Monday Volume 541 5 March 2012 No. 273

HOUSE OF COMMONS OFFICIAL REPORT

PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES (HANSARD)

Monday 5 March 2012

£5·00 © Parliamentary Copyright House of Commons 2012 This publication may be reproduced under the terms of the Parliamentary Click-Use Licence, available online through The National Archives website at www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/information-management/our-services/parliamentary-licence-information.htm Enquiries to The National Archives, Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 4DU; e-mail: [email protected] 545 5 MARCH 2012 546

“We’re offering young people the opportunity to…understand House of Commons what the workplace is…really…about and it appears that there is some plan to sabotage this which…is nonsense…it seems …straightforward. You can come in, you can get work experience Monday 5 March 2012 and if you…don’t like it after the first week you can” leave. The House met at half-past Two o’clock Julian Sturdy: Given the importance of schemes such as work experience to giving unemployed people the PRAYERS skills they need to compete in the labour market, especially in the north, will my right hon. Friend update the House on discussions he has had with companies that [MR SPEAKER in the Chair] support the Government in trying to achieve that?

Mr Duncan Smith: My right hon. Friend the Minister Oral Answers to Questions of State who has responsibility for employment held a meeting with a number of employers who are part of the scheme, all of whom backed and supported it. They were concerned that the message goes out that the WORK AND PENSIONS scheme benefits young people. One employer who is not a profit-maker—the chief executive of Barnardo’s—said: The Secretary of State was asked— “Scrapping the scheme would have taken a lifeline from thousands of young people.” Work Experience I should also quote a girl called Dawn, who was on the programme after having real trouble finding work. She 1. Stephen Metcalfe (South Basildon and East Thurrock) said that work experience was daunting, but: (Con): What recent assessment he has made of the “It’s work experience—the clue’s in the name. Nobody is going outcomes of his Department’s work experience schemes to give you a job unless you get experience first, and that means for unemployed people. [97688] sometimes working for free”.

17. Julian Sturdy (York Outer) (Con): What recent Mr Barry Sheerman (Huddersfield) (Lab/Co-op): I assessment he has made of the outcomes of his urge the Secretary of State to sort out the teething problems Department’s work experience schemes for unemployed with the programme—there have been such problems. people. [97707] Will he look at the Morrisons initiative, which is different and overcomes many of the criticisms that have been The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (Mr Iain made of the programme? Will he also be assured that Duncan Smith): Work experience is a very positive scheme, many Opposition Members want a scheme that gets and 51% of people are off benefits 13 weeks after young people into work and work experience rather starting a placement. I am delighted to tell the House than being on the dole? that, notwithstanding the attempts to damage the programme, it remains strong, with another 200 employers, Mr Duncan Smith: I accept the hon. Gentleman’s including Airbus and Centre Parcs, wanting to get positive involvement. I simply say to him that the scheme involved to help young people to gain vital experience as it stands is incredibly positive. More than 50% of of work. those who enter the work experience scheme go into work, many with the employers who took them on for Stephen Metcalfe: Will my right hon. Friend expand work experience. The reason we set up the scheme is on the answer he has just given and tell the House what what young people said, and they told us, ″Our problem other support he has received since the row about work is that when we go to an interview, employers ask us, experience broke out? This vitally important and publicly ’What experience have you got?’ We say, ’We don’t have popular initiative helps young people to get the experience experience.’ They say, ’We can’t employ you.’ But without they need to get into work. Would he echo Sir Stuart employment we can’t get work experience.” I genuinely Rose’s comments that companies involved in the scheme believe from our discussions with employers that the should show some “backbone”and not give in to politically scheme is a positive move, but I will certainly look at the motivated protests? scheme that the hon. Gentleman talks about. Mr Duncan Smith: Before I answer that question, may I pass our message of support to the Chair of the Stephen Timms (East Ham) (Lab): I echo the Secretary Select Committee on Work and Pensions, who has had of State’s good wishes to the Chair of the Work and a terrible accident? We wish her well and a speedy Pensions Committee. recovery to her normal place for Work and Pensions Work experience is a very good thing. The Minister questions. of State has emphasised that the scheme is voluntary—his There has been a lot of support for the work experience U-turn last week underlined that—but jobcentre letters programme. A small number of people, in some cases say the opposite. They say: backed by the unions, have made trouble. I shall quote “If, without good reason, you fail to start, fail to go when Sir Stuart Rose—this is interesting because his successful expected or stop going…Jobseekers Allowance could cease to be career started at the bottom. He said: payable”. 547 Oral Answers5 MARCH 2012 Oral Answers 548

The Department for Work and Pensions website says way to tackle child poverty in the long run is to break the same. Until recently the website also said that the the cycle of dependency now running, in some cases, minimum wage applied unless work experience was into three generations? Many of the measures he has compulsory. That point has mysteriously disappeared mentioned, including work experience schemes, literacy from the site. Will the Secretary of State get a grip, clear programmes, subsidy programmes and so on, are designed up this extraordinary muddle and end the confusion in to do that. his Department? Mr Duncan Smith: I agree with my hon. Friend. We Mr Duncan Smith: I will do a little deal with the right also inherited a system with far too much in-work hon. Gentleman: I will ensure that any little discrepancies poverty. Our aim is to move as many people as possible are sorted out, providing that he and his party step through universal credit and into work, and to ensure forward and publicly welcome the whole idea of the that, through universal credit, they are better off. That work experience programme and condemn the many is the key point. I have also made the point, however, unions, such as Unite, GMB, Unison and others, that that the idea of “poverty plus a pound”, by which we are backing this ludicrous Right to Work programme. just rotate money between people to move them slightly Will the Opposition state that the unions should withdraw above a particular level before they collapse back, is their backing? Last week, we held discussions with a mistake and led to poverty rising on the previous employers, and they asked that no sanctions be taken Government’s watch. unless they say that something has happened to damage the business or cause a problem. We have agreed that in essence, and that is how it will stand. Mrs Anne McGuire (Stirling) (Lab): A recent report by the Children’s Society indicates that there will be a Child Poverty sharp increase in the number of disabled children living in poverty when universal credit is introduced, as a 2. Mr Jim Cunningham (Coventry South) (Lab): result of the £1,400 a year reduction. All the statistics What steps he plans to take to reduce child poverty by show that poverty disproportionately impacts on families 2015. [97689] with disabled children. Does the Secretary of State think that the current levels of support are too generous? The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (Mr Iain If not, why do the Government continue with this very Duncan Smith): Across Government, we are investing in harsh proposal? a range of programmes to tackle the drivers of child poverty. Universal credit alone will lift 350,000 children Mr Duncan Smith: It is my belief that universal credit out of poverty. The previous Labour Government spent will hugely help people in those situations, and the £150 billion on tax credits from 2004-2010, much of transitional protection for them will also protect those which was targeted at families with children, but despite who move on to a slightly different level. My main point that, as the Institute for Fiscal Studies noted recently, to the hon. Lady, who I know takes this very seriously— we are still a long way off hitting the targets. There is still much to be done. Mrs McGuire: Right honourable. Mr Cunningham: Is the Secretary of State aware that, according to the IFS, the Government will not reach Mr Duncan Smith: I beg her pardon. I say to the right their statutory target by 2015? Equally importantly, is hon. Lady—quite rightly so and well deserved—that we he aware that of the 35,000 children in Coventry and are in the business of trying to secure life change Warwickshire whose families are on the poverty line through all these groups so that they can take control of and will experience a reduction of £1,400 a year, many their lives. My hon. Friend the Minister with responsibility are disabled? Will he reconsider his position on that? for disabled people is working to ensure that it is far easier than ever before for people to get into work and Mr Duncan Smith: Interestingly, the IFS assumed take control of their lives, and that is what most of the that no changes to future policy would be made and did lobby wants us to do. not account for fundamentals, such as behaviour change, or for education policies such as the early intervention work and some of the education reforms. The IFS did Student Support not consider several other policies—for example, the work with disadvantaged two-year-olds, the £180 million bursary fund, the early intervention grant and the fairness 3. Andrew Griffiths (Burton) (Con): What steps his premium—which is fair enough, but we believe that Department is taking to support students who suspend they would affect its figures. We are desperately keen to their studies due to illness. [97690] eradicate child poverty, as we originally stated, and we stand by that. We did not enter power not to do that. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Work The hon. Gentleman needs to acknowledge, however, and Pensions (Maria Miller): It is important to support that we also inherited a terrible deficit and huge debt students who become seriously ill. Those whose illness problem. Those things tend to collide, but we are doing or disability causes them to suspend their studies with our level best—this is what universal credit does—to the agreement of their college may be eligible for disability rectify the situation for the poorest in society. living allowance, which has a three-month qualifying period. A student in receipt of DLA can also claim Mr Julian Brazier (Canterbury) (Con): Does my right employment and support allowance. However, those hon. Friend agree that in a country where one child in who are terminally ill are not subject to the qualifying five is growing up in a household without work, the best period and can claim DLA and ESA immediately. 549 Oral Answers5 MARCH 2012 Oral Answers 550

Andrew Griffiths: My constituent Ian Leech sadly for young people. We and employers are working together lost his daughter Melissa to non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma to give young people the support they need to gain in 2008, while she was a student. It was six months employment. before Mel received any financial support from the Government. I am proud that last year the Government Mr Jones: At a meeting with business people in my removed an important barrier to seriously ill students constituency some months ago, there were calls for a receiving support, by ending the rule that said that small tax break, or some other form of support from those who had to suspend their studies would be treated the Government, to help them take on young people. I as having received their student loan. However, those am therefore delighted that 160,000 job subsidies worth students cannot claim ESA unless they qualify for up to £2,275 will now be available for each business that DLA, even though they might be suffering from a employs an 18 to 24-year-old through the Work programme. disease such as cancer. Will the Minister look again at Can the Minister comment on the level of interest in the what more can be done to help students? scheme so far?

Maria Miller: I am very much aware of the case that Chris Grayling: There is already considerable interest my hon. Friend raises and pay tribute to Mr Leech, who in what is planned, and I hope that it will give unemployed has been a tireless campaigner for change in this area. young people a leg-up in the workplace. We hope that Employment and support allowance is an income- the challenge that they face owing to a lack of previous replacement benefit; therefore, students are eligible only experience—which we were talking about earlier—will under limited circumstances, because their main source be ameliorated, at least to some degree, by the incentive of financial support is the education system. However, I payment that we will provide, and that the result will be understand my hon. Friend’s point that a three-month far more young people getting their first opportunity to qualifying period for DLA means that some long-term get into work. sick students might have to serve a waiting period before they become eligible for ESA. I am taking the Mark Menzies: I thank the Minister for his original opportunity presented by the introduction of PIP— answer, but can he tell me what Jobcentre Plus will be the personal independence payment—to reconsider the doing differently as a result of the youth contract? position, and I can tell him that I am looking closely at it. Chris Grayling: We are also stepping up the support that we provide to young unemployed people through Jonathan Ashworth (Leicester South) (Lab): A constituent Jobcentre Plus, which will include more frequent work- of mine, Mr Ollie Evans, had to interrupt his studies focused interviews. We are also recruiting more youth owing to a serious illness. He was unable to claim the advisers in Jobcentre Plus to provide help to the young various benefits that the Minister has outlined; at the unemployed. We are determined to deal with the problem same time, the Student Loans Company was clawing of youth unemployment, which in all parts of the back all types of support that it had given him. Will she House we agree is a massive challenge for the nation. commit to working in collaboration with the Minister for Universities and Science to put in place a more Sheila Gilmore (Edinburgh East) (Lab): If the scheme flexible system of support for students who have to is to cover 5% of those in the NEET category—those interrupt their studies? not in education, employment or training—what plans does the Minister have for the other 95%?

Maria Miller: The hon. Gentleman will already be Chris Grayling: I assume that the hon. Lady is referring aware that if students fall ill they are eligible for student to the programme that we have just announced for 16 to finance for up to 60 days—I am sure that he will have 17-year-olds. Of course, the big challenge with that age advised his constituent of that. I can assure him that as group is not the total number of NEETs, because most PIP is developed and we consider the issue further, we young people move quickly back into education. However, will be talking to colleagues in other Departments. The there is a hard core of young people who spend long important thing is that we have the right support in periods not in education or employment, and they are place for long-term sick and disabled students. not in the benefits system either, so we have no direct means of engaging with them. I hope and believe that Youth Contract the new approach—founded on payment by results, with charitable and private sector groups working together to try to reach that audience—will make a big difference 4. Mr Marcus Jones (Nuneaton) (Con): What effect to engaging with them and getting them back into he expects the Government’s youth contract to have on either employment or education. the number of unemployed young people. [97691] Mr Gerry Sutcliffe (Bradford South) (Lab): How will 16. Mark Menzies (Fylde) (Con): What effect he the scheme help people in my constituency, where youth expects the Government’s youth contract to have on the unemployment has increased by 88% in the past 12 months? number of unemployed young people. [97706] Is not this too little, too late?

The Minister of State, Department for Work and Pensions Chris Grayling: I am afraid that the hon. Gentleman (Chris Grayling): We are in the final stages of preparing is continuing to cite figures that are statistically inaccurate. for the launch of the youth contract in April. We believe The figures to which he refers were distorted by the that it will have a positive impact on youth unemployment, previous Government’s propensity to bury young people providing nearly half a million support opportunities in the statistics where they would not be visible. Now 551 Oral Answers5 MARCH 2012 Oral Answers 552 that we do not put people on to a training allowance, the changes implemented following Professor Harrington’s which counts as being off jobseeker’s allowance, we are review, but we have a programme in place to enable us telling the truth about the scale of youth unemployment to catch up by the summer. and seeing the real picture. Our statisticians have made the calculations and found that, when those statistical PAYE adjustments are taken into account, there has been no increase in youth unemployment of more than six months over the past two years. 8. Teresa Pearce (Erith and Thamesmead) (Lab): What estimate he has made of the cost to a typical Duncan Hames (Chippenham) (LD): Rather than small business of introducing real-time reporting of falling since the general election, youth unemployment PAYE information. [97695] in my constituency has risen by five people; it is still too high, however, and I certainly welcome the youth contract. The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (Mr Iain Clearly, it has also risen in other parts of the country at Duncan Smith): Real-time reporting of PAYE information a rate that the west of England has not experienced, so aims to reduce administrative burdens for all employers, will there be a way of ensuring that the take-up of the and builds on processes that are already in place. The youth contract will be high in the parts of the country current burden of PAYE falls disproportionately on where it is most needed? small employers. We are building on existing processes, and the annual saving to all businesses is estimated Chris Grayling: I absolutely agree with my hon. Friend at £300 million per year from 2014-15. The smallest that this is a huge challenge for us. The truth is that, employers—those employing nine people or fewer—will since the general election, youth unemployment has be given free software upgrades by Her Majesty’s Revenue risen by approximately 100,000, with about half that and Customs. increase coming from full-time students looking for part-time jobs. I regard any level of youth unemployment Teresa Pearce: I thank the Secretary of State for that as too high, and I hope that the subsidies that we answer. A recent HMRC consultation showed that 75% of provide for employers who hire young people, together people thought that the Government’s time scale for with the extra work experience and apprenticeship places implementing real-time PAYEinformation was unachievable. being created through the youth contract, will help All employers will have to move to the new system by those in precisely the parts of the country to which he is October 2013 if universal credit is to succeed, yet some referring. small businesses are still unaware of the time scale, and many are not computerised. What additional assistance Incapacity Benefit will the Government provide to help such businesses to ensure that they meet the timetable? 6. John Woodcock (Barrow and Furness) (Lab/Co-op): What recent progress he has made on reassessing the Mr Duncan Smith: HMRC, which is now responsible incapacity benefit case load. [97693] for this measure, meets me and others in the Department regularly. We have embedded some DWP employees in The Minister of State, Department for Work and Pensions the HMRC programme; they are locked together. They (Chris Grayling): Incapacity benefit reassessment has are, as I understand it, on time, and they are having been successfully implemented and the reassessment constant discussions with large and small employers exercise remains on track to be completed by spring about the issues and the problems, and assessing what 2014. We are reassessing around 11,000 claimants on needs to be done to make this happen and to make all incapacity benefits each week. Those who are ready and the changes. We must remember that all those firms fit for work are able to receive support via the Work collect those data anyway; the only question is how they programme. Those who are not fit for work will continue report it back within the monthly cycle. We are on top to receive ongoing support for as long as they need it. of that but, obviously, we want to keep our eye on the matter. John Woodcock: I thank the Minister for his answer, but is it not true that growing delays in the process are increasing the uncertainty for vulnerable people? Does Gregg McClymont (Cumbernauld, Kilsyth and he accept the evidence provided by groups such as the Kirkintilloch East) (Lab): Small businesses and business Barrow & District Disability Association that the call-back more widely rightly demand that the burden Government time for the advisers’ helpline has increased from three place on them is as light as possible, but the current hours to often more than 24 hours? Does he acknowledge restrictions on saving for a pension with the National that if this process runs aground due to incompetence, Employment Savings Trust mean that businesses must the most vulnerable people and the taxpayer will lose deal with multiple pension providers. Last month, the out? Pensions Minister told me that he was reflecting on whether to remove the restrictions on NEST. Will the Chris Grayling: Let me repeat that the incapacity Secretary of State confirm that reflection will now turn benefit reassessment process, which is just coming up to into action? one year old, is running on time. We have some delays in the claims process for new claimants of employment Mr Duncan Smith: I was just discussing the matter and support allowance, which is resulting in people with my hon. Friend the Pensions Minister. As the hon. having to wait an average of five days longer to be Gentleman knows, we are looking at this right now. assessed than was previously the case. That is too long. Even though we feel sympathetic to what he says, we are They are having to wait five days longer as a result of still reflecting on the matter. 553 Oral Answers5 MARCH 2012 Oral Answers 554

Cold Weather (Financial Assistance) Tracey Crouch: I thank the Minister for that reply. He will be aware that, because of its shipbuilding and industrial heritage, Medway has the second highest rate 9. Andrew Bingham (High Peak) (Con): What assistance of mesothelioma deaths in the UK. His Department his Department has provided to vulnerable people to has been in active discussions with various stakeholders protect them from cold weather. [97698] regarding a compensation fund of last resort for some time now. Given that we are expecting a spike in The Minister of State, Department for Work and Pensions mesothelioma deaths in the next few years, will he (Steve Webb): This winter, we have made more than advise us when the discussions will conclude and the 5 million cold weather payments at a cost of more than outcomes will ensue? £129 million and over 12 million winter fuel payments at a cost of over £2 billion. Steve Webb: My hon. Friend is a powerful advocate on behalf of her constituents on this terrible condition. Andrew Bingham: I would like to make a plea on We accept that this process is taking longer to conclude behalf of the pensioners in my High Peak constituency, than we had hoped. I can assure her, however, that my which, as the Minister’s colleagues on the Front Bench noble Friend Lord Freud is continuing in active discussion will know from previous visits, is one of the coldest in with the insurance industry and others, and that we are the country. Will the Minister concede that winters in determined to bring forward our proposals as soon as High Peak are cold, bringing increased heating costs for possible. all our residents, but more particularly for old-age pensioners? Nic Dakin (Scunthorpe) (Lab): Is “as soon as possible” within the next six months or the next year? Steve Webb: I am grateful to my hon. Friend. Although Steve Webb: Rather than set an arbitrary deadline, we I have not visited his constituency, I suspect there is a are keen to conclude as rapidly as possible. One important clue in the name. He will be pleased to know that three step forward has been the setting up of the employers’ weather stations are linked to his constituency—Bingley, liability tracing organisation. Often, people worked for Woodford and Leek—and each has been triggered twice firms many years ago, making employer liability insurance this winter, so low-income pensioners and disabled people difficult to come by. This tracing service is helping will all have received £50 this winter to help them with people to get the insurance payouts to which they have their fuel bills. every entitlement.

Mr David Winnick (Walsall North) (Lab): Does the Youth Unemployment Minister accept that, despite the allowances, energy bills remain simply a nightmare for so many elderly and 11. Alex Cunningham (Stockton North) (Lab): What vulnerable people on low incomes, so would it not be steps he is taking to tackle youth unemployment. appropriate for his Department to have a word with the Department of Energy and Climate Change, and [97700] particularly with the Secretary of State, about the very 19. Tony Lloyd (Manchester Central) (Lab): What substantial increases in energy prices, which, as I say, steps he is taking to tackle youth unemployment. [97709] are the cause of so much misery for our elderly people? The Minister of State, Department for Work and Pensions Steve Webb: I am sure the whole House would agree (Chris Grayling): The youth contract, to which I referred with the hon. Gentleman that high energy prices, poor earlier, is worth nearly £1 billion. It builds on the home insulation and a lack of competition in the market substantial support already available to help unemployed are all issues for pensioners—and my right hon. Friend young people to enter work. It includes more intensive the Secretary of State is very much aware of them. I can support for all 18 to 24-year-olds, additional funded tell the hon. Gentleman that 600,000 of the poorest work experience places and a new wage incentive scheme pensioners received £120 off their electricity bills this delivered through the Work programme. winter through the warm home discount scheme— something that will be expanded in future winters. Alex Cunningham: The number of young people in my constituency who are not in education, employment Mesothelioma or training is double the national average, and it has been suggested that the area should be treated as a hot spot for action. Stockton borough council is doing its 10. Tracey Crouch (Chatham and Aylesford) (Con): bit as a local employer, but its powers are limited in the What steps his Department is taking to support people wake of spending cuts. Will the Minister take specific with mesothelioma. [97699] action to help the hardest hit areas, such as mine, and will he make proper resources available so that real The Minister of State, Department for Work and Pensions things can happen, rather than tinkering around the (Steve Webb): The Department provides support for edges? sufferers of mesothelioma by way of compensation paid through the industrial injuries scheme. The main Chris Grayling: As the hon. Gentleman knows, I benefit is a weekly industrial injuries disablement benefit, regard the labour market in the north-east as one of our while lump sum compensation payments are also available big priorities. That is why we have targeted the area with through the Pneumoconiosis etc. (Workers’ Compensation) support through the regional growth fund and established Act 1979 and the diffuse mesothelioma scheme 2008. an enterprise zone in the Tees valley, and that is why we 555 Oral Answers5 MARCH 2012 Oral Answers 556 are doing all that we can—through the Work programme, The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (Mr Iain the different aspects of the youth contract, and our work Duncan Smith): We are making good progress towards in the skills arena in providing more apprenticeships—to the delivery of universal credit in 2013, and I have bring about both private sector growth and an increase fortnightly progress meetings with officials and weekly in the skills of the hon. Gentleman’s constituents to reports from my office. I also chair the universal credit help them get into work. senior sponsorship group, which brings together all Government Departments and agencies that are relevant Tony Lloyd (Manchester Central) (Lab): The Minister to the delivery of universal credit. Design work is well has form with respect to inner-city Manchester: he once under way and is being continually tested with staff and compared Moss Side to the film “The Wire”. Will claimants, and the development of the necessary IT he tell me whether he takes the question of youth systems will continue in parallel. unemployment seriously? We know that, if left unchecked, it will have an impact on all the malaises that lead to Mr Burley: Many of my constituents complain to me exactly the sort of thing that we see in north American that the current benefits system is far too complicated. cities, and we do not want to see it once again in There are more than 50 different benefits that people inner-city Britain. can claim, although no one appears to know the exact number, which leads to huge confusion among those Chris Grayling: Let me say first that the hon. Gentleman who are genuinely in need. Can the Secretary of State clearly never read the speech that I made, and secondly confirm that universal credit will reduce that complexity, that I defend my comments in relation to the country as improve the user experience and, most important, make a whole in the wake of the terrible scenes that we saw clear to all claimants that it will always pay to work? last summer. That issue is one reason why we must focus on youth unemployment, why we are investing so much Mr Duncan Smith: I can confirm that. Universal money in tackling it, and why it is at the top of the credit will put together all the benefits that are relevant Government’s list of priorities. It is just a shame that to people going back to work. Benefits that are not the last Government failed to deal with the problem in relevant to the Work programme will not be included, good times, when it started to become an issue after but the rest will. That will hugely slim down the complexities, 2004. and will ensure that people understand that in every hour for which they work, they are better off in work Mr David Evennett (Bexleyheath and Crayford) (Con): than out of work. The migration will take place in three Youthunemployment is far too high. I warmly welcome phases over four years, and each phase will bring in a my right hon. Friend’s youth contract proposals, but new group of claimants of those different benefits until does he agree that basic skills and qualifications are also we have finally completed the process and there is a vital to ensuring that young unemployed people obtain single universal credit. jobs?

Chris Grayling: My hon. Friend is absolutely right. Ann Coffey (Stockport) (Lab): As the Secretary of We have introduced skills conditionality in Jobcentre State says, when the universal credit is introduced in Plus, and have also increased the flexibilities available to October 2013, a couple with two children and working our skills providers to ensure that when a young person 16 hours a week will be better off in work than on who is out of work has a skills gap, we can refer him or benefits, so why is he introducing changes to the working her to a training course immediately to ensure that that tax credit this April that will make the same family gap is filled. £728 a year worse off than an equivalent family with no one working? That does not seem to make much sense Robert Halfon (Harlow) (Con): Is my right hon. in policy terms. Friend aware that the number of apprenticeships in Harlow has increased by 76% in the past year? Is that Mr Duncan Smith: The tax credit system, which the not a better way of getting rid of the problem of youth hon. Lady’s party left us, is administered and run by the unemployment than the dependency culture loved by Treasury. She said that I was bringing this measure Opposition Members? in, but the Treasury has made that policy decision. [Interruption.] Before Opposition Members get over- Chris Grayling: My hon. Friend is right—and that excited, I should add that I of course fully support statistic is no coincidence, because he, as the local everything my colleagues at the Treasury do. I remind Member of Parliament, has put a huge amount of the hon. Lady that when universal credit is reintroduced, effort into trying to ensure that more apprenticeship people who fall into the bracket in question will be places are provided in Harlow. He deserves a lot of £95 better off than they would be on benefits. I also credit for that, as do all Members who are looking for remind Opposition Members that we inherited a massive extra apprenticeship opportunities, holding job fairs, debt that the last Labour Government racked up, and setting up job clubs, and making a real difference to we have to reduce it. This measure is one of the mechanisms their constituents. by which to do that.

Universal Credit Female Unemployment

12. Mr Aidan Burley (Cannock Chase) (Con): What 13. Mr William Bain (Glasgow North East) (Lab): recent progress he has made on the implementation of What steps he is taking to tackle female unemployment. universal credit. [97701] [97702] 557 Oral Answers5 MARCH 2012 Oral Answers 558

15. Jessica Morden (Newport East) (Lab): What steps always trying to ensure that people with the appropriate he is taking to tackle female unemployment. [97704] training apply for them. As she rightly says, we also need to ensure that people have access to training, and The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Work the Work programme can help in that respect. and Pensions (Maria Miller): The Government are supporting women to move into employment, including Mr Philip Hollobone (Kettering) (Con): Motivation, self-employment, through the Work programme and employability and skills are the attributes that best help our business mentoring scheme. We are also improving unemployed men and women into the workplace. Will careers advice and training, and encouraging more women my hon. Friend the Minister congratulate Conservative-led into apprenticeships. The action we are taking to increase Kettering borough council, of which I am a member, flexibility in the workplace and support with child care for its employability and skills fair to be held this costs will also help to open up opportunities for women. Friday, which will bring together local unemployed men and women with agencies and employers in an attempt Mr Bain: I thank the Minister for that answer, but she to tackle the unemployment situation head-on? did not mention the fact that female unemployment is now at a 25-year high. The Daycare Trust has found Maria Miller: My hon. Friend is right: we should that, with nursery costs having increased by an average applaud the work of those councils, including Kettering, of 6% in the last year, some families are no longer better that ensure that such skills fairs take place. Through off in work once child care costs are taken into account. them, unemployed people can learn not only where the When will the Government accept that the self-defeating jobs are but where the training can be found. There are cuts in child care tax credit have made the female jobs currently more women starting apprenticeships than crisis far worse? men, which shows that great changes can be made.

Maria Miller: The hon. Gentleman will also know Ian Austin (Dudley North) (Lab): Despite promising that we are doing a great deal to help to make child care policies to cut unemployment and make work pay, the more affordable for those parents who need to use it. Government are supporting measures that will leave Early years education has been increased to 15 hours a many mums better off out of work. Is it not clear that week for all three and four-year-olds and our support these out-of-touch Ministers have not got a clue what for disadvantaged two-year-olds has increased by life is like for mums struggling with food and fuel bills, £760 million. An extra £300 million will go in through given that their benefit and tax changes will cost the the universal credit to help women who are currently average family £580 this year, with thousands being hit working limited hours to get access to subsidised child by up to £4,000 as a result of the tax credit cuts alone? care. This is the sort of practical support that can truly help. Maria Miller: I am sorry, but rather than leaving the country with the massive deficit that the hon. Gentleman’s Jessica Morden: In Wales, women are currently being party left us, the Government are putting practical hit disproportionately hard by job losses. Indeed, last programmes in place—if these had been done when his month’s unemployment figures show that there were party was in government, the country would perhaps 2,000 more women out of work but 5,000 fewer men not be facing the current fiscal deficit. out of work. As the public sector job losses begin to bite, what extra are the Government doing to help Work Programme women in this regard? 14. George Eustice (Camborne and Redruth) (Con): Maria Miller: We entirely understand, and take very What assessment he has made of the effect of employment seriously, the challenges women face in getting back trends on the operation of the Work programme. into the workplace, including the problem of retaining [97703] jobs. That is why the Minister with responsibility for employment, my right hon. Friend the Member for The Minister of State, Department for Work and Pensions Epsom and Ewell (Chris Grayling), is putting so much (Chris Grayling): We published adjusted projections of effort into the Work programme and universal credit, attachments to the Work programme in December. both of which will help many hundreds of thousands of Those revised projections have been communicated to workless households into work. Again, that is the sort providers and published in the House of Commons of practical support that can truly make a difference for Library. The revised projections take account of the women. latest Office for Budget Responsibility forecasts, observed trends in referrals since June, and policy changes. Miss Anne McIntosh (Thirsk and Malton) (Con): Of the 348 current vacancies listed at the Malton job George Eustice: I am grateful for that answer. The centre, some of the hardest to fill are care worker posts. Work programme is a crucial element in helping the Will the Minister use her good offices to ensure that long-term unemployed back into work, and I particularly women returning to work are pointed in that direction welcome the emphasis on payment by results. However, as well as to skills such as national vocational qualifications? as our economy emerges from its current problems, there will be some regional variations in the job market. Maria Miller: My hon. Friend is right: care work is What is the Minister doing to monitor the situation? If now a very important job in all our communities. Jobcentre necessary, might he consider a regional element to the Plus has a number of vacancies in that area, and it is pay structure? 559 Oral Answers5 MARCH 2012 Oral Answers 560

Chris Grayling: I am pleased to be able to reassure my Bereavement Benefit hon. Friend on this. I was in his county of Cornwall last week to meet Work programme providers in both the 20. Paul Maynard (Blackpool North and Cleveleys) private and voluntary sectors, and what I saw was very (Con): What steps he is taking to reform bereavement encouraging. The progress they are making is similar to benefit. [97710] that being made elsewhere in the country, and there is no obvious sign of the regional variation he describes. I wish to pay tribute to the voluntary sector organisations The Minister of State, Department for Work and Pensions I met, which are very involved in the Work programme. (Steve Webb): A public consultation was launched in I pay particular tribute to Groundwork, which is running December 2011, seeking views on options for reforming one of the most innovative motivational programmes bereavement benefits to ensure that they provide effective for some of the hardest to help I have yet seen in the support to those who lose a husband, wife or civil Work programme. That is, of course, helping his constituents partner. The consultation closes today and we will and will do the right thing to help them into work. publish an official response to it in due course. That will summarise the comments received and outline the Work Capability Assessments Government’s plans for reform.

18. Alun Cairns (Vale of Glamorgan) (Con): What Paul Maynard: I thank the Minister for that reply. progress has been made on the implementation of the Bereavements clearly cause a period of great stress for recommendations in Professor Harrington’s review of the families involved, and I welcome the Government’s work capability assessments. [97708] review to ensure that we have a suite of payments that are fit for purpose and easy to understand. Will he bear The Minister of State, Department for Work and Pensions in mind the problem that a number of my constituents (Chris Grayling): We are continuing to implement the have encountered, which they are struggling to understand? reforms recommended to us by Professor Malcolm Benefits allowances are payable based on either the Harrington. He argued for a number of changes in his national insurance contributions of the deceased person first report, all of which have been implemented, and or the widow’s or widower’s status, whereas the bereavement we are in the process of implementing the changes payment is based only on the NI status of the deceased recommended in his second report. person, and in the depth of their grief many people struggle to understand what seems to them to be an Alun Cairns: I thank the Minister for his response. anomaly. One third of employment and support allowance claimants have mental health conditions and a significant number Steve Webb: My hon. Friend is right to point out that of initial work capability assessment decisions are different bereavement benefits, allowances and payments overturned on appeal when further evidence becomes have different contribution rules. One of the issues on available about their condition. What action is the which we are consulting is whether they should be Minister taking to ensure that medical evidence is taken aligned in a more accessible way and although the on board at a very early stage in order to prevent a consultation closes today, I shall take my hon. Friend’s number of appeals? question as a submission to it. Chris Grayling: This is one area where we have worked very hard to secure a change. A large amount of new Helen Goodman (Bishop Auckland) (Lab): Not for evidence was indeed appearing only at the appeal stage the first time, I had a constituent in tears in my surgery and that was one of the key things that Professor last week as she had to pawn all her possessions to pay Harrington suggested we address. We are now bringing for her husband’s funeral. When the Minister simplifies in medical evidence much earlier—at the start of the process, the bereavement benefits, will he undertake not to use it when the decisions are taken or when a reconsideration as an opportunity to save money, too? is taking place in Jobcentre Plus. There are now few circumstances in which new evidence appears at the Steve Webb: I am pleased to give the hon. Lady that appeal stage, and that is really important. assurance. She will, I am sure, have read the consultation document we produced before Christmas, which confirms Tom Greatrex (Rutherglen and Hamilton West) (Lab/ that this is about spending the support we give to people Co-op): I am sure that the Minister will be aware of the who have been bereaved in a better way, not about research undertaken by Citizens Advice Scotland for its reducing the spend. report “From pillar to post”, which highlighted some issues that Professor Harrington should be considering Topical Questions in his further reports. Will the Minister meet me and representatives of Citizens Advice Scotland to discuss those concerns so that he can discuss them with Professor T1. [97713] Mr Rob Wilson (Reading East) (Con): If he Harrington before he undertakes his third review? will make a statement on his departmental responsibilities.

Chris Grayling: I have many meetings with people The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (Mr Iain involved in these matters. I suggest that it is better for Duncan Smith): The Welfare Reform Bill is expected to the hon. Gentleman and Citizens Advice Scotland to receive Royal Assent later this week and will mark an meet Professor Harrington directly to raise those concerns, important moment, cementing a new contract with the rather than for me to be a middleman. We listen carefully country that states that we will protect the most vulnerable to the recommendations he makes, and I would be and provide a system that is fair to the taxpayer by happy to arrange that meeting for the hon. Gentleman. making sure through universal credit that work will pay. 561 Oral Answers5 MARCH 2012 Oral Answers 562

I believe that those changes are long overdue and I am do not add up: going on a spending spree, spending grateful to all in this House who have helped to get £150 billion on benefits and achieving nothing is a them on the statute book. failure.

Mr Wilson: The shadow Chancellor claims today T2. [97714] Mr David Evennett (Bexleyheath and Crayford) that families are better off on benefits, where so many (Con): Will my right hon. Friend advise us what steps were trapped during 13 years of complex Labour reforms. he is taking to ensure that benefit fraud is reduced? Will my right hon. Friend reassure the House that he will change all that with the universal benefit and make Mr Duncan Smith: We have a whole series of measures. it his mission to ensure that no family is better off on We recently introduced a new fraud and error strategy, benefits? which is already having some success. Future fraud will be reduced now, and agreed by the Office for Budget Mr Duncan Smith: I can confirm to my hon. Friend Responsibility in a sense, but we will reduce future that the whole purpose of the Welfare Reform Bill, fraud right now by £237 million. The plan and target is including the universal credit, which is at the heart of it, for us to reduce it by about £1.4 billion by March 2015. is that people will be better off in work than on benefits. These are major measures over and above what we were I am always astounded by the fact that although many left by the Opposition, who seemed quite content to Opposition Members quite legitimately say that they watch fraud and error spiral out of control. support the universal credit, during its passage through this House and the other place they have never actually T3. [97715] Tristram Hunt (Stoke-on-Trent Central) voted for it. (Lab): As you know, Mr Speaker, the Wedgwood museum in Stoke-on-Trent is one of the greatest museums in the Mr Liam Byrne (Birmingham, Hodge Hill) (Lab): I world and is facing the liquidation of its collection due want to bring the House’s attention back to the question to faulty pension legislation. The problem lies with the asked by my hon. Friend the Member for Stockport 2008 occupational pension schemes regulation and the (Ann Coffey). She has exposed an important truth: a last man standing principle, which leaves a solvent couple on the minimum wage were £3,000 better off in employer liable for the whole of the deficit in a multi- work under Labour but after the changes that will be employer scheme. That was never meant to apply to made in April they will be £700 better off on benefits. charitable collections. Will the Minister review that Will the Secretary of State tell us how many people he legislation before we sacrifice more of our national expects to give up work because they will no longer be heritage to the lawyers? better off in a job? The Minister of State, Department for Work and Pensions Mr Duncan Smith: I do not expect anyone to give up (Steve Webb): When any charity or other organisation work, because the jobcentres and the jobcentre staff joins a last man standing pension scheme, it is important will work with people to ensure that, as far as possible, that it take proper advice about the liabilities it is taking they work up the hours and take advantage of the on. Obviously, that is a general observation. On this benefits that come with working more hours. I say to specific case, the Under-Secretary of State for Culture, the right hon. Gentleman, as ever, and to the Opposition Olympics, Media and Sport, the hon. Member for Wantage that they behave as though when they left office they (Mr Vaizey), has spoken to the chairman of the Pension left a perfect situation, but they left a massive deficit Protection Fund about the Wedgwood museum, has and debts piling up. He was the one who said at the time explained the importance of the collection for the nation that there was no money left, so perhaps he would like and has asked her whether she can find a way of to tell us where he was going to get the money from to preventing the collection from being broken up. That is pay off some of the deficit. something we all want to see.

Mr Byrne: Let me give the Secretary of State a simple T4. [97716] Greg Mulholland (Leeds North West) (LD): lesson in economics: the more people who are in work, My constituent Vicki Gilbert relies on the disability the more tax comes into the Treasury; the more people living allowance mobility component, which gets her who are on the dole, the more we pay out in welfare the blue parking badge she needs to go about her daily payments. That is why welfare payments are going life. Despite the fact that she is an amputee with no through the roof. The Work programme is in chaos, the possibility of recovery, she has been forced to go through Minister for the Armed Forces is saying that there is a periodic reassessment, and because of the backlog she crisis in the funding model, and now we find out that has had to wait five weeks without a blue parking badge. people will be better off on benefits than in work. Will Does the Minister agree that the process is superfluous the Secretary of State promise us that in the Budget he in such situations, and will she look at this issue so that will fix the situation whereby it no longer pays to go out others in similar circumstances do not have to wait for and get a job? their badge?

Mr Duncan Smith: The only group that is in chaos is Mr Speaker: I feel an Adjournment debate coming the Opposition. First, they have completely failed to on, and it will not be long. admit and recognise that they left this economy in a desperate state. Secondly, they said that they supported The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Work key measures in the Welfare Reform Bill but have never and Pensions (Maria Miller): I know that blue badges voted for them. They also voted against some of their are incredibly important for disabled people in getting own measures, which we carried through in our Bill. out and about and I understand the hon. Gentleman’s The reality is that the right hon. Gentleman’s economics concerns. The Under-Secretary of State for Transport, 563 Oral Answers5 MARCH 2012 Oral Answers 564 my hon. Friend the Member for Lewes (Norman Baker), ways, some on a localised level in local communities. is looking into the issues to do with blue badges, and I They are an important part of the team delivering the will make sure that he is aware of the comments that project. It is a partnership between the public, private have been made. and voluntary sectors and it is making a difference to unemployed people, despite the attempts of the Opposition T6. [97719] Jonathan Reynolds (Stalybridge and Hyde) to put about negative stories which are completely (Lab/Co-op): Further to the question asked by my hon. without foundation. Friend the Member for Cumbernauld, Kilsyth and Kirkintilloch East (Gregg McClymont) from the Front Dr Eilidh Whiteford (Banff and Buchan) (SNP): I Bench, do Ministers agree that the current restrictions have a constituent with a degenerative, very painful on the National Employment Savings Trust that restrict condition who is due to lose his employment support transfers and limit the amount that can be saved each allowance in two weeks. He feels a long way from the year diminish the pressure on other established providers labour market. He also does not think he will be attractive to bring down their excess costs and charges? While the to employers because of the degenerative nature of his Government are reflecting on this, surely they are missing illness, but to date he has had no advice or support from an opportunity to make pensions more affordable for anyone about how he might go about getting the kind of everyone. job that he might be able to do. What advice would the Minister give my constituent? Steve Webb: The previous Government put those restrictions in place for a good reason—to try to make Chris Grayling: We clearly have had to take a difficult sure that NEST focused on the bottom end of the decision on time-limiting, which we have debated extensively market. NEST has had a positive effect and new entrants in the House. It will apply only to people who have have come into the market, but we are continuing to another form of household income or who have savings look at that issue because we are determined to make in the bank. Everyone on ESA is entitled to volunteer sure that people have a choice of good-value, low-cost for participation in the Work programme, so my advice pension providers. to the hon. Lady’s constituent would be to discuss his situation with the jobcentre. There is specialist support T5. [97717] Tessa Munt (Wells) (LD): My constituent available for people with health conditions and disabilities. Gillian Reeves is actively looking for work and is expanding her skills, knowledge and experience by volunteering for T9. [97722] Pauline Latham (Mid Derbyshire) (Con): local voluntary organisations and charities in Somerset. What progress is being made to encourage people to Will the Secretary of State give some clarity to those get the best value for money when buying an annuity? who are keen to be out of the house and busy doing something useful but are advised by their jobcentre that Steve Webb: My hon. Friend raises an important issue. they must limit their volunteering to 16 hours a week or When people have saved for a pension, it is vital that lose their jobseeker’s allowance? they get the best possible pension out of it, and that may not be from the company they have saved with. The Minister of State, Department for Work and Pensions That is why I very much welcome today’s Association (Chris Grayling): We now actively encourage people to of British Insurers code, which will be mandatory for volunteer. I prefer to see people out of the house and members of the ABI and will make it much more doing things. They have an obligation to keep up their natural that shopping around becomes the default, job search while they do so, but I shall happily discuss rather than something that one has actively to seek out. this specific case because it certainly is not our intention that people’s volunteering opportunities should be limited. Mark Lazarowicz (Edinburgh North and Leith) (Lab/ Kerry McCarthy (Bristol East) (Lab): One of my Co-op): What are the Government’s plans for the future, constituents recently had his adoption allowance cut if any, of the Department’s contract with Atos? because his child received disability living allowance. We managed to get that overturned but can the Minister Chris Grayling: The Department’s contract with Atos make sure that guidelines are issued so that adoption runs until 2015. We have taken no decisions about how allowance is not cut when DLA, which is intended to the contracting structure will work beyond that point. meet essential needs, is received? Consistency of provision was necessary through the incapacity benefit reassessment process, but we will not Maria Miller: I thank the hon. Lady for that question. take decisions on the detailed structure of the renewal Disability living allowance is not linked to employment of that contract for some while to come. or income, so I shall look into the issue she raises in more detail. Brandon Lewis (Great Yarmouth) (Con): Does my right hon. Friend agree that rather than let the Socialist T7. [97720] Neil Carmichael (Stroud) (Con): The Work Workers party and their protest groups continue to programme is proving to be much needed and effective, confuse a good programme such as work experience but may I seek reassurance from the Secretary of State with others, we should congratulate not only the companies that there will be downstream activity from contracts that are doing so much for young people, but the young so that small businesses and local community projects people who are taking up the scheme and have the can also participate in delivering outcomes? motivation to build their CVs?

Chris Grayling: That is indeed happening. We now Mr Duncan Smith: As ever, my hon. Friend has hit have several hundred voluntary sector organisations the nail on the head. Work experience is a great programme, providing support to the Work programme in various which is helping lots of young people to get into work at 565 Oral Answers5 MARCH 2012 Oral Answers 566 a reasonable cost to the Exchequer. Those two things widespread confidence, safeguards are needed to ensure need to be borne in mind. It is no good the Opposition that it does not end up exploiting people and providing sitting quiet, watching while trade unions back these free labour? anarchists and try to stop decent people getting into work. Chris Grayling: If Labour Members really want to answer the questions about the work experience scheme, they need to talk to some of the young people who have Hugh Bayley (York Central) (Lab): People diagnosed been through it, got jobs in their thousands and are with mesothelioma—141 former railway carriage builders delighted by the support they have received. That is in York have now died—can often claim compensation what a responsible Government do: try to tackle a real from their employer. The earlier they get compensation, challenge, find the right way to solve it and do so in a the less they and their dependants need in benefits, so cost-effective way for the taxpayer. It is just a shame will the Secretary of State talk to the Secretary of State that the Labour party is not more vociferous in its for Justice about fast-tracking these cases through the support for what we are doing. courts, as is currently done in the royal courts of justice in London, and making that a nationwide approach? Stephen Metcalfe (South Basildon and East Thurrock) (Con): Does my right hon. Friend agree that it is a great Chris Grayling: I am happy to have that conversation. shame that the Labour party seems unable to get behind We are also working hard with the insurance industry to the work experience programme and condemn the protests make sure that we match employees who have suffered out of hand, and will he tell the House why he thinks from the illness with employers who may have disappeared that might be the case? some years ago, to ensure that we find the employers liability insurance policies that can pay those employees Mr Duncan Smith: I have been wondering about that. the compensation that they so desperately need. Some right hon. and hon. Members—and some more so than others—have been conspicuous by their absence in this debate, and I sometimes wonder whether their Anna Soubry (Broxtowe) (Con): My constituent Andrew trade union paymasters have something to do with their Taylor relies on the Motability scheme in order that he staying quiet throughout this whole debate. can work and live independently. His concern is that the personal independence payment thresholds will interfere Mr Wayne David (Caerphilly) (Lab): The WelshAssembly’s with that. What assurance can the Minister give him, Labour Government have an initiative to help unemployed please? young people called Jobs Growth Wales. Do the central Government support it? Maria Miller: I entirely understand the importance Chris Grayling: We support any sensible measures to of mobility and being able to get out and about for tackle youth unemployment, because it is a challenge disabled people. It is our intention that Motability for all of us. The hon. Gentleman needs to answer the should continue to be linked to the new PIP scheme. I question: why is his hon. Friend the Member for Hayes take my hon. Friend’s comments into account. and Harlington (John McDonnell) chairing a protest movement that is designed to stop young people getting Toby Perkins (Chesterfield) (Lab): Beverley Herbert the work experience opportunities that would get them in my constituency was one of six people recently into work and do the right thing for them? employed on a work experience basis by a major pub chain. Within four weeks, four of the others had gone, Mr Speaker: Order. The hon. Member for Hayes and and the two people who were there for eight weeks Harlington (John McDonnell) will not be answering collecting glasses were given permanent jobs, but were anything now in the Chamber and is under no obligation sacked within two weeks. Does the Secretary of State to do so, but I know that the Prime Minister looks agree that for the work experience programme to enjoy forward to doing so after his statement. 567 5 MARCH 2012 European Council 568

European Council The Council agreed that there will be a special focus on trade—including trade deals with fast-growing parts 3.31 pm of the world—at the next Council in June. Completing The Prime Minister (Mr David Cameron): With permission, all open bilateral trade deals could add ¤90 billion to Mr Speaker, I would like to make a statement on last the EU economy, and a deal with the US would be week’s European Council. The Council focused on the bigger than all the others put together. Britain is one of measures needed to address the growth crisis in Europe the most open trading nations in Europe, and that is and complete the single market. It also reached important why trade deals have a particular importance for us. conclusions on Somalia, Serbia and Syria. I will take On deregulation, for the first time we got a specific each in turn. commitment for an analysis of the costs of regulation First, on growth and jobs, this was the first European sector by sector, and we got a repetition of our call for a Council for some months that was not completely moratorium on new regulations for those businesses overshadowed by an air of crisis surrounding the eurozone. with fewer than 10 employees. Taken together, those The problems in the eurozone are far from resolved and measures represent a clear and specific plan for growth we need continued and determined action to deal with and jobs at EU level, and we must now ensure that them, but the biggest challenge for Europe’s long-term Europe sticks to it. future is to secure sustainable growth and jobs. Ahead of the Council, Britain, along with 11 other EU member I turn to wider international issues. On Somalia, the states, set out in a letter our action plan for growth and Council welcomed the conference held in London last jobs in Europe. This was an unprecedented alliance month and the important conclusions that we reached, involving countries from all across Europe and representing cracking down on piracy and terrorism and supporting over half the EU population and a quarter of a billion a Somali-led process for a new representative and people. It included our traditional partners on this accountable government. agenda in northern Europe, but it also included countries On Serbia, Britain has always been a strong supporter such as Poland, one of the largest in the EU, and of European Union enlargement, from eastern Europe countries such as Spain and Italy in the south of Europe to the countries of the western Balkans. That policy has which previously had not prioritised this agenda. clearly demonstrated success in embedding support for Over the past year we have frequently succeeded in democracy and human rights across the continent, so I inserting references to the single market and competitiveness was particularly pleased that the Council granted Serbia into Council conclusions, and the Commission’s proposals candidate status. I have no doubt that this decision have begun to reflect that, but what was encouraging would not have been possible without the courageous about this Council was that an EU growth agenda, leadership of President Tadic. It was he who secured based around free trade, deregulation and completion the arrest of Ratko Mladic, closing one of the darkest of the single market, received stronger and broader chapters in Serbian history, and it was he who took the political support from Heads of State and Government brave decision to engage in a dialogue with the Kosovans. than ever before. A whole series of concrete commitments It is also right to mention the leadership of the Kosovan to actions and dates by which those actions need to be Prime Minster, Hashim Thaci. He too has been prepared taken was inserted into the final communiqué. Now it is to enter into constructive dialogue with Serbia. That vital that these commitments are fulfilled. decision has rightly been rewarded by the European The reason Britain so strongly insists on the completion Commission, starting the process that can lead to a new of the single market is its huge potential for growth and contract between the European Union and Kosovo. jobs at home. The single market is the biggest marketplace That is the first important milestone on the long road in the world, with 500 million consumers. Removing for Kosovo itself to join the European Union. barriers to trade in products has clearly had a huge Let me turn to the grave situation in Syria. I know impact and, with one of the largest manufacturing that the whole House will join me in welcoming the safe sectors in Europe, Britain has clearly benefited from return of British photographer Paul Conroy, who escaped that, but the benefit can be even greater if the single from Baba Amr last week. I spoke to him this morning market is completed in other areas where Britain also and he described vividly the barbarity that he had has great strengths. The first of these is services. Full witnessed in the city. The history of Homs is being implementation of the services directive could add written in the blood of its citizens. 2.8% to the gross domestic product of the EU within 10 years, and Britain would stand to be one of the Britain is playing a leading role in helping to forge an prime beneficiaries because, from financial services to international coalition to try to do three things: first, to legal services to accountancy, Britain has some of the make sure that there is humanitarian assistance for leading companies in the world. those who are suffering; secondly, to hold those responsible The Council also agreed to complete the digital single for that appalling slaughter to account; and, thirdly, to market by 2015, which could boost EU GDP by as bring about the political transition that will put a stop much as ¤110 billion every year. Again, that could to the killing. We must pursue all three at the same time. particularly help Britain, with our strength in digital First, on humanitarian assistance, Britain has already technology and all forms of creative content, including provided an extra £2 million to agencies operating on film, television and online media. the ground in order to help deliver emergency medical The Council agreed a specific deadline to complete supplies and basic food rations for more than 20,000 people. the single market in energy by 2014. That could add But the real problem is getting that aid into the affected 0.8% to EU GDP and create 5 million jobs. Again, areas. Now that the Syrian Government have occupied many of those of jobs could be in Britain, because we Baba Amr, they have a duty to allow humanitarian are a major producer and exporter of energy, with the access to alleviate the suffering that they have caused. most liberalised market in Europe. Britain will be working this week to secure a United 569 European Council5 MARCH 2012 European Council 570

Nations Security Council resolution that demands an refused requests for humanitarian access. In this context, end to violence and immediate humanitarian access. it is even more important that Britain puts pressure on The longer access is denied, the more the world will the international community to back a United Nations believe that the Syrian regime is determined to cover up resolution and address this desperate situation. the extent of the horror that it has brought to bear on May I ask the Prime Minister a few questions? First, Baba Amr. will he update the House specifically on what he believes Secondly, we are working to make sure that those the UK and the EU are able to do to support the Arab responsible for crimes are held to account. The European League and the joint special envoy in his efforts somehow Council agreed that there must be “a day of reckoning” to broker an end to the bloodshed? Secondly, what steps for those who are responsible. Britain and its European are now in train to strengthen sanctions against the partners are working together to help to document the Assad regime, including through the proper enforcement evidence of those atrocities so that evidence can be used of the Arab League sanctions? Thirdly, given that the at a later date. International justice has a long reach and Russian Government are responsible for vetoing the a long memory. last UN resolution on Syria, does the Prime Minister Thirdly, we are working for a political transition to agree that they will be judged by their actions rather bring the violence to an end. The European Council than their words on Syria? No doubt he will be speaking was clear that President Assad should step aside for the to President-elect Putin in the coming days. What will sake of the Syrian people, and it supported the efforts he be telling him in those conversations? I hope—I am of Kofi Annan to work for a peaceful process of political sure that I speak for the whole House and the country transition. in saying this—that he will make it clear to President-elect Putin that action is necessary and that the Russian Syria’s tragedy is that those who are clinging to Assad position is frankly unacceptable. for the sake of stability are in fact helping to ensure the complete opposite. Far from being a force for stability, Let me turn to other matters discussed at the Assad’s continued presence makes a future of all-out European Council, particularly jobs and growth. At his civil war ever more likely. What can still save Syria is for press conference on Friday, the Prime Minister was those who are still supporting and accommodating uncharacteristically shy—indeed, totally silent—about Assad’s criminal clique to come to their senses and to the main event of the summit: the signing of the fiscal turn their back on the regime. It is still possible that compact. He did at least mention it today at the end of Syria’s national institutions can be saved and play their his statement, although I am very struck by the fact that part in opening a path to an inclusive, peaceful and in the written copy that was kindly distributed to me decent transition. We will deploy every tool we can— before he delivered it, the word “treaty” was used, but sanctions, aid, the pressure of diplomacy, reaching out he could not bring himself to use that word. Of course, to the opposition in Syria and beyond. We will work the reason he was uncharacteristically coy in his press with anyone who is ready to build a stable, inclusive, conference is that his veto was not a veto; the treaty has non-sectarian, open and democratic Syria for all Syrians. gone ahead. Can he confirm that for all his claims, both That is the choice that is still open to those in authority the European Court of Justice and the Commission will in Syria. Now is the time for them to make that choice, be fully involved in implementing the treaty? Can he tell before it is too late. us how he will find out about the result of the meetings, in which a whole variety of economic questions that Finally, on Friday morning, 25 member states signed will affect the UK will be discussed? Apparently, his the intergovernmental agreement on the fiscal compact. spokesman was asked about this last Wednesday, and This binds countries in the eurozone to a budget deficit the best that he could manage was to say, “The Prime of no more than 0.5%, and it involves countries giving Minister may not be in the room, but he will be in the up the power to write their own budgets if they go building.” beyond it. Britain is not signing this agreement. Britain is not in the euro, Britain is not going to join the euro, Chris Bryant (Rhondda) (Lab): He’s Elvis! so it is right that we are not involved. But it is important that we continue to ensure that vital issues such as the single market are discussed by all 27 members. That is Edward Miliband: Yes, he is Elvis. I do not think that exactly what happened at this European Council. Far the spokesman’s comment is very reassuring. from not being included in the vital discussion that It is a matter of record that the Prime Minister spent affects our national interests, Britain helped to set the Thursday complaining that he felt frustrated because he agenda at this Council and Britain helped to ensure its did not feel that the other 25 leaders were taking enough success. I commend this statement to the House. notice of him as they prepared to sign the new treaty. However, on Friday, he claimed that in less than 24 hours, Edward Miliband (Doncaster North) (Lab): May I his powers of persuasion had once again triumphed: thank the Prime Minister for his statement and associate “The communiqué has been fundamentally rewritten in line myself with his words on Somalia and Serbia? with our demands.” Let me turn first to the pressing issue of the continuing After the experience of the veto, I am sure that he will violence in Syria. The pictures and testimony coming forgive us all for being a little sceptical about his claims. out of Homs in the past few days, and again today, are Let us examine the Prime Minister’s claims. He said truly horrific, with women and fathers telling of their that big strides forward were clear from the communiqué children being murdered in front of their eyes. Responsibility on energy, micro-enterprises, the single market and reducing for the brutal repression and murder of innocent people trade barriers. However, will he confirm that the lies firmly at the door of President Assad and his commitment on the energy market was in the conclusions regime. It is appalling—I agree with the Prime Minister of last February’s Council, that the commitments on on this—that the Syrian Government have so far even the single market and trade simply echo those following 571 European Council5 MARCH 2012 European Council 572

[Edward Miliband] there was no mention of deepening the single market in services in the original communiqué, but that we now the October 2011 Council, and that the supposed progress have a clear commitment to that; that there was no on micro-enterprises was in the conclusions of last mention of tackling regulated professions and properly December’s Council? opening up the single market, but that that is now Listening to the Prime Minister, I had a sense of clearly in the communiqué; and that there was no groundhog day. I then realised why. He sent the same reference to deregulation, but that we now we have, for letter to the European Council a year ago. Believe it or the first time, sector-by-sector analysis so that we can not—of course, we do believe it—he claimed the same see the cost of regulations. When Labour used to go triumph then: along to EU summit after EU summit, it never got half “I organised a letter…making the case for action on growth, of that sort of thing. on deregulation, on completing the single market, on extending it On the issue of the treaty, there is one big problem in to services… I think this has had a real impact”. the right hon. Gentleman’s position, which is that he The people behind him are not looking amused. If last has got to make up his mind—would he have signed it year’s letter had such an impact, why did he have to or not? Why does he not just nod for a yes or shake for a send it again? For the avoidance of doubt, I will place no? I think I know the cause of the confusion. It is that last year’s letter in the Library of the House, because it there is a slight division between the Leader of the will probably be next year’s letter as well. For all the Opposition and the shadow Chancellor about whether Prime Minister’s slapping himself on the back, the they want to join the euro. The shadow Chancellor has reality is that not one job has been created, not one said that it will not happen in his lifetime, whereas the family helped and not one business boosted. Why does Leader of the Opposition, when asked whether he would he not learn the lesson that empty claims of a European join the euro, said that it depended on how long he was triumph lose him credibility at home and influence Prime Minister. I agree with the shadow Chancellor— abroad? clearly, the Leader of the Opposition should not be Why did the Prime Minister not press those countries Prime Minister in our lifetime. with fiscal headroom at the summit to stimulate growth in Europe? Why does he not lead by example and sort Sir Malcolm Rifkind (Kensington) (Con): May I welcome out the jobs crisis here at home? He said on Friday and the European Council’s decision to prepare further repeated today that there was not an air of crisis about targeted sanctions against Syria? If Russia continues to the euro. Will he tell the House whether he thinks that a refuse to accept its responsibilities, should not the Arab sustainable solution has been put in place for the euro League and Turkey, on their own incentive but with full area, because that is one of the most important long-term support from the United States and Europe, close their issues that we face and that the European economy land borders and airspace to all exports destined for faces? Syria? If that were combined with a United States-led The reality is that we have a Prime Minister who is naval brigade, would it not prevent further armed supplies isolated and without influence. He is unable to argue for from being delivered to the Assad regime, thereby possibly jobs and growth because of his own failure at home. He saving the lives of tens of thousands of Syrian people? achieved nothing for Britain at this summit. For all the good it has done us, he could have given the summit a The Prime Minister: My right hon. and learned Friend, miss and gone horse riding instead. with all his experience, makes an intriguing suggestion for further steps that the Arab League could take. The Prime Minister: First, let me thank the right hon. Indeed, it has shown great leadership in putting pressure Gentleman for what he said about Syria and answer his on Syria. However, if we want to turn the pressure up questions specifically. On the special envoy, we are on the regime, a United Nations Security Council resolution helping Kofi Annan. Indeed, we are funding part of his that could be unanimously agreed and that was tough mission. The right hon. Gentleman asked about sanctions. about humanitarian access and the unacceptability of We are on round 12 of the EU sanctions against the what is happening should be part of the picture. Syrian regime. We will continue to ratchet up the pressure in every way that we can, with sanctions, asset freezes, travel bans and the like. David Miliband (South Shields) (Lab): May I welcome The right hon. Gentleman raised the issue of Russia what the Prime Minister said about the developments in and China. We will make it very clear, as we have the western Balkans? However, I wonder whether he already, that their veto was completely wrong. Their agrees that the most significant piece of economic news reputations are suffering as a result in the Arab world. I last week was the decision of the Spanish Government will be speaking to President Putin later today and will to amend their austerity programme in the face of say that it is important that we have a unified UN stagnation and recession. The Prime Minister of Spain Security Council resolution about humanitarian aid said he thought that when circumstances changed, policy and access that puts a stop to the appalling killing that should change. Is that not the kind of common sense is taking place. I know that there is all-party support for that we need here? that. Turning to the EU Council, the right hon. Gentleman The Prime Minister: I am not at all surprised by what said that the communiqué did not change between the the Spanish Prime Minister did. After all, he is stuck arrival of the countries at the EU Council and its inside a fixed exchange rate system with no ability to conclusion on Friday. If he had done his homework have an independent monetary policy. If we had listened properly—he was working very closely on his gags, and to the right hon. Gentleman all those years ago and they are getting better—he would have noticed that joined the euro, we would be in the same boat. 573 European Council5 MARCH 2012 European Council 574

Sir Menzies Campbell (North East Fife) (LD): Does he outlines—of a legal challenge—is a less good one my right hon. Friend agree that the responsibility for than using our leverage and influence to ensure that the the appalling treatment being handed out to the people agreement sticks to fiscal union rather than gets into the of Homs rests as much with those who authorise it as single market. That is the right approach and the one with those who carry it out? Is he aware that in the we are pursuing. course of last week, Hillary Clinton said that there was a case for regarding President Assad as a war criminal? Tony Lloyd (Manchester Central) (Lab): Everybody Does he agree? knows that without growth, it is virtually impossible for Greece’s problems to be reconciled. The Prime Minister The Prime Minister: I do agree with that. I believe talks about growth—he talks, for example, about a that, as the Foreign Secretary has said, it is now a detailed account of regulatory reform—but nothing he criminal regime. That is why it is so important that we has said and nothing that came out of the Heads of gather the evidence of the war crimes, the human rights Government meeting gave a programme for growth. abuses and the dreadful things that are being done in Where are the drivers for that? Homs and elsewhere. As we collect that evidence, we need to be very careful to try to join all the dots, right The Prime Minister: I am afraid I do not agree with up the chain of the command, to the people who run the hon. Gentleman. Britain has leading industries in the regime. However long it takes, it is important that services, energy and the digital economy. If we can we are clear that there should be a day of reckoning complete the single market in those areas, there are real when those who are responsible for crimes are made opportunities for British business. The additions to accountable for them. gross domestic product that we would have through completing the single market in those areas would partly Mr Denis MacShane (Rotherham) (Lab): I thank the mean jobs, investment and growth here in the UK. Prime Minister for highlighting the role of Boris Tadic When there is no room for fiscal stimulus, as there is not and of Hashim Thaci, the Prime Minister of Kosovo, in in the UK because the budget deficit is so big, and when moving the western Balkans forward. I should declare we already have a very accommodating monetary policy, an interest—I recently published a book on Kosovo, the right way for growth is to look at structural reform which I hope all hon. Members will read. Does the and changes, just as we are doing through the EU. Prime Minister agree that the next step forward is for Serbia to recognise Kosovo, as 90 other UN member Nicholas Soames (Mid Sussex) (Con): Does my right states have done? That decisive step would help to bring hon. Friend agree that ambitious companies looking more stability, peace and co-operation and a European for growth in Mid Sussex will be extremely pleased with future to the western Balkans. the steps the Government took towards seeking to resolve the crisis in Europe through growth? May I suggest that The Prime Minister: I know that the right hon. he looks further back—to European Councils of the Gentleman has considerable expertise in this area, and past 10 years—to see how many good ideas were signed I thank him for welcoming the news. We have to understand up to that came to naught, and that could well, with a that Serbia has already taken some quite important bit of effort, come to something good? steps forward that were difficult for it to take. I was concerned that the European Union should demonstrate The Prime Minister: My right hon. Friend is correct its openness to the steps that President Tadic had taken, about this. Of course, Europe has on many previous because slamming the door in his face after he had occasions signed up to wonderful rhetoric about single taken them could have encouraged the extremists in markets, energy and all the rest of it. That is partly what Serbia rather than people who want to have a peaceful the Lisbon agenda—not the treaty—was all about. What European future. is different this time is that there was real pressure from the 11 countries that signed the letter with Britain to Mr William Cash (Stone) (Con): In congratulating insist on actions and dates by which those actions the Prime Minister on his veto—[Interruption.] It would would be taken. We must still ensure that those things have been an EU treaty had the Prime Minister not are achieved. Many countries will want to hold up exercised the veto. In congratulating the Prime Minister getting rid of regulations on services and many will on his veto and on his insistence on growth, does he want to keep some of those regulations on small businesses, recognise that we are at a crossroads, with two separate but we now have a majority in the EU to try to fix those European treaties—one in line with the Lisbon treaty, things in a way that is good for our country. and the other in breach of it? With the Chancellor of Germany now insisting on a further leap towards political Kate Hoey (Vauxhall) (Lab): Does the Prime Minister union, will the Prime Minister take forward his current believe that the European Council will ever publicly concerns about the legal position of the non-EU treaty criticise China, not just for what it is doing—or not to the European Court? doing—in Syria, but for what it is doing to its own people, particularly in Tibet? That is being done behind The Prime Minister (Mr David Cameron): I am grateful closed doors, with no brave photographers and journalists for my hon. Friend’s support. He is absolutely right that able to get in. Will the European Council start taking that treaty places no obligations on us. It is worth on the might of China? making the point that it does not have the force of EU law: not for us, not for the EU institutions and not for The Prime Minister: One advantage of having forums the countries that sign it. As he knows, my view is that in which the EU meets the Chinese leadership is that the while we have reserved our legal position on the use of EU can speak on behalf of all members about the the institutions because there are real concerns, the path importance of human rights, the rule of law and some 575 European Council5 MARCH 2012 European Council 576

[The Prime Minister] the largest of its kind in history and a testament to the eurozone’s capacity to bring stability to the euro? Building of the issues the hon. Lady raises. Sometimes that is a on the questions from my right hon. Friend the Leader useful way for pressure to be brought to bear. The EU of the Opposition and my hon. Friend the Member for Council president and the Commission President should Manchester Central (Tony Lloyd), is this sustainable have no compunction in doing that. growth not essential for our country as well as the eurozone? Jane Ellison (Battersea) (Con): Many UK citizens, especially in London, are world leaders in the provision The Prime Minister: I agree with the hon. Gentleman of services such as legal and insurance services. What on this point: 40% of our exports go to eurozone are the roadblocks to regulatory reform? I am sure that countries and we want those countries to recover. We the Prime Minister will join me in echoing the words of have to accept, however, that doing that while dealing the Mayor of London, who said that we are always with fiscal deficits is enormously challenging. On Greece, happy to see more businesses come to London. those of us who are sceptical about the euro and who do not want to join it must accept, whatever our views, that The Prime Minister: The roadblocks come in two the Greeks have made their choice. That is the path that forms. First, there is the fact that the services directive they want to pursue. Whatever our misgivings, we must has not been fully implemented, and some countries allow them to make those decisions to make their have been blocking it. Those countries—Germany is economy more competitive within the eurozone. among them, I think—are now undergoing infraction proceedings by the European Commission. The second Simon Hughes (Bermondsey and Old Southwark) part of the problem concerns the number of regulated (LD): Given that the evidence from last week’s summit professions in Europe that countries continue to regulate is that full participation in the EU is the best news for separately rather than open up to competition. Britain jobs and growth in this country and for all our neighbours, has a relatively good record on both the services directive will the Prime Minister tell us the best estimate of the and getting rid of regulated professions but we need to number of extra jobs that completion of the digital keep up the pressure. services and energy single markets will achieve by the end of this Parliament? Will he also reassure the House Chris Bryant (Rhondda) (Lab): Was there any discussion that we will lead the way in dealing with tax fraud and of the European arrest warrant? I ask because the tax evasion at the next European summit in June? Prime Minister will know that a lot of his Back Benchers want Britain to withdraw from it, whereas the Liberal The Prime Minister: We believe in dealing with tax Democrats want no change at all. If he insists on riding fraud and tax evasion. That is vital. On the jobs effect of two horses at once, may I suggest that he campaign for completing the energy and digital services single markets, reform rather than withdrawal? I have given the GDP figures for how much it would add to the EU, but if the right hon. Gentleman would The Prime Minister: This was a European Council like, I could perhaps look at how many jobs that could devoted to discussion of the economy and foreign affairs, convert into. It is worth noting, however, that the so there was no discussion of the European arrest Commission’s forecast for growth this year is that Britain warrant. will grow faster than France, the EU and the euro area. Furthermore, according to International Monetary Fund George Eustice (Camborne and Redruth) (Con): I figures, we will grow faster than France, Germany, Italy, welcome the consistency with which the Prime Minister Spain, the EU and the euro area this year and next year. has argued for the development of the single market. Does he agree that a successful single market does not Stewart Hosie (Dundee East) (SNP): The conclusions require harmonised employment laws? Can anything be from the summit were clear: done at this late stage to mitigate some of the damaging effects of the agency workers directive in particular? “Innovation and research are at the heart of the Europe 2020 strategy.” The Prime Minister: On the agency workers directive, They are also vital for growth at home. The conclusions it is difficult, because it has already effectively been also referred to intellectual property, research and implemented. However, as I and other countries said, it development, and patent protection. Can the Prime is no good pursuing a growth agenda in the EU if, at the Minister give us an assurance that concrete progress same time, the Commission is still coming forward with was made towards a unitary patent protection scheme, directives that cost business and industry a huge amount as agreed by the Competitiveness Ministers last June, of money. I mentioned the new ergonomics directive— and also update us on the parallel process for the believe it or not—which will cost business many hundreds unified patent court? of millions of pounds. As I said, however, with the new Prime Ministers in Italy and Spain, there is now southern The Prime Minister: There has been quite a breakthrough support for the northern agenda of deregulation. We on the unified patent process, because the EU has been need to ride that horse as fast as we can. discussing this for, I think, around three decades. There is now an agreement among those countries that want Sir Stuart Bell (Middlesbrough) (Lab): Is not the to go ahead and have a unified patent process, so that is great challenge facing the European democracies the a success. There is not yet agreement about where the need to marry deficit reduction with sustainable growth court should be. We strongly believe it ought to be in in the interests of their peoples? Will the Prime Minister London, because London is the centre of international confirm that the present restructuring of Greek debt is litigation and finance, but the French believe it should 577 European Council5 MARCH 2012 European Council 578 be in Paris and the Germans believe it should be in misgivings and concerns. We’ve reserved our position, Munich, and there is what is known as a negotiation but we won’t challenge, so long as you are sticking to under way. the elements of fiscal union and not the single market.” I have given this considerable thought and I think that Mr Peter Bone (Wellingborough) (Con): We are very that is the right way forward, not least because there are lucky to have a British bulldog of a Prime Minister some things being done in the agreement that the EU fighting for our interests in Europe, and of course, the treaties give permission for, because they allow member Prime Minister is nearly always right on most things. states, as my hon. Friend will know—he is a great expert [HON.MEMBERS: “But…”] No, not “but”. Earlier he on this—to do things together under some circumstances. quite rightly said that Spain could not grow without Therefore, the legality is not completely black and white. devaluing its currency. I know that he cannot tell us That is why I think it is in Britain’s interest to use our what he says in private, but can we assume that the leverage to make sure that those involved stick to the advice in private is significantly different from what he fiscal union and do not get involved in the single market. can say in public? Kelvin Hopkins (Luton North) (Lab): There are The Prime Minister: I did not quite say what my hon. newspaper reports that the Prime Minister is one of a Friend said. Spain is forecast to have a decline in its group of four Conservative EU leaders who are proposing GDP this year. It has tough targets for its fiscal deficits, to ostracise François Hollande, who is soon to be the which it is trying to reduce, and at the same time its socialist President of France. Given that Monsieur Hollande Government, like all others in Europe, want to get back is more of a Euro-realist than President Sarkozy, would to a position of growth. The point I would make is that it not be sensible to work positively with him, instead of I have always believed that it is better as a country to against him? have both fiscal and monetary levers at our disposal, so that we have the most flexible way to respond to economic The Prime Minister: I can confirm that I am not part circumstances. In Britain, we are able to have tough of any secret pact. I basically take a pretty straightforward measures to reduce our fiscal deficits, but at the same approach, which is that it is not normal practice to see time, because we have an independent monetary policy, candidates in the middle of an election. I have made set by the Bank of England, we are not constrained by exceptions on occasion, but I am not going to make an being members of a currency bloc. That is why I oppose exception in this case. Britain joining the euro—ever. Conor Burns (Bournemouth West) (Con): I congratulate Ms Gisela Stuart (Birmingham, Edgbaston) (Lab): my right hon. Friend on pursuing a growth and deregulation The Prime Minister takes great pride in having achieved agenda at the EU Council. Did he have an opportunity a deeper and greater commitment to completing the over the weekend to see the reports in the newspapers single market and deregulation. Last Friday the hon. here about proposed changes to the working time directive Member for Sevenoaks (Michael Fallon) said that some that would allow employees to add sick leave and paternity EU financial services proposals and maternity leave to their end-of-year holiday entitlement? Does he agree that such proposals run entirely counter “verge on the discriminatory, verge on protectionism”. to his agenda? Will he confirm that the Business Secretary Has the Prime Minister made any progress on doing would have his full support if he were to oppose them something about that? here in the United Kingdom?

The Prime Minister: We are making quite good progress The Prime Minister: My hon. Friend makes an important on the financial services dossiers. We are having to deal point. We have a blocking minority on extending the with them one by one. There are some cases where we working time directive and we need to ensure that we are actually arguing that countries ought to be able to keep that together. In my view, however, this is the sort regulate even further than the EU is allowing—for of area that the European Union should not have got instance, in building up capital in our banks. However, into in the first place. there are some difficult financial services directives, which we have to deal with one by one, to make sure Luciana Berger (Liverpool, Wavertree) (Lab/Co-op): that they are proportionate and not threatening to our Will the Prime Minister confirm that the UK will not be financial services industry, which, as I say, is not just an represented at meetings of the 25 countries? asset for Britain, but an asset for the whole of Europe. The Prime Minister: We are not signatories to the Jacob Rees-Mogg (North East Somerset) (Con): Will agreement, so we will not be represented at the meetings. my right hon. Friend elaborate on what he means by What was interesting about Friday was that, although “reserving our position” in relation to the fiscal compact? they signed an agreement, there was only one meeting, Does it indicate that Her Majesty’s Government doubt which was a meeting of the 27 that discussed, funnily the lawfulness of the compact under EU law and are enough—[Interruption.] I was in the room at the time— considering a legal challenge at some future date? [HON.MEMBERS: “Ooh!”] We discussed not only the single market but single currency issues. The Prime Minister: Let me try to shed some more light on that. The position is this. I think there are some Mr James Clappison (Hertsmere) (Con): I warmly major legal question marks over what the 25 EU members welcome my right hon. Friend’s statement. Among the have signed up to. However, the best thing for Britain to dubious legal matters contained in the fiscal compact, do, instead of going for an outright legal challenge—which which is not an EU treaty, are the provisions relating to might be partly successful—is to say, “We have our what is described as “reverse qualified majority voting”, 579 European Council5 MARCH 2012 European Council 580

[Mr James Clappison] Mark Durkan (Foyle) (SDLP): The Prime Minister has mentioned a special focus on trade deals with which sounds bad and is even worse than it sounds. Will fast-growing parts of the world. Will that focus take he be extremely vigilant and ensure that this coercive account of human rights experiences in those parts of and profoundly undemocratic practice is not extended the world, and how will he ensure that this push does into the EU proper? not compound the frustration of poor developing countries that are waiting for trade justice? The Prime Minister: My hon. Friend makes an important point. This treaty does not have the force of EU law, The Prime Minister: On trade justice with the poorest either on us, on the institutions or on those that have countries in the world, the EU has quite a good record signed it. I am sure that he could give us a very on giving those countries duty-free access to our markets straightforward explanation of reverse qualified majority under the “Everything but Arms” agreements. Where voting, but I can tell the House that it is basically a way we should make more progress is, for example, on the to impose the will of a group of countries on to others, free trade agreement with Korea, which is worth up to and I do not think that it is the way forward. But we still £0.5 billion to the British economy.There are opportunities have not heard from the Opposition whether they would for many more free trade agreements, which include all sign this treaty or not—[Interruption.] Well, would you sorts of different stipulations but could make us more sign it? Nod for yes; shake for no. Yes or no? It is one prosperous here at home, too. way or the other. Even Wallace and Gromit could do this! What is so difficult? Why don’t we ask the Leader Nicky Morgan (Loughborough) (Con): Does the Prime of the Opposition’s brother? Maybe he could tell us. Minister agree that the lack of support shown by the This is farcical. This thing now exists, and everyone else Leader of the Opposition and Labour Members for the has signed it, so would you sign it or not? Utterly, measures on growth taken at the EU Council show a utterly feeble. real lack of respect and support for the manufacturing and small business sector both in my constituency and Nick Smith (Blaenau Gwent) (Lab): The Prime Minister’s in those of all other Members? officials were reported to have told the Press Association during the summit that he was frustrated at being The Prime Minister: My hon. Friend makes an important ignored. Despite jockeying for position, why does he point. To be fair to the last Government, they spent think that his European colleagues might want to ignore quite a lot of time trying to push issues like the energy his advice on how to grow their economies? single market and the digital single market, so one The Prime Minister: I think that one might have been would have thought that there would be some sort of better if it had stayed in the stalls; it was never going to welcome for the progress that has been made. Instead, make it out on to the course. I was frustrated that the we got absolutely nothing from the Opposition and a original draft of the communiqué did not have the complete silence on whether they would have signed up actions and the dates that the 12 countries that signed to what they think was the important bit of the European the letter authored by Britain had asked for. I was Council—the signing of the treaty. If they think it is so frustrated because, if half the population of Europe, in important, they should be able to say whether they countries as diverse as Spain, Italy, Poland and Britain, would have signed it. all ask for actions to be taken, they should be taken. But the good thing is that, at the end of this European Mr David Winnick (Walsall North) (Lab): While Council, all the key issues that we asked for in the letter— condemning totally and without reservation what has which is in the Library of the House of Commons—are happened in Syria—the President should certainly be now in the Council conclusions. If the hon. Gentleman condemned as a war criminal and be brought to justice has plenty of time, he can slip on his nosebag and have a in due course—should there not be some hesitation good look. about the sort of people we support, bearing in mind the wrecking of wartime graves over the weekend by Harriett Baldwin (West Worcestershire) (Con): Will armed militia in Libya, which was a despicable act, the Prime Minister confirm that, at this meeting and damaging the graves of those who fought and sacrificed other European meetings, political leaders need to have their lives in the fight against Nazism? a clear idea of what is in their national interests, that decisions often have to be taken in the middle of the The Prime Minister: I agree that what happened in night on whether to participate in treaties, and that we Libya with the desecration of those graves is completely cannot dither for weeks afterwards about whether to unacceptable. To be fair to the interim Libyan Government, sign them? they condemned it absolutely, clearly and frankly in terms when it happened several days ago. We now need The Prime Minister: Fortunately, at this European to make sure that those graves are fully restored and Council, the dinner only went on until about 11 o’clock that the Libyan Government properly help in doing at night, so it was not the middle of the night. However, that. The interim Libyan Prime Minister is going to be my hon. Friend is right. There is now nowhere for in Britain this week, and he will meet my right hon. opposition parties anywhere in Europe to hide. This Friend the Foreign Secretary. I hope that I will see him, thing exists, and the Opposition need to work out too. We will make it clear in terms how important it is to whether they would sign it or not. They cannot tell us put those graves right. On Syria, there are all sorts of that. Even though they say that they want to be at the questions about who is involved in the Syrian opposition. heart of Europe and complain that we have put ourselves We have to ask careful questions, but we should be clear on the sidelines, they cannot answer that question. that the people of Syria would best be served by a Would they sign it: yes or no? transition away from this dreadful President. 581 European Council5 MARCH 2012 European Council 582

Joseph Johnson (Orpington) (Con): The Commission the last year. One in two young people in Spain and estimates that concluding all trade deals currently on Greece does not have a job. Where is the plan that has the table would add about ¤60 billion to European gross arisen from this summit to deal with youth unemployment? domestic product. Did the Council show appreciation Is it not the case that without such a plan, there will be of the urgency of getting on with this important task? no return to growth and no resolution of Europe’s debt crisis? The Prime Minister: There is a sense of urgency, which is why the June Council will be dedicated to this The Prime Minister: The hon. Gentleman is absolutely issue. There are obviously some different views within right. The levels of youth unemployment in many countries the European Council and there are the familiar cries in Europe are completely unacceptable. There is a wide about not going ahead unless there is full reciprocity. I spread of practice—from countries such as Holland believe that Britain, as an open trading nation, should and Germany with very low rates to countries such as be in the vanguard of arguing for these deals, because Spain and Greece with very high rates. Britain needs we have a lot to gain from them. to do better, and that is why we are investing about £1 billion in measures such as the youth contract. Mark Lazarowicz (Edinburgh North and Leith) (Lab/ This morning I was at a meeting with employees of Co-op): It was obviously right for the Council to concentrate Tesco, which has announced the creation of an extra as a priority on the bloodshed and murderous actions 20,000 jobs in the next two years, including 10,000 of the Assad regime in Syria, but does not the example apprenticeships. It is absolutely committed to the work of what happened in Libya at the weekend emphasise experience scheme. I must say this to Opposition Members: why we should not lose focus on what is happening one of your number is chairing the Right to Work elsewhere in the middle east and north Africa? In view campaign, which is basically a bunch of Trots trying to of some of the reverses that have taken place, will the destroy the scheme, and you have got to get serious Prime Minister give us an update on what the European about it. Union is doing to support moves towards democracy and human rights in those countries? Several hon. Members rose—

The Prime Minister: What the European Union has been Mr Speaker: Order. A good many Members are still doing—I think it is right—is to rewrite its neighbourhood seeking to catch my eye. I remind the House that today agreements and neighbourhood partnerships to make is also an Opposition day, and I have to factor that into them more conditional on political reform and economic my thinking as well. What is required is brevity—to be progress. I am still optimistic about what is happening exemplified, I feel sure, by Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown. across the middle east. For all the difficulties there are in Libya, at least that country has the prospect and the Geoffrey Clifton-Brown (The Cotswolds) (Con): The chance to make peaceful progress. We see that happening failure of the Assad regime to allow humanitarian in Morocco, but what is happening in Egypt is clearly assistance into Syria is utterly despicable. What does my far more challenging. Europe has a real influence to right hon. Friend think are the chances of the Russians bring to bear here, but we should be clear that our and Chinese abstaining on the relevant United Nations money and our help has some strings attached in terms resolution? of political and economic reform. The Prime Minister: I think that we must work not Mr David Nuttall (Bury North) (Con): I thank the just to get them to abstain, but to try to get them to Prime Minister for his statement and warmly congratulate support a resolution that is about humanitarian access him on not signing the fiscal compact agreement. Article 16 and is clear about the unacceptability of what is happening. of the agreement provides that within five years at I know that my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary most, a further attempt will be made to bring the has had a long telephone conversation with Foreign agreement into the legal framework of the European Minister Lavrov, and I hope to speak to President Putin Union. I am sure that my right hon. Friend will remain later today. Although we are not going to agree with as Prime Minister throughout that period, so can he Russia on all that needs to happen in Syria, I hope that reassure me and the House that if such an attempt is we can agree about the bottom-line things that absolutely made, he will exercise his veto once more? do need to happen.

The Prime Minister: I certainly agree with that, but James Morris (Halesowen and Rowley Regis) (Con): let me make this point to the hon. Gentleman. Those I welcome the Prime Minister’s emphasis on the importance who say that the veto did not achieve anything must ask of creating a digital single market. Does he agree that a themselves why other European countries are so keen to vibrant digital single market is vital to the future try to fold this agreement back into the treaty. That is competitiveness of the European Union? important. We made our position very clear. We made it clear The Prime Minister: My hon. Friend has made an that we would not allow a EU treaty to go ahead unless important point. I believe that, for instance, not all the it contained proper safeguards for the single market, for 27 members of the European Union have licensed iTunes financial services and in relation to other issues, and in their countries. Given that Britain has a leading role nothing has changed in that respect. in music, film, television and the creative industries, completing the digital market is as important to us as Mr William Bain (Glasgow North East) (Lab): Last completing the single market in cars is to Germany. It is week it was revealed that youth unemployment in the absolutely vital to us, and people should not think that EU had risen to 5.5 million—an increase of 269,000 in it is a small issue, because it is a big one. 583 European Council5 MARCH 2012 European Council 584

Dr Sarah Wollaston (Totnes) (Con): The Assad regime about how he was able to move Europe in the direction is committing crimes against humanity in Syria. Are of growth by getting the measures in the conclusions there any further practical measures that Britain and renegotiated? the EU can take against both China and Russia to help to stop them colluding with this mass murder, or should The Prime Minister: I am grateful to my hon. Friend. individual consumers be making choices in boycotting Most of the measures in paragraph 15 were not in the goods from China until they do? original draft of the communiqué. What was decisive was that it was not just the usual suspects, such as the The Prime Minister: I think that there is evidence that Swedes, the Danes, the Dutch and the British, coming both China and Russia feel the pressure that their forward with the agenda; we also had support from the previous veto has brought about. The Arab League is Italian and Spanish Prime Ministers, who have not absolutely unified in the view that what is happening in always championed this agenda, but who now see that it Syria is completely unacceptable, and I think that Arab is vital for European growth. League countries saying that to China and Russia will have an influence, as well as our saying it. I think that Nadhim Zahawi (Stratford-on-Avon) (Con): Consistency there is a lot of diplomatic pressure to be brought to delivers results, so whereas Opposition Members have bear, and I hope that in the coming days we can really been criticising the Prime Minister for being consistent make that happen. in pushing for a digital single market, I congratulate him because, apart from silicon valley, the UK is uniquely Rehman Chishti (Gillingham and Rainham) (Con): placed to take advantage of that. More specifically, did Did the European Council discuss the points made by he get a chance to discuss with his colleagues why it the Saudi Foreign Minister, who said that Saudi Arabia costs so much more to start a company in Europe than would not take part in any action unless it led to in America, Canada or India? “the quick protection of… Syrians”, The Prime Minister: My hon. Friend makes a good and that focusing on humanitarian aid was “not enough” point. The truth is that if we want to get anywhere in while the killings were going on? Europe, we have to be a bit of a bore about things and keep going back to them again and again and again. The Prime Minister: Clearly humanitarian aid on its Countries across Europe need to look at all the steps we own is not enough: it is not good enough if all we do is have put in the way of people starting up businesses. feed and clothe people while the slaughter continues. There is the venture capital issue, for instance: for every That is why, as I have said, we must also focus on the dollar raised in Europe for venture capital, $5 are raised other bits of pressure that we can bring to bear, such as in America. That is yet another area in which Europe the sanctions—that is the diplomatic pressure—and needs to do better. also gathering the evidence of what is happening. We should not underestimate that. Britain has, I think, sent Christopher Pincher (Tamworth) (Con): The Opposition some people to the Turkish border, and we are co-ordinating have—entirely co-incidentally, I am sure—tabled a motion with others so that we can take the testimony and for debate in a few minutes’ time on the low carbon receive the evidence of the terrible things that have economy.Does the Prime Minister agree that the completion happened. It is all those things combined. of the single energy market—which he has championed Of course it would be good if there were more that and which will create 5 million jobs across the continent— we could do. We have to recognise the difficulties of the will go a long way towards addressing the concerns in situation, and some of the ways in which it differs from that regard? the Libyan situation. However, there is more that we can do than just provide humanitarian aid. The Prime Minister: I think it will: I think completing the energy single market is good for jobs and good for growth. It is just disappointing that the Opposition have Karen Bradley (Staffordshire Moorlands) (Con): What tabled motions on low carbon, and then they reduce practical steps can be taken to ensure that the humanitarian carbon even further by sitting in their offices. aid to Syria reaches the people who so desperately need it? Julian Smith (Skipton and Ripon) (Con): I welcome the announcement on micro-exemptions, but will this The Prime Minister: My hon. Friend is right: that is focus on the existing stock of rules and regulations or the key question. If the Syrian authorities will not allow just the flow of new ones? that aid to get to areas such as the Baba Amr district of Homs, it will not reach the people who need it. While we The Prime Minister: The moratorium does what it are doing what we can to provide the resources and work says on the tin: it is intended to stop the further flow of with the expert agencies, we need the Syrian authorities regulations. I hope the sector-by-sector analysis will to allow that aid to get through. That is why the United start to look at the stock of regulations. Part of the Nations Security Council is particularly important. problem with the way the EU works is that when the Environment Ministers all get together they think about Charlie Elphicke (Dover) (Con): May I, too, congratulate the environment but not about the costs, and when the the Prime Minister on his statement? I am especially Social Affairs Ministers get to together they think about pleased with the measures in paragraphs 15 and 19 of social affairs but not about the costs. We have to get all the Council conclusions on the completion of the digital these groups of Ministers to focus on the cost to business single market, the energy market and the services of what they agree to, and this is an early start down directive. Can the Prime Minister tell us a little more that path. 585 European Council5 MARCH 2012 European Council 586

Graham Evans (Weaver Vale) (Con): The entire House business and how much and then try to put the pressure will welcome the Government’s prompt action on on to have the regulations reduced. humanitarian aid, but will my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister make sure that those perpetrating the Mr Julian Brazier (Canterbury) (Con): I congratulate atrocities in Syria will be held to account by the international my right hon. Friend on the new coalition he has built community? for deregulation and growth in the single market. Is it not time that Mr Van Rompuy and the Commission The Prime Minister: That is essential. Syria is not a remembered who they are meant to be working for? signatory to the International Criminal Court, but that does not mean that we should not collect the evidence The Prime Minister: I am grateful for my hon. Friend’s and hold these people to account for their crimes, and question. It was an interesting Council in that regard, Britain and others are doing that work right now. because a number of countries, Britain included, were not happy with the original communiqué. So even Andrew Jones (Harrogate and Knaresborough) (Con): before the opening session—when we hear from the What measures were agreed by the Council to make President of the Parliament—was over, a number of progress towards the completion of the single market? I countries had intervened to say that the letter we had am thinking in particular about the digital services and written and the measures we wanted were not properly energy sectors, as businesses in Yorkshire—my area—will reflected in the communiqué. That had quite an impact be well placed to take advantage of opportunities that on the Council and the Commission recognising that may arise in them. they needed to take these into account. The Prime Minister: The key point was that in paragraph Jeremy Lefroy (Stafford) (Con): I welcome my right 15 we are setting dates for the completion of these hon. Friend’s clear statement on deepening the single markets, which I hope gives my hon. Friend’s businesses market in services, a cause he continuously champions. and constituents confidence. But what we have to do When does he think we will see UK companies bidding now is make sure that individual steps are taken to for continental rail franchises, as Dutch and German make that happen and that where countries are holding railways bid for franchises here? things up, we support the Commission in making sure that infraction proceedings are taken against them. The Prime Minister: Of course that should happen Andrew Bridgen (North West Leicestershire) (Con): now under the procurement directives that have already The British Chambers of Commerce has calculated that been signed. We need to do two things, the first of the cost of EU regulations to British business is a which is to make sure that those are properly enforced whopping £7.5 billion each and every year, and the by the European Commission. Domestically, we ought figure is growing. What measures were discussed to turn to learn the lessons of great businesses that actually work back that tide, especially for small and medium-sized with their customers and their suppliers on a long-term enterprises? basis so that they know what is coming up next.

The Prime Minister: The two elements of the moratorium Mr Speaker: I thank the Prime Minister and colleagues are to try to stop things getting worse for the smallest for their succinctness, which enabled 44 Back Benchers businesses, and the sector-by-sector analysis, so that we to question the Prime Minister in 41 minutes of exclusively can start to build a picture of exactly what is costing Back-Bench time. 587 5 MARCH 2012 588 Points of Order Opposition Day 4.32 pm [UN-ALLOTTED DAY] Chris Bryant (Rhondda) (Lab): On a point of order, Mr Speaker. Jobs and Growth in a Low-carbon Mr Speaker: The day would not be complete without Economy a point of order from the hon. Member for Rhondda (Chris Bryant). [Relevant document: The Eleventh Report from the Energy and Climate Change Committee, The Future of Marine Chris Bryant: You probably do not know this, Renewables in the UK, HC 1624.] Mr Speaker, but my constituency contains a Remploy factory, which does a very good job of recycling electronic Mr Speaker: The first of the two debates is on jobs equipment, and we are hearing a lot of mood music at and growth in a low-carbon economy—[Interruption.] the moment about whether it is going to close. Last A man of the seniority of the hon. Member for Sevenoaks week, the Minister for disabled people visited the factory (Michael Fallon)—a figure of considerable celebrity in without notifying me that she was coming. A lot of the House—does not have to shout from a sedentary workers at the factory are vulnerable and very uncertain position. We can all see and admire him from a distance. about their future, and they take this scuttling in and out of my constituency as signifying that their jobs are 4.35 pm going to go. They are very worried about the situation. I hope that you might be able to have a word with this Caroline Flint (Don Valley) (Lab): I beg to move, Minister and urge her that if she has something to That this House believes that the achievements of the previous announce, she should do so soon and in this House. administration and cross-party support for the Climate Change Act 2008 underpin the attractiveness of the UK to green investment; Mr Speaker: I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for notes this Government’s promise to be the greenest Government his point of order. The Minister for disabled people will ever; regrets that under the present Government investment in have heard, or she will shortly hear, the point he has clean energy, particularly wind power, has declined and the UK made. He will know that it is not a rule contained in our has fallen to thirteenth in the world for investment in green growth; further regrets the delays to the Green Investment Bank, Standing Orders but rather a convention—a custom or the lack of clarity over financing of the Green Deal, the uncertainty courtesy—of the House that a Member visiting another surrounding funding for carbon capture and storage, the chaotic Member’s constituency notifies that Member in advance mismanagement of the cuts to the feed-in tariff for solar power, of the intended visit. I remind Members on both sides and the undermining of zero-carbon homes; further believes that of the House of the importance of adhering to that the effect of these policy failures, mixed signals from the Government courtesy. No matter whether the Member visiting is a and open hostility from Government backbench Members to Back Bencher, a Minister or an Opposition Front Bencher, action to cut carbon emissions have exacerbated investor uncertainty, hit small and medium-sized businesses, and reduced the UK’s this is a courtesy and it should be upheld. In addition, if ability to attract, retain and increase investment; rejects the idea a Minister has an announcement to make, it should be that the transition to a low-carbon economy is a burden and made first to the House and, depending on the nature believes it has the potential to be a major source of jobs and and content of the statement, it might well take the growth for the UK; and calls on the Government to bring forward form of an oral statement. I must say that breaching the an active industrial strategy for low-carbon growth by providing a convention is a risky enterprise and doing so in respect stable policy framework to unlock private investment, improving of the constituency of Rhondda is especially risky, as it public procurement, developing a low-carbon skills strategy, is almost certain that the hon. Gentleman will raise the rebalancing the economy to support growth in the regions and encourage manufacturing, and engaging communities in the transition matter, as he has just proved. to a low-carbon economy. John Hemming (Birmingham, Yardley) (LD): On a I congratulate the Secretary of State on his appointment point of order, Mr Speaker. The Backbench Business and welcome him to his new position for our first exchange Committee has come under some criticism for not at the Dispatch Box. We would have met sooner, but he allocating time for a debate on health, and the website chose not to come to the House to defend his Department’s www.labour.org.uk/wheresmydebate complains about the shambolic mismanagement of cuts to the feed-in tariff absence of such a debate. Would it have been in order for solar power, which, according to the Government’s for the leader of the Labour party to speak to the own estimate, will see at least 5,000 people lose their Leader of the Opposition and allocate time today to jobs this year. The right hon. Gentleman was missing debate the issue of health, or would that have been out from the Commons because he was opening the world’s of order? biggest offshore wind farm in Walney, Cumbria, where he said: Mr Speaker: The leader of the Labour party and the “Britain has a lot to be proud of”. Leader of the Opposition are one and the same person. Indeed we do. The North West Evening Mail reported in The hon. Gentleman is a very clever and sophisticated 2008, under the previous Labour Government, that fellow and it might well be that he has raised a very permission had been granted at Walney, clever and sophisticated point, but if he has it warrants “helping to give the UK the highest operating offshore wind time to be contemplated. It might be too clever and capacity in the world.” sophisticated for the Speaker, and at any rate I will not The legacy of Labour’s active support for renewable deal with it now, but I shall reflect on the hon. Gentleman’s energy is taking shape and we share his pride in the points, as I invariably do, and we will see where we get. foresight of the previous Labour Government. 589 Jobs and Growth in a Low-carbon 5 MARCH 2012 Jobs and Growth in a Low-carbon 590 Economy Economy Nearly 1 million people already work in environmental the Secretary of State has to say might be in conflict industries in the UK, with the potential to create with what others say and might not tally with what the 400,000 more jobs. We are concerned that Britain is Chancellor of the Exchequer says at his party conferences being left in the doldrums, however. We must get on or elsewhere. board or risk missing out on growth, job creation and a revival of Britain’s manufacturing sector. Today, we Several hon. Members rose— have an economy without growth, inflation still at 3.6%, unemployment at a 16-year high, borrowing that will be Caroline Flint: Let me make a little more progress. We higher every year for the next five years and a Government know that businesses will not invest, build factories or who are strangling growth and destroying jobs. Where create jobs until the Government end the dithering, other countries see a market that is already worth more stop shifting the goalposts and get behind the industries than £3 trillion and opportunities for new industries, of the future. new skills, new supply chains and—yes—new energy sources, the Government just see burdens for business Geraint Davies (Swansea West) (Lab/Co-op): On that and blots on the landscape. very point, would my right hon. Friend be interested to Under Labour, Britain was open for green business. know that literally dozens of people in and around When we left office, the UK was ranked third in the world Swansea are losing their jobs as a result of the withdrawal for investment in green business, investment in alternative of the feed-in tariff? What is more, Tata Steel has just energy and clean technology reached £7 billion, energy announced an opportunity for people to go home, not generated from new renewable sources doubled, the work at all and be paid half-pay, simply because of this UK’s global lead in offshore wind had been achieved ridiculous unilateral carbon pricing. On both sides—heavy and the Climate Change Act 2008 had been a world first industry and green energy—uncertainty is leading to with cross-party support. Even the Prime Minister did less investment and to lay-offs; it is disgusting. his best in opposition to detoxify his party’s brand and establish new green credentials. Who could forget the Caroline Flint: As I have said, the Government have photo of the Prime Minister hugging a husky—or was confirmed that, based on their own estimates, 5,000 people it a hoodie? It was probably both, as there was a lot of in the solar industry alone will lose their jobs this year, hugging going on in those days. Who could forget the including constituents in my hon. Friend’s constituency. fanfare that greeted the wind turbine installed on the Last week, business after business lined up to say that Prime Minister’s roof, only to be taken down later? Or billions of pounds-worth of future investment is now the Prime Minister’s much-heralded pledge that his on hold because there are serious question marks over would be the “greenest Government ever”? Where did it the Government’s commitment to wind power. We are all go wrong? on the cusp of a new industrial revolution that is The Secretary of State is new to his post, but he shaking up the old world order. We have to be leaders, should know that on this Government’s watch the UK not followers, in this revolution. It is about creating a has fallen from third in the world for investment in new economy that is cleaner, leaner and more competitive low-carbon businesses to 13th, behind China, Germany, and that provides the energy we need. We all know that the United States, Italy, Brazil, Canada, Spain, France, the longer we delay action, the costlier it will become to India, Japan and Australia. On his first day, the Secretary mitigate and adapt to climate change, and the economic of State declared that there would be opportunities will slip through our fingers. “no change in direction or ambition” Angie Bray (Ealing Central and Acton) (Con): Does but unless our ambition is to fall even further, a change the right hon. Lady agree that the Mayor of London, is exactly what we need. Boris Johnson, is setting an excellent example? He set up the London green fund, from which he has committed Charlie Elphicke (Dover) (Con): The right hon. Lady £50 million towards the London energy efficiency fund, waxes lyrical about the importance of a low-carbon some 86 buildings have already been refitted and greened economy, but is it not the case that under the previous and there are another 297 public buildings in the pipeline. Labour Government, emissions barely changed at all All that is going to create about 700 new jobs. and were rising when her party left office? Does not the fact that there are so few Labour Members in the Caroline Flint: And, of course, the Mayor is pushing Chamber today show how little commitment her party the price of public transport up, which means that more has to this issue? people might get into their cars. However, there is room for discussion regarding one point that the hon. Lady made. Caroline Flint: I am very proud that we not only met Labour and Conservative local authorities up and down our Kyoto target on reducing carbon emissions but the country have been looking at ways of helping their exceeded it. I am also proud that we set in train a citizens, particularly those in social housing. That is number of initiatives that the coalition Government why it is a crying shame that so many local authorities have in some ways had the sense to follow. It is a good of all political persuasions have had to cancel or put on thing that this country got agreement on our targets for the back burner plans to use solar power in their social reducing carbon emissions because business investors homes and community buildings; 100,000 social homes say it is important for them to know that there is are losing out because of this Government’s decisions coherence in countries’ party political structures on this on solar power. matter. It is a shame that the legacy that has made this country a favoured one for investment is now moving Several hon. Members rose— away—partly because of the mixed messages coming from Government Front Benchers. For example, what Caroline Flint: I will give way again shortly. 591 Jobs and Growth in a Low-carbon 5 MARCH 2012 Jobs and Growth in a Low-carbon 592 Economy Economy [Caroline Flint] who do not understand that the future is a new form of energy and a new way of empowering our citizens to Whatever one thinks of the British weather, we are not control prices and at the same time have cleaner energy. short of wind. Apparently, we are the windiest country in Europe, and we should be a world leader on wind Simon Hughes (Bermondsey and Old Southwark) energy, onshore and off, but last year there was a (LD): It is entirely the case that not everything done by 40% fall in the amount of new wind capacity being the Labour Government in this area was ineffective or brought online, with only one offshore wind farm being poor, and I pay tribute to the things that they did. The completed. one thing that they did not wake up to until the very last Where we sought to support offshore wind manufacturing months of the Labour Administration was the need to by establishing a £60 million fund to attract investment, do much more for renewable energy. Will the right hon. nearly two years—two years—after the Government Lady accept that the figures when Labour left office promised to support the scheme, and only after a string show that of all the 27 EU countries, the UK was at the of critical press reports, just one project has been awarded top for the amount that it still needed to do in percentage funding. Some 98% of that budget, which Labour initiated, terms to reach its 2020 target of 15%? The UK had remains unspent. As the Select Committee noted in its 12.8% yet to go, compared with all the other countries, report, the UK has the best marine energy resource in which had made a much more significant change during Europe. It has the potential to supply 20% of current the period of our Labour Administration. electricity demand and create 10,000 jobs by the end of this decade, but this Government’s decision to close the Caroline Flint: I thank the right hon. Gentleman for £50 million marine renewables deployment fund and his courtesy in acknowledging that the Labour Government replace it with a £20 million innovation fund dented achieved a number of important milestones in renewable confidence and undermined certainty in the business energy, and showed leadership worldwide in setting community. climate change targets and targets for the reduction of carbon emissions that were and continue to be challenging. David Mowat (Warrington South) (Con): I have listened However, I do not accept the woeful description of carefully to the right hon. Lady’s catalogue of achievements what we did in government. We doubled renewable energy by the previous Government in this area, but can she generation and established Britain as a world leader in explain why, given all that, in the last year of the previous offshore wind capacity and in the prototype development Government, we were 25th out of 27 in the EU for use of wave and tidal technology, but our achievements of renewable energy? Furthermore, in 2010, that decreased, are now under threat. As a result of this Government’s which is extraordinary. mixed messages and failing policies, investment in green growth in the UK is falling. For instance, investment Caroline Flint: We doubled renewable energy generation in wind energy fell by 40% in the first year they were under the Labour Government. We established Britain in power. as a world leader in offshore wind capacity. I think I am right in saying that we were at the top of the league in Dame Joan Ruddock (Lewisham, Deptford) (Lab): I investment. Was there more to be done? Undoubtedly, suggest to my right hon. Friend that for many years but the record that we left is being harmed significantly there was a consensus across the House that there was on a daily basis by the actions of this Government. no need to invest in renewables because we were self- sufficient in gas and oil. The fact is that no one would Chris Ruane (Vale of Clwyd) (Lab): My right hon. have invested when we had such riches off our own Friend may be aware that I switched on 30 offshore shores. We all took time to learn the lessons, but when turbines at North Hoyle off the coast of my constituency we did we moved very fast indeed. about eight or nine years ago. Those were the exact same turbines that the current Prime Minister referred to as “giant bird blenders”. What does she think of the Caroline Flint: I pay tribute to my right hon. Friend Conservatives’ attitude to offshore wind? for her contribution to that effort. We have to be realistic about the fact that the strategies in this area have been affected by different forms of complacency over many Caroline Flint: Of course, the Conservative attitude decades on what we could rely on and what was certain to wind, offshore or onshore, has been represented by in our changing world. Also, importantly, even if we 101 Conservative MPs who wrote to their Prime Minister could rely on certain energy sources for a period of complaining about our attempts as a country to utilise time, that would not help us do what we need to do: that resource that is at our disposal. Unfortunately, the reduce our carbon emissions. That is why some of the Chancellor of the Exchequer believes that we should comments from Government Members are so worrying. not pursue the potential of this new energy revolution They could lead people into false arguments about how faster than Europe—we should go back to the slow relying on new ways to access different forms of fossil lane. In the 1980s wind developers decided that there fuels is somehow the answer. Those sorts of messages was insufficient support from the Government of the are very difficult for investors to understand, because time—we all know which party that was—and they they do not project a sense of moving forward and seem went elsewhere. That is why Denmark became the world to reflect a view held by some Government Members leader in this area and we missed an opportunity. that, rather than a transition away from fossil fuels, Because of those decisions in the 1980s, we have been there will be an opportunity around the corner that will playing catch-up ever since. We must not destroy the allow us to go back to relying on them. We cannot foundations laid in the past five years or so by not accept that. That is why the Opposition decided to making the right decisions now and playing to those allocate some of our time to debate this and why we will 593 Jobs and Growth in a Low-carbon 5 MARCH 2012 Jobs and Growth in a Low-carbon 594 Economy Economy continue to talk about it in future to ensure that we stay Caroline Flint: No, I will not—[HON.MEMBERS: “Ah!”] on track, because we believe that this opportunity cannot When I am in the middle of answering one intervention, be missed. I think that I should be allowed to complete it before I take another one. I know that the hon. Gentleman Several hon. Members rose— gets very excited on these occasions, and that it makes his hair even curlier than it is already, but the truth, Caroline Flint: I will make some progress before I understand, is that today he has already had to revise giving way again. down some of his statements about the cost of solar. In government, we set up a system of feed-in tariffs So, again, we will go back and look at the issue, but I to support solar and other forms of microgeneration. am happy to write to him with chapter and verse on Within 18 months the solar industry had grown from some of the things that he has said over the past 3,000 employees in 450 businesses to 25,000 people in six months which have been changed on many occasions. nearly 4,000 businesses. Our vision was shared by many other countries; Germany installed half the world’s Gregory Barker: The right hon. Lady is absolutely solar panels and supported 250,000 jobs and Australia right: I did say that our ambition is now 22 GW of solar could boast at Durban about the completion of 1 million energy by 2020. But if she was on top of her brief she homes with solar PV.What can this Government boast? would know that there is already 28 GW of installed Cutting off an industry at its knees put hundreds of solar in Germany, so would she like to apologise and businesses at risk, destroyed thousands of jobs—5,000 retract her statement? according to the Government’s own estimate—increased Caroline Flint: If the hon. Gentleman’s ambition is the import of Chinese solar panels and denied millions not to be as good as Germany, that is one thing, but one of households the chance of a little more control over thing is for sure: his efforts over the past six months their energy bills. I will not dwell on the catastrophic have certainly not put us in a position to get anywhere series of events that have left us where we are. Suffice it near Germany’s aspirations. I should be very interested to say, even the Energy and Climate Change Committee, to see the detailed plan of how he expects us to reach chaired by the hon. Member for South Suffolk (Mr Yeo), 22 GW, given what he has done to the solar industry in has stated that just a short space of time. “the damage to both investor confidence and to some consumers could have been avoided.” Ben Gummer (Ipswich) (Con): Will the right hon. Lady give way? Steve Brine (Winchester) (Con): I am listening carefully to the right hon. Lady’s speech—there are a number of Caroline Flint: No, I am going to make a little more Government Members who are. Is she seriously suggesting progress, if I may. that she left a feed-in tariffs regime that was fit for purpose and that the Minister of State, Department of The future is not just in new sources of energy, but in Energy and Climate Change, my hon. Friend the Member adapting and transforming existing energy generation. for Bexhill and Battle (Gregory Barker), did not have to We all know that with carbon capture and storage we salvage it from the car crash he found when he took are on the verge of developing a hugely valuable and office? exportable technology, but we know also that that opportunity will not last for ever, and the Minister of Caroline Flint: Well, it took the Government 18 months State, Department of Energy and Climate Change, the to give six weeks’ notice to the industry, but the truth is hon. Member for Wealden (Charles Hendry) knows that Labour always said that this scheme and others that other countries are seeking to develop that technology that support fledgling sectors need to be reviewed and and that demonstration projects in Canada and Australia that prices will change and come down, but not in the are already under way. way the Secretary of State and his predecessor indicated. I know that the Government have announced a new It caused mayhem in the system and has left other competition in this sector, but I hope that they take the business investors in green technologies questioning opportunity to bear down on the projects that we know whether they should dip their toe in the water. The fact and understand, because, with a new competition and is that the Minister is now offering pie-in-the-sky predictions 20 other projects sitting on a shelf somewhere, we must of the UK overtaking Germany in terms of solar capacity decide quickly which proposals known to us have the by 2020. He needs to get real. Just how can he cut best prospects of success. There is a lot riding on the support for solar power by 70% in six months and still scheme, as the Minister knows, in this country and in expect to overtake Germany by the end of the decade? terms of European support, so we all want to begin to develop the technology without further delay. The Minister of State, Department of Energy and Climate We know also that new nuclear power stations will Change (Gregory Barker): I most certainly have not said need to be built over the next decade. Nuclear is important that. Would the right hon. Lady care to tell me when to us, and Labour understands that. It provides one I said it and what her source is? seventh of the world’s electricity and one third of the European Union’s, and if we do not invest we will only Caroline Flint: When we last discussed the issue, on import more French nuclear electricity. With 63 new an urgent question, the hon. Gentleman suggested that nuclear power stations under construction worldwide, we were aiming for something like 22 GW of solar we have to make sure that we learn in real time the power by 2020, but then again we cannot always take lessons of those overseas projects in order to ensure that what he says— the next generation of nuclear power in this country is delivered as efficiently as possible and maximises job Gregory Barker: Will the right hon. Lady give way? opportunities for people in the UK. 595 Jobs and Growth in a Low-carbon 5 MARCH 2012 Jobs and Growth in a Low-carbon 596 Economy Economy [Caroline Flint] the green deal will reach only a fifth of the number of households that the Government expect, while the number Personally, I have found it quite helpful to talk to the of those in fuel poverty could reach 9 million by 2016. people involved in those projects in order to understand We still have no detail on the interest rates that will be what we can learn, and to take some of the risk out of charged, which is significant for whether anybody will delivering our own capacity more efficiently. be willing to take up the green deal. As well has having a coherent strategy to improve the Ben Gummer: The right hon. Lady has spoken much energy efficiency of our existing housing stock, we need about the previous Government’s record. They had six new homes to be built to the highest standards. The energy White Papers, of which only the last mentioned Government could have ensured that a new gold standard nuclear power in any substantive capacity at all, yet she was created with the code for sustainable homes, which has the front to come to the House and tell Government I launched as Housing Minister, but they have fudged Members that we should think about nuclear power, and watered down the commitment on zero-carbon when under this Government permission will be granted homes. We should add to that reports that the Government, for new nuclear power stations. in the form of the Secretary of State for Education, are planning to undermine the green building code for schools. Caroline Flint: I was trying to be helpful in terms of That worries me because, yet again, the Government’s where we are. When we left government, we recognised role in stimulating new building methods and making that we did need to build more nuclear power stations. I new markets appears to be overcome by short-termism am not sure whether all the Conservative party’s coalition and lack of vision. partners necessarily accept that. I think that they have We need an active industrial strategy to bring about an opt-out from any vote on the issue on the Floor of the energy industrial revolution. First, to unlock the the House. £200 billion of private investment, we need clear signals and clear intent from the Government, unsullied by the Simon Hughes: We do. voice of the Chancellor of the Exchequer playing to the gallery at the Tory party conference. Secondly, we need Caroline Flint: That is correct, I hear from the right better procurement to ensure that public money is spent hon. Gentleman. in a way that supports the low-carbon economy. Housing Labour is clear that nuclear has to be part of energy benefit is one example of that. In our manifesto, we said provision. I am merely saying, in a constructive way, that we would consider regulating parts of the private that we know from projects overseas that often such rented sector because of the way it acted, which we felt projects—63 are under way worldwide—are not delivered was inappropriate to its tenants and not a shining on time and come in over budget. We must ensure that example of the best that we could expect in that part of not only our civil servants but our industrial partners the housing market. Unfortunately, however, the are seeing what lessons can be learned to avoid our Government have set their face against any regulation repeating some of the risks that have delayed projects of the private rented sector, even though housing benefit elsewhere. I think that it is helpful to offer that to the is paid towards 40% of private rented tenancies and debate and to assure the Government of our support homes in the private rented sector are the least energy- for developing energy in this field as part of the diverse efficient. I have suggested that we use housing benefit to mix that we need. drive up energy efficiency standards in the private rented sector. That would also create a supply chain for installers delivering the products and small businesses manufacturing Charlie Elphicke rose— them, and it could save tenants as much as £488 a year on their energy bills. Caroline Flint: I will make a little more progress. The third part of an active industrial strategy is skills. In government, we recognised that at a time when New industries cannot survive with an ageing work public money is in short supply, a green investment force. I am sure that Ministers are as aware as I am of bank could leverage in private investment. That is extremely some of the problems in different parts of the energy important to our ambitions for the next level of energy sector, including nuclear, in this regard. We hope that generation that we want our country to achieve. In his the modernisation of our energy infrastructure will autumn statement, the Chancellor boasted that he had happen in the next decade. The people who will do that funded the first ever green investment bank. Now, however, are already in our education system, and we have to the Government are set to borrow a staggering £158 billion make sure that they are prepared for the future in terms more than they planned a year ago, and the green of our energy security. investment bank will not have full borrowing powers until 2016 at the earliest. The Government’s claim that Diana Johnson (Kingston upon Hull North) (Lab): the green investment bank is part of a strategy for My right hon. Friend makes an important point about growth looks somewhat thin—like the rest of the the skills that will be necessary for the future. In Hull, strategy—if it is able to deliver any real investment only where we are hoping to become a renewables hub, we at the tail end of this decade. are well aware of the need to take such skills into account in education. Does she think that Ministers in The green deal is yet another example of a policy that the Department for Education have fully understood we set in train in government but now appears to be headed the need for their involvement in promoting the skills for a car crash. Originally, the Government claimed that that we will require? the scheme would create up to 100,000 insulation jobs by 2015, reaching 14 million homes by 2020 and 26 million Caroline Flint: The extent to which Departments are homes by 2030. Now, sadly, the jobs forecast has been joined up in the endeavour of realising the potential for downgraded by nearly half. Transform UK believes that new energy industries and jobs worries me tremendously. 597 Jobs and Growth in a Low-carbon 5 MARCH 2012 Jobs and Growth in a Low-carbon 598 Economy Economy There are opportunities not only in providing cleaner that it found little or no progress in three quarters of the energy, but in manufacturing the infrastructure to make 77 green policies of this Government that it examined? it happen. I have mentioned the contradictions between That is the reality of what this country is facing. the Treasury and the Department of Energy and Climate Change. I am not convinced that the Department for Caroline Flint: That is the reality. That saddens me Business, Innovation and Skills is on board with everything because the foundations had been laid for a journey on that DECC wants to do. It is also worrying to hear that which I believed there was cross-party consensus, which the Secretary of State for Education is downgrading the Labour worked hard to achieve in this House. It worries efficiency standards for new school buildings. This is me that we have a Government who are short of a one way in which we can use the muscle of Government coherent political vision. As a result, we are in danger procurement to make a difference without spending any of missing a golden opportunity, not just to reboot our more money. There are hundreds of ways in which that economy, but to build a more resilient and responsible can be done. economy for the future, built on not just sustained but We need a skills strategy. It is not only the school sustainable growth. buildings that are important, but what is taught in our If we fail to grasp this opportunity, it will be the schools and how that links with industry. We must public who pay the price through jobs and growth going reach young people. However, we must not forget the overseas and through higher energy bills, as we become work force in the existing fossil fuel industries. How can ever more reliant on volatile fossil fuel prices. UK plc their skills be refreshed and transferred to the new needs an active industrial strategy focused on growth, industries as they come online? There must be hope for skilled job creation and a revival of Britain’s manufacturing our young people, but there must also be hope for those sector, which can be both clean and green. in work that even if there are changes in their jobs, new jobs will be available for them and their families. Mr John Redwood (Wokingham) (Con): Will the right Fourthly, the Government must help to rebalance our hon. Lady give way? economy. This, too, relates to the point made by my hon. Friend the Member for Kingston upon Hull North (Diana Johnson). Britain’s industrial heartlands—places Caroline Flint: I will not give way to the right hon. like the Humber, the north-east and Cumbria—have the Gentleman, because he was not here for the start of the business-cluster potential, the skills, the production, the debate. ports and the energy to forge these new industries. We Today, we can send out a clear message that a new do not want to be a country that just installs products industrial revolution is upon us and that Britain is from overseas; we want to manufacture them. In the determined to lead it. I commend the motion to the House. 1980s, small wind power developers drifted away from the UK due to a lack of support. Britain’s loss was Denmark’s gain and we have been playing catch-up ever 5.9 pm since. Of the £1.2 billion cost of constructing the Walney The Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change wind farm, 40% went on turbines and parts that were (Mr Edward Davey): I am grateful to the right hon. not made in Britain. We have to do more to develop our Member for Don Valley (Caroline Flint) for securing supply chain and to support manufacturing in this country, the debate, as it gives me the opportunity to come to the rather than in Germany, Denmark and, increasingly, China. House for the first time as Secretary of State for Energy Marine energy is still a nascent technology, but the and Climate Change. I thank her for her welcome at the potential is there. It would be unforgivable if we lost out start of her remarks. I look forward to our debates, and on the economic benefits in the way that we did with I hope that despite some of the remarks at the end of wind energy in the ’80s. DECC and BIS must work her speech, we can have a constructive dialogue that together to be market makers and to build confidence in shows the country and the world that there is significant the British supply chain so that overseas energy companies consensus in the UK about the urgent need to tackle know that there are British manufacturers who can do climate change. In that way, we can both attract the the job. At the very least, I would like to know, as a investment that is needed and continue to lead the member of the public, what proportion of the steel used international debate that it is crucial to keep winning. to produce turbines and other energy infrastructure is made in the UK. I wish to take my first parliamentary opportunity to reaffirm the coalition’s commitment to being the greenest Finally, the Government must empower the public Government ever. My predecessor had a fantastic record in energy efficiency, and ensure that the public and of delivering policies that will protect the environment communities become energy producers as well as consumers. and consumers while making our energy infrastructure The green deal must be delivered on fair terms to those competitive. people. In the Budget, the Government could cut VAT on home improvements, including those that increase Much of what the right hon. Lady said about our energy efficiency, to 5% to give our economy the boost record was simply unrecognisable and unrelated to the that it needs and to give power to people and communities. facts. I was also disappointed to see no mention of The UK is not short of the capital skills or technology consumers or bill payers in the Opposition’s motion. that are needed to make the transition to a low-carbon Under the previous Government, the link between energy economy. and climate change and end users was often overlooked, and the link between the economy and our efforts to Dame Joan Ruddock: My right hon. Friend, in her tackle climate change was not nearly strong enough. excellent speech, has described the Government’s catalogue The coalition, on the other hand, has been successful in of disasters in the area of green jobs and growth. Is it recognising that within our economic priority to foster any wonder that Friends of the Earth said in its report growth, create jobs and make Britain competitive, we 599 Jobs and Growth in a Low-carbon 5 MARCH 2012 Jobs and Growth in a Low-carbon 600 Economy Economy [Mr Edward Davey] “on a path to becoming the most environmentally destructive government to hold power in this country since the modern must pay heed to our obligation to tackle climate change environmental movement was born”? while at the same time empowering and supporting consumers. Mr Davey: I certainly do not recognise that description of this Government. It has been commented in one or I want to make it absolutely clear that the energy bills two places in the press that the one thing to which I have of consumers and businesses will be a priority in my been most committed throughout my political life is thinking. At the Department for Business, Innovation environmentalism—my first political activity was in the and Skills, I was the Minister responsible for consumer environmental movement. I can therefore tell the right affairs, and I am worried about the impact of high bills hon. Lady of my complete commitment to that agenda. on consumers. In a consumer empowerment strategy that I published last April, I talked about empowering The motion contains some good points. Cross-party consumers through collective purchase and collective support, for example, for the Climate Change Act 2008 switching. One would have thought that the Labour makes the UK an attractive place to do clean-energy party would have been concerned about those matters business—the right hon. Member for Don Valley was in its 13 years in government, but it was not. I say to the gracious enough to admit that the coalition parties right hon. Lady that in our work, including since I have supported the Act, which is important. A consensus on taken office, we are pushing collective purchasing and many such issues, whether energy infrastructure investment collective switching, which will empower consumers, or climate change, is extremely important, because they make energy markets more competitive and get a better are about investors investing over decades. If we are to deal for consumers. hit our 2050 target, we need to give those investors and the wider economy a lot of confidence.

Caroline Flint: Is it not the case that the Opposition Huw Irranca-Davies (Ogmore) (Lab): I welcome the have held two debates about energy prices? One was Secretary of State to his post, in which he has the during the energy summit, and unfortunately the Secretary opportunity to set a new course for the Government. of State’s predecessor did not take the opportunity to May I suggest constructively that, first, he needs to give talk about collective switching. The Labour party supports certainty to green investors, big and small? The Government collective switching, but also reforming the energy market have shaken that certainty—he should not listen to his to make the energy generators put their energy into a officials. Secondly, he needs to avoid carbon leakage pool and open it up to being sold in a transparent way. from existing energy-intensive users, whose confidence Will he support us on that? his predecessor managed to shake. If he can deal with those two things, which have gone deeply downhill in Mr Davey: I am very grateful when the Labour party the past two years, he will do this country, green jobs raises the matter of energy bills, because my constituents and the green economy a service, in both steel and wind. are concerned about their bills. The problem is that the Labour party did not do anything about the matter Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Lindsay Hoyle): Order. There when it was in government. We are pushing collective seems to be a lot of wind in these long interventions switching, which Labour had 13 years to do. Some from both sides. Can we have shorter interventions? I countries in continental Europe have been experimenting should say to Front Benchers, and let Back Benchers with the idea, but I am afraid her party did nothing. know, that it looks like we will have to introduce a limit of six minutes because of the amount of time that has been taken. Charlie Elphicke: I congratulate my right hon. Friend on his newish appointment. My constituents are concerned Mr Davey: Thank you very much, Mr Deputy Speaker. about the many renewable and carbon commitments that the previous Government put on the backs of the I know the hon. Member for Ogmore (Huw Irranca- poor through energy bills, particularly those such as the Davies) takes a real interest in such issues and has a renewable heat incentive, carbon capture and storage good track record in speaking up for them, but I do not commitments and feed-in tariffs. How are this Government recognise his points. My right hon. Friend the Member looking after the least well-off, whom the previous for Eastleigh (Chris Huhne) played a fantastic leadership Government were busy plunging into fuel poverty? role as Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change. He set the Government’s ambitions at a far higher level than any previous Government. It is my job to deliver Mr Davey: My hon. Friend will know that the costs on those, which I intend to do. of the renewable heat incentive and CCS were put on to consumer bills under the previous Government. We Simon Hughes: I welcome very warmly my right hon. have removed those levies, and those schemes are now Friend to his new post. Will he confirm that, consistent paid for through taxation. That is a classic example of with his past, present and vision for the future, green how we have helped consumers. campaigning groups and the devolved Administrations will always be welcome to discuss with him their ambition, Dame Joan Ruddock: I congratulate the Secretary of so that we can be a uniting coalition for a green country, State on his new position. He refers to the desire to be to which he has always aspired? the greenest Government ever, and we really must hold him to that. Why, then, does he think a leading Mr Davey: I certainly can give my right hon. Friend environmentalist, whom his party courted before the that commitment. I have already met many non- election, said at the end of last year that the coalition governmental organisations and have spoken to the was devolved Administrations. It was my pleasure and privilege 601 Jobs and Growth in a Low-carbon 5 MARCH 2012 Jobs and Growth in a Low-carbon 602 Economy Economy to work on this agenda with him over a number years. investment is twice as much. I am afraid that she needs He showed fantastic leadership when this was not a to do her homework before she comes to the House. popular issue. He did more than almost any other hon. Unlike the right hon. Lady, we have made good Member to put this issue on to the political agenda, and progress on the green investment bank. The recruitment I pay complete tribute to him. of the bank’s chair and senior independent director is under way. [HON.MEMBERS: “Where’s the progress?”] Mr Redwood: Does the Secretary of State agree that if The right hon. Lady and the hon. Member for Liverpool, Britain’s energy is a lot dearer than that of her competitors, Wavertree (Luciana Berger) need to calm down. If they we will drive a lot of industry to a lot of other countries? do, they will hear that 32 bids were submitted to host There will be as much CO2 in the world, but we will be the bank, which suggests an awful lot of interest and short of jobs. attraction. Those bids have come from right across the country. It is because of such interest that we have allowed Mr Davey: We need to look carefully at our energy- extra time to ensure that we make the right decision on intensive industries, which is probably what is behind the location of the bank. Right hon. and hon. Members my right hon. Friend’s question. However, there is a seeking to have the bank in their constituency ought danger in the debate that some of the economic analysis to give credit to the Government for taking their is too static. As the world moves to its climate change representations seriously. targets, industries across the world must be more energy- efficient. Industries in countries such as ours that can Julian Smith (Skipton and Ripon) (Con): Will the steal a march and become first movers will prosper by Secretary of State confirm that the Leeds city region becoming more energy-efficient. Some of the market has made an excellent bid for the green investment signals that are needed are rightly happening, but I accept bank? It is, I hope, one of the best bids that he has seen. that we need packages for energy-intensive industries. Mr Davey: When I used to attend Business, Innovation Geraint Davies rose— and Skills questions, as a Minister in that Department, I noted that there were more questions on the location Dr Eilidh Whiteford (Banff and Buchan) (SNP) rose— of the bank than on any other subject. I thought I might not get so many in my new position, but I see that Mr Davey: I shall make progress and take interventions I am already getting them. I refer my hon. Friend to my later. right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Business, Since coming to office, the Government have already Innovation and Skills. seen significant new investment in clean energy. Our Subject to state aid approval, the bank will be operational policies have stimulated new growth, supported new by the end of the year. But from next month, we will jobs and delivered new capacity. The UK is becoming pave the way for the establishment of the bank with a more attractive to investors. Billions of pounds are programme of direct coalition investment in green being poured into our low-carbon economy, and more infrastructure: we have made £100 million available to and more clean energy is coming on stream. The average invest in smaller waste infrastructure projects on a fully annual growth in our low-carbon and environmental commercial basis; a further £100 million has been made goods and services sector is estimated at more than available for investment in the non-domestic energy 5% right through to the end of this Parliament, and efficiency sector; and the coalition is ready to co-invest low-carbon goods and services account for 8.2% of the in offshore wind projects. The bank is on course to UK’s GDP—a higher proportion than in Germany. begin investing its £3 billion of initial capital by the end Since last April, companies have announced plans for of the year. £3.8 billion of investment in the UK renewable energy industry, and £600 million has been invested in onshore Dr Alan Whitehead (Southampton, Test) (Lab): Has wind alone. A recent report by Ernst and Youngshowed the Secretary of State read the small print from the that the UK is now the fifth most attractive place to Chancellor on the future of the green investment fund? invest in renewable energy—up from sixth last year—and He has said that it will not be a bank until the target for we remain the most attractive place in the world for debt to be falling as a percentage of GDP has been met investment in offshore wind. The Minister of State, —2015 at the earliest but probably now 2017. It is not Department of Energy and Climate Change, my hon. a bank, and, on that formula, will not be so for a very Friend the Member for Wealden (Charles Hendry) was long time. Will he ask the Chancellor to change that telling me that 95% of offshore wind installations occurred formula so that the green investment fund can become a off our shores last year. green investment bank, which he suggests it already is?

Caroline Flint: On the Ernst and Young report, is it Mr Davey: My right hon. Friend the Chancellor not the case that the attractiveness of investment in the would not have had to make that statement had Labour UK has only returned to the position it was in November left the economy in a decent state. The fact is that we are 2010? Is not the truth that, since the right hon. Gentleman having to clear up Labour’s deficit. Nevertheless, at the became a member of the Government, we have gone same time, we have established the green investment from third to 13th place worldwide in terms of actual bank—something that it was unable to do even in the investment in renewables in the UK? good times. That we are doing it in the difficult times shows our commitment to the environment. Mr Davey: I think that the right hon. Lady is quoting That investment is already yielding real benefits. from the Pew report, but those data were provisional. According to one survey, four out of five wind and According to the new data recorded by Bloomberg, marine energy companies are planning to hire more 603 Jobs and Growth in a Low-carbon 5 MARCH 2012 Jobs and Growth in a Low-carbon 604 Economy Economy [Mr Davey] would already have more manufacturing, more design and more added value here in Britain. Instead, we have staff by this time next year. Many of those companies seen manufacturers in Europe and Asia seize much of are small or medium-sized businesses, while many operate the supply chain value. In contrast, since we came to in areas that have otherwise struggled to attract investment. power, our policies to support manufacturing at ports All are helping to rebalance and rebuild our economy, and set up the offshore wind developers forum are and hasten the low-carbon transition. For example, already beginning to yield results. Foreign companies Evance Wind Turbines in Loughborough has doubled such as Siemens are now looking to invest in UK the size of its UK manufacturing facility and has expanded turbine manufacturing, and British companies such as its work force by 25%. Sales have grown by over 200% since David Brown are exporting technology to developers last January. Samsung announced plans last month for such as Samsung. a new wind turbine plant in Fife—a £100 million investment Investors and businesses want policy stability, but that is expected to create more than 500 new jobs. Let us Labour could not deliver in government. Let us take the also consider Rolls-Royce, whose £400 million nuclear feed-in tariffs scheme—which Labour voted against in deal with Areva will support hundreds of highly skilled the last Parliament. Given an opportunity to encourage jobs, including in Rotherham. Even closer to the sustainable clean-energy industries here in this country, constituency of the right hon. Member for Don Valley, Labour dropped the ball. It should not have been is the Don valley power project at Stainforth. It is one necessary to review FITs, but they were not properly of the most advanced carbon capture and storage projects designed in the first place. The seeds of instability had in Europe, and is looking to break ground in 2013, already been planted by Labour Members. Labour’s employing 2,000 people at the peak of construction and scheme had no flexibility to change tariffs in response creating 200 jobs for normal operation. Those companies to the rapidly changing technology costs. As a result, and many, many more are building the clean-energy 80% of the costs of FITs in 2015 will go towards paying infrastructure that will power Britain’s future, not just for just 20% of the generation capacity, which was in generations to come, and not in some far off world, installed under Labour’s scheme. Under our new, improved but in the weeks and months ahead. Some 4 GW of scheme, we expect to get three times as much electricity renewable electricity is expected to come online in the generation for less than one third of the cost. When it coming year—a doubling of capacity since May 2011. comes to solar power, Labour is the party of the few, That is a real achievement. and the coalition is the Government of the many. There A common thread running through some of the will be many more installations, and many more households Opposition’s rhetoric concerns stability for investors. I will benefit. There will also be much more carbon dioxide would like to address that, because there is a difference taken out of the system. between the parties on this issue, and it is plain for all to see. Let us take nuclear power. I am the first to admit Dame Joan Ruddock: On that point, the Secretary of that pushing ahead with new nuclear was not an easy State’s predecessor has said that there is a need for a decision for my party, but we have taken it, and we will community energy tariff in relation to the FITs. I have do it. Let us contrast that with how Labour dithered spoken in the House about the tremendous damage over new nuclear, so that for the best part of a decade done to the social housing sector by the Government’s not a single new nuclear plant was authorised. It was cuts. I note, however, that there is now no reference to a the coalition that took forward the national policy community energy tariff in the consultation. Will the statement on new nuclear, paving the way for the first Secretary of State say something today specifically about new power station since 1995. However, I was grateful what he intends to do about that? for what the right hon. Member for Don Valley said about nuclear power. Her strong support from the Opposition Front Bench for our new nuclear programme Mr Davey: Under the scheme that the previous is welcome. It is important that we take politics out of Government devised, there was no such system. The such decisions, so I am grateful that we are making new scheme that we are consulting on contains proposals some progress. for a community guarantee for tariffs on which we want to hear people’s views. I hope that the right hon. Lady David Mowat: Will my right hon. Friend give way? will engage with that consultation, because I think that that is a very positive proposal. Mr Davey: In a second. Following on from what I said about collective switching, On renewables, Labour missed chance after chance, I would now like to say a little more about what the allowing other countries to steal a march, so that when coalition is doing to help, protect and empower consumers. we came to office, the UK was near the bottom of the We want to help people to heat their homes at a lower European renewable energy table—as some of my hon. cost by improving the energy efficiency of their homes. Friends have said—despite our strong natural resources. That is why we are pioneering the green deal. We are We were ahead of Luxemburg— creating a brand new market framework, designed to be driven by consumers and businesses, which will secure David Mowat: And Malta. billions of pounds of private sector investment in Britain’s Mr Davey: My hon. Friend is right. However, we were building stock. We are working with the finance industry behind Bulgaria, Romania and the Czech Republic. We to ensure that there is a sufficient supply of low-cost were at the bottom of the European league. This coalition finance from day one. Government are going to rocket us up that league. We The right hon. Member for Don Valley criticises a want to ensure that our incredible offshore wind potential lack of progress, but we are designing an entirely new is realised. It was Labour that failed to do its job means of financing the re-fitting of Britain’s housing properly in government. If Labour had not done so, we stock. We are the first country ever to do so, and we 605 Jobs and Growth in a Low-carbon 5 MARCH 2012 Jobs and Growth in a Low-carbon 606 Economy Economy want to get it absolutely right. We have held in-depth could not be more different. The structures that she is discussions with a wide range of banks and other talking about would therefore not work in the scheme financial institutions, and established a round-table forum that we are introducing. of key investment banks and investors. My right hon. The Labour Government were, frankly, equivocal about Friend the Business Secretary has stated that the green the capacity and suitability of our energy infrastructure. deal is a priority for the Green investment bank. We are The coalition is therefore having to work doubly hard to also in discussions with the European Investment Bank compensate for the missed years. Our reform, set out in to see how it can support the green deal. I believe that our White Paper last year, will secure our energy supplies, we have an ambitious agenda that will help consumers guarantee returns for investors and safeguard consumers up and down the country as it is rolled out. from volatile internationally-set fuel prices. Critically, it will deliver energy infrastructure that will ensure Britain Mr David Hanson (Delyn) (Lab): Why is it, then, that can evolve into a competitive low-carbon economy. We representatives of local businesses came to my constituency are introducing a mechanism to ensure that there is office last Friday to tell me that there was gross uncertainty sufficient capacity, too. over the future of the green deal? They told me that they could not make plans because an interest rate had David Mowat: I have been listening carefully to the not been set, and that they were worried about losing Secretary of State’s remarks. He tends to use the terms businesses and the impact on jobs. In fact, one firm, “low carbon” and “renewables” interchangeably; they which employs 55 people, did not expect to still be in are, of course, not the same thing. The Climate Change business on 31 December. Why is that the case, if Act 2008 asked us to reduce carbon, not necessarily to everything is so wonderful, as the Secretary of State build renewables. In any event, will he confirm that all maintains? low-carbon sources of energy, including carbon capture and storage and nuclear, will be eligible for Green Mr Davey: I would have thought that the right hon. investment bank funding? Gentleman would know that the scheme is not going to be launched until the fourth quarter of this year, and Mr Davey: I am delighted to confirm that. I am sorry that we will be making announcements in the run-up to if my hon. Friend thinks I am interpreting low carbon the launch. I hope that he explained to his businesses as renewables, which is not our position. When we look that they will need to look for the Government’s at electricity market reform and talk about low-carbon announcements, and that they should feel positive about technology, we are indeed talking about new nuclear a scheme that is going to happen under this Government and carbon capture and storage as well. I hope I have and that did not happen under the previous one. reassured my hon. Friend on that point.

Mr Hanson: Will the Secretary of State start, then, Dr Whiteford: May I welcome the Secretary of State simply by saying on what date he will set the interest to his new post? I am glad that carbon capture and rate for the green deal, so that businesses can plan for storage has been mentioned, as I have a constituency the future? This involves long-term investment decisions interest in gas carbon, capture and storage at Peterhead, for them, as well as for consumers. which provides a classic example of an opportunity missed in recent years. Will the Secretary of State take the opportunity today to set out a clear timetable for Mr Davey: The problem with some of the Opposition’s that technology? Personally, I believe that gas is a really criticism is that they do not seem to realise that this will flexible technology that will help balance the intermittency, be a market-based system, and that the Government so when can we expect an announcement? will not set the interest rate. The right hon. Gentleman needs to understand that green finance companies such Mr Davey: As the hon. Lady will know, we intend to as those I have just been talking about will set the announce our competition for CCS soon. I cannot give interest rate. her the date today, but we are clear that we will make it soon and in time to dovetail as best as possible with the Luciana Berger (Liverpool, Wavertree) (Lab/Co-op): European money that will also be available for some of The Secretary of State has said that the Government these pilots. will not intervene in that way. Is he aware of the German example, in which the German Government Ian Lavery (Wansbeck) (Lab) rose— have taken the lead and subsidised the interest rate down to 2.65% for a similar green deal scheme? The Mr Davey: I will give way, but then I want to make uptake for that scheme is 100,000 homes a year. This some progress. Government’s ambition is for our scheme to be massively larger than the German one, and we want to see that Ian Lavery: Will the Secretary of State confirm which ambition realised, but how does the Secretary of State of the four carbon capture and storage projects will be expect to achieve that when the interest rate has not yet gas, which will be coal and when they will be delivered? been set? There are indications that it will be set at 6% or above, but polling shows that that would result in Mr Davey: I have to explain to the hon. Gentleman only 7% of the British public being interested in the that there will be a competition. People will put in scheme. projects of all different types; then the competition will be judged. It would be completely wrong for me to say Mr Davey: I am afraid that the hon. Lady is slightly that we will favour one technology or another. There is confused. The German scheme is a personal loan scheme. going to be a competition, and it will be carried out Our green deal scheme is attached to utility bills; it with proper process. 607 Jobs and Growth in a Low-carbon 5 MARCH 2012 Jobs and Growth in a Low-carbon 608 Economy Economy [Mr Davey] As has already been said, nearly 1 million people are currently employed in the low-carbon economy, and A skilled and flexible work force is not only critical in there is the potential for 400,000 jobs in the industry to delivering a cost-effective, low-carbon transition; it is be created by 2020. That represents a great opportunity also a key part of this Government’s offer to young for growth in jobs and gross national product in the people. The Department for Business, Innovation and north-east. Skills has set out a vision for radical reform of the Last week I received a full and comprehensive briefing further education and skills system to deliver skills for from NEPIC, the North East Process Industry Cluster, sustainable growth. Apprenticeships are at the heart of which has offices in Teesside. It represents 500 companies this strategy—arming employers and individuals with as diverse as petrochemical, biotechnological and the support, funding and information they need to pharmaceutical. They employ 35,000 people, with a make the right choices. The skills strategy for England further 200,000 in the supply chain, and generate over covers the whole of the economy, including green skills 30% of the region’s GDP. NEPIC wants the industries and sustainable development. It is a demand-led model that it represents to focus on a wider bio-resources to help deliver the skills training that businesses and sector incorporating fuels, heat, electricity and chemicals. individuals need. The Government have put in place institutions to For example, MGT Power wants to construct a 300 MW support this approach, such as the growth investment power plant that will generate electricity from imported fund and national skills academies, and we have set up wood. Progressive Energy wants to gasify coal using specific initiatives to ensure that we have in place the carbon capture to store C02 and produce syngas as a skills to meet our green objectives. These include a building block for green foodstocks or energy. That national skills academy for environmental technologies project has been submitted to the European Investment to develop standards, deliver training and upskilling for Bank by DECC for consideration for funding under tradesmen and women and technicians to install and the EU’s new entrants reserve scheme. TAG Engineering maintain low-carbon systems; funding for a renewables Services is to build monopiles for the offshore wind training network, led by RenewableUK, to tackle the farm industry. Those and other initiatives will help to shortage of skilled workers in green energy industries; grow the low-carbon economy, and will aid employment a talent bank for the gas, power, waste management and economic growth in the Tees valley. and water industries led by the energy and utility skills Geographically, Sedgefield is covered by what is known sector council; the creation of up to 1,000 green deal as the Tees Valley plain, and has become a target for a apprenticeships, subject to business take-up; a new “skills great deal of wind farm development in recent years. for a green economy” group of sector skills councils County Durham has an excellent record on renewable and others to help businesses understand and address energy: 22% of its energy needs come from renewable green skills needs; and work to raise awareness of the sources. The only English county that can beat that is green economy through the TUC-led unionlearn initiative. Northumbria, which is also in the north-east. In my Taken together, they show how we are creating a strong constituency, Dalkia has built a 17 MW biomass facility and flexible platform to meet the skills needs for the at Chilton. The development has my support, and that green economy transition. of the town and county councils. It employs about The coalition remains absolutely committed to the 40 people, and the money provided through a section 106 low-carbon transition. We will secure clean energy supplies agreement will help to fulfil the local population’s ambition at the lowest cost to consumers, making our homes and to establish an energy service company. businesses more efficient and our electricity greener. Chilton town council has applied to the Government’s Since taking office, we have put in place new policies to social action fund for additional funding to engage in secure growth in clean energy investment, jobs and energy efficiency tasks. I understand that the Government capacity. These policies are already bringing real benefits have said that the funding needs to be in place by up and down the country. I have to say that I do not 15 March, but the town council has not heard whether recognise the characterisation of this Government’s it has been lucky in its bid. Although I believe that record that we heard from the right hon. Member for the fund is run through the Cabinet Office, I hope that Don Valley. I do, however, agree with the Opposition’s the Minister can make inquiries to establish whether the contention that the low-carbon transition has the potential money will be made available, because it will go towards to be a major source of jobs and growth for the United employing people to help limit fuel poverty. Kingdom. I encourage Opposition Members to stop talking down our industries and our opportunities and Those are all laudable initiatives. Some may take time instead to focus their energies on making the case for to achieve, but I am sure that they will be achieved, and the low-carbon transition, in this place and in their they are proof that the people of Chilton are prepared constituencies. I believe that the sector has a hugely positive to embrace the need for renewable energy. However, I future, and that it is central to our growth strategy. believe that what they face now is unfair, and is making Chilton—and, indeed, the main areas of population in Several hon. Members rose— my constituency, Newton Aycliffe and Sedgefield—a renewable-energy hot spot. The Dalkia biomass facility Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Lindsay Hoyle): Order. As is north of Chilton. Just south of it, E.ON proposes to so many Members wish to speak, I am now introducing construct potentially the largest wind farm in England, a six-minute limit. consisting of 45 wind turbines, or no less than 29. E.ON has designated an area of 7.5 square miles of my 5.40 pm constituency for the wind farm site, known as the Isles. Phil Wilson (Sedgefield) (Lab): I welcome the Secretary That is 5% of the area of the constituency and is the size of State to his new position. of Newton Aycliffe, home to 28,000 people. 609 Jobs and Growth in a Low-carbon 5 MARCH 2012 Jobs and Growth in a Low-carbon 610 Economy Economy Given that there are wind farms at Butterwick, the ago in 200 or 300 CCS industry representatives debating Walkway, Lamb’s Hill and Moorhouse Farm, all within in London with the Department. The head of the CCS a few kilometres of the Isles, it is no surprise that local Storage Association described the relationship between people are saying that enough is enough. Chilton is the industry and the Government as “tremendous”. caught between a biomass facility and a potentially There was criticism about the decision to pull back huge wind farm—so huge, in fact, that it will be the from Longannet last year. It was said that that would Secretary of State who makes the final decision. slow things down, but it has proved to be a positive I hope that when the Minister visits Chilton on move, and there seems to have been a strategic rethink Wednesday, he will be able to meet some of those who of what we are trying to do, how we are going to achieve are campaigning against the wind farm. I oppose the it, how we are going to include European money, and proposal, and I do so from a position of strength, because how we are going to support clusters. On the eve of my county is set on reaching the 2020 renewables targets, DECC announcing the new terms of its CCS competition, a record about which most of those from the south of we have an industry that is enthused, a Government the country who oppose wind farm development cannot who are focused, and, most importantly, a positive dialogue boast. I hear a lot of warm words from the Government and a sense of mutual support, which is vital for the about giving people a say on wind farm development, success of such a tricky and unproven technology. but the planning Minister, the hon. Member for Bromley This change of philosophy is important for Yorkshire and Chislehurst (Robert Neill), said in this House on and the Humber, as it is the best placed region in the 17 November 2010: UK to deliver on CCS, with its heavy-industry heritage “It would…be inappropriate to direct the Planning Inspectorate and its proximity to North sea storage. Much work has to refuse a planning appeal solely because of community opposition already been done to position the region to make the because there may still be strong national or local policy support most of CCS. There are four or five main projects, for a proposal.”—[Official Report, 17 November 2010; Vol. 518, including Don valley, Killingholme, Ferrybridge and c. 807W.] Tata Steel, and nowhere else in the country has so many There is an element of truth in that, but when a planning potential projects. authority states that the local landscape is full to capacity and cannot take any more wind farms, I believe it On pipelines, the National Grid has already undertaken should be listened to—especially, in this case, as other initial consultation work, with very positive feedback parts of England do not have a record that compares from the public, and CO2Sense—we are grateful for the with that of County Durham. fact that the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills has supported it, and continues to do so post- I am not dead-set against all wind farms. Offshore Yorkshire Forward—has been bringing together people wind farms will, if we get the economics right, be a and expertise in the region. Yorkshire and the Humber great asset to the country and create thousands of jobs has so many pieces of the required CCS jigsaw: the right in the north-east. That is why I am opposed to any great industrial heritage, a good geography and location, cut in wind farm subsidy: that may knock the industry projects that are ready, and a team of people who are off a cliff and cause a loss of jobs and investment in the collaborating and have a vision. Tees valley. However, subsidies do need to be kept under constant review. A commitment to the Yorkshire and the Humber cluster through the upcoming process would give a massive If we are to win the fight against climate change, we boost to the economy, with some 55,000 construction will need to win hearts and minds. We need to take people jobs in the construction phase alone, inward investment with us, but when people feel engulfed by developments, opportunities, export opportunities with countries such do not feel as though they are being listened to, can as China, and opportunities at home, too, created by point out of their window at a biomass facility—as the additional revenues and extra skills as universities in residents of Chilton can—or can point at a wind farm the region, including York and Leeds, develop expertise development, as in Sedgefield, Trimdon or Morden and and technologies to meet the business demand. There Bradbury, I think they have the right to be listened to in will be huge economic benefits, and there will be a great detail when other developments are proposed. rebalancing of our economy, if we can get the commitment I am pleased our motion calls for the engagement of from the Department and from the European Union. local communities in the transition to a low carbon I wish to finish by encouraging Ministers to do the economy. I mentioned at the beginning of my speech following: accelerate further the timelines for the the potential in respect of offshore wind and investment. competition; focus even more on the cluster benefits; That must continue in the Tees valley, as the implications encourage Europe to push forward on its side of the for jobs are huge. financial bargain; and avoid the Opposition’s legacy of picking a project here and there across the country, and 5.46 pm instead focus on a region, Yorkshire and the Humber, to Julian Smith (Skipton and Ripon) (Con): I want to develop the critical mass and ensure that Britain is a pay tribute to the Department of Energy and Climate world leader in CCS. Change, and in particular to the Minister of State, my hon. Friend the Member for Wealden (Charles Hendry), 5.50 pm for the work that is being done on carbon capture and storage. There have been a number of very important Chris Ruane (Vale of Clwyd) (Lab): In the past, the positive announcements in recent weeks: the decision to industries in my county and constituency were farming, include gas as well as coal; the establishment of the coal—based on the Point of Ayr pit, which the Office of CCS within the Department, which is giving Conservatives closed, at the cost of 1,000 jobs—and focus to this area; and the holding of a number of seaside towns, which have had 40 years of steady decline. industrial days, which culminated a couple of weeks The jobs in my area are now increasingly in the renewable 611 Jobs and Growth in a Low-carbon 5 MARCH 2012 Jobs and Growth in a Low-carbon 612 Economy Economy [Chris Ruane] companies in north Wales that were upset by the proposed changes to the feed-in tariff. These companies need energy sector. One of the great stimulators of that process certainty, not uncertainty. was introduced by Labour in the late 1990s, when my Let me now discuss wind power. As I have said right hon. Friend the Member for Neath (Mr Hain), the before, I turned on 30 turbines off the coast of north then Secretary of State for Wales, allowed my county of Wales. I do not think that it is any relation, Mr Deputy Denbighshire and the neighbouring county of Conwy Speaker, but these turbines were at North Hoyle. The to come in on the objective 1 bid. As a result, £124 million then Secretary of State for Wales, my right hon. Friend was invested in Denbighshire over a seven-year period. the Member for Neath, switched on a further 30 turbines The pièce de résistance—the best project we had—was some two years ago, and in two years’ time, those at a £17 million research and incubation centre, the OpTIC Gwynt y Mor will be up and running. When all those centre in St Asaph. turbines are running, we will have the biggest concentration That centre will create 100 new opto-electronic companies of wind turbines in the world. North Wales is playing its over the next 10 years. It is based in the north Wales full part in renewable energy, creating jobs and growth. area—the third biggest for opto-electronics in the world. I should also mention the Wylfa power station, which We build to our success in Wales, and we have had is to be redeveloped—an £8 billion investment, creating excellent success in renewable energy. Dyesol, a small 2,000 to 3,000 jobs in the local economy. These big two-man company, relocated from Australia to the OpTIC investments have been made because of the stability centre in St Asaph, and it is now working on organic promoted by the former Labour Government, but we photovoltaic paint that can produce electricity. It is now have instability because of the coalition. In the working with Corus, down the road in Shotton, so that future, my area will see the development of anaerobic when that company produces its sheet steel, with the digestion, tidal impoundment power off the coast and paint by Dyesol, electricity will be automatically created. underwater wind turbines. The OpTIC centre is also working on fusion powers. There are two ways to fuse atoms and create power, one Mark Lazarowicz (Edinburgh North and Leith) (Lab/ of which is by magnets and the other is by lasers. That Co-op): My hon. Friend might know of the two pioneering work is being conducted in my constituency and I am marine renewable companies in my constituency. Does very proud of the centre. he agree that their situation shows how the lack of The OpTIC centre also contains the Centre for Solar continuity and support is affecting our credibility? Indeed, Energy Research, which represents the future for jobs it is losing us export markets because of the influence and growth, which lies in investment in research and on the ability to invest in the future? development. Three weeks ago, I addressed the solar photovoltaic supply chain conference at the OpTIC Chris Ruane: Absolutely. The disappointment is shared centre, where I encountered very disappointed people—my by international developers, such as Sharp, as well as right hon. Friend the Member for Delyn (Mr Hanson) medium-sized and small enterprises in low-carbon creation. met a similar delegation last week. I spoke to dozens of people who were disappointed about what has happened I mentioned the underwater marine current turbines on the feed-in tariff. that will be located off the coast of Anglesey, where we are also looking at biomass. My hon. Friend the Member The OpTIC centre was founded by a great man, Dave for Ynys Môn (Albert Owen) has coined the phrase Rimmer, who had a vision for the area, and he got the “energy island” and that is what it is. However, it is not funds together to get the centre up and running. Glyndwr just the island, but the whole of north Wales that is university has taken it over and runs it in conjunction playing its full part. As I say, we are looking to the with Cambridge university, Cranfield university and Government to create that certainty for the big international University college London. For the future of renewables operators, the national operators and the regional operators, and low-carbon technology in our country, we need so that they can put their investments in place to create to look to top-flight universities to co-operate with jobs and growth for the future. practitioners in the provinces; we need to put the theory and the practice together. 5.57 pm In the OpTIC centre in St Asaph, we have a Welsh solution to a British problem. The centre has been Simon Hughes (Bermondsey and Old Southwark) acknowledged: Rhodri Morgan, the then First Minister (LD): I am very happy to follow the hon. Member for of Wales, visited it on the same day as the then Labour Vale of Clwyd (Chris Ruane), and I pay tribute to the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change—now opportunities and success in north Wales. I visited the Labour’s leader—addressed a conference there; and the area when I shadowed the energy and climate change current Prime Minister has also visited. So we have a brief in the previous Parliament, and I must say that the prestigious centre in St Asaph, and the British Government whole of the north Wales coast and the area off the should look to it as a means of spreading best practice north Wales shore is a fantastic site. It gives us not only around the whole UK. the success we have had already, but huge potential. My area does not just contain the OpTIC centre, I am pleased to welcome my right hon. Friend the because it also has the Sharp factory in Wrexham, the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change to biggest solar panel factory in western Europe. It undertook his post, to join his colleagues in the Department’s its future budgeting on the basis of the plans the Labour team— Government gave it for feed-in tariffs. The company recruited its people and set its plans in motion, only to Karl Turner (Kingston upon Hull East) (Lab): Where have the rug pulled from beneath it. It was one of the is he? 613 Jobs and Growth in a Low-carbon 5 MARCH 2012 Jobs and Growth in a Low-carbon 614 Economy Economy Simon Hughes: Clearly, he has gone out for his tea Simon Hughes: No. As my hon. Friend the Member just at the moment. I will tell him off later, but even the for West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine (Sir Robert ever-energetic Energy Secretary has to have a cup of tea Smith) knows, we have that capacity and I have argued some time. consistently that it is possible to have clean coal and to I am glad that we are having this debate, and I pay ensure that we use the modern technologies through tribute to the right hon. Member for Don Valley (Caroline carbon capture and storage to achieve it. If we have a Flint) for choosing this important issue. She knows proper energy grid across Europe, we can capitalise on my commitment to it and I am grateful for the the solar power from the south and the hydroelectric acknowledgement of the work I have tried to do in this power from elsewhere. It is entirely possible to do area for many years. The Labour Administration had that—although that is, of course, a matter of dispute. many successes, the Climate Change Act 2008 being the biggest, and the Leader of the Opposition, as he is now, Nic Dakin (Scunthorpe) (Lab): The right hon. Gentleman tried hugely hard at the Copenhagen summit, which I, was very clear that there should be no subsidy for too, attended, to rescue it, as far as was possible, from nuclear. Does he not feel, as many people do, that the the disaster that was otherwise afflicting it. Happily, he carbon floor price, as it is currently constructed, acts as made sure that there was good progress that could be a subsidy for nuclear? built on in the years to come. I have to say to the right hon. Lady that in some areas Simon Hughes: A very lively debate is going on about Labour clearly did not deliver. I do not wish to spend that point in the context of the European energy policy, most of my time discussing the past, because we all have which, as we heard the Prime Minister say earlier, will at a duty to work together to ensure the that we have the last be delivered by 2014. We must ensure that we apply best possible present, but the renewables figures I cited the same rules in that context as we do in all others. were not speculation; they were the figures that are in When the coalition Government were formed, we set the record. The energy figures for the EU show that we 23 objectives for energy and climate change policy. I were the worst at achieving the renewable energy targets hope that Ministers might either now or by the second we had set. The table is commonly available and the anniversary put in the Library a report on how far they share of renewable consumption as a proportion of our have gone towards achieving those objectives. Many target showed us in the worst possible light. That was have already been achieved and Ministers have set out not acceptable and this Government will, I know, do down the road towards achieving the others. We already better. It was a defeat of the Labour Government in the have £60 million invested in world-class offshore wind House of Lords that got the feed-in tariff system going conversion in our ports to produce jobs and many and that was resisted by the right hon. Gentleman who people are being trained as apprentices to work on is now the Leader of the Opposition. The European the green deal. We have a green deal energy efficiency common energy market was never delivered in 13 years initiative for homes across the country and a decision of Labour government. On all those things, the record on the green investment bank, the location of which was not all that the right hon. Lady might wish to make will be announced soon. Let me repeat what I have said us believe it was. publicly in the past: I do not think it should be in There was one area in which Labour had a clear London. It should be elsewhere in the United Kingdom position with which I disagreed and with which I still so that the benefits can be spread, and I say that as a disagree. I am not committed—the Liberal Democrats London Member of Parliament. are not committed—to nuclear power. We do not think We have a legally binding target for a 50% reduction that it is the solution—[Interruption.] There had to be in UK carbon emissions by the mid-2020s. We have the negotiation for the coalition agreement but we have establishment of the low-carbon technology and innovation made it clear that it is neither necessary for the future of centres, a 25% improvement in energy efficiency standards British energy policy nor good for investment in jobs. It for all new buildings, support for green buses, subsidies creates very few jobs compared with community-based for the purchase of electric vehicles, a reduction in and renewable energy schemes, and the criterion negotiated, carbon emissions from central Government buildings while we retained our opposition, was that it would go of an almost incredible 14% over 12 months and—I pay ahead only tribute in particular to my right hon. Friend the Member “provided there is no public subsidy”. for Eastleigh (Chris Huhne)—very successful participation in the climate conferences in Cancun and Durban, I and colleagues will remain eternally vigilant that there which has ensured that we are at last on the right road will be no direct or indirect public subsidy for nuclear. It to international agreement and making up for what we is unacceptable in any other context and we have spent did in the past. and wasted far too much on nuclear power in the past. Ministers also took difficult decisions after listening to what the public were saying about fuel costs. Fuel Mr Peter Lilley (Hitchin and Harpenden) (Con): duty was cut last April, the automatic fuel duty escalator Without nuclear, where will my right hon. Friend get was scrapped, the planned rise this January was postponed the base load supply of electricity that does not depend to August and the next planned increase was cancelled. on fluctuating winds and variable sun? Petrol and diesel are, on average, 10p per litre cheaper than they would have been had the original plans gone Simon Hughes: The answer is very easy. We still have ahead. Such decisions are always controversial in the huge capacity in gas and oil— environmental movement and the real world, and fuel prices obviously keep up with other prices, but the Government have responded to meet people’s concerns Mr Lilley: Oh, so we are back to fossil fuel? about their family budgets. The saving for the average 615 Jobs and Growth in a Low-carbon 5 MARCH 2012 Jobs and Growth in a Low-carbon 616 Economy Economy [Simon Hughes] The delay is not only affecting the Government’s credibility on this issue but, much more importantly, motorist will be £144 and the average haulier will be putting us in real danger of losing jobs, making us miss £4,400 better off. Labour raised fuel duty 12 times while opportunities for green investment and waste time that in office and planned for six further fuel duty rises after other countries will take advantage of at our expense. I the election. We have done better than that. have heard reports that some companies have been I commend what my right hon. Friend the Secretary holding back on investment because they have wanted of State said on taking office about the Government’s to wait and see what will happen with the green investment plan on solar power. He wants to ensure that many bank, and I hope that that has not been the case, more people benefit so that it can continue to be rolled although I fear that it has. out as a successful project. Combined heat and power Those comments will no doubt affect Edinburgh’s equally has a very important role to play. bid for the green investment bank—although, in reality, In conclusion, may I give the newly led administration I am sure that the Government will not make a decision in DECC my shopping list? First, will they ensure that on that basis, and we have a very good case as Edinburgh we have the skill base to deliver the green economy, has a combination of financial services skills, the technical which is so important? That needs apprenticeships and knowledge, a manufacturing base and academic skills good training. Secondly, will they ensure that we have as well as broad-based support across the political energy efficiency in our schools and public buildings, agenda—but I must say that the delay is extremely including converting waste to energy more efficiently? concerning and alarming. Will the Minister tell us when Thirdly, will they incentivise community energy? Fourthly, the Government expect the green investment bank to will they not allow themselves to be distracted by the start operating in reality? I do not mean when it will nuclear power persuaders? And finally, will they support have a brass plaque on the door saying, “Green Investment the biodiesel industry in the future? Bank”. What I want to know is when it will start putting money into an industry that has great potential in all 6.6 pm our constituencies. Opportunities have been lost as a result of this delay, and I hope there is no further Mark Lazarowicz (Edinburgh North and Leith) (Lab/ unnecessary delay. If the Minister wishes to continue Co-op): I am happy to agree with the right hon. Member the cross-party support there has been for a green for Bermondsey and Old Southwark (Simon Hughes) investment bank, he needs to assure all of us in the when he says that the headquarters of the green investment House that there will be no further delay. So far, there bank should not be located in London. He will probably have been missed opportunities and a loss to the economy, guess where I think they should be located. but I hope that will not continue for much longer. It is not just people in Edinburgh who have been asking what is happening with the green investment 6.10 pm bank after yet another delay last week. The Government’s Brandon Lewis (Great Yarmouth) (Con): I want to announcement on the location of the headquarters had focus on my region in East Anglia and on jobs. In East been promised by the end of February, but the deadline Anglia, between Great Yarmouth in my constituency was put back. I might be damaging our chances by and Lowestoft in the constituency of my hon. Friend saying this, but it seems to me to be bare-faced cheek on the Member for Waveney (Peter Aldous), we have a the part of the Secretary of State to say that the fact whole energy hub. That hub is quite an important that 32 cities have put in a bid for the headquarters factor in the context of the direction we are moving in excuses the delay in the Government’s announcement. with energy. Back in 2001, the industry employed about If the delay was for just a few weeks, that would, 20,000 people in our region across 6,000-odd companies. perhaps, be understandable, but let us not forget that it The growth, with what is on the table now and what has looks like the delay means that the establishment and developed since 2001, means around 105,000 jobs in the operation of the green investment bank will be nearly a industry in our region alone, with a turnover for those year later than the date on which we were first told that businesses of about £13 billion a year. What is on offer it would be set up. to the industry at the moment with the contracts that Let us not forget that on 30 June 2010, the Minister are out there, particularly for renewable energy and of State, Department of Energy and Climate Change, with the offshore wind farm option, is potentially another the hon. Member for Bexhill and Battle (Gregory Barker), £50 billion-worth of contracts, with particular focus on gave the proposals the go-ahead and that in November carbon capture. 2010 the Department’s business plan expected the green The way in which Departments have worked together investment bank to be operational in September 2012. has been useful for our area and in helping our industry On 23 May 2011, the Deputy Prime Minister said that to grow, and it has been welcomed by people in the the green investment bank would begin to provide funding industry across Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft. The from as early as April 2012. Now we are told, however, Department for Communities and Local Government, that it will be operational from the end of the year, the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, the subject to state aid approval. I suspect that that means Treasury and the Department of Energy and Climate that in practice we will not see the green investment Change have worked together to make sure that we get bank in operation until well into 2013, almost a year the best out of our region and provide the best for our late. That is extremely concerning and is also a country, not least in terms of the important issue of condemnation of the way in which the Government energy security. We have been able to secure an enterprise have taken forward the proposals on the green investment zone, which means about 2,000 jobs with 80 businesses. bank. One cannot blame a year’s delay on the fact that I am hopeful that the very first business to open in the there are 32 rather than 20 cities interested in the enterprise zone when it starts this April will be Seajacks proposals. in Great Yarmouth, with a focus on servicing the offshore 617 Jobs and Growth in a Low-carbon 5 MARCH 2012 Jobs and Growth in a Low-carbon 618 Economy Economy wind farm industry. In the 25-year life of that enterprise a huge opportunity for East Anglia to develop. That is zone, which is focused on energy and particularly on another advantage to our economy coming as a result low-carbon energy, we believe there could be a potential of what the Government are doing, and for that I thank 13,500 extra jobs and 200 extra businesses coming into everyone at DECC. Most importantly, I am glad that our region alone. Departments are working together to make sure that Much of the advantage and development there has we can offer businesses the best opportunities and an been in the industry has come from people in the environment in which they can develop the skills and industry working together, taking the proverbial bull by encourage local education suppliers to develop the skills the horns and putting together the East of England that the industry needs so that we are developing not Energy Group, which works well at representing the just jobs and job opportunities but the skills to fill those area across the world. It has shown the huge opportunities jobs. That is vital when we are developing jobs and on our doorstep to develop extra jobs and apprenticeships growth in our economy. and to publicise them across the industry. It is a multinational industry, with multinational companies Several hon. Members rose— such as Perenco, Halliburton, AMEC and others basing themselves in our area to take advantage of the Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Nigel Evans): Order. To opportunities that are now there because of the way in accommodate more Members, the time limit is being which the Government are delivering. The interest that reduced to four minutes. has been shown by Ministers from across Departments and Secretaries of State who have visited our area and 6.15 pm met businesses has shown the industry that they are Diana Johnson (Kingston upon Hull North) (Lab): I interested in it, that they want it to grow and that they am speaking in the debate because the unemployment believe we have an offer in our area. We welcome that. rate in Hull is 14.2% for those aged between 16 and 64, The Government have said they want Britain’s businesses whereas the national figure is 8.6%. This area has to benefit from the £200 billion of infrastructure needed tremendous potential for jobs and the economic growth by 2020. Will the Minister comment on the fact that that Members across the House want because we know some in the industry believe that when they compete that unless the economy starts to grow, we are not going overseas they are sometimes at a disadvantage because to be able to reduce the deficit. other countries overly favour businesses from their own I want to talk about Hull and the Humber area country? I would appreciate hearing his comments on because we have been very fortunate in being able to put that and our Government’s view of what we can do to together a proposal for Siemens to come to east Hull balance that situation here. to develop wind turbine manufacturing and use those We also need to make sure that we get in the skills turbines out in the North sea. However, that has been a and match them to what the industry needs. In areas battle, and I do not think the Government have done such as Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft, the Skills for their best to assist Siemens in coming to the city. There Energy group is coming together under an excellent seems to be a silo approach in BIS, DECC and other chairmanship. It brings together companies such as Departments, so there is not the joined-up thinking that AMEC, EDF, Seajacks, Shell and others to ensure that is needed to make this part of the economy really grow we are developing, across our colleges and universities, and deliver for the country. the qualifications and skills needed so desperately by Let me pay tribute to the work of Matt Jukes, who the energy industry, and the engineering industry that works for Associated British Ports, to Hull city council comes off it through the supply chain, to fill the jobs and Councillors Steven Bayes and Steve Brady, to Mark that are on offer locally. Given that this debate concerns Jones and to those in the chamber of commerce in Hull, jobs and growth, that is very important. particularly Dr Ian Kelly. They have worked together to The green investment bank has been mentioned many push forward the renewables agenda in the city. We are times. That is vital for funding, particularly development very fortunate in having the university of Hull, which funding, in the industry and for giving certainty to the plays a leading role in the development of the renewables industry about the ability to develop and finance that sector. We now have the local enterprise partnership, funding. It is a very welcome introduction because this with Lord Haskins as our chair, and I hope that we are area is hugely complicated. As I have mentioned the on the final stretch towards making sure that Siemens, bank, let me make a pitch for Norwich to have it, as it is and the associated supply chain businesses that would in such close proximity to the whole energy hub. Nowhere follow it, come to Hull and the Humber area. The else in the country could match that; Norwich is the Government need to get their act together and make perfect home for the bank. If the Minister would like to sure that, in future, they speak with one voice on this support those points or to comment on them, his comments agenda. Hull has put in an application for the green would be welcome. bank and I hope that it will be considered alongside all Lastly, let me touch on earlier comments about the the other cities that have applied. low-carbon economy.We have the advantage of potentially The debacle over feed-in tariffs has resulted in job being able to service, look after, develop and help construct, losses in my constituency. Carillion, which is consulting through our deep-water port, the new offshore wind on 150 jobs going in the city, tells me it is doing that farm that is going to be developed, which will be a huge because last October’s announcement on feed-in tariffs asset both economically and as part of our energy offer. meant that it had to restructure its whole business. It There is also the issue of carbon capture, with the looks likely that Carillion will pull out of Hull completely. Deborah field project very closely off our shoreline I am sure that the Minister well knows that, as I said at being worth, possibly, around £1 billion. Potentially, the start of my speech, unemployment rates are already 25% of that could go to our supply chain, so there is high in the city. Any job loss is a disaster for the 619 Jobs and Growth in a Low-carbon 5 MARCH 2012 Jobs and Growth in a Low-carbon 620 Economy Economy [Diana Johnson] The commitment to anaerobic digestion was present in the coalition agreement, in the renewable energy road individual and their family as well as for the wider map, and in the strategy published jointly by the economy in the city. Part of the Government’s problem Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs is that they are rushing into things without properly and DECC last June, and I look forward to the publication thinking through the effects their measures will have. of the annual progress report this summer. As my hon. I was very pleased that my right hon. Friend the Friend the Minister of State said last week, 56 actions shadow Secretary of State gave a speech at the Aldersgate have been identified to tackle the key barriers to deployment. Group in February, when she talked about the need for I do not pretend that it is easy or that there are not an active industrial strategy for green growth. I am significant challenges. There are, but I welcome the interested in two particular issues in that regard. First, inclusion of anaerobic digestion in the feed-in tariffs there is the skills agenda and the need to ensure we get scheme. skills training and education right for the people who There are significant employment opportunities to will go into the renewables industry in future. The be had. SeAB may be a small company, but let us not second issue is about rebalancing the economy. In areas forget that small and medium-sized enterprises are the such as Hull and the Humber, it is vital that this growth backbone of the British economy. Small can be beautiful, industry—renewables—is promoted and supported as and can certainly provide jobs across the country. much as possible by the Government. 6.22 pm 6.19 pm Geraint Davies (Swansea West) (Lab/Co-op): As the Caroline Nokes (Romsey and Southampton North) former chair of Flood Risk Management Wales charged (Con): I appreciate the opportunity to contribute, albeit with leading Wales forward in adapting to climate briefly, to the debate. It would be remiss of me not to change, I am pleased to speak in the debate. The Welsh mention the bid from Southampton, which I can assure Assembly Government have sustainable development at the Minister is an excellent one, to host the green the core of their constitution. I shall put in a bid for investment bank. Swansea as the site for the green investment bank, given It is striking from the Back-Bench contributions that the access to the natural wind and wave power, the great rather than an endless drip of negativity, there is a universities there and the financial cluster in Cardiff to commitment to the innovative and exciting technologies support it. that are growing in many parts of the UK. Last week in We are living in a world where the population will Westminster Hall there was a debate on Government grow from just under 7 billion to 9 billion people in the incentives for renewable energy. The right hon. Member foreseeable future. China and other emerging economies for Don Valley (Caroline Flint) may not have been aware are driving up the price of oil as a result of economic of it, but the focus was on the generation of energy growth. That means that opportunities for green investment from waste. Had any members of her party been present, increasingly show a higher prospective rate of return. they would have heard the commitment of the Minister That is why the present Government, like the previous of State, Department of Energy and Climate Change, Government, should invest now rather than later to get the hon. Member for Wealden (Charles Hendry) to the niche global leadership in fledgling green markets, targeting eight technologies in the renewable energy road map. exports to emerging markets and providing the critical However, the debate is not just about solar or wind. If economies of scale at home to make that possible. we are to have security of energy supply, we need a suite I have in mind the Government’s procurement of technologies, which is why I shall focus briefly on the programme. One can imagine a new generation of solar generation of energy from waste by a company in my tiles being installed in all schools, for example, or the constituency, SeAB, which has patented a method of Government working with Tata Steel, which is based anaerobic digestion in shipping containers. That might in Port Talbot, near Swansea. Tata is developing new sound a little strange to many Members, but the method cutting edge steel comprising six layers, which creates its has the capacity, on a small scale, to use the waste own electricity and can warm buildings. Working through product from farms, schools, restaurants and food the procurement system could help to bring about a production to generate the energy needs of the same step change in green technology for Britain. We should organisation. think carefully about that. Anaerobic digestion has the potential to play a massive I have been campaigning for the electrification of role in both biomass heat production and electricity the railway from Cardiff to Swansea. There is a question generation. Every year the UK produces about 100 million mark over the cost-benefit ratio, but as the costs of tonnes of food waste, manure and sewage sludge that is diesel and the alternative means for the locomotion of suitable for such treatment. Although of course we trains get more and more expensive, it is self-evident want the amount of waste to be minimised, using waste that electrification will be an investment worth making to generate electricity is a very green way to meet some sooner rather than later. of our energy needs. The UK has long been at the Nuclear is clearly part of the future. I know that the forefront of designing such technology, and SeAB and Secretary of State has previously campaigned against other small companies operating in this sector are using nuclear and the Liberal Democrats say there should be Government support in order to make the difficult no subsidy, but again it is about embracing the future. transition from concept to deployment. SeAB is successfully It was a great dereliction of duty on the part of the making that transition, deploying its system with Government to withdraw the loan to Sheffield Forgemasters, commercial success, for example at Sparsholt college in which would have assumed global leadership in an Hampshire and on the Southampton university science emerging market in nuclear production. That was a park. disgrace. 621 Jobs and Growth in a Low-carbon 5 MARCH 2012 Jobs and Growth in a Low-carbon 622 Economy Economy Tata Steel, which I mentioned earlier, has suffered As it happens, although I believe that, in an effort to from the unilateral carbon pricing that we have seen cut lung diseases and global warm, we must reduce the from the Government. Only last week it announced an amount of pollution we pump into the atmosphere, my opportunity for workers to go home and receive half-pay, primary reason for supporting renewable energy and when it should be motoring forward in emerging markets. reductions in the use of fossil fuels is concern about Airbus in north Wales is at the forefront of carbon wings. energy security. We are importing ever more energy into Half the aircraft in the world are created by Airbus. We the United Kingdom and, in order to maintain supplies, should embrace the future there, as with wave power. we are increasingly at the mercy of events over which we We should not just use our export focus to sell green have no control. Oil prices continue to fluctuate alarmingly technology and green products in emerging markets, and unrest in the middle east could affect supplies. A but recognise that the capital opportunities in oil-rich couple of years ago we saw Russia cut the flow of gas to countries and those with trading surpluses could help Ukraine. It could easily do the same to us or push up investment here, rather than UK inward investment the price of gas to even higher levels. It is worth repeating remaining at the perimeter of Europe. that spiralling household energy bills are driven by There are great opportunities for a green trajectory to higher oil and gas prices and fluctuations in the exchange an early recovery, rather than the stupid focus on cuts, rate, not support for renewable energy. cuts, cuts and the environment being seen as in competition Let us not forget that oil and gas are finite resources. with economic growth. I visited Olchfa school last week, The high price of energy is a growing problem, but at which wants to put the green economy—the environment least we have energy. As fossil fuels begin to run out, as alongside the economy—at the forefront of any future they inevitably will before the end of this century, energy agenda. prices will become so high that people will simply be unable to afford to use their cars or heat their homes. I 6.27 pm have been to countries where power cuts are used to Gordon Henderson (Sittingbourne and Sheppey) (Con): manage energy consumption and are a way of life. It is As in the case of most Opposition motions, there is not inconceivable that in 50 years’ time people in this much in the motion before the House with which I country could routinely flick a switch and find that the agree. For instance, there have been mixed signals from lights do not come on. If we are to prevent that from Government over the level of their commitment to the happening, we need to invest in a range of alternative, renewable energy programme, and that uncertainty has non-fossil energy sources. That is not an investment we hit the confidence of many investors. The uncertainty can leave for our children and grandchildren to make; was reinforced by the letter from 106 of my colleagues that would be too late. We need to invest now. We need to the Prime Minister calling for a reduction in the to invest in nuclear power stations and renewable energy subsidy offered to onshore wind farms. sources such as tidal, wind, biomass and anaerobic digestion. I appreciate that those who signed the letter did so Of course, investing in renewable energy will not only with the best of intentions. They believe that renewable provide us with increasing energy security, but will have energy should not be subsidised because it is uneconomic. the beneficial side effect of creating thousands of extra However, some in the anti-onshore wind farm lobby jobs. Let us take wind energy as an example. Nationally, demonstrate slightly muddled thinking. I have heard many RenewableUK estimates that 6,000 people are directly opponents say, “But of course I support offshore wind employed in the onshore wind sector. That figure could farms.” Let us be quite clear. A threat to onshore wind is grow to up to 12,000 direct and 19,000 indirect jobs by apotentialthreattooffshorewind.Althoughitisunquestionably 2021. In my constituency, Vestas is considering building true that wind energy is currently uneconomic, with the a factory in Sheerness, which would create 2,000 jobs. new generation of wind turbines, wind energy will become Our community took a hard hit recently when our local cheaper and more predictable. It is also worth pointing steelworks went into administration, with the loss of out that onshore wind is the cheapest form of renewable 400 jobs. I genuinely believe that the United Kingdom technology that can deliver at scale. needs a thriving wind energy industry. More importantly, Glyn Davies (Montgomeryshire) (Con): I was not one Sheppey needs that wind turbine factory. of the 106 Members who signed the letter, but if I had 6.32 pm not been a PPS, I would have done so. Does my hon. Friend not accept that sacrificing a beautiful part of Nic Dakin (Scunthorpe) (Lab): It is a pleasure to Britain to be covered by perhaps 600 wind turbines is an follow the hon. Member for Sittingbourne and Sheppey abomination, and anybody representing such an area (Gordon Henderson), who spoke much sense in his would be totally committed to opposing it? contribution, particularly on the opportunities provided by the renewables sector, both onshore and offshore Gordon Henderson: Yes, I accept what my hon. Friend wind, for ensuring energy security, which is a key issue says, but that does not mean that onshore wind energy for businesses and individuals across this country, and is wrong. It means that it must be put in the right place. for creating jobs, because the motion is about jobs and If we start from the premise that the nation needs to growth in a low-carbon economy.This is a great opportunity increase the percentage of our energy obtained from for a renaissance, a second industrial revolution in renewable sources, increasing onshore wind energy green jobs to drive the UK forward into this century production is financially beneficial to the country because and to create jobs and growth. it reduces the need for other, more expensive forms of I particularly value the opportunities associated with green power. There are those who question the need for renewable energy because close to my constituency, on renewable energy at all, and I appreciate their point of the south Humber bank, there is a huge opportunity view.I disagree fundamentally with them, but I acknowledge to develop a big area of land for the manufacture their right to hold an opposing view. and deployment of renewables technology. It is a great 623 Jobs and Growth in a Low-carbon 5 MARCH 2012 Jobs and Growth in a Low-carbon 624 Economy Economy [Nic Dakin] intend on this occasion to dispute the wisdom of the renewables targets that we have imposed on ourselves or opportunity, along with the potential for development had imposed upon us by the European Union. If we on the north bank of the Humber, which my hon. take those targets as given, we must accept the need to Friend the Member for Kingston upon Hull North tax or ration fossil fuels and to subsidise or set quotas (Diana Johnson) outlined in relation to Siemens’s interest for renewables if we are to meet them. However, I there. Together with the Able UK development on the dispute the premise that appears to underlie contributions south bank, that represents a site of European significance to the debate from both sides of the House: that the for driving the UK’s renewables industry forward. As move from low-cost energy to high-cost energy can has already been said in the debate, we need the opportunity generate jobs or growth. Such a move might be necessary, not only of site, but of skills. We must ensure that the but we delude ourselves if we imagine that it will have proper skills development is in place to take advantage either of those effects. of that opportunity. Subsidies can boost employment in the area that is I am concerned that UK taxpayers and energy bill payers subsidised, just as taxes can reduce employment in the should not end up resourcing jobs outside the UK. It is area that is taxed, but the suggestion that subsidies can absolutely crucial that we ensure that the supply chain is produce a net increase in additional jobs, as the right developed to provide jobs within the UK’s renewables hon. Member for Don Valley (Caroline Flint) suggested, sector. Otherwise, we will find a huge missed opportunity. is a delusion. It is self-evident nonsense and involves I will be interested to hear what the Minister has to say abolishing the rules of arithmetic, because we would about how the Exchequer, the Department of Energy destroy as many jobs with the taxes we would have to and Climate Change and the Department for Business, levy to pay for the subsidies as the subsidies given at Innovation and Skills are working together to ensure other points would create. That is essentially the green that appropriate incentives are in place to develop the version of the old broken windows fallacy, according to renewables industry supply chain in the UK so that we which we can create jobs by breaking someone’s windows get maximum benefit. We also need to ensure that the because the householder would have to employ a glazier, penalties that are in place for energy intensive-industries who would have to employ glassmakers and the people are properly addressed. Industries such as the steel who produce the other raw materials. That fallacy was industry, which is crucial to not only the old industries destroyed ages ago and should not be reproduced by of the past, but the new renewables industries, have Members on either Front Bench. made huge strides in becoming energy efficient. Ian Lavery: My hon. Friend mentioned energy-intensive Chris Heaton-Harris (Daventry) (Con): I am wondering industries. Is he aware that, due to the carbon taxes that whether my hon. Friend is making an interesting and the Government are imposing on energy-intensive industries, strange bid for the siting of the Green investment bank Rio Tinto Alcan will close its plant in my constituency in either Hitchin or Harpenden. sometime this week, which will affect 600 jobs directly and 3,000 in the supply chain? Mr Lilley: We have absolutely no desire to have what is essentially a sub-prime bank in our area. The idea Nic Dakin: My hon. Friend makes a good point. We that we can boost—[Interruption.] It will be a sub-prime have already heard that 400 jobs are going in Sittingbourne bank, because the Government have said that it will not and Sheppey, and now more jobs are going in his accept prime investment opportunities, which will be constituency. That is of great concern and underlines left to the market. The bank will be able to lend only to even more why we need to ensure that what happens in those opportunities that are not attractive to industry— the renewables industry reclaims our industrial future in despite huge subsidies, quotas, publicity and fashion. a way that we are at risk of not doing. The Chancellor In short, it will be able to lend only to the sub-prime came forward in the autumn statement with a package opportunities, so let us hope that it is a long time relating to energy-intensive industries, but it is still unclear coming. We do not want it in Hitchin. to those industries what the detail of the package means. It is time that businesses on the ground had some clarity The idea that we can boost productivity by replacing on what the package will mean. Otherwise, we will find competitive sources of energy with uncompetitive sources more closures by companies such as Rio Tinto Alcan. of energy is so ludicrous that it is strange it has passed Time is of the essence. We cannot afford to dilly-dally without comment today. We have a need for electricity on such matters. generation. If we invest a certain amount of money in During the debate many hon. Members have drawn wind, which is four times as expensive as gas turbines, attention to the shambles of the solar feed-in tariff we will get for a given investment only one quarter of saga. I hope that everyone in the House and outside has the electricity that we would if we relied on gas turbines. learned from the mistakes so that we can ensure that in With onshore generation we will get half the electricity other significant areas, such as wind and other renewables, that we would from gas, so the idea that we can boost we do not make similar errors and create missed growth through low-productivity, high-cost industries is opportunities. I have said everything I wished to say, nonsense, and we should cease deluding ourselves that and I thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker, for allowing me we can. It has been suggested that we might be able to to contribute. generate jobs in the supply industries for those forms of energy, but it is nonsense to suppose that subsidising the use of renewable technologies automatically results in 6.37 pm an increase in the domestic production of equipment Mr Peter Lilley (Hitchin and Harpenden) (Con): My for them. It manifestly has not; there is no reason to right hon. and hon. Friends on the Government Front suppose that it should; the Government are not allowed Bench will probably be relieved to hear that I do not to give subsidies to those equipment suppliers under 625 Jobs and Growth in a Low-carbon 5 MARCH 2012 Jobs and Growth in a Low-carbon 626 Economy Economy EU rules; and in any case the record of Governments there are three fundamental things that the Government trying to pick winners is lamentable and miserable, so it can do to increase jobs and growth in the low-carbon is probably just as well that they cannot. sector. The first, quite surprisingly, is to be found in mortgage David Mowat: The thrust of my right hon. Friend’s repossessions, of which Wales has had 5,000 over the comments—that we cannot generate jobs with lower- past year. It seems an economic fallacy to put those productivity activities—is right, but if we accept that properties back on the market to be sold at below the Climate Change Act 2008 is right also and we have market level, when the banks could bring about equity to decarbonise, we reach a position whereby we ought investment, keep people in their homes and provide for to decarbonise ruthlessly with the cheapest option in energy-refitting such houses, so that their value increases. front of us, which takes us to nuclear power rather than We could also look at refitting every public building to to some of the others. stimulate the construction business. Secondly, with growth on the floor, I genuinely believe Mr Lilley: As one of the five people who opposed the in and have come round to the idea of a mini stimulus: 2008 Act, I do not necessarily accept my hon. Friend’s not a stimulus on the level that we saw in 2008, when we premise, but I will for the purposes of debate, and if we tried to keep the economy going while it was failing, but are going to meet those targets we should do so as something based on what we have learned from that. If efficiently as possible. Nuclear is one of the best ways, we look for example at the car scrappage scheme, we see but the cheapest of all is gas turbines, and gas might that in 2009 a targeted stimulus put more new cars— become cheaper in this country if we exploit the potential 2.4%—on the road, while at the same time emissions for shale gas, which has halved the cost of gas in the dropped for the first time in 13 years. We could look at United States. that again, but instead of talking about just car scrappage, we could talk about hybrid cars as well. Zac Goldsmith (Richmond Park) (Con): On subsidies, can my right hon. Friend name a single nuclear power The third and final thing that I would like the plant in the history of the sector that has not existed on Government to do is to talk about not only the Green the back of vast public subsidies? Has there ever been investment bank, but about picking two cities and making an unsubsidised nuclear power plant? them energy independent. The two that I would pick are Cardiff and Bristol, because they could bring about an Mr Lilley: I am not sure whether some of the early investment project, such as the Severn bay barrage, that ones were subsidised, but nuclear power is more attractive would produce more energy through tidal and wind economically—the point that my hon. Friend the Member power. for Warrington South (David Mowat) made—than some Those are great opportunities that we can invest in of the very high-cost renewables. and look at, and the Government can do so now. They As Harold Macmillan remarked, when both sides of have it in hand. This is our last chance, and as I see that the House are agreed, they are usually wrong. They are time is ticking down, I suggest that we take it. wrong on this occasion, they invariably end up scratching each other’s backs and intellectual rigour goes out of Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Nigel Evans): The winding-up the window. It is time that we looked rigorously at what speeches will start at 10 minutes to 7. is involved. It may be necessary to do what is under discussion, but we should not kid ourselves that it is 6.47 pm going to create an industrial revolution, green growth or green jobs. It is going to cost a lot of money, and we Peter Aldous (Waveney) (Con): I am grateful to you, are going to be worse off so that future generations can Mr Deputy Speaker, for calling me to speak in this have a better climate. debate, which gives us an opportunity to review the Government’s work on the green economy over the past two years, and to provide some thoughts on how they 6.43 pm should move forward over the remaining three years of Chris Evans (Islwyn) (Lab/Co-op): One of my great this Parliament. My comments will, I hope, complement Welsh forebears, Aneurin Bevan, once said that we live those of my hon. Friend the Member for Great Yarmouth on a land made of coal, surrounded by sea, and it (Brandon Lewis). would take an economic genius for anyone to go cold In what are difficult times financially, when we do not or hungry. have as much money to go around as we would like, the What I hear from this debate today is that we have the Government have come forward with a full range of greatest natural resources in the world, yet we are initiatives that will help to achieve the transition to a standing by and watching as we get left behind by the green economy. What is now required is, first, to see rest of the world. China has half the market in solar those policies through to fruition in order to ensure that power batteries; Brazil is already investing in ethanol they achieve their objectives and, secondly, to maintain production for its cars; and the Danes are using wind the coherent, consistent policy framework that is necessary power to produce their energy. What are we doing? We to provide long-term private investors with confidence are falling from third to 13th in green technology investment. and security. That cannot go on. East Anglia has an opportunity to play an important For too long I have been worried about debates on role in creating green jobs and helping to rebalance the green energy and technology. I have been one of those economy. My colleague—my hon. Friend the Member who has said, “This is our last best chance,” but the real for Great Yarmouth—and I have set out to make the problem is that we talk in the abstract and in the future, case to the Government that, if they invest in the green so as we are only a few weeks away from the Budget economy in East Anglia, the area can play a pivotal role 627 Jobs and Growth in a Low-carbon 5 MARCH 2012 Jobs and Growth in a Low-carbon 628 Economy Economy [Peter Aldous] though, that much of the content turned out to be very similar, with the same mixture of obstinacy, complacency in promoting sustainable growth and creating new jobs. and diversionary abuse. The Government have stepped up to the plate with the The change of Secretary of State has given the New Anglia local enterprise partnership, which covers Government an opportunity to reassess their policy Norfolk and Suffolk, being awarded green pathfinder prescription in the light of the evidence of falling investment status. I attended its conference last Thursday, when in the green economy, taking the UK from third to the objective was to work up proposals to include in the 13th place, and to make good much of the rhetoric of manifesto that it will present to the Government in the the past two years on the opportunities for growth and spring. investment to help to rebalance the economy and to To help stimulate the green economy the Government build vital skills that could create and keep jobs in every have created an enterprise zone in Great Yarmouth and part of the country. Those opportunities should not in my constituency, and they have granted the two ports be missed. However, there is genuine concern that a core status as centres for offshore renewable engineering. combination of the effects of Government policies Other initiatives that will help to create growth in the elsewhere, the Chancellor’s comments on a range of related low-carbon economy are the green investment bank, issues at party conferences, and the hapless approach of the green deal and the roll-out of super-fast broadband. the Minister of State, the hon. Member for Bexhill and A lot of work still needs to be done, but I believe that Battle (Gregory Barker), on feed-in tariffs are combining the foundation stone has been laid to create a new and to reduce the attractiveness of those opportunities, not exciting industry. I was going to move on to talk about least in renewable energy. the five challenges that we need to address, but I shall The Secretary of State spent some time in Scotland leave it to my other colleague, to my west and south, my this weekend, and he will have appreciated that Inverness hon. Friend the Member for Suffolk Coastal (Dr Coffey), is a little less crowded and a little windier than Surbiton, to say a few words. and that is not just because he was at the Scottish Liberal Democrats’ conference. I welcome his recognition of the benefits to Scotland and the rest of the country 6.49 pm of the single energy market and the mechanisms within Dr Thérèse Coffey (Suffolk Coastal) (Con): I thank it to improve infrastructure and promote new developments my hon. Friends the Members for Waveney (Peter Aldous) that work in the interests of the whole of the UK. As and for Great Yarmouth (Brandon Lewis) for their well as appreciating the potential for renewable energy continued championing of East Anglia as the energy in Scotland he will also, according to press reports, have coast. witnessed some of those who are less convinced at the staged wake at the conference. For the avoidance of It is fair to say that there will be no economic growth doubt, it was an unofficial wake outside rather than without increased energy consumption, and the challenge something on the agenda inside. to decarbonise our economy comes at a time when we As well as the opportunities, significant costs are have to spend about £200 billion on rebuilding it. The associated with the investment needed to update our electricity market reforms have been very positive for energy infrastructure. The right hon. Member for Hitchin the construction of new nuclear power stations. That and Harpenden (Mr Lilley) and my hon. Friend the did not happen under the previous Government, and I Member for Sedgefield (Phil Wilson) expressed concern am proud that it will be happening under our Government. about that. However, we should be realistic. There are Sizewell C will be a key employer for many years to no no-cost options, but there are opportunities to be come, and it will afford construction opportunities in realised. An over-reliance on fossil fuels will cost more the near future. in the long term and lead to bigger increases in consumers’ My hon. Friend the Member for Romsey and bills, and our generation plant is largely coming to the Southampton North (Caroline Nokes) talked about end of its useful life. The need to reduce carbon emissions, energy from waste. which is accepted by the Government but not necessarily by all Government Members, means that there is a Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Nigel Evans): Order. I apologise pressing need to renew that infrastructure, and to do so to the hon. Lady, but it is time for the wind-up speeches. in the right way. We should also be maximising the opportunities for 6.50 pm jobs in our economy to build growth and provide employment in the parts of the UK that are suffering Tom Greatrex (Rutherglen and Hamilton West) (Lab/ the most economically, not least because of the impact Co-op): Having rejoined the debate and expertly managed of other aspects of Government policy. That was pointed to avoid the no doubt helpful contribution by the right out in an intervention by my hon. Friend the Member hon. Member for Bermondsey and Old Southwark for Kingston upon Hull North (Diana Johnson) and (Simon Hughes), I congratulate the Secretary of State in the speeches by my hon. Friends the Members for on his much-anticipated and well-briefed promotion to Sedgefield and for Scunthorpe (Nic Dakin). Many places his new portfolio and on his first engagement in Parliament around the UK are well placed to be the hubs for in that role. When he was confirmed in his position, he renewable energy because they combine the port made much of his determination to continue with the infrastructure, the manufacturing expertise and the chance policies of his predecessor, so we have a new man in to develop new export opportunities. We have heard charge but the same policy in place. At least he has not about the need for joined-up thinking within Government continued with one feature of his predecessor’s appearances to attract that investment. Much of that depends on in this House—the speeches of inordinate length. We confidence, as the Secretary of State observed, and the should be grateful for small mercies. It is a shame, Government must be aware that the shambolic handling 629 Jobs and Growth in a Low-carbon 5 MARCH 2012 Jobs and Growth in a Low-carbon 630 Economy Economy of the feed-in tariff debacle has dented confidence more The hon. Member for Sittingbourne and Sheppey widely across the energy industry. I hope that Ministers (Gordon Henderson), in an interesting and courageous learn some lessons from that sorry exercise, because it speech, made clear the problems that the mixed messages not only has direct consequences for jobs and businesses, coming from the Government and from Government as my hon. Friend the Member for Kingston upon Hull Members are creating as regards some of the investment North said, but sends a wider message to the industry. decisions that may or may not be made. He made the The hon. Member for Skipton and Ripon (Julian important point that while there may be costs associated Smith) highlighted the importance of CCS, quoting with renewable energy, there are also costs associated Professor Jeff Chapman, and reflected on the decision with an over-reliance on declining and volatile resources. on Longannet, which many Members are sorry has We need to bear that in mind. been unable to be demonstrated on a commercial basis. My hon. Friend the Member for Scunthorpe made We should not forget, however, that the work at Longannet, some important points on behalf of energy-intensive including the FEED—front-end engineering design—study, industries. He represents a steelmaking constituency, as will bring some benefits to potential future CCS projects, do I. It is important that those industries get clarity and it is important that we learn from that. I hope that from the Government about the package that was put in as the Government outline their new competition, they do place in the autumn statement and do not miss out on not use criteria that restrict the ability of many potential opportunities in the green economy. CCS projects to go ahead. My hon. Friend the Member for Islwyn (Chris Evans) My hon. Friend the Member for Vale of Clwyd highlighted the importance of energy efficiency in (Chris Ruane) highlighted the importance of innovation stimulating the construction industry, although I suspect and development to provide high-quality, high-skilled that the right hon. Member for Hitchin and Harpenden and exportable jobs, and the important link between would disagree with him. academic institutions and industry in developing those The motion highlights the need for the transition to jobs around the UK. a low-carbon economy. It outlines the opportunities The right hon. Member for Bermondsey and Old and presses the Government to get the right strategy in Southwark, with his own unique style of collegiate place. If the Secretary of State wants to make his mark behaviour, helpfully highlighted the differences among and to deliver change, rather than just to use the rhetoric the Liberal Democrats on nuclear. We must all be clear of change, he should ensure that the Government bring that we need baseload generation as well as renewable forward an active industrial strategy, because that is generation, and that nuclear, despite many other aspects what is needed to transform the opportunities into about which people express concern, is, like renewables, reality. I commend the motion to the House. a low-carbon energy. My hon. Friend the Member for Edinburgh North 7pm and Leith (Mark Lazarowicz), the hon. Member for The Minister of State, Department of Energy and Climate Romsey and Southampton North (Caroline Nokes) Change (Gregory Barker): This has been a great debate, and my hon. Friend the Member for Swansea West with terrific contributions and thoughtful speeches by (Geraint Davies) put in, or repeated, their bids for the Back Benchers from all parts of the House. The level of location of the green investment bank. I think that expertise and knowledge on the green agenda across the everyone did that apart from the right hon. Member for Chamber never ceases to surprise and encourage me. I Hitchin and Harpenden (Mr Lilley), who said that he shall shortly address many of the points raised. did not want it in his constituency, so that might bring However, once again, the Labour Front Benchers the number of bids down from 32 to 31. However, the were out of step with the mood of the House because of most important issue in relation to the green investment their desperate rush to score party political points at the bank is not its location but whether it is up and running. expense of measured and informed argument. The fact The Secretary of State suggested that its operation as a is that the green economy, like the rest of the economy, bank has probably been delayed until 2017. My hon. faces a challenging time. There are real barriers and Friend the Member for Southampton, Test (Dr Whitehead) obstacles to growth to be navigated. The coalition is reminded him that that is a direct result of Government determined to tackle them with vigour, ambition and policies elsewhere. optimism. However, the green economy does not exist In the extensive press coverage on the Secretary of in a vacuum, and these are tough times. State’s appointment, various anonymous Members among There are no easy solutions for dealing with Labour’s his coalition partners said that they were very pleased legacy of debt and borrowing. In the real world, the that he had got the job because he is a much more green economy is confronted with the same financial collegiate figure than his predecessor—although that challenges as every other industrial sector. Contrary to would not be difficult. Labour Members must hope that the gloomy, downbeat predictions from the Opposition, he learns to stand up to the Treasury as well, because the green economy is rising to the challenge. It is Treasury dominance has too often overridden important bearing down on costs, introducing greater financial aspects of the green economy from which we need to rigour and delivering better value for money for consumers benefit in the period ahead. and investors alike. Although there are no easy answers The hon. Members for Great Yarmouth (Brandon or quick fixes for Labour’s debt crisis, the green economy Lewis), for Waveney (Peter Aldous) and, briefly, for now has a Government who are genuinely on its side for Suffolk Coastal (Dr Coffey) highlighted the potential of the long term. Perhaps that is why Ernst and Young’s offshore industrial opportunities in their constituencies latest report upgraded the UK from the sixth to the and the need to ensure procurement benefits, as far as fifth most attractive place in the world to invest in possible, for indigenous companies—a point also made renewables, and why 80% of the 150 global investors in by my hon. Friend the Member for Scunthorpe. Credit Suisse’s recent survey voted for the UK as having 631 Jobs and Growth in a Low-carbon 5 MARCH 2012 Jobs and Growth in a Low-carbon 632 Economy Economy [Gregory Barker] The hon. Member for Vale of Clwyd (Chris Ruane) was right to flag up the extraordinary industrial innovation the best regulatory environment for the next five years. in the green sector, which is creating jobs in his constituency. After years of Labour’s stop-go policies, transparency, My right hon. Friend the Member for Bermondsey longevity and certainty are at the heart of our policy and Old Southwark (Simon Hughes) spoke with genuine making. passion. I understand his long-held views on nuclear Let me reassure the right hon. Member for Don power. Although he takes a different view from mine, I Valley (Caroline Flint) that the coalition’s ambition to welcome his canter through the range of other coalition be the greenest Government ever has not withered; far policies that he wholeheartedly endorses. I thank him from it. In 2012, our green agenda will move up a gear. for paying tribute to the right hon. Member for Eastleigh This is the year in which the coalition will move from (Chris Huhne) for his contribution to the international ambitious green rhetoric to bold deployment. On a climate negotiations at Cancun and especially at Durban, range of iconic programmes, we are taking huge strides where he played an important role. forwards. We are delivering the same level of ambition, but at a lower cost to the consumer. More green for less The hon. Member for Edinburgh North and Leith cost—that is the challenge for the low-carbon economy (Mark Lazarowicz) spoke strongly in favour of the in 2012; that is “Green economics 2.0.”Many Government green investment bank. I assure him that we are pressing Members echoed that. We are happy to be judged on ahead at full speed with that flagship coalition policy, our record. which was announced in opposition and is being seen through in government by our reforming Chancellor. The plans to establish Europe’s first green investment bank are well under way. In the meantime, UK Green My hon. Friend the Member for Great Yarmouth Investments will invest £775 million in the green economy. (Brandon Lewis) is a great champion for a range of The green deal, our transformational new market for renewables, especially offshore wind. His active support energy efficiency and the most ambitious home for a huge number of new green jobs in this area is very improvement programme since world war two will be valuable. I assure him that we are determined to maximise launched in the fourth quarter of this year and will the value to British business of the deployment of these build momentum in 2013 and 2014. Europe’s first renewable new technologies, unlike Labour. In the last offshore heat incentive is already investing £860 million in British wind farm to be constructed under Labour, 80% of the innovation. components were manufactured overseas and imported. That is a shameful record that the coalition are determined The reforms to feed-in tariffs were challenging and to turn around. difficult for many companies, but they were absolutely necessary. However, as a result of some difficult decisions My hon. Friend the Member for Waveney (Peter Aldous) that Labour shirked, we can afford to increase massively was right to point to the important role that East our ambition for solar and a range of other decentralised Anglia can play in the new green economy. I listened technologies. Thanks to the firm action to reduce the carefully to his thoughtful comments and suggestions. I cost of FITs, we have a bigger scheme offering better was only sorry that my hon. Friend the Member for value. Suffolk Coastal (Dr Coffey) was cut off in her prime, rather like Adele at the Brits, when extolling the virtue The year 2012 will be the one in which we finally of the East Anglian energy coast. shrug off the humiliation left by Labour of being the third worst country in Europe for renewable deployment. The hon. Member for Kingston upon Hull North This year, we expect to install at least 4 GW of green (Diana Johnson) was right to celebrate the investment energy—double the amount that we inherited from the in her area by Siemens and to praise the many local Labour Government. We are also building for the long individuals who worked hard to secure it. However, she term, not only with our forthcoming electricity market is wrong to think that there was not a strong and reforms and their game-changing measures for energy concerted push from Downing street and my Department efficiency and demand production, but with our ambitious to bring that investment to her area. plans for marine energy, which will harness wave and My hon. Friend the Member for Romsey and tidal power; a world-leading programme for carbon Southampton North (Caroline Nokes) was right to focus capture and storage; and the ambitious roll-out of a on the excitement on the Back Benches about a range of new nuclear fleet. That all means that we can face the innovative new technologies that are coming forth and 2020s with growing confidence. fuelling a green recovery, particularly the anaerobic The hon. Member for Sedgefield (Phil Wilson) spoke digestion initiatives in her constituency. encouragingly of a range of renewable energy projects and initiatives in his constituency. I am happy to invite My hon. Friend the Member for Sittingbourne and him to meet my officials to see how we can help to Sheppey (Gordon Henderson) made a great speech. He develop those programmes. was right to point to the falling costs of wind energy and its future as a reliable source. He was also right to My hon. Friend the Member for Skipton and Ripon remind us that home-produced renewables not only (Julian Smith) spoke with authority about CCS. He help us to meet our carbon targets, but add to the UK’s spoke up for the positive engagement that there now is energy security by reducing our exposure to fluctuating between the industry and my Department. international fossil fuel prices. The hon. Member for Scunthorpe (Nic Dakin) was Ian Lavery: Will the Minister give way? right to point to the need for more skills. I think he will be pleased about further announcements that my Gregory Barker: I will give way if there is time a little Department will make shortly on that issue and on later, but I want to respond to some more contributions. apprenticeships. 633 Jobs and Growth in a Low-carbon 5 MARCH 2012 Jobs and Growth in a Low-carbon 634 Economy Economy My right hon. Friend the Member for Hitchin and De Piero, Gloria Lloyd, Tony Harpenden (Mr Lilley) injected a degree of rigour back Denham, rh Mr John Love, Mr Andrew into the debate. I am afraid we do not always see eye to Dobbin, Jim Lucas, Ian eye on these issues, and I have to say that the green Dobson, rh Frank MacShane, rh Mr Denis investment bank will play a very powerful role, not least Doran, Mr Frank Mactaggart, Fiona in leveraging in many times more money in private Dowd, Jim Mahmood, Shabana Doyle, Gemma Malhotra, Seema capital than from its own capitalisation. It will be a real Dromey, Jack Marsden, Mr Gordon lever for growth. I am now in a position to make a new Dugher, Michael McCann, Mr Michael announcement to the House about the location of the Durkan, Mark McCarthy, Kerry green investment bank: I can formally confirm that it Eagle, Ms Angela McClymont, Gregg will not be in Hitchin. Eagle, Maria McDonagh, Siobhain The hon. Member for Islwyn (Chris Evans) spoke Edwards, Jonathan McDonnell, John about our use of natural resources and the need to Efford, Clive McFadden, rh Mr Pat install energy efficiency measures in homes, and I agreed Ellman, Mrs Louise McGovern, Jim with many of his points. Engel, Natascha McGuire, rh Mrs Anne Esterson, Bill McKenzie, Mr Iain Despite the partisan note injected by Opposition Evans, Chris Meacher, rh Mr Michael Front Benchers, I believe that there is still much that Farrelly, Paul Meale, Sir Alan unites Members throughout the House in their commitment Field, rh Mr Frank Miliband, rh David to green investment and climate change. The real difference, Fitzpatrick, Jim Miliband, rh Edward however, is that Government Members believe in enterprise, Flello, Robert Mitchell, Austin the private sector, innovation and the genius of British Flint, rh Caroline Morden, Jessica business. The Labour party, I am afraid, is retreating to Flynn, Paul Morrice, Graeme (Livingston) its left-wing comfort blanket of heavy-handed regulation, Fovargue, Yvonne Morris, Grahame M. punitive taxation, fat Government subsidies for the Francis, Dr Hywel (Easington) chosen few and the dead hand of state planning. That is Gapes, Mike Mudie, Mr George Gilmore, Sheila Munn, Meg not our vision. We believe that the green economy can Glindon, Mrs Mary Murphy, rh Mr Jim be an engine for growth, not a burden on taxpayers. Godsiff, Mr Roger Murphy, rh Paul Globally, the clean energy sector continues to show Goggins, rh Paul Murray, Ian dramatic growth, and we are determined for the UK to Goodman, Helen Nandy, Lisa seize an increasing share of that valuable world market. Greatrex, Tom O’Donnell, Fiona Here at home, the Labour party had 13 years to deliver Green, Kate Onwurah, Chi on the ground, but for all the big talk, its achievements Greenwood, Lilian Owen, Albert were very modest. Come 2015, this historic coalition Griffith, Nia Pearce, Teresa will be very happy indeed to be judged on its record of Gwynne, Andrew Perkins, Toby delivery. Hain, rh Mr Peter Pound, Stephen Hamilton, Fabian Qureshi, Yasmin Question put. Hanson, rh Mr David Raynsford, rh Mr Nick The House divided: Ayes 218, Noes 275. Harman, rh Ms Harriet Reed, Mr Jamie Harris, Mr Tom Reeves, Rachel Division No. 482] [7.10 pm Healey, rh John Reynolds, Emma Hendrick, Mark Reynolds, Jonathan AYES Hepburn, Mr Stephen Riordan, Mrs Linda Abbott, Ms Diane Burnham, rh Andy Heyes, David Robertson, Angus Abrahams, Debbie Byrne, rh Mr Liam Hillier, Meg Robinson, Mr Geoffrey Ainsworth, rh Mr Bob Campbell, Mr Alan Hilling, Julie Rotheram, Steve Alexander, Heidi Campbell, Mr Ronnie Hodge, rh Margaret Roy, Mr Frank Ali, Rushanara Caton, Martin Hoey, Kate Roy, Lindsay Allen, Mr Graham Chapman, Mrs Jenny Hood, Mr Jim Ruane, Chris Anderson, Mr David Clark, Katy Hopkins, Kelvin Ruddock, rh Dame Joan Austin, Ian Clarke, rh Mr Tom Hosie, Stewart Sarwar, Anas Bain, Mr William Clwyd, rh Ann Howarth, rh Mr George Seabeck, Alison Balls, rh Ed Coaker, Vernon Hunt, Tristram Sharma, Mr Virendra Barron, rh Mr Kevin Coffey, Ann Irranca-Davies, Huw Sheerman, Mr Barry Bayley, Hugh Cooper, Rosie Jackson, Glenda Sheridan, Jim Beckett, rh Margaret Cooper, rh Yvette Jamieson, Cathy Shuker, Gavin Bell, Sir Stuart Corbyn, Jeremy Johnson, rh Alan Skinner, Mr Dennis Benn, rh Hilary Crausby, Mr David Johnson, Diana Slaughter, Mr Andy Berger, Luciana Creagh, Mary Jones, Graham Smith, rh Mr Andrew Betts, Mr Clive Creasy, Stella Jones, Helen Smith, Nick Blackman-Woods, Roberta Cruddas, Jon Jones, Mr Kevan Smith, Owen Blears, rh Hazel Cryer, John Jones, Susan Elan Spellar, rh Mr John Blenkinsop, Tom Cunningham, Alex Kaufman, rh Sir Gerald Straw, rh Mr Jack Blunkett, rh Mr David Cunningham, Mr Jim Keeley, Barbara Stuart, Ms Gisela Bradshaw, rh Mr Ben Cunningham, Tony Kendall, Liz Sutcliffe, Mr Gerry Brown, Lyn Curran, Margaret Khan, rh Sadiq Tami, Mark Brown, rh Mr Nicholas Dakin, Nic Lavery, Ian Thomas, Mr Gareth Brown, Mr Russell Danczuk, Simon Lazarowicz, Mark Thornberry, Emily Buck, Ms Karen David, Mr Wayne Leslie, Chris Timms, rh Stephen Burden, Richard Davies, Geraint Lewis, Mr Ivan Trickett, Jon 635 Jobs and Growth in a Low-carbon 5 MARCH 2012 Jobs and Growth in a Low-carbon 636 Economy Economy Turner, Karl Williamson, Chris Hemming, John O’Brien, Mr Stephen Twigg, Derek Wilson, Phil Henderson, Gordon Offord, Mr Matthew Twigg, Stephen Winnick, Mr David Hendry, Charles Opperman, Guy Umunna, Mr Chuka Winterton, rh Ms Rosie Herbert, rh Nick Osborne, rh Mr George Vaz, Valerie Wishart, Pete Hoban, Mr Mark Ottaway, Richard Walley, Joan Woodcock, John Hollingbery, George Paice, rh Mr James Watson, Mr Tom Woodward, rh Mr Shaun Hollobone, Mr Philip Parish, Neil Watts, Mr Dave Wright, David Holloway, Mr Adam Patel, Priti Weir, Mr Mike Wright, Mr Iain Hopkins, Kris Pawsey, Mark Whiteford, Dr Eilidh Tellers for the Ayes: Horwood, Martin Penning, Mike Whitehead, Dr Alan Mr David Hamilton and Howarth, Mr Gerald Perry, Claire Wicks, rh Malcolm Jonathan Ashworth Howell, John Phillips, Stephen Hughes, rh Simon Pickles, rh Mr Eric Huhne, rh Chris Pincher, Christopher NOES Hunt, rh Mr Jeremy Poulter, Dr Daniel Adams, Nigel Davies, Glyn Jackson, Mr Stewart Prisk, Mr Mark Afriyie, Adam Davies, Philip James, Margot Pritchard, Mark Aldous, Peter de Bois, Nick Javid, Sajid Pugh, John Amess, Mr David Dinenage, Caroline Jenkin, Mr Bernard Raab, Mr Dominic Bacon, Mr Richard Djanogly, Mr Jonathan Johnson, Gareth Randall, rh Mr John Baker, Norman Dorrell, rh Mr Stephen Johnson, Joseph Redwood, rh Mr John Baker, Steve Drax, Richard Jones, Andrew Rees-Mogg, Jacob Baldry, Tony Duddridge, James Jones, Mr David Rifkind, rh Sir Malcolm Barker, Gregory Duncan, rh Mr Alan Jones, Mr Marcus Robathan, rh Mr Andrew Baron, Mr John Duncan Smith, rh Mr Iain Kawczynski, Daniel Robertson, Mr Laurence Barwell, Gavin Ellis, Michael Kelly, Chris Rogerson, Dan Bebb, Guto Elphicke, Charlie Kirby, Simon Rosindell, Andrew Beith, rh Sir Alan Eustice, George Knight, rh Mr Greg Rudd, Amber Benyon, Richard Evans, Graham Kwarteng, Kwasi Ruffley, Mr David Beresford, Sir Paul Evans, Jonathan Laing, Mrs Eleanor Russell, Sir Bob Bingham, Andrew Evennett, Mr David Lamb, Norman Rutley, David Blackman, Bob Fabricant, Michael Lancaster, Mark Sanders, Mr Adrian Boles, Nick Fallon, Michael Lansley, rh Mr Andrew Sandys, Laura Bone, Mr Peter Farron, Tim Latham, Pauline Scott, Mr Lee Bottomley, Sir Peter Featherstone, Lynne Laws, rh Mr David Shapps, rh Grant Bradley, Karen Field, Mark Leadsom, Andrea Sharma, Alok Brake, rh Tom Foster, rh Mr Don Lee, Dr Phillip Shelbrooke, Alec Bray, Angie Fox,rhDrLiam Leech, Mr John Shepherd, Mr Richard Brazier, Mr Julian Francois, rh Mr Mark Lefroy, Jeremy Simmonds, Mark Bridgen, Andrew Freeman, George Letwin, rh Mr Oliver Simpson, Mr Keith Brine, Steve Fuller, Richard Lewis, Brandon Smith, Miss Chloe Brokenshire, James Garnier, Mark Lewis, Dr Julian Smith, Julian Brooke, Annette Gauke, Mr David Lidington, rh Mr David Smith, Sir Robert Browne, Mr Jeremy Gibb, Mr Nick Lilley, rh Mr Peter Soames, rh Nicholas Bruce, Fiona Gilbert, Stephen Lopresti, Jack Soubry, Anna Bruce, rh Malcolm Gillan, rh Mrs Cheryl Lord, Jonathan Spencer, Mr Mark Buckland, Mr Robert Goldsmith, Zac Loughton, Tim Stephenson, Andrew Burley, Mr Aidan Goodwill, Mr Robert Lumley, Karen Stevenson, John Burns, Conor Graham, Richard Main, Mrs Anne Stewart, Rory Burns, rh Mr Simon Grant, Mrs Helen Maynard, Paul Streeter, Mr Gary Burrowes, Mr David Gray, Mr James McCartney, Jason Stride, Mel Burstow, Paul Grayling, rh Chris McIntosh, Miss Anne Stunell, Andrew Burt, Lorely Green, Damian McLoughlin, rh Mr Patrick Sturdy, Julian Byles, Dan Griffiths, Andrew McPartland, Stephen Swales, Ian Cairns, Alun Gummer, Ben McVey, Esther Swayne, rh Mr Desmond Campbell, rh Sir Menzies Gyimah, Mr Sam Mensch, Louise Swinson, Jo Carmichael, rh Mr Alistair Hague, rh Mr William Menzies, Mark Swire, rh Mr Hugo Carmichael, Neil Halfon, Robert Mercer, Patrick Syms, Mr Robert Carswell, Mr Douglas Hames, Duncan Metcalfe, Stephen Tapsell, rh Sir Peter Cash, Mr William Hammond, rh Mr Philip Miller, Maria Thurso, John Chishti, Rehman Hammond, Stephen Mills, Nigel Timpson, Mr Edward Clappison, Mr James Hancock, Mr Mike Mitchell, rh Mr Andrew Tomlinson, Justin Clark, rh Greg Hands, Greg Moore, rh Michael Truss, Elizabeth Clifton-Brown, Geoffrey Harper, Mr Mark Morgan, Nicky Turner, Mr Andrew Coffey, Dr Thérèse Harrington, Richard Morris, James Tyrie, Mr Andrew Collins, Damian Harris, Rebecca Mowat, David Uppal, Paul Colvile, Oliver Hart, Simon Mulholland, Greg Vara, Mr Shailesh Cox, Mr Geoffrey Harvey, Nick Mundell, rh David Vickers, Martin Crabb, Stephen Haselhurst, rh Sir Alan Munt, Tessa Villiers, rh Mrs Theresa Crockart, Mike Heald, Oliver Neill, Robert Walker, Mr Charles Crouch, Tracey Heath, Mr David Nokes, Caroline Walker, Mr Robin Davey, Mr Edward Heaton-Harris, Chris Nuttall, Mr David Wallace, Mr Ben 637 Jobs and Growth in a Low-carbon 5 MARCH 2012 638 Economy Weatherley, Mike Wilson, Sammy Living Standards Webb, Steve Wollaston, Dr Sarah Wheeler, Heather Wright, Jeremy 7.25 pm Whittingdale, Mr John Wright, Simon Wiggin, Bill Yeo, Mr Tim Rachel Reeves (Leeds West) (Lab): I beg to move, Willetts, rh Mr David Young, rh Sir George That this House believes that next month’s Budget should Williams, Stephen Zahawi, Nadhim include a real plan for jobs and growth in order to boost the Williamson, Gavin Tellers for the Noes: stalled economy, help hard-pressed families, pensioners and small Willott, Jenny Mark Hunter and businesses, bring down unemployment, and so ensure that the Wilson, Mr Rob Mr Philip Dunne deficit is brought down and done so in a fair way; notes that while the banks are receiving a tax cut this year, the Institute for Fiscal Studies analysis shows that families with children will lose an Question accordingly negatived. average of £580 per year from tax and benefit changes coming into effect in 2012-13; further notes that up to 200,000 couples with children who work part-time face losing all their working tax credit of up to £3,870 per year from April 2012 if they cannot increase their working hours to 24 hours per week, further squeezing family living standards; further recognises that, in addition to ending the principle of universal child benefit, the Government’s unfair and ill-thought-through changes to child benefit will mean that a family with two earners each earning £40,000 would keep all its child benefit, but a single-earner family on £43,000 would lose it all, at a cost of £2,450 per year for a family with three children; and calls on the Chancellor to use extra revenue from tackling tax avoidance to cancel his changes to eligibility rules for working tax credits and announce in the Budget an immediate and urgent review of his changes to child benefit, to report before they come into effect in January 2013. The Opposition have called this debate to draw attention to the injustice of ill-considered changes to benefits and tax credits, which are about to hit hard-pressed hard-working families across the country. We urge the Government to take this chance to review and rectify the pressure they are piling on families who are already under huge strain. The debate takes place against the backdrop of the biggest squeeze in living standards in a generation, which is made all the more painful because of the Government’s failure to generate jobs and growth, and to deal with the deficit fairly. This year, they have chosen to take more from women and families with children than they are taking from the banks—they are refusing to repeat the tax on bank bonuses that the previous Labour Government introduced, with banks benefiting instead from a cut in corporation tax. At the same time, the average family with children faces a £580 cut in their annual income next month, according to the Institute for Fiscal Studies. Those families will get a Budget bombshell from the Chancellor this year. Today the Opposition are calling attention to two ways in which the Government are clobbering families with children. The Government’s lack of competence or care when it comes to fairness for families includes a crude cut to child benefit planned for 2013, meaning that while two-earner families with incomes up to £84,000 will keep all their child benefit, a single-earner family with an income of more than £43,000 will lose all theirs. Families will be asking: “Is that fair?” We are also about to see a punitive withdrawal of working tax credits for couples with children, meaning that unless a family on £17,000 can increase their working hours from 16 to 24 by 1 April, they will see their income fall by almost £4,000. Families will be asking the Government: “Is that fair?” I look forward to the Minister’s answers. Mrs Louise Ellman (Liverpool, Riverside) (Lab/Co-op): Does my hon. Friend agree that it is appalling that in Liverpool, Riverside alone, more than 520 children from families who are working, but in low-paid jobs, will suffer as a direct result of that measure? 639 Living Standards5 MARCH 2012 Living Standards 640

Rachel Reeves: I entirely agree with my hon. Friend, day, sooner or later, they will not be able to pay the who makes the point about her constituents. All hon. mortgage, rent or gas bill. We have called this debate Members will have heard at our surgeries from people because the Government seem unaware of what is who are beginning to realise that in just a few weeks’ happening, unable to understand what people are going time, they will lose all their working tax credit, despite through, unwilling to do what it takes to get our economy the fact that they are working and doing the right thing. growing and unemployment falling, and uninterested in taking the trouble to find out what impact their decisions Mr Frank Field (Birkenhead) (Lab): Will my hon. are having. Friend put it to those on the Treasury Bench that when The choices that the Government are making are child benefit came in, it replaced family allowances and hurting but not working. [Interruption.] The hon. Member child tax allowances, and therefore played a crucial for Taunton Deane says that we are wrong. It is the part, because whatever level of income people with Government who are wrong because they are hitting children were on, we in some way maintained equity hard-working families harder than anyone else, and with tax-free income? The Government are abolishing giving the banks a tax cut while penalising families and that for the sake of higher rate taxpayers. How can they young children trying to do the right thing and stay maintain that the tax burden is being shared between afloat. The choices that the Government are making are single and childless people, and those with children, if hurting but not working. They are penalising those they abolish child benefit? trying to do the right thing. In response to the crisis in living standards hitting families, the Government are Rachel Reeves: My right hon. Friend is entirely right. piling on the pressure with badly designed and badly This country will be one of the few that does not support targeted cuts to benefits and tax credits. families with children across the income distribution. Having children is expensive, and it is right that when Kate Green (Stretford and Urmston) (Lab): Although, people bring up a family, and when they retire, the state of course, it is desirable to lift more people on low is there to provide that bit of extra support when they wages out of tax, is it not the case that this is not a need it. The Government’s changes go entirely in the particularly well-targeted measure in difficult times because wrong direction. it applies exactly the same tax advantage to higher paid That is a shocking illustration of the Government’s people? failure to come to grips with the crisis that our country faces—the crisis that is putting families under strain is Rachel Reeves: My hon. Friend speaks with great the crisis in jobs, incomes and living standards. The knowledge, having formerly worked for the Child Poverty cost-of-living crisis does not hit the headlines like a Action Group, and what she says should hold great banking crisis or a currency crisis perhaps because it is sway with the House. a crisis from which those with the loudest voices can too easily insulate themselves. For the vast majority of Mr David Anderson (Blaydon) (Lab): In response to people, however, trying to keep going and keep their the question from the hon. Member for Mid Norfolk heads above water is one of the toughest challenges that (George Freeman) about people being taken out of tax, they have ever faced. Every day is a battle in a long war will my hon. Friend agree that more people are being of attrition. taken out of tax—and put on the dole? What is that costing us? Some 700,000 public sector workers have Helen Goodman (Bishop Auckland) (Lab): Does my gone on the dole in this country. Not only will they not hon. Friend agree that those at the top of the income be paying tax but they will not be paying national scale do not mention the crisis because they are not insurance, which will make things even worse for this facing a crisis? The RBS bonus pool was £785 million. country.

Rachel Reeves: My hon. Friend is right to say that Rachel Reeves: My hon. Friend is absolutely right. As those on the lowest incomes and modest and middle we all know, unemployment is at a 17-year high and incomes are being hardest hit by the changes to taxes youth unemployment at an all-time high. That is taking and benefits that the Government have instituted. more people out of tax and costing taxpayers more and more every day, as the bills of this failed economic George Freeman (Mid Norfolk) (Con): Does the hon. policy add up. Lady acknowledge that the Government’s proposals to take more than 1.1 million people out of tax, through Sheila Gilmore (Edinburgh East) (Lab): Will my hon. the personal allowances, represents a tax cut for more Friend consider the point that the people affected by than 25 million people? On the motion, will she confirm the change to working tax credit who work 16 hours that the Budget is this month, not next? a week—probably on the minimum wage—already fall well below the tax threshold? So however desirable it is Rachel Reeves: The changes come into effect next to raise the tax threshold, it will not help those people month, but the Budget is in 16 days. [Interruption.] The at all? hon. Member for Taunton Deane (Mr Browne), who is a Liberal Democrat, says that he was going to vote for Rachel Reeves: My hon. Friend is absolutely right. the motion. Perhaps he was thinking of before the The most by which someone affected by the changes to election, when he agreed with progressive policies. working tax credits could benefit from next month’s Every day, families are struggling, while the Government increase is £125. That pales into insignificance compared demand more from them, and there is no end in sight, with the £3,800, which is the amount by which these no light at the end of the tunnel, just the fear that one families will be worse off because of these changes. 641 Living Standards5 MARCH 2012 Living Standards 642

Mr John Redwood (Wokingham)(Con): Having highlighted would be better off on benefits. That is totally inconsistent the anomaly with one and two-earner families regarding with what universal credit is supposed to do, which is to child benefit withdrawal, does the Labour party have ensure that everyone is better off in work. This policy a suggested solution to sort it out? goes in totally the opposite direction.

Rachel Reeves: I am looking to the Government Fiona Mactaggart (Slough) (Lab): The hon. Member Front-Bench team for their solution, given the words for Bedford (Richard Fuller) mentioned universal credit. that we have heard from Ministers over the past couple That is designed to ensure that work pays in 18 months, of days. The Labour party supports child benefit as a but what would she say to my constituents, the parents universal benefit. At the very least, the Government of 1,700 children in Slough, who currently work between must iron out the anomaly that means that families 16 and 24 hours and who will lose £3,800? That is in no earning £84,000 a year can still get child benefit, while a way compensated for by the measly £200 resulting from one-earner family on £43,000 cannot. raising the tax threshold. One month tomorrow, on Good Friday, 212,000 families stand to lose up to £4,000 because of changes to the Rachel Reeves: I will come to that very point. Hours working tax credit. The Government will say that people are being cut at the moment, so many people working need only to increase the number of hours they work from part time who will be hit by these changes to working 16 to 24. If they were in touch with working families tax credits are working part time because they cannot and businesses, they would know that this is simply not find full-time work. Numbers from the Office for National an option for many people because the jobs are not Statistics show that the number of people working part there, and employers are laying people off and cutting time because they cannot find full-time work is at a hours, not increasing them. record high of 1.35 million—a 13% increase on a year ago. It is therefore not the case that families can simply Mr Sam Gyimah (East Surrey) (Con): The hon. Lady increase their hours to keep their tax credits. They are is demonstrating to the House that she is a very good being penalised, first because of the lack of economic Opposition politician. What exactly would she do to recovery, and secondly because of this Government’s address the problem that she is highlighting? decision to cut working tax credits.

Rachel Reeves: I thank the hon. Gentleman for saying Hugh Bayley (York Central) (Lab): Government Members that I am a good Opposition politician; I hope, in due keep asking what a Labour Government would do. I course, to be a good Government politician, so that we was a Social Security Minister when the Labour Government can put into practice measures to help families, pensioners put together effective welfare-to-work policies. What is and businesses facing the squeeze. But it is this Government’s needed to make them effective is a macro-economic mistakes and wrong-headed policies, which are callous, policy that creates jobs and allows people in part-time incompetent and unfair, that are penalising families work to increase their hours. Under the Labour Government, trying to do the right thing. As I said to the right hon. the number of jobs in York increased from 40,000 to Member for Wokingham (Mr Redwood), I would like child 57,000, many of them in retailing. It is precisely those benefit kept as a universal benefit to help all families people—1,600 in York—who look set to lose family with the cost of bringing up a family. At the very least, income as a result of this Government’s policy. however, the Govt must address the anomaly.

Nia Griffith (Llanelli) (Lab): Does my hon. Friend Rachel Reeves: Like my hon. Friend, many of us will agree that this devastating cut in tax credits, which will have spoken to constituents in jobs whose hours vary—for take £800 million away from families in Wales alone, is instance, those working in retail or call centres, or those not only a tragedy for each family but economic madness, working as cleaners. However, at the moment, their because these are the very families who have to put the hours are varying in one direction: downwards, because money immediately back into the local economy? That employers are cutting hours and cutting staff. money will be sucked out of the local economy, resulting In addition to the changes to working tax credits, in fewer opportunities for growth and economic recovery. next January more than 1.5 million families will lose every single penny of their child benefit. The Government Rachel Reeves: My hon. Friend is right. Government are saying, “Well, we’re only cutting child benefit for Members would do well to listen to her point. We also rich families.”However, if they talked to working families, know that because of the changes to working tax credits, they would realise that many families are heavily reliant many families will be in the crazy situation whereby on a single earner, because there is only one parent or they would be better off on benefits than in work, as the because one parent is staying at home to bring up the Government’s own figures show. kids. Those families are being hard hit by the changes.

Richard Fuller (Bedford) (Con): The hon. Lady is Glyn Davies (Montgomeryshire) (Con): I am listening moving on to some of the complexities of the benefits to the hon. Lady’s speech carefully, and she has made system. Does she support the coalition Government’s several references to the crises in various parts of our policies for a universal benefit as a way of simplifying society. The greatest crisis facing the Government, I this process? Did she vote for that? hope she would agree, is the debt crisis, a huge contribution to which was made by the previous Government. We Rachel Reeves: This has nothing to do with universal would all appreciate it if the hon. Lady told us whether credit. Those changes take effect in about one and a half the response to the issue being raised today is simply to years. In the meantime, families will be £74 worse off a add to that debt crisis or to find some other way of week because of what the Government are doing, and dealing with it? 643 Living Standards5 MARCH 2012 Living Standards 644

Rachel Reeves: I would like to know how the hon. about the comprehensive spending review, so that they Gentleman would explain to the 348 kids in his constituency do not have to pay the price for these unacceptable who will be affected by the changes to working tax changes? credits how it makes sense for their families to be better off on benefits than it is for their parents to be in work. Rachel Reeves: My hon. Friend is right when she That will surely add to the debt, not reduce it. It is this sticks up for the people of Stoke, who, like many of our Government who are borrowing an extra £158 billion, constituents, will be hard hit by the changes, which do because of the costs of their failed economic policies; it nothing to encourage people to go back to work, and is they who are adding to the debt. instead encourage people to stay on the dole, because A Government who believe in fairness—a Government they will be better off on benefits than in work. who say, “We’re all in this together”—are straining at the leash to cut tax for individuals with incomes over Toby Perkins (Chesterfield) (Lab): I hope I can add some £150,000, while one-earner families on £43,000 stand to weight to what my hon. Friend is saying. I was contacted lose £2,500 of child benefit and families struggling on by a local small business owner in my constituency—Keith just £17,000 stand to lose around £4,000 because of Bannister, who runs Harley’s pub, which people in changes to tax credits. Instead of worrying about the Staveley will all be aware of. He told me that three top 1%, this Government should start thinking about women on his payroll are threatened with the loss of the other 99%. their tax credits. They have told him that they will have to give up work if that happens, but he knows that if he Anna Soubry (Broxtowe) (Con): The hon. Lady says increases the hours of two of them, he will have to lay that she cares about our children. Those of us on the off the third. It just does not make sense, does it? Government Benches also care about our children and our grandchildren. Does she think it right to saddle Rachel Reeves: It would be better if he was advising them, generation on generation, with debt, racked up the Treasury, rather than the people who are currently by the previous Administration? doing it, because that is absolutely right, and it gets to the heart of the problem. Rachel Reeves: As for caring for children, the Indeed, that seems symptomatic of a wider problem Government’s own figures show that child poverty will with this Government: rushing out announcements to increase under this Administration. As I said in answer generate headlines before the costs have been counted; to an earlier question, there is nothing helpful about dreaming up the next big idea, when they should be throwing more people out of work and on to benefits, focusing on the impact of their policies in the real either for those families or for taxpayers, who have to world. We heard over the weekend that the Prime Minister pick up the bill of extra benefits and lower tax revenue. had lost his blue-skies thinker. However, it might not be such a bad thing, because in tough times such as these, Anna Soubry rose— our constituents need a Government with their feet on the ground, not with their head in the clouds. I hope that this debate gives the Government a much needed Rachel Reeves: The hon. Lady has had her chance; reality check, because it is not too late to change course I will carry on. and protect hard-pressed families from further hardship When it comes to child benefits, a Government who and strain, inflicted on them by this Government. say that they believe in rewarding work are creating a It is the job of this House to ensure that our constituents’ perverse and damaging incentive for people near the voices are heard and their struggles taken into account, higher-rate tax threshold to limit their hours or pay, and that the impact of Government policies on their because of the crude cliff-edge effect that their policies lives is fully understood. Labour Members hear every will create. At the same time, changes to the rules for day from our constituents, and from the people we talk working tax credits will mean that some families could to around the country, about how hard it is to make enough end up £728 better off on benefits than in work, according money to pay the bills, find work or keep businesses to a written answer from the Minister of State, Department afloat. It is not too late for the Chancellor to correct the for Work and Pensions, the right hon. Member for mistakes that he is making with child benefit and working Epsom and Ewell (Chris Grayling). tax credits. I urge the Government to commit now to an urgent review of the child benefit changes and to use the Helen Jones (Warrington North) (Lab): The Chancellor money from a crackdown on stamp duty avoidance to said when he took office that he did not intend to cancel the damaging cut to working tax credits. balance the books on the backs of the poor. Is that not There is still time to listen to the families who will now exactly what he is intending—and failing—to do? be hit by the restrictions on working tax credits, 78% of That is the real answer to the hon. Member for Broxtowe whom said in a survey for USDAW—the Union of (Anna Soubry). Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers—that they would be unable to find the additional hours needed to keep Rachel Reeves: It is even worse than that, because the their tax credits. There is still time to listen to the many Chancellor is not even balancing the books. families hit by the change who cannot work extra hours because they have disabled children or other caring Joan Walley (Stoke-on-Trent North) (Lab): Does my responsibilities. The Government have refused to exempt hon. Friend agree that the 1,200 people in Stoke-on-Trent those families where one parent is a full-time carer. earning just under £17,000 a year who will be worse off There is still time to listen to the Child Poverty Action under these changes desperately need the Government Group, which warns that the change will to listen to this debate and do something in the Budget “cause a surge in child poverty of hundreds of thousands”. 645 Living Standards5 MARCH 2012 Living Standards 646

There is still time to listen to the children’s charities and that—but the impact on living standards is the inevitable organisations speaking up for hard pressed families— consequence of the dire state of the public finances left including Barnardo’s, Carers UK, Citizens Advice, the by Labour and the recognition by the coalition parties National Children’s Bureau and Working Families—which that we could no longer continue to borrow in the same today wrote to the Prime Minister urging him to think reckless way. again. There is still time to listen to one woman—Mary, from Belfast—who said: Sheila Gilmore (Edinburgh East) (Lab): Does the “I can’t get my employer to give me the extra hours I need to Minister acknowledge that if some of the families that qualify. There are people in my work who have had to take we are talking about give up their employment and redundancy or cut their hours from 36…to 12 hours a week…Where claim other benefits—including, in some cases, help does he think we are going to pluck the extra hours from? It’s a with their mortgages, to which they would then become joke.” entitled—the savings that he is trying to achieve would Frankly, Mary is right. simply not be made? On child benefit, there is still time to listen to the Institute for Fiscal Studies, which says that the Government’s Mr Gauke: I shall speak in greater detail about the proposals will reforms to the working tax credit in a moment, but “create a bizarre and economically damaging set of incentives”. there is a question that we all have to answer. As the hon. Lady knows, there is a threshold for claiming the There is still time to listen to the hon. Member for credit. For lone parents, it is 16 hours a week. We think Christchurch (Mr Chope), who said that the Government’s it entirely reasonable that the joint target for couples plans would lead to should be not 16 hours a week but 24; we believe that “a lot of unfairness and injustice”. that incentive will be helpful. The principle of a threshold He is right. There is also still time to listen to the hon. has been in the tax credit system since it was put in Member for Peterborough (Mr Jackson), who said that place. the Government’s policy was “barmy, tokenistic and unfair”. He, too, is right. I look forward to both of Helen Jones rose— them, and others on the Government Benches, joining us in the Lobby this evening to tell the Government Joan Walley rose— what they think of their policies. All day, we have been getting smoke signals and spin Mr Gauke: Let me just make a little more progress. from the Government. The Deputy Prime Minister says We heard the hon. Member for Leeds West (Rachel that they are thinking again, yet the Secretary of State Reeves) set out the challenges and pressures on living for Justice says that they are not. Who is right? I look standards, but it takes some cheek for Labour Members forward to getting an answer on what the Government’s to complain about the consequences of their own policy on tax credits and child benefit actually is. It is a irresponsibility in power. Their position today in this shame that no member of the Cabinet is in the Chamber motion relating to living standards is the equivalent of tonight to give that answer and to talk about Government that of a man who sets his house on fire, then complains, policy. after the fire brigade has extinguished the fire, that it With 16 days to go until the Budget, the families that has damaged his carpets. We accept that difficult decisions are about to be hit by the changes need certainty and have to be taken, and we have taken them, but the British commitments. The motion gives Members on both sides public know that we have had take them now because of the House an opportunity to dispel any doubts about Labour failed to take them when it was in power. the seriousness of our commitment to families and to fairness, and to show that we have listened to our Ian Lucas (Wrexham) (Lab): The Minister is peddling constituents and our consciences. We have an opportunity the persistent Tory untruth that this economic situation this evening to stand up for fairness in tough times and existed only in Britain. Will he now accept that there to vote to protect family incomes by supporting the was a worldwide banking crisis in 2008, and that the motion. action that was taken to reflate the economy had contributed to the size of the deficit by 2010? 7.50 pm Mr Gauke: I will happily re-fight the 2010 general The Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury (Mr David election with the hon. Gentleman any time. He will Gauke): After all the sound and fury that we have just remember how well his party did on that occasion. The heard, perhaps I may provide a little context for the fact is that the UK had the worst deficit of any major benefit of the Opposition. When this Government came economy. to power, we had the highest borrowing in our peacetime history. We were borrowing one in every four pounds Priti Patel (Witham) (Con): This debate is about that we were spending. It was clear then, and it has since living standards, and central to good living standards in become clearer, that countries that lack fiscal credibility our country are job creation and economic growth. pay the price in higher market interest rates, at a cost to Does my hon. Friend agree that the role of the private mortgage holders and businesses throughout the country. sector is central to creating jobs, to make up for Labour’s In order to reduce a structural deficit—that is, one failure to rebalance the economy and provide job creation? that will not go away with growth—it is necessary to cut spending or raise taxes, or a combination of the two. Mr Gauke: My hon. Friend is absolutely right. The Cutting spending and raising taxes will, unfortunately, recovery that this country requires will be driven by the have an impact on people’s living standards. We do not private sector. It cannot be driven by more borrowing want that to happen—we did not go into politics to do and more debt, which is the policy of the Opposition. 647 Living Standards5 MARCH 2012 Living Standards 648

Helen Jones: Given that the Chartered Institute of allowance, no doubt because their last contribution to Personnel and Development says that one in five firms the debate on income tax for the low paid was the 10p are cutting hours, rather than increasing them or creating debacle. new jobs, how are people who work 16 hours a week going to find the extra hours to qualify for working tax Glenda Jackson: Will the Minister tell us how his credit? Where are those hours going to come from? Government are helping the poorest in our society? Hundreds of families in my constituency are going to Mr Gauke: The figures for the last quarter for which lose working family tax credit and will not be able to figures are available show that there were more than increase their hours. They are facing the possibility of 1.1 million jobs—[Interruption.] That is not a net number; losing their homes because of the cap on housing it is the gross number of people moving into employment. benefit, and of losing services because of the cuts to We are not going to do anything for employment in local authorities. The people who are most dependent this country if we undermine credibility, or if we see our on such services are inevitably the poorest in our society, interest rates driven up because we lack credibility yet his Government seem quite deliberately to be attacking because our policies do not hang together. That is what them, perhaps because they believe that there are no Labour is advocating, but it would be bad news for votes in that part of the country. private and public sector employees. Mr Gauke: We believe there are a lot of votes in the Hugh Bayley: Does the Minister not recall that, at the hon. Lady’s constituency. time the coalition came to power, interest rates were I was going through the things we have done to help extremely low and had been for a long time? Our policy the poor, but let me continue. What we have done with at the time of the banking crisis did not therefore create the personal allowance is a big step—helping working high interest rates. Will he also remind us what the people, ensuring that work pays and lifting living standards national debt was at the time of the election? I think for those on low incomes. That is why this Government that it was between £700 billion and £800 billion, whereas have made increasing the personal allowance one of our it is now more than £1 trillion for the first time in our key priorities in supporting low and middle-income history, and that is because of this Government’s poor families across the UK. In April 2012, we will make a economic growth. £630 increase in the personal allowance, taking it £8,105, which, taken with the £1,000 increase in April 2011, will Mr Gauke: There is so much wrong with that that I benefit 25 million taxpayers, taking 1.1 million low-income do not know where to start. Perhaps I will begin by individuals out of income tax altogether. We note that pointing out that, at the last general election, our interest the shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury expressed rates were at more or less the same level as those of Italy her opposition to that policy just a few minutes ago. and Spain, yet there is now an enormous difference between us. I am afraid that the hon. Gentleman is Anas Sarwar: Will the Minister explain how living wrong. standards are increasing for families in Glasgow when 2,000 couples and 4,000 children will lose up to £4,000 in Ian Austin (Dudley North) (Lab) rose— working tax credits at the same time as VAT is going up, inflation is high and the cost of living is going up? How Mr Gauke: I am going to make a little progress. is that improving living standards for poor families in We know, given the constraints that we face in the Glasgow? public finances, alongside high commodity prices and international uncertainty, that these are tough times for Mr Gauke: I come back to the initial point: we face a many families. That is why we have taken substantial huge deficit. People recognise we have to reduce it, but steps to protect living standards, and to ensure that we at the same time we are trying to do everything we can support our poorest and most vulnerable families. Even to protect the poorest. That is why we are running as we cut the deficit, fairness has been at the very core through the issues here. of our spending plans. We will not let our poorest and most vulnerable families bear the consequences of the Elizabeth Truss (South West Norfolk) (Con): When previous Government’s failures. That is why we have the previous Government introduced so much regulation secured the largest ever cash rise in the basic state into the child care market, did not the number of child pension, and why we have uprated working-age benefits minders fall from 100,000 to 50,000 placements while by 5.2% to protect the real incomes of the poorest. the cost of child care doubled? Was that not a shameful increase in the cost of living for some of the poorest Anas Sarwar (Glasgow Central) (Lab) rose— families in our country? Mr Gauke: My hon. Friend makes a good point. If Glenda Jackson (Hampstead and Kilburn) (Lab) rose— we are to find practical ways of improving living standards, the work that she is undertaking is exactly what we need Toby Perkins rose— to be doing. We need to ensure that we have an effective environment in which parents can work and child care Mr Gauke: I want to make a bit more progress. costs are manageable. That is also why we increased the child tax credit by £135, in line with inflation, which means that, by this Ian Austin: Will the Minister point me to the bit of April, it will have increased by £390 since May 2010. It the Conservative manifesto that promised hard-working is telling that the Opposition motion makes no mention families that they would lose their tax credits and be of this Government’s plans to increase the personal better off out of work, and the bit that promised other 649 Living Standards5 MARCH 2012 Living Standards 650 families that if they had a pay rise that took them into it is no longer worth them going to work because of the 40p band they would lose their child benefit and these changes, will he personally respond to their financial be much worse off, too? Will not people who voted queries, which I will put in front of him? I suspect that Conservative at the election feel utterly betrayed by the other Members will be doing exactly the same to explain introduction of these anti-work and anti-aspiration policies? to their constituents why this Government have now made it no longer worth going to work. This seems to Mr Gauke: The people who voted Conservative at the be a complete aberration and against his own policy— election, and indeed others, recognise that this Government are prepared to take difficult decisions to get the public Madam Deputy Speaker (Dawn Primarolo): Order. finances on track to provide the long-term credibility Interventions need to be brief. that our public finances need and to ensure that our economy can grow strongly once again. By sticking its Mr Gauke: Given that we ask lone parents to work 16 head in the sand and opposing every step taken to get hours a week before they are entitled to working tax the deficit under control, the Labour party does itself credits, I would say that it is not right to have the same no favours. threshold for a couple. Asking and incentivising them to work 24 hours a week is perfectly reasonable. Under Chris Williamson (Derby North) (Lab) The Minister the universal credit that we are going to introduce talks about putting the public finances in a sound state, shortly, every hour extra worked will be worth while, as yet are not the Government’s policies singularly failing there will not be the same threshold. Essentially, we are because the Government are having to borrow an additional working within the system that we inherited from the £158 billion? Surely that should tell the Minister that he previous Government. is getting it wrong, that he needs to think again and put people back in employment to give them the opportunity Yasmin Qureshi (Bolton South East) (Lab): The hon. to pay tax and contribute to society rather than wasting Gentleman talks about the extra hours, but with more taxpayers’ money on keeping people idle on unemployment than 2 million people unemployed, where are those benefit. extra hours going to come from? Mr Gauke: For the hon. Gentleman’s information, borrowing is falling year on year, and we are not going Several hon. Members rose— to get borrowing down by borrowing more—however often the shadow Chancellor claims that that is the case. Mr Gauke: As I said earlier, over the last quarter for which figures are available, a further 1.1 million jobs Heather Wheeler (South Derbyshire) (Con): Does my were created, while today we have had announcements hon. Friend agree that if the Opposition really believed of 20,000 jobs created by Tesco. We are going to take in looking after low-paid people, they would have voted steps to make it easier to create jobs in this country. for the welfare cap and not voted against it? My constituents do not understand why they did that. Several hon. Members rose—

Mr Gauke: My hon. Friend is right to raise that Madam Deputy Speaker: Order. Members know that point, which reveals a lot about Labour’s priorities. It is they should not stand and point at the Minister; they for Labour Members to answer why they pursued that should ask him to give way. If he declines to give way, it policy. I want to address the point about welfare reform. means that they have to sit down and try again later. Several hon. Members rose— Mr Gauke: Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. Mr Gauke: Let me make a little more progress. Increasing the working hour requirements for a couple We want to target support where it is needed most. is entirely fair. It is absolutely right that a couple with Tackling the deficit fairly requires us to ensure that tax children should put in more hours than a lone parent credits are targeted at our poorest and most vulnerable before receiving working tax credits. This also creates a families. We simply could not continue on the path that clear work incentive signal to potential second earners the previous Government took. From 2003-04 to 2010-11, who could benefit from working tax credits if they spending on tax credits increased from £18 billion to an moved into work or increased their hours. estimated £30 billion, with nine out of 10 families with children eligible for tax credits. In total, the previous Toby Perkins: The Minister referred to universal credit. Government had spent more than £150 billion on tax Is not one of the most foolish parts of this policy the credits since 2003—a staggering sum, poorly targeted fact that it will be out of date within 18 months or so in and an unsustainable level of spending. It is absolutely any case? This will potentially mean a lot of people right and fair to reform the system to support those deciding to get out of work, but it will be superseded by who need it most. the policy on universal credit. Why not just wait until universal credit comes in? Huw Irranca-Davies (Ogmore) (Lab): At Work and Pensions questions earlier, the Secretary of State made Mr Gauke: I come back to the point I made previously. it clear that because of the support of Jobcentre Plus With the difficult financial situation we inherited, we and other agencies, he did not expect anybody to opt out needed to take steps, and one of them was to increase of work as a result of the changes. Does the Minister the threshold for a couple from 16 to 24 hours. That stand by that? If so, let me give his this challenge. If any seems perfectly reasonable and fair in the context of a family comes into my constituency office to tell me that 16-hour requirement for lone parents. 651 Living Standards5 MARCH 2012 Living Standards 652

Several hon. Members rose— The Secretary of State for Justice wants to keep it, the Deputy Prime Minister wants to drop it, the Prime Minister Mr Gauke: I want to make a bit of progress, because also wants to drop it, and the Chancellor is confused. I know that many other Members wish to speak. My advice to the Minister is this: sit down, finish the We are also right to reform child benefit to target the speech and let us see what happens in the Budget, families who need it most. I fully understand that child because this is doing his career no good at all. benefit provides a vital boost in parental income for millions of families throughout the country, but it represents Mr Gauke: Treasury Ministers have taken advice from a substantial cost to the Exchequer. It makes up about the right hon. Gentleman in the past, and it did not end 7% of total social security and tax credit spending each well. In that context, I will continue my speech. year, including child benefit payments of over £2 billion At the same time as refocusing child benefit, we are per year to higher-rate taxpayers. When we face such investing £7.2 billion in the fairness premium, including tight constraints on the public purse, it is right for us to £2.5 billion in the pupil premium, to support the poorest refocus resources where we need them most. in their early years and at every stage of their education. There are substantial reforms and tough decisions to Meg Hillier (Hackney South and Shoreditch) (Lab/ make, but we have not shirked our responsibility to do Co-op): The Minister mentioned the administrative so. We will not burden future generations with unsustainable cost of child benefit to the Exchequer. Can he tell us debts that would mean higher taxes and diminished what is the estimated cost of all the extra form-filling public services. We cannot keep building debt to fund that the change will require? spending on today’s generation at the expense of tomorrow’s. Mr Gauke: I was actually talking about the overall cost. We will give details of the cost of administering Several hon. Members rose— child benefit when we announce the details of the policy, which, as the hon. Lady will know, we will do shortly. Mr Gauke: I am going to make a little more progress. However, as the Chancellor has said: We cannot ask our poorest and our most vulnerable “We simply cannot ask those earning just £15,000 or £30,000 to carry the burden; it is right and fair for those with the to go on paying the child benefit of those earning £50,000 or broadest shoulders to carry the heaviest burdens. Those £100,000.” who say that we are not asking the wealthy to pay their It is simply not fair for working parents on low incomes fair share are the very same people who are jumping up to subsidise millionaires. If members of the Labour to oppose reform of child benefit, which will do exactly party believe in that, they can add it to their election that. literature along with their opposition to the benefit cap. Under the previous system, about nine out of 10 families By making these changes, we can continue to direct with children were eligible to receive tax credits. Under child benefit to where it is needed most, supporting our reforms, the proportion will fall to six out of 10. As millions of families and millions of children from birth is shown by our distributional analysis of the impact of until they leave full-time education at the age of 18 or the autumn statement and previous fiscal events, the even 19. top 20% of households will make the greatest contribution to reducing the deficit as a percentage of their incomes Ed Balls (Morley and Outwood) (Lab/Co-op) rose— and benefits in kind from public services.

Mr Gauke: I will certainly give way to the shadow Helen Goodman: Strictly speaking, what the Minister Chancellor. has said is accurate, but he knows as well as we do that the only reason for the positive distributional effect is Ed Balls: Can the Minister explain to Members on both the measures taken by my right hon. Friend the Member sides of the House why he thinks it fair for a family with for Edinburgh South West (Mr Darling) before the last a joint income of £84,000 to keep all their child benefit, general election. Surely the Minister can acknowledge while a one-earner family will lose all their child benefit that the measures taken by the coalition Government if the husband or wife stays at home and their income is are massively regressive. just £43,000? Mr Gauke: I am grateful to the hon. Lady for accepting Mr Gauke: Let me explain the challenge that we face. and confirming that all the measures that will be put in Basing child benefit on household income means a full place in 2012-13—which we could implement or not means-testing regime with all the complexities that that implement—are progressive. involves: all the form-filling, and all the administration problems. I do not know whether that is what the shadow Rachel Reeves: Can the Minister tell us whether the Chancellor wants, or whether he supports the position measures introduced by his party are progressive or taken by the shadow Chief Secretary, who would not regressive? touch child benefit at all; but if we do not pursue the policy that we have announced, we will incur an additional Mr Gauke: All the measures that will be put in place £2.5 billion of borrowing every year. That is what the in 2012-13 are being implemented by this Government. Labour party is committing itself to. That is the point. It is impossible to disaggregate those measures. They are all going to be put in place, and we Ed Balls: The Minister is right: the policy is very are responsible for all of them. If we had wanted to complicated. It is a pity that the Government did not reverse some of them, we could have done so, but we work that out before they announced it 18 months ago. did not. 653 Living Standards5 MARCH 2012 Living Standards 654

Of course, none of what we are doing ignores the fact present. That does not necessarily mean mortgage rates that this will be a tough year for households across will remain at their current levels for ever across the the board. We know that that is the case, and it is our board, but the fact is that the tough steps we have taken reason for going even further to support families and have ensured that interest rates are much lower than businesses throughout the country. they would otherwise be, which is to the advantage of both mortgage holders and businesses looking for finance. Chris Williamson: Will the Minister give way? Tom Blenkinsop (Middlesbrough South and East Mr Gauke: I want to make some progress. Cleveland) (Lab): We have debated this question before, We are limiting the increase to Transport for London and it was clear that quantitative easing is what has led and regulated rail fares, funding South West Water to to the reduction in interest rates. The recent £50 billion enable it to cut bills by £50 per year for households that of quantitative easing has, in effect, been an attack on currently face the highest water bills in the country, pension funds; it has wiped out almost a quarter of setting aside an extra £675 million for local authorities private pension funds compared with the situation before in England to freeze or reduce council tax in 2012-13, the last general election. Will the Minister confirm that and providing real help for households that are feeling further credit easing will also affect private pension funds? the squeeze. We are deferring the fuel duty increase that was due to take effect on 1 January to August this year, Mr Gauke: Credit easing will benefit businesses. I while also cancelling the further increase in August. As should also point out that the current low interest-rate a result, tax on petrol will be a full 10p lower than it trend was in place before the additional quantitative would have been, and families will have saved £144 on easing undertaken by the Bank of England. the cost of filling up the average family car by the end of next year. The simple truth is that the Opposition have no credible response to the economic challenges we face. It Ian Austin: Will the hon. Gentleman give way? took the coalition Government five days to come together in the national interest to forge a joint commitment and Mr Gauke: No, I am going to make a bit more progress. approach to tackle the deficit, yet 18 months later the I have already given way to the hon. Gentleman once, Opposition remain confused and conflicted. Every now and I think that that was enough for all of us. and again a member of the shadow Cabinet—even the It is because of our decisions that we have secured record shadow Chief Secretary—crops up to say they will be gilt yields, feeding through to record low and stable interest fiscally credible but, in practice, they oppose welfare rates that make a real difference to families paying their reform, for instance, and say it affects the poorest, even mortgages and businesses refinancing loans throughout when a household receives more than £26,000 a year. They the country. If we are going to discuss a squeeze on living also oppose reforming universal benefits, even though standards, let us discuss what an increase in market that protects the richest, and they oppose anything that interest rates would mean for families throughout the affects the squeezed middle. Clearly, their economic plan United Kingdom. It would force taxpayers to find an involves more spending, more borrowing and more debt. extra £21 billion in debt interest payments, increase the However many Opposition days they have, and however cost of business loans by £7 billion, and add £10 billion many economic policy relaunches they make, it is clear to mortgage bills every year, an extra £1,000 for the that Labour was irresponsible in government and are average family—and that is just a 1% rise. Let me remind irrelevant in opposition. We are fixing the failures of the House that when the Government came to office, the past and are repairing our economy. This Government our rates were tracking those of the likes of Spain and are committed to supporting families across the country Italy, and that they are now close to those of Germany. through difficult economic times. It is because of the tough decisions that we have made to It is, of course, a tough challenge to secure our cut the deficit that the UK has broken ranks. In the last economic stability and lay the foundations for sustainable year alone, its rates have fallen by about 1.5%, whereas growth, but we are determined to restore the UK’s those of Italy and Spain have risen by almost 3%. prosperity, and we will put fairness at the heart of our I know the shadow Chancellor considers that low recovery by protecting living standards for our poorest interest rates are a sign of trouble, and that he would and most vulnerable families, by lifting millions out of prefer higher interest rates, a bigger squeeze on families, tax, by taking steps to reduce the cost of living and by and an even bigger fall in living standards, but the simple refocusing welfare on those who need it most. Yes, that truth is that the Opposition have no credible response to means that those on the highest incomes will bear the the economic challenges that the country faces. heaviest burden as we pull together to tackle the deficit, but it is absolutely right that those who can contribute Sheila Gilmore rose— the most do so. A fair and sustainable recovery demands leadership, Mr Gauke: I look to the hon. Lady to rectify that. and that is exactly what this Government are providing. Sheila Gilmore: I am wondering whether the Minister It is this coalition Government alone who are determined has been out of the country for the past few days, and to face up to today’s economic challenges, and to build therefore has not noticed that several banks are increasing tomorrow’s fair, prosperous and sustainable economy. their mortgage rates. Several hon. Members rose— Mr Gauke: If we had pursued the policy advocated by the Opposition, our market rates and gilt yields Madam Deputy Speaker (Dawn Primarolo): Order. would be going up and we would be facing a very There will be a seven-minute time limit on all Back-Bench significant problem. We have record low interest rates at contributions. 655 Living Standards5 MARCH 2012 Living Standards 656

8.23 pm employment in any case—if the Minister wishes to intervene, that would be great. He can tell people in Ian Lavery (Wansbeck) (Lab): I was amazed to hear Wansbeck, where there are 50-odd people after each the Minister claiming to be putting fairness at the heart job, how they will get extra hours in part-time employment. of policy, when this Government are viciously attacking The fact of the matter is that they have absolutely no the most vulnerable and the lowest paid in the country. chance, so they are going to lose their money. In a As has continually been said, the forthcoming Budget recent Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers must include measures for jobs and growth. Without survey, 78% of people said that there was absolutely jobs and growth, everything else in the economy fails no chance that they would get an extra hour in their and the cuts will continue indefinitely. The country is workplace, and so they will be losing their tax credits. suffering greatly as a result of the coalition Government’s policies. I call on them to reconsider their intended Yasmin Qureshi: My hon. Friend rightly says that changes to tax credits and child benefit, which will cost there are no jobs out there, with more than 2 million ordinary hard-working families up to £4,000 a year. unemployed. So people will become unemployed and These proposals will impact heavily in my constituency. the state will then have to spend hundreds of pounds on For the benefit of the Government Front-Bench team, I keeping these families on benefits, as opposed to allowing should point out that Wansbeck is in the north-east—not them to work and contribute to the economy. near Aberdeen, but in the north-east of England. We are being hit very hard already. Before the general Ian Lavery: Again, I thank my hon. Friend for her election, the Prime Minister said he would hit the intervention, as I could not have put it better myself. north-east the hardest, and, by goodness, that is one promise he has kept. Some 240 households in Wansbeck We are talking about the same hard-working families will be hit by the measures that are to be introduced, who were used two or three weeks ago by the Government and 465 children in Wansbeck will suffer as a consequence. as shining examples of why people on benefits should The situation is dire. lose them. We are talking about the people who are getting out of bed and going to work, even if it is for 14, Yasmin Qureshi: I sympathise with my hon. Friend’s 15 or perhaps 16 hours a week—these are the shining constituents. In my constituency, 880 households, which examples and look what has happened to them. A lot of include 2,095 children, will be affected. Does my hon. people believed in what the Government had to say but, Friend agree that these measures are disgraceful? unfortunately, that has now gone out the window. These are not necessarily the squeezed middle, but the working poor, and they are very hard-working people. I must Ian Lavery: I entirely agree. point out that £4,000 is a mortgage to lots of people The dire situation in my constituency is compounded involved in this issue, and people—hard-working families— by the following fact. The Office for National Statistics will lose their homes as a result of these policies being stated last week that 55.4 people are applying for each introduced by the Government. Their figures suggest vacancy advertised at the jobcentre—and there are only that some people will actually be better off not going to 48 unfilled jobs in Wansbeck—although two weeks ago work. Only a few weeks ago, we heard a million and one the House of Commons Library said this figure was a times, “It doesn’t pay to be on benefits and nor should little lower, with some 36.5 applicants per vacancy. The it.” So they attack the “scroungers” first and look what notion that there are plenty of job opportunities, and is happening now. The situation is an absolute disgrace, opportunities to take on extra hours at work and part-time because under these new proposals someone can be employment, is a myth propagated by the Government. better off on benefits than in work, possibly by as much I am very concerned. Today, I have written to the as £728 per annum, as some have it. How is it that Prime Minister, the Business Secretary and the Employment people can be better off on benefits? Minister, the right hon. Member for Epsom and Ewell The proposal on child benefit is the most bizarre and (Chris Grayling), calling for urgent discussions on the ridiculous, and it has to change, as I am sure everyone in future of my area. The attacks on the disabled and the this Chamber understands—it is that stupid and it less well-off seem to have abated since the new welfare involves a huge anomaly. How can it be fair that someone reforms passed through Parliament, but now the in a family earning £84,000 can keep their benefits, Government are beginning in earnest their attack on whereas someone in a family earning £43,000 can lose hard-working families with children. theirs? It is absolutely outrageous. I am sure that that The tax and benefit changes will hit women, children will change—if it does not, God help us all. I hope that and single parents hardest. We must ask why that is the this glaring anomaly will be cleared up. case. Why are the bankers not being attacked? Why do The Government cannot continue their unfair attack they get a tax cut? Why is there now talk about the rich on those less well-off in society—it is mainly an attack people getting their 50p tax rate reduced, while at the on women, children and hard-working people. The same time the Government are continuing to attack hard-working people cannot continue to pay the highest those who are unable to support themselves? That is price for this too fast, too far Government approach. obscene, to say the least. Hard-working people cannot continue to pay the lion’s The average family with a child will lose up to £580 per share in a failing economy, purely on the basis of ideology. annum. As many as 200,000 couples with children Given an increase in fuel prices, the introduction of will face losing up to £4,000 in their income. Some unfair welfare reforms, high unemployment—the highest 212,000 households and 470,000 children will be affected in 17 years—huge energy prices, pay freezes and pension if people cannot secure extra hours in their workplace. cuts, the burden must be shared. It must not be shared We have got to ask ourselves: where will people get just by women, children and those hardest up who are these hours from in their workplace? There is not enough willing to go to work—the hard-working people, as we 657 Living Standards5 MARCH 2012 Living Standards 658 have heard a million times. It is time that the coalition Stephen Williams: All I can say is that the hon. Lady Government changed direction. Instead of flying into the must have been reading an earlier draft, because that is abyss, they should look after the hard-working people not what the motion says. I shall discuss tax avoidance in this country, and revisit their proposals on child later in my speech, as I am sure she will be pleased to benefit and tax credits. hear. Even in the tough fiscal environment that the 8.33 pm Government face, it is right that we should do what we can to help low-income households. That is why the Stephen Williams (Bristol West) (LD): We have debated Government are absolutely determined that the budget many Opposition motions on the economy and public will not be balanced on the backs of the poorest and finances in the past 20 months, and this one is little those in work who have low earnings. The Government different from the many others that I have discussed—I will not repeat the fiasco that happened in good times have spoken in all these debates. We are asked to focus under the previous Government. The Chancellor who on the needs of hard-pressed families—we are hardly became Prime Minister, in his last Budget as Chancellor, likely to disagree with that—and on pensioners, but the abolished the 10p rate of income tax, raising income tax whole tenor of this motion, like all the others that have for the lowest paid in society and all his hon. Friends, gone before it, is that the coalition Government should who, at the time, sat on the Government Benches and do more for some people and should reverse the planned waved their Order Papers with glee that a tax on the changes that they have set in train. So despite the poorest in society was funding a tax cut for the rich. U-turns that the shadow Chancellor and the Leader of the Opposition have made in recent weeks on the need Meg Hillier rose— to cut the deficit, we are exactly where we have been before on all other Opposition days. We are back with Stephen Williams: I have given way twice and I am on uncosted proposals somehow to make us all believe that a time limit, unlike some previous speakers. The hon. tackling the deficit can be a painless and, indeed, invisible Lady will have her turn later. process of fiscal rebalancing. It is as if public finances That is why reducing the tax burden for the lowest can be restored to health by magic, with no tax rises and paid is the No. 1 priority, as far as the Liberal Democrats no expenditure cuts—it simply is not credible. are concerned, of this coalition Government. I and all my colleagues stood at the last election on a promise Toby Perkins: The hon. Gentleman mentions the that the income tax threshold would be raised to £10,000 importance of tackling the deficit, but he will recognise and the coalition Government’s first budget raised the that by 2013 this policy will be out of date because threshold by £1,000 to £7,475 a year, taking 800,000 people of the incoming universal credit. What is the point of out of income tax altogether and giving a £200 tax cut putting 200,000 people through tremendous pain for to every basic rate taxpayer. From next month, the the sake of 18 months? When the Government review threshold will be raised again to £8,105, cumulatively their books in 2015 that figure will have entirely disappeared, taking 1.1 million low-paid people out of income tax so why not wait until the universal credit has come in altogether with a cumulative income tax cut for every and sort the system out at that point? basic rate taxpayer of £330. That is £330 extra take-home pay, particularly for part-time workers, who are Stephen Williams: I thank the hon. Gentleman for his disproportionately women and young people, that they intervention and I think he made the same point to the can spend immediately in their communities. Minister. The coalition Government have a five-year Two weeks ahead of the Budget—16 days, as the shadow programme of reform, which includes cutting the deficit Chief Secretary kept saying—the Liberal Democrats as well as long-lasting reform of our entire welfare state, want the Chancellor to go further and faster in announcing which has evolved over a long period of time. Many of a timetable to reach that £10,000 threshold in this the reforms, whether they are on the universal credit, Parliament. We want to know that when all our constituents pensions or other parts of the welfare state, are designed go out to work, they will be able to take home £10,000 a to last for a generation whereas the deficit reduction year and not face the burden of income tax. That will measures are, of course, short-term measures, painful send out a message that we are determined to make as they might sometimes be. I acknowledge that for work pay and to reduce the tax burden for everyone on many households and some families what this Government the basic rate of tax. are having to do—not because we choose to do it, but because we have to do it—causes discomfort. Sheila Gilmore rose— What matters most to all households is putting our public finances and our economy back on track. That Helen Jones rose— gives our country fiscal credibility and allows our Government, businesses and households to borrow and Stephen Williams: I have already given way twice and invest at affordable rates. I am on a time limit. The same arguments apply as when the Government Helen Goodman: The hon. Gentleman clearly has not had to take tough decisions on whether to raise out-of-work read the motion, which makes it absolutely clear that benefits in the comprehensive spending review and the our proposals on working tax credits will be matched by last autumn statement, and those benefits were raised an increase in tax take on stamp duty from those people by the high consumer prices index of 5.2%. Child tax who have houses worth more than £1 million and who credits have also been raised by 5.2%; that is £135 extra are offshoring. That would match the revenue needed this year. As the Minister said earlier, there has been for the working tax credit. £390 extra cumulatively so far since the general election. 659 Living Standards5 MARCH 2012 Living Standards 660

[Stephen Williams] cost too high for working parents to pay. As a working parent who uses child care, and as someone who represents Difficult decisions are being taken on the reform of tax many young people in my constituency who face having credits. The Liberal Democrat manifesto explicitly said to seek child care, I must say that having lower-quality that we thought there was scope for the reform of poorly child care is not the answer. Cost is an issue but lowering focused tax credits. In 2010, nine out of 10 families with the quality is not the answer. I hope the Minister will children received tax credits and, even after the difficult pick up on that point in responding. reforms we are introducing in these tough fiscal times, I represent half of a borough that has the unenviable six out of 10 families will still receive tax credits. record of being one of the country’s poorest. About Child benefit is another area in which the Government 45% of children in my constituency live in out-of-work have to make a tough choice. If the Labour party’s households or in in-work households that have an income message is that it opposes even that tough choice of below 60% of the national average. That compares with withdrawing child benefit from the richest families in 22% in the UK as a whole according to 2009 figures. the country, where on earth is it going to find the cuts? One in five of my constituents is under 16, so the two I look forward to hearing, in all the Labour speeches changes that the Government are introducing have a between now and 10 o’clock, what alternative cuts very big impact on a very large number of people in my would be made to replace that cut in child benefit. The constituency—the youngest, the children who need the cliff edge of the higher rate tax threshold is difficult. We support, and their parents as well. Anything that hits all acknowledge the anomaly that was expressed in the children affects Hackney particularly hard. When we extreme by the hon. Member for Wansbeck (Ian Lavery) are talking about the impact on young people, their life regarding the earnings of two people in a household. chances and their opportunities, we should not forget The Deputy Prime Minister confirmed this morning the impact that that has on the wider population. It is that we are looking for ways to smooth that withdrawal my constituents who will be paying the pensions of the of benefit from those who are marginally over the threshold; older population of the rest of the country in time to we will have to wait until the Budget to see the outcome come. It is my constituents who will be creating the jobs of those discussions. that will pay for this country in time to come. We need The Government are introducing other measures to to make sure that we give them a little more respect than support families with children. This morning, I visited a the Government currently do. secondary school in my constituency, St Mary Redcliffe, The Government have form in this respect. About a and on Friday I visited the City academy in my constituency third of my constituency is aged under 24. This group as well. Both those schools and all the other schools in has already been hit massively by the loss of the education all our constituencies are benefiting from the introduction maintenance allowance, which had a high take-up in my of the pupil premium. Parents who are working need constituency. For example, one young woman said to support with child care, and the Government are me, “By Thursday, when the electricity key was running introducing 130,000 extra places for two-year-olds. out, I would pay that,” so she could do her homework At least this motion mentions pensioners. The last and the house would be warm. It paid for basics like time we had an Opposition motion on living standards, that in my constituency. I will not revisit the pain of it neglected to mention pensioners at all. That was tuition fees, on which the Liberal Democrats have shown hardly surprising because the Government had just their true colours. announced the largest cash increase in the state pension I turn to working tax credits. In my constituency since it was introduced by Lloyd George and Asquith in 12,000 families receive tax credits overall. Of those, 1908. The Government have a triple lock in place to 4,500 families, which include 8,600 children, are in work ensure that pensioners always receive an increase. We and receive both child tax credits and working tax credits. will not have the embarrassment of 75p pension rises in Of the total 12,000 families, 1,100 families receive working future. tax credit only. Those figures are from December last The Government are taking action on tax avoidance. year, and they hide real people, such as the woman who I note that the motion says that everything Labour came to see me on Friday and wept as she said to me, wishes for, whether on child benefit, child tax credit or “I’m working 16 hours a week. I want to work more but working tax credits, is somehow going to be paid for I cannot find the hours.” She will lose more than £300 a through tax avoidance measures that are unspecified in month as a result of the Government’s changes. She has the motion. That would have more credibility if Labour one month to find eight hours of extra work. Where is had voted in favour of the tax avoidance measures she going to find that at her level of income? introduced by the Government in the last Finance Act, A related issue, which I am digging into, is school rather than voting against them. I want to see more support staff. I have had a number of reports from action on tax avoidance in the Budget, such as a general primary schools in my constituency where low grade anti-avoidance rule, and I look forward to hearing what staff working 10 or 11 hours a week have been told by the Chancellor has to say— the jobcentre that they need to increase their hours to 16, because that gets them off some statistic that the Madam Deputy Speaker (Dawn Primarolo): Order. Department is gathering about part-time work. When they went back to the school to ask for extra hours, one 8.43 pm head teacher had the wit to go to Jobcentre Plus and Meg Hillier (Hackney South and Shoreditch) (Lab/ say, “Give me this in writing. Tell me who is directing Co-op): We have heard a lot of twaddle from Government this.” No information was forthcoming. Members today. I was shocked that the Minister seemed Those people were being encouraged to give up a to agree with the hon. Member for South West Norfolk good job of 10 or 11 hours a week to find some job (Elizabeth Truss) about the need for unregulated child somewhere that might be 16 hours a week, but as many care, as though high-quality, regulated child care is a of the jobs in low level retail are on zero hours contracts, 661 Living Standards5 MARCH 2012 Living Standards 662 it is difficult to be guaranteed the 16 hours, let alone the into education and training in order to improve their 24 hours. They may get 16 hours now in a good week lot. As they are struggling up the ladder of ambition but not in a bad week, but going up to 24 hours will be and trying to improve their lot and support their families, increasingly challenging. I talk about my constituency, the Government are pulling the rug out from under but as we have heard, up to 200,000 working parents their feet and taking away the lower rungs of the ladder. will lose almost £4,000 a year in working tax credit as a It is shameful. result of the changes, which are about three weeks away. 8.51 pm I move on to child benefit. We know that in London child care costs are very high and many of my constituents Mr John Redwood (Wokingham) (Con): I am grateful on good incomes find it unaffordable to work. Their to the Labour party for choosing this important subject child care would cost more than quite generous full-time for this evening’s debate, because it is right that we earnings, so many have made the understandable decision should debate living standards. It is quite brave of the to opt for one of the couple to stay at home and look Labour party to choose this topic, because there was a after the child. The Minister’s answer was, “Unregulate sharp decline in living standards in the last years of the the child care and make it cheaper”, but that is a Labour Administration, but it is also true that there has retrograde step. been a further decline in the first 18 months of the coalition Government. It takes time to turn these things The Government talk about being family-friendly around. The main reason why living standards have and wanting to support the family unit of two parents continued to fall in the past 18 months is that inflation with children. The reward for those families for doing has been too high. If time permits, I wish to suggest what the Government profess to want is a cut in child some things Ministers could do in the drive against benefit. What does that mean? If one of the couple is rising prices so that we can relieve some of the pressure earning £43,000 but the other is not earning and they on our constituents. have three children, they lose £188 a month in child benefit. I agree with Labour and colleagues on the Government Benches that we are here above all to ensure the better Ian Lavery: I shall be brief. The hon. Member for prosperity of the people we represent. None of us Bristol West (Stephen Williams) commented that that is wishes to see their constituents’ livings standards fall, an extreme example. Does my hon. Friend agree that it and it is right that today we should consider, on an is not extreme; it is absolutely accurate? Opposition motion, how we might strengthen and improve living standards. I also agree with Labour that we need to debate jobs and growth and am delighted that the Meg Hillier: I completely agree with my hon. Friend. motion starts off with that. I am sure that Ministers on It is rich for the Liberal Democrats to speak sanctimoniously the Treasury Bench are well aware that, although they today, when we know what they were saying on the have introduced some measures, they have not yet done campaign trail just over two years ago. enough to ensure a rapid, strong and continuing recovery. A family with two incomes totalling £84,000 a year We all look forward to my right hon. Friend the Chancellor and three children loses nothing in child benefit. The adding to the range of policies and instruments that policy is bonkers. It was not even written on the back of he can adopt to improve the chances of more rapid and an envelope. It must have been written late at night in sustained growth. the bar, because it does not make sense in any way, and Again, it is a matter of common agreement across the the Minister was unable to answer my question about Chamber that growth is a good thing, that it will mean how much it would cost administratively for individuals more jobs, rising living standards and higher incomes to collect the paperwork to find people who are on and that it will bring with it more tax revenue. More tax those incomes, in order to take their child benefit away. revenue is much needed, because the Chancellor and his We will have the Budget in a fortnight’s time, but my Front-Bench colleagues have decided to increase public constituents are already being hit. Working tax credit is spending in cash terms every year of the five-year being taken away from the lowest-paid. There are the period, which will not be easy to finance, given the very cuts to child benefits. We hear from The Daily Telegraph large running deficit and accumulated debt they inherited. that there might be some changes, but we have heard Contrary to what some people in the media have said, nothing today from the Minister at the Dispatch Box. the debt is still rising day by day because we are still VAT has been increased to 20%, affecting the cost of running a large deficit. day-to-day purchases for all my constituents. We read I was hoping to say something good about the parts of the threat of mortgage interest rates going up. Rents of the motion where Labour highlighted one of the for new social housing will now have to be 80% of problems people have with one of the Chancellor’s private rents, which in my constituency will make it proposals. As many Labour Members and others have unaffordable for most people. Add to that the housing pointed out, with the wish to make richer people pay a benefit cap, which would affect two thirds of my constituents little more by withdrawing child benefit there is the renting in the private sector, the fact that private rents problem that those who are better off might in some are increasing exponentially all the time, energy bills cases get a better deal than those who are worse off. and food prices are going up, unemployment is increasing None of us likes that, and I think that there is common and the loss of the education maintenance allowance. ground on that across the House. It is not a new Many of my constituents may be poor, but there is no discovery that Labour has highlighted today. I was poverty of aspiration in my constituency. These policies, hoping that it might have a contribution or a solution, layered on month after month and year after year under because we know that the Treasury is thinking about this wretched Government, are a real kick in the teeth whether the problem can be dealt with, but when I for my constituents, many of whom have come from asked, thinking that I might find something I could other countries to do well and to put time and effort support, answer came there none. 663 Living Standards5 MARCH 2012 Living Standards 664

Ian Austin: What advice would the right hon. Gentleman that it is more important that the tax take is as high as it give to a constituent of his, earning perhaps £42,000 or can be, or that we have a headline-grabbing marginal £42,500, who has three children, is working hard, getting tax rate? Which is more important: the take or the rate? on in life and wants to do better, but who is offered a pay rise that would take them into the 40p tax band? Mr Redwood: I am very much of the view that we They would then face the difficult choice between taking want a higher tax take, and I favour taking the tax from a promotion that they have worked hard to get and the people with the money, the rich, and from the losing thousands of pounds in child benefit. What companies with the money, rather than from the people would he advise them to do? who do not have it. That is what I believe, and I would hope that that again was common ground. The way we Mr Redwood: That is a very good example of the do so is by charging a rate that people are prepared to problem one can get into, and that is why I wish my stay and pay, because the danger is that if we set the right hon. Friends on the Treasury Bench every success rates too high, people do not stay or they do not pay; in dealing with what we can all see is a problem, but I they find clever accountants and lawyers, do less, invest am not recommending to them that they give up and less, risk less or go. It is the same with banks: if we get say that somebody on £200,000 a year should still be the rate wrong for banks, instead of getting more money able to get full child benefit. That is not the right out of them, we get less. answer, and I should hope that Labour might sympathise In 1979 when Labour had had a strongly socialist with that proposition and agree, but I am grateful that Government, they left office with a marginal income some Opposition Members are now coming round to tax rate—in which some current Opposition Members my view that high marginal rates of tax and of benefit would take pride—of 83p in the pound. In those days withdrawal, at all levels of income, are a disincentive. the top 1% of income tax payers contributed just 11% Just as Government Front Benchers are rightly trying of the total income tax take, because the rich had either to tackle the very serious problem at the lower end, gone or had clever arrangements to avoid paying tax. perhaps with some support from Labour, they should When the Conservatives brought the rate down to 40%, have some sympathy for people in the middle of the not only did the amount of money paid by the rich go income scale, where the situation can be equally unpleasant up, and the real amount that they paid go up significantly, and difficult for families struggling to meet their bills. but the proportion of total income tax that they paid Sometimes Opposition Members forget that, although more than doubled. Surely that is a desirable outcome, people in my constituency tend to have a higher average and it is the same with banks: we need to find a way of income than many of the average incomes in their taxing them. constituencies, my constituents’ housing costs, their travel My first recommendation to the Chancellor for his costs and other factors in their cost of living mean that Budget is to sort out the banks. We need to create some they need higher incomes in order to have the same working banks out of the RBS framework, get them out living standard as those whose houses are half the price there in the market, sell them off, get them into a or less, because housing is a very big component. profitable state without all the back history of tax The Labour party has rightly said that it would be losses, and create new entities that can trade properly wonderful if we could tax the banks more, and I again and lend money for the recovery, and then we can get find myself in agreement with that. It is an immediately some tax revenue out of them. I hope that Labour attractive proposition. We all know that banks are Members might agree with that proposition. We then pretty unpopular, and we like to think of them as very need to tackle the problem of inflation, which has been rich, so it would be good if we could tax them more. rising too rapidly. Unfortunately, Labour is wrong to suggest that the I am glad that those on the Front Bench have done Government have just offered another tax break to something about council tax bills—I hope that Labour some banks by cutting the marginal rate of corporation councils will join Conservative councils in keeping those tax. The reason we are getting so little tax out of them is bills down, because they are very difficult for many nothing to do with a small drop in the corporation tax people to afford—and have started to do some work on rate; it is that two of the biggest banks, Royal Bank of fuel prices, although they are still extremely high. We Scotland and Lloyds HBOS, are loss-making, so it does could do more to get water and energy bills down. I not matter what corporation tax rate we set, because recommend that we allow more competition in those they are not going to pay a penny of it. That is a industries, particularly water. In the energy industries, disgrace, but it is where we have got to because of the we need more private sector-led investment, with an disasters and problems in bank management over recent emphasis on cheaper power, which is needed to tackle years. fuel poverty and inflation and to secure an industrial Worse still, we are in the position whereby, if those recovery. The Government need to recognise that energy banks do start to make money—it is true that the losses is now usually the biggest cost in many industries and, have been much reduced in the past year and they might instead of favouring dear power, follow competition start to make money—they will not be about to pay any and private investment policies that will promote cheaper tax, because they have such huge inherited losses from energy. the period under Labour when they plunged into massive deficit and got into a disastrous position. 9.1 pm Sheila Gilmore (Edinburgh East) (Lab): If I showed Richard Fuller: My right hon. Friend is making very some hesitancy in rising, Madam Deputy Speaker, it is good points about the importance of companies being because I tend to find that I am called at the very end of profitable so that they can pay tax, but when it comes to debates, so I am extremely grateful to you for calling me bankers and high earners paying taxes does he think at this stage. 665 Living Standards5 MARCH 2012 Living Standards 666

Sometimes Government get things wrong and must West (Stephen Williams), about how wonderful it is that have the grace to say so. The change in working tax benefits will rise by 5.2% in the coming year, as if it is credit proposed for this April is one of those occasions. some unique act of generosity. In fact, people are simply Interestingly, it was announced in October 2010, before being given the rate of inflation. the Government’s proposals on welfare reform were fully announced and explained. There is an obvious Stephen Williams: There were, of course, other choices dichotomy between what the Treasury is saying and that the Government could have made. There were voices what the Department for Work and Pensions is saying. —I will not say who they were—telling the Government It is unfortunate that DWP Ministers have not been not to raise benefits by that historically high rate of present in the debate to give their point of view. Those inflation. The previous Government used the lowest of us who served on the Welfare Reform Bill Committee possible rate when they raised pensions by 75p. This had hours of Ministers and Government Back Benchers Government took a different view. telling us that any job and any hours of work were better than none, and how important it was that we Sheila Gilmore: I think that the hon. Gentleman would should be encouraging the mini-jobs that we were hearing accept that the 75p increase followed the rate of inflation. so much about. The DWP is very clear that it is important I might not have made that decision if I had been the that people should be supported in working, even for Chancellor of the Exchequer, but that is the decision relatively short hours, whereas the Treasury Minister that was made. who opened the debate told us that it is very important I am pleased that the hon. Member for Bristol West that a couple should work more hours, and that if they and his colleagues, who are remarkably absent from this do not the Government are going to take their working debate, managed to persuade the Government that out- tax credit from them. Those two positions are irreconcilable. of-work benefits should increase by the full amount. I It is not good enough to say that it will all come right support that. What I find strange is that a Government next year when the universal credit comes into being, who wish to support work did not take the same view because people will soon be suffering from this change, about working tax credit. I am not talking about levelling which is the complete and direct opposite of what the down the increase for out-of-work benefits. I am talking Secretary of State for Work and Pensions has been about a decision that increases the degree to which work telling us he is going to do. does not pay, when the Conservative party says that it Is it really the Government’s position that they want wants work to pay. If all these things are taken together, people to stop work, as some people will in this situation one begins to wonder where the Government are going. because it is more attractive to do so? If the family who People are sceptical about universal credit and anxious cannot find the extra eight hours’ work give up work about what will happen. Let us consider something else altogether, then without the working tax credit they will that will happen under universal credit. Somebody who get benefits paid at a higher rate than they would is working and who qualifies for universal credit will otherwise have received. In addition, if they are home have their universal credit reduced if they have savings buyers they will qualify for other things such as help of more than £6,000 and eliminated if they have savings with the mortgage, which they do not get if they are of more than £16,000. People who have managed to working. At that point, they may well conclude that it is save, perhaps towards buying a house or towards their not worth their while to continue with their jobs. They retirement, will be told, “You don’t need support, so may continue to think like that in the future. We hear a we’re going to take it away from you.” Despite all the lot from the Government, particularly from the Department Government’s warm words about how much they want for Work and Pensions, about how benefits policy should to support hard-working people and people who save, drive behavioural change. This policy will drive behavioural this is another example of how their policies will not do change, but in precisely the wrong direction. that in practice. I say one last time to the Minister, change now. You Meg Hillier: Does my hon. Friend agree that one of —the Government, not you, Madam Deputy Speaker— the best things parents can do for their children is to know it makes sense. embed the work ethic early on? By working, parents not only bring in an income for their children, but set an Several hon. Members rose— example for them and bring future benefit. Madam Deputy Speaker (Dawn Primarolo): Order. Sheila Gilmore: There is a long-term benefit in people We are running out of time in this debate. I am taking learning from their parents what it is to work. the time limit down to four minutes, so we might get We used to hear so much about the couples penalty most Members in, but we will not get all of them in. from the Conservative party. It used to say that there should no longer be a couples penalty and to talk about 9.9 pm how unfair it was. However, this provision creates just Priti Patel (Witham) (Con): I welcome the opportunity such a couples penalty. A couple who lose their working to speak in this debate, because from what I have heard tax credit might look at their neighbour, who is a single thus far it seems to be a chance to draw a contrast parent, and think, “She’s not losing her working tax credit. between the policies that this Government are pursuing That doesn’t seem fair.” Why, when we have heard so to support jobs, growth and living standards and the much about that, are the Government creating a new record of economic failure that hangs like a millstone penalty for the sake of just 18 months or two years? around the necks of Labour Members. Few things That all comes on top of the decision not to increase would be more damaging to the living standards of all working tax credit in line with inflation. We have heard our constituents than the introduction of the Labour a lot, particularly from the hon. Member for Bristol party’s discredited policies. 667 Living Standards5 MARCH 2012 Living Standards 668

[Priti Patel] more alarming increase in youth unemployment. There is now a demand, clearly expressed by families up and I should like to focus on three areas in which the down Britain, for a real plan for jobs and growth in next Government are making a real, positive difference to month’s Budget. living standards despite the challenging economic We also need the Government to make different circumstances and the appalling state of the public finances choices to help families who are feeling increasingly inherited from the previous Government. The first is squeezed in these tough times. If we are indeed in this business and growth. together, why have the Prime Minister and the Chancellor Supporting jobs and growth is essential to maintaining chosen to hit hard-working families with children, who good living standards, and the Government are putting will lose an average of £4,000 a year from policies Britain on the right track. The commitment to a lower coming into effect this April? If we add to that the high main rate of corporation tax of 23% will boost Britain’s cost of food, fuel, rents and so on, it seems that some competitiveness, and I emphasise that that will mean are more in it than others. My constituents in Inverclyde more jobs being created and better living standards for need a Budget for jobs and growth to boost the economy—a all our constituents. Importantly, that pledge rules out a fair Budget to ensure that families on low and middle financial transaction tax and gives great stability to the incomes do not bear the heaviest burden in these difficult City of London and the financial markets, which are times. key to the triple A rating that provides the financial stability underpinning our economy. I shall focus on two aspects. First, the proposed The Government have also cut the small profits rate changes to eligibility for working tax credits will hit to 20%, which is a welcome step forward to support growth. hardest many parents in part-time work. People who That, of course, helps to stimulate economic activity, are responsible for at least one child and working at particularly among small businesses. In my constituency, least 16 hours a week can get working tax credit, but 83% of jobs depend on small businesses, compared with from 6 April the rules for couples with at least one child the national average of 68%. Few things would have change. In most cases, to qualify for working tax credit, been more damaging to business men, entrepreneurs they will need to work at least 24 hours a week jointly, and wealth creators looking to invest more and create with one working at least 16 hours a week. If only one jobs than the previous Government’s plan to increase of the couple works, they must work at least 24 hours a the small profits rate to 22%. Jobs and growth are week. Working tax credit for couples to whom neither fundamental to our living standards, and it is a shame situation applies will stop from 6 April. that the previous Prime Minister, who did so much to In my constituency, 185 households containing damage our economy and undermine our triple A credit 365 children stand to lose out from that proposal, which rating, is not in the Chamber today to listen to the will penalise parents who are working and trying to do debate and account for the previous Government’s failures. the right thing, but who cannot increase their working I should also like to touch on support for pensioners, hours at a time when the economy is flatlining and which is central to living standards. The Government unemployment is rising. Few employers are currently deserve great praise for the action that is being taken to offering an increase in part-time work hours. The change support our pensioners. Council tax freezes in particular to tax credit is unfair and damaging and should be are a welcome way to keep more money in the pockets cancelled before it makes matters even worse for those of all our constituents, including pensioners, whereas hard-working parents. The Chancellor could use the the Labour party doubled council tax when it was in hundreds of millions of pounds that the Government government. That hit pensioners the hardest. We have have said could be raised by closing a stamp duty tax also protected the winter fuel allowance and made cold avoidance loophole on properties worth more than weather payments permanent. The triple lock on pensions, £1 million. That would resonate as fair with my constituents which has been mentioned, has led to a record increase and go some way to convincing them that we are in this of £5.30 in the state pension, which will benefit about together and paying for it equally together. 13 million people and of course have an impact on Secondly, the Government need urgently to review living standards. the planned changes to child benefit, as a result of which In the time that I have left I wish to refer to the reform around 1.5 million families will effectively lose their child of public services. Only last week, we learned that 17 million benefit. Surely it cannot be fair that a two-earner family adults—about half the working-age population—have on £42,000 each—a total of £84,000—will keep their the numeracy skills of primary school pupils. Having a child benefit, but a single-earner family on £43,000 will work force unable to do the basics in maths and arithmetic lose out. The Opposition support the principle of universal is naturally detrimental to our living standards. The child benefit, but if the Government are determined to Labour Government have much to account for on that make changes, can they not be made more fairly and in front, as well. a better and more workable way? The Government are investing a great deal in education and reforming public services. Frankly, after the previous Hitting families with the two changes I have outlined Government left the country with an unprecedented will unfairly reduce their living standards. The changes scale of economic and social problems— were rashly and hurriedly announced last year. The feeling is that Ministers have clearly not thought through Madam Deputy Speaker (Dawn Primarolo): Order. the consequences. Many thousands of parents on low and middle incomes face losing a huge proportion of 9.13 pm that income at a time when every penny counts. Bizarrely, Mr Iain McKenzie (Inverclyde) (Lab): It is now painfully far from the Government making work pay, many parents obvious that our economy has stalled. That is evident in could find that they are better off on benefit. That the soaring increase in unemployment and the even makes no economic sense at all. 669 Living Standards5 MARCH 2012 Living Standards 670

9.18 pm of cheap credit and the very crony capitalism that they accuse us of; they created an out-of-control boom that George Freeman (Mid Norfolk) (Con): We are tonight led to the very bust they promised to prevent forever; invited by the Opposition to join them in sympathising and they set about, quite deliberately, a massive public with the squeezed middle. Of course, that is Labour’s sector expansion without the necessary structural reforms cynical project to identify itself with the people hardest to make it sustainable. Unless we had tackled the deficit, hit by the crisis with which it left us. It seems to be the we would have left the country facing the possibility of Opposition’s only policy. In the absence of any serious rising interest rates, triggering a massive and serious consideration of the crisis for which they are responsible, depression. they now posture as the only people who feel the public’s pain. That is utterly cynical, and we have seen In truth, the squeeze is being felt not just by the and heard tonight how little truck the House has with middle but by the young and old in this country. Every that view. child has £25,000 of debt and a mountain to climb. Every middle-income family—in more and more of The truth is that we are all being squeezed, but not them, every man and woman has to work to pay their for the reasons the Opposition set out. The shadow way—will face a tidal wave of taxes, a rising cost of Chief Secretary, in hysterical tones, accused Government living and the ticking time bomb of inflation if we do Members of indulging in reckless and heartless cuts. We not keep the deficit under control. Our elderly have are being squeezed by the actions of a responsible been let down by the previous Government, who promised coalition, which was invited by the country to tackle a so much and delivered so little. They are now facing an national emergency. We need to remember the scale of NHS structurally unable to meet the challenges of the the crisis we inherited, the effect on living standards, ageing population that depends on it. which we are all feeling, and the steps the Government have taken. The coalition Government have set out to tackle this legacy fairly, with great rigor and in a way that is Brandon Lewis (Great Yarmouth) (Con): Does my progressive—meaning with the intention of driving social hon. Friend agree that one of the best ways the Government mobility and helping people to break out of Labour’s could help to improve living standards is by creating an dependency culture through serious reforms to welfare environment in which private sector businesses can and education. I want to cite several things that have grow, employ more people and, potentially, give them been done that future generations will look back on pay rises when they do well? kindly: the targeting of child benefit on the most needy; the raising of personal allowances, taking 1 million people out of tax and handing money back to 25 million George Freeman: My hon. Friend makes an excellent of our poorest families; the freezing of council tax; the point. I could not agree more. We need to rebalance the uprating of pensions and the triple lock, which will be economy and realise that every pound spent here is a worth £15,000 to the average pensioner family; and the pound that has to be earned by businesses and the protection of cold weather payments. The Labour party people who work for them. should hang its head in shame for coming here and The truth is that we inherited £1 trillion of debt—£25,000 posturing on behalf of the people who are paying the for every man, woman and child in the country—and a price of their irresponsibility. situation in which £1 out of every £4 of Government expenditure had to be borrowed. We had debt interest 9.23 pm payments of £120 million a day, and debt interest would have risen to £76 billion per annum over the Parliament Sammy Wilson (East Antrim) (DUP): There is a general had we not tackled the deficit. Yes, there was an acceptance in the House that if we are to increase living international credit crunch, but it was the actions of the standards, it has to be done through economic growth. Labour Government that led us into a position of Apart, perhaps, from the Green party, which appears extreme vulnerability. They inherited a golden legacy in not to consider economic growth desirable, there is a 1997 after the previous Conservative Government had recognition that it is the way forward, although there is had to put the country through a painful and difficult considerable debate about how we do that. period. It was a golden legacy that, after two years, they I say to the Government Front-Bench team that I set about— cannot understand why our triple A rating will not be affected by huge borrowing to pay for the unemployed, Madam Deputy Speaker (Dawn Primarolo): Order. but would be affected if we borrowed for projects that The hon. Gentleman has a minute less than the clock is showed an economic return—for some reason financial showing before I interrupt him. There is a problem with markets would apparently take a dim view of that. the clocks. When we consider how to get out of the current problem, we must think about growth, spending and borrowing George Freeman: After two years of sticking to in those terms. the previous Administration’s prudence, the Labour If we consider the sources of the increase in living Government set about the biggest spending spree in standards over the past years—the Institute for Fiscal peacetime history, but because of their cynical promise Studies has looked at the past 40 years—we see that the to the electorate not to increase income tax, they set biggest contribution has come from the increase in about a series of other measures: they sold the gold at economic activity rates, particularly those increases resulting the bottom of the market; they launched an unprecedented from bringing women into the workplace and work programme of indirect stealth taxes, which we are still force. If we are going to increase economic activity feeling today; they bungled the regulation of the Bank rates, including among young people in Northern Ireland, of England—apparently planned in the back of a taxi 44% of whom are not economically active—there are by the former Prime Minister—which led to an explosion various reasons for that, one of them being the huge 671 Living Standards5 MARCH 2012 Living Standards 672

[Sammy Wilson] demonstrate that they are committed to the notion that everyone, given the opportunity to work, will always be rise in youth unemployment—there has to be economic better off working than on benefits. growth to create jobs and attract people from inactivity The second thing that is important to living standards, into economic activity. There is an important message but which we have not really touched on—my right for Labour Members from that, because it will mean hon. Friend the Member for Wokingham (Mr Redwood) having to implement some of the welfare reforms that mentioned it briefly—is the importance for this Government the Government are introducing. Those reforms are of keeping inflation low. We heard some Opposition good, because they give people the incentive to work. Members say that inflation is continuing to rise, but we However, there is no point introducing such reforms if have not yet confronted the question of what will happen there are no opportunities open for people, which is why when this period of quantitative easing comes to an economic growth and job creation are so important. end. When that happens, there will be a corresponding The second thing that the Institute for Fiscal Studies rise in interest rates, which will put further pressure on identified as being associated with rising living standards living standards. I should say to my hon. Friend the over recent years is tax credits. The point has been Minister that in three or four years’ time, it is unlikely expressed well this evening, so I will not dwell on it, but that the private or public sector will be able to pay working if tax credits are so important, I have to say that I find it people pay increases. We therefore have to ensure that very odd that, at a time when jobs are short and hours when we unwind quantitative easing, we do it in a way are being cut, the Government should think that it is a that is not inflationary, or that at least minimises the step forward to take tax credits away from people who inflationary impact. One way of doing that is to look at cannot find extra hours in the week to work, even quantitative easing not as a way of providing short-term though they want to, or that this will help with current stimulus—many Government Members are sceptical living standards. about the Government’s ability to stimulate the economy The last point I want to make is this. One of the big in the short term—but as a means of long-term things that has affected people’s living standards is infrastructure investment. We have that opportunity, increasing energy bills. Indeed, it is a bit bizarre that we but we can do that only if we take our understanding of should be debating this motion after the previous one. our debt obligations to embrace not only the treaty debt We have been encouraging the Government to pursue but the debt obligations of our public pensions liabilities. and invest further in the most expensive form of energy Those are long-term liabilities, and there is an opportunity available, namely wind power. Those high-cost energy for the Government to use quantitative easing for sources have already added 20% to energy bills, and the investment, if they can match their investment in long-term previous Government’s predictions, as well as the current assets with reductions in those long-term liabilities. Government’s predictions, are that by 2020 they will The only other option for a short-term stimulus—to add 43%, thus increasing costs and reducing living invest to improve living standards in the short term—would standards. involve significant tax cuts, matched or exceeded by further cuts in public expenditure to pay for them. I 9.27 pm doubt that the Opposition intended that to form part of Richard Fuller (Bedford) (Con): Sitting in this debate the debate today, but it is one option that they could on living standards has taken me back to the campaign look into in the short term. My main messages to those trail in 2010, when I was explaining to my constituents—as on my Front Bench are that they should keep their focus I am sure many of us were—that the problems that we on the fact that long-term problems require long-term would be inheriting from the then Government were solutions, and that they should ignore the representations long-term problems, and unfortunately there were no from the Opposition. short-term solutions to those problems. I represent a constituency where unemployment was 9.30 pm above the national average even in the so-called boom Toby Perkins (Chesterfield) (Lab): This debate is an period of the last Labour Government. Unemployment example of how the Government’s thirst for cuts—any has gone up, and I am sure that both the Government’s cuts—has blinded them to the basic foolishness of the proposed changes highlighted in the motion will impact policies that they are pursuing. Even when their cuts are on many people in my constituency. What guides me demonstrably ineffective, counter-productive and unfair, and this coalition Government, and what enables us to they plough ahead with them because they cannot look the British people in the eye, is that we are taking countenance any alternative. The hon. Member for steps that will be better for our country’s future generations. Bedford (Richard Fuller) has just said that it would be They are steps that will alleviate the burden on the next unfair to pass on the deficit to future generations, but generation of children and on our grandchildren. We the Government are, by their own admission, borrowing do not think that it is appropriate to pass on debts to £158 billion more because of their failure to get growth cascade down the generations; we think it is right to into our economy. The question is not whether or not cascade down opportunity, which is something that the we have a deficit; it is about the best way to pay it off. last Government failed to do. Anyone who understands anything about this There are two things that I would like my hon. Friend Government will recognise that deficit reduction is their the Minister to comment on when she sums up. First, primary priority. However, their proposed changes to when it comes to the long-term solutions, I hope that working tax credit will not move them one penny piece she will maintain a commitment to ensure that work closer to that objective. There are 335 Chesterfield must pay. That is incredibly important—in reality, the families, and 635 children, who will lose up to £4,000. cultural idea that it is easier to live off benefits arose There are 1,305 people in my constituency alone—working under the last Government. As with the benefit cap and families who are trying to play by the rules and do their their work on tax thresholds, this Government have to bit—who are having the rug pulled out from under their 673 Living Standards5 MARCH 2012 Living Standards 674 feet. Yet this policy, which will have a huge impact on facing up to it clearly. At the same time, they are making working families across Britain, will be defunct by 2013, an effort to balance those tough decisions with decisions when universal credit comes in. It will therefore not that are focused on fairness. move the Government any nearer to their target of As other hon. Members have pointed out, the decision eradicating the deficit by 2016, or 2017—whatever the to provide the means for local authorities to freeze council moving goalpost is. tax is a measure that assists fairness and helps people on More working people will be forced to give up work middle incomes who are struggling to keep control of and to rely on benefit, which is the polar opposite of one of the most important taxes they have to pay. Local what the Minister wants to achieve. These changes will authorities up and down the country—Conservative lead to parents being £728 a year better off out of work and Labour authorities—should accept the council tax than staying in work without the tax credits. Why would freeze as an important component of their budgetary a Government who support marriage and the family decisions. introduce harsh fiscal measures that are likely to put As a result of other coalition Government decisions, more pressure on those families who stay together? The we are able to live in a low interest rate environment, Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers has which is keeping mortgage rates low and allowing stated that 78% of its 410,000 members working in householders to continue to function and to continue to retail cannot get extra hours at work. live in their homes without fear of repossession. That is The Government’s policy of cutting child benefit for a crucial achievement of the Government. higher rate taxpayers is entirely chaotic, as has been It is right, too, that the coalition Government have exposed by several Members. If two members of the the ambition to take people on low incomes out of tax same family earn £42,000 each, that family will keep its altogether. The Chancellor has taken significant steps child benefit, but a single parent on £43,000 will lose in that direction in the recent Budget, and I urge the theirs. About 170,000 families could increase their net Front-Bench team to take further steps to take people income if an individual in the family managed to lower out of tax altogether. their pre-tax income to just below the higher rate tax Although Labour Members seldom mention it, we threshold. The policy creates a perverse disincentive to have seen a substantial increase in the state pension as a success, and it is wholly anti-aspirational. It is unbelievable result of decisions taken by the coalition Government. that a Conservative Government should introduce such The triple lock—as I say, not much mentioned by Labour a policy. —guarantees a substantial increase in the state pension, In the few moments that I have left, I should also like which is relieving pressure on pensioners across Britain. to make the case for the principle of universality in the That is something to be applauded. system. Beveridge’s principle for the welfare state was Let me deal with the broad subject of tax credits. I see that it should be a contributory system. Of course, the shadow Chancellor in his place and he was one of some will receive more than others, based on their need. the key architects of the previous Government’s tax That is absolutely right, but the idea that we are all credit policy. I know that tax credits have a role to play entitled to basic support such as child benefit, the state in certain areas, but one of the downsides of the policy pension and the winter fuel allowance is a good one. At is that it tends to focus on poverty alleviation as being a time of ever-increasing resentment from those who something to do with income transfer. Clearly, that is pay taxes towards those who get benefits, stoked up by important, but the coalition Government are doing the Government and some of their friends in the right-wing something else, which is also significant. In his recent media, we should all be fighting hard to protect the review of poverty, the right hon. Member for Birkenhead universal principle. (Mr Field), who is not in his place said that we need to The Chancellor recognises that people on £43,000 a tackle some of the underlying causes of poverty, which year earn more than the average, and he therefore goes beyond income transfer. What the Government thinks that people will perceive them to be loaded. Let have done with the pupil premium, for example, is me tell him that someone on that income with three fundamental to getting under some of the issues that children and living in a four-bedroom house is not cause low aspiration and create generational poverty in loaded. They have to watch what they spend. They Britain. worry about the cost of fuel and about their energy Under the previous Government, we saw a rise in bills. They see prices going up while their income stagnates. absolute poverty, despite the complex tax credit system The Chancellor is making a huge mistake if he does not put in place by the shadow Chancellor. So I think the recognise that. We are debating the policies of a Government coalition— whose policies have failed to get growth back into the Mr Speaker: Order. economy and who are bringing forward illogical proposals that will make the situation worse. 9.39 pm Debbie Abrahams (Oldham East and Saddleworth) 9.35 pm (Lab): I have been a Member of Parliament for just over James Morris (Halesowen and Rowley Regis) (Con): a year now, during which time I have seen the significant It would be fair to say that the Government have had to impact of this Government’s devastating and detrimental make a number of very tough choices as a result of the economic policies in my constituency. The flatlining economic and financial situation they inherited from economy has led to a 15-year high in unemployment in the previous Government. As my hon. Friend the Member Oldham with over 8,000 people out of work across the for Mid Norfolk (George Freeman) pointed out, this is borough and 12 people chasing every job. The number not a question of the squeezed middle: we are all facing of women out of work is the highest since 1995, and difficult times as a result of the difficult financial situation youth unemployment is well above the regional and to which the Government have to face up—and they are national averages. 675 Living Standards5 MARCH 2012 Living Standards 676

[Debbie Abrahams] the number of occasions on which he seemed to be agreeing with the Labour party. Unfortunately, we also Young people at Oldham sixth form college, which I heard some of the same old rhetoric from, predominantly, visited on Friday, are devastated about their future. The Tory Members. It is time that the Government took cut in education maintenance allowance is preventing responsibility for what is happening on their watch. many of them from taking college courses, and because We heard from Members what their constituents tell of the trebling of tuition fees, they do not know whether them. We heard, for instance, that it is not simply a case they can go on to university. Given the lack of available of being able to secure an extra few hours for those who jobs, things are looking dire for them. are on 16-hour contracts. We did not hear from Ministers where those extra hours were to come from, although Jonathan Edwards (Carmarthen East and Dinefwr) they were pressed on the issue. We heard the views of (PC): I congratulate the hon. Lady on her first year in charities such as the Child Poverty Action Group and Parliament. In my view, the unemployment figure is the organisations such as the Institute for Fiscal Studies, key statistic. Today the British Chambers of Commerce and those of trade unions, particularly the Union of announced that it was likely to reach 3 million by the Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers. We heard about end of the year. Will that not have a hugely detrimental the difficulties experienced by people who are already effect on living standards? on low incomes and are trying to make ends meet, while Debbie Abrahams: It will indeed. I thank the hon. fearing what will happen when their working tax credit Gentleman for his comments. is cut. It is not just our young people who are suffering as a It is sad that we heard that same tired, out-of-touch result of the Government’s economic mismanagement. rhetoric from many Government Members. It just shows Last month, Oldham’s first borough-wide food bank that they do not understand what it is like for families was set up to help struggling residents who are finding who are trying to make ends meet while facing problems themselves in desperate economic conditions—not just such as ever-rising prices. Some Government Members homeless people, but people in work. are shaking their heads. Let me deal with a few of the My constituents are being squeezed every which way, points made by the Exchequer Secretary in his opening experiencing increases in outgoings as a result of higher speech. He seemed to suggest that it was reasonable for energy costs and food prices while the incomes of most couples to work 24 hours rather than single parents people—unless they are bankers—remain the same. As working 16 hours, but, as I said earlier, he did not give we have heard, the Halifax and Royal Bank of Scotland us any indication of where those extra hours were to are raising their standard variable mortgage rates, which come from. In response to an intervention, it was suggested will mean increasing problems with repossessions. We that people could simply change jobs and that there are have already discussed the working tax credit changes always jobs out there. We Opposition Members are that will affect 650 families and 1,500 children in my concerned about unemployment, and we would like to constituency. know where those jobs are now, and where they are going to come from—and I suggest that Government These are ideologically driven cuts that reflect the Members should try explaining that to the millions of Government’s desire for a United States-style welfare people who are already out of work. system. Health care is not the only welfare pillar under threat. The Government’s skilful media machine hoped It was also suggested that the raising of the personal that using the language of the blitz—a time when allowance was going to make a big difference. I gently people were literally “all in it together”, accepting rationing say to those who made that point that people who are of food and fuel regardless of where they were on the working 24 hours or fewer on the minimum wage will social spectrum—would whip up nostalgia and reassure not benefit from that, and that this measure does not people that the protective safety net in which we all serve as an argument for cutting the working tax credits invest through our taxes and national insurance, and to of people on low incomes. which we all have access if we need it, would keep them The Exchequer Secretary and others used the word safe. Well, it is not doing so. “fairness”; indeed, he suggested that it was at the heart of everything he did—and he said that with a straight 9.42 pm face, which I found astonishing given what the Government Cathy Jamieson (Kilmarnock and Loudoun) (Lab/Co- are doing. Far from everyone being in this together, op): Let me begin by thanking everyone who has taken people cannot understand why David Cameron and part in the debate. It is clear from the level of interest George Osborne have chosen to give the banks a tax cut that has been shown, the number of Members who have at the same time as their Budget measures are hitting spoken, and the number who were not able to do so that women harder than men and are pushing up child we were right to raise these issues in the House today. poverty. We heard passionate speeches on behalf of constituents We heard during the course of the debate that families from my hon. Friend the Member for Wansbeck (Ian with children are set to lose an average of £580 a year Lavery), the hon. Member for East Antrim (Sammy Wilson) from policies coming into effect this April alone. Some and my hon. Friend the Member for Hackney South Government Members may think that £580 is not much and Shoreditch (Meg Hillier). We also heard thoughtful money, as for them it may merely mean cutting back on contributions from my hon. Friends the Members for a few luxuries, but for ordinary families in ordinary Edinburgh East (Sheila Gilmore), for Chesterfield houses in ordinary streets in the cities, towns and villages (Toby Perkins), for Inverclyde (Mr McKenzie) and for Opposition Members represent, £580 may well make Oldham East and Saddleworth (Debbie Abrahams)—and, the difference between those families being able or not indeed, from the right hon. Member for Wokingham being able to pay their electricity or gas bill, or buy (Mr Redwood), although I began to be worried about shoes for their children, or ensure that they can go on 677 Living Standards5 MARCH 2012 Living Standards 678 the school trip. That sum may be what enables them to put this Government under pressure, although we have provide a decent standard of living—not luxuries, but done both those things; we did so because we want the the necessities of family life. Government to listen. We want them to stop what they Next month’s Budget must pass two tests: on jobs are doing, to re-examine the issues and to come back and growth, it must boost our economy and put in place with a fairer alternative. There now seems to be some the long-term reforms that we need; and on fairness, it dispute at the heart of the Government; I listened to must ensure that families on low and middle incomes do what was said in questions earlier today, when I heard not bear the heaviest burden. The Government have not the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions seem to explained how it can be fair that working families on blame the Treasury, and reports tonight suggest that the lowest incomes who are trying to do the right thing No. 10 and the Treasury are at odds over this. The are going to lose out. Government’s own internal brief is for them to sort out, but either way the problem is of their own making. I repeat our call for a plan for jobs and growth in the Perhaps they thought they would get away with it Budget, and I look the Economic Secretary in the eye —although, again, we are hearing reports tonight that and ask her whether she will press the Chancellor to perhaps the Chancellor never really intended to implement think again on the changes to tax credits and child these changes but the problems in the economy mean he benefit, which will cost families with children up to is now not able to back away from them. If the Government £4,000 per year. Will she urge him to abandon the do not listen today and they fail to act, they will be changes in eligibility for working tax credits that are set confirming that they are out of touch and that they to hammer hundreds of thousands of parents in part-time have no understanding of the realities of life for families. work by up to £74 per week and put them in a situation There are families up and down the country who simply where work will not pay? Will she say to both her will not forgive them. constituents and mine that the Government will pull back from the plan under which, from April, couples who have children and who are earning less than about 9.51 pm £17,700 will need to increase the number of hours they work from a minimum of 16 hours to 24 hours per The Economic Secretary to the Treasury (Miss Chloe week, or they will lose all their working tax credits? Will Smith): I thank hon. Members for their contributions she say how she will create the fairness that her colleague, to what has, on the whole, been an insightful debate. We the Exchequer Secretary, talked about? If she believes have heard from the hon. Member for Bristol West people should be better off in work, how can she (Stephen Williams), my right hon. Friend the Member support a change that will penalise about 275 families in for Wokingham (Mr Redwood), my hon. Friends the her constituency who are working and trying to do the Members for Witham (Priti Patel), for Mid Norfolk right thing, but who cannot increase their working hours (George Freeman) and for Halesowen and Rowley Regis at a time when the economy is flatlining and unemployment (James Morris), the hon. Member for East Antrim is rising? Does she agree that this unfair and damaging (Sammy Wilson) and, indeed, my fellow by-election change could, and should, be cancelled? We want a winners, the hon. Members for Oldham East and straight answer to that question from her. Saddleworth (Debbie Abrahams) and for Inverclyde (Mr McKenzie), whom I very much welcome to this House. I also press the Economic Secretary again on whether she has asked David Cameron and George Osborne to I note that today’s motion is deficient, in that it gives review urgently— the wrong date for the Budget—I wonder whether that reflects the Opposition’s grasp of detail when they want Mr Speaker: Order. May I gently say to the hon. to spend and borrow an extra £12 billion. It is no surprise Lady that she should refer to Members of the House that they do not wish to talk about how to bring the not by name, but by their title? deficit “down”, as mentioned in the third line of their motion. They also said nothing about lone parents. Do Cathy Jamieson: I apologise, Mr Speaker. I am afraid they not care about the single mums and dads? No, I got carried away in the heat of the moment. I should there was not a word for them and the fairness of their have asked whether the Economic Secretary will press already having to work 16 hours a week. the Prime Minister and the Chancellor to review urgently As the House is well aware, we all face tough economic their planned changes to child benefit, which are unfair, conditions as we recover from the disastrous economic unworkable and ill thought through. legacy left to us by the previous Government. As we have heard time and again in this debate, it cannot be right that a two-earner family each earning Karl Turner (Kingston upon Hull East) (Lab): Will £42,000—a total of £84,000—would keep all their child the Minister give way? benefit, but a single-earner family on £43,000 would lose it all at a stroke. When the Exchequer Secretary Miss Smith: No, I shall not, because we have had was asked to explain that, he seemed to indicate that it plenty of time to hear from Labour Members. I must was a bit of a challenge, but he did not say how he was press on. We all know that, in these tough times, families going to solve it and how he would remove that burden across the UK are tightening their belts, managing pay from the poorest. The Government should put the freezes or worse, and coping with ongoing economic implementation of their child benefit cuts on hold and uncertainty. Many families are confronting falling living conduct an urgent review that will report before their standards because of the dire economic situation we changes come into effect next January. inherited. The Opposition want to keep on spending Labour Members did not come into this debate only and keep piling on the debt, but we refuse to burden our to score political points in this Chamber, notwithstanding children and mortgage the country’s future with their what some Government Members have said, or only to profligacy. 679 Living Standards5 MARCH 2012 Living Standards 680

[Miss Chloe Smith] quarter to January, there were 11,000 vacancies across the economy, meaning that 1 million people moved into Tackling the deficit is the vital precondition for a work. That paves the way for the principles of universal sustainable recovery, underpinning private sector confidence credit because work must pay. to support growth and job creation. It is right and fair At the same time, we are right to reform child benefit that we tackle the deficit now, as a foundation for to target it towards those families who need it the most, prosperity. It is because of our decisiveness that we have rather than millionaires. I fully understand that it is a secured record low gilt yields, which feeds through to vital income boost, but it comes at a substantial cost to record low and stable interest rates that make a real the Exchequer, including more than £2 billion a year in difference to families paying their mortgages and to payments to higher rate taxpayers. It is right that we refinancing business loans right across the country. should refocus resources where we need them most, and If we are going to discuss a squeeze on living standards, that means taking the tough decision to withdraw child let us talk about what a rise in market interest rates benefit from families with a higher rate taxpayer, because would mean for families across the UK. It would force it is simply not fair that working parents on low incomes taxpayers to find an extra £21 billion in debt interest should subsidise child benefit for millionaires. payments; it would increase the cost of business loans None of these points ignores the fact that across the by £7 billion; and it would add £10 billion to mortgage board, we know that this will be a tough year for bills every year, or an extra £1,000 for the average households. That is why we have gone even further to family—and that with just a 1% rise. Let me remind the support families and businesses across the country, House that when we took office, our rates were tracking limiting the increases to Transport for London and those of the likes of Spain and Italy, but now they are regulated rail fares and funding South West Water to close to those of Germany. That is because of the tough enable it to cut bills by £50 a year for households that decisions we have taken. face the highest water bills in the country. We are helping pensioners, setting aside an extra £675 million Karl Turner: Will the Minister give way? for local authorities in England that freeze or reduce their council tax, deferring the fuel duty increase that Miss Smith: No, I shall not, as I have already said. was due to take effect on 1 January to August this year According to the shadow Chancellor, who, as ever, and cancelling the further increase for August. As a cannot be quiet, low interest rates are a sign of trouble. result, tax on petrol will be a full 10p lower than it He would rather have higher interest rates, a bigger would have been under the shadow Chancellor’s plans, squeeze on families and an even bigger fall in living meaning families with the average family car will save standards. £144. The simple truth is that the Opposition have no As we fix the failures of the past and repair our credible response to the economic challenges that this economy, we are committed to supporting families across country faces, which is why we must never return the the country. It is a tough challenge to ensure and secure keys to those who crashed the car. It is we who have the our economic stability and to lay the foundations for answers to tackling the deficit and securing our prosperity. sustainable growth, but in our determination to do so I know that for many families, however, these are tough and to restore the economic prosperity of this country, times. That is why we have taken substantial steps to we will put fairness at the heart of our recovery. We are protect living standards and to ensure we support our protecting living standards for the poorest and most poorest and most vulnerable families. That is why we vulnerable families by lifting millions out of tax, taking secured the largest ever cash rise in the basic pension steps to reduce the cost of living and refocusing welfare and why we uprated working age benefits by 5.2%, on those who need it most. Yes, that means that those protecting the real incomes of the poorest. We are on the highest income will bear the heaviest burden as taking the same approach as we reform our welfare we pull together to tackle the deficit, but it is right that system, targeting support where it is needed most. those who can contribute the most should do so. A fair Tackling the deficit in a fair way means that we have and sustainable recovery demands leadership, and that to ensure that tax credits are targeted at our poorest and is what this Government are providing. most vulnerable families, unlike the path taken by the Question put. previous Government, who spent more than £150 billion The House divided: Ayes 220, Noes 284. on tax credits and let nine out of 10 families be eligible for them. That is a staggering, untargeted and unsustainable Division No. 483] [9.59 pm level of spending and it is right and fair that we should reform it. AYES Let me turn to the working tax credit. It is not fair Abbott, Ms Diane Beckett, rh Margaret Abrahams, Debbie Bell, Sir Stuart that a couple with children can claim the credit if one Ainsworth, rh Mr Bob Benn, rh Hilary partner works 16 hours, whereas a lone parent has to Alexander, Heidi Berger, Luciana pull in the same time on their own. Increasing the Ali, Rushanara Betts, Mr Clive working hour requirements for a couple is entirely fair. Allen, Mr Graham Blackman-Woods, Roberta It is right that they should put in more hours than a Anderson, Mr David Blears, rh Hazel lone parent before receiving the working tax credit. Ashworth, Jonathan Blenkinsop, Tom That also creates a clear work incentive signal, which Austin, Ian Blunkett, rh Mr David many Members have sought in this debate, to potential Bain, Mr William Bradshaw, rh Mr Ben second earners who could benefit from tax credits if Balls, rh Ed Brown, Lyn they moved into work or increased their hours—and Barron, rh Mr Kevin Brown, rh Mr Nicholas hours are available. Let me answer this one. In the Bayley, Hugh Brown, Mr Russell 681 Living Standards5 MARCH 2012 Living Standards 682

Bryant, Chris Healey, rh John Reed, Mr Jamie Tami, Mark Buck, Ms Karen Hendrick, Mark Reeves, Rachel Thomas, Mr Gareth Burden, Richard Hepburn, Mr Stephen Reynolds, Emma Thornberry, Emily Byrne, rh Mr Liam Heyes, David Reynolds, Jonathan Timms, rh Stephen Campbell, Mr Alan Hillier, Meg Riordan, Mrs Linda Trickett, Jon Campbell, Mr Ronnie Hilling, Julie Robertson, Angus Turner, Karl Caton, Martin Hodgson, Mrs Sharon Robinson, Mr Geoffrey Twigg, Derek Chapman, Mrs Jenny Hoey, Kate Rotheram, Steve Twigg, Stephen Clark, Katy Hood, Mr Jim Roy, Mr Frank Umunna, Mr Chuka Clarke, rh Mr Tom Hopkins, Kelvin Roy, Lindsay Vaz, Valerie Clwyd, rh Ann Hosie, Stewart Ruddock, rh Dame Joan Walley, Joan Coaker, Vernon Howarth, rh Mr George Sarwar, Anas Watts, Mr Dave Coffey, Ann Hunt, Tristram Seabeck, Alison Weir, Mr Mike Cooper, Rosie Irranca-Davies, Huw Sharma, Mr Virendra Whiteford, Dr Eilidh Cooper, rh Yvette Jackson, Glenda Sheerman, Mr Barry Whitehead, Dr Alan Corbyn, Jeremy Jamieson, Cathy Sheridan, Jim Williamson, Chris Crausby, Mr David Jarvis, Dan Shuker, Gavin Wilson, Sammy Creagh, Mary Johnson, rh Alan Simpson, David Winnick, Mr David Creasy, Stella Johnson, Diana Skinner, Mr Dennis Winterton, rh Ms Rosie Cruddas, Jon Jones, Graham Slaughter, Mr Andy Wishart, Pete Cryer, John Jones, Helen Smith, rh Mr Andrew Woodcock, John Cunningham, Alex Jones, Mr Kevan Smith, Nick Woodward, rh Mr Shaun Cunningham, Mr Jim Jones, Susan Elan Smith, Owen Wright, David Cunningham, Tony Jowell, rh Tessa Spellar, rh Mr John Wright, Mr Iain Curran, Margaret Kaufman, rh Sir Gerald Straw, rh Mr Jack Tellers for the Ayes: Dakin, Nic Keeley, Barbara Stuart, Ms Gisela Phil Wilson and Danczuk, Simon Kendall, Liz Sutcliffe, Mr Gerry Chris Ruane David, Mr Wayne Khan, rh Sadiq Davidson, Mr Ian Lavery, Ian Davies, Geraint Lazarowicz, Mark NOES De Piero, Gloria Leslie, Chris Adams, Nigel Campbell, rh Sir Menzies Denham, rh Mr John Lewis, Mr Ivan Afriyie, Adam Carmichael, rh Mr Alistair Dobbin, Jim Lloyd, Tony Aldous, Peter Carmichael, Neil Dobson, rh Frank Love, Mr Andrew Amess, Mr David Carswell, Mr Douglas Doran, Mr Frank Lucas, Ian Andrew, Stuart Chishti, Rehman Dowd, Jim MacShane, rh Mr Denis Bacon, Mr Richard Chope, Mr Christopher Doyle, Gemma Mactaggart, Fiona Baker, Norman Clappison, Mr James Dromey, Jack Mahmood, Shabana Baker, Steve Clark, rh Greg Dugher, Michael Malhotra, Seema Baldry, Tony Clifton-Brown, Geoffrey Durkan, Mark Marsden, Mr Gordon Baldwin, Harriett Coffey, Dr Thérèse Eagle, Ms Angela McCann, Mr Michael Barclay, Stephen Collins, Damian Eagle, Maria McCarthy, Kerry Baron, Mr John Colvile, Oliver Edwards, Jonathan McClymont, Gregg Barwell, Gavin Cox, Mr Geoffrey Ellman, Mrs Louise McCrea, Dr William Bebb, Guto Crabb, Stephen Engel, Natascha McDonagh, Siobhain Beith, rh Sir Alan Crockart, Mike Esterson, Bill McDonnell, John Benyon, Richard Crouch, Tracey Evans, Chris McFadden, rh Mr Pat Beresford, Sir Paul Davey, Mr Edward Farrelly, Paul McGovern, Jim Berry, Jake Davies, Glyn Field, rh Mr Frank McGuire, rh Mrs Anne Bingham, Andrew Davies, Philip Fitzpatrick, Jim McKenzie, Mr Iain Blackman, Bob de Bois, Nick Flello, Robert Meacher, rh Mr Michael Boles, Nick Dinenage, Caroline Flint, rh Caroline Meale, Sir Alan Bone, Mr Peter Djanogly, Mr Jonathan Flynn, Paul Miliband, rh Edward Bradley, Karen Dorrell, rh Mr Stephen Fovargue, Yvonne Mitchell, Austin Brake, rh Tom Drax, Richard Francis, Dr Hywel Morden, Jessica Bray, Angie Duddridge, James Gapes, Mike Morrice, Graeme (Livingston) Brazier, Mr Julian Duncan, rh Mr Alan Gilmore, Sheila Morris, Grahame M. Bridgen, Andrew Duncan Smith, rh Mr Iain Glindon, Mrs Mary (Easington) Brine, Steve Dunne, Mr Philip Godsiff, Mr Roger Mudie, Mr George Brokenshire, James Ellis, Michael Goggins, rh Paul Munn, Meg Brooke, Annette Elphicke, Charlie Goodman, Helen Murphy, rh Mr Jim Browne, Mr Jeremy Eustice, George Greatrex, Tom Murphy, rh Paul Bruce, Fiona Evans, Graham Green, Kate Murray, Ian Bruce, rh Malcolm Evans, Jonathan Greenwood, Lilian Nandy, Lisa Buckland, Mr Robert Evennett, Mr David Griffith, Nia O’Donnell, Fiona Burley, Mr Aidan Fabricant, Michael Gwynne, Andrew Onwurah, Chi Burns, Conor Fallon, Michael Hain, rh Mr Peter Owen, Albert Burns, rh Mr Simon Farron, Tim Hamilton, Mr David Pearce, Teresa Burrowes, Mr David Featherstone, Lynne Hamilton, Fabian Perkins, Toby Burstow, Paul Field, Mark Hanson, rh Mr David Pound, Stephen Burt, Lorely Foster, rh Mr Don Harman, rh Ms Harriet Qureshi, Yasmin Byles, Dan Fox,rhDrLiam Harris, Mr Tom Raynsford, rh Mr Nick Cairns, Alun Francois, rh Mr Mark 683 Living Standards 5 MARCH 2012 684

Freeman, George Laws, rh Mr David Rogerson, Dan Teather, Sarah Freer, Mike Leadsom, Andrea Rosindell, Andrew Thurso, John Fuller, Richard Lee, Jessica Rudd, Amber Timpson, Mr Edward Garnier, Mr Edward Lee, Dr Phillip Ruffley, Mr David Tomlinson, Justin Garnier, Mark Leech, Mr John Russell, Sir Bob Truss, Elizabeth Gauke, Mr David Lefroy, Jeremy Rutley, David Turner, Mr Andrew George, Andrew Leslie, Charlotte Sanders, Mr Adrian Tyrie, Mr Andrew Gibb, Mr Nick Letwin, rh Mr Oliver Sandys, Laura Uppal, Paul Gilbert, Stephen Lewis, Brandon Scott, Mr Lee Vara, Mr Shailesh Goldsmith, Zac Lewis, Dr Julian Shapps, rh Grant Vickers, Martin Goodwill, Mr Robert Lidington, rh Mr David Sharma, Alok Villiers, rh Mrs Theresa Graham, Richard Lilley, rh Mr Peter Shelbrooke, Alec Walker, Mr Charles Grant, Mrs Helen Lloyd, Stephen Shepherd, Mr Richard Walker, Mr Robin Gray, Mr James Lopresti, Jack Simmonds, Mark Wallace, Mr Ben Grayling, rh Chris Lord, Jonathan Simpson, Mr Keith Weatherley, Mike Green, Damian Loughton, Tim Smith, Miss Chloe Webb, Steve Greening, rh Justine Luff, Peter Smith, Julian Wheeler, Heather Griffiths, Andrew Lumley, Karen Smith, Sir Robert White, Chris Gummer, Ben Main, Mrs Anne Soames, rh Nicholas Whittingdale, Mr John Gyimah, Mr Sam Maynard, Paul Soubry, Anna Wiggin, Bill Hague, rh Mr William McCartney, Jason Spencer, Mr Mark Williams, Stephen Halfon, Robert McIntosh, Miss Anne Stephenson, Andrew Williamson, Gavin Hames, Duncan McLoughlin, rh Mr Patrick Stevenson, John Willott, Jenny Hammond, rh Mr Philip McPartland, Stephen Stewart, Iain Wilson, Mr Rob Hammond, Stephen McVey, Esther Stewart, Rory Wollaston, Dr Sarah Hancock, Mr Mike Mensch, Louise Streeter, Mr Gary Wright, Jeremy Harper, Mr Mark Menzies, Mark Stride, Mel Wright, Simon Harrington, Richard Mercer, Patrick Stunell, Andrew Yeo, Mr Tim Harris, Rebecca Metcalfe, Stephen Sturdy, Julian Young, rh Sir George Hart, Simon Miller, Maria Swales, Ian Zahawi, Nadhim Harvey, Nick Mills, Nigel Swayne, rh Mr Desmond Haselhurst, rh Sir Alan Mitchell, rh Mr Andrew Swinson, Jo Tellers for the Noes: Heald, Oliver Moore, rh Michael Swire, rh Mr Hugo Greg Hands and Heath, Mr David Morgan, Nicky Tapsell, rh Sir Peter Mark Hunter Heaton-Harris, Chris Morris, David Hemming, John Morris, James Question accordingly negatived. Henderson, Gordon Mowat, David Hendry, Charles Mulholland, Greg Herbert, rh Nick Mundell, rh David Business without Debate Hoban, Mr Mark Munt, Tessa Hollingbery, George Neill, Robert Hollobone, Mr Philip Newmark, Mr Brooks WATER INDUSTRY (FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE) Holloway, Mr Adam Nuttall, Mr David BILL (ALLOCATION OF TIME) Hopkins, Kris O’Brien, Mr Stephen Ordered, Horwood, Martin Offord, Mr Matthew That, at the sitting on Tuesday 6 March, proceedings on the Howarth, Mr Gerald Opperman, Guy adjourned debate on Second Reading of the Water Industry Howell, John Ottaway, Richard (Financial Assistance) Bill shall (so far as not previously concluded) Hughes, rh Simon Paice, rh Mr James be brought to a conclusion two hours after their commencement Huhne, rh Chris Parish, Neil at that day’s sitting.—(Jeremy Wright.) Hunt, rh Mr Jeremy Patel, Priti Jackson, Mr Stewart Pawsey, Mark James, Margot Penning, Mike BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE (7 MARCH) Javid, Sajid Percy, Andrew Ordered, Jenkin, Mr Bernard Perry, Claire That, at the sitting on Wednesday 7 March, paragraph (2) of Johnson, Gareth Phillips, Stephen Standing Order No. 31 (Questions on amendments) shall apply to Johnson, Joseph Pickles, rh Mr Eric the Motion in the name of Mr Nigel Dodds as if the day were an Jones, Andrew Pincher, Christopher Opposition Day; proceedings on the Motion may continue, though Jones, Mr David Poulter, Dr Daniel opposed, for three hours and shall then lapse if not previously Jones, Mr Marcus Prisk, Mr Mark disposed of; and Standing Order No. 41A (Deferred divisions) Kawczynski, Daniel Pritchard, Mark shall not apply.—(Jeremy Wright.) Kelly, Chris Pugh, John Kennedy, rh Mr Charles Raab, Mr Dominic Kirby, Simon Randall, rh Mr John SITTINGS OF THE HOUSE (20 MARCH) Knight, rh Mr Greg Redwood, rh Mr John Ordered, Kwarteng, Kwasi Rees-Mogg, Jacob That on Tuesday 20 March the House shall meet at a quarter Lamb, Norman Rifkind, rh Sir Malcolm to Ten o’clock and no committees shall meet earlier than half Lancaster, Mark Robathan, rh Mr Andrew past Three o’clock.—(Jeremy Wright.) Latham, Pauline Robertson, Mr Laurence 685 5 MARCH 2012 Livingston New Town 686

Livingston New Town Craigshill’s covered shopping centre, known as The Mall, was developed, and the new town’s first primary Motion made, and Question proposed, That this House and secondary schools, Riverside primary and Craigshill do now adjourn.—(Jeremy Wright.) high, were also built in Craigshill. Several more new developments followed in quick succession, with Howden, 10.14 pm Ladywell, Knightsridge, Dedridge, Eliburn, Deans, Graeme Morrice (Livingston) (Lab): I am absolutely Carmondean, Bankton and Murieston all becoming delighted to have secured this debate just a few weeks well known Livingston new town communities. before Livingston’s official golden anniversary on 16 April. A key element of the LDC’s town planning and You,Mr Speaker, may recall that my previous Adjournment construction involved the new development being based debate in the Chamber, on youth unemployment in my around those neighbourhoods, each with its own schools, constituency, took place at 2 o’clock in the morning, so shops, health services and other amenities. Indeed, one I am pleased that at least this evening we can expect to of the significant, if not unique, characteristics of Livingston go to bed on the same day as we got up. is its extensive segregated path network, its greenways, I am delighted also that the Minister replying to my open spaces and tree belts, which are always well maintained address is the Under-Secretary of State for Scotland, and provide a rural feel to urban living. This careful the right hon. Member for Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale planning, providing communities with the resources and Tweeddale (David Mundell), who I am sure will they needed to flourish from the outset, has been critical respond in sympathetic terms, as I do not intend to be to Livingston’s successful growth over the years. in any way partisan during my speech. An early means of support for the new rapidly growing It is a great honour and privilege to represent the communities of Livingston were the various churches Livingston constituency, and, although I always remind that were built to accommodate the spiritual needs of people that the constituency consists of many more the population. Uniquely in Scotland, Livingston was, communities than just Livingston new town, I must say from the start, designated an ecumenical parish in a there is no doubt that Livingston, which is also where joint initiative by the Church of Scotland, the Scottish I live, is very much at its centre. Episcopal Church, the Methodist Church in Great Britain I want to use this evening’s debate to say a little about and the Congregational Union of Scotland. The ecumenical the history of the town and some of the major developments parish has six places of worship. Of course, there are and milestones in its first 50 years, but I want mostly to also churches of other denominations, notably the Catholic pay tribute to some of the many individuals and groups Church, the Baptist Church and the Free Church. More that have contributed to Livingston’s remarkable success recently, Livingston mosque was established to serve story. the community’s growing Muslim population. Livingston is West Lothian’s largest town and, in the As the population grew, an ambition for further main, has become the political, industrial, social, educational education opportunities to be provided closer to home and cultural hub of the whole county. Livingston is also arose, and in July 2001 the new state-of-the-art West the second-largest urban area in the Lothians, after Lothian college was opened—the first new purpose-built Edinburgh, with a population of 55,000, making it the college in Scotland for 25 years. West Lothian college, seventh largest town or city in Scotland. Yet only 50 years under the current leadership of its principal Mhairi ago it consisted of just three tiny villages: Livingston Laughlin, has an excellent academic reputation and Village, Livingston Station and Bellsquarry. provides thousands of residents with the opportunity to study locally rather than having to travel to Edinburgh The transformation began when Livingston, on the or Glasgow. The college’s story sums up the speed of banks of the River Almond, with its beautiful scenery progress that was made in developing the town and just including the Pentlands hills to the south and the Bathgate how quickly things have changed over these five decades. hills to the north, was identified as the fourth of Scotland’s Over recent years, Livingston has become synonymous five new towns, under the post-war Labour Government’s with shopping, with its vast retail centre at Almondvale. New Towns Act 1946, in large part to help ease Consisting of 1 million square feet of retail space and overcrowding in Glasgow. attracting 13 million shoppers each year, it is the largest Livingston was officially designated a new town on regional retail centre in Scotland. 17 April 1962, and work began immediately to build the Turning to sport and culture, Livingston boasts the new community. The driving force behind the town’s Lothians’ only senior football club outside the capital, development was the Livingston Development Corporation, following the establishment in 1995 of Livingston FC more commonly known as the LDC, which was responsible out of the old Meadowbank Thistle team. Within just for all aspects of planning and regulating the town’s seven years of moving to the purpose-built Almondvale growth. The LDC guided Livingston until the corporation’s stadium, the club had achieved third place in the Scottish mandate expired on 22 March 1997 and the town’s premier league and qualified for the UEFA Cup. Livi, functions and assets transferred to the new unitary as the team is referred to by its fans, also won the 2004 West Lothian council. League Cup, beating Hibernian at Hampden Park. The LDC’s plan to expand the town dictated that it People in Livingston have also shown commitment to should grow in an orderly fashion from east to west, so, many other sports, with Livingston rugby club, based at while the first new town residents were housed in the Almond park, being one of the first clubs established in existing village of Livingston Station, the initial major the new town; Livingston cricket club, located at Murieston; housing development was built on the sloping hillside and a plethora of other clubs accommodating almost of Craigshill. every sport in existence. The first residents of the new scheme in Craigshill, Livingston’s cultural heart is Howden Park Centre, Mr and Mrs James Gilchrist and their son Robert, which hosts a range of performances and exhibitions. moved in on schedule in April 1966 to 39 Broom Walk. Reopened following extensive refurbishment in July 2009, 687 Livingston New Town5 MARCH 2012 Livingston New Town 688

[Graeme Morrice] part in the town’s history. When the town was founded in 1962, it was split between the two parliamentary the venue won the prestigious Edinburgh Architectural constituencies of West Lothian in the north, which was Association “Building of the Year” award in 2010. The represented by my good friend Tam Dalyell, and Midlothian town also has a thriving network of cultural groups and in the south, which was represented by the late Alex organisations, including, to name but a few, Livingston Eadie. Tam and Alex played a vital role in Livingston’s Art Association, the Livingston Fiddlers, and the New early development, working closely with the LDC and Town Entertainers. Many older residents will remember the local authorities, until 1983 when, following boundary the Livingston festival, which was initiated on the town’s changes, the new Livingston constituency was created, 10th anniversary in 1972 and by 1981 had become the encompassing the whole of the new town and the largest community festival in Scotland. This has since surrounding areas. been replaced by local communities in the town having It was then that Robin Cook became the MP. He their own gala days. remained the local representative until his untimely Livingston has been fortunate in having a wide array death 22 years later in August 2005. The story of Robin of voluntary and charitable groups that give vital Cook is well known to the House and I have paid community input and that, again, are unfortunately too tribute to him in the past. Robin was a strong advocate numerous to mention in the time available, although I and defender of Livingston. Perhaps his greatest put on record my appreciation for the work undertaken achievement locally was to persuade the Government to by the local neighbourhood networks in the town. provide a new district general hospital in the town. In At the same time as the housing went up, new 1989, St John’s hospital was opened. communities moved in and social institutions grew, With the advent of the Scottish Parliament in 1999, industry and businesses started locating in Livingston Livingston’s first MSP was Bristow Muldoon, who held in substantial numbers, bringing jobs and economic the seat until 2007. I believe that the Minister knows security to the area. The LDC prioritised attracting big Bristow very well indeed. employers to the town, running a simple but effective advertising slogan, “Make it in Livingston”, and Moving on to others who deserve to be recognised for emphasising the excellent transport links, highly skilled their service, I pay tribute to the lifelong Livingston work force and good local services. Indeed, Livingston Station resident, Willie Pender. After a lifetime of public benefits significantly from its location between Edinburgh service in West Lothian, Willie sadly passed away recently. and Glasgow, with its east-west motorway and rail He played a significant part in Livingston’s development links, and its proximity to Edinburgh airport and the as a member of the LDC, a long-standing Labour Forth bridges. councillor, a member of the Lothian health board and a justice of the peace. He was also a war hero, having Large investments have been made in the area by served in the Navy during world war two as part of the local and national government, and by companies from Arctic convoys and in the defence of Malta. No one is the UK and overseas. The technology industry was one better placed to pay tribute to Willie than his close of the largest growth areas and Livingston quickly friend Tam Dalyell, who described Willie as became the capital of Scotland’s silicon glen. The LDC developed Kirkton campus, a technology park, at a “having made a massive contribution in the 1960s to the 1980s to the important decisions of West Lothian Council, affecting education time when many advanced technology companies from and every other aspect of local government”. the US and Japan were seeking an appropriate location for their European operations. Over the years, Mitsubishi Willie was truly one of the great figures in the 50-year Electric, Cameron Iron, which is now Wyman-Gordon, history of the town and will be missed greatly by his BSkyB, Gore-Tex, Schuh, NEC and Motorola, to name family and friends. but a few, have chosen to locate in Livingston. Some Another man who has made a lasting contribution to of those major employers have unfortunately been lost the development of Livingston is Sandy Pirie. He was over the years, particularly after the decline of the the head teacher of the town’s first secondary school, silicon glen in the early and mid-1990s, but Livingston Craigshill high school. He was largely responsible for remains a popular business destination. establishing the school as the hub of the community, What of Livingston’s most valuable resource, its people? making it effectively a community school long before A key characteristic of the new town’s population is the the concept and title were conceived formally. In addition diversity of the backgrounds and experience that people to his pioneering educational contribution, Sandy played have brought to Livingston. Although many of those a prominent role in the promotion of the ecumenical, who first moved to Livingston came from overcrowded cultural and charitable life of the new town. I was communities in Glasgow, over the years others have fortunate enough to serve with him on the West Lothian been attracted from the more traditional West Lothian council education services committee from 1996 to 1999, communities, other parts of the Lothians and even when I was council leader and he was a co-opted much further afield, with people seeking a new start in a religious representative. We also served together on the new town. More recently, that has included immigrants West Lothian Educational Trust. from the Indian subcontinent and eastern Europe. Their I want to mention a few other significant individuals— integration has been another positive milestone in the fairly briefly, unfortunately, given that time is now against town’s development. me. Rev. Dr James Maitland, a Church of Scotland Although time does not allow me to mention the minister, was a strong proponent of bringing the churches many individuals who have contributed to the success closer together and a leading light in the Livingston of Livingston over the last 50 years, I will highlight a justice and peace group. He died in 1996, and the few notable names, including my predecessors in the Maitland nursery at Williamston primary school in the constituency, all of whom have played an important town is named after him. 689 Livingston New Town5 MARCH 2012 Livingston New Town 690

Raymond Birrell, also sadly now deceased, was an Scotland’s five new towns—East Kilbride, Glenrothes, engineer with the LDC but also a prominent community Cumbernauld, Livingston and Irvine—have added much activist, who in particular gave of his time to encourage to the fabric of our country.Their development corporations young people to pursue an interest in music. Birrell may have come and gone, with their functions transferred gardens in Murieston is named in his memory. John to local authorities, but the towns themselves have put Hoey, my good friend, was the driving force behind the down enduring roots. They have proved to be pacesetters development of the Craigsfarm community complex, in Scotland’s economic transformation in recent decades, the first free-standing community facility in the new and that has most certainly been the story of Livingston. town, and also served as a local government councillor The hon. Gentleman has enabled us to celebrate for the area for several years. Livingston at 50. Like many of us, Scotland’s fourth Wilma Shearer and Roley Walton created Dedridge new town has moved into middle age. However, it has a environment ecology project in 2007, to improve the lot to celebrate and even more to look forward to. It has Dedridge burn plantation and make it more accessible been an eventful half century, packed full of highs and for community members. They have done a remarkable a few lows, but freshly forged spirit and community amountof worktoimprovetheareaoverthepastfiveyears. have combined to drive the town onwards and upwards. Manus McGuire raised his family in Livingston. He The result is that, in 2012, Livingston is firmly fixed started life as a social worker, switched to law, became a on the national and international map as a centre for partner in Thompson’s solicitors and subsequently became business, innovation, education, health care and sport. chairman of industrial tribunals for Scotland. David Livingston was also purposely planned, which brings Duncan was building manager for the LDC and oversaw me to a subject that the hon. Gentleman did not mention: much of the building of the infrastructure and housing roundabouts. Only after the winding up of the Livingston estates in the town. Jim Wyllie is the surviving member Development Corporation in 1997 did Livingston get of the town’s oldest industry, the mill on the River its first traffic lights. Roundabouts have become synonymous Almond. Jim Keegan was the first solicitor advocate with new towns both north and south of the border. under the scheme that set them up and was recently Residents of Livingston have referred to their town as appointed Queen’s counsel, and Jim Hamilton, now “Roundabout City”, but roundabouts in Livingston are deceased, was a head teacher at Bellsquarry primary a bit special. Landmark sculptures designed by David school and manager of the Scottish badminton team Wilson in the 1990s adorn the four major roundabouts. that participated at the Commonwealth games in Edinburgh Built from reclaimed dyking stone, NORgate, Compass, and New Zealand. The public square by Murieston medical Dyke Swarm and Chrysalis have been local landmarks practice is named after him. in their own right for more than a decade. Plans are well advanced locally to celebrate Livingston’s Over five decades, Livingston has moved and progressed golden anniversary. That will rightly involve the local on many fronts. It has grown into a community of more community and its schools and voluntary groups, and than 50,000 residents and enhanced its connectivity to I am pleased to have had the opportunity to share in the Scotland’s road and motorway network. Its proximity celebrations, albeit prematurely, with this Adjournment to Edinburgh airport is an added attraction for businesses debate tonight. seeking to locate or invest in the town. It is better Although the new town is only 50 years old, few connected with the two railway stations—Livingston could disagree that it has been a remarkably successful, South and Livingston North were established in the vibrant and productive 50 years. Looking to the future, 1980s, offering direct links into Edinburgh and Glasgow. I am quite sure that the strong community spirit, great endeavour and decency of Livingston’s people, coupled Sport has also brought success and attention to the with its beautiful and central location, guarantee it town. As the hon. Gentleman said, the 1990s witnessed many more years of success. I am sure that the next the arrival of Livingston FC and the building of 50 years will be just as fruitful as the first 50 have been. Almondvale stadium, home to a team that played in European competition and won the league cup in 2004. 10.32 pm Of course, darker days followed with the club going into liquidation, but happily for the hon. Gentleman, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Scotland Livingston FC is on the up again in the first division. (David Mundell): I congratulate the hon. Member for Livingston (Graeme Morrice) on securing the debate, Livingston has always been a leader in business. which marks a significant year in the history of the For half a century, Livingston has been at the cutting community of Livingston. He mentioned my constituency, edge of innovation and technology. High-tech and which is one of the largest in Scotland and borders his, pharmaceutical firms were in the vanguard of the wave as it does many others. He also mentioned Bristow of light industry attracted to Livingston from the 1960s. Muldoon, under whose convenorship of the Local Some of us remember the slogans—“Make it in Livingston” Government and Transport Committee I was happy to and “Build it in Livingston”—of the now-departed serve when I had the privilege of being a Member of the Livingston Development Corporation, to which the Scottish Parliament. hon. Gentleman referred. Those slogans have become a The hon. Gentleman will be aware that it was a reality down the years. Conservative Secretary of State for Scotland, John Maclay, In the 1990s, Livingston was an important hub in who backed the plans for the development of Livingston Scotland’s silicon glen. While some companies such as back in the early 1960s. Livingston was designated Motorola and NEC have come and gone, an abundance under the New Towns Act 1946 and the Local Government of new businesses have arrived in their place. As well as (Scotland) Act 1947 as one of the new towns to be built, multinational companies maintaining factories in the as the hon. Gentleman said, to relieve overcrowding in town, BSkyB’s main call centre is the largest private Glasgow and other areas. sector employer in West Lothian. 691 Livingston New Town5 MARCH 2012 Livingston New Town 692

[David Mundell] installations. Founded less than four years ago, it is now expanding and exporting overseas. It is a marvellous Livingston is equipped with a modern and diverse illustration of commercialisation from Scottish engineering economy. Retail and business services co-exist alongside excellence and inventiveness. Similarly, there is Touch modern manufacturing. Livingston attracts people from Bionics, a spin-out from the NHS and a world-class across central Scotland to shop, with an array of established leader in the design and manufacture of prosthetic names operating out of state-of-the-art shopping centres, limbs. That is why it is showcased in the UK Government which the hon. Gentleman described in detail. Livingston GREAT campaign to promote investment in the UK is also a centre for significant public sector employment. during this diamond jubilee and Olympic year. The civic centre, West Lothian college of further education I know that Livingston is planning to mark its golden and St John’s hospital illustrate the town’s importance anniversary with style. The hon. Gentleman’s debate for public administration, education and health care. will be a significant part of that celebration. As well as a We must today wrestle with the challenge of giving new logo designed by schoolchildren and new trees, a new life to a mature new town. Livingston faces the plenty of events, exhibitions and activities are planned same employment challenges that confront similar around the anniversary on 17 April. It is great to see communities throughout Scotland, the UK and the that this anniversary will be marked with specials events, western world, although as the hon. Gentleman will with arts, music and dance the centrepieces of the know, the jobseeker’s allowance claimant rate is below celebrations next month. As Livingston reaches its golden the national average. In a fiercely competitive global jubilee, it can reflect on a successful past. Officially, it marketplace, Livingston is blessed with real advantages has not been a new town for 15 years. It has matured as it seeks to secure new investment and jobs. into an established feature of the Scottish landscape. I The town’s location, transport links and highly skilled hope that it can look forward to a great future as a work force are beacons for business. Livingston is still at significant centre at the forefront of the Scottish and the cutting edge of Scotland’s future. It is equipped with UK economies. On behalf of the UK Government, a modern and diverse economy, including some of the I wish Livingston all the best for its second half century. most innovative businesses in Scotland. I would like to Question put and agreed to. highlight the superb example of Cyberhawk Innovations, a Livingston company that has developed unmanned helicopters that allow engineers to inspect the inner 10.41 pm workings of tall and inaccessible structures such as oil House adjourned. 45WS Written Ministerial Statements5 MARCH 2012 Written Ministerial Statements 46WS

needed to be stepped up. It reiterated the Council’s Written Ministerial previous call for the error rate to reduce year on year. While the majority of Ministers agreed to a text Statements recommending the discharge of the budget, the UK joined with Sweden and the Netherlands to vote against the recommendations. The UK voted against the discharge Monday 5 March 2012 because of the slippage on progress made in recent years. Along with the Netherlands and Sweden, the UK issued a joint statement calling for tougher action in future years. TREASURY Budget Guidelines for 2013 The presidency introduced the proposed budget ECOFIN 21 February 2012 guidelines for 2013. During the discussion, the UK and others intervened to make clear that, in the current economic circumstances, there was a clear case for a constrained budget in 2013, as in 2012. Some other The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Mr George Osborne): member states, while respecting the need for budget The Economic and Financial Affairs Council was held consolidation, argued that this should not compromise in Brussels on 21 February 2012. Ministers discussed EU programmes. The Commission also argued that a the following items: larger EU budget could contribute to growth. The Proposals from the Commission on Economic Governance presidency noted the debate and concluded that the Ministers agreed a general approach on the economic Council had adopted the presidency text for the 2013 governance “two pack”. The legislation will allow the budget guidelines. Commission increased oversight into the budgets of AOB eurozone member states and also sets up a surveillance procedure for eurozone members subject to a macro- The presidency debriefed the Council on the trialogue economic adjustment programme. The Government have process on the European Markets Infrastructure Regulation been clear that the proposals should maintain a role for (EMIR). They have reached an agreement with the the Council where appropriate and the Eurogroup has European Parliament and the regulation should now be agreed to inform the Council as a whole when a request adopted by June and published before the European for loan assistance has been made. The presidency will Parliament’s summer recess. The presidency also updated now commence the trialogue process with the European the Council on the review of deposit guarantee schemes. Parliament. They had not made progress with the European Parliament Presentation and First Exchange of Views on Macro- and the presidency will come back at a later date with economic Imbalances—Alert Mechanism Report suggestions on how to proceed. I intervened to congratulate the presidency and the Commission on reaching agreement The presidency introduced the Alert Mechanism Report on EMIR and made clear that it was important that as the first step in the new macro-economic imbalances progress on the Deposit Guarantee Schemes Directive procedure. The Commission clarified that the role of was made on the basis of the Council’s general approach. the report is to be a screening device to identify member states that might potentially be at risk of having, or The French and German Ministers then presented developing imbalances. This item will be discussed in their joint “Green Paper” on corporate tax convergence. greater depth at the March meeting of the Economic and Financial Affairs Council. Eurogroup debrief Contribution to the European Council Meeting on 1-2 March Ministers were debriefed over breakfast on the euro 2012: European Semester (including EuroPlus pact) group meeting of 20 February where euro area Ministers Ministers agreed the conclusions on the European had agreed a second programme of assistance and semester for the European Council. The presidency accompanying reforms for Greece. In the ensuing discussion observed that these conclusions will end the first phase there was recognition of the importance of supporting of the semester process and will provide important economic growth and the challenges that remain. I guidance to member states. The Government look forward welcomed the outcome, but noted that this needed to be to an in-depth discussion of structural reform and accompanied by a genuine and robust push for structural concrete commitments on growth at the European Council. reform. On the wider economic situation the Commission Preparation of G20 Meeting of Finance Ministers and previewed its interim growth forecasts (published on Governors (Mexico, 25-26 February 2012) 23 February). Growth in the EU in the first half of 2012 was forecast to be subdued, with a modest return to Ministers endorsed the EU terms of reference. The growth in the second half. Ministers agreed to discuss Commission spoke of the need to increase IMF resources, the forthcoming election of a new president of the and the importance of making a case for this at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development G20. at March ECOFIN. Council Recommendation for the Discharge in Respect of the Implementation of the Budget for 2010 European Investment Bank (EIB) The presidency introduced this agenda item by Ministers were alerted to possible future EIB proposals acknowledging that there was an increase in the error for supporting growth in line with the January European rate and that efforts to improve financial management Council statement. 47WS Written Ministerial Statements5 MARCH 2012 Written Ministerial Statements 48WS

COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT balance sheet. They can move forward with putting that money to its rightful use—to build up their businesses, retain jobs and benefit from international trade. Supporting England’s Ports In Wales, this is a matter for the Welsh Assembly Government. It is disappointing that they have not chosen to support Welsh firms, despite the allocation of The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for full consequential funding under the Barnett formula. Communities and Local Government (Robert Neill): The That decision puts firms in Welsh ports at a competitive coalition Government entered office with election pledges disadvantage to England. from both coalition parties to tackle the last Government’s The table below details how firms in each port in “ports tax”—unfair backdated rates bills incurred by England will financially benefit from this tax cut. some businesses, including many situated in ports. The Estimated Value of Waiver of Backdated Liability by Individual Port policy will also benefit businesses outside of ports, Estimated which meet the criteria. Backdated Until 2008, a number of businesses in each of the Liability after 55 statutory ports in England (approximately 700) and Number of Reliefs Port Businesses (£ Thousand) Wales, understood that they were not individually liable for businesses rates, as they believed that there was a combined bill that was paid by each port operator (their Barrow 1 3 landlords) on behalf of all the firms within it. Blyth 13 62 Following a review that was originally initiated in Boston 10 345 May 2006, the Valuation Office Agency decided that Bristol 7 1,156 each firm was now a “separate occupation” and must Dover 55 714 each pay an individual business rate bill. The agency Falmouth 5 314 retrospectively backdated the rating list, which led to Felixstowe 8 310 new tax bills for local firms to 2005, as required by Fleetwood 2 13 legislation. As a result, firms including many based Folkestone 4 82 within ports across the country were hit with unexpected, Garston 7 334 massive bills, compounding the effect of the economic Goole 59 3,710 recession at the time. Great Yarmouth 2 71 For many ratepayers, this was a totally unexpected Grimsby 17 2,431 tax change. In the case of companies operating in ports, Harwich Dock 2 5 the ports firms were contractually unable to renegotiate Harwich International 4 703 their contracts with the port operators to have a reduction Heysham 11 828 in rent to compensate. No impact assessment was made, Hull 62 9,543 no consultation was undertaken and no assessment was Humber Sea Terminal 3 4,793 ever made of the effect of these retrospective taxes on Immingham 44 8,724 the wider economy. Ipswich 10 942 The combined effect of these tax changes had the King’s Lynn 10 274 potential to harm the wider economy, as a range of Liverpool 92 11,521 companies are based in ports, such as the car industry, Lowestoft 7 112 reflecting the era of globalisation. Manchester Ship Canal 8 473 The last Government amended regulations to allow Plymouth Millbay 10 383 the retrospective business rate bills to be paid off over Poole 30 317 eight years in instalments. However, firms were still Portsmouth 10 247 required to pay the taxes, and under company law, they Ramsgate 12 113 had to declare these liabilities in their accounts, which Seaham 7 11 would have made some firms technically insolvent. Sharpness 5 149 The coalition Government announced in June 2010 Sheerness 59 6,608 that we would waive these backdated bills. Businesses Shoreham 4 86 told Ministers that the new taxes threatened jobs and Southampton 32 2,862 investment. Sunderland 18 111 This waiver required primary legislation, which was Teesport 21 1,051 introduced in the Localism Act 2011. Today I have laid Teignmouth 1 165 regulations that implement the cancellation of certain Thamesport 13 268 backdated business rates liabilities. Tilbury 40 5,964 This coalition Government have taken real action to Tilbury Container Services 3 44 deliver on pre-election promises, and this send a clear Tyne 19 541 signal of this Government’s determination to support Total 727 66,381 economic growth and Britain’s export trade. The regulations come into force on 31 March 2012 Source: local VOA office records on ports and from that day, affected businesses in ports and These figures are based upon VOA data as at 30 April across England, can at last claim back the relevant 2010. The number of properties and rates cancelled money they were required to pay and account for in the may reduce by: 49WS Written Ministerial Statements5 MARCH 2012 Written Ministerial Statements 50WS

Appeals that have been subsequently determined; Serbia/Kosovo The actual levels of relief granted are greater than the Ministers discussed the political dimension of Serbia’s general assumption; EU application ahead of the formal discussion at the Companies who have gone bust will not receive a refund; General Affairs Council (see below). The Foreign Secretary These figures are maximum limits because the data account welcomed the progress made in the Belgrade/Pristina for only one of the eligibility criteria (backdated liability of dialogue. He also expressed support for the European more than 33 months). Commission’s intention to launch a stabilisation and association agreement (SAA) feasibility study for Kosovo. FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE Belarus Ministers discussed a potential sanctions package to Foreign Affairs and General Affairs Council target those responsible for ongoing human rights violations (February 2012) as well as those who are supporting or benefiting from the Belarusian regime. Ministers agreed to put a package The Minister for Europe (Mr David Lidington): The of sanctions before the General Affairs Council for Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) and General Affairs agreement the following day (see below) and commissioned Council (GAC) were held in Brussels on 27 and 28 February a further list of targets to be considered at the FAC on respectively. My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary 23 March. attended the FAC. I attended the GAC. South Caucasus FOREIGN AFFAIRS COUNCIL The FAC was chaired by the High Representative of Ministers agreed wide-ranging conclusions (see link the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security above) covering the EU’s relationship with Armenia, Policy, Baroness Ashton of Upholland. A provisional Azerbaijan and Georgia. report of the meeting and all conclusions adopted can Middle East Peace Process be found at: Ministers exchanged views on the latest events in the http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/coms_data/docs/ middle east, in particular the “Doha Declaration” on pressdata/EN/foraff/128226.pdf. Palestinian reconciliation. Ministers agreed the EU should The agenda items covered were as follows: continue with its engagement. Syria Somalia Ministers agreed conclusions (see link above) which confirmed a Council decision on additions to the EU’s The UK Permanent Representative, Sir Jon Cunliffe, sanctions against the Assad regime including freezing briefed on the outcomes of the London conference on the assets of the Central Bank of Syria; a ban on Somalia. importing gold and precious metals; a ban on cargo Other business flights; and the listing of an additional seven Government Ministers. Conclusions were also agreed on Yemen, welcoming President Hadi’s inauguration and pledging EU support The conclusions also condemned the recent for transition; and on the Union for the Mediterranean, bombardment of Homs, including the killing of several transferring the European chairmanship from France journalists; humanitarian issues; support to the Friends to the EU. Baroness Ashton briefed on her recent visit of Syria; support to the opposition; support to the Arab to Brazil and Mexico, including for the G20 Foreign League and for work in the UN; and setting out the EU Ministers. offer to support a post-Assad transition. Following the meeting the Foreign Secretary said: GENERAL AFFAIRS COUNCIL “I welcome today’s EU agreement to freeze the assets of the Serbia Central Bank of’ Syria and restrict the Syrian regime’s access to the gold and precious metals market. Along with previous rounds The December European Council mandated the GAC of sanctions, these tough measures are tightening the economic to make a decision on Serbia’s candidate status. I expressed pressure on President Assad. The EU has also imposed sanctions support for granting candidate status given the progress on an additional seven individuals for their involvement in the Serbia had made in meeting the conditions to improve repression of civilians and suspended cargo flights operated by relations with Kosovo as set by the December European Syrian airlines. Council. These were to (i) implement agreements already “This 12th round of EU sanctions reinforces the clear message reached in the dialogue with Kosovo, including border from the meeting of Friends of the Syrian people on 24 February, management (ii) reach an agreement with Kosovo to which condemned the regime’s ongoing use of widespread and indiscriminate violence against peaceful protestors and agreed to allow their participation in regional forums, and (iii) to continue working closely lo resolve the situation in Syria. co-operate with the EU rule of law mission (EULEX) “That is why we are doing all we can to bring the widest and NATO peace-keeping force (KFOR) in Kosovo. possible weight to bear on the Syrian regime and increase the Ministers were agreed that Serbia had met these conditions stranglehold on it. and recommended candidate status. They looked forward “We will continue working closely with our EU partners to to this being confirmed at the March European Council. support the Arab League and its plan lo end the violence in Syria and bring about a Syrian-led transition to a peaceful and more Ministers also noted the European Commission’s open political system”. intention to launch a feasibility study for a stabilisation Egypt and association agreement (SAA) with Kosovo. On Egypt, Ministers had a brief discussion and agreed The conclusions on enlargement for the GAC can be conclusions (see link above) urging continued progress seen at the link below. on the transition to civilian rule, and registering concern http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_Data/docs/ about recent moves against non-Government organisations. pressdata/EN/genaff/128255.pdf. 51WS Written Ministerial Statements5 MARCH 2012 Written Ministerial Statements 52WS

March European Council I will continue to update Parliament on future Foreign The conclusions for the March European Council and General Affairs Councils. were discussed over lunch with Herman Van Rompuy, the president of the European Council. Herman Van Rompuy announced that a discussion of the candidates for the positions of president of the European Council HOME DEPARTMENT and president of the eurozone was planned for the margins of the March European Council. This discussion would be chaired by the Danish presidency as Mr Van Sexual Offences Act 2003 (Amendments) Rompuy himself was standing for re-election as president of the European Council and for election as president of the eurozone. Mr Van Rompuy also informed the The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Council that an issues paper would be issued on the Home Department (James Brokenshire): The Home Office “European Semester” which assessed the performance is today introducing tough new measures in the Sexual of member states under recommendations made in the Offences Act 2003 (Notification Requirements) (England 2011 annual growth survey. and Wales) Regulations 2012 which will extend and strengthen the system of notification requirements placed The UK specific recommendations focused on addressing on registered sex offenders (commonly referred to as the the fiscal deficit, housing benefit reform, encouraging sex offenders’ register). We have also brought forward financing—particularly for small and medium-sized the draft Sexual Offences Act 2003 (Remedial) Order enterprises and measures to tackle unemployment. The 2012, which will ensure that strict rules are put in place March European Council will also make new and a robust review is carried out on a case-by-case recommendations for 2012. basis before any sex offender placed on the register for I referred to the Letter on Growth of 20 February life can be removed. This will remove the legislative written by the Prime Minister and 11 other Heads of incompatibility identified by the Supreme Court in the State or Government and called for this letter to inform case of R (on the application of F and Angus Aubrey heavily, the conclusions of the March European Council. Thompson) v Secretary of State for the Home Department Restoring growth should be the EU’s top priority and [2010] UKSC 17. In this case, the Supreme Court made the measures discussed in the letter, such as agreeing to a declaration of incompatibility under section 4 of the free trade agreements and reducing the burden of Human Rights Act 1998 in relation to the notification regulations from the EU were essential to delivering this requirements for an indefinite period under section growth and ensuring Europe’s future competitiveness. 82(1) of the Sexual Offences Act 2003. The Government’s Ministers agreed that Serbia would also feature at the response [Cm 8293] to the Joint Committee on Human March European Council following the upward referral Rights’ (JCHR) report: Nineteenth Report of Session of this issue by the GAC. 2010—12 HC 1549 Proposal for the Sexual Offences Act 2003 (Remedial) Order 2011, published in October Belarus 2011, has today been laid before the House. Following on from the discussion at the FAC (see Protecting the public is a priority and to this end, the above), Ministers approved strengthened measures against Home Office continues to engage with public protection those responsible for the crackdown on civil society and agencies to ensure that the risk posed to the public by the opposition in Belarus, adding 21 names to the list of sexual offenders is managed effectively. New measures people targeted by a travel ban and asset-freeze. This will make it compulsory for all offenders subject to the decision caused Belarus to recall its ambassadors to notification requirements under the Sexual Offences Poland and the EU, and invite the Polish ambassador to Act 2003 to: notify the police of all foreign travel Belarus and the Head of the EU delegation to return to (including travel outside of the UK of less than three their capitals for consultations. At Baroness Ashton’s days); notify weekly where they are not registered as suggestion, all EU member states agreed to recall their regularly residing or staying at one place (i.e. where a ambassadors from Belarus for consultations. The Foreign registered sex offender has no sole or main residence Secretary issued the following statement on 29 February: and instead must notify the police of the place where he “I am deeply disappointed at the decision of the Belarusian can regularly be found); notify where they are living in a authorities to recall their ambassadors to the EU and Poland and household with a child under the age of 18; notify bank to seek the recall of the EU and Polish ambassadors to Minsk. account and credit card details and notify information This is their response to the imposition of further EU sanctions about their passports or other identity documents at on 28 February. each notification, tightening the rules so that sex offenders The UK, together with its EU partners, has consistently made can no longer seek to avoid being on the register when clear to Belarus that the EU would continue to impose further they change their name. A summary of the responses sanctions as long as political prisoners remained in place and the received to the Home Office consultation on these changes repression of civil society continued. I regret that there have been is available on the Home Office website and will be no positive developments in this respect and that, instead, the repression has continued unabated and further political prisoners placed in the House Library. have been detained. The Sexual Offences Act 2003 (Remedial) Order 2012 We remain committed to supporting the people of Belarus and will give offenders the ability to seek a review of their willing to re-engage fully with Belarus once the conditions are indefinite notification requirements only once they have right. completed a fixed period of time subject to those In the light of this most recent development, the UK has requirements (typically 15 years from the time of first decided, in solidarity with all other EU member states, to recall notification following release from custody for adults, for consultations its ambassador to Minsk and to summon the and eight years for juveniles). The review will be carried Belarusian ambassador to the UK to the Foreign Office”. out by the police and will take into account a range of 53WS Written Ministerial Statements5 MARCH 2012 Written Ministerial Statements 54WS factors, including any information provided from agencies The pilot follows the consultation I published in which operate within the multi-agency public protection October 2011 where I sought views on whether the arrangements framework. This will ensure that there protection available to victims of domestic violence is an individual assessment of risk before any offender could be enhanced by establishing a national disclosure is considered for removal from the notification requirements. scheme with recognised and consistent processes for the A route of appeal to a magistrates court has also been police to disclose information to potential victims. While included. We are clear that we have developed a process a clear majority of respondents favoured the introduction that is robust, workable and makes public protection a of a national disclosure scheme, the consultation raised central factor, while at the same time preventing sex important issues on the scope and proportionality of offenders being able to waste taxpayers’ money by the information that should be disclosed to potential repeatedly challenging our laws. Sex offenders who victims and the safeguards that will be needed against continue to pose a risk will remain on the register and malicious applications. I believe that it is right that these will do so for life if necessary. issues are addressed and tested in a pilot to ensure that The final impact assessments for these proposals can the disclosure scheme is compatible with all relevant also be found on the Home Office website. law. We will consider the outcomes from the pilot very carefully. I want to ensure that the public have confidence Domestic Violence that a clear framework exists with recognised and consistent processes for disclosing information that supports their needs. The Secretary of State for the Home Department A copy of the summary of responses to the consultation (Mrs Theresa May): Domestic violence is a dreadful will be placed in the Library of the House. form of abuse. The fact that two people are killed by their current or former partner each week in England and Wales shows just how urgent is the need for action. JUSTICE The Government are committed to ensuring that the police and other agencies have the tools necessary to tackle domestic violence to bring offenders to justice Emergency Workers (Obstruction Act 2006 and ensure victims have the support they need to rebuild Post-Legislative Scrutiny their lives. Today, I am announcing that a one-year pilot will take place from the summer of 2012 to test out a The Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice domestic violence disclosure scheme in the police force (Mr Kenneth Clarke): I am today laying before the areas of Greater Manchester, Gwent, Nottinghamshire House the Government’s memorandum to the Justice and Wiltshire. The pilot will test a process for enabling Committee on post-legislative scrutiny of the Emergency the police to disclose to the public information about Workers (Obstruction) Act 2006. previous violent offending by a new or existing partner The Emergency Workers (Obstruction) Act 2006 where this may help protect them from further violent introduced offences of obstructing or hindering an offending. The pilot will test two types of process for emergency worker responding to emergency circumstances, disclosing this information. The first would be triggered and obstructing or hindering a person assisting such a by a request by a member of the public (“right to ask”). worker. Those emergency workers covered by the Act The second would be triggered by the police where they include fire and rescue workers, ambulance personnel make a proactive decision to disclose the information in and those transporting organs, coastguards and lifeboatmen. order to protect a potential victim (“right to know”). These reforms have been implemented, in line with Both processes can be implemented within existing the stated objectives of the Act, as detailed in the legal powers. memorandum.

483W Written Answers5 MARCH 2012 Written Answers 484W

We have already made available to local authorities a Written Answers to tool that allows councils to evaluate the effect of different council tax support regimes on their particular Questions circumstances, using data that they already hold.

Monday 5 March 2012 Departmental Training

Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many away COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT days his Department has held since May 2010; what the location was of each such away day; how many staff Council Tax attended; and what the cost was of each such event. [93847]

Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Robert Neill: Towards the end of 2010, my Department Communities and Local Government when he became issued new guidance to staff that team away days should aware of the concerns expressed by Capita on the date take place at no or very limited cost (for example, using proposed for the introduction of the council tax rooms in the Department). This is a significant departure reduction scheme and that they would not be able to from practices that took place under the last Administration. provide the necessary systems by April 2013. [98058] New checks and balances have also been put in place, Robert Neill: The Government have received a number assisted by the discipline of the Department publishing of representations on the timetable for implementing all spending over £500 and greater openness over the local council tax schemes. As the Government response Government Procurement Card. to consultation on the proposals set out, we believe that The following table shows which away days have been retaining the current approach for calculating support authorised by and held outside the Department since for pensioners, and enabling support for working age May 2010. The hon. Member will see how the new claimants to be calculated using the same factors, has guidance is saving taxpayers’ money. the potential to reduce significantly the amount of change required to underlying IT systems. This could Number of Amount help reduce both the cost of introducing new schemes, Date Location staff (£) and the time taken to make the necessary IT changes. 1 July 2010 Government Office, 90 966 1 We are aware of a memorandum from Capita to local Birmingham authorities, dated 12 January 2012, on the approach to 5 July 2010 De La Warr Pavillion, Bexhill 8 103 2 September The Boys Brigade, St Neots 25 223 implementing changes to IT systems. This notes that, 2010 for some schemes, using the existing software with 10 Newham College 230 200 adaptations looks like a very credible approach for the November first year of implementation. I am encouraged to note 2010 that Capita are seeking to engage with local authorities 14 National Endowment for 70/80 3— December Science, Technology and the on this matter. 2011 Arts 1 This was a training day for Human Resources for teams based in Liverpool Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for and London; the cost includes catering and room hire, but excludes transport Communities and Local Government what recent and spending on HR training. 2 Figures are approximate. discussions he has had with providers of IT systems on 3 No cost. the implementation of the council tax reduction scheme. [98059] In addition, I also refer the hon. Member to my detailed answer of 13 July 2011, Official Report, Robert Neill: My officials have met with a range of IT column 361W, on the hiring of a burlesque club suppliers on a number of occasions to discuss the commissioned under the last Administration. localisation of council tax support, which will require local authorities to commission changes to their existing systems to deliver local council tax reduction schemes. Enterprise Zones: Heysham The detail of such changes and the approach to implementation is a matter for local authorities to discuss David Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for with IT suppliers. Communities and Local Government what plans he has to create an enterprise zone in Heysham following Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for the announcement that a new M6 Link Road is likely Communities and Local Government when he expects to be completed by 2015. [96873] the regulations pertaining to council tax reduction schemes to be available to local authorities. [98060] Greg Clark: There are currently no plans by Government to announce further enterprise zones in Heysham. Robert Neill: The Government have said that they Notwithstanding, local authorities will have new powers expect to make regulations pertaining to council tax to introduce their own local business rate discounts, and reduction schemes and/or detailed explanatory memoranda already have powers to proactively grant planning on the regulations available (including to local authorities) permission for certain development in suitable areas via in May 2012. Local Development Orders. 485W Written Answers5 MARCH 2012 Written Answers 486W

Enterprise Zones: Job Creation The Housing Market Renewal programme ended in March 2011. Between 2006-07 and 2010-11, approximately Fabian Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for £14.9 million of Housing Market Renewal funding was Communities and Local Government how many jobs allocated to Cumbria county council in partnership he estimates have been created in each enterprise zone with Allerdale, Barrow and Copeland district councils. to date. [94866] Local Government: Greater Manchester Greg Clark [holding answer 20 February 2012]: The Government have not made estimates of the number of Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for jobs that will be created by enterprise zones. However Communities and Local Government whether he plans according to estimates made by the relevant local enterprise to devolve further powers and responsibilities to the partnerships themselves, the enterprise zones announced Greater Manchester city region as it has a statutory since Budget 2011 are expected to create over 70,000 combined authority for the city region. [97869] new jobs by 2015. Greg Clark: On 8 December 2011, when we launched Enterprise Zones: Operating Costs ‘Unlocking Growth in Cities’ I announced to Parliament— 8 December 2011, Official Report, columns 35-36WS—our Fabian Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for commitment to deliver a series of ‘city deals’—an Communities and Local Government what estimate he opportunity for our largest cities to negotiate the devolution has made of the cost to the public purse to date of of the specific powers, resources and responsibilities administering each enterprise zone. [94965] required to meet locally-determined economic and social objectives. Greg Clark [holding answer 20 February 2012]: Accordingly, we are currently working with Manchester Enterprise zones are being established by local delivery to agree the substance of their city deal, and I hope to teams and are not administered centrally. announce the detail of their deal in due course. Fire Services: Finance Mayors: Greater Manchester Bill Esterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what advice he Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for has given to Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service on the Communities and Local Government (1) if he will management of reductions in funding in current and request the Greater Manchester combined authority to future years. [98181] poll the electorate on the issue of an elected Mayor for the Greater Manchester city region; [97867] Robert Neill: As the delivery of fire services are a (2) what consideration he has given to the merits of local matter, determined by individual fire and rescue an elected mayor for Greater Manchester to oversee authorities, no advice has been given to Merseyside Fire strategic city region governance by the Greater and Rescue Authority. It is for the elected members of Manchester combined authority. [97868] each authority to determine such matters, acting on the professional advice of their principal officers and following Greg Clark: As made clear in the coalition agreement, full consultation with their local community. this Government’s commitment is to provide referendums I also refer the hon. Member to my letter of 6 on city mayors, which we are delivering through the December 2010 to the hon. Member for Derby North Localism Act and the Orders that Parliament has agreed (Chris Williamson), a copy of which is available in the requiring referendums on 3 May 2012 in 10 cities, Library of the House, which outlines how fire and including Manchester. rescue authorities can make sensible savings without impacting on the quality and breadth of services offered Planning Permission to their communities. Nic Dakin: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing: Westmorland Communities and Local Government what steps he plans to take to ensure that unplanned and scattered Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for development and urban sprawl do not occur in areas Communities and Local Government what estimate he that are not protected by special designations under the has made of the amount of Housing Market Renewal proposed National Planning Policy Framework. [95730] funding that has been awarded to organisations operating in Westmorland and Lonsdale constituency. Greg Clark: The draft National Planning Policy [96285] Framework sets out important safeguards to protect against development that would be unsustainable. For Grant Shapps [holding answer 27 February 2012]: I example the draft framework is clear that local planning refer the hon. Member to my written ministerial statement authorities should avoid isolated homes in the countryside of 24 November 2011, Official Report, column 30WS, unless there are special circumstances. To preserve the and to the 2007 National Audit Office Report which natural environment, the draft states that local plans made a number of criticisms of the Housing Market should seek to allocate land for development with the Renewal programme. least environmental or amenity value, and should plan No information is held centrally for the amount of positively for the creation, protection, enhancement Housing Market Renewal funding awarded to organisations and management of networks of biodiversity and green operating in Westmorland and Lonsdale constituency. infrastructure. 487W Written Answers5 MARCH 2012 Written Answers 488W

Our reforms are intended to strengthen local participation commercial tours at Parliament (the Visitor Route and in the planning system. Through their local plans, local the specialist art and architecture tours), details of communities can identify land which is important to which can be found on Parliament’s website protect from development, while planning positively to http://www.parliament.uk/visiting/ meet the needs of the area. We are considering carefully all the suggestions made Thomas Docherty: To ask the hon. Member for to the consultation on the draft framework and the Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross, representing recommendations from the Communities and Local the House of Commons Commission, how many Government and Environmental Audit Select Committee places on tours of the Clock Tower each hon. Member inquiries. has sponsored since the start of the 2010-12 Session. [97905] Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for John Thurso: I am placing in the Library a list of how Communities and Local Government when his Department many places, and on how many tours, each current hon. intends to respond to the Eighth Report from the Member has sponsored since 6 May 2010, up to 29 June Communities and Local Government Committee on 2012. the National Planning Policy Framework; and whether it intends to publish its analysis of consultation responses The information is drawn directly from the computerised on the draft National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) booking system and so will contain detail of bookings before publishing the final NPPF. [96735] that may subsequently have been cancelled.

Greg Clark: We will publish our response to the Eighth Report from the Communities and Local ATTORNEY-GENERAL Government Committee and the analysis of consultation responses on the draft National Planning Policy Framework Crown Prosecution Service when the final framework is published. This is in line with the timetable outlined in my written ministerial Emily Thornberry: To ask the Attorney-General if he statement of 19 October 2011, Official Report, will undertake to publish the findings and recommendations column 65WS. of the Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate’s review of the Serious Fraud Office. [97491] The Solicitor-General: The findings and any HOUSE OF COMMONS COMMISSION recommendations of the proposed inspection will be reported directly to the Attorney-General, my right Big Ben: Tourism hon. and learned Friend the Member for Beaconsfield (Mr Grieve) and the Director of the SFO. There are Robert Halfon: To ask the hon. Member for Caithness, currently no plans to publish them but the matter will Sutherland and Easter Ross, representing the House of be kept under review. Commons Commission, (1) how many visitors participated in tours of the Clock Tower in each of the last 10 years; Emily Thornberry: To ask the Attorney-General who [97883] will conduct the Crown Prosecution Inspectorate’s (2) what recent estimate he has made of the annual review of the Serious Fraud Office. [97492] cost of providing tours of the Clock Tower in each of the last 10 years; and if he will make a statement. The Solicitor-General: The inspection will be carried [97884] out by HM Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate led by the chief inspector, Michael Fuller. For the purposes John Thurso: During the 2011 calendar year 9,319 of this inspection the chief inspector has supplemented visitors participated in Clock Tower tours. Consistent, his team with individuals with the particular legal and/or detailed records do not exist for earlier years. With three business management skills and experience needed for a tours a day, there is an annual capacity of around sound assessment of the Serious Fraud Office. 10,400 depending on the number of working days, but Emily Thornberry: To ask the Attorney-General if he not all tours run at full capacity and there are some will place a copy of the terms of reference of the cancellations. Crown Prosecution Inspectorate’s review of the The forecast annual cost of the Clock Tower tours in Serious Fraud Office in the Library. [97493] the current financial year is £94,000 (based on actual data to the end of January 2012). The majority of costs The Solicitor-General: The purpose of HMCPSI’s relate to the direct costs of employing the administrative inspection is to provide information to the Attorney- staff and the guides. The costs exclude associated staff, General, my right hon. and learned Friend the Member management and overhead costs. Consistent figures are for Beaconsfield (Mr Grieve) and the Director of the not available for earlier years. SFO about the effectiveness of the SFO in order to From July 2012, tours of the Clock Tower will be assess future priorities and current best practice. charged at £15 per head. The ticket price has been set to The focus of the inspection will be the quality and cover the cost of the tours, taking into account VAT efficiency of the SFO’s casework. The inspection will and assuming a take-up rate of 90%. Costs will be include consideration of: higher in future because there will be some additional 1. corporate structures and processes which support casework; administration and guide costs (to allow for an expected and reduction in cancellations). The forecast annual cost is 2. strategic decision making, investigation, prosecution and £111,829. The £15.00 ticket price is in line with other victim/witness care. 489W Written Answers5 MARCH 2012 Written Answers 490W

Emily Thornberry: To ask the Attorney-General The Prime Minister: I refer the right hon. Member to when the Crown Prosecution Inspectorate will begin its the press briefing given by my official spokesman on review of the Serious Fraud Office. [97494] 20 February 2012. A copy of the transcript is available on the No. 10 website at: The Solicitor-General: The inspection has already http://www.number10.gov.uk/news/morning-press-briefing- begun with HMCPSI making familiarisation visits to from-20-feb-2012/ the Serious Fraud Office on 28 and 29 February.

Emily Thornberry: To ask the Attorney-General when the decision was made to ask the Crown WOMEN AND EQUALITIES Prosecution Inspectorate to carry out a review of the Equality and Human Rights Commission Serious Fraud Office. [97495] Mr Stewart Jackson: To ask the Minister for Women The Solicitor-General: Shortly after the 2010 general and Equalities whether Ministers were consulted prior election the director of the SFO (DSFO) invited the to the decision to allow the chief executive of the Law Officers to arrange an inspection and discussions Equality and Human Rights Commission to assume on how best to carry it out followed. The Law Officers, the role of Visiting Professor of Public Administration in consultation with the DSFO, asked HMCPSI to at Canterbury Christchurch College; and if she will carry out the inspection. That decision was reached last make a statement. [97527] year. It is intended that the inspection should assist the incoming director and is timed accordingly. Lynne Featherstone [holding answer 1 March 2012]: It is for the Equality and Human Rights Commission Serious Fraud Office: Finance (EHRC) to approve this role. Ministers were not consulted prior to the EHRC’s decision. Emily Thornberry: To ask the Attorney-General what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the Serious Fraud Office’s budget in light of the recent report from KPMG showing a significant increase in WALES financial crime. [97859] Air Passenger Duty The Solicitor-General: The Serious Fraud Office expects Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Secretary of State for to be able to carry out all its normal functions within its Wales what discussions she has had with the (a) Chancellor funding settlement. of the Exchequer, (b) Secretary of State for Transport and (c) Ministers in the Welsh Government on the equal transfer of powers in respect of air passenger SCOTLAND duty to Wales as those proposed to Northern Ireland. [97489] Tugboats Mr David Jones: The Secretary of State for Wales, my Mr MacNeil: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland right hon. Friend the Member for Chesham and Amersham pursuant to the answer of 19 December 2011, Official (Mrs Gillan), has regular meetings with ministerial Report, column 910W, on tugboats, and the written colleagues and Welsh Ministers to discuss a range of ministerial statement of 20 December 2011, Official issues relating to Wales. The Commission on Devolution Report, columns 163-4WS, on emergency towing vessels, in Wales (‘Silk Commission’) is exploring the case for a whether emergency towing vessels will continue to serve package of tax and borrowing powers to be devolved to in waters around the Western and Northern Isles of Wales. That package might or might not include air Scotland after 31 March 2012. [98089] passenger duty. The Government do not want to pre-empt the findings of the Silk Commission. David Mundell: Scotland Office Ministers continue to Devolution work with local authorities and other interested parties on a long-term replacement for the emergency towing Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Secretary of State for vessels service. We continue to make good progress and Wales when she plans to update Devolution Guidance we are grateful for the hard work of everyone involved. Note 9. [97490] The oil and gas sector is assisting work to facilitate arrangements for the Northern Isles. There will be a Mrs Gillan: I expect the guidance to be published in further meeting this month to look at the issue of future the next few weeks. arrangements for waters around the Western Isles.

NORTHERN IRELAND PRIME MINISTER Air Passenger Duty Immigration Controls Ms Ritchie: To ask the Secretary of State for Keith Vaz: To ask the Prime Minister when he Northern Ireland whether he plans to devolve airport received a copy of the Vine report on border security passenger duty to Northern Ireland for (a) domestic checks. [98119] flights and (b) flights within the EU. [97736] 491W Written Answers5 MARCH 2012 Written Answers 492W

Mr Paterson: The Government have no such plans at Human Trafficking present. The extent of the devolution of air passenger duty that has been agreed between Treasury and Northern Mr Bone: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Executive Ministers is set out at: Ireland what discussions he has had with the First http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/d/apd_ni_210212.pdf Minister on the effectiveness of measures to control cross-border human trafficking. [97804] BMI Mr Paterson: I have had no discussions with the First Lady Hermon: To ask the Secretary of State for Minister on this subject. Any matters relating to human Northern Ireland what discussions he has had on trafficking are now devolved and are the responsibility International Airlines Group’s takeover of BMI; and of the Minister of Justice in Northern Ireland who with whom he met or spoke on each such occasion. works closely with the Home Office on such matters. [98156] Politics and Government Mr Paterson: Following representations I received after the sale of BMI was announced, I discussed the Mr Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for matter with ministerial colleagues in the Department Northern Ireland what progress has been made in for Transport. I then met Willie Walsh, the chief executive discussions with political parties in Northern Ireland of International Airlines Group, on 16 November 2011, on dealing with the past. [97853] and spoke to Steve Ridgway, the chief executive of Virgin Atlantic Airways, on 20 November 2011 to discuss Mr Paterson: I refer the right hon. Gentleman to the their future intentions in respect of the Belfast to Heathrow answer given to the hon. Member for Gedling (Vernon route. Coaker) of 1 March 2012, Official Report, column 411W. It is important for business, tourism and other travellers to be able to fly from Heathrow to both Belfast airports. Public Expenditure In his announcement of the IAG agreement to purchase BMI on 22 December 2011, Mr Walsh said that IAG Mr Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for will maintain Northern Ireland how many meetings he has had with “a comprehensive domestic schedule including Belfast”. ministerial colleagues in HM Treasury on the Northern Ireland block grant since September 2011. [97852] Departmental Carbon Emissions Mr Paterson: I have regular and ongoing discussions Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for with the Chancellor of the Exchequer, my right hon. Northern Ireland what reduction in carbon dioxide Friend the Member for Tatton (Mr Osborne), and emissions his Department has made under the 10:10 Treasury Ministers on this, and on a range of other initiative. [97938] issues relating to Northern Ireland. I am due to meet the Exchequer Secretary to the Mr Paterson: The Northern Ireland Office is not a Treasury, my hon. Friend the Member for South West member of the 10:10 initiative. My Department is, Hertfordshire (Mr Gauke), again on 7 March to continue however, a participant in the Carbon Reduction our discussions in the Ministerial Working Group on Commitment (CRC) Energy Efficiency Scheme which is Rebalancing the Northern Ireland Economy. operated by the Department of Energy and Climate Change. A number of measures have been introduced in order to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, for example using video conferencing facilities so as to reduce/eliminate CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT the need for travel. Carbon emission figures for the Arts current year are in the process of being collated and will be made available in due course. Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what assessment he has Departmental Responsibilities made of the effect on arts organisations of the proportion of private giving being invested in London. Mr Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern [97802] Ireland how many meetings Ministers in his Department have had with (a) Ministers in the Northern Ireland Mr Vaizey: We have made no such assessment. The Executive, (b) the Chief Constable of the Police Service measures we are taking to boost philanthropy and of Northern Ireland and (c) Ministers in the Irish support fundraising will help arts organisations across Government since May 2010. [97850] the whole country.

Mr Paterson: The Minister of State, Northern Ireland Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Office, my right hon. Friend the Member for East Olympics, Media and Sport what plans he has to help Devon (Mr Swire), and I have had regular meetings (a) businesses, (b) individuals and (c) trusts and with Ministers in the Northern Ireland Executive, the foundations to increase financial contributions to the Chief Constable of the Police Service of Northern arts; and what steps he is taking to ensure that such Ireland and Ministers in the Irish Government since contributions are equally distributed across all regions. May 2010. [97889] 493W Written Answers5 MARCH 2012 Written Answers 494W

Mr Vaizey: In his 2010 Budget, the Chancellor of the John Penrose: This Department has not been involved Exchequer introduced measures to strengthen and simplify in the 10:10 initiative, but we have been working to gift aid, boost legacy giving and establish the new reduce its carbon dioxide emissions. cultural gifts scheme. We have taken steps to strengthen In 2009-10 the Department’s carbon dioxide emissions public recognition for those who give, whether businesses, were 1,345,571 kg and in 2010-11 emissions were1,064,119 individuals or trusts and foundations, all of whose kg which is a reduction of 281,452 kg, or 21%. support is invaluable. The primary relationship is between arts organisations and their supporters, and Government should be cautious about seeking to micro-manage Freeview those relationships. It is for donors to determine where their money goes, and it would be misguided for any Mr Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State government to seek to prescribe the geographical for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what distribution of private giving. This Department, together responsibility Ofcom has for regulating the allocation with Arts Council England and the Heritage Lottery of channel numbers on the Freeview platform; and if Fund, are providing £100 million through the Catalyst he will make a statement. [97753] programmes to support the culture and heritage sector’s efforts to strengthen their fundraising expertise and Mr Vaizey: The Communications Act 2003 sets out long-term financial resilience. that it is the duty of Ofcom to have in place a code giving guidance for all providers of electronic programme Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, guides. Ofcom’s code includes a requirement that electronic Olympics, Media and Sport what steps his Department programme guide services are provided to broadcasters plans to take to assist arts organisations to develop (a) on fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory terms. The business skills, (b) marketing skills, (c) media skills code also covers the provision of appropriate prominence and (d) fundraising strategies in the current spending for public service broadcasting channels. These provisions review period; what funding has been allocated to implement apply across all platforms. In relation to the DTT/Freeview these plans; and if he will make a statement. [97897] platform it should be noted in particular that the individual multiplex licensees have related licence obligations to Mr Vaizey: All four of these elements should be at the ensure fair and effective competition. In addition, Ofcom heart of any well-run organisation’s business plan, and has the power to investigate potential breaches of should be determined and led by their chairman, board competition law in the communications sector, such as and chief executive. This Department, together with exclusionary agreements or abuse of a dominant position. Arts Council England and the Heritage Lottery Fund, are providing £100 million through the Catalyst programmes to support the culture and heritage sector’s efforts to Mr Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for strengthen their fundraising expertise and long-term Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what recent discussions (a) financial resilience. This is in addition to tax incentives Ministers in his Department have had with Ofcom (b) introduced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer in his and Digital Television Multiplex Operators Ltd on 2011 Budget, which will boost both lifetime giving and the allocation of channels on the Freeview platform; legacy giving. This is the strongest package of measures and if he will make a statement. [97754] to support philanthropy and fundraising that any Government has introduced. Mr Vaizey: The allocation of logical channel numbers on the Freeview platform is a matter for DTT Multiplex BBC: Licensing Operators Ltd (DMOL), who are this month launching a consultation reviewing the process by which logical Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for channel numbers are allocated on DTT and the order Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport if he will examine services are listed on screen. Ministers have had a the opportunities for introducing greater protection number of discussions with Ofcom in the context of and accountability for licence fee payers in the next developing proposals on adding licensed local TV services BBC charter. [98217] to the list of channels which must receive ″appropriate prominence″ on electronic programme guides. Secondary Mr Vaizey: The precise remit of the next BBC Charter legislation to that effect was passed recently. Ministers review has yet to be decided. A decision on the details of have had no discussions with DMOL. the next charter review will be made closer to the time of expiry of the current charter, which ends in December Mobile Phones 2016. In September 2011, the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport, my right hon. Friend the Alun Cairns: To ask the Secretary of State for Member for South West Surrey (Mr Hunt) laid in Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what assessment Parliament an amended BBC Agreement that gives the he has made of the potential effects on consumers of National Audit Office full access to the BBC’s accounts, setting a cap for wholesale data roaming prices at 100 to ensure greater transparency. euros per gigabyte. [97358] Departmental Carbon Emissions Mr Vaizey: This Department has not made any specific assessment of the potential effects on consumers of Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for setting a cap for wholesale data roaming prices at Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what reduction in 100 euros per gigabyte. However, in adopting the negotiating carbon dioxide emissions his Department has made basis for these ongoing discussions, officials have been under the 10:10 initiative. [97926] working with a range of different stakeholders, including 495W Written Answers5 MARCH 2012 Written Answers 496W consumer groups and business organisations on the existing 2G voice coverage but also extends into existing important matter of setting a wholesale price cap for ‘not spot’ areas due to be covered by the Government’s data roaming. £150 million investment in new mobile network As we move towards a conclusion on this important infrastructure (to the extent that that infrastructure can proposed regulation, we will also take into consideration accommodate 4G equipment). Ofcom has proposed some recent work by BEREC (the EU group of National that this obligation be imposed on a single 800MHz Regulatory Authorities) on wholesale roaming prices. licensee to ensure that those consumers in rural areas, and those that visit those areas and require good coverage, Alun Cairns: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, are able to get good 4G coverage from the same operator Olympics, Media and Sport what his policy is on the in all areas. Ofcom is also consulting on the option of multiple of the wholesale price to be used to set the cap imposing this same obligation on all 800MHz licensees. for retail data roaming prices under the European Commission’s Roaming III plan. [97359] Sports Mr Vaizey: This Department’s policy on the relative differences between any wholesale or retail roaming Clive Efford: To ask the Secretary of State for caps that may be agreed during the current discussions Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what plans he has on the proposed roaming regulation is, essentially, to to merge Sport Scotland, Sport Wales and Sport make sure that the absolute margin between wholesale Northern Ireland with UK Sport and Sport England; and retail price caps continues to reduce roaming costs and if he will make a statement. [97881] for consumers, but, importantly, allows for further competition to develop in the roaming market within Hugh Robertson: The Scottish and Welsh Governments, the European Union. Such an approach relies on an and the Northern Ireland Executive are responsible for appropriate wholesale price that would attract new entrants the Sports Councils for Scotland, Wales and Northern into the market. In looking to settle on any such price Ireland respectively. As such, we have no plans to merge differential we are considering proposals put forward them with UK Sport and Sport England. by the Commission, revised proposals put forward by the European Parliament and some recent work by Clive Efford: To ask the Secretary of State for BEREC (the EU group of National Regulatory Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what discussions Authorities). he has had regarding any future merger of Sport National Lottery: Sports Scotland, Sport Wales and Sport Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement. [97882] Andrew Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what estimate he Hugh Robertson: The Scottish and Welsh Governments, has made of the effect of reforms to the national lottery and the Northern Ireland Executive are responsible for on the amount of funding going to grassroots sport. the Sports Councils for Scotland, Wales and Northern [97740] Ireland respectively. Any future merger of these three organisations is a matter for them. John Penrose: We are restoring the national lottery shares for sport, arts and heritage to their original 20% each from April 2012. Our reforms should mean £300 Television: Licensing million more for sports good causes over the five-year period from 2012-13 and over £190 million more for Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for grassroots sport through Sport England alone in the Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport (1) what steps he same period. takes to ensure that the BBC’s arrangements for collecting the licence fee are efficient and effective; Radio Frequencies [98216] (2) what steps he is taking to learn from other EU Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for countries how they manage television licensing to Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what steps his reduce red tape and cost. [98265] Department is taking to ensure that the proposal in the 4G auction that 800MHZ band must include a coverage obligation of 95 per cent. of the population Mr Vaizey: The Government have undertaken no will apply to all mobile broadband customers and not analysis of these matters. Under the terms of the BBC only those using the winning network. [97758] Charter, the BBC Trust is responsible for ensuring that the arrangements for the collection of the licence fee are Mr Vaizey: The matter raised is an operational one efficient, appropriate and proportionate. The BBC is for the independent regulator, the Office of Communications independent of Government and there is no provision (Ofcom), which is accountable to Parliament rather for Government to intervene. than Ministers. Accordingly, officials at this Department The Government encourage the BBC to achieve the spoke to Ofcom, who provided the following information: highest standards of value-for-money in its use of licence This is the subject of a current Ofcom consultation fee revenue. which has not yet closed. Ofcom has proposed to impose In March 2009, the BBC Trust published a review of a coverage obligation on one 800MHz licensee extending how the licence fee is collected. The report assessed to 98% of the population, or requiring one 800MHz whether the arrangements were efficient, appropriate licensee to provide 4G coverage that not only matches and proportionate, and made recommendations. 497W Written Answers5 MARCH 2012 Written Answers 498W

Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for Million tonnes carbon dioxide (MtCO ) Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport whether he was 2 consulted by the BBC on its choice of contractors Low Central High operating as TV Licensing as the agents for collecting 2010 33.4 33.4 33.6 the licence fee. [98218] 2015 37.0 37.9 39.3 2020 39.8 42.9 45.1 Mr Vaizey: The Government were not consulted and 2025 41.2 45.4 49.3 did not expect to be consulted. Under the terms of the 2030 43.2 47.6 53.4 BBC Charter, the BBC Trust is responsible for ensuring 2035 43.7 50.2 56.9 that the arrangements for the collection of the licence 2040 43.3 51.1 60.4 fee are efficient, appropriate and proportionate. 2045 41.0 51.3 59.4 2050 39.6 49.0 58.4

An explanation of the low and high forecast ranges is TRANSPORT provided in paragraphs 2.45 to 2.48 (page 25) of the report. Aviation Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what work her Department is undertaking Transport what projections her Department has made jointly with NATS on reducing carbon emissions from of (a) air passenger numbers and (b) air traffic the aviation sector through improved flight path movements in each year up until 2050. [97766] management. [97765] Mrs Villiers: ‘UK Aviation Forecasts 2011’ sets out the Department’s latest forecasts: Mrs Villiers: The Government and NATS support the Civil Aviation Authority’s Future Airspace Strategy, http://assets.dft.gov.uk/publications/uk-aviation-forecasts- 2011/uk-aviation-forecasts.pdf a key aim of which is to reduce aircraft emissions through improved air traffic management. Aviation: Biofuels Crossrail Line: Costs Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what her policy is on measures to encourage the use of sustainable biofuels sourced from jatropha Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for oil in aviation. [95800] Transport whether any cost savings have been made to the Crossrail project; and how much that project will Mrs Villiers: The Government believe that sustainable cost in (a) each year of the current spending review biofuels can make a valuable contribution to reducing period and (b) each year of the following spending review period. [96760] CO2 emissions from transport. In the longer term, biofuels may be most valuable in the sectors such as aviation where there is no viable alternative source of Mrs Villiers [holding answer 27 February 2012]: lower carbon fuel. The Government are working with Substantial savings were identified for the Crossrail our European partners, the wider international community project as part of the spending review 2010 and Crossrail and industry to explore how to bring about a significant Ltd continue to optimise the scheme’s value for money increase in the use of sustainable biofuels in aviation. as they let further construction contracts. The Government are also working towards a Funding for Crossrail comes from a number of different co-ordinated, evidence-based bioenergy strategy, including sources including DFT, GLA, BAA and the Corporation an analysis of the best use of available biomass resources, of London. It is expected that cost of the project will be and will soon be publishing an assessment of the costs no more than £14.5 billion. and carbon reduction potential of biofuel use in aviation. The Department’s contribution to the costs of Crossrail over the next few years will be: Aviation: Carbon Emissions £ million Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimate her Department has made of 2011-12 517 the volume of carbon dioxide emitted by the aviation 2012-13 1,205 sector in the UK in each year to 2050. [97469] 2013-14 1,123 2014-15 1,082 Mrs Villiers [holding answer 1 March 2012]: “UK Aviation Forecasts 2011” (figure 1.3 on page 6 and The overall expenditure by Crossrail Ltd for the year figure 3.3 on page 85, available at: 2011-12 is expected to be around £912 million with http://assets.dft.gov.uk/publications/uk-aviation-forecasts- expenditure to date on the project of £2,599 million. 2011/uk-aviation-forecasts.pdf In line with commitments in the Crossrail Act, I will sets out the Department’s latest forecast of carbon make a further statement in the summer regarding the dioxide emissions on a five-yearly basis as follows: most recent spending levels on the project. 499W Written Answers5 MARCH 2012 Written Answers 500W

Cycling: Safety The contributory factors reflect the reporting officer’s opinion at the time of reporting and are not necessarily Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for the result of extensive investigation. Moreover it is Transport what assessment she has made of current recognised that subsequent enquires could lead to the methods of assessing road surface quality; and what reporting officer changing his opinion. It is important assessment she has made of the potential effect on the to note where some factors may have contributed to a safety of cyclists of increasing the quality of the road cause of an accident it may be difficult for a police on the metre closest to the pavement. [98188] officer attending the scene after the accident has occurred to identify these factors. Norman Baker: The Department has made no specific Driving Offences: EU Action assessment. Local road condition is a matter for local highway authorities who are responsible for setting their own highways condition standards. ″Well-maintained Mr Raab: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport Highways″, the code of practice for highways maintenance, with reference to Article 3 of EU Council Act of provides guidance for local highway authorities and 17 June 1998 drawing up the Convention on Driving highlights the importance of a consistent standard of Disqualification, how many notifications of a driving maintenance including ensuring attention is paid to disqualification for a person disqualified in an EU carriageway edge condition. member state other than that in which they normally reside the UK (a) issued to and (b) received from other The UK Roads Board, comprising local authority EU member states in each of the last 10 years; and what representatives, published a document in 2003 titled assessment her Department has made of the convention’s “Footway and cycle route design, construction and effectiveness. [97903] maintenance guide” which provides a practical field guidance for local highway authority engineers involved in the structural design, construction and maintenance Mike Penning: Since January 2010, mutual recognition of footways and cycle routes and includes a specific of driving disqualifications has existed between GB and section on cycle route maintenance. the Republic of Ireland (ROI). To date, these are the only member states to have implemented the provisions. The Highways Agency is responsible for managing the strategic road network in England. It carries out Since the start, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing annual road surface condition surveys, principally to Agency has received 37 notifications of GB drivers measure the levels of rutting, the ride quality, general disqualified in ROI and sent ROI six notifications of surface condition and the skid resistance provided by Irish licence holders being disqualified in GB. No assessment the road surface in the wet. In addition, visual surveys has been made of the effectiveness of the convention. and inspections are conducted regularly throughout the Driver licensing is a devolved matter in Northern year to identify emergency repairs and to support future Ireland and separate arrangements are in place with the planned maintenance. Sections requiring potential Republic of Ireland regarding the recognition of driving maintenance are also further investigated to identify the disqualifications. Information on the numbers of road material quality and the overall structural aspects, disqualifications recognised between Northern Ireland as guided by the agency’s standards and codes of practices. and the Republic of Ireland is not held. The agency takes account of maintenance needs based on road users’ needs, including cyclists, and issues raised EU Action by members of the public. The agency’s Design Manual for Roads and Bridges Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Secretary of State for Volume 6, Section 3 covers the design requirements of Transport how many EU-level meetings relating to her new facilities for cyclists, taking into account their Department’s affairs have taken place since 1 May vehicular rights and their particular vulnerability as 2011; and at how many and which of these meetings the road users. It makes clear that the provision of facilities UK delegation has been led by (a) her Department, for cyclists should therefore be considered during the (b) representatives of the Scottish Executive, (c) planning stages of new or improved highways and traffic representatives of the Welsh Government and (d) management schemes. It also highlights the importance representatives of the Northern Ireland Executive. of good maintenance, including regular cleaning, of the [97539] one metre carriageway edge as it is likely to be used by cyclists to gain a measure of separation from passing Mrs Villiers: At ministerial level, requests for devolved traffic. It also recommends that drainage grids and Administration Ministers to attend EU Council of Ministers gratings should have slots at angles not likely to affect meetings are considered on a case-by-case basis by the the passage of cyclists and be set flush with the carriageway. lead UK Secretary of State. Three formal meetings of the EU Transport Council Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for of Ministers have taken place since 1 May 2011. The Transport what assessment she has made of the UK delegation was led by UK Government Ministers number of cycling accidents on UK roads which were and the UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the caused by poor road surfaces. [98189] EU. At the Transport Council in December 2011, the UK delegation included the Minister for Regional Mike Penning: There were 81 reported personal injury Development for the Northern Ireland Executive. road accidents involving pedal cycles which had There are numerous EU-level forums in which the contributory factor “poor or defective road surface” UK is represented at official level. There are no central attributed to the accident. This represents around 1% of records of the number of meetings held and therefore all contributory factors allocated to pedal cycle accidents. not possible to provide this information. 501W Written Answers5 MARCH 2012 Written Answers 502W

Motor Vehicles: Carbon Emissions Mr Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) if she will bring forward proposals to place a duty on Network Rail to consult with local Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for councils and local community groups before introducing Transport what estimate her Department has made of changes to parking charges and times in its car parks; (a) the lowest priced ultra-low emission (i) car and (ii) van available to consumers in receipt of the Plug-In [97786] Grant and (b) the number of ultra-low emission (A) (2) when she next plans to meet the senior management cars and (B) vans which will be in operation in each of Network Rail to discuss parking charges in its car year of the Comprehensive Spending Review period. parks; [97788] [97763] (3) what discussions she is having on the effect of car parking charges levied by Network Rail on the viability Norman Baker: As at 1 March 2012, the lowest price of local communities; [97789] ultra-low emission car available to consumers in receipt (4) what information her Department holds on the of the Plug-In Grant is the Renault Fluence Z.E. at rate of change in car parking charges levied by Network £17,495 including VAT. Rail in each of the last five years; [97790] The lowest price ultra-low emission van available to (5) what consultation Network Rail carries out before consumers in receipt of the Plug-In Grant is the Renault leases on its car parks are transferred or rescinded. Kangoo Van Z.E. starting from £13,592 excluding VAT. [97791] These prices include receipt of the grant but maybe subject to change. Mrs Villiers: These are commercial matters for Network The Office of Low Emission Vehicles page on the Rail as owner and operator of the national network. DFT website: http://www.dft.gov.uk/topics/sustainable/olev/ Mr Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps she is taking to improve the provides links to the eligible vehicles manufacturer’s accountability of Network Rail to local community website. Prices of the vehicles are most accurately viewed groups and local authorities. [97787] here. Industry has identified 10 additional cars likely to Mrs Villiers: The Government will shortly publish a come to market this year. We estimate, through publicly Command Paper on rail reform, which will set out how available information, that double this number of ultra-low it will support Network Rail’s board and members in emission vehicles are likely to come to market in this improving the accountability of the company to its Parliament. customers and stakeholders. Manufacturers of future models will need to apply for their vehicles to be approved before they join the Oil grant schemes. As more models, become available, we expect an Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for upward trend in the number of ultra-low emission Transport what recent representations her Department vehicles (cars and vans) year on year as the market has received from (a) Shell and (b) the Canadian grows. Government on oil sourced from tar sands. [97764]

Network Rail Norman Baker: Department for Transport Ministers and officials have had numerous meetings with various stakeholders including representatives of oil companies, Mr Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for of which Shell was one, biofuel producers, trade associations Transport what steps she is taking to increase the (a) representing the transport fuels industry, UK and efficiency, (b) accountability and (c) consumer international non-governmental organisations (including interface of Network Rail. [97783] those representing environmental and social issues), the European Commission, European member states and Mrs Villiers: Network Rail’s efficiency is regulated by the Canadian Government to discuss all aspects of the the independent Office of Rail Regulation. The Government fuel quality directive and will continue to do so as will shortly publish a Command Paper on rail reform, necessary. which will set out how it will support Network Rail’s board and members in improving the accountability of Railways the company to its customers. Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimate her Department has made of Transport if she will meet service management of the (a) costs and (b) benefits of the planned alliances Network Rail to discuss governance issues. [97785] between train operating companies and Network Rail. [97472] Mrs Villiers: The Secretary of State for Transport, my right hon. Friend the Member for Putney (Justine Mrs Villiers [holding answer 1 March 2012]: The Greening), meets with Network Rail’s senior management Department is working closely with the rail industry from time to time to discuss a range of issues, including and the regulator to examine the potential for greater the company’s progress on reforming-its corporate partnership working between Network Rail and train governance arrangements. operators. 503W Written Answers5 MARCH 2012 Written Answers 504W

The Department supports such initiatives on a case compensation payments to train operating companies. by case basis where it can be shown that taxpayers will The Department does not have information on the benefit from proposals and that passengers will benefit value of the stolen metal itself or on the costs incurred from improvements to performance. train operating companies.

Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport Railways: Wales when her Department expects the deep alliance between South West Trains and Network Rail in respect of the Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Secretary of State for Wessex route to begin. [97474] Transport what consideration she has given to ensuring provision of one or more direct daily railway services Mrs Villiers [holding answer 1 March 2012]: The between London and Carmarthen as part of future Department is participating in ongoing negotiations franchise negotiation. [97817] and discussions with South West Trains, Network Rail and the Office of Rail Regulation to determine the Mrs Villiers: We are currently carrying out a consultation deliverability of proposals for a deep alliance on the exercise as part of the refranchising process. Once Wessex route. consultation responses have been received, we will consider in detail what the service specification should be. Railways: South East Roads: Accidents Tracey Crouch: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what discussions her Department has had with (a) Transport for London and (b) Southeastern Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Trains on the London Mayor’s Rail Vision published in Transport how many road collisions there were February 2012. [97981] between heavy goods vehicles and cyclists who were (a) killed and (b) seriously injured as a result in the Mrs Villiers: Ministers and officials have frequent latest period for which figures are available; and what discussions with the Mayor of London and Transport research her Department has undertaken on addressing for London on a range of issues. No discussions have the issue of the blind spot of such a vehicle and cyclists. taken place between Ministers, and London and [97737] Southeastern Railway. Mike Penning: The latest period for which data are Railways: South West available is 2010. The number of reported personal injury road accidents Alison Seabeck: To ask the Secretary of State for involving heavy goods vehicles and pedal cyclists in Transport what consultants her Department employed Great Britain, is published in the table RAS40004 of involved in setting up the public consultation process “Reported Road Casualties in Great Britain—annual for the Greater Western franchise; and what the cost to report 2010” at following web address: the public purse was of those consultants. [97607] http://assets.dft.gov.uk/statistics/tables/ras40004.xls The Department for Transport commissioned research Mrs Villiers: The Department used internal staff with Loughborough university on improving driver vision resources and did not employ consultants to set up the and this was published in November 2011. The reports Greater Western public consultation events. are available on the Loughborough website at: https://dspace.lboro.ac.uk/dspace-jspui/ Alison Seabeck: To ask the Secretary of State for Phase 1: Transport if cost estimates were submitted to her Department in advance of holding consultation exercises http://hdl.handle.net/2134/8872 relating to the new Greater Western franchise in (a) Phase 2: Plymouth, (b) Truro and (c) Torbay; and what any http://hdl.handle.net/2134/8873 such estimates were. [97608] Impact assessment: http://hdl.handle.net/2134/8874 Mrs Villiers: No such estimates were submitted to the Department. The research findings are being used to improve international regulations on mirrors for new vehicles. Railways: Theft Rolling Stock Gloria De Piero: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether she has made an estimate of (a) the Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for value of metal stolen from railways in the East Midlands Transport pursuant to the answer of 1 December 2011, in (i) 2010 and (ii) 2011 and (b) costs incurred by (i) Official Report, column 1021W, on rolling stock, how Network Rail and (ii) train operating companies owing much her Department will spend on new passenger to the theft of metal from railways in the East Midlands rolling stock in each year of the current spending in (A) 2010 and (B) 2011. [98210] review; and to which franchises such rolling stock will be deployed. [97471] Norman Baker: The cost of metal theft to Network Rail in the East Midlands was £155,750 in 2009-10, Mrs Villiers [holding answer 1 March 2012]: The £282,473 in 2010-11 and £95,023 in 2011-12 (up till Government do not directly invest in rolling stock. This 4 February 2012). This cost includes schedule eight is a matter for the train leasing companies. 505W Written Answers5 MARCH 2012 Written Answers 506W

Rolling Stock: Procurement Mrs Villiers [holding answer 28 February 2012]: The following table shows the net additional number of (a) Julie Hilling: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport new and (b) cascaded rail vehicles in each rail franchise how much additional rolling stock was introduced to since 2008. each rail franchise in each year since 2008; and how many units were (a) new and (b) cascaded in each case. [95928]

2009 2010 2011 2012 (a) (b) (a) (b) (a) (b) (a) (b) c2c 00 00 0000 Greater Anglia 0 0 0 68 120 0 0 -36 East Coast 0 0 0 0 0 9 0 -25 First Capital Connect 92 0 0 61 0 12 0 0 East Midlands Trains 0 0 0 0 0 -1 0 0 London Midland 148 -68 0 -52 69 -62 0 0 Intercity West Coast 0 0 0 0 9 0 97 0 Chiltern 0 0 0 0 8 26 0 0 First Great Western 0 0 0 0 0 22 0 48 South West Trains 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Southern 0 0 0 92 0 -76 0 0 South Eastern 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Cross Country 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 TransPennine Express 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Northern 0 0 0 0 0 62 0 0 Merseyrail 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Arriva Trains Wales 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ScotRail 0 0 0 0 130 -20 0 0 LOROL 0 0 210 -75 28 -10 0 0

These figures do not include net increases in vehicles Departmental Meetings as a result of “internal cascades” of older vehicles when new fleets enter service or services are taken over by another operator, e.g. where First Capital Connect now Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Secretary of State for run services previously operated by South Eastern. Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many EU-level meetings relating to her Department’s policy areas have The first units of new and cascaded fleets frequently taken place since 1 May 2011; and at how many and enter service at the timetable changes in May and December which of these meetings the UK delegation has been led each year, with additional vehicles following afterwards. by (a) her Department, (b) representatives of the The table above assumes fleet changes have occurred at Scottish Executive, (c) representatives of the Welsh the timetable change. Assembly Government and (d) representatives of the Figures for 2012 are projected for the whole year, and Northern Ireland Executive. [97538] include some vehicles that are currently out of use or not yet delivered. Richard Benyon: Since 1 May 2011, DEFRA Ministers have led at all 14 EU Council meetings relating to the Department’s affairs. A great deal of DEFRA’s work is ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS centred on EU business but the Department does not collect data on the number of EU meetings held at Broadband: Rural Areas official level. In accordance with the memorandum of understanding and associated EU concordat between Simon Hart: To ask the Secretary of State for the UK Government and the devolved Administrations, Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many DEFRA regularly consults devolved Administration communities have submitted expressions of interest in counterparts on the UK position and, where appropriate, on briefing and speaking notes for such meetings. the Rural Community Broadband Fund. [98151]

Richard Benyon: The first round for expressions of interest under the Rural Community Broadband Fund Departmental Senior Civil Servants closed on 31 January 2012. 39 expressions of interest applications were received, totalling around £12 million Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for in proposed grant. Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many senior Formal assessment of the expressions of interest civil servants left her Department and its public bodies received is underway. It is expected that the outcome of in each month since May 2010; what their names are; expressions of interest submitted will be notified to what the rate of turnover of senior civil servants in her applicants during March 2012. Timing of the second Department was during this period; and if she will round is also due to be announced in March. make a statement. [96251] 507W Written Answers5 MARCH 2012 Written Answers 508W

Richard Benyon: A total of 63 senior civil servants left Electronic Training Aids core DEFRA and its Executive agencies since May 2010, and a breakdown of departures by month is Simon Reevell: To ask the Secretary of State for shown in the following table. Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to the Number of leavers answer to the hon. Member for North East Derbyshire 2010 2011 2012 of 15 November 2011, Official Report, column 731W, on electronic training aids, when the research will be January — 3 1 published; and when decisions will be made on whether February — 3 — to bring forward legislative proposals relating to such March — 14 — devices. [97583] April — 1 — May 0 3 — Mr Paice: The results of the research into the effects June 2 1 — of electronic training collars is currently being peer July 3 2 — reviewed and will be available later this year. No decisions August 1 114 — will be taken until the peer review process has been September 1 2 — completed or before any proposals are consulted upon. October 1 0 — Environment Protection: EU Law November 0 1 — December 7 3 — Total 15 48 1 Dr Thérèse Coffey: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the 1 Includes 11 legal staff transferred to Treasury Solicitors under a machinery of government change. membership is of the panel reviewing the Habitats For reasons of personal privacy, it would not be Directive; and how they can be contacted. [96686] appropriate to provide the names of senior civil servants who are no longer in Government employment. Richard Benyon: We have set up a High Level Advisory Group of stakeholders to contribute to the review. The annual rate of turnover for these departures is Details of the organisations represented on the group 20% (excluding the legal staff). have been published on the DEFRA website. These are: BAM Nuttall; Country Land and Business Association; Departmental Training Home Builders Federation; Local Government Association; Marine Conservation Society; National Trust; Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for RenewableUK; RSPB; Seabed User and Development Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to the Group; The Wildlife Trusts; WWF(UK); plus an answer of 6 February 2012, Official Report, column independent counsel. 81W, on departmental training, where information on Any correspondence for the group can be sent via away days is held. [95239] e-mail to the review team at: [email protected] Richard Benyon: Information on how many away days core DEFRA has held since May 2010; what the This information is also published on the DEFRA location was of each such away day; how many staff website. attended; and what the cost was of each such event is Fisheries held by the individual teams which ran those events. Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for Dogs Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps her Department is taking to ensure that responsibly-sourced Mrs Grant: To ask the Secretary of State for fish is promoted in Government Departments. [97590] Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the merits of permanent identification Richard Benyon: The Government take the impact of dogs. [97502] that over-fishing is having on fish stocks very seriously. In September we introduced the Government Buying Mr Paice: I am pleased to say that we are close to Standards (GBS) for food and catering. Under GBS finalising a package of measures to tackle irresponsible 100% of fish procured by central Government must dog owners. In putting this package together, we have come from demonstrably sustainable sources. We are considered the benefits of compulsory microchipping thus sending a clear message across Government and of dogs. believe that our role is to lead by example to encourage good sustainable practice in the procurement of fish. Mrs Grant: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent Flood Control: Expenditure discussions she has had with canine welfare charities on responsible dog ownership; and if she will make a Mr Raab: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, statement. [97505] Food and Rural Affairs how much her Department spent on managing the risk of flooding and coastal Mr Paice: The Government are close to finalising a erosion in each year since 2008. [96594] package of measures to tackle irresponsible dog owners. In putting this package together, both Ministers and Richard Benyon: The following table sets out spending officials have had several discussions with canine welfare by DEFRA on flood and coastal erosion risk management charities. in England from 2007-08 to 2011-12. 509W Written Answers5 MARCH 2012 Written Answers 510W

The review will cover issues such as whether or not Spend (£ million) Ministers should have powers to make close seasons for 2007-08 456.7 animals such as hares, which, currently, we do not have. 2008-09 568.2 Meanwhile, I am writing to organisations whose members 2009-10 627.9 are likely to control hares, to encourage them to draw 2010-11 664.1 up best practice guidance for minimising welfare impacts 2011-12 550.2 during necessary control, including consideration of a voluntary close season. These funds include DEFRA’s own direct expenditure, DEFRA grants to the Environment Agency, plus capital Land grants to individual local authorities and internal drainage boards. Caroline Nokes: To ask the Secretary of State for Gangmasters Licensing Authority Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to the answer of 29 June 2011, Official Report, column 800W, Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for on land, when she intends to publish her Department’s Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) what recent report on the application of best and most versatile assessment she has made of the (a) effectiveness and land policy by planning authorities; and what (b) efficiency of the Gangmasters Licensing Authority; discussions her Department has had with the [97327] Department for Communities and Local Government on the report’s findings in relation to the National (2) what discussions (a) she and (b) her officials Planning Policy Framework. [96525] have had with (i) Ministers and (ii) officials in other Government Departments on the future of the Gangmasters Licensing Authority; [97328] Richard Benyon: The report “SP1501: Review of the (3) what assessment she has made of the potential of weight that should be given to the protection of best extending the remit of the Gangmasters Licensing Authority and most versatile (BMV) land” will be published soon. to include (a) construction, (b) social care and (c) DEFRA will continue to meet with the Department for Communities and Local Government in the normal hospitality. [97330] course of business, including National Planning Policy Framework related meetings. Mr Paice: The Gangmasters Licensing Authority’s (GLA) effectiveness and efficiency is measured by its performance against targets. The GLA’s Annual Report Litter: Publicity and Accounts for 2010-11 (ISBN 9780102971439) provide more information. The GLA’s 2011-12 Annual Report Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for and Accounts, which will be agreed by Ministers, will be Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps her published in the summer. Department is taking in conjunction with local authorities DEFRA Ministers and officials have regular discussions to support the Keep Britain Tidy campaign. [97060] with their counterparts in other Departments as part of ongoing consideration of future arrangements for the Richard Benyon: DEFRA supports tackling key operation of the GLA. It is covered under the Employment environmental issues through partners such as Keep Theme of the Government’s Red Tape Challenge. Britain Tidy. Through a grant aid of £4 million in The Red Tape Challenge Ministerial Star Chamber 2011-12, we aim to support KBT’s litter campaign has endorsed the need for the GLA to enforce protections “Love Where YouLive”. Their campaign draws together for vulnerable workers, subject to better targeting of businesses, communities, civil society organisations and non-compliant operators and reducing burdens on the local authorities, including 10 ambassador authorities compliant. The GLA will continue to be monitored in partnership to secure a lasting change in behaviour. under the Government’s ongoing reviews of public bodies and enforcement agencies. Marine Conservation Zones The proposal to extend the GLA’s remit to the construction industry was rejected during progress of the Gangmasters Licensing (Extension to Construction) Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for Bill in winter 2010. No subsequent consideration has Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what progress been given under current reviews to extending the GLA’s her Department has made on meeting the targets for remit to construction, or other sectors. the area of protected marine and coastal habitat specified in the Convention on Biological Diversity. Hares: Animal Welfare [97279]

Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for Richard Benyon: The Government will continue to Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will bring work, both at home and abroad, to ensure that the forward legislative proposals to make it an offence to Convention on Biological Diversity target of at least kill, injure or take brown hares and mountain hares 10% of coastal and marine areas is met. This will apply during closed seasons. [95204] especially to areas of particular importance for biodiversity and ecosystem services, and these will be conserved Richard Benyon: DEFRA has already asked the Law through effectively and equitably managed, ecologically Commission to review wildlife legislation and the representative, well-connected systems of protected areas, Commission will submit its conclusions next year. and other effective area-based conservation measures. 511W Written Answers5 MARCH 2012 Written Answers 512W

This ambition is reflected in the recently published Rights of Way England Biodiversity Strategy, where we have set a target to have in excess of 25% of English inshore Fiona O’Donnell: To ask the Secretary of State for waters contained within well-managed marine protected Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps she is areas (MPAs) by the end of 2016. Currently, nearly 23% taking to encourage forest owners to designate their of these waters are already within MPAs, primarily land as open access under Section 13 of the Special Areas of Conservation and Special Protection Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000. [98185] Areas, designated in accordance with the EU habitats and wild birds directives. For UK offshore waters the Richard Benyon: Section 16 of the Countryside and coverage is nearly 4% and we expect this to rise to just Rights of Way Act 2000 allows voluntary dedication by over 7% by the end of 2012. land owners and long leaseholders of public access Further work on identification of MPAs is under rights over their land. way. As part of our contribution to an ecologically An Independent Panel on Forestry was set up in coherent network of these areas, we aim to formally March 2011 to advise the Secretary of State for consult on possible marine conservation zone sites by Environment on the future direction of forestry and the end of 2012, before designating the first round of woodland policy in England. The panel’s terms of sites in the summer of 2013. Appropriate management reference state that it should consider options for enhancing measures for these sites will then be put in place. public benefits from all woodland and forests, including Progress within the United Kingdom is mirrored by public access for recreation and leisure. The panel will progress within our Overseas Territories. On 27 February, report its findings later in the year. the Government of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands announced the designation of a new sustainable-use Rights of Way: Coastal Areas MPA. The MPA covers an area of over 1 million square kilometres of the Southern Ocean (equivalent to four times the terrestrial area of the United Kingdom), and Fiona O’Donnell: To ask the Secretary of State for includes over 20,000 square kilometres of no-fishing Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate zones. This will help further protect the rich biodiversity she has made of the cost of delaying creation of the of the islands and fishery spawning grounds. This follows coastal access path. [98183] the announcement in 2010 of the designation of the largest no-take MPA in British Indian Ocean Territory. Richard Benyon: We are not delaying the creation of the national coastal route under the provisions in Part 9 The Government also recognise that the protection of the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009. We have of the marine environment will also require action in already approved Natural England’s proposals for the areas beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ). Working coastal route along the stretch of the coast at Weymouth with partners through the Ospar Convention, six High Bay and will open this in time for the 2012 games. Seas MPAs were agreed in 2010 in the High Seas Area of the North East Atlantic. However, we recognise that We will continue to implement the coastal access an improved regulatory regime for the protection of programme and are aiming to open a further five areas biodiversity in ABNJ is required. That is why we are around the coast by 2014-15. committed, as outlined in the Government’s Natural Environment White Paper, to a new implementing Fiona O’Donnell: To ask the Secretary of State for agreement under the United Nations Convention on Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment the Law of the Sea, for the conservation of biodiversity she has made of the economic effect of the English in ABNJ, including MPAs. coastal access scheme. [98184] Marine Management Organisation: Manpower Richard Benyon: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 13 December 2011, Official Report, Lady Hermon: To ask the Secretary of State for column 613W. Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many staff at each grade were employed by the Marine Rural Areas: Finance Management Organisation since its creation. [95621] Julian Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Richard Benyon: The number of staff at each grade Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) how many who were employed by the Marine Management Rural Growth Network pilot areas she expects to establish Organisation since its creation, including those that in 2012; [97125] have left and those still employed, can be found in the (2) when she plans to make a decision on following table: applications to be Rural Growth Network pilot areas; [97127] Full-time Grade equivalent Head count (3) how many applications to be Rural Growth Network pilot areas (a) were submitted and (b) have Administrative Assistant/ 62.5 68 [97128] Administrative Officer been shortlisted. Executive Officer 107.6 108 Richard Benyon: In total 29 applications were submitted Higher Executive Officer/ 94.98 96 Senior Executive Officer to the Rural Growth Network (RGN) pilot competition Grade 7/Grade 6 33.2 34 and 10 of these were shortlisted. We intend to establish Senior Public Servants 7 7 around six RGN pilots in 2012 and we expect to announce the chosen pilots in March. 513W Written Answers5 MARCH 2012 Written Answers 514W

Sharks: Imports DEFRA is not providing specific assistance for sustainable development other than for the biodiversity Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for conservation work, which of itself can be considered to Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) what her be contributing towards wider sustainable development. policy is on (a) existing and (b) proposed additional Water Industry (Financial Assistance) Bill 2010-12 legislation on shark fin product imports into the EU; [97435] Thomas Docherty: To ask the Secretary of State for (2) whether she plans to bring forward legislative Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate proposals to regulate the possession of shark fin she has made of the Barnett consequentials which will products. [97730] arise from the financial provisions of the Water Industry (Financial Assistance) Bill. [97906] Richard Benyon: We are acutely aware of the problems that the international trade in shark fins can cause and Richard Benyon: The Government have decided that of the need for stringent controls to ensure any trade is there is not a case for providing Barnett consequential rooted in sustainable fishing practices. The UK opposes for this spending, as the expenditure on reducing the and has banned wasteful finning (the removal and cost of water bills for all household customers of South retention of shark fins then discarding the carcass while West Water is in response to the exceptional circumstances still at sea). in the region. The Government will continue to support domestic, European and international conservation and management HOME DEPARTMENT measures to control the exploitation of sharks and the Antisocial Behaviour Orders trade in shark products. Where appropriate, we will continue to push for bans in the international trade in Gloria De Piero: To ask the Secretary of State for the shark products through the Convention on International Home Department how many anti-social behaviour Trade in Endangered Species. We will also call for orders were issued in (a) the West Midlands, (b) the action by relevant international conservation and fisheries East Midlands, (c) Essex and (d) West Yorkshire in (i) bodies to manage and conserve sharks worldwide. 2009-10 and (ii) 2010-11; and how many incidents of anti-social behaviour were reported to the police in (A) the West Midlands, (B) West Yorkshire, (C) Essex and Sustainable Development: British Overseas Territories (D) the East Midlands in (1) 2009-10 and (2) 2010-11. [96683] Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for James Brokenshire [holding answer 27 February 2012]: Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assistance Centrally collated data on antisocial behaviour orders her Department is providing to British Overseas Territories (ASBOs) issued are compiled by calendar year. The for sustainable development and environmental numbers of ASBOs issued at all courts in the West conservation. [96262] Midlands region, the East Midlands region, the Essex and West Yorkshire Criminal Justice System areas in Richard Benyon: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer 2009 and 2010 (the latest year for which data are I gave on 2 February 2012, Official Report, column 754W. available), are provided in Table A. However, I have since announced a further £250,000 The numbers of antisocial behaviour incidents recorded towards a project to eradicate rats on South Georgia in by the police in each of the specified areas are provided order to protect the breeding colonies of globally important in Table B. These figures relate to the police record of bird species. We are also supporting further research antisocial behaviour incidents; that is, the number of into invasive alien species. “calls to service” received by them.

Antisocial behaviour orders (ASBOs) issued at all courts1 in selected regions2 and criminal justice system (CJS) areas as reported to the Ministry of Justice3 by Her Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service, 2009 to 2010 Region/CJS area 2009 2010

West Midlands Region4 203 153 Of which: Staffordshire 28 24 Warwickshire 10 3 West Mercia 46 36 West Midlands 119 90

East Midlands Region5 133 133 Of which: Derbyshire 23 22 Leicestershire 21 33 Lincolnshire 16 6 Northamptonshire 29 31 Nottinghamshire 44 41

Essex CJS area 20 9 515W Written Answers5 MARCH 2012 Written Answers 516W

Antisocial behaviour orders (ASBOs) issued at all courts1 in selected regions2 and criminal justice system (CJS) areas as reported to the Ministry of Justice3 by Her Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service, 2009 to 2010 Region/CJS area 2009 2010

West Yorkshire CJS area 126 151 1 Includes ASBOs issued on application by magistrates courts acting in their civil capacity and county courts, which became available on 1 April 1999 and ASBOs made following conviction for a relevant criminal offence at the Crown Court and at magistrates courts (acting in their criminal capacity), which became available on 2 December 2002. 2 Each region had a Government Office with some responsibility for co-ordinating policy, and, from 2007 to 2010, each also had its own part- time regional Minister within the Government. In 2009 the House of Commons established regional Select Committees for each of the regions outside of London. These committees ceased to exist upon the dissolution of Parliament on 12 April 2010 and were not re-established by the newly elected House. Regional Ministers were not re-appointed by the incoming coalition Government, and the Government Offices were abolished in 2011. 3 Prior to the creation of the Ministry of Justice on 9 May 2007, numbers of ASBOs issued were reported to Home Office by the Court Service. 4 Comprised of the Staffordshire, Warwickshire, West Mercia and West Midlands Criminal Justice System areas. 5 Comprised of the Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire and Nottinghamshire Criminal Justice System areas. Note: Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extracted from large administrative data systems generated by the courts. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used. Source: Prepared by Justice Statistics Analytical Services within the Ministry of Justice

Antisocial behaviour incidents recorded by the police (non-National (5) what meetings she has scheduled with (a) her Statistics)1 Jordanian counterpart, (b) officials from the Government Number of Jordan and (c) the Jordanian ambassador or his 2009-102 2010-113 representatives to discuss the case of Abu Qatada in the Selected police force areas next month; [94981] Essex 79,735 71,056 (6) on what dates she has had meetings with (a) her West Midlands 170,525 135,141 Jordanian counterpart, (b) officials from the Government West Yorkshire 144,593 146,330 of Jordan and (c) the Jordanian ambassador or his representatives to discuss the case of Abu Qatada since May 2010; and what the location was of each such Selected regions meeting; [94982] West Midlands Region 330,471 277,066 (7) what the (a) dates, (b) times and (c) locations East Midlands Region 290,227 261,649 were of any meetings between officials in her Department 1 All police forces currently use the National Standard for Incident and officials from the Jordanian Government to discuss Recording (NSIR) to record incidents which are reported to them. [94983] While incidents are recorded under NSIR in accordance with the the case of Abu Qatada in the last year; same ‘victim focused’ approach that applies for recorded crime, these (8) whether she has taken steps to investigate the figures are not accredited National Statistics and are not subject to possibility of deporting Abu Qatada to a country other the same level of quality assurance as the main recorded crime than Jordan; [94984] collection. 2 Management information on ASB incidents were collected by the (9) what meetings with representatives of other National Policing Improvement Agency (NPIA) in 2009-10. countries she has had to discuss the case of Abu 3 Management information on ASB incidents were collected by Her Qatada in the last year; [94985] Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) in 2010-11. (10) which officials of her Department have met officials in the Government of Jordan to discuss the Abu Qatada case of Abu Qatada; [94986] (11) which officials in the Government of Jordan she Diana Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for the has met to discuss the case of Abu Qatada. [94987] Home Department (1) on how many occasions (a) she and (b) Ministers in her Department have met (i) Damian Green: Home Office Ministers and officials officials from the Jordanian Government and (ii) the have meetings with a wide variety of national and Jordanian ambassador or her representatives to discuss international partners, as well as organisations and the case of Abu Qatada since May 2010; [94968] individuals in the public and private sectors, as part of (2) what meetings (a) she and (b) officials in her the process of policy development and delivery. As was Department have had with officials of other countries the case with previous Administrations, it is not the to discuss the case of Abu Qatada; [94970] Government’s practice to provide details of all such (3) on how many occasions she has met (a) her meetings. Jordanian counterpart, (b) officials from the Jordanian Government and (c) the Jordanian ambassador or his Antisocial Behaviour representatives to discuss the case of Abu Qatada in the last year; [94979] Gloria De Piero: To ask the Secretary of State for the (4) how many officials in her Department have met Home Department how many people were arrested for (a) officials from the Jordanian Government and (b) anti-social behaviour offences in (a) the West Midlands, the Jordanian ambassador or his representatives to (b) West Yorkshire, (c) Essex and (d) the East Midlands discuss the case of Abu Qatada since June 2010; [94980] in (i) 2009-10 and (ii) 2010-11. [96682] 517W Written Answers5 MARCH 2012 Written Answers 518W

James Brokenshire [holding answer 27 February 2012]: Crimes of Violence: Alcoholic Drinks The information requested on arrests is not collected centrally. Diana Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimate she has made of the Antisocial Behaviour: Alcoholic Drinks number of violent incidents in which the offender was under the influence of alcohol in (a) 2007-08, (b) Diana Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for the 2008-09, (c) 2009-10 and (d) 2010-11. [96453] Home Department what the total cost to the public purse was of alcohol-related anti-social behaviour in James Brokenshire: Estimates of the number of violent England and Wales in (a) 2007-08, (b) 2008-09, (c) incidents in which the victim believed the offender(s) to 2009-10 and (d) 2010-11; and what estimate she has be under the influence of alcohol are provided in the made of the likely cost in 2011-12. [96454] following table and based on figures from the British crime survey. James Brokenshire: The Home Office does not produce Violent incidents where the victim believed the offender(s) to be under an estimate of the cost of alcohol-related antisocial the influence of alcohol, 2007-08 to 2010-11, England and Wales, BCS behaviour. The total cost of alcohol-related crime and 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 disorder in England and Wales is currently estimated at Number of violent 971 973 986 928 between £8 billion and £13 billion per year. This figure incidents is not available on a year-by-year basis. (Thousand) Unweighted base 46,903 46,220 44,559 46,754 Asylum Departmental Carbon Emissions Sir Peter Bottomley: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many asylum applicants Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for the are (a) untraceable and (b) in the controlled archive. Home Department what reduction in carbon dioxide [97534] emissions her Department has made under the 10:10 initiative. [97936] Damian Green: Rob Whiteman, chief executive of the UK Border Agency reported to the Home Affairs Select Damian Green: The Department has reduced its carbon Committee on 20 December that the number of cases emissions for the period May 2010 to May 2011 by that are (a) untraceable and (b) in the controlled 17.6% measured against the previous 12 months. This archive has reduced from an initial figure of 98,000 exceeded the 10% reduction challenge under the 10:10 cases to 93,000 cases. The Case Assurance and Audit initiative. Unit will continue to manage the cases in the controlled archive, taking robust action to trace applicants and Departmental ICT conclude cases where new information comes to light which allows cases to be progressed. Dr Huppert: To ask the Secretary of State for the Sir Peter Bottomley: To ask the Secretary of State for Home Department pursuant to the answer of 9 the Home Department when the applicant with UK February 2012, Official Report, column 353W, on the Border Agency Ref. G1089659 first applied for asylum; internet, whether any non-governmental organisations when the applicant was refused asylum; when the applicant are involved in the Department’s work to consider how will be given consideration under the legacy provisions; existing capabilities within law enforcement can be and whether relevant medical considerations listed in enhanced. [96472] the UK Border Agency guidelines are taken into account in deciding when a review case receives substantive James Brokenshire: The Home Office is working with law enforcement agencies and the social media industry consideration. [97535] to strengthen co-operation and to consider how existing capabilities within law enforcement can be enhanced. Damian Green: I will reply to the hon. Member separately providing details about this case. Deportation Medical considerations are taken into account when the Case Assurance and Audit Unit determine when cases will be reviewed. Chris Bryant: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether any G4S staff have been dismissed following complaints from detainees in Crime respect of tasks undertaken by G4S under its contract with the UK Border Agency. [92920] Mr Hanson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many offences of (a) burglary, Damian Green: Private sector escorting companies (b) theft from the person and (c) violence were recorded who engage in enforced removals operate within a clear in each combined community safety partnership area in framework set out in legislation and in a set of operating (i) May 2010, (ii) May 2011 and (iii) the latest period for standards and instructions, which are published on the which figures are available. [90889] UK Border Agency’s website. The provider of escorting services for the agency changed in May 2011 from G4S James Brokenshire: The information requested is shown to Reliance Secure Task Management following a contract in the tables placed in the House Library. re-tender. 519W Written Answers5 MARCH 2012 Written Answers 520W

Detainee Custody and Escort Officers are individually James Brokenshire [holding answers 27 and 28 February certified by the UK Border Agency in order to fulfil 2012]: The information requested on transmission of their functions. Where a complaint is made about an drug profiles and drug profile results by UK forensic officer, the matter is investigated by the UK Border science laboratories is not collected centrally in the UK. Agency’s Professional Standards Unit. If a complaint is The EU Council Joint Action 96/699/JHA concerns substantiated, performance measures can be levied under the exchange of information on the chemical profiling the terms of the contract, and the UK Border Agency of drugs to facilitate improved co-operation between can take action against individuals, which could involve member states in combating illicit drug trafficking. It re-training or in extreme cases revoking their accreditation promotes the exchange of information relating to chemical completely. profiling of drugs; facilitating interaction between Europol Officers are employed by the escorting contractor and member states through Europol National Units and it is a matter for Reliance, and G4S before them, as and liaison bureaux. The Serious Organised Crime Agency to the outcome of any disciplinary action arising from (SOCA) transmits this data on behalf of the UK forensic the investigation of a detainee complaint. The UK science laboratories. It forms part of the wider UK Border Agency does not record dismissals by contractors response to tackling drug trafficking, enabling evidential of their employees. material relating to drug seizures to be maximised and strengthening our understanding of the UK drugs market Domestic Violence: Housing through the more effective exchange of intelligence.

Teresa Pearce: To ask the Secretary of State for the EU Justice and Home Affairs Council Home Department how many supporting letters for housing applications made by victims of domestic violence Mr Raab: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home in the London borough of Bexley have been issued by Department how the UK’s application and implementation the Metropolitan Police Sapphire Unit in the last year. of EU and other international acts and instruments in [96935] criminal matters has been assessed by the evaluation teams established by EU Joint Action 97/827/JHA; and Lynne Featherstone [holding answer 27 February 2012]: what assessment her Department has made of the usefulness This information is not held centrally by the Home of that evaluation process. [97653] Office. James Brokenshire [holding answer 1 March 2012]: This joint action establishes a peer evaluation mechanism Drugs: EU Action enabling member states to evaluate the application and implementation, by each other, of instruments designed Mr Raab: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home to combat international organised crime. Department what assessment her Department has To date, five evaluation rounds have been conducted made of the success of the measures set out in EU and a sixth is currently planned. These are: Council Joint Action 96/750/JHA in combating illegal 1. Mutual legal assistance in criminal matters—conducted drug trafficking across the EU. [97220] from 1999 to 2001. James Brokenshire [holding answer 28 February 2012]: 2. Law enforcement and its role in the fight against drug trafficking. This was initiated in 1999 and ended in 2003. The EU Council Joint Action 96/750/JHA concerns the approximation of the laws and practices of the member 3. Exchange of information and intelligence between Europol and the member states and among the member states respectively. states of the European Union to combat drug addiction This was initiated in 2002 and the evaluation ended in 2007. and to prevent and combat illegal drug trafficking. It 4. The European Arrest Warrant. This evaluation started in sets out a number of broad measures that the UK 2006, and ended in May 2009. undertakes as a matter of course when combating the 5. Financial crime and financial investigations. This was initiated threats we face from drug trafficking. This Government in 2008. The first evaluation mission was conducted in Romania have made clear the value we place on working at a in July 2009. The final evaluation mission took place in the Czech practical level with our EU partners to tackle these Republic in December 2011. increasingly complex threats. We continue to review the The sixth round of evaluation is planned to be on the effectiveness of our interventions to combat illegal drug practical implementation and operation of the Decisions trafficking. on Eurojust and the European Judicial Network in criminal matters. This round of evaluation is expected Drugs: International Co-operation to be completed in 2014. Typically, the process involves agreement on a Mr Raab: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home questionnaire, which is then completed by the member Department (1) how many drug profile results have state under evaluation. This is then followed by a short been transmitted by UK forensic science laboratories to visit by a small team of representatives from selected the Europol Drugs Unit under the terms of EU Council other member states to, for example, conduct interviews Joint Action 96/699/JHA in each of the last five years; with national experts. The process enables member states and what assessment her Department has made of the to share best practice and can also be an opportunity to effectiveness of that transfer system; [96751] detect any relevant weaknesses in implementation. (2) how many drug profile results were transmitted In general, the Government support the concept of by UK forensic science laboratories to other EU member peer evaluations to promote more effective working states on a bilateral basis in each of the last five years. between member states in the fight against cross-border [97221] crime. 521W Written Answers5 MARCH 2012 Written Answers 522W

Immigrants: Detainees have entered immigration detention. Of those leaving detention in the same period, which may include those Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for the detained before January 2010, 28,833 have been removed Home Department how many immigrants have been from the UK; 275 have been granted leave to enter/remain; held in immigration removal centres in each of the last 13,242 have been granted temporary admission or release; 20 quarters; and how many have been (a) released in 2,912 have been bailed; and 502 have left detention for the UK and (b) removed from the UK. [89997] other reasons.

Damian Green: The requested information is not The following table shows the number of people available in full. entering and leaving immigration removal centres for Since publication began of all the requested information which published information is available. in January 2010 until September 2011, 46,115 people

People entering and leaving detention, solely under Immigration Act powers Removed from Granted leave to Granted temporary Total entering Total leaving the UK enter/remain admission/release Bailed Other reason

2007 Q1 1— 1— 4,197 1— 1— 1— 1— 2007 Q2 1— 1— 3,791 1— 1— 1— 1— 2007 Q3 1— 1— 3,889 1— 1— 1— 1— 2007 Q4 1— 1— 4,243 1— 1— 1— 1—

2008 Q1 1— 1— 3,763 1— 1— 1— 1— 2008 Q2 1— 1— 4,168 1— 1— 1— 1— 2008 Q3 1— 1— 4,182 1— 1— 1— 1— 2008 Q4 1— 1— 4,199 1— 1— 1— 1—

2009 Q1 6,771 1— 4,039 1— 1— 1— 1— 2009 Q2 7,197 1— 3,817 1— 1— 1— 1— 2009 Q3 7,110 1— 4,092 1— 1— 1— 1— 2009 Q4 6,917 1— 4,145 1— 1— 1— 1—

2010 Q1 6,880 6,675 4,209 47 1,952 395 72 2010 Q2 6,092 6,100 3,940 34 1,683 374 69 2010 Q3 6,771 6,684 4,326 35 1,819 420 84 2010 Q4 6,161 6,500 4,102 25 1,891 407 75

2011 Q1 7,015 6,875 4,321 47 2,021 414 72 2011 Q2 6,362 6,337 3,850 49 1,926 443 69 2011 Q3 6,834 6,593 4,085 38 1,950 459 61 1 Not available. Notes: 1. Data from Q1 2010 onwards are provisional. 2. All people held are detained in the United Kingdom solely under Immigration Act powers and exclude those in police cells, Prison Service establishments, short term holding rooms at ports and airports (for less than 24 hours), and those recorded as detained under both criminal and immigration powers and their dependants. 3. Figures include dependants. 4. Some people entering detention may be recorded more than once if, for example, the person has been detained on more than one separate occasion in the time period shown, such as a person who has left detention, but has subsequently been re-detained. 5. Figures exclude people recorded as entering Harwich Short Term Holding Facility. 6. Relates to most recent period of sole detention for people leaving detention. The period of detention starts when a person first enters the UK Border Agency estate. If the person is then moved from a removal centre to a police cell or Prison Service establishment, this period of stay will be included if the detention is solely under Immigration Act powers. 7. Other reason for leaving detention may include some people released in the UK.

The Home Office publishes quarterly and annual UK through each port of entry between July and statistics on the number of people entering and leaving September 2010 inclusive. [90569] detention, held solely under Immigration Act powers, within Immigration Statistics. Q4 2011 detention figures will be published on 23 February 2012 and will be Mrs May [holding answer 19 January 2012]: Statistics available from the Library of the House and from the relating to the total number of passengers entering the Home Office science, research and statistics webpages at: UK are published quarterly in table ‘ad.01’ of the http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/science-research/research- Home Office statistical release ‘Immigration Statistics’. statistics/migration/migration-statistics1/ The latest publication covering data up to and including the fourth quarter (October to December) 2011 is available from the Library of the House and from the Home Immigration: Ports Office Science web site at: http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/publications/science-research- Yvette Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for the statistics/research-statistics/immigration-asylum-research/ Home Department how many passengers entered the immigration-q4-2011/ 523W Written Answers5 MARCH 2012 Written Answers 524W

Statistics for 2010 for ports as identified in the Chief statements of good practice in mutual legal assistance Inspector’s report, ‘An investigation into border security in criminal matters. [97886] checks’, and the total for all ports, are given in the following table. The data relate to numbers of journeys James Brokenshire: The EU Joint Action 98/427/JHA made. of 29 June 1998 on good practice in mutual legal Passenger arrivals by port of entry—2010 assistance in criminal matters sets out a number of Number of journeys recommendations for the operation of mutual legal assistance (MLA). Many of the recommendations are Total 101,501,000 standard in relation to the operation of MLA and the UK undertakes them as a matter of course. Since the Of which the following selected ports: joint action was published in 1998 there have been Heathrow terminals 1,3,4,5 29,519,000 numerous developments in the field of EU MLA with a Gatwick North and Gatwick South 13,253,000 view to improving the effectiveness of MLA and this is Stansted 7,851,000 kept generally under review. Manchester Terminal 1,2 7,720,000 Calais 5,153,500 Metropolitan Police: Cybercrime Coquelles 4,739,000 Luton 3,634,000 Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for the Birmingham 3,377,000 Home Department what assessment she has made of Bristol 2,144,000 the effectiveness of the Metropolitan Police’s Central Edinburgh 1,848,000 e-Crime Units; and if she will make a statement. Newcastle 1,499,000 [97628] Glasgow 1,465,000 Portsmouth 1,097,000 James Brokenshire: The police central e-crime unit’s Belfast International 840,000 remit is to tackle those responsible for the most serious Cardiff 516,000 cyber crime incidents of computer intrusion, distribution Plymouth 456,000 of malicious code, denial of service attacks and internet- Newhaven 128,000 enabled fraud. In October it released figures showing Notes: that in the first six months of its increased funding 1. Provisional figures. 2. Figures are numbers of journeys and include passengers in transit who do not under the National Cyber Security Programme, it saved pass through immigration controls. the UK from losing £140 million to cyber crime. 3. Data for some smaller ports are included within returns from larger ports and cannot be separated. 4. Data are rounded to nearest thousand and exclude arrivals from the Common National Crime Agency Travel Area. Sources: Data for ports as published in Figure 2, ‘An investigation into border security Mr Burley: To ask the Secretary of State for the checks’, Independent Chief Inspector, Februrary2012 Home Department when she expects the National Total for all ports as published in table ad01, ‘Immigration Statistics’ July to Crime Agency to be fully operational. [97577] September 2011, Migration Statistics. Home Office, November 2011

Khat: Drug Seizures James Brokenshire: The National Crime Agency is intended to be fully operational during 2013 subject to the passage of the necessary legislation. Mark Lancaster: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how much of the drug khat was Sir Michael Scholar seized during attempted exportation to other European countries where it is banned in the latest period for Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for the which figures are available; [97598] Home Department what communication (a) she and (2) what steps she is taking to prevent the (b) the head of the UK Border Agency has had with exportation of the drug khat to other European Sir Michael Scholar in the last 12 months. [97403] countries. [97599] Damian Green: In the last year, the Secretary of State James Brokenshire [holding answer 1 March 2012]: for the Home Department, my right hon. Friend the Khat is not subject to drug control legislation in the Member for Maidenhead (Mrs May), received a letter UK. from Sir Michael Scholar on the subject of Transport The Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs expect for London statistics on 16 March 2011 to which she to complete their review of khat commissioned by the replied on 31 March 2011. Government by the end of the year (2012). The review The Home Secretary and the head of the UK Border will include considerations of the nature of the khat Agency have occasionally been copied in to letters from trade, including international trafficking, in a view to Sir Michael Scholar on statistical matters. All of these inform the Government’s khat policy. are routinely published on the UK Statistical Authority’s website available at: Legal Opinion http://www.statisticsauthority.gov.uk/reports--- correspondence/correspondence/index.html Mr Raab: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home The Home Secretary has also copied some of her Department with reference to EU Council Joint Action letters to the national statistician to Sir Michael Scholar 98/427/JHA, what assessment she has made of the on the matter of the national statistician’s review of effectiveness of the steps taken by the Government on crime statistics. 525W Written Answers5 MARCH 2012 Written Answers 526W

The Home Office’s chief statistician and his staff Damian Green: On 5 July 2011 Jonathan Sedgwick, communicate with the UK Statistics Authority and the the then acting chief executive of the UK Border Agency, National Statistician’s Office on a continual basis on advised the Home Affairs Select Committee (HASC) professional statistical matters. that the Case Resolution Directorate had completed its review of all known legacy cases. Stalking In his statement he further advised that the Case Assurance and Audit Unit (CAAU) had succeeded the Mr Llwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for the Case Resolution Directorate from 1 April 2011. Home Department how many responses were received Rob Whiteman reported to the HASC on 20 December to her Department’s consultation on stalking which that there were 17 000 live legacy cases to conclude and closed on 5 February 2012. [97542] 93,000 cases in the Controlled Archive which CAAU will continue to manage, taking robust action to trace Lynne Featherstone: We received a total of 156 responses applicants and conclude cases where new information to the consultation, including from victims and their comes to light which allows cases to be progressed. families, stalking charities, the police, criminal justice professionals and members of the public. UK Border Agency: Pay We will publish a full response to the consultation on 8 March (International Women’s Day). Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether she has any plans to review Mr Llwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for the the salary of the head of the UK Border Agency Home Department whether she has received a copy of following the creation of an independent UK Border the report of the independent parliamentary inquiry Force. [97424] into stalking law reform; and whether her Department will consider the findings and recommendations of that Damian Green: The new arrangements for Border report as part of its consultation on stalking which Force announced by the Secretary of State for the closed on 5 February 2012. [97543] Home Department, my right hon. Friend the Member for Maidenhead (Mrs May), on 20 February 2012, Lynne Featherstone: I have been forwarded a copy of Official Report, columns 621-23, took effect from 1 the report of the independent parliamentary inquiry by March 2012. Completing the modernisation of the UK officials. Border Agency remains a challenging job and requires As the Minister of State for Crime Prevention and the leadership of the highest calibre chief executive. The Antisocial Behaviour Reduction, my noble Friend Lord salary received by the current chief executive continues Henley, explained in the House of Lords on 6 February to be appropriate to the role. 2012 during the Report stage on the Protection of Freedoms Bill, the Government will consider the responses Visas: Tripoli to the consultation on stalking and the independent parliamentary inquiry report before the Third Reading of the Bill. This will give the Government an opportunity Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for to reach a view on the best way forward on the issue of the Home Department what the average waiting time is stalking. for an application for a British visa from the British embassy in Tripoli. [97965] Theft: Metals Damian Green: Due to the current security situation in Libya, the UK visa service in Tripoli is suspended. Graham Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for the However, the UK Border Agency offers exceptional Home Department how many people have been visa services to Libyan officials visiting the UK at the prosecuted for exporting stolen scrap metal in each of invitation of the British Government. All such visas are the last 10 years. [97197] processed to external customer standards, but the limited volumes mean that average processing time data is not James Brokenshire: Information held centrally by the collated. Ministry of Justice on the Court Proceedings Database does not include information about the circumstances behind each case, beyond the description provided in the statute under which proceedings are brought. It is therefore not possible to separately identify offences JUSTICE involving exporting stolen scrap metal from other offences relating to scrap metal. Chief Coroner

UK Border Agency Robert Flello: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice if he will place in the Library a copy of the draft Sir Peter Bottomley: To ask the Secretary of State for job description for the post of Chief Coroner. [97338] the Home Department when the UK Border Agency announced that the Case Resolution Directorate had Mr Djanogly: Discussions on the role of chief coroner completed its review of all known legacy cases; when are still ongoing so it would be inappropriate to place a the Case Assurance and Audit Unit succeeded the Case copy of the job description in the Library at this stage. Resolution Directorate; and how many legacy asylum A copy of the job description will be laid in the Library cases have not been concluded. [97533] of both Houses once finalised. 527W Written Answers5 MARCH 2012 Written Answers 528W

Robert Flello: To ask the Secretary of State for pre-hearing reviews, full/final hearings (which include Justice what (a) meetings and (b) other discussions he assessment of remedies, where relevant) and review has had with members of the judiciary on the role of hearings. Chief Coroner in the last three months. [97339] Listing of hearings in cases (including the cancellation, postponement or adjournment of cases) is a judicial Mr Djanogly: The Lord Chancellor and Secretary of matter. Once listed, “cancellations”can occur, for example, State for Justice, my right hon. and learned Friend the where the claim is resolved, settled or withdrawn before Member for Rushcliffe (Mr Clarke), has not held any the hearing is scheduled to take place; where a meetings with members of the judiciary about the role postponement request is made by one or both of the of the Chief Coroner in the last three months. Officials parties and accepted by the tribunal; or where the from the Ministry of Justice participated in a workshop employment tribunal itself postpones the hearing on its with senior members of the judiciary to discuss the own volition for any number of reasons. office of the Chief Coroner in February. In relation to part (a) of the question, Tables 1(a) to 1(e) show all hearings recorded as “postponed by Tribunal” Robert Flello: To ask the Secretary of State for for each Employment Tribunal Office across Great Britain, Justice what arrangements he is considering on the respectively for each of the five financial years for which reporting to Parliament of the work of Chief Coroner. data was sought. It is not possible to discern the cause [97340] of the postponement (for example, whether it was at the instigation of parties, or the tribunal’s own volition). Mr Djanogly: Section 36 of the Coroners and Justice Act 2009 imposes a duty on the chief coroner to give an Table 1a: Hearings postponed by the tribunal in the financial year 2006-07 annual report to the Lord Chancellor, and requires the Total hearings Lord Chancellor to publish each report and lay copies Office Full hearings postponed postponed in Parliament. The Government intend to implement Birmingham 460 680 this provision once the chief coroner has formally taken Leicester 52 60 up post. Nottingham 300 380 Shrewsbury 0 0 Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority: Public Leeds 5 5 Expenditure Liverpool 0 1 Manchester 4 4 Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Newcastle 150 190 what his Department’s most recent estimate is of the Sheffield 190 220 savings to the public purse which will accrue from the Aberdeen 1 1 proposed reform of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Dundee 2 2 Authority; and in which year of the comprehensive Edinburgh 2 3 spending review period these savings are expected to Glasgow 1 4 arise. [97830] London Central 4 5 Ashford 0 0 Mr Blunt: In our consultation document ’Getting it Bedford 18 20 Right for Victims and Witnesses’ we made proposals for Bury St Edmunds 10 17 reforming the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme Reading 34 40 rather than the authority. Stratford 0 0 Watford 240 300 If our proposals were to be implemented in full we Bristol 150 180 estimate they would reduce the annual cost of the Cardiff 0 0 scheme by between £40 million and £60 million. These Exeter 190 260 savings will start to accrue to the public purse once the Southampton 210 290 reformed scheme is in place. London South 0 0 Subject to parliamentary approval we anticipate the Total 2,000 2,660 revised scheme being in place this summer or early autumn. Table 1b: Hearings postponed by the tribunal in the financial year 2007-08 Total hearings Office Full hearings postponed postponed Employment Tribunals Service Birmingham 340 500 Ian Murray: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Leicester 18 19 how many hearings (a) were cancelled by each employment Nottingham 270 340 tribunal, (b) were listed as floaters, (c) were listed Shrewsbury 0 0 within 26 weeks of receipt in single jurisdiction claims Leeds 76 91 and (d) needed to be adjourned as a result of being Liverpool 0 1 part-heard; in how many cases the written judgment Manchester 8 11 was sent to the parties within four weeks of the conclusion Newcastle 81 130 of the hearing; and what the average period of time Sheffield 140 190 taken to list pre-hearing reviews was in each of the last Aberdeen 0 0 Dundee 0 0 five years. [98213] Edinburgh 0 0 Glasgow 1 1 Mr Djanogly: Employment tribunals list various types London Central 2 3 of hearings, including case management discussions, 529W Written Answers5 MARCH 2012 Written Answers 530W

Table 1b: Hearings postponed by the tribunal in the financial year 2007-08 Table 1d: Hearings postponed by the tribunal in the financial year 2009-10

Total hearings Total hearings Office Full hearings postponed postponed Office Full hearings postponed postponed Ashford 1 1 Stratford (relocated to 00 Bedford 110 130 London East in 2009- Bury St Edmunds 150 190 10) Reading 79 100 Watford 32 58 Stratford 0 1 Watford 170 250 Bristol 10 11 Bristol 94 99 Cardiff 0 0 Cardiff 0 0 Exeter 61 76 Exeter 190 220 Southampton 280 360 Southampton 210 290 London South 0 0 London South 0 0

Total 1,940 2,570 Total 3,850 5,220

Table 1c: Hearings postponed by the tribunal in the financial year 2008-09 Table 1e: Hearings postponed by the tribunal in the financial year 2010-11 Total hearings Total hearings Office Full hearings postponed postponed Office Full hearings postponed postponed

Birmingham 360 520 Birmingham 700 1050 Leicester 21 26 Leicester 24 32 Nottingham 390 510 Nottingham 69 100 Shrewsbury 1 1 Shrewsbury 0 0 Leeds 110 190 Leeds 320 460 Liverpool 0 0 Liverpool 28 30 Manchester 67 84 Manchester 99 130 Newcastle 240 510 Newcastle 320 550 Sheffield 140 160 Sheffield 210 290 Aberdeen 0 0 Aberdeen 420 650 Dundee 0 0 Dundee 270 340 Edinburgh 1 1 Edinburgh 180 250 Glasgow 0 4 Glasgow 170 220 London Central 350 530 London Central 36 41 Ashford 28 37 Ashford 0 0 Bedford 130 150 Bedford 62 74 Bury St Edmunds 120 160 Bury St Edmunds 2 5 Reading 69 74 Reading 260 330 Stratford 1 2 London East 0 0 Watford 360 460 Watford 190 280 Bristol 30 31 Bristol 16 16 Cardiff 1 1 Cardiff 0 0 Exeter 72 90 Exeter 89 110 Southampton 200 240 Southampton 330 480 London South 1 1 London South 0 0 Total 2,690 3,760 Total 3,780 5,430 Table 1d: Hearings postponed by the tribunal in the financial year 2009-10 Notes: 1. Hearings are marked as “postponed by Tribunal” on the tribunal Total hearings management information system. These are hearings where, for a variety of Office Full hearings postponed postponed reasons including cancellation, the hearing has been postponed by the tribunal. It is not possible to separate out the reasons for the postponement. Birmingham 640 860 Therefore the table gives indicative figures for the total number of Leicester 67 98 postponements by tribunals, of which cancellations will be a subset. Nottingham 390 530 2. There were no postponements by tribunal recorded in Scotland in 2010-11; in 2009-10 there were 2. Shrewsbury 0 0 3. Figures in the tables are rounded independently and thus may not add to Leeds 260 380 totals. The following conventions have been used: Liverpool 80 100 values less than 100 remain as unit values; values from 100 to 999 are rounded to nearest ten; and Manchester 280 460 values of 1,000 and over are rounded to the nearest hundred. Newcastle 230 320 Source: Sheffield 0 2 ET Central Database March 2012. Aberdeen 470 630 Dundee 60 73 In relation to part (b), Employment Tribunal Offices Edinburgh 360 440 are not required to collate and record this information Glasgow 200 260 and those that do, do not report the data so that it can London Central 1 2 be collated and held centrally. Accordingly, it is not Ashford 0 0 possible to provide the information requested. Bedford 110 140 In relation to part (c), Table 2 shows the number of Bury St Edmunds 10 10 “single”’ cases that were listed for hearing within 26 Reading 310 420 weeks of receipt of the original claim. 531W Written Answers5 MARCH 2012 Written Answers 532W

Table 2: Single claims listed for hearing within 26 weeks of receipt for the last Mr Djanogly: The information requested is as follows: five financial years Single cases listed for hearing within Depending on which proposal is implemented, the Financial year 26 weeks of receipt initial impact assessment accompanying the fee-charging consultation estimated the ongoing cost of fee collection 2006-07 35,900 at £1-2 million per annum. The annual revenue after 2007-08 35,900 remissions has been estimated at £10-14 million respectively. 2008-09 37,300 All figures are quoted in 2011-12 prices, 2009-10 41,100 2010-11 38,500 Therefore, as a proportion, initial estimates suggest Notes: that ongoing costs represent in the region of some 1. Data on the percentage of single accepted cases where the first hearing began 10-15% of the initial annual fee income. within 26 weeks of receipt (rather than being listed within that period), and the employment tribunals’ performance against the 75% target, is published regularly. The initial impact assessment accompanying the fee- The latest available information is available on the MOJ website. charging consultation estimated the total cost of Source: implementation at £2 million at 2011-12 prices. A detailed ET Monthly Management Information report. breakdown of the various cost sub-categories is not In relation to Part (d), table 3 shows hearings that available at this stage of policy development. were adjourned as a result of being part-heard. The Government will ensure that their obligations to Table 3: All part-heard hearings for the last five financial years protect access to justice under article 6 of the European Total hearings “part- Full/final hearings convention on human rights are fully adhered to when Financial year heard” “part-heard” presenting their final proposals to Parliament. 2006-07 1,170 1,030 The consultation paper proposes to adopt the civil 2007-08 1,080 990 courts remission system of England and Wales so as to 2008-09 910 820 protect access to justice for those individuals who cannot 2009-10 880 820 afford to pay the proposed tribunal user fees, and the 2010-11 1,000 930 Government have invited comment on whether respondents Source: believe that remission system fulfils those aims. A final ET Central Database March 2012. decision on how the remission system will work will be In relation to the timeliness of judgments, Table 4 made following consultation. shows the number of written judgments issued to parties within four weeks of the hearing date. An initial equality impact assessment was published alongside the consultation and can be found on the Table 4: Judgments issued within four weeks of the hearing date Ministry of Justice website at: Financial year Number http://www.justice.gov.uk/consultations 2006-07 8,600 2007-08 8,100 G4S 2008-09 8,500 2009-10 9,200 2010-11 9,100 John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Source: Justice whether South Yorkshire Probation Trust in ET Monthly Management Information report. partnership with G4S will be allowed to tender for the In relation to the final part of the question, in those management of HM Prison Lindholme, HM Prison cases where a pre-hearing review was listed, the average Moorland and HM Prison Hatfield. [98088] time from receipt of the claim to the pre-hearing review is outlined in table 5. Mr Blunt: We are expecting G4S to submit a bid for provision of Custodial Services and Works at HMP Table 5: Average time from receipt of claim to pre-hearing review Lindholme, HMP Moorland and HMP Hatfield. It is Financial year Number of days open to bidders to work with other organisations in 2006-07 254 constructing their bids and in delivering their commitments 2007-08 207 if successful in this competition. 2008-09 174 2009-10 171 Harassment 2010-11 180 Mr Llwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Employment Tribunals Service: Fees and Charges how many allegations of harassment under the terms of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 were Ian Murray: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice recorded by the police as crimes in financial year (1) what assessment he has made of the likely ongoing 2010-11. [97541] costs of collection of fees in the employment tribunal system (a) in total and (b) as a proportion of Lynne Featherstone: I have been asked to reply on estimated fee income; [98068] behalf of the Home Department. (2) what estimate he has made of the (a) IT and (b) The Home Office do not collect data from police other start-up costs of implementing a system to forces on the number of allegations that are subsequently collect his proposed fees in the employment tribunal recorded by the police as a crime. However, the National system; [98070] Crime Recording Standard states that all incidents reported (3) what steps he plans to take to ensure access to by a victim to the police should be recorded, if the justice for vulnerable people if fees for employment events described amount to a crime in law and unless tribunals are introduced. [98176] there is credible evidence to the contrary. 533W Written Answers5 MARCH 2012 Written Answers 534W

In the financial year 2010-11, there were 51,200 offences Amount (£ million) of harassment recorded by the police in England and Wales. Policy, Corporate Services and 1,014 Associated Offices1 HMP Lindholme Legal Services Commission 2,174 (LSC) Mr Llwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice National Offender 3,595 Management Service (NOMS) whether there will be a public-sector bid to operate Her Majesty’s Courts and 1,070 HMP Lindholme, HMP Moorland and HMP Hatfield. Tribunals Service (HMCTS) [97815] 1 This category includes allocations for Prison Estates Function, Ministry of Justice wide ICT expenditure and Shared Service Mr Blunt: Her Majesty’s Prison Service (HMPS) Functions. responded to a pre-qualification questionnaire (PQQ) The Department has not set budgets for the remaining and were shortlisted to bid to operate HMP Lindholme, years of the comprehensive spending review period. HMP Moorland and HMP Hatfield. Budgets for 2012-13 onwards will be set as part of the Department’s regular annual budget allocation process. Iran Allocations will be made on the basis of need and according to departmental priorities. David Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many individuals were convicted of breaching Magistrates: Closures sanctions on Iran in each of the last five years. [97983] Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Mr Blunt: Data are not collated centrally on persons what his Department’s most recent estimate is of the proceeded against under current legislation specifically savings which will accrue from the closure of 93 related to sanctions on Iran. Other than where specified magistrates’ courts and 49 county courts announced on in a statute, centrally held information does not include 14 December 2010; and in which year of the all the circumstances of each case and from information comprehensive spending review period these savings on proceedings for offences of, for example, the illegal are expected to be realised. [97831] export of goods, it is not possible to identify the country of destination. Mr Djanogly: Cumulative savings from the closure of the courts announced on 14 December 2010 are estimated Legal Aid Scheme at £60.6 million over the spending review period. It is anticipated that £4.1 million will be realised this year Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice with £16.1 million next year and £19.6 million and what his Department’s most recent estimate is of the £20.8 million in the following two years. savings which will accrue from the proposals in the In addition to the financial savings made there will Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders also be capital proceeds from the sale of the court Bill in respect of legal aid as a result of (a) increased buildings. These are estimated at £36.3 million over the use of telephone advice, (b) changes to the scope of SR period. family law help, (c) changes to the scope of family law representations, (d) changes to the scope of social welfare help, (e) changes to the scope of social welfare Magistrates: Translation Services representation and (f) a 10% reduction in expert fees in each year of the Comprehensive Spending Review period. Mr Slaughter: To ask the Secretary of State for [97832] Justice (1) what discussions (a) Ministers and (b) officials in his Department have had with (i) magistrates Mr Djanogly: The impact assessments published and (ii) members of the judiciary in England and Wales alongside the consultation response contain the most concerning Applied Language Solutions and the delivery recent estimates of the potential impacts of the proposals of the contract for translation services; [98197] based on the Bill as introduced to Parliament. We will (2) what representations he has received from (a) publish a revised assessment following the conclusion magistrates and (b) members of the judiciary in of the parliamentary process. England and Wales concerning (i) Applied Language Solutions and (ii) the provision of interpreters in the Legal Services Commission Crown and magistrates’ courts; [98198] (3) what information (a) his Department and (b) Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice HM Courts and Tribunals Service collects on the how much his Department has allocated to expenditure provision of interpretation services in courts; for what on (a) its headquarters, (b) the Legal Services Commission, purposes; if he will place copies of such information in (c) the National Offender Management Service and the Library; and if he will make a statement. [98201] (d) the HM Courts and Tribunals Service in each year of the comprehensive spending review period. [97829] Mr Djanogly: The Ministry of Justice sought the views of a variety of key interested parties including the Mr Djanogly: The Department’s budget allocations judiciary in developing the new arrangements for sourcing for 2011-12 given in the following table are outlined in interpreters. Courts and Tribunals staff are in daily the Supplementary Estimate published on 8 February contact with members of the judiciary regarding the 2012. level of service provided since the contract commenced. 535W Written Answers5 MARCH 2012 Written Answers 536W

As part of their contractual obligations under the The Careers Information and Advice Service (CIAS) framework the contractor is required to provide a range delivered in prisons under the Offenders Learning and of information about the performance of the contract. Skills Service (OLASS) contracts is confidential and The Ministry will consider what information it can impartial and supports offenders in making realistic usefully publish in due course. and informed choices about their current and future learning and employment options. Advice given includes Mr Slaughter: To ask the Secretary of State for employment opportunities in the area in which the Justice (1) whether his Department has prepared offender will resettle after release. Advisers take account contingency plans in the event that Applied Language of the frequent and unpredictable movement of offenders Solutions is unable to deliver the contract for the provision between prisons, before the completion of their agreed of translation services in courts; [98199] learning programme and liaise closely with other agencies, (2) what steps (a) he and (b) his Department is including the OLASS learning provider within the prison taking in respect of the delivery of the contract for and resettlement teams, providers working ’through the translation services by Applied Language Solutions. gate’, including Next Step, Jobcentre Plus and providers [98200] supporting offenders into employment through the National Offender Management Service (NOMS) European Social Mr Blunt: Once fully embedded the new arrangements Fund projects. for interpreters will provide better value for money for The advisers maintain a current understanding of the the public and will meet the needs of the justice system. wider specialised areas of advice in the context of Close monitoring of the national roll-out has ensured offenders, so that referrals are made that are appropriate that an action plan to address the problems was in place to the circumstances of the individual and wherever within two weeks of the new interpreter service commencing possible, the offer is comparable with that in the mainstream. on a national basis. Contingency arrangements to minimise CIAS is available for all referred individuals. the chance of disruption to court business are already The providers of CIAS in prisons in England are in place. required to meet the minimum quality requirements of The contractor, Applied Language Solutions, is taking holding and retaining the Matrix Standard. The Matrix urgent action including providing additional staff to Standard is the quality standard for organisations to deal with bookings, further targeted recruitment of assess and measure their advice and support services, interpreters in key languages, some increases to payments which ultimately supports individuals in their choice of for interpreters and improvements to the call handling career. and complaints process. Officials are meeting regularly CIAS Providers are required by the Skills Funding with ALS to monitor the situation, and Ministers are Agency to use fully qualified advisors and a recent audit receiving regular reports. of adviser qualifications relating to delivering information, advice and guidance service to adults in custody is as Office of Chief Coroner follows:

Robert Flello: To ask the Secretary of State for Percentage Justice what the proposed budget will be of the Office Number of Staff whose highest 24 of Chief Coroner. [97341] qualification is level 6 or higher Number of staff whose highest 50 Mr Djanogly: The budget for the chief coroner’s qualification is level 4 or higher office will be dependent on the role and remit of the Number of staff whose highest 23 chief coroner and the constitution of his or her supporting qualification is level 3 or higher office. These matters are the subject of ongoing discussions Number of staff working 3 with the Judicial Office and so it is not possible to towards a level 3 provide details of the proposed budget at this stage.

Prisoners: Sentencing Prisons: Yorkshire and the Humber Hazel Blears: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what assessment he has made of the (a) scope and (b) quality of the careers advice provided to Mr Llwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice prisoners on the conclusion of custodial sentences. whether funding from the public purse will be used by [97581] the South Yorkshire Probation Trust in conjunction with G4S in drawing up their joint bid to manage the Mr Blunt: “Making Prisons Work: skills for rehabilitation. three prisons in South Yorkshire. [97851] A Review of Offender Learning”, published in May 2011, examined the efficiency and effectiveness of offender Mr Blunt: South Yorkshire Probation Trust is funded learning and skills services. to deliver, and is delivering, the probation services specified Careers Information and Advice, including an assessment in its contract with the National Offender Management of learning needs, is undertaken at the beginning of a Service. It has not received additional funding to engage sentence to ensure that the learning and skills offer for in business development work; however, it will have prisoners can be linked to employment needs and some capacity to work with others to develop innovative aspirations. Access to the service is on-going throughout ways of working that improve efficiency and meet local the sentence. need. 537W Written Answers5 MARCH 2012 Written Answers 538W

Reoffenders: Young Offenders Translation Services

Mrs Chapman: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Slaughter: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice (1) how many people who were sentenced to a Justice (1) whether his Department has requested the custodial sentence reoffended within 12 months of courts to compile lists of interpreters who will or will conviction in England and Wales between 2008 and not work outside the Applied Language Solutions 2011; and how many and what proportion of that framework agreement; and for what purpose any such figure were aged between 18 and 24 years; [97335] lists have been compiled; [97305] (2) how many people who were sentenced to a (2) pursuant to the written ministerial statement of community sentence reoffended within 12 months of 5 July 2011, Official Report, columns 86-7WS, on conviction in England and Wales between 2008 and interpretation and translation services, how the 2011; and how many and what proportion of that estimate of £18 million savings from his Department’s figure were aged between 18 and 24. [97336] adoption of the framework agreement on translation services was reached. [97306] Mr Blunt: The hon. Member’s question has been Mr Blunt: The information is as follows: answered using the Ministry of Justice’s published proven (1) Courts have not been asked to compile lists of reoffending statistics, broken down further by the age of interpreters who will or will not work outside the Ministry’s the offender. Proven reoffending is measured over a one Framework Agreement with Applied Language Solutions. year period from the point an offender receives their first court order or, in the case of custody, when they (2) I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to are released from prison. this question on 28 February 2012, Official Report, column 190W. Table 1 shows the number of adult offenders (aged 18 or over), who were released from custody in 2008 and Trespass: Crime 2009 and the proportion of those aged between 18 and 24 years that reoffended within a 12 month period. Chris Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice whether he plans to make trespassing a criminal Proportion offence. [98047] of reoffenders Mr Blunt: There is already an offence of aggravated Offenders 18 to that were trespass under the Criminal Justice and Public Order released 24-year- 18 to Act 1994. The Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment from olds that 24-year- custody Reoffended reoffended olds of Offenders Bill includes provision to criminalise squatting in residential buildings. We have no plans to criminalise 2008 65,051 31,991 11,579 36.2 other forms of trespass. 2009 63,832 29,857 10,844 36.3

Table 2 shows the same information for offenders EDUCATION who commenced a court order in 2008 and 2009. Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000 Proportion of Mr Burley: To ask the Secretary of State for Education reoffenders what assessment he has made of the operation of the Offenders 18 to that were starting a 24-year- 18 to Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000 in respect of the community olds that 24-year- support provided to people after they have reached the sentence Reoffended reoffended olds age of 18. [97512] 2008 143,611 51,328 21,382 41.7 Tim Loughton: The Government are committed to 2009 147,298 50,756 21,016 41.4 improving outcomes for this vulnerable group of young people. In 2010 we put in place revised regulations and Figures for 2010 and 2011 are not yet available. new statutory guidance on support for care leavers. These are intended to improve the quality of support, The Third Parties (Rights Against Insurers) Act 2010 and bring consistency so that all young people leaving care have the same opportunities to succeed as their peers. I meet care leaver groups on a regular basis to Mr Doran: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice hear their views on the support they receive. The when he plans to bring into force the provisions of The Department also consults the Children’s Rights Director Third Parties (Rights Against Insurers) Act 2010. whose reports on children in care and care leavers are [98039] another valuable source of feedback on the support these young people receive. Mr Djanogly: No date has been set to bring the Third Key entitlements for care leavers include: Parties (Rights Against Insurers) Act 2010 into force. the £2,000 higher education bursary for all eligible care leavers; The Ministry of Justice is examining whether the Act a new 16 to 19 bursary scheme which will begin from the start should be amended to include (a) all forms of of the 2011/12 academic year. Looked after young people and administration and (b) debt relief orders in Northern care leavers are guaranteed a £1,200 bursary if they continue in Ireland before it is commenced. I will make a further full-time education; statement about commencement before the summer consistent personal support from a suitably qualified personal recess. adviser up to age 21 or beyond if in education; and 539W Written Answers5 MARCH 2012 Written Answers 540W

care leavers up to age 25 who return to education or training be made, so far are set out in the Government’s latest also benefit from the support of a personal adviser while they Statement of New Regulation. We are considering which are on their agreed course. DfE regulations can be removed or improved through Departmental Carbon Emissions the RTC process and will publish the outcome in due course. Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for Departmental Senior Civil Servants Education what reduction in carbon dioxide emissions his Department has made under the 10:10 initiative. Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Education [97933] how many senior civil servants left his Department and its public bodies in each month since May 2010; what Tim Loughton: The Department for Education achieved their names are; what the rate of turnover of senior civil a 21.5% reduction in carbon emissions as part of the servants in his Department was during this period; and Prime Minister’s 10% carbon reduction commitment. if he will make a statement. [96256]

This equates to a reduction of 2,124 tonnes of CO2. Tim Loughton: Information that can be made available Departmental Internet for the Department is set out in the following table (as at 31 January 2012): Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what public services his Department delivers Number of senior staff leavers online only. [96892] May 2010 1 Tim Loughton: The Department for Education publishes July 2010 1 key school performance data online only to support August 2010 1 parental choice when selecting a school for their child September 2010 1 at: October 2010 1 December 2010 1 http://www.education.gov.uk/schools/performance/ January 2011 1 as well as a database of educational establishments February 2011 1 across England and Wales at: July 2011 3 http://www.education.gov.uk/edubase August 2011 1 Departmental Pay December 2011 4 The turnover rate for the Department over the period Fabian Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for is 13.44%. Education how many officials in (a) his Department Information for the Department’s arm’s length bodies and (b) the non-departmental public bodies for which is a matter for them and is not held centrally. Workforce his Department is responsible are paid (i) £100,000 and information is published for the Department and its (ii) £142,500 or more per annum. [97036] arm’s length bodies from March 2011 and can be found on the transparency pages of the Department’s website: Tim Loughton: Information for the Department and http://www.education.gov.uk/aboutdfe/ its arm’s length bodies can be found on the transparency departmentalinformation/transparency/a00199711/monthly- pages on the Department’s website: workforce-management-information http://www.education.gov.uk/aboutdfe/departmental information/ Any changes in the workforce numbers may not transparency/b0065313/disclosure-of-scs-posts-and-salary- solely reflect senior staff leaving their organisations. inforrnation Schools Departmental Regulation Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Education Simon Hart: To ask the Secretary of State for how many secondary schools there are in (a) Bexley, Education what progress his Department has made on (b) Bournemouth, (c) Buckinghamshire, (d) Kent, the Red Tape Challenge; and which regulations have (e) Kingston upon Thames, (f) Lincolnshire, (g) Medway, been (a) abolished and (b) revised as part of the (h) Poole, (i) Reading, (j) Slough, (k) Southend, (l) Challenge. [97239] Sutton, (m) Torbay, (n) Trafford and (o) Wirral local education authority areas; and how each school is Tim Loughton: To date, of over 1,200 regulations designated in performance tables. [96487] considered so far under Red Tape Challenge, we have agreed to scrap or substantially overhaul well over half. Mr Gibb: The information requested is shown in the The 123 Red Tape Challenge reforms made, or about to following tables:

Number and designation of schools in specific local authority areas based on the performance tables General further Non- Academy and Community Foundation education maintained free schools Community special Foundation special college special

Bexley —436—1— Bournemouth — — 2 7 — — — Buckinghamshire — 18 10 10 — — 1 541W Written Answers5 MARCH 2012 Written Answers 542W

Number and designation of schools in specific local authority areas based on the performance tables General further Non- Academy and Community Foundation education maintained free schools Community special Foundation special college special

Kent 11823521 1 5 Kingston upon Thames —2251—— Lincolnshire 1 16 15 27 1 — — Medway —428——— Poole —3241—2 Reading — — 2 5 — — — Slough —225——— Southend-on-Sea 11481—— Sutton —536——1 Torbay —136——— Trafford 1 1 3 12 — — 1 Wirral —105 8—— 1 Total 4 85 81 169 5 2 11

Other independent Sponsored Voluntary Other independent special academy Voluntary aided controlled Total

Bexley — — 4 3 — 21 Bournemouth 3 — 2 1 — 15 Buckinghamshire 22 422372 Kent 41 33 16 11 3 205 Kingston upon Thames 5 — — 3 — 18 Lincolnshire 8684389 Medway3241125 Poole 1 — 1 1 — 15 Reading 6 — 1 1 — 15 Slough 2 —12115 Southend-on-Sea 2 3 — 2 — 22 Sutton 3 1— 3—22 Torbay 31—1—15 Trafford31—4—26 Wirral 2— 2 4—32 Total 104 51 41 43 11 607 Notes: 1. Data is as it was published in the 2011 performance tables. Schools are classed as secondary if their lower age range is less than 16 and their higher age range is greater or equal to 13. They may not have pupils at the end of key stage 4. 2. Where schools have converted to an academy since 12 September 2010, they have been published both as their predecessor school and as the newly converted academy, and their attainment data has been published under the name of the predecessor school. For this analysis, the predecessor school’s designation has been counted.

Schools: Sports Olympics and Sport’s new Youth Sport strategy will then encourage young people aged 14 to 25 to move from school and education based sport to sport in clubs Clive Efford: To ask the Secretary of State for and the community. Education how many school sports co-ordinators were in post in (a) September 2009, (b) September 2010, (c) September 2011 and (d) on the most recent date for which figures are available. [94954] Self-Control: Curriculum Tim Loughton [holding answer 20 February 2012]: The information requested is not collected centrally. Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what funding his Department has invested Rehman Chishti: To ask the Secretary of State for in research into the effect of self-control on children’s Education with reference to the Government’s publication, well-being and educational attainment. [97087] Creating a Sporting Habit for Life: a new youth sport strategy, whether he has any plans to make participation Tim Loughton: The Department has not funded specific in sport compulsory in schools after the age of 16 years. research into the effect of self-control on children’s [97744] well-being and educational attainment, but three studies over the past five years have considered related issues as Tim Loughton: There are no plans to make National part of broader research. Two of these were specific Curriculum physical education (PE) compulsory after evaluations, costing £560,000 in total. The third is an the age of 16. The intention is that the review of ongoing longitudinal study with a much broader scope, National Curriculum PE will embed PE and competitive where it is not possible to identify funding on the sport in schools by the age of 16, supported by the School specific relationship between self-control and well-being Games. The Secretary of State for Culture, Media, or attainment. 543W Written Answers5 MARCH 2012 Written Answers 544W

The UK Resilience Programme (UKRP) Special Educational Needs: Autism An evaluation of the UK Resilience Programme (UKRP) investigated whether the programme had a short and/or Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for long-term impact on pupils’ well-being (resilience to Education what steps his Department is taking to depression and anxiety) and on school-related outcomes ensure teachers can support children diagnosed with an (e.g. attainment or attendance). autistic spectrum disorder. [96988] The UKRP aimed to improve children’s psychological well-being by building resilience and promoting accurate Sarah Teather: All teachers should have the skills to thinking. It was launched in three local authorities in address children’s special educational needs, including 2007-08 with workshops delivered to year 7 pupils in children with autistic spectrum disorders, or know where secondary schools. to get advice in order to do so. New school special educational needs (SEN) co-ordinators must now undergo UKRP was a modification of the Penn Resiliency training. That includes training on the different types of Programme (PRP) curriculum developed by the University SEN, including autistic spectrum disorders. of Pennsylvania. The UK programme included the We consulted on a Green Paper, “Support and aspiration: teaching of behavioural coping and social problem-solving a new approach to special educational needs and disability”, techniques, and techniques for self-control. Pupil well-being last year. It explained that outstanding special schools, and other outcome data were collected in July 2009 and including those which provide for children with autism, July 2010, when pupils were in years 8 and 9 respectively. will be able to apply to become teaching schools, developing The final report was published by the Department in their own staff alongside staff in schools throughout April 2011. their network and sharing their expertise. The Green The evaluation cost £338,153 over four years. Paper also made a commitment to boost the availability of advanced level SEN continuous professional Secondary SEAL development for teachers. The Government will make An evaluation of the Social and Emotional Aspects available from March 2012 free, advanced-level training of Learning (SEAL) programme in secondary schools materials focused on autism and three other types of ran from 2007-08 to 2010-11. The programme aimed to SEN. These resources will be nationally recognised at support the development of children’s emotional Masters-level equivalence so that they could be used for intelligence. One of the five social and emotional skills accredited professional development. promoted was self-regulation, defined in this study as The Government are also, through a Voluntary and “managing how we express emotions, coping with and Community Sector Grant programme, funding the Autism changing difficult and uncomfortable feelings, and increasing Education Trust to the tune of some £1.2 million over and enhancing positive and pleasant feelings”. 2011-12 and 2012-13, to develop national standards for The evaluation examined the impact of whole-school the education of children with autism and providing SEAL on whole year-groups of pupils and looked at tiered training through local hubs, with universal training outcomes including attainment and mental health for staff who work with autistic children, enhanced difficulties. The final report was published by the training for teachers and specialist training for SEN Department in October 2010. co-ordinators. The evaluation cost £221,057 over four years. The Effective Pre-school Primary and Secondary Education Special Educational Needs: Dyslexia project The Effective Pre-school Primary and Secondary Mr Burley: To ask the Secretary of State for Education Education project (EPPSE) started in 1997. It initially what steps he is taking to identify and support children aimed to identify the impact of pre-school provision on with dyslexia. [96677] a national sample of children between the ages of three and seven. Since then the study has been extended in Sarah Teather: The Government are committed to phases to follow the same sample of 3,000 children ensuring that support is available to every school for the through primary and secondary schooling. Pupils are teaching of systematic synthetic phonics, which has currently aged 15 to 19. been shown to be effective in teaching dyslexic pupils to read. In June this year we are introducing a new phonics The study has investigated both attainment and social/ screening check for children in year one. This should behavioural development at each key stage. Self-regulation identify those children who have not met the expected (defined in this study as covering problem-solving, standards, some of whom may have additional difficulties motivation, self-confidence and assertiveness) is one of such as dyslexia. four social/behavioural outcomes used. Self-regulation has been found to be a crucial skill for learning in both 3,200 teachers have accessed specialist dyslexia training. primary and secondary phases of learning. We are developing specialist resources for initial teacher training and supporting teachers to obtain postgraduate Relevant publications from this ongoing longitudinal qualifications through our National Scholarship Fund study include three reports summarising influences on for teachers. These measures will enhance teachers’ attainment and social development up to age 14, published knowledge, understanding and skills and support them in February 2012. to identify dyslexic pupils earlier. Since the issue of self-regulation is a small, but integral We have awarded a grant to Dyslexia-Specific Learning part of this complex study, it is not possible to identify Difficulty Trust in 2011-12 to raise awareness and support the specific funding invested in this issue. parents and schools. We also provided a grant for 545W Written Answers5 MARCH 2012 Written Answers 546W

Dyslexia Action (with the RNIB) to make more than The NLD have raised concerns about difficulties they 650 core texts available in digital format for dyslexic have encountered while campaigning in recent weeks, pupils or those with visual impairment. including an apparent ban on rallies in sports stadiums. Despite the Union Election Commission’s rapid response Vocational Guidance allowing some rallies to take place, we note that the ban on use of sports stadiums still appears to be in place. Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for Education In recent months we have seen some welcome changes what assessment his Department has made of the average to the censorship system, and I hope to see further number of careers advice appointments on offer per relaxation of media restrictions when the draft media pupil per year for secondary school students in England law is finalised. in each of the last five years. [97592] The international community will be carefully scrutinising all aspects of the conduct of the 1 April by-elections, Mr Gibb [holding answer 1 March 2012]: This not only on polling day and advance voting, but throughout information is not held centrally. Records of appointments the full campaign process. Post-election, we hope to see with Connexions personal advisers were previously held the strong involvement of the opposition as the reform but did not include details of subjects discussed. Specific process goes forward. information on careers advice cannot therefore be provided. From September, schools will be placed under a new Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for duty to secure access to independent and impartial Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment careers guidance on the full range of 16 to 18 education he has made of Burma’s compliance with United and training options. This recognises that schools are Nations Security Council resolutions 1325 and 1820. best placed to make decisions based on the needs and [97537] circumstances of their pupils, working in partnership with expert careers providers as appropriate. Mr Jeremy Browne: The human rights situation in Burma and its compliance with UN Security Council resolutions 1325 and 1820 remains a serious concern, particularly in the areas of the country where there is FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE ethnic conflict. Limited access to these areas makes the provision of humanitarian assistance and collection of Azerbaijan accurate data problematic. We have continued to receive reports of gender-based Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign violence by the military in the conflict areas. The Burmese and Commonwealth Affairs what recent Government has done little to investigate these cases. representations he has made to the Government of During Burma’s Universal Periodic Review session at Azerbaijan on respect for human rights. [97406] the UN, we urged the Government to prosecute those responsible for human rights violations. We have supported Mr Lidington: Ministers and senior officials regularly UN statements calling on the Burmese Government to raise concerns over human rights, democratic values take urgent measures to end the targeting of civilians in and the rule of law with the Azerbaijani Government. I military operations, and rape and other forms of sexual personally have raised these issues with Azerbaijani violence. Ministers on several occasions. I welcome Azerbaijan’s decision to orient itself towards European standards During his recent visit to Burma, the Secretary of and structures. This will involve implementing reforms State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, the right that improve human rights, including in areas such as hon. Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague), made freedom of the media and freedom of association. We it very clear to the Burmese Government that humanitarian work with the EU, the Organisation for Security and access to conflict areas, as well as a clear process of Co-operation in Europe, the Council of Europe and national reconciliation were some of the benchmarks others to support reforms and are clear that we want to by which we and the EU would assess whether EN help Azerbaijan realise international standards. restrictive measures should be eased. Burma Cambodia

Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Llwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he he has made of the effect of (a) electoral, (b) has had on (a) the human rights record of Cambodia, censorship and (c) security laws in Burma on the (b) Cambodia’s application for membership of the potential for free and fair elections. [97252] UN Security Council and (c) the eviction of the Borei Keila community in Phnom Penh. [97793] Mr Jeremy Browne: We welcome any steps taken by the Burmese authorities that may improve the prospects Mr Jeremy Browne: We continue to discuss all these for credible and inclusive political participation. Recent issues with a range of international partners, including amendments to the Political Parties Registration Law, in the EU and UN. including removing the ban on serving prisoners being We also have a constructive and ongoing dialogue members of a political party addresses one of the with the Royal Government of Cambodia on human National League for Democracy’s (NLD) key concerns rights issues and Cambodia’s application for membership and allowed Aung San Suu Kyi and the NLD to re-register of the UN Security Council. Most recently our ambassador to contest the upcoming by-election in April. in Phnom Penh discussed human rights, including the 547W Written Answers5 MARCH 2012 Written Answers 548W eviction of the Borei Keila, with a number of senior year at posts around the world include: British embassy Cambodian Ministers. We also support the work of the La Paz: cut 72%, Brazil network of posts: cut 57% , UN’s Special Rapporteur on the situation of human British embassy Beijing: cut 48%, British embassy rights in Cambodia and welcome his work to help the Washington: cut 10%, British high commission Abuja: Royal Government of Cambodia address human rights cut 22% and British embassy Copenhagen: cut 23%. concerns. We welcome discussions with any member states Departmental Recruitment bidding for a seat on the UN Security Council. However, we emphasise, at all such discussions, that the UK’s Jeremy Lefroy: To ask the Secretary of State for long-standing policy is not to reveal our voting intentions Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many (a) for these elections. ambassadors, (b) high commissioners, (c) deputy ambassadors and (d) deputy high commissioners have Democratic Republic of Congo: Elections served in the armed forces. [97648]

Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Mr Bellingham: These data are not readily available. and Commonwealth Affairs what the outcome was of It would incur a disproportionate cost to find this the mission to investigate the administration of the information out. November 2011 presidential and legislative elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo. [97808] Departmental Secondment Mr Bellingham: A mission of experts from the US National Democratic Institute (NDI) and the International Mr Reid: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) was in the and Commonwealth Affairs how many Scottish DRC between 5-13 January. They were sent to investigate Government civil servants were seconded into his the feasibility of donors providing further technical Department in each year since 2006. [97891] assistance to the DRC electoral commission (CENI). The mission recommended that there should be a review Mr Bellingham: Since 2008 there have been five Scottish of the electoral process and that they were willing to Government civil servants on inward loan (interchange) help CENI carry this out. Britain also continues to urge to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO). All CENI conduct a full and transparent review. of these officers were appointed through fair and open competition to positions that were advertised across the Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign civil service. We are however unable to provide the and Commonwealth Affairs whether he has any plans number of officers per year as this could identify individual to meet representatives of the Government of the staff, and potentially breach data protection principles. Democratic Republic of Congo to discuss the presidential The FCO does not have centrally-held records of these and legislative elections held in November 2011 before appointments before 2008, these cannot be obtained without incurring a disproportionate cost. the 2012 provincial elections. [97809]

Mr Bellingham: I am ready to meet representatives of Fossil Fuels: Subsidies the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to discuss a range of issues, including the recent Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for elections. I expect to have the opportunity to do so Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much funding soon. from his Department’s Prosperity Fund programme The British ambassador to the DRC engages regularly was allocated to fossil fuel subsidy reform projects in with senior representatives of the DRC Government, the latest period for which figures are available. [97729] with whom he continues to discuss the reforms required in advance of the provincial and local elections. Mr Bellingham: In 2011-12 three-quarters of the Prosperity Fund will be spent tackling climate change Departmental Carbon Emissions and strengthening energy security, targeting projects which deliver the greatest impact. Of this the Prosperity Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for Fund is financing fossil fuel subsidy reform projects in Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reduction in India and Indonesia worth £234,023 and we are open to carbon dioxide emissions his Department has made doing more, where there are opportunities to take forward under the 10:10 initiative. [97934] this work with others. Aside from the Prosperity Fund, we have strongly Mr Lidington: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office supported the G20 initiative to rationalise and phase (FCO) signed up its UK operations to the 10:10 initiative. out inefficient fossil fuel subsidies that promote wasteful In addition 82 FCO posts signed up separately to 10:10. consumption and will continue to work through the For its UK operations, the FCO cut emissions from G20 to seek progress on these issues. the four 10:10 categories of flights, road vehicles, electricity and fossil fuels by a total of 13,623 tonnes of CO2 in Grace and Favour Housing 2010; a cut of 19% compared to 2009.

We are aware of at least 21 posts which cut their CO2 Mr Knight: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign by over 10% in total across the four categories and of and Commonwealth Affairs which Ministers in his other posts that cut by at least 10% in one or more Department have the use of grace and favour homes. categories. Examples of 10:10 carbon reductions in one [96867] 549W Written Answers5 MARCH 2012 Written Answers 550W

Mr Lidington: I refer to the statement made by the Number Minister for the Cabinet Office and Paymaster General, my right hon. Friend the Member for Horsham (Mr 2007 3 Maude), on 29 February 2012, Official Report, columns 2008 5 387-88W. 2009 7 2010 11 Libya: Embassies 2011 10

Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for Palestinians: Elections Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many staff are based at the British embassy in Tripoli; and how Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign many of those are attached to UK Trade and Investment. and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment his [97967] Department has made of the prospects for elections in the Palestinian Authority in May 2012. [97807] Alistair Burt: There are approximately 90 staff at our embassy in Libya. Of these, approximately 10 staff Alistair Burt: The UK, along with our EU partners, members have a UKTI remit. fully supports the holding of free and fair elections across the Occupied Palestinian Territories, including North Korea West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem. We are following closely the implementation of the Fiona Bruce: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign agreement reached on 6 February 2012 between Fatah and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what discussions his and Hamas on the formation of a technocratic government, Department has had with the UN Special Rapporteur to be led by President Abbas, to prepare for elections. on the situation of human rights in North Korea; Any technocratic government should: be composed [98090] of figures committed to the principles set by President (2) with reference to the report to the UN Human Abbas in Cairo in May 2011; uphold the principle of Rights Council by the UN Special Rapporteur on human non-violence; be committed to a negotiated two-state rights in North Korea, what recent assessment he has solution, and accept previous agreements of the Palestinian made of the human rights situation in that country. Liberation Organisation. [98092] It will be important that all sides work to ensure that the conditions are in place for the holding of free and Mr Jeremy Browne: Neither Foreign and Commonwealth fair elections. Office (FCO) Ministers nor officials have had any recent meetings with Mr Marzuki Darusman, the UN Special Russian Language Rapporteur on human rights in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. However, FCO officials hope to meet Mr Darusman when he presents to the Human Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Secretary of State for Rights Council on 12 March and will support and Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions endorse his report. he has held with the European Union on the status of the Russian language as an official EU language. I met the North Korean ambassador to the UK on 29 [97487] February and made clear to him that the UK remains very concerned about the humanitarian and human rights situation in North Korea. This is why the UK Mr Lidington: No discussions have been held with the regularly co-sponsors an annual North Korea-specific European Union on the status of the Russian language resolution in the UN General Assembly on human as an official EU language. Currently Russian is not rights. It is also why we welcomed last month’s report to recognised as an official language in any EU country so the UN Human Rights Council by the UN Special cannot be considered for official EU language status. Rapporteur on human rights in North Korea. We continue to urge North Korea to allow the UN Special Rapporteur Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Secretary of State for to North Korea to be allowed to visit the country to Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions assess the situation. he has had with the Government of Latvia on the status of the Russian language within that country. Pakistan: British Nationals Abroad [97488]

Mr Lidington: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for (FCO) continues to engage with the Latvian Government Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many British on the integration of minorities. The FCO has not citizens were murdered in Pakistan in each of the last discussed the status of the Russian language as an five years. [97862] official language with the Latvian Government. This is in an internal matter for the Latvian people. However, Alistair Burt: Our figures show we dealt with 36 cases in Latvia’s Universal Periodic Review in 2011, we inquired involving the murder of British citizens in Pakistan over about measures planned under the State Programme for the past five years. The number of instances per year is the Integration of Society which aims to further the as follows: integration of ethnic minority groups. 551W Written Answers5 MARCH 2012 Written Answers 552W

Sri Lanka October 2011. Our ambassador in Rabat regularly discusses human rights in Western Sahara with Morocco’s newly Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State elected government. for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment he has made of steps by the Government of Sri Lanka to ensure a long-term post-conflict political DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER settlement in that country. [97749] Constituencies: Parliament Alistair Burt: The UK sees a political settlement, respect for human rights and accountability for alleged Ann Clwyd: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what war crimes as being essential elements in post-conflict estimate he has made of the cost to the public purse of reconciliation in Sri Lanka. the reorganisation of parliamentary constituencies in The Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission Wales carried out by the Boundary Commission for (LLRC), which was appointed by the Sri Lankan Wales. [97584] Government to examine events relating to the civil war from 2002 to 2009, published its report on 16 December. Mr Harper: The Government’s current estimate of We believe the report contains many constructive the cost of undertaking the boundary review in Wales recommendations for action on post-conflict reconciliation under the Parliamentary Voting System and Constituencies and a political settlement. But we were disappointed by Act 2011 is £1.7 million. the findings and recommendations on accountability. We encourage the Sri Lankan Government to move House of Lords: Reform quickly to implement the LLRC report’s recommendations. Mrs Laing: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what Sudan: Sanctions assessment he has made of the likely effect of Scottish separation from the United Kingdom on eligibility of Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for existing peers to retain seats in the House of Lords. Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has [96597] to lift trade sanctions on Sudan. [97838] Mr Harper: Scotland remains an integral part of the Mr Bellingham: There are no trade sanctions in place United Kingdom and the Government can only proceed for Sudan in the UK or the EU. There remains a UN on the current constitutional framework. arms embargo on the states of north, south, west, eastern and central Darfur and an EU arms embargo Mr Dodds: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what on the whole of Sudan, both of which the UK implements discussions he has had with the Northern Ireland robustly. There is no intention to lift the arms embargoes. Executive on reform of the House of Lords. [98147]

Uganda Mr Harper: There have been no official discussions with the Northern Ireland Executive on House of Lords Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for reform. Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received on gay rights in Uganda; and if he will make a statement. [98249] ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE Mr Bellingham: We are aware that a private Member’s Energy Supply: Mobile Homes Bill on Anti Homosexuality has been tabled. We have raised our concerns about the Bill at the David Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for most senior levels of the Ugandan Government and Energy and Climate Change what recent representations will continue to do so. We will continue to support he has received on statutory easements enabling gas and Ugandan civil society groups campaigning for lesbian, electricity companies to connect park home owners to gay, bisexuals and transgender (LGBT) rights. The Bill the mains supply. [97968] is a private Member’s Bill and has not been adopted by the Ugandan Government. Gregory Barker: I have not received any recent representations on this issue. Western Sahara Energy: Housing Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to raise Mike Weatherley: To ask the Secretary of State for with the Moroccan Government the issue of freedom Energy and Climate Change what representations he of expression for people calling for independence in has received from landlords of the least energy efficient occupied Western Sahara. [97185] properties on the steps they must take to comply with regulations on energy improvement under the Energy Mr Jeremy Browne: The Secretary of State for Foreign Act 2011; and if he will make a statement. [97887] and Commonwealth Affairs, the right hon. Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague), raised the issue of Gregory Barker: We have corresponded with a number freedom of expression in Western Sahara with the of the organisations representing landlords regarding Moroccan Government during his visit to Morocco in the private rented sector provisions in the Energy Act 553W Written Answers5 MARCH 2012 Written Answers 554W

2011. This includes the National Landlord Association in the social housing sector under the Green Deal and and the Residential Landlord Association. We intend to Energy Company Obligation in (a) 2013, (b) 2014 and engage the sector more broadly ahead of making secondary (c) 2015. [96543] legislation in this area. Gregory Barker: Social housing is very well placed to Energy: Meters benefit from solid wall insulation under the Green Deal and ECO due to the experience the sector has of carrying Bill Esterson: To ask the Secretary of State for out major works and the economies of scale that can be Energy and Climate Change what his policy is on generated. The impact assessment, which accompanied making the installation of smart meters mandatory. the recent Green Deal and Energy Company Obligation [97994] consultation, included estimates for the delivery of solid wall insulation in social housing and these reflect the Charles Hendry: Smart meters will be rolled out as important role social housing can play in the Green standard across the country by 2019, but it will not be a Deal. The estimates are summarised in table 1. legal obligation on individuals to have one. Table 1: Installations of SWI in social housing properties from The roll-out of smart meters is an important national 2013 to 2015 modernisation programme, which will bring big benefits SWI in social housing to consumers, as well as the nation. We therefore expect 2013 68,413 consumers to welcome their installation. 2014 82,090 2015 74,607 Fuel Poverty Review The consultation impact assessment can be found Chris Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy here: and Climate Change when his Department plans to http://www.decc.gov.uk/assets/decc/11/consultation/green- publish its response to the Independent Fuel Poverty deal/3603-green-deal-eco-ia.pdf Review. [98033] We are working with stakeholders to improve the data on which the Impact assessment was based and Gregory Barker: We expect the final report of the updated analysis will be published in the summer. independent review to be published shortly and will make a statement at that time of the Government’s intentions. Local Energy Assessment Fund

Green Deal Scheme Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change how many applications for Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy funding from the Local Energy Assessment Fund have and Climate Change what his policy is on a transition been (a) submitted, (b) accepted and (c) rejected. period for the introduction of the Green Deal; and if [97956] he will make a statement. [97988] Gregory Barker: The Local Energy Assessment Fund Gregory Barker: The Green Deal is a market driven (LEAF) awarded grants undertaking energy efficiency mechanism, with Government responsible for implementing and feasibility work in two phases during the period a legislative framework. The Department is working from December 2011 and March 2012. closely with a wide range of stakeholders who will be The total number of LEAF applications was 593 and delivering the Green Deal (including energy suppliers, the number of successful LEAF bids was 237. The financiers and potential Green Deal providers, assessors number of unsuccessful bids was 356. The overall success and installers) to ensure that they are in a position to rate for LEAF applications under both phases was make Green Deals happen from autumn 2012. 38%. Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what discussions he has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on employee Renewable Energy and employer tax efficiency in relation to the Green Deal. [98208] Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change (1) what the year-on-year Gregory Barker: The Secretary of State for Energy percentage change was in the energy generated from and Climate Change, the hon. Member for Kingston onshore wind in (a) 2006, (b) 2007, (c) 2008, (d) and Surbiton (Mr Davey), has many meetings with 2009, (e) 2010 and (f) 2011; [97942] Cabinet colleagues on a number of topics, including (2) what the year-on-year percentage change was in taxation. the energy generated from offshore wind in (a) 2006, (b) 2007, (c) 2008, (d) 2009, (e) 2010 and (f) 2011; Housing: Insulation [97943] (3) what the year-on-year percentage change was in Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for the energy generated from tidal sources in (a) 2006, Energy and Climate Change what projection he has (b) 2007, (c) 2008, (d) 2009, (e) 2010 and (f) 2011; made of the number of Solid Wall Insulation installations [97944] 555W Written Answers5 MARCH 2012 Written Answers 556W

(4) what the year-on-year percentage change was in Capacity installed1 during the year the energy generated from small-scale hydro sources in MW (a) 2006, (b) 2007, (c) 2008, (d) 2009, (e) 2010 and 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 (f) 2011; [97945] Wind: (5) what the year-on-year percentage change was in Onshore 299.5 432.7 736.8 663.0 553.4 the energy generated from large-scale hydro sources in (a) 2006, (b) 2007, (c) 2008, (d) 2009, (e) 2010 and Offshore 90.0 90.0 192.2 355.2 400.0 Shoreline wave/ ———2.00.1 (f) 2011; [97946] tidal (6) what the year-on-year percentage change was in Solar 3.4 3.8 4.4 4.0 50.4 the energy generated from landfill gas in (a) 2006, (b) photovoltaics 2007, (c) 2008, (d) 2009, (e) 2010 and (f) 2011; [97947] Hydro:

(7) what the year-on-year percentage change was in Small scale -4.6 12.9 7.1 13.0 9.1 the energy generated from sewage sludge digestion in Large scale 18.2 -2.7 97.8 2.0 -5.6 (a) 2006, (b) 2007, (c) 2008, (d) 2009, (e) 2010 and (f) 2011; [97948] Biomass: (8) what the year-on-year percentage change was in the energy generated from municipal solid wall Landfill gas 38.4 44.5 7.7 76.6 39.7 combustion in (a) 2006, (b) 2007, (c) 2008, (d) 2009, Sewage sludge 5.9 6.4 -2.6 9.3 32.3 digestion (e) 2010 and (f) 2011; [97949] Municipal solid 11.9 -0.0 49.5 16.1 43.4 (9) what the year-on-year percentage change was in waste the energy generated from animal biomass in (a) 2006, combustion (b) 2007, (c) 2008, (d) 2009, (e) 2010 and (f) 2011; Animal Biomass 2.3 25.5 — 4.9 19.3 [97950] Plant Biomass 32.9 57.0 8.2 80.9 30.3 (10) what the year-on-year percentage change was in Total biomass 91.4 133.4 62.8 187.7 165.0 the energy generated from plant biomass in (a) 2006, and wastes (b) 2007, (c) 2008, (d) 2009, (e) 2010 and (f) 2011; [97951] Total 497.9 670.0 1,101.1 1,226.8 1,172.4 (11) how much (a) onshore wind, (b) offshore wind, (c) tidal, (d) small-scale hydro, (e) large-scale hydro, Co-firing 1.4 -62.6 -20.8 27.8 135.5 (f) landfill gas, (g) sewage sludge digestion, (h) municipal 1 These figures represent net change in capacity, i.e. capacity of new solid wall combustion, (i) animal biomass and (j) installations minus capacity decommissioned. plant biomass energy generation capacity was installed Percentage change in generation in (i) 2006, (ii) 2007, (iii) 2008, (iv) 2009, (v) 2010 and % (vi) 2011. [97952] 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 Wind: Charles Hendry: Statistics on the generation capacity Onshore 42.9 25.7 29.0 30.6 -5.6 at the end of the calendar years 2006 to 2010 inclusive Offshore2 61.7 20.1 66.8 33.3 75.0 and the total amount of electricity generated during Solar 30.8 30.9 21.4 17.6 66.2 those years is available in table 7.4 of the Digest of UK photovoltaics Energy Statistics 2011 edition, copies of which are available in the House Library, and on the Department’s Hydro: website at: Small scale 7.6 11.9 6.3 5.3 -14.5 http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/statistics/publications/ Large scale -8.1 10.7 1.0 1.4 -33.7 dukes/dukes.aspx

Provisional estimates of capacity and generation data Biomass: covering the first nine months of 2011 are published in Landfill gas 3.1 5.7 1.7 4.1 1.7 table 6.1 of the December 2011 edition of Energy Sewage sludge -4.5 1.0 18.4 12.5 17.4 Trends, copies of which are available in the House digestion Library, and on the Department’s website at: Municipal solid 12.4 8.7 4.1 23.2 5.5 http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/statistics/publications/ waste combustion trends/trends.aspx Co-firing with -0.2 -22.6 -17.5 12.0 38.7 A provisional 2011 calendar year figure will be contained fossil fuels in the March 2012 edition of Energy Trends, which will Animal Biomass -7.2 27.9 5.7 5.6 8.0 be published on 29 March 2012, with final figures Plant Biomass -5.0 12.7 38.9 95.3 26.8 contained within the 2012 edition of the Digest of UK Total biomass 1.9 -0.6 0.6 14.2 12.4 Energy Statistics, which will be published on 26 July 2012. Percentage changes in generation by main technology Total generation 6.9 8.3 10.0 16.8 2.2 categories and yearly capacity changes during the period 2006 to 2010, derived from the data published in table Non- 12.5 8.7 4.1 18.7 5.5 7.4 of the Digest of UK Energy Statistics are shown biodegradable below. Year on year changes in generation are impacted wastes 2 Generation of electricity from shoreline wave generation from shoreline wave by both changes in capacity and by external factors and tidal amounts and tidal is included within the offshore wind row; total of such as amount of rainfall and average wind speed. less than 2GWh. 557W Written Answers5 MARCH 2012 Written Answers 558W

Renewable Energy: Heating Warm Homes Discount Scheme

Esther McVey: To ask the Secretary of State for Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what plans he has for the Energy and Climate Change pursuant to the answer of domestic renewable heat premium payment after 1 22 February 2012, Official Report, column 833W, on April 2012. [97405] the Warm Homes Discount Scheme, what estimate his Department has made of the average level of financial Gregory Barker: We are considering how to support support that will be provided to low-income and renewable heat for householders following the end of vulnerable households beyond the core group. [97961] the current RHPP period. Gregory Barker: In 2011-12 energy suppliers are required Renewables Obligation: Finance to spend £153 million providing support to low income and vulnerable households beyond the core group. Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for Within this set total suppliers have a degree of discretion Energy and Climate Change how much of the over how this support is provided. As the first year of renewables obligation budget for the year 2010-11 has the scheme represents a transition from the previous not been spent. [95625] voluntary agreement, suppliers may spend up to £150 Charles Hendry: The RO scheme is demand-led and million providing legacy forms of support such as social the level of RO support in 2010-11, as for future years, and discounted tariffs and on industry initiatives (which depended on the predicted level of renewables generation. provide support such as energy advice and debt relief to There was no budget for 2010-11 but the total cost of the those at risk of fuel poverty). scheme in that year was £1,285 million in 2010-11 prices. Within the total of £153 million, suppliers are required Since 2011-12, the RO has formed part of the Levy to spend a minimum of £3 million on providing electricity Control Framework, within the Government’s public bill rebates of £120 to low income and vulnerable spending framework, which forms the mechanism by households through the broader group. If suppliers which Government control the total amount that can spend less than £150 million on legacy support and be levied on consumer electricity bills. Information on industry initiatives, they must make up this spending the Levy Control Framework is available on the DECC through an increase in spend on the broader group. website at: The impact assessment published for the Warm Home http://www.decc.gov.uk/assets/decc/11/funding-support/fuel- Discount scheme made an assessment of the average poverty/3290-control-fwork-decc-levyfunded-spending.pdf level of support that would be provided to groups beyond the core group. Those assisted through the Solar Power broader group will receive a rebate of £120 and we estimate that those assisted under legacy spending through Tessa Munt: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy support such as discounted tariffs will receive on average and Climate Change how the deployment of solar £89. photovoltaic technologies will be used to support his Wind Power: Yorkshire and the Humber Department’s commitment to community-owned energy projects. [97864] Julian Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Gregory Barker: As part of the Feed-in-tariffs scheme Energy and Climate Change what information his Phase 2B consultation, DECC is currently consulting Department holds on the number of wind turbines the on a proposed definition of community” projects and National Grid has ordered to be shut down in (a) on how that definition might be used to benefit community Skipton and Ripon constituency, (b) North Yorkshire schemes. The consultation can be found at: and (c) the Yorkshire and Humber region during http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/consultations/ periods of high wind. [97827] fits_rev_ph2b/fits_rev_ph2b.aspx and is open for comments until 26 April 2012. I have Charles Hendry: The Department does not hold the also established a Community Energy Contact Group information requested. However, National Grid has to consider wider issues around community energy. advised that it has not ordered any wind turbines in the areas mentioned to be shut down during periods of Solar Power: Social Rented Housing high wind.

Tessa Munt: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what consideration his CABINET OFFICE Department has given to the merits of using solar pv panels in the social housing sector. [97865] Action for Employment

Gregory Barker: The Feed-in-tariffs scheme Phase 2B Mr Byrne: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office consultation is currently consulting on a proposed definition when allegations of fraud at A4e were drawn to the of “community”projects that could include social housing, attention of his Department’s Propriety and Ethics and on how that definition might be used to benefit team. [97620] such schemes. The consultation can be found at: http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/consultations/fits_rev Mr Maude: As has long been the practice, information _ph2b/fits_rev_ph2b.aspx relating to internal discussion and advice is not normally and is open for comments until 26 April 2012. disclosed. 559W Written Answers5 MARCH 2012 Written Answers 560W

Children: North West Mr Maude: My Department follows HM Treasury’s guidance on risk management, and in addition has Greg Mulholland: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet published statutory guidance “Emergency Preparedness”, Office how many children in Leeds North West for organisations assigned duties under the Civil constituency were living in workless households in the Contingencies Act 2004, available at: latest period for which figures are available. [97871] http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/resource-library/emergency- preparedness Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have Employment: Private Sector asked the authority to reply. Letter from Stephen Penneck: Gloria De Piero: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I Office what the net change in the number of private have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking sector jobs was in (a) Ashfield constituency, (b) how many children in Leeds North West constituency are living in Nottinghamshire, (c) the east midlands and (d) England workless households. 097871. in 2011. [98211] It is not possible to provide reliable estimates from the Annual Population Survey (APS) for the Leeds North West parliamentary Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the constituency because the sample sizes are not sufficiently large. responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have Estimates for the Leeds Local Authority District show that there asked the authority to reply. were 30 thousand children in workless households in 2010. Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated March 2012: As with any sample survey, estimates from the APS are subject to a margin of uncertainty as different samples give different As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I results. The estimate provided is such that there is 95 per cent have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking certainty that from all samples possible the number of children in what the net change in the number of private sector jobs was in workless households in the Leeds local authority would likely be (a) Ashfield constituency, (b) Nottinghamshire, (c) the East Midlands between 25 and 34 thousand. and (d) England in 2011. (098211) Private sector employment statistics for local areas can be Department of Health calculated from the Annual Population Survey (APS). Individuals in the APS are classified to the public or private sector according to their responses to the survey John Healey: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Table 1 shows the net changes in private sector employment in Office (1) what plans he has to further review the England, East Midlands, Nottinghamshire and Ashfield constituency Department of Health’s capabilities; and what further between the 12 month APS periods ending in June 2010 and June assessment and development actions will be taken in 2011, the latest available period. respect of the underperformance as assessed by the As with any sample survey, estimates from the APS are subject regulatory Policy Committee report on Rating Regulation to a margin of uncertainty. of July 2011; [98175] National and local area estimates for many labour market (2) what the findings of the most recent capability statistics, including employment, unemployment and claimant assessment were of the Department of Health under count are available on the NOMIS website at: the headings of leadership, strategy and delivery. http://www.nomisweb.co.uk [97610] Table 1: Net change in private sector employment between the 12 month APS period ending June 2010 and June 2011 Mr Maude: The Department of Health has undertaken Level (thousand) a review of its capability using the revised Model of Source: Capability. The assessment is Department-led, and the Annual Population Survey report is owned by the Department of Health. England 195 East Midlands 22 Departmental Carbon Emissions Nottinghamshire -2 Ashfield -3 Caroline Flint: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what reduction in carbon dioxide emissions his Families Department has made under the 10:10 initiative. [97927] Tim Farron: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Mr Maude: The Cabinet Office did not take part in Office what estimate has been made of the number of the 10:10 initiative. However, in the 12 months to May families with more than three generations living in one 2011, the Department reduced its carbon emissions by household in (a) England, (b) Cumbria and (c) South 1,226 tonnes, a drop of 14.5%, exceeding the Prime Lakeland in each of the last five years. [97757] Minister’s requirement to cut carbon emissions by 10% from central Government. Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority to reply. Departmental Responsibilities Letter from Stephen Penneck: As Director General for the Office for National Statistics (ONS) I John Healey: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet have been asked to reply to your recent questions asking what Office what guidance his Department issues on the estimate has been made of the number of families with more than communication of risks by (a) Government Departments three generations living in one household in (a) England (b) and (b) agencies for which they are responsible. [97177] Cumbria (c) South Lakeland in each of the last five years. (97757) 561W Written Answers5 MARCH 2012 Written Answers 562W

ONS publishes annual estimates of numbers of families by size Mr Maude: The Government recognise that being and family type, but not of household by number of generations. paid promptly for work done is vital for suppliers to The latest and nearest equivalent figures are from the 2001 enable them to manage their cash flow and reduce time Census and relate to the number of families living in households wasted on chasing invoices. We are determined to do where there are people spanning three or more generations. The figures are: everything we can to help business manage cash flow and to transform the culture of late payment. (1) England: 464,618 (2) Cumbria: 3,931 It is Government policy to pay 80% of undisputed invoices within five days and to pass 30-day payment (3) South Lakeland: 732. terms down supply chains by including requirements For the purposes of the 2001 Census: for suppliers to do so in contracts. We expect our A household is defined as one person living alone, or a group suppliers to follow our example on prompt payment of people (not necessarily related) living at the same address with and encourage them to pay their subcontractors more common housekeeping—that is, sharing either a living room or sitting room, or at least one meal a day. quickly than the 30-day contractual requirement. ONS’s algorithm does not count the number of generations in We have no plans to change the voluntary nature of the household, but rather the number of generations spanned in the prompt payment code. However, central Government the household; that is, it is not necessary for all generations to be Departments, the NHS and some local authorities have present. For example, a household that consists of a grandparent already signed up to it. and grandchild is designated as three generations, as is a household that consists of a grandparent, child (parent) and grandchild Reed: Government Departments (child). A family is defined as a group of people consisting of: a married or cohabiting couple with or without child(ren) (corresponding Stephen Timms: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet to one or two generations); or a lone parent with children(ren) Office what the (a) total and (b) individual value is of (corresponding to two generations); or a married or cohabiting Government contracts awarded to (i) Reed or Reed in couple (one generation), or a lone grandparent with their Partnership and (ii) associates of Reed or Reed in grandchild(ren) where there are no children in the intervening Partnership since May 2010. [98067] generation in the household (three generations). The figures are derived from a specially commissioned 2001 Mr Maude: As part of my Department’s transparency Census Table C1309. Equivalent data from the 2011 Census will programme, details of contracts above the value of not be available until 2013. £10,000 are published on Contracts Finder: Minister without Portfolio: Official Visits http://www.contractsfinder.co.uk Seetec: Government Departments Thomas Docherty: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many visits in an official capacity Stephen Timms: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet the Minister without Portfolio has undertaken since Office what the (a) total and (b) individual value is of 10 May 2010. [97904] Government contracts awarded to (i) Seetec and (ii) associates of Seetec since May 2010. [98064] Mr Maude: Details of ministerial visits are published on the Cabinet Office website at: Mr Maude: As part of my Department’s transparency http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/resource-library/ministerial- programme, details of contracts above the value of gifts-hospitality-travel-and-meetings-external-organisations £10,000 are published on Contracts Finder: Public Sector http://www.contractsfinder.co.uk Suicide Austin Mitchell: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what assessment his Department has made of the contribution Active Operations Management can Tom Blenkinsop: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet make to the Government’s public sector efficiency Office what the suicide rate was in (a) Tees Valley, (b) the North East and (c) England and Wales in each agenda. [96319] year since 2000. [98220] Chris Grayling: I have been asked to reply on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions. Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have The Department for Work and Pensions is currently asked the authority to reply. completing its roll-out of the Active Operations Management methodology within its Benefit Delivery Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated March 2012: arm, following a successful pilot. Following implementation As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I and full evaluation, the impact will be assessed, and any have been asked to reply to your recent question asking what the suicide rate was in (a) Tees Valley, (b) the North East and (c) additional findings will be implemented. The full results England and Wales in each year since 2000. (98220) will be shared with other interested Departments. Table 1 provides the age-standardised suicide rate per 100,000 population in (a) Tees Valley, (b) the North East region and (c) Public Sector: Billing England and Wales, for 2000 to 2010 (the latest year available). Figures for suicides in the United Kingdom, England and Mr Iain Wright: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Wales, and regions in England are published annually and are Office if he will bring forward proposals to extend the available at the following link: 10-day payment period under the prompt payment code http://ons.gov.uk/ons/publications/all-releases.html? to all public procuring bodies and their clients. [97732] definition=tcm%3A77-29400 563W Written Answers5 MARCH 2012 Written Answers 564W

Table 1: Age-standardised suicide rate per 100,000 population (with 95% confidence intervals), Tees Valley, the North East and England and Wales, 2000-101, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 Rate per 100,000 population Tees Valley North East England and Wales Confidence interval Confidence interval Confidence interval Lower Upper Lower Upper Lower Upper Rate limit limit Rate limit limit Rate limit limit

2000 16.5 13.0 20.1 13.9 12.3 15.6 12.0 11.7 12.3 2001 13.5 10.4 16.7 12.2 10.7 13.7 11.5 11.2 11.8 2002 13.3 10.1 16.4 11.8 10.3 13.3 11.1 10.8 11.4 2003 18.4 14.7 22.2 13.4 11.8 14.9 11.1 10.8 11.4 2004 16.0 12.5 19.5 14.5 12.8 16.1 11.2 10.9 11.5 2005 13.2 10.1 16.4 11.8 10.3 13.2 10.8 10.4 11.1 2006 10.4 7.6 13.1 10.9 9.5 12.3 10.2 9.9 10.5 2007 12.3 9.3 15.2 10.5 9/1 11.9 9.7 9.4 10.0 2008 10.2 7.4 12.9 11.2 9.8 12.7 10.3 10.0 10.6 2009 12.9 9.8 16.0 11.5 10.0 12.9 10.4 10.1 10.7 2010 9.8 7.1 12.5 11.2 9.8 12.6 10.0 9.7 10.3 1 Age-standardised suicide rates per 100,000 population, standardised to the European Standard Population. Age-standardised rates are used to allow comparison between populations which may contain different proportions of people of different ages. 2 Confidence intervals are a measure of the statistical precision of an estimate and show the range of uncertainty around the estimated figure. Calculations based on small number of events are often subject to random fluctuations. As a general rule, if the confidence interval around one figure overlaps with the interval around another, we cannot say with certainty that there is more than a chance difference between the two figures. 3 Suicide was defined using the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) codes E950-E959 and E980-E989 (excluding E988.8) for the year 2000, and Tenth Revision (ICD-10) codes X60-X84 and Y10-Y34 (excludingY33.9 where the coroner’s verdict was pending for the year 2001 to 2006. From 2007, deaths which were previously coded to Y33.9 are coded to U50.9) for 2001 onwards. 4 Figures are for persons aged 15 years and over. 5 Based on boundaries as of 2011. 6 Figures for Tees Valley and the North East exclude deaths of non-residents. Figures for England and Wales include deaths of non-residents. 7 Figures are for deaths registered in each calendar year.

Teenage Pregnancy: Pendle WORK AND PENSIONS Employment Support Allowance Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many teenage pregnancies there Catherine McKinnell: To ask the Secretary of State were in Pendle constituency in each of the last five for Work and Pensions how many people with multiple years. [98239] sclerosis will no longer receive their contributory employment support allowance from April 2012. Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the [97692] responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority to reply. Maria Miller: It is not possible to provide the information. However, at May 2011 there were 1,250 people with Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated March 2012: multiple sclerosis as their primary condition who were As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I receiving contributory ESA in the work related activity have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking group. how many teenage pregnancies there were in Pendle in each of the last five years. [98239] Work Programme The Office for National Statistics produces statistics on conceptions, which are estimates based on the number of live births, stillbirths Graham Stringer: To ask the Secretary of State for and legal abortions. They do not include miscarriages and illegal Work and Pensions what steps he is taking to monitor abortions. the Work programme; and if he will make a statement. The following table provides the number of conceptions to [97694] women aged under 18 years and under 20 years in Pendle local authority district in the last five years. Chris Grayling: DWP has a range of mechanisms to monitor the Work programme including contract Further information about conception statistics is published performance reviews, compliance and assurance monitoring, on the Office for National Statistics website: payment validation systems, analysis of management www.ons.gov.uk/ons/publications/all-releases. information and participant feedback. In addition, an html?definition=tcm%3A77-27423 independent evaluation of the Work programme has Table 1. Conceptions to women under 181 and under 201 Pendle local been commissioned which will conclude in 2014. authority district, 2006-10 Absenteeism Number of conceptions Age 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Under 18 80 80 95 89 83 and Pensions what the average absence rate of staff of Under 20 218 201 234 212 212 his Department based in (a) the UK, (b) Scotland, (c) 1 Under 18 or under 20 years at estimated date of conception. England, (d) Wales and (e) each regional centre in Note: Scotland was in (i) 2009-10, (ii) 2010-11 and (iii) 2011-12. Figures are based on boundaries as of November 2011. [95762] 565W Written Answers5 MARCH 2012 Written Answers 566W

Chris Grayling: The following table shows the average 2009-10 2010-11 (sickness) absence rate for staff in the Department for Work and Pensions based in the UK, Scotland, England, Scotland 373 338 and Wales for 2009-10 and 2010-11. Information is not Wales 243 253 recorded for each regional centre in Scotland. UK 3,848 3,933

2009-10 2010-11 Information for 2011-12 will be available in April. Information is not recorded for each regional centre in England 8.5 8.1 Scotland. Scotland 8.1 7.3 Wales 8.8 9.5 Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for UK 8.5 8.1 Work and Pensions how many disciplinary cases against employees of his Department involved an Information for 2011-12 will be available in April. employee taking time off for health reasons in (a) the The UK figure for the most recent 12 months (ie UK, (b) Scotland, (c) England, (d) Wales and (e) December 2011 to January 2012) is 7.3 average days. each regional centre in Scotland in (i) 2009-10, (ii) The Department for Work and Pensions has cut sickness 2010-11 and (iii) 2011-12. [95765] absence by nearly a third, from a peak of 11.1 average days in 2007. Chris Grayling: The following table shows how many We are committed to achieving further improvement employees of the Department for Work and Pensions by helping staff maintain good health at work, rehabilitating received either a verbal or written warning for unacceptable them back to work when they fall ill and taking prompt levels of attendance due to sickness absence in 2009-10 and firm administrative action when they are unable to and 2010-11. maintain good attendance records. In accordance with best practice reported by Dame Carol Black and David 2009-10 2010-11 Frost CBE in “Health at work—an independent review of sickness absence”, published in November 2011. England 6,531 8,205 Scotland 944 987 Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales 555 678 Work and Pensions how many of his Department’s UK 8,030 9,870 employees were absent from work due to sickness for Information for 2011-12 will be available in April. more than 10 working days in (a) the UK, (b) Information is not recorded for each regional centre in Scotland and (c) each regional centre in Scotland in (i) Scotland. 2009-10, (ii) 2010-11 and (iii) 2011-12. [95763] Active Operations Management Chris Grayling: The following table shows how many employees of the Department for Work’ and Pensions were absent from work due to sickness for more than 10 Austin Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for working days in the UK, Scotland, England, and Wales Work and Pensions what discussions his Department in 2009-10 and 2010-11. has had with the Cabinet Office about promoting Active Operations Management in other Government 2009-10 2010-11 Departments. [96318]

England 18,226 15,879 Chris Grayling: The Department for Work and Pensions Scotland 2,050 1,705 has contacted other Government Departments, sharing Wales 1,467 1,339 details of the Active Operations Management methodology UK 21,743 18,923 and offering to provide opportunities to see it in operation. Details are also posted on the Register of Reusable Information for 2011-12 will be available in April. Assets. Information is not recorded for each regional centre in Scotland. Austin Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions whether he plans to utilise the Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for Active Operations Management methodology within Work and Pensions how many of his Department’s (a) his Department and (b) its agencies. [96320] employees took stress-related sick leave in (a) the UK, (b) Scotland, (c) England, (d) Wales and (e) each Chris Grayling: Active Operations Management regional centre in Scotland in (i) 2009-10, (ii) 2010-11 methodology has been adopted by the benefit delivery and (iii) 2011-12. [95764] arm of the Department for Work and Pensions and is being considered by other areas. Chris Grayling: The following table shows how many employees of the Department for Work and Pensions Atos Healthcare took sick leave attributed to stress in the UK, Scotland, England, and Wales in 2009-10 and 2010-11. Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions pursuant to the answer of 2009-10 2010-11 9 February 2012, Official Report, column 346W, if he England 3,232 3,342 will publish the specific clauses in the Medical Services Agreement with Atos Healthcare. [96526] 567W Written Answers5 MARCH 2012 Written Answers 568W

Chris Grayling: The clauses are published and a copy Auto-enrolment Staging Dates of the agreement with Atos Healthcare is held in the House of Lords’ Library. Yasmin Qureshi: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions when he plans to publish details of Specific clauses in relation to confidentiality rules are changes to the auto-enrolment staging dates for employers within clause 12. with between 50 and 3,000 employees. [93332] Steve Webb: On 25 January 2012 I issued a statement Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for Work ‘Changes to the automatic enrolment timetable’, which and Pensions pursuant to the answer of 9 February set out our proposed approach to the implementation 2012, Official Report, column 346W, whether Atos of automatic enrolment. Healthcare, or a director of Atos Healthcare, received a The following table sets out high level proposals. performance-related bonus payment as part of the contract There will be no change to the existing staging profile with his Department in (a) 2010 and (b) 2011. [96527] for employers with 250 or more persons in their PAYE scheme. They will be staged in between 1 October 2012 and 1 February 2014 and retain their existing staging Chris Grayling: There is nothing in the contract with date. Employers with between 50 and 249 persons in Atos Healthcare to pay any of its directors or any of its their PAYE scheme will be staged in between 1 April employees, performance related bonus payments. 2014 and 1 April 2015. I will publish draft regulations with the final detail of our proposals for consultation No bonus payments are made as part of the contract. shortly.

Employer size (by PAYE scheme size) or other description Automatic enrolment duty date From (inc.) To (inc.)

250 or more members 1 October 2012 1 February 2014 50 to 249 members 1 April 2014 1 April 2015 Test tranche for less than 30 members 1 June 2015 30 June 2015 30 to 49 members 1 August 2015 1 October 2015 Less than 30 members 1 January 2016 1 April 2017 Employers without PAYE schemes 1 April 2017 — New employers April 2012 to March 2013 1 May 2017 — New employers April 2013 to March 2014 1 July 2017 — New employers April 2014 to March 2015 1 August 2017 — New employers April 2015 to December 2015 1 October 2017 — New employers January 2016 to September 2016 1 November 2017 — New employers October 2016 to June 2017 1 January 2018 — New employers July 2017 to September 2017 1February 2018 — New employers October 2017 Immediate duty —

Carers: Employment of job search activity, including, CV preparation and skills analysis. And, we work in partnership with many employers to promote the skills and aspirations that Mark Lancaster: To ask the Secretary of State for jobseekers have. Work and Pensions what plans he has to encourage businesses to employ people who were previously Mark Lancaster: To ask the Secretary of State for unpaid carers. [96816] Work and Pensions what plans he has to assist carers to return to paid work. [96817] Chris Grayling: DWP work with over 300,000 businesses every year to support their recruitment and skills plans Chris Grayling: Carers can receive assistance to return and to maximise opportunities for unemployed people. to work through Jobcentre Plus. This can include help Building on those relationships helps promote Get Britain preparing for work, help to find suitable training and Working measures, including apprenticeships and work support in looking for and applying for a job. trials. Carers can have access to a menu of flexible support, Our staff work with local and national employers to including work preparation support, work focussed get the most out of opportunities available for unemployed interviews, adviser support, access to the Flexible Support people and jobseekers, ensuring they are as well prepared Fund and the Support Contract. as can be to compete for jobs in the labour market. Through the Flexible Support Fund, a ring fenced DWP actively encourages businesses of all sizes and fund which is managed at district level in Jobcentre in all sectors to offer vacancies and opportunities to Plus, carers can get help with the costs of travel, child support its work with unemployed people. In particular care, replacement care and course costs when they are this means encouraging employers to recruit people taking part in training or interview agreed by Jobcentre who are less likely to find a job themselves. Plus. When employers place jobs with DWP, our personal Carers are also eligible for The Work Programme, advisers use every opportunity to support job seekers in which is for those people who are at risk of long-term their application, process. They can help with all aspects unemployment. Work Programme providers have the 569W Written Answers5 MARCH 2012 Written Answers 570W freedom to provide the help that they consider necessary 3. Income is defined as net earnings in addition to any benefits or to support claimants into a job and address long term tax credits and includes an amount for school meals. challenges. 4. Council tax of £1,000 a year has been equated to approximately Depending on which benefit they receive carers may £19 a week. be eligible to volunteer to join the Work Programme or 5. All numbers have been provided in 2011-12 prices, and where access this provision earlier than other claimants. necessary, deflated by the GDP deflator. 6. All numbers have been rounded to the nearest £1. The Government would like to put in place labour market structures that help all current and potential Departmental Internet workers to find and retain work. Flexible Working is an important part of achieving this. The Government have announced their intention to extend the right to request Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for flexible working to all employees, which will be beneficial Work and Pensions what public services his to carers in work and those seeking employment. The Department delivers online only. [96901] Government consultation on this closed on 8 August 2011. The Department intends to publish the response Chris Grayling: There are no services the Department to the consultation in early 2012. delivers online only.

Children: Day Care Departmental Responsibilities

Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Nicholas Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many lone parent and partner Work and Pensions when he last met representatives of claimants working fewer than 16 hours per week were the (a) CBI, (b) Institute of Directors, (c) British in receipt of in-work child care payments prior to the Chamber of Commerce and (d) TUC to discuss the establishment of the Flexible Support Fund; and if he labour market and unemployment. [96093] will make a statement. [97762] Chris Grayling: This Department has published on a Chris Grayling: Information is not available on how quarterly basis since October 2009, details of all ministerial many lone parent and partner claimants working less meetings with external organisations. The information than 16 hours per week were in receipt of in-work child you have requested can be found via the following link care payments (known as the Child Care Subsidy) prior to the Department’s website: to the establishment of the Flexible Support Fund. http://www.dwp.gov.uk/publications/corporate-publications/ ministers-meetings-overseas.shtml Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Information for the period 1 July 2011 to 31 December Work and Pensions what the annual budget was for 2011 has yet to be published. in-work child care subsidy prior to September 2011. [97771] Disability Living Allowance

Maria Miller: Since April 2011, the in-work child John Healey: To ask the Secretary of State for Work care subsidy has formed part of the Flexible Support and Pensions (1) how many people in each (a) local Fund as one of the measures to help to remove barriers authority area and (b) parliamentary constituency who to work. Due to the flexible nature of this fund, no claim disability living allowance will lose their entitlement specific budget is allocated for child care subsidy. Prior altogether as a result of the move to personal independence to April 2011, child care subsidy payments were made payments; [97892] as part of the new deal for lone parents programme. It is (2) how many people in each (a) local authority area not possible to separately identify the amount spent and (b) parliamentary constituency he estimates will specifically on child care subsidy from other child care- have their income reduced as a result of the move from related payments. disability living allowance to personal independence payments. [97896] Council Tax Maria Miller: Reassessment activity for existing disability Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for living allowance recipients will start in October 2013 Work and Pensions what the total income will be of an and we intend that everyone will have been contacted by owner-occupying couple in a household with no adult March 2016. Disability living allowance recipients will working and two children under seven receiving school be asked if they want to claim personal independence meals costing £2 per day each and paying council tax of payment and will be assessed for that new benefit where £1,000 per year from April 2012. [97761] they do. By the time reassessment activity has finished we expect the working age caseload (16 to 64) for Chris Grayling: After April 2012, the total income of personal independence payment to be 500,000 lower this household would be around £291 per week. This than it would have been had we not carried out these includes around £19 a week in council tax benefit and reforms. The estimated reduction in caseload cannot be £20 a week which is allocated for school meals for both broken down into smaller geographic areas. We provided children. estimated impacts on numbers in our consultation Notes: document, “Personal Independence Payment: assessment 1. As this couple is out of work, they are entitled to receive free thresholds and consultation”, published on 16 January school meals for their children. 2012 available on the DWP website: 2. The answer is based on the tax/benefit system in 2012-13. http://www.dwp.gov.uk/consultations/2012/pip.shtml 571W Written Answers5 MARCH 2012 Written Answers 572W

We have not yet set the rates at which PIP will be Chris Grayling: Ministers and officials have frequent paid, so it is not yet possible to estimate how much discussions with Work programme contractors. Any people may lose or gain as a result of the introduction discussions touching on commercial matters are of personal independence payment. confidential.

Disability Living Allowance: Scotland Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will publish data on participants Sheila Gilmore: To ask the Secretary of State for in the work experience and mandatory work activity Work and Pensions how many and what proportion of schemes who stop receiving benefits in the weeks following renewal claims for the (a) care and (b) mobility component commencement on the scheme. [97915] of disability living allowance were (i) granted, (ii) granted at a lower rate and (iii) refused in Scotland in (A) 2010 Chris Grayling: Statistics on work experience participant and (B) 2011; and in how many and what proportion of outcomes were published on 9 November 2011. These cases where the claim was (1) granted at a lower rate showed that 51% of the first 1,300 people who started on the programme in January-March 2011 were not in and (2) refused the claimant lodged an appeal. [97752] receipt of benefit 13 weeks later. Maria Miller: We are unable to answer the question I have asked statisticians in the Department to look as posed. This is because our Management Information at publishing further data for the work experience scheme, Statistics do not go down to the level of detail that and also for the mandatory work activity scheme, on would enable us to break down renewal claims into the those who leave benefits. care and mobility components or identify customers Employment Schemes: Newcastle Upon Tyne living in Scotland.

Employers’ Liability Mr Nicholas Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the outcomes are for the Work Programme in Newcastle upon Tyne East constituency Tracey Crouch: To ask the Secretary of State for for the latest period for which figures are available. Work and Pensions when he plans to publish the outcomes [96791] of the consultation on Accessing Compensation— Supporting People who need to trace Employers’ Liability Chris Grayling: The Department intends to start Insurance; and if he will make a statement. [97513] publishing official statistics on Work Programme job outcomes from autumn 2012. This is in line with guidelines Chris Grayling: I appreciate that the Government’s set by the UK Statistics Authority to ensure published response to the consultation is taking longer to publish statistics meet the required high quality standards. than many had hoped. However the issues raised are complex and we remain in discussions with all stakeholders Flexible Support Fund to make sure we get this right. We are still carefully considering all the issues and will bring forward our Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for proposals in due course. Work and Pensions what information his Department holds on applicants for support from the Flexible Support Employment Schemes Fund; and whether this information includes (a) the total number of applicants and (b) other benefits claimed Mr Nicholas Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for by applicants. [98063] Work and Pensions what information he has on differences in performance of different Work Programme providers. Chris Grayling: The Department for Work and Pensions [96091] holds the following information on awards made from the Flexible Support Fund: customer’s name and national Chris Grayling: The Department is working to guidelines insurance number; group, district and individual jobcentre set by the UK Statistics Authority to ensure we are able where the payment is authorised; client group (such as to publish statistics that are accurate and meet the those in receipt of jobseeker’s allowance, income support required high quality standards. or employment and support allowance). The Work programme is a two-year programme that Information on the total number of applicants is not started in June 2011, it is therefore too early to make available. Data is available on the number of awards any comparisons in performance at this stage. DWP has made but this does not include applications refused and however published the first official statistics on Work can include multiple awards to the same individual. programme referrals and attachments and these are Housing Benefit available via this link: http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/index.php?paqe=wp Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and We intend to publish official statistics on job outcomes, Pensions what his most recent estimate is of (a) the our key measure of success, from autumn 2012. This number of persons affected by the change in the under- will enable a comparison of performance between providers. occupancy rule for eligibility for local housing allowance, (b) the average effect on weekly income, (c) the number Mr Nicholas Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for of claimants of local housing allowance and (d) the Work and Pensions what recent representations he has number of properties available for rent within the new received on contractor overheads and anticipated return eligibility criteria in each (i) local authority area in on investment through Work programme outcomes. Scotland and (ii) parliamentary constituency in Scotland. [96092] [95772] 573W Written Answers5 MARCH 2012 Written Answers 574W

Steve Webb: The Welfare Reform Bill contains a This means that anyone who has been a victim of provision that would reduce housing benefit for working domestic violence will be able to receive jobseeker’s age claimants in the social rented sector where they are allowance (JSA) for the specified number of weeks deemed to under-occupy their homes. The provision without them being available for employment or actively incorporates the size criteria currently used in the assessment seeking employment providing that they satisfy the of housing benefit for private sector tenants under the other conditions of entitlement. local housing allowance rules to ensure a consistent Before the regulations can become law both Houses approach. No change is being made to the size criteria of Parliament will have the opportunity to consider, used for the local housing allowance. debate and vote on the draft regulations. Dates for The impact assessment for the social sector change debates have not yet been announced, but we anticipate can be found on the DWP website: that these will take place in the House of Commons and http://www.dwp.gov.uk/policy/welfare-reform/legislation-and- House of Lords around the middle of March although key-documents/welfare-reform-bill-2011/impact-assessments- this will, to some extent, depend on other parliamentary and-equality/ business.

Independent Review of the Work Capability Assessment Fiona Mactaggart: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many and what proportion Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for claimants of jobseeker’s allowance have been subject to Work and Pensions when he plans to respond to the benefit sanctions in each quarter since 2008. [98178] recommendations of the (a) Independent Review of the Work Capability Assessment: Year Two and (b) Chris Grayling: Information on referrals for a sanction Working Group on Fluctuating Conditions. [98062] and adverse decisions made for jobseeker’s allowance claimants in each quarter since 2008 is available at: Chris Grayling: The information is as follows: http://statistics.dwp.gov.uk/asd/asd1/stats_summary/ (a) Professor Harrington published his Second Independent stats_summary_feb12.pdf Review of the Work Capability Assessment on 24 November 2011. The Government responded to this on the day that it was Jobseeker’s Allowance: Domestic Violence published, and a copy of the response is available in the House Library and at: Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for Work http://www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/wca-review-2011-response.pdf and Pensions whether he has had discussions with any (b) The Department is carefully considering the working external organisations on the appropriate definition of group on the fluctuating conditions descriptor’s report and will domestic violence for the purposes of making regulations respond fully in due course. under paragraph 8B of schedule 1 to the Jobseekers Act 1995; and whether he plans to consult any external Jobcentre Plus: Vacancies organisations on what such an appropriate definition of domestic violence is. [93085] Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many (a) full-time and (b) part-time Chris Grayling: In September 2010, my Department employment vacancies were advertised in Jobcentre held a small consultation workshop with nine external Plus offices in each (i) local authority area in Scotland organisations. During August 2011, officials carried out and (ii) Parliamentary constituency in Scotland in each an informal consultation with over 30 external organisations, of the last 12 months. [95774] including Respect, Women’s Aid, Gingerbread and Child Poverty Action Group on the proposed changes to the Chris Grayling: The information requested has been regulations, as well the definition of domestic violence placed in the Library. that we intend to use. We are also about to start an informal consultation on the proposed changes and the Jobseeker’s Allowance definition of domestic violence with a handful of specialist disability organisations. In addition, we will be cross- referencing our definition with the outcome of the Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for Work ongoing Home Office consultation “Cross-Government and Pensions whether he plans to exercise the powers Definition of Domestic Violence” which ends 30 March conferred on him by the Welfare Reform Act 2009 2012. (Commencement No. 7) Order 2012 to make regulations under paragraph 8B of Schedule 1 to the Jobseekers Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Act 1995; and if he will make a statement. [93084] and Pensions when he expects to make regulations for the purposes of providing an exemption from jobseeking Chris Grayling: The powers in paragraph 8B of schedule 1 conditions for victims of domestic violence; and what to the Jobseekers Act 1995 are being exercised. discussions he has had with (a) ministerial colleagues Section 29 of the Welfare Reform Act 2009, which and (b) others to ensure that Parliament has sufficient conferred the powers in paragraph 8B, was brought in time to approve such regulations. [93086] to force on 19 January 2012 by the Commencement Order No 7. Chris Grayling: Draft regulations were laid on 19 January Commencement No. 7, subject to parliamentary to enable JSA claimants who have been victims of approval, will provide that a person who has been a domestic violence in the circumstances set out in the victim of domestic violence can be treated as available regulations, and who meet the requirements in the for employment and actively seeking work for a period regulations, to be treated as meeting the jobseeking of 13 weeks in a 12-month period. conditions for an initial period of four weeks which can 575W Written Answers5 MARCH 2012 Written Answers 576W be extended to 13 weeks on the production of specified right hon. Member on 6 February 2012 with an interim kinds of evidence. Subject to the parliamentary calendar response; followed by a full reply on 23 February 2012. and amount of parliamentary business, they are due to be debated in both Houses around the middle of March. Mr Winnick: To ask the Secretary of State for Work The regulations will only be made once they have been and Pensions if he will arrange personally to see and considered and approved by both Houses of Parliament. reply to the letter of 27 February 2012 from the hon. This will allow sufficient time for discussions to be held Member for Walsall North concerning the death of a with (a) ministerial colleagues and (b) others. Once the constituent and the complaint made by the constituent’s regulations have been made, they will come into force at sister on the handling of the case by his Department. the time specified in the draft regulations, which we [97746] anticipate will be 23 April 2012. Chris Grayling: The Secretary of State for Work and Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Pensions, my right hon. Friend the Member for Chingford and Pensions what estimate his Department has made and Woodford Green (Mr Duncan Smith), will write to to the likely number of individuals who would be hon. Member as soon as the internal inquiry has been affected by regulations providing an exemption from completed. jobseeking conditions for victims of domestic violence in (a) 2012, (b) 2013 and (c) 2014. [93087] New Enterprise Allowance Chris Grayling: The expected volume of people affected by these regulations in future years will depend on the Julian Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Work number of JSA claimants at each point in time and the and Pensions what discussions he has had with Department does not predict unemployment figures. ministerial colleagues on the eligibility criteria for the We know from the British crime survey that 6%-10% new enterprise allowance. [97828] of all women and 4% of men are victims of domestic abuse each year. We also know that very few of these Chris Grayling: There are no current plans to change victims disclose their abuse to a Government agency. the eligibility criteria for the new enterprise allowance, Based on current flows on to jobseeker’s allowance, and therefore no discussions with ministerial colleagues the number of people who may make use of the provisions have taken place. afforded by these regulations is around 3,000. Personal Injury: Compensation Jobseeker’s Allowance: Work Experience

Fiona Mactaggart: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Slaughter: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Work and Pensions how many claimants of jobseeker’s and Pensions how many (a) motor personal injury allowance have been sanctioned for failing to attend a cases and (b) motor personal injury settlements were work experience placement in the most recent period registered with his Department’s Compensation Recovery for which figures are available. [98179] Unit (CRU) in each of the last 20 years; and how much was recovered from victims of motor personal injury Chris Grayling: For the period January 2011 to end cases by the CRU in that period. [96087] October 2011 (the latest period for which data are available), 70 sanctions were applied for failing to attend Chris Grayling: Due to system archiving the information work experience placements. available is limited to five years and is available in the table. Fiona Mactaggart: To ask the Secretary of State for Motor personal injury cases Work and Pensions how many jobseekers who have Cases Settlements been placed in a company for work experience have left registered recorded Recoveries (£) after the first week but before the end of the placement in the most recent period for which figures are 2010-11 790,999 659,671 41,072,611.98 available. [98180] 2009-10 674,997 629,916 38,352,747.39 2008-09 625,072 546,147 37,868,936.09 Chris Grayling: The Department does not hold robust 2007-08 551,905 493,883 38,985,158.03 information on the number of jobseekers who have 2006-07 518,821 469,642 39,566,754.71 been placed in a company for work experience and then Source: left after the first week. Figures produced by the Compensation Recovery Unit. Members: Correspondence Mr Slaughter: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the potential Sir Gerald Kaufman: To ask the Secretary of State for change in recoveries by his Department’s Compensation Work and Pensions when he intends to answer the letter Recovery Unit as a result of implementation of Lord sent to him by the right hon. Member for Manchester, Justice Jackson’s proposed civil cost reforms. [96088] Gorton on 11 January 2012 with regard to Ms J Batsleer. [97101] Chris Grayling: In line with the Compensation Recovery Scheme legislation, recoveries from the compensator to Chris Grayling: The Secretary of State for Work and the DWP Compensation Recovery Unit (CRU) are Pensions, my right hon. Friend the Member for Chingford dependent on the level of recoverable benefits that are and Woodford Green (Mr Duncan Smith), wrote to the received by the injured person who claims compensation. 577W Written Answers5 MARCH 2012 Written Answers 578W

Recoveries are paid to the CRU by the compensator, Chris Grayling: The Tell Us Once service—a successful when the compensator settles the compensation claim and powerful demonstration of how organisations can with the injured person. put the needs of customers at the heart of their business The current average settlement period is 13 months. design and work in partnership to achieve both a step Estimates on the future level of recoveries in relation to change in the level of services provided and significant any impact from Lord Justice Jackson’s proposed civil efficiencies has been universally welcomed by citizens. cost reforms have not been made at this stage. Indeed it is from the experiences within local and central Government and the feedback from citizens Social Security Benefits who value the service so highly that they wish to see it extended further—we have now been encouraged to Mike Crockart: To ask the Secretary of State for look into opportunities to widen the service. Working Work and Pensions what estimate his Department has on behalf of the citizen, we have been examining a made of the cost of paying (a) employment and number of opportunities to engage across the public, support allowance, (b) disability living allowance, (c) private and voluntary sectors to test whether the positive the state pension and (d) jobseeker’s allowance in benefits of the Tell Us Once experience could be replicated Scotland in (i) 2009-10 and (ii) 2010-11. [95873] and the appetite for effective partnership approaches with service providers who share a common customer. Chris Grayling: The cost of frontline administrative In efforts to more fully understand the potential staff, working in Scotland, on the following benefits is effects of such an approach, officials, working in as follows: consultation with representative sub-sectors of industry, are sharing these experiences and testing appetites for £ million further possible expansion. 2009-10 2010-11

(a) Employment and Support 10.7 11.0 Michael Fallon: To ask the Secretary of State for Allowance Work and Pensions what data protection measures his (b) Disability Living Allowance 2.5 2.9 Department plans to put in place to safeguard information (c) State Pension 5.5 4.5 gathered following the expansion of the Tell Us Once (d) Jobseekers Allowance 13.6 10.5 scheme. [95862]

We are unable to identify the cost of delivering these Chris Grayling: The Tell Us Once Programme has benefits to claimants residing in Scotland. undertaken a full privacy impact assessment, which has Benefit expenditure for people resident in Scotland is been used as an exemplar by the Information shown in the following table: Commissioner’s Office. Robust registration and enrolment policies are in £ million place to make sure that only those who are authorised 2009-10 2010-11 to do so can use the Tell Us Once IT system, also known (a) Employment and Support 130 225 as the Change Reporting System (CRS). Only central Allowance and local Government employees who have undergone (b) Disability Living Allowance 1,282 1,322 the required enrolment will have access to receive (c) State Pension 5,739 5,967 information through CRS. They will only receive the (d) Jobseekers Allowance 407 428 information which is relevant to their business and this Note: will be sent to them via secure government systems and Figures rounded to nearest million. networks. Source: Information is not held ad infinitum. Records will be DWP Statistical and Accounting Data. deleted as soon as it is reasonably practicable according The information is published at the following address: to best practice. Following submission, data will be retained in CRS for a maximum of 35 days. A ’stub’ of http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/asd4/la_expenditure.xls data will be retained for 428 days (approximately 14 Social Security Benefits: Northern Ireland months) from the date of submission before it is deleted. This will contain minimal personal details and a record of which organisations were contacted and picked up Dr McCrea: To ask the Secretary of State for Work the Tell Us Once notification. Data held are subject to and Pensions what estimate he has made of the number the Data Protection Act. of claimants in Northern Ireland who will be affected by his benefit reform. [93552] The CRS itself has been accredited by a Pan Government Accreditor. They are satisfied that there are safeguards Chris Grayling: Northern Ireland issues of social in place to protect the system from potential threats security are devolved and responsibility of the Northern such as hacking. Ireland executive.

Tell Us Once Scheme UK Debt Management Office

Michael Fallon: To ask the Secretary of State for Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions whether he has assessed the potential Work and Pensions whether he has any plans to close effects of expansion of the Tell Us Once scheme on his Department’s Debt Management Office in private sector companies operating in the area. [95861] Glasgow. [95766] 579W Written Answers5 MARCH 2012 Written Answers 580W

Chris Grayling: The Department’s Debt Management Work Capability Assessment Office in Glasgow will close by the end of March 2013. This follows a redesign of the Department’s debt management operations which will enhance the service Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for Work to our customers by reducing the number of handoffs and Pensions whether Atos Healthcare is subject to between different parts of the Department. performance incentives in relation to the work capability assessment; and if so whether the criteria for such This will mean that rather than receiving several incentives were met in (a) 2010 and (b) 2011. [96528] letters from different parts of the Department, our customers will, in the majority of cases, receive one Chris Grayling: Atos Healthcare are not subject to letter telling them of any changes to their benefit, along performance incentives in relation to the work capability with details of overpayments that have arisen as a result assessments (WCA). During (a) 2010 and (b) 2011 of the change. They will also be told in that letter what there were no performance incentives paid in relation to they have to do about the overpayment, and who to the WCA. contact for advice. This enhanced process will mean that the current Alun Michael: To ask the Secretary of State for Work organisational structure will no longer be viable. The and Pensions what assessment he has made of the affected staff have been advised of the decision and that effect of work capability assessments on the way in they will be redeployed. Our aim is always to avoid which disability living allowance decisions are made. compulsory redundancies and I am confident that staff [97697] can be redeployed before the end of March 2013. Maria Miller: As disability living allowance entitlement is not related to capability for work there has been no such assessment. The introduction of the work capability Welfare State: Northern Ireland assessment has seen no changes in the way disability living allowance entitlement is decided. Vernon Coaker: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions pursuant to the answer of 9 February Work Experience: Unemployed People 2012, Official Report, column 344W,on housing benefit: Northern Ireland, how many meetings (a) Ministers Mr Hollobone: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and (b) officials in his Department have had with (i) and Pensions what the most recent outcomes are of his Ministers and (ii) officials in the Northern Ireland Department’s work experience scheme for the unemployed Executive on welfare reform and universal credit in the in (a) Kettering constituency, (b) Northamptonshire last year; and when such meetings took place. [96104] and (c) England. [97805]

Chris Grayling: Within the Department for Work and Chris Grayling: The most recent statistics on work Pensions, Lord Freud is the Minister with lead responsibility experience participant outcomes were published on 9 for Welfare Reform. He is also the Minister with lead November 2011. These showed that 51% of the first responsibility for liaison with Ministers from the Northern 1,300 people who started on the programme in Great Ireland Executive. Britain in January-March 2011 were not in receipt of Northern Ireland is responsible for its own social benefit 13 weeks later. security system. However, there is an expectation that Note: the NI and GB systems will operate in parallel under The cohort of 1,300 starts is too small to show benefit outcomes what is termed the parity principle. Under this arrangement by smaller geographical areas. the same benefits are paid at the same rates subject to the same conditions and rules. Work Experience: Young People To achieve this aim discussions take place regularly with the Northern Ireland Executive on all new legislation at both a ministerial and official level. Mr Bone: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what recent progress he has made in promoting Ministers of the Department of Work and Pensions work experience for young people. [97803] have met Ministers from the Northern Ireland Executive as follows: Chris Grayling: The Department for Work and Pensions Minister for Social Development: 4 March 2011 work with employers to provide young people with Minister for Employment and Learning: 4 March 2011 placements in a wide range of sectors. For example, the Minister for Social Development: 31 August and 1 September Department’s National Employer Service Team recently 2011 reviewed its portfolio with a view to securing new Minister for Employment and Learning: 31 August and accounts to provide a more comprehensive cross-sector 1 September 2011 mix of placements. This work is kept under review to ensure that the Department is able to offer young Minister for Social Development: 16 November 2011. people a broad range of placements. The National At official level we are engaged in a permanent dialogue. Employer Service Team currently work across 22 sectors. Additionally, officials from the Northern Ireland Executive They also engage directly with 20 trade body associations are members of all the relevant Department for Work which span key growth sectors and represent both national and Pensions programme and project boards. and small employers. 581W Written Answers5 MARCH 2012 Written Answers 582W

From January 2011 until the end of November 2011, DWP has a range of mechanisms to monitor the 34,200 young people participated in work experience. Work programme including contract performance reviews, The number of starts more than doubled (an increase of compliance and assurance monitoring to minimise fraud around 107%) over the latest quarter, rising from 16,500 and error, payment validation systems, analysis of starts (to the end of August 2011). management information and participant feedback.

Work Programme Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many voluntary sector organisations were identified as participating in the Richard Fuller: To ask the Secretary of State for Work programme supply chain in the stocktake undertaken Work and Pensions what recent assessment he has in January 2012; and if he will make a statement. made of the experiences of charities as sub-contractors [98066] in the Work programme. [93051] Chris Grayling: The latest figures have now been Chris Grayling: The Department has commissioned published and are available via the following link: the Institute for Employment Studies to undertake an http://www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/wp-supply-chains.xls independent evaluation of the Work programme. This will include an evaluation of Work programme supply chains, exploring the impacts of the Department’s commissioning approach on all delivery organisations, DEFENCE including those from the third sector. Interim findings Armed Forces Covenant will be available mid 2013 with a final report published in 2014-15. Andrew Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for The Department’s most recent stocktake of providers Defence what assessment he has made of the findings involved in the Work programme took place on 12 August of the interim report on the armed forces covenant. 2011. [97741] The stocktake identified that the number of voluntary and community based organisations involved in delivering Mr Robathan: As I said in the foreword to the interim the Work programme was (a) two prime providers, (b) report on the armed forces covenant, there has been 108 tier 1 providers and (c) 315 tier 2 providers. much progress, although there is still much to do. Some of that work falls to Government, but many of the Julian Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Covenant workstrands are dependent on the support and Pensions what measures he is taking to ensure and active involvement of our strategic partner charities sub-contractors in the Work programme are paid and Families Federations. The Government and the promptly for work done on behalf of main contractors. Nation are indebted to them for their continuing support [97893] and drive. Armed Forces: Education Chris Grayling: The terms and conditions of Work programme contracts require Prime providers who sub- Hazel Blears: To ask the Secretary of State for contract, to comply at all times with the Merlin Standard. Defence (1) what estimate he has made of the number This requires that funding arrangements are fair, of service leavers eligible for the publicly funded proportionate and do not cause undue financial risk for further and higher education scheme in (a) 2011-12, supply chain partners. (b) 2013-14 and (c) 2014-15; [97499] Prime providers must obtain Merlin accreditation (2) how many service leavers were eligible for the within one year of commencing delivery of a DWP publicly funded further and higher education scheme in Welfare to Work contract and an independent organisation (a) 2009-10 and (b) 2010-11. [97500] has been appointed to undertake these assessments. Further information is available on the Merlin web Mr Robathan: All service leavers are potentially eligible portal: for the publicly funded Further and Higher Education http://www.merlinstandard.co.uk (FE/HE) support scheme, subject to them meeting the published criteria, chief among which is being registered Julian Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Work for the Enhanced Learning Credit (ELC) scheme. and Pensions what monitoring of Work programme There are currently some 125,000 service personnel contractors his Department undertakes to ensure registered for Enhanced Learning Credits, some of whom commitments made in applications are fulfilled. [97901] will leave the armed forces between now and 1 April 2015. In addition, there are in the region of 100,000 Chris Grayling: The Department has commissioned former service personnel who have registered for the the Institute for Employment Studies to undertake an ELC scheme and remain entitled to access the scheme. independent evaluation of the Work programme. This Providing that service and former service personnel will include an evaluation of Work programme supply do not already hold a qualification at level three or chains, exploring the impacts of the Department’s above, as listed in the National Qualification Framework, commissioning approach on all delivery organisations, and are in their last two years of service or left service including those from the third sector. Interim findings after 17 July 2008, it is likely they will be eligible to will be available mid 2013 with a final report published access the FE/HE funding scheme. However, as there is in 2014-15. no mandatory requirement to record the educational 583W Written Answers5 MARCH 2012 Written Answers 584W qualifications of service personnel on their service record, recruit apprenticeships are: Defence Support Group or for ex-service personnel to notify the Ministry of (DSG) and the Royal Air Force Museum. The number Defence of changes to their educational qualifications of apprentices recruited is detailed in the following after having left, it is not possible to provide an accurate table: estimate of eligibility for the FE/HE scheme. April April 2011 January Defence Equipment: Scotland 2010 to to 2012 to April 2012 Apprenticeships by March December March to March means of: 2011 2011 2012 2013 Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many (a) aircraft, (b) helicopters, (c) Upskilling (DSG 50 1 Unknown Unknown armoured vehicles, (d) main battle tanks, (e) armoured only) Apprenticeship 111 76 55 10 reconnaissance vehicles, (f) transport aircraft, (g) Scheme (DSG) conventional naval vessels, (h) submarines and (i) field Apprenticeship 6666 artillery are permanently based in Scotland in respect of Scheme (RAF each (i) equipment type and (ii) location. [93918] Museum) Total 167 83 61 16 Nick Harvey: Following the strategic defence and security review and consequent decisions, the defence Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for footprint in Scotland is planned to increase. Defence how many apprentices were employed by his Equipment currently based in Scotland is shown in Department between (a) April 2010 and March 2011 the following table: and (b) April and December 2011; and how many apprenticeships he plans that his Department will Equipment type Location Number sponsor between (i) January and March 2012 and (ii) Aircraft Lossiemouth 48 April and March 2013. [89218] Leuchars 19 Kirknewton 5 Mr Robathan: The number of apprentices employed Kinloss/Lossiemouth 3 in the Ministry of Defence between the above mentioned time periods are detailed in the following table: Arbroath 5

April 2011 January Helicopters Prestwick 3 April 2010 to 2012 to April 2012 Apprenticeships by to March December March to March Lossiemouth 2 means of: 2011 2011 2012 2013

Civilian— 1,078 517 Unknown Unknown Armoured vehicles — 0 Upskilling Civilian— 66 53 52 52 Apprenticeship Main battle tanks — 0 Schemes RAF 892 647 892 892 Armoured Fife 4 RN (including 3,107 1,403 1,230 3,295 Reconnaissance vehicles RM) Ayr 4 Army 8,138 4,806 4,806 4,806 Total 13,281 7,426 6,980 9,045

Transport aircraft — 0 Departmental Procurement Conventional naval Faslane 9 vessels Glasgow 1 Paul Blomfield: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether any products purchased by his Aberdeen 1 Department in the last year did not meet the expected technical specifications; and what the names were of Submarines Faslane 5 any such products. [96513]

Field Artillery Arbroath 6 Peter Luff: The information is not held centrally and Edinburgh 10 could be provided only at disproportionate cost. Departmental Apprentices Departmental Regulation Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many apprentices were employed by each public Simon Hart: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence body for which his Department is responsible between what recent progress his Department has made on the (a) April 2010 and March 2011 and (b) April and Red Tape Challenge; and which regulations have been December 2011; and how many apprenticeships he expects (a) abolished and (b) revised as part of the Challenge. each public body to sponsor between (i) January and [96999] March 2012 and (ii) April 2012 and March 2013. [88739] Mr Robathan: The Ministry of Defence is not a lead Mr Robathan: The public bodies for which the Secretary Department for any of the themes so far identified in of State for Defence is currently responsible which the Red Tape Challenge. 585W Written Answers5 MARCH 2012 Written Answers 586W

Diamond Jubilee 2012: Medals Developing Countries: Tax Avoidance

Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for Bill Esterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the eligibility criteria are for the Queen’s International Development what recent representations diamond jubilee medal. [97894] he has received from (a) foreign governments and (b) aid agencies on UK-owned companies (i) avoiding and (ii) evading paying taxes in developing countries which Mr Robathan: The Department for Culture Media are in receipt of aid from the Government. [97995] and Sport announced on 28 June 2011 the Government’s intention to award and distribute a diamond jubilee Mr O’Brien: Ministers of the Department for medal. Medals are traditionally awarded for royal jubilees International Development have received no representations to recognise and reward the service and dedication of from foreign governments or aid agencies on these key front line services and, in particular, to those who subjects. are exposed regularly to difficult, often emergency situations and who potentially risk their lives. EU Aid The announcement made by the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport, my right hon. Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Friend the Member for South West Surrey (Mr Hunt), International Development what assessment he has made stated that members of the armed forces (regular and of the effectiveness of EU development assistance; and reserves) who have completed five full calendar years of if he will make a statement. [97637] service, and are serving on 6 February 2012, will be presented with a medal to mark Her Majesty the Queen’s Mr O’Brien: The Department for International diamond jubilee. These criteria are consistent with the Development’s (DFID) Multilateral Aid Review, published approach adopted for earlier Jubilee medals, such as the in 2011, examined the effectiveness of EU development golden jubilee in 2002. assistance and identified clear strengths in the EU’s approach, rating the European development fund, which Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for covers African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries, Defence if he will ensure eligibility for the Queen’s as a top performer and the European Commission’s diamond jubilee medal includes service personnel who budget instruments, which cover non-ACP countries, as (a) are currently on active service but who may not adequate. The EU’s humanitarian agency, ECHO, also have completed five years of qualifying service and (b) performed strongly in our assessment. have been injured on active service but who may not We continue to push for EU aid to be more transparent, have completed five years of qualifying service. [97895] flexible and results-focused so that we ensure maximum value for money for both UK taxpayers and the poor Mr Robathan: I refer the hon. Member to the answer people in developing countries who benefit from these I gave to the hon. Member for Colchester (Sir Bob programmes. Russell) on 21 February 2012, Official Report, column 773W. Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what his objectives are for forthcoming negotiations on the EU development budget; and if he will make a statement. [97638] INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT Mr O’Brien: Our overriding priority in the negotiations Departmental Carbon Emissions on the next EU multi-annual financial framework, 2014-20, (MFF) is that the level of the EU budget must be carefully contained. We oppose increases beyond real Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for growth in any budget heading. However, maintaining or International Development what reduction in carbon increasing the proportion of official development assistance dioxide emissions his Department has made under the within a smaller overall budget is a UK priority for the 10:10 initiative. [97930] MFF. In the negotiations on the EU development programme, Mr O’Brien: Under the 10:10 initiative, the Department we are pressing for a greater focus on poorest countries, for International Development (DFID) exceeded the with poverty reduction as its central objective. It must 10% UK target to reduce carbon emissions from energy be results-focused, and the Commission must demonstrate achieving 15.4%; we also exceeded the pan-Government clearly how results will be monitored and managed and average of 13.8%. how value for money will be achieved. The EU should DFID achieved the reduction in carbon emissions concentrate its efforts on a limited number of sectors to due to a range of measures including reductions in ensure effectiveness, based on support focused closely plant operation times, IT server virtualisation programme, on countries’ own priorities. printer rationalisation programme and a green roof at our site in East Kilbride. We remain strongly committed Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria to reducing carbon emissions and are well on track to achieve the 25% reduction by March 2015. We will Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for achieve further reductions through measures such as International Development what assessment he has the installation of a biomass boiler, estate rationalisation made of the effectiveness of the Global Fund to Fight and a programme of upgrading our existing lighting AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria; and if he will make a systems. statement. [97639] 587W Written Answers5 MARCH 2012 Written Answers 588W

Mr O’Brien: The multilateral aid review assessed the UN Central Emergency Response Fund Global Fund as providing very good value for money, but also concluded that the fund could do more to Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for maximise its potential and impact in developing countries. International Development whether a UK Minister This conclusion was confirmed by the findings of a attended the UN Central Emergency Relief Fund high level panel set up to look at the fund’s processes replenishment conference in December 2011; and if he and systems and reiterated by the Board of the fund in will make a statement. [97636] November. A Consolidated Transformation Plan to improve risk management and strengthen controls, as Mr Duncan: The Department for International well as reform the fund’s overall management and business Development’s Director General, Policy and Global model, has been approved in response. Taken together Programmes, represented the UK at the UN Central these reforms are intended to ensure that the fund Emergency Relief Fund (CERF) replenishment conference improves its performance and better meets the needs of on 16 December 2011 and made a statement outlining poor people affected by the three diseases. We are our ongoing support. monitoring its implementation closely. The UK is content that the CERF delivers good value for money and plays a critical and unique role in Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for responding to emergencies. This has been recognised in International Development how many full-time equivalent the horn of Africa following the drought in 2011, where staff in his Department spend at least 75 per cent. of CERF funding enabled the UN and partners to rapidly their working time (a) administering his Department’s respond in a difficult environment. investments in the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria and (b) overseeing the The UK provided £40 million to the CERF in 2011 performance of that organisation; and if he will make a and we will provide £40 million for 2012. In addition to statement. [97640] this funding, we announced, at the replenishment conference, an extra £20 million for the CERF for 2012 Mr O’Brien: Three full-time equivalent staff spend at because of a shortfall in its funding. The UK’s funding least 75% of their working time administering investments for future years is set to increase subject to the CERF’s in the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and performance. Malaria and overseeing performance. This includes a senior official based in Geneva. The core team is supported by a wider team from the international finance division, policy division and Department for International TREASURY Development country offices. The Global Funds team also work closely with the UK/Australia constituency Alcoholic Drinks: Prices colleagues on policy and reform issues. Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Chancellor of the Kenya Exchequer what recent discussions he has had on the introduction of a minimum price per unit on alcohol. Jeremy Lefroy: To ask the Secretary of State for [97818] International Development how much and what proportion of expenditure on the British Army Training Unit Kenya Miss Chloe Smith: Treasury Ministers and officials on (i) engineering, (ii) medical and (iii) other work is have meetings with a wide variety of organisations in classified as overseas development aid. [97645] the public and private sectors as part of the process of policy development and delivery. Mr Andrew Mitchell: None of the British Army’s The Treasury publishes a list of ministerial meetings work in Kenya is classified as overseas development aid, with external organisations, available at: although some aspects of their training (e.g. medical exercises and engineering work) brings significant benefits http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/minister_hospitality.htm to the Kenyan population. Child Care Tax Credit North Korea Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Fiona Bruce: To ask the Secretary of State for how many families will no longer receive childcare International Development whether he plans to respond support as a result of the increase in the hours limit for to the recommendation of the UN Emergency Relief eligibility for working tax credit. [97705] Co-ordinator that the international community should provide more financial support and creative solutions Mr Gauke: I refer the hon. Member to the answer to overcome food shortages in the Democratic People’s that I gave on 6 December 2011, Official Report, column Republic of Korea. [98091] 297W.

Mr Duncan: We believe that the Department for Glenda Jackson: To ask the Chancellor of the International Development’s (DFID) investment in the Exchequer how many families will no longer receive various humanitarian multilateral organisations working childcare support as a result of the increase in the in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) hours limit for eligibility for working tax credit. [97711] represents the best way for the UK to assist the people of the DPRK. We are in close contact with these Mr Gauke: I refer the hon. Member to the parliamentary humanitarian agencies and continue to monitor the question answered on 6 December 2011, Official Report, situation. column 296W. 589W Written Answers5 MARCH 2012 Written Answers 590W

Child Care Vouchers Departmental Public Expenditure

Paul Blomfield: To ask the Chancellor of the Mr Jenkin: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Exchequer how many parents made use of the HM how much his Department spent on enterprise resource Revenue and Customs Childcare Voucher scheme in planning systems in the last 12 months for which each financial year between 2007-08 and 2010-11; and figures are available. [96607] what estimate he has made of the number of parents likely to make use of the scheme in 2011-12. [97096] Miss Chloe Smith: HM Treasury uses Oracle for enterprise resource planning within the Treasury Group Mr Gauke: The average number of taxpayers in receipt at an annual licence cost of £121,945.06. of child care vouchers during each financial year is Excise Duties: Biofuels estimated to be as follows: 2007-08: 250,000 Mike Weatherley: To ask the Chancellor of the 2008-09: 310,000 Exchequer what steps HM Revenue and Customs is 2009-10: 370,000 taking to enforce the fuel duty derogation for biodiesel 2010-11: 430,000 producers. [91454] 2011-12: 500,000. Miss Chloe Smith: Production of less than 2,500 litres of biodiesel per year is exempt from duty. Suppliers Convention on the Protection of the European are liable to account for the duty if they produce 2,500 Communities’ Financial Interests litres or more and supply the oil for fuel production. HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) ensures that the Mr Raab: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer on rules relating to this threshold are complied with through how many occasions UK authorities have requested education, monitoring and targeted assurance activity. (a) technical and (b) operational assistance from the The regulations concerning the production and supply European Commission to facilitate an investigation of motor and heating fuel provide HMRC with sanctions into fraud, corruption or money laundering under to prevent manipulation. HMRC has issued guidance Article 7 of the Second Protocol of the Convention on to ensure that businesses understand the rules, and has the protection of the European Communities’ financial taken action, in the form of assessments of unpaid tax interests in the last five years; and what assessment his and penalties, when businesses have been found to have Department has made of the effectiveness of that breached them—for example, by claiming that their Protocol. [97652] customers, rather than they as suppliers, are liable for duty. Mr Gauke: The UK has applied for funding to two To assist members of the public in reporting cases of EU programmes in the field of the protection of the concern, HMRC have developed an e-mail template, financial interest of the EU: the Hercule programme which is available online at: aimed at combating cigarette smuggling and counterfeiting; https://online.hmrc.gov.uk/shortforms/form/AAG_TAI and the Pericles programme aimed at protecting the euro against counterfeiting. The UK has also supported Excise Duties: Fuels the EU Commission by providing trainers on EU-funded technical support operations, and hosted individuals on Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Chancellor of the EU Commission-assisted projects. HM Treasury is not Exchequer (1) whether he has had any discussions on aware of any instance when UK authorities have asked establishing a fuel duty regulator to regulate the for operational assistance from the European Commission. amount of fuel duty paid at times of unexpected All member states have adopted the 2nd protocol of increases in fuel prices; [98099] the Convention, allowing for cooperation with each (2) when his Department expects to report on the other and the Commission should the occasion arise. outcome of the trial of a derogation of fuel duty in rural areas; and what discussions he has had on Departmental Carbon Emissions establishing a trial in rural Wales. [98102]

Miss Chloe Smith: Treasury Ministers routinely discuss Caroline Flint: To ask the Chancellor of the a range of issues with colleagues and stakeholders. Exchequer what reduction in carbon dioxide emissions Budget 2011 abolished the fuel duty escalator and replaced his Department has made under the 10:10 initiative. it with a fair fuel stabiliser. Fuel duty across the UK will [97935] increase by inflation only, when oil prices are high. If the oil price falls below a set trigger price on a sustained Miss Chloe Smith: Under the 10:10 initiative, HM basis, duty will increase by RPI plus 1p per litre. The Treasury achieved a reduction of 14.2% (against the Government will publish details of the design of the weather corrected baseline) and 14.3% (against the non- fair fuel stabiliser at Budget 2012. weathered corrected baseline) in carbon emissions. Motorists in remote Scottish islands and the Isles of Data regarding the Departments’ emissions can be Scilly will benefit from the 5p per litre discount which found on the Cabinet Office website in several reports took effect on 1 March 2012. The rural fuel duty rebate using the following link: pilot scheme’s operation will be monitored on an ongoing https://update.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/resource-library/green- basis and the Government can report that more than government 90 businesses have applied to take part. 591W Written Answers5 MARCH 2012 Written Answers 592W

First-time Buyers taxes. Following extensive public consultation the Finance Act 2008 introduced changes to align time limits where Graeme Morrice: To ask the Chancellor of the possible across taxes. Exchequer what steps he is taking to support first-time In general, HMRC will only accept claims for repayment home buyers. [97441] of direct tax which are made within the statutory time limits. However, HMRC will repay direct tax in respect Miss Chloe Smith: The Government and housebuilders of claims made outside the statutory time limits where are together providing, around £400 million to assist the over-payment has arisen because of an error by almost 10,500 first-time buyers to purchase a new build HMRC or another Government Department and where property in England through the Firstbuy scheme there is no dispute or doubt as to the facts. announced at Budget 2011. Firstbuy provides a 20% loan to top up first-time buyers’ own deposit of 5% Income Tax allowing buyers to take out a mortgage for 75% of the property. FirstBuy is being delivered by the Homes and Tony Baldry: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Communities Agency, working with housebuilders and what proportion of tax receipts were paid by the top housing associations, as part of our Affordable Homes (a) one, (b) five and (c) 10 per cent. of taxpayers in Programme. the most recent period for which figures are available. In addition, The Housing Strategy, published 21 [97515] November 2011, set out that the Government will also introduce a NewBuy scheme to help those who have a Mr Gauke: Shares of income tax liabilities are shown small deposit to buy a newly built home. in National Statistics table 2.4 ‘Shares of total income (before and after tax) and income tax for percentile Under the scheme, home buyers will be able to purchase groups, 1999-00 to 2011-12’ at: new build houses and flats with a 5% deposit. House builders and the Government will help provide security http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/stats/income_tax/table2-4.pdf for the loan. The Government will take on a contingent Income Tax: Tax Rates and Bands liability which will build up in line with purchases under the scheme, to a maximum of £1 billion. This will help up to 100,000 families and young people to buy their Brandon Lewis: To ask the Chancellor of the own home. Exchequer how many (a) male and (b) female income taxpayers have earnt less than £10,000 in 2011-12. [97329] First-time Buyers: Stamp Duties Mr Gauke: An estimated 2.32 million taxpayers have Graeme Morrice: To ask the Chancellor of the total income less than £10,000 in 2011-12, of which 41% Exchequer what representations he has received on his are male and 59% are female. decision to end the land stamp duty tax exemption for Estimates are based on the 2007-08 Survey of Personal first-time home buyers on 24 March 2012; and if he Incomes, projected using economic assumptions consistent will reconsider that decision. [97547] with the Office for Budget Responsibility’s March 2011 economic and fiscal outlook. Miss Chloe Smith: The Chancellor of the Exchequer, my right hon. Friend the Member for Tatton (Mr Insolvency: EU Action Osborne), receives representations on all aspects of taxation including stamp duty land tax (SDLT). Priti Patel: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer The Chancellor announced in the autumn statement what estimate he has made of the number of UK on 29 November 2011, Official Report, columns 799-810, businesses that will be affected by the implementation that the SDLT relief for first time buyers has been of the EU’s Solvency II rules. [97747] ineffective in increasing the number of first time buyers entering the market. The relief will therefore end as Mr Hoban: Solvency II is a review of insurance planned in March 2012. regulation which will create a single rulebook and single market for insurers across Europe with the overarching HM Revenue and Customs aim of enhancing insurers’ financial soundness so as to ensure appropriate policyholder protection. Gordon Henderson: To ask the Chancellor of the There are over 700 UK-based insurance firms. Of Exchequer if he will review the implications for HM these, Solvency II will apply to about 550-600 UK-based Revenue and Customs’ three year repayment rule of insurance firms that will be in scope of the directive, as errors made by HM Revenue and Customs. [97402] determined by Article 4 of the Solvency II directive. We do not have an exact figure because there are some Mr Gauke: There is no three year repayment rule; in insurers who will not know whether they will be in most cases the relevant time limit for claims and for scope until closer to the implementation date. Following HMRC to raise an assessment will be four years. Under Solvency II implementation, the current UK regime for transitional provisions, for many taxpayers these new insurers will continue to apply to insurers that are out of time limits will not come into effect until 1 April 2012. scope of Solvency II. Time limits for claims to and assessments by HMRC This, and further information can also be found in provide certainty for taxpayers and the Department. At the recent HM Treasury and Financial Services Authority the time of the formation of HM Revenue and Customs, consultations on the transposition of Solvency II, available there were a wide range of time limits applying across on the HM Treasury website. 593W Written Answers5 MARCH 2012 Written Answers 594W

Interest Rates National Insurance: Data Protection

Mr Hollobone: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Andrea Leadsom: To ask the Chancellor of the what recent assessment he has made of the potential Exchequer what steps he plans to take to protect the effect on the UK economy of an increase in interest identity of individuals when the use of a national rates of (a) 0.5%, (b) 1.5% and (c) 2.5%. [98115] insurance number is confused between multiple users. [97769] Miss Chloe Smith: A one percentage point rise in the cost of government borrowing would add around £7.5 Mr Gauke: When HMRC identify the possibility that billion to debt interest payments by 2016-17. A one an NI record is confused, immediate action is taken to percentage point rise in effective mortgage rates would establish the true owner and prevent intrusion, this add around £10 billion a year to households’ mortgage includes an investigation to determine the reason for the interest payments. confusion and whether there has been any attempt to deliberately misuse the NI number. To minimise any confusion or distress to the individual, Investment: Carbon Emissions HMRC endeavours to complete investigations as quickly as possible.

Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Chancellor of the PAYE Exchequer what timetable the interim Financial Policy Committee has set to identify systemic carbon risks to the financial system. [97432] Paul Blomfield: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many companies were issued with penalties for (a) late and (b) incorrect payment of (i) PAYE and (ii) Mr Hoban: The interim Financial Policy Committee VAT in the financial year (A) 2009-10, (b) 2010-11 and (FPC) is aware of this issue. The Bank of England will (c) 2011-12 to date. [97094] explore it further with market participants to assess the extent to which they have considered the issue, and Mr Gauke: With regard to PAYE,HMRC has interpreted whether they take it into account when making investment this question as relating to late payment penalties (LPP) decisions. Should the FPC conclude, at any point, that which are applied selectively on risk principles, and it carbon assets do pose a systemic risk to the financial would not be in the public interest to disclose this system, they will report and explain that risk in their information. Disclosing the number of penalties could six-monthly Financial Stability Report. undermine the effectiveness of the penalty regime, which relies to some extent on the deterrent effect of the penalties. Multinational Companies With regard to VAT, HMRC does not hold the information for penalties issued to companies for late Alex Cunningham: To ask the Chancellor of the payment of VAT and incorrect payment of VAT in a Exchequer what steps he plans to take to prevent multi- format which distinguishes how many companies they national companies receiving tax write-offs. [96553] were issued to, and it would cost a disproportionate amount to provide it. Mr Gauke: In seeking to determine tax liabilities HMRC engages with taxpayers and their advisors to Pocket Lighters: Import Controls resolve disputes of fact and/or law. Such discussions can be complex and may involve grey areas within the Jim Fitzpatrick: To ask the Chancellor of the tax system. If HMRC is unable to agree an appropriate Exchequer pursuant to the answer of 10 October 2011, settlement it looks to litigation or some form of arbitration. Official Report, columns 135-36W, on pocket lighters: Where a company is unable to meet its tax liabilities import controls, on which occasions HM Revenue and HMRC seeks arrangements to obtain the tax. Tax will Customs and the UK Border Agency have detained only be written off when it is clearly not recoverable. suspect shipments of pocket lighters; and what steps In July 2011 the National Audit Office endorsed the were taken in each case. [96613] strong governance HMRC has put in place on large business tax settlements, its achievement in recent years Mr Gauke: HM Revenue and Customs and the UK of bringing in substantial revenues while tackling tax Border Agency have not detained within the last two avoidance, and HMRC’s Litigation and Settlement Strategy. years any suspect shipments of pocket lighters due to non-conformity with EU and UK safety standards. HMRC nonetheless committed to making further improvements to its governance and to increasing Revenue and Customs: ICT transparency about its work with large businesses. On 27 February 2012 HMRC announced new Andrea Leadsom: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer governance arrangements for significant tax disputes, if he will assess the potential benefits of further integration to provide greater transparency, scrutiny and accountability. of HM Revenue and Customs’ systems. [97767] Effective and efficient tax collection is critical to maintaining tax receipts to fund public services. Mr Gauke: HMRC is driving a significant amount of These new arrangements are workable and cost-effective, systems integration through its Change Programme. without undermining the core tax principles of taxpayer The Department has a very explicit systems strategy confidentiality and effectiveness of collection. (‘The 13 Machines’) that is one of the five foundational 595W Written Answers5 MARCH 2012 Written Answers 596W building blocks that underpinned HMRC’s proposal Tax Credit: Greater London for delivering the UK Treasury comprehensive spending review (SR10). Mr Evennett: To ask the Chancellor of the The 13 machine strategy is based on consolidation of Exchequer how many people in (a) Bexleyheath and systems onto a set of 13 key technology groups already Crayford constituency and (b) the London borough of present on the HMRC IT estate and the consolidation Bexley were in receipt of (i) working tax credit and (ii) of the associated common business processes. A reduction child tax credit at the latest date for which figures are in the diversity, and hence cost, will be achieved by available. [97986] directing all IT spend on business change initiatives to ″13 machines″ technologies. Mr Gauke: This information is published in the HMRC HMRC currently have significant programmes in progress snapshot publication “Personal Tax Credits: Provisional that are delivering the strategy and developing integrated Statistics—Geographical Statistics”. Information for systems e.g. the ’one click’ initiative which is aimed at December 2011 can be found at: making it easier for business to transact on line with HMRC, the new machine gaming duty, charities policy http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/stats/personal-tax-credits/cwtc-geog- changes and RTI (real time integration) all re-use and dec2011.pdf integrate a number of significant underpinning components. Table 3 has this information by local authority and Further integration of systems will be explored as we table 4 has this information by Westminster parliamentary plan beyond the current SR10 deliverables. constituency.

Stamp Duty Land Tax: Greater London Tax Relief: Manufacturing Industries

Mr Evennett: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many first-time buyers in (a) Bexleyheath and Chris White: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Crayford constituency and (b) the London borough of what the cost to the public purse was of tax relief for Bexley have been liable for the zero rate of stamp duty the manufacturing sector in each of the last three years. land tax on house purchases below £250,000 since 2010. [98223] [96430] Mr Gauke: Information on all tax reliefs received by Miss Chloe Smith: Since April 2010, 815 transactions the manufacturing industry is not available, and could claimed stamp duty land tax (SDLT) first-time buyers’ be provided only at disproportionate cost. relief in the London borough of Bexley. This relief exempts from charge qualifying transactions where the chargeable consideration is above the zero per cent Taxation: Gambling SDLT threshold and up to £250,000. No reliable data are available on a parliamentary constituency basis. Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the level of revenue that would accrue from the introduction of an online Tax Avoidance gambling tax. [98101]

Gregg McClymont: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to bring forward proposals Miss Chloe Smith: Online gambling supplied from for a general taxation anti-avoidance rule. [97506] the UK is currently subject to general betting duty, remote gaming duty or pool betting duty.The Government are reviewing the case for changing the basis of taxation Mr Gauke: The study group led by Graham Aaronson for remote gambling by moving to a place of consumption QC looking at a possible GAAR for the UK delivered basis of taxation. No decision has been taken on whether its report in November 2011. The Government have to proceed with reform. announced that they will make their formal response in the 2012 Budget. The revenue that a place of consumption based taxation regime would generate would depend on rates and Tax Avoidance: Bookmakers design of the regime.

Andrew Bridgen: To ask the Chancellor of the Working Tax Credit Exchequer what steps he is taking to tackle tax and levy avoidance by offshore bookmakers. [97331] Helen Jones: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Mr Gauke: General betting duty (GBD) is charged what estimate he has made of the number of families in on bets made with a bookmaker who is in the UK. Bets Warrington North constituency who will no longer be made with a bookmaker who is offshore and outside entitled to working tax credit as a result of the change the UK are outside the scope of GBD. to the number of working hours needed to qualify to be introduced on 1 April 2012. [97835] The Horserace Betting Levy is administered by the Horserace Betting Levy Board, an independent public body sponsored by the Department for Culture Media Mr Gauke: I refer the hon. Member to the answer and Sport. that I gave on 10 January 2012, Official Report, column 72. 597W Written Answers5 MARCH 2012 Written Answers 598W

CHURCH COMMISSIONERS The following tables illustrate the claims made by Church of England Churches on their Ecclesiastical Metal: Theft Insurance policies for theft of metal. The figures are likely to be higher in reality as not all the churches concerned will have made claims on their insurance Gloria De Piero: To ask the hon. Member for unless the value of the claim exceeded the insurance Banbury, representing the Church Commissioners, excess which will have varied from church to church. what the cost was of metal theft from Church of England property in (a) Ashfield constituency, (b) (i) and (ii): Nottinghamshire, (c) the East Midlands and (d) Total value of cost to the Church of England for: England in (i) 2010 and (ii) 2011. [98209] 2010 was around £6.5 million of which around £2.3 million was covered by insurance. Tony Baldry: The insurance cover available from 2011was around £10 million of which around £4.4 million was Ecclesiastical Insurance who insure the majority of covered by insurance. churches in England has changed over the years in (a) Figures are not available for the Ashfield constituency. question, so a true year-on-year comparison of cost is (b) The total claims from churches in the county of difficult to make. Nottinghamshire and the surrounding counties:

2009 2010 2011 Total Claims Cost (£) Claims Cost (£) Claims Cost (£) Claims Cost (£)

Nottinghamshire 40 50,967 43 85,023 115 206,920 198 342,910 East Midland 120 207,673 158 228,489 295 550,146 573 986,308 Counties England 914 173,315 1712 2,218,830 2516 4,376,814 5142 6,768,959 Note: East Midlands Counties comprise Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire and Nottinghamshire.

(c) The total claims from churches in the Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham and other Dioceses in the East Midlands:

2009 2010 2011 Total Claims Cost (£) Claims Cost (£) Claims Cost (£) Claims Cost (£)

Southwell and Nottingham 48 64,784 49 101,896 85 154,406 182 321,086 Diocese East Midlands Dioceses in 171 322,507 237 482,315 342 640,082 750 1,444,904 total Note: East Midlands Dioceses comprise Derby, Leicester, Lincoln, Peterborough and Southwell and Nottingham.

BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS Companies House has never tendered or awarded any contracts, either independently or in partnership with other companies, to A4e. Action for Employment Letter from Stephen Speed, dated February 2012: The Secretary of State for Business Innovation and Skills has asked me to reply to your question what contracts with his Paul Blomfield: To ask the Secretary of State for Department and its agencies A4e (a) is bidding for and (b) has Business, Innovation and Skills what contracts with his been awarded but have not yet commenced either independently Department and its agencies A4e (a) is bidding for and or in partnership with other companies. (b) has been awarded but have not yet commenced The Insolvency Service is not in receipt of any contract bids either independently or in partnership with other from A4e and has not awarded any contracts to A4e either companies. [97480] independently or in partnership with other companies. Letter from John Alty, dated 28 February 2012: Norman Lamb [holding answer 1 March 2012]: The I am responding in respect of the Intellectual Property Office Department for Business, Innovation and Skills have no to your Parliamentary Question tabled 27 February 2012, to the contracts with A4e. Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Further information is not held centrally and could Skills. be provided only at disproportionate cost. The Intellectual Property Office does not have any contracts that A4e is either (a) bidding for or (b) has been awarded but have I have asked chief executives of the Executive agencies not yet commenced either independently or in partnership with to respond to the hon. Member direct. other companies. Letter from Gareth Jones, dated 28 February 2012: Letter from Peter Mason, dated 29 February 2012: I am replying on behalf of Companies House to your Parliamentary I am responding in respect of the National Measurement Question tabled on 27 February, UIN 97480 to the Secretary of Office (NMO) to your Parliamentary Question tabled on 27 February State for Business, Innovation and Skills. 2012, asking the Secretary of State, Department for Business, 599W Written Answers5 MARCH 2012 Written Answers 600W

Innovation and Skills about contracts with the Department or its Business: Government Assistance agencies which A4e may be bidding for or have been awarded but have not yet commenced. Alun Cairns: To ask the Secretary of State for NMO has no contracts with A4e, either in force or awarded but not yet commenced. Nor are there any contracts open for Business, Innovation and Skills what support schemes bidding which we would expect to be appropriate for A4e. for business are operated by (a) his Department and (b) its agencies. [96762] Letter from Dr Vanessa Lawrence, dated 28 February 2012: Mr Prisk [holding answer 1 March 2012]: The following As Director General and Chief Executive of Ordnance Survey, support schemes are operated by the Department for I have been asked to reply to you in response to your Parliamentary Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS): Question asking what contracts with the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills and its agencies A4e (a) is bidding for and Designing Demand (delivered by the Design Council rather (b) has been awarded but have not yet commenced either independently than BIS) or in partnership with other companies. National Manufacturing Advisory Service Ordnance Survey has no contracts out to tender, or awarded Advanced Manufacturing Supply Chain Initiative but not yet commenced which involve A4e either as a sole bidder Business Angels or in partnership with any other company. Ordnance Survey has had no record of any contractual dealings with A4e. Green Investment Bank I hope this information is of use. Business Coaching for Growth Letter from David Williams, dated February 2012: Leadership and Management Advisory Service Thank you for your question addressed to the Secretary of Employer Ownership Pilot State for the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills Improved BusinessLink.gov regarding, what contracts with his Department and its agencies K Innovation Investment Fund A4e (a) is bidding for and (b) has been awarded but have not yet Apprenticeships commenced either independently or in partnership with other companies. (97480) Enterprise Capital Funds Please be advised that A4e is not bidding for nor has it been TSB Innovation Schemes awarded any contracts that have not yet commenced with the UK Mentoring (mentorsme and Get Mentoring) Space Agency of the Department for Business, Innovation and Venture Capital Trust Funds Skills. Enterprise Finance Guarantee Letter from John Hirst, dated 29 February 2012: Venture Capital Schemes I am replying on behalf of the Met Office to your Parliamentary Regional Growth Fund Question tabled on 27 February, UIN 97480 to the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills. Export Enterprise Finance Guarantee The Met Office has no record of any contracts that A4e is UK Export Finance (delivered by UKEF rather than BIS). either bidding for or has been awarded but have not yet commenced Grant for Business Investment either independently or in partnership with other companies. Smart I hope this helps. Collaborative R&D Letter from Malcolm Dawson, dated 28 February Knowledge Transfer Networks 2012: Knowledge Transfer Partnerships I am writing in regard to the Parliamentary Question you Small Business Research Initiative tabled on 27 February 2012 which asked the following: Eureka Eurostars To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation English and maths and Skills, what contracts with his Department and its agencies A4e (a) is bidding for and (b) has been awarded but have not yet Leadership and management skills support—prioritised on commenced either independently or in partnership with other fast growing SME companies. Growth and Innovation Fund I can advise on behalf of Land Registry, which is an executive Employer Ownership Pilot agency of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, Investors in People. that A4e is not currently bidding for nor have they been awarded UK Trade and Investment provides a range of support any contracts with our agency. and services, accessed either through their international Letter from Geoff Russell, dated 5 March 2012: trade advisers or their staff in 97 overseas markets. Thank you for your question in asking the Minister of State, These include: Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, what contracts Passport to Export with his Department and its agencies A4e (a) is bidding for and (b) has been awarded but have not yet commenced either independently Gateway to Global Growth or in partnership with other companies. Tradeshow Access Programme The Agency is obliged to comply with EU public procurement Export Market Research Scheme rules when awarding contracts. This means that we take award Export Communications Review decisions in accordance with the process and criteria, which have been published. Market Visit Support In accordance with these rules, A4e has been awarded an Overseas Market Information Service. OLASS 4 contract. The award we have made to all providers is I have asked chief executives of the executive agencies conditional on supply of the necessary references and evidence to to respond directly to my hon. Friend. support their bid. We have not yet signed any binding agreement on any of the OLASS 4 offers, and will only do so when providers Letter from Gareth Jones, dated 23 February 2010: have demonstrated that they can fulfil the terms of the service I am replying on behalf of Companies House to your Parliamentary specification to which we have procured against. This process is Question tabled 22 February 2012, UIN 96762, to the Secretary likely take some months. of State for Business, Innovation and Skills. 601W Written Answers5 MARCH 2012 Written Answers 602W

Companies House does not operate any specific support schemes which enable free testing and evaluation, enabling businesses to for business but it does put considerable effort into helping experiment with a dataset prior to licensing it. Support also companies comply with their statutory responsibilities. extends to the retail trade who stock and sell our paper maps, and Letter from Stephen Speed, dated 27 February 2012: for whom a range of resources are available from Ordnance Survey to assist them. The Secretary of State, Department for Business. Innovation and Skills has asked me to reply to your question what support Ordnance Survey also partners with over 200 businesses who schemes for business are operated by (a) his Department and (b) license our data to provide products and services to industry, its agencies. commerce and consumers. To support those who may wish to become partners, an Innovation Licence is in place which provides There are statutory provisions in place that enable the Insolvency an ecosystem for organisations interested in building commercial Service’s Redundancy Payments Service (RPS) to pay employees offerings based upon Ordnance Survey data to sample data, and who have obtained a tribunal award against their employer for support to help them develop their applications and services. statutory redundancy if the employer fails to pay. The RPS also Many organisations in this programme then go on to commercialise has discretion to offer financial assistance to employers who are their offering and become part of our partner and strategic unable to meet the lump sum redundancy payment at once alliances channel. without jeopardising other jobs, without the need for the employee to get a tribunal award, when approached by an employer, employee In addition, OS OpenData™ was launched in April 2010, or employment tribunal. The criteria for receiving this assistance offering access to a wide range of Ordnance Survey’s digital are very strict. Payment is made direct to the employees but only mapping datasets free of charge for onward re-use, including for if the employer first proves that the redundancies are genuine, he commercial purposes. OS OpenData offers businesses, as well as cannot finance the payment by any other means, that other jobs other users, the chance to use Ordnance Survey data both to will be saved, and that repayment to the NIF will be made as soon develop new commercial opportunities and to improve business as possible but within 3 years of the RPS paying the employees. processes. Ordnance Survey also makes available an applications programming interface (API), OS OpenSpace®, which enables Letter from John Alty, dated 29 February 2012: innovators and developers of websites to embed mapping information I am responding in respect of the Intellectual Property Office to from a wide range of Ordnance Survey digital data products. your Parliamentary Question tabled 22 February 2012, to the Access to this API and the portfolio of products available through Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and it are free, including for some commercial applications. Skills. Finally, Ordnance Survey facilitates an open innovation initiative The Intellectual Property Office—an executive Agency of BIS— called GeoVation which provides support, and in some cases offers the following support schemes for businesses: funding, to organisations and individuals seeking to develop 1. IP Healthcheck online diagnostic tool—free diagnostic toolkit ideas which use geography in order to bring about social, economic aimed at SMEs. and environmental benefit. Since its inception, this initiative has provided support and funding to small businesses, social enterprises 2. Regional Awareness events—free half day Intellectual Property and other community-based organisations. (IP) awareness seminars for SMEs across the UK. I hope this information is of use. 3. Publications—The booklets cover a range of topics including IP, Licensing, Non-Disclosure Agreements, Agreeing a price for Letter from David Williams: IP rights and choosing the Right IP advisor. Thank you for your question addressed to the Secretary of 4. IP Insight—the IPO’s free monthly e-newsletter bringing SMEs State for the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills the latest developments in Intellectual Property (IP) news. regarding, what support schemes for business are operated by (a) 5. IP Primers—a series of guides published by the IPO and UKTI his Department and (b) its agencies. (96762) to help British companies in major markets around the world. The UK Space Agency of the Department for Business, Innovation 6. Exhibitions and seminars—offering delegates advice and and Skills does not directly operate any support schemes for information about the benefits businesses gain from understanding, businesses but its strategy is designed to help industry as a whole using and protecting their intellectual property. and we do implement activities under BIS schemes. 7. IP audits—An IP audit can help a business identify unexploited Letter from John Hirst, dated 27 February 2012: or unprotected IP and develop management strategies for maximising I am replying on behalf of the Met Office to your Parliamentary the value they gain from their IP. Question tabled on 22 February, UIN96762, to the Secretary of Letter from Peter Mason, dated 27 February 2010: State for Business, Innovation and Skills. I am responding in respect of the National Measurement The Met Office is recognised globally as a leading weather and Office (NMO) to your Parliamentary Question tabled on 22 February climate service. As well as delivering a first-rate public service, 2012, asking the Secretary of State, Department for Business, including the issue of severe weather warnings which contribute Innovation and Skills, what support schemes for business are to the protection of life, property and infrastructure, we work on operated by his Department and its agencies. a commercial basis, providing services to a broad range of businesses NMO do not operate any direct support schemes for business. which can be affected by the weather. In addition, we provide tailored advice and services to help businesses adapt to the Letter from Dr Vanessa Lawrence CB, dated 27 February consequences of climate change. We also work to take science to 2012: the market and thereby help stimulate innovative use in the As Director General and Chief Executive of Ordnance Survey, economy. I have been asked to reply to you in response to your Parliamentary We are committed to operating ethically and with integrity Question asking what support schemes for business are operated across all our business relationships, including our interaction by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills and its with suppliers. For example, we implement best practice in our agencies. procurement activities, focusing on achieving value for money, As a Government Trading Fund, Ordnance Survey engages transparency and ensuring the fair and equitable treatment of with a wide range of businesses as a supplier, as a partner and as a suppliers. In this context, we encourage participation of SMEs customer. and the Third Sector in our supply opportunities and we work to remove some of the barriers faced by these organisations during To those businesses that are customers of Ordnance Survey the purchasing process. We have also participated in Business in and use our data, a support network, including a dedicated and the Community initiatives aimed to help businesses build an expertly staffed Pre and Post Sales support team, is in place to understanding of how they can become more resilient to extreme ensure businesses are able to maximise the value they obtain from weather and a changing climate. the information they license from Ordnance Survey. For businesses who may wish to use Ordnance Survey data, licences are available I hope this helps. 603W Written Answers5 MARCH 2012 Written Answers 604W

Letter from Malcolm Dawson, dated 28 February Growth and Innovation Fund (GIF) 2012: The Agency also partners UKCES in the promotion and I am writing in regard to the Parliamentary Question you management of the Growth and Innovation Fund (GIF) which tabled on 22 February 2012 which asked the following: helps employers develop their own innovative, sustainable skills solutions which have the potential to transform growth in their To ask the Secretary of State, Department for Business, Innovation sector, region or supply chain. The skills and entrepreneurship of and Skills, what support schemes for business are operated by (a) people up and down supply chains in different sectors of the his Department and (b) its agencies. economy can be a greater source of competitive advantage than I can advise on behalf of Land Registry, which is an executive ever before. agency of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, GIF offers an opportunity for businesses to benefit from a that we do not currently operate any support schemes for business. powerful injection of public investment to support ideas that Letter from Geoff Russell, dated 5 March 2012: would not otherwise get off the ground. GIF will co-invest up to £34 million with employers in 2012-13, with comparable levels of Thank you for your question in asking the Secretary of State, investment planned for the following two years. £29m remains Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, what support available in 2012-13 for new projects with the balance sustaining schemes for business are operated by (a) his Department and (b) existing GIF projects. its agencies. A variety of successful projects from our first round of bids are Please be advised that the Skills Funding Agency (the Agency) already under way with employers and other partners working including the National Apprenticeship Service supports employers together to create the tailored solutions that will grow the skills to engage in and deliver Apprenticeships and other skills programmes businesses need. These solutions all have a realistic prospect of to its workforce. taking root, achieving a sustainable future with further public Where employers request it, the Agency contracts directly with investment and making a positive impact on growth. large employers. Smaller employers are supported through colleges Leadership and Management Advisory Service and providers that are funded by the Skills Funding Agency. The The Skills Funding Agency operates the Leadership and Agency offers a single Adult Skills Budget within which the Management Advisory Service, which is a skills support programme approved provider base (including employers) can engage learners targeting key individuals within high growth Small to Medium and receive funding for the skills programmes previously mentioned Enterprises. The programme’s budget for 2011/12 is £20m and the but also for English and Mathematics. service is delivered through five contracted providers covering the English/Mathematics and Adult Basic Skills (ABS) nine English regions. The service offer consists of three elements: Following the Wolf Review of Vocational Education and BIS 1) An initial skills diagnostic and personal development plan review of adult literacy and numeracy provision, BIS set out in 2) A grant of up to £1,000 (of which £500 must be matched by “New Challenges, New Chances (December 2011)” that it will the employer) to up-skill a leader/decision maker fund GCSE English and Maths qualifications for adults from 3) A follow-up advice and guidance session. August 2012. Functional English and Maths qualifications from The programme is due to close at the end of March 2012 and Entry level up to and including Level 2 will also be funded. In will be replaced by a new Business Coaching for Growth programme, addition Entry Level ABS qualifications will continue to be which will have a similar Leadership and Management element fundable in 2012/13. including the £1,000 grant. This new programme is managed and Apprenticeships contracted by BIS. The National Apprenticeship Service (NAS) within the Skills Funding Agency supports, funds and co-ordinates the delivery of Carbon Emissions Apprenticeships throughout England. NAS is responsible for increasing the number of high quality Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for Apprenticeship opportunities and providing a dedicated, responsive Business, Innovation and Skills (1) how much funding service for both employers and learners. This includes simplifying from the European development fund was allocated to the process of recruiting an apprentice through Apprenticeship low-carbon projects in the UK in (a) 2006, (b) 2007, vacancies, an online system where employers can advertise their (c) 2008, (d) 2009, (e) 2010 and (f) 2011; [97959] Apprenticeship job vacancies and potential apprentices can apply. (2) how many businesses in the UK received funding NAS also manages Worldskills UK, a portfolio of skills for low-carbon projects from the European development competitions and activities run in partnership with organisations fund in (a) 2006, (b) 2007, (c) 2008, (d) 2009, (e) from industry and education. 2010 and (f) 2011. [97960] Apprenticeships bring considerable value to organisations, employers, individuals and the economy. Businesses across the Mr Prisk: Information regarding funding from the country are increasingly realising the enormous benefits that European regional development fund for these purposes Apprenticeships create, not only in terms of developing a highly will be placed in the libraries of the House once the data skilled workforce but also by boosting productivity and staff retention. Research shows that Apprenticeships are an optimal has been collated. way of training, developing and up skilling people for the future, Clinical Trials: EU Law helping businesses to secure a supply of people with the skills and qualities they need and which are often not available on the external job market. Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for National Skills Academies Business, Innovation and Skills what recent assessment he has made of the effect of the Clinical Trials Directive In addition to funding Apprenticeships and other skills on the competitiveness of the life sciences industry in qualifications, the Agency works with BIS to fund National Skills Academies. National Skills Academies have been established, the UK; and if he will make a statement. [98177] shaped and led by employers to strengthen and improve business competitiveness in key areas of the economy. They deliver specialised Mr Willetts: In November 2010, the Government skills to employees and learners to help them respond to employers’ launched the healthcare and life sciences growth review. business needs. The review involved the Department for Business, National Skills Academies work with Sector Skills Councils Innovation and Skills working closely with the Department and other industry bodies to drive change and achieve the priorities of Health, and with business, in an intensive programme identified by employers for their sector. They act as a first point of of work to identify and remove barriers to life sciences contact for employers to quality-assured training provision. investment. 605W Written Answers5 MARCH 2012 Written Answers 606W

This led to the publication of the growth review This exercise will help ensure a rigorous and consistent alongside the 2011 Budget approach to the consideration of all applications based http://cdn.hm-treasury.gov.uk/2011budget_growth.pdf on the condition of the schools. and set out an ambitious package of measures to strengthen We acknowledge the high level of interest in this UK competitiveness, including a commitment to influence programme but it is very important that this work is not the Commission to bring forward soundly based proposals rushed and an announcement will be made as soon as to reduce regulatory burdens in the European Clinical possible. Trials Directive. The European Commission has announced proposals to revise the directive. The draft of the final Commission Consumers: Protection proposals is expected during 2012 when formal negotiations can take place. Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for The Government believe that clearer definitions of Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment he has the terms used in the directive, together with the adoption made of the effectiveness of (a) illegal money-lending of a risk adapted approach to the regulation of trials, teams and (b) scambusters teams; and if he will make will reduce the scope for differing interpretations in a statement. [97634] member states, and inconsistencies in their application across the EU and ensure that regulatory oversight of Norman Lamb: Government reviews the performance all clinical trials is proportionate to risk. Greater consistency of the Scambuster and Illegal Money Lending Teams across the EU will also help to remove barriers to on a quarterly basis. conducting multi-state clinical trials. The Government plan to publish their response to College of International Co-operation and Development the consultation on the reform of the consumer landscape, including the Scambusters and Illegal Money Lending Teams, in March this year. The Government will make Mr Graham Stuart: To ask the Secretary of State for a written statement in conjunction with the publication. Business, Innovation and Skills what recent representations he has received on the activities of the College of International Co-operation and Development in Winestead, Copyright East Riding of Yorkshire. [97555]

Mr Hayes: We are not aware of any representations Jim Dowd: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, on the activities of the College of International Innovation and Skills with reference to his Department’s Co-operation and Development in Winestead, East Riding Impact Assessment of 2 November 2011, BIS0317, on of Yorkshire. copyright exceptions, (1) whether his Department has estimated the monetised costs and benefits by main Competition Commission: Manpower affected groups of option one to expand the types of works covered by education exceptions and enable copies Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, to be communicated to students via interactive displays; Innovation and Skills how many full-time equivalent [97611] staff (a) work and (b) are planned to work for (i) the (2) whether his Department has estimated the monetised Competition Commission and (ii) the Office of Fair costs and benefits by main affected groups of option Trading; and if he will make a statement. [97625] two to increase the proportion of a copyright work that can be copied under the education exceptions; [97612] Norman Lamb: Currently the Competition Commission (3) whether his Department has estimated the monetised has 123 full-time equivalent staff (FTE) on their payroll. costs and benefits by main affected groups of option The Office of Fair trading (OFT) employs 540 FTE three to expand the definition of current education staff. There are no figures available on future planned exceptions to enable distance learners to access educational staff levels at either organisation. materials over secure networks; [97613] Construction: Schools (4) whether his Department has estimated the monetised costs and benefits by main affected groups of option four to widen the definition of an educational establishment; Mr Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for [97614] Business, Innovation and Skills following the postponement of the Department for Education’s Priority Schools (5) whether his Department has estimated the Building Programme, what discussions he has had with monetised costs and benefits by main affected groups the Department for Education on the effect on construction of option five to remove or limit the ability of licensing firms and their supply chains; and what assessment his arrangements to restrict the use of exceptions. [97615] Department has made of the change in levels of construction activity as a result of this decision. [98212] Norman Lamb: The Impact Assessment in question is preliminary in nature. It provides illustrative estimates Mr Prisk: Partnerships for Schools is currently assessing of potential costs and benefits in relation to the main all applications for funding through the Priority Schools affected groups, but it recognises that further data is Building Programme (PSBP). To support this, it has needed before monetised estimates can be made. The arranged a site visit to all schools that have applied in Government are currently seeking more detailed evidence order to validate the application and survey information on the costs and benefits to all parties who could be provided. affected by the proposals, through public consultation. 607W Written Answers5 MARCH 2012 Written Answers 608W

Departmental Carbon Emissions Green of Hurstpierpoint, the Under-Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, my noble Friend, Lord Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for Marland, and the Commercial Secretary to the Treasury, Business, Innovation and Skills what reduction in my noble Friend, Lord Sassoon, and the Under-Secretary carbon dioxide emissions his Department has made of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my under the 10:10 initiative. [97924] hon. Friend the Member for North East Bedfordshire (Alistair Burt), have all visited in recent months promoting Norman Lamb: The Department for Business, Innovation UK commercial interests and identifying new opportunities and Skills achieved an 11.5% reduction in carbon dioxide for British companies. Saudi Arabia is integral to HMG’s emissions under the 10:10 initiative. This was achieved Gulf Initiative from May 2010 to May 2011 and performance details of UKTI have indentified five particular high value all Government Departments and the initiative as a opportunities which appear to offer the best chances for whole can be found on: UK companies to win multi-million pound contracts, http://data.gov.uk/departmental-performance-co2-emissions- with supply chain opportunities for UK small and reduction-date medium-sized enterprises. These opportunities are in Savings are continuing to be realised as a result of the petrochemicals, railways, water and wastewater, airports, energy efficiency initiatives undertaken. These included healthcare and education. UKTI continues to support installation of technology, reducing building plant operating trade missions visiting Saudi Arabia and provide bespoke times, estate rationalisation and behaviour change. These market research for UK companies. actions are helping BIS to achieve the 25% reduction in The forthcoming Saudi British Joint Business Council carbon emissions from the estate and domestic travel, (SBJBC) scheduled for 22 March will bring together by the end of 2014/15, as required by the Greening UK and Saudi businesses to explore these and other Government Commitments. potential opportunities. SBJBC will also address barriers to trade and investment, in particular institutional issues, Export Controls management and financial challenges.

David Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for Exports: Tunisia Business, Innovation and Skills what steps his Department takes to provide information for UK exporters on avoiding breaking sanctions and export bans. [97970] Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what the monetary value of Mr Prisk: The Export Control Organisation (ECO) exports to Tunisia was, broken down by type of export maintains a website that provides up to date information in the last year for which figures are available. [97514] on all aspects of export controls. This can be found at: http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/exportcontrol Mr Prisk: The monetary value of goods exports to Tunisia during 2011 are shown in the following table, in and is the easiest way for an exporter to find information order of magnitude. A breakdown of services exports is about UK export control requirements. This website not available. provides the facility for an exporter to sign up to receive the ECO mailing list of Notices to Exporters to receive In total, the UK exported goods to the value of £146 the latest information on changes to export controls. million to Tunisia in 2011. The ECO also operates a Control List Classification UK exports of goods to Tunisia at two digit SITC level—2011 Advice Service that provides a technical assessment of SITC goods to be exported and whether they are listed on a code Description £000 Control List. The option for an exporter to self-rate his 65 Textile yarn, fabrics, made-up 18,723 goods through the use of online CheckerTools is also articles, nes available through the website. In cases where there is an 72 Specialised industrial 15,381 export of non-listed dual-use or military goods, an machinery exporter can ask for advice from the ECO where there 54 Medicinal and 12,679 maybe concerns about end-use by using the End-User pharmaceutical products Advice service. 77 Electrical machinery, nes and 12,366 Officials from the ECO also run an extensive seminar electrical parts thereof 84 Articles of apparel and 10,018 programme on the different elements of export controls clothing accessories across the UK and these have included specific events 74 General industrial machinery 9,671 focusing on sanctions and embargoes. and equipment, and parts nes Exports: Saudi Arabia 69 Manufactures of metal nes 6,848 79 Other transport equipment 6,029 87 Professional, scientific and 5,466 Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for control instruments Business, Innovation and Skills what steps he is taking 89 Miscellaneous manufactured 4,106 to increase exports to Saudi Arabia. [96877] article nes 75 Office machines and ADP 4,082 Mr Prisk: Saudi Arabia is one of UK Trade & equipment Investment’s (UKTI) designated high growth markets 71 Power generating machinery 4,016 and receives considerable focus and attention from Ministers and equipment and officials. HRH the Duke of York, the Minister of 67 Iron and steel 3,554 State for Trade and Investment, my noble Friend, Lord 57 Plastics in primary forms 3,296 609W Written Answers5 MARCH 2012 Written Answers 610W

UK exports of goods to Tunisia at two digit SITC level—2011 UK exports of goods to Tunisia at two digit SITC level—2011 SITC SITC code Description £000 code Description £000

53 Dyeing, tanning and 3,013 29 Crude animal and vegetable 6 colouring materials materials 55 Essential oils, resinoids, 2,868 41 Animal oils and fats 4 perfumes and cleansing prep. 28 Metalliferous ores and metal 4 78 Road vehicles 2,801 scrap 34 Gas, natural and 2,776 01 Meat and meat preparations 0 manufactured 03 Fish, (not marine mammals), 0 59 Chemical materials and 2,612 crustaceans, molluscs, etc products nes 12 Tobacco and tobacco 0 68 Non-ferrous metals 1,860 manufactures 76 Telecoms and sound recording 1,668 22 Oil seeds and oleaginous fruit 0 and reproducing apparatus 24 Cork and wood 0 58 Plastics in non-primary forms 1,578 35 Electric current 0 27 Crude fertilisers other than 922 43 Animal and vegetable oils and 0 thoseofdiv.56 fats, processed, and waxes 64 Paper, paperboard, and 819 9 Other goods not elsewhere 1,345 articles of paper pulp; etc. specified 51 Organic chemicals 795 Total UK exports of goods to 145,693 Tunisia 73 Metalworking machinery 575 nes = not elsewhere specified 26 Textile fibres 552 Source: 62 Rubber manufactures nes 531 BIS analysis of data from HM Revenue and Customs 11 Beverages 504 23 Crude rubber (incl. synthetic 501 Higher Education and reclaimed) 02 Dairy products and birds’ 485 Shabana Mahmood: To ask the Secretary of State for eggs Business, Innovation and Skills what administrative 88 Photo and optical equipment, 482 requirements higher education providers must complete supplies, watches and clocks in order for their courses to be designated; and if he will 08 Feeding stuff for animals not 458 publish the submissions by higher education providers incl. unmilled cereals associated with this process. [97725] 52 Inorganic chemicals 341 82 Furniture; bedding, 332 Mr Willetts: The arrangements for course designation mattresses, supports, cushions etc. depend on whether the courses are being provided by a 66 Non-metallic mineral 299 publicly funded or privately funded institution. In most manufactures cases eligible higher education courses provided by publicly 05 Vegetables and fruit 253 funded institutions in the UK are automatically designated for student support and institutions input details of 33 Petroleum, and petroleum 196 products eligible courses directly onto the Student Loans Company’s 00 Live animals other than of 132 (SLC) course database. Div. 03 All full-time distance learning courses and eligible 09 Miscellaneous edible products 122 higher education courses provided by privately funded and preparations institutions may be specifically designated on a course 07 Coffee, tea, cocoa, spices and 85 by course basis for the purposes of student support at manufactures thereof the discretion of the Secretary of State for Business, 81 Prefabricated buildings; 72 Innovation and Skills, the right hon. Member for plumbing, heating and Twickenham (Vince Cable). lighting 21 Hides, skins and furskins, raw 70 Institutions that wish to have courses specifically designated must complete an application form for each 63 Cork and wood manufactures 70 (excl. furniture) course they wish to have designated. They must also supply a current prospectus providing details of the 06 Sugar, sugar preparations and 70 honey course; a validation document from the validating body 04 Cereals and cereal 67 that demonstrates that a recognised UK award-making preparations body validates the course to be run at the specific 85 Footwear 57 private institution; and, for full-time courses a timetable 56 Fertilizers,(other than those of 44 must be submitted providing details of the intensity of group 272) study. If the applications are approved the institutions 61 Leather, leather manufactures 39 have to complete a data capture form for SLC’s Higher nes and dressed furskins Institutions (HEIs) database team to enable the course 32 Coal, coke and briquettes 22 details to be uploaded on the SLC course database. 42 Fixed vegetable fats and oils 11 A list of courses that have been specifically designated 25 Pulp and waste paper 10 is published on the SLC’s website 83 Travel goods, handbags and 9 http://www.practitioners.slc.co.uk/policy-information/ similar containers designated-courses/full-list.aspx 611W Written Answers5 MARCH 2012 Written Answers 612W

We do not routinely publish a list of all submissions Student Loans Company for specific designation as there is a public interest in ensuring that the commercial interests of external businesses, Shabana Mahmood: To ask the Secretary of State for such as those who have had their applications for the Business, Innovation and Skills how often (a) Ministers specific designation of courses rejected, are not damaged in his Department and (b) civil servants within his or undermined by disclosure of information which is Department have met representatives of the Student not common knowledge and which could adversely Loans Company about designated higher education impact on future business. courses; on what dates such meetings took place; what was discussed at each such meeting; and if he will list those meetings and the issues discussed. [97413] Shabana Mahmood: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what criteria must be Mr Willetts: There have been no meetings between met by a higher education provider in order for a BIS Ministers and the Student Loans Company (SLC) course to be designated. [97726] about designated higher education courses. BIS officials work closely with the SLC on the operational Mr Willetts: Eligible full- and part-time higher education implications of course designations. This includes frequent courses provided by publicly funded institutions in the telephone and e-mail contact. Discussions have typically UK are automatically designated under the Education addressed outstanding applications and inquiries; the (Student Support) Regulations 2009, as amended. Full-time application pack and forms; and updates on regulatory distance learning courses and eligible courses delivered reform issues. at privately funded institutions may be specifically designated on a course by course basis for the purposes Shabana Mahmood: To ask the Secretary of State for of student support at the discretion of the Secretary of Business, Innovation and Skills if he will publish State for Business, Innovation and Skills, the right hon. correspondence received from the Student Loans Member for Twickenham (Vince Cable). Company in respect of bi-annual reviews of providers of designated higher education courses. [97414] Institutions that wish to have a course specifically designated apply to the Student Loans Company (SLC). Mr Willetts: The Student Loans Company (SLC) Applications are assessed by the SLC against the course undertake a review of all specifically designated courses designation criteria in the Education (Student Support) every two to three years. This requires providers to Regulations which include course type, duration and confirm that the course details the SLC hold are correct mode of study. In addition all courses must be validated and that the designated courses are still running. by a recognised UK awarding body such as a university. Straightforward changes to validating arrangements or This provides quality assurance. if courses are no longer running are dealt with by SLC. BIS undertakes further checks on organisations that In some cases, such as a change of course name, duration are applying for specific designation for the first time. or mode of study the change requires formal approval These include consideration of management and by BIS. We do not record centrally which change of governance, financial stability and longevity of an circumstances arise specifically from the review and to organisation. If the Department is satisfied that the do so would incur disproportionate cost. course meets the course eligibility criteria; and that the Shabana Mahmood: To ask the Secretary of State for provider does not pose a risk to the use of public funds; Business, Innovation and Skills how many private higher the course is specifically designated. education courses have been designated as eligible for student support after a negative recommendation by the Student Loans Company; and what the (a) name Members: Correspondence and (b) institution of each such course is. [97415] Mr Willetts: No private higher education courses have Mr Winnick: To ask the Secretary of State for been designated as eligible for student support after a Business, Innovation and Skills when he plans to reply negative recommendation by the Student Loans Company. to the letter of 6 February 2012 from the hon. Member for Walsall North; ref 281401. [97993] Students: Work Experience

Norman Lamb: I replied to the hon. Member’s letter Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, on 1 March 2012. Innovation and Skills how many and what proportion of university students spent a year in industry as part of their degree in England, broken down by (a) region and (b) county in each of the last five years. [97525] Multimedia: Archives Mr Willetts [holding answer 1 March 2012]: The Mike Weatherley: To ask the Secretary of State for latest available information on full-time first degree Business, Innovation and Skills whether the Intellectual enrolments, including those enrolled on sandwich course, Property Office has commissioned research on the at English high education institutions is shown in the amount of audio-visual information archived by following table for each of the last five years. Information in the table is broken down by region of institution and further and higher education institutions. [97902] a total for England is also given. Information on county of institution is unavailable as it is not centrally held. Norman Lamb: The Intellectual Property Office has Information for the 2011-12 academic year will become not commissioned research on this topic. available from January 2013. 613W Written Answers5 MARCH 2012 Written Answers 614W

Full-time first degree enrolments1 by region of institution. English higher education institutions—academic years 2006-07 to 2010-11 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 of which of which of which Region of sandwich % sandwich sandwich % sandwich sandwich % sandwich institution Enrolments course course Enrolments course course Enrolments course course

North-east 53,125 6,855 12.9 52,675 6,550 12.4 53,905 6,300 11.7 North-west 124,840 7,970 6.4 129,955 9,180 7.1 131,195 7,450 5.7 Yorkshire and 106,720 16,075 15.1 109,785 16,005 14.6 113,135 16,050 14.2 Humber East midlands 85,195 10,575 12.4 86,390 11,615 13.4 90,425 11,660 12.9 West midlands 83,480 11,915 14.3 85,345 12,365 14.5 88,105 12,045 13.7 East 55,450 4,020 7.3 56,330 5,415 9.6 58,900 4,035 6.8 London 168,400 9,340 5.5 172,215 8,985 5.2 179,385 8,580 4.8 South-east 121,900 10,500 8.6 127,655 11,605 9.1 131,485 14,230 10.8 South-west 80,335 18,520 23.1 83,230 17,675 21.2 86,935 16,580 19.1 Total England 879,450 95,765 10.9 903,580 99,400 11.0 933,470 96,925 10.4

2009-10 2010-11 of which sandwich of which sandwich Region of institution Enrolments course % sandwich course Enrolments course % sandwich course

North-east 55,295 6,560 11.9 57,680 7,180 12.4 North-west 137,965 7,630 5.5 142,980 8,615 6.0 Yorkshire and Humber 117,835 16,830 14.3 121,500 17,745 14.6 East midlands 96,070 11,585 12.1 99,265 11,030 11.1 West midlands 94,040 12,080 12.8 98,370 12,540 12.7 East 64,810 4,750 7.3 67,605 4,070 6.0 London 186,955 8,105 4.3 193,325 7,775 4.0 South-east 137,675 14,630 10.6 143,665 16,050 11.2 South-west 91,925 18,320 19.9 94,830 18,445 19.5 Total England 982,565 100,490 10.2 1,019,220 103,460 10.2 1 Covers students of all domiciles in all years of study. Notes: 1. Figures are based on a HESA standard registration population. 2. Percentages are based on unrounded figures and are given to one decimal place. 3. Where it is not yet known whether or not the student will undertake a placement the student will initially be encoded as not having enrolled on a sandwich programme. Source: Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) Student Record

Supermarkets: Farmers ultimately help develop an efficient, profitable sector that can compete on the global market that we now Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for operate in. Prices are a commercial matter, agreed by Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment he has private negotiation within the parameters of competition made of the effect of farm-gate prices paid by law. Free and fair competition is the key to a healthy supermarkets on the livelihood of farmers. [97074] market. Retailers should not be prevented from securing the best deals and passing on benefits to consumers. Mr Paice: I have been asked to reply on behalf of the Tankers: Procurement Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. Grocery retailers purchase relatively little directly Mr Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for from UK farmers. For example, most fresh produce is Business, Innovation and Skills what meetings (a) he supplied to grocery retailers through intermediaries such and (b) Ministers in his Department have had with (i) as packers, processors and fresh food wholesalers. Six Ministry of Defence Ministers and officials, (ii) Royal large grocery retailers told the Competition Commission Navy personnel, (iii) UK businesses and (iv) trade that the combined total value of their direct purchases associations to determine the capability of awarding the from farmers amounted to approximately £295 million contract for Royal Navy fuel tankers to UK businesses; in 2006. This compares to £14.3 billion in total agricultural and if he will make a statement. [98214] production annually and £16.7 billion in fresh food sales by these grocery retailers in total. However, the Mr Prisk: Ministers in the Department for Business, Competition Commission did find that all large grocery Innovation and Skills have not had meetings with Ministry retailers have extensive buyer power in relation to some of Defence Ministers or officials, Royal Navy personnel, of their direct suppliers, and this allowed them to UK businesses and trade associations to determine the transfer “excessive risks or unexpected costs” to some capability of awarding the contract for Royal Navy fuel of their suppliers. We are committed to setting up the tankers to UK businesses. The procurement was run groceries code adjudicator as soon as possible, to help according to European Union and UK law where non- remedy this imbalance, although the GCA will not have warlike goods such as auxiliary tankers are subject to a direct remit over the price paid to the supplier. competition, and was open to shipbuilders from the The Government believe that the market must drive UK and across the world. The winning bidder’s solution both production and price levels and that this will was the one assessed as offering the best value for 615W Written Answers5 MARCH 2012 Written Answers 616W money. While no UK companies submitted a final bid Mr Prisk: The prospect of a UK Trade and Investment for the build contract, I understand that the UK content (UKTI) office in Wales has been raised formally with of the main contract is estimated to be up to 20%, with the Secretary of State for Wales, my right hon. Friend significant further investment in UK industry expected the Member for Chesham and Amersham (Mrs Gillan), through customisation, trials and specialist engineering and the Minister of State for Trade and Investment my support. noble Friend the Lord Green of Hurstpierpoint. UKTI are currently considering a request from the Welsh Trade Descriptions Act 1968 Government on the establishment of a UKTI office in Wales. Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how many prosecutions were brought under the Trade Descriptions Act 1968 in each of the last five years; and if he will make a statement. HEALTH [97635]

Norman Lamb: The Trade Descriptions Act 1968 was Autism: Children repealed in large part in 2008 with the introduction of the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations Thomas Docherty: To ask the Secretary of State for 2008 which implemented the Unfair Commercial Practices Health how many children were diagnosed with autistic Directive. spectrum disorders in each of the last five years. Trading Standards Departments have reported to the [98206] Office of Fair Trading the following numbers of prosecutions and intended prosecutions: Paul Burstow: That information is not collected centrally. The Office for National Statistics survey ‘Mental Health Trade Descriptions Act 1968 of Children and Young People in Great Britain’ (2004) Number found that 1.4% of boys and 0.3% of girls aged five to 2006 825 16 had an autistic spectrum disorder. 2007 709 2008 498 Autism: Research 2009 263 2010 52 Thomas Docherty: To ask the Secretary of State for 2011 12 Health what funding his Department has provided for research into autistic spectrum disorders in each of the The Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 20081 last five years. [98205] Number

2011 880 Paul Burstow: Expenditure by the Department on 1 Since their introduction to end of 2011. research relating to autistic spectrum disorders (ASD) through research programmes, research centres and units, UK Trade and Investment Defence and Security and research training awards is shown in the following Organisation: Libya table:

James Wharton: To ask the Secretary of State for £ million Business, Innovation and Skills how big the UK Trade and Investment team in Libya is; what the team’s 2006-07 0.1 budget is; what changes have been made to its (a) 2007-08 0.5 headcount and (b) budget in the last 12 months; and 2008-09 0.8 what reports he has received on the size of equivalent 2009-10 1.0 teams of the UK’s international competitors. [97428] 2010-11 0.9

Mr Prisk: The UK Trade and Investment team in The National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Libya is currently eight strong. At present, the team Clinical Research Network (CRN) is currently hosting does not have a predetermined budget. Instead it draws nine studies relating to ASD that are in set-up or on a central budget in-country to fund a range of recruiting patients. Expenditure by the CRN on research targeted activities in support of British business. This relating to ASD cannot be disaggregated from total time last year there was no UKTI resource in Libya CRN expenditure. because of the conflict. I have received no formal reports Prior to the establishment of the NIHR in April on the size of equivalent teams of the UK’s international 2006, the main part of the Department’s total health competitors but I believe the British embassy has the research expenditure was devolved to and managed by largest commercial section of any mission in Tripoli by national health service organisations. From April 2006 staff number or similar. to March 2009, transitional research funding was allocated to these organisations at reducing levels. The organisations UK Trade and Investment: Wales have accounted for their use of the allocations they have received from the Department in an annual research Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Secretary of State for and development report. The reports identify total, Business, Innovation and Skills whether he has had aggregated expenditure on some disease areas/ but do discussions on the opening of a UK Trade and not provide details of spend on research relating to Investment office in Wales. [96800] ASD. 617W Written Answers5 MARCH 2012 Written Answers 618W

Cancer: Health Services Table 1: NHS Cervical Screening Programme: Target age group (25 to 64), number of women screened by Lancashire PCTs in each of the last three financial years. Jim Dowd: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Number of women screened (thousand)1 whether his Department has made a comparative PCT Name 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 assessment of the approval of treatments for cancers North Lancashire Teaching PCT 21.8 18.2 17.7 which predominantly affect men and women by the 1 Excluding those women all of whose tests during the year were classified as National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence. ’inadequate’. [97616] Notes: 1. Women between the ages of 25 and 64 are invited for regular cervical screening under the NHS cervical screening programme. This is intended to Mr Simon Burns: We have made no such assessment. detect abnormalities within the cervix that could, if untreated, develop into The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence cancer. It should be noted that the NHS cervical screening programme does not screen for cervical cancer as such but information is available from the programme has recommended a number of treatments for cancers on the number of women screened. which are predominantly gender specific. 2. Information for the Lancashire area is not recorded. However, figures are available for Central Lancashire PCT, East Lancashire Teaching PCT and North Lancashire Teaching PCT. Carers: Standards 3. Information is collected by financial year and is provided for women aged 25 to 64 years (the target age range for cervical screening). 4. The figures given in the table are also available in Table 12 (number of women Mr Nicholas Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for screened) of the following reports: Cervical Screening Programme, England 2008-09 Health what systems are in place to ensure that health Cervical Screening Programme, England 2009-10 care support workers have minimum levels of (a) Cervical Screening Programme, England 2010-11 competence and (b) integrity. [97578] Source: The Health and Social Care Information Centre: “Cervical Screening Programme, England 2008-09, 2009-10 and 2010-11”. Mr Simon Burns: All providers of health and social care regulated activities in England must be registered Information is provided by primary care organisation with the Care Quality Commission, and meet its registration and is available on an annual basis. requirements. These include a requirement that the provider must have suitable arrangements in place to These reports have been placed in the Library and are ensure that staff receive appropriate training, professional also available on the Health and Social Care Information development and appraisal, and must operate effective Centre website: recruitment procedures to ensure staff are of good www.ic.nhs.uk/statistics-and-data-collections/screening/ character. cervical-screening Registered professionals are also required to ensure Table 2: Number of deaths where cervical cancer was the underlying cause of death, 2008-09 to 2009-101, 2, 3 that healthcare support workers are subject to relevant Deaths (females) supervision and that they delegate to them appropriately. 2008-09 2009-10 2010-114 We have also commissioned Skills for Health and Skills for Care to produce a code of conduct and Lancashire County 24 26 — minimum standards for education for health care support workers and adult social care workers. This will in PCT Name future set clear expectations about standards of training Central Lancashire PCT 10 9 — and conduct and support appropriate delegation. East Lancashire Teaching PCT 8 12 — North Lancashire Teaching 65— Cervical Cancer: Lancashire PCT 1 Cause of death was defined using the International Classification of Diseases; Tenth Revision (ICD- 10) code C53. 2 Based on boundaries as of 2011. Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for 3 Figures are for deaths which occurred in each financial year. Health how many (a) screenings for and (b) deaths 4 Death registration data for 2011 will be available in summer 2012. Death from cervical cancer there were in Lancashire in each of occurrences data for 2011 (on which the financial year data is based) will be available in autumn 2012. the last three years. [97545] Source: Office for National Statistics: Death Occurrences database Paul Burstow: The information requested on screening is not available for the Lancashire area as a whole. Information showing the numbers of women screened through the national health service cervical screening Children: Internet programme by primary care trusts (PCTs) in Lancashire for the years indicated is shown in table 1. Information showing the number of deaths where Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for Health cervical cancer was the underlying cause for women in what estimate his Department has made of the number Lancashire county and by PCTs within Lancashire is of children showing symptoms of addiction to (a) shown in table 2. computers and (b) the internet. [98191] Table 1: NHS Cervical Screening Programme: Target age group (25 to 64), number of women screened by Lancashire PCTs in each of the last three Paul Burstow: No estimate has been made. While financial years. 1 some researchers have described computer addiction Number of women screened (thousand) and internet addiction, neither condition is currently PCT Name 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 recognised with a Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Central Lancashire PCT 30:2 26.8 26.6 Mental Disorders or International Classification of Diseases East Lancashire Teaching PCT 22.8 22.3 21.9 code. 619W Written Answers5 MARCH 2012 Written Answers 620W

Departmental Consultants Mr Simon Burns: The work being carried out on categorising urgent and emergency care services has not Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for yet been completed, and internal discussions continue. Health pursuant to the answer of 27 February 2012, Health Services: North West Official Report, column 115W, on departmental consultants, what the monetary value is of the contract referred to in the calendar year 2012. [97898] Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will ensure that the risk assessment in respect of the decision to locate a hub for vascular surgery at the Mr Simon Burns: The total value of the Consumer Countess of Chester hospital rather than at Warrington Engagement Services contract January to March 2012 and Halton NHS Trust is published. [97833] is £242,500, including an element of agreed performance payments. The remainder of the funding for the contract Mr Simon Burns: Decisions about the publication of within calendar year 2012 is still subject to the Efficiency local national health service documents are a matter for Reform Group. the NHS locally. The “Vascular Services Review Mid-Mersey Impact Diabetes: Health Services Assessment”, October 2011, was published online by the local NHS in November 2011. It can be accessed on Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Health the Wirral primary care trust website at: which bodies are responsible for monitoring whether www.wirral.nhs.uk/document_uploads/Boardcluster-Nov/ people with diabetes receive the nine healthcare checks Cluster-BoardPack-02-11-2011.pdf recommended by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence guidelines; and which bodies will be Health Services: Regulation responsible for such checks following the implementation of the provisions of the Health and Social Care Bill. Mr Nicholas Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for [97333] Health what regulatory regime covers the activities of (a) NHS employees and (b) private sector health care Paul Burstow: Primary care trusts are currently support workers who (i) administer medicines, including accountable for delivery of care and thus responsible insulin and controlled drugs, (ii) provide cover for registered for monitoring service delivery. Diabetes features heavily nurses, (iii) manage fluids, including monitoring drips in Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF) and currently and drains, (iv) inject medicines, (v) insert NH tubes, has 17 QOF indicators. Many of these indicators reflect (vi) plaster fractured limbs, (vii) monitor vital signs in the key tests and measures that people with diabetes patients and (viii) feed and bathe patients. [97575] should receive on an annual basis in line with the nine care processes recommended in 2011 by the National Mr Simon Burns: All providers of health and social Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE). care regulated activities in England must be registered Auditing of processes and outcomes is a means of with the Care Quality Commission and are required to monitoring. Those participating in the annual National meet 16 registration requirements, which set out essential Diabetes Audit submit information in response to the levels of safety and quality of care and treatment. question, “What proportion of people registered with This requires providers to ensure they have effective diabetes receives the key processes of diabetes care?” procedures in place to ensure that workers are fit for the The NHS Atlas of Variation 2011 also compares those job, have the right qualifications, skills and experience areas providing people with type I and II with the nine for their role, and are properly trained, supervised and. care processes. appraised. Subject to the passage of the Health and Social Care The Medicines Act 1968 controls the sale, supply and Bill, the NHS Commissioning Board will use the NHS administration of all medicines in the United Kingdom. Outcomes Framework and NICE quality standards to There are further legal requirements in the Misuse of develop a proposed 2013-14 Commissioning Outcomes Drugs Regulations in relation to controlled drugs. Framework and use this to hold clinical commissioning groups to account for the delivery of care, including the Health Visitors: Leeds care of patients with long-term conditions, such as diabetes. Greg Mulholland: To ask the Secretary of State for General practitioners will have significant flexibility Health how much funding he allocated for the provision within the legislative framework to join together in the of health visitors in Leeds North West constituency in clinical commissioning group they want to form, and (a) 2010-11 and (b) 2011-12. [97794] will have the flexibility to commission services in the ways that they judge will deliver the best outcomes for Paul Burstow: Information about the allocation of local people. funding for the provision of health visitors in the Leeds North West constituency is not held centrally. Emergency Services The “Health Visitor Implementation Plan 2011-15—A Call to Action” was published in February 2011 and an accompanying management letter from the Department Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for set out indicative trajectories of health visitor growth Health what progress has been made in the national for each strategic health authority (SHA). It is for each review of how urgent and emergency services should be SHA to agree with individual primary care trusts (PCTs) categorised. [97546] the specific levels of growth in their area and for the 621W Written Answers5 MARCH 2012 Written Answers 622W

PCT to allocate appropriate funding. My hon. Friend adjust to the requirements of the new regulations, up to may wish to contact the chief executive of Leeds PCT, 30 April 2011. A copy of the. impact assessment has which may hold some relevant information. already been placed in the Library. Both a copy of the plan and letter have already been The MHRA is currently investigating complaints placed in the Library. about 21 companies selling some 148 herbal products which may fall within the definition of a medicine. HealthWatch England Companies that are investigated. by the MHRA are entitled to their privacy especially where, following Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for investigation, no subsequent enforcement action is taken Health what role he proposes for hon. Members in against them. The MHRA considers that it would not determining the future of HealthWatch in their be in the public interest to publish the names of companies, constituencies. [97549] or their products, where no breach of legislation has been identified or where there is compliance with regulatory Mr Simon Burns: We are encouraging all local authorities requirements; such an approach could also have legal to engage widely with all members of their community implications. Where a case results in a final determination and hon. Members about the development of local that a product is a medicine this information appears on HealthWatch in their area. the MHRA website. The MHRA is currently considering Herbal Medicine how effective, proportionate enforcement action can best ensure that the intended benefits of the THMPD for consumers and for companies compliant with the Rosie Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for Health legislation are achieved. (1) under what legislation the reclassification of (a) milk thistle and (b) black cohosh food supplements as unlicensed medicines by the Medicines and Healthcare Locums Products Regulatory Agency is taking place; how many (i) milk thistle and (ii) black cohosh products have been Rosie Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for reclassified; and what assessment he has made of the Health how many primary care trusts audit the effect of such reclassifications on small and medium-sized payment of funds to cover locum costs to ensure the businesses; [97907] funds have been spent on locums. [97910] (2) which botanical, herbal and other products have been investigated by the Medicines and Healthcare Mr Simon Burns: The Department does not collect Products Regulatory Agency since the coming into information on primary care trusts (PCTs) auditing of force of the Traditional Herbal Medicinal Products general practice on locum cost expenditure. Directive; and what the outcome was of the investigation Where a practice seeks additional funding from its in each case; [97908] PCT under the provisions of the General Medical Services (3) what assessment he has made of the effect of the Statement of Financial Entitlement to cover locum implementation of the Traditional Herbal Medicinal costs, it is a matter for each practice to demonstrate to Products Directive on (a) small and medium-sized their PCT the uses they propose to make of that specialist manufacturers and distributors of products discretionary funding. Should a contractor breach the previously considered to be food supplements or medicines terms under which the PCT has agreed funding the exempt from the need for a medicinal products licence, PCT has a right to recover payments made. (b) the number of such products on the market and (c) consumer choice; and if he will make a statement. Meals on Wheels [97909]

Mr Simon Burns: The classification of products as Hilary Benn: To ask the Secretary of State for Health medicines is made on a case-by-case basis by the Medicines what the average charge was for meals on wheels in and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) each English local authority in each year since 2000. under the Medicines for Human Use (Marketing [97796] Authorisations Etc) Regulations 1994 as amended. The MHRA has taken regulatory action against one black Paul Burstow: I refer the right hon. Member to the cohosh product, FSC Black Cohosh l,000 mg, and the reply I gave to him on 2 February 2012, Official Report, status, of a further four products is currently under column 769W. investigation. The MHRA has taken regulatory action against one milk thistle product, FSC Milk Thistle 200 Monitor mg, and the status of a further 11 is currently under investigation. Neither of the two products where MHRA has taken regulatory action has been reclassified. The Mr Nicholas Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for MHRA has been carrying out classifications in line Health what the principal anti-competitive modes of with existing legislation and guidance therefore no new behaviour are, which he intends that Monitor will assessment of the regulatory impact is necessary. A full tackle. [97579] assessment of the impact of the European Community Traditional Herbal Medicinal Products Directive (THMPD) Mr Simon Burns: Under the Health and Social Care was produced in 2005, in conjunction with the regulations Bill, Monitor would have a duty to exercise its functions implementing the directive. This assessment considered with a view to preventing anticompetitive behaviour in the impact on Small and Medium Enterprises (SME’S): the provision of national health service services which is a transitional period allowed companies seven years to against the interests of patients. 623W Written Answers5 MARCH 2012 Written Answers 624W

The aim is to protect patients’ interests from self-serving However, there will be scope within the overall budget abuses by providers that would harm those interests. for local office functions for the Chief Operating Officer Potential examples may include denying patients’ rights to determine whether particular functions should be to choice and collusion to restrict the range of services undertaken by small numbers of local offices on behalf available to commissioners. of groups of the others. These are likely to include specialised commissioning. The distribution of the management resource between Neurology: Standards local offices will take account of these arrangements. NHS Commissioning Board Authority. Board meeting Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for papers can be found on their website at: Health what steps he is taking to improve neurological www.commissioningboard.nhs.uk/2012/01/26/board-meeting- services. [97552] 020212/

Mr Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Paul Burstow: The proposed reforms to commissioning, Health what recent discussions he has had with the the greater focus on improving quality and joining Clinical Transitions Director in the NHS Medical services up more effectively, alongside a stronger collective Directorate on the plans for managed clinical networks voice for patients and the public will ensure the delivery for neuromuscular services to be established and of better, more seamless, services and improve patient funded by the National Commissioning Board. [97319] and public experience. Recognising the importance of influencing the changes in commissioning process, neurological stakeholders have formed the Neurological Mr Simon Burns: Proposals for the establishment and Commissioning Support to work alongside commissioners development of Strategic Clinical Networks (SCNs) are to improve the way that neurological services are being taken forward by the NHS Commissioning Board commissioned. Authority. SCNs will play an important role in supporting Clinical Commissioning Groups and the Board to improve Key developments aimed at improving services for quality of care and outcomes for patients. Applications those with long-term conditions, including neurological for establishing SCNs will be assessed against key criteria conditions, are the Quality, Innovation Productivity currently being developed with stakeholders. and Prevention (QIPP) programme and the NHS Outcomes Framework. QIPP is a large scale transformational programme NHS Foundation Trusts: Private Sector for the national health service, involving all NHS staff, patients and the voluntary sector and will improve the Mr Nicholas Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for quality of care. Local commissioners are currently Health what public policy considerations he took into configuring their work to drive the necessary changes account before making his decision to increase the cap and ensure that providers work together to respond to on the volume of private work that foundation trusts the challenge. can undertake; and what assessment he has made of The NHS Outcomes Framework will provide the behavioural changes by (a) foundation trusts and (b) framework for defining how the NHS will be accountable patients as a consequence of that increase. [97580] for outcomes. It encompasses five domains articulating the responsibilities of the NHS. Mr Simon Burns: The Health and Social Care Bill Responsibility for ensuring that locally commissioned proposes to remove the national health service foundation neurological services meet the needs of patients lies trust private patient income cap. The clause to remove with primary care trusts. However, we recognise that the cap was included in the Bill on introduction to there are still unacceptable local variations in the provision Parliament in January 2011 and debated on a number of neurological services, as highlighted by the recent of occasions. A Government amendment at Lords Report National Audit Office report. We will be responding to clarified that a foundation trust’s principal legal purpose the recommendations arising from the report, and requires it to earn the majority of its income from the subsequent Public Accounts Committee hearing in due NHS. This gives an assurance that foundation trusts course. must remain predominantly NHS providers after the removal of the cap. The proposal to remove the cap was subject to public NHS Commissioning Board consultation in 2010. The Command Paper, “Liberating the NHS; Legislative framework and next steps”, and the impact assessments for the Bill consider the effect of Mr Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for removing the cap. Health whether the proposed local offices of the National Commissioning Board will include a lead for specialised services. [97318] NHS: Pay

Mr Simon Burns: In documents published for its Mr Nicholas Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for board meeting on 2 February, the NHS Commissioning Health what the average pay of (a) a Band 3 health Board Authority stated that, subject to the passage of care support worker was and (b) a state-registered legislation, the 50 proposed local offices would include Band 5 nurse in the most recent period for which a Head of Direct Commissioning. information is available. [97574] 625W Written Answers5 MARCH 2012 Written Answers 626W

Mr Simon Burns: The latest published NHS Information Plastic Surgery: Regulation Centre Quarterly Earnings Survey figures for England for the period July to September 2011 are shown in the following table: Ms Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he is taking to ensure professional bodies £ can provide input into the NHS Medical Director’s Average earnings per review of the regulation of the cosmetic surgery full-time equivalent Average basic pay per industry. [97404] (FTE) FTE

Band 3 Health 21,700 18,100 Mr Simon Burns: It will be for Sir Bruce Keogh to Care Support Worker determine precisely how the various interested parties Band 5 Qualified 30,000 25,400 can contribute to his review of the regulation of cosmetic Nurse interventions. We are sure that Sir Bruce will wish to engage very fully with the relevant professional bodies. Pain Prescription Drugs: Prices Mr Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to include spinal cord stimulators for the treatment of chronic pain within the Mark Lancaster: To ask the Secretary of State for national tariff; and if he will make a statement. [97497] Health (1) how much his Department spent on the publication of the drug tariff in each of the last three years; and how often the drug tariff was published in Mr Simon Burns: Spinal cord stimulators are currently each of the last three years; [97427] excluded from the tariff. (2) if he will estimate the annual savings which would Each year the High Cost Devices Steering Group accrue from publishing the NHS drug tariff online reviews the devices that are excluded due to their high only; [97439] and disproportionate cost relative to the costs covered under the relevant health care resource group. The (3) how much his Department has spent on (a) exclusion of spinal cord stimulators will be reviewed printing and (b) distribution of the drug tariff in again this year. February 2012. [97442] The fact that spinal cord stimulators are excluded from tariff does not mean that their use is not funded. Mr Simon Burns: The annual production costs to the Reimbursement for their use is subject to local negotiation. NHS Business Services Authority (NHS BSA) associated with the publication and distribution of the Drug Tariff Pharmacy for the past three years was £328,130 in 2009, £336,146 in 2010 and £338,288 for 2011 (2011 is estimated). In February 2012, the cost of printing the Drug Tariff was Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State £20,577 and distribution was £6,330. These figures exclude for Health what work his Department has undertaken forward distribution costs to general practitioner practices to assess the suitability of a public service obligation and pharmacies incurred by primary care trusts, and for the supply of medicines in the UK. [97322] NHS BSA estate and management costs. The Drug Tariff is published each month. Mr Simon Burns: There are existing legal duties on manufacturers and distributors to ensure appropriate A single process is used to produce the electronic and and continued supplies to pharmacies within the limits paper Drug Tariffs. Therefore only the printing and of their responsibilities, so that the needs of patients are distribution costs would be saved if the paper Drug met. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Tariff was discontinued. For the most recent available Agency is currently reviewing the public service obligations year, 2010, the annual saving from not producing the introduced by other European member states. paper Drug Tariff would have been £303,677.

Pharmacy: Databases Primary Care Trusts: North West

Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will consider introducing a data Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for collection system with pharmacies for the purposes of Health what the cost to the public purse of staff providing accurate data to measure the scale and effect redundancies by primary care trusts in (a) Tameside of the time taken to supply branded medicines. [97321] and Glossop and (b) Stockport has been since May 2010. [97870] Mr Simon Burns: The Department continues to work collaboratively with supply chain stakeholders to ensure Mr Simon Burns: The information is not available in that best practice supply arrangements are adopted to the format requested. Information on the cost of exit ensure patients receive the medicines they need. The packages for Stockport Primary Care Trust (PCT), and Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee already Tameside and Glossop PCT, in 2010-11 is shown in the collects data on branded medicines shortages. following table. 627W Written Answers5 MARCH 2012 Written Answers 628W

Cost of exit packages 2010-11 Organisation £000

Stockport PCT 761 Tameside and Glossop PCT 95 Notes: 1. Data are taken from the audited summarisation schedules of PCTs and NHS trusts, from which the NHS (England) Summarised Accounts are prepared. The disclosure in the accounts reports the number and value of exit packages taken by staff leaving in the year. 2. The expense associated with these departures may have been recognised in part or in full in a previous period. 3. Exit packages include compulsory redundancies and other departures. The latter includes the cost of both early retirements (excluding those relating to ill-health) and voluntary redundancies. It is not possible to separately identify the value of either of these costs from the data collected. An overall figure for redundancies is therefore not identifiable. Source: Audited summarisation schedules of PCTs and NHS trusts.

Private Patients: NHS Trusts of the consequent effect on waiting times in each speciality. [97834] Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people were treated as private patients by Mr Simon Burns: Information on the number of Warrington and Halton NHS Trust in each of the last finished admission episodes, including for private patients, five years; how many per year he expects to be treated at the Warrington and Halton Hospitals NHS Foundation as private patients under the provisions of the Health Trust for the years indicated, are shown in the following and Social Care Bill; and what assessment he has made table.

Count of finished admission episodes by administrative category at Warrington and Halton Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust for the year 2006-07 to 2010-11 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11

Total 65,802 75,255 79,255 81,561 77,985 NHS 65,668 75,106 79,114 81,406 77,897 Private patients 121 149 137 142 87 Unknown 13 — 4 13 1 Notes: 1. A finished admission episode (FAE) is the first period of in-patient care under one consultant within one health care provider. FAEs are counted against the year in which the admission episode finishes. Admissions do not represent the number of in-patients, as a person may have more than one admission within the year. 2. Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) figures are available from 1989-90 onwards. Changes to the figures over time need to be interpreted in the context of improvements in data quality and coverage (particularly in earlier years), improvements in coverage of independent sector activity (particularly form 2006-07) and changes in NHS. Practice. For example, apparent reductions in activity may be due to a number of procedures which may now be undertaken in out-patient settings and so no longer include in admitted patient HES data. 3. HES are compiled from data sent by more than 300 NHS trusts and primary care trusts in England and from some independent sector organisations for activity. 4. Activity in English NHS hospitals and English NHS commissioned activity in the independent sector. Source: Hospital Episode Statistics (HES), the Information Centre for health and social care.

Subject to Parliament, the Government will remove Risk Assessment the private patient income cap for NHS foundation trusts and ensure there are significant safeguards to John Healey: To ask the Secretary of State for Health protect NHS patients. This includes the role of NHS what his policy is on the communication of risk commissioners who remain responsible for ensuring assessments made by (a) his Department, (b) strategic timely and high-quality care for NHS patients through health authorities, (c) primary care trusts, (d) legal contracts with NHS providers. The proposal to foundation trusts and (e) Executive agencies. [97540] remove the cap was subject to public consultation in Mr Simon Burns: The Department seeks to publish 2010, The Command Paper “Liberating the NHS: its information about risk, and the assessment of risk, Legislative framework and next steps” and the impact in cases where it is in the public interest to do so. assessments for the Health and Social Care Bill consider Policies on the publication of national health service the effect of removing the cap. organisations’ individual risk assessments would be a matter for the individual organisations concerned.

ORAL ANSWERS

Monday 5 March 2012

Col. No. Col. No. WORK AND PENSIONS ...... 545 WORK AND PENSIONS—continued Bereavement Benefit...... 560 Topical Questions ...... 560 Child Poverty ...... 547 Universal Credit...... 555 Cold Weather (Financial Assistance) ...... 553 Work Capability Assessments ...... 559 Female Unemployment...... 556 Work Experience...... 545 Incapacity Benefit ...... 551 Work Programme...... 558 Mesothelioma ...... 553 Youth Contract ...... 549 PAYE...... 552 Youth Unemployment...... 554 Student Support...... 548 WRITTEN MINISTERIAL STATEMENTS

Monday 5 March 2012

Col. No. Col. No. COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT.. 47WS HOME DEPARTMENT—continued Supporting England’s Ports ...... 47WS Sexual Offences Act 2003 (Amendments)...... 52WS FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE..... 49WS JUSTICE...... 54WS Foreign Affairs and General Affairs Council Emergency Workers (Obstruction Act 2006 Post- (February 2012) ...... 49WS Legislative Scrutiny...... 54WS HOME DEPARTMENT...... 52WS TREASURY ...... 45WS Domestic Violence ...... 53WS ECOFIN 21 February 2012 ...... 45WS WRITTEN ANSWERS

Monday 5 March 2012

Col. No. Col. No. ATTORNEY-GENERAL ...... 488W CABINET OFFICE—continued Crown Prosecution Service...... 488W Department of Health ...... 559W Serious Fraud Office: Finance...... 489W Departmental Carbon Emissions ...... 559W Departmental Responsibilities ...... 559W BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS ...... 597W Employment: Private Sector...... 560W Action for Employment ...... 597W Families ...... 560W Business: Government Assistance ...... 600W Minister without Portfolio: Official Visits ...... 561W Carbon Emissions...... 604W Public Sector...... 561W Clinical Trials: EU Law...... 604W Public Sector: Billing...... 561W College of International Co-operation and Reed: Government Departments...... 562W Development...... 605W Seetec: Government Departments...... 562W Competition Commission: Manpower ...... 605W Suicide ...... 562W Construction: Schools...... 605W Teenage Pregnancy: Pendle ...... 563W Consumers: Protection...... 606W Copyright...... 606W CHURCH COMMISSIONERS ...... 597W Departmental Carbon Emissions ...... 607W Metal: Theft...... 597W Export Controls ...... 607W Exports: Saudi Arabia...... 607W COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT . 483W Exports: Tunisia...... 608W Council Tax ...... 483W Higher Education...... 610W Departmental Training ...... 484W Members: Correspondence ...... 611W Enterprise Zones: Heysham ...... 484W Multimedia: Archives...... 611W Enterprise Zones: Job Creation...... 485W Student Loans Company ...... 612W Enterprise Zones: Operating Costs...... 485W Students: Work Experience ...... 612W Fire Services: Finance ...... 485W Supermarkets: Farmers ...... 613W Housing: Westmorland ...... 485W Tankers: Procurement ...... 614W Local Government: Greater Manchester...... 486W Trade Descriptions Act 1968...... 615W Mayors: Greater Manchester ...... 486W UK Trade and Investment Defence and Security Planning Permission ...... 486W Organisation: Libya ...... 615W UK Trade and Investment: Wales ...... 615W CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT ...... 492W Arts...... 492W CABINET OFFICE...... 558W BBC: Licensing ...... 493W Action for Employment ...... 558W Departmental Carbon Emissions ...... 493W Children: North West...... 559W Freeview...... 494W Col. No. Col. No. CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT—continued ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS— Mobile Phones ...... 494W continued National Lottery: Sports...... 495W Sustainable Development: British Overseas Radio Frequencies ...... 495W Territories ...... 513W Sports ...... 496W Water Industry (Financial Assistance) Bill Television: Licensing ...... 496W 2010-12 ...... 514W

DEFENCE...... 582W FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE..... 545W Armed Forces Covenant ...... 582W Azerbaijan ...... 545W Armed Forces: Education ...... 582W Burma...... 545W Defence Equipment: Scotland...... 583W Cambodia ...... 546W Departmental Apprentices ...... 583W Democratic Republic of Congo: Elections ...... 547W Departmental Procurement...... 584W Departmental Carbon Emissions ...... 547W Departmental Regulation...... 584W Departmental Recruitment ...... 548W Diamond Jubilee 2012: Medals ...... 585W Departmental Secondment ...... 548W Fossil Fuels: Subsidies...... 548W DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER ...... 552W Grace and Favour Housing ...... 548W Constituencies: Parliament...... 552W Libya: Embassies ...... 549W House of Lords: Reform...... 552W North Korea ...... 549W Pakistan: British Nationals Abroad ...... 549W EDUCATION...... 538W Palestinians: Elections...... 550W Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000 ...... 538W Russian Language...... 550W Departmental Carbon Emissions ...... 539W Sri Lanka ...... 551W Departmental Internet ...... 539W Sudan: Sanctions ...... 551W Departmental Pay ...... 539W Uganda ...... 551W Departmental Regulation...... 539W Western Sahara ...... 551W Departmental Senior Civil Servants...... 540W Schools ...... 540W HEALTH...... 616W Schools: Sports ...... 541W Autism: Children ...... 616W Self-Control: Curriculum ...... 542W Autism: Research ...... 616W Special Educational Needs: Autism...... 544W Cancer: Health Services ...... 617W Special Educational Needs: Dyslexia ...... 544W Carers: Standards...... 617W Vocational Guidance...... 545W Cervical Cancer: Lancashire ...... 617W Children: Internet ...... 618W ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE...... 552W Departmental Consultants...... 619W Energy: Housing ...... 552W Diabetes: Health Services...... 619W Energy: Meters...... 553W Emergency Services...... 619W Energy Supply: Mobile Homes ...... 552W Health Services: North West ...... 620W Fuel Poverty Review...... 553W Health Services: Regulation ...... 620W Green Deal Scheme...... 553W Health Visitors: Leeds...... 620W Housing: Insulation ...... 553W HealthWatch England...... 621W Local Energy Assessment Fund ...... 554W Herbal Medicine ...... 621W Renewable Energy...... 554W Locums ...... 622W Renewable Energy: Heating ...... 557W Meals on Wheels...... 622W Renewables Obligation: Finance ...... 557W Monitor ...... 622W Solar Power...... 557W Neurology: Standards ...... 623W Solar Power: Social Rented Housing...... 557W NHS Commissioning Board ...... 623W Warm Homes Discount Scheme...... 558W NHS Foundation Trusts: Private Sector...... 624W Wind Power: Yorkshire and the Humber...... 558W NHS: Pay...... 624W Pain...... 625W ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL Pharmacy...... 625W AFFAIRS...... 505W Pharmacy: Databases...... 625W Broadband: Rural Areas ...... 505W Plastic Surgery: Regulation ...... 626W Departmental Meetings ...... 506W Prescription Drugs: Prices...... 626W Departmental Senior Civil Servants...... 506W Primary Care Trusts: North West...... 626W Departmental Training ...... 507W Private Patients: NHS Trusts...... 627W Dogs ...... 507W Risk Assessment ...... 628W Electronic Training Aids ...... 508W Environment Protection: EU Law...... 508W HOME DEPARTMENT ...... 514W Fisheries...... 508W Abu Qatada ...... 515W Flood Control: Expenditure...... 508W Antisocial Behaviour...... 516W Gangmasters Licensing Authority...... 509W Antisocial Behaviour: Alcoholic Drinks...... 517W Hares: Animal Welfare...... 509W Antisocial Behaviour Orders...... 514W Land ...... 510W Asylum ...... 517W Litter: Publicity...... 510W Crime...... 517W Marine Conservation Zones...... 510W Crimes of Violence: Alcoholic Drinks...... 518W Marine Management Organisation: Manpower ..... 511W Departmental Carbon Emissions ...... 518W Rights of Way...... 512W Departmental ICT ...... 518W Rights of Way: Coastal Areas...... 512W Deportation ...... 518W Rural Areas: Finance ...... 512W Domestic Violence: Housing...... 519W Sharks: Imports ...... 513W Drugs: EU Action...... 519W Col. No. Col. No. HOME DEPARTMENT—continued TRANSPORT—continued Drugs: International Co-operation ...... 519W Crossrail Line: Costs...... 498W EU Justice and Home Affairs Council ...... 520W Cycling: Safety ...... 499W Immigrants: Detainees ...... 521W Driving Offences: EU Action ...... 500W Immigration: Ports...... 521W EU Action ...... 500W Khat: Drug Seizures...... 523W Motor Vehicles: Carbon Emissions...... 501W Legal Opinion...... 523W Network Rail ...... 501W Metropolitan Police: Cybercrime ...... 524W Oil...... 502W National Crime Agency ...... 524W Railways...... 502W Sir Michael Scholar...... 524W Railways: South East ...... 503W Stalking...... 525W Railways: South West...... 503W Theft: Metals ...... 525W Railways: Theft ...... 503W UK Border Agency ...... 525W Railways: Wales ...... 504W UK Border Agency: Pay ...... 526W Roads: Accidents ...... 504W Visas: Tripoli...... 526W Rolling Stock ...... 504W Rolling Stock: Procurement ...... 505W HOUSE OF COMMONS COMMISSION...... 487W Big Ben: Tourism ...... 487W TREASURY ...... 588W Alcoholic Drinks: Prices ...... 588W INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT...... 585W Child Care Tax Credit...... 588W Departmental Carbon Emissions ...... 585W Child Care Vouchers ...... 589W Developing Countries: Tax Avoidance ...... 586W Convention on the Protection of the European EU Aid ...... 586W Communities’ Financial Interests...... 589W Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Departmental Carbon Emissions ...... 589W Malaria...... 586W Departmental Public Expenditure...... 590W Kenya...... 587W Excise Duties: Biofuels...... 590W North Korea ...... 587W Excise Duties: Fuels ...... 590W UN Central Emergency Response Fund ...... 588W First-time Buyers ...... 591W First-time Buyers: Stamp Duties...... 591W JUSTICE...... 526W HM Revenue and Customs ...... 591W Chief Coroner...... 526W Income Tax ...... 592W Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority: Public Income Tax: Tax Rates and Bands ...... 592W Expenditure ...... 527W Insolvency: EU Action...... 592W Employment Tribunals Service...... 527W Interest Rates ...... 593W Employment Tribunals Service: Fees and Charges . 531W Investment: Carbon Emissions...... 593W G4S...... 532W Multinational Companies ...... 593W Harassment...... 532W National Insurance: Data Protection ...... 594W HMP Lindholme...... 533W PAYE...... 594W Iran...... 533W Pocket Lighters: Import Controls ...... 594W Legal Aid Scheme ...... 533W Revenue and Customs: ICT ...... 594W Legal Services Commission...... 533W Stamp Duty Land Tax: Greater London...... 595W Magistrates: Closures...... 534W Tax Avoidance ...... 595W Magistrates: Translation Services ...... 534W Tax Avoidance: Bookmakers...... 595W Office of Chief Coroner...... 535W Tax Credit: Greater London ...... 596W Prisoners: Sentencing ...... 535W Tax Relief: Manufacturing Industries...... 596W Prisons: Yorkshire and the Humber ...... 536W Taxation: Gambling ...... 596W Reoffenders: Young Offenders ...... 537W Working Tax Credit ...... 596W The Third Parties (Rights Against Insurers) Act 2010 ...... 537W WALES...... 490W Translation Services ...... 538W Air Passenger Duty ...... 490W Trespass: Crime...... 538W Devolution...... 490W

NORTHERN IRELAND ...... 490W WOMEN AND EQUALITIES...... 490W Air Passenger Duty ...... 490W Equality and Human Rights Commission...... 490W BMI ...... 491W Departmental Carbon Emissions ...... 491W WORK AND PENSIONS ...... 564W Departmental Responsibilities ...... 491W Absenteeism...... 564W Human Trafficking ...... 492W Active Operations Management...... 566W Politics and Government...... 492W Atos Healthcare ...... 566W Public Expenditure...... 492W Auto-enrolment Staging Dates...... 568W Carers: Employment ...... 567W PRIME MINISTER ...... 489W Children: Day Care ...... 569W Immigration Controls ...... 489W Council Tax ...... 569W Departmental Internet ...... 570W SCOTLAND...... 489W Departmental Responsibilities ...... 570W Tugboats ...... 489W Disability Living Allowance...... 570W Disability Living Allowance: Scotland ...... 571W TRANSPORT ...... 497W Employers’ Liability...... 571W Aviation ...... 497W Employment Schemes ...... 571W Aviation: Biofuels...... 497W Employment Schemes: Newcastle Upon Tyne...... 572W Aviation: Carbon Emissions...... 497W Employment Support Allowance...... 564W Col. No. Col. No. WORK AND PENSIONS—continued WORK AND PENSIONS—continued Flexible Support Fund...... 572W Social Security Benefits...... 577W Housing Benefit ...... 572W Social Security Benefits: Northern Ireland...... 577W Independent Review of the Work Capability Tell Us Once Scheme...... 577W Assessment ...... 573W UK Debt Management Office...... 578W Jobcentre Plus: Vacancies...... 573W Welfare State: Northern Ireland...... 579W Jobseeker’s Allowance ...... 573W Work Capability Assessment...... 580W Jobseeker’s Allowance: Domestic Violence...... 574W Work Experience: Unemployed People ...... 580W Jobseeker’s Allowance: Work Experience ...... 575W Work Experience: Young People ...... 580W Members: Correspondence ...... 575W Work Programme...... 564W New Enterprise Allowance...... 576W Work Programme...... 581W Personal Injury: Compensation...... 576W 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 Monday 12 March 2012

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CONTENTS

Monday 5 March 2012

Oral Answers to Questions [Col. 545] [see index inside back page] Secretary of State for Work and Pensions

European Council [Col. 567] Statement—(Prime Minister)

Opposition Day [Un-allotted day] Jobs and Growth in a Low-carbon Economy [Col. 588] Motion—(Caroline Flint)—on a Division, negatived Living Standards [Col. 638] Motion—(Rachel Reeves)—on a Division, negatived

Livingston New Town [Col. 685] Debate on motion for Adjournment

Written Ministerial Statements [Col. 45WS]

Written Answers to Questions [Col. 483W] [see index inside back page]