Tuesday Volume 511 8 June 2010 No. 11

HOUSE OF COMMONS OFFICIAL REPORT

PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES (HANSARD)

Tuesday 8 June 2010

£5·00 © Parliamentary Copyright House of Commons 2010 This publication may be reproduced under the terms of the Parliamentary Click-Use Licence, available online through the Office of Public Sector Information website at www.opsi.gov.uk/click-use/ Enquiries to the Office of Public Sector Information, Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 4DU; e-mail: [email protected] 159 8 JUNE 2010 160

Mr Osborne: My hon. Friend has my absolute assurance House of Commons that I would not sign up to that. Indeed, I have made that position clear to ECOFIN, and my hon. Friend the Financial Secretary to the Treasury, who is taking my Tuesday 8 June 2010 place at today’s ECOFIN meeting, has also done so. It is absolutely certain that future Budgets will be presented The House met at half-past Two o’clock first to the House of Commons. Mr Liam Byrne (Birmingham, Hodge Hill) (Lab): I, PRAYERS too, welcome the Chancellor to his first Treasury questions. I know that he prefers the safety of the Treasury courtyard, but I am sure that the House will be on its best behaviour [MR SPEAKER in the Chair] with him this afternoon. Since the 1970s, almost no country has cut its deficit significantly without increasing inequality. Will he make it a central goal of his deficit Oral Answers to Questions reduction plan to ensure that inequality does not rise? Mr Osborne: I thank the right hon. Gentleman for his welcome. He is Labour’s “man of letters”, and it is good to see him still on the Front Bench. The point that TREASURY I make to him is that Labour had 13 years in government, and inequality increased during its time in office. What we will do is deal with the very large budget deficit The Chancellor of the Exchequer was asked— bequeathed to us by him and his colleagues in a way that is fair and reasonable, and protects people across Economic Growth the country. Mr Andrew Tyrie (Chichester) (Con): It is clear that 1. Tony Lloyd (Manchester Central) (Lab): What in the past few days a new system of public expenditure assessment he has made of the effect on economic control has been put in place. What will the Chancellor growth of the programme of expenditure reductions do to ensure that Parliament is fully informed about the announced on 24 May 2010. [918] new system? Will he publish a full explanation of exactly how it works? The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Mr George Osborne): The Treasury’s assessment is that the effect will be Mr Osborne: I think that we have the two candidates positive. The in-year reductions in spending are part of for the chairmanship of the Treasury Committee here the Government’s efforts to bring down the budget today. [Interruption.] Idohaveavote,butIamnot deficit, the level of which threatens the recovery. This going to exercise it on that matter. The point that I weekend the G20 stated: should make to my hon. Friend—I shall speak about “Those countries with serious fiscal challenges need to accelerate this a bit more in our debate on the Queen’s Speech the pace of consolidation. We welcome the recent announcements later— is that we are publishing today details of the by some countries”— framework that we will adopt in conducting the spending including Britain— review. I will say more about that at the time of the “to reduce their deficits in 2010”. Budget—and I will, of course, answer questions about it in detail before the Treasury Committee, whoever is in Tony Lloyd: I welcome the Chancellor to his place, the chair. Parliament will also have a number of but will he have the candour to admit that his strategy is opportunities to discuss it, and when the spending very risky, because it risks putting this country back review is finally produced in the autumn it will, of into a double-dip recession? In any case there will be course, be presented to this House. I want all Members losers, so will he say who they will be? of this House, from all parts of it, to engage in the big national challenge of resolving how we get this country Mr Osborne: Let us be clear about who the losers to live within its means. would be if we did not deal with this record budget Tax (Pensioners) deficit. The whole country would lose out, because there would be higher interest rates, more businesses 2. John Robertson (Glasgow North West) (Lab): If he would go bust and international investor confidence will assess the merits of increasing the level of financial would be lost. The hon. Gentleman needs to examine assistance to pensioners through the tax system. [919] what is happening in the rest of the world, and realise that because Britain has the largest budget deficit of The Economic Secretary to the Treasury (Justine any advanced economy, we have to get on and deal Greening): This Government are committed to supporting with it. pensioners to ensure that they can live with the respect and dignity they deserve. We have already said that we Michael Fallon (Sevenoaks) (Con): I welcome the will restore the earnings link, protect key pensioner Chancellor to his position. Will he give an absolute benefits and ensure that the retirement age can rise if assurance that the coming Budget, and future Budgets, pensioners want to continue working in order to support will always be presented first to Parliament, and that themselves. We think that, despite the fiscal deficit left they will not have to be pre-notified to, or approved by, to us by the former Government, that is the fairest way Brussels? to proceed. 161 Oral Answers8 JUNE 2010 Oral Answers 162

John Robertson: I thank the hon. Lady, and welcome part, in that countries with significant budget deficits her to her position—but I am somewhat disappointed need to get on and reduce them. I am afraid that the in her answer, because she has not identified exactly Labour party, as it continues to oppose what we are how she will support our elderly people at a time when doing, finds itself outside the international mainstream. cuts will be made all over the country and will affect everyone, including pensioners. What priority will she Nadhim Zahawi: Has my right hon. Friend the Chancellor give to pensioners? What kind of increased payments read yesterday’s International Monetary Fund report, will be made to cover some of the cuts, which will hit which warns that the current crisis management was no pensioners harder than anyone else? alternative to fundamental economic restructuring? Does Justine Greening: The hon. Gentleman seems to have he agree that the previous Government either naively or missed the fact that this Government are having to tidy deliberately chose to mislead the nation? up a huge financial mess left to us by the previous one. We have made it clear that, despite that mess, we want, Mr Osborne: My hon. Friend is absolutely right. I first, to protect key pensioner benefits—the benefits have, of course, seen the IMF report, and the lesson we that Labour Members claimed we would take away—such learned is that you have to fix the roof when the sun is as free bus passes, free prescriptions, free eye tests and shining. That is what the previous Government completely the winter fuel allowance. That is a range of benefits failed to do. They had 13 years to fix the national that the Labour party said we would remove, but we are finances, and now it is up to us to clear up the mess that going to keep them. I can assure him on that, so he can they left behind. go back to the pensioners in his constituency and explain why he was telling them mistruths during the Karen Lumley: Has the Chancellor received any apologies last election. from the previous Government for the mismanagement Budget Deficit of the economy over the past 13 years?

3. Neil Carmichael (Stroud) (Con): What steps his Mr Osborne: No, but we did receive a letter from the Department is taking to reduce the level of the budget former Chief Secretary to the Treasury, the right hon. deficit. [920] Member for Birmingham, Hodge Hill (Mr Byrne), apologising for the fact that there was no money left. 6. Nadhim Zahawi (Stratford-on-Avon) (Con): What We will discuss this issue in the debate on the Queen’s recent representations he has received on the level of Speech. I note that the Labour party has tabled a the budget deficit. [923] motion, which it is asking us all to vote for, noting 12. Karen Lumley (Redditch) (Con): What steps his “the need for a clear plan to bring down the deficit”. Department is taking to reduce the level of the budget I look forward to hearing that clear plan in the shadow deficit. [929] Chancellor’s speech. 13. Mr Kwasi Kwarteng (Spelthorne) (Con): What steps his Department is taking to reduce the level of the Mr Kwarteng: Has the Chancellor received any more budget deficit. [930] correspondence from the former Chief Secretary? 14. Chris Skidmore (Kingswood) (Con): What steps Mr Osborne: No, sadly I have not, but I discovered his Department is taking to reduce the level of the that he had a large bust of Oliver Cromwell sitting budget deficit. [931] behind his desk, and that when the Irish peace negotiations The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Mr George Osborne): were being conducted they had to be held in another In the past month, we have created an independent room. Office for Budget Responsibility to bring credibility to the Government’s forecasts, undertaken and completed Chris Skidmore: In my constituency, the number of in-year budget reductions of £6.2 billion and, today, people claiming jobseeker’s allowance has increased by laid before the House the process for the spending 147% in the past five years. Does the Chancellor agree review that will take place this summer. In two weeks’ that unemployed people in Kingswood would be best time, the Budget will set out a credible plan to accelerate served by decisive action to tackle Labour’s legacy of the reduction of the budget deficit so that investors are debt now? reassured, interest rates can be kept lower for longer, and the recovery can be put on a stable footing. Mr Osborne: I agree absolutely with my hon. Friend. Neil Carmichael: I note those excellent plans. Will the Of course, we inherited rising unemployment from the Chancellor of the Exchequer tell the House how many previous Labour Government and it is a fact that all conversations he has had with colleague Ministers of Labour Governments have left office with unemployment Finance, and how much support and encouragement he rising—[HON.MEMBERS: “It’s falling.”] Opposition Members has had from them to deal with our deficit? say that, but they are not looking at the unemployment figures, which show that unemployment is rising, that Mr Osborne: I attended the G20 in South Korea this we have the highest youth unemployment in Europe, weekend. The G20 communiqué calls on countries with and that a record number of children are growing up in significant fiscal challenges—we have the highest budget workless households. That is what we have inherited deficit in the G20, so that includes us—to accelerate the from the Government who had 13 years to sort out reduction in the structural deficit. It has also been part these problems. We will sort this out, and give people of the European Union discussions that I have taken real life chances. 163 Oral Answers8 JUNE 2010 Oral Answers 164

Natascha Engel (North East Derbyshire) (Lab): I Unemployment is high today, but it is half what it welcome the right hon. Gentleman to his new position. was in the 1980s. Repossessions in the past couple of Has he calculated what his announcement of a £125 million years are half what they were in the 1990s. Our economy reduction in the police grant means, in terms of fewer is growing and our borrowing is coming down. Does police officers and fewer special constables in Derbyshire? the Chancellor accept that all of that is because we, in common with other countries—yes, as part of an Mr Osborne: All public services have to find efficiencies, international consensus—were prepared to take action and that is true of the police service, as it is of every to save our economy as we went into recession? Every other service. I have to say to the hon. Lady, and all one of those measures was opposed by him when he Opposition Members, that if they are going to play a was shadow Chancellor. serious part in the discussion about how to reduce Britain’s record budget deficit, they need to come up Mr Osborne: It sounds as if we are rerunning the with their own proposals instead of attacking every general election campaign. First, may I pay tribute to proposal put forward by the Government. the work that the right hon. Gentleman did over three years, I think it was, as Chancellor of the Exchequer? He did the job in very difficult times, with the best of Mr David Anderson (Blaydon) (Lab): When the most motives. Although we did not always agree with each recent Chief Secretary to the Treasury, the right hon. other, as he has just made clear, he was always very Member for Yeovil (Mr Laws), made his debut two courteous to me. I also thank him for the fact that I weeks ago—which became, of course, his swansong—my inherit from him a far more functional and less chaotic hon. Friend the Member for Manchester Central (Tony Treasury than the one that he inherited from his predecessor. Lloyd) asked him whether he could give any idea how many jobs would be lost as a result of the deficit I make the point to the shadow Chancellor that the reduction package. His answer was that it is not right to situation that we inherited from his Government—I do pluck figures out of the air. Can we have some more not say that he is solely to blame for this—is an extremely concrete evidence from the Chancellor? critical one. We have a very large budget deficit at a time when, as I have said, countries around the world are having to look at sovereign credit risks. We are having to Mr Osborne: Our plan is to increase employment in deal with that, and with rising unemployment and growing this country by putting the public finances on a sound inequality in our country. Regional disparities are growing footing. It is about time the Labour party understood as well, and we have to deal with those problems. that it left behind the largest budget deficit in the EU The right hon. Gentleman talks about the international and the G20. All over the world, people are looking at consensus. He surely must have noted how, in the month sovereign credit risks. This Government are determined since the general election, the EU, G20, the IMF, the to do something about the problem before people start OECD, and of course our own Governor of the Bank looking at Britain. of England, have all warned us about the consequences of not dealing early with our budget deficit, and not Mark Durkan (Foyle) (SDLP): The Chancellor could accelerating the reduction in the budget deficit that he take the opportunity today to spell out to us how he and proposed in his March Budget. his coalition colleagues hope to popularise their cuts agenda. We seem to be being told that the public will be Mr Darling: I agree that there are many issues that consulted on which spending should continue and which need to be resolved, in this country and others. No cuts might be made. How will that “axe factor” approach doubt we will return to them when the debate on the to Government play out? Gracious Speech resumes. I want to ask a specific question about the Office for Mr Osborne: I congratulate the hon. Gentleman on Budget Responsibility that the Chancellor is about to the pun—but this is a very serious national challenge, set up. When that body makes its recommendations, which whoever won the election was going to have to will he undertake that it will publish all the underlying face. The 11% budget deficit will not disappear. A very assumptions that lead to them? Will he ensure that its large part of it is structural, and so will not automatically deliberations, rather like those of the Monetary Policy reduce as growth returns to the economy. We want to Committee, are open and available for all to see? make sure that all political parties, including his, and the brightest and best brains across Whitehall and the Mr Osborne: I should have joined the right hon. public sector, as well as voluntary groups, think tanks, Gentleman in wishing the right hon. Member for East trade unions and members of the public, are all engaged Ham (Mr Timms) a speedy recovery. I understand that in the debate and discussion about how, collectively, we he has now sworn in, which is fantastic for everyone deal with the problem. After all, it is our collective here concerned. The fact that he was assaulted in his national debt. constituency surgery doing his job as a constituency MP makes the incident all the more chilling, and we all Mr Alistair Darling (Edinburgh South West) (Lab): wish him very well. First, may I welcome the Chancellor and his team to the Let me deal specifically with the right hon. Gentleman’s Front Bench? I hope that he will join me in sending our question. We have set up the Office for Budget good wishes to my right hon. Friend the Member for Responsibility on a non-statutory basis because we East Ham (Mr Timms), who remains a member of the need to pass legislation to make it statutory. The model Opposition Treasury team and who I am glad to say that we have followed is the approach taken by the right was in very good heart when I saw him a couple of hon. Member for Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath (Mr Brown) weeks ago. He is looking forward to returning to the when he set up the Monetary Policy Committee. Sir Alan House at an early opportunity. Budd will be available to answer questions from the 165 Oral Answers8 JUNE 2010 Oral Answers 166

Treasury Committee on exactly the kind of points that The Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury (Mr David the right hon. Gentleman raises—such as the underlying Gauke): The Government are taking action to support assumptions. It is ultimately up to him how he publishes enterprise and create a fair, competitive and efficient tax his information, and I do not want to prejudge that, but system to deliver the private sector-led recovery that the purpose of the exercise is for people to have confidence will be the foundation of future growth. Fundamental in official figures and growth forecasts, and confidence to this strategy will be tackling the budget deficit and means transparency. I am sure that the spirit of what providing a stable macro-economic environment that the right hon. Gentleman says will be taken on board by will underpin private sector investment and growth. Sir Alan. Further details of the action that the Government will take to secure future growth will be included in the Consultants emergency Budget on 22 June.

4. Richard Harrington (Watford) (Con): If he will Peter Bottomley: We agree that investment, enterprise estimate Government expenditure on external and modest tax rates will help the economy grow out of consultants in (a) 1997 and (b) the last year for which the inherited mess. In addition to the academic work of figures are available. [921] Arthur Laffer and Sir James Mirrlees, will my hon. Friend hold in mind the situation of an elderly lone The Chief Secretary to the Treasury (Danny Alexander): mother who may have put money aside to buy a house, Information on 1997 central Government expenditure and after decades may wish to sell it, without too high a on external consultancy is not held centrally, but records capital gains tax bill? for 2007-08—the first year for which figures are available— show that spending on external consultants was £773 million in central Departments. In 2008-09 that rose to £1.1 billion Mr Gauke: Obviously, this Government will want to for central Departments, or £1.57 billion when the encourage hard work and enterprise, just as the Government whole of central Government is taken into account. in which my hon. Friend served with much distinction Future expenditure will fall significantly as a result of in the 1980s did. As for specific tax measures, I am sure the freeze on consultancy spending recently announced that my hon. Friend will understand that with only a by the Government. fortnight until the Budget, I do not intend to make any specific comments. None the less, I am grateful for his remarks. Richard Harrington: I thank my right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary for that answer, and welcome him into the job. He should note that the figures show gross Mr Gareth Thomas (Harrow West) (Lab/Co-op): I profligacy and a waste of taxpayers’ money that affects congratulate the hon. Gentleman on his elevation to his everybody in the House, all my constituents in Watford, post. I also take the opportunity to thank the Chancellor and everybody in this country. I should very much like of the Exchequer for taking time out during the general the Chief Secretary to assure us that that disgraceful election to come and support my re-election in Harrow waste of money will not happen again. West. The Opposition recognise that the new politics is not designed to help Labour Members, but I am grateful Danny Alexander: My hon. Friend is right about for the little bit of Tory love that came my way. waste and inefficiency, and consultancy is not the only Can the hon. Gentleman tell the House who in the example. I can give him two or three more. The Department Government will have the final say on whether and for Business, Innovation and Skills spent £12,000 on which regional development agencies will survive? Will branded golf balls over three years. The Ministry of it be the Business Secretary—once a supporter of Defence spent £232,000 on eight paintings in a single RDAs—or will it be the Chancellor? No one expects it year. The Department for Communities and Local to be the Chief Secretary. Is not the real truth that Government has spent £6,000 on deluxe espresso coffee RDAs such as One NorthEast are playing, and could machines for nine new, but empty, regional fire control continue to play, a key role in helping to deliver new rooms. He can rest assured that the actions that we take jobs in new industries crucial to Britain’s economic will ensure that that kind of waste and inefficiency will future, such as renewable energy and advanced engineering? never happen again. Mr Speaker: One answer will do. Mr Speaker: Order. I know that the Chief Secretary will want to stick to the narrow subject of external Mr Gauke: I thank the hon. Gentleman for his kind consultants. words. I should congratulate him on being re-elected on this occasion, but I also note that my hon. Friend the Mr Tom Watson (West Bromwich East) (Lab): Is Member for Harrow East (Bob Blackman) is here, Andy Coulson a consultant? How much are you paying which is a bit of a triumph for us. On the hon. Gentleman’s him? specific points, the decision will be made collectively. The Government will work in a cohesive manner in Danny Alexander: He works at No. 10 Downing making those decisions. street—[Interruption]—and I will give the hon. Gentleman a full response if he wants one. Margot James (Stourbridge) (Con): When I was in Economic Growth business, it was the oldest trick in the book for managers to come in with hopelessly optimistic growth estimates. 5. Peter Bottomley (Worthing West) (Con): What Does the Minister think that that was endemic in the steps his Department is taking to increase economic last Administration, and has he greater confidence, now growth. [922] that we have the impending Office for Budget Responsibility, 167 Oral Answers8 JUNE 2010 Oral Answers 168 that it will not be the case with our Administration so John Howell: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for his that, for the first time in many years, we will have previous answer, but he will be aware that many of us realistic growth estimates? have had to put in place our own means of keeping constituents who have got caught up in Equitable informed Mr Gauke: It is clearly very important that we have of what is happening, so poor has been the Government credible growth projections. We look forward to hearing communication programme. So will he say a little more the projections from the Office for Budget Responsibility. about his plans to keep that group of people informed As for the previous Government’s record, time will tell. as the payment scheme goes through?

Derek Twigg (Halton) (Lab): Transport infrastructure Mr Gauke: I suspect that one of the reasons why the is of course important for economic growth, and as the previous Government were so poor in communicating hon. Gentleman’s right hon. Friend the Chancellor will progress was that there was very little progress to know, as a Cheshire MP, there is a very important communicate upon. As I mentioned earlier, we are keen project, the Mersey Gateway project, which is crucial to to ensure that there will be progress, that we have the the economic regeneration of Cheshire and Merseyside. independent commission in July, and that we will have Will that be excluded from the proposed cuts that his the conclusions of Sir John Chadwick’s report; we Government are making? intend to make progress there. I hope that we will have more information to give my hon. Friend in mid-July. Mr Gauke: The Government will make a decision on This is a matter that has caused enormous anxiety for all matters considering the value for money and considering many people, and it is right that we keep people up to the very difficult financial circumstances that we find date with exactly what progress that we are making. ourselves in, bequeathed by the previous Government. Neil Parish: I would like to follow up those questions on Equitable Life. Over 1 million policyholders were Equitable Life affected by the fact that the previous Government did not accept the ombudsman’s proposal that they be 7. Dr Julian Lewis (New Forest East) (Con): What compensated. I am particularly worried that many people steps his Department is taking in respect of payment of have died during the whole process; the previous compensation to Equitable Life policyholders. [924] Government was rather cynical in that respect. May I be assured that, through this process, we will ensure that 9. John Howell (Henley) (Con): What steps his people are compensated quickly? That needs to be Department is taking in respect of payment of done. compensation to Equitable Life policyholders. [926] Mr Gauke: We are keen for the independent commission 15. Neil Parish (Tiverton and Honiton) (Con): What to design the scheme, but one of the points that we have steps his Department is taking in respect of payment of made clear is that the dependants of deceased policyholders compensation to Equitable Life policyholders. [932] should be included in the scheme to address that point. Clearly, however, my hon. Friend highlights the need to The Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury (Mr David move quickly, after 10 years of inadequate progress. Gauke): The coalition Government have pledged to Michael Connarty (Linlithgow and East Falkirk) (Lab): make fair and transparent payment to Equitable Life On the question of Equitable Life, there can be few policyholders, through an independently designed payment constituencies that do not contain people who are waiting scheme, for their relative loss as a result of regulatory for payment or people who have died while waiting for failure. The Queen’s Speech announced the Government’s payment. Is it not shocking that one of the main intention to introduce a Bill in the first Session of perpetrators of the Equitable Life fraud—for that is Parliament to enable payments to be made to Equitable what it was—will, after last weekend, be able to take up Life policyholders. On the same day, the Government a senior position in a financial institution? Can the also announced that an independent commission would Government re-examine what happened in that process, be established to design the payment scheme. These so that these people are not allowed to have senior steps are a strong sign of the Government’s commitment financial positions in future? to deliver on their pledge. Mr Gauke: I hope that the hon. Gentleman will Dr Lewis: More than 60 of my constituents in New understand that I am not going to be drawn on an Forest East, and indeed even one of my own relatives, individual case without all the information in front of will be delighted to know that the Government intend me. He has made his point very clear. to implement the recommendations of the ombudsman. Can he tell me when this is going to happen—and can Mr Lindsay Hoyle (Chorley) (Lab): First, would the he guarantee that the Independent Parliamentary Standards Minister care to share with the House the date that the Authority will not be put in charge of making the cheques will arrive through the doors of those who are payments? still waiting for payment? That is the key. My second question is that, as people have, tragically, died while Mr Gauke: I thank my hon. Friend for his question. the process has gone on and on, will there be compensation The intention is that Sir John Chadwick’s report will for the families that have missed out as well? reach its conclusion in mid-July; at the same time the independent commission will be established. We are Mr Speaker: Order. To ask a second question was very making progress in this area—in contrast, I am afraid, cheeky on the part of an experienced Member, but I to the dither and delay of our predecessors. know that the Minister will not be tempted to follow suit. 169 Oral Answers8 JUNE 2010 Oral Answers 170

Mr Gauke: I fully understand the hon. Gentleman’s Mr Julian Brazier (Canterbury) (Con): Does my hon. concern about delays. He knows as well as I do where a Friend agree that the main reason for the scale of child lot of the blame for that lies. I made the point earlier poverty in this country is that we have inherited a that dependants of deceased policyholders should be benefit system that punishes thrift, work and traditional included in the scheme. As for a specific date, the only families? If the right hon. Member for Birkenhead thing I can say is that we are clearly making much more (Mr Field) does indeed think the unthinkable, will we, progress than the previous Government did. unlike the previous Government, support him?

Dr William McCrea (South Antrim) (DUP): Bearing Justine Greening: Unlike the previous Government, in mind the fact that many of the policyholders are we all recognise that child poverty is about much more getting older—[Interruption]—surely it is vital that we than just money. If we are to be successful in improving get money into their hands as quickly as possible. children’s life chances, wherever they start their lives in this country, we need to look at a little bit more than the child tax credit; we need to look far more broadly. We Mr Gauke: I do not want to be pedantic, but all of need to look at issues around health and education. them are getting older. The hon. Gentleman rightly says That is one of the matters that we will consider over the that there is a need to move quickly. I think that we all coming months. It is vital to realise that if we do not feel that. I am pleased that the Government have already tackle the root causes of child poverty, we are very announced in the Queen’s Speech that there will be a unlikely to tackle the symptoms. Of course, the ultimate Bill on this subject. We have already announced a date way of tackling child poverty is sorting out our economy for the establishment of the scheme. We are making and getting people back into jobs, so that children are progress. That is a very welcome change from what we not in workless households in the first place. have seen in the previous 10 years. Mr David Hanson (Delyn) (Lab): Under the previous Child Poverty Conservative Government, child poverty doubled; thanks to the efforts of the Labour Government, with the 8. Ann McKechin (Glasgow North) (Lab): What recent minimum wage, working families tax credit and child discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for benefit rises, 500,000 children were taken out of poverty. Work and Pensions on the future of Government targets Today, will the Minister, whom I welcome to her new to eradicate child poverty; and if he will make a statement. position, not just commit to tackling the targets that the [925] Labour Government set, but support the means—the minimum wage, working families tax credit, and child benefit? The Economic Secretary to the Treasury (Justine Greening): The coalition Government have announced Justine Greening: The previous Government managed that they want to see an end to child poverty in the UK to raise a number of children who were just below the by 2020. We now have 1.9 million children living in poverty line just above it, without tackling the fundamental workless households in the UK. The OECD says that causes of why they were in that position in the first we have the highest proportion of children living in place. What is particularly depressing is that it is as if workless households of any OECD country—nearly nothing has been learned from the experiment of the 18%. That is one of the reasons why my right hon. past 13 years. Clearly, we need to look more broadly, Friends the Chancellor and the Secretary of State for rather than just at giving households in poverty money. Work and Pensions have been discussing that matter. We need to help them to get back into work. It has to be One of the early outcomes of those discussions, as I am wrong that in this country, the marginal tax rates for sure Members will be aware, is the announcement of those in low-income families who are going back to the review by the right hon. Member for Birkenhead work can be in the 90th percentile range. We would (Mr Field) of child poverty and life chances. We think never dream of taxing people who are rich that much, that that will be an informative way of engaging people but we tax people who are poor at those rates. in the debate, and of coming up with some policy options, which we can then feed into our consideration Economic Growth of child poverty. 10. Charlie Elphicke (Dover) (Con): What recent Ann McKechin: The hon. Lady will be aware that assessment he has made of the level of growth in the disabled children are much more likely to live in poverty UK economy compared with those of other OECD and have much reduced life chances. Given that, and countries. [927] given her Government’s decision to abolish the child trust fund, can she tell me how many disability organisations The Chief Secretary to the Treasury (Danny Alexander): they consulted prior to that decision, and what assessment The independent Office for Budget Responsibility will they have made of the impact that that decision will publish forecasts for growth in the UK ahead of the have on thousands of disabled children throughout the emergency Budget. country? Charlie Elphicke: There is too much deprivation in Justine Greening: We are providing support for disabled Dover and Deal. We need more jobs and money locally. children and their families. In fact, regarding the child What action will the Government take to increase the trust fund, part of the package was the funding of 8,000 trend growth rate of this nation, so that the people of extra week-long breaks for the parents of disabled Dover and Deal get more jobs and money, and Britain children—breaks that we know are well valued. does better? 171 Oral Answers8 JUNE 2010 Oral Answers 172

Danny Alexander: The best thing that we can do to Danny Alexander: The hon. Gentleman just needs to increase growth and create jobs in this country is tackle look around the world to see that the argument for the enormous budget deficit that we inherited from the rapid fiscal consolidation is becoming stronger by the previous Government. By taking firm action to reduce day. He should look at the G20 and the independent the deficit, we can restore confidence in the economy assessments. Clearly, making the sort of decisions that and help the private sector to create jobs. That is what we are making now—the £6 billion exercise and the we need to do. decisions that will no doubt be announced in the Budget—is absolutely essential to create a responsible basis for the Angela Smith (Penistone and Stocksbridge) (Lab): public finances and return the country to the right The £80 million loan to Sheffield Forgemasters was an economic track. investment designed to encourage the growth of the advanced manufacturing sector of the economy, not Tax Avoidance just across south Yorkshire but across the UK as a whole. Will the Government bear in mind that investment, and the long-term context, when they make a decision 16. Mr Adrian Sanders (Torbay) (LD): What steps his on the future of that loan? Department is taking to reduce the level of tax avoidance. [933] Danny Alexander: I am grateful to the hon. Lady for making that point, and I have certainly heard what she The Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury (Mr David said. Obviously, we are reassessing carefully projects Gauke): Tackling tax avoidance is essential, and we will approved by the previous Government between 1 January make every effort to do so. We are committed to preventing and the election, and we will make an announcement in avoidance through deterrence, and by ensuring that we the near future. have a robust legislative framework. We detect avoidance early using the disclosure of tax avoidance schemes rules and other information. We tackle avoidance quickly Devolved Administrations where we find it by strengthening legislation or through the operational work of Her Majesty’s Revenue and 11. Mr Mark Williams (Ceredigion) (LD): What his Customs. policy is on the mechanism for the provision of funding from the Exchequer to the devolved Administrations; Mr Sanders: Recent research has shown that up to and if he will make a statement. [928] £120 billion a year is lost to tax avoidance. Will the Minister ensure that he looks at the way in which The Chief Secretary to the Treasury (Danny Alexander): HMRC works, and does better so that people will not The Government recognise the concerns expressed by have to pay higher taxes and receive poorer services as a the Holtham commission about the system of devolution consequence? funding, but as we made clear in the coalition programme for government, the first priority has to be reducing the Mr Gauke: I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for deficit. his question. We would disagree with the number, as the tax gap estimate produced by HMRC is £40 billion. Mr Williams: I thank my right hon. Friend for that None the less, that is a significant sum, and it is absolutely answer, and for the acknowledgement in the coalition right that people pay the tax that is due, and HMRC agreement of the work of the Holtham commission. Its will continue to pursue matters to reduce tax avoidance. message was that there was historical underfunding of Wales to the tune of £300 million a year; that was Kate Green (Stretford and Urmston) (Lab): Is not the backed up by Lord Barnett himself and a Lords Committee. general view correct, and the estimated tax gap of Does my right hon. Friend accept the report’s conclusion £40 billion is a significant underestimate? Will the Minister that Wales has, historically, been underfunded? We explain how cuts to HMRC staffing and capacity are to acknowledge that cuts will be borne right across the be aligned with attempts to close the tax gap? UK, and across all its regions and nations, but will he use this opportunity to confirm the Government’s Mr Gauke: Staff in HMRC have been reduced for commitment to fair funding across the country? many years, from 97,000 to 69,000. Any Government will want to ensure that HMRC’s resources are deployed Danny Alexander: In the coalition agreement, we say as effectively and efficiently as possible, and we will that we recognise the concerns raised by the Holtham certainly seek to do so. commission, but the priority must be to reduce the deficit. We also said that once the forthcoming referendum Bingo Industry has taken place, there will be a Calman commission-like process. The Calman commission looked at greater financial accountability for the Scottish Parliament, 17. Simon Kirby (Brighton, Kemptown) (Con): What and a similar process for Wales might help to address his policy is on taxation of the bingo industry; and if some of my hon. Friend’s concerns. he will make a statement. [934]

Anas Sarwar (Glasgow Central) (Lab): Will the Chief The Economic Secretary to the Treasury (Justine Secretary please tell us why his party campaigned Greening): We keep all taxes under review. It would not throughout the election against immediate spending be appropriate to discuss taxation in relation to bingo cuts, but is now, in return for jobs in the Cabinet, willing before the Budget in a couple of weeks, but we are keen to risk tens of thousands of jobs across the country? to have a dialogue with the industry. 173 Oral Answers8 JUNE 2010 Oral Answers 174

Simon Kirby: Does the Minister agree that sometimes need to make sure that we can protect front-line services it is possible to increase revenue by reducing taxes? that people depend on. We have already debated pensions this morning, for example, and we are doing our best to Justine Greening: I think that my hon. Friend is protect money that supports the most vulnerable in our probably referring to the well-known Laffer curve. I am society. sure that he is aware, too, that the tax on bingo participation clubs was reduced in the last Budget from 22% to 20%. Topical Questions As I said, I look forward to talking to the industry over the coming months. T1. [943] Mark Lazarowicz (Edinburgh North and Leith) (Lab/Co-op): If he will make a statement on his Kelvin Hopkins (Luton North) (Lab): Is it not the departmental responsibilities. case that bingo is taxed more severely than other more dangerous forms of gambling, and that the Government The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Mr George Osborne): would do well if they at least brought them into line? The core purpose of the Treasury is to ensure the Justine Greening: I know that that argument has been stability of the economy, promote growth and employment, made by the industry, and I am aware of its campaign reform the banking system and manage the public on fair taxation. We want fair taxation. One of the finances so that Britain lives within her means. Government’s key priorities is tackling the budget deficit, and ultimately the best way for us to support not just Mark Lazarowicz: Whether the amount lost by tax bingo clubs but other companies in Britain employing avoidance or tax evasion is £100 billion or £40 billion a staff is to get the economy back on its feet, creating jobs year, it is a lot of money which could go a long way to so that people have money in their pocket to spend, tackling the deficit. Will the Chancellor tell his ministerial including in bingo clubs. colleagues sitting next to him to give a higher priority to tackling tax evasion and tax avoidance so as to make Budget Deficit sure that those who are most able to pay the costs of the deficit do so, rather than those who are least able to pay? 18. Mr Peter Bone (Wellingborough) (Con): What recent representations he has received on the level of Mr Osborne: Yes, we will. the budget deficit. [935]

The Economic Secretary to the Treasury (Justine T6. [949] Mr Philip Hollobone (Kettering) (Con): At a Greening): We have received a number of representations time of low investment returns, which mean that many on the budget deficit, not least from many other European people in the private sector are struggling to fund a countries, which are now taking steps, as we are, to pension for their retirement, what steps will be taken to reduce their deficit—a point that still seems lost on the tackle the ballooning public sector pension bill? Opposition. Mr Osborne: The Government will establish an Mr Bone: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for answering independent commission to look at public sector pension my question and for her arrival at the Dispatch Box, provision. We will make an announcement on that in which is very welcome on our side of the House. Will due course. she take a representation from me on reducing the Budget deficit? Can the emphasis be put on cutting T3. [945] Mr Graham Allen (Nottingham North) (Lab): public expenditure, rather than increasing taxes? Does Has the Chancellor yet had a chance to have a she have any idea of the proportion that will be raised one-to-one with the Secretary of State for Work and by tax increases and by public expenditure cuts? Pensions to discuss the thing that would most affect the structural nature of the deficit: early intervention with Justine Greening: We have said that we want to see our babies, children and young people to ensure that the bulk of the deficit reduced by restraining public we do not accumulate massive costs of failure that need spending. I know that a number of other countries have to be met much later? If he has not done that, will he taken proportions of roughly 80%:20% on restraining undertake to do so, please? public spending and increasing taxes. We are particularly keen to cut out as much of the waste as possible. As we Mr Osborne: I have had several conversations with work our way through the previous Government’s horrific my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Work spending plans—not that they had any projections into and Pensions on this issue and on the broader issues of the future—we will do our best to make sure that we do welfare reform. I broadly agree with the point that the not just bring down our public spending, but use this hon. Gentleman makes—he made it forcefully in the opportunity to ensure that it delivers better public last Parliament—that support for children in the early services for the public whom it is there to serve. years can yield real results later on. We will bear that in mind as we conduct our spending review. Mr Clive Betts (Sheffield South East) (Lab): In The Sun the Deputy Prime Minister wrote about the enticing T2. [944] Tom Brake (Carshalton and Wallington) (LD): prospect of progressive cuts. Can the hon. Lady explain While the Chancellor is reviewing the projects agreed what a progressive cut would look like? by the previous Government since 1 January, may I commend to him the Better Healthcare Closer to Justine Greening: The hon. Gentleman might be better Home programme and the plans that it has for off directing that comment to the Deputy Prime Minister. St Helier hospital? May it draw it to his attention that I did not see it in the paper. We are conscious of the the plans were very enthusiastically endorsed by the 175 Oral Answers8 JUNE 2010 Oral Answers 176 new Secretary of State for Health when he visited my T7. [950] Mr Peter Bone (Wellingborough) (Con): In constituency just a couple of days before the general 2008-09, our contribution to the EU was £2.5 billion. election? This year it will be £6.4 billion. Why does every budget have to be cut except the EU’s, which can increase by The Chief Secretary to the Treasury (Danny Alexander): 150%? Is it not a case of not ring-fencing, but I am grateful to my hon. Friend for his question and gold-plating? pay tribute to his assiduous campaigning on the issue over many years. He will know that we are carefully Mr Osborne: I am sure that my hon. Friend will be reassessing the projects agreed by the previous Government glad to know that in my first ECOFIN I proposed to between 1 January and the election, and we will make the Council that we freeze the EU budget, and there an announcement shortly. He will also know that it is was support from other countries around the table. right that we are making sure that each and every one of [Interruption.] If the hon. Member for Rhondda (Chris the many projects that were announced is affordable Bryant) is supporting an increase in the EU budget, he and represents value for money. should tell the House. Ian Austin (Dudley North) (Lab): I welcome the T5. [948] Kerry McCarthy (Bristol East) (Lab): I was Chancellor and his team to their new posts. As part of disappointed to see no mention of the credit union the consultation on cuts that is being announced today, movement in the coalition agreement. Although I would he be prepared to visit Dudley, so that we can admit that I have not yet got my head around what the discuss the importance of maintaining investment in big society is, I hope that there is a role in there for education and training as our No.1 priority, so that we the credit union movement. When can we expect the can bring to the area the new industries and jobs on Legislative Reform (Industrial And Provident Societies which our future prosperity will depend? While he is and Credit Unions) Order 2010 to be laid before the there, I can take him to Priory road, and he can see the House? devastating impact that his decision to cut spending on housing is having on that community. The Economic Secretary to the Treasury (Justine Greening): We do support credit unions. In fact, one of Mr Osborne: I am always very happy to visit Dudley. the first things that the new Secretary of State for Wales I have done so many times in the last three or four did on her appointment was to visit her local credit months—which was half successful. union in Wales. We have said that we want vibrant, We have found additional money to support social sustainable credit unions. We are looking at the legislative housing. We discovered that the housing commitments reform order to which the hon. Lady referred and I made by the Labour Government just before the general hope that we can come back with some further dates in election were completely unfunded. We have found the next few weeks. As she can imagine, the focus right money to fund additional social housing, which during now has been on the emergency Budget, but I am aware the past 13 years the previous Government almost of the order and officials are talking to me about the completely failed to do. time lines for it. T9. [952] Bob Russell (Colchester) (LD): Further to T4. [947] Mr Mark Williams (Ceredigion) (LD): There excellent question of the hon. Member for Bristol East was great relief in the tourism sector when the furnished (Kerry McCarthy), can the Minister who was briefed to holiday lettings rules were scrapped just before the answer the excellent Question 25, in my name, now give election in the wash-up. What will the Government do a more substantive answer? What will the Government to ensure that the rules are EU compliant, but do not do to support credit unions such as the excellent one in disadvantage tourist operatives in the way that it was Colchester? feared that the old rules would do? Justine Greening: The best thing that we can do to support credit unions is make sure that they are on a The Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury (Mr David sustainable footing. When I talk to Conservative Members, Gauke): My hon. Friend raises a very good point, and many of them say that they want to see their credit what was proposed on the furnished holiday lettings unions merge. We need to ensure that credit unions can rule would have caused great difficulties. There is an offer a broader range of products to local people, and issue with the EU law, but I can assure him that we are we need to look at how credit unions operate. Interestingly, working hard on the matter and we hope to be able to although complaints to the financial services ombudsman say more in the next few weeks. are broadly increasing, when it comes to credit unions they are falling. The most recently released statistics T8. [951] Alun Michael (Cardiff South and Penarth) show that just one in 66,000 complaints related to a (Lab/Co-op): The Chancellor will be aware of the credit union. The hon. Gentleman is right to ask how public and cross-party support given to the proposal to we can support credit unions. The Prime Minister has turn British Waterways into a sort of national trust for been supportive of them and we look forward to seeing the waterways of the UK. That was given official what more we can do to support them over the coming endorsement in the last Budget. Can the Chancellor months. confirm his intention to pursue this proposal, and perhaps give an idea of the time scale within which it Mr Dennis Skinner (Bolsover) (Lab): If everybody might be brought about? has to share the burden of cutting the budget deficit, will the Chancellor start at the very top, and call upon Mr Osborne: If the right hon. Gentleman will allow the royal family to tell them that under no circumstances me, I will look into the details of the proposal to which will they get a single penny of the £7 million increase he refers and write to him. that they are demanding in the civil list? 177 Oral Answers8 JUNE 2010 Oral Answers 178

Mr Osborne: We will be making an announcement on that somehow the British budget deficit is low, when, the civil list in due course, but if the hon. Gentleman is actually, of course, it is an 11% budget deficit and we looking for cost savings, perhaps early retirement is are borrowing £156 billion—[Interruption.] something that he could consider. [Interruption.] Mr Osborne: Oh, go and take the pension, please. Mr Speaker: Order. [Interruption.]

Mr James Clappison (Hertsmere) (Con): Does not Mr Speaker: Order. Can I just remind right hon. and part of the contribution to the EU budget result from hon. Members of the basic principle of “Erskine May”: the surrender of the UK rebate in 2005 by the previous good temper and moderation in parliamentary exchanges Government, which will cost taxpayers in this country at all times? up to £9 billion over six years and was given in return for nothing? Should we not add that to the Chief Mr Osborne: Mr Speaker, you are absolutely right. Secretary’s list of waste by the previous Government? I make this point to the hon. Member for Swansea West (Geraint Davies). The serious observation that he Mr Osborne: My hon. Friend is absolutely right. The makes about investment in productive economic assets previous Prime Minister, Tony Blair, gave away the is one that is reflected in the document that the Treasury UK’s budget rebate in return for absolutely nothing. We produced this afternoon. were promised at the time that it would give us leverage over CAP reform, which never arrived, and I am afraid that that is just one of the many decisions that the Roger Williams (Brecon and Radnorshire) (LD): A previous Government got wrong. Select Committee in the other place found that reform of the Barnett formula could lead to a reduction in the Mr Angus Brendan MacNeil (Na h-Eileanan an Iar) budget deficit. In terms of the imperative of achieving (SNP): Growth throughout the UK economy has often that, will not the Treasury team look once again at that been geographically uneven. Has the Chancellor considered Select Committee report? what help a rural fuel derogation might bring to the highlands and, in particular, the islands of Scotland; Danny Alexander: I am happy to look at the report, and can I volunteer my own constituency, Na h-Eileanan but as I said in answer to earlier questions, we made it an Iar, for any pilot project? clear in the coalition programme for government that, although we recognise those concerns, the priority must Danny Alexander: The Government are well aware of be to address the budget deficit, and that is what we are the benefits that a rural fuel derogation might bring to going to do. remote parts of the economy. We are examining that issue, which is contained in the coalition agreement, Fiona Mactaggart (Slough) (Lab): Will unemployment and we note the hon. Gentleman’s interests from his and inequality increase or decrease in the coming year? own constituency. Mr Osborne: The ambition, of course, is to try to get Robert Halfon (Harlow) (Con): Under the previous unemployment falling, but it is rising at the moment. Government, unemployment in Harlow was the highest That is the situation that we inherited—as is inequality, in west Essex. Do the Government agree that a low-tax, which we inherited too. low-debt economy is the best way to bring jobs back to Harlow? Matthew Hancock (West Suffolk) (Con): Is the Chancellor aware of the recent Institute for Fiscal Studies report Mr Osborne: May I say how particularly pleased I am which showed that, going into the recession, the budget to see my hon. Friend in the House? His victory was one deficit in the UK was already one of the highest in the that I found particularly satisfying on election night. developed world? My hon. Friend is absolutely right that the ambition of a low-debt, low-tax economy is one to which people Mr Osborne: I am absolutely aware of that report, who care about the long-term economic future of this because my hon. Friend drew it to my attention about country should aspire. The key challenge, of course, is three months ago, for which I thank him. getting there, and that means dealing with the 11% budget deficit. Huw Irranca-Davies (Ogmore) (Lab):Everybody is assuming that the budget cuts are based on the Canadian Geraint Davies (Swansea West) (Lab/Co-op): The model, which itself was based on 3% growth and not right hon. Gentleman will know that the budget deficit least on strong growth in the American economy. I want at the time of the Budget was £22 billion less than was to ask the Chancellor something in all seriousness. If predicted four months earlier in the pre-Budget report, there is not equivalent strong growth globally and within showing that the major engine for reducing the deficit is the eurozone, will that not mean that we get all the pain economic growth. Will he give an undertaking that the and none of the gain? cuts that he intends to make will not cut the capacity of economic growth in Britain, thereby increasing the deficit? Mr Osborne: There does seem to be collective amnesia on the Labour Benches. They were in government for Mr Osborne: May I congratulate the hon. Gentleman 13 years, they ran up the largest budget deficit in the on his return to the House, as we both served on the European Union and they handed over office to us after Public Accounts Committee when I first arrived in the an election in the middle of a eurozone crisis. The threat House? I make this point: he makes an original observation to the British economy is what will happen if we do not 179 Oral Answers8 JUNE 2010 Oral Answers 180 deal with this budget deficit. Let me say to the hon. as the Chancellor has said repeatedly, one of the key Gentleman and all Labour Members that until they tests of measures is fairness, to ensure that we do not have their own proposals to deal with the problem that repeat the mistakes of the previous Government in they have bequeathed the new Government, they are allowing inequality to widen and in missing child poverty not going to be taken seriously. targets.

Alec Shelbrooke (Elmet and Rothwell) (Con): I ask Gordon Birtwistle (Burnley) (LD): Does my right my right hon. Friend the Chancellor to outline to the hon. Friend intend to continue using the very expensive House exactly what not tackling the deficit would mean PFI funding for future capital investment in the NHS? for my constituents in Elmet and Rothwell and for their The most expensive to date has been in Wythenshawe mortgages. hospital, where the NHS will pay back 16 times the original capital value. More prudent borrowing in the Mr Osborne: Unfortunately, my hon. Friend would past would have delivered the investment without adding have to tell his constituents that interest rates would start to the deficit. to rise and international investor confidence would be lost. Today, one of the credit rating agencies has published Mr Osborne: The hon. Gentleman makes a very good a report that makes the observation that the UK’s observation about the hidden costs of PFI liabilities. deficit reduction plan is particularly weak. That is the After the Office for Budget Responsibility creates an situation that we have inherited, and we are going to put independent set of national economic forecasts, it will it right. go on to look at PFI liabilities. The deficit and national debt that we have been talking about are, of course, only half the story; there is the hidden iceberg of the Christopher Leslie (Nottingham East) (Lab/Co-op): PFI liabilities that the Labour party ran up over 13 years Will the Chief Secretary to the Treasury rule out the as well. means-testing of child benefit? Several hon. Members rose— Danny Alexander: A range of announcements will be made in the Budget across a whole range of issues, but Mr Speaker: Order. 181 8 JUNE 2010 182

Point of Order Speaker’s Statement 3.34 pm Mr Speaker: The House will know that the election of 3.33 pm Deputy Speakers took place today, and the ballot was closed at noon. The counting is finished, and I have the Mr Alistair Darling (Edinburgh South West) (Lab): results. On a point of order, Mr Speaker. Yesterday, the Prime Before I announce the results, I would like to take this Minister said that the coming spending review was opportunity to thank, on behalf of the whole House, going to change our whole way of life and that today the two temporary Deputy Speakers who have helped the Chancellor and Chief Secretary would publish a to chair the House during the Queen’s Speech debate. framework for this year’s spending review. I am not The hon. Member for York Central (Hugh Bayley) has seeking to reopen your decision in relation to my request brought to the House his experience of chairing Public for an urgent question and I would normally have Bill Committees, and he has done so with great care and expected a statement in the House from the Chancellor good sense. Sir Alan Haselhurst was a newcomer to the in relation to what I took to be an important document. Chair 13 years ago, when Betty Boothroyd was Speaker. I understand that his argument is that he will be able to He has served as Chairman of Ways and Means with speak in the Queen’s Speech debate; the problem is that distinction through three Parliaments, guiding the House he speaks after me because of the order of speakers. In in the Chamber and helping its work behind the scenes. fairness to him, he did offer to let me have a copy of the I particularly thank him for all his wise counsel to me document at 2 o’clock, but sadly it did not get to me during my first year as Speaker. I know that the House until I was just walking into the Chamber. will benefit from his judgment and commitment in other ways in this Parliament. Given what you said on your re-election, Mr Speaker, I really think that it would be far better, especially on This also gives me the opportunity to pay tribute in matters as important as this, if the Chancellor, as well the House to Sir Michael Lord and Sylvia Heal, who as other Ministers, were prepared to come to the House retired from the House at the general election having and defend the decisions that they were taking. As it is, served the House so well as Deputy Speakers respectively I have had a quick look through the document, and from 1997 and 2000. The standard set by these three there does not seem to be very much substance in it at Deputy Speakers in their combined service in the Chair all, which may be why the Chancellor decided not to of some 36 years will be an inspiration to their successors give a statement. But the principle is an important one. elected today. I will now announce the result of the ballot held today for the election of Deputy Speakers. Mr Lindsay Mr Speaker: I am grateful to the right hon. Gentleman Hoyle was elected Chairman of Ways and Means. Mr Nigel for his point of order. If I were uncharitable, I would Evans was elected First Deputy Chairman of Ways and think that he was in some sense seeking to continue an Means. Dawn Primarolo was elected Second Deputy earlier debate—but I am not, so I assume that he is not. Chairman of Ways and Means. They will take up their My judgment is that the matter in question, which is posts tomorrow. I congratulate those elected, and I look extremely important, can be debated very fully today. forward to working with them. However, I trust that any major announcement to be The results of the count, under the single transferable made in due course, on this or any other matter, will be vote system, will be made available as soon as possible made first in the House. in the Vote Office and published on the intranet. 183 8 JUNE 2010 Debate on the Address 184

Debate on the Address I appreciate what the Chancellor said a few moments ago about the Office for Budget Responsibility currently operating on an extra-statutory basis, but I hope that [6TH DAY] the principles on which it will operate—with as much Debate resumed (Order, 2 June). openness and transparency as possible and with us Question again proposed, being able to look at the deliberations of the budget That an humble Address be presented to Her Majesty, as responsibility committee and understand its reasoning follows: before it reaches a recommendation—will be part of its Most Gracious Sovereign, practice now and will be in the legislation when it comes before the House. I welcome the fact that Sir Alan We, YourMajesty’s most dutiful and loyal subjects, the Commons of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in Budd, who has been appointed acting chairman of that Parliament assembled, beg leave to offer our humble thanks to office, has made it clear that he is willing to speak to all Your Majesty for the Gracious Speech which Your Majesty has hon. Members. That is important as the office will work addressed to both Houses of Parliament. only if it is seen to be non-partisan. On Equitable Life, all of us know that the process has Economic Affairs and Work and Pensions been long and drawn out. I think the Government may have already found that the process is not straightforward Mr Speaker: I inform the House that I have selected and that the ombudsman’s ruling was not as clear-cut as the amendment in the name of the Leader of the some people thought. We therefore commissioned Sir John Opposition. Standing Order No. 33 provides that on the Chadwick to investigate the matter, and I am glad to say last day of the debate on the motion for an Address to that he will report in July. I had thought he was going to Her Majesty, the House may also vote on a second report at the end of May, which is what he had told us, amendment selected by the Speaker. I have selected the but it may be that he has had further discussions with amendment in the name of Angus Robertson for that the Treasury. [Interruption.] The Chancellor is saying purpose. The vote on that amendment will take place at from a sedentary position that it was at his request. the end of the debate after the amendment in the name That is fine, but I wonder whether he will make provision of the Leader of the Opposition has been disposed of. for whatever Sir John recommends in his June Budget or whether the fact that he is reporting in July means we will have to wait for a further Budget to see what 3.38 pm provision is being made. Mr Alistair Darling (Edinburgh South West) (Lab): I On the financial services regulation Bill, we had beg to move an amendment, at the end of the Question many exchanges across the Floor of the House in the to add: last Parliament on this matter, but I simply say to the “endorse the successful steps taken by the previous administration Chancellor that it would be helpful if he could perhaps to return the economy to growth, to keep people in their jobs and tell the House exactly what the coalition agreement is in homes, and to support businesses; note the need for a clear plan relation to who has responsibility for regulation. We to bring down the deficit; respectfully believe that securing the have read conflicting reports in the newspapers about recovery and robust future growth should be central to that plan; whether the Financial Services Authority is to be brought further believe that such a plan must be fair and protect front line public services; therefore oppose your Government’s measures to within the responsibility of the Bank of England and cut the support provided by the Future Jobs Fund for tens of whether it is the Governor or Lord Turner who is to be thousands of young people out of work, to damage growth in the responsible for the regulation of the financial services regions by scaling back regional development agencies, and to industry. Other reports say that no decision has been cast uncertainty over support for key low carbon sectors like the made and the decision has been parked. It is important nuclear supply chain and lower carbon vehicles; further note that that we have some certainty about that, because the a rebalanced British economy must be built as the UK emerges very nature of such things means it is inevitable that from the recession; and therefore urge your Government to reconsider the removal of investment allowances which support some problem may arise quickly. It is therefore important manufacturing businesses seeking to grow.” to know who is in charge, as we do not want the FSA and its staff to be concentrating more on their futures I congratulate all those Members who have made than on what is happening in the financial services their maiden speeches over the past few days, and industry. commend the speeches that we will hear from new Members during the debate this afternoon. Before I turn to what I suspect will be the main focus Keith Vaz (Leicester East) (Lab): On the point about of the debate—the economy—I want to mention a banking regulation, the shadow Chancellor will remember number of Bills that are contained in the Gracious the closure of the Bank of Credit and Commerce Speech and on which the Chancellor might want to International and the Bingham report. That report was respond in the course of his speech, which will follow commissioned by the previous Government and its mine. The Government want to bring before the House conclusions mentioned an independent regulator. It is several measures on which the Opposition can offer important that we look carefully at the issue of regulation complete support or, I hope, can be constructive in their and that we do not hand back to the Bank of England support. The first is the terrorist asset-freezing Bill. all the powers for regulation. In his conclusions, Lord That piece of legislation is necessary as a result of a Bingham recommended that that should not happen. recent decision by the Supreme Court and we will certainly support the Government in getting it on the statute Mr Darling: My right hon. Friend will know that I book as soon as possible. I am grateful for the co-operation have always had reservations about transferring I received when I was Chancellor from the then shadow responsibility for regulation to the Bank of England, as Chancellor and his Liberal counterpart. I am not sure that it is the best body to deal with it. 185 Debate on the Address8 JUNE 2010 Debate on the Address 186

[Mr Darling] everything the new Government plan to do on the previous Government. There is nothing new in that: Certainly, for much of the past 10 years, it has had a new Governments frequently blame their predecessors good and distinguished record on monetary policy, but and it is the easiest thing in the world to do. It is equally I am not so sure whether it should have widespread unsurprising that the Prime Minister and the Chancellor responsibility for regulation. should go around the country and other parts of the My right hon. Friend is also right to draw attention world and say, “The situation is much, much worse than to the Bingham report. The Chancellor will no doubt we thought. It’s all terrible and we will have to do recall, or I am sure his officials will remind him, that terrible things.” By a stroke of good fortune, they have Lord Bingham produced two reports—one was published the Liberal Democrats to front-up some of the difficult and one was not. I strongly advise him to read the decisions they must take. second, unpublished report, because it sheds considerable light on some of the problems that arose. Perhaps after Nadhim Zahawi (Stratford-on-Avon) (Con): Did not such a length of time, it might be possible to reconsider the shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury, the right whether that report should be published, because I hon. Member for Birmingham, Hodge Hill (Mr Byrne), think many of the people concerned would not be so rather than the new Government, reveal the desperate badly affected. state in which the shadow Chancellor left the country’s finances? Keith Vaz: Will the shadow Chancellor give way? Mr Darling: Forgive me if I have misunderstood the Mr Darling: I will give way once more to my right hon. Gentleman, but throughout the three years when I hon. Friend. was Chancellor, I do not think that I ever, on any Keith Vaz: On the Bingham report, if the shadow occasion, concealed from anyone the difficulties that we Chancellor has read the confidential parts, why did he and other economies would face as a result of the resist the publication of that second report? That is deepest global downturn in the past century. There can something that some of us who have been concerned be no doubt about that. about the liquidation of BCCI for 20 years have urged However, I should tell the hon. Gentleman and his him to do. colleagues that by 2008, it was clear that this country, and every other major developed country in the world, Mr Darling: I think it was providing a response to a faced the catastrophic consequences of the failure of parliamentary question from my right hon. Friend that the banking system. Had we not taken action to stabilise obliged me to read the report. I remember spending two the banking system—many of those decisions were days reading it and giving my decision. However, I do opposed by the Conservatives—and to ensure that we not have the benefit of the advice I received, which I supported our economy when private sector investment now need to remind me why I refused his request at that dried up and died away, we would have had a situation time. All I can say is that I refused his request for in which recession tipped into depression. That is why entirely the right reasons but, 10 years later and in the we took the action that we did. We were right to do so, spirit of freedom of information, I am not saying that it and the Conservatives were wrong to oppose us. Our definitely should be looked at. The present Chancellor economy is now growing, and as I said earlier, or whoever is dealing with the issue should look at the unemployment is half that of the downturn of the matter and perhaps 10 years further on someone else 1990s, and borrowing is coming down, because of the looking at that report might reach a different conclusion. action we took in 2008 and 2009. We took that action I reiterate, whatever decision I reached was right for the along with most developed countries. reasons I gave at the time. May I also tell the Chancellor that it would be helpful Matthew Hancock (West Suffolk) (Con) rose— if he took the opportunity to spell out the Government’s policy on the banks in which the Government have Dr Thérèse Coffey (Suffolk Coastal) (Con) rose— shareholdings—Northern Rock, Lloyds, the Royal Bank of Scotland—because that is a matter of interest, especially Mr Darling: I shall give way to the hon. Lady first. now that RBS is talking about disposing of its Williams & Glyn’s branches and others? I believe it is the view of Dr Coffey: Will the shadow Chancellor explain why, both main political parties that there ought to be more if he was so open about the state of the economy, he competition in the system, so a clear statement on would not hold a comprehensive spending review and Government policy on how we do that would be helpful. why he would not publicise the impending debt payments We do not want to end up selling a tranche of banks to of £70 billion that the people of this country must pay another big UK operator, because that would mean for his profligacy? that we would not get the competition we want. I was interested to re-read last Friday the Business, Mr Darling: First, I said on many occasions that the Innovations and Skills Secretary’s criticism of the banks’ right thing to do was to hold a spending review this failure to lend, but it is not entirely clear to me what the year, before the end of the current review period ran new Government are doing to increase bank lending. It out. There is still a lot of uncertainty, as I shall explain would be useful to hear from the Chancellor, or at least later, and the hon. Lady would do well to remember one of his colleagues, in the fairly near future on that. that at present, while we are coming out of recovery, However, the main focus of today’s debate is, inevitably, our growth is modest. I hope we will see recovery the economy, as it was in Treasury questions for the past secured, but what is happening in continental Europe hour or so. Yesterday, predictably, the Prime Minister, and other parts of the world shows that we are not out as the Chancellor did today, sought to lay the blame for of the woods yet and there is still a lot of uncertainty 187 Debate on the Address8 JUNE 2010 Debate on the Address 188 around. On the hon. Lady’s main point, however—which Mr Darling: No, I do not agree with that. I think the I dare say her colleagues will make too—our borrowing hon. Gentleman will find that an awful lot of things and debt levels rose for exactly the same reason as they that went wrong in 2007 were a result of what went are rising in America, Japan, Italy, France, Germany wrong in the banking system, not just here but in other and just about every other country in the world: because parts of the world as well. we went through the deepest global recession in modern times. The hon. Lady might also want to remember that Rachel Reeves (Leeds West) (Lab): Does the shadow until well into 2008 the Conservatives, far from condemning Chancellor agree with this statement by the Governor our spending, were supporting our spending plans. They of the Bank of England: are therefore in no position to say now that they were “I don’t think you can compare the UK with Greece. There are opposing all this in times past. That is simply not right. big differences”? I suggest that not the least of the differences between Mr Barry Sheerman (Huddersfield) (Lab/Co-op) rose— our countries is that our debt-to-GDP ratio is about Charlie Elphicke (Dover) (Con) rose— half that of Greece. Richard Harrington (Watford) (Con) rose— Mr Darling: The Governor was making a very fair point, as he does on many occasions. It is interesting Mr Darling: I will give way to my hon. Friend the that even in the past couple of days Government Member for Huddersfield (Mr Sheerman), and then I members—the Prime Minister yesterday, and one or shall make some progress. two of his ministerial colleagues—are rowing back from Mr Sheerman: Will the shadow Chancellor join me in direct comparisons with Greece because that may have recommending Sam Brittan’s article in the Financial been very convenient to them in opposition, but it Times last week entitled “Now is the time to ask: ‘What might not be such a good idea now that they hold office. crisis?’”? He is a Conservative and he supports the Our economy is experiencing growth at present, and coalition Government, but he says that it does nobody that is because of the action we took over the past any good to exaggerate the state of the British economy, couple of years. I do not intend, as the Chancellor said, which he believes is much stronger than that of most of to fight the last general election again or to go through our competitors. everything that happened over the last two or three years—that is, perhaps, for another occasion—but I do Mr Darling: I think it is necessary for anyone charged say this about the action we took. The fiscal stimulus we with responsibility for the British economy to take a put in place: the VAT reduction; the decision to bring measured approach. If things are difficult, they have a forward capital spending; the measures we took to duty to speak out, even when that causes them some protect people’s jobs and ensure that if people were out problems, as I found out myself a couple of years ago. I of work for a short period we could get them back into think it is better that we do that, than not. Equally, work as quickly as possible; the time to pay scheme, however, it does no good to go running around saying which is still helping hundreds of thousands of businesses the situation is absolutely terrible and dire, because throughout the country; the car scrappage scheme; and sooner or later we may find that the markets call our the action we took internationally have all come together bluff; we may find that one day they say, “Whatever you to make sure we came through this recession. Interestingly, do, it isn’t enough.” I believe that that approach is as although the predominant position of the financial irresponsible as saying nothing about a difficult situation. services industry in this country meant that it took us We must discuss these matters in a reasoned and longer to come through into recovery than it took some rational manner, because while it is important that we other countries, Britain has had two quarters of growth identify the things that need to be put right, equally we whereas other countries, particularly those in continental must not give an impression counter to our fundamentally Europe, have seen their growth slip back and, in some having an economy that is coming through this period, cases, they have slipped into recession. What that tells that we can get through it and ensure that we have me is that had the previous Government not taken the growth, which is absolutely critical in the future. Running action that they did over the past couple of years we around scaremongering and raising all sorts of fears would not now be in a position to say, “Yes, our could have the perverse effects of turning market sentiment economy is growing.” Equally, our action has meant against us, which we do not need, and of dampening that although our borrowing is still very high and needs consumer and investor confidence, which is simply not to come down, it is coming down faster than many necessary. people believed, even a few months ago. Charlie Elphicke: The shadow Chancellor says that Government Members are scaremongering by pointing Andrew Bridgen (North West Leicestershire) (Con): I out that the Budget deficit is 13%. We are not wish to assure the shadow Chancellor that Conservative scaremongering; we are scared, as the position is extremely Members appreciate that the previous Government had serious. The recession was so deep in the first place to borrow money during the recession. What baffles us because the right hon. Gentleman’s colleague, the right hon. is why they borrowed money during the boom. Member for Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath (Mr Brown)— who has not been seen of late—ran things so badly that Mr Darling: I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for the money ran out which meant that we were more accepting what is obvious: the fact that during a recession exposed before the recession. The shadow Chancellor Governments do have to borrow in order to support should therefore be apologising to the House for the their economies. However, I should remind him that mess that his right hon. Friend and the previous during the earlier part of the previous decade the Government have left behind. Conservative party supported our spending programmes, 189 Debate on the Address8 JUNE 2010 Debate on the Address 190

[Mr Darling] up with, but I suspect that they will not go too far before they start seeing that when they want to reduce saying that they would stick to our spending levels. The expenditure quickly that sometimes has severely damaging Prime Minister, when he was Leader of the Opposition, consequences. We shall wait to see what happens, but I said that as recently as 2008. The hon. Gentleman was believe that that is a substantial risk. not here during the previous Parliament, but I can assure him that I do not recall any Conservative standing Several hon. Members rose— up to say, “Don’t build a new school in my constituency. Don’t build more housing. Don’t open a new hospital.” Mr Darling: Before I leave this point I should say Conservative Members were not saying that at all; they something further because a number of hon. Members wanted more spending in just about every area. So the mentioned our spending in the earlier part of our idea that the Conservative party was behaving in a way Government. It is not just about what we did during the that would have meant that there was no borrowing and recession; it is about the fact that over the relevant that the Conservatives would have behaved any differently 10-year period, there was an unprecedented decade of is absolute nonsense. The hon. Gentleman just has to growth such as this country had not seen before, as well accept that. as low interest rates, low inflation and falling unemployment. Gross domestic product per capita grew faster in this Mr Adrian Bailey (West Bromwich West) (Lab/Co-op): country than in any other G7 country even after one Does my right hon. Friend agree that some of the takes into account the effects of the financial crisis. The measures that have now contributed to the deficit were economic environment was such that this country had being demanded by manufacturing industry in order to not had for many years. Of course, we had to deal with sustain the corporate manufacturing base needed for us the effects of the banking crisis and the downturn that to grow out of recession, the car scrappage scheme followed, which had a very severe effect on our public being one case in point? finances as well as other public finances.

Mr Darling: I agree with my hon. Friend. The new Mr David Blunkett (Sheffield, Brightside and Government will find that for every industrialist or Hillsborough) (Lab): My right hon. Friend did a manufacturer who says that public spending needs to be phenomenal job as Chancellor of the Exchequer. The cut, in areas that benefit from such spending people measures that he has just outlined and the success were take a rather different view. The car scrappage scheme is considerable, but is it not also true that back in 2002 his an example of that, and it made a huge difference to the Government, and my Government, finally paid off the car industry and the motor vehicle industry in general. second world war and post-war debt that was run up As the hon. Member for North West Leicestershire with the Americans in 1947? The final bonds were paid (Andrew Bridgen) said, the action that we took did off not by the Conservatives in the 1950s, 1960s or involve more borrowing and it does result in increasing 1980s, but by the Labour Government in 2002. debt. However, the point is that the cost of failing to act [Interruption.] That is absolutely true. would have been far greater. Mr Darling: My right hon. Friend is right. No doubt, The Chancellor was talking about the international there will be another occasion to revisit the lend-lease consensus. I know something about that, and I can tell arrangements that the then Government entered into in hon. Members that over the past three years it was very the 1940s, although I commend to the House Lord much in favour of our continuing to support our economies; Robert Skidelsky’s excellent third volume on Keynes, of course, as we come through to recovery we have to which deals with this matter quite extensively. Some get the borrowing down. Nobody disputes that, and at people thought that we got a pretty bad deal in 1943, least two of the parties that fought the previous election but there you are. were absolutely clear about it—it was never clear what the third party was in favour of, and its position remains Mr Richard Bacon (South Norfolk) (Con) rose— something of a mystery even today. Matthew Hancock rose— Stewart Hosie (Dundee East) (SNP): The shadow Mr Darling: I shall give way to the hon. Gentleman Chancellor rightly says that there was an international who I think used to advise the Chancellor at one point. consensus, and I supported many of the actions that he took. However, in this financial year, when recovery is Matthew Hancock: The shadow Chancellor has not secure, why did he leave the economy without a mentioned the banking crisis several times. With hindsight, fiscal stimulus? Ours is one of only two countries in the does he regret the system of banking regulation that G20 without a fiscal stimulus, and I still believe it was was introduced in 1997, and recognise that it failed? absolutely necessary for us in order to secure recovery and prevent our slipping back into recession. Mr Darling: No, I do not think that was the main problem. The system of regulation that we introduced Mr Darling: What economists call the “automatic in 1998 brought together about eight or nine different stabilisers” are still operating and are still supporting regulators—self-regulators, as the Conservative party the economy. I have always been clear about this, and I used to be very keen on self-regulation. The problem in believe that the deficit has to be reduced. One of the relation to the Financial Services Authority, the American reasons why I wanted to halve it within a four-year regulators and most other regulators was that they period was that I wanted to get it down in a way that did simply did not understand the systemic risks that arose not damage the economic or, indeed, the social fabric of in the previous decade or the consequences of the the country while that was being done. Obviously I do failure of one bank on another. The system in this not know what the new Government are going to come country was not the problem, but there was undoubtedly 191 Debate on the Address8 JUNE 2010 Debate on the Address 192 a failure on the part of regulators right across the We made an active choice to allow borrowing to rise world, including in our country. The FSA’s inquiry into to support the economy. As I said, that policy was what went wrong in Northern Rock demonstrated that supported by the then Conservative Opposition right the FSA had spotted problems in Northern Rock in up until 2008. It was not as though they were saying February 2007 but had not taken action. I shall say this anything different immediately before that, but I in the nicest possible way to the hon. Gentleman: he fundamentally disagree with the analysis that the Chancellor might want to have a word with one or two of the made when he was shadow Chancellor. He said: people who were running Northern Rock—members of “Even a modest dose of Keynesian spending” his party—who might have had a better look at what Was they were supposed to have been doing when they were running that bank. “a cruise missile aimed at the heart of a recovery.” He said that in 2008, when the banking system and the Richard Harrington rose— world economies were close to collapse. That seems to me to be complete nonsense. Of course we will have our Claire Perry (Devizes) (Con) rose— arguments about how and at what rate we reduce our deficit, but I simply do not accept the argument that by Mr Darling: I shall give way to the hon. Lady. It implication he seems to be advancing—that somehow might be a mistake, but I will. the previous Government should have been cutting spending just as we were going into a recession. I know Claire Perry: I thank the shadow Chancellor for of no other Government who were doing that. giving way. May I say that as a bystander, rather than a participant, in the last Parliament, I was always struck Ian Lucas (Wrexham) (Lab): The construction sector by his excellent manners? As a mother of three children, is one of the most important barometers of the national I am very hot on manners. In particular, when my economy, and I was privileged to serve as construction children make a mess that I have to clear up, I encourage Minister. If that spending by Government had not them to say sorry. Would the shadow Chancellor like to taken place in the last two years, would we not have had apologise to the Government and the people of Britain a massive increase in the level of unemployment in the for the mess he has left for this Government to clean up? construction industry? That would have opened up the horrific prospect of having 3.5 million people Mr Darling: I am glad that I gave way to the hon. unemployed—a level that we reached twice under the Lady for at least the first part of her intervention. I do Conservative party. not agree with her on the second part, but I should like to address that point now. It is true that our borrowing Mr Darling: That is indeed right, and many people in has risen very substantially— the construction industry say that an already difficult situation would have become much worse if we had not Several hon. Members rose— done what we did in 2008-09. Not many Conservatives or Liberals—we must include the two together—now Mr Darling: I shall not give way. I want to make some stand up and say, “Actually, in retrospect, we shouldn’t progress, because I know that many hon. Members have been supporting the construction industry.”I rather want to make their maiden speeches, and I do not want get the impression that they are telling local industries to be blamed for not allowing them to do so. I might in their constituencies something entirely different. give way before I finish, but not just now. As I was saying, borrowing has clearly increased, but Margot James (Stourbridge) (Con): Will the right that has to be put into perspective. Our deficit for this hon. Gentleman give way? year is broadly similar to that of the US. All other major countries have had the same problem. Mr Darling: I will give way, for the last time, to the hon. Lady, whom I last met in a BBC studio. I got the We went into the recession with the second-lowest distinct impression that she did not like Scottish accents, level of debt of any of the G7 countries, but IMF so I cannot resist. projections for this year show that our debt is lower than that of France, Germany, Italy and Japan. Yes, we have to get our borrowing down and make sure that we Margot James: Will the shadow Chancellor clarify start to bear down on debt, and I agree with everyone his party’s position on our proposed spending reductions? who says that it is far better to spend money on things Before the general election, it was my distinct impression other than debt interest. However, it is worth making that the Opposition were planning public expenditure the point—because it is one that the present Government cuts of up to 25% across some Departments. In my never do make—that this problem does not affect our constituency of Stourbridge, we were extremely concerned country alone. It has affected all countries, and certainly when the results of a freedom of information request all the developed countries. on the NHS in the west midlands revealed plans for significant cuts to doctors, nurses and beds in our area. It is not a surprise that borrowing and debt went up, By anyone’s definition, they must be front-line services. because our tax revenues fell dramatically in 2007 and 2008. Our spending on unemployment and social security went up because tax credits were there to help people Mr Darling: I agree with that. If the hon. Lady is who lost their jobs. Yes, that was increased expenditure worried about spending cuts, she is going to have an but, if we had cut then, the risk was that we would turn interesting time over the next few months. I look forward a recession into a depression. That was a cost that I was to the exchanges that she has at future Question Times. certainly not willing to contemplate. As I draw to a close— 193 Debate on the Address8 JUNE 2010 Debate on the Address 194

Robert Halfon (Harlow) (Con): Will the right hon. that is the course of action that he has managed to Gentleman give way? persuade the Chancellor to take, we will look with great interest at the Budget in a couple of weeks. I just do not Mr Darling: No, I am not going to give way. I want to think that it is a particularly accurate or informative draw attention to one of the biggest problems that I see way of looking at the accounts. I have said that before in the future. I know that Governments in countries to the hon. Gentleman. right across the world have to get their borrowing down and reduce their deficits. However, I am particularly Robert Halfon: Will the right hon. Gentleman give worried that, if we do not have some countervailing way? pressure to support growth and measures to get growth in our economy, we run the risk of having many years of it merely bumping along the bottom, sometimes growing Mr Darling: For sheer endeavour, I will give way to and sometimes not. That will inevitably mean that we the hon. Gentleman. will have higher unemployment and that aspirations and sentiment will be affected. Robert Halfon: Before the last election, in an interview I see that especially in the EU at the present time. The with the BBC, the right hon. Gentleman said that he EUROSTAT figures published last Friday went almost believed that the cuts needed to be more savage than unreported in this country, but what is worrying is that anything Mrs. Thatcher had done. Does he still hold to we see that Germany’s growth in the first quarter of this that view? year was 0.2%. We see France’s at 0.1%. We see Greece not surprisingly, back in recession. We know that Spain Mr Darling: I think that the word “savage” was used has unemployment of more than 20%. I am glad that by the Deputy Prime Minister, of whom the hon. the Chancellor enjoys going to ECOFIN so much, and Gentleman now finds himself a great admirer. It was long may he enjoy that. I am fascinated that the not a word that I used. Conservatives now find so much succour in Europe. All It is important in the task that confronts the whole I can say to him is that I worry that rather too many country and the Government that we do not get ourselves finance Ministries, yes want to get their deficit down into a situation of almost competitive austerity, in but are not concentrating on the structural reforms that which Governments and countries become blind to the are necessary within the EU or on measures to achieve need to secure growth. There is a substantial risk, as I growth in the future. That is a real threat. have said for a long time, that if the Government take It worries me that the present Administration here in action prematurely without considering its consequences the United Kingdom also fall into that camp. It is as a whole, they will choke off the recovery. We have to interesting that in the past six months the Prime Minister get borrowing down, but we also have to get growth and has made only one speech on growth. It flickered into recovery firmly established. life in November just before the CBI conference last year. We do not hear what measures the Government Geraint Davies (Swansea West) (Lab/Co-op): Will my intend to put in place to get the rebalancing of the right hon. Friend give way? economy that we want to see—measures to encourage private sector investment to come back. It is not coming back yet in sufficient volume to take the place of the Mr Darling: No, I will not. If we are to maintain jobs public sector investment that the Chancellor wants to and ensure that borrowing does indeed come down, we take away. We have to have a clear, strategic look at this need to have growth. Policies to achieve that are notable to make sure that we can get growth in this country as by their absence both in this country and the rest of well as in the EU, which after all is our major export continental Europe. It is no use Government Members market. citing what happened in Canada and Sweden. Yes, Canada reduced its structural deficit, but it did so at a Mr William Cash (Stone) (Con) rose— time when its next door neighbour, which happened to be the biggest economy in the world, was growing Mr Darling: I knew that if I mentioned Europe this strongly. So the Canadians benefited from a strong US would happen, as sure as night follows day. economy. Equally, when Sweden was going through its retrenchment, Europe was starting to grow again. So the comparisons are not entirely appropriate. Mr Cash: I do not want to disappoint the shadow Chancellor, but I am much more interested in the reasons We must realise that we need to put in place policies why, when he was Chancellor—despite the tissue of that ensure growth, get our borrowing down and, critically, self-justification that we have just heard—he was never equip this country to compete in the markets that are prepared to refer to the true level of debt. He said that going to be opened for it and take advantage of the no Conservative raised it, but a number of us raised the opportunities that will be here. true level of debt from 2008 onwards. Does he deny that As I said during the election campaign and have said the true level, according to the Office for National since, I believe that the Conservative party remains a Statistics, is £3.1 trillion and not the amount that he has risk to the recovery. I believe too that no matter how been stipulating over the past few months? they dress it up, and how they seek to blame other people, even if they use the Liberal Democrats to cover Mr Darling: When comparing the judgments that we their true intentions, what they are about is ensuring make about what is necessary fiscally, I do not think that they cut exactly the same expenditure as they have that bringing on to the main balance sheet PFI, Network always wanted to, and they are using this as an excuse Rail and everything else, particularly helps. However, if for doing so. 195 Debate on the Address8 JUNE 2010 Debate on the Address 196

I believe that action does need to be taken, but in front of him. There are £50 billion of cuts built into crucially I believe that we need to ensure that we secure the Labour Budget produced in March, and not one the recovery, and I hope that this Government have got single pound of those cuts has yet been identified by the the sense to see that now, before it is too late. Labour party.

4.15 pm David Tredinnick: Many congratulations to my right hon. Friend on taking up his position. Was not one of The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Mr George Osborne): the greatest weaknesses of the last Government, which I enjoyed what sounded very much to me like a valedictory the former Chancellor avoided mentioning, the fact that speech by the shadow Chancellor, going through all the the number of people in non-taxpaying employment decisions he took and explaining to the House why they rocketed up and the number of those working in productive were all right. Of course, I paid tribute to him in jobs that produce taxes drifted down? Treasury questions for the work he did during that period, which was clearly a very stressful one, but it was Mr Osborne: My hon. Friend is right. There was a pretty extraordinary that he did not once accept that he profound imbalance in the economy. We heard the had made a single mistake during those three years—that shadow Chancellor saying, “What are the Government for all his good manners, he did not once apologise for going to do about the unbalanced economy?” He seems the fact that he has bequeathed to the incoming Government to forget that he has been running the economy for the the worst inheritance that any British Government have last three years. His Government have actually been in faced since the second world war. charge for the last 13 years. If there is an unbalanced economy, the people responsible are sitting on the David Tredinnick (Bosworth) (Con): Will my right Opposition Benches. hon. Friend give way? Several hon. Members rose— Mr Osborne: If my hon. Friend will allow me, I would like to make some progress first. I guess that the shadow Chancellor is entitled not to apologise. Mr Osborne: I want to make progress, as I know that a lot of people want to make their maiden speeches; I I would only say this to the people who are standing was talked out of my maiden speech on the day I for the leadership of the Labour party. As far as I can wanted to give it by overlong Front-Bench speeches. tell from their contest at the moment, they seem to However, I want to give way to the hon. Member for think that they just did not speak enough about immigration Dudley North (Ian Austin), because I want to know and Europe in the campaign. Let me tell him: I have where his Friend the right hon. Member for Kirkcaldy done that campaign and I did not get the medal. Perhaps and Cowdenbeath (Mr Brown) is. the leadership contenders will at some point turn their attention to the very serious economic problems that Ian Austin (Dudley North) (Lab): This morning, we this country faces, and tell us what they would do—what all read the Prime Minister’s comments telling us that they would cut. The amendment that we are being the cuts would affect every family in the land, and that asked to vote for tonight—tabled by Leader of the no one would be exempt from the deep pain that those Opposition and the shadow Chancellor—states that we cuts would cause. Given that we are all in it together, need can the Chancellor tell me which public services he and “a clear plan to bring down the deficit”. his family rely on and which they will miss the most? I agree with that; I would happily vote with the shadow Chancellor if he could perhaps tell me exactly what his Mr Osborne: If that is the quality of the intervention clear plan to bring down the deficit is because, as far as by the Labour party as the country faces a very serious I could tell, he opposed every single decision that we economic challenge, it confirms my view that, at the have taken to try to reduce the deficit. moment, it is not a serious player on the national political stage. Mr Ivan Lewis (Bury South) (Lab): In The Sunday Times, the Prime Minister said that the cuts would be Several hon. Members rose— unprecedented in their severity and would change Britain. In The Observer, the Deputy Prime Minister said that Mr Osborne: I want to make a little progress because the cuts would not at all be as serious as in the 1980s a lot of Members on both sides of the House want to and ’90s, and would be progressive in nature. Can the make their maiden speech. I will give way in a little Chancellor tell us—which is it? while perhaps to Members who stood up. Mr Osborne: It was the shadow Chancellor who Of course, the economic situation is the backdrop to said—and we were reminded of this—that the cuts the Queen’s Speech. Our country is borrowing £156 billion would be deeper than anything that Margaret Thatcher a year. Our national debt has doubled and is set to had undertaken, and that was the proposal from the double again. Those Opposition Members who think Labour party when it was in government. It is unfortunately that this is some abstract problem should pay heed to an economic fact that the budget deficit that this country the warning noises from the European continent. Countries faces is higher than at any point in our peacetime that cannot live within their means face high interest history, and whoever forms the Government of this rates, greater economic shocks and larger debt interest country has to deal with that budget deficit and cannot bills. ignore it. Indeed, there is a rather striking fact about the Let us consider this one fact, raised by my hon. Labour Government’s proposals, which they left in Friend the Member for Suffolk Coastal (Dr Coffey), their Budget book—the shadow Chancellor has a copy which the previous Chancellor refused to publish. The 197 Debate on the Address8 JUNE 2010 Debate on the Address 198

[Mr George Osborne] prosperity and the livelihoods of the people whom the hon. Gentleman represents, and the people represented only reason she can deploy that fact in the Chamber is by everyone else in the House of Commons. that this Government published it. It is that, on the spending plans that we inherited from the previous Several hon. Members rose— Government, British taxpayers are going to pay £70 billion a year in debt interest by the end of this Parliament. Mr Osborne: I will make a little progress, and will That is higher than the education budget, it is higher give way later on in my speech, if Members will allow. than the defence budget, and it is far higher than the Of course, the backdrop is that our economy has policing budget. That figure was kept secret from the become deeply unbalanced. There is deep imbalance British people, but we will publish it because people between different parts of the country: the wealth gap need to know where their money is going. between regions widened over the past 13 years. There is imbalance between different sections of society: the gap Mr Sheerman: A lot of brickbats will be thrown between the rich and the poor widened in our country across the Chamber today. Surely all hon. Members, on over the past 13 years. There is imbalance between both sides of the House, as people who care about the different parts of our economy: the public sector boomed long-term future of our economy, agree that cuts are to take almost half our national income, while the necessary, but is it sensible to cut widely and deeply private sector struggled with the deepest recession that before private investment has recovered? we had seen since the war. This Queen’s Speech, with its landmark reforms of welfare and education, begins the Mr Osborne: At least the hon. Gentleman task of righting those wrongs. Later in this debate, we acknowledges—it is the first time, either in this debate will hear from my right hon. Friend the Secretary of or in Treasury questions, that we have heard this from State for Work and Pensions, who has done more than those on the Opposition Benches—that cuts have to anyone to highlight the trap of low aspiration, poor come. [HON.MEMBERS: “The shadow Chancellor said education and welfare dependency that our fellow citizens that.”] I am sorry, but we have just listened to a speech do not deserve and our country cannot afford anymore. by the shadow Chancellor in which he explained why we should not be trying to accelerate the reduction in our Mr David Winnick (Walsall North) (Lab): However structural deficit, despite the advice of the Governor of dismissive the Chancellor may be, those of us who have the Bank of England, the European Commission, the been here since 1979 and who saw what the last Tory OECD, the G20, virtually every international investor Government did saw only too clearly that the burden of in the UK economy and virtually every business the cuts that were made then fell on those least able to organisation that represents businesses in this economy. bear it, and the rich and prosperous did very well The hon. Gentleman acknowledges at least that there indeed. That is why we are so sensitive about the people have to be cuts. The offer that I make to him—he may whom we represent, and why we are so suspicious of take this up; I am not sure that his colleagues will—is to what the Chancellor is saying, no matter what sort of engage in a proper conversation in the Chamber over qualifications he makes. I am afraid that it is our the next three or four months about the decisions that people—the people who sent us here to sit on the will obviously have an important impact on the way the Labour Benches—who will suffer the worst of the burdens. Government function over many years to come. Mr Osborne: The similarity is this: in 1979, a new Huw Irranca-Davies (Ogmore) (Lab) rose— Conservative Government also had to deal with a terrible economic inheritance from the Labour party. If the Mr Osborne: I will give way on one more occasion hon. Gentleman is so affronted by what Margaret Thatcher and then make some progress. did during her premiership, perhaps he could explain why, every time there is a new Labour Prime Minister, Huw Irranca-Davies: I want to extend to the right virtually the first person they invite round for tea is hon. Gentleman the courtesy of asking the question Margaret Thatcher. that I asked previously, because he did not do me or my constituents the courtesy of answering it. If his judgment Several hon. Members rose— is wrong and the cuts are either too soon or too deep so Mr Osborne: I will make a little progress. that there is not sufficient economic growth to deal with the cuts that will be imposed, will that not mean that my The Queen’s Speech contains five Treasury-sponsored constituents will suffer all the pain of the cuts and have Bills, and I should say something about each of them. none of the gain of the growth? There is the national insurance contributions Bill to stop the jobs tax that Labour would have imposed. Like Mr Osborne: If the hon. Gentleman is not prepared every post-war Labour Government, the previous to trust my judgment, let me read out what the Governor Government left office with unemployment rising, and of the Bank of England has said: their answer was to increase the cost of employing “The most important thing now is for the new government to low-paid people. I have not yet heard from the shadow deal with the challenge of the fiscal deficit. It is the single most Chancellor, or anyone else, whether that is still the pressing problem facing the United Kingdom; it will take a full official Opposition’s policy. Our reforms to national parliament to deal with, and it is very important that measures insurance will not just stop the most damaging part of are taken straight away to demonstrate the seriousness and the the jobs tax but will, by raising employer thresholds, credibility of the commitment to dealing with that deficit.” reduce the cost of employing people on lower incomes. That is the judgment of the Bank of England Governor— The Budget will also contain further measures to stimulate appointed, by the way, by the shadow Chancellor—and private sector employment and to proclaim to the world the judgment that we have taken in order to protect the that Britain is open for business. 199 Debate on the Address8 JUNE 2010 Debate on the Address 200

There is the financial services regulation Bill to fix the With the help of Sir Alan Budd, we have established previous Government’s system of banking regulation. the Office for Budget Responsibility on a non-statutory To respond to the question asked by the shadow Chancellor, basis. Today I am publishing in a written ministerial next week I will set out in more detail the content of statement the terms of reference that I have agreed with that Bill and how we propose to take the matter forward. Sir Alan. With his consent, I can confirm in the House I find it somewhat baffling to be told by him that he is for the first time that the office will produce its independent unsure who is in charge of banking regulation at the assessment of the growth forecast and other forecasts moment. That was the question posed by the Treasury next week, on Monday 14 June. The Budget will be Committee in the last Parliament—a question about presented just over a week later, well within 50 days of the system of regulation that his predecessor as Chancellor, the election, as we promised. the right hon. Member for Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath, Geraint Davies: On the figures, the Chancellor will created in 1997. That system meant that no one was in remember that in February last year the unemployment charge of looking at the growing levels of debt and the rate was 2.5 million. Independent forecasters and economists systemic risks building up in our banking system. were predicting that unemployment would now be between I believe that it is still the Opposition’s policy to 3.5 million and 4 million. Does he accept that we do not oppose our decision to introduce a bank levy; they have those levels of unemployment because of the fiscal claim that they want every country in the world to have stimulus from the previous Government? Furthermore, agreed to such a levy before Britain goes ahead with it. he will know that the cost of an extra 1 million unemployed Our decision is to proceed with it, because the banks is £6 billion, which would wipe out the savings that have should pay some contribution to clearing up the mess just been announced. Will he therefore be extremely that they helped to create. careful not to make cuts that will undermine the economic We are working urgently on a problem that the shadow capacity for growth in future? Chancellor correctly raised, but to which, of course, he found little solution when he was Chancellor: the problem Mr Osborne: Unemployment is rising. We have the of getting credit to small and medium-sized businesses highest youth unemployment in Europe. We have the that still face a credit crunch out there in the country. highest proportion of children growing up in workless households of every country on the European continent— I welcome the shadow Chancellor’s support for the that is not a record of which I would be particularly terrorist asset freezing Bill, which, of course, has bipartisan proud if I were a Labour MP. We are going to introduce support. Then there is the Bill that should have been a comprehensive work programme, and reform welfare introduced by the previous Government years ago—the to create genuine incentives to make work pay. One of Equitable Life payments scheme Bill to help those who the issues that came up time and again in the general lost everything and were given nothing by the Labour election—for me at least, and perhaps for other Members— Government. was the frustration felt by working people on low incomes Chris Bryant (Rhondda) (Lab): I warmly welcome who go out to work every single day and find that their the fact that the Chancellor has introduced that Bill, next-door neighbour has been sitting on out-of-work which is an important piece of legislation, and I hope benefits for years. That is going to be part of the reform that compensation arrives for those who lost an awful that we introduce in our welfare Bill. lot of money. However, may I urge him to learn one I was discussing the Budget, which needs to address thing from the miners compensation scheme, which the immediate debt situation that the country faces. ended up putting an awful lot of money into lawyers’ However, it will also begin the long-term task of moving pockets—unscrupulous lawyers in many cases? Will he an economy based on debt—too much consumer debt, make sure that it is a simple, transparent scheme that too much banking debt, too much Government debt—to does not require us to pour taxpayers’ money into an economy in which we save, invest and export in lawyers’ pockets? future. If anyone needs to be reminded why the immediate Mr Osborne: The hon. Gentleman makes a good debt situation we have inherited is so serious, I suggest point. What happened with the miners compensation that they read the report on the UK produced by one of scheme was a tragedy, and we will certainly seek to learn the world’s three credit-rating agencies today, which the lessons of what went wrong. He is more than warns of welcome to correspond with us—I am going to volunteer “a rise in public debt... faster than any other AAA rated sovereign” if he wants a meeting with one of my colleagues to country, and points to discuss the issue—because we are determined to introduce “the largest cyclically-adjusted budget deficit in Europe”. the legislation and help those people who lost everything. The rating agency says that the previous Government’s We hope that that will command support on both sides plans to reduce the deficit are “distinctly weak” and lack of the House. “credibility”. It says that we are the only European economy Finally, we will introduce a Bill to give the independent set to run a budget deficit above 3% in five years’ time. Office for Budget Responsibility statutory authority That is all at a time when, as it points out, the fiscal and to bring transparency and honesty to our nation’s crisis in Greece and other eurozone countries has caused finances. I cannot work out whether the shadow Chancellor a major shift in investors’ attitude to sovereign risk. now supports that proposal, which he opposed in Mr Andrew Love (Edmonton) (Lab/Co-op): I thank government, but it is a revolutionary step in budget the right hon. Gentleman for giving way. He spoke making, removing forever the historic power that earlier about judgment. Is he not concerned about the Chancellors have had to make the official forecasts. It is outbreak of competitive austerity across Europe? Does based, however, on a very simple idea—perhaps completely he not think that that may well lead to European alien to the thinking of the previous Government—that economies all bumping along the bottom because we in future, we fit the Budget to fit the figures, instead of cannot get international trade up and running again to fixing the figures to fit the Budget. sort out the difficulties of our economy? 201 Debate on the Address8 JUNE 2010 Debate on the Address 202

Mr Osborne: But the reason why European economies, Alongside other measures to support the recovery, particularly those in southern Europe and in the eurozone, the Budget on 22 June will set out the overall mandate are having to take the measures that they are taking is for bringing the deficit under control, against which the that there are concerns about sovereign credit-worthiness. Office for Budget Responsibility will judge the Government’s Of course they must deal with their situation, but, in the fiscal policy in future. It will set the overall envelope for month that I have done the job, I am very aware when I spending, but it will not allocate spending between sit down at ECOFIN or at the G20 that I represent the Departments. That is what the spending review will do country with the largest budget deficit at either of those this autumn. gatherings. That is the situation that we inherited— Today I am placing in the Library of both Houses the [Interruption.] For two years we had to listen to all the document that explains how the review will work. lectures about how the European Union, the G20 and The shadow Chancellor complained that he received the OECD disagreed with what we are saying. Now they the document only as he was coming into the Chamber. agree with what we are saying. The G20 communiqué That was about an hour before I used to receive any signed in South Korea stated: document from him in the debates in this place. “Those countries with serious fiscal challenges need to accelerate Given the scale of the spending reductions required, the pace of consolidation”. the review needs to be quite different from any that this That is the situation bequeathed by the previous country has seen in recent years. For the past 13 years, Government to Britain. spending reviews have not exactly been collegiate affairs— more of a one-way process. The Treasury told Departments Mr Ivan Lewis: I thank the Chancellor for giving way. what they were getting and precisely what they would I have some simple questions. Were we right to save do with the money—no room for innovation, no Northern Rock? Were we right to recapitalise the banks? acknowledgement that some of the best ideas for doing Were we right to go for fiscal stimulus? Can the Chancellor things differently might come from the front line and be frank with the House about the decisions that my not from the centre. The result of this top-down, centre- right hon. Friend the shadow Chancellor made? knows-best approach was falling public sector productivity Mr Osborne: Talk about refighting the last war. We and that large budget deficit—less for more. We cannot spent the entire general election talking about those afford to continue in that direction. decisions. The answer is that the British people agreed As has been said in the Chamber today, we need to with us and not with the shadow Chancellor. look at Canada and its experiences in the 1990s, when it too faced a massive budget deficit. It brought together Several hon. Members rose— the best people from inside and outside government to carry out a fundamental reassessment of the role of the Mr Osborne: Let me make some progress. state. They asked probing questions about every part of It is striking that the Opposition do not have a single Government spending. They engaged the public in the positive idea to propose about how we sort out our choices that had to be made, and they took the whole nation’s economic problems. They are still talking about country with them. That is what we will seek to do. We decisions taken a year previously or in 2008. I am happy are committed to carrying out Britain’s unavoidable to debate them; I debated them on television with the deficit reduction plan in a way that strengthens and shadow Chancellor during the general election; I debated unites the country. them in the House on many occasions, but what I am The spending review will be guided by the principles now interested in is sorting out the country’s economic of freedom, fairness and responsibility. It will deliver on problems and getting Britain working again. the Government’s commitment that health spending will increase in real terms in each year of this Parliament, Several hon. Members rose— and we will honour the promise that we as a British Mr Osborne: I have given way a great deal, and there people made to the developing world on overseas aid. It are Members on both sides of the House who want to will limit as far as possible the impact of reductions in make their maiden speeches. spending on the most vulnerable in society and on those regions heavily dependent on the public sector. It will Let me say this to Labour Members: their response in protect as far as is possible the spending that generates this debate and in Treasury questions is pretty striking. high economic returns so that we build the economy of The credibility of our country is put at risk by their the future while cleaning up the mess of the past. borrowing decisions, and they do nothing. Higher debts threaten higher interest rates, and they do nothing. Mr Nigel Dodds (Belfast North) (DUP): The Chancellor Every single measure that we have taken they oppose. mentions those areas heavily dependent on the public They sign up to every pressure group complaint. They sector and the impact on different regions of the United agree with every trade union protest in order to gobble Kingdom. I welcome that commitment, but in order for up votes in their leadership contest. They now find it to be real, as opposed to simply rhetoric—he talks themselves in the ridiculous position whereby the reductions about the Finance Ministers quadrilateral meetings discussing in spending for this year are applauded by the G20 but the spending review—will there be a robust resolution opposed by the shadow Chancellor who used to attend mechanism, so that not just the Treasury decides what it, and our clear commitment to accelerate the reduction happens with regard to the devolved Administrations, in the deficit is supported by the US Treasury Secretary which, after all, have their own independent administrations, but opposed by the shadow Chief Secretary. Let them budgets and economic settlements? lurch off leftwards into the comfort zone of opposition, while the rest of us work together in the national Mr Osborne: The devolved Administrations have to interest to fix the problems that they left behind. Let me be part of the wider spending review. With the best will explain how we propose to do that. in the world, we cannot let the three devolved 203 Debate on the Address8 JUNE 2010 Debate on the Address 204

Administrations simply determine what they will spend, spending programme will have to answer a series of particularly when most of them do not have significant probing questions. Is the activity essential to meet tax-raising powers, but I give the hon. Gentleman the Government priorities? Do the Government need to commitment that we will engage in an open and frank fund that activity? Does the activity provide substantial way and that we will listen to the concerns from Northern economic value? Can the activity be targeted to those Ireland. I am well aware that one of the big challenges most in need? How can the activity be provided at a in Northern Ireland is how we can stimulate the private lower cost? How can the activity be provided more sector in Ulster, and we want to work with him on that. effectively? Can the activity be provided by a non-state As I am sure he knows, the Secretary of State for provider or by citizens, wholly or in partnership? Can Northern Ireland has some ideas in that area. We will non-state providers be paid to carry out the activity engage not just with the Administration in Northern according to the results that they achieve? And can Ireland but with the Scottish Government and the local bodies as opposed to central Government provide Welsh Assembly and its Administration. For us, this is the activity? The answers to those questions will inform genuinely about trying to bind as many people as possible a fundamental reassessment of the way in which into a collective discussion which I hope other Opposition government works. parties will be part of, even if the main Opposition party does not want to be. Dr John Pugh (Southport) (LD): Where will the Let me explain to the House how the review will Public Accounts Committee and, indeed, other Select work. First, we will build on the in-year savings that we Committees play a part in the process? How will they have already made in order to drive for efficiency and play their part? value for money. We are creating a new efficiency and reform group at the heart of Government, which brings Mr Osborne: The Public Accounts Committee will, I together a variety of bodies that are separate across hope, be very involved in the process, and I want to Departments in order to try to bring to one place involve the expertise not only of its current membership, expertise on renegotiating contracts, maximising collective but of my hon. Friend the Member for Gainsborough buying power and the like. We will ask for administrative (Mr Leigh), who chaired the Committee with such spending in central Whitehall and quangos to be reduced distinction during the previous Parliament. I served on by at least a third. Each Secretary of State will appoint the Public Accounts Committee when I first entered the a Minister with specific responsibilities in their Department House, and it is perhaps our most effective parliamentary over the next three months for driving that value-for-money tool for dealing with some of the big issues of public agenda across their Department, and we will place a expenditure and value for money. One has only to read new obligation on public servants to manage taxpayers’ its reports on, for example, the big Ministry of Defence money more wisely by strengthening the role of the procurement contracts over recent years to realise that departmental finance director. it has identified a very serious problem and, with the National Audit Office, brings a considerable expertise to solving those problems. Mr Tom Watson (West Bromwich East) (Lab): I strongly support the Chancellor in his drive to have Christopher Leslie (Nottingham East) (Lab/Co-op): more transparent budgeting, in particular the obligation Will the right hon. Gentleman give way? on Departments to announce every item of expenditure over £25,000. Will he be legislating to make that a Mr Osborne: I shall give way, but then I must bring statutory obligation? Will he explain the slight incongruity my speech to a close. between the obligation on local government to publish items of expenditure over £500 and civil servants getting Christopher Leslie: In Treasury questions some time away with a little bit more at £25,000? Does he think ago, I was concerned about items of expenditure that that merits him reducing that bar? might have met the tests that the Chancellor has set out in the spending review. On some of those tests, will the Mr Osborne: We chose £25,000 because, quite frankly, Chancellor now go where the Chief Secretary to the the US model suggested that that was an appropriate Treasury could not and say whether he has any plans to sum. I am very willing to consider moving to a lower means-test child benefit? Many people are quite worried level of disclosure in central Government, once we get about that. the system up and running and working, but I did not want to make the sum so small that it stopped the thing Mr Osborne: I welcome the hon. Gentleman back to working in the first place. Local councils have much the House, but I shall not be drawn down the path smaller budgets, of course, relative to central Government, whereby new, eager and young—or no longer so young— and that is why we chose a lower threshold. However, Members jump up with every cherished item of the £25,000 threshold is perhaps just the first step. The Government expenditure and pose such questions. The big IT challenge is to make the system work, but in the hon. Gentleman will have to wait for the spending United States they have done so, and they call it “Googling review and Budget for a discussion of the whole your tax dollars”. Barack Obama, when he was a senator, Government programme, but he should not assume helped to sponsor the Bill that introduced it, and we are anything from that answer. absolutely committed to introducing such a measure The next thing that we will do is bring together, from here in the United Kingdom. within the Government and outside, the best people in Secondly, the spending review will challenge Departments, their fields. We want the best civil servants helping us in local government and others to consider fundamental that collective effort, not defending their Whitehall changes to the way they provide public services. As part Departments. We want the inspirational head teachers, of that process, every part of government and every the chief inspectors in the police service and the nurses 205 Debate on the Address8 JUNE 2010 Debate on the Address 206

[Mr George Osborne] begun to implement the most radical transparency agenda that the country has ever seen. The hon. Member for with new ideas to have their opportunity to put their West Bromwich East (Mr Watson) and I were talking ideas to us. The remit will be to innovate, to challenge earlier about the £25,000 disclosure limit for central entrenched ways of doing things and to identify the best Government expenditure. The previous Chancellor refused ideas from throughout the world; and, in order to my freedom of information request to publish the Treasury’s ensure that the resulting reform programme is achieved, combined online information system, or COINS, database we will establish robust mechanisms to ensure accountability of public spending. But the current Chancellor of the to the public. Exchequer has accepted that request and the raw data Thirdly, the spending review will cover the large, in the COINS database are now available online. cross-cutting areas of Government spending. We will set out our plans to reform the welfare system and Mr Bailey rose— restrain the cost of public sector pay and pensions, and for capital spending we will undertake a fundamental Mr Osborne: I will give way on this point, if the hon. review of spending plans to identify the areas of spending Gentleman likes, but just let me say this. We have that will achieve the greatest economic returns. Opposition published the database as quickly as we have been able Members should know that we have inherited a capital to. By August, we will be able to publish a more user-friendly budget that is set to halve. version of the data; the current version is quite difficult to operate. We need a couple of months to get the Mr Douglas Carswell (Clacton) (Con): My right hon. computer software to enable people to search the database. Friend has been quoted talking about having a star chamber to oversee public spending. For years, have we Mr Bailey: In his list of those who would be consulted not had an elite clique of Treasury officials doing on the budget cuts, the Chancellor omitted to mention precisely that? Somehow, no Executive quite manage to manufacturing industry. Will he undertake to talk to rein in the executive as planned. Why not in addition try representatives of manufacturing industry about his a radical solution and give the newly liberated Select proposals on investment allowances, as portrayed in the Committees powers to curb departmental spending? As run-up to the general election? well as fixing our finances, that might give Parliament some purpose. Mr Osborne: My team and I are in regular discussions with manufacturing industry, representatives of which were vocal supporters of our proposals during the Mr Osborne: I am probably going to regret this, but I general election to avoid the jobs tax. am quite attracted to the idea that my hon. Friend has proposed, not just in the Chamber today but to me Let me conclude by saying that all parts of government privately; I think he has also written about it. The key and society—and all parts of this Parliament, if they thing that he proposes is that Select Committees should want to take the opportunity—will have a chance to be able to recommend reductions, rather than increases, make their voices heard. This is the great national in Government Department budgets. I would certainly challenge of our generation. After years of waste, debt welcome that if we were ever to proceed in that direction. and irresponsibility, we have to get Britain to live within its means. It is time to rethink how the Government I honestly mean it when I say to my hon. Friend that I spend our money. We did not choose the terrible economic am attracted to his idea. I will come back to him and see situation that we inherited; the Labour party chose that whether we can take it forward. Obviously, it would be for us. But we can work to put it right—deal with our the collective decision of the Government, rather than debts, set our country on a brighter economic course mine alone. My hon. Friend is right to say that we are and show that we are all in this together. I commend the trying to get away from it simply being the Treasury that Gracious Speech to the House. conducts the spending review, imposing its decisions on everyone else. Several hon. Members rose— I believe that when Tony Blair was Prime Minister, he and the right hon. Member for Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath Mr Deputy Speaker (Sir Alan Haselhurst): Order. I would simply agree a total. Every Secretary of State must at this point remind the House that Mr Speaker would then receive the number in an envelope, before it has placed a seven-minute limit on Back-Bench speeches, was announced to the press about 20 minutes later. We which operates from now on. Obviously, anyone who are going to have a more collegiate approach and we are can speak within that limit and spare us an extra minute genuinely seeking to engage as many people as possible—the will earn the gratitude of nervous hon. Members who brightest civil servants across all the Government are waiting to make their maiden speeches. Departments and the best people from the devolved Administrations, pressure groups, independent think-tanks 4.54 pm and front-line public services. There will be a Cabinet committee to chair and oversee the process and its Mr David Blunkett (Sheffield, Brightside and membership will be restricted to those Cabinet Ministers Hillsborough) (Lab): I shall endeavour to adhere to with very small budgets of their own. Other Cabinet what you have requested, Mr Deputy Speaker. Ministers will be eligible to be members of the committee I am standing to defend the record of my Government, once they have settled their departmental allocations. not to traduce it. I am proud of those 13 years—proud That will create an incentive structure within the Cabinet. of the new schools, the jobs that did not previously Finally, over the summer we are going to conduct a exist, the environment that has been improved, the wide public engagement exercise so that the whole houses that have been completely refurbished, and the country has a chance to get involved. We have already complete transformation of Sheffield, Brightside and 207 Debate on the Address8 JUNE 2010 Debate on the Address 208

Hillsborough. I say that because I am little worried tax yield and a reduction in outgoings on benefits and about people who are now looking over their shoulder, unemployment to help us to bridge that gap. If we are some of whom are competing for the leadership of my not careful, then Sir Alan Budd, with the difficult job party, and who are in a 1930s denial situation whereby that he has been given in the Office for Budget they have to pretend that they had nothing to do with Responsibility, will predict lower growth to the point the decisions that were taken. I did, and I am proud of where the Chancellor then tells us that because lower the decisions that we made, some of which were about growth is projected, we will need to cut services and investing in communities that had been neglected for investment still further to take account of that. If we do years. that, we reduce the likelihood of growth and of tax When I hear Conservative Members saying, as has yield and redemption without having to cut the essential the Chancellor of the Exchequer in the media and this services of the people we represent. Fourthly, we need afternoon in this House, that we are all in this together, to think imaginatively about how we can combine services it makes me want to be sick, because those Members nationally and locally, so that we do not have to make across the aisle know, and we know, that we are not all draconian cuts. We can genuinely reduce the cost of in this together. It will be the people we on the Labour providing the same services. Benches represent, and some Liberal Democrats represent, Under the current shadow Chief Secretary to the who face the greatest difficulty, because they cannot Treasury, the Cabinet Office produced an excellent buy their way out of deteriorating public services, and document that I recommend to the new Government. they do not have the alternatives that those with resources, That document showed what is being done around the including capital assets, have. world and I wish we had given it greater publicity and That is why the decision to do away with the child made more of it at the time. We can use what is now trust fund is one of the most heinous things in this called the Total Place initiative and engage local people. £6 billion package of cuts. It takes away the future However, we cannot do that if massive draconian decisions assets of young people who would be able to stand on to cut centrally are made and local government and their own feet, and it reduces the propensity to save, local people are blamed for the cuts being made and the which the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions has pain being inflicted. I shall give one example: aggregate extolled over the past fortnight. He is right to do so. In external funding for local government. In the Prime the next breath, however, his Government are cutting at Minister’s Oxfordshire constituency, there is 1.7% of a time when the subsidy from the public purse for tax unrestricted expenditure, but that figure is 18.5% in my relief on individual savings accounts is twice as much as city. We know perfectly well that the cuts will fall on the amount that it would cost to maintain the child those who are least able to bear them, and that is why trust fund, which has a 100% take-up, involving 5 million we should oppose them. children, compared with a 30% take-up for ISAs among the adult population. 5.1 pm In the end, we have to ask ourselves three questions. Lorely Burt (Solihull) (LD): It is a strange feeling to First, who got us into this mess? Was it politicians and be standing here today—not only am I on this side of politics, or was it the international financiers and bankers, the Chamber, but I am speaking on Government proposals and international capital, that created the situation that that incorporate the vast majority of policies that we, the Chancellor of the Exchequer wants to place on the the Liberal Democrat business, innovation and skills shoulders of the outgoing Government? Of course, it team, produced as part of our general election manifesto. was not the Labour Government’s doing but a result of I know that many of those policies were in the Conservative the problems that we have had to deal with over the past manifesto as well, but it would be churlish to quibble three years in terms of saving ourselves from the banks about who thought of them first. and avoiding the collapse of our economy. Both the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats That brings me to my second point. If we should be see themselves as being the party of business, so it is doing more, more quickly—cutting faster and more unsurprising that many of our policies chime together. deeply—is it because we need to mirror what is taking I want to speak briefly about my hopes for the place in the rest of Europe and the world, as the implementation of some of those policies, but first I Chancellor of the Exchequer has enunciated? If that is want to mention two policies that did not make it into true, how is it that all these other countries that we the agreement. Access to capital has been a great problem should be emulating came to be in the mire in the first for business for some time, and with the banks taking a place? I presume that it is the Labour Government in more cautious—ultra-cautious some might say—approach Britain who have brought Spain, Italy, Greece and the to lending, we thought up a couple of creative ideas to Republic of Ireland to their knees. That is why public use equity as opposed to capital as a mechanism to fund sector workers are having their pay cut; that is why the growth. For start-ups, we devised a policy of local Chancellor in Germany is cutting £65 billion; and that enterprise funds, which would be a tax-efficient way for is why, across the world, we are seeing this retrenchment: local companies or individuals to plough capital back it is all down to my right hon. Friend the Member for into their area in return for equity. They could also have Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath (Mr Brown) and my right offered added value by offering advice if appropriate. hon. Friend the shadow Chancellor. Everybody in this In order for established companies to fund growth, country who has a brain knows that that is nonsense. we looked at the idea of having regional stock exchanges, Thirdly, if we are not careful, we will exacerbate an which would be based on the same principles as national existing problem. Of course we know that there are ones, but would be localised and geared up for smaller going to be public expenditure reductions. We do not companies. They could use the regional stock exchanges need to be told that—we had agreed it before the to get cash for equity without the long-winded and general election—but we wanted growth, an increased exacting due diligence that would otherwise preclude 209 Debate on the Address8 JUNE 2010 Debate on the Address 210

[Lorely Burt] I come from the west midlands, which is possibly the UK region that has been hardest hit by the recession. them from entering the big boys’ national stock exchange However, we in the west midlands do something special, league. I hope that the new coalition will still consider and we do it well: we make things. We are very clever at those ideas at some point. making highly technical, high value-added products, There are great things in the agreement that, if properly many of which we export to the world. Although our implemented, will make a huge difference to the ability car industry has suffered badly, not only do we produce of business to do what it wants and needs to do, which two of the most iconic marques in the world—Jaguar is get on with the job. On regulation, I am greatly and Land Rover—but they are thriving, both in the looking forward to seeing a system of one-in one-out, export and home markets. sunset clauses and an enforcement regime that seeks to I shall conclude on this point: for far too long, help business meet regulatory requirements in a speedy financial services—I understand that they are important— and efficient way. I am glad to see that the Government have held the Government in their thrall. If I have will create a star chamber to bring those policies into anything to do with it, that will no longer happen. being. Having been a member of the Select Committee Despite the fact that manufacturing has been allowed to on Regulatory Reform for three years, I know how easy wither, the UK is still the sixth largest manufacturing it is for civil servants to focus on the smaller issues, and country in the world. The time has come to talk for the regulators and the regulated to cosy up in manufacturing up, create a climate in which it can mutual congratulation. The star chamber must work on thrive, allow it access to finance, which is the lifeblood the plank, not the mote, in the regulatory eye. of business, and create a fair regulatory playing field. Other welcome policies are simple but very important Then, we should get off the pitch, and let team Great to those they affect, such as IR35, which has been an Britain compete on the world stage. issue for micro-businesses for a long time. We will not 5.8 pm let business avoid tax, but we will make the system simpler and more straightforward, and take away the Frank Dobson (Holborn and St Pancras) (Lab): At anxiety of someone not knowing whether they are the recent general election, the Tories gleefully asserted covered by the rules or not. We welcome the automatic that under the Labour Government, inequality had rate relief for small businesses, as it will bring relief to increased. That was true, and it was a major embarrassment the very businesses that will benefit most: those least to Labour candidates and supporters, but in fact, the conversant with the system. gap widened despite the Government’s introduction of the national minimum wage and tax credits, and their One coalition Government policy—our plan for local targeting of health, education and pre-school resources enterprise partnerships—has been met with dismay by on the most deprived areas and families. The gap widened the regional development agencies, but RDAs that have not because the Labour Government ignored the plight done a good job can continue to work for enterprise in of the worst-off, but because the best-off kept paying their regions. However, the policy will mean that we will themselves more and more. have a form of organisation that is more accountable to the region that it serves and more flexible to its needs. The Prime Minister has said that his Government’s Obviously, there are cuts in the proposals, but business proposals will change our way of life, but they are very knows what it means to cope with changing, more unlikely to reduce inequality. His Tory-Lib Dem difficult circumstances and has been dealing with those Government are positively drooling at the prospect of since the beginning of the recession. RDAs must now slashing public services, when we all know that the deliver service to business more efficiently than ever living standards of the poorest in society are, as they before. always will be, the most dependent on public funds and public services. Cutting pay and pensions and slashing Mr Love: Is this not simply another fudge by the public services will not narrow the inequality gap, but coalition? The Liberal Democrats wanted to keep RDAs widen it. and the Conservatives wanted to get rid of them, and As we all know, increasing the share of national what we have got is a hotch-potch. wealth going to the worst-off is not of itself sufficient to narrow the inequality gap. We must at the same time Lorely Burt: The hon. Gentleman is entirely mistaken. reduce the share going to the wealthy. The principal In fact, the policies of the two parties were almost target for such a reduction must be the bloated finance identical. They were so similar, I wondered whether sector, which has been taking an ever greater share of someone had been talking to someone else. We are at the nation’s wealth while devoting a great deal of talented one on that. effort on tax avoidance to benefit the people who work Procurement is a big issue affecting the ability of in it. Indeed, in the recent banking crisis, far from being businesses to survive and grow, and it was great to hear a wealth creator, the financial sector proved to be a in the Humble Address the aspiration to contract 25% of wealth destroyer. Its record was deplorable. Today, KPMG Government procurement to small business. That will has given us the benefit of its wisdom on how to take some enforcing, and we must first get the bodies improve efficiency in the public sector. I do not know that spend our taxpayers’ money to take account of the why we give any credence to KPMG, however; after all, size of companies from which they procure. While they it was the auditor of HBOS and Bradford & Bingley are doing that, would it not be great to get them to have and it did not spot that anything was going wrong when a look at whether the people from whom they are those outfits were going bust even though that was its procuring look like the people they supply? Are we primary task. utilising the rich diversity of supply that we could Banks are supposed to act as a conduit between utilise, including businesses owned by women and ethnic savers and borrowers, providing capital for individuals minorities? and firms who want to produce useful goods and services 211 Debate on the Address8 JUNE 2010 Debate on the Address 212 for the rest of us. Over the years, that function has wish to say a little about the work and pensions side of increasingly taken a back seat to speculation that is this debate, but before I do so may I deal with a subject referred to, in deferential terms, as “the market”. These that is somewhat associated with it: the proposal in the markets, both national and international, often have Gracious Speech for a limit on economic migration nothing to do with supply and demand, however. from outside the European Union? I warmly welcome Fluctuations in the price of oil are a good example. In that sensible proposal. Strangely, it was part of the July 2008, the price of Brent crude reached $146 a Opposition amendment to yesterday’s motion, although barrel; by December that year, just five months later, the it was not mentioned in the speech of any Opposition price had fallen to $36 a barrel, almost exactly a quarter Member, including the Front Benchers. One can only of its top price. That was not the product of changes in speculate as to the internal problems in the Opposition supply and demand; it was the product of speculation. on that matter. The price of rice shot up from about $280 a tonne to Although I welcome the proposal, I note that the $1,015 a tonne in April 2008. Apologists for “the market” coalition agreement says that it is to be subject to denied that that was the product of speculation. They consultation on the “mechanism” by which the limit is said it was because the Chinese were eating more rice. If achieved. I urge my hon. colleagues to bear in mind that so, the Chinese must have started eating something else an important consultation has just taken place; call me since then, because the price of rice has halved to $500 a old-fashioned, Mr Deputy Speaker, but I think that tonne today. Such speculation always hurts the worst-off most important consultation takes place when the voter and lines the pockets of the people who are already rich. goes into the voting booth and puts his or her cross on The G20 should be taking concerted action to tackle the ballot paper. Therefore, I respectfully invite my right such speculation, because while it does not do so everybody hon. and hon. Friends to take account of the considerable else in the world will be vulnerable. concern expressed about immigration during the campaign. Of course, the main sources of wealth for the finance It is right to engage in some consultation about industry are the costs it imposes on the rest of us for its implementation and, doubtless, the Government will services—its handling charges and transaction costs, or have a queue of employers come before them. When I what would be referred to in any decent above-board served on the Select Committee on Home Affairs we casino as the “croupier’s rake-off”. All large financial examined this very question. We heard from restaurant transactions involve a host of advisers, consultants, owners, farmers and people involved in the IT industry, lawyers, fund managers and the like, all pocketing a and they seemed to be under the impression that the percentage. Let us consider the recent abortive effort by resident working population of this country was incapable the Prudential to buy part of AIG at an original estimated of working on a farm, in a restaurant or in the IT value of £25 billion. If the scheme had gone through, industry. I suggest to my hon. Friends that when they the transaction costs had been expected to total about hear such submissions from employers they gently point £1 billion, or about 4% of the value. Although the those employers towards the unemployment statistics, proposal has fallen through, it has still cost the Pru particularly those relating to young people in this country. approaching £500 million, including a lot of fees for Those statistics show one of the most baleful inheritances expensive City advice—presumably bad advice. from the previous Government. Given the speeches that The current proposal to sell off the channel tunnel we have heard today, Labour Members seem totally rail link and St Pancras station illustrates how the oblivious of the plight that they have left so many finance industry failed in its self-proclaimed task of young people facing. We have heard a lot about child providing private capital yet is now creaming off some trust funds, but we have not heard so much about the of the value. No City institutions were prepared to lack of opportunities for young people who are about invest in the channel tunnel link, so the taxpayer had to to enter their working lives and find themselves facing step in and take the risk. Now that it is operating the prospect of the dole queue. After 13 years of a successfully however, the private sector is sniffing a Labour Government, almost 1 million young people are profit, and it is to be sold off. Citigroup and UBS are out of work and there is a structural problem of youth involved. They did not design the link, transform St Pancras unemployment. I say that because the level of youth or manage the building project, and they certainly did unemployment was rising long before the recession not take any of the risk, but they are now advising on took hold. All that has occurred under a Government the sale and will pocket substantial fees for that advice. who had promised at their outset to reduce unemployment One can only hope, on behalf of taxpayers whose assets among young people by 250,000. are being sold off, that those two firms will do a better A further 1.5 million older workers are out of work job than they did in the banking crash, when Citigroup and standing behind them, although not of course lost $55 billion and UBS lost $44 billion. We need to recorded in the formal unemployment statistics are the ensure that the drain of finance and of talented graduates many millions of people of working age who languish into the City is stopped, so that the money can be on out-of-work benefits. We cannot expect some of devoted, and those people can devote their lives, to them to work because of the nature of their condition, doing something a lot more useful and promoting British but many of them are capable of work and indeed want industry. That is what we all want to see. to work but under the current system they are not receiving the help that they need, be it medical help, 5.15 pm encouragement or training, to enable them to work. Mr James Clappison (Hertsmere) (Con): This is my In many cases—this is an important part of the first opportunity to make a contribution in this Parliament, problem—such people also lack the incentives to work. and it is a pleasure, as always, to follow the right hon. We talk a lot about providing incentives for better-off Member for Holborn and St Pancras (Frank Dobson), people to work—I am all in favour of that, because I although I will not go down the same route as him. I support enterprise and hard work, seeing it as the way 213 Debate on the Address8 JUNE 2010 Debate on the Address 214

[Mr James Clappison] 5.22 pm Kate Green (Stretford and Urmston) (Lab): I am forward, unlike some Labour Members, whose view is hugely proud to be giving my maiden speech this afternoon to rely on the state for everything. However, we must as the new Member for Stretford and Urmston. I think consider also providing incentives for poorer people on that mine is the first maiden speech today.My constituency benefits to get into and remain in work. All too often, is, of course, very special. I am deeply privileged to the poorer person on out-of-work benefits, who may represent it and I hope to serve my constituents well. not have many skills and may have a patchy previous employment record, can find only low-paid employment. My first act in Parliament must be to pay tribute to Under the current system, a large part of their money—their my predecessors, starting with the right hon. Beverley housing benefit and council tax benefit—is withdrawn Hughes. Hon. Members will be aware of Bev’s tremendous from them the moment they start work. The moment a contribution to public life as a Minister, and I especially poor person who has been on out-of-work benefits gets want to acknowledge her contribution as children’s into work they, in effect, face a marginal tax rate of Minister and her achievement in bringing forward the 80 or 90%. They then find that out of the meagre implementation of the Sure Start programme. Bev was proceeds left for them they have to pay the normal costs immensely respected locally as a first-rate constituency involved in getting to work, being prepared for work, MP, and I think that mattered more to her than anything dressing for work and so on. In addition, they have the she achieved as a Minister, despite her many successes fear of not being able to rely on the benefits system in in that role. I am delighted, as I know all hon. Members the future for housing and all their other needs. will be, that she is to remain in Parliament as a Member of the House of Lords. Mrs Anne McGuire (Stirling) (Lab): Will the hon. I should also pay tribute to my hon. Friend the Gentleman recognise that the previous Government Member for Manchester Central (Tony Lloyd). He first implemented a proposal that meant that people could entered the House as the Member for Stretford in 1983, move into work from receiving benefits and still retain and he retains the great respect and affection of my for two years their right to move back to receiving constituents to this day. benefits? He is misrepresenting the current situation. My constituency is special for many reasons. It typifies what is best about our country, such as hard-working, neighbourly people who are determined to do their best Mr Clappison: I am not misrepresenting it in any way. for their families and their community—people who are Labour Members were prepared to have a system in down-to-earth but who have ambitions, hopes and dreams. which 80 or 90% of income was withdrawn from people Old Trafford is world-famous well beyond the constituency who went into work, through the withdrawal of council boundary as home to both Lancashire county cricket tax and housing benefit, and not very much has been club and Manchester United football club, whose stadium done about that. I recognise that some Labour Members will be known to many hon. Members as the aptly were aware of the problem, including the right hon. named “theatre of dreams”. To us locally, Old Trafford Member for Birkenhead (Mr Field) and some who have is just as exceptional for its success as a vibrant, friendly, now left the House such as James Purnell and John welcoming and supportive multicultural community. I Hutton. They were aware of the problem, but I suspect believe that it is a real showcase for the strengths that we that they were blocked when they wanted to do something gain from different cultures and communities living, about it. The result is that 2 million people now say that working and enjoying life together, celebrating their they want to work but are on out-of-work benefits and distinct identities, values and cultures but in doing so are not included in the formal unemployment statistics, creating an exciting, caring and diverse neighbourhood which amount to 2.5 million. where people live in harmony and peace. Labour Members have presided over a welfare system The local neighbourhoods of Flixton, Urmston, that is incredibly effective at trapping people on benefits Stretford, Partington, Ashton on Mersey and Carrington once they get on to them, and it is a challenge for my are also well settled, stable and tight-knit. They too hon. and right hon. Friends to devise a better system foster dreams and aspirations and share pride in local that will get people off welfare and into work. They are success. Just the other day, Urmston resident Danielle having to undertake radical action on this front at a Hope was chosen as the BBC’s new Dorothy, to the very unpropitious time, when we are facing, as we all delight of local people who had cheered her on. know, the appalling deficit that has been inherited. I The constituency has a proud tradition of public urge them to turn their hands to this task, because it is service. It was to what is now Trafford general hospital too important to fail or to put in the drawer marked in Daveyhulme in the heart of the constituency that “too difficult to undertake”. It has to be undertaken, Nye Bevan came in 1948 to announce the birth of the particularly for the sake of the younger people who are NHS. That bold and unapologetic commitment to our languishing on out-of-work benefits and are formally public services remains important in the constituency to recorded as unemployed. This is a challenge for the this day. future for my right hon. and hon. Friends; it is a challenge that has been neglected by the Labour party We are pleased too that the Imperial War museum and so left for us to take up. It will contribute to solving has its northern base in the constituency—a reminder, the problem of the deficit, but we have to take the bold as our troops show great courage today in seeking to action that has not been taken for far too long—for bring peace in some of the most troubled parts of the 13 years of wasted opportunities, which have led to world—of the proud tradition of military service. wasted lives and people who have been left, after a Importantly too, the constituency has a proud working Labour Government, languishing on unemployment tradition as the home of Trafford Park, once the largest and out-of-work benefits. industrial estate in Europe and still home to many local 215 Debate on the Address8 JUNE 2010 Debate on the Address 216 and global businesses, and the Trafford Centre, with its Over the centuries, we have had many heroes from many retail jobs. My constituents are proud of the Bromsgrove. I should like to pay tribute on this occasion contribution that we make to the UK and the regional to two of the most recent—both teenagers, both soldiers economy, and they know the value and the dignity of in the 2nd Battalion, the Mercian Regiment. The first, work. Private Robert Laws, was aged 18 when he lost his life In the thousands of conversations that I have had fighting for our country in Helmand province last year. with local people, they have repeated the importance of He had passed his training only six months previously. young people gaining the skills that they need, and The second, Private Alex Kennedy, also aged 18, earlier getting into good jobs, as they start out in life. I was this year became the youngest soldier since the second proud to be able to answer that, thanks to Labour’s world war to receive the military cross. He fought hard investment in employment and skills, unemployment in to save the life of his commanding officer during a this recession has up to now been lower than in the past fierce battle with the Taliban. We must never forget the two recessions, and that our future jobs fund would sacrifices that our soldiers—those who have served and guarantee every young person training for a job. those who are currently serving for us—make on our Some hon. Members are perhaps a little younger behalf. than I am, and they may not have experienced growing A notable person from Bromsgrove is A. E. Housman, up with the fear that there would be no work. My whose stirring prose reflected the rural beauty of the grandfathers knew that fear. My generation began our heart of England. In Bromsgrove we have a wonderful adult lives at the beginning of the 1980s facing the same heritage in the English countryside, and that is why I fear. I am deeply concerned to prevent young people want to make sure that it is the people who are most from facing the same fear today. A robust economy, a affected by planning decisions who make those decisions. thriving business sector and an enabling welfare state That is why I welcome the recent announcements of my are certainly part of the answer, but if work is to be a right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Communities secure route out of poverty, we must both protect jobs and Local Government on that issue. They have been and pay attention to dismantling the barriers that prevent most welcomed by my constituents. people from taking up paid work. Perhaps at this point I should say something about My challenge to the Government, as they take forward my own background, as hon. Members may be able to their welfare reforms, is that they must guarantee that tell from my appearance and my name that I can hardly there will be adequate support. If they want to ensure be of traditional Worcestershire stock. My parents were that work pays, my challenge is that they must lead the both born in British India. Although my father was just way in the public sector, where a quarter of low-paid six years old in 1947, he remembers full well the tragedy workers are employed, by adopting the living wage. that occurred upon the partition of India—12 million I ask the Government now to invest in the future. people were displaced and almost a million lost their Good jobs, investment in our young people, a sustainable lives. If we need an example of how political failure can recovery and fairness in the economy are what my lead to great human tragedy, surely that is one of the constituents want. I am determined that I will always most heart-wrenching, and an example of how politics speak out for them, and I hope that they will hold me to can really make a difference. That is what I say to that. people who ask me why I gave up a lucrative career in finance to enter this House. 5.28 pm To the dismay of the right hon. Member for Holborn Sajid Javid (Bromsgrove) (Con): Thank you, Mr Deputy and St Pancras (Frank Dobson), I have to tell him that Speaker, for giving me this opportunity to make my for 19 years I have been an investment banker. In my maiden speech. I speak with a particular sense of humility case, this is one brain that was sucked up by the City after so many hon. Members have given such admirable and has now come to serve the people in this Parliament. maiden speeches, including that just made by the hon. I worked in London, Singapore and New York. I readily Member for Stretford and Urmston (Kate Green). admit that being seen as an investment banker was not I have some worthy predecessors. My immediate the most useful thing on the campaign trail, but it predecessor was Miss Julie Kirkbride. She was first helped prepare me for a profession not well liked by the elected in 1997, and she was a fine constituency MP. I general public. Let us hope that all of us, on both sides will never forget the spontaneous tributes that people of the House, can work together over the coming years paid to her, when I knocked on their doors during the to help restore the nation’s respect for our great Parliament. campaign, for all the work that she had done on their In view of my background in finance, I am particularly behalf. I should also like to express my gratitude to her pleased to give my maiden speech during this debate on two most recent predecessors, Mr Roy Thomason and economic affairs. There are many global economic Sir Hal Miller, who both helped me in my campaign uncertainties at the moment, and they have potentially with great advice. grave consequences for our economy. First, the euro is Bromsgrove is a beautiful, traditional beacon of middle only just beginning to have problems. It was always a England. I know that many hon. Members have described political contrivance that had virtually nothing to do their constituencies as beautiful, but Bromsgrove truly with economics. Secondly, the world’s largest emerging has breathtaking countryside. It is an old market town market economies, which have buttressed global demand which was originally a bit of an industrial hub for the since the onset of the credit crisis, are about to go west midlands industrial complex. It still has a very through a period of monetary tightening, and we can active, traditional court-leet, with lovely traditions. no longer rely on them for global growth. In the east of the constituency we have many beautiful Thirdly, industrialised nations, including our own, picture-postcard villages, including the glamorously named that have issued vast amounts of sovereign debt over suburb of Hollywood. the past three years in particular can no longer go on 217 Debate on the Address8 JUNE 2010 Debate on the Address 218

[Sajid Javid] Little Bit of Tom Jones” won best picture at the BAFTA Cymru awards. I recommend it. This July, we will that way. We have to make sure that when we look at celebrate this creative contribution when the Welsh these issues, we never forget the traditional disciplines National Eisteddfod comes to Ebbw Vale. that have stood Britain in good stead—sound public Over the past 13 years the Labour Government did finances, low and simple taxation, and light and flexible an excellent job rebuilding the local economy and regulation. It is when we forget these disciplines that we infrastructure in Blaenau Gwent. Transport links have put our future prosperity at risk. been improved, with the new train line from Cardiff to Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker, for giving me this Ebbw Vale. The foundations of a new, splendid valleys opportunity, and thank you to the people of Bromsgrove learning campus are in hand, and our brand new hospital, for allowing me to serve them in this Chamber. named after Nye Bevan, is about to open. But no one coming to the constituency can ignore 5.35 pm our industrial legacy. There is still much, much to do. Nick Smith (Blaenau Gwent) (Lab): Thank you, Too many of my constituents are unemployed. In Blaenau Mr Deputy Speaker, for letting me speak in the House Gwent, unemployment stands at 11.8%. In Witney, the for the first time. I would like to say well done to the Prime Minister’s constituency, it is 1.9%. Also, life is too previous speakers, my hon. Friend the Member for short for many. Average male life expectancy in the Stretford and Urmston (Kate Green) and the hon. constituency is just 75.3 years. In Witney, men live Member for Bromsgrove (Sajid Javid). Both made excellent nearly five years longer—an average of 79.4 years. In contributions. the Queen’s Speech there were fine words about fairness Today I want to talk about three things: some of my and reducing health inequalities. My constituents will predecessors from Blaenau Gwent, my constituency in be measuring the new Government closely on these south Wales; what a visionary place it is; and why the policies. constituency needs a fair deal from the Government, to Unfortunately, I believe this Government have got off provide the economic growth that our people deserve. to a very bad start. The cuts announced for the future It is often said that we stand on the shoulders of jobs fund and child trust funds are not welcome. I giants. If you are the MP for Blaenau Gwent, that is deplore the cuts that slash the numbers of young people definitely the case. It was one of my predecessors, Nye able to go to university. As I know from personal Bevan, the former Labour MP for Ebbw Vale, who set experience, one of the best routes out of poverty is a up our national health service. Michael Foot also good education. represented the constituency. Just before he died, I told I am a former director of policy for the Royal College Michael that I would do my very best to win the of Speech & Language Therapists and campaigns manager constituency back for Labour at the general election. I for the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty am proud to have fulfilled that promise. I will do my to Children. I will use my campaigning skills to stand best to continue the Welsh Labour tradition of Nye and up for families whose children suffer from communications Michael, to serve in my own way with communities for disability. Our Speaker and the shadow Secretary of whom they did so much. I also pay tribute to my State for Education, my right hon. Friend the Member immediate predecessor in this place, Dai Davies. Mr Davies for Morley and Outwood (Ed Balls), showed great is a strong trade unionist and a long-standing advocate leadership on that topic in the previous Parliament. I for modern, high-quality apprenticeships. would like to help take forward that important work. I am honoured to be the MP for a wonderful valleys constituency such as Blaenau Gwent. We are Welsh In his maiden speech in 1929, Nye Bevan warned of radicals who put our values into action. I was born in “collusion between the Tories and the Liberals”.—[Official Report, Cardiff, and my family are long-standing valleys people 16 July 1929; Vol. 230, c. 338.] who worked in coal and steel. Tredegar, the valleys town Nothing changes, does it? He called for Labour to have where I grew up and went to school, is the cradle of the its eyes on the needs of people. Our needs are for more national health service. The Tredegar Medical Aid Society jobs, and a reduction in poverty and health inequalities. was Nye’s model for the health service. In 1948 he said: There are huge issues of inequality in my constituency. “All I am doing is extending to the entire population of Britain The chronic diseases of the legacy industries of coal the benefits we had in Tredegar for a generation or more.” and steel must still be overcome; heart disease and lung His politics were based on the vision of local men and cancer in particular must be reduced. Public health women—a combination of radical debate and a should be at the centre of our investment and policy determination to run things themselves, and provide changes. Unpopular though it may be with some, I better services for local people. support the campaign for minimum pricing for units of Blaenau Gwent also played a vital role in the development alcohol. Although health is now an issue for the Welsh of British democracy. It was from the villages and Assembly, as a local MP I will concentrate on that. towns of north Gwent that the Chartists marched on Employment must be another priority. The confidence Newport in 1831. and aspirations of young people must be supported. Blaenau Gwent is a proud constituency. While not The new learning campus in our valleys must be delivered, rich in money terms, we have a very rich environment so that good, well paid employment is their future. We and culture. Our choirs and town bands have won are a constituency that helped build this country. The national awards down the years; in a few weeks, the railways and factories were made with our steel, and acclaimed blues festival takes place in beautiful Abertillery fired with our coal. Now though, we must invest in park; and now, in the digital age, film making has taken tomorrow’s jobs. Alongside manufacturing, we should off too. Indeed, a recently produced local film called “A nurture green jobs as well as jobs based in science and 219 Debate on the Address8 JUNE 2010 Debate on the Address 220 the digital economy. We must get over the country’s We have a sizeable ethnic community, and it has been massive digital divide. We must have fast internet access my pleasure, in my six years as a candidate in the in Blaenau Gwent. constituency, to meet and learn more about them, and To boost the economy of Blaenau Gwent, our generation to visit the Shree Ram Krishna centre, the gurdwara, must build on the vision of my predecessors, learn from the Geeta Bhawan and our two mosques. the socialist history of Blaenau Gwent and invest in At one time, Loughborough was renowned for its industrial, education and transport infrastructure to textiles and hosiery manufacturing. Now, we are known boost our economic regeneration. I will pour my energy for pharmaceuticals, research and engineering, and for into that work. I will do it with a smile on my face, as manufacturing bells—Taylor’s is one of the last remaining working well with people usually gets the results needed. bell foundries in the country. The bells have been exported I will pursue our jobs, health and anti-poverty agendas worldwide, and even hang in St Paul’s cathedral here in with tenacity, too. My constituents deserve nothing less. London. I thank the House for listening to me today. I want to touch on the importance of supporting the manufacturing sector, as other Members have done. Much has already been said—and, I am sure, will 5.42 pm continue to be said—about spending cuts and tax rises, Nicky Morgan (Loughborough) (Con): Thank you, but more needs to be said about supporting private Mr Deputy Speaker, for allowing me to make my maiden sector businesses, which are the backbone of our economy. speech during this debate, which is addressing a critical We rely on our private sector businesses to provide part of the new Government’s future programme. I employment, to train apprentices, to give people skills congratulate the previous speakers, particularly those and, of course, to supply exports. who have made their maiden speech and set the bar very In March in Loughborough, just before the election high for the rest of us. campaign started, we received the devastating news that It is an honour to speak as the first female Member AstraZeneca is to close its Charnwood site, with the of Parliament for the Loughborough constituency. I loss of at least 1,200 jobs locally. I hope that I will have pay tribute to my two immediate predecessors. One, my the opportunity in future debates to raise a number of right hon. Friend the Member for Charnwood (Mr Dorrell), issues relating to the closure. I am proud to be part of is still a Member of the House. Unsurprisingly, I have the taskforce, of which my predecessor Andy Reed was been researching previous maiden speeches and it would a vital part, that is working to fill the site and plug the appear that he made his maiden speech during the gap. I hope that we will end up not with a black hole in Budget debate following the 1979 election. Little did he the middle of Charnwood, but with a site that new think that one of his successors, 31 years later, would be businesses and many other industries can use, so that we speaking as the Conservatives were preparing another can still have a full manufacturing sector in the town. emergency Budget after a change of Government. We need to support strong manufacturing businesses, My immediate predecessor, Andy Reed, worked tirelessly particularly with regard to research and development. for his constituents following his election in 1997. He Although manufacturing accounts for only about 20% of was respected as a man of principle and resigned as a our economy, it accounts for about 75% of research and Parliamentary Private Secretary over the Iraq war. He development in this country. The services sector is was a committed Christian and—I hope that he will not important, but manufacturers take on apprentices and mind my saying this—a well known sports fanatic. give people new skills in a way that the services sector Several Members on the Government Benches have does not necessarily do so. We need both. I am delighted already asked me whether I am going to take his place to see that, in the coalition agreement, the Government on the parliamentary rugby team. For the record, the mentioned the need for a more balanced economy; in answer is no. I hope that I will be able to serve the fact, that was mentioned earlier today, too. people in the Loughborough constituency as well as he With a background as a solicitor advising companies did. large and small on raising finance both in the City of Loughborough is a wonderful mix. It sits, as my two London and outside, I hope that I will be able to use my immediate predecessors said in their maiden speeches, time in the House to ensure that we have a truly business- between Nottingham, Derby and Leicester, and that friendly environment in Britain. That would be good for has clearly not changed. Loughborough is a town of my constituents, for Loughborough, for the east midlands, about 50,000 people but it expands by 12,000 or so for Leicestershire and for the country. I hope that we during term times thanks to our world-famous university, can replace the jobs that have been lost, and can ensure which is back on the map, as the football to be used at a burgeoning manufacturing sector by the time that this the forthcoming World cup was designed there. Government leave office. Just across the M1 is the town of Shepshed, which, as I have discovered since the beginning of my candidacy 5.47 pm six years ago, feels ignored by every tier of government. Mr Michael Meacher (Oldham West and Royton) I hope that I will be able to put that right during my (Lab): We have heard some wonderful speeches; there time as its Member of Parliament. have been four very good maiden speeches today from Finally, a number of smaller villages make up the my hon. Friends the Members for Stretford and Urmston constituency, including Hathern, Sileby, Quorn, Barrow (Kate Green), and for Blaenau Gwent (Nick Smith), upon Soar, Mountsorrel Castle, and some picturesque and from the hon. Members for Bromsgrove (Sajid Wolds villages. The fact that I have villages in my Javid), and for Loughborough (Nicky Morgan). I constituency raises interesting rural issues that I hope congratulate them, and I am sure that we were all to be able to take further forward in the House. impressed by the rich quality, the powerful confidence, 221 Debate on the Address8 JUNE 2010 Debate on the Address 222

[Mr Michael Meacher] be met by a mix of taxes on the banks and on the hyper-rich—a group that accounts for less than 1% of and the wit and humour of all their contributions. I am the population, and whose wealth has risen staggeringly sure that we will hear a great deal more from all of over the past decade. While the average real incomes of them. the rest of the population in this country have remained More than once in his speech, the Chancellor threw flat over the past half decade, the wealth of the super- down a challenge on how the deficit issue should be rich—and I am talking about just 1,000 multi-millionaires, handled, and in seven short minutes I want to try to who are listed in The Sunday Times rich list, issued only take up that challenge. The Prime Minister, in a speech a few weeks ago—has almost quadrupled since 1997. In yesterday, said that the whole way of life of Britain’s money terms, which is what matters, their wealth has entire population would be drastically disrupted by the apparently grown by an eye-watering £337 billion. In most severe spending cuts for a generation, but the the last year alone, when the rest of the country has had Government have also made it clear that they want to to pull in its belt pretty tightly, their wealth grew by a have a debate on how the matter should be handled. I cool £77 billion—a 30% increase in a single year. welcome that, because I do not believe that the issue of Against that background, the banks, many of which spending cuts—or the alternatives—has yet been are turning in record profits, and, above all, those rich systematically explored. elite, to whom the director general of the CBI referred Nobody doubts that a budget deficit of £156 billion as an alien class apart, because of their excessive executive is far too high, and of course it has to be reduced, but pay, should certainly be expected to make a contribution that still leaves open three fundamental questions: the proportionate to their increase in resources in the nation’s timing, who should pay and, most importantly, the time of need, particularly as many of them were directly mechanisms for reducing the deficit. On timing, as has involved in causing the crash in the first place. The been repeatedly said, and as was said again today, Chancellor no less is on record as saying at a recent making drastic cuts this year, when the economic recovery party conference: is so extremely fragile, is surely taking far too great a “We are all in this together.” risk of precipitating a second collapse—a double-dip If that is true, and the rich are not a race apart, exempt recession. Nothing that the Chancellor said today gives from the privations of the rest of the population, I me much confidence that that will be avoided. That was certainly think that they can contribute at least £7 billion exactly the experience of Japan in the 1990s, and of the a year over the next four years—a minuscule fraction of US in the 1930s. We should learn from historical experience, their recent increase in wealth. not repeat it. I welcome this debate, but there are alternatives, As for the question of who should pay, it is monstrous which the Government need to take seriously. The for any Government to shift the burden of the financial question that I want to ask is: are the Government crash away from the perpetrators—the banks—on to its seriously listening? victims: public services and public sector jobs, perhaps 100,000, or even, as the papers have said, 300,000. It is outrageous that the banks whose greed and recklessness 5.54 pm caused the crash—I do not think that anyone doubts Andrew Bingham (High Peak) (Con): Thank you, that—should be let off virtually scot-free. They are not Mr Deputy Speaker, for allowing me the opportunity to subject to a levy to pay back all the bail-out moneys, deliver my maiden speech in the House. May I compliment nor have they been made to restore bank lending to preceding speakers from across the country who have small businesses and homeowners to pre-2007 levels, given their own maiden speeches today? The right hon. which was the ostensible reason for the bail-outs in the Member for Oldham West and Royton (Mr Meacher) first place. did not make his maiden speech, but I compliment him The really big question is why so much emphasis has on a speech he made in the House some time ago on been put exclusively on public spending cuts, when post offices, and on speaking against the then Government. there are alternative ways of cutting the deficit, which I begin my speech by acknowledging and paying would be much fairer, as well as economically more tribute to my predecessor, Tom Levitt, who was MP for productive. Those alternative mechanisms are economic High Peak for 13 years from 1997. In my seven years as growth and taxation. The Government’s latest growth a candidate in High Peak, he always treated me with the forecast for the next year is a modest 2%, although it is courtesy befitting a Member of the House. A steadfastly expected to rise slightly in future. However, even Sir Alan loyal Member of Parliament, and an assiduous attender Budd, the new head of the Office for Budget Responsibility, of debates, he took the decision late last year not to has said that he expects growth in the next year to be at stand for re-election—an action to which he referred in least 2%. On that basis, as Britain’s gross domestic his maiden speech 13 years ago as “the chicken run”. product is about £1.5 trillion, a minimum 2 per cent. I am especially proud to represent High Peak, not growth over the next four years would increase the just for its beauty and its many attractions, but as country’s income by about £120 billion. If, as usual, someone born and bred in the area. As we move towards Government tax revenues take 40 per cent. of that, the the summer recess, I would like to recommend High Government will have available an extra £50 billion over Peak to fellow Members as a wonderful place to take that period, without any cuts or increases in taxation. their summer holidays. It is a large constituency covering If the goal now, as for the previous Government, is to over 200 square miles and containing some of the most halve the deficit within four years, that means that there beautiful countryside in Britain. I have listened to many is still a gap of about £28 billion. I believe that this maiden speeches over the past few days: everyone proclaims debate, which the Government want to encourage, should that the represent the most beautiful seat in Britain, but focus far more closely on how that remaining gap could they are all welcome to challenge for second place. 223 Debate on the Address8 JUNE 2010 Debate on the Address 224

In Buxton, we have numerous architectural delights, As we move into the stormy waters ahead caused by including the crescent, the Devonshire dome and the the deficit left by the Labour party, I commend to the renowned Buxton opera house, which is a fabulous House the actions of the local High Peak borough example of a Matcham theatre—one of the finest in the council which, when it entered a strategic alliance with country—and the venue for the Buxton festival, which the neighbouring Staffordshire Moorlands district council, is an opera and literary festival to rival anything has driven out over £1 million of saving, yet managed to Glyndebourne has to offer and one graced only last maintain and improve front-line services for its residents. year by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister. Buxton The strategic alliance continues to make strides forward is also the home of the world famous water, which is oft under the leadership of Councillor Tony Ashton, together seen being consumed at major sporting events across with his team of Conservative councillors and supported the world, and more recently by President Obama. If he by the excellent and determined staff of that council. continues to consume Buxton water and benefit from This small borough council has shown the way to us all. all its life-giving properties, he may well live up to his The savings are there to be made, and we should heed election slogan, “Yes we can.” its example. In the north of High Peak, the town of Glossop has a As the coalition embarks on this Parliament and as I different character from Buxton, but it is its equal in embark on my first but I hope not last term as the every way. With its industrial architecture, it shows a Member for High Peak, we are aware of the tough times different face of High Peak, and one that tourists all too ahead, but I am and always will remain aware of the easily miss. The neighbouring village of Tintwistle gave problems facing my constituents. In Glossop and Tintwistle, us Vivienne Westwood. It has distinct problems with the Tintwistle bypass is an issue that has meandered on traffic—something to which I shall return before I for many years. It was promised by my predecessor conclude. Glossop has the proud distinction of being 13 years ago but has still to be built. It is a difficult issue. the smallest town to have a team in the highest level of There are difficult environmental consequences to be English football. At the time, Glossop North End—last considered but something needs to be done to alleviate year’s Wembley finalists in the FA vase championship—was the traffic problems suffocating Glossop. Tintwistle shudders owned by Mr Samuel Hill-Wood, a former member of and resounds to the thundering of wagons as they cross the House and predecessor of mine, who eventually left the Pennines. I know that money is tight and will be for the town to concentrate his efforts at Arsenal, where his some time, but if money becomes available a workable family still retain a considerable interest. solution may be achieved. Both Buxton and Glossop have health service issues. I would add at this stage, for those Members who are In Glossop, where the Tameside and Glossop primary fans of “The League of Gentlemen”, that that television care trust prevails, my residents are reliant on Tameside programme is filmed in Hadfield in my constituency, so hospital, the subject of much debate locally. In Buxton therefore I assume I am by default the member of and the remainder of the constituency, Derbyshire County Parliament for Royston Vasey. The Hope valley covers a PCT is responsible for provision. I will meet the PCT to large area, arguably the most beautiful area of all, discuss provision for hospitals in Buxton and care outside against very strong competition, all of it contained in the hospital in the central area. the Peak District national park, which is the oldest national park in the country, and reputedly the second I shall deal quickly with another issue—pensions. I most visited in the world after mount Fuji. have made many efforts over several years to help the members of the Turner and Newall pension scheme and The caves of Castleton, which are the source of Blue I will continue to make those efforts, as it is still in John stone—unique to those caves and mined since assessment for the Pension Protection Fund. I have met Roman times—and the southern end of the Pennine the PPF and will meet the independent trustee and I way in Edale are particular delights. It is an area in hope to get the best result for my residents. which the farming community plays a crucial part in In summary, the High Peak is a beautiful place to making High Peak what it is. They have suffered much live, and I hope that I can make the residents of the in recent years, and they are a group whom I hope to High Peak as proud of me as their MP as I am of them stand up for in the House. I could go through High and the constituency. Peak village by village, as they all have their own attractions, but the tradition is to be brief—I am conscious of that, 6.1 pm and there are lots of other nervous people trembling in the wings—so I will just mention that my home village Jim Shannon (Strangford) (DUP): Thank you, of Chapel-en-le-Frith is the birthplace of Ferodo brake Mr. Speaker, for calling me to make my maiden speech. linings, and that New Mills is the home of Swizzels I thank the hon. Members for their speeches beforehand— Matlow, which makes the famous loveheart sweets. the hon. Member for High Peak (Andrew Bingham). Containing messages such as “Want you”, “Need you”, We look forward to visiting High Peak as a holiday and “Be mine”, they are very much the flavour of the destination. If we go to all the places that hon. Members new coalition. have spoken about in the House, we will not have to go abroad this year to get the sun. I thank the right hon. It would not be right to mention High Peak without Member for Oldham West and Royton (Mr Meacher) reference to its famous limestone, which is quarried in for his comments on the social politics. There are many great quantities in the south of the constituency, providing bread and butter issues there to interest us. I thank the jobs and economic benefit for the whole community. hon. Member for Loughborough (Nicky Morgan). We Indeed, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State have something in common. I am a Leicester City for Work and Pensions remarked on the vastness of football supporter and have been for umpteen years. I the quarries on his visit to the constituency several do not know whether that is a good or a bad thing, but years ago. it shows how loyal I am anyway. 225 Debate on the Address8 JUNE 2010 Debate on the Address 226

[Jim Shannon] through it. This is a loss not only to the people of my constituency, but to the people of the United Kingdom. One of the things that I wished to speak about in the I am in the business of changing that impression. Chamber was my Ulster Scots. I did get permission to If Strangford was marketed to its full potential it do this, so I hope hon. Members will bear with me. could deliver significant benefit to local and visitor Thaur is monies a guid thang at A cud sae aboot tha alike. For the cyclist, the walker and the nature lover, fowk o mi Baille-Wick bot yince an firmaist A coont it a there is abundant bird and wildlife along the coast and muckle oaner tae spake oot oan thair ahauf in tha Hoose lough shores. Short-break visitors can shop, be pampered O Commons. Tha Strengfird fowk ir tha satt o tha grun, and enjoy our excellent restaurants and entertainment. an in thenkin thaim fer thair support A wud promis Strangford is the perfect base for those who wish to thaim at A’ll wrocht an dae fer thaim aa at A caun. explore towns, the countryside, the coast or all of them For those who did not understand me, and there may together. be some here who did not, I will translate that for them. One sector which clearly demonstrates this is country There are many good things that I could say about the sports. The game fair at Ballywalter attracts a record people of my constituency, and first of all is that it is a number of people, and this is an area in which Strangford great honour to speak on their behalf in the House of has the potential to excel. For example, five American Commons. The Strangford people are the salt of the shooters came to the constituency on a five-day trip to earth and in thanking them for their support, I also Northern Ireland. They spent some £50,000 in the local assure them that I shall work and do for them the best I economy—high value tourism. I understand that country can. sports in Northern Ireland employs some 3,000 people. A hard-working MP is nothing new to the people of Again, there is opportunity. When I was elected, the Strangford. My predecessor, Iris Robinson, was known people of my constituency were glad to have me in the for years as a conscientious worker. John Taylor was the House of Commons to work for them. It is also rumoured MP for many years before that, and I had my first that the pheasants and the ducks of Strangford were meeting with him and his wife Mary in the House of looking forward to at least two free days a week when I Commons some 20-odd years ago. Before that we had would not be about. That is probably good news as well. Jim Kilfedder, who represented the area of Strangford Northern Ireland’s private sector is under-developed within North Down. We have been blessed over the but at its core is the manufacturing sector. It contributes years to have a number of good MPs. I can remember around 25% of the gross value added to the Northern placing my X for the first time ever next to Jim Kilfedder’s Ireland economy. Therefore, the Government’s recent name many years ago. commitments to bolster regional economies and Those former MPs all had one thing in common—a manufacturing are of deep interest. However, the lack love for Strangford and its people. I represent a new of detail is concerning, especially in comparison with constituency of Strangford as the boundaries have changed. their clearer plans to cut public expenditure. I want to Whether it be from Portaferry to Carrowdoor, from put my concern about that on record. Comber to Crossgar, Ballynahinch to Ballywalter, The urban and rural mix of my constituency also Newtonards to Grey Abbey, I would urge any of those means that the farming and agri-food sectors are a key in the Chamber to see the unparalleled beauties of my component, possibly more so than in other parts of the constituency and I defy them not to fall in love with it, United Kingdom. I am well aware of the push that asIhave. there has been to encourage local Northern Ireland Today’s debate focuses on the economy and on work businesses to compete on the global stage. We have and pensions, and I wish to outline a number of various international exporters in the constituency. I opportunities to build the economy of Strangford and want to plug the humble Comber potato and the Portavogie the whole of the United Kingdom in areas such as prawn, because they are world leaders. Many people tourism, manufacturing and agriculture. Since 2008, enjoy them as delicacies. unemployment in Northern Ireland has risen by 18,000 The family farm is important to us in the constituency. and too many able-bodied people are out of work. I There are those who have diversified into the ice cream urge the Government to do something about that. The business or adapted unused barns and land for quad solution requires a cross-sectoral and cross-Government bikes and crazy golf, all of which are advertised in our approach. local paper, the Newtownards Chronicle. Commercial Tourism offers a first clear opportunity. It is my belief fishing is also important, a once proud industry. Fishing that Northern Ireland will be able to carve out a niche boat numbers have been halved, due to EU regulation in the global scene in tourism. The Lonely Planet tour and scientific information. The common fisheries policy guide praised Northern Ireland as needs to be right for the people of my area. It needs to “abuzz with life: the cities are pulsating...andthepeople”— restore confidence and give people viability and jobs. I hope the Government will work towards that. the people are very important— “the lifeblood that courses through the country, are in good In conclusion, Winston Churchill is one of my heroes spirits”. and always has been. He had a good grasp of the Ulster, and Strangford in particular, has the unique English language, and he was a good historian and also combination of a beautiful landscape and coastline, a a good soldier. He said: land steeped in history and a welcoming and diverse “This is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. people who cannot help but draw others to our shores. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning.” Yet it seems that the only people who are fully aware of I stand in this place humbled and honoured at the fact all that Strangford has to offer are those who are that the voters of Strangford have elevated me from the blessed enough to have been born there or passed Northern Ireland Assembly to the House of Commons. 227 Debate on the Address8 JUNE 2010 Debate on the Address 228

The Assembly was my beginning, but my election to the television can attest to that—I would also like to pay House is certainly not the end of the matter. That quote tribute to him. When I canvassed in the Conwy valley, from Winston Churchill reminds me of another of his. I people said that Elfyn Llwyd was always approachable have made it to the end of my maiden speech with no and always served his people very well, and, again, I heckling from Irish Nationalists or anyone else, something would hope to do the same. I follow in the footsteps of that I am exceedingly grateful for. I hope this will be the two hard-working Members and I am aware of the first of many speeches in the House. responsibility and privilege that I have in serving. Aberconwy is a diverse constituency. It is dependent 6.8 pm on tourism, with Llandudno, which I have mentioned, Guto Bebb (Aberconwy) (Con): Thank you, Mr. Deputy the queen of Welsh resorts, in the centre of the constituency, Speaker, for calling me to make my maiden speech. and locations such as Conwy with the castle of Edward After sitting in the House for seven hours yesterday, I I, Llanfairfechan and Betws-y-Coed in the Snowdonia can say that there is only one thing more nerve-wracking national park. There is no doubt that tourism is an than being called upon to make one’s maiden speech— important industry within the constituency. Agriculture, sitting on the Bench for seven hours and not being on the other hand, has seen a decline during the past called to make one’s maiden speech. 10 years. The agriculture industry, which is centred on the market town of Llanrwst in my constituency, is in Before I pay tribute to my constituency, Aberconwy, I need of support. While I am in the House, I will try to must say that I am proud to stand here as the first support the tourism industry and ensure that it is not elected Member for the constituency, which is a new seen as a Cinderella industry. In our part of Wales it is construct for this Parliament. My right hon. Friend the crucial to creating employment and retaining young Leader of the House came up to Aberconwy during the people in the area. In the same way, we need to develop election campaign to offer me support. I am sure that the food sector and the food industries by working with hon. Members from both sides of the House have had farmers and the agriculture sector. I would like to see the experience of a senior politician coming to support the development of real opportunities for businesses to them. We were walking along the promenade in Llandudno, be created in the food sector in my constituency. which is the most beautiful promenade in Wales, and probably in Britain, and my right hon. Friend asked me The other thing that I need to say about Aberconwy about the arithmetic in the constituency. When I informed is that it is an historic constituency. I have already him that Aberconwy had 44,000 electors, he immediately mentioned the castle in Conwy that was built by Edward said, “Oh well, your seat will be abolished, won’t it?” I, but in many ways the history of Wales is apparent in That was before I had won the election. If that is how Aberconwy by the fact that we have Conwy castle on prominent politicians are supposed to help candidates, the coast, but we also have the castle in Dolwyddelan, then I am not sure that was the case in that instance. He which was built by the Welsh princes. Those two castles left me dumbfounded and went off on the cable car that are a snapshot of the history of Wales. One thing that takes people up from the promenade to the Great causes me immense regret is that the history of the Orme, a visit that I would recommend to anyone. building of Conwy castle is well known to most people Aberconwy is built upon two constituencies—the in the House, but the history of the Welsh princes and Conwy constituency and the former Meirionnydd Nant the castle at Dolwyddelan is not as well known. Our Conwy constituency. I want to take this opportunity to education system should deal with that, because it is pay tribute to my two predecessors in those constituencies. important to know our history—British history and Mrs Betty Williams was the Member for Conwy and Welsh history. she served the constituency with distinction for 13 years. The Welsh language is a living, breathing language in Even though I stood against her in 2005 and disagreed Aberconwy. Around 40% of my constituents are first with her time after time, on every doorstep in Conwy I language Welsh speakers, and the Welsh language still was told that if I was as good a constituency MP as survives basically because of the work of two people Mrs Williams, I would do well. I will aspire to ensure who are associated with my constituency. The first is that I do serve the area as well as Mrs Betty Williams Bishop William Morgan, who was commissioned by did. Queen Elizabeth I to translate the Bible into Welsh in More importantly, Mrs Betty Williams has recently 1588. He created a work of literature, which is much published her memoirs in Welsh, and, being a first better than the recent Welsh Bible translation. I suspect language Welsh speaker, I have had the pleasure of that the fact that I prefer the old version shows that I reading them. What shines through is the fact that she am a natural conservative in many ways. embarked upon a political career for the right reasons. The other individual associated with my constituency She was a quarryman’s daughter, and she served local is Wyn Roberts, now Lord Roberts, who served the communities on district and county councils and stood Conwy constituency for 27 years. In his time in this for Parliament on four occasions before she won. House he played a huge part in ensuring that the Welsh Throughout, her commitment was for the right reasons. language had the opportunity to survive into the She wanted to serve her people and she wanted to make 21st century. Wyn Roberts was in many ways responsible sure that her Labour party views were expressed in the for ensuring that we have the fourth television channel House. For that, I respect her very much indeed, and I in Wales, S4C. He was responsible for the Education hope that I will be able to do as good a job on behalf of Act 1986, which ensured that the Welsh language had a my constituents as she did. proper place in our education system, and, just as The Meirionnydd Nant Conwy part of the constituency crucially, he was responsible for the Welsh Language was extremely well served by the now hon. Member for Act 1993. He is a hard act to follow. Dwyfor Meirionnydd (Mr Llwyd). Despite the fact that Thank you very much, Mr Deputy Speaker, for this we have had our disagreements—viewers of Welsh language opportunity to give my maiden speech. 229 Debate on the Address8 JUNE 2010 Debate on the Address 230

6.16 pm In other parts of my constituency I come across people who remind me of the courage and determination Rushanara Ali (Bethnal Green and Bow) (Lab): Thank of so many in the east end. I think of the elderly lady you, Mr Deputy Speaker, for giving me the opportunity who survived the blitz but overnight lost her family, and to make my maiden speech in this important debate, the many other stories of sacrifice and loss, such as the particularly as employment was one of the central Bethnal Green tube disaster, when 173 people lost their themes of my campaign. lives seeking shelter from air raids in 1943. It is an amazing privilege to be standing here as the We owe it to those east enders never to forget that Labour MP for Bethnal Green and Bow, a place described freedoms are never easily won. For me, it is an honour as the heart and soul of this great country, of which I to stand here, I hope, as a successor to the great social am incredibly proud to be a citizen. I feel just as proud reformers of the past, who took ideas born in the east to be one of the first three Muslim women MPs ever to end, developed them and changed this country for the be elected to this Parliament, and the first person of better. It is no exaggeration to say that the east end British-Bengali heritage to be elected to this House. inspired men and women to make history and fight for I thank the people of Bethnal Green and Bow for social justice. I think of the trade union movement, the giving me the honour of representing them. At a time of suffragettes and the welfare state. great national scepticism about this institution, I can My constituency sits between the glittering towers of assure the House that for millions of people in Bangladesh, the City of London and Canary Wharf and is a stone’s where I was born, this Parliament has always been a throw away from the Olympic village. The Olympics beacon of democracy and self-determination. The power have the potential to deliver huge opportunity and a sea of this House to inspire and to do good is undimmed. change in attitudes towards our country, our pride and It is customary to pay tribute to one’s predecessor—in our sporting ability, yet many in my constituency remain my case, the inimitable George Galloway. Where do I unconvinced that they will benefit. I hope that the job begin? Perhaps I should begin with his long service in opportunities and the legacy that we wish to create will this House, and his rather shorter stay in the other benefit them, and I am acutely aware that it is an house. His great oratory was admired by many, even extraordinary opportunity for an historically poor part when they passionately disagreed with him. While the of London. people of Bethnal Green and Bow chose unity over I want to speak on behalf of those who face the division, and while my politics could not be more rough few years ahead. Already, unemployment is incredibly different from Mr Galloway’s, we have one thing in high in my part of London. The east end has been in common, which I know that the House passionately that situation too many times before, and for us wasted shares—a deep commitment to a lasting settlement in talent is never a price worth paying. In the recessions of the middle east. For me, that is impossible without the ’80s and ’90s I saw families, friends and neighbours ending the blockade of Gaza and a viable independent lose their homes, jobs and livelihoods overnight. That Palestinian state alongside a secure Israel. was the time when the Liberals controlled the council I would also like to pay tribute to my Labour and the Conservatives ran the country. Any community predecessors. Oona King was a hard-working, dedicated that does not provide useful work for its people risks MP for almost a decade, who fought for people who falling apart. suffered enormously from the appalling housing conditions It is not that people in the east end lack resourcefulness; in the east end of London. She fought relentlessly to on the contrary, it is impossible to walk the streets tackle poverty and inequality, both in this country and without seeing the energy, dynamism and drive that in developing countries. take whatever resources are available and turn them We remember the late Lord Shore of Stepney who into success. But when programmes such as the future worked tirelessly for the people of my constituency. He jobs fund are shut down, the Government send a message has a special place in the hearts of Bengalis, especially to thousands of people, saying, “You’re on your own. among my parents’ generation, for the way in which he We wash our hands of you.” That is why I shall fight to led Members on both sides of this House to speak up create jobs in the east end and work hard and tirelessly for the fight for democracy in the war of independence to serve the people of this great constituency. in 1971 in Bangladesh. I am only sorry that he is not here today to see someone born in the country he 6.23 pm supported, brought up and educated in the constituency he represented, elected to this Parliament. Mr Robin Walker (Worcester) (Con): I am very My passion for Bethnal Green and Bow is about the grateful for this opportunity to address the House for place, the people and our political heritage. I would the first time. Today’s debate and the excellent speeches urge hon. Members to go east and visit places such as of so many hon. Members have done nothing to reduce the Whitechapel gallery, Columbia road flower market, the awe with which I approach this task, and I commend and Spitalfields market near Brick lane. Brick lane has the hon. Member for Bethnal Green and Bow (Rushanara iconic status in this country, both for its vibrancy and Ali) for her passionate speech and associate myself with cultural activity and for its extraordinary history: for her views on the blockade of Gaza and the importance being the place that provided a home for many waves of of creating employment. I share in the salute of my migrants, including the Huguenots, Jews, Irish, Pakistanis, hon. Friend the Member for Bromsgrove (Sajid Javid) Bengalis, Somalis and many others, manifested poignantly to the brave soldiers of the Mercian Regiment, who in the Brick lane Jamme Masjid, which was built by the have laid down their lives for our country. Huguenots for Christian worshippers, later became a My first thanks are due to the electors of Worcester, synagogue and is now a mosque, reflecting the different who have sent me to this Chamber, and I am conscious contributions of so many to our great country. that I shall be for ever in their debt. I intend to repay 231 Debate on the Address8 JUNE 2010 Debate on the Address 232 that debt by working tirelessly on their behalf and being position of the Crown; the privileges and stature of this Worcester’s man in Westminster. I must thank also my mother of Parliaments in holding the Government to predecessor, the former Member for Worcester, Michael account; the powerful ties that bind Members to their Foster, who for 13 years was a fierce advocate for his constituencies; and a system of election that is simple, party, a tireless campaigner for animal rights and a effective and allows for the removal of failed Governments. distinguished supporter of his Government. As a Whip, All those are worth fighting for with the same passion a Parliamentary Private Secretary and a Minister, he that our ancestors fought on the battlefields of Worcester. did much to further the interests of peace in Northern Ireland and international development, and for that he As I am passionate on that subject, so also I am deserves the approbation of this House. passionate about opportunity. My party has always been the party of opportunity. In the Gracious Speech It would be remiss of me not to mention some other and in this debate, we have set out plans to support former Members for Worcester. My hon. Friend the opportunity for British businesses, for young people, Member for Mid Worcestershire (Peter Luff), who is and for those on welfare to escape the traps of now an Under-Secretary at the Ministry of Defence, unemployment and dependency. Opportunity in business, served the city well until boundary changes took him and that unleashed by the national insurance reforms from us. He is a friend and a mentor, the first MP for that we propose, will benefit Worcester Bosch and Yamazaki whom I ever had the privilege to vote, and now one who Mazak, innovative manufacturing companies that, between has the dubious privilege, shared by my right hon. them, employ thousands of people in my constituency. Friend the Member for Charnwood (Mr Dorrell), of having voted for me. I know that every Member will The coalition Government have set out exciting plans join me in wishing my hon. Friend the Member for Mid to support green technology, and I support those initiatives. Worcestershire success in providing the best possible I believe that they will benefit companies in Worcester, equipment to our gallant armed forces over the years to but I am concerned that there has so far been mention come. in Government statements of the renewable heat incentive. Given that homes are responsible for 21% of the carbon Before my hon. Friend’s time there was, of course, emissions generated in this country, and that 73% of another Member for Worcester with whom I am very energy in the home is used for heating or hot water, familiar, but as my hon. Friend spoke so eloquently on supporting renewables for heating should be given as his behalf in his maiden speech, I shall say only that, as high a priority as support for the renewable generation many thousands of constituents have reminded me on of electricity. their doorsteps, he is a hard act to follow. I owe that Member, my father, my lifelong knowledge of, and deep Worcester has a range and diversity of businesses, love for, my constituency and its history, not to mention great and small, that reflects the range of topics covered my support for the once and future premiership rugby in the Gracious Speech. The breadth of our economy team, the Worcester Warriors, and my support—shared ranges from engineers to health care companies, industry with the Governor of the Bank of England—for the associations, recyclers and housing associations. I have cricket team, which has the most beautiful ground in visited firms, such as Craegmoor Healthcare, Skills for the country. Security, the Remarkable recycling company and Sanctuary The task of representing Worcester, made so enjoyable Housing, which are all headquartered in Worcester and, by those factors, is made all the more daunting by the as an MP, I want to ensure that Worcester remains a fact that the city has been represented in Parliament place to which businesses want to come, maximising the since the 13th century. Empires have risen and fallen opportunities for my constituents. and royal houses have come and gone in the time that To maximise opportunity, we need the best education MPs have spoken for Worcester, but I do not intend to to be available to all, and that is why I welcome the go on for that long. The city, of course, played its own exciting reforms proposed by the Secretary of State for major part in the civil war. The first shots of that war Education. We have already seen how academies can were fired beyond the boundaries of my constituency, turn around the fortunes of failing schools and, in near Powick bridge, and its last slaughter took place at Worcester, the Tudor Grange academy is a shining the Sidbury gate, now in the heart of modern Worcester, example of that trend, so I welcome the decision to as Cromwell finally crushed the King’s army and took open up the opportunity of freer education to more the faithful city. That war started after an arrogant schools in the area. Government had overspent and oppressed the people of the country with unfair taxes. Supporting opportunity means careful nurturing of further and higher education. I shall support both, and At the end of the battle of Worcester, the parson of I am very proud that Worcester boasts the country’s the parliamentary army addressed the troops and said fastest-growing university. The university of Worcester, to them: which I congratulate on its recent Ofsted report, was “Say you have been at Worcester, where England’s sorrows rated “outstanding” for its training of teachers at primary began, and where happily they are ended.” and secondary level, and the principal of Worcester I hope that, given the alleged role of Worcester woman college of technology was recently elected president of in bringing Labour to power over the past 13 years, the the Association of Colleges. same might be said again today. For opportunity to thrive everywhere we need fair The civil war was one of the historic events that gave funding in education. Today the average pupil in us the evolved constitution that we have today. Respect Worcestershire receives £370 less than the national average for that constitution is one of the things that inspires and a staggering £762 less than children in the neighbouring me in politics, and, despite much tinkering over the past authorities of Birmingham, despite the fact that some 13 years, there is still much to be defended: the unique parts of my constituency are among the 10% most 233 Debate on the Address8 JUNE 2010 Debate on the Address 234

[Mr Robin Walker] Bow (Rushanara Ali). They are different people from different constituencies and different backgrounds, but deprived areas in the country. I have high hopes for the they have a shared determination to see an end to the coalition Government’s pupil premium policy in addressing blockade of Gaza. Many in the House share that that issue. determination, and I hope that we will see proper The last Walker to speak for Worcester began his progress in the middle east during this Parliament. maiden speech by saying, Today’s debate is fundamentally about the economy “I hope that if, in the course of my remarks…I make what are and I am delighted to take part in the debate on the considered to be constructive criticisms of the Government’s Gracious Speech today. I should like to comment on economic policy, this will not be considered indicative of a person much of what the Chancellor said. His description of representing a constituency noted throughout the world for its the economy left to the new coalition Government is production of sauce.”—[Official Report, 20 April 1961; Vol. 638, c. 1433.] well known and the numbers that back it up are equally well known. The deficit was forecast last year to be I shall be equally ready to make constructive criticisms £173 billion, but this year it is forecast to be £156 billion— and to place my constituency at the forefront of my still 11%-plus of gross domestic product. UK national parliamentary career. In the interests of Worcester, I debt is sitting at £1.2 trillion on the treaty calculation commend the Gracious Speech. and is forecast to rise to £1.6 trillion, approaching 90% of GDP by 2014-15. The Leader of the House of Commons (Sir George Young): On a point of order, Mr Deputy Speaker. At We know the last Labour Government’s response to half-past 6, you will leave the Chair for the last time. this recession—to make real-terms cuts of £500 million May I endorse what Mr Speaker said earlier and, on for this year to the Scottish budget, before recovery was behalf of the whole House, thank you for your impartial, secured. Against everything that they professed in public, firm but courteous service over 13 years? they began cutting the budgets early and weakening the ability of the Scottish Government and others to secure Hon. Members: Hear, hear! the recovery.

Mr Deputy Speaker (Sir Alan Haselhurst): Order. [Laughter.] I am not sure that that was not grossly out Mrs McGuire: Will the hon. Gentleman confirm that of order. the current Administration’s budget in Scotland is double what Donald Dewar’s was when he became First Minister Yvette Cooper (Normanton, Pontefract and Castleford) of the Scottish Parliament in 1999? (Lab): Further to that point of order, Mr Deputy Speaker. I add congratulations and warm support from Stewart Hosie: I am delighted to confirm to the right this side of the House. We are grateful to you for your hon. Lady that she seems again to fail to understand many years of kind consideration for all Members of what real-terms increases and real-terms inflationary the House, Back Benchers and Front Benchers, and for costs mean over the period of the Scottish Parliament. your fairness over the years. There have been real-terms cuts to the Scottish budget this year. Mr Deputy Speaker: Order. I fear that this is getting worse. [Laughter.] The Chancellor also confirmed that tackling the deficit and debt was the most urgent issue facing this Government, Martin Horwood (Cheltenham) (LD): Further to that and they have started with £6 billion of in-year cuts. I point of order, Mr Deputy Speaker. May I add am delighted that the Scottish Government have taken congratulations from the Liberal Democrat Benches on the opportunity to defer those cuts this year to avoid your service to this House? Perhaps your early education in-year cuts, which are extraordinarily damaging as in my constituency contributed to your excellent and they require budgets to be ripped up and jobs to be impartial service to the House. shed. What have worried me, however, have been the comments and criticisms from Labour’s Scottish Parliament Mr Deputy Speaker: I am extremely grateful for those finance spokesman, who criticised the decision to postpone very kind words and the way in which they were supported. the cuts. Clearly, Labour will condemn the Tory It has been an exciting and privileged 13 years, certainly Government here while its finance spokesman in the in my memory, and I hope that I can continue to serve Scottish Parliament seems to want the Tory cuts this the House in other ways. year in Scotland. That is wholly wrong. The new coalition Government said in their programme 6.31 pm that they will Stewart Hosie (Dundee East) (SNP): I hope that the “significantly accelerate the reduction of the structural deficit” clock has not yet started, Mr Deputy Speaker; as the in this Parliament and that the main burden of deficit last person whom you will call to speak in your current reduction will be borne by reduced spending rather role, I want to pay tribute to you. You have always been than increased taxes. I question the logic of that whole extraordinarily kind and generous to those on my party’s approach. The previous Government promised cuts Benches. that were deeper and tougher than Margaret Thatcher’s. Mr Temporary Deputy Speaker, it is a pleasure to They promised to take £57 billion out of the economy follow two totally different maiden speeches, one from in a single year—2013-14. They also promised £20 billion the hon. Member for Worcester (Mr Walker) and the or so of tax rises and £40 billion or so of cuts. The other from the hon. Member for Bethnal Green and accelerated attack on the structural deficit and the 235 Debate on the Address8 JUNE 2010 Debate on the Address 236 smaller contribution made by tax increases clearly indicate There were many other matters economic in the further public sector cuts—cuts well in excess of the Queen’s Speech and the programme for government, £40 billion that the Labour Government planned to and we will come back to them. I have one final question take out by the time we reached 2013-14. and it is about the decision to scrap the child trust fund. Between 2004 and 2008, savings ratios were half those Labour’s plans for taking £57 billion out of the when Labour came to power in 1997. Why are this economy represented approximately 3% of GDP, but Government planning to scrap a savings scheme with a this Government’s plans are likely to go very much 71% voluntary take-up rate? further. I was concerned that reducing consumption in the economy in a single year to the tune of 3% of GDP 6.40 pm would tip the economy back into recession, but I am Mark Pawsey (Rugby) (Con): It gives me great pleasure more concerned that stripping yet more consumption to follow the hon. Member for Dundee East (Stewart out of the economy and doing it more quickly—before Hosie) and to be able to speak for the first time in this we have properly secured the recovery—would be even Chamber as the Member for the new seat of Rugby. I more damaging than Labour’s plans. often have to explain to people that I represent a town, Remember that at the time of the last Budget, it was rather than a sport. As an enthusiastic former player, it only Government consumption, up 2% on the year, that seems appropriate to have joined today the all-party kept the economy afloat. Household consumption was rugby union group. Rugby is unique as the only place to down by 1.9%, business investment was down by 24% and have given its name to an international sport. It already gross fixed capital formation was down by 14%. Even receives many overseas visitors, particularly from rugby- now, following the statement today, we know that household playing countries, who make their way to the close at consumption is down by only 0.5% on the year, but Rugby school, where William Webb Ellis picked up the business investment is still down by 11% and gross fixed ball and ran. Much work has already taken place in the capital formation is down by half that, at 5.7%. This is town to capitalise on our association with the game, not the time to cut Government consumption, given and I look forward to a new visitor attraction in time that it was up by 3% over the last 12 months and kept for the 2015 world cup. the economy afloat. The seat of Rugby includes villages to the north and west of the town, including Binley Woods, where I grew I do not want anyone to misunderstand me. I was a up and attended primary school. It has since become critic of the deficit and the debt before the recession. I famous as the location of Hyacinth Bucket’s bungalow am arguing about how we tackle it now and I believe in the sitcom “One Foot in the Grave”. The constituency that we should not go down the route of the Canadian also includes the village of Bulkington, which was model, which involved 20% cuts in public services over three familiar to the author George Eliot, who referred to it years. We should look again at the New Zealand model, as Raveloe in her book, “Silas Marner”. which gave the flexibility to tackle the deficit and the I should like to pay tribute to my hon. Friend the debt over the medium term. That way we could at least immediate past Member for Rugby, who is at my side benefit from the huge £50 billion-plus medium-term and has been returned as the Member for Kenilworth savings from scrapping Trident and its replacement. I and Southam (Jeremy Wright), who is at my side, and am delighted that Mr Speaker has allowed our amendment who has been returned as the Member for Kenilworth covering that matter to be put to a vote later today. and Southam. Having made a very big impact here in his first term, he has now taken the sensible option of a There were, of course, a number of other matters safe seat. economic in the Gracious Speech—the Financial Services Regulation Bill and the plan to introduce a bank levy, Previous Members include Andy King and, before for example. Although it is self-evident that there must that, someone well known to me, since that person is my be depositor protection and that we must protect against father—James Pawsey, who was first elected for Rugby systemic risk from bank failure, not least through the in 1979. I know that it is not unusual for a son or a application of proper capital ratios, that is what pillar 1 daughter to follow their father here, and there are many of the Basel II accord was meant to do. Given that the examples in the current intake. I join my hon. Friend banking crisis commenced in summer 2007 and that the Member for Worcester (Mr Walker), who spoke just Basel II is not meant to be fully implemented until before me, as a son following a father into the same seat. October-November 2012, I would have thought that it My father still has an excellent reputation in Rugby as a would have made more sense for the incoming Government hard-working constituency MP. Throughout the time to push for the early international implementation of that I was seeking to be elected, many potential constituents Basel II rather than unilaterally implementing a domestic spoke to me about how much he has done for the people banking levy now. The consequences of such a levy are of Rugby. I have heard many similar tributes from not at all clear. people here since I arrived—colleagues and staff who remember his contributions, particularly in the field of The coalition’s programme also said that it would education. Like my hon. Friend, I feel that I have a very reform the regulatory system and give the Bank of tough act to follow. England control over macro-prudential regulation. But I am a product of Rugby’s grammar school, which that would leave the Financial Services Authority was founded by a locally born grocer, Lawrence Sheriff, fundamentally in place, and I remember many criticisms who, when he established Rugby school, set aside a sum from Conservative and Liberal Democrat Front of money for the education of boys from the town. Benchers about the FSA. Surely the Government will From an intake of 90 boys at that school in 1968, two of continue to recognise that failure of supervision by the us sit here today; my former school friend and now my FSA was as important as the weakness of the underlying hon. Friend the Member for Warrington South (David regulation. Mowat), was also elected in May. 237 Debate on the Address8 JUNE 2010 Debate on the Address 238

[Mark Pawsey] work for Leeds West touched the lives of so many people: fighting for, and getting, compensation for the Rugby changed significantly in the 19th century with victims of asbestos poisoning in Armley; supporting the coming of the railways, and our station is familiar the Kirkstall festival in the grounds of our beautiful to many; it is on the west coast line, with a journey time 12th century abbey; and working with West Leeds debt to London Euston of just 50 minutes. In Rugby, we forum and Bramley Credit Union to drive loan sharks welcome the Government’s commitment to new high-speed out of our community. It is those, and John’s many rail lines but are anxious to ensure that fast services will other achievements—I have mentioned only a handful— remain on the original network once the new lines are in that are his legacy. use. Indeed, Rugby’s transport links are the most important At a constituency surgery recently, a lady took my feature of our town. Rugby is at the heart of the UK’s hand and said that as long as I was half as good as John motorway network. That makes Rugby an attractive Battle, she would be happy. I later received a letter from location for business in general, and for freight and a constituent who asked that I only be a quarter as logistics businesses in particular. Despite the current good. I hope to exceed both their expectations, but I pressure on the public finances, we believe that it is vital know that in John Battle I have a fantastic role model to continue true investment in our network in order to and a very tough act to follow. I will fight tirelessly for continue to improve it. my constituents to be the champion for local people Rugby has also had an impact in the field of that John was before me. communications through the Rugby radio site, the masts of which have for many years been visible from the M1. Most of all, I will fight for jobs, growth and prosperity— Almost all those masts have now been removed in the subject of our debate today. Leeds has a proud preparation for a massive housing development, which economic heritage. Leeds West was built on engineering will be the most important issue facing the town over and on textiles. From my home in Hawksworth Wood, the next 20 years. one used to be able to hear the hum of the Kirkstall Rugby has experienced major growth before. In the Forge Engineering plant at work. The forge, originally early 1900s, heavy engineering came into our town and set up by the monks of Kirkstall abbey, continued in Rugby became a major industrial centre. We have a operation until 2002. The industrial revolution transformed history of producing gas and steam turbines at a company Leeds, as well. The Leeds-Liverpool canal brought wool known as British Thomson-Houston, which went on to to our city that was spun at the mills that still stand tall become GEC and AEI—now amalgamated to form in Kirkstall, Armley, Bramley and Rodley. Of course, Alstom, a leader in power generation. Rugby is also Leeds was the birthplace of Montague Burton and of home to Converteam, a worldwide specialist in power Marks and Spencer—a proud industrial, and retail, conversion that is building electric engines for the new heritage. The economy was transformed once again Queen Elizabeth class of aircraft carriers. Rugby had a under the previous Labour Government. The city centre pioneering role in other forms of propulsion. In 1937, is now packed with new businesses, shops, museums Frank Whittle built the world’s first prototype jet engine and galleries. in Rugby. I have a personal connection with Whittle’s More than all that, however, under Labour every work, because I established a small business in Rugby in single person—most of all, every young person—has a rented unit adjacent to where Whittle carried out his been given opportunities to recognise and fulfil their work. potential. It was my own experience of education under I have spent 25 years starting, running, managing and the Conservative Governments of the 1980s and 1990s building up a business, and I have a good understanding that motivated me to get involved in politics. When I of the challenges that businesses face. We need to recognise was at school, there were never enough textbooks to go more effectively those who create wealth and jobs. Small round. There was no money for new school buildings, business is ready to make its contribution, but it needs a so our sixth form was a prefab hut in the playground work force with the skills and the attitude to roll up and our library was turned into a classroom. It is their sleeves and play their part. Too often, regrettably, therefore with immense pride that I tell the House that there is insufficient incentive for jobseekers to do that, my old secondary school is now a specialist college with and I welcome the changes in our welfare system that two new, modern buildings. will put incentives to work firmly back in place. I make Such investment has been seen up and down the no apology for putting the case for manufacturing and country, in all our constituencies. In Leeds West, every for business, particularly small business, and I look single primary school has been rebuilt or refurbished forward to doing so in the House over the coming years, since 1997. In September last year, the new Leeds West in addition to representing all the electors of Rugby, academy and Swallow Hill community college opened with whom I believe I have a special bond. their doors—proud achievements, transforming lives and communities. 6.46 pm In his maiden speech in 1987, John Battle spoke of Rachel Reeves (Leeds West) (Lab): I would like to his visit to the Bramley jobcentre. Back then, there were thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker, for giving me this just six jobs on offer in the window, with wages ranging opportunity to make my maiden speech. It is a pleasure from £2 to £2.28 an hour. No parents can bring up a to follow the hon. Member for Rugby (Mark Pawsey) family on £2—not in 1987 and not on today’s equivalent— and other new Members of this House, who have done and no one should be made to work all hours of the their constituencies proud today. day and night and yet remain in poverty. It was that It is a huge privilege to have been elected as the belief and sense of justice and fairness that brought the Member of Parliament for Leeds West and to succeed national minimum wage—one of Labour’s proudest John Battle, who represented us here for 23 years. John’s achievements—to the statute book. 239 Debate on the Address8 JUNE 2010 Debate on the Address 240

Throughout the recession, Labour has not abandoned It is easy for me to pay tribute not only to my its commitment to social justice. The future jobs fund predecessors for previous constituencies, such as Cannock helped more than 8,000 young people in Yorkshire to and Brierley Hill—for example, Sir Fergus Montgomery get back to work during these challenging economic and Jennie Lee, who were great parliamentarians—but times and, under Labour, a generation of young people to my immediate predecessor, Sir Patrick Cormack, a were not condemned to the scrapheap as happened in great parliamentarian whom we all greatly admire. the recessions of the 1980s and 1990s. However, the Sir Patrick believed in and fought passionately for his economic recovery is fragile and cannot be taken for constituency and constituents, but he also believed granted. We need the passion, enterprise and determination passionately in this House—in its traditions and its that built the Leeds economy of the past to build the importance in our national life. He also believed in the economy of the future. For that to happen, the people importance of a strong House of Commons in holding of Leeds will look to the Government to be on their side the Government to account and ensuring good government. and build a future for Leeds based on high skills, new Those principles were close to Sir Patrick’s heart and technologies and new industries, with better transport will be close to mine. links—including high-speed rail—and a banking sector Over the weeks following my selection, Sir Patrick that supports industry and small businesses, rather than and I became good and close friends. We enjoyed spending just being out to make a quick profit. The new Government a great amount of time campaigning together, and are right to make the budget deficit a priority, but that although our styles were sometimes a little different, must not be at the expense of the recovery that Labour that made it all the more enjoyable. I remember campaigning has secured. in the former mining village of Great Wyrley, where I started my career as an economist at the Bank of many constituents rushed up to Sir Patrick to wish him England and focused on Japan at a time when its well in his retirement and thank him for the work he economy had been in and out of recession for a decade. had done for them. They shook his hand and said, Today, debt in Japan is 190% of gross domestic product, “Mr McCormack, Mr McCormack.” After about the which is 2.5 times the level of the UK. Japan’s debt is so 10th person had done so, I said to Sir Patrick, “Don’t high precisely because its Government did not take you ever correct them?” He said, “Dear boy, after swift action to ensure that its economy emerged from 40 years, it hardly seems worth bothering, don’t you recession with strong growth. I urge this Government to think?” It is an honour to step into Sir Patrick’s very learn those lessons from history, because the very worst large shoes, but I hope that, over the years, I will gain thing for Leeds West and for Britain would be another some of his panache and style, which graced this Chamber, recession caused by hasty and unfair spending cuts. I and that I will be an asset not only to the people of fear that the Government are making those mistakes South Staffordshire but to this House. and putting the recovery at risk. The Chancellor of the South Staffordshire is one of those constituencies Exchequer is reducing industrial support for businesses about which so many people say, “Where is it? Which and universities, watering down the regional development town is in it?” People probably travel through it many agencies and abolishing the support that Labour introduced times when they go up the M6 or up the west coast main to get young people back to work. If the Government line. It is a beautiful constituency that does not have a really are serious about ensuring the recovery, they must single major town, but is built up around many small, put in place policies for jobs and growth. and some large, villages scattered across the South Staffordshire countryside. Many of those villages were We know that the causes of this crisis are global, but born out of the industrial revolution and coal mining the pathways out must be local and regional, so I will traditions, and have settled in some of the most beautiful, fight for Leeds West with determination, and I will do pretty and gentle English countryside that one can so in a responsible way. It would not be responsible or imagine. sensible to oppose every spending cut or tax increase. I The people are straight talkers, which, as a Yorkshireman, will encourage this Government when they get it right is comforting to know. As a straight talker myself, it is and acknowledge that, but when they get it wrong and nice to have it blunt from others. South Staffordshire is put the economic future of my constituents and the a beautiful constituency that is criss-crossed by many country at risk, I will hold them to account. John Battle canals and beautiful fields. However, it has its problems showed us that politics can make a difference and that and issues. In South Staffordshire, compared with the the right values and policies can transform people’s national average, twice as many people work in lives. Today more than ever, we need the ambition for manufacturing. That is important to me, because I have justice, equality and fairness that drove John. It is a real worked in manufacturing since I left university. I think honour to serve as the Member of Parliament for Leeds it is fair to say that I am one of the few potters who sit in West and, in doing my duty to my constituents, I will the House today. It is that experience of manufacturing act with the hopes, dreams and aspirations of Leeds that I hope to bring to the House, because far too often West as my guide. Governments of all colours have believed that we can build a strong, stable and vibrant economy on the twin pillars of financial services and coffee-shop economics. 6.52 pm I have a great deal of respect for anyone who works in Gavin Williamson (South Staffordshire) (Con): It is a coffee shops and I even grudgingly admit that we might great honour to be called and to follow so many fantastic need bankers, but we cannot have a vibrant British maiden speeches: when the bar is set so high, it is often economy without a strong and vibrant manufacturing easier to duck under it. It is a great honour to serve sector. South Staffordshire. It is traditional for hon. Members Far too often, young people who go into manufacturing to pay tribute to their predecessors, and that is easier for or engineering are seen as taking a second-class career, some than it is for others. whereas we reward and sing the praises of people who 241 Debate on the Address8 JUNE 2010 Debate on the Address 242

[Gavin Williamson] The north of my constituency was the home of a real life Robin Hood. Twm Sion Cati earned his fame by go into accountancy, the law or public relations. We do robbing from the rich to give to the poor. I consider not sing enough the praises of our designers, engineers myself a redistributive politician very much in the same and manufacturers. We need to change that ethos and vein. His arch enemy was the sheriff of Carmarthen, a have a similar one to that of Germany or Japan. We will post I once held—although I must admit it was somewhat have a truly vibrant economy only when we recreate the confusing for a Welsh nationalist such as me to hold Victorian spirit of ingenuity and inventiveness that that office. I look forward to campaigning for a tax on made Britain such a vibrant country, as I am sure it will international currency transactions in the honour of be again. Twm. I truly welcome the Prime Minister’s comments about Carmarthenshire is the home of great Welsh political the importance of manufacturing and I hope that the radical minds. Llandybie born DJ Davies formed the Treasury team listen well to his comments and do not Independent Labour party in Ammanford before the spend all their time listening to bankers. They should first world war, but then became a founding member of also listen to manufacturers, because we often have a lot Plaid Cymru in the 1920s. He began working in the more common sense than bankers. I hope I can play my mines at the age of 14, served in the US navy, and was a part in representing South Staffordshire and the people formidable boxer. He lived in Denmark, and became of a beautiful and lovely constituency, and that I can convinced that the advancement of the Welsh working ensure their voices are heard loud and clear in this class could be secured only in a free Wales. Heavily Chamber. influenced by the syndicalist movement, he wrote the masterpiece, “The Economics of Welsh Self-Government” Mr Deputy Speaker (Hugh Bayley): I call Jonathan in 1931, which formed the basis of the decentralist Edwards. socialist vision that guides my party to this very day. His vision of a mutual approach to economic development 6.59 pm is one that I believe areas such as Carmarthenshire must embrace if we are to meet the challenges we face. Jonathan Edwards (Carmarthen East and Dinefwr) (PC): Diolch, Mr Deputy Speaker. I congratulate the Jim Griffiths was a son of Betws. A Labour politician, hon. Member for South Staffordshire (Gavin Williamson) he was the co-architect of the modern welfare state with on his excellent maiden speech, and I am delighted to Aneurin Bevan, and helped to deliver the first measure have the opportunity to make mine in this debate. The of Welsh devolution with the creation of a Minister for way in which we respond to the longest-lasting recession Wales. That political victory for the first time enshrined since records began and the support structures we put Wales as a political nation, and set in motion the chain in place to deal with the human cost of the recession of events that led to the creation of our own Government will be the overriding domestic issues of this Parliament. and legislature. I will close my contribution today by talking about an Carmarthenshire was also the constituency of the issue that is of huge importance to me—fuel poverty—but greatest Welshman of our time, Gwynfor Evans. His first I should like to use this opportunity to talk about historic victory in 1966 marked the election of the first my home constituency, which I now have the ultimate Plaid Cymru MP. Gwynfor’s legacy has been to inspire honour of representing as Member of Parliament. generations to the cause of our country. Carmarthen East and Dinefwr consists of four valleys. I should like to say a few words about the man I Two rural valleys—the Teifi and Tywi to the north—are replace, Adam Price. After less than a decade in front-line based on two majestic rivers that provide among the politics, he has already established himself as one of the best salmon and sewin fishing in the British isles. Agriculture greatest figures in the history of the nationalist movement, provides the backbone of the economy, and I am committed and one of the most significant political figures of our to fighting to preserve the traditional Welsh family farm time in Wales. When he returns from his studies in the and the traditional Welsh rural way of life. USA, his destiny is clear: to serve our people in our own There are also two post industrial valleys—the Amman Parliament in Cardiff, and to lead our people to our and Gwendraeth. As a son of the Amman valley, I can political freedom. claim without any prejudice that the anthracite coalfield Adam will be remembered for unearthing the Mittal there contains the best coal in the world. The industrial scandal and for leading the opposition in this House to half of my home communities—a producing economy— the invasion of Iraq. He was a local champion in has suffered at the hands of a UK macro-economic fighting for compensation for miners suffering from policy obsessed with financial services and the negligence terrible respiratory diseases and securing a pension of manufacturing. compensation fund for steelworkers who had seen their My constituency is probably most famous for its life savings disappear. Wales can ill afford to lose politicians production of Welsh sporting icons. Some of the greats of the stature of Adam, and I hope he returns ready to of Welsh rugby come from the area—Carwyn James continue his work on behalf of our people and our and Barry John—and current Welsh and British Lions communities. greats Dwayne Peel, Stephen Jones and Shane Williams In the time that is left, I should like to talk briefly are sons of Carmarthenshire. Carmarthen East and about an issue that is very close to my heart: fuel Dinefwr is also famous for its many castles, some of poverty. In a modern country, it is a disgrace that more conquest, some of defiance. The three Deheubarth than a quarter of all Welsh households live in fuel castles—Dryslwyn, Dinefwr and the imposing Carreg poverty. It is one of the greatest failures of government Cennen—are symbols of Welsh resistance, and of our that people in Wales and throughout the UK must determination as a people to preserve our identity and continue to make daily choices between heating and defend our freedom. eating. In the last year alone, average heating bills have 243 Debate on the Address8 JUNE 2010 Debate on the Address 244 increased by 33%, leaving people on fixed incomes rather than cut. However long I am in this place, it will terribly exposed, and energy prices in Wales are higher be the privilege of my life to represent the people with than anywhere else in the UK. whom I went to school and grew up, and with whom I We need action at international, UK, Welsh and local live and work. government level if we are serious about eradicating the Members will be familiar with the picture postcard blight of fuel poverty from our communities. First, image of Cornwall, but they may be less aware of what international oil prices must be stabilised to avoid price lies behind that. We have by far the highest water bills in fluctuations. That could mean a long-term agreement the country, yet some of the very lowest incomes. We do between oil producer and consumer countries, as advocated not have enough jobs, and those we have tend to be low by the French Government, and—arguably—the use of paid and seasonal. Thousands of people cannot afford a more stable trading currency. The UK Government a place to live in the communities in which they grew up. need to raise incomes and ensure that available benefits Indeed, I may be the only Member who was still living and tax credits are claimed by those who are entitled to with his parents when he was elected. them. That package should include the extension of Those are the challenges that face the people whom I winter fuel payments to all vulnerable groups. Secondly, represent, and my predecessors—Matthew Taylor, Colin energy-efficiency measures should be targeted primarily Breed and my hon. Friend the Member for North at the fuel poor, and, thirdly, we need greater regulation Cornwall (Dan Rogerson)—made a huge effort to tackle of the energy market, and in particular a mandatory them. Matthew Taylor’s review of affordable housing is social tariff for the fuel poor so that they are removed the best route map out of the housing crisis that we face from a competitive market that simply does not work. in rural areas; my hon. Friend’s work to secure the The Welsh Government must ensure that Wales gets Walker review on water charges has led to a real-terms its fair share of the UK Government’s energy-efficiency cut in water bills in Cornwall; and Colin Breed helped schemes and create a package of support and advice for to develop the tax policy that will be implemented by people living in fuel poverty. They must also promote this Government and that will lift millions out of poverty. off-grid, decentralised local energy systems, backed up All three of my predecessors have shown a record of with smart metering, so that communities can develop action in the best tradition of the first Liberal MP for their own solutions to the twin challenges of global Truro and St Austell, David Penhaligon. If anyone in warming and energy poverty. I would also like a statutory this place doubts the impact we can have, they should duty on Welsh local authorities, which could include the knock on doors in my constituency and hear people retrofitting of vulnerable homes with the latest air-to-heat talk about Mr Penhaligon almost 25 years after his technology. untimely passing. I have little doubt that the social justice agenda and I do not mind admitting that that is a lot to live up the growth of Welsh political democracy and sovereignty to—like other hon. Members, the bar in my seat is very are intertwined. During my time here in this place, I high—but I welcome the opportunity to continue to look forward to working with those across the political tackle the problems we face in Cornwall from the divide who believe in building a modern, just and Government side of the House and with the principles prosperous Wales. Diolch yn fawr. that underpin the Government’s agenda: freedom, fairness and responsibility. People who are trapped in poverty cannot be free. The need to work day in, day out just to 7.6 pm make ends meet erodes the freedom to have a quality of Stephen Gilbert (St Austell and Newquay) (LD): Thank life to which we should all be able to aspire. you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, for allowing me to speak here I therefore welcome the Government’s commitment today for the first time. I am delighted to follow the to raising the threshold at which people pay tax to hon. Member for Carmarthen East and Dinefwr (Jonathan £10,000 over the course of this Parliament. That will Edwards), and I share his determination to secure a take many thousands of my constituents out of tax Robin Hood tax on international financial transactions. entirely and give hard-earned money back to everybody As it happens, I had the pleasure of knowing his predecessor else. It will increase the freedom of those I represent, from my time studying in Aberystwyth, and I am sure and by spreading the tax burden more evenly across our he will be a worthy successor. society, it will be fairer. I also welcome the re-establishment St Austell and Newquay is a new seat that stretches of the link between pensions and national average earnings. from coast to coast across the heart of Cornwall; it is a That is the fair thing to do and it is a step towards unique constituency. It includes many places that hon. ending the pensioner poverty that blights Cornish Members will have visited. St Austell and Newquay are communities. Cornwall’s largest towns, but they are sharply contrasting, The first step towards people being able to lead a and the villages at the heart of my constituency could responsible life is for them to have a place of their own not be more different from those along the coast. It is a in which to live, so I welcome the moves the Government diverse seat: rural, urban, coastal, industrial and agricultural. will be making to bring empty homes back into use. I was born and bred in the constituency and I am proud There are 8,000 empty homes across Cornwall, and to call it home. 1,400 in St Austell and Newquay alone. These homes Yesterday, my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime should not be standing empty while so many people are Minister announced a boundary review. It seems that as in housing need. well as being the first Member of Parliament for St Austell I welcome the scrapping of the absurd regional spatial and Newquay, I may also be the last. In the context of strategy, which would have led to so much of Cornwall’s today’s debate—I say this tongue in cheek to the countryside being concreted over with little gain for Conservative Whips—perhaps only the sizes of our those in real housing need. Other measures, such as the constituencies will be increased by the Government promotion of shared ownership and community trusts, 245 Debate on the Address8 JUNE 2010 Debate on the Address 246

[Stephen Gilbert] I am also delighted that the new Secretary of State had his road-to-Damascus moment on the road to will do much to ease the housing crisis in Cornwall. I Easterhouse in Glasgow. I know the area well as I grew would like this Government to go further, however, by up there and my father represented it as a councillor allowing local authorities to set a limit on the number during some of the worst periods of the Thatcher era, of second homes in a community. Local needs should when a large community that was essentially made up come first. Following recent announcements, councils of aspirational working-class people found itself in an now urgently require clarity on the criteria they will use economic desert. It was a period in which intergenerational to determine future housing provision. unemployment and the poverty that the Secretary of I was the first person in my family to go to university. State saw took root, and the aspirations of individuals In fact, I enjoyed it so much I went twice. Statistically, I and communities alike were crushed by the lack of jobs. should not be here. My grandfather was a clay worker, There are similar examples to that in my constituency, my parents are separated and my secondary school was where the mining industry was destroyed. Frankly, these in the state sector. I am a gay man from an average communities started on the road to recovery only as a working-class Cornish family.Access to education changed result of the massive investment in economic renewal by my life chances, and I have come to this place to extend Labour Governments in both Westminster and Holyrood. to others the social mobility and opportunities that The absence of any detail in the Secretary of State’s have so benefited me. If we are to tackle the poverty programme so far—apart from the loss of the future that bedevils parts of Cornwall, we have to give people jobs fund, which has already been dealt with by others— the chance to make the very best of themselves. We means that I could refer only to the coalition programme cannot have a fair society if people do not have the for government to see if any further light could be shed chance to make the most of their talents, and it will not on the new approach. We should have some sort of be a free society if people cannot use their abilities to cross-House consensus on how we move forward on achieve their dreams. welfare reform. Indeed, one of the new Ministers has The community I grew up in and now represent strongly promoted a consensual approach, and I will be understands the values this Government are promoting; interested to learn whether he sees that consensus being indeed, they are summed up in Cornwall’s motto “One continued now that he sits on the Government Benches. and all”. However, the people who sent me here will be The coalition wants to have a single work programme, keen to make sure that the burden of addressing the and I think there is some room for rationalisation, problems facing Britain, and which were caused by the subject to the demands, which have changed over a Labour party, falls on those most capable of carrying it. matter of years. I am not yet convinced, however, that a This debate has highlighted some of the difficult single work programme is necessarily the way forward. choices we face. We in Cornwall have been let down by We have also heard much from the coalition about successive Governments, and in playing my part in “decentralisation” of decisions and “individualisation” making those difficult choices I will never forget that we of provision. How will a leviathan single work programme need a fairer funding deal for Cornwall. I hope that now respond to the specific needs of individual unemployed my party sits on the Government Benches, the issues I people? How will such a programme respond to someone have touched upon this afternoon, and that my predecessors who has a fluctuating mental health condition or a have campaigned on for decades, can finally be addressed, physical disability, or who is a carer or a recently not “drekley”, as we say in Cornwall, but today. unemployed bank worker? Some may require minimum support for a short time between jobs, but others will 7.13 pm require a significant amount of longer-term help. There Mrs Anne McGuire (Stirling) (Lab): It is a pleasure to is no detail of how the initial assessment for support follow the hon. Member for St Austell and Newquay will be made. I assume that the programme will be (Stephen Gilbert). My family has spent many holidays cash-limited in spite of the Secretary of State’s ambitions, in his constituency, and I think VisitBritain could do so how will the initial financial decisions about who worse than collect together all the maiden speeches of needs more support and who needs less be made? Will the past few days and use them to promote some of the Jobcentre Plus continue to have a significant role to play most wonderful parts of our country—indeed, there are in this, or will people have to refer themselves to some bits of our country I would not have recognised at all other local or national organisation? If someone is from the descriptions. I congratulate all Members who disabled and needs additional help, will they have to have delivered their maiden speeches. I was going to say compete with others on the programme? that my contribution would be an older maiden speech, Where does the access to work programme, which but one of those adjectives would not quite be appropriate. daily supports thousands of disabled workers in I shall now launch forward while leaving Members to employment, fit into the new uniform approach? I work out the meaning of that remark. know that the coalition has said it will reform access to First, I want to welcome the comments of the new work and I welcome that, but will the coalition Government Secretary of State for Work and Pensions about the commit themselves to doubling the access to work principles that will underpin his approach to welfare programme as the previous Government did, or will reform. He said in a recent article: this just be rolled into a single approach that is not “Tattooed across my heart is that I didn’t come here in any ring-fenced and that becomes a victim of cuts? On shape or form simply as a cheeseparer.” realigning contracts, will that be 100% output-based? In That is a robust comment to make, certainly for a short, how is the whole thing going to work? Conservative Secretary of State for Work and Pensions— Perhaps the Secretary of State can provide answers to and, frankly, it would not be at odds with many of the questions on his own sanctions policy. What will the comments of previous Labour Secretaries of State. level of sanctions be? Who will enforce them? What will 247 Debate on the Address8 JUNE 2010 Debate on the Address 248 happen to children if benefits are taken away from their in the Chamber, for equality of opportunity irrespective parents? Where are the safeguards? Will people be of background. It is ironic that Sir Raymond Gower’s forced to take any job, or will there be flexibility within maiden speech was about devolution to Wales and his the programme? Will the unemployed people in my call for greater “home rule”, as it was referred to then, constituency be taken off benefit if there are no jobs or because such a commitment to a referendum has been no valid opportunities? made by this Government. May I briefly comment on the “work doesn’t pay” It really is a privilege to represent the Vale of Glamorgan, issue, which the Secretary of State repeatedly mentions? my home constituency. It contains rich farmland, three I understand and appreciate his sentiments. The coalition main towns, numerous villages and hamlets, and a document says that it supports the national minimum magical coastline. It has a fantastic history and I am wage, but I have to ask this question: in terms of the confident that, with the Government’s support, it has a “work doesn’t pay” issue, is the Secretary of State great future. It contains areas of prosperity and pockets proposing to increase individuals’ incomes through a of deprivation. I am confident that the policies announced mixture of benefits, credits and earnings or, as many of in the Gracious Speech will go a long way to help my hon. Friends and constituents fear, to go back to the overcome the deprivation, to meet the need for regeneration old tried and tested Tory solution of salami-slicing and to help to protect the fantastic environment. benefits? The constituency’s three prime towns are Cowbridge, The two Ministers currently sitting on the Government Llantwit Major and Barry. The Romans built a small Front Bench—the Exchequer Secretary and the Minister fort in Cowbridge in the 1st century. In 1254, Sir Richard of State, Department for Work and Pensions, the hon. de Clare, the Lord of Glamorgan, granted the town its Member for Thornbury and Yate (Steve Webb)—can first charter and in 1886 Cowbridge was the last recipient smile knowingly to each other if they want to. However, of a royal charter given by Queen Victoria. David Lloyd given the history of welfare reform, which causes a George and Iolo Morganwg have strong links to the shudder through many communities, certainly in Scotland town, which was the birthplace of Sir Leoline Jenkins, but also in many other parts of the country, these are who was the principal of Jesus college, Oxford. He serious questions and the coalition must answer them endowed the town’s grammar school and formed its before its welfare reform programme will have any long-standing association with Jesus college. credibility among Opposition Members. Llantwit Major came to prominence with the foundation of a monastery, which was established by St Illtud in the 7.20 pm late 5th century. It became a seat of learning and Alun Cairns (Vale of Glamorgan) (Con): It is a religion, attracting royalty and St David himself. It is privilege to have the opportunity to make my maiden the nearest town to St Athan, with its significant RAF speech in the debate in response to the Gracious Speech, base which is the proposed site of the £13 billion and it is a pleasure to follow the right hon. Member for defence technical college—I strongly support that policy. Stirling (Mrs McGuire). I congratulate the Ministers on Barry, too, has a great history. The name derives from their appointments and look forward to supporting St Baruc, who was drowned in the Bristol channel and them in tackling their challenges between now and the buried on Barry island. The rapid expansion of the next general election. town dates back to 1884, when a group of colliery I wish to pay tribute to my immediate predecessor as owners built a railway line and a dock, but interestingly MP for the Vale of Glamorgan, John Smith. His the original Barry Dock and Railway Bill was defeated campaigning efforts, which were primarily on tackling in Parliament in 1883. By 1913, Barry had become the deep vein thrombosis and latterly in favour of the largest coal-exporting port in the world, and the railway defence technical college proposed for St Athan, were line also brought millions of tourists to Barry island to recognised by those on both sides of the House. I enjoy one of Wales’s most spectacular beaches. strongly support his approach on both issues, and he is Latterly, the town has become well known because of very much respected in the constituency. I also recognise an Essex boy and a Barry girl —Gavin and Stacey. Even the contribution of the previous Conservative Member a former right hon. Member of this House, John Prescott, for the constituency, Walter Sweeney, who will be has appeared in an episode with Nessa, Smithy and the remembered for, among many things, having the smallest other characters. Stacey and uncle Bryn live on the majority in the House of Commons following the 1992 steepest road in my constituency, and the Essex home in general election—it was a majority of 19. Thankfully, I the programme is actually located in Dinas Powys, in am not in that position, but I do not take any vote for my constituency. I apologise in advance, Mr Deputy granted and I aim to keep my majority somewhat larger Speaker, should I ever ask, “What’s occurring?” or than that. should I thank you by saying, “Tidy”. The new interest I also take pleasure in referring to the late Sir Raymond in the town, combined with the regeneration efforts of Gower, whom many senior hon. Members will recall the local authority, mean that Barry has an exciting with great fondness. He served the Vale of Glamorgan’s future ahead of it. constituents from 1951 until his untimely death in 1989. Although the Vale of Glamorgan’s gross domestic His reputation for responding to and serving constituents product is at or slightly above the UK average, there are is still recalled affectionately in the constituency, and his great differences between its communities. The overall prolific letter-writing to and on behalf of constituents headline masks the deprivation, which has its roots in came long before modern technology made such the change from the former industries, and because the communication relatively straightforward. His efforts GDP of other parts of Wales is lower, areas of deprivation were extraordinary. I hope to be able to follow the in my constituency are left wanting. I want to fight for principles of Sir Raymond’s approach to constituency equality of opportunity. I was contacted last week by a work with passion and conviction, and to stand up, here constituent who had been made unemployed and did 249 Debate on the Address8 JUNE 2010 Debate on the Address 250

[Alun Cairns] constituency consists of four extremely diverse and different wards: Aston, Ladywood, Nechells, and Soho. not qualify for training support to enhance his prospects Between them, they are home to the Grade I-listed because he lived in the Vale of Glamorgan. Had he lived Aston hall, the historic Jewellery quarter, the Star City in the neighbouring authority area, he would have been entertainment complex and the Grade II-listed Soho eligible for projects that receive European aid. house, home of the manufacturer Matthew Boulton. I I wish to conclude my remarks by returning to the am also lucky to have both Aston Villa and Birmingham issue of the proposed defence technical college, which is City football clubs in my constituency, but as both are the largest private finance initiative scheme. I recognise in the premier league I will have to learn new skills of that the strategic defence review needs to take place and football diplomacy when the two sides play each other. that the Government also face financial challenges, but Birmingham, Ladywood is one of the most multicultural this project would use money that is already committed areas in the country. More than 50% of our population and is already being spent by the Ministry of Defence, is non-white and we have a proud multicultural tradition. and it would spend it more efficiently and effectively. I have been privileged to meet many people from all We owe this to our armed forces; it is important to race and faith backgrounds during my time as a candidate Wales and the Welsh economy, but it is most important and now as a Member of Parliament. Each such meeting for our brave men and women who serve in our armed has reiterated to me that while the people of my constituency forces, because it will give them the world-class training might have come from different places, the destination that they most desperately need and deserve. they seek is the same—a place of greater opportunity and the same chance as everyone else to succeed. 7.26 pm That brings me to why it is so important to me to begin my parliamentary career by speaking in this debate Shabana Mahmood (Birmingham, Ladywood) (Lab): and focusing on the labour market. My constituency I am grateful to you, Mr Deputy Speaker, for giving me has the devastating and unwanted distinction of having the opportunity to make my first contribution in the the highest rate of unemployment in the country. Our House, especially as today’s debate has particular resonance figures for unemployment have been too high for many for me and my constituency. I shall talk about that decades. In researching my maiden speech, I noted shortly, but before doing so I must congratulate all hon. with dismay that unemployment was a theme in the Members who have made their maiden speeches today, maiden speeches of many of my recent predecessors. because they were all excellent and are a hard act to My constituency is particularly blighted by long-term follow. In particular, I am delighted to follow the maiden intergenerational worklessness, which is the legacy of speech made by my hon. Friend the Member for Bethnal previous recessions which devastated my constituency Green and Bow (Rushanara Ali) who, like me, is one of so much that it has never really recovered. I was pleased, the first Muslim women to be elected to this House. As therefore, when the Labour Government announced in we are joined in that achievement by my hon. Friend the December 2007 that £1.5 billion would be provided Member for Bolton South East (Yasmin Qureshi), I can through the working neighbourhoods fund specifically only remark that Muslim women in the Commons are to tackle the problem of long-term worklessness, and rather like buses: there are none for ages and then three allocated more than £100 million of that money to come along at once. Birmingham. My predecessor, Clare Short, was very well known I wish that action had been taken earlier in our term for being unafraid to speak her mind. When making her in office. However, I have real concerns about the maiden speech in 1983, Clare said: effectiveness of the working neighbourhoods fund in “I intend to follow tradition and speak about my constituency. Birmingham, where the partnership tasked with delivering However, it is impossible for me to follow the tradition of not the fund is controlled by Birmingham city council, being controversial”. —[Official Report, 29 June 1983; Vol. 44, which has been run by the Conservatives and Liberal c. 623.] Democrats in coalition since 2004. To date, the fund has That was a sign of things to come, but it was also not been adequately used for the express purpose for indicative of her honesty. Clare had a distinguished which it was created by the Labour Government—to career as a Labour MP but following differences over help to reduce unemployment in Birmingham’s most the Iraq war she ultimately resigned the Labour Whip in deprived communities such as my own. Two facts are October 2006, choosing to sit as an independent MP. evidence of that. First, mid-way through the three-year She was not the first Labour MP from Birmingham, programme, of the £30 million that had been spent, Ladywood to have disagreed with the Labour party only £2.5 million had actually been spent on projects to over policy, because our predecessor, Victor Yates, who tackle worklessness. Secondly, and just as controversially, held the seat from 1945 to 1969, had the Whip withdrawn £14 million of working neighbourhoods fund money from him twice. That meant that he, too, sat as an was diverted to help to bail out the Tory-Lib Dem independent in this House for a period of time. This is council’s budget overspend on social services. I believe not a Ladywood tradition that I hope to continue, but I that cash for jobs should be spent on jobs, and I hope will strive to emulate the passion and fearlessness of my that what is left of that money is spent in the way in predecessors in standing up for the people of my which it was intended by the Labour Government—to constituency. In every part of Ladywood, Clare is support the long-term unemployed in areas such as remembered with pride, warmth and gratitude for her mine in getting the skills and confidence that they need hard work, and that is the best and most fitting tribute in order to get and retain a job so that they can that I can give to this most outspoken of MPs. transform their lives. I am a Brummie born and bred, so the fact that I now I wish to make a related point on youth unemployment. represent a constituency that is the heart of Birmingham In 1983, Clare Short warned that school leavers in is a source of great honour and it is a privilege. My Ladywood in the 1980s faced unemployment not only in 251 Debate on the Address8 JUNE 2010 Debate on the Address 252 ever-greater numbers, but for ever-greater periods of The House will be familiar with his exemplary service time. In 2010, I find myself warning that the children and so I shall not affront his modesty now. Suffice it to of that generation might be in the same boat because of say that I aim to ensure that the residents of Bordon, the new Government’s plans to cut the future jobs fund. Liphook, Grayshott, Selborne, Headley and Headley That fund created 200,000 jobs and arose from our Down will not be found gazing wistfully across the guarantee of a job, or training or a work placement, for constituency boundary. I shall do my best to serve them anyone who was under 25 and out of work for six as well as they have rightly come to expect. months. I am disappointed that the new Government The constituency of East Hampshire is England at its are getting rid of the fund. Once again, a Conservative very best, with its varied and enchanting landscape, Government—this time helped by the Liberal Democrats— historic market towns and many beautiful villages. One are walking away from the young unemployed in our such village is Chawton, where Jane Austen found such country. I implore them to change course. When we inspiration and created most memorable characters and damage our young people, we damage us all, because images that show our country at its most cherished. But they are our future. If the Government walk away from that tranquillity has at times been rather violently disrupted. them and break their hearts and spirits, they truly will Should I ever require a reminder of the need to remain create a broken Britain. in harmony with my constituents, it is there in the bullet I conclude on a personal note and with a pledge to holes in the door of St Lawrence’s church, close to our the people of Birmingham, Ladywood. My grandfather family home in Alton, for that was the site of the civil came to this country from Pakistan in the 1960s. He war battle of Alton. On that occasion, it took 5,000 worked long hours on a low wage and made sacrifices parliamentarians to match up to the local men. so that his family could access greater opportunity. He Today, East Hampshire is, I am pleased to say, once died when I was six years old and did not live to enjoy again a harmonious place, but challenges still exist. We the fruits of his labour. He could not have known that need houses that local people can afford, but we need to his decisions and his hard work would one day lead to resist the sort of overdevelopment that can spoil the his granddaughter being elected to this House. I pay character of an area. It is vital to provide jobs locally tribute to him and to the successes of the Labour party and to keep the micro-economies of our towns and and the Labour Government, who created the opportunities villages vibrant for our local heart and soul. Looking that made my family’s journey and that of so many forward, the opening of the Hindhead tunnel, the various ordinary hard-working families possible. I believe that options for the future of Bordon and the advent of the opportunity and the chance to fulfil one’s aspirations is South Downs national park all present both new the birthright of every one of our citizens, and I pledge opportunities and new challenges. to the people of Birmingham, Ladywood that I will devote myself to eradicating the misery, hopelessness In my constituency, particularly in Bordon, we are and sheer waste of long-term unemployment so that my proud to be home to so many who serve in our armed constituents can have what they deserve—the same forces. They are a constant credit to our nation and our chance to succeed in life as everyone else. For however commitment to them in this House must measure up to long I am their Member of Parliament, I will never their commitment to serve our country. I welcome the settle for anything less. I thank the House for listening. Government’s pledge to renew the military covenant and I look forward to seeing that as a priority in the business of the House. 7.34 pm After the defence of our country and our security, Damian Hinds (East Hampshire) (Con): Thank you perhaps the biggest battle we face is ensuring that we for allowing me to catch your eye, Mr Deputy Speaker. further define and bolster Britain’s place in the new It is an enormous privilege to address the House for the world economy. As the new powerhouses of China, first time. The trepidation that I had already has been India, Russia and Brazil loom ever larger, we must rise greatly enhanced by having to follow so many of my to the challenge they set. Fundamental to that must be hon. Friends and Opposition Members. ensuring the very best education for every child to I begin by expressing my appreciation for my predecessor, enable them all, regardless of background, to fulfil their the right hon. Michael Mates. On his election in 1974, potential. That is a theme that many hon. Members as MP for the then Petersfield constituency, he was have touched on already. Striving for excellence is not about the age that I am now, but he had already served just about bringing all up to scratch or setting the bar at Queen and country for 20 years in the Army. He went an acceptable standard. It must be about encouraging on to serve in the House for a further 36 years. His well all to stretch themselves, from wherever they start, to be deserved reputation as a champion of the people of all that they can. That should be true both for schools East Hampshire and his service as a Minister of the and for the students in their care. In education, as in Crown and as a Select Committee Chairman cast a very industry, when people feel ownership, empowerment long shadow, in the penumbra of which I stand rather and responsibility, they are much more likely to go the hesitantly today. If ever, in this House, I can be half as extra mile and make a success of their venture—hence good as he was, I shall be not half bad. the great attraction of the academy model, even for I very much hope to emulate Michael Mates’s long schools that are already very successful. and close relationship with the people of East Hampshire, Those same principles need not mean going it alone, and there are many people whom I have the privilege to as they can extend beyond the school gate, with schools represent now who have been transported to my working in partnership with others. In my constituency, constituency, courtesy of the Boundary Commission, the 44 schools and colleges already work co-operatively, having taken no decision of their own to do so. They choosing to pool resources in the pursuit of shared have been served well by my right hon. Friend the goals. The potential advantages of that kind of approach Member for North East Hampshire (Mr Arbuthnot). are many fold. It can enable smaller village schools, 253 Debate on the Address8 JUNE 2010 Debate on the Address 254

[Damian Hinds] mountain peaks and cradle the crystal-clear waters of Silent Valley that sustain our capital city of Belfast. which we value very highly in my area, to derive scale South Down also has an extensive and charming coastline, benefits that they otherwise would not have. It can stretching from Carlingford lough at the Irish border to provide new stretch opportunities for particularly gifted the south, through the bustling harbour towns of and talented youngsters, and also a forum for governors Warrenpoint and Kilkeel and on to Newcastle where, to share best practice. famously, the Mountains of Mourne My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Work “sweep down to the sea.” and Pensions has outlined bold plans to help tackle the The coastline curves northwards beyond that again, to problem of people being trapped in the welfare system, the historic town of Downpatrick—the place that I call but I am sure that he would agree that even better than home. cure is when we can go for prevention. The oft-quoted Although there is some vibrant manufacturing industry number of NEETS—people not in education, employment and commerce in the area, the main industries in South or training—is such a bland statistic, but it masks so Down are agriculture, fisheries and, increasingly, tourism. much wasted potential. It is often said, too, that one can Regrettably, South Down also has its own pockets of spot the people likely to end up adding to that statistic deprivation. It is a very good example of a place where, from a very early age. That is too often remarked on, if the kind of welfare-to-work initiatives envisaged by but too rarely acted on. the Government are to have any success, there needs to We must have ambition for all our young people, and be an accompanying concentration on job creation. For the pupil premium that my right hon. Friend the Secretary the House can rest assured that there are very few of State for Education is putting forward will be a big people I know, especially in South Down, who do not part of that. I hope too that more areas will follow the want to work. model of the East Hampshire Partnership, for which a key focus is identifying the people who may be at risk of As a former Northern Ireland Minister, I told the falling into that group, and working together across the previous Government that a policy of pressing people age groups for their benefit. into work when there are few jobs to go to could not prosper, and I repeat that message to the new Mr Deputy Speaker, thank you for allowing me the Administration. I share the Government’s desire to help chance to speak. more people enjoy the dignity and self-sufficiency that comes from gainful employment but, in Northern Ireland, 7.41 pm a policy of hounding people away from benefits when Ms Margaret Ritchie (South Down) (SDLP): Thank there are few new opportunities for employment will you for calling me, Mr Deputy Speaker. I greatly appreciate cause only hardship and resentment. the opportunity to make my maiden speech in a debate But let us be positive: I believe that we in Northern about economic affairs, and in particular about the Ireland have it within us, now that all the pointless services and assistance that we provide for our most violence has ended, to make our economy take off for disadvantaged and vulnerable citizens. It is an honour the first time in generations. We are attracted to the for me to follow the hon. Members for East Hampshire possibility of devolving tax-varying powers to the Stormont (Damian Hinds) and for Birmingham, Ladywood (Shabana Executive—powers that will allow us, for the first time, Mahmood). to compete as equals in the quest for foreign direct The subject of today’s debate is one close to my heart, investment. I very much welcome the indications from not least because until very recently it was part of my the Government that they will help us harmonise responsibilities as the Minister for Social Development corporation tax on the island of Ireland. in the devolved Administration in Northern Ireland. In addition, concern for the disadvantaged and the vulnerable We can do more for ourselves in many other areas, has always been top of my political agenda and that of too. Northern Ireland has potentially a very rich renewable my party. The Social Democratic and Labour party is energy resource. It can be at the centre of our plans to here to serve. develop the green economy. We also have huge potential in our agriculture and food industries to drive for No one better personifies dedicated public service higher added value. We have a well educated and trained and a lifelong desire to improve the lives of fellow work force, and a world-class broadband infrastructure citizens than my predecessor Eddie McGrady. He has that can be the platform for the growth of our tradable been an exemplary contributor to making Northern sectors. We must get all of this moving if we are to be Ireland a better place for all its people, across a career credible in offering work to everyone. spanning 50 years of steadfast public service. Unlike others, his leadership style has not been bellicose or I also think Northern Ireland can harvest a major loud. Instead, he is a member of that elite group of expansion of its tourism industry. We offer a well priced statesmen and politicians who make progress for everyone and absorbing tourism product that is enhanced by through their wisdom, dedication, patience and hard high-quality hospitality and a genuinely friendly and work. For me personally, he has been a role model and a welcoming people. The potential for tourism development true friend. I am proud of what he has done for the is, I believe, at its most enticing in my own constituency constituency of South Down. The evidence of his of South Down. endeavours is there for all to see throughout that beautiful In the Downpatrick area, we hold the authentic heritage constituency. of our national saint, Patrick, and that is something I said that South Down was beautiful, and it is. very special. The whole world celebrates his anniversary Located in the south-eastern corner of Northern Ireland, on 17 March, yet that same world has limited understanding it boasts at its heart the magnificent Mountains of of his story. It is a powerful and compelling story of Mourne, which play host to Northern Ireland’s highest bringing Christianity to Ireland and allowing it to blossom 255 Debate on the Address8 JUNE 2010 Debate on the Address 256 in a land of saints and scholars at a time when it was and pig production, and we are still enjoying the bounty threatened with extinction in Britain and the rest of of the asparagus crop. I have just been enjoying asparagus Europe. in the Tea Room and I hope that it was Norfolk Patrick transcends all our historic quarrels in these asparagus. If it was not, I will certainly be working to islands and in particular within the two traditions in make sure that it is in future. Agriculture faces problems, Northern Ireland. He is a unifying figure and his message not least the Rural Payments Agency, which I want to is one of reconciliation. He was a Roman Briton, and as work to reform, particularly the mapping exercise, which such was our greatest ever import. He is, and can be has caused many farmers in South West Norfolk utter even more, our greatest ever export. In special parts of consternation. South Down, we hold the sites where Patrick first We have two other key market towns in South West landed in Ireland and where he built his first church, the Norfolk—Swaffham and Downham Market. I do not healing wells where he bathed, the place where he know whether hon. Members have heard of the pedlar breathed his last, and the grave where he now rests. of Swaffham. He came to London to look for treasure, I am confident about the future and the ability that but he found out that the treasure was in Swaffham all we have to improve the economy and the living standards along. I can tell the House that there is much more of our people. I will work positively here to achieve treasure to be unearthed in Swaffham—its tourism those objectives, but each week I know that I will be industry and its energy industry. Downham Market is returning to a special place. I invite all Members here to another fine town that used to boast orchards. It is still visit South Down, and Downpatrick in particular, where a centre for agriculture, and now has a number of they can walk in the footsteps of Patrick. commuters living in the constituency, who travel to Cambridge, Kings Lynn and London. I shall be wanting 7.48 pm to make their lives easier by seeking improvements to Elizabeth Truss (South West Norfolk) (Con): Thank that train line. you for calling me, Mr Deputy Speaker, and may I The constituency stretches from the fens to the brecks congratulate the hon. Member for South Down and right down to the Suffolk border. In all those areas (Ms Ritchie) on her passionate advocacy of the economic various business are tucked away. We have innovative development of her constituency? I also congratulate businesses producing fuel from cooking oil, high-tech my hon. Friend the Member for East Hampshire (Damian lasers and airport scanning equipment. It is amazing Hinds) on his advocacy of the importance of education the things one finds. All those businesses tell me the programmes. same thing. They are frustrated with dealing with too I am very grateful to be called in today’s economy many Government agencies, a plethora of initiatives, debate, as I believe that addressing the deficit and and too much red tape. They also want action on the powering economic growth are the two most important creaking infrastructure in Norfolk and say that we need things that this Government can do. I believe that South more specialist skills. That is why, together with my West Norfolk, and Norfolk as a whole, have a lot to Norfolk colleagues, I shall be fighting for dualling of offer in helping us to achieve those objectives. the A11 from the fiveways roundabout to Thetford. The people of South West Norfolk are not afraid of I notice that my right hon. Friend the Chancellor hard work. Indeed, we are a forward-looking and self-reliant mentioned earlier that he wanted to put money where county. We are part of the east of England, which is one there was a high-level economic return. I can tell the of the three regions in the country that puts more in the Minister that there is a benefit-cost ratio of 19 for this tax pot than it takes out of it. To carry on being a net project, so it is of high value. It will unlock more growth contributor, however, we need to make sure that we in Norfolk. We also want to see a successful conclusion have the necessary infrastructure and skills in our county, to the train franchise agreements, and of course broadband and that is what I am going to talk about today. rolled out across the county. My predecessor, Christopher Fraser, worked hard on The other thing that I will be pushing for is an those issues—to secure further funding for the A11 and overhaul of our qualifications system. Like everywhere to protect Swaffham community hospital. He spoke out else in the country, the economy of South West Norfolk frequently on the issue of flood defences, which are has changed. With increased automation, we now have important for members of our community, some of higher skilled jobs. A typical farm now employs an whom can use their road for only 200-odd days in the eighth of the employees that it did 40 years ago, but year because it is closed due to flooding. those employees are in highly technically skilled and South West Norfolk is famous for some strong characters. business management roles. We need to ensure that we Thomas Paine was born in Thetford—a man who started educate people for those jobs. That is why I want to off revolutions on two continents. Boudicca was reputed look to our great universities to lead on academic to have had her base in Thetford as well. She led an qualifications. I have previously called for maths and uprising against the Romans. Sadly, when she left the science to move from geek to chic. Never has this been county of Norfolk and moved on she was strategically more important, and I will be pressing for that. out manoeuvred at the battle of Watling street. That is I also want to see employers lead in on-the-job skills not a fault that afflicted one of my other predecessors because people get a passion for work and a sense of Gillian Shephard, now Baroness Shephard, who successfully craftsmanship from watching someone who cares about steered many reforms through this House as a Minister it doing the job. I will be fighting for that to make sure for Agriculture and as Secretaries of State for Education that those people, not bureaucrats, are in charge of and for Employment. setting our qualifications. Agriculture is a huge part of the economy in South Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to West Norfolk. We have the world’s biggest sugar factory make my maiden speech today. I am truly grateful. I in Wissington; we also have some amazing arable production know that we have the right policies and that the will is 257 Debate on the Address8 JUNE 2010 Debate on the Address 258

[Elizabeth Truss] Member of Parliament for Stockton North. Many hon. Members will remember Frank Cook as a Deputy there among those on our Front Bench. We can make Speaker in Westminster Hall, and for his work with not just Norfolk a powerhouse but the whole of Britain NATO. I will remember him as a dedicated champion a powerhouse for the future of our economy. of genuine asylum seekers helping to protect many of them from torture or death, which they would have ultimately suffered if they had returned to their home 7.55 pm country. Alex Cunningham (Stockton North) (Lab): Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker, for calling me to make my Education is my particular interest, and I am extremely maiden speech. I congratulate other hon. Members on proud of the success of many schools in my constituency. their maiden speeches. I have learned a lot; I have They have delivered outstanding success for our children enjoyed them much, but I particularly look forward to a and young people. Much has been achieved, but much supply of that asparagus. remains to be done. As Stockton borough council lead member for children and young people, I was privileged After 30 years living in my constituency, I am proud to oversee the work to develop the Building Schools for to be an adopted Teessider, and even more proud to the Future programme across the borough. Opposition represent the people of Billingham, Norton, much of Members share my anxiety that the biggest single investment Stockton and the surrounding villages. My Stockton in education ever is now subject to review and could be North constituency has a long history as an industrial cut. I remain hopeful, however, that the new Government hothouse, with engineering, chemical manufacture and will soon end the speculation over BSF and help us shipbuilding. Work with metal for building ships and transform teaching and learning in the kind of facilities some of the world’s most famous bridges has always of which we can all be proud. been at the centre of our community. Even just two weeks ago, we saw the world’s largest marine pipe-laying A co-ordinated approach to delivering integrated services machine loaded on board a ship and exported to the far for our children and young people is essential as we go east. Built in my constituency by IHC Engineering, it forward. The safeguarding of our children must be will subsequently be deployed in the Gulf of Mexico central to that work, yet there has been little mention of and off the Brazilian coast, laying pipe lines for, among it from the new Government, except for a statement others, BP, Exxon-Mobil and Shell. promising a review and a cut in bureaucracy. We have The metal work also has its links with the Houses of seen the high-profile cases of recent years, and they Parliament. Every time I hear Big Ben strike, it reminds illustrate the need for safeguarding of our children to me of home. The original bell was cast in Calf Fallow remain one of the highest priorities for national and lane, just 400 yards from my back fence. The history books local government alike. While every failure is a disaster say that the people of London cheered the bell through for a child or a young person, we must not lose sight of the streets, but sadly it never took its place in the Clock the daily work of our local authorities and social workers, Tower, as it cracked under testing. I hope, Mr Deputy often working against the odds to deliver success in the Speaker, that the same does not happen to me. most difficult of circumstances. We have seen many changes in our local economy. Much that we talk about these days is about reducing Substantial investment by the regional development spending, but I hope the Secretary of State for Education agency One NorthEast has helped business and industry and the Chancellor will deliver real resources in developing in Stockton not just play to its strengths but to diversify education in our schools on budgeting. It is a critical into all manner of things from financial services to area in which support is needed for young people and 21st century digital businesses. Investment in education many families, to help them manage their income and not and training has also brought big dividends, and I only fall into the hands of loan sharks, both legal and illegal. hope that the investment continues, and that the new There are people in my constituency who pay for their Government’s plans to change the RDA do not render television £1 at a time through a slot meter, and end up it useless. paying for their television several times over. There are My constituency is famous for many other things. others who, believing that there is nowhere else to go, Stockton is home to one end of the world’s first railway take out loans with extreme interest rates, and often line. The town boasts the widest high street in England. struggle just to meet the interest payments. I will work John Walker invented the friction match in his high here to put an end to that “legal loan shark” practice, street shop, and the town is home to one of Europe’s which devastates so many lives, and help people find premier arts festivals, the Stockton international riverside affordable credit through credit unions or other means. festival. We are also celebrating the 700th anniversary Higher education is also important to my constituency, of our market charter this year. and Stockton boasts of being a university town. Durham Billingham developed from a small village to a large university on the south bank of the River Tees falls in town during the ICI era on Teesside. It also boasts a the Stockton South constituency. I know, however, that festival of its own—the international folklore festival, the university harbours an ambition to expand student now in its 46th year. The people of Billingham are also numbers and move across our new Infinity bridge and famous for taking on the might of the nuclear industry on to the north shore and into Stockton North. I hope in the shape of Nirex, which wanted to dump hundreds that ambition is realised. of thousands of tonnes of medium-level radioactive I firmly believe that a healthy community can be a waste under their homes in a disused anhydrite mine. learning and economically vibrant community that can Their campaign “Billingham against the nuclear dump” achieve great things in developing an exciting future. In was successfully led by my predecessor Frank Cook, recent times, we have seen improvements in the health then a new MP himself. It was the biggest constituency of some of our neediest communities across the country, campaign he was involved in during his 27 years as the and in my own constituency. I hope we will see that 259 Debate on the Address8 JUNE 2010 Debate on the Address 260 improvement continue, with our planned new hospital is not even Sir Isaac Newton, who grew up nearby in given the go-ahead. I also hope that the new Government Woolsthorpe manor and discovered gravity while snoozing will recognise the huge benefits that continued investment in its orchard. Grantham achieved global celebrity because in integrated education, social care and other services of Margaret Thatcher. Thirty years ago, she smashed for children and young people can bring. Many children through the glass ceiling in this House, and gave us all a and adults in my constituency still face the toughest of master class in true grit. I pay tribute to her today. circumstances, and could suffer most under the cuts Traditionally, Grantham was an engineering town. I proposed by the Government. I hope I can serve them believe it can be so again if we learn from the mistakes well by highlighting the issues affecting their lives such of the past. In 1905, Richard Hornsby and Sons of persuading all who will listen that people like them need Grantham invented the revolutionary caterpillar track. us in their corner. By 1914, Hornsbys had only sold one caterpillar vehicle, so they transferred the patent to the Holt Manufacturing 8.2 pm Company of California for $8,000. Thanks in part to this patent, Holt became Caterpillar Inc. and went on Nick Boles (Grantham and Stamford) (Con): Thank to dominate the global market in construction and you for calling me, Mr. Deputy Speaker, and for giving mining equipment. What haunts me about that story is me the opportunity to address this House for the first that none of us is surprised by it. We have ground-breaking time. I start by congratulating hon. Members who have research, brilliant design, even watertight patents, yet just concluded their maiden speeches. I hope, after the conversion of that technological potential into orders six hours here, that they enjoyed the experience, and I and jobs often passes us by. If we are to restore our hope the House will forgive me if the microphones pick economic fortunes, we must change that. I spent the up the mild rumbling of my stomach at this late hour in best part of 10 years running a small business, making the evening. paintbrushes and rollers. I will not pretend that I made I should like to thank my predecessor, Quentin Davies, a huge success of it, but it did help me understand the for his long record of service. He worked hard for the challenges facing modern manufacturing. I am determined people of south-west Lincolnshire, and played a crucial to help others who make a living by making things. role in securing the future of Grantham hospital when Thank you for your patience, Mr. Deputy Speaker. I it was under threat. It is therefore with a heavy heart would like to conclude with a few words to Labour that I report to the House the shocking truth about Members. We disagree about much and will have fierce Mr. Davies’s recent ordeal. Three years ago he was battles in the years to come, but I will never forget what kidnapped by a brutal and unscrupulous gang. As a they, and their recently departed colleagues, did for gay political prisoner, he was spared no indignity. He was even women and gay men such as me. I would not be standing forced to sign a statement hailing the right hon. Member here today if they had not passed legislation to extend for Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath (Mr Brown) as full equality and respect to everyone in Britain—and “a leader, who is entirely straightforward, who has a towering thereby entrench a change in culture and attitudes that record, and a clear vision for the future of our country”. my own party has now embraced. This was the Labour Last week, Mr. Davies suffered the final humiliation—exile party at its best: brave, principled and humane. I thank to the House of Lords. We can only imagine his anguish and salute it, and hope that some day in this place I will as he protested his belief in a fully elected second have the chance to do something as good. Chamber and his scorn for titles and other baubles. I hope that the House will join me in sending our condolences 8.8 pm to the newly ennobled Lord as he starts his life sentence Naomi Long (Belfast East) (Alliance): Thank you for on the red leather Benches. calling me, Mr. Deputy Speaker. I am honoured to I feel immensely lucky to be representing south-west address the House for the first time, on behalf of my Lincolnshire in Parliament. Nowhere in the country is constituency of Belfast East, where I have lived all my there a town more lovely than Stamford, but living in a life. I want to thank the hon. Member for Grantham place of ancient beauty creates its own challenges. and Stamford (Nick Boles) for his speech, particularly Stamford’s residents have to work out how to preserve his words about the importance of equality and respect, their town for future generations, while finding a way to and I congratulate all those Members who made their live and work and have fun in the 21st century. I would maiden speeches today. I wish only that they had set the not presume to tell them how to strike that balance—but bar slightly lower for those of us who have to follow. I can think of no place better equipped to run its own In preparing for today I read the maiden speech that affairs without interference from regional commissars my predecessor, Peter Robinson, delivered here in 1979, in Nottingham and planning gauleiters in Bristol. when the troubles in Northern Ireland were at their North-east of Stamford is Bourne, a small town that height—a fact that was reflected in his remarks to the boasts two great secondary schools, Robert Manning House on that occasion. While our political perspectives technology college and Bourne grammar. Together, they are distinctively different, I want to pay tribute to him demonstrate that selective education, where it is well for his 31 years of dedicated service to the constituency established and accepted by parents, can provide children as Member of Parliament, and particularly for his of all abilities with superb teaching. I am delighted that contribution in recent years, as First Minister, to making my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education Northern Ireland an immeasurably more stable and has also invited outstanding selective schools to become peaceful place than the one to which he referred in his academies. maiden speech. I wish him well as he continues in that At the northern tip of the constituency is Grantham. important role. The first thing one sees on approaching the town is the It is a convention to introduce one’s constituency to magnificent spire of St. Wulfram’s, but it is not church the House in a maiden speech, but perhaps I could also architecture that has made Grantham world famous. It briefly introduce my party, as the first Alliance party 261 Debate on the Address8 JUNE 2010 Debate on the Address 262

[Naomi Long] driver. Once fully occupied by the shipbuilding industry, it is now the largest waterfront redevelopment site in member to be elected to the House. Alliance was formed Europe: Titanic Quarter. When completed, it will transform in 1970 by people from across the traditional religious the 185-acre site into a new mixed-use maritime quarter, and political divide who were committed to healing the with the potential to create upwards of 25,000 new jobs deep-seated sectarian divisions in our community. They over the next 15 years. The Titanic signature project, set recognised that there was much more that united the to open ahead of the centenary of the Titanic in 2012, people of Northern Ireland than divided them; that any will allow east Belfast to showcase and celebrate its change to the constitutional position of Northern Ireland linkage with Titanic to the growing number of tourists required the consent of those who live there; and that visiting the area. That anniversary offers my constituents power sharing would ultimately form the basis of any something more significant than merely an opportunity political agreement. to reflect on past glory—it offers inspiration and Unfortunately, it was an idea ahead of its time and opportunity for a future generation. the past 40 years have been marked by failed attempts What made the constituency a world-class centre of to realise those aspirations. However, now, with a industry, innovation and imagination was not its factories, functioning Assembly, based on those same principles its rope works or its shipyard, but its people. Their and endorsed by the overwhelming majority of people, creativity, resourcefulness and hard work remain our the quality of the original idea has been proven. Importantly, most important resource today and are the key to however, those people also offered a vision of a better unlocking the potential of the constituency, particularly future for all the people of Northern Ireland. In doing for those young people growing up in disadvantaged so, they gave hope to people such as me, growing up in communities. circumstances where both vision and hope were in short Today’s debate about economic issues and challenges supply. is a fitting context in which to introduce my constituency The work of tackling prejudice in all its forms is still to the House, as it was once an economic powerhouse, critical if we are not only to maintain progress but to which I believe it has the potential to be again. The create an open, welcoming and diverse community in challenge that faces us is how we realise that potential in which diversity is respected and celebrated, and in which the current economic difficulties. A very sizeable proportion we can fully realise our potential, both economically of my constituents are employed in the public sector and socially. I thank my constituents for endorsing that and severe cuts to public expenditure will have a commitment to a shared future when they elected me. I disproportionate effect there. That is of concern not look forward to serving them in this new role and will only to those directly employed in the public sector but endeavour to live up to the trust that they have placed to the many others whose small businesses depend on it in me. to stay afloat. Stretching from the River Lagan, through the terraced The Government have indicated that they do not streets of the inner city of Belfast East, outwards to the want to divide the country or to target the most vulnerable suburbs and the beautiful Castlereagh hills beyond, my with the cuts that are ahead. However, to a degree the constituency is home to Parliament Buildings and so country is already divided economically, with regions has provided the backdrop for many dramatic moments such as Northern Ireland lagging behind others, despite in political life in Northern Ireland. It is also a constituency our best efforts. To avoid widening that gap, we must be with a rich cultural, sporting and industrial heritage sensitive to regional differences, and to the particular and, as a result, there are many famous names associated challenges faced by Northern Ireland as we emerge with it, such as C.S. Lewis, Van Morrison and George from years of conflict. To do otherwise would risk the Best, to name only a few. best opportunity for growth that we have had for a Perhaps the most famous name of all associated with generation. If the proposed cuts are too deep and too Belfast East is not that of a person but that of a ship, swift, and are not balanced by job creation, there is a the Titanic, the ill-fated White Star liner that was at the serious risk of simply moving many of my constituents time the largest and most luxurious ship ever built, and out of productive public sector employment into the is surely now the most renowned. She was constructed welfare system, which will do nothing to protect public at a time when Harland and Wolff was the largest services for the vulnerable, to generate growth in the private shipyard in the world. Gustav Wolff was a partner not sector or to raise aspirations, dignity and confidence. only in Harland and Wolff but in the east Belfast-based In closing, I fully recognise the enormity of the Belfast Rope Works, one of the largest rope works in challenges ahead. I believe that my constituency has the the world. Among his other enterprises, Gustav Wolff potential to play a significant role in the economic also found time to serve as a Member of Parliament for recovery not just of Northern Ireland, but of the UK as East Belfast, so I have quite a lot to live up to. a whole. I simply ask that the Government, as they That industrial heritage marked out the east of the formulate their plans, exercise caution and wisdom, so city for many years, but with the decline in shipbuilding that we in Belfast East have the necessary support, and manufacturing it also cast a huge shadow over my space and opportunity to play that role to the full. constituency. Our experiences in that respect were not dissimilar to those of many industrial cities. However, 8.15 pm our difficulties were compounded by the ongoing violence and political instability, which hampered the economic Steve Baker (Wycombe) (Con): Thank you, Mr Deputy rebalancing that was required. Thankfully, with the Speaker, for the opportunity to give my maiden speech. changed political fortunes of Northern Ireland, there Some Members may know that I am a skydiver. I am are huge opportunities for regeneration and growth and happy to tell the House that this is far more terrifying the site of that shipyard remains a significant economic than two miles of air and a hardstop. 263 Debate on the Address8 JUNE 2010 Debate on the Address 264

I congratulate those hon. Members who have spoken In the other place, in the Banking Bill debate of 5 February before me. I was particularly encouraged by the words 2009, the Earl of Caithness explained eloquently the of the hon. Member for Belfast East (Naomi Long). base of 19th-century judicial decisions—and yes, our When I served in the Royal Air Force, Belfast was system of money has evolved since then—that enabled a name perhaps to strike terror into our hearts, but I am that situation to take place. He called it very encouraged that today, with the Alliance party, the “the fault which has led to every major banking and currency hon. Lady is healing divisions and has a positive story crisis during the past 200 years, including this one.”—[Official to tell. Report, House of Lords, 5 February 2009; Vol. 707, c. 774.] I also congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for The Bank Charter Act 1844 ended the practice of Grantham and Stamford (Nick Boles) on a very charming banks over-issuing notes, but it left them virtually speech, and I am sure that he suits his constituency very unmolested in their ability to issue deposit currency to well. Having lived there for a number of years, I know be drawn by cheque. That loophole haunts us today. that it is a charming place and I congratulate him on his Unlike the situation in respect of any other commodity, win. in the case of money, price controls do not drive the It is a great honour to enter this House and I am product off the market. Artificially lowered interest grateful to the people of the historic constituency of rates increase the demand for credit, and decrease the Wycombe for sending me here. I very much look forward supply of savings, but the legal privilege granted to to serving them. Throughout my campaign, I was strictly banks means that they can meet demand by extending forbidden to quote Disraeli, as he fought the constituency credit that is unbacked by real savings. There is a good at least three times I think, and lost. Today, as we are in argument to say that that causes the boom-and-bust coalition, it is my great pleasure to use this perhaps well cycle, the misdirection of resources in the capital structure known quote from a campaign speech in High Wycombe: of production, and over-consumption by consumers. “I am a Conservative to preserve all that is good in our That is the biggest problem that we face today. constitution, a Radical to remove all that is bad. I seek to preserve property and to respect order, and I equally decry the appeal to We could talk about the moral hazard of having a the passions of the many or the prejudices of the few.” state-backed lender of last resort and state deposit In representing Wycombe, I well understand Disraeli’s guarantees, and of the socialisation of the cost of sentiments and his reasons for writing “Sybil Or The failure; I only wish that I had time to touch on the Two Nations”. accounting rules on derivatives. Perhaps that is for another day. My political hero, Richard Cobden, spoke Wycombe is a constituency of astonishing diversity on the subject. He held and contrast and yet unity in adversity. From the wealth and beauty of the Hambleden valley, through the “all idea of regulating the currency to be an absurdity”, tougher areas of the town—some Conservative Members but I see that time is short; I shall have to save the rest of do represent constituencies with pockets of severe the quote for another day. deprivation—to the affluence of Tylers Green and Today, money is a product of the state. The Bank of Hazlemere, from the stoic Buckinghamshire traditionalists England controls the price, quantity and quality of of old Wycombe to our large ethnic communities, Wycombe money. Perhaps if we were talking about any other is a microcosm of contemporary Britain. I am proud to commodity, there would be far less confusion over and represent an area that defies expectations and encapsulates questioning of the cause of the crisis. If money is a contemporary Britain. product of the state, we should ask ourselves, “Is this a The most consistent theme of my candidacy was, good idea?” above all, the tribute to my predecessor, and I feel I can scarcely do him justice. Paul Goodman enjoyed the In the coalition, we have a Government ideally suited respect and admiration of all sections of the community, to be conservative to preserve what is good, but radical his parliamentary colleagues on both sides of the House to change all that is bad. If we are to have a once-in-a- and his party. He set out aspiring to Sir Ray Whitney’s generation, fundamental review of the role of government, qualities of shrewdness, courtesy, unselfishness and kindness. let us also examine government’s role in the system of I know that Paul surpassed his own aims and that this money and bank credit. House will miss him. Paul’s top priority was Wycombe hospital and I have to say for the benefit of the Bucks 8.23 pm Free Press that it will be my top campaigning priority. I mean that sincerely; no other issue compares to it, in Ian Murray (Edinburgh South) (Lab): Congratulations terms of its ability to create anxiety and concern. on your tenure in your post, Mr. Deputy Speaker. I also As a trustee of a charity for economic education, I congratulate the hon. Member for Wycombe (Steve would like to give what is perhaps an alternative perspective Baker) on his lesson; I am sure that those in the financial on the cause of the banking crisis; I hope that Members services across the world will read Hansard with interest will indulge me. I should like to put to them a proposition tomorrow. I particularly congratulate the hon. Member that is uncontroversial: around the world, the system of for Grantham and Stamford (Nick Boles). The equality money is a product of the state. Our monetary system is issues that he raised at the end of his speech are ones on characterised by private banking, with a fractional reserve which the House is stronger when it works together, and controlled by a central bank, which determines monetary I will welcome the opportunity to take those matters policy and has a monopoly on the issue of legal tender. forward with him. A Monetary Policy Committee sets interest rates. It is an honour and a privilege to stand in this great The banks have the legal privilege of treating depositors’ Chamber of democracy and represent the people of money as their own. In the words of Irving Fisher, Edinburgh South. My constituents have placed tremendous “our national circulating medium is now at the mercy of loan faith in me, and I will certainly be putting their views, transactions of banks”. hopes and aspirations forcefully. 265 Debate on the Address8 JUNE 2010 Debate on the Address 266

[Ian Murray] Edinburgh South also boasts the new Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, a state-of-the-art teaching hospital built Edinburgh South is a diverse constituency stretching by Labour, and now the centrepiece of plans for the from the old mining villages of Gilmerton to the leafy largest biomedical park in Europe. For 150 years, the suburbs of Morningside and beyond. Some literary Royal hospital for sick children has been caring for geniuses that hon. Members may recognise live in the children in Edinburgh and beyond. constituency—Ian Rankin, Alexander McCall Smith This week is Erskine week. Erskine has provided and, of course, J.K. Rowling lived but a stone’s throw nursing and medical care for former members of our from each other in the heart of the constituency. Those armed forces for over 100 years, rebuilding shattered literary geniuses are complemented by a large student lives, restoring dignity and providing first-class care to population, people in academia, public service workers ex-servicemen and women, both young and old. The and people in the professions. Erskine facilities in my constituency are well worth a The southern part of what is called the Athens of the visit. north was represented in this House for over 100 years I am fortunate to have been elected Member of by the Conservatives. The area has had many distinguished Parliament for a constituency that boasts some of the Conservative Members of Parliament, including Sir William best state schools in the country, with the most dedicated Darling, the great-uncle of the shadow Chancellor. The and dynamic head teachers and staff. Added to that, seat was last held for the Conservatives by the right hon. there is a plethora of faith and charity groups, which former Member for Devizes, the Earl of Ancram, who, contribute so much to our community. in 1979, defeated a certain Gordon Brown. My constituents are well informed by the wonderful The Earl of Ancram lost Edinburgh South to my Edinburgh Evening News, a bastion of all that is truth in predecessor, Nigel Griffiths, and I am delighted to be the Edinburgh journalistic community since 1873. I given this opportunity to pay tribute to him. Nigel was know that because one of their journalists wrote this without doubt one of the most hard-working constituency paragraph for me. MPs in this House. His dedication to serving his constituents Many of my constituents work in financial services— was second to none, and his mantra that everyone knew banking has been part of Edinburgh’s economic life for someone he had helped is certainly true. He leaves over 300 years. The devastation to the Edinburgh economy behind a long legacy of how a Member of this House if our banks were left to collapse, as championed by the should serve, and a couple of other things, too. If Chancellor of the Exchequer, would be incalculable. anyone has had the unenviable pleasure of campaigning Time after time, issue after issue on the economy, the with Nigel and his infamous megaphone, they will Tories called it wrong, and put my constituents at risk. know legendary megaphone phrases such as, “Don’t The intervention by the Labour Government, led by my leave it to the folks next door,” and “We are knocking right hon. Friend the Member for Edinburgh South on your door now,” the latter said just as his finger West (Mr Darling), laid the foundations for a worldwide reached the bell. Those are aspects of campaigning that economic turnaround that saved many thousands of I hope Nigel will continue to employ for many years to jobs for people in my constituency while protecting come. Nigel was also well known for championing the their savings. The Conservatives have been in government cause of the disabled and the most vulnerable, and I only a matter of days, but we have seen a massive know he will continue to do that outside this House. £6.2 billion cut—what they describe as efficiency savings. Edinburgh was one of the major centres of the Ultimately, this is not a real Tory-Lib Dem coalition; enlightenment, led by world-famous institutions based this is a personal relationship between the Prime Minister in south Edinburgh. One of them was the university of and his deputy. The coalition is held together by the Edinburgh, a research-led university with an international unnatural empathy and their deep, deep comfort in each reputation. It has long held a principal place in science and other’s personalities, politics and background: two peas engineering research, which is based in King’s Buildings. from the same pod. In the 1980s, Margaret Thatcher It has world experts in biological science, chemistry, claimed that the Liberal Prime Minster William Gladstone engineering, geosciences, informatics, mathematics and would have felt very much at home with the dominant physics. The university of Edinburgh and the other fine ideology of the Conservative party. I am convinced that academic institutions in Edinburgh hold much of the the Deputy Prime Minister would fit in very well, too. intellectual property for what could be a modern I would like to conclude by paying tribute to my enlightenment in science, innovation and green technology, mother, who taught me the values that I hold dear. I was and that must be wholeheartedly supported by Government. born and brought up on the Wester Hailes council The Chancellor’s announcement that he will cut 10,000 estate in Edinburgh. When my father died suddenly at university places as part of his £6 billion of so-called the age of 39 from a brain haemorrhage, my mother efficiencies will do nothing to help our universities to was left with my 13-year-old brother and me, aged just flourish and our economy to grow. There will be a nine. She was written off by the Conservative Government significant knock-on effect for universities in my of the day. My mother and many others like her who constituency. lived around us were left to fend for themselves, through The royal observatory in Edinburgh South houses the no fault of their own, when they needed their Government UK’s national centre for the production of state of the most. I saw first-hand communities ripped apart to the art astronomical technology. I recently visited it to see resonance of cheap political soundbites. The first few the people there making lenses for the most technologically weeks of this Conservative Government show that they advanced telescopes in the world. They are training have not changed, and I will fight tooth and nail to them now on the Liberal Democrats to see if they can ensure that the communities I represent in Edinburgh find anything left of the principles that they stood on in South do not suffer the excesses of Tory ideology again. the election. I owe that to them, and I certainly owe it to my mother. 267 Debate on the Address8 JUNE 2010 Debate on the Address 268

8.30 pm I am in the middle of the summer gala season—that is a fête for the English in the Chamber. On Saturday, Mike Crockart (Edinburgh West) (LD): Thank you, along with thousands of others, accompanied, surprisingly Mr Deputy Speaker, for giving me the opportunity to for Scotland, by the sun, I attend the Corstophine make my maiden speech. I want to pay tribute to the fair—the largest community-run event in Edinburgh, hon. Member for Wycombe (Steve Baker) for his and perhaps in Scotland. In it was a programme bursting considerable knowledge of the banking industry. I cannot with entertainment, kids’activities and community displays, wait to hear more about that in future debates. It is as well as the usual stalls to give people a chance to meet slightly difficult for me to follow the hon. Member for those behind the many community groups across the Edinburgh South (Ian Murray)—we are starting to constituency. At the end of that, I officiated at the become slightly Edinburgh-centric, with the hon. Member tug-of-war event, where two teams battled it out for for Edinburgh East (Sheila Gilmore) hopefully still to victory. There was much name calling, shouting and make a contribution this evening—because I can no huge efforts in blood, sweat and ultimately tears before longer mention the Edinburgh Evening News. The journalist both teams claimed a moral victory, at the very least. It mentioned by the hon. Member for Edinburgh South reminded me a great deal of the past four weeks on this wrote the same paragraph for me. side of the House. My predecessor, John Barrett, is taking a well-deserved Edinburgh West is also a centre for many varied rest after more than quarter of a century of public Scottish, British and internationally renowned companies. service, having represented the many people of Edinburgh I have already found that across the business sector too, West on community councils, city councils and, latterly, there is unity and solidarity in the adversity that we as its MP for nine years. He was a local business man face, and I am immensely lucky that in these difficult and entrepreneur. In that spirit, he sold this job to me as times, Edinburgh West has a shared aim and a sense of being the best in the world. It has certainly been the team spirit. So as we rightly place more emphasis on most exciting in the first four weeks—even more exciting industries such as biotechnology and the engineering of than my first few weeks as a green probationer in exciting new marine energy solutions, we should not Lothian and Borders police. forget two other priority industry sectors in Scotland, In his time, John met many interesting people, including which have contributed significantly to the success of the Queen and Dolly Parton. I will let the House into a the Scottish and UK economies in the past decade. I secret—it was the photograph of Dolly Parton that refer to tourism and the financial services, two sectors hung on the wall in the office. The seat has a well-established in which my constituency has flourished. Liberal history, and I join a select but growing group, Edinburgh airport, the gateway from mainland Europe including my hon. Friends the Members for Orkney not only for Edinburgh but for Scotland more generally, and Shetland (Mr Carmichael) and for Caithness, has 320 flights a day and 20,000 passengers, and those Sutherland and Easter Ross (John Thurso) by being a numbers are climbing. It is opening up new routes all third—or perhaps even more—generation Liberal MP. the time—for example, to Marrakesh and many others We are joined, too, by my hon. Friend the Member for announced in February. This is to be commended, as St Austell and Newquay (Stephen Gilbert). That Lib the more direct routes we have, the less wasteful travel Dem legacy is established through the quality of service we have through the London hubs of Heathrow and given to our constituents, in my case in Edinburgh Gatwick. Add to this the potential for a much-needed West, and an absolute commitment to them. high speed rail link with London, and we will see a I have deliberately chosen this debate on economic continuing healthy picture for Scottish tourism and affairs in which to make my first contribution. My business, boosted by the year-round reputation of constituency is immensely diverse, taking in areas of Edinburgh as a festival city. great affluence as well as areas of great poverty. Historic I must not forget Edinburgh zoo when talking about villages such as Corstorphine, Davidsons Mains and tourism. In his maiden speech my predecessor joked Cramond are now subsumed in the Edinburgh sprawl, about representing more penguins than any other Member as well as modern housing estates such as Muirhouse. in the House, and I am proud to say that that is still the Residential Barnton as well as rural Ratho and Kirkliston. case, but I can now add to that list of animals and say The constituency is a key player in the powerhouse that that I am the only MP in the UK to represent koalas. is the Edinburgh economy, boasting within its boundaries Should present plans come to fruition, I hope to be some of Scotland’s most iconic and important brands standing here in five years’ time as the only person and businesses, which have brought prosperity to Edinburgh representing pandas. and, indeed, to Scotland. Some of them, however, have been at the centre of the catastrophic events of the past The financial services sector is a major sector in two years and that has resulted in many thousands of Edinburgh West, employing many people, but I shall people losing their jobs in Scotland. move on as time is defeating me. Understandably, many of those working in the financial services sector and There are many, many community groups in Edinburgh banking in particular fear the banking reform that must West, from those conducting community litter picks in surely come. They should be reassured that the aim of South Queensferry or on Cramond beach to those that reform is to make their jobs more secure, not less. I fighting to protect the integrity and boundaries of will work closely with my right hon. Friend the Secretary Corstorphine hill. The Carrickvale community centre of State for Business, Innovation and Skills to ensure provides services to older and young constituents, and that that happens. the Gylemuir Community Association does a similar job. Thousands of people are actively improving their I conclude by quoting my Conservative opponent communities all over Edinburgh West. during the recent contest, who said— 269 Debate on the Address8 JUNE 2010 Debate on the Address 270

Mr Deputy Speaker: Order. That was a fine maiden the country was deciding to leave it behind. We were speech, but we must move on to the next maiden going to become a service economy. I believe in a strong speech. I am pleased to call Chi Onwurah. service sector, but time has shown that an exclusive focus on services left our country weaker. Certainly, I 8.37 pm had to spend much of my career abroad. Still, I saw first Chi Onwurah (Newcastle upon Tyne Central) (Lab): hand the devastation brought about by the loss of the Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker, for giving me the great northern industries of mining, shipbuilding and honour to follow so many excellent maiden speeches. steel—whole communities robbed of a purpose. Let us I would like to start by paying tribute to my predecessor. be clear, that loss was not just a north-east loss; it was To be able to say on the doorsteps of Newcastle upon the country’s loss. Although we remain the sixth largest Tyne Central that I was the new Jim Cousins was a huge manufacturing economy in the world, building and asset. Perhaps one in five constituents knew him personally, making things is no longer a part of our culture. That and had a tale to tell about how he had helped them. As has to change. a constituency MP, he could not be bettered. He was I know that I should not touch upon controversial also a champion of Newcastle and the north-east, and subjects, which is why I am so glad that what I am going his long service on the Treasury Committee was of great to say is entirely uncontroversial. During the election, benefit to his country and his city. His role in saving all parties were in agreement that the economy needs to Northern Rock will be long remembered. be rebalanced in favour of manufacturing. Newcastle, In the boundary review, Newcastle Central gained with our great universities, specialising in medicine, the wards of Elswick and Benwell and Scotswood from design and engineering, our industrial heritage and the old Tyne Bridge constituency. I want to thank strategic assets, has an essential role to play. We can David Clelland for his dedication to his constituents in help the UK to meet two of the great challenges that those historic areas of my city. face us—securing sustainable energy resources and The Romans chose Newcastle as the lowest bridging supporting an ageing population. These sectors need to point of the Tyne, and later built Hadrian’s wall, which be part of the new economy. We need to build up our runs through the constituency. In the centuries that science and manufacturing base and foster the spirit of followed, we guarded England from the attacks of innovation that led George Stephenson to invent the Scottish raiders. How times change! But as a port, we steam engine and make his fortune. were ever open for trade. Newcastle played a huge part I know from my own experience that building a in the major industries—wool, salt, shipbuilding, coal business takes vision, courage, blood, sweat and tears. and engineering. We were at the leading edge of the first But manufacturing is particularly difficult. It needs industrial revolution. long-term investment. I recently visited BAE Systems If history is merely the story of great men, I need and Metalspinners, two engineering firms in my mention only some of Newcastle’s favoured sons to constituency.I saw 60-tonne pressing and cutting machines prove our place: Earl Grey, who has found such favour that cost millions of pounds and are expected to last for on the Government Benches; Armstrong, the great decades. We must continue to help these companies industrialist and founder of Newcastle university; and invest. They need a strong public sector. They need my own hero and fellow engineer, Stephenson, who apprenticeships, good transport links, a strong regional built the railways. development agency and tax allowances for manufacturing and innovation. But I believe that it is the contribution of those whose names are not recorded that it is most important to We are a small country and it is no longer our ships remember. It was the unnamed, ordinary men and that set the boundaries of the world. But even as a small women of Newcastle who built the ships that enabled country, we can set the direction of the industrial revolution this small island to wield global influence. My own if we equip ourselves to grasp those opportunities, and I grandfather worked in the shipyards of the Tyne. The will fight to make sure that the Government do just men and women of Newcastle built the trade union and that. My career in Parliament will be dedicated to Labour movements, to which we owe so many of our ensuring that Newcastle upon Tyne Central is an working and voting rights. They built the co-operative economically and culturally vibrant contributor to the and the Fairtrade movements, which combined the best UK and the world. of international idealism and local realism. Closer to home, they fought to protect the unique environment 8.45 pm that is the heart, or rather the lung, of Newcastle. Joseph Johnson (Orpington) (Con): Thank you, Mr Newcastle’s town moor is justly famous—a vast expanse Deputy Speaker, for calling me this evening. The six of open moorland, kept in common and grazed by hours that I have been waiting have truly passed in a herds of cows. In London, cows in the centre of the city flash, such has been the quality of previous maiden are considered installation art. In Newcastle, our councillors speakers, including just now the hon. Member for Newcastle debate the future of our city within spitting distance of upon Tyne Central (Chi Onwurah). I should particularly cowpats, an arrangement that I recommend to the like to associate myself with the remarks made by my House as ensuring a grass-roots sense of perspective. hon. Friend the Member for Grantham and Stamford With this history and community, it is no wonder that (Nick Boles), who is sadly no longer in the Chamber, I felt a huge sense of privilege growing up in Newcastle. about the equalities agenda and gay rights. Yes, we were a one-parent family on a poor working-class At the outset, I should make a declaration, as we do a estate, North Kenton, but good local schools, great lot of that at the start of Parliaments. Anyone hoping public services, great housing and the health service that I will enliven proceedings in the manner of one of meant that I could fulfil my ambition of becoming an my elder brothers, the former Member for Henley, is engineer. But just as I was deciding to enter engineering, likely to be disappointed. Private Eye, in the issue on 271 Debate on the Address8 JUNE 2010 Debate on the Address 272 newsstands at the moment, has helped me to set the young Mrs Thatcher buying her daily milk from a expectations appropriately low. It quotes an unnamed horse and cart in an attempt to impress her local Oxford contemporary, in the first of a series that it is credentials on selectors. She was unsuccessful. Bitterly doing on new Members, and that friendly Oxford disappointed at how leading local Tories reckoned her contemporary of mine says: candidacy incompatible with her role as a mother of “He could not be more different to Boris. It’s as though the twins, she wrote to central office to say that she was humour gene by-passed Jo altogether and he inherited only the abandoning all thought of Parliament for many years. ambition gene.” Needless to say, British politics would have been very It is an absolutely fair comment, but I do not really different had she not relented. apologise for the humour-ectomy, nor, indeed, for any I shall not dwell on counterfactuals, but one thing is hint of ambition that the House might detect, because certain: Orpington would not have gone on to become these are serious times and politicians need to be ambitious the totemic seat for the Liberals that it did in 1962 had when the country is in such a mess. History will not Mrs Thatcher become our MP. The man who defeated forgive us if we flannel around in the House over the her for the nomination resigned unexpectedly, triggering next five years and fail to pick the economy up off the a famous by-election. A good Balliol man by the name floor, where it is at present. of Eric Lubbock, representing the Liberals, scored an Orpington, the constituency that I am fortunate enough historic victory by overturning a very substantial now to represent, has not troubled the House with a Conservative majority and chalking up a Liberal gain in maiden speech for 40 years. I am tempted to give an area far away from his party’s traditional heartlands Members a double helping, but time will not allow it. in the west country and the Celtic fringe. The birth of That lengthy interlude has arisen because my distinguished Orpington man sparked a revival that marked the end predecessor, John Horam, began his parliamentary career of the Macmillan era and made Orpington a permanent not in the idyllic glades of northern Kent, but in the fixture in Liberal folklore. gritty Gateshead West area of Newcastle. I come back to the present and the subject of this John Horam has the distinction, as many Members debate. The scale of the Conservative victory on 6 May, will know, of being the only Member to have served in with its 60% share of the vote, was a resounding all three parties. He was originally of course a Labour endorsement of the Conservative party’s economic MP in Gateshead, but, disillusioned with Labour’s leftward programme. The priority now is to achieve an accelerated drift, he dallied with the Social Democratic party in the reduction of the £156 billion deficit and it is one that I early ’80s before eventually donning Conservative colours wholeheartedly support, as I support the creative and and becoming the MP for Orpington in 1992. By the compassionate ways that I know the Government will time he came to give his maiden speech that year, he was use to go about that difficult task. The £6 billion of cuts of course no maiden, but as a liberal Conservative long already announced is barely a start in the process. I look before the genre became fashionable, he was at least forward to the emergency Budget on 22 June and the ahead of his time. public consultations on the role of the state, which will follow. That John’s political journey—his odyssey, in some ways—culminated in Orpington of all places is entirely As one who recently spent four years working in one appropriate. After all, it was in Downe, one of the of the fastest-growing parts of Asia, with a ringside seat constituency’s most picturesque villages, that the father on the emerging economy that is India, I am fully aware of evolutionary biology propounded the earth-shaking of the challenges that globalisation presents to the theory of natural selection—the most important scientific British economy. I would like to use the time that I have breakthrough of the past 150 years. It is no surprise to in Parliament to help this country and Orpington me at all that the people of Orpington inspired Charles constituency meet those challenges. Darwin to come up with the concept of the survival of 8.52 pm the fittest: meet them and one sees the very best that Toby Perkins (Chesterfield) (Lab): I congratulate hon. evolution has done with homo sapiens over the millennia. Members who have made their maiden speeches, Orpington is famous for much more than the man particularly the hon. Member for Orpington (Joseph who debunked creationism. I shall not dwell too long Johnson), who should not be so self-deprecating. If it is on the “Buff Orpington” chicken, admired by poultry in fact true that he has no sense of humour, someone breeders for its gentle contours, colourful plumage and has written him a great speech. succulent breast meat, suffice it to say that they are easy It is a great privilege to be only the fifth person to layers, go broody very often and make great mothers. represent the Chesterfield constituency in Parliament in Would it be too much to expect the local Tesco superstore the past 80 years. The most recent of my predecessors to stock it and support the breeders of that fine bird? I was Paul Holmes, and I should like to start my maiden shall keep the House informed of my progress, but my speech by reflecting on some of the strengths that he office called Tesco this morning, and it does not currently brought to the House in the nine years during which he stock that chicken. served it. He was a diligent constituency Member of If Orpington’s contribution to science is beyond question, Parliament and a determined fighter for council housing, its place in the footnotes, if perhaps not the chapter particularly through his membership of the Defend headings, of British political history is no less assured. Council Housing group. As a former secondary school In 1954, for example, the constituency almost snuffed teacher, he was also an outspoken advocate of out the career of a young Mrs Thatcher. Having fought comprehensive schools and the teaching profession. As unwinnable seats in neighbouring Dartford, she sought MP for an area that suffered a great deal from firms that the nomination for Orpington. In The Croft Tearoom went into liquidation with failed pension schemes, he in St Mary Cray, one of the more hard-on-its-luck areas consistently added his voice to those calling for a fair of the constituency, can be found a fine photograph of deal for those pensioners. 273 Debate on the Address8 JUNE 2010 Debate on the Address 274

[Toby Perkins] during the recession, the need for skilled work for those who do not go to university, or for graduate and As a guide to the history of Chesterfield and as a apprenticeship opportunities, is still keenly felt. commentary on the times, I also want to reflect on the The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions has maiden speeches of some of my other predecessors. stated that his purpose is to improve the quality of life Sir George Benson was a stalwart member of the for the worst-off in society so that they can play a part Government who is still remembered fondly by some of and, one hopes, pay tax themselves one day. No one on Chesterfield’s most experienced citizens. His first major the Labour Benches would oppose that aspiration; indeed, address to the House was in 1931, when he controversially it was that aspiration that led Labour, in the face of called for the end of flogging with the cat o’ nine tails. I Conservative opposition, to introduce the national am pleased to inform the House that on the basis of an minimum wage and the tax credits system. The starting informal survey that I conducted during the recent point in reducing benefit dependency is not an increase election campaign, Sir George’s stance against corporal in the rhetoric against the unemployed, but an increase punishment still enjoys some support. in work opportunities. It is therefore depressing that the In Eric Varley, a local miner’s son who rose to the coalition should choose the future jobs fund as one of Cabinet and was posthumously given the freedom of the first examples of waste to be cut. the borough of Chesterfield, my constituency had a The Secretary of State is right to say that benefit famous son who is fondly remembered across the borough. recipients should be free to try to work their way off There is also, of course, Tony Benn, one of the greatest sickness-related benefits while retaining some security, political figures of the 20th century, a man who bestrode as previewed by the previous Labour Government in the politics of his time as few can. I am mindful of those the pathways to work pilot. No one could object to his who have trodden this path before me in Chesterfield’s intention to make benefits simpler and fairer, but surely name. one of the key reasons benefits are complicated is that Chesterfield has made its mark in other ways than so are the circumstances of people’s lives. The current through political history. Despite the comments of my system at least attempted to reflect logically the complexities hon. Friend the Member for Newcastle upon Tyne of ordinary people’s lives, and the Secretary of State Central (Chi Onwurah), George Stephenson was actually has not yet demonstrated how he can simplify the from Chesterfield. Thanks to the vision of Bill Flanagan, system without increasing unfairness; until he does, I the council leader for 27 years, an innovation centre will remain a sceptic. From my perspective, however, I now stands on the Stephenson’s family’s former estate; will provide any support that I can to help him to new firms grow in new industries, overlooked by the convince his own party of the need to invest more in grandfather of innovation. jobs, not in cutting them, and to understand that benefit Football fans will know of the town as the home of recipients are more often the victims than the architects goalkeepers, with legends such as Gordon Banks, the of their circumstances. Alongside a call for personal England World cup-winning goalkeeper, before him, responsibility must come governmental responsibility Samuel Hardy, the England goalkeeper for 14 years at to put job creation before the benefit cuts and to ensure the end of the 19th century, and Bob Wilson, who that the most needy are not the victims of the simplification served Arsenal, Scotland and sports broadcasting with of benefit payments. tremendous distinction, all learning their trade in the Chesterfield has a great deal going for it; under town. Chesterfield football club, the Spireites, is a useful Labour, it improved so much. I came into politics to metaphor for the town, having had its moments in the fight for the next generation of working opportunities hearts of the nation, as it did in 1997—a great year—when, for Chesterfield and Staveley—to fight inequality and as a third division club, it was cruelly denied a place in to protect the public services that our people rely on. As the FA cup final by a combination of the Old Trafford I stand here in this magnificent place, bearing a dual crossbar and a short-sighted football referee. Now, after responsibility, sent here to represent the people of a quiet period, the club gets ready to welcome the new Chesterfield and the Labour party, there is not a prouder season at the sparkling new B2net stadium—a brand man alive. new home on the north entrance to the town, and a symbol of the regeneration of Chesterfield. 8.59 pm The campaign that brought me here to represent the David Rutley (Macclesfield) (Con): Thank you, people of Chesterfield focused most strongly on jobs. Mr Deputy Speaker, for inviting me to address the With Junction 29A, or Skinner’s Junction, a huge site House this evening. We have already heard contributions open for business as a result of the tireless work of my of real quality from my hon. Friend the Member for hon. Friend the Member for Bolsover (Mr Skinner), Orpington (Joseph Johnson) and the hon. Member for working with Labour party councillors who have fought Chesterfield (Toby Perkins). I hope that I can fulfil the for the area for so long, such as John Williams, Walter same degree of quality in the words that I say. Burrows and John Burrows, Chesterfield and north Being elected to represent the wonderful constituency Derbyshire finally get the investment in jobs that we of Macclesfield is the greatest honour of my career. I needed—indeed the biggest investment in the area since will seek tirelessly to serve the people of Macclesfield the pits were sunk. and to honour the trust that they have put in me. As Chesterfield rebuilds its economic prosperity, tourism Sir Nicholas Winterton is like few other predecessors—he also plays an increasingly important part, our world-famous could hardly be described as shy, even when he was crooked spire being just the highlight. While it is true retiring. He served as a hard-working constituency MP that the number of people drawing the dole is less than in Macclesfield for more than 39 years and, being a quarter of those who did so at its peak in the ’80s, elected in my 40s, I can assure the House and Macclesfield thanks to the Labour Government’s steps to save jobs residents that that is a record I will not break. 275 Debate on the Address8 JUNE 2010 Debate on the Address 276

At the start of the campaign, I canvassed one very famous footballers. We also have other heroes, who are short street in which three people told me about the way mostly unsung and work selflessly in the community: in which Nick Winterton helped them with real problems our doctors, nurses and policemen and the volunteers in their lives. That is the sort of constituency MP he who work actively in our churches, in the local talking was. In the House, he was a strong, independent newspaper, in the MAST—the medical and surgical parliamentarian, who gave long and legendary service. trust—hospital appeal, at East Cheshire hospice, for the He was respected on both sides of the House and by Gateway Project in Poynton and for the friends of many others who work here. Whether I am in Macclesfield Bollington recreation ground, to name but a few. Those or in the House, people constantly say to me, “You’ve people genuinely inspire me and do so much for our got a hard act to follow and big shoes to fill.” Well, I area. wear size 11 shoes, so I am off to a reasonable start, but Let me turn to the debate in hand. Since the war, I have a lot to learn. I wish Sir Nicholas and Lady Macclesfield has turned from its focus on silk to Winterton a long and fulfilling retirement. pharmaceuticals, with ICI and now AstraZeneca. Macclesfield is famous for silk. At one point, it was AstraZeneca demonstrates that we can still innovate, the world’s biggest producer of finished silk, with more develop and make things in this country and, in turn, than 100 mills and dye houses in the constituency. The the pharmaceutical industry shows that we can compete fine silk tie that I am wearing was woven in Macclesfield in global markets. However, too many local businesses and I am proud to wear it. Today, revitalising Macclesfield have announced job losses in recent years, and the latest town centre is a real priority. Local residents and traders announcement—of 250 job losses—came today from will be consulted on how that should be done in the the Cheshire building society. months ahead, but further development must celebrate We have to get this economy working again, which the town’s rich heritage and ideally be linked to the means that we must focus on reducing the deficit. When creation of a national silk centre in Macclesfield, where I had the honour of being a special adviser in the it belongs. Treasury, working with “canny Ken” as the Chancellor, Macclesfield hospital is also an important priority in I learnt a lesson: we cannot spend what we do not have. the community. Many people have fought to keep the That lesson has not been lost on the Government side accident and emergency and children’s services at the of the House. hospital, and I will continue to fight to ensure that they Having worked in the real world of commerce and stay there. Macclesfield is also home of the mighty industry for more than 20 years in companies such as Macclesfield Town football club and Macclesfield rugby Asda and PepsiCo, it is clear to me that growth is not club, and I am proud to say that we were crowned determined by state diktat, but based on the decisions champions of the national league 2 this season. Our of thousands of brave businesses. Growth is developed communities are served well by the active Macclesfield only in a truly competitive private sector. That is what Express, Canalside Community Radio and Silk FM. we need to create jobs, provide valued public services We enjoy great rail links—some people might describe and support those in genuine need. That task will them as first class, but I am very happy to travel always motivate me as long as I serve the people of standard, like many hon. Members. Macclesfield in this House. The history of Poynton, in the north of the constituency, is rooted in coal. Many residents work in Manchester 9.5 pm and continue to enjoy the sense of community that Poynton offers. Traffic congestion is a real challenge Heidi Alexander (Lewisham East) (Lab): I am very and one that I will tackle as a major priority. In the far grateful for the chance to speak in this debate, and I north-east, the vibrant village of Disley lies at the edge congratulate the many hon. Members who have made of the hills next to the magnificent Lyme park. Bollington, their maiden speeches. The knowledge and passion with once known for cotton, nestles below the wonderful which everyone has spoken is testament to the talent White Nancy and is known locally as “Happy Valley.” and commitment that exists in this House. With its strong community spirit, it is easy to see why. I feel incredibly privileged to be here, and I thank the Nearby Prestbury, sometimes famous for footballers, people of Lewisham East for giving me this opportunity. boasts one of the oldest parish churches in the country I also thank Bridget Prentice, my predecessor. Her and has a magnificent conservation area. decision to step down at the last election came as a As a keen walker and rock climber, I love spending surprise to me, as it did to many. Anyone who knows time in the upland villages of the hill tribes of Kettleshulme, Bridget will say that she is straight-talking, good-humoured Rainow, Wildboarclough and Wincle. I also enjoy all but not-to-be-messed-with Glaswegian. As the Member that the Peak district has to offer in the east of the of Parliament for Lewisham East since 1992, she was a constituency. To the west, we move out to the fertile fearsome advocate for our corner of south-east London. farm land of the Cheshire plain and the unique rural There is also huge respect for her here, as there is in the communities of Langley, Sutton, Gawsworth, Marton constituency, as a former Minister. She has been an and Lower Withington. I will work to protect that enormous support to me over the past few months, and beautiful countryside and support our farmers and I thank her for her advice, encouragement and friendship. those rural communities, which were overlooked for far When I was growing up, I never thought I would be a too long by the previous Government. Member of Parliament. Yes, I thought I might be a PE The most impressive thing about the great part of teacher, or even a town planner, but not an MP. A trip Cheshire that I represent is the warm, generous, hard- down to the polling station every four or five years with working and enterprising people who work and live my mum and dad was the limit of my political experience there. We have well-known residents who have achieved as a child, but I was brought up with a very strong sense their aims in the world of commerce and industry, and of right and wrong, and a belief that with hard work 277 Debate on the Address8 JUNE 2010 Debate on the Address 278

[Heidi Alexander] determination to slash public spending. Axing the future jobs fund beggars belief. In Lewisham, this scheme has and determination, I could do whatever I wanted. I am already created 133 jobs, with another 42 positions pleased that my mum and dad are here today and I lined up. These are real people benefiting from real jobs, thank them for all they have done for me. Given that with real money going into their pockets, real experience they have sat here for seven hours, I should probably of the workplace and real references being secured to also thank them for their stamina. help them get their next job. Civil servants in Westminster I was very lucky to have a good comprehensive may tell Ministers that the scheme is not working, but I education, and even luckier to be a student when full am not sure that my constituents would say the same. grants allowed people from families such as mine to go Ensuring that the next generation have the right skills to college without racking up enormous debts. I was to access the jobs of the future is critical. Ensuring that lucky to have people close to me who wanted me to do the next generation want the jobs of the future, and well, and to complete a degree that nurtured my interest believe they can get them is equally important. It never in the world around me and gave me the confidence to ceases to amaze me that while Canary Wharf is only a get on in life. It was the recognition of my own fortunate 15-minute DLR ride from my constituency, for some position and a desire to see the world a better place that kids growing up in Lewisham East it might as well be led me into politics, to ensure that others had the another world. How we bridge that gap is a big challenge. opportunities that I had and to reduce the inequalities Excellent schools can expand the horizons of our that still exist in our society. My brother often tells me youngsters, but I cannot help but think that mentoring to get off my high horse, but I have always wanted a job schemes, such as those run by Urban Synergy in my in which I can make a difference, so I guess it is no constituency, may also have some of the answers. By surprise that I should find myself here. providing accessible role models and giving an insight I am very proud to represent Lewisham East, which into different careers, they fire the imagination of the has been my home for the past eight years, and to next generation. represent a party that has brought about huge improvements If London is to improve its economic competitiveness, in the lives of ordinary people, but I also know that my the underlying challenge is to tackle the huge inequalities party has a significant challenge of renewal and between the haves and the have-nots. Investment in revitalisation ahead of it. We need to listen to what housing and social housing is very important. I look voters across the country are telling us, which is precisely forward to hearing from the new Front-Bench team what I plan to do in Lewisham East. about its plans for the decent homes programme, and I Like many others, my constituency is one of great hope I will soon be in a position to reassure my constituents contrasts, from the leafy streets of Blackheath and Lee that much-needed investment in Lewisham homes will Green, through multicultural Catford, and to the homes be forthcoming. of Downham and Grove Park. Bisected by overland For as long as I am the Member of Parliament for railway lines, my constituency has a history of welcoming Lewisham East, I will campaign hard to secure the people from different parts of the UK and, indeed, the resources that my part of London deserves. I will fight world. In her book “The Wouldbegoods”, E. Nesbit to reduce the gap between rich and poor and I will work described Lewisham as a place where tirelessly to give a voice to those who are least often “nothing happens unless you make it happen”. heard. A friend of mine recently told her three-year-old that my job was to keep everyone in south-east London More than 100 years later, I can assure the House that happy.That is one of the most challenging job descriptions the residents of Lewisham East make an awful lot I have ever heard, but I have told her I will do my best. happen. Although we have areas of significant deprivation, 9.13 pm we are not deprived of ambition or community spirit. I have been fortunate over the past few years to work Kwasi Kwarteng (Spelthorne) (Con): It is a great with many of the groups that make our corner London honour to be called to deliver my maiden speech. First special, such as the tenants’ leaders who set up Phoenix of all, I want to give a hearty thanks to David Wilshire Community Housing, the Friends and Users of Staplehurst who, amidst difficulties and press distortions, managed Road Shops, and the volunteers at the Rushey Green to keep up his work as a fine constituency MP. Very Time Bank. I could go on. I love living in Lewisham, often, people would open the door to me and say, “Ah, but I also know that a lot needs to change. During the so you’re the new David Wilshire,” and I would reply, election, I met mums and dads who were concerned “Well, sort of, but I want to continue his traditions of about violent crime and gang culture, commuters fed up service and commitment to the constituency.” with being stuck in someone’s armpit on overcrowded People always ask me, “Where is Spelthorne?” A trains, and people who were concerned about jobs and friend of mine said he did not realise it was a constituency; housing and were worried about the changes they have instead he thought someone called David Spelthorne seen in their community, but most of all I met people was the MP for Wilshire. It is, however, a well-known who were anxious about the economy, and I shall now constituency, and Spelthorne is a very old name, too. It turn to that subject. comes from an old English word of which we have a My predecessor spoke in her maiden speech in 1992 remnant in the word “spelling”. It means speaking, and about the scourge of youth unemployment. She called the “thorne” part of the word “Spelthorne’” referred to for quality training schemes and job guarantees for a thorn tree on Ashford common where people used to young people who were affected by the recession of the gather and speak. That is where the name comes from, early 1990s. Sadly, 18 years down the line I am in a and it also appears in the Domesday Book as the similar position as a result of the new Government’s southern hundred of the old county of Middlesex. 279 Debate on the Address8 JUNE 2010 Debate on the Address 280

Middlesex had a long and illustrious history, which poor. I am sorry to say that the past 13 years have been my predecessor was very keen to stress—much to the an exercise that Adam Smith and the university of annoyance of my Surrey colleagues. Middlesex did have Edinburgh would probably have awarded a flat D grade an existence, however, and it had a reputation in this for performance—perhaps he would have awarded a House, because in the old days it had proper elections. B grade for effort, who knows? Charles James Fox was elected, and thousands of people I am pleased at this juncture to refer to the compelling were involved, whereas in nearby rotten boroughs there speech made by the hon. Member for Newcastle upon might be only half a dozen people. Famously, John Tyne Central (Chi Onwurah), in which she mentioned Wilkes was elected in Middlesex, and was a distinguished George Stephenson. There was some controversy as to Member of this House. He was described as the “ugliest whether he came from Newcastle upon Tyne Central or man in England” but, like many politicians, he was not from Chesterfield, but I shall not comment on that as afraid of boasting and celebrating his own talents and that is a matter for Labour Members. What she did say he said that he had such charm that he could “talk away was that he made a fortune through industry, enterprise his face” in “half an hour”. Hon. Members can imagine and innovation, and those are exactly the kind of things my surprise at the fact that we were given only seven that this coalition Government will look to promote in minutes to speak in the House today. the months and years ahead. In the limited time available to me, I wish to make To sum up, I should say that the truest words said in some points about the subject of today’s debate. Spelthorne this debate were uttered by someone making a maiden is a seat in the south-east that relies almost exclusively speech, my hon. Friend the Member for Loughborough on infrastructure and economic expansion, and in that (Nicky Morgan), who said that the private sector is the context self-starting business men are very important. “backbone of our economy”. In my few weeks in the A gentleman from Shepperton, in my constituency, who House, I have not heard any truer words uttered in it. has been in the breakage business for 30 years said to That is something that we have to be absolutely focused me, “Kwasi, it is very difficult. I am getting strangled by on, in terms of getting out of the recession. I hate to say red tape and bureaucracy.” A Government quango, this, but I find it staggering that Labour Members have whose name I shall not mention, had been bombarding not had the good grace to come to the House to him with forms that he had to fill in, so he had been apologise and to show some recognition of the very real spending all his time filling in forms and none of his problems that we face and the solutions that we need to time attending to the business. My thought was that it get out of this situation. I thank the House for giving was precisely those small business people who will drive me such a good and warm reception to my maiden us out of recession and into recovery. speech. I have to say—even though this is a maiden speech, I 9.20 pm will be controversial—that to hear Labour Members in many of these debates is to be in never-never land; they Sheila Gilmore (Edinburgh East) (Lab): Thank you, have not once accepted any blame for what happened Mr Deputy Speaker, for calling me to make what I and they seem to think that we can just sail on as before. understand will be the final maiden speech of the day. I In many of their eloquent speeches it appears that they congratulate all those who have gone before me. There have forgotten that wealth creation is the most important have been some excellent speeches and some fascinating element in getting us out of this recession. I heard the stories. I am pleased to welcome so many women to the right hon. Member for Oldham West and Royton House, alongside myself, because it is extremely important (Mr Meacher), who I believe has been in the House for to have them here. One learns a lot when one comes to 40 years, say that he was going to tax those in The this place, such as learning to sit for several hours to Sunday Times rich list. Of course, one of the results of make one’s maiden speech. Another slightly bizarre their being rich is that they can leave the country in tradition is that of jumping up and down, which I have about half an hour, so if he were to go down that route, decided must be to keep us fit in what would otherwise a lot of them would leave and he would not bring in any be a very sedentary day. more money to the Exchequer. My predecessor, Gavin Strang, was the MP for Edinburgh East for 40 years. I know that many Members will join One of the right hon. Gentleman’s remarks reminded me in paying tribute to his service to the House, his me of the story of the man who, when leaving a gentlemen’s constituents and the country. He served in government club—it might have been the Carlton Club—in 1970 under Harold Wilson, Jim Callaghan and Tony Blair, gave the footman sixpence. The footman looked at him and it is not just the length of his service that stands and said, “That is only sixpence”, to which he replied, out. He is a man of principle and conviction, so much “Ah, it is sixpence to you, but it is a pound to me.” That so that in his maiden speech in 1970 he eschewed the was because income tax was at 95 or 97%. We cannot go tradition of paying tribute to his predecessor and his down the road that the right hon. Gentleman suggests, constituency and launched into an attack on the and the Conservatives have stressed again and again Government of the day about selling weapons to apartheid- that the only way to get out of this difficulty is to try to era South Africa. Gavin did not mellow with age. In let business grow. recent years, he spoke against the Iraq war and the I was surprised to hear the hon. Member for Edinburgh replacement of Trident. He won the respect of his South (Ian Murray) refer to the Scottish enlightenment. colleagues and constituents by resisting the temptation He will recall that one of its most prominent figures was to become a knee-jerk rebel, and that made his arguments Adam Smith, rather than the previous Prime Minister, all the stronger. I fear that it will be difficult for me to who did not take an enlightened Scottish approach. achieve Gavin’s length of service in this place, unless Adam Smith made it very clear in “The Wealth of there are some advances in medicine, in relation to Nations”, a book that many hon. Members will know, ageing, in the next 40 years, but I aspire to emulate his how societies grow rich and how they can become very principled approach. 281 Debate on the Address8 JUNE 2010 Debate on the Address 282

[Sheila Gilmore] there has been a great improvement in health, or there is something very wrong with the assessment process. The Edinburgh is a beautiful city, and I have the honour fact that so many appeals succeed suggests that there is and privilege of representing many of its gems. Right at something wrong. I regret to say that all that was the heart of the constituency is Holyrood park with our happening on my party’s watch. In my campaign, I said very own volcano, Arthur’s Seat, but I assure any Transport that this would be one of the issues I would take up, Ministers present that it is safely extinct. On the coast regardless of who formed the Government. I believe lies Portobello beach, which featured recently in that it is one of the primary roles of an elected Member The Guardian supplement Travel as one of Europe’s to monitor where policy is not quite working out as we best urban beaches. I should also mention Easter Road, might hope. the home of Hibernian football club, one of Edinburgh’s It is worrying to have heard that the new Secretary of two Scottish premier league teams, but perhaps I should State for Work and Pensions wishes to accelerate the declare an interest as my husband is a season ticket roll-out of the employment and support allowance, holder. Other sporting venues include Scotland’s only despite one of its architects admitting that the pilot has swimming pool capable of hosting diving competitions, severe problems. I hope that the right hon. Gentleman which is currently being refurbished for use in the 2014 will temper his zeal with mercy. Commonwealth games in Scotland. My politics was formed and forged by my father, and In Edinburgh’s historic centre lies the royal mile, I am particularly proud to represent the area in which which has an abbey and a palace at its foot and Edinburgh he was born and brought up. In conclusion, I want to castle at its head. Less well known is my constituency’s thank all the voters of Edinburgh East for giving me the second castle, Craigmillar, which is reckoned much the opportunity to represent them in this place. superior by most children because they can run about and have so much fun in it. Edinburgh East also plays 9.27 pm host to many Edinburgh festival venues. Places such as the Pleasance courtyard may be known to many here, as Nadhim Zahawi (Stratford-on-Avon) (Con): Thank it seems to become an outpost of London for the month you for calling me, Mr. Deputy Speaker. I should like of August. congratulate all those who have made their maiden Appropriately for someone who is a lawyer, my patch speeches, especially my good Friends the hon. Members includes all three levels of Edinburgh’s law courts, as for Rugby (Mark Pawsey), for Bromsgrove (Sajid Javid) well as Edinburgh university, which is one of the oldest and for Spelthorne (Kwasi Kwarteng). universities not just in Scotland but in the UK. Neither Mr Deputy Speaker, I would love to be able to tell the is the constituency short of politicians as it houses both House that generations of Zahawis have lived and worked the city council buildings and the Scottish Parliament. in Stratford for hundreds of years, but I suspect you just Carrying out our 1997 manifesto commitment to establish might spot that I would be stretching the truth a little. a Scottish Parliament is something of which Labour What I can tell the House is that I have had the most can be proud. incredibly warm welcome from all the thousands of East Edinburgh is not just a place of history and people I met through the campaign, and that Stratfordians tourist attractions, but is home to many people who are truly special people—a rightly proud people. It was work hard in minimum wage jobs, or who have retired humbling for me to achieve 51% of the vote in an on little more than the basic state pension. In previous eight-horse race, and I will never forget who put me in economic recessions, with the decline in the area’s traditional this place. industries such as brewing and brick making, too many My predecessor was a first-class Member of Parliament people became unemployed and sidelined on to incapacity and I am not surprised that he has been elevated to the benefit. other place. I did not know him well, as I have spent the I supported the previous Government’s attempts to past 11 years concentrating on building up a business prevent people from being condemned to such low-income rather than around the candidates department, but I existences and to help them advance out of them. very quickly learned that there is an enormous amount However, as I was knocking on doors in the last year, I of affection and huge respect for him among the people became aware of the gulf that can exist between the of my constituency. Coupled with that achievement is theory of a policy initiative and its implementation. his hard work for his country and his party. He held the When it comes down to real people, things are rarely posts of shadow Health, Defence and Foreign Secretaries, straightforward. One woman in her 50s, suffering from and he was also deputy chairman of the party twice. I cancer and still receiving treatment, had been declared am thrilled that he has chosen to be known as the Lord fit for work. She was far from being a long-term Maples of Stratford-upon-Avon. claimant—as she said herself, she had worked all her My constituency covers some 465 square miles. It life and it felt like a slap in the face to be treated in that contains some of England’s most attractive market way. towns and some 120 stunning villages, ranging from We also have to be aware that there are people whose Long Compton in the south to Earlswood in the north. conditions fluctuate. They can be very well one day but Stratford town itself awaits the re-opening of the Royal hardly able to get out of bed the next. That is the story Shakespeare Company theatre in November where, under of one of my constituents: she had ME—myalgic the great leadership of Vicky Hayward, it is undergoing encephalomyelitis—but she too was declared fit for a £112 million makeover that will deliver a whole new work. experience for those coming to see the works of the The introduction of the new employment and support great bard. My wife Lana and I were honoured to be allowance was expected to lead to around 50% of applicants part of the precession for his 446th birthday celebrations being deemed unfit for work. In practice, only 32% have in April, when we walked from his birthplace in Henley been so assessed and thus in need of support. Either street to his place of rest at Holy Trinity church. 283 Debate on the Address8 JUNE 2010 Debate on the Address 284

My constituency is not without its problems, some Our country faces a dark economic storm, and the very local and others inflicted on it by the policies of the people will be watching us and how we behave in this previous Government. The town of Stratford is suffering House. Let us not be tempted by self-interest or party from over-development, and the top-down targets set interest but let us instead put our country first. by central Government have clearly done a lot of damage. All our towns have problems with antisocial behaviour 9.34 pm and thuggery, which stem from a combination of the 24-hour drinking laws and a police force who are hampered Yvette Cooper (Normanton, Pontefract and Castleford) by bureaucracy. The farmers are suffering too, with too (Lab): I begin by paying tribute to the hon. Members much red tape, the single farm payments being delayed who have made their maiden speeches this evening and for months, and the problem with badgers, which I have given us thoughtful, elegant and eloquent speeches. highlighted in the House last week. I will continue my We have toured the nation—the hills, the valleys, the predecessor’s campaign for better flood defences and to coasts and the cities. They have been wise speeches. save our fire stations in Alcester, Bidford and Studley. Given the number of people who have paid tribute to their local newspapers as well as to their constituents, The biggest problem in Stratford-on-Avon is the economy. remind me to mention the Pontefract and Castleford We have too many closed shops and too many burdens Express rather more often. on business. We need to help small and medium-sized businesses to do better and get back on their feet. They, My hon. Friend the Member for Stretford and Urmston as my right hon. Friend the Chancellor has identified, (Kate Green) began the maiden speeches and was typically are the future and the solution to our economic woes. I modest in not mentioning the impact of the work that am very pleased to have seen my right hon. Friend make she did on child poverty before she was elected. The the Government’s first ministerial visit to China and hon. Member for Bromsgrove (Sajid Javid) gave us an play such a central role at the G20 in South Korea. I am eloquent speech, in which he confessed to having been a pleased to see in the Gracious Speech special emphasis banker in a previous life—a brave thing to do. My hon. on balancing the books, getting rid of the tax on jobs Friend the Member for Blaenau Gwent (Nick Smith) and giving a one-year national insurance holiday to told us about Nye Bevan’s warning of collusion between start-ups. I strongly believe that that will be a catalyst to Liberal Democrats and Tories—a rare example of a kick-start the enterprise economy. Nye Bevan understatement, I fear. The hon. Member for Loughborough (Nicky Morgan) I now utter my only word of caution. I am someone talked about her commitment to new jobs in her with first-hand experience of a start-up. We must be constituency. The hon. Member for High Peak (Andrew careful what we do on capital gains tax. Of course I Bingham) laid claim to having one of the most beautiful understand the need to raise some taxes and to help to constituencies in the country; I suspect he may be right. create a fairer tax system. It must be right to relieve the The hon. Member for Strangford (Jim Shannon) invited lowest earners of the tax burden. I would go as far as us all to go quad biking in his constituency, and the labelling it a moral tax cut. However, it is important to hon. Member for Aberconwy (Guto Bebb) also talked remember the job creators, those who back them and about tourism in his constituency and paid a lovely those who join them and work for them. It would be tribute to Betty Williams, which we would all support. counter-productive to penalise people who invest in The hon. Member for Grantham and Stamford (Nick start-ups—in itself a high-risk thing—by increasing Boles) paid a gracious tribute to the changes on lesbian CGT on their investment. It would also be wrong to and gay equalities that have taken place in the last few penalise employees who join a risky start-up from possibly Parliaments. The hon. Member for South Down a safer occupation and, of course, to penalise entrepreneurs (Ms Ritchie) talked about the importance of investment themselves. in jobs in Northern Ireland—so too did the hon. Member In the Gracious Speech there was a strong focus on for Belfast East (Naomi Long)—and the importance of freedom, fairness and responsibility. It would be unfair economic development as part of the peace process. and wrong to penalise people who have acted and saved The hon. Member for South Staffordshire (Gavin responsibly with a further tax at a time when we are Williamson) talked about support for manufacturing. introducing incentives to act responsibly in marriage The hon. Member for Carmarthen East and Dinefwr and partnership. Penalising responsible investment would (Jonathan Edwards) raised the subject of energy efficiency be to send a contradictory and unhealthy message to and my hon. Friend the Member for Leeds West (Rachel the country. Reeves) drew on her experience and talent as a Bank of No maiden speech from the Member for Stratford-on- England economist to warn powerfully of the risks of a Avon would be complete without a quote from our contractionary Japanese experience. The hon. Member country’s greatest poet and playwright. I thought long for St Austell and Newquay (Stephen Gilbert) talked and hard about which of his works would be most about social housing. My hon. Friend the Member for appropriate, and I settled on the Scottish play, that Bethnal Green and Bow (Rushanara Ali) paid tribute to great tale of human ambition, conspiracy and tragedy. the visionaries and social campaigners rooted in London’s It is from the witches scene in act I, which must surely east end and showed she would be a strong MP in the be read as a warning to the three largest parties in this same tradition. House: The hon. Members for Worcester (Mr Walker) and “When shall we three meet again for Rugby (Mark Pawsey) both paid respectful tributes In thunder, lightning, or in rain?” to their fathers, who were both their predecessors, although I must say I thought that Hyacinth Bucket was in “When the hurly-burly’s done, “Keeping up Appearances”, not “One Foot in the Grave”. When the battle’s lost and won” But we also had scenes from “Gavin and Stacey” from “That will be ere the set of sun.” the hon. Member for Vale of Glamorgan (Alun Cairns), 285 Debate on the Address8 JUNE 2010 Debate on the Address 286

[Yvette Cooper] The Secretary of State has also said that he wants to cut poverty, but as part of his team he has the Minister who spoke about the importance of the economy to his of State, Department for Work and Pensions, the hon. constituency. The hon. Member for Wycombe (Steve Member for Thornbury and Yate (Steve Webb), whom I Baker) told us he was a skydiver and began to dissect very much respect. He told the House last year that global capitalism. “the idea that the Conservative party is the answer to child I missed the speech by the hon. Member for East poverty is amazing.”—[Official Report, 9 December 2009; Vol. 502, Hampshire (Damian Hinds), but my mum and dad live c. 457.] in his constituency, so I hope he will look after them He also said: well. My hon. Friend the Member for Birmingham, “To hear Conservative Front Benchers suggest that they even Ladywood (Shabana Mahmood) shared her concern care about this subject…is frankly unbelievable.”—[Official Report, about long-term unemployment in Birmingham. I cannot 20 July 2009; Vol. 496, c. 625.] quite read my handwriting, but I think it must say that He has also stated: the hon. Member for South West Norfolk (Elizabeth “The reason unemployment has risen so rapidly in the UK is Truss) talked about farming—seeing as it is Norfolk. not because people have suddenly become workshy, but because My hon. Friend the Member for Stockton North (Alex the jobs are not there. Cunningham) talked about the importance of engineering, These Tory plans for benefit reform will not do anything to seeing as it is Stockton North. change that.” We spent quite a lot of time in Edinburgh today. In We thought that the hon. Gentleman might have a few the course of the day we heard from my hon. Friend the tensions with the Treasury about his plans, but it seems Member for Edinburgh South (Ian Murray), who gave that the real fractious relationships are within his own us a funny and witty speech just as we were starting to team. If the Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime get tired for the evening; my hon. Friend the Member Minister are the happy couple in the rose garden, it for Edinburgh East (Sheila Gilmore), who talked about seems that the Secretary of State has finally been granted the festival in her constituency; and the hon. Member his wish of being put in charge of dealing with dysfunctional for Edinburgh West (Mike Crockart), who talked about families who are at risk of breakdown. the zoo in his constituency—very appropriate, now that he has joined us in this place. The Secretary of State has high ambitions. We will support him where we can. We will, of course, support My hon. Friend the Member for Newcastle upon measures to restore the pensions link with earnings. We Tyne Central (Chi Onwurah) talked about defending will not support ripping up the rest of the Turner England against the Scots, and the hon. Member for consensus, putting future pensions for low and middle- Orpington (Joseph Johnson) managed to amuse us while income earners at risk. We will support the Secretary of pretending not to be amusing at all—in which I detect State where he brings forward genuine proposals that an echo of his brother, perhaps, after all. help to reduce poverty and disadvantage, but we will The hon. Member for Macclesfield (David Rutley) not support plans to water down the child poverty talked about the importance of local communities. The target and we would be extremely concerned by proposals hon. Member for Stratford-on-Avon (Nadhim Zahawi) to freeze all benefits below inflation. gave us a Shakespearean tour, and I think signed up to The Secretary of State did some serious work on being the first of the rebels among the new Members on policy options at the Centre for Social Justice—on his side. The hon. Member for Spelthorne (Kwasi Kwarteng) benefit reform and on measures to help to ensure that told us a lovely story about his constituency’s Domesday people are better off in work. We will look very roots and my hon. Friends the Members for Chesterfield sympathetically at those and we are interested in the (Toby Perkins) and for Lewisham East (Heidi Alexander) proposals that he made when he was in opposition, but both talked about the importance of not axing the his case would be considerably stronger if he accepted future jobs fund. I was going to pay tribute to the that hundreds of thousands of families throughout the parents of my hon. Friend the Member for Lewisham country are thousands of pounds a year better off as a East, who sat through the entire debate but decided to result of the minimum wage and the tax credits that he leave before the closing speeches began—perhaps wisely. and his party strongly opposed. I congratulate the Secretary of State for Work and I hope, too, that the Government will continue the Pensions, the right hon. Member for Chingford and implementation of the reforms to sickness benefits and Woodford Green (Mr Duncan Smith), on his appointment. to lone parent benefits that we introduced and were I know it is an appointment that he will relish, because starting to roll out. Those reforms and the investment in he has a genuine interest in issues concerning poverty support to help the unemployed have already cut the and families suffering from deprivation. I welcome too number of people on inactive benefits by more than his Front-Bench colleagues, although I think they will 350,000 since 1997. The combination of extra investment be having an interesting time. and support alongside benefit reforms and stronger The Secretary of State said in his speech last week requirements to take up that help have made a big that he wanted clear and evidence-based policies, but he difference. It is unfortunate that both the Conservatives has in charge of employment statistics the Minister of and the Liberal Democrats voted against some of our State, the hon. Member for Epsom and Ewell (Chris stronger requirements on benefit claimants in the previous Grayling), the man who said that crime was going up Parliament. when in fact it was going down and was roundly rebuked I hope that the Secretary of State will recognise the by the UK Statistics Authority, the police and even the good work that Jobcentre Plus did to respond to the London Mayor for his lack of factual accuracy; so we recession. As a result of the extra investment and the hard look forward to those economic statistics debates. work of those staff, the claimant count peaked at 5% in 287 Debate on the Address8 JUNE 2010 Debate on the Address 288 this recession, compared with 10% in the 1990s recession My hon. Friend the Member for Bromsgrove (Sajid and in the 1980s recession. That was possible only Javid) confessed to being a banker, as the right hon. because of the extra investment in jobs alongside the Member for Normanton, Pontefract and Castleford tougher conditions on benefits. That is why it is so said. That is a pretty brave thing to do in this House at shocking that his first priority is to cut the future jobs the moment. He paid a moving tribute to the two fund. That is up to 80,000 youth jobs gone when the soldiers from his constituency who died. My hon. Friend Chancellor himself has said that youth unemployment the Member for Loughborough (Nicky Morgan) said is still too high. I have to ask Government Front Benchers: that she was happy to be here, and I am happy about did they talk to a single young person on the future jobs that, too, but she replaced a good friend of mine from fund before cutting those jobs? Did they talk to a single the other side of the House, Andy Reed, with whom I voluntary sector provider before they cut the funding used to play football. I am rather sorry to see him used to get people into work? Before the election, they go—he was a very good MP—but not that sorry, and I told a very different story. The Prime Minister visited am pleased to see my hon. Friend here. Merseystride, a social enterprise helping the long-term The right hon. Member for Normanton, Pontefract unemployed, during the election. He said to them that and Castleford is right to say that the hon. Member for the future jobs fund was “a good scheme”. I hope that Stretford and Urmston (Kate Green) comes to this he will remember that visit. Then he said: House with a strong record on the subjects that we are “And good schemes we will keep”. considering. I look forward to hearing her speak What did the then shadow Work and Pensions Secretary, informatively, and to her bringing her great knowledge who is not in her place, say at that time? She said: to debates. Most of us will consider her a real asset to “The Conservative position on the Future Jobs Fund…has this House. been misrepresented by certain groups in the media. We have no The hon. Member for Blaenau Gwent (Nick Smith) plans to change existing Future Jobs Fund commitments”. said that he stood on the shoulders of giants, and I must As for the Minister of State, Department for Work say that they do not come any bigger than the two to and Pensions, the hon. Member for Thornbury and whom he referred—Nye Bevan and Michael Foot, probably Yate, he said on behalf of the Liberal Democrats: two of the greatest orators to have sat in this place—so “We have no plans to change or reduce existing government he has huge shoes to fill. He spoke about benefit commitments to the Future Jobs Fund. We believe that more help dependency, a huge issue, and one to which I shall refer is needed for young people not less.” in a second; it is at a ridiculous level. So there we have it—a breaking of Tory and Liberal My hon. Friend the Member for High Peak (Andrew election promises. There has been no evidence, and no Bingham) challenged anyone in this House to match his consultation with the voluntary sector. So much for the constituency for natural beauty. I can with Chingford. big society; this is, in fact, just a big sham. There has We do not have a lot of countryside, but we have a lot of been no consultation with young people, and no listening people who work very hard, and who pretty well tell one to the thousands of young people who are getting their what one does not do when one is an MP. first chance because of the future jobs fund. These are The hon. Member for Strangford (Jim Shannon) cuts in help for young people. The Government just talked about high unemployment in Northern Ireland; don’t get it: if they cut help and support for jobs for it is, of course, staggeringly high there—higher than in young people right now, it will cost all of us more for most other places. We know that there is a historical decades to come. Once again, they will be making the issue there, but there is also much more that we have to mistakes of the ’80s and ’90s, when they abandoned do about it. I hope that he will play a full part in that young people to long-term unemployment. That is not when the time comes. getting people off welfare into work; it is leaving them My hon. Friend the Member for Aberconwy (Guto abandoned on welfare for decades, and we will not Bebb), who spoke very well, talked about his constituency. support it. He said that my right hon. Friend the Leader of the House told him, when he arrived here, not to get too 9.45 pm used to this place because his constituency would soon The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (Mr Iain be abolished. That threat has been given to all of us Duncan Smith): It has been a really interesting debate, throughout the years; it is either our constituency or we and I thank the right hon. Member for Normanton, who should be abolished. One way or another, one can Pontefract and Castleford (Yvette Cooper) for her kind fit oneself around that. In my case, it was more me than comments welcoming me back to the Dispatch Box. the constituency that was to be abolished. Her husband is probably away doing whatever one does The hon. Member for Bethnal Green and Bow when one is standing to be Leader of the Opposition. (Rushanara Ali) spoke about her direct predecessor, Let me say this to her so that she can quietly say it to George Galloway, who stirs emotions on both sides of him: it is not all that it is cracked up to be. She might the House—not necessarily very constructive ones among whisper that in his ear and hope that he does not get the Labour Members. Her predecessor but one, Oona King, nominations. was highly respected on both sides of the House. If she We have had an excellent debate; the right hon. Lady was in another party, I would wish her the best of luck is correct about that. As for all those who made maiden with any chance that she has to be Mayor, but in the speeches, the degree to which they consider it a real meantime, she will be a great adornment to the campaign. honour to have been elected is a great reminder to all of May I tell my hon. Friend the Member for Worcester us who have, over time, become a bit more cynical about (Mr Walker), who mentioned his father, that those are a the speeches that we make in this place. Almost every big pair of shoes to fill? I knew the father of my hon. one of those speeches reminded me—and, I know, Friend the Member for Rugby (Mark Pawsey) incredibly pretty much everyone else in the House—of that fact. well. Jim Pawsey was well regarded by Conservative 289 Debate on the Address8 JUNE 2010 Debate on the Address 290

[Mr Iain Duncan Smith] remains a friend of mine. It was always difficult to know quite where Quentin was going to be standing at Members and well liked, so my hon. Friend will have a any one time. big act to follow, as his father was always direct in telling people what he thought, regardless of whether it The Prime Minister (Mr David Cameron): Underneath cost him a job: it did. The hon. Member for Labour—rather, his bell tower. the hon. Member for Leeds West (Rachel Reeves); I apologise, I did not quite hear some of the speeches, Mr Duncan Smith: That is exactly right. The hon. and I did not write all these notes. However, I gather Member for Belfast East (Naomi Long) said that she that she made an extremely good speech, and spoke was dedicated to bridging the political divide and the about her predecessor, John Battle, who was well liked regions, as a member of the Alliance party. She should in the House. She also quoted the Japanese advice to come across to this side of the House: we are the living lead, and not to reduce borrowing quickly. I am an embodiment of an alliance, so perhaps she could join eighth Japanese, and the Japanese are not always right us. My hon. Friend the Member for Wycombe (Steve about everything. Baker) made a very good speech, and I remember his My hon. Friend the Member for South Staffordshire predecessor, Paul Goodman, very well. The hon. Member (Gavin Williamson) praised his predecessor, Patrick for Edinburgh South (Ian Murray) made an excellent Cormack—[Interruption.] Yes. Many of us remember speech and spoke about astronomical manufacturing. I him fondly. The one thing that we do remember about am not quite sure what that means, but it sounded good him is his incredible ability to speak about this place in at the time. 17th-century terminology as “Parliament assembled”. The hon. Member for Edinburgh West (Mike Crockart) He will be much missed, and I hope that my hon. Friend spoke about the pivotal role of community groups. I fills his shoes very well indeed. The hon. Member for agree with him. The hon. Member for Newcastle upon Carmarthen East and Dinefwr (Jonathan Edwards), Tyne Central (Chi Onwurah) paid tribute to the grass who is a member of Plaid Cymru, spoke about fuel roots and sense of respect of the people of Newcastle. poverty—something to which we shall definitely return— She made an extremely witty speech. If she carries on and benefit complexity. I welcome him to the House if like that in the House, she will rise fast and dominate he shows interest in those subjects. her own side. I commend her. The hon. Member for St Austell and Newquay (Stephen My hon. Friend the Member for Orpington (Joseph Gilbert) spoke about being got rid of as a result of a Johnson), who made a very good speech, said that he boundary review affecting his constituency. Again, I did not have the humour gene of his brother, but he suggest that he fight that if he can: he may be here proved that not to be true. He has the hair, too, of which longer than he thinks. My hon. Friend the Member for I am rather jealous. He will go far in the House, provided Vale of Glamorgan (Alun Cairns) spoke very well, and he follows his brother’s trait of never sticking to any referred to “Gavin and Stacey”. I am not quite sure particular line for any length of time but ending up what the connection is, except that Gavin came from being elected to highest office while he is at it, which is a Essex—near Chingford—and Stacey came from Wales, pretty good record of success. which shows that on this side of the House, we can unite the party yet again. It is a fairly tenuous link, I grant. The hon. Member for Lewisham East (Heidi Alexander) The hon. Member for Birmingham, Ladywood (Shabana made a very good speech. My hon. Friend the Member Mahmood) has very big shoes to fill. Clare Short ended for Spelthorne (Kwasi Kwarteng) spoke about business her parliamentary career in some measure of dispute being strangled by red tape. The hon. Member for with her party, but I can hardly think of anyone who Edinburgh East (Sheila Gilmore) made an excellent has left the House, whether in government or opposition speech. My hon. Friend the Member for Stratford-on-Avon who was not more well respected—[Interruption.] Well, (Nadhim Zahawi) made a very good speech in which he she spoke passionately, but people did not always agree spoke in Shakespearean terms about the gathering clouds with her. However, if someone’s fault is that they are and the dark lowering economy. I was getting so worried passionate in the House, it is a fault with which everyone at one stage that I thought I would not get to the will agree. Dispatch Box to speak at all. Never mind, here we are. My hon. Friend the Member for East Hampshire I shall touch quickly on speeches not made by new (Damian Hinds) spoke well about his support for preventing Members. The right hon. Member for Sheffield, Brightside poverty. The hon. Member for South Down (Ms Ritchie) and Hillsborough (Mr Blunkett), whom I know and like was keen on the poverty agenda, and spoke about living enormously, blamed bankers, the world economy, the in the same house as St Patrick. Any attempt to be leadership candidates in his own party and everyone deified in the House will end in tears. My hon. Friend except the previous Government for the shambles that the Member for South West Norfolk (Elizabeth Truss) we are now in. He should think again. It was the spoke about the importance of skills in another very Government of whom he was a member who reduced good speech. The hon. Member for Stockton North the country to the state that it is in. (Alex Cunningham) spoke about credit unions and loan Mr Blunkett rose— sharks. I am with him on that: we need to do a lot more to try to break the stranglehold of doorstep lenders Mr Duncan Smith: We do not have a great deal of and, more particularly, of the very bad elements among time. I will give way, but I shall finish shortly. loan sharks. I am very strong on seeing what we can do about credit unions. Mr Blunkett: I am grateful and I shall be brief. May I tell my hon. Friend the Member for Grantham Perhaps the right hon. Gentleman, whom I wish well, and Stamford (Nick Boles) that his seat is a Conservative would describe to all of us why the rest of Europe has gain, although it was Conservative before? His predecessor been devastated by the last Labour Government. 291 Debate on the Address8 JUNE 2010 Debate on the Address 292

Mr Duncan Smith: I can answer many questions, but Eagle, Maria Mahmood, Mr Khalid I cannot say what the last Labour Government did as Efford, Clive Mahmood, Shabana they toured Europe destroying all those economies, so I Elliott, Julie Mann, John am afraid I cannot help the right hon. Gentleman. All I Ellman, Mrs Louise Marsden, Mr Gordon know is that we have spent huge sums, much of it not Engel, Natascha McCabe, Steve carefully adjusted to see whether it was working, including Evans, Chris McCann, Mr Michael Farrelly, Paul McClymont, Gregg the future jobs fund, about which I was asked earlier. Fitzpatrick, Jim McDonagh, Siobhain The issue is not that it was not creating jobs, but that the Flello, Robert McDonnell, John jobs that were being created were more than likely to be Flint, rh Caroline McFadden, rh Mr Pat temporary, they were nowhere near the number originally Flynn, Paul McGovern, Alison projected, and the cost of the programme was running Fovargue, Yvonne McGovern, Jim out of control. Francis, Dr Hywel McGuire, rh Mrs Anne Everyone wants to create jobs and stop the wage scar Gapes, Mike McKechin, Ann for the young unemployed, but I must tell the right hon. Gardiner, Barry McKinnell, Catherine Member for Normanton, Pontefract and Castleford Gilmore, Sheila Meacher, rh Mr Michael that we face a nightmare in which we have to look at the Glass, Pat Meale, Mr Alan Glindon, Mrs Mary Mearns, Ian spending to make sure that whatever we spend delivers Godsiff, Mr Roger Michael, rh Alun real life change. We will be doing that with welfare reform Goggins, rh Paul Miliband, rh David to try to make it much easier for people to get back to Goodman, Helen Miliband, rh Edward work, and to make sure that the money they earn is real Greatrex, Tom Miller, Andrew money and means that going to work pays. We will reform Green, Kate Mitchell, Austin pensions. The right hon. Lady and her party managed Greenwood, Lilian Moon, Mrs Madeleine to lower the level of life chances for far too many people Griffith, Nia Morden, Jessica in this country, and it is the coalition Government who Gwynne, Andrew Morrice, Graeme now set out to help the young, the unemployed and the Hain, rh Mr Peter Morris, Grahame M. impoverished in Britain once and for all. Hamilton, Mr David Mudie, Mr George Hamilton, Mr Fabian Munn, Meg Question put, That the amendment be made. Hanson, rh Mr David Murphy, rh Mr Jim The House divided: Ayes 247, Noes 343. Harman, rh Ms Harriet Murphy, rh Paul Harris, Mr Tom Murray, Ian Division No. 2] [21.59 pm Havard, Mr Dai Nandy, Lisa Healey, rh John Nash, Pamela AYES Hendrick, Mark O’Donnell, Fiona Abbott, Ms Diane Caton, Martin Hepburn, Mr Stephen Onwurah, Chi Ainsworth, rh Mr Bob Chapman, Mrs Jenny Heyes, David Osborne, Sandra Alexander, rh Mr Douglas Clark, Katy Hillier, Meg Owen, Albert Alexander, Heidi Clarke, rh Mr Tom Hilling, Julie Pearce, Teresa Ali, Rushanara Clwyd, rh Ann Hodge, rh Margaret Perkins, Toby Allen, Mr Graham Coaker, Vernon Hood, Mr Jim Phillipson, Bridget Anderson, Mr David Coffey, Ann Hopkins, Kelvin Pound, Stephen Austin, Ian Connarty, Michael Howarth, rh Mr George Qureshi, Yasmin Bailey, Mr Adrian Cooper, Rosie Hoyle, Mr Lindsay Raynsford, rh Mr Nick Bain, Mr William Cooper, rh Yvette Hunt, Tristram Reeves, Rachel Balls, rh Ed Corbyn, Jeremy Illsley, Mr Eric Reynolds, Emma Banks, Gordon Crausby, Mr David Irranca-Davies, Huw Reynolds, Jonathan Barron, rh Mr Kevin Creagh, Mary Jackson, Glenda Riordan, Mrs Linda Beckett, rh Margaret Creasy, Stella James, Mrs Siân C. Robertson, John Begg, Miss Anne Cruddas, Jon Jamieson, Cathy Robinson, Mr Geoffrey Bell, Sir Stuart Cryer, John Johnson, rh Alan Rotheram, Steve Benn, rh Hilary Cunningham, Alex Johnson, Diana R. Roy, Mr Frank Benton, Mr Joe Cunningham, Mr Jim Jones, Graham Roy, Lindsay Berger, Luciana Cunningham, Tony Jones, Helen Ruddock, Joan Betts, Mr Clive Curran, Margaret Jones, Mr Kevan Sarwar, Anas Blackman-Woods, Roberta Dakin, Nic Jones, Susan Elan Seabeck, Alison Blears, rh Hazel Danczuk, Simon Jowell, rh Tessa Sharma, Mr Virendra Blenkinsop, Tom Darling, rh Mr Alistair Joyce, Eric Sheerman, Mr Barry Blomfield, Paul David, Mr Wayne Kaufman, rh Sir Gerald Sheridan, Jim Blunkett, rh Mr David Davidson, Mr Ian Keeley, Barbara Shuker, Gavin Bradshaw, rh Mr Ben Davies, Geraint Keen, Alan Skinner, Mr Dennis Brennan, Kevin De Piero, Gloria Kendall, Liz Slaughter, Mr Andy Brown, Lyn Denham, rh Mr John Khan, rh Sadiq Smith, rh Mr Andrew Brown, rh Mr Nicholas Dobbin, Jim Lammy, rh Mr David Smith, Angela (Penistone and Brown, Mr Russell Dobson, rh Frank Lavery, Ian Stocksbridge) Bryant, Chris Donohoe, Mr Brian H. Lazarowicz, Mark Smith, Nick Buck, Ms Karen Doran, Mr Frank Leslie, Christopher Smith, Owen Burden, Richard Dowd, Jim Lewis, Mr Ivan Soulsby, Sir Peter Byrne, rh Mr Liam Doyle, Gemma Lloyd, Tony Spellar, rh Mr John Cairns, David Dromey, Jack Love, Mr Andrew Straw, rh Mr Jack Campbell, Mr Alan Dugher, Michael Lucas, Ian Stringer, Graham Campbell, Mr Ronnie Eagle, Ms Angela Mactaggart, Fiona Stuart, Ms Gisela 293 Debate on the Address8 JUNE 2010 Debate on the Address 294

Sutcliffe, Mr Gerry Whitehead, Dr Alan Freer, Mike Lansley, rh Mr Andrew Tami, Mark Wicks, rh Malcolm Fullbrook, Lorraine Latham, Pauline Thomas, Mr Gareth Williamson, Chris Fuller, Richard Leadsom, Andrea Thornberry, Emily Wilson, Phil Garnier, Mr Edward Lee, Jessica Timms, rh Mr Stephen Winnick, Mr David Garnier, Mark Lee, Dr Phillip Trickett, Jon Winterton, rh Ms Rosie Gauke, Mr David Leech, Mr John Turner, Karl Wood, Mike George, Andrew Lefroy, Jeremy Twigg, Derek Woodcock, John Gibb, Mr Nick Leigh, Mr Edward Twigg, Stephen Woodward, rh Mr Shaun Gilbert, Stephen Leslie, Charlotte Umunna, Mr Chuka Woolas, Mr Phil Gillan, rh Mrs Cheryl Letwin, rh Mr Oliver Vaz, rh Keith Wright, David Glen, John Lewis, Brandon Vaz, Valerie Wright, Mr Iain Goldsmith, Zac Lewis, Dr Julian Walley, Joan Tellers for the Ayes: Goodwill, Mr Robert Liddell-Grainger, Mr Ian Watson, Mr Tom Mrs Sharon Hodgson and Gove, rh Michael Lidington, Mr David Watts, Mr Dave Kerry McCarthy Grant, Mrs Helen Lloyd, Stephen Gray, Mr James Lopresti, Jack Grayling, Chris Lord, Jonathan NOES Green, Damian Loughton, Tim Adams, Nigel Cairns, Alun Greening, Justine Luff, Peter Afriyie, Adam Cameron, rh Mr David Grieve, Mr Dominic Lumley, Karen Aldous, Peter Campbell, rh Sir Menzies Griffiths, Andrew Macleod, Mary Alexander, rh Danny Carmichael, Mr Alistair Gummer, Ben Main, Mrs Anne Amess, Mr David Carmichael, Neil Gyimah, Sam Maude, rh Mr Francis Andrew, Stuart Carswell, Mr Douglas Hague, rh Mr William Maynard, Paul Arbuthnot, rh Mr James Cash, Mr William Halfon, Robert McCartney, Jason Bacon, Mr Richard Chishti, Rehman Hames, Duncan McCartney, Karl Bagshawe, Ms Louise Chope, Mr Christopher Hammond, Stephen McCrea, Dr William Baker, Norman Clappison, Mr James Hancock, Matthew McIntosh, Miss Anne Baker, Steve Clark, Greg Hancock, Mr Mike McLoughlin, rh Mr Patrick Baldry, Tony Clarke, rh Mr Kenneth Hands, Greg McPartland, Stephen Baldwin, Harriett Clegg, rh Mr Nick Harper, Mr Mark McVey, Esther Barclay, Stephen Clifton-Brown, Geoffrey Harrington, Richard Menzies, Mark Barker, Gregory Coffey, Dr Thérèse Harris, Rebecca Mercer, Patrick Baron, Mr John Collins, Damian Hart, Simon Metcalfe, Stephen Barwell, Gavin Colvile, Oliver Harvey, Nick Miller, Maria Bebb, Guto Cox, Mr Geoffrey Hayes, Mr John Mills, Nigel Beith, rh Sir Alan Crockart, Mike Heald, Mr Oliver Moore, Michael Bellingham, Mr Henry Crouch, Tracey Heath, Mr David Morgan, Nicky Benyon, Richard Davey, Mr Edward Heaton-Harris, Chris Morris, Anne Marie Beresford, Sir Paul Davies, David T. C. Hemming, John Morris, David Berry, Jake (Monmouth) Henderson, Gordon Morris, James Bingham, Andrew Davies, Glyn Hendry, Charles Mosley, Stephen Binley, Mr Brian Davies, Philip Herbert, Nick Mowat, David Birtwistle, Gordon de Bois, Nick Hinds, Damian Mulholland, Greg Blackman, Bob Dinenage, Caroline Hoban, Mr Mark Mundell, David Blackwood, Nicola Dodds, Mr Nigel Hollingbery, George Munt, Tessa Blunt, Mr Crispin Donaldson, rh Mr Jeffrey M. Hollobone, Mr Philip Murray, Sheryll Boles, Nick Dorrell, rh Mr Stephen Holloway, Mr Adam Murrison, Dr Andrew Bone, Mr Peter Dorries, Nadine Hopkins, Kris Neill, Robert Bottomley, Peter Doyle-Price, Jackie Horwood, Martin Newmark, Mr Brooks Bradley, Karen Drax, Richard Howarth, Mr Gerald Newton, Sarah Brady, Mr Graham Duddridge, James Howell, John Nokes, Caroline Brake, Tom Duncan, Alan Hughes, Simon Norman, Jesse Bray, Angie Duncan Smith, rh Mr Iain Huhne, rh Chris Nuttall, Mr David Brazier, Mr Julian Dunne, Mr Philip Hunt, rh Mr Jeremy O’Brien, Mr Stephen Bridgen, Andrew Ellis, Michael Hurd, Mr Nick Offord, Mr Matthew Brine, Mr Steve Ellison, Jane Jackson, Mr Stewart Ollerenshaw, Eric Brokenshire, James Ellwood, Mr Tobias James, Margot Opperman, Guy Brooke, Annette Elphicke, Charlie Javid, Sajid Osborne, rh Mr George Browne, Mr Jeremy Eustice, George Jenkin, Mr Bernard Ottaway, Richard Bruce, Fiona Evans, Graham Johnson, Gareth Paice, Mr James Bruce, rh Malcolm Evans, Jonathan Johnson, Joseph Parish, Neil Buckland, Mr Robert Evans, Mr Nigel Jones, Andrew Patel, Priti Burley, Mr Aidan Evennett, Mr David Jones, Mr David Pawsey, Mark Burns, Conor Fabricant, Michael Jones, Mr Marcus Penning, Mike Burns, Mr Simon Fallon, Michael Kelly, Chris Penrose, John Burrowes, Mr David Farron, Tim Kirby, Simon Percy, Andrew Burstow, Mr Paul Featherstone, Lynne Knight, rh Mr Greg Perry, Claire Burt, Alistair Field, Mr Mark Kwarteng, Kwasi Phillips, Stephen Burt, Lorely Foster, Mr Don Laing, Mrs Eleanor Pickles, rh Mr Eric Byles, Dan Francois, Mr Mark Lamb, Norman Pincher, Christopher Cable, rh Vince Freeman, George Lancaster, Mark Poulter, Dr Daniel 295 Debate on the Address8 JUNE 2010 Debate on the Address 296

Pritchard, Mark Sturdy, Julian MacNeil, Mr Angus Brendan Soulsby, Sir Peter Pugh, Dr John Swales, Ian McDonnell, Dr Alasdair Weir, Mr Mike Raab, Mr Dominic Swayne, Mr Desmond McDonnell, John Whiteford, Dr Eilidh Randall, Mr John Swinson, Jo Riordan, Mrs Linda Wood, Mike Reckless, Mark Swire, Mr Hugo Ritchie, Ms Margaret Tellers for the Ayes: Redwood, rh Mr John Syms, Mr Robert Robertson, Angus Pete Wishart and Rees-Mogg, Jacob Tapsell, Sir Peter Skinner, Mr Dennis Hywel Williams Reevell, Simon Teather, Sarah Reid, Mr Alan Thurso, John Rifkind, rh Sir Malcolm Timpson, Mr Edward NOES Robathan, Mr Andrew Tomlinson, Justin Adams, Nigel Clifton-Brown, Geoffrey Robertson, Hugh Tredinnick, David Afriyie, Adam Coffey, Dr Thérèse Robertson, Mr Laurence Truss, Elizabeth Aldous, Peter Collins, Damian Rogerson, Dan Turner, Mr Andrew Alexander, rh Danny Colvile, Oliver Rosindell, Andrew Tyrie, Mr Andrew Amess, Mr David Cox, Mr Geoffrey Rudd, Amber Uppal, Paul Andrew, Stuart Crabb, Stephen Russell, Bob Vara, Mr Shailesh Bagshawe, Ms Louise Crockart, Mike Rutley, David Vickers, Martin Baker, Norman Crouch, Tracey Sanders, Mr Adrian Villiers, Mrs Theresa Baker, Steve Davey, Mr Edward Sandys, Laura Walker, Mr Charles Baldry, Tony Davies, Philip Scott, Mr Lee Walker, Mr Robin Baldwin, Harriett de Bois, Nick Selous, Andrew Wallace, Mr Ben Barclay, Stephen Dinenage, Caroline Shannon, Jim Barker, Gregory Dodds, Mr Nigel Ward, Mr David Shapps, Grant Baron, Mr John Donaldson, rh Mr Jeffrey M. Watkinson, Angela Sharma, Alok Barwell, Gavin Dorrell, rh Mr Stephen Weatherley, Mike Shelbrooke, Alec Bebb, Guto Dorries, Nadine Webb, Steve Shepherd, Mr Richard Beith, rh Sir Alan Doyle-Price, Jackie Simmonds, Mark Wharton, James Bellingham, Mr Henry Drax, Richard Simpson, David Wheeler, Heather Benyon, Richard Duncan, Alan Simpson, Mr Keith White, Chris Beresford, Sir Paul Duncan Smith, rh Mr Iain Skidmore, Chris Whittaker, Craig Berry, Jake Dunne, Mr Philip Smith, Miss Chloe Wiggin, Bill Bingham, Andrew Ellis, Michael Smith, Henry Willetts, Mr David Binley, Mr Brian Ellison, Jane Smith, Julian Williams, Mr Mark Birtwistle, Gordon Elphicke, Charlie Smith, Sir Robert Williams, Roger Blackman, Bob Eustice, George Soames, Nicholas Williams, Stephen Blackwood, Nicola Evans, Graham Soubry, Anna Williamson, Gavin Blunt, Mr Crispin Evans, Jonathan Spelman, rh Mrs Caroline Wilson, Mr Rob Boles, Nick Evans, Mr Nigel Spencer, Mr Mark Wollaston, Dr Sarah Bone, Mr Peter Evennett, Mr David Stanley, rh Sir John Wright, Jeremy Bottomley, Peter Fabricant, Michael Stephenson, Andrew Wright, Simon Bradley, Karen Fallon, Michael Stevenson, John Yeo, Mr Tim Brady, Mr Graham Farron, Tim Stewart, Iain Young, rh Sir George Brake, Tom Featherstone, Lynne Stewart, Rory Bray, Angie Field, Mr Mark Zahawi, Nadhim Streeter, Mr Gary Brazier, Mr Julian Foster, Mr Don Stride, Mel Tellers for the Noes: Bridgen, Andrew Francois, Mr Mark Stuart, Mr Graham Stephen Crabb and Brine, Mr Steve Freeman, George Stunell, Andrew Mark Hunter Brokenshire, James Freer, Mike Brooke, Annette Fullbrook, Lorraine Question accordingly negatived. Browne, Mr Jeremy Fuller, Richard Bruce, Fiona Garnier, Mr Edward Amendment proposed: at the end of the Question Bruce, rh Malcolm Garnier, Mark to add: Burley, Mr Aidan Gauke, Mr David “but respectfully request that your Government includes as Burns, Conor George, Andrew part of its Strategic Defence and Security Review a full examination Burns, Mr Simon Gibb, Mr Nick of the Trident nuclear missile system and any possible Burrowes, Mr David Gilbert, Stephen replacement.”—(Angus Robertson.) Burstow, Mr Paul Gillan, rh Mrs Cheryl Question put forthwith (Standing Order No. 33), That Burt, Alistair Glen, John the amendment be made. Burt, Lorely Goldsmith, Zac Byles, Dan Goodwill, Mr Robert The House divided: Ayes 27, Noes 330. Cable, rh Vince Gove, rh Michael Division No. 3] [10.14 pm Cairns, Alun Grant, Mrs Helen Campbell, rh Sir Menzies Gray, Mr James AYES Carmichael, Mr Alistair Grayling, Chris Campbell, Mr Ronnie Hopkins, Kelvin Carmichael, Neil Green, Damian Clark, Katy Hosie, Stewart Carswell, Mr Douglas Greening, Justine Corbyn, Jeremy James, Mrs Siân C. Cash, Mr William Grieve, Mr Dominic Durkan, Mark Joyce, Eric Chishti, Rehman Griffiths, Andrew Edwards, Jonathan Lazarowicz, Mark Chope, Mr Christopher Gummer, Ben Flynn, Paul Llwyd, Mr Elfyn Clappison, Mr James Gyimah, Sam Griffith, Nia Long, Naomi Clarke, rh Mr Kenneth Hague, rh Mr William Havard, Mr Dai Lucas, Caroline Clegg, rh Mr Nick Halfon, Robert 297 Debate on the Address8 JUNE 2010 Debate on the Address 298

Hames, Duncan McLoughlin, rh Mr Patrick Skidmore, Chris Tyrie, Mr Andrew Hammond, Stephen McPartland, Stephen Smith, Miss Chloe Uppal, Paul Hancock, Matthew McVey, Esther Smith, Henry Vara, Mr Shailesh Hancock, Mr Mike Menzies, Mark Smith, Julian Vickers, Martin Hands, Greg Mercer, Patrick Smith, Sir Robert Villiers, Mrs Theresa Harper, Mr Mark Metcalfe, Stephen Soames, Nicholas Walker, Mr Charles Harrington, Richard Miller, Maria Soubry, Anna Walker, Mr Robin Harris, Rebecca Mills, Nigel Spelman, rh Mrs Caroline Wallace, Mr Ben Hart, Simon Moore, Michael Spencer, Mr Mark Ward, Mr David Harvey, Nick Morgan, Nicky Stanley, rh Sir John Watkinson, Angela Hayes, Mr John Morris, Anne Marie Stephenson, Andrew Weatherley, Mike Heald, Mr Oliver Morris, David Stevenson, John Webb, Steve Heath, Mr David Morris, James Stewart, Iain Wharton, James Heaton-Harris, Chris Mosley, Stephen Stewart, Rory Wheeler, Heather Hemming, John Mowat, David Streeter, Mr Gary White, Chris Henderson, Gordon Mulholland, Greg Stride, Mel Whittaker, Craig Hendry, Charles Mundell, David Stuart, Mr Graham Wiggin, Bill Herbert, Nick Munt, Tessa Stunell, Andrew Willetts, Mr David Hinds, Damian Murray, Sheryll Sturdy, Julian Williams, Mr Mark Hoban, Mr Mark Murrison, Dr Andrew Swales, Ian Williams, Roger Hollingbery, George Neill, Robert Swayne, Mr Desmond Williams, Stephen Hollobone, Mr Philip Newmark, Mr Brooks Swinson, Jo Williamson, Gavin Holloway, Mr Adam Newton, Sarah Swire, Mr Hugo Wilson, Mr Rob Hopkins, Kris Nokes, Caroline Syms, Mr Robert Wollaston, Dr Sarah Howarth, Mr Gerald Norman, Jesse Tapsell, Sir Peter Wright, Jeremy Howell, John Nuttall, Mr David Teather, Sarah Wright, Simon Hughes, Simon O’Brien, Mr Stephen Thurso, John Yeo, Mr Tim Huhne, rh Chris Offord, Mr Matthew Timpson, Mr Edward Young, rh Sir George Hunt, rh Mr Jeremy Ollerenshaw, Eric Tomlinson, Justin Zahawi, Nadhim Hurd, Mr Nick Opperman, Guy Tredinnick, David Tellers for the Noes: Jackson, Mr Stewart Osborne, rh Mr George Truss, Elizabeth James Duddridge and James, Margot Ottaway, Richard Turner, Mr Andrew Mark Hunter Javid, Sajid Paice, Mr James Jenkin, Mr Bernard Parish, Neil Johnson, Gareth Patel, Priti Question accordingly negatived. Jones, Andrew Pawsey, Mark Main Question put. Jones, Mr David Penning, Mike The House divided: Ayes 335, Noes 257. Jones, Mr Marcus Penrose, John Kelly, Chris Percy, Andrew Division No. 4] [10.29 pm Kirby, Simon Perry, Claire AYES Knight, rh Mr Greg Phillips, Stephen Adams, Nigel Brady, Mr Graham Kwarteng, Kwasi Pickles, rh Mr Eric Afriyie, Adam Brake, Tom Laing, Mrs Eleanor Pincher, Christopher Aldous, Peter Bray, Angie Lamb, Norman Poulter, Dr Daniel Alexander, rh Danny Brazier, Mr Julian Lancaster, Mark Pritchard, Mark Amess, Mr David Bridgen, Andrew Lansley, rh Mr Andrew Pugh, Dr John Andrew, Stuart Brine, Mr Steve Latham, Pauline Raab, Mr Dominic Arbuthnot, rh Mr James Brokenshire, James Leadsom, Andrea Randall, Mr John Bacon, Mr Richard Brooke, Annette Lee, Jessica Reckless, Mark Bagshawe, Ms Louise Browne, Mr Jeremy Lee, Dr Phillip Rees-Mogg, Jacob Baker, Norman Bruce, Fiona Leech, Mr John Reevell, Simon Baker, Steve Bruce, rh Malcolm Lefroy, Jeremy Reid, Mr Alan Baldry, Tony Buckland, Mr Robert Leslie, Charlotte Rifkind, rh Sir Malcolm Baldwin, Harriett Burley, Mr Aidan Letwin, rh Mr Oliver Robathan, Mr Andrew Barclay, Stephen Burns, Conor Lewis, Brandon Robertson, Hugh Barker, Gregory Burns, Mr Simon Lewis, Dr Julian Robertson, Mr Laurence Baron, Mr John Burrowes, Mr David Liddell-Grainger, Mr Ian Rogerson, Dan Barwell, Gavin Burstow, Mr Paul Lidington, Mr David Rosindell, Andrew Bebb, Guto Burt, Alistair Lloyd, Stephen Rudd, Amber Beith, rh Sir Alan Burt, Lorely Lopresti, Jack Russell, Bob Bellingham, Mr Henry Byles, Dan Lord, Jonathan Rutley, David Benyon, Richard Cable, rh Vince Loughton, Tim Sandys, Laura Beresford, Sir Paul Cairns, Alun Luff, Peter Scott, Mr Lee Berry, Jake Campbell, rh Sir Menzies Lumley, Karen Selous, Andrew Bingham, Andrew Carmichael, Mr Alistair Macleod, Mary Shannon, Jim Binley, Mr Brian Carmichael, Neil Main, Mrs Anne Shapps, Grant Birtwistle, Gordon Carswell, Mr Douglas Maude, rh Mr Francis Sharma, Alok Blackman, Bob Cash, Mr William Maynard, Paul Shelbrooke, Alec Blackwood, Nicola Chishti, Rehman McCartney, Jason Shepherd, Mr Richard Blunt, Mr Crispin Chope, Mr Christopher McCartney, Karl Simmonds, Mark Boles, Nick Clappison, Mr James McCrea, Dr William Simpson, David Bone, Mr Peter Clark, Greg McIntosh, Miss Anne Simpson, Mr Keith Bradley, Karen Clarke, rh Mr Kenneth 299 Debate on the Address8 JUNE 2010 Debate on the Address 300

Clegg, rh Mr Nick Harris, Rebecca Metcalfe, Stephen Skidmore, Chris Clifton-Brown, Geoffrey Hart, Simon Miller, Maria Smith, Miss Chloe Coffey, Dr Thérèse Harvey, Nick Mills, Nigel Smith, Henry Collins, Damian Hayes, Mr John Moore, Michael Smith, Julian Colvile, Oliver Heald, Mr Oliver Morgan, Nicky Smith, Sir Robert Cox, Mr Geoffrey Heath, Mr David Morris, Anne Marie Soames, Nicholas Crabb, Stephen Heaton-Harris, Chris Morris, David Soubry, Anna Crockart, Mike Hemming, John Morris, James Spelman, rh Mrs Caroline Crouch, Tracey Henderson, Gordon Mosley, Stephen Spencer, Mr Mark Davey, Mr Edward Hendry, Charles Mowat, David Stanley, rh Sir John Davies, David T. C. Herbert, Nick Mulholland, Greg Stephenson, Andrew (Monmouth) Hinds, Damian Mundell, David Stevenson, John Davies, Glyn Hoban, Mr Mark Munt, Tessa Stewart, Iain Davies, Philip Hollingbery, George Murray, Sheryll Stewart, Rory de Bois, Nick Hollobone, Mr Philip Murrison, Dr Andrew Streeter, Mr Gary Dinenage, Caroline Holloway, Mr Adam Neill, Robert Stride, Mel Dorrell, rh Mr Stephen Hopkins, Kris Newmark, Mr Brooks Stuart, Mr Graham Dorries, Nadine Horwood, Martin Newton, Sarah Stunell, Andrew Doyle-Price, Jackie Howarth, Mr Gerald Nokes, Caroline Sturdy, Julian Drax, Richard Howell, John Norman, Jesse Swales, Ian Duncan, Alan Hughes, Simon Nuttall, Mr David Swayne, Mr Desmond Duncan Smith, rh Mr Iain Huhne, rh Chris O’Brien, Mr Stephen Swinson, Jo Dunne, Mr Philip Hunt, rh Mr Jeremy Offord, Mr Matthew Swire, Mr Hugo Ellis, Michael Hurd, Mr Nick Ollerenshaw, Eric Syms, Mr Robert Ellison, Jane Jackson, Mr Stewart Opperman, Guy Tapsell, Sir Peter Ellwood, Mr Tobias James, Margot Osborne, rh Mr George Teather, Sarah Elphicke, Charlie Javid, Sajid Ottaway, Richard Thurso, John Eustice, George Jenkin, Mr Bernard Paice, Mr James Timpson, Mr Edward Evans, Graham Johnson, Gareth Parish, Neil Tomlinson, Justin Evans, Jonathan Johnson, Joseph Patel, Priti Tredinnick, David Evans, Mr Nigel Jones, Andrew Pawsey, Mark Truss, Elizabeth Evennett, Mr David Jones, Mr David Penning, Mike Turner, Mr Andrew Fabricant, Michael Jones, Mr Marcus Penrose, John Tyrie, Mr Andrew Fallon, Michael Kelly, Chris Percy, Andrew Uppal, Paul Farron, Tim Kirby, Simon Perry, Claire Vara, Mr Shailesh Featherstone, Lynne Knight, rh Mr Greg Phillips, Stephen Vickers, Martin Field, Mr Mark Kwarteng, Kwasi Pickles, rh Mr Eric Villiers, Mrs Theresa Foster, Mr Don Laing, Mrs Eleanor Pincher, Christopher Walker, Mr Charles Francois, Mr Mark Lamb, Norman Poulter, Dr Daniel Walker, Mr Robin Freeman, George Lancaster, Mark Pritchard, Mark Wallace, Mr Ben Freer, Mike Lansley, rh Mr Andrew Pugh, Dr John Ward, Mr David Fullbrook, Lorraine Latham, Pauline Raab, Mr Dominic Watkinson, Angela Fuller, Richard Leadsom, Andrea Randall, Mr John Weatherley, Mike Garnier, Mr Edward Lee, Jessica Reckless, Mark Garnier, Mark Lee, Dr Phillip Rees-Mogg, Jacob Webb, Steve Gauke, Mr David Leech, Mr John Reevell, Simon Wharton, James George, Andrew Lefroy, Jeremy Reid, Mr Alan Wheeler, Heather Gibb, Mr Nick Leigh, Mr Edward Rifkind, rh Sir Malcolm White, Chris Gilbert, Stephen Leslie, Charlotte Robathan, Mr Andrew Whittaker, Craig Gillan, rh Mrs Cheryl Letwin, rh Mr Oliver Robertson, Hugh Wiggin, Bill Glen, John Lewis, Brandon Robertson, Mr Laurence Willetts, Mr David Goldsmith, Zac Lewis, Dr Julian Rogerson, Dan Williams, Mr Mark Goodwill, Mr Robert Liddell-Grainger, Mr Ian Rosindell, Andrew Williams, Roger Gove, rh Michael Lidington, Mr David Rudd, Amber Williams, Stephen Grant, Mrs Helen Lloyd, Stephen Russell, Bob Williamson, Gavin Gray, Mr James Lopresti, Jack Rutley, David Wilson, Mr Rob Grayling, Chris Lord, Jonathan Sanders, Mr Adrian Wollaston, Dr Sarah Green, Damian Loughton, Tim Sandys, Laura Wright, Jeremy Greening, Justine Luff, Peter Scott, Mr Lee Wright, Simon Grieve, Mr Dominic Lumley, Karen Selous, Andrew Yeo, Mr Tim Shapps, Grant Griffiths, Andrew Macleod, Mary Young, rh Sir George Sharma, Alok Gummer, Ben Main, Mrs Anne Zahawi, Nadhim Gyimah, Sam Maude, rh Mr Francis Shelbrooke, Alec Hague, rh Mr William Maynard, Paul Shepherd, Mr Richard Tellers for the Ayes: Halfon, Robert McCartney, Jason Simmonds, Mark James Duddridge and Hames, Duncan McCartney, Karl Simpson, Mr Keith Mark Hunter Hammond, Stephen McIntosh, Miss Anne Hancock, Matthew McLoughlin, rh Mr Patrick NOES Hancock, Mr Mike McPartland, Stephen Abbott, Ms Diane Alexander, Heidi Hands, Greg McVey, Esther Ainsworth, rh Mr Bob Ali, Rushanara Harper, Mr Mark Menzies, Mark Alexander, rh Mr Douglas Allen, Mr Graham Harrington, Richard Mercer, Patrick 301 Debate on the Address8 JUNE 2010 Debate on the Address 302

Anderson, Mr David Elliott, Julie Mactaggart, Fiona Roy, Lindsay Austin, Ian Ellman, Mrs Louise Mahmood, Mr Khalid Ruddock, Joan Bailey, Mr Adrian Engel, Natascha Mahmood, Shabana Sarwar, Anas Bain, Mr William Evans, Chris Mann, John Seabeck, Alison Balls, rh Ed Fitzpatrick, Jim Marsden, Mr Gordon Shannon, Jim Banks, Gordon Flello, Robert McCabe, Steve Sharma, Mr Virendra Barron, rh Mr Kevin Flint, rh Caroline McCann, Mr Michael Sheerman, Mr Barry Beckett, rh Margaret Flynn, Paul McClymont, Gregg Sheridan, Jim Begg, Miss Anne Fovargue, Yvonne McCrea, Dr William Shuker, Gavin Bell, Sir Stuart Francis, Dr Hywel McDonnell, Dr Alasdair Simpson, David Benn, rh Hilary Gapes, Mike McDonnell, John Skinner, Mr Dennis Benton, Mr Joe Gardiner, Barry McFadden, rh Mr Pat Slaughter, Mr Andy Berger, Luciana Gilmore, Sheila McGovern, Alison Smith, rh Mr Andrew Betts, Mr Clive Glass, Pat McGovern, Jim Smith, Angela (Penistone and Blackman-Woods, Roberta Glindon, Mrs Mary McGuire, rh Mrs Anne Stocksbridge) Blears, rh Hazel Godsiff, Mr Roger McKechin, Ann Smith, Nick Blenkinsop, Tom Goggins, rh Paul McKinnell, Catherine Smith, Owen Blomfield, Paul Goodman, Helen Meacher, rh Mr Michael Soulsby, Sir Peter Bradshaw, rh Mr Ben Greatrex, Tom Meale, Mr Alan Spellar, rh Mr John Brennan, Kevin Green, Kate Mearns, Ian Straw, rh Mr Jack Brown, Lyn Greenwood, Lilian Michael, rh Alun Stringer, Graham Brown, rh Mr Nicholas Griffith, Nia Miliband, rh David Stuart, Ms Gisela Brown, Mr Russell Gwynne, Andrew Miliband, rh Edward Sutcliffe, Mr Gerry Bryant, Chris Hain, rh Mr Peter Miller, Andrew Tami, Mark Buck, Ms Karen Hamilton, Mr David Mitchell, Austin Thomas, Mr Gareth Burden, Richard Hamilton, Mr Fabian Moon, Mrs Madeleine Thornberry, Emily Byrne, rh Mr Liam Hanson, rh Mr David Morden, Jessica Trickett, Jon Cairns, David Harman, rh Ms Harriet Morrice, Graeme Turner, Karl Campbell, Mr Alan Harris, Mr Tom Morris, Grahame M. Twigg, Derek Caton, Martin Havard, Mr Dai Mudie, Mr George Twigg, Stephen Chapman, Mrs Jenny Healey, rh John Munn, Meg Umunna, Mr Chuka Clark, Katy Hendrick, Mark Murphy, rh Mr Jim Vaz, rh Keith Clarke, rh Mr Tom Hepburn, Mr Stephen Murphy, rh Paul Vaz, Valerie Clwyd, rh Ann Heyes, David Murray, Ian Walley, Joan Coaker, Vernon Hillier, Meg Nandy, Lisa Watson, Mr Tom Coffey, Ann Hilling, Julie Nash, Pamela Watts, Mr Dave Connarty, Michael Hodge, rh Margaret O’Donnell, Fiona Weir, Mr Mike Cooper, Rosie Hood, Mr Jim Onwurah, Chi Whiteford, Dr Eilidh Cooper, rh Yvette Hopkins, Kelvin Osborne, Sandra Whitehead, Dr Alan Corbyn, Jeremy Hosie, Stewart Owen, Albert Wicks, rh Malcolm Crausby, Mr David Howarth, rh Mr George Pearce, Teresa Williams, Hywel Creagh, Mary Hoyle, Mr Lindsay Perkins, Toby Williamson, Chris Creasy, Stella Hunt, Tristram Phillipson, Bridget Wilson, Phil Cruddas, Jon Illsley, Mr Eric Pound, Stephen Winnick, Mr David Cryer, John Irranca-Davies, Huw Qureshi, Yasmin Winterton, rh Ms Rosie Cunningham, Alex Jackson, Glenda Raynsford, rh Mr Nick Wishart, Pete Cunningham, Mr Jim James, Mrs Siân C. Reeves, Rachel Wood, Mike Cunningham, Tony Jamieson, Cathy Reynolds, Emma Woodcock, John Curran, Margaret Johnson, Diana R. Reynolds, Jonathan Woodward, rh Mr Shaun Dakin, Nic Jones, Graham Riordan, Mrs Linda Woolas, Mr Phil Danczuk, Simon Jones, Helen Ritchie, Ms Margaret Wright, David Darling, rh Mr Alistair Jones, Mr Kevan Robertson, Angus Wright, Mr Iain David, Mr Wayne Jones, Susan Elan Robertson, John Davidson, Mr Ian Jowell, rh Tessa Robinson, Mr Geoffrey Tellers for the Noes: Davies, Geraint Joyce, Eric Rotheram, Steve Mrs Sharon Hodgson and De Piero, Gloria Kaufman, rh Sir Gerald Roy, Mr Frank Kerry McCarthy Denham, rh Mr John Keeley, Barbara Dobbin, Jim Keen, Alan Question accordingly agreed to. Dobson, rh Frank Kendall, Liz Dodds, Mr Nigel Khan, rh Sadiq Resolved, Donaldson, rh Mr Jeffrey M. Lammy, rh Mr David That an humble Address be presented to Her Majesty, as Donohoe, Mr Brian H. Lavery, Ian follows: Doran, Mr Frank Lazarowicz, Mark Most Gracious Sovereign, Dowd, Jim Leslie, Christopher Doyle, Gemma Lewis, Mr Ivan We, YourMajesty’s most dutiful and loyal subjects, the Commons Dromey, Jack Lloyd, Tony of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in Parliament assembled, beg leave to offer our humble thanks to Dugher, Michael Llwyd, Mr Elfyn Your Majesty for the Gracious Speech which Your Majesty has Durkan, Mark Long, Naomi addressed to both Houses of Parliament. Eagle, Ms Angela Love, Mr Andrew Eagle, Maria Lucas, Caroline Address to be presented to Her Majesty by Members Edwards, Jonathan Lucas, Ian of the House who are Privy Counsellors or Members of Efford, Clive MacNeil, Mr Angus Brendan Her Majesty’s Household. 303 8 JUNE 2010 304

Business without Debate Housing policy Motion made, and Question proposed, That this BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE House do now adjourn.—(Stephen Crabb.) Motion made, That Private Members’Bills shall have precedence over Government 10.45 pm business on 22 October, 12 and 19 November and 3 December 2010 and 21 January, 4 and 11 February, 4 and 18 March, 1 April, Andrew George (St Ives) (LD): I am particularly 13 May and 10 and 17 June 2011.—(Stephen Crabb.) pleased to have secured this evening’s Adjournment debate, as it is on a very important aspect of Government Hon. Members:: Object. policy that I now know needs to be developed. There were a number of welcome statements in the coalition Mr Speaker: As there is an amendment not supported agreement about the abolition of regional spatial strategies, by the Member in charge, I will follow the practice of shared-equity accommodation, and the removal of garden my predecessors and treat that as an objection to the grabbing from the planning system. motion. In my part of the world, the most important issue facing local communities is the lack of affordable housing PETITION for local people. It has bedevilled the area for decades but, if anything, the situation has become significantly worse in the last decade. We know that the planning Blockade of Gaza system is fuelled primarily by greed rather than need: in those circumstances, it is difficult to design a system 10.44 pm that enables that need to be met, and I am particularly Sandra Osborne (Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock) (Lab): pleased to see that the Under-Secretary of State for I wish to present the petition of residents of Ayr, Communities and Local Government, my hon. Friend Carrick and Cumnock constituency and others. the Member for Hazel Grove (Andrew Stunell), is here to respond to this important debate. The petition states: the petitioners are appalled by the loss of life associated with In the short time available to me, I intend to develop a Israel’s attack on the flotilla of ships carrying humanitarian aid number of issues, and I have a number of questions to Gaza, an attack which took place in international waters; about what will happen with the supply side. The further declares that Israel’s blockade has destroyed the economy Government are to abolish the regional spatial strategies of Gaza, deepened poverty, inflicted widespread suffering and and the housing targets that go with them, so what role imposed collective punishment on the people of Gaza. will development control play in meeting affordable The petition was collected on Saturday. People in my housing need after that abolition? constituency are very concerned about this issue, and I With regard to planning policy statement 3, I believe hope that the Government take note of their concerns. that there will be an increasing number of questions Following is the full text of the petition: about the integrity of exceptions sites and about maintaining [The Petition of residents of Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock that integrity, especially in rural areas. In addition, I constituency and others, know that my hon. Friend the Minister will be keen to respond to what I believe is widespread concern about Declares that the petitioners are appalled by the loss of how some elected members of planning committees are life associated with Israel’s attack on the flotilla of ships finding themselves at risk of predetermination in the carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza, an attack which took consideration process. place in international waters; further declares that Israel’s blockade has destroyed the economy of Gaza, deepened Other supply-side questions have to do with the poverty, inflicted widespread suffering and imposed collective management and regulation of the private rented sector, punishment on the people of Gaza. its relationship with the housing benefits system, and whether there should be formal regulation of landlords The Petitioners therefore request that the House of and letting agents. On the demand side, I particularly Commons calls on Israel to end its blockade and supports want to probe the Government’s approach to the control international efforts to secure a lasting settlement with a of second homes—something that has a significant secure and independent state of Palestine alongside a impact on communities in my constituency and many secure and independent Israel. other areas around the country. I also want to discuss And your Petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray.] the Government’s attitude to property taxation, given [P000834] the earlier announcement of the extension of capital gains tax and the impact that that is likely to have on the private rented sector in particular. On the abolition of regional spatial strategies, the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government has embellished the previous coalition agreement statement with his own statement. On 3 June, he said that “the new Government has announced it will abolish Labour’s unelected Regional Assemblies, top-down building targets and unwanted Regional Spatial Strategies.” In my part of the world, the housing stock has more than doubled in the last 40 years. In fact, the area is one of the fastest growing places in the UK, yet the housing 305 Housing policy8 JUNE 2010 Housing policy 306

[Andrew George] rung on the housing ladder. I am keen that we should develop that. The problem is the lack of mortgage needs of local people have got dramatically worse over finance. Only three lenders are currently lending, and in that period. The previous Government’s approach of order to get schemes to go ahead it is necessary to have adding another 70,000 houses in a place like Cornwall, all three lenders on a site. With that, of course, comes which is what they proposed in the regional spatial significant pressure for relaxation of the section 106 strategy over 16 years—as if somehow, by magic, that agreements, which often go alongside such developments. would address the housing needs of local communities—is Before I was elected I was a rural housing enabler disproved by the way the market has operated in the before such things were properly invented. I was involved past 40 years. We need a much more sophisticated in many of the kind of developments that have taken approach if we are to address the deep-seated, endemic place since the early 1990s as a result of what was then and serious housing problems in such a place as Cornwall. PPG3 and is now PPS3. We found exception sites. What Simply turning it into a developers’ paradise is not the I found then and has been found since that time is that it answer. is easier to find exception sites where the development The Secretary of State went on in his letter: value is significantly less than £10,000 a plot. People “In contrast to Labour’s regime of targets, we will be seeking were finding it a great deal cheaper than that in the early to introduce new incentives to reward councils which build more 1990s. Such sites could be taken forward in an environment homes and support local business growth.” in which the integrity of the planning system was The question really is how the Government intend to do maintained. Otherwise, the hope value on all those sites that. If fewer private market houses are to be simply will be lost. heaped in where it is not helpful to do so in places like Rural exception sites—also known as departure sites—are Cornwall, which I would welcome, does that mean that sites beyond or close to defined settlements. Exception the Government will introduce a system driven more by sites are acceptable for the provision of 100% affordable need than demand? If that is the case, would the outcome housing but not for the provision of open market housing. be that in places like Cornwall a higher proportion of Often such schemes consist of fewer than 20 houses—more any new development would be affordable housing to often than not, far fewer. It is very important indeed, , meet local housing need than was originally the case in as PPS3 states, that: the previous Government’s regional spatial strategy? On the wider implications of development control in “Rural exception sites should only be used for affordable housing in perpetuity.” meeting the need for affordable housing, sometimes the best way of meeting local housing need is to have strict The problem is that there is pressure from some local control on housing development, although that sounds authorities to weaken, or lessen, the pressure on that. I counter-intuitive, especially in rural areas such as Cornwall. therefore urge my hon. Friend the Minister to ensure Then one can apply the exceptions approach not only in that the integrity of the exceptions approach in PPS3 is rural areas but perhaps in others. Often the value of the retained. That has been supported—I spoke to Matthew land is determined by the planning process and what Taylor before he produced his report last year—by the that land can be used for. That determines ultimately Taylor review, the Affordable Rural Housing Commission, whether we can achieve the ultimate goal of developing the rural housing trusts and all the housing charities affordable housing. that work in this field. It is vital that such sites provide The role of the intermediate market is developed in affordable housing in perpetuity 100%. There is a risk the coalition agreement. Shared ownership accommodation that we might lose that. is encouraged, which is something that I warmly welcome. I mentioned predetermination; I shall be interested to That is encouraging. The coalition agreement says that hear what the Minister says on that. There is concern we will among many elected members; they feel unable to campaign “promote shared ownership schemes and help social tenants … on the issue before they are elected, in case, once they own or part-own their own home”, have expressed a view about the way in which their local but how will we do that? There is a serious lack of community might or should develop, it would restrict mortgage finance to develop a meaningful intermediate what they might be permitted to do on a planning market. In places like Cornwall it is vital that we create committee. A statement on that would therefore be a new rung on the housing ladder for people at the very particularly helpful. bottom who cannot make the enormous jump on to the I mentioned housing benefit. In areas such as mine, first rung on the private market. where a large proportion of the local community live on Dan Rogerson (North Cornwall) (LD): I am grateful the very margins of economic survival, because of the to my hon. Friend for giving way and congratulate him very high private rents those people often depend on the on obtaining this debate so early in the new Parliament. housing benefit system whether they are in or out of In talking about definitions and the Government’s policy, work. The problem is that the system as it operates at does he agree that affordable housing can sometimes be the moment still results in the withdrawal of housing used by developers to provide housing for sale that is benefit at the rate of about 85p in the pound earned for still very much unaffordable to local people. It is discounted people in that situation. If that is the case, clearly there when compared to the full market price, but really are a lot of people, particularly in areas such as mine, socially rented accommodation would do the most to who are going in and out of work who suffer from that bite into that need in our communities. mechanism and a housing benefit system that does not take fully into account the difficulties of living at that Andrew George: My hon. Friend is right to suggest level. As a result, a lot of people living in my part of the that we need a lot more social rented accommodation, world, and many other places, are living in awful but much of the pressure on that accommodation is accommodation, which certainly does not meet national from people who might otherwise get on to the intermediate standards, and are often paying very high rents indeed. 307 Housing policy8 JUNE 2010 Housing policy 308

In my area there are some excellent private landlords gains tax information and local knowledge, I believe and the private rented sector is run extremely well, but that it is possible to enforce that and to define properly of course there are some who do not run it as well as what second homes are. perhaps they should. For example, one family that I was I mentioned the issue of capital gains tax. I hope that seeking to help earlier this year during the very cold the Government will think carefully, before the Budget winter, who were living in a one-bedroom flat up some on 22 June, about the implementation of the changes in stairs and had a one-year-old baby boy—the mother capital gains tax. I welcome the broad announcement, had epilepsy—found themselves in and out of both but I hope that there will not be an unintended impact accommodation and the working environment and were on other business investments, including private letting unable to maintain the housing benefit at rental levels. properties, which are important to our communities. I They found themselves under a great deal of pressure hope that there will be roll-over relief, annual exemptions from their letting agent at the time. I will quote from a and other measures to ensure that the private letting letter that the letting agent, Antony Richards Property sector is not hit detrimentally. I hope that the Minister Services, sent to my constituents, a Mr Shaun Burden is listening and I look forward to his reply. and Ms Rosemary Jarmain, who were living in Morrab road at the time. They have since been housed by the council in accommodation in Newlyn. 11.3 pm The letting agent wrote: The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for “In the absence of any rent forthcoming and your apparent Communities and Local Government (Andrew Stunell): I refusal to help yourselves by providing the information…we are am delighted to have the opportunity to respond to my left with no alternative but to seek to enforce the possession hon. Friend the Member for St Ives (Andrew George) notice served last year…the Council will deem you as intentionally and to discuss an important issue that he has pursued in homeless and you are highly unlikely to offer you accommodation. the House for a long time, on the Opposition Benches You will then be homeless. and on the Government Benches, with great vigour. I The choice is yours. thank him for his support for the coalition Government’s I am told the streets are cold at night.” action and plans in this area, which I hope on the whole he will find acceptable. Such treatment of local families in a desperate situation is not acceptable. The Government believe that enabling people to have a home of their own is a high priority. The problem that Adverts for Homechoice in Cornwall have shown that we face is that the current system does not deliver that, this week, of the 42 properties available, 14 are one-bed, and he has outlined some of the impacts of the current 21 are two-bed, six are three-bed and one is four-bed. circumstances on his constituents. He may want to look In Cornwall, there is a serious shortage of family at the speech that my hon. Friend the Minister for accommodation—three and four-bed accommodation. Housing made at the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors this morning, which covers some of the points. Sarah Newton (Truro and Falmouth) (Con): Will my Perhaps I will not duplicate all of them here. colleague give way? My hon. Friend the Member for St Ives made a wide-ranging contribution on an important topic. Mine Andrew George: Because of time, I need to press on. I will not be quite as wide-ranging. I am not the Chancellor am terribly sorry. of the Exchequer, so I will not be commenting on capital gains tax. There may be some other things that I mentioned the issue of second home ownership and my hon. Friend will find are missing, too, but on the the need to control second home ownership in areas issue of the disqualification of councillors from taking such as mine. I know that my hon. Friend the Minister part in planning decisions and other decisions at their is aware of the background in constituencies such as council because they have an opinion about it—so-called mine. For example, recent surveys of estate agents have pre-determination—I hope that I can give him some shown that last year alone four times as many properties comfort. It is absolutely the case that it is wrong for were sold to second home buyers as to first time buyers. local representatives to be barred from taking part in In some communities a significant number—sometimes decisions, even if they have a clear predisposed view. 20, 30 or 40%—of the properties in local communities The fact is that despite the advice that is often handed are owned by second home owners. Those circumstances out to them, it is not wrong for councillors to be make it difficult for people to have any chance of being predisposed towards a particular view, or to express and able to afford a home of their own. publicly voice it. They may even have been elected on a The previous Government looked at the issue following particular issue, and it would of course then be deeply the Taylor review and other representations that I and frustrating for them to receive apparently professional others made. The then Government said that they were advice that disqualifies them from taking part. The not prepared to look at our proposal to introduce a new Government certainly understand the concern that the use classes order to allow local authorities to restrict the issue causes to councillors, and if necessary, we will number of second homes permitted to be converted legislate to ensure that councillors are not prevented from permanent residency to non-permanent residency from speaking up on issues on which they have campaigned. in many of the communities where local people do not I hope that that is useful news for my hon. Friend and get a chance. his councillors. The previous Government said that they were not On housing supply, my hon. Friend seemed to suggest prepared to go forward because they thought that that that the changes that we were making were intended to would be difficult to enforce, but with council tax produce fewer homes. That is not the case at all. We records, business tax records, the electoral register, capital want homes in the right places, and our view is quite 309 Housing policy8 JUNE 2010 Housing policy 310

[Andrew Stunell] will give them the opportunity to develop infrastructure and services to match the investment that they are clear: we have not built enough homes. Indeed, this allowing. year, house building is at its lowest level since 1946 or, if My hon. Friend had plenty to say about second home one discounts the war, since 1923. There is a huge gap ownership. I have had the privilege of listening to him between supply and demand, and it is the Government’s speak on the subject in debates for a number of years. policy to address that. The long-term demand for housing He asked for some specific things. I cannot deal with is strong, even if, as he rightly says, it is at the moment a capital gains tax—that is definitely well above my pay little hard to make that market work properly. grade—but he also asked whether we could use the planning use class of second homes. The Government Mr Mark Spencer (Sherwood) (Con): Will the hon. do not believe that there is a way forward on that. I Gentleman give way? would be interested—I do not suppose that I have the Andrew Stunell: Yes, but I have very little time, and I choice—to receive further representations from him have to be fair to my hon. Friend the Member for and from others who think differently, but there are St Ives. serious difficulties in how that can be done, not least because, for the first time, we are bringing the ownership Mr Spencer: Just a small point: obviously, the housing of an asset into consideration of whether it was a ladder has a bottom and a top. In Sherwood, there are material planning use or not. [Interruption.] I can see many single people living in five-bedroom houses who that my hon. Friend wants to engage in debate, and I want to stay in the village in which they live, but who, look forward to doing so over the coming months. unfortunately, cannot find elderly accommodation locally. My hon. Friend will have received a parliamentary Building the right property in the right place is a big response from the Under-Secretary of State for advantage and a big assistance to people who want to Communities and Local Government, my hon. Friend come out of a large property and who would free up the Member for Bromley and Chislehurst (Robert Neill), spaces on the ladder so that people could move up. probably this afternoon, to say that we have no immediate plans on the discount for council tax for second homes. Andrew Stunell: My hon. Friend makes a good point, However, my hon. Friend the Member for St Ives has and I am sure that he will pursue it in debates in future. raised some interesting issues, and some of us have We need to recognise that the under-supply of housing great sympathy with them. has consequences. It impacts on the affordability of homes. I will not rehearse the arguments, but the fact is My hon. Friend asked about rural exception sites, that first-time buyers are pretty much out of the market and there seems to be a bit of a flurry: perhaps PPS 3 at the moment unless they have the support of parents and rural exception sites might, in some mysterious or friends, or there are outside circumstances; the average way, be at risk. I want to assure him that there is age of a first-time buyer is now 37, and that is obviously nothing in the coalition agreement or in the Conservative not acceptable. We have a problem with housing market Green Paper on open source planning—I did not think stability, too. A volatile housing market can quickly that I would be likely to be standing at the Dispatch Box translate into instability in financial markets and the defending it—making proposals to change rural exception wider economy. sites. The Government believe, as he does, that they are important and very material, so I hope that he accepts Andrew George: I entirely accept what my hon. Friend our assurance. says in respect of the national picture and the national My hon. Friend rightly drew attention to the need to figures. I understand that the coalition agreement talks put in the missing rung in the ladder through the in national terms about such patterns, but as I understand development of the intermediate market. Again, I refer it, the Secretary of State for Communities and Local him to the words of my hon. Friend the Minister at the Government and the coalition agreement are giving Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors this morning. local authorities the power and ability to interpret the We are committed to supporting that intermediate sector national standing and to ensure that local need is met in and making sure that it flourishes. We want to promote the way that the local authority deems best. The local shared ownership and help social tenants and others to authority is surely in the best position to know how own or part-own their home. Shared ownership is a way local need might be met. of helping lower-income households purchase a share in a home, perhaps for as little as 25%, which is what the Andrew Stunell: It is certainly in a better position to current HomeBuy offer says. do so than the devisers of regional spatial strategies; I think that we can agree on that. We need to increase Sarah Newton rose— supply. My hon. Friend has brought me neatly on to the Andrew George rose— abolition of regional spatial strategies, a phrase that has to be said carefully and articulated clearly. Regional Andrew Stunell: I am keeping extremely close watch spatial strategies have gone. The Secretary of State has on the time, Mr Speaker, as I am sure you are, but I will written to planning authorities telling them that it is give way to my hon. Friend the Member for St Ives. now a material consideration for them to take account of his letter saying that regional spatial strategies are to Andrew George: I am grateful to my hon. Friend, and be disposed of. The legal decision must await legislation, I apologise for catching him at the close of his speech. but clearly we are there already. It is not just a question The Government own two banks, but mortgage finance of telling local authorities, “You’re on your own”; there is the big stumbling block in developing this sector. Is will be clear incentives for local authorities that permit there anything more that he and the Government can the development of housing, and a reward system that do to enable the sector to move forward? 311 Housing policy8 JUNE 2010 Housing policy 312

Andrew Stunell: Again, I do not think that that can be with the letting agents themselves. I certainly have a dealt with at my level, but the whole Government are great deal of sympathy for anyone who suffers as a committed to putting the British economy back on its result of poor practice by a letting or managing agent. feet and to restoring the health of the financial and We advise anyone contemplating renting or letting a business sector. That is going to be the fastest way to get property through an agent to use one who is a member the financial market working properly. I know that of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors scheme, my hon. Friend is committed, with me, to dealing with the Association of Residential Letting Agents or the that. national approved letting scheme. About half the agents Finally, may I deal with the private rented sector? The are members of those organisations. I look forward to House will have been appalled to hear of the case that working with my hon. Friend over the coming months my hon. Friend drew to our attention and of the callous and years to make sure that what he wants, what I want words of the letting agent as they affected his constituent. and what the Government want— We must recognise that the private rented sector is significant: 13% of households are in the private rented 11.15 pm sector, and some tenants in that sector face problems of House adjourned without Question put (Standing Order overcrowding, poor-quality accommodation and difficulties No. 9(7)).

5WS Written Ministerial Statements8 JUNE 2010 Written Ministerial Statements 6WS

commercial context for local TV with strong independent Written Ministerial input in order to identify the interventions which can best secure sustainable local television in this country. Based on those findings, I will publish a full local media action plan in Statements the autumn. A full copy of my speech will also be deposited in the Tuesday 8 June 2010 Libraries of both Houses.

TREASURY ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS

Office for Budget Responsibility Sea Fish Industry Authority

The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Mr George Osborne): Sir Alan Budd and I have agreed the terms of reference The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and for the interim Office for Budget Responsibility. Rural Affairs (Mrs Caroline Spelman): The Sea Fish Copies of the document are available in the Vote Industry Authority (Seafish), is a UK-wide, levy-funded Office and have been deposited in the Libraries of both non-departmental public body established by the Fisheries Houses. Act 1981. It has a statutory duty to promote the efficiency of the sea fish industry as a whole. It is jointly sponsored by the four fisheries administrations in the UK. CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT On 18 March, the Court of Appeal ruled that the Media and Technology Fisheries Act 1981 does not permit Seafish to raise a levy on imported sea fish and sea fish products, only that which is first landed in the UK. The result was to The Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media significantly reduce its levy income. and Sport (Mr Jeremy Hunt): The coalition’s programme for Government set out the Government’s belief that a The Court of Appeal handed down an order on vibrant media sector is crucial for our well-being and 20 April requiring Seafish to repay to the claimants quality of life. The Government’s intention is to create six years of unlawfully collected levy plus interest and the conditions that will allow enterprise to flourish in a costs. The Court of Appeal agreed to stay the execution way that avoids over-regulation or over-subsidy. I am of the payments pending determination of an appeal to therefore today announcing: the Supreme Court. Rapid roll-out of superfast broadband: we need to put the On 18 May, Defra, with the support of Seafish, digital infrastructure in place that will allow this country to petitioned the Supreme Court for leave to appeal against increase growth rapidly in the digital economy as we come out the judgment. of recession. The Government propose to take this forward in The reduction in Seafish’s income has led Seafish to two areas: (i) backing the commitment to make a service level of 2Mbps available to those parts of the country still without a scale back their activities and to ask the sponsoring basic level of access; (ii) announcing three rural market testing administrations for financial support. With the agreement projects that will bring superfast broadband to rural areas. of HM Treasury, Ministers have agreed to make a Access to infrastructure: to support the Government’s commitments short-term, commercial loan of £200,000 available to to the roll-out of superfast broadband by ensuring that BT and Seafish to enable Seafish to continue to operate within other infrastructure providers allow the use of their assets to its reduced income. deliver such broadband, we will: (i) back Ofcom’s proposals for opening up access to BT’s ducts and telegraph poles to promote Officials are continuing to work with Seafish to explore further investment; (ii) in line with the Queen’s Speech, offer the longer-term options and further statements will be clarity that if legislation is necessary then the Government are made as appropriate. ready to bring it to the House; and (iii) to encourage further debate on the issue, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport will publish a paper setting out our latest thinking on this in July, coinciding with an industry day to be organised by PRIME MINISTER Broadband Delivery UK. Local media: as part of the Government’s wider commitment to localisation, we aim to provide the right incentives and Prime Ministerial Appointments conditions for sustainable commercial growth in local TV and online services. The Government therefore proposes: (i) that it will not go ahead with the previous Administration’s Independently Funded News Consortia (IFNC) pilots; we recognise the high The Prime Minister (Mr David Cameron): The right degree of innovation and level of partnerships which emerged hon. Lord Patten of Barnes will lead Government through the pilot procurement process; however, we do not arrangements for the papal visit as my personal agree that subsidising regional news is the right approach; (ii) representative. Pope Benedict XVI will be visiting the instead, funding identified for the IFNC pilots will be used to UK as both Head of State and the leader of a major support our plans for the roll-out of superfast broadband denomination. Lord Patten will, on my behalf, oversee around the country; (iii) that we will accept Ofcom’s and manage Government preparations for the visit recommendations on reforming local cross-media ownership rules meaning they will be significantly relaxed. I will bring alongside the arrangements being made by the Catholic forward secondary legislation to the House to enact these bishop conferences. Lord Patten will oversee the changes as soon as possible; (iv) to support local television, we coordination of all elements for which the Government will be conducting a full assessment of the regulatory and are responsible. 7WS Written Ministerial Statements8 JUNE 2010 Written Ministerial Statements 8WS

The right hon. Member for Birkenhead (Frank Field) elements in the module 1 test are required by the directive, will lead a review on poverty and life chances. This will there may be scope for us to make some changes to the examine the case for reforms to poverty measures and way in which the test is carried out. look at what the Government can do to improve the We will be working with the motorcycle community lives of the least advantaged people in our society and and road safety groups to look again at the current will report to the Government by the end of the year. form of the motorcycle test. This review will look at the manoeuvres carried out in both modules 1 (off-road) and 2 (on-road) and whether these manoeuvres could TRANSPORT safely be conducted in the on-road test. The review will also look at other related motorcycle Motorcycle Test testing and training issues, including the options for training and testing for progressive access under the third driving licence directive and how any changes The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport relate to wider proposals to improve motorcycle training (Mike Penning): I am announcing today a review of and testing. motorcycle tests in Great Britain. The new two-part We are inviting views from members of the public, motorcycle test that was introduced in April 2009 has motorcycle riders, trainers, road safety groups and others clearly led to some concern among motorcycle groups, on what aspects of the motorcycle test they want us to particularly about the safety of the off-road module 1 look at, including how and where they think motorcycle part of the test and about the difficulty of accessing the testing might best and most safely be carried out. Views limited number of off-road test centres. The new test should be submitted to the Department for Transport was introduced in order to meet the requirements of the ([email protected]) by 31 July. We second EU directive on driving licences. While most aim to conclude the review by the autumn. 87W Written Answers8 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 88W Written Answers to Environmental Stewardship Scheme Angela Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Questions Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make it her policy to promote the use of environmental Tuesday 8 June 2010 stewardship schemes to protect biodiversity in upland areas. [1292]

Mr Paice: Environmental stewardship provides funding ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS for farmers to deliver effective environmental land management. From this year, this includes a new strand Bovine Tuberculosis: Disease Control called Uplands Entry Level Stewardship (Uplands ELS), Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for targeted specifically at the conditions and type of farming Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to the in the severely disadvantaged areas of the English uplands. answer of 2 June 2010, to Question 572, what timetable First agreements commence on 1 July 2010. Both Uplands she has set for introducing badger control measures; ELS, and Stewardship as a whole, have specific objectives and what scientific evidence she plans to take into around biodiversity conservation, and Natural England account in considering the authorisation of a cull. has recently produced information on how to get the [1163] greatest biodiversity benefits from land management choices under stewardship as part of their entry level Mr Paice: A timetable for introducing a badger control stewardship training and information work. policy has not yet been set as we are looking at all the evidence including the full range of scientific evidence Fisheries: Northern Ireland and considering all the relevant issues to develop a comprehensive and balanced package of measures to Ms Ritchie: To ask the Secretary of State for tackle TB in cattle. Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent discussions her Department has had with the Northern Cattle: Animal Welfare Ireland Executive on the forthcoming fisheries negotiating round in the Agriculture and Fisheries Mr Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for Council. [1022] Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what her policy is on the practice of factory farming of dairy cows. Richard Benyon: My officials met with their Northern [1456] Irish counterparts and representatives of the UK fishing Mr Paice: The welfare of livestock, including cows, is industry as recently as 4 June to discuss plans for the protected by the Welfare of Farmed Animals (England) forthcoming negotiations, exploring in particular, the Regulations 2007 and the Animal Welfare Act 2006. consequences of the new format for the scientific advice There are codes of recommendations published on the from the International Council for the Exploration of DEFRA website which farmers are required by law to the Sea (ICES)—based on working towards maximum have access to, and be familiar with, which encourage sustainable yield—the first instalment of which is expected high standards of husbandry. Enforcement action can later this month. be taken against farmers who do not comply with this In the light of this advice, we will then decide, with legislation. colleagues from all the devolved administrations, what The Government welcome innovative and entrepreneurial the 2011 priority stocks on which we will focus our efforts by dairy farmers to improve their global attention should be for the UK. It is clear that for competitiveness, while protecting the environment and Northern Ireland, these will include Irish Sea nephrops, meeting animal welfare standards. All dairy cattle, in a critical stock for their fleet. whatever system they are kept, are protected by Flood Control comprehensive animal welfare legislation in England. It is important to recognise that poor welfare can occur in both intensive and extensive systems, and the most Christopher Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for significant influence on the welfare of livestock is the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what additional stock-keeper, not the system in which it is reared. resources she intends to allocate for the extension of flood defences following the recommendations of the Departmental Billing Pitt Report. [1072]

Stewart Hosie: To ask the Secretary of State for Richard Benyon: We are currently working through Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what percentage the detail of the policies set out in the coalition agreement of invoices from suppliers to her Department were paid and other issues in the DEFRA portfolio, which includes within 10 days of receipt in (a) March and (b) April funding for flood defences. We will keep the DEFRA 2010. [1278] website updated as work progresses. Richard Benyon: The information is as follows: Floods: Pendle

Percentage Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for (a) March 2010 99.6 Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what options her (b) April 2010 99.78 Department is considering for flood prevention in Pendle. [1030] 89W Written Answers8 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 90W

Richard Benyon: The Environment Agency is currently Mr Paice: The Government support moves to raise producing the Burnley, Nelson and Colne Strategy which animal welfare standards both domestically and will look at managing flood risk in these urban districts. internationally, and our livestock industry already has The strategy will go out for consultation in July. some of the highest standards for farm animal welfare in the world. Floods: Worcestershire The public sector must lead by example on this and DEFRA is taking forward the commitment in the coalition Harriett Baldwin: To ask the Secretary of State for agreement to ensure that, food procured by Government Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) whether she Departments, and eventually the whole public sector, plans to maintain agreed levels of funding for flood meets British standards of production wherever this defence schemes in Upton-upon-Severn, Uckinghall, can be achieved without increasing overall cost. Kempsey, Pershore and Powick; and if she will make a statement; [740] Forestry Commission (2) if she will visit Tenbury Wells to discuss the Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for provision of flood defences; if she will review the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans she Government’s formula for funding flood defences to has for the Forestry Commission. [994] assist the town to meet the criteria for funding; and if she will make a statement. [741] Mr Paice: The Queen’s Speech announced the Government’s intention to bring forward a Bill to reform Richard Benyon: We are currently working through public bodies. DEFRA, along with other sponsor the detail of the policies set out in the coalition agreement departments, is carrying out a critical examination of and other issues in DEFRA’s portfolio, which include the number and cost of its arm’s length bodies. The role flooding risk management. We will keep DEFRA’s website of the Forestry Commission is being considered as part updated as work progresses. of that review. In my role as Minister I hope to have the opportunity to visit many parts of the country, including inland Hazardous Substances: Waste Disposal areas which have faced, or may in the future face, flooding problems. Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will hold a Food: Procurement public inquiry into the alleged role of UK-based (a) firms and (b) nationals in the dumping of toxic waste Mr Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for off Côte d’Ivoire in 2006. [881] Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will assess the merits of bringing forward proposals to prohibit Richard Benyon: We have no plans for a public inquiry. the provision of seafood produced from endangered species in public sector organisations; and if she will bring forward proposals for a (a) mechanism and (b) WALES timetable for increasing the use of demonstrably sustainable fish. [959] Departmental Manpower

Richard Benyon: DEFRA and HM Revenue and Mr Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales Customs enforce strict controls on the import and what her estimate is of the cost to the public purse of marketing of animals and animal products from species proposed reductions in numbers of non-front line staff classified as endangered under the Convention on in her Department and its agencies. [498] International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). The Government support moves to ensure that seafood Mrs Gillan: Nil. It is envisaged that any reductions procured by the public sector is from sustainable sources could be achieved through a process of natural wastage. and avoids seafood from endangered species. The public Departmental Redundancy Pay sector must lead by example on this and DEFRA is looking into how this can be achieved. Mr Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales Advice and guidance in sustainable sourcing of food, what her most recent estimate is of the annual cost to including fish, for the public sector, for example by her Department of redundancy payments for (a) front reference to the Marine Stewardship Council’s Eco-label line and (b) other staff. [645] scheme and equivalent certification schemes that meet the UN FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries, Mrs Gillan: My department has not made any is already available in the PSFPI catering service and redundancy payments. food procurement toolkit, which is available on the DEFRA website. Public sector procurement guidance Trade Unions also refers to the IUCN red list as being definitive on endangered species. Mr Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what plans she has to consult trade unions in her Mr Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Department concerning deficit reduction plans. [615] Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will bring forward proposals to set standards of animal welfare Mrs Gillan: Should the need arise, we will apply the for the procurement of food and meals by the public principles set out in the Ministry of Justice’s managing sector; and if she will make a statement. [1126] organisational change framework. 91W Written Answers8 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 92W

ATTORNEY-GENERAL Region (again, figures are quoted to the nearest 100,000 and percentages are quoted to the nearest whole percentage Conditional Fee Arrangements point). This Government will restore the earnings link for Mr Buckland: To ask the Attorney-General if he will the basic state pension from April 2011, with a ‘triple undertake a review of the effects on the civil justice guarantee’ that pensions are raised by the highest of system of the operation of conditional fee agreements. earnings, prices or 2.5%. [838] We will help prevent people from falling into poverty Mr Djanogly: I have been asked to reply. in later life by simplifying the rules and regulations relating to pensions to help reinvigorate occupational Conditional fee agreements or CFAs have played a pensions. We will encourage companies to offer high-quality role in giving people access to justice. However, the pensions to all employees and will work with businesses Government are aware of some concerns around their and the industry to support auto enrolment. operation. Lord Justice Jackson conducted a comprehensive review of civil litigation costs which also covered the operation of CFAs. His report: “Review of Civil Litigation Costs: Final Report,” published on 14 January 2010, DEFENCE has recommended significant changes to the operation of CFAs. We are considering Lord Justice Jackson’s Aircraft Carriers proposals carefully to assess their impact before determining what reforms might be necessary to the operation of CFAs to ensure proportionate access to justice. Mr Davidson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether the Minister for Defence Procurement Departmental Ministerial Policy Advisers has examined the break clauses on the aircraft carrier contract. [1363] Helen Goodman: To ask the Attorney-General how many special advisers (a) he and (b) the Solicitor- Peter Luff: Work has been conducted across the General (i) has appointed to date and (ii) plans to Department to understand the MOD’s commitments appoint. [321] and liabilities for equipment programmes, including the Queen Elizabeth Class Aircraft Carriers. Ministers have The Attorney-General: I refer the hon. Member to the been briefed on the outcome of this work as part of answer given to her by the Prime Minister on 3 June normal briefing. 2010, Official Report, column 99W. We are now in the process of carrying out a Strategic Defence and Security Review (SDSR), within which all aspects of the defence programme will be examined. This will ensure that the armed forces have what they WORK AND PENSIONS need in order to do what we ask of them and that the Pensioners: Poverty defence budget is spent as efficiently, effectively and economically as possible. Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State Atomic Weapons Establishment for Work and Pensions (1) what his most recent estimate is of the number of pensioners living in poverty in (a) the UK and (b) Coventry; [1181] Mr Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what requests he has received from the Health (2) what steps he plans to take to reduce the numbers and Safety Executive Nuclear Installations of pensioners living in poverty in (a) the UK and (b) Inspectorate for information on changes to the Coventry. [1182] organisational structure of the Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE); and what estimate he has made Steve Webb: The most commonly used measure of of the effect on the number of AWE posts with poverty relates to those with incomes below 60% of responsibility for monitoring and enforcing safety or contemporary median income, after housing costs. environmental performance of those changes. [963] The latest figures for the UK are published in the Households Below Average Income series, and show Peter Luff: I have not received, nor would I expect to that in 2008-09 there were 1.8 million pensioners in receive, any such requests in respect of regulatory matters poverty (16% of all pensioners). Figures are quoted to between the Nuclear Installations Inspectorate (NII) the nearest 100,000 and percentages are quoted to the and AWE plc. Ministry of Defence (MOD) Officials nearest whole percentage point. are, however, kept informed of AWE plc’s interfaces Estimates of poverty only allow a breakdown of the with regulators, including the NII and the Defence overall numbers in poverty at Government Office Region Nuclear Safety Regulator (DNSR). level. Therefore, information is available for the West The NII and DNSR have carried out a joint assessment Midlands Government Office Region, but not available of organisational changes that have recently been proposed for the city of Coventry. by AWE plc. The NII and DNSR have indicated jointly Three-year averages are used to report regional statistics to AWE plc that, subject to ongoing dialogue and as single-year estimates are subject to volatility. The regulatory oversight, they have no objection to the latest information relates to the period 2006-07 to 2008-09 implementation of these changes. No separate MOD in which there were around 200,000 pensioners in poverty estimate has been made of the effect on the numbers of (16 per cent) in the West Midlands Government Office AWE plc personnel required, nor is one needed. 93W Written Answers8 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 94W

Mr Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for France Defence what account he plans to take of environmental impact assessment regulations in Mark Tami: To ask the Secretary of State for implementing proposals for a new hydrodynamics Defence how many drivers provided by his Department facility, project Hydrus, at Atomic Weapons were involved in transporting the Minister for Veterans Establishment Aldermaston. [961] to France and to his constituency on 29 and 30 May 2010. [1150] Peter Luff: The Department will take full account of these regulations in implementing proposals for project Mr Robathan [holding answer 7 June 2010]: One Hydrus. driver was used to transport the Minster for Defence The regulations allow for individual defence Personnel, Welfare and Veterans to join commemorations environmental impact assessment exemption directions of the 70th anniversary of Dunkirk. However, in accordance to be sought in order to safeguard national security. In with the EC regulations and working time regulations cases where exemptions are granted, it is our practice to on the number of hours that a driver can work within a supply, in place of a statutory environmental statement 24 hour period, one additional driver was used in the (ES), a defence exempt environmental appraisal with UK to complete the return journey to the Minister’s the relevant planning documents. In this way, only constituency. information considered sensitive and prejudicial to national Hebrides Missile Range defence is not published; all other information normally included in an ES is included with the application to the Mr MacNeil: To ask the Secretary of State for local planning authority. Defence if he will offer QinetiQ an incentive to generate business at the Hebrides Range. [1171] China: Military Aid Peter Luff [holding answer 7 June 2010]: The Long Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Term Partnering Agreement (LTPA) with QinetiQ, which Defence what the extent is of the contacts between the covers the operation of the Hebrides Range and other Royal Navy and the People’s Liberation Army Navy of facilities, already provides for commercial usage by the People’s Republic of China. [1016] third parties. Nonetheless, it is recognised that further, appropriate, incentivisation could help QinetiQ to attract more work of this kind. However, we must also ensure Nick Harvey: In recent years there have been a number that in doing so we comply with our EU Treaty obligations of high level visits between the respective Chiefs of and avoid any state aid. These are complex issues, but Navies and their Senior Commanders, underpinned by my officials are working to develop an incentive regime successful working level visits. Such activities generate for all LTPA facilities, which would meet these criteria. greater knowledge of each others’ intentions, culture and ethos, which promote mutual trust and reduce the Mr MacNeil: To ask the Secretary of State for risk of misunderstanding. The UK has recently welcomed Defence how revenue arising from new business at the China’s participation in the Shared Awareness and Hebrides Range will be divided between his Deconfliction (SHADE) group, which manages the plethora Department and QinetiQ. [1184] of multi-national and national counter-piracy activity in the Gulf of Aden. Naval ship visits also play an Peter Luff [holding answer 7 June 2010]: It has not important part in the development of navy-to-navy yet been possible to set in place a legally compliant relations. regime to attract new commercial business to facilities covered by the Long Term Partnering Agreement (LTPA) Departmental Consultants with QinetiQ, including the Hebrides Range. The LTPA provides for third party usage of facilities and contains complex gain-share provisions covering the attribution Pete Wishart: To ask the Secretary of State for of revenues between the Ministry of Defence, the owners Defence how much his Department spent on external of the sites in question, and QinetiQ. However, I am consultations in each of the last five years. [665] withholding the precise details of these arrangements as disclosure could damage QinetiQ’s commercial interests. Mr Robathan: Over the last five years, the Ministry of Defence has on average conducted four external Hercules Aircraft consultations per year on a variety of Defence-related topics. Information about the cost of conducting these Mr Gray: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence consultations is not held centrally and could be provided for how long RAF Brize Norton was closed as a only at disproportionate cost. consequence of the incident on a Hercules aircraft on 6 May 2010; and how many flights were (a) diverted to Departmental Ministerial Policy Advisers RAF Lyneham and (b) cancelled. [1176] Nick Harvey: As a consequence of a landing incident Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for involving a Hercules C-130 aircraft, RAF Brize Norton Defence how many non-UK citizens are employed as was closed from 1813 hrs on 6 May 2010 until 16.50 hrs special advisers in his Department. [1372] on 7 May 2010. During this period two flights were diverted to RAF Dr Fox: One. Lyneham, and three flights to other airfields. 95W Written Answers8 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 96W

One operational flight was cancelled as a result of the Nick Harvey: Typhoon already undertakes Quick airfield being unavailable, although this task was absorbed Reaction Alert (QRA) duties at RAF Coningsby. On into a subsequent flight. 11 training flights from RAF current plans Typhoon will begin to take up QRA Brize Norton were also cancelled. This small backlog of duties at RAF Leuchars, in conjunction with Tornado training has now been recovered. F3, from late 2010 and will take over complete responsibility in April 2011 when Tornado F3 retires from service. Mr Gray: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the effects on the Mr Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence Afghanistan Airbridge of the incident involving a whether the RAF received notification from any other Hercules aircraft at RAF Brize Norton on 6 May 2010; national agency of the flight path of the Russian and if he will make a statement. [1177] Blackjack bombers intercepted on 10 March 2010. [661] Nick Harvey: There was only minor disruption to the operation of the Afghanistan Airbridge following the Nick Harvey: The detection and identification of incident involving a Hercules C-130 aircraft at RAF aircraft within the NATO Air Policing Area for which Brize Norton on 6 May 2010. All scheduled dispatch the UK is responsible is carried out by the Royal Air and recovery of personnel and equipment was achieved Force Air Surveillance and Control System. The system within required time scales. draws on data from a range of RAF and Royal Navy Nuclear Submarines assets as well as from the civilian Air Traffic Control centres and from those NATO allies with responsibility Pete Wishart: To ask the Secretary of State for for adjacent Air Policing Areas. Defence (1) what operational safety reviews are in place The Russian aircraft detected on 10 March 2010 did for the UK’s nuclear submarine fleet; and for what not file any flightplan with civil air traffic authorities. reason such reviews did not detect the safety valves faults on HMS Tireless and HMS Turbulent; [624] Mr Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (2) for what reason standard operational procedures on how many occasions (a) RAF Typhoons and (b) did not detect the reported faults with the safety valves RAF Tornados have been deployed over Scotland in a on the HMS Tireless and HMS Turbulent; and if he Quick Reaction Alert capacity in the last 12 months. will make a statement. [707] [662] Peter Luff: The problem referred to was the failure to Nick Harvey: In the last 12 months, from 1 June 2009, remove hull valve blanks fitted as part of the Trafalgar RAF Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) aircraft were launched class maintenance process. The valves themselves were on 15 separate days. Not every launch resulted in an not faulty. interception, as some incidents were resolved before this The UK’s nuclear submarines operate within strict occurred. safety management arrangements. The nuclear safety For the requested period no aircraft was intercepted elements of these are regulated by the Defence Nuclear or escorted over Scotland. QRA aircraft were launched Safety Regulator (DNSR) who investigated this issue for Russian Military aircraft in the NATO Air Policing working with other interested parties including the Nuclear Area for which the UK has responsibility, but they Installations Inspectorate. remained in international airspace at all times. I am withholding the specific type of RAF aircraft Pete Wishart: To ask the Secretary of State for involved for reasons of national security. Defence what assessment his Department has made of the potential effects of a malfunctioning safety valve on board a vessel of the UK’s nuclear submarine fleet on active service. [625] FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE Peter Luff: The problem referred to was the failure to remove hull valve blanks fitted as part of the Trafalgar Anguilla class maintenance process. The valves themselves were not faulty. Chris Bryant: To ask the Secretary of State for The relief valves provide a relief path in the event of Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much he has over-pressurization of certain secondary, non-nuclear agreed to allow the Government of Anguilla to borrow elements of the propulsion system. Hull valve blanks in the next 12 months. [1103] would have blocked this relief path. In practice, however, the likelihood of an event occurring that would require Mr Bellingham: We are working closely with the the operation of the relief valves is small during normal Government of Anguilla as they prepare their 2010 operation. This is because the relief system in question budget to be implemented by the end of June, and a is a back up to other system components and safeguards three year plan to return public finances to sustainability. that were operating correctly. Anguilla and Turks and Caicos Islands Quick Reaction Alert Chris Bryant: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent when he expects the RAF Typhoon to take over assessment he has made of the economic stability of responsibility for Quick Reaction Alert from the RAF (a) Anguilla and (b) the Turks and Caicos Islands. Tornado. [660] [1104] 97W Written Answers8 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 98W

Mr Bellingham: The downturn in the global economy British Overseas Territories: Equality has had a severe impact in both Anguilla and the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI). Public finances have also Chris Bryant: To ask the Secretary of State for suffered as both territories have relied heavily on tourism Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will ensure and construction for a large part of their revenue base. that new constitutions for British Overseas Territories Between 2008 and 2009 Government revenues fell by include effective equality clauses. [1383] 28% in Anguilla and by around 33% in the TCI. This sharp downturn in Government revenues has put pressure Mr Bellingham: The Government takes the protection on public finances and—as in other jurisdictions—there of human rights very seriously. We will ensure that all has been a need to reduce public expenditure. The new Overseas Territory constitutions contain a Bill of Governments of the TCI and Anguilla are aware of the Rights, including a non-discrimination clause that reflects need to take action to put their public finances on a at a minimum the European Convention on Human sustainable footing. We are working closely with both Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and to address these challenges, including funding revenue Political Rights. studies in both Territories, and an expenditure study in Colombia: Human Rights Anguilla. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) continues Chris Bryant: To ask the Secretary of State for to monitor the economic and financial position of the Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his policy is Overseas Territories. Officials from the FCO and the on human rights in Colombia. [1095] Department for International Development undertook a joint mission to the TCI in May to assess the situation. Mr Jeremy Browne: The human rights situation in The FCO will send a similar mission to Anguilla in Colombia is of significant concern. High levels of poverty June. and inequality, and the continued internal conflict fuelled by the cocaine trade, continue to undermine respect for Ascension Island human rights. Human rights defenders, including civil society activists, lawyers, trade unionists, journalists and religious leaders continue to suffer frequent violence Chris Bryant: To ask the Secretary of State for and intimidation. We receive regular reports about human Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what financial rights abuses committed by state security forces, the assistance he plans to provide to Ascension Island. Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), [1105] illegal armed groups and criminal gangs. The high level of impunity exacerbates the problem. Mr Bellingham: There is no plan to provide budgetary The UK will continue to raise concerns with the aid to Ascension Island. Colombian government at a senior level and give support There is no settled community on Ascension Island to those who are affected by the violence. We will also as there is no Right of Abode. It would not be appropriate work with our EU and other international partners to for the Island to receive budgetary aid. ensure that human rights is core to the new government’s policies when it is elected later this month. And in British Overseas Territories: Biodiversity practical terms, subject to the review of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office programme budgets, we will Chris Bryant: To ask the Secretary of State for continue to support projects on the ground that help Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he has improve human rights. made a recent assessment of threats to biodiversity in Cuba (a) the Falkland Islands, (b) Ascension Island, (c) the British Indian Ocean Territory and (d) British Chris Bryant: To ask the Secretary of State for Antarctic. [1106] Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he plans to visit Cuba. [1099] Mr Bellingham: Responsibility for environmental issues in the Falkland Islands and Ascension Island has been Mr Jeremy Browne: My right hon. Friend the Secretary devolved to their respective territory governments, who of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs has no assess and evaluate their own biodiversity priorities. current plans to visit Cuba. In the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT), the Cuba: EU External Relations BIOT Commissioner’s scientific/environmental adviser travels to the territory annually and reports on Chris Bryant: To ask the Secretary of State for environmental issues there, including threats to biodiversity Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his policy is if appropriate. In February 2010, a scientific expedition on the future of the EU Common Position on Cuba. team travelled with him to undertake environmental [1100] monitoring for improved conservation management. This was funded by the Overseas Territories Environment Mr Jeremy Browne: The EU’s Common Position on Programme. Cuba will be evaluated by the Foreign Affairs Council The threats to biodiversity in the Antarctic were on 14 June. While, like most EU member states, the UK addressed in the comprehensive Scientific Committee would like to be in a position to have a more normal on Antarctic Research report on “Antarctic Climate bilateral relationship between the EU and Cuba, we Change and the Environment” published in November cannot support the end of the Common Position against 2009. Several of the lead authors and editors were from the current background of human rights abuses in the British Antarctic Survey. Cuba. 99W Written Answers8 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 100W

Cyprus: Peace Negotiations Alistair Burt: I refer the hon. Member to my right hon. Friend the Minister for the Cabinet Office’s response Chris Bryant: To ask the Secretary of State for of 3 June 2010, Official Report, column 51W. Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his most recent assessment is of the progress of settlement talks Departmental Official Cars in Cyprus. [1107] Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Mr Lidington: The Government support the continuing and Commonwealth Affairs how many Government negotiations aimed at reaching an agreed settlement on (a) cars and (b) drivers are allocated to Ministers in the island for the benefit of all Cypriots. The two his Department. [296] leaders in Cyprus held their first meeting since elections in the north of the island on 26 May and spoke again on Mr Lidington: The Foreign Secretary uses a Government 3 June. Further meetings are planned at both expert and car but full details of his transport arrangements are leader level in the coming weeks. Both sides have agreed not published for security reasons. Other Foreign Office to negotiate within the UN parameters and resume Ministers currently use a combination of allocated and from where the negotiations left off on 30 March. pool cars. These arrangements are subject to review. Discussions continue to take place in a constructive The new ministerial code, published on 21 May 2010, atmosphere and are currently focussing on property. We contains changes that affect ministerial entitlement to urge all sides to grasp this opportunity and build on the travel by Government car. It states that considerable convergences achieved in the talks to date “the number of Ministers with allocated cars and drivers will to achieve an early solution. be kept to a minimum, taking into account security and other relevant considerations. Other Ministers will be entitled to use Democratic Republic of Congo: Peacekeeping cars from the Government Car Service Pool as needed”. Operations The Department for Transport and its Government Car and Despatch Agency are working with Departments Dr Pugh: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign to effect the transition to the new arrangements. The and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he has taken at ministerial code, published on 21 May 2010, is available (a) national and (b) international level to bring (i) on the Cabinet Office website. stability and (ii) humanitarian aid to the Democratic Republic of the Congo following the expiry of the Gibraltar: Equality United Nations mandate; and if he will make a statement. [1135] Chris Bryant: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is Mr Bellingham: The mandate for the UN Peacekeeping taking to ensure that there is an equal age of consent in Mission to the Democratic Republic of the Congo Gibraltar. [1384] (DRC) (MONUSCO from June 2010, MONUC before) has recently been renewed until the end of June 2011. Mr Lidington: There is an ongoing Gibraltar court The UK lobbied strongly during the negotiations to case launched by the Government of Gibraltar to examine ensure the UN peacekeeping force was given an effective the compatibility of Gibraltar’s Age of Consent law mandate with protection of civilians as the highest with Gibraltar’s Constitution. priority. We are pleased with the outcome of the mandate. On 6 April this year the UK responded to an invitation Under the new mandate MONUC/MONUSCO, will from the Supreme Court of Gibraltar for applications continue to play an integral role in Security Sector by interested parties to the case. The UK intervention Reform (SSR) in DRC. Reform of the Congolese security will set out the international legal arguments that the sector is essential to bringing peace and stability to distinction in Age of Consent (and other discriminatory DRC and we will continue to support this process. provisions relating to sexual offences) are in breach of The UK is a key contributor to the UN Humanitarian the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). Pooled fund. This fund aims to tackle the most critical The British Government takes seriously its obligations humanitarian needs in the DRC, and enable a rapid under ECHR which also extend to the Overseas Territories response to any unforeseen circumstances. The UK will (OTs). We are committed to working with OT Governments contribute £30 million to the fund over 2010-11. to ensure we meet these obligations. Departmental Ministerial Policy Advisers Honduras: Politics and Government

Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for Chris Bryant: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many special Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his policy is advisers (a) he and (b) each named Minister in his on the recognition of the government of Honduras. Department (i) has appointed to date and (ii) plans to [1094] appoint. [318] Mr Jeremy Browne: The UK has a long-standing Mr Lidington: I refer the hon. Member to my right policy of recognising states and not governments. hon. Friend the Prime Minister’s response of 3 June 2010, Official Report, column 99W. Palestinians: International Assistance

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Jo Swinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he non-UK citizens are employed as special advisers in his has made to the Israeli government in respect of British Department. [1368] nationals who were part of the Free Gaza Movement 101W Written Answers8 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 102W flotilla and who have subsequently been detained by Pitcairn Islands: Children Israeli forces; and what reports he has received on the level of access to lawyers afforded to those detained. Chris Bryant: To ask the Secretary of State for [1142] Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment he has made of the level of child safety in Alistair Burt: We are in regular touch with the Israeli Pitcairn. [1101] Government, in Israel and in London. My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary spoke to Mr Bellingham: A Pitcairn Child Safety Review, the Israeli Foreign Minister on 1 June 2010 and I met commissioned by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office the Israeli ambassador on 3 June 2010. We made the (FCO) and the Department for International Development UK’s position very clear. We pressed the Israelis to was completed by independent experts in June 2009. allow our staff immediate access to those detained, to The review concluded that further work was needed to ensure we could provide proper and timely consular improve the management of the risks to child safety on assistance. Pitcairn. The Government are working to implement I understand those detained were not offered access the recommendations made in the report. A further to legal representation by the Israeli authorities. Our review is planned for 2011. consular staff raised the issue of legal representation The UK Government take its responsibilities for with those British nationals who they were able to meet child protection on Pitcairn very seriously. There is a in Beer’Sheva prison on 1 June 2010. The responses of significant community of professionals on Pitcairn, British nationals detained there varied; some did not including a police officer, a trained social worker, a want to engage legal assistance, some asked us to contact teacher and a doctor. An FCO official stationed on the the organisers’ lawyers, and some asked us to provide island is the designated Children’s officer. There are lists of English speaking local lawyers. Our consul in established policies and procedures in place for handling Tel Aviv returned the next day with lists of English specific child protection concerns. All professionals receive speaking local lawyers, however due to the speed with child protection training before they go to the island, which the prisoners were transferred to Ben Gurion and most members of the island community have also airport before they were deported, he was unable to attended human rights training and child protection provide this list to those who requested it. Should any training. British nationals require it, they can obtain the lists from our embassy in Tel Aviv or the embassy website. Russia: Corruption

Jo Swinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Chris Bryant: To ask the Secretary of State for and Commonwealth Affairs what recent reports he has Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent received on the destination of the aid carried by the reports he has received on the incidence of corruption Free Gaza Movement flotilla. [1143] in the Russian Federation. [1112]

Alistair Burt: We are aware of media reports on this Mr Lidington: President Medvedev has highlighted issue including that some items are likely to be withheld corruption as a serious problem in Russia, affecting due to the restrictions in place on import of items to many areas of life. Russia slipped to 120th out of Gaza. We continue to monitor these developments. 183 countries in the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business As my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary made survey 2010. It ranks 147th on Transparency International’s clear in his statement to the House on 2 June 2010, it is corruption index. essential that there be unfettered access not only to The Government welcome President Medvedev’s focus meet the humanitarian needs of the people of Gaza, on the need to strengthen the rule of law in Russia. but to enable the reconstruction of homes and livelihoods Implementation of this agenda would significantly enhance and permit trade to take place. We continue to press the Russia’s ability to meet the standards it set itself when it Israeli Government to lift Gaza’s closure. The Foreign joined organisations such as the Council of Europe and Secretary is also discussing these issues with international the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe. partners, including during visits to European capitals We also welcome the work that Russia is doing on this week. accession to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development and joining the anti-bribery convention. Jo Swinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign The UK regularly raises the issue of rule of law and and Commonwealth Affairs whether he has made an the need for judicial reform with the Russian Government, assessment of the merits of an international both bilaterally and with the EU, and will continue to investigation into the actions of the Israeli government do so. in relation to the Free Gaza Movement flotilla. [1144] Turks and Caicos Islands: Elections Alistair Burt: As my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary made clear in his statement to the House on Chris Bryant: To ask the Secretary of State for 2 June 2010 we want to see a full credible, impartial and Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he expects independent investigation into events surrounding the elections to be held in the Turks and Caicos Islands. interception of boats in the “Free Gaza” flotilla. Our [1102] goal is a process that ensures full accountability for the events that occurred and commends the confidence of Mr Bellingham: We are giving careful consideration the international community, including international to the timing of elections in the Turks and Caicos participation. Islands. 103W Written Answers8 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 104W

We hope to see elected government restored as soon The attempted assassination of the British ambassador as practicable, and we are working hard to ensure that to Yemen, Tim Torlot, on 26 April 2010 highlights the key elements of good governance and sound public stark threat posed by terrorists in Yemen, who have no financial management are well embedded before elections regard for the lives of the innocent Yemeni citizens take place. caught up in such atrocities. The Government of Yemen has committed publicly UN Security Council to combating terrorism both inside and outside of Yemen and has conducted successful operations, including against Mr David Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for members of Al-Qaida in Yemen. The UK is committed Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the to helping the Yemeni Government tackle terrorism in Government’s policy is on whether any new member of Yemen.Our bilateral support helps the YemeniGovernment the United Nations Security Council should address the underlying economic and social causes of automatically have the veto. [516] terror and radicalisation, and enhances their capacity to Mr Bellingham: We support reform of the UN Security pursue and prosecute terrorists in Yemen. This includes Council, including expansion of the number of permanent through the provision of expert advice and through our members. increasing development programme. However, expanding the number of permanent members We have also been working in concert with other should not automatically increase the number of states international partners, including as part of the Friends with the right to veto. of Yemen process, to support and encourage reform in Yemen. Venezuela: Foreign Relations

Chris Bryant: To ask the Secretary of State for NORTHERN IRELAND Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his policy is Departmental Billing on relations with the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. [1108] Stewart Hosie: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what percentage of invoices from Mr Jeremy Browne: The UK enjoys a constructive suppliers to his Department were paid within 10 days partnership with Venezuela in areas of mutual interest of receipt in (a) March and (b) April 2010. [1288] including tackling drug trafficking, climate change, Mr Paterson: In March 2010, the Department paid education and the promotion of bilateral trade and 97% of invoices from suppliers within 10 days. In April investment. Our policy is to build on this relationship 2010, the Department paid 87% of invoices from suppliers with mutual respect. The UK congratulates Venezuela within 10 days. as it celebrates the bicentenary of the foundation of the Republic. On 12 April, responsibility for policing and justice in Northern Ireland was devolved to the Northern Ireland Yemen: Politics and Government Assembly and the Executive. During the time leading up to devolution, the Department had to refocus priorities Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for and this led to a reduction in prompt payment performance. Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his most The Department is committed to the achievement of recent assessment is of the security situation in Yemen; the target to pay 95% of suppliers within 10 days and and what steps his Department has taken together with will make every effort to ensure performance improves the Yemeni Government to tackle international to meet the target. terrorism following the meeting in London on Departmental Redundancy Pay 27 January 2010. [1237] Mr Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Alistair Burt: The UK is concerned about the security Northern Ireland what his most recent estimate is of situation in Yemen. The terrorist threat in Yemen is the annual cost to his Department of redundancy high and we judge that attacks are highly likely, as we payments for (a) front line and (b) other staff make clear in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office employed by (i) his Department and (ii) its agencies. travel advice. [642] However, terrorism is not the greatest or only threat Mr Paterson: The Northern Ireland Office (NIO) is facing Yemen today. We are particularly concerned not currently anticipating any expenditure on redundancies about decreasing stability across the country and about in the Department or its agencies. If any redundancy or the resultant increase in local conflict. Al Qaeda look to other exit payments are made throughout 2010-11 they exploit instability where they can—the root causes of will be disclosed in the resource accounts for 2010-11. which are often wider social, economic and political problems. Rising insecurity, conflict and extremism in Trade Unions Yemen will pose a threat to UK long-term interests of stability in the region and beyond, including energy Mr Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for security and global trade flows. Increased radicalisation Northern Ireland what plans he has to consult trade directly threatens economic and security interests in the unions in (a) his Department and (b) its agencies Gulf and could pose an indirect threat abroad. concerning deficit reduction plans. [612] Central therefore to the UK’s approach to counter Mr Paterson: The Northern Ireland Office (NIO) is terrorism in Yemen is the reality that counter terrorism preparing a deficit reduction plan. Once plans are finalised, cannot be looked at in isolation. It is linked to Yemen’s and if they affect staff, trade unions will of course be other security and daunting economic challenges. consulted. 105W Written Answers8 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 106W

HOME DEPARTMENT Departmental Official Cars Closed Circuit Television Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Christopher Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for Olympics, Media and Sport what the (a) make, (b) the Home Department if she will estimate the number model and (c) place of manufacture is of the car of crimes detected through the use of CCTV allocated for the use of each Minister in his equipment in the last 12 months; and what types of Department. [1476] crime were so detected. [1146] Hugh Robertson: No cars or drivers are allocated to James Brokenshire [holding answer 7 June 2010]: Ministers in the Department. Existing contracts were This information is not held centrally. cancelled by the Secretary of State on his arrival, delivering net annual savings of £250,000. Crime Prevention Olympic Games 2012: Lancashire Mr Allen: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps her Department is taking to Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for implement early intervention policies. [1290] Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what recent assessment he has made of the likely effects of the Nick Herbert: We will be working closely with the London 2012 Olympics on the economy of (a) Pendle Ministry of Justice and the Department for Education constituency and (b) Lancashire. [1137] over the coming months to develop the early interventions that take place before a young person is caught up in the Hugh Robertson: I have not made a specific assessment criminal justice system. We want to make sure that local of the effects of the games on the economies of the interventions are effective in preventing offending and Pendle constituency or Lancashire. However, the North reoffending. West stands to gain from the wide range of opportunities Forensic Science Service created by the games, through businesses winning games- related work and increased tourism. Locations across Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for the UK, particularly those that have non-London games the Home Department what plans she has for the venues and those that are hosting international teams in Forensic Science Service. [996] pre-games training camps, will have the opportunity to create further economic benefits, including inward James Brokenshire: The Home Office is supporting investment, through the international attention that will the Forensic Science Service (FSS) Ltd in its implementation follow. of a radical transformation plan that will enable it to We are already seeing good progress in these areas, compete effectively in the commercial market for forensic for example, 11 of the Olympic Delivery Authority’s science services that exists in the United Kingdom. The suppliers are businesses registered in Lancashire, and FSS will continue to play a major role in providing more are winning work in the supply chains of its robust and reliable forensic science to the criminal justice contractors. The Old Trafford football stadium will be system. one of the key non-London venues hosting football Knives: Crime matches. Additionally, 68 facilities in the region are included in the official London 2012 Pre-Games Training Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for Camp Guide, and to date memoranda of understandings the Home Department what steps she plans to take to are in place with 17 of the Oceania National Olympic reduce the incidence of knife crime. [1028] Committees, the National Olympic Committee of Thailand and Australia’s swimming team, formalising their intentions James Brokenshire: We will introduce better technology to use facilities in the region in the run up to the games. and reduce bureaucracy to give police forces greater freedom to target their activities according to local S4C: Finance need, including tackling knife crime. Hospitals will share non-confidential information with the police so Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Secretary of State for they can target stop and search in gun and knife crime Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport whether he has hot spots. We will also share information on which had recent discussions with S4C on voluntary policing techniques and sentences are most effective at reductions in its budget. [1136] cutting crime across the criminal justice system. Mr Jeremy Hunt: I discussed funding reductions with S4C recently. The outcome was that it was mutually CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT agreed that there would be a reduction of £2 million in S4C’s budget from my department for the current year. Departmental Mobile Phones

Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport which Ministers TRANSPORT in his Department have been issued with (a) a Blackberry, (b) an iPhone, (c) another make of Departmental Public Expenditure mobile telephone and (d) a personal digital assistant supplied by the Department. [1435] Rachel Reeves: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what recent estimate he has made of the Hugh Robertson: All four Ministers at this Department proportion of his Department’s expenditure which is have been issued with one Blackberry each. allocated to each region. [1085] 107W Written Answers8 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 108W

Mr Philip Hammond: Estimates of my Department’s Safety Belts expenditure analysed by region have been provided in successive Annual Reports, which are lodged in the George Hollingbery: To ask the Secretary of State for Library of the House and available on the Department Transport whether he plans to extend the requirement for Transport’s website. The most recent estimate available for the wearing of seat belts in coaches beyond the is contained within the 2008-09 Annual Report, which current age limit of 13 years; and if he will make a sets out outturn spend by region up to 2007-08 and statement. [1373] planned spend for 2008-09 and 2009-10. HM Treasury’s Public Expenditure Statistical Analyses Mike Penning: Current regulations require all bus Publication for 2009, which is available on HM Treasury’s and coach passengers aged 14 years and above to use a website, sets out expenditure on transport by region for seatbelt if available. Younger children must do so in a the public sector as a whole for successive years up to front seat. EC Directive 2003/20/EC requires us to 2008-09. consider how to extend these requirements in relation to all children aged three to 14 riding as passengers in The DfT Annual Report 2008-09 is available at: buses and coaches. http://www.dft.gov.uk/about/publications/apr/ar2009/arra.pdf (Table A7, “Total spending country and region”, page 230) INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT HM Treasury’s Public Expenditure Statistical Analyses Publication for 2009 is available at: Departmental Billing http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/d/pesa_180609.pdf (Table 9.8e, “Identifiable expenditure on economic Stewart Hosie: To ask the Secretary of State for affairs (of which: transport) by country and region, International Development what percentage of 2003-04 to 2008-09”, page 134) invoices from suppliers to his Department were paid within 10 days of receipt in (a) March and (b) April 2010. [1280] Northern Rail: Rolling Stock Mr Andrew Mitchell: In March and April 2010 Rachel Reeves: To ask the Secretary of State for respectively, 96.5% and 90.5% of invoices were paid by Transport how many additional rail carriages have the Department for International Development (DFID) been provided to Northern Rail as part of the High within 10 days. Level Output Specification Process, and how this Departmental Manpower compares with those allocated to other train operating companies. [1083] Mr Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development (1) what his estimate is of Mrs Villiers: 18 carriages have been contracted to be the cost to the public purse of proposed reductions in operated by Northern Rail as part of the high level numbers of non-front line staff in his Department and output specification process. its agencies; [494] Carriages contracted to be operated by other operators (2) what his most recent estimate is of the annual are as follows: cost to his Department of redundancy payments for (a) front line and (b) other staff. [640] Number Mr Andrew Mitchell: The Department for International London Midland 28 Development (DFID) has initiated a programme to National Express East Anglia 188 review our operating costs. Savings from this programme Virgin West Coast 106 will be diverted into frontline departments to strengthen First Capital Connect 153 the delivery of our development programme. Chi Item Railways 8 It is our policy to minimise any costs involved by Southeastern 48 redeploying affected staff and by not replacing staff Southern 60 that retire or leave DFID. Since specific proposal have First Great Western 30 not yet been developed, it is not possible to estimate the East Midlands Trains 8 impact on staff numbers or potential costs.

River Wear: Bridges Mr Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how many (a) front line and (b) other staff were employed by (i) his Bridget Phillipson: To ask the Secretary of State for Department and (ii) each of its agencies in the latest Transport what plans his Department has for funding a year for which figures are available; and what his most new bridge over the Wear in Sunderland. [905] recent estimate is of the annual cost to the public purse of employing staff of each type in his Department. Norman Baker [holding answer 7 June 2010]: The [540] Department for Transport will consider the funding for local authority major transport schemes as part of the Mr Andrew Mitchell: On 31 March 2010 the Department Government’s spending review to be carried out by the for International Development (DFID) employs 1819 autumn. Until then the Department can give no assurances frontline members of staff and 518 members of staff on funding for any local authority scheme that is not yet performing a range of corporate service functions, including in construction. HR, finance, IT, procurement, security, estates and 109W Written Answers8 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 110W office services. Staff costs for frontline activities in the Development. The Government are committed to ensuring 2009-10 financial year were £98 million. Staff costs for that this is the case as set out in “The Coalition: Our the corporate service functions for the same period were Programme for Government”. £28 million. Overseas Aid: Public Consultation Departmental Public Expenditure Tony Baldry: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what mechanism he plans International Development which of his Department’s to introduce for direct public involvement in development awareness raising projects in Scotland determining the allocation of his Department’s aid have been abolished in the last 12 months; and what budget; and if he will make a statement. [890] estimate his Department has made of the level of Mr Andrew Mitchell: The commitment to “create saving to the public purse. [1232] new mechanisms to give British people a direct say in how an element of the aid budget is spent” was laid out Mr Andrew Mitchell: In May 2010 Department for in “The Coalition: Our Programme for Government.” International Development (DFID) funding to one Further details are being developed and will be shared development awareness project in Scotland was cancelled. with Parliament in due course. This project, run by the Scottish Development Education Centre, is titled “First Steps to Lasting Change: Targeting Trade Unions the Staff of the Early Education and Childcare Courses at Three FE Colleges in Edinburgh”. This project aims Mr Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for to address the lack of awareness of global issues among International Development what plans he has to early year education and child care staff. consult trade unions in his Department concerning This decision to cancel this funding followed an deficit reduction plans. [610] initial review of those areas of expenditure where the link between project activities and poverty reduction in Mr Andrew Mitchell: Consistent with the Cabinet the developing world was least demonstrated. An estimate Office Code of Practice on Informing and Consulting of funds saved by terminating this project is £121,095. Employee, it is the Department for International These funds will be redirected to front line poverty Development’s (DFID’s) normal practice to consult reduction in developing countries. and communicate with staff and their representatives. There are a number of mechanisms through which we Overseas Aid do this, including departmental Whitley council meetings, frequent meetings between DFID’s HR director’s and Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for the chair of the Trade Union side and regular meetings International Development if he will take steps to senior managers hold with their staff. ensure the continuation of the Governance and We also carry out meaningful consultation with staff Transparency Fund to encourage transparent and and their representatives on specific change proposals. accountable government in the developing world. When we have any specific proposals we will engage and [1228] consult.

Mr Andrew Mitchell: We have no plans to close the Governance and Transparency Fund (GTF). ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Departmental Manpower International Development whether the My Aid project for the allocation of UK aid represents Stewart Hosie: To ask the Secretary of State for Government policy. [1230] Energy and Climate Change how many (a) special advisers and (b) press officers are employed by his Mr Andrew Mitchell: The commitment to “create Department; and at what Civil Service pay grade in new mechanisms to give British people a direct say in each such case. [1267] how an element of the aid budget is spent” was laid out in “The Coalition: Our Programme for Government.” Gregory Barker: The information is as follows: Further details are being developed and will be shared (a) I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by with Parliament in due course. my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister to the hon. Member for Bishop Auckland (Helen Goodman) on Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for 3 June 2010, Official Report, column 99W. International Development if he will make (b) There were 10 press officers in DECC as at 3 June representations to the Chancellor of the Exchequer to 2010, all of them permanent full-time staff. These comprised ensure that no expenditure by the Foreign and one senior civil service pay band 1, two grade 7s, three Commonwealth Office, the Home Office and the senior information officers and four information officers. Ministry of Defence is not reclassified as overseas aid. [1233] Renewable Energy: Waste

Mr Andrew Mitchell: All UK aid spending must meet Tony Baldry: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy the definition of Official Development Assistance agreed and Climate Change whether he plans to encourage the by the Development Assistance Committee of the use of energy from waste through anaerobic digestion; Organisation for Economic Co-operation and and if he will make a statement. [855] 111W Written Answers8 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 112W

Gregory Barker: The Government are committed to Departmental Redundancy Pay maximising the potential of anaerobic digestion from waste, to contribute to climate change, energy security, Mr Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for waste management and wider sustainability objectives. Health what his most recent estimate is of the annual Biogas produced from waste, through a range of cost to his Department of redundancy payments for anaerobic digestion processes , can be used locally or (a) front line and (b) other staff employed by (i) his injected into the national gas grid, to provide heat and Department and (ii) its agencies. [638] power for industry and homes, or a fuel for transport. Increased uptake of these innovative forms of renewable Mr Simon Burns: No estimate of the cost of future energy is a win for clean energy, green jobs and waste reductions has yet been made by the Department. We reduction. do, however, have a standard, nominal budget of £2.3 million for unavoidable redundancy in the financial However, anaerobic digestion is currently undeveloped year 2010-11. in the UK and decisive leadership from Government, together with collaborative working with industry and Since 31 March 2010 there has been only one Executive other stakeholders, is required to rapidly ramp up agency of the Department of Health: the Medicines deployment and build a strong industry. and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). I am working with Ministers from DEFRA and other General Practitioners Government Departments to determine an action plan for increasing use of anaerobic digestion in the UK, Tony Baldry: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and expect to announce further details later this summer. when he expects his Department’s proposal to give general practitioners authority over commissioning to be implemented; what steps he plans to take to HEALTH implement that proposal; and if he will make a Departmental Billing statement. [866] Mr Simon Burns: The “Coalition: Our Programme Stewart Hosie: To ask the Secretary of State for for Government” document indicates this Government’s Health what percentage of invoices from suppliers to intention to strengthen the power of general practitioners his Department were paid within 10 days of receipt in as patients’ expert guides through the health system by (a) March and (b) April 2010. [1270] enabling them to commission care on their behalf. We Mr Simon Burns: In March and April 2010 respectively, will bring forward more detailed proposals in due course. 96.9% and 94.1% of invoices were paid by the Department General Practitioners: Passports within 10 days. Departmental Manpower Mr Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent guidance his Department has Mr Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for issued to (a) general practitioners and (b) other NHS Health what his estimate is of the cost to the public staff on the level of fees charged for the signing of purse of proposed reductions in numbers of non-front passport applications for patients. [1170] line staff in his Department and its agencies. [492] Mr Simon Burns: None. The countersigning of passports Mr Simon Burns: No estimate of the cost to proposed is not part of the work that general practitioners (GPs) reductions in numbers of non-front line staff has yet or other national health service staff are required to do been made by the Department or its Agency, the Medicines as part of their NHS responsibilities. Should a GP (or and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). other NHS staff) countersign an application it is a The civil service wide recruitment freeze announced private matter between the doctor and the applicant. by the Chief Secretary to the Treasury on 24 May 2010, Where a charge is made for this service this is purely a will help the Department to minimise the need for private matter, not covered by any national terms and reductions. conditions. Since 31 March 2010 there has been only one Executive Health Centres: Christchurch Agency of the Department: the MHRA. Departmental Public Expenditure Mr Chope: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he has taken since his appointment to ensure Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health that his Department’s interest in the former health when and in what form he plans to publish a list of all centre at Saxon Square, Christchurch, is sold at the items of expenditure by his Department over £25,000. earliest opportunity. [1406] [277] Mr Simon Burns: Discussions are continuing with the Mr Simon Burns: The Prime Minister has written to landlord in order to achieve an early disposal of the Cabinet Ministers1 reiterating transparency commitments Department’s interest in the property. made in the Coalition Programme for Government, and setting out a timetable for achieving them. In particular, Marie Stopes International all new items of central Government spending over £25,000 will be published online in an open format from Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Health November 2010. what payments his Department has made to Marie 1www.number10.gov.uk/news/statements-and-articles/2010/05/ Stopes International for (a) abortion, (b) family letter-to-government-departments-on-opening-up-data-51204 planning and (c) other reproductive health services in 113W Written Answers8 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 114W the last 12 months; how much he plans to allocate to We are advised that individual primary care trusts Marie Stopes International for those purposes in each (PCTs) in the West Midlands believe they are not best of the next three years; and if he will make a statement. able to deliver efficiencies by operating alone. The West [235] Midlands Strategic Health Authority (SHA) has therefore introduced a new model of working in which it has Anne Milton: No direct payments have been made by created five clusters in which the 17 PCTs will operate; the Department to Marie Stopes International (MSI) in delivering efficiency savings and reduced management the past 12 months and no direct funding to this costs through close collaborative working. organisation is planned in this or future financial years. We understand that the SHA is clear that this The national health service funds abortions undertaken development is not a precursor to PCT mergers. Individual by MSI under contract to individual primary care trusts. PCTs remain responsible and accountable for their own However, information on these contracts is commercially performance for the overall health of their population sensitive and not collected centrally. and for commissioning ervices for their population. NHS Prescription Drugs Andrew George: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has for the future of (a) National Mr Blunkett: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Health Service and (b) his Department’s IT systems. what his policy is on the provision of specific drugs [682] which the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence indicates do not represent value for money Mr Simon Burns: The Government will seek to achieve in circumstances where a GP believes they should be a more open market in national health service information prescribed; and if he will make a statement. [1226] technology (IT), complemented by a similar change in information provision, and underpinned by a framework Mr Simon Burns: This is a matter for individual of nationally-agreed technical and data standards that primary care trusts. ensure interoperability. We aim significantly to improve local ownership of solutions, but recognise that any Royal Liverpool University Hospital movement from the current national infrastructure must ensure continued value for money and maintain the Mrs Ellman: To ask the Secretary of State for Health benefits of national procurement. what plans he has to provide additional cancer services Plans are in place to upgrade the Department’s standard on the Royal Liverpool University hospital site. [1407] IT hardware and software, the infrastructure on which systems operate, and the bespoke business applications Mr Simon Burns: The Government have pledged used to process information. Any future plans will that, in future, all service changes must be led by clinicians emphasise the need to achieve value for money on all and patients, not be driven from the top down. investments made, and to further the commitment to My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has lowering the Department’s carbon footprint. outlined new, strengthened criteria that he expects decisions on national health service service changes to meet. The NHS: Finance local NHS has been asked to consider the impact of this criteria in their area and local communities are establishing Mr David Davis: To ask the Secretary of State for how this work will be taken forward. Health when his Department plans to publish the We are advised that there have been local discussions report it commissioned from McKinsey on the fiscal between organisations on Merseyside regarding the future of the NHS. [1078] development of a cancer centre at the Royal Liverpool University hospital site. These proposals are at a very Mr Simon Burns: The McKinsey report on national early stage and the Mersey and Cheshire Cancer Network, health service productivity was published on the together with the Liverpool primary care trust (PCT) Department’s website on 2 June 2010: are currently developing these proposals. If the proposals www.dh.gov.uk/en/FreedomOfInformation/ were agreed by the eight commissioning PCTs, a public Freedomofinformationpublicationschemefeedback/FOIreleases/ consultation exercise would follow. DH_116520 NHS: West Midlands Mrs Ellman: To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) when he expects the contracts in relation to the Harriett Baldwin: To ask the Secretary of State for replacement for the Royal Liverpool University Health what his policy is on requests from West hospital to be signed; and if he will make a statement; Midlands Strategic Health Authority that primary care [1408] trusts in the West Mercia form a cluster. [743] (2) when he most recently discussed with Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen University Hospitals NHS Mr Simon Burns: The Government have agreed that Trust the proposals for replacing the Royal Liverpool funding for the national health service should increase University hospital; and if he will make a statement. in real terms in each year of the Parliament. In order to [1409] ensure that the tax payers receive value for money, the NHS must focus on delivering efficiency savings and Mr Simon Burns: As with all significant spending reducing management costs is an important part of commitments made between 1 January 2010 and the this. Regional and local proposals to do this should be election on 6 May, the proposed new hospital scheme discussed with those affected. for Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen University Hospitals 115W Written Answers8 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 116W

NHS Trust will be subject to the Government’s review During 2009/10 there were however 365,649 new of such approvals to ensure they are consistent with the companies incorporated. Therefore, there was only a Government’s priorities and good value for money. The small fall in the total number of companies on the Secretary of State has not discussed the proposed new register. hospital scheme with the Trust. Companies Act 2006 Trade Unions Roger Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what plans he has to Health what plans he has to consult trade unions in (a) review the operation of the Companies Act 2006. his Department and (b) its agencies concerning deficit [1129] reduction plans. [608] Mr Davey: The Department for Business, Innovation Mr Simon Burns: The Department and its agency the and Skills has begun an evaluation of the impact of the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency major provisions of the Companies Act 2006, to assess (MHRA) have well-established and constructive industrial the extent to which the original policy objectives have relations. Our Partnership Agreement was signed again been achieved, to validate the estimated costs and benefits, by both management and unions in 2009. This partnership and to identify any areas where the provisions are not approach commits the Department to involving unions working effectively in practice. We will make the results at every stage of any change process—working together of this evaluation public later in 2010. to solve difficulties and to promote best practice in all Company Accounts matters. Regular dialogue with unions remains underway and Roger Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for the Department will continue to engage and consult Business, Innovation and Skills when he plans to bring unions about any deficit reduction plans. forward proposals to reintroduce the Operating and Since 31 March 2010 there has been only one Executive Financial Review; and if he will make a statement. Agency of the Department: the MHRA. [1130]

Mr Davey: The Government’s commitment is to reinstate an Operating and Financial Review to ensure that directors’ BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS social and environmental duties have to be covered in Apprentices company reporting, and investigate further ways of improving corporate accountability and transparency. We intend to consult on this issue this summer with a Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for view to publishing our proposals by the end of the year. Business, Innovation and Skills what steps he plans to take to encourage people to undertake apprenticeships. Departmental Public Expenditure [1117] Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Hayes: The Government are committed to increasing Business, Innovation and Skills when and in what form the number of apprenticeships, in particular, advanced he plans to publish a list of all items of expenditure by apprenticeships that confer technician status. We know his Department over £25,000. [274] that the demand from young people and adults for good quality employer-owned apprenticeships is high. To Mr Davey: My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister meet this demand and to build an advanced economy has written to Cabinet Ministers reiterating transparency we need advanced skills. The Government’s decision to commitments made in the Coalition Programme for redeploy £150 million of our savings for 2010-11, creating Government, and setting out a timetable for achieving an additional 50,000 places, demonstrates our commitment them. In particular, all new items of central government to high-quality skills. We are investing in our future and spending over £25,000 will be published online in an training the next generation, as well as developing the open format from November 2010. existing workforce, which is vital as we emerge from recession. Further Education: Finance

Business: Closures Angela Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how much funding he Mr Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for plans to allocate to further education in (a) 2010-11 Business, Innovation and Skills how many limited and (b) 2011-12. [1160] liability companies ceased operations in the last financial year. [1017] Mr Hayes: The funding levels for further education in 2010-11 were published as part of the Skills Investment Mr Davey: Companies House does not record how Strategy in November 2009. A copy was placed in the many limited liability companies cease trading. There Library of the House. On 24 May this year, as part of were, however, 509,711 companies dissolved in the United the Treasury announcements on the £6.2 billion of Kingdom in the financial year 2009/10. This was an savings to tackle the deficit, the Chancellor announced increase from previous years due to Companies House a £200 million reduction in the Train to Gain budget, taking action to dissolve companies which had not filed with those savings reinvested into additional apprenticeship their statutory documents for many years. places and new investment in FE capital projects. The 117W Written Answers8 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 118W

Secretary of State will write to the Skills Funding Departmental Electronic Equipment Agency reflecting these updated priorities and the impact on funding shortly. Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Funding for future years will be determined as part how many (a) plasma and (b) LCD televisions there of the spending review process. are in ministerial offices in his Department. [394]

Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Kenneth Clarke: There are five LCD and no Business, Innovation and Skills what in-year changes plasma televisions in offices currently occupied by Ministers he plans to make to his Department’s funding for each in the Ministry of Justice. further education institution in the West Midlands in Departmental Manpower 2010-11. [1450]

Mr Hayes: As part of the £6.2 billion savings Mr Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for announcement on 24 May 2010, £200 million will be Justice what his estimate is of the cost to the public redeployed from the Train to Gain programme in 2010-11 purse of proposed reductions in numbers of non-front financial year. £150 million will be used to support line staff in his Department and its agencies. [495] additional apprenticeship places and £50 million for increased capital investment in further education (FE) Mr Kenneth Clarke: The savings to be achieved in colleges. 2010-11 from the Emergency Budget were predicated FE colleges and training organisations will be able to on tighter recruitment controls and natural attrition. redeploy funding previously intended for Train to Gain The Ministry of Justice expects shortly to engage in in 2010/11 academic year to provide additional the Government’s spending review, as part of which apprenticeship places for those aged 19+. work force plans will be developed. Estimates of the The Skills Funding Agency is now looking to implement cost to the public purse for any reductions are not yet this change, but it is not possible at this time to provide available. information on the impact it may have on individual Departmental Public Expenditure institutions in the west midlands. Further Education: Manpower Mr Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what estimate he has made of the cost to his Department of the (a) implementation of penalty Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for clauses and payments in its contracts and (b) potential Business, Innovation and Skills what estimate he has legal action arising from the deferral and cancellation made of the change in the number of staff in further of contracts and projects under his Department’s plans education colleges in the West Midlands between to achieve cost savings; and whether those estimates are academic years 2009-10 and 2010-11. [1447] included in the total cost savings to be achieved by his Department. [564] Mr Hayes: The Department has made no estimate of changes in FE college staff numbers in the west midlands Mr Kenneth Clarke: Over the past three weeks the between the academic years 2009-10 and 2010-11. Ministry of Justice director generals and their staff FE colleges were established as self-governing, have reviewed all current spending plans in line with independent organisations following the enactment of priorities. Each area of the Department is contributing the Further and Higher Education Act in 1992. As to the delivery of these savings (including arm’s length such, they are responsible for their own terms and bodies). We are still working through the implications conditions, pay and work force planning matters. of these savings. At this time we can not release further Information about staff working at further education information in case it impacts on these negotiations colleges is collected by Lifelong Learning UK, the and/or breaches commercial sensitivity. relevant Sector Skill Council, through the annual Staff Individualised Record (SIR) survey. Departmental Redundancy Pay The most recent SIR data for 2008-09 showed 33,427 people working in west midlands further education Mr Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for colleges. The previous SIR report for 2007-08 showed a Justice what his most recent estimate is of the annual work force of 30,894. cost to his Department of redundancy payments for (a) front line and (b) other staff employed by (i) his Department and (ii) its agencies. [641]

JUSTICE Mr Kenneth Clarke: Wherever possible, the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) seeks to achieve headcount reductions Corruption: Public Service by means of natural wastage, recruitment controls and re-deployment of staff to avoid impacting services to Sir Menzies Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State the public. for Justice if he will publish the UK Foreign Bribery Between 31 March 2009 and 31 March 2010, 16 people Strategy; and if he will make a statement. [853] from across the Ministry of Justice, comprising headquarters and executive agencies (HM Courts Service, the National Mr Kenneth Clarke: The document referred to was Offender Management Service, the Tribunals Service published by the previous Administration on 19 January and the Office of the Public Guardian) were made 2010, Official Report, column 13WS. redundant or faced compulsory severance. The overall 119W Written Answers8 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 120W cost was £1.4 million1, an average of £87,500 per staff Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice member. Redundancy packages vary based on grade what assessment he has made of the effect of levels of and length of service. expenditure on electoral registration measures on levels The MoJ also operated a voluntary early departure of registration. [183] scheme in the last financial year. The future costs of this scheme are currently being finalised and will be published Mr Harper: I have been asked to reply. in the MoJ’s annual resource accounts prior to the The Electoral Commission have informed me that summer recess in the “provisions” note to the accounts. they will be publishing their report into the cost of Staff are offered early departure on the basis of a clear electoral administration covering the 2007-08 and 2008-09 business case that the departure will deliver long term financial years early in June 2010. They also inform me savings and efficiencies. that there has been no assessment yet made of the effect It is not possible to clearly distinguish front line staff of expenditure on electoral registration on the level of from other staff as many staff in local offices, courts registration. I understand that once the Commission and tribunals across England and Wales work in both has collected this year’s information it intends to look public facing and back office roles. in more detail at any relationship between the levels of 1 These figures are unaudited and are subject to change following expenditure on electoral registration and registration the National Audit Office’s inspection of MoJ Accounts for levels. 2009-10. Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Electoral Commission what assessment he has made of the adequacy of resources provided by local authorities to electoral Mr Knight: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice registration. [246] what the cost to the public purse of the Electoral Commission was in the last 12 months for which Mr Harper: I have been asked to reply. figures are available; what assessment he has made of the value for money of such expenditure; and if he will The Government have not yet made such an assessment. consider the merits of abolishing the Commission. The Government have announced their intention to [524] speed up the implementation of Individual Electoral Registration in Great Britain and any consideration of Mr Harper: I have been asked to reply. issues relating to registration will be in that context. The net operating cost, from audited accounts, for the Electoral Commission for 2008-09, was £22,471,000 Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice of which £1,957,000 was Policy Development Grants to how much (a) central and (b) local government qualifying political parties. This cost was required for authorities spent on advertising to promote voter the planning for and carrying out of functions and registration in each year for which figures are available. duties imposed on the Commission. [699] I have not made a value for money assessment of Mr Harper: I have been asked to reply. Electoral Commission expenditure. It is the role of the Speaker’s Committee to examine the Commission’s annual (a) Central Government do not have responsibility estimates of income and expenditure and to satisfy for promoting voter registration. However, under section themselves that they are consistent with the economical, 69 of the Electoral Administration Act 2006, local efficient and effective discharge of the Commission’s authorities are under a duty to encourage participation statutory functions. In doing so, the Speaker’s Committee by electors in the electoral process. To support this duty, must have regard to annual reports from the Comptroller Government have made funding available to local and Auditor General into how the Commission uses its authorities under an electoral Participation Fund. The resources. The Government have set out a major programme figures paid to local authorities for activity in support of political reform and will be considering the implications of participation, including advertising, from the Fund for the delivery of elections. in each of the last three financial years are as follows:

Electoral Register £ 2007-08 170,000 Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice 2008-09 500,000 with reference to the answer of 4 March 2009, Official 2009-10 150,000 Report, column 1707W, on the electoral register, what the estimated cost is of contacting by (a) email and (b) letter all electoral registration officers to find out (b) as set out in answer to (a), local authorities are what electoral registration qualifications they hold. under a duty under Section 69 of the Electoral [176] Administration Act 2006 to encourage participation by electors in the electoral process. The amount spent by Mr Harper: I have been asked to reply. local authorities in fulfilling this role is not collected The Government have not made an estimate of the centrally. cost of contacting Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) by email although it would be met within staff and Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice resource costs. The cost of sending a letter to all EROs which local authority electoral registration would be £123.87 based on the cost of a second class departments use bar coding on their electoral stamp to 387 EROs for letters weighing up to 100g. registration forms. [700] 121W Written Answers8 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 122W

Mr Harper: I have been asked to reply. Mr Harper: I have been asked to reply. Whether or not individual Electoral Registration Officers The Government have not made such an assessment. (EROs) use bar codes to assist them with the handling The Electoral Commission’s report published in March of these electoral registration forms is a matter for 2010, “The Completeness and Accuracy of Electoral individual ERO’s to determine. The Government do Registers in Great Britain”, considers local and regional not collect data on the use of bar coding for this variations in registration levels. The report notes that purpose. the highest concentrations of under-registration are most likely to be in metropolitan areas, smaller towns Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice and cities with large student population and coastal what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the areas with significant population turnover and high use of telephones to confirm continued entitlement to levels of social deprivation. electoral registration; and which local authorities use The Electoral Commission found that under-registration telephones for this purpose. [725] and inaccuracy are closely associated with the social groups most likely to move home: young people, private Mr Harper: I have been asked to reply. sector tenants and BME residents were cited in particular. The Government have not made an assessment of the However, the Commission’s Report does not draw broad use of telephones to support electoral registration. The conclusions. Electoral Commission has informed me that it will publish some information relating to canvass responses Law Centres by telephone following their next assessment of Electoral Registration Officers’ performance. The expected date Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Secretary of State for of publication of the Commission’s next such assessment Justice what plans he has for the future of (a) is spring 2011. community legal advice centres and (b) community legal advice networks; and if he will make a statement. Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice [851] what estimate he has made of total expenditure by local authority registration officers in each of the last Mr Djanogly: The Legal Services Research Centre 10 years. [729] has recently completed an evaluation of Community Legal Advice Centres and Networks (referred to as Mr Harper: I have been asked to reply. CLACs and CLANs) which is due to be published The Government have not made such an estimate. shortly. The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) and Legal Services However, as part of its work in developing Performance Commission (LSC) will work together to consider the Standards for electoral services, the Electoral Commission implications of the evaluation on the future of CLACS launched its financial information survey across Great and CLANs. Britain on 10 September 2007. Electoral Registration In the meantime, the LSC is continuing to tender for Officers and Returning Officers were asked to complete CLA services in the areas announced in April 2008. the survey and return it by 31 July 2008, and again in When existing CLAC and CLAN contracts come to an July 2009. I understand that the Commission has published end, these contracts will either be extended or subject to its report “The Cost of Electoral Administration in re-tender as appropriate. At present, the LSC is not Great Britain”, a report into the cost of electoral seeking to develop any new CLACs or CLANs beyond administration, covering the 2007-08 and 2008-09 financial those already announced. Decisions on the future of years. The report is now available on the Commission’s CLACs and CLANs will be informed by the results of website at: the evaluation. http://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/performance- standards/financial-information Rape: Disclosure of Information Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice if he will assess the merits of ring-fencing funds Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for allocated by his Department to local government for Justice whether the policy proposal in the Coalition voter registration purposes. [731] agreement: our programme for government to give anonymity to defendants in rape trials is to apply to Mr Harper: I have been asked to reply. defendants who have been charged with rape only or The Government are clear that local government charged with other sexual offences. [618] needs increased flexibility to take decisions locally and have announced that over £1.7 billion of grants will Mr Blunt: The Government recognise that there is an cease to be ring-fenced in 2010-11. This step will enable argument to be made for defendant anonymity in sexual local authorities to make the radical change needed to offence cases other than rape. We shall look carefully at prioritise resources and improve efficiency while protecting this as we consider how best to give effect to our policy essential frontline services. This represents a significant on defendant anonymity in rape cases. boost to the financial autonomy of local councils. Trade Unions Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what reasons his Department has identified for Mr Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for variations in levels of voter registration in different Justice what plans he has to consult trade unions in (a) local authority areas with similar socio-economic his Department and (b) its agencies concerning deficit characteristics. [733] reduction plans. [611] 123W Written Answers8 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 124W

Mr Blunt: A schedule of meetings is being established Table 1: Incidents of control and restraint in 21 young offender institutions in in the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) and its agencies to England and Wales from 1 January to 31 March 2010 consult the recognised trade unions concerning deficit Establishment January February March Grand total reduction plans. Portland 6 8 10 24 Reading 9 16 21 46 Young Offender Institutions Rochester 18 13 6 37 Stoke Heath 7 18 5 30 Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Swinfen Hall 9 10 14 33 how many incidents of segregation have been recorded Thorn Cross 5 5 2 12 in each young offender institution in each year since Warren Hill 37 26 36 99 2006. [461] Werrington 30 16 12 58 Mr Blunt: The information requested is not recorded Wetherby 25 21 0 46 centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate Grand total 398 426 373 1,197 Notes: cost by asking every young offender institution to analyse 1 These figures have been drawn from live administrative data systems which its records. may be amended at any time. Although care is taken when processing and Prisoners may be held in segregation for reasons of analysing the returns, the detail collected is subject to the inaccuracies inherent in any large scale recording system. good order and discipline or for their own protection. 2. The number of incidents of control and restraint reported from January 2010 They may also be segregated to await adjudication or, if to March 2010 may change should further incidents be reported. the prisoner is 18 or over, as a punishment of cellular Control and restraint (C&R) is a system of techniques confinement for offences against prison discipline. used by a team of three officers as a last resort in order to bring a violent or refractory prisoner under control. Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice The techniques are applied by trained officers for as how many strip searches have been recorded in each short a time as possible and only used after all other young offender institution in each year since 2006. means of de-escalating the incident have been repeatedly [462] tried and failed. Mr Blunt: Full searches (previously known as strip- searches) may be carried out in order to detect items of contraband secreted on the person. NOMS’ National DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER Security Framework permits establishments to full search young people (15 to 17-year-olds) and young adults Departmental Pay (18 to 21-year-olds) held in young offender institutions (YOIs), both on a routine and intelligence-led basis. Mr Watson: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what Records of foil searches conducted in YOIs are not held salary he receives as Deputy Prime Minister. [648] centrally. To provide the information requested would involve requesting and collating information from all The Deputy Prime Minister: I am drawing the same YOIs which could be done only at disproportionate salary as other Cabinet Ministers, £68,827 per annum. cost. All Cabinet Ministers have agreed to take a salary of 5% less than previously paid and to freeze it for the Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice duration of the Parliament. how many control and restraint incidents were Departmental Public Appointments recorded at each young offender institution in each year since 2006. [463] Helen Goodman: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister Mr Blunt: The information requested is not available how many special advisers he (a) has appointed to date centrally prior to January 2010 and could be provided and (b) plans to appoint. [322] only at disproportionate cost by asking each young Mr Watson: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how offender institution to analyse its records. A new system many (a) political appointments and (b) other of collation came into force in January 2010 and the personal appointments he has made since his table below sets out control and restraint incidents at appointment; and at what estimated annual cost to the each young offender institution in England and Wales public purse. [375] from January 2010 to March 2010. Table 1: Incidents of control and restraint in 21 young offender institutions in The Deputy Prime Minister: I refer the hon. Members England and Wales from 1 January to 31 March 2010 to the answer given by the Prime Minister on 3 June Establishment January February March Grand total 2010, Official Report, column 99W. Ashfield 7 18 10 35 Departmental Responsibilities Aylesbury 24 56 11 91 Brinsford 13 12 13 38 Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister Castington 0 0 0 0 what the estimated cost is of setting up his office; what Cookham Wood 26 27 32 85 the estimated cost is of running his office in its first Deerbolt 16 17 12 45 12 months; and how many special advisers he has. Feltham 43 53 49 145 [106] Glen Parva 32 28 42 102 Hindley 46 46 48 140 The Deputy Prime Minister: The costs of my office Huntercombe 23 10 20 53 will be published when finalised. I refer the hon. Member Lancaster Farms 17 21 25 63 to the answer given by the Prime Minister on 3 June Northallerton 5 5 5 15 2010, Official Report, column 99W. 125W Written Answers8 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 126W

Mr Watson: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister when COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT he plans to publish his ministerial diary. [138] Council Housing: Construction Mr Harper: As was the case with previous governments, Ministers and officials have meetings with a wide range Andrew George: To ask the Secretary of State for of organisations and individuals on a range of subjects. Communities and Local Government what his policy is Information on my official meetings with external on the setting of local authority housebuilding organisations will be published in accordance with the projections in local plans. [993] Ministerial Code. Robert Neill: A letter to local authority leaders from General Election 2010 the Secretary of State, dated 27 May 2010, set out the Government’s commitment to abolishing regional strategies Mr Frank Field: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister in and confirmed that in future housing supply issues will which local authority areas the chief executive was the rest with local planning authorities without the framework returning officer for the parliamentary constituency of for regional numbers or plans. The policy change should that local authority area in the 6 May 2010 general be regarded as a material consideration in planning election. [844] decisions, including on local plans. A copy of the letter has been placed in the Library of the House. Mr Harper: In England and Wales the majority of the Returning Officer’s duties at parliamentary elections, Natascha Engel: To ask the Secretary of State for including the conduct of the election, are carried out by Communities and Local Government what his policy is the Acting Returning Officer, who is an electoral registration on the provision of funding for all local authority new officer (ERO). The ERO is usually the chief executive of build housing schemes announced by his Department a district or London borough council in England or of in (a) September 2009 and (b) January 2010. [1466] a county or county borough council in Wales, although the council may appoint any of its officers to be the Andrew Stunell: The Homes and Communities Agency ERO. Details of the full-time employment of those will fund through to completion those schemes for individuals in England and Wales who served as Acting which they have entered into a grant agreement with the Returning Officers are not held by the Government. local authority. Decisions on all other schemes will be made after the Emergency Budget on 22 June. In Scotland, Returning Officers for parliamentary elections are officers of local authorities. For the 6 May Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for 2010 general election all Returning Officers were local Communities and Local Government what authority chief executive. The relevant local authority representations he has received from local authorities areas were: Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire, Angus, Argyll and their representative bodies on the review of the and Bute, Clackmannan-shire, Comhairle nan Eilean local authority new build programme. [1502] Siar, Dumfries and Galloway, Dundee City, East Ayrshire, East Dunbartonshire, East Lothian, East Renfrewshire, The City of Edinburgh, Falkirk, Fife, Glasgow City, Andrew Stunell: There is no review of the local authority Highland, Inverclyde, Midlothian, Moray, North Ayrshire, new build programme. However the Homes and North Lanarkshire, Orkney Islands, Perth and Kinross, Communities Agency will not enter into any new or Renfrewshire, Scottish Borders, South Ayrshire, South further commitments against its uncommitted budgets Lanarkshire, Stirling, West Dunbartonshire and West until after the Budget in June. Lothian. In Northern Ireland the Chief Electoral Officer for Northern Ireland is the Returning Officer for each Council Tax constituency in Northern Ireland in the parliamentary general election. Christopher Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what his most Norman Lamb recent estimate is of the cost to the Exchequer of proposals to freeze council tax in England for one year; and if he will make a statement. [1062] Mr Watson: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister whether his Chief Parliamentary and Political Adviser has been allocated (a) a ministerial car, (b) a Robert Neill: The Government are committed to a ministerial salary, (c) secretarial support, (d) a private freeze in council tax for at least one year and to seek to office and (e) a 10 Downing street security pass; and if freeze it for a further year, in partnership with local authorities. Work is ongoing to estimate the cost of he will make a statement. [98] such a freeze and we will make further announcements in due course. The Deputy Prime Minister: My Chief Parliamentary and Political Adviser does not have an allocated car and driver and does not receive a ministerial salary in this Departmental Billing capacity. As a Government Whip he receives a whip’s salary, he has use of the Government car pool service Stewart Hosie: To ask the Secretary of State for when needed and has access to staff in the Chief Whip’s Communities and Local Government what percentage office as appropriate. For reasons of security, the of invoices from suppliers to his Department were paid Government do not comment on who has security within 10 days of receipt in (a) March and (b) April passes to Government buildings. 2010. [1274] 127W Written Answers8 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 128W

Robert Neill: In March 2010 Communities and Local full-time equivalent staff at each civil service grade are Government paid 92.35% of invoices within 10 days employed in the private office of each Minister in his and in April 2010 paid 90.89% of invoices within 10 days. Department. [129] Departmental Manpower Robert Neill: The number of staff in each office is set Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for out in the following table. In total this is two fewer than Communities and Local Government how many the arrangements inherited from the last Government.

Senior civil service Pay Pay Band 2 Pay Band 3 Pay Band 4 (Higher Pay Band 6 (Team Band 1 (Deputy (Admin Officer) (Executive Officer) Executive Officer) Leader) Director)

Right hon. Eric Pickles MP 12 311 (Secretary of State) Greg Clark MP (Minister of State) 1 1 2 1 0 Grant Shapps MP (Minister of 10 310 State) Andrew Stunell MP (Parliamentary 12 100 Under Secretary of State) Bob Neill MP (Parliamentary 12 100 Under Secretary of State) Baroness Hanham (Parliamentary 12 100 Under Secretary of State)

Mr Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Our three Executive agencies have however provided Communities and Local Government how many (a) data directly. There would be a disproportionate cost in front-line and (b) other staff were employed by (i) his trying to obtain any further information. Department and (ii) each of its agencies in the latest year for which figures are available; and what his most Available data give the following breakdown for the recent estimate is of the annual cost to the public purse calendar year 2009-10 (provisional). In accordance with of employing staff of each type at each of those bodies. HM Treasury guidance a number of staff are funded [530] from programme budgets. These staff are classified as being front-line. Robert Neill: Communities and Local Government does not hold data for its arms length bodies centrally.

2009-10 (provisional) Front line staff Other pay cost (FTE) Front line pay cost (£000) Other staff (FTE) (£000)

Communities and Local Government (CLG) 286.19 20,477 1,880.54 96,731 Planning Inspectorate (PINS) 714 35,538 0 0 Fire Service College (FSC) 210 9,282 0 0 QEII Conference Centre 48 2,410 0 0

Departmental Ministerial Policy Advisers are: (a) six cars and (b) six drivers allocated to departmental Ministers. This is supplemented by the Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for use of pool cars as needed. These are the interim Communities and Local Government how many arrangements. special advisers (a) he and (b) each named Minister in The new ministerial code, published on 21 May 2010, his Department (i) has appointed to date and (ii) plans contains changes that affect Ministerial entitlement to to appoint. [311] travel by Government car. It states that

Robert Neill: I refer the hon. Member to the answer “the number of Ministers with allocated cars and drivers will given by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on be kept to a minimum, taking into account security and other 3 June 2010, Official Report, column 99W. relevant considerations. Other Ministers will be entitled to use cars from the Government Car Service Pool as needed”. Departmental Official Cars The Department for Transport and its Government Car and Despatch Agency are working with Departments Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for to effect the transition to the new arrangements. Communities and Local Government how many Government (a) cars and (b) drivers are allocated to The ministerial code, published on 21 May 2010, is Ministers in his Department. [288] available on the Cabinet Office website. Robert Neill: The arrangements inherited from the last Government for Communities and Local Government 129W Written Answers8 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 130W

Departmental Public Appointments of planning policy will be made in due course. However, the Agreement also undertakes to ensure that the protection Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for of Green Belt by local planning authorities is maintained. Communities and Local Government how many (a) Finally, I have already announced the Government’s political appointments and (b) other personal intention to rapidly abolish regional spatial strategies appointments he has made since his appointment; and and return focus on planning and housing to local at what estimated annual cost to the public purse. [378] councils. Given that the regional spatial strategies have themselves been a source of ‘top down’ pressure to Robert Neill: I refer the hon. Member to the answer remove green belt protection their removal will strengthen given by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on the position of local authorities in protecting green belt. 3 June 2010, Official Report, column 99W. Housing Associations Departmental Public Expenditure

Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government when and in Communities and Local Government if he will make it what form he plans to publish a list of all items of his policy to rationalise the number of social housing expenditure by his Department over £25,000. [268] associations; and if he will make a statement. [957]

Robert Neill: The department will publish on its Grant Shapps: Housing associations are independent website the contract name, name of successful contractor, organisations responsible for their own aims, performance contract value and agreed Contract Terms of all and management. departmental contract awards valued over £25,000 by 1 September 2010. Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government if he will bring Fire Services forward proposals to reduce the salary levels of senior officials running social housing associations; and if he Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: To ask the Secretary of State will make a statement. [958] for Communities and Local Government when he plans to announce his decision on the relocation of Grant Shapps: As independent organisations, it is up Gloucestershire’s fire control operations to the to the board of each housing association to determine Regional Centre in Taunton; and if he will consult the level of remuneration to award its executives. However, local stakeholders before making such a decision. [965] given that many associations receive public funding through the National Affordable Housing Programme Robert Neill: The previous Government’s FiReControl in order to deliver new affordable housing, there is a project has been subject to delays and increasing costs. public interest in associations performing their functions We are looking closely at this project to establish efficiently and economically. what we can do to improve the situation. We are committed The Government believe that transparency and public to ensuring value-for-money for the taxpayer, improving scrutiny are key to ensuring that pay decisions are fully resilience and stopping the forced regionalisation of the justifiable. Housing associations are required to disclose fire service. publicly the remuneration paid to their highest paid We will carefully consider the implications of any director (which is typically the chief executive) and the decisions before announcing the next steps. total cost of their directors. The Government believe that associations should make available as much information Green Belt as is needed to reassure their tenants and the public that they are managing their resources as efficiently as possible. Mr Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what his Housing: Construction policy is on the Green Belt, with particular reference to applications being made to develop land designated as Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Green Belt; and if he will make a statement. [972] Communities and Local Government how many Robert Neill [holding answer 7 June 2010]:Policy on homes with (a) three or four and (b) five bedrooms he the Green Belt is currently set out in Planning Policy expects to be built in each region in each of the next Guidance Note 2, Green Belts (PPG2), published in five years. [1172] 1995. PPG2 establishes a presumption against inappropriate development on Green Belt. If a proposal for such Andrew Stunell [holding answer 7 June 2010]: Statistics development is received, the local planning authority on the proportion of new-build completions each year has to consider whether any harm to the Green Belt that are houses and flats, split by number of bedrooms, would be outweighed by other considerations, and whether are published on the CLG website in live table 254 at the very special circumstances exist to justify planning following link: permission. http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/housing/xls/ In the Coalition Agreement the Government stated table254.xls that it will publish and present to Parliament a simple Estimates have not been made by the Government of and consolidated national planning framework covering the number of new homes of each type that will be all forms of development. Announcements on the future started or completed in future years. 131W Written Answers8 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 132W

Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Local Development Frameworks Communities and Local Government (1) if he will take steps to remove regional housing targets in the West Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: To ask the Secretary of State Midlands in advance of the introduction of primary for Communities and Local Government what legislation on regional spatial strategies; [1498] guidance from his Department is in effect in respect of (2) what timetable he has set for the abolition of on-going (a) examinations in public of local regional spatial strategies in the West Midlands; and if development framework plans and (b) core strategy he will make a statement. [1499] hearings. [967] Robert Neill: General guidance on the assessment of Greg Clark: The Government are absolutely committed and procedures for examining local development to abolishing Regional Strategies, including regional frameworks which include core strategies is set out by housing targets. In advance of legislation, my right hon. the Planning Inspectorate. This can be found online at: Friend the Secretary of State has written to all local authority leaders and the Planning Inspectorate confirming http://www.planning-inspectorate.gov.uk/pins/appeals/ local_dev/index.htm the Government’s intention and that letter can be used as a material consideration in decisions on applications In addition my right hon. Friend the Secretary of and local development frameworks. A copy of the letter State has written to all local authority leaders and the has been placed in the Library of the House. Planning Inspectorate confirming the Government’s intention to abolish regional strategies and housing targets and saying that he expects them to have regard Housing: Regeneration to his letter as a material consideration in decisions on applications and local development frameworks. A copy Dr Pugh: To ask the Secretary of State for of the letter has been placed in the House Library. Communities and Local Government what his policy is on funding of Pathfinder housing areas; and if he will Local Government Finance make a statement. [1010] Christopher Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for Andrew Stunell: The Government are committed to a Communities and Local Government when he expects range of housing programmes including initiatives to the review of local government finance to (a) improve the quality of homes, improve access to housing commence and (b) conclude. [1067] and bring empty homes into use. The Housing Market Renewal programme was included in the £6.2 billion of Robert Neill: The coalition Government are fully savings from Government spending in 2010-11 announced committed to a review of local government finance and on 24 May, reducing the current capital programme we will make a further announcement in due course. budget announced in December 2009 by £50 million. But our first priority must be to sort out the public This reduction is subject to consultation. Budgets for finances and to get on with our agreed programme of 2010-11 will be confirmed after the Emergency Budget delivering radical devolution and greater financial autonomy is completed on June 22. to local government. Local Government: Pay Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what assessment John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for he has made of the effects on his Department’s funding Communities and Local Government what for housing market renewal areas of changes in public information his Department holds on the number of expenditure in 2010 announced by the Chancellor of employees of each local authority who received an the Exchequer on 24 May 2010. [1505] annual salary of £100,000 or above in the most recent year for which figures are available. [1312] Andrew Stunell: The Housing Market Renewal Programme was included in the £6.2 billion of savings Robert Neill: The information requested is not held from Government spending in 2010-11 announced on centrally. Our town hall transparency proposals will 24 May. The current capital budget of £286 million ensure that senior local government salaries are published announced in December 2009 has been reduced by in an open and standardised format for public scrutiny. £50 million. The mechanism by which this reduction is achieved will be subject to consultation. Individual Local Government: Public Consultation allocations for 2010-11 will be confirmed after the emergency Budget is completed on June 22. Christopher Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government in what circumstances those resident in a local authority area Housing: South East will be able to initiate a local referendum. [1074] Mr Andrew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Andrew Stunell: As we made clear in our Programme Communities and Local Government whether he plans for Government, published on 20 May, we will give to respond to the South East Regional Select residents the power to instigate local referendums on Committee’s First Report of Session 2009-10, on any local issue. The Government intend to include the Housing in the South East. [205] necessary statutory provisions as part of legislation to devolve greater powers to councils and neighbourhoods Andrew Stunell [holding answer 7 June 2010]: Yes, and give local communities control over housing and the Government will be responding to this report in the planning decisions which was announced in the Queen’s near future. Speech for this parliamentary session. 133W Written Answers8 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 134W

Local Government: Reorganisation Non-domestic Rates: Ports

Mr Denham: To ask the Secretary of State for Austin Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what costs his Communities and Local Government what estimate he Department incurred in contesting each judicial review has made of the cost of cancelling the demand for of local government reorganisation for (a) Devon, (b) retrospective business rates made upon newly Norfolk and (c) Suffolk. [1467] separately-rated port companies. [736] Grant Shapps: The current costs incurred by the Department for legal proceedings in relation to local Robert Neill: I will write to the hon. Member with an government reorganisation in Devon, Norfolk and Suffolk answer when the data are available and place a copy of are set out in the following table: my letter in the Library of the House.

Challenge against the Boundary Laura Sandys: To ask the Secretary of State for Committee where the Secretary of Communities and Local Government what State has been named as an interested representations his Department has received on party brought by: Legal costs to Department (£) retrospective business rates on firms in ports in the last Breckland district council and others 62,450 12 months. [1149] East Devon district council 31,820 Suffolk Coastal and others 45,875 Robert Neill: A number of representations have been King’s Lynn and others 6,833 received, predominantly from MPs on behalf of their constituents and the ports lobby group itself. Most of In addition, Devon and Norfolk county councils these centre around the request for Government to have challenged the decision of the Secretary of State in cancel the backdated liability incurred. relation to unitary councils for Exeter and Norwich cities. The High Court has yet to hand down judgment Having considered these representations my right in this challenge and hence the Department’s legal costs hon. Friend the Secretary of State issued regulations arising from it are yet to be determined. However, to suspending the collection of such backdated rates in date the Department has incurred costs of £62,065 on 2010-11 and consistent with the coalition agreement, this challenge. the Government are urgently exploring ways to remove certain backdated rates liabilities. The Government have introduced a Bill into the House of Lords on 26 May which will stop the restructuring I also met with the ports lobby group on 3 June 2010, of councils in Devon, Norfolk and Suffolk. This will to discuss their concerns in person. save the taxpayer £40 million in unnecessary restructuring Ordnance Survey costs. Local Government: Third Sector Mr Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what plans he Dr Pugh: To ask the Secretary of State for has for the future ownership of the Ordnance Survey; Communities and Local Government what assessment and if he will make a statement. [511] he has made of the effect of mid-year reductions in local authority budgets on contracts with the voluntary Robert Neill: Ordnance Survey is Great Britain’s national and charitable sector. [1246] mapping agency and its data underpin the delivery of many vital public services. I am not currently considering Robert Neill: The contribution which local authorities changes to the ownership. are being asked to make this year to enable the Government to take immediate action to tackle the United Kingdom’s Planning Permission: Appeals unprecedented deficit should not impact on the delivery of essential front line services. It will be for individual Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: To ask the Secretary of State councils to make decisions about where savings are for Communities and Local Government if he will found. We have retained formula grant funding at the issue guidance to planning inspectors on the award of level approved by Parliament for 2010-11 (£29 billion), costs in respect of large planning appeals. [969] and have also gone further by lifting restrictions on how local government spends its money, by de-ringfencing Robert Neill: Guidance to planning inspectors on the more grants. This gives councils the maximum flexibility awarding of costs is contained within the Communities to focus budgets on those services which local people and Local Government Circular 03/2009 ’Costs awards most want to see. in appeals and other planning proceedings’ published Non-domestic Rates on 6 April 2009. Regional Planning and Development Tony Baldry: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government when he expects small business rate relief to become automatic; and if Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: To ask the Secretary of State he will make a statement. [863] for Communities and Local Government when he plans to publish guidance on the effects of the Robert Neill: “The Coalition: our programme for abolition of the Regional Spatial Strategies and government” set out our commitment to find a practical transitional arrangements which should apply; and way to make small business rate relief automatic. We what guidance he expects local planning authorities to are considering options and will make an announcement apply in making decisions on large strategic about how we propose to proceed in due course. applications before such guidance is published. [966] 135W Written Answers8 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 136W

Robert Neill: We are absolutely committed to abolishing Stock owned by Percentage of total Regional Strategies. We are keen to move in advance of Region co-ops (number) co-op owned stock legislation and are currently considering revoking Regional Strategies ahead of taking legislation through Parliament. London 4,643 39.5 We will make a statement in due course. South East 1,904 16.2 My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has South West 20 0.2 written to all local authority leaders and the Planning East Midlands 711 6.0 Inspectorate confirming the Government’s intention East of England 318 2.7 and saying that he expects them to have regard to his West Midlands 1,080 9.2 letter as a material consideration in decisions on applications Yorkshire and The 144 1.2 and local development frameworks. A copy of the letter Humber has been placed in the Library of the House. North East 569 4.8 North West 2,380 20.2 Outside England 0 0.0 Andrew George: To ask the Secretary of State for Total 11,769 100.0 Communities and Local Government on what date he expects regional spatial strategies to cease to be Social leased housing and non-social housing owned effective; and what function such strategies will have by small associations owning/managing less than 1,000 prior to that date. [992] units/bed spaces) is not included in these stock totals. Figures for the year to 31 March 2010 are expected to Robert Neill: We are absolutely committed to abolishing be published in August. regional strategies, including regional housing targets. We are keen to move in advance of legislation and are Social Rented Housing: Finance currently considering revoking regional strategies ahead of taking legislation through Parliament. We will make a statement in due course. Natascha Engel: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what his policy is My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has on the funding by his Department of programmes for written to all local authority leaders and the Planning houses for social rent. [1465] Inspectorate confirming the Government’s intention and saying that he expects them to have regard to his letter as a material consideration in decisions on applications Andrew Stunell: Protecting spending on social housing and local development frameworks. A copy of the letter remains a Government priority. That is why, when we has been placed in the Library of the House. announced £6.2 billion of savings to tackle the deficit, we made available £170 million to safeguard delivery of around 4,000 otherwise unfunded social rented homes. Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what timetable Social Rented Housing: Lambeth he has planned for the abolition of regional spatial strategies and the return of decision-making powers on housing and planning to local councils. [1027] Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what plans he Robert Neill: We are absolutely committed to abolishing has for capital allocations to the Decent Homes regional strategies, including regional housing targets programme of (a) Lambeth Living and (b) United and will introduce legislation in the first session to do Residents Housing arms length management so. We are keen to move in advance of legislation and organisation in 2011-12. [1091] are currently considering revoking regional strategies. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has written Andrew Stunell: Neither the Lambeth Living ALMO to all local authority leaders and the Planning Inspectorate nor the United Residents Housing ALMO has yet confirming the Government’s intention and that letter received a high enough rating after inspection by the can be used as a material consideration in planning Audit Commission to access additional funding for its decisions. A copy of the letter has been placed in the decent homes programme. Library of the House. Funding for the decent homes programme will be decided in the context of the Government’s spending review. Allocations to specific ALMOs will be decided Social Rented Housing once the outcome of the review is known.

Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Social Rented Housing: Standards Communities and Local Government how many cooperative housing units are registered in each region. Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for [1173] Communities and Local Government what plans he has for the future of his Department’s Decent Homes Andrew Stunell [holding answer 7 June 2010]: The programme. [1090] number of housing units either owned or managed by cooperatives registered as a provider of social housing Andrew Stunell: Future funding for the decent homes with the Tenant Services Authority at 31 March 2009 is programme will be decided in the context of the as follows: Government’s spending review. 137W Written Answers8 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 138W

Travellers: Caravan Sites Mr Gibb [holding answer 7 June 2010]: We expect that the closure of BECTA will save £10 million in Mr Gray: To ask the Secretary of State for 2010-11 after all costs have been met, and the savings in Communities and Local Government what guidance he subsequent years will be £65 million per year. plans to issue to planning inspectors in respect of the treatment of appeals against planning decisions Building Schools for the Future Programme regarding housing on traveller encampments taken in accordance with requirements of regional spatial Rachel Reeves: To ask the Secretary of State for strategies in the period prior to abolition of such Education what recent discussions he has had with strategies. [1260] local authorities on the future of the Building Schools for the Future programme. [756] Robert Neill: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government has now Mr Gibb: The Department is reviewing the Building written to all local planning authorities and the Planning Schools for the Future programme to ensure that when Inspectorate setting out our intention to abolish regional we build schools for the future, we do so in a more strategies and return decision making powers on housing cost-effective and efficient fashion. (including the provision of Travellers’ sites) and planning to local councils. That letter will be a material consideration Bridget Phillipson: To ask the Secretary of State for in the determination of planning applications and appeals Education (1) what his plans are for future funding of and the development of plans for Traveller sites. the Building Schools for the Future programme in (a) Houghton and Sunderland South constituency and (b) the North East; [906] LEADER OF THE HOUSE (2) how much funding he plans to allocate to the Building Schools for the Future project at Hetton Government Departments: Reviews School. [907]

Andrew Miller: To ask the Leader of the House what Mr Gibb [holding answer 7 June 2010]: The Department reviews are being undertaken by the Government; for is reviewing the Building Schools for the Future programme what purpose in each such case; and to what estimated to ensure that when we build schools for the future, we timescale. [1374] do so in a more cost-effective and efficient fashion. Sir George Young: The Coalition Agreement sets out Building Schools for the Future Programme: Durham in detail the Government’s future plans, including the key reviews it will be undertaking. Individual Departments Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for will bring forward detailed information about these Education (1) what his plans are for the future of reviews in due course. Durham county council’s Building Schools for the Future programme; and if he will make a statement; [110] PRIME MINISTER (2) which private finance initiative projects for which his Department is responsible he expects to be Crimes of Violence: Females cancelled consequent on the chief secretary to the Treasury’s announcement of 24 May 2010. [233] Jo Swinson: To ask the Prime Minister if he will appoint a Minister with responsibility for Mr Gibb: The Department is reviewing the Building co-ordinating the work of the Department for Schools for the Future programme to ensure that when International Development, the Foreign and we build schools for the future, we do so in a more Commonwealth Office and the Ministry of Defence to cost-effective and efficient fashion. tackle violence against women overseas. [1362] Building Schools for the Future Programme: Gateshead The Prime Minister: The Government are committed to tackling violence against women internationally, building Mr Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for on the work we are already doing bilaterally with partner Education how much funding from the Building countries, and with the United Nations. The machinery Schools for the Future programme he plans to allocate of government is kept under review. to Gateshead. [880]

Mr Gibb: The Department is reviewing the Building EDUCATION Schools for the Future programme to ensure that when we build schools for the future, we do so in a more British Educational Communications and Technology cost-effective and efficient fashion. Agency Building Schools for the Future Programme: Ed Balls: To ask the Secretary of State for Education Nottinghamshire what estimate he has made of the (a) cost and (b) savings to the Exchequer arising from the abolition of John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for the British Education Communications and Education (1) what capital funding his Department has Technology Agency in (i) 2010-11, (ii) 2011-12 and (iii) allocated to the rebuilding of Selby Park primary 2012-13. [1198] school in the next four years; [2] 139W Written Answers8 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 140W

(2) what funding his Department has allocated for Departmental Manpower (a) new school building and (b) school rebuilding projects in Nottinghamshire in each of the next four Mr Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for years. [34] Education how many (a) front-line and (b) other staff were employed by (i) his Department and (ii) each of Mr Gibb: The Department is reviewing the Building its agencies in the latest year for which figures are Schools for the Future programme to ensure that when available; and what his most recent estimate is of the we build schools for the future, we do so in a more annual cost to the public purse of employing staff of cost-effective and efficient fashion. each type at each of those bodies. [533]

Building Schools for the Future Programme: Telford Michael Gove: The Department for Education does not have any agencies, nor does it directly employ what is described as front line staff. David Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what his plans are for funding of the school The number of staff employed by the Department is rebuilding programme relating to (a) Wrockwardine available on the website of the Office for National Wood, (b) Phoenix, (c) Lord Silkin and (d) Statistics: Sutherland Secondary School in Telford; and if he will http://www.statistics.gov.uk/StatBase/ make a statement. [745] Product.asp?vlnk=2899&Pos=&ColRank=1&Rank=422 The most recently published data in relation to the Mr Gibb: The Department is reviewing the Building cost of employing staff in the Department are published Schools for the Future programme to ensure that when in the 2008-09 Resource Accounts which is available at: we build schools for the future, we do so in a more http://publications.dcsf.gov.uk/default.aspx?PageFunction =product cost-effective and efficient fashion. details&PageMode=publications&Productld=HC+448 The Department’s 2009-10 Resource Accounts will Departmental Internet be published in mid-July 2010. Departmental Public Expenditure Mr Knight: To ask the Secretary of State for Education (1) how much his Department has spent on Mr Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for the creation of the www.scienceandmaths.net website; Education what estimate he has made of the cost to his [35] Department of the (a) implementation of penalty (2) how much his Department has spent promoting clauses and payments in its contracts and (b) potential the www.scienceandmaths.net website (a) on the radio, legal action arising from the deferral and cancellation (b) on television, (c) on billboard posters, (d) online of contracts and projects under his Department’s plans and (e) by other means. [263] to achieve cost savings; and whether those estimates are included in the total cost savings to be achieved by his Michael Gove: The creation of the website originally Department. [569] cost £42,706.67 in 2007-08. Up to 31 March 2010, further production enhancements to the site, in response Michael Gove: My officials are liaising with the Office to young people and sector feedback, cost £137,000. In of Government Commerce who are undertaking work total, £179,706.67 has been spent on creating the website. to review major projects and support the renegotiation Table A outlines the media costs used to promote the of contracts on behalf of central Government to seek value of science and maths qualifications as a whole, as efficiencies in the region of £1.7 billion. The analysis of well as www.scienceandmaths.net website. contingent liabilities, in order to achieve maximum actual savings, is a core part of the review methodology There is no ongoing expenditure committed to promoting and OGC will be taking into account the potential costs the website post-March 2010, there has been no spend of deferment or cancellation. The Department is also on outdoor advertising and all costs are exclusive of currently undertaking an analysis of the remaining VAT. relevant contracts which will take into account all exit Table A: Media costs costs associated with early termination of contracts and £ cancellation of ongoing procurements. Media 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 Teaching Methods Radio 285,075 374,138 463,950 Television — 497,222 540,459 Online (digital) — 245,997 370,000 Rachel Reeves: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what recent discussions he has had with local authorities on the implementation of the one-to- Other one tuition scheme. [757] Cinema 171,395.77 11,094,582.94 11,024,342.47 PR 1— 1— 1— Mr Gibb: The Secretary of State has not held any Press advertorials 1— 1— 1— discussions directly with local authorities on the subject Collateral 1— 1— 1— of one-to-one tuition. He has, however, confirmed that Digital 1— 1— 1— he will protect front-line spending for schools, and the partnerships £256 million allocated to schools and local authorities Total 356,470.77 2,221,939.94 2,398,751.47 for one-to-one tuition in 2010-11 is included within that 1 Represents a brace. category. The Department has handed £47 million back 141W Written Answers8 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 142W to the Treasury as part of the Government’s broader 22. Matthew Hancock: To ask the Chancellor of the drive to secure public sector savings over the course of Exchequer what steps his Department is taking to the financial year 2010-11. These savings have been increase economic growth. [939] made from centrally held funding for one-to-one tuition which had not yet been allocated and for which no Mr Gauke: The Government are taking action to spending plans had been announced. support enterprise and create a fair, competitive, and Departmental officials have continued to work closely efficient tax system in order to deliver the private-sector with local authority officers responsible for the led recovery that will be the foundation of future growth. implementation of one-to-one tuition locally. Fundamental to this strategy will be tackling the budget deficit and providing a stable macroeconomic environment that will underpin private-sector investment and growth. Further details of the action Government will take to TREASURY secure future growth will be included in the Emergency Budget on 22 June. Budget Deficit 24. Mark Pritchard: To ask the Chancellor of the 19. Mr Hollobone: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent representations he has received Exchequer what steps his Department is taking to on his policy on capital gains tax. [941] reduce the level of the budget deficit. [936] Mr Gauke: We have received a number of representations Justine Greening: The Treasury has received a number on the proposals to reform capital gains tax. We will of budget representations from various sources, some take all factors into consideration when making tax of which make reference to the budget deficit. policy and further details will be provided at Budget. The Coalition Agreement states that “deficit reduction, and continuing to ensure economic recovery, is the most Devolved Administrations urgent issue facing Britain”. The Chancellor has announced the first step in tackling 23. Roger Williams: To ask the Chancellor of the the deficit, setting out details of how to save over Exchequer what his policy is on the mechanism for £6 billion from spending during this financial year. This the provision of funding from the Exchequer to the is the fastest and most collegiate spending review in devolved administrations; and if he will make a recent history. statement. [940] At the emergency Budget on 22 June, the Chancellor Danny Alexander: The Government recognise the will set out a comprehensive plan to accelerate reduction concerns expressed by the Holtham Commission on of the UK’s deficit over the course of this Parliament. Welsh funding, the House of Lords Select Committee Economic Growth report on the Barnett formula and other commentators on the system of devolution funding. 20. Eric Ollerenshaw: To ask the Chancellor of the However, as set out in the coalition programme for Exchequer what steps his Department is taking to government, at this time the priority must be to reduce increase economic growth. [937] the deficit and therefore any change to the system must await the stabilisation of the public finances. Mr Gauke: The Government are taking action to Credit Unions support enterprise and create a fair, competitive, and efficient tax system in order to deliver the private-sector led recovery that will be the foundation of future growth. 25. Bob Russell: To ask the Chancellor of the Fundamental to this strategy will be tackling the budget Exchequer if he will make it his policy to provide deficit and providing a stable macroeconomic environment financial assistance to community-based credit unions. that will underpin private-sector investment and growth. [942] Further details of the action Government will take to Justine Greening: The Government have made clear secure future growth will be included in the Emergency that the role of social enterprises, charities and co-operatives Budget on 22 June. will be enhanced. The provision of financial assistance is a matter for Ministers with responsibility for community- 21. Elizabeth Truss: To ask the Chancellor of the based credit unions in their own areas. Exchequer what steps his Department is taking to increase economic growth. [938] Departmental Billing

Mr Gauke: The Government are taking action to Stewart Hosie: To ask the Chancellor of the support enterprise and create a fair, competitive, and Exchequer what percentage of invoices from suppliers efficient tax system in order to deliver the private-sector to his Department were paid within 10-days of receipt led recovery that will be the foundation of future growth. in (a) March and (b) April 2010. [1252] Fundamental to this strategy will be tackling the budget deficit and providing a stable macroeconomic environment Justine Greening: The percentage of Treasury invoices that will underpin private-sector investment and growth. paid within 10-days of receipt from suppliers was 92.2% for Further details of the action Government will take to March 2010 and 95.2% for April 2010 against a target secure future growth will be included in the Emergency set by the Department for Business Innovation and Budget on 22 June. Skills of 90%. 143W Written Answers8 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 144W

Excise Duties: Beer Members: Correspondence

Peter Bottomley: To ask the Chancellor of the Mr Baron: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Exchequer how many changes there have been to the when his Department plans to respond to the letter of level of duty in sales of beer in the last 30 months; and 28 April 2010 from the then hon. Member for Billericay what the total percentage change has been. [955] regarding his constituent Mr Welford. [1006]

Justine Greening: The rate of duty on beer has been Justine Greening: The Treasury hopes to be in a changed four times in the past 30 months, a 26% increase position to respond to the hon. Member shortly and in total. apologises for the delay in doing so.

ORAL ANSWERS

Tuesday 8 June 2010

Col. No. Col. No. TREASURY ...... 159 TREASURY—continued Bingo Industry...... 172 Economic Growth...... 165 Budget Deficit...... 161 Economic Growth...... 170 Budget Deficit...... 173 Equitable Life ...... 167 Child Poverty ...... 169 Tax Avoidance ...... 172 Consultants...... 165 Tax (Pensioners)...... 160 Devolved Administrations ...... 171 Topical Questions ...... 174 Economic Growth...... 159 WRITTEN MINISTERIAL STATEMENTS

Tuesday 8 June 2010

Col. No. Col. No. CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT ...... 5WS PRIME MINISTER ...... 6WS Media and Technology...... 5WS Prime Ministerial Appointments...... 6WS

TRANSPORT ...... 7WS Motorcycle Test ...... 7WS ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS...... 6WS TREASURY ...... 5WS Sea Fish Industry Authority...... 6WS Office for Budget Responsibility ...... 5WS WRITTEN ANSWERS

Tuesday 8 June 2010

Col. No. Col. No. ATTORNEY-GENERAL ...... 91W COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT— Conditional Fee Arrangements ...... 91W continued Departmental Ministerial Policy Advisers...... 91W Ordnance Survey...... 134W Planning Permission: Appeals...... 134W BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS ...... 115W Regional Planning and Development...... 134W Apprentices...... 115W Social Rented Housing...... 135W Business: Closures...... 115W Social Rented Housing: Finance ...... 136W Companies Act 2006 ...... 116W Social Rented Housing: Lambeth ...... 136W Company Accounts...... 116W Social Rented Housing: Standards...... 136W Departmental Public Expenditure...... 116W Travellers: Caravan Sites ...... 137W Further Education: Finance...... 116W Further Education: Manpower ...... 117W CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT ...... 105W Departmental Mobile Phones ...... 105W COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT.. 126W Departmental Official Cars...... 106W Council Housing: Construction ...... 126W Olympic Games 2012: Lancashire ...... 106W Council Tax ...... 126W S4C: Finance...... 106W Departmental Billing ...... 126W Departmental Manpower...... 127W Departmental Ministerial Policy Advisers...... 127W DEFENCE...... 92W Departmental Official Cars...... 127W Aircraft Carriers ...... 92W Departmental Public Appointments...... 129W Atomic Weapons Establishment...... 92W Departmental Public Expenditure...... 129W China: Military Aid ...... 93W Fire Services...... 129W Departmental Consultants...... 93W Green Belt...... 129W Departmental Ministerial Policy Advisers...... 93W Housing Associations...... 130W France...... 94W Housing: Construction...... 130W Hebrides Missile Range...... 94W Housing: Regeneration...... 131W Hercules Aircraft ...... 94W Housing: South East ...... 131W Nuclear Submarines...... 95W Local Development Frameworks ...... 132W Quick Reaction Alert ...... 95W Local Government Finance ...... 132W Local Government: Pay ...... 132W DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER ...... 124W Local Government: Public Consultation...... 132W Departmental Pay ...... 124W Local Government: Reorganisation ...... 133W Departmental Public Appointments...... 124W Local Government: Third Sector ...... 133W Departmental Responsibilities ...... 124W Non-domestic Rates...... 133W General Election 2010...... 125W Non-domestic Rates: Ports...... 134W Norman Lamb...... 125W Col. No. Col. No. EDUCATION...... 137W HEALTH—continued British Educational Communications and NHS...... 113W Technology Agency...... 137W NHS: Finance ...... 113W Building Schools for the Future Programme ...... 138W NHS: West Midlands ...... 113W Building Schools for the Future Programme: Prescription Drugs...... 114W Durham ...... 138W Royal Liverpool University Hospital...... 114W Building Schools for the Future Programme: Trade Unions ...... 115W Gateshead...... 138W Building Schools for the Future Programme: HOME DEPARTMENT...... 105W Nottinghamshire...... 138W Closed Circuit Television ...... 105W Building Schools for the Future Programme: Crime Prevention ...... 105W Telford ...... 139W Forensic Science Service...... 105W Departmental Internet ...... 139W Knives: Crime ...... 105W Departmental Manpower...... 140W Departmental Public Expenditure...... 140W INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT...... 108W Teaching Methods...... 140W Departmental Billing ...... 108W Departmental Manpower...... 108W ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE ...... 110W Departmental Public Expenditure...... 109W Departmental Manpower...... 110W Overseas Aid...... 109W Renewable Energy: Waste ...... 110W Overseas Aid: Public Consultation...... 110W Trade Unions ...... 110W ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS...... 87W JUSTICE...... 117W Bovine Tuberculosis: Disease Control ...... 87W Corruption: Public Service...... 117W Cattle: Animal Welfare...... 87W Departmental Electronic Equipment ...... 118W Departmental Billing ...... 87W Departmental Manpower...... 118W Environmental Stewardship Scheme ...... 88W Departmental Public Expenditure...... 118W Fisheries: Northern Ireland...... 88W Departmental Redundancy Pay ...... 118W Flood Control...... 88W Electoral Commission...... 119W Floods: Pendle ...... 88W Electoral Register...... 119W Floods: Worcestershire...... 89W Law Centres ...... 122W Food: Procurement ...... 89W Rape: Disclosure of Information ...... 122W Forestry Commission...... 90W Trade Unions ...... 122W Hazardous Substances: Waste Disposal ...... 90W Young Offender Institutions...... 123W

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE..... 96W LEADER OF THE HOUSE ...... 137W Anguilla ...... 96W Government Departments: Reviews...... 137W Anguilla and Turks and Caicos Islands...... 96W Ascension Island...... 97W NORTHERN IRELAND ...... 104W British Overseas Territories: Biodiversity ...... 97W Departmental Billing ...... 104W British Overseas Territories: Equality...... 98W Departmental Redundancy Pay ...... 104W Colombia: Human Rights...... 98W Trade Unions ...... 104W Cuba ...... 98W Cuba: EU External Relations...... 98W PRIME MINISTER ...... 137W Cyprus: Peace Negotiations ...... 99W Crimes of Violence: Females...... 137W Democratic Republic of Congo: Peacekeeping Operations ...... 99W TRANSPORT ...... 106W Departmental Ministerial Policy Advisers...... 99W Departmental Public Expenditure...... 106W Departmental Official Cars...... 100W Northern Rail: Rolling Stock ...... 107W Gibraltar: Equality ...... 100W River Wear: Bridges ...... 107W Honduras: Politics and Government ...... 100W Safety Belts ...... 108W Palestinians: International Assistance ...... 100W Pitcairn Islands: Children ...... 102W TREASURY ...... 141W Russia: Corruption...... 102W Budget Deficit...... 141W Turks and Caicos Islands: Elections...... 102W Credit Unions ...... 142W UN Security Council...... 103W Departmental Billing ...... 142W Venezuela: Foreign Relations ...... 103W Devolved Administrations ...... 142W Yemen: Politics and Government ...... 103W Economic Growth...... 141W Excise Duties: Beer ...... 143W HEALTH...... 111W Members: Correspondence ...... 144W Departmental Billing ...... 111W Departmental Manpower...... 111W WALES...... 90W Departmental Public Expenditure...... 111W Departmental Manpower...... 90W Departmental Redundancy Pay ...... 112W Departmental Redundancy Pay ...... 90W General Practitioners ...... 112W Trade Unions ...... 90W General Practitioners: Passports ...... 112W Health Centres: Christchurch...... 112W WORK AND PENSIONS ...... 91W Marie Stopes International ...... 112W Pensioners: Poverty ...... 91W Members who wish to have the Daily Report of the Debates forwarded to them should give notice at the Vote Office. The Bound Volumes will also be sent to Members who similarly express their desire to have them. No proofs of the Daily Reports can be supplied, nor can corrections be made in the Weekly Edition. Corrections which Members suggest for the Bound Volume should be clearly marked in the Daily Report, but not telephoned, and the copy containing the Corrections must be received at the Editor’s Room, House of Commons,

not later than Tuesday 15 June 2010

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CONTENTS

Tuesday 8 June 2010

Oral Answers to Questions [Col. 159] [see index inside back page] Chancellor of the Exchequer

Speaker’s Statement [Col. 182]

Debate on the Address (Sixth Day) [Col. 183] Amendment—(Mr Darling)—on a Division, negatived Amendment—(Angus Robertson)—on a Division, negatived Main Question, on a Division, agreed to

Petition [Col. 303]

Housing Policy [Col. 304] Debate on motion for Adjournment

Written Ministerial Statements [Col. 5WS]

Written Answers to Questions [Col. 87W] [see index inside back page]