Thursday Volume 558 14 February 2013 No. 117

HOUSE OF COMMONS OFFICIAL REPORT

PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES (HANSARD)

Thursday 14 February 2013

£5·00 © Parliamentary Copyright House of Commons 2013 This publication may be reproduced under the terms of the Open Parliament licence, which is published at www.parliament.uk/site-information/copyright/. 1025 14 FEBRUARY 2013 1026

Maria Miller: My hon. Friend is absolutely right to House of Commons pay tribute to organisations such as the one he mentions in his community, which can inspire young people to get Thursday 14 February 2013 involved in sport and stay involved. The Government are supporting those organisations through our youth and community sport strategy, in which £1 billion is The House met at half-past Nine o’clock being invested over the next five years. Along with the work of Sport England, that makes us well placed to capitalise on the momentum from the Olympic and PRAYERS Paralympic games.

[MR SPEAKER in the Chair] Jim Fitzpatrick (Poplar and Limehouse) (Lab): The Government initially tried to scrap school sports Mr Speaker: After four and a half years of dedicated partnerships completely but then changed their mind and outstanding professional service to the House, the and put some funding back in. How many of their Deputy Serjeant at Arms, Mike Naworynsky, is sadly targets for school sports participation are being met leaving us shortly to take up a new role in Oxford. I am these days? sure that the whole House will want very warmly to thank him for all he has done on our behalf. Maria Miller: I am sure the hon. Gentleman will have read in the press that Ofsted has produced an important report, in which it found that there has been an improvement in the provision of school sport since 2008. Everyone in Oral Answers to Questions the House would applaud that, but clearly we want to do more to build on the momentum from the Olympics and Paralympics. That is why we are continuing to put forward investment for the school games, which we CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT think is an important legacy project, but we will continue to look at how we can ensure that teachers are able to The Secretary of State for Culture Olympics, Media provide the physical literacy that we know young people and Sport was asked— need.

Olympic/Paralympic Games: Legacy Mr John Whittingdale (Maldon) (Con): I commend my right hon. Friend for the Government’s work to achieve a lasting legacy, but I ask her to focus on the 1. Chris White (Warwick and Leamington) (Con): financial legacy, particularly the money that was left What steps her Department is taking to secure a legacy within the budget and not spent. She will be aware of from the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic games. the big lottery refund campaign, now supported by [143148] more than 3,300 charities, which is pressing for that money to be returned. I know that it is the Government’s The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport intention to do so, but can she indicate when that will (Maria Miller): I am sure that you will not find it occur? inappropriate for me to wish you, Mr Speaker, a happy Valentine’s day, although I am sure that I am not the Maria Miller: My hon. Friend is absolutely right to first person to have done so this morning. bring that up. The lottery’s financial role in many The Government are clear about our vision to deliver organisations’ lives is pivotal. We cannot yet finalise the legacy over the next 10 years, and we have already made accounts, so it would be a little premature of me to give substantial progress across the five core areas: sport and any indication about it or when it might happen, but I healthy living, economic, community, regeneration of certainly understand the point he makes. Organisations east London and the Paralympics. want to know how that will work as we move forward.

Mr Speaker: I wish the same to the Secretary of State. Jim Shannon (Strangford) (DUP): I thank the Minister for her comments so far. Northern Ireland played a very Chris White: You took the words right out of my significant role in participating and medal-winning for mouth, Mr Speaker. Team GB at the Olympics. What discussions has she For sport in our country, 2012 was a fantastic year, had with the equivalent Minister in Northern Ireland to but it is vital that we follow it up over the next few years, ensure that the legacy from the Olympics will also be in especially with the young people we have the greatest place for the young people in Northern Ireland who potential to influence. In my constituency, a charity want a chance to be an Olympian? called Kids Run Free organises events to get young people passionate about exercise and sets up races Maria Miller: The hon. Gentleman is absolutely right that are available to school and pre-school age groups. that every corner of this great nation pulled together The races have spread across the west midlands and and supported the Olympics in a fantastic way. The the charity is eager to do more. What support are the Minister of State, my right hon. Friend the Member for Government giving to innovative charities such as Kids Faversham and Mid Kent (Hugh Robertson), has a Run Free, and how can we ensure that they get the committee that looks particularly at sport participation, resources they need so that we can build a long-lasting and the Olympic and Paralympic Legacy Cabinet Olympic legacy? Committee, which I chair, is looking at how we can 1027 Oral Answers14 FEBRUARY 2013 Oral Answers 1028 make sure that that participation continues to grow 11. [143159] Barbara Keeley (Worsley and Eccles South) over time in every part of the country. There are also (Lab): Last night a packed meeting here in Westminster local organisations dealing with this in the hon. Gentleman’s heard from the inspirational Claire Lomas and Martine part of the United Kingdom. Wright, both of whom have overcome severe disabilities to take part in their sports. They found their own Women’s Sport motivation, but there are many barriers to participation of women and girls in sport. What will the Secretary of 2. Rehman Chishti (Gillingham and Rainham) (Con): State do to encourage the 87% of women in Salford What support her Department is giving to women’s who are not participating to get interested in sport and sport. [143149] fitness activities?

The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Maria Miller: The hon. Lady is absolutely right that (Maria Miller): The London 2012 games put women’s it is important that we reach out to women to help to sport on the map, and we are committed to maintaining increase participation even further. I have already cited that very important momentum. the dramatic impact that hosting the Olympics and Paralympics has had in raising participation among Rehman Chishti: Will the Minister join me in welcoming women. Some sports have had a particularly successful the news that Gillingham Anchorians rugby club, which track record in this area. Netball is one of the fastest is keen on increasing women’s membership, recently growing women’s sports in the country, with participation received £50,000 of national lottery funding? having increased from 110,000 in 2005 to 158,000 last year. There are also examples in cycling and hockey. Maria Miller: My hon. Friend is a very keen sportsman, There is some good success, but we need to make sure and I am not surprised that he raises the important role that it is echoed in other areas too. that women play in rugby. I applaud the work in his constituency to make sure that that is happening. He Broadband may be aware that as a result of the Olympics and the Paralympics over 600,000 more women have participated regularly in sport. We can see no finer example of the 3. Alun Cairns (Vale of Glamorgan) (Con): What contribution of women in sport than the women’s six steps her Department is taking to improve broadband nations tournament, which is going on at the moment. I availability across the UK. [143150] am sure that every Member in this House will be supporting their home team. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (Mr Edward Vaizey): We are investing Mr Russell Brown (Dumfries and Galloway) (Lab): some £680 million in urban and rural broadband. Taking The Secretary of State is right about the achievements into the account local authority funding and private of women during the Olympics. The figures show that sector investment, more than £1 billion is going towards 36% of medals won at the Olympics were won by rolling out broadband. women, yet women get less than 1% of the sponsorship. Will she do something to try to redress that significant Alun Cairns: I pay tribute to the Minister and the imbalance? Government for prioritising the roll-out of broadband and for the significant sums of public money they have Maria Miller: The hon. Gentleman is absolutely right: committed to it. Openreach has been successful in many sponsorship can be crucial in not only increasing the of the contracts for extending broadband provision, but prominence of women’s sport but in enabling more its modelling can be inaccurate. Some of my constituents women to go to an even higher level within their sport. I have switched to fibre-to-the-cabinet, but they do not have been looking at this with people who are setting up get speeds anywhere near the original commitments. support systems. Importantly, I recently held a round Given those inaccurate models, is the Minister confident table with the press and with governing bodies, because that some of the providers will not come back for we need to create the demand for such sponsorship, and further public money? that is all about creating an increased profile for women in their sporting areas. Mr Vaizey: I pay tribute to my hon. Friend for the Tracey Crouch (Chatham and Aylesford) (Con): The assiduous work he does for his constituents. The average prominence of role models is very important in relation speed in Wales has gone up from some 7.5 megabits to to girls’ participation in sport. Will the Secretary of 12 megabits. We are investing almost £57 million in State update the House on the timetable for improving rolling out broadband. I note what he says about speed. the broadcasting and reporting of women’s sport? It is important that customers understand the speeds they will be getting. Maria Miller: Improvements in the coverage of women’s sport in the broadcasting or the press sector are up to 12. [143160] Andrew Gwynne (Denton and Reddish) the editorial control of those organisations. However, I (Lab): Several organisations, including those involved absolutely believe that the Government can have an in the delivery of the project, have said that the important role in voicing the nation’s belief that great Government will not meet the target of 90% of women’s sport is going on out there that needs support. households having access to superfast broadband by I have been working with press and broadcast organisations 2015. What does the Minister have to say to the to highlight the great work that they are already doing, 2.6 million households that will have to wait between but also building on that further. three and five years extra to access basic broadband? 1029 Oral Answers14 FEBRUARY 2013 Oral Answers 1030

Mr Vaizey: I say to the country as a whole that BT is The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture, undertaking the most ambitious roll-out of broadband Media and Sport (Mr Edward Vaizey): Local authorities almost anywhere in the world. We have the most ambitious have a statutory duty to provide a comprehensive and rural broadband programme of any country in Europe efficient public library service and to fund the service. and we are set on delivering superfast broadband to the My Department monitors the local authority proposals vast majority of people in this country, which is a for library service changes in England and the annual world-beating internet nation. Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy statistics, compiled from detail provided by the local Roger Williams (Brecon and Radnorshire) (LD): I authorities and published towards the end of this year. pay tribute to the Government’s determination to roll out broadband, particularly in rural areas, including Alex Cunningham: Somehow I did not expect the national parks and areas of outstanding natural beauty. Minister to admit the grave situation his Government However, some of the provisions in the Growth and have created in the library sector. He should know that Infrastructure Bill would remove protections that such many councillors across the country are facing the areas have enjoyed for 60 years. Is it necessary to put in prospect of closing the bulk of library buildings in their jeopardy those areas in order to achieve rural broadband communities as Government cuts hit hard. How does roll-out? that help the Minister fulfil the statutory duty to oversee the library service, and what message does he think he is Mr Vaizey: It is absolutely essential that we strike a sending young people and communities about the balance between protecting our rural environment and importance of reading and learning? removing some of the obstacles that have slowed the roll-out of broadband, so that it can be laid more Mr Vaizey: What message is the hon. Gentleman quickly, more cheaply and more efficiently. It is important sending when he talks down our library service? Local to strike a balance and I note what the hon. Gentleman authorities have always paid for libraries and have always has said. provided them, and they fund them with more than £800 million a year. Thousands of libraries are open up and down the country and new libraries are opening. Helen Goodman (Bishop Auckland) (Lab): The House Our library service is in very good health. knows by now that it was Labour’s policy to roll out broadband across the nation by 2012. The Government Mr Sheerman: The Minister does not have to shout put the target back to 2015 and BT now says that it will when he is put in a corner. I wish him a very happy not be achieved until 2017. What will be the impact of Valentine’s day. Opposition Members do not believe the Prime Minister’s decision to agree the 90% cut in the that there should be no change to the library service. We European broadband budget last week? have to move with the times. However, libraries are the centre of a civilised community. They should be updated, Mr Vaizey: We would not expect that to have any but they are havens where people can go and where kids impact on our own proposals. We are well ahead of the from poorer homes can do their homework. We should game in rolling out superfast broadband. Most of look at them as a setting in the community. It is the Europe—in fact, all of Europe—sees us as a leader in Government’s job to lead on this important issue. that respect. I am delighted that we did not introduce Labour’s telephone tax on hard-working people. Instead, Mr Vaizey: I thank the hon. Gentleman for that we are delivering superfast broadband to the vast majority point. I wish him a happy Valentine’s day and note his of people in this country. Valentine’s tie. I agree with everything that he said. That is why we have appointed a specialist libraries adviser 18. [143166] Priti Patel (Witham) (Con): Rural villages and why we have set up a fund of £6 million at the Arts in my constituency, including White Notley and Birch, Council to support libraries. I could go on, but I do not are desperate to have the same standard of broadband want to take up too much time. as the urban centres in my constituency. Will the Minister guarantee that every possible effort will be undertaken Mr Gary Streeter (South West Devon) (Con): Is my to secure private and public investment to get the right hon. Friend aware that Devon county council has chosen levels of connections across my constituency? to keep all its libraries open? Despite facing the same financial pressures as every other council, it has made a Mr Vaizey: I can absolutely guarantee that I will political choice to support the library service. Is that not make every effort to do that, particularly because my the way forward? hon. Friend’s constituents are so ably represented. I know that she will continue to hold me to account. Mr Vaizey: My hon. Friend is absolutely right. There are countless examples of Conservative councils up and Library Closures down the country making tough decisions to ensure that they continue to provide front-line services for their residents at the right cost. 4. Alex Cunningham (Stockton North) (Lab): What assessment she has made of the number of library Dan Jarvis (Barnsley Central) (Lab): I welcome the closures in England in 2013. [143151] Government’s decision to fund six libraries to become business incubators, but it comes at a time when unfair 10. Mr Barry Sheerman (Huddersfield) (Lab/Co-op): local government funding solutions mean that, since What assessment she has made of the number of 2010, 640 libraries have closed, are under threat or have library closures in England in 2013. [143158] been left to volunteers. Why are the Government not 1031 Oral Answers14 FEBRUARY 2013 Oral Answers 1032 developing a survival strategy to support local authorities? Clive Efford (Eltham) (Lab): Today’s report by Ofsted Why are the Government not recommending alternatives on sport in schools calls on the Government to devise for the delivery of services? Where is the vision? Where “a new national strategy for PE and school sport that builds on is the leadership? the successes of school sport partnerships”. Those partnerships have been totally undermined by Mr Vaizey: I sometimes wonder whether the Labour this Government. It is unacceptable that six months spokesman looks at a single thing that I am doing. We after the Olympics, we are still waiting for the Government have given responsibility for libraries to the Arts Council, to deliver a coherent sports strategy. If they continue to we have set aside a £6 million fund, we have published delay, they will fail the generation that we should be the CIPFA statistics and we are piloting automatic inspiring. How many more damning reports need to be membership for school children. He simply rolls over published before the Minister gets it and the Government when Newcastle proposes to cut its culture and its deliver the sporting legacy that our children deserve? libraries, and says, “I back Newcastle.” Hugh Robertson: First, the Opposition spokesman Sport should not conflate sport legacy with a school sport policy. He is well aware that the sport legacy is going extraordinarily well. He tends never to mention that 5. Charlotte Leslie (Bristol North West) (Con): What 1.75 million people are now playing sport who were not steps she is taking with her ministerial colleagues in playing sport at the time of the bid. There is also a other Government Departments to advance the role of range of international events, and around the globe sport. [143152] 14 million extra children have been touched by sport. The Minister of State, Department for Culture, Media If the hon. Gentleman is going to criticise sport and Sport (Hugh Robertson): The Prime Minister has provision on the back of the Ofsted report, he should established the Cabinet Committee on Olympic and wake up to the fact that it covers 2008 to 2012—throughout Paralympic Legacy, through which all Departments are the period in which the school sport partnerships were working together to deliver a tangible and lasting legacy operating. If he wishes to see them reintroduced, he has from London 2012. Sport is at the heart of that process. to explain to the House and others how they would be funded, about which we have heard not a jot from the Charlotte Leslie: It is evident that sport has a vital Opposition since the election. role in improving behaviour in schools and health outcomes, and in preventing youth offenders from reoffending, as Mr Speaker: I call Mr Graham Allen. Not here. I have seen at Ashfield young offenders institution near my constituency. Will the Minister pledge to work with Non-league Football colleagues from across Departments to ensure that such interventions are available to young people so that they 7. David Mowat (Warrington South) (Con): What can turn their lives around? steps her Department is taking to encourage the development of non-league football clubs. [143154] Hugh Robertson: Absolutely. That process is already happening, as is evident from the work that the Department The Minister of State, Department for Culture, Media of Health does through Change4Life clubs, the work of and Sport (Hugh Robertson): We have been clear, along the National Centre for Sport and Exercise Medicine, with the Select Committee on Culture, Media and Sport, and the cross-departmental funding for the school games. that we expect the Football Association to reform the governance of the game as a top priority. As part of 13. [143161] Gregg McClymont (Cumbernauld, Kilsyth that, we expect the FA to show representative, accountable and Kirkintilloch East) (Lab): The Minister will be and strategic leadership and help develop football across aware that betting on sport has always been central all levels including the grass-roots, non-league and to the business model of betting shops, but a new professional parts of the game. development is the use of fixed odds betting terminals. Their high stakes and speed of play have led them to be David Mowat: I declare an interest as a director of described as the “crack cocaine of gambling”. In my Warrington Town football club, which would not exist constituency, there are more than 50 such terminals. were it not for dozens of donors and unpaid volunteers. What does the Minister intend to do about this problem? Other non-league clubs are going bust, yet 50% of the money from our national team continues to be diverted Hugh Robertson: I am not entirely sure what that to the professional game, which is really very wealthy. question had to do with advancing the role of sport. The Select Committee has mentioned that problem. The answer on FOBTs, which emerged in the middle of Will the Minister update us on the progress towards the question, is that they are subject to the triennial fixing that allocation? review of stakes and prizes, which has just been launched. The Responsible Gambling Trust is just launching the Hugh Robertson: There is a fine dividing line here, largest ever consultation into the effect of FOBTs. If, as because it is not for the Government to tell the sport I suspect, it shows that there is a problem that needs to how to allocate money that it raises itself any more than be addressed, that problem it will be addressed. it would be for us to allocate the England and Wales Cricket Board’s broadcast income or the Rugby Football Mr Speaker: The Minister rightly implies that there Union’s income from Twickenham. However, my hon. was an elastic interpretation of what constitutes sport. Friend is absolutely right to highlight the issue. If we We will leave it at that for the time being. can get the reforms at the FA that we and the Select 1033 Oral Answers14 FEBRUARY 2013 Oral Answers 1034

Committee are pushing for, they will empower the board The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport to take precisely the decisions that he advocates instead (Maria Miller): It is departmental policy to pay at least of relying on an arbitrary 50% split. the national minimum wage to all employees, including interns. Ian Lavery (Wansbeck) (Lab): Non-league football is the bedrock of our beautiful game, and as the hon. Stella Creasy: The British Film Institute is due to Member for Warrington South (David Mowat) said, review its policy on internships at the beginning of many community clubs face extinction. Bedlington Terriers, March. Will the Secretary of State commit to writing to a community club in my area, faces a very uncertain it to encourage it to pay its interns so that the opportunities future. How will the Government engage with the Premier this publicly funded body provides are available to all League to ensure that the vast riches trickle down to without financial support? assist the survival of non-league community clubs? Maria Miller: The important thing for the hon. Lady Hugh Robertson: The Government are doing a number to recognise is that work experience and internships are of things, and I entirely take the hon. Gentleman’s an incredibly helpful way for young people to get into point. This is one of the key things that we discuss employment, and evidence from the Department for regularly with the Premier League, the Football League Work and Pensions backs that up. The hon. Lady will and the FA. The FA, of course, receives one of the know that the BFI wants to ensure that work experience largest whole sport plan funding awards of more than is available to people from a cross-section of society, £30 million, which is there precisely for the development and it has advertised its internships in such as way as to of the game and to encourage more people to play ensure that happens. football. He makes a good point, and we will address it in the reform process. Mobile Telephone Coverage Departmental Administrative Expenditure 14. John Glen (Salisbury) (Con): what steps her 8. Mr Philip Hollobone (Kettering) (Con): What her Department is taking to improve mobile telephone Department’s administrative expenditure was in 2010; coverage across the UK. [143162] and how much that expenditure will be in 2015. [143155] The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (Mr Edward Vaizey): Only 0.3% of the The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport UK population is not served by any mobile network (Maria Miller): My Department will have cut its original operators. The mobile infrastructure project is addressing administration expenditure by 50% in real terms between up to 60,000 premises in total, including not spots and 2010 and 2015, from £50 million to £27 million, while the 10 roads announced in the 2012 Budget. When 4G continuing to deliver across its full range of activities, services come on stream they should go to at least including a successful Olympic and Paralympics games. 98% of homes. Its actual administration budget will have risen from £50 million in 2010 to £55 million in 2015 as a result of John Glen: I thank the Minister for that response. the transfer of functions from other Departments. Mobile 4G will be increasingly important in rural communities such as those around Salisbury. Will the Mr Hollobone: In these tough times, private sector Minister clarify the Government’s latest thinking on firms and public sector and voluntary organisations in securing better access to BT networks by mobile operators, the Kettering constituency are having to do more with as that will be vital to the cost and speed of 4G mobile less. Will my right hon. Friend insist that her Department internet connection experienced across the UK, particularly is unrelenting in driving down its unnecessary administrative in rural communities? expenditure all the way through to 2015, to give the British taxpayer the best deal? Mr Vaizey: We look across the piece at ensuring that Maria Miller: I can give my hon. Friend that absolute we remove any regulatory obstacles to the roll-out of assurance. Across the board, all areas are expected to mobile phone infrastructure. As my hon. Friend points make the savings that I know he and his constituents out, getting backhaul for mobile phone masts is incredibly would expect us to, whether within the original DCMS important, and I would be happy to hear his concerns. functions or in the new responsibilities that the Department We do, of course, work constructively with Ofcom and has taken on—those from the Government Equalities BT to ensure that that is effective. Office and telecoms responsibilities from the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills. That includes reducing Mr Alan Reid (Argyll and Bute) (LD): I am pleased accommodation costs from £4.9 million in 2010 to with the progress that the Government are making and £3.6 million this year. the Minister’s commitment. In a vastly spread out rural area such as Argyll and Bute, many communities do not Minimum Wage have access to mobile phone coverage. Will the Minister tell the House when he hopes to appoint a supplier for 9. Stella Creasy (Walthamstow) (Lab/Co-op): the mobile infrastructure project? whether her Department and arm’s-length bodies pay at least the minimum wage to all staff, including Mr Vaizey: I understand that we have gone out to interns; and what steps she is taking to encourage the tender for the procurement of the mobile infrastructure payment of at least the minimum wage to such interns. project, so we should hear some good news in the [143156] spring. 1035 Oral Answers14 FEBRUARY 2013 Oral Answers 1036

Silent Calls Arm’s Length Bodies: Appointments

15. Cathy Jamieson (Kilmarnock and Loudoun) (Lab/ 17. Tristram Hunt (Stoke-on-Trent Central) (Lab): Co-op): what steps she is taking to tackle silent calls; What recent assessment she has made of the process by and if she will make a statement. [143163] which public appointments to her Department’s arm’s length bodies are made. [143165] The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (Mr Edward Vaizey): Under the The Minister of State, Department for Culture, Media Communications Act 2003, the Office of Communications and Sport (Hugh Robertson): Ministerial public appointments —Ofcom—has responsibility for tackling silent and to my Department’s arm’s length bodies are made on abandoned calls through its persistent misuse powers. It merit, under fair,open and transparent processes, regulated has an ongoing enforcement programme targeted at by the Commissioner for Public Appointments under companies that breach those rules and can issue a the commissioner’s code of practice. penalty of up to £2 million. In the previous year, Ofcom issued fines of £810,000. Tristram Hunt: I thank the Minister for his answer, Cathy Jamieson: I thank the Minister for that answer, but there is a crisis in the museum and arts sector as a but many of my constituents, and those of other hon. result of political interference and incompetence in Members, say that despite registering with the Telephone Downing street—a number of heritage bodies and museums Preference Service, they still receive silent and other have waited months for decisions on trustee appointments nuisance calls. Will the Minister meet concerned MPs only to have them vetoed by a busy-body Prime Minister so that we can discuss some of those issues and look at on political grounds. Will he tell the Prime Minister to what more can be done to help stop constituents suffering butt out of matters of which he has no knowledge and that nuisance? stop gerrymandering our cultural institutions?

Mr Vaizey: I have already met a number of MPs to Hugh Robertson: As the hon. Gentleman well knows, discuss the issue and I would be delighted to meet the all such appointments are made under very strict Office hon. Lady and any hon. Members she wishes to bring of the Commissioner for Public Appointments guidelines with her. I share her concerns. This is important and and can be challenged. In the appointments for which I there are two regulators—Ofcom and the Information have been responsible, we have worked extensively across Commissioner’s Office—and I meet them regularly to boundaries. We appointed the former Minister with discuss this issue. I would happily bring them to the responsibility for the Olympics to the Olympics board meeting. and I kept the former Minister with responsibility for sports as a trustee of the football foundation. That City of Culture arrangement was not extended to the Conservative party when it was in opposition. 16. Mr David Amess (Southend West) (Con): when she expects a decision to be made on which city will be Topical Questions named 2017 UK city of culture. [143164] T1. [143168] Karl Turner (Kingston upon Hull East) The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture, (Lab): If she will make a statement on her departmental Media and Sport (Mr Edward Vaizey): We expect to responsibilities. announce the result of the competition for UK city of culture 2017 in November. The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (Maria Miller): Mr Speaker, I am sure it has not escaped Mr Amess: Although I fully appreciate that my hon. your notice that today is local digital radio switchover Friend must go through the formalities of the bidding day in Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire, process as to which city should be city of culture in meaning better local radio services for local residents, 2017, he could save his time and the work of his officials including those in your constituency. I also welcome the by announcing now that Southend should be the city of One Billion Rising campaign, which is today highlighting culture. the importance of eliminating violence against women and girls around the country. Mr Vaizey: The cultural delights of Southend are well known: the Pier Cultural Centre, Priory Park bandstand Just to take the Valentine’s theme a little further, the and, of course, the Cliffs Pavilion where tonight Billy Department for Culture, Media and Sport ministerial Fury’s Tornados will be playing. No doubt they will team are very much in love with the musical artists who perform “Last night was made for love”. achieved success in the recent Grammys—Adele, and Mumford and Sons—and with Daniel Day-Lewis, who Sir Bob Russell (Colchester) (LD): Will the Minister triumphed at the British Academy of Film and Television accept, however, that Colchester is clearly the cultural Arts awards. capital of Essex, and therefore that Colchester should have the title of city of culture? Karl Turner: Will the Minister explain why my excellent local radio station BBC Radio Humberside has to axe Mr Vaizey: I acknowledge Colchester’s important jobs at the bottom, while nationally the BBC continues cultural value, which has been acknowledged since the to employ hundreds of executives, many of whom are Romans arrived. paid more than the Prime Minister? 1037 Oral Answers14 FEBRUARY 2013 Oral Answers 1038

Maria Miller: The hon. Gentleman is right to highlight one of the largest programmes under the rural broadband the importance of local radio in our constituents’ lives, scheme. We hear what my hon. Friend says, and we will but the BBC makes the decisions on how it uses its do anything we can to help him in any way he wishes. money. I am sure it has heard loudly his comments. He will welcome the appointment of his former right hon. T2. [143169] Paul Flynn (Newport West) (Lab): A Friend James Purnell to a prominent position in the middle-aged constituent of mine, with no previous history BBC—perhaps he will have heard the hon. Gentleman’s of gambling, lost her family’s life savings after being comments. seduced by clever marketing by a television gambling programme. There is a new pestilence of high-speed, T3. [143170] Andrew Stephenson (Pendle) (Con): News high-stakes gambling that has cost my constituents in in January that Seedhill athletics track and fitness Newport West at least £2 million. What are the Government centre in Nelson has been awarded a £50,000 grant by doing to stop it? Sport England to resurface the running track followed similarly great news for Colne and Nelson rugby club, Belvedere and Calder Vale sports club, and Pendle Hugh Robertson: The hon. Gentleman raises concerns Forest sports club. Will my right hon. Friend join me in that are felt by a number of hon. Members across the congratulating all the volunteers involved in those House. The Responsible Gambling Trust has primacy excellent Pendle sports clubs on securing their part of in this area and is in the process of conducting the the Olympic legacy? largest piece of academic research ever undertaken. If further action needs to be taken as a consequence—he and many other hon. Members have made this point The Minister of State, Department for Culture, Media powerfully—then the Government will take that action. and Sport (Hugh Robertson): I join my hon. Friend with pleasure in congratulating those volunteers. I should add to his excellent question by saying that more than T5. [143172] Mr Marcus Jones (Nuneaton) (Con): I 1,000 local community sports clubs have benefited from hear from many constituents who are subjected to a funding under Places People Play. The funding was barrage of unsolicited telephone calls on a daily basis, made available by the reforms to the lottery introduced despite the fact that they are registered with the telephone by this Government and opposed by the Labour party. preference service. Will my hon. Friend undertake to look carefully into this situation, because it is causing Ms Harriet Harman (Camberwell and Peckham) (Lab): a great deal of stress and anxiety, particularly to my With the Arts Council cut by 30%; with regional elderly constituents? development agencies, which did so much to support the arts in the regions, abolished; with arts donors Mr Vaizey: I completely understand my hon. Friend’s smeared as tax dodgers; with the Education Secretary concerns. If he wants to come to the meeting I arranged trying to squeeze arts out of the curriculum; and with earlier, I would be delighted to have him. We need to local government, especially in hard-pressed areas, which crack down on this and we are working closely with the does so much to support arts in local communities, two regulators involved. facing the biggest cuts in a generation, does the Secretary of State not realise that it is her job to fight for the arts for everyone? Will she therefore withdraw her shameful Alison Seabeck (Plymouth, Moor View) (Lab): As an assertion that the arts community is disingenuous and Essex girl born and bred, I urge the Minister not to be that its fears are pure fiction? swayed by the hon. Members for Colchester (Sir Bob Russell) and for Southend West (Mr Amess). May I instead invite him to taste the delights, and to look at Maria Miller: The right hon. and learned Lady will the art and culture, of Plymouth? know that the arts and culture in this country are at the heart not just of making this a great place to live, but of the growth strategy. That is the work that our Department Mr Vaizey: I would be absolutely delighted, and I is doing. It is important to show that arts and culture have indeed visited the theatre in Plymouth in the past. are not just on the periphery, but at the heart of making this a great country. I am glad she has decided to show T6. [143173] Mr David Amess (Southend West) (Con): an interest in this area—I welcome that. I hope she will Will my right hon. Friend visit the Jubilee Room on underline the importance of sending messages to local 4 March, where she will see at first hand just how authorities such as those in Newcastle that the arts are wonderful Southend is? She will learn that the only way important. is Essex in terms of culture, media and sport.

T4. [143171] Mel Stride (Central Devon) (Con): Will my hon. Friend join me in congratulating Devon Maria Miller: My hon. Friend is a very persuasive and Somerset county councils on recently signing a Member of Parliament, and I am sure that as many new contract for superfast broadband? I urge him to MPs as possible will be there. bring forward any announcements about future and remaining available funding so that momentum is Meg Hillier (Hackney South and Shoreditch) (Lab/ maintained. Co-op): Tomorrow marks the start of London fashion week. Are the Government willing to work with the The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture, British Fashion Council, which is announcing a mapping Media and Sport (Mr Edward Vaizey): We were delighted exercise of manufacturing in the industry to help to with the procurement for Devon and Somerset, which is support jobs and growth for all of our constituents? 1039 Oral Answers14 FEBRUARY 2013 Oral Answers 1040

Mr Vaizey: I understand that the hon. Lady secured John Penrose (Weston-super-Mare) (Con): Does the an important debate on fashion this week. We support tourism Minister have a view on recent proposals by the the British Fashion Council’s plans to carry out the BAA to raise the per-passenger charges at Heathrow mapping exercise, and I am working as hard as I can to and does he have plans to make representations to other see what Government support I can draw out. Whitehall Departments to address the potential effect on the tourism industry? T7. [143175] John Glen (Salisbury) (Con): The Minister will be aware of the work of the Magna Carta cities of Hugh Robertson: Yes; as my hon. Friend is well aware, Salisbury and Lincoln to celebrate the 800th anniversary if money is raised in one area and there is a cut, it of the sealing of the Magna Carta. Will he meet Salisbury’s generally has to be found from somewhere else, and of Magna Carta project team, including my distinguished course raising these duties has the perverse effect of predecessor Robert Key, to discuss the role of the encouraging people to take their holidays in this country. British Library and UNESCO in planning for these There is a balance to be struck, however, and that is important events? what we are trying to do. Pete Wishart (Perth and North Perthshire) (SNP): Mr Vaizey: I would be delighted to meet my hon. Next week, it is the Brit awards, when we will once again Friend. The anniversary of Magna Carta is extremely celebrate the massive success of our music industry. I important. May I also use this opportunity to recall am sure the Minister will be in his usual place. He will with great fondness my visit to one of the libraries in my know of the usual challenges facing the music industry, hon. Friend’s constituency? I am so pleased that Wiltshire’s particularly from illegal downloading and piracy. When libraries are thriving. can we expect to see the provisions agreed in the Digital Economy Act 2010? T9. [143177] Cathy Jamieson (Kilmarnock and Loudoun) (Lab/Co-op): Many remote rural communities in Scotland Mr Vaizey: The Digital Economy Act was a good do not have access to any form of broadband, far less example of a piece of rushed legislation that was not superfast broadband. What discussions has the Minister properly scrutinised, but we are doing our best to get it had recently with the Scottish Government to ensure back on track. There have been bumps in the road, but that this issue is tackled effectively? we continue to work with the music industry and the internet provider industries to crack down on advertising, Mr Vaizey: We have made a large allocation of funding payments and illegal piracy sites. to the Scottish Government and they are in the lead on procuring broadband. Should there be any issues arising, Philip Davies (Shipley) (Con): I do not believe I have however, we would be delighted to have any discussion an interest to declare, but if anybody wishes to crawl they need. over my register of interests and come to a different conclusion, I am happy for them to do so. T8. [143176] Mr Adrian Sanders (Torbay) (LD): What Is it the Government’s plan to regulate and tax the discussions has the Minister’s Department had with the gambling industry on a point-of-consumption basis? If Department for Transport about rail links to seaside so, what steps will the Minister take to ensure that the resorts in order to fulfil the coalition’s pledge in its Gambling Commission is prevented from empire building tourism strategy? and using that as an excuse to hike up its fees?

Hugh Robertson: Access to resorts, particularly seaside Hugh Robertson: As my hon. Friend will be well resorts, is one of the key issues that will drive domestic aware, the point of the proposed legislation is consumer tourism. The numbers are increasing considerably, but protection and there are no plans at the moment for the one of the great challenges facing domestic tourism is Gambling Commission to increase its fees. getting more tourists out of London and into coastal resorts. That is one of the issues we are seeking to Several hon. Members rose— address. Mr Speaker: Order. I apologise to colleagues, but as usual demand has exceeded supply. Barry Gardiner (Brent North) (Lab): I am sure the Minister will share my disappointment that libraries have become a political football between national and local government. Does he agree that perhaps the best WOMEN AND EQUALITIES way of safeguarding our libraries is to define more clearly what constitutes a statutory comprehensive library service? The Minister for Women and Equalities was asked— Working Mothers Mr Vaizey: We have issued clear guidelines to local authorities based on the Charteris review, but I agree 1. Chi Onwurah (Newcastle upon Tyne Central) (Lab): with the hon. Gentleman that libraries should not be a What steps she is taking to support working mothers. political football. It is important that local authorities [R] [143136] be free to make decisions about the future of their library services. The decisions taken by the Labour The Minister for Women and Equalities (Maria Miller): council in Brent were based on proposals that were six We now have more women in work than ever before, or seven years old and not related to cuts. using their skills to gain economic independence. To see 1041 Oral Answers14 FEBRUARY 2013 Oral Answers 1042 sustainable economic growth, we need to ensure that of the working tax credit was uprated by £180 above working mothers can take advantage of the full range inflation, and that the reforms to the tax system have of opportunities available in the workplace. We continue already set us on the path to taking 1 million women to tackle the barriers that might prevent them from out of tax. Surely she should be supporting those reaching their potential. changes.

Chi Onwurah: The Secretary of State speaks warm Judicial Review: Disabled People words, but in Newcastle alone 1,768 women will be affected by the Government’s mummy tax. Low-paid new mums stand to lose £180 in maternity pay and 2. Grahame M. Morris (Easington) (Lab): What recent more than £1,300 in total from the Government’s cuts discussions she has had with her ministerial colleagues to benefits and tax credits. We know that life is hard on the effects on disabled people of the Government’s enough for working mums. In too many sectors, too recent consultation on judicial review. [143137] many women do not return to work, and we lose their skills and contribution, so why are the Government The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Work making life even harder for them? and Pensions (Esther McVey): I routinely meet my colleagues in Government to discuss the impact of policies on Maria Miller: I have to challenge the hon. Lady’s disabled people. Before Christmas, I met the Lord assertions. It is clear that the Government are giving Chancellor to discuss areas of common interest. women the tools and support to become economically independent. The facts speak loudly. This year, we will Grahame M. Morris: I thank the Minister for her have taken more than 1 million out of tax altogether. reply, but may I draw her attention to the chronic lack That is the sort of action we want to see—women of funding that has led to a crisis in social care that is coming out of tax, being lifted out of poverty and being particularly affecting working-age disabled people? May given the tools to be economically independent. I also draw her attention to the report “The Other Care Crisis”, produced by five leading disability charities? Mr Philip Hollobone (Kettering) (Con): What working There has been a colossal 45% increase in applications mothers need from employers most of all is flexibility, for judicial reviews of local authority social care policies. but employers find it difficult to be flexible when lots Does she think it is acceptable to undermine the judicial of working mothers are thrown into chaos, through review process for disabled people who are simply trying no fault of their own, when schools are closed during to get the social care that they need? snowy weather. As a nation, we are not tackling this problem nearly enough. Will my right hon. Friend hold Esther McVey: There is no undermining of the judicial discussions with the Department for Education to see review process. In 1974, 160 applications were made, whether we can nail this problem once and for all? but last year alone, there were 11,000. Only about one in six of those applications was granted; fewer still were Maria Miller: My hon. Friend makes the important successful. We are ensuring that the right appeals proceed point that, as working parents, we rely on certainty in and that the unmeritous ones do not. This is about regard to child care and to schools. The decision on ensuring the integrity of the judicial review system and whether a school is open is one for head teachers—they the smooth running of the legal process. can assess things better on the ground—but his point is well made and I will certainly ensure that it is brought Fiona Mactaggart (Slough) (Lab): A phenomenon to the attention of my hon. Friends in the Department that I see in my constituency is that private landlords for Education. are saying, “No housing benefit.” The Minister knows that it is illegal to say, “No blacks, no Irish” and so on, Kate Green (Stretford and Urmston) (Lab): Yesterday, but disabled people are more likely to be dependent on six mothers wrote to The Guardian to object to the housing benefit than other people. Does she believe that Government’s real-terms cuts to maternity pay and what those private landlords are doing is legal or illegal? other pregnancy and child-related benefits. Having babies If it is illegal, will she enable disabled people’s organisations costs money, and low-paid mums are set to lose £1,300 to take cases through judicial review to stop the landlords during pregnancy and their baby’s first year as a result doing it? of the real-terms cut to statutory maternity pay, cuts to other pregnancy support and cuts to tax credits. The Esther McVey: Good local authorities work with real-terms cut to SMP alone equates to the price of good local landlords. As I have said, we will ensure that 24 nappies a week to a low-paid mum. The Prime the correct cases go through. We want to ensure the Minister said that his Government would be the family- integrity of the system, and those people who need to friendliest ever, but does not that promise sound hollow take cases to review will be able to do so. We are on the now that they are helping millionaires more than mums? side of disabled people and we will ensure that their views are heard. Maria Miller: The hon. Lady has to realise that, in a time of difficult economic circumstances, which is certainly what the coalition Government inherited, we have had Violence against Women and Girls to make some tough decisions. The tough decisions that we have made are about helping women into work, 4. Caroline Lucas (Brighton, Pavilion) (Green): What and helping them to get the skills they need to ensure recent discussions she has had with the Secretary of that their families are financially independent. She will State for Education on measures to end violence of course be aware that, in April 2011, the child element against women and girls. [143139] 1043 Oral Answers14 FEBRUARY 2013 Oral Answers 1044

The Minister of State, Home Department (Mr Jeremy Mr Browne: I hear my Back Benchers saying, “What Browne): There have been a number of recent discussions did you do?” The idea that this social problem began in involving ministerial colleagues in the Department for May 2010 injects an unnecessarily partisan tone into an Education on issues relating to ending violence against area that should be beyond party politics. Of course women and girls. These include a round-table with these matters are taught in schools right across the police and crime commissioners and the Local Government country. I am pleased that the campaign to reduce Association on local commissioning, and a round-table teenage relationship abuse, which has been effective and last month on ending female genital mutilation. welcomed by people of all political persuasions, is being relaunched today. It will focus on what constitutes controlling and coercive behaviour. I hope it will have a Caroline Lucas: The Minister for Women and Equalities compelling impact on boys in particular, but on teenagers has already welcomed the fact that 1 billion women are of both sexes when they see that campaign. rising today, but does the hon. Gentleman recognise that the campaign wants the Government to do a lot more? Will he ensure that he works with the Education Mr Adrian Sanders (Torbay) (LD): I am sure the Secretary to make the prevention of violence against Minister recognises the importance of cross-border women and girls an integral part of education policy co-operation in tackling organised crime such as the that is delivered in every school as part of the statutory trafficking of women and girls. Will he do everything in curriculum, and will Ministers vote yes in today’s important his power to ensure that Britain continues to co-operate debate? with our European partners on this important issue? Mr Browne: My hon. Friend makes an important Mr Browne: We welcome the campaign and the point about the need for international co-operation to opportunity for the House to debate these issues at combat all forms of crime, including the particular greater length later today. Schools are, of course, free to form of crime he brings to our attention. The Government teach about issues such as sexual consent within personal, are, of course, committed to working with other social and health education or in other lessons, and Governments all around the world to reduce serious children can benefit enormously from high-quality and organised crime and its impact on the United education that helps them to make safe and informed Kingdom. That very much applies to other European decisions and choices. The DFE has conducted a review countries as well. of PSHE and will publish its outcomes later this year. Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Communities Rehman Chishti (Gillingham and Rainham) (Con): Will the Minister clarify whether there is a cross- 5. Mr Virendra Sharma (Ealing, Southall) (Lab): departmental, multi-agency strategy for tackling the What steps she is taking to improve the position of horrific practice of honour violence? How effective is black, Asian and minority ethnic communities in the this strategy? workplace. [143140] The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Women Mr Browne: My hon. Friend is quite right to draw and Equalities (Mrs Helen Grant): Tackling unemployment attention to this abhorrent crime. He uses the commonly is a priority for this Government, and our approach is received expression, but I urge everybody to stop using to support people according to individual needs. There it, as there is nothing honourable at all about this form are 3 million ethnic minority people employed in this of criminal activity. It is part of the overall approach country—far more than ever before—and we are that the Government are taking to try to combat violence determined that this progress will continue. against women and girls. He will know that the Government have ring-fenced nearly £40 million of stable funding up Mr Sharma: The all-party parliamentary group on to 2015 for a range of tasks of this type, including for race and community report on ethnic minority female the area he has raised. employment found that Pakistani and Bangladeshi women are particularly affected by unemployment, with Yvette Cooper (Normanton, Pontefract and Castleford) unemployment rates of 20.5% compared with 6.8% for (Lab): It is “One Billion Rising” today, and the Minister’s white women. Is it not high time that the Government response to the hon. Member for Brighton, Pavilion revisited their colour blind approach to unemployment (Caroline Lucas) was simply not good enough. We have and started to take specific steps to support BME had too many warm words and too much waffle from communities to access the labour market? Ministers on this subject. It is no good saying that schools are free to teach about sexual consent. All Mrs Grant: The Government have provided a wide schools should be teaching our children and young range of targeted support through Jobcentre Plus, the people not to harm each other and to have respect for Work programme, the Youth Contract and our “get themselves. They should be teaching them that sexual Britain working” measures. As a result of the increased violence is not normal. The Department for Education flexibility that we have given to providers, interventions has blocked for three years any movement on legislation can be tailored to specific needs. to introduce compulsory sex and relationship education with zero tolerance of violence in schools. It has been Equality and Human Rights Commission looking at it for three years and has done nothing. It must act. Will the Minister now support that action and 6. Henry Smith (Crawley) (Con): What progress she our debate today on introducing compulsory sex and has made on the reform of the Equality and Human relationship education in schools to protect our children? Rights Commission. [143141] 1045 Oral Answers14 FEBRUARY 2013 Oral Answers 1046

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Women do not only to recruit the best women, but to retain and and Equalities (Mrs Helen Grant): We have completed promote those women and ensure that their talent is many key aspects of our reform programme. We have nurtured all the way to the boardroom. appointed a dynamic new chair and a strong and diverse board, and have reached agreement on a budget. We Valerie Vaz (Walsall South) (Lab): Can the Minister want the Equality and Human Rights Commission to confirm that since the publication of the Davies report go from strength to strength, and to be one of our most the number of female executive directors has risen by valued and respected national institutions. only 1%? What do the Government intend to do about that? Henry Smith: What effect might the reform have on Jo Swinson: The hon. Lady has rightly highlighted the commission’s status as an A-rated national human the issue raised by my hon. Friend the Member for rights institution? Skipton and Ripon (Julian Smith). It is now easier for women to make faster progress towards becoming non- Mrs Grant: We all want a strong and effective A-rated executive directors, but the executive route is also important. human rights institution, and that is what our reforms The Women’s Business Council is looking at all the are intended to achieve. We engage in positive, ongoing different stages in women’s careers in considering what dialogue with the international co-ordinating committee, action can be taken, and we look forward to the publication and we will ensure that it continues. of its report later this year. We are seeing progress in the right direction, but we must stay on top of the situation Company Boards: Female Representation to ensure that it continues to improve. Several hon. Members rose— 7. Julian Smith (Skipton and Ripon) (Con): What steps she is taking to increase female representation on Mr Speaker: Order. We are short of time, but I want company boards. [R] [143142] to accommodate the question on religious belief. Religious Belief The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Women and Equalities (Jo Swinson): In 2010 we asked Lord 8. Miss Anne McIntosh (Thirsk and Malton) (Con): Davies to review the obstacles preventing women from What her plans are for equalities on the grounds of making it on to corporate boards. Following his report, religious belief. [143143] a range of steps have been taken. They include a voluntary code of conduct for executive search firms, amendments The Minister for Women and Equalities (Maria Miller): to the UK corporate governance code, changes to narrative We will continue to support religious freedoms strongly. reporting, and the establishment of the Women’s Business For example, the Government believe that people should Council. Over the past year, 38% of those appointed to be able to wear crosses openly at work, and we are the boards of FTSE 100 companies have been women. pleased about the judgment of the European Court of May I congratulate my hon. Friend on the arrival of Human Rights in the Eweida case. The right of people his new baby daughter, who, for all we know, may be a to manifest their religion or belief at work is a vital board director of the future herself? freedom.

Miss McIntosh: What weight is accorded to religious Julian Smith: I thank the Minister for her answer, and beliefs in draft legislation such as the Marriage (Same I congratulate the Government on the excellent work Sex Couples) Bill? Should it not be equal, in the context that they have done to increase the number of women of discrimination, to the weight accorded to gender? on boards. May I urge them, however, to focus particularly on the pipeline in companies this year, and to encourage our UK corporate boards to engage in a robust discussion Maria Miller: My hon. Friend, who takes a keen about child care, “keep in touch” days, and the big cliff interest in this issue, will know that religious freedom is that appears when women reach childbearing age? guaranteed under article 9 of the European convention on human rights. However, just as it is right for people to be able to express their religious beliefs, people in this Jo Swinson: My hon. Friend is right. That is the point country have a right not to be discriminated against. at which, for many women, it becomes very difficult to The recent rulings in the European Court show that, in participate in the workplace at the same level as before. law, we have the balance about right. However, there is a great deal that employers can do to help both mums and dads to play a stronger role in the Several hon. Members rose— workplace. The Government’s “think, act, report”initiative is encouraging companies to think about what they can Mr Speaker: Order. We must move on. 1047 14 FEBRUARY 2013 Horsemeat 1048

Horsemeat Rural Affairs questions last month. What action did he take with the FSA to reassure himself after I raised those concerns? Was he aware of bute contamination 10.34 am before that day? Will he explain why, up until four days Mary Creagh (Wakefield) (Lab) (Urgent Question): ago, all horses were being tested for bute in this country To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food but were still being released for human consumption? I and Rural Affairs if he will make a statement on horsemeat am astonished to hear that a further three could have in the UK food chain and joint police and Food Standards entered the food chain in France, given that I raised this Agency action. issue with him last month. That is astonishing. We were in the middle of a horsemeat adulteration scandal; this The Minister of State, Department for Environment, is just catastrophic complacency from him. Food and Rural Affairs (Mr David Heath): The Secretary It is totally unacceptable that all UK horses were of State and I are providing the House with very regular being tested for bute at slaughter but still being released reports on the adulteration of processed beef products into the human food chain until four days ago. We with horsemeat. As the House will appreciate, it is not know that, with more than 9,000 horses slaughtered in possible to give a running commentary on active the UK for human consumption abroad last year, we investigations. Therefore, for operational reasons, we must make sure that horsemeat intended for humans is were unable to inform the House of the Food Standards not contaminated with bute—it really is as simple as Agency’s plan to enter the two meat premises in west that. So why did the Minister not act immediately when Wales and west Yorkshire earlier this week. As part of I raised this issue three weeks ago in this House? Why its audit of all horse abattoirs in the UK and the did he not order full testing, and order that horses ongoing investigation into the adulteration of meat should be released only when clear from bute, the products, the FSA gathered intelligence that led to it moment I raised this with him? We need to know and the police entering the two meat premises and whether the horsemeat entering the UK in these adulterated seizing horsemeat. The FSA also seized all paperwork products contained bute. from the two companies and is investigating customer Will the Minister tell the House whether the FSA has lists. The FSA suspended activities at both plants conducted its own tests on the Findus products to immediately. The FSA will continue to work closely ensure that action can be taken through the criminal with the police, and if there is evidence of criminal courts? Which other countries are testing their horsemeat activity, I will expect the full force of the law to be lasagnes? Which other countries have received those brought down on anyone involved. horsemeat lasagnes? We hear from the media that they I met retailers and suppliers again yesterday, and they went to 16 countries, so why have they been withdrawn confirmed that they are on course to provide meaningful in only six countries—Britain, Ireland, France, Sweden, results from product testing by tomorrow. The Secretary Switzerland and Norway? What has happened to the of State has made a written ministerial statement today products in the other countries? Has the Minister sought on the outcome of his successful discussions in Europe or received reassurances from his EU counterparts that yesterday. The co-ordinated control plan proposed by the products have been withdrawn in all EU countries? the Commission is a welcome step to help address a Yesterday, the Secretary of State travelled to Brussels pan-European problem. for a meeting with his EU counterparts. That arch- The FSA’s most recent tests for the presence of bute Eurosceptic had a damascene conversion to EU labelling in horses slaughtered in the UK checked 206 horse regulations on the way. He wants more of them, he carcases, and eight came back positive. Three may have wants them quickly and he wants the Commission to entered the food chain in France, and the remaining five hurry up with them—so much speed when his Government have not gone into the food chain. The FSA is working have spent the past two years blocking Labour MEPs’ with the French authorities in an attempt to recall the attempts to get better country of origin labelling for meat from the food chain. I understand—I am sure that processed meats and ready meals. [Interruption.] They the House will be glad to hear this—that the results of do not like hearing it, but they are all keen on it now, bute testing in the withdrawn Findus products have Mr Speaker. come back negative. The chief medical officer and the chief executive officer of the FSA will be making a Mr Speaker: We are all very happy to hear that, but statement on both these matters later this morning. unfortunately the hon. Lady has already exceeded her time. I think a last sentence will suffice. Mary Creagh: I thank the hon. Gentleman for that statement. I am sure the whole House will welcome Mary Creagh: Is there not a danger with the EU Tuesday’s raids by the FSA and the police. May I ask testing that the most high-risk products will be withdrawn him whether all customers of the meat-processing plant over the next three weeks and quietly disposed of? have been contacted about the raid and alerted to a Yesterday, the Secretary of State said: potential risk? “Nobody had a clue that there was adulteration of beef products”, I am glad that the FSA is investigating the concerns yet the Government were told by the Food Safety about horsemeat entering the food chain that I first Authority of Ireland that it was testing last November. raised with Ministers last month. Action must be taken It seems that he and his colleagues are just totally to deal with any criminals whose activities have so badly clueless. damaged consumer confidence in the UK food industry. I raised the problem of bute-contaminated horsemeat Mr Heath: Listening to the hon. Lady, one would fail being released into the human food chain with the to understand that probably the biggest investigation Minister at Department for Environment, Food and into criminal behaviour that has ever been conducted 1049 Horsemeat14 FEBRUARY 2013 Horsemeat 1050 across Europe is going on at the instigation of this Miss Anne McIntosh (Thirsk and Malton) (Con): Government and as a result of the actions of my right Will my hon. Friend consider the July 2012 veterinary hon. Friend the Secretary of State. He instigated the residues committee declaration that the horse passport meeting of Farming Ministers of the affected countries of any horse treated with phenylbutazone should declare— and the Commission, established Europol in a co-ordinating and should be appropriately signed—that that horse role, brought forward the labelling of ingredients for should not enter the food chain? Is it the case, as at that products as an emergency item within the EU, exchanged time, that some vets are still prescribing bute without data at a speed that was never done under the Government checking the passport or ensuring that the horse is whom the hon. Lady supported, brought forward an subsequently signed out of the food chain? emergency meeting of the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health to consider probable Mr Heath: The hon. Lady raises a very important thresholds, and got the matter on the agenda for Council point. It is absolutely clear that the horse passport on 25 February. That is a quite remarkable achievement should show that a horse has been treated, and that in a very short time. The Government are committed to horse is then not put into the food chain if it is inappropriate proper investigations based on evidence. to do so. As I have looked at the situation, I have Let me finish with one point raised by the hon. become more and more convinced that the horse passport Lady—[Interruption.] If she would stop shouting at system, which was introduced by the EU and implemented me, I will give her the answer. She raised the criminal in this country by the previous Government, is not as investigations following her assertions in this House effective as it should be, by a long way. Once we have about phenylbutazone. She was repeatedly asked by the dealt with the initial problem, we ought to look at the Food Standards Agency to share the information she system again. I want to see an effective record of provenance purported to have and she refused to do so. I think that for horsemeat, just as for any other animal. We have a every citizen in this country has a duty to provide very good system for cattle and sheep, but for horses the evidence to the relevant investigating authorities when system is inadequate. there is evidence of potential criminal behaviour. Andrew Miller (Ellesmere Port and Neston) (Lab): Mary Creagh: On a point of order, Mr Speaker. The whole House should take seriously the risk of phenylbutazone getting into the food chain. We should Mr Speaker: Order. We cannot have a point of order therefore be pleased to hear that the test results on one in the middle of the exchange. The hon. Lady can make batch have come back negative, but of course there is an a point of order later and I will of course hear it at the awful lot more horsemeat in circulation, some sourced appropriate time. in the UK and some sourced elsewhere. My concern, which I put directly to the Minister, stems from the very Sir Tony Baldry (Banbury) (Con): Is not the hon. good report published by the Environment, Food and Lady’s difficulty the fact that in 2006, under the previous Rural Affairs Committee today. Where is the testing Labour Government, changes were made that led to facility going to be? Is it adequate? Will the Minister there being no daily inspection presence in meat-cutting give the House an assurance that there will be adequate premises? As the House and the country listen to the investment in testing in this country? hon. Lady, will they not become increasingly convinced that all this sound and fury is about drumming up Mr Heath: In this country, I think we now have the shock-horror headlines rather than responsibly contributing situation under control, but I am concerned that there to solving the problem? are third-country imports of horsemeat into the European Union. That is one of the reasons why my right hon. Mr Heath: There is a lot in what the hon. Gentleman Friend the Secretary of State has secured an agreement says. When I hear those on the Opposition Front Bench across Europe that there will be bute testing in other giving a critical analysis of the very arrangements they countries for horsemeat coming in. It is important to put in place as though they had been invented over the note the chief medical officer’s advice—and the hon. past few months, I find it difficult to take some of their Gentleman, who chairs the Science and Technology criticisms seriously. Committee, will be aware of the importance of this. It is clear that at low levels—and we are talking about low Kerry McCarthy (Bristol East) (Lab): My concern is levels in horsemeat—there is a very low risk indeed that that this scandal is the tip of the iceberg and there is bute would cause any harm to health. Nevertheless, we much more to be uncovered about what goes into our need to eliminate it. food and what is in the meat supply chain. Will the Minister assure me that the Government will learn the Several hon. Members rose— lessons from this episode and mount a wider investigation into those issues? Mr Speaker: Order. There is much interest but very little time, and so far exchanges have been too long. Mr Heath: The hon. Lady makes a good point. We What we require is a model of brevity, to be exemplified need to get to the bottom of some of the supply chain by Mr Nicholas Soames. issues across Europe. First, we need to deal effectively with the immediate problem, but then we need to stand Nicholas Soames (Mid Sussex) (Con): Does my hon. back and take a long, hard look at some of the other Friend agree that our right hon. Friend the Secretary of practices. The retailers and processors in this country State has put together one of the biggest operations of and across Europe also need to consider how they its type ever in the European Union to secure a result operate, because I am not convinced that they are as across the whole of the European Union? Will he convinced as they ought to be of the provenance of acknowledge that the use of bute is grossly exaggerated? some of their goods. It is used, but nothing like as much as is claimed. 1051 Horsemeat14 FEBRUARY 2013 Horsemeat 1052

Mr Heath: I do not resile from the fact that Mr Heath: That would be a result devoutly to be phenylbutazone should not be present in horsemeat wished. that is presented for human consumption; let us be absolutely clear. However, my right hon. Friend is right Jim Shannon (Strangford) (DUP): The beef, lamb to say that the actions that have now been put in and pork sourced in the United Kingdom follows a place—my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State is at strict traceability system. Farmers in the United Kingdom this moment at Europol and Eurojust in The Hague, have experienced a marked decrease in their incomes securing police and justice co-ordination on this matter—are over the past 12 months. Can the Minister confirm that unprecedented. It is extremely welcome that European costs accrued as a result of the horsemeat scandal will authorities are now getting to grips with the problem. not be passed on to farmers or farming organisations?

Grahame M. Morris (Easington) (Lab): It is interesting Mr Heath: I hope that no costs will be directly that the Minister’s attitude has changed since the statement apportioned to farmers, but the hon. Gentleman makes on Monday, when he was at pains to say that there was a serious point about the assurance schemes we have in no risk to public health and that this was an issue of this country, and not only those relating to the traceability mislabelling and fraud. Clearly, when bute enters the of our meat, but the various assurances placed on top food chain, it is a public health issue, and given that a of that through schemes. I think that we have every very small percentage—1%—of carcases were tested, reason to be proud of the quality of meat in this should not the Minister make an apology to the House? country, particularly cut meat, some of which is the best in the world. Of course, farmers in his part of the Mr Heath: What I said, and have repeatedly said, is country play a leading role in providing that quality that there is no evidence of material that is harmful to meat. human health having been put on sale in this country. That is still the case, and I am very glad that that is the Mr David Nuttall (Bury North) (Con): In 2006 the case. We are testing for bute. That is the prime responsibility Food Fraud Task Force identified the potential problem of the Food Standards Agency. It worries me sometimes of food fraud and made 32 recommendations for dealing that people seem to think that food safety is a secondary with it. Can the Minister explain to the House what issue. It is not. It is the prime responsibility. action the previous Government took to implement any of those recommendations? Mr Mark Williams (Ceredigion) (LD): Can my hon. Friend confirm whether the FSA has been able to Mr Heath: I think that I am forbidden to give an contact all the businesses and retailers on the customer opinion on the previous Government’s performance in lists of the two raided properties, one of which is in my response, but my hon. Friend will draw his own conclusions constituency? from the actions, or lack thereof, that took place at the time. Mr Heath: The FSA is examining the paperwork from those companies at the moment. I understand that some of it is a little difficult to interpret. I cannot give Kevin Brennan (Cardiff West) (Lab): In answering the my hon. Friend a categorical assurance, because some question from the hon. Member for Thirsk and Malton of the meat present appears to have been unlabelled and (Miss McIntosh), the Minister said that there was a therefore its destination is unknown. The FSA and the problem with horse passports and sought to blame the police are certainly taking every action they can, but at previous Labour Government for it. Does he remember the moment they are examining the paperwork. what he told the House on 17 January? He said: “The hon. Lady seems to think that there is some difficulty Barry Gardiner (Brent North) (Lab): Does the Minister with horse passports. I simply do not think that that is the case. I would happily set out the difference between the route for horses share my astonishment that Tim Smith, who was chief going to slaughter and the routes for others.”—[Official Report, executive of the FSA until only last year and who is 17 January 2013; Vol. 556, c. 1027.] now the technical director in charge of food standards Is not that symptomatic of his rather high-handed at Tesco, is not only still in his job, but still on the FSA attitude, which has really irritated people, and does not board? Some would say that is not just switching horses, it explain the Government’s flat-footedness at the beginning but trying to ride both at the same time. of the crisis? Mr Heath: I have to say that I am impressed by the degree of co-operation we are now seeing from the Mr Heath: I humbly apologise if the hon. Gentleman industry and all food businesses in the testing regime we is irritated, but I must say that we are continuing to do have put in place, from which we hope to have meaningful the work that is required—[Interruption.] results tomorrow. Who works for which company is not a matter for the Government or Ministers at the Dispatch Mr Speaker: Order. The Minister must be heard. Box, but whether we get results that reassure the public is a matter for us. Mr Heath: There has been an attempt to bring the national equine database into this matter as though it Mark Pritchard (The Wrekin) (Con): Given the were a panacea. That is not the case, and I have been importance of this issue to all our constituents, will the consistent in saying so. Those who feel that a national Minister join me in calling on Her Majesty’s Opposition equine database would have improved the situation are to work with the Government in the national interest to sadly mistaken. We need to look at the issue of horse sort it out, rather than making cheap party political passports, but we do not need to return to an issue that points? is frankly irrelevant to the situation in hand. 1053 Horsemeat14 FEBRUARY 2013 Horsemeat 1054

Tessa Munt (Wells) (LD): Phenylbutazone, known as be released from abattoirs after they had been found to bute, can be bought off the internet in tablet form, in be clean of bute? [Interruption.] injectable form, and as an apple and citrus-flavoured powder. Most horse owners believe that it is the only Mr Heath: The hon. Member for Luton South (Gavin effective anti-inflammatory drug in controlling joint Shuker) says helpfully, “It’s in the folder.” [Interruption.] pain. It is so easy for owners to get hold of it that I We have had rather a lot of dates in our heads in this wonder what the Minister might have in the way of unfolding situation, and I make no apologies for not proposals to ensure that there is some integrity to the being able to give—[Interruption.] I cannot find the system. Does he agree that testing is the only way of date in here. I am not going to give the hon. Lady a identifying the use of this drug? wrong answer; I will find it and tell her later.

Mr Heath: I do not want to move away from the Laura Sandys (South Thanet) (Con): Looking to the position that it is crucial to understand: it is the responsibility future, we really have to put the consumer at the heart of those who are selling products and those who are of food safety and food health. When we bring forward processing products to obey the law, which is very clear the review of EU labelling, can we ensure that my that a horse that has had phenylbutazone administered constituents are able to understand what is in their food to it should not be entering the food chain. We have a and do not need a degree in food science to know what regulatory issue as to whether the horse passport system they are eating? across Europe is sufficient to meet that task, and that is what we are addressing. It would not be helpful to Mr Heath: The hon. Lady raises a really important people who own horses across Europe to say that they point—that food labelling is supposed to help, not cannot use a very useful anti-inflammatory drug; rather, confuse the consumer. That is why we are trying to we need to say, “If you do that, don’t put it on people’s make sure that the food labelling system is not only plates.” accurate—that goes without saying—but that it gives people information that is useful, not confusing. There Seema Malhotra (Feltham and Heston) (Lab/Co-op): will be talk about excluding information that, frankly, Following the comments by my hon. Friend the Member simply confuses the consumer. We have a consultation for Wakefield (Mary Creagh), will the Minister now at the moment about the labelling of mince. I do not confirm what action he had taken to deal with bute think it is helpful to call mince sold in this country as it before she raised concerns with him on the Floor of the always has been anything other than mince. I think that House on 24 January? that is helpful to the consumer, not unhelpful.

Mr Heath: I have already explained that phenylbutazone Mrs Madeleine Moon (Bridgend) (Lab): Although is a well-known issue and that it is one of the things that the whole House will welcome the Minister’s belated is looked for at the point of slaughter, particularly recognition of the importance of horse passports, may I through the horse passport system. I have also said that suggest that he talks to the Labour-led Welsh Assembly there may be deficiencies in the horse passport system Government, who have been looking at this issue for that we need to address—[Interruption.] The right hon. some time and who recognise the importance of accurate Member for Don Valley (Caroline Flint) is shouting at passporting to control the movement of horses across me from a sedentary position. I do not think that is Wales? helpful to a serious discussion of the subject. [Interruption.] Mr Heath: We regularly speak to our colleagues in Neil Carmichael (Stroud) (Con) rose— the devolved Administrations. Indeed, I spoke only yesterday to my ministerial counterpart in Wales. We Mr Speaker: I call Neil Carmichael. The hon. Gentleman regularly exchange information on these matters and should not look so surprised; he was standing up, and come to common views wherever possible. we wish to hear him. Roger Williams (Brecon and Radnorshire) (LD): Food safety and quality is an international matter and we Neil Carmichael: With all the cheering, Mr Speaker, I need collaboration across borders. When criminal activity could not quite hear you. is involved, Europol has a particularly important role to Does the Minister agree that this is really all about play. Will the Minister ensure that we identify where the exposure of a very significant deception whereby this horsemeat came from in order to verify, for instance, the rule of law has been broken? Does he also agree that that it was not slaughtered on unlicensed premises? it is important that he has discussions with his European colleagues about bringing in mechanisms to stop it Mr Heath: That is why we need a European-wide happening again, especially through making sure that criminal investigation and why my right hon. Friend the the supply chain is properly transparent? Secretary of State is at The Hague today talking to Europol. Europol can act only if requested to do so by Mr Heath: The hon. Gentleman summates the whole member states, and the UK has made such a request, in position very well. The most important thing is to have company with Mr Le Foll, the French Minister. That is effective investigation, to find the evidence, and on the why it is proceeding and I think that that will add a lot basis of that evidence, to take action, and that is what of co-ordination to what otherwise might be a fragmented we are doing. police investigation.

Angela Smith (Penistone and Stocksbridge) (Lab): Diana Johnson (Kingston upon Hull North) (Lab): May I ask the Minister for a simple answer to a simple It is reported in today’s press that the Food Safety question: when did he order that horse carcases should Authority of Ireland told the FSA about its concerns in 1055 Horsemeat14 FEBRUARY 2013 Horsemeat 1056

[Diana Johnson] Mr Heath: The advice is very clear. All the testing that has taken place has failed to find evidence of food November 2012. I ask the Minister again: when where that is a danger to human health. Therefore, the clear Ministers first told about this problem? Perhaps the advice is that there is no reason to change shopping answer is in his folder, if he would care to look at it. habits on the basis of concerns about health. I prefer people to take their own decisions on these matters on Mr Heath: We have said all along that there is the basis of evidence and information. That is an individual co-ordination between the Food Safety Authority of decision and it is not helpful for people to pretend that Ireland and the FSA. We have also said—the hon. Lady there is a massive food health scare if there is not, and can look back at the record of it—that the Irish were nor is it helpful for people to give reassurances that are not acting on the basis of an intelligence-led operation, not supported by evidence. so there was no prior information. They did spot checks and told us that they were going to do so. As soon as Andrew Gwynne (Denton and Reddish) (Lab): I am they had confirmed results, they told the FSA and the amazed that the Minister could not remember what FSA told Ministers. That is all a matter of record. happened on Monday, given that it was only three days ago. In the last year, a large number of horses have been Mr Sam Gyimah (East Surrey) (Con): Confidence in slaughtered in UK abattoirs for meat. What estimate the food supply chain is key and it is retailers who bear has his Department made of the occurrence of bute in the ultimate responsibility for ensuring the safety of the those horses? food they sell. What assurances has my hon. Friend sought from retailers about the integrity of the supply Mr Heath: That is precisely what the FSA is testing chain networks? and producing results on. As I have said, the chief medical officer will be giving a statement about that later this Mr Heath: That is very much the basis of our discussions morning. with them over the past couple of weeks. Indeed, such The hon. Gentleman says that he is amazed that I discussions took place yesterday and earlier in the week. cannot remember what happened on Monday. I can We are absolutely clear that retailers bear the legal remember what happened on Monday, but I am not responsibility.When I say retailers, that should be extended going to stand at the Dispatch Box and give a date if to all food businesses, such as caterers. They must be I might find that I have mistakenly misled the House. I confident in the integrity of their supply chains. We will would prefer to give correct information to the House do everything we can to provide regulatory support for than wrong information. I am sorry if that offends that, so that cases in which they are defrauded are Members. brought to light. The crux is that they must have both assured provenance and a testing regime in their own Several hon. Members rose— companies so that they can, with confidence, tell consumers that the meat on their shelves is both what they say it is and safe. Mr Speaker: Order. I am keen to accommodate the remaining colleagues because there are not many of Wayne David (Caerphilly) (Lab): The Minister mentioned them, but I trust that they will be brief. The master class the work that is being done at a European level, especially is to be provided by Mr Philip Hollobone. through Europol. Does he agree, therefore, that it is deeply ironic—in fact, it is profoundly worrying—that Mr Philip Hollobone (Kettering) (Con): My constituents at this very time the Government are considering a mass in Kettering will be surprised at the extent to which opt-out from European justice and home affairs provisions, meat products are cut, processed and reprocessed back including the work of Europol? and forth across so many international borders. Might one of the benefits of this episode be that consumers Mr Heath: I can only say that at the moment we have value local farmers markets that provide high-quality the services of Europol. My right hon. Friend the meats sourced from local farmers? Secretary of State is using those services very effectively. He is leading that request today and we will make sure Mr Heath: The hon. Gentleman makes an extremely that on a pan-European basis we deal with what is a good point. I hope that people value locally sourced pan-European issue. produce, and there is evidence that they do so. People May I reply to the question asked by the hon. Member value local butchers shops that know the provenance for Penistone and Stocksbridge (Angela Smith)? She of the produce. They also value the quality assurance asked for a date, but I did not want to give her the schemes that we have in this country, which indicate a wrong one, because my memory may be fallible. It was high quality of produce. Monday 11 February. Stephen Metcalfe (South Basildon and East Thurrock) Mr Aidan Burley (Cannock Chase) (Con): What my (Con): Families in Basildon and Thurrock have been constituents want to know is simply whether it is safe to defrauded in the food that they have bought. Does the eat processed beef products that are currently on sale. Minister share my anger that the retailers have allowed The hon. Member for Wakefield (Mary Creagh) has that to happen? spread huge fear by saying that she would not eat products that are currently on sale. What is the advice Mr Heath: We should all be outraged that people of the chief medical officer and the independent Food have been given meat that is not as described on the Standards Agency on this matter? packet. The Government stand four-square with the 1057 Horsemeat14 FEBRUARY 2013 Horsemeat 1058 consumer who goes into the shop and buys the product, they have to go further than that and examine their and say, “This will not do.” It is unacceptable and those supply chains. They have to be able to reassure their who have allowed it to happen, whether through insufficient customers of the value of the systems that they have in checking or criminal activity, must be brought to book. place, and I hope that having taken the initial action, they will soon be in a position to do exactly that and to Kris Hopkins (Keighley) (Con): People across west tell every person who walks through the doors of their Yorkshire will be outraged that horsemeat has entered stores where a product comes from and that it has been the food chain labelled as beef. Will the Minister reassure tested and is what it says it is. consumers that the individuals who are carrying out this criminal activity will be prosecuted? Julian Smith (Skipton and Ripon) (Con): The fact is that we have the most fantastic food and agriculture Mr Heath: Ministers cannot give assurances on what industry in this country, and confidence is key to it. the police and investigatory authorities will do. It is Does the Minister agree that the headline-grabbing certainly my wish that wherever there is evidence of hysteria of Opposition Front Benchers does nothing to criminal activity, it is put before the courts and the help the confidence that this great British industry people responsible are prosecuted and face the full force requires? of the law.

Mr Marcus Jones (Nuneaton) (Con): Does my hon. Mr Heath: I am not going to criticise anyone for Friend agree that for the Labour party to criticise the expressing proper concerns on behalf of their constituents, testing regime that we inherited from it is pure, naked but I will criticise those who peddle part-truths or [Interruption.] opportunism? untruths, which is profoundly unhelpful. The right hon. Member for Don Valley (Caroline Flint) expresses surprise, but the hon. Member for Wakefield Mr Heath: There is an awful lot of opportunism (Mary Creagh) had to come back and apologise only around at the moment. this week for saying something grossly wrong about the number of horses unaccounted for in Ulster. Andrew Stephenson (Pendle) (Con): Many British farmers are concerned by those who are touring the TV studios at the moment saying that they would not eat Rehman Chishti (Gillingham and Rainham) (Con): any beef products in this country. What does the Minister Will the Minister clarify that it was the changes put in think retailers, who have ultimate responsibility for place in 2006 that took away the daily inspection presence ensuring food safety, should be doing to reassure their in meat-cutting premises? consumers? Mr Heath: This is one of the problems—apparently Mr Heath: In the first instance, what they should be the world only started in 2010 and all the things that doing is exactly what they are doing at our request: were done before then did not count, and apparently testing every processed beef product that they have on the system that was in place in 2010 was so perfect that their shelves and sharing with us the results so that we it has only been downhill since. That is not a credible can provide advice independently, through the FSA, on position, and those who purport to speak for the people the level of substitution that has occurred. However, of this country should come up with a credible position. 1059 14 FEBRUARY 2013 1060

Point of Order Business of the House

11.12 am 11.14 am Mary Creagh (Wakefield) (Lab): On a point of order, Ms Angela Eagle (Wallasey) (Lab): Will the Leader of Mr Speaker. the House give us the business for next week?

Mr Speaker: Order. I will take the point of order, and The Leader of the House of Commons (Mr Andrew any response if the Minister wishes to respond, but I Lansley): The business for next week is as follows: must emphasise that that will be that. We are not having a whole debate on the issue that arose at the start of the MONDAY 25 FEBRUARY—Second Reading of the Children urgent question. and Families Bill. TUESDAY 26 FEBRUARY—Remaining stages of the Mary Creagh: I would like to set the record straight— Groceries Code Adjudicator Bill [Lords], followed by [Interruption.] consideration of opposed private business nominated by the Chairman of Ways and Means. Mr Speaker: Order. I say to Members who are shrieking WEDNESDAY 27 FEBRUARY—Opposition Day (18th allotted that they should cease doing so. Mr Burley, you are now day). There will be a debate on a motion in the name of eagerly consulting your BlackBerry or iPhone, and that Plaid Cymru and the Scottish Nationalist party, subject may be a more profitable activity for you than shouting to be announced, followed by motion to approve a from a sedentary position. Let me make it clear that the statutory instrument relating to the draft Bank of England hon. Member for Wakefield (Mary Creagh) will be Act 1998 (Macro-prudential Measures) Order 2013. heard, and the Minister will be heard, without unnecessary THURSDAY 28 FEBRUARY—Debate on a motion relating distractions. to the Kesri Lehar campaign for the abolition of the death penalty in India, followed by a debate on a Mary Creagh: I would like to give the Minister the motion relating to the 25th anniversary of the Kurdish opportunity to set the record straight. He is right that I genocide. The subjects for those debates have been received last Friday the names of three UK companies nominated by the Backbench Business Committee. suspected as passing off horse as beef. I immediately e-mailed and wrote to the Secretary of State, on that FRIDAY 1MARCH—Private Members’ Bills. day, offering to share the information with him. I received The provisional business for the week commencing a response from him on Monday asking me to hand it 4 March will include: over. He was obviously unaware that I had already MONDAY 4MARCH—Second Reading of the Financial handed it over to the FSA on Saturday, and that it had Services (Banking Reform Bill). reassured me that it was already in possession of those I should also like to inform the House that the business names. Will he now withdraw the disgraceful slur and in Westminster Hall for 28 February will be: apologise to me? THURSDAY 28 FEBRUARY—Debate on the Communities The Minister of State, Department for Environment, and Local Government Select Committee report on the Food and Rural Affairs (Mr David Heath): Further to European Regional Development Fund, followed by a that point of order, Mr Speaker. I have here the e-mail debate on nuisance phone calls. exchange between the FSA’s director of operations and the hon. Lady. He repeatedly requests further information Ms Eagle: I thank the Leader of the House for and evidence on the comments that she made in the announcing next week’s business. The Opposition welcome House, and her reply is: the decision of the Backbench Business Committee to schedule a debate this afternoon on violence against “I am very anxious to protect my source from any repercussions.” women and girls. The campaign states that three quarters She then seeks to bargain with the FSA for further of a million children witness acts of domestic abuse information before releasing her information. I am happy every year, and that one third of girls in relationships to put that into the public domain if it would help, but I aged between 13 and 17 have experienced physical or think my comments were entirely justified. sexual violence. Shockingly, one in three women will be beaten or raped in her lifetime. Today’s debate coincides Mr Speaker: Order. I said that was that, and Members with a series of actions across the UK as part of the can pursue the matter in other forums if they wish. I am One Billion Rising global campaign. Will the Leader of grateful to Members for their co-operation. the House join me in fully supporting that campaign? One of the first actions of the Work and Pensions Secretary after the election was to abolish Labour’s future jobs fund. The Prime Minister then went around claiming that it was “one of the most ineffective jobs schemes there’s been.” However, an assessment by the Department for Work and Pensions of the future jobs fund, published by this Government, said that it was one of the most successful and cost-effective schemes ever. Yesterday the Government had to rush emergency regulations through the House after the courts ruled the Government’s Work programme illegal. For most people 1061 Business of the House14 FEBRUARY 2013 Business of the House 1062 looking for work, however, what matters most is the spirit may I suggest to the Leader of the House that assessment by the Department for Work and Pensions Conservative MPs should be encouraged to take out a of the Work programme, which concluded that the Liberal Democrat colleague—for a suitably expensive current scheme is “worse than doing nothing”. The Valentine’s day meal? Government blundered in scrapping the future jobs fund and setting up the Work programme. The Work Mr Lansley: I am grateful to the shadow Leader of and Pensions Secretary was happy to attack the courts the House. I join her in expressing support for the One in yesterday’s newspapers, but he has not come to the Billion Rising campaign. She will have heard what my House. May we have a statement from the Work and right hon. Friend the Minister for Women and Equalities Pensions Secretary on the future of the Work programme? said earlier in Question Time. She will have a further Last week at Prime Minister’s questions, the Prime opportunity in the debate this afternoon to express Minister claimed that the bedroom tax “is not a tax.” support. I welcome the debate and the focus it rightly This week the Government Chief Whip apparently puts on that important issue. e-mailed Conservative backbenchers: I was quite surprised that Harold Wilson was the “Please could all colleagues refer to underoccupancy and not subject of a programme on Channel 4 on the eve of the bedroom tax?” Valentine’s day. It was not an obvious choice. I remember You can change the name but you cannot change Harold Wilson because he addressed the first political the facts. This April the bedroom tax will hit those at meeting I attended—in 1966, at Abbs Cross school in the bottom, while at the same time the Government are Hornchurch. That was in the good old days, when I was handing out a huge tax cut to those at the top. That is politically neutral and 10 years old. what the Chancellor decided to do in his previous We must be careful with Valentine’s day references. I Budget. After the omnishambles of the previous Budget read an interview with the Leader of the Opposition it was reported this week that the Chancellor has retreated in The Guardian this morning. In telling us about the to his country house to pore over Budget plans with nature of his Valentine’s day evening—a Chinese takeaway, Conservative party staff to try to do a better job next followed by what he describes as “a surprise”—I fear he time. provided us with altogether too much information. May I make a constructive suggestion? Before the I tried to detect questions about business from the Government get themselves into another fine mess, hon. Lady, but I am not sure there were any. A written the Leader of the House could arrange for the Chancellor ministerial statement on the Work programme and the to make a statement next week so that he can U-turn on Wilson and Reilly court case was made on Tuesday. It is the bedroom tax and U-turn on the tax cut for millionaires. clear that the courts did not quash the principle of the It is hardly as though the Government do not know scheme—the problem was the structure of the technical how to U-turn: new figures show that since the election regulations and how they worked. We put down regulations they have announced a U-turn every 29 days. Given that to put that right for the future, and we will continue to the Education Secretary U-turned on GCSEs this time contest the Court of Appeal’s decision. That is a matter last week, I calculate that the next Government U-turn for the courts and not, for the moment, for this House. is due on 8 March. As 8 March is a Friday and not a The hon. Lady asked about the under-occupancy sitting day, will the Leader of the House arrange for his charge, but the Government rest on the facts. The colleagues to bring forward the next U-turn to a day simple facts, which we have discussed in business questions when the House is sitting? and at Prime Minister’s questions, are that, under the Will the Leader of the House join me in paying previous Government, Labour Members were perfectly tribute to Harold Wilson, who 50 years ago today was content for an under-occupancy deduction to be applied elected leader of the Labour party? He was a Member to housing benefit in the private sector, but somehow of the House for almost 40 years and led the Labour find it impossible to read that across into the social party for 13 years. He was Prime Minister for more than housing sector. They fail to recognise—the Under-Secretary seven years. Government Members might reflect on of State for Communities and Local Government, my the fact that, after the February 1974 election, Harold right hon. Friend the Member for Bath (Mr Foster) Wilson chose to lead a minority Government rather made this point well in yesterday’s debate—that hundreds than go into coalition with the Liberals. He went on to of thousands of homes are under-occupied, and we win the subsequent election later that year. have a million and a half people on the social housing Will the Leader of the House join me in congratulating waiting list and need to ensure that there are incentives the Deputy Prime Minister, who managed a brief to use social housing stock to the best effect. Those are appearance on his weekly London phone-in this morning simple facts. from Mozambique? I can only conclude that he has An additional simple fact is that we have to recognise gone to Mozambique to help the Liberal Democrats in that housing benefit, at £23 billion, pretty much doubled the Eastleigh by-election. Yesterday, the Chancellor went under the previous Government and we have to control to Eastleigh, which will also help the Liberal Democrats. that. The right hon. Member for Birmingham, Hodge As Liberal Democrat and Conservative MPs fight it out Hill (Mr Byrne) sat in the debate yesterday and failed to in Eastleigh, there is only one thing to say: things can recognise what he said when he left government, which only get better. was that there was no money left. It is curious that The coalition has been going through a rough time. outside the House Labour Members seem willing to Relationships are strained. As all good marriage guidance accept that. The head of their party’s policy review, the says, when a relationship hits tough times, you need to hon. Member for Dagenham and Rainham (Jon Cruddas) get the romance back—put a bit of spice back into it said just last night: and have a bit of fun. It is Valentine’s day, so in that “The money is not there and everyone knows that.” 1063 Business of the House14 FEBRUARY 2013 Business of the House 1064

[Mr Lansley] refused by the previous Government—to ensure that we have an early debate on the Floor of the House, in They have to recognise that they left us in an economic Government time, on the Francis report? When will mess, and the head of their policy review says that they it be? have to start by saying sorry for that. If their leader does not start saying sorry, they will not be able to Mr Lansley: When I was shadow Health Secretary, participate in debates—as was clear yesterday—with my hon. Friend and I discussed this matter fully. It has any credible response. Their leader has gone off to now been proved that we were absolutely right then, Bedford and their policy review is described as a work and I was right as Secretary of State to institute the in progress. Of course, when one is in Bedford one Francis inquiry. We have the report and we will respond. thinks of “The Pilgrim’s Progress”. I have to say that My hon. Friend and his colleagues have been to the the Leader of the Opposition has yet to reach his slough Backbench Business Committee to seek time for debate of despond. on this matter. I will, of course, gladly discuss with the Chair of that Committee when time might be available Caroline Nokes (Romsey and Southampton North) for that debate. (Con): In the village of Barton Stacey there is serious concern about the speed at which the Ministry of Defence Natascha Engel (North East Derbyshire) (Lab): The is disposing of property and land, which is preventing hon. Member for Thirsk and Malton (Miss McIntosh) local residents from having enough time to establish a will shortly launch her Select Committee’s report, but community initiative to buy some of it for public open she will be taking questions from Members in the form space. May I ask the Leader of the House for time to of interventions. The Leader of the House’s Office has debate MOD property disposal, so that other communities produced a set of Standing Order changes to enable might have the opportunity that has been denied to Select Committee Chairs to launch a report and then Barton Stacey? take questions in a more normal format. Will the Leader of the House please bring forward those Standing Order Mr Lansley: My hon. Friend makes an important changes? point in relation to her constituency. Members across the House recognise that in the midst of the necessity to Mr Lansley: I will gladly discuss that with the hon. make proper disposal of surplus land right across the Lady and the right hon. Member for Berwick-upon-Tweed public estate, we want to do so in a way that recognises (Sir Alan Beith), the Chair of the Liaison Committee, community interests and the views of local communities, to ensure that we have, if possible, a format for these and responds to them. I will raise this issue with my reports that works for Select Committee Chairs and colleagues at the Ministry of Defence. She may wish to which also suits the Backbench Business Committee in note that Ministers will be here for Defence questions the allocation of its time. on Monday 25 February, and she might like to raise the Nicholas Soames (Mid Sussex) (Con): Will my right issue then. hon. Friend see whether he can find a day for the House to debate the impact of the important news that the Mr Barry Sheerman (Huddersfield) (Lab/Co-op): I United States of America and the European Union are think the Leader of the House could have been a little to start formal talks over a new free trade agreement, bit more generous about Harold Wilson in his remarks. which would greatly increase trade between us? Will he Is it time that we had debates in which we can reflect on also confirm that even though this is a pretty dismal the successes and failures of previous Administrations? time for free trade, with the collapse of the Doha round, [HON.MEMBERS: “Margaret Thatcher.”] Certainly we our Government believe that free trade is a great and could have a debate on that too. The Wilson years powerful tool for growth? provide an example of a Prime Minister who resolutely kept us out of the Vietnam war, telling LBJ he was not Mr Lansley: My right hon. Friend is absolutely right. even going to send a band of bagpipes; who expanded Like me and others across the House, I am sure that he higher education tremendously, establishing the Open was heartened by the conclusions of the European university; and who gave people a choice on Europe, so Council and the EU’s determination to seek free trade there are lessons to be learned. There is no decent statue agreements. Today’s agreement to commence EU-US in the Members’ Lobby to a very fine Prime Minister. It free trade discussions is only one part of the EU’s is about time that we rectified that and put up a proper ambitious agenda. That is absolutely right. I cannot statue. identify now when time would be available for such a debate, but it would of course be entirely relevant not Mr Lansley: I recall that there is a bust of Harold least to the Budget debate on maintaining the pace of Wilson in the Members’ Lobby. I hesitate to intrude on economic recovery. the Labour party’s grief, but as the hon. Gentleman described Harold Wilson’s attributes in office it was Jeremy Corbyn (Islington North) (Lab): By the time almost as if he was attempting a critique of Tony Blair the House returns on 25 February, it will have been a at the same time. month since British troops were first committed to assist France’s activities in Mali. We have heard that Mr William Cash (Stone) (Con): In liaison with my there is to be a considerable deployment of troops all hon. Friend the Member for Stafford (Jeremy Lefroy) across north Africa. I cannot understand why, despite may I ask my right hon. Friend—who will personally repeated requests, neither the Prime Minister, nor the recall my parliamentary campaign for a public inquiry, Defence Secretary or the Foreign Secretary has made a under the Inquiries Act 2005, into Stafford hospital, statement since then, and there has been no vote in the which was granted by the Prime Minister but persistently House on our significant involvement in another foreign 1065 Business of the House14 FEBRUARY 2013 Business of the House 1066 policy adventure. Will the Leader of the House please have a debate in Government time on redefining the tell us when a Minister will make a statement and give term “rebels” as people who are usually only a couple of us a proper opportunity to debate this matter fully? weeks ahead of their time?

Mr Lansley: As the hon. Gentleman knows from Mr Lansley: In the spirit of remembering Harold Wilson previous business questions, including last week’s, I —oh, the hon. Member for Huddersfield (Mr Sheerman) made it clear that a full written ministerial statement has left the Chamber—who said that a week was a long would be made before the House rose. That, of course, time in politics, I suggest that in rebellions, a fortnight is was made yesterday. Included in that was not only the an eternity. support we are giving at the request of the French Government, but the question of when the extent of the Meg Hillier (Hackney South and Shoreditch) (Lab/ European training mission and our support for it would Co-op): There are currently only six working mothers in be determined. Ministers will keep the House fully the Government, and only one at the Cabinet table. updated, but I reiterate the point I have made previously That might go some way towards explaining the confusion to the hon. Gentleman: we will continually look at and and chaos in the Government’s child care policy. Will ensure that we fully comply with the convention of the Leader of the House agree to a debate in Government securing a debate in the House if our troops are committed time—as it involves Government business—to discuss other than on an emergency basis to any continuing this matter, so that the Government can take on board conflict. Our intention is for our support to be logistical the expertise of other Members from their own and training support, rather than in the form of combat constituencies and their own experience? operations. Mr Lansley: I am surprised that the hon. Lady does Sir Bob Russell (Colchester) (LD): The House will not recognise the considerable benefits associated with know that the Government of Israel now refuse to the recent announcements made by the Under-Secretary co-operate with the United Nations Human Rights of State for Education, my hon. Friend the Member for Council. Despite that, the European football authorities South West Norfolk (Elizabeth Truss) on child care are going to stage the under-21 finals in Israel later this policy. We are reducing the costs and burdens of child year, and the English FA, despite its “Let’s Kick Racism care, and creating greater flexibility. The number of out of Football” campaign in this country, will be women, and of women with families, in the Government sending a team. May we therefore have a general debate has increased and will no doubt continue to do so, but I on Israel and its dependence on economic, cultural and would put it gently to the hon. Lady that we men who sporting associations with the EU, and particularly the have families understand the need for good quality UK, when it manifestly is not geographically in Europe? child care as well.

Mr Lansley: My hon. Friend invites me to enter Mr Ian Liddell-Grainger (Bridgwater and West Somerset) tricky territory. What is Europe is often interpreted (Con): The Leader of the House is well aware that a lot differently in different contexts, as he will remember of unitary authority and county council areas throughout from the Eurovision song contest, no less. I encourage the country have suffered substantial infrastructure damage him to raise this, particularly the human rights issues, as a result of flooding. Money is being made available with colleagues at the Foreign and Commonwealth for bolstering flood defences, but none is being made Office when they answer questions here on 5 March. I directly available for the restoration of roads, drains will also check with colleagues at the Department for and hedges and for the repair of all the other damage Culture, Media and Sport to see whether they have that has been caused. Is it possible to have a debate on anything further to add on the footballing issues. this matter—in Government time, as it affects the whole of the United Kingdom—to discuss whether money Sandra Osborne (Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock) (Lab): could be made available to repair that damage? May we have a statement on the adequacy of the discretionary payment, which exists to support the most Mr Lansley: I understand the point that my hon. vulnerable people who will suffer as a result of the Friend is making. This is similar to what happens after bedroom tax? East Ayrshire council has sent letters to severe winter weather, when potholes and other problems people saying that they might be entitled to a discretionary need to be dealt with. Last winter and the winter before payment for a short period of time, after which they will that, some additional resources were found for local have to find the money themselves. This is a matter of authorities to do that. He makes a good point, and I serious concern to some of my most vulnerable constituents, will raise the matter with the Department for Communities and I would welcome the Government looking at the and Local Government, not least in order to see when it matter again. will be able to say something about those impacts. I hope that that will be helpful to my hon. Friend. Mr Lansley: The hon. Lady will be aware that this Government allocated an additional £30 million to the Derek Twigg (Halton) (Lab): I am getting an increasing discretionary housing payment budget, taking it to number of letters from disabled constituents who are £195 million. This is specifically aimed at helping disabled terrified of the impact of the bedroom tax. There is a people who live in significantly adapted accommodation, storm coming the Government’s way on the issue of and foster carers. benefit cuts. May I repeat my request to the Leader of the House for an urgent debate, with the Prime Minister Dr Julian Lewis (New Forest East) (Con): Given that present, so that we can hear about the horrendous an in/out referendum and cutting the EU budget are impact of the bedroom tax on my constituents and on both now mainstream Conservative policies, may we tens of thousands of other people around the country? 1067 Business of the House14 FEBRUARY 2013 Business of the House 1068

Mr Lansley: I am sorry to have to say to the hon. to freedom of information requests under the terms of the Gentleman that the simple fact that he and his colleagues Freedom of Information Act 2000 in the same way as keep repeating this does not make it so. Under the existing NHS public sector organisations.] Labour Government, under-occupancy deductions were Given that £7 billion of NHS contracts is currently made in exactly the same way in relation to those in being tendered for, or has been awarded to, private receipt of housing benefit in the private sector. Opposition sector health companies, may we have a debate on Members have to understand two simple propositions. whether freedom of information requests should apply First, we have to save money. Secondly, there is under- to private health companies bidding for NHS contracts occupancy in the social housing sector, as there was in that currently hide behind a cloak of commercial the private rented sector. In order to gain the maximum confidentiality? benefit from the available social housing, we have to have incentives for the space to be best used. Mr Lansley: Health questions will take place on the next sitting Tuesday. On public procurement and the Mr Aidan Burley (Cannock Chase) (Con): The findings need to audit public money, the Freedom of Information of the Francis report were especially disturbing for my Act cannot at present reach wherever public money constituents, many of whom received terrible care at goes, but the transparency requirements set out in contracts Stafford hospital, but the jobs merry-go-round is equally enable there to be absolute clarity about the propriety disturbing. For example, Helen Moss, the former director and purposes of public funds used in procurement. of nursing, who was in charge when care reached appalling standards, now works for Ernst and Youngas a consultant. Neil Parish (Tiverton and Honiton) (Con): Will the Her company has since won a contract to look at the Leader of the House find time for a debate on food financial viability of the Mid Staffs trust. May we have labelling for processed food? The horse scandal has a debate on ending this shameful roundabout, where shown that the labels on processed food throw mystery people get on, fail and then are moved somewhere else? on where that food comes from, rather than provide enlightenment. We have an opportunity to get something Mr Lansley: My hon. Friend will understand that I positive from this scandal, by making sure that people cannot comment directly on individuals, other than to recognise where their food comes from. say that—I think this is a matter of public record—although Helen Moss is working in a consultancy role, she is not Mr Lansley: I understand the point my hon. Friend working directly in relation to the Mid Staffs trust. I makes, and he will have heard the Minister of State, completely understand the general point, however. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Francis inquiry is continuing, and the Government will my hon. Friend the Member for Somerton and Frome respond in due course, but while its report has clearly (Mr Heath), who has responsibility for food and farming, set out many of the central issues for the system as a say precisely that. The Minister agrees that we must whole, it was not asked to draw conclusions about the make sure food labelling delivers to consumers the behaviour of individuals, and it did not do so. That is information they need. As I know from my experience, principally a matter for the professional regulatory bodies, we are making good progress in respect of the nutritional of course, but this issue does raise the question of the content of food and helping people to construct a good place of managers in particular in a professional regulatory diet, but the provenance, origin and composition of structure of that kind. foods must also be made very clear. My ministerial colleagues have reported to the House on that, and Grahame M. Morris (Easington) (Lab): May I draw I know they will find further opportunities to do so. the Leader of the House’s attention to early-day Several hon. Members rose— motion 773? It has attracted the signatures of over 95 Members from seven political parties, including the Mr Speaker: Order. As the House will know, I almost coalition parties. invariably call everyone at business questions, and I would [That this House notes that the most significant like to do so again today, but it is a day of Backbench development that has followed from the Government’s Business Committee debates, which are well subscribed, healthcare reforms has been the 7 billion worth of new so we are under heavy time pressure. I therefore appeal contracts being made available to the private health sector; to colleagues to ask single short questions, and to further notes that at least five former advisers to the Leader of the House to give pithy replies. Prime Minister and the Chancellor of the Exchequer are now working for lobbying firms with private healthcare Barbara Keeley (Worsley and Eccles South) (Lab): clients; recalls the Prime Minister’s own reported remarks Unpaid carers provide vital care to frail, ill and disabled prior to the general election when he described lobbying people, but thousands of them are being hit by the as ‘the next big scandal waiting to happen’; recognises the benefits cap and the Welfare Benefits Up-rating Bill. growing scandal of the procurement model that favours Many will also be hit by the bedroom tax and the loss of the private health sector over the NHS, by allowing council tax benefit, and we now find from the updated private companies to hide behind commercial confidentiality impact assessment for personal independence payments and which compromises the best practice aspirations of that 10,000 carers will lose their carers allowance and the public sector; condemns the practice of revolving 5,000 fewer will qualify. May we have a debate on why doors, whereby Government health advisers move to lucrative this Government are hitting unpaid carers with their contracts in the private healthcare sector, especially at a reforms, rather than exempting them? time when the privatisation of the NHS is proceeding by stealth; is deeply concerned at the unfair advantages Mr Lansley: The hon. Lady has to recognise, for being handed to private healthcare companies; and demands example, that we specifically excluded carers from the that in future all private healthcare companies be subject constraint on the uprating of welfare benefit—recognising 1069 Business of the House14 FEBRUARY 2013 Business of the House 1070 their role. The draft Care and Support Bill puts into Mr Lansley: The hon. Gentleman might care to raise statute for the first time specific support for carers, not that matter at Transport questions, which I believe are least in respect of supporting their health. on the Thursday of the week the House next sits. He will have seen the announcement on the Thameslink Mr Peter Bone (Wellingborough) (Con): The shadow northern franchise, to which he referred. If I may, I will Leader of the House made a very wise suggestion ask the Department for Transport whether there are earlier today—for Conservative Members to date a any further issues arising out of recent problems and Liberal Democrat Member tonight. I pick the Deputy ask it to correspond with the hon. Gentleman and let Prime Minister; who would my right hon. Friend choose? me know the outcome.

Mr Lansley: I think I may have detected a somewhat Alun Cairns (Vale of Glamorgan) (Con): Unemployment different sense to the remarks of the shadow Leader of in the Vale of Glamorgan has fallen consistently over the House than my hon. Friend has in his interpretation. the last 12 months, and now stands at a rate of a little I think that the Leader of the House and the deputy over 5%. For those people who remain unemployed, Leader of the House make a perfectly good team; that experience is an important attribute as they need it to is how we regard ourselves for these purposes. try to get back into work. May we have a debate on the Government’s Work programme to clarify what was Barry Gardiner (Brent North) (Lab): The Leader of said in court this week, but also to underline the principle the House will have heard the Chair of the Health that for people who receive these sorts of benefits, Select Committee on the “Today” programme earlier experience can help them back into work? today talking about gagging orders and the way in which they have been used in the health service. Will the Mr Lansley: I do not know whether a debate will be right hon. Gentleman make time for a debate so that we possible in the near future, but I certainly think it is can discuss making it a criminal offence to put a gagging important for us to continue to support the principle, order into a contract that is guaranteed to be against which I think the court did not contest, that it is right public safety? and proper for the Government, and in the interests of the unemployed, to ensure that people get back in the Mr Lansley: It would be relevant to consider that workplace, get that experience and do not lose contact matter when the House has an opportunity to debate with work. That is at the heart of the Work programme. the Francis inquiry. I did not hear the Chair of the Select Committee today, but when I was Secretary of Kevin Brennan (Cardiff West) (Lab): May we have a State for Health, I made it very clear—and the chief debate on the management of special advisers? The executive of the NHS made it very clear—that gagging Education Secretary has taken the unusual step of clauses would not be put into NHS contracts. We set writing to the Education Committee in response to an that out. If I recall correctly—I will, of course, make invitation that he has not yet received, asking him why sure it is corrected if I am wrong—the particular case he did not know that one of his special advisers, Dominic that gave rise to this report related to a contract of Cummings, was one of those who were involved in a employment and a gagging clause that was applied grievance procedure initiated by a member of staff before the last election. which resulted in a £25,000 payout. Should the Secretary of State not know about such things going on in his Mark Pritchard (The Wrekin) (Con): May we have a Department, and does he not have a responsibility, debate on how Telford and Wrekin council consult local under the Ministerial Code, to know what his spads are people on residential and retail development? In particular, up to? we need to debate how the council is ignoring the concerns of Newport residents about the speed and size Mr Lansley: I have seen the letter that my right hon. and applications both for housing and retail supermarket Friend sent to the Committee, and I think it perfectly development in that ancient market town. reasonable for him to ensure that Select Committees are always given the relevant information at the earliest Mr Lansley: Local development framework consultation possible moment. should explicitly allow for a response from local communities. In my experience, it can be buttressed Andrew Jones (Harrogate and Knaresborough) (Con): by our new statutory provision for neighbourhood plans. This is national heart month, and I am sure that my I encourage my hon. Friend and his constituents to right hon. Friend has seen Members wearing badges in get together in Newport and look to providing a recognition and support of it. Please may we have a neighbourhood plan, which could entrench local views debate about what is being done to support long-term into the local planning framework. funding of research on heart and circulatory diseases, and what is being done to help people take care of their Gavin Shuker (Luton South) (Lab/Co-op): Over the own hearts? last two days, many of my constituents have been caught up in the extensive disruption on the Thameslink railway route. Could time be made available to discuss Mr Lansley: Yes, I have seen the badges. Indeed, there the problems on that line, particularly given that, in the was a specific day on which I wore a British Heart light of the west coast main line debacle, the operator Foundation badge myself. has been awarded a two and a half year contract to Because the Government recognised its importance, continue to run the franchise when it would otherwise we maintained the research budget, including the budget have finished earlier? for the National Institute for Health Research. I believe 1071 Business of the House14 FEBRUARY 2013 Business of the House 1072

[Mr Lansley] Mr Philip Hollobone (Kettering) (Con): Against the background of falling crime levels, a recent sharp increase that, in the last full year, the institute spent some in the number of burglaries in Kettering is cause for £54 million on research on cardiovascular disease and local concern. The Leader of the House will know that strokes. most burglars are already known to the police, and that most burglaries are carried out by burglars who are Jason McCartney (Colne Valley) (Con): My constituents released too early from prison having not completed and I continue to be frustrated by the continuing saga their sentences. May we have a joint statement by Ministers of the roadworks and speed restrictions on the M62 from the Home Office and the Ministry of Justice about between Huddersfield and Leeds. This has been going what Her Majesty’s Government are doing to tackle on for many months. Will my right hon. Friend raise it this most pernicious of crimes? urgently with the Secretary of State for Transport, and also find time for an urgent debate? The ever-increasing Mr Lansley: I have listened to what my hon. Friend number of accidents and the ever-increasing congestion says and, to be helpful, I will, of course, ask my colleagues are affecting the whole west Yorkshire economy. at the Home Office to reply, particularly on his local situation. If I recall correctly, they were saying that Mr Lansley: I have driven along that piece of road, although there has been a reduction in crime, they have and I know exactly what my hon. Friend is referring to. had a particular focus on the clear-up rates in relation The matter is very important to his constituents and to to burglary. It is very important that they do that. others, and I will of course raise it with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State. I know that efforts are Christopher Pincher (Tamworth) (Con): May we have being made to complete the work this year, and to do it a statement on the approach to care in the Staffordshire as fast as possible, but I will encourage my right hon. NHS cluster? My 22-year-old constituent, Thomas Berry, Friend to say what can be done to ensure the best suffers from spinal muscular atrophy, which means that possible flow of traffic and maximum safety. he cannot do very much for himself, but the cluster wants to change his care plan, against his wishes, the Andrew Stephenson (Pendle) (Con): On 28 January, wishes of his carers and the advice of his doctor. That along with my hon. Friend the Member for Keighley could have a material impact on his health, yet the (Kris Hopkins), I was delighted to welcome the Secretary cluster is not even able to tell me whether it thinks it of State for Health to the excellent Airedale general might have an impact on his health. May we have a hospital. Many Pendle residents use the hospital and statement so that we can question Staffordshire’s approach the outside services that it provides. For example, to care, including the apparent refusal of the chief telemedicine is used in a number of Pendle GP surgeries executive and the head of continuing care to answer and in our nursing homes. May we have a debate on the MPs’ questions adequately? potential benefits of telemedicine to the NHS, to ensure that they can be realised and that proper joined-up Mr Lansley: I know that the chief executive of the working can take place between doctors, the ambulance Staffordshire primary care trust cluster would be very service and our local hospitals? willing to meet my hon. Friend to discuss this matter, if it would be helpful. Obviously I cannot enter into a Mr Lansley: I am pleased to hear that my hon. discussion about his constituent, but the general point Friends enjoyed my right hon. Friend’s visit to Airedale he makes is that the whole object of care plans is for general hospital. I recall visiting the hospital myself them to be agreed between the patient, their family and and being very impressed with the work it was doing. their clinicians. When I was in Kirklees, I was also very impressed by a demonstration of what telehealth and telecare can Kris Hopkins (Keighley) (Con): We are approaching achieve. A trial was completed which led to the launch the 10th anniversary of the start of the Iraq war, a of the “3 million lives” programme just over a year ago, conflict that saw the loss of many British service personnel which achieved a 45% reduction in mortality rates and more than half a million Iraqis killed. There are among those who were enrolled in the programme. still unanswered questions about the legality of the war, so will my right hon. Friend facilitate a debate on this Philip Davies (Shipley) (Con): May I reiterate the important issue? calls for a debate about Harold Wilson, and ask whether, in the event of such a debate, we would be allowed to Mr Lansley: My hon. Friend raises a point that I refer to the fact that he smoked a pipe? It seems that the know has been raised with the Backbench Business politically correct brigade at the BBC have decided to Committee. I think we should particularly commemorate block out that fact, Soviet-style, for the purposes of the this anniversary and remember the loss of life, particularly programme that they are making about him. Perhaps our own dead and injured. I think that the Government we could combine a debate about Harold Wilson with a should look to the Chilcot inquiry as the basis on debate about politically correct idiocy at the BBC. which this House should then consider the lessons to be learned. Mr Lansley: I find it difficult to conceive of the possibility of a programme about Harold Wilson without Julian Smith (Skipton and Ripon) (Con): May we his pipe. How would it explain how he gave himself time have a debate about the merits of introducing financial to think? I must say that I am not sure how he managed incentives to UK whistleblowing legislation? Such incentives not to use his pipe at the Dispatch Box, given that it was are in place in the United States, where its Treasury such an integral part of his make-up. makes a fortune as a result. If we had them here, be they 1073 Business of the House14 FEBRUARY 2013 Business of the House 1074 in respect of health, banking or other sectors of our statement at the beginning of the week on the response economy, more people would step forward and indicate to Andrew Dilnot’s commission, which I had the privilege where malpractice is taking place. of establishing. The relevant provisions are the subject of a further representation to the Joint Committee Mr Lansley: Of course, I am familiar, to some extent, considering the draft Care and Support Bill and I hope with the fact that there are incentives for whistleblowers that that will enable the House in due course to see the in financial services in America, but I did not know that measures taken forward as rapidly as possible. they extended any further than that. In a number of contexts, we want to ensure, in particular, that there are Neil Carmichael (Stroud) (Con): Does the Lord Privy no disincentives, but we also want to ensure that there Seal agree that one of the successes of the coalition are clear incentives for people to be whistleblowers, Government has been the provision of a proper framework where that is appropriate. for post offices so that they can feel secure, modernise and serve their rural communities? In my constituency, John Glen (Salisbury) (Con): My constituents from many post offices have felt a huge benefit from that the Wilton community land trust were delighted to have support, in complete contrast to the closure programme the opportunity, finally, to bid for the Ministry of under the previous Labour Government. Defence site at the Erskine barracks. However, they were somewhat dismayed by the lack of provision in the tendering document for communities’ views to be taken Mr Lansley: I can tell my hon. Friend that the Lord into account. May I reiterate the call by my hon. Friend Privy Seal is very much in agreement with him. There the Member for Romsey and Southampton North (Caroline will not be any repeat of the closure programme that we Nokes) for the MOD to make a statement on how it is saw under the previous Government, which I experienced going to listen to community groups when disposing of in my constituency and he no doubt did in his. We are its assets? committed to maintaining a network of 11,500 branches, with £1.3 billion of funding to support that during Mr Lansley: I will not repeat what I said to my hon. the spending review period. By 2015, at least half of Friend the Member for Romsey and Southampton North those branches will have been modernised as he describes. earlier, but it is important, in any set of circumstances where disposal is being taken forward, for the local Rehman Chishti (Gillingham and Rainham) (Con): councils and the partners to engage fully with the local There are concerns in my constituency about the mortality community. I hope that that is the practice in the rates at the local hospital, which will now be investigated constituency of my hon. Friend the Member for Salisbury by the NHS Commissioning Board. Will the Leader of (John Glen), too. the House allow an urgent debate on how we can improve such hospitals? Mr Marcus Jones (Nuneaton) (Con): Many of my constituents will welcome the fact that this week the Mr Lansley: My hon. Friend will recall that I visited Government have taken an important step forward by Medway hospital. It is very important that we recognise committing to support people with their care costs that when there is a significant deviation from the where they have assets of up to £123,000, as opposed to standardised mortality data and too high a level of the current limit of £23,000. Will my right hon. Friend apparent mortality is recorded that is an indicator that schedule a debate on this issue, which is extremely should be acted upon and is not in itself evidence of important in respect of fairness, particularly for those poor care. From the point of view of the Department who have saved hard and done the right thing for their and the Care Quality Commission, one of the lessons retirement? from Mid Staffs was that indicators, alarm bells, smoke alarms or whatever we might call them should never be Mr Lansley: I am pleased that my right hon. Friend ignored. I hope that we will see determination to act on the Secretary of State for Health was able to make a any evidence but not to jump to any conclusions. 1075 14 FEBRUARY 2013 1076 Point of Order Backbench Business 12.2 pm Mr Speaker: Before I call the Chair of the Select Claire Perry (Devizes) (Con): On a point of order, Committee on Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to Mr Speaker. This morning, I had the great pleasure of move the first motion, it might be for the convenience of appearing on a radio programme with the hon. Member the House if I mention now that the next debate, on for Newport West (Paul Flynn) to discuss the fact that protecting future generations from violence against women his book is the most borrowed publication in the House and girls, is very heavily subscribed. I am therefore of Commons Library. In preparing for that programme, minded to impose at this stage a six-minute limit on I was minded to go back around the Library and it Back-Bench contributions that will take effect after the made me realise what an extraordinarily fantastically mover of that motion sits down. great asset we have in the Library and the Library staff. I would be grateful for your advice on how we as MPs might express our appreciation for the staff and Contamination of Beef Products management, who, I suspect, are not thanked often enough. 12.4 pm Mr Speaker: I am grateful to the hon. Lady for her Miss Anne McIntosh (Thirsk and Malton) (Con): I point of order and my answer to her is twofold. First, beg to move, she has already done so most eloquently on behalf of That this House has considered the matter of the publication Members in all parts of the House. Secondly, she will be of the Eighth Report of the Environment, Food and Rural no stranger to the mechanism of an early-day motion. Affairs Committee, Contamination of Beef Products, HC 946. If she feels moved on the back of her point of order and It give me great pleasure to take this opportunity, for the warm reception of it to table such a motion, she which the Select Committee is extremely grateful, to might well find a significant number of signatories. I launch our report on the contamination of beef products, note in passing that I, too, am familiar with the book our eighth report. I am particularly grateful for all the entitled, “How to be a Backbencher”, penned by the support of colleagues on the Committee and for the hon. Member for Newport West (Paul Flynn), and it is swift turnaround in taking the initial evidence and a much-thumbed tome in the Bercow household. receiving it in written form. We are grateful to those who gave evidence, as we are to those on the Committee secretariat who helped us to prepare the report. This is a matter of huge public interest. Our earlier report in July last year dealt with desinewed meat, and I want to refer to the conclusion drawn by a former director of the Food Standards Agency that there is a direct correlation between the Commission’s unilateral ban on desinewed meats in this country and the entry of suspicious filler products in March last year. We conclude that the scale of contamination is breathtaking. This is a European crisis requiring a European solution. One month on, we are still no clearer as to where the suspicious substance enters the food chain. Today we heard from the Farming Minister of doubts being cast on the effectiveness of the European horse passport system.

Roger Williams (Brecon and Radnorshire) (LD): I thank the Chairman of the Select Committee for giving way and congratulate her on the report. She makes a valid point: we do not know where the horsemeat entered the food chain. Does she agree that not knowing that means that we do not know where it originated or what premises the horses were slaughtered at? They could be unlicensed premises.

Miss McIntosh: That is probably one of the most worrying aspects. What we do know is that since our evidence session on 30 January, horse and pig DNA contamination was found in more beef products. Samples of Findus lasagne contained more than 60% horsemeat, Aldi lasagne and spaghetti bolognaise contained between 30% and 100% horsemeat, and beef products certified as halal supplied to prisons in England and Wales were found to contain pork DNA. Today we learn that bute has been identified in eight samples of beef products. 1077 Contamination of Beef Products14 FEBRUARY 2013 Contamination of Beef Products 1078

Neil Parish (Tiverton and Honiton) (Con): I thank Barry Gardiner (Brent North) (Lab): I pay tribute to the hon. Lady for chairing the Committee and bringing the hon. Lady for the way in which she courteously and us the report. Does she agree that it is now more expeditiously steered the Committee to the report. Does important then ever for people to know exactly where she share my astonishment that companies such as the processed product has been made, exactly what the Tesco, which conducts minute product checks on our ingredients are and exactly where they have come from, farmers’ fruit and vegetables, often causing them huge so that we can have confidence and use the Red Tractor financial loss for misshapen produce, seem to have and farm assured schemes to ensure that people know failed to do any checks on processed meat products? where their food has come from? Might that be because they believed such checks could reveal some very inconvenient truths? Miss McIntosh: I shall come to that very point. I am Miss McIntosh: I say to my fellow Committee member— grateful to my hon. Friend and fellow member of the dare I say my hon. Friend?—that that is worrying, and Committee. I will refer to those checks later. The Committee was The Food Standards Agency is an independent, astonished to learn that the cost of the checks—he will arm’s length, non-ministerial body. The question we ask correct me if I am wrong—is in the region of £1 million is: to whom is the FSA accountable? It was found on to £2 million for one product line. Following the urgent this occasion to be flatfooted. We note that the Food question earlier today, we should be under no illusion Safety Authority of Ireland informed of its testing in that the cost of food will regrettably go up, but this is a November, but the FSA UK started testing only when wake-up call and an invitation to source more British those results were known, on 15 January. We draw the meat going into frozen and processed foods, in particular. conclusion that no statutory powers are given to require I believe that that will swiftly restore consumer confidence testing. We also note a need for the FSA to co-operate in those products. more with its European counterparts across the European Union. Mr Peter Bone (Wellingborough) (Con): Did the Committee consider whether a temporary ban on imports Kevin Brennan (Cardiff West) (Lab): The hon. Lady from the European Union would benefit everyone? will know from the front of The Times today and from Surely the processed meat industry in this country must her own Select Committee that the former Agriculture be devastated, because no one will be keen to buy while Minister, the right hon. Member for South East there is a danger that there might be something wrong Cambridgeshire (Sir James Paice), spoke to her Committee with the meat. If the processed products were made last summer and warned that unlawful meat would be using only British meat, there would be no problem. imported from Europe as manufacturers sought cheap sources to make up for banned British supplies. She said Miss McIntosh: We have yet to conclude all our the FSA was flatfooted. Does she think the Government evidence and have not had the opportunity to consider should have been more ready for that possibility, given that point, but I am sure that we will. that one of their former Ministers had warned of that There are insufficient controls in the food chain to very thing in front of her Committee last summer? protect consumers from contaminated and potentially unsafe food. We think that this is an opportunity to examine the whole food supply chain. Consumers have Miss McIntosh: I am grateful that the hon. Gentleman been let down by retailers who took on trust the assurances has referred to conclusion 8 in our report, which is of their suppliers—that addresses the point made by my entirely relevant. I note with some sadness, as I represent friend the hon. Member for Brent North (Barry Gardiner). one of the largest meat-producing areas in the country, Many consumers rely on supermarkets for their weekly that that one decision led to the loss of 30 jobs in my shop and take it on trust that labels are accurate. This constituency. No other ban has been imposed on any situation is worrying precisely because Tesco and other other member state, and we are importing that so-called retailers were trying to produce economy products at Baader meat, a similarly produced meat, and substandard low cost. The drive to lower costs increases the likelihood —I would say—filler meat as well. of fraud, and that is the point of view of the National The one welcome aspect, to which my hon. Friend Farmers Union. Meat processors also have procedures the Member for Tiverton and Honiton (Neil Parish) to check and document sources of raw material, but referred, is that there appears to have been a change in they do not include DNA testing. shopping habits over the past month. The one shining light is that we can have absolute confidence in home- Mr Philip Hollobone (Kettering) (Con): I congratulate produced beef and other British meats. We are now my hon. Friend on her excellent report and on her buying more British beef, more local meat from butchers Committee’s endeavours. On the point about consumer and farm shops and more meat marked with the Red confidence, one of the things that is traceable now is the Tractor logo at the supermarket. The Red Tractor signifies customer. With their loyalty cards, the big supermarkets that the entire food chain has been traced from farm to know who their customers are and what they are buying. plate. It shows that the highest animal welfare and Will she and her Committee encourage the big super- hygiene standards have been met. The farmers pay for markets, at a time of crisis like this, to communicate the inspections. I believe that that is the flagship that directly with their customers to offer them the reassurance should be used for good traceability for all imports. they seek? They should meet the same high standards and be as transparent for processed and frozen meats as they are Miss McIntosh: I believe that that will be an inevitable for fresh, whether the meat comes from home, Europe consequence of the exercise, and I hope that they will or third countries. respond positively to that invitation. 1079 Contamination of Beef Products14 FEBRUARY 2013 Contamination of Beef Products 1080

[Miss McIntosh] regime is weak. It was Ireland’s FSA that identified the contamination, using tests not currently used in the Obviously, substituting horsemeat for beef, which is UK, which leads us to question whether the UK’s FSA what has been discovered, is described as criminal activity is at the forefront of scientific analysis. and will be investigated. We are obviously delighted In our conclusions and recommendations, we state that the perpetrators will face the full force of the law. that the Government and the FSA have called for a However, the potential shortcomings are particularly wide range of tests to be undertaken, which we welcome. worrying, because the food industry currently appears I am sure that the whole Committee would welcome the unable to account for ingredients in all its foodstuffs. European tests that have been announced. I firmly We conclude that it is improbable that those who are believe that we need a European solution. We need to prepared to pass horsemeat off as beef illegally will examine the whole supply chain. In the urgent question apply the high hygiene standards that we require and earlier today, an hon. Friend said that the miles and the that consumers expect in food production. With regard number of countries that these ingredients have travelled to lessons to be learnt, we strongly believe that the FSA through before ending up on our plates in processed has to be more fleet of foot. It must be given the tools and frozen foods is staggering. to do the job. It currently has no statutory power to require testing by producers, taking into account the The FSA should be responsible for food safety. It level of risk. should be given the statutory power to require those in the food industry to undertake tests to determine that their products comply with food standards regulations. Caroline Lucas (Brighton, Pavilion) (Green): The hon. That process should be risk-based and proportionate, Lady rightly says that the FSA needs greater powers, and the results of all tests, whether mandated by the but does she agree that the increasing length and complexity FSA or carried out independently by the retailers of supply chains inevitably make such risks more likely themselves, should be reported to the FSA. As regards and that, therefore, as well as strengthening the FSA, the European testing that was announced yesterday, we we need a far more radical look at re-localising our food must ask to whom the results will be reported and supplies? whether they will be shared across the piece with all the responsible national authorities. Miss McIntosh: Absolutely. As I said, consumers We want strengthened testing regimes in the UK have responded to the challenge by buying more locally, meat industry. We want to know what the Government and I hope that they will continue to do so. For example, are doing to improve the operation of the European if we buy meat for a Sunday roast or stew and then horse passport system, given that the Minister said freeze what is left over to serve in other ways over the earlier that it is not as effective as we would wish. The week, we are basically processing the food ourselves, Government must also explore how best to avoid future and that will lead to a much better understanding of contamination and to achieve the correct balance between what we are eating. I entirely take the hon. Lady’s point. affordable food prices and regulations to ensure The Committee’s view is that the FSA has been transparency and quality. reduced to a food safety body. We believe that its In my constituency, we face a deep crisis in the sheep powers were weakened in 2010. It told us that labelling sector. Across the north of England, and I am sure in policy was “not really for us” because that is not a food many other parts of the country, there is a real fear of safety issue. sheep producers going to the wall. Most farmers have used their winter storage but are unable to allow sheep Sheryll Murray (South East Cornwall) (Con): With to forage because the grass is under snow or deep under regard to the EU regulation that would allow certain water. I personally believe that this is a very worrying national derogations, which the Government are consulting development. Farm gate prices have gone down and the on at the moment, does my hon. Friend agree that when costs of farm production have gone up. The cost of responding we should consider very carefully the foodstuffs is going up, the cost of fuel to take animals to implications that we have now seen? market has gone up, and farm gate prices are going down. We have seen the constant drive by supermarkets to Miss McIntosh: I am delighted that we do conclude store on their shelves low-value, low-cost, and, we now that that approach should be taken, as I will mention in know, very suspicious adulterated food. We are worried my closing remarks. It was very much the hon. Member that the consumer will be caught in a Catch-22 situation for Brent North (Barry Gardiner) who proposed that, between paying the costs of higher traceability, labelling and the Committee was absolutely at one with him in and testing standards and having to accept that they that view. will not be provided with comprehensive information Although policy is rightly the responsibility of Ministers, about the provenance and composition of the food we are firmly of the view that the FSA’s diminished role they eat. There are strong indications that people with has led to a lack of clarity about where responsibility criminal intent have intentionally substituted horsemeat lies, which has weakened the UK’s ability to identify for beef. That leads us to conclude that British consumers and respond to food health concerns. Furthermore, the have been cynically and systematically duped in pursuit current contamination crisis has caught the FSA and of profit by certain elements within the food industry. the Government flat-footed and unable to respond As my hon. Friend the Member for South East Cornwall effectively within structures that were designed primarily (Sheryll Murray) and the hon. Member for Brent North to respond to threats to human health. I believe that said, this is not the time, given the current crisis of this is a firm wake-up call. Having had the BSE and foot labelling and traceability, for the Government to be and mouth crisis, we have perhaps been a little slack in seeking through their consultation a derogation to reduce our food inspections. We conclude that the FSA’s testing the labelling requirements for beef or other meat products, 1081 Contamination of Beef Products 14 FEBRUARY 2013 1082

We are calling for more testing of food safety and Violence against Women and Girls composition across the European food industry because the current arrangements for testing and control have 12.24 pm failed UK consumers. The Food Standards Agency needs clear powers and responsibilities to back up what Fiona Mactaggart (Slough) (Lab): I beg to move, Ministers are demanding that it do, and what consumers That this House notes the One Billion Rising Campaign, and expect from it, so that it can respond more effectively to the call to end violence against women and girls; and calls on the any future food adulteration scandal. It gives me great Government to support this by introducing statutory provisions pleasure to commend the Committee’s eighth report to to make personal, social and health education, including a zero tolerance approach to violence and abuse in relationships, a the House. requirement in schools. Question put and agreed to. I rise to speak to the motion on the Order Paper in my name and in the names of many Members across parties. Before I do so, I should like to say some thank yous. I thank the Backbench Business Committee for allowing us this debate. I thank the Leader of the House for tipping us the wink a few weeks earlier that we would probably secure a debate on this day, which is significant because of my other thank you—to the One Billion Rising campaign, a coalition of women around the world rising against violence against women. Many of us who are in the Chamber have been in Parliament square with them today, dancing, shouting and protesting. The movement was prompted by the 15th anniversary of “The Vagina Monologues” by Eve Ensler. Any of us who have heard her speak about how rape is used as a weapon of war will recognise that we are having absolutely the correct pair of debates today—the debate that I am initiating and the debate on sexual violence in conflict that the hon. Member for Oxford West and Abingdon (Nicola Blackwood) will introduce later. I chose this subject for debate because activists in the One Billion Rising campaign around the country have been running workshops about what would make the most difference in addressing domestic violence. Over the course of history, quite a lot of things have been done in that regard. We have better prosecution rates, IDVAs—independent domestic violence advisers—and refuges to help victims of domestic violence. However, the workshops concluded that the most important thing to do is make the next generation safe, and that the shortfall in our response to such violence is caused by a lack of education to prevent it. That has led to a situation where one in three women will experience violence in her lifetime, and that is unacceptable. Others have reached the same view. Although the recent cross-party inquiry into unwanted pregnancies focused on preventing teenage pregnancy, it also argued the importance of teaching young people in school to make informed choices and to resist being coerced through peer pressure into sex or risky sexual behaviour. The Schools Safe 4 Girls campaign, which was launched by the End Violence Against Women Coalition last autumn, echoes that message. Almost every Select Committee report that has looked into domestic violence concluded that the Government’s weakest response is in education. Kevin Brennan (Cardiff West) (Lab): Does my hon. Friend regret as much I do the fact that putting personal, social and health education, including sex and relationships education, on to a statutory basis was blocked just before the last general election? That could already have been in place. Fiona Mactaggart: It is a real pity that that did not proceed. It is also a pity that the Government-initiated inquiry into sex and relationships education, which was 1083 Violence against Women and Girls14 FEBRUARY 2013 Violence against Women and Girls 1084

[Fiona Mactaggart] schools. Let us look at the issue from first principles: is it necessary to act; will the motion’s proposed action launched in 2011, has yet to report. The Government make a difference; and what will happen if it does not? have a lack of urgency and a lack of adequate commitment The British crime survey shows that one in 14 women on this matter. and one in 20 men interviewed in 2011-12 had experienced domestic abuse by a partner or family member in the Dame Joan Ruddock (Lewisham, Deptford) (Lab): past year. According to the same interviews, nearly one Does my hon. Friend agree that many people will say in three women and almost one in five men said that that this education is the responsibility of parents and they had experienced such abuse since the age of 16. A families and that it should not be done in schools? freedom of information request made by my right hon. Many of its opponents—[HON.MEMBERS: “Hear, hear.”] Friend the Member for Normanton, Pontefract and We can hear some such opponents on the Government Castleford (Yvette Cooper) suggested that a third of Benches. I would say to them—I hope that my hon. Friend 999 calls about domestic violence are from people who agrees—that many families do not have the capacity to have been previous victims. Every week, two women are educate their children, and many families, unfortunately, murdered in domestic violence murders. Around the have violent relationships within them, and that is not world, women aged 15 to 44 are more likely to die or be appropriate to the education of children. disabled because of violence than as a result of cancer, malaria, traffic accidents and war combined. Fiona Mactaggart: The responsibility of families does This is an issue in schools. A YouGov poll found not get rid of the responsibility of the education service. that nearly one in three 16 to 18-year-old girls has experienced groping or unwanted sexual touching. Mary Macleod (Brentford and Isleworth) (Con): Does The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to the hon. Lady agree that some schools are already Children found that a third of girls aged 13 to 17 in taking a lead on this issue and teaching it, and that that, relationships had experienced physical or sexual violence, along with partnership working with the police, it is with 12% of them reporting rape. We know how often incredibly important? That is what I find in my London girls who are victims of rape do not report it, because borough of Hounslow. they are not taught in schools about relationships and the importance of consent. The interim findings Fiona Mactaggart: Yes, of course there are schools of the exploitation inquiry undertaken by the Office that are doing this well. The problem is that we do not of the Children’s Commissioner and the university of have a comprehensive system—I will go into the details Bedfordshire uncovered worrying trends of increased later—that guarantees excellent sex and relationships sexual exploitation of young people by their peers. education. It is unsafe not to have such a system in Violence and sexual aggression in relationships has schools, and that is my argument. become too common for British young people. To overcome that, they need to be able to make positive choices for Mrs Madeleine Moon (Bridgend) (Lab): Will my hon. their own future. Friend give way? The work on young people’s understanding is really important. This crime is almost unlike any other, because Fiona Mactaggart: I am trying to make progress, but the victim tends to feel responsible or, indeed, is sometimes I will give way. deemed responsible by society as a result of their actions. We do not tell burglary victims, “It’s your fault, because Mrs Moon: I thank my hon. Friend for giving way you haven’t got a burglar alarm,” yet society too often and for being so patient, because I know she wants to tells victims of rape and sexual violence, “It’s your fault. make progress. The Office for National Statistics estimates You were drunk and wearing sexually provocative clothing.” that more than 500,000 people will be victims of sexual Those attitudes are absorbed by young women so that crimes in an average year, with only up to 10,000 they think it is their fault. prosecutions. Does that not show that there needs to be wider education so that people can protect themselves, as the state, through the police force, is clearly failing to Andrew Gwynne (Denton and Reddish) (Lab): My protect them? hon. Friend is making a compelling case for statutory education. On teaching girls about consent, is it not just as important that boys also learn that no always means Fiona Mactaggart: Let us be honest: the police response no? to this issue has improved over the past decade. It is better than it used to be, but it is not good enough. My hon. Friend is right that the police usually detect only Fiona Mactaggart: My hon. Friend is right. In preparing about 2% or 3% of crimes and that there are even fewer for this debate, I have been looking at research about prosecutions. The situation, therefore, is not completely whether sex and relationships education actually works. unusual. The best response to crime is to prevent it in One of the things that that has shown is that there is the first place. My argument is that taking on the further to go with boys than girls. We should take that challenge of teaching against violence is one way of very seriously, because we need to address the level of preventing it. tolerance that young boys seem to have towards violence, I am an MP now, but I used to be an educator. I used seeing it as relatively normal. We do not know why to teach children in the last years of primary school and that is. then I taught adults to be teachers. I know that good-quality education can transform lives, but I also know that, Sandra Osborne (Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock) (Lab): too often, this subject is an afterthought in too many Will my hon. Friend give way? 1085 Violence against Women and Girls14 FEBRUARY 2013 Violence against Women and Girls 1086

Fiona Mactaggart: If I keep giving way I will take up throughout society, even if it happens behind closed too much of the debate, so I will try to resist, but if any doors. We need it to ensure that people who have been Members are really assertive I will give way. How about victims of violence know that it is not their fault. We that for a deal? must make a society in which all those things are real. I Research shows that young men have a higher tolerance believe that excellent sex and relationships education of sexual violence than young women. Although both based on zero tolerance to violence will deliver that. We are changed by good-quality sex and relationships are still miles behind according to the evidence that has education, the sad thing is that a lot of research studies been sent to us by groups such as the National Union of show that the young men move from a very bad set of Students, which reports that many students still face attitudes to about where the young women’s attitudes sexual bullying and violence as the norm in colleges and start. The young women get more confidence and change universities. their attitudes a lot by understanding that it is not This motion, if implemented, could really make the tolerable to put up with physical violence, sexting, sexual difference. I urge the Minister in his summing up to tell bullying or being barged about. us that he will talk to his colleagues in the Department As I have said, I used to be a teacher and a teacher for Education, which in my view has done less than his educator in the days when things were much worse. I Department to deal with this issue, and remind them remember a teacher education resource about computers that this is not something for the future; this is urgent. in education. In those days, computers were rather new Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Lindsay Hoyle): There is a in the classroom and the resource stated how the boys six-minute limit on speeches. We may have to reduce would be really excited about them and how the girls’ that towards the end of the debate. ribs would be bruised as the boys pushed past them to get to the computers because they enjoyed the lesson so 12.41 pm much. That was a resource for people learning to teach. It indicated a tolerance of violence in the classroom Claire Perry (Devizes) (Con): I congratulate hon. that is utterly unacceptable, and that is the reason why I Members from all parts of the House on securing this think the motion will do more to prevent the violence important debate on the day of One Billion Rising. I that too many women and men in our society face. also congratulate the hon. Member for Walthamstow (Stella Creasy) on leading a fantastic cross-party group I have discussed successful sex and relationships education in Parliament square. It is a shame that the Metropolitan and how it can change things. Some of it is successful police tried to move us on. [Laughter.] They did not and some of it is very bad. Ofsted’s report says that succeed, I might add. about three quarters of the lessons observed were good and about a quarter were poor. Of the good lessons, I am pleased to speak in this debate for a couple of Ofsted noticed that the bit that was not so good was reasons. First, like many Members, I am a parent. I have relationships education. I think that we have created an two teenage daughters and was lucky enough to bring education system that focuses far too much on the one of them to the event today. I find it impossible to mechanics of sex and not sufficiently on autonomy, the disagree with the heart of the motion and what it is right to say no, positive relationships and empowering trying to do. young women in that way. When I look at the UK, I think how lucky and privileged we are in many ways. I returned recently from I commend the evidence sent by the PSHE Association, a trip to Afghanistan. The sorts of rights, freedoms and which provides teachers with assistance on personal, protections that are afforded to us and our children are social, health and economic education. It notes that still wishful thinking for an enormous proportion of the about 40% of 16 to 18-year-old students have not women in that country. received or cannot remember lessons or information on sexual consent. Only 6% of respondents said that they There are some chilling points that we are right to got the information on relationships that they needed in discuss in this debate. I was interested to read an attitude PSHE. It points out that good quality PSHE teaching to violence survey conducted among young people in not only helps to raise young people’s awareness of Wiltshire in 2009—the latest research that I could find—in abuse, but supports those who experience abuse to which a quarter of the children surveyed said that they develop practical strategies and skills to stop it, and thought that violence was okay in some or all cases. that it challenges prevailing negative attitudes towards They thought that it was particularly okay in relationships, women and girls. We know that this can work and for example if somebody found out that their partner prevent the appalling problem of young girls thinking was cheating on them. I find that shocking. I find it that violent, abusive relationships are normal and that particularly shocking that one in five young girls agreed the controlling way in which their so-called boyfriends with that statement. I also noted that 56% of the young manage their behaviour is acceptable. people questioned said that they had witnessed domestic violence. Although some of the methodology was a In view of the cases in Oxford, I asked my local police little suspect—the categories included “parents checking commander whether there was the same problem in my up on my movements”—the survey provides food for area of the exploitation of young girls by organised thought. gangs which seduce them with violence, bullying, presents and threats. He said that he did not think that there was Philip Davies (Shipley) (Con): Given that violence is an organised gang in Slough, but that he had identified such a big problem, is my hon. Friend not also concerned about 12 young women who are very vulnerable, but who that only 34% of men and 17% of women who are think that they just have boyfriends and are not at risk. sentenced for violence against the person are sent to That is why we need this education. We need it to prison? Does that not send out a very bad message enable girls to be safe. We need it to enable boys to about how seriously we take violence against the person know that such behaviour is absolutely unacceptable in this country? 1087 Violence against Women and Girls14 FEBRUARY 2013 Violence against Women and Girls 1088

Claire Perry: My hon. Friend raises an interesting some of the stuff that one sees in the gym these days is point, particularly with regard to violence by women not what I want my children to be watching. It is fine that is directed towards men, but that is not the purpose as long as it is age rated and parents know that it is of this debate. There are wrinkles in that matter that I available. do not want to go into. However, it is important that we On third-party content, Britain will be leading the hear male voices in this debate and I welcome the world in the way that we protect our families. That is a Minister to his position. tribute to the energy of this Parliament. I want to talk about what we have done already. I am The second bucket of problems is often referred to as very proud of the Home Secretary. That statement “sexting”. That is not a term that children use and it is might not receive wide cross-party support, but we have rather an inflammatory one. It refers to user-generated taken some important steps, as did the previous content that we would all recognise if we saw it. The Government. We have provided stable funding for those problem is children and young people exchanging who counsel and support victims of violence. I know inappropriate images, content and messages. That is a from the domestic violence support centre in Devizes huge, growing and endemic problem and we have no that the stability of that funding is very welcome. We idea how big it is. The National Society for the Prevention have put new funding into a number of initiatives. We of Cruelty to Children published qualitative research have trialled domestic violence protection orders. I am last year that suggested that it is almost the norm in proud that those have been trialled in my constituency. schools for children to receive and exchange this sort of It would be wonderful if the Minister could tell us when information. we might hear the results of those pilots and whether There have been some extraordinarily tragic cases. the orders will be adopted nationally. Chevonea Kendall-Bryan, a constituent of my hon. We have also introduced Clare’s law, which has been Friend the Member for Battersea (Jane Ellison), committed campaigned for so effectively by many Members across suicide after being forced to perform a sex act on a boy the House. We have started to criminalise the serious and then pleading with him to remove the image. Records offences of forced marriage and female genital mutilation show that she had sent him a text message saying: —problems that have bedevilled us for many years. We “How much can I handle? HONESTLY. I beg you, delete have introduced a campaign that focuses on the problem that.” of teenage rape, which tells young girls that it is wrong. He did not delete the image and she fell to her death Importantly, we have reformed stalking law to help from a window. That is a tragic case. those who are stalked. Only yesterday, another colleague gave me an e-mail A special subject for me is online violence, abuse and from a woman saying that her 12-year-old daughter had bullying, particularly against women and girls. Again, been seriously sexually assaulted in class at a very good there has been extraordinary cross-party support in this independent school. This issue cuts across all boundaries area, for which we are all grateful. I do not mean to and affects all parts of the country. The mother said scaremonger, but it seems to me that we are conducting that when she talked to her daughter about why alarms a long-term experiment with our children, particularly bells did not go off when the boy sent a text requesting our girls and young women, by exposing them so freely sexual acts, her daughter looked at her as if she was to the violent, degrading and sexualised content of the mad and said, “Mum, All the boys send texts like that.” online world. Boys as young as 11 and 12 are sending highly inappropriate There are two buckets of problems that we are trying photographs of their genitalia around networks via to deal with. The first is children looking at third-party social media. content on websites. I may be classified as the Mary Whitehouse 2.0 of my generation, but I do not mind Gavin Shuker (Luton South) (Lab/Co-op): Does the what people call me. With the support of Members hon. Lady share the concern of many Members that from across the House, we have made extraordinarily seemingly mainstream companies such as Facebook good progress in bringing the internet service providers have introduced applications that facilitate such behaviour to a point where they will all introduce filters that through short-term images appearing and then being provide protection on all devices in the home by the end deleted after a number of seconds? of the year. The fundamental problem is that only four Claire Perry: The hon. Gentleman makes a good in 10 families with children currently use filters. That point, and that is part of the work that the UK Council means that six out of 10 children live in a filter-free for Child Internet Safety is doing with companies that environment. By the end of this year, public wi-fi will want to be responsible. not allow adult content by default. Mobile phone operators are also making tremendous progress in refreshing their Fundamentally, this is a behavioural point, and what adult content bars. That is a tribute to the energies of we need is education. Right now, there is no technology Members from all parts of the House, in particular the that can protect our children against this sort of thing. hon. Member for Slough (Fiona Mactaggart) who has Parental education and the education of children worked tirelessly on this matter. are both part of the mix. I look with interest at today’s motion as a consultation is under way, and we need to Michael Ellis (Northampton North) (Con): I recognise see the results before finally deciding what should be in the excellent work that my hon. Friend has being doing. the curriculum. As well as the online issues, is she concerned about the violence that is often depicted in games for computer 12.50 pm consoles? Ann Coffey (Stockport) (Lab): It is a great pleasure to Claire Perry: My hon. Friend raises a very good follow the hon. Member for Devizes (Claire Perry), who point. Work is going on to put age ratings on games and has done some fantastic work in the area of improving also on online music videos. Perhaps I am prudish, but online protection for children. 1089 Violence against Women and Girls14 FEBRUARY 2013 Violence against Women and Girls 1090

Last week, I visited the St Mary’s sexual assault That is why I am impressed by Stockport’s supporting referral centre, which was the first of its kind to be families pathway, which enables referrals to all council established in the UK. There are now 41 across England and other local services to be recorded on a single and Wales. St Mary’s sees women, men and children, shared database. That means that a complete picture of the youngest being three weeks old and the eldest 93 a child’s life can be built up, and there can be early years old, and has more than 1,000 cases a year, of detection of children who are struggling. At the moment, which just under half are children. The centre provides the model that we have means that children have to a range of services, including forensic medical examinations reach a certain threshold to be referred to services, and to collect evidence and document injuries; counselling, that threshold is often reached far too late in a child’s including pre-trial therapy; child advocates to support life. The sharing of data across all agencies would children and families; a young person’s advocate aimed enable a vulnerable child to be identified much earlier. at identifying those at risk of being sexually exploited; The question would then be not whether their need was and independent sexual violence advisers, who offer great enough to access services but what would be the practical support through the process. most appropriate intervention that we could make to The recent tragic suicide of Frances Andrade help them. demonstrates the extent of the psychological damage Of course, schools have an important role in safeguarding suffered as a result of sexual assault, its enduring nature children. I believe that compulsory sex and relationship and the risk to victims of court proceedings. St Mary’s education in schools would give children and young provides a holistic service to meet individual needs so people the confidence to reject inappropriate relationships. that victims do not have to fight their way through various referral criteria and thresholds to get help. It is Claire Perry: Does the hon. Lady agree that the a valuable and important resource with a committed consultation on computing content is an encouraging and experienced team. part of the consideration of the new curriculum? That Greater Manchester police have predominantly funded includes communicating safely and respectfully online, the sexual assault referral centre, including follow-on keeping personal information private and general common psychosocial support, in the belief, supported by evidence, sense in the internet space. That would go some way that if victims feel supported they are more likely to towards dealing with some of the problems that she has have confidence and therefore continue with the addressed. criminal justice process. There are concerns, however, that changes as part of the restructuring of the NHS in Ann Coffey: I do agree, and I was interested to hear April 2013, and changes in police funding in 2015, will the hon. Lady talk about that yesterday. result in deficit funding and the fragmentation of services Sex and relationship education in schools is very that are currently offered at St Mary’s. Without those important, because it can help children to understand services, an 80-year-old woman would not be able to when they are being groomed by older men for sexual talk about the abuse that she has kept secret for years, exploitation or involved in sexually coercive relationships and children who have been sexually exploited would by their peers. Both the Director of Public Prosecutions not get the support that they need to feel confident and the deputy Children’s Commissioner have spoken enough to be a witness against their abuser in court. recently about the impact of pornography on young I would be grateful if the Minister could look into that men who commit sexual and relationship violence. I was for me. also concerned to read in a report by the chief inspector Of course it would be better if children never had to of probation, out last week, that some professionals fail be referred to St Mary’s, as the team there would agree, to combat sexual offending by children because they but that means that we need much earlier intervention miss warning signs. That report, conducted by probation in children’s lives. I have talked to the team working inspectors, studied 24 teenage boys with convictions with sexually exploited children referred by the police as ranging from indecent assault to rape and found that the result of an investigation, and they told me that opportunities to intervene when the offender was young children were sometimes reluctant to talk to them as had been missed in nearly every case. they did not initially see themselves as sexually exploited. It is horrifying that many sexually exploited children Fiona Mactaggart: Action is needed not just when are subjected to intimidation, coercion, blackmail and the offender is young but when the victim is young. It threats of violence, but it is equally shocking that others seems clear from the reports that we read of the case in think their abuser cares about them. Oxford that the police did not act fast enough when young women first disclosed that they were unhappy To understand what we need to put in place to about how their controllers were treating them. prevent violence and the abuse of children, we need to understand the long, sad journey of some children to becoming victims of sexual exploitation. They are often Ann Coffey: I agree, of course, and as I have just said, the type of neglected children about whom Action for it is important to identify child sex offenders as well as Children talked in its recent report—children who feel children who are sexually offended against. so alone and so lacking in self-esteem that they welcome Sex and relationship education has an important role any attention, and who have no understanding of what in challenging at an early age attitudes in boys that a caring relationship is about because they have never result in sexually offending behaviour. With better inter- seen one. Often, such children never reach the threshold agency working, data collecting, early intervention and for intervention by any services, so their neglect goes compulsory sex and relationship education in schools, undetected. We can see why they are vulnerable to we can make a start on preventing harm from coming to sexual grooming and how important it is to identify our children, but I fear that centres such as St Mary’s vulnerable children in their early childhood. will be needed for some time. I believe that without 1091 Violence against Women and Girls14 FEBRUARY 2013 Violence against Women and Girls 1092

[Ann Coffey] believe those figures were correct, and given that they are the Ministry of Justice’s own figures, I will continue St Mary’s, there would be more tragic deaths among to use them. victims of sexual abuse. We want a better world in which victims are not afraid to speak out and perpetrators Sandra Osborne: Does the hon. Gentleman understand cannot rely on the silence of their victims. It is really that the vast majority of incidents of violence against good to see support from all parties for the excellent women and girls never get anywhere near the criminal motion that my hon. Friend has tabled, because each of justice system? us is trying to make a difference in our own different ways. After all, 1 billion voices cannot be wrong. Philip Davies: The hon. Lady may well be right and we certainly need to do something about that. I do not 12.57 pm disagree with that point. I want to quote the most recent biennial statistics—from Philip Davies (Shipley) (Con): It is traditional on November 2012—from the Ministry of Justice on the these occasions for me to be a lone voice—in fact, that representation of females and males in the criminal is customary in most debates. I intend to continue that justice system. They confirm that men are twice as likely tradition today. to be the victim of violent crime as women. Some 2% of Of course, we are all united in our opposition to any women interviewed for the crime survey for England violence against women and girls. I would be astounded and Wales reported being victims of violence, compared if any of us were not. I pride myself on being renowned with 4% of men. The statistics also confirm that of all as one of the most hard-line Members when it comes to incidents of violence reported in the 2011-12 crime matters of law and order and sentencing. I always find survey, 62% of victims were male, and 38% were female. it rather strange that those who speak passionately about how we should have zero tolerance of any violence Several hon. Members rose— against people, which I agree with, are often the same people who then argue that the perpetrators of violence should do anything but be sent to prison. As I made Philip Davies: I cannot give way because time is clear in an intervention, we are in the ridiculous situation limited and I have already accepted two interventions. whereby, of people convicted of violence against the There will be plenty of opportunity for people to make person in this country, only 35% of men and, shockingly, their points. My point also applies to children. Again, only 17% of women are sent to prison. If we really want according to the Ministry of Justice biennial statistics to send out a message of zero tolerance towards violence and the British crime survey, a smaller proportion of against people, the first thing we ought to do is press for girls than boys reported being victims of violence—5% much tougher sentences for people guilty of it. That of girls versus 11% of boys. would be a better way of deterring crime than the It is not just violence generally where men do worse education route that the hon. Member for Slough (Fiona than women. Women accounted for between 27% to Mactaggart) thinks will solve these problems. 32% of recorded homicide victims between 2006-07 and 2010-11, while men were victims in between 68% and Mrs Moon: Is the hon. Gentleman saying that we 73% of cases. We all agree that women are more likely should never try to prevent crime, that we should never to be victims of domestic violence. In the past, the intervene and try to educate and divert people from Minister has stated that 7% of women are victims of crime, and that we should always wait until they commit domestic violence, but so are 5% of men. It is not just a crime and then lock them up for as long as possible? Is an issue for women. that not nonsense? Claire Perry: Will my hon. Friend give way? Philip Davies: The hon. Lady seems to forget that for many people, respite from violence comes when the Philip Davies: I have already explained that I cannot perpetrator of that violence is sent to prison. That is give way. one of our best deterrents against violence. When people Those figures do not tell the full story because they are prosecuted and not sent to prison, the violence relate to all abuse and all violence in households. In continues. Sending people to prison is one of the best partner abuse, 4.2% of women are victims and 3% are things we can do. It seems that Opposition Members men. Men and women are both victims of domestic are less keen on a zero tolerance approach to violence violence and partner abuse. We must also bear in mind than their rhetoric suggests. that the definition of domestic violence includes non-violent Given the title of the motion, we could be forgiven components. for thinking that the only—or main—victims of violent crime are women and girls, and that it does not apply to Mrs Eleanor Laing (Epping Forest) (Con): Will my men or boys. In a debate that I secured in Westminster hon. Friend give way? Hall last year on female offenders, I pointed out to my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Women and Equalities (Mrs Grant) that the reality of these Philip Davies: I have not got time to give way; there is matters sometimes differs from the rhetoric. After the a short time limit and there will be plenty of time for debate I asked her in a parliamentary question whether other cases to be made during the rest of the debate. she accepted that the figures I had quoted were correct. I also want to talk about the perpetrators of violent I received a reply which seemed to indicate that she did crime—[Interruption.] 1093 Violence against Women and Girls14 FEBRUARY 2013 Violence against Women and Girls 1094

Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Lindsay Hoyle): Order. There Business Committee debate, but she is a perfect example are too many private conversations and it is difficult to of a woman’s place being not only in Parliament, but on hear Mr Davies. I am sure we all want to hear what he the Front Bench. This has been a cross-party issue—I has to say—[Interruption.] Perhaps not, but at least he was going to say cross-gender, but that has a completely can enjoy it. different meaning. I should also mention my hon. Friend the Member for Kingston upon Hull East (Karl Turner), Philip Davies: That is part of the problem, Mr Deputy who attended the Backbench Business Committee debate Speaker. They do not want to hear anyone who does with us. not agree with them. One could be forgiven for thinking Today, in London, we are debating violence against that the perpetrators of all these crimes were men and women and girls, but people are responding to this call not often women, but again, that is not true. There are from the shores of Brazil, from Australia with the many female perpetrators of violence against both women Girlpower Goddess and White Ribbon event, and from and men, and according to official Ministry of Justice India, where there was a flash mob in Parliament square figures, the most common offence group for which both and the song, “Jago Delhi Jago”—Rise Delhi, Rise. We males and females were arrested during a five-year know that two months’ ago in Delhi, five men were period was violence against the person—34% of females accused of the rape and murder of a 23-year-old medical and 31% of males arrested in 2010-11 were arrested for student who did nothing but sit on a bus. People in violence against the person. Again, that is not restricted Delhi have risen up, and we are saying yes to this day of to women but applies also to girls. In 2010-11, violence action to end violence against women. The movement against the person was the most common offence group was started by Eve Ensler, but the tsunami has been for which juvenile females were arrested. pushed forward by my hon. Friend the Member for I am afraid that time does not allow me to go through Walthamstow. those figures in more detail, which I would like to do. I pay tribute to a friend of mine, the late Malcolm Richards. He used to be a journalist on the Brentford Claire Perry rose— and Chiswick Times, which was part of the Richmond and Twickenham Times that I worked for as part of the Philip Davies: I will take a quick intervention from Dimbleby newspaper group. He brought to the world’s my hon. Friend. attention the first woman’s refuge in Chiswick, started by Erin Pizzey. Both Malcolm and Erin were able to say Claire Perry: May I offer my hon. Friend a slight to women, “We hear your silent scream and there is a lifeline? Does he at least agree with the first part of the safe place for you.” There is now a network of 45 safe motion, which is a call to end violence against women houses that provide emergency accommodation for women and girls? and children. This debate shows that around the world today there Philip Davies: Absolutely. As I said at the start, we all are still practices that victimise women and treat us as want to end violence against women and girls, but—unlike second class. We want to end the practice of the badly some others, it seems—I want to end all violence. I do named “honour” killings, where women are killed for not take the view that violence against women and girls alleged behaviour and for bringing shame on their is somehow worse than violence against men and boys. family although the behaviour of men is tolerated. As far as I am concerned, all violence is unacceptable There are 5,000 of those killings worldwide. We want to and all violence against the person should be punished put an end to the dowry system where the payment of a by law. We should not try to segregate men and women sum effectively buys a female, a girl, for marriage. We in the criminal justice system. Both men and women are need to end the terrible practice of female genital victims, and both are perpetrators of crime. I believe in mutilation, which has no base in culture or religion. I true equality and want people to be treated equally applaud the bravery of midwives such as Alison Byrne when they are a victim of crime and when they are a in that respect, and draw the House’s attention to a perpetrator of crime. At the moment, whether people conference in the Liverpool women’s hospital on 6 March, like it or not, men are treated more harshly than women which will educate and inform women to try to end the in the criminal justice system, certainly when it comes practice. to sentencing. That is an inconvenient truth for many What about modern-day slavery? Eighty per cent. of people. people who are trafficked are women. War rages in trouble spots throughout the world—rape is used as a 1.6 pm weapon of war. The UN says that the roots of violence against women lie in the unequal power relationship Valerie Vaz (Walsall South) (Lab): It is traditional to between men and women, and persistent discrimination say that it is a pleasure to follow the previous speaker, in against women. this case the hon. Member for Shipley (Philip Davies), The debate is not about women and girls as victims, even if I do not subscribe to the views expressed. but about empowerment. Malala Yousef stood up and Hopefully the hon. Gentleman will now hear the other was almost killed because she wanted every girl to go to side of the argument. school. Women have been empowered by microfinance, I thank the Backbench Business Committee for agreeing although they might still be exploited. Those who stand to this debate and my hon. Friend the Member for up for no more page 3 say that women do not want to be Slough (Fiona Mactaggart) for leading our request to objects in a newspaper. The first woman doctor had to the Committee. I pay tribute to my hon. Friend the pretend for 46 years that she was a man called James Member for Walthamstow (Stella Creasy) who encouraged Barry so that she could qualify, but women now make us all to get involved and has been absolutely committed. up 50% of entrants. Carrie Morrison, who was the first Unfortunately, she could not speak in the Backbench woman to qualify as a solicitor, stood up. The women 1095 Violence against Women and Girls14 FEBRUARY 2013 Violence against Women and Girls 1096

[Valerie Vaz] In the developing world, a lack of access to education is both a symptom and a cause of child marriage, who gave us the vote stood up. The women MPs from especially for girls, many of whom get very little formal Tanzania, Pakistan and Afghanistan, whom I have met, education because they are valued more for their future are trying to increase the quota of women MPs from roles as wives and mothers. As a result, they miss out on 30% to 50%. Thirty per cent. is not enough in Tanzania. opportunities to learn, to build financial independence Parliament has celebrated Aung San Suu Kyi, who must and to make autonomous decisions about their futures. daily stand up to those who try to take away human Those effects are passed on to successive generations. rights and progress made by democracy.We must highlight Child marriage is a shocking infringement of human and support those women. rights and the rights of the child. It has many significant I have mentioned action around the world, but more and worrying consequences. It leads to higher rates of importantly, what about the action through the generations, maternal mortality and morbidities; it contributes to from our mothers, who sometimes did two jobs—working infant mortality and poor child development; it is associated in the home and outside—to the suffragettes and suffragists, with violence, rape and sexual abuse, resulting in emotional who gave us the vote, and the women in the peace and psychological problems, desertion and divorce; and camps at Greenham Common. All those women here it increases population growth and hinders sustainable and around the world have stood up. On this day, we development. recognise and celebrate their courage. Mary Macleod: In Bangladesh, an eight-year-old child 1.11 pm ran away from her 60-year-old husband whom she had Heather Wheeler (South Derbyshire) (Con): Thank been forced to marry, and had acid poured over her. She you, Mr Deputy Speaker. I appreciate being called now, has no life at all and is not supported or protected in the because—unfortunately—I have to go to the Westminster least. We must protect against such things. Hall debate at 1.25 pm. I want to talk about protecting future generations of women and girls from violence Heather Wheeler: I am grateful for my hon. Friend’s and forced marriage. intervention. The stories one hears from around the Worldwide, 10 million girls are married each year world are shocking. before they are 18, which is equivalent to more than Child marriage takes away opportunities for education 27,000 girls per day, or 19 every minute. In the developing and training, and removes autonomy.It removes economic world, one in three girls will be married before they are independence, undermines self-confidence and reaffirms 18. In October last year on the first international day of gender stereotypes. It is associated with, and helps to the girl, the United Nations population fund released perpetuate, harmful traditional practices, including female new data that predict that, by 2020, if child marriage genital mutilation. It is a severe threat to combating poverty prevalence trends continue, 142 million girls will be and the achievement of the millennium development married before they are adults and, because of the goals. rising global population, that means an increase in child As the vice-chair of the all-party parliamentary group marriage to around 14 million girls per year. on population, development and reproductive health, I In most cases, laws and international conventions are want to highlight child marriage and maternal and in place to protect children from being forced into reproductive health, in response to “A Childhood Lost”, marriage, yet Governments fail to implement those the group’s report, which was published last year following protections. We do not know exactly how many British parliamentary hearings. The consequences of child marriage girls face forced marriage, but evidence shows that they for maternal and reproductive health are grave. Child are being taken out of the country to be married against brides are unable to negotiate protected sex with their their will. Here in the UK, families are also getting husbands, and are often under pressure to start bearing children married off in the community or in religious children immediately, which leads to a prolonged period ceremonies. Some take advantage of the fact that the of reproduction and larger numbers of children. law in Britain allows the marriage of 16 and 17-year-olds Girls under 15 are five times more likely to die in with parental consent. childbirth than women in their 20s, and also face much Understanding the causes and consequences of early higher chances than older women of experiencing and forced marriage is paramount in preventing girls pregnancy-related injuries such as fistulas, and of from losing their childhood, their dreams and the contracting sexually transmitted infections, including opportunities to make their own choices about their HIV.The children of child brides are 60% more likely to lives and relationships. Causes and practices vary according die before the age of one than children whose mothers to context, yet there are common themes. In some areas, are aged 19 or over. Those problems are compounded child marriage has been practised for many centuries, by the fact that child brides are often unable to access while in others it emerges as a response to conditions of life-saving health care for themselves and their children, crisis, including political instability, natural disaster and including contraception, family planning advice and civil unrest. maternal health care. Poverty and gender inequality are common drivers of The British Government have demonstrated a strong child marriage. Many parents marry their daughters off political will to tackle forced marriage in the UK and young to protect them from poverty, sexual harassment, abroad, and a Bill to criminalise the offence in the UK the stigma of extramarital sex, and sexually transmitted is being drafted. As I said at the beginning, legislation is infections. They also marry daughters off to reduce not enough to combat child marriage. Governments their own economic burdens, and yet child marriage need to revise laws and policies on related important entrenches those problems and does little to protect issues such as divorce, inheritance and property ownership girls or boys. to protect girls. Improved co-operation is needed across 1097 Violence against Women and Girls14 FEBRUARY 2013 Violence against Women and Girls 1098

Government Departments and embassies, including in and early intervention in schools will help to change the UK. Other harmful practices such as female genital attitudes and behaviour towards domestic violence. Schools mutilation need to be tackled, and access to sexual and need to play a key role in educating boys and girls to reproductive health services, improved registration systems, realise that violence and abuse in relationships are and professional support and shelters, are essential. completely unacceptable. I therefore urge the Government I am interested to know whether the Government will to make sex and relationships education statutory and consider including child marriage in the personal, social, standardised. health and economic education curriculum; whether In the time left, I want to speak to an issue that is an they will make registration of religious marriages absolute catastrophe and a scandal: female genital compulsory in the UK; and whether they will increase mutilation. The Government estimate that approximately the minimum legal age for marriage to 18 when criminalising 20,000 under-15-year-olds are at risk from this practice child marriage. I urge the Department for International every year—more than 50 young female victims every Development and other donors to evaluate existing day. It is important to make the point that such mutilation interventions so that aid is spent effectively, and to scale is motivated only by the need to control women. It is up programmes to prevent child marriage and support bullying, and the most grotesque abuse towards women. survivors. The Department for International Development Female genital mutilation has been a criminal offence has shown great leadership in family planning via the since 1985. It is shocking that we have not yet seen a June 2012 family planning summit. We need to work to single prosecution. We have seen some positive steps in meet the needs of family planning, and sexual, reproductive recent weeks and months, with the Crown Prosecution and maternal health care of girls and women of all ages, Service refocusing on this area, and I welcome the whatever their marital status. publication of its action plan. However, to eradicate We parliamentarians must work with colleagues in this practice we need cross-departmental work involving other countries, particularly in the developing world, the Home Office, Department for Education, Department to galvanise political will and to share best practice in of Health and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, tackling child marriage through programmes and services, and proper funding. We need to secure justice for victims and legislative reform and implementation. We urgently and prosecution will prevent future victims of this need to do something for women worldwide whose cries despicable criminality. We must remember that this is a are not heard. crime and that people should face the law when they carry out this vile and abusive violence. 1.18 pm Karl Turner (Kingston upon Hull East) (Lab): I am Jane Ellison (Battersea) (Con): I welcome the speech grateful to have been called to speak in this important that the hon. Gentleman is making, and I also welcome and timely debate. It is a pleasure to follow the hon. the Westminster Hall debate he secured recently on this Member for South Derbyshire (Heather Wheeler), who topic. I am sure he welcomes, as I do, the commitment has been a strong voice for women and girls since her the Home Secretary made on Monday to look closely at election. bringing forward a prevalence study in the UK to update our data, and, in particular, to make sure that It is estimated that, in Hull, almost 25,000 women the NHS records female genital mutilation. and more than 18,000 children will experience domestic violence each year. To put that in real terms, three or four children in every classroom experience domestic Karl Turner: I agree entirely with the hon. Lady, who violence. Humberside police respond to some 55 incidents has done a great deal of work on this issue as the chair of domestic violence every month, and 81% of victims of the all-party group on female genital mutilation. are female. Children who live with domestic violence I will make one final point. The Metropolitan police have an increased risk of behavioural problems and set up Project Azure to tackle the problem of female emotional trauma. Mental health difficulties will definitely genital mutilation across the country. However, a freedom arise in their adult lives as a result of their experiences. of information request showed that the team consists of Hull has been working hard to address the problem. just one full-time police officer and one part-time police The local primary care trust, working with Hull city officer. It is simply ridiculous to suggest that this is council, has implemented the Strength to Change sufficient policing. I welcome the Home Secretary’s programme. This is a voluntary scheme aimed at men work, but we need more resources to police this most who are often the perpetrators of domestic violence. It disgusting violence against women and young girls. is a groundbreaking project that makes a real difference to victims of violence. There is an excellent women’s Michael Ellis: I support what the hon. Gentleman centre in my constituency, Purple House, which provides has said, and I agree that the issue of female genital support for hundreds of women victims. However, cuts mutilation is important. I appreciate the difficulty in are affecting these projects, and there is currently a detecting and prosecuting cases, but it is important that review to decide whether these vital services are necessary— prosecutions follow as this is an horrific crime. On the they definitely are. subject of statistics, does he agree that the reason why The total cost of domestic abuse to the criminal most statistics show men as the victims of crime is that justice system, health, social services and housing amounts men are mostly the perpetrators of crime? to approximately £3.8 billion a year. It is clear that to prevent violence against women and girls, we need to do Karl Turner: I am not necessarily sure that the hon. more to ensure both young men and young women are Gentleman’s latter point is entirely correct. What I will educated to develop positive and equal relationships say is that his initial point was absolutely correct. I with their peers. That education and support must start know that other hon. Members wish to speak, so I will in schools. Statutory personal relationship education end my remarks now. 1099 Violence against Women and Girls14 FEBRUARY 2013 Violence against Women and Girls 1100

1.26 pm women have to be to come forward and go through the criminal justice system, so it is disappointing that there Dr Sarah Wollaston (Totnes) (Con): As a former seems to be a perception in some quarters that women police victim examiner and doctor, I have seen deeply should not be encouraged to report these crimes. In my traumatised women in the middle of the night in the opinion, that amounts to collusion in a process that immediate aftermath of horrific sexual violence. I have says, “Don’t report!” We need to challenge those attitudes also, as a doctor, met women in their 80s and 90s who and provide the kind of support given by Rape Crisis are still suffering a lifetime of consequences. There is and the professionals in sexual assault referral centres nothing new about sexual violence, but what has changed across the country. is the normalisation and acceptance of sexual violence within our society, and that is something that we really In conclusion, we need to challenge attitudes, encourage have to address. I am proud to be a patron of Devon reporting, put an end to normalisation and see an Rape Crisis, and I welcome the £40 million that has improvement in the support provided through our criminal gone towards setting up a network of rape crisis centres justice system in order to ensure that perpetrators of around the country. When I was a victim examiner, that sexual crimes against women know that they will pay was not available. for their crimes. 1.31 pm Bob Stewart (Beckenham) (Con): I am shocked that Luciana Berger (Liverpool, Wavertree) (Lab/Co-op): my hon. Friend suggests that there is a normalisation of On the day when we celebrate love and romance, I am violence. Will she define exactly what she means? glad to take part in a debate that seeks to ensure that no one should ever be subject to a mentally or physically Dr Wollaston: That is an important point, but before abusive relationship. I congratulate the Backbench Business I come to it, I would like to pay tribute to the 27 remarkable, Committee on securing the debate and my hon. Friend talented and skilled volunteer women who work for the Member for Walthamstow (Stella Creasy) on her Devon Rape Crisis in my area. work in raising the profile of the incredible One Billion I will address my hon. Friend’s point. What do I Rising campaign. mean by “normalisation”? Well, for example, 80% of Despite Liverpool being the second safest city, victims 15 to 17-year-old boys are now regularly accessing of domestic violence make more than one in five of all hardcore pornography. To my mind, that constitutes 999 calls to Merseyside police—the highest rate in the normalisation, as does the issue of sexting, which my country. That amounts to 43,995 calls. The increase in hon. Friend the Member for Devizes (Claire Perry) the incidence of domestic violence across Merseyside is mentioned, and the extent to which it goes unchallenged. staggering, with 32,511 incidents having been reported One might say that this is a milder example, but when in the last year—an increase of 36% from 2003. This I go into the Tea Rooms in the House of Commons situation cannot continue. It is a terrible indictment and see colleagues reading newspapers with images that in 2013 in the UK one in six children aged 11 to that objectify women, I find that offensive. I find it a 17 experience sexual abuse and that 109 women and normalisation that across the country young girls are girls lost their lives last year at the hands of a partner or sitting in households where they see such sexualisation former partner. of women as a normal portrayal of women. People may At least 750,000 children a year witness domestic find me prudish, but I assure hon. Members that there violence. Although that affects both girls and boys—I is nothing that makes me blush. These are not blushes, note the point made by the hon. Member for Shipley but anger. That is what I would term as normalisation, (Philip Davies)—80% of calls to ChildLine on abuse and I hope I have answered the question from my hon. were from girls. The statistics on that are many. Even if Friend the Member for Beckenham (Bob Stewart). the Government do not accept the enduring physical, psychological, emotional and social consequences Bob Stewart: I thank my hon. Friend for her explanation. experienced by too many women across our country because of this terrible crime, it must surely be in their Dr Wollaston: That is wonderful. interest, given that according the Home Office violence It is crucial that we challenge through education the against women and girls costs the public purse £36.7 billion normalisation of sexualisation and violence towards a year, to address these heinous crimes and do more women, but it has to be the right education. We need to about this stain on our national conscience. make better use of peer educators. It is no use having an We have a serious problem in our society when findings embarrassed teacher who blushes when talking about from the crime survey in England and Wales show that sex and sexual violence. Often, the best educators are one in 12 people think that a victim is completely or peer educators, particularly those who have been victims mostly responsible for someone sexually assaulting them and are prepared to talk about the impact that has had when they are under the influence of drugs or alcohol, on their lives. We want the right people delivering that or when they are sexually assaulted by someone they education, and of course “the right people” includes were flirting with heavily beforehand. No one in the families. As my hon. Friend the Member for Devizes country should ever blame a victim for the crimes pointed out, parents should be aware of what their perpetrated against them. children are accessing and not be embarrassed to talk to Is this any wonder when too many abusers are glorified? them and challenge attitudes as they develop. Perhaps one of the most famous cases of domestic We also need to do something about prosecution and violence was in March 2009, when the music artist the number of people being brought to book for such Chris Brown was charged for, and pleaded guilty to, crimes. Partly, that is about encouraging women to assaulting Rihanna. Members will remember the shocking report crimes. From having spoke to women, I know photos of Rihanna in our press—her lip was split and how incredibly challenging that can be and how brave she had a bloody nose and major contusions on either 1101 Violence against Women and Girls14 FEBRUARY 2013 Violence against Women and Girls 1102 side of her face—yet two years later Chris Brown was the 109 women murdered last year by a present or former given an international platform at the Grammies. This partner. It was tragic. The reason for the debate is that is the man who subsequently got a tattoo on his neck we need to do everything we can to ensure that we never showing a woman bearing a striking similarity to Rihanna have to read out the names of 109 women again. and the scars of a serious beating. We heard the other week that some of our major 1.38 pm supermarkets are stocking an energy drink called Black Mary Macleod (Brentford and Isleworth) (Con): On Energy promoted by the convicted rapist Mike Tyson. 16 December last year, a 23-year-old medical student in It uses the slogan “Sex energy” and includes a series of Delhi was gang-raped, and 13 days later she died. If this adverts in which he is surrounded by scantily clad debate today could be in her memory, showing the women in bikinis and calls himself “an animal”. I world that this sort of abuse cannot be tolerated, some remind the House that this is a man who spent three good may come from it. years in jail for his heinous crimes. We also heard last We have already heard plenty of examples today. A year about the tragic story of a girl from Battersea who girl of nine has given birth in one of Mexico’s western did not report a rape at the age of 11 because of a states. She was just eight when she became pregnant. storyline in “Eastenders” that made her so worried My hon. Friend the Member for South Derbyshire about the court process that she thought she would not (Heather Wheeler) has already spoken about forced be supported. marriage. Only 25 years ago in the UK, it was not considered an offence to rape within marriage, and Jim Shannon (Strangford) (DUP): I understand that 603 million women currently live in countries where a television advertising campaign beginning today or domestic violence is not considered a crime. tomorrow will highlight the fact that 30% of young girls One of my first cases at my weekly constituency are sexually assaulted and that 25% are physically abused. surgery involved a girl who came to see me with her Does the hon. Lady believe that such a campaign will mother. She was absolutely convinced that her sister help to reduce those figures? had died as a result of domestic violence but that it had not been recognised by the police. A second girl who Luciana Berger: We know that there has been a came to see me had been raped twice by a man who was massive reduction, if not a complete moratorium, on about to leave prison after serving a sentence for a the Government spending money on public information separate offence. She was absolutely petrified, and the adverts. I think, however, that money spent in this area following weekend she ended up in hospital after having would be welcome, so I hope that the Minister will tried to take her own life. All this is happening right on think seriously about allocating some of the budget to our doorstep. We do not need to look at what is going informing and educating the public about domestic on internationally; it is happening right in front of us. violence and abuse, particularly at a time when this I was pleased to hear the hon. Member for Walsall crime is on the increase. South (Valerie Vaz) mention Chiswick, where the world’s There are people committed to tackling violence against first women’s refuge was started. I am proud to represent women and girls. In Merseyside, our recently elected Chiswick today, and I believe that it is part of my remit police and crime commissioner, my predecessor, Jane as a Member of Parliament to stand up for all victims Kennedy, signed up to a dedicated series of pledges to of domestic violence and abuse, locally and elsewhere in tackle violence against women and girls that included the country.In London, especially, we have issues. Speaking maintaining specialist domestic violence and public at the Tackling Britain’s Gang Culture conference last protection units within the police service, which are at month, Chief Superintendent John Sutherland of the risk across the country owing to police cuts; delivering Metropolitan police said: specialist training in domestic and sexual violence; and “I regard domestic violence as the single greatest cause of developing the roll-out of an integrated local action harm in society.” plan to tackle violence against women and girls. In He said that it was having devastating effects, and he is December, we also saw the launch of the Draw and Line so right. Thankfully, the issue is at the top of the agenda campaign, specifically aimed at combating domestic in my borough of Hounslow. London has an issue with violence. teenage girl rape, and that is something that we have to The reason for today’s debate, however, is that we need resolve. to do even more. We need our schools to do everything Now is the time to act, and I was glad to see Members they can to educate the next generation. We recently from both sides of the House at the One Billion Rising saw the One Billion Rising sessions that took place rally today. Those from my side of the House included across the country—we had one in Liverpool, at which my hon. Friends the Members for South Northamptonshire women called for the statutory introduction of sex and (Andrea Leadsom), for Battersea (Jane Ellison), for relationships education in all our schools. We also need Devizes (Claire Perry), for Totnes (Dr Wollaston), for urgently to challenge the stereotypes in the press and Suffolk Coastal (Dr Coffey) and for Harwich and North media and to teach both girls and boys about how to Essex (Mr Jenkin). We were there in Parliament square respect each other in relationships. We need these statutory to say that enough is enough, and that now is the time provisions to make personal, social and health education, to act. including a zero-tolerance approach to violence and Globally, we should exert pressure through the United abuse in relationships, a requirement in every school in Nations, which is looking at the matter. UN Women our land. was set up in 2010 to focus efforts on gender equality Just before this debate, as has been mentioned, we and the empowerment of women, and I will be going came together in Parliament square in support of the next month to the UN Commission on the Status of One Billion Rising campaign and heard the names of Women to talk about this issue. 1103 Violence against Women and Girls14 FEBRUARY 2013 Violence against Women and Girls 1104

[Mary Macleod] evidence sessions during which we sought the views of practitioners, legal experts, campaign groups and victims Here in the UK, we have made progress in some of stalking. areas, including the £40 million of stable, ring-fenced The panel concluded that the existing law was not fit funding for specialist domestic and sexual violence support for purpose and, in February last year, we published a services. We have increased the number of rape centres report with recommendations on how legislation and in London to four, but we need more. Stalking has been practices should be improved. Within a month of our mentioned already, as has female genital mutilation, on report’s publication, the Prime Minister announced that which my hon. Friend the Member for Battersea has the Government would be implementing our main done a great deal of work. Still more needs to be done. recommendations, and new clauses to that effect were Internationally, we also need to put the pressure on and passed by both Houses within a staggering 11 days. I work together on conflicts, and I am glad that there will only wish that changing the law were routinely so easy. be a further debate in the Chamber today to discuss sexual violence in conflicts, because that should not be Stephen Doughty (Cardiff South and Penarth) (Lab/ tolerated either. Co-op): The right hon. Gentleman has an honourable Locally, in my constituency and my borough, we have record on these issues. What does he think about the taken various kinds of action. We have the Hounslow Welsh Government’s proposals to introduce a Bill on one-stop shop, which is run by the Metropolitan police, domestic abuse and violence against women? Does he the Hounslow community safety unit and the Hounslow agree that such a Bill would provide an opportunity to domestic violence outreach service. In December last take concrete action on this issue? year, Operation Athena, a London-wide crackdown on domestic violence, led to 22 arrests in my borough. The Mr Llwyd: I am delighted to agree with the hon. JAN Trust is visiting schools in Hounslow to deliver its Gentleman. I know that the Welsh Government are Mujboor—meaning “forced” in Urdu—workshops on proactive on these issues, and I am delighted to hear forced marriages and to educate young girls on their that they are taking action, because this problem is as rights. prevalent in Wales as anywhere else. I am grateful to There is still much to be done, however, with regard him for making that point. to global awareness as well as to what we are doing right here in our own constituencies. That is where we all As of November last year, stalking is a named offence have a part to play. Every Member of the House can in the law of England and Wales. The new law is split play their part by going to each of their schools—especially into two sections, which have been added to the Protection their secondary schools, but perhaps schools with younger from Harassment Act—namely, a section 2A offence, children as well—and spreading the word that we can punishable by up to 51 weeks in prison or a fine, as well all take action on this issue. If we can encourage our as the section 4A offence, which involves stalking that colleagues to talk to young girls and boys about the prompts fear of violence or serious alarm or distress. issue, we will have played a part in changing the environment This latter offence is punishable by up to five years’ of violence that we see around us. There should be a imprisonment or a fine, and is triable by either a Crown zero-tolerance approach to violence and abuse in court or a magistrates court. relationships, and I would like the Minister to consider We felt that it was of utmost importance for the new whether Ofsted could measure what schools are doing law to take note of the fact that threats to the safety of to educate children in this area. those suffering stalking are not always physical. I do Let us join together and say with one voice that not want to enter into a debate about etymology, but I enough is enough, that violence against women and would argue that violence is not always physical. The girls will not be tolerated, and that we will make this “Oxford English Dictionary” defines violence as country a much better place. “treatment or usage tending to cause bodily injury or forcibly interfering with personal freedom.” 1.44 pm It is in relation to that last part of the definition—forcibly Mr Elfyn Llwyd (Dwyfor Meirionnydd) (PC): It is a interfering with personal freedom—that stalking can pleasure to follow such a fine speech from the hon. be considered an example of violence. Last year, the Member for Brentford and Isleworth (Mary Macleod), Association of Chief Police Officers also reviewed its and I also commend to others a reading of what the definition of domestic abuse and, thankfully, it now hon. Member for Totnes (Dr Wollaston) said earlier in takes account of controlling and coercive behaviour as her moving, sensible and informative speech. well as of more immediate and obvious bodily harm. Last year, I had the privilege of chairing the Some forms of violence against women, such as parliamentary inquiry into stalking law reform, which stalking, are unfortunately more subtle than others, resulted in a new law on stalking being created. I declare since they involve a pattern of behaviours which, taken an interest, as I am a practising barrister, having practised alone, might seem innocent, but which take on a terrible for many years in the fields of crime and domestic significance when viewed over a period of time. Taken violence. I have seen many lives ruined by domestic violence. out of context, sending someone flowers or always Early in 2011, I became aware of the limitations of being at the same events might not seem like threatening the Protection from Harassment Act 1997, which eventually behaviour, but for a victim of stalking, every such gave rise to the parliamentary inquiry. The panel drew incident can induce feelings of anxiety, panic and acute its membership from both Houses of Parliament and distress. from across the political spectrum. We considered the I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to adequacy of the existing law and, over the course of the survivors of stalking, and their families, who gave six months, took written evidence and held five oral evidence to our inquiry and also acted as ambassadors 1105 Violence against Women and Girls14 FEBRUARY 2013 Violence against Women and Girls 1106 for our campaign. Tracey Morgan, Claire Waxman and I want to thank some of the people and organisations Sam Taylor gave us an insight into the sheer horror that who are helping to make progress. The recent Crown stalking can wreak on people’s lives. Tricia Bernal and Prosecution Service action plan is not just words on a Carol Faruqui spoke bravely about the murder of their piece of paper; it has genuine heart and intent behind it, daughters, Clare and Rana, by their stalkers. John and and I hope it will lead to real progress. The all-party Penny, the parents of Jane Clough, also gave evidence group on female genital mutilation has had some very to our inquiry. Jane was murdered by her former partner, productive meetings with Ofsted over the past year or but only after he had raped her on nine separate occasions. so. It has seized on this subject, and has agreed to ask When the man who was to go on to murder her was specific safeguarding questions around FGM when visiting charged with those nine counts of rape, and four counts schools that have girls from identified at-risk communities. of common assault, the court made the disastrous That will also drive change. decision to grant him bail, during which time he followed The hon. Member for Walthamstow (Stella Creasy) Jane and killed her. has very passionately brought to our attention the One That is why we recommended that there should be a Billion Rising campaign. She and I have debated that presumption that anybody charged with a serious violent campaign, because as a result of my experiences in or sexual offence should not be bailed except in the addressing FGM, I have become a little jaundiced about most exceptional circumstances. We also recommended the possibility of changing things solely through education. that judges and magistrates should take account of Over the almost 25 years that FGM has been illegal in previous offences as serious acts of aggravation. Raping, this country, there have been almost no referrals through like stalking, is characteristic of obsessive behaviour the education system. In fact, it is quite difficult to get that is likely to escalate if it is not stopped and treated. people working in education to talk about FGM issues. That is why it is essential that criminal justice professionals At the recent Home Office roundtable, a senior local are made aware through mandatory training about the government leader in London admitted that when she patterns of behaviour that make up these crimes. trained the teachers in her local authority about how to This motion focuses on educating the generations to deal with FGM in schools, many of them point-blank come about the realities of violence against women, so refused to teach that it was a crime, saying that that as to prevent it from happening in the future. That is to would infringe on some people’s cultural values. That is be applauded, of course, but we must also tackle the absolutely not on. As a result, particularly in respect of prevailing attitudes. In earlier debates, we highlighted FGM, I am cautious as to whether we can rely solely on the need for a domestic abuse, stalking and harassment education. We must instead have a multi-agency approach risk assessment—or DASH—tool. I understand that and massive cultural education. the Association of Chief Police Officers has been running I will support the motion, of course, but we must not a trial in Hampshire for officers, but it is not sufficiently give the message to the people who are listening so widespread. intently to this debate that we think the One Billion I would welcome any information on how many Rising campaign is the only answer, because we know individuals have been convicted under the new stalking there is so much more to do. It might be part of the offences. I would also welcome an update on the answer, but I know the Minister will talk about some of Government’s intentions in respect of improving victims’ the other things that are going on, too, and we must advocacy. Some of the campaigners I met over the make it clear that it is not a silver bullet and that there course of our inquiry have written to me expressing are lots of other steps we need to take—many of which concern that not enough is being done. I know the colleagues have alluded to in the debate. Minister will pass these questions and concerns on to I want to thank the Home Office, too. In November his colleagues. I repeat again that training must be 2011, I spoke about the Dutch health passport on FGM rolled out for all police officers, to hammer home the and in less than a year—this must be record time for any message that the psychological impact of these crimes is Government Department to put something into action— considerable. it has brought our own version of that passport, the This law will be a step in the right direction towards statement against FGM, into use in the UK. I have ensuring that women are not subjected to violence spoken to FGM campaigner Sister Fa, who wants to get without the perpetrators being punished. We must protect the German Government to adopt the idea. I therefore women and give them redress. This is urgently needed. hope that there will be a ripple effect across Europe. People have asked, “Is it really a passport?” I always 1.51 pm answer, “No, it’s an empowerment document.” I hope it will empower some of the girls who have been through Jane Ellison (Battersea) (Con): It is a pleasure to FGM to help their little sisters when they go back to contribute to this important debate. I congratulate its their country of origin, so that they say to extended sponsors, and especially the hon. Member for Slough family members, “You’re not going to do to my little (Fiona Mactaggart), who opened the debate. sister what you did to me, and here’s something that will First, I will discuss female genital mutilation, as I tell you what the consequences are if you do.” The have done in previous debates, but I will not talk document will empower girls to help protect other girls. exclusively about that subject. We have made great My hon. Friend the Member for Devizes (Claire progress over the past few years and as a result many Perry) referred to cases involving two of my constituents. more Members are now talking about FGM. We have One was the tragic case of Chevonea Kendall-Bryan. brought it into the mainstream of our political discourse, She died in terrible circumstances, with lots of dreadful which will assist us in making further progress. FGM is sexting and other things circulating about her. It was a a terrible thing that affects hundreds of thousands of dreadful incident. The other incident my hon. Friend girls around the world and here in the UK. mentioned involved a little girl who, for obvious reasons, 1107 Violence against Women and Girls14 FEBRUARY 2013 Violence against Women and Girls 1108

[Jane Ellison] held attitudes and beliefs, understandings of justice and ingrained cultural perspectives—yet it is neither inevitable I will not name. I spoke to her mother this morning. She nor intractable. re-emphasised that the problem of sexual texting and As legislators, we have a special responsibility to imagery going around in schools is horrendously tackle the grave and serious human rights abuses happening widespread. I return to an earlier point: what do we do in our own community. We also need to recognise that if we cannot stop it happening even in school, and right we are not impotent to deliver meaningful progress. under the nose of teachers? This little 12-year-old girl Today’s motion has focused largely on prevention within was physically penetrated by a 12-year-old boy with his the formal education system. Obviously, education is a fingers in class under the nose of the teacher. We have devolved issue in Scotland, and the structure of the got to get a grip on what is happening right now. It is curriculum does not mirror the situation in other parts not just about education; it is about stopping crimes of the UK. Nevertheless, I wish colleagues well in their being committed in class. efforts to improve the curriculum in England and Wales, Most—although perhaps not all—of us in this Chamber and I hope there will be reciprocal learning on how the went to school before mobile phones were invented, let respective education systems can rise to the challenge, alone widespread. We do not know all the answers, especially given the alarming attitudes to sexual violence therefore, and there will be girls listening to and reading recorded among young people, to which Members have this debate who might know more about what we can alluded. The hon. Member for Totnes (Dr Wollaston) do. The mother of that 12-year-old girl said to me that talked about the normalisation of violence, so I do not some of the other girls in class were jealous of her see how anything could be more of a priority for us. daughter because they thought she had been singled out One example recently brought to my attention in for sexual attention. If I were to send just one message the Scottish context was a pilot scheme initiated by the out to these girls, it would be this: “Please stand together. Dundee violence against women partnership, which It is not cool. It is absolutely dreadful. Make sure you was an attempt to embed preventive measures in the don’t speak to those boys or have anything to do with curriculum for excellence in nursery, primary and secondary them if they do this to your classmates.” We have to school settings. Working with a range of partners and stand together on this issue. using a rights-based approach, it tries to embed the idea that children and young people have rights and that 1.57 pm their dignity is important. The project workers commented on how relatively easy it had been to integrate preventive Dr Eilidh Whiteford (Banff and Buchan) (SNP): It is measures across the curriculum. They used a thematic a pleasure to follow the hon. Member for Battersea approach so that the issues could be addressed in an (Jane Ellison), and I congratulate the Members who English class or a statistics class—not just in the timetabled secured this debate, in particular the hon. Member for slot for health, well-being or relationships education. Slough (Fiona Mactaggart), who opened it so eloquently. Another key part of addressing sexual violence is The One Billion Rising campaign reminds us that ensuring that perpetrators are held more accountable one in three women will be raped or beaten in their for their actions within the criminal justice system. lifetime. Today’s debate gives us an opportunity to Changing attitudes and beliefs will not be enough on its commend the women and men who in so many different own if people cannot realise their rights. I do not think ways are refusing to accept the status quo and are it would be controversial to say that the historical track working either to support the victims of sexual violence record has not been good in domestic terms. or to change laws, attitudes, customs and institutions Again, I would like to share some perspectives from that perpetuate abuses of power here at home and the Scottish context, which I am sure will resonate with internationally. hon. Members from other parts of the UK. I pay On a day when so many people around the world are tribute to the Scottish Women’s Aid and Rape Crisis celebrating loving relationships, it is important to highlight Scotland for its campaigning and advocacy to raise the extent to which violence against women and girls awareness and improve our legislative framework. Only blights our individual and collective lives and to one in four rape cases reported to the police in Scotland acknowledge the systemic nature of violence against results in a prosecution; three out of four people who women. It affects all of us, directly or indirectly, whatever seek access to justice are still denied it. We know that our age, nationality and religion. I am sure all of us will huge numbers—perhaps a majority—of people who have experienced gender-based violence or will know a have been raped do not report it to the police. In that friend, sister, mother, aunt or work colleague who has respect, confidence in the system remains far too low. experienced it. Conviction rates have historically been woeful; they are It is also important not to be overwhelmed by the improving, albeit from an abysmal starting point. It is dimensions of the problem and the scale of the challenge easy to understand why many people who have experienced of ending the culture of violence. Some 20 or 30 years serious sexual assault are reluctant to put themselves ago domestic abuse was seen as a private family matter. through further trauma at a time when they might feel Too often criminal violence in the home was not pursued exceptionally vulnerable. Given the fairly low prospect as it ought to have been. It was a taboo subject. Breaking of securing a conviction, it takes immense courage for the silence around abuse has been an important milestone women to come forward. on the road to taking the issue seriously and tackling it. Our criminal justice system has failed and continues It is a multifaceted problem, but I believe it is underpinned to fail far too many victims of rape and sexual assault. by inequality between women and men, and is perpetuated Many of us have been deeply saddened by the dreadful through unacceptable abuses of power. One reason why revelations about the suicide of Frances Andrade. Back it is so difficult to address is that it challenges deeply in 2002, an equally tragic death took place in Scotland 1109 Violence against Women and Girls14 FEBRUARY 2013 Violence against Women and Girls 1110 when 17-year-old Lindsay Anderson took her own life that more of our girls are educated in a way that allows shortly after giving evidence at the trial of a person them to take part in the great opportunities of the subsequently convicted of raping her. What was particularly modern economy. appalling was that in court Lindsay had to hold up the Around the world, too, we have a huge problem of underwear she had been wearing at the time of the sexual violence, which has been a long-standing part of attack. It was sickening and, frankly, it still leaves me too many conflicts. We heard earlier from those more speechless. In spite of real efforts to move away from eloquent than me about the problems of genital mutilation, using women’s character and sexual history in court, forced marriages, sexual slavery and the human trafficking people subjected to sexual violence are still traumatised of boys and girls. We are all mindful, too, of the by the process, which can compound the very real harm appalling story of gang rape in India, which I think has done by the original offence. triggered huge public interest and has fired people’s I do not have much time left. Before concluding, I sense of moral outrage. In a world whose economic echo the points made earlier about the way in which globalisation we celebrate day on day, we all face a women are portrayed in popular culture and about the challenge to take responsibility for other impacts of misogyny often expressed in social media. We do not have globalisation that are perhaps less visibly, immediately any room for complacency. Prevention and accountability or directly seen as our responsibility. We need to take must go hand in hand. Together, we really can make both those sides of globalisation together. progress and end— My main point, however, is that we have a serious problem here in the UK. In recent decades, we have seen Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Nigel Evans): Order. an epidemic of sexual and violent crime, the casualisation of media attitudes to sex and violence, an explosion of 2.4 pm pornography, and in recent years casual online sexualisation and prostitution and huge problems relating to stalking George Freeman (Mid Norfolk) (Con): It is a pleasure and even classroom abuse, as we heard in the eloquent to follow the hon. Member for Banff and Buchan speech of my hon. Friend the Member for Battersea (Dr Whiteford). This morning, I was not intending to (Jane Ellison). It is the casualness of all this that is speak—not because I was disinterested or uninterested, worth highlighting. Such things are not any more considered but because it seemed to me appropriate that this debate by our media or our commentariat to be serious crimes. should be led by women. I have, however, been inspired That, I think, is the most serious crime of all. by the clarity, compassion, cross-party consensus and We should all be shamed that London has become a expressions of support for the importance of this debate. global centre of human trafficking and sexual exploitation. My decision to speak was also provoked by my hon. Far from this being, as my hon. Friend the Member for Friend the Member for Shipley (Philip Davies), who is Shipley suggested, a distraction from the serious business not in his place. I share with him a great interest in of Government, I suggest that it is a vital and topical horseracing and I have a great affection for him. I issue that affects more than half of our population. thought he made some good points, but I profoundly disagree with him on one or two central points. John Woodcock (Barrow and Furness) (Lab/Co-op): I have rearranged the day in order to speak up for I commend the hon. Gentleman for his eloquent speech, many of my hon. Friends whose absence should not be reminding us all that not every male member of the misconstrued as lack of interest in this important subject. Conservative party is blinkered or bonkers on this subject. I want to put on record my personal commitment to Does he share with me the hope that better health and this issue; I also want to speak on behalf of women and sex education in school can help prevent the real blight girls in my constituency and elsewhere who perhaps fear of sexting? As a Member of Parliament and as a parent, that men are not listening, and to speak up for a I must confess that, like others, I am only just beginning modern, compassionate, progressive conservative strain to understand the gravity of that situation. of thinking, which takes this issue very seriously and applauds the Prime Minister and the Foreign Secretary George Freeman: I agree. The hon. Gentleman makes for their leadership on it. an excellent point, which I feel personally, too, as the It seemed to me that the central point made my hon. father of an 11-year-old daughter. I also think, however, Friend the Member for Shipley was to insist on an that as a Parliament and a Government we need to be equality of treatment and to deny the need for any brave enough to realise that advice on sex must be put gender-based policy approach. That denies something within some kind of moral framework. We need to be very fundamental: that men and women are different brave enough to acknowledge that young children require and, in respect of sexual and physical violence, are not of us some guidance about what is right and wrong. equal. Difficult territory though it is, there is no excuse for Around the world—here, too, but especially in the simply suggesting that there is no sense of appropriate developing world—we are witnessing a shaming prevalence conduct that we should be conveying. of violence against women and girls, which we have a This is a vital and topical issue which affects more duty to tackle. I do not pretend to be an expert, but one than half our population, and it is an issue of global does not need to be an expert to see the urgency of the and local significance. I believe that our generation in problem. If we look around the world, we can see that this great institution must address it, and that we all the emancipation of women and the education of girls have a duty to take it seriously. As I said earlier, I am the has been a profound force for good in our society and in father of an 11-year-old daughter, but I also speak as human progress. On the subject of the education of the husband of a wife and as the son of a mother. We girls, I know from my own area of science that we have a are all, in one way or another, linked to this issue, and, huge problem and a huge challenge in Britain to ensure as a compassionate Conservative, I am proud that this 1111 Violence against Women and Girls14 FEBRUARY 2013 Violence against Women and Girls 1112

[George Freeman] killings—of which there are more than 2,800 a year—forced marriages, domestic violence perpetrated by their husbands, generation, and this Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary, in-laws and other family members, dowry-related abuse, have provided such leadership on it. The Prime Minister and suicide or self-harm aggravated by harassment or said recently: violence. “I want to see an end to violence against women and girls in all It is vital to acknowledge that in some cases, women its forms. I’m proud to add my voice to all those who stand up to with an ethnic-minority background suffer acts of violence oppose it. Too often these horrific crimes have gone unpunished. We want this to change and that is why we have criminalised that are deemed acceptable and perpetrated by a group forced marriage, widened the definition of domestic violence and of family members. The main concept behind those acts made stalking illegal.” is the “shaming” of the women’s families or community I believe that, as a result of cross-party consensus, members. It is absolutely vital to eradicate that absurd our generation may be able to look back on what we concept, which is often used by perpetrators to justify have achieved and be proud of it. I congratulate the their actions. Backbench Business Committee on arranging the debate, which, given its significance, I should have preferred to Gavin Shuker: My hon. Friend is making a brave and take place on a Monday rather than a Thursday. I also impassioned speech. He seems to be hinting that there congratulate the sponsors of the motion, and those who are issues involving power in the midst of these crimes are speaking about this important topic this afternoon. and relationships. 2.10 pm Mr Sharma: I shall say more about that shortly. Mr Virendra Sharma (Ealing, Southall) (Lab): Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker, for giving me an opportunity The concept that acts of violence are justifiable if to contribute to this very important debate. I congratulate they will protect the family’s “honour” is ridiculous and those who secured it, and those who have contributed unacceptable. to it so far. Let me also say that it is great to follow the Furthermore, many women and young girls from an hon. Member for Mid Norfolk (George Freeman). This ethnic minority continue to suffer because they feel that important issue is close to the heart of many Members there is no way out. There is evidence that, on average, who are present today, and I know that those who are women suffer acts of violence and abuse more than not present support the motion. 20 times before they report it, but among women from A recent incident in New Delhi unfortunately led to an ethnic minority the number is higher—and that, of the death of a 23-year-old woman whom the people of course, assumes that the acts are ever reported. The India named “Nirbhaya Damini”, the brave-hearted under-reporting of such acts is another serious issue daughter of India. Damini was brutally gang-raped by which increases the complexity of the situation in which a group of men on a public bus. She suffered from those women find themselves. various injuries which severely damaged both her brain The funding of services for women who are victims of and her body, and as a result of that inhumane act, she violence has been dramatically reduced. According to a died on 29 December 2012. report published by Women’s Aid, 27,900 women have This particular act of violence has sparked much been refused refuge because of a lack of vacancies, and anger in India, here in the UK, and throughout the the cutting of support for such groups will cause further world, and it is part of the reason why I stand here to problems. discuss the subject of violence against women and girls. Over the last few months, through vigils in my constituency I am also concerned by the cuts that are being made and outside the Indian high commission, I have been in my local police force. There will no longer be front-desk able to witness the hundreds of people who have been police officers 24 hours a day in my local police station brought together to share their anger against the in Southall. Those cuts could prove life-threatening perpetrators of such a despicable act. All of us were in when combined with the decreased funding for other Parliament square this afternoon to support those were services that help women who are victims of violence. campaigning against the violence. Let me end my speech by thanking Southall Black I want to focus my remarks on women and girls with Sisters, who are based in my constituency. They have an ethnic-minority background. Through my work in contributed positively to the community for more than my constituency, I have come across many women and 30 years, providing excellent services which help women girls who, because of their background, require special from black and ethnic-minority backgrounds. Many assistance to protect them from violence, and who are people will know them for their work on the Kiranjit much more vulnerable as victims. Women and young Ahluwalia case, which ultimately focused on issues that girls should not have to endure violence. We have a I mentioned earlier: issues which need to be resolved, moral duty to protect our citizens, especially those who and which lie deep within communities. Southall Black are in an especially vulnerable position. Many women Sisters have provided valuable services, but, owing to suffer violence and are then unable to leave or take their limited resources, they can only take on the most action against the perpetrators: they face different challenges, extreme cases, and there are still many more women and feel powerless to overcome those obstacles. who need assistance. Numerous acts of violence have been inflicted on The matters that are being discussed today are of women and young girls in recent years, and such issues great urgency, and I hope that the Minister will resolve are now being widely addressed. However, women from to work on a global basis with other Government an ethnic-minority background may suffer various violent agencies and non-governmental organisations to eradicate acts, notably female genital mutilation, “honour-based” the fear of violence from women throughout the world. 1113 Violence against Women and Girls14 FEBRUARY 2013 Violence against Women and Girls 1114

2.17 pm such as those in Rochdale and Oxford, highlight just how necessary it is to equip our young people with the Mike Freer (Finchley and Golders Green) (Con): I knowledge and resources to prevent such horrendous am pleased to note that a male Minister is responding situations from recurring in other areas and ways. to the debate. All too often, debates such as this are shunted off into the category of “women’s issues”, and Such cases are, in a sense, the high-profile, visible it is left to our female colleagues to engage in them. manifestations of this culture. Many young and vulnerable teenage girls, in particular, are targeted, groomed and Other Members, including in particular my hon. Friend abused in this way by such offenders and by their peers. the Member for Totnes (Dr Wollaston), have spoken Young people need to understand that they cannot powerfully about sexualisation and normalisation. The “consent” to their own abuse and their own exploitation, issue of female genital mutilation was raised by my hon. and that they cannot do so must be reflected consistently Friend—my good friend—the Member for Battersea by law enforcement agencies, support services and education (Jane Ellison) and the hon. Member for Kingston upon services. Hull North (Diana Johnson), who I know have done extremely good work in that regard. Mr Virendra Sharma: Does my hon. Friend agree There are two issues that especially concern me, and that these things are happening because there has been on which I press schools in my constituency. One is the a huge reduction in the resources going to the agencies use of social media for the swapping of sexual images. that protect these young kids? What worries me is that, while adults swapping sexual images of children are committing a criminal offence, Gavin Shuker: I thank my hon. Friend for that when children do the same thing it seems to be regarded intervention, because I do believe there is an issue of as a bit of a lark. I hope that the Government will think resources to address. It is also important to acknowledge about whether the providers of social networks should that successive Governments have perhaps not sought bear some form of culpability. Are they not committing to invest enough in these services, particularly in the an offence by allowing the transmission of what is kinds of hub and spoke models that would allow us to effectively child pornography? get into the community to engage with the people who I have also pressed local schools on the issue of are most vulnerable to sexual exploitation and violence. consent. Too often we think that if a woman does not I believe that our educational bodies have a responsibility say no, there is implied consent. I wrote to all my local to teach and model respectful and healthy relationships secondary schools asking whether in personal, social, for all young people. citizenship and health education—I wish someone could come up with a better name, as PSCHE is a bit of a Seema Malhotra (Feltham and Heston) (Lab/Co-op): mouthful—they teach express consent, because not saying My hon. Friend is making a key point about the importance no is not consent. I was pleased that all the schools of education. Statistics suggest that 750,000 children replied saying that the point had been taken on board. are witnessing domestic violence each year, so does he Will the Minister press the Department for Education agree that it is increasingly important that our schools to update the curriculum on PSCHE so that express play a role in ensuring that children are able to understand consent, not just consent, is taught? that what they are seeing and experiencing is not normal? Those are my two points. I hope that the Minister will comment on whether the transmission of what is, in Gavin Shuker: My hon. Friend is knowledgeable and effect, child pornography can be dealt with by taking accurate on this point. We understand that the models action against the network providers and whether the we grow up with affect how we engage with the wider curriculum can be updated. world. One of my particular concerns is to ensure that young people who are subjected to seeing this kind 2.20 pm of abuse in their own circumstances do not go on to Gavin Shuker (Luton South) (Lab/Co-op): I am extremely perpetuate that violence in later life. grateful for the opportunity to speak in this important We know that this education needs to be of high debate, which shows the House at its best. As we make quality; to have age-appropriate content; to enable people our voices count in the One Billion Rising campaign, to make informed choices; and to highlight potentially we recognise that we cannot end violence against women dangerous patterns of relationships or environments. and girls without also looking at wider attitudes in It is needed across the board; it must not simply be society. We need to consider how we, in our schools, our targeted at a group we would deem vulnerable. I appreciate curriculums, our children’s services and our local authorities, the views of Members across this House who feel, just are actively seeking to educate young people and safeguard as I do, that sex is a spiritual as well as emotional and them from dangerous and abusive situations. Alongside physical act. There are those who, like me, believe that the resourcing of the immediate needs of those exposed deep moral and ethical questions are related to issues to violence and abuse, we need to examine the widespread such as the scale of abortion in this country, but to deny gender violence and attitudes to it that are so prevalent young people the education and the capacity to prevent in society today. themselves from finding themselves in that situation in As technology evolves, so, too, do the means of the first place is a perverse outcome of that belief. sexual exploitation. Grooming for sexual exploitation, Education targeting the prevention of violence against the increased normalisation of sexual favours and the women and girls is not just an issue for women and girls, widespread sexualisation of the young all contribute to so there is a need to educate both young boys and young the vulnerability of our young people. Recent cases of girls about mutual respect within relationships, recognising systematic child grooming involving violence—often that men and young boys can also be victims of violence sadistic violence—for the purpose of sexual exploitation, and abuse. Educating both boys and girls is a key 1115 Violence against Women and Girls14 FEBRUARY 2013 Violence against Women and Girls 1116

[Gavin Shuker] George Freeman rose— element in a preventive education. Alongside statutory Gavin Shuker: I will give way. sex and relationship advice, resources should be made Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Nigel Evans): Order. I am terribly available in schools so that support can be accessed by sorry, but you have taken two interventions already. young people experiencing or concerned about violence and abuse. I have real concerns about the resources Gavin Shuker: I thought that was the case. available to engage those at high risk of becoming victims of sexual exploitation. Mr Deputy Speaker: It was. I call Diana Johnson. We do not just need to take action in schools and education authorities. In my role as chair of the all-party group on prostitution and the global sex trade, I have 2.29 pm been struck by the measures taken by some good local Diana Johnson (Kingston upon Hull North) (Lab): I authorities to introduce strategies to tackle violence congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Slough against women and girls in their own communities. (Fiona Mactaggart) on securing the debate and the Introducing measures to tackle domestic violence, sexual Backbench Business Committee on allocating time for violence, prostitution and female genital mutilation it. I also pay tribute to the work of my right hon. Friend under a comprehensive strategy, with direct support the shadow Home Secretary and my hon. Friend the and enforcement of the law, is a real step towards the Member for Walthamstow (Stella Creasy) in promoting goal of a zero-tolerance approach to violence against and getting behind the One Billion Rising campaign. women and girls. It would be interesting to hear the Many Members on both sides of the House have Minister’s view on whether other local authorities should spoken with passion about the importance of ending also adopt such strategies to work across their own violence against women. In my constituency, we have a communities. If such strategies were replicated nationally wonderful football team, Hull City, with a wonderful across local authorities and prioritised as a matter of football ground, the KC stadium, which holds some urgency, that could go a long way towards ensuring that 25,000 people, and as a new MP I was told that the vulnerable people do not fall through the cracks. stadium would be filled to capacity by all the victims of In finishing, I wish to make a few brief remarks domestic violence in the city. That statistic is a stark about one of the groups at greatest risk of violence reminder of the prevalence of domestic violence in all against women and girls. The alarming statistics on our constituencies. adults involved in prostitution who were sexually abused When I spoke to the police in Hull last week they told as children, experienced domestic violence or entered me that domestic violence was still one of their key prostitution before the age of 18—the age at which they priorities. My hon. Friend the Member for Kingston could consent—highlight the urgent need for preventive upon Hull East (Karl Turner) spoke about the very education and support services for young people at risk. positive Strength to Change campaign, which was funded According to Home Office figures, 70% of those involved by the PCT. It worked with more than 250 perpetrators in street prostitution had a history of local authority to try and change behaviour, but those men had already care, and nearly half report a history of childhood engaged in domestic violence. I think we all agree that it sexual exploitation. Highlighting issues of vulnerability is much better to prevent it from ever happening by and the consent of children sheds light on the continued getting in early and ensuring that our young men and vulnerability of women into adulthood. The legislation women understand what is acceptable in relationships on commercial sexual services currently sends no clear and that violence is never acceptable. signals about the nature of this trade—these are signals to be picked up by the police and the Crown Prosecution The education we give to our young people in schools Service.Perhapsadebatesuchastoday’sisanimportant is limited, as we have heard. It falls within the science time to assess the impact that these industries have, not curriculum and talks about the biology of reproduction only on those directly providing these services or being and sexual diseases, but does not in any way address the exploited, but on our society’s attitudes towards women issues that young people say they want to know about. and girls. Young people want to know what a healthy relationship should look like. We need to consider the self-esteem In our group’s call for evidence for our inquiry into that our young girls, in particular, should be developing the law on prostitution, I have been struck by the fact and the confidence they need to make good choices. We that much of the language from those who purchase sex know from examples around the world that good sex completely fails to challenge, and in some places continues and relationship education in schools delays the time at to perpetrate, the idea that access to sex is a man’s right. which youngsters start having sex and most Members of In normalising and legitimising occupations in this way, this House would think that that is a jolly good thing. we not only maintain the prevalence of an industry that will be sustained by future generations, but we communicate We must also remember that parents can still withdraw attitudes accepting and promoting the commoditisation their children from sex education up to the age of 19. of women. It is notable, for example, that violence Nobody can accept that that is a realistic way of proceeding. against women involved in prostitution is part of one of We need to ensure that the law reflects what is going on the most popular video games in this country. Inherent in our country. We know that PSHE is taught with in this attitude is the idea of the entitlement of men to success in some schools and not in others and youngsters pursue sexual pleasure, no matter what the cost. That tell us that we must get that sorted out for their sake. attitude continues to reinforce the power imbalance at I respect the Minister for Immigration, who is on the play behind many of the issues we have heard about Front Bench, but I am disappointed that the Home today. We need to assess how widespread the acceptance Secretary is not sitting there today. I understand that of such— she chairs the inter-ministerial group on violence against 1117 Violence against Women and Girls14 FEBRUARY 2013 Violence against Women and Girls 1118 women and girls, on which the Home Office takes a 2.36 pm lead. She has spoken out against violence against women Caroline Lucas (Brighton, Pavilion) (Green): It is a and girls on many occasions and I have great respect for pleasure to follow the hon. Member for Kingston upon her, too, but it would have sent a clear message that the Hull North (Diana Johnson) and I pay tribute to the Government were getting behind the motion had she leadership shown on this subject by the hon. Members been in the Chamber today. for Slough (Fiona Mactaggart) and for Walthamstow Let me focus on the motion, which is about making (Stella Creasy). We have heard compelling speeches PSHE a statutory requirement in our schools. The from Members on both sides of the House and I was review undertaken by the new Government when they particularly struck by those from the hon. Members for came into power ended in November 2011. We must Totnes (Dr Wollaston) and for Mid Norfolk (George remember that the previous Labour Government attempted Freeman). Notwithstanding that, I share the disappointment to make sex and relationship education statutory in that has been expressed about the lack of vigour from 2010, but that opportunity was unfortunately blocked those who sit on the Government Front Bench, in in the “wash-up” by the Conservative party. The review particular. When I asked the Minister of State, Home finished in November 2011, as my hon. Friend the Department, the hon. Member for Taunton Deane Member for Slough said, and since then I have been (Mr Browne), this morning about the importance of chasing the Department for Education. I have tabled statutory education in PSHE and violence against women many parliamentary questions and asked whether Ministers and girls, I was told that it is voluntary and that schools are meeting groups and organisations to ensure that can offer it if they want to. Everything we have heard in they get their approach absolutely right, but it seems the debate this afternoon suggests that that is not enough. that very little has happened. Helen Goodman (Bishop Auckland) (Lab): Does the Fiona Mactaggart: My hon. Friend spoke about who hon. Lady agree that it is a problem that PSHE is not she thought should be on the Front Bench. Is she as part of the curriculum in academies and free schools? disappointed as I am that there are no Education Ministers As we have all agreed during the debate, the problem sitting there? goes across society. Diana Johnson: Yes. One Education Minister was in the Chamber earlier, but unfortunately did not stay to Caroline Lucas: I agree. I also agree with those who hear the rest of the debate. The Department for Education said we need a whole-school approach. Yes, PSHE is is the villain in the piece today, because there is general vital but such education should also be mainstreamed acceptance across the House that although making across all other parts of the education system. PSHE statutory is not the whole answer, it is part of the The figures, tragically, are all too familiar. In Britain, jigsaw. It fits in with what the Government are saying 60,000 women are raped every year and two women a and the steps they have taken since they came to power, week are killed by a partner or ex-partner. That culture as well as those taken by the Labour Government, to of violence is doing enormous damage to our young try to address violence against women and to equip our people. As the hon. Member for Devizes (Claire Perry) youngsters with the skills and knowledge they need to said, NSPCC research found that so-called sexting is make good choices about the lives they lead. I am linked to coercive behaviour, bullying and violence and disappointed that no representative of the Department has a disproportionate impact on girls. A YouGov poll is in the Chamber to listen to the debate. for the End Violence Against Women Coalition found I was a little flabbergasted when I heard that the that more than 70% of 16 to 18-year-old boys and girls Department for Education had accepted that financial said that they heard sexual name calling towards girls education should be statutory. If the Department knows routinely and, even more disturbingly, one in three that that is important and wants to give young people girls said that they experienced groping or other unwanted the skills and experience to deal with their finances, it sexual touching at school. seems rather ironic that it does not accept that young In a report published last year entitled “I thought I people also need the skills, experience and knowledge to was the only one,”the office of the Children’s Commissioner deal with relationships and sexual matters. The Department found that in the space of just 12 months more than argues that it does not want to prescribe what schools 16,000 children, mostly girls, were identified as being at have to do, but it seems to me that if the Department risk of sexual exploitation. The report highlights that can be prescriptive about financial education it could be we need to ask why so many males, both young and old, a bit more prescriptive about sex and relationship education. think it is acceptable to treat both girls and boys as The Minister of State, Home Department, the hon. objects to be used and abused. That brings me to my Member for Taunton Deane (Mr Browne), answered key point: violence does not happen in a vacuum. We Equality questions earlier today but said nothing about must recognise the impact of the wider culture, so I the very effective campaign to reduce teen relationship want to focus on just one aspect of that—the objectification abuse, which is working directly with young people. It is of women in the media, whether it is in the newspapers, not being used by the Department for Education—I music videos, adverts and video games. checked its Twitter account and it is not promoting that Women have been served up as sex objects in some of campaign. I think the Department for Education should our daily newspapers for many years. They show images stop turning its face away from what the vast majority that would be prohibited on television or subject to the of young people, parents and Members of this House watershed, yet they are sold entirely without age restriction want, which is for high-quality statutory sex and relationship in shops, often at a child’s eye level. As the mother of education to be brought in as soon as possible with two sons, there are shops I would prefer not to go into properly trained teachers and proper resources. That because of the eye-level material that they will see and will not solve the whole problem, but it will help. have seen and because of the effect on them. 1119 Violence against Women and Girls14 FEBRUARY 2013 Violence against Women and Girls 1120

[Caroline Lucas] people to be more in control of their sexual identity, rather than being dictated to by the media or advertising. Every week we read in the papers cases of women who Crucially, it must address harmful notions of masculinity are killed by their partner or former partner. Every one and present boys with positive alternatives. The Director of these cases should cause an outcry, but rarely warrants of Public Prosecutions and the Deputy Children’s a paragraph because it is tragically becoming so routine. Commissioner have both spoken out about the impact The problem was highlighted last year by women’s groups of pornography on young men’s sexually aggressive who gave evidence to the Leveson inquiry and later behaviour, and there is evidence of the negative impact published a report called “Just the Women”. This examined of porn on young men’s attitudes to women. how domestic homicide cases are reported as “tragic” In my constituency, the domestic abuse charity Rise one-off incidents, rather than as part of a well-understood is an excellent example of existing good practice. It pattern of behaviour. Rape cases in some papers are delivers a PSHE preventive education programme on routinely placed next to pictures of half-naked women. healthy relationships to schools across the city. Our Cases of forced marriage or so-called honour-based schools also subscribe to the whole-school approach violence, a horrible misnomer, are explained in terms of recommended by the End Violence Against Women culture or religion—anything but violence against women coalition, where heads take a lead, teachers are trained and girls. Lord Leveson himself suggested that a front-page on the issues, and all students receive comprehensive sex report in The Sun headed “Bodyguards for battered and relationship education which deals with consent, Towie sisters” about violence against two women from equality and respect. If we are serious about preventing “The Only Way is Essex”, which was accompanied by a gender violence, those messages need to be reflected not picture of one of the women in an erotic pose in just in our schools but across society as a whole. lingerie, may well infringe cause 12—the discrimination clause—of the editors code of practice. No one is suggesting that the media are solely to 2.43 pm blame for these attitudes, but their objectification of Julie Hilling (Bolton West) (Lab): Two women are women and the treatment by some newspapers, for killed every week in the UK—109 women last year. example, of rape cases go some considerable way towards Worldwide acts of violence against women and girls explaining why prejudicial attitudes to women are so aged 15 to 44 cause more deaths and disability than deeply entrenched and are so normalised. The chief cancer, malaria, traffic accidents and war combined. Crown prosecutor for London, Alison Saunders, has More than 53% of children aged five to 18 in India have expressed concern about the impact that the treatment been sexually abused, and 57% of Australian women of women in the media has on rape cases and jurors’ reported experiencing violence in their lifetime. In 2010-11 decision making. She believes that jurors are coming to 728,145 incidents of domestic violence were recorded court with preconceptions about women that affect the by our police, but only 8% of those cases ended successfully way they consider evidence and she says: in prosecution. Some 45% of women in the UK have “If a girl goes out and gets drunk and falls over...they are experienced violence. almost demonised in the media, and if they then become a victim, you can see how juries would bring their preconceptions to bear.” It is no wonder that 1 billion women are rising today. Fortunately, much needed work is being done with As Kathy Lette said at the rally in Parliament square detectives and prosecutors, for example, to dispel myths earlier today, “Women are always runners-up in the and stereotypes about women who have been raped or human race.” The statistics are shocking and possibly subjected to sexual and others forms of violence, but challengeable, but it is not enough to be horrified. We Alison Saunders asks whether there is have to do something. A study by Professor David Gadd, “From Boys to Men”, found that among year 9 “something more we should be doing” pupils, 48.4% of boys and 33.3% of girls thought it was so that people doing jury service are not being challenged all right to hit their partners in certain circumstances. for the first time, and the subject is not one that they are The Girl Guides attitude survey found that 39% of girls thinking about for the first time. and 43% of boys thought it was all right “to make you The answer to that question is, of course, yes. That is tell your boyfriend where you are all the time”; 21% of why our schools should be taking a lead. Work to girls and 39% of boys thought it was all right for a boy prevent violence against women and girls must be an to tell his girlfriend what she can and cannot wear; and integral part of education policy, delivered in every 2% of girls and 11% of boys thought it was all right to school as part of the statutory curriculum. It is astonishing hit or kick somebody if they spoke to someone else at that in 2010 40% of 16 to 18-year-olds said either that a party. they did not receive lessons or information on sexual consent, or that they did not know whether they did. When young people believe that violence in a relationship Although PSHE education must now teach about consent, is okay, we have a long, long way to go, because domestic it needs to go further and cover all forms of violence violence is not about uncontrolled emotions. It is about against women, including teenage relationship abuse, power and control of one’s partner. It is about how forced marriage, FGM and sexual exploitation. It should women are viewed in society. Think back to those also be linked to work on gender equality and challenging traditional marriage vows, which start with gender stereotypes; otherwise young women and men “Who gives this woman to this man” will never be exposed to education designed to reduce and end with women promising to obey. The vows may gender violence and to counter the damaging impact of have been updated, but in so many cases attitudes have cultural factors, such as the media. not. The 1 billion women rising today want a world that If we want to change attitudes, we need good sex and empowers young people, rather than represses their relationships education in schools. We need girls and sexuality, so work in our schools must allow young boys to be confident in themselves and to have good 1121 Violence against Women and Girls14 FEBRUARY 2013 Violence against Women and Girls 1122 self-esteem. We especially need girls to be assertive and for Slough (Fiona Mactaggart) on leading it so eloquently. not to accept that they have to do what they are told to I want to focus my contribution on violence against do by their partner. Just think about where young women in the home, because I have been talking for people currently get much of their education about sex some time with the Women’s Aid project in my constituency. and relationships. Some may come from parents, but It tells me that domestic violence against women in our much more will come from peers and pornography. communities is still for the most part hidden and not When I worked with young people, I was horrified by really openly spoken about, even by the women subjected the publications they were reading and the films they to it. Why is that? We have heard a mixture of reasons were watching. today, not least of which are the fear of talking openly Porn does not talk about loving relationships or about it, the shame victims feel and their belief that about young people waiting until they are ready to have they somehow brought the violence upon themselves, sex. It does not talk about safe sex. It talks about taking which is not the case. The real shame is that society still women, about domination, about rough sex, about allows it to happen. In my part of the country, Scotland, women as sexual objects to be used. I was deeply a domestic violence incident is recorded every 10 minutes. shocked when one young woman told me about being Just imagine how many that is over the course of this with a group of girls and boys in the bedroom of one of debate. the boys. This boy was masturbating while looking at No one deserves to be abused. No one should have to pornography in full view of the group. This was deemed put up with abuse anywhere, let alone in their own to be appropriate behaviour, nothing unusual, perfectly homes. Domestic abuse can affect any women, regardless normal. of class, race or age. There is no typical abuser either, I have worked with many victims of domestic violence but 82% of domestic violence incidents involve men over the years, including colleagues. Domestic violence attacking women—women they profess to love. Two or robs the victim of confidence and self-esteem. Victims three women a week are even killed by former or current are told that it is their fault—if only they were a better partners. girlfriend, wife, mother, lover, worker, cook, cleaner, Many victims are not being attacked for the first this would not be happening to them. The reality is that time. In 2011-12, more than 33,000 of recorded incidents whatever they did, however they behaved, the violence involved victims who had already experienced domestic would still happen, because in the end that partner abuse. The previous year the figure stood at just over becomes the whipping boy, the outlet for frustration 28,000. It can be a continuous cycle of violence, with and anger—but, of course, “I only do it because I love women and children forced to flee their homes to seek you, dear.” sanctuary—many of us have difficulty understanding this I believe sex and relationships education is essential —only to return to the abusive partner. Why? Again, in talking about good relationships, positive relationships, the reasons are many: desire to try to maintain a equal relationships. It is essential in building assertiveness resemblance of family life; they might have nowhere in girls so that they do not accept that they should be else to go; and even because, “Yes, I still love him.” hit and controlled. An Irish study showed that 12% of Domestic abuse causes serious and long-lasting harm. year 11 and 12 pupils think that boyfriends who hit Apart from physical injury, it frequently causes psychological girlfriends deserve a second chance. For me, that decision damage, and abused women can also lose their jobs and to stay, that excuse that “he only did it because he was homes. It also affects the children who witness it. It stressed/upset/I was bad/he’ll never do it again” is far undermines their relationship with their mother, disrupts too often the start of a journey into long-term domestic their education and can even turn some into abusers abuse. themselves in later life. We have to stop this vicious Such abuse is not only, and may not even be, violent, cycle. Education in schools of zero tolerance is absolutely but it is psychological. It is controlling, threatening and essential. bullying. The normal journey is one where the woman As I said, I have visited and spoken with those becomes more and more isolated because the perpetrator involved with the Women’s Aid project in Inverclyde. makes it impossible for the victim to maintain relationships They believe that the causes of domestic abuse go back with family and friends. Her self-confidence is stripped historically to the days when—believe it or not—a man away and she can no longer see a way out. The fear of was legally allowed to beat his wife. In Scotland, the the perpetrator does not disappear if she manages to problem can more usually be traced back to alcohol. walk out. That is why refuges do not publish addresses For some, alcohol is the elixir that releases held-back and why women often have to move many miles away pressure and frustration, allowing their rage to turn from their previous home and from any remaining violent and leading them to lash out at those nearest support network. and dearest. I always think that it is no coincidence that Relationships are fundamental to our society, but too it took a Scotsman to write “Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde”, often they are not built on equality or mutual trust and in which a potion released his darker and violent side. respect. The very least we can do in a civilised society is Domestic violence corrodes and damages our give young people information and skills, and hopefully communities and our society. The extent of the problem values, so that they can build positive and equal is shocking. A recent study revealed at the Scottish relationships. Women’s Aid conference in Edinburgh showed that domestic violence in Scotland has risen by 66% over the 2.49 pm past 10 years. There is always a motivation behind the violence, whether it is physical or emotional: it is a way Mr Iain McKenzie (Inverclyde) (Lab): I thank the of maintaining control through fear. The woman becomes Backbench Business Committee for selecting this important isolated from her family and friends. Many victims of debate and congratulate my hon. Friend the Member domestic abuse blame themselves for the abuse, as I have 1123 Violence against Women and Girls14 FEBRUARY 2013 Violence against Women and Girls 1124

[Mr Iain McKenzie] become extremely depressed and subject to mental health problems and eating disorders—so much so that 80% of said. Over time, domestic abuse creates an emotional women are unhappy with their bodies, 40% of children and psychological state that is unique among crimes, are concerned about their bodies, and 1.6 million people similar to the fear endured by survivors of violent have eating disorders. People’s anxieties are strengthened atrocities. I know that the police in Scotland have vowed by their being faced with a constant bombardment of to crack down on this crime and to make it easier for images of perfection. victims to raise the alarm, which I welcome. I thought it would be interesting to talk to two groups of young people about these issues. I went to a Mr Virendra Sharma: The police have a major role to school in London to talk to a group of girls in year 10 play in tackling domestic violence. We have the example and to a school in my constituency in County Durham of Gwent police force, which has established a dedicated to talk to a mixed group of boys and girls, also in domestic abuse and safeguarding unit, which appears to year 10. They agreed that these were significant problems. have had very positive results. Does my hon. Friend The girls, in particular, drew a connection between the agree that we should replicate that on a national scale so images portrayed in the media and the way they are that communities can be reassured and can receive harassed on the streets by complete strangers. They specialised support services for the most marginalised have now begun to airbrush their own photographs on and vulnerable? Facebook—[Interruption.] My hon. Friend the Member for Slough is groaning; I was appalled as well. There Mr McKenzie: I absolutely agree with my hon. Friend. are some practical things that we can do about this. He must have been looking over my shoulder at my It is impossible to ban airbrushed photographs in notes, because I was about to move on to that subject. advertisements, but we could label them as such. My local police force is now setting up remote stations The young people told me that they find such discussions to allow victims to report crimes without having to go valuable. As I said, they saw a clear link between to a police station. sexualised imagery in the media and how they were We must go into schools and teach our young people treated in real life. The portrayal of such images should that domestic abuse, be it physical, mental or sexual, is be covered in the PSHE curriculum. The Girl Guides totally unacceptable. We must protect our future generations have produced a fantastic pack about these issues. Another of women from this violence. All the agencies involved important aspect is that this is reducing trust between in tackling violence against women should be working the genders. That is not a good thing, because obviously together more effectively to eradicate it. There should we want people to have happy, fulfilling long-term always be zero tolerance for violence against women. relationships, and they will not do that if they feel We must be unremitting in our pursuit of those who anxious and insecure. carry out such crimes and in our support for those who The thing that most worried them was music videos suffer as a result. No woman should be subjected to that glamorise violence. They were particularly scathing violence, and certainly not in her own home. I applaud of Eminem and of Rihanna’s video, “Love the way you and support the work of the Women’s Aid project in my lie”, which is about a woman who is apparently in love constituency. with an aggressive man. The girls were particularly alarmed by that. 2.55 pm We need to take some positive action, so I suggest Helen Goodman (Bishop Auckland) (Lab): I am pleased that the Government consult urgently on introducing to have the opportunity to speak in this important age-rating for music videos, which was one of the Bailey debate. I congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for review’s proposals; that Ofcom look again at its rules Slough (Fiona Mactaggart) on initiating it and on the for radio stations to keep sexually explicit and inappropriate work that she has done in this field. lyrics to particular times of the day; and that we reduce The Government estimate that last year 85,000 women the amount of on-street advertising containing sexualised were raped or sexually assaulted. That is a shocking imagery in locations where children are likely to see it. statistic. Clearly, this violence takes place in a cultural A further problem that has been brought to my context. I want to build on the remarks of the hon. attention by ATVOD—the Authority for Television on Members for Totnes (Dr Wollaston), for Devizes (Claire Demand—is that R18 material is available on on-demand Perry) and for Brighton, Pavilion (Caroline Lucas) and online sites that are not out of the reach of children. A my hon. Friend the Member for Liverpool, Wavertree survey of mine on The Huffington Post website is gathering (Luciana Berger) to suggest some concrete things that people’s views on these issues, so Members should visit we might do to shift this culture which is portraying it if they would like to take part. women in such a highly sexualised way. I know that the Minister will not be able to commit to During my adult life, women have made lots of my suggestions this afternoon, but we need seriously to progress in many respects. We have made progress at take some concrete steps and move the policy on. work, in education and public services, and in pensions and child care, but we seem to have gone backwards in 3.1 pm the public portrayal of women and the impact that that is having on our self-esteem and on the way that men Stella Creasy (Walthamstow) (Lab/Co-op): Today we treat us. The all-party group on body image has looked are seeing what is being called a “feminist tsunami” into women’s attitudes to their bodies. That can appear around the world. The hon. Member for Shipley (Philip to be at the soft and fluffy end of the scale, but it often Davies) looks a bit worried; I think he should be, drives into women’s sense of themselves and levels of judging by the tone of some of his remarks. There are self-esteem. People who have negative self-images can 160 events across the UK alone, and 203 countries 1125 Violence against Women and Girls14 FEBRUARY 2013 Violence against Women and Girls 1126 around the world are joining in to say, “Enough. It is to the hon. Member for Totnes if she wants to run the time. One Billion Rising.” Whether here in the UK in “No more page 3 in the Tea Room” campaign. She is Sheffield, Liverpool, Ipswich, Corby, Bute, Norwich, absolutely right. Manchester or Kirklees, or whether in Manila, South The hon. Member for Devizes (Claire Perry), who Africa, San Francisco, Tel Aviv, the Lebanon or unfortunately is not here, made a fantastic point this Afghanistan, women and men are coming together to morning when she told the police that when so many say that they do not want to live in a world where one in women from the UK Parliament are standing up to say three women will be raped or beaten in their lifetime. that they want change, they should not move them on. They are turning those billion women who would be She has been a fantastic champion of tackling the assaulted into a billion people calling for change. changes that are allowed by online technology. The question for us today is whether the British All of the points that have been raised are examples Parliament has done justice to that call. Having listened of a broader issue that we need to deal with. The to the debate, I think we have. A fantastic range of fundamental problem is not technology or the practice contributions have reflected the number of issues that of female genital mutilation; it is that we live in a affect women’s safety in British society and, indeed, society that is unequal. That impacts on the safety of internationally. I briefly want to reference some of them. women in our society. Even if the internet did not exist, Many Members, such as my hon. Friends the Members women would still face the same scale of violence. That for Inverclyde (Mr McKenzie) and for Bolton West will continue unless we tackle the root cause of inequality, (Julie Hilling), have discussed the prevalence of domestic unless we tackle those attitudes and unless we take the violence in our society and how we can tackle it. The stand that we are taking today every day to say that hon. Member for Totnes (Dr Wollaston) made a fantastic something has to change. and personal contribution about how we might deal with that. Others have highlighted the issues in some of That is what the motion speaks to. I pay tribute to my our minority communities, addressing in particular the hon. Friend the Member for Slough (Fiona Mactaggart), idea that this is a cultural issue when gender violence is who has been a fantastic champion for this issue with gender violence. In that sense, I pay tribute to the hon. the Backbench Business Committee. I also pay tribute Member for Battersea (Jane Ellison) and my hon. Friends to Members across the House who have supported the the Members for Kingston upon Hull East (Karl Turner), motion, including the hon. Members for Erewash (Jessica for Ealing, Southall (Mr Sharma) and for Luton South Lee) and for Hastings and Rye (Amber Rudd), who (Gavin Shuker). cannot be here. I want to say why the Opposition think that the motion matters. We want to help the Minister if We have also discussed the need to express international he is brave enough to listen to the arguments that have solidarity.The hon. Member for South Derbyshire (Heather been made today about why compulsory sex and Wheeler) talked strongly not only about forced marriage, relationship education for both boys and girls is intrinsic but about how we need to tackle such issues across to changing the culture in which we see violence against the world, as did the hon. Member for Brentford and women in our communities. Isleworth (Mary Macleod) and my hon. Friend the Member for Walsall South (Valerie Vaz), who both Many Members have talked about the impact that is spoke out for Jyoti Singh. Let us say her name and that made by high-quality sex and relationship education. I we in the British Parliament stand on her side. accept the point that was made by the hon. Member for Battersea. The Brook advisory service has demonstrated We have also heard many examples of how we could the impact of poor-quality teaching. That is an argument improve the way in which our criminal justice system for the use of expert guidance within schools rather works. The hon. Member for Banff and Buchan than for having no guidance at all. I commend the work (Dr Whiteford) mentioned Lindsay Anderson and the of Women’s Aid in that regard. tragic case of Frances Andrade. I put on record my personal support for the work that the shadow Home My hon. Friend the Member for Kingston upon Hull Secretary, my right hon. Friend the Member for North put her finger on it succinctly when she said that Normanton, Pontefract and Castleford (Yvette Cooper), the Department for Education was the villain of the has done in challenging and calling for a change to how piece. I agree with her. As somebody who has campaigned we deal with victims of sexual violence in our court for financial education be a key part of tackling debt system. within our society, I do not understand why we can teach our children about compound interest but not The right hon. Member for Dwyfor Meirionnydd about consent. That must be a critical part of the process. (Mr Llwyd) talked about his fantastic work on stalking. My hon. Friend the Member for Stockport (Ann Coffey) My hon. Friend the Member for Bolton West (Julie highlighted what the child protection system could do Hilling) talked about the importance of youth work. and the problems with the probation service’s lack of She is right that we must deal with this issue not only in awareness of sexual violence among young people. My schools, but throughout our culture. hon. Friend the Member for Liverpool, Wavertree (Luciana The hon. Members for Mid Norfolk (George Freeman) Berger) gave the sobering statistic that one in five calls and for Finchley and Golders Green (Mike Freer) made to our police is to report domestic violence. Something well-meant contributions in which they seemed suggest has to change in British society. that this was a debate for women. Let me tell them very We have also covered broader cultural issues. My clearly that it is not the responsibility of women to hon. Friend the Member for Bishop Auckland (Helen avoid violence; it is the responsibility of society to Goodman) spoke about the impact of body image. The stamp it out. We welcome them here to take part in the hon. Member for Brighton, Pavilion (Caroline Lucas) debate not because they care about women, but because talked about the objectification of women in society. I it is for everyone in society to tackle these issues and to will extend the hand of co-operation across the House say that violence against women must not happen any 1127 Violence against Women and Girls14 FEBRUARY 2013 Violence against Women and Girls 1128

[Stella Creasy] avoid sex and relationship education altogether. I hope that there will therefore be cross-party consensus that more. With that in mind, I hope that they will help us to the situation has to change, and cross-party support for challenge those who suggest that this issue is about the Minister if he chooses to say here and now that he what women wear. I urge the Foreign Secretary, as he is will take on the Ministers from the Department for in his place, to look again at the advice on the Foreign Education who could not even be bothered to come Office website and to consider what message it sends here today to talk about the issue and are not willing to out about rape in our world. support it. It is not acceptable to offer a caution as a penalty for That is key to tackling the root causes of these rape in our society. We have to tackle the way in which problems—we need to say that it is enough. It is time. we deal with rape. When only one in 30 rape victims in We must not let those people get in the way of changing our society sees justice, it is an argument not for cautions, attitudes. One Billion Rising is because one is too many. but for changing the criminal justice system. [Interruption.] The hon. Member for Battersea talked about solidarity That was actually the suggestion of the Secretary of and standing together. Let us stand up to the people in State for Justice, so I hope that the Government Members the Government who still do not take that line. I say to who are heckling will take it up with him. the Foreign Secretary and the Prime Minister that to My hon. Friends the Members for Slough, for Kingston tweet about One Billion Rising is fantastic and sends a upon Hull North and for Bolton West and the hon. message, but we will hold them to account every single Member for Battersea have spoken about the importance day if these issues are still not resolved. of sex and relationship education. We know that children I ask Members to vote for the motion, to give Home will get their advice from somewhere. We know that Office Ministers the clear support that they need. I ask they will go to Google if they do not go to a quality-assured Members to give the Home Office the evidence it needs source. We know what impact that has not only on to show that the situation has to change, so that Ministers their sexual behaviour, but on how they deal with can go to the Department for Education and say that relationships and whether they have respectful relationships. they want to see sex and relationship education on the I am mindful of the comments of the hon. Member curriculum. Anyone who heard Jahmene Douglas talking for Luton South about the importance of respect in today about the impact that it had on his sister and his relationships. family, and who saw such a brave young man come That is why we cannot avoid this question any more. forward, will know that we cannot leave it to chance That is why we must challenge those who are trying to that schools will provide it. We have to ensure that it is a stop us. That is why I challenge the Secretary of State standard across British society. for Education when he suggests that all we need to do is I hope that Government Members will put their to raise educational attainment, as though sexual violence money where their mouth is, vote for the motion and is not happening in the highest performing schools in support us in this effort. I hope we will say that One our country. Let me tell Government Members that we Billion Rising is not just for one day but is the start of know that sexting takes place in the poshest and most something different in British society. expensive boarding schools that children can go to. So this is not about—[Interruption.] Members are barracking 3.12 pm me, but the Secretary of State told the Education Committee The Minister for Immigration (Mr Mark Harper): I that one of the best ways to get children not to indulge congratulate the Members who bid for the debate at the in risky behaviours was to educate them so well that Backbench Business Committee. It was an excellent they had hope in the future. He seemed to be suggesting idea, and well done to the Committee for setting aside that it was about improving standards in schools—we the time for this debate and the one to follow, which is all agree with that—but not about taking on the cultural on the same theme of sexual violence. The House will aspects of what sexual behaviour people think is acceptable. shortly be able to hear from my hon. Friend the Member I actually agree with the Prime Minister on the issue. for Oxford West and Abingdon (Nicola Blackwood). He said that I thought that the hon. Member for Walthamstow “I believe that sex education, when taught properly, is extremely (Stella Creasy) rather spoiled the debate, frankly. It had important. It should not be values-free. That must mean teaching young people about consent: that ‘no’ means ‘no’. At the moment, been a good debate, and I had listened to powerful this is not even compulsory in the sex education curriculum. This speeches from both sides of the House, including from has to change – and it will change with a Conservative government. Members on the Labour Benches and other Opposition This will be an important step towards encouraging greater Benches, but her tone at the end rather soured an responsibility and helping tackle one of the root causes of rape excellent debate. and sexual violence.” I am sorry that the hon. Member for Kingston upon The Prime Minister said that to the Conservative Women’s Hull North (Diana Johnson) finds my presence Organisation in 2007. We all know that in 2010, Labour’s disappointing. I fear that may be the case for Opposition efforts to change the situation were a victim of the Members. I thought, though, that both she and the hon. wash-up, and that the other coalition partners supported Member for Walthamstow were rather churlish about putting compulsory sex and relationship education on the Department for Education. The Under-Secretary of the curriculum. Since then, there has been a vote about State for Education, my hon. Friend the Member for academies, and the Government voted against the motion. Crewe and Nantwich (Mr Timpson), found the time to Today, we have heard the support in the country for come and listen to part of the debate, and he and I have sex and relationship education in schools through the spoken about these issues previously, including earlier One Billion Rising Campaign, including from Government this week. Some Opposition Members cling to the idea Members, and particularly the concern that if 50% of that there is somehow a divide in the Government, but our schools become academies, they will be able to it is a false idea. 1129 Violence against Women and Girls14 FEBRUARY 2013 Violence against Women and Girls 1130

The hon. Member for Kingston upon Hull North The hon. Lady also chairs the all-party group for said that the Minister of State, Home Department, my runaway and missing children and adults and I pay hon. Friend the Member for Taunton Deane (Mr Browne), tribute to her for that. The Under-Secretary of State for had not mentioned the teenage relationship abuse campaign Education, my hon. Friend the Member for Crewe and when he answered a question in Women and Equalities Nantwich, who was present in the debate, said that he questions. I may be wrong, but I listened carefully and spoke with her yesterday at a conference on child sexual the Minister not only referenced that campaign, but exploitation. That demonstrates that the Department made the point that the Government are relaunching it for Education is alive to a number of these important today and are committed to continuing it because it has issues. been so effective. On the basis that things said in the The hon. Member for Walsall South (Valerie Vaz) House of Commons are often the greatest secrets in demonstrated—as did much of the debate—that concern the world, I will say it again: the teenage relationship about this issue is shared by hon. Members across the abuse campaign “This is abuse” will be relaunched House. We have had a good constructive debate and today with a focus on what constitutes controlling and heard some excellent ideas. She, like the hon. Member coercive behaviour, and on raising awareness among for Ealing, Southall (Mr Sharma), raised this issue’s teenagers of what constitutes abuse and violence. I have international dimension and mentioned recent events seen that campaign and think it rather effective. Evidence that have pushed it up the agenda, not only in the United also suggests it is effective, and I am pleased the Government Kingdom but elsewhere. The hon. Lady and others are relaunching it. mentioned the impact of human trafficking. That is an issue I take very seriously as chair of the inter-departmental Diana Johnson: My point—I am sorry if I did not ministerial group on human trafficking, and I have make it clear—is that the information was not on the engaged on the issue with the hon. Member for Slough Department of Education Twitter feed, which is obviously (Fiona Mactaggart), who so ably opened this debate. a place that young people might look to see what the Together with fellow officers of that group, she will hold Department is saying about these good initiatives. my feet to the fire as the Government make progress on that agenda. Mr Harper: If the hon. Lady will forgive me, if a Minister speaks in the House of Commons, I as a My hon. Friend the Member for South Derbyshire Member of Parliament happen to put greater weight on (Heather Wheeler) mentioned forced marriage, and I that than on what—with greatest respect to the Foreign am pleased that the Prime Minister and the Government Secretary, who uses Twitter in an excellent manner—goes have committed to taking steps to criminalise that. on the Twitter feed. If the Minister says something at The issue was raised by the Minister of State, Home the Dispatch Box as a statement of Government policy, Department, my hon. Friend the Member for Taunton that is important. The fact that the announcement was Deane, and the Government have made their position made in the House of Commons proves the saying that clear. We have led the world in tackling that practice. things said here remain great secrets. We will criminalise it and make a breach of a forced In the limited time available, let me pick up a number marriage protection order a criminal offence. It is not of issues raised by Members across the House. My hon. enough just to change the law; we need to change Friend the Member for Devizes (Claire Perry), who is people’s attitudes and engage with communities to change not in her place at the moment, raised two issues that people’s views. That point was made by the hon. Member were taken up by others. She referred to the pilot for Slough and the hon. Member for Ealing, Southall. scheme for domestic violence protection orders run by My hon. Friends the Members for South Derbyshire her constabulary in Wiltshire, and I am pleased to say and for Battersea (Jane Ellison), and hon. Members on that three pilot forces continue to operate those protection both sides of the House, mentioned female genital orders. The Government were asked to extend those mutilation. The Government have taken the lead on powers, and we have done so. An evaluation of those that. The Minister of State, Home Department, my pilots will be published this summer, and a decision will hon. Friend the Member for Taunton Deane, who has be taken about whether to roll the scheme out. The responsibility for crime prevention, has made it clear good news is that the pilots will continue in those areas. that FGM should be seen for what it is: child abuse. It is My hon. Friend also mentioned sexting. That issue not acceptable. The hon. Member for Kingston upon was taken up by a number of hon. Members, some of Hull East (Karl Turner) mentioned the importance of whom described concerning examples that either they securing prosecutions. The Crown Prosecution Service or others had heard about. The Child Exploitation and wants to lead on that with its action plan on improving Online Protection Centre produces resources for teachers prosecutions. The Home Office will continue to work to use in the classroom, and my hon. Friend the Member with the Director of Public Prosecutions to identify the for Battersea (Jane Ellison) gave a graphic example not barriers to successful prosecutions. just of sexting but of sexual offences taking place in the The declaration against FGM, which was mentioned classroom, suggesting a more serious problem in some by my hon. Friend the Member for Battersea, sets out areas than sexting itself. the law and potential criminal penalties. It is supported The hon. Member for Stockport (Ann Coffey) referenced across the Government and has been signed on behalf the St Mary’s sexual assault referral centre near her of their Departments by the Minister of State, Home constituency, which is jointly funded by her local police Department, my hon. Friend the Member for Taunton force, the national health service and local authorities. Deane, who has responsibility for crime prevention; the Responsibility for those assault centres will remain with Under-Secretary of State for Health, my hon. Friend the NHS Commissioning Board, working with local the Member for Broxtowe (Anna Soubry), who has partners to fund them. That partnership approach works responsibility for public health; and by the Under-Secretary well. of State for Education, my hon. Friend the Member for 1131 Violence against Women and Girls14 FEBRUARY 2013 Violence against Women and Girls 1132

[Mr Harper] The Minister will be aware that sex and relationship education is not compulsory in schools and that there is Crewe and Nantwich, who has responsibility for children no requirement to teach zero tolerance of violence in and families. There is good evidence that Ministers relationships. The legislation available before the election, from a number of Departments are focused on a range which the current Secretary of State for Education of issues and on delivering progress. The characterisation personally blocked, would have made it possible for him of the Department for Education is therefore unfair. to require zero tolerance of violence in relationships to The right hon. Member for Dwyfor Meirionnydd be taught in our schools. Can the Minister give me any (Mr Llwyd)—I hope he will forgive me for mangling the reason at all why he opposes that today? pronunciation of his constituency—mentioned the stalking offences that he worked on with the Government, which Mr Harper: I have just said that good teaching in came into effect last November. Police and prosecutors schools is essential. I am not sure the route the right have been given special guidance and training on the hon. Lady sets out is a valid one. I will take no lectures offences, and I hope they make an impact on dealing from her on the urgency of the task. She was in government with that incredibly serious offence, which was previously for 13 years. She is now complaining about failing to not dealt with well in the criminal justice system. legislate in the wash-up at the tail-end of 13 years of Labour government. If she meant what she said, she Several hon. Members rose— would have done something about it. I am afraid that her strictures are rather hollow. Mr Harper: I will give way just once—to the hon. This has been a very good debate. I think I am being Member for Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock (Sandra Osborne). glared at by Mr Deputy Speaker, and am being urged to bring it to a close. I am sorry that I have not been able Sandra Osborne: Is the Minister aware of the recent to reference everyone who has spoken in this excellent cross-party inquiry by the hon. Members for Hastings debate. I think it will be followed by an equally excellent and Rye (Amber Rudd) and for Solihull (Lorely Burt) debate, with which Mr Deputy Speaker is keen to and me on unwanted pregnancy? We called for statutory proceed. provision for sex and relationship education. Will the Minister comment on that—it is relevant to the debate— Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Nigel Evans): For no more before he takes his seat? than two minutes, Fiona Mactaggart will sum up. Mr Virendra Sharma rose— 3.25 pm Mr Harper: If the hon. Gentleman will forgive me, I Fiona Mactaggart: I will be brief, Mr Deputy Speaker. will answer that intervention. I was not aware of the I want to thank everybody who has contributed; it has inquiry on which the hon. Lady worked, but I am now. been an excellent debate. I am grateful to hon. Members Let me come back to sex and relationship education, for pointing out that sex and relationships education if I may. Sex education is a statutory responsibility. I based on zero tolerance to violence might be part of the listened very carefully to the points made in the debate. solution. However, it is by no means all of the solution. Interestingly, many Members said that sex and relationship We have had many excellent contributions about the teaching as a component of PSHE is in many cases not other issues that need to be taken on board to bring to high quality. It is important to focus not just on teaching an end to violence against women and girls—we need to sex and relationship education. Schools must have regard bring this violence to an end. We have made progress on to the Secretary of State’s guidance, but it is important some of these issues. We have to make practical progress that it is well taught. That was the point made by the now, and that is why I tabled this motion. hon. Member for Brighton, Pavilion (Caroline Lucas)— I want us to vote on the motion, because we have heard one voice against it, and I will speak to the hon. Yvette Cooper (Normanton, Pontefract and Castleford) Member for Shipley (Philip Davies). In my political life, (Lab) rose— I have campaigned strongly for all victims of violence. In the past year, 109 women have been murdered by the Mr Harper: If the shadow Home Secretary lets me people they loved. Domestic violence, the violence we finish my point, I will give way to her. have talked about in this debate, and the control that The hon. Member for Brighton, Pavilion referred to a goes on inside ostensibly loving relationships, terrorises charity in her constituency: Rise, which works in partnership all of women. That is why this is a specific issue, and with schools in her constituency. Partnership working that is why we need to deal with it. Unless we can teach with charities and non-governmental organisations can young men and young women that wherever we go, be important in effective delivery of high-quality education. however we dress, no means no and yes means yes, we will not have a society in which women are safe. Yvette Cooper rose— Question put and agreed to. Resolved, Mr Harper: At the risk of trying your patience, Mr Deputy Speaker, I will give way to the shadow That this House notes the One Billion Rising Campaign, and Home Secretary. the call to end violence against women and girls; and calls on the Government to support this by introducing statutory provisions to make personal, social and health education, including a zero Yvette Cooper: I appreciate your tolerance, Mr Deputy tolerance approach to violence and abuse in relationships, a Speaker. requirement in schools. 1133 14 FEBRUARY 2013 Sexual Violence in Conflict 1134

Sexual Violence in Conflict domestic and international laws to protect victims, the [Relevant documents: Written Evidence and uncorrected international community has a constructive and effective Oral Evidence from the International Development role to play in capacity building and challenging those Committee, on Violence against Women and Girls, HC 934 states over the need for justice and accountability. Security and HC 934-I.] Council resolution 1325 is the cornerstone of policy on gender and conflict. It was the first resolution to acknowledge that women experience different impacts 3.27 pm from conflict and that this matters for global peace and Nicola Blackwood (Oxford West and Abingdon) (Con): security. I beg to move, In 2008-09, further resolutions concluded not only That this House has considered the matter of preventing that violence against women was a criminal matter that sexual violence in conflict. could be addressed by justice systems once countries My favourite ever quote is not particularly erudite, had stabilised, but that sexual and gender-based violence which is not very good for an Oxford MP. It is from was often a deliberately deployed weapon of war, that a “The West Wing”, when Leo tells one of his members failure to stop violence against women was a failure to of staff: stop an abuse that catalysed and perpetuated conflict, “Never let the urgent crowd out the important.” and that until we started seeing violence against women In a nutshell, that is why, with all the domestic pressures as a security threat, we would never be able fully to achieve crowding in on us at the moment, I still prioritise my our defence, foreign policy and international development work with the all-party associate group on women, goals of conflict prevention and stabilisation. peace and security, and why I welcome the Foreign Secretary’s commitment to preventing sexual violence Mr Andrew Mitchell (Sutton Coldfield) (Con): My in conflict. hon. Friend deserves great credit for having tabled this Major General Cammaert, the former peacekeeping important motion, not least because, as she pointed commander in Democratic Republic of the Congo, said out, girls and women are at the forefront of violence in in 2008: the areas she identified. That is why so many of the “It is now more dangerous to be a woman than a soldier in Department for International Development’s programmes modern conflict.” around the world specifically combat violence against women. Does she agree that it is hugely to the Government’s In that year, 14,591 new cases of sexual violence were and particularly the Foreign Secretary’s credit that they reported in DRC. Since 1998, it is believed that more have put this item squarely on the agenda for the G8 than 200,000 Congolese women have been raped. Today, meeting in Britain later this year and that that helps to we still hear of widespread sexual violence in DRC, build on the international agreements that are aimed at Syria, Sudan and South Sudan. Just last week, there tackling this subject and those which she has just mentioned? was a report of a Somali woman who spoke up about being gang raped by state security forces only to be sentenced to a year in prison, along with the journalist Nicola Blackwood: I do indeed, and I thank the who reported her story, for daring to speak up. This former International Development Secretary for his reflects the exponential growth of conflicts that target intervention. I know that he was a great champion of civilians, especially women and girls, as a means of women’s rights when he was in that role. I hope that intimidation and ethnic cleansing. Films such as “Hotel when the Foreign Secretary speaks, he will update us on Rwanda” and “Shooting Dogs” mean that most people progress at the G8 on this issue. now know that the abuses that these women suffer are All the statistics and stories tell us that women are among the most horrific that any of us can imagine. most vulnerable to the worst human rights abuses Nevertheless, as if the failure to prevent this violence in imaginable, but they are more than that. Among the the first place was not bad enough, these women are women I have met are those such as Jineth Bedoya, a still routinely denied access to any form of justice, or Colombian journalist who will not stop challenging any engagement with the peace processes that follow. arms dealing in her country, despite being abducted, Male victims, crimes against whom are even more tortured and raped by paramilitaries and then being chronically under-reported, face extreme stigma and told that there would be no prosecutions, but that she almost non-existent access to services. It is almost impossible could have either bodyguards or a ticket out of the to estimate the scale of an abuse that remains largely country. unreported and unrecorded. I hope that the House will Then there is Ikhlas Mohammed, a Darfuri survivor forgive me, however, given that I am chair of the all-party who speaks out continually about the abuses that women associate group on women, peace and security, if I focus and girls have undergone in her community. The story my remarks on the issues affecting women in conflict. It she told still haunts me and demonstrates that practical is meant not to imply that the abuses suffered by male solutions such as the preventing sexual violence initiative victims are less grave, but only to acknowledge that the are not just western follies that tinker at the edges, but protection challenges are different and that it is not my exactly what those who survive sexual violence are area of expertise. Whether the victims are male of calling for. She told me this story: “I was in Tawila town female, however, the unpalatable fact is that the perpetrators when a girl’s primary school was attacked. The little prosper with impunity and that there remains little if girls in the school were raped, some in front of their any deterrent against sexual violence in most fragile and families. Many were less than 10 years old. How do you conflict-affected states. stand being made to watch while someone rapes your The primary responsibility for prosecuting these crimes daughter, or your mother or your sister? It is better to must lie with the states themselves, of course, but where die than that. They use rape as a weapon. Now the the rule of law has collapsed or is failing to enforce women who were raped are pregnant they are unacceptable 1135 Sexual Violence in Conflict14 FEBRUARY 2013 Sexual Violence in Conflict 1136

[Nicola Blackwood] states, and on his plan for taking the initiative forward following the April Foreign Ministers’ meeting and in their families. Most of the girls did not tell anyone beyond. they had been raped because of the stigma. If there is The practical measures that the PSVI offers are the no justice, if there is no law, then everything has collapsed. missing link in our international response to the risks We cannot stop women’s violence. We cannot stop rape. that women face in conflict. A frequent problem is the We cannot stop any kind of sexual violence towards failure to understand the risks in the first place. Much women. We need justice. I am a representative of Darfurian of the rhetoric around women in conflict-affected states women and we are looking for justice.” fails to address the full range of roles that women might Those women who speak up after they have survived have played in the conflict. Some take part as combatants, sexual violence and who challenge it regardless of the others as field operations supporters and some as sex risk are not just victims. They are not even primarily slaves. Their inclusion in peace processes, in disarmament, victims. Many whom I have met have become exceptional demobilisation, reintegration, repatriation and resettlement human rights defenders and leaders in their own countries, programmes and in intelligence networks is every bit as calling for their right to live free from the fear of all important as the inclusion of their male counterparts, kinds of violence, for their right to access services and, whom we would not dream of excluding. just as importantly, for sustainable stabilisation. They Women represent 80% of refugees, along with their are calling for women to be considered and included in children. The number of war widows and female-headed peace processes so that they can hold their own leaders families increases exponentially immediately after conflict, to account. Those women are indomitable agents for and those groups continue to face survival crises in change whose determination and strength of purpose is post-conflict situations, making them even more vulnerable a resource for peace and security that we can ill afford to sexual violence. They need access to employment to ignore. They are, in short, a good investment. programmes and to health, education, social and justice I am delighted to welcome the Foreign Secretary’s services if they are to protect themselves and, if they preventing sexual violence initiative. I know from discussions are already victims, to recover. However, post-conflict with him and with the PSVI team that tackling sexual reconstruction and development analyses rarely prioritise violence in conflict is a genuine personal passion of his, and target women in conflict-related scenarios. and I thank him for his leadership in driving the matter This is a matter of seeing the protection and inclusion up the international agenda in a way that we have not of women as an integral part of the security challenge seen since resolution 1325 was signed in 2000. of stabilisation. For example, roads and ports are needed for commerce, but they might not help women to access Fiona O’Donnell (East Lothian) (Lab): Does the hon. local economies if they do not connect to the smaller, Lady agree that we in the developed world also need to rural markets that the women frequent. Employment address this issue? Is she aware that 20% of US female programmes almost always target young men, to absorb veterans report that they have experienced sexual assault them, away from conflict-related activity, but that can during their careers? leave women without assistance of any kind. One capacity solution is to focus on recruiting women to front-line services such as criminal justice, health or education. Nicola Blackwood: There is no question but that That would serve the dual purpose of ensuring that sexual violence is a problem in every country, and every women found the employment that they needed to country needs to take responsibility for tackling it. It is prevent poverty and vulnerability, as well as ensuring also a fact that in certain countries the rule of law has that they had access to those services. Both those outcomes entirely collapsed, and in those countries there is much would offer stability and security benefits in peace-building more scope for capacity building and support. The G8 efforts. countries and the international community can offer support in a way that will make an extraordinary difference Mark Reckless (Rochester and Strood) (Con): I have to women’s lives. looked at the support our country provides for policing The all-party parliamentary group and our co-ordinating internationally, and our Departments now work together group—Gender Action for Peace and Security—have much better in that regard. Does my hon. Friend agree, already taken every opportunity to engage with the however, that there is further work for the Department PSVI team as the initiative develops. We have been for International Development, the Foreign and making the case for participation, as well as protection Commonwealth Office, the Ministry of Defence and and impunity, to be part of the PSVI package. We have the Home Office to do in ensuring international policing emphasised that, in this sensitive area of policy, we need support operates in the best possible way and also that to take a “first, do no harm” approach, particularly by such policing projects are adequately funded, given our ensuring that support and protection are in place for the domestic financial constraints? survivors of sexual violence and for those women human rights defenders who are brave enough to stand up but Nicola Blackwood: My hon. Friend makes a good who face extreme intimidation and abuse. point about cross-departmental working. This is clearly We must also ensure a sustainable impact by integrating an area in which MOD, FCO and DFID need to work the PSVI with the national action plans developed well together, and there has been an enormous improvement around resolution 1325, with the building stability overseas in the approach to conflict situations over the past strategy and with other DFID and peace-building two years, and the conflict pool—BSOS—has played a programmes so that there is no risk of duplication. I big role in that. There will always be more work to do in hope that the Foreign Secretary will give us an update ensuring Government Departments work together better, today on his progress on the PSVI with the G8 member however. 1137 Sexual Violence in Conflict14 FEBRUARY 2013 Sexual Violence in Conflict 1138

Mr Andrew Mitchell: Does my hon. Friend agree that to championing this issue at the G8 can mark a turning the National Security Council, set up by this Government, point in the international rhetoric on women in conflict has made a huge difference to that cross-departmental situations, so that we can finally begin to put into co-ordination? In Afghanistan, training the police is practice changes on the ground that will protect these enormously important, and that greater co-ordination women, who so desperately need it. has had a major impact on the ground.

Nicola Blackwood: I am sure that my right hon. 3.44 pm Friend knows much more about this matter than I do, Gemma Doyle (West Dunbartonshire) (Lab/Co-op): as he speaks from considerable experience. I will say, I congratulate the hon. Member for Oxford West and however, that we should be working to recruit more Abingdon (Nicola Blackwood) on her excellent speech women to the Afghan police, and ensuring that they can in opening this debate. She began with a “West Wing” play a role in enabling women to have more secure lives quote. I originally had a reference to “The West Wing” in that country, where they face extreme violence daily. in my speech, but had taken it out; I shall now put it Whatever role women play, we need to get women back in. I wanted to mention the episode “The Women involved in making peace, because without them peace- of Qumar”. For anyone who recalls it, the President making and post-conflict stabilisation is more difficult and his staff are managing a situation with the fictional and less likely to take into account the central issue country of Qumar—over an arms deal, I think. The of stopping the abuse of women or to be sustainable. President’s press secretary, C.J. Cregg says: There is a direct correlation between more inclusive “They beat women; they hate women; the only reason they models of negotiation and a greater chance of keeping keep Qumari women alive is to make Qumari men.” the peace. The impact on the ground is clear. Melanne Unfortunately, I fear that that is not just a fictional Verveer, who until last Friday was the first ever US situation for some women around the world. ambassador for global women’s issues, noted at the end of 2010 that 31 of the world’s 39 active conflicts were I feel that I cannot do justice to this subject today, not recurrences of conflicts after peace settlements had because of time constraints but because of the horror been concluded, and that in all 31 cases women had of some of the situations the debate is about. I had the been excluded from those peace processes. It is impossible privilege of attending a meeting here in Parliament in not to conclude that, despite vocal support for the January 2011, addressed by Margot Wallström, the first women, peace and security agenda, there has been ever special representative of the UN Secretary-General negligible improvement in women’s participation in peace- on sexual violence in conflict. Her term in the position building since resolution 1325 was signed in 2000. came to an end last year, and she has been replaced by Zainab Bangura, a senior politician from Sierra Leone. I hope the G8 agreements and the preventing sexual I am sure that we all wish her well in that role. violence initiative will lead to a recognition that the protection of women from sexual violence and the I am always struck by how we seem to accept that participation of women in peace processes are two sides sexual violence is something that just happens—that it of the same coin. In the quests to end conflict-related is a “fact of life” both at home in the UK and when sexual violence and to stabilise fragile and conflict-affected it occurs in conflict. I do not accept that, and I think states, we do not get one without the other. In order to much more can be done to tackle it. In preparing for achieve our goal, we must get a commitment to put into this debate, I unfortunately stumbled across some truly practice the EU guidelines on human rights defenders. horrifying discussion boards, with comments illustrating appalling attitudes towards rape. While we are absolutely Over the past few years there has been an increase in right to shine a light on these issues in a conflict setting, geopolitical upheaval in the Arab world, which none of it is also true that the attitudes that lead to this behaviour us could have anticipated. There has been famine in exist in all societies. The issues we face here in the UK areas of east Africa and the Sahel, too, which is increasing were well highlighted in our earlier debate. the pressure on already fragile states, and international economic instability is widespread. As a result, the Margot James (Stourbridge) (Con): Does the hon. PSVI and related strategies to tackle violence against Lady recall a recent case this year in which a Muslim women and girls and the BSOS have never been more man found guilty of rape was exonerated by the judge relevant. As the rate of political change accelerates in on the grounds that he had received education in whatever so many countries in the Arab world, and as conflict educational establishment he attended, which had taught emerges and re-emerges unexpectedly in Mali, Democratic him that women were of no value? Does she agree with Republic of the Congo and Syria, and as the status of me that this attitude permeates fundamentalist thinking, women becomes increasingly uncertain in those countries and that it can be traced in many of the conflict and many others experiencing instability, I hope we, situations emerging, particularly in north Africa? too, can accelerate our rate of political change and embed the 1325 agenda as a fundamental part of our Gemma Doyle: The hon. Lady is right to highlight foreign policy response to fragile and conflict states. that issue, but I believe that these attitudes can be found Ms Joy Ogwu, former president of UN Women, has across all societies. They are absolutely not acceptable; said: we should do everything we can to combat them. “No one can run fast on one foot.” Just as I believe that we will never entirely eliminate A security agenda that fails to prevent sexual violence in violence, it is unlikely that we will ever entirely eliminate conflict, that fails to support women human rights sexual violence. The issues we are debating here today defenders and leaders and that fails to ensure women’s are depressing, upsetting and tragic—yet I think we participation has been a limping beast, but I believe that have reason to be optimistic. If everything that could the PSVI and the Foreign Secretary’s personal commitment have been done had been done, and still no progress had 1139 Sexual Violence in Conflict14 FEBRUARY 2013 Sexual Violence in Conflict 1140

[Gemma Doyle] I think the fact that for the first half of the current Parliament there was not one woman in the Foreign been made, that would be a hopeless situation. I am Office, the Department for International Development optimistic because not nearly enough has been done, or the Ministry of Defence was an enormous step and I think that with the will and the resources we can backwards. If we argue that women should be sitting drive down sexual violence in conflict. The investigation around the table in peace negotiations throughout the teams announced earlier this week were very welcome, world, we must surely accept that they should also be and I welcome the Foreign Secretary’s commitment, sitting around the table in the Departments that make too, although we need a greater emphasis on prevention, so many decisions that affect women’s lives. along with a focus on investigation. There is no doubt that sexual violence is used as a Mr Andrew Mitchell: Will the hon. Lady give way? weapon in war. The International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia found that an estimated 20,000 Gemma Doyle: I am sorry; I am about to end my to 50,000 women and girls had been raped during the speech. conflict; the Special Court for Sierra Leone estimated There was no mention of sexual violence in conflict 50,000 to 64,000 had been similarly affected; and the in the strategic defence and security review, and no International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda found that recognition of that specific and particular weapon which an estimated 250,000 to 500,000 girls and women had is most commonly directed towards women. That is not been raped. unusual—I suspect that the subject has never been mentioned in a defence review—but it cannot be said Bob Stewart (Beckenham) (Con): Will the hon. Lady that there was no place for it. There are parts of the give way? SDSR in which it would have been entirely appropriate to raise the issue. Sexual violence is a weapon of war. It Gemma Doyle: I hope that the hon. Gentleman will is about power, and about the abuse of power to humiliate not mind if I do not. I want to make a bit of progress. and degrade. It causes untold misery, and it is the most Disgracefully, in all those examples, only relatively obvious example I can think of that requires preventive small numbers of men faced prosecution for their crimes, work that can and should be done. and most got away with them. The extent to which Al-Jazeera has reported a 22% increase in crimes of people can get away with such crimes is illustrated by violence against women in Afghanistan. Many people what was said by Korto Williams, of ActionAid Liberia, repeat the statement that we did not go into Afghanistan in October last year: to improve women’s rights. That is true, but it does not “It was routine during Liberia’s war for women to be raped at negate our responsibility to those women, given that we check points. Men who committed these crimes never faced the have been in the country for more than a decade. We law and were allowed to act with impunity. Today we have had reports that at least one even became a Member of Parliament, have an opportunity to leave a lasting legacy there in the representing the country, while the women he violated still wait context of women’s rights and, in particular, their basic for justice.” security, which is the cornerstone of their rights. I do It is no wonder that women have no confidence in not doubt the sentiment of the Ministers who are their ability to seek justice in the aftermath of such involved in the discussions on Afghanistan’s future, but conflicts. Justice for crimes of sexual violence remains I am sure they will agree that warm words will be of no far too distant for far too many women, and they are comfort to those women if the progress that has been often marginalised during the subsequent process of made is whipped away. resolution. In far too many cases, the rights of women I have previously asked Foreign Office Ministers if have been sacrificed in attempts to secure formal peace they will support a guaranteed 30% women’s representation deals. In only 18 of more than 300 existing peace at the London 2014 summit on Afghanistan’s future. I agreements is there any mention of sexual, gender-based am delighted that the Foreign Secretary is to respond to violence, and even in modern peace agreements, the the debate, because that enables me to put the challenge position and rights of women in society are still being to him again today. I urge Ministers—in fact, I beg threatened. I agree with ActionAid, which suggests that them—not to let this issue slip to the bottom of their that is partly because women are not at the table during negotiating list. All of us who enjoy protections and discussions, and considers that we should make it a freedom in this country, regardless of our gender, have priority to seek to guarantee places for them. Organisations a responsibility to the women of Afghanistan and to such as ActionAid, Amnesty and Oxfam are working women all over the world. around the globe to try to tackle these issues, and I think that we should try to make progress by harnessing their knowledge and their networks on the ground. 3.54 pm Earlier today, my right hon. Friend the Member for The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth East Renfrewshire (Mr Murphy), the shadow Secretary Affairs (Mr William Hague): I congratulate my hon. of State of Defence, made an important speech outlining Friend the Member for Oxford West and Abingdon his ideas on early intervention, emphasising the need to (Nicola Blackwood) on securing and launching this work alongside our NATO colleagues in conflicts, and debate, and welcome the words of the hon. Member for to monitor fragile states and, when we can, intervene to West Dunbartonshire (Gemma Doyle). I also welcome stop them from falling into conflict. Experience over the opportunity this debate gives me to update the the years has shown us the mistakes that have been House on our initiative on preventing sexual violence in often made in foreign interventions—mistakes that have conflict and to take into account, in developing that cost women dearly in, for instance, the former Yugoslavia initiative, the issues that have been and will be raised by and Rwanda. hon. Members. 1141 Sexual Violence in Conflict14 FEBRUARY 2013 Sexual Violence in Conflict 1142

We have set ourselves a very important and very greatest resolve and commitment. I pay tribute to hon. practical goal: to use the United Kingdom’s diplomatic Members from all parts of this House and in the other influence and resources to increase the number of place who have drawn my attention to this issue, and perpetrators of sexual violence who are brought to who have championed women’s rights for many years. justice and to help to build up the legal and practical Our aspiration is, of course, an end to violence against capability of other countries to tackle these crimes. We women—in any context, not just conflict, although that are determined to confront the culture of impunity, to is what this initiative is particularly focused on. The overturn the age-old assumption that rape is somehow Foreign Office works very closely with the Department an inevitable by-product of conflict, and to rally the for International Development and the Ministry of world to do more to help survivors. I have made it my Defence on the implementation of UN Security Council personal priority, as has been said, during the UK’s resolution 1325 as a whole as well. I am proud that our presidency of the G8 this year to ask all the G8 nations Government have a ministerial champion on tackling to make practical commitments to help us towards that violence against women and girls overseas, the Under- goal. We have had representatives of the G8 here in Secretary of State for International Development, my London this week, and I have met them in advance of hon. Friend the Member for Hornsey and Wood Green the meeting of G8 Foreign Ministers in April. The (Lynne Featherstone). agreements we reach at the G8 we will then take to the The initiative, which I announced nine months ago, United Nations. has three main practical components. First, we have set We are pursuing this initiative for many reasons, up the first ever unit in the Foreign and Commonwealth many of which have been mentioned already, so I shall Office entirely dedicated to working on the issue. The not dwell on them. In our lifetimes, millions of women, unit comprises officials from the FCO as well as from men and children have endured the horror of rape and the Department for International Development and it is sexual violence in conflict, including in the Democratic working full time to lobby other Governments and Republic of the Congo, Bosnia, South Sudan, Colombia international organisations. It is focused extensively on and Afghanistan, and in Syria today. The sad truth is our presidency of the G8, but the work will continue that the perpetrators of these appalling, life-shattering beyond this year. crimes still go unpunished far more often than not. In Secondly, we have created a new specialist team of many situations, survivors endure the fear and torment experts that can be deployed to conflict areas to address of their abusers living freely in their communities. This sexual violence. We have now recruited more than 70 experts. shocking culture of impunity is a moral issue. Survivors I met many of them a couple of weeks ago and they face emotional and psychological pain, physical injuries, include police, lawyers, psychologists, doctors, forensic disease and social ostracism. They have a right to justice experts, gender-based violence experts and experts in and support, and to live dignified lives. the care and protection of survivors and witnesses. The As my hon. Friend the Member for Oxford West and objectives for each deployment of the team of experts Abingdon pointed out, tackling the use of rape as a will, of course, depend on needs in the country concerned weapon of war is also central to a just foreign policy, but they will usually support a UN mission, assist a because the psychological and physical trauma suffered non-governmental organisation working on the ground by survivors affects whole communities, exacerbating or be deployed at the request of the national authorities ethnic, sectarian and other divisions long into the future, of that country. and preventing reconciliation. I have seen the consequences We have already deployed the team to Syria’s borders, with my own eyes in some of the countries I have visited alongside the NGO Physicians for Human Rights, to as Foreign Secretary and that has left a deep impression train local health professionals in how to respond to on me. reports of sexual violence. We will expand that work this year and will deploy a team again to help Syrian Ours is a country that can actually do something refugees. The prevention of sexual violence was included about this issue. Many countries might feel powerless in in our project with the Syrian opposition on raising the face of it, but we have one of the largest diplomatic awareness of the rules of armed conflict. networks in the world and one of the largest development I announced a few weeks ago that we will deploy the programmes of any nation, and we have a permanent team of experts to at least four other countries this year: seat on the United Nations Security Council and play a to Libya, to support survivors of sexual violence committed leading role in UN agencies. Given that we have those during the revolution; to South Sudan, to work alongside assets and resources, and that concern for human rights the UN and Government to strengthen local justice; to and development in other countries is part of our the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, to help national DNA, we should use those resources. I am doctors and lawyers to investigate crimes against the absolutely convinced that shattering the culture of impunity hundreds of women and girls who are raped each for sexual violence in conflict is one of the great global month; and to Bosnia and Herzegovina, to help courts challenges for our generation. and prosecutors to address the backlog of war crimes Some 200 years ago, this Parliament confronted the cases and to protect survivors and witnesses for the Atlantic slave trade. Now we are seeking, across parties, thousands of women who are still waiting for justice an international arms trade treaty. Our objective on this 20 years after the war. issue must be global action to end the use of rape as An effective response to sexual violence needs to be a weapon of war. Indeed, we have an even greater built into every aspect of conflict prevention and peace- responsibility in the case of tackling sexual violence, building overseas. We have offered members of our because it affects women disproportionately. Ours is a team of experts as part of the EU military training world in which women in many countries still suffer mission to Mali to provide human rights training to the discrimination, oppression and exclusion, and any effort Malian armed forces on preventing and responding to that advances women’s rights must be pursued with the sexual violence in the conflict taking place there now. 1143 Sexual Violence in Conflict14 FEBRUARY 2013 Sexual Violence in Conflict 1144

Fiona O’Donnell: I welcome all the action that the We will also press the G8 to ensure that an improved Foreign Secretary is driving forward and the leadership response to sexual violence is reflected in their own he is giving. Does he agree that it is vital that the Prime security and justice sector reform programmes, as well Minister, in his leadership role in agreeing the post-2015 as in any support that they provide to national legislative framework, should ensure that women’s rights are always reform. Such actions would help to provide the domestic on the agenda? legal and institutional framework within which survivors can act which, if supported by more coherent international Mr Hague: Yes, absolutely. The Prime Minister is support to strengthen UN efforts, would further build supportive of the initiative and determined that it should this national capacity. be part of that agenda, too. Our initiative is focused These commitments are ambitious. I am firmly of the particularly on sexual violence in conflict and we should view that taken together they will begin a comprehensive maintain that focus. Of course, we can add more to it global response to tackling impunity for sexual violence but it is important to make great progress—and to show through a combination of legal and practical interventions the world that we can make progress—on this aspect of which complement existing international activity, but sexual violence with the particular characteristics of target gaps in the current global response. We have had rape when systematically used as a weapon of war. encouraging and supportive responses from G8 partners and from others, including Australia, New Zealand and At the same time as taking the other actions I have countries most directly affected by the issue, such as the mentioned, we have significantly increased our support new Government in Somalia. There is also enthusiasm for the UN Secretary-General’s special representative to do more in the OSCE, the African Union and on sexual violence in conflict. We have provided £1 million NATO. This is a time to take the issue forward. I believe in funding to her office and this week I announced that we can develop a critical mass of support which will we will contribute an additional £500,000 to the lead to serious concrete progress over the next couple of International Criminal Court’s trust fund for victims, years. bringing our total support to £1.5 million in the past two years. What we started nine months ago and what we are going to do at the G8 is just the beginning of a long Thirdly, we have pledged, as I mentioned briefly, to effort. We will do our utmost to galvanise greater collective use our presidency of the G8 this year to seek new action. We will take this cause to the United Nations, commitments from some of the world’s most powerful including to the UN Security Council in June when we nations. We have consulted UN agencies, the International hold the presidency of the council, and at the UN Criminal Court and NGOs on how to make the most of General Assembly in September, when we will hope to that opportunity, and we have listened to the views of increase support for the concept of a new international 75 experts from more than 26 countries who attended a protocol on the issue. I hope that the Government will conference we ran at Wilton Park in November, which I have the support, advice and encouragement of Members also attended. On the basis of those consultations, across the House in taking forward this vital issue at a when I chair the meeting of G8 Foreign Ministers in moment in world affairs when we genuinely have the London in April I will ask them to declare that rape and opportunity to pursue it and to make a difference, for serious sexual violence amount to “grave breaches” of the sake of hundreds of thousands and millions of the Geneva conventions, signalling that we are prepared people affected by these appalling crimes. to pursue domestic prosecution of such crimes on the basis of universal jurisdiction. We have also proposed a set of practical commitments 4.7 pm to promote greater accountability and to overcome the Mr Douglas Alexander (Paisley and Renfrewshire most significant barriers to progress in this area. Those South) (Lab): I congratulate the hon. Member for Oxford barriers are the poor quality of investigation and West and Abingdon (Nicola Blackwood) on securing documentation of incidents of sexual violence in conflict; this important and timely debate in the House today. It the inadequate support and assistance to survivors; the is timely, not least because of recent developments at failure of wider peace and security efforts to address the United Nations and in the Foreign and Commonwealth such issues; and the lack of international co-ordination. Office, and it represents a significant issue that deserves In developing the commitments we have been careful proper time, attention, debate and indeed action. to identify suggestions that we believe will have a real I welcome the personal interest shown by the Foreign practical impact and will make concrete progress on the Secretary in advancing work on this issue and recognise ground. Our proposed new international protocol, for his personal efforts to raise the issue on the international example, on the investigation and documentation of agenda. Where there is agreement in all parts of the sexual violence in conflict should improve the evidence House, it is only right that it be acknowledged, and on base from which investigations and prosecutions can be this issue, the Foreign Secretary has our full support in drawn. the efforts that he has made to prioritise the prevention We will suggest that the G8 provide greater protection of sexual violence in conflict both for the United Kingdom and support to women human rights defenders, one of and for the wider international community. His efforts the target users of this new protocol, which will result in have been widely acknowledged and are rightly praised. better documented cases, further building the evidence However, the recent work of the Foreign Secretary base. Doing so will also strengthen the support they builds on decades of vital and important work done by provide to the survivors of sexual violence, as would countless charities, non-governmental organisations, broader G8 support for health, psychosocial and political leaders and human rights activists. I am sure rehabilitation services, which will result in survivors the Foreign Secretary would agree with me when I say feeling readier to pursue prosecutions. that their unrelenting commitment to this issue is what 1145 Sexual Violence in Conflict14 FEBRUARY 2013 Sexual Violence in Conflict 1146 has helped ensure that the issue today is becoming more However, I am sure that the Foreign Secretary would of a focus for Governments right around the world. agree that the real challenge we face collectively is how Our efforts today build on the work of many and it is to influence the facts on the ground in conflict areas. only right that we pay tribute to their contribution. In The true measure of the success and effectiveness of particular, it is right to single out the work that women any steps agreed by the G8 will be their capacity to human rights defenders do on this crucial issue. Those effect change in some of the most difficult and dangerous working in this area are often subject to the gravest regions of the world. threats and risks, facing intimidation, abduction and Let me turn to the specific package of measures even killings by those who oppose the work they do. the Foreign Secretary has set out. We welcome the They do it simply because they are there to do the right Government’s preventing sexual violence initiative. It is thing. Much more must be done to support these groups right that one of its key components is trying to overcome and promote their agenda so that theirs is not a struggle the apparent impunity that has existed on the issue until they face alone. today. Sexual violence as a tool of war remains one of I welcome the work already being done by the recently the least prosecuted crimes. We need to do more to appointed UN Secretary-General’s special representative improve accountability on the issue more generally. on sexual violence in conflict, Zainab Bangura. Hers That is why the work of the specialist teams the Foreign is a crucial and difficult task, which is why we fully Secretary spoke about, which will be deployed to conflict support the recent pledge Her Majesty’s Government areas, is welcome. The work they do to gather evidence, made to offer direct financial support to help fund her help build local capacity and help civil society to investigate office. alleged crimes will be vital. Tragically, however, demand will always outstrip the capacity of even those groups Given the degree of cross-party support on the issue, when documenting and prosecuting crimes on such an I will echo some of the sentiments already expressed by horrendous scale. That is why we support calls to ensure colleagues in the Chamber before turning to the specific that this UK-led taskforce is also focused on building package of measures the Foreign Secretary has set out. up local in-country capacity to deliver the necessary When debating policy responses on this issue, it is only accountability without leaving countries totally dependent right that we first take time to acknowledge the sheer on welcome but necessarily outside support. scale of the challenge, and indeed the extent of the Also key to any effective response are efforts to suffering, that we are seeking to address. More than improve international co-operation and co-ordination 75% of rapes in England are never reported to the to prevent sexual violence in conflict on the ground. police, so it should come as no surprise that we know That level of co-ordination is best achieved through the very little of the true extent of sexual violence committed United Nations, so it is vital, as we have heard, that the in conflict. However, there must be no doubt that rape necessary resources are made available to the relevant and sexual violence are used today as weapons of war, departments so that well-meaning objectives can be and indeed as weapons of torture and mass persecution. turned into concrete outcomes. That is why we hope The UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-Moon, has rightly that the Government will consider recent reports that described sexual violence as the gender-based violence area of responsibility within “the most pervasive violation of human rights across the globe”. the United Nations remains chronically underfunded. Effective prevention must also extend to regulations on It is time for the international community to step up its the supply of arms and trade in arms, which are too efforts to respond to that harrowing truth. often ultimately used in so many of the conflicts The conflicts that have in part defined the last decades where sexual violence becomes prevalent. In effect, the of war have themselves in part been defined by the irresponsible transfer of military equipment across borders prevalent and tragic use of sexual violence as a weapon fuels gender-based violence within global war zones, of war. During the 1994 Rwandan genocide, more than and the equipment is also transferred outside war zones, 250,000 women were raped, and 50,000 women were remaining in operation long after conflicts have officially reported to have been raped during the war between ended. Croatia and Bosnia-Herzegovina. During the post-election In that regard, we will be encouraging the Government violence in Cote D’Ivoire in 2010-11, sexual violence to clarify their position in relation to the upcoming was widespread, with over 50% of reported incidents negotiations on the arms trade treaty at the United involving children. Although deeply disturbing, the statistics Nations. As the Foreign Secretary will be aware, article 4.6 cannot do justice to the scale of human suffering involved; of the draft text, which explicitly refers to gender-based it is only the personal accounts that come close to violence, requires states only to “consider”taking measures beginning to shed light on the scale of the horror that to prevent arms sales from facilitating such abuses. the use of sexual violence in conflict inflicts on its Many argue that this provision must be strengthened victims. The horrors continue today in the conflicts that if the treaty is to have a hope of providing effective still rage across the world. prevention, and must therefore stipulate that all practical It is therefore right that the UK has made the issue measures to ensure weapons are never used to perpetrate a priority for our presidency of the G8. We sincerely or facilitate acts of gender-based violence be included welcome the steps that the Government have taken to in the treaty. help direct efforts at both UK and international level Let me turn to the specific regions where I am sure towards addressing the issue. The Foreign Secretary will that the Government recognise that we have not only a therefore have our continued support in his efforts to strategic interest but, potentially, an operational advantage. ensure that tackling sexual violence in conflict receives It is only right to acknowledge that the prevention of the attention and, crucially, the resources that it rightly sexual violence in conflict is not confined to those deserves. countries that are technically defined as being at war. 1147 Sexual Violence in Conflict14 FEBRUARY 2013 Sexual Violence in Conflict 1148

[Mr Douglas Alexander] inspirational lady there, and I want to share some of the things she said. We can talk glibly about sexual Afghanistan still reels from the effects of conflict in violence in theoretical terms, but this story really brings recent years. Given our operational capacities on the it to life. ground there, I would welcome the Government’s making Flora Brovina is a Member of Parliament in Kosovo it a priority area for UK efforts on this issue. The and a well-known Albanian feminist and poet. She was Government’s stated objective of making Somalia’s a paediatrician by profession. As the political situation stabilisation and development a UK strategic priority in Kosovo deteriorated in the 1990s and fighting broke means that any UK-led initiatives in that country should out, Flora was one of the community leaders. She focus on responding to the reported use of sexual rallied support for women and got involved in giving violence during decades of conflict and on ensuring health care to victims of the war and giving shelter to that everything possible is being done to prevent its those who were orphaned. re-emergence in future. As a consequence, she became a high-profile target No one can deny that at its core the issue we are for the Serb paramilitaries and, sure enough, she was debating is a moral one. The suffering and scale of the abducted in 1999. She was tortured and interrogated terror alone should be justification enough for the before being tried and convicted of terrorist activities, international community to act. However, the Foreign but thankfully, due to international pressure, she was Secretary is right to say that it is also a foreign policy eventually released. By then her family had claimed issue and therefore a strategic imperative for the United asylum in the US. It was probably anticipated that she Kingdom in working together with the international would follow them, but that was not for Flora. She community in its efforts to do more. The use of sexual wanted to go back to Kosovo to help the women and violence in conflict not only makes the conflicts themselves children who were victims of the war. harder to resolve but contributes to making their legacy even harder for local communities ever to overcome, in Flora is doing a great deal of work to support that turn perpetuating precisely the type of insecurity that it conflict’s victims of rape. She has told me in great detail is in our collective national interests to prevent. about the impact it has had on some of those women. Ultimately, the best remedy to prevent the use of The circumstances of the rapes that took place are sexual violence in conflict is to put an end to conflict. horrifying. They have been well documented by the That might seem to be straightforward common sense, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. I will but it should inform all our efforts on this issue, because not go into the details, but I would encourage other that means that any approach to tackling it will always Members to do so, because they bring to life the horror be embedded within a broader strategy for preventing of the use of sexual violence in conflicts. conflict, promoting stability, and protecting against Flora also told me about how families treat women. insecurity. Where the Government are taking steps, as Although this is a European society that is not very far they are, to advance this kind of approach, they will from us, it is very rural and, as my right hon. Friend the have our full support. Secretary of State has said, a society in which women’s rights are not as advanced as they are here. Given the Several hon. Members rose— ethnic nature of the conflict, the Serbs knew how those of the Muslim faith would treat victims of rape, so it Mr Speaker: Order. In order to try to accommodate was deliberately used as a weapon. the half dozen colleagues seeking to contribute, I have imposed with immediate effect a four-minute limit on The rights that we enjoy in the UK mean that it is Back-Bench speeches. difficult for us to grasp the impact on those women, who are often ostracised. It is natural for people to look 4.17 pm to their families for support but, often, these families Jackie Doyle-Price (Thurrock) (Con): I want to express witnessed the rapes, so there is a double crime and it is my pride that Britain is leading the world in tackling very difficult for the women to grasp what has happened this important issue. Given that so many conflicts around to them. It is difficult to understand just how lonely the the world are ethnic in nature, it is perhaps not surprising victims’ plight can be. Flora was anxious for me to that sexual violence as a weapon of war is becoming highlight the fate of those women and I am pleased to increasingly prevalent. I encourage my right hon. Friend be able to do so today. I am also humbled by it, because the Foreign Secretary to make every effort to take the all I am doing is talking. The day-to-day suffering of rest of the world with him on his quest. the women and, often, the children born as a consequence of what happened to them is very real. We have talked about some of the countries around the world where rape is being witnessed. I remind the That is why I am so proud of the initiative being House that we should not think that this is limited to taken by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State. faraway lands or countries that are less developed than We must go after the perpetrators. It is unacceptable our own, because it happened right here in Europe less that only 30 people have been convicted in Bosnia. We than 25 years ago. I feel some shame that it happened so must also make sure that we do our bit through our close to our doorstep. It is also shaming that so few humanitarian work to give support to victims, so that people in Bosnia-Herzegovina have been brought to they are not left alone, as they have been in Kosovo. justice for the many rapes that took place there. The I cannot do adequate justice to the forgotten victims intent to dehumanise and degrade was an obvious of sexual violence in Kosovo, but I hope that today I weapon of war in that ethnic conflict. have done my bit to bring to life what it means in I am mainly moved to address the House because practice and to give added resolve to the Government to of a story from Kosovo that I heard. I had the privilege ensure that this issue is central to our humanitarian and of visiting Kosovo some 18 months ago. I met a very diplomatic activities. 1149 Sexual Violence in Conflict14 FEBRUARY 2013 Sexual Violence in Conflict 1150

Several hon. Members rose— I welcome the Foreign Secretary’s speech and his commitment. It is clear that he has real passion for this Mr Speaker: Order. On the assumption of reasonable issue. However, I have some questions and hope that we self-discipline in the taking of interventions, I think I can get a bit more detail about how he intends to can up the limit to six minutes per Member. achieve his aims. I am glad that he told the House that he will be working closely with DFID. I do not intend to be critical or to score party political points, but it is 4.23 pm important that we are honest. What does he believe would be an indication of success? Does he have any Fiona O’Donnell (East Lothian) (Lab): Thank you, numbers in mind or any particular areas that he wants Mr Speaker. I shall show myself to be the mistress of to concentrate on? How is he working with DFID? It is self-discipline. important that the resources are given directly to projects It is a pleasure to follow the hon. Member for Thurrock in other countries that support women and girls who (Jackie Doyle-Price). I am particularly glad that she are the victims of sexual violence. It would be helpful referred to the war in Bosnia. Amnesty International’s to have more detail on how the two Departments are report, “When everyone is silent”, was published last working together. October and sets out for the Foreign Secretary—I am It is important, unpleasant as it is, for us to try to get pleased that the International Development Secretary is inside the minds of the men who carry out these dreadful also present—the scale of the challenge that we face in violent crimes. We must understand that when a soldier ensuring, first, that women feel able to come forward comes from a country where there is no respect for and tell their stories and, secondly, that justice will be women and where women have no rights and are excluded done if they find the courage to do so. in every way, it is much easier for them to take the final I also congratulate the hon. Member for Oxford West step of committing an act of sexual violence. That is and Abingdon (Nicola Blackwood) on securing this why it is vital that the work with DFID continues. We debate, and I am sure she will not mind me mentioning must try to effect change in those countries. If we do that, although the Order Paper does not reflect it, there not change the situation with regard to sexual violence was cross-party support for it. She should not apologise against women and girls in peace and in conflict, at for not talking much about violence against men, because home and in developing countries, we will not achieve I remember following her when she made her maiden the laudable aims that the Foreign Secretary has set out. speech in the Chamber in which she spoke with passion about a project in her constituency for men who were Margot James: The hon. Lady is making a powerful suffering domestic violence. Although the prevalence of speech. Without wishing to compromise the focus of men who suffer sexual violence in conflict zone is not the Foreign Secretary’s initiative, which I support as great, the stigma for them is considerable. They can wholeheartedly, as I am sure she does, I agree with her even find themselves criminalised and imprisoned because that women’s unequal status and the misogyny that they are deemed by the nation to have taken part in an exists in many societies are both a cause and a consequence immoral crime. of the sexual violence that we are discussing this afternoon. I am pleased to be speaking in this debate because Fiona O’Donnell: I thank the hon. Lady. I would go I am a member of the International Development even further and say that countries that have such an Committee, which is currently undertaking an inquiry attitude toward women are far more likely to be involved into violence against women and girls. I know that the in conflict in the first place. Foreign Secretary said that it was important to realise Let us call today for a swift and just international that we are talking specifically about sexual violence in response to sexual violence against women, girls, boys conflict zones, but we wanted to broaden our report to and men. We have to acknowledge that the most effective make it more general. I do not feel like we have had two way for us to improve the lives of women and girls, so separate debates this afternoon because every issue that that they can live free from the fear of violence and its was raised in the last debate affects our capacity to have devastating effects, is to work to bring about change an impact on sexual violence in conflict zones. If women across a whole range of issues—education, training, are not supported by the justice system in their state or employment, access to finance, health care and justice. know that they will have to return to a community Those are the ways in which we can protect women and where they will be stigmatised, they will not come forward make it possible for them to come forward and tell their or seek justice. stories, so that we can deliver justice and so that their I wrote to a Minister in the Foreign and Commonwealth daughters will have a different story to tell. Office about a woman who was raped in Egypt. When the doctor was collecting the forensic evidence, he could 4.30 pm not find the correct instruments and used a pair of scissors to try to take swabs. The woman said that that Heather Wheeler (South Derbyshire) (Con): I appreciate examination was worse than the rape. We need to be that time is short, so I will get straight to the point. honest and admit that that is the situation in many There are two major areas in which girls and women countries. Although we want to support women, there who are raped in situations of armed conflict are repeatedly is a lot of work to be done not just by the Foreign and discriminated against. The first is the routine denial of Commonwealth Office, but by the Department for safe abortion services to those victims of war, in violation International Development and the Ministry of Defence of their right to non-discriminatory medical care under to ensure that women, girls, boys and men who are international human law, and the second is the failure victims of sexual violence get the justice that they seek to treat rape and the deliberate transmission of HIV as when they come forward. prohibited weapons or methods of war. 1151 Sexual Violence in Conflict14 FEBRUARY 2013 Sexual Violence in Conflict 1152

[Heather Wheeler] The V-day campaign, which continues to drive the global movement to end violence against women and The denial of abortions to girls and women raped in girls, has a strong history. In 2009 I joined its campaign armed conflict was recently the focus on debate in the to end sexual violence in the Congo and signed a letter House of Lords, and it has been the subject of many urging the G20 to take steps to stop the war and parliamentary questions. The Government responded violence. I extend my appreciation to all those who by acknowledging that they considered girls and women tackle violence against women and girls in our local raped in armed conflict to be the “wounded and sick”, communities and across the world, often placing themselves and that they are entitled to non-discriminatory medical at risk. In Feltham and Heston I mention especially the care, including abortions. They have also acknowledged new Hounslow one-stop shop, which last November that international humanitarian law, not national law, is launched a free advice service for victims of domestic the legal framework that must be obeyed in the provision violence and those who have suffered violence in other of humanitarian aid. However, those acknowledgments ways. The project is run jointly by the Met police, are insufficient without concrete action to ensure that Hounslow community safety unit and the Hounslow that right is granted to the wounded women who need it. domestic violence outreach service. Our communities What concrete action could the Government take? To also contain those who have suffered from sexual violence begin with, they could recognise that the right to abortion in conflict—I had a constituent who came to see me; for girls and women raped in armed conflict is protected the war has stopped, but her suffering, and that of her under humanitarian law and is not subject to national family, continues. laws on abortion. That should be explicitly included in We know that in war zones, victims of sexual violence all relevant Government policy guidance, including the do not have their own local support networks or local Department for International Development’s “Safe and crime prevention teams. For many, however, there is no unsafe abortion” practice paper. protection, which is why the international community Rape and the deliberate transmission of HIV are must stand together. Sexual violence in conflict is, of acknowledged as being used as weapons of war, but course, a moral issue and, as has been discussed, central neither is treated as a prohibited weapon or method of to foreign policy. I am glad that the issue finds agreement warfare. Despite global recognition that they are used on all sides of the House. as weapons of war, they are invisible in weapons regulation. Rape in war is the darkest of military tactics, used to They none the less violate core principles of humanity degrade and humiliate victims and undermine their in international humanitarian law, and as such they families or the ethnic, religious and political groups to should be treated as prohibited weapons of war. The which they belong. Last year’s annual UN report on failure to treat war rape like other illegal weapons sexual violence during conflict provided horrific examples prevents victims from being entitled to reparations for of how sexual violence has threatened security and their injuries. Victims should be entitled to have the impeded peace building in post-conflict situations such perpetrators held accountable for their crimes. For that as those in Chad, Sri Lanka and Sierra Leone. In reason, the failure to treat rape as part of the international addition to the thousands of women who we know have framework that regulates the means and methods of been raped, it has been estimated that 50,000 women warfare is particularly confounding. We regulate starvation were raped in the war in Croatia and Bosnia Herzegovina, under that framework, so why not rape and sexual 250,000 in Rwanda, and 64,000 in Sierra Leone. From violence? Syria we see in our newspapers today examples of In April, the Government will work to secure a clear women being raped in prison and in their homes. We political statement from the G8 of its determination to have also seen the rape of men in many conflict zones, make real, tangible progress on combating the use of and that will be part of the agenda of tackling sexual sexual violence in conflict. However, if we are truly to violence. The major-general at the helm of the UN lead, we must speak up for those who do not have a peace-keeping mission in the Democratic Republic of voice and bring awareness to issues that are often neglected Congo stated: or left out of the conversation. Acknowledging the issue “It has become more dangerous to be a woman fetching water is not enough, and talk is not enough. The UK must or collecting firewood than to be a fighter on the front line.” take concrete steps to ensure the provision of abortion services for women raped in war and to bring rape into As we move forward with the G8 this year, I am sure the prohibited weapons or methods of war framework. we will continue the momentum to secure new international action against the use of rape and sexual violence as a 4.33 pm weapon of war. I hope that action will focus on both Seema Malhotra (Feltham and Heston) (Lab/Co-op): investigations and prosecutions, as well as on prevention. Thank you, Mr Speaker, for the opportunity to speak in Conviction rates of sexual violence in conflict are an this debate. It is a pleasure to follow the hon. Member international disgrace. for South Derbyshire (Heather Wheeler), my hon. Friend The strategy to end sexual violence must be couched the Member for West Dunbartonshire (Gemma Doyle) within a strategy of support for women’s rights. Yesterday and others. This is the year of the UK’s presidency of I welcomed to Parliament some key members of the the G8, and G8 Foreign Ministers will be meeting in global women’s rights movements. Activists from Africa London. I am glad to hear the Foreign Secretary’s and Asia were brought together in London by the assurances that the issue will be high on the agenda. I charity Womankindto share their experiences and expertise thank the hon. Member for Oxford West and Abingdon of women’s leadership, tackling gender violence in their (Nicola Blackwood) for initiating the debate, as well own countries, and political participation. Sexual violence as my hon. Friend the Member for Walthamstow is not just a problem in conflict areas. The brutal rape (Stella Creasy) and the V-day One Billion Rising campaign and murder in India at Christmas of a 23-year-old on a that has called for and set the scene for today’s action. bus showed that we must tackle violence against women 1153 Sexual Violence in Conflict14 FEBRUARY 2013 Sexual Violence in Conflict 1154 in all its forms and in all countries of the world so that Will he therefore join me in welcoming the international attitudes of acceptability are not shaped for current or protocol proposed by my right hon. Friend the Foreign future generations. Secretary, which will ensure prosecution and investigation? This debate, along with our earlier debate, is important and seeks to end the continuing violence against women Bob Stewart: I thank my hon. Friend—that was quick. and ensure that that issue is a priority for us and our Of course, I agree with him. I have given evidence in five partners abroad. In conclusion, this is a challenge of trials. I am thrilled that the International Criminal enormous scale and a campaign that must cross nations Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia has brought charges and cultures. I am pleased it is on the agenda for the against people for rape as a crime against humanity, Foreign Secretary, and I hope that in his remarks he will and secured convictions. I am fully aware that not even answer a few questions. First, what support has he one in every 100 people guilty of such crimes in Bosnia achieved from the international community? It should have been brought to justice. be not just on the agenda, but high on the agenda. I am delighted that in Europe, for the first time ever, Secondly, how will the strategies that are beginning be the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former sustained by the G8 and other international bodies? Yugoslavia is bringing rape convictions. The International How will they be reflected not just in foreign policy, but Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda started the process, and in our defence and international development policies, it is a great move. We must send a firm message to the so that there is an end to sexual violence in conflicts in whole world that sexual violence is considered as one of our generation? the gravest crimes. I will end by commending our British soldiers. Shall I 4.40 pm tell the House what a solider said to me when a previous Foreign Secretary—a Conservative one at that—gave Bob Stewart (Beckenham) (Con): I saw rape used as me an order to start planning a withdrawal from Bosnia a weapon of war when I was in Bosnia in 1992-93. in December 1992? I wandered out and said to a soldier, Between 25,000 and 50,000 women were raped during “I am planning our withdrawal.” He said, “We’re not the Bosnian war. At Foca, Visegrad, Omarska and withdrawing, sir.” I said, “Well, we might have to if I am Prijedor, rape camps were deliberately set up to be used ordered by the Government to do so.” He said, “Not by visiting Bosnian-Serb soldiers when they felt like it. me, sir.” I said, “Why not?” He said, “Our duty is here My wife, Claire Podbielski-Stewart—she was then Claire protecting these women, children and the vulnerable. Podbielski—was involved as a member of the International That is what we are here to do.” We never did withdraw, Committee of the Red Cross in visiting Prijedor to try but my goodness that shows the quality of our soldiers. to stop what was happening there. We hear far too many stories about how badly our Elsewhere, individually, women were raped in front armed forces behave, but here was a soldier who showed of their families—their husbands and their children. the quality of person we send out to put our values into Do Members really understand how ghastly that must the world outside our country. be for the families? The woman and the husband are demeaned, and the children are terrorised and horrified. 4.46 pm They will be horrified for the rest of their lives. Sheila Gilmore (Edinburgh East) (Lab): It is a privilege Too often, once that foul crime has been committed, to follow the hon. Member for Beckenham (Bob Stewart), everyone is killed. I found a family outside a house near who knows exactly what the situations are like, and can Vitez—mother, daughter, son and husband in a line. tell us so graphically the experiences he has seen with The daughter was holding a puppy. She was killed by his own eyes. It was important that this debate was secured, the bullet that killed the puppy. I took the family to the and it is appropriate to pay tribute to the Foreign local morgue. I went past the same place the next day to Secretary, the shadow Foreign Secretary and the Secretary discover they had been returned. They were the wrong of State for International Development. I mention the religion in the morgue. How ghastly is sexual violence in first two in particular, because they have given up their war. How foul. time to be here for the whole of this important debate. My soldiers buried 104 people in a mass grave, which That is significant, and it sends a message that we see I revisited last year. We think there were a 104 people. this as a very important issue. Some people may watch Most were women; a lot of them were children. It was this debate, possibly at some unearthly hour of the foul, it was ghastly, and it was most definitely something morning on the Parliament channel, and think that that we should campaign to stop. I applaud what the there were not many people present, that it looks a bit Foreign Secretary, the Secretary of State for International thin, and that we cannot really think of the subject as Development and others are doing to try to stop the important. However, the fact that senior figures have revolting practice of sexual violence in war. given up their time shows that it is very important. As several hon. Members have said, this subject Mr Brooks Newmark (Braintree) (Con): Will my hon. challenges those of us who would prefer no conflict at Friend give way? all, who would like to say that the answer is for there to be no war and that we should not get involved. It is a Bob Stewart: I will, if my hon. Friend is quick. challenge to decide when to intervene, how to intervene and what ways there are to intervene. The examples Mr Newmark: I will be quick. we have heard from the former Yugoslavia vindicate I would draw my hon. Friend’s attention to the fact intervention. The violence was occurring anyway; it did that not only the rape itself is ghastly, but the conviction not happen because we intervened. Hopefully, some and prosecution rates. In the field where he fought, only women, who might otherwise have been affected, were one in 20,000 perpetrators of those crimes were prosecuted. saved The challenge remains, because in all situations 1155 Sexual Violence in Conflict14 FEBRUARY 2013 Sexual Violence in Conflict 1156

[Sheila Gilmore] Yes, this is a big subject, but let us not just come back in a year or two and have the same discussion; let us we have to ask ourselves whether it is right to intervene, instead come back and feel that there has been real or whether we would provoke an existing conflict. Some progress. conflicts arise from some of the gross inequality in the world and its resources, so there are many things that 4.53 pm we can do to prevent such situations. Mr Brooks Newmark (Braintree) (Con): I would like Nicola Blackwood: Given that sexual violence is to thank you, Mr Speaker, for indulging me in my recognised as a key factor destabilising and catalysing request. I was trying to be in two debates at once. I conflict in the first place, does the hon. Lady not agree spoke in the eating disorders debate elsewhere and that tackling sexual violence and preventing it in the unfortunately the winding-up speeches took a bit longer first place is one way to prevent conflict and achieve than I thought. exactly the aim she calls for? I congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Oxford West and Abingdon (Nicola Blackwood) on securing Sheila Gilmore: I agree absolutely. With a subject this this important debate, which I was happy to co-sponsor. big, it is sometimes tempting to think, “Well, it’s always She knows the enormous interest I take in this issue, been there throughout history.” We know that. The and not only in the international context; I have also history of conflict going back hundreds of years contains spoken about domestic violence in this country, and as examples of such behaviour, but 40 years ago, when the I have said before, if men knew the odds of getting big campaigns on violence against women started in caught and prosecuted—the prosecution rate is 6%, so this country with the setting up of domestic violence they have a 94% chance of getting away with it—they refuges and so on, people said the same thing: “You’ll would probably go for it. The international statistics are never change it. It’s always been there. It’s endemic.” even more dramatic. In the former Yugoslavia, men Although we heard earlier how far we have left to go, have a 1:20,000 chance of being prosecuted, and in even in our own country, progress has been made. Rwanda, where I have spent the past seven years travelling, Sometimes, when dealing with difficulties in the justice the figure is 1:50,000. That is a disgrace, and the Foreign system and so on, it feels like three steps forward and Secretary is absolutely right to take a lead in this two steps back, but nevertheless we have made some important initiative. progress and changed attitudes. I do not wish to sound As I have seen in Rwanda, the by-product of rape as a complacent, but those of us who started campaigns in weapon of war are the orphans who live on after the the early days have seen a difference. If we make an conflict, infected with AIDS. I have spent time over the effort, we can begin to change how people think and past seven years working with such children in a school behave and how they are treated, so although, with a in Kigali. Their mothers have been killed off by AIDS, subject this big, people might think, “What can we do? but the children live on with the condition; they effectively What can anybody do?”, we must make an effort and have a time bomb within their bodies. They could die at start to change things. any time. It is important to consider not only rape itself. Members of peacekeeping forces have a particular We must investigate and prosecute the perpetrators of responsibility when it comes to their behaviour and rape, but we must also think about what happens afterwards. attitudes. It is crucial that our own armed forces—and I We need to think about the children who were born as am sure that they do—lead by example in how they a result of rape, many of whom have AIDS. Perhaps treat women, including female members of the armed through the International Development Secretary of State, services in the field. One way to change things is by we can see what we can do to give them more support. involving far more women in the process of change in I also want to pay tribute to the International their own countries and peace processes. As many people Commission on Missing Persons, which my right hon. have said, far too few women feature in the big meetings Friend the Foreign Secretary knows. I am spending a and peace conferences. Where are the women? It is huge amount of time working on our taking a lead important that their voices be heard and that they be in supporting the excellent work of the commission in encouraged and given the tools to start to change Bosnia over the past 15-plus years. It has done great things, not just for their own generation but for future work, and it is important that the UK should take the generations. lead in securing a future for it. Finally, I welcome the Foreign Secretary’s international protocol to investigate Bob Stewart: Women need to be represented at peace and prosecute sexual violence against women, because conferences, but they can be only if they are leaders in prosecution is extremely important. their own communities. That is how we can assure their representation; we have to try to do that. 4.56 pm Mr Hague indicated assent. Nicola Blackwood: I would like to thank everybody who has contributed to the debate. As the shadow Bob Stewart: I see the Foreign Secretary nodding. Foreign Secretary, the right hon. Member for Paisley and Renfrewshire South (Mr Alexander), said, it is Sheila Gilmore: Many people who have been in conflict timely and important. Also, the subject could not be zones have fantastic stories to tell about women who more sensitive, and everybody who has contributed can speak up, who have spoken up and who need to be today has risen to the challenge. heard. Admittedly, there are not enough of them and I thank the hon. Member for West Dunbartonshire building from the bottom up is clearly important, but (Gemma Doyle) for sharing my passion for “The West some are there already. We need to hear from them. Wing”. I also thank my hon. Friend the Member for 1157 Sexual Violence in Conflict 14 FEBRUARY 2013 1158

Thurrock (Jackie Doyle-Price) for sharing her experiences Coventry and Warwickshire City Deal in Kosovo, and the hon. Member for East Lothian (Fiona O’Donnell) for her cross-party support in sponsoring Motion made, and Question proposed, That this House the debate. She is a great champion of these issues, and do now adjourn.—(Greg Hands.) her support today is greatly appreciated. My hon. Friend the Member for South Derbyshire (Heather Wheeler) got straight to the point with her comments. 5pm I thank all the other hon. Members who have spoken Chris White (Warwick and Leamington) (Con): I am today, particularly my hon. Friend the Member for grateful to have secured this debate on the Coventry Beckenham (Bob Stewart), who spoke of his arresting and Warwickshire city deal proposal, which has now personal experiences. Although she did not make a been put before the Government. I congratulate the speech, I would also like to thank my hon. Friend the Coventry and Warwickshire local enterprise partnership, Member for Stourbridge (Margot James), who has been the Coventry and Warwickshire chamber of commerce, a long-term supporter on these issues and who supported Warwickshire county council, Warwick district council, us in securing the debate. I also thank the shadow Coventry city council and all the local organisations, Secretary of State for recognising that this issue transcends businesses and authorities—as well as my colleagues in party boundaries and that it is a moral and strategic the Chamber this evening—who have contributed to imperative for the UK. and supported the bid. I fully support the city deal concept. I believe that I welcome the Foreign Secretary’s progress and his devolving power to local communities and the principle announcement on the G8 issues that we are facing. I am of subsidiarity—devolving power to the organisation particularly pleased that there will be an emphasis on most capable of taking a decision—should be at the capacity building, on justice and accountability and on heart of Government policy. The city deal approach is an end to impunity. I am also pleased that the preventing that principle in action. Our city regions can be the sexual violence initiative will build on existing peace-building engines of growth, and by crafting deals that provide efforts, and that he is committed to ensuring that United targeted support and resources, we can generate significant Nations Security Council resolution 1325 will be central economic momentum. to our vision. I am pleased that a key priority of the PSVI will be to integrate support services for survivors There are three factors in building a good city deal. with protection for women human rights defenders. First, it needs to build on local strengths and expertise. The UK economy is diverse, and city deals therefore For too long, the international community has uttered have potential. warm words and passed many resolutions on the violence and exclusion facing women and girls in conflict. It has Mr Marcus Jones (Nuneaton) (Con): I congratulate recognised the problem and proposed solutions, but it my hon. Friend on securing this important debate. He has not implemented them effectively on the ground. It mentioned local priorities. In our area, manufacturing is now time to reject, once and for all, the myth that is a local priority. It has been a strength for many years violence against women and girls is a cultural and and continues to be so. Does he agree that the city deal inevitable consequence of conflict; it is not. will enable us to build on the strength of our manufacturing The proposals for the PSVI, in conjunction with the skills—there could well be a skills gap in the next few national action plans for resolution 1325, the building years—and thereby of our manufacturing industry? stability overseas strategy, the plans for violence against women and girls and the Foreign Secretary’s personal Chris White: I thank my hon. Friend for attending commitment to drive this agenda through the G8 and the debate. The main part of my speech addresses those the United Nations, mean that there is now a real very issues. chance finally to get action on the ground to deter The UK economy is diverse and city deals have conflict-related sexual violence and genuinely to put an potential as they can be tailored to the needs of local end to the flagrant impunity that exists today. In order economies and build on the infrastructure that already to do that, we must make the most of all the resources exists. We should not be trying to reinvent the wheel or at our disposal. impose a top-down plan for economic growth on the The message I most want to convey is that the women country, and a good city deal will work with the grain of I have met and heard about have proved that, despite all the local economy. the odds stacked against them, they are not just victims: they are a resource for peace and security, and without Mark Pawsey (Rugby) (Con): I, too, congratulate my them peace will be harder to find and to keep. Many hon. Friend on having secured this important debate. lives will be lost and ruined through the sexual and The city deal affects the economy of the constituencies gender-based violence we have heard about today while of all of us who have participated thus far. Does my we try to find that peace without them. hon. Friend agree that one of the most important aspects of the city deal is that industry and business Question put and agreed to, have worked with local authorities of a variety of political Resolved, complexions in the best interests of the entire area? That this House has considered the matter of preventing sexual violence in conflict. Chris White: I do agree. Secondly, a city deal needs to have wide-ranging private sector support. Too often, we create proposals and then put them to business, and that approach does 1159 Coventry and Warwickshire City Deal14 FEBRUARY 2013 Coventry and Warwickshire City Deal 1160

[Chris White] as myself—there are few younger people there. Businesses tell me that that they have the business to grow and not generate the best results. A good city deal should be develop, but that they are struggling to find the youngsters co-produced with small, medium and large local businesses, with the skills. That is why the Game Changer proposal and should seek to remove their barriers to growth. that is part of this city deal is so important. Thirdly, a city deal needs to have widespread political buy-in. City deals should try to build as strong a consensus Chris White: I thank my hon. Friend for that intervention. as possible among local authorities, so that businesses Part of solving a problem is recognising where the gap get the policy clarity they need and feel the confidence is. I think that the city deal goes a long way towards they need to invest in the future. solving that particular problem in the local area. The Coventry and Warwickshire city deal meets all I repeat that the city deal has strong political support three criteria, and is an example of how a city deal can from across region, with Coventry city council, make a significant difference to the local economy. The Warwickshire county council, Warwick district council bid focuses on advanced manufacturing and engineering. and five other district councils supporting the proposal As co-chair of the associate parliamentary manufacturing from across all the political parties. I believe that this group, I am pleased to see this vital part of our local will ensure that businesses can feel confident in these economy recognised and championed. proposals and can know that if they invest in skills and Coventry and Warwickshire have a great manufacturing training, they will be supported and will find partners in heritage, and the area is home to a range of world-beating our region if they want to expand and grow their work manufacturing and engineering businesses. Our city forces. deal area has one tenth of all English motor manufacturing The deal has brought various business groups together, jobs and the second highest proportion of employment such as the local chambers of trade and Coventry and in advanced manufacturing and digital media by each Warwickshire chamber of commerce. In the light of the LEP area. My constituency alone has fantastic companies city deal bid, Coventry and Warwickshire chamber of such as AGA Rangemaster and Dennis Eagle, which commerce has today agreed a new partnership with the are examples of the pioneering businesses to which our Manufacturing Advisory Service and EEF, which will area is home. Infrastructure is already in place with our provide better services for manufacturers, engineering world-class universities, further education colleges such companies and automated businesses. It is an example as Warwickshire college and transportation links—and of the additional concentration and focus that the bid we should use these assets to our best advantage. has been able to provide. We are at the heart of the UK’s manufacturing, and To achieve this, the Coventry and Warwickshire LEP as I and many other hon. Members have said repeatedly will create a re-engineering skills board, which will in debates in the past, manufacturing has the potential bring together businesses, universities, colleges and local to bring jobs and to rebalance our economy towards a authorities to join up supply and demand so that both more export-orientated economy. This city deal recognises providers and employers can plan for the future, matching that the next 10 years are not going to be like the last. training provision to business cycles rather than fixed That kind of forward thinking is to be applauded. We academic cycles. The board will work on new courses to need proposals that can adapt to the changing economic meet the specific requirements of local manufacturers, circumstances—national and international—that we face. and to build on local successes such as the advanced I think this city deal does exactly that. The deal has skills accreditation scheme chaired by Jaguar Land been created in partnership with businesses, and I believe Rover. The proposals sensibly focus on the upskilling of that this shows the thrust of the city deal’s proposals. existing engineers and the retraining of unemployed We all recognise that the bedrock of a strong people, which would enable us to use the labour resources manufacturing sector is skills. If we are going to grow currently at our disposal to achieve the maximum impact. advanced manufacturing and engineering in our region, All this will come under the heading of the Game we need to have the skills in place to enable businesses Changer skills programme mentioned by my hon. Friend to grow and make the products that are wanted around the Member for Rugby (Mark Pawsey), which will be a the world. This city deal cuts right to the heart of this brand that both local people and businesses can recognise problem, and highlights the skills shortage that is holding and understand. back our local economy. According to the latest estimates, The city deal makes four requests. First, it asks the there is a shortage of about 18,000 high-level engineers Government to devolve control of skills and apprenticeship in the west midlands. The Coventry and Warwickshire funding to deliver the programme. Secondly, it asks area is likely to need up to 25,000 level 2 and level 3 them to allow Coventry and Warwickshire to pilot the engineers to replace our existing work force. If we are new traineeships programme and level 6/7 apprenticeships. not able to meet that demand, businesses will not be Thirdly, it asks for local flexibility that would allow it able to grow and we will have to spend more income to adapt the Work programme to the proposal, so that trying to retrain staff or poach them from other businesses, those aged 18 to 24 could attend GAME changer skills reducing funding for investment, research and development programme events. Finally, it asks for capital funding —holding back growth in the long term. to be realised for the development of an advanced manufacturing apprentice resource at the manufacturing Mark Pawsey: I endorse my hon. Friend’s remarks technology centre in Ansty. about the work force in the Coventry and Warwickshire I believe that these are targeted, sensible proposals area. I visit businesses in my Rugby constituency, many which will ensure that we obtain the maximum value for of which are doing well, growing and supporting the money and build on the programmes and infrastructure developing motor industry. I see workers there operating that we already possess, but they must be weighed skilled machinery who are generally of the same generation against the expected benefits. I believe that this city deal 1161 Coventry and Warwickshire City Deal14 FEBRUARY 2013 Coventry and Warwickshire City Deal 1162 bid shows great potential for the future of our area. The chairman of the local enterprise partnership, chaired aim is to deliver 5,000 new engineers to the workplace the meeting, and other business organisations were over the next two years, and to eliminate the city deal represented, as were the universities and people from area’s engineering skills shortage by 2020, as well as right across the board. It was clear that this is a united significantly increasing the number of engineering bid, very much looking to a very positive future for the apprenticeships being delivered at intermediate and higher area. It was particularly impressive to see everyone levels. working together in that way. On the back of that stronger skills base, the city It was also impressive to see the laser-like focus on deal could potentially eliminate the productivity gap in manufacturing and skills there. My hon. Friend is absolutely Coventry and Warwickshire, adding billions of pounds right to say that one of the proudest traditions of the to our economy and creating the environment for tens area that he and his colleagues represent is that of of thousands of new jobs. The bid itself estimates that being the heartland of British manufacturing. Far from about 30,000 jobs could be created through its skills that being a story just about the past, it is very much a programme alone. I believe that those are significant story of today and of the future. The people behind benefits which are in line with the Government’s objectives this bid were prescient in emphasising that the of reducing unemployment, rebalancing our economy undoubted opportunities that will flow through the towards manufacturing and exports, and reskilling our increasingly internationally competitive world of advanced economy so that we are able to adapt to future and manufacturing can be grasped only if we make sure that desperate needs. the work force in the area are equipped with not only I recognise that there is competition for wave 2 of the manufacturing skills, but the particular skills that the city deals project, and I know that Ministers will be new technologies of the future in this field will offer. considering a variety of other bids. However, I believe The support of the universities, in particular, and of the that the Coventry and Warwickshire city deal has fantastic research institutions make it clear that this is a very potential for our region and for communities across the high-quality offer that is being made. west midlands. There is a shared sense of purpose My hon. Friend will understand that it would be throughout the public, private and independent sectors invidious of me to give any kind of nod or wink to him as a result of the bid, and we have a unique opportunity this evening—tempting though that might be—not least to capitalise on the momentum that has been generated because this evening’s proceedings will doubtless be by this proposal. being viewed by 19 other places around the country. I urge the Government to pick the Coventry and They will be very envious of his good fortune in securing Warwickshire city deal bid, and to invest in the skills of this debate, so he will forgive me if I do not do that. Let local people in an area which has the infrastructure me instead take the opportunity to reflect on the city in place to grow. That will not only enhance our deals process and the arrangements we have put in competitiveness but, most important, create tens of place. I start with a point that my hon. Friend made, thousands of jobs. which is that we should recognise the importance of local strengths in the future of our economy. 5.13 pm Obviously, it is of prime importance that our country The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Greg Clark): has the right macro-economic conditions to sustain I congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Warwick growth and prosperity in the future. Paying down the and Leamington (Chris White) on his excellent speech, deficit we inherited and having an economy in which and on securing a debate that is very important to his international lenders can have confidence is the foundation area. In the two and a half years for which he has been of any future economic success. All Government Members in the House, he has already established a reputation for are engaged, day after day, in making the changes being a tenacious champion of manufacturing industry necessary to secure that. However, it is also important and, indeed, the area that he represents. I know that his that we have the right micro-economic conditions: a tax passion for manufacturing and for the creation of jobs system that is supportive of business and enterprise, in his area is entirely shared by our hon. Friends the and that encourages investment; and flexible labour Members for Rugby (Mark Pawsey) and for Nuneaton markets that allow people to go into the places with an (Mr Jones). It is delightful to see them both in the Chamber. expanding number of jobs and allow employers to As Members will know, the debate is very timely. The expand employment with confidence. Again, the work expressions of interest in the next wave of city deals being done in not only my Department, but the Department were submitted just a few weeks ago. I am considering for Business, Innovation and Skills and the Department them as we speak—not at precisely this second, but as for Work and Pensions is very much geared to having soon as I leave the Chamber I will resume my consideration those conditions in place. of them. This bid is a tribute to the joint working and If we do all that, it is still necessary to reflect that our the enthusiasm that has been generated locally. The economic prosperity ultimately depends on local places litany of different organisations that my hon. Friend prospering. Economic growth does not happen in the the Member for Warwick and Leamington mentioned abstract; it happens in particular places, when employers underlines the degree of support for and consensus locate, expand their production and take on people. behind what could be a major opportunity for his area, These are places that people can visit and address; they if we are able to approve this city deal. are tangible. My hon. Friends will know that I visited Coventry For too long—over many decades—how we have last month to discuss the evolution of the city deal bid, conducted our economic policy has paid too little heed and I was particularly impressed by the level of to the importance of locality. It is tempting for politicians representation from all the local authorities in the area in Westminster and our officials in Whitehall to peer and businesses at the highest level. Sir Peter Rigby, the out from London SW1 and assume that the rest of 1163 Coventry and Warwickshire City Deal14 FEBRUARY 2013 Coventry and Warwickshire City Deal 1164

[Greg Clark] The west midlands is one example, but the north-west is another. The identities of world-renowned cities such as the country is uniform, when we know that one of the Manchester and Liverpool were subsumed and became glories of our country is that it is full of areas, towns totally anonymous in the Northwest Regional Development and cities with proud traditions that are the foundation Agency, so it is absolutely necessary to make these of our future economic success. The city deals programme changes. My hon. Friend is right to point out that even is intended to ensure that that sense of place is part of in their own terms the regional development agencies our economic policy. were a failure because the differences between London As soon as one considers that we should have a sense and the south-east and the regions widened during all of place in economic policy, it becomes obvious that that time. So it was right for city deals to be a priority. every place is different. We have already discussed the One of the contrasts between our country and other importance of manufacturing in the traditions in the countries on the continent of Europe, for example, is west midlands, but that is true across the country. that in Germany almost every German city outside the Everywhere has its local traditions and capabilities. capital of Berlin has a higher income per head than the Even cities as close together as Liverpool and Manchester national average, whereas in this country only one of are very different in their economic character, their the bigger cities outside London, Bristol, is above the skills, trades and industries, their politics and in almost national average. All the others are below. On the continent, every respect, so to treat them as if they are identical not just in Germany but in France, Italy and other countries, seems to me to deny them the possibility of living up to the powerhouses of the regional economy drive the their potential and planning for the future. national economy, whereas regrettably over the past The city deals programme was designed to reflect the 20 years ours have been lagging behind that. differences between places. We started with the eight bigger cities outside London and in July 2011, when the Mr Jones: I thank my right hon. Friend for giving Prime Minister asked me to become the Minister responsible way again. He is making an extremely important point, for cities, we gave each of those cities the right to take which is reflected in the west midlands region, where the initiative and set out to negotiate what, in their view, gross value added has been on the decline since the would be the measures that would best unlock their mid-1970s, with the decline in manufacturing industry potential. There was some scepticism at the time about and the unbalancing of our economy. What he says is whether it would be possible to break the monopoly of absolutely right. With the city deal that we hope to get Whitehall in determining how things should be done, for Coventry and Warwickshire, we could see that but in less than a year we were able to conclude a city manufacturing base start to increase again, accompanied deal with each of those eight places, which were by an increase in gross value added and a better average transformational. In Greater Manchester, for example, income in our area, compared with the south-east and £2 billion of local investment in infrastructure is being London. made in return for the city’s share in the resulting prosperity. In Leeds, apprentices and school leavers are Greg Clark: I totally agree with my hon. Friend. That being trained in the skills that the city’s future economy is exactly the point of the city deals programme. It is needs, as Leeds and the authorities around it have designed to reflect what is undoubtedly the case, especially identified needs that should attract a particular focus. with the strength and breadth of the local engagement that this bid demonstrates. Who better to be able to Mr Marcus Jones: My right hon. Friend is making an make the decisions and the analysis of what is needed extremely important point about locality and the need for the Warwickshire economy than the business people, to ensure that we tailor the Government’s support package the civic leaders and the leaders of some of the finest to each area. Does he agree with me that that is a far universities in the country, who are there? It is important better and more effective approach than that taken by that we build on those strengths. the previous Government through regional development agencies such as Advantage West Midlands? Private sector employment fell during that time rather than Mark Pawsey: Does my right hon. Friend agree that increasing. I appreciate that, as he has told us, my right it is refreshing that local people and local businesses, hon. Friend will not be able to tell us the result today, having determined what is best to grow the local economy, but does he agree that if the Coventry and Warwickshire ask not for infrastructure, roads, buildings or grandiose city deal was granted, it would be a far better step schemes, but for investment in people and in skills that forward for the area than the previous regime? will enable the economy to grow and prosper?

Greg Clark: My hon. Friend is absolutely right. The Greg Clark: My hon. Friend accurately reflects the problem was that the regional development agencies difference between places. In some places the pressing were branch offices of Whitehall in the country, which need is for infrastructure because they have a legacy of seems to be the opposite of the approach we need to infrastructure that is not fit for purpose, that has been liberate the entrepreneurialism and local strengths of made redundant and out of date. In other places the particular areas. The areas should be coming to Whitehall, need is to supply the skills. That is the beauty of the bid as they are—as the Coventry and Warwickshire local programme. enterprise partnership has—and saying what they want Let me say a little about the second wave of city deals. to do. The problem with the RDAs was that it was the Following the success of the eight initial city deals, I other way around. was very keen that the programme should be spread to The RDAs described a geography created by other cities and areas around the country, so we have administrators rather than something that reflected the issued an invitation to 20 more areas to make a proposition genuine historic and economic geography that prevails. to the Government. It is important to emphasise at this 1165 Coventry and Warwickshire City Deal14 FEBRUARY 2013 Coventry and Warwickshire City Deal 1166 stage that these are expressions of interest and will be I think it important that we take advantage of the focus evaluated as such. It is not the final word. Those that on advanced manufacturing and on skills, and the benefit are invited to go forward will be asked to engage intensively of important institutions such as the Manufacturing with me and my officials so that we can shape a proposition Technology Centre and the motor industry research that can then be put to my ministerial colleagues for centre being located there. approval. There will be some way to go in those negotiations. The prospect that is held out is for 5,000 high quality It is right to remind people locally as well as in the engineering jobs. I can think of no finer contribution Chamber that this is not the last word. It is an important that my hon. Friend, following his advocacy today, expression of interest, but it has a further way to go. could give to his constituents than to inject that into We have said that there is no limit on the number of the future of his economy. Without pre-empting the city deals that we will be able to conclude. For all those announcement that will be made shortly, I congratulate expressions of interest that demonstrate potential, my him on his excellent support for a very encouraging bid. ambition is that we should be able to take them forward Question put and agreed to. and achieve something important with them. Having spoken in Coventry with the leaders whom my hon. 5.30 pm Friend the Member for Warwick and Leamington mentions, House adjourned.

323WH 14 FEBRUARY 2013 Eating Disorder Awareness 324WH

Caroline Nokes: My hon. Friend raises an important Westminster Hall point. It is thought—I emphasise “thought”—that about 11% of sufferers are male, but interestingly, they are among the fastest-increasing groups. Thursday 14 February 2013 The figures that I have given do not take into account the families of those who suffer, meaning that the social [SANDRA OSBORNE in the Chair] footprint of eating disorders is breathtaking. Be assured—to refer back to my hon. Friend’s point—that sufferers are by no means all teenage girls. That is one of several Eating Disorder Awareness myths about eating disorders that need to be exposed.

Mr Barry Sheerman (Huddersfield) (Lab/Co-op): A BACKBENCH BUSINESS constituent of mine, Cherie Hinchliffe, wrote to me Motion made, and Question proposed, That the sitting saying how pleased she was that the hon. Lady was be now adjourned.—(Mr Swayne.) holding this debate. She wanted to say that eating disorders destroy families, and that GPs do not know 1.30 pm enough about them. Doctors, dentists, local hospitals and schools do not know enough about them; the Caroline Nokes (Romsey and Southampton North) media know about them but report them in a terrible (Con): It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, way. Does the hon. Lady agree? Mrs Osborne. I pay tribute to the Backbench Business Committee for granting this three-hour debate. I know Caroline Nokes: The hon. Gentleman is absolutely that the Committee had to negotiate with the Liaison bang on. Many parents of sufferers have commented to Committee so that we could hold the debate during me that they feel their GPs do not understand enough, eating disorders awareness week. This debate is therefore and nor do schools and colleges. I will cover all the timely as well as important. Others in the House clearly points that he raised later. agree, as can be seen by the number of hon. Members present. I know how difficult it is to commit to this slot The fastest increase in eating disorders has been on a Thursday afternoon, particularly when serious among young men. As well as facing the mental health issues such as violence against women are being debated problems typically associated with female sufferers, they in the main Chamber. I am conscious that several are coming under more pressure than ever before to Members are trying to perform the parliamentary feat conform to a stereotype of the body beautiful. Imagery of being in two places at once. in magazines and advertising plays a significant role. Eating disorders have not been debated in the House Of particular concern is the prevalence of eating since 2007, a considerable time ago, yet over the course disorders among gay and bisexual men, who are twice of the past few weeks I have become aware of several as likely to be sufferers as heterosexual men. I understand hon. Members and members of staff with family that eating disorders in gay and bisexual men are even connections to those with eating disorders. Just this more linked to concerns about body image than in afternoon, I received an e-mail from an hon. Member’s heterosexual male or female sufferers. Although males chief of staff, who told me the moving and difficult account for only 11% of the total of those with eating story of his wife’s experience with an eating disorder. I disorders, the percentage is increasing, and we should pay particular tribute to my hon. Friends the Members be conscious of that. In the 10 years up to 2011, the for Enfield, Southgate (Mr Burrowes), and for Wells number of hospital admissions for men suffering from (Tessa Munt), and the hon. Member for North Tyneside an eating disorder rose by 67%. Furthermore, there is (Mrs Glindon), who applied with me for this debate and evidence that undiagnosed disorders are even more have significant knowledge of and interest in eating commonplace among men than among women. The disorders. scale of the hidden problem could be immense. Some 1.6 million people in this country have been or It is not only the young who are afflicted, although are currently known to be affected by eating disorders. there is certainly a trend towards eating disorders That is a massive number, equivalent to nearly 2,500 in manifesting at an earlier age than ever before. I was every parliamentary constituency. However, the number particularly moved by my contact with a woman whose of unknown sufferers is also of significant concern. The daughter started suffering from anorexia nervosa at true number of those who suffer is not fully understood 10 years old but was not diagnosed for years, as her GP due to the paucity of data relating to those who are not and other medical practitioners thought that she was in the system. The Department of Health acknowledges too young to have the condition. Eating disorders are that unreported cases of eating disorders are a huge also being diagnosed much later; some sufferers present problem, and the true figure could be higher than in their 50s and 60s, and there is evidence that increasing 4 million, which is 6.5% of the UK population, or numbers of sufferers manage their conditions not just about 7,000 people per constituency. over the average of seven years, but for decades. An increasing number of people in their 30s and 40s have Stephen Metcalfe (South Basildon and East Thurrock) lived with their eating disorder for more than 20 years. (Con): Those statistics are staggering. As someone relatively “Eating disorder” is a term used to describe a wide new to the issue, I was not aware that the numbers were variety of conditions, some well known and others far quite so large. How many of those people are men, and less so. Obviously, the best known and most recognisable are there data identifying the proportion of sufferers is anorexia nervosa, in which a sufferer intentionally who are men of whatever age, and the proportion who deprives themselves of food and has a body weight are young men? at least 15% below the recommended minimum. People 325WH Eating Disorder Awareness14 FEBRUARY 2013 Eating Disorder Awareness 326WH

[Caroline Nokes] eating disorders. In fact, heart damage is the most common cause of hospitalisation for those suffering with anorexia have an extremely distorted view of their from eating disorders, but the kidneys and liver are also own body and a fear of gaining weight. However, badly affected, and reduction in bone density leading to anorexia is but one condition among several. Eating osteoporosis can happen in sufferers, even before there disorders also include bulimia, which in many cases is has been any physical manifestation of a problem. harder to detect, as sufferers may maintain a normal-looking As chair of the all-party group on body image, I have weight. However, it is achieved through bingeing, purging been privileged to work with a number of leading and fasting, and like anorexia it can cause long-term charities supporting those suffering from eating disorders damage. and their families. I pay particular tribute, during eating From my research for this debate and my conversations disorders awareness week, to Beat; many of its members with many sufferers of eating disorders, I have learned are in the Public Gallery. I also pay tribute to Anorexia of many other conditions: binge eating; compulsive and Bulimia Care and the Succeed Foundation. I vividly overeating; food neophobia, an extreme fear of trying recall hearing the moving stories of ABC members at a new food; and compulsive over-exercising. A year ago, I reception hosted by my hon. Friend the Member for met a young man who ran up to 30 miles every day. Wells a few months ago. These charities all do fantastic There is also selective eating: sufferers eat only an work with sufferers and their families, and to ensure extremely limited range of foods. that the wider community—Members of Parliament, Bulimia is a disorder linked closely to low self-esteem, the medical profession, schools, colleges and universities— emotional problems and stress. The sufferer may think have a better understanding of the signs of eating constantly about calories, dieting and ways of getting disorders, and how to help those in the grip of such a rid of food that they have eaten. It is actually more disorder and those who may be at risk. They also work common than anorexia, but it is more hidden, because with the media to ensure that they understand the people with bulimia usually maintain an average or importance of the portrayal of responsible images on just-above-average weight. Bulimia can go unnoticed advertising and in editorials. for a long time while sufferers feel incredibly ill and unhappy. Stephen Metcalfe: My hon. Friend is making a powerful, moving speech. These issues have been discussed and Those with bulimia become involved in a cycle of debated before, but there seems never to have been any eating large amounts of food and making themselves progress in addressing the issues and tackling the problems. sick, cutting down or starving for a few days, or trying Why does she think no progress has been made in the to find other ways to make up for the food that they past 10, 20 or 30 years? These things were known about, have eaten. It can cause them to become so hungry that yet there seems to have been no move forward. they eat large amounts of food because their bodies crave nourishment. Some people do not vomit, but Caroline Nokes: That is a difficult question. Later, I instead take laxatives, which are especially dangerous. may even suggest that we are moving backwards. Just because bulimia does not cause the extreme weight Unfortunately, these are hidden conditions that the loss of anorexia does not mean that it is less serious. media and others have chosen, occasionally, to trivialise. Sufferers need help and support, as the side effects and They are not trivial and they need much higher priority. consequences can be serious. I appreciate that I have given a very rapid description of some eating disorders, Mr David Burrowes (Enfield, Southgate) (Con): I for which I apologise, but I am sure that other Members congratulate my hon. Friend on securing this debate. will wish to discuss some of them in more detail. On the subject of this being a hidden illness, in recent I do not wish to generalise, and I apologise if my next times mental health has risen up the agenda, and attention remark causes any offence, but in many instances, due has been given to the topic in the House, which has to the extreme control with which sufferers approach shone a light on the issue of mental illness. Why, even in their food consumption, eating disorders are a type of the field of mental illness, has this area in particular not addiction. However, unlike addictions to alcohol or received attention, when its mortality rates are the narcotics, a fixation with how one controls one’s calorie worst? intake must be faced and addressed every day of a sufferer or recovered sufferer’s life. They cannot simply Caroline Nokes: My hon. Friend makes an important remove food from their lives in the way that others point about the mortality rates, compared with those might develop strategies to avoid alcohol, for instance. for other mental illnesses. In this place, we have made They must eat to live. For sufferers, by necessity, that great strides in being far more open and willing to battle will occur three times a day for the rest of their discuss mental illness. This illness is hidden, and has not lives. received priority or generated the attention that it so Eating disorders are not trivial conditions. Anorexia desperately deserves. It is incumbent on all of us to kills about 20% of sufferers, and 40% never recover. It is ensure that the Minister, who I am sure is listening, gets the single biggest killer of all mental illnesses. It has that message loud and clear. been dismissed for too long as a problem of teenage girls who just need to get a grip on their eating patterns. Jackie Doyle-Price (Thurrock) (Con): Whenever we That is far from the truth. Eating disorders are serious, approach a public health concern such as this, one of potentially fatal, mental illnesses, which, even long after the biggest things we have to do is educate the public. a sufferer has recovered, can have long-term implications The media are an important partner in that. Does my for their health. The impact on fertility is well known, hon. Friend agree that the media’s obsession with the but there are many other serious implications. Abnormal cult of celebrity, and the focus on that, is holding us heart rhythms are commonplace, even in teenagers with back on a significant public health issue? 327WH Eating Disorder Awareness14 FEBRUARY 2013 Eating Disorder Awareness 328WH

Caroline Nokes: My hon. Friend is aware of the work increase in just one year, between 2006 and 2007—can that I do with the all-party group on body image. We be prevented from being accessed from family homes. have been sending that message to the media time and US studies have shown a clear correlation between again. We need more realistic images in magazines and increased body dissatisfaction and viewing such sites. publications. Shortly, I will quote a 21-year-old sufferer We live in a complex, changing world where higher from anorexia who made that point to me powerfully. numbers of people than ever suffer from mental illness, The causes of eating disorders are complicated and and so it is with eating disorders. It is not just the varied, and although there may be broad similarities, it number of sufferers, but the severity, that is increasing. is dangerous to suggest that any two individuals will What would have been considered an eating disorder have identical experiences or paths into illness or recovery. 20 years ago might now be regarded merely as a bit I know from talking to sufferers, experts, charities and of disordered eating. I do not say that in any way to families that genetics, low self-esteem, stressful life events dismiss the seriousness of disordered eating, but to such as death or divorce, academic pressure, and cultural demonstrate that the conditions now have to be a great and social pressures, can all contribute. For every sufferer deal worse to be recognised as such, and to make a there will be different triggers or different combinations sufferer a priority for treatment. That is one of the of triggers. It would be naive to suggest that a single serious issues that I would like to mention. cause could be identified. However, an issue that brought In my home city of Southampton—not in my me to this debate is the social pressure to conform to constituency, but in that of the right hon. Member for a stereotypical view of the ideal body image, so ably Southampton, Itchen (Mr Denham)—is April House, a demonstrated to us in advertising and magazines. unit specialising in eating disorders, which I have had Last November, I attended an event in this place the privilege of visiting, and where I met service users organised by Anorexia and Bulimia Care, and was and health care professionals. I attest to the outstanding impressed by the moving account given by Katie Waters, work done there. Some of the service users and staff are a 21-year-old student, who told MPs: here today. I admire their courage and determination. “Six years ago the eating disorder well and truly look over. The I agree with the firm message that I received from stress of GCSEs in a high-achieving all-girls…school meant my staff at April House. With all eating disorders, there is a weight dramatically plummeted and I…developed anorexia. critical window of opportunity when a sufferer has During this time I did everything—speech and drama exams, been diagnosed, wants help, has acknowledged that piano exams, I sang in the choir, I was in school plays, actively they have a problem, and are reaching out for the taking part in church activities and of course was buried under a mountain of homework. I constantly pressured myself to be assistance they desperately need. That opportunity can perfect at absolutely everything. easily be lost if help is not available at that time. But the trouble is, when it comes to weight and body size, the images I frequently saw in the media of apparent perfection were Lilian Greenwood (Nottingham South) (Lab): The unattainable. We have only just been recently made aware in the hon. Lady is making a powerful speech. I was concerned last few years of the transformation airbrushing and digital photo when I received an e-mail from one of my constituents, techniques do to women’s bodies in the media. So what I was a student nurse, who wrote: seeing from such a young, vulnerable and impressionable age was actually not a real person.” “I am currently on a mental health placement and two of my clients have eating disorders of varying degrees, however cannot To those who dismiss the impact of the images we seek support for their eating disorder due to cuts in services.” routinely see in the media, I hope the words of Katie, and other sufferers like her, will hit home. Although I Does the hon. Lady share my belief that, having raised do not claim that such images are causing eating disorders, awareness of eating disorders and encouraged sufferers they are contributing to them, and editors and advertisers to seek help, we must not then fail to provide the can work to portray more realistic and positive images. support and assistance that they need? I should like briefly to mention the relatively new phenomenon of pro-ana websites. First appearing in Caroline Nokes: The hon. Lady makes exactly the the 1990s, these sites are numerous and are often point that I am coming on to: it is critical that when characterised by a frequent migration to different web sufferers feel that they can reach out for help and addresses or blog sites. Ana, or thinspiration, is portrayed acknowledge that they have a problem, the help is there on many of these sites as not a serious mental illness, for them. A delay of six to nine months can be dangerous— but a lifestyle choice, and although those supporting the or, indeed, fatal. sites claim that they can provide the only forum for socially isolated sufferers, solid academic studies support Jackie Doyle-Price: Is my hon. Friend satisfied with the claim that they do damage. the level of knowledge among medical professionals? Is there a job to be done in raising awareness of what they Claire Perry (Devizes) (Con): I hope that you will should be doing and of the signs that they should be accept my apologies for joining the debate late, Mrs looking for among sufferers of these disorders? Osborne. Does my hon. Friend agree that the progress we are making on making it much easier to filter out Caroline Nokes: I have been struck by the number of pornography, violence, abuse, anorexia and self-harm times that relatives of sufferers have contacted me to from the family home is welcome? make the point that their family member was slow to get a diagnosis, or to say that the GP dismissed the Caroline Nokes: I commend my hon. Friend on the eating disorder as nothing more than a teenager being a work that she is doing in that area. I sincerely hope that bit fussy about their food. It is critical to raise awareness, we see some progress on that, so that these websites, not only among the wider community and the media, which are proliferating—there is evidence of a 470% but among our general practitioners, because we need 329WH Eating Disorder Awareness14 FEBRUARY 2013 Eating Disorder Awareness 330WH

[Caroline Nokes] forward helps to dispel some of those feelings, and some of the myths and rumours surrounding these these disorders to be identified earlier so that damage to conditions. Will she congratulate them with me? growing bodies, in the instance of young people, does not become permanent. Caroline Nokes: I thank the hon. Lady for that intervention. One word that keeps being used is “stigma”. She is absolutely right to highlight the bravery of individuals, Stephen Metcalfe: As well as the medical profession some of whom were perfectly happy to be named; when being aware of these conditions and the first signs, I told Katie Waters that I wanted to quote her, she was should not parents have some knowledge of the indications, over the moon that I was going to quote her in Parliament. so that they can help their children earlier, before the Others did not want to be named but still wanted to tell condition gets too serious? their story. They have all been phenomenally brave, including those in this place who have contacted me and Caroline Nokes: One of the messages that I have talked about their personal stories. received from parents is that they already feel enormous I have had mothers contact me to tell me that when guilt, in some instances completely unjustifiably. They their child was diagnosed with an eating disorder, they feel shame for what is going on with their child, and as if were accused of abusing their child. The assumption they are somehow to blame. They are not, and I find was made that they must have harmed their child for that in the majority of cases, parents were the fastest to her or him to have developed an eating disorder. I am identify the condition. They instinctively knew that not saying that that never happens, but from my experience, something was wrong with their child, even though they the parents and families of people with eating disorders might not have been able to put their finger on what have been caring, loving, supportive, desperate for exactly it was. I have heard some terrible tales from knowledge and help, and in many cases prepared to parents, which I will come on to—I assure you, sacrifice absolutely everything for their family member Mrs Osborne, I am getting towards the end—about the to be well again. I therefore pay tribute to charities such responsibility and burden placed on them. I have even as Beat and ABC, which have recognised that this is not heard about parents who have been told that it is their a condition of the individual, but affects entire families, fault. It simply is not. wider networks, friends and colleagues. We do not fully understand what causes eating disorders; Beat is working in partnership with Student Run Self it is complicated. All the parents I have spoken to have Help, which runs a number of support groups in universities done the most fantastic job in supporting their children. throughout the country. Both organisations have heard As one sufferer’s mother said to me on the phone just of a number of cases in which students have not been yesterday, there is nothing that she would not have able to access treatment, or have been able to access sacrificed to get her daughter the help that she needed. only intermittent treatment, due to a lack of co-ordination Had the mother been able to buy private health care, and flexibility on the part of GPs and eating disorder she would have sold her house to do it, so desperate was treatment services at their university and in their home she for her daughter to get well. location. They have asked me specifically to highlight to the Minister the serious problem with 18-year-olds going I know how long sufferers have had to wait to gain off to university. We know that people are most likely to admission to April House—something that has been develop an eating disorder at 17, so that is a vulnerable emphasised to me incredibly strongly—and the picture age. from around the country is that the average wait from diagnosis to treatment in a specialist unit can be as long What sufferers need above all else is continuity and as nine months. For sufferers, that is simply far too stability of treatment, which Beat originally thought long. As we move from primary care trusts to clinical could be achieved by enabling people to register with commissioning groups, it is imperative that awareness two GPs at one time. However, after consideration was of the scale of the problem is uppermost in the minds of given to who would have overall financial and clinical GPs, who will be responsible for commissioning the responsibility for the patient, discussion turned to the relevant services. proposal that the home GP could have those responsibilities. This should encourage greater communication between I have mentioned briefly one significant theme, but I the home GP and the GP with whom the student is would like to mention it again. It is a message that has registered as a temporary patient at university. In addition, come from the parents about the impact on families. it is likely to be argued that the student should be able to The effects are many and varied, and certainly include register with more than one eating disorders unit—one huge feelings of guilt and despair, and lack of at home and one at university—so that they can receive comprehension of why this has happened to their child, the necessary care during both term time and the holidays. or why an individual might choose to deprive themselves I am conscious that other Members wish to speak of the necessary nutrition to lead a healthy life. and my contribution has been somewhat lengthy, so I shall conclude my remarks with a tribute to one of my Alison McGovern (Wirral South) (Lab): I apologise constituents, whom I first met at April House this time to the hon. Lady, who is making a brilliant case on last year. She has gone out of her way to keep in touch behalf of the sufferers of eating disorders, for intervening with updates about what she is doing to raise awareness on an excellent speech. Given the shame and guilt she of eating disorders. She has certainly improved my has mentioned, which are big factors, does she agree knowledge and understanding, and is shortly to take that it is fantastic that constituents of mine have got in part in a charity sky-dive to raise funds for eating touch with me to ask me to attend this debate? All of us disorders awareness. What struck me about Becky was have constituents who have got in touch with us on this her willingness to open up about her battle with anorexia issue and have talked about their experiences. Their coming and some of the stark truths. 331WH Eating Disorder Awareness14 FEBRUARY 2013 Eating Disorder Awareness 332WH

Hampshire is a fortunate county, with excellent schools as medical science has known for a long time. However, and sixth-form colleges. Even in schools and colleges young people have discovered that when that happens, rated as excellent, however, eating disorders can flourish. the glucose cannot be converted into energy, and in turn Transition from school to college can be difficult for the glucose is removed through the natural process of many, and at times of change, stress and pressure, urination. Consequently, necessary calories are also eating disorders can frequently manifest themselves. lost, so manipulating their insulin intake may lead to Even where teachers and head teachers are good, concerned rapid weight loss. If the intake of insulin, which is and caring, and where pastoral care is superb, young needed to stay alive, is manipulated, diabetics can achieve people can fall victim to these disorders. I hope that in rapid weight loss. That information is circulated all the some small way this debate has helped to raise awareness time in the social media on Facebook and Twitter, and and understanding in this place. I sincerely thank all young diabetics who want to lose weight are learning those in the Public Gallery for attending, and I thank from other young diabetics how to lose weight rapidly. I colleagues for their contributions this afternoon. will move on shortly to the consequences for those young people. 1.58 pm First, it is important to give some context for diabetes and associated problems. Young female diabetics aged Mr George Howarth (Knowsley) (Lab): It is a pleasure 15 to 30 have a nine times higher death rate than their to serve under your chairmanship, Mrs Osborne. non-diabetic counterparts, which is an alarming statistic. I congratulate the hon. Member for Romsey and According to a BBC report last year, of the 26,000 avoidable Southampton North (Caroline Nokes) on raising this deaths from diabetes, the highest increase is among young issue and in particular on her comprehensive survey of women in that age range, which bears out the point some of the problems experienced mainly by young made by the hon. Member for Romsey and Southampton people but, as she said, not exclusively so. She presented North. According to the Joslin Diabetes Center and her case clearly and did a very good job. DWED, having type 1 diabetes increases the chances of It is important for us to send a message from this developing an eating disorder twofold, and 40% in that place today: quite naturally, human beings come in all age range regularly manipulate or omit taking their shapes and sizes. There is no perfect body or shape, each insulin, which they need to survive, in order to lose one of us is different; we are genetically predisposed to weight. look a certain way. It is important for us to say that as At first glance from the perspective of young people loudly and as often as we can, to counteract the loud who want to lose weight, that seems like a way of using noises often experienced in the media by young people their condition as a means of doing so easily. However, about what they should look like. the problem for people with type 1 diabetes is that Before I move on to the specific area that I want to deliberately increasing their blood sugar levels may have cover, it might be worth giving an example not of a serious consequences and lead to early death. In the constituent but of someone I know through my family long term, as the hon. Lady said, there is a risk of friendships: a young woman who is now in her 20s and fertility problems, which are common in relation to has been studying violin since the age of five. She is a other eating disorders, but for diabetics there is also a talented and well trained young musician and was offered risk of loss of limbs, kidney damage, blindness, heart a contract to play at an international festival in, as it damage and many other serious complications. happened, the south of France. The contract specified There may also be serious short-term consequences. what body size she should aim to be—that says so much When a type 1 diabetic stops taking sufficient insulin to about where we have gone with the issue—by the time balance their blood sugar levels, the body produces of the event. That was outrageous, and agents who ketones, which are highly acidic and dangerous, and become involved in such contracts should be ashamed above a certain point might lead to diabetic ketoacidosis of themselves. or DKA, which is always fatal if not treated quickly. I want to speak about an eating disorder that affects The health system is very poor at dealing with this young people with type 1 diabetes. It is informally problem because it is not officially diagnosable and the known as diabulimia, but the medical profession does reaction of health professionals is often confused, at not recognise that title and, to be fair, it is not an best, which might lead to courses of action that can accepted name. In so far as I use it, I do so as shorthand have serious consequences, including death. Sufferers to describe a quite complex phenomenon. I pay tribute report being told that diabulimia does not exist—it does to Diabetics with Eating Disorders—DWED—and not exist as an official medical term—and consequently particularly Jacqueline Allan who provided me with they have been discharged with no treatment. Sometimes briefing to enable me to take part in this debate. Diabulimia they have been designated as non-compliant. If the is a condition, although not officially recognised as health professional does not recognise what they are such, that affects mainly but not exclusively young looking at, they assume that there is a problem with diabetics. For clarity, I emphasise that I am talking lack of co-operation from the patient and simply discharge about type 1 diabetes, which people are born with a them, which may have dangerous consequences. I will predisposition to, and which has nothing to do with give an example in a moment. lifestyle. Some people are born with something that is In other cases, such people have been diagnosed as likely to trigger diabetes at some stage, and too often we anorexic or bulimic, and treated for a condition that confuse type 1 with type 2 diabetes when they are they do not have, often with fatal consequences. DWED absolutely not the same. reports that sufferers have sometimes been treated by Sufferers of type 1 diabetes are exclusively prone to eating disorder specialists who have little or no knowledge suffer diabulimia. If a young diabetic does not take or understanding of diabetes, or by diabetes specialists their insulin, their level of blood sugar—glucose—increases, who have little or no understanding of eating disorders. 333WH Eating Disorder Awareness14 FEBRUARY 2013 Eating Disorder Awareness 334WH

Caroline Nokes: I welcome the right hon. Gentleman The only people raising this problem, apart from me raising diabulimia, about which I knew absolutely nothing in today’s debate, are DWED, who work together with prior to calling this debate. A constituent of my right other bodies, such as Diabetes UK. DWED currently hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Communities and exists on an income, in the last financial year, of £9,000, Local Government contacted me to inform me that which is not even enough to employ one full-time treatment of the condition is incredibly rare, and they member of staff. DWED operates on the basis of having were aware of only one hospital in south London that previous sufferers who are volunteers, under the specialises in it. Can the right hon. Gentleman confirm co-ordination of Jacqueline Allan, who I mentioned whether that is correct? earlier. I do not know whether it is more appropriate for support to come from foundations or the Government, Mr Howarth: The hon. Lady is correct. I intend to or somebody else. I am not talking about needing address that issue when I bring my comments to a close, hundreds of thousands of pounds, although I am sure and I will make suggestions for what we need to do. that DWED would welcome that, but some way needs The consequence of people being treated either by a to be found to support the one organisation that is diabetologist who does not understand eating disorders, campaigning on, and raising and dealing with the problem. or by an eating disorder specialist who does not understand Given the importance of its unique role, I hope that the diabetes, is that they can be signposted to an unsuitable Government can find some support—not only for DWED, service altogether, or unforgivably, they will not be but for the issue as it exists across the health service. taken seriously when they have a serious problem. Finally, just as it is vital that health professionals take An example I have been told about involved a young a more multidisciplinary approach to this and other woman sufferer who was told that she was too heavy. eating disorders, it is equally important that the Government That is not to say that she was heavy; she was very light, take a more joined-up approach. I could have made the but she did not meet the criteria for being light enough same criticism of the previous Government, and I realise to have an eating disorder, and was consequently told how difficult it is to get a joined-up approach to eating that she did not qualify for any support. The advice that disorders and many other things. However, on medical she was given was that she needed to relax about food. cases, there needs to be co-operation between different Anybody who knows anything about diabetes knows Departments, because a stronger push is required on that the relationship diabetics have with their carbohydrate the issue of body image and how that is dealt with. intake is crucial to their well-being, so to say to a Perhaps it is not best dealt with by the Department of diabetic, “Go away and get more relaxed about eating”, Health, but at the same time, some of the health issues could put them in a position where their life is threatened. involved need to be addressed. Subsequently, the young woman concerned had to be admitted as an emergency case to hospital with ketoacidosis, Jackie Doyle-Price: Perhaps I can put an alternative which, had it not been treated quickly enough, would view to the right hon. Gentleman. In my experience, have been fatal. That was somebody who had presented people do not like being told what to do by the Government. themselves in the health system, looking for help, but If we acknowledge that the media are among the biggest was told to go away and get a better relationship with perpetrators in pushing forward images that we should food. all aspire to, do we not need a good, populist campaign DWED has some aims that I hope Ministers can to educate the public that actually, curves are great? address, and I shall go through those now. First, it wants to establish the principle, which I strongly support, Mr Howarth: The hon. Lady makes a good point. that no diabetic with an eating disorder should be There is this idea of politicians wagging our fingers and misdiagnosed or told, “There is nowhere to put you”, saying, “This is what you should do”. For a couple of which is what is commonly said to them at the moment. years in the previous Government, I had the responsibility That comes back to the point made by the hon. Member in the Home Office for drugs policy, and one thing I for Romsey and Southampton North. know is that middle-aged men like me—perhaps I am Secondly, for type 1 diabetics with eating disorders—what flattering myself there—are probably the worst people I have termed as diabulimia—the condition needs to be to go into the media and say, “Actually, you should not properly recognised as a serious and complex mental health be taking drugs.” A subtle, sophisticated approach is problem. I do not think that it is controversial for the needed. A lesson from that, which applies equally here, hon. Lady to refer to it being a mental health problem, is to provide information to young people so that they because although, in all the cases that she gave, there are know the consequences of what they do. One problem serious physical consequences, the springboard often we are dealing with is that people think there is an easy relates to mental health, relationship with body image, way to lose weight and to get to be the shape that they, and so on. or others, think they should be. Action has to be taken Thirdly, those who seek treatment should receive the smartly, on the basis of real information about correct treatment with respect and compassion, on the consequences, but it still has to be done. basis of a multidisciplinary approach. In the example The hon. Lady anticipated my next point, which is that I gave, there was not enough expertise in one the responsibility of people in different industries. There specialism to be able to satisfactorily deal with the is relentless media hype about what the perfect body problem. Such an approach requires the Department shape should be, and the irresponsible attitudes often actively to promote an understanding of the problem, displayed by the fashion and entertainment industries so that health professionals catch on to what is happening. need to be highlighted. Looking round the room, there Protocols probably need to be in place, so that when might be one or two people who can remember what it somebody presents themselves with such a condition, was like to be a teenager—[Interruption.] I take that health professionals know what to do. back. Several people around the room well remember 335WH Eating Disorder Awareness14 FEBRUARY 2013 Eating Disorder Awareness 336WH what it is like to be a teenager, and one experience that on to develop eating disorders. Many who suffer low we probably all share, and that every teenager in history self-esteem and poor body image, especially men, go on has shared, is insecurity. They have not developed into to suffer serious mental health problems, often manifested who they are going to be, and they are insecure about in eating disorders and chaotic, dysfunctional and everything, including their appearance—as is obvious, I disordered lives, and suffer lifelong unhappiness. Therefore, have long since given up worrying about my appearance— the focus of the all-party body image group is more the way they present themselves to the world, what it is than welcome; it is essential and, indeed, it is a weather to be cool, and all those things. A lot of that is dictated vane for how attitudes towards such real human issues by what they read in magazines and see on cable channels— are changing for the better as awareness of these issues even on mainstream reality television shows. improves. It is wholly unrealistic for the industries that show Eating disorders are a complex issue to discuss in just those images to say, “Well, that’s a matter for the a few minutes. It is a shame that this debate is not Government.” They have a responsibility to provide for getting the priority that it deserves, perhaps by taking young people role models that are realistic, that are just place in the main Chamber, but I am very grateful to the like the rest of the world, that show young people that Backbench Business Committee for allowing the debate they do not have to look like those images to be an to be held in Westminster Hall. The number of MPs acceptable, successful and attractive member of society. and, indeed, members of the public here today is testimony That responsibility is not just for Government or politicians, to the issue’s importance. Having the debate in the main but for everyone who is in a position to influence how Chamber would have gone a considerable way towards these things are presented to young people in particular, assuring sufferers that Parliament is at least serious and to society in general. I hope that, as a result of this about raising awareness of these issues and the problems debate, we can at least move that agenda along a little that people face. further. Of course, not all people with eating disorders come forward to get the help that they need. The most accurate Sandra Osborne (in the Chair): I call Heather Wheeler. figures of which we are aware are those from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence. They suggest 2.20 pm that 1.6 million people in the UK are affected by an eating disorder, of whom about 11% are male. Worryingly, Heather Wheeler (South Derbyshire) (Con): I appreciate the most vulnerable group are our young people, particularly being called to speak, Mrs Osborne, particularly because those between the ages of 14 and 20. I am going to nip off later to the second debate in the main Chamber. I hope that my hon. Friend the Minister will forgive me. It is a pleasure to serve under your Jackie Doyle-Price: Bearing in mind that we have chairmanship, Mrs Osborne. heard from previous speakers in the debate that there is a critical window for intervention to support these I begin by paying tribute to my hon. Friend the people, and given that the incidence of these disorders Member for Romsey and Southampton North (Caroline tends to occur in the mid to late teens, does my hon. Nokes)for securing this very important debate during Friend think that there is a case for more education of eating disorders awareness week 2013. She is respected our schools and teaching staff so that they know what by hon. Members on both sides of the House for her signs to look for? knowledge of this issue. I thank her for the tireless way she is championing an issue that is one of the most pressing and, if the medical profession’s statistics are to Heather Wheeler: Absolutely. I thank my hon. Friend be believed, one of the most rapidly growing health for her intervention; she is absolutely right. We have issues that the nation faces. Indeed, male admissions to been debating in the main Chamber what should go on hospital are up by 68% in 10 years. the curriculum for personal, social, health and economic I also pay tribute to the all-party group on body education. Perhaps the Minister can reflect on that in image, of which my hon. Friend is the chair and which his speech. I apologise to him again for the fact that I exists to inform the media, the fashion industry and will not be here at the end of the debate. I will read his wider society of the complex issues arising from poor speech in Hansard next week. body image. Body image is, as reported by the First It is the case that 1% of the population between the Steps charity, which works in my constituency of South ages of 15 and 30 suffers from anorexia. About 40% of Derbyshire, one of the most significant causes of disordered those who suffer never fully recover and 30% suffer the eating behaviour. It is heartening that such groups exist illness in the long term. Official figures show that eating and it is evidence that, in some small measure, awareness disorders rose by 16% in England from 2011 to 2012. of the issue is starting to grow. Only a few years ago, the The scale of the problem is therefore hard to ignore. very idea of a group committed to improving body This subject raises issues pertaining to public health, image would have been met with a roll of the eyes and a mental health, nutrition, education and the way in dismissive comment, yet the reality has always been that which families are supported in dealing with disordered women, and now increasingly men, spend fruitless hours eating behaviour at an early age. That final point is, for examining themselves critically in front of the mirror me, the most important one and the one on which I and obsessing over every lump and bump. They are shall focus in the few seconds that I have left. I am often driven to self-loathing by what stares back at referring to how we raise awareness of disordered eating them. behaviour in such a way and at an early enough stage Poor body image and a media full of unrealistic and that recognition and treatment are possible and at a unobtainable examples of body shapes that we are told time that predates the long-term physical health problems to emulate are undoubted drivers in individuals who go that eating disorders can cause. 337WH Eating Disorder Awareness14 FEBRUARY 2013 Eating Disorder Awareness 338WH

[Heather Wheeler] in the north-east. The Northern Initiative on Women and Eating has worked in the area for 24 years; it is So many who suffer from eating disorders start to referred to as NIWE. Last year, according to its annual experience their troubles as children and adolescents. report, it helped 1,344 people with eating disorders. For Many suffer in silence, and in so doing curse their lives, the rest of my speech, I shall refer to them as people not just with a disordered relationship with food, but by with eating distress, as NIWE feels that it is a more destroying both their physical and their mental health appropriate way to describe how people suffer when in the process. That will probably affect every aspect of they have problems with eating. It has also helped 141 their lives: their career, their relationships and even, carers and supporters of people with eating distress and sadly, in some cases, their ability to become parents 636 professions have called on its expertise. themselves. As has been said, 1.6 million people in the UK have The underlying cause of much disordered eating eating distress, more than 90% of whom are women, behaviour is a person struggling to cope with anxiety, and an increasing number of men are now affected. The stress and poor mental health. The cause of that anxiety figures include only those who are in-patients in NHS and stress may be bullying. It may be an escape from treatment, and therefore leave out people who have not abuse or traumatic events. The cause may be a lack of come forward or have not been diagnosed and those control, bereavement, poor parenting or simply uncertainty who are receiving private treatment or being treated as over one’s place in the world. However, the cause is out-patients or in the community. Eating distress is a undoubtedly psychological. The illness therefore deserves general term with which people are more comfortable. genuine sympathy and understanding, not dismissive It covers those diagnosed with conditions such as bulimia, attitudes, which compound the problem. Perhaps over anorexia, eating disorders not otherwise specified and time, the disordered eating behaviour may be modified binge eating. Problematic eating habits seriously interfere through self-discipline or self-awareness. The sooner with people’s lives, as hon. Members have pointed out. someone gets the treatment they need, the more likely Some people have not even shared their disorders they are to make a full recovery. with others. The high levels of stigma have already been For the reasons that I have set out, this issue deserves pointed out. When people have eating disorders, it often at least equal priority with other physical and mental goes unreported to GPs or other medical services, due health problems. We cannot ignore or be indifferent to to shame and the fear that people’s futures could be the obvious consequences of eating disorders. We have jeopardised if anything were recorded in health records. only to look at those who so bravely suffer them to see That fear needs to be removed. Sometimes people have why we as a society must do more to tackle them, and lived with eating issues for many years, managing in we must start by raising awareness of their existence, secret and suffering in silence. their causes and their cures. Under-reporting is exacerbated because many eating issues are due to a fundamental lack of self-esteem, 2.27 pm which can be brought on by bullying or abuse. They are Mrs Mary Glindon (North Tyneside) (Lab): It is a difficult to diagnose medically and not all GPs have pleasure to speak in this debate under your chairmanship, enough specialist knowledge, as we have learnt this Mrs Osborne. I, too, thank the Backbench Business afternoon. I do not apologise for repeating some things Committee for allowing the debate. However, I particularly that have already been said; I do not think we can say thank the hon. Member for Romsey and Southampton enough about what the issues are and how they affect North (Caroline Nokes) for securing the debate. She the lives of sufferers. and I are members of the all-party group on body Eating distress carries the highest mortality rate of image and, in calling for the debate, she has shown the any mental illness. During the past two years, hospital commitment to, and concern about, the issue that admissions in the north-east for eating distress have demonstrate why she is deservedly the chair of our risen by 16%, compared with 8% for all other admissions. group. Unfortunately, the figures also show that the highest Before I had decided to speak in the debate and while rates are in the north-east. Overeating is increasing, and I was pondering whether I would be able to spare the the serious long-term health risks of obesity are being time before returning to my constituency, I received a highlighted. number of e-mails from people across the country, as I Of those on NIWE’s waiting list for support and am sure other hon. Members did. One was from a help, 10% are from my constituency and the wider young constituent of mine who is just 17 years old. This North Tyneside borough. I would like to thank it for is why she asked me to attend the debate: helping people from north Tyneside, who, over the past “Recently I have been having problems with my eating and two years, made up 25% of its attendees. Of the people raising awareness would mean people like me can get the help we with whom NIWE works, 61% are under 30. NIWE was need and feel less ashamed or judged. This issue is incredibly keen to stress, as was my constituent, that there is a important to me and you showing your support on Thursday greater chance of recovery with early intervention. Sadly, would really help…This serious mental illness is affecting someone NIWE also tells us that 70 people are on its waiting list you know right now in your constituency.” for group therapy. Waiting times are too long, but it What could be more compelling than that? simply lacks the capacity to address the issue further, Today, I would like to be quite parochial and speak and every day it receives new names. about services in the north-east. When looking on the There is particular concern in the north-east from internet to find out where these services were, I was NIWE and public health leaders over the growing numbers quite concerned to find out how limited they are, but, of young people in the north-east, due to the student fortunately, in the north-east we have a unique service; groups, who are at risk. We have a number of universities. it is the only specialist provision outside hospital services Although NIWE is supported by North Tyneside, 339WH Eating Disorder Awareness14 FEBRUARY 2013 Eating Disorder Awareness 340WH

Newcastle and Gateshead primary care trusts and Newcastle Small local services, especially ones focusing on early council, and receives funding from charities, such as the intervention, are therefore vital, but there is a great risk Northern Rock Foundation, it operates on a shoestring. that such services will not be commissioned. Many treatments target core eating disorder pathology, As has already been mentioned, we need a comprehensive primarily weight restoration, but there is a need to look awareness-raising programme in schools and youth services. at efficacy and effectiveness in minimising harm and Organisations such as NIWE try to provide that, but reducing the personal and social costs of chronic illness. much more is needed—more training for professionals NIWE has therapy groups, which are proving successful, and, above all, more money for services, such as NIWE, that address the underlying determinants of eating distress, and more support and acknowledgment. I make a plea but I have to keep returning to the fact that it is to the Government that, following this debate, they will underfunded. NIWE has found that people from across help groups, such as NIWE, that are doing so fantastic the area who are recovering from an eating disorder and fundamental a job for our communities. want recovery groups to be set up, because they help them to progress and maintain their recovery, which must be the ultimate aim of anyone who comes forward 2.41 pm to address a problem. The Stay Well group helps such people, but NIWE is, again, trying to raise more funds Mr David Burrowes (Enfield, Southgate) (Con): I to support that vital service. It tells me, as I think we all congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Romsey know, that such services need more provision and we and Southampton North (Caroline Nokes) on securing need more to be spent on recovery, because, sadly, there this debate. I was privileged to support her application is a high relapse rate and many people go through a to the Backbench Business Committee and, with others revolving door. It makes sense to invest in support for from across the House, to commit firmly to this debate. people in recovery, because bed rates for those with I hope that, at the very least, one thing that comes out eating distress are between £450 and £750 a day. In of it will be a greater number of Members of Parliament terms of economics, the Government should look at pressing for improvement. supporting people in recovery. I, too, am straddling debates and trying to be in two places at once. I apologise, Mrs Osborne, for the fact Support for families and friends who are carers and that I must leave to go to the Marriage (Same Sex supporters is important. There are effective family-based Couples) Public Bill Committee, which is continuing its interventions. NIWE offers an initial listening and deliberations. signposting service to under-18s and their families, but it wants to do more. I know that I am pleading for All of us must declare an interest when it comes to NIWE, but I am sure that those here today know of eating disorders. All of us have to accept that we know a many other organisations in a similar situation, with the friend, family member or constituent who is dealing ability, but simply not the capacity, to help. People call with the issue, and if we do not know one, we are out of NIWE wanting an appointment or asking for other touch with what, sadly, is the reality. All too often, that services, but it finds that need far outstrips capacity. is a hidden reality, which is why I so welcome our shining a light on this important concern. I mentioned that eating distress is becoming more common among the male population and minority I do not come to the subject as a great expert, but I groups, including the transgender community. NIWE have been involved over the years—I share this with the has been able to introduce some support for young men Minister—in the issue of addiction, which is similar. I and others who come to it, but a lot more work needs to increasingly see great similarities between the issues. be done. Before I make a plea to the Minister on what There is the profound loss of freedom; the diminished needs to be done, I shall pay testament to NIWE’s work and, sadly, lost lives; the effect not only on patients, but by quoting some users of its service. One person said: on family members and all those around them; the health concerns, and the wider social concerns for society; “NIWE has saved my life and is trying to help me make sense of it.” and the whole process of treatment and recovery, with individuals, their family and society at large having to Others said: make a long-term, continual commitment. That matters, “I think this is an unbelievably amazing service. The counsellors in terms of the quality of treatment and the support in the session were brilliant. I just wish there were more of you from family members and peers. All those issues should out there for all the people still struggling.” be promoted. “A relaxed and non-critical atmosphere which enabled me to Although there are, sadly, the negatives—I will speak…without feeling isolated.” predominantly talk about the problems—I have been There are more quotes, but those demonstrate how particularly impressed by the power of recovery. The organisations such as this are critical and why they need positive stories of those in recovery are immensely full recognition and support in the health service. powerful, and we must given them a much louder voice. Raising awareness of serious mental health issues I have said that I am no great expert, but from those and the profile of services is always crucial. With so close to me and from constituents, I have learned that much pressure on clinical commissioning groups in we cannot find one magic solution, or seek a simplistic their new role, specialist non-acute services are in danger or generalised one. Eating disorders are complex and of flying under the radar and losing out in commissioning contradictory, and in many ways there is ambiguity as plans. Mental health services are often poor relations regards recovery.That makes them particularly problematic, when it comes to health funding pots. Acute eating in terms of illness, mental illness and recovery. They are disorder services will be funded through specialised highly resistant to change; unlike with a physical illness, commissioning frameworks, and will often be large the patient wants to hold on to these disorders as a regional services remote from many of their users. method of coping, so they are inherently hard to treat. 341WH Eating Disorder Awareness14 FEBRUARY 2013 Eating Disorder Awareness 342WH

[Mr David Burrowes] that patients end up falling back on pressurised GPs for the monitoring of their health and safety—but, sadly, I want to concentrate on treatment and recovery. We that does not happen. must accept that we have a problem, and I would be We have too few specialist in-patient units for eating interested to hear the Minister’s response to that. We disorders. The NHS has St George’s hospital, Tooting, have a problem in terms of the prevalence of eating a mental health unit largely for adolescents, which disorders. They are on the rise in the UK, which has one offers general mental health provision. Children who of the highest rates of hospital admissions in Europe. are already traumatised are going there; they are even The most vulnerable may well be teenagers, but eating more traumatised after going to units that do not have disorders cover all genders and ages. Indeed, it is right the specialists that we want them to see. We want more to mention boys: 25% of those affected at school age eating-disorder-only establishments. I will return to that are boys, whereas I understand that 10 years ago that in due course. figure was 10%. We also have an NHS problem—I have As has been mentioned, there is a profound issue to say that—and a family problem in relation to how about parents and carers. Parents raise the issue of their families are involved. needs, and the important role that they play in recovery; those things are sometimes ignored or excluded, particularly Mary Macleod (Brentford and Isleworth) (Con): Does if the child lives at home, as 16-year-olds often do. I my hon. Friend agree that there might also be a problem understand that carer support services can be hard to in schools? We need to talk more about the issues with find in several counties, and parents complain that they children at a very young age. Teachers can be part of are simply shut out from the practical care of their that process by aiming to explain some of the issues and children. That is totally contrary to the way that child making young people feel more comfortable about body and adolescent mental health services were set up to image. deal with such cases, but sadly, it happens all too often. We have already taken up the issue of the statute Mr Burrowes: Very much so. The guidance is all on with the Under-Secretary of State for Education, my the side of early intervention. Indeed, the Government hon. Friend the Member for Crewe and Nantwich are very much on that side, and I am sure that there is a (Mr Timpson), who has responsibility for children, and cross-party call for early intervention. That is a key I look forward to meetings with the Minister of State, area, and we must tackle the issue through not only Department of Health, my hon. Friend the Member for better treatment, but profoundly better education and North Norfolk (Norman Lamb) in relation to mental prevention, as well as culturally, through the media. health. The Children Act 1989 seems to lead to a statutory That is an area on which we can give our views, which anomaly, in that those aged 16 and over are given the we are airing here, and where we can be part of a right to refuse treatment for an eating disorder; there is changed culture, but it really happens at an early age. therefore the prospect that they will be sectioned, and that that will be on their health record for life. I particularly point to the pressure on services and In effect, the Children Act enables GPs to tell children waiting lists—an issue that has already been mentioned. aged 16 and above that they can refuse treatment, which The pressures on GPs and others for referrals to out-patient might sometimes undermine the work and values of and in-patient services are growing. Anorexia and Bulimia parents. The number of complaints that I have received Care—I pay great tribute to that leading national charity, on that issue reflects the fact that it is a systemic among other good ones, on eating disorders—has told concern. One set of parents told me about their 16-year-old me that adult sufferers can wait up to nine months or child who was living at home—I know that this illness even a year to receive treatment. That is profoundly covers all ages and not just 16-year-olds. They were damaging for adults, but think of young children who responsible for feeding and looking after her, but were are susceptible to rapid weight loss waiting, at a time excluded from her care. Such treatment might well have when they are growing. That wait for treatment while perpetuated the illness, and the dire straits that she was the right service is found could quickly put their life in in; she may have been at the stage of trying to manipulate danger. the system. These 16-year-olds, who are often intelligent Training in the complexities of eating disorders has and able young people, know the system as well as been mentioned, but the general training that should be anyone else, and their manipulation of it can hinder the mainstreamed for GPs does not exist. Health professionals practical medical process of recovery. wrongly diagnose patients, mishandle their cases and Mental health legislation, including the Mental Capacity lack sensitivity and proper judgment. Short time allocations Act 2005, and the inherent jurisdiction of the High for appointments mean that GPs cannot get to the heart Court are interwoven in the treatment of this complex of the physical and emotional needs of patients, who condition. We must also consider how we link in the require time and cannot simply be moved on quickly. organisations on the ground, such as CAMHS, to ensure They need a proper rapport with GPs and investigations that we involve all the relevant bodies in the health and that involve the wider health community. With the care of our loved ones. Stigma and public misconception pressures on GPs, are patients properly followed up, are also important issues, as the attitudes of the public rather than allowed to slide into both physical and and of health service professionals can hinder treatment. mental danger? I want to leave the final word to the experts—the Sadly, among the most common causes of death are families, who, sadly, have never wanted to be experts in heart failure and, indeed, suicide, and the issue therefore this area. These are the sorts of stories that I hear all needs to be grappled with properly and carefully. We must too often. One constituent became concerned about ensure sensitivity in the handling of that long-term their daughter’s sudden loss of weight. They went to their involvement—because shortages in treatment services mean GP, who made a referral to the local CAMHS team, 343WH Eating Disorder Awareness14 FEBRUARY 2013 Eating Disorder Awareness 344WH which passed the matter on to the specialist eating that a referral would be made to the CAMHS team. disorder unit at the Royal Free hospital. The first The parents were desperate. Their child had become appointment came up a couple of months later. The girl psychotic and was in danger of starvation. The mother saw a consultant and dietician weekly or fortnightly. said, She attended various groups and family therapy sessions, “Even though I knew, hearing the doctor actually say ‘Anorexia’ but at no time did she receive any individual therapy. made it real. ‘Anorexic? No way! She’s normal. She’s clever. She Four months later, the child became abusive and wouldn’t do this. She is not one of those silly girls!’ The guilt. The violent towards her family. Despite attending regular feelings of desperation, the sheer magnitude of what was happening was overwhelming. What a terrible parent I was! How could I hospital appointments, her intake of food was becoming have let this happen? How could I have not realised?” more and more restricted. Her weight loss continued until she became skeletal. At times, the parents were in There were no terrible parents involved in that story. desperation. They phoned the hospital, pleading with it This is an issue that must be tackled at an earlier stage, to admit their child, because they were reaching a point so parents do not go through that desperate nightmare. where they just could not cope. The response from the In conclusion, there is a good end to that story—well, hospital was that in its opinion hospitalisation was not not so much an end as a positive outcome. deemed necessary. Another parent who had the help of ABC and who The parents felt completely helpless and as if they used Rhodes Farm clinic said that they considered their were battling the illness on their own. That went on daughter to be one of the lucky ones who has, through until they found a helpline number for Anorexia and that excellent treatment facility, been given the chance Bulimia Care, which proved to be a lifeline. A doctor of having a full life again one day. They said, “For every eventually saw their daughter, who was so poorly that such one, there are 100 others who are not receiving the they were unable to get a blood pressure reading. There care they need or deserve for this dreadful illness, but was no hospital involvement or admission at that stage, hopefully they will.” As hon. Members on both sides of but the parents realised how important it was, and that the House have said today, we can, hopefully, help to their daughter needed to be admitted. Indeed she was change that. admitted, not to an NHS clinic, but to Rhodes Farm clinic, which provides exceptional care. ABC underwrote 2.56 pm the cost of treatment. We have been battling ever since to try to get the health service to take some responsibility Tessa Munt (Wells) (LD): I congratulate the hon. for that cost of treatment. Members for Romsey and Southampton North (Caroline Since then, there has been progress. No one would Nokes), for Enfield, Southgate (Mr Burrowes), and for say that the girl is out of the woods, because it is a North Tyneside (Mrs Glindon) on recognising the continuing process, but for her to be able to take food, importance of eating disorders awareness week 2013. gain weight steadily, feed the mind and the brain, and As we have heard, more than 1.6 million people in the engage with processes has helped. The parents have said UK are affected by eating disorders; they are young, that without the support of ABC, they dread to think middle aged and older. They are every age from eight to where they would be today; it saved their lives. 80, and they are women and men. This serious mental illness has the highest mortality rate of any mental I have another example, which involves not lay people illness. but a local doctor, who says: Over the past 25 years, the incidence of eating disorders “doctors know all about Anorexia and the best way to treat it, and the latest development in treatment—WRONG!” has increased enormously. There are many possible contributory factors. I observe the tiny size of models, She goes on to say: actors and actresses, and screen, tabloid and magazine “The help was not there. The doctors at best were sympathetic, heroines and heroes; the cult of celebrity; the obsession at worst were downright dangerous.” with gyms and exercise; the constant barrage of advertising This is the mother of an intelligent and gifted daughter. through every medium; the pressure on us to diet and to She said that she could have been anyone’s 15-year-old, eat low-fat, low-calorie food; the ranges of “light” foods and yes, it could have happened to a boy as well as a on sale and the so-called “healthy eating” regimes. girl. She was a normal loving child. The mother told me There is bullying and name calling in the playground, in what happened: the workplace and during our leisure, and pressure to “We went to doctors, paediatricians, bowel specialists. They remove what is called excess weight and achieve someone found nothing wrong with her stomach. I told them of my else’s idea of a perfect body shape. We have life on the worries. ‘Oh no. She is not thin enough to be anorexic!’” run. Eating on the go is now more common. There is an The daughter was asked whether she was eating. “Yes”, absence of what I used to have: formal lunchtime at she said. “Well, you need to eat more, sweetie”, her school, at which a teacher sat at my table and watched mother said. The daughter promised that she would try, me eat—even the semolina. If a child takes in a packed lunch, they can give it away or bin it, and no one has “But she didn’t. Always there was an excuse.” any control or sight of what they are eating. The problem got worse. It is a familiar story: [MR CHARLES WALKER in the Chair] “Every time we mentioned food or insisted on eating, she threw plates, broke things, kicked, screamed, destroyed her room. I also observe that things are different from when I Her brain was now completely malnourished, starved of even was young, which was quite a long while ago. Young basic nutrients. She had the look of a wild, caged animal. She told women are often physically mature at a very early age. It us…she was a bad person and wanted to die. ‘Please let me die is confusing for an eight, nine or 10-year-old to find out mummy’ she would scream.” that they are much larger than their friends; they will Eventually, the parents got her to casualty and were not necessarily understand that their body is getting told that she most likely had anorexia. The doctors said ready for full maturity. 345WH Eating Disorder Awareness14 FEBRUARY 2013 Eating Disorder Awareness 346WH

[Tessa Munt] There are very few doctors who specialise in the treatment of children with eating disorders, so the waiting We can even look to an escalating divorce rate, which lists for children who need to access those doctors are means that many of us are single. There is huge social often dangerously long. Eating disorders must be a pressure to have a partner, and there is the implication condition that students are taught about in medical that in order to count, we must be gorgeous, attractive school, and awareness of them must be included in or at least half of a couple, rather than an individual, the postgraduate training of GPs, psychiatrists and with our own rights and responsibilities. I recognise that paediatricians. If children were seen early in their illness I am saying this on Valentine’s day. My list, of course, is by professionals working as part of a multidisciplinary not exhaustive, but feeling inadequate, worthless and team, so that parents were given the consistent, sensible lacking in self-esteem are common factors, and the list advice they needed on how to re-feed their child, and if starts to provide some clues to the settings in which patients were seen by a family therapist and an individual eating disorders can be triggered, and how they are therapist, as well as having a medical doctor who understood sustained. That constant pressure has contributed to the long and short-term risks, and who could make a the suffering of those 1.6 million people, and their referral to an in-patient unit before the patient became families and carers. irreversibly damaged, we would have fewer chronically ill adults in later life. So often, eating disorders are evident when a patient perceives that choosing whether they eat or not is the No one should die from an eating disorder. At present, only area of his or her life where he or she can exert however, there are more deaths from eating disorders complete control. Anorexia and bulimia are serious than from any other mental illness, and it is estimated mental illnesses, and need recognition and the appropriate that 10% of all sufferers of eating disorders die as a responses from our national health service. In the next result of their condition. For adults, the courts always few minutes, I will refer to anorexia, but I want it to be support an application for nasogastric feeding, but tragically noted that my concerns also relate to bulimia and eating the request for a court order is often made too late, or disorders generally. not at all. However, working with children with eating disorders reveals another serious problem, one that Most patients with an eating disorder in this country interferes with the ability to help them. That problem is struggle to find effective treatment. They may find that the implications of the Children Act 1989, which deems a GP looks at the figures, and not what is in front of children of 16 capable of making their own decisions them—the patient. I refer to cases where patients are about treatment. However, anorexic patients rarely want told that they are “not ill enough”, and that their body to eat voluntarily. Although many of them are crying mass index would need to be lower for them to qualify out for help, the guilt wrapped around food and eating for referral for help or treatment. When they do qualify, means that they need someone to help them to eat, and in many cases patients are admitted to medical wards in not someone to ask their permission as to whether they hospitals where the nurses unfortunately know little would like to eat. about psychiatric problems, and even less about nutrition. Patients are given little or no family therapy or individual Despite an excellent ruling a few years ago, which in therapy. summary states that anyone who seeks to starve themselves to death is not competent to make decisions, we nevertheless Others go to psychiatric units, where they are offered require 16-year-olds to give written consent before they psychological support, but where their physical problems can be admitted to a medical unit. There are some units and need for weight gain are severely neglected. The few where, in order to protect themselves and their staff, this good dedicated units, which combine re-feeding with permission is sought from 14 and 15-year-olds. Once therapy and education, are mostly privately run. However, children are in the unit, if they refuse to eat, no staff at £700 a night, these units are often out of the reach of member would dare use a nasogastric tube for fear of most families, unless their primary care trust or its being sued. Until the passage of the Children Act 1989, replacement NHS organisation funds the treatment. units treated anyone under the age of 18 and fed them if and when necessary, requiring only parental consent. I want to concentrate particularly on the problems What a ridiculous situation we are now in. The reality facing children and young people with anorexia and of the current situation leaves parents feeling completely bulimia. In hospitals all over the country, there are ineffectual and frustrated. It also leaves the child feeling children and young people—some as young as seven or quietly victorious, as they go on their way home with eight—who are being treated by doctors and nurses medical permission not to eat. who have very little training in dealing with eating disorders, and who often have no knowledge of how to Today we find ourselves in the ludicrous situation set a safe target weight. Sometimes, they weigh patients whereby staff have to tell parents of often very ill who still have their clothes on, or who have their pockets children who will not consent to eat that they must wait filled with kitchen weights, or who have their stomachs until their daughter or son loses another x number of filled with three or four litres of water. Families are not kilos, whereupon that young person can be sectioned given the support they need, or clear-cut advice. Patients under the Mental Health Acts and treated compulsorily. see a different doctor or specialist at each appointment, That puts lives at increased risk, and being sectioned is and the appointments are too far apart. Little heed is an overly serious response to the problem. We should paid to the patient’s physical condition. I have heard seek a more appropriate solution. Being sectioned about children attending out-patient clinics because of jeopardises any hopes that that child in recovery might their weight loss, but having neither their pulse nor their have of joining the armed forces, for example, or becoming blood pressure taken. Monitoring pulse and blood pressure a doctor or nurse, which is particularly sad, because is vital if we are to prevent a child from collapsing, and when they have recovered, many of these children are if we are to know when a child needs hospital admission. attracted to working in the caring professions, such as 347WH Eating Disorder Awareness14 FEBRUARY 2013 Eating Disorder Awareness 348WH health care. The Children Act might need to be amended, Twenty-four hours ago, the debate was not on my so that we are able to treat children who are damaging horizon at all, but in discussion with colleagues yesterday, their health through starvation before they become so I was very taken by some of the numbers that were ill that their lives are in danger. bandied around. Today, having heard the opening speech The hon. Members for Romsey and Southampton by my hon. Friend the Member for Romsey and North, and for Enfield, Southgate, and I have met the Southampton North (Caroline Nokes), I felt compelled Under-Secretary of State for Education, the hon. Member to say something in the debate. I come relatively new to for Crewe and Nantwich (Mr Timpson), who is the this issue. I have sat here listening to powerful, passionate Minister with responsibility for children, to explore the and informed speeches, and mine will be nothing like legal situation regarding the Mental Health Acts. I am that. However, I hope it will give an insight into the very glad that the Minister of State, Department of epiphany I have had over the past 24 hours. Health, my hon. Friend the Member for North Norfolk The numbers have been referred to many times this (Norman Lamb) is here today. I am grateful to him for afternoon, but what strikes me is that although 2,500 people agreeing to meet us to explore whether practical solutions in my constituency may suffer from an eating disorder, are available, or inventable, to allow those who care for not one has contacted me, either before the debate or young people with eating disorders to trigger some in the two and a half years I have been a Member of action short of using sentencing as a route to treatment Parliament. I hope that is because the services they receive and help. from the primary care trust and the mental health trust I particularly want to recognise the work of two are exemplary, but I would be surprised if that was the charities. One is the Somerset and Wessex Eating Disorders case. I therefore encourage constituents who are struggling Association, or SWEDA, which is a user-led registered to access the services they need to contact me. charity based in Wells in Somerset, in my constituency. I was also struck by the fact that 1.6 million people It works on the principle of self-help, and its phone nationwide have been identified as suffering from an number is 07511 499 494. It has an online “health eating disorder, but that number could be as high as unlocked” community, and people can seek support 4.2 million, because we count only those who have and advice about self-help through that group. presented and who are seeking treatment. Another thing The second charity is, of course, Anorexia and Bulimia that struck me was that a quarter of those people could Care, or ABC, which is a national registered charity be men. that also happens to be based in my constituency. It is As I said, I came new to this subject. Following my doing an amazing job. ABC was founded and is governed, discussions yesterday evening, I eventually went home. run and supported by people whose lives have been My children—I am fortunate to have two, who are 22 and touched by eating disorders. It offers kindness and 20—were up. Our television is currently broken, so one compassion to sufferers at a time when they are desperate of our pastimes is talking to each other, which is a novel and alone. It has staff, professional advisers and a experience, I have to admit. We got talking about what I national network of volunteers, all of whom are carers had been discussing—this afternoon’s debate and my or recovered sufferers. It provides positive, practical intention to come along and perhaps make an intervention advice by telephone, by e-mail and via its website. It to highlight the fact that a quarter of those suffering also offers a befriending service, and a range of literature from an eating disorder may be men. and training advice. Lastly, it has a young people’s blog, I was surprised by my children’s responses, and I am called “To be honest”. ABC’s work is fantastic and its going to refer to them. I have texted my children to telephone number is 03000 11 12 13. That number will apologise to them in advance, in case I embarrass them. lead to a parent helpline, a sufferer helpline and a I was shocked because both of them talked about self-harm helpline. friends and acquaintances who had suffered from eating We need a fairer system. Every child who develops an disorders. What took me aback most, however, was that eating disorder should have access to first-class treatment, they both admitted that they had probably had an rather than the somewhat cobbled-together, inadequate encounter with some form of eating disorder. For the provision that most have to accept. It is time that this record, that has not manifested itself in anything particularly life-threatening and debilitating illness was taken more serious, and they both see what the pattern was at the seriously, and I truly hope that the Minister will consider time, but it could have been serious, and that is why I what changes might be made to ensure that fewer lives felt compelled to speak. are lost, recovery comes more quickly and families do I want to say a little about what my children said, and not suffer the terrible consequences that often come about what I think the reasons behind what they said with loving a patient with an eating disorder. were. My son, Tom, is 22. He is a fitness trainer and he Lastly, I appeal to all those who suffer from this runs a gym. He is a health fanatic: he is very fit, he is challenging mental illness: there is hope, and there is always at the gym and he plays rugby football. He help out there for you. Our responsibility is to make recognised some time ago that he was getting to the sure it is better and easier for you to accept treatment point where, however much exercise he took, he still felt and help. there was too much fat on him. He was deliberately avoiding food and certain other things to try to slim down. There is not an ounce of fat on him, and he does 3.10 pm not need to do that. He knows that now, but at the time, Stephen Metcalfe (South Basildon and East Thurrock) for whatever reason, he felt he had to change his body (Con): It is very generous of you to call me, Mr Walker, shape. because I had not intended to speak in the debate. I am My daughter, who is 20, is incredibly slim. She suffered not sure I will detain Members long, because I am not the reverse problem from my son: people would accuse sure what I am going to say. her of perhaps having an eating disorder, when she did 349WH Eating Disorder Awareness14 FEBRUARY 2013 Eating Disorder Awareness 350WH

[Stephen Metcalfe] We also need to educate young men. We need to say that eating disorders are serious and affect not only not think she had one. The problem was that that gave young women, but young men. If young men do not her cause for concern and made her ask whether she seek help, that can have ramifications for the rest of perhaps did have an eating disorder. As it happens, she their lives. We therefore need to help them deal with any does not; she is fine—she is just a slim girl. Both my stigma that might be associated with that. children therefore felt under pressure because of the The problem, which is obviously serious, has only way other people saw them, or because of their perception come to my knowledge in any great detail in the past of the way other people saw them. 24 hours. The condition affects all parts of society and I know the reasons behind eating disorders are complex, all ages, and crosses social divides. I hope that through and we have heard about them, but the thing that debates such as this one, and awareness week, and the concerns me most is the idea of body image, of perfection information that I have been provided with, we can and of trying to be something that we cannot be. We push the agenda a little further onward, so that we can know the numbers: only 5% of us could ever get close to help those who are in desperate suffering, many of the perfect image we see in the press and the media. The whom suffer in silence. I am grateful to my hon. Friend rest of us are struggling to conform to that or just to be the Member for Romsey and Southampton North for comfortable in ourselves. That is one of the main drivers obtaining the debate, and I am grateful for the opportunity of this issue. Those who get past their brush with an to speak, and to become more informed about an eating disorder may do so because they see through important issue. that. However, if there are other pressures in people’s lives—pressures relating to relationships, family breakdown, 3.20 pm the future, money and education—they might trigger Mr Brooks Newmark (Braintree) (Con): I apologise the body image issues that push people towards having for not being here at the beginning of the debate. I was a fully-fledged eating disorder. co-sponsoring the debate in the Chamber on violence The other thing that surprised me is that eating against women and girls and could not be in two places disorders are on both sides of the gender divide, and at once. Like my hon. Friend the Member for South they affect old and young alike—there is pressure on Basildon and East Thurrock (Stephen Metcalfe) I did not just the young, but all of us. However, I want to not really expect to speak in the debate, but I want to focus most on young men such as my son, who perhaps pay tribute to my hon. Friend the Member for Romsey felt under pressure to change his image. and Southampton North (Caroline Nokes), who has not only taken a huge interest in the issue but has taken There is the statistic that gay men are twice as likely on a leadership role. She has persuaded me to out as straight men to suffer from an eating disorder, and I myself—but not in the way my hon. Friend the Member can see how that could well be true. However, when we for South Basildon and East Thurrock might think. It hear that the proportion of men, including young men, was the speech that you made, Mr Walker, that inspired suffering from eating disorders could be between 11% me to think that those of us in a leadership role who and 25%, how can we have any confidence that those have had problems must take on the responsibility of figures are accurate, given that one is more than double talking about them. If we do not, people will think that the other? We do not know how widespread this problem we glided to the top easily and that life was easy. is. Gay men may be more prone to coming forward to seek help, and straight men may not seek help. I do not I am 14 stone, but as a 17-year-old I was not. I had know, and I suspect we will not know until we do more many issues that I did not understand, which caused research. However, we do know that there has been a me, one day, simply to stop eating. I had no support. I 68% increase in 10 years in the number of men presenting was at boarding school, and boarding schools in the with an eating disorder, and the number is still rising. ’70s were not exactly sympathetic to young boys who We therefore need to take action. had problems. I felt, for whatever reason, under enormous pressure, and my weight plummeted to 8 stone. I did not One remark that struck me earlier was from my hon. know what was happening. All I knew was that I could Friend the Member for Enfield, Southgate (Mr Burrowes), not eat. I just stopped eating. A memory that has always who said that if we are not aware of a family member, a stuck with me is being at school with a plate of food in friend or a constituent with an eating disorder, we are front of me, and knowing, in my head, that I wanted to out of touch. Well, I have to say that I probably was out eat. I said, “I want to eat this: I know there is something of touch. I feel less out of touch now, and I am grateful wrong with me.” Intuitively, I knew that, but I could not to my hon. Friends for putting me back in touch, but eat. I remember taking a pea and putting it in my that, I think, is one of the issues, and I referred to this mouth, and simply not being able to swallow it. I want earlier in an intervention. I am not sure that, as a people to imagine how frightening that is. I was not parent, I fully understood some of the tell-tale, early- hungry, but I knew I had to eat. warning signs, and I do not know how we get that information across to parents, especially parents of It was only years later that I began to understand boys. what I was then going through, and I shall explain later how I got out of it, but it was not through the help of We have to help parents accept that these problems any outside party. I was under a huge amount of stress. are not their fault, and they need not to feel the guilt I would get blinding headaches, and take aspirin to try that is perhaps associated with this issue. They can then to deal with them. That lead to addiction to the aspirin, signpost those who are suffering towards help at an and they did not help. I knew I was under a lot of stress earlier stage, rather than hiding the issue from themselves because I would vomit every day. It was not bulimia. I because it does not fit with the way they view their did not have anything in me to be sick; but clearly I was family set-up. under huge stress. I have five children, and thank God 351WH Eating Disorder Awareness14 FEBRUARY 2013 Eating Disorder Awareness 352WH nothing has gone wrong with them, but when they have of being skinny was that when I got to Harvard—and I stress symptoms such as tummy aches I can relate to was very skinny—they said, “Why don’t you come and that. I understand that the tummy ache may not be cox the Harvard crew?” I was a crewsman and coxed at from eating something wrong, but from some sort of 120 lb, which is the minimum weight. I was certainly the stress. I think that that has made me a little more tallest cox on a national level at university. I never really empathetic as a parent. found out what was going on at the time. I was lucky Other factors are fear—fear of failure in school or of enough to be able to figure a way to help myself, which letting down parents, for whatever reason; relationships perhaps most people are not. that do not work; and, probably, a huge amount of I have come up with some thoughts on what we can anger, as a teenager. For reasons that, again, I did not do for people who cannot help themselves in the way I understand at the time, there was a lot of anger. I know was lucky enough to. First is education—for those in no one ever saw me smile. I suspect that a strange the health care profession, who I still do not think are combination of stress, fear and anger created a tipping up to speed. I get the sense that many general practitioners point for me, as a 17-year-old, when I just stopped do not understand the issue or are not sympathetic. eating. The reactions were varied, and none was particularly Teachers also need to be educated. They need to spot helpful, with a lack of understanding from my school. what is going on and to respond. Parents need to be My parents did not know what the hell was going on, better educated to spot what is going on, to see what the but they were concerned. My mother, who is a Jewish symptoms are and to try to ensure that their child, mother, would say, “Eat, eat.” That is the Jewish mother’s whether a boy or a girl, receives the help they need. solution to everything: “You must eat more”. The problem is a mental health issue; it all starts with The problem was not what is perhaps usually the the mind. There are no short-term fixes. An individual problem with many women—body image. It was something needs long-term help—it is not two, four, six or eight else. Clearly it was psychological, and I approach the weeks. There is no timeline to this. I appreciate that we matter very differently. It is not simply about the physical have budget constraints, but mental health care is almost body. In my view unless the mind is healed the body will the orphan when it comes to health care in this country. never be healed. In coming up with a solution I begin There are many forms of mental illness, which we have with the mind: eating was not going to work, because I talked about in other debates, and eating disorders are a had not sorted out whatever was going on up there in mental health issue. I ask the Minister to look into the my mind. I did not get much sympathy from the school issue to see how we can provide more support for other than isolation and teasing from a lot of the other people. boys. I certainly did not have any therapy, because men As I said, I was lucky enough to help myself. I want in boarding schools do not have therapy. It is just not to thank my hon. Friend the Member for Romsey and the done thing. I had to help myself. Southampton North for helping me come to talk to hon. Members about my experience. It is helpful that I am aware of other stories. A girl in my constituency people out there know that there is life after going had huge problems, one of which was that she could not through something like this. I went on to be well educated; get the care she needed, because at certain times her I went to Harvard and Oxford. I made some money in body mass index was not quite right. I thought that was the City, and I am here today as a Member of Parliament. a stupid reason for not looking after her. One could tell There is life after anorexia, though I would not recommend straight away that she had a problem. It is a bit like what the latter. I look forward to hearing the Minister’s happens with speed bumps in the road. A lot of traffic speech. goes up and down a road, but unless a certain number of people are killed we will not put speed bumps in it. That seems a little counter-intuitive to me. My constituent’s 3.32 pm parents told me that her second problem was that she Andrew Gwynne (Denton and Reddish) (Lab): It is a would go in for four or six weeks and be given a quick pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Walker. fix, and hey presto suddenly everything would be sort of I congratulate the hon. Member for Romsey and all right. She would be fed up a bit, and her BMI would Southampton North (Caroline Nokes) on securing this be got over whatever the magic mark is, then she would important debate, particularly as we mark eating disorders be sent back out again. That was three or four years awareness week, and on the extremely powerful case ago—so it is a recent example of the problems and the that she made in opening the debate. I, too, want to lack of understanding of the issues. commend the work of the all-party parliamentary group, I was lucky. Eventually, after three or four months of because it has ensured that this debate has been incredibly being able to eat hardly anything, I found one thing I well informed. The debate has provided us with an could eat. If I went down to the Chinese restaurant I opportunity to highlight the issue not only in Parliament, could eat fried rice. I found something I could start to but, hopefully, in the media and the wider health sector, take in. That is how I began to repair my body slightly— including among national health service staff, so that through an attraction, for whatever reason, to fried rice we can all examine what more we can do to help those from a Chinese restaurant. However, the big positive with eating disorders. I also commend the personal thing for me was a change of environment. I was lucky contribution of the hon. Member for Braintree enough to get into Harvard, and that different environment (Mr Newmark), who showed extreme courage in sharing outside the UK gave me, suddenly, a lot of self-confidence. his experiences with us today. He has really helped to It gave me a place to go from an unhappy space in my inform the debate, and I thank him for sharing those life. Even today I probably do not understand what was personal experiences. going on there, but I was clearly unhappy, so moving to I pay tribute and offer my appreciation and thanks to a more friendly space where I could almost reinvent Beat, a national eating disorders charity, and it would myself helped me to get a lot better. One of the advantages be unfair not to mention also Anorexia and Bulimia 353WH Eating Disorder Awareness14 FEBRUARY 2013 Eating Disorder Awareness 354WH

[Andrew Gwynne] access to images that encourage the individual to believe that an eating disorder—we have heard this in the Care, and some of the other local charities that hon. debate—is a lifestyle choice. Surely that is wrong, especially Members have mentioned. According to Beat, eating as the number of hospital admissions for eating disorders disorders affect 1.6 million people in the United Kingdom, is growing. which is one in 39 people or 2.6% of the population. Statistically, that means that around 2,000 people at a A report last year from the health and social care top premier league club home game will have an eating information centre shows that the number of hospital disorder; 11 passengers on a jumbo jet; or more than admissions for eating disorders has risen by 16% to 200,000 people here in Greater London. Therefore I am 2,288, a point that was eloquently made by my hon. pleased that, throughout eating disorders awareness Friend the Member for North Tyneside (Mrs Glindon).Of week 2013, Beat will highlight that the illnesses are far those admissions, 203 were men or boys. The statistics more common than perhaps most people would think also reveal that more than 50 under-10-year-olds were or appreciate. The theme of this year’s campaign is admitted to hospital with an eating problem, and the “Everybody knows somebody”. It is a laudable aim of biggest increase in admissions was among girls aged 10 the campaign to encourage people to reach out to to 15, which are up 69% since 2011. We must recognise others—whether a partner, work colleague, best friend, that social media and pro-anorexia sites can affect those brother or sister—to talk about the illnesses, to express who may already be vulnerable to eating disorders and their concerns and to seek help before they reach who already feel pressured. I am pleased to see that hospitalisation stage. there have been at least some positive changes in the media. Last year, Vogue announced that it was banning Eating disorders primarily affect young women aged 18 models with visible signs of eating disorders from its to 25, but of course not exclusively. Most people would glossy pages, and the editor of British Vogue pledged consider them as a young girls’ disease, and there is a not to use any models under the age of 16, thereby great deal of stigma and misunderstanding still attached helping to project an image of healthy models. to the issue. Conditions such as anorexia, bulimia, binge eating and compulsive overeating have high mortality I also notice that Channel 4, alongside other broadcasters, rates for mental health illnesses. Up to 20% of those has actively sought to raise awareness of body image affected may die prematurely. I was interested in the issues, including a wide range of eating disorders, among contribution of my right hon. Friend the Member for its audiences through a number of programmes and Knowsley (Mr Howarth) regarding diabulimia, which is online projects such as “Gok’s Teens: The Naked Truth”, something I was not aware of, so I thank him for which looked at British teenagers and offered advice on sharing that with us today. how to address their issues and anxieties, focusing As we have also heard, an increasing number of particularly on teens suffering from body dysmorphia men—some 20% of those affected—have an eating and anorexia. The programme also included an examination disorder. An important contribution was made by the of the impact that the media and internet can have on hon. Member for South Basildon and East Thurrock young people’s body image. Clearly, the more programmes (Stephen Metcalfe) in highlighting that issue. However, in the media highlight those problems, the better the there can also be issues with older people, particularly chances of eliminating stigma and increasing understanding the elderly and frail, for whom recognising an eating among the wider public. Media and social media have a disorder may be problematic. Beat is right that the role to play in addressing all of those issues, and I hope problem can affect anyone at any time in their life. that media organisations work closely with eating disorder charities to introduce more positive stories and messages. The media have a central role to play in the issue and, in many ways, have a great responsibility. Some media People who are experiencing an eating disorder often images of excessive thinness must play a large part in feel alone and need to be provided with good advice. We encouraging, particularly, young people to aim for an need to bring an end to the stigma surrounding the unrealistic body weight and risk becoming anorexic. condition. There is also a need for good advice for those What has perhaps been more worrying is the recent who may be able to spot the symptoms, such as family trend in social media that could encourage eating disorders. members or teachers, so that we can ensure that people The hon. Member for Romsey and Southampton North are aware of the problems. Of course, the media have an and others have raised that issue in their contributions. I important role to play in highlighting that. The symptoms am a father of three young children. I have two sons—one of an eating disorder include finding reasons to skip has a birthday today; he is a teenager, because he is meals, avoiding family meals or expressing a wish to eat 13—but I worry particularly about my daughter, who is alone, being noticeably self-conscious about body image 11 and very conscious of some of the unrealistic images or becoming very withdrawn. Those are all known that she gets bombarded with. It is a concern of mine, warning signs. Clearly, anything that can help to identify as a father, and no doubt of other hon. Members who the risk signs and help those affected to confide in have children. I can see how the problem could start to parents or teachers can only be positive. We know that escalate. There were concerns earlier this year with the sooner people come forward, the sooner treatment online sites such as Instagram, which appeared to allow can start and the better the outcomes. Of course, we users to view pictures encouraging eating disorders and should also consider how to raise awareness in the self-harming. According to press reports, some of the national health service and to ensure that staff know messages on the website encouraged people not to eat. about such conditions, can identify the signs of an That is incredibly concerning, because Instagram has eating disorder and are able to offer the right treatment more than 80 million users worldwide. The growing as early as possible. We should consider how to ensure influence of a variety of social media and the popularity that all health professionals are fully aware of the of phone apps give people, especially young people, symptoms. 355WH Eating Disorder Awareness14 FEBRUARY 2013 Eating Disorder Awareness 356WH

This is not the time or the place to make political 3.47 pm points. The Minister knows the concerns of Opposition The Minister of State, Department of Health (Norman Members about the new NHS structures, but I urge Lamb): It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, him, in the spirit of co-operation—the hon. Lady made Mr Walker. You are an appropriate Chair for this this point in her opening contribution—to ensure that debate because of your interest in mental health and the commissioners within the new NHS structures take your willingness to speak out about your own experience, seriously the needs of those who may be at risk from which meant an enormous amount to those who are eating disorders and ensure that their needs are seen in fighting the stigma of mental health problems. Indeed, the round, because often a holistic approach to their my hon. Friend the Member for Braintree (Mr Newmark) health care needs is required. GPs, as commissioners of has done the same today. Such moments, when people services, may not always recognise the symptoms of are willing to speak out, are incredibly important in eating disorders. People must continue to receive the challenging and addressing the stigma of mental health help they need when they need it. My right hon. Friend problems in society. the Member for Knowsley, and the hon. Lady in an intervention, mentioned the treatment of diabulimia, I am deeply grateful to the members of the Backbench which starkly highlights the issue. The experience outlined Business Committee for convening this important debate. by the hon. Member for Enfield, Southgate (Mr Burrowes) It is good that Parliament has recently been willing to further reinforced those concerns. debate a number of different mental health issues in a way that perhaps has not happened in the past. Mr Walker, I hope that when people are diagnosed with an eating before Christmas you raised the issue of schizophrenia, disorder they get the help they need. Clearly, different on which we had a useful debate. The great value of people will require different treatments, and in some such debates is that they force people to think about an cases they will need access to mental health services. issue, just as my hon. Friend the Member for South When Opposition Members talk about whole-person Basildon and East Thurrock (Stephen Metcalfe) has care, we mean not only the adult social care needs of the today. His experience of recognising the problem, perhaps elderly but all society’s health needs. Eating disorders for the first time, and talking about it with his children are an important issue that should be included within demonstrates the great value of such occasions, because the concept of whole-person care. they force all of us to think about an issue. Indeed, they force officials in my Department to think about the There is an increasing incidence of eating disorders issue, too. I am grateful. among men, and both men and women are influenced I do not want to detain everybody unnecessarily, but by what they see in the media. Indeed, as reported in the I will devote a little time to responding to the specific Nursing Times, NHS figures show that there has been a issues that hon. Members have raised. If the hon. 66% increase in hospital admissions for male eating Member for Romsey and Southampton North (Caroline disorders during the past 10 years. That rise has been Nokes) does not mind, I will refer first to the speech by blamed on the increasing pressure on men to look good, my hon. Friend the Member for Braintree. I am so with the media again having a central role. The eating grateful that she persuaded him to come speak in this disorder charity Beat has said that men’s reluctance to debate, because he made an incredibly valuable contribution. be open about their health is hampering efforts to I was struck by his remarks about the huge stress address the problem. Again, I commend the hon. Member experienced by teenagers. As the father of two boys who for Braintree for his contribution to today’s debate. We have been through the teenage years, I am acutely aware should bear in mind that resources and treatments for of the pressure on teenagers and the impact that it can eating disorders are relevant to both male and female have on their mental and physical health. He discussed patients. huge stress, fear of failure and anger. I was struck by I have a couple of questions for the Minister, the first what he said: unless the mind is healed, the body cannot of which is on monitoring eating disorders. At present, heal. We must look at the problem holistically. as I understand it, the Government do not collate One problem with health care is that we have national statistics on the number of people affected by institutionalised fragmentation. We have managed to eating disorders who seek treatment. That would be a separate mental health from physical health, which is useful tool for assessing the overall need and geographical ultimately not a good thing. We must consider the breakdown of eating disorders. What plans does he whole person. I know that the Opposition have been have in place to begin monitoring eating disorders? talking about that. It should not be an issue for political Likewise, does he plan to review the guidance on eating disagreement; it is such an obvious thing to recognise. disorders issued by the National Institute for Health My hon. Friend the Member for Braintree discussed and Clinical Excellence under the previous Government? the need for education and raising awareness, including among parents. The strain, stress and anxiety that parents There is overwhelmingly broad agreement on both go through must not be underestimated. Improved sides of the House that identifying eating disorders as awareness is needed in society of this range of conditions. soon as possible is important and that people should He said that mental health care was the orphan within receive appropriate treatment as soon as possible, too. the NHS, which is absolutely true. There is an institutional Again, I pay tribute to the work of eating disorder bias against mental health. The way that money flows charities and the all-party group on body image, which within the NHS disadvantages mental health. There is have done so much to highlight the issue. Although they an 18-week target for physical health care and a tariff, have done a great deal, there is clearly so much more meaning that every patient takes money with them into that society can do to take on this challenge and to acute hospitals. Money is sucked through into acute ensure that we all work together to prevent more tragedies hospitals, and there is great political pressure from and blighted lives. every side to maintain the 18-week target. There is no 357WH Eating Disorder Awareness14 FEBRUARY 2013 Eating Disorder Awareness 358WH

[Norman Lamb] The hon. Member for South Derbyshire (Heather Wheeler) made a helpful contribution and discussed the equivalent in mental health. There is no right of access. need to raise awareness of eating disorders. She mentioned Waiting nine months to access care and treatment is personal, social, health and economic education in schools. completely unacceptable. We must challenge that, and All schools are encouraged to provide young people he was absolutely right to raise it. He ended on a with good, age-appropriate education about sex and positive note. There can be life after anorexia, however relationships, but we are reviewing PSHE to establish tough it is to get through it. Some, terribly sadly, do not. how teaching can be improved. There is clearly a need I will return to that point in a moment. to improve the teaching in many schools. The hon. Member for Romsey and Southampton The hon. Member for North Tyneside (Mrs Glindon) North made some incredibly important points. She mentioned her local service, NIWE, and the important mentioned her local organisation, April House in work that it is doing. She spoke about the number of Southampton, and the fantastic work that it does, and people who are not diagnosed but who none the less she spoke about the absolute importance of raising suffer from eating disorders, and about the fact that awareness in primary care. Some people are lucky enough they have the highest mortality rate of any mental to find a GP who understands mental health and is illness. She said that early intervention was important. passionate about it, but some are not. Families with a I was struck by what the hon. Lady said about GP who just does not get it can be desperate; they have recovery groups. This morning I spoke at a conference nowhere to turn. There is a need to raise awareness. on mental health. I spoke specifically about recovery In the first mandate, a set of priorities published by and a new way of looking at mental health. We must the Government for the new NHS Commissioning Board, move from trying simply to treat the condition to working mental health has been given a higher priority than it collaboratively with professionals and people experiencing has ever had in the NHS. The mandate makes it clear the condition, and we must focus on recovery. Fantastic that the NHS is under a legal obligation to deliver results are being demonstrated from that shift in approach. demonstrable progress towards parity of esteem by It is frustrating that in some parts of the country, great 2015. That means treating mental health on a par with things are happening, but it is patchy, as many hon. physical health. By placing the commissioning board Members have said, and improvement is needed. She under that obligation and disseminating the message to also made the point that mental health is the poor clinical commissioning groups, we will start to make relation, as I have acknowledged. That must change. progress on forcing the system to recognise the importance I pay tribute to the hon. Member for Enfield, Southgate of treating mental health and physical health equally. It (Mr Burrowes), who has had to leave, for the work that will not happen overnight, but it is a journey that we he has done on addictions, focusing on treatment and must take to improve the condition of many people. recovery. He has been committed to improving the The hon. Lady discussed the impact on families and the experience of people suffering from a range of addictions. unfair sense of guilt that many experience. She also He, like other Members, discussed the growing prevalence mentioned waiting times, which in many cases are simply of the condition among teenage boys, which should unacceptable. worry us all. My hon. Friend the Member for Wells (Tessa Munt) spoke movingly. She mentioned the cult I am grateful to the right hon. Member for Knowsley of celebrity, pressure on youngsters, variability of services (Mr Howarth) for his contribution informing me and around the country and access to those, the quality of others about diabulimia. He discussed the rapid weight care being variable and the need for much improved loss that can occur with diabetes, and how some people training and for multidisciplinary teams. use the condition to lose weight in a dangerous way. He also said that in too many cases, a wrong diagnosis is Interestingly, my hon. Friend mentioned issues of made and the wrong treatment given as a result, and consent, a difficult area about which there are strong urged me to ensure that the condition was recognised views on both sides. I am acutely aware of the horrible better at a national level and the knowledge disseminated position of a parent wanting to help, but being unable through the system. I urge him to engage with the to because of the legal constraints that prevent them commissioning board. I am happy to work with him on from making an effective intervention. We need to think that, and for him to write to me on the issue. more about that, and the Children’s Minister is also involved in the discussion. My hon. Friend the Member for South Basildon and Mr George Howarth: I am grateful to the Minister for East Thurrock got it right. Fascinatingly, he talked the helpful way that he is addressing the problem. I have about his discussion with his children last night. I am so written to one of his ministerial colleagues on the pleased that his television is broken, because it has led matter. I arranged a meeting with her that she had to our being given a valuable insight that we might to cancel due to diary commitments, but I would be otherwise not have had. He mentioned the increasing more than happy to meet with him and anybody else prevalence among males, including among gay men, he wants, including Diabetes UK and Diabetics with which is a real concern. He also talked about the need Eating Disorders. I am sure they would be happy to for help for parents in understanding the condition accompany me. much better. The shadow Minister, the hon. Member for Denton Norman Lamb: I am nervous about treading on and Reddish (Andrew Gwynne), was right to talk about other ministerial toes, but I am sure that in one way or holistic care and the need to look at the whole individual. another we can get the issue addressed properly. I am I will mention other things that he said as I go through grateful to the right hon. Gentleman for informing me my speech. I wish his son a happy birthday today, as he so well. enters his teenage years. 359WH Eating Disorder Awareness14 FEBRUARY 2013 Eating Disorder Awareness 360WH

The hon. Gentleman asked a couple of questions. On who was about to secure straight As at A-level and collating national statistics, we have a long way to go on had dreams of going to Cambridge—between Duke of the collection and interpretation of data relating to Edinburgh’s awards and learning to fly helicopters—but mental health. I have a fortnightly meeting on mental tragically, Charlotte was a victim of anorexia, stolen health in my office, so that we maintain an absolute from her family in her prime, with her whole life ahead focus on achieving tangible improvements. We talked of her. That is what I meant when I said that for some, specifically about data yesterday. The Health and Social thankfully, there is life after anorexia—but not for Care Information Centre is getting more data but is not everyone. yet able, with the resources available, to interpret those. Charlotte’s parents, Christopher and Pauline, who I want the same resources applied to mental health as to are remarkable people, have campaigned tirelessly to physical health. That is a challenge that I have made to help others. Pauline even ran the London marathon in the system. pink wellies, such is her commitment. They are fantastic The hon. Gentleman mentioned National Institute people and their attitude was that they did not want for Health and Clinical Excellence guidance. NICE is other families to experience the same horror that they independent. I do not know whether there is a need for have gone through, so they have been determined to a review—a renewal—of the advice. I am happy to talk change things in their county of Norfolk. They discovered further to him about that. that there was no specialist commissioned service at all This is an occasion on which we should not just raise in their own county. This is what we find. Hon. Members awareness of the issue as part of eating disorders awareness have talked about the enormous gaps in services around week, but send a clear message to people with eating the country. disorders, their loved ones and families: we hear you As a result of Christopher’s and Pauline’s fantastic when you talk about your concerns. I am determined, as determination, there is now a specialist commissioned the Minister responsible for mental health, to do what I service, but it took their efforts to achieve it. Their can to help. efforts have helped to fund local centres and a helpline I pay tribute to the work of Beat, based in Norwich in in Norfolk, working with NHS Norfolk and the charity my county of Norfolk, which does brilliant work. Hon. Beat, which I have mentioned. Their focus is on early Members have also mentioned Anorexia and Bulimia intervention, helping people like Charlotte—helping Care and the fantastic work that it does. children, young people and adults as soon as they need Eating disorders can be tremendously dangerous and help. Charlotte’s decline was dramatic and rapid and damaging conditions. The UK has the highest rates of the wait, although nothing like the nine months that we eating disorders in Europe. But it is a disease that is have heard about, still was too long for her. often hidden, as hon. Members have said. Sufferers are Speedy access and early intervention are critical. That often unwilling to seek help or to recognise they have a is why our mental health strategy prioritises early problem. Reported cases are the tip of the iceberg. It is intervention and demonstrates how timely action can a disease that often strikes at the young. In 2009, the help. adult psychiatric morbidity survey showed that 20% of In many cases, eating disorders stem from low self-esteem 16 to 25-year-olds admitted to having “a problem with or are linked to stress and emotional problems. That is food”. That is a significant percentage. why our support for local organisations in improving According to the Health and Social Care Information mental health services locally is so important. Our Centre, in 2011-12 the biggest increase in hospital admissions mental health and suicide-prevention strategies both for eating disorders was among girls aged 10 to 15. The include actions that local organisations can take to shadow Minister, the hon. Member for Denton and improve mental health in their areas: ensuring that Reddish, mentioned admissions of those under 10, as children and parents get mental health support from well—shockingly, more than 50 children under 10 were birth; that schools and colleges promote good mental also admitted. health, alongside targeted support for those at risk of Valerie Vaz (Walsall South) (Lab): I apologise for not mental health problems; that public services recognise attending earlier, Mr Walker; I was in another debate in people, of all ages, at risk of mental health problems the main Chamber. I congratulate the hon. Member for and take appropriate, timely action; and that health Romsey and Southampton North (Caroline Nokes) on services step in early if there is psychosis or a crisis, to securing this debate. stop more serious problems occurring. The Minister mentioned young people. Will he say The right hon. Member for Knowsley and my hon. what services are available for 17-year-olds in terms of Friend the Member for Romsey and Southampton North continuity of care, as they move to adult services? raised the problem of transition—moving from being a young teenager at home to a young adult. Often the Norman Lamb: I will talk about that later. In so many problem is exacerbated by moving to university, where respects, we have problems with people falling through people suddenly lose contact with services that might the gap between children and adolescent mental health have been available to them at home. As my hon. Friend services and adult services, and that is matched in other mentioned specifically, that is where things can break areas, as well. There is a need to deal with this. The draft down. Away from friends and family, in a new and often Care and Support Bill deals with the transition from stressful environment and, crucially, registering with a teenage to adult services. I will return to that matter. I new GP, young people can often enter a spiral of thank the hon. Lady for her intervention. decline. The problem must be addressed. A generation of young people is growing up depressed I will now outline some of our ambitions for and unhappy with their relationship with food. I want services. From this April, the NHS Commissioning to tell hon. Members about a case in my constituency. Board will commission specialist services for eating Charlotte Robinson was a bright, outgoing young woman disorders for adults and children. Having one specialist 361WH Eating Disorder Awareness14 FEBRUARY 2013 Eating Disorder Awareness 362WH

[Norman Lamb] “given me my life back”. Their stories were both moving and inspiring and I pay tribute to all those who find the group to ensure that specialist services are commissioned courage to open up and to talk to others. Time to everywhere has the potential to improve the position in Change aims to increase the confidence of 100,000 people many parts of the country where such services are with mental health problems, helping to give them the inadequate or missing. The Commissioning Board will self-belief that they need to recover. develop a national service specification and encourage The Time to Change campaign also works with schools better planning, access and outcomes, helping to bridge to support children and young people facing problems the gap when someone moves and raising the level of of integration and bullying that can be caused by mental care throughout the country. health issues. I have not only signed up to committing We want clinical commissioning groups to commission the Department of Health to be an exemplar employer services with early intervention in mind. We also expect on mental health, but made the commitment to try to adult social services to work alongside CCGs to focus get every other Department to sign up as well. We existing support on early intervention, integration, cannot encourage others to behave in the right way personalisation and recovery. Social services have a role unless we practice what we preach. That is a challenge to play, involving service users as equal partners in for Government, and I have not yet achieved that aim, commissioning and monitoring services, ensuring that but I am determined to pursue it. services are designed for the people who use them. The reasons for eating disorders are complex, as has Public health services can articulate the many benefits been made clear in the debate this afternoon. Biology of good mental health and, because of their pivotal role and genetics play their part, but so too does the pressure in the new system, they can talk about mental health from our celebrity culture and the media. A recent directly with members of the public. The transfer of controversy ignited by stick-thin La Perla lingerie models public health to local government, alongside children’s erupted only last week, and it is important to send out services, social care and other services, with a seat on the message that organisations that do this sort of the health and wellbeing board, potentially gives it a advertising have a responsibility; they cannot opt out. prominence that it has not had in the past. The funding Government cannot do everything on its own. Everyone settlement for public health has also surprised many in society has a responsibility to get the right messages people, with significant real-terms increases this year out. I was pleased to hear the shadow Minister’s reference and next. There is great potential for a focus on public to Vogue, which has made a good commitment to avoid mental health in a way that we have not had in the past, getting out the wrong images. so I hope that we can take advantage in the best possible way of that opportunity. Caroline Nokes: This is an important point. Last Of course, the problem cannot be fixed by tweaking week, we had a controversy about La Perla using stick-thin the system. A huge stigma remains around mental models for its lingerie but, before Christmas, Marks & health, which means that in too many cases children Spencer used some “larger ladies” in lingerie advertising. and young people are not getting the support that they Some of them were almost a size 12. What would the need. That is particularly the case with eating disorders, Minister say to those in the health care professions who and people affected often feel marginalised and excluded, cited that advert as Marks & Spencer promoting and unable to talk about their suffering. The problems can celebrating obesity? be compounded if the sufferer is a man or suffering from a less stereotypical but no less serious eating disorder, such as atypical anorexia or a binge-eating Norman Lamb: I take the point and I am grateful to disorder. Personal testimony and the courage of individuals my hon. Friend for that intervention. We have to think in speaking out send a powerful message, and challenge before we speak on these things, to ensure that we do that stigma. not send out confusing messages. There is a problem of obesity in our society and it is causing serious concerns The Department of Health is therefore funding Time about a drift towards type 2 diabetes and a whole series to Change, a brilliant campaign that was started under of health consequences, but let us be balanced in what the previous Government but continues now. We are we say and not confuse youngsters in such an unhelpful providing £16 million between 2011-12 and 2014-15, the way. In the compelling words of Marya Hornbacher, in first time that Time to Change has had central Government her memoir of anorexia and bulimia, we are “turning funding. It will also get a further £4 million from Comic skeletons into goddesses” and teaching our children Relief, the second time that that charity has awarded its and impressionable young people to hate their own largest UK grant to Time to Change. Run by the bodies. That is why I am so grateful to my hon. Friend charities Mind and Rethink Mental Illness, Time to the Member for Romsey and Southampton North and Change is England’s most ambitious programme to end members of the all-party group on body image for their the stigma and the discrimination against mental health tireless work in addressing the causes and consequences through activities ranging from education to publicity. of body image anxiety.Through the Government Equalities It aims to reach 29 million members of the public, Office, the coalition Government are conducting our explaining mental health and helping them to understand own body confidence campaign, with three main aims: conditions, including eating disorders, that might at to raise awareness about body image and encourage a first seem alien or scary. more open and public conversation; to promote a world I was delighted that two young women from Time to where all healthy body shapes are represented, and Change came into the Department of Health recently people recognise that their value is far more than merely to speak about their own experiences of mental health. their physical appearance; and to widen the definition They spoke about how talking about their own mental of beauty to include all ages, ethnicities and healthy health had empowered them. One said that it had, sizes. 363WH Eating Disorder Awareness14 FEBRUARY 2013 Eating Disorder Awareness 364WH

Pro-anorexia and pro-bulimia websites, which were I am trying to send him to a different part of the country. mentioned by the shadow Minister, my hon. Friend the Everywhere in Essex begins with B. His contribution Member for Romsey and Southampton North and was fantastically personal and moving. I am convinced others, have grown significantly in recent years and are that many other hon. Members in the House have had represented on sites such as Facebook. They do not personal experience of eating disorders in their families cause eating disorders, but they play a significant role in or personally, and we must, as the Minister said, take exacerbating and reinforcing illness. Limited research is such disorders more seriously. I was delighted to hear available, but what there is shows us that a significant his words this afternoon about his personal commitment number of teenage girls in particular visit such sites, while he remains in his job—long may that be so. including a substantial proportion of young people I thank all hon. Members who spoke. Many were who already have an eating disorder. Disturbingly, nearly unable to be here for the full time, but they came and all of them report learning new weight-loss techniques went. Two important debates are taking place in the from the sites. I am extremely concerned about those House this afternoon, which were also granted by the sites but cannot take legal action against them as they Backbench Business Committee, so I am conscious that are not in themselves illegal and might also be hosted we have been competing with others for parliamentary overseas, but we continue to explore other, non-legislative time and attention. I want to take this opportunity to courses of action. For example, we recently worked reiterate some of the key points that we have made. with a media agency to run advertisements directing There must be continuity of care. We heard the youngsters to more appropriate sites, because there is important point about the transition from child services much good information out there on the internet, as to adult services, and how some sufferers can fall through well as dangerous sites. the gap. Equally, that transition, whether from school A couple of weeks ago, I met security companies to college or college to university, may be a tipping such as McAfee and Symantec, and urged them to work point for those who suffer eating disorders when they with groups such as the Samaritans, Beat and BeatBullying, need continuity of care. My strong argument to the as well as internet service providers, and to sign up to a Minister is that there must be flexibility in both specialist concordat, speeding up the reporting of harmful content services and GP services so that if a young person and blocking harmful websites. They told me they moves away to university, there is joined-up thinking would explore such a concordat. In turn, the Government and treatment, and no moment of crisis when a young would be willing to facilitate and support such an person does not get the care they need. initiative in any way we can. We have heard from hon. Members about the impact We cannot place all the blame at the feet of the of eating disorders on male sufferers. They are the media. That would dramatically underestimate the scale fastest-growing group, but that does not detract from and nature of the problem, but it is something we must the fact that clearly the majority of sufferers are women, challenge. Education and early intervention, keeping an and the vast majority are young women. eye out for symptoms, and providing relevant support One stark statistic that I want to close on is that 20% are simple things that can dramatically increase the of anorexia nervosa sufferers die from that condition. chances of recovery. We must do more to ensure early intervention so that Sufferers have asked us to listen. My message to them that number falls. is that we are listening. As I said, I have had personal I thank the Minister for his time, and you, Mr Walker, experience from my work in Norfolk of the horror of for chairing the debate. I also thank all hon. Members this condition and its impact on families. While I am in who took part this afternoon. this job, I want to do everything I can to help others to address this very serious problem and to improve the lives of those who are affected by it. Mr Charles Walker (in the Chair): Thank you, colleagues, for such an informative debate, which was Parliament at its very best. 4.21 pm Question put and agreed to. Caroline Nokes: I welcome the opportunity to summarise briefly. We have had a full and interesting debate. I pay particular tribute to my hon. Friend the Member for 4.24 pm Basildon—I am sorry, I mean Braintree (Mr Newmark). Sitting adjourned.

53WS Written Ministerial Statements14 FEBRUARY 2013 Written Ministerial Statements 54WS

This amendment exempts claimants who allege that their dismissal Written Ministerial was on the grounds of political opinion or affiliation from the two-year qualifying period. Following the necessary Parliamentary stages, this additional Statements protection would come into effect two months after the Bill receives Royal Assent and would apply to dismissals after that date. Thursday 14 February 2013

TREASURY BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS UK’s Counter-Terrorist Asset-Freezing Regime Political Opinions (Dismissal) The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Greg Clark): My noble friend the Commercial Secretary to the Treasury, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business, Lord Deighton, has today made the following written Innovation and Skills (Jo Swinson): My noble Friend, ministerial statement: the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business, Under the Terrorist Asset-Freezing etc. Act 2010 (“TAFA Innovation and Skills, Viscount Younger of Leckie, has 2010”), the Treasury is required to report quarterly to Parliament today made the following statement: on its operation of the UK’s asset-freezing regime mandated by The Government take the United Kingdom’s responsibilities UN Security Council Resolution 1373. to comply with human rights protections seriously. With that in This is the eighth report under the Act and it covers the period mind, we are taking steps to amend our legislation following a from 1 October 2012 to 31 December 2012. This report also recent European Court of Human Rights (“ECtHR”) ruling. covers the UK implementation of the UN al-Qaeda asset-freezing In November 2012, the ECtHR held that the United Kingdom regime and the operation of the EU asset-freezing regime in the was in breach of article 11 of the European convention on human UK under EU Regulation (EC) 2580/2001 which implements rights by preventing individuals who do not have a qualifying UNSCR 1373 against external terrorist threats to the EU. Under period of service from making claims for unfair dismissal on the UN al-Qaeda asset-freezing regime, the UN has responsibility grounds of political opinion or affiliation. The ECtHR considered for designations and the Treasury has responsibility for licensing that the UK Government should amend their legislation to and compliance with the regime in the UK under the al-Qaeda protect employees who suffer such dismissals. (Asset-freezing) Regulations 2011. Under EU Regulation 2580/2001, In the case, Redfearn v UK, a bus driver was dismissed after he the EU has responsibility for designations and the Treasury has became a BNP councillor. Mr. Redfearn was unable to bring a responsibility for licensing and compliance with the regime in the claim for unfair dismissal because he did not have the requisite UK under part 1 of TAFA 2010. qualifying service. Annexes A and B to this statement provide a breakdown by In principle, the Court agreed that a qualifying service period name of all those designated by the UK and the EU in pursuance is reasonable and appropriate. The ruling is a narrow judgment, of UN Security Council Resolution 1373. limited to instances where the alleged reason for dismissal is During this period the independent reviewer’s second annual political affiliation or opinion. report on the operation of the TAFA 2010 was laid in Parliament. Having considered the judgment, the Government have decided The report made one recommendation, to which the Treasury will not to appeal this decision. To bring our legislation into line with respond by 14 February 2013. the ruling, we have tabled an amendment to the Enterprise and The following table sets out the key asset-freezing activity in Regulatory Reform Bill, currently before the House of Lords. the UK during the quarter ending 31 December 2012:

TAFA 2010 EU Reg (EC) 2580/2001 Al-Qaeda Regime UNSCR 1989

Assets frozen (as at 31/12/2012) £26,000 11,000 £65,0001 Number of accounts frozen in 65 10 25 UK (at 31/12/2012) New accounts frozen 0 0 1 Accounts frozen 0 0 0 Number of designations (at 40 37 295 31/12/2012) (i) new designations (during Q4 003 2012) (ii) Delistings 0 0 14 (iii) individuals in custody in UK 14 0 1 (iv) individuals in UK, not in 503 detention (v) individuals overseas 13 12 228 (vi) groups 8 (0 in UK) 25 (1 in UK) 63 (1 in UK) Individuals by Nationality (i) UK Nationals2 15 n/a n/a (ii) Non UK Nationals 17 Renewal of designation 8 n/a n/a General Licences 55WS Written Ministerial Statements14 FEBRUARY 2013 Written Ministerial Statements 56WS

TAFA 2010 EU Reg (EC) 2580/2001 Al-Qaeda Regime UNSCR 1989

(i) Issued in Q4 (i) 1 (ii) Amended (ii) 0 (iii) Revoked (iii) 0 Specific Licences (i) Issued in Q4 (i) 1 (i) 0 (i) 0 (ii) Amended (ii) 1 (ii) 0 (ii) 0 (iii) Revoked (iii) 0 (iii) 0 (iii) 0 1This figure reflects the most up-to-date account balances available and includes approximately $64,000 of suspected terrorist funds frozen in the UK. This has been converted using exchange rates as of 19/01/2013.

Ibrahim (aka Abu Hamza) and Al-Fawaz were deported to the 31. Qasem Soleimani US in October 2012. Both individuals are designated under the 32. Waheed Zaman UN al-Qaeda asset-freezing regime. ENTITIES Legal Proceedings 1. Basque Fatherland and Liberty (ETA) Appeals against designations made under the Terrorism (United Nations Measures) Order 2009 and TAFA 2010 were ongoing in 2. Ejercito de Liberacion Nacional (ELN). the quarter covered by this report, brought by Zana Abdul Rahim 3. Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia (FARC) and Gulam Mastafa. Judgment was handed down on a preliminary 4. Hizballah Military Wing, Including External Security issue in relation to Mastafa’s appeal on 12 December 2012. Organisation Mr Justice Collins held that article 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights applies to proceedings under TAFA 2010. A 5. Holy Land Foundation for Relief And Development claim for damages arising from the designation of another individual, 6. Popular Front for the Liberation Of Palestine-General known as “M” for the purpose of these proceedings, issued Command (PFLP-GC) against the Treasury, is also ongoing. 7. Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) In the quarter to 31 December 2012, no criminal proceedings 8. Sendero Luminoso (SL) were initiated in respect of breaches of asset-freezes made under the Act or under the Al-Qaeda (Asset-Freezing) Regulations 2011. Annex B: Persons designated by the EU under Council Regulation (EC) 2580/20044 Annex A: Designated persons under TAFA 2010 by name3 PERSONS INDIVIDUALS 1. Hamed ABDOLLAHI* 1. Hamed Abdollahi 2. Abdelkarim Hussein AL-NASSER* 2. Bilal Talal Abdullah 3. Ibrahim Salih ALYACOUB* 3. Imad Khalil Al-Alami 4. Manssor ARBABSIAR* 4. Abdula Ahmed Ali 5. Mohammed BOUYERI 5. Abdelkarim Hussein Al-Nasser 6. Sofiane Yacine FAHAS 6. Ibrahim Salih Al-Yacoub 7. Hasan IZZ-AL-DIN* * 7. Manssor Arbabsiar 8. Khalid Shaikh MOHAMMED * 8. Usama Hamdan 9. Abdul Reza SHAHLAI 10. AM Gholam SHAKURI* 9. Nabeel Hussain 11. Qasem SOLEIMANI* 10. Tanvir Hussain 12. Jason Theodore WALTERS 11. Zahoor Iqbal 12. Umar Islam 13. Hasan Izz-Al-Din GROUPS AND ENTITIES 14. Parviz Khan 1. Abu Nidal Organisation (ANO) 15. Waheed Arafat Khan 2. Al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigade 16. Osman Adam Khatib 3. Al-Aqsa e.V. 17. Musa Abu Marzouk 4. Al-Takfir and Al-Hijra 18. Gulam Mastafa 5. Babbar Khalsa 19. Khalid Mishaal 6. Communist Party of the Philippines, including New People’s Army (NPA), Philippines 20. Khalid Shaikh Mohammed 7. Gama’a al-lslamiyya (a.k.a. Al-Gama’a al-lslamiyya) (Islamic 21. Ramzi Mohammed Group—IG) 22. Sultan Muhammad 8. Islami Büyük Dogu Akincilar Cephesi (IBDA-C) (Great 23. Yassin Omar Islamic Eastern Warriors Front) 24. Hussein Osman 9. Hamas, including Hamas-Izz al-Din al-Qassem 25. Zana Abdul Rahim 10. Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) 26. Muktar Mohammed Said 11. Hofstadgroep 27. Assad Sarwar 12. Holy Land Foundation for Relief and Development* 28. Ibrahim Savant 13. International Sikh Youth Federation (ISYF) 29. Abdul Reza Shahlai 14. Khalistan Zindabad Force (KZF) 30. All Gholam Shakuri 15. Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) (a.k.a. KONGRA-GEL) 57WS Written Ministerial Statements14 FEBRUARY 2013 Written Ministerial Statements 58WS

16. Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) These new rules are another significant tool as 17. Ejército de Liberación Nacional (National Liberation they will provide a framework to enable Government Army)* Departments to say no to firms bidding for Government 18. Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) contracts where they have been involved in failed tax 19. Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP)* avoidance. 20. Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine—General Terrorist Asset-Freezing etc. Act 2010 Command (PFLP-GC)* 21. Fuerzas armadas revolucionarias de Colombia (FARC)* 22. Devrimci Halk Kurtulu Partisi-Cephesi—DHKP/C The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Greg Clark): (Revolutionary People’s Liberation Army/Front/Party) My noble Friend the Commercial Secretary to the 23. Sedero Luminoso (SL) (Shining Path)* Treasury, Lord Deighton, has today made the following 24. Stichting Al Aqsa written ministerial statement: Following consultation with other relevant Departments and 25. Teyrbazen Azadiya Kurdistan (TAK) agencies, the Treasury is today publishing the Government’s 2Based on information held by the Treasury, some of these response to David Anderson’s second report on the operation of individuals hold dual nationality. the Terrorist Asset-Freezing etc. Act 2010. This will be laid before 3For full listing details please refer to: http://www.hm- Parliament today as a Command Paper. treasury.gov.uk/d/terrorism.htm. 4For full listing details please refer to: http://www.hm- CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT treasury.gov.uk/d/terrorism.htm. *EU listing rests on UK designation under TAFA 2010. Export of Works of Art and Objects of Cultural Interest

Procurement and Tax The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (Mr Edward Vaizey): On 15 December 2011, Official Report, columns 113-114WS, I made a The Chief Secretary to the Treasury (Danny Alexander): written statement to Parliament about the triennial The Minister for the Cabinet Office and I are today review of the Reviewing Committee on the Export of making available for comment a draft of new rules that Works of Art. I am pleased today to announce the will allow Government Departments to ban companies completion of the review. and individuals that take part in failed tax avoidance The Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works schemes from being awarded Government contracts. of Art fulfils the important advisory role of recommending The discussion document and draft guidance have been to the Secretary of State action to be taken on all cases deposited in the Libraries of both Houses and are where refusal of an export licence for an object of available through the HMRC website. cultural interest is suggested on grounds of national The rules, which are intended to come into effect on importance, and advising her on the principles which 1 April 2013, are outlined in draft guidance published should govern the control of export of objects of cultural for consultation by the Government. They will require interest under the Export Control Act 2002 and on the potential suppliers to notify contracting Departments if operation of the export control system generally. any tax return has recently been found to be incorrect as The review concludes that there is a continuing role a result of, among other factors: for the Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works HMRC successfully challenging it, including under any targeted of Art as an advisory non-departmental public body anti-avoidance rule (TAAR), the new general anti-abuse rule with secretariat support provided by Arts Council England. (GAAR); or It finds that the Committee has good standards of corporate A failed avoidance scheme which the supplier was involved governance and it makes a number of recommendations in and which was, or should have been, notified under the aimed at strengthening transparency and openness. disclosure of tax avoidance scheme (DOTAS) rules. The review of the Reviewing Committee on the Export Suppliers will also be required to disclose if they have of Works of Art was conducted by my Department been convicted for tax related offences or have been with the support of a review group made up of key subject to a penalty for civil fraud or evasion. Departments stakeholders with a direct interest in the export licensing will be able to disqualify any bidder meeting these process. The review was publicised on my Department’s criteria from the procurement process. website and stakeholders were invited to contribute Following their introduction, the rules will also enable views. Departments to include a new clause in contracts that I am grateful to everyone who contributed to the allows them to terminate an agreement if a supplier review. Copies have been deposited in the Libraries of subsequently breaches the new tax compliance obligations. both Houses. The supplier will be contractually obliged to tell the contracting Department if their status changes after the COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT award of the contract. Regional Planning The rules have been designed to operate within the EU procurement directive and Public Contracts Regulations 2006, which allow procuring authorities to apply tax The Secretary of State for Communities and Local and propriety-based criteria at the selection stage. In Government (Mr Eric Pickles): I am today announcing particular, a potential contractor can be asked whether the coalition Government’s decision to revoke the regional it has fulfilled all its obligations relating to the payment strategy for the south-east of England. This decision follows of taxes. an assessment as outlined in the written ministerial 59WS Written Ministerial Statements14 FEBRUARY 2013 Written Ministerial Statements 60WS statement of 25 July 2012, Official Report, House of ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS Lords, columns WS66-68. The order to effect this decision will be laid shortly after recess under the negative Commons Act 2006 (Post-legislative Assessment) resolution procedure. The decision to revoke the regional strategy for the The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural south-east signals a significant step for localism. When Affairs (Mr Owen Paterson): The post-legislative assessment the order comes into force, it will mean that development of the Commons Act 2006, Cm 8551, comprising the plans across the former south-east government office Government’s memorandum to the Environment, Food region will comprise local plans, and where they exist, and Rural Affairs Select Committee will be laid before neighbourhood plans. Localised planning enables councils Parliament today. to make the development choices that work for them; The main purpose of the Act is to provide a legislative choices that are right for their communities and respond framework for the better protection, management to the needs of the local area rather than to arbitrary and understanding of commons and greens. It provides top-down targets. This presents a far better deal for powers to commons registration authorities and other local people. bodies involved in the management and protection of The Government have decided to revoke the regional such land. strategy for the south-east, with the exception of policy Copies of the document are available in the Vote NRM6 on the Thames basin heaths special protection Office and the Printed Paper Office. area. We are also retaining Oxfordshire structure plan policy H2 concerning the Upper Heyford RAF base. Horsemeat Fraud (EU Meeting) The reasons for the decision to retain these policies and to revoke all other parts of the regional strategy and saved structure plan policies, will be set out in a post- The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural adoption statement, which will be published on the Affairs (Mr Owen Paterson): On 13 February I met Department’s website and placed in the Library of the Agriculture Ministers from a number of other member House once the revocation order has been laid in states together with the Health and Consumer Policy Parliament. Commissioner in Brussels. I sought this meeting to get Further announcements on the remaining regional co-ordinated action across Europe for consumers so strategies will be made in due course. that they can have confidence in what they are buying. I am pleased to report that we reached agreement on a number of key issues in order to ensure that the current DEFENCE unacceptable situation with horsemeat cannot happen again. First, there will be a three-month programme of Armed Forces Independence Payment DNA testing of beef products across the EU covering domestic and imported products, with first results by The Minister of State, Ministry of Defence (Mr Mark 15 April. Meat products across the EU will be DNA Francois): In July 2012, the Prime Minister announced tested for horsemeat. In addition, both domestic and that the Government would introduce a new benefit imported horsemeat will be tested for bute. The current that would provide additional financial support to seriously system is based on paperwork, this introduces a programme injured service and ex-service personnel. The Ministry of testing real products. of Defence (MOD) and the Department for Work and Secondly, we agreed to a new intelligence system so Pensions (DWP) are working together to introduce that information about the current investigations can be the armed forces independence payment (AFIP) on shared immediately. This will enable other member 8 April 2013. The respective Secretaries of State agreed states to act straight away if they have any suspicions that MOD will legislate to create AFIP and DWP that food businesses are not playing by the rules. Members would administer and pay AFIP. states also agreed to use Europol to co-ordinate law AFIP is designed to support the most seriously injured. enforcement efforts, something I will be discussing further It will be payable to service and ex-service personnel with representatives of Europol and Eurojust in the who have an armed forces compensation scheme award Hague this morning. that includes a guaranteed income payment of 50% or Thirdly, because of the urgency with which we have higher. The payment will be £134.40 per week, which is to deal with what is clearly an international issue, we the equivalent of the enhanced rates of the daily living agreed that the European Commission’s report and and mobility components of personal independence recommendations on labelling the origin of all processed payment (PIP). Those receiving AFIP will have access meat should be accelerated and published as soon as to other benefits in a similar way to those receiving possible. I expect that this will provide consumers with disability living allowance (DLA) now or PIP in the clearer and more reliable information on where meat future. In addition, they will not be subject to reassessment products come from. and their payments will continue if their circumstances Fourthly, we agreed that implementation of these change, for example if they enter hospital or a care actions will be progressed urgently at an emergency home. Those receiving AFIP cannot claim other DWP meeting of member state food experts in the Standing disability benefits such as DLA or PIP. Committee on the food chain and animal health on AFIP is an example of the Government delivering on 15 February. I also requested that these issues should be their commitment to uphold the armed forces covenant. put to all EU Agriculture Ministers at the Agriculture MOD and DWP will track the progress of AFIP and Council meeting on 25 and 26 February, which was will report on its implementation in the armed forces agreed. This agreement represents a clear and immediate covenant report 2013. response to the current Europe-wide incidents and 61WS Written Ministerial Statements14 FEBRUARY 2013 Written Ministerial Statements 62WS demonstrates the strong will across affected member Ministerial lunch states to ensure that consumers get honest food labelling The ministerial lunch involved a discussion on how they can rely on and that firm enforcement action is to secure agreement with the European Parliament over taken against fraudulent activity. multi-annual plans; given a likely institutional disagreement over the correct legal base. Agriculture and Fisheries Council (January)

AGRICULTURE The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Common agricultural policy (CAP) reform road map Affairs (Mr Owen Paterson): I represented the UK on agricultural matters and the Under-Secretary of State The presidency began by underlining their objective for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, my hon. of securing an inter-institutional political agreement on Friend the Member for Newbury (Richard Benyon), CAP reform in June. The Commission welcomed the who is responsible for natural environment and fisheries, proposed timetable and confirmed that it would bring represented the United Kingdom on fisheries items. forward a transitional proposal for 2014 once the MFF Richard Lochhead MSP and Alun Davies AM were had been agreed. Some member states highlighted a list also part of the United Kingdom delegation. of issues which they considered priorities and would need resolving before an agreement could be met. The FISHERIES UK supported the proposed timetable from the presidency Work programme highlighting the need to reach a deal to provide certainty for farmers and the food industry and underline the The presidency ran through its work programme, need for it to be a good deal for farmers, consumers and underlining its priority to progress and adopt the common taxpayers. The UK also highlighted the disappointing fisheries policy (CFP) reform package. EP agriculture committee votes, which risked halting or CFP reform reversing the CAP’s progress towards a more market- The presidency wants to return to the CFP basic orientated policy. regulation in February and have political agreement on the whole package in June; they urged member states to work flexibly towards a compromise rather than repeat ANY OTHER BUSINESS their existing positions. All member states agreed they Pig sow stall ban could support the timeline but many highlighted the issues they would need to see resolved before agreement A total of 17 members states were not compliant with could be reached. Despite a large number of member the sow stall ban which came into force on 1 January 2013. states stressing the need to stick to the Council’s general The Commission stressed that non-compliance would approach as closely as possible, many suggested they impact on the single market and the perception of the will seek delays to key deadlines, for example on discards EU’s ability to implement its decisions; but also noted or to make the provisions less ambitious. that any national restrictions on imports would be against the spirit of the treaty. It was holding a stakeholder Skaggerak conference at the same time as the Council to discuss The Commission outlined the background to their solutions and encourage compliance. The UK, supported proposal for a regulation on technical control measures by others, called for vigorous Commission pursuance of in the area between Denmark, Norway and Sweden, the level playing field, so that compliant producers explaining that it was needed in order to allow fishing to would not be disadvantaged by inaction elsewhere in continue under a discard ban; a view backed by Denmark Europe. and Sweden. The UK and others saw this regional Neonicotinoids (risk assessment for bees) approach to a specific regional situation as reflecting the shape of the future CFP. Some were more hesitant The Dutch introduced a request for EU-wide measures. about the use of CCTV for control purposes in this A ban on all neonicotinoids did not appear justified. case, but they could accept it if it was not used as a Many member states intervened to echo the need for precedent for implementing the discard ban elsewhere. further consideration of the evidence and, if necessary, EU-Norway for action to be taken at EU level. The UK emphasised the need for a science-based and proportionate approach. Recent negotiations with Norway resulted in increases The UK also highlighted that it had carried out field of the total allowable catches (TACs) for a number of research to address gaps in the evidence and would species including North sea haddock, saithe, plaice, provide this to the Commission as soon as it is ready. whiting and herring. The EU gained access to more The Commission agreed that EU action was needed Arctic cod and exchanges with Norway fairly reflected and would bring forward a proposal for legally binding the interests of the different member states. The Faroes measures to the Standing Committee on the Food Chain declared its intent to set its own TAC unilaterally on and Animal Health (SCoFCAH) on 31 January. The Atlanto-Scandian herring. The Commission would look Commission aimed to complete its impact assessment closely into what could be done in response to this, by May. including all legal measures available. The Commission also reported that the EU and Norway had agreed to European school fruit scheme take the traditional 90% of the mackerel TAG which The Commission introduced its evaluation of this was to be reduced in line with ICES advice. There was a EU scheme which last year supplied fruit to eight need to consider further the possible introduction of million children across 24 member states. The presidency trade sanctions against Iceland and Faroe Islands, but confirmed that a forthcoming meeting of the special the Commission would continue to prepare suitable committee on agriculture would be invited to consider legislation. the Commission’s evaluation in more detail. 63WS Written Ministerial Statements14 FEBRUARY 2013 Written Ministerial Statements 64WS

EU-Singapore free trade agreement In order to confront the threat we must strengthen The Commission stressed that it had met a key aim of the ability of states to counter terrorism, while protecting protecting EU agricultural products with geographical human rights, as called for by the UN. This is difficult indications (GIs) as part of this trade agreement. Singapore and challenging work, since the threat from terrorism is would bring in legislation to guarantee such GIs from greatest in the countries where the rule of law and 2014 and the FTA would not be signed until this human rights are weakest. This is why I wish to set out guarantee was complete. France and Italy intervened the clear direction the Government will follow over the and were reluctant to give full approval until they could coming years. see how this guarantee would work. When we detect a terrorist plot originating in a third EU-Canada free trade agreement and WTO negotiations country, we want to be in a position to share information Negotiations on the FTA with Canada were entering to stop that planning, and do it in a way that leads to the final phase. Canadian access to the EU fresh meat the lawful arrest, investigation and prosecution of the market is causing concern with some member states, individuals concerned in accordance with our own legal which the EU needs to consider in the light of the obligations, and with their human rights respected at interaction between the different FTAs. EU has made every stage. clear that a satisfactory result is necessary on geographical In many cases we are able to obtain credible assurances indications (GIs), enhancing protection of EU GIs in from our foreign partners on issues such as detainee Canada. These issues would have to be overcome in treatment and legal processes that give us the safeguards order to finalise the EU-Canada FTA. On the WTO we need and the confidence that we can share information Doha development agenda (DDA), developing countries in this way. would want movement on agriculture and the EU may Where this is not the case we face a stark choice. We have to compromise on this, in order to secure a DDA could disengage, or we can choose to co-operate with trade facilitation agreement. The UK welcomed progress them in a carefully controlled way while developing a on trade, which is a key driver of economic growth, and more comprehensive approach to human rights adherence. supported swift progress on EU-Canada FTA, EU-US This approach brings risk, but I am clear that the risks trade talks and the DDA. of the first option, of stepping back are greater still, placing our citizens at risk of terrorist attack. FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE How we go about this will have to vary from country to country depending on the scale and nature of the Countering Terrorism Overseas challenge. But we will seek justice and human rights partnerships with countries where there is both a threat to the United Kingdom’s security, and weaknesses in The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth the law enforcement, human rights and criminal justice Affairs (Mr William Hague): I would like to update the architecture. These are not one-off initiatives or stand-alone House on the main principles underlying the Government’s agreements, but rather a systematic process of working approach to countering terrorism overseas. with authorities in question to identify shortcomings in The Threat capability, and to address these through the provision The greatest source of the terrorist threat to the of UK assistance and expertise, over many months or United Kingdom remains al-Qaeda and other organisations years. who subscribe to an ideology of violent jihad. But the The sorts of measures we will take include: nature of the threat has changed, in three principal ways: Building up the capacity of overseas security services to improve compliance with the law and human rights and It has become geographically more diverse; to make them more effective. It is more fragmented; It is based even more closely on the exploitation of local and Working with local investigators to improve the ability to regional issues. build cases based on evidence. Our Response Supporting prosecutors and judges to ensure that they are capable of processing terrorism cases through the court In the United Kingdom we have a long experience of systems, ensuring they are handled effectively, fairly and in confronting terrorism. Our intelligence and law enforcement line with the rule of law. agencies continue to work tirelessly to protect the British Working to improve and where appropriate monitor conditions public from terrorist attack. in detention facilities so that convicted terrorists can be held But unless our foreign policy addresses the circumstances securely and their treatment meets with international standards. in which terrorism thrives overseas, we will always fight Crucially we are creating a strong and systematic a rearguard action against it. This means ensuring a framework for this work, with strong safeguards: comprehensive approach designed: to deny terrorist groups the space to operate, to help vulnerable countries We will only engage in such efforts where there is serious and develop their law enforcement capabilities, to address potentially long-running threat to the UK or UK interests, such as that flowing from terrorist networks in south Asia, the injustice and conflict which terrorist exploit, and to Yemen, and parts of north and west Africa. combat their ideology. All our capacity building work will be carefully considered In standing up for freedom, human rights and the in line with our overseas security and justice assistance rule of law ourselves, we must never use methods that guidance in order to assess and to mitigate human rights undermine them. I am determined that as a democracy risks, and specifically designed to improve human rights we must hold ourselves accountable to the highest standards. standards and strengthen the rule of law in that country. This includes being absolutely clear that torture and It will not be carried out in isolation, but will be part of UK mistreatment are repugnant, unacceptable and counter- and international diplomatic and development efforts in that productive. country. 65WS Written Ministerial Statements14 FEBRUARY 2013 Written Ministerial Statements 66WS

The intelligence dimension will be subject to the same robust Eastern Partnership scrutiny and oversight that exists in other areas of intelligence- related activity and always be in accordance with the law. Ministers will have a discussion on the eastern partnership, looking ahead to November’s eastern Every aspect of this work requires ministerial oversight and partnership summit in Vilnius. I expect conclusions to approval. If I or another responsible Minister see any credible evidence that our support is being misused we will take be issued. The UK will reiterate its support for the immediate action. Any work that would involve breaking eastern partnership process, which we see as an important our legal obligations simply would not go ahead. driver for promoting economic and political reform in This is a framework of accountability and human the region. rights to ensure that our counter-terrorism work support justice and the rule of law as well as our security, with HOME DEPARTMENT the goal of creating the long-term conditions for better observance of human rights in countries that have a Equality (Language Analysis—Palestinian, Syrian and poor record and where the threat from terrorism is Kuwaiti Testing) Authorisation 2013 strong. The Minister for Immigration (Mr Mark Harper): I am today making a ministerial authorisation under Foreign Affairs Council schedule 3, part 4, paragraph 17(4)(a) and (b) of the Equality Act 2010. This authorisation may be cited as the Equality (Language Analysis—Palestinian, Syrian The Minister for Europe (Mr David Lidington): My and Kuwaiti Testing) Authorisation 2013. right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and The purpose of language analysis (LA) testing in UK Commonwealth Affairs will attend the Foreign Affairs Border Agency is to assist in identifying an asylum Council (FAC) on 18 February in Brussels. The FAC applicant’s true place of origin where it is in doubt, and will be chaired by the High Representative of the European to deter claims made in a false nationality because of an Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Baroness actual or perceived benefit to an asylum claim. Where Ashton of Upholland. the United Kingdom is responsible for deciding a case, Southern Neighbourhood LA testing may be carried out on an informed consent Ministers will discuss the continuing crisis in Syria basis, and presently, only if it is strongly suspected the and the EU’s response, including the EU arms embargo, applicant has provided false information regarding their in advance of the roll over of the EU sanctions package, place of origin. A refusal to submit to testing may be due on 1 March. We are urging EU partners to look at taken into account when determining whether an applicant all options to protect civilians and to assist the National has assisted in establishing the facts of his case or her Coalition and opposition groups opposed to extremism, case. including amendment of the EU sanctions regime. UK Border Agency data on language analysis testing between October 2011 and May 2012 shows that although Middle East Peace Process 20 different claimed nationalities were tested, on a The discussion will build on January’s FAC, which case-by-case basis, abuse was particularly apparent for agreed that it was important to engage with the US three claimed nationalities. Where tested, those claiming Administration on the middle east peace process. Ministers to be Kuwaiti were shown in 26 out of 33 cases (79%) will also discuss the EU’s approach to settlements; not to be from Kuwait; none of the 12 claiming to be Gaza; Palestinian recognition; and Palestinian Authority Palestinian (100%) were found to be from Palestine; finances. The UK will emphasise the need for the FAC and, to July 2012, 12 of the 15 applicants (80%) claiming to agree concrete steps the EU could take to help to be Syrian nationals were assessed to not be from support a renewed US-led initiative on the peace process. Syria. The UK will welcome discussion of settlements and I therefore consider the ministerial authorisation to Palestinian financing, and will reiterate the importance be reasonable, rational, proportionate and necessary for of EU action that supports the Egyptian-brokered ceasefire maintaining the integrity of the immigration system. efforts, and addresses the underlying causes of the The authorisation gives approval for the UK Border conflict in Gaza. Agency to use linguistic analysis to analyse the language Iraq of persons making an asylum claim where they claim to Ministers will discuss the current political crisis in be of Palestinian national origin or Syrian nationality Iraq and what actions the EU might take in response. or Kuwaiti nationality, to assist in determining whether The UK will encourage greater engagement with a those asylum seekers are of the national origin or broad range of Iraqi political actors to promote dialogue nationality respectively as claimed. and restraint. We will also emphasise the need for the The authorisation shall come into operation 20 February EU to consider its long-term engagement with Iraq to 2013, and remain in force until revoked. help prevent similar crises arising in future, including I am placing a copy of the authorisation in the focusing on the development of the rule of law. Library of the House. Mali Ministers will take stock of the latest developments JUSTICE in Mali since the last FAC on 31 January. Discussions will focus on progress on the political track, including Transforming Youth Custody the Friends of Mali meeting which took place in Brussels on 5 February, and the EU’s response to the situation, The Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice including the establishment of an EU training mission (Chris Grayling): The Government are today launching to support Malian forces. their consultation “Transforming YouthCustody: Putting 67WS Written Ministerial Statements14 FEBRUARY 2013 Written Ministerial Statements 68WS

Education at the Heart of Detention”. This forms the I am today laying before Parliament “Transforming next step in delivering the Government’s rehabilitation Youth Custody: Putting Education at the Heart of revolution following publication of the “Transforming Detention”, copies will be available in the Vote Office Rehabilitation” consultation last month. and the Printed Paper Office. Much has been achieved in the youth justice system. WORK AND PENSIONS Overall crime and proven offending by young people Informal Employment, Social Policy, Health and are both down, fewer young people are entering the Consumer Affairs Council criminal justice system and the number ending up in custody has fallen. This is testament to the important work done by a range of passionate people working The Minister of State, Department for Work and Pensions with young people to prevent offending. (Mr Mark Hoban): The informal Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council met on But there remains a hardcore of serious and persistent 7 and 8 February in Dublin. young offenders for whom custody is the right place, On the first day, there were three simultaneous workshops and at present custody is delivering poor outcomes both covering: active inclusion for jobless households; job-rich for this group and for society. Seventy-five per cent of recovery, key actions for future skills needs in ICT; and young offenders who leave custody reoffend within a labour market engagement of older women. The UK year; education provision is patchy, meaning that many attended the first workshop on jobless households young people leave custody still lacking basic skills; and and agreed that professional skills were important, too often the support provided in custody falls away but that benefit systems also needed to make work pay when an offender is released back into the community. and labour markets had to be flexible. The challenge On top of this, we are paying far too much for youth was providing tailored support to young people and custody, close to £100,000 a place per annum, and in that work experience had proved to be a valuable measure some cases more than £200,000. in helping young people find and keep work. On the second day, there were two main plenary Custody punishes by depriving offenders of their discussions. In the first discussion on youth guarantee, liberty, but we must also use that time constructively. It some member states called for flexibility both in the list is an opportunity for young people to get help to tackle of measures and the implementation deadline. The UK their offending behaviour and acquire the skills and called for the current four-month deadline to be extended self-discipline to secure placements in education, training to six, suggesting that the focus should be on those most or employment on release. My vision is for secure in need rather than those who re-enter the labour market colleges which refocus a young person’s time in custody within a short period of time by themselves. The as education with detention, rather than detention with Commission remained adamant that both the list of education as an afterthought. measures and the deadline had to remain closed. The presidency subsequently circulated a revised text which To help me implement this change I want to seek stated that gradual implementation of the recommendation ideas from the market on how it would deliver a secure could be considered for countries with highest levels of college, drawing on the innovation and diversity of youth unemployment. provision that characterises the free schools and academies reforms to education. If the consultation demonstrates The second discussion was on a proposal for that the market can deliver improved education and benchlearning across European public employment services reoffending outcomes while driving down costs, I will (PES) and the potential legal formalisation of the head seek to move quickly to launch a competition that will of public employment services (HoPES) network. The be open to all sectors. UK welcomed both proposals, but cautioned against blanket targets and measurements. 771W Written Answers14 FEBRUARY 2013 Written Answers 772W

Steve Webb: DWP estimate that the number of social Written Answers to rented sector tenants (which includes both local authority and housing association tenants) in England and Wales Questions that will be affected by the under occupancy measure will be 580,000.

Thursday 14 February 2013 Simon Hart: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what transitional measures are in place to assist individuals likely to be adversely affected by proposed changes to rules on occupancy for housing WORK AND PENSIONS benefit. [143415]

Steve Webb: The size criteria rules that apply in the Absent Parents: Scotland private rented sector will be extended to those who are under-occupying in the social rented sector from 1 April Pete Wishart: To ask the Secretary of State for Work 2013. and Pensions how many cases under consideration by These rules will apply to both new and existing the Child Support Agency involve absent parents in (a) housing benefit claimants from this date. Scotland and (b) Perth and North Perthshire constituency. An additional £30 million has been given to the [143473] discretionary housing payment fund to specifically help disabled people living in specially adapted accommodation Steve Webb: As of September 2012, there were 96,700 and foster carers who have been affected by this measure. Child Support Agency live and assessed cases where the non-resident parent resides in Scotland and 1,660 where the non-resident parent resides in Perth and North Simon Hart: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Perthshire parliamentary constituency. and Pensions what measures are in place to assist cohabiting couples who are required to sleep in separate bedrooms and who may potentially be affected by the proposed Employment and Support Allowance: Perth under-occupancy penalty. [143416]

Pete Wishart: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Steve Webb: Cohabiting couples are not exempt from and Pensions how many people claimed employment the under-occupancy charge, whether or not they sleep and support allowance in Perth and North Perthshire in the same bedroom. constituency in each of the last three years. [143475] The discretionary housing payment scheme may be available to help people affected by this measure but Mr Hoban: Statistics on how many people claimed this is dependent upon individual circumstances. employment and support allowance in Perth and North Perthshire constituency can be found at: Simon Hart: To ask the Secretary of State for Work http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/index.php?page=tabtool and Pensions what assessment he has made of the costs Guidance for users is available at: to the public purse of tenants moving from social http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/asd1/tabtools/guidance.pdf housing to private sector housing but who may still qualify for housing benefit. [143471]

Housing Benefit Steve Webb: This information is not available. Taxpayers are currently paying for approaching a Cathy Jamieson: To ask the Secretary of State for million spare bedrooms in the social housing sector Work and Pensions what assessment he has made of the while families are living in overcrowded conditions while ability of the private rental market to accommodate waiting to be re-housed. people who leave the social rented sector due to their The potential impacts on costs and savings of tenants inability to meet increased costs as a consequence of the leaving the property they are under-occupying are complex under-occupancy penalty in (a) the UK, (b) Scotland and subject to a great deal of uncertainty. They depend and (c) Kilmarnock and Loudoun constituency. partly on the accommodation to which the tenant moves [143266] and the accommodation from which the new tenant taking up their property comes. Steve Webb: This information is not available. This measure is not about forcing people to move. We This measure is not about forcing people to move. We expect many households will prefer to remain where expect many households will prefer to remain where they are and find a way of making up the shortfall, in they are and find a way of making up the shortfall, in the same way that those living in the private rented the same way that those living in the private rented sector in properties that are too large do. sector in properties that are too large do. There are a number of options available to people Simon Hart: To ask the Secretary of State for Work affected by this measure. For example, they could increase and Pensions what recent estimate he has made of the working hours, take in a lodger, or move to smaller number of local authority tenants in England and accommodation in either the social or private sectors. Wales who will be affected by his proposed changes to It is however for individual claimants to determine housing benefit. [143402] the best approach for them. 773W Written Answers14 FEBRUARY 2013 Written Answers 774W

Housing Benefit: Scotland National Insurance Fund

Cathy Jamieson: To ask the Secretary of State for Ms Harman: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Work and Pensions what discussions he has had with and Pensions what estimate he has made of any increase the Scottish Government about the advice that should in the income of the national insurance fund as a result be provided to households affected by the introduction of the abolition of contracting out. [143198] of the under-occupancy penalty in the social rented sector in April 2013. [143583] Steve Webb: Estimates of the amount of additional national insurance contributions associated with the Steve Webb: Advice to individual claimants is the proposed abolition of contracting out from the point of responsibility of local authorities who will deliver this implementation of the single-tier pension are presented measure. DWP issued national guidance on 3 July 2012: in the impact assessment accompanying “The single-tier http://www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/a4-2012.pdf pension: a simple foundation for saving”. The impact assessment was published on 18 January and is available on the internet at: Incapacity Benefit http://www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/single-tier-pension-impact- assessment.pdf Jonathan Reynolds: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what additional support his Department New Enterprise Allowance: Yorkshire and the Humber provides for claimants of incapacity benefit. [142970]

Mr Hoban: We are currently reassessing (with very Andrew Percy: To ask the Secretary of State for Work few exceptions) everyone on incapacity benefit (IB), and Pensions how many people in (a) Brigg and Goole severe disablement allowance (SDA) and income support constituency and (b) Yorkshire and the Humber are in (IS) (where this is paid because of an illness or disability) receipt of the new enterprise allowance. [143484] to see if they are ready and capable to work. Those claimants who, following assessment, are found Mr Hoban: In Brigg and Goole constituency, there not to be immediately ready for, and capable of, work were 60 NEA mentor starts and 30 weekly allowance will have their existing awards of IB terminated and starts over the period January 2011 to November 2012. transferred to employment and support allowance (ESA) In the Jobcentre Plus district of north east Yorkshire instead. They will be informed if they have been placed and the Humber, there were 1,630 mentor starts and in the work related activity group (WRAG) or the 740 weekly allowance starts over the same period. support group. The numbers have been rounded to the nearest 10. Claimants in the WRAG may be required to attend These figures are based upon official Get Britain work focused interviews and to undertake work related Working statistics available via the DWP website: activities. Claimants in the support group do not have http://statistics.dwp.gov.uk/asd/asd1/pwp/pwp_gbw_feb13.pdf to undertake any work related activity but can volunteer for support if they wish. Where a claimant is found fit for work following Pension Credit assessment, claimants may be entitled to other benefits such as jobseeker’s allowance, income support for other Ms Harman: To ask the Secretary of State for Work reasons or pension credit depending on their circumstances. and Pensions what estimate he has made of the (a) annual The Work programme provides support to a wide amount of unclaimed pension credit and (b) number of range of claimants, including those receiving ESA and pensioners failing to claim pension credit. [143199] jobseeker’s allowance. Those with greater disability related barriers to work Steve Webb: The most recent estimates of take-up may be referred to Work Choice, if mainstream support cover the period 2009-10. Figures for the number of is not appropriate for them. Work Choice participants pensioners entitled to but not receiving pension credit get consistent, quality support from providers based on in Great Britain in 2009-10 are presented in the following their individual needs. table:

Unclaimed Range of entitled non- Caseload take-up expenditure Expenditure take-up recipients (%) ranges (%) (£ million) ranges (%)

Caseload and expenditure take-up for 1,210 : 1,580 62 : 68 1,940 : 2,800 73 : 80 pension credit, Great Britain, 2009-10

The ‘Income Related Benefits: Estimates of Take-up’ local housing allowance), council tax benefit and jobseeker’s report covers Great Britain for the financial year 2009-10. allowance (income-based). The latest release updates It provides caseload and expenditure estimates of take-up the statistics previously released on 10 June 2010. The for income support and employment and support allowance figures are available online and can be found at: (income-related), pension credit, housing benefit (including http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/index.php?page=irb 775W Written Answers14 FEBRUARY 2013 Written Answers 776W

Social Security Benefits: EU Countries reduction in expenditure on means-tested benefits of around £2 billion. Full details are available on the Mr Spellar: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Department’s website at and Pensions what comparative assessment he has made http://statistics.dwp.gov.uk/asd/asd1/adhoc_analysis/2011/ of (a) levels of benefits and (b) qualifying thresholds cost_140_a_week_state_pension.pdf to access benefits in other EU member states. [143505] Current pensioners remain a priority for Government and we have introduced the triple lock to ensure that the Mr Hoban: My Department frequently considers basic state Pension rises by at least 2.5% each year. comparative levels of benefits and qualifying thresholds Those who reach state pension age before the reforms for access to benefits in the context of policy on the are implemented will continue to receive their state coordination of social security benefits in the EU, and pension in line with the existing rules. in considering access to benefits for migrants. State Retirement Pensions: Perth Levels and thresholds vary considerably across the EU. In the case of unemployment benefit, for example, Pete Wishart: To ask the Secretary of State for Work entitlement can be based on contributions or periods of and Pensions how many people claimed the state employment, ranging from four months to two years. pension in Perth and North Perthshire constituency in Other benefits may be based on contributions, employment each of the last three years. [143476] or residence. Levels of many benefits are difficult to compare, as they can be a fixed amount, or a percentage Steve Webb: Information on the numbers of people of previous earnings, leading to a particularly wide in receipt of state pension in Perth and North Perthshire range of potential amounts. In addition, conditions of constituency is available from 100% data and is published entitlement also differ. on the Department for Work and Pensions’ website at: Information on benefit conditions and entitlements http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/index.php?page=tabtool in the EU is collected by the Mutual Information System Guidance for users is available at: on Social Protection/Social Security (MISSOC) which has comparative tables: http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/asd1/tabtools/guidance.pdf www.missoc.org Vacancies: Advertising A report by the European Commission http://ec.europa.eu/economy_finance/publications/ Sheila Gilmore: To ask the Secretary of State for economic_paper/2012/pdf/ecb454_en.pdf Work and Pensions (1) what steps his Department has published in 2012 concluded that all central and eastern taken to prevent jobs that have already been filled being European countries have less generous unemployment advertised on the Universal Jobmatch website; [143210] benefit systems than the EU average; Belgium, Denmark, (2) what checks Jobcentre Plus carries out to ensure Portugal, Spain, Finland and the Netherlands appear that all jobs advertised on the Universal Jobmatch to be relatively generous compared with the EU average, website are still available. [143211] while in the UK, Malta, Slovakia, Estonia, Poland and Romania benefit conditions are relatively tight. Mr Hoban: When a company posts a job in the Universal Jobmatch service an expiry date has to be set. State Retirement Pensions The company can change the expiry date at any time or close the job earlier at their choice. DWP makes no additional checks to verify that jobs Ms Harman: To ask the Secretary of State for Work advertised are still available. However, any complaints and Pensions what the cost would be of extending raised about any jobs on the service are handled by entitlement to the single-tier pension to existing pensioners DWP. at the date of its introduction; and how much would be saved in means-tested benefits as a result of such a Work Capability Assessment policy. [143197] Diana Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for Steve Webb: The single-tier pension will deliver a Work and Pensions what steps he is taking to improve simple and fair state pension set above the basic level of the accuracy of work capability assessments for people means-tested support, providing clarity and confidence diagnosed with (a) HIV, (b) hepatitis C and (c) other to better support saving for retirement. Providing this fluctuating conditions. [143439] platform for saving also underpins automatic enrolment. Moreover, the reforms are designed to cost no more Mr Hoban: We are taking a number of steps to than the current system and are not about spending improve the accuracy of the work capability assessments more money on future pensioners, but spending money for people diagnosed with HIV, hepatitis C and other more effectively to better support saving for retirement. fluctuating conditions. Our main focus in this area is to As a consequence, some people will get more under the improve the descriptors for people with mental, cognitive single-tier reforms than if the current system continued, and intellectual functioning and fluctuating conditions. and some less. Following his second independent review in November The Department has estimated the annual cost of 2011 Professor Harrington commissioned two groups increasing the pensions of people who reach state pension of charities including the MS Society and the National age before the implementation of single-tier pension to AIDS Trust, to provide recommendations to refine the proposed single-tier level as being around £10 billion descriptors respectively for (a) mental, cognitive and in the medium term. These costs are net of an associated intellectual functioning and (b) fluctuating conditions. 777W Written Answers14 FEBRUARY 2013 Written Answers 778W

Each group provided recommendations for changes building at 2 Marsham street. The data includes waste to the descriptors to Professor Harrington and since from self-catering by staff and visitors as well as contractor early summer 2012, the Department has worked extensively catering. with the charities to agree a single assessment that combines recommendations from both the mental Food waste at Home Office HQ functioning and fluctuating conditions groups, and that Calendar year (Tonnes) the descriptors are suitable for testing. The ‘alternative’ 2010 4.6 assessment was approved by the charities at the end of 2011 4.2 August 2012. 2012 5.2 Since then we have been working to put together an Evidence Based Review to test the alternative assessment, Ibrahim Magag including developing the training necessary for the health care professionals conducting the alternative assessments; John Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for the further work with the charities concerning the practicalities Home Department pursuant to the answer of 11 February of the test, and the evaluation strategy. 2013, Official Report, column 562, on Terrorism Prevention We intend to begin the testing phase of the Evidence and Investigation Measures, whether Ibrahim Magag Based Review in the spring with a final report published was under surveillance at the time he absconded. later in the year. [143466]

Diana Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for James Brokenshire: We do not comment on operational Work and Pensions if he will make it his policy to security matters. include a success fee as part of the work capability assessment contract in order to penalise the contract Immigrants: Detainees holder on occasions when a high number of decisions are overturned on appeal. [143440] Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people detained for Mr Hoban: The objective of the assessment is to immigration purposes suffered from a mental illness in provide recommendations to DWP as to which group a (a) 2010-11 and (b) 2011-12. [143031] claimant should be placed in. We closely monitor the quality of the assessment and Mr Harper [holding answer 12 February 2013]: The there is a financial penalty build into the contract information requested is not recorded centrally and should standards fall below a certain level. There has could be provided only by examination of individual been no need as yet to use this mechanism. records which would be at disproportionate cost. All centres provide primary health care facilities which are equivalent to those available in the community and have access to visiting specialists including psychiatric services. HOME DEPARTMENT All detainees receive a health care screening, normally with a nurse, within two hours of arrival in an immigration removal centre. The screening includes an assessment of Brodie Clark their physical and mental health, including whether they have been the victim of torture. Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Additionally, medical records for detainees are Department how much was paid in total as compensation confidential and unavailable to the UK Border Agency. to Mr Brodie Clark. [141976] The only exception to this is where a medical practitioner Mr Harper: The details of Mr Clark’s settlement believes a detainee’s health is likely to be injuriously payment were given in the UK Border Agency annual affected by continued detention. In such circumstances, report and accounts 2011-12, printed on 12 July 2012. he or she is required to inform the UK Border Agency. Immigration Controls Food: Waste Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for the Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) on how many sponsor licence Home Department how much surplus food was thrown applications decisions are outstanding; and how many away by her Department in (a) 2010, (b) 2011 and (c) sponsor licence applications lodged before (a) January 2012. [143455] 2012, (b) March 2012, (c) June 2012, (d) July 2012, (e) August 2012 and (f) September 2012 are awaiting James Brokenshire: The Home Office does not contract a decision; [140390] directly for food supplies but procures catering services (2) how many cases for sponsors licence applications through wider facilities management (FM) or operational are outstanding. [141051] service contractors. The Home Office records its total waste as required Mr Harper [holding answer 30 January 2013]: The for the annual Sustainable Development in Government number of sponsor licence applications awaiting a decision Report, and is working to reduce its total waste. The is 585. Of the applications that are awaiting a decision, Home Office does not record food waste as a separate there are none that were lodged before March 2012. A waste stream; it does however have data relating to the breakdown by the months specified is shown in the total volume of food waste disposed of in its headquarters following table: 779W Written Answers14 FEBRUARY 2013 Written Answers 780W

Table 1: New sponsor licence applications awaiting a decision Police: Private Sector Applications received in month: Applications

March 2012 — Mr Hanson: To ask the Secretary of State for the April 2012 20 Home Department what assessment her Department May 2012 15 has made of a requirement for private sector staff June 2012 20 working for police forces to be licensed by the Security [142728] July 2012 25 Industry Authority. August 2012 30 James Brokenshire: Persons who engage in licensable Notes: 1. All figures quoted have been derived from management information conduct when providing security services under contract, and are therefore provisional and subject to change. This information as defined in the Private Security Industry Act 2001, are has not been quality assured under National Statistics protocols. required to be licensed by the Security Industry Authority. 2. Figures relate to sponsorship licence applications from organisations. Whether these security services are provided to a police 3. Figures relate to applications pending a decision as of 28 January force has no bearing on this legal requirement. 2013. The Home Office has made no assessment at present Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for the of this legal requirement as it relates to security services Home Department how many applications for sponsor provided to police forces. licences have taken over six months to decide in the last Prostitution 10 years. [140391]

Mr Harper [holding answer 30 January 2013]: The Mark Field: To ask the Secretary of State for the sponsor register opened on 29 February 2008, since that Home Department how much has been confiscated by date 51,622 sponsor licence applications have been decided the police under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2009 from of which 1,543 applications took more than six months raids on brothels since that Act’s implementation; and (a) (b) to decide (as at 28 January 2013). These applications how much was retained by the police, retained (c) were of a complex nature and required further investigation. by the Crown Prosecution Service and made This is internal management information. It is provisional available to victims of trafficking. [142858] and subject to change. Mr Jeremy Browne: The United Kingdom does not have a Proceeds of Crime Act 2009. Immigration: Children According to the Joint Asset Recovery Database, the total amount recorded as confiscated by the police relating to brothels, prostitution, pornography and pimps Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home since the introduction of the Proceeds of Crime Act Department pursuant to the answer of 21 January 2002 is £12,182,255. 2013, Official Report, column 140W, on immigration: children, for what reasons her Department does not Under the Asset Recovery Incentivisation Scheme, hold information on how many children living in the the amount returned to: UK without immigration status were abandoned in the (a) the police is £2,256,520. UK by their parents, by country of origin. [140552] (b) the Crown Prosecution Service is £1,780,346. The amount made available to victims of trafficking Mr Harper [holding answer 31 January 2013]: A is not recorded centrally. child without immigration status is unlikely to have Regulation been previously encountered by the UK Border Agency. Therefore the UK Border Agency is not able to collect data on the number of children living in the UK without Gordon Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for the immigration status. Home Department how many regulations her Department has repealed in the last six months; and what the When the UK Border Agency becomes aware of a estimated cost-saving has been of each such repeal. child in this situation, steps will immediately be taken to address the child’s immigration status and to refer the [141885] case to the relevant local authority to ensure that the Mr Harper: The Department revoked three sets of child is safeguarded. regulations between 1 August 2012 and 31 January 2013. They are the Police (Performance) Regulations 2008 (S.I. 2008/2862), the Police (Performance and Conduct) Ivory (Amendment: Metropolitan Police) Regulations 2011 (S.I. 2011/3027) and the Police (Conduct) Regulations Mark Pritchard: To ask the Secretary of State for the 2008 (S.I. 2008/2864). Home Department if she will undertake research with The revocation of these regulations did not result in her African and EU counterparts on the links between any quantifiable cost-saving. serious organised crime and the sale of illegal ivory. [143073] UK Border Agency

Mr Jeremy Browne: The UK’s law enforcement agencies Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home are already working with partners from around the Department how many officials who were working for world to tackle the involvement of organised crime in the UK Border Agency (UKBA) on 1 January 2010 are the illegal trade in ivory. still working for the UKBA. [141972] 781W Written Answers14 FEBRUARY 2013 Written Answers 782W

Mr Harper: The number of officials who were working BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS for the UK Border Agency on 1 January 2010 and are still working for the UK Border Agency (UKBA) is: Apprentices 10,205 headcount or 9,579 full-time equivalent (FTE) as at 31 December 2012. Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, The figure above excludes any officials who were Innovation and Skills how many apprenticeships have working for Border Force and those who may have lasted for (a) up to six, (b) six to 12 and (c) over 12 transferred to Border Force, which was part of UK months. [143424] Border Agency on 1 March 2011 and is now part of the main Home Office. Matthew Hancock: Table 1 shows apprenticeship The number also excludes personnel working for the achievements (adjusted) by duration for the 2011/12 UK Border Agency as locally engaged staff and UK based academic year, the latest year for which full year data staff posted overseas because their records are held on a are available. database owned by the Foreign and Commonwealth Care should be taken when interpreting apprenticeship Office. That would have required manual examination durations as they are dependent on the mix of of records, and/or extraction of data from Foreign and apprenticeship levels and frameworks, and the prior Commonwealth Office systems at disproportionate cost. attainment of learners (some will already have completed Work Permits parts of the apprenticeship). The adjusted measure is intended to exclude those apprentices with some prior Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home attainment. Department what the average wait is for Romanian and From August 2012, Ministers have decided that an Bulgarian nationals to receive work permits as of January apprenticeship must last at least 12 months for under 2013. [140645] 19s and for adults as well unless prior learning is recorded and funding reduced accordingly. This is to Mr Harper [holding answer 31 January 2013]: The ensure that every apprenticeship involves sufficient new latest period for which figures are available is July to learning and opportunities to embed new skills. September 2012. The average time taken to process Table 1: Apprenticeship achievements (adjusted) by duration, 2011/12 decided Romanian and Bulgarian worker card applications Number of months Achievements (adjusted) in this period was 66 calendar days. (1) The figure quoted has been derived from management Up to 6 months 25,310 information and is therefore provisional and subject to change. 6 to 12 months 109,390 (2) Figure relates to main applicants only. Over 12 months 93,010 Total 227,700 (3) Figure relates to applications despatched in the period from 1 July to 30 September 2012. Notes: 1. All figures are rounded to the nearest 10, except for the total, which is (4) Processing time based on average number of calendar days rounded to the nearest 100. between application raised (received) and despatch date. 2. Apprenticeship achievements by duration (adjusted) are based on the actual end date of the apprenticeship as recorded in the ILR; it only includes those achievements within the academic year that were fully funded. Source: Individualised Learner Record PRIME MINISTER Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, David Ord Innovation and Skills how many apprenticeship programme starts by (a) 16 to 18-year-olds, (b) 19 to 24-year-olds Wayne David: To ask the Prime Minister (1) when he and (c) 25-year-olds and above there were in each last met David Ord; and whether proposals for a parliamentary constituency in England in the academic Severn barrage were discussed in that meeting; [143039] year (i) 2009-10, (ii) 2010-11 and (iii) 2011-12. [143482] (2) what (a) meetings, (b) correspondence and (c) emails he has had with Bristol Port since January 2012. Matthew Hancock: Information on the number of [143040] apprenticeship starts by parliamentary constituency and age are published in a Supplementary Table to a quarterly The Prime Minister: I refer the hon. Member to the Statistical First Release (SFR): list of official meetings by Ministers with external http://www.thedataservice.org.uk/NR/rdonlyres/EAD8024F- organisations which can be found on the Cabinet Office 3019-4D5C-A6EC-B6241B089862/0/ website. It is a matter of public record that I have met January2013_ApprenticeshipStartsbyGeographyLevelAge.xls Mr Ord in my capacity as leader of the Conservative http://www.thedataservice.org.uk/Statistics/fe_data_library/ party. Apprenticeships/ Food Banks Apprentices: South Yorkshire Luciana Berger: To ask the Prime Minister pursuant to the answer of 30 January 2013, Official Report, Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, column 900, whether he has since visited his local Innovation and Skills how many apprenticeships have foodbank. [143254] been created in each month since May 2010 in (a) Barnsley Central constituency, (b) Barnsley local education The Prime Minister: I visited a local food bank on authority and (c) South Yorkshire for people aged (i) 9 February 2013 and will visit another food bank in the between 16 and 24, (ii) between 25 and 49 and (iii) over near future. 50. [143428] 783W Written Answers14 FEBRUARY 2013 Written Answers 784W

Matthew Hancock: Table 1 shows apprenticeship We publish apprenticeship data at the region, local programme starts in Barnsley Central constituency, Barnsley education authority and parliamentary constituency local education authority and Yorkshire and the Humber levels of geography, therefore data for South Yorkshire region by age and quarter for 2009/10 to 2011/12 academic is not presented. years, the latest year for which final data is available. We publish apprenticeship starts at the quarterly level, therefore data for each month is not presented.

Table 1: Apprenticeship programme starts by geography, age and quarter, 2009/10 to 2011/12 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 Quarter 4 Quarter 1 Quarter 2 Quarter 3 Quarter 4 Quarter 1 Quarter 2 Quarter 3 Quarter 4

Barnsley Central constituency 16-24 150 240 110 120 150 280 130 130 180 25-49 30 70 90 110 120 150 120 130 130 50+—1010202020202020 All age 180 320 210 250 280 440 270 280 320

Barnsley local education authority 16-24 380 650 310 310 390 700 310 380 460 25-49 90 160 230 270 310 360 330 340 340 50+ 10 30 40 50 50 60 50 60 50 All age 480 840 570 630 750 1,130 700 780 860

Yorkshire and the Humber region 16-24 6,820 11,880 5,980 7,510 8,270 13,950 6,610 8,640 8,420 25-49 1,400 3,080 4,030 5,340 6,220 5,700 4,970 5,500 6,510 50+ 170 520 850 1,020 1,120 1,020 870 930 1,080 All age 8,390 15,480 10,850 13,870 15,610 20,670 12,460 15,070 16,000 Notes: 1. All figures are rounded to the nearest 10.″—″ indicates a base value of less than 5. 2. Age is based on age at the start of the programme. A small number of learners aged under 16 are included in the 16-24 age category. 3. Geographic breakdowns are based upon the home postcode of the learner. 4. Figures are based on the geographic boundaries as of May 2010. 5. Figures for 2011/12 onwards are not directly comparable to earlier years as a Single Individualised Learner Record (ILR) data collection system has been introduced. Small technical changes have been made in the way learners from more than one provision type are counted, leading to a removal of duplicate learners and a reduction in overall learner numbers of approximately 2%. More information on the Single ILR is available at: http://www.thedataservice.org.uk/NR/rdonlyres/C05DCDD5-67EE-4AD0-88B9-BEBC8F7F3300/0/SILR_Effects_SFR_Learners_June12.pdf Source: Individualised Learner Record.

Business: Franchises and trade associations such as the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) Graeme Morrice: To ask the Secretary of State for http://www.fsb.org.uk/ Business, Innovation and Skills what steps he is taking (a) to recognise the risks involved in taking on a may be able to assist the small business/franchise owner. business franchise and (b) to ensure that business franchises Franchising is an important contributor to the UK are protected from unscrupulous franchisors. [142967] economy with some 600,000 people employed in the Michael Fallon: It is important that all those going industry, generating an estimated annual turnover of into business think carefully about the legal form they some £13.4 billion. As a business format, a new franchisee take, such as whether to trade as a limited liability is six to seven times more likely to succeed than a company, sole trader or partnership, and the business non-franchise start-up and profitability rates have remained opportunities presented to them. Taking on a franchise consistent, at around 90%, throughout the recession. as a type of business can offer both advantages and Buying a franchise and entering into a franchise disadvantages for franchisees and it is particularly important agreement is a business undertaking and it is important that would-be franchisees think very carefully about the that it is seen as such and that independent advice is proposition being offered, the commitment required sought if that seems necessary. The BFA recommends and the risks involved. that anyone considering a franchise should carry out Although no specific provision is made for franchisees, full due diligence before signing any agreement and the current business regulations, and voluntary codes of services of an accredited franchise solicitor should be practice, offer a variety of protections to both franchisee used to review the franchise agreement. A number of and franchisor. The British Franchise Association (BFA) expert advisors and franchise companies choose to be provides a range of advice on franchising at its web-site judged by the BFA standards, which have the European http://www.thebfa.org Code of Ethics for Franchising as their foundation. 785W Written Answers14 FEBRUARY 2013 Written Answers 786W

Only those that can successfully reach the BFA’s standards Jo Swinson: The Government is committed to building can be recognised by the BFA, which acts as an additional a stronger and more inclusive economy which draws on guidance for potential franchisees. the talents of both women and men. BIS is playing a In addition to advice from the BFAand trade associations central role in helping women to enter, remain and such as the FSB, the Business Link helpline provides a progress in the workplace. quick response service to people and businesses based The new system of shared parental leave will support in England with simple questions about starting or women’s participation in the workforce by giving parents running a business. It also provides a more in-depth the choice of equal access to paid parental leave in the service for those with more complex inquiries. Its website first year of their child’s life. The changes will encourage is both parents to take an active caring role, and help both https://www.gov.uk/business-support-helpline parents retain their attachment to the workplace by and the telephone helpline is on 0845 600 9006, available allowing them to agree a pattern of leave that works for Monday to Friday, 9 am to 6 pm. In Scotland the them and their employers. Changing the behaviour of contact is Business Gateway at employers and employees will ensure that there is no http://www.business.scotland.gov.uk longer an expectation that only mothers can care for the baby when born. Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 The National Careers Service offers independent, impartial, professional advice and guidance to encourage Mike Weatherley: To ask the Secretary of State for individuals to consider the full range of opportunities Business, Innovation and Skills with reference to the open to them. In depth, face-to-face guidance is targeted comments by Professor Ian Hargreaves on the repeal of on those who need it most, including women returners. section 52 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 We are extending the right to request flexible working in his publication Digital Opportunity: a review of to all employees, which will benefit all individuals who intellectual property and economic growth, whether he need to create a better balance between their personal has received representations from Professor Hargreaves and work life. BIS is also working to encourage cultural on this matter. [142020] change, especially to encourage employers to think about the business benefits of flexible working when they Jo Swinson: The Government has not received recruit new employees. An employer group led by Working representations from Professor Hargreaves on the repeal Families will make practical recommendations to business of section 52 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act on how flexible working can be beneficial and how it 1988. can be built into employers’ recruitment practices.

Mr Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for We are committed to seeing more women on the Business, Innovation and Skills how many times he has boards of the UK’s top companies, as well-balanced met officials at the Intellectual Property Office to discuss boards bring fresh perspectives, talent, new ideas and the Government’s consultation on copyright and broader experience which leads to better decision-making modernising copyright in the last six months. [142869] and higher productivity. The UK has taken a voluntary business-led approach which will deliver sustainable Jo Swinson: The Secretary of State for Business, long-term change. Results are already being seen: in the Innovation and Skills, my right hon. Friend the Member past two and a half years the number of FTSE 100 for Twickenham (Vince Cable), and my noble Friend, all-male boards has fallen to seven, from a starting the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business, point of 21. On 29 January the Secretary of State for Innovation and Skills, Viscount Younger of Leckie, Business, Innovation and Skills, my right hon. Friend have regular meetings with officials at the Intellectual the Member for Twickenham (Vince Cable) wrote to the Property Office to discuss all matters related to IP boards of the remaining seven, outlining the benefits of policy. This has included discussions on the Government’s diversity in the boardroom and reminding them of response to the Hargreaves review, the subsequent copyright Lord Davies’ recommendation of aiming for a minimum consultation and copyright reform more generally. 25% female representation on their boards by 2015. The Department contributes to the work of the Women’s Mike Weatherley: To ask the Secretary of State for Business Council, which was set up to make Business, Innovation and Skills whether any interested recommendations on how Government, business and party has indicated that it will pursue legal action others could maximise women’s contribution to economic against the Government if it does not repeal section 52 growth and improve the business environment for women, of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988. to maximise profit and success. We also support the [142752] “Think, Act, Report”initiative (bit.ly/UECXVK), launched in September 2011 to improve transparency and help Jo Swinson: No such notification has been received. companies think about gender equality in their workforces, on key issues such as recruitment, retention, promotion Employment: Females and pay. These and a range of other Government measures, Guy Opperman: To ask the Secretary of State for such as incentivising work by raising the tax threshold Business, Innovation and Skills what steps his so that low-paid women pay less tax, have contributed Department is taking to increase the number of women to the fact that the number of women in work is higher in the workplace. [141834] than at any time in UK history. 787W Written Answers14 FEBRUARY 2013 Written Answers 788W

Insolvency Service: Liverpool Jo Swinson: Brands are valuable both domestically and in the export market. They can help develop strong Mrs Ellman: To ask the Secretary of State for companies, which in turn will contribute to a strong Business, Innovation and Skills what future plans his UK economy, providing jobs and growth. Research by Department has for the Insolvency Service office in the Westminster Business School estimated that £16 Liverpool. [142937] billion was invested in brand development in the UK in 2006. Further, research published by the UK Intellectual Jo Swinson: The Insolvency Service has experienced Property Office in 2011 suggests that companies that considerable instability in recent years, the root cause regularly register trade marks, important components having been changes in demand for its largest area of of branding, experience more growth, create more jobs work, bankruptcies and company liquidations. Difficult and pay higher wages. decisions will need to be taken about jobs, given the fall in demand, and there needs to be a reduction of overhead costs to put the service onto a more sustainable financial Medicine: Research footing. This will include decisions on the service’s estate, which is now considerably larger than required for the number of staff needed going forward. These Mr Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for decisions will align with the service’s business strategy Business, Innovation and Skills how many people in his and reflect its need to reduce its current estate footprint Department have responsibility for (a) life sciences by about a third. and (b) the pharmaceutical industry. [142867] The service will be carrying out a phased review of all individual locations, often, but not always in line with Mr Willetts: The Office for Life Sciences (OLS) is the lease breaks and ends. The strategic preference will be lead team within BIS for pharmaceuticals and life sciences to merge neighbouring sites where practicable to benefit industries. It currently has 14.1 permanent FTE members from economies of scale, to enable more effective of staff. Funding for research in life sciences and related management and to enhance development opportunities areas is provided from BIS Science and Research funding for individuals. The service’s Liverpool office will be through the Research Base with 3.4 FTE equivalent included in the early stages of this review, as the current staff specific for life sciences research policy and Liverpool office has a lease break coming up this year. sponsorship. Other parts of BIS are also actively engaged in life sciences work although it is difficult to quantify Intellectual Property this engagement in terms of staff time. Mr Iain Wright: Toask the Secretary of State for Business, In addition there are a number of other BIS organisations Innovation and Skills what discussions he has had with involved in life sciences including UK Trade and Investment, HM Treasury with regards to the effect of intellectual Research Councils and the Technology Strategy Board. property reform on the creative industries. [142868]

Jo Swinson: The Secretary of State for Business, Regional Growth Fund: North East Innovation and Skills, my right hon. Friend the Member for Twickenham (Vince Cable), engages with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on a broad range of issues across the Guy Opperman: To ask the Secretary of State for BIS policy portfolio. Officials working on intellectual Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment he has property (IP) have regular discussions with HM Treasury made of the effect of the Regional Growth Fund on on IP and related policy issues and these discussions job creation in (a) Northumberland and (b) the North inform advice to both BIS and HMT Ministers. East. [141833] Mr Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what discussions he has Michael Fallon: From the first three Regional Growth had with the Minister for the Cabinet Office on the Fund (RGF) bidding rounds, 108 conditional awards of potential effect of intellectual property reform on the a total of £337.4 million have been made to businesses creative industries. [142940] and public/private partnerships in the North East. Of these, 62 awards totalling £109.1 million have been Jo Swinson: The Secretary of State for Business, finalised to date. So far businesses and partnerships Innovation and Skills (BIS), my right hon. Friend the have drawn down £27.3 million. (RGF payments are Member for Twickenham (Vince Cable), engages with normally made in arrears of private sector investment.) the Minister for the Cabinet Office and Paymaster General, Monitoring reports indicate that a total of 3,844 the right hon. Member for Horsham (Mr Maude), on a gross jobs have been created or safeguarded in the broad range of issues across the BIS policy portfolio. North East as a result of RGF awards that have been Officials working on intellectual property have regular finalised. discussions with the Cabinet Office on intellectual property providing advice to Ministers accordingly. For Northumberland, there have been 13 awards for a total of £36.7 million, of which eight awards totalling Marketing £8.5 million have been finalised. Five of these have started to draw down funds, and £1 million has been Mr Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for paid to date. Monitoring reports indicate that a total of Business, Innovation and Skills what estimate he has 134 gross jobs have been created or safeguarded in made of the value of brands to the UK economy. Northumberland as a result of RGF awards that have [142917] been finalised. 789W Written Answers14 FEBRUARY 2013 Written Answers 790W

Royal Mail Developing Countries: Multinational Companies

Nia Griffith: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Ivan Lewis: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Business, Innovation and Skills what recent discussions what specific proposals his Department will recommend he has had with Ofcom about Royal Mail’s universal to the G8 to tackle tax avoidance by multinational service obligation. [142821] companies operating in developing countries. [143423]

Jo Swinson: The Department for Business, Innovation Mr Gauke: I refer the right hon. Gentleman to the and Skills (BIS) has a regular dialogue with Ofcom on a response given by the Secretary of State for International wide range of issues concerning the postal services Development, my right hon. Friend the Member for market. Putney (Justine Greening), to his question 143419, answered Under the Postal Services Act 2011, Parliament on 14 February 2013 and wish to add that the G8 established Ofcom as an independent regulator for postal agenda is still being finalised. Nevertheless, the Prime services, and gave the regulator the primary duty to Minister has publicly declared that the UK’s G8 presidency secure the provision of the universal service. will focus on strengthening international tax standards, and working with developing countries to enable them All discussions between BIS and Ofcom are therefore to collect tax that is due to them. held in this context. EU External Trade Liquefied Petroleum Gas Caroline Lucas: To ask the Chancellor of the Mark Tami: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Exchequer what estimate he has made of the cost to the Innovation and Skills how many businesses that convert Exchequer of potential legal action from third parties vehicles to run on LPG have been operational in the against Government policy under any Investor State UK in each of the last five years. [142975] Dispute Settlement clauses that are included in future EU trade agreements; and if he will make a statement. Norman Baker: I have been asked to reply on behalf [143044] of the Department for Transport. I am advised that the Government does not collect Michael Fallon: I have been asked to reply on behalf business information to that level of detail. of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills. The EU has not yet concluded any agreements with Investor State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) clauses. Potential costs to the UK from any third party claims under new TREASURY EU agreements cannot easily be estimated: they will depend on the party with which the agreement is signed, the specific detail of the ISDS clauses in that agreement Departmental Responsibilities and the nature of future Government policy towards investors. The UK Government is, however, mindful of Priti Patel: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer the risks associated with ISDS clauses. We are pushing what his Department’s core statutory obligations are; for agreements that strike the right balance between and what estimate he has of the annual cost of protecting EU-based businesses’ investments abroad delivering each such obligation. [142770] and protecting Governments’ right to regulate in the public interest. Sajid Javid: HM Treasury’s core statutory obligations are to ensure that public sector net borrowing and debt Floods: Wales are reduced between 2011 and 2016 in line with the Fiscal Responsibility Act 2010; to monitor and updating Nia Griffith: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer the Charter for Budget Responsibility under the Budget how much additional funding has been given to Wales Responsibility and National Audit Act 2011; to report as a result of the flooding that occurred in 2012; and to Parliament where required under various statutes how this money has been allocated. [142822] authorising specific government spending (for example the Infrastructure (Financial Assistance) Act 2012). In Danny Alexander: At the autumn statement 2012, the addition to these the Treasury has miscellaneous statutory Government announced plans to increase investment in obligations under legislation governing financial services, flood defences by £120 million over the remainder of financial sanctions and government finances. this spending review period. As a result the Welsh The Treasury’s accounting system does not hold financial Government received £7 million in Barnett consequentials. data by statutory obligation and such information could The allocation of this funding is a matter for the Welsh not be provided within the disproportionate costs threshold. Government. Information on outturn and spending plans for the Treasury are shown in the Department’s Annual Report Government Procurement Card and Accounts for 2011-12 (HC 46) and the Business Plan for the period 2012-15, both of which are available Chi Onwurah: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer at: what the mean average spend using a Government www.hm-treasury.gov.uk Procurement Card was per member of staff in (a) his The 2012-13 Annual Report and Accounts will be Department and (b) each of its arm’s length bodies in published later in the year. (i) 2011 and (ii) 2012. [141467] 791W Written Answers14 FEBRUARY 2013 Written Answers 792W

Sajid Javid: The following table provides details of per member of staff within HM Treasury and each of the average spend on a Government Procurement Card its arm’s length bodies from April 2009 to date.

Average spend on government procurement card per member of staff £ 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-131

HMT 1,600 1,041 680 512 Debt Management Office 2,454 2,537 1,853 1,334 Asset Protection Agency — 406 1,520 2798 UK Financial Investments 1,297 575 947 350 Office for Budget Responsibility — — 5 91 1 To January 2013. 2 Note that the APA closed on 31 October 2012.

Regulation selling. The EU regulation has replaced the controls previously imposed by the UK legislation and so we have not estimated there to be any saving to business. Gordon Banks: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many regulations his Department has Staff repealed in the last six months; and what the estimated cost-saving has been of each such repeal. [141887] Priti Patel: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many staff are based in each property used by his Sajid Javid: Since the One In One Out system has Department. [143322] been in operation the Treasury has saved business £30.05 million per annum in regulatory costs, within the scope Sajid Javid: The number of staff based at each site of of the policy. Statements of the Treasury’s regulatory HM Treasury are as follows: and deregulatory measures, within the scope of One In One Out, are published every six months on our website. Location Headcount These statements can be found here: London, 1 Horse Guards Road 1,136 http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/about_new_regulations.htm Norwich, Rosebery Court 38 Scotland, Melville Crescent 1 The Treasury has repealed the following regulatory Total 1,175 pieces of legislation between 1 August 2012 and 4 February 2013: This information is based on the latest data available The Community Emissions Trading Scheme (Allocation of for staffing numbers for core HM Treasury as at Allowances for Payment) Regulations 2008; 31 December 2012. Syria (European Union Financial Sanctions) (Amendment) Taxation: Energy Regulations 2012; Cathy Jamieson: To ask the Chancellor of the The Belarus (Asset-Freezing) Regulations 2012; Exchequer if he will introduce energy tax exemptions Financial Restrictions (Iran) Order 2012; to protect the long-term competitiveness of the UK’s Sections 131B to 131D of the Financial Services and Markets energy-intensive industries. [142886] Act 2000 (short selling rules). Sajid Javid: Government has already taken action to None of these repeals generate direct cost savings. ensure the UK’s energy-intensive industries remain The first repeal was made for technical reasons and competitive. From this year, the Government is does not have an impact on business, the voluntary implementing measures worth around £250 million over sector or the public sector. the spending review period to reduce the impact of The Syria and Belarus regulations establish penalties policy on the costs of electricity for the most electricity- regimes for European Council Regulations which have intensive industries. This includes an increase in the direct effect. Since then the relevant European Council level of relief from the climate change levy on electricity Regulations have been amended, requiring consequential for Climate Change Agreement participants from 65% changes to the UK regulations. These changes have had to 90% and a compensation package to help offset the no impact on business. cost of reducing carbon emissions. As set out in the Energy Bill, energy-intensive industries will also be The Financial Restrictions (Iran) Order 2012 prohibited exempted from the costs of Contracts for Difference business relationships and financial transactions between under Electricity Market Reform, subject to consultation UK credit and financial institutions and Iranian banks. and state aid clearance. Effectively the same prohibition is now contained in a European Council Regulation which has direct effect in the UK. Consequently the order was revoked in order EDUCATION to avoid any confusion resulting from two restrictions Adoption: Merseyside operating in parallel. Its repeal therefore has no impact on business. Steve Rotheram: To ask the Secretary of State for The repeal of the FSA’s power to make short selling Education how many children (a) were placed for adoption, rules was necessary in order to make UK law compatible (b) were adopted and (c) started to be looked after due with a new directly applicable EU regulation on short to the breakdown of an adoptive family in (i) Liverpool, 793W Written Answers14 FEBRUARY 2013 Written Answers 794W

Walton constituency, (ii) Liverpool and (iii) Merseyside Information on the number of children who started in each year since 1997. [142001] to be looked after following the breakdown of an adoptive family is not currently available. Information Mr Timpson [holding answer 7 February 2013]: on children who return to care following the breakdown Information on the number of looked after children of a previous adoption will be collected for the first who were (a) placed for adoption and (b) adopted for time in 2014. the years ending 31 March 1997 to 2012 is shown in the tables. Information at constituency level is not available.

Children looked after at 31 March who were (a) placed for adoption at 31 March or (b) adopted during the year ending 31 March1,2 Years ending: 31 March 1997 to 2012 Coverage: Liverpool local authority, Merseyside and England Number 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004

All looked after children who were placed for adoption at 31 March1,2 Liverpool local authority 15 20 25 45 65 70 55 60 Merseyside3 50 80 90 120 170 170 140 140 England 2,390 2,420 2,990 3,620 4,070 4,270 3,790 3,610

All looked after children who were adopted during the year ending 31 March1,2 Liverpool local authority 20 15 10 30 20 35 65 55 Merseyside3 50 50 40 70 70 100 130 140 England 1,850 2,190 2,060 2,710 3,070 3,430 3,540 3,760

Number 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

All looked after children who were placed for adoption at 31 March1,2 Liverpool local authority 25 20 25 40 25 25 40 35 Merseyside3 100 70 60 120 80 70 90 80 England 3,440 3,020 2,710 2,860 2,680 2,510 2,710 2,680

All looked after children who were adopted during the year ending 31 March1,2 Liverpool local authority 70 30 20 35 45 40 35 50 Merseyside3 140 130 80 90 130 110 100 120 England 3,770 3,700 3,330 3,180 3,330 3,200 3,090 3,450 ‘x’ Figures not shown in order to protect confidentiality. 1 Numbers at local authority level have been rounded to the nearest 5. England and region level figures have been rounded to the nearest 10. 2 Historical data may differ from older publications. This is mainly due to the implementation of amendments and corrections sent by some local authorities after the publication date of previous materials. 3 Merseyside consists of Knowsley, Liverpool, St Helens, Sefton and Wirral local authorities.

Alternative Education Children: Day Care

Seema Malhotra: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what information his Department holds on Andrew Griffiths: To ask the Secretary of State for the number of hours of (a) formal and (b) informal Education how many and what percentage of pupils in child care an average child receives each week in (i) each alternative provision setting were classified as persistent Hounslow, (ii) London, (ii) each region and (iv) the absentees in the most recent year for which figures are UK. [140539] available. [142571] Elizabeth Truss [holding answer 31 January 2013]: The Department’s Childcare and Early Years Survey of Elizabeth Truss [holding answer 11 February 2013]: Parents is the main source of estimates on this topic. Absence data for PRUs were first collected at pupil level The following table provides estimates of the use of for the 2009/10 school year. To provide specific data at child care during a term time reference week in England PRU level would require a substantial amount of analysis and the English regions. Estimates for the UK or at and quality assurance and this would incur disproportionate local authority level are not available. The figures relate cost. to 2010. The survey was published on 31 January 2013. 795W Written Answers14 FEBRUARY 2013 Written Answers 796W

Mean and median hours of child care used by parents of children aged 0 to 14 during a term time reference week by English region 2010 Any child care Formal child care Informal child care Median hours Mean hours Median hours Mean hours Median hours Mean hours

England 8.3 14.1 6.0 11.6 6.0 11.7 London 9.0 14.8 8.3 13.4 5.5 12.7 North East 10.0 16.2 6.0 11.8 7.7 12.8 North West 9.0 14.6 7.5 12.9 6.0 10.7 Yorkshire and the Humber 11.0 15.9 5.5 11.5 8.0 14.1 East Midlands 8.8 13.6 7.4 13.2 7.0 9.3 West Midlands 9.0 15.2 7.6 13.3 6.0 11.5 East of England 6.0 11.8 4.0 8.9 5.0 9.9 South East 7.0 13.0 5.0 10.7 5.8 11.5 South West 7.5 13.3 5.0 9.5 7.0 12.6 Source: Childcare and Early Years Survey of Parents, 2010

Children’s Centres: Liverpool Elizabeth Truss: We announced proposals for the new national curriculum on 7 February, confirming that Steve Rotheram: To ask the Secretary of State for citizenship will remain a compulsory national curriculum Education what assessment he has made of the quality subject at key stages 3 and 4 in future. We also launched of provision in each Sure Start centre in Liverpool; and a consultation on the draft programmes of study for all which facilities in Liverpool offer Sure Start provision. national curriculum subjects, which will end on 16 [142002] April. The draft programmes of study for citizenship include teaching about democracy at key stages 3 and 4. Elizabeth Truss [holding answer 7 February 2013]: In addition, the draft programmes of study for history Liverpool city council’s entry to the Sure Start-On at key stages 2 and 3 chart the development of democracy database shows that Liverpool currently has 17 Sure in the UK through to the twentieth century. Start Children’s Centres. To date, Ofsted has inspected Subject to parliamentary approval, we plan to make 10 of them. Of the 10, one was judged to be outstanding, the final programmes of study available to schools this eight were judged to be good and one was judged to be autumn so that they can prepare for first teaching from satisfactory. September 2014. More information about our proposals and the consultation is available at: Christmas Cards www.education.gov.uk/nationalcurriculum

Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education Correspondence how much his private ministerial office spent on sending Christmas cards in 2012. [142081] Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what instructions he has issued to his private Elizabeth Truss [holding answer 7 February 2013]: In ministerial office on the preparation of briefing, 2012, the Private Office to the Secretary of State for speeches and replies to official correspondence. [142410] Education, my right hon. Friend the Member for Surrey Heath (Michael Gove), spent £885.75 on Christmas Elizabeth Truss [holding answer 11 February 2013]: cards for the DFE ministerial team. This figure includes The Secretary of State for Education, my right hon. the cost of cards, envelopes, labels and postage. Friend the Member for Surrey Heath (Michael Gove), The following table provides the amount spent by the has not issued any instructions to his Private Office DFE Private Office on Christmas cards in previous regarding the preparation of briefing, speeches and years: replies to official correspondence.

Cost (£) Creationism 2011 572.62 2010 1,106.39 Jonathan Reynolds: To ask the Secretary of State for 2009 1,711.20 Education what guidance his Department issues to 2008 2,737.00 schools on the teaching of creationism. [142092] 2007 2,653.00 Elizabeth Truss: The Department for Education has The Christmas card costs have significantly reduced made it clear that creationism has no place in any for 2011 and 2012 due to the purchase of in-house science curriculum and should not be taught as a valid design work, which costs less than external procurement. scientific alternative to scientific theories. Creationism does not accord with the consensus of the scientific Citizenship: Curriculum community or the very large body of established scientific evidence. There is scope for pupils to discuss beliefs Mr Blunkett: To ask the Secretary of State for Education about the origins of the Earth and living things, such as what his policy is on the inclusion of Citizenship and creationism, in religious education, as long as it is not Democracy as part of his core curriculum; and if he will presented as a valid alternative to established scientific make a statement. [141690] theory. 797W Written Answers14 FEBRUARY 2013 Written Answers 798W

Culture, Practices and Ethics of the Press Inquiry Elizabeth Truss: The information requested has been placed in the House Libraries. John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Education with reference to paragraph 83 of the summary Freedom of Information of recommendations in Lord Justice Leveson’s report on The Culture, Practices and Ethics of the Press, what Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for steps his Department has taken to comply with the Education how many Freedom of Information requests recommendations set out in that paragraph. [140174] were received by his Department in 2012; and how many such requests were answered late. [142106] Elizabeth Truss: The Government already publishes, on a quarterly basis, information about meetings between Elizabeth Truss [holding answer 7 February 2013]: Ministers, Permanent Secretaries, special advisers and Quarterly and annual statistics on Freedom of Information media proprietors, editors and senior executives. Cross-party requests received by a number of central Government talks about Lord Justice Leveson’s recommendations, monitored bodies (including all Departments of state) including the implementation of recommendations at are published by the Ministry of Justice on their website paragraph 83 for Government Ministers and Front at: Bench opposition spokesmen, are on-going. http://www.justice.gov.uk/statistics/foi/implementation http://www.justice.gov.uk/statistics/foi/implementation/ implementation-editions Education: Qualifications The Department is asked to collate these statistics to provide a picture of FOI performance across central Tristram Hunt: To ask the Secretary of State Government Departments. for Education (1) how many and what proportion of Key Stage Four examination entries (a) in total, (b) in GCSE each non-academy school, (c) in each converter academy, (d) in each sponsor-led academy and (e) for Pat Glass: To ask the Secretary of State for all academies were for (i) a history GCSE, (ii) a Education if he will publish details of the recent geography GCSE, (iii) a modern foreign language consultation held by his Department on the proposed GCSE, (iv) a physics GCSE, (v) a chemistry GCSE, (vi) changes to GCSE examinations. [141533] a biology GCSE, (vii) a science GCSE, (viii) an English GCSE, (ix) an art GCSE, (x) a drama GCSE, (xi) a design and technology GCSE, (xii) an information Elizabeth Truss: The Government has published its technology GCSE, (xiii) an OCR national level 2 response to the public consultation on reforming key qualification in information and communications stage 4 qualifications, alongside its equality impact technology and (xiv) a diploma in digital application in analysis and policy steer to Ofqual, the examinations 2011-12; and how many and what proportion in each regulator. Copies of these documents have been placed such category were eligible for free school meals; in the Libraries of both Houses. [141005] Andrew Griffiths: To ask the Secretary of State for (2) how many Key Stage 4 examination entries there Education how many and what proportion of pupils in were (a) in total, (b) in each non-academy school, (c) (a) academies and (b) mainstream schools that were in each converter academy, (d) in each sponsor-led not academies achieved (i) A* to C in English and academy and (e) for all academies in (i) a history mathematics GCSE, (ii) five A* to C grades in GCSE GCSE, (ii) a geography GCSE, (iii) a modern foreign including English and mathematics but excluding language GCSE, (iv) a physics GCSE, (v) a chemistry equivalents, (iii) five A* to C grades at GCSE including GCSE, (vi) a biology GCSE, (vii) a science GCSE, (viii) English and mathematics including equivalents, (iv) A* an English GCSE, (ix) an art GCSE, (x) a drama to C in English, mathematics, two sciences, a foreign GCSE, (xi) a design and technology GCSE, (xii) an language and history or geography excluding equivalents information technology GCSE, (xiii) an OCR national and (v) five A* to C at GCSE excluding equivalents in level 2 qualification in information and communications each year since 2003. [142318] technology and (xiv) a diploma in digital application in (A) 2010-11 and (B) 2011-12; [141007] Elizabeth Truss [holding answer 11 February 2013]: (3) how many Key Stage 4 examination entries for The Department for Education regularly publishes statistics pupils eligible for free school meals there were (a) in on GCSE and equivalent attainment; the most recent total, (b) in each non-academy school, (c) in each statistical first release (SFR) was “GCSE and Equivalent converter academy, (d) in each sponsor-led academy Results in England, 2011/12 (Revised)” available from and (e) for all academies in 2011-12 Key Stage 4 our website: examination entries in (i) a history GCSE, (ii) a geography http://www.education.gov.uk/researchandstatistics/statistics/ GCSE, (iii) a modern foreign language GCSE, (iv) a allstatistics/a00219173/qcse-and-equivalent-results physics GCSE, (v) a chemistry GCSE, (vi) a biology Please see the second link under “Downloads” for the GCSE, (vii) a science GCSE, (viii) an English GCSE, latest year’s figures and then the following tables: (ix) an art GCSE, (x) a drama GCSE, (xi) a design and (i) Table 4a technology GCSE, (xii) an information technology GCSE, (xiii) an OCR national level 2 qualification in information (ii) Table 5a and communications technology and (xiv) a diploma in (iii) Table 5a digital application in (A) 2010-11 and (B) 2011-12. (iv) Table 3a [141008] (v) Table 5a 799W Written Answers14 FEBRUARY 2013 Written Answers 800W

Similar information for 2011 is available in ″GCSE who attended schools that were classified by Ofsted as and Equivalent Results in England, 2010/11 (Revised)″ (i) outstanding, (ii) good, (iii) satisfactory and (iv) inadequate http://www.education.gov.uk/researchandstatistics/statistics/ at their most recent inspection achieved (A) A* to C in allstatistics/a00201306/dfe-gcse-and-equivalent-results-in- English and mathematics GCSE, (B) five A* to C enqland-201011-revised grades at GCSE including English and mathematics but Further information could be provided only at excluding equivalents and (C) five A* to C grades at disproportionate cost. GCSE including English and mathematics including equivalents in the last year for which figures are available. [142319] Andrew Griffiths: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many and what proportion of pupils Mr Laws [holding answer 11 February 2013]: The (a) eligible and (b) not eligible for free school meals above information can be found in the following tables.

Achievements at GCSE and equivalent for pupils1 at the end of Key Stage 4 by Free School Meal eligibility (FSM) who attended schools that were classified by Ofsted as Outstanding, Good, Satisfactory and Inadequate, years: 2011/12 (revised)2,3, coverage: England, state-funded schools (including Academies and CTCs) FSM Pupils 5+ A*-C grades exc. Number of eligible A*-C in English and equivalents inc. English and 5+ A*-C grades inc. English Ofsted Rating pupils1 mathematics GCSEs mathematics GCSEs4 and mathematics GCSEs

Outstanding 11,546 46.2 38.9 45.7 Good 27,855 37.1 27.8 36.5 Satisfactory 21,982 33.2 23.9 32.7 Inadequate 3,849 25.3 14.3 24.7 All Schools5 80,190 36.8 27.7 36.3

All Other Pupils 5+ A*-C grades exc. Number of eligible A*-C in English and equivalents inc. English and 5+ A*-C grades inc. English Ofsted Rating pupils1 mathematics GCSEs mathematics GCSEs4 and mathematics GCSEs

Outstanding 74,499 72 67.4 71.6 Good 165,419 62.2 55.1 61.7 Satisfactory 106,940 55.8 46.9 55.3 Inadequate 15,065 47.2 36.1 46.8 All Schools5 481,125 63 56 62.6

All Pupils 5+ A*-C grades exc. Number of eligible A*-C in English and equivalents inc. English and 5+ A*-C grades inc. English Ofsted Rating pupils1 mathematics GCSEs mathematics GCSEs4 and mathematics GCSEs

Outstanding 86,045 68.5 63.5 68.1 Good 193,274 58.5 51.2 58.1 Satisfactory 128,922 51.9 43 51.4 Inadequate 18,914 42.8 31.7 42.3 All Schools5 561,315 59.3 51.9 58.8 1 Number of pupils at the end of Key Stage 4. 2 Figures for 2011/12 are based on revised data. 3 iGCSEs, accredited at time of publication, have been counted as GCSE equivalents and also as English and mathematics GCSEs. 4 GCSEs only (including iGCSEs, short courses, double awards and vocational GCSEs) and AS levels. 5 Includes pupils within schools for which an Ofsted rating could not be determined. Source: Key Stage 4 attainment data

Human Papillomavirus for ensuring that health problems of any kind do not prevent individual children from receiving a good education. We trust them to act in their pupils’ best interests. Mr Blunt: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what assessment he has made of the availability of We expect schools to understand and support the measures to support access to education for girls whose educational, health and medical needs of all pupils and access to education is disrupted as a result of symptoms that they work closely alongside parents and carers, as developed after receiving the HPV vaccine. [142143] well as their local health services, to address any concerns. Where a short-term absence occurs as a result of side Elizabeth Truss: The Secretary of State for Education, effects of any HPV vaccination, we would expect the my right hon. Friend the Member for Surrey Heath pupil’s school to make arrangements for them to continue (Michael Gove), has not made an assessment of the their work at home, or to catch up with their work once measures to support pupils who suffer side effects from back in school. the HPV vaccination or the availability of those measures. In any case where a pupil has to be absent for a longer Those at local level who are responsible for educating period of time as a result of vaccination, their local pupils with health needs—schools and local authorities—are authority would have a duty to arrange suitable education best placed to determine the most appropriate arrangements for them outside of school. In January, the Department 801W Written Answers14 FEBRUARY 2013 Written Answers 802W for Education published guidance to local authorities Pupils: Leave on ensuring that children who cannot attend school because of health needs receive a good education. This Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State guidance can be found at: for Education if he will investigate the benefits and http://tinyurl.com/bxvfy4d disadvantages of providing study leave for students taking end of year examinations at 16 years old. ICT: Curriculum [142416]

Mr Blunkett: To ask the Secretary of State for Education Elizabeth Truss [holding answer 11 February 2013]: when the final decisions on implementation of changes The Department for Education has no plans to investigate to the curriculum for schools in relation to information the benefits and disadvantages of providing study leave technology will be announced; and if he will make a for students taking end of year examinations at 16 years statement. [141689] old. Roads: Safety Elizabeth Truss: We published draft programmes of study for all national curriculum subjects for consultation on 7 February. As part of that consultation we are Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for seeking views on a proposal to replace the existing, Education what steps he is taking to educate children outdated ICT curriculum with a new computing curriculum about proper road safety. [142387] with a much greater emphasis on computational thinking and practical programming skills, which will help England Elizabeth Truss: Road safety education can be covered to retain a competitive edge in the vital and growing as part of non-statutory personal, social, health and digital economy. The consultation will end on 16 April. economic (PSHE) education. Schools are free to decide Subject to parliamentary approval, we plan to make what to include in their PSHE programmes and should the final programmes of study available to schools this tailor the content of PSHE lessons to take account of autumn so that they can prepare for first teaching from the needs of their pupils. September 2014. More information about our proposals Schools: Snow and Ice and the consultation is available at: www.education.gov.uk/nationalcurriculum David Mowat: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what guidance his Department gives to Pupils: Disadvantaged schools and local education authorities on contingency planning to minimise school closures in the event of Andrew Griffiths: To ask the Secretary of State for snow; and if he will make a statement. [142298] Education how much pupil premium was allocated to schools in each local authority area in the last year for Elizabeth Truss: The Department has revised its advice which figures are available. [142333] to schools setting out our expectation that, in the event of adverse weather conditions such as heavy snow, head Mr Laws [holding answer 11 February 2013]: The teachers should keep schools open for as many pupils as pupil premium was introduced in April 2011. Pupil possible whenever it is reasonable for them to do so. premium funding is provided to schools which have on The advice also dispels a number of myths around roll pupils known to be eligible for free school meals health and safety and staffing issues relating to adverse (the deprivation premium); children in care who have weather conditions. The advice was e-mailed to local been continuously looked after for at least six months authorities on 29 January 2013 and can be found on the (the looked after child premium); and children whose Department’s website at: parents are serving in the armed forces (the service child http://tinyurl.com/37k7vmp premium). Pupil premium 2012-13 allocations for schools are Teachers: Training published on the Department’s website: http://media.education.gov.uk/assets/files/xlsx/p/pupil%20 Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for premium%202012-13%20school%20tables%20final.xlsx Education what steps he plans to take to ensure that In the financial year 2012-13, eligibility for pupil schools offer permanent posts to the teachers they have premium was extended to pupils who have been eligible trained through the School Direct programme. [142394] for free school meals at any point in the last six years. The service premium was also extended to include Mr Laws [holding answer 11 February 2013]: Through children whose parents have died in service and the School Direct, schools can choose and recruit the trainees children are now in receipt of pensions under the Armed they want with an expectation that the trainee will be Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) and the War employed after successfully completing their training. Pensions Scheme (WPS). We are also protecting the We expect schools, therefore, to have a clear capacity entitlement of those who were eligible for the service to employ the trainees when they successfully complete premium in 2011-12 but who are no longer recorded as their training programme. We advise schools to review a service child on the January 2012 census. their previous employment patterns and use current The pupil premium will increase from £623 to £900 knowledge on staffing issues to make an assessment of per pupil in 2013-14 and the service premium will future need. This assessment should enable them to increase from £250 to £300 per pupil. Illustrative allocations request a number of places that broadly matches the for 2013-14 are available on the Department’s website. future employment requirements. 803W Written Answers14 FEBRUARY 2013 Written Answers 804W

The expectation of employment does not need to sit Clinical Excellence and (b) the NHS Commissioning with an individual school; it can be shared collectively. Board on the omission of a potential indicator on We advise schools to work together in partnerships to patient experience of cancer patients from the consultation deliver School Direct. Larger partnerships of schools of the 2014/15 Clinical Commissioning Group Outcomes mean that turnover of staff can be more accurately Indicator Set. [143489] predicted and there is enough scale to ensure that trainees can be found work when they qualify. Anna Soubry: The Clinical Commissioning Group Outcomes Indicator Set is a matter for the NHS Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for Commissioning Board. Education what the cost is of training a teacher in each subject through (a) Initial Teacher Training delivered The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence in higher education, (b) the Graduate Teacher (NICE) is the independent body responsible for advising the NHS Commissioning Board, on potential indicators. Programme and (c) School Direct. [142396] NICE make recommendations based on the best Mr Laws [holding answer 11 February 2013]: Initial evidence available. We understand that an indicator on Teacher Training (ITT) is funded through a combination patient experience of cancer services is being considered, of tuition fees charged by the provider to the trainee and then will be the subject of consultation by NICE. (which qualify for student loans accessed directly by the trainee from the Student Loans Company), and grant Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State funding from the Department for Education (which for Health what steps his Department is taking to covers training bursaries, under graduate continuer funding ensure that the commissioning of specialised and non- and the graduate teacher programme). specialised cancer services will not result in fragmentation While the Department is responsible for the allocation of care. [143490] of places to providers, it does not collate the overall costs of teacher training in each subject for the different Anna Soubry: Work has been undertaken to support ITT routes, as decisions on the level of fees are the the development of service specifications for both specialist responsibility of the providers who deliver ITT programmes. cancer services, which will be commissioned by the Detailed information on how the Department will NHS Commissioning Board as well as those cancer fund ITT for the academic year 2013/14 can be found in services that will be commissioned by clinical commissioning the published guidance for Training Bursary Guide groups. Academic Year2013/14 and the School Direct Operations To date, 15 specialist service specifications have been Manual 2013/14. drafted by the Specialised Cancer Clinical Reference group for the NHS Commissioning Board. The National Cancer Action Team has also produced three advisory HEALTH service specifications for Clinical Commissioning Groups Beef: Horse Meat in breast cancer, colorectal cancer and lung cancer. These are included in the Cancer Commissioning Toolkit. Mary Creagh: To ask the Secretary of State for Health These service specifications cover the whole cancer with reference to the Food Standards Agency’s statement care pathway and will ensure that patients receive of 7 February 2013 confirming horse meat in Findus appropriate treatment and support at all stages of the meat products, which Findus products have been tested; patient journey. and what the results of such tests have been to date. [143264] The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence is continuing to build its library of Quality Standards, Anna Soubry: On 7 February the Food Standards which will act as markers of high quality, cost-effective Agency (FSA) confirmed that the meat content of beef patient care in NHS. Four cancer quality standards lasagne products recalled by Findus had tested positive have already, been published. for horse meat. There is no evidence to suggest that this is a food safety risk. However, the FSA has ordered Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State Findus to test the lasagne for the veterinary drug for Health what assessment his Department has made phenylbutazone, or “bute”. Animals treated with of using (a) the results of the national cancer patient phenylbutazone are not allowed to enter the food chain experience surveys and (b) the friends and family test as it may pose a risk to human health. The results of to improve the experience of cancer patients in the this test are expected in the next few days and will be NHS. [143491] published on the FSA website. The FSA has also ordered food businesses, including Anna Soubry: The national report and 160 bespoke Findus, to conduct tests for the presence of significant trust level reports from the National Cancer Patient levels of horse meat on all beef products, such as beef Experience Survey 2011-12 were published in August burgers, meatballs and lasagne, and provide the results 2012. These have been made widely available to drive to the FSA. The deadline for the first set of results to be and inform local service improvement. The trust level provided to the FSA is 15 February. reports provide benchmarked data nationally and between Cancer teams so that priority improvement areas can be identified. We are aware that a number of trusts have produced Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for action plans based on the results of the surveys. Health pursuant to the answer of 26 June 2012, Official The National Cancer Action Team has been working Report, column 224W, on cancer, what discussions he with Cancer Networks to drive service improvements has had with (a) the National Institute for Health and based on the results of the survey. This has included 805W Written Answers14 FEBRUARY 2013 Written Answers 806W producing the report ‘Improvements in cancer patient prices. Local authorities are under a duty to secure the experience: how have they been made?’, which will be best value for the public funds they spend on services. discussed at the next meeting of the Cancer Patient This must, however, be based on due consideration of Experience Advisory Group on 8 March 2013, and then the cost of providing care. shared widely with trusts. Through the draft Care and Support Bill, the We have encouraged stakeholders in the third sector Government has, for the first time, placed an explicit to use the survey results to identify and share best duty on local authorities to promote a diverse, high practice in patient care and services to support service quality and sustainable local market for care and support improvement activity. For example, Macmillan Cancer that meets the needs of local people. Support analysed the data and published the 10 best and worst performing trusts in England in 2012, which Carers: Yorkshire and the Humber were also published in the second annual report of ‘Improving Outcomes: A Strategy for Cancer’ in December 2012. Macmillan also produced ‘Improving Cancer Patient Andrew Percy: To ask the Secretary of State for Experience—A top tips guide’. This document can be Health what estimate he has made of the number of found at: registered carers in (a) Brigg and Goole constituency and (b) Yorkshire and the Humber. [143485] www.macmillan.org.uk In addition, all the quantitative data from the survey Norman Lamb: The only regulated part of the social has been sent to the National Data Archive at Essex care work force are social workers and nurses, occupational University and is freely available for access by researchers therapists and other therapists. to undertake a series of analyses under the rules of the The number of registered social workers employed by archive. councils with adult social services responsibilities is Patient experience is one of three domains of quality published by the Health and Social Care Information alongside effectiveness and safety. This Government is Centre. The data within the publication are supplied by committed to encouraging services to be responsive to Skills for Care. Data for registered children’s social patient needs and experiences, and using feedback to workers are not collected or published by the Health make services truly patient-centred. and Social Care Information Centre. The Friends and Family test will be implemented Data are not collected at constituency level and are nationally from 1 April 2013 for all acute in-patient and therefore presented for Yorkshire and Humber only and accident and emergency (A&E) services. All in-patients are at whole-time equivalent (WTE) level and individual and patients in A&E departments will be given the worker level. As at September 2011 there were 1,820 opportunity to answer the simple question ‘How likely WTE adult social workers in Yorkshire and Humber, are you to recommend our ward/A&E department to this equates to 2,030 individual social workers employed. friends and family if they needed similar care or treatment’. On 11 December, the Office for National Statistics The test is unique in that it provides frequent, fast published data from the 2011 Census for England and (near-real time) feedback, which is comparable from Wales. These showed that, overall, 5.8 million (10%) of both patients’ and NHS staff perspectives. Alongside residents in England and Wales provided unpaid care other feedback, the test will be used by service providers for someone with an illness or disability. as a tool for improvement; by commissioners and the public to hold services to account; and by patients to Dental Services inform choice. Where a cancer patient is either an in-patient or Mr Jamie Reed: To ask the Secretary of State for discharged from an A&E department, they will be Health by what date he expects the new NHS dentistry asked the Friends and Family test; however, the results contract development to be completed. [143435] will not be differentiated by patient diagnosis.

Care Homes: Fees and Charges Norman Lamb: No date has been set for the introduction of a new dental contract. The Government made a commitment to introducing a new contract and said Jason McCartney: To ask the Secretary of State for there would be thorough preparation including piloting. Health (1) what steps his Department is taking to Piloting intended to test key elements needed to design tackle the cost of self-funded places in care homes; that new contract began in 2011. A second wave of [142866] pilots was announced in October 2012 and will be in (2) what steps his Department is taking to reduce any place from 1 April 2013. This second stage will allow for disparity between the cost of a (a) local authority further testing of key elements of any new contract. place and (b) self-funded place in a care home. [142870] Mr Jamie Reed: To ask the Secretary of State for Norman Lamb: The Department does not intervene Health what steps his Department is taking to increase in the process of setting of care home fees, which are for access to dentistry care provided by the NHS. [143483] negotiation between providers and commissioners or purchasers of care. Norman Lamb: The Government is committing to As major purchasers of care home places, local improving access to dentistry. Between May 2010 and authorities are able to give care home operators greater September 2012, an additional 1.1 million patients have confidence about future occupancy levels. The security been seen by a national health service dentist and we are about business prospects this gives to operators can committed to achieving further increases. These allow local authorities to negotiate very competitive improvements have been supported by an additional 807W Written Answers14 FEBRUARY 2013 Written Answers 808W

£28 million we made available in 2012 to support local system of drugs and treatments since his appointment; access to NHS dentistry and a further £30 million is and which other groups he has met in relation to this being made available to support access this year. issue. [143436]

Diabetes Norman Lamb: Since 4 September 2012, the Secretary of State for Health, the right hon. Member for South West Surrey (Mr Hunt), has met with a number of Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Health organisations, including the Ministerial Industry Strategy what the rate is at which GPs are remunerated for Group, the Association of the British Pharmaceutical individual diabetes tests. [143438] Industry and the Life Sciences Champions, where value- based pricing was discussed. Norman Lamb: There is no specific rate or fee for individual diabetes tests. Under the terms of their contract Ministers and officials have engaged with a wide for the provision of national health service primary range of patient groups, clinicians, national health service medical services, general practitioners (GPs) are required representatives, industry and other interested parties, to provide all necessary services to their patients. Practices including the Medicines and Healthcare products receive annually a weighted price per patient that is Regulatory Agency as we develop our plans for the new intended to cover delivery of the essential and additional pricing system for branded medicines, including value-based services all GP practices are expected to provide to pricing. patients who have chosen to register with them to meet Food: Testing their personal medical services needs. In addition, all primary medical services contractors Gregg McClymont: To ask the Secretary of State for who are responsible for patients registered with them Health how many food sample tests (a) the Food may participate in the Quality and Outcomes Framework Standards Agency and (b) local authorities acting on (QOF). This provides additional reward to GP practices behalf of the Food Standards Agency have conducted for how well they care for patients based on their (i) throughout Scotland and (ii) in each local authority performance against a number of agreed indicators. area in Scotland in each of the last five years. [143431] Primary medical care contractors are awarded points under QOF for providing high quality care for patients Anna Soubry: The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is with diabetes, including carrying out each of the nine involved in a range of food sampling carried out each diabetes tests. The 2012-13 QOF diabetes mellitus area year under a range of national and European Union and smoking area includes indicators which directly food legislation. The various areas of testing and numbers reward practices for carrying out a number of clinical of samples taken are set out in the annual reports of the measures that have a proven evidence base for improving Implementation of the UK National Control Plan since the care of patients with diabetes. These include tests or 2007. processes which are an intermediate outcomes measure The FSA also commissions regular surveys of foods for which they must record the results. to help to protect and inform consumers by alerting the The 2012-13 quality indicators for which practices agency to potential food safety issues. The surveys help will be rewarded are set out in the Quality and Outcomes to judge the effectiveness of regulation and inform Framework guidance for GMS contract 2012-13 on the negotiations with the European Commission, monitor NHS Employers’ website at: trends and assess risks. These surveys can also be found www.nhsemployers.org/Aboutus/Publications/Documents/ on the FSA website. QOF_2012-13.pdf Local authorities in Scotland reported the following The number of points available for each indicator is total number of food sample tests in their annual food set out in the summary tables. The proportion of points law enforcement monitoring returns to the FSA: each contractor receives depends on the percentage of patients for whom they achieve the indicator, within Number of analyses Number of individual upper and lower payment thresholds (or payment stages). (tests) samples The value of a point in 2012-13 was set at £133.76 per 2008-09 — 15,223 contractor and is adjusted by relative list size and 2009-10 19,367 13,969 prevalence of the relevant disease. 2010-11 15,248 10,642 2011-12 13,602 10,236 Drugs: Prices 2012-13 1— 1— 1 Not yet available Mr Jamie Reed: To ask the Secretary of State for These returns only include the samples tested by Health what discussions he has had with (a) the Official Control Laboratories and may not reflect the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory whole of the local authorities’ food sampling activities. Agency and (b) other bodies on a value-based pricing The data by individual local authority are:

2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 Local authority Analyses Samples Analyses Samples Analyses Samples Analyses Samples

Aberdeen City 932 459 1,056 673 774 584 1,189 814 Aberdeenshire 988 810 921 583 678 540 492 348 Angus Council 645 916 749 508 498 421 476 343 809W Written Answers14 FEBRUARY 2013 Written Answers 810W

2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 Local authority Analyses Samples Analyses Samples Analyses Samples Analyses Samples

Argyll and Bute 333 311 369 255 137 99 209 156 City of Edinburgh n/a n/a 2093 1,023 583 331 859 530 City of Glasgow 1,490 1,409 1,912 1,410 1,693 1,551 1,652 1,495 Clackmannanshire 215 215 203 155 115 113 141 114 Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar 95 68 175 106 157 107 83 60 Dumfries and Galloway 264 203 353 255 427 331 333 275 Dundee City 483 376 624 422 413 338 367 233 East Ayrshire 1,112 859 918 735 449 427 281 267 East Dunbartonshire 662 366 204 166 281 238 365 311 East Lothian 184 184 1,158 561 787 453 691 390 East Renfrewshire 413 413 511 361 333 277 114 105 Falkirk 137 130 291 201 212 192 145 121 Fife 372 372 735 521 366 336 418 315 Inverclyde Council 271 206 179 147 295 41 192 248 Midlothian 239 239 434 210 408 215 387 216 Moray 520 321 663 441 404 329 413 323 North Ayrshire 520 353 482 303 347 239 326 244 North Lanarkshire 1,051 960 536 517 296 127 118 115 Orkney Islands 2 2 124 64 149 80 69 47 Perth and Kinross 266 157 361 267 278 257 320 243 Renfrewshire 337 337 268 209 145 118 65 49 Scottish Borders 326 314 615 310 266 147 418 259 Shetland Islands 1,215 1,210 299 144 99 59 235 136 South Ayrshire 489 489 482 353 483 415 474 435 South Lanarkshire 1,194 1,153 1,053 1,024 1,325 486 738 700 Stirling n/a n/a 533 362 519 397 270 225 The Highland Council 2,307 1,353 1,066 672 1,124 618 755 422 West Dunbartonshire 377 379 397 315 121 202 313 275 West Lothian 706 659 1,371 696 1,086 574 694 422

Health Services: Lancashire Local commissioners have the primary responsibility for determining what steps are needed to improve the health of people with arthritis and musculoskeletal Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for conditions in Pendle constituency and Lancashire. To Health what steps his Department is taking to improve support local commissioners, the National Institute for the health of people with arthritis and musculoskeletal Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has published conditions in (a) Pendle constituency and (b) clinical guidelines and other guidance on a number of Lancashire. [142929] musculoskeletal conditions, and NICE Quality Standards for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and other conditions are in preparation. In addition the NHS CB are proposing Norman Lamb: The mandate sets out the Government’s to appoint a national clinical director for musculoskeletal ambitions for the health service for the next two years. conditions who will consider what other steps could be It includes an objective for the NHS Commissioning taken at national level to support high quality local Board (NHS CB) to make measurable progress towards commissioning. making the national health service among the best in Europe at supporting people with ongoing health problems to live healthily and independently, with much better control over the care they receive. Heart Diseases: Children It is for the board to decide how they will carry this out; the Government will hold them to account for the Stuart Andrew: To ask the Secretary of State for outcomes they achieve. Health (1) what regional representation there was on the bodies which advised the Joint Committee of The NHS CB will in turn hold clinical commission Primary Care Trusts regarding the safe and sustainable groups (CCGs) to account. While the board will be review of paediatric cardiac services; [143206] expected to give CCGs freedom to commission services tailored to the needs of their local population, CCGs (2) which members of which bodies advised the Joint will be accountable to the NHS CB through an annual Committee of Primary Care Trusts as part of the safe performance assessment. This will include an assessment and sustainable review of paediatric cardiac services; of how the CCG has fulfilled its duty to act consistently [143207] with the mandate. This will provide a direct line of (3) what the recruitment policies were of the bodies accountability back to the expectations set out in the which advised the Joint Committee of Primary Care mandate. The board must publish a report annually Trusts as part of the safe and sustainable review of summarising the results of all its performance assessments paediatric cardiac services; and if he will make a of CCGs. statement; [143208] 811W Written Answers14 FEBRUARY 2013 Written Answers 812W

(4) for what reasons the minutes of meetings of the As part of its ongoing investigation into the mislabelling Joint Committee of Primary Care Trusts regarding the of meat products the FSA and police entered two meat safe and sustainable review of paediatric cardiac services premises, one in West Yorkshire and the other in West were redacted when supplied to the Joint Health Overview Wales on 13 February 2013. and Scrutiny Committee for Yorkshire and the Humber. The plant in West Yorkshire is Peter Boddy Licensed [143209] Slaughterhouse, Todmorden, West Yorkshire, and we believe it supplied horse carcases to Farmbox Meats Anna Soubry: The Safe and Sustainable review of Ltd, Llandre, Aberystwyth. The FSA and the police are children’s congenital heart services was a national health looking into the circumstances through which meat service review, independent of Government. The matters products, purporting to be beef for kebabs and burgers, raised, therefore, are for the Joint Committee of Primary were sold when they were in fact horse. Care Trusts, which undertook the review. The FSA has suspended operations at both these In these circumstances, and given legal proceedings plants. Both West Yorkshire and Dyfed-Powys police and a review by the Independent Reconfiguration Panel have entered the premises with the FSA. The FSA has are underway, it would not be appropriate to comment detained all meat found, and seized paperwork, including further. customer lists from the two companies.

Horse Passports Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation

Mary Creagh: To ask the Secretary of State for Ms Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Health how many horses presented for slaughter at UK what the timelines are for the review of the Code of abattoirs have been rejected by officials because of Practice for the Joint Committee on Vaccination and concerns over their equine passports in (a) the last Immunisation; and if he will make a statement. [143187] month and (b) each of the last four years; and at what location each such event occurred. [143434] Anna Soubry: A review of the code of practice of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation is Anna Soubry: The following table states the number being taken forward as a result of recent developments, of horses presented for slaughter at UK abattoirs which including changes to the health and public health system have been rejected in the last month: following implementation of the Health and Social Care Act 2012 and the Cabinet Office Public Bodies Number of horses rejected Review 2012. The revised Code of Practice will be by the plant operator official veterinarian (OVs) published when finalised later this year. Plant at ante mortem inspection North East Strategic Health Authority 16 January 8231—Stillmans Ltd 1 2013 Stuart Andrew: To ask the Secretary of State for The following table states the number of horses presented Health pursuant to the answer of 5 November 2012, for slaughter at UK abattoirs which have been rejected Official Report, column 470W, on NHS: expenditure, in each of the last four years: for what reasons the North East Strategic Health Authority has received the second highest level of funding from Number of horses rejected the National Specialised Commissioning Team since by the plant operator (OVs) 2004-05. [143259] Plant at ante mortem inspection

2009-10 8231—Stillmans Ltd 22 Norman Lamb: Further analysis of the data given in 2010-11 4185—High Peak Ltd 1 the answer of 5 November 2012, Official Report, column 470W, on NHS: expenditure, would indicate that expenditure at trusts in the North East Strategic Health 2011-12 2238—Yorkshire 35 Country Meats Authority area was 4th highest total by area between 8231—Stillmans Ltd 23 2004-05 and 2008-09, the 5th highest in 2009-10 and 2010-11 and 6th highest in 2011-12. The National Specialised Commissioning Team (NSCT) 2012-13 2238—Yorkshire 1 Country Meats in NHS London commissions for the entire population of England. Given the very small number of patients 4185—High Peak Ltd 1 involved, the small number of procedures and the very 8231—Stillmans Ltd 26 high level of clinical expertise required to provide such treatments, most nationally commissioned services are Horses provided in a very small number of centres, usually no more than three or four. Providers work collectively to Mary Creagh: To ask the Secretary of State for provide a national service to the whole population and Health which horse premises are on the Food Standard must demonstrate their capacity to meet nationally-agreed Agency’s cause for concern list. [143263] criteria, detailed service specifications and comprehensive contractual and performance measures, including equality Anna Soubry: There are no slaughterhouses approved of access. for processing horses within the United Kingdom appearing The NSCT currently commissions from two providers on the Food Standards Agency’s (FSA) cause for concern in the North East Strategic Health Authority area. The list. Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust 813W Written Answers14 FEBRUARY 2013 Written Answers 814W provides a range of highly specialised services for the WTE (rounded to benefit of all English patients. Similarly, the Secure Number of adverts nearest whole number) Forensic Mental Health Services commissioned from Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Trust receives June 2011 4,296 6,888 referrals and admits patients from across England. July 2011 4,269 6,355 August 2011 4,682 7,316 Nurses: Labour Turnover September 2011 4,270 6,950 October 2011 4,307 6,938 Diana Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for November 2011 4,427 6,437 Health what estimate he has made of the number of December 2011 3,564 5,309 nurses that will (a) join and (b) leave the NHS in 2013. January 2012 4,477 8,004 [143442] February 2012 4,259 6,733 March 2012 4,521 8,123 Dr Poulter: No central estimate has been made of the April 2012 4,271 7,244 number of nurses that will join or leave the national May 2012 5,021 10,076 health service in 2013. Local NHS organisations are June 2012 4,310 8,510 responsible for the skill mix of their work force as they July 2012 5,008 8,321 are best placed to assess the health needs of their local August 2012 5,225 8,523 health community and must have the freedom to deploy September 2012 4,709 8,202 staff in ways appropriate for local conditions. October 2012 5,556 10,183 The Centre for Workforce Intelligence has been asked November 2012 5,298 11,211 to review the nursing work force with more input from December 2012 4,071 8,426 employers and to advise whether the current level of January 2013 5,104 8,846 Note: training is sufficient to maintain a balance between The numbers produced are worked out from those vacancies that are in the supply and demand in future years. This report is ‘Nursing’ or ‘Nursing & Midwifery. Registered’ staff groups, are above band 4 expected to be published shortly. and do not have ‘midwife’ or ‘midwives’ in the job title. May include a small number of vacancies that are more management than nursing or that are simply mis-identified. Nurses: Recruitment Source: Data gathered from NHS Jobs 13 February 2013 Diana Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many full-time nursing posts were advertised through the NHS Jobs website in each month since Prescriptions January 2010. [143429]

Norman Lamb: The Department is able to provide Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for data about the number of job advertisements placed on Health pursuant to the answer of 5 February 2013, NHS Jobs by employers in the national health service. Official Report, column 189W, on prescriptions, how However, the data are provided by whole-time equivalents many of the items listed under items dispensed, charges (WTE), (to the nearest whole number) and not full-time applied (million) in (a) 2010 and (b) 2011 were dispensed posts (these data are not collected)1. in (i) the North West and (ii) Liverpool. [143479] The following table shows number of adverts in each month since January 2010 for ‘Nursing’ or ‘Nursing & Norman Lamb: The number of prescription items Midwifery Registered’ staff groups. It also includes the dispensed with the standard prescription charge applied, sum of the ’whole-time equivalent’ values on each vacancy. in the North West strategic health authority and Liverpool 1 Adverts are listed for single or multiple full-time and part-time primary care trust areas is as follows: posts. The whole-time equivalent figure adds all these together and is not the same as full time posts only. Million North West strategic health WTE (rounded to authority Liverpool primary care trust Number of adverts nearest whole number) 2010 6.5 0.4 January 2010 5,064 8,788 2011 6.3 0.3 February 2010 4,249 7,707 Source: March 2010 4,654 8,212 Prescription Cost Analysis (PCA) data provided by the Health and Social Care Information Centre. April 2010 4,168 7,187 May 2010 4,219 6,904 June 2010 4,575 7,744 July 2010 4,301 7,205 Primary Care Trusts August 2010 4,134 6,575 September 2010 4,023 7,349 Mr Jamie Reed: To ask the Secretary of State for October 2010 4,132 7,165 Health what the estimated running cost per head of November 2010 4,422 6,858 population of each primary care trust in England is in December 2010 3,377 5,002 2012-13. [143481] January 2011 3,953 6,123 February 2011 3,952 6,420 March 2011 4,151 6,433 Norman Lamb: The forecast running cost per head of April 2011 3,507 5,398 population for each primary care trust in England in May 2011 4,014 6,345 2012-13 is shown in the following table. 815W Written Answers14 FEBRUARY 2013 Written Answers 816W

2012-13 forecast running cost per 2012-13 forecast running cost per Primary care trust head of population (£) Primary care trust head of population (£)

Ashton, Leigh and Wigan PCT 39 Hammersmith and Fulham 58 Barking and Dagenham PCT 51 PCT Barnet PCT 53 Hampshire PCT 27 Barnsley PCT 42 Haringey Teaching PCT 59 Bassetlaw PCT 45 Harrow PCT 55 Bath and North East Somerset 33 Hartlepool PCT 44 PCT Hastings and Rother PCT 32 Bedfordshire PCT 37 Havering PCT 41 Berkshire East PCT 38 Heart of Birmingham Teaching 51 Berkshire West PCT 35 PCT Bexley NHS Care Trust PCT 36 Herefordshire PCT 42 Birmingham East and North 60 Hertfordshire PCT 22 PCT Heywood, Middleton and 65 Blackburn with Darwen 65 Rochdale PCT Teaching Care Trust Plus PCT Hillingdon PCT 37 Blackpool PCT 58 Hounslow PCT 45 Bolton Teaching PCT 45 Hull Teaching PCT 37 Bournemouth and Poole 29 Isle of Wight NHS PCT 38 Teaching PCT Islington PCT 56 Bradford and Airedale Teaching 59 Kensington and Chelsea PCT 52 PCT Kingston PCT 34 Brent Teaching PCT 83 Kirklees PCT 19 Brighton and Hove City 44 Knowsley PCT 68 Teaching PCT Lambeth PCT 36 Bristol PCT 42 Leeds PCT 31 Bromley PCT 36 Leicester City PCT 45 Buckinghamshire PCT 27 Leicestershire County and 26 Bury PCT 46 Rutland PCT Calderdale PCT 64 Lewisham PCT 43 Cambridgeshire PCT 22 Lincolnshire Teaching PCT 28 Camden PCT 70 Liverpool PCT 62 Central and Eastern Cheshire 41 Luton Teaching PCT 45 PCT Manchester Teaching PCT 51 Central Lancashire PCT 44 Medway PCT 37 City and Hackney Teaching 90 Mid Essex PCT 30 PCT Middlesbrough PCT 45 Cornwall and Isles of Scilly 39 Milton Keynes PCT 43 PCT Newcastle PCT 39 County Durham PCT 40 Newham PCT 81 Coventry Teaching PCT 37 Norfolk PCT 29 Croydon PCT 42 North East Essex PCT 36 Cumbria Teaching PCT 26 North East Lincolnshire Care 34 Darlington PCT 39 Trust Plus PCT Derby City PCT 39 North Lancashire Teaching 58 Derbyshire County PCT 27 PCT Devon PCT 30 North Lincolnshire PCT 24 Doncaster PCT’ 42 North Somerset PCT 45 Dorset PCT 35 North Staffordshire PCT 35 Dudley PCT 35 North Tyneside PCT 34 Ealing PCT 40 North Yorkshire and York PCT 24 East Lancashire Teaching PCT 56 Northamptonshire Teaching 27 East Riding of Yorkshire PCT 24 PCT East Sussex Downs and Weald 30 Northumberland Care PCT 31 PCT Nottingham City PCT 36 Eastern and Coastal Kent PCT 39 Nottinghamshire County 36 Enfield PCT 52 Teaching PCT Gateshead PCT 38 Oldham PCT 54 Gloucestershire PCT 34 Oxfordshire PCT 32 Great Yarmouth and Waveney 40 Peterborough PCT 58 PCT Plymouth Teaching PCT 34 Greenwich Teaching PCT 58 Portsmouth City Teaching PCT 49 Halton and St Helens PCT 48 Redbridge PCT 44 817W Written Answers14 FEBRUARY 2013 Written Answers 818W

WALES 2012-13 forecast running cost per Primary care trust head of population (£) Walking Redcar and Cleveland PCT 41 Richmond and Twickenham 68 Mark Tami: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales PCT what discussions he has had with the (a) Secretary of Rotherham PCT 35 State for Health and (b) First Minister of Wales Salford PCT 55 regarding the health benefits of walking short distances Sandwell PCT 54 on a regular basis. [142979] Sefton PCT 63 Sheffield PCT 27 Mr David Jones: I have regular conversations with Shropshire County PCT 32 both my Cabinet colleagues and members of the Welsh Solihull PCT 43 Government. Somerset PCT 36 South Birmingham PCT 48 South East Essex PCT 38 NORTHERN IRELAND South Gloucestershire PCT 36 South Staffordshire PCT 30 Regulation South Tyneside PCT 38 South West Essex PCT 32 Gordon Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for Southampton City PCT 37 Northern Ireland what regulations her Department repealed Southwark PCT 39 between 1 June 2012 and 31 January 2013; and what estimate she has made of the likely level of savings to Stockport PCT 44 (a) the Government, (b) business and (c) the general Stockton-on-Tees Teaching 37 PCT public. [141836] Stoke on Trent PCT 40 Mike Penning: As my Department’s responsibilities Suffolk PCT 24 are chiefly confined to constitutional, electoral and Sunderland Teaching PCT 36 national security matters, it is responsible for few regulations Surrey PCT 30 and has not repealed any during this period. Sutton and Merton PCT 39 Swindon PCT 28 Tameside and Glossop PCT 53 Telford and Wrekin PCT 41 SCOTLAND Torbay Care PCT 44 Government Procurement Card Tower Hamlets PCT 115 Trafford PCT 42 Margaret Curran: To ask the Secretary of State for Wakefield District PCT 46 Scotland with reference to his Department’s data on Walsall Teaching PCT 47 Government Procurement Card spend over £500: June Waltham Forest PCT 46 2012, what was purchased at a value of £519.81 at Wandsworth PCT 56 Malmaison Glasgow on 30 May 2012 using the Warrington PCT 49 Government Procurement Card. [143480] Warwickshire PCT 32 West Essex PCT 35 Michael Moore: As part of my ongoing engagement West Kent PCT 33 with Scottish business, I hosted a dinner for representatives West Sussex PCT 24 of Scotland’s green energy sector at Malmaison, Glasgow Western Cheshire PCT 42 on 29 May 2012. Westminster PCT 49 Housing Benefit Wiltshire PCT 30 Wirral PCT 49 Margaret Curran: To ask the Secretary of State for Wolverhampton City PCT 54 Scotland what estimate he has made of the number of Worcestershire PCT 32 people in Scotland whose entitlement to housing benefit will cease after the introduction of the size Regulation criteria in April 2013. [143421] Michael Moore: The Department for Work and Pensions Gordon Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for provided its estimate of the number of people who will Health how many regulations his Department has repealed see their entitlement to housing benefit cease in its in the last six months; and what the estimated cost-saving impact assessment published on 28 June 2012. The has been of each such repeal. [141884] impact assessment can be found at: http://www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/social-sector-housing-under- Dr Poulter: The Department laid eight Statutory occupation-wr2011-ia.pdf Instruments (SIs) to revoke 14 Orders and 51 sets of regulations between 1 August 2012 and 31 January Margaret Curran: To ask the Secretary of State for 2013. Scotland what estimate he has made of the proportion The information requested has been placed in the of housing benefit recipients in Scotland who are Library. affected by the introduction of the size criteria for 819W Written Answers14 FEBRUARY 2013 Written Answers 820W housing benefit who will (a) remain in their current Further independent research is also being commissioned accommodation and (b) move to different that will monitor and evaluate the impacts of the changes accommodation. [143422] in a range of locations. Official Hospitality Gregg McClymont: To ask the Secretary of State for Michael Moore: The Department for Work and Pensions Scotland pursuant to the answer of 16 January 2013, provided its assessment of the likelihood of those affected Official Report, column 779W, on official hospitality, if (a) remaining in their current accommodation and (b) he will publish the cost breakdown of each event. moving to different accommodation in its impact assessment [138956] published on 28 June 2012. The impact assessment can be found at: David Mundell: The cost breakdown of Scotland Office expenditure for hospitality purposes on events http://www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/social-sector-housing-under- hosted by each Minister in each of the last 12 months is occupation-wr2011-ia.pdf as shown in the following table:

Date Event Minister Cost (£)

January 2012 Post Office roundtable Secretary of State 53 Stakeholder dinner Secretary of State 472 Burns Night event, Dover House Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State 3,230

February 2012 Lunch Meeting with Foreign and Commonwealth Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State 60 Office Minister Big Society event, Girvan Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State 18

March 2012 Big Society event, Perth Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State 470 National Youth Unemployment Convention Secretary of State 3,745 Scottish Business Board Secretary of State 159

May 2012 Scotland Act Reception Secretary of State 3,583 Energy Summit Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State 159 Green Energy Sectoral Dinner Secretary of State 520

June 2012 Trooping the Colour Reception Secretary of State 5,663 Constitutional Reception Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State 21 Armed Forces Day Reception Secretary of State 976

July 2012 Olympics Reception Secretary of State 3,651

August 2012 Meeting with International Culture Ministers Secretary of State 1,029 Edinburgh Festivals Reception Secretary of State 1,405

October 2012 Constitutional Policy Meeting Secretary of State 262

November 2012 Financial Services Sectoral Dinner Secretary of State 1,314 St Andrew’s Address Secretary of State 428 Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State1 2,394 Scotland’s Lunch

December 2012 USA and Canada Trip Secretary of State 1,471 1 This event was incorrectly reported in my answer of 16 January 2013 as having been hosted by the Secretary of State.

All expenditure incurred is in accordance with the Michael Moore: The Department for Work and Pensions’ principles of Managing Public Money and the impact assessment, published on 28 June 2012, provides Treasury handbook on Regularity and Propriety. estimates of the number of people affected who live in the social rented sector in Scotland and the degree of Social Rented Housing under-occupation. The impact assessment can be found at: Margaret Curran: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what estimate he has made of the number of http://www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/social-sector-housing-under- households in the social rented sector in Scotland where occupation-wr2011-ia.pdf (a) one bedroom or (b) two or more bedrooms are unoccupied. [143261] 821W Written Answers14 FEBRUARY 2013 Written Answers 822W

ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE available). No estimate was produced for 2007. The figures for Kingston upon Hull North constituency and Buildings Kingston upon Hull are shown in the following table.

Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Kingston upon Hull North and Climate Change what the (a) total floor space and constituency Kingston upon Hull (b) floor space measured in square metres per full-time 2010 6,681 19,017 equivalent post is of properties used by his 2009 8,103 23,231 Department. [143354] 2008 7,539 21,375 2006 6,568 17,580 Gregory Barker: The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) occupy space in four buildings. Details of floor space and square metres per full-time We do not have data relating to eligibility for the equivalent (FTE) post are as follows: Energy Company Obligation (ECO) for any given constituency or local authority area. ECO contains 3 Whitehall Place, London—DECC occupy the entire building three separate obligations, two of which are designed to measuring 8,768 square metres. This equates to 7.4 square metres per FTE post. support low income households. The ECO Affordable Warmth obligation supports means-tested benefit recipients 55 Whitehall, London—DECC occupy the entire building measuring 1,710 square metres. This equates to 8.4 square metres in private, tenure properties. The Impact Assessment per FTE post. published estimates the total size of the eligible pool for 1 Victoria Street, London—DECC are minor occupiers of this this part of the policy as some 2.7 million households in building, holding 414 square metres. This equates to 3.7 square Great Britain: metres per FTE post. This figure refers only to the space occupied https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ by desks used by DECC and not. the surrounding space of the attachment_data/file/42984/5533-final-stage-impact- larger building, including break-out areas etc. assessment-for-the-green-deal-a.pdf Atholl House, Aberdeen—DECC are minor occupiers of this The Carbon Saving Communities obligation under building, holding 1,408 square metres. This equates to 14.9 square ECO will support those living in low income areas. A metres per FTE post. full list of eligible areas has been published and is available at: Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what the names and locations are https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ attachment_data/file/48405/5536-carbon-saving-community- of all properties used by officials of his Department; obligation-rural-and-low-.pdf whether those properties are (a) owned by the Department, (b) leased by the Department and (c) ECO is expected to deliver support to some 230,000 subject to a private finance initiative agreement; when low income and vulnerable households each year, existing lease agreements relating to such properties are accounting for some £540 million of the total £1.3 billion due to expire; and what the total floor space is of each annual investment. property. [143375]

Gregory Barker: The Department of Energy and Green Deal Scheme Climate Change (DECC) occupies four properties as follows: Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for 3 Whitehall Place, London—On leasehold expiring 23 June Energy and Climate Change how the £600 million 2029 and measuring 8,768 square metres. funding allocated to the Green Deal by the Green 55 Whitehall, London—On Crown Estate freehold expiring Investment Bank will be spent. [143194] 4 April 2070 and measuring 1,710 square metres. 1 Victoria Street, London—Building belonging to Department Gregory Barker: £600 million is the upper limit of for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) with whom DECC have a memorandum of terms of occupancy (MOTO) to occupy total public investment from all sources that can be 414 square metres from 1 February 2012 until 31 March 2014. made to support the Green Deal over the next five Atholl House, Guild Street, Aberdeen—Multi-occupancy building years, under the terms set out by the European Commission. where DECC have a leasehold for 1,408 square metres expiring 18 Any investment will be to ensure that customers have May 2016. access to competitive finance for their Green Deals.

Fuel Poverty: Kingston Upon Hull Solar Power: Manufacturing Industries Diana Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what estimate his Department Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for has made of the number of households in (a) Hull and Energy and Climate Change (1) how many people are (b) Kingston upon Hull North constituency who were employed in solar photovoltaic manufacturing in the living in fuel poverty in each of the last five years; and UK; [143563] how many such households will be eligible for assistance under the Government’s proposals for an energy company (2) what proportion of employment in the UK solar obligation. [143441] photovoltaic industry is in manufacturing. [143564]

Gregory Barker: Fuel poverty is measured at household Gregory Barker: DECC does not hold the information level. DECC has produced estimates of local area fuel requested on employment in PV manufacturing in the poverty for 2006, 2008, 2009 and 2010 (the latest year UK. 823W Written Answers14 FEBRUARY 2013 Written Answers 824W

Uranium Democratic Republic of Congo

Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what estimate he has made Naomi Long: To ask the Secretary of State for of how many years’ supply of uranium exists in global International Development what recent assessment she has made of (a) the situation of women in Democratic reserves. [142360] Republic of Congo (DRC) and (b) their exposure to sexual violence; and what humanitarian intervention Mr Hayes: The Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) the UK is making to improve the safety and security of undertake a regular and comprehensive analysis of world women in DRC. [142458] uranium reserves and envisaged global demand. Their findings are made available every two years in their publication “Uranium: Resources, Production and Demand Justine Greening: DFID recently undertook an (The Red Book)”. assessment of the situation of women and girls in the The latest edition, published in 2011, concluded that Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Women and total identified global resources are sufficient for over girls suffer high levels of poverty and have limited 100 years of supply, based on current requirements. A access to formal employment and economic assets such further edition is expected this year. as cash and credit. Violence against women and girls is widespread yet prevention mechanisms and services for Wind Power survivors are limited outside conflict-affected areas. A significant proportion (£6 million) of the additional Mr Lilley: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy £18 million humanitarian assistance that DFID contributed and Climate Change what proportion of wind turbines in response to the recent M23 crisis includes assistance accredited at 500kw are based on designs capable of to victims of rape, as well as work with armed groups producing more than 500kw. [143703] and security forces to raise awareness of their responsibilities under international Humanitarian Law to spare civilians Mr Hayes: The Department does not hold this from acts of violence. information. There are 37 turbines within the relevant DFID is developing a new programme that will test band (>100 kW to 500 kW), representing 1% of wind different approaches to meeting the needs of women installations installed under the scheme. and girls in the DRC and will improve the evidence base on what actions are effective, to improve the quality of future programming.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT Naomi Long: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will increase humanitarian Afghanistan funding to (a) Democratic Republic of Congo and (b) the North Kivu region to meet growing needs. [142459] Steve McCabe: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development pursuant to the answer of 4 Justine Greening: In November 2012 I committed Official Report, February 2013, column 34W, on £18 million in additional humanitarian support to address Afghanistan, if she will place a copy of the report on growing needs in the east of the Democratic Republic proposals for the Bost Agri-Business Park in the Library. of Congo (DRC) resulting from the recent conflict. The [143041] majority of this additional funding will be spent in North Kivu, and in neighbouring areas most affected Justine Greening: The Department does not publish by the M23 crisis. This is in addition to our on-going such internal reports. humanitarian assistance to the DRC around £27 million per year. The additional funding will deliver assistance Steve McCabe: To ask the Secretary of State for to those affected by the conflict, including the following: International Development pursuant to the answer of 4 February 2013, Official Report, column 35W, on 100,000 people provided with enough food to last three months; Afghanistan, which official received the consultant’s 134,000 people reached with water, sanitation, shelter, essential report on the Bost Agri-Business Park. [143042] household items and emergency education; 11,000 severely malnourished children receiving lifesaving treatment Justine Greening: The report was received by DFID’s 1.2 million children vaccinated against measles and other senior representative in the Helmand Provincial diseases Reconstruction Team. 10,000 complicated births assisted Steve McCabe: To ask the Secretary of State for Treatment for 80% of reported cholera cases in target zone International Development pursuant to the answer of 4 Medical assistance, psychological and economic support to February 2013, Official Report, column 35W, on victims of sexual violence. Afghanistan, which official authorised her Department’s investment in the Bost Agri-Business Park. [143043] £500,000 to the International Rescue Committee for an emergency gender-based violence response in North and South Kivu, for six months and we have provided £5.5 million to the International Justine Greening: Authorisation was given by a deputy Committee of the Red Cross for protection work including assistance director, in line with delegated authority limits at the to victims of sexual violence and work with armed groups to time. reduce the incidence of rape as a weapon of war. 825W Written Answers14 FEBRUARY 2013 Written Answers 826W

Departmental Responsibilities support to Mali and how to encourage a wider donor response. She has similar such meetings with UN Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for counterparts. International Development what her Department’s She met her European counterparts at the Informal core statutory obligations are; and what estimate she Meeting of EU Development Ministers in Dublin earlier has made of the annual cost of delivering each such this week, where she pressed for a wider European obligation. [142765] response to the humanitarian crisis in Mali and the Sahel. Mr Duncan: DFID is responsible for a wide range of statutory functions and obligations relating to the alleviation North Africa of global poverty, providing where appropriate development assistance to the British Overseas Territories, and providing Steve Rotheram: To ask the Secretary of State for humanitarian assistance. Full details on the Department’s International Development how much her Department responsibilities and its implementation are available in spent in North Africa in each year since 2003; and how the Department’s published Business Plan, available at: much she intends to spend in that region in each of the http://www.dfid.gov.uk/Documents/DFIDbusiness- next three years. [142554] plan2012.pdf Information on the full range of DFID’s responsibilities, Mr Duncan: DFID spent the following in North and expenditure on delivering them, is available through Africa (Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Morocco and Tunisia) in DFID’s annual report and accounts, available at: bilateral aid since 2003 (per financial year): http://www.dfid.gov.uk/Documents/publications1/ departmental-report/2012/Annual-report-accounts-2011- Financial year Expenditure (£ million) 12.pdf 2003-04 3.49 Developing Countries: Multinational Companies 2004-05 3.29 2005-06 0.49 2006-07 0.52 Mr Ivan Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for 2007-08 0.00 International Development what steps her Department 2008-09 0.63 is taking to ensure that multinational companies pay taxes in those developing countries in which they 2009-10 0.66 2010-11 10.28 operate. [143419] 2011-12 7.72 Justine Greening: The Government is committed to DFID currently provides funding to North African supporting developing countries access sustainable sources countries through the regional Arab Partnership Economic of revenue and collect the tax they are due. DFID’s Facility (APEF), set up in response to the Arab Spring work with partner countries actively helps developing to help fulfil citizens’ demands for economic growth countries to establish and maintain effective tax systems. and job creation. Our regional programmes focus on The UK is a strong supporter of improving tax information Egypt, Libya, Morocco and Tunisia in North Africa, exchange and also provides funding for assistance on but also include Jordan. The tri-departmental Conflict Transfer Pricing in a number of developing countries. Pool, to which DFID contributes alongside the Ministry The UK’s G8 presidency will focus on strengthening of Defence and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, international tax standards and working towards greater will also fund projects in North Africa (Mauritania, tax information exchange. Morocco, Western Sahara, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya and Egypt) over the next three years. Mali Steve Rotheram: To ask the Secretary of State for Sir Tony Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State International Development what assessment she has for International Development what discussions she is made of the effect of military operations in North having with ministerial colleagues to ensure the Africa on the UK’s aid contributions to that region. humanitarian consequences of the Mali conflict and [142555] refugee crisis are addressed. [142749] Mr Duncan: DFID’s work in North Africa comprises Mr Duncan: The Secretary of State for International of political and economic reform via the UK Arab Development, my right hon. Friend the Member for Partnership in Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, Morocco and Putney (Justine Greening), regularly meets ministerial Jordan and long-term programmes assist stability and colleagues, including the Secretary of State for Foreign broader security through the UK Conflict Pool. Military and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the operations in the region have had no effect on our UK Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague), and the aid contributions. Secretary of State for Defence, my right hon. Friend the Member for Runnymede and Weybridge (Mr Hammond), Procurement to discuss key topical issues, including the current situation in Mali. Mr Ivan Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for She is also in regular contact with the European International Development pursuant to the answer of Commissioner for International Co-operation, 15 January 2013, Official Report, column 645W, on Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Response to discuss the procurement, how many people are employed in the European Commission’s ongoing plans for providing Procurement Group; whether all staff of the Procurement 827W Written Answers14 FEBRUARY 2013 Written Answers 828W

Group are employed by her Department; and who has Period DFID expenditure (£) overall management responsibility for the Procurement Group. [143274] 13 May 2010 to 31 March 2011 174,565.37 1 April 2011 to 31 March 2012 80,084.35 Justine Greening: The Procurement Group (PrG) currently has 55 full-time equivalents. Not all are employed Details of the costs for 2012-13 will be published in by the Department. The Director General of the Corporate the normal way later this year. Performance Group has management board responsibility (b) Within the Department for International for the Procurement Group. Development’s information system it is not possible to disaggregate spending on taxis between Ministers and Mr Ivan Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for civil servants. It is therefore not possible to obtain this International Development pursuant to the answer of information without incurring disproportionate cost, 15 January 2013, Official Report, column 645W, on however ministerial use of taxis in negligible. procurement, on how many occasions it has been agreed that a supplier contract of a monetary value of over £1,000 does not require a competitive tendering process since 2010. [143437] CABINET OFFICE Justine Greening: To provide information on how Business Appointments Advisory Committee many contracts in excess of £1,000 have not required a competitive tendering process would incur Mr Watson: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet disproportionate costs. Office on which occasions the Advisory Committee on Regulation Business Appointments has refused to authorise applications from former Government Ministers for Gordon Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for external appointments in each of the last two years; and International Development how many regulations her if he will make a statement. [143420] Department has repealed in the last six months; and what the estimated cost-saving has been of each such Mr Maude: Information about the Advisory repeal. [141886] Committee’s advice on applications from former Ministers under the Business Appointment Rules are Mr Duncan: The Department has no regulatory set out in the Advisory Committee’s annual reports function. which are accessible at: Sahel http://acoba.independent.gov.uk Data Protection Sir Tony Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps the UK proposes Dr Huppert: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet to take to increase the resilience of communities in Mali Office what the protective markings on the Government’s and other Sahelian countries to drought and food shortages. IA Standard No 6 Protecting Personal Data and Managing [142750] Information Risk are; and if he will place a copy of Mr Duncan: The Sahel is locked into a cycle of such protective markings in the Library. [143270] humanitarian crises due to chronic vulnerabilities that require long term solutions to stop people slipping to Miss Chloe Smith: HMG’s IA Standard No 6 future food insecurity. Protecting Personal Data and Managing Information The UK is currently supporting improved resilience Risk is protectively marked UNCLASSIFIED. in the Sahel through our core funding to the World A copy will be placed in the Library of the House. Bank, United Nations and European Commission Government Departments: Procurement which among other things funds social protection and livelihoods support programmes in Sahelian countries. Nia Griffith: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Travel Office (1) how many small and medium-sized enterprises based in Wales have been successful in winning contracts Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for to supply Government Departments; [142818] International Development how much her Department (2) what the total value is of contracts to supply spent on (a) the Government Car Service and (b) Government Departments won by small and medium- other taxi or car services for ministerial travel in each sized enterprises based in Wales; [142819] year since 2009-10; and if she will make a statement. [142640] (3) what proportion of the total value of contracts to supply Government Departments has been won by Mr Duncan: Details for the cost of ministerial cars small and medium-sized enterprises based in Wales. are published in the annual written Ministerial [142820] Statement, details of which can be found within the Libraries of both Houses. Miss Chloe Smith: Direct spend with SMEs across Government continues to increase quarter by quarter. Period DFID expenditure (£) Contract award notices for all contracts over £10,000 are publicly available on Contracts Finder. At the 1 April 2009 to 31 March 2010 256,656.35 present time we are unable to sample this data by the 1 April 2010 to 12 May 2010 33,212.22 location of the successful company. 829W Written Answers14 FEBRUARY 2013 Written Answers 830W

Life Expectancy: Yorkshire and the Humber since January 2011 and with a value of £10,000 or more, have been published on Contracts Finder as per Andrew Percy: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Cabinet Office policy: Office what the life expectancy at birth was in (a) Brigg https://www.gov.uk/contracts-finder and Goole constituency and (b) Yorkshire and the Humber in each of the last five years. [143487]

Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have DEFENCE asked the authority to reply. Letter from Glen Watson, dated February 2013: As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I Armed Forces: USA have been asked to reply to your recent question asking what the life expectancy at birth was in (a) Brigg and Goole constituency Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for and (b) Yorkshire and the Humber in each of the last five years Defence how many service personnel of each rank are (143487). stationed in the US, including those on exchange. Life expectancy figures for parliamentary constituencies are [143400] not readily available. However, figures are available for local authority districts, unitary authorities, counties and regions within the UK. Mr Robathan: The information requested is provided in the following table: Life expectancy figures are calculated as three year rolling averages. The table below provides the period life expectancy at birth for males and females in Yorkshire and the Humber for the Ranks Total period 2004-2006 to 2008-2010 (the latest figures available), OF 8 (Lieutenant General, Vice Admiral or Air 1 Period life expectancies at birth for males and females for all Marshal) local authority districts, unitary authorities, counties and regions OF 7 (Major General, Rear Admiral or Air Vice 2 in England and Wales, for rolling three-year periods from Marshal) 1991-1993 onwards are published on the National Statistics OF 6 (Brigadier, Commodore or Air Commodore) 5 website at: OF 5 (Colonel, Captain RN or Group Captain) 36 http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/subnational-health4/life-expec- OF 4 (Lieutenant Colonel, Commander or Wing 100 at-birth-age-65/index.html Commander) OF 3 (Major, Lieutenant Commander or Squadron 123 1, 2, 3 Life expectancy at birth in Yorkshire and the Humber, 2004-06 to 2008-10 Leader) Years of life OF 2 (Captain, Lieutenant RN or Flight 122 Region/Period Female Male Lieutenant) OF 1 (Lieutenant, Mid Shipman or Flying Officer) 1 Yorkshire and the Humber OR 9 (Warrant Officer Class 1 (Army and Navy) or 18 2004-06 81.0 76.6 Warrant Officer (RAF)) 2005-07 81.1 76.9 OR 8 (Warrant Officer Class 2) 6 2006-08 81.3 77.1 OR 7 (Staff Sergeant, Colour Sergeant, Chief Petty 53 2007-09 81.5 77.4 Officer or Flight Sergeant) 2008-10 81.8 77.7 OR 6 (Sergeant or Petty Officer) 45 1 Period life expectancy at birth is an estimate of the average number of years a OR 4 (Corporal or Leading Hand) 51 newborn baby would survive if he or she experienced the area’s age-specific OR 2 (Private, Marine, Able Seaman or Senior 19 mortality rates for that time period throughout his or her life. The figure Aircraftman) reflects mortality among those living in the area in each time period, rather than mortality among those born in each area. It is not therefore the number of years a baby born in the area in each time period could actually expect to live, both because the death rates of the area are likely to change in the future NATO: Armed Forces and because many of those born in the area will live elsewhere for at least some part of their lives. 2 Using boundaries as of October 2010 for all the years shown. 3 Three year rolling averages, based on deaths registered in each year and Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for mid-year population estimates. Defence how many and what proportion of service Source: personnel of each NATO rank have taken premature Office for National Statistics. voluntary release in each of the last five years. [139500] Procurement Mr Dunne: The requested information is provided in Julian Smith: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office the following tables. We are unable to provide data for what proportion of procurement contracts offered by all services for 2008 because of data quality issues with his Department has been advertised on the Contracts army outflow data prior to April 2008. Table 1, Finder website since that website’s inception. [138860] therefore, provides the combined Naval Service and RAF voluntary outflow figures for 2008. Table 2 Miss Chloe Smith: As part of the Government’s contains combined data for all three services for the transparency agenda, details of all new contracts let remainder of the period requested.

Table 1: Trained UK Regular Naval Service and RAF1 rank structure2 by Voluntary Outflow 3 2008 VO Average trained strength4 VO rate (%)5

Total VO 3,950 74,090 5.3 831W Written Answers14 FEBRUARY 2013 Written Answers 832W

Table 1: Trained UK Regular Naval Service and RAF1 rank structure2 by Voluntary Outflow 3 2008 VO Average trained strength4 VO rate (%)5

Officers 510 14,810 4.3 OF-9 — — 0.0 OF-8 — 10 3.4 OF-7 — 60 3.0 OF-6 10 170 5.1 OF-5 30 590 4.9 OF-4 110 2,360 4.9 OF-3 170 4,850 4.6 OF-2 180 6,440 4.5 OF-1 / OF (D) — 320 0.6

Other ranks 3,430 59,280 5.5 OR-9 100 1,930 4.2 OR-8 50 780 2.2 OR-7 490 7,480 4.2 OR-6 480 10,960 3.4 OR-4 500 14,870 4.3 OR-3 40 580 8.3 OR-1/OR-2 1,790 22,670 7.2 “—” denotes zero or rounded to zero. 1 Trained UK Regular Forces does not include Gurkhas, full-time reserve personnel and mobilised reservists. Army exit reasons including voluntary outflow are not available for 2008 due to data quality issues. 2 NATO Rank Codes are presented here. Their equivalence in UK Service Rank (Army) is as follows: OF-9 General; OF-8 Lieutenant General; OF-7 Major General; OF-6 Brigadier; OF-5 Colonel; OF-4 Lieutenant Colonel; OF-3 Major; OF-2 Captain; OF-1 Lieutenant/2nd Lieutenant; OF (D) Officer Designate; OR-9 Warrant Officer Class-1; OR-8 Warrant Officer Class-2: OR-7 Staff Sergeant; OR-6 Sergeant; OR-4 Corporal; OR-3 Lance Corporal; OR-2 Private (Classes1to 3); OR-1 Private (Class 4)/Junior. 3 Voluntary Outflow is defined as all exits from trained personnel which are voluntarily generated by the individual before the end of their agreed engagement or commission period. 4 Average trained strength is calculated as a 12-month average. 5 VO rate is the percentage of the trained UK Regular Forces that left as VO at each NATO rank. Source: DASA(Tri Service). Table 2: Trained UK Regular Forces rank structure by Voluntary Outflow VO Average trained strength VO rate (%) 2009 2010 2011 20121 2009 2010 2011 20121 2009 2010 2011 20121

Total VO 6,810 6,480 7,390 8,130 169,110 173,500 171,580 164,740 4.0 3.7 4.3 4.9

Officers 890 810 940 1,010 28,670 29,020 28,860 27,810 3.1 2.8 3.2 3.6 OF-9———— 10101010———— OF-8———— 30302030———— OF-7———— 100100100100———— OF-6 30 20 20 20 360 350 340 330 7.8 6.2 6.7 7.9 OF-5 50 50 60 60 1,210 1,220 1,200 1,150 4.5 4.0 5.4 5.9 OF-4 170 140 160 130 4,120 4,130 4,090 3,940 4.1 3.4 3.9 4.1 OF-3 310 250 330 280 9,520 9,550 9,400 9,040 3.3 2.6 3.5 3.6 OF-2 320 340 350 430 11,220 11,380 11,520 11,320 2.8 3.0 3.0 3.7 OF-1 / — 10 10 80 2,100 2,240 2,170 1,900 — 0.4 0.4 0.3 OF (D)

Other 5,920 5,680 6,450 7,120 140,440 144,490 142,720 136,930 4.2 3.9 4.5 5.2 ranks OR-9 120 160 190 180 3,670 3,600 3,410 3,200 3.3 4.3 5.5 5.8 OR-8 120 170 200 250 5,560 5,530 5,330 5,060 2.2 3.1 3.8 5.0 OR-7 430 380 470 500 13,250 13,140 12,770 12,180 3.2 2.9 3.7 4.1 OR-6 590 510 580 690 20,800 20,850 20,300 19,370 2.8 2.4 2.9 3.6 OR-4 1,040 870 1,000 1,190 29,540 29,960 29,570 28,520 3.5 2.9 3.4 4.2 OR-3 1,030 870 1,000 1,040 16,270 16,510 16,820 16,720 6.4 5.3 5.9 6.2 OR-1 / 2,590 2,720 3,020 3,260 51,340 54,890 54,540 51,880 5.0 5.0 5.5 6.3 OR-2 1 1 January 2012 to 30 November 2012.

Warships (2) what assessment he has made of the potential utility of offshore patrol vessels in the future surface Dr Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for fleet. [142151] Defence (1) whether the Royal Navy has expressed an interest in manning one or more newly-constructed Mr Dunne [holding answer 13 February 2013]: The offshore patrol vessels; [142150] role of Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV) is to ensure the 833W Written Answers14 FEBRUARY 2013 Written Answers 834W

Government can exercise sovereign rights and jurisdiction FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE in the territorial and economic waters of the United Kingdom and its Overseas Territories in order to defend Bangladesh their integrity and protect offshore interests. The Royal Navy currently mans and operates three River Class Dr Huppert: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign OPVs and HMS Clyde which is an OPV(Helicopter), a and Commonwealth Affairs with reference to the 2013 total of four. We have no plans to operate or man World Report by Human Rights Watch, what steps he additional OPVs. has taken following allegations of serious human rights violations in Bangladesh, including extrajudicial killings, disappearances of political activists and CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT violence against women. [143267]

Local Television: Nottingham Alistair Burt: We continue to press the Bangladeshi Government at all opportunities to improve the human 6. Mr Allen: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, rights situation in their country. Media and Sport what progress is being made on local We welcome the Bangladeshi Government’s assurances television in Nottingham. [143153] that they are committed to protecting human rights and recognise the positive progress that has been made Mr Vaizey: We are very pleased with the progress across a range of social development indicators. But made to put in place the structures to support the allegations of extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearance delivery of new local TV services. and violence against women are deeply concerning. We In January, Ofcom awarded the local TV multiplex call on the Bangladeshi Government to conduct an licence to Comux. impartial, credible, and transparent investigation into 16 of the 19 local TV licences in Phase 1 have already all such allegations. been awarded—including the licence for Nottingham to The Senior Minister of State, my right hon. and Notts TV in November last year. noble Friend Baroness Warsi, will be raising human Ofcom is now in the final stages of awarding the rights issues when she visits the country later this month. remaining Phase 1 licences and anticipates that the first local TV services will be able to start broadcasting by Dr Huppert: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign the end of this year. and Commonwealth Affairs when he last discussed the issue of human rights in Bangladesh with his Creative Industries Bangladeshi counterparts. [143268]

19. Alison Seabeck: To ask the Secretary of State for Alistair Burt: The Secretary of State for Foreign and Culture, Media and Sport what assessment she has Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member made of the skills required within the creative for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague), last discussed human industries. [143167] rights in Bangladesh with the Bangladeshi Government in July when he met with the Bangladeshi Prime Minister, Mr Vaizey: The Creative Industries Council’s Skills Sheikh Hasina. group, led by Creative Skillset, produced a report which The Senior Minister of State, my right hon. and made 17 recommendations to boost skills and talent in noble Friend Baroness Warsi, raised the issue of human the creative industries in January 2012. Key rights violations in Bangladesh with the Bangladeshi recommendations, welcomed by both industry and Foreign Minister, Dr Dipu Moni, when she met with Government included reform of the ICT in the curriculum, her in December. More recently, our high commissioner a promotional campaign to raise the profile of in Dhaka raised among other things, the International apprenticeships, and a call to improve the quality of Crimes Tribunal; disappearances, including the specific industry internships. case of Ilias Ali; violence against women; political Conditions of Employment violence; the Rohingyas; and abuses in rule of law when he met with the Bangladeshi Foreign Secretary on 28 January. Julie Elliott: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many people are Human rights remain a crucial component of our employed on zero-hour contracts in the Government bilateral and multilateral discussions with Bangladesh. Equalities Office. [141546] We also provide a range of human rights assistance on rule of law and democracy to Bangladesh as part of our Maria Miller: The Department has no employees capacity building programmes. Such assistance is fully with a zero-hours contract. in line with UK values and international human rights standards. Food: Waste Dr Huppert: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has Culture, Media and Sport how much surplus food was made of the current human rights situation in thrown away by her Department in (a) 2010, (b) 2011 Bangladesh. [143269] and (c) 2012. [143448] Alistair Burt: We strongly condemn instances of violence Hugh Robertson: The Department does not hold this and discrimination against individuals or groups because information centrally. of their religion. Reports of enforced disappearances, 835W Written Answers14 FEBRUARY 2013 Written Answers 836W extrajudicial killings, attacks on women, and religious Our embassy in Jakarta frequently raises freedom of intolerance are deeply concerning. The promotion of religion issues with the Government of Indonesia, most human rights, including religious freedom, is at the recently in December 2012 at meetings at the Ministry heart of this Government’s foreign policy. of Law, Justice and Human Rights and at the Ministry We call on the Bangladesh Government to conduct of Foreign Affairs. The deputy ambassador also recently an impartial, credible, and transparent investigation met with the Chairman of the Indonesian National into allegations of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial Commission on Human Rights (KOMNAS HAM) on killings. 16 January 2013 where incidents of violations of freedom of religion were discussed. Embassy staff are in regular Human rights are core to our foreign policy and a contact with members of civil society and members of crucial component of our bilateral and multilateral religious groups facing difficulties—including representatives discussions with Bangladesh. For that reason, we provide from the GKI Yasmin church in Bogor where the a range of human rights assistance on rule of law and Mayor has blocked a permit for a new place of worship democracy to Bangladesh as part of our capacity building despite a Supreme Court ruling in their favour. In the programmes. Such assistance is fully in line with UK UK’s statement for Indonesia’s Universal Periodic Review values and international human rights standards. in May 2012, we encouraged the Indonesian Government Burma to tackle violence against minority faiths, ensure that those who perpetrate these acts are brought to justice, and to promote a climate where such incidents do not Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for reoccur. We also continue to encourage Indonesia to Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which companies accept a visit by the UN Special Rapporteur for Freedom took part in the UK trade mission to Burma in of Religion. December 2012. [143109] Our embassy is using project funds to support a civil Mr Swire: Thirteen UK companies participated in society dialogue with the police on religious freedom, the UK Trade & Investment trade mission to Burma in run by the non-governmental organisation, Kontras December 2012. They were: Indonesia. We are also supporting a project which aims Allen & Overy to increase understanding of and tolerance for religious freedom through radio, TV, public discussion and social Aggreko media. Barclays Bank CMS Cameron McKenna LLP Palestinians HTSPE Ltd Mott Macdonald Angie Bray: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Neath Port Talbot College (NPTC) and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make representations Norton Rose to the Palestinian Authority that reported remarks by Pearson Qualifications International Mayor Mustafa Fuqaha that Israeli security forces Rolls-Royce deliberately target children be retracted. [143238] Standard Chartered Bank Technical and Vocational Education and Training UK (TVET Alistair Burt: We do have concerns about the treatment UK) of Palestinian children in Israeli detention. However we Warwickshire College consider that the reported comments are inaccurate and unhelpful. We have a regular dialogue with the Palestinian The trade mission was focused on the power sector Authority in which we reiterate the need for both sides with the aim of helping Burma strengthen its power to prepare their populations for peaceful coexistence and electricity generation needs of the people of Burma. and to avoid anything which stirs up hatred and prejudice. Indonesia We most recently raised the issue of incitement with Palestinian Prime Minister Fayyad’s Office in January 2013. Jeremy Lefroy: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he had on increasing violations of freedom of religion Gordon Henderson: To ask the Secretary of State for or belief in Indonesia during the recent state visit by Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he the President of Indonesia to the UK; and what steps has received on the naming of cultural and sporting he is taking to offer assistance to Indonesia to help events in Palestine after Palestinian terrorists. [143271] address rising religious intolerance. [138655] Alistair Burt: As the Prime Minister made clear in his Mr Swire: The British Government remains concerned speech to the United Jewish Israel Appeal on 15 October about individuals and groups in Indonesia who are 2012, the UK will not tolerate incitement to terrorism denied the right to freedom of religion or belief, or who and cannot support those who name sporting events face discrimination and persecution. The Prime Minister after suicide bombers. and the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth We have a regular dialogue with the Palestinian Authority Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Richmond in which we reiterate the need for both sides to prepare (Yorks) (Mr Hague), discussed maintaining progress on their populations for peaceful coexistence and to avoid human rights with their respective counterparts, President anything which further stirs up hatred and prejudice. Yudhoyono and Foreign Minister Natalegawa. Following We most recently raised the issue of incitement with on from the state visit, the UK and Indonesia have Palestinian Prime Minister Fayyad’s office in January agreed to work together on interfaith dialogue. 2013. 837W Written Answers14 FEBRUARY 2013 Written Answers 838W

Gordon Henderson: To ask the Secretary of State for http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201011/ Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent cmhansrd/cm101028/wmstext/ representations he has made to the Palestinian Authority 101028m0001.htm#10102827000372 on reports that Fatah’s official Lebanese Facebook 2010-11 page published images of a mother dressing her young http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201212/ son with explosives. [143272] cmhansrd/cm120116/wmstext/ 120116m0001.htm#12011611000194 Alistair Burt: Officials at the British Consulate Jerusalem 2011-12 are looking into these reports. If proven correct it http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201213/ would be a matter of serious concern. The Government cmhansrd/cm121220/wmstext/ condemns the use of racist and hateful language, and 121220m0001.htm#12122056000216 most recently raised the issue of incitement with Palestinian Details of the costs for 2012-13 will be published in Prime Minister Fayyad’s office in January 2013. We the normal way later this year. deplore incitement on both sides of the Israeli-Palestinian Additionally, in 2010-11, we spent £76,936 through conflict, including any comments that could encourage FCO Services on the London Car Service. In 2011-12 violence or stir up hatred and prejudice in a region that this spend was £148,850 and in the current financial needs a culture of peace and mutual respect. year to December 2012, we have spent £111,931. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office moved from using Gordon Henderson: To ask the Secretary of State for only the Government Car Service to using the London Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent Car Service (run by FCO Services) in September 2010. representations he has made to the Palestinian Authority after reports that Fatah’s official Facebook page published Taxis are only used for ministerial travel in exceptional images of children carrying weapons. [143273] circumstances, where the Government Car Service or London Car Service is not available. To collate information Alistair Burt: We are aware of these reports, and have on spend would incur disproportionate cost. asked officials at the British Consulate in Jerusalem to look into them. We deplore incitement on both sides of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, including any comments COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT or approaches that could encourage violence or stir up hatred and prejudice in a region that needs a culture of Affordable Housing: Surrey peace and mutual respect. We do not hesitate to raise these issues as necessary. Most recently we raised the Jonathan Lord: To ask the Secretary of State for issue of incitement with Palestinian Prime Minister Communities and Local Government how much affordable Fayyad’s office in January 2013. housing has been built in (a) Woking constituency and (b) Surrey in each of the last five years. [140241] Regulation Mr Prisk: Statistics on affordable housing supply by Gordon Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for local authority district are available in tables 1008 and Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many 1011, at the following link: regulations his Department has repealed in the last six https://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/live- months; and what the estimated cost-saving has been of tables-on-affordable-housing-supply each such repeal. [141883] These total figures include both new build housing, which accounts for around 85% of additional affordable Mr Lidington: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office housing over the last five years, and acquisitions from rarely sponsors regulations and has not been responsible the private sector. for repealing any regulations in the last six months. It was responsible for revoking 11 Orders in Council Billing relating to the implementation of sanctions measures in the overseas territories since July 2012. Since these Mike Freer: To ask the Secretary of State for measures did not apply in the UK, no cost savings for Communities and Local Government what the average the UK are anticipated from these revocations. cost to his Department was of processing the payment Travel of an invoice in the latest period for which figures are available; and what proportion of invoices settled in that period by his Department were paid (a) electronically Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and (b) by cheque. [138122] and Commonwealth Affairs how much his Department spent on (a) the Government Car Service and (b) Brandon Lewis: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I other taxi or car services for ministerial travel in each gave on 11 February 2013, Official Report, column 473W. year since 2009-10; and if he will make a statement. [142637] Fire Services: Finance

Mr Lidington: For spend on the Government Car Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Service for ministerial travel, I refer the hon. Member to Communities and Local Government what assessment the information on departmental spend published in his Department has made of the effect of reductions in the annual written ministerial statement, details for funding for fire and rescue services on national which can be found within the Libraries of both Houses: resilience and firefighter availability in the event of a 2009-10 major national emergency. [143195] 839W Written Answers14 FEBRUARY 2013 Written Answers 840W

Brandon Lewis: I refer the hon. Member to my answer “substantial statutory sanction” had it not already ceased of 5 February 2013, Official Report, column 126W. trading and surrendered its broadcasting licence. The political advertisements were funded by taxpayers’ money. Homelessness: Bolton Tower Hamlets’ political broadcasts were a breach of the Communications Act 2003, the UK Code of Broadcast Yasmin Qureshi: To ask the Secretary of State for Advertising and the Code of Recommended Practice Communities and Local Government what estimate he on Local Authority Publicity. Although Ofcom has the has made of the number of children who are homeless power to censure or fine broadcasters, it has no power in (a) Bolton and (b) Bolton South East constituency; to take any action against an advertiser. and what steps he is taking to reduce these figures. The use of taxpayers’ money for political campaigning [139662] is simply not acceptable, and this is in addition to Tower Hamlets’ disregard of the Code of Recommended Practice Mr Prisk: As at 30 September 2012, 64 dependent or on Local Authority Publicity through its continuing expected children were in temporary accommodation as publication of its weekly propaganda newspaper, East members of households accommodated by Bolton End Life. Such actions are not just a misuse of public metropolitan borough council. This includes households funds, they are ultimately harmful to local democracy placed by the council in accommodation within another and an independent, free press. It is also further evidence local authority area, for which separate figures are not of a worrying pattern of divisive community politics collected. and mismanagement of council staff and resources by To place these figures in context, at the same point the mayoral administration. over the last four years, the number of children in We are looking at putting the Publicity Code on a temporary accommodation was 58 in 2011, 61 in 2010, statutory basis to address this corrosive abuse of taxpayers’ 46 in 2009 and 68 in 2008. money. Looked at another way, of the 83 households accepted as owed the main homelessness duty in Bolton between Trading Standards 1 July and 30 September 2012, 48 included at least one dependent child. Miss McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for The Department does not collect corresponding figures Communities and Local Government how many trading to those above for individual parliamentary constituencies, standards officers there were in England and Wales in except where they happen to be coterminous with the 2008; how many trading standards officers there are in area of a local authority. This is not the case for the England and Wales; how many trading standards officers Bolton and Bolton South East constituencies. work on meat testing; and how many tests on meat were We are determined to tackle the problem of homeless conducted in each of the last three years. [143120] families. So, from 9 November, local authorities have new powers under the Localism Act to use good-quality Brandon Lewis: The information requested is not private rented sector accommodation to end the main held by the Department for Communities and Local homelessness duty. Families will no longer need to be Government. placed in temporary accommodation while they wait The Food Standards Agency is responsible for food for social housing to become available. safety and hygiene in England and Wales. At the same time, we have also put in place extra protection for the most vulnerable. The Homelessness (Suitability of Accommodation) (England) Order 2012 will help prevent the use of temporary accommodation TRANSPORT which is long distances from the families previous home and community. Aviation: Security For households already in temporary accommodation the local authority has a duty (under section 193 of the Henry Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing Act) to find that family settled accommodation. Transport what the cost is of security screening of (a) Local authorities should continue to work with these flight crew and (b) cabin crew at airports in the UK. households to discuss alternative housing options as [143570] they become available. Mr Simon Burns: Security screening is carried out Mayors: Tower Hamlets and financed by airports. The Department for Transport therefore does not hold this information. Jim Fitzpatrick: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what sanctions High Speed 2 Railway Line his Department is considering following the report by Ofcom into the political broadcasts of the Mayor of Mr Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of Tower Hamlets. [142111] State for Transport what estimate he has made of the amount that his Department will spend on High Brandon Lewis: In its ruling last month, Ofcom censured Speed 2 in each financial year from now to its five television channels for running advertisements for completion. [143243] the Mayor of Tower Hamlets which contravened the prohibition on political advertising. It noted that one of Mr Simon Burns: I refer my hon. Friend to my answer the television channels would have been fined with a of 1 February 2013, Official Report, column 1006W. 841W Written Answers14 FEBRUARY 2013 Written Answers 842W

ICT Norman Baker: “Project” is defined as delivering a specific new service, capability or product. Activity to Steve McCabe: To ask the Secretary of State for extend or replace outsourced or managed IT services Transport what the (a) start date, (b) planned completion has been excluded. The following is a list of the IT date, (c) expected completion date, (d) planned cost projects in the Department for Transport and its six and (e) expected cost was of each information technology Executive Agencies with values in excess of £1 million project with a value in excess of £1 million undertaken since 2010: by his Department and its executive agencies since 2010; and if he will make a statement. [142363]

Area/ (b) Planned (c) Expected agency Project (a) Start date completion date completion date (d) Planned cost (e) Expected cost

DfTc DfT(c) Replacement March 2013 31 March 2018 31 March 2018 £1.040 million £1.040 million telephony service VOSA Managed Disaster February 2012 September 2012 July 2013 £1.17 million (plus £1.17 million (plus Recovery Services £580,000 support 400,000 support charges) charges) HA HAWCS (HAWIS: 5 August 2011 4 August 2013 4 August 2013 £1.611 million £1.611 million Highways Agency Weather Central System) HA Highways Agency 12 December 2011 12 December 2014 12 December 2014 £1.91 million £1.91 million Traffic Information System (HATRIS) DSA Online test booking 1 September 2010 26 September 2012 22 October 2012 £2.171 million £2.186 million service for the (actual go live date) Agency’s business customers. DVLA Infrastructure 5 April 2010 30 June 2012 30 April 2013 £1.979 million £2.37 million Environment Provisioning - Zoning DVLA Tachonet 1 July 2010 31 January 2011 16 May 2012 £2.11 million £2.568 million MCA Automatic March 2012 March 2015 March 2015 £2.705 million £2.705 million Identification System (AIS) HA HAGDMS Software 30 March 2010 31 March 2014 31 March 2014 £2.867 million £2.867 million Engineering, Second Line User Support & Training MCA Integrated Coastguard December 2012 March 2015 March 2015 £5.4 million £5.4 million Communications System (ICCS) HA 2/554 Traffic Manager 21 December 2012 31 October 2014 31 October 2014 £6.1 million £6.1 million Airwaves Service DVLA Vehicle Systems 1 June 2010 11 May 2012 11 May 2012 £3.5 million £6.899 million Software (VSS) Stack Refresh DVLA Data Centre 1 November 2010 31 December 2012 31 March 2013 £4.564 million £7.408 million Stabilisation HA National Traffic 27 May 2011 26 May 2018 26 May 2018 £57 million £57 million Information Service (NTIS_ITT)

The following DVLA projects are currently ongoing confidence and could prejudice negotiations with and still have elements to be commercialised. Cost suppliers has not been included. The date information information which is considered commercial in in relation to these projects is set out as follows:

(b) Planned Completion (c) Expected Completion Agency Project (a) Start Date Date Date

DVLA Change of Vehicle Keeper 1 April 2011 1 October 2013 1 December 2014 DVLA Personalised Registration Online 1 April 2011 1 October 2013 1 December 2014 DVLA Contract Let Programme 1 March 2011 30 September 2015 30 September 2015 DVLA Electronic Data Services (EDS) Migration 31 January 2011 31 December 2012 1 June 2013 DVLA Electronic Links, Implementation & Strategic 1 August 2011 31 December 2012 1 June 2013 Enablement (ELISE): Tech Refresh DVLA Electronic Point Of Sale Novell Decommissioning 1 June 2012 31 December 2014 31 December 2014 DVLA Firewalls 24 June 2010 20 June 2013 20 June 2013 DVLA Fleets 1 April 2011 1 December 2013 1 December 2014 DVLA Image Capture Data Archive +: Key From Image 3 June 2010 31 October 2012 31 March 2013 Refresh 843W Written Answers14 FEBRUARY 2013 Written Answers 844W

(b) Planned Completion (c) Expected Completion Agency Project (a) Start Date Date Date

DVLA Indefinite Statutory Off Road Notification 27 June 2012 31 January 2014 31 January 2014 (iSORN) DVLA Infrastructure Environment Provisioning - Service 5 April 2010 31 March 2012 31 March 2013 DVLA Insurance Industry Access to Drivers Data 2 August 2010 11 June 2014 11 June 2014 (IIADD/Phase 1 Integrated Enquiry Platform) DVLA Metro Ethernet Router Switches (MERS) 1 November 2011 30 September 2012 30 April 2013 DVLA Modernisation of Network Services 31 January 2011 31 December 20 13 28 February 2014 DVLA Northern Ireland Electronic Vehicle Services 31 January 2011 17 June 2013 30 December 2013 (NIEVS) DVLA Quick Address System (QAS) 1 June 2010 31 July 2013 28 February 2014 DVLA Tacho Migration 1 June 2011 31 July 2013 31 July 2013 DVLA Telecommunications Refresh 26 December 2010 24 June 2013 24 June 2013 DVLA Weblogic Phase2-ATOSLink 6October 2011 30 November 2011 18 March 2013

Large Goods Vehicles Licensed vehicles with ’gas’1 propulsion type, Great Britain Thousands of vehicles Nic Dakin: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport Date Cars Other vehicles Total what research his Department has commissioned on the 31 Dec 2007 45.1 16.1 61.3 relationship between (a) HGV density of traffic flows, 31 Dec 2008 49.6 16.2 65.8 (b) speed of those traffic flows and (c) accident levels. 31 Dec 2009 50.9 16.2 67.1 [143215] 31 Dec 2010 51.0 16.1 67.0 31 Dec 2011 50.0 15.7 65.7 Stephen Hammond: The Department commissioned 30 Sep 2012 49.8 15.6 65.4 an evaluation of a potential increase in the speed limit 1 Includes gas, gas bi-fuel, petrol/gas and gas-diesel of heavy goods vehicles (over 7.5 tonnes) on single Source: carriageway roads, from the current limit of 40 mph. DfT Vehicle Licensing Statistics, derived from the DVLA vehicle register, an operational database used to handle the licensing of The report was published in November 2012 and is vehicles registered in Great Britain. available at Cars that have been constructed or modified to run https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/heavy-goods- on gas benefit from a £10 reduction in taxation levels vehicle-speed-limit-increase-evaluation-final-report for Alternative Fuel Cars under Vehicle Excise Duty. Owners of LPG cars also benefit from paying lower fuel Liquefied Petroleum Gas duty on LPG than would be paid on petrol and diesel. LPG road fuel has a duty reduction worth the equivalent Mark Tami: To ask the Secretary of State for of 35.79p per litre compared with petrol. In addition at Transport (1) what estimate he has made of the number Budget 2012 we extended the existing 100% first-year of petrol stations that supply liquid petroleum gas fuel capital allowance for gas refuelling equipment for two in each of the last five years; [142878] years to 31 March 2015. (2) what estimate he has made of the number of The Department does not hold data on how many vehicles which use liquid petroleum gas on UK roads in vehicles have been converted to use LPG in each of the each of the last five years; [142915] last five years. Grants for LPG conversions were previously available under the PowerShift grant programme. Following (3) what steps his Department has taken to a consultation in 2004, in response to which both industry encourage the use of LPG vehicles; [142972] and the previous Government expressed support for a (4) how many vehicles have been converted to use technology-neutral approach (providing incentives for LPG in each of the last five years; [142973] clean, low carbon vehicles irrespective of the technology (5) what discussions he has had with the Secretary of used), the programme was suspended. State for Energy and Climate Change on the HM Treasury consults with the Department for environmental benefits of encouraging the use of LPG Transport and the Department for Energy and Climate in vehicles; [142974] Change in determining the overall package of duty (6) what discussions he has had with the Chancellor rates, and these discussions consider the environmental of the Exchequer regarding the tax regime for LPG benefits of support provided through the tax regime. fuel. [142976] M180: Road Traffic Norman Baker: The Department for Transport has made no estimate of the number of petrol stations that Nic Dakin: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport supply liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). what estimate he has made of the level of traffic on the The numbers of licensed vehicles recorded by DVLA M180 motorway over the next 10 years; and what as having a gas-related propulsion code in Great Britain estimate he has made of changes in HGV use of that at the end of September 2012 (the latest available figures) road over that period. [143193] and at the end of each of the 5 previous years are shown in the following table. These figures may include vehicles Stephen Hammond: The average traffic growth for using alternative fuel types other than LPG. the M180 over the next 10 years is forecast to be 11%. 845W Written Answers14 FEBRUARY 2013 Written Answers 846W

The increase in HGV use over the same period is been in each of the last five years; what the level of forecast to grow in line with the overall traffic, ie 11%. HGV use of that road has been in that period; and how Currently, HGVs constitute 27% of the traffic on the many accidents have been recorded on that road in that M180 and that is not expected to change over the next time. [143196] 10 years. Nic Dakin: To ask the Secretary of State for Stephen Hammond: The annual traffic flows on the Transport what annual traffic flows on the M180 have M180 are as follows:

2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Annual Annual Annual Annual Annual Link total HGV total total HGV total total HGV total total HGV total total HGV total

J1-0 8,253,927 2,412,438 8,177,825 2,391,931 7,955,723 2,167,741 7,916,120 2,299,648 8,022,153 2,350,554 J1-2 6,750,310 2,149,917 6,614,713 2,106,722 6,412,138 1,891,193 6,442,068 1,986,846 6,531,858 2,017,748 J2-3 6,726,220 1,862,875 6,573,285 1,807,564 6,473,823 1,663,790 6,092,398 1,586,646 n/a n/a

The personal injury accidents (PIAs) data are recorded conversion of the hard shoulder to a running lane and by the police. This information, once validated, is stored the inclusion of refuge areas. on databases managed by local authorities and at a This assessment showed a 15% reduction in safety national level. The number of PIAs on the M180 for risk when compared to a dual three lane motorway with each year between 2007 and 2011 are recorded in the hard shoulder. This assessment is contained in the following table: Highways Agency’s report ‘Managed Motorways All Lanes Running—Demonstration of Meeting Safety Accidents Objective Report’ that is available on the agency website 2007 35 and I have also placed a copy in the Libraries of the House. 2008 29 2009 34 The safety risk analysis of all lanes running has 2010 42 learnt from the three year safety performance of the 2011 28 active traffic management operation of dynamic hard shoulder running between junctions 3A and 7 of the M42. An assessment of this performance showed that Motor Vehicles: Spare Parts the average number of personal injury accidents reduced from 5.08 per month before the implementation of Mark Tami: To ask the Secretary of State for active traffic management to 2.25 per month following Transport (1) what recent assessment he has made of the introduction of hard shoulder running. This represents the availability and use of counterfeit motor vehicle a 55.7% reduction in accidents. parts; and if he will make a statement; [142916] (2) what assessment his Department has made of the Roads effect of counterfeit motor vehicle parts on the number and severity of road accidents in the UK. [142977] Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport which roads have been reclassified to become part of Stephen Hammond: The Department has made no the core network of nationally important routes in each assessment of the availability of counterfeit motor vehicle of the last five years. [142773] parts or their effect on the number and severity of road accidents in the UK. The Department commissions the Stephen Hammond: The strategic national corridors Vehicle Certification Agency to purchase and test certain were established in 2009 to define the transport links approved components to ensure conformity with legal over which the largest proportion of strategic traffic—that minimum standards. This activity does not focus on is traffic travelling between the 10 largest urban areas, counterfeit parts, although it is possible that such products 10 busiest ports and seven busiest airports in England— could have been tested but not identified as such where moves around the country. The original definition also they comply with the legal minimum standards. provided for connectivity between the four nations of the United Kingdom, but there was no specific provision Motorways for connecting capital cities. In September 2010, the Department launched a 12-week Meg Munn: To ask the Secretary of State for consultation which proposed that the routes linking Transport what information his Department holds on Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast to the nearest urban research into the potential effect on road safety of the strategic destination should be recognised for the strategic replacement of motorway hard shoulders by refuges; connectivity that they provide. Specifically, the consultation and whether he has made an assessment of such identified two additional routes as having national research. [142557] significance: namely the A1 between its junction with the A19 north of Newcastle and the Scottish border, Stephen Hammond: The Highways Agency has completed providing a defined link to Edinburgh; and a route an assessment of the safety risk for the managed motorways between Bootle and the Twelve Quays ferry terminal in layout all lane running, which includes the permanent Birkenhead, providing connectivity with Belfast. The 847W Written Answers14 FEBRUARY 2013 Written Answers 848W additional roads, which extended one of the strategic Details of the costs for 2012-13 will be published in national corridors to connect via Bootle with the Twelve the normal way later this year. Quays ferry terminal, included: DFT Ministers use a mix of ministerial cars and the A565 from junction with A5036 in Bootle to A5063 “Leeds public transport. I regret that the information on other Street”; taxi or car services is not held in the format requested. the A5063 “Leeds Street” from junction with A565 to A59 In accordance with the Ministerial Code, Ministers in “Scotland Road”; the Department always ensure that they make efficient the A59 “Scotland Road” to “Kingsway Tunnel”; and cost-effective travel arrangements. the “Kingsway Tunnel”to grade separated junction with A5027; the A5027 to junction with A5139; Unmanned Air Vehicles the A5139 to A554; and Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport the A554 to Twelve Quays Terminal entrance. pursuant to the answer of 21 January 2013 to the hon. After taking account of the consultation responses, Member for Strangford, Official Report, column 65W, the two additional routes became defined as being of on unmanned air vehicles, what primary and secondary national significance in May 2011. legislation operators are required to take into account There have been no other changes to the definition of when conducting operations using unmanned aerial the routes of national importance. vehicles in the UK; and if he will make a statement. [143638] Speed Limits: Traffic Lights Mr Simon Burns: The use of unmanned aircraft, Annette Brooke: To ask the Secretary of State for including remotely piloted aircraft systems, is covered Transport what recent representations he has received by the Air Navigation Order 2009 and Rules of the Air on the use of speed control traffic lights which are Regulation 2007. Guidance on the use of such aircraft activated to turn red by drivers going over the speed is contained in the Civil Aviation Authority’s (CAA) limit; and if he will make a statement. [143200] publication “CAP 722—Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operations in UK Airspace” which is available from the Norman Baker: There have been no recent requests to CAA website. use traffic lights to control speed by turning red when West Coast Railway Line an approaching driver goes over the speed limit. Rather than turning lights red to control speed, we Derek Twigg: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport advocate the use of ’green waves’ - programming the pursuant to the answer of 1 February 2013, Official signals across a network to turn green if traffic approaches Report, columns 1014-5W, on West Coast Railway line, at a given speed. As well as controlling speed, this can when he expects to have collected sufficient years of improve traffic flow and reduce delays. data to enable a meaningful analysis. [143634]

Travel Mr Simon Burns: The Department expects to review the available data and consider how best to analyse the Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport effects of the west coast route modernisation during how much his Department spent on (a) the Government 2013-14. Car Service and (b) other taxi or car services for ministerial travel in each year since 2009-10; and if he will make a statement. [142644] JUSTICE Stephen Hammond: Information on departmental spend Bail on the Government Car Service is published in the annual written ministerial statement, details of which Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice can be found within the Libraries of both Houses. The how many placements have been available in bail spend recorded shows a continuing reduction in the accommodation funded from the public purse in each amount spent on official cars for Ministers. Costs to of the last three years; and what the average occupancy Departments have seen a 49% reduction in the latest rate was of such accommodation. [125141] figures when compared to those of the previous year and a 72% reduction when compared to the figures for Jeremy Wright: In relation to BASS accommodation, April 2009 to March 2010: the figures requested (for the year from 1 September to 2009-10 31 August) are as follows: http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201011/ cmhansrd/cm101028/wmstext/101028m0001.htm# Available BASS bed Average BASS 10102827000372 spaces (placements) Occupancy (%) 2010-11 2011-12 653 77 http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201212/ 2010-11 647 76 cmhansrd/cm120116/wmstext/120116m0001.htm# 2009-10 696 57 12011611000194 2011-12 Defendants on bail may also be housed in approved http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201213/ premises (APs). Bailees represent only a small percentage cmhansrd/cm121220/wmstext/121220m0001.htm# of the number of AP residents and no places are 12122056000216 specifically allocated to them. 849W Written Answers14 FEBRUARY 2013 Written Answers 850W

Bill of Rights Community Orders

Charlie Elphicke: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Ruffley: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Justice whether the Commission on a Bill of Rights how many offenders have been placed on community will publish the responses it has received to its second payback orders in each probation area in England and public consultation before it publishes its report on a Wales for each year since 2008; and how many such UK Bill of Rights and the UK’s obligations under the offenders reoffended within two years of the completion European Convention on Human Rights. [129414] of the requirements of the order in each such area in each such year. [133516] Damian Green: The Commission was set up as an independent body and made its own decisions with Jeremy Wright: Proven reoffending statistics for England regard to its consultations, including whether or not to and Wales are published quarterly, most recently for the publish responses. period January to December 2010. These statistics provide Its website contains a list of all those who responded information on proven reoffending at the national, local to its second public consultation: authority, prison and probation trust level. http://www.justice.gov.uk/about/cbr/consultation-prog It is not possible to provide information on the number of and also invited those who wanted copies of the responses offenders who reoffended following the completion of to contact the Commission. the community payback (unpaid work) requirement of their order because the Ministry’s proven reoffending The Commission’s final report, ‘A UK Bill of Rights: data measures reoffending from the start of a court The Choice Before Us’, was published on 18 December order. However, for information, we can provide data 2012 and contains some details of the responses to the on the number of offenders who reoffended within second consultation. 12 months of commencing this type of requirement. The following table shows the number of adult offenders Bill of Rights: Northern Ireland in England and Wales starting a court order with an unpaid work requirement, by probation trust, in each year from 2008 to 2010; and the proportion that committed Vernon Coaker: To ask the Secretary of State for a proven reoffence within a one year follow-up period Justice what recent discussions he has had with the (ie the one year proven reoffending rate). Human Rights Commission about a separate Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland. [132395] A proven reoffence is defined as any offence committed in a one year follow-up period and receiving a court Chris Grayling: On the 29 November 2012 the Minister conviction, caution, reprimand or warning in the one for Policing and Criminal Justice, my right hon. Friend year follow-up. Following this one year period, a further the Member for Ashford (Damian Green), met with the six month waiting period is allowed for cases to progress Equality and Human Rights Commission, the Northern through the courts. Ireland Human Rights Commission and the Scottish Please note that proven reoffending statistics are available Human Rights Commission. Various issues were raised from the Ministry of Justice website at: including a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland. www.justice.gov.uk/statistics/reoffending/proven-re-offending

Table 1: Proven reoffending rates for adult offenders starting a Court Order1 with an unpaid work requirement in each year from 2008 to 2010, by probation trust, England and Wales Probation trust 2008 2009 2010

Avon and Somerset

1 year reoffending rate (percentage) 28.8 26.9 27.4 Number of offenders in cohort2 1,575 1,735 1,851

Bedfordshire

1 year reoffending rate (percentage) 24.0 24.7 24.1 Number of offenders in cohort2 830 910 892

Cambridgeshire and Peterborough

1 year reoffending rate (percentage) 31.3 30.6 30.4 Number of offenders in cohort2 1,154 1,258 1,311

Cheshire

1 year reoffending rate (percentage) 27.2 24.9 26.1 Number of offenders in cohort2 1,495 1,488 1,469

Cumbria

1 year reoffending rate (percentage) 34.9 31.6 30.3 Number of offenders in cohort2 1,046 873 819 851W Written Answers14 FEBRUARY 2013 Written Answers 852W

Table 1: Proven reoffending rates for adult offenders starting a Court Order1 with an unpaid work requirement in each year from 2008 to 2010, by probation trust, England and Wales Probation trust 2008 2009 2010

Derbyshire 1 year reoffending rate (percentage) 24.9 24.0 23.6 Number of offenders in cohort2 1,528 1,625 1,483

Devon and Cornwall 1 year reoffending rate (percentage) 28.8 27.7 25.6 Number of offenders in cohort2 1,490 1,510 1,397

Dorset 1 year reoffending rate (percentage) 26.4 28.6 27.4 Number of offenders in cohort2 702 686 647

Durham Tees Valley 1 year reoffending rate (percentage) 37.7 37.8 39.0 Number of offenders in cohort2 2,114 1,656 1,675

Essex 1 year reoffending rate (percentage) 26.3 25.2 26.5 Number of offenders in cohort2 2,083 2,436 2,368

Gloucestershire 1 year reoffending rate (percentage) 32.8 30.6 25.3 Number of offenders in cohort2 551 513 474

Greater Manchester 1 year reoffending rate (percentage) 28.6 27.8 27.5 Number of offenders in cohort2 5,315 5,424 5,532

Hampshire 1 year reoffending rate (percentage) 27.0 26.4 27.3 Number of offenders in cohort2 2,583 2,231 2,285

Hertfordshire 1 year reoffending rate (percentage) 27.5 28.8 24.8 Number of offenders in cohort2 1,159 1,078 1,142

Humberside 1 year reoffending rate (percentage) 30.7 30.2 28.5 Number of offenders in cohort2 1,549 1,552 1,552

Kent 1 year reoffending rate (percentage) 29.0 28.5 29.8 Number of offenders in cohort2 2,305 2,584 2,431

Lancashire 1 year reoffending rate (percentage) 30.5 32.7 30.8 Number of offenders in cohort2 2,004 2,059 2,129

Leicestershire 1 year reoffending rate (percentage) 23.5 23.8 25.5 Number of offenders in cohort2 1,381 1,262 1,369

Lincolnshire 1 year reoffending rate (percentage) 31.1 27.0 27.3 Number of offenders in cohort2 671 775 777

London 1 year reoffending rate (percentage) 28.2 27.9 26.9 853W Written Answers14 FEBRUARY 2013 Written Answers 854W

Table 1: Proven reoffending rates for adult offenders starting a Court Order1 with an unpaid work requirement in each year from 2008 to 2010, by probation trust, England and Wales Probation trust 2008 2009 2010

Number of offenders in cohort2 10,370 11,406 11,262

Merseyside 1 year reoffending rate (percentage) 29.7 30.8 29.3 Number of offenders in cohort2 2,319 2,501 2,369

Norfolk and Suffolk 1 year reoffending rate (percentage) 32.7 32.0 31.2 Number of offenders in cohort2 2,021 2,063 2,016

York and North Yorkshire 1 year reoffending rate (percentage) 35.1 31.6 33.0 Number of offenders in cohort2 1,035 1,230 1,115

Northamptonshire 1 year reoffending rate (percentage) 29.6 26.8 22.7 Number of offenders in cohort2 767 940 1,007

Northumbria 1 year reoffending rate (percentage) 40.3 37.0 37.6 Number of offenders in cohort2 2,020 2,011 1,947

Nottinghamshire 1 year reoffending rate (percentage) 30.5 29.4 31.0 Number of offenders in cohort2 1,713 1,911 2,021

South Yorkshire 1 year reoffending rate (percentage) 29.5 27.7 29.0 Number of offenders in cohort2 2,374 2,640 2,632

Staffordshire and West Midlands 1 year reoffending rate (percentage) 27.1 23.9 23.2 Number of offenders in cohort2 5,351 6,036 5,907

Surrey and Sussex 1 year reoffending rate (percentage) 27.0 26.5 26.1 Number of offenders in cohort2 2,823 2,907 2,815

Thames Valley 1 year reoffending rate (percentage) 26.8 26.4 24.6 Number of offenders in cohort2 2,369 2,280 2,479

Wales 1 year reoffending rate (percentage) 31.0 31.0 29.1 Number of offenders in cohort2 4,906 5,239 5,355

Warwickshire 1 year reoffending rate (percentage) 29.5 24.3 22.5 Number of offenders in cohort2 573 716 631

West Mercia 1 year reoffending rate (percentage) 29.8 28.1 30.3 Number of offenders in cohort2 1,273 1,558 1,315

West Yorkshire 1 year reoffending rate (percentage) 34.1 30.0 29.9 Number of offenders in cohort2 3,719 4,209 4,458 855W Written Answers14 FEBRUARY 2013 Written Answers 856W

Table 1: Proven reoffending rates for adult offenders starting a Court Order1 with an unpaid work requirement in each year from 2008 to 2010, by probation trust, England and Wales Probation trust 2008 2009 2010

Wiltshire 1 year reoffending rate (percentage) 29.3 28.1 27.0 Number of offenders in cohort2 680 651 589

Unknown/More than one 1 year reoffending rate (percentage) 27.5 30.3 26.9 Number of offenders in cohort2 873 970 836 1 This does not represent all offenders—offenders who commenced a court order are matched to the police national computer database and a certain proportion of these offenders who cannot be matched are excluded from the offender cohort. 2 Court Orders include Community Orders and Suspended Sentence Orders which were introduced in the Criminal Justice Act 2003 and came into force in April 2005.

Conditions of Employment granted between 1 November 2011 and 31 October 2012 in relation to fraud cases, within England and Julie Elliott: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Wales. pursuant to the answer of 5 February 2013, Official Order Report, column 198W, on conditions of employment, Fraud offence amount (£) Order date how many people were employed on zero-hour contracts in each year between 2008 and 2011. [143045] Other Fraud/Embezzlement/ 29,276,566 30 August 2012 Deception/Crimes of Dishonesty Other Fraud/Embezzlement/ 9,427,123 13 July 2012 Jeremy Wright: The number of people employed on Deception/Crimes of Dishonesty zero-hour contracts by the Ministry of Justice (Ministry VAT Fraud 8,405,342 26 June 2012 of Justice HQ, HM Courts and Tribunals Service, National Other Fraud/Embezzlement/ 4,812,245 16 January 2012 Offender Management Service and the Office of the Deception/Crimes of Dishonesty Public Guardian) in each year between 2008 and 2011 is Tax and Benefit Fraud 2,462,176 24 February 2012 set out in the following table. Other Fraud/Embezzlement/ 1,984,794 4 November 2011 Deception/Crimes of Dishonesty Number of people employed on zero-hour contracts by the Ministry of Justice as Tax and Benefit Fraud 1,665,567 26 March 2012 at 31 December Tax and Benefit Fraud 1,584,733 26 March 2012 Headcount Other Fraud/Embezzlement/ 1,549,448 30 August 2012 2008 209 Deception/Crimes of Dishonesty 2009 188 Counterfeiting/Intellectual 1,379,770 9 March 2012 Property/Forgery 2010 189 Total amount 62,547,764 2011 172

Julie Elliott: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice pursuant to the answer of 5 February 2013, Official Emily Thornberry: To ask the Secretary of State for Report, column 198W, on conditions of employment, Justice how much has been recovered under each of the what grades of employment the 140 members of staff 10 largest confiscation orders imposed by the courts for are on. [143046] fraud cases since May 2010. [129801]

Jeremy Wright: The grade for those employed on zero-hour contracts by the Ministry of Justice (Ministry Mrs Grant: The table records the 10 largest value of Justice HQ, HM Courts and Tribunals Service, National confiscation orders granted since May 2010 in relation Offender Management Service and the Office of the to fraud cases, within England and Wales and how Public Guardian) as at 31 December 2012 is set out in much has been recovered. the following table. Large value confiscation orders often contain hidden Grade Total and overseas assets, which makes them extremely difficult to enforce. I have provided a breakdown of the hidden Band E (Administrative Officer) 1 and overseas assets in the table against each order. Of Band F (Administrative Assistant) 139 the 10 highest valued confiscation orders relating to fraud cases 79% of the value imposed relates to hidden Confiscation Orders or overseas assets. The Government takes confiscating criminals’ assets Emily Thornberry: To ask the Secretary of State for very seriously and during 2011-12 we recovered 8% Justice what the 10 largest confiscation orders imposed more from all confiscation orders than in the previous by the courts for fraud cases were in the last 12 months. financial year. This year performance has significantly [129796] increased again, and for the period April 2012 to the end of October 2012, we have collected 13% more than Mrs Grant: I have interpreted your question as covering the same period last year. This means that, though there the last 12 complete calendar months. The following is still work to do, we are on course to have our most table records the 10 largest value confiscation orders successful year ever. 857W Written Answers14 FEBRUARY 2013 Written Answers 858W

During the last two complete financial years, 77% of all confiscation orders imposed were successfully completed. Appendix A The following table records the 10 largest value confiscation orders granted since May 2010 in relation to fraud cases, within England and Wales and how much has been recovered.

Hidden/Overseas Order Amount/Lead Assets contained in Fraud Offence Enforcement Agency Amount Recovered Order Date order Key Facts

VAT Fraud £40,000,000 CPS POCU £0 8 October 2010 Hidden £40,000,000 Offender has been (Crown Prosecution deported. Service Proceeds of Crime Unit)

Other Fraud/Embezzlement/Deception/ £29,276,566 Serious £0 30 August 2012 Hidden £595,000 The confiscation order Crimes of Dishonesty Fraud Office Overseas £26,000,000 is currently under appeal therefore active enforcement cannot proceed. Not yet in default of payment, as has until 28 February 2013 to pay.

Other Fraud/Embezzlement/Deception/ £20,000,000 Serious £13,826 5 August 2010 Hidden £19,400,000 Offender is currently Crimes of Dishonesty Fraud Office serving a default Sentence for non payment. An Enforcement Receiver has been appointed

VAT Fraud £16,145,098 CPS POCU £0 19 July 2010 Hidden £3,000,000 The CPS has an Overseas £13,000,000 application pending to appoint an Enforcement Receiver, as of 2 November 2012. Default sentence is being served. Co-offender of the order below.

VAT Fraud £16,145,098 CPS POCU £0 19 July 2010 Hidden £451,000 The CPS has an Overseas £15,700,000 application pending to appoint an Enforcement Receiver, as of 2 November 2012. Default sentence is being served. Co-offender of the order above.

Other Fraud/Embezzlement/Deception/ £9,427,123 CPS POCU £563 13 July 2012 Not yet in default of Crimes of Dishonesty payment, as has until 13 January 2013 to pay, therefore an Enforcement Receiver cannot be appointed at this time.

VAT Fraud £8,405,342 CPS POCU £1,427,191 26 June 2012 The CPS has an application pending to appoint an Enforcement Receiver. Not yet in default of payment, as has until 27 December 2012 to pay.

Other Fraud/Embezzlement/Deception/ £6,565,942 CPS POCU £6,510,696 28 March 2011 This is a company Crimes of Dishonesty confiscation order with £55,246 of the order balance left to pay, due to a shortfall in the funds held. An Enforcement Receiver has not been required. 859W Written Answers14 FEBRUARY 2013 Written Answers 860W

Hidden/Overseas Order Amount/Lead Assets contained in Fraud Offence Enforcement Agency Amount Recovered Order Date order Key Facts

Other Fraud/Embezzlement/Deception/ £4,812,245 CPS Branch £3,880,732 16 January 2012 £4,000,000 is held in The Offender has Crimes of Dishonesty pension funds liquidated his pension funds. Default sentence has not been served as the offender is cooperating in paying his order. An Enforcement Receiver has not been required.

VAT Fraud £3,570,000 CPS POCU £0 8 July 2011 Hidden £3,500,000 The confiscation order is currently under appeal therefore active enforcement cannot proceed. The default sentence has not been applied.

Emily Thornberry: To ask the Secretary of State for and overseas assets in the table against each order. Of Justice (1) how much has been recovered under each of the 10 highest valued confiscation orders relating to the 10 largest confiscation orders imposed by the drugs cases 54% of the value imposed relates to hidden courts for drugs cases since May 2010; [129802] or overseas assets. (2) what the 10 largest confiscation orders imposed The Government takes confiscating criminals’ assets by the courts for drugs cases were since May 2010. very seriously and during 2011-12 we recovered 8% [129803] more from all confiscation orders than in the previous financial year. This year performance has significantly Mrs Grant: The following table records the 10 largest increased again, and for the period April 2012 to the value confiscation orders granted since May 2010 in end of October 2012, we have collected 13% more than relation to drugs cases, within England and Wales and the same period last year. This means that, though there how much has been recovered. is still work to do, we are on course to have our most Large value confiscation orders often contain hidden successful year ever. and overseas assets, which makes them extremely difficult During the last two complete financial years, 77% of to enforce. I have provided a breakdown of the hidden all confiscation orders imposed were successfully completed.

Has a receiver Amount Hidden/overseas assets been Any other key Drug offence Order amount recovered Order date contained in order appointed information

Drug Trafficking £10,508,650 CPS £1,432,032 9 September 2010 Hidden £16,000 — The default sentence POCU (Crown Overseas £1,460,000 has not been applied. Prosecution Many of the assets An Enforcement Service Proceeds of relate to buildings and Receiver is still Crime Unit) land enforcing the order and a number of payments have been received during 2012

Drug Trafficking £2,652,925 £66,032 17 February 2012 Hidden £2,600,000 — Default sentence not HMCTS yet activated. Unable to appoint an Enforcement Receiver as all assets are hidden

Drug Trafficking £2,402,728 CPS £251,437 20 April 2011 Hidden £1,000,000 — Earliest release from Branch Overseas £583,200 prison is October 2022. (buildings and land) Default sentence not yet activated. An Enforcement Receiver has been appointed

Drug Trafficking £2,395,430 CPS £573,544 18 January 2012 Overseas £1,203,000 — The offender time is Branch (buildings and land) currently not in default as he has until 18 January 2013 to pay his order. Unable to appoint an Enforcement Receiver as the time to pay hasn’t expired 861W Written Answers14 FEBRUARY 2013 Written Answers 862W

Has a receiver Amount Hidden/overseas assets been Any other key Drug offence Order amount recovered Order date contained in order appointed information

Drug Trafficking £2,353,655 £815 22 November 2010 Hidden £2,353,655 — Unable to appoint an HMCTS Enforcement Receiver as all assets are hidden. The offender is currently serving a default sentence for non payment

Drug Trafficking £2,275,454 £1,130,067 16 April 2012 No Hidden or — Offender is not HMCTS Overseas Assets currently in default as timetopayexpireson 16 April 2013

Money £2,075,117 £51,764 28 June 2011 Hidden £2,016,000 — Unable to appoint an Laundering— HMCTS Enforcement Receiver Drugs as all assets are hidden. The offender is currently serving a default sentence for non payment

Drug Trafficking £1,490,721 CPS £0 17 May 2011 Hidden £1,486,131 — The offender is Branch currently serving a default sentence for non payment. Unable to appoint an Enforcement Receiver as all assets are hidden

Money £1,476,976 CPS £0 30 March 2011 Hidden £182,000 — An Enforcement Laundering— Branch Overseas £1,658,976 Receiver has been Drugs considered, but an application is not being made at this stage

Money £1,362,218 £9,338 28 February 2011 Hidden £1,335,381 — Unable to appoint an Laundering— HMCTS Enforcement Receiver Drugs as all assets are hidden. The offender is serving a prison sentence until 2017. A default sentence for non payment has not been activated yet

Emily Thornberry: To ask the Secretary of State for into to achieve certain outcomes; they do not necessarily Justice how many of the defendants ordered to pay the describe the number of full-time equivalents required to 10 largest confiscation orders imposed by the courts deliver those outcomes. were recipients of legal aid in the last two years. [129804] Departmental Responsibilities Mrs Grant: I have interpreted your question as covering the last two complete financial years, the period from 1 Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice April 2010 to 31 March 2012. The information is not what his Department’s core statutory obligations are; readily available; data must be merged from multiple and what estimate he has made of the annual cost of datasets. I will write to the hon. Member once my delivering each such obligation. [142766] officials have carried out this work. Mrs Grant: The core responsibilities of the Ministry Consultants of Justice are set out in the Appropriation Act for each year which authorises the use of resources for each Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Department. The core functions listed include the how many full-time equivalent staff were employed on administration of the National Offender Management consultancy contracts in his Department on the latest Service, Her Majesty’s Court and Tribunal Service and date for which figures are available; how many such civil and criminal legal aid, together with functions in staff were employed on the same date 12 months ago; relation to justice policy, victims and the criminal justice and if he will make a statement. [132212] system. The costs of delivering the obligations are published Jeremy Wright: It is not possible to provide these in the Main Estimates and the Ministry of Justice figures. Consultancy agreements are frequently entered annual report and accounts. 863W Written Answers14 FEBRUARY 2013 Written Answers 864W

Domestic Visits Jeremy Wright: The following table provides details of visits to external organisations by Ministry of Justice Robert Flello: To ask the Secretary of State for Ministers since May 2010 as part of their departmental (a) Justice which individuals and organisations he and responsibilities. (b) Ministers in his Department have visited since May 2010; and on what date each such visit took place. [135279]

Minister Date Organisation

Jonathan Djanogly 27 May 2010 Barking Community Legal Advice Centre Jonathan Djanogly 3 June 2010 Wandsworth Citizens’ Advice Bureau Jonathan Djanogly 19 October 2010 National Pro Bono Centre Jonathan Djanogly 31 January 2011 June Venters QC, Pro Bono Centre Jonathan Djanogly 2 February 2011 Community Links Centre Jonathan Djanogly 9 February 2011 Kent Family Mediation Service, Swale Borough Council Jonathan Djanogly 10 May 2011 Irwin Mitchell Jonathan Djanogly 26 January 2012 Criminal Cases Review Commission Jonathan Djanogly 30 January 2012 ILEX Helen Grant 18 October 2012 Victims Safehouse Helen Grant 26 November 2012 Suzy Lamplugh Trust National Centre Nick Herbert 29 September 2010 Reducing Reoffending visit to Hull Lord McNally 18 October 2010 Law Commission Lord McNally 22 October 2010 The National Archives Lord McNally 12 November 2010 Runnymede Council— Magna Carta launch event Lord McNally 19 November 2010 Gray’s Inn Lord McNally 17 February 2011 National Archives (Kew) Lord McNally 8 March 2011 Information Commissioner’s Office and UKBA Lord McNally 18 March 2011 Turning Point Douglas House Project Crispin Blunt 1 April 2011 Amber Project, Dorking Lord McNally 12 April 2011 Serious Organised Crime Agency Ken Clarke 6 May 2011 Nottingham Women’s Centre Lord McNally 25 May 2011 UCL Constitution Unit Crispin Blunt 4 July 2011 Koestler Trust Lord McNally 27 July 2011 Press Complaints Commission Crispin Blunt 30 July 2011 Slough College Crispin Blunt 2 August 2011 G4S —electronic monitoring centre in Manchester Lord McNally 31 August 2011 Kainos Community (in HMP Swaleside) Nick Herbert 24 September 2011 Various Nick Herbert 28 September 2011 North Kent live links demonstration Lord McNally 6 October 2011 Index and English Pen Crispin Blunt 11 November 2011 The One Service (payment by results pilot, Peterborough) Nick Herbert 30 November 2011 Victim Support Nick Herbert 7 December 2011 CJR Neighbourhood Resolution Panel—Sheffield Nick Herbert 14 December 2011 CJR Visit—Hampshire Lord McNally 23 December 2011 Turning Point Ken Clarke 9 January 2012 Lilian Baylis Old School, Lambeth Ken Clarke 23 January 2012 Milton Keynes Mediation Centre Crispin Blunt 14 February 2012 Victim Support—new branch in Leicester Lord McNally 13 March 2012 Minerva Project Lord McNally 29 March 2012 Equality and Diversity Forum Nick Herbert 17 April 2012 Sussex Magistrates Association AGM Lord McNally 26 April 2012 48 Group Club Lord McNally 4 May 2012 Carillion Lord McNally 15 June 2012 The National Trust Nick Herbert 18 June 2012 Visit to community payback scheme in Kettering and Round Table with Northants Probation Trust, Kettering Borough Council and Northants Partnership Executives Nick Herbert 21 June 2012 Visit to buddi offender management solution in Kettering and polygraphing sex offenders pilot with Hertfordshire constabulary Nick Herbert 25 June 2012 CJS Reform visit to Merseyside and London Lord McNally 17 July 2012 Thames Valley Restorative Justice Service Crispin Blunt 19 July 2012 Fine Cell Work HQ in London Crispin Blunt 30 July 2012 Rape Crisis Centre in Croydon Lord McNally 29 September 2012 Birmingham Law Society/Resolution Lord McNally 12 October 2012 Legal Aid Practitioners Group Lord McNally 8 November 2012 National Grid Young Offenders Programme Chris Grayling 12 November 2012 Westminster Academy 865W Written Answers14 FEBRUARY 2013 Written Answers 866W

Minister Date Organisation

Jeremy Wright 13 November 2012 G4S—electronic monitoring centre in Manchester Lord McNally 14 November 2012 Cooperative Group—Family Law Service Damian Green 30 November 2012 Integrate Offender Management visit—Leeds Damian Green 3 January 2013 Virtual Courts Visit—Sutton Coldfield police station

In addition to these visits, Ministers regularly attend Nationality Gender Region Referring Agency receptions, make speeches and visit prisons, courts and other sites within the justice system; these are not Nigerian Female West Midlands Local Authority included in the table. Also excluded are meetings and Nigerian Female Yorkshire UKBA overseas travel; these are captured in the quarterly gifts, Nigerian Female West Midlands Police meetings and hospitality returns, which are available on Nigerian Female West Midlands UKBA the Justice website (or the Home Office website for the Pakistani Female Yorkshire Police right hon. Nick Herbert MP and the right hon. Damian Pakistani Male Yorkshire Police Green MP). Pakistani Female North West UKBA Pakistani Female North West UKBA Human Trafficking Pakistani Female North West UKBA Polish Male North West GLA Sir Tony Baldry: To ask the Secretary of State for Polish Female North West GLA Justice what the (a) nationality and (b) gender was of Polish Male North West GLA each suspected victim of trafficking referred to the Polish Male West Midlands Police Trafficking Victim Support Scheme operated by the Polish Male Yorkshire NGO Salvation Army in January 2013; in which region each Polish Male Yorkshire NGO of the suspected victims was found; and which agency Polish Female Yorkshire NGO referred each case to the scheme. [142805] Polish Male Yorkshire NGO Polish Male Yorkshire NGO Mrs Grant: In January 2013 there were 66 referrals to Polish Male Yorkshire NGO the Government-funded support service for adult victims Polish Male Yorkshire NGO of human trafficking in England and Wales administered Romanian Female South Police by The Salvation Army. In the interests of victim safety Romanian Female South Police the region in which the victim was encountered is provided Romanian Female West Midlands Police rather than the local authority. Details are provided in Romanian Female North West Self Referral the following table: Romanian Male East Midlands Police Romanian Male West Midlands Other Nationality Gender Region Referring Agency Romanian Female West Midlands NGO Romanian Male South Police Afghan Female West Midlands UKBA Romanian Female South Other Albanian Female North West UKBA Russian Female South East NGO Albanian Female South East Legal Representative Slovakian Male East Police Albanian Female Not Known Legal Slovakian Female South Police Representative Sri Lankan Female Wales Other Albanian Female Yorkshire UKBA Thai Female Yorkshire UKBA Albanian Female Yorkshire UKBA Ugandan Female North West Legal Algerian Female South Self Referral Representative North Female South Self Referral Vietnamese Male South East UKBA American Vietnamese Female South East NGO Bangladeshi Male South East Legal Vietnamese Male South East UKBA Representative Vietnamese Male West Midlands UKBA British Male North West Self Referral Vietnamese Female West Midlands UKBA Bulgarian Male South Other Bulgarian Female North West Police Congolese Female South Local Authority Czech Male Yorkshire NGO Legal Aid Scheme Czech Female South West Police Hungarian Female South East Police Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Indian Female West Midlands UKBA how much and what proportion of legal aid was awarded Indian Female South West Other in each year between 1997 and 2011 to individuals Indian Female East Midlands NGO serving a custodial sentence at the time the award was Lithuanian Female South Other made; and how many such individuals received such Lithuanian Female South East Police awards. [136361] Lithuanian Male South East Police Malian Female Yorkshire NGO Jeremy Wright: The Government is clear that legal Nigerian Female South Self Referral aid must be available to those who need it, but resources Nigerian Female South Legal are not limitless. That is why we were concerned to see Representative an increase of £25 million in legal aid spend on prison Nigerian Female South East NGO law, between 2001-02 and 2010-11. 867W Written Answers14 FEBRUARY 2013 Written Answers 868W

Restrictions placed on prisoners’ access to legal advice The increase in employees earning £80,000 to £100,000 are having an impact. In July 2010 we reduced the from 2009 to 2010 is largely attributable to a contractual availability of legal aid for prison law treatment cases, 1% increase in the maximum pay threshold of one which has already reduced spend. However I am still of the management grades. This resulted in an increase concerned about public confidence in the legal aid in the threshold from £79,661 to £80,458 thereby increasing system, and an urgent review into this has been ordered. the number of people who earned a full-time equivalent The details of legal aid spending on prison law each salary of £80,000 to £100,000. year from 2001-02 to 2011-12 and as a proportion of total legal aid spending in England and Wales, is provided Pay Systems in the table. Details of the amounts of legal aid spent on prison Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice law is not available for years prior to 2001-02 as spending if he will publish details of all payment by results cannot be disaggregated from other areas of legal aid. scheme pilots since 2009 indicating (a) the aims and objectives of the pilot, (b) when the pilot started, (c) Legal aid spend Proportion of total Total legal aid when it completed or is due to complete, (d) when on prison law in legal aid spending spending in England and in England and England and interim evaluation data was published or is due to be Wales1 (£) Wales (%) Wales1 (£) published, (e) when final independent evaluation data was published or is due to be published, (f) how much 2001-02 1 0.06 l,717 funding was allocated for each pilot and (g) how much 2002-03 3 0.18 1,909 funding was spent on each pilot. [134699] 2003-04 5 0.24 2,077 2004-05 7 0.33 2,038 2005-06 9 0.43 2,028 Mrs Grant: 14 payment by results pilot schemes 2006-07 12 0.63 1,984 became operational since 2009. 2007-08 16 0.80 2,036 The pilots test different models and help to inform 2008-09 21 1.01 2,108 the use of payment by results in the Criminal Justice 2009-10 25 1.16 2,149 system. The Peterborough and Doncaster pilots and the 2010-11 26 1.21 2,134 Employment and Reoffending pilots are targeting reduced 2011-12 23 1.12 2,039 reoffending within the target cohort of offenders. The 1 Rounded to the nearest £ million. local justice reinvestment pilots target reduced demand on local justice services in the pilot areas. The Youth Pay Justice Reinvestment Pathfinders target a reduction in the number of bednights spent by young offenders in Mr Raab: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice custody. how many employees in his Department were paid (a) The Ministry of Justice has recently published the between £80,000 and £100,000 per year and (b) in consultation paper “Transforming Rehabilitation—a excess of £100,000 per year in each of the last five revolution in the way we manage offenders” setting out years. [133118] how we propose to extend payment by results for rehabilitation in the community. We will examine each Mrs Grant: The number of officials in the Ministry of of the operating pilots further as we develop our approach, Justice (Ministry of Justice HQ, HM Courts and Tribunals both drawing lessons and considering whether they Service, National Offender Management Service and should continue to operate in coordination with new Office of the Public Guardian) that earned a full-time services or whether they should be replaced by new equivalent salary of (a) between £80,000 and £100,000 services. and (b) in excess of £100,000 for each of the last five The Ministry of Justice has identified the maximum years is set out in the following table: potential financial exposure by reference to the contractual terms of each pilot. The level of actual spending on Year (as at 30 September) £80,000 to £100,000 More than £100,000 each pilot is ultimately dependent on the provider’s success in reducing reoffending. We will therefore identify 2008 125 31 the spending requirement for each pilot once the final 2009 172 39 results have been assessed. 2010 263 49 Details of the pilots, including start and completion 2011 252 38 dates and the timing of evaluations, are set out in the 2012 241 38 following table:

Payment by results pilot schemes which became operational since 2009 Interim Evaluation Date pilot became Date pilot operations are published(Process Final Independent evaluation data operational due to end Evaluation) published

HMP Peterborough September 2010 By September 20164 May 2011 Summer 20145 Spring 2015 Final process evaluation 2018

HMP Doncaster October 2011 October 2015 November 2012 Summer 20146 Autumn 2014 Final process evaluation spring 2016 869W Written Answers14 FEBRUARY 2013 Written Answers 870W

Payment by results pilot schemes which became operational since 2009 Interim Evaluation Date pilot became Date pilot operations are published(Process Final Independent evaluation data operational due to end Evaluation) published

Local Justice Reinvestment Pilots1 July 2011 June 2013 Spring 2013 Year 1—November 2012 Year 2—November 2013 Final process evaluation summer 2014

Employment and Reoffending Pilots2 September 2012 September 2016 Autumn 2013 Summer 20157 Autumn 2015 Final process evaluation 2018

Youth Justice Reinvestment Pathfinders3 October 2011 September 2013 Spring 2013 Autumn 2014 1 There are six Justice Reinvestment pilots—in Greater Manchester, Croydon, Hackney, Lambeth, Lewisham, Southwark. 2 The two Employment and Reoffending pilots are in Wales and west midlands and the Marches. 3 The four Youth Justice Reinvestment Pathfinders in Year 1 of the pilot were in Birmingham, north and east London, West Yorkshire and West London. 4 The Peterborough pilot will last for up to six years, with three cohorts of short sentence prisoners, one after another, each containing around 1,000 offenders. Each cohort will remain open until it reaches capacity, or for a maximum period of 24 months. 5 Results from cohort one. Subsequent cohort results approximately every two years thereafter, maximum three cohorts. 6 Results from cohort one. Subsequent cohort results to be published approximately annually thereafter, maximum three cohorts. 7 Results from cohort one. Subsequent cohort results to be published approximately annually thereafter, maximum three cohorts.

The Ministry of Justice is continuing to assess the The latest available figures for HMP Lincoln show robustness of early indicative reoffending data from the that 78 individual prisoners self-harmed in 2010 and 95 pilots and whether it is suitable for publication as in 2011. Figures for 2012 will not be available until Official Statistics. Any publication of such data will be April 2013. pre-announced on the Ministry of Justice website following standard Official Statistics release protocols. Prisons: Expenditure In addition, the Ministry of Justice has been supporting work, led by Department of Health to co-design and Dr Huppert: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice implement eight drug and alcohol Payment by Results how much has been spent from the public purse on pilots to assess whether paying on the basis of results prisons in each year since 1987. [130804] can further incentivise the delivery of a range of recovery outcomes rather than simply engaging people in treatment. The Ministry of Justice provides no funding to these Jeremy Wright: The expenditure recorded each year pilots, which are not part of the department’s own pilot since 1987-88 on prisons in England and Wales is as programme. follows:

Prisoners: Self-harm Total expenditure (£ million) 2011-12 2,213 Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice 2010-11 2,219 (1) how many prisoners were considered to be at risk of 2009-10 2,288 self-harm in (a) 2010, (b) 2011 and (c) 2012; [138842] 2008-09 2,283 (2) how many prisoners in HM Prison Lincoln were 2007-08 2,317 considered to be at risk of self-harm in (a) 2010, (b) 2006-07 2,175 2011 and (c) 2012. [138843] 2005-06 2,073 2004-05 2,407 Jeremy Wright: Prisoners who are considered as being 2003-04 2,281 at-risk of self-harm may be placed on an Assessment, 2002-03 2,405 Care in Custody and Teamwork (ACCT) Plan. ACCT 2001-02 2,245 is a prisoner focused care planning system for those 2000-01 2,135 prisoners identified as being at-risk of self-harm and/or 1999-2000 2,129 suicide. ACCT has helped prisons to manage prisoners’ 1998-99 2,089 risk of self-harm and suicide since 2007. Establishments 1997-98 1,904 record and monitor the number of prisoners supported 1996-97 1,774 through an ACCT plan locally. There is currently no 1995-96 1,747 ability to centrally report this information. 1994-95 1,601 The vast majority of self-harm is not directly life 1993-94 1,288 threatening but nevertheless can be extremely distressing 1992-93 1,660 both for those affected by it and those who have to deal 1991-92 1,631 with it. There are no easy solutions to self-harm but we 1990-91 1,464 remain committed to managing and finding ways to 1989-90 1,206 reduce it. 1988-89 1,014 The latest available figures show that 6,623 individual 1987-88 882 prisoners self-harmed in 2010 and 6,854 in 2011. The Notes: figures for 2012 are not due to be published until April 1. Figures include both public sector and private prisons. 2013. 2. Figures from 1993-94 do not include capital expenditure. 871W Written Answers14 FEBRUARY 2013 Written Answers 872W

The figures from 2008-09 are as recorded with the sole provider of Halal products. They have been contracted Addendums to the published accounts of the National to supply food to public sector prisons since June 2007. Offender Management Service, and previously in the The National Offender Management Service has acted published accounts of the HM Prison Service and quickly and decisively throughout this issue, withdrawing Home Office. contaminated and potentially contaminated supply lines, Over the last 25 years changes to the scope of the ceasing all deliveries from the affected supplier, providing Prison Service and the accounting treatment in recording alternative menu choices and working with the Agency’s expenditure means the ability to make useful comparisons Muslim advisor to communicate to all Muslim chaplains between years is reduced. to disseminate information to prisoners. Due to this positive approach, there have to date been no reported Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice disturbances in prisons linked to this issue. In addition, how much capital expenditure there was on each prison there have been various engagements with Muslim media in each year since 2007. [137793] to clarify the contamination issue and reassure the community. Jeremy Wright: Details of capital expenditure for all All prisons have regularly tested contingency plans to prisons for each year since 2007 is given in the following deal with instances of concerted indiscipline and Governors table: can call on national resources as required.

£ million The Ministry of Justice is currently considering what Type of capital financial redress it can seek. The MOJ is unaware of expenditure 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 any product contamination outside of the Halal products supplied to prisons. Major capital 495 473 540 328 166 expenditure Local capital 10 13 14 10 18 Probation expenditure Notes: 1. Local capital expenditure is that met directly by the establishment and Mr Mark Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for excludes expenditure met at regional or national level. Justice in the event of outsourcing of probation tasks, 2. Local capital acquisitions include purchases of items such as plant, machinery, mechanical and electrical equipment etc. whether police and other criminal justice agencies will 3. Figures include immigration removal centres and major investment on new be given access to tagging and other related data kept builds during this period. by private companies who win probation contracts. 4. Figures may not be directly comparable over time due to changes in scope and accounting treatment. [142561] 5. The capitalisation threshold increased from £5,000 to £10,000 from 1 April 2010. 6. All figures are rounded. Jeremy Wright: The Ministry of Justice is consulting on proposals to reform the way in which offenders are The higher figures reflect investment in the prison rehabilitated in the community, including opening up capacity programme which has now come to an end. rehabilitation services to a more diverse range of providers The Department holds detailed information on capital who will be paid by results to reduce reoffending. expenditure, but because it is not collated by establishments Under our proposed reforms, providers of probation as a matter of course, it will take departmental staff services will need to work in partnership with the police some time to draw it together. As soon as this has been and other agencies to ensure local services are closely done I will write to the right hon. Gentleman and place aligned. Prospective providers will have to evidence how a copy of the letter in the Library of the House. they would sustain and develop local networks and partnerships such as existing Integrated Offender Prisons: Food Management arrangements, and will be expected to contribute to local intelligence sharing as appropriate. Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Under current arrangements electronic monitoring (1) whether any changes have been made to his data is managed by the private companies running the Department’s contract with 3663 to supply Halal meat contracts and necessary data exchanges occur between for prison food in the last three years; [143212] agreed agencies, subject to data sharing protocols. This (2) what contingency planning his Department has approach will not change as a result of the proposed undertaken to avoid any disturbances in prisons reforms. following the identification of contaminated Halal We will announce further details of our proposals meat in prison food; [143213] once we have considered the responses to the consultation, (3) how long 3663 has been providing food to the which closes on 22 February 2013. prison estate; [143214] (4) whether his Department is able to impose Wayne David: To ask the Secretary of State for financial penalties on suppliers of contaminated Halal Justice what incentives he will put in place for meat in prisons; [143241] probation trusts to merge prior to the tendering-out of (5) whether any prison food containing probation work. [142580] contaminated Halal meat had been distributed further than the prison estate. [143242] Jeremy Wright: The Ministry of Justice is consulting on proposals to reform the way in which offenders are Jeremy Wright: The standard for the provision of rehabilitated in the community, including competing Halal products has not changed or been amended during the majority of rehabilitative and punitive services in the past three years. During this time, 3663 has been the the community. 873W Written Answers14 FEBRUARY 2013 Written Answers 874W

We propose that the public sector will be reorganised (5) what plans he has to publish a timetable on in the most efficient manner to deliver its new developing legislative proposals to reform how boundary responsibilities. This is likely to require fewer trusts or a disputes concerning real property are resolved; and if different structure (such as a single national probation he will make a statement. [142965] trust or direct delivery on behalf of the Secretary of State). Our consultation paper invites views on what Mrs Grant: The Ministry of Justice will be carrying kind of delivery structure would be most appropriate out an initial scoping study this year into the problems for the public sector probation service. affecting boundary dispute resolution with a view to While we will need to contract with entities capable identifying possible solutions. Ministers will then consider of bearing the financial and operational risks associated the options. with offender services in the community and the introduction of payment by results, it will also be open Regulation to those currently in the public sector to design prospective mutuals or develop appropriate partnerships with other organisations to bid to win contracts for competed Gordon Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for services. The Cabinet Office (working with Ministry of Justice how many regulations his Department has repealed Justice) will support leaders and staff in probation in the last six months; and what has been the anticipated trusts to explore options and feasibility in advance of cost savings of each such repeal. [141835] any competitions. The Cabinet Office is designing a package of support for those who wish to explore this Mrs Grant: The Ministry of Justice has laid no statutory option, including access to the Cabinet Office’s £10 instruments that repealed regulation which have regulatory million Mutuals Support Programme. impact in the last six months. The consultation closes on 22 February 2013 and we will announce further details of our proposals once we Roads: Accidents have considered responses. Mr Leech: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Wayne David: To ask the Secretary of State for what assessment he has made of the operation of the Justice whether, in the event of implementation of his criminal justice system to protect road users; and if he proposals for outsourcing of probation tasks, the will make a statement. [123649] public-sector probation service will be organised on a local, regional or national level. [142581] Jeremy Wright: Parliament is responsible for ensuring Jeremy Wright: The Ministry of Justice has recently that adequate offences and maximum penalties are available published the consultation paper ‘Transforming to the courts and we do keep this under review, for Rehabilitation—a revolution in the way we manage example, recently introducing a new offence of causing offenders’, which set out our plans for reforming the serious injury by dangerous driving in the Legal Aid way in which offenders are rehabilitated in the community. Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act which will carry a five year maximum prison sentence. In that consultation paper, we propose that the public sector will be reorganised in the most efficient manner It is for the courts to decide on the appropriate to deliver its responsibilities. This will require fewer sentence for an offender and in doing so they will take trusts or a different structure (such as a single national into account all details of the offence, including any probation trust or direct delivery on behalf of the aggravating or mitigating circumstances and sentencing Secretary of State). Our consultation paper invites views guidelines. Sentencing guidelines are produced by the on what kind of delivery structure would be most independent Sentencing Council. appropriate for the public sector probation service. The consultation closes on 22 February 2013 and we Sentencing will set out further details of our proposals once we have considered responses. Steve Rotheram: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what the average reduction in sentence is for a Property Law defendant who enters a guilty plea. [142952]

Charlie Elphicke: To ask the Secretary of State for Jeremy Wright: MOJ sentencing statistics do not Justice (1) whether he has examined ways to reduce record the average reduction in sentence for defendants costs within boundary disputes involving real property; who enter a guilty plea or the relationship between the and if he will make a statement; [142716] timing of the plea and the magnitude of the resulting (2) what the Government’s policy is on the resolution reduction. of disputes involving the boundaries of real property under different ownerships; [142717] Sexual Offences: East of England (3) whether he has considered potential reforms to ending boundary disputes; and if he will make a Mr Ruffley: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice statement; [142718] what proportion of convictions for (a) rape and (b) (4) what progress he has made on developing a other sexual offences in (i) Suffolk, (ii) Bedfordshire, strategy for cost effectively disposing of boundary (iii) Cambridgeshire, (iv) Essex, (v) Hertfordshire, (vi) disputes concerning real property; and if he will make a Norfolk and (vii) England resulted in custodial sentences statement; [142930] in each of the last three years. [130323] 875W Written Answers14 FEBRUARY 2013 Written Answers 876W

Jeremy Wright: Defendants found guilty and sentenced sexual offences, by police force area in England from at all courts and the proportion for rape and other 2009 to 2011 can be viewed in the tables.

Defendants found guilty and sentenced at all courts for rape1 and other sexual offences2, by police force area, England, 2009 to 20113, 4, 5 2009 2010 Found Immediate Percentage Found Immediate Percentage guilty custody Sentenced custody guilty custody Sentenced custody

Suffolk Rape 7 6 7 86 10 9 10 90 Other sexual offences 57 27 56 48 62 27 63 43

Bedfordshire Rape 8 8 8 100 13 11 13 85 Other sexual offences 29 12 31 39 29 17 30 57

Cambridgeshire Rape 17 16 17 94 16 12 16 75 Other sexual offences 78 33 81 41 72 40 72 56

Essex Rape 19 19 19 100 26 24 26 92 Other sexual offences 66 32 67 48 82 46 83 55

Hertfordshire Rape 10 8 10 80 10 10 10 100 Other sexual offences 54 18 52 35 64 29 64 45

Norfolk Rape 16 15 16 94 7 6 7 86 Other sexual offences 66 36 66 55 75 39 75 52

England Rape 869 819 871 94 922 860 922 93 Other sexual offences 3,550 1,785 3,537 50 4,084 1,972 4,068 48

2011 Found guilty Immediate custody Sentenced Percentage custody

Suffolk Rape 14 14 14 100 Other sexual offences 49 25 49 51

Bedfordshire Rape 5 5 5 100 Other sexual offences 39 17 39 44

Cambridgeshire Rape 13 13 13 100 Other sexual offences 70 35 68 51

Essex Rape 27 26 27 96 Other sexual offences 92 42 90 47

Hertfordshire Rape 10 10 10 100 Other sexual offences 65 24 65 37

Norfolk Rape 16 16 16 100 Other sexual offences 74 39 73 53 877W Written Answers14 FEBRUARY 2013 Written Answers 878W

2011 Found guilty Immediate custody Sentenced Percentage custody

England Rape 1,019 970 1,019 95 Other sexual offences 4,195 2,033 4,181 49 1 Rape includes: Sexual Offences Act 2003, s1 and s5 2 Other sexual offences includes: Sexual Offences Act 2003, s6, s3, s7, s8, s9, s10, s11, s12, ss9, ss10, ss12, s4, ss11, s25, s26, s64, s65, s26, s52, s53, s33a, s30, s31, s32, s33, s34, s35, s36, s37, s38, s39, s40, s41, s14, s47, s48, s49, s50, s57, s58, s59, s16, s17, s15, s19, s18, s69, s61, s62, s63, s66, s67. Sexual Offences Act 1956, s70, s12, s16 Indecency with Children Act 1960, s1 3 The figures given in the table on court proceedings relate to persons for whom these offences were the principal offences for which they were dealt with.Whena defendant has been found guilty of two or more offences it is the offence for which the heaviest penalty is imposed. Where the same disposal is imposed fortwoor more offences, the offence selected is the offence for which the statutory maximum penalty is the most severe. 4 Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been 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. 5 The number of offenders sentenced can differ from those found guilty as it may be the case that a defendant found guilty in a particular year, and committed for sentence at the Crown court, may be sentenced in the following year. Source: Justice Statistics Analytical Services—Ministry of Justice.

Trafford Housing Trust Minister Date Institution

Crispin Blunt 1 December 2011 Eastwood Park Young Mr Burrowes: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Offenders Institute what discussions he has held on the effect of the recent Jeremy Wright 5 November 2012 Cookham Wood Young legal case between Mr Adrian Smith and Trafford Housing Offenders Institute Trust on his Department’s policies on freedom of speech Jeremy Wright 5 November 2012 Medway Secure Training for staff. [134936] Centre Chris Grayling 20 November 2012 Cookham Wood Young Offenders Institute Chris Grayling: I apologise for the delay in responding. Chris Grayling 20 November 2012 Medway Secure Training I will write to the hon. Member as soon as the House Centre returns.

Young Offender Institutions WOMEN AND EQUALITIES Robert Flello: To ask the Secretary of State for Violence against Women Justice which institutions of the secure youth estate (a) he and (b) Ministers in his Department have visited 9. Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Minister for Women since May 2010; and on what date each such visit took and Equalities what steps she is taking to support the place. [135280] One Billion Rising campaign to end violence against women and girls; and if she will make a statement. Jeremy Wright: The following table provides details [143145] of visits to institutions of the secure youth estate by Ministry of Justice Ministers since May 2010. Mr Jeremy Browne: I have been asked to reply on behalf of the Home Department. Minister Date Institution We are supportive of the aims of the One Billion Crispin Blunt 10 June 2010 Feltham Young Offenders Rising campaign which calls for an end to violence, and Institute for justice and gender equality. These underpin the Crispin Blunt 25 June 2010 Medway Secure Training Government’s approach set out in the Call to End Centre Violence Against Women and Girls and supporting Crispin Blunt 3 August 2010 Vinney Green Secure action plan. Children’s Home Crispin Blunt 3 August 2010 Ashfield Young Offenders Institute Nic Dakin: To ask the Minister for Women and Lord McNally 30 September 2010 Medway Secure Training Equalities what assessment she has made of the Centre cumulative effects of Government policies on efforts to Crispin Blunt 4 November 2010 Parc Young Offenders tackle violence against women. [143138] Institute Nick Herbert 18 November 2010 Feltham Young Offenders Mr Jeremy Browne: I have been asked to a reply on Institute behalf of the Home Department. Crispin Blunt 27 January 2011 Portland Young Offenders Institute Our cross-Government strategy recognises the need Crispin Blunt 11 May 2011 New Hall Young Offenders to take a joined-up approach to ending violence against Institute women and girls. We monitor progress through regular Crispin Blunt 4 August 2011 Lancaster Young Offenders inter-ministerial meetings including inviting representations Institute from the women’s specialist sector. We are currently Ken Clarke 14 October 2011 Clayfields House Secure refreshing our Action Plan and aim to link this to our Children’s Home recognition of International Women’s Day. 879W Written Answers14 FEBRUARY 2013 Written Answers 880W

ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS To date, two applications for a licence have been received by DEFRA. One inspection has taken place Biofuels and a date for the other inspection has been booked. No licences have been issued so far. Graham Stringer: To ask the Secretary of State for Information about the number and species of animals Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if he will review submitted with applications received to date is summarised the evidence on the effects on air quality as a result of in the following table. the emissions from the combustion of biomass following the World Health Organisation’s (a) advice to the EU Circus Mondao Jolly’s Circus to lower its limit values on particulate fractions, PM2.5 and PM10 and (b) its advice to member states published Ankole — 1 on 31 January 2013 to prioritise reducing emissions Camel 2 1 from solid and liquid fuels, including biomass. [142658] Fox — 1 Raccoon — 1 Richard Benyon: The review by the World Health Reindeer 2 4 Organisation on the evidence relating to the effects of Snakes — 6 particulate matter fractions on health is welcomed and Zebra 2 1 we look forward to reviewing the findings of the study when the final report is published. However, as the Tour dates are regularly posted on travelling circuses’ review relates to the effects of air pollutants on health, websites. we do not expect it to comment on the effect of biomass combustion on air quality. Common Fisheries Policy DEFRA publishes annual assessments of the effect of current emission sources on concentrations of air Ms Ritchie: To ask the Secretary of State for pollutants. These can be viewed on the Department’s Environment, Food and Rural Affairs with reference to UK-AIR webpages at: the decision taken by the European Parliament on 5 http://uk-air.defra.gov.uk/library/annualreport/index February 2013 to approve the proposals for the reform We also work closely with the Department for Energy of the Common Fisheries Policy, what assessment he and Climate Change to assess the air quality impacts of has made of the timetable for negotiations between the policy proposals that affect combustion of biomass. European Parliament, EU Council of Ministers and the EU Commission to complete the reform package; what Circuses: Animal Welfare the contribution of the UK to that process will be; and if he will make a statement. [143201] Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when he Richard Benyon: The European Parliament took a expects to publish the draft Bill to ban wild animals in crucial step towards reform of the failed Common circus performances. [142598] Fisheries Policy (CFP), with a vote on a wide range of important reforms. I am pleased that the European Mr Heath: I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave Parliament voted in favour of measures to eliminate to the hon. Member for Sunderland Central (Julie discards and fish sustainably. Elliott) on 11 December 2012, Official Report, column That vote was not the end of the process and there is 255W. still more work to be done over the coming months, as Circuses: Licensing the reforms will be co-decided by the Council of Fisheries Ministers and the European Parliament. The Irish presidency has stated its objective to secure political Mr Tom Harris: To ask the Secretary of State for agreement on the dossier by the end of June 2013. Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) if he will While ambitious, I support this goal, and will continue publish details of (a) all licensing inspections carried to work with my fellow Fisheries Ministers and Members out in travelling circuses, (b) the licences granted and of the European Parliament to ensure that the new CFP the licence conditions, (c) all licensed travelling circuses will help deliver a prosperous fishing industry and healthy using wild animals, (d) details of all licensed animals fish stocks. within such circuses and (e) the tour schedules of each such circus; and if he will make a statement; [141844] Departmental Responsibilities (2) which travelling circuses wishing to use wild animals have been inspected under the new licensing Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, regulations to date; and if he will make a statement; Food and Rural Affairs what his Department’s core [141845] statutory obligations are; and what estimate he has of (3) how many licensing applications he has received the annual cost of delivering each such obligation. from travelling circuses wishing to use wild animals in [142760] their act to date; how many animals of which species were listed in each such application; and if he will make Richard Benyon: The overall annual public expenditure a statement. [141846] resulting from obligations under the Department’s regulations (including costs to regulators and other public Mr Heath: The licensing conditions which apply to agencies) was estimated at around £0.2 billion (2011 all licences are set out in the schedule of the Welfare of prices) in the report “The Costs and Benefits of DEFRA’s Wild Animals in Travelling Circuses (England) Regulations Regulatory Stock: Emerging Findings from DEFRA’s 2012. Regulatory Stock Assessment” in August 2011. 881W Written Answers14 FEBRUARY 2013 Written Answers 882W

This report is available at: Mr Heath: There are no comprehensive figures available http://www.defra.gov.uk/publications/files/pb13623-costs- on the number of deaths of animals in transport. However, benefits-defra-regulatory-stock110816.pdf in relation to the trade in live animals currently being exported through Ramsgate port, Animal Health and Fisheries: Protection Veterinary Laboratories Agency records show that during 2012 (up to the end of October) its inspectors identified 45 animals that were not fit to continue with their Mr Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for journey and required them to be euthanized. This represents Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the value is 0.1% of the total number of animals (36,850) exported of any contract his Department holds with the Ministry through the port over the same period. of Defence to provide fishing protection; and when any such contract is up for renewal. [142483] Andrea Leadsom: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if he will take Richard Benyon: The Department does not hold any steps to prevent animals exported from the UK being contract for fisheries protection. This falls within the slaughtered in ways that are illegal in the UK. [143103] responsibility of the Marine Management Organisation. The annual value of the Marine Management Mr Heath: We have no plans to take steps to prevent Organisation’s agreement with the Ministry of Defence animals exported from the UK being slaughtered in is £7 million per annum. This agreement expires on ways that are illegal in the UK. EU Regulation 1099/2009 31 March 2013. on the Protection of Animals at the Time of Killing A revised agreement covering 1 April 2013 to 31 March came into effect on 1 January 2013. This regulation is 2016 is nearing completion. directly applicable in every member state and sets minimum welfare standards that apply to the slaughter of all Fisheries: Quotas animals. This regulation also applies to animals slaughtered outside the EU where the meat is imported into the EU Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for from the third country involved. Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether he will Regulation 1099/2009 does allow individual member take steps to reallocate the unused fishing quota from states to apply national rules to maintain welfare standards producer organisations to fishermen using vessels of that were in place when the regulation was agreed in under 10 metres. [143392] 2009 and which provide more extensive welfare protection than the regulation. In addition, member states can Richard Benyon: To maximise the benefit from the introduce national rules in relation to slaughter that takes UK’s annual quota allocation in 2012, DEFRA allocated place outside a slaughterhouse, slaughter in accordance quota for eight stocks, which had been consistently with religious rites and the slaughter of farmed game. unused by English Producer Organisations between 2007 However, a member state cannot require the application and 2010, to the under 10 metre pool. This reallocation of these national rules in relation to meat arising from exercise will be repeated this year. The UK Association animals slaughtered in another member state. of Fish Producer Organisations (UKAFPO) has been Pesticides granted permission to seek judicial review of the reallocation with the hearing due to take place this May. Mr Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment Ivory he has made of the European Food Safety Authority’s advice on neonicotinoids; and if he will make a Mark Pritchard: To ask the Secretary of State for statement. [143512] Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if he will raise the use of smartwater technology to improve the (a) Mr Heath: Since concerns were first raised on this traceability of ivory and (b) conviction rates of those important issue, DEFRA has been clear that we will act trading in illegal ivory at the next meeting of the Convention in accordance with the evidence. The European Food on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Safety Authority (EFSA) reports published on 16 January Fauna and Flora. [143074] consider the risks to bees from these insecticides and conclude that more data is needed to update the current Richard Benyon: The UK has no specific plans to risk assessments. As the EFSA made clear in the reports, raise the forensic marking of ivory during discussions at these assessments used existing data against new regulatory the 16th meeting of the Conference of Parties to the requirements which have yet to be finalised. As would Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species normally be expected, the EFSA found that new data next month. Elephant conservation and tackling illegal requirements were not met by data produced earlier. ivory trade are a priority for the UK at that meeting. We The reports do not state that these insecticides pose an will look to support measures that improve enforcement unacceptable danger to bees, although this impression and combat illegal trade more effectively. is given by the accompanying EFSA Press Release. It is also worth emphasising that the EFSA conclusions are Livestock: Transport not new scientific information but report a stage in the process of updating the developing new risk assessment Andrea Leadsom: To ask the Secretary of State for and applying it to these three active substances. Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate he The Government has taken research on effects to has made of the number of animals which have died bees seriously and we have not assumed that the existing during transport in the last year. [143102] controls are sufficient. The European Commission has 883W Written Answers14 FEBRUARY 2013 Written Answers 884W now indicated that it will propose measures on the three 31 March 2009 neonicotinoids reviewed by the EFSA and it has held an Grade On entry As at 31 March 2009 initial discussion with member states. Our approach to any Commission proposal will continue to be founded SCS 59.19 132.43 in a proportionate response to the science and so we will Grade 6 42.65 124.08 seek clarity as to what the Commission are proposing, Grade 7 243.89 470.39 the basis for this and the likely impacts. Our response will take account of advice from the Advisory Committee SEO 150.22 301.65 on Pesticides, which considered the latest evidence on HEO 396.93 638.73 the risks to bees from neonicotinoid insecticides at its EO 521.95 416.19 meeting on 29 January. They also received the EFSA AO 477.82 406.44 conclusions. AA 587.93 55.17 Slaughterhouses: CCTV Unknown 64.50 0.00 Total 2,545.08 2,545.08 Andrew Bingham: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when he expects 31 March 2010 to make an announcement on the outcome of the Grade On entry As at 31 March 2010 consultation into the mandatory introduction of CCTV SCS 61.70 141.50 in slaughterhouses; and if he will make a statement. Grade 6 44.75 115.94 [142889] Grade 7 274.35 491.68 Mr Heath: The Government’s consultation on measures SEO 168.93 296.27 to implement EU Regulation 1099/2009 on the Protection HEO 465.42 642.81 of Animals at the Time of Killing closed on 24 October EO 469.70 421.04 2012. This consultation also sought comments on the AO 497.50 366.93 proposal not to require compulsory installation of CCTV AA 524.37 38.55 in slaughterhouses. The Government is currently considering Unknown 8.00 0.00 the responses received. Once this process has been Total 2,514.72 2,514.72 completed, a response will be published on the DEFRA 31 March 2011 website. Grade On entry As at 31 March 2011 Staff SCS 57.46 127.98 Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Grade 6 45.85 119.83 Food and Rural Affairs how many staff were employed Grade 7 261.72 485.03 by his Department in each of the last five years; and SEO 175.13 325.19 at what grade or pay band such staff were appointed. HEO 461.92 623.77 [142784] EO 455.51 414,40 AO 464.87 327.89 Richard Benyon: Following are the number of core AA 522.82 28.19 DEFRA staff in post on 31 March in each of the last Unknown 7.00 0.00 five years, broken down by their grade when they joined Total 2,452.28 2,452.28 the Department. All figures are in full-time equivalents. 31 March 2012 31 March 2008 Grade On entry As at 31 March 2012 Grade On entry As at 31 March 2008 SCS 41.80 98.98 SCS 74.95 148.73 Grade 6 40.43 84.03 Grade 6 54.64 141.59 Grade 7 182.05 381.62 Grade 7 233.99 484.31 SEO 166.62 310.16 SEO 186.00 351.14 HEO 425.90 558.90 HEO 450.09 737.53 EO 389.37 340.95 EO 584.08 480.61 AO 399.02 285.82 AO 517.16 455.35 AA 438.39 24.12 AA 631.22 68.80 Unknown 1.00 0.00 Unknown 135.93 0.00 Total 2,084.58 2,084.58 Total 2,868.06 2,868.06

ORAL ANSWERS

Thursday 14 February 2013

Col. No. Col. No. CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT...... 1025 CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT—continued Arm’s Length Bodies: Appointments ...... 1036 Topical Questions ...... 1036 Broadband ...... 1028 Women’s Sport ...... 1027 City of Culture...... 1035 Departmental Administrative Expenditure ...... 1033 WOMEN AND EQUALITIES...... 1040 Library Closures ...... 1029 Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Communities ... 1044 Minimum Wage ...... 1033 Company Boards: Female Representation ...... 1045 Mobile Telephone Coverage...... 1034 Equality and Human Rights Commission...... 1044 Non-league Football ...... 1032 Judicial Review: Disabled People ...... 1042 Olympic/Paralympic Games: Legacy ...... 1025 Religious Belief ...... 1046 Silent Calls...... 1035 Violence against Women and Girls...... 1042 Sport...... 1031 Working Mothers...... 1040 WRITTEN MINISTERIAL STATEMENTS

Thursday 14 February 2013

Col. No. Col. No. BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS ...... 53WS FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE..... 63WS Political Opinions (Dismissal)...... 53WS Countering Terrorism Overseas ...... 63WS Foreign Affairs Council ...... 65WS COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT.. 58WS Regional Planning...... 58WS HOME DEPARTMENT...... 66WS Equality (Language Analysis—Palestinian, Syrian and Kuwaiti Testing) Authorisation 2013...... 66WS CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT ...... 58WS Export of Works of Art and Objects of Cultural JUSTICE...... 66WS Interest...... 58WS Transforming Youth Custody...... 66WS

DEFENCE...... 59WS TREASURY ...... 54WS Armed Forces Independence Payment ...... 59WS Procurement and Tax...... 57WS Terrorist Asset-Freezing etc. Act 2010...... 58WS ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL UK’s Counter-Terrorist Asset-Freezing Regime..... 54WS AFFAIRS...... 60WS Agriculture and Fisheries Council (January)...... 61WS WORK AND PENSIONS ...... 68WS Commons Act 2006 (Post-legislative Assessment).. 60WS Informal Employment, Social Policy, Health and Horsemeat Fraud (EU Meeting) ...... 60WS Consumer Affairs Council ...... 68WS WRITTEN ANSWERS

Thursday 14 February 2013

Col. No. Col. No. BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS ...... 782W COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT.. 838W Apprentices...... 782W Affordable Housing: Surrey ...... 838W Apprentices: South Yorkshire ...... 782W Billing ...... 838W Business: Franchises...... 783W Fire Services: Finance ...... 838W Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 ...... 785W Homelessness: Bolton ...... 839W Employment: Females...... 785W Mayors: Tower Hamlets ...... 839W Insolvency Service: Liverpool ...... 787W Trading Standards...... 840W Intellectual Property ...... 787W Liquefied Petroleum Gas ...... 789W CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT...... 833W Marketing ...... 787W Conditions of Employment...... 833W Medicine: Research ...... 788W Creative Industries ...... 833W Regional Growth Fund: North East ...... 788W Food: Waste...... 833W Royal Mail ...... 789W Local Television: Nottingham...... 833W DEFENCE...... 830W CABINET OFFICE...... 828W Armed Forces: USA ...... 830W Business Appointments Advisory Committee...... 828W NATO: Armed Forces ...... 830W Data Protection ...... 828W Warships ...... 831W Government Departments: Procurement ...... 828W Life Expectancy: Yorkshire and the Humber ...... 829W EDUCATION...... 792W Procurement...... 829W Adoption: Merseyside...... 792W Col. No. Col. No. EDUCATION—continued HEALTH—continued Alternative Education ...... 793W Regulation ...... 817W Children: Day Care ...... 794W Children’s Centres: Liverpool ...... 795W HOME DEPARTMENT...... 777W Christmas Cards ...... 795W Brodie Clark ...... 777W Citizenship: Curriculum...... 795W Food: Waste...... 777W Correspondence ...... 796W Ibrahim Magag ...... 778W Creationism...... 796W Immigrants: Detainees ...... 778W Culture, Practices and Ethics of the Press Inquiry . 797W Immigration: Children ...... 779W Education: Qualifications...... 797W Immigration Controls ...... 778W Freedom of Information ...... 798W Ivory ...... 779W GCSE ...... 798W Police: Private Sector...... 780W Human Papillomavirus ...... 799W Prostitution...... 780W ICT: Curriculum ...... 801W Regulation ...... 780W Pupils: Disadvantaged...... 801W UK Border Agency ...... 780W Pupils: Leave...... 802W Work Permits ...... 781W Roads: Safety ...... 802W Schools: Snow and Ice ...... 802W INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT...... 823W Teachers: Training...... 802W Afghanistan ...... 823W Democratic Republic of Congo ...... 824W ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE ...... 821W Departmental Responsibilities ...... 825W Buildings...... 821W Developing Countries: Multinational Companies.. 825W Fuel Poverty: Kingston Upon Hull ...... 821W Mali ...... 825W Green Deal Scheme...... 822W North Africa ...... 826W Solar Power: Manufacturing Industries...... 822W Procurement...... 826W Uranium ...... 823W Regulation ...... 827W Wind Power ...... 823W Sahel ...... 827W Travel ...... 827W ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS...... 879W JUSTICE...... 848W Biofuels...... 879W Bail ...... 848W Circuses: Animal Welfare...... 879W Bill of Rights ...... 849W Circuses: Licensing...... 879W Bill of Rights: Northern Ireland ...... 849W Common Fisheries Policy ...... 880W Community Orders ...... 850W Departmental Responsibilities ...... 880W Conditions of Employment...... 855W Fisheries: Protection ...... 881W Confiscation Orders ...... 855W Fisheries: Quotas ...... 881W Consultants...... 861W Ivory ...... 881W Departmental Responsibilities ...... 862W Livestock: Transport ...... 881W Domestic Visits ...... 863W Pesticides...... 882W Human Trafficking ...... 865W Slaughterhouses: CCTV...... 883W Legal Aid Scheme ...... 866W Staff ...... 883W Pay...... 867W Pay Systems ...... 868W FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE..... 834W Prisoners: Self-harm...... 869W Bangladesh...... 834W Prisons: Expenditure...... 870W Burma...... 835W Prisons: Food...... 871W Indonesia ...... 835W Probation ...... 872W Palestinians ...... 836W Property Law ...... 873W Regulation ...... 837W Regulation ...... 874W Travel ...... 837W Roads: Accidents ...... 874W Sentencing...... 874W HEALTH...... 803W Sexual Offences: East of England ...... 874W Beef: Horse Meat ...... 803W Trafford Housing Trust ...... 877W Cancer ...... 803W Young Offender Institutions...... 877W Care Homes: Fees and Charges...... 805W Carers: Yorkshire and the Humber ...... 806W NORTHERN IRELAND ...... 818W Dental Services ...... 806W Regulation ...... 818W Diabetes ...... 807W Drugs: Prices...... 807W PRIME MINISTER ...... 781W Food: Testing ...... 808W David Ord ...... 781W Health Services: Lancashire ...... 809W Food Banks...... 781W Heart Diseases: Children...... 810W Horse Passports ...... 811W SCOTLAND...... 818W Horses...... 811W Government Procurement Card ...... 818W Joint Committee on Vaccination and Housing Benefit ...... 818W Immunisation...... 812W Official Hospitality ...... 820W North East Strategic Health Authority ...... 812W Social Rented Housing ...... 819W Nurses: Labour Turnover...... 813W Nurses: Recruitment ...... 813W TRANSPORT ...... 840W Prescriptions ...... 814W Aviation: Security...... 840W Primary Care Trusts...... 814W High Speed 2 Railway Line ...... 840W Col. No. Col. No. TRANSPORT—continued WALES...... 818W ICT ...... 841W Walking...... 818W Large Goods Vehicles ...... 843W Liquefied Petroleum Gas ...... 843W WOMEN AND EQUALITIES...... 878W M180: Road Traffic ...... 844W Violence against Women ...... 878W Motor Vehicles: Spare Parts ...... 845W Motorways...... 845W Roads...... 846W WORK AND PENSIONS ...... 771W Speed Limits: Traffic Lights ...... 847W Absent Parents: Scotland...... 771W Travel ...... 847W Employment and Support Allowance: Perth ...... 771W Unmanned Air Vehicles ...... 848W Housing Benefit ...... 771W West Coast Railway Line ...... 848W Housing Benefit: Scotland ...... 773W Incapacity Benefit ...... 773W TREASURY ...... 789W National Insurance Fund...... 774W Departmental Responsibilities ...... 789W New Enterprise Allowance: Yorkshire and the Developing Countries: Multinational Companies.. 790W Humber ...... 774W EU External Trade...... 790W Pension Credit...... 774W Floods: Wales...... 790W Social Security Benefits: EU Countries ...... 775W Government Procurement Card ...... 790W State Retirement Pensions...... 775W Regulation ...... 791W State Retirement Pensions: Perth ...... 776W Staff ...... 792W Vacancies: Advertising ...... 776W Taxation: Energy...... 792W Work Capability Assessment...... 776W Members who wish to have the Daily Report of the Debates forwarded to them should give notice at the Vote Office. The Bound Volumes will also be sent to Members who similarly express their desire to have them. No proofs of the Daily Reports can be supplied. Corrections which Members suggest for the Bound Volume should be clearly marked in the Daily Report, but not telephoned, and the copy containing the Corrections must be received at the Editor’s Room, House of Commons,

not later than Thursday 21 February 2013

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CONTENTS

Thursday 14 February 2013

Oral Answers to Questions [Col. 1025] [see index inside back page] Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Women and Equalities

Horsemeat [Col. 1047] Answer to urgent question—(Mr Heath)

Business of the House [Col. 1060] Statement—(Mr Lansley)

Backbench Business Contamination of Beef Products [Col. 1076] Motion—(Miss McIntosh)—agreed to Violence against Women and Girls [Col. 1082] Motion—(Fiona Mactaggart)—agreed to Sexual Violence in Conflict [Col. 1133] Motion—(Nicola Blackwood)—agreed to

Coventry and Warwickshire City Deal [Col. 1158] Debate on motion for Adjournment

Westminster Hall Eating Disorder Awareness [Col. 323WH] Debate on motion for Adjournment

Written Ministerial Statements [Col. 53WS]

Written Answers to Questions [Col. 771W] [see index inside back page]