults. I argue that the creation of an overarching quality standard would bring together those strands into one coherent approach. What would the standards look like? I am grateful to members of the all-party parliamentary group on autism and to the National Autistic Society for their work on this. I will put forward some suggestions on behalf of everybody who has been involved. First, people with ASD should receive care and support from appropriately trained staff who are capable of making reasonable adjustments to understand them and meet their needs. Secondly, people with suspected ASD should be referred to a specialist team. A diagnostic assessment should start within three months of the initial referral and there should be support throughout the assessment by the ASD team. Thirdly, people with ASD should be assessed for any co-existing mental health conditions. The severity of their symptoms and the degree of any associated functional impairment should be identified. Those who require additional help should be offered immediate support. Fourthly, people who are newly diagnosed with ASD and/or their carers should receive appropriate written and verbal information about the condition and the support options that are available locally. Fifthly and importantly, people who are newly diagnosed should be given a profile detailing their strengths, skills, impairments and needs. That should be the basis for a needs-based management plan that covers learning, communication, 803 Autism (Quality Standards)24 MAY 2011 Autism (Quality Standards) 804

[Mr Robert Buckland] and service users would also be made aware of the standards that they should expect from service providers. self-care and other adaptive skills, behaviour and emotional NHS trusts and other professionals would also be helped. health. The plan should take full account of the family Maybe, just maybe, the lives of thousands of people context and the particular needs in each case. with autism can be made better. Sixthly, people with ASD should have a community Question put and agreed to. care assessment carried out by a trained assessor. Any Ordered, care plan should be agreed across health and social care. That Mr Robert Buckland, Roger Williams, David If required, people with ASD should be given support Mowat, Annette Brooke, Andrew Griffiths, Dr Julian to use direct payments or personal budgets. Seventhly, Huppert, Robert Flello, Jonathan Reynolds, Damian carers of people with ASD should be offered an assessment Hinds, Justin Tomlinson, Charlotte Leslie and Nicola of their emotional, psychological and social needs and, Blackwood present the Bill. if accepted, should receive tailored interventions identified by a care plan to address those needs. Let us not forget Mr Robert Buckland accordingly presented the Bill. the carers in all this. Eighthly, there should be an ASD Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on strategy group in each local area to help plan services Friday 25 November, and to be printed (Bill 194.) for children and adults. Each group should contain representation from people with autism—the service Mr Bernard Jenkin (Harwich and North Essex) (Con): users—as well as from mental health services, education, On a point of order, Mr Deputy Speaker. Could you social care, parents, carers and the voluntary sector. clarify whether the House has the option to take today’s The ninth suggestion is that the professionals working votes in an order that would facilitate the expression of with a child with ASD who is approaching the transition Back-Bench opinion, as we will be debating Back-Bench to adulthood—a lot of Members will know the difficulty business? In the usual course of events, a motion is not that young people have with that transition—should voted on until the amendments have been taken. That inform social services and the child about the need for a means that if the Government use their majority to community care assessment. Adult social services should whip through an amendment, the House will never get formally contact the young person and/or their carer the opportunity to vote on the motion that the Backbench before adulthood is reached, so that such young people Business Committee selected for debate. Is it possible get the continuity that they deserve. for you to ensure that the House has an opportunity to vote on the motion that was selected for debate, or are Finally, people with ASD who use child and adolescent we in the hands of the Whips and those under their mental health services should have a plan in place for influence? the transition to adult mental health services. Where the referral criteria are not met, it would be good practice Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Lindsay Hoyle): Unfortunately, to signpost other sources of support. I have been told that the answer is no; those are the rules Why bring this proposal forward now? It is clear that on how votes are taken. As frustrating as that may be whatever the precise outcome of the important reform for the hon. Member, those are the rules of the House that the NHS is undergoing, the process of commissioning as they stand. health and social care services will change. That will include the process of referring quality standards proposals Kate Hoey (Vauxhall) (Lab): Further to that point of to NICE. I suggest that the Bill comes at precisely the order, Mr Deputy Speaker. Given that this is a Backbench right moment and that it highlights the vital importance, Business Committee debate and the will of the House which is underlined by the Government’s proposals, of needs to be heard, would it not be sensible for Her bringing together health and social care. That is not Majesty’s Government to accept the point that the hon. before time say all of us with an interest in and a Member for Harwich and North Essex (Mr Jenkin) has passion for issues to do with autism and related conditions. made and not move the amendment? Those who commission services for people with autism Mr Deputy Speaker: As a long-serving Member, the would be helped by a list of quality standards, because hon. Lady is well aware that that is not a point for me to it would help to define best practice. It would inform rule on, but Government Front Benchers will have GPs and other potential commissioners of the gold heard it. There does not seem to be much movement standard of provision for people with autism. Patients from them to comment, so we will move on. 805 24 MAY 2011 Eurozone Financial Assistance 806

euro. The eurozone countries made their decision. We Backbench Business advised them against it, yet they chose to create a currency without a fiscal union to back it up. It is their [28TH ALLOTTED DAY] problem, not ours.

Eurozone Financial Assistance Mr Andrew Tyrie (Chichester) (Con): Given that the “no bail-out” clause has turned out to be completely Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Lindsay Hoyle): Mr Speaker worthless, the eurozone will need to design some type of has selected the amendment. resolution procedure for countries, in much the same way as we are trying to devise one for banks at the moment. Is it not therefore all the more important that, 2.53 pm since we are not members of the eurozone, the UK Mark Reckless (Rochester and Strood) (Con): I beg taxpayer should have absolutely no part in the construction to move, of that resolution procedure? We do not want to find That this House notes with concern that UK taxpayers are that there are any more burdens on the UK taxpayer. potentially being made liable for bail-outs of Eurozone countries when the UK opted to remain outside the Euro and, despite Mark Reckless: My hon. Friend is quite correct. agreement in May 2010 that the EU-wide European Financial There is talk of establishing a permanent bail-out Stability Mechanism (EFSM) of ¤60 billion would represent only arrangement, and we, the United Kingdom, have a veto 12 per cent. of the non-IMF contribution with the remaining over that. We should use that veto to relieve ourselves of ¤440 billion being borne by the Eurozone through the European all liability under a mechanism that should never have Financial Stability Facility (EFSF), that the EFSM for which the UK may be held liable is in fact being drawn upon to the same or been agreed. That is what my motion proposes, and the a greater extent than the EFSF; further notes that the European amendment fails to do so. Scrutiny Committee has stated its view that the EFSM is legally When the European financial stability mechanism unsound; and requires the Government to place the EFSM on was set up, we were told that there would be ¤60 billion the agenda of the next meeting of the Council of Ministers or in it, whereas ¤440 billion would be paid by the eurozone the European Council and to vote against continued use of the EFSM unless a Eurozone-only arrangement which relieves the members. Yet in the case of every bail-out we find that UK of liability under the EFSM has by then been agreed. the mechanism is used to the same level as, or even more than, the eurozone facility. We in the House and this I thank the Backbench Business Committee for country are being forced to pay for the mistakes of facilitating this debate. others, and only this House has the power to stand up, Ever since the civil war, and perhaps back to the vote and say no. Plantagenet era, the primary duty of this House has The whole mechanism is illegal. Let us remember been to control supply, to hold the purse strings and to Maastricht and the “no bail-out”clause that the Germans decide what the Executive may or may not spend on insisted on. What has happened to that? Let us remember behalf of our constituents. It is not for Her Majesty’s article 122 of Lisbon, which states that the mechanism Treasury to decide what unknowable liabilities to sign is for natural disasters or other exceptional circumstances our constituents up for. It is for us, as their elected beyond member states’ control. Did not Ireland, Portugal representatives, to make that decision. I ask every Member and Greece decide to sign up to the euro? Portugal has to consider that point when they cast their vote later. It barely grown at all as a country since it joined the euro, is our decision, and only we stand between our constituents and it has done next to nothing to control its spending. and the ability of others to spend their money on their I am afraid there is nothing exceptional about that, and behalf. nothing beyond its control. It is just using the mechanism, My simple point is that it is unaffordable for this to which we should have said no, to make our constituents country to bail out countries that joined a currency that pay for its own mistakes. we chose not to join, when we ourselves are borrowing as much money as, if not more than, those very countries. Mr William Cash (Stone) (Con): Does my hon. Friend We are seeing £12.5 billion of our constituents’ money— recall that Madame Lagarde herself, the prospective twice as much as was saved in the whole first year of the head of the International Monetary Fund, said on coalition Government, and £500 a household—being 17 December last year on that very point: spent on bail-outs; and I mean “spent”, because although “We violated all the rules because we wanted to close ranks the Government tell us that they expect the money to be and really rescue the eurozone”? paid back, if that is so, why will the private sector not lend? Why are there rates of 10% to 17%? She was being very clear and telling the truth.

Kelvin Hopkins (Luton North) (Lab): I congratulate Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Lindsay Hoyle): Order. Before the hon. Gentleman on raising this issue and support the hon. Member for Rochester and Strood (Mark what he is saying. Does he agree that although bailing Reckless) responds, may I warn him that he only has out Greece, Ireland or Portugal is expensive in itself, three minutes to go? today the contagion is spreading to Spain and Italy, bail-outs for which would be absolutely prohibitive for Mark Reckless: My hon. Friend the Member for the whole European Union? Would that not be nonsense? Stone (Mr Cash) is quite right.I hear that that lady is a good friend of the Chancellor, but I do not believe that Mark Reckless: The hon. Gentleman is quite correct, we should put the debtors in charge of the bank. The and it goes on and on. Yet it is not our problem, and it is IMF money, too, or 5% or so of it, is our constituents’ not our currency. If we can do anything, we can save and taxpayers’ money. We should have an emerging ourselves and perhaps Ireland, but we cannot save the market candidate to run the fund, and we should not 807 Eurozone Financial Assistance24 MAY 2011 Eurozone Financial Assistance 808

[Mark Reckless] As I have said in the Chamber several times before, it is time to urge the EU to accept the recreation of allow the eurozone to continue to perpetuate a French-led national currencies for countries that cannot sustain IMF that nods through bail-outs with no restructuring membership of the eurozone. As I and many others and no devaluation. The markets know, and all of us have argued, strong currencies derive from strong economies, know in our hearts, that bail-outs will not work. not the other way around. The Deutschmark was a The eurozone says that there will be a “soft restructuring”. strong currency because the German economy was In other words, when Greece, Portugal, Ireland or—who strong. Weak economies cannot cope over time when a knows?—Spain cannot pay back what it has promised, strong currency is thrust upon them. The best example the eurozone will say, “Oh, don’t worry about it, we’ll of that was Argentina, which chose mistakenly to link just roll it over.” In the City, they call that an extend-and- its currency formally to the US dollar. For 10 years, it pretend policy. Such a policy was pursued in Japan for struggled, and its economy was almost destroyed before the whole of the 1990s, which then lost two decades of it bailed out and recreated its own currency—not before growth instead of dealing with the banks and recognising billions of its dollars had gone abroad. The Argentine its insolvency. The European Central Bank should avoid economy, which had been one of the strongest on South that. Unless and until the ECB deals with that problem America, became very weak, simply because it adopted and understands that the assets that it has taken supposedly a strong currency, and someone else’s currency at that. to back the loans are worth far short of what it currently Adopting a strong currency that an economy cannot assumes, the banks will not lend, because they do not sustain is a foolish decision. know to whom it is safe to lend. The ECB should write The right to flex a currency as of need is a vital those assets down and have that reckoning. The extend- component of economic management. Indeed, at Bretton and-pretend policy—the patching up and bailing out, Woods in the 1940s, it was argued that depreciations and the throwing of good money after bad—is destined and appreciations could be appropriate for different to fail. countries, even though a stable exchange rate system Why are we supporting a currency that we very wisely was agreed after the second world war. did not join, after warning exactly what would happen? I ask Members of this House to stand up for their Mr Edward Leigh (Gainsborough) (Con): Is it not constituents. We should require—yes, require—the Treasury strange that the Government are backing so strongly to vote against the use of the bail-out mechanism. If the the candidacy of Madame Lagarde for the position of EU does not agree to that, we should require the head of the International Monetary Fund, given that Treasury to use our veto over the permanent bail-out that lady is part of a ruling European elite, and that she mechanism until we are extracted and removed from all is on record as wanting to go on bailing out the euro? liability. We should never have been liable for that Should we not be more independent in supporting a mechanism. We know that it is unlawful and that it is really good, tough candidate for that important post? not for our currency. It is right that we stand up for our taxpayers and our Kelvin Hopkins: I have not always agreed with our constituents, who look to us as Members of this House former Prime Minister, but I agreed very strongly with to do so. They do not look to us to seek permission his position on the euro. Of course, my right hon. from those on the Treasury Bench, or to urge them to Friend the Member for Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath do something rather than require them to do something. (Mr Brown) might take a more sensible approach to Surely as Members of the House we are more than that. those things, should he be appointed. I think he is Surely our country is more than a star on somebody something of an outsider at the moment, but Madame else’s flag. I urge all hon. Members to vote no to the Lagarde has not been appointed yet. Let us hope that Government-sponsored amendment. he still has a chance of the job. As the hon. Member for Rochester and Strood said, 2.2 pm Britain was wise to stay out of the euro. Because of Kelvin Hopkins (Luton North) (Lab): It is a great that, we can flex our currency when needs must. Of pleasure to speak in this important debate and to support course, during and after the crisis, we wisely depreciated the motion of the hon. Member for Rochester and our currency. Perhaps a bit more depreciation will help Strood (Mark Reckless). I hope very much to have the manufacturing and our economy. Countries that have opportunity to vote for the motion as it stands rather their own currency, such as ours, can also choose their than in amended form. interest rates. Two vital components of any economic Today of all days is important because the crisis and management system—the ability to flex the currency contagion in the eurozone is spreading. As reported in and control of interest rates—are given away when the Financial Times and other journals, there are serious countries join a single currency. Even beyond that, there problems in Spain, where there is youth unemployment are fiscal policy controls. Countries would do well to of 41%, and where the economy is in serious crisis, and retain all the components of economic management if even in Italy. Those are major economies, not small they want to succeed. countries. If we are dragged into a mechanism to save When countries do well individually, they can do well the eurozone even in one of the smaller countries, we collectively. Destroying the economies of EU member will be throwing good money after bad, as the hon. states or other countries does not help us in any way. Gentleman said. Bail-outs have been required for Greece Getting them back into some sort of order by permitting, and Ireland, and there might be one for Portugal, but encouraging or helping them to recreate their currencies, those are relatively small countries in EU terms. Spain and finding an appropriate parity and interest rate for and Italy are much larger, and bail-outs for them would that currency, so that they can manage their economies be prohibitive. for their needs, would raise demand for our goods. The 809 Eurozone Financial Assistance24 MAY 2011 Eurozone Financial Assistance 810 shock absorber effect of different currencies would, home, but the coalition Government inherited this situation. over time—a fairly short time, I believe—make the The temporary bail-out mechanism, which runs until economies of Europe work better singly and collectively. 2013, was agreed on 10 May 2010 by European Finance Therefore, the recreation of those currencies is in our Ministers at ECOFIN—after the general election, but before interest. the coalition Government were formed. As the right hon. Member for Edinburgh South West (Mr Darling) Mr Ian Davidson (Glasgow South West) (Lab/Co-op): admitted in Parliament, the Chancellor opposed the Does my hon. Friend have any idea why this Government mechanism at the time, as was clearly recorded in Hansard are so keen on bailing out the euro when that was on 15 December 2010. [Interruption.] Any Labour Members certainly not in the Conservative manifesto? Is this a in doubt about that can verify it for themselves. case of the Liberal tail wagging the Conservative dog? Mr Cash: Will my hon. Friend consider the answer I Kelvin Hopkins: That is one mystery that will no received from Ministers this morning, and reflect that doubt be revealed when the 30-year rule is applied. We although the Chancellor opposed the mechanism, the found out some interesting things about what happened Government had every reason then to challenge it in the in the 1970s under the Jim Callaghan Government European Court? Why did they not do so? recently, so perhaps we will know what is happening now in 30 years’ time. I know no more than my hon. Joseph Johnson: I thank my hon. Friend for that Friend about why the Government do not take a more intervention. I have been led to understand that the sensible line, as is proposed in the motion. Government took the position that there was no strong legal case to support any such challenge. Matthew Hancock (West Suffolk) (Con): I have listened None the less, it sticks in the craw of many Government carefully to the hon. Gentleman’s speech. Does he share Members to be in this position and, like them, I have my my frustration that a Labour Chancellor signed us up to doubts about whether the mechanism is being applied a mechanism over which we now have no veto? in exceptional circumstances beyond member states’ control, which is the test for triggering the deployment Kelvin Hopkins: Throughout the period of the Labour of financial assistance powers under article 122(2) of Government, I put the views that I have put in this debate. the treaty on the functioning of the European Union. I hope that I had some influence, but in the end the Government bond yields in the eurozone periphery are Government decide what they must. They will not trading at the level they are in some countries because necessarily do what Back Benchers such as me suggest. of the reckless management of public finances and the Nevertheless, I am on record as writing and speaking on political gridlock in those countries, and because of such things many times in the past. backsliding on long overdue structural reform. In Greece’s We must bring this crisis to a head. The way to do case, Government bond yields are trading at about 20% that is to say, “No more bail-outs. Let’s start recreating because of Athens’s lack of progress towards meeting national currencies.” I have said that directly to some of the pledges it made last year as part of the EU-International our friends in Ireland, when members of the European Monetary Fund bail-out. That is a case in point. Scrutiny have met Irish politicians. Painful though it was for the Government to be saddled by the outgoing Labour Administration with Mark Reckless: Does the hon. Gentleman agree that an indirect contingent liability through their involuntary subject to a request from Ireland and to the protection participation in the mechanism, the truth is that our of UK depositors as against the ECB, we should consider overall exposure is a rounding error when compared extending our currency to allow Ireland to work with with that facing Germany and other northern European us? Under sterling, we could treat Ireland on an entirely countries in the core euro area. The debts of the eurozone equal basis. periphery are being progressively socialised by European Central Bank financing operations that could, in time, Kelvin Hopkins: Ireland is a very special case—it is be seen as the forerunner of an effective eurozone bond. our next-door neighbour and we are Ireland’s major In the meantime, the ¤60 billion mechanism is just part trading partner. Effectively, the Irish would do very well of a far larger package of measures to preserve financial to join the sterling zone rather than the eurozone. That stability in the EU to which we have no exposure, except would mean their recreating the punt and choosing the indirectly through our share in the IMF. We are on the value of it. I would like us to do a lot more to help our hook for a share of ¤60 billion out of an overall Irish colleagues, not simply because I have a large package of ¤750 billion. Our share, which is about number of Irish people in my constituency, but because 12.5% of that ¤60 billion, is just ¤7.5 billion, or 1% of that would be a comradely and brotherly thing to do for the ¤750 billion package. a nation with which we have had great links for many We do not wish to throw away that 1% lightly, of centuries. course, but happily, for that exposure to crystallise, all I once again express my support for the motion. the countries that have thus far subscribed to the mechanism would have to default in totality. IMF data on the history of sovereign defaults around the world suggest 2.10 pm that that is highly unlikely. Even in the unlikely event of Joseph Johnson (Orpington) (Con): It is critical that a domino series of defaults across the countries that we put into perspective UK taxpayers’ exposure to the have subscribed to the mechanism, it would be extraordinary bail-out mechanism. No Government Member relishes for there to be a 100% default rate. The pattern of having to put the faith or the credit of Her Majesty’s defaults around the world suggests that losses from Treasury behind the bail-outs of profligate peripheral default are normally between 25% and 35% of the total eurozone countries, especially at a time of austerity at losses to which countries or investors have exposure. 811 Eurozone Financial Assistance24 MAY 2011 Eurozone Financial Assistance 812

Steve Baker (Wycombe) (Con): I would say gently to Santander, which owns Abbey, Alliance & Leicester and my hon. Friend that only a few years ago the banking Bradford & Bingley, Spain accounts for 14% of household crisis was not foreseen, and the same people who did loans in the UK. If troubles at home force these eurozone not foresee that are still giving us advice. We are probably banks to rein back their lending, especially overseas, in far worse trouble than is generally accepted. credit conditions in the UK could clearly start to worsen again. We should think hard about that before expressing Joseph Johnson: My hon. Friend is perhaps right to any Schadenfreude at what is happening on the continent. caution me. It never pays to be too optimistic. Furthermore, distress will be felt at home through the More importantly, the coalition Government, who trade channel. At a time when domestic sources of came into power in May 2010, deserve to be congratulated growth are under pressure and few and far between, the not only on limiting our exposure to the temporary UK’s trade links with continental Europe are of pivotal funds—we are on the hook for just one, not both of importance. Although Spain and Portugal might be less them—but on successfully capping our exposure. We significant as trading partners than Ireland, the PIIG have been kept out of the ¤440 billion European financial economies together account for 14% of UK exports, stabilisation facility, as well as what will be the permanent compared with Germany’s 9% and the 16% of UK successor vehicle, the European stability mechanism, exports that go to Asia. A wave of defaults, or at the which, as mentioned, is due to come into existence in very least a considerable weakening of the euro, would 2013. not only hit demand in these countries, but damage UK That said, we would be wrong to kid ourselves that export competitiveness—a linchpin of the Government’s Britain can shield itself completely from the affairs of economic strategy. the eurozone, and I would suggest that Schadenfreude, The Government are right to limit our financial in the Chamber or elsewhere, at the turmoil in the euro exposure to future bail-out mechanisms, and need to be fringe might be short-sighted. First, our banks remain congratulated on having done so successfully, but it fragile. People who read the Financial Times will know should go without saying that we still have much at that 14 British banks and building societies were this stake in the success of these future bail-out mechanisms. morning downgraded by Moody’s, and there were We cannot wash our hands of them. The health of the particularly negative outlooks for Barclays and HSBC. UK banking system, the extent to which the UK economy The UK banking sector’s exposure to the so-called is dependent on credit extended to UK companies by PIIG economies—Portugal, Ireland, Italy and Greece— eurozone banks and the UK’s own need to earn a living alone amounts to about £211 billion, which is the from exports make it abundantly in the UK’s interests equivalent of about 4.7% of UK bank assets, according to wish our European partners every success in tackling to Capital Economics. UK banks can ill afford fresh the crisis through future eurozone-only arrangements. write-downs that would force them to raise expensive Anyone taking pleasure in the discomfort of our European new funds at a difficult time in the capital markets, and partners might be in for a nasty surprise. a further leg-down in the eurozone financial crisis would certainly not help the Government in their laudable ROYAL ASSENT efforts, under Project Merlin, to push the banks to lend more and at reasonable terms to capital-starved businesses Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Lindsay Hoyle): Ihaveto in the UK. notify the House, in accordance with the Royal Assent The second transmission channel of pain in the eurozone Act 1967, that Her Majesty has signified Her Royal will come in the form of reduced lending to UK consumers Assent to the following Measures: and businesses by eurozone periphery banks located in Care of Cathedrals Measure 2011 the UK. Irish banks account for about 3% of household loans in the UK, and about 7% of corporate loans. Ecclesiastical Fees (Amendment) Measure 2011 Spanish banks play an even more important role. Through Mission and Pastoral Measure 2011. 813 24 MAY 2011 Eurozone Financial Assistance 814

Eurozone Financial Assistance lose out—through access to European funds, along with increased competition for our business in Northern Debate resumed. Ireland within the United Kingdom—when the eurozone fund should have been responsible for bailing Ireland 2.19 pm out all along? Jim Shannon (Strangford) (DUP): I rise to support the motion before the House and to add some comments Mr Davidson: That point is of significance to Scotland to the debate. I want to give a couple of examples— as well, because the pressure from Northern Ireland to fishermen and the farming industry—where the EU is reduce its corporation tax to compete with the Irish creating more hassle than can be justified. I am of the Republic is being replicated in Scotland. Does the hon. school of thought that we should make the best of a Gentleman have any idea why this Government are bad job, and on many occasions we have to do that. The using British taxpayers’ money to fund an opportunity EU, along with the way in which it is run, is most for the Irish Republic to undercut us on corporation tax certainly a bad job, yet at present we are in it whether in that way and thereby cannibalise British revenues? we want it or not. It therefore falls on this House, MEPs and another place to do our best to hold the EU to Jim Shannon: The hon. Gentleman makes an appropriate account as far as possible for the events that take place intervention. We in Northern Ireland certainly do bear over in Brussels. We have an opportunity today to the brunt of that, and we feel the pain more than most, debate that and vote on it. as does Scotland. Perhaps when the Minister responds we will get an idea of exactly why that has happened. It is clear that the European financial stabilisation mechanism is not fit for purpose; owing to this, the UK The second example is from Iceland—there is more could be held liable as a member state. On 9 May 2010, than one cloud hanging over Iceland, by the way—and the European financial stability facility was created, the second referendum there. Iceland rejected a proposed and it is a special purpose vehicle agreed by 16 members deal to repay ¤4 billion that Britain and Holland spent of the eurozone and aimed at preserving financial stability in 2008 to reimburse savers hit when Iceland’s banks in Europe by providing financial assistance to eurozone collapsed. Meanwhile, I am hearing complaints from states in economic difficulty. Thus far, we are not at all my constituents about the amount of fish that fishermen involved, but no to the euro meant no to the EFSF. The can catch and the number of days that they can work tricky part came with the notion that the facility may be being restricted by EU legislation, as opposed to the combined with loans of up to ¤60 billion from the Icelandic raiders—they are certainly not an ice hockey European financial stabilisation mechanism, which is team—who are sweeping in, despite Euro-protests, and again reliant on funds raised by the European Commission fishing mackerel that belong to our fishermen. Those using the EU budget as collateral, and up to ¤250 billion are just two simple examples of the failure of the from the IMF, all to secure a safety net of ¤750 billion. bail-out system in Europe. It is passed the time that this be brought to a head and we ensure fairness for all in If there is no financial operation in activity, the Europe. EFSF would close down after three years, on 30 June 2013. If there is a financial operation in activity—which The hon. Member for Rochester and Strood (Mark of course there is—the facility would exist until its last Reckless) has stated that the legality of the EFSM is obligation had been fully repaid. There has indeed been called into question by the current wording of the activity, and a good deal of it involving the EFSM, treaties, which must be changed accordingly. That is despite the fact that it should not have been involved to exactly the issue that we are trying to address. Therefore, the extent that it had an equal if not greater share of the answer is very clear: use the upcoming meeting of the bail-outs. The purpose of the European financial the Council of Ministers or the European Council to stabilisation mechanism is to provide an emergency vote against the continued use of the EFSM unless funding programme that is reliant on funds raised on a eurozone-only arrangement that relieves the UK of the financial markets and guaranteed by the European liability under the EFSM has been agreed. Commission using the European Union budget as collateral. For far too long we have slavishly followed the dictates I want to give some examples of where things have gone of Europe, throwing pound after pound into that deep pear-shaped, to use that terminology. hole that is Brussels and awaiting some kind of recompense It seems abundantly clear that, as a non-eurozone for doing things the right way. For too long we have member, we can be held accountable only for the EFSM, watched other countries prosper—and not too far away yet for some inexplicable reason it was this funding that from us, either—with bail-out funding, while we cut bailed Ireland out—to the tune of ¤5 billion—as opposed funding to schools, hospitals and infrastructure in order to the eurozone funding, which should have borne the to remain solvent and claw our way back to a sound brunt. We are neighbours of Ireland, and I do not wish financial footing. Everyone in the Chamber today will to be harsh. Of course we want to help out where we be able to give examples of that from their constituencies. can, as a healthy Irish economy could benefit the Northern For too long we have paid in while watching our farmers Ireland economy, owing to the shared land border. and fishermen flounder under the weight of European However, it is hard to grow this sense of neighbourliness dictates, at the same time as we watch other nations when we see the fund enabling Ireland to undercut us flout the very same rules that our officials seem to have on corporation tax, which subsequently encourages business an almost evangelical zeal in enforcing. Indeed, we have investment in the Republic as opposed to Northern been fined £60 million in Northern Ireland for mistakes Ireland, or when we see that it has enabled fuel duty to in bureaucracy and forms that have been filled in. be reduced, which has also taken flight business away We need to assert ourselves by saying to the EU that from the Province. So, we bail them out and then they we will no longer be Europe’s nodding dog, making do use that to our disadvantage. Why should we doubly with a pat on the head every now and again, as if that is 815 Eurozone Financial Assistance24 MAY 2011 Eurozone Financial Assistance 816

[Jim Shannon] have now heard it so many times that it must be true—is that Ireland is more significant to our trade than China, okay. We more than pay our way. Others must be held India and Brazil, so it is indeed in our national interest to the dictates that we adhere to. That should start with to continue to support Ireland. the matter of this funding and how it is used. I fully support the motion and urge every Member here today— Henry Smith (Crawley) (Con): My hon. Friend talks those who embrace Europe and those who oppose it about our bilateral and multilateral arrangements. Surely alike—to state that from now on we will make a better it is in this country’s interest to be flexible and not to get job of what is currently a bad job and demand our locked into multilateral arrangements, but to have the rights as a member state, beginning with the right to freedom to make bilateral arrangements when it is in exclude ourselves from the euro without paying for it our national interest to do so. through the back door. Stephen Williams: I thank my hon. Friend for that 2.26 pm intervention. He is right to say that we need flexibility. Stephen Williams (Bristol West) (LD): The background Because we are not in the euro, we are not a participant to this debate is the extreme financial turbulence that in the far greater funding of the facility. I think that the took place all around the European Union—and, indeed, figure involved is ¤400 billion. Our exposure is therefore around the world—in 2008. Since then, the vast majority quite limited. of EU member states have become stable. They are That leads me on to my next point. The loan to growing and have deficit reduction plans in place. It is Ireland involves about ¤7 billion, which is roughly equivalent also important to recognise—I am quite surprised that to the maximum theoretical exposure of the United no one from the Government Benches has said this Kingdom to the loans that we have participated in yet—that the UK has not needed assistance from the under the European financial stability mechanism. So IMF nor from the European financial stability mechanism, what is the cost to the UK? I have already mentioned which we theoretically could have called on from our our IMF and bilateral loan contributions, which we fellow EU member states, or indeed any bilateral assistance, make irrespective of our EU or euro membership. We precisely because the coalition Government have put in are outside the EFSM, as I have said, and our EFSM place a realistic deficit reduction plan to put our finances contribution is restricted to the UK share of the European on to an even keel. However, other EU member states Union budget, which is roughly 12.5%. Our total theoretical are still struggling and have needed that international exposure is therefore about ¤7.5 billion, which is roughly assistance—I refer, of course, to Greece, Portugal and equivalent to the bilateral loan that we have decided, of Ireland. Today’s debate is concerned with European our own volition, to give to our close friend and neighbour, Union assistance, but we should remember that many Ireland. fellow member states have also needed IMF support and bilateral loans, from us and other member states. Our contribution to those loans—I emphasise that they are loans—is at risk only if there is a default on the Graham Stringer (Blackley and Broughton) (Lab): Is part of the member states receiving them. It is the not the reason why Greece, Portugal and Ireland have expectation, when loans are made in the ordinary course needed money that they cannot alter their exchange of business, and certainly between nation states, that rates or control their interest rates because they are in they will be repaid without default, and that they will be the euro? Some of those countries are cutting even repaid with interest. If Ireland and Portugal repay those faster than this Government, and it is not helping. The loans in a timely manner and with interest—the interest answer to those countries’ problems is to get out of the rate is quite a hefty one—it will be important to ensure euro and return to their old currencies. that the interest is credited back to the United Kingdom. A real cost would be incurred if we did not support Stephen Williams: I thank the hon. Gentleman for his our fellow EU member states, which are, after all, our intervention. I suspect that I may be alone in the closest trading partners. It would simply not be in the Chamber—at least on this side of the Chamber—in UK’s national interest to watch the eurozone fail and being for the euro. I believe that Britain could have even break up, as I suspect some of my coalition benefited from joining back in 1999, but I none the less colleagues would like it to do. The resulting massive recognise that the coalition agreement contains a strong instability among our closest trading partners on our statement on how that is simply not up for discussion doorstep would not be in our national interest. I plead during the course of this Parliament. I would therefore with the ministerial team to make the case more strongly agree to differ with the hon. Gentleman. Surely one of on behalf of the Government that UK assistance at this the reasons why the three states that he mentioned are time is in the British national interest, and that it is not unable to deliver deficit reduction is not just their merely the result of some philosophical commitment to membership of the euro, but the fact that their Governments the European Union, whether by the Liberal Democrats— have not been as willing as this Government to take the whom I heard being blamed earlier—or by anyone else. necessary painful medicine to put themselves back on Indeed, if we were not making those contributions via an even keel. the European financial stability mechanism, it is possible We have, of course, made bilateral loans as well, that we would be making higher bilateral contributions recognising that, as the hon. Member for Orpington or having a higher call on our funds because of our (Joseph Johnson) said earlier, it is in our own selfish treaty obligations relating to the IMF. It is also right, national interest to support our fellow EU member however, that any such support should be temporary, states. Many of those points were made last year in the and that, from 2013, the eurozone should be able to debates on the Loans to Ireland Act 2010. One statistic, wash its own face and support itself through the proposed which I thought was implausible when I first heard it—I new European stability mechanism. It will then be up to 817 Eurozone Financial Assistance24 MAY 2011 Eurozone Financial Assistance 818

Britain to decide whether it wishes to give bilateral all the time among the cosy establishment, and it makes assistance, when it is in our national interest to support people angry and frustrated, not only in the House but our closest friends and neighbours. out in the country. I recently asked the Foreign Secretary 2.33 pm “if he will have discussions at EU level on reducing the funding spent by the EU on publicity campaigns.” Kate Hoey (Vauxhall) (Lab): I want to contribute to This matter arose because the European Union has the debate because it is often implied in the media and decided to put by even more of our money to ensure elsewhere that very few Labour Members are against that ordinary people throughout the EU are told how what is happening in Europe. It is important to point wonderful the EU is. We are spending money directly out that millions of Labour voters would support the on European Union propaganda. The answer came motion, and would like to see my party take an even back from the Minister for Europe, and the first bit stronger view on this issue. sounds great: I do not know the details of who signed up to what “While it is important for institutions such as the EU to and when, but I am clear that if it was our Chancellor communicate effectively…spend on this should be efficient, affordable who did so, we should not have signed up to these and proportional. Funding levels for the EU to communicate its arrangements. The new Government coming in should work publicly, as for all other EU activities, will be decided within certainly have made it clear that they were a new the negotiations on the EU 2012 Budget. With those negotiations, Government and that they would look at the matter this Government are seeking substantial reductions in spend and again. I appreciate that they are a coalition, but this greater efficiency across all areas of the Budget.”—[Official Report, 23 May 2011; Vol. 528, c. 448W.] should have had a high priority in the coalition agreement. Once again, fine words. The previous Government said exactly the same thing, but nothing ever changed. Nothing Graham Stringer: I am following what my hon. Friend relating to the European Union ever changes. The sums says, and I agree with her. The previous Government of money involved never go down. We never pay less; were out of tune with the electorate on Europe, as are we pay more and more. this Government. Would it not be good to have a national debate on these issues, and a referendum on With regard to what my hon. Friend the Member for whether we should be in or out of the European Union? Blackley and Broughton (Graham Stringer) said, I believe that it is time for us to have this debate out there in the Kate Hoey: Yes. I am a supporter of the People’s country. Let us stop being afraid of our constituents’ Pledge campaign, and any other campaign that I see on views, and listen to what many people out there want to a referendum. I would like those campaigns to work say. This Government need to accept what the previous together more. Government would never accept—namely, that we are here to stand up for our constituents and our country Even in the House today, we are going to end up on this issue. It is about time that we started to say no to being unable to have a clear vote on this issue because Europe, and to mean it. of the way in which the procedure works and because of the way in which the Government—like previous Governments—are in a nice, cosy little group with all 2.39 pm the pro-Europeans to ensure that we never have a real Mr William Cash (Stone) (Con): The Government vote on these matters. I am not sure whether all those amendment—they have not tabled it in their own name, Members who have signed up to the Government’s but that is what it is, to a great extent—reflects badly on amendment knew what they were signing up to. I cannot the integrity of the coalition. It has nothing whatever to believe that they do not support the motion tabled by do with the national interest. It also says a great deal the hon. Member for Rochester and Strood (Mark about a commitment to Liberal Democrat ideology, Reckless). Looking at the amendment, we see that they and it is primarily about numbers. The Liberal Democrats, accept the motion up to and including the point that and certain elements in the Conservative party at a very the EFSM is “legally unsound”. If something is legally high level, are quite prepared to allow further European unsound, the Government should automatically oppose integration. There are alternatives that would allow us it. I am sure that the European Union will be quivering to renegotiate the treaties and/or to say no, but they are when it hears that the Government’s amendment proposes simply not doing so. that the Government Indeed, only a few days ago, the Prime Minister made “raise the issue of the EFSM at the next meeting of the Council it abundantly clear that the object of the coalition was of Ministers or the European Council; and supports any measures to stabilise the economy. We understand that. The problem which would lead to an agreement for a Eurozone-only arrangement.” is that this is about numbers, not about principles or policy. There are many people in the Conservative party, Jacob Rees-Mogg (North East Somerset) (Con) rose— outside and inside the House, who know that the arguments we are seeking to address in a reasonable fashion are in Mrs Anne Main (St Albans) (Con) rose— the interests of the country. There is no question about that; the press outside believe it as well. The bottom line Kate Hoey: I will not give way again. is that those of us who have relentlessly pursued the Does anyone in the House really think that our issue of the eurozone bail-out and have tabled many Government would be listened to if they went along to questions have invariably received what could reasonably the Council of Ministers and said that they were very be described as somewhat evasive answers. concerned about this issue? They have not even managed Why should the British taxpayer or British hospitals to get Parliament to give a clear signal about what it and schools in our constituencies in any way underwrite thinks. They have fudged the vote today so that it will what goes on in Portugal, or indeed any other country be pretty meaningless. This fudging on Europe goes on in the eurozone, particularly in times of austerity? It is 819 Eurozone Financial Assistance24 MAY 2011 Eurozone Financial Assistance 820

[Mr William Cash] country—who simply cannot get jobs because companies will not take them on as a result of European employment nothing to do with the question, as suggested on a regulations and because the deficit in the public sector number of occasions, of qualified majority voting. This cannot be stabilised without reasonable tax revenues is completely contrary to the assertion made in reply to from the small business community, which is being me today by the Financial Secretary. Article 122 is not deliberately destroyed by the refusal to repeal the burdens compatible with the treaty and cannot possibly be used that strangle it. to support the European financial stability mechanism. In the meantime, Germany has had unit labour costs Indeed, in their acquiescence, as shown in the amendment, of a mere 2% on average over the last 10 years, whereas the Government accept that the position is legally unsound. the average for the rest of the European member states By saying that, they completely undermine their position. is between 25% and 30%. It is an impossible situation, The Government know it and everyone knows it: it making it impossible for Europe—this entity that the is not compatible with the treaty, and the Minister is integrationists believe in—to be able to compete with wrong. the BRIC countries. Germany invests in cheaper labour markets in Europe, with 67% of all its trade being with Mr John Redwood (Wokingham) (Con): My hon. Europe, while 45% of all European trade with China is Friend makes a powerful legal point. Does he agree that German. what these states in trouble need is a work-out, not a The reality is that what we are debating today is bail-out? We do not give alcoholics more drink; we cure symptomatic of a failure in the coalition Government’s the alcoholism. We should not give the over-borrower strategy. We are not going to get out of this problem—I more borrowing. say this in all sincerity and in the great hope that people will listen at last—as long as we go on with this failing Mr Cash: I could not agree more, and a course of project. We will not get out of the mess. Today’s debate Alcoholics Anonymous would not be out of place. is an opportunity to get the issue straight. As Michael It is not just the European Scrutiny Committee that Stürmer, the chief correspondent of Die Welt argued, said the position was legally unsound or unlawful. the dream is over and the Maastricht treaty has to be Madame Lagarde herself, the prospective head of the revised, but the coalition has no will to do so. The IMF, said on this issue on 17 December: European bail-out of Portugal is a symptom of this “We violated all the rules because we wanted to close ranks deeper problem. and really rescue the eurozone.” This is a stitch-up of the British people to maintain the Claire Perry (Devizes) (Con): Given my hon. Friend’s so-called solidarity for further integration of a failing very pessimistic view of the outlook for the eurozone, European project. That is what lies at the heart of the which many of us share, does he not feel like giving just matter. a tiny cheer that, thanks to the Chancellor’s efforts last December, we will take no further part in a permanent Why are people protesting and rioting all over Europe bail-out mechanism for Europe? —in Madrid, Greece, Italy and the list is growing? What is not growing is the European economy and the reason Mr Cash: I did not say anything adverse about it at is that the sort of policies needed—here and in all the the time other than that the opportunity was not taken, other countries—to engender growth to deal with the despite advice I tried to give, to use the treaty opportunity deficit that the Government rightly say we have to to say to other member states that we would not agree address are impossible to achieve without generating to the treaty and would veto it unless we were taken out the growth that is needed by repealing legislative burdens of the EFSM; we could then have brought forward the and generating policies that the integrationists in Europe arrangements currently proposed for 2013. That proposition simply refuse to allow. I would go further and say that was eminently reasonable, eminently possible and the coalition in this country cannot achieve growth ¤440 billion was available under the facility, which is in simply because the Liberal Democrats, as part of the operation until 2013. In other words, the whole EFSM coalition, have silenced the Prime Minister’s promise to issue pivots on vanity and a determination not to unravel repatriate burdens on business. It is called 56 votes and something that cries out for unravelling. It is not just; it the keys to No. 10. is not right; it is completely irrational. There are going to be further and deeper riots and Jim Sheridan (Paisley and Renfrewshire North) (Lab): protests. Worse still, I believe that the Government are The hon. Gentleman might have heard, as I did, the contributing towards instability throughout Europe while Liberal part of the coalition talking clearly about what claiming that within the time frame extending to 2013, might happen “if” these loans are repaid, which suggests bailing out the German and French banks—we should some ambiguity and concern within the coalition remember that that is what lies at the root of the Government about whether the loans will be repaid. He problem—as well as Portugal and Greece will achieve will also recall that when the Conservatives were in stability. It will not. The argument is not only wrong, opposition, they opposed the bail-out of Northern but totally— Rock. What has changed between then and now? Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Lindsay Hoyle): Order. Mr Cash: Very simply, we now have a new coalition Government who have been seeking to achieve a reduction 2.48 pm in the deficit, but they are not doing the accompanying things that are required in respect of the failing European Austin Mitchell (Great Grimsby) (Lab): I largely agree project. That is the key problem. There are young with the argument about the incompatibility of eurozone people throughout Europe—and, for that matter, in this countries, as the hon. Member for Stone (Mr Cash) 821 Eurozone Financial Assistance24 MAY 2011 Eurozone Financial Assistance 822 outlined, although I do not agree with his defence of action was precluded first by the European exchange the Government. If we pay tribute to anybody it should rate mechanism, which broke up because it became be to the previous Chancellor and then Prime Minister, impossible, and it is certainly precluded now by the my right hon. Friend the Member for Kirkcaldy and euro. These failing countries can have no recourse to Cowdenbeath (Mr Brown) who, against great opposition either reducing interest rates or accepting adjustments from the Liberal Democrats and from sections of the to the exchange rate, as this country has done, and they Labour party, kept us out of the euro and avoided the have therefore moved towards a crisis. consequences that have fallen on the eurozone states I cannot conceive why we—having kept out of the that are now in need of support and finance. euro and warned of the consequences of joining the I do not think that the hon. Member for Bristol West euro, and having drawn attention to what was implicit (Stephen Williams) should feel uncomfortable about his in a system that brought together incompatible states lonely defence of the euro as he sits there like an with different rates of productivity and competitiveness Amplex advert on two empty Benches—because nobody and with no central mechanism to redistribute or help wants to sit with somebody who is going to defend the them with their difficulties—should be asked to contribute euro in his kind of fashion—as the Liberal party policy to the bail-outs, and I therefore strongly support the has always been, “My euro right or wrong.” I can well motion. I cannot see what the sob sisters who tabled the remember, as can many others, the exchange rate mechanism amendment have to offer by saying, “Let us talk about crisis. Just as the ERM was about to collapse, there were it later.” Let us talk about it now, because the House the Liberals chanting, “Move to the narrower bands must be the master of its own destinies and the country’s now” in unison with a lemming-like folly, which the destinies. hon. Gentleman demonstrated again today. He should not worry about this peculiar position; he should say This cannot be left to a Government who, in European with triumph that the Liberal Democrats have persuaded matters, are always facing the threat of the tar baby. the coalition into accepting and financing these bail-outs. One contact with the euro, and countries are dragged It is not a small sum. He mentioned a liability for in; one contact with Europe, and they are dragged £7.5 billion—this from a Government who are cutting endlessly into further and further commitments to a Sure Start children’s centres and police budgets and line that is impossible to hold. We should say in the who cannot afford anything for beneficiaries in this Chamber today, “We cannot hold this line. We will not country, yet who are prepared to back a bail-out that help to hold this line. It is not our problem.” could cost us £7.5 billion. To have persuaded the cautious Conservatives, who Several hon. Members rose— have always been rather sceptical about Europe, to accept that position must be a triumph for the Liberal Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Lindsay Hoyle): Order. We Democrats, in which I think they should rejoice. It is a are running out of time very quickly, and I want to demonstration of the impossibility of the eurozone’s enable as many Members as possible to speak. We need working. What we are being asked to do today is pay for to hear about the amendment, so I now call Chris the consequences of the fact that it could never have Heaton-Harris. If there are fewer interventions and worked because it brings together incompatible economies. Members do not use all their allotted time, we shall do It brings together the southern economies, which are very well and get much lower down the list. frankly uncompetitive, and many of which are close to defaulting in any case, and the powerful German economy, where inflation is kept very low by agreement between 2.54 pm the two sections of industry, continuous investment and continuous improvement. Chris Heaton-Harris (Daventry) (Con): I beg to move The southern economies, which have higher rates of an amendment, to leave out from ‘unsound’ to the end inflation and lower rates of productivity, can never keep of the Question and add: up. The gap therefore widens, and Germany comes ‘urges the Government to raise the issue of the EFSM at the next more and more to dominate the European economy, to meeting of the Council of Ministers or the European Council; a point at which the others must deflate to clear the and supports any measures which would lead to an agreement for deficits caused by their balance of trade with Germany. a Eurozone-only arrangement.’. That is the incompatibility with which we are dealing, As you have made amply clear, Mr Deputy Speaker, and that is the cause of the problems of the southern we do not have much time. I therefore intend to confine states in which we are being asked to involve ourselves— my remarks to the subjects raised in my amendment although we kept out of the euro, in the face of some and to the politics behind it. derision from the Liberal Democrats and, indeed, liberal The motion argues that there is no legal base for opinion in the country as a whole. making EU money available for bail-outs. It questions We kept out, so why should we be responsible for the the idea that the natural disasters clause can be used to failures implicit in the euro? There are only two possibilities justify using EU funds to pay the countries concerned. for the countries that are now failing and needing help Let me say at the outset that the amendment does not or the ability to default. They can deflate, which they touch the very important line in the original motion are being asked to do to a degree that is impossible for that states that the European Scrutiny Committee, of their electors to accept, or they can get someone to which I am a member, write off their debts, a strategy mentioned by the hon. Member for Rochester and Strood (Mark Reckless). “has stated its view that the EFSM is legally unsound.” They cannot do what France and Italy did for many Let me now deal with some of the politics of today, years when they became uncompetitive and their balance which were observed by the hon. Member for Vauxhall of payments deficits built up, and simply devalue. Such (Kate Hoey). 823 Eurozone Financial Assistance24 MAY 2011 Eurozone Financial Assistance 824

Mr David Nuttall (Bury North) (Con): Was not that against any proposal presented—and I should like to line left in the motion because it is a fact—which there think that it would—the simple fact is that because of is no point in denying—that the European Scrutiny the disastrous advice given to the former Chancellor of Committee stated that the European financial stability the Exchequer and the consequent actions that he took mechanism was legally unsound? at meetings on 9 and 10 May last year as the previous Government were leaving office, the UK entered the Chris Heaton-Harris: I shall come to that point directly. mechanism. Moreover, the Council decides on these matters now, and will do so in the future, by means of Members on both sides of the House know that the qualified majority voting. Government would not have accepted the motion tabled by my hon. Friend the Member for Rochester and Strood (Mark Reckless), and that if we were to vote on George Freeman (Mid Norfolk) (Con): Does my hon. the original text it would be probably be defeated, and Friend not agree that when the Conservatives were last the House would be left without a view on this matter. in office they established a firm veto in precisely this context? My amendment, which I should like to think has a good That veto was given away in 2001 by the Labour party, chance of being passed, would enable the House to and the present Government are now being forced to adopt the words of the European Scrutiny Committee. implement a decision that was sneaked through by Labour in the dying days of its Government. I believe that the legality of the EFSM, and indeed that of the European financial stability facility—the EFSF—has been questioned in relation to the EU Chris Heaton-Harris: Absolutely—and let me make treaty’s “no bail-out” clause, which states that the EU it perfectly clear that, thanks to what Labour did a and member states year ago as it was leaving office, the EU cannot veto the grant of an EU loan or credit line extended via the “shall not be liable for or assume the commitments of” European financial stability mechanism. other member states. Kate Hoey: The hon. Gentleman can say what he Mrs Main: I appreciate that my hon. Friend was likes about why we cannot do this and cannot do that, trying to be helpful, but his amendment seems deeply but does he not accept that the people of this country unhelpful to those who wanted the strength of the do not care which party did what? They want us to veto original motion to be negated, and to have been able to this now, and if we cannot do so, we should simply not vote on it. pay.

Chris Heaton-Harris: I will say more about the politics Chris Heaton-Harris: I should love to agree with the later in my speech. In any event, I believe that if either hon. Lady on that—so I will. my amendment or the original motion is passed, the House of Commons will be the first member state Parliament to question formally the legality of the Jacob Rees-Mogg: Is there anything to prevent us stability mechanism. from requiring the European Court of Justice to rule on whether this use of the mechanism is legal? The remaining part of my amendment involves a fairly academic argument. Does any Member in the House truly believe that, with the Greek economy running Chris Heaton-Harris: I honestly do not think so. out of cash, market fears that the eurozone contagion In the most basic terms, voting for the original motion will spread and reveal itself at the heart of the Spanish will not mean that we are no longer liable to contribute and Italian economies, and the continuing problems in to bail-outs via the EFSM. Worse than that—as I Ireland and Portugal, this matter was not going to be have said—because the Government signalled they up-front and central at the next meeting of the Council were not likely to accept the original motion, it would in of Ministers or the European Council? I should like to all likelihood have fallen, and therefore, far from this think that those problems are not only the first item on House having put its foot down, it would not have had a the agenda for such meetings, but being discussed every view at all. My amendment merely recognises that day throughout the Governments of Europe. reality. It does not build up false hope that we can Bail-outs have become what they were always going simply stop being involved in these matters, but it does to be: politically toxic, not only for those who provide send a message to Government that I hope will be the cash—the local election results in Bremen at the reflected in the ongoing debates on them: that this weekend underlined that—but, much more, for the House wants there to be a eurozone-only arrangement Governments of the countries receiving the money, in the future. who have to introduce economic measures that are Too regularly in this place and elsewhere, those of us politically unpalatable to the people, as so many Spanish who question various aspects of our relationship with socialists found last weekend. Whatever senior advisers the European Union march our supporters to the top of of Governments across Europe may think, the markets the hill only to find that we are outnumbered and have already decided—and I consider it to be a matter outfoxed, and are then valiantly and gloriously defeated. of fact—that the Greek bail-out has not worked and We need to get real. will be renegotiated. What I believe my hon. Friend for the Member Richard Drax (South Dorset) (Con): Perhaps we are Rochester and Strood is after is a vote that will prevent led to the top of the hill and then let down by us from providing any more money for these bail-outs parliamentarians who do not have the guts to stand up through the EFSM. Alas, although the UK could vote for their country. 825 Eurozone Financial Assistance24 MAY 2011 Eurozone Financial Assistance 826

Chris Heaton-Harris: My hon. Friend could, perhaps, on the toilet wall if nobody pays any attention,” because say that, but he would obviously have to have a good that would have much the same impact. This is a bit like 10-year track record of actually standing up for this a child in the classroom threatening to hold their breath country in a different Parliament somewhere else. until they are sick unless teacher gives them an apple. It The economics of our time is proving us right. It is is weak and miserable, and smacks of the YosserHughes time we changed tactics, and time we learned from the phrase, “Gissa job.” past. Let us win the arguments we can, bank the result Those who drafted and signed the amendment have and push forward. I am sure that those on the Treasury been far too easily bought off by the Government Whips. Bench have noted the feeling of the House on this Perhaps some among them are deluded, but perhaps the matter. I would like to think they understand that we others have set their price too low. If Members show expect the Government to play all the cards they are our party Whips that we are prepared to be resolute, dealt in negotiations with our European partners, and I even though they might have told us that their current would remind them of how much cross-party support offer—or bribe—is the only one available, they will they have for their negotiations on the next EU financial ultimately find another that might be more to our liking. framework for 2014-2020. We have a veto on that We must recognise that the eurozone’s problems are matter, and are expecting great things. economic manifestations of political problems. The My endgame is to spare the UK the costs of these eurozone—its creation and membership—is clearly a bail-outs, leaving them as a proper matter for the euroland political construct, and the admission of Greece was countries. I intend to press this amendment—tabled in politically, rather than economically, decided. I think my name and those of more than 50 other Members—to we all know that the Greeks lied about their economy in the vote. order to get into the eurozone. The problems that have now arisen have not come out of a clear blue sky; not 3.2 pm only were they predictable, they were predicted. It was Mr Ian Davidson (Glasgow South West) (Lab/Co-op): predicted that these problems would arise. Therefore, The wider question we need to address is why it appears those who are now running about like headless chickens that this Government are consistently going soft on the pretending it is all the fault of bad snow, leaves on the European Union. When they were elected, the impression line, sunspots and other events that could not possibly was given that they were going to be much tougher on have been foreseen, are doing themselves and this House Europe than the previous Government had been, and I a disservice. We must recognise that these are political welcomed that different position, on that issue if on no issues that have to be handled in a political fashion. other. I welcomed the fact that the Conservatives gave I recognise that we have an economic interest in the the impression they were going to stand up to Europe well-being of the eurozone, but the Liberal position much more than the previous Government, and that seems to be that because this is a political construct they they were going to seek opportunities not only to repatriate wish to support, we have to keep shovelling in money powers but to reduce the amount of money we give to regardless of how much it costs. I agree with those who the EU and to pursue all possible ways to clip the say that we have spent enough and we must spend no European Commission’s wings. Why, therefore, has it more. I certainly agree with the position of the previous come to pass that they seem to be simply acquiescing in speaker, who seemed to be saying that we are looking so much that goes on in the EU? for great things from this Government in terms of I do not for a moment accept that the current freezing or reducing the overall level of the EU budget. Government should be allowed to hide behind the This debate should be a prelude to that argument that playground argument that a big boy did it and then ran we must have. We should be taking a robust and vigorous away. I accept that the previous Government were not line on this, in order to ensure that there are no concessions without fault in this matter, but simply to say that they on the EU budget. did it so there is absolutely nothing whatever we can do I will vote with whoever I think is most extreme on about it now is not acceptable. To their credit politically, this matter. It seems to me that that is the only way we this Government have said in respect of a whole number can gain Europe’s attention. Simply threatening to stamp of policy areas that they wish to reverse the previous our feet and indicate our displeasure will be brushed Government’s line, and they are taking steps to do so. aside, as will simply acquiescing in the Government Where they believe it is important, they have taken steps Whips’ bidding. This is an issue on which we must vote to undo the previous Government’s work—and I oppose extremist, so that the UK Independence party does not what they have done—yet in this area they seem unwilling come and get many of the Members on the Government to do so. I simply do not understand that, unless they Benches. have struck a secret deal with the Liberals whereby the Liberal tail is wagging the Conservative dog. 3.8 pm Today’s debate appears to be largely a row among Mr Douglas Carswell (Clacton) (Con): We are told Tory Eurosceptics, with the provisional wing arguing that the Government’s priority is to cut the deficit, and against the official wing. I cannot accept that people I rightly so—but why, therefore, are we assuming the vast have heard speaking in a Eurosceptic fashion on other liabilities of other countries? Having struggled for the issues seriously believe that the Brussels bureaucrats past year to cut £6.2 billion from our public spending, are going to be terrified by the prospect of the British why do we sign up to bail-out commitments twice as Government raising the issue—I can just see them great, all in order to bail out a currency we chose not to running off into the bars to have a stiff drink in fear lest join? We have been told that the bail-outs are to help this issue be raised! Goodness me, if the drafters of this our friends, but since when do we help a friend in debt amendment had been serious they might have said that by pressing upon them a high-interest loan? A year of they urged the Government to “Stamp their foot on the bail-outs has not removed the debt burden from our floor if they do not get their way,” or “Write rude words neighbours and friends; it has merely increased it. 827 Eurozone Financial Assistance24 MAY 2011 Eurozone Financial Assistance 828

[Mr Douglas Carswell] on the Labour Benches are still against the common market—they are not really against the European Union We have endlessly been told that by bailing out the as such—whereas the Eurosceptics on the Government countries in question we are rescuing the people of Benches are, honourably, against the EU as a project. Ireland, Portugal and elsewhere. I am not sure that the As they know, the problem I have with this whole people of those countries quite see those bail-outs as debate is that all these manifestations have nothing to such a salvation. Like the people of Argentina a decade do with our being in the eurozone; they are to do with ago, they increasingly recognise that their economic the failure of Governments to use the money that they well-being is being sacrificed by politicians in pursuit of had available, their own economic powers and the money grandiose dreams of monetary union. We have heard made available to them by the EU in their period of how these bail-outs will buy time, but time for what? transition into the EU to do the right things and invest Are they buying time for the bondholders to pass the correctly in the skills of their people and in the supply weight of their losses on to the shoulders of taxpayers? side of their economy, rather than spending the money Ministers have sought to reassure us that UK liabilities on large economic projects. for the bail-outs will be limited until 2013, but we need For example, when we go on a cheap holiday to to look at the sheer volume of debt that needs to be Portugal we can drive on excellent motorways directly rolled over in the affected countries in the next 18 months from the airport to the place where we will lie in the sun, —limiting our liabilities until 2013 is little comfort to and the hotels and large boulevards will have been paid those who care to look at the maths. for by EU money. However, the young people of that We have been told that Britain will get this money country fail to get a decent education, proper skills and back, yet at the very moment that Greece hovers on university places. The reality of these countries is that default we proceed to lend £4.2 billion to Portugal. We they have under-invested in their own people. That have also been told that there is something unavoidable criticism cannot be levelled at the UK. about the bail-outs. It is supposedly a deal struck by the The eurozone offers these countries a way out of former Chancellor at the ECOFIN meeting on 8 May their dilemma that, as a socialist, I do not particularly last year, but I can find no evidence to suggest that we find attractive; they will be asked to cut further their sought to challenge it in the ECOFIN meeting in the budgets, which should be invested in their social week that followed. If Ministers were really reluctant infrastructure and the supply side of their economy. participants in the stabilisation mechanism, why did the That will cause them great harm, but that offer will be Economic Secretary to the Treasury write on 18 July made to them by the International Monetary Fund, the last year: World Bank and so on because it is the capitalist model. “While these decisions were taken by the previous government, That model says, “When you are in trouble, slash your this Government judges them to be an appropriate response to budgets in the public sector.” Now, where have I heard the crisis.”? that before? I have heard it from those on the Government That does not sit entirely comfortably with the idea of Front Bench and from every Government Back Bencher. Government reluctance to join in the bail-outs. If this They have been told that every time they get up they Government were reluctant about the deal that they should use the mantra about how they have to slash and claim they inherited, why are we promoting the senior burn the economy of this country—thus denying the official behind it to be the next ambassador to Brussels? young people of this country the chance to look for a We have sat here for too long listening to what better future—because of the problem of debt. Ministers tell us. We have been fed too many bogus That situation will be the consequence for Greece, assurances and too many reasons that have turned out Portugal and Ireland. It is what is happening in Ireland, to be excuses. The bail-outs are not only ruinous and and the young people in Spain are worried that it will quite possibly illegal; they are indefensible. They mean happen to them. That country is a good example of a that although we may not be in the euro as a currency place where major infrastructure projects have been union, we have been dragged into it as a debt union. It is financed by the EU and the supply side of the economy not enough simply to listen to further assurances given has been run down. I have met many young people in from the Dispatch Box as Ministers regurgitate what Spain who say, “It was easy to leave school at 16 and get officials permit them to say. This House needs to instruct a job building houses, but nobody can afford to buy the Government to act. It is not time for spoiler amendments them now. It was good money, the sun was shining and designed to stop short of instructing the Government everything was going to be fine.” Suddenly, these people to act. It is not time for carefully calibrated wordplay find that they have no skills, no jobs and no future. intended to create the illusion of opposition to the bail-out when such opposition does not exist. There is only one way to vote today to halt the haemorrhaging Mr Redwood rose— of our cash. I urge colleagues to support the motion in the Lobby, and to reject the Whips’ efforts to water it Michael Connarty: I will give way in a moment. down with this disgraceful amendment. Everything I am discussing is the consequence of the things that the Governments of these countries did; this 3.12 pm was not about the EU being in existence and not about Michael Connarty (Linlithgow and East Falkirk) (Lab): their being members of the eurozone. These things were I am pleased to follow the hon. Member for Clacton done by those Governments. The offer is that the IMF, (Mr Carswell), because he talked about something that the World Bank and the eurozone countries, mainly, should be discussed more in this place: the plight of the will bail out those countries. people who are suffering problems because of their own Government’s mismanagement. My Eurosceptic colleagues Mr Peter Lilley (Hitchin and Harpenden) (Con) rose— 829 Eurozone Financial Assistance24 MAY 2011 Eurozone Financial Assistance 830

Michael Connarty: I am about to give way to the right figures have been facilitated by the low interest rates hon. Member for Wokingham (Mr Redwood). A small that the UK, unconstrained by membership of the euro, part of the bail-out will be a fund, to which we have has been free to pursue. signed up, that will give a loan to those countries to help I share the view, in principle, that as we are not part them to get over this unattractive prospect of having to of the eurozone we should not be bound by its bail-out face down their own people and cut their own services commitments. That principle has, I believe, been upheld because of the lack of good Government management, by our Government, but our Government cannot undo so that they can be bailed out. the commitments set in stone by the previous Government. The die was cast at the ECOFIN meeting last May Mr Redwood: Does the hon. Gentleman not see that when the UK agreed to the creation of the ¤60 billion these countries are locked into a currency at a rate that European financial stability mechanism. That placed makes them completely uncompetitive, which is why an obligation on the UK to underwrite emergency loans they have mass unemployment and why lending them to crisis-hit member states. money does not get them out of the mess? Mr Cash: I do not want to interrupt my hon. Friend’s Michael Connarty: I do not see that. What the right flow, but it was open to the Government to challenge hon. Gentleman says may be a good indicator of where the issue before the European Court and they did not this debate is coming from. This is not about the European do so. It was open to them to say that they would veto mechanism; this is about wanting to destroy the euro, to the treaty unless we had an unravelling of the EFSM, see it bust and to see it fail. If that is what it is about, but they chose not to do so. They went for integration, people should stand up and say so; they should not lie not for dealing with the situation. to the people of the UK or mislead them by saying that it is about something else. People should be told the Margot James: I thank my hon. Friend for his truth. I know that some Labour Members would certainly intervention, but I shall proceed to make the point that like to see the European monetary project and the euro it is no good dwelling on what our Government should completely collapse. If that is the agenda of Members or should not have done and whether the former Chancellor on the Government Benches, they should say so. should have committed the UK to the EFSM. The The prospect I was describing is not one that I find point is that the Labour Government signed up to the attractive. In the modern world economy we clearly Nice treaty way back and gave away our veto on the need to have a large trade bloc, probably united in some costly European bail-out funds. The decision to establish way around a monetary discipline, that faces down the the EFSM was therefore subject to qualified majority problems coming from the United States of America, voting and would have been passed. I am not convinced which is in the most unbelievable debt to the rest of the that there is any basis in law to challenge that decision. world. That country is run on the basis of its economy The other question raised by the motion concerns always being indebted to other countries. What will whether the loans granted under the EFSM are being come from China and from Africa? That is part of this granted correctly given the requirement that they should whole issue, and I hope that one day we will have the be made in conjunction with the IMF and the other courage to move into that area, but what we are talking much larger European financial stability facility, in which about is a very small loan of £4 billion, which will come Britain, thanks to our Government, has no obligation. back to the people of this country eventually when Under the terms of the proposed loan to Portugal, these countries are resettled in a new economic environment. those three sources of finance share the commitment We hear hon. Members go on and on as if they are equally. If there is evidence that the EFSM is bearing a doing something wonderful in defending the UK, but disproportionate load compared with the other two they are not. We are talking about “beggar your neighbour” sources of finance, the Government should raise that at politics here and I am not prepared to vote for that. I the next meeting of the Council of Ministers or the applaud the Government for being honest and sincere European Council. I cannot see any argument with that. about the fact that this European project either collapses I contend that the situation facing Europe is so dire or it is supported by all of us in different ways. I believe and potentially calamitous that we might well look that the interest of the people of the UK lies in maintaining back at this time and conclude that being up for a the eurozone and the euro, and helping countries when proportion of the loans distributed by just the EFSM, they fall into indebtedness. I hope that the Government commensurate with our share of the European budget, will persuade hon. Members to reject the proposals was the least of our problems. The Government are to before them. be congratulated on securing a complete withdrawal from Britain’s liability from 2013 and a very tight cap 3.18 pm on anything we might have to underwrite between now and then—something akin to just 1% or 2% of the Margot James (Stourbridge) (Con): I wish to preface potential total bail-out loan facilities that might be my remarks by acknowledging the hard work and bitter called on by the eurozone countries. I will therefore battles engaged in by so many members of my party, support the amendment to the motion proposed by my several of whom are in the Chamber today, that resulted hon. Friend the Member for Daventry (Chris Heaton- in the freedom that our country enjoys in not being part Harris). of the euro. That the euro has proved such a disastrous policy for members of the eurozone is evident to all. 3.23 pm The improvements to our trade balances and the growth in our exports this year would not have been possible Claire Perry (Devizes) (Con): I speak with some without the devaluation of sterling. The recovery of our trepidation from the depths of the Maastricht maestros manufacturing sector and the stabilisation of employment on the Government Benches. If I may echo the point 831 Eurozone Financial Assistance24 MAY 2011 Eurozone Financial Assistance 832

[Claire Perry] Members consider the conditions under which a country can access the facility, they will see that extremely tight made by my hon. Friend the Member for Stourbridge conditions must be met and plans must be made. Although (Margot James), it is a tribute to many people, surrounding the situation is not ideal, the Government have done far me today and not in the House, that we are no longer more than the previous Government to put a stop to part of the euro and that we have been able to establish such developments—in fact, they have done the opposite a healthy Euroscepticism both in opposition and since of what that Government did for 13 years. The point we came into government. that has been made about fighting to ensure that there is Let me go back in history to see how we reached this equal draw-down from the facility is right and I believe sorry state of affairs. Many Members will remember the that the amendment also calls for that. debates around the time of the Nice treaty in 2001. I urge Members on both sides of the House to stop Indeed, there are Ministers on our Benches today who this Eurosceptic scaremongering, to focus on the facts urged the Government of the time in the strongest of the debate and to ensure that we collectively never possible terms not to sign up to the treaty as they again sign our country up to the sort of bail-out mechanisms believed it would give away any future veto on bail-out and removal of vetoes with which the previous Government mechanisms. We were assured at that time by the then left us. Minister for Europe that article 103 made it clear that there would be no bailing out of member states, whether Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Lindsay Hoyle): I call Andrea that meant Britain or any other member state. I question Leadsom. Youhave two minutes before the Front-Bench whether the Minister for Europe at that point knew wind-ups. what was being done. In May 2010, the acting Chancellor of the Exchequer 3.28 pm signed Britain’s commitment to the temporary European financial stability mechanism. Our total commitment is Andrea Leadsom (South Northamptonshire) (Con): I 12.5% of the putative total of ¤60 billion—¤7.5 billion, stand here as a big fan of Europe but a big enemy of the a substantial sum. Later, I shall address what that European Union, and I want to share a few of my means for hard-pressed British taxpayers. First, let me passions with you, Mr Deputy Speaker. First, I want to move the timeline further forward one step to December share my anger at the Opposition for their failure to 2010. As has been said several times, the Conservative give us the referendum on the Lisbon treaty that they Chancellor of the Exchequer agreed that Britain would promised. I also want to share my fury at the former play no further role in a permanent European bail-out Chancellor for signing us up to the EFSM that has facility and also fought for and had implemented a caused so many problems—the reason we are having number of stringent requirements for draw-downs from this debate. Finally, I would like to share my gratitude the existing facility. to the former Prime Minister for not taking us into the What will this facility cost the taxpayer? As my hon. euro. Friend the Member for Orpington (Joseph Johnson) I want to spend a moment talking about our friends said earlier, it is a contingent liability. A number of the Europeans who find themselves in an extraordinarily things must happen before there is any cash bail-out. difficult position. At the moment, 10-year Government The entire thing has to go belly up and the countries all bonds in Portugal are trading at around 64 cents in the have to default. Given that our ranking on this debt is euro, while in Ireland they are trading at around 66. In pari passu with the facilities put in place by the IMF, we Greece they are trading at around 51—that is about will have a superior credit position and will be paid first 51 cents in the euro for Greek 10-year Government in the unlikely event that there is a partial or full bonds—which basically means that when our European default. It is not a gift or a grant but a contingent friends have to lend them money, as they will undoubtedly liability of ¤7.5 billion, of which approximately ¤1.2 billion have to do, it will effectively be half a gift and half a has been put into the facility to date. The suggestions loan. We in this country are extraordinarily lucky that we often hear from Members on the Government Benches our Front Benchers have enabled us to withdraw entirely that hard-pressed taxpayers will see further cuts to from the bail-out mechanism from June 2013. We should public services or will not see the schools, hospitals or praise the Prime Minister and the Chancellor for arranging road repairs that they have been promised are simply matters so that we will not, over the longer term, have to fiction. It is not the case. suffer the price that will undoubtedly be the case for our This amount is a proportion of the EU budget and European friends. the budget is agreed for this year, so the liability is capped at this level. There is no further liability under 3.30 pm the facility. What is the “so what” of this point? It is my belief that the action of this Government’s Chancellor Chris Leslie (Nottingham East) (Lab/Co-op): May I has stopped Britain further sleepwalking into handouts, pay tribute to the hon. Member for Rochester and bail-outs, gifts or grants to the European Union. This Strood (Mark Reckless) for securing this important fund is a eurozone experiment about which we have debate? This is one of those occasions that make me many concerns and I share the concerns that have been think that there are not just two parties in the coalition. eloquently raised by Government Members about the We need to clarify some of the history to this issue long-term future direction of countries that are hamstrung because I get the impression that certain hon. Members by the tightness of their currency conditions and the are labouring under a false set of impressions about the overall problems with their economies. European financial stabilisation mechanism. Of course A Conservative Chancellor argued for tough conditions there were the ECOFIN meetings of 9 and 10 May at and pari passu rating with IMF debt for this facility, the which the EFSM was agreed to as part of the package only facility in which we have involvement. If hon. of measures to maintain financial stability across Europe. 833 Eurozone Financial Assistance24 MAY 2011 Eurozone Financial Assistance 834

It was against that backdrop that my right hon. Friend shouldering up to a third of the bail-out costs, as some the Member for Edinburgh South West (Mr Darling), hon. Members have pointed out. We have found that the former Chancellor of the Exchequer, consulted the agreement in May regarding the EFSM sum of both the current Chancellor and the Business Secretary, ¤60 billion would represent only 12% of the non-IMF and cross-party consensus had been gained. Those are contribution, with the remaining ¤440 billion being not my words but those of the Economic Secretary to borne by the wider eurozone fund. The British liability the Treasury. The explanatory memorandum that she for that was going to be only 12.5%, but the proportion signed on 15 July 2010 in her own fair hand—Justine contributed from the EU-wide EFSM to the Irish bail-out Greening, Economic Secretary—says those words: was greater than the eurozone proportion. The Portuguese “cross-party consensus had been gained.” bail-out was hardly an improvement, with one third I know it is convenient for Ministers and some hon. coming from the EFSF, one third from the EFSM and Members to rewrite history and to give a partial account another third from the IMF. of what happened and about these important facts, but The Minister must explain to the House why the there it is in writing. [Interruption.] If hon. Members EFSM, which makes up only 12% of the non-IMF want to dispute the words of their honourable colleague contribution, is being drawn upon to the same extent as on the Front Bench I am happy to give way to them. or more than the EFSF. That forms a crucial part of the motion tabled by Back Benchers. The Minister is under Mr Cash rose— an obligation at least to say why we are using the EFSM to such a high degree. That is incredibly important. It Chris Leslie: In a moment. In a letter of 18 July 2010 has been in the gift of Ministers to answer that question, to the Chairman of the European Scrutiny Committee, but so far they have neglected to do so. to whom I shall give way in a moment, the Economic The EFSM was supposed to be a temporary mechanism Secretary also said, very helpfully, that all along. The failure of the Government to push forward “this Government judges” with a permanent mechanism, despite opportunities to do so, is an abandonment of UK interests. The temporary the EFSM emergency EFSM was only ever meant to be a short-lived “to be an appropriate response to the crisis.” interim arrangement. We should have been moving on So the official voice of the Government, according to as quickly as possible to a permanent eurozone-only what the Economic Secretary has written in her own mechanism. Why has the Chancellor failed to press his fair hand, was that there was a consensus approach European colleagues to sort out a permanent eurozone-only during the transitional period following the general fund more urgently? election and that the current Government judged the The Chancellor attended an ECOFIN meeting on EFSM to be an appropriate response to the crisis. 18 May. The Financial Secretary attended ECOFIN on 8 June last year, the Chancellor on 13 July, the Chancellor Mr Cash: Does the shadow Minister accept that the again on 7 September and the Financial Secretary again date on which that particular statement was made, on 30 September, yet the press releases from each of 15 July 2010, was four days after the expiry of the date those ECOFIN meetings suggest that not once did Ministers on which a challenge to the European Court could have raise the issue of pressing forward with that permanent been made? Furthermore, does he accept that since then arrangement. Can the Minister explain why not? the Government have insisted that they oppose the proposal of the former Chancellor of the Exchequer? Mr Davidson: The shadow Minister is rightly attacking the Government for being weak and vacillating. Will he Chris Leslie: That is an extremely illuminating fact tell us what bold, straightforward and clear position he and it would be perfectly legitimate for Members on the is urging us to take on the vote? Government side, perhaps in private meetings elsewhere, to ask a few more searching questions about what Chris Leslie: I am happy to do that. Unfortunately, exactly their Front Benchers have been doing in their the wording of the motion refers to the legality of the name. Either the Minister who signed the memorandum EFSM, and I do not think the former Chancellor, my was wrong—perhaps she was misled in her understanding right hon. Friend the Member for Edinburgh South or she and her officials were ignorant of the facts—or West (Mr Darling), would have acted illegally to sign up perhaps she was actually speaking the truth but was to it. I accept that that is a small point, but it is for that subsequently slapped down by the Chancellor. reason that we will abstain today. We will have to revisit the issue time and again. It is Joseph Johnson: Will the hon. Gentleman give way? hugely important that hon. Members understand the situation. We have not yet seen any occasion on which Chris Leslie: I will not because I have only a few Ministers have raised the subject of moving to the minutes left. permanent arrangement as swiftly as they can. They The situation has changed markedly since last May. claim that they are responsible for having secured a The circumstances under which the EFSM was then commitment to move to a permanent arrangement in agreed have altered, casting doubt on whether it is being 2013. The temporary arrangements were always going used appropriately, as many hon. Members have said. to expire in 2013 anyway. So much for the famous Because of the various weaknesses shown by the current victories claimed by the Prime Minister, the Minister Administration in Europe, we have ended up increasingly and other hon. Members. paying more than our fair share in relation to the Too often we have an empty chair at the European EFSM facility, especially as time and again the junior table. Only a few weeks ago, on 6 May, Britain was EFSM fund in the bail-out package has ended up excluded again from a meeting that took place in 835 Eurozone Financial Assistance24 MAY 2011 Eurozone Financial Assistance 836

[Chris Leslie] Mr Hoban: If my right hon. Friend will be patient with me, I want to respond to some of the important Luxembourg—the empty-chair approach was very evident points raised by a number of Members who have when ECB officials met the Finance Ministers of Germany, contributed to the debate. If I have time at the end, I France, Italy, Spain and Greece. Will the Minister say will take interventions. whether there was an active decision by the Treasury to My hon. Friend the Member for Rochester and Strood continue to take an empty-seat policy, or were we said that taxpayers had contributed £12.5 billion to bail simply not invited? We see in the Financial Times that out euro area states, but that is simply not the case. Swedish officials are concerned that the Prime Minister Let me explain why. The European financial stability is not pressing harder to prevent key decisions from mechanism is funded by the European Commission being made only among eurozone members. Will the borrowing from capital markets, and it is only in the Minister say what we are doing to stop being sidelined event that a beneficiary member state defaults that the at that European level? EU budget, and so the UK, will be called upon to We know very well that that temporary fund was contribute. The UK does not fund the EFSM, which is needed. We recognise that it was part of a concerted a contingent liability. Not a single pound of taxpayers’ pan-European action, standing together against the money has gone into the EFSM. On Ireland, as my hon. global forces that threatened the bond market with Friend the Member for Devizes (Claire Perry) has said, contagion. That is especially the case now in the eurozone. we have made a loan, not a gift or a grant, and we expect We have to acknowledge that we have trading partners to get our money back. Not a penny of the money that in Europe and it is in our interest to support their we have saved through spending cuts has been used to continued economic stability, but Britain has already make that loan. paid its fair share in the stabilisation process in the case Let me go back to the events of a year ago. Europe of Ireland and Portugal. The time has come for a faced a crisis, with concerns about the stability of Greece, stronger voice with real influence in Europe to ensure and in the May ECOFIN meeting the EFSM and the that British interests are properly served, which must EFSF were created. They were created at the height of mean a swifter move to a permanent eurozone-only the Greek crisis, in exceptionally turbulent conditions, bail-out mechanism. before the Government took office. Markets were The fund was always due to expire in 2013. That was increasingly questioning the EU’s response to the situation. not Ministers’ doing; it was the original design. We Indeed, there were fears about the stability of the entire know that Ministers were involved in the cross-party euro area and the risk of contagion was real and dangerous. consensus during the transition from the previous European Finance Ministers decided to create a broader Government to the present one. Ministers cannot wriggle package to restore confidence and stability. ECOFIN out of their responsibility now in relation to the EFSM. agreed to establish the EFSM and at the same time euro The Government are on extremely shaky ground and area Finance Ministers agreed to create the much bigger even their natural allies are questioning the coalition’s EFSF, which is backed entirely by euro area countries leadership. The issue will no doubt return on another and does not create any liability for the UK. day. It is worth reminding hon. Members that, although the Greek crisis triggered the creation of the new 3.40 pm mechanism, the EFSM was not used by Greece. The Greek rescue package was financed by the IMF and a The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Mr Mark series of bilateral loans between individual euro area Hoban): I congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for member states and the Greek Government. Rochester and Strood (Mark Reckless) on securing the debate. I will start by setting out our view, which is that The EFSM was agreed at ECOFIN by qualified responsibility for sorting out the problems of the euro majority voting and before this Government took office, area ultimately rests with euro area Governments. We and Cabinet Office protocol was followed throughout. are not members of the euro area, so it is not our At the time, in a conversation with his predecessor, the responsibility to deal with all its problems. However, no current Chancellor made his views on the EFSM clear one should be under any misapprehension about the and cautioned against committing the UK to proposals importance of the euro area to the UK economy. that would have a lasting effect on the UK’s public finances. Members need not take my words for it; the A strong euro area means a growing market for our right hon. Member for Edinburgh South West (Mr Darling) goods and services. A weak euro area puts at risk jobs gave his recollection of the conversation to the House and businesses in our constituencies, as my hon. Friends on 15 December 2010: the Members for Orpington (Joseph Johnson) and for “I discussed with the Chancellor what we should do about the Bristol West (Stephen Williams) noted in their contributions. financial stability mechanism. He had his reservations and stated More than 40% of UK exports are to the euro area, and very clearly that he was against deploying it”.—[Official Report, we know, as has been repeated ad nauseam, that we 15 December 2010; Vol. 520, c. 954.] export more goods and services to Ireland than we send That exactly matches the account given by my right to Brazil, Russia, India and China combined. We have a hon. Friend the Chancellor. clear interest in ensuring that the problems in the euro area are resolved and that the right mechanisms are in Chris Leslie: Will the hon. Gentleman give way? place to do so, but it is not our responsibility to sort them out and it is right, as the amendment makes clear, Mr Hoban: No. As I said earlier, I want to make some for us to find a permanent solution that does not progress on the matter. require us to contribute to this. My right hon. Friend was also clear that, in the days prior to the formation of the coalition, the right hon. Mr Redwood: Will my hon. Friend give way? Member for Edinburgh South West was still the Chancellor 837 Eurozone Financial Assistance24 MAY 2011 Eurozone Financial Assistance 838 of the Exchequer, representing the UK in a dynamic area member countries have to contribute to the rescue negotiating environment, and it was for him to reach of other euro area countries. There is no transfer of that decision. power, competence or, indeed, funds from the UK to The hon. Member for Nottingham East (Chris Leslie) Brussels under that treaty change, but that judgment quoted an extract from an explanatory memorandum, will not be for Ministers alone. and yes there was consensus between the parties about the process, but not about the outcome—as the former Mr Cash: Will my hon. Friend give way? Chancellor of the Exchequer made clear in his statement Mr Hoban: I have two minutes left to conclude my to the House in December. It was a matter for the remarks and to respond to the very detailed questions previous Chancellor to decide, and he was the man that hon. Members on both sides have raised, so I occupying the office at the time. should like to continue to do that. Some of my hon. Friends have today articulated The treaty change was agreed at the Council in March concerns about the use of article 122. The EFSM was and will have to be ratified according to the process set created following agreement by a qualified majority of out in the European Union Bill. Ministers will need to member states at the ECOFIN meeting on 9 May 2010, make a statement explaining why the treaty change does and the terms of the mechanism are set out in an EU not transfer power or competence from the UK to Council regulation. It is based on article 122 and states: Brussels, and Parliament will need to pass primary “Where a Member State is in difficulties or is seriously threatened legislation before the UK can ratify that change. with severe difficulties caused by natural disasters or exceptional circumstances beyond its control, the Council, acting by a qualified Mr Cash: One last time? majority on a proposal from the Commission, may grant, under certain conditions, Community financial assistance to the Member Mr Hoban: I will give way to my hon. Friend—briefly. State concerned.” The Council decided that in those circumstances those Mr Cash: On the Minister’s own terms, it is absolutely criteria applied. clear that the Chancellor of the Exchequer was against Several hon. Members have raised the issue of article 125 those arrangements, so why in that two-month period of the treaty, the so-called “no bail-out” clause, but did the Government not challenge them in the European article 125 does not preclude member states from providing Court of Justice? loans to one another, and, as evidence of that, the EU’s balance of payments facility has already provided medium- Mr Hoban: My hon. Friend and his Committee have term financial assistance to a number of member states. a particular view on the legality of the arrangements, but as I have said there was a clear view that article 122 Over the past year, we have had to deal with the could be used in those circumstances. legacy that we inherited from the previous Government and the previous Chancellor of the Exchequer, but we Although we have had to live with the decisions of have made sure that the permanent arrangements to the past and the EFSM, we have fought to free our sort out the euro area are the ultimate responsibility of nation from the constraints of those decisions in the euro area member states. future. We will not have to contribute towards a European rescue of another euro area member state once the My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister made that permanent ESM comes into force. his goal at last December’s European Council, where he secured two significant victories for the UK. First, he I believe that the amendment tabled by my hon. made sure that article 122 could not be used for euro Friend the Member for Daventry (Chris Heaton-Harris) area bail-outs in the future. Secondly, he ensured that captures the essence of our position. As a consequence the UK would not have to contribute to the European of the action taken by the previous Government, we are stabilisation mechanism, the permanent mechanism part of the EFSM. This Government have had to that will replace the EFSM and the EFSF. As the Prime ensure that we are outside the scope of the permanent Minister said, we have a good “belt and braces” mechanism. My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister approach—a no need, no use approach. has already delivered that commitment at the European Council in December. I hope that my hon. Friends recognise that the action we have taken has freed the Mr Cash: Will my hon. Friend give way? UK from the obligation to take part in future bail-outs of euro area member states. Mr Hoban: If my hon. Friend allows me to continue for a few minutes longer, I may be able to take some 3.50 pm interventions. We ensured that the recitals—the preamble—to the Mark Reckless: So the Treasury agrees that this is decision by Heads of State and of Government at the unlawful, but it is not going to do anything about it. March European Council stated that article 122 In the debate, it was suggested that these bail-outs were a rounding error. My constituents do not believe “will no longer be needed” that £500 per household is a rounding error. It was also and “should not be used” to ensure financial stability suggested that perhaps these moneys are going to be for the whole euro area once the permanent mechanism paid back and there will not be defaults. Well, if Members is in place. believe that, why do they not invest their own money In shaping the debate about the ESM, we had clear rather than that of their constituents? My hon. Friend priorities. First, we had to ensure that there was no the Member for South Northamptonshire (Andrea transfer of powers from the UK to the EU. We would Leadsom) said that it would be possible to get a return never have accepted such a transfer, so the treaty change of 50% or 100%. Does not that suggest that we will not applies only to euro area member states, and only euro be getting our money back? 839 Eurozone Financial Assistance24 MAY 2011 Eurozone Financial Assistance 840

[Mark Reckless] George, Andrew Macleod, Mary Gibb, Mr Nick May, rh Mrs Theresa Today Members face a choice. If they believe that it is Gilbert, Stephen Maynard, Paul sufficient to urge the Government to raise the issue, Gillan, rh Mrs Cheryl McIntosh, Miss Anne then vote yes to the amendment regrettably tabled by Glen, John McLoughlin, rh Mr Patrick my hon. Friend the Member for Daventry (Chris Heaton- Goodwill, Mr Robert McVey, Esther Gove, rh Michael Menzies, Mark Harris). If they believe that we need to put a stop to Graham, Richard Mercer, Patrick these bail-outs and say, “Enough is enough, it is our Grayling, rh Chris Metcalfe, Stephen money, we did not join your currency, and we want our Green, Damian Miller, Maria money back”, then vote no to the amendment. I am Greening, Justine Mills, Nigel disappointed to hear that Opposition Members will not Grieve, rh Mr Dominic Milton, Anne be joining us in the Lobby on this occasion. The hon. Griffiths, Andrew Mordaunt, Penny Member for Nottingham East (Chris Leslie) put his Gummer, Ben Morgan, Nicky position honourably; perhaps one day he will have a Gyimah, Mr Sam Morris, Anne Marie leader who will lead. For now, however, the position is Hague, rh Mr William Morris, David that these bail-outs continue and our constituents’ money Halfon, Robert Mowat, David is being thrown away—good money after bad. Hammond, rh Mr Philip Mulholland, Greg Hammond, Stephen Mundell, rh David This is an opportunity for Members of this House to Hancock, Matthew Munt, Tessa stand up, to look our constituents in the eye, and to say Hands, Greg Murray, Sheryll that we voted no to the bail-outs. Please vote no to the Harper, Mr Mark Murrison, Dr Andrew amendment. Harris, Rebecca Neill, Robert Question put, That the amendment be made. Hart, Simon Newmark, Mr Brooks Harvey, Nick Newton, Sarah The House divided: Ayes 267, Noes 46. Haselhurst, rh Sir Alan Nokes, Caroline Division No. 286] [3.52 pm Heald, Oliver Norman, Jesse Heath, Mr David O’Brien, Mr Stephen AYES Heaton-Harris, Chris Offord, Mr Matthew Hemming, John Ollerenshaw, Eric Adams, Nigel Carmichael, rh Mr Alistair Hendry, Charles Paice, rh Mr James Afriyie, Adam Carmichael, Neil Herbert, rh Nick Parish, Neil Aldous, Peter Chishti, Rehman Hinds, Damian Patel, Priti Amess, Mr David Clark, rh Greg Hoban, Mr Mark Pawsey, Mark Andrew, Stuart Clarke, rh Mr Kenneth Hollingbery, George Penning, Mike Arbuthnot, rh Mr James Clifton-Brown, Geoffrey Holloway, Mr Adam Penrose, John Bacon, Mr Richard Coffey, Dr Thérèse Hopkins, Kris Perry, Claire Bagshawe, Ms Louise Collins, Damian Howarth, Mr Gerald Phillips, Stephen Baker, Norman Colvile, Oliver Howell, John Pickles, rh Mr Eric Baldry, Tony Connarty, Michael Hughes, rh Simon Pincher, Christopher Baldwin, Harriett Cox, Mr Geoffrey Huhne, rh Chris Poulter, Dr Daniel Barclay, Stephen Crockart, Mike Hunt, rh Mr Jeremy Prisk, Mr Mark Barker, Gregory Crouch, Tracey Huppert, Dr Julian Pritchard, Mark Barron, rh Mr Kevin Davey, Mr Edward Hurd, Mr Nick Pugh, John Barwell, Gavin Davies, David T. C. Jackson, Mr Stewart Raab, Mr Dominic Bebb, Guto (Monmouth) James, Margot Randall, rh Mr John Benyon, Richard Dinenage, Caroline Johnson, Gareth Reid, Mr Alan Birtwistle, Gordon Djanogly, Mr Jonathan Johnson, Joseph Robertson, Mr Laurence Blackman, Bob Donohoe, Mr Brian H. Jones, Andrew Rogerson, Dan Blackwood, Nicola Dorries, Nadine Jones, Mr David Rudd, Amber Blunt, Mr Crispin Doyle-Price, Jackie Jones, Mr Marcus Ruffley, Mr David Boles, Nick Duncan Smith, rh Mr Iain Kawczynski, Daniel Russell, Bob Bottomley, Sir Peter Dunne, Mr Philip Kirby, Simon Rutley, David Bradley, Karen Ellison, Jane Knight, rh Mr Greg Sanders, Mr Adrian Brake, Tom Ellwood, Mr Tobias Laing, Mrs Eleanor Scott, Mr Lee Bray, Angie Elphicke, Charlie Lamb, Norman Selous, Andrew Brazier, Mr Julian Eustice, George Lancaster, Mark Sharma, Alok Bridgen, Andrew Evans, Graham Latham, Pauline Shelbrooke, Alec Brine, Mr Steve Evans, Jonathan Leadsom, Andrea Simmonds, Mark Brokenshire, James Evennett, Mr David Lee, Jessica Simpson, Mr Keith Brooke, Annette Fabricant, Michael Lee, Dr Phillip Skidmore, Chris Browne, Mr Jeremy Fallon, Michael Leech, Mr John Smith, Miss Chloe Bruce, rh Malcolm Field, Mr Mark Lefroy, Jeremy Smith, Julian Buckland, Mr Robert Foster, rh Mr Don Letwin, rh Mr Oliver Smith, Sir Robert Burns, rh Mr Simon Francois, rh Mr Mark Lewis, Brandon Soames, Nicholas Burrowes, Mr David Freeman, George Liddell-Grainger, Mr Ian Soubry, Anna Burstow, Paul Freer, Mike Lidington, rh Mr David Spelman, rh Mrs Caroline Burt, Alistair Fuller, Richard Lloyd, Stephen Spencer, Mr Mark Burt, Lorely Gale, Mr Roger Lopresti, Jack Stephenson, Andrew Byles, Dan Garnier, Mr Edward Lord, Jonathan Stevenson, John Cairns, Alun Garnier, Mark Loughton, Tim Stewart, Iain Campbell, rh Sir Menzies Gauke, Mr David Luff, Peter Stewart, Rory 841 Eurozone Financial Assistance24 MAY 2011 Eurozone Financial Assistance 842

Streeter, Mr Gary Wharton, James Main Question, as amended, put and agreed to. Stride, Mel Wheeler, Heather Resolved, Stuart, Mr Graham White, Chris Sturdy, Julian Whittaker, Craig That this House notes with concern that UK taxpayers are Swales, Ian Wiggin, Bill potentially being made liable for bail-outs of Eurozone countries Swayne, Mr Desmond Willetts, rh Mr David when the UK opted to remain outside the Euro and, despite Swinson, Jo Williams, Hywel agreement in May 2010 that the EU-wide European Financial Stability Mechanism (EFSM) of ¤60 billion would represent only Swire, rh Mr Hugo Williams, Mr Mark 12 per cent. of the non-IMF contribution with the remaining Syms, Mr Robert Williams, Roger ¤440 billion being borne by the Eurozone through the European Thurso, John Williams, Stephen Financial Stability Facility (EFSF), that the EFSM for which the Timpson, Mr Edward Williamson, Gavin UK may be held liable is in fact being drawn upon to the same or Tredinnick, David Willott, Jenny a greater extent than the EFSF; further notes that the European Tyrie, Mr Andrew Wilson, Mr Rob Scrutiny Committee has stated its view that the EFSM is legally Uppal, Paul Wright, Jeremy unsound; urges the Government to raise the issue of the EFSM at Vaizey, Mr Edward Wright, Simon the next meeting of the Council of Ministers or the European Vara, Mr Shailesh Yeo, Mr Tim Council; and supports any measures which would lead to an Villiers, rh Mrs Theresa Young, rh Sir George agreement for a Eurozone-only arrangement. Walker, Mr Robin Zahawi, Nadhim Wallace, Mr Ben Mr Bernard Jenkin (Harwich and North Essex) (Con): Walter, Mr Robert Tellers for the Ayes: On a point of order, Mr Deputy Speaker. May I put it Ward, Mr David James Duddridge and to you that the Backbench Business Committee is in Webb, Steve Stephen Crabb fact not being allowed to operate as was clearly originally intended when it was established? Because the motion NOES was amended, the Committee was unable to allow the Baker, Steve Leigh, Mr Edward House to vote on the motion that it had selected for Bayley, Hugh McCartney, Jason debate. What advice can you give to the House on how Bingham, Andrew McCartney, Karl that matter might be rectified so that in future, as on Campbell, Mr Ronnie McDonnell, John Opposition days, the motion is voted on before the Carswell, Mr Douglas Mitchell, Austin amendment is taken? What advice can you give to Cash, Mr William Nuttall, Mr David enable that to happen in future? Clappison, Mr James Percy, Andrew Cooper, Rosie Reckless, Mark Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Lindsay Hoyle): I recognise Cryer, John Redwood, rh Mr John that there is a lot of frustration at the way the motion Davidson, Mr Ian Rees-Mogg, Jacob Davies, Geraint Shannon, Jim was dealt with today. However, things have been carried Davies, Philip Sheridan, Jim out in order. I am sure that the Leader of the House will Davis, rh Mr David Simpson, David reflect on the hon. Gentleman’s comments and think de Bois, Nick Skinner, Mr Dennis about them, but I am also sure that he will speak to the Donaldson, rh Mr Jeffrey M. Stewart, Bob Committee to see whether there is a way forward for Drax, Richard Stringer, Graham everybody. Hopefully, some amiable agreement can be Gardiner, Barry Tomlinson, Justin reached in future, if that is the desire of the Committee. Goldsmith, Zac Turner, Mr Andrew Gray, Mr James Vickers, Martin Mr Davidson: Further to that point of order, Mr Deputy Harris, Mr Tom Walker, Mr Charles Speaker. Does that not demonstrate quite clearly that Henderson, Gordon Wollaston, Dr Sarah this set of Government Whips is just as bad as the Hoey, Kate previous one? Hollobone, Mr Philip Tellers for the Noes: Hopkins, Kelvin Mr Peter Bone and Jenkin, Mr Bernard Mrs Anne Main Mr Deputy Speaker: I thank the hon. Gentleman for that non-point of order. Question accordingly agreed to. 843 24 MAY 2011 Spring Adjournment 844

Spring Adjournment exists. I have read his name in the Sunday Herald, and on Wikipedia and Twitter. I could obviously stand on a Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Lindsay Hoyle): I remind the soapbox in Scotland and say what I said in the House of House that we will now have a six-minute limit on Commons. I believe I could probably say it on Hyde Back-Bench speeches right across the piece. park corner, because it is in the public domain. For me to have abused parliamentary privilege, I would have 4.8 pm had to use it in the first instance, but I do not think that the case has been made that it would have been contempt Mr Peter Bone (Wellingborough) (Con): I beg to of court outside the House. move, I remain concerned, however, that the process of That this House has considered matters to be raised before the forthcoming adjournment. issuing contempt of court proceedings has been kicked off against users of Twitter. Someone should not be I move the motion on behalf of the Backbench able to hide behind anonymity to take action against Business Committee. It uses the Hollobone method. others. I am completely unsure what the legal position Mr Deputy Speaker: Before I call the hon. Member is in respect of naming Giles Coren. I do not think it for Birmingham, Yardley (John Hemming), I have been would be contempt of court to name him outside the asked by Mr Speaker to remind him of his ruling House, yet The Times was worried enough yesterday yesterday, when he said: not to identify him—and he is one of its journalists. I “I strongly deprecate the abuse of parliamentary privilege to will not identify the footballer whom, it is rumoured, flout an order or score a particular point…It is important…that would like to see him prosecuted for tweeting. we recognise the need to temper our privilege with responsibility.”— [Official Report, 23 May 2011; Vol. 528, c. 653-654.] Adam Afriyie (Windsor) (Con): I fully approve of the I trust the hon. Gentleman will not test the patience of hon. Gentleman’s campaign to ensure that injunctions the Chair today. and super-injunctions do not interfere with our constituents’ ability to contact us and speak to us about issues. JUSTICE However, will he explain to the House why he thinks he is judge and jury on whether certain people under court 4.9 pm order should be named in this place? Why does he feel John Hemming (Birmingham, Yardley) (LD): Thank he has the right above anybody else? It seems very you, Mr Deputy Speaker. strange to use privilege in such a way. Hon. Members will be aware that I have a long-time John Hemming: I explained that those details were concern about secrecy in court processes, which was already in the public domain and accessible in Forbes highlighted in the story in The Guardian today. We have Magazine, the Sunday Herald and many other places, so no true freedom of speech when people can be jailed for I do not think it would have been contempt of court complaining about their problems. This country seems outside the House. However, I accept the Speaker’s to have a penchant for covering up problems that would ruling on this issue. be discussed openly in others. Florence Bellone, a Belgian journalist, recorded an I refer hon. Members to a story in The Guardian interview with Carol Hughes and Lucille O’Regan in today relating to another injunction. I shall read out the Ireland, which was broadcast on RTBF in Belgium. A first paragraph: copy was placed on YouTube, but access in the UK “A wealthy British financier is seeking to have his sister-in-law is now blocked as a result of what YouTube calls a secretly jailed in a libel case, in the latest escalation of the controversy over superinjunctions and the internet, the Guardian “government request”. What can be so frightening about can disclose.” that interview that people in the UK are not allowed to see it, but it can be broadcast in Belgium? What we have here is true secret justice: somebody is being prosecuted in secret; they cannot be identified; The policy of international websites varies. The Twitter and the person prosecuting them cannot be identified. account containing the names of lots of people subject As a rule, the Attorney-General does not prosecute civil to super-injunctions is still there, and will remain there cases, which the privacy cases are; one of the parties for some time, yet newspapers in the UK are not allowed usually prosecutes. to refer to it by name. It is clear that in the UK people are now recognising the oppressive nature of court secrecy in this country. For instance, I wrote and released John Cryer (Leyton and Wanstead) (Lab): That has a song about this in 2008, the lyrics of which would nothing to do with what the hon. Gentleman did yesterday. have been in contempt of court had they not already been spoken in the House. Since then, however, things John Hemming: Actually, it has everything to do with have got even worse, with the force of money being what I did yesterday, because Giles Coren was subject used to prevent women from complaining about their to similar contempt proceedings. There is a great danger ex-boyfriends. One woman who received a super-injunction that a secret form of jurisprudence will develop that said to me: aims to jail people in secret and keep their identities out “The process is terrifying…For the first 2 months I shook! of the public domain for relatively trivial issues. And I shake now when talking about it to someone”. The law of confidentiality and privacy, as being developed Questions have been raised about whether I should by the courts, seems to be in opposition to the views of have discussed the row between Ryan Giggs and Twitter Parliament about whistleblowing. That is an important yesterday. I am not a party to the privacy case. I have point. A number of the court orders in place act to not been served with the injunction. I have not actually prevent people from reporting issues, whether to the seen the injunction and cannot guarantee that it actually police, the General Medical Council, coastguards or 845 Spring Adjournment24 MAY 2011 Spring Adjournment 846 whomever. The rule of law is undermined by the court the recess, but we cannot allow a process to continue orders preventing that information from being given. whereby attempts are made to commit more and more That is another important issue. people in secret proceedings. This all arises from the objective of protecting relatively trivial secrets, but it is Mr Richard Bacon (South Norfolk) (Con): Will my not even close to open justice. The balancing act has hon. Friend confirm that judges have also issued court completely failed when we are trying to balance somebody’s orders naming Members of Parliament as people who liberty on one side against something relatively trivial cannot be spoken to? on the other.

John Hemming: Indeed. The issues of freedom of 4.17 pm speech are not just about what goes in the newspapers; they are also about who communicates with whom and Anna Soubry (Broxtowe) (Con): I am exceptionally how tightly controlled things are. Some of the court grateful to you for calling me, Madam Deputy Speaker, orders issued prevent people from complaining to friends because I have perhaps rather better news—it is at least about what has been done to them; some prevent them different news—than we heard in the previous speech. I from complaining to Members of Parliament; and others would like to talk briefly about the outstanding work of prevent them from going to the police with information. magistrates and the invaluable role that they play in the A dangerous system is developing. It is wrong to think criminal justice system. that there is a difference between the ZAM case reported Magistrates were created some 650 years ago—we are in The Guardian today and that of Giles Coren, because talking about a very long-standing office—and they are he could have faced exactly the same process. to be congratulated, as I am sure we would all agree. There are now 29,000 magistrates in England and Wales. John Cryer: What about Giggs? Their minimum requirement is to sit for 26 half-days a year. Some 98% of all legal proceedings are conducted John Hemming: The point I was making about Giggs in magistrates courts, which perhaps puts into perspective was that his name was in the public domain already, so the outstanding contribution that they regularly make it would not have been contempt of court to name him to the justice system. Magistrates bring to bear their outside the House. That is quite straightforward, and it considerable experience, knowledge and wisdom to both does not, therefore, involve the use of privilege. criminal and family matters. It is perhaps a testament to their ability to dispense justice fairly and properly that However, there is an argument about privilege where they are so rarely challenged in any higher place. In the the legal position is uncertain, as it can be at times. We last 650 years, magistrates have faced many changes and do not want to be unable to debate things because challenges. Their outstanding chairman, Mr John Thornhill, working out whether we can talk about them is so whom I spoke to today, has told me that, notwithstanding complex. Privilege is important and it needs to be used all the changes, magistrates always bounce back. responsibly—there is no question about that—but my argument is straightforward. To have abused privilege, I Andrew Bingham (High Peak) (Con): On the subject would have to have used the name in the first instance, of magistrates bouncing back, is my hon. Friend aware yet no one has evidenced to me the basis on which it that magistrates’ allowances and subsistence fees are would have been contempt of court for me to say outside under review for a possible reduction to bring them in the House what I said yesterday in it, and if it was not line with the rest of the civil service? However, there is a contempt of court outside, it cannot be an abuse of crucial difference: our magistrates are volunteers, not privilege within— salaried staff.

Nick Boles (Grantham and Stamford) (Con): Why Anna Soubry: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for his did you not say it outside then? remarks. I am sure that everyone in this place would join me in congratulating him and his wife, who is John Hemming: Because it would not have been reported. sitting up in the Gallery, on celebrating their 25th—their Anyway, the accountability of judicial processes depends silver—wedding anniversary. not only on there being a public judgment, but on Moving swiftly on to the important point that my people having the ability externally to challenge the hon. Friend makes, our magistrates are indeed volunteers. evidence that the courts are using. The problem with They receive a small subsistence allowance. I am sure secrecy is that this all breaks down. Indeed, the report that, like my hon. Friend, many hon. Members will have in The Guardian today about the secret committal of the received letters and e-mails from magistrates in their sister-in-law is an example of exactly that situation, constituencies who are concerned about plans to reduce where there is no possibility of checking externally the their daily allowance and cut their mileage allowance. evidence for whether the assumptions are correct. There are great questions about the reliability of much of the Mr Robert Buckland (South Swindon) (Con): It is expert evidence provided in the family courts. If we important to emphasise that the lay magistracy already cannot rely on the expert evidence, we will have difficulty makes our judiciary in England and Wales one of the relying on the conclusions. cheapest in any comparable Council of Europe country. There are many, many problems, and I will obviously We would be cutting back a system that is already very be submitting a detailed report to the Joint Committee efficient. on the difficulties with the various injunctions. We also have a difficult day today, so I will not use up all my Anna Soubry: My hon. Friend is absolutely right. Lay time. The issue of secret jailing is one that we cannot magistrates normally sit in threes, as opposed to the drop. Obviously we cannot do much more about it over stipendiary district judges who sit alone. Despite that 847 Spring Adjournment24 MAY 2011 Spring Adjournment 848

[Anna Soubry] young people. I subscribe to the notion that it does not matter what it says on someone’s birth certificate; the fact, lay magistrates are considerably cheaper than test is whether they are young at heart and fit in mind, stipendiary judges. I am not suggesting that they do a and whether they have all the faculties to exercise sound lesser job, however. Both are integral to our criminal judgment. justice system. I know that the previous Government were questioned Another great challenge that our magistrates face is by people of all political persuasions—this is not an the cutting of 93 magistrates courts. That has been issue of party politics—on whether magistrates should debated at length in this place and in Westminster Hall, have to retire at 70. Crown court judges can often sit and it is a matter of great concern. I do not have much until they are 73 and I believe High Court judges do not difficulty with the reduction in the number of magistrates have to retire until they are 75, or at least they can sit in courts, but I accept that many people are concerned court until that age. I would suggest that this seems a about the ability to deliver local justice and about the little unfair to magistrates, especially, as I say, with our extra strain that this will put on our lay magistrates, great Lord Chancellor being able to continue to serve who are volunteers, through the extra mileage and work for many years to come. that they will have to do. I am sure that all would agree with me in celebrating and thanking our lay magistrates. I urge the Government Andrew Percy (Brigg and Goole) (Con): My hon. to view ageism as a thing of the past, so that our Friend is entirely right in what she says about magistrates. magistrates should not have to retire at 70. Mr Plumb She has mentioned court closures, and we are losing our might be able to return to the bench. We should certainly magistrates court in Goole. When that happens, it will give great credit to his campaign and wish it well for the be quicker for some of my constituents to get to King’s future. Cross than to the replacement magistrates services in Beverley. 4.25 pm Andrew Percy (Brigg and Goole) (Con): I shall speak Anna Soubry: I take my hon. Friend’s point, and I am about the compensation scheme for the victims of overseas grateful for it. I would counter it, however, by saying terrorism. Before I do so, I would like to pay tribute to a that those of us who are familiar with the Crown courts number of Members from different parties who have will know that defendants and witnesses who appear worked hard on this issue—not least the hon. Member in them make the effort and appear there without too for Cumbernauld, Kilsyth and Kirkintilloch East much difficulty. I struggle to see how there will be much (Gregg McClymont), who would have spoken in this difference when a defendant or witness has to travel to debate were it not for the fact that he thought he would a magistrates court that is further away following the have to be in the Finance Bill Committee. I thank him closure of a more local one. and his staff for the support they have given. I would also like to thank my Lincolnshire colleague, my hon. There are many myths surrounding our lay magistrates. Friend the Member for Grantham and Stamford (Nick The days of the stereotype of the middle-aged lady—not Boles), who has secured meetings with Ministers, and that there is anything wrong with middle-aged ladies—are my hon. Friend the Member for Bournemouth East long gone. The days are gone when women of a certain (Mr Ellwood). I also thank the right hon. Member for age and from a certain social class dispensed justice, Dulwich and West Norwood (Tessa Jowell) and the usually wearing a hat—not that there is anything wrong former Member for Makerfield, Lord McCartney, who with hats, I must also swiftly add. We now see magistrates have both worked hard on this issue over the years. drawn from all walks of life, and rightly so. Their Above all, I pay tribute to the families of the victims of experience and knowledge is also often brought to bear terrorism who have also worked incredibly hard over a in the Crown court, when they sit with a Crown court number of years and continue to campaign vigorously judge to decide appeals. They perform an invaluable on it; some of them are present today. Let me outline role there. some of the issues and problems connected with this I have only one complaint, and I am grateful to my matter, before looking at the history and putting some constituent, Mr Roy Plumb, in this regard. He lives in questions to the Minister. Kimberley, and he served as a magistrate for many Since the Bali bombings in 2002, there have been years. He performed the role admirably. However, at 58 deaths and 37 serious injuries arising from terror the age of 70, he was forced to retire. The irony of the attacks against our citizens overseas. It is my view, and situation is that he was born on the very same day in the that of many Members, that the British Government very same ward of the very same hospital as our esteemed continue to have a responsibility for their citizens even Lord Chancellor. It is somewhat ironic that, while our when they leave these shores. British victims of terrorism Lord Chancellor was being appointed to his role, in in the UK are eligible for compensation under the which I hope he serves for many years, Mr Plumb was criminal injuries compensation scheme, but that does not being forced to retire, as are other magistrates who extend to victims of terrorism overseas. Travel insurers reach their 70th birthday. do not normally pay out for death, injury or costs I am against ageism—of course, I would say that as associated with terror attacks, as they do for death, injury I get older. It is wrong to assume that, just because and some costs associated with other violent crimes someone is of a certain age, they will perform in a suffered abroad. Similarly, many foreign Governments certain way. Just because someone who is under 30 is do not compensate foreign nationals who are attacked appointed to serve as a lay magistrate, which Governments on their territory. This is particularly true in countries of all persuasions have sought to encourage, it does not such as Egypt, Indonesia, Turkey and India, where mean that they will necessarily bring to the bench more there are many Western tourists, including our own youthful ideas or be able to identify more closely with people, and multiple terror threats. 849 Spring Adjournment24 MAY 2011 Spring Adjournment 850

The real issue is that this is not just about British one of whose members, Helyn Bennett, was killed. The citizens being caught up by accident in attacks while family pursued the Turkish authorities through the overseas, as many of them have been targeted precisely court system for six years following that advice, and it is because they hold Her Majesty’s passport. In Mumbai, only thanks to the generosity of the insurers and of gunmen in the Taj Mahal hotel said, “We want US and Turkish courts that they have been protected from British,” before inspecting passports, and they then crippling legal costs. However, despite the award of targeted individuals. That is why it is not appropriate £1 million reflecting the gravity of the injuries, the for Ministers back here in the UK to bracket terror Turkish authorities have refused to pay out, and an attacks with other crimes in their correspondence with appeal is in progress. victims. Terrorism is of a totally different order to other violent crimes suffered abroad. Surely our Government Stephen Lloyd (Eastbourne) (LD): Will my hon. Friend should bear some responsibility for our citizens when give way? they are attacked overseas for nothing more than being British. Andrew Percy: I will give way very briefly.

Nick Boles: I congratulate my hon. Friend on raising Stephen Lloyd: Does my hon. Friend agree that the this important issue, and also the hon. Gentleman—the coalition has a responsibility to deliver on the last hon. Member for Cumbernauld, Kilsyth and Kirkintilloch Government’s commitment to pay compensation? British East (Gregg McClymont)—whose constituency I should citizens who were victims of attacks from Bali to Sharm not even venture to try to pronounce. I would like el Sheikh have yet to receive a penny, and I hope that the briefly to thank the Minister for agreeing to meet me, Under-Secretary of State for Justice, the hon. Member some victims and their parents. Does my hon. Friend for Reigate (Mr Blunt), will soon put that dreadful agree that as people are targeted, as he suggests, simply injustice right. because they are British citizens, our right hon. Friend the Prime Minister was right to make a clear commitment Andrew Percy: Again, I entirely agree. Those three to put in place compensation retrospectively for past interventions illustrate the cross-party support for the victims, and a future scheme for any—God forbid—future campaign. victims of terrorism abroad? Does he agree that this Although the award to the Bennett family was made clear commitment is based on a moral obligation that 18 months ago in the Turkish courts, no funds have we all have to stand by our fellow citizens when they are been made available to them. They are exceptional in caught up through no fault of their own in such attacks? pursuing international litigation, which, as we know, is incredibly complicated and beyond the means of most Andrew Percy: I entirely agree. We compensate people people. That is why victims were delighted when, in who are victims of terrorism on our own soil, but we do October 2005, the former Prime Minister Tony Blair not compensate our own citizens when they are victims— told the House: simply because they are British—in other countries. “officials are considering the possibility of introducing a scheme to provide compensation for…UK victims of terrorism” Gregg McClymont (Cumbernauld, Kilsyth and Kirkintilloch East) (Lab): I congratulate the hon. —crucially— Gentleman on raising this issue. Does he agree that, in a “ wherever that may happen.”—[Official Report, 19 October 2005; sense, if United Kingdom citizens are fearful of travelling Vol. 437, c. 839.] abroad, the terrorists win? Government compensation It took a long time for that pledge to be fulfilled, and will not remove that fear entirely, but a sense among victims and their families continued to campaign. They British citizens that their Government will stand behind worked successfully with some of the Members whom I them when they leave these shores is an important part named earlier to establish the humanitarian assistance of the wider effort to combat terrorism wherever it scheme, and in 2010 the then Home Secretary and occurs. Justice Secretary provided for a statutory compensation scheme as part of the Crime and Security Act 2010. Andrew Percy: Absolutely. Again, I pay tribute to the That would have enabled victims to be compensated hon. Gentleman for the work that he has done in this with tariffs identical to those offered by the criminal regard. We certainly expect the British Government to injuries compensation scheme. Subsequently, 37 survivors stand behind our people wherever they are in the world, of terrorist attacks abroad were written to and informed particularly if they are attacked, and it is true that if that they would be eligible to claim. Sadly, however, the British citizens are put off the idea of travelling, the change of Government has delayed the process somewhat, terrorists win. Many people travel to countries to which and the picture is a little unclear. Families are not sure the Foreign Office has advised them not to travel. There where we are heading. is at least some implication that their travel is safe and May I ask my hon. Friend the Minister what progress that the British Government will support them if the has been made with the review that was announced need arises, as we do through our consulates, embassies some time ago, whom is he consulting, and when he will and high commissions around the world. make a statement to the House on the issue? Will the Victims of the bombings in Sharm el Sheikh in 2005 issue of the retrospective ex gratia payments promised were told by Ministers at the time that they should seek to existing terror victims and their families be settled at redress from the perpetrators of the attack. Given the the same time as the review of any future statutory time constraints, I cannot give all the details, but let me compensation scheme? Will he confirm that the talk about one family in particular: the Bennett family Government accept the principle that terrorism is distinct from Durham, who were bombed on a minibus in from other forms of crime, and that Her Majesty’s Turkey in July 2005, suffering considerable injuries, and Government have a responsibility to our citizens who 851 Spring Adjournment24 MAY 2011 Spring Adjournment 852

[Andrew Percy] made in each particular case, dependent on the facts of that case. The report suggests that when that is necessary, are attacked overseas on the basis of their nationality? the facts of the case and the reason for secrecy should Finally, may I urge the Minister to address this matter be explained, as far as possible, in an openly available quickly, so that victims and their families receive the judgment. It also emphasises that super-injunctions—which justice that they deserve? is where the fact that there is an injunction has to be kept secret as well as the substantive issues—are now being granted only for very short periods where secrecy 4.35 pm is necessary to ensure that the entire point of the order The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice is not destroyed. That should help to allay concerns (Mr Crispin Blunt): I shall address each of the issues both that super-injunctions were being granted far too raised in turn. My hon. Friend the Member for readily and about their potential open-endedness. Birmingham, Yardley (John Hemming) again raised an The Government welcome the report by the Master important issue that has featured prominently in the of the Rolls, which contains important recommendations press in recent days and weeks. Freedom of speech is a that will ensure that injunctions are granted only where cornerstone of our democracy, and it is of the greatest strictly necessary. We recognise the importance of striking importance that people should be able to discuss and the correct balance between individual rights to privacy debate issues as freely and openly as possible—and as on the one hand and rights to freedom of expression frequently as possible, I might add as I am returning to and transparency of official information on the other. the Chamber to discuss this matter again following As the Attorney-General also said yesterday, the Prime yesterday’s performance. Minister has written to the Chairmen of the Justice As my right hon. and learned Friend the Attorney- Committee and the Culture, Media and Sport Committee General said in response to yesterday’s urgent question, recommending that a Joint Committee of both Houses there is a balance to be struck when the issues concerned be established to consider how current arrangements relate to a person’s private life. That has always been the might be improved. The Justice Secretary and the Culture case, and now, in the current context, the European Secretary will liaise with those Chairmen regarding convention on human rights specifically establishes the the terms of reference of the Joint Committee. Such a article 8 right to respect for private and family life, Committee will be able to use representation from alongside the right under article 10 to freedom of expression. both Houses and the considerable expertise that Select Committees have, to examine the way in which the John Hemming: On the specific question, does the current arrangements are working and to consider whether Minister agree that it is unreasonable for an anonymous we might make any changes to make things work better. person to apply to commit another anonymous person That is where matters stand now. in a secret hearing? I shall now discuss the welcome speech made by my hon. Friend the Member for Broxtowe (Anna Soubry) Mr Blunt: I want to make sure that I approach this on the importance of the magistracy. I wholly agreed matter carefully. with the general drive of it. This year sees the 650th In each individual case, the courts have to consider anniversary of the enshrining in statute of the role of the balance between the two competing rights I have justice of the peace by King Edward III in Westminster just mentioned. In addition, when considering whether Hall. The role has changed a great deal over time. to grant a civil remedy or order, such as an injunction, Indeed, it was not until the first half of the 19th century which affects the convention right to freedom of expression, that non-conformists and Roman Catholics could become the courts have to take into account section 12 of the magistrates, and not until the early 20th century that Human Rights Act 1998, which requires particular the property qualification for magistrates was removed. regard to be given to the importance of that right. From its long and rich historical roots, the magistracy has developed into a fundamental civic institution at I should also explain that injunctions preventing the heart of our criminal justice system, and there are reporting or disclosure of information may be granted 27,000 magistrates in England and Wales today. for a number of reasons, and not just for the protection Our magistrates are ordinary people from all walks of of privacy. They might, for instance, be granted for the life who do extraordinary work on behalf of us all. As following reasons: to protect documents subject to legal my hon. Friend said, they deal with the vast majority— professional privilege or commercial secrets; to prevent 95%—of criminal cases in England and substantial the release of other information obtained by a party in amounts of civil work. They are people who care confidence; to protect children or vulnerable people; or passionately about their communities and the value of to prevent the release of information about an order the rule of law. What makes magistrates all the more freezing the assets of a person suspected of fraud where remarkable is that such a vital part of our justice system that might alert other participants in the fraud and lead is composed of unpaid part-time volunteers. They are a to them disposing of assets or leaving the country. very important part of the big society in action. The report of the Master of the Rolls’ committee on I wish briefly to discuss how the Government want to the procedural aspects of super-injunctions and anonymity consider developing the role of magistrates further, not injunctions published last Friday makes an important least in respect of restorative justice. As my right hon. contribution to the debate on these issues, particularly Friend the Minister for Policing and Criminal Justice in the context of the debate on privacy. The report has said, reaffirms that open justice is a fundamental constitutional “restorative justice is a reflection of what we are talking about principle, and that exceptions to it are permissible only when describing the Big Society....This is about taking justice out to the extent that they are strictly necessary in the of the narrow confines of the courts and putting it into the interests of justice. Such decisions will necessarily be community”. 853 Spring Adjournment24 MAY 2011 Spring Adjournment 854

There can be no better expression of justice grounded in who have suffered in that way or who have lost loved the community than magistrates, who are the epitome ones through such tragedies. of justice for the community by the community. As our Since the spending review settlement, the Ministry of recent Green Paper “Breaking the Cycle” set out, we are Justice has been reviewing the services available to committed to increasing the range and availability of victims, witnesses and their families. We are also considering restorative justice approaches to support reparation in afresh proposals for the introduction of schemes to the adult and youth justice systems. compensate eligible victims of terrorism overseas. We Neighbourhood justice panels bring together community expect to be able to make an announcement before the volunteers, offenders and victims, harnessing restorative summer recess. techniques to broker justice outcomes. I would very much welcome the greater involvement of the magistracy My hon. Friend the Member for Brigg and Goole in institutions such as neighbourhood justice panels, mentioned support for victims overseas, as did the hon. but we can also successfully extend a role for the magistracy Member for Cumbernauld, Kilsyth and Kirkintilloch in the entire panoply of elements that deliver justice in East (Gregg McClymont), who made an intervention the community. on that point. Her Majesty’s Government stand behind our people overseas; for those who have not had dealings My hon. Friend the Member for Broxtowe mentioned with the system, coming across it in the wake of an the retirement age. The Government recognise that at appalling experience is difficult and distressing. To alleviate 70 the majority of judicial office holders will be mentally some of this distress, we have revisited the support and physically equal to the demands of the work. available to British victims caught up in terrorist attacks However, following careful consideration, including abroad. The exceptional assistance measures scheme discussion with the senior judiciary, it was decided that run by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office provides the current mandatory retirement age should remain. immediate assistance with air fares, accommodation So I am afraid that I cannot offer any comfort for and repatriation for victims and their families. From Mr Plumb, despite the date and the ward on which he 16 December last year that help has been available to was born. all British victims regardless of their travel insurance The Government are reviewing the travel and subsistence arrangements. allowances paid to magistrates, with the aim of ensuring that they are not disadvantaged financially because of Let me point out that according to the Association of their important public service while also getting the best British Insurers, 66% of existing policies cover such and appropriate value for money for the taxpayer. The attacks, but are mostly limited to overseas medical Courts and Tribunals Service will meet representatives expenses, repatriation costs and a lump sum for personal of the Magistrates Association and the National Bench accident cover. Furthermore, the Red Cross relief fund Chairmen’s Forum, and the senior presiding judge, on for victims of terrorism abroad continues to provide 15 June to discuss how to develop a new approach to emergency funds of up to £15,000 for those who suffer magistrates allowances, and no decisions have yet been injury or are bereaved through terrorism and normally taken. live in the UK. The fund was begun with £1 million of funding provided under the previous Administration. I congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Brigg and Goole (Andrew Percy) on making his contribution Families bereaved as a result of overseas terrorism about the victims of overseas terrorism. This is a difficult may also be assigned a specialist family liaison officer and emotive issue. I know that there is continuing by the police. The officer is specially trained and acts as interest in this area, to put it mildly, and several hon. a single point of contact for bereaved families. The Members have raised the matter recently. As my hon. officer will answer questions, seek to obtain updates on Friend the Member for Grantham and Stamford case progress overseas and provide dedicated one-to-one (Nick Boles) said, I recently met his constituent Trevor support for the family. Lakin and Nigel and Will Pike with him. Mr Lakin lost I appreciate that dealing with the consequences of his son Jeremy in the Sharm el Sheikh bombing in 2005 any crime is anything but easy. There are services on and Will Pike was paralysed as a result of injuries offer to help guide people through the justice process sustained following the attack on the Taj Mahal hotel in and to provide emotional support, but there is still more Mumbai in 2008. Through my hon. Friend, I heard first to do. There are challenges in the current system in hand about the devastating impact that terrorism has ensuring that the support given is the right support, and had on them and continues to have on their lives and on that it is offered quickly and to the right people. That is the lives of their families. They shared with me their why I and my colleagues in other Departments are experiences of terrorism abroad and their frustration working to improve the services that we can provide. We and disappointment at the lack of support available to are working to ensure that central Government, local victims after they return home. authorities, voluntary organisations and local communities Terrorist crime is usually indiscriminate and devastating link together to provide joined-up support to victims and usually comes without warning. Its impact can be and families. I look forward to being able to give the horrific, not just for the victim but for the victim’s House more details about the Government’s proposals family and loved ones. My deepest sympathies, and soon, and I anticipate that that will be before the those of the whole Administration, go out to all those summer recess. 855 Spring Adjournment24 MAY 2011 Spring Adjournment 856

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE which has an honourable record in such matters, could send an envoy to try to bring the sides together. What I Madam Deputy Speaker (Dawn Primarolo): We will have heard from my contacts in Yemen—I have visited now move on to debate issues that relate to the Foreign Yemen almost every year since my family left in 1965 and Commonwealth Office. Two Members are listed to and certainly every year that I have been a Member of speak and when the Minister has replied to them, we the House—is that Britain’s role is absolutely crucial. will move on to the general debate. It might be helpful Whether it is through Britain working on its own, the for hon. Members to know that those who wish to take UK working within the EU, or the United States of part in the general debate should stay seated at present America working with EU partners and our country— and once the Minister has spoken we will move on. I whichever mechanism we have—we need to try to fill remind Members that we have a six-minute time limit this vacuum, because if we do not there will be civil war and I remind the Minister of that, too, as Ministers are in Yemen. supposed to be as brief and succinct as we expect other Members to be. We are told that the death of Osama bin Laden has led to the appointment of a new person to run al-Qaeda 4.49 pm in the Arabian Peninsula, and we know that he, Anwar al-Awlaki, is in Yemen. There is a danger that unless we Keith Vaz (Leicester East) (Lab): I note that the other deal with this situation now, al-Qaeda will have an even subject in this small section is that of Christians in Iran. greater hold on that country and will be part of the I was just reminiscing with my hon. Friend the Member process by which it is driven into civil war. for Walsall South (Valerie Vaz) about how when we were born in Aden in Yemen we were Christians in an Every time I have talked about Yemen, I have talked Arab country and how well we were treated by the about a crisis and said that it is worsening. Every time people of South Yemen, as it then was. that things get even worse, I think that they have reached It breaks my heart to come before the House yet a stage at which they will not get worse, but they do. My again to talk about the crisis that is occurring in Yemen. one plea to the Minister, therefore, is that he continues I am pleased to see the Under-Secretary of State for his efforts, for which I am very grateful, but looks Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, the hon. Member carefully, as the Prime Minister promised to do when he for North East Bedfordshire (Alistair Burt), on the answered my questions at the Liaison Committee last Front Bench, because I want to pay tribute to him, to week, into appointing an envoy who can try to bring the the Foreign Secretary and to the Government for the sides together so that we can have peace in that very amount of face-time and focus that they have given to beautiful but very sad country. the situation in Yemen. I am very grateful for that, because the globe is very big and Yemen is a very small 4.54 pm country. Ministers and the Government have spent an Andrew Selous (South West Bedfordshire) (Con): It is enormous amount of time in ensuring that this House, a pleasure to follow the right hon. Member for Leicester the rest of the country and, indeed, the world are East (Keith Vaz). I was particularly pleased to hear his focused on these issues. comments about how well he was treated as a Christian As I speak, the crisis in Yemen is deepening. We have growing up in an Arab country, which provide a sorry been told for a number of days that the President is contrast with what I am about to say about Iran. about to sign an agreement, which has been brokered by I am grateful to Christian Solidarity Worldwide and the Gulf Co-operation Council led by the Saudi Arabians, Elam Ministries for the briefing that they have given me on his making a dignified exit so that a new Government in advance of today’s debate. I approach the subject consisting of members of the opposition, some of whom with a degree of humility, conscious that this country are not involved in politics—a kind of Government of has not always got right either the treatment of other national unity—can take power. Each time I meet Ministers faiths or the treatment of other Christian denominations, in the Palace of Westminster they brief me on what is culminating in the Act of Toleration which we passed in happening and tell me what they know, which is that 1689. We have made improvements since that time. the President is about to sign. We had thought that was the case just 24 hours ago, but then we heard that our Yesterday in the House a famous footballer was ambassador John Wilks had been penned into the United named. In the course of my remarks I shall mention the Arab Emirates embassy in Sana’a as he and other names of eight Iranian Christians who are currently in dignitaries had been preparing to go to the presidential prison for no reason other than their faith. Iran wants palace to witness the signature of the President, which to persecute Christians in secret, but I believe the world did not happen. Now the crisis is getting deeper and should know and show its concern for what Iran is deeper. We already have a political crisis that could well doing. Christianity has been present in Iran since the lead to civil war in Yemen, which we had before and second century. We find crosses on coins from around which ended with the reunification of southern Yemen 50 AD, and in the seventh century Iranian missionaries and northern Yemen to create the state that currently travelled to central Asia, India and China. exists. We also have a humanitarian crisis: 40% of Yemenis Christianity has been protected officially since the live on less than £1.25 a day, there is 50% illiteracy and 1979 revolution. Article 23 of the Iranian constitution 7 million people do not have enough food to live and states: “The investigation of individuals’beliefs is forbidden, survive in Yemen every day. That is why this political and no one may be molested or taken to task simply for crisis has become a military crisis and it is also a holding a certain belief.” Iran claims that there is religious humanitarian crisis. freedom, but the reality is very different. In spite of that, When the Prime Minister appeared before the Liaison the Church has grown and there are possibly hundreds Committee early last week, I asked him to do one thing: of thousands of Iranian Christians today. What we see to see whether there is any way in which our country, is a lack of tolerance, oppression and persecution. 857 Spring Adjournment24 MAY 2011 Spring Adjournment 858

Open Doors puts Iran at No. 2 on its world watch list of freedom and address its rhetoric and constitutional the most severely persecuted countries in which Christians discrimination against religious minorities. live; North Korea is No. 1. 5.1 pm Christian leaders must report to the Ministry of The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Information, which demands lists of members of churches. and Commonwealth Affairs (Alistair Burt): I thank my There are regular threats and intimidation. It is illegal friends on both sides of the House, the right hon. to distribute Bibles. The Bible Society was closed down Member for Leicester East (Keith Vaz) and my hon. by the Government in 1990. The Iranian authorities Friend the Member for South West Bedfordshire (Andrew have burned Bibles that they have confiscated. In May 2010 Selous), for raising these two subjects, which are difficult they burned hundreds of Bibles and New Testaments and disappointing for us all. Both speeches were a intercepted on the Iraqi border. In October last year measure of how much the House depends on the good more than 300 New Testaments were taken and burned briefings that Ministers get in this place from colleagues by security forces on the Turkish border. Only three whose knowledge of a subject can be deep and long months ago, on 7 February 2011, 300 New Testaments lasting and which comes with great passion and from were seized by authorities in Salmas, in West Azerbaijan, the heart. We could not talk about Yemen without and publicly burned. Many of us in the House and being briefed by the right hon. Gentleman, whose around the world rightly condemned the attempts by contributions we are all fortunate to have. the Florida pastor, Terry Jones, to burn the Koran, but I The right hon. Gentleman talked about the difficulties am not aware of any political leader in Iran—Islamic or of the current crisis in Yemen. I could have given nearly otherwise—who has condemned the burning of Bibles. all of his speech from here, as his appreciation of the I hope Muslim leaders in the UK will condemn the practice. background to the current situation is entirely accurate. Since the mid-1980s Christians have faced arbitrary Yemen matters to the United Kingdom for a variety of arrest and imprisonment for their faith. Mehdi Dibaj reasons. It is a place of strategic importance, we have a was in prison for nine years between 1984 and 1993, history there and it faces a number of challenges with mostly in solitary confinement, before being sentenced which this country, not alone but with others, has been to death for his faith in 1994. Later that year, he was engaged for some time. There are territorial disputes in murdered after his release from prison. There has been the north and the south of the country and a chronic escalating persecution and an increase in arrests in 2010 economic crisis that is being worsened by the political and 2011, with 282 known arrests of Christians in crisis currently besetting it. The security crisis very 34 cities since June last year. much relates to the presence of al-Qaeda in the Arabian In prison, Christians are subject to solitary confinement, Peninsula, which has a significant presence there, as the sleep deprivation, interrogation—particularly about the right hon. Gentleman said. location of Christian leaders—threats of execution and As a result of those various factors, the international harm to their family, verbal and physical torture, and community has supported Yemen in a variety of ways. lack of medical treatment, and they are called on to The Friends of Yemen group was started towards the renounce their faith. Prisoners are often required to end of the previous Government’s period of office, and hand over large sums of money and surrender the deeds we have continued it. It is a group of international to their houses to try to get out of prison. partners, including those in the Gulf, the United States, Mostafa Shokrollahi and Khalil Yar-Ali were imprisoned Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates as significant on 15 January 2011. Noorollah Ghabitizadeh was partners, that work together with the Government of imprisoned in Dezfool on Christmas eve, 2010. Farshid Yemen to try to find a way through the various political, Fathi was arrested on Boxing day 2010. Even though economic and security problems. his family raised $200,000 in bail, he is still in prison. Much has hung on the individual character and Vahik Abrahamian was imprisoned in Hamadan on personality of the President, Ali Abdullah Saleh, who 4 September 2010. Masoud Delijani was arrested on has been in office for 32 years. As this year has gone on, 17 March this year. Abrahim Firouzi was imprisoned in it is clear that his legitimacy as President has been called Robat-Karim on 11 January this year, and his family into question. Protests from the people have mounted, cannot afford the $40,000 in bail demanded of them. opposition parties have expressed their concerns more Yousef Nadarkhani was imprisoned in Rasht on October volubly and the army has divided. Sadly, the protests, the 2009 and sentenced in November to death by hanging. aspirations for greater political freedom and the prospect He is currently awaiting trial before the Supreme Court. of change to a more constitutionally based system of If the sentence is upheld, that will be the first execution rule have been met with increasing violence and a for apostasy in 20 years, a very worrying development. number of deaths, the toll of which rises week by week. Such treatment seems to be officially sanctioned. The international community has reacted by working Ayatollah Khamenei has talked disparagingly about the with those elements in the region to see whether there is spread of the network of house churches. On 4 January any answer other than Ali Abdullah Saleh stepping this year, the Governor of Tehran, Morteza Tamadon, down from power after so long. We all conclude that it announced the arrest of 39 evangelical Christians whom is not possible to see an end to the problem without his he described as “deviants”. Apostates can be referred to leaving. As the right hon. Gentleman has said, attempts the revolutionary court. have been made to find a way for the President to leave I request the UK Government to be active in calling that will allow a peaceful transition as part of a for the release of those in prison for their faith, to call constitutional process. It will not be simple and lots of for the investigation into how the Iranian Government work will be needed with the various parties in the use the death penalty for apostasy, to denounce the use transitional process to work towards an expression of of intimidation to curtail religious freedom, and to call democratic freedom and the election of a new President on Iran to fulfil its constitutional provision for religious and a new Government. 859 Spring Adjournment24 MAY 2011 Spring Adjournment 860

[Alistair Burt] ongoing systematic persecution of minorities contravenes all Iran’s most basic obligations to international human Time after time, the President has come close to rights standards, and it deprives thousands of the chance signifying his own support for such a system. Indeed, to practise their faith without hindrance or fear. the right hon. Gentleman was correct to say that the Gulf Co-operation Council and, in particular, its new I commend to the House the publication by Human general secretary, Dr al-Zayani, have been instrumental Rights Watch, “World Report 2011”, which is the latest in putting together the most recent document, and edition, in which there is good information about the significantly over the past few days every other possible human rights records of many countries. In that aspect signatory to such an agreement has signed it. The of the regime, as in so many others, Iran makes depressing President’s own party, the Opposition parties and those reading. The report states: who could play a part in the process have agreed to and “Authorities announced that security forces had arrested more signed the document. The last piece of the jigsaw was to than 6,000 individuals after”— have been put in place on Sunday, when the President the disputed elections of— was due to sign, but for the third time he came close to “June 2009. Hundreds—including lawyers, rights defenders, journalists, the wire and withdrew from it. civil society activists, and opposition leaders—remain in detention without charge.” Keith Vaz: We have an opportunity, because the President of the United States is in the UK and meeting the Prime The list of executions is longer than any other country’s Minister. Indeed, I saw this morning that they had except China’s. written a joint article for The Times. If there is a Christians, as my hon. Friend said, are a minority British-US initiative, perhaps there is a chance that on a protected by law in Iran, and in bilateral meetings in conference call the President of Yemen will listen. Could Tehran and in London we repeatedly call on Iran to we consider that? respect the rights of all who choose their own faith and method of worship. We have also worked with our EU Alistair Burt: May I give the idea some thought? I partners and through the UN to highlight those issues must reassure the right hon. Gentleman that the United for the wider international community and to put pressure States is clearly engaged in the situation, as are the rest on Iran to fulfil its obligations to the Iranian people. We of us, but the point is that the GCC and its general are aware of unconfirmed reports of the burning of secretary came so close, and we should back them. The Bibles in Iran. The UK wholly condemns the desecration President of Yemen was almost there, and the signature of any spiritual or religious artefacts or symbols of was almost on the document. We believe that that is the faith, including scriptures. Given that Iran heavily criticised best hope. Terry Jones, the American pastor who planned to burn All the other parties seem to agree that the transitional the Koran last year, we call on the Iranian Government process, which could be put in place by signing the to end the hypocrisy and religious intolerance. document, allows for a 90-day transition period and offers guarantees to the family of Ali Abdullah Saleh, is The demanding of large bails in Iran is sadly a the best hope for the future. It is also the President’s common problem shared by all who feel the persecution best hope and the best hope for the peace in the region. of the system, which is designed to put on pressure. We We are worried about reports that armed tribes are are aware of those mentioned by my hon. Friend who going into the capital, because that increases the risk of were victims of the round-up and the crackdown on confrontation between the various bodies. The situation house churches after Christmas last year. That increased is absolutely immediate; it is ongoing as we speak. policy of detention continues to be a cause of great The right hon. Gentleman was correct also to talk of concern. Although we understand that the majority of the atrocious pressure put on ambassadors on Sunday, those detained have been released, a number remain in when the United Arab Emirates embassy was surrounded custody, and we continue to believe that there were no in a clear attempt to intimidate people and to prevent legal or moral grounds for their initial detention—a the President from signing. point that we have made repeatedly to the Iranian authorities. Such intimidation on the grounds of faith So, we know where we are, and on the subject of the and practice of worship should stop immediately. We envoy the House should trust us. We are already heavily call on Iran to allow all members of all faiths freely to engaged, and our ambassadors to Yemen have repeatedly participate in open worship. played a major role in working with others. For the time being, we will get behind the GCC and work with it to We continue to work for the betterment of human achieve a signing. We will continue to play a very rights through international institutions. The EU recently important role, and I will continue to bring the House agreed to sanction Iranian individuals for human rights up to date as often as possible—and as needed. We all abuses, and the UN Human Rights Council voted at the hope that sooner or later the saga will end, particularly end of March to install a special rapporteur to report for the good of the people of Yemen, who deserve to on the human rights situation in Iran and to make have the matter brought to a conclusion so that their thorough recommendations to the Iranian authorities, country can enter a new chapter. If the President, by his the Human Rights Council and the UN Security Council. own actions, leads a peaceful transition, he will have The comments by my hon. Friend and the case histories been of great service to his country at this time. that he has dealt with sadly give the lie to the Iranian I turn briefly to the speech of my hon. Friend the regime’s claim to be the voice of a republic with moral Member for South West Bedfordshire, who rightly raised underpinning. Hypocritical in its support of protests the difficulties of Christians in Iran and will have spoken elsewhere and condemned by its execution policy, the for a variety of other minorities. We remain very concerned regime remains a sad disappointment to millions of about the treatment of Christians and several other good Muslims everywhere and, in particular, to the minorities—religious, ethnic and linguistic—in Iran. The Iranian people, who deserve rather better. 861 Spring Adjournment24 MAY 2011 Spring Adjournment 862

GENERAL MATTERS wrong. It is patently obvious from recent cases in the media that some of the names that have come out have Madam Deputy Speaker (Dawn Primarolo): We now been wrong. move on to the general debate. I inform Members that We might be tempted to say that one just has to 17 speakers are listed to take part. I remind everybody accept that this is gossip on the internet, that that is life, that the time limit is six minutes; we will do our best to and that there is nothing that the law can do about it. try to get everybody in. I call Eric Joyce. However, as the Attorney-General said yesterday, we cannot do that. There are many instances in which we 5.12 pm could say that one should just accept that because we Eric Joyce (Falkirk) (Lab): Thank you, Madam Deputy cannot implement a particular law in every case, it is not Speaker. I will be very brief and make just one or two worth having. However, that is not a general position points. I can either speak very quickly or stick to the that we accept. We know that we cannot prosecute quality. everyone who ever commits a crime. Nevertheless, it is important that the principle is there. I want to speak about social media and the issues that have arisen in the past couple of days. Yesterday, the The argument about emerging technologies and what Attorney-General general said in answer to a question will come next is terribly important. I sat on the Standing from my right hon. Friend the shadow Secretary of Committee that considered the Communications Act 2003, State for Justice that he would create a Committee. I which was the original Ofcom legislation. More recently, presume that that would be a Committee of both Houses I took part in the debate in the House on the Digital involving cross-party membership, but I am not yet sure Economy Act 2010. It is clear that it is difficult to how it is going to be put together. So far, the debate has legislate for new and emerging technologies, because had two primary variables at its heart. On the one hand, one does not have the foggiest idea what will come next. there has been the legal side, with much discussion Twitter is only two or three years old. We have no idea among the usual lawyers. In fact, as far as I can see, what there will be two or three years down the line. It is there are only three or four lawyers in England, because difficult to legislate for, or to take into account in the they keep appearing on Channel 4 News, Newsnight current debate, what will happen two or three years and every other news programme. I will not name them, down the line. I want to emphasise that point, I hope it because that is not in vogue at the moment. I do not will be taken up by the Joint Committee when it comes dispute that the law is a very important dimension. The into being and considers its position. other dimension is privacy, which people feel variously When I and other people say that we have to reflect about. I know that some of my right hon. and hon. on what is possible, we are not negating the actuality Friends are concerned about issues relating to a certain that there have to be laws under which people can be newspaper empire. To be honest, I have lesser, or different, pursued if there is a particularly bad breach of an concerns. injunction, or whatever. The fact is that it is enormously Both aspects are important, but what has not been difficult to close the stable door once the horse has aired is the issue of technology. At the moment, the bolted. That is not a statement of hopelessness. We have court and legal system—and, indeed, Parliament—is to think not just about Twitter, although that is what finding itself in a tricky position over privacy, injunctions most of the debate has been about, but about the and so forth because of the way technology is racing emerging technologies just down the road—there are ahead through social media applications such as Twitter, many and I could bang on about them at great length, Facebook and many other platforms; I will not run but I will not because my time is almost up—and they through an advertisement for all the rivals. The fact is will inevitably impact on the deliberations of the Joint that they exist and that there is the potential for information Committee and on the further discussions that will no to circulate with astonishing speed. As the Attorney-General doubt take place in this House. and my right hon. Friend the shadow Justice Secretary said yesterday, it would be wrong for us in this place to 5.17 pm say, “That’s the law, it can’t be enforced, so we just ignore it.” Mr David Evennett (Bexleyheath and Crayford) (Con): I am pleased to raise the general issue of tourism policy Lord Neuberger’s report, which seemed a pretty and some specific examples of places to visit in my reasonable effort, revealed some of the difficulties. Post London borough of Bexley. that report, in the past couple of days, the Lord Chief Justice has tried to create some balance and reflected on The UK tourism industry contributes significantly to the fact that some of the stuff that is said on the social our economy. Large and small businesses, charities and media is taken pretty lightly. People gossip on the high other organisations play a part in generating interest in street and at work, and that can sometimes have our villages, towns and cities, from bed-and-breakfast implications. Although I am not a lawyer, I understand owners and walking tour operators to historic sites, that such gossip can have a legal status so that someone museums and galleries. They directly provide some who took part could technically be taken to the civil £52 billion of our GDP and 4.4% of our jobs. Tourism courts for slander or, if they wrote it down, for libel. is one of our fastest growing sectors. It creates jobs Social media merely—I say “merely”, but I know that across our country, from city centres to the most rural there are significant implications—transfer that to the communities. Regrettably, tourism in suburbs such as internet. One thing that the Lord Chief Justice said—I Bexley is under-promoted and is not as successful as it like to call him Judge Judge, because it is a great name, could be. I believe that more can be done in that area. like the one in “Catch-22”—was that it is a simple fact We have tremendous opportunities to promote England that people do not give as much weight to information as a place to visit. The recent royal wedding highlighted that they see on Twitter or wherever, because often it is London’s attractions, including Buckingham palace, the 863 Spring Adjournment24 MAY 2011 Spring Adjournment 864

[Mr David Evennett] restaurant, it has won multiple awards, and I believe it is the best park in London. In fact, it recently received the Houses of Parliament and Westminster abbey. Those gold award for safety. who watched it on televisions around the world or A short walk from there will take visitors to the Red within this country will have seen our historic streets. It House, the one-time home of the artist, textile designer was an excellent advert for London, which in my opinion and writer William Morris. is still the greatest city in the world. The London Olympics and Paralympics next year will be not just a John McDonnell (Hayes and Harlington) (Lab): A month-long festival of sport, but an opportunity to socialist. encourage more people to visit London. Mr Evennett: He was, but he did good work as well in Mel Stride (Central Devon) (Con): My hon. Friend is a different area. making a powerful case for tourism in our country. The Red House was Philip Webb’s first building as an Does he agree that we should look at the VAT rate that independent architect, and it was completed in 1860. It is applied to accommodation? In this country, it is the featured ceiling paintings and wall hangings by Morris same as the general rate, whereas in our competitor and furniture painted by Dante Gabriel Rossetti, and it countries, it is far lower. is a fantastic experience. It was purchased by the National Trust in 2003, and I recently had the pleasure of touring Mr Evennett: My hon. Friend makes a very good the house with its new manager, James Breslin. I am point. I am sure that the Deputy Leader of the House confident that the National Trust will ensure that it will note it and take it back to the Chancellor and other remains open for people to enjoy for years to come. It is Treasury Ministers. another gem in suburban Bexleyheath. The Government’s tourism policy is an important Another historic property in my constituency that is long-term strategy that will help the tourism industry to open to the public is a grade I listed building and former develop further and capitalise on its strengths. I welcome stately home called Hall Place, which is part-Tudor and the establishment of the £100 million marketing fund part-Jacobean and has fantastic gardens. Extensive work and its ambitious aim of attracting 4 million extra has recently been undertaken to ensure that it can be visitors to the UK over the next four years. If that can open for all to enjoy. I have been to a number of be achieved, there could be substantial economic benefits functions there, and the sense of history is incredible of some £2 billion, with the possibility of some 50,000 new and the mixed architecture impressive and interesting. jobs being created. That is an excellent example of how Government and the private sector can work together There is also the beautiful and historic church of for the benefit of our whole country. St Paulinus in Crayford. It was built in the 12th century, but there is evidence that there has been a church there I was rather disappointed to learn that only one fifth for more than 1,000 years. It is located at the top of of the population take breaks of four nights or more in Crayford hill, on the mediaeval route to the continent, this country. If more people could be encouraged to go and pilgrims stopped there on the way to Canterbury on holiday in the UK, to match the number holidaying for respite and care. The church is the burial place of abroad, £2 billion more could be generated for the Elizabeth Shovell, the former wife of Sir Cloudesley tourist industry, and some 37,000 more jobs could be Shovell, who was Admiral of the Fleet during the reign created. That would be a real benefit to our economy, of Queen Anne. The former Surrey and England cricketer and I believe it would be enjoyable for all those taking John Shuter is also buried there. Shuter once opened an part. I still think that Britain is best for tourists and for innings with the legendary W. G. Grace, and his grave holidays. has recently been restored and rededicated with the help I hope that Government policy is not just about of the Friends of St Paulinus Church, Bexley cricket bigger towns and cities. I should like to encourage more club and Surrey county cricket club. The living churchyard domestic and international visitors to come to my borough is a place of peace and tranquillity among the bustle of of Bexley, to enjoy our historic, cultural and entertainment suburban Crayford. facilities. For a start, there is Danson House, in my In the same century in which St Paulinus was built, constituency, a grade I listed Georgian building that Lesnes abbey, in the north of our borough, was founded was purchased by Sir John Boyd in 1753 but not completed by Richard de Luci. It has been suggested that it was until 1766. The principal architect was the highly regarded built as penance for the murder of Thomas à Becket, in Sir Robert Taylor, who was involved in the design of which de Luci was involved. The abbey ruins are located many significant buildings, such as the Bank of England. in Lesnes abbey woods and are worth a visit. The site was landscaped by Nathaniel Richmond, who was once Capability Brown’s assistant. Bexley has an awful lot to offer tourists both domestic and from abroad. I have highlighted just a few reasons When the house was purchased by English Heritage for a visit, and I believe that we should develop tourism in 1995, it was in a dilapidated state, as it had regrettably in the suburbs. It is also one of the greenest boroughs in been allowed to deteriorate. English Heritage’s investment, London, with many small parks and green spaces such in partnership with the Bexley Heritage Trust, has been as Martens Grove and Bursted woods. The Erith marshes invaluable, and both must be commended for their work and the Crayford marshlands can be used for birdwatching, to enable the house to be opened to the public. Visiting and people can walk along the River Cray. Bexleyheath it is a fantastic experience, and I recommend it. Broadway offers civilised shopping, and there are quality I also recommend that visitors walk around the hotels, such as the Marriott, restaurants—Assos in Crayford magnificent Danson park grounds. With the lake, the is a particular favourite of mine—and pubs. We have conversion of the stables into a pub, the investment in small theatres, popular sports clubs such as Welling new play facilities and the refurbishment of the Boathouse United football club, the Europa gym and Crayford 865 Spring Adjournment24 MAY 2011 Spring Adjournment 866 greyhound track. It is a great place to come, and I urge (Paul Burstow), and I hope that happens before final my colleagues and friends in the House to visit. decisions are made. However, I want to emphasise that There is much to do in my constituency and my the process has been inadequate and unacceptable to borough, but importantly, I welcome what the Government local people. are doing to encourage tourism nationally. It is a very The second issue is on another, very different, NHS important industry, but it is also an important facility facility: the Ancoats walk-in centre. Hon. Members for creating jobs—and for having a good time. I welcome often use superlatives, but my constituents in that area what the Government are doing, but I urge them to have some of the worst health of any people anywhere consider the suburbs, because there is a lot going on in the country. The area needs first-class health facilities. there that is worth visiting as a tourist. The walk-in centre was finally delivered to the Ancoats community when the former Ancoats hospital closed, 5.25 pm which was quite a number of years ago now. There was Tony Lloyd (Manchester Central) (Lab): It is a great a commitment to making health provision available for pleasure to follow the hon. Member for Bexleyheath the non-chronic conditions that are so common in such and Crayford (Mr Evennett), who takes great pride in areas. The health planners now intend to close this his suburb. In the same way, people in Manchester have facility, thereby breaking the promise made when the enormous pride in what our city is all about. That is Ancoats health facility was closed. That is particularly why I wanted to raise two important local issues today. galling because the decisions were made long before First, the Edale unit, which is a secure mental health any public consultation. I have a copy of the in-house unit, is currently located in the central Manchester magazine in February telling staff that the decision to hospital. Manchester Mental Health and Social Care close had been taken, yet the public consultation only trust specifically had the unit designed only a few years began last week, on 16 May. That is unacceptable. ago as part of a private finance initiative in that hospital. I repeat that the people in the Ancoats area have The strategic health authority gifted the trust some some of the worst health indicators not just in Manchester £16 million for the project, but only four years on, the but across the country. The proposed relocated unit—in trust has decided that it wants to abandon the unit and fact, they are closing the unit and claiming it is a move its facilities elsewhere. relocation—is more than four miles away, which, for The trust proposes to move the unit to Park House—the people with no access to a car or other private transport, site of the North Manchester hospital. By all accounts, means a journey by public transport or walking. However, that decision is perplexing. Patients, user groups, families of the three bus services available, one requires an and those involved in mental health delivery tell me that 18-minute walk and the other two require bus changes. the facilities in Park House are less adequate than those For those who need health care they can walk to, which in the Edale unit, particularly because the new facility they have come to expect in recent years, the alternative will have mixed-sex wards and the accommodation will unit simply is not adequate. I appeal to the Minister to be dormitory-style, with six beds to a unit, and therefore tell Health Ministers that bureaucrats cannot do this to less secure. Because the therapy provision in Park House communities. Bureaucrats need to answer properly to is worse than that in the Edale unit, those people, who communities. have very serious mental health conditions, will receive inferior treatment. 5.31 pm Three options were examined and appraised before the change was announced, and the move to Park Mr David Amess (Southend West) (Con): Before the House was judged to be the worst of them. In health House adjourns for the Whitsun recess, I wish to raise terms, therefore, the decision is perplexing, but it might several points. The “Panorama” programme last night be explicable if it saves the mental health trust £1.7 million reinforced my view of FIFA. It is a totally corrupt a year, as the trust says it will. Money could drive the organisation. We were humiliated in the bid for the trust’s decision because of the cost pressures in the world cup. I hope that our representatives will not vote NHS, but the decision is still unacceptable, because for either of the two candidates, and that we will withdraw although the move saves the mental health trust £1.7 million from FIFA. I am a lifelong supporter of West Ham and a year, it will cost the wider NHS economy an extra am delighted that we have got the Olympic stadium, but £1.9 million a year. The economics therefore do not add I feel badly let down, along with other supporters, by up. It might be good for the bookkeeping of the mental the management. It is very sad indeed. I have come to health trust, but it is bad for the health economy. the conclusion that some footballers are overpaid, some are oversexed and others underperform, unlike hon. The difficulty I have had throughout the process is Members. that both the mental health trust and the SHA have not been open with the public. All Members of the House The winner of the Eurovision song contest, Azerbaijan, would regard that situation as unacceptable. Bureaucrats was a lot of rubbish. I think that Blue had the best cannot hide important decisions behind faceless decision- record, and that Eurovision has become totally farcical. making processes. No Member of Parliament would We should withdraw from the Eurovision song contest accept that for their community, and I certainly do not and have a proper contest between members of the G20 accept it for mine. People in my community suffer from instead. extraordinarily high levels of mental illness, and we I am looking forward to the Olympic games. As hon. need the provision of a facility that is in keeping with Members know, Southend has the longest pier in the the very best, and not simply with the second-best, as world and a wonderful athlete, Mark Foster, whom I driven by narrow financial needs. hope will be allowed to run down the pier with the I have asked to meet the Minister of State, Department torch. It is all very well that the torch will be going to of Health, the hon. Member for Sutton and Cheam the constituency of the Minister of State, Department 867 Spring Adjournment24 MAY 2011 Spring Adjournment 868

[Mr David Amess] further part of her arm amputated. I hope that the Minister can do something about that. of Health, my right hon. Friend the Member for Chelmsford I am receiving increasing complaints about the Child (Mr Burns), but we want the flame to be shown in all its Support Agency. It seems to be for ever blaming things glory in Southend too. on the computer—always a good excuse when things go We recently held the Southend version of the Essex wrong—so I hope that the Minister will have a word Factor. A young lady called Lucy Urquhart won the with the appropriate Department. contest, and I have no doubt that she will become an Finally, as far as fisheries and fish discards are concerned, international celebrity. Last week, I had the honour to the common fisheries policy needs to be reformed urgently. be nominated by Naturewatch for an animal charity It is an absolute disgrace that Leigh fishermen are being champion award. I pay tribute to Naturewatch. It is a penalised by quotas and having to throw away far too wonderful organisation, and it brought to my attention many fish. the problem of puppy farming. A quarter of the British I wish everyone a very happy Whitsun. people own dogs, and it is a disgrace that we have these puppy farms churning out five or six litters each year. We should do something about it. The current law is not 5.37 pm being enforced. It is no good having a review or putting Valerie Vaz (Walsall South) (Lab): It is always a in place a code of practice. We want the current law pleasure to follow the hon. Member for Southend West enforced. (Mr Amess) and his skip around his constituency, which Last week, I think, the Minister of State, Department has left us all exhausted. for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, came to the I thank the Backbench Business Committee for allowing Dispatch Box to make a statement about using live time for this debate, which I secured to draw attention animals in circuses. He was given a bit of a rough time. to concerns raised by a number of my constituents— It is completely unacceptable that wild animals are used residents and business owners alike—in Walsall South. for circuses. I hope that the Minister here today will Many are finding the council’s approach to parking take that point back to the Department to ensure that restrictions and enforcement extremely stressful. They we do not use live animals in circuses anymore. are effectively being harassed as they go about their I was totally dissatisfied with the 2001 census in daily lawful business. I want to cover three areas: fines Southend, which left off 20,000 people—we have been and enforcement; the council’s attitude; and the case of paying for it for the past 10 years—and I am unhappy Cyril Randle. to tell the House that I do not believe that the present The story starts on 7 March, with parking charges census was conducted satisfactorily in Southend either. being introduced on Ablewell street, Lichfield street The local authority, which has done a fantastic job, has and Station street. The restrictions cover a total of assured me that it has not been well-handled by the Office 310 parking spaces. Previously, people had been able to for National Statistics, which seems to be in complete park free for two hours while they used local businesses denial. Our Minister—the Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet on those streets and in the surrounding area. However, Office, my hon. Friend the Member for Ruislip, Northwood under the new rules, drivers are charged 20p for every and Pinner (Mr Hurd)—has done a wonderful job, but 10 minutes, up to a maximum of two hours with no I fear that we shall be going to appeal on the census. return. The charges are in force from Monday to Saturday We have the highest number of centenarians in the between 8.30 am and 6.30 pm, excluding bank holidays. country, and buses are very important for elderly people. For now, there is nowhere free to park in town. There Sadly, we depend on subsidies to run certain bus routes, are fines of £50—they are reduced if paid before a and we have just had the First bus company cut the certain time—yet the notices on the parking meters do No. 24 bus. I very much hope that the Minister responding not specify the amount. The restrictions and charges to this debate will have a word with that organisation so are very rigorously enforced. Several wardens walk down that the No. 24 can be restored. the affected streets each hour. Anyone late by one minute may be liable for a fine of £50. Some 670 drivers I had the great honour of being the chairman of the were issued with tickets within the first eight days of the all-party small business group. Small businesses throughout charges being introduced, which equates to almost £3,500. the country are struggling at the moment, particularly Over the month from 7 March to 7 April, 1,700 parking in Leigh-on-Sea. More publicity should be given to the tickets were issued. That equates to £18,000 of parking reduction of rates for small businesses. We also need to fines. do something about the empty property relief that we Local businesses are suffering and have reported losses used to have. as a result of the new restrictions. I have received a I welcome the English baccalaureate. It is good that petition, which I will present at the end of today’s we are concentrating on core subjects, but it is not debate, supported by more than 700 signatories who acceptable that religious education is not included in oppose the new rules from NE Sandwiches, Smart Cut, the English baccalaureate. I have received representations Super Car, Ablewell Fish Bar, Pure Therapy, Hair of from St Thomas More high school, St Bernard’s high the Dog, News and Booze, and Traditional Settings. school and Westcliff high school for boys, and I hope Some have already experienced a drop in trade of up to that we can have that restored. 30%, and others as much as 50%. The owner of News Jo-Jo Cranfield is a very talented athlete who was and Booze said: born with one arm. Hopefully she will be representing “Nobody is going to come here and pay an extra 20p every ten us in the Paralympics, but it is absolutely disgraceful minutes to buy a chocolate bar, a sandwich, or get a haircut.” that disability living allowance has been withdrawn The GP’s surgery on Lichfield street is also being affected, from her, and it has also been suggested that she have a with one of my constituents given a fine even though 869 Spring Adjournment24 MAY 2011 Spring Adjournment 870 he had an appointment there. There are a number of 5.42 pm residential properties on Station street. No exemption is Jonathan Lord (Woking) (Con): In the Backbench made for residents to park their cars or for people Business debate before the Christmas recess, I spoke making deliveries. Life in Walsall town centre is getting about magistrates court closures, and about how the difficult. Mr Papanicodemou told me: Government, instead of following their localism agenda, “If no action is taken, we feel that it will lead to the collapse of were unjustly moving services away from some local many established businesses, which would result in numerous communities in the name of efficiency and effectiveness. empty shop premises. The eventual outcome of this will mean a loss of business rates to the council and also increased unemployment I firmly believe that delivering services locally can enhance in the area.” efficiency and effectiveness rather than being their antithesis. So, as the Government, the regions, and those who What does the council say? Its justification is that it is commission and provide health services grapple with looking at the competing demands and the current difficult budgets and soaring demands, I urge the arrangements to deliver the maximum wider benefit, Government, and particularly the key health stakeholders while also contributing to the cost of providing and in my county of Surrey, really to think through how maintaining parking facilities, but that is not what the community hospitals could help to deliver improved businesses have asked for. Balancing the need to pay for health care at a local and accessible level and in a and maintaining parking facilities is not a relevant cost-efficient way. consideration in making the decision on this scheme. There has been no consultation or justification for the My constituents in Woking, Pirbright and Normandy scheme. The council accepts that there has been a are generally well served when they travel out to the decrease in the number of people using town centre car two acute hospitals located on either side of the parks. Of course there has! Businesses have said so, and constituency—St Peter’s in Ashford and the Royal Surrey trading figures suggest that people are abandoning the in Guildford—but I am particularly fortunate to have town centre. Now the new art gallery is closed on Woking community hospital at the very heart of my Sundays. What incentive is there to go into the town constituency. It is an excellent local facility, receiving centre? 110,000 visits each year. It provides assessment and rehabilitation, audiology, ophthalmology, physiotherapy The case of Cyril Randle involves the salutary tale of and X-rays, and the nationally respected Bradley unit an over-zealous enforcement officer and a council that offers a neuro-rehabilitation service for patients with would not back down until the court hearing, in the multiple sclerosis and other disorders. face of no evidence. Mr Randle came to my surgery to The doctors, nurses and staff are incredibly dedicated, ask me to warn my constituents of what could happen and the hospital is also supported by the Friends of to them if Ministers extend the powers of traffic wardens Woking Community Hospital, whose 350 members have to cover offences such as littering or to stop moving raised hundreds of thousands of pounds to fund additional vehicles involved in motoring offences. In 2006, Cyril, improvements and projects. These have included diagnostic then aged 75, was apparently spotted spitting chewing equipment for the early detection of glaucoma, electronically gum from the window of a white Golf. The council had operated beds and the construction of two conservatories many of its facts wrong—not least that Mr Randle had that provide patients with a quiet, light-filled space. not done the thing of which he was accused. On the day They even provide newspapers for long-stay patients of of the hearing, the council offered not to prosecute, the Bradley neuro-rehabilitation ward. A major legacy on the grounds of Mr Randle’s age and ill health, but has recently been bequeathed by Sir Alec Bedser, a he wanted it on the record that he was innocent. long-term Woking resident, and I am sure his generosity Representatives of the council did not turn up. His solicitor will be put to good use. This amazing level of dedication asked that all charges be dropped, and the magistrate and support is difficult, though not impossible, to replicate agreed that Mr Randle was innocent. Throughout the at the larger institutions and provides a real catalyst for whole process, the council never issued a fine. It had no future success. evidence. Indeed, the driver’s side window of Mr Randle’s car was broken and would not open. I would argue that community hospitals such as the one in Woking that already have a certain size and In conclusion, what is required is, first, public information critical mass and already have the experience, the space, about ending littering, rather than making vehicle owners the good buildings and infrastructure to offer a broad responsible for litter thrown out of a car. Secondly, the range of services to a reasonably large local population— council must not use car parking and enforcement for even though they are not immediately adjacent to a raising revenue. The Department for Transport’s operational main acute hospital—have enormous potential to expand guidance states: their existing offerings and deliver excellent health care “The objective of civil parking enforcement should be 100 per right in the heart of their communities. cent compliance, with no penalty charges”. What I am championing is the idea of a lead or a hub This was revised in November 2010. Instead, the council community hospital that offers a wider range of truly should allow people to pay for the time used, just as local health care, which could help to take some of the they do in large shopping malls, rather than giving them pressure off our over-burdened acute hospitals. For a short amount of time and penalising them for being example, with the right medical staff on hand and good one minute late. I have already written to the Government’s co-ordination with the ambulance service, most low-acuity new high street tsar, Mary Portas, and invited her to ambulance calls could be dealt with at hub community visit the Walsall high streets. On behalf of my constituents, hospitals. There could be an extension of medical cover I say: give the highway back to the residents who pay at the hubs, including into the evenings and weekends, their council tax, and give the high street back to the so that a wider range of sicker patients could be seen residents, so that they can linger, shop and visit the new there. What about a rapid access centre, where a consultant art gallery. would see and assess elderly people within one or two 871 Spring Adjournment24 MAY 2011 Spring Adjournment 872

[Jonathan Lord] It also found that “More than 1 in 4 adolescents living in cold housing are at risk days to save them being sent to A and E or a busy acute of multiple mental health problems compared to 1 in 20” hospital? Perhaps there is scope at one or two of our young people in warm housing. Sadly, at the most larger community hospitals for a temporary intoxication extreme end of the spectrum, there were 25,000 excess and related minor injuries unit. I believe that community deaths due to cold in England and Wales in the winter health services can play a leading role in developing of 2009-2010. Our rates are higher than those of many home nursing services to complement local hospitals so other European countries, including the most northerly that patients can be released quicker to be supported at Scandinavian countries. Poor heating is leading to poorer home, thus releasing hospital beds for new patients. lives for far too many people. As Sir Michael Marmot To its credit, NHS Surrey has held discussions about says, the future for community health. Let us be clear, however: “Inequalities that are avoidable are fundamentally unfair—fuel over the next few weeks or months, I would like to see poverty is avoidable and it contributes to social and health three things. First, I want a firm commitment that inequalities.” Woking community hospital will be a lead or hub Our challenge is to align our health and environmental hospital, albeit initially on a pilot basis. Secondly, I agendas, and to create jobs as well. A Shelter Cymru want some details on the service provision that is going report estimates the total cost of bringing all poor to be enhanced and how it can be integrated with other housing in Wales to an acceptable standard at around local services. Finally, I want a commitment to funding £1.5 billion, half of which is needed to deal with cold homes. that recognises the important future role that community Maximising take-up is an absolute must. National health services and key community hospitals should Government, the devolved Assembly, local authorities have in Surrey. and health workers all have a role to play, and Members The Government have increased the primary care of Parliament can help with publicity. The coalition trust’s baseline budget by over £30 million for this year, Government have said that they will deliver their green so the plan to reduce spending on community health deal and the energy company obligation in the autumn services by 1.5% is worrying and difficult to justify. I of 2012, and the Minister confirmed to me last week believe that moving more activity to community settings that the ECO would be focused on fuel poverty and has a major role to play in the future clinical and hard-to-treat homes. I think that the ECO should target financial sustainability of the Surrey health system—a a reduction in excess winter deaths, and in particular view that seems to be shared by NHS Surrey—but the ensure that private sector tenants benefit from investment rhetoric about treating more patients in the community in energy-saving measures. must be backed by action and by funding. UK-wide schemes will be important in helping Wales In the Woking community hospital, I have a very fine to meet its ambitious targets. The Welsh Assembly local facility. I want to see it enhanced over the coming Government already give a high priority to fuel poverty years and I believe that NHS Surrey should support reduction. Its strategy was launched at the Coed Cae me in that endeavour. I believe that the Government estate in Nantyglo in my constituency. There, social and and health authorities generally should also look at private housing is being retro-fitted with external cladding supporting community health right in the heart of their to make homes more fuel-efficient. I want the Government communities. to work with the Welsh Assembly to deliver for the people of Wales. In Blaenau Gwent, Tai Calon, our 5.49 pm largest provider of social housing, is spending £9 million on updating heating systems and working with E.ON to Nick Smith (Blaenau Gwent) (Lab): I am pleased to invest up to £10 million in energy efficiency, and 1,000 homes have the opportunity to speak on what I see as a key will be given new double-glazed windows. In an area of public health issue. I shall consider the health impact of high unemployment, it is important to ensure that local cold homes and fuel poverty. Parts of my constituency companies are used for those upgrades. are more than 1,200 feet above sea level; our winters can According to my local newspaper, the Gwent Gazette, be icy and our houses chilly. We wrap up warm in the “the Valleys consistently come top of the leagues that no one valleys, but this is no substitute for a snug energy-efficient wants to win”, home. which include those for rates of heart disease and People know that cold homes are bad for our health, premature death. If the area is to move down those but cold can also kill. Michael Marmot, our pre-eminent league tables, tackling fuel poverty must be an obligation. public health expert has said We must ensure that people take up what is on offer. I “A winter death certificate may say ‘death due to heart attack’, was appalled when National Energy Action told me but very often cold was a key factor.” that 10,000 households, a third of the Blaenau Gwent This truth must be addressed to tackle the health impacts total, were missing out on their entitlement. That is the of cold homes. The most recent figures from the Welsh highest percentage in any constituency in Great Britain. Assembly Government show that 25% of households in MPs must play their part. I saw the benefits for Wales are in fuel poverty, which means they have to pensioners recently when I visited Margaret Jones in spend 10% or more of their net income to heat their Ebbw Vale, whose new central heating system had been homes adequately. installed under the Welsh Assembly’s scheme. NEA has I recently attended the launch of the Marmot review a fuel poverty action guide that MPs can use to help of the health impacts of fuel poverty, and I want to constituents. I have written to the chief medical officer highlight some of its findings. It found that fuel poverty for Wales to ask what action is being taken, and whether “negatively affects children’s educational attainment, emotional the Aneurin Bevan Health Board is playing a referral well-being and resilience.” role to help local people with home heating problems. 873 Spring Adjournment24 MAY 2011 Spring Adjournment 874

Ambitious targets are critically important. The investment that this will work. It will allow us to change the in public health, a priority for the 21st century, is as prognosis for this devastating condition, saving thousands important as clean water and clean air were in the of lives a year. 20th century. I want the Government to be active and My request is not new. Norway, Denmark and France drive the agenda very strongly, and to work in partnership already have this as part of their national curricula. The to make a massive improvement in the health and American Heart Association has decreed that no child quality of life of the young, the chronically ill, the who is non-proficient in CPR should be able to graduate disabled and the elderly. from secondary school. The British Heart Foundation already has more than 900 schools actively engaged in 5.54 pm the Heartstart campaign, helping train thousands of children in these essential skills. This campaign needs to Justin Tomlinson (North Swindon) (Con): Working be extended to every school, and with that in mind with the British Heart Foundation as part of the Heartstart I have already met Dr Peter Crouch of the Taw Hill UK campaign, I am calling for every child in the UK to medical practice, and Swindon borough council, to be taught extended life support, so that when they leave look at ways to ensure that it is extended to all the school they are capable of saving a life. I want every schools in my North Swindon constituency. I urge all child, and eventually every adult, in the UK to be able MPs to do the same. to do the following: recognise an emergency; contact the ambulance service immediately; administer Chris Kelly (Dudley South) (Con): My hon. Friend cardiopulmonary resuscitation; and use an automated may be interested to learn that I recently visited the defibrillator. This campaign has received overwhelming St John Ambulance team in Brierley hill in my constituency support from across the medical, teaching and charitable to see the fantastic work that it does with schoolchildren communities, including from the following organisations: on this very subject. Will he join me in congratulating the British Medical Association, Research Councils that organisation on its work? UK, the Royal College of Physicians, the Royal College Justin Tomlinson: Absolutely; it serves as an excellent of Nursing, the Joint Royal Colleges Ambulance Liaison example and it should be encouraged. All MPs have a Committee, the PSHE Association, SAD.org.uk, and role to play in encouraging such work. Cardiac Risk in the Young—CRY. Life support makes a real difference to survival rates. I am passionate about the issue of extended life Training takes less than two hours, with the skills remaining support—ELS—because as a teenager I found my father for life. Through education and empowerment a new following his heart attack, so I know just how essential generation of life savers will be created, saving thousands it is to have these skills. I am far from alone, as there are of lives a year. I very much hope we can now ensure that 30,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests in the UK each this is made a compulsory element of a child’s education, year. Currently, only about one in 12 sufferers will and thereby create an army of life savers with the survive; that means 27,500 people are dying in the confidence and skills to save many lives. community, some of whom could have been saved. On average, it takes about six to 12 minutes for an emergency 5.59 pm ambulance to reach a critically ill patient. For every John McDonnell (Hayes and Harlington) (Lab): I minute that passes in cardiac arrest, the patient’s chance wish to discuss the threat to heritage buildings in my of survival falls by 10%. However, if immediate CPR— constituency. Two months ago, a planning application cardiopulmonary resuscitation—is given, survival rates to build a large hotel development encompassing a increase threefold. 500-year-old listed building, the Dower house, in the The great shame is that most people are simply not village of Harlington, was refused by the London borough able to help individuals in cardiac arrest. All too often, of Hillingdon’s planning committee. Two weeks ago, passers-by simply hope that someone else will act. By the Dower house was consumed by fire and the police training and educating individuals we can radically are investigating a suspected arson attack. This is just alter this situation. I have heard horrific stories of another example of what feels like the almost industrial-scale crowds gathering around with no one willing to step in. destruction of heritage buildings in my constituency. Thankfully, the evidence clearly shows that with training, We all value a sense of community where we live and lay people can overcome the psychological barriers and a sense of belonging, and part of that sense of community manage the patient until more advanced and experienced is about valuing our local heritage. Local buildings all personnel arrive. tell their story of how our communities developed, and What I am asking for will take only 0.2% of the are cherished for their architectural beauty and histories— school year. It takes less than two hours fully to train a the stories they tell us. This country has a proud history young person in ELS; that is the equivalent of just one of protecting its national heritage buildings and sites, physical education lesson. The training is straightforward. and I pay tribute to the work of English Heritage and The recent meeting of the all-party group on heart bodies such as the Society for the Protection of Ancient disease, even I managed to breeze through it, as did my Buildings, and the National Trust. But the battle to save staff. The training can be broken into three levels, and our heritage is now being fought out ferociously in the even the most basic form of training can make a difference. suburbs of our cities and towns; it is the battle for local For example, the body has enough oxygen in the blood heritage buildings. These buildings are often unheralded so that even basic-compression CPR would be sufficient and unsung wonders that lift our hearts when we discover for 15 minutes, which is longer than the average ambulance them and their histories. response time. These skills will remain with people for Although valued by local people, local heritage buildings, the rest of their lives. We will instantly create a new especially those in London suburbs such as mine, are generation of life savers, and they can pass their skills being hit by a tsunami of urban sprawl and intensive on, so it is a win-win situation. We have the evidence pressure from property development. In my area, many 875 Spring Adjournment24 MAY 2011 Spring Adjournment 876

[John McDonnell] My appeal is therefore for assistance at all levels of government and from other agencies that could become of those buildings are still just about standing as beacons involved. First, I appeal to the Minister for an urgent of beauty and historical interest, but they are at severe meeting to discuss the heritage sites in my constituency, risk, as listed by English Heritage, from developers and because I fear that without urgent intervention we may neglect by their owners, and they are vulnerable to lose some wonderful buildings. I fear the cuts of 30% that council asset-stripping sales or a lack of public investment. English Heritage faces, given that more than 400 buildings I wish to cite three examples, in addition to Dower are at risk in London, but I appeal to English Heritage house, the first of which is the Harmondsworth great to refocus on the London suburbs such as Hayes and barn. The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings Harlington. My appeal to the local council is for it to described it as perhaps the greatest surviving mediaeval stop asset stripping and to work with the local community barn in the country, and John Betjeman dubbed it the to protect our heritage buildings. My appeal to the “cathedral of Middlesex”. When its owner went into owners of these buildings, particularly those I have administration a number of years ago, the local council named, is for them to contact me and work with our unfortunately failed to purchase it for £1 and it passed local community to preserve these buildings. We need into the ownership of a Mr Robert Noonan. He owns it powers, resources and co-operation from all levels of through a company called Harmondsworth Barn Ltd, government and society if we are to preserve our local based in Gibraltar. Under his ownership the barn has heritage. Once demolished, such buildings are lost for been neglected, and English Heritage now judges it to ever for future generations. We cannot let this happen. be in a poor condition. We have established the Friends Several hon. Members rose— of Harmondsworth Barn, and as a result of much effort and lobbying by local people, English Heritage has Mr Speaker: Order. The time limit is six minutes, but undertaken basic works to protect the barn, but is I emphasise that the wind-ups will begin at 6.40 and seeking a refund in the courts from its existing owners. eight Members are seeking to catch my eye. Hon. Members English Heritage has put the barn on its at-risk register can do the arithmetic for themselves, and a certain and we fear that, having saved the barn from a third self-denying ordinance would be helpful. runway, we could lose it as a result of neglect by its owner. 6.5 pm My second example is Benlow works, a beautiful Stephen Gilbert (St Austell and Newquay) (LD): It is building visible from the railway in Hayes. It is the a pleasure to follow the hon. Member for Hayes and symbol of our local industrial heritage. It was the place Harlington (John McDonnell), who is not the only one where the Orchestrelle factory was; this is where people who has difficulty protecting his local heritage. We have built the “Aeolian” organ players. It is a grade II listed that difficulty in rural areas too. Indeed, I rise tonight building but it is in a sorry state of neglect and English to express the deep anger, disappointment and dismay Heritage has listed it as at risk. Our only information on across my constituency that the Secretary of State for the owner is that the building belongs to the Freshwater Communities and Local Government has approved a Group of Companies in Shaftesbury avenue, London, mass burn incinerator for the village of St Dennis in the but the council and English Heritage have failed to get heart of the constituency. any response from the owners to a request to improve There is anger because a Government who make the building, despite offers of support, including an much of their localism agenda have overruled the wishes offer of a significant grant to refurbish the building. of the local parish council, the former district council My third example is Golden Crescent library, a lovely and the former county council’s planning committee, building originally built by Mrs Emily Shackle in the and ignored representations from Cornwall’s six MPs. late 19th century as a mission hall in memory of her late There is disappointment because the Government have husband. Middlesex county council opened it as a local fundamentally undermined their claims to be the greenest library in 1933 and it served generations of my constituents Government ever. There is dismay because the incinerator until last year, when Hillingdon borough council closed is the wrong solution to Cornwall’s waste problems and the library and opened a new one. Despite promises to might dominate the small village of St Dennis for four preserve the older, listed building for community use, it decades to come. is now to be sold off for development as flats and most Let me put the incinerator in context. At 120 metres, of the building is to be demolished. The façade may its stack is twice the height of this building’s famous remain but we will, unfortunately, lose the cherished Clock Tower, which houses Big Ben, and taller than the building. Statue of Liberty. It will dominate a small Cornish I have given just a few examples of heritage buildings village and will be seen from many of Cornwall’s beauty at risk in my area. Our community has tried everything spots. As we enter an era of global warming, Cornwall’s to protect our heritage. Working with the excellent incinerator will belch out thousands of tonnes of CO2 council officers Charmian Baker, Sarah Harper and emissions and other harmful particulates. Nairita Chakraborty, two years ago I convened a local We know that inefficient incineration, in which the community conference to discuss our local heritage. energy is not used, does not move waste up the waste Local residents have gone out to map and research the hierarchy. It remains a disposal in the same category as buildings and sites to update the council’s heritage list. landfill. It is therefore out of step with Government We have set up the Hayes and Harlington Conservation policy, but that is what is happening in Cornwall, and Panel, as well as friends groups for each of the buildings that is what the Secretary of State has approved. The under threat. But despite all this we are still under incinerator will generate more than 200 extra fuel-guzzling attack, and I fear that we are, at times, fighting a losing lorry movements on Cornwall’s lanes and roads each battle. and every day. It will depress reuse and recycling rates. 877 Spring Adjournment24 MAY 2011 Spring Adjournment 878

Incineration has never been the right solution for Cornwall, called the police who, instead of dispersing the crowd only the quick fix for a council caught in a blind panic. or, heaven forbid, making arrests for disturbance of the The difficult circumstances in St Dennis mask the peace at the very least, simply chatted with the crowd in great strength of the people. They have put up a tremendous a manner that my constituent described as jolly and fight against the plans in what has always been a David friendly. My constituent reported the matter to the and Goliath situation. They are not nimbys and since district chief superintendent, who replied that he had 2005 they have only ever wanted a modern solution to a asked a colleague to respond, but no response has been modern problem. They have fought with only half the received so far. I am hopeful that when a copy of information that other sides in the dispute have. Hansard arrives on his desk, sent from my office, the May I ask my hon. Friend the Deputy Leader of the response will be forthcoming more quickly. House directly whether waste private finance initiative I look forward to the Home Office’s response to the contracts and the potential liabilities to which they public consultation, but in the interim I expect the local expose local authorities will now be material considerations police and local agencies to make full use of the current in planning policy, as the inspector’s report suggests? powers for tackling antisocial behaviour and to offer Does that not fundamentally undermine the plan-led the most effective means available of protecting victims approach that the Government want to adopt? How and communities. It is easy to see why there is a perception can development be plan-led if local people who have in some quarters that nothing can be done about this no control over the contracts signed by a local authority sort of crime, but something can be done, as it was done will always be trumped by the provisions of that contract? in New York by Mayor Rudy Giuliani. In one of the How can it be right for a document for use in a public most crime-infested cities in the world, he achieved real inquiry to be redacted? There should be no document success. He realised that needed for a public inquiry that is not available in full to “Reducing the number of crimes wouldn’t be enough: people had all participants. I would appreciate it if my hon. Friend to see improvement, not just hear about it. If crime went down asked his colleagues in the Department to write to me but the existing amount of pushing and shoving, urinating on the on those points. streets, and other quality-of-life issues remained the same, we would never have a convincing case that life was better. We had to The community in mid-Cornwall is angry. Our faith get people to be safe and to feel safe.” in the democratic process has been shaken to its core. When people feel safe, antisocial behaviour will not be How can it be, when we have won our case every time tolerated by the community. Only when the local police we have put it to local decision makers, that our Secretary achieve that will we see the trends of antisocial behaviour of State, who is responsible for localism, has overruled begin to reverse. I have more to say but I know we are the local decision makers whom he says he seeks to stuck for time so I shall finish. empower? There is no doubt that Friday was a sad day for democracy in Cornwall, for Cornwall’s beautiful 6.12 pm environment, and for future generations who will look back, bemused, at the folly that has been imposed on them. Jesse Norman (Hereford and South Herefordshire) (Con): I would like to update the House about the progress on a subject that has become something of a 6.9 pm preoccupation of mine of late: the private finance initiative. Jack Lopresti (Filton and Bradley Stoke) (Con): I, Members will be familiar with the details of the PFI, too, would like to thank the Backbench Business Committee including its cost, complexity and lack of transparency for the opportunity to speak in this debate. I apologise and the level of advisory fees involved. The issue affects to any Members who were present when I spoke in the almost every constituency in the land and therefore pre-recess debate last month, as I must return to the almost every Member of the House. issue of antisocial behaviour which I raised on that As hon. Members will be aware, there have been far occasion. After I last spoke on the topic, I received a too many scandals for comfort over the years. Let me full and considered response from the Minister with refresh our collective memory with a few choice examples. responsibility for crime prevention, for which I thank The Ministry of Defence pays £22 for each of its 100 W him. I am glad that he agreed that light bulbs. The Public Accounts Committee recently “Much of what is described as ‘anti-social behaviour’ is actually found that the project to widen the M25 took nine years crime, and it has a huge impact on the quality of life of millions simply to procure, that the cost was likely to be in the of decent people”. region of £1 billion too much and that the advisory fees The Government are on the right track in recognising alone were in the order of £80 million. It is an interesting that the current measures for dealing with antisocial fact that under the Building Schools for the Future behaviour are bureaucratic and ineffective and that the programme, secondary schools were required to have solution lies in giving the police and local agencies atriums, as though they were multinational corporations, more effective powers to deal with the problem at a at colossal cost. One might ask why that should be so, much more local level. butsoitwas. I am saddened to report to the House that the Members can take their pick as to their preferred PFI constituents I mentioned in my last speech on this topic scandal, so it is little wonder that the campaign to are still suffering at the hands of a few thugs who secure savings on the PFI now has 70 Members from believe that they can do as they please and that they are across all major parties in the House. The campaign is above the law in waging their campaigns of intimidation not about tearing up contracts, but about renegotiating and abuse. Just last week a crowd of about 20 were them, locating savings without a loss of services and involved in intimidating a resident who said, “I have sharing future rewards more equally with the taxpayer. lived here all my life and this has got to stop!” The Since the campaign was launched last year, we have crowd followed my constituent down the road to his made huge progress. The Department of Health is home where more youths arrived in two cars. Neighbours looking very hard, through what it has referred to as its 879 Spring Adjournment24 MAY 2011 Spring Adjournment 880

[Jesse Norman] and regulatory certainty to ensure a long-term viable business case. I am calling on the Government to provide “deep dive”, at its costs at Romford hospital, from that certainty and to create the conditions that would which it hopes to infer a programme of cost savings that enable Vestas to secure the orders for the V164, which can run across the entire PFI hospital network. The would give it the confidence to turn the option for land MOD has reopened contracts at Corsham and two at Sheerness into a full lease, start building its factory other facilities. The Public Accounts Committee is holding and create much needed jobs in my constituency. a hearing next month with key players in the industry to I have already discussed the situation with Vestas and find out what has gone wrong, and I am pleased to say it is looking for a number of assurances from the that the Treasury Committee—my own Committee—has Government before sealing the deal. It wants to see a held an inquiry and is holding a hearing on that inquiry’s support mechanism that is specifically adapted to the findings, focusing on alternatives to the PFI. needs of the wind industry, as opposed to trying to In recent months I have had extensive meetings with make wind fit within a one-size-fits-all solution. Such a industry, with Ministers and officials at the Treasury support mechanism is key to making offshore wind a and Cabinet Office, and with the National Audit Office. long-term, cost-competitive component of the energy I thank my hon. Friend the Member for Daventry mix, and needs to be designed very quickly and set at a (Chris Heaton-Harris) for his intervention in that regard. level that drives continued investment from Vestas I have had meetings extensively with the different players customers. In addition, Vestas need reassurances that in the industry—the contractors, the developers, the the UK’s offshore wind ambitions will not be moderated. banks, the service providers and the advisers—and I It wants to see mechanisms in place to avoid any prolonged have been surprised by the positive response from those hiatus in investments as a result of the electricity market organisations. There is clearly a high level of interest in reform proposals. It wants the Government to set firm working with the Government to remedy some of the and ambitious targets, specifically for offshore wind evils of PFI over recent years and setting the stage for generation, and not only to 2020, but beyond to 2030. the much improved use of private finance in the future. Finally, it wants timely decisions on planning applications However, it is important for colleagues to note that not only for offshore projects but for the enabling some firms remain outside the process. I will mention infrastructure, such as grid connections and substations, some in particular. Innisfree, which has been a very big which would provide more market certainty and increase PFI provider, has decided to bury its head in the sand. investor confidence. That organisation has been associated with some of the If Vestas sets up its factory on Sheppey, an estimated most lucrative deals for the private sector. It had a profit 2,000 direct jobs and 1,000 indirect jobs will be created. last year of 53% of its turnover. Sodexho is a very large On behalf of all those in my constituency who would national service provider, whose exorbitant costs I drew benefit from those jobs, I would like to ask several to the attention of the House last year, in relation to questions. First, how do the Government plan to provide Hereford hospital in my constituency. Vestas with the necessary conditions that would encourage I draw the attention of the House to the performance it to make that major investment in the UK? Secondly, of the advisers as a group—the law and accountancy what are they doing to overcome the obstacles that the firms, which have not participated so far in the process. offshore wind industry faces? Thirdly, what are they It is striking that no matter how many transactions are doing to ensure that investment like that proposed by done, the advisory fees on PFI deals have not fallen at Vestas comes to the UK and does not go to countries all over the past 15 years. such as Germany or France, which no doubt would welcome it with open arms? Fourthly, how can the UK I shall be approaching the Backbench Business maintain its position as global leader in offshore wind Committee on 7 June for a full debate on the subject of energy and secure the jobs and economic benefits that PFI. I very much hope that as many Members as go with it? possible will join the campaign if they have not already done so, support my approach to the Committee, and Fifthly, why are the Government opting for an electricity speak in that debate. market reform package that appears to be focused on getting new nuclear power stations off the ground, 6.17 pm rather than putting more emphasis on getting investment into renewables? Sixthly, given that the Government’s Gordon Henderson (Sittingbourne and Sheppey) (Con): £60 million so-called ports fund, which is supposed to Two weeks ago the Danish company Vestas announced help upgrade port infrastructure to meet the needs of that it had signed an option for 70 hectares of land at the offshore wind industry, applies only to areas with the port of Sheerness. That option opens up the possibility assisted status, how do the Government intend to create of Vestas setting up a factory in my constituency to a level playing field so that we in Sittingbourne and manufacture its next generation wind turbine, the V164-7.0. Sheppey can secure Vestas investment for an area of Vestas is considering locating in the UK because of the high deprivation that just happens to be located in the immense growth prospects for offshore wind-generated so-called wealthy south-east? Finally, what can the energy in this country, but let us not be under any Government do to help de-risk the potential investment illusions: Vestas has plenty of alternative options on the by Vestas? I appreciate that those are not questions to continent. which my right hon. Friend the Minister has ready answers, Vestas has already made a substantial investment just but I very much hope that he will ensure that the relevant to secure the land option in Sheerness, and I am convinced Minister provides a response as a matter of urgency. that it is ready to move that option to a full lease as long as it sees firm commitments from customers. Of course, 6.22 pm potential customers will not be willing to provide those Penny Mordaunt (Portsmouth North) (Con): In my buying commitments unless there is sufficient market first year in this place I have often boasted of Portsmouth’s 881 Spring Adjournment24 MAY 2011 Spring Adjournment 882 assets: its superb natural harbour, which will soon host co-ordination of many stakeholders. It is not realistic our magnificent aircraft carriers; its heritage; its high-tech for such a chain of contributors to commit themselves industries; its entrepreneurial and hard-working people; without any assurance of success, and the project stands and its remarkable natural history—after all, a third of a much better chance of being delivered successfully if, the world’s migrating Brent geese cannot all be wrong. from the start, a close relationship can be established Given those advantages, one wonders why we have between the stakeholders and such a strategic alliance. not made more progress in regenerating parts of the To insist on the full competitive tendering process city. In fact, there have been serious obstacles to growth would inevitably mean the project being broken down in Portsmouth, but happily they are not insurmountable. into smaller schemes, and that would be the death knell However, we might need the Treasury to give us a leg for integrated regeneration in the north and south of up. We have suffered from the lack of a clear and the city and through to Gosport. It would certainly articulated vision, which is unforgivable when one considers remove any hope of coherent integration between military the heritage on which we can build a strong narrative and civil needs. That is an important part of the regeneration for future development. programmes for cities and towns where the Royal Navy Portsmouth is the maritime heart of this country. We is the central employer, estate owner and provider of have the wonderful historic dockyard and the recent further employment and opportunity. Development needs developments at Gunwharf and the Spinnaker Tower, to be undertaken on such a scale to achieve the necessary but that cannot be the limit of our aspirations. We must regeneration that will drive changes in residential and think about the whole area; not only Portsmouth, but visitor perceptions. Fareham and Gosport. What do we want the harbour Today, I ask the Treasury to consider increasing the to become? We should aim high, because with the list of geographical scope of the national insurance contribution assets I have mentioned we could be one of the world’s holiday to some areas of the south-east, where extra premier destinations for historical tourism and maritime help is needed and the potential for growth is considerable. pursuits. I believe that the key to unlocking the potential In my view, Portsmouth is top of the list. I ask the of the harbour and to achieving a step change in Treasury also to recognise the damage that out-of-control regeneration for our city lies in the various surplus defence business rates are doing in Portsmouth and elsewhere, estates in Portsmouth and the surrounding areas. and to work to provide incentives for local authorities to address the problem; to work with the MOD to One of the challenges we face is the cost of maintaining ensure that bureaucracy and costs are reduced for potential the number of historic and often listed buildings in the development of surplus MOD estates; to examine how dockyard. That is necessary but expensive work. Pleasingly, it can support the emergence of strategic alliances the Government have reiterated their commitment to all throughout all sectors in order to make such regeneration three naval bases, which strategically is the right thing affordable and achievable; and finally to meet me and to do, but it is vital that those defence assets have the potential partners in such an alliance in Portsmouth to financial wherewithal to “wash their faces”, as the discuss those issues in more detail. I hope that that burden of heritage maintenance is an unwelcome expense meeting can take place in Portsmouth, so that the when the Royal Navy has so many other commitments. Treasury can see the energy, drive, vision and potential Those wonderful buildings should be preserved, used of our city. and enjoyed, and there is the commercial interest and the willingness of the Ministry of Defence to make that 6.27 pm happen locally. Alas, rules designed to ensure fair Thomas Docherty (Dunfermline and West Fife) (Lab): competition demand such a huge investment from would-be I begin with the case of Ian Elam of Dunfermline, who developers, without any guarantee of success, that is the sole carer for his wife, Jeanie, and has looked after Portsmouth’s historical dockyard continues to stand her for about 10 years without any respite. She suffers empty. Local residents and tourists lose out, as they from multiple sclerosis and requires 24-hour care. At cannot enjoy beautifully restored historic buildings, the end of 2009, Mr Elam was persuaded by Fife facilities—homes, hotels, shops and museums—or the council social workers to make use of a respite opportunity, jobs that would be created; the city loses out, as it is and his wife entered respite care at Queen Margaret denied the economic growth and investment that would hospital. Regrettably, the staff could not cope with obviously result; the MOD and the Royal Navy lose Mrs Elam, and her husband had to attend to her needs out, as millions that might have been spent on the naval for about 12 hours per day during her stay, which dockyard are being spent on the historic estate; and continued until February 2010. English Heritage loses out as precious listed buildings Unfortunately, the Department for Work and Pensions drift into decay. has decided that Mr Elam should lose many of the I am sure that Portsmouth will not be an isolated benefits that he receives during his respite from caring. I case, and the Treasury needs to realise that investors am sure the House will be surprised to learn that, when will not hold their millions in reserve, waiting for the people who provide 24-hour care take a short period of day when common sense prevails. They will take their respite, they lose all their benefits. After all, no one in money elsewhere, and not necessarily in Britain. We this House or, indeed, in the Press Gallery would expect must make investment easier, and that will require a to take unpaid holiday. I should be grateful, therefore, if strategic alliance of industry, civic authorities, the Royal the Deputy Leader of the House made some inquiries Navy, the MOD, the heritage sites and other organisations. about the state of the case and report back to me at a On the current rules of engagement, however, such a later date. vision and alliance is not possible. It is fitting that I follow the hon. Member for Portsmouth A full competitive tendering process for such North (Penny Mordaunt), as I too have a naval interest. developments is not practical: the costs would be prohibitive, Just this weekend, the Under-Secretary of State for because it is so complex, and it would require the Defence, the hon. Member for Mid Worcestershire (Peter 883 Spring Adjournment24 MAY 2011 Spring Adjournment 884

[Thomas Docherty] control licences. I urge them to take positive action in that respect. Incidentally, that has the support of the Luff), who is responsible for defence procurement, wrote British Veterinary Association and the British Cattle to many Members to inform them of the outcome of Veterinary Association. the Government’s strategic defence and security review Milk prices are a huge issue, particularly for dairy and the refitting and basing of the surface and submarine farmers in the south-west. As recently as this February, fleets. Two Type 23 frigates, HMS Somerset and HMS the National Farmers Union reported that the cost of Richmond, which had been scheduled for refitting at milk production was 29.1p per litre, which is above the Rosyth dockyard, are now to be refitted at Devonport. I farm-gate price that farmers are receiving. Much has do not oppose the move—after all, Devonport has a been said in this Chamber about the importance of large hole in its order book thanks to the decisions of restraining the power of the supermarkets and creating this Government—but there is uncertainty about the an ombudsman for that purpose. I urge the Government future of Rosyth dockyard. to make good on their commitment for a groceries code I am sure the Deputy Leader of the House is also adjudicator. aware of the ongoing uncertainties at DM Crombie, On red tape, we said in the coalition agreement: which faces an uncertain future when the last of the “We will reduce the regulatory burden on farmers”. surface fleet is fitted out at Rosyth at the end of 2013, I welcome Richard Macdonald’s report and urge the because there is a long gap until—I hope—the Queen Government to respond to the 200 recommendations Elizabeth class comes into service. I would therefore be that he made by bringing forward as many of those grateful if the Deputy Leader of the House ascertained changes as possible, including moving towards risk-based whether the Minister would be prepared to meet me to inspection of farms to reduce their onerous nature to as discuss the long-term future of Rosyth and Crombie. limited a number of farms as possible. In my maiden speech, I talked about Longannet My final plea is for hill farmers. Hill farm incomes in power station, which is now the only bidder for the 2008-09 were just £25,700 compared with over £50,000 carbon capture and storage project. It has waited 12 months for other farms. Hill farming is one of the most difficult for a decision from this Government, and there does forms of farming in our country; it is very tough. These not appear to be one in sight. I would be grateful if the are proud, resilient, hard-working people who need Deputy Leader of the House updated the House on our support by continuing to support the higher level what progress has been made on carbon capture and stewardship arrangements and stock rearing and suckler storage at Longannet and whether the relevant Minister cows on the moors. I ask the Minister to let me know of State would be prepared to meet me to discuss it. what the Government’s thinking is on section 68 funding The House will recall that I have led the charge from the EU, which could be directed specifically into against ship-to-ship transfers in the Firth of Forth. This hill farming. decision lies with the Under-Secretary of State for I am anxious that other Members have an opportunity Transport, the hon. Member for Hemel Hempstead to speak, so I will leave it at that. (Mike Penning). I would be grateful if the Deputy Leader of the House urged him to make a decision as speedily as possible when we come back after the recess, 6.34 pm as the uncertainty is helping no one. Priti Patel (Witham) (Con): I will canter through some topical issues that affect families in the Witham 6.30 pm constituency. Mel Stride (Central Devon) (Con): My constituency First, I bring good news for one Minister. I put on is a highly rural one in which agriculture matters a great record my thanks to the Minister of State, Department deal. It matters for jobs on farms and in the processing for Transport for listening to the concerns of my constituents and distribution sectors—and of course farmers are the and removing the Greater Anglia rail franchise from stewards of our land and promote tourism too. Food National Express East Anglia. Its service was appalling. matters. In terms of food security, there are pressures She genuinely listened to my constituents’ concerns and on our population worldwide, with 6.8 billion people did something about them. With the publication of the today, rising to 9.2 billion in 2050. The amount of land McNulty report and the ongoing work on the new per person that was available for cultivation in the 1950s long-term franchise arrangements, I make a plea to was 0.5 hectares—it is now just half that amount, and it Ministers to put customer service and value for money will be down to a third by 2050. Global warming will first when awarding franchises. also make farming more problematic, as will changes in Another issue is the NHS reforms. My constituency dietary habits as we get wealthier and eat more meat has no hospital and it asks for no hospital. However, it that requires more land to produce it. That is a huge has two primary care trusts that have spent a lot of challenge. money over the past decade investing in bureaucrats I wish to address one or two important points regarding and managers while my constituents have been left high the challenges that face my farming community in and dry without treatments and access to local health Central Devon. Bovine TB has led to the slaughtering care. That will change with the reforms. I press Ministers of 25,000 cattle, last year alone, at a cost of £63 million— to stick with the principles of the Health and Social something that scars the farming families who are affected. Care Bill and ensure that real investment can be made at I am afraid that the previous Government sat on their the front line, rather than being spent on management hands when the Independent Scientific Group’s report and bureaucracy. was published. We now await with great interest the I am sure that all right hon. and hon. Members have Government’s announcement, which is due shortly, on had difficulties with planning issues in their constituencies, whether action will be taken on the provision of badger particularly in relation to Traveller sites. I have endless 885 Spring Adjournment24 MAY 2011 Spring Adjournment 886 issues with Traveller sites and planning applications this matter with the hon. Member for Ealing, Southall in my constituency. Ministers have had plenty of (Mr Sharma). My constituent found the website because correspondence with me about this issue. I recognise she has a car with a Renault engine. The company that there is currently a consultation that relates in purported to be expert in sorting out Renault engines, particular to Traveller circulars. There are serious concerns but she was scandalously treated. When she finally got on this issue and I hope that Ministers will take to see her vehicle again, the engine had been removed representations from Members of Parliament and local and placed on the back seat, spilling oil all over the seat. communities, perhaps as part of the Localism Bill, and The car had been damaged out of all proportion, and listen to genuine local concerns. when she sought to recover the vehicle she was physically On small businesses, I have spoken tirelessly about threatened by individuals in the company. She took the fact that 83% of the jobs in my constituency are in them to court and won, but unfortunately they had small and medium-sized enterprises. That is a tremendous closed the company just a week before she got to court. figure and I would like it to be even higher. One problem After doing some research, Yvonne Alpagot discovered with trying to make it higher is that banks are still not that more than six companies were operating out of a lending money to small businesses and enterprise is still single site, and curiously enough, each of them had a being stifled. I make a plea to Ministers to ensure that number of the same directors. She found that they had this matter is given priority so that our wealth creators closed down companies and opened them again, leaving can get the private sector growing, create more jobs, and hundreds of customers high and dry. On many occasions, get our economy back on track. they had closed down companies with court judgments My constituents frequently raise the sentencing of against them. That is a scandal, and it needs to be put offenders and the criminal justice system with me. They right. We need to ensure that when companies close are appalled by the waves of soft justice that we have down and there are court judgments against their directors, seen in recent years and that it is now almost impossible the directors are not allowed to start up another company to lock up criminals. In the view of my constituents, performing the same function on the same site. We need prison is there to punish people, to act as a deterrent to rectify that scandal. and to keep the public safe. I urge the Government to I could go into great detail about that case, but I use the opportunity of the sentencing review to restore recognise that time is against me. What I seek, as I have public confidence by bringing in tougher and longer said before at Question Time, is for such phoenix operations sentences for criminals to protect the public and victims. to be stopped in their tracks, so that innocent people who have no idea that those companies are trading 6.37 pm illegally are not forced to pay thousands of pounds to companies that should not be operating in the first place. Bob Blackman (Harrow East) (Con): In the short time that I have, I wish to raise three specific issues. 6.41 pm The first issue is the plight of the Ashiana charitable trust, to which I was proud to give an award last night at The Parliamentary Secretary, Office of the Leader of the national Kids Count awards. It enables disabled the House of Commons (Mr David Heath): I noticed young people and people with learning difficulties to when I looked at the list of Members who were going to fulfil an active life, and entertains people throughout take part in the debate, and examined their background London and beyond. It is sad to report that Harrow in “Dod’s”, that the hon. Member for Portsmouth council has decided to remove all funding from that North (Penny Mordaunt)—I do not intend to embarrass organisation. That is a national scandal that I hope the her in any way—was once a magician’s assistant, which council will change, even at this late stage. is perhaps not widely known. It seemed me that I Secondly, I am a passionate about ensuring that there needed at least a magician’s assistant to answer all the is growth in the private sector. I was therefore amazed points that have been raised in the debate. As usual, I to be told by a constituent who wants to set up a will not be able to do so adequately, and as usual I will business in my constituency that he has attempted to ensure that the various Departments that are relevant to register for VAT, and yet has been put on hold by the the points that have been made write to the Members Treasury and Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs for concerned in due course. 18 months. He would employ more than 10 people Let us canter through the 18 contributions to the locally, and he has done the right thing in trying to debate. The hon. Member for Falkirk (Eric Joyce), who register for VAT, but the answer that he has been given is not in his place at the moment, talked about the is that he should charge customers for VAT, retain the ongoing controversy about privacy and the difficulty of money and then hand it over to HMRC when he is policing online social sites such as Twitter. He is absolutely finally given registration. He wishes to seek a business- right that it is very difficult, but that does not mean that to-business arrangement, but the other businesses require there is no responsibility on either those sites or the a VAT number before they will do business with him. people who use them to comply with the law. We have He has been forced into a position where he cannot get said previously, and I say again, that what is illegal premises and cannot buy vehicles, because he cannot offline is illegal online. The criminal law applies as afford to get the loan that is required until he is VAT much to those sites as it does to anyone else, and we registered. HMRC is acting as a direct obstacle to the look forward to the work of the Joint Committee that is setting up of that business in my constituency. I trust being set up to examine those matters and the wider that we can see an end to that. privacy and defamation issues. The third plight that I will allude to briefly has been The hon. Member for Bexleyheath and Crayford exposed nationally. My constituent, Yvonne Alpagot, (Mr Evennett) gave us a wonderful look at his constituency came to see me about Brentsouth Trading Ltd, which and explained the contribution that it could make to operates out of a garage in Southall. I have also raised this country’s tourism industry. I have been a tourist in 887 Spring Adjournment24 MAY 2011 Spring Adjournment 888

[Mr David Heath] presented legislation on fuel poverty, and I presented a Bill on fuel poverty in the last Session of the previous his constituency, so I feel rather superior. I took a Parliament. I am afraid that my Bill foundered at the weekend in north Kent recently, and I am familiar with hands of the previous Government, who were not quite Hall Place. What I did not know was that his constituency as keen on dealing effectively with fuel poverty as the shares something with mine, because it contains an hon. Member for Blaenau Gwent and I are. However, edifice that was built as penance for the murder of this Government are making real progress. The hon. Thomas à Becket. In fact, the entire village in which I Gentleman was right to talk about the impact of fuel live was built as penance by Henry II, so the hon. poverty on communities such as the one he represents. Gentleman and I have something in common. One thing that pleases me about our proposals is that The hon. Gentleman made an important point about they deal not just with the houses that it is easy to deal the capacity of our tourism, both internationally and with, but those that are more difficult to treat. Some of within this country, and said that it was not just the the residential stock of which he spoke—in Nantyglo, obvious places that had something to offer. He was for instance—probably falls into the latter category. It is absolutely right, and I will ensure that he gets a full essential that we do not simply go for the low-hanging response in due course from the Department for Culture, fruit and the easy pickings, but ensure that we extend Media and Sport. defences against fuel poverty to all parts of our community. The hon. Member for Manchester Central (Tony I applaud him for making those points. Lloyd) raised two very important points as far as his The hon. Member for North Swindon (Justin Tomlinson) constituents are concerned: the closures of Edale House spoke about emergency life-saving skills; that point has and of the Ancoats centre. I am not clear on the extent been raised several times recently. He is obviously right. to which those decisions are irrevocable, but it is essential It is essential that young people have the opportunity to that local people have a proper input into such key learn those skills so that they can put them to good use decisions on their health provision. That is the entire at a later stage. I noticed that this point was raised in thrust of what the Government are trying to do. We Education questions yesterday. I think the Secretary of want to ensure that decisions are not top-down edicts, State agreed that it needs to be addressed and that we but that they are taken on the basis of the advice of need to ensure that young people have access to that local clinicians and the local people involved. If the information. I hope, therefore, that the hon. Gentleman Government can assist in ensuring that those matters will continue his campaign, although whether the teaching are discussed in the context of what is right for his of those skills should be a formal part of the national constituency and the people whom he represents, I am curriculum, or whether there are other ways of providing sure we would be happy to do so. them in the school programme, is a moot point. However, I shall leave the hon. Member for Southend West it is clear that young people ought to have them in their (Mr Amess) to one side for a moment, and address the skill range for when they leave school, so that they can hon. Member for Walsall South (Valerie Vaz), who use them when needed—and none of us ever knows spoke about the difficulties of the parking regime in when they will be needed. Walsall. In fact, I was well aware of those problems, The hon. Member for Hayes and Harlington (John because I have been reading the correspondents’ pages McDonnell) talked about heritage buildings in his in the Walsall Advertiser, which draw attention to exactly constituency. I am getting to know his constituency the point she raised. Of course, that is a local council rather better having had two of these debates with him. issue, and there is a limit to what the Government can What has happened at Dower house, in particular, or would wish to do, because such matters are best sounds very odd. I understand that it is still subject to a decided at community level. However, clearly, she has police investigation, so we shall see what happens with taken the opportunity to represent the views of many of that in due course. He mentioned other buildings in his her constituents, and as I understand it, she will present constituency that he felt were at risk, including the a petition later, which will include the views of News Harmondsworth great barn, the Golden crescent library and Booze, which I notice decries its name by selling and others. English Heritage has indicated to me that it choc bars and hair cuts. I am sure that she represents would be happy to meet him and others in his constituency what a lot of people in her constituency think on the to discuss these issues. I will also extend that request to subject of parking in Walsall. a Minister in the Department for Culture, Media and I recall the contribution of the hon. Member for Sport to see whether we can arrange something. I know Woking (Jonathan Lord) to a previous debate on courts. that the Department, English Heritage and the Crown His remarks today on the importance of Woking Prosecution Service take heritage crime very seriously. community hospital were entirely consistent with that. It happens far too easily: an important building suddenly He is working with the grain in this instance, because goes up in smoke, often following failed planning the indication is that it is felt that that hospital can play permission. We have got to stop that; we have got to a leading role in providing health services in that part of take effective measures. I am sure he will find that he is the county of Surrey. I notice that the Surrey primary speaking to people who agree with the basic principles care trust has made that clear as part of its forward he has outlined. programme, but he is right to emphasise that local My hon. Friend the Member for St Austell and hospitals can do things that the big acute hospitals Newquay (Stephen Gilbert) is clearly very upset with cannot do, and that they can act as a hub for provision. the decision taken on the incinerator at St Dennis. I I am glad he took the opportunity to say that. cannot tell him anything about the decision-making The hon. Member for Blaenau Gwent (Nick Smith) process of the Secretary of State for Communities and talked about fuel poverty. He may or may not know that Local Government, and nor should I say anything, that subject is dear to my heart and to the heart of the because he will have acted in a quasi-judicial capacity hon. Member for Southend West—he has previously when making that decision. However, I will ensure that 889 Spring Adjournment 24 MAY 2011 890 the points my hon. Friend raised on behalf of his there is anything we can do to make that happen more constituents are communicated to the Secretary of State. effectively, that would make obvious sense for the interests I do not know whether things have changed since I sat of her constituents. I will draw the issue to the attention on an authority with responsibility for such matters, but not only of the Department for Business, Innovation I seem to remember that there was a two-stage process: and Skills, but of the MOD. Hopefully we can make planning permission followed by an operating licence. progress. She would also like to talk to the Treasury When granting an operating licence, further restrictions about national insurance contributions relief, and I will or conditions could be applied. I might be wrong, pass on that request too. however. I will certainly ensure that his points are raised The hon. Member for Dunfermline and West Fife with the relevant Minister. (Thomas Docherty) raised a number of issues. I cannot The hon. Member for Filton and Bradley Stoke (Jack give an answer to his point about his constituent Lopresti) spoke about antisocial behaviour, which is the Mr Elam and respite care, but I will ensure that the curse of many of our constituencies and causes much Department for Work and Pensions does. As for the unhappiness for many of our constituents. He is right shipyards in his constituency, I think he recognises to raise it. I am pleased that he got a good reply from the fact that not every refit can take place in Rosyth—some the Minister concerned when he raised it previously. It are taking place in Devonport—but there is work there sounds like issues remain to be resolved in his constituency, that has been commissioned by this Government and however, and it would be sensible were he to raise them that will continue, which is good news for Rosyth. As directly with Chief Constable Colin Port, because it is for Longannet, this is a key issue that Ministers in the clear that he is not yet satisfied with the police response. Department of Energy and Climate Change have been It is for the chief constable to respond on those matters. directly involved in. He asked for the relevant Minister The hon. Member for Hereford and South Herefordshire of State to visit his constituency. I am sure that the (Jesse Norman) raised again the issue of private finance Minister concerned would very much like to do so if he initiatives, on which he is fighting an excellent campaign. could, but the Secretary of State and the permanent The key concern is value for money, yet it has become secretary both already have, so the hon. Gentleman has transparently obvious that many PFI schemes simply not been neglected. did not provide that. The Government are committed The hon. Member for Central Devon (Mel Stride) to ensuring that we get value for money whenever we talked about farming issues. He will celebrate, as I will enter a scheme of that kind. I know that he has had on behalf of my constituents, today’s publication of the discussions—in fact, he mentioned them—with the draft Groceries Code Adjudicator Bill. We are making Chancellor and the Commercial Secretary, and that he real progress. feels that real progress is being made. I hope that progress The hon. Member for Witham (Priti Patel) talked continues and we ensure that if we use that form of about various things. She was kind enough to say thank financing for public projects, it is not simply a way of you to the Minister of State, Department for Transport getting the amounts involved off the balance sheet, but for her work on rail services. She talked about Travellers a way of ensuring that people have the services they sites, small businesses and sentences—issues that I know need at a cost that is commensurate with their value. I will continue to crop up. As far as hospitals are concerned, hope that the hon. Gentleman will continue his campaign it is absolutely clear that the main thrust of the policy to achieve that. will survive whatever changes are made to the details. The hon. Member for Sittingbourne and Sheppey (Gordon Henderson) is someone else whose constituency The hon. Member for Harrow East (Bob Blackman) I feel I know much more about than I did a few weeks talked about HMRC registration for VAT and a trust in ago, having replied to a debate with him only recently. I his constituency, which are points that I am afraid I know how important the Vestas investment in Sheerness cannot answer in full. on the Isle of Sheppey is to his constituents. He asked My hon. Friend the Member for Southend West me a series of questions, but accepted that I would (Mr Amess) listed about 20 things in his speech, but I probably be unable to answer him. He is absolutely cannot talk about them now. Let me tell him, however, right—I cannot—but I will ensure that his questions are that I will spend the next couple of weeks writing to the communicated to the relevant Minister. What I can say relevant Departments about all those issues. Others will is that the Government are talking to Vestas about how have other priorities, but I— to assist the investment that it is thinking of making. There is a problem, in that the £60 million is not available because Sheerness is not an assisted area. There are EU 7pm state aid rules and there are difficulties getting around Motion lapsed (Standing Order No. 9(3)). them, but the Government are very keen on assisting the investment, as the hon. Gentleman is, and I hope we can do everything possible to make it a reality. Business without Debate The hon. Member for Portsmouth North talked about Portsmouth and the issues there. One thing that I had not known until I read the background notes to this DRAFT DEFAMATION BILL (JOINT COMMITTEE) debate is that Portsmouth is the most densely populated city outside inner London. Again, not many people Resolved, know that. We need to ensure that development continues That this House concurs with the Lords Message of in Portsmouth. She raised the significant issue of the 23 May that, notwithstanding the resolution of this relationship with the Ministry of Defence, and how it House of 24 March, it be an instruction to the Joint might be brought on board with the local enterprise Committee on the Draft Defamation Bill that it should partnership and the other keys to growth in the area. If report on the draft Bill by 31 October.—(Mr Goodwill.) 891 Business without Debate 24 MAY 2011 892

DRAFT DETENTION OF TERRORIST SUSPECTS School Places (Finchley) (TEMPORARY EXTENSION)BILLS (JOINT COMMITTEE) Motion made, and Question proposed, That this House Resolved, do now adjourn.—(James Duddridge.) That this House concurs with the Lords Message of 23 May that, notwithstanding the resolution of this 7.2 pm House of 15 March, it be an instruction to the Joint Committee on the Draft Detention of Terrorist Suspects Mike Freer (Finchley and Golders Green) (Con): (Temporary Extension) Bills that it should report on Thank you for granting permission for this debate, the draft Bills by 23 June.—(Mr Goodwill.) Madam Deputy Speaker. I must first apologise for delaying the House prior to the recess. EUROPEAN UNION DOCUMENTS Education is at the heart of the Government’s agenda, as is allowing good schools to expand. On Monday the Motion made, and Question put forthwith (Standing Secretary of State for Education said in The Guardian Order No. 119(11)), that he was going to change the admissions code to help to meet parental demand for good schools. He said: INFORMATION SYSTEMS “We hope the new admissions code allows the possibility of That this House takes note of European Union Document increasing planned admissions numbers so good schools can No. 14436/10 and Addenda 1 and 2, a draft directive on attacks expand, and there will be underperforming schools that have against information systems, repealing Council Framework Decision fewer and fewer numbers.” 2005/222/JHA; and supports the Government’s aim of working with other Member States to tackle the threat from cyber crime.— That is spot on, but it assumes that the popular (Mr Goodwill.) schools are able to expand. In Finchley there is no Question agreed to. shortage of good schools at primary and secondary level. We even have schools with the space to expand; Motion made, and Question put forthwith (Standing what we do not have are the capital grants to fund the Order No. 119(11)), expansion. The schools in Finchley are part of the family of schools in the London borough of Barnet, SPACE STRATEGY and Conservative-controlled Barnet is consistently one That this House takes note of European Union Document of the best local education authorities in the country. No. 8693/11 and Addenda 1 to 6, relating to a Commission Barnet is enthusiastically pursuing many new academies Communication: Towards a space strategy for the European and free schools. Union that benefits its citizens; and supports the Government’s aims for the proposal, which include ensuring focus on resolving Before turning to the lack of capital support from the the current EU space programmes, avoiding any pre-judgement Department, I want to reassure my hon. Friend the of the negotiations on the EU budget from 2014 onwards, and Minister that the council has not sat by and done seeking further analysis to demonstrate clear added value in any nothing about the shortage of places. Several years ago, new EU actions.—(Mr Goodwill.) it recognised that there would be an increase in demand Question agreed to. for primary and secondary places and, in the absence of Government support, it embarked on its own £250 million PETITION primary school expansion programme. Starting in 2004, using a mixture of prudential borrowing and capital raised from asset sales, the programme set about rebuilding, Parking Restrictions (Walsall) expanding and refurbishing the primary estate. Barnet is forecasting that pupil numbers in the maintained 6pm secondary sector will continue to grow, and that they Valerie Vaz (Walsall South) (Lab): This petition is will grow by 22% by 2015-16. That is the second highest from the business owners and customers of Ablewell growth rate in the UK. The situation is not helped by street, Walsall. The petitioners oppose the new parking the Greenwich decision. LEAs are unable to put their restrictions on Ablewell street. There are 787 signatories own pupils first. to the petition. The factors combine to create a demographic shift The petition states: that Barnet council cannot cope with—certainly not without help. Hitherto, enough help has not been The Petition of the business owners and customers of Ablewell Street, Walsall, forthcoming. This outstanding LEA has not been rewarded for its education record. Having delivered new schools Declares that the Petitioners are opposed to the parking restrictions on Ablewell Street. on time and on budget, however, the authority was invited to join the last phase of Building Schools for the The Petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urges the Government to take all possible steps to encourage Future. I hold no affection for the BSF programme, as I Walsall Metropolitan Borough Council to allow a parking amnesty saw Barnet council being forced into a process it did not of at least 30 minutes. need and could not afford, at a cost of hundreds of And the Petitioners remain, etc. thousands of pounds. The promised £83 million under BSF would have allowed three schools to expand and be [P000923] refurbished—and two of those schools are in Finchley. The schools lost out when BSF was cancelled, so good schools and a good local education authority were penalised again. I am sure that the capital division of the Department will argue that Barnet has received capital that it should use for expansion. I know that, because it wrote to me 893 School Places (Finchley)24 MAY 2011 School Places (Finchley) 894 in forceful terms to tell me, but Barnet has received an over-subscribed, with 424 applications for 150 places. average of just £14.6 million over the past few years for St. Michael’s Catholic grammar school for girls has non-academy, non-children’s centre spend. That is money 370 applications for just 96 places. We also have Henrietta earmarked for new boilers, new toilets, roof repairs, Barnett, a highly selective girls school, grossly over- rewiring and so forth—simple basic maintenance. With subscribed with 2,000 applications for 180 places. Then more than 120 schools in Barnet, that is just £122,000 we have Copthall, a girls comprehensive. It too is over- per school. To put that into perspective, the cost of subscribed, and 100% of applicants from N2 were rewiring one secondary school alone was £1.9 million. rejected simply because they lived too far away. The allocation does not go far. It is true that the council In the past fortnight alone I have received 200 emails could have diverted that capital for school expansion, from worried parents. Let me report just some of what but is the capital team really expecting a first-class local they have said. Mrs Catherine Atkinson wrote: education authority to tell parents that their school’s “I have lived in East Finchley for 28 years. My son got into broken boiler or leaking roof cannot be fixed because Fortismere by the skin of his teeth 8 years ago and I remember the the money has been spent on expanding another school stressful wait for the letter saying he had the place. Those not so in a different part of the borough? lucky because they lived maybe 200 yards farther away from the The council cannot simply borrow the money. I would school were offered either Bishop Douglass school or…Christ’s like to stress that borrowing approval, supported or college.” otherwise, is no help at all. Barnet council has been on That would more difficult today, because those schools the funding floor for several years and borrowing approval too are over-subscribed and full. is useless if the debt servicing cost is unaffordable Mrs Carey wrote to me: because it falls on the general fund paid for out of “I live in Long Lane. My daughter is in year 5 and my son is general council tax. The capital allocation formula appears in year 4. Our position is as follows: Fortismere—we’re not in to need a complete overhaul. The increase in demand catchment and are unable to afford property prices in Fortismere for state places has been seen across every borough in catchment. Wren Academy Church of England—we are not London. It is inequitable that London accounts for churchgoers and we are not close enough geographically either. 64% of pupil place shortages and yet receives just Compton—not in catchment. Christ’s College—we would be in catchment for our son, but that is not much help for our daughter! 26% of the capital allocation. Bishop Douglass—it is at heart very much a Catholic school”, and they are not churchgoers. Bob Blackman (Harrow East) (Con): My hon. Friend is making a powerful case for the plight of Barnet, and “Henrietta Barnet is highly selective.” indeed for the whole of London. Does he agree that we In Barnet, first preferences granted stand at just are talking not only about issues related to expanding 62%, and once second preferences have been allocated, schools, but about allowing parental choice, so that just 85% of parents secure their first or second preferences. faith-based schools are an important part of the equation? That is well below the national average of 85% and We have identified the need for a Hindu secondary 96% respectively. I appreciate that capital is scarce, and school located between Harrow and Barnet, and I look I appreciate the difficulties that the Minister is experiencing. forward to working with my hon. Friend to secure I am not asking him to issue a cheque this evening, support for it from the Department. although I am pretty sure that we would name a school after him if he did: the “Gibb Academy” does have Mike Freer: My hon. Friend makes a very good something of a ring to it. point. The expansion of the Hindu faith school somewhere I hope the Minister will accept my view that we must between Barnet and Harrow would not only meet parental seek to overhaul the capital allocation formula, reward preference but relieve pressure on the remaining schools good local education authorities, fund good schools in the maintained sector. so that they can flourish and expand, help parents to To return to the iniquity of the shortage of places secure their preferences, and give pupils the best possible and the capital funding allocation, that discrepancy education and start in life. All that I ask this evening is between 64% of places and just 26% of funding means that he agree to meet me, along with the chief executive that London is short-changed by more £300 million in and leader of the council, to discuss what targeted the existing allocation. support he is able to provide. The current shortage of primary places has been met 7.12 pm by providing additional classrooms in portakabins, by changing information technology rooms and libraries The Minister of State, Department for Education into classrooms, or simply by making children travel (Mr Nick Gibb): I congratulate my hon. Friend the much further to an available school space. That is not a Member for Finchley and Golders Green (Mike Freer) sustainable solution. on securing the debate. Let me say at the outset that I Things are no better in the secondary sector. The area will accede to one of his two requests, and that I will is served by the Bishop Douglass mixed Roman Catholic reveal which it is at the end of my speech. comprehensive school, which is over-subscribed with I know that my hon. Friend is no stranger to the 383 applications for 180 places, and by the Compton issues surrounding Finchley and Golders Green, as he mixed comprehensive school, which is also over- has served the community well in local and national subscribed—and every applicant from Finchley N2 was Government for a number of years. The Government rejected; not a single pupil could get a place there. are well aware of the pressures faced by many local Mr Speaker went to the Compton school—or the Finchley authorities in London, including Barnet, in their attempt Manorhill school, as it was then called—but he would to provide enough suitable places to meet higher demand not get in today, as he lived too far away from it. Then arising from the increase in birth rates and other there is Christ’s college, a boys-only school—again demographic changes. I am also familiar with the argument 895 School Places (Finchley)24 MAY 2011 School Places (Finchley) 896

[Mr Nick Gibb] funding to the local authorities as the providers of places in their local area, and as a consequence I am advanced by London Councils—which my hon. Friend afraid to say that no unallocated or additional funds are mentioned at the beginning of his speech—about the available for local authorities to call upon during 2011-12. inequitable levels of funding received by London boroughs. Alas, we are therefore unable to make an exception for The figures are not in line with our data, but I have asked Finchley. I think I have now answered one of my hon. officials to meet councils to discuss theirs in more detail. Friend’s two requests. The Government ascribe considerable importance We are serious about getting education funding right to meeting the Department’s priority of ensuring that in the future. I agree with my hon. Friend that the every child has a good school place. Responsibility for current capital allocation system is overly complex and balancing supply and demand rests with individual unfair, which is why the Department is taking steps to local authorities. We look to members of those authorities ensure that future capital expenditure delivers greater —as the people with the best and most relevant local value for money for everyone involved in the education knowledge—to ensure that there are enough places and sector, and that the maximum number of children benefit. that local schools meet the needs of local communities. We have already made changes to the allocation system They are in the best position to know how many schools to address one of my hon. Friend’s main concerns. I are needed, and where those schools should be located recognise that some local authorities were in practice to serve local populations. unable to use supported borrowing. That is why for all For its part, the Department for Education supplies schools we have allocated capital funding in 2011-12 as capital funding directly to local authorities to help them capital grant. That means authorities at the floor receive to provide school places. Through the recent spending real funding to address their need for school places. review and this year’s Budget, the Department secured Last year, the Secretary of State commissioned Sebastian £15.9 billion of capital funding over the four-year period James to conduct a full and independent review of the starting in April this year. By taking early action to stop Department’s capital programmes. That review has now the wasteful Building Schools for the Future programme, been published, and the Secretary of State is currently the Secretary of State has been able to ensure that considering its recommendations. They include the proposal funding is available for the most pressing needs. He has that there should be a new approach to the future allocated £800 million to local authorities for pupil allocation and use of all the available capital funding. places in 2011-12, and has indicated that he expects that The Secretary of State hopes to respond to the level of support to continue for the other years of the recommendations shortly. spending review. That is twice the previous annual level Future capital allocations and the management of of support that was given for those needs. It has been funding for 2012-13 until 2014-15 will be informed by targeted on the areas of greatest demand, based on the outcome of the capital review. However, as I have forecasts of pupil numbers provided by each local authority, said, the Secretary of State has already indicated that and in addition to allocating the £800 million for additional local authorities can expect that the headline amounts pupil places the Secretary of State has informed local of capital available in future years will be in line with authorities of their overall share of capital funding for those of 2011-12. As well as providing funding to meet 2011-12. basic need pressures and radically reviewing the way in Local authorities have been asked to prioritise spending which capital funding is allocated and spent in future, to provide new places in areas experiencing severe the Government are pressing forward with their academy demographic pressures, as well as to address the needs and free school programmes. I am aware that my hon. of the schools in the very worst condition. The London Friend’s constituency contains two open academies, the borough of Barnet and its schools have been allocated Wren academy and the Compton school, both of which almost £17 million of capital funding for 2011-12, which he mentioned. By giving those involved in education the includes £9.4 million for the provision of basic need freedoms to shape the future of our schools and by opening places. Local authorities are also able to use money up the opportunity for others to enter the education allocated to school maintenance to address basic need sector, we believe that we are offering an education and vice versa. They have that flexibility. Barnet has system that will meet the needs of local communities. also benefited from a substantial contribution from I hope that the House will acknowledge that the steps Government to JCOSS, or the Jewish Community the Government have taken and continue to take to secondary school, which will over time provide an additional ensure that future capital investment benefits those in 1,300 places in the area. most need represent the correct approach. By tackling Forecasting future pupil numbers cannot be an exact the areas of greatest need first and then developing a science. That is why the Department has used the school new approach to future investment that delivers value census returns of the number on roll for 2010 as the for money, I believe that we are making the best use of starting point for basic need funding. As well as giving limited taxpayers’ money to improve the fabric and actual numbers on roll, the census collects information quality of our schools. I know that my hon. Friend is from each local authority on forecast growth areas for aware of the very difficult fiscal situation faced by the the three years to 2013-14. That information was used country, but I would be pleased to meet him and his by the Department as the basis for the basic need colleagues from Barnet council to discuss these issues funding calculation for 2011-12. further. On that note, Madam Deputy Speaker, may I By using that informed approach, the Department wish you and the House a very fruitful recess? has been able to target funding to where growth in Question put and agreed to. demand has been forecast by the local authority. However, it must be stressed that, as a result of the actions taken, 7.21 pm we have been able to allocate all of the basic need House adjourned. 187WH 24 MAY 2011 Post Office Card Account 188WH

into an account. The programme began in 2003 and Westminster Hall was completed in 2005. The loss of the payments of pensions and benefits cost post offices about 40% of their traditional income. The Government claimed that Tuesday 24 May 2011 direct payment would help to tackle financial exclusion and provide a cheaper method of paying pensions and [MR PHILIP HOLLOBONE in the Chair] benefits. Under direct payment, there were three main options Post Office Card Account for the receipt of state pensions and benefits: a current or savings account at any bank or building society; a Motion made, and Question proposed, That the sitting basic bank account; or a POCA, which was introduced be now adjourned.—(Jeremy Wright) in April 2003. A small number of pensioners and benefit claimants were able to sign up to the exceptions service 9.30 am to have their payments continue to be made by the Sarah Newton (Truro and Falmouth) (Con): It green giro. is a privilege to serve under your chairmanship, At its peak, there were about 4.3 million POCA Mr Hollobone, and to introduce the debate this customers, and that was despite well documented efforts morning. I requested the topic as a subject for debate by the Department for Work and Pensions at the time as I was concerned by the apparent lack of progress on to promote other payment methods and to discourage an important part of the coalition agreement. I am customers from opening a POCA. The account has delighted that the coalition Government have been so unique features that are important to people on low publicly supportive of both the need to provide an incomes. In particular, there are no restrictions on who enhanced Post Office card account and the need to can open an account, as long as they are in receipt of a enable more income streams into the post office state pension or benefit, and it is impossible to get into network to ensure the sustainability of our much debt. It is a straightforward product that enables benefits trusted and widely respected local post offices. to be paid into accounts. In March 2010, POCA was The additional Government plans for the post office enhanced to allow access to cash withdrawals, balance network have received a warm welcome. They include inquiries and other PIN services at post office ATMs no further closures of our post offices; an extra £1.34 billion and over post office counters. in funding for the network between now and 2015; and POCAs have a great deal of public support. When in post offices becoming a front office for Government 2006 the Government announced that they would cease and offering an expanded range of financial services, by 2010, the National Federation of Sub-Postmasters including credit unions and existing high street banks campaigned rigorously to overturn the decision, which giving access to personal and business accounts at post led to more then 4 million people signing a petition that offices. Currently, an estimated 60% of accounts can be was submitted to Downing street. As a result, in December accessed through post offices. The Government aim for 2006, the Government decided to continue the accounts. that to be increased to 80% of all current accounts, and Another effective campaign by the NFSP led to more they will seriously consider enabling the Post Office to than 3 million postcards being sent to MPs, which become a co-operative or mutual. called for POCAs to be retained exclusively by the Post I understand that, for a variety of good reasons, the Office. Government are exploring the possibility of enhancing Both successful campaigns highlighted the importance POCA while at the same time developing a new account of POCAs to sub-postmasters’ income. According to that could replace it. For the purposes of this debate the NFSP’s most recent research, from June 2009, on and brevity, I will refer to POCA covering both possibilities. sub-postmasters’ income, on average, sub-postmasters Although I very much appreciate the considerable economic earned £220 a month—7% of net income—from POCA challenges the Government face, as well as the pressure transactions. However, that average does not highlight on Ministers’ time, I hope that there is a lack only of the heavy dependence of certain post offices on POCA visible progress and that the Minister today will take the income, typically those in deprived urban or rural areas. opportunity to update hon. Members on the behind the The 2009 survey showed that 15% of sub-postmasters scenes progress being made. That would allay the concerns earned £400 or more a month from POCA transactions. in post offices and the communities that they serve When customers withdraw at a post office, they also around the country. Although they very much support spend money through other Post Office services, such as the direction and words of the Government, they want bill payments or mobile phone top-ups, or in the attached to see action. There is significant potential for POCA to shop. That footfall is a key factor in maintaining the be developed into a fully transactional account aimed at viability of thousands of post offices. low-income consumers. The account is also vital to the The NFSP estimates that the value of the POCA financial viability of post offices, which play an important contract for Post Office Ltd has fallen from an estimated role in rural areas, where the local post office is often annual £195 million to £131 million in the period ending the only access to cash for people, small businesses and in the spring of this year. voluntary groups. To help our debate, I will provide some background Jim Shannon (Strangford) (DUP): Further to the information on POCA, starting with some history. The hon. Lady’s last point, which was very valid, there are a direct payment scheme was the Government programme great many postmasters and postmistresses who have that replaced traditional payments of state pensions actively engaged with their local communities to ensure and benefits by order book or girocheque over the post that POCAs are available. They have done all the hard office counter with electronic payments made directly work and are now looking at the possibility of those 189WH Post Office Card Account24 MAY 2011 Post Office Card Account 190WH

[Jim Shannon] working with credit unions and community banks, and how that might work with co-operatives or mutuals. accounts being removed through the running-down of Indeed, credit unions and community banks might rural post offices. Does she agree that it would be work alongside post offices and offer their products detrimental, not only to rural communities, but to through the branches. I hope that the Minister will small towns, for the Government to pursue that policy? update us on that. I return to the benefits of an enhanced Post Office Sarah Newton: I absolutely agree. It would be card account. It could also offer a genuine alternative detrimental to the post office network if POCAs were for consumers who are dissatisfied with their basic bank removed, but I do not believe that that is the account. Figures provided by the Financial Inclusion Government’s intention. Taskforce last year suggest that up to 40% of basic The reduction in the worth of the contract will be felt account holders either have dormant accounts or, because in the income of sub-postmasters and postmistresses. It of the associated penalty charges, opt not to use the full is understandable that the DWP wants to drive down range of transactional features, including direct debit. the transaction costs of benefits payments and so sees As well as the 1.75 million unbanked people in the that reduction as a saving—costs have come down to UK, there are just under 4 million POCA customers, about 50p from about 70p to 75p per transaction—and and benefit payments of about £1.2 billion per annum I understand why the Government want to look at flow through those accounts. Many people on low efficiencies in that way, but there are significant implications incomes are reluctant to open basic bank accounts or for incomes, livelihoods and the sustainability of the current accounts because they fear high charges if they network. That underlines why it is so important that the go overdrawn. Treasury research shows that, for low-income future of POCA and banking services more generally is households operating a conventional direct debit facility, secured. Existing and new customers would very much savings are offset by the loss of an average of £140 per welcome enhanced services. annum in penalty charges. The cost is borne Research on POCA customers by Consumer Focus disproportionately by low-income households, who have demonstrates that customers want additional transactional to juggle daily or weekly income and/or benefits payments. features and want to carry on using post office branches, Consumer Focus recently undertook research on a which they know and trust, to access their payments. A transactional POCA. The account that it tested offered fully transactional account could deliver significant benefits post office counter withdrawals, LINK-ATM access, in terms of financial inclusion. Consumer Focus research the ability to receive inward payments and a debit card. shows that up to 1.75 million people are “unbanked” Crucially, it also offered a bill payment facility that and could access a transactional account. By not having allowed customers to benefit from cheaper utility rates. a bank account, vulnerable consumers can lose out time Equally crucial is the fact that, unlike other direct debit and again. Not being able to use the internet to buy facilities, it would be for the consumer to determine the goods and services or direct debit for household bills frequency and the amount of payments to be made—and means that they pay more. They miss out on safer the consumer would not be liable for penalty charges if money management and convenient access to cash through a payment were missed. A level of control that prevents ATMs. They find it difficult to access mainstream credit them becoming overdrawn and incurring penalty charges or insurance, or to save effectively, unless they are is important to low-income households, as they have to fortunate enough to have local access to a credit union be careful to live within their means. or community bank. They will find it increasingly difficult I understand that the Treasury has recently finished a to be paid for work; Consumer Focus estimates that by feasibility study into accounts that have the additional 2018 only 2% of employees will be paid in cash. and useful feature of weekly budgeting. Measures that help people on low incomes to obtain the best prices for Richard Graham (Gloucester) (Con): I congratulate essentials such as energy, and enable them carefully to my hon. Friend on securing this debate, on a subject budget incomes and expenditure, are to be welcomed. that is important to millions of people. Is she aware of Many low-income families are susceptible to doorstep the report recently published by the Association of lending, with its exorbitant interest rates, which can British Credit Unions, which highlighted the opportunities quickly get them into unmanageable debt. for co-operation between the Post Office and credit I hope that a new product can be developed before unions? Although it is a difficult area and is connected the POCA contract ends in March 2015, and that with the mutualisation of post offices, which is taking existing account holders will be migrated on to the new time, does she agree that it could signify a huge step account. Such an account would have much broader forward for the millions that do not have access to bank appeal to post office customers. It could lead to a accounts, and will she join me in encouraging the customer base large enough to give economies of scale, Government to make progress on the matter as soon as which would make the operation of such an account possible? cost-effective. The introduction of a transactional POCA with a budgeting facility will be particularly important Sarah Newton: I thank my hon. Friend for that in helping to secure the migration to universal credit. interesting contribution. I support the work of credit I have been an MP for a limited time. I can see that, unions. We have an excellent credit union in Cornwall: despite their good intentions, Governments can find it Cornish Community Banking provides good services challenging to work across Departments on joined-up for people on low incomes. As the Government policy. The delivery of an updated POCA or similar consider the future of the post office network, given its new product is one such policy. It needs to be given reach into our communities, it is important that they thoughtful consideration by the Department for Business, fully consider the positive benefits of post offices Innovation and Skills, the Treasury and the Department 191WH Post Office Card Account24 MAY 2011 Post Office Card Account 192WH for Work and Pensions. However, I understand that, as Committee on Scottish Affairs on postal services in in so many policy areas, there are conflicting priorities. I Scotland. I have no doubt that my hon. Friend, if I realise that the DWP will want to reduce transaction may call him that, who is also a member of the costs for benefit payments. The Department also has Committee—I mean the hon. Member for Argyll and the key aim of lifting as many people as possible out of Bute (Mr Reid)—will want to say something about that poverty, and the improved POCA could help with that. report. I realise that 2015 seems a long time away. However, The Post Office card account was put in place by the sub-postmasters, the vast majority of whom are self- Labour Government, particularly as a way to deal with employed small business owners who work long hours financial inclusion. For those of us who are used to for low returns, need to know that the Government are conducting our financial business online, either on the committed to introducing an enhanced POCA or a internet or by phone, it can be difficult to appreciate replacement, and that they are on track to deliver a exactly what it is like for people who do not have access product that will not only benefit customers but give to a bank account. People on low incomes have to them certainty of income. The recent decision to award ensure that every penny is spent appropriately. We should the green giro payment contract to PayPoint, with savings not underestimate the difficulties that they face in trying going to the DWP but with losses going to the post to secure the best prices for electricity, gas and other offices, is a concern to many sub-postmasters. utilities without access to the financial services that we The post office network has reached a critical point. all take for granted. The previous Government’s closure programme, the withdrawal of Government services and major social The post office is important for many elderly people, and economic changes have resulted in 7,000 post office because they want to be able to conduct their business closures over the past decade. However, the remaining with a real person and a face they know. They do not 11,500 post offices and 500 outreach services still provide want to have to press umpteen buttons on their keypad a much bigger network than all the banks and building telephone to be told to hold on, with perhaps the vague societies combined. Every week, 20 million people visit promise that they may get to speak to someone at the a post office, and for every £1 transacted, 14p is handled end of the day. When we looked at the future of post through the post office network. offices in my area, I was grateful for the input from postmasters and postmistresses not only in Kilmarnock Post offices are a vital resource for rural communities but in the surrounding rural villages of Fenwick, Mauchline such as those in Cornwall. Only 4% of villages have a and Kilmaurs. Post offices in such areas provide an bank, compared to the 60% that have a post office. important service, because their customers do not always Between 2000 and 2010, rural areas experienced the loss have access to face-to-face banking. None the less, the of nearly 60% of their banks and building societies amount of business that comes through those offices According to the Campaign for Community Banking does not always make them sustainable. All the postmasters Services, Barclays closed 22 banks during the last quarter, and postmistresses expressed real concern about the 12 of which were the last, or the last bank but one, in loss of business from the Post Office card account. In the town. HSBC and Lloyds each closed nine branches. some instances, they believed that that might well make That lack of services and competition for small businesses their local post office unviable in the longer term. has been recognised by the Treasury Committee and the Banking Commission in reports in April. This could be During the course of our inquiry in Scotland and in a real opportunity for new services to be delivered by other debates, we have heard a lot from the Government post offices, as 47% of small businesses already use the about diversification and about how they are trying to post office more than once a week, especially for stamps, ensure that post offices can adopt different business mailing and cash. models at a local level. However, for a tiny post office, Although many post offices run alongside shops—in such as the one in Kilmaurs, there is simply no option small villages, they are often the only shop—sub-post to expand, to put in other retail outlets or to do anything office income is worryingly low. New work urgently other than provide a post office service, which is what it needs to be brought into the post office network to was set up to do. There are village shops; the Co-op is increase income for the remaining post offices and to next door and there are other shops and independent ensure that they can continue to serve local communities. retailers across the road, but the post office and the service that it provides are vital. I accept that the Having outlined some of the challenges that face the Government have no wish to undertake a closure post office network and the real opportunity of developing programme, but if those small post offices are not POCA in the war against poverty and the delivery of protected and do not get enough business, they may end the universal credit, I look forward to being reassured up withering on the vine. by the Minister that the coalition Government are taking action to deliver the important legacy of a We have heard about the option of linking up with sustainable post office network. credit unions, which would be a worthwhile path to pursue. Credit unions should not just be about the 9.48 am poorest people or the most financially excluded people in our society. They are a perfectly valid business model Cathy Jamieson (Kilmarnock and Loudoun) (Lab/ that is owned and controlled by the members. As part of Co-op): I congratulate the hon. Member for Truro and our Scottish Affairs Committee inquiry, we visited the Falmouth (Sarah Newton) on securing this important Pollok Credit Union in Glasgow, which runs a successful debate. I had intended only to make a couple of points post office. We spoke to the people involved, and saw in relation to my constituency, but the hon. Lady has the post office in action at one of its busiest times. The raised a number of matters that I wish to pursue. I number of people who came along and the types of shall refer to the inquiry undertaken by the Select transactions that they conducted spoke volumes. 193WH Post Office Card Account24 MAY 2011 Post Office Card Account 194WH

[Cathy Jamieson] Government came in to office, they had to deal with the fact that the tender had been drawn up by the previous In conclusion, I should like to mention a couple of Administration, which greatly restricted their room for points that have been raised by the National Federation manoeuvre. I was further disappointed when the contract of SubPostmasters. Its general secretary, George Thomson, was awarded to PayPoint. Although there are a lot of has made it clear that the Post Office card account, or PayPoint outlets in my constituency, they are all in the something of that nature, should continue. It has raised towns, and large rural parts of my constituency have no concerns that the award of the contract to PayPoint PayPoint outlet. There is no PayPoint outlet in the rural may have been at below-cost price. Obviously, we want parts of north Argyll. There are about half a dozen in to ensure that every aspect of Government offers good shops in Oban, but nothing outside. value for money, and the benefit system is no different. Personally, I would rather see the money spent on Sarah Newton: I can echo my hon. Friend on that benefits, so that people have a better quality of life, than point. We have the same problem with access to being spent on administration. However, I want to PayPoint in parts of Cornwall. However, does he not ensure that everything is done absolutely correctly and agree that we should take some reassurance from the that the Government take account of the social value of fact that the Government have said that people who the post office in the context of providing a service to currently receive the green giros will be given advice on people generally and to people on low incomes specifically. their options, including signing up for a Post Office I hope that the Minister addresses those points in his card account? I will work with my rural post offices to summing up. put up posters in branches so that as people cash in their green giros for the last time, they are encouraged 9.54 am to apply for a Post Office card account. Mr Alan Reid (Argyll and Bute) (LD): It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Hollobone. I Mr Reid: My hon. Friend makes an important point congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Truro that customers who use the green giros must be given and Falmouth (Sarah Newton) on securing this debate the option of using POCA and must be encouraged to on the important issue of the Post Office card account do so. I hope that this Government’s attitude towards and on presenting a good case on behalf of our POCA will be very different from that of the previous communities. After spending nine years in opposition Government. Those of us who were MPs in the 2001 to a Government who were clearly urban based, it is a Parliament were inundated with complaints from pleasure to be part of a Government who understand constituents who were badgered and bullied by the rural communities. Department for Work and Pensions call centre to move The coalition agreement includes a commitment to away from POCA to the banks. As I say, I hope that post offices and to making them the front office of this Government will have a completely different government. For that to happen, they have to be financially attitude to POCA and that its use will be marketed underpinned so that they can provide a large number of positively rather than actively discouraged, as was the basic services, including the Post Office card account. case under the previous Government. The importance of POCA to post offices derives not There is a lack of PayPoint outlets in the rural parts only from the income that sub-postmasters and sub- of north Argyll, and there are several islands in my postmistresses get from it, but from the fact that customers constituency that do not have a PayPoint outlet. Every collect their money from the post office and then spend time I mention PayPoint in a debate, I am conscious of it in the shop. In rural villages in a constituency such as the fact that a few days later a letter comes in from mine, there is often just the one shop and the post office PayPoint saying what a wonderful service it provides. I is an important part of that shop. Without the post say now to the person from PayPoint who will read the office, the shop would not be sustainable. Hansard report of this debate that PayPoint still does My hon. Friend talked about the need for joined-up not have outlets in rural north Argyll or on several of government and for all Departments to support the the islands in my constituency. post office. Given the structure of government in this As we are discussing green giros, it is important to country, there is clearly a temptation for Ministers to remember that many people who use them are people engage in silo thinking and to be concerned only about who were unable to use POCA for disability reasons. their own Department. Although the Government inherited When my hon. Friend the Minister responds to the a terrible financial mess from their predecessors and the debate, I hope that he can tell us what facilities will be pressure is on Ministers to make savings in their own made available to people with disabilities who were Departments, it is important that our Ministers do not previously deemed unable to use POCA to make it pat themselves on the back for making savings in their easier for them to access POCA. For example, if they own Department at the expense of other Government live on a small island without a PayPoint outlet, what Departments. The Post Office is a case in point. We are they to do? need all Government Departments to support the Post One of the lessons to be learned from the green giro Office. contract is the importance of Government consultation When I came back to Parliament after the election, I before contracts go out to tender. When some of my was unpleasantly surprised to find that the previous hon. Friends and I attempted to lobby Ministers to give Government had issued tenders to replace green giros, the green giro contract to the Post Office network, we which brought in a lot of money to post offices. People were told the standard line that all Ministers in any in rural areas were particularly dependent on such a Government use—that once a contract is out to tender service because it meant that they had a place in their and a legal process is under way, Ministers cannot own community to cash their green giros. When the new engage in discussions about it. It is therefore important 195WH Post Office Card Account24 MAY 2011 Post Office Card Account 196WH that we consult before contracts are put out to tender I hope that my hon. Friend the Minister can tell us what rather than, as was the case with the green giro contract, progress the Government have made towards achieving only finding out after the contracts have been put out to that objective in the coalition agreement. tender. In conclusion, post offices are very important to our Of course, my hon. Friend the Minister has a rural communities. As I have said, the post office often responsibility to run his Department as efficiently as underpins the only shop in a village and there will be all possible and to save as much money as possible. However, sorts of problems for villagers, particularly elderly people any savings that are made should not be at the cost of on low incomes, if post offices close. I hope that my making the problems of financial exclusion worse. I hon. Friend the Minister will agree that it is worth the understand that one of his remits is to be the Minister Government spending money or perhaps giving up the with responsibility for financial inclusion. If the only opportunity to make some savings to retain the Post place in a rural community where people can access Office network in such areas. That means supporting cash is a village post office and that post office closes, Government services through the Post Office network we will see real financial exclusion. Although pensioners and, crucially, it means that when the present POCA may have bus passes that allow them free bus travel, in a contract runs out in 2015 its successor is a post office-based rural community in the highlands there are not that product, and hopefully one that offers even more services many buses. Even on the days on which the buses run, it than POCA offers at the moment. The successor to is often the case that there is only one bus from a village POCA must be a post office-based product. Otherwise to a town at 9 am and there is only one bus back at 5 elderly people on low incomes in our rural communities pm. What is a pensioner on a low income to do if they will really suffer. go into a town on the 9 am bus to collect their pension from the post office and they have to wait until 5 pm for the bus back? 10.6 am Nia Griffith (Llanelli) (Lab): I congratulate the hon. Cathy Jamieson: Does the hon. Gentleman accept Member for Truro and Falmouth (Sarah Newton) on that for many people, particularly elderly people, the making an excellent opening speech. She outlined the fact that they are able to conduct their business at a history of the Post Office card account very clearly, but post office gives them some particular comfort? There she also showed that she is way ahead of many other are circumstances in which they simply do not want hon. Members in thinking about 2015 and the fact that people to know their business if they have to conduct in order to secure the future of post offices any transactions in a very public place such as another incoming sub-postmaster will immediately ask, “What shop. will be my income in five or 10 years from now?” They see no hope of any inter-business agreement coming Mr Reid: Yes. The hon. Lady makes a very important through, as a result of the privatisation of the Royal point, because the post office has a certain privacy that, Mail; very disappointingly, such an agreement has not say, a PayPoint outlet—I might as well say “PayPoint”, been enshrined in legislation. Consequently, they will because I will get a letter about it anyway—in a filling ask, “Well, what of the promise that the post office will station rarely has. Also, the staff who work at the be the shop front for Government business? What is checkout in a supermarket or filling station do not have going to come of that promise?” So it is very timely the training that the post office staff have. That is that the hon. Lady has secured this debate today. another very important point. Labour first introduced POCA as a measure to boost financial inclusion. It was designed to give people who had perhaps always dealt in cash an opportunity to Sarah Newton: Does my hon. Friend accept that staff collect their pensions or benefits from their local post in local post offices, such as those in villages in my office. Indeed, by 2008 4.5 million people had a POCA, constituency, know the regulars who come in, of whom 30% had no other bank account. Obviously, particularly elderly or vulnerable people? They can therefore, the future of POCA is vital for that particular help those people if they have forgotten their PIN sector of the population. numbers; I am sure that that goes against the regulations, but it is a vital thing that they can do. They Those of us who were here in the last Parliament will also notice if Mrs Smith or Mrs Jones does not come remember the box-loads of cards that came in begging along. That sets off an alarm, and they either go round us to lobby to keep POCA and to have it extended themselves or they ask other people to check on them. beyond the finishing date of its first phase, which was That is a vital social service for elderly people and 2010. Obviously that renewal of POCA was made by people with disabilities in many of our villages. the last Government. They put in place the present arrangements, which will run until 2015. Now we need to look towards 2015 and consider what will happen Mr Reid: My hon. Friend makes an important point. next. I hope that the Minister and other Ministers will bear it in mind when they consider the importance of post As has been pointed out, the Royal Mail Group used offices. to earn about £195 million annually from POCA. That figure has now dropped to about £135 million annually, The Government have a commitment to the Post but the income from POCA is still a very significant Office network, as set out in the coalition agreement: source of income for post offices. Furthermore, it is not “We will give Post Office card account holders the chance to necessarily very evenly spread and therefore some post benefit from direct debit discounts and ensure that social tariffs offices will be disproportionately hit if a lot of Government offer access to the best prices available.” business is withdrawn from the network. 197WH Post Office Card Account24 MAY 2011 Post Office Card Account 198WH

[Nia Griffith] other ideas, assisted applications for all benefits, assisted benefit withdrawals, signing on, payment in cash and POCA is important for consumers because it was various housing benefit validations. He obviously wanted part of the last Government’s financial inclusion plan. to discuss in detail with Ministers in the Department for It exists so that customers can obtain their benefits or Work and Pensions his ideas about the Post Office pensions if they cannot use or do not wish to use any becoming a front office for DWP business—the DWP is other kind of banking account. It allowed account probably the Department that would most use the Post holders or a nominated helper to withdraw cash free of Office. Instead, however, what do we find? We see the charge at any post office branch using a plastic card that green giro awarded elsewhere, and that is a very significant could not be used for other purposes. It also meant that blow for the Post Office. the problem of people getting into debt, and all the difficulties associated with some types of account, were Mr Reid: Yes, it is a blow to the Post Office, but avoided. The important thing now is to say, “Where do the hon. Lady must recognise the part that her we go next?” Government played. It was that Government who put In its 2010 manifesto, the Labour party made a clear out the contract and wrote the specification, and if it commitment to a people’s bank with a full range of had specified a widespread rural network, the Post competitive, affordable products, and the hon. Member Office would have won the contract. for Argyll and Bute (Mr Reid) mentioned that there was a commitment in the coalition agreement not only to an Nia Griffith: What we want to know now is what the enhanced Post Office card account but to a people’s Government will do about securing more Government bank. The Minister himself stood on that manifesto for business for the post office network. It is absolutely a people’s bank, so what is happening about it? Why clear that unless there is more business, the worrying have we not yet seen any steps towards creating any sort situation of hundreds of post offices being temporarily of additional banking services in the Post Office? I hope closed—for months, or two or three years—will that the Minister today is able to tell us something continue. Post offices are closing because it is extremely about the plans, because at the moment it looks very difficult to identify people who want to take on a much as if that coalition promise has been broken. sub-post office. They want to see guaranteed income, There is no plan for any form of people’s bank at the but instead they see much less security in what they will Post Office, and we do not yet know what sort of get from Royal Mail in the future, both because of the enhanced services the Post Office card account will drop in the volume of postal items and because there is have—perhaps the Minister will enlighten us. no guarantee in the Bill currently going through Parliament of any definite business from Royal Mail Richard Graham: The hon. Lady glosses over a bit of for the post office network after privatisation. the history of the Post Office card account. My memory is pretty clear that in 2007 the account was put Richard Graham: The hon. Lady is, of course, out to tender and that by the beginning of 2008 it was absolutely right that the risk at the moment is different clear that the tender would not be given to the Post from what it was. The risk under the previous Office. The previous Government changed direction Government—the reality, in fact, not the risk—was the only in November of that year, after an enormous Government-led closure of some 8,000 post offices campaign that showed the unpopularity of the across the country. The risk today is that the network suggestion. of 11,500 post offices that remain after the Labour closures programme could be weakened—she is quite The hon. Lady is right that in March—I think—of right about that—if sub-postmasters either retired and last year, the Government started to recommend that no one took over or if they decided that the business the Post Office card account be extended to cover other was so unprofitable that they had to give it up, again financial services, and that her own party’s manifesto with no one prepared to take over. I must point out, included more of the same, but that does raise the however, that that risk is a very different one. question of why, after 13 years in government, her party took so long to arrive at some proposals for extending In Kingsholm in my constituency of Gloucester, a the account. It would be fair to say—I hope that she profitable post office was closed. The sub-postmaster agrees—that this Government have made substantially was one month short of having served 25 years and increased commitments. The question, however, which wanted to continue in the job, but my predecessor as she rightly raised, is how we will take forward those MP and his Government closed the post office. Under commitments to using post offices as the front office for this Government, a post office closed in Quedgeley more Government work. when the sub-postmaster decided to give it up, but after a while a new sub-postmaster was found and a new post office opened, with the support of Post Office Ltd and Nia Griffith: It was indeed decisive action by the the Government. The hon. Lady is right that there is a Labour Government in late 2008 that ensured that the risk, but it is not the same, and it is much smaller. contract went to the Post Office. My question here, however, would be, “What has happened to the green Nia Griffith: The hon. Gentleman conveniently giro?” forgets that although about 8,000 post offices probably I refer the hon. Gentleman back to the letter, with met the previous Labour Government’s access criteria which I am sure the Minister is familiar, that George we kept 11,500 open, and put in a £150 million subsidy Thomson wrote to the Secretary of State for Work and each year to do so. He was very lucky that a new Pensions in September. It contained a list of ways in sub-postmaster was found for Quedgeley, but in my which he thought further Government business could constituency, and those of many Members, post offices be put the way of the Post Office, including, among have remained closed for much longer, and the real 199WH Post Office Card Account24 MAY 2011 Post Office Card Account 200WH difficulty will be in enticing people to take on the office closures. Since the closure, local residents have businesses if they cannot see a viable future in them. I had to travel to other areas for the post office services am so grateful to the hon. Member for Truro and that they value, either tackling a long, steep hill or Falmouth for securing the debate today, because the paying for a bus to another part of the city. The closure Post Office card account will be a key part of that has been devastating to the community served by the viability. post office. It has been particularly hard on older people and more vulnerable people, as many hon. Members Alex Cunningham (Stockton North) (Lab): I was have said, because the face-to-face service that they are absolutely delighted this week to receive a letter from used to is extremely valuable. the Post Office saying that it is reopening a post office I am sure that many hon. Members have experienced in Port Clarence, a community in my constituency. similar closures in their constituencies and know at first That has been made possible by the local authority, hand the difficulties that they create. Currently, 424 post voluntary organisations and the local community offices are temporarily closed, 417 of which have been working together. Is there not that wider responsibility closed for a prolonged period. It is vital that we strive to on a whole community, even though the Government keep post offices open and help them adapt to changing also need to be in there to ensure that things happen? demands from their customers and, particularly, to protect the vulnerable. Post offices are at the heart of Nia Griffith: Indeed. It is very much a partnership, many of our communities, and we need to make it and where that can happen, all to the better, but a key easier for them to survive. The business generated by part of that partnership is the Government business, the Post Office card account can help them to do so. which is what we are talking about today. Labour did not get everything right on post offices, I hope that the Minister is able to shed some light on but POCA in the post office network was a proud what the Government mean by Government front office. achievement. POCA was introduced by the Labour What is the additional business that they hope to give to Government to improve financial inclusion, as my hon. the post offices? What is the enhancement of the Post Friend the Member for Llanelli (Nia Griffith) said. Office card account that they can offer at this stage, and That is particularly important in deprived and remote what is the future for the account after 2015? Without areas. I am proud of Labour’s decision to introduce that security and that business coming into the post POCA and the decision in 2008 not to allow it to leave offices, it is very difficult to see how we will encourage the post office network, which would have diverted new entrants to take on post offices, particularly in business away from the Post Office and jeopardised the areas where there is little opportunity to do much else in viability of many of our local post offices. the post office, because they are very small, for example. Sometimes there is little else in the village that would About 4 million Department for Work and Pensions offer people the opportunity to get enough money just benefit and account payments were made through POCA to pay the milkman or the fish van that comes round. I in 2010, to a group of customers who rely on a simple have constituents who cannot get the cash they need for service to receive their pensions and benefits. Many of very small, simple, everyday transactions without a them are elderly: 55% are pensioners. POCA is a core local post office. It is absolutely vital, therefore, for the aspect of Post Office business and a key driver of future of the Post Office that we get that Government footfall, but it is also designed to promote basic financial business, and I hope that we will hear how the DWP will inclusion. Unlike most financial products—I say this as contribute to that and, in particular, what its views are someone who used to work in financial services—POCA and its plans for the future of the Post Office card has huge support among the people who use it. When account. the POCA contract was on the agenda in 2006, as has been said, it generated 4 million signatures in support of keeping it in the post office network. I believe that that 10.19 am is the largest ever peacetime petition. Rachel Reeves (Leeds West) (Lab): I congratulate the A Help the Aged survey of its members also found hon. Member for Truro and Falmouth (Sarah Newton) that they were overwhelmingly in favour of the service. on securing this debate, which I know will be welcomed Help the Aged’s report highlighted the importance of by people up and down the country who rely on post post offices, particularly to older people who rely on office services in their local community and value the POCA, and POCA’s popularity in rural areas where no Post Office card account. As she said, this debate is a local bank is easily accessible. That is also an issue in chance for the Minister to alleviate some of the some of the most deprived urban areas. concerns felt by sub-postmasters and postmistresses The Post Office card account has several key advantages and their customers. Consensus is building on the for its customers. Some 71% of people without access to importance of guaranteeing Royal Mail business for a bank account depend on POCA to receive payments. the Post Office. I hope that the Government will take POCA customers are often people who cannot or do note. not want to access bank accounts; 30% have no other Two key issues are at stake. The first is ensuring bank account. According to Age UK, someone from an access to pensions and benefits, especially for vulnerable unbanked household is 23 times more likely to use a people and those in rural communities. The second is POCA than someone from a household with access to ensuring that the post office network as a business is bank accounts. POCA is also the only facility for receiving viable and vibrant in the long term. The importance of benefits or pensions open to people who have been both those issues rings true in my constituency, where declared bankrupt. Another good feature is that the temporary closures include the Hawksworth Wood post facility offers no risk of getting into debt. POCA also office, which has been closed for nearly a year, despite offers a crucial facility for people with mobility problems. Government promises that there would be no more post Almost 10% of Post Office card account holders have a 201WH Post Office Card Account24 MAY 2011 Post Office Card Account 202WH

[Rachel Reeves] We must make it easier for post offices to survive. POCA is one of the services that ensures the viability of second card that can be given to a carer to draw cash on post offices. About 20% of total visits to post offices, or their behalf, a facility not available through high-street 6.5 million visits a week, are made to access POCA banks. payments. POCA brings in a significant portion of POCA was introduced as part of a wide-ranging income for sub-postmasters up and down the country. approach to financial inclusion as a simple facility for The National Federation of SubPostmasters has estimated people who could not or did not wish to use a bank that it provides 10% of sub-postmasters’ net pay. In account. However, POCA alone is not enough to ensure rural and deprived areas such as Truro and Falmouth, that older, vulnerable and hard-to-reach customers are Argyll and Leeds West, that proportion jumps significantly: financially included. To do so, the Government could it is about 12% in deprived urban areas, for example. work to identify links with credit unions and consider Indeed, 15% of sub-postmasters earn £400 or more a carefully what steps are needed to increase the accounts’ month from POCA transactions. Nationally, POCA functionality in the interests of post offices and their brings in about £195 million a year. customers. Like other hon. Members, I urge the POCA customers ensure vital footfall and additional Government to increase POCA’s functionality and consider income to ensure that post offices remain at the heart of whether direct debits could be introduced. Even now, our communities, but a Government supposedly committed people with a Post Office card account but no bank to preserving the footfall have already failed one test by account do not get the direct debit service that helps handing the green giro contract to PayPoint. Now 250,000 save money and time on utility bills and other payments, people who would previously have gone to post offices a service that most of us take for granted. to collect their green giros will no longer do so. That is a There are, of course, risks involved in introducing negative step that could damage our post offices and direct debit functionality. The Treasury financial inclusion reduce the services available to customers. taskforce has documented the excess charges often incurred by new users of bank accounts, and they must be taken into account, as average losses are £140 a year and The Minister of State, Department for Work and charges are focused on the poorest households. Consumer Pensions (Steve Webb): The hon. Lady will be aware, as Focus also has concerns, but none the less supports a has been said, that the previous Government initiated a more flexible POCA account, and its research indicates competitive tender and set criteria for bidding. All of it that POCA users do too. was undertaken according to strict European Union The coalition agreement said: competition rules. If one of the two bidders was “We will give Post Office card account holders the chance to substantially cheaper than the other, does she think benefit from direct debit discounts and ensure that social tariffs that the Government should have gone with the higher offer access to the best prices available.” bidder? In answers to parliamentary questions, the DWP has also said that research is being conducted on the subject. Rachel Reeves: As the Minister knows, that decision What steps have been taken to ensure that that promise would have been outside my domain, but we should is delivered? consider the Labour Government’s decision in 2008 to Members are keen to ensure that POCA lasts beyond award the Post Office card account to the Post Office 2015 and that we have some certainty about the future, rather than continuing with the tender. That is an as my hon. Friend the Member for Llanelli said. The example of what this Government could have done if year 2015 may seem like a long way off, but POCA they had chosen to do so, but they did not. customers and sub-postmasters—like many Liberal Democrat MPs, if I may say so—look to 2015 with In evidence to the Select Committee on Scottish some trepidation. Affairs for its report on postal services, the general When exploring options for increased functionality, secretary of the Communication Workers Union, Billy it is important to consider that the Post Office has Hayes, described the decision to remove green giros unprecedented access to the consumers whom credit from the Post Office, at a time when the Government unions are best able to support. Credit unions do an were committed to increasing the use of the post office immense amount of good in our communities. The network, as being Leeds and Bramley credit unions have a tangible impact “about as joined-up as spaghetti”. on the lives of my constituents, too many of whom, lacking access to the services that credit unions offer, This is a hit to the footfall in post offices, and I urge the are driven into the arms of loan sharks. However, credit Government to ensure that POCA remains a Post Office unions in my constituency lack a shop front and a account. high-street presence. The post office network could help With the POCA contract subject to competition change that. tendering requirements, and considering the fact that Despite sending a mixed message with the financial only 4,000 of approximately 12,000 post offices are inclusion fund, the Government have supported credit viable independent of the shops in which they operate, unions and could take a serious step to support them by the stakes for the future POCA contract could not be linking them with the Post Office when considering the higher. Moreover, with Government commitments to Post Office card accounts. Will the Minister update us the post bank seemingly in the long grass, as my hon. on what practical measures the Government are taking Friend the Member for Llanelli has said, and with little to support that aim? Hon. Members support credit tangible progress towards making the Post Office the unions as an important source of affordable finance front office for government, what assurances can within our communities and welcome the opportunity the Minister give us that POCA will be part of securing to increase footfall in our post offices. the commitment to maintaining post office services? 203WH Post Office Card Account24 MAY 2011 Post Office Card Account 204WH

Richard Graham: The hon. Lady has mentioned— the post office network. The commitment by this with, I think, approval—the remarks of Billy Hayes Government to provide £1.35 billion to make sure that from the CWU about this Government’s approach. Post Office Limited maintains that network is the single Does her party support Billy Hayes’s mantra of no most important example of expenditure to maintain a cuts? post office service that I can think of over the past 15 years. Does she not agree? Rachel Reeves: That is outside the domain of today’s debate. I quoted what Billy Hayes said about taking the Rachel Reeves: The Conservative manifesto said: green giro account away from the post office network. I do not think that he supports that. I think that he “Nothing underlines the powerlessness that many communities would have preferred to have kept it in the post office feel more than the loss of essential services, like post offices”. network. That is the context in which I quoted his We all know, however, that removing services such as comment that the Government’s policy is the green giro from post offices makes it harder for “about as joined-up as spaghetti”. them to be viable in the long term. The Government may be giving money in one way, but they are taking Richard Graham: What does the hon. Lady estimate money away from post offices by removing from them would have been the cost to Government of services such as the green giro. re-awarding the green giro contract, and how would Today’s debate has been consensual, with representatives her party have funded that? from all parties saying that they want to support their local post offices. We should welcome that consensus Rachel Reeves: As the hon. Member for Truro and and try to work together to support post offices and the Falmouth has said, it would be good to see the people who use them in all our communities. That has Government working on a more joined-up basis. been the tone of my remarks. I have admitted that Savings for one area of government put costs on Labour did not always get things right, and it would another area of government, and this is a prime be good to hear other Members say that not example of that. It also goes against the commitments everything that their parties are doing is right in in both the Conservative and the Liberal Democrat representing the people whom we are here to serve—our manifestos. They would have put more services into constituents. post offices, but awarding the green giro account to In conclusion, we have heard useful and interesting PayPoint goes against those principles. contributions from Members who represent both urban and rural areas, who know first hand how important Mr Reid: The hon. Lady keeps forgetting that it was post offices are in their communities. I have set out what the previous Labour Government who wrote the tender I think are the key questions surrounding POCA and specification, which could have specified the need for some wider questions that the Government must answer an extensive rural network. That would have meant on the future of postal services. that only the Post Office would have qualified, so why did her Government not specify the tender in that way? I have already quoted the Conservative manifesto, but the Lib Dems also promised a post bank as a Rachel Reeves: As I have said, the Labour central plank of their efforts to keep post offices open. Government did not get everything right in relation to People who rely on the post office are keen to know post offices. The Labour party is using the period of what is happening now that those two parties are in our policy review process to look at a large number of government. They are keen to hear whether the coalition our policies. I return to the point, however, that both partners are making POCA part of realising their pre- the Liberal Democrat and Conservative manifestos election promises, both up to and beyond 2015. made it clear that those parties were committed to The post office is at the heart of communities up and giving more services to post offices, not to removing down the country. In an era of falling trust in financial them. That is why the decision on the green giro was so services, the Post Office remains a beacon of hope for disappointing, because it went against those restoring trust. I welcome this debate—I congratulate commitments. the hon. Member for Truro and Falmouth again on To return to another point that I made earlier in securing it—as an opportunity to lend support to POCA response to the Minister’s question, although POCA and post offices, and to emphasise that decisions about was put out to tender, the previous Labour Government POCA should be made with the intention of making recognised the public concern, ended that process and sure that the post office is a viable and vibrant part of gave POCA to the Post Office. That decision was welcomed our communities in both urban and rural areas, offering by our constituents and by post offices up and down the services that pensioners, families and the most vulnerable country. in society rely on.

Richard Graham: Will the hon. Lady give way? 10.36 am Rachel Reeves: I will, but we need to get to the The Minister of State, Department for Work and Minister’s remarks, so this will be the last intervention Pensions (Steve Webb): Good morning, Mr Hollobone. that I will take. I join the congratulations to my hon. Friend the Member for Truro and Falmouth (Sarah Newton) on Richard Graham: I am grateful to the hon. Lady for securing this important debate. I am delighted that, her generosity. It is worth highlighting the fact that the although this is the final day before the Whit recess, we commitment in my party’s manifesto was to maintain have a good turnout and that, as has been said, we have 205WH Post Office Card Account24 MAY 2011 Post Office Card Account 206WH

[Steve Webb] how much of that happened?— “keeping the network operating at its current size would result in heard perspectives from rural and urban England, the annual subsidy required from taxpayers rising from £150 million rural Scotland and Wales—indeed, from around the this year to £400 million by 2016—and would carry on climbing.” United Kingdom. That is the legacy. That is what would have happened had we done nothing. I sense, Mr Hollobone, that you Jim Shannon rose— are not a great PowerPoint fan, but it is at such moments I wish we could have a screen and slides because I would Steve Webb: Before the hon. Gentleman seeks to simply refer hon. Members to chart 3 of that document. intervene, I should say that, when I said the United I will point that document in the direction of Opposition Kingdom, I thought that I was including Northern Members because it shows that the long-term gradual Ireland. decline in the post office network is partly because of There are a lot of common threads. Any community- demographic trends—sub-postmasters retiring and not minded constituency MP will echo much of what has being replaced—and partly because, during the 13 years been said this morning. My own constituency is a of a Labour Government, the number of post offices mixture of market towns and villages, most of which, has fallen off a cliff. During the two closure programmes notwithstanding the series of cuts over the past year, between 2003 and 2009, 5,000 branches were closed. either have sub-post offices or, in some instances, have People have stood in this place and in this Chamber for reopened them as community ventures—community the past 13 years pleading loyalty to the post office shops, co-operatives and so on. I think that we all share network, yet those were the people who carried out two that commitment to the post office network. massive closure programmes. My hon. Friend the Member for Gloucester (Richard Graham) is absolutely right to say that, although money Nia Griffith: Does the Minister not agree that the is tight, the Government should prioritise spending on fundamental reason for the Post Office’s loss of the post office network. I encourage him to think about business is the complete revolution in how we which Government Department identified £1.34 billion correspond with each other? Personal letters were of for the post office network, and about the other spending immense importance 20 years ago, but the growth of issues that that Department faced that raised some the internet and so on is clearly the main factor in the political issues. He will recall that there were other calls reduction in the amount of mail business going on the Department’s money, yet it prioritised the post through post offices. That is the be-all and end-all and office network, because we are about not just words, but the real reason for the existence of many post offices, in deeds in relation to that. To be clear, in return for that addition to what Government business they can do. £1.34 billion, Post Office Ltd must maintain a network of at least 11,500 branches and continue to adhere to Steve Webb: The reasons for the decline of the post the strict access criteria that mean that 99% of the office network are many and varied. When I go to my population live within three miles of a post office. local village post office, I am told that eBay is keeping it going. The fact that people buy postage for parcels Nia Griffith: Does the Minister agree that, under the and so on brings a whole range of different customers previous Labour Government, it was £150 million per into the post office network. One of the biggest trends, year and that that went up to £180 million per year in which was accelerated by the previous Government the last year in which we were responsible for setting through direct payments, was people being paid via the subsidy? That is half of what the present their bank accounts, rather than by traditional giros at Government are giving to the post office network, and post offices. That was one of the single biggest changes it was sufficient to keep open those 11,500 post offices. that accelerated the demise of the post office network. Why on earth has such a large amount of money been Opposition Members ought to take just a tiny bit of given to the Post Office when it would be far better to responsibility for the trends that we have seen. create the streams of business that make post offices On the Post Office card account specifically, the viable and sustainable for good, so that they do not perspective of POCA users has been missing from the need that type of subsidy? I find it very difficult to debate. The Post Office has recently published some understand why doubling the subsidy is the best way startling research that it undertook on what POCA forward when making things viable would really be the holders wanted from the account. The Post Office talked best way forward. to 930 people and asked the following about the POCA: “is there anything you would change about it, for instance any Steve Webb: I could not have written that question additional services you would like it to provide?” better myself. Why is it necessary to double the subsidy Some 80% of respondents said “nothing.” I will return to keep the post office network going on a viable basis? to that significant point. Some 80% of respondents did Because so little was done over the past 13 years to not want any changes to the account and they valued make the post office network sustainable. That is POCA for its particular characteristics, which we should precisely why we have had to put temporary subsidy in think carefully about changing. The next most popular while we get the Post Office back on its feet. answer to that question had a 4% response rate. I shall I shall quote from the Department for Business, read down the list of things people would change about Innovation and Skills document, “Securing the Post POCA, which have a response rate of between 4% to Office Network in the Digital Age.” On the very point 2%: that the hon. Lady raises, it states: “deposit/cash cheques into it; more cashpoints; use any ATM; “Senior management at Post Office Ltd… estimate that without comments relating to PO service in general; more flexible like a action and modernisation”— debit card; interest on account balance; online account access.” 207WH Post Office Card Account24 MAY 2011 Post Office Card Account 208WH

Hon. Members will have noticed that direct debit is not the future. There always is. If we said that we need a full on that list. Some of these issues are counter-intuitive. I transactional POCA, so we are going to retender for it, will not say that I like nothing better than to go online I suspect that there would be riots on the streets of to use my bank account—which, I should just add, I Kilmarnock. access at the post office—but the folk who use POCA We do not want more disruption and uncertainty. value it for what it is. As a number of hon. Members What we want—and as a Government what we are have said, we need to ensure that the people who have trying to do—is to work in partnership with the Post POCAs can benefit from things such as direct debit. Office far more. Rather than those involved with running However, that may not imply sticking things on to post offices being people to whom we do something, POCA. they should be in here as people we do something with. Why might it be a good thing to provide access to That is a profoundly different approach. The hon. Member those services but not to do so through changing the for Leeds West (Rachel Reeves) talked about joined-up POCA? It is striking that many hon. Members have said government and different Departments not damaging that 30% of people with a POCA do not have another the Post Office. The Department that springs to mind is bank account. However, I tend to think of it the other the Department for Transport. I renew my car tax each way around. Some 70% of people with a POCA have a year at my village post office because, having talked to bank account or some other sort of account. So why do the sub-postmistress, I know it is one of the biggest they have two? If they have a bank account with direct transaction charges it gets. The Department for Transport debits and all the rest of it, why do they bother having a would rather I did not do so. It sends me letters that say, POCA? Because people like to budget in different ways “Do it online—you don’t have to go to your post and they like a simple account that cannot go overdrawn. office.” One year, it had a prize draw—or a raffle or Some of the evidence on charges is startling and lottery—in which I could win a free car. worth repeating. I have been known occasionally to go The fact that Departments are not working in a overdrawn without planning to and I am shocked when co-ordinated way on the Post Office is not new. I work I see the charges. The evidence of what happens shows closely with the Under-Secretary of State for Business, that most people do not simply face one charge in a Innovation and Skills, my hon. Friend the Member for year. Once things have gone wrong, the charge is debited. Kingston and Surbiton, and the Financial Secretary to People are then more overdrawn, they perhaps do not the Treasury. The three of us have discussed financial notice it and so another charge goes on. Just to give a inclusion issues, particularly credit unions. The post feel of the situation, in 2008, out of 12.6 million active office network and credit unions could work together. bank accounts, about a quarter incurred at least one There are exciting possibilities on that. One of the penalty charge and the average charge was £205. Of challenges is that, although credit unions are often very that 2008 sample, a quarter of people had one charge, good and strong in a localised way, there are some very 15% had two charges and 39% had at least six charges. small credit unions and, in large parts of the country, if Hon. Members can start to see why such an overdraft we asked someone on the high street where their nearest facility—there might also be a situation where someone credit union is, they would not know what we were had a POCA that could not go overdrawn but a direct talking about. The potential for linking post offices and debit bounced and somebody somewhere had to pay a credit unions and access is very exciting, but it is also charge for that—is not necessarily what people are very expensive. That is the trade-off and the challenge. asking for. People do not want to pay more because We do not want credit union accounts with hefty they are on a low income, so we need to find ways of charges because that would defeat the object of the giving them access to the best prices. However, grafting exercise. We are wrestling with how to bring those two the ability to use direct debit on to an account that things together, but there are real opportunities for the people like because of its simplicity may not necessarily post office network to build closer links with credit be the best answer. unions. In recent years, credit unions have made great I absolutely stand by our coalition agreement progress in bringing affordable, financial services to commitment. The coalition programme for Government people who would not otherwise be able to access them. includes a pledge to give POCA holders the chance to I want credit unions, in partnership with the Post Office, benefit from direct debit discounts, but that should not to provide more services more efficiently to more people. necessarily be done by grafting direct debit on to POCA. That is what we want to see. We have listened to what the account holders are saying I was asked about the Post Office as the front office to us and our impression is, yes, people want the best for Government. A number of Government Departments prices they can have, but not necessarily by taking a are looking at ways to do that, and I want to share product they value and turning it into something else. briefly with the Chamber some measures that the DWP That brings me on to the point my hon. Friend the is taking. The hon. Member for Llanelli (Nia Griffith) Member for Truro and Falmouth made about the fully mentioned George Thomson at the National Federation transactional account. One of the problems with the of Sub-Postmasters, who wrote to the Secretary of fully transactional POCA is that it would be so different State. I am delighted to say that, in response to that from the product that was originally tendered, we would letter, the Secretary of State had a face-to-face meeting have to retender. The postcards will probably go to the with George Thomson. Several points that she read out, Under-Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and and which were on his list, are now being piloted in Skills, my hon. Friend the Member for Kingston and Government. Surbiton (Mr Davey), but I have a feeling we might be For example, a pilot for document verification started going through it all over again. The comment rightly last week. The Pension Service, for which I am responsible, made by the hon. Member for Kilmarnock and Loudoun is piloting a check-and-send style service. That is for (Cathy Jamieson) was that there is uncertainty about applicants who claim state pension or pension credit, 209WH Post Office Card Account24 MAY 2011 Post Office Card Account 210WH

[Steve Webb] and in the devolved Assemblies and Parliament. We want to see everybody working together, alongside and and who are required to submit additional documents with the Post Office, rather than simply taking bits of in support of their claims, such as birth or marriage business away. certificates. Many people do not like sending their marriage The issue of the green giro was, properly, raised. I was or birth certificate in the post, so why not go into a post intrigued by the hon. Member for Leeds West. Having office and let post office staff check the documents, as quoted Billy Hayes, she then said that, having issued they do when people renew their car tax? Post office competitive tender for a second time, we should have staff could say, “Yes, that is fine; I have seen it. I am ripped it up and just given it to the Post Office anyway. I authorised to say that.” That would be quicker, and do not think that that was the intention of the previous would give the Post Office revenue and footfall—everybody Government when they issued the tender. It would raise would be happy. That is not a—I do not think the word one or two issues about tendering if, every time the “piddling” is parliamentary—little pilot. Some 106 post Government issued a tender with the Post Office in it, office branches in the north-east of England are involved—a they panicked half way through and then just gave it to big pilot. It started last week and will run for three the Post Office anyway. That might undermine the months in the Seaham pension centre catchment area. concept of tendering, not just with the Post Office but It will include a mix of Crown branches in urban, urban across Government as a whole. Indeed, I have a suspicion deprived and rural locations. that if we kept doing that we would probably end up That is one concrete example; let me give the Chamber subject to legal challenges too, which might cost a good another. Later this year, we will be looking at a national deal more than the money we spent on the contract. insurance number pilot, which will investigate whether applications from what we call low-risk groups—EU It is worth putting the issue in context. I take the citizens in states that are already members of the EU, point that there are variations between post offices, but not including the accession countries—could be directed the green giro, on average, delivers a fiver a week to the to the Post Office for the evidence-gathering interview average sub-postmaster, just to give a sense of scale—a to get a national insurance number. Although the Post fiver a week, and falling. The number of people with Office currently carries out document checking for the these cheques and green giros is falling. It is therefore Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency and the Identity worth retaining a bit of scale. They are important, and and Passport Service, the DWP requires something my hon. Friend the Member for Argyll and Bute (Mr Reid) qualitatively different. We are working closely with the is right to mention the importance of rural access. I can Post Office to see if we can have an efficient but secure assure him that, before the contract was awarded, I service, and hope to go live with the project later this stood in my office with a map of the United Kingdom year. with dots on it, marking out the PayPoint network and the Post Office network. I was pleasantly surprised by We want business in post offices, but we do not want the rural extent of the PayPoint network, but I take his dirty great queues. In other words, if I am queuing up to point about north Argyll and the islands. I hope that buy a stamp, I do not want someone in front of me PayPoint reads Hansard and does something about trying to verify a national insurance number. We have to that. I can tell his constituents, through him, that my try to think of what post offices are good and efficient hon. Friend has been a pain in my side on this issue, and at, and harness that without disrupting the core business properly so. He has represented those concerns very of the post office. That is why we are conducting these strongly. pilots. The hon. Member for Llanelli mentioned signing on. My hon. Friend asked specifically about disabled In rural areas, getting to a jobcentre can be quite a trek, people. I stress that all the outlets that can be counted so why not sign on at the post office? At the moment, I for the tender have to comply with the Disability was surprised to learn that customers in rural areas, Discrimination Act 1995. The new service, the replacement intriguingly, sign on by post. The pilot will test whether for the cheque, is specifically designed to be simple for there are benefits in requiring customers to attend and that group of clients. There is no need to sign and there sign on in a local post office instead. We will evaluate is no need for a PIN—it is only necessary to present a that approach across a wide geographical spread and card. It is designed to be analogous. In a sense, it is range of labour markets. We have identified test locations converting a piece of paper to a plastic card. Beyond in Essex and in the highlands and islands—a range of that, it is essentially the same process designed for the areas. same people. Access was very important to us. We covered a wide range of issues in the debate. I was Cathy Jamieson: That is very positive. Does the interested to hear the hon. Member for Kilmarnock Minister agree that there are potential lessons for local and Loudoun mention her visit to the Pollok credit authorities? Will he undertake to ensure that the union. That is a positive example of a credit union and outcomes of pilots are conveyed directly to local post office working together. authorities, including in Scotland, as they may wish to I was interested in the point made by my hon. Friend look at doing something similar, particularly the the Member for Gloucester in an intervention. He check-and-send style service? pointed out the difference we now see with the post office network. The Post Office has had the promise of Steve Webb: I am very happy to undertake to a subsidy to undertake to maintain the network at the do that. Those are some examples of what the DWP 11,500 level, so when there is a closure of a post office, is doing. Other Government Departments are also effort is now going in to replace it. Rather than the looking at things, including our friends in the gradual attrition that has gone on, frankly, for decades, Department for Communities and Local Government there is now a Government in place who are committed 211WH Post Office Card Account 24 MAY 2011 212WH to protecting the network. That is a sea change in Night Flights (Heathrow) attitude, and one that post offices will very much welcome. A question was asked about the tender process. Clearly, such processes are done under strict rules. We are required, 10.59 am under the EU, to be specific about what we are tendering Mary Macleod (Brentford and Isleworth) (Con): I for, and to include both cost and qualitative factors. We am grateful for the opportunity to speak in this can take account of access—that was part of the important debate on night flights at Heathrow. consideration. I have no reason to think that that process The debate is timely because it takes place during was not properly undertaken, but if the hon. Member noise action week, which is organised by the charity for Leeds West has further evidence on that she is Environmental Protection UK. Noise action week highlights welcome to send it to me. the impact of excessive noise on our communities, and My hon. Friend the Member for Argyll and Bute it encourages communities and organisations, including mentioned the issue of what happens when a village or business and government, to work together to find a community does not have PayPoint access. One thing solutions. I hope that today’s debate is a constructive that the Post Office can do—I think that my hon. contribution to that goal. Friend the Member for Truro and Falmouth mentioned this—is to see this as an opportunity to offer customers The Government are assessing the noise action plan a Post Office card account, or to remind them that there for Heathrow and will shortly consider the new agreement are approximately 30 different sorts of accounts that on the number of night flights allowed at the airport can be accessed at post offices. Hitherto, when people from 2012 to 2017. The Department for Transport also turned up with a green giro, there was no incentive to has an open consultation on the Government’s future say, “Why not have a Post Office card account?” Now aviation strategy, “Developing a sustainable framework that there is, I hope that many of his constituents will for UK aviation”. do so. My position on Heathrow is clear. With a constituency We have heard about the excellent work of post office next door to Heathrow, where some residents work, and staff, with their friendly, familiar approach and knowledge as a former frequent business traveller, I appreciate the of people. An interesting mix of people receive green value that Heathrow brings to our area and the importance giros. It is not necessarily overwhelmingly people who of the aviation industry to the economy and for creating struggle with signatures or plastic. Often they are young jobs for the future. I am proud of our engineering unemployed people, whose financial situation is a bit capability and our world-class airlines. I want tourists chaotic. The mix is diverse. Many community post to come to this country, and businesses to come and offices will be able to provide a facility for the people my invest in the UK economy. For that, we need great hon. Friend is rightly concerned about, so that they can airports, supported by the best customer service from access their money at the post office through a POCA, the airlines. with the help and support that post office staff so often My aim is to ensure that Heathrow continues to give. I place on the record my appreciation, and the thrive but, at the same time, that we take into account Government’s appreciation, of the sub-postmasters up the quality of life of people living and working around and down the land, who are very often the heart and the airport—local residents, businesses, schools and soul of our community. community groups. That is why I was delighted that one What I want as a Government Minister, instead of of the first decisions by this Government was to stop warm words while presiding over a halving of the post the third runway at Heathrow and to maintain the office network, is to put the money in to ensure that runway alternation that allows local residents some post offices are there, and to give them that breathing respite from aircraft noise. I thank MPs in west London, space to modernise the network. Ultimately, that has to including my hon. Friend the Member for Windsor be the key. Rather than presiding over declining business, (Adam Afriyie), who is present, HACAN—Heathrow and Departments across Government withdrawing a bit Association for the Control of Aircraft Noise—which is here and a bit there to save some money, let us look an action group representing people living under the forward. Let us look at new services of the sort being flight path, Hounslow council, the 2M Group, the piloted by the DWP. Let us look at modernising the Mayor of London and the then Opposition team premises. There are some exciting ideas. I will not go responsible for transport, for working with me during into detail, but there is the idea of a “post office local”, the campaign against the third runway. whereby the rather intimidating screens will come down I cannot commend the Government highly enough and post offices will be much more friendly and welcoming. on their decision. We did what the previous Government The post office network has huge potential. It is did not have the courage to do. The decision was an worth remembering that it is still the biggest retail example of a listening Government. I was told, when I network in the country, notwithstanding everything started on the campaign against the third runway, that that has gone on. My commitment, as a member of this the task was impossible—politicians told me, residents Government, is to ensure that we are not passive bystanders told me—but I do not believe that anything is impossible. watching the network decline, but that we are active Being told that only makes me more determined. I participants encouraging and supporting the Post Office, thank my right hon. Friend the Minister for all she did and making sure that it has the bright future that to achieve that decision. everyone in this House wants to see. Today, I wish to address three basic themes. First, is noise, particularly from night flights, an issue at Heathrow? Secondly, are night flights necessary? Thirdly, I have some considerations for the Government on the issue of night flights at Heathrow. My constituency of Brentford 213WH Night Flights (Heathrow)24 MAY 2011 Night Flights (Heathrow) 214WH

[Mary Macleod] also found that, even if people do not wake up, there is evidence that noise from night flights causes immediate and Isleworth stretches from Chiswick to Hounslow increases in blood pressure. Central and Hounslow Heath, and it lies under the The latest World Health Organisation guidelines suggest Heathrow flight path, so I am well aware of the problems that night-time noise should be kept at no more than 55 caused by noise, particularly for residents who are frequently dB to ensure no adverse effect on health, which is woken during the night. I receive lots of correspondence roughly equivalent to being in a noisy office—certainly on the matter, and a constituent from Isleworth summed my office, although that is because they work so hard. up the sentiment of many people in a recent e-mail to However, more than 20 miles from Heathrow, the noise my office: of night flights can exceed 70 dB, which is roughly the “As someone who doesn’t sleep easily, I am writing to you to equivalent of driving down a busy street with the window complain about planes landing early in the morning—six flew down. The effect is more pronounced given that the over this morning at around 4.30 am. This seems like a totally background noise level during the night is low. Ironically, unreasonable time to be woken in the morning.” this week, owing to the volcanic ash cloud, we might get As part of my campaign against the third runway at some respite and peace because of flight cancellations. Heathrow, I took the then shadow Transport Minister— Secondly, are night flights necessary? There are no now my right hon. Friend the Minister—to Grove Road scheduled take-offs between 11.30 pm and 6 am, and primary school in Hounslow Heath, where the pupils the first flight to Heathrow is scheduled to arrive at clearly explained the impact that the aircraft noise, both 4.30 am. Which planes, therefore, are flying to Heathrow at night and in the day, has on the quality of their during the night quota period, and where are the passengers learning. travelling to and from? Are they really benefiting our When we talk about night noise from aircraft at local and our national economy? Heathrow, we need to be clear about our terminology. A Around a third of the passengers arriving on the very “night flight” takes off or lands at Heathrow between early flights to Heathrow transfer directly to other 11 pm and 7 am. The Government set strict quotas for flights across the country and beyond, so the economic how many night flights are allowed at Heathrow, but benefit to our economy of such flights might be limited those quotas apply only between 11.30 pm and 6 am. A to BAA and the airlines with which those passengers number of factors influence the number of flights: are flying. This year, a CE Delft report commissioned noisier planes take a higher quota; figures are different by HACAN concluded that a ban on night flights at during summer and winter; and the noisiest planes are Heathrow is likely to be beneficial to the economy, as restricted altogether from scheduled take-offs and landing the economic costs of the ban would be outweighed by during the night flight period. On average, over a year, the savings on the health costs of sleep disturbance and 16 flights are allowed per night. No restrictions apply stress from night-flight noise. after 6 in the morning—indeed, that is one of the busiest hours of the day. People such as my constituent A European Commission report in 2005 stated that from Isleworth could, if they are light sleepers, be airlines, when restricted on flying at night, woken up on many occasions during the night and in “seem to be able to adapt their schedules and get over slot the early morning. availability, congestion and connections and fly by day.” Does that really matter? Yes, according to several Can we conclude that night flights are operationally respected studies. New research from Warwick medical convenient for the aviation industry, but not essential? school, published in the European Heart Journal in In the consultation by the Department for Transport February this year, studied the experiences of hundreds on future aviation strategy, it is recognised in the document of thousands of people across eight countries. The that study found that chronic lack of sleep produces in the “night noise is the least acceptable impact of aircraft operations” body hormones and chemicals with a severe impact on health. It concluded: and that “If you sleep less than six hours per night and have disturbed “it continues to be a major concern for local residents.” sleep, you stand a 48% greater chance of developing or dying Night flights are not only an issue for UK airports from heart disease and a 15% greater chance of developing or such as Heathrow. No major airport in Europe has a dying from a stroke.” night ban on flights, and many airports, such as Paris, Frankfurt and Madrid, have more night flights than Adam Afriyie (Windsor) (Con): My hon. Friend is Heathrow. However, rather more than an estimated half making a powerful case for a review of the number of a million people are overflown by Heathrow night flights— night flights. As a resident of Old Windsor, I must more than any other place in Europe. Given the dense declare an interest—I am right underneath the flight residential population around Heathrow, surely we should path. On behalf of my constituents, I want to reinforce set the standards for other airports to follow, with our the point that only one noisy night flight is needed to residents, businesses schools and community buildings ruin a night’s sleep—it is not about average volumes or benefiting from best practice in noise control and mitigation. levels. One noisy flight can damage a night’s sleep and A report commissioned by Hounslow council from induce those stress hormones. Bureau Veritas demonstrated that, far from leading the way, Heathrow’s neighbouring residents, schools and Mary Macleod: Absolutely, I could not agree more. community buildings receive a worse deal in funding for We want to legislate against that lack of sleep and insulation against the noise of aircraft than people near disturbed sleep. The World Health Organisation and many other airports in the UK, including Gatwick, the HYENA—Hypertension and Exposure to Noise Birmingham, Liverpool, East Midlands and London near Airports—report from Imperial College London City. The most generous scheme internationally is at 215WH Night Flights (Heathrow)24 MAY 2011 Night Flights (Heathrow) 216WH

Nice airport, which provides support for insulation for and stronger fines for repeat offenders. They should those impacted at the 55 dB and above. A similar consider carefully the issue of night flights as they scheme at Heathrow would stretch from Windsor in the prepare the 2012-17 night flight agreement for Heathrow; west to Barnes in the east. consider whether we can significantly reduce or eliminate Thirdly, I have some issues for the Government to scheduled night flights between 11.30 pm and 6 am; and consider. Heathrow airport makes a significant contribution encourage effective noise mitigation and insulation support to the local and national economy, which is desperately from the BAA and the airlines. I believe that such needed now more than ever. However, the issue is the action will allow us to create a really strong partnership quality of life for people who live under Heathrow’s between local residents, who will have enhanced quality flight paths. Their sleep is affected night after night, and of life and better health outcomes, and a world-leading their health and ultimately their life expectancy are aviation industry that we can all be proud of. impacted by noise. Illness caused by sleep deprivation hits business, and is also a major burden on the NHS, as taxpayers’ money is used to care for them. Quality of 11.13 am life and health must be considered, and I urge the Adam Afriyie (Windsor) (Con): I want to say a few Minister to do so when preparing the night flights words to urge the Government to take action in a agreement for Heathrow airport. certain direction. As a long-time campaigner against Aircraft are becoming quieter, which is welcome and the third runway and for a reduced number of night should be encouraged, but should be used to benefit our flights, I very much welcome the work by my right hon. residents, not as a way of arguing for maintaining or Friend the Member for Chipping Barnet (Mrs Villiers) increasing the number of night flights. We are used to both as Minister of State and in opposition as shadow conflict in the aviation industry, and I hope that the Minister to ensure that the third runway did not Government’s future aviation strategy will be a first step proceed. The policy approach and the way in which it in a more productive and professional relationship between was adopted were bold, courageous and elegant, and Government, industry and other relevant groups. they reflect her status. How far can we go? First, in the short term, like my On night flights, I understand that a lot of work is hon. Friend the Member for Ealing Central and Acton being done to review, research and consider the evidence, (Angie Bray), who has campaigned hard on the matter, and my hon. Friend the Member for Brentford and I would like stronger enforcement of current quotas, Isleworth (Mary Macleod) drew out two key issues. especially for flights that come in early, before 6 am, First, there is an impact on the economy around the from the Pacific rim—Hong Kong, Singapore, airport and on the economy at large if thousands of Johannesburg, Lagos and Kuala Lumpur. Secondly, if people are struggling with health concerns because they quotas are not adhered to, there should be more are woken during the night. transparency and publication of which airlines continue Secondly, we should consider carefully whether night to breach quotas, and higher fines for persistent offenders. flights are necessary. There may be a commercial way of Thirdly, in an ideal world, and like my hon. Friend the shifting flights in the early hours of the morning, between Member for Richmond Park (Zac Goldsmith), I would 4 am and 6 am, to a little later in the day. On behalf of like a ban on night flights. However, I recognise the Windsor, I urge the Government to consider the evidence significant challenge of reducing flights between 6 am carefully, and as a former shadow Minister for Science and 7 am, and I understand the resistance from business and Innovation, I am keen that that is done. If the to changes during that period. I certainly do not want Government have more bold and courageous policies in the debate on mixed-mode operations to be reopened. them, they should try to reduce those flights, not necessarily There will no doubt be consideration of operational immediately, but over a period, because I suspect that efficiency at Heathrow, whether it is possible to reschedule any economic disbenefits would be overcome by the those flights later in the day, and what impact that economic benefits for people who live and work around would have on Heathrow’s competitiveness against other the airport. airports throughout Europe. Landing between 6 am and 7 am allows people time to go home, get ready for work, and be in the City at 9 am for a productive 11.16 am working day. The Minister of State, Department for Transport I would like a commitment from the Government (Mrs Theresa Villiers): It is a pleasure to serve under significantly to reduce or eliminate scheduled night your chairmanship today, Mr Hollobone. I flights at Heathrow. I recognise that that may have to be congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Brentford achieved in stages, but we could put a mechanism in and Isleworth (Mary Macleod) on securing this debate place now to assess feasibility, and set reduction targets on this important issue, on which she has campaigned more regularly. The final step is to fight for the very best so hard for so many years. I also congratulate her on a noise mitigation for those who are worst affected. powerful and well-informed speech, and I welcome the Finally, night flights have a serious implication for contribution from my hon. Friend the Member for the health and well-being of those who live under flight Windsor (Adam Afriyie), who is another steadfast paths, which has an ongoing effect on spending on the campaigner on behalf of his constituents on noise national health service. We have an opportunity issues generally and night noise in particular. fundamentally to improve the quality of life of many My last visit to Brentford and Isleworth ironically thousands of people, and we must take that responsibility coincided with the day on which air space was shut seriously. In the light of the recent evidence that I because of last year’s volcanic ash crisis, but I recollect mentioned, I urge on the Government stronger enforcement my earlier visit to Grove Road primary school with of the current quotas, more transparency on breaches, Councillor Barbara Reid, who is another leading 217WH Night Flights (Heathrow)24 MAY 2011 Night Flights (Heathrow) 218WH

[Mrs Theresa Villiers] to balance the economic benefits of night flights against the social and environmental costs that they undoubtedly campaigner on these issues, which gave me a real and impose on communities that lie under the flight path. personal insight into the impact of aircraft noise in the We want to hear from the widest possible range of constituency. stakeholders about how the current arrangements are As my hon. Friend the Member for Brentford and working and what elements people would like to see Isleworth said, this is a timely debate, but I must changed, and I welcome the comments made this morning acknowledge at the outset that we have a long and by my hon. Friends on that issue. detailed process ahead of us before final decisions are My hon. Friend the Member for Brentford and Isleworth made on the new system of controls on night flights at referred to the recent HACAN report, which suggested Heathrow. She will appreciate that there are some questions that a ban on night flights at Heathrow would produce that I simply cannot answer now because that could a net benefit to the economy. I recently met John prejudge the outcome of the consultation. However, the Stewart from HACAN to discuss that report, and my debate has provided valuable input into that decision- officials will give it proper consideration alongside other making process, and all the points that she and my hon. representations that we receive on night noise. Such Friend the Member for Windsor made today will be representations will help inform the debate on policy carefully considered as part of the consultation process development, and we must analyse evidence on the and in the run-up to the decisions. social impact of night flights, and the health issues I agree that night noise is widely viewed as one of the mentioned by my hon. Friend. least acceptable impacts of aviation. My hon. Friend One important issue for consideration is whether it is the Member for Brentford and Isleworth set out with possible to deliver a more extended period of respite clarity the quality-of-life concerns that many of her from night noise. I recognise that flights that arrive constituents have about night flights. I am aware that it between 4.30 am and 6 am tend to be the most controversial, remains a key concern for people under the flight path and we need to analyse carefully any evidence on the in areas such as the constituency of my hon. Friend the potential benefits that are derived from such early morning Member for Windsor. I assure my hon. Friends that the arrivals, and properly explore the operational scope for local impact of aviation on communities around airports change. and under flight paths is important for the coalition, My hon. Friend mentioned her concerns about and that is why one of our first decisions in Government enforcement, and when we look at the shape of the was to scrap plans for a third runway at Heathrow, and new regime we will certainly consider arrangements to make it clear that we oppose new runways at Gatwick for its administration, transparency and enforcement. and Stansted. I thank them for their kind words about Transparency can be a real help in such situations, and my role in that decision. give communities that are affected by all types of noise In September last year, I confirmed that there would from Heathrow the confidence that rules are being be no revival of Labour’s proposals on mixed mode. I complied with. Aircraft that breach departure noise also confirmed that the airport will start to use alternation limits are fined by the airport, and the revenue is used to when operating with easterly winds, which will ensure a finance local community projects. It is important that fairer distribution of aircraft noise around the airport. appropriate steps are taken to ensure that the current As has been said today, we recently published a scoping regime is properly enforced. document kicking off the debate on how to deliver a sustainable future for aviation, which harnesses the Mary Macleod: Does the Minister think that it might economic benefits that my hon. Friends mentioned in be worth looking into the levels of the fines imposed? relation to Heathrow and aviation generally, but does so They need to be a real deterrent or else airlines will in a way that also addresses the environmental impact keep breaching the existing noise limits. of aviation, including its noise. There have been controls on night flights at Heathrow Mrs Villiers: My hon. Friend makes a good point. for many years, with limits on movement and noise That issue should be included when considering the quotas to restrict the level of noise emitted. Restrictions new regime, and the airport is already looking at that prevent the noisiest aircraft from landing at night, and matter in relation to current arrangements. There may Heathrow operates a policy of runway alternation overnight well be a case for change. to give residents a degree of predictability on flight My hon. Friend made an important point about the paths and some respite periods. Even with those restrictions, importance of mitigation and insulation as a fall-back however, I appreciate that night noise continues to be a method for dealing with the problems of noise. BAA key concern for local communities, as my hon. Friends has recently launched a local consultation on noise have made clear this morning. mitigation schemes, which could potentially broaden As has been pointed out, current protections are time the scope of the existing schemes. It is important that limited, and in the coming months the Government will my hon. Friend takes part in that consultation, and I need to make a decision on the regime that will replace will ensure that BAA is given a copy of this debate in the existing controls when they expire in October 2012. Hansard so that it is made aware of the concerns felt by That provides an opportunity to take a fresh look at the my hon. Friend’s constituents, and their desire to see a issue and explore the scope for a more effective night stronger and more effective regime in terms of insulation noise regime. The scoping document already mentioned and mitigation. began an extensive process of public engagement that Another issue for consideration is how we create the will ultimately culminate in a decision about a new set right conditions and incentives for airlines to deliver of rules and controls for night flights over Heathrow. technological improvements that will support the policy During that process, we will seek evidence on how best goals we wish to achieve. As I have said, the current 219WH Night Flights (Heathrow)24 MAY 2011 Night Flights (Heathrow) 220WH regime already bans the noisiest planes, and UK technology the pressure on airports to take action on the issues of and know-how plays a major role in making commercial noise, insulation and enforcement mentioned by my airliners quieter and more fuel efficient. Developments hon. Friend. such as the A380 and the Boeing 787 Dreamliner also The plans that emerge from that process should be help to mitigate the effects of noise. As well as encouraging seen as a starting point rather than an end conclusion. the aviation industry to reduce noise by improving They should be treated as living documents and serve as aircraft technology, the Government are working with a driver of good practice and help improve performance the International Civil Aviation Organisation to seek on local noise management and mitigation. As such, improvements in air navigation and airspace management they should be subject to regular review and be adaptable in order to deliver quieter approaches and climbs. to changing circumstances, including the new night Having obtained and considered responses on the noise regime. broad themes regarding night noise that are included in I conclude by restating the Government’s commitment the scoping document, we will then develop more detailed to addressing the local environmental impacts of aviation, proposals for a new night noise regime. We plan to issue and state that we acknowledge the concerns that local a consultation document on that next spring. Carrying communities have about night flights. We now wish to out that process in the most effective way possible may move forward to develop a better night flights regime, require a limited roll-over of the existing regime. We and explore the scope for change. It is important that have not made a final decision on that, but if we decide we engage fully with all interests and understand all the to run the current regime beyond its expected termination differing views, and today’s debate has provided a valuable date of October 2012, we will need to consider whether opportunity to bring this important subject before the to use temporary movement and quota limits to maintain House and highlight some of the key issues. the trend in progressive noise reduction required under Although I cannot give my hon. Friend all the answers the existing regime. she needs, I view this as one of the most important issues that I will face as a Minister. I have listened with My hon. Friend referred to noise action plans, which care to all the points she raised, and I will continue to are a requirement set out in the EU environmental noise listen as the debate unfolds over the months to come. I directive. Seventeen major airports have been asked to urge her, together with my hon. Friend the Member for produce such plans and noise maps, and we are in the Windsor and their respective constituents, to take part final stages of considering whether draft plans submitted in the consultation process on which we have recently by Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Manchester, Birmingham embarked. I am confident that broad engagement from and East Midlands airports meet the requirements of my hon. Friends and their constituents will strengthen the directive. The directive does not require a complete and improve the eventual outcome of this important reassessment of airport noise policy, but the plans have matter. been a useful exercise and have prompted airports to reassess their approach and strengthen existing measures. 11.29 am Such plans will, I hope, be an important tool in maintaining Sitting suspended. 221WH 24 MAY 2011 Treatment of Christians 222WH

Treatment of Christians Henry II right down to present-day scandals involving the evil of child abuse. I make that very clear at the outset. [MR JOE BENTON in the Chair] I do believe, however, that we need to turn our attention to the troubles and tribulations faced by Christians 2.30 pm across the world today. This is the subject of the debate. David Simpson (Upper Bann) (DUP): It is a privilege There is violent persecution of Christians across the to introduce the debate under your chairmanship, world. There are numerous areas of great concern. In Mr Benton, and I thank other hon. Members for attending. the short time available to me, I cannot go through all I acknowledge that this is a wide-ranging subject. The the individual countries or list every example. I will just issues that it raises could not be fully incorporated in a draw hon. Members’ attention to some particular cases. single debate, but given where we are meeting and where In parts of Africa, Christians face intense, violent we as a nation are in our collective history and given the persecution. Nigeria continues to witness wave upon current complexion of our national politics and some wave of violence directed against Christians. Hundreds of the international happenings that surround us, it is a of Christians have been killed in the aftermath of the subject to which we would do well to turn our attention. election. Massive simultaneous attacks against Christians Today, I want to consider two issues: the violent were launched in almost every northern state. Mobs persecution of Christians internationally and restrictions massacred hundreds of Christians, burned more than on or the denial of civil and religious liberties for 300 churches and destroyed countless Christian homes. Christians in some parts of the world. Let me begin by It has been estimated that in Kaduna state alone, at making it clear that I am not blind to the abuses or least 300 people were slaughtered. Nigerian Government atrocities that have been perpetrated by individuals who authorities were in such a hurry to hide the extent of the took to themselves the name “Christian” or by the massacre that they organised mass burials of the victims professing Christian Church down the ages. However, it almost immediately after the attacks. As a result, the is not true, as some assert, that religion has been the one exact death toll remains unknown. great persecutor in human history, for we should never Just this month, Muslim attackers reportedly killed forget Lenin and his use of slavery, the war that he 17 Christians, including the wife and three children of a waged against his own poor, the famine that that created, pastor in northern Nigeria. Several Christian homes which left 30 million people facing starvation and death, were burned in the village of Kurum. Among the victims and his slaughter of people of religion. Nor should we in Nigeria are indigenous missionaries, pastors and forget Stalin and his labour camps and the culling of leaders. Last year, more than 2,000 Christians were the disabled—his Russian holocaust with victims numbered killed in targeted Nigerian violence. in the tens of millions and human beings regarded only Thousands of Christians are fleeing violence in western as commodities to be exploited and expended in the parts of Ethiopia. Muslim extremists killed several interests of the state. We should not forget the repression Christians and burned dozens of churches. Some 55 of religion, including so-called accidental assassination churches and dozens of homes are reported to have carried out against people of faith. been burned in recent days near the city of Jimma, in There is also Chairman Mao, with an estimated the western Oromia region. 40 million victims—a figure that combines the outcome In Somalia, the radical organisation al-Shabaab has of his policies and the many millions deliberately killed. led the way in killing Christians, especially those who We could consider Pol Pot and those who were responsible have converted from Islam. In Sudan, Christians have for the killing fields and the deaths of between 25% and endured long decades of violence. In a recent debate in 30% of the entire population of Cambodia. Could we the other place, the Bishop of Bath and Wells said the forget the many victims in Romania, where it was following regarding Zimbabwe: forbidden even to own a simple typewriter? I could also “The Anglican Church in Zimbabwe is undergoing a sustained mention the East German experience and that of Poland and brutal persecution with its origins in a dispute over church and Albania under the rule of atheists. To that I could properties and the non re-election of Dr. Kunonga, the former add the innumerable atrocities perpetrated by atheist Bishop of Harare and someone widely regarded as a plant of the authorities in central and south America, Africa and Mugabe regime…This is something that I have witnessed, all too the far east. painfully, for myself in a number of places.”—[Official Report, House of Lords, 10 March 2011; Vol. 725, c. 1809.] It is not true, as some try to allege, that above all other things, religion is the great persecutor and the When we turn to Asia, we find that Pakistan’s notorious cause, source and substance of all the world’s great blasphemy laws have been used as a cover to justify woes, for when atheism has been anointed as the faith of violent attacks. The President of India recently expressed the state, to that, too, we can trace all kinds of brutality, her shock at the upsurge in violent persecution of inhumanity, violence and death. However, although Christians, especially in states such as Karnataka and that is undoubtedly the case, no one could deny that Orissa. Christians in Karnataka have suffered serious religion has played a grim role in far too many of the violent attacks since 2008, including physical attacks on world’s sorrows or that those who profess faith in Jesus individuals and places of worship. Christ have been the guilty party far too often, so I am The sufferings of Christians in Orissa state are long not blind to the horrors of the crusades or the fires of standing and are truly horrendous. They include murder, the Inquisition. In this week when we look back on the kidnapping, forced marriage, the burning of churches visit of Her Majesty the Queen to the Republic of and the forced removal of people from their homes, Ireland, I am not blind to the role played by professing with about 18,000 people being injured, and 6,000 houses Christianity in the darker episodes of Irish history, and 296 churches and smaller places of Christian worship from the day when Pope Adrian donated Ireland to in some 400 villages being burned. More than 56,000 people 223WH Treatment of Christians24 MAY 2011 Treatment of Christians 224WH were displaced and more than 10,000 have yet to return used deliberately to settle personal disputes or disputes home; and 1,000 have been warned that they can come over land, or to carry out personal vendettas. However, back only if they convert to Hinduism. they are also used to ensnare Christians into expressing To that could be added the long enduring plight of any kind of criticism of Mohammed or the Koran, and Christians in China, Burma, North Korea and Vietnam, thus to enable the bringing of charges. In the middle where death is common and suffering is intense. In the east, religious liberty is limited. In places like Kuwait, middle east, there are numerous and disturbing examples Syria, Yemenand Saudi Arabia, evangelism is prohibited that can easily be assessed. and conversion is not allowed. In Saudi Arabia, expatriate Christians are supposed to be allowed to worship privately, Mr Gregory Campbell (East Londonderry) (DUP): I but many are still prosecuted for doing so. congratulate my hon. Friend on securing this debate. On the wider question of the denial of religious Before he moves on from the middle east, will he join freedom, the United States Commission on International me in noting that a couple of months ago The Independent Religious Freedom identifies a number of countries of drew a dramatic picture of the demographic decline particular concern. They are Burma, China, Egypt, that has resulted in the almost total elimination of Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, North Korea, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, non-Muslim groups in many countries in the middle Sudan, Vietnam and a number of others. It also lists east? Hopefully, we will see some recognition of that what it calls watch list countries. These include Afghanistan, with international action to stem it, and the promotion Belarus, Cuba, India, Indonesia, Laos, Turkey, Venezuela of inclusivity rather than expelling people on religious and Russia. grounds. We must also acknowledge the inherent dangers that accompany what has come to be called the Arab spring. David Simpson: I thank my hon. Friend for that Right across the countries affected, groups are emerging intervention. He is 100% right; I shall deal with the that seek to exploit recent developments in order to matter later in my speech. establish a purist society in which the plight of other religious groups will be made worse. Indeed, Members Mr Edward Leigh (Gainsborough) (Con): The hon. will doubtless have read reports this week of the concerns Gentleman mentioned Pakistan. I know the Government expressed by pro-democracy elements in Tunisia and have said that their influence is limited—we condemn Egypt—that if the G8 fails to give financial assistance all this but we are limited in what we can do—but we are to strengthen the democratic cause in those countries, it extraordinarily influential. We were very influential in could sound the death knell for democratic hopes in the Iraq: we invaded it, and the plight of Christians has region, thereby strengthening repressive regimes and become much worse since. We are extremely influential providing a boost for radical movements that would in Pakistan, where we are a major donor. The Government seek to legislate away whatever minimal freedoms remain. therefore have a lot of clout, particularly with regard to Although the current situation for Christians in many the blasphemy laws, to ensure that Christians are treated middle east countries is difficult, it could become fairly. increasingly dangerous in the coming months and years. What I have outlined represents a record of blood, a David Simpson: I thank the hon. Gentleman for his trail of suffering and a denial of basic humanity to intervention. He is absolutely right. Again, I shall deal many tens of thousands of people. We, as a Parliament with that later. and a nation, should not be like the priest and the Although the Orthodox Church in Iran faces Levite in the parable of the Good Samaritan and simply discrimination, Protestant Churches face severe persecution pass by on the other side. Many of these nations are and are regarded as enemies of the state. Throughout important trading partners. Some are in receipt of aid. 2010 and 2011, dozens of Protestant believers were Still others are members of the Commonwealth. prosecuted for no reason other than practising their faith. Protestant groups in Iran are often formed of Mr David Burrowes (Enfield, Southgate) (Con): I converts, who actively seek to make more converts. That congratulate the hon. Gentleman on securing this important has brought down upon them a particular form of state debate. He has outlined the extent of persecution, and I opposition; they are targeted and tried under political understand that three quarters of all persecution across charges, and are treated as politically subversive. the world is directed at Christians. We must condemn Since the collapse of the Saddam Hussein regime, that, and seek to do something about it, but what about more than half of Iraq’s Christian population has, as a the modern-day form of persecution? He mentioned a result of violent suppression, been forced to flee their number of countries, particularly Pakistan. Does he homes or else flee the country altogether. In 1991, the agree that it is the rise of Islamist threats there, and the professing Christian population totalled some 850,000. Islamist Governments of other countries, that are causing By 2003, that had fallen to just over 500,000. Today it is or contributing to that persecution? Indeed, we have reckoned to have fallen to fewer than 250,000 individuals. particular concerns about education in Pakistan—that That should surprise no one, given that there have been hate education fomented by Islamist opinion is causing beheadings and even crucifixions. In the old Soviet bloc many of these problems. The Government should be countries—from Russia itself through to Belarus—violence, held to account for the financial aid that they provide prosecution and imprisonment are common. for education, given where it is actually going. I now turn to restrictions on, or the denial of, civil and religious liberties for Christians. Again, we can see David Simpson: I thank the hon. Gentleman for his this in many parts of the world. I shall cite a few intervention. The rise of Islam is strong in those areas, examples, for I know that others want to contribute to which is a particular problem. Indeed, as I outlined the debate. Pakistan’s notorious blasphemy laws are earlier, in years to come we will see more persecution of 225WH Treatment of Christians24 MAY 2011 Treatment of Christians 226WH

[David Simpson] declaration of human rights and article 18 of the international covenant on civil and political rights. Although Christians in those countries. We may not even have to the UDHR is non-binding on UN member states, it go to other countries to see Christian persecution, but contains significant moral and normative force. The simply look to our own back door. international covenant is legally binding on those member I diverge slightly, but the hon. Gentleman has raised states that have ratified the treaty. the matter. In the United Kingdom, the policy seems to Freedom of religion or belief should be viewed as not be that people can do whatever they like against some peripheral right, but a right that is central to the Christianity—criticise it or blaspheme the name of identity and well-being of all people. Looking around Christ—as long as they do not insult Islam. It is sad the Chamber this afternoon, I see hon. Members with because this country is based on civil and religious views and faiths that are fundamental to their identity liberty for all. When Queen Victoria was on the throne, as individuals. The coalition Government should be the secret behind England’s greatness was its open complimented on raising the profile of freedom of scriptures and open bible. Today, that policy is being religion and belief, as evidenced in the most recent hammered into the ground, and that concerns me greatly human rights report of the Foreign and Commonwealth for the years and months that lie ahead. Office, for which my hon. Friend the Minister is responsible. As a Parliament and as a nation, I do not believe that The hon. Member for Upper Bann was entirely right we should be like the Levite and pass by on the other to say that the British Government should set out clear side. There is no doubt that many of these nations are benchmarks for progress on religious freedom issues in important trading partners. Some are in receipt of aid, bilateral and multilateral dialogue with other states. and others are members of the Commonwealth. It is Pakistan will soon be the largest recipient of UK bilateral clear that silence should not be our response. I am not development aid, which legitimately gives us some leverage advocating that we intervene directly in such countries, in our dealings with it. We should continue to make but we can and should apply diplomatic and political representations in the strongest and most forceful way pressure on Pakistan and other countries, as the hon. about the impact that its blasphemy law is having on its Member for Enfield, Southgate (Mr Burrowes) suggested. people. We should use as much influence as possible and apply Many of us were present at St Margaret’s, Westminster, pressure either individually or through organisations for the memorial service for Shahbaz Bhatti, who was such as NATO, the EU and the United Nations. We assassinated in Pakistan for being a Christian. Sadly, his could be far more proactive in the whole of this regard death is symptomatic of the growing divisions in Pakistan than we have been thus far. I am not saying that we have as well as symbolic of the silence of those in Pakistan done nothing to help out, but we could do a lot more. seeking to confront forces of extremism. Recently, the MEP Peter van Dalen urged the EU to There are many ways in which the UK Government make more rights for the Egyptian Coptic community a can exert pressure on countries in which religious tolerance policy priority and to develop a strategy for religious and religious freedom are being ignored. Perhaps the freedom. Mr van Dalen pointed out that more concrete most strategically concerning issue at the moment is the European action is needed as the position of Christians situation facing religious minorities in north Africa and worsens across the world. He correctly pointed out the the middle east, given the current phase of various “new big threat” towards Christians in the middle east, uprisings and revolutions. Egypt is particularly crucial drawing attention to a structural neglect of, and because a significant minority are Christians—Copts discrimination against, Christians in several countries. and Catholics. In conclusion, I urge the Government not simply to There have been an increasing number of attacks on chase the financial bottom line in our dealings with religious minorities in Egypt, particularly on the Coptic neighbours and partners. As one of the great economies community. The most recent incident to gain widespread of the world and one of the beacons of democratic attention was the attack on 7 May on two churches in freedom, we have a duty to use all of our influence to Cairo. One was gutted following false allegations that it help those who suffer injustice around the world. There was forcibly detaining a female convert to Islam. is a rising tide of affliction that is swelling around What is rather sad is that such events took place after Christians across the world. This nation and this Parliament the events in Egypt and the Arab spring when so many should be more to the fore in the campaign against that people were full of hope and optimism. The President- and for civil and religious liberty. I urge the Government Bishop of the Episcopal Church in Jerusalem and the and all hon. Members to rise to that challenge. Middle East, the Most Reverend Mouneer Anis, observed: “The fear now is that the revolution is being kidnapped by 2.53 pm these extremist groups, and there is a lot of effort being made by more democratically minded Muslims and Christians to rescue Tony Baldry (Banbury) (Con): The hon. Member for the revolution.” Upper Bann (David Simpson) has done the House a That is absolutely correct. What has also been impressive considerable service in initiating this afternoon’s debate. is the extent to which many Christians and Muslims are It is depressing that, in the 21st century, when the world still trying to protect minorities in Egypt. Despite the is, in some ways, getting smaller, intolerance of other recent violence, efforts to promote sectarian tolerance faiths and beliefs is growing in all too many parts of the continue. Indeed, several thousand Copts and Muslims world. recently held a joint march through Imbaba in Cairo to The best means for ensuring the fair treatment of denounce the burning of the churches. Christians internationally is through the strong advocacy Nevertheless, the scenes that one has witnessed or of the right to freedom of religion or belief for people read about are horrific. I was particularly struck by of all faiths, as outlined in article 18 of the universal reports that a guard—I suppose that here we would 227WH Treatment of Christians24 MAY 2011 Treatment of Christians 228WH describe him as a sexton—at St Mary’s church in Cairo we have to challenge some countries in the world about had refused to denounce Jesus Christ and his own what they are doing to defend their minorities and Christianity and that, as a consequence, his throat was people who may have belief systems that are different cut. He was a man who was just doing his job but he from those of most of their citizens. was confronted and attacked. That is intolerable. Mr Gregory Campbell: The hon. Gentleman is touching Only last weekend, up to 80 people were injured in on a very important point. It is not only in other Cairo when a group of Copts demonstrated outside the countries but here in the United Kingdom that these state television building. They were simply calling for types of things are happening. Does he agree that some more effective police protection for Christians and their of the issues that the far right in the United Kingdom property in the aftermath of the clashes in the Imbaba thrive on are exactly the issues that we are talking about district, in which 15 people were killed and two churches today? The far right in the United Kingdom feed on the were set on fire. paranoia of some communities that anyone coming In the coming days of the Whitsun recess for Parliament, into the United Kingdom from any of the nations that I am going to Cairo. I will meet Christian friends—both we have discussed today is to be abhorred and treated Catholics and Copts. Not only are they going through with contempt and disdain. We will see in our society the turmoil of what is happening with inter-faith challenges the seed bed of problems for the future if we do not deal in Egypt, but they are going through the political turmoil with these issues internally in the United Kingdom as in the country. They wonder where they fit into that well as in other countries. situation. As the hon. Member for Upper Bann said, it is not Tony Baldry: The hon. Gentleman makes a very good only Egypt that is affected. The tragedy is that Christianity point. I go back to what I said at the beginning of my in the middle east is on the slide. Indeed, it is not just speech, that it is generally depressing that here we are at sliding into obscurity; it is almost in danger of being the start of the 21st century and we are actually going extinguished in many countries, such as Iran and Iraq. backwards in this regard. I hope that all of us—in our About 50 years ago, this was a part of the world where family lives, in our communities and in the constituencies Jews, Muslims and Christians lived side by side. Now, that we represent—will seek to inculcate an atmosphere for various reasons, it is extremely difficult for Christians in which there is a built-in mutual tolerance and mutual to profess their faith in many middle east countries. respect of other people’s beliefs. I am more than willing As the hon. Gentleman said, part of that process is to walk hand in hand with people of other faiths or about the rise of Islamic fundamentalism, which is also people of no faith at all in the journey of life, provided on the rise in Nigeria and other parts of Africa. Some that I tolerate their views and beliefs and they tolerate of the stories—indeed, some of the facts—about what mine. That is fundamentally important. is happening in northern Nigeria, a leading Commonwealth I think that what we are saying this afternoon is country and another significant recipient of UK nothing more than that. I do not think that it can be development assistance, are frightening. A system of said in any of the countries where Christians are under religious repression is developing in parts of northern pressure that Christians are seeking to challenge or and central Nigeria and effectively there has been imposition overthrow the existing norms or established customs of of sharia law in those areas. those countries. They are being persecuted simply because For example, there are parts of northern Nigeria they are Christians and in the 21st century that is where non-Muslim subsistence farmers are being subjected wholly unacceptable. to an extreme form of usury that is known locally as 3.7 pm bada kaka. Under that system, those non-Muslim farmers are obliged to pay for every bag of fertiliser that they Jim Shannon (Strangford) (DUP): May I apologise to buy from Muslim traders with two bags of goods that everyone for not being in Westminster Hall at the very have been harvested and that fee doubles if they default beginning of this debate, as I was attending the debate on repayments. Ultimately, those who are unable to pay on financial assistance for the eurozone in the main off such loans risk being deprived of their land, their Chamber? I thank Mr Deputy Speaker for allowing me possessions and, in a few extreme cases, their children, to exit that debate early before going back later—I following a sharia court ruling. Those are things that we think that that was the way in which he put it to me. do not tend to hear about when we are debating I congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Upper international development and other related matters in Bann (David Simpson) on securing this debate on a this House, but they should have a far higher profile. topic in which I am particularly interested and which There are other parts of the world where Christians needs to be highlighted. My hon. Friend and indeed seem to be under considerable pressure. In countries other contributors have spoken eloquently. The Palace such as India, there is an increase in nationalism. As a of Westminster, where laws are made, is certainly the result, the position of Christians in India is being made right venue for this type of discussion and the importance increasingly difficult. In a number of communist or of this subject cannot be denied. quasi-communist states, such as China or North Korea, I am very conscious of a particular verse from the life is incredibly difficult for Christians. Bible: All the rights set out in the universal declaration of “In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I human rights are very important. However, I am concerned have overcome the world.” that the world is allowing there to be a creeping acceptance That is from John, chapter 16, verse 33. It gives many that religious intolerance is to be tolerated, or at least Christians in this world the strength to face daily something not challenged. There comes a time when we all have to that we cannot imagine for one second—persecution. ask ourselves, “To what extent can the tolerant tolerate Hon. Members have spoken about that persecution the intolerant?” There comes a point where increasingly very clearly today. 229WH Treatment of Christians24 MAY 2011 Treatment of Christians 230WH

[Jim Shannon] pastor and his son. The police arrested them and kept them in custody until the early hours of the morning. The horror stories are numerous. There is a tendency No police complaint was filed. almost to become desensitised to the plight of others, As the hon. Member for Banbury (Tony Baldry) said, but that must not happen. It is important for us all to extremists seem to be very active in other parts of India, remember those people who are persecuted and to help and they are not averse to dealing out physical abuse to them, both practically and prayerfully. We must listen, Christians. A Christian professor’s hands were cut off be stirred by what we have heard, then do all we can to after he was accused of blasphemy. In some countries, help. people do not actually have to commit blasphemy; they The website, Persecution.com, says: just have to be accused of it, and the story grows legs. “Around the world, and especially in Africa and Asia, Christian Retribution then takes place. populations are suffering severe discrimination and brutal attacks. In Nigeria, as the hon. Member for Banbury made Thousands are being killed. Systematic campaigns are being clear, deadly religious violence occurs with regularity, waged against Christians simply because of their faith, and it is not too dramatic to suggest that these are forms of ethnic with the result that hundreds of people are killed at a cleansing and genocide.” time. In the early hours of 7 March 2010, 500 Christians, most of whom were women and children, were murdered I believe that that is exactly what they are. The website in their beds. That was not the end of it, however, and continues: the village raids continued. On 17 March, another 12 “Yet there is little awareness of these continuing atrocities in Christians were massacred, including a pregnant woman, the West, and even less response. in a village in Plateau state. Other atrocities were also Christianity is no longer a predominantly Western religion. carried out against Christians. Thirteen Christians were Since 1900, there has been a startling growth of Christianity in Latin America, Africa and Asia, to the point that now, 65 percent murdered by a Muslim mob in Bei on 13 April and of the world’s 2 billion Christians live on one of those three seven were murdered in Rikwe Chengu on 2 December. continents. Christians now constitute the largest single religious Little information escapes North Korea’s borders, group in Africa. Close to 350 million Christians live in Asia.” but the information that does indicates that Christians Clearly, the Church is growing, but as it does, persecution suffer harsher penalties than most criminals. An estimated grows with it. 100,000 Christians are thought to be in labour camps, If we go over a map of the world, we see that where they are being worked to death. persecution is rife in many countries. It has been said Our Government give substantial aid each and every that the blood of the martyrs is the seat of the Church, year to Pakistan, where religious violence and anti- and that certainly applies to the Church in China, where blasphemy laws are used to suppress Christians, and churches have flourished despite opposition and years prominent Christian politicians and their defenders are of underground worship. Although the Chinese clearly assassinated. Pakistan’s blasphemy laws authorise Government now allow churches in homes, they are Government and societal persecution of Christians. strictly regulated, and I recently read that the Chinese Indeed, Pakistan absolutely refuses to progress towards Government had enacted new regulations in a further being a religiously free society. According to Pakistani attempt to control the growing Christian population. law, blasphemy against the name of Mohammed is a According to some sources, pastors at some of China’s crime punishable by death, and desecrating the Koran house churches face new reporting regulations. They warrants life imprisonment. Again, Christians do not must provide police with weekly reports detailing their actually have to do those things; they just have to be whereabouts and how many people attend church meetings. accused, and the retribution comes right away. Several If pastors leave a city, they must report their travel Christians were killed in 2010 as a direct consequence of plans, and they are restricted to short trips. Clearly, such laws, and many more people been imprisoned. persecution continues. The Chinese Government do not I am conscious of the time, so I will conclude shortly. want the Church to grow any more than it has done, I subscribe to a number of organisations that deal with because they know that it has been growing in great these issues, as I am sure other Members here do, and leaps and bounds, and from the Chinese point of view, Open Doors and Release International are two examples. it is important that it is controlled. Persecution is rife in many countries, and we should be If pastors fail to report, they are arrested. Churches grateful for our religious freedom in this country, but it must also organise under a specific name and advertise cannot be taken for granted. Let me leave Members and meet publicly. That is hard to deal with, but the with an example of something that happened in our Church in China grows every week. The question is free, democratic and open country.A doctor who discussed what we can do, and perhaps the Minister can enlighten with a patient the fact that Jesus helped him was reported us about what the Government are doing. We must to the General Medical Council. That is an indication ensure that our foreign ambassadors continue to exert of the fact that we in the United Kingdom must also pressure so that the Chinese Church has true religious make every effort to protect our freedom. freedom. We should raise the issue of religious persecution Again, I congratulate my hon. Friend the Member in all the churches we help with our aid across the for Upper Bann on introducing the debate. The call that world. now goes out to everyone inside and outside this Room, Christians in India continue to face systematic persecution as well as to everyone who reads the report of our at the hands of radical Hindus. Indeed, a couple of proceedings, is this: what will we do about this? years ago, my hon. Friends the Members for Upper Bann and for East Londonderry (Mr Campbell) and I 3.15 pm spoke in a Northern Ireland Assembly debate about Robert Halfon (Harlow) (Con): It is an honour to Christians in Orissa. Some Christians in India were take part in the debate and I congratulate the hon. doing some films outdoors, when extremists beat up the Member for Upper Bann (David Simpson). Although 231WH Treatment of Christians24 MAY 2011 Treatment of Christians 232WH we are on opposite sides of the Chamber, I agreed with That was confirmed to me by the Archbishop of Erbil much of what he said on numerous policy areas. I also and the other Christians I met, and I hope to meet some congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Banbury more next week. (Tony Baldry), who is an outstanding representative of Kurdistan is one of the beacons of hope in a troubled the Church in the House of Commons and who has region, but it is doing what it can with limited resources. been of enormous help to me in my constituency over a I urge the Government to do more to support Kurdistan Church issue. Equally, I congratulate the hon. Member because of how it has offered sanctuary to Christians for Strangford (Jim Shannon) on his excellent speech. from Iraq. Wherever there is tyranny and oppression in the Mr Burrowes: I appreciate my hon. Friend’s contribution world, the persecution of religious groups is never far to this important debate. Is it not a tragedy that Christians behind. That is why this debate is important. We are are fleeing for sanctuary from an area where they have always focused on persecution, but because Christianity historically had a presence? They do not simply want an is a mainstream western religion, its members do not enclave to practise their religion, but want to express it always get the same attention as other minorities, as freely, which has historically involved being part of a the hon. Member for Upper Bann highlighted. Outside community, for example, in Pakistan where Christian the western world, however, Christians face a constant schools have Jewish, Hindu and Muslim pupils. There barrage of murder, imprisonment and persecution. are shafts of light, for example, in Baghdad, where I have heard the Secretary of State for Education say fantastic vicars such as Andrew White do what they can that we can judge a country by how it treats its Jews, to open their church to all communities and to support and the more democratic a country, the more equally them, despite war, repression and fear. the Jewish people are treated. The same goes for Christians in the developing world. I am here, not as a Christian, Robert Halfon: My hon. Friend is right. Why should but as a Jewish person. However, because of what Christians have to flee from one part of Iraq to another happened to many members of the Jewish people, it is for safe haven, when they should be able to practise my duty as a politician to help other peoples who suffer their religion wherever they are? genocide and persecution. It gives me enormous pleasure In Gaza, there were lots of reports of Christians to be standing next to my hon. Friend the Member for disappearing or being shot dead if they were caught Enfield, Southgate (Mr Burrowes), who is a former trying to preach the gospel. Although Hamas officially school friend. He attended many Friday nights at my condemns the attacks, it very rarely makes arrests. house, just as I attended many Church services with him During the elections a few years ago, Hamas forces were and learned about Christianity as we grew up. linked with an attack on the Catholic Rosary Sisters’ school and church, which were assaulted with rocket- We have talked a little about China. Six weeks ago, propelled grenades and then burnt down. The ancient 100 peaceful members of the Shouwang Catholic church seafront of Gaza once had a thriving Christian community, were arrested by the People’s Republic just for holding but that community has now shrunk to 2,500 people. an outdoor service. In Uzbekistan, armed officers from Britain has a stake not only in the economic wealth of the Government’s national security service raided the our neighbours, but in their freedom and self-determination. home of a Christian pastor and confiscated 250 Bibles. The question before us is, what role will Britain play A few days later, he was convicted of illegally owning before this story unfolds? Psalm 102 encourages us to Bibles, organising Christian worship and preaching the gospel. He was fined more than 80 times the minimum “hear the groaning of the prisoner, and set free those who are condemned to death.” monthly wage. We have also heard about Nigeria, where a church was burned to the ground. I could mention I am sure that hon. Members present will not mind me other nations, such as Sri Lanka, which has a particularly quoting the Old Testament as opposed to the New. I evil Government; indeed, I attended a memorial service accept that the Prime Minister confronted human rights for the Tamils last week in Trafalgar square. Sri Lanka issues with the Chinese authorities during the trade has a tough anti-conversion law, and people there are mission to China last year and I am glad that the not allowed to convert others to Christianity. Foreign Secretary has continued to uphold the export restrictions that prevent lethal weapons being sold to The tragedy of such stories is not how isolated they China, but the problem is not just about selling guns. are, but how common they are. Nowhere is that truer Britain and its NATO allies have an array of soft than in the middle east. I am a senior officer of the powers that they could use to bargain with states that all-party group on the Kurdistan region in Iraq. Earlier are dependent on western imports. One key factor in the in the year, I went to Kurdistan, and I am going back fall of Soviet communism was not the atom bomb or there for three days next week. The all-party group’s the space race, but the fact that Ronald Reagan refused latest report on Kurdistan, which I helped to publish in to export wheat to Russia. That is a lesson for us today, March, states: as we confront the persecution of Christians and religious “Iraq’s Christians once numbered about 1.5 million. There are minorities around the world. now just 850,000. Many families have fled to Kurdistan from Intolerance towards religious minorities does not happen Baghdad, Mosul and other areas, according to the United Nations by itself, but is propagated by vested interests and evil refugee agency. The Kurds know much themselves about being a regimes. In the middle east, the worst examples of that persecuted minority and have opened Kurdistan to Christians are Iran and Saudi Arabia. In the face of rising commodity fleeing from the rest of Iraq. For example, their universities have prices and recession, many despotic Governments have offered free places to Christians fleeing Mosul.” tried to deflect their country’s grievances. That lies I met many Christians in Kurdistan. It has become a behind much of the extremist propaganda against the progressive Muslim nation that has provided sanctuary Christian west and the antagonism towards Israel in for Christians in Iraq who are being treated brutally. Arab League countries, but we have an opportunity to 233WH Treatment of Christians24 MAY 2011 Treatment of Christians 234WH

[Robert Halfon] debate is about billions of pounds, this debate is actually more important, although it is in Westminster Hall and demand change. Saudi Arabia is apparently our ally the other debate is in the main Chamber. Why? Because and it depends on western imports, but it is also a lives are at risk and people all over the world are dying. despotism in which honour killing is legal, homosexuality It is a bit depressing for me, because I have taken part is punishable by death and Wahhabist textbooks in state in so many of these debates over the past 28 years and schools preach hatred of Christians, Jews and other have written scores of letters to Ministers. I claim no religious minorities. As was recently reported in the credit for that because I, like other hon. Members, have papers, women are not even allowed to drive cars. been supported by campaign groups, particularly the From Ethiopia to Indonesia, Saudi Arabia’s oil money Jubilee Campaign. I pay tribute to Mr Wilfred Wong, is fuelling the persecution of Christians and other minorities, who for 20 years has helped MPs to raise the plight of and the destruction of their property.Only last Wednesday, persecuted Christians in numerous letters to the Foreign Christians protested outside the US Saudi embassy, Office, but it is, frankly, a bit of a depressing exercise. demanding that Saudi Arabia stop financing radical I do not blame the Minister—he has his brief, which Islamists, including the Salafis, who have been largely he must read out—but so often the answer is much the responsible for attacks on Christians in Egypt. Surely same. Of course, there are soothing words and of course we can do more to ask the Saudis to give their people the Government condemn brutality in any shape or the freedom and security for which they are crying out? form and believe in freedom of expression and freedom In the 1970s, Saudi Arabia produced more than 4 of religion. However, over the years, as the problem has megatonnes of wheat a year—more than enough to be got so much worse, I am not convinced, frankly, that the self-sufficient—but now it has exhausted its water supply Government have spoken up enough—I am sorry to and by 2016 it could produce no wheat at all. Nearly have to say that to the Minister. We have real influence 50% of all Saudi Arabia’s imports—primarily, machines, in the world. I was very moved by what my hon. Friend cars, textiles, chemicals and foodstuffs—now come from the Member for Harlow (Robert Halfon) said as a the US, the EU and close allies, such as Japan and Jewish person. There is no real comparison, I suppose, South Korea. In short, it cannot live without us. between what was happening in the 1930s and what is If we believe that ethics is as important as economics, happening now, and if I am overstating my case, I we must demand a higher price for trade with the apologise, but there was the famous case of some Foreign western world, and that price must be free speech, Office diplomat who, when evidence was coming out of democratic reforms, property rights, freedom of association, Nazi Germany of the persecution of Jews, wrote in the freedom of movement, respect for women and, most margin of one of the papers, “Save us from wailing importantly, religious tolerance. Those are the foundations Jews.” That was an outrageous comment. of a free society on which our hopes for peace in the I know that the Foreign Office is not like that now; it middle east depend. is not quite the same. Sometimes, however, when one In conclusion, intervention—and I am an reads replies from our Foreign Office, one gets the interventionist—does not have to mean war. I accept impression that there is rather a light touch, and that it that military action is sometimes unavoidable, but I does not really want to get heavily involved. I noticed urge the Government towards a policy of fair trade. If a that recently, when speaking to a very senior diplomat regime kills its citizens for their faith, Britain should not who had served at the top level in Iraq and is now an do business with it. We already refuse to sell most of ambassador in Europe. I mentioned the figures that my those countries guns, with the exception of Saudi Arabia, hon. Friend the Member for Harlow has cited, that the but we should not sell those countries butter either. If a Iraqi Christian population has declined from 1.5 million state imprisons minority groups without charge or trial, to 800,000. He immediately said, “No, no, that’s not it should become a pariah state and be excluded from right. It hasn’t declined by that much. It’s declined from the world economy. 1.5 million to 1 million, or something.” In other words, In the middle east, 10,000 children are born every he was not fully engaged, and I did not get the impression single day. Unless the Arab spring leads to lasting that that had been a priority for him as a top diplomat economic and social reforms and protection for minority in Iraq. groups—including minority Muslim groups, such as I know that the situation in Iraq was appalling; I have those in Kurdistan—then the 10,000 children born today been there. I went to northern Iraq and wandered are more likely than ever to grow up in a barren region, around the Christian villages, something so few of our which has no jobs, no bread and no security. We have to top people who instituted the invasion have done. I act now with fair trade to pressure those countries into went twice; the first time was to Kurdistan during change. That would transform the treatment of Christians Saddam Hussein’s time. That was a brutal, horrible and religious minorities around the world and it would regime, and I make no apology for it, but at least the be in our national interest as well. Christians had some degree of safety; they were protected. I also went after the end of the regime, and had to listen 3.27 pm to harrowing stories. Women, with tears streaming down their faces, sat in a room and recounted how their son Mr Edward Leigh (Gainsborough) (Con): I congratulate and their husband, a church warden in the suburbs of the hon. Member for Upper Bann (David Simpson) on Baghdad, had left home one day to go to church and securing the debate and I congratulate those who have had been killed in a brutal, senseless, sectarian attack, spoken, including the hon. Member for Strangford (Jim just because of their religion. What was even more Shannon). That was the second speech of his I have horrific, and absolutely traumatising to listen to, was heard today, because like him I was torn between this that some mothers’ children had simply disappeared. and the debate on the eurozone. Even though that Can Members imagine that—a child, an 18-year-old 235WH Treatment of Christians24 MAY 2011 Treatment of Christians 236WH daughter, going off to church and never being seen of the articles on religious freedom in the United Nations again? That is why I am passionate about the issue, and declaration of human rights, and that issue lies at the I make no apology for being so. We should be doing so heart of the debate. We are still learning lessons from much more, and our Government should be speaking events of the past four or five months in north Africa much more forcefully. and the middle east, but a lesson for our own policy Pakistan has been mentioned. It is our largest recipient surely must be that we need a clear consistency of of aid. It is a nuclear state and has an elite that massively approach to the defence of human rights, including evades paying taxes. The Pakistani military establishment religious freedom, and that favouritism towards certain was probably complicit in harbouring Osama bin Laden, regimes has undermined our moral credibility on some a terrorist who was targeting our people. We are now of these issues, in ways that Members have set out giving hundreds of millions of pounds to Pakistan’s today. education service. The country has an appalling human A depressingly large number of countries have been rights record, and a dreadful system of blasphemy laws. mentioned, and it is difficult in 10 minutes to do justice I just wonder, in all the hours of discussion that will go to all the different horrors that we have heard about. All on between President Obama and our Prime Minister I can really do is echo some of the things that Members during the two-day visit, in all the hours that will be have said about Nigeria, Somalia, Sudan, China, North spent talking about Iraq and Libya, how many minutes Korea and Sri Lanka, for example, and say a bit more. will be devoted to the brutal persecution of Christians around the world. None at all, I suspect. Through their Regarding Iraq, I think that we are all deeply alarmed aid programmes and their moral force, these people—our at the incidents of sectarian violence that have been Prime Minister, the President of France, the President described today. As a country, we need to use the of the United States of America—have enormous influence. influence that for obvious reasons we have in Iraq, to I believe that there should have been zero tolerance of promote tolerance and interfaith dialogue. I would like the persecution of the Jewish people before the second to take this opportunity to echo what the hon. Member world war, and that now, in the 21st century, there for Harlow (Robert Halfon) said about the Kurdish should be zero tolerance of the persecution of anyone. regional government. The Kurdish part of Iraq provides It is not just outright persecution that we are talking us with some important human rights lessons, and we about, not just the appalling genocidal attacks that have should especially pay tribute to it for providing a refuge taken place in Iraq and Nigeria. Nigeria is—as my hon. for Christians escaping from other parts of Iraq. The Friend the Member for Banbury (Tony Baldry) has hon. Member for Enfield, Southgate (Mr Burrowes) pointed out—a Commonwealth country and a large rightly said that those people should not be displaced recipient of aid, both now and in the past. It is not just but be able to stay in their family homes and practise these horrific physical attacks; in so many countries their religion freely, and we should seek to achieve that. there is the absurd situation of a kind of quiet persecution, I echo what he said about Andrew White—“the vicar of and I am afraid that that applies to Egypt. I have been Baghdad” at St George’s Anglican church—who has involved in numerous campaigns to support the Copts. done such amazing, heroic, courageous work in standing No one can go out—has ever been able to go out—in up for the principle of religious freedom for people of Egypt and build a new church. There are all sorts of all faiths in that city. I also draw Members’ attention to planning restrictions. The Copts are at the bottom the work of the House of Love run by Mother Teresa’s of the economic heap and it is very difficult for them to Sisters of Charity in Baghdad. The house was initially rise up from there. Mention has been made of Saudi set up to serve orphans left disabled by Saddam Hussein’s Arabia, which is a so-called key ally, but that country is brutal regime, and the sisters, who typically come from back where we were in the 18th century, when people India and Bangladesh, provide their services to acutely were allowed to engage in a minority religion but only vulnerable children. That is a moving example of the in private. Frankly, the situation in Saudi Arabia is very positive role that religion can play in conflict scandalous. situations. In conclusion, I congratulate Members on what they A number of Members have talked about Pakistan. I have said today, and I urge the Minister, when he goes absolutely share their anger at the blasphemy laws and back to his Department, to really get a grip of his at how they are used and abused, and I pay tribute, as diplomats around the globe and to use our powerful have other Members, to Shahbaz Bhatti, who was the voice to speak out for the oppressed of the world. only Christian serving in the Pakistani Government. As such a major donor to Pakistan, we clearly have a responsibility to do more to stand up for human rights 3.35 pm in general in that country, and in particular to use our Stephen Twigg (Liverpool, West Derby) (Lab/Co-op): aid and our political and diplomatic relationships to It is a privilege to serve under your chairmanship, put pressure on Pakistan to defend religious freedom. Mr Benton. I join other Members in congratulating the The same applies to India. We heard again today hon. Member for Upper Bann (David Simpson) on about the appalling catalogue of horrors in Orissa. securing this timely and very important debate, and Several hon. Members referred to Iran, a country that extend support from the Labour Benches for the principles we know abuses the human rights of large sections of that he set out so powerfully and eloquently in his its population, including lesbian, gay, bisexual and opening speech. transgendered people, women and minority ethnic The hon. Gentleman spoke about the impact, throughout communities, including Kurds. The treatment of the history, of various forms of fundamentalism, the horrors Baha’i community in that country is also appalling. of which have been touched upon in the debate. The Iran targets Christians in the same way that it targets hon. Member for Banbury (Tony Baldry) reminded us other minorities. 237WH Treatment of Christians24 MAY 2011 Treatment of Christians 238WH

[Stephen Twigg] Commonwealth members, and the Commonwealth could do more. The Department for International Development I mentioned the Arab spring. Several hon. Members also has an increasingly influential role in many such have expressed concern that one consequence of an countries as British aid increases, at a time when many opening up in some north African and middle eastern other countries’ aid programmes are being cut. What countries is that it is easier for extremists to target more can DFID do to use its influence to ensure that Christian minorities. I agree with those who have said human rights and religious freedom are protected? that the situation in Egypt is of particular concern, as is I think that all of us in the House, across parties, have the role of Salafists and others in attacking Coptic a responsibility to use the institutions of Parliament—the Christians and other Christian communities in that Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, the Inter- country. I ask the Minister to update the House on the Parliamentary Union, Select Committees, all-party situation in Egypt. What are the UK Government doing parliamentary groups—to promote religious freedom. to assist the promotion and consolidation of human This debate has been an excellent opportunity to rights in that country, including the right to religious demonstrate our strong cross-party commitment to religious freedom? freedom. As the hon. Member for Upper Bann said, we Tunisia might offer a more positive example. I was in must not pass by on the other side. I congratulate him Tunisia relatively recently, and it seemed to have a on securing this debate, and I look forward to the strong commitment to protecting minority rights, including Minister’s response. religious freedom, as the country moves towards writing a new constitution and elections to the Constituent 3.45 pm Assembly in July. However, it is vital that we maintain a clear watching brief on the Tunisian situation as it The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth develops. Office (Mr Jeremy Browne): Thank you, Mr Benton, for calling me to conclude this debate. It is a privilege to I take this opportunity to draw the House’s attention serve under your chairmanship. I congratulate the hon. to some organisations doing positive work in the field, Member for Upper Bann (David Simpson) on securing both here in the UK and internationally. I am pleased this debate on an extremely important and regrettably to be acting as a mentor to three students who are part topical subject. I thank the hon. Members for Banbury of an interfaith dialogue programme being run by the (Tony Baldry), for Strangford (Jim Shannon) and for Three Faiths Forum. Talia, Philip and Sultana are Harlow (Robert Halfon) for their speeches, the hon. Jewish, Christian and Muslim respectively, and they Member for Gainsborough (Mr Leigh) for a typically recently organised a thought-provoking photographic impassioned and powerful speech and the Opposition exhibition at University college London on the awful spokesman, the hon. Member for Liverpool, West Derby practice and prevalence of human trafficking. I hope (Stephen Twigg), for a typically thorough and thoughtful that we can showcase the exhibition in the Upper Waiting contribution. The treatment of Christians worldwide Hall of the House later this year. It demonstrates that and, more broadly, individuals’ freedom to worship or interfaith dialogue can promote the positive values practise their own religion or belief without discrimination associated with religion and a commitment to universal or persecution is an important topic and of increasing human rights. concern given the problems faced by religious minorities, Last week, I returned from a visit, with Christian Aid including Christians, in many parts of the world in and the all-party group on the great lakes region of recent years. Africa, to Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of I will start by setting out the Government’s policy in Congo. I put on record the positive role played by the this area, for the avoidance of doubt. The Government Churches and Christian charities such as Christian Aid strongly support the right to freedom of thought, and CAFOD in those countries, where such horrors conscience, religion and belief and the right to freedom have been committed over the past decade or so. of opinion and expression as set out in those key The hon. Member for Harlow asked what role the international human rights instruments the universal United Kingdom would play. We must use every lever to declaration of human rights, the international covenant promote religious freedom and protect Christians from on civil and political rights and the relevant 1981 United the increasing violence that we have heard described in Nations declaration. As my right hon. Friend the Foreign this debate. Will the Minister inform us what progress Secretary has made clear on many occasions, the effective the human rights advisory group established by the promotion of human rights, including religious freedom, Foreign Secretary last year has made on addressing the is at the heart and core of our foreign policy. All human rights of Christians and other religious minority Foreign and Commonwealth Office embassies and high and majority groups around the world? commissions have a responsibility, which is made clear Will the Minister also update the House on the work to the heads of mission in every post, to monitor and that the British Government are doing through a range raise human rights in their host countries. We continue of multilateral institutions to voice the concerns raised to raise freedom of religion or belief with other in this debate? It strikes me, given that north Africa is Governments whenever necessary. I reassure the hon. part of the Mediterranean region, that Europe has a Member for Upper Bann and other Members that we responsibility to fulfil the values for which it stands by are aware of the difficulties faced by Christian minorities protecting minority rights. The United Nations clearly around the world, and particularly in middle eastern has a role to play, and we must address the Commonwealth’s and western Asian countries. I will deal with those potential to be much more proactive in promoting the countries with the greatest attention. rights of Christians and other religious groups. Many The Opposition spokesman mentioned Egypt in of the countries whose appalling records have been particular. In Egypt, where tensions between Christians highlighted today, such as Nigeria and Pakistan, are and Muslims eased initially during the revolution in 239WH Treatment of Christians24 MAY 2011 Treatment of Christians 240WH

February, a number of extremely alarming incidents was separated from the Department for International have recently occurred. Violent clashes between Muslims Development in the late 1990s was to try to decouple and Coptic Christians in Cairo on 7 and 9 May left considerations about the alleviation of poverty from the 15 people dead and more than 250 injured. Peaceful Government’s overall foreign policy goals. I appreciate demonstrations about those events on 15 May were that those two may overlap at times, but we need to be attacked by unidentified gunmen. The Foreign Secretary cautious about judging the suitability of a desperately condemned the violence in a statement to Parliament needy person to receive aid based on their Government’s on 16 May and called on both sides to resolve their behaviour in relation to religious subjects. differences peacefully. He welcomed the fact that many in Egypt were appalled by the violence. The EU High Representative for foreign affairs and security policy, 3.53 pm Baroness Ashton, also issued a statement on behalf of Sitting suspended for a Division in the House. the European Union on 7 May condemning the clashes. The UK remains in close contact with the Egyptian 4.8 pm Government on the issue and has made absolutely clear On resuming— the importance that we place on religious tolerance. The Foreign Secretary was in Egypt on 1 and 2 May, raising Mr Browne: Before we broke for a Division in the our concerns about the dangers of extremism and main Chamber, hon. Members will recall that I was sectarianism in Egypt directly with the head of the talking about the appalling murder of Shahbaz Bhatti Supreme Council of the Armed Forces and the Prime in Pakistan on 2 March. Over recent months, the Under- Minister. Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth The Egyptian Government have shown their intention Affairs, my hon. Friend the Member for North East to punish those who incite sectarianism by announcing Bedfordshire, who covers Pakistan, had engaged regularly on 8 May plans for new laws to criminalise attempts to with the former Minister for Minorities, Shahbaz Bhatti, jeopardise the freedom of faith and attacks on places of on the importance of religious tolerance and freedom worship. We will make sure that we are vigilant in of speech in Pakistan. Mr Bhatti was a tireless and seeking to hold them to account for those commitments. vocal proponent of those beliefs, and his appalling In Iraq, we remain concerned about the treatment of murder is a blow to those in Pakistan who share his Christian minorities, and were appalled by the attack beliefs and to all of us who believe in religious freedom on Our Lady of Salvation church in Baghdad on 31 October and tolerance. 2010, which killed more than 50 people, and the further Following Mr Bhatti’s untimely and violent death, attacks on 10 November 2010, which targeted mainly my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister has written to Christian areas across Baghdad. The United Kingdom express his condolences to President Zardari, and my remains in close contact with the Iraqi Government on right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary, my noble Friend this issue and is committed to doing all that it can to Baroness Warsi and the Under-Secretary of State for protect the rights and freedoms of all minorities in Iraq. Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my hon. Friend On 10 November 2010, the Foreign Secretary met the the Member for North East Bedfordshire, have all made visiting Iraqi Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Zebari, statements condemning his killing. My hon. Friend the and raised with him directly the issue of Iraqi Christians. Under-Secretary, who deals with Pakistan, is regularly Mr Zebari acknowledged that the protection of Christians in touch with his counterparts in the Pakistani Government was the Iraqi Government’s responsibility. on human rights issues. He will continue to engage with More recently, the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign the authorities in Pakistan on these important issues and Commonwealth Affairs, my hon. Friend the Member and will raise them with the new Minister for Minorities. for North East Bedfordshire (Alistair Burt), who has My hon. Friend recently visited Pakistan, where he responsibility for the middle east, visited Iraq from was able to engage on the issue of religious tolerance 22 to 25 November. He met a number of senior Christian with Shahbaz Bhatti’s brother, Paul Bhatti, who has figures and raised the plight of the Christian community been appointed as the Pakistani Prime Minister’s adviser with the Foreign Minister, the new Speaker of the on inter-faith harmony and minority affairs. He also Council of Representatives, and the President and the had the opportunity to meet religious leaders from Prime Minister of the Kurdistan regional government. across Pakistan as part of the Ministry’s inter-faith Pakistan has, regrettably, featured prominently in council. That highlighted how leading political and this afternoon’s debate. I pay tribute to the only religious figures in Pakistan feel about religious tolerance, Christian Minister in Pakistan, who was assassinated and the need to ensure that all of Pakistan’s citizens are recently, and join everyone who has expressed regret accorded their rights under the Pakistani constitution. about that. We will continue to support the Pakistani Government on this subject. Mr Leigh: Are the Government prepared to threaten to cut aid unless there is real progress on the blasphemy Jim Shannon: Will the Minister cast his mind back to laws? the time of the floods in Pakistan, when the people of Great Britain, through their Churches and through aid, Mr Browne: I share my hon. Friend’s despair about gave a lot of money to help overcome the difficulties in some of the abuses of individual freedom and the right Pakistan? At that time, Christians sent word out of to expression, including religious expression, and, Pakistan back to the United Kingdom to indicate that specifically, freedom of Christian expression in Pakistan. they were not receiving some of that aid. Will the The Government, however, need to tread carefully, because Minister pursue that matter? It is very clear to me as an the reason why the Foreign and Commonwealth Office elected representative, and to many others, that there is 241WH Treatment of Christians24 MAY 2011 Treatment of Christians 242WH

[Jim Shannon] heard clearly in the Foreign Office, and that they are taken seriously by those who are in a position to make deep-rooted discrimination against Christians in Pakistan, the relevant decision. which reaches as far as the UK aid that was given to Other countries have been brought to our attention help them as well. this afternoon. Nigeria continues to experience significant inter-communal violence, particularly following the Mr Browne: There were a number of points in that presidential elections last month. Both Christian and intervention. I pay tribute to all the British people who Muslim communities have suffered terrible loss of life were extremely generous in their contributions to the in recent years as a result of violence driven by underlying victims of the natural disaster in Pakistan. Many of social, political, economic and religious factors. We them were Christians or were involved with Christian have made it clear to the Nigerian Government at groups that co-ordinated and led that charitable activity. ministerial level that the perpetrators of those crimes I share the hon. Gentleman’s deep alarm—perhaps the must be brought to justice. The Minister with responsibility word “alarm” is not strong enough—and profound for sub-Saharan Africa, my hon. Friend the Member anxiety about the circumstances of some Christians in for North West Norfolk (Mr Bellingham), has raised Pakistan, and the fact that they cannot worship as this issue directly with the vice-president. Our high freely as they would wish. I will certainly convey to the commissioner has raised it and related subjects on Minister with geographical responsibility for Pakistan, several occasions. my hon. Friend the Member for North East Bedfordshire, Iran has come up as a subject, rightly and understandably. the points that the hon. Gentleman has made. As I was There is significant cause for concern about the treatment explaining to the Chamber, my hon. Friend is extremely of Christians and other minority religious groups in committed, on a personal basis, to the issue of religious Iran. That continues to be a country of high concern to freedom of practice for Christians and others. I know the Foreign Office. We express that view whenever and that he will, with great sincerity, want to take forward wherever we can. the exact agenda advised by the hon. Member for Briefly, before I draw my remarks to a conclusion, I Strangford. was asked by the hon. Member for Liverpool, West Derby to talk about the Foreign Secretary’s advisory Rehman Chishti (Gillingham and Rainham) (Con): group on human rights, which identified religious freedom Also in Pakistan, Governor Salman Taseer was shot as a key human rights issue at its first meeting in dead for raising the case of Asia Bibi, a Christian December. Following on from that, a programme of caught up in these draconian laws. Will the Minister work based on freedom of religion has been agreed, urge the Government of Pakistan to release Asia Bibi including a Wilton Park conference in July, to discuss and all the others imprisoned under those laws, so that promoting religious freedom around the world. That they can practise their faith? will be attended by my hon. Friend the Member for North East Bedfordshire, along with a range of senior Mr Browne: I cannot give my hon. Friend that religious leaders. The conference will identify how the commitment, not because I necessarily disapprove of international community can strengthen its ability to the view that he expressed, but because that is not a protect religious freedom. It will also seek to build new commitment that I am in a position to give this afternoon. partnerships between Governments, NGOs and faith All I can undertake to do is ensure that his views are groups. 243WH 24 MAY 2011 Tees Valley Rail Transport 244WH

Tees Valley Rail Transport Existing passenger rail in the core area is in the shape of a cross, with a north-south Hartlepool to Nunthorpe line intersecting the east-west Darlington to Saltburn 4.15 pm line at both Thornaby and Middlesbrough. This area Ian Swales (Redcar) (LD): Tees Valley is a distinct should be the first target of a metro system. There are area of the country with a population of more than 21 stations in the core area. Some are very poorly 750,000 people. It is well defined, with the sea to the served, including the one near the airport at which only east, 20 to 30 miles of open County Durham countryside one train stops every week. Despite the patchy service, to the north, the dales and Pennines to the west, and a usage has grown over the past 10 years. More than vast area of sparsely populated north Yorkshire to the 2 million people a year use Darlington station, which south. It has long been defined as a coherent economic gives access to the east coast main line and other area. It was no accident that the Tees Valley local national services. enterprise partnership was quickly established, as a similar body already existed. Despite the substantial James Wharton (Stockton South) (Con): My fellow population, the area has a slight identity crisis. It is Teesside MP—I still do not like “Tees Valley”—has often referred to as a city region by policy makers, but it already touched on a key concern for our part of the contains no cities or even one dominant town. north-east, which is the future viability of our airport. Middlesbrough is currently applying for city status. An effective rail transport system, making proper use of the station at the airport, would be an important piece Steam-powered passenger rail transport actually started of the puzzle in bringing Teesside airport—as I still in Tees Valley between Stockton and Darlington insist on calling it—back into use and making it successful in 1825, hauled by George Stephenson’s engine, once again. The airport, which is on the boundary of “Locomotion”. Some 185 years later, we cannot even my constituency, has a new owner, looking to do exciting go directly from Stockton to Darlington on a train. things. I congratulate my hon. Friend on securing the There is a passenger rail system, but it is poorly debate, and I hope that the Minister will consider that, co-ordinated, has insufficient trains and badly needs as part of an integrated package, rail transport could investment. New station stops are needed to reflect also revive our air transport links. developments since the lines were built. This has been recognised for many years by the local and regional planning authorities. Finally, in 2009, a first tranche of Ian Swales: My hon. Friend’s intervention is timely, investment in a Tees Valley metro system was approved. because I am about to talk more about the airport. I However, after less than £5 million was drawn down, fully support his comments. It is essential that the the remaining £24 million was postponed by the present airport is better served, and a frequent light rail service Government. The importance of the project to the area operating in the core area would help to change the was shown by the fact that a first phase was resubmitted economic fortunes of Tees Valley. to round 1 of the regional growth fund. Unfortunately, The use of rail services has continued to grow, despite the bid was unsuccessful. the patchy service: last year, footfall increased by just My speech today will cover three main areas: the less than 50,000; and in the past 10 years, the average need to get a good passenger metro system in Tees increase in footfall overall has been 58%. Refurbished Valley; the importance of freight investment; and the stations have shown the biggest increases, some in excess need for a long-term vision, including further use of of 100%. The increase in passengers, along with huge existing lines and possible new lines. Settlements in Tees further potential demand, means that new lines, trains Valley are there mainly due to manufacturing industry. and infrastructure are needed to meet the needs of Decline of industry in the last few decades has left residents and businesses. much of the area at the wrong end of all the socio-economic Investment in existing stations is vital. For example, league tables. For example, a study by the BBC and establishing a proper link to the airport is vital: Durham Experian in 2010 looked at 324 areas of the UK in Tees Valley airport, or Teesside as it is still shown on terms of economic strength. It placed Hartlepool borough departure boards all over the world, must be the passenger 314th, Redcar and Cleveland 319th and Middlesbrough, airport in Britain worst served by public transport, but arguably the largest town in England, in last place at the train line passes just half a mile from the terminal. 324th. Middlesbrough also has the third lowest number Eaglescliffe station now has a main line service to of businesses per thousand residents in the country. It is London, but no information displays and only two precisely because the area has been performing badly in small bus shelters for passengers. Redcar station needs recent years in respect of socio-economic indicators investment as a gateway to the town and the new college that there is a need for a modern, long-lasting rail and civic developments, and Darlington station needs network to aid regeneration. investment to improve access to new educational and There are many promising signals. Teesside university economic developments. The Redcar and Darlington was UK university of the year for 2009-10, and that has schemes were included in the regional growth fund helped fuel a rapid growth in digital and media industries. round 1 bid. The last new station in the area was Teesside remains a key UK centre for process industries Longbeck near Marske-by-the-Sea in 1985. and is emerging as a major centre of green technology There are clear possibilities for further new stops on research and manufacturing. Teesport is a thriving, the existing lines. Some examples include Teesside park, growing port. Darlington is a growing commercial centre, for access to the new shopping area and the Tees aided by the presence of the Student Loans Company barrage leisure facilities; Middlehaven, for the major and Teachers’ Pensions. If we are to restore the north-east new commercial developments and the Riverside stadium, to the economic hub it once was and can be again, home of Middlesbrough football club; and the James improving rail infrastructure is vital. Cook university hospital, which is the major acute 245WH Tees Valley Rail Transport24 MAY 2011 Tees Valley Rail Transport 246WH

[Ian Swales] of all such existing lines to better connect people to the core Tees Valley services and opportunities should be hospital for the area. Traffic to and from the hospital is part of our vision. a big source of congestion on one of the main access Serious discussion is also going on about reopening roads to Middlesbrough, and there are chronic parking the old Nunthorpe to Guisborough branch line. Although problems at the site. Providing a good rail service would the track has been lifted, the route is virtually intact as a help to reduce such problems. The existing lines run walkway, and Guisborough has expanded to be a large close by, and a new station for the hospital was also part centre of population, with most of the people working of the initial regional growth fund bid. in Tees Valley. They are a large contributor to the heavy A number of other residential and commercial south-to-north road congestion at peak times. A rail developments are current or planned along those routes, service would reduce the current pressure to invest in opening further possibilities for new stations, such as at new road solutions—some road-building proposals even Morton Palms, Darlington, and The Ings, Redcar. A involve taking land from the National Trust at Orenby further key need is to ensure that the new enterprise hall. zone recently announced by the Government is well More speculative would be the construction of other served by public transport. It is almost certain to be new lines and a Tees crossing nearer the river mouth. close to those rail routes. Redcar to Hartlepool is only seven miles as the crow I will now move on to freight. Teesport has recently flies, but the need to go a long way upriver to cross by been ranked variously as between the second and fourth road or rail means that their local economies are largely largest port in the country, depending on the amount of disconnected. A Tees crossing remains a dream for industrial activity in the area. As well as serving the many in the long term. Where new lines are not economical, bulk process industries and being an import terminal better co-ordinated bus services are needed to link for cars, Teesport has a rapidly growing container business, centres of population to the rail network, for example with giant new warehouses serving Tesco and Asda. from the Greater Eston area. The excellent facilities at Teesport mean that process I appreciate that investment requires funds, but I urge industries inland also use the import/export facilities, the Minister to consider carefully the issue of fares. The and such industrial materials normally require shipment UK already has some of the highest fares in the world. I by rail. live close to Redcar East station and, to travel one stop The port has been successfully driving economic and to the centre of town, the fare is only slightly less than a employment growth. For example, 1,100 jobs have been taxi fare—for just two people, a taxi would be the created since 2007 and further exciting developments cheaper option for most short journeys locally. For long are planned. However, the existing connecting rail facilities trips, we risk incentivising people to do the wrong thing. need upgrading—for example, to provide clearance for For my trip to Parliament each week, it is already modern 9-foot 6-inch containers—which is strategically cheaper to drive at 40p a mile than to buy a standard important for the country. A successful Teesport backed class open return train ticket. I hope that the Minister by good rail facilities will help to reduce lorry use by will recognise that fares must remain reasonable, as millions of miles, bringing economic and environmental mentioned in the coalition agreement, and that continued benefits. As part of the regional growth fund round 1, a public investment in the railways is in the country’s gauge clearance project was submitted, which is vital to interest. That is the view taken by Governments in continuing the rapid, port-based economic growth. I almost every developed country. hope that the Minister will recognise the importance of getting more bulk freight off the roads and on to the As I hope that I have illustrated, it is vital that Tees railways. Valley receives the short-term investment it desperately The longer term vision includes more use of lines needs to improve passenger and freight rail transport. joining the core area and possible new lines. To the west, Investment without a long-term vision, however, will Darlington connects to Bishop Auckland via four other not deliver the results that the people throughout the stations, including the former rolling stock manufacturing region want, so it is important that a long-term strategy town of Shildon and, following the Hitachi announcement, is put in place to manage investment over time and to the new rolling stock manufacturing town of Newton build the infrastructure needed. Tees Valley is an area Aycliffe. The line from Eaglescliffe to Northallerton with enormous potential to drive major growth in the passes through the large population centre of Yarm-on-Tees, UK economy. I hope that this debate has helped further which I believe is in the constituency of my hon. Friend the cause for improving Tees Valley rail transport, and I the Member for Stockton South (James Wharton). Beyond strongly urge the Minister to support the upgrades that Nunthorpe, the line passes into the north Yorkshire are so badly needed. moors and on to Whitby. Services on that line are always likely to be more of a leisure activity, but the first 4.29 pm station is Great Ayton and most people in that area work in Tees Valley. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport Finally, beyond Saltburn, part of the old Yorkshire (Mike Penning): It is a pleasure to serve under your coast line to Scarborough still exists as a freight-only chairmanship, Mr Benton. I pay tribute to my hon. line as far as the Boulby potash mine. The potash mine Friend the Member for Redcar (Ian Swales) for securing received money to expand in the regional growth fund this important debate. Having a debate on the day round 1 and is a major local employer. I have recently before a recess is always dangerous, but he managed to been approached by an operator who is considering encourage some of his colleagues to attend. restoring a passenger service along the line to include I was in Teesside only recently. I went there by train the east Cleveland settlements it passes through, including from London to visit Teesport, which comes within my North Skelton, Brotton, Skinningrove and Loftus. Use portfolio. I have been asked to respond to the debate 247WH Tees Valley Rail Transport24 MAY 2011 Tees Valley Rail Transport 248WH because my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State However, it is important—I am sure that this has for Transport, the hon. Member for Lewes (Norman been discussed—that the area is branded in the right Baker), whose portfolio covers regional and local transport, way so that investment comes to the area, and there is is not here. He has asked me to apologise for his no confusion about that brand. The first time I flew to absence. what was Speke airport in Liverpool, I looked for Speke The points that my hon. Friend the Member for on the departure board, but it had been renamed John Redcar raised cover myriad modal shifts in how to get Lennon. I had no idea that I was going to Liverpool. passengers and freight off the roads, and how better to When a brand name is used for a community, it must be use available facilities. It was fantastic news for the what the community is looking for. I am sure that the region when the Tees furnace was reopened, and certainly new name was discussed in great depth before it was the new owners, whom I had the privilege of meeting, introduced, but whenever I spoke to people in that part were thrilled. What was obvious when coming in by of the world, and especially when I was at Teesport, train was the unbelievable number of sidings that have there was confusion. When I quoted my brief, they did not been used for a considerable time. I am the Minister not understand what I was talking about until I talked with responsibility for freight, on whatever mode, and it about Teesport, the Tees area and so on. always hurts to see that investment sitting there unused. There is real scope for local authorities to come It may have been made many years ago, but the concept together, and to consider joint bids. It is crucial as we go was right. forward with the localism agenda, to which the Department The port, which is under new ownership, has a huge for Transport is fully committed, that local authorities footprint, and not all of it has been used as well as we are not parochial and say, “This is our borough, and we would like. There are contamination issues, as I am sure won’t join together.” They must have confidence in their my hon. Friend is aware—the new owners of Teesport, area and say, “We know what’s best for our community, however, have good and imaginative ideas, especially in and exactly how to generate jobs and go forward.” Four some of the areas to which my hon. Friend alluded—such local authorities would probably need to join together as problems relating to moving larger containers around. to formulate a plan and to give them confidence to A particular issue in this country is that we cannot return to the Department for Transport, as well as to move many of them on our canals, which are a great other Departments, because transport will not be the asset, but difficult to use. only issue. My officials have written a brilliant speech for me, but if I read it out, which I am sure is what they would Ian Swales: I want to pick up the point about local like me to do, I would fail to pay tribute to the contributions authorities. Five are involved: Stockton, Hartlepool, that we have heard this afternoon. Investment for the Middlesbrough, Redcar, Cleveland, and Darlington. area was planned before the new coalition Administration The Minister can be confident that they are speaking came to power, and before we realised how bad the with one voice on such issues, because Tees Valley issues economic situation is. I will not go through how bad it and transport infrastructure cross all five. One reason is, because everyone knows the situation. The £4.9 why the local enterprise partnership got going so quickly million that was drawn down has been well spent, and was that it was heavily backed by those five local the stations at Hartlepool, Eaglescliffe and Thornaby authorities. have benefited. I am pleased to hear that the new owners of the Mike Penning: I am new to this area, and I may not airport have sensible ideas for expansion, and how to be back if I make a mess of it, but my brief refers to the increase their market share and put the airport on the four Tees Valley local authorities. If that is wrong, I will map in the UK, but that will require investment. They arrange for my Department to write and apologise. will have to look at their business plans, and create a When talking about local areas, branding is important. market that drives people to use it. I was fascinated to hear private companies saying that they would like to In the next six months, passenger transport executives, put passengers back on that line. They are obviously groups of local authorities, and local enterprise partnerships thinking of doing that because there is a need. The should come together to discuss whether they want to Government may help and, as my hon. Friend knows, take greater responsibility for such services. That is two funds have been drawn down. crucial when discussing where they are going, and how. Sadly, Tees Valley Unlimited was not successful in the There will be some central Government funding, but first tranche, because it needed to be much better at not as much as we probably all want, but local communities, proving what the economic benefits in terms of jobs especially through local enterprise partnerships and so would be from drawing down from that fund. Tees on, will have much more say in what is done, and there Valley Unlimited has discussed the matter extensively will be an early opportunity to shape the future and with my officials. They have met eight or nine times destiny of local rail services. We have been discussing recently, and I urge them to have further meetings, bits and bobs, but the discussion should be formalised because the key to both funding plans is that the community with a shopping list of what should be done first, what comes together, and that a proper business plan is should be done second, and what should be done third. drawn up to create the right climate for further investment If we read my hon. Friend’s speech tomorrow morning, in the area. I will not go into the semantics of what it and the points that he made—I apologise for this and I should be called. I have enough problems deciding am not being critical—will we know what the priorities when to call my football team Spurs or Tottenham are, and what needs to be done in the short term, the Hotspur, and my town Hemel or Hemel Hempstead. It mid term and the long term? Communities and LEPs is for local politicians to discuss the matter over a pint must come together to decide that. I am not being on another occasion. critical, but that must be done. 249WH Tees Valley Rail Transport24 MAY 2011 Tees Valley Rail Transport 250WH

[Mike Penning] country. I was in the north-west the other day at Stobart’s rail hub. Stobart has developed such a system, not On cost, the McNulty report, which was commissioned because it wanted a rail hub, but because its clients—Tesco, by the previous Administration, addresses fares, and Sainsbury’s, Asda; we could name all the supermarkets the fact that, if we are not careful we may jeopardise the but I probably should not—have said that they want great success—this is not party politics—of the railways goods to travel shorter distances. That area is developing. today. There are issues about capacity and cost, and whether we are driving people off the railways and into The rail industry is underused. We have spoken about their cars. That is important: we must address it in the lines that need to be better utilised, and the railways are franchise agreements and remove bureaucracy. McNulty a huge facility that we could use to create a modal shift acknowledged that the way in which the railways operate in transport locally through the hubs. The Asda scheme involves a huge amount of bureaucracy and cost, and in has been a great success, and it is looking at expanding international terms they are very expensive. He estimated it. It is a badge of honour for the local community and that £1 billion of savings could be made without damaging local authorities in that part of the world to facilitate infrastructure, while at the same time encouraging people the scheme and understand the needs and demands of to use the railways. That will be a difficult task, but their communities. We should also use other lines, especially anyone who has had anything to do with railways—I if we can deal with the problem of bridges, and I know am involved purely in freight, which is more successful that discussions on that are taking place. now than it was—must address the fact that the state At the same time, we must be honest about what is can provide only a certain amount of money for new likely to come in and out of the ports. As my hon. lines. There is only a certain amount of railway capacity Friend said, if a line is working, it is crucial that it is for the freight industry, and we must look carefully at used. It is much cheaper to use that line in a better way how we can encourage a better modal shift and not have than to rebuild a line or put track back down. A lot of so much long-haul freight on the railways. residents—I know this from my constituency—will have On today’s network—without High Speed 2 and the moved to live close to a railway line after the track was lines to the north-east and north-west, which would removed, and there will be an interesting debate about release more rail capacity—even if we increased rail whether those lines should be put back. Those people freight to full capacity we would still struggle to get no longer live next to a railway and without doubt, freight off the road. One of the huge successes in the having a railway at the end of the garden or in the Teesport region has been made by Asda and other community impacts on people’s lives. That debate would supermarkets that are building what I consider to be the be interesting; it would not be wrong to reopen the line, beginning of a renaissance in coastal shipping facilities—I but such matters take time and must be managed correctly apologise for naming Asda, but it is the store I visited. in the communities. Bigger and bigger box ships are coming into big, deep-water The use of Westminster Hall for a debate such as this wharves, but our roads do not have the capacity to is important. Concerns and ideas can be bounced into move those goods around. the arena, and Ministers will respond. I am conscious The most efficient way of moving freight anywhere in that I have not answered all the points raised by my the world is by sea. We are a maritime nation with over hon. Friend the Member for Redcar, and by my hon. 90 ports in state and trust ownership, yet we do not Friend the Member for Stockton South (James Wharton) properly utilise those ports and their capacity. At the in his intervention, but the Under-Secretary of State for Asda hub, all the products that arrive come in by sea. Transport, my hon. Friend the Member for Lewes, will The distribution is then worked out, and followed by write to them and answer all their questions. If a further what Asda describes as a limited “road bridging” system. meeting with a Minister is needed, the door will be That system is beginning to be replicated around the open. 251WH 24 MAY 2011 Land Stability (Ironbridge Gorge) 252WH

Land Stability (Ironbridge Gorge) had a significant impact, leading to the demolition of numerous properties throughout the gorge and the loss of roads and other services. 4.44 pm Until recently, our understanding of the nature and David Wright (Telford) (Lab): It is a pleasure to see extent of instability in the gorge was quite limited. Over you in the Chair this afternoon, Mr Benton, and to see the past 10 years, however, a number of significant the Minister in his place. Over the past 12 months he studies and investigations have been undertaken and has become used to responding to my Adjournment have provided a much clearer understanding of the debates. causes and pattern of land instability in the area. The The Ironbridge gorge was designated as a world work undertaken to date has included the following heritage site in 1986 and now ranks in the “Premier elements: the stabilisation of Jiggers Bank, completed League” of heritage sites across the world. It is a living, in March 2002; the world heritage site land instability working community with approximately 4,000 residents, study, completed in February 2003; ground investigation and 200 businesses that employ about 1,500 people. The work at Jackfield, Lloyds Head and the Lloyds in gorge attracts about 750,000 visitors per year, generating January 2005; the Ironbridge and Coalbrookdale ground about £60 million of the £110 million annual tourist behaviour study in January 2005; and the production in spend within the borough of Telford and Wrekin. The 2004 of an emergency plan in conjunction with the world heritage site includes 250 listed buildings, seven emergency services and other agencies aimed at addressing statutory ancient monuments, including the iconic iron worst-case scenarios. That plan is regularly reviewed bridge, 10 museums and two sites of special scientific and updated. The latest version was produced in 2010 interest. It is an incredibly important asset, not only for and was used in a multi-agency exercise in the gorge in this country but for the world. November of that year. Telford and Wrekin council has been instrumental in An instability pack outlining the issues in relation to assessing the problems of land instability in the gorge in the world heritage site was distributed to residents of line with the objectives of the world heritage site the area, and part of the council’s webpage is dedicated management plan, and it has completed a number of to redistributing updates about what is happening in the studies, ground investigations and stabilisation schemes gorge. That has been taking place since February 2005. in the gorge. I commend the council for its work, and I There was a three-day drop-in session to raise awareness particularly want to place on record my thanks to Neal of the issue among members of the public and to Rushton, who has worked incredibly hard on the site provide an opportunity to ask questions. That, too, over recent years. took place in February 2005. Approximately £16 million has already been spent on Ongoing surface and subsurface monitoring is examining addressing land stability problems in the gorge. The the speed, amount and direction of movement. That problem is that that is not enough, and a further £80 million work has been under way since 2001. Stabilisation of of investment is needed. That was identified in a cost-benefit the Lloyds phase 1 site, a 165-metre-long section of analysis conducted by the local authority in partnership Lloyds road in the vicinity of Lloyds cottage, which was with a number of other players. The Government are the site deemed to be at greatest risk, was completed in aware of those studies, and have supported the approach August 2007. Stabilisation of the Lloyds phase 2 site, taken by the council over recent years. adjacent to Lloyds phase 1, was completed in December Land instability in the Ironbridge area is not a new 2008, as was stabilisation of the Lloyds Head site, on phenomenon and dates back to the formation of the the opposite side of the river to Lloyds phase 1 and 2, Ironbridge gorge. The geologically young valley structure where ground movement in April 2007 led to closure of is still developing through natural processes, and both the road. Stabilisation of a local landslide at the Wynd, sides of the gorge are gradually slipping down towards Coalport road, following a period of excessive rainfall, the River Severn. The local community has lived with was completed in December 2008. Additional ground the impact of land instability and the problems it causes investigation and the installation of monitoring instruments for many years. That instability manifests itself in damaged in the immediate area around the iron bridge and within roads and footpaths, collapsed retaining walls, severed Jackfield was also carried out at that time. services, and occasional major landslides that damage It is important to understand that we have carried the structure of properties within the gorge. out a comprehensive assessment, involving a range of Numerous documented landslides have occurred in partner agencies, of what is happening in the gorge and the gorge over the past 250 years, and a review of we have taken strategic steps to improve the situation as various records has been carried out to collate information funding has become available. We now need additional on the magnitude, distribution and frequency of the resource to carry out further work to protect the world principal events. Those events have varied widely in heritage site and properties on the site and to ensure location, scale and effect. Landslides have taken place that we continue to have a strong and vibrant community throughout the gorge, from Birches Coppice in the west in the gorge. to Jackfield in the east. The events have occurred within I am pleased to say that a dialogue has remained undeveloped and built-up areas alike and they range open and positive between Government Departments from local collapses of individual retaining walls or and the council and that a plan for future work has been parts of embankment slopes, to wholesale failure of developed and an estimate prepared, identifying a need large areas of valley sides. The 1773 landslide led to a for further works with a total cost of about £80 million. total blockage of the River Severn. Where landslides That would address and manage the issue immediately have occurred in open ground, relatively little damage and within the coming 10 to 15 years. The plan reflects to property or infrastructure has occurred. In built-up the risk assessments and recommendations in the reports areas, however, even medium and small landslides have completed to date. 253WH Land Stability (Ironbridge Gorge)24 MAY 2011 Land Stability (Ironbridge Gorge) 254WH

[David Wright] 4.56 pm The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for So what do we need to do next? As I said, approximately Communities and Local Government (Robert Neill): I £16.7 million has already been spent to address instability thank the hon. Member for Telford (David Wright) for in the gorge, but there is currently no funding to carry raising an important issue and for the manner in which out any further investigation or remedial works. I believe he has done so. He is right to say that he and I have had that the Government have a responsibility to ensure the pleasure of debating the issue before—and it is a that we have investment in the gorge to sustain the pleasure to be able to do so again this afternoon with world heritage site and the community that lives there. you in the Chair, Mr Benton. The only thing that is not We are signatories to the UNESCO world heritage site a pleasure to me and the only thing on which I will take convention, which requires the Government to ensure issue with the hon. Gentleman is his admittedly accurate that that site is protected. It falls to the Government, in description of Ironbridge gorge as being in the premier partnership with the council, to produce proposals to league of world heritage sites. He will know full well ensure that further ground stabilisation works are that I am a West Ham supporter and that was a particularly undertaken. painful analogy for him to have drawn, albeit an accurate I think that, based on the investigations and monitoring one in terms of the importance of Ironbridge gorge. It carried out to date, and in line with the cost-benefit is a huge asset to this country, and the phrase that he analysis, the council believes that the Jackfield area and, used accurately describes its standing. The Government in particular, Salthouse road needs to be the next area wish to see it preserved as much as anyone, because it is targeted for remedial works. That area is showing the an immensely valuable part of our national heritage. greatest movement. I think that the Minister knows the The hon. Gentleman set out the history and background area. If he drives along the road, he will find that it is in a characteristically well informed way. We are on more like a rollercoaster than a road, because the movement common ground when it comes to the importance of is so significant. In some areas of the gorge, service the gorge and of finding a resolution to what is a pipes must be laid overground rather than underground, difficult problem because it is ongoing and arises from because fracturing of service pipes would be so extensive geological causes that are not easy for any individual if the pipework were laid underground that it would agency to deal with. He rightly set out the significance have to be dug up again and maintained within months. of the gorge. I will not repeat in detail what he said, but We are talking about serious levels of movement and a he was absolutely right to refer not only to its world serious impact on the gorge and the lives of the people heritage site status, but to its importance to the local who live there. and the wider economy in terms of jobs, its status as a There is significant structural damage in the Jackfield significant attraction and its considerable tourism potential. area. That has occurred over many decades. I understand We take that point very seriously. that the budget for that first element of work would be It is right to observe that the gorge has suffered from about £20 million. It would be very good if we could and continues to experience land instability. I am grateful start to see progress on the first phase of work down at to the hon. Gentleman for setting out in some detail the Jackfield. Clearly, we would need to have further discussions history of the problems that have arisen. By their very with the Government about where we should go over nature, they are the responsibility of a number of the coming years. I am quite open about this. I have no Departments and agencies. The landholdings in the axe to grind in terms of which Government are in world heritage site are diverse. Some are in the public power. I have been campaigning on the issue for a sector—some were originally inherited from the old number of years as the local MP. It is the kind of issue Telford development corporation, some are with the that we bring up as a local Member of Parliament, a Homes and Communities Agency and others are with constituency MP,because it is important to our community. the borough council—and others are privately owned. It is interesting that we have had several ministerial However, the geological problem that causes the problem visits over the years. We have had a positive dialogue is no respecter of who owns the land, nor of the with Government. That is why we have already seen statutory responsibilities of particular agencies. A cross- significant investment in the area. What we need to do agency approach is particularly important in this instance, now is to work together in partnership. I raise this, and I and I concede that it sometimes requires more behind- look directly to the Minister, in a spirit of partnership: the-scenes work to get a proper alignment, but the we need to get this right not just for the residents of the Government are committed to achieving that. gorge, but for the future of the nation in terms of I realise that threats of this kind are sometimes protecting its world heritage sites. beyond the means of the local communities where such Land instability constitutes a major risk to the fabric sites are located, and the hon. Gentleman made that of the gorge and a risk to the health and safety of point fairly. Equally, one cannot simply say that the inhabitants of the area and visitors alike. Immediate whole of the problem should pass to the Government. investment is needed to implement a series of stabilisation We have therefore been working constructively, as the schemes along with further investigation and monitoring hon. Gentleman said, with the local council to find to deal with the problems proactively. The cost-benefit together an achievable solution. analysis evidences the appropriateness of such an approach The position is this. We are now at a stage where it is and the financial benefit to be gained by being proactive. realised that a programme of work needs to be undertaken Further funding is needed now. We have a duty, collectively, over a number of years. As the hon. Gentleman said, to protect that environment not just for the residents that is because it is a comparatively new geological who live there now—although clearly that is very feature and ground movement continues all the time. important—but for future generations who will want to He rightly identified the associated problem of flooding visit the gorge and live in it in the years to come. as well as that of land instability. It has therefore been 255WH Land Stability (Ironbridge Gorge)24 MAY 2011 Land Stability (Ironbridge Gorge) 256WH necessary to undertake a thorough technical evaluation officials and the previous leader of the council and its and stabilisation programme. The scientists advise that chief executive, which was very constructive. Despite it is unlikely that we will find a complete solution the change of control in Telford and Wrekin, I assure because of the geological youth of the area, but we can the hon. Gentleman that my officials stand ready to do much, working together, to mitigate the worst of the meet the new leader of the council and his team, the risks. chief executive and appropriate officers to continue My Department is charged with co-ordinating the those discussions. As the hon. Gentleman rightly says, Government’s response and has been in regular touch there is no party interest; we want to see the matter with Telford and Wrekin council. It considers that the resolved regardless of any party political considerations. risk of land instability and the resultant flooding continues So far, the Government and the council have dealt with to be serious, particularly the risk of a slip into the everything on exactly that basis, and we stand ready to Severn and consequent damage to life and property. continue in the same manner. Initial estimates suggest that some £80 million over a To access the funding, we need to see a proposal from period of years will be required to carry out the stabilisation Telford and Wrekin council that meets those conditions. works that are believed to be necessary. In consequence I understand that the annual meeting of the council to of that, the previous Government commissioned consultants form a new administration takes places on 26 May, and to study the matter. They concluded that although the I am sure that the new administration will make it a risk of an imminent major event was not high the risk priority to contact the Department. We are happy to nevertheless remained, and it is exacerbated by the progress as swiftly as we can. continuing ground movement and the heavy rain and flooding to which the hon. Gentleman referred. David Wright: It is good news to hear that the The scientific conclusion is that, without stabilisation, Government are looking to come forward with a funding the gorge would suffer a major slippage, but the complex package. There are clearly difficulties with local authority factors involved make it difficult accurately to predict expenditure, and there is great pressure on the local the timing. It has therefore been recommended that the authority’s budget. I hope that the Minister will confirm problem should be addressed through a structured that over the coming months the council can consider implementation plan, using a risk-based approach; that how to find matched funding or how it can phase such will be supported by a rolling programme, with a smaller- funding, given the assets that the council controls, to scale investment of approximately £50 million at a rate find something that will work. I hope that he is willing of about £2.5 million to £5 million over the next 10 to to have a dialogue with us about how it might be put 20 years. There is a commitment to dealing with the together. I welcome the Government’s general commitment stabilisation programme. that the problem has to be dealt with, but we need to consider the nuts and bolts of paying for it. The assessment by the consultants and partners clearly shows that the problem of instability creates a threat to homes and lives, to the local transport infrastructure Robert Neill: The hon. Gentleman makes a perfectly and to the integrity of the world heritage site and fair point. My officials, and I if necessary, will be happy tourism. The designation of the gorge as a world heritage to discuss the details of matched funding. I welcome the site means that there is a requirement for action to be willingness that the council has shown in engaging in taken to conserve and protect the site. The range and that discussion. We accept that these are exceptional mix of impacts has required us to adopt a cross- circumstances, and it is right that the Government departmental approach. In that respect, one difficulty is should make a contribution; it is obviously sensible intervening to get the appropriate agencies to work to have matched funding, and I am more than happy to together. We seek to bring the various legitimate interests talk about the most constructive way forward. together. I hope that the hon. Gentleman accepts that we have As part of the comprehensive spending review, the endeavoured to respond constructively. It is always interdepartmental working group considered the matter. frustrating for those involved in such situations that It recently finalised its assessment, and the Treasury has councils and the Department have to go through such agreed to contribute to further land stabilisation works lengthy technical appraisals, but they are necessary to in the gorge on behalf of the Government, via my ensure the right outcome. The commitment of working Department. The proposal is that it should be done on together and sharing the objectives and costs can offer a a shared funding basis, with the Government funding stable and deliverable way forward, and we all wish to 60% and the local authority 40%. It is a condition of see this unique site protected and preserved. We are the funding that it is directed to the highest priority happy to continue working in a constructive manner needs, based on independent scientific and technical with the hon. Gentleman, other local Members of assessments. Parliament and local councillors. Question put and agreed to. Senior officials from my Department spoke to councillors shortly before the local elections, but because of the local government purdah period there has been a hiatus 5.8 pm in activity. There was a meeting between departmental Sitting adjourned.

47WS Written Ministerial Statements24 MAY 2011 Written Ministerial Statements 48WS

have emerged had the Government not taken action. It Written Ministerial will provide that, notwithstanding the terms of a double taxation arrangement with another territory, a payment Statements of a pension or other similar remuneration may be taxed in the United Kingdom where: the payment arises in the other territory; Tuesday 24 May 2011 it is received by an individual resident of the United Kingdom; the pension savings in respect of which the pension or other similar remuneration is paid have been transferred to a pension scheme in the other territory; and BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS the main purpose or one of the main purposes of any person concerned with the transfer of pension savings in respect of which the payment is made was to take advantage of the Draft Groceries Code Adjudicator Bill double taxation arrangement in respect of that payment by means of that transfer. In the event that tax is paid in the other jurisdiction, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business, appropriate credit will be available against the UK tax Innovation and Skills (Mr Edward Davey): The Government chargeable. are publishing today the draft Groceries Code Adjudicator Bill and has invited pre-legislative scrutiny of it by The legislation will have effect in relation to payments Parliament. The groceries code adjudicator will be of pensions or other similar remuneration made on or responsible for ensuring compliance with the groceries after 6 April 2011. supply code of practice which is designed to curb abuses of power in the groceries supply chain and protect the long-term interests of consumers. The House of Commons Planned Tax Consultations Business, Innovation and Skills Select Committee has expressed its willingness to conduct such scrutiny. Copies of a document setting out the Government’s The Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury (Mr David policy for a groceries code adjudicator and the final Gauke): Since the June Budget 2010, the Government regulatory impact assessment are being placed in the have taken a number of steps to improve tax policy-making, Libraries of both Houses. with consultation on policy and scrutiny of legislation The draft Groceries Code Adjudicator Bill is presented as the cornerstones. in a way that helps wider understanding of the purpose Budget 2011 announced a number of tax policy of the proposed new law and how it would work. This is changes and longer-term tax reforms that will be subject part of the Government’s commitment to increase to consultation. These are summarised in the tax transparency and accountability of Parliament to the consultation tracker, which is available on the HM public. The Bill is drafted in simpler language and an Treasury website at: explanation is given alongside each part of the legal http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/tax_updates.htm text. HMRC and HM Treasury are today publishing the It is hoped that this approach will allow those affected following documents: by the legislation, parliamentarians, interested groups and the public, to engage more actively in the legislative Employer asset-backed pension contributions—A process and understand the impacts of the Bill, without consultation on changing tax rules in relation to the tax compromising its legal clarity and force. relief given to employers when they make asset-backed contributions to their defined benefit pension schemes. The Government will be able to consider the suitability of the approach for other Bills in the light of the views Machine games duty—A consultation on the design they receive on this exercise. characteristics of a new machine games duty. Incapacitated person—A modern definition—A consultation on how best to modernise the language used to define an incapacitated person for direct tax TREASURY purposes. The following consultations are expected to be published Tax Avoidance before Parliament returns from recess on 6 June: 27 MAY Tax reliefs—A consultation on abolishing a number The Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury (Mr David of tax reliefs announced at Budget 2011, following the Gauke): On 6 April 2011 the Government announced a Office of Tax Simplification recommendations. change in legislation to prevent tax avoidance. The Government have set out a clear strategy on preventing 31 MAY tax avoidance. We will not hesitate to take action to stop Capital allowances for feed-in-tariffs and renewable those who seek to take unfair advantage of unintended heat incentives—A consultation on the capital allowances tax loopholes. The measure demonstrates our commitment treatment of plant and machinery that could qualify for to act quickly to close these. feed-in-tariffs or renewable heat incentives. Legislation published today for consultation will be Capital allowances for fixtures—A consultation on introduced in Finance (No.3) Bill to prevent individuals proposed changes to the capital allowances fixtures from taking advantage of a tax loophole that would rules. 49WS Written Ministerial Statements24 MAY 2011 Written Ministerial Statements 50WS

Capital allowances anti-avoidance legislation—A senior independent adviser along with the hon. Member consultation on improvements to capital allowances for Newark (Patrick Mercer). The study is expected to anti-avoidance legislation to make it clearer and more be complete by the end of 2011. effective. High-risk tax avoidance schemes—A consultation on HOME DEPARTMENT proposals to list certain high-risk tax avoidance schemes in regulations. Users of listed schemes would be required EU Directive (Third Country Nationals) to disclose their use to HMRC and be subject to an additional charge on tax underpaid as a result of using the scheme. The Minister for Immigration (Damian Green): I wish Establishing the future relationship between the tax to inform the House that the Government have decided agent community and HMRC—A consultation on options to maintain the position that the UK should not opt for implementing HMRC’s agent strategy, and ways in in to the European Union directive providing for minimum which tax agents and HMRC can work together more standards on sanctions and measures against employers effectively. of illegally staying third country nationals: Directive Tackling VAT evasion on road vehicles brought into the 2009/52/EC of the European Parliament and of the UK—A consultation on the implementation and design Council of 18 June 2009. of a joint HMRC-DVLA initiative to combat VAT While sympathetic to the objectives behind this measure, evasion on road vehicles brought into the UK. the UK did not opt in under title V of the treaty on the Any changes to these planned dates will be publicised functioning of the European Union during the negotiations on the tax consultation tracker. because there were significant aspects of the draft directive which the UK did not support. These included the creation of additional administrative burdens on both CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT employers and the public sector in requiring employers Lords Parliamentary Written Question (Correction) to notify the authorities every time they recruit new third country national employees and in requiring compliance inspections. The directive also extended the The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture, legal definition of employment in a manner creating Olympics, Media and Sport (Mr Edward Vaizey): My further costs and liabilities to both employers and the noble Friend, the spokeswoman for the Department of authorities. This would mean, for instance, that enterprises Culture, Media and Sport has made the following statement: utilising subcontractors might be held liable for instances On 27 April 2011, I answered the following written of illegal employment by the subcontractor. The directive PQ: also guaranteed additional rights to illegally staying “Lord Laird: to ask Her Majesty’s Government what charges employees, including provision of back payments where are made by mobile phone network providers for providing an employee has earned less than the minimum national information to the public on location and incoming and outgoing wage, which would be difficult to administer and would calls on mobile phones removed during night-time dwelling burglaries send the wrong message by rewarding breaches of [HL 8480]”, Official Report, column WA142. immigration legislation. The question was amended and should have been Having reviewed the text post-adoption, the Government answered as follows: have noted that these difficulties remain and that our “To ask Her Majesty’s Government what charges are made by existing domestic provisions achieve similar outcomes mobile phone network providers for providing information to the police on location and incoming and outgoing calls on mobile without the additional burdens and costs the directive phones removed during night-time dwelling burglaries.[HL8480]” would impose on both business and the public sector. Answer: We have therefore concluded that it would not be in the UK’s national interest to participate. UK legislation The police and other designated public authorities already provides strict controls on the employment of may use part 1, chapter 2 of the Regulation of Investigatory third country nationals who do not have the right to Powers Act (RIPA) to require a communications service work in this country. Between March 2008 and the end provider to disclose certain information about a of January 2011, the UK Border Agency issued over communication, which may include details on the location 5,660 penalty notices under the Immigration, Asylum and incoming and outgoing calls, when it is necessary and Nationality Act 2006 and collected over £11 million and proportionate to do so. The Act allows for in penalty payments. communications service providers to be recompensed A decision not to opt in to this particular directive for the cost of carrying out such disclosures. does not prevent the UK from engaging with the EU on other matters relating to immigration and asylum and DEFENCE the UK continues to play a prominent part in developing EU strategy in these areas. Sovereign Base Areas

TRANSPORT The Secretary of State for Defence (Dr Liam Fox): As part of the follow-on work to the strategic defence and British Transport Police security review, my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister, my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary and I have agreed that a separate study of the British sovereign The Secretary of State for Transport (Mr Philip base areas in Cyprus should be undertaken. The study Hammond): The Government are committed to the will be informed by independent advice and the noble security of the country and as such keep our capabilities Lord, Lord Ashcroft has agreed to undertake the role of under constant review. As part of this, I am today 51WS Written Ministerial Statements24 MAY 2011 Written Ministerial Statements 52WS announcing, with the agreement of my right hon. Friend WORK AND PENSIONS the Home Secretary, that the security of the railways and London Underground will be further enhanced by the development of a British Transport police (BTP) Defined Contribution Pension Schemes armed capability that will be deployed as appropriate in response to the terrorism threat level at any given time. The Minister of State, Department for Work and Pensions (Steve Webb): I am pleased to be able to The Government have been considering the resilience publish today new guidance to help those involved in of the overall police armed capability and have concluded offering a default investment option for people who are that it would be beneficial to enhance this by providing automatically enrolled into defined contribution pension the BTP with an armed capability of its own. The schemes. timing of this is not as a result of any specific threat: it is a sensible and pragmatic approach to ensuring that The pensions landscape is changing. Automatic our police forces have the right resources to be able to enrolment into workplace pensions will see millions of respond as and when needed to protect the public. individuals newly saving for their retirements. Many of these people will not choose to make an active investment By sanctioning the development of this armed capability, choice. It is likely that, from 2012, automatic enrolment we will reduce the burden on other police forces which into default options will be the norm. Therefore, it is currently provide armed support to the BTP. This is not important that suitable default options are available. a major new capability in terms of overall armed policing, The guidance sets out the Government’s expectations but by training BTP officers to carry out armed patrolling on how default options should be designed, governed, of the rail network it equips BTP with a capability communicated and reviewed. It is intended to provide already available to other police forces. Armed patrols useful information that will support good decision making will be deployed according to operational need—it will and help protect members’ interests. not be a daily event to see armed officers at stations. I would like to thank all those groups who have been We will continue to work with the BTP and others to engaged on this issue and responded to our consultations. assess the use of this capability and its effectiveness and The guidance will be placed in the Library, and be impact. I would like to reassure Parliament that this is a made available later today on the Department’s website. measured and proportionate approach to supporting http://www.dwp.gov.uk/policy/pensions-reform/ the BTP in maintaining public safety on the railway. workplace-pension-reforms/guidance

3P Petitions24 MAY 2011 Petitions 4P

Funding for English for Speakers of Petitions other Languages Courses

Tuesday 24 May 2011 The Petition of tutors and students of English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) in Liverpool,

OBSERVATIONS Declares that the Petitioners oppose the proposed changes to the funding for English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) courses in the Government’s “Investing in Skills for Sustainable Growth” document; notes that BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS the Petitioners believe that the proposed changes will have a devastating effect on ESOL provision, ESOL ESOL Funding teachers’ jobs and ESOL students, particularly those on The Petition of students at Loughborough College, low wages; and further notes that the Petitioners believe Leicestershire, that in Liverpool many students will be left with little Declares that the Petitioners are concerned about the hope of improving their language skills and job prospects Government’s proposed new approach to English for as a result of the changes. Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), particularly the funding changes to such courses proposed in the The Petitioners therefore request that the House of Government’s Investing in Skills for Sustainable Growth Commons urges the Government not to cut funding for document. ESOL courses. The Petitioners therefore request that the House of And the Petitioners remain, etc.—[Presented by Luciana Commons urges the Government to consider with caution Berger, Official Report, 17 February 2011; Vol. 523, any changes to ESOL funding to ensure that they do c. 1214.] not disproportionately affect marginalised and vulnerable people who are currently studying on ESOL courses. [P000889] And the Petitioners remain, etc.—[Presented by Nicky Morgan, Official Report,10 May 2011; Vol. 527, c. 19P.] Observations from the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills: [P000921] Observations from the Secretary of State for Business, Thank you for your petition asking the Government Innovation and Skills: to reconsider their English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) policy. Thank you for your Petition regarding English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) policy. The Government fully appreciate the importance of The Government fully appreciate the importance of English language skills in integrating into society and in English language skills in integrating into society and in finding and holding onto employment, and will continue finding and holding onto employment, and will continue to support ESOL through the skills system. to support ESOL through the skills system. However, in order to address the financial crisis some However, some very difficult decisions have had to be very difficult decisions have had to be taken across taken across Government. With only limited public Government. With only limited public funds we have funds we have had to prioritise Further Education had to prioritise further education funding on those funding on those seeking work, to help gain the skills seeking work, to help gain the skills that will improve that will improve their prospects of getting a job, and their prospects of getting a job, and help grow the help grow the economy. Full Government funding will economy. Full Government funding will therefore be therefore be provided for ESOL to unemployed people provided for ESOL to unemployed people in receipt of in receipt of Jobseeker’s Allowance or in the Employment Jobseeker’s Allowance or in the Employment and Support and Support Allowance (Work-Related Activity) Group, Allowance (Work-Related Activity) Group, where English where English language skills have been identified as a language skills have been identified as a barrier to barrier to entering employment. We will no longer fund entering employment. We will no longer fund ESOL ESOL courses delivered in the workplace as public courses delivered in the work place as public funding funding should not be used to substitute employer should not be used to substitute employer investment in investment in training. We will continue to pay 50% of training. We will continue to pay 50% of ESOL course ESOL course fees for people who are settled here, and fees for people who are settled here, and we are giving we are giving FE colleges more flexibility and freedom FE colleges more flexibility and freedom to prioritise to prioritise funding. As part of this they will be tasked funding. As part of this they will be tasked to identify to identify particularly vulnerable learners in their particularly vulnerable learners in their communities as communities as part of their business planning and part of their business planning and local engagement local engagement. The Equality Impact Assessment published alongside The Equality impact assessment published alongside Skills for Sustainable Growth (November 2010) found “Skills for Sustainable Growth” (November 2010) found that, at the aggregate level, there are unlikely to be that, at the aggregate level, there are unlikely to be disproportionate impacts on protected groups. A separate disproportionate impacts on protected groups. A separate assessment of how the changes to skills funding may assessment of how the changes to skills funding may affect ESOL learners is currently being carried out by affect ESOL learners is currently being carried out by my Department, and we expect to be able to publish the my Department, and we expect to be able to publish the assessment before summer recess. assessment before summer recess. 5P Petitions24 MAY 2011 Petitions 6P

HOME DEPARTMENT that seek to ensure that only genuine students use tier 4, rather than those who are simply seeking to use the Student Visas student route as a way in to the UK. The Petition of residents of Sheffield, Over 31,000 responses were received to the Government’s consultation on proposals to reform the student immigration Declares that international students are a great social, system, and these responses have helped shape the final cultural and economic asset and a key contributor to policy which was announced on 22 March. These changes British Higher Education; that international students seek to tackle abuse of the student route, whilst also bring billions of pounds to the British economy, help supporting the Government’s key objective of reducing forge vital business contacts and are important ambassadors net migration to sustainable levels. for British culture globally; that the Petitioners do not agree with labelling international students as “immigrants” as they reside in the UK temporarily, make significant contributions and are in no way a burden to the country; JUSTICE that the petitioners believe that the proposed measures in the Home Office consultation on student immigration Minimum Sentence for Murder would restrict the freedom of choice of international The Petition of supporters of Families Fighting For students and would significantly damage their university Justice and others in Wirral, Cheshire, Merseyside, experience; and that international students should retain their rights to find work experience in the UK for up to Declares that the Petitioners are concerned about the two years, to work while studying, bring their dependants wording of section 170 of the Ministry of Justice Green to the UK, to apply for visa for a new course within the Paper, Breaking the Cycle: Effective Punishment, UK, and to study a second course of the same qualification. Rehabilitation and Sentencing of Offenders, regarding the Schedule 21 of the Criminal Justice Act 2003, The Petitioners therefore request that the House of particularly the planned simplification to the minimum Commons urges the Government not to accept the terms of life sentences which could result in changes to changes proposed in the Home Office consultation on minimum sentencing. the current student immigration system. The Petitioners therefore request that the House of And the Petitioners remain, etc.—[Presented by Paul Commons urges the Ministry of Justice to consider Blomfield, Official Report, 24 March 2011; Vol. 525, with severe caution any changes to Schedule 21 of the c. 8P.] Criminal Justice Act 2003 to ensure that the length of [P000910] minimum sentences for murder are not altered so as to reduce the term served. Observations from the Secretary of State for the Home Department: And the Petitioners remain, etc.—[Presented by Esther McVey, Official Report, 11 January 2011; Vol. 521, The Government agree with residents of Sheffield c. 260.] that genuine international students are a great social, cultural and economic asset and acknowledge that they [P000876] make a significant economic contribution to the United Observations from the Secretary of State for Justice: Kingdom. The Government express their deepest sympathy to The Government believe that international students all those who have lost loved ones through violent who want to come here should be able to speak English, crime. to support themselves financially without taking paid The Government have the following observations to employment, and to show that they are coming to the make. UK primarily for study, rather than to work or for their dependants to work. Students who wish to continue We have absolutely no intention whatsoever of reducing their studies in the UK will need to demonstrate that sentences for murder. We are not abolishing the mandatory they are making progress, and we will limit the maximum life sentence for murder, nor are we sanctioning any period of time a student can spend studying in the UK. reduction in the minimum terms imposed for murder. From the summer, only students at higher education Schedule 21 does not set minimum terms for murder—that institutions and publicly funded further education colleges is the function of judges. It provides guidance to the will be able to work part-time during term-time, and courts on assessing the seriousness of cases. Any reform full-time during vacations. The ability to bring dependants of the guidance will not prevent murderers continuing will be restricted to Government-sponsored students to receive lengthy minimum terms as part of their life and those who are studying at postgraduate level at sentence. higher education institutions. From April 2012, only graduates who have an offer of a skilled graduate-level job from an employer licensed by the UK Border Agency WORK AND PENSIONS will be allowed to stay in the UK to work. The planned changes will be implemented in a phased Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance manner which began on 21 April, and aim to protect The Petition of members, volunteers and supporters of the interests of our world-class universities, leading the Chippenham Gateway Club, independent schools and publicly funded Further Education colleges. In addition to tightening the criteria education Declares that the Petitioners are opposed to the providers will have to meet in order to be able to Government’s proposal to stop paying the Mobility continue to bring international students to the UK, the Component of the Disability Living Allowance for Government are introducing a number of measures disabled adults in residential care; and notes their concern 7P Petitions24 MAY 2011 Petitions 8P that this proposal would have a devastating impact on is not intended to remove severely disabled people’s the Chippenham Gateway Club and similar clubs for ability to get out and about but to identify and remove members with learning difficulties/mental health issues any overlaps. throughout the UK. We want to ensure that the help available is properly The Petitioners therefore request that the House of targeted to reflect the different circumstances in which Commons urges the Government not to stop paying the disabled people live. This is why we are considering the Mobility Component of the Disability Living Allowance evidence to determine how best to implement any changes for disabled adults in residential care. as part of wider DLA reform and implementation of the new Personal Independence Payment, not beforehand. And the Petitioners remain, etc.—[Presented by Duncan Hames, Official Report, 9 February 2011; Vol. 523, The Petition of supporters of Muscular Dystrophy c. 433.] Campaign and others, [P000884] Declares that the Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA) helps to meet the higher costs Observations from the Secretary of State for Work and of accessible public transport (where available), or makes Pensions: an individual eligible for an adapted vehicle through the We have listened and will continue to listen to what Motability scheme; that without DLA mobility component, care home residents, their families and care home staff thousands of adults of all ages with severe disabilities have said about how mobility support works in practice who are supported by the state to live in residential care and it is clear that the current system is not working in will be unable to retain voluntary employment or simply the way it is supposed to. It is important that this to visit family and friends; that many families with uncertainty is addressed. We can guarantee this measure children attending residential schools will not be able to is not intended to remove severely disabled people’s fund their own adapted vehicle, and as residential schools ability to get out and about but to identify and remove only provide transport for the start and end of term, any overlaps. with no extra provision for weekends or holidays, disabled We want to ensure that the help available is properly children may end up stuck as prisoners in their own targeted to reflect the different circumstances in which home during school holidays, unable to take part in disabled people live. This is why we are considering the leisure activities, or even attend essential hospital evidence to determine how best to implement any changes appointments; and that the decision to cut this vital as part of wider DLA reform and implementation of benefit for children in residential schools and adults in the new Personal Independence Payment, not beforehand. residential care will deny thousands of disabled people The Petition of care home residents and others concerned the chance to live full and independent lives. for their welfare, The Petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urges the Government not to cut the Disability Declares that the mobility component of Disability Living Allowance Mobility Component for people living Living Allowance (DLA) helps meet some of the extra in residential care—including children attending residential costs disabled people can face getting around; further schools. declares that the Government plan to stop paying DLA to people living in residential care, which will mean that And the Petitioners remain, etc.—[Presented by Mr John many people no longer have the money to meet these Leech, Official Report, 8 March 2011; Vol. 524, c. 877.] extra costs and face being trapped at home. [P000894] The Petitioners therefore request that the House of Observations from the Secretary of State for Work and Commons calls on the Government to keep the mobility Pensions: component of Disability Living Allowance for people We have listened and will continue to listen to what living in residential care. care home residents, their families and care home staff And the Petitioners remain, etc.—[Presented by Fiona have said about how mobility support works in practice Mactaggart, Official Report, 16 February 2011; Vol. 523, and it is clear that the current system is not working in c. 1096.] the way it is supposed to. It is important that this uncertainty is addressed. We can guarantee this measure [P000887] is not intended to remove severely disabled people’s Observations from the Secretary of State for Work and ability to get out and about but to identify and remove Pensions: any overlaps. We have listened and will continue to listen to what We want to ensure that the help available is properly care home residents, their families and care home staff targeted to reflect the different circumstances in which have said about how mobility support works in practice disabled people live. This is why we are considering the and it is clear that the current system is not working in evidence to determine how best to implement any changes the way it is supposed to. It is important that this as part of wider DLA reform and implementation of uncertainty is addressed. We can guarantee this measure the new Personal Independence Payment, not beforehand.

485W Written Answers23 MAY 2011 Written Answers 486W

Written Answers to Number Q4 2009-10 23,970 Questions Total number helped 37,300 during 2009-10

Monday 23 May 2011 Q1 2010-11 24,230 Q2 2010-11 23,910 Q3 2010-11 22,930 Answers received for publication on Total number helped 32,680 Monday 23 May 2011 during Q1, Q2 and Q3 2010-11

WORK AND PENSIONS Total number helped 73,500 since April 2007 Access to Work Programme 1 Source—Access to Work database. Figures are rounded to the nearest 10. 2 Each person is counted once in each quarter. If a person has been Fiona Mactaggart: To ask the Secretary of State for helped in more than one quarter within the same financial year, they Work and Pensions what assessment he has made of are only counted once in the total numbers helped during that financial year. If a person has been helped in more than one financial the reason for trends in the number of new customers year, they are only counted once in the total numbers helped since using the Access to Work programme in the last year; April 2007. and if he will make a statement. [55943] Bakeries: Safety Maria Miller: Access to Work is a popular and successful programme and numbers helped have grown steadily in recent years. The programme supported 32,120 disabled Mr Crausby: To ask the Secretary of State for Work people to keep or get employment during 2008-09 and and Pensions what assessment his Department has made supported 37,290 disabled people in 2009-10. Figures of the effects of sustained heat on people working in from April 2010 to December 2010 show that 32,680 bakeries. [56717] disabled people were supported by Access to Work in that period. The figures appear to show a small decline Chris Grayling: The Health and Safety Executive has in the numbers helped in Quarter 2 and Quarter 3 of not conducted specific research on bakeries and the 2010-11 but as these numbers are subject to revision it is effect of sustained heat on workers in those environments. too early to draw any inferences from this. HSE has commissioned research that looks at the effects of working in hot environments that can be Fiona Mactaggart: To ask the Secretary of State for applied to a wide range of UK industries including Work and Pensions how many people received support bakeries. This research can be found at: through the Access to Work programme in each http://www.hse.gov.uk/research/rrpdf/rr337.pdf quarter since its inception. [55944] looked at the risks associated with manual handling in a range of thermal environments including bakeries. Maria Miller: Figures from the inception of Access to Work in 1997, up to end of March 2007 are not http://www.hse.gov.uk/research/rrpdf/rr008.pdf available due to unreliable data. was used to provide practical web based generic guidance to The following table shows the number of individuals UK industry on heat stress risk assessments. helped on the Access to Work programme each quarter In addition HSE commissioned Professor Ray Kemp since April 2007 and up to 31 December 20101, 2: to review the management of workplace temperature, and later reviewed results from a questionnaire, both of Number which do not support legislative review. Guidance available from the HSE website reflects these findings, and offers Q1 2007-08 16,610 simple measures that may be taken to address conditions Q2 2007-08 17,300 in hot workplaces: Q3 2007-08 17,600 http://www.hse.gov.uk/temperature/index.htm Q4 2007-08 18,020 Total number helped 27,720 during 2007-08 Cold Weather Payments

Q1 2008-09 18,610 Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Q2 2008-09 19,330 and Pensions how many cold weather payments were Q3 2008-09 19,930 made to pensioner households in the weather station Q4 2008-09 20,840 area covering (a) York Central constituency, (b) Yo rk Total number helped 32,130 local authority area and (c) the UK in (i) 2009-10 and during 2008-09 (ii) 2010-11; and what was the total value of such payments. [56658] Q1 2009-10 21,560 Q2 2009-10 22,170 Steve Webb: The information available is for Great Q3 2009-10 22,860 Britain and is provided in the following tables: 487W Written Answers23 MAY 2011 Written Answers 488W

Number of pensioner benefit units eligible for a cold weather payment in each Chris Grayling: The following table details this area in 2009-10 and 2010-11 Department’s spend on travel for our special advisers Area 2009-10 2010-11 during the period May 2010 to March 2011; further City of York constituency 3,700 n/a data are unavailable at present. York Central constituency n/a 3,400 York local authority 6,000 6,000 May 2009 to May 2010 to Great Britain 2,598,300 2,601,100 Travel March 2010 March 2011 Percentage expenditure (£) (£) reduction Notes 1. The information relating to Northern Ireland is a matter for the Secretary of Rail costs 1,102 689.08 37 State for Northern Ireland. 2. The information given is for pensioner benefit units as opposed to pensioner Air costs 8,214 277 96 households as cold weather payments are made to benefit units and not Taxi costs 0 37.00 — households. There can be more than one benefit unit in a household, e.g. where two sisters live together they would be classed as two benefit units but Total 9,316.00 1,003.08 89 one household. 3. The analysis does not include pensioner benefit units who are eligible for cold weather payments because they receive employment and support Disability Living Allowance allowance (income-related), as no relevant data are available. However, it is very likely that the number of people involved is small and would not change the above estimate. Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Work 4. The estimate is lower than the number of benefit units receiving pension credit because people in a care home are not eligible for cold weather and Pensions what timetable his Department has set for payments. the reassessment of people in receipt of disability living 5. In 2009-10 the York Central constituency was one part of the City of York allowance. [56235] constituency so figures have been given for this constituency however they are not comparable. Source: Maria Miller: From 2013 we will begin to replace Analysis of 5% sample data for pension credit, income support (for recipients with a pensioner premium), jobseeker’s allowance (for recipients with a disability living allowance for people of working age pensioner premium) and the Work and Pensions Longitudinal Study (100% with personal independence payment, a new, more data), all for August 2009 and August 2010. transparent benefit and objective assessment of individual Expenditure on cold weather payments for the weather stations which cover the need. We expect that by 2016 all existing working age York Central/City of York constituencies in 2009-10 and 2010-11 recipients of disability living allowance will have been £ million reassessed for personal independence payment. We will Weather station 2009-10 2010-11 continue to involve disabled people and their organisations in the design of this exercise. Fylingdales 0.6 0.5 Linton on Ouse 8.5 10.7 We want to build on the experience of developing an Notes: assessment and applying it to new and existing claimants 1. The information provided is Management Information. Our preference is to of working age to inform our decisions about the answer all parliamentary questions using Official/National Statistics but in this arrangements for children and pensioners. Therefore, case we only have Management Information available. It is not quality assured to the same extent as Official/National Statistics and there are some issues with we will not extend personal independence payment to the data, for example, figures given are estimates. Actuals are not available. children or pensioners already receiving DLA until we 2. A cold weather payment is made to an eligible customer when the average have had an opportunity to consider the effectiveness of temperature has been recorded as, or is forecast to be, 0°C or below over seven consecutive days at the weather station linked to the customer’s postcode. the new arrangements for working age people. (When the temperature criterion is met, the weather station is said to trigger.) 3. Some weather stations listed are linked both to an area within the York Central and City of York constituencies and also to an area outside of it. Disability Living Allowance: Care Homes Estimated numbers given are for the weather station as a whole, not for the part of the York Central or City of York constituencies linked to the weather station. 4. Some postcode to weather station linkages have changed from one year to the Mr Crausby: To ask the Secretary of State for Work next, so estimated numbers are not always comparable from year to year. and Pensions whether he has any plans to remove the 5. Estimated expenditure is for cold weather payments triggered in the relevant financial year. mobility component payment of disability living 6. Cold weather payments are made to benefit units. A benefit unit can be a allowance for state-funded residents in care homes single person or a couple and can include children. after 28 days. [56466] 7. Some benefit units received more than one payment in some years. 8. Estimated expenditure has been rounded to the nearest £100,000. Sources: Maria Miller: In response to the concerns raised by Postcode districts in the York Central and City of York constituencies: analysis of National Statistics Postcode Directory. individuals and organisations, we announced that we Postcode district to weather station links: Department for Work and Pensions would not remove the DLA mobility component from records. Estimated numbers: people in residential care from October 2012 and that scans of benefit computer systems taken at the end of October each year giving we would consider the needs of care home residents the number of potential qualifiers for cold weather payments by weather station; alongside all other recipients of DLA. We will review Department for Work and Pensions records of triggers; Department for Work and Pensions records of the total number of payments the existing evidence and gather more to enable us to actually made by benefit computer system and clerically. determine the extent to which there are overlaps in provision for mobility needs of people in residential The estimated expenditure on cold weather payments care homes. in Great Britain in 2009-10 was £296.7 million and in 2010-11 was £430 million. When the work is complete we will make a final decision on the way forward. Any changes will be rolled Departmental Ministerial Policy Advisers into the introduction of personal independence payment Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Work from April 2013. and Pensions how much his Department spent on special We guarantee this measure is not intended to reduce advisers’ travel by (a) private hire car, (b) train, (c) the mobility of residents in care homes. It aims to bus, (d) commercial aircraft and (e) private aircraft remove any overlap, not remove severely disabled people’s since May 2010. [56111] ability to get out and about. 489W Written Answers23 MAY 2011 Written Answers 490W

Employment and Support Allowance: Disability Two and a half days of training has been provided to staff delivering the Bereavement Service, including both Mr Burley: To ask the Secretary of State for Work soft skills and technical training. Staff responsible for and Pensions what steps he is taking to ensure that processing completed Social Fund funeral payment claims persons with learning disabilities are informed of the receive four weeks’ training including two weeks’ help and support available to them from his Department. consolidation. Bereavement benefit processing staff receive [56209] three weeks’ training on processing new claims, which includes one week’s consolidation, while training for Maria Miller: The Department provides appropriate processing bereavement benefit changes of circumstances and flexible support through a variety of channels to is eight weeks’ duration, including four weeks’ consolidation. ensure customers with learning disabilities are informed It is important that bereaved customers know about about benefits and services available to them. the new service so that they can access the additional Information and help can be accessed through our help available. In order to provide this information, the online services via Directgov. We also produce leaflets Directgov site will be updated by June 2011, and all relevant in easy read format available both online and offline leaflets amended by September 2011 (timing varies to which provide information mainly for people with learning minimise extra costs). In both cases, while DWP leads disabilities. Customers can also access our telephony on information about bereavement, publications are services such as the benefit enquiry line where they are developed in close collaboration with colleagues in General asked a range of questions to identify the most appropriate Register Office, Ministry of Justice, Department of benefits available to them. This information is recorded Health, the Probate Service and HM Revenue and electronically, removing the need for a claim form to be Customs. completed. As my hon. Friend knows, my Department is also Increasingly, customers are opting to apply for jobseeker’s leading the way on ‘Tell Us Once’ and I refer him to the allowance online via the “Do it online” section of the record of the Adjournment debate on 26 April 2011, Directgov website. This provides the flexibility to access Official Report, column 146. Jobcentre Plus services from their own homes, at a pace My hon. Friend is right in pointing out that that suits them and allows them to be assisted in completing communications need to be co-ordinated with other the application by an advocate or representative. Customers Government Departments, particularly within the Ministry can also submit an initial application for employment of Justice (MOJ) and the Department of Health. My support allowance via the internet claim service. Department has written to 60 third party organisations, Should a customer be unable to use either of the including MOJ, about the new services being provided options above, clerical forms can be issued or, where for the bereaved. Additionally it has delivered a presentation appropriate, we also offer face to face meetings to to a number of MOJ staff who will be actively involved support the most vulnerable customers. in helping customers to access the new services. We also provide the customer the opportunity to Regarding the Department of Health, my Department appoint a representative to manage their claim on their wants to make sure that the messages are received by all behalf, e.g. a family member or their key worker. the people who will be in a position to advise and Our work, with national partners such as the citizens support the bereaved within the health service and advice bureau at a strategic and operational level, offers associated fields. To this end, it is conducting analysis to a holistic and joined-up service for disabled people, identify relevant areas including hospitals, hospices, including those with learning disabilities. specialist nurses and counsellors and residential care and nursing homes, with a view to sending them targeted Jobcentre Plus staff have the opportunity to learn information about the new services. It expects to send more about the learning disability agenda through the the communication out in the next two to three weeks “Raising the Game on Disability” seminar, which covers to around 27,000 contacts. a range of pan-disability topics, but can also specifically include a session around learning disabilities, to improve the customer service experience for individuals with Future Jobs Fund: Kirklees these conditions. Jason McCartney: To ask the Secretary of State for Funeral Payments Work and Pensions how many people placed in employment in Kirklees through the Future Jobs Fund Iain Stewart: To ask the Secretary of State for Work are still in work. [56664] and Pensions if he will take steps to increase the level of co-ordination between his Department, the Department Chris Grayling: The Department does not monitor of Health and the Ministry of Justice on the guidance individual outcomes for people who have been employed provided on funerals and bereavements; what plans he through the Future Jobs Fund (FJF). The FJF, at up to has to provide training for his Department’s staff in this £6,500 per person, does not offer value for money to the area; and if he will make a statement. [48814] taxpayer. It creates temporary, short term placements, and the grants do not include any incentives to move Steve Webb: DWP rolled out a new Bereavement people into permanent employment. Recent analysis Service in March. The service enables a bereaved customer shows nearly 45% of FJF participants are claiming to report a death and to find out whether they may be benefit seven months after they started FJF. There are entitled to benefits as a result of the bereavement, in a still too many FJF participants who are failing to get a single phone call. Where they may be entitled to a sustained job. The published version of the analysis can Social Fund funeral payment, or to bereavement benefit, be found here: a claim can be taken by the agent over the phone and http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/asd1/adhoc_analysis/2011/ sent directly to processing teams. early_analysis_of_fjf_participant_outcomes_march2011.pdf 491W Written Answers23 MAY 2011 Written Answers 492W

Housing Benefit: North West England area below a regional level, and for the number of claimants affected by both region and disability, and Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Work region and age. and Pensions what estimate he has made of the number In February 2011 the Department for Work and of people in (a) the North West and (b) Warrington Pensions (DWP) produced an equality impact assessment affected by proposals to reduce housing benefit to entitled “Housing Benefit: Size Criteria for people renting those deemed to be under-occupying their property; in the Social Rented Sector”, coinciding with the publication and in each such case, what proportion are (i) disabled of the Welfare Reform Bill. The equality impact assessment and (ii) over 60. [56680] can be found at: http://www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/eia-social-sector-housing-under- Steve Webb: The estimated impact of changes to occupation-wr2011.pdf housing benefit for working-age tenants living in the The equality impact assessment included regional social rented sector is based upon information collected estimates for working-age housing benefit recipients in the Department’s Family Resources Survey. Because living in social housing, under-occupying their home the survey collects information from a sample of and who were likely to be affected by the introduction households, we cannot produce reliable estimates by of the size criteria in social rented housing.

Affected claimants as % of Estimated number of working-age SRS HB claimants Average weekly HB loss per Government office region claimants affected in each region affected claimant (£)1

North East 50,000 46 12 North West 120,000 43 12 Yorkshire and Humberside 70,000 36 11 East Midlands 50,000 37 11 West Midlands 60,000 33 14 Eastern 60,000’ 36 14 London 70,000 19 21 South East 50,000 26 15 South West 30,000 28 13 Wales 40,000 42 11 Scotland 70,000 32 11 Great Britain 670,000 32 13 1 2013-14. Source: Policy Simulation Model, using 2008-09 reference data from the Family Resource Survey.

The impact assessment also included a national estimate of working age housing benefit recipients living in social housing, who were likely to be affected by the introduction of the size criteria, by disability and by age, as follows.

Breakdown of all Estimated number Breakdown of working- working-age SRS Breakdown of all Average weekly HB of claimants age SRS HB claimants HB claimants SRS HB claimants loss per affected Disability status1 affected affected (Percentage) (Percentage) (Percentage) claimant (£)

Disabled 450,000 66 56 67 13 Non-disabled 220,000 34 44 33 13 All 670,000 100 100 100 13 1 Based upon the claimant or partner having a Disability Discrimination Act recognised disability. Source: Policy 5 Simulation Model, using 2008-09 reference data from the Family Resource Survey.

Affected claimants as % of Estimated number of working age SRS HB Average weekly HB loss per Family circumstances claimants affected claimants1 affected claimant (£)

Age 60 and over, but under state retirement age 50,000 47 15 Under 60, couples with children 60,000 18 14 Under 60, lone parents 160,000 22 13 Under 60, couples without children 80,000 62 13 Under 60, single people 320,000 42 13 All family circumstances 670,000 32 13 1 Within each family circumstance. Source: Policy Simulation Model, using 2008-09 reference data from the Family Resource Survey. 493W Written Answers23 MAY 2011 Written Answers 494W

We estimate that around 120,000 of the affected Chris Grayling: The available information on how working-age claimants are living in the North West. On many calls were taken by Jobcentre Plus contact centre a national basis we estimate that approximately 450,000 directorate in each of the last 10 weeks has been placed of the affected working-age claimants would be disabled, in the Library. The table illustrates the number of calls and approximately 50,000 would be over 60 (but below that were received, answered and those which were lost. state retirement age). The number of lost calls is the sum of the unsuccessful Any further breakdown of the estimated impact of and abandoned calls. the degree of under-occupation by region would be based upon information from a very small number of Teresa Pearce: To ask the Secretary of State for Work households for many of these combinations. and Pensions how many calls made to each of the customer service telephone lines administered by the Jobcentre Plus: Manpower Jobcentre Plus contact centre directorate were concluded within the average handling time (AHT) in each of the Teresa Pearce: To ask the Secretary of State for Work last 10 weeks for which figures are available; what the and Pensions how many staff were employed in the AHT was for each telephone line; how many calls were Jobcentre Plus contact centre directorate in the last terminated with the inquiry outstanding; and what year for which figures are available; and how many staff proportion of those outstanding inquiries received a were employed on each of the customer service call back from staff within three hours. [56882] telephone lines administered by the directorate. [56880] Chris Grayling: The information requested on the Chris Grayling: The following table shows contact average handling time (AHT) for each contact centre centre directorate (CCD) full-time equivalent (FTE) directorate service line has been placed in the Library. staffing level over the past 13 months. CCD do not We do not keep records on the number of calls report on staffing by each service line as most telephony that were terminated for further action. We do know the agents are multi-skilled and therefore handle calls on total number of handovers made via the 0845 call logger numerous service lines. for those service lines where it is recorded but some of these (change of circumstances) will not require a call FTE headcount back from the benefit centre when they are actioned. April 2010 11,441 We have shown the percentage of all call backs made May 2010 11,258 within three hours per service line where available. It is June 2010 11,186 not a proportion of the handovers made due to the fact July 2010 11,182 that some handovers will not require a call back as August 2010 11,024 mentioned above. September 2010 10,729 October 2010 10,124 November 2010 9,847 Jobseeker’s Allowance December 2010 9,649 January 2011 9,501 Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for February 2011 9,606 Work and Pensions what proportion of those on March 2011 9,620 jobseeker’s allowance are supporting more than four April 2011 9,306 children. [57035] Source: Data extracted from OFA (Data View) 16 May 2011. Chris Grayling: The information requested is as follows: Jobcentre Plus: Preston Jobseeker’s allowance claimants supporting five or more children Mr Crausby: To ask the Secretary of State for Work (Great Britain), November 2010 and Pensions which areas the Jobcentre Plus contact Total claimants (number) 1,328,910 centre in Preston serves. [56748] Five or more children (number) 5,590 Proportion (percentage) 0.4 Chris Grayling: Preston Contact Centre takes calls on Notes: the National Benefit Fraud Hotline and the Local Authority 1. Caseloads are rounded to the nearest 10. Proportion is to the Fraud Hotline. Both of these are virtual service lines so nearest decimal place. the site takes calls from customers anywhere in the UK. 2. Data are published at: http://statistics.dwp.gov.uk/asd/index.php?page=tabtool Source: Jobcentre Plus: Telephone Services DWP Tabulation Tool, 100%

Teresa Pearce: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Older People: Weather and Pensions how many calls were made to each of the customer service telephone lines administered by the Jobcentre Plus contact centre directorate in each of the Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for Work last 10 weeks for which figures are available; and how and Pensions what steps his Department is taking to many such calls were (a) answered and (b) lost. protect vulnerable elderly people from the effects of [56881] cold weather. [57112] 495W Written Answers23 MAY 2011 Written Answers 496W

Steve Webb: The winter fuel payment provides a The Department does not publish projections on significant contribution to an older person’s winter fuel pensioner poverty. costs and provides vital reassurance that people can afford to turn up their heating. For winter 2011-12, eligible people will receive a winter fuel payment of Personal Income either £200 or £300 depending on their household circumstances. Ms Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and In addition, cold weather payments can help people Pensions what estimate he has made of (a) the average who are in receipt of certain benefits including pension level of earnings, including in-work benefits and tax credit with their additional heating costs during winter. credits, for working families in the latest period for We are working closely with the Department of Energy which figures are available and (b) average income of and Climate Change on the Warm Home Discount workless households (i) in each region of the UK and scheme. Under this scheme, from winter 2011-12 some (ii) for a household comprising (A) a lone parent and of the poorest pensioners will get a rebate off their (1) one child, (2) two children, (3) three children, (4) electricity bills (subject to parliamentary approval). Rebates four children, (5) five children and (6) six children and will be £120 in the first year of the scheme rising to £140 (B) a couple and (1) one child, (2) two children, (3) by the final year in 2014-15. three children, (4) four children, (5) five children and The Department for Work and Pensions also works (6) six children in the latest period for which figures are closely with other Government Departments on the available. [57079] “Keep Warm Keep Well” campaign, which is aimed at vulnerable households in England and gives information Maria Miller: The following tables summarise the on the health benefits of keeping warm in winter and information on average earnings and income as requested, details of the grants and benefits available. from the Family Resources Survey 2009-10—the latest data available: Pensioners: Poverty (a) Median weekly income from employment, self-employment, benefits and tax credits of benefit units containing at least one working adult (i) By region Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Region/country Median weekly income (£) and Pensions how many and what proportion of pensioners were living in poverty in each of the last five North East 470 years; and what estimate he has made of the number North West 481 and proportion of pensioners likely to be living in Yorkshire and the Humber 498 poverty in each of the next four years. [56887] East Midlands 528 West Midlands 462 Steve Webb: Estimates of pensioner poverty are published East 570 in the Households Below Average Incomes series. The London 605 most commonly used measure of pensioner poverty South East 624 relates to those people with income below 60% of South West 525 contemporary median income, after housing costs. This Wales 507 is often referred to as relative poverty. Scotland 526 The latest year for which data are available is 2009-10. Northern Ireland 471 The following table shows the percentage of pensioners with income below 60% of contemporary median income, United Kingdom 533 after housing costs, in each of the most recent five years for which data are available. (ii) By benefit unit composition Composition Median weekly income (£) Percentage of pensioners with income below 60% of contemporary median One adult after housing costs One child 384 Two children 408 2005-06 17 Three children 496 2006-07 19 Four children — 2007-08 18 Five children — 2008-09 16 Six children — 2009-10 16 Seven or more children — Notes: 1. These statistics are based on the Households Below Average Income series, sourced from the Family Resources Survey. Two adults 2. The estimates presented here are for the United Kingdom. 3. All estimates are based on survey data and are therefore subject to uncertainty. One child 772 Small differences should be treated with caution as these will be affected by Two children 809 sampling error and variability in non-response. 4. The income measures used to derive the estimates shown employ the same Three children 748 methodology as the Department for Work and Pensions publication ‘Households Four children 691 Below Average Income’ (HBAI) series, which uses disposable household income, Five children — adjusted (or ‘equivalised’) for household size and composition, as an income measure as a proxy for standard of living. Six children — 5. For the Households Below Average Income series, incomes have been Seven or more children — equivalised using Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) modified equivalisation factors. 6. Proportions of pensioners in low-income households have been rounded to All benefit units with children 697 the nearest whole percentage point. 497W Written Answers23 MAY 2011 Written Answers 498W

(b) Median weekly total income of households containing no working adults Poverty: Children (i) By region Region/country Median weekly income (£) Graeme Morrice: To ask the Secretary of State for North East 254 Work and Pensions how he plans to ensure that a focus on the eradication of child poverty is maintained in North West 284 implementing his proposal to replace the Child Poverty Yorkshire and the Humber 258 Commission with a Social Mobility and Child Poverty East Midlands 268 Commission. [55855] West Midlands 269 East 297 Maria Miller: The Government remain committed to London 289 eradicating child poverty. The Child Poverty Strategy, South East 307 published on 5 April, sets out the broad range of South West 303 policies which are being implemented to ensure that disadvantaged families have the help they need to lift Wales 268 themselves out of poverty and that children from poorer Scotland 256 backgrounds have the same opportunities as other children Northern Ireland 255 to achieve their full potential as they grow up. The strategy also announces our intention to create a stronger Social Mobility and Child Poverty Commission with a United Kingdom 278 broader remit.

(ii) By household composition Broadening the remit of the commission will not Composition Median weekly income (£) reduce the focus on child poverty. Rather, it will ensure that poverty is considered in the context of improving One adult life chances and reducing the intergenerational transfer One child 237 of poverty. Improving life chances and increasing social Two children 290 mobility are absolutely necessary if we are to have a Three children 360 sustainable impact on child poverty and it is right that Four children — there should be an explicit requirement for the commission Five children — to consider these issues. Six children — The changes to the commission are also intended to Seven or more children — improve the ability of the commission to hold the Government to account. We are giving the commission Two adults a duty to publish independent annual reports assessing One child 313 progress towards meeting the child poverty targets and Two children 326 implementing the Child Poverty Strategy. We believe Three children 393 that this regular independent assessment will drive progress Four children — towards our goals. It also represents a clear commitment Five children — from Government to ensure that the issue of child Six children — poverty remains high on the agenda. Seven or more children —

Three or more adults with child/children 429 Social Security Benefits

All households with children 295 Ms Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and — indicates the sample size is not sufficient to yield a reliable figure. Notes: Pensions if he will estimate the number of households 1. The FRS is a nationally representative sample of approximately 25,000 UK private households. Data for 2009-10, the latest year available, were collected who would be subject to the overall benefit cap if (a) between April 2009 and March 2010. child benefit, (b) child tax credit and (c) housing 2. The figures from the FRS are based on a sample of households which have benefit were not included in the calculation of this cap. been adjusted for non-response using multi-purpose grossing factors which align the estimates to region populations by age and sex. Estimates are subject [57078] to sampling error and remaining non-response error. 3. A household is defined as a single person or group of people living at the same address as their only or main residence, who either share one meal a day Chris Grayling: We estimate that 50,000 households together or share the living accommodation (i.e. a living room). A benefit unit is will be affected by the benefit cap if it is introduced as defined as a single adult or a married or cohabiting couple and any dependent children. An adult is defined as those individuals aged 16 or over, unless defined announced in the spending review. We are looking at as a dependent child. An individual may be defined as a child if aged 16 to ways of easing the transition for families and providing 19-years-old and they are not married nor in a civil partnership nor living with a assistance in hard cases. partner; and living with parents; and in full-time non-advanced education or in unwaged Government training. An adult has been defined as working based on Analysis of the benefit cap is based on a very small their self-reported economic status. Income from employment, self employment, benefits and tax credits includes: income from wages and salaries, self-employed sample using survey data, therefore any assessment of income, tax credits and income—and non-income related benefits (including options to exempt certain categories of income or groups child benefit, disability living allowance, housing benefit and council tax benefit). from the benefit cap is subject to significant uncertainty. Total household income includes income from wages and salaries, self employment, investments, tax credits, income—and non-income related benefits (including Estimates suggest that excluding child benefit from the child benefit, disability living allowance, housing benefit and council tax), calculation of the benefit cap may reduce the number of pensions and other sources. households affected by around 40% to 50% and excluding 4. Figures have been rounded to the nearest £. 5. The Family Resources Survey is known to under-record benefit receipt so the child tax credit or housing benefit may reduce the estimates presented should be treated with caution. number of households affected by around 80% to 90%. 499W Written Answers23 MAY 2011 Written Answers 500W

Trade Unions Interview scheme; and if he will make a statement. [56501] Mr Raab: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many staff of (a) his Department, (b) Chris Grayling: Help with the cost of travel to job Jobcentre Plus and (c) the Pension, Disability and interviews remains available from Jobcentre Plus. The Carers Service are entitled to work (i) full-time as trade Travel to Interview scheme along with a number of union representatives and (ii) part-time on trade union other discretionary funds has been rolled into a single activities; how many such staff are paid more than Flexible Support Fund. This allows Jobcentre Plus £25,900 annually; and what the cost to the public purse managers and advisers more flexibility to tailor support of employing such staff on such duties was in the latest they provide to jobseekers and to ensure value for period for which figures are available. [56452] money for the taxpayer. Jobcentre Plus advisers will continue to use their discretion to decide when to pay Chris Grayling: The Department’s policy on time off travel to interview costs. for trade union representatives complies with the law Welfare Reform Bill and reflects the code of practice issued by the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service. Under this, the Lady Hermon: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Department currently allows 16 staff to work full-time and Pensions what discussions he has had with the as trade union representatives, which equates to around Social Development Minister in the Northern Ireland 0.01% of our workforce. Of these, eight are employed Executive on (a) the Welfare Reform Bill and (b) by Jobcentre Plus and two by the Pension, Disability proposals to introduce charging for child maintenance and Carers Service. services. [47807] The Department is unable to provide data on the number of part-time representatives operating across Chris Grayling: The Department of Work and Pensions the country as this changes on a frequent basis. However, keeps in close contact with the Department of Social the amount of time available, including full-time posts, Development on the subject of welfare reform at both is capped at 0.2% of total staffing. ministerial and official levels. Of the 16 staff currently working full-time on trade The Minister with responsibility for Welfare Reform, union activities, only four earn more than £25,900 annually. my noble Friend Lord Freud, visited Belfast on 4 March The cost to the public purse of the 16 staff currently and met with both the Minister for Employment and engaged full-time on trade union activities is £416,000 Learning and the Minister for Social Development. per year on salaries, which is around 0.02% of the The Under-Secretary of State, my hon. Friend the Department’s total pay bill. Member for Basingstoke (Maria Miller), who has responsibility for disabled people, has also had recent Travel to Interview discussions on 20 April with the Minister for Social Development on a range of matters, including child Mrs Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Work maintenance and disability living allowance reforms. and Pensions what assessment was made of the effects Furthermore Lord Freud is arranging to speak to the on (a) the rate of unemployment and (b) the Exchequer newly appointed Ministers to resume discussions on the of the termination of the Jobcentre Plus Travel to welfare reform programme. 501W Written Answers24 MAY 2011 Written Answers 502W Written Answers to Departmental CCTV Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Questions Energy and Climate Change how many CCTV cameras are installed in and around his Department’s premises; and how much such cameras cost to (a) install and (b) Tuesday 24 May 2011 operate in the latest period for which figures are available. [56835]

Gregory Barker: Staff in the Department are located ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE in 3 Whitehall Place and 55 Whitehall, London and on two floors of Atholl House, Aberdeen. Biofuels The number of CCTV cameras installed in the above premises are as follows: Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State 3 Whitehall Place: for Energy and Climate Change what assessment he Seven external has made of the potential for the waste-derived 44 internal biodiesel industry to contribute to the development of 51 total green skills and green jobs. [56537] 55 Whitehall: 12 external Norman Baker: I have been asked to reply as the One internal Department for Transport leads on biofuels policy. 13 total The Department for Transport has made no specific Atholl House: assessment of the potential contribution from waste-derived biofuels to the development of the green economy or Four external green jobs. However, the Renewable Fuels Agency (RFA) Three internal and the Department for Transport have published Seven total information on the supply of biofuels, including listing All but one of the CCTV cameras were installed all biofuels producers who have claimed renewable transport prior to DECC’s creation and the costs are not available. fuels certificates. The RFA also published assessments One internal camera was installed in 3 Whitehall Place of the impact of the renewable transport fuels obligation in February 2011 at a cost of £876.00. in the UK following the first two years of the obligation. The cost to operate the CCTV cameras for all locations This information is available at: are included in the overall security and maintenance www.renewablefuelsagency.gov.uk contracts. Therefore specific operating costs are not and available. http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/sustainable/biofuels/ Departmental Charitable Donations Carbon Emissions: Ceramics Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what steps he is taking to Tristram Hunt: To ask the Secretary of State for encourage charitable giving by Ministers in his Energy and Climate Change if he will take steps to Department. [57124] tackle carbon leakage in the ceramics sector. [57055] Gregory Barker: I refer the hon. Member to the Gregory Barker: The coalition Government are answer I gave him on 4 March 2011, Official Report, committed to safeguarding the UK’s strong manufacturing column 620W. base whilst reducing carbon emissions and increasing energy security. In recognition of this, and with the Departmental Ministerial Policy Advisers support of my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister, officials are working in the UK and in Europe to look at Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for the impact of carbon reduction policies on energy Energy and Climate Change how much his intensive industries in the UK, including the Department spent on special advisers’ travel by (a) ceramics sector. With the exception of ceramic bricks, Government car, (b) private hire car, (c) train, (d) all ceramic sectors were deemed at risk of carbon bus, (e) commercial aircraft and (f) private aircraft leakage in the European Commission’s assessment since May 2010. [56103] under the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) Directive. However, on Thursday 18 May, with support Gregory Barker: The use of all forms of travel undertaken from the UK delegation, the European Climate Change by civil servants, including special advisers, is governed Committee voted to add ceramic bricks, roof tiles and by the requirements of the Civil Service Management clay pipes to the list of sectors at risk of carbon leakage. Code. Ceramic bricks will now receive 100% of their allocated EU ETS allowances for free thereby reducing operational The costs for special advisers’ travel between May costs and supporting the sector to stay internationally 2010 and April 2011 are as follows: competitive in the face of increased action on climate Government car—0 change. Private aircraft—0 503W Written Answers24 MAY 2011 Written Answers 504W

Information on costs associated with overseas travel Energy: Meters by Ministers, including accompanying special advisers, is published annually by the Cabinet Office. Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State Information on the other modes of transport could for Energy and Climate Change what steps his be obtained only at disproportionate cost. Department is taking to ensure those with pre-payment meters are not disadvantaged compared to those using Departmental Taxis other payment methods; and if he will make a statement. [57211] Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change how much his Department has spent on private vehicle hire for Charles Hendry: Energy tariffs are a matter for Ofgem, Ministerial travel (a) in total and (b) in respect of who have put in place rules to protect consumers on each Minister in his Department since 11 May 2010. pricing, including licence condition changes to prevent unfair price differentials, such as those between different [56121] payment methods. Gregory Barker: I refer the hon. Member to the Ofgem has reported on the effectiveness of these answer I gave her on 5 April 2011, Official Report, changes and, as part of their retail market review, found column 881W. that prepayment meter (PPM) customers now pay, on Between 11 May 2010 and 2 September 2010, DECC average, £20 less than standard credit customers for had contracts with the Government Car and Despatch their gas and electricity. They have also found that Agency for four ministerial cars. These contracts were direct debit customers now pay, on average, £70 less subject to a three month notice period, which DECC than PPM for gas and electricity, which is within the invoked on 1 June 2010. Between that same period of £88 indicative cost difference between providing and 11 May 2010 and 2 September, the costs to the Department servicing a PPM compared to a direct debit account, of the contract with the Government Car and Despatch identified by Ofgem. A copy of the full Ofgem ‘Retail Agency were £108,698. The total spent on private vehicle Market Review—Findings and Proposals’ is available hire, including vehicles provided through these contracts, online at: between 11 May 2010 and 30 April 2011 is broken down http://www.ofgem.gov.uk/Markets/RetMkts/rmr/ as follows: Documents1/RMR_FINAL.pdf We support Ofgem’s actions in tackling unjustified £ tariff premiums to ensure consumers do not lose out. Chris Huhne 46,194 Gregory Barker 47,650 Energy: Prices Charles Hendry 48,895 Lord Marland 34,021 Total: 176,760 Karen Lumley: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what steps he is taking to This compares with £303,129 which DECC spent on support vulnerable people to participate in the Green GCDA ministerial cars during the period 1 April 2009 Deal scheme; and whether such people will be to 31 March 2010. All travel is undertaken in accordance prioritised [57262] with the Ministerial Code. Electricity Generation Gregory Barker: In recognition that some households may need additional support to benefit from energy Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for efficiency improvements available through the Green Energy and Climate Change what assessment he has Deal, we are developing an Energy Company Obligation made of the potential contribution of demand-side that will focus in particular on the needs of the poor and vulnerable. We will consult on detailed proposals measures to electricity market reform. [57361] for the ECO later this year. Charles Hendry: The Government are committed to encouraging and incentivising energy efficiency within Karen Lumley: To ask the Secretary of State for the home, and in the public and private sectors, and has Energy and Climate Change what steps he is taking to a range of policies in place to achieve this including ensure open competition within the Green Deal scheme current measures such as the Carbon Reduction to enable independent traders to compete with major Commitment (CRC), Carbon Emissions Reduction Target utilities companies. [57267] (CERT) and Community Energy Saving Programme (CESP), and future measures such as the Green Deal Gregory Barker: The Energy Bill will create a Green and the Energy Company Obligation (ECO). Deal framework that enables a wide range of companies DECC is currently developing a White Paper which to act as Green Deal providers, installers and assessors. will set out proposals for Electricity Market Reform The legislation is designed to be as open and inclusive (EMR). We recognise that demand-side measures have as possible with no bias towards any particular industry. an important contribution to make in supporting the Green Deal finance and the new Energy Company transition to a low-carbon generating mix and ensuring Obligation, should encourage a diverse range of security of supply. We are considering views raised in partnerships and innovative delivery arrangements to response to the EMR consultation on demand-side flourish, providing many opportunities for companies issues in development of the White Paper. of all types and sizes. 505W Written Answers24 MAY 2011 Written Answers 506W

Fossil Fuels Charles Hendry: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State set out in a written statement given on 18 May Mr Ward: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy 2011, Official Report, column 21WS, that subject to and Climate Change if he will request the World Bank careful consideration of the detail of Dr Weightman’s to reduce its investment in fossil fuels as part of its interim report, the Government intend to bring forward energy strategy review. [57390] the energy national policy statements for ratification as soon as possible. This includes the nuclear national Charles Hendry: Throughout the review, the UK has policy statement. emphasised to the World Bank the need to ensure that the Energy Strategy meets the twin goals of sustainable River Severn: Tidal Power energy production and increasing the access of poor people to energy. We support the inclusion of a target to Jessica Morden: To ask the Secretary of State for increase the percentage of lending for clean energy, and Energy and Climate Change what recent meetings he a shift away from lending for coal fired power stations had had with the Welsh Government on plans to toward cleaner energy sources, where we believe the harness tidal power in the Severn Estuary. [57345] financing challenges to be greatest. Gregory Barker: I have not had any meetings with my Fuel: Households counterparts in the Welsh Government on this topic since the recent election. However, officials from the two Governments are in regular contact about various Stella Creasy: To ask the Secretary of State for plans to develop tidal power schemes in the Severn Energy and Climate Change how much funding he estuary. expects to be made available to fuel poor households in London through the Energy Company Obligation in Welsh Assembly Government each of the next four years. [56218] Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State Gregory Barker: The ECO will be more focused than for Energy and Climate Change what meetings he has its predecessors on targeting support at low income and had with Ministers in the Welsh Government since vulnerable households and hard to treat homes. ECO May 2010; and what the subject was of each meeting. will therefore be key to delivering on this Government’s [57265] commitment to tackling fuel poverty, and London, along with other regions where there is a high proportion Gregory Barker: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of hard to treat housing, will be well-placed to benefit. of State and other Ministers from his department have The Government are keen for an ambitious ECO. It regular meetings with Ministers from the devolved is too early to determine the precise outcomes we will Administrations, including with Ministers from the Welsh require energy suppliers to deliver. We will consult on Government. Ministers meet bilaterally as well as at the scale of ECO in the autumn. Joint Ministerial Committee, European Council and the British-Irish Council. Natural Gas Wind Power: Planning Permission Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change for how many days’ Harriett Baldwin: To ask the Secretary of State for supply of gas the UK has storage capacity; and if he Energy and Climate Change if he will issue guidance to planning authorities recommending that onshore wind will make a statement. [57212] turbines be installed no closer than 10 rotor diameters Charles Hendry: On a simple calculation (total storage from the nearest domestic property. [57391] capacity divided by average daily UK gas consumption Charles Hendry: The Government are keen to avoid in 2010) we have around 16.5 days of supply available. a ‘one size fits all’ approach to setting distances However this does not take account of: between wind turbines and nearby properties and (i) deliverability constraints which mean we could not meet full consider that impacts are best assessed on a case by case daily demand from storage alone, nor would we need to as we basis so that local factors can be taken fully into account, have diverse gas supply from North sea production and a variety regardless of whether applications are dealt with at of import sources; national or local level. Where applications are dealt (ii) maximum possible flow rates from gas storage which differ with at local level (the large majority of applications in depending on the storage site. Some storage facilities would be emptied faster than 16 days in a hypothetical situation where they England), we believe that local councils should have the were providing gas to the grid at maximum capacity and were not opportunity to assess these matters on behalf of their replenishing at any point (unlikely in reality), whereas long range local community. storage could provide gas for much longer than 16 days. Nuclear Power CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Arts: Ethnic Groups and Climate Change (1) whether he plans to lay before Parliament the nuclear National Policy Statement at Mr Ivan Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for the same time as the other national policy statement Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport whether he has relating to energy; [57448] made an assessment of the potential effects on black (2) when he expects the nuclear National Policy and minority ethnic communities of reductions in his Statement to be laid before Parliament. [57449] Department’s funding for the arts. [57374] 507W Written Answers24 MAY 2011 Written Answers 508W

Mr Jeremy Hunt: My Department published an equalities In respect of English Heritage’s involvement, I have impact statement in October 2010 concerning our spending asked the chief executive of English Heritage to write review settlement. In addition to this, Arts Council direct to my hon. Friend. Copies of the reply will be England produced its own comprehensive equality impact placed in the Libraries of both Houses. assessment, which is available on its website and which considered the equality impact of its arts funding decisions Departmental CCTV in terms of race and ethnicity, but also gender and disability. Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Broadband: Sunderland Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport how many CCTV cameras are installed in and around his Department’s premises; and how much such cameras cost to (a) Julie Elliott: To ask the Secretary of State for install and (b) operate in the latest period for which Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what estimate he figures are available. [56832] has made of the number of people in Sunderland who live in areas with low-speed broadband. [57314] John Penrose: There are 35 cameras around the Department for Culture, Media and Sport premises. Mr Vaizey: We estimate that there are 9,423 premises They were installed in 2007 at a cost of £72,353.93. The in the local authority Sunderland District with less than operations cost for 2010-11 was £2,714. 2 Mbit/s out of a total of 127,735 premises. Copyright: Internet Heritage Lottery Fund: Reading

Tony Baldry: To ask the Secretary of State for Alok Sharma: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what steps his Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport how many Department is taking to enforce the online copyright charities in Reading West constituency have (a) infringement sections of the Digital Economy applied for and (b) received awards from the Heritage Act 2010. [56617] Lottery Fund in each year since its establishment. [57025] Mr Vaizey: Implementation of the online copyright infringement measures in the Digital Economy Act John Penrose: Since the Heritage Lottery Fund was requires a number of steps to be taken. Implementation established nine applications have been received from, of the initial measures cannot happen until Ofcom has and eight awards made to, charities in the Reading West approved a code of practice, incorporating provisions constituency. A breakdown can be found in the following relating to the sharing of costs which must be approved table: by Parliament. The judgment from the recent judicial review will require changes to our original proposal on Applications Awards how costs are shared and we are currently considering the changes which will need to be made to the cost-sharing 1995 1 0 Statutory Instrument in light of this. Once we are clear 1996 0 0 on what changes need to be made both the Statutory 1997 0 0 Instrument and the draft code will need to be notified 1998 0 0 to the European Commission under the Technical 1999 0 0 Standards Directive. Separately, the Government 2000 0 0 commissioned a report by Ofcom into the workability 2001 0 0 of sections 17 and 18 of the Act. That report is due to 2002 0 0 be delivered shortly. I will set out what action we plan to 2003 0 0 take as soon as we have had an opportunity to consider 2004 0 0 the report and all other relevant factors. 2005 2 2 2006 1 1 Cultural Heritage: Qualifications 2007 4 4 2008 0 0 Mr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, 2009 0 0 Olympics, Media and Sport what steps (a) his 2010 1 1 Department and (b) English Heritage is taking to 2011 0 0 promote the Heritage Skills national vocational Total 9 8 qualification. [57027]

John Penrose: The Department for Culture, Media Heritage: Repairs and Maintenance and Sport (DCMS) recognises that the repair and maintenance of historic buildings requires craftspeople Stella Creasy: To ask the Secretary of State for with specialist skills and knowledge. The Heritage Skills Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what (a) urgent NVQ Level 3 demonstrates competency to carry out a works and (b) urgent repairs notices were issued by variety of heritage restoration skills to a high standard. English Heritage or served by the Secretary of State DCMS supports the work of Construction Skills—which between 2000 and 2011; whether each heritage asset in is sponsored by the Department for Business, Innovation respect of which a notice was issued was on the English and Skills—and that of the National Heritage Training Heritage at risk register at the time of notice being Group, which includes English Heritage, in developing issued; and what the status is of each asset in 2011. and assessing this qualification. [57276] 509W Written Answers24 MAY 2011 Written Answers 510W

John Penrose: The Secretary of State served one Mr Vaizey: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I Repairs Notice, under s.48 of the Planning (Listed gave on 19 May 2011, Official Report, column 276W, to Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990, in the my hon. Friend the Member for Clacton (Mr Carswell). period 2000 to 2011. The Repairs Notice was served on the owner of Apethorpe Hall in Northamptonshire National Lottery prior to the Secretary of State’s compulsory purchase of the building in 2004. Apethorpe Hall was on the Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for English Heritage Heritage at Risk Register at the time Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what approach the Notice was served. The building is currently owned the (a) Big Lottery Fund and (b) National Lottery by English Heritage and remains on the Heritage at Fund adopts in assessing funding bids from Risk Register. organisations linked to (i) churches and (ii) other Further information relating to this issue is held by religious groups. [57028] English Heritage. Accordingly, I have asked the chief executive of English John Penrose: Decisions on funding bids are made by Heritage to write direct to the hon. Member on the each of the National Lottery distributors independently matters that fall within his responsibility. of Government. Intellectual Property Olympic Games 2012 Mr Ivan Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport in which Julie Elliott: To ask the Secretary of State for Department officials working on intellectual property Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport when he expects policy are located. [57204] the final timetable for the route of the London 2012 Mr Davey: I have been asked to reply. Olympics torch relay to be published. [57141] The officials who lead on intellectual property policy Hugh Robertson: The London Organising Committee within the Government are in the Intellectual Property of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) is Office (IPO), which is part of the Department for responsible for the Olympic torch relay. On 18 May Business, Innovation and Skills. In addition officials in LOCOG announced the 66 evening celebrations and six the Department for Culture, Media and Sport have of the island visits. They will now proceed with the specific responsibility for implementing the online copyright detailed planning of the route, which will be announced infringement provisions of the 2010 Digital Economy later this year. Act. The Intellectual Property Office works closely with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, and with Julie Elliott: To ask the Secretary of State for other Government Departments who have an interest in Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport how the locations intellectual property policy. of the overnight stops for the London 2012 Olympics Local Broadcasting: Television torch relay were determined. [57142]

Graham Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Hugh Robertson: The London Organising Committee Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what recent of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) is discussions he has had with Ministers in (a) the responsible for the Olympic torch relay. Over the last Scottish Executive, (b) the Welsh Assembly 16 months LOCOG has conducted a UK-wide consultation Government and (c) the Northern Ireland Assembly on the torch relay route, including through workshops on the creation of a national spine for local television. involving local authorities and local representatives of [56811] the tourism, heritage, sustainability, culture, education Mr Vaizey: The Department routinely discusses a and sport sectors. LOCOG set up Advisory Groups in range of media policy matters which includes local TV Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and in every English with the Scottish Executive, Welsh Assembly Government region to develop the route and identify overnight and Northern Ireland Assembly. celebration locations. Factors that were taken into account when selecting overnight stops included population centres, Graham Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for logistical and operational requirements and the aim to Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport when he expects take the Olympic flame within an hour’s journey time to publish a summary of the bids received by his of 95% of the UK population. Department for the operation of local television stations. [56812] Olympic Games 2012: Contracts Mr Vaizey: The Local Media Action Plan published in January 2010 invited informal expressions of interest Hywel Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for as part of a two stage consultation process. This was Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what information not a bidding process. A summary of responses will be has been collected by the Olympic Delivery Authority published on the Department for Culture, Media and on (a) the distribution of Tier 2 and Tier 3 Olympic Sport’s website by the end of May: construction contracts by country and region and (b) www.culture.gov.uk the monetary value of these contracts. [57146] Graham Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Hugh Robertson: Information on the full distribution Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport when he expects and value of contracts won across the UK is not held as the new national television spine for local television to these are not public procurements run by the Olympic be in place. [56813] Delivery Authority (ODA). 511W Written Answers24 MAY 2011 Written Answers 512W

In 2009 the ODA undertook research into its supply and will seek further evidence to support an impact chain and mapped out over 1,500 companies from assessment. The exercise will also include the option of across the UK that are helping to build the venues and leaving the early May Day bank holiday date where it is. infrastructure for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Sports: VAT Games. The map can be viewed at the following link: www.london2012.com/get-involved/business-network/oda- Charlotte Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for suppliers/map.php Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what This represents only a fraction of the number of representations his Department has received on the companies the ODA expects to benefit from the £6 billion charging of value added tax on the provision of sports of investment. The ODA estimates that overall up to league services; and if he will make a statement. 50,000 contracts will be generated throughout its supply [56718] chains with a value that runs into hundreds of millions of pounds. Mr Gauke: I have been asked to reply. Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs’s view is that Hywel Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for the provision of sports league services is liable to VAT Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what recent at the standard rate. As a number of providers have estimate the Olympic Delivery Authority has made of been treating these supplies as exempt from VAT, HMRC the number of contracts remaining to be let in respect issued further guidance in February 2011, confirming of the London 2012 Olympics; and what estimate has their view that the provision of sports league services is been made of the monetary value of those contracts. liabletoVAT. [57147] Television: Local Broadcasting Hugh Robertson: As of May 2011, the Olympic Delivery Authority estimate there are 35 contracts remaining, Mr Spellar: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, with an estimated monetary value of £150 million. This Olympics, Media and Sport what his Department’s may be in the form of new contracts or amendments to policy is on creation of a national spine for local existing contracts. These direct procurements will in television. [57172] turn generate hundreds more business opportunities in the supply chains. Mr Vaizey: The Local Media Action Plan invited responses to help inform the model for local TV. The Prince William: Marriage Department for Culture, Media and Sport is currently analysing these and the Secretary of State for Culture, Gordon Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for Olympics, Media and Sport will be making a statement Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport how much public in due course. funding was allocated to activities relating to the recent Trade Unions royal wedding. [56672] Mr Raab: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, John Penrose [holding answer 23 May 2011]: No Olympics, Media and Sport how many staff of (a) his additional funding was allocated to meet the costs Department and (b) the Royal Parks Agency are associated with the royal wedding. Government support entitled to work (i) full-time as trade union was funded within existing budgets. In addition, some representatives and (ii) part-time on trade union services, such as the media facilities, were provided on a activities; how many such staff are paid more than cost recovery basis. We do not have the final figures yet £25,900 annually; and what the cost to the public purse but we estimate the cost to this Department was around of employing such staff on such duties was in the latest £1 million. period for which figures are available. [56437] Public Holidays John Penrose: The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) employs one full-time staff member Mr Ivan Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for as a trade union representative. Five members of staff Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what plans he has work on trade union activities on a part time basis. to publish the submissions to his Department’s (a) pre-consultation and (b) consultation on moving the The Royal Parks Agency (TRP) employs one staff May Day bank holiday. [57375] member on a part-time basis for trade union activities. There are no trade union representatives paid more Mr Jeremy Hunt: Publication procedures will be than £25,900 in DCMS or the TRP. conducted in line with the Government Code of Practice The annual cost of employing trade union representatives on Consultation. The code of practice can be found at for DCMS and TRP is up to £77,000 for the 2010-11 the following link: financial year. http://www.berr.gov.uk/files/file47158.pdf

Mr Ivan Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for PRIME MINISTER Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what criteria he plans to apply to his determination of the future of the Animal Welfare: Circuses May Day bank holiday. [57376] Bob Russell: To ask the Prime Minister on what dates Mr Jeremy Hunt: The pre-consultation will arrive at in the last 12 months he has met representatives of criteria for the main consultation by inviting ideas on a circuses to discuss the continued use of wild animals in date and occasion to replace the May Day bank holiday public performances. [57372] 513W Written Answers24 MAY 2011 Written Answers 514W

The Prime Minister: I have had no such meetings. Mr Paterson: The majority of relevant social and The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and economic policies in Northern Ireland are the responsibility Rural Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for of the Northern Ireland Executive. The Government are Meriden (Mrs Spelman), has set out Government however committed to working with the Northern Ireland policy on the continued use of wild animals in public Executive to rebalance the Northern Ireland economy performances. and to boost private sector growth. The Government worked in close co-operation with the Executive on their Mark Britnell recent ‘Rebalancing the Northern Ireland Economy’ consultation paper. The consultation paper is clear that Helen Jones: To ask the Prime Minister (1) whether Northern Ireland is one of the UK’s most disadvantaged he consulted (a) the Deputy Prime Minister and (b) regions and consequently puts forward radical proposals the Secretary of State for Health before appointing to grow the private sector and increase prosperity in Mr Mark Britnell to advise him on health policy; some of the most deprived areas of the country. [56707] (2) for what reason Mr Mark Britnell was asked to join the group of experts advising him on health policy; HOME DEPARTMENT [56708] Antisocial Behaviour Orders (3) on what date he was first notified of the content of comments on the NHS made by Mr Mark Britnell Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State at a conference organised by Apax Partners. [56905] for the Home Department how many applications for antisocial behaviour orders have been made to Ian Lavery: To ask the Prime Minister (1) what (a) Coventry magistrates in each of the last three years; meetings and (b) discussions (i) senior officials and (ii) how many have been granted; and how many of those special advisors in his Office have had with Mark granted have been breached. [57279] Britnell since May 2010; [57013] James Brokenshire: Data on antisocial behaviour orders (2) whether Mark Britnell has been invited to (ASBOs) are collected at Criminal Justice System (CJS) 10 Downing street since May 2010. [57014] area level, and Coventry is part of the west midlands CJS area. The following table shows the numbers of The Prime Minister: I have not appointed Mr Mark ASBOs issued on application, and following conviction, Britnell to be my adviser on health matters. as well as the number breached for the first time in the The first time I was aware of his comments was after west midlands CJS area in each year between 2007 and they appeared in the weekend press on 14-15 May 2011. 2009 (the latest year for which figures are available). No ASBO applications made to magistrates courts in the Officials and special advisers have meetings and west midlands CJS area between 2007 and 2009 have discussions with a wide range of organisations and been reported to the Ministry of Justice as being refused. individuals on a range of subjects. An ASBO can be issued in one CJS area and breached in another. ASBOs may also be breached more than once and in more than one year. The figures shown LEADER OF THE HOUSE represent instances when an ASBO was breached for the first time in each year between 2007 and 2009. Some St Helens and Knowsley NHS Trust of these breaches will be of ASBOs issued in previous years, or of ASBOs issued following conviction. Helen Jones: To ask the Leader of the House Antisocial behaviour orders (ASBOs) applied for and issued at on application pursuant to his answer to my hon. Friend the Member and conviction at all courts and the number proved at all courts to have been for St Helens North (Mr Watts) of 12 May 2011, breached in the west midlands Criminal Justice System (CJS) area, 2007-09 Official Report, column 527, on Business of the House, West midlands CJS area 2007 2008 2009 when he first learned that a merger of St Helens and Issued on application1 61 64 43 Knowsley NHS Trust with another trust was being Issued on conviction2 120 133 76 considered; and whether he was advised by the Breached3 113 102 76 Department of Health of the trusts which were being 1 Includes ASBOs issued on application by magistrates courts acting in their considered for such a merger. [57174] civil capacity and county courts, which became available on 1 April 1999. Prior to the creation of the Ministry of Justice on 9 May 2007, numbers of ASBOs issued were reported to the Home Office by the Court Service. Sir George Young: I have nothing further to add to 2 Includes ASBOs made following conviction for a relevant criminal offence at the answer given to the hon. Member for St Helens the Crown court and at magistrates courts (acting in their criminal capacity), North (Mr Watts) on 12 May 2011, Official Report, which became available on 2 December 2002. 3 ASBOs may be breached more than once and in more than one year. This column 527. table presents instances when an ASBO was breached for the first time in the years shown. Many of these breaches will be as a result of an ASBO that was issued in an earlier year and many of these will also be as a result of an ASBO issued following conviction. For this reason breach rates cannot be computed from the figures presented in this table. Breaches are counted in this table by NORTHERN IRELAND area of issue. Note: Personal Income 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 Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for forces. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection Northern Ireland what account he has taken of the processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used. effects of income inequality in the (a) formulation and Source: (b) implementation of policy. [57151] Justice Statistics Analytical Services within the Ministry of Justice 515W Written Answers24 MAY 2011 Written Answers 516W

Aviation: Security Details of external physical science research projects relating to crime and policing or migration which were Andrew Bridgen: To ask the Secretary of State for the commissioned, altered, completed or continued unchanged Home Department when she plans to report on the during the year (including those completed as planned) outcome of (a) investigations into the bomb package from May 2010 are given in List 2. found at East Midlands Airport in October 2010 and The Home Office also commissions research in support (b) its review of air freight security. [57008] of the United Kingdom’s strategy for countering international terrorism (CONTEST). The details of James Brokenshire: The police investigation into the this research are classified on the grounds of national events surrounding the improvised explosive device found security, but our broad research strategy is available on at East Midlands airport is ongoing. The Home Office the Home Office website, at: and the Department for Transport have reviewed aviation cargo security. For security reasons it is not appropriate http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/publications/counter-terrorism/ science-and-technology/science-and-technology- to publish this work. However the Government work strategy?view=Binary closely with the aviation industry and international partners to ensure security arrangements are maintained Where possible, details of less sensitive projects are and enhanced where necessary. included in Tables 1 and 2, and in addition details of some research spend are given at: http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/publications/about-us/ Departmental Research transparency/transparency-spend/ Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for the List 1: External social research begun, amended, terminated, Home Department what (a) longitudinal and (b) or continued without change during the year beginning in other (i) research and (ii) collection of data her May 2010. Department has (A) initiated, (B) terminated and (C) (i) Social Research Contracts awarded since May 2010 amended in the last 12 months; and what such research Drug Data Warehouse—contract extension and data collection exercises undertaken by the Review of small projects under EC funding Department have not been amended in that period. Satisfying labour demand through migration [56754] Impact of financial investigation on organised crime groups Damian Green: The Home Office runs no surveys Integrated Offender Management/Voluntary and Community that are longitudinal in the sense of tracking responses Sector Project from the same respondents over time, although some Multi-agency risk assessment conference review surveys are regularly repeated. Facilitated Return Scheme The British Crime Survey and the annual data Building the Voluntary and Community Sector’s involvement requirement for collecting data from the police have in Integrated Offender Management approaches: a process continued in 2010-11. The content of each is reviewed evaluation and changed each year in consultation with key stakeholders Early Legal Advice Pilot (for asylum seekers) evaluation and with regard to costs, need and burden. (ii) Social Research Contracts Terminated since May 2010 The data collection for statistics on scientific procedures Evaluation of serious organised crime task force programme on animals is regularly reviewed, including data collection (iii) Social Research Contracts amended since May 2010 methods, although it remains unchanged in the last year. Drug Data Warehouse—contract extension Responsibility for the collection of statistics on alcohol ‘Links between homicide and organised crime’ and late night refreshment licensing transferred to the Vulnerability and resilience to Al-Qaeda influenced violent Home Office from the Department of Culture, Media extremism—Learning from the gang, cult, political activism and Sport in 2010. This collection from local authorities and violent extremism literature is not run every year and a decision not to collect the Engaged Communities data in 2010-11 was taken within the year from May 2010. Al-Qaeda influenced radicalisation: Applying Situational Action Other statistics, including those on migration and the Theory operation of police powers under the Terrorism Act 2000 Reducing youth crime: assessing the set-up, delivery and impact are largely based on management information and require of triage, reparation and street-based teams no specific additional data collections. Migration statistics Study of Key interventions into terrorism using Bayesian are continually reviewed, including through consultations Networks with external users such as the one launched on 24 February Neighbourhood Agreements 2011. Individual disengagement from violent extremist groups—A Other management information on a wide range of Rapid Evidence Assessment to inform policy and practice in issues is collected by delivery bodies for their own preventing violent extremism purposes and collated by the Home Office. These collections British Crime Survey—Extension are regularly reviewed to ensure the data remain relevant, An Exploration of Staff-Prisoner Relationships at HMP and that submitting data does not impose a burden on Whitemoor: Twelve Years On. local areas. None have been altered, added or removed (iv) Social Research Contracts Live and not amended during the year from May 2010. May 2010 to May 2011 Details of external social science research projects AAR Assessment relating to crime and policing or migration which were commissioned, altered, completed, or continued unchanged Neighbourhood Policing—Exemplar Sites during the year (including those completed as planned) Early Leavers from the Police Force from May 2010 are given in List 1. Partnership Peer Support Program (PPSS) Evaluation 517W Written Answers24 MAY 2011 Written Answers 518W

Valuing the security/privacy/inconvenience trade off Nick Herbert [holding answer 8 March 2011]: Her A Rapid Evidence Assessment: What works in reducing alcohol Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary’s (HMIC’s) report related crime, disorder and antisocial behaviour in the night-time ‘Demanding Times’, published on 30 March, provides a economy and in public spaced definition of frontline, middle office and back office Drugs Advisory Panel police functions. A copy of the report is available at: Review of small projects under EC funding http://www.hmic.gov.uk/SiteCollectionDocuments/Thematics/ Polling on threat levels from international terrorism THM_20110330.pdf Polling on public attitudes to UK involvement in Libya Full details of policing roles and their categorisation Exploring public confidence in the police and local councils in by frontline, middle office and back office appear on tackling crime and antisocial behaviour page 19 of the report. Retention of female and BME police officers Drugs: Technology List 2: Physical sciences external research continued and completed by the Home Office scientific development Mr Chope: To ask the Secretary of State for the branch (now the Centre for Applied Science and Technology) Home Department by what date she plans to issue a Data collections initiated by HOSDB (Now CAST) specification to manufacturers for drugs testing May 2010 to May 2011 technology for use by police at the roadside. [57229] Creation of i-LIDS New Technologies data set for evaluation of video analytic systems James Brokenshire: We expect to receive a draft Physical Sciences external research continued and completed specification very shortly and will then consider the best by HOSDB (Now CAST) May 2010 to May 2011. way to proceed. Continued collation of data on police Taser usage Entry Clearances: Appeals Research on body armour (“Behind Armour Blunt Trauma”) project jointly with USA. Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Student research projects in the area of fingerprint forensics the Home Department how many appeals there have Research and development for roadside and police station been against refusal for family visitor visas in each year screening of drug drivers since 2002. [56676] Literature reviews on facial comparison Research into audio processing for law enforcement Damian Green [holding answer 23 May 2011]: There Development of tool supporting covert surveillance of serious have been the following number of appeals against the and organised criminals refusal of visit visas for family members in each year Development of signal processing for covert surveillance of since 2002: serious and organised criminals Number of appeals Development of technique in support of covert surveillance of serious and organised criminals 2002-03 9,856 Physical sciences external research provided in support of 2003-04 16,884 CONTEST and referenced in other published material 2004-05 30,643 which has been continued or completed May 2010 - May 2005-06 58,495 2011 2006-07 50,065 Research into CCTV operator performance 2007-08 64,669 Innovative Research Call on Explosives and Weapons Detection 2008-09 62,050 Project with CCD Design & Ergonomics 2009-10 63,405 Project with Synergy Consultants Entry Clearances: Overseas Students Project with Cranfield University Project with Exchem defence systems Ltd Jonathan Lord: To ask the Secretary of State for the Project with University of Leeds Home Department what representations her Project with Kings College Department has received on its decision to introduce a Project with CCD Design and Ergonomics Ltd temporary limit on confirmations of acceptance for Project with Nottingham Trent University studies allocations for colleges which do not meet Project with REACT Engineering Ltd accreditation and inspection criteria prior to finalising Project with Cobalt Light Systems Ltd the definition of those criteria; and if she will make a statement. [57049] Project with University College London Project with Smiths Detection—Watford Damian Green: The UK Border Agency has received Project with Thruvision Systems Ltd nine pre-action protocols in relation to the Tier 4 interim Project with University of Birmingham limit. The agency does not centrally record all forms of Project with SFTC—RAL Space representations received. To provide the information requested against the criteria required could be obtained Departmental Responsibilities only at disproportionate cost.

Vernon Coaker: To ask the Secretary of State for the Jonathan Lord: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what definition of (a) back office, Home Department how many colleges or schools in (b) middle office and (c) front line her Department (a) the UK, (b) Surrey and (c) Woking constituency uses in the formulation and development of policy; and have been given Highly Trusted Sponsor status in when such definitions were established. [45119] respect of Tier 4 student visas. [57052] 519W Written Answers24 MAY 2011 Written Answers 520W

Damian Green: There are currently 1,326 educational Immigrants: Employment establishments in the UK that have been granted Highly Trusted Sponsor (HTS) status. The number of HTS Kris Hopkins: To ask the Secretary of State for the sponsors in Surrey and the Woking constituency can Home Department what research her Department has not be determined as sponsor licence holders may have (a) commissioned and (b) published on the a different address and postcode to that of the institution. performance of immigrants in the UK labour market Forensic Science Service in the last five years. [56661] Damian Green: In the last five years the Home Office Bob Stewart: To ask the Secretary of State for the has not specifically commissioned research on the Home Department what steps she is taking to ensure performance of migrants in the UK labour market. that expertise in strategy, examination and interpretation held by employees of the Forensic However, the Government have asked the Migration Science Service will be transferred to the forensic Advisory Committee (MAC) to advise it on policy frameworks. As a part of its work the MAC has published science market. [56808] reports that describe the performance of migrants in James Brokenshire: Private companies already provide the UK labour market in recent years. These reports are approximately 35% of forensics services to the Criminal available on its website at: Justice System. These providers have a significant amount http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/aboutus/workingwithus/ of expertise and impressive records in handling many indbodies/mac/ high profile and complex criminal cases. Immigrants: Gurkhas The Association of Chief Police Officers have been clear that the forensics market can cope with the managed wind-down of the Forensic Science Service (FSS). An Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for the orderly wind-down will enable adequate time for the Home Department how many (a) former Gurkhas and restructuring of the current forensics framework, (b) dependants of former Gurkhas have settled in the re-tendering of existing FSS contracts and to enable UK since May 2009. [56138] other forensics suppliers to develop the necessary capacity and expertise to meet any additional requirements. Damian Green: The UK Border Agency does not collect management information on those former Gurkhas Greater Manchester Police or their dependants that choose to settle in the UK having been issued with a settlement visa. Yasmin Qureshi: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if she will estimate the proportion Immigration Controls of time spent on frontline policing duties by officers in the Greater Manchester Police force in the latest period Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for for which figures are available. [49598] the Home Department if she will restore the primary purpose rule. [56675] Nick Herbert: Latest information on frontline policing is provided in Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary Damian Green [holding answer 23 May 2011]: This report, ‘Demanding Times’, published on 30 March. A Government are reforming the immigration system as a copy of the report is available at: whole to make it fairer and more robust. We intend to http://www.hmic.gov.uk/SiteCollectionDocuments/Thematics/ bring forward a wide ranging consultation document THM_20110330.pdf on the family route looking at full range of proposals to tackle sham marriages and other abuse, promoting Human Trafficking integration and reducing burdens on the taxpayer. We will set out the firm details of these proposed changes in Fiona Mactaggart: To ask the Secretary of State for due course. the Home Department when she expects to publish a strategy on human trafficking; and which organisations Khat she has consulted in its preparation. [56886] Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for the Damian Green: The Government intend to publish Home Department what information she holds on (a) their strategy on human trafficking before the summer the value of imports, (b) levels of use and (c) the recess. effects on personal health and safety of khat; and what We have consulted a range of organisations in the recent consideration she has given to the classification development of the strategy including the United Kingdom of khat. [57260] Human Trafficking Centre (UKHTC), the UK Border Agency (UKBA), other Government Departments and James Brokenshire: In February this year, the Secretary non-Government organisations including Medaille Trust, of State for the Home Department, the right hon. Barnardos, Care, Migrant Helpline, International Member for Maidenhead (Mrs May), wrote to the Organisation for Migration, Antislavery, Stop-UK, Dalit Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs to set out Freedom Network, Salvation Army, ECPAT, Eaves current Government priorities for inclusion in the council’s Housing, Red Cross, Soroptimist, TARA, Stop the work programme in 2011-12. This reaffirmed my Traffik, Human Trafficking Foundation, AFRUCA, commission in November 2010 of a review of the Kalayaan, the National Society for the Prevention of available evidence relating to the harms of khat for the Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) and Asylum Aid. Advisory Council to provide both advice in relation to 521W Written Answers24 MAY 2011 Written Answers 522W control under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 and a of the percentage of resource allocated to the front line wider response. A copy of the letter can be viewed at: under this definition across England and Wales in 2010 http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/publications/alcohol-drugs/ appear on pages 19-21 of the report. Because the proportion drugs/hs-acmd-priorities-2011-2012 of time spent on the front line by officers in different The Home Office has also published a qualitative roles will have varied in earlier years and across forces, study which explored perceptions of the social harms we are not able to give estimates at force level or for associated with khat; the availability and type of treatment earlier years. available to khat users via Drug Action Teams, and views on the appropriate Government response to khat. Stalking: Victims Details can be found at: http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20110218135832/ Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State rds.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs10/horr44c.pdf for the Home Department if she will take steps to A second study which reviews national and international improve the support available to victims of stalking; evidence on the social harms associated with khat is due and if she will make a statement. [56685] to be published shortly. The British Crime Survey report “Drug Misuse Declared Lynne Featherstone: The Home Office is working 2009/10” for the first time included estimates of the closely with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and prevalence of khat use in the general population. the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) to Preliminary findings (based on six months data) show improve the support available to victims of stalking. that 0.2% of adults reported using khat in the last year. Recent initiatives include: This information can be found in “Drug Misuse Declared: The appointment of dedicated Single Points Of Contact (SPOCs) Findings from the 2009/10 British Crime Survey (England in each force area to deal with stalking complaints. and Wales)” available at: Supporting CPS in revising official Government guidance last http://rds.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs10/hosb1310.pdf year on stalking and harassment to focus on the victim and HM Revenue and Customs has classified khat under emphasise the existence and widespread nature of ‘stalking’ as a a Commodity Tariff that includes other types of plants particular category of harassment and to identify the various ways in which stalking occurs. and parts of plants. Therefore, HM Revenue and Customs are unable to supply details of import values that are On 8 March the Home Office published its action plan for tackling violence against women and girls for the spending review specific solely to this product. period which included several actions to tackle stalking. This A copy of each of these documents has been placed document includes a commitment from the Home Office to in the Library. continue to fund the National Stalking Helpline over the spending Overseas Students review period.

Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether she plans to allow universities to accept students from outside the EU for DEFENCE the 2011-12 academic year on the basis of the English language criteria advertised prior to 20 March 2011; Legal Arbitrator: Military Covenant and if she will make a statement. [57269] Damian Green: Changes to the student route were Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for announced on 22 March following a public consultation. Defence who the legal arbitrator will be in respect of Amendments to the Immigration Rules were laid on any complaints made by service personnel in respect of 31 March, coming into force on 21 April. These the principles of the military covenant. [56782] amendments introduced some changes to the requirements in English language proficiency needed to obtain a Peter Luff: Service personnel are able to lodge any student visa. The new rules do not apply to Certificates grievance with the chain of command or through the of Acceptance of Studies issued before 21 April. The Ministry of Defence bullying and harassment complaints new rules contain a number of important flexibilities procedure that is overseen by the Service Complaints for students at universities. Commissioner. The key principles of the Covenant, of no disadvantage Police and special treatment where appropriate, will be written into law for the first time. The amendments to the Mr Ruffley: To ask the Secretary of State for the Armed Forces Bill will also recognise the unique nature Home Department what proportion of police time was of service life. This will not create new legally enforceable spent on frontline duties in each police force area in specific rights for service personnel. each year since 1997. [45150] Nick Herbert: Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Saudi Arabia: Military Aid Constabulary’s (HMIC) report Demanding Times, published on 30 March, provides the currently accepted Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Secretary of State for definition of frontline, middle office and back office Defence pursuant to the answer of 30 March 2011, police functions. A copy of the report is available at: Official Report, column 393W, on Saudi Arabia: http://www.hmic.gov.uk/SiteCollectionDocuments/Thematics/ military aid, whether the British Military Mission to THM_20110330.pdf the Saudi Arabian National Guard trained any of the Full details of policing roles, their categorisation by Saudi Arabian forces which were deployed in Bahrain; frontline, middle office and back office, and an estimate and if he will make a statement. [56809] 523W Written Answers24 MAY 2011 Written Answers 524W

Nick Harvey: The Ministry of Defence has Armed Forces extensive and wide-ranging bilateral engagement with Saudi Arabia in support of the Government’s wider Guto Bebb: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence foreign policy goals. The Ministry of Defence’s what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of engagement with Saudi Arabia includes training joint working between his Department and the provided to the Saudi Arabian National Guard, Department for Work and Pensions on support for the delivered through the British mission. It is possible armed forces, their families and veterans. [56691] that some members of the Saudi Arabian National Guard who were deployed in Bahrain may have undertaken Peter Luff: We work very closely with the Department some training provided by the British military mission. for Work and Pensions and across the whole of Government to ensure that we provide the right level of support to our armed forces, their families and veterans. The Armed Forces Bill, which the House will shortly Afghanistan: Peacekeeping Operations have a further opportunity to consider, contains provision for an annual report on the Armed Forces Covenant, which is designed to strengthen this House’s ability to Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for scrutinise how we are fulfilling our obligations. Defence how many (a) precision-guided munitions and (b) gravity bombs of each type have been dropped Armed Forces: Casualties in Afghanistan by British (i) fixed-wing aircraft and (ii) unmanned aerial vehicles in the 12 months starting on 24 March (A) 2009 and (B) 2010. [56561] Jason McCartney: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what financial advice his Department provides for the family and dependents of service personnel who Nick Harvey: The number of precision-guided munitions are killed while on operational duties overseas. [55909] dropped in Afghanistan in the periods requested are shown in the following table. No free fall bombs have Peter Luff: The issue of financial guidance/advice been dropped in this time. I am withholding the figures was raised during the Boyce review of the armed forces for individual munition types dropped by fixed-wing compensation scheme. In his final report, published in aircraft as their disclosure would, or would be likely to 2010, Admiral the Lord Boyce commented that there prejudice the capability, effectiveness or security of the needed to be better guidance and/or access to independent armed forces. financial advice so that individuals can make informed decisions on what to do with their award once received. 24 March 2009 to 24 March 2009 to Aircraft type Munition 23 March 20101 23 March 20111 We are currently working with the Royal British Legion to improve the financial education and training available Fixed-Wing All types 43 48 to service personnel throughout their career, including Remotely GBU-12 500 11 18 how to ensure compensation recipients get the appropriate Piloted Air lb Bomb Systems guidance from independent financial advisers. AGM-114 35 61 Missile Armed Forces: Compensation 1 Inclusive. Guto Bebb: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence The increase over the previous 12-month period in (1) what steps he plans to take to assess the method of weapons delivered by UK air assets is mainly a function paying compensation to members of the armed forces of two factors: additional deployed UK reaper remotely who are injured; and when he expects to report to the piloted air systems; and intelligence-led targeting of House the outcome of his assessment; [56692] military objectives as a result of enhanced coalition (2) if he will assess the adequacy of provision of surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities. Use of force financial advice to support members of the armed remains closely regulated and the avoidance of civilian forces who have been injured and are in receipt of casualties has been paramount; we carefully select the compensation. [56861] type of weapon in every engagement to ensure the most appropriate munition is used to deliver the required Peter Luff: The Armed Forces Compensation Scheme effect, while minimising the risk to civilians. (AFCS) was reviewed under the independent chairmanship of the former Chief of Defence Staff, Admiral the Lord Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Boyce in February 2010. Lord Boyce was supported by Defence if he will list the military capabilities deployed an Independent Scrutiny Group (ISG) made up of in Afghanistan in (a) January 2010, (b) June 2010, (c) independent professionals, the War Widow’s Association, December 2010 and (d) April 2011. [56778] ex-service organisations, and families’ representatives who thoroughly examined every aspect of the scheme, Nick Harvey: UK armed forces personnel deployed including the method of paying compensation to those in Afghanistan possess a wide range of military capabilities, who have been injured. Lord Boyce and the ISG in order to effectively support the International Security unanimously concluded that the scheme was fundamentally Assistance Force mission to assist the Afghan Government sound, but required significant improvement in some in building a secure and stable Afghanistan. I am areas. withholding specific detail as its disclosure would, or All the improvements recommended have now been would be likely to prejudice the capability, effectiveness made to the scheme, creating an even more comprehensive or security of the armed forces. package for those injured as a result of their service. 525W Written Answers24 MAY 2011 Written Answers 526W

We have no plans to undertake any further assessment Armed Forces: Complaints of the method of paying compensation to members of the armed forces who are injured. Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for The issue of financial guidance/advice was also Defence how many complaints of (a) discrimination, considered during the Boyce review. In his final report (b) harassment and (c) bullying have been recorded in Lord Boyce commented that there needed to be better each of the armed forces in each of the last five years. guidance and/or access to independent financial advice [54657] so that individuals could make informed decisions on what to do with their award once received. We are currently working with the Royal British Legion to Peter Luff: The following tables reflect the number of improve the financial education and training available discrimination, harassment and bullying complaints to service personnel throughout their career, including reported since October 2006 for each service. how to ensure compensation recipients get the appropriate Statistical data prior to October 2006 are not held guidance from independent financial advisers. centrally.

Discrimination, bullying and harassment complaints October 2006 –March 2007 RN Army RAF Formal Informal Formal Informal Formal Informal

Bullying 9 40 25 34 9 24 Harassment 7 48 37 36 9 23 Sexual harassment 3 14 6 13 4 8 Sexual discrimination 102100 Racial harassment 049412 Racialdiscrimination 003420 Sexual orientation harassment 010200 Sexual orientation discrimination 000000 Religious harassment 000010 Religiousdiscrimination 000000

April 2007 –September 2007 RN Army RAF Formal Informal Formal Informal Formal Informal

Bullying 7 27 15 17 19 26 Harassment 9 40 6 26 12 16 Sexual harassment 11 18 5 6 6 6 Sexual discrimination 103013 Racial harassment 154122 Racialdiscrimination 023331 Sexual orientation harassment 011013 Sexual orientation discrimination 141010 Religious harassment 021000 Religiousdiscrimination 000010

October 2007 –March 2008 RN Army RAF Tri-Service top level budget holders Formal Informal Formal Informal Formal Informal Formal Informal

Bullying 4 29 11 23 16 30 0 0 Harassment 8 43 25 21 8 29 0 0 Sexual harassment 4 12 9 8 5 10 0 0 Sexual discrimination 0 2 1 7 1 0 0 0 Racial harassment 3 6 5 1 7 4 0 0 Racial discrimination 0 3 1 3 1 1 0 0 Sexual orientation harassment 0 4 0 4 1 3 0 0 Sexual orientation discrimination 1 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 Religious harassment 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 Religious discrimination 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 Other 1 10 5 4 2 5 0 0

April 2008–September 2008 Tri-Service top level budget RN Army RAF holders Formal Informal Formal Informal Formal Informal Formal Informal

Bullying 10 36 7 14 24 22 1 3 527W Written Answers24 MAY 2011 Written Answers 528W

April 2008–September 2008 Tri-Service top level budget RN Army RAF holders Formal Informal Formal Informal Formal Informal Formal Informal

Harassment 14 38 13 10 16 33 7 10 Sexual harassment 4 17 5 1 7 9 0 0 Sexual discrimination 3 0 2 0 0 0 0 2 Racial harassment 4 2 1 1 3 0 0 0 Racial discrimination 0 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 Sexual orientation harassment 0 3 1 2 1 3 0 1 Sexual orientation discrimination 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 Religious harassment 7 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 Religious discrimination 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

January 2009–December 2009 Tri-Service top level budget RN Army RAF holders Formal Informal Formal Informal Formal Informal Formal Informal

Bullying 1230577141324 9 Harassment 17 72 65 60 27 45 5 6 Sexual harassment 13 16 8 22 7 8 0 1 Sexual discrimination 1 0 1 5 2 1 0 0 Racial harassment 4 7 10 25 4 5 2 1 Racial discrimination 0 2 13 2 0 1 0 0 Sexual orientation harassment 0 5 3 3 2 0 0 1 Sexual orientation 00110000 discrimination Religious harassment 0 3 0 3 0 1 0 0 Religious discrimination 0 0 4 2 0 0 0 0

January 2010–December 2010 Tri-Service top level budget RN Army RAF holders Formal Informal Formal Informal Formal Informal Formal Informal

Bullying 8 48 47 56 28 36 12 8 Harassment 15 68 44 56 9 33 4 6 Sexual harassment 2 13 14 17 1 9 1 3 Sexual discrimination 14650200 Sex Harassment 01120000 Racial harassment 3 7 10 11 2 5 0 1 Racialdiscrimination14291101 Sexual orientation harassment 15451500 Sexual orientation 04010001 discrimination Religious harassment 01140100 Religiousdiscrimination02620001

The changes in the reporting periods given in the We are currently considering a range of internal and tables reflect the requirements of the Service Complaints external options on how this should be funded before Commissioner, who has instigated a data gathering introducing the card to coincide with the relaunch of policy based on the calendar year. the defence discount directory scheme next year. Armed Forces: Conditions of Employment Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the statement of 16 May 2011, Defence pursuant to the statement of 16 May 2011, Official Report, columns 25-42, on armed forces Official Report, columns 25-42, on armed forces covenant, whether the external reference group is a covenant, what estimate he has made of the total cost permanent body. [56652] of the veterans card; and if his Department will meet that cost. [56649] Peter Luff: We will continue to call upon and welcome the input of the external reference group in our work to Peter Luff: In the Government response to the report support the armed forces covenant. This will include of the Taskforce on the Military Covenant, we accepted drafting and commenting on the armed forces covenant the recommendation for a veterans’ card for all former report, the requirement for which is placed on the service personnel. It is estimated that a single card will Defence Secretary in clause 2 of the Armed Forces Bill cost in the region of £10. currently going through Parliament. 529W Written Answers24 MAY 2011 Written Answers 530W

We are working with the external reference group to Mr Llwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence update its terms of reference in line with its significant pursuant to the statement of 16 May 2011, Official new role. Report, columns 25-42, on the armed forces covenant, (1) what upper limit he plans to set for applications Armed Forces: Pensions made by a single veterans’ charity to the community covenant grant scheme; [57183] Joan Walley: To ask the Secretary of State for (2) how many applications a single veterans’ charity Defence if he will assess the merits of (a) adding bed will be able to make to the community covenant grant linen as a permitted item to the clothing allowance scheme; [57184] claim of war pension allowances and (b) creating an (3) whether veterans’ charities based in Wales will be additional allowance for bed linen; and if he will make able to bid for funding from the proposed community a statement. [56937] covenant grant scheme on the same basis as those charities registered in England; [57185] Peter Luff: The War Pension Scheme is open to those who were injured or disabled through serving in the (4) when he plans to publish details of the criteria for armed forces before 6 April 2005. Within this scheme his Community Covenant Grant scheme; [57186] supplementary allowances are available to cover additional (5) what procedure he plans to establish for veterans’ costs that fall to war pensioners as a result of the charities wishing to access funding from the condition for which they receive a pension, such as the Community Covenant Grant scheme. [57187] clothing allowance. No claims for bed linen have met the required criteria under which supplementary allowances Peter Luff [holding answer 23 May 2011]: The are given, and therefore, there are no plans to add such Community Covenant will be launched shortly. Some an allowance to the War Pension Scheme. £30 million has been allocated over the next four years to an associated grant scheme. Details on how communities Armoured Fighting Vehicles can access this funding will be announced in due course, but it is expected to be UK wide. Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will estimate the cost to the public purse arising from the time taken to complete the capability Defence: Exports sustainment programmes for (a) the Warrior infantry vehicle and (b) Challenger 2 main battle tank. [55522] Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for Peter Luff: The Warrior capability sustainment Defence what steps he is taking to support aviation programme is currently in the assessment phase. The defence exports. [55596] total cost of the programme will be determined when the main investment decision point is made. I am Mr Gerald Howarth: The United Kingdom Trade withholding the estimated costs as their disclosure would and Industry Defence and Security Organisation (UKTI prejudice commercial interests. At 31 March 2011, total DSO) is responsible for promoting British defence industry expenditure for the concept and assessment phases was overseas. The Ministry of Defence (MOD) supports £50.7 million. defence exports through an active and innovative defence The Challenger 2 capability sustainment programme diplomacy initiative. All Government Ministers travelling is in the very early stages of the concept phase and no overseas are encouraged to promote the best that Britain expenditure has yet been incurred. has to offer, including in defence and security. MOD Ministers are actively promoting defence aviation exports Departmental CCTV to international partners. Last year, I and my ministerial colleagues attended the Farnborough International Air Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Show which showcases the UK aviation industry, and a Defence how many CCTV cameras are installed in and number of exhibitions around the world. around his Department’s premises; and how much such We recognise the important contribution defence exports cameras cost to (a) install and (b) operate in the latest can make in supporting our key strategic relationships. period for which figures are available. [56833] Exports can also help to maintain the UK’s defence and aerospace industry, which employs about 300,000 people, Peter Luff: The requested information is not centrally many of whom are highly skilled and are based in north held and could be provided only at disproportionate west England. Defence exports can help to reduce the cost. cost to the taxpayer of MOD acquisition programmes through longer production runs, sharing of overheads Community Covenant on defence industrial facilities and contributing to development costs. Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for The MOD also provides international defence training Defence if he will list the projects to which his to overseas pilots as part of defence diplomacy initiatives Department has allocated funding as part of the and often as part of export packages. The MOD is Community Covenant to date; and in each such case supporting a number of Hawk and Typhoon campaigns, (a) how much funding his Department is expecting to including the Typhoon bid to India where we are delighted allocate in each of the next three financial years and that the aircraft has been short-listed. Last year, 13 (b) which other Government Departments are international students were trained on Hawk and Typhoon allocating funding to the project. [56780] aircraft. 531W Written Answers24 MAY 2011 Written Answers 532W

Departmental Billing Approximate number of Country in which data personal Gordon Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for Contract are held records held Defence how many invoices his Department received in respect of goods or services supplied by tier 1 suppliers Royal Navy Community Website USA 18,000 between 1 May 2010 and 1 April 2011; and how many e-bluey—hybrid system for the USA 33,962 exchange of mail between of those invoices were not paid within the period of Service personnel and family and time specified in the Government’s fair payment friends guidance. [55871] Air Movements Information Germany 110,000 System (AMIS) Remote Access Movements USA23100,000 Peter Luff: In the period between 1 May 2010 and Portal (RAMP) 1 April 2011, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) received iNCS (Interim New Clothing Canada 6,867 9,365 invoices from tier 1 suppliers related to construction Solution) contracts covered by the fair payment guidance. Separate 1 Per month. Records are deleted 24 hours plus one minute after final sector of flight is completed. records are not kept for the number of these invoices 2 Department of Transport paid within 14 days, but 26 of the invoices mentioned 3 Per annum. Records are deleted after seven days above were not paid within 30 days. Fitlinxx, which provides fitness training programmes The MOD already aims to pay at least 80% of all for service personnel, also hold a contract that allows invoices within five days in accordance with its prompt for personal data of UK citizens to be held in the US. I payment target. Over the period in question, the MOD will write to my hon. Friend with details of the number paid 95.2% of all invoices within five days. of records held once this information is available, and place a copy of the letter in the Library of the House. Gordon Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what mechanism his Department has established to ensure its payments are passed through Departmental Ministerial Policy Advisers the supply chain to each tier in accordance with the last date for payment defined in the Government’s fair payment guidance. [55894] Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on what date special advisers in his Peter Luff: The principles of fair payment are set out Department last used the Government car pool to in a charter signed by all the former Defence Estates travel in an official capacity; and on how many (now Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO)) key occasions a special adviser in his Department has suppliers agreeing to hasten payment to supply chain travelled to their home address using the Government members once paid by the Ministry of Defence. car pool since May 2010. [56088] In addition, project bank accounts (PBAs) have been included in those DIO contracts with a total value Peter Luff: The use of official cars and taxis by civil exceeding £500 million as the primary vehicle to implement servants, and special advisers, is governed by the fair payment, and our next generation estate contracts requirements of the Civil Service Management Code. programme will see PBAs used as a matter of course. We have taken Government car pool to mean the Government Car and Despatch Agency. Departmental Data Protection Special advisers have not made any use of these cars either for official travel or travel home. Eric Ollerenshaw: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many contracts his Department holds Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for which allow contractors to store personal data of UK Defence how much his Department spent on special citizens overseas; to which contracts this applies; in advisers’ travel by (a) Government car, (b) private hire which countries the data for each such contract are car, (c) train, (d) bus, (e) commercial aircraft and (f) held; and how many people have their data stored private aircraft since May 2010. [56101] overseas under each such contract. [55736] Peter Luff: To keep costs as low as possible, the Peter Luff: The Ministry of Defence holds eight Ministry of Defence uses an electronic booking system contracts where personal data of UK citizens are held together with Hogg Robinson Group that searches for overseas. The following table provides the name of the and provides the cheapest and most competitive prices contract, the country in which the data are held and the available through their travel search engine. approximate number of records stored. Costs cover all travel undertaken by the Department’s Approximate special advisers over a 12-month period as part of their number of duties in support of ministerial visits around the UK Country in which data personal Contract are held records held and overseas. This includes, but is not limited to, visits to armed forces personnel deployed on operations and Defence Travel Electronic France 180,000 attendance at key defence diplomacy engagements. Booking Information System USA 20,000 The use of official cars and taxis by civil servants and Defence Travel: Travel USA 310,000 special advisers is governed by the requirements of the Management Contract Civil Service Management Code. 533W Written Answers24 MAY 2011 Written Answers 534W

Data are provided in the following table: This year we are offering five places. Work experience Amount spent from May 2010 to 13 May 2011 placements are generally short-term, most commonly Form of transport £ during half term and other holidays, for year 10 and 11 students, college students (17 to 19 years) and Government Car 0 undergraduates. We advise anyone who wants to undertake Private Hire Car 0 a work experience placement to contact their nearest Train 877.80 MOD establishment. The MOD does not offer Bus 0 opportunities to volunteer in the Department. Commercial Aircraft 56,733.26 Private Aircraft 0 Guided Weapons

Departmental Mobile Phones Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many Brimstone missiles have been used Mike Freer: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence in Afghanistan in each month since January 2010. what the name is of each contractor or supplier of (a) [56779] mobile telephone and (b) mobile data services to his Department. [56057] Nick Harvey: I am withholding the information as its disclosure would, or would be likely to prejudice the Peter Luff: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer the capability, effectiveness or security of the armed forces. Under-Secretary of State my right hon. Friend the Member for South Leicestershire (Mr Robathan), gave Hawk Aircraft on 26 April 2011, Official Report, column 68W. The Defence Fixed Telecommunications Service (DFTS) Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for provides most of our mobile communications requirements. Defence by what date he expects the T1 Hawk training Under the DFTS agreement with BT, mobile aircraft to be retired. [55484] communications devices including mobile telephones, BlackBerrys, 3G data cards and associated data services Peter Luff: The Hawk T1 current planned out of are supplied by Vodafone. service date is 2020. The aircraft is scheduled to cease its fast jet pilot training role at RAF Valley by December Departmental Rail Travel 2012, by which time it will have been replaced in this role by the Hawk T2 Advanced Jet Trainer. The Hawk Mr Godsiff: To ask the Secretary of State for T1 will continue to operate in other roles, including as Defence how many first class rail journeys were part of the Royal Air Force aerobatic team. undertaken by staff in his Department between April 2010 and April 2011; and what the total cost was of Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for such journeys. [53165] Defence how many (a) T1 and (b) T2 Hawk aircraft were (i) in service, (ii) in the forward fleet and (iii) fit for Peter Luff: The Ministry of Defence service and purpose on the most recent date for which figures are civilian staff made a total of 3,356 rail journeys first available. [55485] class in 2010-11 at a total cost of £226,177. This represents a reduction in the cost of first-class rail travel of 96% Peter Luff: The available information is provided in compared to 2009-10. These statistics reflect ticket bookings the following table. made through the defence travel contract. Our staff may also arrange rail travel outside the central contract In service fleet Forward fleet Fit for purpose in certain circumstances but we do not hold a breakdown Hawk T1 127 88 60 of such travel by class of travel. Hawk T2 20 19 10 While some staff have an entitlement to first-class rail travel, standard-class travel using the cheapest possible In service aircraft include those undergoing planned tickets is now the norm and significant savings have depth maintenance but exclude those which are redundant, been achieved. declared as surplus or awaiting disposal. The forward Further work is being undertaken to ensure our fleet comprises aircraft which are serviceable or short-term governance arrangements are robust and examine whether unserviceable. Fit for purpose aircraft include only they need to be further tightened. serviceable aircraft available to the front-line commands for operational and training purposes. The number of Departmental Work Experience aircraft available in each category varies according to normal fleet management activities including requirements Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for for mandated maintenance and upgrade programmes. Defence what advice his Department provides to those Figures for forward fleet and fit for purpose are the wishing to (a) work as an intern, (b) undertake a work monthly average for April 2011. experience placement and (c) work as a volunteer in Two Hawk T1s involved in an accident in March his Department. [52817] 2010 have been disposed of and this has reduced the total T1 in service fleet from 129 to 127. The Hawk T2 Peter Luff: The Ministry of Defence (MOD) offers a in service fleet has increased by three to 20 due to number of summer diversity internships for undergraduates aircraft deliveries. This answer therefore updates the each year. Full information on this scheme is available figures for Hawk T1 and T2 given in previous answers on the following website: on 18 January 2011, Official Report, column 748W, and www.civilservice.gov.uk/faststream. 27 January 2011, Official Report, column 478W. 535W Written Answers24 MAY 2011 Written Answers 536W

Joint Strike Fighter Aircraft Libya: Armed Conflict

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what comparative assessment he undertook on Defence how much his Department has spent on an airframe basis of the long-term support and weapons deployed on operations over Libya since the ownership costs of the Joint Combat Aircraft with the commencement of military action. [54515] (a) F-18E Super Hornet, (b) Dassault Rafale and (c) naval variant of the Eurofighter. [56562] Peter Luff: The gross book value, inclusive of VAT, of precision guided weapons fired in support of Operation Peter Luff: Previous studies, which included comparisons Ellamy between 19 March and 8 May this year is £43.77 with F-18, Dassault Rafale and a “navalised” variant of million. the Eurofighter, have consistently concluded that the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) provided the best value for Mr Love: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence money in light of our future capability requirements. whether he has sought any legal opinion on the compatibility with UN Security Council Resolution 1973 of any changes to directions on the targeting of Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for personnel in Libya. [57099] Defence if he will estimate what proportion of the long-term support and maintenance for the Joint Nick Harvey: Our military objective remains unchanged: Combat Aircraft can be completed in the UK under to enforce UN Security Council Resolution 1973, which the current United States classification regime for that authorises the enforcement of “all necessary measures” aircraft; and what proportion of the total amount of to protect civilians under threat of attack. the projected annual maintenance cost such support Departmental officials have worked closely with Ministry and maintenance represents. [56563] of Defence legal advisers on Libya including in relation to the targeting process. Peter Luff: In signing the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) programme’s Production, Sustainment and Follow-on Development (PSFD) Memorandum of Understanding Nuclear Submarines in 2006 the UK secured a bilateral agreement with the US concerning our requirements for operational sovereignty Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for on the UK Joint Combat Aircraft (JCA). This includes Defence (1) what estimate he has made of the cost to a requirement that all long-term support and maintenance the public purse of the research, development and for the JCA will be carried out in the UK, using the production of Pressurised Water Reactor 3 for the four economies of scale of the JSF global supply chain to Vanguard replacement submarines; [56558] deliver an efficient support solution to the UK and its (2) how much of the expenditure on developing and partners. We have yet to estimate what percentage of building the PWR3 reactor he expects to be incurred the annual support costs will be expended in the UK as with suppliers in the United States; [56559] the details of the JSF global support solution will not (3) how much has been spent by his Department on be finalised for several years. research and development of the PRW2b reactor. [56560]

Joint Strike Fighter Programme Peter Luff [holding answer 23 May 2011]: The Secretary of State for Defence, my right hon. Friend the Member Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for for North Somerset (Dr Fox), announced to the House Defence (1) how many (a) service personnel, (b) civil on 18 May 2011, Official Report, columns 351-363, the personnel and (c) contractors there are in each of the approval of the “Initial Gate” investment decision for integrated product teams working on the Joint Strike the programme to replace the Vanguard submarines Fighter programme; [56862] and the selection of a broad design option that included (2) what the financial contribution of his PWR3 to be taken forward into full design. A decision Department is expected to be in respect of each on the number of submarines will not be taken until integrated product team within the Joint Strike Fighter main gate in 2016. programme (a) in the current financial year and (b) in As detailed in ‘The United Kingdom’s Future Nuclear each of the next four financial years. [56863] Deterrent: The Submarine Initial Gate Parliamentary Report’, the Ministry of Defence has spent around £900 million on the submarine concept phase, which Peter Luff: The Joint Combat Aircraft (JCA) is the included an analysis of the different reactor options. UK requirement within the overall Joint Strike Fighter Additional research and development of PWR3 will programme. We do not retain information on the number take place as part of the assessment phase. Overall, this of staff, their functions or cost to the over-arching JSF phase is expected to total some £3 billion. No further programme. Currently there are 36 UK civilian personnel, research or development of PWR2b will take place. 34 UK service personnel and 13 contractor personnel working on the JCA programme, at an expected total I am withholding more detailed costs of the submarine running cost, including salaries, of approximately £9 million components as its disclosure would prejudice commercial in the current financial year. We expect these numbers interests. to grow slightly over the next four financial years, Although further work needs to be done between however, numbers have not been finalised due to ongoing now and main gate to refine our estimates, we expect restrictions on departmental employment. the cost of the overall successor deterrent system to 537W Written Answers24 MAY 2011 Written Answers 538W remain within the White Paper cost envelope of £15 The Department has committed to producing an billion to £20 billion at 2006-07 prices, of which £11 assessment of the costs and affordability of the equipment billion to £14 billion would be attributed to the cost of programme, accompanied by an independent audit from the replacement platform system. the National Audit Office. This will be published later A full copy of ‘The United Kingdom’s Future Nuclear this year. It would be inappropriate to speculate on the Deterrent: The Submarine Initial Gate Parliamentary size of any remaining gap in the meantime. Report’ can be found at the following website: Research http://www.mod.uk/NR/rdonlyres/7F9F5815-C67B-47B1- B5C4-168E8AB50DC3/O/submarine_initial_gate.pdf Copies have been placed in the Vote Office and Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Library of the House. Defence what his Department’s research and technology budget was in each financial year since 2000-01. [56650] Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what assessment he has made of suitable Peter Luff: The most recently published figures for sites for a prototype Pressurised Water Reactor 3; and net Ministry of Defence (MOD) research spending in if he will make a statement; [57094] “UK Defence Statistics 2010”, which includes the research (2) if he will estimate the cost of building a prototype programme controlled by the Chief Scientific Adviser Pressurised Water Reactor 3; [57095] (CSA), and other activity reported as “research” in the (3) whether he has any plans to build a prototype accounts across the MOD, are shown in the following Pressurised Water Reactor 3. [57096] table (figures are inclusive of non-recoverable VAT at current prices): Peter Luff [holding answer 23 May 2011]: I will make an announcement in due course. £ million 2000-01 566 Peacekeeping Operations 2001-02 557 2002-03 515 Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for 2003-04 524 Defence if he will estimate the cost to the public purse 2004-05 639 of awarding the Operational Allowance to members of 2005-06 598 the armed forces deployed on operations in Libya. 2006-07 632 [56690] 2007-08 635 2008-09 584 Peter Luff: The value of the operational allowance was doubled in May 2010 to its current level of £29.02 MOD research expenditure statistics are designated per day and there are in the region of 1,400 personnel national statistics status and as such the release of the participating in Operation Ellamy overseas. If the figures for 2009-10 and 2010-11 are embargoed until operational allowance were extended to include this their publication by the Office for National Statistics in deployment the estimated cost would be in the region of September 2011 and 2012, respectively. However, the £1.2 million per calendar month. organisation within the MOD charged with management and procurement of research for the CSA, the largest The aim of the operational allowance is to recognise part of the reported expenditure, recorded a net resource the significantly increased and enduring nature of the out-turn of some £466 million for 2009-10 and was danger in specified operational locations. Libya is not allocated a budget of £439 million for 2010-11. considered such at this time as we are not conducting land base operations, and air patrols are being conducted As I have informed the House in the answer I gave on from airfields elsewhere. But we are keeping this position 16 May 2011, Official Report, column 6, to my right on the operational allowance under constant review. hon. Friend for North East Hampshire (Mr Arbuthnot), the science and technology budget will rise in cash terms over the comprehensive spending review period. Public Expenditure A complete time series detailing MOD research expenditure is published in UK Defence Statistics Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for (Table 1.8), a copy of which is available in the Library Defence what his most recent estimate is of the level of of the House. funding (a) required and (b) allocated in order to meet his Department’s commitments. [56781] RFA Largs Bay

Peter Luff: Prior to the strategic defence and security Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for review (SDSR) a gap of £38 billion was calculated Defence how many people were recorded as having between the cost of the defence programme and the been assisted by RFA Largs Bay after the earthquake Ministry of Defence budget under an assumption that in Haiti. [56706] it rises in line with inflation over the 10 years 2011-12 to 2020-21, Nick Harvey: There are no records relating to the The SDSR and the departmental planning round numbers of people assisted by the involvement of RFA 2011 have made significant steps in closing that gap. Largs Bays in the relief operations following the earthquake However, we have always been clear that more would in Haiti in January 2010. I refer the hon. Member to the need to be done. answer I gave on 26 April 2011, Official Report, 539W Written Answers24 MAY 2011 Written Answers 540W column 78W, where I made clear that the vessel’s role Air Pollution: Greater London was to provide much needed supplies and equipment, but as none of the ship’s personnel landed beyond the Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for beach and no direct medical treatment was given on Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps she board the ship, it was not possible to identify how many plans to take to reduce the risk of exceeding European people benefited from their contribution to the relief Commission requirements on nitrogen dioxide air effort. quality limits in London. [56422] However, RFA Largs Bay played a critical role in delivering relief supplies as part of a wider UK and international effort. Following the initial delivery of Richard Benyon: This Government are committed to 595 linear metres of relief supplies, corrugated sheeting working towards compliance with European air quality and logistics equipment, including fork lift trucks and standards. four-wheel drive vehicles, Largs Bay remained on station Although much of the UK meets the EU air quality delivering essential supplies on behalf of international limits for nitrogen dioxide (NO2), the UK, along with aid agencies to stricken communities around Haiti. This many other European countries, faces a significant challenge task could only be undertaken by sea due to extensive in meeting the limit values in London and other major road and airport infrastructure damage and Largs Bay urban areas by 2015. We are working with the Mayor of was particularly suited to the task due to the unique London, the devolved Administrations, other government beach landing capability. Largs Bay’s effort was part of departments and local authorities to identify actions to the wider UK £20 million contribution that helped to help the UK meet the NO2 limits in the shortest time provide more than 380,000 people with food, clean possible, and expect to publish our plans for consultation water and medical care. in June. These must be submitted to the European Following the strategic defence and security review, Commission by September this year. the Ministry of Defence retains a variety of Royal Navy Government recently made an extra £5 million available vessels able to offer humanitarian assistance. to help tackle some of London’s worst pollution hotspots. This money will help support a variety of measures Trident Submarines such as traffic smoothing measures, the development of a no-idling zone, local cycling and walking schemes, and the introduction of ‘greening’ (e.g. tree and vegetation Katy Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence planting). what his Department’s latest estimate is of the cost for the Trident submarine replacement programme’s I would refer my hon. Friend to the Mayor’s Air concept phase and assessment phase in (a) constant Quality Strategy (see the following link), which sets out 2006 prices and (b) project outturn prices accounting the Mayor’s plans for improving London’s air quality for inflation. [55475] with measures aimed at reducing emissions from transport, homes, offices and new developments, as well as raising Graeme Morrice: To ask the Secretary of State for awareness of air quality issues. The Mayor’s Air Quality Defence what his Department’s most recent estimate is Strategy is available at: of the cost of the Trident submarine replacement http://www.london.gov.uk/publication/mayors-air-quality- programme’s concept phase and assessment phase in strategy (a) constant 2006 prices and (b) project outturn prices accounting for inflation. [56637] Angling Nick Harvey: The latest estimate of the cost of the Trident submarine replacement programme concept and Annette Brooke: To ask the Secretary of State for assessment phases is as follows: Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the net contribution to the economy of Phase 2006 constant prices Outturn prices recreational bass fishing in England; and if she will make a statement. [57378] Concept £850 million £900 million Assessment £2.3 billion £3.0 billion Richard Benyon: I recognise the importance of recreational sea angling and the social, economic and conservation benefits associated with the sport. I am also aware there is little information available on recreational ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS activity such as how many fishing trips take place or how many people fish from our piers and beaches. Aarhus Convention To address this lack of information, DEFRA, in conjunction with the Marine Management Organisation Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for (MMO); the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Environment, Food and Rural Affairs who will be Aquaculture Science; and the newly established Inshore representing the UK at the meeting of parties to the Fisheries Conservation Authorities, has recently committed Aarhus convention in June 2011. [56424] funds to the ‘Sea Angling 2012’ research project. This project will provide the most comprehensive information Richard Benyon: The UK will be represented by DEFRA ever collected on recreational sea angling activity, catches officials at the forthcoming Meeting of the Parties to and economic value in England. The recreational bass the Aarhus convention. The delegation will comprise fishery will, of course, as one of England’s key recreational three officials: two policy experts and one legal expert. species, be included in this wider work. 541W Written Answers24 MAY 2011 Written Answers 542W

The information gathered by this project, including Commons Councils the economic data, will allow better informed, evidence- based decisions to be made on issues which are of Michael Fallon: To ask the Secretary of State for importance to sea anglers—at both local and national Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many level. applications for Commons Councils have been submitted since 2006; and how many such applications Animal Welfare: Circuses were approved in (a) England and (b) the south-east. Tom Blenkinsop: To ask the Secretary of State for [57225] Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent Richard Benyon: There is no provision in Part 2 of the estimate she has made of the average amount of time Commons Act 2006 for applications to establish a commons each day circus animals spend in cages. [56123] council, and no commons council has yet been established. Mr Paice: No such assessment has been made. However, DEFRA and Natural England are working with three candidates to establish commons councils, in British Waterways Board relation to Bodmin Moor, Brendon Common (Exmoor) and Cumbria. There are, at present, no candidates in Tristram Hunt: To ask the Secretary of State for relation to south-east England. We expect, in response Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what meetings to one or more robust proposals, to set up at least one her Department has had with the Charity Commission commons council in 2011-12. to discuss her proposals to transfer the assets and liabilities of British Waterways into a charitable trust. Dairy Farming [57056] Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Richard Benyon: DEFRA has had informal conversations Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent with the Charity Commission. These have considered: assessment she has made of the prospects for the dairy the consultation proposal on governance for the new farming industry. [57138] waterways charity; informal feedback on our consultation document on those aspects of the charity that concern Mr Paice: In 2009-10 the average farm business income the Charity Commission; and an early discussion on the on dairy farms in England, as measured by the Farm process for registering the charity with the Charity Business Survey, amounted to around £56,000. Within Commission. this, over £24,000 was contributed by agricultural activities Tristram Hunt: To ask the Secretary of State for on the farm. The remainder came from agri-environment Environment, Food and Rural Affairs with which schemes, farm-based diversified activities and the single organisations her Department has had discussions on payment. Forecasts for 2010-11 suggest that average the transfer of the assets and liabilities of British farm business income on dairy farms in England will Waterways into a charitable trust. [57057] fall by around 24% to some £42,500. This is in line with other types of livestock farm and reflects principally Richard Benyon: British Waterways championed the higher costs, particularly those associated with purchased proposal to move to civil society with their stakeholders, feed. when they published their ‘Twenty Twenty—a Vision A survey of farmers’ intentions, carried out in 2010 for the Future of our Canals and Rivers’ in 2009. by DairyCo, showed that almost a third of dairy farmers At an early stage of Government’s support for the in the UK intended to increase their milk production move, we discussed emerging proposals for the charity over the following two years. The percentage of dairy with other Government Departments, many of our key farmers intending to implement a succession plan in the stakeholders and a number of civil society organisations, next decade increased to 43%, from 24% in 2009. including: those represented on DEFRA’s Advisory Within the Farm Business Survey a new project has Body on Civil Society and the Charity Commission. just been initiated to assess farmer intentions, including We are now consulting formally on our proposals for dairy farmers. This will examine intentions for changes the new waterways charity and during the consultation in business size and structure, including plans to expand, period, we are holding a series of meetings and workshops contract or quit milk production. Results will be available with key stakeholders and other interested parties. The later this year. consultation document can be found at: We are confident that the UK dairy farming industry http://www.defra.gov.uk/consult/2011/03/30/waterways-1103/ has a strong future but it will need to continue to respond to technological change and market opportunities Carbon Emissions so as to innovate, add greater value and improve its Tristram Hunt: To ask the Secretary of State for competitiveness. Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether she has Dairy Farming: Insolvency any plans to assess the UK’s emissions output using consumption-based inventories. [57054] Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Paice: In 2008 DEFRA published an evidence Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many dairy study that measured the UK’s emissions taking a farm businesses entered administration in each of the consumption-based approach. The report is titled last five years. [57139] “Embedded carbon emissions indicator—EV02033”. We are now carrying out further work to update these Mr Paice: DEFRA does not hold figures on the findings. number of dairy farmers entering administration. DEFRA 543W Written Answers24 MAY 2011 Written Answers 544W does, however, hold information on the number of name and (b) address is of each building owned by her dairy farmers exiting the industry each year. Department; and what the estimated monetary value is The following table gives the number of registered of each such building. [53805] UK dairy production holdings recorded each June for the last five years, together with the change from the previous year. Richard Benyon: The following schedule provides details of and existing use values for the freehold and long Change From leasehold property assets currently held by DEFRA. Holdings Previous

2006 19,011 -1,302 These valuation figures represent the monetary value 2007 17,915 -1,096 of the property assets in their existing use for the 2008 17,060 -855 furtherance of DEFRA’s business activities. In the case 2009 16,404 -656 of specialist properties, such as laboratories and research 2010 15,716 -688 facilities, the existing use value is often in excess of the open market value of the property with vacant possession. Departmental Buildings The schedule contains operational assets and those Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for owned assets which are surplus or which will be surplus Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the (a) to business need in the medium term.

Existing use value March Romeo No. Building Location Tenure 2010

079 VIC Kendal Road Harlescott Shrewsbury Freehold 3,665,000 081 VIC Barton Hall Garstang Road Preston Freehold 5,020,000 082 The Nothe Barrack Road Weymouth Freehold 11,180,000 083 VIC Langford House Langford Bristol Long leasehold 905,000 085 Staplake Mount Starcross Exeter Freehold 5,105,000 086 VIC Polwhele Truro Road Truro Freehold 690,000 087 VLA Woodham Lane New Haw Weybridge Freehold 145,746,314 094 Lowestoft Fish Lab Complex Pakefield Road Lowestoft Freehold 4,526,721 101 Thirsk VIC West House Station Road Thirsk Freehold 3,580,000 102 Radiobiological Lab West Pier Whitehaven Long leasehold 10,000 129 Government Buildings Whittington Road Worcester Freehold 5,800,000 133 Prince of Wales House Prince of Wales Road Dorchester Long leasehold 380,000 138 Quantock House Paul Street Taunton Freehold 3,200,000 141 Pydar House Pydar Street Truro Freehold 3,500,000 153 Government Buildings Coley Park Reading Freehold 2,500,000 158 Government Buildings Southgate Street Bury St Edmunds Freehold 1,550,000 168 Ceres House Searby Road Lincoln Long leasehold 1,034,000 175 Crosskill House Mill Lane Beverley Freehold 1,945,000 177 Eden Bridge House Lowther Street Carlisle Freehold 2,900,000 186 Agricola House Gilwilly Trading Estate Penrith Long leasehold 260,000 193 55 Whitehall London Long leasehold 8,200,000 216 Wildlife Unit Aston Down Stroud Freehold 675,000 227 46 Fore Street Newlyn Freehold 100,000 230 Longacre House Frome Road Trowbridge Freehold 245,000 237 VIC Itchen Abbas Winchester Freehold 3,350,000 251 Crown Building Whitehouse Lane Cambridge Long leasehold 980,000 272 VIC Longbenton Whitley Road Newcastle upon Tyne Freehold 2,195,000 278 VIC Rougham Hill Bury St Edmunds Freehold 3,510,000 281 Fera Sand Hutton York Freehold 101,974,246 505 VIC Luddington College Road Stratford-on-Avon Freehold 4,110,000 533 VIC Jobs Well Lane Heol Dyfnallt Carmarthen Freehold 2,060,000 534 VIC Buarth Road Aberystwyth Long leasehold 820,000 557 Curwen Road Workington Freehold 2,100,000 562 Hornbeam House Electra Way Crewe Long leasehold 3,100,000 569 Saffron House Tigers Rd Wigston Leicester Freehold 815,000 598 Watchtree FMD Site Allerdale Carlisle Freehold -6,040,000 599 Tow Law FMD Site Durham Freehold -810,000 613 Ash Moor FMD Site Meeth Tiverton Freehold 300,000 617 Throckmorton—Areas A, B and C FMD Site Long Pershore Long leasehold -3,000,000 Lane 545W Written Answers24 MAY 2011 Written Answers 546W

Existing use value March Romeo No. Building Location Tenure 2010

663 Eastbrook Shaftesbury Road Cambridge Freehold 6,000 767 Zebra House Great North Road Alnwick Freehold 1,600,000 087(2) Holme Farm Weybridge Freehold 95,000 087(3) Coombelands Farm Weybridge Freehold 8,105,000 087(4) Grange and Manor Farm Weybridge Freehold 4,435,000 087(5) Halls Farm Weybridge Freehold 2,970,000 087(6) Appstree Farm Weybridge Freehold 1,750,000 087(7) Old Rectory Farm Weybridge Freehold 2,020,000 087 Grange Farm, Coombelands Farm and Hall Farm Weybridge Freehold 2,710,000 dwellings 087 Rectory Farm Weybridge Freehold 0 308 Arthur Rickwood Farm Mepal Freehold 1,000,000 308 Arthur Rickwood Farm—Sheep Building Mepal Freehold 2,348,000 308 Arthur Rickwood farm dwellings Mepal Freehold 385,000 311 Drayton Farm Stratford-on-Avon Freehold 30,318,500 311(1) Drayton Farm dwellings Stratford-on-Avon Freehold 1,100,000 311(2) Drayton Office/Laboratory Stratford-on-Avon Freehold 75,000 054 Sowerby Buffer Depot Victoria Avenue Thirsk Freehold 275,000 061 Rhydymwyn PSA Supply Depot Nant Alyn Road Mold Freehold (5,000,000) 067 Workshop Polwhele Truro Freehold 270,000 131 Burghill Road Westbury on Trym Bristol Long leasehold 1,750,000 268 Rhydymwyn Building No. 2 Mold Freehold 60,000 272 Newcastle upon Tyne Longbenton Surplus Land Newcastle upon Tyne Freehold 970,000 302 Sewage Treatment Plant Milford Road Efford Freehold 0 308 Paradise Cottage, Arthur Rickwood Farm Mepal Freehold 145,000 309 Boxworth Farm offices Battlegate Road Boxworth Freehold 1,000,000 309 Boxworth Farm remaining Land (Extra Farm) Boxworth Freehold 450,000 311(3) Nutritional Science Unit Drayton Farm Stratford-on-Avon Freehold 55,000 617 Throckmorton Airfield farmland Pershore Freehold. 850,000 703 John Dower House Crescent Place Cheltenham Freehold 1,750,000

Departmental Mobile Phones and (b) mobile data services to her Department. [56061] Mike Freer: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the name is Richard Benyon: The information requested is included of each contractor or supplier of (a) mobile telephone in the following table.

Executive Agencies DEFRA RPA CEFAS FERA VMD AH VLA

(a) Supplier of Vodafone Vodafone Vodafone Vodafone T Mobile Vodafone Vodafone mobile phones Orange Orange Orange Orange (b) Supplier of Vodafone Vodafone Vodafone Vodafone T Mobile Vodafone Vodafone mobile data services Orange Vodafone Orange Notes: CEFAS—has one handset from Orange due to signal coverage. FERA—The main contractor/supplier of mobile telephone services is Vodafone with some additional provision by Orange. The main contractor/supplier of mobile data services is Vodafone with some additional provision by Orange.

Departmental Travel Department’s executive agencies and (b) the chief executive of each such agency since May 2010. [56176] Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much has Richard Benyon: The information requested is included been spent on travel in respect of (a) each of her in the following table:

Executive agencies £ RPA CEFAS FERA VMD AH VLA

(a) Travel 2,400,000 494,721 630,634 189,688 2,382,172 441,424 547W Written Answers24 MAY 2011 Written Answers 548W

Executive agencies £ RPA CEFAS FERA VMD AH VLA

(b) Chief executives travel 5,797 6,191 8,879 4,679 8,470 3,081 Notes: 1. VLA: Travel includes staff mileage payments and excludes accommodation and subsistence. The CEO travel costs also include/exclude these and both are for 1 April 2010 to 31 March 2011 2. VMD: Period is 1 May 2010 to 30 April 2011. Both figures exclude costs of travel recovered from EU Commission and industry. 3. AH: Period is for 1 May 2010 to 30 April 2011. The travel total includes all operational travel by the Veterinary and Technical grades. The CEO total is for the period 1 May 2010 to 31 March 2011. 4. CEFAS: Period is 1 April 2010 to 31 March 2011. Includes travel: air, rail, bus/coach, ferry/channel tunnel and taxis (private hire). These include journeys undertaken in the fulfilment of non-Government customer contracts. The travel cost for these non-Government contracts is reimbursed by the recipient of these services in the charges made and income received. 5. FERA: Expenditure is for the period May 2010 to March 2011. 6. RPA: Expenditure is for the period May 2010 to March 2011.

The information is provided on the basis that the Further information about the scheme and the final accounts for the year 2010-11 are still being audited applications can be found on the DEFRA website at: by the National Audit Office. http://www.defra.gov.uk/food-farm/food/protected-names/ Food: Origin Marking Food: Waste

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much Protected Destinations of Origin designations have imported food was destroyed as a result of being been made in the last 10 years. [57042] declared unfit for human consumption in the latest period for which figures are available. [57043] Mr Paice: Since 2001, three UK applications submitted to. the EU have been awarded Protected Designation of Mr Paice: Neither DEFRA nor the Food Standards Origin (PDO) status under the EU Protected Food Agency collects this information centrally. This means Names (PFN) scheme. These are: that collated data cannot be provided without incurring Staffordshire Cheese (2007) disproportionate cost. Isle of Man Manx Loaghtan Lamb (2008) Origin Marking: Israel Yorkshire Forced Rhubarb (2010) During the same period, a further six UK products Mr Slaughter: To ask the Secretary of State for have received Protected Geographical Indications (PGI) Environment, Food and Rural Affairs for what reason status and one has been registered as a Traditional the guidelines on place of origin labelling issued by her Speciality Guaranteed (TSG). Department on 10 December 2009 do not apply to all Further information about the scheme and the food products on sale in the UK that originate in Israeli and drink names which have been registered under it settlements. [56220] can be found on the DEFRA website at: http://www.defra.gov.uk/food-farm/food/protected-names/ Mr Paice: The technical advice referred to by the hon. Member only applies to fresh produce since Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for representations made to this Department prior to its Environment, Food and Rural Affairs in respect of issue suggested that labelling guidance would be of which products have applications for approval to be particular value in relation to that category of imports awarded Protected Destinations of Origin been from the Occupied Palestinian Territories. Origin labelling submitted which are awaiting a decision. [57044] of products other than food and drink is the responsibility of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills. Mr Paice: There are 10 UK applications currently being considered for registration as Protected Designation Pigs: Animal Welfare of Origin (PDO) products. These are at various stages of the process as follows: Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment Under DEFRA Under development with she has made of the effects on domestic pig farmers of 1 At EU stage assessment ADAS imports from countries with lower welfare standards Isle of Man Queenies Fal Oysters Guernsey Butter than the UK. [57041] Native Shetland Wool — Jersey Black Butter — — Lakeland Herdwick Mr Paice: All pig producers in the European Union Lamb (EU) have to comply with EU pig welfare rules. UK — — Sussex Fowl legislation currently requires higher welfare standards — — Welsh Cider for pigs, in a few respects, than in other EU countries. — — Welsh Perry The most significant being that in the UK close-confinement — — Halen Mon Anglesey sow stalls have been unilaterally banned since 1999. Sea Salt Similar requirements will not be introduced across the 1 ADAS act as the delivery agent for DEFRA with respect to certain activities under the Protected Food Name Scheme. These include working with applicant EU until 2013 which will help to provide a more level groups. playing field for UK producers. 549W Written Answers24 MAY 2011 Written Answers 550W

Consumer demand for high welfare products has Poultry: Animal Welfare prompted some retailers to set an animal welfare component within their own private standards which their suppliers Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for (UK and other suppliers) must meet. These are in Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) what support addition to minimum legal standards set down in EU she expects to receive from other EU member states for welfare rules. her request for an intercommunity trade ban on eggs The Government and the UK industry are watching produced in conventional battery cages after 1 January European competitors and the Commission closely to 2012; [56619] ensure that there is no reneging on implementation of (2) whether she has received representations from these new standards across the EU. any EU member state wishing to delay the introduction of the trade ban for eggs produced in conventional Claire Perry: To ask the Secretary of State for battery cages beyond the current deadline; [56620] Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps she is (3) what steps she is taking to ensure that eggs and taking (a) nationally and (b) with her EU egg products entering the UK after 1 January 2012 are counterparts to ensure compliance with animal welfare from legal production systems. [56621] standards are met with respect to the import of pork. [56713] Mr Paice: We wish to protect compliant producers from any competitive disadvantage of illegal production Mr Paice: All pig producers in the EU have to comply in other member states or indeed the UK. The Secretary with EU pig welfare rules. UK legislation currently of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, my requires higher welfare standards for pigs, in a few right hon. Friend the Member for Meriden (Mrs Spelman), respects, than in other EU countries. The most significant has urged the European Commission to put additional being that in the UK close confinement sow stalls have enforcement measures in place at EU level to prevent been unilaterally banned since 1999. Similar requirements market disturbance. will not be introduced across the EU until 2013 which The introduction of a time limited intra-community will help to provide a more level playing field for UK trade ban on eggs produced from conventional cages producers. was one of the enforcement options proposed at a If any member state were to seek an extension to the stakeholder meeting in Brussels in January 2011 and is 2013 sow stall ban, the UK would strongly oppose it. still under consideration by the Commission’s legal We recognise any extension would disadvantage UK services. producers who have invested heavily in converting to As the Secretary of State made it clear at February’s alternative systems. Agriculture Council meeting, when Poland, Romania The Government are committed to ensure that and Bulgaria sought more time, any delay in implementing food procured by Government Departments and eventually the ban would be grossly unfair to all the egg producers the whole public sector, meets British or equivalent in the UK who have made significant investments to standards of production, wherever this can be achieved, convert out of battery cages ahead of the European without increasing overall cost. In addition, consumer deadline. No further representations have been received. demand for high welfare products has prompted The UK has consistently called for the ban to be some retailers to set an animal welfare component implemented in 2012 with strict enforcement by the EU within their own private standards which their suppliers and we will continue to play a full part in EU discussions (UK and other suppliers) must meet. These are in on a practical enforcement solution. addition to minimum legal standards set down in EU welfare rules. Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for The Government and the UK industry are watching Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment European competitors and the Commission closely to she has made of the effects of imports from countries ensure that there is no reneging on implementation of with lower welfare standards than the UK on domestic these new standards across the EU. poultry farmers. [57039]

Mr Paice: There is a large body of legislation at Plastic Bags European Union (EU) level to improve animal welfare which all livestock producers in the EU have to comply with. EU legislation must be implemented in full across Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for the EU so that UK producers have a level playing field Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what progress and do not have to try and compete with non-compliant has been made on reducing plastic bag usage via producers. retailers in the latest period for which figures are available. [56423] As well as promoting high animal welfare standards in this country, we are keen to encourage high animal welfare standards internationally, both in other EU Richard Benyon: Annual figures for the period May countries and in third countries. 2006 to May 2010 show a continuous year-on-year Within the World Trade Organisation (WTO) multilateral reduction in the numbers and in the weight of all bags. framework there is little scope for the EU to enforce For single use carrier bags, the reduction over the higher levels of production standards, including those period was 43% in numbers distributed and 51% by relating to animal welfare, in countries from which the weight. EU imports goods. However, OIE (World Organisation 551W Written Answers24 MAY 2011 Written Answers 552W for Animal Health) is playing a major role in developing Finally, the Seafish Ecodredge project completed in and progressing internationally recognised standards 2003 also provides information on the direct and indirect for animal welfare. effects of scallop dredging: The UK continues to work with the European Union http://www.seafish.org/media/Publications/ and the WTO membership to advocate high animal CR199_200Ecodredge_Executive_Summary.pdf welfare standards. Set-aside Schemes River Rom Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) what Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for assessment she has made of the effects on biodiversity Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps she is of the ending of set-aside; [57032] taking to reduce levels of (a) nitrates and (b) eutrophication in the River Rom. [57040] (2) whether she has considered the merits of introducing an incentive similar to set-aside to promote Richard Benyon: In the more urban areas of the River wildlife conservation in agricultural areas. [57033] Rom, pollution sources of nitrates and phosphates are generally from misconnections, combined sewer overflows Mr Paice: Set-aside was originally introduced as a and surcharging sewers. The Environment Agency is means to control production. Its requirements also working with Thames Water to address misconnections provided a range of environmental benefits that helped and identify improvements needed. biodiversity by providing winter and summer nesting habitat and food sources for farmland birds, as well as Part of the River Rom in the more rural areas is supporting a range of more common plants, insects and designated as a nitrate vulnerable zone. Farmers in the mammals and improving the quality of soil and water. more rural areas along the River Rom will have to The set-aside mechanism was abolished from January comply with the nitrates directive and this requires 2009. Consequently, many of the recognised environmental them to prepare a risk map for land on which they benefits of set-aside land may have been lost. intend to spread nitrate rich fertilisers. The Environment Agency carries out farm visits to check compliance and Agri-environment schemes such as Environmental deal with any identified failures on a risk-based approach. Stewardship already offer incentives to farmers to undertake wildlife conservation and other environmental management Working with landowners, local authorities and local of their land. Our schemes are better attuned to delivering business in a collaborative approach, an action plan will environmental benefits than simply taking land out of be produced for the River Rom by the end of 2012. This production. Nearly 60,000 farmers are signed up to our will identify the additional improvements required to schemes. meet the objectives of the water framework directive. The Campaign for the Farmed Environment (CFE), Scallops: Dredging which was launched in November 2009, gives the farming community itself the opportunity to demonstrate that through their own actions, farmers are best placed to Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for decide on and tackle their local environmental priorities, Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment improve biodiversity and promote wildlife conservation, she has made on the effects of scallop dredging on without regulation. My priority is to ensure the campaign marine ecosystems. [57038] is a success. I do not believe that Government should regulate if the farming industry delivers enhanced benefits Richard Benyon: As part of the ongoing assessment for wildlife in agricultural areas. A CFE working group of the effects of scallop dredging on marine ecosystems, has been set up to assess and measure the environmental the Government are drawing on a number of different outcomes the work being done by farmers is delivering. studies, both those funded by DEFRA and those produced by other organisations. Zoos: Licensing These studies include a review which Natural England recently undertook on behalf of DEFRA on the risks Mr Mark Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for from all ongoing activities within European marine Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps her sites. The review looked at the effects of scallop dredging Department takes to disseminate information to zoos in Special Areas of Conservation and a copy of Natural on requirements in respect of the licensing of animals. England’s final report on this can be found on its [56341] website at: http://naturalengland.etraderstores.com/ Mr Paice: Advice and guidance on the provisions of NaturalEnglandShop/NERR038 the Zoo Licensing Act 1981 is published on the DEFRA Additionally, ‘Lyme Bay: a case study measuring the website. Government Circular 02/2003 in particular contains effects of benthic species and assessing the potential detailed information on the inspection and licensing of spillover effects and socio-economic changes’ is currently zoos. being undertaken by the University of Plymouth for Information relating to animal health conditions for DEFRA. Information about the project is available on trade within the EU and import of zoo animals into the the DEFRA website at: EU from third countries is provided through DEFRA’s http://randd.defra.gov.uk/Default.aspx?Menu=Menu& regular meetings with stakeholders. The Animal Health Module=More&Location=None&Completed=0&ProjectID=16366 and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA) has A full report will be available when the study concludes issued comprehensive guidance on the requirements for in spring 2012. trade to zoos and other premises that keep exotic animals. 553W Written Answers24 MAY 2011 Written Answers 554W

Information relating to changes in EU legislation Mr O’Brien: The Department for International and international disease threats is available on the Development has a total of 20 staff working in Belgium, DEFRA website and is circulated by DEFRA through Italy, France, Switzerland and the USA. Due to security Customer Importer Information Notes and Official reasons DFID does not release exact numbers of staff Veterinary Surgeon Notes. Zoos can be added to the based in overseas locations. distribution list for these notes at their request. Licensing requirements for species listed under Mr Knight: To ask the Secretary of State for the Appendices of the Convention on International International Development pursuant to the answer of Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) are publicised 16 May 2011, Official Report, column 14W, on on the AHVLA website. AHVLA also sends out a departmental manpower, for what reasons his CITES bulletin twice a year and holds biannual meetings Department has employees based in (a) Italy and (b) with members of the Sustainable Users Network (SUN). France. [57196] Several zoos are SUN members and are on the CITES bulletin distribution list. Mr O’Brien: Department for International Development (DFID) officials are based in Italy serving in the UK delegation who have overall responsibility for the UK’s engagement with the Rome based UN Food and INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT Agriculture Agencies. We have staff serving in the EU China: Overseas Aid delegation, advising on food security, agriculture and rural development. DFID also has staff in France serving in the UK delegation with overall responsibility for UK Mr Knight: To ask the Secretary of State for engagement with UNESCO. International Development pursuant to the answer of 16 May 2011, Official Report, column 14W, on departmental manpower, what his Department’s aid Departmental Ministerial Policy Advisers contribution to China is; how such aid is provided; when provision of such aid is due to conclude; and whether all his Department’s staff based in China will Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for be withdrawn from that country after such aid International Development how much his Department provision has concluded. [57197] spent on special advisers’ travel by (a) Government car, (b) private hire car, (c) train, (d) bus, (e) Mr Andrew Mitchell: The Department for International commercial aircraft and (f) private aircraft since May Development’s bilateral aid programme to China ended 2010. [56096] in March 2011. DFID will retain a small number of staff in the British embassy in Beijing to strengthen the Mr Duncan: Overseas travel undertaken by special UK Government’s partnership with China on global advisers has been to accompany the Secretary of State development issues, including climate change, peacekeeping for International Development in order to provide advice and poverty reduction in Africa. on DFID country programmes and international meetings. A breakdown of travel costs for DFID special advisers Departmental CCTV since May 2010 is as follows:

Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for £ International Development how many CCTV cameras are installed in and around his Department’s premises; (a) Government Car 0 and how much such cameras cost to (a) install and (b) (b) Private car hire 0 operate in the latest period for which figures are (c) Train (including Europe) 580.50 available. [56838] (d) Bus 0 (e) Commercial aircraft 34,963.62 Mr Duncan: CCTV systems are in use at both (f) Private aircraft 0 our UK sites, however for security reasons it would not be appropriate to provide details of the number of cameras. Departmental Procurement The original installation was undertaken during the building fit-out and the specific cost of this element is Alison McGovern: To ask the Secretary of State for not available. Replacement and operating costs are included International Development what his Department’s as part of wider contracts for the maintenance of security policy is on procuring fairly traded tea and coffee for equipment and the provision of guarding services. There internal use; and whether there has been any change in is no cost breakdown for the operating costs. this policy since May 2010. [56660] Departmental Manpower Mr Duncan: All tea and coffee procured directly by Mr Knight: To ask the Secretary of State for DFID from our contract caterers in the UK for official International Development pursuant to the answer of meetings is fairly traded, and is Fairtrade certified. 16 May 2011, Official Report, column 14W, on There has been no change in policy since May 2010. departmental manpower, how many staff of his Commercially available tea and coffee for sale through Department are based in (a) Belgium, (b) Italy, (c) the catering outlets in the DFID offices are either France, (d) Switzerland and (e) the US. [57195] Rainforest Alliance or Fairtrade certified. 555W Written Answers24 MAY 2011 Written Answers 556W

Departmental Research Number People with access People with People reached Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for to sustainable sustainable access through hygiene clean drinking to an improved promotion International Development what (a) longitudinal and Countries water sanitation facility activities (b) other (i) research and (ii) collection of data his Department has (A) initiated, (B) terminated and (C) Bangladesh 1,278,000 613,000 3,623,200 amended in the last 12 months; and what such research DRC 6,200,000 6,200,000 6,200,000 and data collection exercises undertaken by the Ethiopia 1,400,000 604,000 1,600,000 Department have not been amended in that period. India 1— 1— 1— [56764] Malawi 1— 1— 1— Mozambique 504,000 364,000 — Mr O’Brien: The Research and Evidence division of Nepal 240,000 110,000 195,000 the Department for International Development (DFID) Nigeria 2,900,000 3,800,000 5,500,000 Sierra 1,194,000 1,508,300 2,637,600 is responsible for systematically collecting and synthesising Leone evidence and data on international development. This is Sudan 1— 1— 1— produced as a global public good available for all users Tanzania 405,000 — — including our own country offices and policy division to Vietnam — 325,000 — ensure our aid programmes are based on evidence of Zambia 230,800 3,000,000 3,000,000 what works. This division has not initiated any substantial Zimbabwe 1,055,000 598,000 920,000 longitudinal research in the last 12 months. A number 1 Details will be made available in operational plans for these countries, which of projects, however, have been initiated (63), terminated be published on the DFID website in due course. (four), and amended (three) in the last 12 months, though the majority of our research and data collection Lindsay Roy: To ask the Secretary of State for (over 100 projects) have not been amended in that International Development what estimate he has made period. I have placed a list of the 63 centrally-funded of the number of people who will be provided with (a) research projects that have been initiated by DFID in access to clean water, (b) improved sanitation and (c) the last 12 months in the Library of the House. Research hygiene awareness programmes delivered through and data collection is also funded by the regional divisions multilateral organisations and funded by his in DFID to inform their own operations. Department in 2011-12. [57249]

Developing Countries: Fossil Fuels Mr O’Brien: We are currently working to determine whether a reliable estimate of the number of people reached through multilaterals in these areas can be Mr Ward: To ask the Secretary of State for readily attributed. This is a complex calculation depending International Development whether he has discussed on variable factors including our share of the core with the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate funding to each multilateral, how they allocate their Change the potential effect on developing countries of funds within sectors and the results they are planning to investment by the World Bank in fossil fuels in such achieve in 2011-12. countries. [57389] Lindsay Roy: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr O’Brien: The Department for International International Development how much bilateral aid his Development (DFID) and the Department of Energy Department plans to provide for (a) access to clean and Climate Change (DECC) have regular discussions water, (b) improved sanitation and (c) hygiene on this issue. We work closely together to ensure that awareness to each developing country in 2011-12. the World Bank meets our shared objectives of increasing [57250] access to energy for those who lack it, and of reducing the World Bank’s investments in fossil fuels and increasing its investment in clean energy. Mr O’Brien: The Department for International Development (DFID) plans to provide bilateral aid for access to clean water, improved sanitation and hygiene Developing Countries: Sanitation awareness to developing countries in 2011-12 as contained in the following table. These figures are subject to Lindsay Roy: To ask the Secretary of State for finalisation of operational plans and development of International Development how many people his detailed business cases demonstrating the value for Department plans to provide with (a) access to clean money to be achieved by each proposed programme. water, (b) improved sanitation and (c) hygiene awareness programmes in each country under the Country/region 2011-12 funding (£000) proposals in its Bilateral Aid Review. [57248] Democratic Republic of Congo 10,000 Ethiopia 26,400 Mr O’Brien: The Department for International Liberia 2,500 Development (DFID) aims to provide access to clean Malawi 1— water, improved sanitation and hygiene awareness to Mozambique 8,000 developing countries as contained in the following table. Nigeria 7,571 These are subject to finalisation of operational plans Sierra Leone 10,400 and development of detailed business cases demonstrating Sudan 1— the value for money to be achieved by each proposed Tanzania 6,000 programme. Uganda 600 557W Written Answers24 MAY 2011 Written Answers 558W

DFID’s bilateral aid programme in Pakistan does Country/region 2011-12 funding (£000) not have a specific allocation for water and sanitation, Zambia 3,000 as this area is already supported by other donors. Zimbabwe 8,000 However, water and sanitation has been one of the Bangladesh 6,000 priority areas of humanitarian support following the Central Asia 500 2010 floods. India 1— DFID is awaiting the International Development Nepal 1,000 Select Committee’s report on UK aid to India before Vietnam 1,600 finalising detailed sector activities in the country, including 1 Details will be made available in operational plans for these countries, which work on water and sanitation. will be published on the DFID website in due course. Note: It is not possible to disaggregate these figures into water supply, sanitation and Overseas Aid hygiene until programmes are designed in detail. Mr Ellwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Lindsay Roy: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what criteria his International Development what aid his Department Department uses to determine what Government has provided to developing countries for investment in expenditure overseas is reckoned within the proportion (a) safe water and (b) sanitation and hygiene in each of gross national income counted as official year since 1997. [57278] development assistance. [56626]

Mr O’Brien: Details of UK aid expenditure, including Mr Duncan: The Department for International the proportion directed to safe water, sanitation and Development (DFID) uses the internationally agreed hygiene are published annually in ‘Statistics on International standard definition of Official Development Assistance Development’ (SID), which is available in the Library laid down by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation of the House and on the DFID website at: and Development (OECD). http://www.dfid.gov.uk/About-DFID/Finance-and- performance/Aid-Statistics/Statistic-on-International- Development-2010/ Specific information on this sector is only available JUSTICE from 2003-04. Prior to this, water, sanitation and hygiene Civil Proceedings statistics were incorporated within broader sectors such as social services, environment and health. Available Mr Buckland: To ask the Secretary of State for water and sanitation figures are as follows (consolidated Justice (1) what assessment he has made of effects of water and sanitation figures available only): proposed limits on success fees applied to personal DFID bilateral spend on water and sanitation injury claimants on the average amount of £ million compensation paid to personal injury claimants; [57263] 2003-04 29.9 2004-05 31.2 (2) what assessment he has made of the effects of 2005-06 48.1 proposed changes to the recoverability of success and 2006-07 60.4 other associated fees in civil litigation cases on lower [57292] 2007-08 71.6 socioeconomic groups; 2008-09 88.4 (3) pursuant to the statement of 29 March 2011, 2009-10 105.9 Official Report, columns 173-4, on reforming civil justice, what assessment he has made of (a) savings and (b) costs to the public purse of his proposed Indian Subcontinent: Sanitation reforms to civil litigation in each of the next five years; [57318] Lindsay Roy: To ask the Secretary of State for (4) what assessment he has made of the potential International Development what aid his Department is effects of removing the recoverability of after-the-event providing to (a) India, (b) Pakistan, (c) Bangladesh insurance and success fees from a losing party in civil and (d) Nepal for the purposes of investment in (i) safe litigation on (a) the number of personal injury cases waters and (ii) sanitation and hygiene in 2011-12. undertaken by lawyers per year and (b) the level of [57277] payments to personal injury claimants. [57403]

Mr O’Brien: Through our bilateral programmes, Mr Djanogly: ‘Reforming Civil Litigation Funding the Department for International Development and Costs in England and Wales—Implementation of (DFID) has allocated £23,000,000 to Bangladesh and Lord Justice Jackson’s Recommendations: The £4,000,000 to Nepal for water and sanitation from Government Response’ was published on 29 March 2011-12 to 2014-15. Among other gains, we estimate 2011. An updated impact assessment was published that an additional 110,000 people will benefit from alongside the response. safe latrines in Nepal by 2015 as a direct result of these UK funds. In Bangladesh, we estimate an additional Mr Ward: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice if 1.28 million people will benefit from increased access to he will make an assessment of the likely effect on safe drinking water; 613,000 will benefit from improved insurance premiums of the proposals announced in the sanitation facilities and about 20 million will be reached White Paper on reform of civil litigation funding and through hygiene awareness. costs. [57373] 559W Written Answers24 MAY 2011 Written Answers 560W

Mr Djanogly: On 29 March this year the Government Mr Kenneth Clarke: The Giving White Paper published announced that they would be implementing the changes on Monday 23 May 2011 outlines the Government’s set out in ‘Reforming Civil Litigation Funding and proposals to encourage charitable giving. As part of Costs in England and Wales - Implementation of Lord this, all Ministry of Justice Ministers have pledged to Justice Jackson’s Recommendations: the Government undertake a “One Day Challenge”—a voluntary Response’. An impact assessment was published alongside commitment to give one day of their time over the the Government response. The Association of British course of a year to a charity or community group of Insurers confirmed that “motorists can look forward to their choice. cheaper insurance in the future”. Courts: Fees and Charges Departmental Manpower John Hemming: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what facility HM Courts and Tribunals Service Fiona Mactaggart: To ask the Secretary of State for has for a litigant in person who qualifies for a court fee Justice how many independent (a) domestic violence exemption to make an urgent application for a stay of adviser and (b) sexual violence adviser posts funded by proceedings in cases where a letter from the his Department there have been in each year since their Department for Work and Pensions confirming the inception; and where each post has been located. exemption is not immediately available. [57045] [56900] Mr Djanogly: If a litigant needs to make an urgent application for a stay of proceedings and they do not Mr Djanogly: The Ministry of Justice has contributed have the required evidence to support an application for towards the funding of independent domestic violence a fee remission they can give the court a written undertaking adviser (IDVA) posts in services supporting victims that they will provide the evidence to support an application through the specialist domestic violence courts (SDVCs) for fee remission or pay the appropriate fee within five since 2007-08. Ministry of Justice funding is set out in working days of the urgent application being made. table 1. Our commitment has been to provide a grant If the litigant fails to comply with the undertaking it for a period of three years only, after which local areas gives to the court the proceedings for which the undertaking are expected to continue to fund the service. was provided will be stopped, struck out or the order From 2011-12 the Ministry of Justice will also fund obtained revoked. 44 IDVA posts from the Victim and Witness General The remission system and this provision is set out in Fund, as set out in table 2. full in the court leaflet “Court Fees—Do I have to pay The Home Office has funded IDVAs for 2011-12 and them” available from all court offices and as a download a list of those who received funding can be found at: from the Justice website. http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/crime/violence-against-women- Departmental Charitable Donations girls/idva/ Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice In addition to this, the Home Office has funded a what steps he is taking to encourage charitable giving number of independent sexual violence adviser (ISVA) by Ministers in his Department. [57116] posts since 2006-2007, as set out in table 3.

Table 1: Ministry of Justice IDVA funding Specialist domestic violence court area 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13

Bedford 1 1 1 0 0 0 Bury St Edmunds 0 0 1 1 1 0 Cambridge/Huntingdon non SDVC 111000 Essex SDVC 1 1 0 0 0 0 Ipswich SDVC 1 1 0 0 0 0 Lowestoft 0 0 1 1 1 0 Luton 1 1 1 0 0 0 Norwich SDVC 1 1 0 0 0 0 Peterborough SDVC 1 1 0 0 0 0 Hemel Hempstead (Herts) 1 1 1 0 0 0 St Albans 0 0 1 1 1 0 East Herts 0 0 1 1 1 0 NE Derbs and Dales 1 1 1 0 0 0 Derby SDVC 1 1 1 0 0 0 Leicester City 1 1 1 0 0 0 Lincolnshire 1 1 1 0 0 0 Loughborough SDVC (Loughboro-Leicester 122100 City) Mansfield 1 1 1 0 0 0 Northants 1 1 1 0 0 0 Nottingham 1 0 0 0 0 0 Durham 1 1 1 0 0 0 Gateshead 0 1 1 1 0 0 Hartlepool 0 0 0 1 1 1 Newcastle 0 0 2 1 1 0 561W Written Answers24 MAY 2011 Written Answers 562W

Table 1: Ministry of Justice IDVA funding Specialist domestic violence court area 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13

North Tyneside 0 0 1 1 1 0 Stockton—non SDVC supporting at Teesside 111000 South East Northumberland 0 0 0 1 1 1 South Tyneside 0 0 0 1 1 1 Sunderland 1 1 1 0 0 0 Teesside SDVC (Cleveland) 1 1 1 0 0 0 Blackburn with Darwen 1 1 1 0 0 0 Blackpool and Fylde 1 1 0 0 0 0 Fylde—non SDVC 111000 Bolton 0 0 1 1 1 0 Burnley (Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale) 1 1 1 0 0 0 Bury 0 0 0 1 1 1 Rossendale (Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale) 1 1 0 0 0 0 Carlisle 1 1 0 0 0 0 Chester 1 1 0 0 0 0 Crewe, Eastern Cheshire 1 1 1 0 0 0 Fleetwood 0 0 1 1 1 0 Halton 1 1 1 0 0 0 Knowsley 1 1 0 0 0 0 Lancaster 1 1 1 0 0 0 Liverpool 1 1 0 0 0 0 Manchester 1 1 2 0 0 0 Oldham 0 0 0 1 1 1 Ormskirk W Lancs 0 1 1 1 0 0 Preston 1 1 1 0 0 0 Rochdale 0 0 0 1 1 1 Salford SDVC 1 1 0 0 0 0 Sefton SDVC 1 1 1 0 0 0 South Cumbria (Barrow and Kendal) 1 1 1 0 0 0 South Ribble and Chorley 1 1 1 0 0 0 St Helens 0 1 1 0 0 0 Stockport 0 0 0 1 1 1 Tameside 0 0 1 1 1 0 Trafford 000111 Warrington 2 2 2 0 0 0 West Cumbria (Workington and Whitehaven) 1 1 1 0 0 0 Wigan 1 1 0 0 0 0 Wirral 1 1 0 0 0 0 Berkshire: Reading, Newbury, Maidenhead 1 1 1 0 0 0 Brighton and Hove 1 1 1 0 0 0 Bucks (Wycombe and Beaconsfield) 0 0 0 1 1 1 East Sussex: Hastings, Eastbourne, Lewes and 111000 Crowborough High Wycombe, Maidenhead—non SDVC 111000 Isle of Wight—non SDVC 100000 Kent: Canterbury, Shepway, Ashford, Dover, 111000 Thanet non SDVC Kent: Maidstone (Dover, Chatham) 0 1 1 1 0 0 Milton Keynes 1 1 1 0 0 0 NE Hants (Alton) 1 1 0 0 0 0 North Oxford (Banbury) 0 1 1 1 0 0 NW Hants (Andover) 1 1 0 0 0 0 Oxford City 1 1 1 0 0 0 Portsmouth 1 1 0 0 0 0 Southampton 1 1 1 0 0 0 West Sussex: Worthing, Crawley 1 1 1 0 0 0 Barnstaple 1 1 1 0 0 0 Bath South West Region 1 1 1 0 0 0 Bristol 1 1 2 0 0 0 Cheltenham SDVC 1 1 0 0 0 0 East and Mid-West Cornwall (Bodmin, Truro) 1 1 1 0 0 0 East Dorset (Bournemouth and Poole) 1 1 0 0 0 0 Exeter 1 1 0 0 0 0 North Avon (Yate) 1 1 0 0 0 0 North Somerset 1 1 1 0 0 0 563W Written Answers24 MAY 2011 Written Answers 564W

Table 1: Ministry of Justice IDVA funding Specialist domestic violence court area 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13

Plymouth 1 1 0 0 0 0 Salisbury 0 0 1 1 1 0 Sedgemoor (Bridgewater) 1 1 0 0 0 0 South Somerset (Yeovil) 1 1 0 0 0 0 Torbay non SDVC 111000 Torquay (Torbay) 1 1 1 0 0 0 West Dorset (Weymouth) 1 1 0 0 0 0 Wiltshire: Chippenham 1 1 1 0 0 0 Wiltshire: Swindon 1 1 1 0 0 0 Birmingham SDVC 1 1 1 0 0 0 Cannock and Stafford 1 1 0 0 0 0 Coventry 1 1 1 0 0 0 Dudley 1 1 1 0 0 0 Herefordshire 0 0 1 1 1 0 North Staffs (Newcastle and Moorlands with 110000 Stoke on Trent areas) Sandwell 1 1 0 0 0 0 Shrewsbury, North Shropshire, Oswestry 1 1 1 0 0 0 Solihull 0 1 1 1 0 0 South East Staffs (Burton) 1 1 0 0 0 0 Tamworth 0 0 1 1 1 0 Telford 111000 Walsall 1 1 0 0 0 0 Warks: Nuneaton and Bedworth, Rugby, 011100 Stratford Wolverhampton 1 1 0 0 0 0 Worcs SDVC (Bromsgrove and Redditch, 110000 Worcs, S Worcs and Kidderminster) Barnsley 1 1 0 0 0 0 Bradford 1 1 2 0 0 0 Calderdale 1 1 1 0 0 0 Doncaster 1 1 0 0 0 0 East Riding 1 1 0 0 0 0 Hull 1 1 0 0 0 Kirklees 0 0 1 1 1 0 Leeds 1 1 0 0 0 0 Rotherham 1 1 0 0 0 0 Scarborough and Ryedale 1 1 0 0 0 0 Scunthorpe, Grimsby (and Cleethorpes) non 111000 SDVC Sheffield 1 1 0 0 0 0 Wakefield 1 1 1 0 0 0 York and Selby 1 1 1 0 0 0 Camden and Islington non SDVC 001110 Hackney non SDVC 001110 Lewisham non SDVC 001110 Waltham Forest non SDVC 001110 Barking and Dagenham non-SDVC 100000 Romford non SDVC 001000 Willesden non SDVC 001000 Barnet/Hendon 1 0 0 1 1 0 Brent 1 1 0 0 0 0 Croydon 1 1 0 0 0 0 Ealing 0 0 0 1 1 1 Greenwich—non SDVC 100000 Haringey (Tottenham) 0 1 1 1 0 0 Harrow—non SDVC 101100 Havering—non SDVC 010000 Hillingdon 1 0 1 1 0 0 Hounslow 0 0 1 1 1 0 Islington non SDVC 100000 Merton—non SDVC 010000 Stratford (Newham) 0 0 1 1 1 0 Sutton—non SDVC 010000 Thames (Tower Hamlets/Hackney) 0 1 1 1 0 0 565W Written Answers24 MAY 2011 Written Answers 566W

Table 1: Ministry of Justice IDVA funding Specialist domestic violence court area 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13

West London 2 2 0 0 0 0 Westminster—non SDVC 010000 Barry, Vale of Glamorgan 1 1 1 0 0 0 Bridgend 1 1 0 0 0 0 Caerphilly 2 2 2 0 0 0 Cardiff 1 1 1 0 0 0 Gwent (Monm’thshire CPS and Cwmbran 1 1 0 0 0 0 Gwent (Newport CSP) 1 1 0 0 0 0 Gwent (Torfaen CSP) 1 1 0 0 0 0 Llandudno/Prestatyn (Conwy/Denbighshire) non 111000 SDVC Llanelli 1 1 1 0 0 0 Merthyr Tydfil 1 1 1 0 0 0 Mold, Flinthsire 0 1 1 1 0 0 Neath Port Talbot 1 1 0 0 0 0 Pembrokeshire-Haverfordwest 1 1 0 0 0 0 Rhondda Cynon Taff 1 1 0 0 0 0 Swansea 1 1 0 0 0 0 Wrexham 1 1 0 0 0 0 Total 124 131 102 42 30 10

Table 2: Victim and Witness General Fund 2011-12 to 2013-14 Table 2: Victim and Witness General Fund 2011-12 to 2013-14 Area Number of court based IDVA Area Number of court based IDVA

Northumbria 1 London 1 London 3 Norfolk 1 Nottinghamshire 1 Sussex 1 Cleveland 1 Dorset, Avon and Somerset 2 Nottinghamshire 2 West Midlands 1 Sussex 1 Avon and Somerset 1 Bradford 3 Gloucestershire 1 North Wales 1 South Wales 1 Kent 1 Surrey/Sussex 1 North Wales 1 Hampshire 1 London 1 West Midlands 2 Nottinghamshire 1 Kent 1 Staffordshire 1 Metropolitan police 1 Devon and Cornwall 1 Devon and Cornwall 3 South Wales Police (Central covering 1 Derbyshire 1 Vale and Bridgend) Hampshire 1 Suffolk 3 Staffordshire 1 Total 44

Table 3: Home Office ISVA funding 2011-12 to 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2014-15

NorthWest6687412 NorthEast222336 East of England 111229 West Midlands 66771012 South East 112259 East Midlands 222438 South West 223457 London 665668 Yorkshire and Humber 554668 Wales 333208 Total 343437434487

Land Registry and what plans he has to discuss the findings of the study with representatives of the trade unions recognised by the Land Registry before any Robert Flello: To ask the Secretary of State for announcement of the findings to the House. [57332] Justice when he expects to conclude his assessment of the findings of the Land Registry Feasibility Study; 567W Written Answers24 MAY 2011 Written Answers 568W

Mr Djanogly: Given the important role that the Land estimates provided cover only direct running costs and Registry plays in maintaining the public’s confidence in do not include indirect costs. the property marked it is right and proper that we give thorough and careful consideration to the findings of Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for the feasibility study before making any decisions or Justice what consideration his Department has given to announcements about its future direction. As part of the deployment of judicial resources across magistrates those deliberations, we need to understand better the courts in England and Wales following the outcome of potential impact of the Cabinet Office’s proposal to the research it commissioned on variations in the develop a PDC on the options being considered under approaches of magistrates and district judges in the feasibility study. dealing with criminal cases. [57030] If the preferred option is for a materially different Mr Kenneth Clarke: The Ministry of Justice has ownership structure for the Land Registry, then a full commissioned Ipsos MORI to conduct research into public consultation will be conducted the strengths and skills of the judiciary. This is due to be The Minister of State, my noble Friend Lord McNally, published later this year. The findings will help strengthen has agreed to meet with staff representatives of the the evidence base to inform decisions around how best Land Registry once consideration of the feasibility magistrates and district judges are deployed across study has concluded, and before any public announcement magistrates courts in England and Wales. has been made. A date has not been set for those Parenting Orders meetings or for any announcement about the future of the Land Registry. Karl Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many parenting orders have been issued to (a) Magistrates Courts men and (b) women in each year since their inception. [56785] Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what the average cost to the public purse is of Mr Blunt: Parenting orders were piloted between 30 preparing a (a) full pre-sentence report and (b) fast September 1998 and 31 March 2000 and commenced in delivery report in magistrates courts, including time England and Wales in June 2000. spent by probation staff in court whilst the report is 8,649 parenting orders attached to a child’s criminal being delivered and considered. [57029] conviction were awarded between 1999 and 2009. Of these, 5,431 were awarded to men and 3,182 to women. Mr Blunt: Full information about these costs is not There are no records of parenting orders being issued in yet available. The National Offender Management Service 1998. The full breakdown by year is provided in table 1. (NOMS) is currently developing systems to report Parenting orders attached to an ASBO have also been expenditure on a service by service basis. This information awarded since 2004 (table 2) however these data are not will be made published in the autumn through the available broken down by gender. Government’s Transparency Agenda. The Department for Education has collected data The available information, which has been placed in from local authorities in England on parenting orders the Libraries of the House, estimates the average cost of since September 2004. The number of parenting orders preparing a “full pre-sentence report”, known as a granted following successful truancy prosecutions between Standard Delivery Report, to be £277. The estimated September 2004 and August 2010 is 2,829. One parenting average cost preparing a Fast Delivery Report is £46. order was granted in cases of exclusion or serious These estimates do not cover the time spent by probation misbehaviour at school during this same period. We staff in court while the report is being delivered and believe that usage of those orders is low as parenting considered in court. Information on the cost of time orders for behaviour are a last resort measure, intended spent by probation staff in court will be captured in the only for those few cases where parents are unwilling to service specification for Court Work other than Assessment engage with voluntary measures. The Department does and Reports, to be published by December 2011. The not collect parenting orders data on a gender basis.

Number of people issued with a parenting order following a criminal conviction, by sex, England Number Sex 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 20081 2009

Males 10 266 418 490 375 474 522 628 712 816 720 Females 9 101 222 301 296 277 337 388 432 440 379 Persons2 19 367 640 791 671 751 859 1,016 1,146 1,270 1,119 1 Excludes data for Cardiff magistrates court for April, July and August 2008. 2 The gender of a defendant proceeded against may not have been reported. These data have been included in the persons Therefore, males and females age group totals and sub-totals may not agree with the totals given under persons. Notes: 1. The figures given in the table on court proceedings relate to persons for whom these offences were the principal offences for which they have 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 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. Parenting orders, made available under the Crime and Disorder act 1998, were implemented nationally in 2000. Source: Justice Statistics Analytical Services—Ministry of Justice. 569W Written Answers24 MAY 2011 Written Answers 570W

Parenting orders1 made as a result of an antisocial behaviour order (ASBO) being issued to a juvenile (aged 10 to 17) on application, at all magistrates and Average time unlocked: hours Estimated average time county courts in England and Wales, as reported to the Ministry of Justice2, per prisoner per day locked in cell: hours per from 1 June 2000 to 31 December 2009, England and Wales prisoner per day Number Prison 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 ASBOs issued to Aylesbury 8.2 7.0 7.2 15.8 17.0 16.8 Period Parenting orders persons aged 10 to 17 Bedford 8.6 8.7 9.3 15.4 15.3 14.7 June to December 2000 — 62 Belmarsh 8.4 7.7 7.8 15.6 16.3 16.2 2001 — 193 Birmingham 9.3 6.7 6.8 14.7 17.3 17.2 2002 — 250 Blakenhurst 9.8 — — 14.2 — — 2003 — 393 Blantyre 18.0 18.0 18.0 6.0 6.0 6.0 2004 9 599 House 2005 15 638 Blundeston 10.1 10.5 11.7 13.9 13.5 12.3 2006 18 423 Brinsford 8.6 8.5 8.5 15.4 15.5 15.5 2007 25 453 Bristol 8.4 8.0 8.9 15.6 16.0 15.1 200S 10 339 Brixton 7.1 6.7 6.3 16.9 17.3 17.7 2009 18 272 Brockhill 10.5 — — 13.5 — — Total 95 3,622 Bronzefield 11.5 10.5 9.6 12.5 13.5 14.4 1 While parenting orders (POs), made available under the Crime and Disorder Buckley 12.8 9.1 8.5 11.2 14.9 15.5 Act 1998, were implemented nationally from 1 June 2000 the Anti-social Hall Behaviour Act (November 2003) extended requirements that a court making Bullingdon 7.9 8.4 8.2 16.1 15.6 15.8 an ASBO against a person under the age of 16 should issue a PO against the Bullwood 13.1 13.4 13.8 10.9 10.6 10.2 parents of that child if it is satisfied that the PO would be desirable in the Hall interests of preventing repetition of the behaviour which led to the ASBO (if not satisfied it should be stated in open court as to why not). Camp Hill 9.6 9.3 9.3 14.4 14.7 14.7 2 Prior to the creation of the Ministry of Justice on 9 May 2007, numbers of Canterbury 9.2 11.2 10.2 14.8 12.8 13.8 ASBOs issued were reported to Home Office by the Court Service. Cardiff 8.1 8.1 8.1 15.9 15.9 15.9 Notes: 1. Available data for the period 1 April 1999 to 31 May 2000 are only for the Castington 8.6 8.6 8.0 15.4 15.4 16.0 total number (104) of ASBOs issued. Channings 9.2 9.4 8.9 14.8 14.6 15.1 2. Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and Wood complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extracted from large administrative data systems generated by the courts. As a Chelmsford 8.1 7.6 8.2 15.9 16.4 15.8 consequence care should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their Coldingley 10.5 9.7 9.1 13.5 14.3 14.9 inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used. Cookham 8.2 14.8 10.8 15.8 9.2 13.2 Source: Wood Justice Statistics Analytical Services within the Ministry of Justice. Dartmoor 10.1 13.3 11.1 13.9 10.7 12.9 Prisons Deerbolt 6.9 7.0 6.5 17.1 17.0 17.5 Doncaster 11.1 10.3 9.5 12.9 13.7 14.5 Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for Dorchester 7.0 7.6 5.6 17.0 16.4 18.4 Justice how many hours on average each day offenders Dovegate 10.9 10.0 9.5 13.1 14.0 14.5 were held in their cell in each establishment in each Dover 12.3 12.1 12.5 11.7 11.9 11.5 year since 2007 for which figures are available. [56790] Downview 11.1 8.6 9.3 12.9 15.4 14.7 Drake Hall 16.4 17.7 18.6 7.6 6.3 5.4 Mr Blunt: As a measure of safety and decency in Durham 8.5 7.6 7.2 15.5 16.4 16.8 prisons, the National Offender Management Service East Sutton 17.0 17.0 17.0 7.0 7.0 7.0 collects data on the average hours per weekday that Park Eastwood 11.6 12.6 12.4 12.4 11.4 11.6 prisoners are unlocked. By subtracting the average hours Park unlocked from the 24 hours in a day it is possible to Edmunds 13.4 13.6 13.2 10.6 10.4 10.8 estimate hours spent locked in cell. It should be noted Hill that the latter will include hours when prisoners are Elmley 7.4 8.6 7.9 16.6 15.4 16.1 asleep. Erlestoke 11.1 9.4 9.4 12.9 14.6 14.6 Figures for time unlocked and time locked in cell are Everthorpe 8.9 8.0 7.9 15.1 16.0 16.1 set out in the table for each prison establishment in Exeter 8.0 9.2 9.3 16.0 14.8 14.7 England and Wales for the financial years 2007-08, Featherstone 10.3 10.7 10.9 13.7 13.3 13.1 2008-09 and 2009-10. Feltham 10.0 9.3 8.7 14.0 14.7 15.3 The figures used in the answer have been drawn from Ford 12.6 12.3 12.3 11.4 11.8 11.7 Forest 10.5 10.5 10.5 13.5 13.5 13.5 administrative IT systems, which, as with any large-scale Bank recording system, are subject to possible errors with Foston Hall 10.3 11.4 10.8 13.7 12.6 13.2 data entry and processing. Frankland 9.3 8.1 8.9 14.8 15.9 15.1 Full Sutton 9.5 8.9 8.8 14.5 15.1 15.2 Average time unlocked: hours Estimated average time per prisoner per day locked in cell: hours per Garth 10.0 9.1 8.7 14.0 14.9 15.3 prisoner per day Gartree 10.0 8.4 8.6 14.0 15.6 15.4 Prison 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 Glen Parva 10.3 8.3 7.4 13.7 15.7 16.6

Acklington 10.6 7.9 8.3 13.4 16.1 15.7 Gloucester 8.6 8.4 8.5 15.4 15.6 15.5 Albany 9.9 10.1 9.2 14.1 13.9 14.8 Grendon 13.5 14.1 13.8 10.5 9.9 10.2 Altcourse 13.1 12.9 12.1 10.9 11.1 11.9 Guys 10.2 10.9 10.4 13.8 13.1 13.6 Marsh Ashfield 10.1 9.6 10.1 13.9 14.4 13.9 Haslar 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 Ashwell 15.5 15.1 10.0 8.5 8.9 14.0 Haverigg 11.2 10.6 14.4 12.8 13.4 9.6 Askham 16.0 16.0 16.0 8.0 8.0 8.0 Grange Hewell — 11.3 10.8 — 12.7 13.2 571W Written Answers24 MAY 2011 Written Answers 572W

Average time unlocked: hours Estimated average time Average time unlocked: hours Estimated average time per prisoner per day locked in cell: hours per per prisoner per day locked in cell: hours per prisoner per day prisoner per day Prison 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 Prison 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10

Hewell 24.0 — — 0.0 — — Standford 16.5 13.5 13.5 7.5 10.5 10.5 Grange Hill High Down 6.4 7.7 7.5 17.6 16.3 16.5 Stocken 10.8 7.7 7.7 13.2 16.3 16.3 Highpoint 10.5 10.5 10.0 13.5 13.5 14.0 Stoke 8.4 8.6 8.2 15.6 15.4 15.8 Hindley 9.5 9.2 9.2 14.5 14.8 14.8 Heath Hollesley 16.0 16.0 16.0 8.0 8.0 8.0 Styal 15.8 12.3 11.6 8.2 11.7 12.4 Bay Sudbury 19.0 19.0 19.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 Holloway 9.5 10.2 9.4 14.5 13.8 14.6 Swaleside 7.8 8.1 8.3 16.2 15.9 15.7 Holme 7.4 7.2 7.2 16.6 16.8 16.8 Swansea 9.0 9.5 8.3 15.0 14.5 15.7 House Swinfen 10.4 7.8 7.9 13.6 16.2 16.1 Hull 9.3 9.0 8.6 14.7 15.0 15.4 Hall Huntercombe 8.6 8.4 9.9 15.4 15.6 14.1 Thorn 12.5 12.5 14.1 11.5 11.5 9.9 Kennet 9.8 8.6 9.9 14.2 15.4 14.1 Cross Kingston 10.8 10.0 9.7 13.3 14.0 14.3 Usk/ 13.9 11.7 11.9 10.1 12.3 12.1 Prescoed Kirkham 13.8 14.2 14.7 10.2 9.8 9.3 Verne 16.0 15.0 15.0 8.0 9.0 9.0 Kirklevington 19.0 19.0 19.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 Wakefield 9.1 8.9 9.0 14.9 15.1 15.0 Lancaster 10.1 8.4 9.0 13.9 15.6 15.0 Wandsworth 7.5 8.1 7.3 16.5 15.9 16.7 Lancaster 10.2 7.4 7.4 13.8 16.6 16.6 Warren Hill 10.6 10.0 10.3 13.4 14.0 13.7 Farms Wayland 11.3 11.0 11.5 12.7 13.0 12.5 Latchmere 19.5 19.2 19.0 4.5 4.8 5.0 House Wealstun 11.5 8.2 8.3 12.5 15.8 15.7 Leeds 9.1 7.4 7.1 14.9 16.6 16.9 Wellingborough 10.0 8.9 8.6 14.0 15.1 15.4 Leicester 10.0 6.5 6.6 14.0 17.5 17.4 Werrington 10.3 10.3 10.5 13.7 13.7 13.5 Lewes 7.0 6.8 7.7 17.0 17.2 16.3 Wetherby 10.4 10.8 10.4 13.6 13.2 13.6 Leyhill 16.0 16.0 16.0 8.0 8.0 8.0 Whatton 10.4 10.0 9.9 13.6 14.0 14.1 Whitemoor 8.3 7.8 7.9 15.7 16.2 16.1 Lincoln 9.7 7.0 7.3 14.3 17.0 16.7 Winchester 9.1 8.7 9.4 14.9 15.3 14.6 Lindholme 10.5 9.0 8.8 13.5 15.0 15.2 Wolds 12.3 11.5 9.4 11.7 12.5 14.6 Littlehey 10.2 8.5 8.7 13.8 15.5 15.3 Woodhill 9.0 10.6 9.3 15.0 13.4 14.7 Liverpool 7.6 7.6 7.7 16.4 16.4 16.3 Wormwood 8.9 8.2 7.9 15.1 15.8 16.1 Long 9.2 8.2 10.1 14.8 15.8 13.9 Scrubs Lartin Wymott 10.6 8.8 8.6 13.4 15.2 15.4 Low 10.6 9.3 10.1 13.4 14.7 13.9 Notes: Newton 1. Blakenhurst, Brockhill and Hewell Grange merged in 2008-09 becoming Lowdham 12.6 12.0 11.4 11.4 12.0 12.6 Hewell. Grange 2. Data for Peterborough for 2007-08 and 2008-09 are unavailable. Maidstone 9.3 9.5 9.1 14.7 14.5 14.9 3. Hours locked in cell have been estimated from the recorded figure of average daily hours unlocked from cell. Manchester 10.0 10.3 10.0 14.0 13.7 14.0 Data Sources and Quality: Moorland 12.8 11.2 10.6 11.2 12.8 13.4 These figures have been drawn from administrative IT systems. Care is taken when processing and analysing returns but the detail is subject to the Morton 15.0 13.8 13.5 9.0 10.2 10.5 inaccuracies inherent in any large scale recording system. Although shown to Hall one decimal place they may not be accurate to that level. Mount 10.8 10.8 10.8 13.2 13.2 13.2 New Hall 10.2 9.9 9.5 13.8 14.1 14.5 Wills: Regulation North Sea 15.5 15.5 16.8 8.5 8.5 7.3 Camp Northallerton 9.0 7.8 7.5 15.0 16.2 16.5 David Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for Norwich 10.1 8.2 7.6 13.9 15.8 16.4 Justice (1) what recent discussions he has had with the Nottingham 8.1 7.0 7.1 15.9 17.0 16.9 Law Society on changes to the system of regulation of [57156] Onley 8.6 8.7 8.5 15.4 15.3 15.5 the production of wills; Parc 9.9 9.3 9.2 14.1 14.7 14.8 (2) whether he has any plans to change the regulation Parkhurst 8.0 8.2 7.6 16.0 15.8 16.4 of the production of wills. [57157] Pentonville 6.3 6.8 7.3 17.7 17.2 16.7 Peterborough — — 10.0 — — 14.0 Mr Djanogly: I am aware that the Law Society supports Portland 8.6 8.0 8.6 15.4 16.0 15.4 making will writing a reserved legal activity and note Preston 9.8 6.6 7.9 14.2 17.4 16.1 with interest the research it has conducted. I hope and Ranby 10.9 8.9 9.6 13.1 15.1 14.4 expect the Law Society will work closely with the Legal Reading 8.2 8.6 7.5 15.8 15.4 16.5 Services Board throughout the investigations into potential Risley 10.5 9.1 8.5 13.5 14.9 15.5 regulation of this activity that the oversight regulator is Rochester 9.0 8.6 8.9 15.0 15.4 15.1 currently undertaking. Rye Hill 11.4 11.1 10.6 12.6 12.9 13.4 I have no plans to regulate will writers at present. Send 12.7 11.3 11.2 11.3 12.7 12.8 However, The Legal Services Act 2007 (LSA) contains Shepton 10.2 9.4 9.4 13.8 14.6 14.6 provisions which allow the Legal Services Board to Mallet recommend to me that a legal service such as will Shrewsbury 9.6 7.2 8.3 14.4 16.8 15.7 writing becomes a reserved legal activity, which would Stafford 10.6 7.7 7.4 13.4 16.3 16.6 then be regulated. 573W Written Answers24 MAY 2011 Written Answers 574W

Since the Legal Services Board is currently investigating (3) how many Intercity Express programme carriages whether or not it would be in the interests of the legal will be delivered in each year between 2010-11 and consumer to regulate will writing, it is more appropriate 2014-15; and how many full train length equivalent for me to await the outcome of that investigation before diagrams will be completed in each year; [46330] making an assessment of next steps. (4) how many Intercity Express programme carriages will be built in each year between 2010-11 and 2014-15; and what the cost of such construction will be in each HOUSE OF COMMONS COMMISSION such year; [46331] Internet (5) how many rail carriages will be built during the comprehensive spending review period for (a) Mr Amess: To ask the hon. Member for Caithness, Crossrail, (b) Thameslink, (c) the Intercity Express Sutherland and Easter Ross, representing the House of programme and (d) other services; and which train Commons Commission, if the House of Commons operating companies will receive those carriages Commission will make available on the parliamentary provided for other services; [46339] (a) intranet and (b) website copies of the House of (6) how many carriages will be built for the Commons Sessional Returns for sessions 1964-65 to Thameslink project in (a) 2010-11, (b) 2011-12, (c) 1996-97; and if he will make a statement. [56608] 2012-13, (d) 2013-14 and (e) 2014-15; and what the John Thurso: There are no current plans to publish cost to his Department of such construction will be in House of Commons Sessional Returns for Sessions (i) 2010-11, (ii) 2011-12, (iii) 2012-13, (iv) 2013-14 and 1964-65 to 1996-97 on either the parliamentary website (v) 2014-15; [46340] or the intranet. (7) how many Thameslink carriages will be delivered in (a) 2010-11, (b) 2011-12, (c) 2012-13, (d) 2013-14 and (e) 2014-15; and how many full train length TRANSPORT equivalent diagrams will be completed in each such year. [46341] Biofuels

Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State Mrs Villiers: The information is as follows: for Transport if he will assess the merits of undertaking Crossrail a cross-Government review of policy on the sustainable biodiesel industry; and if he will make a statement. In total around 600 new carriages will be provided for [57203] the Crossrail project with a requirement for approximately 57 diagrams, subject to finalisation of operational Norman Baker: I have initiated a cross-departmental requirements. Notice of this procurement was published process to examine biofuel policy. In addition, work is by Crossrail Ltd in the Official Journal of the European under way across Whitehall to develop a UK Government Union on 1 December 2010, and the invitation to strategy for sustainable bio-energy to meet GHG emissions tender for Crossrail rolling stock is planned to be published targets, renewable energy and energy security goals later in 2011. The delivery profile and costs of the cost-effectively. This work includes assessing feedstock rolling stock is commercially confidential and subject to supply for the biodiesel industry and other sectors. negotiation with bidders and so it is not possible to give Biofuels: Aviation annual numbers (if any) of built and delivered units and their associated costs within the spending review period. Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Thameslink Transport what his policy is on measures to incentivise No trains will be built during the years 2010-11 to the uptake of sustainable biofuels in aviation. [57353] 2013-14. It is expected that 112 vehicles will be built Norman Baker: The Government believe that sustainable during 2014-15 which will make 10 full train length equivalent diagrams. The Department for Transport is biofuels have a role to play in reducing CO2 emissions from transport, particularly in sectors such as currently evaluating responses from two bidders to supply aviation where there are for the foreseeable future limited the rolling stock. The content of these bids is commercially alternatives to fossil fuel. The Government are working confidential. with our European partners, the wider international Intercity Express programme community and industry to explore how to bring about If the bid goes ahead as currently planned, the a significant increase in the use of sustainable biofuels Department for Transport proposes to specify the number in aviation. of trains that operators will require in daily service from Crossrail: Rolling Stock 2016. These would be paid for by train operators on a daily basis. I would expect trains to be ready for use Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for prior to the date they are required for passenger service, Transport (1) how many Crossrail carriages will be in order to provide time for appropriate testing and delivered in each year between 2010-11 and 2014-15; acceptance on to the network. and how many full train length equivalent diagrams Other Services will be completed in each of those years; [46328] (2) how many carriages are planned to be built for West Coast—106 vehicles will be built before the end Crossrail in each year between 2010-11 and 2014-15; of the spending review. and what the projected costs are of such construction NXEA—120 vehicles will have been built by the end in each of those years; [46329] of the spending review. 575W Written Answers24 MAY 2011 Written Answers 576W

London Midland—69 vehicles will be built before the from diverse communities and backgrounds. They will end of the spending review. also be leading, building relationships, innovating and Chiltern—eight vehicles will be built before the end making key decisions that will stretch them intellectually of the spending review. throughout the programme. TPE—It is expected 36 vehicles will be built, subject Individuals looking to undertake a work experience to agreement on the value for money. placement are invited to complete a pro forma to identify why they are interested in a placement at the Department Departmental Data Protection for Transport and what skills they are looking to gain through the placement. Work experience placements Eric Ollerenshaw: To ask the Secretary of State for are generally short-term placements, most commonly Transport how many contracts his Department holds for half-term and other holidays for: which allow contractors to store personal data of UK Year 10 students (15 to 16 years) citizens overseas; to which contracts this applies; in College students (17 to 19 years) and which countries the data for each such contract is held; Undergraduates and how many people have their data stored overseas In addition to encouraging short-term placements, under each such contract. [55746] the Department has in the past taken a number of steps to develop and encourage youth employment using the Norman Baker: The Department for Transport has Local Employment Partnership initiative from the previous one contract which allows a contractor to store personal administration. Individuals are invited to attend an data of UK citizens overseas. That contract is between induction event to gain an understanding of the work the Driving Standards Agency and Pearson Driving of the Department, and are also given a job description Assessments Ltd. More than one million records of outlining their role and responsibilities and documentation candidates for the theory test are held in the United setting out their terms and conditions. States. The Department for Transport does not offer Departmental Vacancies opportunities for people to work as volunteers in the Department. Mike Freer: To ask the Secretary of State for Driving: Alcohol Transport what the staff vacancy rate in his Department was in 2010-11; and what vacancy rate has Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for been assumed in his Department’s budget for 2011-12. Transport what evidence he (a) commissioned and (b) [51382] evaluated prior to his decision not to lower the level of alcohol in the blood at which driving impairment Norman Baker: Vacancy rates are a factor of the becomes an offence; and if he will make a statement. turnover of staff, changing business needs and the time [53778] taken to fill vacancies. Given the limited usefulness of vacancy rates, relative to budgetary disciplines on Mike Penning: The Government’s published response programme and administrative spend, no rate has been to the independent North review about drink and drug assumed for Business Planning purposes for 2012 nor is driving, particularly chapter two, outlines the considerations it tracked by the Department. related to the decision not to change the prescribed The Department has had a recruitment freeze since alcohol limit for driving. May 2010 and has imposed strict controls to the process The response has been published on the Department of filling vacancies externally. These are only considered for Transport website at: for approval if they are deemed to be front line, safety or business critical, in line with Cabinet Office guidance. http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/roadsafety/drivinglaws/ govtresponse/ Since May 2010 the number of full time equivalents in the Department has reduced by 7%. High Speed Two Railway Line

Departmental Work Experience Andrea Leadsom: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport for what reasons Rail Package 2 was not Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for considered as the comparator to High Speed Two for Transport what advice his Department provides to the London to West Midlands phase. [55448] those wishing to (a) work as an intern, (b) undertake a work experience placement and (c) work as a Mr Philip Hammond [holding answer 13 May 2011]: volunteer in his Department. [52802] The Government’s current consultation on high speed rail discusses strategic options for a national high speed Norman Baker: The Department for Transport rail network. To support the consultation, Atkins was participated in the Cabinet Office Fast Stream Summer commissioned to develop and review strategic alternatives Diversity Internship programme offering six to nine to a national high speed rail network, which were published week internships opportunities to graduates. We will be in its report of February 2011 entitled ’High Speed Rail offering a minimum of three Summer Diversity Internships Strategic Alternatives Study: Strategic Alternatives to for undergraduates this summer. the Proposed Y Network’. These applicants are advised that they will have an In contrast, Atkins’ Rail Package 2, which focused opportunity to work at the heart of current affairs and only on enhancements to the West Coast Main Line, key Government agendas, engage directly with the public, was developed as a potential alternative to a London to and help to provide high-quality services for people West Midlands high speed rail line alone. 577W Written Answers24 MAY 2011 Written Answers 578W

To satisfy the scope of the Government’s current Mike Penning: The Government have introduced the consultation, it is clearly necessary to compare strategic continuous insurance enforcement scheme which will options for an entire network rather than its component come into force in late June, which means that all parts. Rail Package 2 does not, on its own, comprise an vehicles must be covered by insurance unless they are alternative to an entire network. However, it has been declared off the road by a valid statutory off-road included as a component within the broader scenarios notification (SORN). set out in the more recent strategic alternatives study. The following are document links, for reference: Damian Hinds: To ask the Secretary of State for Info on Rail Package 2 Transport what recent representations he has received on the effect on car insurance premiums of use of a High Speed Two Strategic Alternatives Study: Strategic vehicle to undertake voluntary work. [57009] Outline Case, March 2010: http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20110131042819/ Mike Penning: I have not received any recent http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/rail/pi/highspeedrail/ representations. The cost of insurance for those who alternativestudy/pdf/strategicoutline.pdf undertake voluntary work is occasionally raised with London to West Midlands Rail Alternatives—Update the Department. of Economic Appraisal, March 2011: http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/rail/pi/highspeedrail/ Motorways: Repairs and Maintenance proposedroute/apprupdate/ Network Strategic Alternatives Scenarios Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for High Speed Rail Strategic Alternatives Study: Strategic Transport how much his Department has spent on Alternatives to the Proposed Y Network, February resurfacing motorways in the last five years. [55328] 2011: http://highspeedrail.dft.gov.uk/sites/highspeedrail.dft.gov.uk/ Mike Penning: The Highways Agency does not separately files/hsr-strategic-alternative.pdf record or report the cost of resurfacing motorways. Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for However, the annual accounts for the HA over the past Transport what discussions (a) Ministers and (b) five years has reported the following in terms of expenditure officials in his Department have had with Hillingdon on maintenance: Outdoor Sailing Base on proposals to construct part of £ million the High Speed Two network through their facility; and if he will make a statement. [55620] 2009-10 1,307 2008-09 914 Mr Philip Hammond [holding answer 13 May 2011]: 2007-08 878 My officials have corresponded with the Principal of 2006-07 850 Hillingdon Outdoor Activity Centre, who wrote to me 2005-06 852 in January. I understand that HS2 Ltd have also had discussions and correspondence with representatives of Expenditure figures have been adjusted to account the Hillingdon Outdoor Activity Centre. for spend relating to roads trunked or detrunked in the I understand the concerns people have about the financial year. impact of the proposed route of any new high speed The expenditure figures provided are for maintenance line on the Colne Valley area where the Hillingdon on the strategic road network managed and maintained Outdoor Activity Centre is located. If a decision is by the Highways Agency. This includes renewal of the taken to go ahead with a new high speed line, HS2 Ltd road surface and repairs to structures, as well as routine would carry out an Environmental Impact Assessment maintenance such as gully clearing, white lining, cleaning before any work began, and would consider mitigation and winter maintenance, but not those associated with where practical to minimise effects upon the ecology our private finance initiative contracts. and water habitat and to maintain recreational amenity. To disaggregate the cost of resurfacing motorways only would be a very lengthy exercise, and as such could Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for be provided only at disproportionate cost. Transport how many representations he has received on proposals to build part of the High Speed Two network through Hillingdon Outdoor Sailing Base; Railways and if he will make a statement. [55621] Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Philip Hammond [holding answer 13 May 2011]: Transport what plans his Department has for new I have received two letters regarding the high speed rail non-high speed train lines in England. [55330] proposals and the Hillingdon Outdoor Activity Centre. Mrs Villiers: The existing rail network already links Motor Vehicles: Insurance most sizeable areas of population and our plans focus on providing additional capacity to meeting rising demand. Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for In some cases this involves adding new rolling stock and Transport pursuant to the answer of 11 May 2011, in others building additional lines may be appropriate. Official Report, column 1211W, on roads: accidents, The new Ordsall curve is planned to open in central what steps his Department is taking to reduce the Manchester in 2016 and the new Crossrail line running number of uninsured drivers. [56787] under central London is planned to open from 2018. 579W Written Answers24 MAY 2011 Written Answers 580W

Railways: Snow and Ice Mike Penning: The responsibility for the type approval of drug screening devices rests with the Home Office Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for and not the Department for Transport. We expect the Transport if he will establish a system of accountability Home office to have a final specification for a roadside for the Department for Transport and the Office of drug testing device available shortly. Rail Regulation to hold (a) Network Rail and (b) train operating companies to account on the Speed Limits implementation of contingency timetables during severe weather conditions. [56168] Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the Mrs Villiers [holding answer 17 May 2011]: Provisions potential effects of the new police framework for contained in franchise agreements enable appropriate speeding on the level of (a) fatal, (b) serious injury remedial action as required by the Department, in the and (c) minor injury accidents; and if he will make a event that the operator fails to fulfil its contractual statement. [53779] requirements with regard to the operation of temporary or contingency timetables. Mike Penning: I have not specifically assessed the The Office of Rail Regulation monitors Network effects on accidents of the Association of Chief Police Rail’s operational activities. If it considers that Network Officers’ (ACPO) advice to police forces about the Rail is falling short of its Network Licence obligations, circumstances when education should be used as an it may take appropriate enforcement action. alternative to prosecution for speeding. However I endorse the use of education as an alternative Road Traffic to prosecution in a wider set of circumstances, on the basis of previous assessments of its effectiveness. This Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for includes the findings of roads research report number Transport when his Department plans to commence its 66 ‘Effective Interventions for Speeding Motorists’ (March development of measures to reduce road congestion 2006), which considered the methods of re-educating caused by incidents. [56114] speeding motorists and was published on the Department for Transport website, at: Mike Penning: I refer the hon. Member to my written http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/roadsafety/research/rsrr/theme2/ ministerial statement of 19 May 2011, Official Report, columns 39-40WS. Speed Limits: Cameras

Roads: Finance Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when his Department expects to publish the Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for speed camera data it has collected from local Transport when he expects the delivery of his authorities. [56024] Department’s investment programme for the strategic road network to (a) begin and (b) be completed. Mike Penning: The Department for Transport is not [56026] collecting speed camera data from local authorities to publish the data itself. Mike Penning: The Department for Transport set out I have previously announced that local authorities its plans for investment in the strategic road network for and the police will have to publish full information this spending review period in October 2010, in “Investment about speed cameras. in Highways Transport Schemes”: Officials have been working with local authority officials http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/roads/network/strategic/ and the police, in order to advise me about the appropriate highwaystransportschemes/ requirements for publication of this information. As set Eight major schemes are currently under construction out in the DfT Business Plan, an updated version of and a timetable for construction for a further 14 schemes which was published on 13 May, we expect to issue was announced in April 2011: guidance to local authorities by the end of June. http://www.highways.gov.uk/news/ pressrelease.aspx7pressreleaseid=419138 Mr Knight: To ask the Secretary of State for All the schemes prioritised for investment within this Transport pursuant to the answer of 22 November spending review are scheduled for completion by 2016-17, 2010, Official Report, column 30W, on speed limits: subject to successful completion of the necessary statutory cameras, whether the fixed gantry cameras are (a) processes, continuing value for money and affordability. switched off and (b) used for any enforcement purposes when no temporary speed limits are in force on the M1. [57198] Roads: Safety Mike Penning: The fixed gantry spot speed enforcement Mr Chope: To ask the Secretary of State for cameras for the M1 motorway between junctions 25 Transport with reference to paragraph 5.9 of the and 28 are still undergoing testing and commissioning Strategic Framework for Road Safety, 11 May 2011, and are not as yet operational. These cameras what his target date is for finalising the additional which enforce the variable mandatory speed limits requirements for type approving drugs-testing devices displayed on gantries and will be fully operational this for use at the roadside. [57228] summer. 581W Written Answers24 MAY 2011 Written Answers 582W

The Highways Agency has introduced safety cameras The publication of these reports completed the terms of on the M1 between junctions 25 and 28 as part of the the Winter Panel’s appointments and no further meetings Controlled Motorway scheme to increase compliance have been held. when speed limits are varied from the national speed limit. When no restrictions are in place normal motorway regulations and enforcement regimes will apply. The FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE enforcement of speed limits, whether using the safety cameras provided as part of this controlled motorway Ai Weiwei scheme or traditional methods, is undertaken by the police, in this case Nottinghamshire police. Mr Winnick: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what Thameslink Railway Line representations the Prime Minister has made to his Chinese counterpart on the detention of Ai Weiwei; Kelvin Hopkins: To ask the Secretary of State for and if he will make a statement. [57226] Transport with reference to the answer to the then hon. Member for Bedford of 7 April 2010, Official Report, Mr Jeremy Browne: The Prime Minister and other column 1364W, on the Thameslink railway line: rolling Government Ministers have raised our concerns about stock, what assessment he has made of the merits of human rights issues including the detention of Ai Weiwei building new train maintenance depots for Thameslink in contacts with their Chinese counterparts. stations at different locations; and what his We will continue to monitor developments in Mr Ai’s Department’s policy is on the proposal to build a depot case closely and look for further opportunities to raise at Hornsey. [55726] our concerns.

Mrs Villiers: The Department for Transport undertook Mr Winnick: To ask the Secretary of State for a detailed assessment which considered a range of criteria, Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what such as land availability and operational constraints at representations his Department has made to the a number of locations, when determining the most Chinese Government on the detention of Ai Weiwei; appropriate sites for the Thameslink depots. and if he will make a statement. [57227] The Department proposes to build one of the new depots at Hornsey, subject to securing the necessary Mr Jeremy Browne: On 4 April 2011 the Secretary of planning approvals. State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs made a public statement outlining our concerns about the detention Tolls of Ai Weiwei. His statement called on the Chinese Government to clarify Mr Ai’s situation and expressed Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for the hope that he would be released immediately. The Transport what progress his Department has made on Secretary of State and I also raised the case with developing the (a) scope and (b) objectives of a road Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Fu Ying when she visited London on 12 May 2011. user charging system. [56047] On 11 April 2011 my right hon. Friend the Deputy Mike Penning: We are committed to introducing a Prime Minister raised the case of Ai Weiwei and expressed new system of lorry road user charging which will his concern about other detained dissidents with the ensure that all heavy goods vehicles over 12 tonnes, Shanghai Party Secretary and Politiburo Standing whether UK or foreign-registered, contribute to the Committee member, Yu Zhengsheng. I wrote to the cost of maintaining our roads. This will provide a fairer Chinese ambassador regarding Mr Ai’s case and other deal for UK operators. We are currently finalising the human rights issues on 3 May 2011. details of the proposed scheme and intend to consult We will continue to monitor developments in Mr Ai’s later in the year. case closely and look for further opportunities to raise The Government have ruled out the introduction of a our concerns. wider national road user charging scheme during this Parliament, or any preparations for the introduction of Antarctic Treaty such a scheme in the next Parliament. Michael Fallon: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport: Snow and Ice Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had on the protection and Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for continuation of the Antarctic treaty. [57223] Transport when he last met the Independent Review Panel on Winter Resilience; and how many times he Alistair Burt: The UK is committed to the indefinite has met the Panel since December 2010. [56038] application of the Antarctic treaty and its protocol on environmental protection. This year’s Antarctic treaty Norman Baker [holding answer 17 May 2011]: The consultative meeting will be held in Buenos Aires from Secretary of State met the Winter Resilience Panel on 20 June to 1 July and will coincide with the 50th 7 October 2010 in advance of the publication of the anniversary of the entry into force of the treaty on Final Report on 22 October. He also met with David 23 June. The UK will work with other treaty parties to Quarmby CBE, chair of the Panel, on 17 December in use this opportunity to reaffirm their commitment to advance of the publication of his Audit on 21 December. the Antarctic treaty and the environmental protocol. 583W Written Answers24 MAY 2011 Written Answers 584W

Central Africa: Armed Conflict Crown Relocations

Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: To ask the Secretary of State Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what and Commonwealth Affairs how many contracts his assessment he has made of the state of relations Department holds with Crown Relocations; and what between regional armies in the Democratic Republic of the (a) purpose and (b) monetary value of each Congo, Central African Republic and South Sudan; contract is. [56234] and what assessment he has made of the commercial interests of the military in those countries from Mr Lidington: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office operating in conflict afflicted areas. [56710] holds one contract with Crown Relocations. It is for the movement of heavy baggage to and from our network of over 260 overseas posts. This covers approximately Alistair Burt: We have no evidence of notable animosity 1,500 moves per year, 80% are from UK to post and or distrust between the armies of the Democratic Republic back and 20% is the movement from post to post. The of Congo (DRC), Central African Republic (CAR), value is approximately £7 million per annum. and South Sudan. CAR was not involved in the Congo wars, and South Sudan played only a limited role supporting David Houtan Kian the anti Mobuto forces. All three countries face the joint threat of the Lord’s Resistance Army and are discussing cooperative operational responses. Mr Winnick: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what We are not aware of any particular commercial interests representations he is making on behalf of David for the armies of South Sudan and CAR from operating Houtan Kian, sentenced to imprisonment in Iran as a in conflict afflicted areas. Individual elements of the result of his legal activities on behalf of Sakineh Congolese army (FARDC) have been involved in Ashtiani; and if he will raise the case with (a) his EU commercial dealings in the conflict zones of eastern counterparts and (b) other international bodies. DRC including through informal taxation of the mining [56746] sector. We consider the demilitarisation of mining in the east of DRC as a key element of creating a sustainable Alistair Burt [holding answer 23 May 2011]: The peace in this volatile region and creating a platform for Foreign and Commonwealth Office has seen media growth in the future. We are working closely with the reports to suggest that Mr Javid Houtan Kian has been World Bank and others to encourage the Government sentenced to seven years in prison, with a further four to move forward with comprehensive reforms of the year suspended sentence on charges of endangering mining sector. Iran’s national security and propaganda against the state. Reports also indicate the charge of espionage is Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: To ask the Secretary of State still under consideration. We are working to verify this for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he information with international partners, but if true, we is taking to ensure the effectiveness of measures by the completely condemn these sentences as it would appear African Union to co-ordinate a regional mission to Mr Kian has been targeted simply for defending his prevent attacks on civilians in the Democratic Republic client to the best of his ability. The harassment he and of Congo, Central African Republic and South Sudan his family have been subject to is entirely unacceptable by members of the Lord’s Resistance Army. [56773] and should cease. We raised our concerns about his case, and the ongoing case of Sakineh Mohammadi- Alistair Burt: The Government will continue to support Ashtiani, most recently on 18 May with the Iranian all efforts to find a sustainable solution to the problems embassy in London. caused by the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA). We believe that an essential part of a solution will be to Departmental Ministerial Policy Advisers minimise and eradicate the threat that the LRA continues to pose to civilian populations throughout the region. Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for As an active member of the International Working Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much his Group (IWG) on the LRA, and through our work with Department spent on special advisers’ travel by (a) partners at the UN Security Council, we are working to Government car, (b) private hire car, (c) train, (d) better coordinate the international response. bus, (e) commercial aircraft and (f) private aircraft since May 2010. [56106] The African Union (AU) is in close contact with the IWG and is co-ordinating with countries in the region Mr Lidington: Excluding when they accompanied the and local UN Peacekeeping Operations to provide better Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth protection for civilians who are at risk from the LRA. Affairs on ministerial visits overseas, his special advisers In particular, the AU is currently planning for a regional, have incurred no travel costs. AU-led strategy to combat the LRA, and will likely be seeking funding from the EU via their EU-Africa Peace Accompanying my right hon. Friend on official Facility (EU-APF). ministerial visits overseas, a breakdown of travel costs for Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) special As a major contributor to the EU-APF, the UK will advisers since May 2010 is as follows: continue to encourage this dialogue between the AU, the EU and other members of the IWG and to urge (a) Government car—None partners to consider supporting appropriate proposals (b) Private hire car—£1,546.86 that will increase the effectiveness of the existing regional (c) Train (including Europe)—£3,394.49 effort to pursue the remaining LRA units. (d) Bus—None 585W Written Answers24 MAY 2011 Written Answers 586W

(e) Commercial aircraft £52,151.15 Mr Lidington: Significant damage to British embassy (f) Private aircraft—travel for my right hon. Friend and his team buildings as a result of the north Africa and middle east travelling on private aircraft is not costed on an individual basis, uprisings has been limited to Libya. The building housing but for the group as a whole. the British ambassador’s residence and the British embassy The total cost of FCO ministerial and private office in Tripoli was attacked by a mob on 30 April 2011 and travel (including special advisers) is published on a largely destroyed by fire. The residence building, an quarterly basis. embassy amenity building and several staff houses were looted with many official and staff personal assets stolen. Departmental Pensions The full extent of our losses is still being assessed. We are currently considering the options available to recover Steve Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for these losses. Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what proportion of his Department’s budget he expects to be spent on Internet staff pensions in each of the next five years. [54564] Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent Alistair Burt: Pension benefits for UK based Foreign steps his Department has undertaken to support and Commonwealth Office staff are provided through human rights activists and others to access the internet arrangements under the Principal Civil Service Pension in countries where such access is restricted. [56324] Scheme. Therefore the budget for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office does not include expenditure for Mr Hague: The UK is committed to supporting paying pensions. human rights defenders around the world. This includes Details of the level of social security and other pension support to those who are seeking to exercise their right costs to the Department are published annually within to freedom of expression on the Internet. The Foreign our Resource Accounts which are available on the and Commonwealth Office and posts overseas work Department’s website. Information on costs for the last closely with EU partners and others on a range of financial year (2010-11) is expected to be available in initiatives tailored to specific local needs to support June 2011. human rights defenders. The proportion of the Department’s budget to be The UK is committed to supporting freedom of spent on employer contributions or UK staff in each of expression on the internet and will continue to encourage the next five years will be determined by whatever states that restrict access to online media to uphold changes are agreed to the Principal Civil Service scheme their international human rights commitments. We will following the recommendations in the Hutton review. also continue to publicly support those who seek to exercise their right to freedom of expression, including through the use of new media. Egypt: Internet Libya: Foreign Relations

Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether the discussions he has had with the Government of Egypt Government is maintaining any contact with the on the treatment of dissident bloggers. [56326] Gadaffi Government in Libya. [57002]

Mr Hague: I visited Egypt on 1-2 May. In my meeting Alistair Burt: We no longer maintain an Embassy in with the head of the Supreme Council of the armed tripoli nor have direct contact with the Gaddafi Government forces, Field Marshal Tantawi, I raised our concern there, but we continue to maintain limited operational about the use of military courts to enforce the emergency contact with the Libyan embassy in London. We have law in proceedings against civilians. Field Marshal Tantawi used these links to make clear to the regime that it must assured me that work would be undertaken to repeal the comply in full with UN Security Council Resolutions emergency law. 1970 and 1973, desist from further violence and withdraw military forces to barracks. Following the sentencing of the blogger Maikel Nabil Sanad, our ambassador in Cairo raised our concerns Libya: Oil about Sanad’s case, and the detentions of protesters and military trials, with the Egyptian Interior Minister Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State on 14 April. The Minister gave his assurance that respect for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what measures for human rights would be instituted throughout the are in place to ensure that proceeds from the sale of oil Ministry of Interior. in Libya are not used to support the Gaddafi Government. [56308] Embassies: Buildings Mr Hague: The Libyan National Oil Corporation (NOC), which has a virtual monopoly on exports and Mr Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for imports of crude oil and petroleum products from the Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what estimate he regime-controlled parts of Libya, is subject to an asset has made of the cost of damage to British embassy freeze under UN Security Council Resolution 1973. buildings in the countries of north Africa and the These sanctions cover imports and exports of oil and middle east attributable to uprisings since January petroleum products by the NOC and its subsidiaries, 2011. [54482] and any payments for such shipments. 587W Written Answers24 MAY 2011 Written Answers 588W

Middle East: Demonstrations London Conference on Libya on 29 March and is represented at the Contact Group on Libya, which met David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for most recently on 5 May in Rome. Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he We are extremely concerned by ongoing violence and has received on recent Nakba Day protests. [57109] repression in Syria. We continue to see a violent response to protests following Friday prayers, leading to the Alistair Burt: Nakba day demonstrations took place deaths of many innocent people. President Assad should in many countries across the middle east on the weekend order his authorities to show restraint and to respond to of 13-15 May 2011. The Secretary of State for Foreign the legitimate demands of his people with immediate and Commonwealth Affairs issued a statement on 15 and genuine reform, not with brutal repression. The May 2011 expressing his concerns and regret: UN Security Council discussed Syria on 27 April. There “I am deeply concerned by the violence on Israel’s borders was broad condemnation of Syrian behaviour. We continue today and saddened by the loss of life. I call on all parties to to explore our options in consultation with UN and EU exercise restraint and ensure that civilian life is protected. These partners. We have lobbied Arab League countries to developments make clearer than ever that a lasting and comprehensive encourage them to make statements condemning the resolution to the conflicts in the region is urgently needed and will only be achieved through negotiation.” repression and violence in Syria. We strongly urge the Syrian Government to allow international humanitarian Palestinians: Borders organisations access to all parts of Syria, in particular the city of Deraa, in order to prevent further humanitarian Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State suffering. for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what Uganda: Violence discussions he has had with his Egyptian counterpart on the decision to open the Rafah border crossing to Anas Sarwar: To ask the Secretary of State for Gaza. [56334] Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to President Museveni and Mr Hague: Despite the expressed wish of the Egyptian the Government of Uganda on the recent use of force Government to relax the border controls with Gaza, against protesters in that country. [57010] there has been no change to the operation of the Rafah border crossing since it was re-opened after the revolution. Alistair Burt [holding answer 23 May 2011]: The The Egyptian authorities continue to apply strictly the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign categories of those who are permitted to travel, including and Commonwealth Affairs, my hon. Friend the Member those requiring hospital treatment in Egypt, university for North West Norfolk (Mr Bellingham), has directly students, residency holders and foreign passports holders. raised the UK’s concerns over the Ugandan authorities’ During my visit to Egypt on 2 May, I asked the handling of the ongoing opposition protests with Foreign Egyptian Foreign Minister, Nabil al-Arabi, about Egypt’s Minister Sam Kutesa. Our high commission in Kampala, stated intention to relax the Rafah crossing controls in along with other EU member state missions, has raised the context of concerns about security in Egypt. Mr al-Arabi our concerns directly with President Museveni. Our explained that the Egyptian Government was committed high commission has also raised concerns with the to alleviating the suffering of people in Gaza and, in Ugandan Prime Minister and inspector general of police. that context, intended to reopen fully the Rafah crossing The UK and its partners have urged the Ugandan as soon as was possible. However, the modalities of authorities to respect their people’s constitutionally doing so were taking longer than they had originally guaranteed rights to peaceful exercise of the freedoms expected. of speech and assembly, and that the police should Syria: Demonstrations respond proportionally to instances of unrest among demonstrators. Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of protests in (a) Syria and (b) Libya since TREASURY March 2010; what discussions he has had at the UN in Banks: Pay each case; what recent (i) discussions he has had with and (ii) representations he has received from the Arab Chris Ruane: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer League in each case; and if he will make a statement. if he will assess the effects on income inequality of [55247] bonuses paid to bankers. [57164]

Alistair Burt: The Secretary of State for Foreign and Mr Hoban: Due to data limitations it is not possible Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member to provide a robust estimate of the effects of bankers’ for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague) has briefed the bonuses on income inequality. House regularly on developments in Libya. There have The Government have been clear that the banks must been continuing discussion of the issue in the United act responsibly in setting their bonuses and continues to Nations, including UN Security Council Resolutions take robust action to tackle unacceptable remuneration. 1970 and 1973. Throughout the crisis the Secretary of As a result of the Government’s discussions, the total State maintained contact with the Arab League, including remuneration paid by the four largest UK banks to through personal discussions with the League’s Secretary- their UK-based staff was lower in 2010 than it was in General. On 12 March the Arab League became the 2009, and lower than it would have been otherwise. The first organisation to call for the establishment of a Remuneration Committee Chair of each bank has written No-Fly Zone over Libya. It has continued to take an to the Financial Services Authority to confirm that this active role in international efforts and attended the commitment has been met. 589W Written Answers24 MAY 2011 Written Answers 590W

Climate Change: EU Action No decisions have been taken on individual schemes— this is subject of discussions with trade unions and Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Chancellor of the other work force representatives. Exchequer what agreements on climate finance were VAT: Channel Islands made at the Economic and Financial Affairs Council meeting on 17 May 2011. [57364] Mr MacShane: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent representations he has received Justine Greening: The EU Economic and Financial on the effect on VAT revenues of the import of beauty Affairs Council of 17 May 2011 adopted Council products supplied to the UK from the Channel Islands Conclusions on international climate finance. in fulfilment of internet orders. [56924] The conclusions endorsed the EU’ Fast Start finance report which confirms that the EU mobilised ¤2.34 billion Mr Gauke: The Government have received of Fast Start finance in 2010. The conclusions concurred representations from this trade sector, along with other with the UN High Level Advisory Group on Climate. trade sectors in the UK who are impacted by shipments Finance (AGF) report that it will be challenging but from the Channel Islands benefiting from the low value feasible to meet the goal for developed countries to consignment relief (LVCR). jointly mobilise $100 billion per year by 2020, and outlined elements that will be important to deliver this Mr MacShane: To ask the Chancellor of the finance. Exchequer what discussions he has had with the The full text of the conclusions can be found at: Channel Islands authorities on the revenue foregone by http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_data/docs/ the Exchequer on taxation on beauty products ordered pressdata/en/ecofin/122061.pdf from the Channel Islands over the internet. [56926]

Guardian’s Allowance: Grandparents Mr Gauke: Following the announcement in the March Budget of the Government’s intention to reduce the value threshold, my officials have been in further contact Graeme Morrice: To ask the Chancellor of the with the authorities in Jersey and Guernsey concerning Exchequer if he will take steps to extend the the impact and operation of low value consignment qualification criteria for guardian’s allowance to relief. include grandparents who become guardians of children who are not orphaned. [57256]

Justine Greening: The Government have no current WORK AND PENSIONS plans to change the eligibility criteria for guardian’s Departmental CCTV allowance. Where grandparents have the primary responsibility for bringing up their grandchildren, they are entitled to financial support, namely child benefit Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and child tax credit, on the same terms as a parent and Pensions how many CCTV cameras are installed in would be. Child benefit and child tax credit guarantee and around his Department’s premises; and how much support for the first child of over £4,000 a year for such cameras (a) cost to install and (b) cost to operate grandparents on very low incomes. in the latest period for which figures are available. [56841] Public Sector: Pensions Chris Grayling: The Department has a contract for the provision of fully fitted and serviced accommodation Jim McGovern: To ask the Chancellor of the for which it pays an all inclusive unitary charge. The Exchequer what considerations he took into account scope of the services includes the provision of when proposing the rate of increase in contributions accommodation and services in over 900 buildings including for (a) the Local Government Pension Scheme and security and associated equipment (b) the Judges’ Pension Scheme. [56852] CCTV is deployed following a security risk assessment and has been installed at 767 sites across the Department’s Danny Alexander: The interim report of the Independent estate. The number of cameras at each site varies according Public Service Pensions Commission, chaired by Lord to the assessment, but the exact number of cameras can Hutton of Furness, found that the value of public be determined only at disproportionate cost. service pensions been increasing following dramatic The cost of installing and operating CCTV is included increase in life expectancy at retirement. Current pensioners in the unitary charge and can be disaggregated only at are expected to spend over 40% of their adult lives in disproportionate cost. retirement, compared to 30% for pensioners in the 1950s. Most of these extra costs have fallen to employers Departmental Data Protection and taxpayers. Spending review 2010 announced progressive changes Eric Ollerenshaw: To ask the Secretary of State for to the level of employee contributions to public service Work and Pensions how many contracts his pensions that lead to savings of £2.8 billion a year from Department holds which allow contractors to store the unfunded pension schemes by 2014-15, to be phased personal data of UK citizens overseas; to which in from 2012-13, excluding the armed forces. This is contracts this applies; in which countries the data for equivalent to 3.2 percentage point increase on average. each such contract is held; and how many people have 591W Written Answers24 MAY 2011 Written Answers 592W their data stored overseas under each such contract. aimed at getting Britain working, including work clubs [55731] to help jobseekers share skills or experiences and the new enterprise allowance to assist those considering Chris Grayling: All relevant departmental contracts self-employment. Jobcentre staff will discuss possible are explicit that suppliers and partners may not transfer options with older jobseekers. From this summer, the or store data overseas without specific agreement from Work programme will provide personalised support for the Department. people who are unemployed for longer or who need A formal and rigorous approval route, fully consistent early intensive support. with provisions of Cabinet Office instructions and Data Protection Act requirements is operated by DWP in the Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for Work evaluation of any off shoring proposals made to the and Pensions what steps his Department is taking to Department. This includes, and references, relevant EEA assist older people in employment who wish to change and Safe Harbor regulations. careers. [57111] Some business data are stored outside of the UK. Information required from Government Procurement Chris Grayling: Jobcentre Plus has job vacancy services Card (GPC) holders is mainly business information which are freely available for people of all ages to use, with very limited personal data. This is stored in the including those who are already in employment. Any UK and USA dictated by processing arrangements. In employed person who contacts Jobcentre Plus for advice the case of DWP, this relates to 3,396 GPC users. about a career change will be advised about the job The DWP TNT (Courier) contractual arrangement vacancy service. They will also be signposted to the includes a small number of international courier accounts Next Step service, which is a free, impartial and confidential for the International Pension Centre—that require a government-funded service for adults in England who track and trace service from dispatch through to the are looking for advice about careers, skills and work customer’s address overseas. TNT systems will only choices. Careers Scotland and Careers Wales provides record the customer name and delivery addresses and in similar support for people in those countries. These some circumstances a contact telephone number. This services are available to employed and unemployed information is held by receiving depots overseas for a people of all ages. period of six months. All international couriers use name and address detail for service delivery. Housing Benefit Due to the nature of the service used, any data stored are solely dependent on service users and therefore it is Ms Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and not possible to confirm in which countries the data for Pensions if he will place in the Library a copy of the each such consignment are held. TNT has confirmed guidance and communications tool kit for local that currently 308 customer names and addresses are authorities on the promotion of early intervention and held. the provision of assistance to existing customers referred to in the local Housing Impact Assessment Disability Living Allowance: Care Homes published in December 2010. [40572]

Tony Baldry: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Steve Webb: As part of our work with local authorities and Pensions what his timetable is for changes to the on communications, we have provided a number of mobility component of disability living allowance for products including model letters to landlords and existing those living in care homes. [43700] customers, an implementation tasksheet, and model leaflets. These products can be branded in a way local Maria Miller: Officials in the Department for Work authorities choose. We have also issued a specific DWP and Pensions are reviewing existing evidence and gathering branded leaflet and poster. Before April 2011, we revised more to determine the extent to which there are overlaps the Local Housing Allowance guidance manual and the in provision for mobility needs of people in residential Discretionary Housing Payments guide. These products care homes. Our aim is to reduce overlaps in public will be placed in the library and they are available on the spending not disabled people’s ability to get out and DWP website: about. When the work is complete we will make a final http://www.dwp.gov.uk/local%2Dauthority%2Dstaff/ decision on the way forward. housing%2Dbenefit/ Any changes to the mobility component for people During March and April 2011, we held a series of living in care homes will be made as part of the wider four conferences in England, Scotland and Wales for reform of disability living allowance and its replacement housing benefit managers, to help communicate the with personal independence payment in 2013. local housing allowance changes effectively. Over the next few months, we will be providing further support Employment Schemes: Older Workers and guidance including a series of visits by officials to local authorities to identify any issues and promote best Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for Work practice. and Pensions what steps he plans to take to assist older The Government will continue to work closely with jobseekers in finding employment. [57110] the 380 local authorities to ensure that the full range of options for customers facing a shortfall in their rent as a Chris Grayling: We have given Jobcentre staff more consequence of the housing benefit reforms is publicised, flexibility to help customers of all ages find and keep and that people are encouraged to consider all available jobs. We are rolling out a number of new measures options in good time. 593W Written Answers24 MAY 2011 Written Answers 594W

Alison Seabeck: To ask the Secretary of State for Chris Grayling: As at December 2010, the latest point Work and Pensions when he plans to issue a for which staffing levels have been published, there was consultation paper on the payment of housing costs for a ratio of 19 claimant unemployed people for each people living in supported and sheltered housing member of total Jobcentre Plus staffing. However we classified as exempt accommodation. [52751] are unable to provide a ratio of unemployed people to Jobcentre Plus staff for May 2012, as this information is Steve Webb: We expect to publish the consultation currently not available in the format requested. The this spring. spending review 2010 announced that DWP would deliver 26% savings in real terms from its core budget over the Mr Ruffley: To ask the Secretary of State for Work four year period to 2015. Jobcentre Plus will contribute and Pensions how much was spent on housing benefit to these savings by driving up efficiency in the way it in each year since 2009-10; and what proportion of the works through more use of its online services and budget for welfare services, excluding pensions, was implementing ideas that help improve processes and spent on housing benefit in each year since 1997. productivity. [53499] Jobcentre Plus: Clydebank Steve Webb: The information is in the following table. Housing benefit expenditure as a share of total benefit expenditure, 1997-98 to Dr Whiteford: To ask the Secretary of State for Work 2009-10 and Pensions what assessment he has made of the £ million effects of the closure of the Jobcentre Plus Contact Total benefit expenditure Housing benefit Centre in Clydebank on the provision of client services excluding state proportion in that area. [56733] Housing benefit pension (percentage)

1997-98 11,176.4 59,756.4 18.7 Chris Grayling: The administration of Jobcentre Plus 1998-99 11,064.8 59,950.9 18.5 is a matter for the chief executive of Jobcentre Plus, 1999-2000 11,064.1 61,235.6 18.1 Darra Singh. I have asked him to provide the hon. 2000-01 11,162.3 62,616.7 17.8 Member with the information requested. 2001-02 11,588.7 64,770.0 17.9 Letter from Darra Singh: 2002-03 12,636.3 65,920.6 19.2 The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question 2003-04 12,341.5 59,253.5 20.8 asking what assessment .has been made of the effects of the 2004-05 13,157.6 62,269.2 21.1 closure of the Jobcentre Plus Contact Centre in Clydebank on the 2005-06 13,928.2 64,328.7 21.7 provision of client services in that area. This is something that 2006-07 14,840.5 65,513.9 22.7 falls within the responsibilities delegated to me as Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus. 2007-08 15,731.8 68,301.0 23.0 2008-09 17,103.4 73,776.4 23.2 Clydebank Contact Centre is part of the virtual network within Jobcentre Plus’ Contact Centre Directorate. Within this 2009-10 19,989.2 80,674.9 24.8 network, calls are directed to the next available advisor with the Notes: appropriate skills to answer customers’ enquiries. This means that 1. Outturn information for 2010-11 is not yet available. 2. Housing benefit expenditure as a proportion of total benefit expenditure Clydebank Contact Centre deals with calls from all over the UK, excluding state pension jumps significantly in 2003-04 as total benefit expenditure rather than just the local area. Therefore, there should be no reduces with the transfer of child benefit to HM Revenue and Customs. impact on client services within the area. 3. Benefit expenditure tables are published on the internet at: http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/asd4/index.php?page=expenditure Clydebank currently handles calls for a number of different Source: services, including new claims to Jobseekers Allowance, Income DWP statistical and accounting data Support enquiries, services to employers who wish to notify vacancies including by e-mail and fax, and customers looking for Industrial Health and Safety work. All these services are also provided by other contact centres within the network. Mr Nicholas Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions whether he has had recent Dr Whiteford: To ask the Secretary of State for Work discussions with representatives of the Health and and Pensions (1) what estimate he has made of the cost Safety Commission on the Health and Safety to the public purse of disposal of the Jobcentre Plus Executive’s Incident Selection Criteria Guidance Contact Centre in Clydebank; [56734] section 5.0; and if he will make a statement. [56300] (2) how much funding his Department has allocated for investment in the Jobcentre Plus Contact Centre in Chris Grayling: The Health and Safety Executive’s Clydebank in each of the last six years. [56738] incident selection criteria are designed so that serious incidents are considered for possible investigation thereby Chris Grayling: The administration of Jobcentre Plus making effective use of investigation resource. Any is a matter for the chief executive of Jobcentre Plus, decision to investigate a specific incident is an operational Darra Singh. I have asked him to provide the hon. decision. Member with the information requested. Jobcentre Plus Letter from Darra Singh: The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question Mr Crausby: To ask the Secretary of State for Work asking what estimate he has made of the cost to the public purse of disposal of the Jobcentre Plus Contact Centre in Clydebank and Pensions if he will estimate the ratio of and how much funding his Department has allocated for investment unemployed people to Jobcentre Plus staff (a) on the in the Jobcentre Plus Contact Centre in Clydebank in each of the most recent date for which figures are available and (b) last six years This is something that falls within the responsibilities in May 2012. [57194] delegated to me as Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus. 595W Written Answers24 MAY 2011 Written Answers 596W

DWP does not own its own estate. The Department signed a 20 Letter from Darra Singh: year Private Finance Initiative contract with Telereal Trillium in The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question 1998 for the provision of fully fitted and serviced accommodation asking whether his Department plans any compulsory redundancies for which the Department pays an all inclusive unitary charge. As in respect of staff at the Jobcentre Plus Contact Centre in such the closure of the Jobcentre Plus Contact Centre in Clydebank Clydebank. This is something that falls within the responsibilities will reduce the overall cost of the contract and any costs incurred delegated to me as Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus. in the disposal will be recouped within an approved period. DWP will always take all possible steps, including redeploying The contract with Telereal Trillium means that our estates people into other jobs, to avoid compulsory redundancy. This partner is responsible for maintaining all of our sites to the applies to Clydebank Contact Centre, which is due to close within required standard. There has been no other capital investment in the next 12 months. The Department has an excellent track the Jobcentre Plus Contact Centre in Clydebank in the last six record in securing alternative roles for its people and would not years. want to use public money for exits unless absolutely necessary. Our plans to enlarge some other sites, our robust workforce Dr Whiteford: To ask the Secretary of State for Work planning and workforce management arrangements will alt help and Pensions what support and guidance his us towards avoiding a situation where compulsory redundancy is Department is offering to staff at the Jobcentre Plus necessary in Clydebank Contact Centre or any Jobcentre Plus Contact Centre in Clydebank following the decision to sites listed for closure. However, we cannot guarantee this. close the centre. [56735] Dr Whiteford: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Chris Grayling: The administration of Jobcentre Plus and Pensions how many staff at the Jobcentre Plus is a matter for the chief executive of Jobcentre Plus, Contact Centre in Clydebank he expects to be Darra Singh. I have asked him to provide the hon. redeployed to other locations. [56737] Member with the information requested. Letter from Darra Singh: Chris Grayling: The administration of Jobcentre Plus The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question is a matter for the chief executive of Jobcentre Plus, asking what support and guidance his Department is offering to Darra Singh. I have asked him to provide the hon. staff at the Jobcentre Plus Contact Centre in Clydebank following Member with the information requested. the decision to close the centre. This is something that falls within Letter from Darra Singh: the responsibilities delegated to me as Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus. The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question asking how many staff at the Jobcentre Plus Contact Centre in DWP realises that the announcements which we made on Clydebank will be redeployed to other locations. This is something 13th May regarding the closure of 22 benefit and contact centres that falls within the responsibilities delegated to me as Chief will be unsettling to all staff. The line managers of staff at Executive of Jobcentre Plus. Clydebank Contact Centre will be available to support them, both now and throughout the next few months. Our immediate Our first consideration will be to redeploy as many staff as we priority is to understand individual circumstances, and so we are can to other sites which are within the area. For example, near currently arranging for each member of staff to have a one-to-one Clydebank, Jobcentre Plus also has contact centres in Paisley and discussion with their line manager to discuss the closure and how Springburn. In addition, we have benefit centres in Glasgow and it might affect them and to talk about their personal circumstances. Clydebank, as well as a number of Jobcentres across the area. Managers will also be there to answer or deal with any questions The 128 permanent staff in Clydebank will all receive an offer or concerns that they may have. Where the manager does not have of redeployment within Jobcentre Plus, either locally or further the information to answer the question, we have introduced an afield. Most will be within our usual mobility rules, but if those issues escalation process. Managers in Clydebank contact centre opportunities are further away we will help staff with travel costs. are currently undertaking training to help them fulfil their role in I cannot provide you with a firm estimate of the number of staff supporting their teams through this challenging time. who will take up this offer of redeployment until we have had one In addition, staff who are union members may also want to to one discussions with every individual member of staff, to speak to their Trade Union representative. We did arrange for a understand their personal circumstances. Trade Union representative to be on site on 13th May and to have time to talk to members of staff. Dr Whiteford: To ask the Secretary of State for Work If staff would prefer to speak with someone from outside the and Pensions how many clients have been dealt with at Department, our Employee Assistance provider, Right Corecare, the Jobcentre Plus Contact Centre in Clydebank in is available 24 hours a day. Our contract with Right Corecare provides unlimited, confidential access to their helplines on 0800 each of the last five years. [56739] 652 3304. In addition, managers will have regular communications with Chris Grayling: The administration of Jobcentre Plus staff and will keep them informed of any developments as they is a matter for the chief executive of Jobcentre Plus, occur. We will also use the full range of our existing communications Darra Singh. I have asked him to provide the hon. channels, including our intranet pages and events such as Your Member with the information requested. Call, which is a live audio conference event where people in Jobcentre Plus can speak directly to me and my Jobcentre Plus Letter from Darra Singh: Board members to get answers to their questions. The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question asking how many clients have been dealt with at the Jobcentre Dr Whiteford: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Plus Contact Centre in Clydebank in each of the last five years. and Pensions whether his Department plans any This is something that falls within the responsibilities delegated to compulsory redundancies in respect of staff at the me as Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus. Jobcentre Plus Contact Centre in Clydebank. [56736] Clydebank Contact Centre is part of the virtual network within Jobcentre Plus Contact Centre Directorate. Within this network, calls are directed to the next available advisor with the Chris Grayling: The administration of Jobcentre Plus appropriate skills to answer customers’ enquiries. This means that is a matter for the chief executive of Jobcentre Plus, Clydebank Contact Centre deals with calls from all over the UK, Darra Singh. I have asked him to provide the hon. rather than just the local area. Therefore, there should be no Member with the information requested. impact on client services within the area. 597W Written Answers24 MAY 2011 Written Answers 598W

Clydebank Contact Centre made: Jobseeker’s Allowance: Work Experience 807,493 customer contacts in 2006/2007; 785,062 customer contacts in 2007/2008; Bob Stewart: To ask the Secretary of State for Work 860,855 customer contacts in 2008/2009; and Pensions if he will bring forward proposals to 552,908 customer contacts in 2009/2010; and enable people who take up internships to claim 519,866 customer contacts in 2010/2011. jobseeker’s allowance. [56416] The term ‘customer contact’ covers all customers and employers who contact us via the telephone, fax and online, and all outbound Chris Grayling: People undertaking an unpaid internship calls to customers. can already receive jobseeker’s allowance as long as they can continue to meet the conditions of entitlement. Dr Whiteford: To ask the Secretary of State for Work The duration and content of the internship must be and Pensions how many staff were employed at the agreed between the customer, the employer and the Jobcentre Plus Contact Centre in Clydebank in each of Jobcentre Plus adviser before the start of the internship. the last six years. [56740] People undertaking paid internships over 16 hours a week are not entitled to jobseeker’s allowance. Chris Grayling: The administration of Jobcentre Plus In addition, under a new scheme that I announced is a matter for the chief executive of Jobcentre Plus, in January, young people will also be allowed to Darra Singh. I have asked him to provide the hon. undertake work experience for up to eight weeks Member with the information requested. while remaining on jobseeker’s allowance, instead of Letter from Darra Singh: the previous two. This gives young people the chance to get valuable experience in a business, which will make a The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question real difference to their confidence, their employability asking how many staff were employed at the Jobcentre Plus Contact Centre in Clydebank in each of the last six years. This is and their prospects. something that falls within the responsibilities delegated to me as Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus. Mortgages: Government Assistance Clydebank Contact Centre had a headcount of: 140 staff (126.37 whole time equivalent) in March 2007; Alison McGovern: To ask the Secretary of State for 132 staff (119.34 whole time equivalent) in March 2008; Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the 152 staff (141.12 whole time equivalent) in March 2009; number of recipients of disability living allowance who 196 staff (181.41 whole time equivalent) in March 2010, and receive more support for mortgage interest support each year than the cost of their mortgage in the last 133 staff (117.66 whole time equivalent) in March 2011. year for which figures are available; and what the We do not hold any data for March 2006. Our staffing data average monetary value was of such excess support. system only became available in March 2007. Prior to this date we [56806] are unable to analyse and interpret the data sufficiently to get accurate information. Steve Webb: We do not have information on the Jobcentre Plus: Scotland contractual mortgage interest rates that apply to specific individuals or groups within the support for mortgage interest caseload, so cannot give the number of recipients Dr Whiteford: To ask the Secretary of State for Work of disability living allowance who receive more support and Pensions what plans his Department has to for mortgage interest support each year than the cost of transfer services from Jobcentre Plus contact centres their mortgage. and benefit centres in Scotland to other areas of the There is no business need for the Department to UK. [56741] collect information on claimants’ contractual interest rates because we use a standard rate of interest to Chris Grayling: The administration of Jobcentre Plus calculate support for mortgage interest. is a matter for the chief executive of Jobcentre Plus, Darra Singh. I have asked him to provide the hon. Member with the information requested. National Insurance Contributions Letter from Darra Singh: The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question Rachel Reeves: To ask the Secretary of State for asking what plans his Department has to transfer services from Work and Pensions (1) if he will estimate the change in Jobcentre Plus Contact Centres and benefit centres in Scotland to the level of national insurance payments made by (a) other areas of the UK. This is something that falls within the employers and (b) employees in respect of employees responsibilities delegated to me as Chief Executive of Jobcentre who are members of contracted-out pension schemes Plus. in each year to 2030 (i) under current proposals and (ii) Clydebank Contact Centre is part of the virtual network under an accelerated timetable for achieving a flat-rate within Jobcentre Plus Contact Centre Directorate. Within this state second pension by 2020; [57272] network, calls are directed to the next available advisor with the appropriate skills to answer customers’ enquiries. Therefore the (2) if he will estimate the level of national insurance transfer of services will occur via the virtual network. payments which will be foregone from (a) employer and (b) employee contributions through the Internally Jobcentre Plus is currently developing site by site plans for the movement of benefit work from the sites affected by contracting-out regime in each year to 2030 (i) under our site rationalisation plans that were announced on 13th May. existing arrangements and (ii) under an accelerated As yet, no decisions have been made on work movements, either timetable for achieving a flat-rate state second pension within Scotland, or to other areas of the UK. by 2020. [57273] 599W Written Answers24 MAY 2011 Written Answers 600W

Steve Webb: The following table contains forecasts of New Enterprise Allowance the total value of the contracted-out rebate on (a) (b) employer and employee national insurance Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Work contributions paid on the earnings of contracted-out and Pensions pursuant to the answer of 12 May 2011, employees. Forecasts are presented under (i) the current Official Report, columns 1291-2W, on enterprise zones, arrangements, and (ii) an accelerated timetable for flat-rating how many responses his Department has received from the state second pension. local entrepreneur mentors to his invitation to deliver Forecasts are only available until 2015-16. The Office the mentor support element of the new enterprise for Budget Responsibility will be publishing a report on allowance. [56786] long-term expenditure in July, which will be based on new long-term economic forecasts. Forecasts of the Chris Grayling: The deadline for applications to help contracted-out rebate up to 2030-31 will then be available. deliver the mentoring support element of the new enterprise Under the accelerated timetable for flat-rating the allowance in Wales closed on 12 May. We are now in the state second pension, we assume that the upper accrual process of assessing the applications received. Details point is gradually reduced to the level of the low earnings of the successful applicants will be published on the threshold, beginning in 2013-14 and ending in 2020-21 new enterprise allowance page of the Department’s with a completely flat-rate pension. website in due course. Forecasts are not available for total national insurance contributions paid on the earnings of contracted-out employees. New Enterprise Allowance: Wales Figures are in £ billion in cash terms, and are for the UK. Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Forecasts of the total value of the contracted-out rebate to 2015/16 under: (i) and Pensions how much his Department has allocated existing arrangements; and (ii) an accelerated timetable for flat-rating the state to the establishment of the New Enterprise Allowance second pension—United Kingdom, £ billion cash terms in Wales. [56724] Contracted-out rebate, £ billion cash terms 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 Chris Grayling: Funding for the new enterprise allowance (a) On employer in Wales, as elsewhere, will be dependent upon the contributions numbers of customers who take-up the new enterprise (i) under existing 6.4 4.3 4.3 4.2 4.1 allowance including those referred to the mentoring arrangements service, claiming the weekly allowance and successfully (ii) under 6.4 4.3 4.1 3.9 3.6 applying for the loan. There is not therefore a fixed accelerated flat- rating proposal proportion of money allocated to the operation of the NEA, but we would expect expenditure to be broadly in line with the proportion of eligible JSA claimants in (b) On employee contributions Wales. (i) under existing 2.6 1.8 1.8 1.7 1.7 arrangements (it) under 2.6 1.8 1.7 1.6 1.5 Pensioners: Benefits accelerated flat- rating proposal Notes: Rachel Reeves: To ask the Secretary of State for 1. Figures are presented in £ billions and are rounded to the nearest £0.1 billion. Work and Pensions if he will estimate the cost to the 2. Forecasts assume rebate rates for contracted-out defined benefit scheme public purse of paying means-tested benefits to members of 1.4% on employee contributions and 3.4 per cent on employer pensioners in each year to 2030; and what the contributions from 2012-13 onwards. These are the rates that have been set by the Government for the period 2012-13 to 2016-17. See The Social Security equivalent figures would be if the basic state pension (Reduced Rates of Class 1 Contributions, Rebates and Minimum were raised to £140 in 2011 and then uprated in line Contributions) Order 2011, available at: with current proposals each year. [57271] http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2011/1036/contents/made 3. Contracting out on a defined contribution basis is to be abolished from 2012-13 onwards. Steve Webb: The following tables show estimates of 4. Forecasts are based on Government Actuary’s Department assumptions about future contracted-out defined benefit scheme membership. expenditure on the pensioner means-tested benefits until 5. Options for reform of the state pension system are put forward in: 2015-16; the first table is in nominal terms, the second http://www.dwp.gov.uk/consultations/2011/state-pension-21st-century.shtml in 2011-12 prices. The Office for Budget Responsibility Source: DWP, forecasts produced using the Government Actuary’s Department’s will be publishing a report on long-term expenditure in national insurance contribution forecasting model July, which will cover the period up to 2030.

Expenditure £ million nominal terms Estimate Forecast 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16

Pension credit 8,178 8,185 7,982 7,813 7,851 7,829 Housing benefit total over 6,090 6,262 6,315 6,172 6,158 6,205 pension credit qualifying age Council tax benefit total over 2,334 2,273 2,260 2,004 1,982 1,971 pension credit qualifying age 601W Written Answers24 MAY 2011 Written Answers 602W

Expenditure £ million nominal terms Estimate Forecast 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16

Total 16,602 16,720 16,558 15,990 15,992 16,004

Expenditure £ million real terms 2011-12 prices Estimate Forecast 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16

Pension credit 8,415 8,185 7,788 7,422 7,263 7,051 Housing benefit total over 6,267 6,262 6,161 5,863 5,696 5,589 pension credit qualifying age Council tax benefit total over 2,402 2,273 2,205 1,904 1,833 1,775 pension credit qualifying age Total 17,084 16,720 16,154 15,190 14,792 14,415 Source: DWP and local authorities’ statistical and accounting data

In relation to the second part of the question, the Maria Miller: Estimates of the number and proportion Government are currently consulting on proposals for of children living in poverty are published in the Households state pension reform. The consultation document seeks Below Average Income (HBAI) series. HBAI uses views on the appropriate level of means-tested benefits household income adjusted (or ’equivalised’) for household for future pensioners. size and composition, to provide a proxy for standard of living. Pensioners: British Nationals Abroad As they are based on survey data, child poverty estimates published in HBAI only allow breakdowns to Mr Gale: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Government Office Region and analysis by local authority Pensions what steps his Department takes to protect (LA) is not possible. However, figures for London are the pension rights of UK citizens who have lived in, but set out in Table 1. The latest available Government not worked in, other EU countries. [56657] Office Region data covers 2007/08 to 2009/10. Table 1: Number and percentage of children living in relative poverty before Chris Grayling: An individual’s entitlement to retirement housing costs (BHC) in London pension is based on the national insurance contributions 2007-08 to 2009-10 (NICs) they have paid throughout their working life. Number of children (million) 0.3 Recipients need to have paid a full contribution record Percentage 20 ranging from 30 to 44 full years of NICs, depending on Notes: their gender and date of birth. 1. These statistics are based on households below average income (HBAI) data If a person has lived in another EU country, but not sourced from the Family Resources Survey (FRS). This uses disposable household income, adjusted using modified OECD equivalisation factors for household worked or contributed towards a state retirement pension size and composition, as an income measure as a proxy for standard of living. they may not have built up any entitlement there. In 2. All estimates are based on survey data and are therefore subject to uncertainty. addition, they may not have achieved a full contribution Small differences should be treated with caution as these will be affected by sampling error and variability in non-response. record for a UK retirement pension. However, the rights 3. The reference period for households below average income figures are single they have already acquired in the UK will be preserved, financial years. Three survey years have been combined as regional single year estimates are subject to volatility. and in due course they are entitled to receive the proportion 4. Numbers of children in low-income households have been rounded to the of the retirement pension they have accrued even if they nearest 100,000, while proportions have been rounded to the nearest percentage are not resident in the UK. In those circumstances they point. 5. These statistics are based on incomes before housing costs. can increase their UK contribution record, if they wish 6. Relative poverty is defined as children living in households with less than 60% to do so, by purchasing additional years of contributions of contemporary median household income. in order to receive the maximum state retirement pension. 7. These statistics are publicly available in the households below average income report on the DWP website: Additional protection is available to some UK citizens http://statistics.dwp.gov.uk/asd/index.php?page=hbai who live abroad and who notify HMRC. If they are Source: over 35-years-old and do not already have 30 qualifying Households below average income, DWP contribution years, they will be issued with deficiency Social Security Benefits notices advising them that they can pay voluntary NICs to make the year a qualifying year. A comprehensive Harriett Baldwin: To ask the Secretary of State for explanation about voluntary NICs, and the conditions Work and Pensions how many households subject to attached to payment from abroad, is available on HMRC’s the household benefit cap he expects will have (a) one website: and (b) more than one household member in work at http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/cnr/osc.htm the point at which the cap is introduced. [56486]

Poverty: Children Chris Grayling: We have announced that when the benefit cap is introduced all households which include a Mr Evennett: To ask the Secretary of State for Work member who is entitled to working tax credit will be and Pensions what recent estimate he has made of the exempt from its impact. level of child poverty in (a) the London borough of The estimated number of households affected by the Bexley and (b) London. [57355] introduction of the benefit cap where (a) one and (b) 603W Written Answers24 MAY 2011 Written Answers 604W more than one household member is working but for certain categories of spend to ensure a co-ordinated insufficient hours to qualify for working tax credit is approach across Departments and to prevent non-essential negligible. expenditure. Analysis of the benefit cap is based on a very small ERG has already been effective in supporting sample using survey data, therefore, any assessment of Departments to achieve savings, which are expected to those households affected by the benefit cap is subject have reached over £3 billion in 2010-11. to uncertainty. Electoral Register State Retirement Pensions Chris Ruane: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Mr Ward: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Office what the difference was in the number of Pensions whether his Department has carried out an registered electors in each constituency between 2009 equalities impact assessment on the proposals to and 2010; and what assessment he has made of the accelerate the timetable for the increase in the state reasons for any differences. [57192] pension age. [57387] Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the Steve Webb: The White Paper “A sustainable State responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have Pension: when the State Pension age will increase to asked the authority to reply to the hon. Member. A 66”, published in November 2010, contains an equality copy of their response will be placed in the Library. impact assessment of the proposed changes to the state Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated May 2011: pension age. The impact assessment has subsequently As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I been republished twice, on the introduction of the have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking Pensions Bill in the Lords and in the Commons. A copy what the difference was in the number of registered electors in of the latest version has been placed in the Library. each constituency between 2009 and 2010; and what assessment has been made of the reasons for any differences (57192). Winter Fuel Payments: Expenditure Table 1 shows the difference in the number of registered parliamentary electors between 2009 and 2010 for each parliamentary Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for Work constituency in the UK. and Pensions when he expects to publish information The Government has not made an assessment of the reasons on expenditure on winter fuel payments for 2010-11. for the difference in registered electors in individual constituencies. [57173] However, the Electoral Commission will be conducting research on the completeness and accuracy of electoral registers as part of Steve Webb: Winter fuel payments outturn expenditure the introduction of individual electoral registration. for 2010-11 will be published in the Department’ for Table 1: Registered parliamentary electors for each parliamentary constituency Work and Pensions resource accounts publication on in the UK, constituent countries of the United Kingdom, parliamentary 1 the 18 July 2011. constituencies Total electors Difference Parliamentary 1 December 1 December 2010 minus constituency 2009 2010 2009

CABINET OFFICE United Kingdom 45,420,808 45,844,691 423,883 Departmental Co-ordination England 38,129,082 38,443,481 314,399 Dan Jarvis: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Aldershot2 B 70,596 71,908 1,312 Office what recent steps he has taken to develop more Aldridge-Brownhills B 59,214 59,506 292 efficient and co-ordinated working practices across Altrincham and Sale B 71,192 72,008 816 Government Departments. [57084] West Amber Valley C 69,385 69,538 153 Mr Maude [holding answer 23 May 2011]: The Efficiency Arundel and South C 76,018 76,697 679 and Reform Group has been set up to create a new Downs corporate centre to drive reform and co-ordinate actions Ashfield C 77,692 77,049 -643 across Departments. It is introducing a more unified Ashford C 81,088 81,947 859 approach to common processes across Government in Ashton-under-Lyne B 67,657 68,553 896 order to deliver a step change in efficiency in areas such Aylesbury C 78,017 78,750 733 as civil service HR, ICT, commercial and procurement, Banbury C 83,933 84,063 130 estates and other support functions. Barking B 73,303 74,027 724 Barnsley Central B 64,864 64,732 -132 Recently, for example, it has published the Government’s Barnsley East C 68,011 68,243 232 ICT strategy, which will deliver better public services Barrow and Furness C 69,281 69,148 -133 for less cost. A common ICT infrastructure will allow Basildon and B 65,302 65,373 71 for the sharing and re-use of our ICT assets across Billericay organisational boundaries. This will save millions by Basingstoke B 75,108 75,470 362 reducing duplication and waste, and improve the way Bassetlaw C 76,741 78,306 1,565 we deliver and use ICT. Our new centralised procurement Bath B 65,992 66,690 698 model will reform how Government buys common goods Batley and Spen B 76,619 77,472 853 and services, through centrally managing the procurement Battersea B 71,941 73,028 1,087 of certain categories of spend such as energy, office Beaconsfield C 74,284 75,320 1,036 solutions and travel. ERG has implemented controls on Beckenham B 66,029 66,470 441 Government spending, requiring central approval for Bedford B 68,692 69,019 327 605W Written Answers24 MAY 2011 Written Answers 606W

Table 1: Registered parliamentary electors for each parliamentary constituency Table 1: Registered parliamentary electors for each parliamentary constituency in the UK, constituent countries of the United Kingdom, parliamentary in the UK, constituent countries of the United Kingdom, parliamentary constituencies1 constituencies1 Total electors Difference Total electors Difference Parliamentary 1 December 1 December 2010 minus Parliamentary 1 December 1 December 2010 minus constituency 2009 2010 2009 constituency 2009 2010 2009

Bermondsey and B 75,838 77,186 1,348 Bristol North West B 73,104 73,920 816 Old Southwark Bristol South B 78,148 78,703 555 Berwick-upon- C 57,112 55,785 -1,327 Bristol West B 79,633 82,503 2,870 Tweed Broadland C 71,982 73,066 1,084 Bethnal Green and B 76,272 79,581 3,309 Bow Bromley and B 65,210 65,508 298 Chislehurst Beverley and C 79,788 79,775 -13 3 Holderness Bromsgrove C 73,430 73,279 -151 Bexhill and Battle C 78,169 78,602 433 Broxbourne B 71,224 71,872 648 Bexleyheath and B 64,791 64,144 -647 Broxtowe C 71,440 71,961 521 Crayford Buckingham C 75,076 75,837 761 Birkenhead B 62,970 62,432 -538 Burnley B 66,876 67,003 127 Birmingham B 68,566 69,039 473 Burton C 75,081 75,302 221 Edgbaston Bury North B 67,421 67,911 490 Birmingham B 66,839 67,598 759 Bury South B 74,313 75,140 827 Erdington Bury St Edmunds C 84,588 85,933 1,345 Birmingham Hall B 76,576 77,157 581 Green Calder Valley C 77,069 76,041 -1,028 Birmingham Hodge B 75,330 75,985 655 Camberwell and B 76,967 78,605 1,638 Hill Peckham Birmingham B 72,809 74,008 1,199 Camborne and C 63,694 64,798 1,104 Ladywood Redruth Birmingham B 71,866 72,190 324 Cambridge B 75,612 75,259 -353 Northfield Cannock Chase C 74,828 75,680 852 Birmingham Perry B 71,647 71,794 147 Canterbury C 73,637 73,779 142 Barr Carlisle C 65,621 66,322 701 Birmingham Selly B 75,048 75,668 620 Carshalton and B 66,634 67,044 410 Oak Wallington Birmingham Yardley B 72,732 73,261 529 Castle Point B 67,689 64,562 -3,127 Bishop Auckland C 68,170 68,501 331 Central Devon C 71,089 71,563 474 Blackburn B 71,822 72,112 290 Central Suffolk and C 76,137 76,177 40 Blackley and B 68,825 69,006 181 North Ipswich Broughton Charnwood C 74,734 75,454 720 Blackpool North B 66,011 66,187 176 Chatham and C 67,829 68,437 608 and Cleveleys Aylesford Blackpool South B 63,461 64,081 620 Cheadle B 71,927 71,797 -130 Blaydon B 67,791 68,156 365 Chelmsford B 77,607 77,835 228 Blyth Valley B 64,035 63,173 -862 Chelsea and Fulham B 63,707 62,958 -749 Bognor Regis and C 71,033 70,535 -498 Cheltenham B 78,469 77,937 -532 Littlehampton Chesham and C 70,021 70,723 702 Bolsover C 73,170 72,162 -1,008 Amersham Bolton North East B 66,682 66,600 -82 Chesterfield B 72,077 72,866 789 Bolton South East B 69,077 69,088 11 Chichester C 81,182 81,804 622 Bolton West C 71,061 71,454 393 Chingford and C 64,804 64,770 -34 Bootle B 71,995 70,824 -1,171 Woodford Green Boston and Skegness C 70,973 70,620 -353 Chippenham C 71,870 73,312 1,442 Bosworth C 77,351 77,787 436 Chipping Barnet B 73,995 76,455 2,460 Bournemouth East2 B 71,886 72,961 1,075 Chorley C 71,204 71,333 129 Bournemouth West2 B 70,913 72,714 1,801 Christchurch C 68,683 69,008 325 Bracknell C 76,947 77,490 543 Cities of London B 64,044 65,140 1,096 and Westminster Bradford East B 64,382 66,718 2,336 City of Chester C 68,899 68,280 -619 Bradford South B 63,532 64,715 1,183 City of Durham C 67,642 72,659 5,017 Bradford West B 60,658 63,425 2,767 Clacton C 67,216 67,447 231 Braintree C 70,956 72,064 1,108 Cleethorpes C 70,722 70,895 173 Brent Central B 72,671 73,385 714 Colchester B 73,501 73,638 137 Brent North B 81,811 82,648 837 Colne Valley C 79,925 80,791 866 Brentford and B 82,569 83,332 763 Isleworth Congleton C 74,806 73,820 -986 Brentwood and C 70,362 71,041 679 Copeland C 63,688 63,696 8 Ongar Corby C 78,275 79,468 1,193 Bridgwater and West C 81,874 82,936 1,062 Coventry North East B 72,490 74,870 2,380 Somerset Coventry North B 73,030 74,180 1,150 Brigg and Goole C 66,821 66,734 -87 West Brighton Kemptown B 65,057 66,557 1,500 Coventry South B 73,346 75,705 2,359 Brighton Pavilion B 72,234 73,430 1,196 Crawley B 72,024 71,793 -231 Bristol East B 68,999 69,347 348 Crewe and Nantwich C 78,469 78,845 376 607W Written Answers24 MAY 2011 Written Answers 608W

Table 1: Registered parliamentary electors for each parliamentary constituency Table 1: Registered parliamentary electors for each parliamentary constituency in the UK, constituent countries of the United Kingdom, parliamentary in the UK, constituent countries of the United Kingdom, parliamentary constituencies1 constituencies1 Total electors Difference Total electors Difference Parliamentary 1 December 1 December 2010 minus Parliamentary 1 December 1 December 2010 minus constituency 2009 2010 2009 constituency 2009 2010 2009

Croydon Central B 75,646 76,980 1,334 Garston and B 71,346 71,618 272 Croydon North B 83,121 85,107 1,986 Halewood Croydon South B 80,780 81,554 774 Gateshead B 66,250 66,066 -184 3 Dagenham and B 69,599 70,187 588 Gedling C 70,989 70,886 -103 Rainham Gillingham and B 71,302 71,109 -193 Darlington B 68,508 67,476 -1,032 Rainham Dartford C 75,085 74,756 -329 Gloucester B 79,972 80,788 816 Daventry C 71,636 71,903 267 Gosport B 72,880 72,845 -35 Denton and Reddish B 64,839 65,684 845 Grantham and C 77,694 79,118 1,424 Stamford Derby North B 71,370 72,617 1,247 Gravesham C 69,898 70,412 514 Derby South B 71,110 72,048 938 Great Grimsby B 61,653 61,929 276 Derbyshire Dales C 63,972 63,732 -240 Great Yarmouth C 70,196 70,526 330 Devizes C 66,972 68,846 1,874 Greenwich and B 62,950 66,982 4,032 Dewsbury C 78,610 79,634 1,024 Woolwich Don Valley C 72,880 73,674 794 Guildford C 76,836 77,517 681 Doncaster Central B 73,189 73,874 685 Hackney North and B 72,355 74,780 2,425 Doncaster North C 72,040 72,855 815 Stoke Newington Dover C 71,535 71,993 458 Hackney South and B 71,245 73,778 2,533 Dudley North B 60,977 61,714 737 Shoreditch Dudley South B 60,887 61,308 421 Halesowen and B 67,358 67,656 298 Rowley Regis Dulwich and West B 70,786 71,523 737 Norwood Halifax B 70,622 69,126 -1,496 Ealing Central and B 69,149 69,828 679 Haltemprice and C 70,574 70,864 290 Acton Howden 2 Ealing North B 72,876 73,105 229 Halton C 69,461 70,322 861 Ealing Southall B 64,253 65,768 1,515 Hammersmith B 69,774 70,008 234 Easington C 63,387 65,618 2,231 Hampstead and B 77,254 78,552 1,298 Kilburn East Devon C 72,717 72,406 -311 Harborough C 78,125 78,753 628 East Ham B 87,809 91,531 3,722 Harlow C 67,425 67,700 275 East Hampshire C 71,779 72,648 869 Harrogate and C 74,560 75,044 484 East Surrey C 76,847 77,145 298 Knaresborough East Worthing and C 72,524 72,996 472 Harrow East B 71,533 72,537 1,004 Shoreham Harrow West B 68,264 69,135 871 East Yorkshire C 80,513 80,435 -78 Hartlepool B 69,284 70,010 726 Eastbourne B 77,272 76,978 -294 Harwich and North C 70,681 71,087 406 Eastleigh B 77,320 78,313 993 Essex Eddisbury C 67,296 65,914 -1,382 Hastings and Rye C 77,022 76,422 -600 Edmonton B 63,457 64,356 899 Havant B 70,004 70,568 564 Ellesmere Port and C 65,739 66,995 1,256 Hayes and B 69,811 70,589 778 Neston Harlington Elmet and Rothwell C 77,858 77,994 136 Hazel Grove C 62,665 62,422 -243 Eltham B 62,005 63,059 1,054 Hemel Hempstead C 72,682 72,561 -121 Enfield North B 66,638 66,761 123 Hemsworth C 73,195 73,487 292 Enfield Southgate B 63,890 64,932 1,042 Hendon B 72,102 74,329 2,227 Epping Forest C 72,006 72,212 206 Henley C 73,538 73,851 313 Epsom and Ewell B 76,052 76,916 864 Hereford and South C 72,245 71,352 -893 Erewash C 69,599 70,022 423 Herefordshire Erith and B 69,010 69,718 708 Hertford and C 78,211 79,255 1,044 Thamesmead Stortford Esher and Walton B 75,716 76,962 1,246 Hertsmere C 69,438 70,772 1,334 Exeter B 75,936 76,796 860 Hexham C 61,085 60,499 -586 Fareham C 75,829 76,457 628 Heywood and C 79,031 79,636 605 Middleton Faversham and Mid C 69,075 68,521 -554 Kent High Peak C 71,685 72,178 493 Feltham and Heston B 80,783 80,437 -346 Hitchin and C 73,811 74,189 378 Harpenden Filton and Bradley C 68,763 69,732 969 Stoke Holborn and St B 84,266 85,243 977 Pancras Finchley and B 69,862 71,595 1,733 Golders Green Hornchurch and B 78,913 79,568 655 Upminster Folkestone and C 77,573 84,156 6,583 Hornsey and Wood B 78,505 79,878 1,373 Hythe Green Forest of Dean C 68,839 68,703 -136 Horsham C 76,224 77,001 777 Fylde C 65,933 66,504 571 Houghton and B 69,190 70,115 925 Gainsborough C 72,833 73,795 962 Sunderland South 609W Written Answers24 MAY 2011 Written Answers 610W

Table 1: Registered parliamentary electors for each parliamentary constituency Table 1: Registered parliamentary electors for each parliamentary constituency in the UK, constituent countries of the United Kingdom, parliamentary in the UK, constituent countries of the United Kingdom, parliamentary constituencies1 constituencies1 Total electors Difference Total electors Difference Parliamentary 1 December 1 December 2010 minus Parliamentary 1 December 1 December 2010 minus constituency 2009 2010 2009 constituency 2009 2010 2009

Hove B 70,598 71,181 583 Manchester Gorton B 72,535 74,681 2,146 Huddersfield B 66,206 66,681 475 Manchester B 72,514 73,656 1,142 Huntingdon C 83,376 79,134 -4,242 Withington Hyndburn B 66,924 69,617 2,693 Mansfield C 80,247 79,849 -398 Ilford North B 72,281 72,702 421 Meon Valley C 70,306 71,291 985 Ilford South B 84,599 86,401 1,802 Meriden C 82,400 83,428 1,028 Ipswich B 76,530 75,195 -1,335 Mid Bedfordshire C 75,914 76,381 467 Isle of Wight C 110,228 110,924 696 Mid Derbyshire C 65,929 66,572 643 Islington North B 66,472 68,777 2,305 Mid Dorset and C 64,776 64,705 -71 North Poole Islington South and B 66,184 67,613 1,429 Finsbury Mid Norfolk C 74,464 75,079 615 Jarrow B 64,826 65,047 221 Mid Sussex C 75,954 77,044 1,090 Keighley C 65,282 66,971 1,689 Mid Worcestershire C 71,858 71,660 -198 Kenilworth and C 63,931 63,772 -159 Middlesbrough B 65,726 65,851 125 Southam Middlesbrough C 73,123 72,876 -247 Kensington B 63,134 62,784 -350 South and East Cleveland Kettering C 68,786 69,610 824 Milton Keynes C 81,991 81,226 -765 Kingston and B 80,229 80,639 410 North Surbiton Milton Keynes B 86,901 85,552 -1,349 Kingston upon Hull B 68,024 68,150 126 South East Mitcham and B 65,390 67,074 1,684 Kingston upon Hull B 63,473 65,219 1,746 Morden North Mole Valley C 72,110 72,568 458 Kingston upon Hull B 60,947 61,232 285 West and Hessle Morecambe and C 68,750 69,254 504 Lunesdale Kingswood B 66,418 67,199 781 Morley and C 74,487 75,163 676 Knowsley B 79,271 79,334 63 Outwood Lancaster and C 66,260 67,305 1,045 New Forest East C 72,955 73,542 587 Fleetwood New Forest West C 68,239 68,987 748 Leeds Central B 79,696 80,912 1,216 Newark C 71,650 72,407 757 Leeds East B 64,479 64,742 263 Newbury C 78,468 77,898 -570 Leeds North East B 67,489 68,269 780 Newcastle upon B 60,565 60,795 230 Leeds North West B 64,822 65,047 225 Tyne Central Leeds West B 67,243 67,222 -21 Newcastle upon B 64,647 65,203 556 Leicester East B 73,320 74,377 1,057 Tyne East Leicester South B 77,156 78,433 1,277 Newcastle upon B 67,285 67,401 116 Leicester West B 65,058 65,432 374 Tyne North Leigh C 75,330 77,001 1,671 Newcastle-under- B 68,819 68,692 -127 Lyme Lewes C 68,125 68,515 390 Newton Abbot C 69,406 69,600 194 Lewisham East B 64,937 65,508 571 Normanton C 82,834 83,284 450 Lewisham West and B 68,352 69,399 1,047 Pontefract and Penge Castleford Lewisham Deptford B 64,809 67,590 2,781 North Cornwall C 68,055 68,206 151 Leyton and C 62,102 63,021 919 North Devon C 74,408 75,098 690 Wanstead North Dorset C 74,031 73,010 -1,021 Lichfield C 72,504 73,085 581 North Durham C 67,284 68,959 1,675 Lincoln B 72,839 72,662 -177 North East C 77,191 78,350 1,159 Liverpool Riverside B 73,310 73,406 96 Bedfordshire Liverpool Walton B 62,746 61,974 -772 North East C 82,787 83,661 874 Liverpool Wavertree B 62,112 61,679 -433 Cambridgeshire2, 3 Liverpool West B 63,130 62,709 -421 North East C 71,637 72,374 737 Derby Derbyshire Loughborough C 77,464 77,884 420 North East C 71,580 72,548 968 2 Louth and C 77,210 76,233 -977 Hampshire Horncastle North East C 71,993 72,658 665 Ludlow C 66,285 66,199 -86 Hertfordshire Luton North B 65,721 66,273 552 North East Somerset C 68,024 68,546 522 Luton South B 65,184 65,889 705 North Herefordshire C 67,280 66,711 -569 Macclesfield C 74,595 73,613 -982 North Norfolk C 67,977 68,277 300 2 Maidenhead2 C 72,568 74,028 1,460 North Shropshire C 78,611 77,673 -938 Maidstone and the C 71,199 70,576 -623 North Somerset C 77,150 78,223 1,073 Weald North Swindon C 78,583 79,488 905 Makerfield C 73,447 74,856 1,409 North Thanet C 68,568 67,110 -1,458 Maldon C 68,872 69,539 667 North Tyneside B 78,389 78,617 228 Manchester Central B 85,522 89,519 3,997 North Warwickshire C 70,415 70,544 129 611W Written Answers24 MAY 2011 Written Answers 612W

Table 1: Registered parliamentary electors for each parliamentary constituency Table 1: Registered parliamentary electors for each parliamentary constituency in the UK, constituent countries of the United Kingdom, parliamentary in the UK, constituent countries of the United Kingdom, parliamentary constituencies1 constituencies1 Total electors Difference Total electors Difference Parliamentary 1 December 1 December 2010 minus Parliamentary 1 December 1 December 2010 minus constituency 2009 2010 2009 constituency 2009 2010 2009

North West C 84,255 89,419 5,164 Rotherham B 62,977 63,131 154 Cambridgeshire Rugby C 68,759 69,932 1,173 North West Durham C 70,167 72,760 2,593 Ruislip Northwood B 70,979 71,706 727 North West C 76,608 77,020 412 and Pinner Hampshire Runnymede and C 72,455 73,680 1,225 North West C 71,108 72,022 914 Weybridge Leicestershire Rushcliffe C 72,774 73,430 656 North West Norfolk C 73,397 73,269 -128 Rutland and Melton C 77,096 77,324 228 North Wiltshire C 65,762 67,154 1,392 Saffron Walden C 75,871 77,109 1,238 Northampton North B 61,749 62,095 346 Salford and Eccles B 74,817 76,863 2,046 Northampton South B 62,852 63,748 896 Salisbury C 67,080 68,731 1,651 2 Norwich North B 64,496 64,982 486 Scarborough and C 76,032 76,078 46 Norwich South B 72,538 73,569 1,031 Whitby Nottingham East B 57,353 59,489 2,136 Scunthorpe C 63,427 63,489 62 Nottingham North B 63,271 64,578 1,307 Sedgefield C 65,746 67,386 1,640 Nottingham South B 66,100 69,154 3,054 Sefton Central C 67,766 67,696 -70 Nuneaton C 68,117 68,288 171 Selby and Ainsty C 72,532 73,580 1,048 Old Bexley and B 65,379 65,161 -218 Sevenoaks C 70,079 69,925 -154 Sidcup Sheffield Central B 65,515 69,975 4,460 Oldham East and C 72,307 72,249 -58 Sheffield South East B 67,559 67,792 233 Saddleworth Sheffield Brightside B 68,194 69,206 1,012 Oldham West and B 72,066 72,402 336 and Hillsborough Royton Sheffield Hallam C 68,863 70,032 1,169 Orpington B 67,765 68,221 456 Sheffield Heeley B 65,904 66,432 528 Oxford East B 80,113 81,644 1,531 Sherwood3 C 71,671 72,111 440 Oxford West and C 77,826 77,811 -15 Abingdon2, 3 Shipley C 67,484 68,125 641 Pendle B 66,461 66,735 274 Shrewsbury and C 75,076 73,978 -1,098 Atcham2 Penistone and C 68,628 69,133 505 Stocksbridge Sittingbourne and C 75,509 74,796 -713 Sheppey Penrith and The C 65,041 65,234 193 Border Skipton and Ripon C 76,654 77,098 444 Peterborough B 69,732 72,787 3,055 Sleaford and North C 84,627 85,561 934 Hykeham Plymouth Moor B 67,501 68,556 1,055 View Slough B 78,477 81,327 2,850 Plymouth Sutton B 69,474 71,236 1,762 Solihull B 76,638 77,354 716 and Devonport Somerton and C 81,566 82,150 584 Poole B 72,314 72,773 459 Frome Poplar and B 70,880 74,919 4,039 South Basildon and C 71,947 71,819 -128 Limehouse East Thurrock Portsmouth North B 70,464 71,798 1,334 South C 78,612 80,001 1,389 Cambridgeshire Portsmouth South B 69,456 71,947 2,491 South Derbyshire C 70,443 71,326 883 Preston B 60,538 61,025 487 South Dorset C 73,168 73,499 331 Pudsey B 69,207 69,738 531 South East C 81,144 82,265 1,121 Putney B 62,223 62,153 -70 Cambridgeshire2, 3 Rayleigh and C 75,694 76,089 395 South East Cornwall C 71,900 71,851 -49 Wickford South Holland and C 76,529 76,939 410 Reading East2 B 74,855 78,170 3,315 the Deepings Reading West2 C 71,584 73,216 1,632 South Leicestershire C 77,031 77,412 381 Redcar B 67,405 67,195 -210 South Norfolk C 76,010 77,317 1,307 Redditch C 66,977 66,492 -485 South C 82,052 82,956 904 Reigate B 71,233 72,043 810 Northamptonshire Ribble Valley C 77,282 77,437 155 South Ribble C 75,039 75,116 77 Richmond (Yorks) C 81,314 78,902 -2,412 South Shields B 63,841 63,765 -76 Richmond Park B 75,495 76,650 1,155 South Staffordshire C 73,630 74,189 559 Rochdale C 77,471 77,699 228 South Suffolk C 72,641 72,965 324 Rochester and C 74,269 75,001 732 South Swindon C 72,803 73,449 646 Strood South Thanet C 70,367 67,970 -2,397 Rochford and C 71,582 71,131 -451 Southend East South West C 76,111 76,178 67 Bedfordshire Romford B 71,306 71,978 672 South West Devon C 70,414 70,756 342 Romsey and C 67,397 67,696 299 Southampton North South West C 78,044 78,269 225 Hertfordshire Rossendale and B 73,092 73,443 351 Darwen South West Norfolk C 74,186 75,034 848 Rother Valley C 72,168 73,068 900 South West Surrey C 76,719 76,495 -224 613W Written Answers24 MAY 2011 Written Answers 614W

Table 1: Registered parliamentary electors for each parliamentary constituency Table 1: Registered parliamentary electors for each parliamentary constituency in the UK, constituent countries of the United Kingdom, parliamentary in the UK, constituent countries of the United Kingdom, parliamentary constituencies1 constituencies1 Total electors Difference Total electors Difference Parliamentary 1 December 1 December 2010 minus Parliamentary 1 December 1 December 2010 minus constituency 2009 2010 2009 constituency 2009 2010 2009

South West Wiltshire C 71,452 72,820 1,368 Uxbridge and South B 71,059 71,954 895 Southampton Itchen B 74,720 74,513 -207 Ruislip Southampton Test B 71,712 71,263 -449 Vauxhall B 71,781 73,274 1,493 Southend West B 66,965 66,780 -185 Wakefield C 71,111 71,531 420 Southport B 67,761 67,803 42 Wallasey B 66,068 65,732 -336 Spelthorne B 70,962 71,211 249 Walsall North B 64,984 65,468 484 St Albans C 69,836 70,298 462 Walsall South B 64,710 66,082 1,372 St Austell and C 75,721 75,974 253 Walthamstow C 64,293 64,482 189 Newquay Wansbeck C 62,882 62,395 -487 St Helens North B 75,866 75,688 -178 Wantage2, 3 C 78,777 79,775 998 St Helens South and B 78,705 78,612 -93 Warley B 63,232 63,024 -208 Whiston Warrington North B 70,953 71,836 883 St Ives C 66,430 66,696 266 Warrington South B 79,633 81,212 1,579 Stafford C 70,512 69,832 -680 Warwick and B 67,030 66,278 -752 Staffordshire C 62,377 62,457 80 Leamington Moorlands Washington and B 69,305 70,177 872 Stalybridge and C 69,058 70,691 1,633 Sunderland West Hyde Watford B 80,013 80,939 926 Stevenage C 67,948 69,357 1,409 Waveney C 79,035 79,132 97 Stockport B 62,950 62,764 -186 Wealden C 76,724 77,536 812 Stockton North B 66,990 67,333 343 Weaver Vale 2 C 66,859 66,008 -851 Stockton South B 73,924 74,521 597 Wellingborough C 76,797 76,848 51 Stoke-on-Trent B 61,083 61,774 691 Wells C 79,116 79,989 873 Central Welwyn Hatfield C 71,731 71,766 35 Stoke-on-Trent B 72,245 72,225 -20 North Wentworth and C 72,014 72,272 258 Dearne Stoke-on-Trent B 68,301 68,624 323 South West Bromwich East B 63,218 63,008 -210 Stone C 66,865 66,729 -136 West Bromwich West B 65,472 65,249 -223 Stourbridge B 69,855 70,225 370 West Dorset C 76,877 76,779 -98 Stratford-on-Avon C 69,366 69,108 -258 West Ham B 83,572 86,400 2,828 Streatham B 71,902 71,913 11 West Lancashire C 72,347 73,028 681 Stretford and B 70,056 70,520 464 West Suffolk C 74,161 76,158 1,997 Urmston West Worcestershire C 72,688 73,001 313 Stroud C 78,252 79,135 883 Westminster North B 64,459 65,936 1,477 Suffolk Coastal C 77,142 76,932 -210 Westmorland and C 67,027 66,609 -418 Sunderland Central B 74,668 76,292 1,624 Lonsdale Surrey Heath C 77,342 78,453 1,111 Weston-Super-Mare C 78,516 78,778 262 Sutton and Cheam B 66,250 66,571 321 Wigan C 75,035 76,779 1,744 Sutton Coldfield B 74,877 75,031 154 Wimbledon B 64,933 65,936 1,003 Tamworth C 71,967 72,544 577 Winchester C 73,339 74,138 799 2 Tatton C 66,236 65,200 -1,036 Windsor C 68,901 70,633 1,732 Taunton Deane C 82,281 82,882 601 Wirral South C 56,200 56,238 38 Telford B 65,363 65,938 575 Wirral West C 55,152 55,077 -75 Tewkesbury C 76,406 77,206 800 Witham C 66,887 67,451 564 The Cotswolds C 77,147 78,439 1,292 Witney3 C 78,141 78,220 79 The Wrekin2 C 65,477 66,111 634 Woking C 73,064 74,328 1,264 Thirsk and Malton C 76,833 77,230 397 Wokingham C 76,378 75,886 -492 Thornbury and Yate C 64,087 64,736 649 Wolverhampton B 59,130 60,354 1,224 North East Thurrock B 77,723 77,667 -56 Wolverhampton B 60,290 61,751 1,461 Tiverton and C 76,754 75,839 -915 South East Honiton Wolverhampton B 58,431 59,846 1,415 Tonbridge and C 71,009 71,989 980 South West Malling Worcester B 72,965 73,960 995 Tooting B 71,993 72,707 714 Workington C 59,702 59,361 -341 Torbay B 76,253 76,219 -34 Worsley and Eccles C 73,019 73,409 390 Torridge and West C 76,574 77,417 843 South Devon Worthing West B 73,784 74,468 684 Totnes C 67,831 67,562 -269 Wycombe C 73,306 73,750 444 Tottenham B 68,338 70,162 1,824 Wyre and Preston C 71,572 71,612 40 Truro and Falmouth C 70,366 71,340 974 North Tunbridge Wells C 72,364 73,028 664 Wyre Forest C 76,774 77,800 1,026 Twickenham B 78,667 79,172 505 Wythenshawe and B 75,096 75,602 506 Tynemouth B 76,445 76,618 173 Sale East 615W Written Answers24 MAY 2011 Written Answers 616W

Table 1: Registered parliamentary electors for each parliamentary constituency Table 1: Registered parliamentary electors for each parliamentary constituency in the UK, constituent countries of the United Kingdom, parliamentary in the UK, constituent countries of the United Kingdom, parliamentary constituencies1 constituencies1 Total electors Difference Total electors Difference Parliamentary 1 December 1 December 2010 minus Parliamentary 1 December 1 December 2010 minus constituency 2009 2010 2009 constituency 2009 2010 2009

Yeovil C 82,767 82,771 4 Berwickshire, C 74,157 74,115 -42 York Central B 74,013 75,656 1,643 Roxburgh and Selkirk York Outer C 74,797 75,125 328 Caithness, C 47,263 47,572 309 Sutherland and Wales 2,261,269 2,281,596 20,327 Easter Ross Central Ayrshire C 68,808 69,243 435 Aberavon C 51,318 51,034 -284 Coatbridge, B 70,473 70,537 64 Aberconwy C 44,587 44,962 375 Chryston and Alyn and Deeside C 60,957 61,485 528 Bellshill Arfon C 40,889 40,707 -182 Cumbernauld, C 64,331 64,337 6 Blaenau Gwent C 52,971 53,517 546 Kilsyth and Kirkintilloch East Brecon and C 53,642 53,633 -9 Radnorshire Dumfries and C 74,847 74,414 -433 Galloway Bridgend C 58,948 58,936 -12 Dumfriesshire, C 66,811 67,066 255 Caerphilly C 61,873 61,633 -240 Clydesdale and Cardiff Central B 60,429 62,218 1,789 Tweeddale Cardiff North B 65,307 66,290 983 Dundee East B 65,064 65,702 638 Cardiff South and B 73,405 73,690 285 Dundee West B 62,209 63,065 856 Penarth Dunfermline and C 74,702 74,621 -81 Cardiff West B 62,530 63,360 830 West Fife Carmarthen East C 52,433 54,285 1,852 East Dunbartonshire C 63,948 64,186 238 and Dinefwr East Kilbride, C 77,262 77,985 723 Carmarthen W and C 58,302 58,504 202 Strathaven and S Pembrokeshire Lesmahagow Ceredigion C 58,683 56,006 -2,677 East Lothian C 73,454 74,320 866 Clwyd South C 53,855 54,243 388 East Renfrewshire C 66,202 68,117 1,915 Clwyd West C 57,934 58,215 281 Edinburgh East B 60,167 60,594 427 Cynon Valley C 50,747 52,216 1,469 Edinburgh North B 67,770 69,580 1,810 Delyn C 53,577 53,906 329 and Leith Dwyfor C 45,508 44,796 -712 Edinburgh South B 58,811 59,285 474 Meirionnydd Edinburgh South B 66,114 66,262 148 Gower4 C 61,899 62,148 249 West Islwyn C 54,654 54,611 -43 Edinburgh West B 65,337 65,526 189 Llanelli C 55,841 58,447 2,606 Falkirk C 82,667 82,473 -194 Merthyr Tydfil and C 52,315 54,757 2,442 Glasgow Central B 58,043 67,521 9,478 Rhymney Glasgow East B 61,994 66,482 4,488 Monmouth C 64,638 65,101 463 Glasgow North B 50,588 54,620 4,032 Montgomeryshire C 48,777 48,563 -214 Glasgow North East B 59,969 64,171 4,202 Neath C 57,700 57,618 -82 Glasgow North West B 60,465 64,522 4,057 Newport East C 54,140 54,826 686 Glasgow South B 64,921 69,122 4,201 Newport West C 61,314 62,465 1,151 Glasgow South West B 58,166 62,378 4,212 Ogmore C 55,895 55,699 -196 Glenrothes C 68,821 68,393 -428 Pontypridd C 58,121 60,016 1,895 Gordon C 73,364 74,394 1,030 Preseli C 56,443 57,966 1,523 Pembrokeshire Inverclyde C 58,971 61,038 2,067 Rhondda C 51,706 52,765 1,059 Inverness, Nairn, C 72,390 72,764 374 Badenoch and Swansea East4 B 59,865 60,554 689 Strathspey Swansea West4 B 61,005 62,152 1,147 Kilmarnock and C 74,736 75,001 265 Torfaen C 61,616 61,644 28 Loudoun Vale of Clwyd C 55,968 56,264 296 Kirkcaldy and C 74,572 74,247 -325 Cowdenbeath Vale of Glamorgan C 70,428 71,171 743 Lanark and C 75,318 76,190 872 Wrexham C 50,849 51,669 820 Hamilton East Ynys Mon C 50,200 49,524 -676 Linlithgow and East C 81,064 81,756 692 Falkirk Scotland 3,869,700 3,928,979 59,279 Livingston C 76,133 76,580 447 Midlothian C 61,461 61,986 525 Aberdeen North B 64,646 64,753 107 Moray C 66,169 66,726 557 Aberdeen South B 63,684 64,330 646 Motherwell and B 67,416 66,949 -467 Airdrie and Shotts C 62,647 62,789 142 Wishaw Angus C 63,181 64,178 997 Na h-Eileanan an C 21,908 21,837 -71 Argyll and Bute C 67,461 67,692 231 Iar Ayr, Carrick and C 73,796 73,708 -88 North Ayrshire and C 74,612 75,204 592 Cumnock Arran Banff and Buchan C 64,701 65,183 482 North East Fife C 63,688 63,349 -339 617W Written Answers24 MAY 2011 Written Answers 618W

Table 1: Registered parliamentary electors for each parliamentary constituency Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the in the UK, constituent countries of the United Kingdom, parliamentary constituencies1 responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have Total electors Difference asked the authority to reply to the hon. Member. A Parliamentary 1 December 1 December 2010 minus copy of their response will be placed in the Library. constituency 2009 2010 2009 Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated May 2011: Ochil and South C 75,576 75,848 272 As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I Perthshire have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking Orkney and C 33,290 33,755 465 what proportion of adults in each local authority area were Shetland identified as married in the latest period for which figures are Paisley and C 63,846 65,847 2,001 available. (56793) Renfrewshire North Paisley and C 61,310 63,268 1,958 The Annual Population Survey provides the best estimates of Renfrewshire South adults living in households who are married by local authority. Perth and North C 72,523 73,064 541 The most recent statistics available are for 2009. Table 1 shows the Perthshire proportion of adults in each local authority area who were Ross, Skye and C 51,934 52,064 130 married. In this instance an adult is considered to be aged 16 or Lochaber over as this is the age at which it is legal to get married. Because Rutherglen and B 76,881 77,729 848 the proportions come from a survey, they are subject to a margin Hamilton West of error. Stirling C 66,218 66,743 525 Table 1: Percentage of those aged 16 or over who are married by local authority, West Aberdeenshire C 66,198 67,060 862 UK, 2009 and Kincardine Local authority Percentage West C 66,642 66,738 96 Dunbartonshire City of London — Barking and Dagenham 47 Northern Ireland 1,160,757 1,190,635 29,878 Barnet 48 Belfast East B 58,104 60,050 1,946 Bexley 54 Belfast North B 64,572 66,825 2,253 Brent 50 Belfast South B 58,644 60,726 2,082 Bromley 53 Belfast West B 59,083 60,520 1,437 Camden 37 East Antrim C 59,974 61,253 1,279 Croydon 46 East Londonderry C 63,140 64,546 1,406 Ealing 45 Fermanagh and C 67,603 68,979 1,376 Enfield 49 South Tyrone Greenwich 49 Foyle C 65,129 67,810 2,681 Hackney 36 Lagan Valley C 64,841 66,327 1,486 Hammersmith and Fulham 39 Mid Ulster C 63,887 65,655 1,768 Haringey 40 Newry and Armagh C 74,364 75,856 1,492 Harrow 54 North Antrim C 72,834 74,094 1,260 Havering 51 North Down C 60,098 61,615 1,517 Hillingdon 50 South Antrim C 62,577 64,254 1,677 Hounslow 52 South Down C 70,408 72,092 1,684 Islington 32 Strangford C 60,037 61,566 1,529 Kensington and Chelsea 44 Upper Bann C 74,727 76,209 1,482 Kingston upon Thames 47 West Tyrone C 60,735 62,258 1,523 Lambeth 31 Note: Lewisham 37 C = county constituency Merton 51 B = borough constituency. 1 The constituencies for England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland are Newham 43 the ‘new’ constituencies that came into effect at the last UK general election. Redbridge 56 The ‘new’ constituencies were used for the 2006 National Assembly for Wales Richmond upon Thames 53 elections. 2 The Boundary Commission for England has compiled these figures with data Southwark 38 supplied from local authorities on total electors and attainers within wards, for Sutton 53 1 December 2009. (Some constituencies cover more than one local authority). Tower Hamlets 38 3 The Boundary Commission for England has made corrections to data supplied by local authorities on total electors and attainers within Waltham Forest 42 parliamentary constituencies, for 1 December 2009. (Some constituencies Wandsworth 33 cover more than one local authority). Westminster 40 4 At the time of publication, figures for Swansea local authority, for 1 December 2009 were not available. Therefore figures for 1 December 2008 are Bolton 50 shown. Bury 53 Sources: Manchester 36 Office for National Statistics General Register Office for Scotland Oldham 53 Electoral Office for Northern Ireland. Rochdale 52 Salford 41 Married People Stockport 53 Tameside 51 Trafford 53 Chris Ruane: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Wigan 53 Office what proportion of adults in each local Knowsley 44 authority area were identified as married in the latest Liverpool 40 period for which figures are available. [56793] St Helens 55 619W Written Answers24 MAY 2011 Written Answers 620W

Table 1: Percentage of those aged 16 or over who are married by local authority, Table 1: Percentage of those aged 16 or over who are married by local authority, UK, 2009 UK, 2009 Local authority Percentage Local authority Percentage

Sefton 50 Milton Keynes 55 Wirral 50 Brighton and Hove 36 Barnsley 51 Portsmouth 45 Doncaster 53 Southampton 44 Rotherham 54 Isle of Wight 54 Sheffield 47 Mid Bedfordshire 55 Gateshead 47 Bedford 54 Newcastle upon Tyne 43 South Bedfordshire 58 North Tyneside 52 Aylesbury Vale 58 South Tyneside 50 Chiltern 60 Sunderland 49 South Bucks 60 Birmingham 49 Wycombe 58 Coventry 49 Cambridge 43 Dudley 54 East Cambridgeshire 61 Sandwell 48 Fenland 53 Solihull 58 Huntingdonshire 58 Walsall 52 South Cambridgeshire 58 Wolverhampton 48 Chester 54 Bradford 55 Congleton 61 Calderdale 52 Crewe and Nantwich 57 Kirklees 59 Ellesmere Port and Neston 56 Leeds 43 Macclesfield 61 Wakefield 50 Vale Royal 58 Hartlepool 48 Caradon 65 Middlesbrough 47 Carrick 54 Redcar and Cleveland 54 Kerrier 61 Stockton-on-Tees 52 North Cornwall 65 Darlington 54 Penwith 45 Halton 50 Restormel 58 Warrington 55 Allerdale 66 Blackburn with Darwen 54 Barrow-in-Furness 49 Blackpool 44 Carlisle 54 Kingston upon Hull, City of 44 Copeland 59 East Riding of Yorkshire 59 Eden 69 North East Lincolnshire 50 South Lakeland 59 North Lincolnshire 57 Amber Valley 55 Yo rk 5 1 Bolsover 59 Derby 52 Chesterfield 54 Leicester 49 Derbyshire Dales 65 Rutland 60 Erewash 57 Nottingham 38 High Peak 57 Herefordshire, County of 57 North East Derbyshire 55 Telford and Wrekin 55 South Derbyshire 58 Stoke-on-Trent 52 East Devon 62 Bath and North East Somerset 49 Exeter 45 Bristol, City of 41 Mid Devon 61 North Somerset 58 North Devon 60 South Gloucestershire 59 South Hams 59 Plymouth 47 Teignbridge 57 Torbay 52 Torridge 59 Bournemouth 44 West Devon 60 Poole 54 Christchurch 55 Swindon 53 East Dorset 65 Peterborough 52 North Dorset 58 Luton 52 Purbeck 52 Southend-on-Sea 51 West Dorset 64 Thurrock 56 Weymouth and Portland 48 Medway 55 Chester-le-Street 48 Bracknell Forest 58 Derwentside 57 West Berkshire 60 Durham 51 Reading 51 Easington 49 Slough 54 Sedgefield 52 Windsor and Maidenhead 56 Teesdale 50 Wokingham 63 Wear Valley 54 621W Written Answers24 MAY 2011 Written Answers 622W

Table 1: Percentage of those aged 16 or over who are married by local authority, Table 1: Percentage of those aged 16 or over who are married by local authority, UK, 2009 UK, 2009 Local authority Percentage Local authority Percentage

Eastbourne 49 Preston 44 Hastings 46 Ribble Valley 67 Lewes 58 Rossendale 55 Rother 57 South Ribble 51 Wealden 60 West Lancashire 59 Basildon 50 Wyre 55 Braintree 53 Blaby 59 Brentwood 56 Charnwood 53 Castle Point 61 Harborough 56 Chelmsford 61 Hinckley and Bosworth 59 Colchester 58 Melton 60 Epping Forest 51 North West Leicestershire 55 Harlow 45 Oadby and Wigston 56 Maldon 60 Boston 56 Rochford 62 East Lindsey 57 Tendring 57 Lincoln 41 Uttlesford 61 North Kesteven 60 Cheltenham 44 South Holland 58 Cotswold 64 South Kesteven 51 Forest of Dean 61 West Lindsey 57 Gloucester 53 Breckland 58 Stroud 59 Broadland 60 Tewkesbury 67 Great Yarmouth 56 Basingstoke and Deane 55 King’s Lynn and West Norfolk 59 East Hampshire 62 North Norfolk 60 Eastleigh 59 Norwich 38 Fareham 62 South Norfolk 62 Gosport 56 Corby 54 Hart 57 Daventry 56 Havant 64 East Northamptonshire 56 New Forest 59 Kettering 45 Rushmoor 61 Northampton 47 Test Valley 60 South Northamptonshire 65 Winchester 56 Wellingborough 52 Broxbourne 54 Alnwick 64 Dacorum 59 Berwick-upon-Tweed 61 East Hertfordshire 56 Blyth Valley 61 Hertsmere 59 Castle Morpeth 64 North Hertfordshire 57 Tynedale 55 St Albans 59 Wansbeck 52 Stevenage 59 Craven 57 Three Rivers 58 Hambleton 64 Watford 47 Harrogate 56 Welwyn Hatfield 54 Richmondshire 59 Ashford 59 Ryedale 63 Canterbury 51 Scarborough 53 Dartford 64 Selby 64 Dover 57 Ashfield 52 Gravesham 49 Bassetlaw 55 Maidstone 57 Broxtowe 55 Sevenoaks 58 Gedling 55 Shepway 57 Mansfield 48 Swale 57 Newark and Sherwood 56 Thanet 45 Rushcliffe 56 Tonbridge and Malling 61 Cherwell 57 Tunbridge Wells 55 Oxford 43 Burnley 49 South Oxfordshire 57 Chorley 65 Vale of White Horse 57 Fylde 52 West Oxfordshire 60 Hyndburn 52 Bridgnorth 56 Lancaster 49 North Shropshire 56 Pendle 54 Oswestry 51 623W Written Answers24 MAY 2011 Written Answers 624W

Table 1: Percentage of those aged 16 or over who are married by local authority, Table 1: Percentage of those aged 16 or over who are married by local authority, UK, 2009 UK, 2009 Local authority Percentage Local authority Percentage

Shrewsbury and Atcham 57 Carmarthenshire 57 South Shropshire 62 Swansea 47 Mendip 55 Neath Port Talbot 50 Sedgemoor 60 Bridgend 53 South Somerset 56 Vale of Glamorgan, The 52 Taunton Deane 53 Rhondda, Cynon, Taff 50 West Somerset 60 Merthyr Tydfil 50 Cannock Chase 52 Caerphilly 51 East Staffordshire 53 Blaenau Gwent 51 Lichfield 56 Torfaen 52 Newcastle-under-Lyme 52 Monmouthshire 60 South Staffordshire 60 Newport 54 Stafford 55 Cardiff 44 Staffordshire Moorlands 55 Aberdeen City 50 Tamworth 50 Aberdeenshire 63 Babergh 54 Angus 58 Forest Heath 62 Argyll & Bute 59 Ipswich 45 Scot Borders, The 58 Mid Suffolk 65 Clackmannanshire 54 St Edmundsbury 53 West Dunbartonshire 49 Suffolk Coastal 52 Dumfries and Galloway 56 Waveney 52 Dundee City 48 Elmbridge 66 East Ayrshire 52 Epsom and Ewell 57 East Dunbartonshire 63 Guildford 50 East Lothian 59 Mole Valley 57 East Renfrewshire 63 Reigate and Banstead 47 Edinburgh, City of 43 Runnymede 46 Falkirk 56 Spelthorne 53 Fife 57 Surrey Heath 63 Glasgow City 37 Tandridge 56 Highland 63 Waverley 57 Inverclyde 50 Woking 54 Midlothian 58 North Warwickshire 57 Moray 58 Nuneaton and Bedworth 56 North Ayrshire 52 Rugby 63 North Lanarkshire 51 Stratford-on-Avon 61 Orkney Islands 62 Warwick 52 Perth and Kinross 62 Adur 57 Renfrewshire 53 Arun 55 Shetland Islands 61 Chichester 59 South Ayrshire 57 Crawley 54 South Lanarkshire 55 Horsham 62 Stirling 56 Mid Sussex 57 West Lothian 55 Worthing 59 Eilean Siar (Western Isles) 54 Kennet 57 Northern Ireland 54 North Wiltshire 60 Total 52 Salisbury 59 Notes: West Wiltshire 63 1. The sample size in the City of London is too small to calculate a meaningful percentage. Bromsgrove 57 2. Data are not available by local authority in Northern Ireland. Malvern Hills 57 3. The percentages include those who are married and separated from their Redditch 57 partner. They exclude same sex couples who are in civil partnerships. 4. The Annual Population Survey is made up from the Labour Force Survey Worcester 59 (LFS) plus various sample boosts. The APS is a household survey of people in Wychavon 66 the UK. It includes those resident at private addresses, but does not cover Wyre Forest 55 most communal establishments. Source: Anglesey, Isle of 57 Annual Population Survey, ONS Gwynedd 51 Conwy 57 DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER Denbighshire 53 Flintshire 59 Political Party Funding Wrexham 52 Powys 57 2. Lindsay Roy: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister Ceredigion 48 when he expects to bring forward legislative proposals Pembrokeshire 55 on the funding of political parties. [56960] 625W Written Answers24 MAY 2011 Written Answers 626W

Mr Harper: The Government are committed to work the Justice Secretary was clear that the Court must to reform party funding. The Committee on Standards focus on truly important cases and have proper regard in Public Life is conducting a review and the Government to the judgment of national parliaments and courts. will consider its recommendations, alongside other relevant This approach was endorsed at the conference, where evidence, before taking this forward. the importance of the principle of subsidiarity was emphasised. An official record of the Izmir Declaration Electoral Register can be found here: 10. Mr Evennett: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister http://www.coe.int/t/dghl/standardsetting/conferenceizmir/ default_en.asp what plans he has to increase the completeness and accuracy of the electoral register. [56968]

Mr Harper: Maintaining a complete and accurate EDUCATION electoral register is the responsibility of electoral registration Children in Care: Higher Education officers (EROs). More can be done to support completeness and accuracy. So we have announced plans to speed up Mr Timpson: To ask the Secretary of State for the implementation of individual electoral registration Education (1) whether he has had discussions with the in 2014, which will ensure that only those entitled to Chancellor of the Exchequer on financial support for vote will get on the register. We are also trialling data the continuation and extension of the Frank Buttle matching, which will launch in June this year, to help Trust quality mark for higher and further education identify people missing from the register. If successful, institutions; [55761] we will consider rolling this out across the country. (2) whether his Department has plans to support the West Lothian Question continuation and extension of the Frank Buttle Trust quality mark for higher and further education 13. Stephen Phillips: To ask the Deputy Prime institutions. [55767] Minister what recent representations he has received on Mr Hayes: I have been asked to reply. the West Lothian question. [56971] The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills Mr Harper: I refer the hon. Member to the answer (BIS) does not provide direct funding to the Frank the Deputy Prime Minister, gave in response to the Buttle Trust to support the care quality mark in higher question by my hon. Friend the Member for Isle of education institutions. Many universities, as autonomous Wight (Mr Turner), today. institutions, choose to work with the Frank Buttle Trust to gain the care quality mark and they pay an annual fee Recall of Members of Parliament direct to the Trust. The (former) Learning and Skills Council had agreed 14. Clive Efford: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister to make a small contribution to the development project when he expects to publish his proposals for recall of for England, which was exploring extending the quality hon. Members by their constituents. [56972] mark to the further education sector. In recognition of the uncertainty caused by the transition from the Learning Mr Harper: The Government are committed to bringing and Skills Council to the Skills Funding Agency and forward legislation to introduce a power to recall Members the Young People’s Learning Agency, the Department of Parliament where they have engaged in serious also made a small contribution for the remainder of the wrongdoing. development project. In return, the Trust was expected We are currently considering what would be the fairest, to work with the further education sector as it becomes most appropriate and robust procedure and we will more self-regulating; obtain support for the remainder announce the details of our proposals before the summer of the project; and determine the viability of a sector- recess. supported quality mark in the way described for higher Voting Rights: Prisoners education institutions. The Department has not made any further commitment Priti Patel: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what to financial support for the Frank Buttle Trust quality assessment he has made of press release 283(2011) mark for further education institutions. issued by the Office of the Commissioner for Human BIS reviewed awards in the further education system Rights on the enfranchisement of prisoners; whether that were supported by public funds, but this quality the Government was (a) consulted and (b) notified in mark was outside that review, given that no continued advance of its publication; and what steps he plans to support or contribution is given by the Department. take in response to the comments made. [51636] Class Sizes: Middlesbrough

Mr Harper: The Office of the Commissioner for Tom Blenkinsop: To ask the Secretary of State for Human Rights provided an advance copy of the press Education what the average number of pupils per class release to the UK Delegation to the Council of Europe in (a) primary and (b) secondary schools in on 29 March 2011. Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland constituency We are not responding directly to the press release. was (i) in each year from May 2005 to April 2010 and However, the Justice Secretary met the Commissioner (ii) on the most recent date for which figures are for Human Rights, Mr Hammarberg, at the “High level available. [56722] Conference on the Future of the European Court of Human Rights” which took place in Izmir, Turkey on Mr Gibb: The information requested is shown in the 26 and 27 April 2011. Throughout the Izmir conference, table. 627W Written Answers24 MAY 2011 Written Answers 628W

Information on class sizes is collected as part of the Departmental Research School Census in January each year. The classes are recorded as taught during a single selected period on Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for the day of the census. Education which longitudinal studies monitoring the The latest available information is for January 2010 physical health and emotional well-being of children and can be accessed at: his Department has and its predecessors have undertaken in each of the last five years; when each http://www.education.gov.uk/rsgateway/DB/SFR/s000925/ index.shtml such study commenced; what each was monitoring; what the budget of each was in each year; what plans Data for 2011 at national and local authority level are there were for the future of each such study; and what due to be published on 22 June 2011 and will be their budgets have been to date. [56888] available as part of the ‘Schools, Pupils and their Characteristics: January 2011’ Statistical First Release Mr Gibb: In the last five years the Department for at: Education and its predecessors have invested in six http://www.education.gov.uk/rsgateway/DB/SFR/s001012/ longitudinal studies that collect information about children’s index.shtml physical health and mental well-being. These are: Maintained primary and state-funded secondary schools1,2: classes as The Longitudinal Study of Young People in England 3; taught as at January each year, in Middlesbrough South and East The Longitudinal Study of Young People in England Cleveland constituency is a study which followed an initial cohort of 15,500 Average class size 1 1,2 young people. Interviews were conducted annually from Primary State-funded secondary 2004 (when the respondents were academic age 13) to 2005 23.4 22.9 2010 (when they were aged 19). This study was designed 2006 23.8 22.3 to enhance understanding of the transitions made by 2007 24.0 21.2 young people from the latter part of compulsory education 2008 24.0 21.2 into early adulthood. It collected a wide range of 2009 24.1 20.5 information pertaining to those issues, including data 2010 24.0 20.1 on outcomes and achievements, education, employment 1 Includes middle schools as deemed. and benefits, relationships and behaviours, volunteering 2 Includes city technology colleges and academies. and life satisfaction. 3 One teacher classes as taught during a single selected period in each Questions about emotional well-being were asked school on the day of the census in January. when respondents were aged 14, 16 and 19. The questions Source: School Census were adapted from tried and tested questions from existing surveys and do not include objective measures Classroom Assistants of physical health. A single self-reported assessment of health was obtained when respondents were aged 15 and 16. Nicky Morgan: To ask the Secretary of State for The total budget for the study was £10,858,992 (from Education what recent assessment he has made of the DfE and Treasury sources, with contributions from use of higher level teaching assistants in schools; and Department for Business, Innovation and Skills and what discussions he has had with Ofsted about the Department for Work and Pensions). The financial year extent to which inspectors may take into account in breakdown was as follows: assessments the use of higher level teaching assistants in schools. [56212] Budget (£)

2003-04 394,777 Mr Gibb: The Department has made no recent 2004-05 2,841,133 assessment of the use of higher level teaching assistants 2005-06 1,979,289 in schools. 2006-07 1,852,496 We are committed to refocusing school inspection on 2007-08 1,569,700 four core areas; pupil achievement; teaching; leadership 2008-09 956,486 and management; and behaviour and safety. The 2009-10 771,105 Department is in regular discussion with Ofsted about 2010-11 494,006 this reform programme. The use of higher level teaching Total 10,858,992 assistants will be relevant to the quality and impact of teaching and leadership. There are no plans for this DfE have no plans to conduct further interviews of specific issue to be routinely covered as a discrete aspect this cohort and no decisions have been made to date of the inspection. about future cohort studies of young people. The National Evaluation of Sure Start Impact Study Departmental Official Engagements Development of the National Evaluation of Sure Start (NESS) Impact Study commenced in 2000 and fieldwork started in 2003. The objective of the study is Mrs Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for to assess the effects of the earliest Sure Start Local Education what the official engagements of the Programmes on child development and family functioning. Minister of State for Children and Families were on This is achieved by comparing the families interviewed 27 April 2011. [56614] in this study with a comparable set of families interviewed as part of the Millennium Cohort Study who have not Sarah Teather: None. experienced Sure Start Local Programmes. 629W Written Answers24 MAY 2011 Written Answers 630W

The NESS Impact Study has followed an initial cohort The Effective Pre-school Primary and Secondary Education of over 12,500 children and families living in the original project Sure Start Local Programme areas. The children and The Effective Pre-school Primary and Secondary families were interviewed about a range of physical Education project (EPPSE) started in 1997. It aimed to health and well-being measures when the children were identify the impact of pre-school provision on a national nine months, three years and five-years-old. The seven- sample of children between the ages of three and seven. year-old fieldwork is currently underway.It is not anticipated Since then the Department has funded the research to that the study will be extended beyond this sweep of follow the same sample of 3,000 children through primary fieldwork and will come to an end when the seven-year-old school and into secondary school. results have been reported. The study has investigated both attainment/cognitive Total funding from the Department to the end of and social/behavioural development. Emotional well-being 2010/11 was £14,080,996. The budget for each year was: is treated as a behavioural issue through such concepts as independence, self-regulation and pro-social behaviour. Budget (£) Physical health is not addressed other than as a background 2000-01 24,186 factor in a child’s early years. The focus of the study is 2001-02 1,008,671 on the influence of home, pre-school, primary and 2002-03 1,397,190 secondary school on attainment and behavioural 2003-04 1,486,919 development. The Department has not yet decided whether to fund the study beyond age 16. 2004-05 1,758,921 2005-06 1,338,137 Total funding from the Department to the end of 2006-07 1,357,937 2010/11 was £6,822,956. The budget for each year was: 2007-08 1,423,200 2008-09 1,624,258 Budget (£) 2009-10 1,250,577 Before 2003 1,756,795 2010-11 1,411,000 2003-04 505,399 Total 14,080,996 2004-05 587,068 2005-06 508,784 2006-07 547,216 2007-08 601,451 The Millennium Cohort Study 2008-09 706,421 The Millennium Cohort Study was commissioned by 2009-10 769,752 the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC). 2010-11 840,070 Their funding has been supplemented by a consortium Total 6,822,956 of Government Departments including DfE. The study is following 19,000 children born in the UK in 2000/01 and is tracking their overall development. The Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children There have been two data collections within the last The Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and five years, when the children were aged five and seven. Children (ALSPAC) is a sub-regional longitudinal study The MCS has explored some elements of health and following 14,000 children since before they were born emotional well-being in its wider coverage of family life, in1991/92. It is largely funded by the Medical Research child care; child behaviour, school choice, cognitive Council with this Department and its predecessors development; parental employment, income and poverty; contributing funding since 2006 to ensure data relevant neighbourhood and residential mobility; and social capital. to learning and schools were collected. The overall The next sweep of the study is planned for 2012 when study is very wide ranging, with many health issues the children will be 11-years-old. The Department has assessed as well as family and school experiences at not yet decided whether to financially support the survey school, perceived abilities in key subjects, self-confidence, beyond this phase. transitions into work, adolescent behaviour and body image. Funding from the Department to the end of 2010/11 has amounted to £1,914.103. The budget for each year The Department’s contract with ALSPAC is almost was: complete and no decision has been made about further funding. Budget (£) Total funding from the Department to the end of 2000-01 100,000 2010/11 has been £722,171. The budget for each year 2002-03 200,000 was: 2003-04 200,000 Budget (£) 2005-06 361,334 2006-07 530,868 2006-07 111,762 2007-08 4,234 2007-08 230,749 2008-09 233,667 2008-09 133,218 2009-10 239,000 2009-10 202,804 2010-11 45,000 2010-11 43,638 Total 1,914,103 Total 722,171 631W Written Answers24 MAY 2011 Written Answers 632W

Understanding Society Total funding from the Department was £200,000 Understanding Society is commissioned and managed (paid in 2010/11). Further contributions are not anticipated. by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC). Free School Meals Their funding has been supplemented by contributions from a number of Government Departments, including Damian Hinds: To ask the Secretary of State for DfE. Education what estimate he has made of the It is a large-scale household study which aims to proportion of children who take up their entitlement to track up to 100,000 individuals in 40,000 households free school meals in each (a) ethnic and (b) religious across the UK. Each individual in sample households group. [56508] aged 10 years and above is included in the study. Those aged 10 to 15 years are given a separate questionnaire to Mr Gibb: The information available on the number complete. The study started in 2009 and the third wave and percentage of pupils eligible for and claiming free of interviews started in early 2011. school meals in each ethnic group is shown in the The focus of the study is on the household and how following table. The answer includes full and part-time each member relates to each other and the questions pupils aged five to 15. Information is not available on asked cover a wide spectrum of issues. Questions on the proportion of pupils who meet the eligibility criteria emotional well-being and health and nutrition have but do not make a claim. been asked of respondents aged 10 to 15 in all three Information on pupils’ religious group is not collected waves of interviews to date. by this Department.

Maintained primary, state-funded secondary and special schools1,2,3: Number and percentage of pupils eligible for and claiming free school meals by ethnic group4,5, January 2010—England Pupils aged 5 to 15 Maintained primary schools1 State-funded secondary schools1,2 Special schools3 Total1,2,3 Percentage of Percentage of Percentage of Percentage of pupils in each pupils in each pupils in each pupils in each ethnic group ethnic group ethnic group ethnic group Number of eligible for Number of eligible for Number of eligible for Number of eligible for pupils eligible and claiming pupils eligible and claiming pupils eligible and claiming pupils eligible and claiming for and free school for and free school for and free school for and free school claiming free meals claiming free meals claiming free meals claiming free meals school meals5 (incidence)6 school meals5 (incidence)6 school meals5 (incidence)6 school meals5 (incidence)6

White 415,805 16.4 304,545 13.0 20,835 34.3 741,185 15.0 White British 389,190 16.3 285,665 12.0 20,030 34.4 694,885 14.9 Irish 1,925 18.6 1,815 16.4 80 36.3 3,620 17.8 Traveller of 1,755 60.1 670 61.7 45 65.7 2,470 60.6 Irish heritage Gypsy/Roma 2,670 36.4 1,440 40.3 95 54.2 4,205 38.0 Any other 20,265 15.6 15,155 15.6 580 29.1 36,000 15.7 White background 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Mixed 37,815 26.9 23,080 22.8 1,190 39.9 62,085 25.4 White and 14,765 34.5 9,640 27.4 505 45.4 24,910 31.5 Black Caribbean White and 4,715 29.3 2,570 24.9 130 42.1 7,415 27.8 Black African White and 5,845 19.2 3,585 17.4 155 31.5 9,585 18.6 Asian Any other 12,490 24.5 7,285 20.9 400 37.4 20,175 23.2 Mixed background 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Asian 62,905 20.2 52,780 24.1 1,785 32.1 117,470 21.9 Indian 7,130 8.7 6,855 10.5 210 18.9 14,190 9.6 Pakistani 32,175 24.5 25,295 29.9 1,000 35.4 58,470 26.7 Bangladeshi 17,440 32.3 15,140 41.8 375 46.7 32,950 36.2 Any other 6,165 14.0 5,495 16.4 205 24.5 11,860 15.2 Asian background 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Black 62,795 38.3 42,160 33.3 1,960 47.8 106,915 36.3 Black 14,970 33.1 10,110 25.2 545 42.7 25,620 29.6 Caribbean Black African 40,985 41.4 27,670 38.3 1,115 51.1 59,775 40.2 Any other 6,840 35.1 4,380 31.2 300 46.5 11,520 33.7 Black background 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 633W Written Answers24 MAY 2011 Written Answers 634W

Maintained primary, state-funded secondary and special schools1,2,3: Number and percentage of pupils eligible for and claiming free school meals by ethnic group4,5, January 2010—England Pupils aged 5 to 15 Maintained primary schools1 State-funded secondary schools1,2 Special schools3 Total1,2,3 Percentage of Percentage of Percentage of Percentage of pupils in each pupils in each pupils in each pupils in each ethnic group ethnic group ethnic group ethnic group Number of eligible for Number of eligible for Number of eligible for Number of eligible for pupils eligible and claiming pupils eligible and claiming pupils eligible and claiming pupils eligible and claiming for and free school for and free school for and free school for and free school claiming free meals claiming free meals claiming free meals claiming free meals school meals5 (incidence)6 school meals5 (incidence)6 school meals5 (incidence)6 school meals5 (incidence)6

Chinese 1,070 9.7 920 8.8 35 21.0 2,030 9.4 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Any other 14,465 30.9 10,880 32.4 325 44.1 25,670 31.6 ethnic group 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Classified4 594,855 18.5 434,365 15.4 26,130 35.2 1,055,355 17.3 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Unclassified7 4,055 18.9 6,240 17.5 305 34.9 10,595 18.3 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Minority 205,670 25.0 148,700 24.7 6,100 38.1 360,470 25.0 ethnic pupils8 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 All pupils9 598,915 18.5 440,605 15.4 26,435 35.2 1,065,950 17.3 1 Includes middle schools as deemed. 2 Includes city technology colleges and academies. 3 Includes maintained and non-maintained special schools. Excludes general hospital schools. 4 Pupils of compulsory school age and above were classified according to ethnic group. Excludes dually registered pupils. 5 Includes full and part-time pupils aged five to 15. 6 The number of pupils eligible for and claiming free school meals expressed as a percentage of all pupils in each ethnic group, for each school type. 7 Information refused or not obtained. 8 Includes all pupils classified as belonging to an ethnic group other than White British. 9 All pupils aged five to 15. Note: Totals may not appear to equal the sum of the component parts because numbers have been rounded to the nearest five. Source: School Census

Free School Meals: Cheshire Unitary Authority area and (ii) Halton Borough Council area. [56810] Graham Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Gibb: The information available, on pupils known Education how many and what proportion of children to be eligible for and claiming free school meals, is are entitled to free school meals in (a) primary and (b) shown in the following table. The answer includes full-time secondary schools in (i) Chester West and Cheshire pupils aged 0 to 15 and part-time pupils aged five to 15.

Maintained primary and state-funded secondary schools1,2: free school meal eligibility3,4, as at January 2010, in Cheshire West and Chester and Halton local authorities Primary schools1 State-funded secondary schools1,2 Number of pupils Percentage known Number of pupils Percentage known known to be eligible to be eligible for known to be eligible to be eligible for for and claiming and claiming free for and claiming and claiming free Number on roll3,4 free school meals3,4 school meals3,4 Number on roll3,4 free school meals3,4 school meals3,4

Cheshire West and 23,975 3,550 14.8 18,838 2,300 12.2 Chester Halton 9,673 3,050 31.5 7,190 1,873 26.1 1 Includes middle schools as deemed. 2 Includes city technology colleges and academies. 3 Includes sole and dual (main) registrations. 4 Includes full-time pupils aged 0 to 15 and part-time pupils aged five to 15. Source: School Census

Information on school meal arrangements was published A-level students gained at least three GCSE A-levels at in the Statistical First Release ‘Schools, Pupils and their gradeAorA*in(a) mathematics, (b) English Characteristics: January 2010’ available on our Research literature, (c) further mathematics, (d) biological and Statistics Gateway website at: sciences, (e) physics, (f) chemistry, (g) geography, (h) http://www.education.gov.uk/rsgateway/DB/SFR/s000925/ history and (i) a modern foreign language in (i) index.shtml comprehensive schools, (ii) selective schools, (iii) GCE A-Level independent schools and (iv) sixth form colleges (A) nationally and (B) in each local education authority in Elizabeth Truss: To ask the Secretary of State for the last year for which figures are available. [54699] Education how many and what proportion of GCSE 635W Written Answers24 MAY 2011 Written Answers 636W

Mr Gibb [holding answer 9 May 2011]: The information to higher education by age 19 will be placed in the requested has been placed in the House Libraries. Libraries of the House. Matched higher education data are available only from 2005/06. Greater Manchester Care should be taken when comparing progression rates across local authorities as these are raw figures Mr Rob Wilson: To ask the Secretary of State for and are not benchmarked against prior school attainment Education what payments his Department and its or other student characteristics that can influence non-departmental public bodies have made to (a) the progression rates Manchester College, (b) Manchester College for Arts and Technology and (c) City College, Manchester Figures for 2008/09 will be available in autumn 2011. since 1997; and for what purpose in each case. [55748] Pupils: Disadvantaged Mr Gibb: The following payments by the Department for Education, the Young People’s Learning Agency Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for and their predecessors have been made to the Manchester Education what proportion of pupils aged 16 to 18 College, Manchester College of Arts and Technology years in sixth form colleges and school-sixth forms and City College, Manchester: were from highly deprived backgrounds in 2009-10. [56468]

£ Manchester Mr Gibb: Table 1 shows the number and percentage 1 2 DFE and The Manchester College of Art City College, of pupils aged 16 to 18 in sixth-form colleges by the predecessor College and Technology Manchester Income Deprivation Affecting Children Index (IDACI) 2004-05 0 12,450,051 2,547 deprivation decile. 1 2005-06 0 16,185,922 0 Includes students who were aged 16 to 18 on 31 August 2009. 2006-07 0 5,087,364 0 2 Includes all students (full and part-time) recorded on the 2007-08 0 0 0 individualised learner record as being an active student at a 2008-09 0 0 0 sixth-form college on 1 January 2010. 2009-10 0 0 0 Table 1: Pupils aged 16 to 18 in sixth-form colleges by IDACI decile in January 2010 IDACI decile (%)1, 2 Number of pupils3 Percentage of pupils £ Young People’s 0-10 (most deprived) 18,090 12.1 Learning Manchester 10-20 14,480 9.7 Agency and The Manchester College of Art City College, predecessor College and Technology Manchester 20-30 12,300 8.3 30-40 11,790 7.9 2004-05 0 20,413,155 12,944,364 40-50 13,040 8.8 2005-06 0 20,004,537 19,928,142 50-60 13,740 9.2 2006-07 0 21,281,516 44,665,013 60-70 14,530 9.8 2007-08 0 23,939,267 63,872,196 70-80 15,780 10.6 2008-09 59,232,549 8,793,204 21,586,210 80-90 16,260 10.9 2009-10 111,644,176 0 0 90-100 (least deprived) 18,890 12.7 The Department’s and predecessors’ funding related Total 148,880 100 to course fees for various members of staff undertaking 1 Each super output area in England is given an IDACI score which ranks it between one and 32,482, one being the most deprived. qualifications. The Young People’s Learning Agency’s 2 IDACI bands are based on 2007 IDACI scores. and predecessors’ funding was for 16-19 education 3 Figures have been rounded to the nearest 10. Percentages are calculated on (including European Social Fund monies and funding pre-rounded data. Individual numbers may not sum to the total due to rounding. Note: for Apprenticeships), learner support, capital and offender 573 students have been removed from the above table as their IDACI score was learning (which includes all offender learning funding—for unknown. 16 to 19-year-olds and adults). Source: Individualised Learner Record (ILR0910_L05_LEARNER). In accordance with NAO and departmental policy, Table 2 shows the number and percentage of pupils1 records relating to creditors and other financial transaction aged 16 to 18 in schools2 by IDACI deprivation decile. data are kept for a maximum of six years from the end 1 Includes solely registered and main registration of dually registered of the financial year to which they relate and complete pupils aged 16 to 18. data prior to the 2004-05 financial year are no longer 2 Includes maintained secondary schools, city technology colleges, available. academies, maintained special schools and non-maintained special schools. Higher Education: Admissions Table 2: Pupils aged 16 to 18 in schools by IDACI decile in January 2010 Charlotte Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for IDACI decile (%)1, 2 Number of pupils Percentage of pupils Education how many and what proportion of children 0-10 (most deprived) 34,860 8.3 (a) in receipt of and (b) not in receipt of free school 10-20 34,120 8.2 meals in each local education authority area went on to 20-30 35,490 8.5 higher education in each year since 2001. [57381] 30-40 37,250 8.9 40-50 39,520 9.5 Mr Willetts: I have been asked to reply. 50-60 41,770 10.0 The latest available information on the numbers of 60-70 43,940 10.5 maintained school pupils by local authority area who 70-80 47,110 11.3 were in receipt of free school meals aged 15 and progressed 80-90 50,290 12.0 637W Written Answers24 MAY 2011 Written Answers 638W

Table 2: Pupils aged 16 to 18 in schools by IDACI decile in January 2010 Pupils: Reading Berkshire IDACI decile (%)1, 2 Number of pupils Percentage of pupils

90-100 (least deprived) 53,490 12.8 Mr Rob Wilson: To ask the Secretary of State for Total 417,830 100.0 Education how many children resident in the area 1 Each super output area in England is given an IDACI score which ranks it covered by Reading local authority have been educated between one and 32,482, one being the most deprived. in other local education authority areas in (a) 2011 to 2 IDACI bands are based on 2007 IDACI scores. date and (b) each year since 2005. [57012] Notes: 1. Figures have been rounded to the nearest 10. Percentages are calculated on pre-rounded data. Individual numbers may not sum to the total due to rounding. Mr Gibb [holding answer 23 May 2011]: The information 2. 1,485 pupils have been removed from the table as their IDACI score was requested for the years 2005 to 2010 is provided in the unknown. Source: following table. The latest information for 2011 will be January 2010 school census. published on the Department’s website in June.

Pupils1 resident in Reading local authority educated in schools maintained by other local authorities in each year since 2005 Number of pupils Percentage of pupils

2005 4,768 28.7 2006 4,793 28.7 2007 4,774 28.4 2008 4,819 26.9 2009 4,744 26.0 2010 4,673 25.4 1 Includes solely registered and main registration of dually registered pupils. Notes: 1. Includes pupils aged 5 to 15 attending local authority maintained primary, maintained secondary, city technology colleges and academies. Pupils aged five and over attending maintained special schools and non-maintained special schools. Excludes pupils reported to be boarders. 2. Includes pupils in national curriculum year groups reception to year 11 attending local authority maintained primary, maintained secondary, maintained special schools, non-maintained special schools city technology colleges and academies. Excludes pupils reported to be boarders.

Schools: Catering as part of its annual survey of school lunch take up. The following table is adapted from the 2009-10 survey report (table 11, page 22), and shows that just over Nic Dakin: To ask the Secretary of State for three-quarters of primary schools and nearly all secondary Education pursuant to the answer of 11 May 2011, schools had kitchen facilities (either full production or Official Report, column 1280W, on further education: regeneration/mini kitchens), based on responses from catering, whether he has received reports of any 138 local authorities for primary schools and 135 local schools that do not have (a) kitchens and (b) authorities for secondary schools. The full survey report cafeterias on any of their sites. [56366] can be found at: http://www.schoolfoodtrust.org.uk/school-cooks-caterers/ Mr Gibb [holding answer 19 May 2011]: The School reports/fifth-annual-survey-of-take-up-of-school-meals-in- Food Trust collects information about kitchen facilities england

Facilities for food preparation in primary1 and secondary schools in England, 2009-102 Percentage No facilities Hot food Hot food Full production Regenormini transported from transported from Sandwich/cold food kitchen kitchen another school another source only FSM only3 Unknown

Primary1, 3 69.9 7.5 14.1 1.7 3.5 2.4 3.3 Secondary3 93.2 0.5 0.2 0.0 0.5 0.3 5.7 1 Primary plus special combined. 2 Adapted from table 11, fifth annual survey of take up of school lunches in England, School Food Trust, 2010 3 Percentages will not add to 100% as FSM only is a subset of no facilities: sandwich/cold food only. Note: Base: primary 138 local authorities; secondary 135 local authorities.

The survey does not collect information on dining England have reported physical assaults on them in facilities, including cafeterias. each of the last three years. [56999] The Department also receives occasional correspondence seeking information about possible sources of funding Mr Gibb: Information is not available in the form for building or improving kitchens and dining facilities. requested. Schools may use their own devolved formula capital to support improvements to their catering facilities, and The Department collects information on the reason local authorities can also provide capital funding where pupils are excluded from school. Data on reasons for it is the local priority. exclusion include information on physical assault, verbal abuse or threatening behaviour against an adult, but Schools: Crimes of Violence not specifically against teachers or school staff. David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Information on the number of permanent and fixed Education how many teachers in each region of period exclusions which have been given the reason 639W Written Answers24 MAY 2011 Written Answers 640W

‘physical assault against an adult’ for 2006/07 to 2008/09 is shown in the table.

Primary, secondary and special schools1, 2, 3: number of fixed period and permanent exclusions for physical assault against an adult4: 2006/07 to 2008/09, in England, by region 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09 Number of fixed Permanent Number of fixed Permanent Number of fixed Permanent period exclusions exclusions4 period exclusions exclusions4 period exclusions exclusions4

North East 780 60 650 60 790 60 North West 2,520 140 2,460 150 2,380 120 Yorkshire and the Humber 2,220 80 2,080 70 1,940 60 East Midlands 1,740 120 1,760 100 1,590 80 West Midlands 2,150 120 1,980 130 1,900 100 East of England 1,670 80 1,480 80 1,470 60

London 2,930 160 2,820 170 2,740 120 Inner London 1,270 70 1,230 70 1,150 40 Outer London 1,660 100 1,600 100 1,590 80

South East 2,880 140 2,980 130 2,940 90 South West 1,730 90 1,680 60 1,450 45 England 18,590 980 17,870 950 17,200 730 1 Includes middle schools as deemed. 2 Includes city technology colleges and academies. 3 Includes maintained and non-maintained special schools. Excludes general hospital schools. 4 Figures relating to permanent exclusions are estimates based on incomplete pupil-level data. Note: Totals may not appear to equal the sum of component parts as numbers have been rounded to the nearest 10. Source: School Census

The latest available data on exclusions were published Teachers in the Statistical First Release ‘Permanent and Fixed Period Exclusions from Schools in England 2008/09’ on Mr Raab: To ask the Secretary of State for 29 July 2010 at: Education how many teachers there are per head of population. [56483] http://www.education.gov.uk/rsgateway/DB/SFR/s000942/ index.shtml. Mr Gibb: In January 2009 the headcount of full and part-time teachers in service in publicly funded schools in England was 502,500. This is approximately 1.0% of Schools: Finance the population in England. These are the most recent comparable figures available. Nicola Blackwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Teachers: Training Education what funding his Department provided to maintained schools for the teaching of (a) history, (b) Mr Raab: To ask the Secretary of State for geography and (c) religious education in each of the Education how much per capita his Department spent last five years. [55821] on teacher training in each of the last five years. [56478] Mr Gibb: The information is not available in the form Mr Gibb: Schools’ baseline funding includes provision requested. The following tables show the funding paid for them to deliver a broad and balanced curriculum. out by the Training and Development Agency for Schools No specific funding allocation was made on top of this for initial teacher training and the registrations of new for the teaching of history, geography and religious entrants to mainstream and employment-based training education. routes (including Teach First).

Funding £000 Financial year 2009-10 2008-09 2007-08 2006-07 2005-06

Provider funding ITT provider funding 264,729 253,467 256,545 258,802 242,223 Primary modern foreign 3,268 3,457 2,038 2,293 1,010 languages Employment-based routes 88,333 87,222 92,986 88,273 87,074 funding Teach First 7,998 4,207 4,040 1,927 1,307

Trainee funding Training bursaries 157,303 149,383 170,160 165,900 149,993 641W Written Answers24 MAY 2011 Written Answers 642W

Funding £000 Financial year 2009-10 2008-09 2007-08 2006-07 2005-06

Secondary Shortage 0 0 749 496 4,928 Subject Scheme Access to learning funds 48 5 91 86 111 The Golden Hello scheme 29,662 29,067 28,215 27,954 27,390 Total 551,341 526,808 554,824 545,731 514,036

Registrations context of the centre’s contribution to the wider programme £000 of work being taken forward by the Technology Strategy Academic year Board. 2009/10 2008/09 2007/08 2006/07 2005/06 Together with the Technology Strategy Board, we Mainstream 7,920 7,690 7,620 7,960 8,230 will also monitor more specific measures including the undergraduate ability of the centre to leverage private sector contract Mainstream 25,110 23,530 23,730 24,510 25,050 funding; attract grant funding from EU and national postgraduate research programmes; the number of businesses they EBITT 6,460 6,590 7,010 7,370 7,220 (including support and create; and the nature and scale of their Teach First) interactions with the knowledge base. The centre is comprised of a group of seven existing research and technology centres including the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC), situated in BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS Rotherham. Adult Education: Finance Apprentices Mr Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how much funding his Department and its predecessor allocated to each Mr Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for further education institution for the further education Business, Innovation and Skills what estimate he has of those over the age of 24 in each of the last five years. made of the number of individuals over the age of [56698] 24 years who would be eligible to pay fees for apprenticeships in academic year 2013-14 under his Mr Hayes: In November 2010 the coalition Government proposals. [56702] published “Investing in Skills for Sustainable Growth” which set out the eligibility criteria for Government Mr Hayes [holding answer 23 May 2011]: In November funding for further education and skills and the budget 2010 the coalition Government published “Investing in available for 2011-12. Skills for Sustainable Growth” which set out the planned This Government have introduced a single Adult changes to the entitlements to full funding further education Skills Budget for provision for adults aged 19 and over, and skills for adults in England. This document also set enabling colleges and training organisations to offer the out the Government’s plan to expand apprenticeships range and balance of programmes, from basic skills to and introduce fee loans for the 2013/14 academic year higher level skills, in the mode of delivery that will best for adults aged 24 and over starting qualifications at meet the needs of learners, employers and communities. level 3 or above, providing access to £398 million of resource for teaching and learning by the end of this The previous Government provided funding for spending review. At level 2, apprenticeships are currently participation to further education institutions split between co-funded with the state and the employer both two key budgets—Adult Learner Responsive and Employer contributing. This will continue to be the case in the Responsive—and planned by programme and level of 2013/14 academic year. provision. These plans did not allocate funds by age group. The Apprenticeships programme is demand-led and so it is not possible to predict levels of participation in Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre 2013/14. The Statistical First Release1 provides the latest data on the proportion of starts and completions on Simon Danczuk: To ask the Secretary of State for apprenticeships by age (under 19, 19 to 24 and 25+) and Business, Innovation and Skills if he will assess the level (intermediate, advanced and higher). performance of the Advanced Manufacturing 1http://www.thedataservice.org.uk/NR/rdonlyres/3AEFF9BC- Research Centre in promoting and supporting UK 8E53-41A1-8BCA-385DF0DB12D3/0/ manufacturing. [57316] SFR_March11_Published_May_Updatepdf.pdf

Mr Willetts: Manufacturing is a priority area of Mr Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for activity for the Technology Strategy Board. The Business, Innovation and Skills whether performance of the High Value Manufacturing Technology apprenticeships for those over the age of 24 years will and Innovation Centre established by it will therefore be be subject to further education fees in the 2013-14 monitored and assessed, on an ongoing basis, in the academic year. [56703] 643W Written Answers24 MAY 2011 Written Answers 644W

Mr Hayes [holding answer 23 May 2011]: As set out Costs of travel undertaken by special advisers could in “Investing in Skills for Sustainable Growth”in November be provided only at disproportionate costs. 2010, from the 2013/14 academic year the Government will introduce loans for those aged 24 and above studying Employment Agencies for qualifications at level 3 and above. For advanced apprenticeships taken by those aged 24 and above, it Stephen Hammond: To ask the Secretary of State for will be assumed that employers will continue to make a Business, Innovation and Skills whether limited contribution as at present to the cost of the apprenticeship, company contractors who are in business on their own and that the individual will take out a loan to cover the account fall within the scope of the Agency Workers cost borne by the provider. Regulations 2010. [R] [56704]

Mr Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Davey: Under the Agency Workers Regulations Business, Innovation and Skills with reference to his 2010 the definition of an agency worker excludes those Department’s strategy document, Investing in Skills for who are in business on their own account where the Sustainable Growth, what assumptions he has made of status of the hirer is that of a client or customer of a the proportion of further education fees paid by those “profession or business undertaking”—where there is a over the age of 24 years undertaking an apprenticeship business to business relationship. Simply putting earnings that will be allocated to (a) his Department, (b) the through a limited company would not in itself put the provider of further education and (c) the employer. individuals beyond the possible scope of the regulations. [56885] Mr Hayes [holding answer 23 May 2011]: As set out Stephen Hammond: To ask the Secretary of State for in “Investing in Skills for Sustainable Growth”in November Business, Innovation and Skills whether he has any plans 2010, from the 2013/14 academic year the Government to review the operation of the Agency Workers Regulations will introduce loans for those aged 24 and above studying 2010 and its associated guidance. [R] [56705] for qualifications at level 3 and above. For advanced apprenticeships taken by those aged 24 and above, it Mr Davey: A review of the agency workers directive will be assumed that employers will continue to contribute will be carried out by the European Commission, in to the apprenticeship as at present, and the individual consultation with member states and social partners at will draw down a loan to cover the cost borne by the Community level, by 5 December 2013. In addition BIS provider. The up-front cost of the loan will be met by will be closely monitoring the impact of the agency the Government, and repayment terms for the individual workers regulations in the UK and will have conducted will mirror those being adopted for HE student finance, a post-implementation review by December 2013. The with an income threshold of £21,000 for repayment to main source of information for the formal evaluation begin, and write off outstanding loan amounts after and ongoing monitoring is likely to be the Labour 30 years. Force Survey/Annual Population Survey but other surveys and research may also be relevant carried out by Bakery Products Government or other bodies. John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for English Language: Universities Business, Innovation and Skills if he will make an assessment of the effect of below-cost selling of bread Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for on employment conditions in the baking industry. Business, Innovation and Skills what discussions (a) he [57346] and (b) his officials have had with their counterparts in the Home Department on the effects of English Mr Davey: Matters related to below-cost selling fall language requirements on universities in the academic to the competition authorities to investigate. year 2011-12; and if he will make a statement. [57302] Departmental Ministerial Policy Advisers Mr Willetts: I am in regular contact with the Secretary Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for of State for the Home Department, my right hon. Business, Innovation and Skills (1) on what date special Friend the Member for Maidenhead (Mrs May), to advisers in his Department last used the Government discuss migration issues affecting universities and colleges, car pool to travel in an official capacity; and on how including the impact of the tier 4 visa regulation changes many occasions a special adviser in his Department has that came into effect in April this year. Similarly BIS travelled to their home address using the Government officials continue to meet regularly with officials in the car pool since May 2010; [56087] UK Border Agency. The higher education sector has (2) how much his Department spent on special made very clear to us all their concerns about the advisers’ travel by (a) Government car, (b) private hire implementation of the new English language requirements car, (c) train, (d) bus, (e) commercial aircraft and (f) mid-way through the recruitment cycle for the next private aircraft since May 2010. [56097] academic year. Mr Davey: There are no civil servants or special Export Credit Guarantees advisers in the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills entitled to the use of a car from the Government Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for car pool. Business, Innovation and Skills how much debt each The use of official cars and taxis by civil servants, country owes to the Export Credits Guarantee including special advisers, is governed by the requirements Department; and what the expected final payment date of the Civil Service Management Code. is in each case. [56411] 645W Written Answers24 MAY 2011 Written Answers 646W

Mr Davey: Debt owed by sovereign Governments to education: admissions, whether the Higher Education the Export Credits Guarantee Department as at 28 Statistics Agency collects information on (a) the April is listed by country in the following table. An number of students who previously attended expected final payment date, where this has been agreed, independent schools, (b) the drop-out rate of such is shown. students from higher education and (c) degree results of such students. [54045] Agreed final payment Country date Total debt (£ million) Mr Willetts: The previous school type of higher

Antigua and Barbuda 1 March 2024 1.46 education students is collected by the Higher Education Argentina — 43.25 Statistics Agency (HESA) via the Universities and Colleges Bosnia and 1 December 2021 1.32 Admissions Service (UCAS). This information is collected Herzegovina for full-time undergraduate students who apply through Congo, DR — 19.31 UCAS. Institutions are encouraged to provide this Cote D’Ivoire 1 August 2026 21.00 information for students who do not apply through Cuba — 187.18 UCAS but coverage is not complete. Dominica — 6.28 HESA publish non-continuation rates (Table 3) and Ecuador 15 September 2021 32.48 HE entrant numbers (Table 1) on their website Egypt 1 January 2024 100.07 www.hesa.ac.uk/pi Grenada 1 July 2019 1.94 broken down at HEI level. However, they do not publish Guinea 1 January 2033 4.30 their non-continuation rates by school type and the Indonesia 1 June 2021 445.96 entrant numbers reflect participation rates for young Iran — 28.44 people entering university from state schools and colleges. Iraq 1 January 2028 290.18 BIS analysts have used the information HESA hold Kenya 30 June 2020 16.74 to show degree classifications for qualifiers who are Korea, DPR — 5.86 recorded as previously attending an independent school. Myanmar — 53.06 To minimise non-response, coverage has been restricted Pakistan 30 November 2024 5.81 to UK domiciled full-time first degree qualifiers. For Serbia 22 March 2024 178.65 this group of students, 13% have missing or unknown Seychelles 30 June 2027 1.06 previous school type information. Somalia — 48.37 Sudan — 663.68 UK domiciled full-time first degree qualifiers who previously attended an independent school by degree classification UK higher education institutions. Vietnam 15 January 2017 7.07 Academic year 2009/10 Zimbabwe — 190.34 Percentage of total Degree classification Number classified Total 2,353.81 Degree 23,975 — Of which: Fossil Fuels: Export Credit Guarantees First Class 3,725 16 Upper Second 14,370 60 Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Lower Second 5,060 21 Business, Innovation and Skills what estimate he has Third/Pass 820 3 made of the annual carbon dioxide emissions from Note: fossil fuel projects in respect of which a guarantee has Figures are based on a HESA qualifications obtained population and have been issued by the Export Credits Guarantee been rounded to the nearest five, proportions are based on pre-rounded figures. Certain qualifications gained at first degree level are not subject to Department since May 2010. [57365] classification of the award, notably medical and general degrees. These together with ordinary degrees and aegrotat qualifications will be excluded Mr Davey: The Export Credits Guarantee Department’s from this analysis. Source: (ECGD) policy is to report the greenhouse gas emissions Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA). of category A and category B projects as defined by the Estimates produced by Higher Education Funding 2007 OECD “Council Recommendation On Common Council for England (HEFCE) analysts indicate that Approaches on the Environment And Officially Supported there were 30,500 young entrants to full-time first degree Export Credits” where emissions during the operations courses in UK higher education institutions (HEIs) phase are estimated to be above 100,000 tonnes CO2e from independent schools. Some 4% of these young per annum. The information is published in ECGD’s entrants were no longer in an HEI in the following Annual Review and Resource Accounts. academic year. Since May 2010, ECGD has supported export contracts for two such projects: the Portovaya gas compressor Higher Education: Finance station in Russia and the Kayan petrochemical complex in Saudi Arabia, for which the estimated annual greenhouse Ben Gummer: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills (1) what support will be gas emissions are 1.0 million tonnes CO2e and 5.9 million tonnes CO e respectively. available under the new student finance system to those 2 considering leaving higher education because of Higher Education: Admissions changes to their families’ financial circumstances; [54507] Mr Clappison: To ask the Secretary of State for (2) what measures are in place to ensure that support Business, Innovation and Skills pursuant to the answer is provided to those not estranged from their parents of 4 March 2011 to the hon. Member for Altrincham whose parents withhold financial support from their and Sale, Official Report, columns 712-13W, on higher university education; [54508] 647W Written Answers24 MAY 2011 Written Answers 648W

(3) what plans he has to ensure that the needs of Manufacturing Industries those who are not estranged from their parents but whose parents refuse to contribute towards the cost of Jonathan Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for their higher education are met by the new student Business, Innovation and Skills what steps he is taking finance system. [54509] to ensure that sufficient (a) school and college leavers and (b) graduates have the skills to support growth in Mr Willetts: All eligible full-time students are able to the manufacturing sector. [56872] take out an up-front student loan to finance their tuition costs and a loan to help towards their living Mr Hayes: Manufacturing is vital to achieving strong, costs, regardless of their household income. This will balanced and sustainable growth and we are committed remain the case when the Government’s new finance to improving skills at all levels to support that growth. arrangements for higher education are implemented in In schools we have introduced the English Baccalaureate September 2012. which will help to drive up participation and attainment The Government have announced that up-front tuition rates in mathematics and science, and we will also loans will also be available for new students starting provide additional support to improve take up. At full-time distance learning and part-time courses from technician level we are expanding demand-led September 2012 onwards, regardless of their household apprenticeships to address skill needs at intermediate income. and associate professional level, including manufacturing, and we are growing the number of higher apprenticeships All full-time students can apply for means-tested with a focus on advanced manufacturing. grants to help towards their living costs. A proportion of the loan for living costs entitlement is also means-tested. Apprenticeships provide an important vocational route to help people move into higher-level skills development In those cases where a student is not assessed to and give their employers the opportunity to contribute. receive a full grant, the Government ask students to We are looking much more ambitiously at creating clear seek a contribution from their parents—or in the case progression routes for apprentices through to graduate, of independent students, their husband, wife or partner. post graduate and professional level qualifications. In The support system operates on the assumption that higher education we continue to provide additional these family members are willing to provide a financial funding for science, technology and engineering degrees contribution towards the student’s living costs. and want universities to ensure that students are aware Students facing particular financial hardship can also of the benefits of undertaking these subjects. We want apply for help from the discretionary Access to Learning businesses to engage more with universities in course Fund through their university or college. design and work placements so that businesses such as The income assessment for means-tested support is manufacturing employers can help develop courses that usually determined on the basis of the student’s household will provide attractive employment to sustain and strengthen income for the financial year two years prior to the their competitiveness. financial year in which they make their application for Press: Competition student finance. If a student’s household income in the financial year in which they make their application for Lorely Burt: To ask the Secretary of State for student finance is likely to be at least 15% less than that Business, Innovation and Skills what discussions he has used in the initial assessment, a student can ask for their had with the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) on when the entitlement to be calculated using the lower household OFT review of its decision to extend the exemption income. afforded to newspaper and magazine distributors from section 131 of the Enterprise Act 2002 will take place; Local Enterprise Partnerships and if he will make a statement. [56662]

Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State Mr Davey: The Secretary of State for Business, for Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment he Innovation and Skills, my right hon. Friend the Member has made of the effects of the current economic for Twickenham (Vince Cable), has not had any meetings situation on companies who are not represented by with the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) relating to newspaper and magazine suppliers. Any competition review of this local enterprise partnerships. [56353] market is a matter solely for the OFT. Mr Prisk: No assessment has been made of the Royal Mail effects of the current economic situation on companies who are not represented by local enterprise partnerships. Gordon Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for Currently 94% of all active enterprises are covered by a Business, Innovation and Skills what discussions he has local enterprise partnership and we are continuing to had with Royal Mail Group on revaluation of the work with new Partnerships as they develop their proposals. colleague shares scheme. [57232] The Department is in the process of putting in place the capacity to collect information on current business Mr Davey: ColleagueShare is a Company incentive conditions across the country which will be coordinated scheme set up in 2007 by Royal Mail in agreement with centrally where that is appropriate. These activities include Government. The Department, therefore, has had the now up and running BIS local offices and a regular discussions with Royal Mail about the operation of the national business survey which should be able to track scheme including their valuation of the ColleagueShares. changes in business conditions over time at subnational The final value of the ColleagueShares will not, levels. however, be known until the end of the scheme in 2012. 649W Written Answers24 MAY 2011 Written Answers 650W

So far, dividends of £1,600 have been paid to full-time as trade union representatives and (ii) ColleagueShare holders and the scheme is expected to part-time on trade union activities; how many such have paid out £2,200 to most members by the time it staff are paid more than £25,900 annually; and what closes in March 2012. the cost to the public purse of employing such staff on such duties was in the latest period for which figures Small Businesses are available. [56433]

Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State Mr Davey: The Department for Business, Innovation for Business, Innovation and Skills what recent and Skills (BIS) (excluding UK Trade and Investment), assessment he has made of the effects of regulation on has two full-time trade union representatives. BIS follows small businesses in England. [56957] the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service’s Code of Practice ‘Time off for Trades Union Duties Mr Prisk: In November last year, the Better Regulation and Activities’: Executive published a report called ‘Lightening the http://www.acas.org.uk/index.aspx?articleid=2391 Load’ which looked at the impact of regulation on the In accordance with this, the Department grants facilities UK’s smallest businesses. Through interviews with 500 time to 35 staff for industrial relations and trade union micro-businesses (businesses with fewer than 10 employees), activities. The majority of these have an allocation of the report provided an important insight into the issues 24 days or less. Thirty Four members of staff are paid that these businesses face in dealing with regulation. more than £25,900 (full-time equivalent) annually. The The Government also regularly engage with organisations cost of the amount of facility time the Department which represent small businesses to discuss the issues allocates is £356,557 for the financial year 2010-11. which are of importance to their members, of which I have asked the chief executives of the Insolvency regulation is one. Service, Companies House, the National Measurement ‘Lightening the Load’ is available on the BIS website: Office, the Intellectual Property Office, UK Space Agency http://www.bis.gov.uk/assets/biscore/better-regulation/docs/l/ and the Skills Funding Agency and they will respond to 10-1251-lightening-the-load-regulatory-impact-smallest- my hon. Friend directly. businesses.pdf Letter from Stephen Speed, dated 19 May 2011: Technology Transfer: Developing Countries The Secretary of State for Business Innovation and Skills has asked me to reply to your question concerning the number of Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for staff in The Insolvency Service who are entitled to work (i) full-time as trade union representatives and (ii) part-time on trade Business, Innovation and Skills with reference to union activities; how many such staff are paid more than £25,900 Article 66.2 of the Agreement on Trade-Related annually; and what the cost to the public purse of employing such Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights, what steps his staff on such duties was in the latest period for which figures are Department is taking to promote technology transfer available. of environmentally sound technologies to least In 2010/11, two staff were employed as full time trade union developed countries. [56388] representatives and twenty three staff were awarded facility time (time off to undertake trade union activities in accordance with Mr Davey: Article 66.2 of the World Trade Organisation the ACAS Code of Practice) in connection with employee relations (WTO) Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual or trade union activity. Of these 25 staff, 13 were paid over £25, 900 annually, but not, necessarily, wholly for their trade union Property Rights (TRIPS) states that: work. The overall salary cost for such duties, in 2010/11, was “Developed country members shall provide incentives to enterprises £79,124. and institutions in their territories for the purpose of promoting Letter from Gareth Jones, dated 19 May 2011: and encouraging technology transfer to least-developed country members in order to enable them to create a sound and viable I am replying on behalf of Companies House to your Parliamentary technological base.” Question tabled 16 May 2011, UIN56433 to the Secretary of It does not specifically mention environmentally sound State for Business, Innovation and Skills. technologies. Companies House has one member of staff who works as a full time Trade Union representative and eleven members of staff The UK, as part of the EU, reports annually to the who work part time on Trade Union activities. Of these staff two WTO on its implementation of Article 66.2. The latest are paid more than £25,900 annually. The cost for the financial report includes support for: the Africa Enterprise Challenge year 2010/11 of employing staff on such duties was £61,331. Fund (AECF), Development Partnerships in Higher Letter from Peter Mason, dated 19 May 2011: Education (DelPHE), and Business Call to Action (BCtA). I am responding in respect of the National Measurement These initiatives have included projects on climate and Office (formerly National Weights and Measures Laboratory) to the environment. For example, in November 2010 the your Parliamentary Question tabled on 16/5/2011 [reference 2010/5431 AECF held a competition on ‘Renewable Energy and ] to the Secretary of State, Department for Business, Innovation Adaptation to Climate Technologies’ to seek private-sector and Skills, asking how many staff are entitled to work (i) full-time partners for projects in East Africa. as trade union representatives and (ii) part-time on trade union activities; how many such staff are paid more than £25,900 Trade Unions annually; and what the cost to the public purse of employing such staff on such duties was in the latest period for which figures are available. Mr Raab: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how many staff of (a) his The NMO does not have any staff working full time as trade union representatives but does have 3 members of staff who are Department, (b) the UK Space Agency, (c) able to claim “facility time” for undertaking union activities in Companies House, (d) the Insolvency Service, (e) the relation to the representative machinery within the Agency. All of National Measurements Office and (f) the UK these members of staff earn more than £25,900 per annum. Intellectual Property Office are entitled to work (i) According to the Agency’s time recording system, 42 hours were 651W Written Answers24 MAY 2011 Written Answers 652W spent on such activities in the Financial Year to 31 March 2011, at In response to your question, no staff from the UK Space an estimated cost of £2,105. As NMO earned some external Agency are employed either full or part time on trade union income as well as its funding from Government, not all of this is a activities. Regarding the question of eligibility, anyone who is a cost falling on the public purse. union member may be eligible to be employed on Trade Union Letter from John Alty, dated 18 May 2011: activities but we do not hold details of which staff are trade union members. I am responding in respect of the Intellectual Property Office to your Parliamentary Question tabled 16th May 2011, to the Letter from Geoff Russell, dated 19 May 2011: Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Thank you for your parliamentary question addressed to the Skills. Secretary of State, Department for Business, Innovation and The Intellectual Property Office (IPO) is an Executive Agency Skills asking how many staff in the Skills Funding Agency (the of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS). The Agency) are entitled to work (i) full-time as trade union representatives IPO does not employ full time trade union officials, but four of its and (ii) part-time on trade union activities; how many such staff employees are entitled to work part time on trade union activities. are paid more than £25,900 annually; and what the cost to the Three of these have a full time equivalent annual salary over public purse of employing such staff on such duties was in the £25,900. In 2010/11 the cost to the IPO of employing these staff latest period for which figures are available. on trade union duties was approximately £13,785. IPO is a trading fund so does not rely on public funds. Please be advised that in the Agency: Letter from Dr David Williams, dated 19 May 2011: there are no trade union representatives entitled to work full-time; Thank you for your question addressed to the Secretary of there are at present 28 part-time union representatives, 24 of State for Business, Innovation and Skills asking how many staff whom are paid over £25,900; and (a) his Department (b) the British National Space Agency, (c) the total annual cost to the public purse of employing such Companies House, (d) the Insolvency Service, (e) the National staff is £247,131.63 which comprises £190,101.25 salary costs that Measurements Office and (f) the UK Intellectual Property Office the Agency pays for trade union representatives’ facility time and are entitled to work (i) full-time as trade union representatives £57,030.38 for ’on costs’ in respect of employer’s national insurance and (ii) part-time on trade union activities; how many such staff and pension contributions. are paid more than £25,900 annually; and what the cost to the public purse of employing such staff on such duties was in the The following table shows an anonymised breakdown of cost latest period for which figures are available. (56433) for each of the 28 trade union representatives.

PCS/cost breakdown as at 31 March 2011 Allocation Facility time Trade union rep roles % FTE Actual FTE Allocation/week Days/week Annual salary (£) Total costs (£)

1 80 0.80 4.00 0.80 47,173.00 37,738.40 2 43 0.43 2.15 0.43 33,050.00 14,211.50 3 43 0.43 2.15 0.43 35,753,00 15,373.79 4 32 0.32 1.60 0.32 24,346,00 7,790.72 5 43 0.43 2.15 0.43 51,688,00 22,225.84 6 18 0.18 0.90 0.18 47,006.00 8,461.08 7 45 0.45 2.25 0.45 27,863.00 12,538.35 8 27 0.27 1.35 0.27 24,508.00 6,617.16 9 18 0.18 0.90 0.18 39,045.00 7,028.10 10 10 0.10 0.50 0.10 51,688.00 5,168.80 11 35 0.35 1.75 0.35 21,463.00 7,512.05 12 10 0.10 0.50 0.10 53,027.00 5,302.70 13 10 0.10 0.50 0.10 50,209.00 5,020.90 14 18 0.18 0.90 0.18 19,942.00 3,589.56 15 8 0.08 0.40 0.08 32,685.00 2,614.80 16 10 0.10 0.50 0.10 29,611.00 2,961.10 17 10 0.10 0.50 0.10 46,162.00 4,616.20 18 5 0.05 0.25 0.05 28,632.00 1,431.60 19 5 0.05 0.25 0.05 46,045.00 2,302.25 20 5 0.05 0.25 0.05 33,182.00 1,659.10 21 5 0.05 0.25 0.05 39,236.00 1,961.80 22 5 0.05 0.25 0.05 51,352.00 2,567.60 23 5 0.05 0.25 0.05 28,917.00 1,445.85 24 5 0.05 0.25 0.05 29,611.00 1,480.55 25 5 0.05 0.25 0.05 51,688.00 2,584.40 26 5 0.05 0.25 0.05 48,029.00 2,401.45 27 5 0.05 0.25 0.05 33,404.00 1,670.20 28 5 0.05 0.25 0.05 36,508.00 1,825.40 5.15 1,061,823.00 190,101.25

Universities promotion of community involvement; and if he will make a statement. [56958] Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what guidance his Mr Willetts: Higher education institutions (HEIs), as Department has provided to universities on the independent bodies, set their own priorities for community 653W Written Answers24 MAY 2011 Written Answers 654W involvement. They already engage with their communities 3. Local housing allowance tenants (LHA) may include a small in many ways, including providing access to sports number of non-LHA cases making a new claim since 7 April facilities, museums, theatres and galleries; community 2008. volunteering by staff and students; and creating lifelong 4. This will include recipients in caravan accommodation. learning opportunities for a diverse body of learners. 5. The data incorporate the local authority changes from 1 April The Higher Education-Business and Community 2009. Interaction (HE-BCI) Survey shows that 0.75 million 6. SHBE is, a monthly electronic scan of claimant level data direct people attended free public lectures in 2008-09 and over from local authority computer systems. It replaces quarterly aggregate clerical returns. The data are available monthly from 1.6 million paid to attend performances at UK HEIs. November 2008 and January 2011 is the most recently available The Department has not issued guidance promoting release. community involvement but has provided, via the Higher 7. Tenure type does not include recipients with unknown tenure Education Funding Council for England, £52 million type. up to 2008-09 under the HE Active Community Fund 8. Local housing allowance was introduced in the Private Deregulated to help promote staff and student volunteering. This sector from April 2008. has helped to establish volunteering as a strong presence 9. Parliamentary constituency is based on the address of the HB in the sector, and many volunteering opportunities available recipient and are for the Westminster Parliament of May 2010. in universities involve links with local communities and 10. Note that local authority data are based on the authority groups. administering the benefit claim. It is possible for the recipient to reside in a different LA to the one administering their HB/CTB Universities: Overseas Students claim. Therefore it may not always be possible to make direct comparisons between parliamentary constituency and local authority Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for data Business, Innovation and Skills how many offers of 11. Parliamentary constituency breakdowns are now available for places in British universities made to students from January 2011 housing benefit and council tax benefit caseloads. outside the EU for academic year 2011-12 had been There are at present no plans to repeat the exercise for any further time periods. accepted by 20 March 2011; and if he will make a statement. [57268] ATTORNEY-GENERAL Mr Willetts: At 21 March 2011, there were 3,751 applicants domiciled outside the EU who had firmly Prosecutions: Northamptonshire accepted offers to higher education courses at UK institutions, via the Universities and Colleges Admissions Mr Hollobone: To ask the Attorney-General in which Service (UCAS). This is out of a total of 42,729 non-EU three categories of offence the Crown Prosecution domiciled applicants at the same date. Service has brought the highest proportion of successful prosecutions in Northamptonshire in the This includes applicants who had been given both last year for which figures are available. [57015] conditional and unconditional offers for places. It also includes applicants who have chosen to apply for deferred The Attorney-General: During the year ending March entry. 2011, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) in Those applicants who have not given firm replies will Northamptonshire had an overall successful prosecution include those who were not obliged to give a reply to outcome of 86.9%. In line with national performance, any offers received by this point in the cycle, in addition the three categories of offence that brought the highest to those applicants who at that point had not received proportion of successful prosecutions were: replies to all of their choices, or whose main scheme choices were all unsuccessful. Percentage Drugs offences 96.7 Motoring offences 92.1 SCOTLAND Theft offences 90.1 Housing Benefit HEALTH Lindsay Roy: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many people in (a) Fife and (b) Bowel Cancer: Health Services Glenrothes receive (i) housing benefit and (ii) local Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State housing allowance. [53151] for Health what assessment he has made of the effects Steve Webb: I have been asked to reply. on bowel cancer patients of travelling long distances on public transport to hospital appointments; and if he As at January 2011, there were 30,780 housing benefit will make a statement. [56750] claimants in the Fife local authority, of which 4,600 were assessed under the local housing allowance rules. Paul Burstow: We have made no specific assessment In the Westminster constituency of Glenrothes, there of the effects of travelling long distances on public were 10,060 housing benefit claimants in total, of which transport to hospital appointments on bowel cancer 1,550 customers were assessed under the local housing patients. However, we know anecdotally that many cancer allowance rules. patients want to receive treatment closer to home. Notes: In 2007 the National Radiotherapy Advisory Group 1. The data refer to benefit units, which may be a single persons or report “Radiotherapy: developing a world class service couples, and are rounded to the nearest 10. for England”, recommended that, where possible, patients 2. Recipients are as at second Thursday of the month. should not travel more than 45 minutes for radiotherapy 655W Written Answers24 MAY 2011 Written Answers 656W treatment. This recommendation followed feedback received It is important to note that although all eligible at a patient workshop. In 2009 the National Chemotherapy English national health service trusts participated in the Advisory Group report, “Chemotherapy Services in audit, not all eligible cases were submitted to the audit, England: Ensuring Quality and Safety”, recommended and not all of the cases submitted had complete clinical that chemotherapy services should be localised where data. The audit only collected data on the surgeries clinically appropriate and that patients’ views on the described above; it did not include all breast cancer experience of receiving chemotherapy should be sought surgery, such as breast conservation surgery. Some women and acted upon. Both advisory groups feature patients who initially have breast conservation surgery will have in their membership. a further procedure, which may be a mastectomy with However, as acknowledged in “Improving Outcomes: or without breast reconstruction. A Strategy for Cancer”, patients may wish to choose The Second Annual Report reported that of cases different providers for different forms of treatment and submitted to the audit, 48% of mastectomy patients care and this will impact on travelling times. For example, were offered immediate reconstruction. The audit collected a patient may be prepared to travel further for surgery data by NHS trust and cancer network. from a specialist provider with better outcomes, but may wish to receive treatments such as chemotherapy Mrs Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for and radiotherapy closer to their home. A copy of the Health how many women aged (a) 49 years and under, strategy has already been placed in the Library. (b) 50 to 59, (c) 60 to 69, (d) 70 to 79 and (e) over 80 years had mastectomies in each (i) cancer network Breast Cancer: Screening and (ii) primary care trust in the latest year for which figures are available. [56803] Mr Crausby: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people in Bolton have been invited to attend Paul Burstow: The information is not available in the breast screening by Royal Bolton Hospital in each of format requested. A table of information on count of the last five years. [57083] finished consultant episodes (FCEs) for females, where there was a primary or secondary procedure or intervention Paul Burstow: The information is not available in the of mastectomy, has been placed in the Library. format requested. A table of information on count of FCEs for females Information on the number of women aged 45 and where there was a primary or secondary procedure or over invited by Bolton, Bury and Rochdale Breast Screening intervention of mastectomy and a primary diagnosis of Unit for the last five years is shown in the following breast cancer has also been placed in the Library. table: The information is provided by primary care trust of Women invited residence and for the requested age groups. Information Number is not available by cancer networks. The latest available 2005-06 27,230 information is for 2009-10. 2006-07 28,527 2007-08 29,606 Cancer: Drugs 2008-09 31,580 2009-10 29,815 Mr Crausby: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Notes: 1. The number invited relates to women with screening status classifications of how many patients in Bolton have accessed drugs ‘first call’, i.e., first invitation for routine screening, or ‘routine recall’, who are through the Cancer Drugs Fund to date. [57082] sent invitations. 2. Early recalls are not included in the table and neither are general practitioner and self-referrals to the screening programme. Early recalls are non-routine Paul Burstow: The Department does not hold the invitations at less than the standard screening interval. information requested. Source: The NHS Information Centre for health and social care. The Cancer Drugs Fund was launched on 1 April Breast Cancer: Surgery 2011 to help thousands of cancer patients access the drugs their clinicians believe will help them. We made an additional £50 million available to strategic health Mrs Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for authorities in 2010-11 which has already helped over Health how many women undergoing surgery for 2,400 patients in England to access the cancer drugs breast cancer aged (a) 49 years and under, (b) 50 to their clinicians recommended. 59, (c) 60 to 69, (d) 70 to 79 and (e) over 80 years in each (i) cancer network and (ii) primary care trust were offered immediate breast reconstruction surgery in the Cancer: Health Services latest year for which figures are available. [56783] Mrs Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for Paul Burstow: The information is not available in the Health (1) what assessment he has made of the format requested. effectiveness of the National Cancer Information The National Mastectomy and Breast Reconstruction Network’s equality metrics; and how these metrics are Audit collected data on women having a mastectomy being utilised by his Department to tackle cancer and immediate and delayed reconstruction surgery between inequalities; [56546] 1 January 2008 and 31 March 2009. There are four (2) what progress his Department has made in audit reports and these are available on the NHS providing information to pathfinder GP consortia on Information Centre website at: the equality and inequality characteristics of their www.ic.nhs.uk/mbrreports cancer populations. [56659] 657W Written Answers24 MAY 2011 Written Answers 658W

Paul Burstow: The National Cancer Intelligence Network The number of carers in England who received an assessment or review separately or jointly in 2009-10, by region and local authority area— England (NCIN) established the Equalities Portal in March 2010, 2009-10 bringing together a range of equality metrics. The aim Number of Number of carers is to support local services in commissioning cancer carers assessed assessed or services that are appropriate for their local populations. Government or reviewed reviewed jointly Since its launch the Portal has been accessed over 2,150 office region separately with the client Total times. The content of the Portal is currently arranged Blackpool 180 635 815 by primary care trust (PCT), and the NCIN is committed Cheshire East 405 1,175 1,580 to ensure the portal reflects the new commissioning Cheshire West 515 2,250 2,765 arrangements. and Chester The National Cancer Action Team (NCAT) is raising Halton 1,155 385 1,540 the importance of reducing inequalities and promoting Warrington 220 2,325 2,545 equality in their early discussions with emerging pathfinder Bolton 870 1,335 2,205 general practice (GP) consortia. The NCAT will be Bury 1,050 0 1,050 discussing with them what equality metrics might be Knowsley 815 915 1,735 useful as part of the information analyses that the Liverpool 1,120 2,255 3,380 NCIN can provide for GP consortia. Manchester 2,455 780 3,235 Oldham 140 1,395 1,540 Rochdale 430 2,380 2,810 Carers Salford 290 2,410 2,705 Sefton 1,170 2,665 3,830 Malcolm Wicks: To ask the Secretary of State for St Helens 70 2,260 2,325 Health how many and what proportion of carers have Stockport 175 2,285 2,460 received a carer’s assessment under the provisions of Tameside 1,865 2,190 4,055 the Carers Act 1995 in each (a) region and (b) local Trafford 2,530 15 2,545 authority area. [56462] Wigan 870 1,110 1,980 Wirral 505 1,700 2,200 Paul Burstow: The NHS Information Centre for health and social care collects and publishes information on Yorkshire and the 17,690 22,775 40,465 the number of carers in receipt of an assessment (separately Humber and jointly) with the cared-for person. The proportion North Yorkshire 3,910 2,095 6,005 of carers receiving an assessment cannot be provided as East Riding 2,395 205 2,600 the total number of carers, including those that are not Kingston-upon- 170 2,695 2,860 known to a local authority, is not collected centrally. Hull The following table shows the data available for the North East 1,290 180 1,470 number of carers in England who received an assessment Lincolnshire or review separately or jointly in 2009-10, by region and North 950 40 990 Lincolnshire local authority area. York 640 835 1,475 The number of carers in England who received an assessment or review Barnsley 385 1,290 1,680 separately or jointly in 2009-10, by region and local authority area— England 2009-10 Bradford 120 3,770 3,890 Number of Number of carers Calderdale 35 1,905 1,940 carers assessed assessed or Doncaster 555 1,220 1,775 Government or reviewed reviewed jointly office region separately with the client Total Kirklees 2,335 1,625 3,960 Leeds 2,080 1,395 3,475 England 148,660 266,645 415,305 Rotherham 565 1,465 2,035 Sheffield 970 3,375 4,345 North East 7,390 23,110 30,505 Wakefield 1,285 685 1,970 Durham 360 4,220 4,580 Northumberland 720 3,805 4,525 East Midlands 12,720 15,260 27,980 Darlington 90 1,065 1,155 Derbyshire 1,125 3,850 4,975 Hartlepool 1,970 0 1,970 Leicestershire 520 4,400 4,920 Middlesbrough 1,955 0 1,955 Lincolnshire 2,410 840 3,250 Redcar and 1,020 180 1,195 Cleveland Northamptonshire 3,450 40 3,490 Stockton-on- 415 960 1,370 Nottinghamshire 3,855 2,340 6,195 Tees Derby 320 1,460 1,780 Gateshead 70 1,950 2,020 Leicester 795 1,135 1,930 Newcastle upon 40 1,570 1,610 Nottingham 95 490 585 Tyne Rutland 145 705 850 North Tyneside 235 2,560 2,790 South Tyneside 360 1,685 2,045 Sunderland 160 5,125 5,285 West Midlands 20,440 25,770 46,205 Staffordshire 2,220 1,760 3,980 North-West 21,055 41,010 62,060 Warwickshire 1,305 5,535 6,840 Cumbria 1,610 2,935 4,540 Worcestershire 2,340 2,305 4,645 Lancashire 2,400 6,450 8,850 Shropshire 1,645 495 2,140 Blackburn 215 1,155 1,370 Herefordshire 885 380 1,265 659W Written Answers24 MAY 2011 Written Answers 660W

The number of carers in England who received an assessment or review The number of carers in England who received an assessment or review separately or jointly in 2009-10, by region and local authority area— England separately or jointly in 2009-10, by region and local authority area— England 2009-10 2009-10 Number of Number of carers Number of Number of carers carers assessed assessed or carers assessed assessed or Government or reviewed reviewed jointly Government or reviewed reviewed jointly office region separately with the client Total office region separately with the client Total

Stoke-on-Trent 425 1,865 2,290 Westminster 285 915 1,200 Telford and 1,340 225 1,565 City of London 20 10 30 Wrekin Barking and 1,235 850 2,085 Birmingham 5,010 4,935 9,945 Dagenham Coventry 770 860 1,630 Barnet 485 1,655 2,140 Dudley 640 3,245 3,885 Bexley 630 1,150 1,775 Brent 1,280 340 1,625 Sandwell 1,665 355 2,020 Bromley 495 2,070 2,570 Solihull 750 1,020 1,775 Croydon 665 515 1,180 Walsall 495 2,265 2,760 Ealing 700 995 1,690 Wolverhampton 950 510 1,460 Enfield 345 1,760 2,100 Haringey 1,105 0 1,105 South West 12,465 36,710 49,175 Harrow 1,785 1,475 3,260 Devon 710 6,460 7,170 Havering 290 1,015 1,310 Dorset 1,685 885 2,570 Hillingdon 470 500 970 Gloucestershire 1,040 5,215 6,255 Hounslow 570 945 1,515 Somerset 1,050 5,805 6,855 Kingston-upon- 65 1,020 1,085 Bath and North 520 945 1,470 Thames East Somerset Merton 370 430 800 Bournemouth 395 905 1,300 Newham 630 890 1,515 Bristol 1,225 3,835 5,060 Redbridge 285 985 1,270 Cornwall 1,245 2,385 3,630 Richmond upon 280 950 1,230 Thames Isles of Scilly 5 5 10 Sutton 855 385 1,240 North Somerset 615 2,525 3,140 Waltham Forest 700 120 820 Plymouth 1,240 1,035 2,275 Poole 505 865 1,375 South East 19,580 49,690 69,270 South 540 1,720 2,260 Gloucestershire Buckinghamshire 2,600 0 2,600 Swindon 465 495 960 East Sussex 3,100 830 3,930 Torbay 370 1,640 2,010 Hampshire 3,390 6,565 9,955 Wiltshire 850 1,990 2,840 Kent 2,615 20,880 23,495 Oxfordshire 220 3,180 3,400 Surrey 2,185 1,215 3,405 Eastern 17,085 24,545 41,630 West Sussex 785 5,130 5,915 Cambridgeshire 2,470 0 2,470 Bracknell Forest 160 530 690 Essex 4,360 7,895 12,250 Brighton and 840 1,210 2,050 Hertfordshire 1,670 4,465 6,135 Hove Norfolk 3,025 3,390 6,415 Isle of Wight 365 1,180 1,545 Suffolk 2,790 755 3,540 Medway Towns 305 300 605 Bedford 415 940 1,355 Milton Keynes 320 470 790 Central 770 3,155 3,925 Portsmouth 650 740 1,390 Bedfordshire Reading 115 1,380 1,500 Luton 505 705 1,210 Slough 1,030 0 1,030 Peterborough 585 1,245 1,830 Southampton 100 3,635 3,735 Southend 360 1,675 2,040 West Berkshire 285 785 1,070 Windsor and 350 655 1,005 Thurrock 135 325 460 Maidenhead Wokingham 150 1,005 1,160 London 20,240 27,775 48,015 Note: Figures are rounded to the nearest five. Camden 710 605 1,315 Greenwich 430 1,300 1,730 Hackney 545 590 1,130 Departmental CCTV Hammersmith 480 600 1,075 and Fulham Islington 550 585 1,135 Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Kensington and 855 790 1,650 Health how many CCTV cameras are installed in and Chelsea around his Department’s premises; and how much such Lambeth 1,370 520 1,890 cameras cost to (a) install and (b) operate in the latest Lewisham 655 1,640 2,290 period for which figures are available. [56837] Southwark 90 635 725 Tower Hamlets 1,020 845 1,865 Mr Simon Burns: The numbers of CCTV cameras in Wandsworth 0 695 695 and around the Department’s premises are: 661W Written Answers24 MAY 2011 Written Answers 662W

Dental Services: Standards Premises Number of cameras

Skipton House 24 Wellington House 16 Natascha Engel: To ask the Secretary of State for Richmond House 30 Health how many dentists in (a) North East Premier Buildings .8 Derbyshire constituency, (b) Derbyshire, (c) the East Midlands and (d) England are operating under (i) The costs to install are not known as the equipment general dental services contracts and (ii) personal has been in place for many years and the costs are not dental services agreements. [56889] held centrally. The operating costs per annum are as follows: Mr Simon Burns: The numbers of dentists with national health service activity, by contract type, during the year Premises Operating costs (£) ending 31 March 2010 are available in Table G2 of Annex 3 of the “NHS Dental Statistics for England: Skipton House 8,923 2009/10” report. Wellington House 5,090 Richmond House 5,428 Information is provided for England by strategic Premier Buildings 553 health authority (SHA) and primary care trust (PCT), but is not available by constituency. This information is The costs for the first three buildings also include based on the dental contractual arrangements, introduced costs for running the security building pass system, as on 1 April 2006. This report, published on 18 August the costs cannot be shown separately. 2010, has already been placed in the Library and is also available on the NHS Information Centre website at: This answer relates only to the buildings for which the Department has direct responsibility. www.ic.nhs.uk/pubs/dentalstats0910 Following a consultation exercise in 2008, this measure Continuing Care is based on a revised methodology and therefore supersedes any previously published work force figures relating to the new dental contractual arrangements. This revised Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for methodology counts the number of dental performers Health what his policy is on ensuring full with NHS activity recorded via FP17 claim forms in implementation of the National Service Framework for each year ending 31 March. This revised methodology Long-term Conditions; and if he will make a applies to data published from 2008 onwards and includes statement. [57101] 2007 revised data. It is not comparable to the information collected under the old contractual arrangements. Paul Burstow: I refer the hon. Member to the replies I gave her on 28 April 2011, Official Report, column 598W These published figures relate to a headcount and do and on 14 March 2011, Official Report, column 76W. 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. Counselling Natascha Engel: To ask the Secretary of State for Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Health (1) how many complaints the Care Quality how many bodies in the (a) public and (b) voluntary Commission has (a) received and (b) upheld in respect sector provide bereavement counselling. [56923] of (i) dentists, (ii) dental nurses, (iii) dental technicians, (iv) dental therapists, (v) dental hygienists, (vi) Paul Burstow: The information is not collected centrally. orthodontic therapists, (vii) clinical dental technicians and (viii) dental practices in each year since its Dental Services inception; [56890] (2) how many patient complaints the Care Quality Natascha Engel: To ask the Secretary of State for Commission has received since its inception; and how Health how many dental laboratories in the UK have many of such complaints have been upheld. [56898] (a) closed and (b) merged since 2006. [56894] Mr Simon Burns: The Care Quality Commission Mr Simon Burns: This information is not collected (CQC) does not have responsibility to investigate complaints centrally. from patients and service users to achieve redress for those who complain. However, CQC does consider any Natascha Engel: To ask the Secretary of State for concerns raised by members of the public as part of its Health what plans he has to amend the calculation of regulation of providers of health and adult social care. units of dental activity in his proposals for dental commissioning; and if he will make a statement. Natascha Engel: To ask the Secretary of State for [56906] Health (1) in how many fitness to practice cases brought before the General Dental Council in the last Mr Simon Burns: The Government’s coalition 12 months, how many patients expected to be treated programme includes plans to develop a new national privately; and in such cases, how many prescribers had dental contract in which remuneration would be based asked the device supplier to provide a device to the on registration, capitation and quality in place of units supplier’s NHS standard of service as recorded on the of dental activity. returned statement of manufacture; [56891] 663W Written Answers24 MAY 2011 Written Answers 664W

(2) how many fitness to practice cases brought before Where there are concerns about the fitness to practise the General Dental Council involved (a) a dental of a dentist, the registrar of the GDC has powers to device or devices made by an untrained person and (b) investigate the allegation and refer the allegation to the a dental device made by an untrained person and not Investigating Committee. The registrar may also, if he discussed and included in a written treatment plan in considers it appropriate, refer the allegation to the the last 12 months; [56892] Interim Orders Committee. The Medicines and Health (3) how many fitness to practise cases were brought products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) would also have before the General Dental Council in the last an interest. The MHRA is responsible for enforcement 12 months; and in how many such cases patients had of the medical devices directive, which requires that not received a written treatment plans from their dentists inform patients that they may receive a copy of dentist. [56909] the statement that the dental laboratory will have issued with an appliance confirming that it complies with Mr Simon Burns: The General Dental Council is an directive. independent statutory body with responsibility for Natascha Engel: To ask the Secretary of State for investigating complaints made to it about the fitness to Health (1) what proportion of dental crowns for UK practise of dentists and, where necessary, for taking patients were manufactured (a) outside the UK and action in relation to their registration. (b) in non-European economic area countries in the Information about fitness to practise cases brought latest period for which figures are available; [56903] before the General Dental Council is not held by the (2) how many crowns for patients receiving dental Department. treatment on the NHS were obtained from overseas suppliers in the latest period for which figures are Natascha Engel: To ask the Secretary of State for available. [56904] Health what evidence his Department has evaluated on any failure of dental technicians to meet required Mr Simon Burns: This information is not collected standards for their work. [56893] centrally.

Mr Simon Burns: The Department has not undertaken Natascha Engel: To ask the Secretary of State for any such evaluation. The Medicines and Health products Health how many dental device suppliers his Regulatory Agency is ready to examine, and follow up Department found not to have been registered with the as appropriate, any reports submitted which suggest Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory that a dental appliance may not have been manufactured Agency in the last 12 months. [56908] to the standards set in the European Council medical Mr Simon Burns: The Medicines and Healthcare devices directive. products Regulatory Agency’s (MHRA’s) devices enforcement unit has found two instances of dental Natascha Engel: To ask the Secretary of State for device manufacturers failing to register with them in Health (1) what estimate he has made of the average accordance with that requirement under the medical cost to a dental practice of providing a patient with a devices directive and United Kingdom implementing statement of conformity for a dental appliance; [56895] regulations in the fast 12 months. (2) what estimate he has made of the cost to dental laboratories of producing a statement of conformity Natascha Engel: To ask the Secretary of State for for a dental appliance; [56896] Health what steps his Department is taking to monitor the adequacy of (a) dental restoration work and (b) (3) what estimate he has made of the cost to (a) dental appliances. [56910] dental practitioners and (b) the public purse of requiring dental technicians to produce a statement of Mr Simon Burns: The Government plan to develop a conformity for dental appliances. [56897] new national dental contract based on registration, capitation and quality. There will be a range of pilots to Mr Simon Burns: No estimate has been made of the test a quality and outcomes framework in dental practice, cost of dental technicians producing the custom-made and to develop and refine the systems, which we can use device statement of conformity with the requirements to monitor quality and outcomes. of the EU medical devices directive, and dentists making this available to patients who request it. Natascha Engel: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the regulatory mechanism is which Natascha Engel: To ask the Secretary of State for ensures that dental restorations and appliances meet Health what powers the General Dental Council has to UK standards. [56911] determine whether a case in which a statement of Mr Simon Burns: If dental appliances or restorative conformity of a dental appliance was not provided materials are supplied to dental practices within the should be referred for potential prosecution. [56902] countries of the European Union, they must be Communauté Européenne (CE) marked in accordance Mr Simon Burns: Section 36N(2) of the Dentists with the standards set in Council Directive 93/42/EEC Act 1984 provides that the criteria by which a dentist’s concerning medical devices. fitness to practise shall be regarded as “impaired” include by reason of deficient professional performance. Whether Natascha Engel: To ask the Secretary of State for or not the General Dental Council (GDC) would consider Health (1) how many dental devices were made for UK that failure to provide a statement of conformity of a patients by untrained dental technicians in each of the dental appliance constitutes deficient professional last five years; and in how many such cases the status of performance would depend on the individual circumstances the manufacturing technician was recorded in the of the case. patients’ notes; [56913] 665W Written Answers24 MAY 2011 Written Answers 666W

(2) how many dental devices were made for UK by guidance the General Dental Council (GDC) issued patients by dental technicians trained to a level in March 2001 as “Standards on commissioning and recognised by the General Dental Council in each of manufacturing dental appliances”. The guidance indicates the last five years; [56915] that if dentists decide to prescribe or sub-contract the (3) how many dental devices were made for dental manufacture of a dental appliance outside of the United patients in each of the last five years. [56916] Kingdom and do not use a dental technician registered with the GDC they will be held professionally accountable Mr Simon Burns: Information on dental devices made for the safety and quality of the appliance. The guidance by trained and untrained dental technicians is not collected is available at: centrally. www.gdc-uk.org/newsandpublications/publications/Pages/ default.aspx Information on how many dental devices were made and a copy has been placed in the Library. for dental patients is not available in the format requested, but Band three Courses of Treatments (CoTs) include Natascha Engel: To ask the Secretary of State for complex treatments (such as crowns, dentures and bridges) Health what financial assistance his Department and in addition to Band one and Band two work. A single its predecessor have provided to dental technology Band three CoT can include a provision of more than training in each of the last five years. [56920] one appliance/device. Information on the numbers of Band three CoTs is Mr Simon Burns: Core funding for dental technology included within Table C3 of Annex 3 of the ‘NHS training is provide by the Higher Education Funding Dental Statistics for England—2010-11 Third quarterly Council for England for graduate level courses at universities report’. Information is available for 2006-07 and, by and by the Skills Funding Agency for courses at Further quarter, for 2007-08, 2008-09, 2009-10 and provisional Education Colleges. The Department has supplemented data for the first three quarters of 2010-11. this funding on two special projects. Over the period This report, published on 19 May 2011 has been 2005-06 to 2007-08 the Department paid a bursary of placed in the Library and is also available on the NHS £2,000 per trainee to those dental laboratories which Information Centre website at: were providing placements for trainees preparing for a qualification in dental technology that would make www.ic.nhs.uk/pubs/dentalstats1011q3 them eligible for registration with the General Dental Council. The total sums involved were as follows: Natascha Engel: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many trained dental technicians are £ working in the UK. [56914] 2005-06 186,000 Mr Simon Burns: We understand that currently there 2006-07 292,000 are 6,998 dental technicians in the United Kingdom 2007-08 354,000 registered with the General Dental Council. In addition, in 2007-08, the Department made a grant of £15,000 to the Dental Laboratories Association Natascha Engel: To ask the Secretary of State for to contribute to the development of distance learning Health (1) what discussions his Department has had for trainee dental technicians. with the NHS Counter Fraud Service on steps to improve compliance with schedule 3(a) of the NHS Natascha Engel: To ask the Secretary of State for (Dental Charges) Regulations 2005; [56917] Health how many dental schools provide dental (2) on how many occasions his Department recorded technology training; and how many places were offered a breach of schedule 3(a) of the NHS (Dental Charges) in each training institution in each year since 2006. Regulations 2005 in each of the last five years. [56918] [56921]

Mr Simon Burns: The Department has had no discussions Mr Simon Burns: Information held centrally shows with NHS Protect, who have responsibility for anti-fraud that dental technology training is currently provided at work in the national health service, on compliance with Manchester University and Leeds University and also schedule 3(a) in particular nor does the Department at the following colleges of further education: Castle maintain a central record of all breaches of individual College Nottingham, Liverpool Community College, elements of the NHS (Dental Charges) Regulations Lambeth College London, Matthew Boulton College 2005. Any such breaches would normally be investigated Birmingham and Sheffield City College. Information is and resolved locally by the responsible primary care not collected on the number of places available. trust, who would only involve staff from NHS Protect if Natascha Engel: To ask the Secretary of State for the circumstances suggested that fraudulent activity Health what restrictions are placed on the production might be involved. in its entirety of a dental device by an untrained dental technician. [56922] Natascha Engel: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what his policy is on encouraging UK dentists Mr Simon Burns: Guidance issued by the General to use UK-based laboratory technicians. [56919] Dental Council on the Scope of Practice of dentists and dental care professionals reserves the verification Mr Simon Burns: Choice of supplier is within the and quality control of dental devices leaving a laboratory discretion of general dental practitioners, most of whom to registered dental technicians. The guidance is available at: are independent contractors. However, we wish there to http://www.gdc-uk.org/Newsandpublications/Publications/ be a clear line of accountability and we were encouraged Publications/ScopeofpracticeApril2009[1].pdf 667W Written Answers24 MAY 2011 Written Answers 668W

Dentistry: Pay Drugs: Prisoners

Natascha Engel: To ask the Secretary of State for Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations he has received on the Health how many prisoners were prescribed (a) introduction of NHS salaries for dentists. [56899] methadone and (b) other substitutes for illegal drugs in each year since 2007; and what the cost to his Mr Simon Burns: We have not received any Department was of providing such treatment in each representations since taking office. Most general dental such year. [56788] practitioners are self-employed, independent contractors, Paul Burstow: Data are available on the number of which is an arrangement which patients find convenient, clinical drug interventions provided in prisons for drug and which most dentists seem to prefer. dependency since 2007-08. In 2007-08, a total of 58,809 prisoners received a Departmental Assets clinical drug intervention. Of these, 46,291 (79%) received detoxification and 12,518 (21%) a maintenance prescription Mr Crausby: To ask the Secretary of State for Health for opioid dependency of either methadone or what estimate he has made of the monetary value of buprenorphine. land and buildings, including NHS land and buildings, In 2008-09, a total of 64,767 prisoners received a his Department expects to dispose of by sale in (a) clinical drug intervention. Of these 45,135 (69%) received 2011-12, (b) 2012-13 and (c) 2013-14. [57081] detoxification and 19,632 (31%) received a maintenance prescription for opioid dependency of either methadone Mr Simon Burns: As part of the spending review 2010 or buprenorphine. settlement, the Department agreed with HM Treasury In 2009-10, a total of 60,067 prisoners received a forecasts of future fixed asset sales. These estimates clinical drug intervention. Of these 36,323 (61%) received include all fixed asset sales from the national health detoxification and 23,744 (39%) received a maintenance service, the Department and arm’s length bodies. They prescription for opioid dependency of either methadone also include all other fixed assets as well as land and or buprenorphine1. buildings. Data on the costs of prescribing methadone and The estimates span the entire spending review period other substitutes are not collected centrally. Since 2006, from 2011-12 to 2014-15 and are shown in the following the national health service has been responsible for the table. commissioning of clinical services in prisons, including NHS and foundation trusts are directly responsible the administration of medicines. Individual budgetary for the disposal of their assets and decisions to sell are costs are therefore the concern of local NHS primary made by them locally. The Department and arm’s length care trusts (PCTs). bodies make decisions on the disposal of land and The Integrated Drug Treatment System (IDTS) in buildings in line with Government policy. prisons provides evidence-based treatment tailored to Forecast fixed asset sales agreed in spending review 2010 the needs of the prisoner. The programme includes Fixed asset sale forecasts (£ abstinence, but all treatments are aimed at getting the million) person off drugs. 2011-12 219 From April 2009, all adult prisons received funding 2012-13 187 (£39.7 million from the Department, £6 million from 2013-14 193 the Ministry of Justice) for the implementation of the enhanced clinical drug treatment and psychosocial 2014-15 183 components of IDTS. The IDTS aims to increase the volume and quality of Departmental Manpower treatment available to prisoners, with particular emphasis on early custody, and to improve integration between Mr Crausby: To ask the Secretary of State for Health clinical and counselling, assessment, referral and how many (a) special advisers and (b) press officers throughcare services and to reinforce continuity of care were employed by his Department in 2010-11; and at from the community into prison, between prisons, and what cost to the public purse. [57193] on release into the community. 1 National Offender Management Service prisons key performance Mr Simon Burns: I refer the hon. Member to the indicators system latest data release on the Cabinet Office website. This Health Professions: Regulation lists the names and pay bands of the special advisers in post at various times, and their actual salaries where Emily Thornberry: To ask the Secretary of State for these are £58,200 or higher. This is published together Health (1) what method his Department plans to use to with details of the special advisers’ pay ranges for ensure that all healthcare science workforce disciplines 2010-11, and the total pay bill cost of special advisers in are represented in its cost-benefit risk analysis on the each period. These publications can be found at: regulation of the healthcare science workforce; [56775] www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/resource-library/special-adviser- (2) when he expects to appoint the team to conduct data-releases the evidence-based cost-benefit risk analysis to inform As at the end of March 2011, the Department’s the appropriate model of regulation for the healthcare media centre employed 33 full-time and one part-time science workforce; by what date he expects the report’s press officers, equating to 33.73 full-time equivalent recommendations to be published; and which press officers. The cost to the public purse was £1,371,144. stakeholders will be consulted. [56776] 669W Written Answers24 MAY 2011 Written Answers 670W

Anne Milton: Following the publication of the Command The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence Paper “Enabling Excellence”, no cost-benefit risk analysis (NICE) has issued guidance to the national health of the case for introducing compulsory statutory regulation service on the management of a number of conditions of the health care scientist workforce is now planned by associated with cardiovascular disease, including some the Department at this time. For those groups of health guidance on cardiovascular disease at a population level care scientists that the Health Professions Council has which looks at the risk factors. The document “Prevention previously recommended for statutory regulation, assured of cardiovascular disease at population level” can be voluntary registration is the preferred option. found on NICE’s website at: Health Services: Older People www.nice.org.uk/nicemedia/live/13024/49273/49273.pdf The NHS Health Check programme is a universal Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for and systematic programme for people in England between Health if he will assess the effect of the provisions of the ages of 40 to 74 that assesses individuals’ risk of the Health and Social Care Bill on meeting the health vascular disease and will support people to reduce or care needs of older people. [57059] manage that risk through individually tailored advice and support. Paul Burstow: A full equality impact assessment was We do not hold any information centrally about the published alongside the Bill on 19 January 2011 and has cost to the economy of heart disease in the most recent already been placed in the Library; and on the Department’s 12 months. website at: The Department commissioned the South East Public www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Publications/ Health Observatory to develop cardiovascular profiles PublicationsLegislation/DH_123583 at regional and primary care trust/local authority level. In carrying out the equality impact assessment of the These profiles provide a wide range of information, Health and Social Care Bill, the Department considered including on the incidence of heart disease in each area. all the relevant protected characteristics, including age, They are intended to inform commissioning and planning covered by the Equality Act 2010 in accordance with decisions and enable commissioners to target resources good practice guidance from the Equalities and Human most effectively to tackle cardiovascular disease and Rights Commission. improve the health of local communities. They can be Health: Social Isolation found at: www.sepho.org.uk/CVDprofiles.aspx Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Health We do not hold information centrally on the position what research his Department has (a) commissioned of England in international comparative tables for the and (b) evaluated on the potential effect of loneliness treatment and survival of heart disease. The European and social isolation on recovery rates from (i) Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery has published cardiovascular disease, (ii) cancer and (iii) mental information on trends of activity and outcomes in health conditions. [56728] cardio-thoracic surgery internationally. This is available at: Mr Simon Burns: The Department has not commissioned http://kingsfund.koha-ptfs.eu/cgi-bin/koha/opac- or evaluated any research specifically on the potential detail.pl?biblionumber=96807 effect of loneliness and social isolation on recovery rates from cardiovascular disease, cancer and mental Hospital Wards: Standards health conditions. Heart Disease Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Health which 100 wards had the worst health outcomes in the Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Health latest period for which figures are available. [56847] (1) what assessment he has made of the principal risk factors contributing to heart disease, listed accorded to Mr Hurd: I have been asked to reply. the assessed level of risk; [56794] The information requested falls within the responsibility (2) what estimate he has made of the cost to the of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority economy of heart disease in the most recent 12 months to reply. for which figures are available; [56798] Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated May 2011: (3) what the rate of incidence of heart disease in each As Director General for ONS, I have been asked to reply to local authority area was in the latest period for which your Parliamentary Question asking which 100 wards had the figures are available; [56804] worst health outcomes in the latest period for which figures are (4) what recent assessment he has made of the available. (56847) position of England in international comparative Official statistics are available at ward level on a small number tables for the (a) treatment and (b) survival of heart of health outcomes, such as all-cause mortality, life expectancy disease. [56927] and self-reported health status. Health expectancies such as healthy life expectancy and disability-free life expectancy are widely accepted as summary measures of health outcomes, since they combine Mr Simon Burns: There are important modifiable estimates of mortality with self-perceived general health or limiting risk factors, for heart disease, which are smoking, physical long-standing illness. Because of the small populations involved, inactivity, high blood pressure, raised cholesterol and ward level figures are available only around census years and data obesity. There are also a number of fixed risk factors—age, for several years have to be aggregated. sex, ethnicity and family history. These risk factors are Tables 1 to 3 provide healthy life expectancy at birth for the also linked to a wider group of diseases such as stroke, 100 wards with the lowest estimates for males (Table 1), diabetes and kidney disease. females (Table 2) and all persons (Table 3) for 1999-2003 (the only 671W Written Answers24 MAY 2011 Written Answers 672W period available). Healthy life expectancy is the average number Mental Health of years a newborn baby would live in ’Good’ or ’Fairly good’ health if he or she experienced the area’s age-specific mortality and morbidity rates for that time period throughout his or her Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Health life. what research his Department has (a) commissioned Tables 4 to 6 provide disability-free life expectancy at birth for and (b) evaluated on the influence of psychosocial the 100 wards with the lowest estimates for males (Table 4), factors on the health and well-being of NHS patients. females (Table 5) and all persons (Table 6) for 1999-2003 (the only [56854] period available). Disability-free life expectancy is the average number of years a newborn baby would live free from a limiting Mr Simon Burns: There is extensive evidence that illness or disability if he or she experienced the area’s age-specific psychosocial factors, material circumstance, social mortality and morbidity rates for that time period throughout his environment, behaviours and biological factors are all or her life. important influences on health and well-being. Copies of Tables 1 to 6 have been placed in the House of Commons Library. The Department’s National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) funds a wide range of research relevant to the relationship between psychosocial factors and the health Macular Degeneration: Drugs and well-being of patients. Details of projects funded through programmes managed by the NIHR Central Commissioning Facility (CCF) Mr Gale: To ask the Secretary of State for Health can be found on the CCF website at: what the cost to the NHS was of the prescription of ranibizumab (Lucentis) for the treatment of wet www.ccf.nihr.ac.uk/Pages/FundedProgrammes.aspx age-related macular degeneration in each of the last Details of projects funded through programmes managed two years. [56953] by the NIHR Evaluation, Trials and Studies Centre (NETSCC) can be found on the NETSCC website at: Paul Burstow: The following table shows the cost of www.netscc.ac.uk/ ranibizumab dispensed in hospitals and the community Details of studies hosted by the NIHR Clinical Research for 2009 and 2010. Network can be found on the UK Clinical Research Ranibizumab dispensed in hospitals and in the community in England1 Network portfolio database at: Cost (£000) http://public.ukcrn.org.uk/search Hospital2, 3, 4 Community5 Details of research funded by the Policy Research Programme are available on the Department’s website 2009 94,694.8 0.8 at: 2010 128,717.0 2.3 Notes: www.dh.gov.uk/en/Aboutus/Researchanddevelopment/ 1 Ranibizumab is only licensed for the treatment of wet age-related macular Policyresearchprogramme/index.htm degeneration. 2 Figures based on a sample and costed using standard price lists, either the NHS: Middlesbrough drug tariff or, if the drug is not listed, the drug manufacturer’s price list. The figures therefore do not necessarily represent the actual amounts paid by the hospitals. Tom Blenkinsop: To ask the Secretary of State for 3 Data includes all drugs dispensed in national health service hospitals regardless Health how much was spent on NHS services in of patient, so will include drugs dispensed to private patients in private wards within NHS hospitals as long as they have been dispensed via the hospital Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland constituency pharmacy. The extent of this varies from hospital to hospital. in real terms in each year from May 2005 to April 2010; 4 National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence guidance and how much he expects to be spent in each year from recommended ranibizumab on the condition that the manufacturer offers a patient access scheme. Under the scheme, the cost of ranibizumab beyond 14 May 2010 to April 2015. [56723] injections in the treated eye is met by the manufacturer. We do not have data on the number of injections provided by the manufacturer under the scheme and Mr Simon Burns: Information is not available in the therefore the data does not reflect the impact of the scheme. 5 Net ingredient cost of prescription items written in the United Kingdom and format requested. Information on the net operating dispensed in the community in England. costs of Middlesbrough Primary Care Trust (PCT) and Source: IMS Health: Hospital Pharmacy Audit and Prescription Cost Analysis Redcar and Cleveland PCT between 2005-06 and 2009-10 system. has been set out in the following table. Data for 2010-11 are not yet available. The data provided are historical statutory accounting data. Malnutrition £000 Laura Sandys: To ask the Secretary of State for Organisation 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 Health if he will take steps to monitor the effect of Langbaurgh 131,346 — — — — food prices on rates of malnutrition. [56632] PCT Middlesbrough 235,822 250,671 253,565 254,872 281,430 PCT Anne Milton: The Office for National Statistics and Redcar and — 171,222 207,875 226,157 246,993 the Department’s Health and Social Care Information Cleveland PCT Centre routinely collect data on the increase in food Notes: prices through the Consumer Prices Index and Retail 1. Information in “real terms” is not collected centrally. 2. The Department collects statutory accounting data annually for each Prices Index, and the prevalence of malnutrition through financial year (1 April to 31 March) and the figures provided reflect this. It is Hospital Episode Statistics. There are no specific plans not possible to break the figures down by month. to monitor the effects of food prices on the rates of 3. Redcar and Cleveland PCT came into existence in the financial year 2006-07 after a merger of Langbaurgh PCT and part of Middlesbrough PCT. malnutrition at present, but the data allows us to monitor Source: future trends. Audited summarisation schedules. 673W Written Answers24 MAY 2011 Written Answers 674W

Total revenue allocations for 2010-11 and 2011-12 are Mr Simon Burns: The Department’s National Institute shown in the following table. for Health Research (NIHR) and Policy Research Programme (PRP) fund a wide range of research relating £ million to the causes, prevention and treatment of obesity. Total revenue Total revenue Organisation allocation 2010-111 allocation 2011-122, 3, 4 The Southampton NIHR Nutrition, Diet and Lifestyle Biomedical Research Unit conducts research on how Middlesbrough PCT 283.5 291.7 nutrition, diet and lifestyle affect the later risk of diseases Redcar and Cleveland 254.9 261.8 such as obesity, heart disease and diabetes. PCT 1 2010-11 allocations shown in the table are 2010-11 published allocations The NIHR Health Technology Assessment and Public adjusted for the locally agreed transfer from PCTs to local authorities of Health Research programmes are funding evaluations funding and commissioning responsibility for the social care of people with of interventions to prevent obesity, including a £2.7 million learning disabilities from 2011-12. 2 In December 2010, PCTs were informed of their total 2011-12 revenue trial of an obesity prevention intervention in primary allocations which include: school age children. 2011-12 recurrent revenue allocations; and non-recurrent allocations for primary dental services, pharmaceutical services Details of projects funded through programmes managed and general ophthalmic services. by the NIHR Central Commissioning Facility (CCF) Allocations for support for joint working between health and social care were can be found on the CCF website at: announced separately in 2010-11. 3 Total revenue allocations refer to the allocations listed above. This is the main www.ccf.nihr.ac.uk/Pages/FundedProgrammes.aspx funding source for PCTs. Details of projects funded through programmes managed 4 Comparisons between allocation years cannot as a rule be made as allocations were not made on a like for like basis. The 2010-11 figures have by the NIHR Evaluation, Trials and Studies Centre been especially adjusted to make them more comparable with those (NETSCC) can be found on the NETSCC website at: for 2011-12. Source: www.netscc.ac.uk/ PCT Allocations, Department of Health Details of studies hosted by the NIHR Clinical Research PCT recurrent revenue allocations for 2012-13 will be Network can be found on the UK Clinical Research announced as soon as is practical this year. Network portfolio database at: Subject to the passing of the Health and Social Care http://public.ukcrn.org.uk/search Bill and the outcome of the current listening exercise, it Details of research funded by the PRP are available is intended that from 2013-14 the National Health on the Department’s website at: Service Commissioning Board will take over responsibility www.dh.gov.uk/en/Aboutus/Researchanddevelopment/ from the Department for commissioning guidelines and Policyresearchprogramme/index.htm the allocation of resources. It would be for the NHS Commissioning Board to decide how best to allocate resources in a way that supports the principle of securing Research equivalent access to NHS services relative to the prospective burden of disease and disability. Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what (a) longitudinal and (b) other (i) research and Nutrition (ii) collection of data his Department has (A) initiated, (B) terminated and (C) amended in the last 12 months; Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and what such research and data collection exercises what estimate he has made of the (a) levels of and (b) undertaken by the Department have not been amended trends in the daily calorific intake of (i) men and (ii) in that period. [56759] women in the latest period for which figures are available; and what proportion of the average intake in Mr Simon Burns: The Department has not initiated, that period comprised of saturated fats. [56858] terminated or amended any longitudinal research in the Anne Milton: Average daily calorie (energy) and saturated last 12 months. Details of longitudinal and other research fat intakes for adults are available from the National funded by the Department’s Policy Research programme Diet and Nutrition Survey. Information is available on are available on the Department’s website at: intakes for men and women for 2000-01 and 2008-09. http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Aboutus/Researchanddevelopment/ Total energy intake for men has fallen slightly, but for Policyresearchprogramme/index.htm women has remained broadly similar. In 2000-01 intake The Department also funds programmes of research for men was 2,308 kcal/day and for women was 1,635 kcal/ in the national health service (NHS) through the National day. In 2008-09 intake for men was 2,255 kcal/day and Institute for Health Research, with an annual budget of for women was 1,645 kcal/day. around £1 billion. Saturated fat intake provided 13% of food energy for Ongoing NHS data collections initiated through ROCR men and 12.6% of food energy for women in 2008-09. (Review of Central Returns) process during period May The contribution of saturated fat to energy intakes has 2010—April 2011: fallen slightly in both men and women since the last A and E (Accident and Emergency) Clinical Quality Indicators survey of this age group in 2000-01, but for both still Cancer Patients’ Experience Survey exceeds the recommended level of no more than 11% of Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) Dataset food energy. Community Information Dataset Obesity Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Mixed Sex Accommodation Monthly Return what research his Department has commissioned on National Children’s and Young Person’s Dataset the (a) physical and (b) psychological causes of National Health Service (NHS) Health Check Dataset obesity. [56795] Patient Environment Action Team (PEAT) Inspection Programme 675W Written Answers24 MAY 2011 Written Answers 676W

One-off NHS data collections initiated through ROCR Adult Screening Programme: Breast Screening (Screening Unit process during period May 2010-April 2011: return) (KC62) Commissioned National and Local Enhanced Services Adult Screening Programmes: Cervical Screening (KC53) Memory Services for National Dementia Audit Advisory Committee on Clinical Excellence Awards (ACCEA)— Collection of non-Electronic Staff Record (ESR) items Programme Budgeting—tariff based collection Advisory Committee on Clinical Excellence Awards (ACCEA)— Ongoing NHS data collections amended through Employer Based Awards Reports ROCR process during period May 2010-April 2011: Annual Census of Non-Principal Genera! Medical Practitioners Chlamydia Core Dataset Annual Hospital and Community Health Service (HCHS) Community Mental Health Activity non-medical workforce census Estates Return Information Collection (ERIC) Annual medical and dental workforce census Annual NHS Vacancy Collection General Ophthalmic Services—Sight Tests Annual Statement of Fire Safety Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT)—Key Performance Indicators Attribution Data Set (ADS) KA34 Performance and Clinical Quality Indicator Bed availability and occupancy (KH03) Central Alerting System (CAS) Mental Health Minimum Dataset v4 Charges for excess balances held in commercial bank accounts National Joint Registry (FIS9) exercise Programme Budgeting Childhood Immunisation Programme (KC50) Summary of Genitourinary Medicine clinics Collection of Influenza vaccine update data—immunisation of Ongoing NHS data collections terminated through poultry workers ROCR process in period May 2010-April 2011: Collection of Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine (PPV) uptake in the 65 and over population data Database of Countermeasures Colposcopy clinics, referrals, treatments and outcomes (KC65) Database of nominated recipients at all General Practitioners (GPs)—NHS (National Health Service) Choices Critical Care Minimum Dataset Direct Access Audiology weekly PTL (Patient Treatment List) Database to monitor use of Immunoglobulin Expert Patient Programme (EPP) Self Management Courses Diagnostic Departments: Radiology, nuclear medicine and medical physics. Financial Information Systems (FIS), Family Health Services (FHS) General Ophthalmic Service Diagnostics Waiting Times and Activity Data Collection General Pharmaceutical Council Awareness and perceptions Direct Access Audiology Monthly Tracking (Opinion Survey) Emergency Continuity Business Preparedness GP Premises Data Collection Equity ownership of special purpose vehicles in Private Finance Initiative (PFI) schemes HRG4 (Healthcare Resource Groups) Grouper User Optional Survey Financial Monitoring and Accounts Junior Doctor’s Hours Fire Incidents and Unwanted Fire Signal Data Monitoring extended GP practice opening hours General Medical Practitioners annual Census collection. National Children’s Health Service Mapping General Ophthalmic Services: Workforce Statistics for England and Wales—Annual Return of Practitioners and Premises NHS Campus Closure General Practice (including dental) written complaints (K041b) NHS Constitution Research: Wave 2 General Practitioners Practice Vacancy Survey NHS Staff Engagement and attitudes towards the NHS Genito-Urinary Medicine 48 Hour Access Target Monthly Notification of partnership intentions between Health Services Monitoring (GUMAMM) and Local Authorities using Section 75 Health Care Worker Seasonal Flu PCT (Primary Care Trust) Controlled Drug Officers contact Health Checks for people with learning disabilities details Health of the Population Return (HotPR) Practice Engagement in practice based commissioning Hospital and Community Health Services (HCHS) Complaints Swine Flu vaccine uptake data from GP registered patients (KO41A) Three year funding for third sector organisations Human papilloma virus (HPV) immunisation programme - TOP Slice (Treatment Outcomes Profile) vaccine monitoring minimum dataset—Including Catch up Programme Return Update of five clinical Directed Enhanced Services (DES) Informal Patients and Patients detained under the Mental 18 weeks referral to Treatment PTL Health Act: The Number of Uses of the Act NHS data collections recorded and approved through Information sharing between key hospitals and Crime and ROCR process which existed in the period but which do Disorder Reduction Partnerships (CDRPs) as part of the not fall into any of the above three categories: Tackling Knives Action Programme (TKAP) Abortion Statistics Integrated Drug Treatment System for prisons Clinical Activity 18 Weeks Performance Sharing Report Open and Staffed Adult Critical Care Beds (KH03a) 18 Weeks Referral to Treatment (RTT) Times Monthly Data Mandatory surveillance of healthcare associated infection (HCAI) Collection for orthopaedic surgical site infection (SSIs) 2012 Olympic Delivery Assurance Mandatory surveillance of healthcare associated infections (HCAI)—Clostridium difficile infection (CDI), methicillin-resistant Investment in Mental Health Services for Adults Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteremia, glycopeptide resistant Adult Screening Programme: Breast Cancer (PCT return) (KC63) enterococci (GRE) bacteremia, total blood cultures. 677W Written Answers24 MAY 2011 Written Answers 678W

Mental Capacity Act 2005 Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards Notes: (MCA DOLS) monitoring data collection 1. All information is based on collections of data commissioned Monitoring Revisions to new GP Contract—Financial Information by the Department and approved through the ROCR process. Monitoring System (RMS) Family Health Services (FHS)4 2. Community Information Dataset was approved in the time and PCT Financial Return (PFR1A-D) data collection from period, but licence doesn’t start until January 2012. PCTs 2006-7 Monitoring use of additional investment provided to support 3. The only one-off collections that are included are those granted implementation of the End of Life Care Strategy in 2009-10 approval within the specific period. Monthly Activity Flow 4. All one off collections are granted one year licences regardless of the point in the year that they are approved. National Cancer Dataset Waiting times subset 5. Some collections are referred to by their reference i.e. KH03, National Cancer Registration Dataset KA34. National Capabilities Survey 6. The IAPT collection will continue in 2012, whilst the IAPT-KPI National Child Measurement Programme collection is expected to be discontinued at that point. National Drug Treatment Monitoring System Source: National Maternity Services Data Set (NMDS) ROCR, The Health and Social Care Information Centre National Renal Dataset National Survey of Patient Experience Neonatal Critical Care Minimum Dataset (NCCMDS) Southern Cross Healthcare NHS Continuing Healthcare and NHS Funded Nursing Care NHS Pharmaceutical Services (PHS1) Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State NHS Stop Smoking Services Quarterly Monitoring Return for Health what discussions he has had with the NHS Trust—Financial Returns (6 TFR Forms)—to include Secretary of State for Communities and Local TFR6 Ambulance Services Expenditure (£000)—England Government on Southern Cross care homes since Non-medical Device Defects and Failures Reporting System 21 March 2011; and if he will make a statement. [56749] Paediatric Critical Care Minimum Dataset (PCCMDS) Pathology laboratories—cervical cytology and outcome of gynaecological referrals (KC61) Paul Burstow: I met the hon. Gentleman on 21 March to discuss his concerns. Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) Patient Safety and Healthcare Incidents Southern Cross has plans in place to restructure its business and ensure that services and quality are maintained Pharmex: electronic collection of hospital pharmacy purchasing data and has informed Government officials about these plans. Practice engagement in practice based commissioning (PBC): PBC leads survey The issue is the subject of regular discussion between Primary Care Trust—Financial Returns (PFR 5 Forms) officials in the relevant Departments, including the Department for Communities and Local Government. Prison Health, Performance and Quality Indicators They will then brief and update their respective Ministers Quarterly Monitoring of Accident and Emergency (QMAE) as they see fit. Quarterly Activity return The Government will continue to keep in close touch Quarterly Monitoring of Cancelled operations with the situation and will work with local authorities, Radiotherapy Contract Data Set (RT CDS) the Care Quality Commission and others to ensure Recording and reporting data about necessary and planned there is an effective response, which delivers protection treatment of overseas visitors from the European Economic to everyone affected. Area (EEA) Redundancy Data Collection Reference Costs Collection Spinal Injuries: Continuing Care Seasonal flu vaccine uptake Seasonal flu vaccine uptake in Health Care Workers Emily Thornberry: To ask the Secretary of State for Sexual and Reproductive Health Activity Dataset Health how many people with a spinal cord injury are Sitreps weekly and daily receiving continuing care in their own home. [56774] Specialist Palliative Care Workforce Data Collection Statement on Internal Controls data collection Paul Burstow: This information is not collected centrally. Strategic Health Authority—Analysis of Expenditure by Type Eligibility for national health service continuing health (5 Human Resources (HFR) Forms) care does not depend on a specific health condition. It is the extent of the individual’s assessed primary health Surplus Land for Housing care needs, and the care required to meet those needs, Secondary Uses Service (SUS) Payments By Results (PBR) rather than diagnosis, that determine eligibility. People Local Tariff Collection can move in and out of eligibility for NHS continuing Vaccination and immunisation data return collected through health care as their needs change. the Cover of Vaccination Evaluated Rapidly (COVER) Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) Risk Assessment The outcome of the assessment for NHS continuing health care should be an agreement about the individual’s Vital Signs needs, priorities and preferences for meeting them. Assessors Vital Signs Monitoring Returns should also take into account the views and contribution Vital Signs Monitoring Returns—continuation of lines of carers when assessing the person in need. 679W Written Answers24 MAY 2011 Written Answers 680W

COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT Care Homes: Planning Permission

Allotments Mr Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government if he will assess the merits of requiring (a) planning permission and Clive Efford: To ask the Secretary of State for (b) local consultation for the conversion of a Communities and Local Government what residential dwelling into a children’s residential home. representations he has received on the operation of [56855] section 23 of the Small Holdings and Allotments Act 1908 in respect of the duty of local authorities to Robert Neill: We announced in “Plan for Growth”, provide allotments where there is a demand for them; published alongside the Budget, our intention to review and if he will make a statement. [56238] how change of use is managed in the planning system. Further details on the review will be published shortly Greg Clark: The invitation to respond to the on the Department’s website. There will be an opportunity Government’s review of statutory duties placed on for anyone with an interest in this matter to make local authorities has now closed. Responses included representations. representations on allotments. Council Tax Benefits The review is intended to make clear, for the first time, the statutory duties placed on each local authority. We do not intend and have never intended to Ann McKechin: To ask the Secretary of State for remove local authorities’ statutory duties to provide Communities and Local Government whether his allotments or to remove the requirement for local Department and the Department for Work and authorities to seek the Secretary of State’s agreement to Pensions have developed an implementation plan for dispose of allotments or use statutory allotments for the localisation of council tax benefit. [57075] other purposes. Robert Neill [holding answer 23 May 2011]: As my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Communities Anti-Semitism and Local Government said in his written ministerial statement on 17 February 2011, Official Report, column Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for 92WS, my Department will, in due course, be undertaking Communities and Local Government what steps he has a full consultation on plans for councils to develop local taken to tackle anti-Semitism since April 2011; what schemes and meet the Government’s commitment to assessment he has made of the performance of the retain council tax support for the most vulnerable in Cross-Government Working Group to Tackle anti- society. We will also embark on a round of formal and Semitism; what recent (a) representations he has structured engagement with local authorities and other received from and (b) discussions he has had with interested parties, once the consultation is published. Members of the House of Lords on this issue; and if he Findings from this engagement and responses to the will make a statement. [56611] consultation document will be considered in the development of the necessary legislative framework to Andrew Stunell: The Department of Communities introduce the new system to replace council tax benefit. and Local Government regularly receives representations This reform will create stronger incentives for councils from hon. Members of both Houses on issues of anti- to get people back into work and so support the positive Semitism. Since April 2011 a number of meetings and work incentives that will be introduced through the discussions have been held with individuals and Government’s plans on universal credit. Combined with organisations to take forward the Government’s work other incentives—such as the New Homes Bonus and to tackle anti-Semitism. The work of the Cross-Government our proposals for the local retention of business rates—these Working Group is regularly assessed to ensure that key changes will give councils a greater stake in the economic actions are followed up and delivered. The Government’s future of their local area, so supporting the Government’s latest response to tackling anti-Semitism can be found wider agenda to enable stronger, balanced economic in the ‘Three Years On Progress Report’ which can be growth across the country. found at: Departmental Charitable Donations http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/communities/ antisemitismresponse Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what steps he is Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for taking to encourage charitable giving by Ministers in Communities and Local Government whether officials his Department. [57125] in his Department with policy responsibility for dealing with anti-Semitism (a) have regular access to Robert Neill: Charitable giving is a personal matter and (b) read Jewish weekly newspapers in the course of for individuals, although it is encouraged by Government. their official duties; and if he will make a statement. All Government Ministers have pledged to undertake a [56612] “one day challenge” with a charity or community group of their choice. This is a clear and public commitment Andrew Stunell: Officials in the Department with by Ministers to give their time to help others. The responsibility for dealing with anti-Semitism have regular pledge aims to inspire others to consider how they access to Jewish weekly newspapers and read them in might be able to support their communities to benefit the course of their official duties. themselves, as well as their chosen organisations. 681W Written Answers24 MAY 2011 Written Answers 682W

As an example of how Ministers are contributing to Robert Neill: We have published details of expected the wider giving agenda, the Government are strongly savings made in budgets for the Department’s arm’s supporting initiatives that help to raise aspirations in length bodies at schools. These include the “Speakers for Schools”initiative, http://www.communities.gov.uk/news/newsroom/1865652 which aims to get inspirational high profile people from The Department’s spending review settlement reflects a range of backgrounds to speak for free in state these savings. schools. The scheme is non-political and has significant cross-party support. Domestic Visits Departmental Data Protection Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what the date Eric Ollerenshaw: To ask the Secretary of State for was of each visit by a Minister in his Department on Communities and Local Government how many official duties to each local authority area since contracts his Department holds which allow 1 February 2011. [54132] contractors to store personal data of UK citizens overseas; to which contracts this applies; in which Robert Neill [holding answer 5 May 2011]: Since 1 countries the data for each such contract is held; and February 2011 the following visits by Ministers in DCLG how many people have their data stored overseas under have taken place: each such contract. [55734] The Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government: Robert Neill: Departmental records show no contracts which allow contractors to store the personal data of The Brentwood Borough Council area, on 3 February 2011; UK citizens overseas. The Epping Forest District Council area, on 4 February 2011; The City of Westminster area, on 9 February 2011; Departmental Ministerial Policy Advisers The Warwickshire County Council area, on 11 February 20111; The City of London area, on 1 March 2011; Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for The Cardiff City Council area, on 4-5 March 20111; Communities and Local Government (1) on what date The Coventry City Council area, on 7 March 2011; special advisers in his Department last used the The Chelmsford Borough Council area, on 11 March 2011; Government car pool to travel in an official capacity; and on how many occasions a special adviser in his The City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council area, on 17 March 2011; Department has travelled to their home address using The Brentwood Borough Council area, on 18 March 2011; the Government car pool since May 2010; [56082] The City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council area, on (2) how much his Department spent on special 25 March 20111; advisers’ travel by (a) Government car, (b) private hire car, (c) train, (d) bus, (e) commercial aircraft and (f) The City of Westminster area, on 31 March 2011; 1 private aircraft since May 2010. [56099] The Bedford Borough Council area, on 6 April 2011 ; The Nottingham City Council area, on 28 April 20111; Robert Neill: No civil servants or special advisers in The Reading Borough Council area, on 3 May 20111; the Department are entitled to the use of a car with a The Manchester City Council area, on 12 May 2011. dedicated driver nor are any entitled to use a car from The Minister for Housing and Local Government: the ministerial car pool. In line with the practice of The London Borough of Islington area, on 1 February 2011; previous Administrations, special advisers may accompany Ministers but records are not held. For the avoidance of The London Borough of Lambeth area, on 2 February 2011; doubt, no journeys have been made to home addresses. The Warwickshire County Council area, on 11 February 20111; 1 For the period from May 2010 to March 2011, amounts The Buckinghamshire County Council area on 4 March 2011 ; spent on special advisers’ travel are as follows: taxi—£184.50; The Sunderland City Council area, on 10 March 2011; train—£345.05 (standard class). There was no expenditure The Newcastle City Council area, 10 March 2011; on commercial aircraft, private aircraft, buses or The City of Westminster area, on 22 March 2011; Government cars during this period. The London Borough of Newham area, on 3 May 2011; To provide a comparison, the Department’s records The Bedford Borough Council area, on 3 May 20111; show that the following amounts were spent on special The Liverpool City Council area, on 9 May 2011; advisers’ travel during the period July 2009 to March The Sefton Council area, on 9 May 2011. 2010: taxi—£532.99; train—£5,498.13; commercial aircraft—£1,905.20. There was no expenditure on private The Minister for Decentralisation: aircraft, buses or Government cars during this period. The City of Westminster area, on 2 February, 24 February, 2 March, 7 April and 10 May 2011; All travel is governed by the requirements of the civil The Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council area, on 4 February service management code. 2011; Departmental NDPBs The London Borough of Southwark area, on 10 February 2011 and 10 May 2011; The Warwickshire County Council area, on 11 February 20111; Mr Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for 1 Communities and Local Government whether any The Ashford Borough Council area, on 18 February 2011 ; savings arising from the reduction in the number of his The Tandbridge District Council area, on 25 February 20111; Department’s arm’s length bodies will be re-allocated; The Cardiff City Council area, on 4-5 March 20111; and if he will make a statement. [56634] The Coventry City Council area, on 7 March 2011; 683W Written Answers24 MAY 2011 Written Answers 684W

The London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham area, on Baroness Hanham, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of 15 March 20111; State: The Ipswich Borough Council area, on 24 March 2011; The City of London area, on 3 February 2011; The Waveney District Council area, on 24 March 20111; The Bristol City Council area, on 10 February 2011; The Durham County Council area, on 25 March 2011; The Northumberland County Council area, on 8 March 2011; The City of London area, on 30 March 2011; The London Borough of Tower Hamlets area, on 10 March The Mid Sussex District Council area, on 8 April 2011; 2011; The London Borough of Barnet area, on 13 April 2011; The City of Westminster area, on 11 March 2011; The Corby Borough Council area, on 15 March 2011; The London Borough of Camden area, on 10 May 2011. The Leicester City Council area, on 15 March 2011. Bob Neill MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State: 1 Political visit, included in the interests of transparency. The London Borough of Wandsworth area, on 7 February 20111; European Regional Development Fund The Warwickshire County Council area, on 11 February 20111; The London Borough of Tower Hamlets area, on 16 February Mr David: To ask the Secretary of State for 2011; Communities and Local Government how much The City of London area, on 18 February 2011; funding from the European Regional Development The Cardiff City Council area, on 4-5 March 20111; Fund remains to be allocated in each region. [57379] The Gateshead Council area, on 9 March 2011; The London Borough of Bexley area, on 15 March 2011; Robert Neill: As at 30 April 2011, the following sums from the 2007-13 European Regional Development Fund The London Borough of Richmond Upon Thames area, on programme remained to be allocated: 16 March 2011;

The London Borough of Newham area, on 17 March 2011; 2007-13 programme area ¤ million The Swale Borough Council area, on 24 March 2011; East Midlands 136.23 The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead area, on East of England 59.42 31 March 2011; London 50.99 The London Borough of Newham area, on 5 April 2011. North East 137.84 Andrew Stunell OBE MP,Parliamentary Under-Secretary North West 250.99 of State: South East 11.66 South West (Competitive 57.10 The London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham area, on Programme) 16 February 2011; South West (Convergence 142.27 The Bath and Northeast Somerset Council area and Bristol Programme) City Council area, on 20 February 20111; West Midlands 232.59 The Mendip District Council area, Taunton Deane Council Yorkshire and Humberside 348.52 area, South Somerset District Council area and Purbeck District Total for England 1,432.61 Council area, on 21 February 20111; The Trafford Council area on 24 February 2011; Please note that all the figures are in euros because the European Commission allocates European Regional The Sheffield City Council area and Derby City Council area, on 25 February 20111; Development Funds in euros. 1 The Chesterfield Borough Council area, on 7 March 2011 ; Mr David: To ask the Secretary of State for The Milton Keynes Council area on 15 March 2011; Communities and Local Government how much The Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council area, on 17 March funding from the European Regional Development 2011; Fund has been (a) contracted and (b) paid to projects The Manchester City Council area, on 18 March 2011 and in each region to date. [57380] 12 April 20111; The London Borough of Sutton area, on 22 March 2011; Robert Neill: As at 30 April 2011, the following sums The Reading Borough Council area, on 28 March 20111; from the 2007-13 European regional development fund programme had been contracted for, and paid to each The Watford Borough Council area, on 31 March 2011; region: The Stoke-on-Trent City Council area and Warrington Borough 1 Council area, on 6 April 2011 ; ¤ million The Newcastle City Council area and Redcar and Cleveland 2007-13 programme area Contracted Paid Borough Council area, on 7 April 20111; East Midlands 132.27 69.07 The Leicester City Council area and Watford Borough Council East of England 51.57 11.86 area, on 11 April 20111; London 130.90 72.57 1 The Burnley Borough Council area, on 13 April 2011 ; North East 237.86 111.22 The Colchester Borough Council area, on 18 April 20111; North West 504.76 267.54 The City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council area, on South East 12.05 3.70 19 April 20111; South West (Competitive 67.56 19.85 Programme) The London Borough of Barking and Dagenham area, on South West (Convergence 310.79 116.66 27 April 2011; Programme) The Sandwell Council area, on 12 May 2011. West Midlands 167.31 80.11 685W Written Answers24 MAY 2011 Written Answers 686W

Numbers of firefighters injured as a result of an attack1 en route to or at an ¤ million incident, 2009-10 and 2010-11 2007-13 programme area Contracted Paid Statistical Fire and Rescue region Authority 2009-10 2010-11 Yorkshire and Humberside 235.07 115.52 Total for England 1,850.14 868.10 South West Isles Of Scilly 0 0 Note: All the figures are in euros because the European Commission allocates South West Wiltshire 3 0 European regional development funds in euros. South East Berkshire 0 0 South East Buckinghamshire 0 0 Fire Services: Crimes of Violence South East East Sussex 0 0 South East Hampshire 1 1 David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for South East Isle Of Wight 0 0 Communities and Local Government how many South East Kent 3 0 firefighters in each region have been injured as a result South East Oxfordshire 1 0 of an assault while on duty in each of the last three South East Surrey 0 0 years. [57004] South East West Sussex 0 0 London Greater London 18 1 Robert Neill: Figures for the total number of firefighters injured as a result of assault while on duty are not held Total— 43 27 centrally. England Numbers of firefighters injured as a result of an 1 Includes (i) physical abuse, (ii) other acts of aggression, and (iii) objects thrown. attack en route to or at an incident are available for 2 Data for Greater Manchester for 2009-10 incomplete. periods since April 2009. These are shown in the following Source: table by Fire and Rescue Authority and statistical region Incident Recording System, Department for Communities and Local for 2009-10 and 2010-11. Government Housing Associations: Fraud Numbers of firefighters injured as a result of an attack1 enroutetooratan incident, 2009-10 and 2010-11 Statistical Fire and Rescue Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State region Authority 2009-10 2010-11 for Communities and Local Government what North West Cheshire 0 0 information his Department holds on the level of fraud [57213] North West Cumbria 0 0 perpetrated against housing associations. North West Greater 05 Manchester2 Grant Shapps: The Department for Communities and North West Lancashire 0 3 Local Government does not collect information about North West Merseyside 1 0 frauds perpetrated against housing associations. From North East Cleveland 0 2 accounting year 2010-11 onwards, housing associations North East Durham 2 1 that are registered with the Social Housing Regulator North East Northumberland 1 0 are required to make an annual report to the Regulator North East Tyne and Wear 1 0 of any losses from fraudulent activity. Yorkshire and Humberside 1 1 As I outlined in a departmental press notice on Humberside 16 December 2010, social tenancy fraud in England is Yorkshire and North Yorkshire 0 0 Humberside estimated to cost £5 billion, in terms of the equivalent Yorkshire and South Yorkshire 0 0 cost of the number of social homes that are unlawfully Humberside occupied. Yorkshire and West Yorkshire 4 1 We are supporting councils to tackle tenancy fraud Humberside through £19 million in funding and a dedicated national East Midlands Derbyshire 1 0 action team based at the Chartered Institute of Housing. East Midlands Leicestershire 0 1 We are also working closely with the National Fraud East Midlands Lincolnshire 0 0 Authority, for example, to lower the cost of using the East Midlands Northamptonshire 0 1 services of credit reference agencies to help identify East Midlands Nottinghamshire 1 1 potential fraud. West Midlands Hereford and 00 Worcester Housing: Construction West Midlands Shropshire 0 0 West Midlands Staffordshire 0 0 Bill Esterson: To ask the Secretary of State for West Midlands Warwickshire 0 0 Communities and Local Government what assessment West Midlands West Midlands 2 0 he has made of the potential effect on (a) the Eastern Bedfordshire 0 1 availability of urban green space and (b) the green belt Eastern Cambridgeshire 0 1 of his proposals for new housing. [56346] Eastern Essex 3 4 Eastern Hertfordshire 0 1 Robert Neill [holding answer 19 May 2011]: As my Eastern Norfolk 0 0 right hon. Friend the Secretary of State clearly stated in Eastern Suffolk 0 0 answer to the hon. Member’s question of 4 April 2011, South West Avon 0 0 Official Report, column 731, the Government are committed South West Cornwall 0 0 to maintaining green belt protection. South West Devon and 00 Somerset We will also be implementing the coalition agreement South West Dorset 0 0 commitment to create a new designation to protect South West Gloucestershire 0 2 green areas of particular importance to local communities. 687W Written Answers24 MAY 2011 Written Answers 688W

Housing: Energy Robert Neill: In previous years under past Administrations, written representations on the Local Dr Poulter: To ask the Secretary of State for Government Finance Settlement have not usually been Communities and Local Government what steps his made public. In the spirit of transparency, Ministers Department is taking to ensure that new homes are have resolved that these should be published for the built to meet energy efficiency standards. [56666] 2011-12 settlement, with the exception of any representations where the sender has explicitly requested Andrew Stunell: As part of the programme of work to their submission be treated as confidential. deliver changes to the building regulations in 2013 and In due course, my Department will publish these the Government’s commitment that all new homes built documents online, with an accompanying background from 2016 should be zero carbon, my officials are note to explain what steps were taken to respond to working with industry to consider a range of measures consultation responses. I will inform the House when for further improving performance and compliance with this is completed. the energy efficiency standards for new homes. Areas being explored include improving guidance and dissemination to raise awareness and understanding of Local Government: Standards the requirements and how to achieve them, and improvements to the building control system to facilitate Laura Sandys: To ask the Secretary of State for compliance, such as enabling wider use of competent Communities and Local Government if he will bring person schemes. forward secondary legislation to grant voting rights to I also refer my hon. Friend to the written ministerial co-opted members of local authority standards statement of 17 May 2011, Official Report, columns 7-9WS committees. [56631]

Dr Poulter: To ask the Secretary of State for Robert Neill: The Standards Board regime fuelled Communities and Local Government what steps his petty complaints and malicious vendettas, wasting Department is taking to enable the retrofitting of older taxpayers’ money and harming local democracy. properties with energy saving and energy conservation technology. [56667] The Localism Bill places a duty on councils to promote and maintain high standards of conduct, under which it Andrew Stunell: The Government will launch the will be their responsibility to take and fund such measures, Green Deal in late 2012, which will enable householders including establishing any appropriate disciplinary processes, to improve the energy efficiency of their homes at no that they see fit to fulfil this duty. upfront cost. Measures will instead be paid for through And as a guard against corruption, the Bill also the resulting savings on energy bills. This department is provides that a member will commit a criminal offence supporting the development of the Green Deal through if he or she, without reasonable excuse, fails to register improvements to energy performance certificates, to or disclose an interest, or takes part in council business enable them to be part of the initial assessment of a having personal interests which prohibit this. home for the Green Deal, and to better engage householders In this context, it will remain open for councils to on the benefits of installing energy efficiency measures. have voluntary standards committees, but we have no My officials are also engaged in a number of areas of plans to bring forward secondary legislation as suggested. work to support take-up of the Green Deal, including One of the purposes of our reforms is to move away improved rights for private tenants to benefit from from arbitrary and often quasi-political judgments by energy efficiency measures; exploring proposals for using unelected officials who operate outside the integrity and building regulations to promote the retrofitting of buildings independence of the formal judicial process. when undertaking other major works; and working with social landlords to encourage large scale projects to retrofit homes with energy efficiency and micro- Planning Permission: Appeals generation technologies. Mr Chope: To ask the Secretary of State for Local Government Act 1988 Communities and Local Government how long his appointed Inspector in relation to appeal reference Mr Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for APP/E1210/A/10/2141696, spent at the appeal site Communities and Local Government what plans he during his visit on 1 March 2011. [57230] has for the future of section 43 of the Local Government Act 1988. [57222] Robert Neill: The Inspector’s records indicate that he Robert Neill: The Government have no specific plans spent 35 minutes on site and walking in the vicinity. He in relation to section 43 of the Local Government spent a further estimated five minutes driving in the Act 1988. The Government support and value the role wider locality to acquaint himself with the overall context of mandatory and discretionary rate relief. of the site. Local Government: Finance Playing Fields Ms Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government if he will place in Alison Seabeck: To ask the Secretary of State for the Library a copy of each submission made by Communities and Local Government what his policy is London borough councils to his Department on the on the future of the playing fields planning circular provisional 2011-12 local government finance New Town and Country Planning (Consultation) settlement. [35814] Direction 2009. [56630] 689W Written Answers24 MAY 2011 Written Answers 690W

Robert Neill: There are no plans to change the DCLG Trading Standards: Video Recordings Circular 02/2009: The Town and Country Planning (Consultation) (England) Direction 2009. The coalition Mr Streeter: To ask the Secretary of State for agreement affirms that the Government will seek to Communities and Local Government what assessment protect school playing fields, and it also commits the he has made of the likely effect on the enforcement of Government to creating a new designation to protect the provisions of the Video Recordings Act 1984 by green areas of particular importance to local communities. trading standards officers of the proposed reorganisation of the Local Government Group. [55914] Social Care Robert Neill: No such assessment has been made. The Local Government Group is owned by its member local Mr Tom Clarke: To ask the Secretary of State for authorities and independent of central Government; its Communities and Local Government (1) how much proposals for reorganisation and the services it will was allocated by each local authority for social care in provide are matters for it to agree with its members. each year since 2005; and if he will make a statement; Local Government Regulation provides support to [57394] councils on trading standards issues, but it is local (2) how much was allocated by each local authority authorities which undertake enforcement activity. as part of the supporting people programme in each Vacant Land year since 2005; and if he will make a statement; [57395] Dr Poulter: To ask the Secretary of State for (3) how much was allocated by each local authority Communities and Local Government what steps his for respite care in each year since 2005; and if he will Department is taking to discourage development on make a statement. [57396] greenfield sites. [56693] Robert Neill: We are taking substantial steps to help Robert Neill: I have today placed in the Library of the local communities protect greenfield sites as they plan House tables which show the sums allocated for social for sustainable growth. We are abolishing regional strategies care, and for the supporting people programme, by each and their top down direction including on developing local authority in the years 2005-06 to 2009-10. Figures urban extensions; councils have been given stronger for the sums allocated to respite care are not held powers to prevent unwanted garden grabbing; green centrally. belt, sites of special scientific interest and other Central Government funding for social care is not environmental protections will be maintained; and we ring-fenced and authorities are free to allocate this will create a new designation to protect green areas of funding according to local priorities. The spending particular importance to local communities. review provided an additional £7.2 billion for social Our proposed new planning policy statement on care over the next four years but it is for local authorities travellers, subject to consultation, seeks to increase to decide where this funding is most needed. protection of the open countryside and green belt.

ORAL ANSWERS

Tuesday 24 May 2011

Col. No. Col. No. ATTORNEY-GENERAL ...... 770 DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER—continued CPS Advocate Panels...... 773 House of Lords...... 757 Crown Prosecution Service ...... 771 Police and Crime Commissioners...... 762 Domestic and Sexual Violence ...... 770 Political and Constitutional Reform ...... 763 Forced Marriage ...... 773 Postal Voting...... 760 Fraud and Economic Crime...... 774 Topical Questions ...... 763 Transnational Bribery ...... 777 Voting Facilities (Service Personnel) ...... 761 DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER ...... 757 Disabled People (Elected Office) ...... 757

WRITTEN MINISTERIAL STATEMENTS

Tuesday 24 May 2011

Col. No. Col. No. BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS...... 47WS TRANSPORT...... 50WS Draft Groceries Code Adjudicator Bill ...... 47WS British Transport Police ...... 50WS CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT...... 49WS Lords Parliamentary Written Question (Correction)...... 49WS TREASURY...... 47WS Planned Tax Consultations ...... 48WS DEFENCE ...... 49WS Tax Avoidance ...... 47WS Sovereign Base Areas ...... 49WS HOME DEPARTMENT ...... 50WS WORK AND PENSIONS...... 52WS EU Directive (Third Country Nationals) ...... 50WS Defined Contribution Pension Schemes...... 52WS

PETITIONS

Tuesday 24 May 2011

Col. No. Col. No. BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS...... 3P JUSTICE ...... 6P ESOL Funding ...... 3P Minimum Sentence for Murder...... 6P Funding for English for Speakers of other Languages Courses ...... 4P

HOME DEPARTMENT ...... 5P WORK AND PENSIONS...... 6P Student Visas ...... 5P Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance...... 6P

WRITTEN ANSWERS

Monday 23 May 2011—[Continued.]

Col. No. Col. No. WORK AND PENSIONS ...... 485W WORK AND PENSIONS—continued Access to Work Programme ...... 485W Jobcentre Plus: Telephone Services ...... 493W Bakeries: Safety ...... 486W Jobseeker’s Allowance...... 494W Cold Weather Payments...... 486W Older People: Weather ...... 494W Departmental Ministerial Policy Advisers...... 487W Pensioners: Poverty...... 495W Disability Living Allowance...... 488W Personal Income ...... 496W Disability Living Allowance: Care Homes ...... 488W Poverty: Children...... 498W Employment and Support Allowance: Disability ...... 489W Social Security Benefits...... 498W Funeral Payments ...... 489W Trade Unions ...... 499W Future Jobs Fund: Kirklees ...... 490W Travel to Interview ...... 499W Housing Benefit: North West...... 491W Welfare Reform Bill ...... 500W Jobcentre Plus: Manpower...... 493W Jobcentre Plus: Preston ...... 493W

WRITTEN ANSWERS

Tuesday 24 May 2011

Col. No. Col. No. ATTORNEY-GENERAL ...... 654W BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS...... 641W Prosecutions: Northamptonshire ...... 654W Adult Education: Finance...... 641W Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre...... 641W Col. No. Col. No. BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS—continued DEFENCE—continued Apprentices...... 642W Departmental Billing ...... 531W Bakery Products...... 643W Departmental Data Protection...... 531W Departmental Ministerial Policy Advisers...... 643W Departmental Ministerial Policy Advisers...... 532W Employment Agencies ...... 644W Departmental Mobile Phones ...... 533W English Language: Universities...... 644W Departmental Rail Travel...... 533W Export Credit Guarantees...... 644W Departmental Work Experience...... 533W Fossil Fuels: Export Credit Guarantees ...... 645W Guided Weapons...... 534W Higher Education: Admissions ...... 645W Hawk Aircraft...... 534W Higher Education: Finance...... 646W Joint Strike Fighter Aircraft...... 535W Local Enterprise Partnerships...... 647W Joint Strike Fighter Programme...... 535W Manufacturing Industries ...... 648W Legal Arbitrator: Military Covenant...... 522W Press: Competition...... 648W Libya: Armed Conflict...... 536W Royal Mail ...... 648W Nuclear Submarines...... 536W Small Businesses ...... 649W Peacekeeping Operations ...... 537W Technology Transfer: Developing Countries ...... 649W Public Expenditure ...... 537W Trade Unions ...... 649W Research ...... 538W Universities...... 651W RFA Largs Bay ...... 538W Universities: Overseas Students...... 653W Saudi Arabia: Military Aid ...... 522W Trident Submarines...... 539W CABINET OFFICE ...... 603W Departmental Co-ordination ...... 603W DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER...... 624W Electoral Register...... 604W Electoral Register...... 625W Married People ...... 617W MPs: Recall...... 625W Political Party Funding...... 624W COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT ...... 679W Voting Rights: Prisoners ...... 625W Allotments ...... 679W West Lothian Question ...... 625W Anti-Semitism...... 679W Care Homes: Planning Permission...... 680W EDUCATION...... 626W Council Tax Benefits...... 680W Children in Care: Higher Education ...... 626W Departmental Charitable Donations...... 680W Class Sizes: Middlesbrough...... 626W Departmental Data Protection...... 681W Classroom Assistants ...... 627W Departmental Ministerial Policy Advisers...... 681W Departmental Official Engagements ...... 627W Departmental NDPBs ...... 681W Departmental Research ...... 628W Domestic Visits ...... 682W Free School Meals ...... 632W European Regional Development Fund...... 684W Free School Meals: Cheshire...... 633W Fire Services: Crimes of Violence...... 685W GCE A-Level...... 633W Housing Associations: Fraud...... 686W Greater Manchester ...... 635W Housing: Construction ...... 686W Higher Education: Admissions ...... 635W Housing: Energy ...... 687W Pupils: Disadvantaged ...... 636W Local Government Act 1988 ...... 687W Pupils: Reading Berkshire ...... 638W Local Government: Finance ...... 687W Schools: Catering...... 637W Local Government: Standards ...... 688W Schools: Crimes of Violence ...... 637W Planning Permission: Appeals...... 688W Schools: Finance...... 639W Playing Fields ...... 688W Teachers...... 640W Social Care...... 689W Teachers: Training...... 640W Trading Standards: Video Recordings...... 690W Vacant Land ...... 690W ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE ...... 501W Biofuels...... 501W CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT...... 506W Carbon Emissions: Ceramics ...... 501W Arts: Ethnic Groups...... 506W Departmental CCTV ...... 502W Broadband: Sunderland...... 507W Departmental Charitable Donations...... 502W Copyright: Internet...... 507W Departmental Ministerial Policy Advisers...... 502W Cultural Heritage: Qualifications...... 507W Departmental Taxis ...... 503W Departmental CCTV ...... 508W Electricity Generation...... 503W Heritage Lottery Fund: Reading...... 508W Energy: Meters...... 504W Heritage: Repairs and Maintenance...... 508W Energy: Prices ...... 504W Intellectual Property ...... 509W Fossil Fuels ...... 505W Local Broadcasting: Television ...... 509W Fuel: Households...... 505W National Lottery...... 510W Natural Gas ...... 505W Olympic Games 2012 ...... 510W Nuclear Power ...... 505W Olympic Games 2012: Contracts...... 510W River Severn: Tidal Power...... 506W Prince William: Marriage...... 511W Welsh Assembly Government ...... 506W Public Holidays...... 511W Wind Power: Planning Permission ...... 506W Sports: VAT ...... 512W Television: Local Broadcasting ...... 512W ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS...... 539W Trade Unions ...... 512W Aarhus Convention...... 539W Air Pollution: Greater London ...... 540W DEFENCE ...... 522W Angling...... 540W Afghanistan: Peacekeeping Operations ...... 523W Animal Welfare: Circuses...... 541W Armed Forces ...... 524W British Waterways Board ...... 541W Armed Forces: Casualties ...... 524W Carbon Emissions...... 541W Armed Forces: Compensation...... 524W Commons Councils...... 542W Armed Forces: Complaints ...... 526W Dairy Farming...... 542W Armed Forces: Conditions of Employment ...... 527W Dairy Farming: Insolvency ...... 542W Armed Forces: Pensions...... 529W Departmental Buildings...... 544W Armoured Fighting Vehicles ...... 529W Departmental Mobile Phones ...... 545W Closed Circuit Television ...... 529W Departmental Travel ...... 545W Community Covenant...... 529W Food: Origin Marking ...... 547W Defence: Exports ...... 530W Food: Waste...... 548W Col. No. Col. No. ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS— HOUSE OF COMMONS COMMISSION...... 573W continued Internet...... 573W Origin Marking: Israel ...... 548W Pigs: Animal Welfare ...... 548W INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT ...... 553W Plastic Bags...... 549W China: Overseas Aid ...... 553W Poultry: Animal Welfare ...... 550W Departmental CCTV ...... 553W River Rom: Pollution ...... 551W Departmental Manpower...... 553W Scallops: Dredging...... 551W Departmental Ministerial Policy Advisers...... 554W Set-aside Schemes ...... 552W Departmental Procurement...... 554W Zoos: Licensing...... 552W Departmental Research ...... 555W Developing Countries: Fossil Fuels...... 555W Developing Countries: Sanitation ...... 555W FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE ...... 582W Indian Subcontinent: Sanitation ...... 557W Ai Weiwei...... 582W Overseas Aid...... 558W Antarctic Treaty...... 582W Central Africa: Armed Conflict ...... 583W JUSTICE ...... 558W Crown Relocations...... 584W Civil Proceedings ...... 558W David Houtan Kian ...... 584W Courts: Fees and Charges ...... 559W Departmental Ministerial Policy Advisers...... 584W Departmental Charitable Donations...... 559W Departmental Pensions...... 585W Departmental Manpower...... 560W Egypt: Internet...... 585W Land Registry ...... 565W Embassies: Buildings ...... 585W Magistrates’ Courts...... 567W Internet...... 586W Parenting Orders...... 568W Libya: Foreign Relations...... 586W Prisons...... 569W Libya: Oil...... 586W Wills: Regulation ...... 572W Middle East: Demonstrations ...... 587W Palestinians: Borders...... 587W LEADER OF THE HOUSE...... 513W Syria: Demonstrations ...... 587W St Helens and Knowsley NHS Trust ...... 513W Uganda: Violence ...... 588W NORTHERN IRELAND...... 513W Personal Income ...... 513W HEALTH ...... 654W Bowel Cancer: Health Services...... 654W PRIME MINISTER ...... 512W Breast Cancer: Screening ...... 655W Animal Welfare: Circuses...... 512W Breast Cancer: Surgery ...... 655W Mark Britnell...... 513W Cancer: Drugs...... 656W Cancer: Health Services ...... 656W SCOTLAND...... 653W Carers ...... 657W Housing Benefit...... 653W Closed Circuit Television ...... 660W Continuing Care ...... 661W TRANSPORT...... 573W Counselling...... 661W Biofuels...... 573W Dental Services ...... 661W Biofuels: Aviation ...... 573W Dental Services: Standards ...... 662W Crossrail: Rolling Stock ...... 573W Dentistry: Pay ...... 667W Departmental Data Protection...... 575W Departmental Assets...... 667W Departmental Vacancies ...... 575W Departmental Manpower...... 667W Departmental Work Experience...... 575W Drugs: Prisoners ...... 668W Driving under Influence...... 576W Health: Disadvantaged ...... 669W High Speed 2 Railway Line ...... 576W Health Professions: Regulation ...... 668W Motor Vehicles: Insurance ...... 577W Health Services: Older People ...... 669W Motorways: Repairs and Maintenance ...... 578W Heart Diseases ...... 669W Railways ...... 578W Hospital Wards: Standards ...... 670W Railways: Snow and Ice ...... 579W Macular Degeneration: Drugs ...... 671W Road Traffic...... 579W Malnutrition ...... 671W Roads: Finance ...... 579W Mental Health ...... 672W Roads: Safety...... 579W NHS: Middlesbrough ...... 672W Speed Limits ...... 580W Nutrition ...... 673W Speed Limits: Cameras ...... 580W Obesity...... 673W Thameslink Railway Line ...... 581W Research ...... 674W Tolls...... 581W Southern Cross Healthcare ...... 678W Transport: Snow and Ice...... 581W Spinal Injuries: Continuing Care...... 678W TREASURY...... 588W Banks: Pay ...... 588W HOME DEPARTMENT ...... 514W Climate Change: EU Action ...... 589W Antisocial Behaviour Orders...... 514W Guardian’s Allowance: Grandparents...... 589W Aviation: Security ...... 515W Public Sector: Pensions ...... 589W Departmental Research ...... 515W VAT: Channel Islands ...... 590W Departmental Responsibilities ...... 517W Drugs: Technology...... 518W WORK AND PENSIONS...... 590W Entry Clearances: Appeals...... 518W Departmental CCTV ...... 590W Entry Clearances: Overseas Students ...... 518W Departmental Data Protection...... 590W Forensic Science Service...... 519W Disability Living Allowance: Care Homes ...... 591W Greater Manchester Police...... 519W Employment Schemes: Older Workers ...... 591W Human Trafficking ...... 519W Housing Benefit ...... 592W Immigrants: Employment ...... 520W Industrial Health and Safety...... 593W Immigrants: Gurkhas...... 520W Jobcentre Plus...... 593W Immigration Controls ...... 520W Jobcentre Plus: Clydebank ...... 594W Khat ...... 520W Jobcentre Plus: Scotland ...... 597W Overseas Students...... 521W Jobseeker’s Allowance: Work Experience ...... 598W Police ...... 521W Mortgages: Government Assistance...... 598W Stalking: Victims...... 522W National Insurance Contributions ...... 598W Col. No. Col. No. WORK AND PENSIONS—continued WORK AND PENSIONS—continued New Enterprise Allowance...... 600W Poverty: Children...... 601W New Enterprise Allowance: Wales...... 600W Social Security Benefits...... 602W Pensioners: Benefits ...... 600W State Retirement Pensions...... 603W Pensioners: British Nationals Abroad...... 601W Winter Fuel Payments: Expenditure ...... 603W Members who wish to have the Daily Report of the Debates forwarded to them should give notice at the Vote Office. The Bound Volumes will also be sent to Members who similarly express their desire to have them. No proofs of the Daily Reports can be supplied, nor can corrections be made in the Weekly Edition. Corrections which Members suggest for the Bound Volume should be clearly marked in the Daily Report, but not telephoned, and the copy containing the Corrections must be received at the Editor’s Room, House of Commons,

not later than Tuesday 31 May 2011

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

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

PRICES AND SUBSCRIPTION RATES DAILY PARTS Single copies: Commons, £5; Lords, £3·50. Annual subscriptions: Commons, £865; Lords, £525. WEEKLY HANSARD Single copies: Commons, £12; Lords, £6. Annual subscriptions: Commons, £440. Lords, £225. Index: Annual subscriptions: Commons, £125; Lords, £65. LORDS VOLUME INDEX obtainable on standing order only. Details available on request. BOUND VOLUMES OF DEBATES are issued periodically during the session. Single copies: Commons, £105; Lords, £40. Standing orders will be accepted. THE INDEX to each Bound Volumeof House of Commons Debates is published separately at £9·00 and can be supplied to standing order. WEEKLY INFORMATION BULLETIN compiled by the House of Commons, giving details of past and forthcoming business, the work of Committees and general information on legislation, etc. The Annual Subscription includes also automatic despatch of the Sessional Information Digest. Single copies: £1·50. Annual subscriptions: £53·50. All prices are inclusive of postage Volume 528 Tuesday No. 163 24 May 2011

CONTENTS

Tuesday 24 May 2011

Oral Answers to Questions [Col. 757] [see index inside back page] Deputy Prime Minister Attorney-General

Libya [Col. 779] Answer to urgent question—(Nick Harvey)

Green Investment Bank [Col. 789] Statement—(Vince Cable)

Autism (Quality Standards) [Col. 802] Motion for leave to bring in Bill—(Mr Buckland)—agreed to Bill presented, and read the First time

Backbench Business [28th allotted day] Eurozone Financial Assistance [Col. 805] Amendment—(Chris Heaton-Harris)—on a Division, agreed to Motion, as amended, agreed to

Royal Assent to Acts passed [Col. 812]

Spring Adjournment [Col. 843] Motion—(Mr Bone)—lapsed

Petition [Col. 891]

School Places (Finchley) [Col. 892] Debate on motion for Adjournment

Westminster Hall Post Office Card Account [Col. 187WH] Night Flights (Heathrow) [Col. 212WH] Treatment of Christians [Col. 221WH] Tees Valley Rail Transport [Col. 243WH] Land Stability (Ironbridge Gorge) [Col. 251WH] Debates on motion for Adjournment

Written Ministerial Statements [Col. 47WS]

Petitions [Col. 3P] Observations

Written Answers to Questions [Col. 485W]