Tuesday Volume 529 7 June 2011 No. 164

HOUSE OF COMMONS OFFICIAL REPORT

PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES (HANSARD)

Tuesday 7 June 2011

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

MEMBERS OF THE CABINET

(FORMED BY THE RT HON.,MP,MAY 2010)

PRIME MINISTER,FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY AND MINISTER FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE—The Rt Hon. David Cameron, MP DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER AND LORD PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL—The Rt Hon. , MP FIRST SECRETARY OF STATE AND SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS—The Rt Hon. , MP CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER—The Rt Hon. , MP AND SECRETARY OF STATE FOR JUSTICE—The Rt Hon. , QC, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENT AND MINISTER FOR WOMEN AND EQUALITIES—The Rt Hon. , MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DEFENCE—The Rt Hon. , MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR BUSINESS,INNOVATION AND SKILLS—The Rt Hon. , MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WORK AND PENSIONS—The Rt Hon. , MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE—The Rt Hon. , MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR HEALTH—The Rt Hon. , CBE, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR EDUCATION—The Rt Hon. , MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT—The Rt Hon. , MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR TRANSPORT—The Rt Hon. , MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR ENVIRONMENT,FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS—The Rt Hon. Caroline Spelman, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT—The Rt Hon. , MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR —The Rt Hon. , MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR —The Rt Hon. Michael Moore, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WALES—The Rt Hon. , MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR CULTURE,OLYMPICS,MEDIA AND SPORT—The Rt Hon. , MP CHIEF SECRETARY TO THE TREASURY—The Rt Hon. , MP LEADER OF THE HOUSE OF LORDS AND CHANCELLOR OF THE DUCHY OF LANCASTER—The Rt Hon. Lord Strathclyde MINISTER WITHOUT PORTFOLIO—The Rt Hon. Baroness Warsi

DEPARTMENTS OF STATE AND MINISTERS Business, Innovation and Skills— SECRETARY OF STATE AND PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF TRADE—The Rt Hon. Vince Cable, MP MINISTERS OF STATE— The Rt Hon. , MP (Minister for Universities and Science) John Hayes, MP (Minister for Further Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning) § Mark Prisk, MP Lord Green of Hurstpierpoint (Minister for Trade and Investment) PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE— Edward Davey, MP Edward Vaizey, MP § Baroness Wilcox — MINISTER FOR THE CABINET OFFICE AND —The Rt Hon. , MP MINISTER OF STATE—The Rt Hon. , MP PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARIES— , MP Nick Hurd, MP Communities and Local Government— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Eric Pickles, MP MINISTERS OF STATE— The Rt Hon. , MP The Rt Hon. , MP (Minister for Housing and Local Government) PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE— Andrew Stunell, OBE, MP Robert Neill, MP Baroness Hanham, CBE ii HER MAJESTY’S GOVERNMENT—cont.

Culture, Media and Sport— SECRETARY OF STATE FOR CULTURE,OLYMPICS,MEDIA AND SPORT—The Rt Hon. Jeremy Hunt, MP PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE— John Penrose, MP Hugh Robertson, MP (Minister for Sport and the Olympics) Edward Vaizey, MP § Defence— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Liam Fox, MP MINISTER OF STATE—Nick Harvey, MP (Minister for the Armed Forces) PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE— Gerald Howarth, MP The Rt Hon. Andrew Robathan, MP Peter Luff, MP Lord Astor of Hever, DL Duchy of Lancaster— LEADER OF THE HOUSE OF LORDS AND CHANCELLOR OF THE DUCHY OF LANCASTER—The Rt Hon. Lord Strathclyde Education— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Michael Gove, MP MINISTERS OF STATE— Sarah Teather, MP Nick Gibb, MP John Hayes, MP (Minister for Further Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning) § PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE— Tim Loughton, MP Lord Hill of Oareford Energy and Climate Change— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Chris Huhne, MP MINISTERS OF STATE— Charles Hendry, MP Gregory Barker, MP PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE—Lord Marland Environment, Food and Rural Affairs— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Caroline Spelman, MP MINISTER OF STATE— The Rt Hon. James Paice, MP PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE— Richard Benyon, MP Lord Henley Foreign and Commonwealth Office— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. William Hague, MP MINISTERS OF STATE— Jeremy Browne, MP The Rt Hon. , MP (Minister for Europe) The Rt Hon. Lord Howell of Guildford PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE— Henry Bellingham, MP Alistair Burt, MP Government Equalities Office— MINISTER FOR WOMEN AND EQUALITIES—The Rt Hon. Theresa May, MP § MINISTER FOR EQUALITIES—Lynne Featherstone, MP § Health— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Andrew Lansley, CBE, MP MINISTERS OF STATE— Paul Burstow, MP Simon Burns, MP PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE— Anne Milton, MP Earl Howe — SECRETARY OF STATE AND MINISTER FOR WOMEN AND EQUALITIES—The Rt Hon. Theresa May, MP § MINISTERS OF STATE— Damian Green, MP (Minister for Immigration) The Rt Hon. , MP (Minister for Policing and Criminal Justice) § Baroness Browning (Minister for Security) PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE— Lynne Featherstone, MP (Minister for Equalities) § James Brokenshire, MP HER MAJESTY’S GOVERNMENT—cont. iii

International Development— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Andrew Mitchell, MP MINISTER OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Alan Duncan, MP PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE—Stephen O’Brien, MP Justice— LORD CHANCELLOR AND SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Kenneth Clarke, QC, MP MINISTERS OF STATE— The Rt Hon. Lord McNally The Rt Hon. Nick Herbert, MP (Minister for Policing and Criminal Justice) § PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE— Crispin Blunt, MP Jonathan Djanogly, MP Law Officers— ATTORNEY-GENERAL—The Rt Hon. , QC, MP SOLICITOR-GENERAL—Edward Garnier, QC, MP ADVOCATE-GENERAL FOR SCOTLAND—The Rt Hon. Lord Wallace of Tankerness, QC Leader of the House of Commons— LEADER OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS AND —The Rt Hon. Sir George Young, MP PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY—David Heath, CBE, MP Northern Ireland— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Owen Paterson, MP MINISTER OF STATE— The Rt Hon. Hugo Swire, MP Privy Council Office— DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER AND LORD PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL—The Rt Hon. Nick Clegg, MP Scotland Office— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Michael Moore, MP PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. , MP Transport— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Philip Hammond, MP MINISTER OF STATE—The Rt Hon. , MP PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE— Norman Baker, MP Mike Penning, MP Treasury— PRIME MINISTER,FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY AND MINISTER FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE—The Rt Hon. David Cameron, MP CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER—The Rt Hon. George Osborne, MP CHIEF SECRETARY—The Rt Hon. Danny Alexander, MP FINANCIAL SECRETARY—Mark Hoban, MP EXCHEQUER SECRETARY—David Gauke, MP ECONOMIC SECRETARY—, MP COMMERCIAL SECRETARY—Lord Sassoon PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY—The Rt Hon. Patrick McLoughlin, MP LORDS COMMISSIONERS— Michael Fabricant, MP Angela Watkinson, MP , MP Brooks Newmark, MP James Duddridge, MP ASSISTANT WHIPS— Philip Dunne, MP , MP Robert Goodwill, MP Shailesh Vara, MP Bill Wiggin, MP Chloe Smith, MP Norman Lamb, MP Mark Hunter, MP iv HER MAJESTY’S GOVERNMENT—cont.

Wales Office— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Cheryl Gillan, MP PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE—David Jones, MP Work and Pensions— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Iain Duncan Smith, MP MINISTERS OF STATE— The Rt Hon. , MP Steve Webb, MP PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE— , MP Lord Freud Her Majesty’s Household— LORD CHAMBERLAIN—The Rt Hon. Earl Peel, GCVO, DL LORD STEWARD—The Earl of Dalhousie MASTER OF THE HORSE—Lord Vestey, KCVO TREASURER—The Rt Hon. John Randall, MP COMPTROLLER—The Rt Hon. , MP VICE-CHAMBERLAIN—The Rt Hon. Mark Francois, MP CAPTAIN OF THE HONOURABLE CORPS OF GENTLEMEN-AT-ARMS—The Rt Hon. Baroness Anelay of St Johns, DBE CAPTAIN OF THE QUEEN’S BODYGUARD OF THE YEOMEN OF THE GUARD—The Rt Hon. Lord Shutt of Greetland, OBE BARONESSES IN WAITING—Baroness Garden of Frognal, Baroness Northover, Baroness Rawlings, Baroness Verma LORDS IN WAITING—Earl Attlee, Lord De Mauley, TD, Lord Taylor of Holbeach, CBE, Lord Wallace of Saltaire

§ Members of the Government listed under more than one Department

SECOND CHURCH ESTATES COMMISSIONER, REPRESENTING —, MP HOUSE OF COMMONS

THE SPEAKER—The Rt Hon. , MP

CHAIRMAN OF WAYS AND MEANS—Lindsay Hoyle, MP FIRST DEPUTY CHAIRMAN OF WAYS AND MEANS—Nigel Evans, MP SECOND DEPUTY CHAIRMAN OF WAYS AND MEANS—The Rt Hon. Dawn Primarolo, MP

PANEL OF CHAIRS Mr David Amess, MP, Hugh Bayley, MP, Mr Joe Benton, MP, Mr Clive Betts, MP, Mr Peter Bone, MP, Mr Graham Brady, MP, Annette Brooke, MP, Martin Caton, MP, Mr Christopher Chope, MP, Katy Clark, MP, Mr David Crausby, MP, Philip Davies, MP, Jim Dobbin, MP, Nadine Dorries, MP, Mr Roger Gale, MP, Mr James Gray, MP, Mr Mike Hancock, MP, Mr Dai Havard, MP, Mr Philip Hollobone, MP, Mr Jim Hood, MP, The Rt Hon. George Howarth, MP, Mr Edward Leigh, MP, Dr William McCrea, MP, Miss Anne McIntosh, MP, Mrs Anne Main, MP, Mr Alan Meale, MP, Sandra Osborne, MP, Albert Owen, MP, Mrs Linda Riordan, MP, John Robertson, MP, Andrew Rosindell, MP, Mr Lee Scott, MP, Jim Sheridan, MP, Mr , MP, Mr Andrew Turner, MP, Mr Charles Walker, MP, Mr Mike Weir, MP, Hywel Williams, MP

HOUSE OF COMMONS COMMISSION The Rt Hon. The Speaker (Chairman), The Rt Hon. , MP, Sir Paul Beresford, MP, Mr Frank Doran, MP, John Thurso, MP, The Rt Hon. Sir George Young, MP SECRETARY OF THE COMMISSION—Dorian Gerhold ASSISTANT SECRETARY—Robert Cope

ADMINISTRATION ESTIMATE AUDIT COMMITTEE Alex Jablonowski (Chairman), The Rt Hon. Hilary Benn, MP, The Rt Hon. Sir Alan Haselhurst, MP, John Thurso, MP, Stephen Brooker, Mark Clarke SECRETARY OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE—Gosia McBride

MANAGEMENT BOARD Malcolm Jack, PhD (Chief Executive), Robert Rogers (Director General, Chamber and Committee Services), John Pullinger (Director General, Information Services), Andrew Walker (Director General, HR and Change), John Borley, CB (Director General, Facilities), Myfanwy Barrett (Director of Finance), Joan Miller (Director of Parliamentary ICT) (External Member), Alex Jablonowski (External Member) SECRETARY OF THE MANAGEMENT BOARD—Matthew Hamlyn

OFFICE OF THE SPEAKER SPEAKER’S SECRETARY—Peter Barratt ASSISTANT SECRETARY TO THE SPEAKER—Vacant TRAINBEARER—Ian Davis, MBE DIARY SECRETARY—Briony Potts SPEAKER’S COUNSEL—Michael Carpenter SPEAKER’S CHAPLAIN—Rev. Rose Hudson-Wilkin

PARLIAMENTARY COMMISSIONER FOR STANDARDS PARLIAMENTARY COMMISSIONER FOR STANDARDS—John Lyon, CB REGISTRAR OF MEMBERS’FINANCIAL INTERESTS—Heather Wood

PARLIAMENTARY SECURITY CO-ORDINATOR PARLIAMENTARY SECURITY CO-ORDINATOR—Peter Mason EXECUTIVE OFFICER—Mark Harvey vi HOUSE OF COMMONS—cont.

OFFICE OF THE CHAIRMAN OF WAYS AND MEANS SECRETARY TO THE CHAIRMAN OF WAYS AND MEANS—Eliot Wilson

OFFICE OF THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE HEAD OF OFFICE—Matthew Hamlyn PRIVATE SECRETARY TO THE CLERK OF THE HOUSE—Gosia McBride HEAD OF CENTRAL COMMUNICATIONS—Marianne Cwynarski COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER—Vasilis Gialias HEAD OF INTERNAL AUDIT—Paul Dillon-Robinson

DEPARTMENT OF CHAMBER AND COMMITTEE SERVICES CLERK OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS—Malcolm Jack, PhD SECRETARY—Alison Game

CLERK ASSISTANT’S DIRECTORATE CLERK ASSISTANT AND DIRECTOR GENERAL—Robert Rogers PERSONAL ASSISTANT—Charlotte Every DIRECTOR OF DEPARTMENTAL SERVICES—Nick Walker Journal Office— CLERK OF THE JOURNALS—Liam Laurence Smyth Lynn Gardner, PhD, Mark Etherton, Eve Samson, Elizabeth Hunt, Rhiannon Hollis, Anne-Marie Griffiths (Clerk of Public Petitions) PROCEDURE COMMITTEE:CLERK—Lynn Gardner, PhD STANDARDS AND PRIVILEGES COMMITTEE:CLERK—Eve Samson SPEAKER’S COMMITTEE FOR IPSA: CLERK—Elizabeth Hunt SPEAKER’S COMMITTEE ON THE ELECTORAL COMMISSION:CLERK—Elizabeth Hunt Overseas Office— PRINCIPAL CLERK—Mark Hutton DELEGATION SECRETARIES—Nick Wright, Jyoti Chandola INWARD VISITS MANAGER—Susan Pamphlett Table Office— PRINCIPAL CLERK—Andrew Kennon Colin Lee, Rob Cope, Martyn Atkins, Sue Griffiths, Tracey Jessup, Gordon Clarke, Karen Saunders, Lynn Lewis (Editorial Supervisor of the Vote) BACKBENCH BUSINESS:CLERKS—Andrew Kennon, Sue Griffiths Vote Office and Parliamentary Bookshop— DELIVERER OF THE VOTE—Catherine Fogarty DEPUTY DELIVERER OF THE VOTE—Owen Sweeney (Parliamentary),Tom McVeagh (Production) PARLIAMENTARY BOOKSHOP MANAGER—Sheila Mitchell

COMMITTEE DIRECTORATE Committee Office— CLERK OF COMMITTEES—Jacqy Sharpe CLERK OF DOMESTIC COMMITTEES—Dorian Gerhold PRINCIPAL CLERKS OF SELECT COMMITTEES—Philippa Helme, Paul Evans, Crispin Poyser BUSINESS MANAGER—Kevin Candy OPERATIONS MANAGER—Katie Phelan Departmental Select Committees— BUSINESS,INNOVATION AND SKILLS:CLERKS—James Davies, Charlotte Pochin COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT:CLERKS—Huw Yardley, Judith Boyce CULTURE,MEDIA AND SPORT:CLERKS—Emily Commander, Andrew Griffiths DEFENCE:CLERKS—Alda Barry, Georgina Holmes-Skelton EDUCATION:CLERKS—Kenneth Fox, Elisabeth Bates ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE:CLERKS—Nerys Welfoot, Richard Benwell ENVIRONMENT,FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS:CLERKS—Richard Cooke, Lucy Johnson FOREIGN AFFAIRS:CLERKS—Robin James, PhD, Eliot Barrass HEALTH:CLERKS—David Lloyd, Sara Howe HOME AFFAIRS:CLERKS—Elizabeth Flood, Joanna Dodd HOUSE OF COMMONS—cont. vii

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT:CLERKS—David Harrison, Mick Hillyard JUSTICE:CLERKS—Tom Goldsmith, Emma Graham NORTHERN IRELAND AFFAIRS:CLERK—Mike Clark POLITICAL AND CONSTITUTIONAL REFORM:CLERKS—Steven Mark, Lydia Menzies SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY:CLERKS—Glenn McKee, Stephen McGinness SCOTTISH AFFAIRS:CLERK—Rebecca Davies, PhD TRANSPORT:CLERKS—Mark Egan, PhD, Marek Kubala TREASURY:CLERKS—Chris Stanton, David Slater WELSH AFFAIRS:CLERK—Adrian Jenner WORK AND PENSIONS:CLERKS—Carol Oxborough, Andrew Hudson Domestic Committees— ADMINISTRATION:CLERK—David Weir FINANCE AND SERVICES:CLERK—Dorian Gerhold Other Committees— ARMS EXPORT CONTROLS (COMMITTEES ON): CLERK—Mick Hillyard ENVIRONMENTAL AUDIT:CLERKS—Simon Fiander, Edward White LIAISON:CLERKS— Jacqy Sharpe, Philippa Helme PUBLIC ACCOUNTS:CLERK—Phillip Aylett PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION:CLERKS—Clive Porro, Ben Williams Scrutiny Unit— HEAD OF UNIT—Chris Shaw DEPUTY HEAD OF UNIT (FINANCE)—David Ash

LEGISLATION DIRECTORATE CLERK OF LEGISLATION—David Natzler CLERK OF BILLS,EXAMINER OF PETITIONS FOR PRIVATE BILLS AND TAXING OFFICER—Simon Patrick CLERK OF DELEGATED LEGISLATION—John Benger PUBLIC BILL OFFICE—Sarah Davies, James Rhys, Kate Emms, Sarah Thatcher, Alison Groves, Mark Oxborough PRIVATE BILL OFFICE—Annette Toft Committees— PANEL OF CHAIRS:SECRETARY—Simon Patrick COURT OF REFEREES:CLERK—Simon Patrick SELECTION:CLERK—Annette Toft STANDING ORDERS,UNOPPOSED BILLS:CLERK—Eliot Wilson EUROPEAN SCRUTINY COMMITTEE:CLERK—Alistair Doherty CLERK ADVISERS— Peter Harborne, David Griffiths, Leigh Gibson, Terry Byrne JOINT COMMITTEE ON HUMAN RIGHTS:COMMONS CLERK—Mike Hennessy REGULATORY REFORM:CLERK—John Whatley JOINT COMMITTEE ON STATUTORY INSTRUMENTS:COMMONS CLERK—John Whatley NATIONAL PARLIAMENT REPRESENTATIVE,BRUSSELS—Edward Beale DEPUTY NATIONAL PARLIAMENT REPRESENTATIVE,BRUSSELS—Graham Ziegner

OFFICIAL REPORT DIRECTORATE EDITOR—Lorraine Sutherland DEPUTY EDITOR (HOUSE)—Vivian Widgery DEPUTY EDITOR (COMMITTEES)—Alex Newton DIRECTOR OF BROADCASTING—Tim Jeffes MANAGING EDITORS—Paul Hadlow, Clare Hanly, Deborah Jones, Ann Street, Jill Davies, Jon Prawer, Vivien Wilson, Jack Homer, Ross Gunby, Adele Dodd (Acting) SUB-EDITORS—Eira Gregory, Kate Myers, Juliet Levy, Victoria Hart, Ken Gall, Tony Minichiello, Emma Kirby, Paul Kirby, Nick Beech, David Hampton, Jez Oates, Barry Geall, Jonathan Hoare, Portia Dadley, Elaine Harrison, Joanna Lipkowska, Richard Purnell (Acting), Bran Jones (Acting), Patricia Hill (Acting) SENIOR REPORTERS—Emily Morris, Mayah Weinberg, Jude Wheway, Felicity Reardon, Paul Underhill, Angus Andrews, Saul Minaee, Jim Barr, Cara Clark, Ian Oakhill, Steve Habberley, Will Holdaway, Paul Owen, Tom Martin, Keith Brown (Acting), Luanne Middleton (Acting) LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT OFFICER—Jon Prawer HEAD OF ADMINISTRATION—Stephen O’Riordan SENIOR HANSARD ADMINISTRATORS—John Brake, Brian Harrison HANSARD PRODUCTION MANAGER—Stuart Miller ANNUNCIATOR SUPERINTENDENT—Richard Quirk viii HOUSE OF COMMONS—cont.

SERJEANT AT ARMS DIRECTORATE SERJEANT AT ARMS—Jill Pay DEPUTY SERJEANT AT ARMS—Mike Naworynsky, OBE ASSISTANT SERJEANT AT ARMS—Tara Cullen (Acting) CLERK IN CHARGE—Laura Castillo ADMISSION ORDER OFFICE—Samantha Howlett PRINCIPAL DOORKEEPER—Robin Fell PASS OFFICE MANAGER—Hannah Evans MEMBERS’STAFF VERIFICATION OFFICE MANAGER—Guy Turner

LEGAL SERVICES OFFICE SPEAKER’S COUNSEL—Michael Carpenter COUNSEL—Peter Davis (Legislation), Paul Hardy (European Legislation) DEPUTY COUNSEL—Peter Brooksbank, Philip Davies, Daniel Greenberg PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT COUNSEL—Veronica Daly ASSISTANT COUNSEL—Helen Emes LEGAL ASSISTANT—Robert Cohen

DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATION SERVICES DIRECTOR GENERAL/LIBRARIAN—John Pullinger DIRECTOR OF SERVICE DELIVERY—Vacant

RESEARCH AND INFORMATION SERVICES FOR MEMBERS DIRECTORATE DIRECTOR OF RESEARCH SERVICES—Bryn Morgan DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION SERVICES FOR MEMBERS—Bob Twigger Business and Transport— HEAD OF SECTION—Tim Edmonds LIBRARY CLERKS—Louise , Vincent Keter, Antony Seely, Djuna Thurley Economic Policy and Statistics— HEAD OF SECTION—Adam Mellows-Facer LIBRARY CLERKS—Grahame Allen, Lorna Booth, Daniel Harari, Lucinda Maer, Christopher Rhodes, Gavin Thompson, Dominic Webb Home Affairs— HEAD OF SECTION—Pat Strickland LIBRARY CLERKS—Sally Almandras, Lorraine Conway, Grahame Danby, Catherine Fairbairn, Gabrielle Garton-Grimwood, Melanie Gower, Alexander Horne, Philip Ward, PhD, John Woodhouse International Affairs and Defence— HEAD OF SECTION—Vaughne Miller LIBRARY CLERKS—Jon Lunn, DPhil, Ben Smith, Claire Taylor, Arabella Thorp SENIOR LIBRARY EXECUTIVES—Emma Clark, Julia Keddie Parliament and Constitution Centre— HEAD OF SECTION—Oonagh Gay LIBRARY CLERKS—Paul Bowers, Richard Kelly, Keith Parry, Chris Sear, Isobel White Reference Services— HEAD OF SECTION—Dora Clark LIBRARY CLERKS—Katharine Gray, Mark Sandford SENIOR EXECUTIVE OFFICERS—Amina Gual, John Prince, Catrin Owens DEPOSITED PAPERS &RESOURCE MANAGER—Greg Howard Science and Environment— HEAD OF SECTION—Christopher Barclay LIBRARY CLERKS—Elena Ares, Oliver Bennett, Gavin Colthart, Emma Downing, Donna Gore, PhD, Louise Smith Social and General Statistics— HEAD OF SECTION—Richard Cracknell LIBRARY CLERKS—Gavin Berman, Paul Bolton, Rachael Harker, Oliver Hawkins, Matthew Keep, Feargal McGuinness, Rod McInnes, Tom Rutherford Social Policy— HEAD OF SECTION—Christine Gillie LIBRARY CLERKS—Manjit Gheera, Susan Hubble, Tim Jarrett, Steven Kennedy, Robert Long, Tom Powell, Nerys Roberts, Wendy Wilson HOUSE OF COMMONS—cont. ix

PUBLIC INFORMATION DIRECTORATE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC INFORMATION—Aileen Walker House of Commons Information Office— HEAD OF OFFICE—Fiona Green/Catriona Marchant Education Service— HEAD OF EDUCATION &PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT—Tom O’Leary EDUCATION SERVICE MANAGER—Emma-Jane Watchorn Parliamentary Outreach — HEAD OF OUTREACH —Clare Cowan Visitor Services— HEAD OF VISITOR SERVICES—Vacant

INFORMATION MANAGEMENT DIRECTORATE DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION MANAGEMENT—Steve Wise Indexing and Data Management— HEAD OF SECTION—Gini Griffin/Catherine Meredith Library Resources— HEAD OF SECTION—Katharine Marke Knowledge and Information Management Team— HEAD OF SECTION—Katharine Schopflin CURATOR OF WORKS OF ART—Malcolm Hay

DEPARTMENTAL SERVICES DIRECTORATE DIRECTOR OF DEPARTMENTAL SERVICES—Edward Wood Business Management— DEPARTMENTAL BUSINESS MANAGER—Ed Potton Office Services— OFFICE SERVICES MANAGER—Gabrielle Hughes Web and Intranet Service— HEAD OF ONLINE SERVICES—Tracy Green Media & Communications Service— MEDIA AND COMMUNICATIONS ADVISER—Liz Parratt Parliamentary Office of Science & Technology (POST) — DIRECTOR—Professor David Cope Spire Programme— SPIRE PROGRAMME DIRECTOR—Helen Wood

DEPARTMENT OF HR & CHANGE Director General’s Office— DIRECTOR GENERAL OF HR&CHANGE—Andrew Walker ASSISTANT TO DIRECTOR GENERAL—Anne Foster DIVERSITY MANAGER—Ann Moghaddami PERSONAL ASSISTANT—Yvonne Carson Members’ Advisory Service and Members’ Personnel Advice Service (PAS)— SENIOR HR MANAGER—Dapo Coker

CAPABILITY DIRECTORATE DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS AND CAPABILITY — Janet Rissen DEPARTMENTAL BUSINESS &FINANCE MANAGER—Andy Vallins HEAD OF LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT—Patricia Macaulay-Fraser Information Rights and Information Security Services (IRIS)— HEAD OF IRIS—Bob Castle

CHANGE DIRECTORATE ACTING DIRECTOR — Selven Naicker x HOUSE OF COMMONS—cont.

HUMAN RESOURCE SERVICES DIRECTORATE DIRECTOR —Heather Bryson HEAD OF PAY,POLICY AND EMPLOYEE RELATIONS—Reg Perry SENIOR HR MANAGER—James Bigwood ORGANISATIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND STAFF REVIEW—Susan Craig HEADS OF HUMAN RESOURCES &DEVELOPMENT—Paul Mann, Marie Richardson, Judith Welham Safety, Health and Wellbeing— HEAD OF SAFETY,HEALTH AND WELLBEING—Marianne McDougall CONSULTANT OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH PHYSICIAN—Dr Ira Madan MEDICAL ADVISER — Dr Mary Sherry HEALTH AND SAFETY MANAGER—Elizabeth Cameron OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND WELFARE MANAGER—Anne Mossop WELFARE OFFICER – Tanya Harris GROUP SAFETY CO-ORDINATOR—Paul Weeks PRACTICE NURSES—Karen St Cyr, Lucy Walsh, Maggie Mainland Trade Union Side— TRADE UNION SIDE ADMINISTRATORS—Sandra Deakins, Denise Eltringham

DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE DIRECTOR—Myfanwy Barrett PERSONAL ASSISTANT—Yvonne Carson Payroll Services— HEAD OF PAYROLL SERVICES—Debbie McGuire/Siobhan Chalmers Pensions Unit— HEAD OF PENSIONS— Jimmy Walker

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT DIRECTORATE DIRECTOR OF FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT—Christopher Ridley HEAD OF FINANCIAL PLANNING—Anthony Hindley FINANCIAL CONTROLLER—Julia Routledge CORPORATE ACCOUNTANT—Debra Shirtcliffe SYSTEMS ACCOUNTANT—Colin Lewis

COMMERCIAL SERVICES DIRECTORATE ACTING DIRECTOR OF COMMERCIAL SERVICES—Veronica Daly DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF COMMERCIAL SERVICES—Kevin Treeby PROCUREMENT MANAGERS—Sue Parr, Sheila Brightwell

SAVINGS DIRECTORATE DIRECTOR OF SAVINGS—ELIZABETH HONER HEAD OF SAVINGS REVIEWS—LEE BRIDGES

DEPARTMENT OF FACILITIES DIRECTOR GENERAL—John Borley, CB EXECUTIVE OFFICER—Martin Trott COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER—Jo Fletcher DIRECTOR OF FINANCE—Philip Collins DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS MANAGEMENT—John Greenaway

PARLIAMENTARY ESTATES DIRECTORATE PARLIAMENTARY DIRECTOR OF ESTATES—Mel Barlex DEPUTY DIRECTOR &HEAD OF PROJECTS—Christine Sillis HEAD OF DIRECTOR’S OFFICE—Keith Neary DEPUTY HEAD OF DIRECTOR’S OFFICE &BUSINESS MANAGER—Deborah Taylor HEAD OF MAINTENANCE OPERATIONS—Lester Benjamin HEAD OF PROGRAMME &PLANNING MANAGEMENT—Steve Beck HEAD OF FIRE,SAFETY &ENVIRONMENT—Martin Wittekind (Acting) FIRE SAFETY MANAGER—David Kaye PRINCIPAL,INTERIOR DESIGN AND FURNISHING—Mary-Jane Tsang (Acting) PRINCIPAL ARCHITECT (CONSERVATION AND DESIGN)—Adam Watrobski HOUSE OF COMMONS—cont. xi

PRINCIPAL ESTATES MANAGER—Helen Arkell PRINCIPAL ENGINEER—Keith Gregory PRINCIPAL SURVEYOR—Jon Prew ASSET MANAGER—Andrew Geehan ESTATES ARCHIVIST AND HISTORIAN—Mark Collins, PhD CATERING AND SERVICES DIRECTOR OF CATERING AND RETAIL SERVICES—Sue Harrison EXECUTIVE CHEF—Mark Hill OPERATIONS MANAGER—Robert Gibbs CATERING MANAGER,TERRACE COMPLEX—Denise Durkin BANQUETING &EVENTS MANAGER—Martin Westcott-Wreford BANQUETING &EVENTS OFFICE MANAGER—Jason Bonello FOOD &BEVERAGE MANAGER—Andrew Buckmaster CATERING MANAGER,1PARLIAMENT STREET &PRESS COMPLEX—James Ellis CATERING MANAGER,7MILLBANK—Nelly Chalil RETAIL MANAGER—Eric Darengosse PURCHASING &STORES MANAGER—Antony Avella ACCOMMODATION AND LOGISTICS SERVICES DIRECTOR OF ACCOMMODATION AND LOGISTICS SERVICES—James Robertson PARLIAMENTARY LOGISTICS MANAGER—Gavin Price MEMBERS ACCOMMODATION MANAGER—Fiona Channon ACCOMMODATION MANAGER—Emma Wharton HEAD OFFICE KEEPER—Brendon Mulvihill SENIOR OFFICE KEEPERS—Doreen Irving, Noel Kirby, Les Stockwell CLEANING MANAGER—Carol Hill POSTMASTER—Mark Morrish PARLIAMENTARY ICT SERVICE (PICT) DIRECTOR OF PICT—Joan Miller DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS AND MEMBER SERVICES—Matthew Taylor DIRECTOR OF RESOURCES—Fergus Reid DIRECTOR OF TECHNOLOGY—Innis Montgomery/Steve O’Connor DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMMES AND DEVELOPMENT— Richard Ware MEMBERS’COMPUTING OFFICER (COMMONS)—Peter Beasley MEMBERS’COMPUTING OFFICER (LORDS)—Loraine Midda TELECOMMUNICATIONS MANAGER—Caroline Robertson OTHER PRINCIPAL OFFICERS CLERK OF THE CROWN IN CHANCERY—Sir Suma Chakrabarti, KCB COMPTROLLER AND AUDITOR GENERAL—Amyas Morse PARLIAMENTARY AND HEALTH SERVICE OMBUDSMAN—Ann Abraham

7 June 2011

THE PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES OFFICIAL REPORT

IN THE SECOND SESSION OF THE FIFTY-FIFTH PARLIAMENT OF THE OF GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND [WHICH OPENED 18 MAY 2010]

SIXTIETH YEAR OF THE REIGN OF HER MAJESTY QUEEN ELIZABETH II

SIXTH SERIES VOLUME 529 TWENTIETH VOLUME OF SESSION 2010-2012

What increases will the NHS receive in my local area of House of Commons north Yorkshire in 2011-12, and can my right hon. Friend confirm that those increases are the result of the Tuesday 7 June 2011 Government’s decision to protect the NHS? Mr Lansley: In 2011-12, NorthYorkshire and York The House met at half-past Two o’clock primary care trust will receive £1,207.3 million. That represents a cash increase over last year of £34.7 million, or 3%. That exactly represents our coalition Government’s PRAYERS commitment to protect the NHS and to increase its budget in real terms, and it is in stark contrast to what we were [MR SPEAKER in the Chair] told we should do by the Labour party and what the Labour Government in Wales have done, which is to impose a 5% real cut in NHS spending in Wales.

Oral Answers to Questions (South Shields) (Lab): Can the Secretary of State confirm my figures that over £20 million has been spent in the north-east of England sacking PCT staff, that that money has come from funds previously HEALTH earmarked for hospitals, and that there will be at least as many commissioning groups under his arrangements The Secretary of State was asked— as there are currently PCTs employing managers in those roles? Does not that show that his plans are lunacy not reform, and that they should be taken away NHS Financial Performance and put in the dustbin, not given a simple pause?

2. Nigel Adams (Selby and Ainsty) (Con): What Mr Lansley: I can tell the right hon. Gentleman that assessment he has made of the financial performance of in contrast to the last Labour Government it is our the NHS in 2010-11; and if he will make a statement. intention to increase the front-line staffing of the NHS [57812] relative to the staffing of the administration in the NHS. That is why, since the general election, there are The Secretary of State for Health (Mr Andrew Lansley): 3,800 fewer managers in the NHS and 2,500 more Financial performance in the NHS in the last year has doctors. been strong. As at quarter three of financial year 2010-11, the strategic health authorities and primary care trusts Mr Stephen Dorrell (Charnwood) (Con): Can my were forecasting an overall surplus of £1,269 million, right hon. Friend confirm that it is a key priority of the and the NHS trust sector was forecasting an overall Government to reverse a decade of declining productivity surplus of £132 million. I expect the 2010-11 final in the health service in order to ensure that the resources year-end surplus to be no less than this forecast, representing that are committed by the Government deliver improved about 1% of the budget, broadly in line with plans. access and improved quality of patient care?

Nigel Adams: I am grateful to the Secretary of State Mr Lansley: Yes, I can. My right hon. Friend is for his response. My constituents will be pleased that absolutely right about that. Over the last year in hospitals the NHS performed on a sound financial basis nationally. in particular we saw what was approaching a 15% reduction 3 Oral Answers7 JUNE 2011 Oral Answers 4 in productivity. That is why we are proceeding with been a great deal of change since the election.” What ensuring that across the NHS we recognise not only has changed since the election is that we are improving that there are increasing demands on the NHS, which is performance, driving down the number of breaches of why we are increasing the NHS budget by £ll.5 billion the single-sex rules, increasing access to dentistry, cutting over four years, but that that money must be used the number of managers and increasing the number of increasingly effectively to deliver efficiency savings in doctors. Those are the things we are doing in the NHS, excess of 4% each year so that we can improve the and it is to the benefit of patients that we do. quality of services for patients. Integrated Cancer Services (Wentworth and Dearne) (Lab): The Secretary of State spoke in glowing terms of the last 3. Mr John Baron (Basildon and Billericay) (Con): year, but the last year has been a catalogue of confusion, What steps he is taking to enable GP consortia to incompetence and broken promises. So will he now commission integrated cancer services. [57813] accept that the Government’s massive mishandled NHS reorganisation is piling extra pressure on NHS services, The Minister of State, Department of Health (Paul with nearly £2 billion promised for patient care being Burstow): “Improving Outcomes: A Strategy for Cancer” wasted on the internal changes? Will he admit that it is set out our plans to support GP consortia to commission patients who will suffer as front-line NHS staff lose high-quality cancer services that deliver improved their jobs, treatments are cut back and waiting times outcomes. The strategy confirmed the importance of start to rise again under the Tories? cancer networks and we have recently confirmed that Mr Lansley: The right hon. Gentleman asked about the NHS commissioning board will continue to support performance last year. I told him what the financial strengthened cancer networks. performance was. Let me also make it clear that, for example, for hospital in-patients, referral to treatment Mr Baron: I thank the Minister and the Secretary of waiting time has gone down from 8.4 weeks in May 2010 State for extending the guaranteed funding for cancer to 7.9 weeks in the latest figures in March, and for networks to 2013 and their commitment to support out-patients the figure has gone down from 4.3 weeks in them thereafter, because the cancer networks’ expertise May 2010 to 3.7 weeks in the latest figures, so waiting will be much valued by consortia. How will the times have improved. We have established the cancer authorisation process for GP consortia ensure effective drugs fund, with more than 2,500 patients benefiting commissioning of those cancer services that span consortia from that. We have published and driven down the boundaries, such as radiotherapy? number of breaches of the single sex accommodation rules: a 77% reduction in those breaches, which Labour Paul Burstow: What we are doing at the moment with never achieved. In the last year we have reduced the the pause is making sure that we revise the proposals in number of MRSA infections in hospitals by 22% and C. ways that ensure that we deliver the outcomes set out difficile infections by 15%. I applaud the NHS— in the White Paper last year. One of the things we said in the White Paper, and which the Bill currently provides Mr Speaker: Order. I think we have got the thrust of for, is that GP commissioning consortia can collaborate it and are most grateful. where they need to commission for larger populations.

John Healey: The Secretary of State mentioned a lot Ms (Hackney North and Stoke Newington) of things, but I notice that he did not mention the Prime (Lab): On GP commissioning consortia, one of the Minister’s five new guarantees. [Interruption.] The Secretary concerns that the Minister will have heard during his of State shakes his head as if they do not matter, but pause is the public’s concern about the possible role of perhaps he was not consulted on them. People have the private sector in GP commissioning. Although we seen the Prime Minister make and then break promises all agree that the private sector has always had, and will on the NHS before, but this time he is breaking his always have, a role in the NHS, does the Southern Cross pledges as he is making them. The King’s Fund says Healthcare disaster not show the dangers of leaving that waiting times are going up and the Nuffield Trust health and social care to the short-term decisions of says that health funding is being cut in real terms. private equity bosses? Privatisation, the break-up of integrated care and the removal of national standards at the heart of the health Paul Burstow rose— service are exactly what his health Bill is designed to do. Is that not why MORI shows public concern about the Mr Speaker: Order. The Minister will want to focus NHS rising rapidly and why people are right to conclude on GP commissioning of integrated cancer services. that they cannot trust the Tories on the NHS? Paul Burstow: I am grateful for that advice, Mr Speaker. Mr Lansley: My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister The hon. Lady’s remark was one that she might have has made it very clear that we will not let waiting times made from the Back Benches when the Labour party rise and that we will improve performance in the NHS was in power, but which it never listened to when in right across the board, which was what I was illustrating. government. On GP commissioning consortia, we believe I remind the right hon. Gentleman again that waiting that it is important that consortia have access to the times in hospitals are down from 8.4 weeks to 7.9 weeks right expertise to be able to commission effectively both for in-patients and from 4.3 weeks to 3.7 weeks for clinicians from other parts of the health economy and out-patients. That is what we are committed to. Chris other expertise from the voluntary sector. That should Ham of the Kings Fund was on the “Today” programme be possible and we think that it is how we can improve this morning and said on waiting times, “There hasn’t commissioning in the NHS. 5 Oral Answers7 JUNE 2011 Oral Answers 6

David Tredinnick (Bosworth) (Con): Will commissioners Nick Smith: Uncertainty about Southern Cross is be able to approach specialist integrated cancer services, troubling for the 74 residents of the two homes in such as the Penny Brohn cancer clinic in Bristol, and Blaenau Gwent, and I commend my local authority on will that clinic and others be represented on health and contacting their relatives to explain that it is monitoring wellbeing boards in future? the situation. If Southern Cross cuts its running costs, what measures will the Government put in place to Paul Burstow: The membership of health and wellbeing ensure that the standards of care are closely monitored? boards will be a matter for the local authorities that will Will the Government investigate the financial management set them up. The Bill provides de minimis provisions of the company, described by my constituent Mr Hooper, for involving local councillors, representatives from whose mam is a Southern Cross resident, as commissioning consortia, public health directors, social “greedy chancers who gamble with crazy business plans”? services and children’s services, but I am sure that many of the pilots that are currently going on across the Paul Burstow: The Government continue to maintain country are looking at innovative ways of involving very close contact with the devolved Administrations others as well. on those issues to ensure that we co-ordinate in that way, and the hon. Gentleman is right that we need to Southern Cross Healthcare make sure that the standards of care provided in all those homes are maintained. That is a role that the CQC has been discharging and will continue to discharge. 4. Alex Cunningham (Stockton North) (Lab): What steps he is considering in relation to Southern Cross Healthcare; and if he will make a statement. [57815] Sheila Gilmore: Housing associations have regulatory control over financial management and viability in order 5. Nick Smith (Blaenau Gwent) (Lab): What steps he to protect tenants’ homes. Will the Minister consider is considering in relation to Southern Cross Healthcare; putting in place a similar regime to protect the homes of care home residents? and if he will make a statement. [57816]

8. Sheila Gilmore (Edinburgh East) (Lab): What steps Paul Burstow: Within the current legal framework he is considering in relation to Southern Cross Healthcare; established in the Health and Social Care Act 2008, there are requirements on financial viability, but we will and if he will make a statement. [57819] undoubtedly want to look at those issues when we come to publish a White Paper on social care reform later this The Minister of State, Department of Health (Paul year. Burstow): Southern Cross has plans in place to restructure its business and is keeping the Government updated on progress. We will continue to keep in close touch with John Pugh (Southport) (LD): Does the Minister agree the situation and work with local authorities, the Care that to avoid similar issues we need to build consensus Quality Commission and others to ensure that there is throughout the House on the future of social care—and an effective response which delivers to everyone the its financial governance? protection that we should want for all in those residential homes. Paul Burstow: I could simply say yes to my hon. Friend, but I agree entirely, and that is why last year we Alex Cunningham: I am grateful for that answer, but acted quickly to establish an independent commission, Southern Cross will not win any medals for managing led by Andrew Dilnot, to undertake a review of how we its self-made crisis or for the anxiety caused to thousands fund social care. His report will be coming forward of residents and their families, including 200 in five shortly, and I would certainly welcome all necessary homes in my constituency. If organisations such as discussions to ensure that we deliver effective reform. Southern Cross fail to get the investment that they need and end up going bust, will the Government guarantee Margot James (Stourbridge) (Con): We have six homes those older people that decisive Government action will in Dudley borough managed and owned by Southern be taken to safeguard them in the places that they now Cross, and I am pleased to hear the Minister’s assurance call home? that he will work with local authorities to ensure that no resident is left in need. Questions must be asked, however, Paul Burstow: Let me make it absolutely clear to the about the conduct of the former directors of Southern hon. Gentleman and to hon. Members on both sides of Cross, and about how they acted in terms of the duty of the House who have legitimate concerns about the care to their company and to residents. Will my hon. welfare of residents in those homes: that is the Government’s Friend consider investigating the conduct of those former paramount concern, and we will ensure that every step directors should the company’s situation worsen? necessary is taken to safeguard those interests. The responsibility for providing care rests with local authorities, Paul Burstow: Those matters would more appropriately and that is why we as a Government have been working be dealt with by colleagues in the Department for so closely with the Local Government Association and Business, Innovation and Skills, but those points are the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services to fairly made by my hon. Friend. As a Government, we ensure that such arrangements are in place in the event continue to maintain close dialogue with the company, of any need. The key thing at the moment, however, is the landlords and all other interested parties to make to ensure that the company continues to restructure and clear to them their responsibilities to secure the ongoing continues to be in business. care of the individuals in those homes. 7 Oral Answers7 JUNE 2011 Oral Answers 8

Mr David Ward (Bradford East) (LD): I welcome the Now that this has come to light, will the Government Minister’s response to the issue, which I acknowledge is look urgently at whether regulation should be extended the responsibility of local authorities, but they face to ensure the financial stability of organisations that we many other difficulties, not only with nursing care but entrust with the care of our most vulnerable? with residential care and the increased demand for it. What effective support will there be, other than additional Paul Burstow: That question has already been asked, words of support? and I have already indicated the approach that we intend to take with regard to the White Paper. I also Paul Burstow: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for point out that the establishment of the business model that question. Over many months, we have been in that Southern Cross operates of separating out provision discussions with colleagues at the Local Government from the ownership of the homes took place not under Association, and the Association of Directors of Adult this Government’s watch but under her Government’s Social Services recently produced new guidance on watch. maintaining continuity and quality of care for individuals in homes that may be in difficulties. That is the appropriate Patient Outcomes way for us to proceed. We continue to work with them to ensure that all the necessary arrangements are in place. However, I remain focused, as all Members in this 6. Chris Heaton-Harris (Daventry) (Con): What House should be, on ensuring that the company has the assessment he has made of trends in outcomes for best possible opportunity to get itself on a stable footing NHS patients since May 2010. [57817] so that it can continue to provide the care that people want. The Secretary of State for Health (Mr Andrew Lansley): I am determined to focus on the results that matter Ian Paisley (North Antrim) (DUP): The Minister will most to patients. For example, in the year ending March be aware that 25 care homes in Northern Ireland operate 2011, the number of MRSA bloodstream infections under the Southern Cross banner. What is he going to decreased by 22% and C. difficile infections decreased do to ensure that there is a consistent approach across by 15% on the year before. These are key outcomes in the entirety of the United Kingdom? Will he have the drive to protect patients from avoidable harm. We discussions with the Health Minister in Northern Ireland also want to see continuous improvements in patients’ and other concerned parties to ensure that patients and experience of their care. For example, between December residents in those homes are treated equitably and fairly? last year and April this year, we took action on breaches of the single sex accommodation rules, and the number Paul Burstow: The hon. Gentleman makes a fair of breaches reduced by 77%. The NHS outcomes point that relates to the earlier question where I indicated framework will drive up quality across services as well that we are in constant contact with the devolved as providing evidence of the overall progress of the Administrations and will continue to have that dialogue—if NHS. necessary, at ministerial level. Chris Heaton-Harris: I thank the Secretary of State (Islington South and Finsbury) for his answer. He has rightly identified patient experience (Lab): Although we welcome the Government’s statement as a key outcome that has improved over the past year. today that whatever the outcome of the restructuring of Given that tens of millions of patients every year experience Southern Cross, they will not allow anyone to find accident and emergency as their first point of contact themselves homeless, may I cast the Minister’s mind with the NHS, what steps has he taken to improve the back to a week ago? Where was he? Why was he not quality of care that patients receive in A and E wards? visiting Southern Cross homes and speaking to residents, families and carers, as I was? Does he not now regret Mr Lansley: In the past, the only measure of activity hiding in his bunker and allowing No. 10 to attempt to and performance in A and E departments was whether answer the questions that were put to the Government patients had been discharged from the department within on behalf of these very vulnerable people? four hours. That meant, for example, that the emergency department at Stafford hospital was able to tick the box Paul Burstow: I was about to say that I was grateful to marked “Four-hour target met” in circumstances where the hon. Lady for the question, but clearly I am not. I patients were discharged completely inappropriately and have been following this as a Minister throughout, and I patients suffered and died. We have now published, for continue to follow it closely and to give the necessary the first time, quality indicators agreed with clinical instructions to officials to secure the future and the fate professionals across emergency services that indicate of the residents in these care homes. We have to be what A and E quality should look like regarding not cautious and careful about the language we use on this only time waited but the time before patients are seen by particular endeavour. That is what I am doing, and I a qualified professional, re-attendance rates for the would urge the hon. Lady to do the same. same problems, and mortality and related outcomes.

Emily Thornberry: The Minister can be assured that I Mr (Exeter) (Lab): The Secretary of am careful in the language that I use, and the words that State is using a highly selective reading of waiting times. I wish to use are these: does he agree that it is simply Will he confirm that breaches of the four hour target wrong that financiers and some of Southern Cross’s for A and E waits and the 18 week target for operations previous directors have creamed off millions of pounds have increased massively in the past year? If they have while putting at risk the care of 31,000 elderly people not, why did the Prime Minister today confirm his who seem to have been used merely as commodities? support for those Labour targets? 9 Oral Answers7 JUNE 2011 Oral Answers 10

Mr Lansley: The Prime Minister made it clear that we The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health will focus on outcomes for patients, not just on individual (Anne Milton): Since February 2011, we have received targets. In 2010-11, the financial year that has just about 60 representations on the future of NHS Blood ended, only 2.6% of people who attended at A and E and Transplant, including from MPs, Unison and the waited for more than four hours, despite an additional public. Representations continue to come in. I am happy 870,000 people attending A and E departments. to meet the hon. Lady if she would like. I should make it clear that the current review is not considering the sale Speech Therapy Services of any part of NHSBT.

7. Mr Gary Streeter (South West Devon) (Con): Annette Brooke: I wonder whether the Minister can What plans he has for access to NHS speech therapy give further assurances to address the great concern services for children. [57818] that voluntary donations of blood and organs might be The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health put at risk if it is perceived that profits are being made (Anne Milton): As my hon. Friend knows, speech and in any part of the operation. language therapy services are critical for children and young people who need help to develop their speech, Anne Milton: My hon. Friend is right. The altruistic language and communication skills, and who have donor system is one of the rocks on which the NHS is conditions such as swallowing difficulties. We have published built, and we will do nothing to jeopardise public confidence a Green Paper on special educational needs and disability, in it. I am alarmed at some of the scare stories that have which includes proposals to develop a new co-ordinated been circulating. They serve nobody any good, least of assessment for education, health and care plans by 2014 all those who need the necessary donations that are and for the option of a personal budget for all families made. with such plans. That will offer families more choice and ensure that children get the support that they need. Cancer Drugs Fund

Mr Streeter: Does my hon. Friend agree that when a 11. Andrew Stephenson (Pendle) (Con): What recent child needs to access speech therapy, often it is to representations he has received on the operation of the unlock vital early years education and is therefore time cancer drugs fund. [57822] critical? The west country has known waiting times of three, six or even nine months. Will she assure me that 16. Stephen Hammond (Wimbledon) (Con): What the coalition Government can do better than that? recent assessment he has made of the operation of the cancer drugs fund; and if he will make a statement. Anne Milton: We most certainly can do better than that. I agree with my hon. Friend that such problems [57827] are often a barrier, and that therapy can unlock so much more. I refer him to service redesigns that have The Secretary of State for Health (Mr Andrew Lansley): happened, such as at the Cambridgeshire Community I have received representations from hon. Members, Services NHS Trust, which redesigned its clinical pathways noble Lords and members of the public on how the with the result that the number of children waiting longer fund has operated. A number have welcomed the additional than 18 weeks from referral to treatment fell from support that we are giving to cancer patients in need. 409 in May 2010 to eight at the end of January 2011. More than 2,500 patients have already benefited from That is a fantastic improvement in the service. This is the additional funding provided up to the start of not all about money, but about the way in which services April 2011, and the further £600 million that we have are designed. committed for next three years will improve the lives of thousands more cancer sufferers. Mr Kevin Barron (Rother Valley) (Lab): The Minister will know that more than 60% of inmates in young Andrew Stephenson: Can my right hon. Friend confirm offender institutions have speech and communication that the cancer drugs fund is helping cancer specialists problems. Can we ensure that the Green Paper addresses tailor treatment regimes to patients in areas including this matter not just within the national health service, my constituency, and helping to provide a more personal but in education and wider, so that we can begin to and responsive cancer service? tackle this problem, which has lain dormant in this country for decades? Mr Lansley: Yes, I can reassure my hon. Friend on that point. Indeed, I cannot do better than to quote Anne Milton: The right hon. Gentleman is right that Mike Hobday, head of policy at Macmillan Cancer we are not talking just about children. A number of Support, who said: people have languished and failed to achieve their potential, “The £200 million Cancer Drugs Fund will make sure every particularly their educational potential, for the lack of cancer patient has a better chance to get the drugs their doctor speech and language therapies. I take this opportunity prescribes for them. This is particularly important for those with to commend the work of Jean Gross, the communication a rarer cancer, who have historically lost out on getting drugs on champion, in raising and highlighting these issues. the NHS.” NHS Blood and Transplant Stephen Hammond: I am sure the whole House will welcome my right hon. Friend’s announcement today 10. Annette Brooke (Mid Dorset and North Poole) that 2,500 people have already benefited from the interim (LD): What recent representations he has received on cancer drugs fund. Can he give the House some indication the future of NHS Blood and Transplant; and if he will of whether people with the more difficult types of make a statement. [57821] cancer will benefit from it? 11 Oral Answers7 JUNE 2011 Oral Answers 12

Mr Lansley: My hon. Friend will be aware that in the Pat Glass: The Minister will have to make some run-up to the election and since, the Rarer Cancers difficult decisions very soon about specialist children’s Forum has mentioned the number of applications to heart provision. In my part of the world, the choice will the exceptional cases panels of primary care trusts that be between the NHS trusts in Newcastle and . have been turned down, and pointed out how often Can he confirm that those decisions will be based on patients in this country have not got access to new clinical outcomes, not political expediency? cancer medicines that are regularly available to patients in other European countries. That was the basis on Mr Burns: I can give the hon. Lady a categorical which we estimated the level of demand for the cancer assurance that they will be based on clinical outcomes, drugs fund, and it has actually turned out to be a very not political considerations. I hope she will accept that good predictor of demand. Patients are now receiving it would be inappropriate for me to say anything further second-line or new medicines for a range of cancers, at this point in the proceedings, because we are in the including prostate and bowel cancer. People with common middle of a consultation process at arm’s length from cancers as well as rarer ones are getting access to new Ministers. medicines that are increasing their quality of life or life expectancy. Mr Stewart Jackson (Peterborough) (Con): Over the past 12 months, the Peterborough and Stamford Hospitals Liz Kendall (Leicester West) (Lab): Today the Prime Foundation Trust has spent thousands of pounds of Minister pledged to increase NHS funding, protect public money in connection with a vacant site—the universal coverage and keep waiting times low, but his former Peterborough district hospital site— and has yet promises are already being broken on cancer care. Three to take it to market, despite having a £38 million deficit quarters of the cancer drugs fund is not additional this year. Will my right hon. Friend ask Monitor to money, as the Secretary of State claims, but money ensure that trusts make use of, and dispose of, valuable taken from other patients, and half as many new cancer public assets in a timely way, in the best interests of drugs are available in some parts of the country as in both the taxpayer and the local health economy? others. Whatever he claims, can he now confirm that the number of patients waiting more than six weeks for Mr Burns: I hope that I can reassure my hon. Friend their diagnostic test, including for cancer, has doubled by giving him a straightforward yes in answer to that since this time last year? question.

Mr Lansley: The hon. Lady seems to have forgotten Paul Goggins (Wythenshawe and Sale East) (Lab): that we were very clear at the time of the election that Will the Minister look urgently at what is happening in we would establish the cancer drugs fund not least on Trafford? The Trafford Healthcare NHS Trust has decided the basis that under this Government, the NHS would not to seek foundation status and is looking to transfer not have to pay the additional employer’s national its acute services to another local provider. One difficulty insurance contributions that it otherwise would. The with that is the projected funding shortfall of £55 million. money available for the NHS is being used for the Will he take a close interest in that, and seek to resolve benefit of patients, and it represents additional resources. the current uncertainty? I might also remind the hon. Lady that before the election, her party was not committed to protecting the Mr Burns: I am grateful to the right hon. Gentleman NHS budget. The Leader of the Opposition was completely for that question. I am aware of that situation and of wrong today when he said that Labour was going to the problems at that hospital. My understanding is that protect NHS spending, as we did. That is not true. the strategic health authority is working hard with the Actually, it was committed to only 95% of NHS funding, trust to seek a solution. That work will continue until a which was that for the PCTs. It was going to cut the rest, viable solution is found. and centrally funded budgets such as the cancer drugs fund are precisely what would have disappeared. GP Pathfinder Consortia The hon. Lady asked about diagnostic tests. The figures show that a year ago, the average waiting time was 1.7 weeks, whereas the latest figure is 1.8 weeks. 13. Nick de Bois (Enfield North) (Con): What recent assessment he has made of progress by GP pathfinder Foundation Trusts consortia in delivering improvements in NHS services. [57824]

12. Pat Glass (North West Durham) (Lab): What The Secretary of State for Health (Mr Andrew Lansley): recent assessment he has made of the ability of all NHS We have taken time to pause, to listen and to reflect on hospital trusts to become foundation trusts by 2014. our reforms; none the less I am pleased to report that [57823] there remain 220 pathfinder consortia, covering nearly 90% of England. In my hon. Friend’s constituency, the The Minister of State, Department of Health (Mr Simon Enfield consortium group is established and is focusing Burns): The Department is currently in the process of on quality and productivity improvements to local health working with strategic health authorities to establish care services. I have been greatly encouraged by the timetables for every NHS trust to achieve foundation initiative that clinicians have taken to improve patient trust status by April 2014, and to agree the actions that services, and examples are available at the pathfinder are required to achieve that. That work is ongoing, and learning network, a forum through which we are supporting once plans are finalised, they will be published locally. their development. 13 Oral Answers7 JUNE 2011 Oral Answers 14

Nick de Bois: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of The Secretary of State for Health (Mr Andrew Lansley): State knows my view on the need to ensure that there is The Department is currently in the process of working a comprehensive network of commissioning consortia with NHS to establish timetables for each NHS across the whole country by April 2013. Does he share trust and agree the actions required to achieve foundation my view that that essential requirement will not only trust status by April 2014. This work is ongoing; once it improve patient choice but ensure that we can pass a is finalised, plans will be published locally. further £5 billion in savings back into front-line services? Gavin Barwell: In 2010-11 Croydon Health Services Mr Lansley: Yes, I think my hon. Friend is absolutely NHS Trust delivered an operating surplus of £4.5 million. right about that. What has been interesting in the listening May I commend its FT application to my right hon. exercise is the clear expression—on the part of front-line Friend in the hope that in future years, that money can clinicians, general practitioners, doctors, nurses and be reinvested in local health services in my borough? other health professionals—of a desire to take greater responsibility for commissioning. They are only too Mr Lansley: Yes, I understand and entirely sympathise aware of a decade of decline in productivity in the with my hon. Friend’s desire to see Croydon Health NHS, in which administration costs and staffing ballooned Services NHS Trust achieve foundation trust status. He while front-line staffing did not increase to anything will know that the trust was recently the subject of a like the same extent. They want to deliver better clinical responsive review visit by the Care Quality Commission, services for their patients, and to have the responsibility which revealed areas in which further assurance will be to do so. We are determined to give that to them. needed ahead of its foundation trust application going forward. He will appreciate, as I do, that in the past Breast Screening Programme foundation trust status did not depend sufficiently on the achievement of high-quality services, rather than merely viable services. We intend that in future, foundation 14. Mr Steve Brine (Winchester) (Con): Whether his trust status will depend on both. Department has considered the merits of introducing a supplemental ultrasound breast screening examination Mental Health Services as part of the NHS breast screening programme. [57825] 17. (Loughborough) (Con): What The Minister of State, Department of Health (Paul steps he is taking to improve mental health services. Burstow): The answer is no. Mammography is the only [57828] screening modality that has been proven to reduce mortality from breast cancer, and is supported and The Minister of State, Department of Health (Paul promoted by the World Health Organisation’s international Burstow): Mental health is a cross-government priority. agency for research on cancer. Ultrasound screening Earlier this year we published our mental health outcomes may be used within the breast screening programme as strategy document “No health without mental health”, part of the triple assessment process. to drive up standards in services and improve the nation’s mental health. But this cannot just be a problem for the Mr Brine: The Minister will be aware that forms of Government, which is why we are working in partnership cancer such as lobular breast cancer are far more difficult with the voluntary sector and the wider community. to detect with a mammogram than other types of breast cancer. Will he perhaps clarify exactly what guidance Nicky Morgan: I thank the Minister for his reply, and his Department issues to primary care trusts on the use I am pleased to hear about the emphasis on mental of ultrasound screening as part of the triple assessment health. During the recess, I met members of the Charnwood process? Sadly, in the case of my constituent Lindsay health forum, including Leicestershire’s public health Jackson, mammography failed to detect that form of lead for mental health matters. He is concerned that lobular breast cancer. there will be no place for him to advise or work with GP commissioning consortia. Can my hon. Friend reassure him that he will be able to advise GPs? Paul Burstow: I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for his question. The Department does not issue guidance, but the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence Paul Burstow: Yes, I believe that I can. Directors of does. Its guidance on improving outcomes in breast public health will be the local leaders for public health cancer states that mammography and ultrasound imaging in their communities. For example, local authorities and should be available in breast clinics as part of the triple GP commissioning consortia will be required to undertake assessment of women with suspected breast cancer. In joint strategic needs assessments and produce joint health addition, the guidance states that ultrasound is useful in and well-being strategies for their areas, through health and predicting tumour size and in planning surgery, and well-being boards. The directors of public health will be that it can complement mammography in differentiating directly engaged in that process and will therefore be malignant and benign disease. That guidance is the key able to influence the commissioning not only of health tool used in making such decisions. care services but of social care. They will be directly involved in the commissioning of public health locally.

Foundation Trusts Tony Lloyd (Manchester Central) (Lab): The Minister will be aware of the proposal to close the Edale unit in 15. Gavin Barwell (Croydon Central) (Con): What central Manchester and open a different facility in recent progress he has made in establishing foundation north Manchester. Can he give the House, and the trusts in London. [57826] country, a guarantee that if that were to take place, 15 Oral Answers7 JUNE 2011 Oral Answers 16 financial consideration would be given to the total NHS Kate Green (Stretford and Urmston) (Lab): I was economy and not simply to the mental health trusts, interested to hear the Minister’s earlier answer to my and that there would be clear benefits for mental health right hon. Friend the Member for Wythenshawe and patients? Sale East (Paul Goggins) about the situation in Trafford. Will he confirm that he will encourage a collaborative Paul Burstow: The key point that I take from the hon. approach, involving the strategic health authority, the Gentleman’s question is the importance of ensuring primary care trust, the existing foundation trust and the that there are clear benefits for those who rely on potential bidding foundation trust, to secure the best mental health services. Obviously, I cannot prejudge possible clinical and financial outcome for patients? any decisions that are being made locally, because they may well come to a Minister for a decision in the future. Mr Burns: Yes, I can tell the hon. Lady that it will be I will, however, undertake to consider further the point up to the SHA, the trust and officials at the Department— that the hon. Gentleman has raised, and if necessary to [Interruption.] The SHA is the strategic health authority write to him with more detail. in the north-west. It is for them to work together to produce a tripartite formal agreement—when agreed, it NHS (Competition and Co-operation) will be published for the local community to see—as the best way forward to seek solutions and to help trusts 18. Lilian Greenwood (Nottingham South) (Lab): achieve foundation trust status. It is in their interest and What assessment he has made of the potential role of the interest of patients to bring about improved, high-quality (a) competition and (b) co-operation and collaboration patient care. in the NHS. [57829] Mental Health Services The Minister of State, Department of Health (Mr Simon Burns): Co-operation and competition both have important 19. Henry Smith (Crawley) (Con): What steps he is roles to play in improving services for patients. We want taking to improve mental health services. [57830] to see better integration of services to improve quality and increase choice for patients. Following the listening The Minister of State, Department of Health (Paul exercise, we are awaiting the report on the best way Burstow): May I refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer forward. that I gave to the hon. Member for Loughborough (Nicky Morgan)? Lilian Greenwood: The Deputy Prime Minister says that he wants Monitor to promote co-operation and Henry Smith: I am grateful for the Minister’s answer collaboration, while the Secretary of State says that to that earlier question. Will he explain more fully competition can lead to a far greater degree of integration. exactly how services for those with eating disorders can It is good that the Deputy Prime Minister has finally be enhanced, particularly in the Sussex Partnership caught up with the views of the public and health NHS Foundation Trust area? professionals—but which of those fundamentally contradictory views will end up in the Bill? Paul Burstow: Yes, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence will update its guidance on Mr Burns: First, we all want co-operation and eating disorders later this year. The plans already set competition based on quality. We have had a listening out in the Health and Social Care Bill mean that eating event, and we are awaiting the recommendations of the disorders will be subject to specialised commissioning forum set up under Professor Steve Field. Until we see in future by the NHS Commissioning Board. We believe that report, we cannot comment. I can tell the hon. that, because of the consolidated expertise in matching Lady, however, that we do not want the kind of system needs, this will help to drive up standards and enhance of competition in the health service that leads to an quality and consistency across the country. In the hon. independent sector treatment centre in Nottingham Gentleman’s own patch, the assessment service run by being paid 18% more than the NHS for the services Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust is certainly provided, and getting £5.6 million for not doing a single an impressive one. operation. Topical Questions Dr Daniel Poulter (Central Suffolk and North Ipswich) (Con): Does my right hon. Friend agree that a key focus T1. [57836] Karl McCartney (Lincoln) (Con): If he will for improving collaboration in the NHS must be to make a statement on his departmental responsibilities. break down the silo working that occurs between adult social services and the NHS? That will be particularly The Secretary of State for Health (Mr Andrew Lansley): pertinent in improving elderly care services and mental My responsibility is to lead the NHS in delivering health care services, and in providing a community improved health outcomes in England, to lead a public focus for that care. health service that improves the health of the nation and reduces health inequalities, and to lead the reform Mr Burns: Yes—and it is always refreshing to get a of adult social care, which supports and protects vulnerable question from someone who has had experience of people. working in the NHS and actually knows what he is talking about. My hon. Friend is absolutely right; greater Karl McCartney: I thank the Secretary of State for integration of services is crucial if we are to break down that answer. Will my right hon. Friend reassure me, and the barriers and get improved, high-quality care for all my Lincoln constituents, that whatever the outcome of patients. the Government’s consultation, our NHS still requires 17 Oral Answers7 JUNE 2011 Oral Answers 18 some measure of reform—and that if a provider is events at Winterbourne View and the financial qualified to deliver NHS standards at NHS costs, and if problems at Southern Cross have caused huge anxiety. patients, with the support of their doctor, want to be The Minister is now proposing to make local authority treated there, this Government should do nothing to safeguarding boards mandatory, at a time of huge cuts stand in their way, regardless of any political posturing in social care budgets. What extra resources will he by our flip-flopping coalition partners? [HON.MEMBERS: make available to ensure that the system works and “ Ooh!”] And further to— protects the most vulnerable people in our country?

Mr Speaker: Order. I apologise for having to interrupt The Minister of State, Department of Health (Paul the hon. Gentleman, but topical questions must not be Burstow): I think that Members throughout the House statements or essays; they must be very brief questions. share the right hon. Lady’s concern about the events I think we have got the thrust of his question, and we that were revealed in more detail last week. We will deal are grateful to him. with an urgent question on one of the other matters later this afternoon. She also asked about funding for Mr Lansley: Through the listening exercise and social care. In last year’s spending review we not only in response to the report of the NHS Future Forum, secured additional resources enabling us to put safeguarding which we hope to see shortly, we hope to be able further boards on a statutory basis, but ensured that by 2014 an to strengthen the principles of the Bill and its additional £2 billion would go into social services. Much implementation of the White Paper, so that patients can of that will come via the NHS to ensure much closer share in decisions about their care and access the services working between health and social care services, which that give them the best quality. That includes, in many is an essential prerequisite for the delivery of better instances, patients having access to a choice of providers outcomes for people with dementia. as well. T4. [57839] Harriett Baldwin (WestWorcestershire) (Con): T5. [57840] Jonathan Reynolds (Stalybridge and Hyde) One of my constituents, a vulnerable young adult with (Lab/Co-op): Doctors, nurses and PCT staff in my area complex needs, was recently sectioned under the Mental tell me that the Government’s pausing of the health Health Act 1983, taken from the family home, and reforms has had no impact whatever on the ground, placed in Winterbourne View. The mother was very and that implementation of the Health and Social Care concerned about her child’s care there, and contacted Bill is proceeding just as it was before. Does the me. However, I was told by adult social services that I Secretary of State believe that that is wrong—and if could not know the details of the case because of data not, does it not mean that this whole consultation protection. When reviewing the regulations involving period is an absolute farce? vulnerable adults, will the Minister ensure that questions from Members of Parliament about such cases can be Mr Lansley: No, not at all. We were very clear—indeed, answered, so that they can stand up for even their most I was clear to the House on 4 April when I announced vulnerable constituents without their express written the pause to listen, to reflect on and improve the Bill—that permission? it was specifically related to achieving in the legislation the necessary support for the many changes happening Paul Burstow: I am grateful to the hon. Lady for across the NHS. It cannot be right, however, that people highlighting that issue. I think that Members in all parts across the NHS who are engaging in delivering improved of the House experience the same frustration from time care, redesigning clinical pathways—or designing clinical to time when they feel that they are unable to discharge services to deliver the best outcomes for patients—should their responsibilities on behalf of constituents and obtain be told to stop making those positive changes. They are the information that they think they need in order to do engaging with those positive changes and we are not that job. I will certainly undertake to examine the issue preventing them from doing so. again. Patient confidentiality is complex and we must respect the confidentiality of individual patients, but we T2. [57837] Duncan Hames (Chippenham) (LD): I am should not let that get in the way of ensuring that wearing neither sandals nor flip-flops, Mr Speaker. good-quality care is delivered. Given that local GPs typically charge £500 a day, what action is the Minister taking to ensure that GP consortium board members do not cost the NHS as much as T8. [57843] Mr John Spellar (Warley) (Lab): When I £25,000 each a year for just one day’s work a week? asked the Minister about Southern Cross on 2 December, he replied: Mr Lansley: Among the intentions that we have made “The responsibility for providing or arranging publicly supported clear from the outset is our intention to reduce the residential accommodation under section 21 of the National running costs of management in the NHS. We propose Assistance Act 1948 rests with councils with adult social services (CASSRs), not the Department. to cut administration costs by a third in real terms, including the running costs of the commissioning consortia Any discussions regarding continuing provision for residents of care homes should take place between care providers and when they are established. There will be a constantly CASSRs.”—[Official Report, 2 December 2010; Vol. 519, c. 1014W.] tight envelope for running costs, which means that whoever is working for a commissioning consortium, it Does the Minister now regret that complacent and must deliver value for money. wholly inadequate reply, which lost vital months in which the crisis could have been dealt with? T7. [57842] Hazel Blears (Salford and Eccles) (Lab): For the 200,000 people in the country with dementia Paul Burstow: No, because it was an accurate statement who are currently in residential care, the recent horrific of the legal position, which is what the question required. 19 Oral Answers7 JUNE 2011 Oral Answers 20

Since these issues became a cause for concern many decisions based on the available evidence and the individual months ago, the Department of Health has been very patients’ circumstances. Following consultation, NICE much engaged with them at both official and ministerial expects to make a decision later in the year on whether level. We have also ensured that all parties—the local to update its clinical guidance on MS, and whether to authorities, the Care Quality Commission and others—are re-evaluate Sativex as part of that. clear about their responsibilities. I should have thought that that was what the hon. Gentleman would expect us Dame Anne Begg (Aberdeen South) (Lab): There are to do, and it is what we have done. We are ready for any 12 Southern Cross homes in Aberdeen, nine of which eventuality. are in my constituency. Just in the past month, one of them, Eastleigh in Peterculter, received a damning report from the Scottish care commission. Is it any wonder T6. [57841] Gavin Barwell (Croydon Central) (Con): that relatives of the people in those homes are concerned Croydon University hospital recently took on responsibility that the company that runs them is in financial difficulty, for community care, which will allow much better and that the quality of the care provided may suffer as a integration of acute and community services. What result? Over the past few years I have also been approached scope does my right hon. Friend think exists for wider by constituents about self-funders facing unfair cost application of that model in our NHS? increases in order that their home might be able to overcome its financial difficulties. Mr Lansley: As my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister made clear today, we continue to believe that Paul Burstow: As I said earlier, the key concern of we can achieve more integrated services for patients, this Government—and, I think, of all Members—is to and we are determined to do so. That must be at the ensure the continuity and quality of the care of residents heart of the way in which reform and modernisation of in Southern Cross homes. That has been the purpose of the NHS deliver improving outcomes for patients. For the Government, and of all the other agencies involved, patients, the results of care, and indeed their experience throughout our engagement with Southern Cross. It is of it, will be greatly enhanced if it is designed and integrated also important that the quality inspectorates in both to meet their needs. We know that that is effective, we Scotland and England continue to discharge their role know that it works for patients, and we are determined of making sure that the essential standards of safety to make it happen. My hon. Friend has given just one and quality are being maintained. example, and an important one, of the way in which hospital and community services can be integrated. Jo Swinson (East Dunbartonshire) (LD): As the public health White Paper recognises, building positive self-esteem Mrs Mary Glindon (North Tyneside) (Lab): The Prime is important for children’s health and well-being. Yesterday, Minister has stated this afternoon that competition will the Bailey review highlighted many parents’ concerns be an integral part of patient choice. How will the that exposure to very sexualised imagery in our visual Secretary of State ensure that all patients are able to culture fuels children’s anxieties about their bodies and make a fully informed choice of treatment when market reduces self-esteem. How do the Government plan to forces fully exist? tackle that as a growing public health issue? The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health Mr Lansley: I do not accept the hon. Lady’s premise. (Anne Milton): I thank the hon. Lady for her question. We do not intend that there should be an unrestricted She raises an important point about children’s exposure market—or a free market, as she described it—in the to such imagery from a variety of media sources. It is NHS. It is a regulated, social market with powerful crucial for the future public health of our country that regulations governing how the participants in the provision children get help and support over this and are able to of care meet their responsibilities. We are very clear that learn the skills they need, and we are determined to get competition is a means to an end. It is not an end in that right. Many of our plans are laid out in the White itself; it is there to support the integration and delivery Paper, and we look forward to seeing them become a of services in the best interests of patients, but it does reality. include giving patients choice. The hon. Lady highlights an important point. In our consultation earlier this year Debbie Abrahams (Oldham East and Saddleworth) on the information revolution in the NHS, we set out (Lab): Can the Secretary of State or the Minister confirm how we felt we could empower patients, including those whether they will take up the offer from my Front for whom in the past the NHS has provided a rather Bench for bipartisan discussions about the future of impenetrable route to getting the best treatment. I hope adult social care—or will he put political interests before that when we respond to that consultation, we will the public interest? demonstrate how we will make that better for all patients. Mr Lansley: We were very clear that the commission that we established, led by Andrew Dilnot, should look [57845] Nigel Mills (Amber Valley) (Con): Does T10. at the reform of long-term social care funding in such a the Minister agree with my constituent Susan Garrity way as to secure maximum understanding, consensus that licensed treatments for multiple sclerosis such as and agreement. Andrew Dilnot has gone about that Sativex should be accessible to all people, wherever process in an exemplary manner, and the right thing for they live? us to do now is await his report, which should then form a basis for taking things forward. Paul Burstow: Certainly I agree that MS patients should have access to clinically effective and cost-effective Mr Peter Bone (Wellingborough) (Con): Does the treatments. The National Institute for Health and Clinical Secretary of State agree that the competition measures Excellence has not issued any guidance on the use of in the Health and Social Care Bill will drive up standards Sativex, and it is for primary care trusts to make funding and quality outcomes for the NHS? 21 Oral Answers7 JUNE 2011 Oral Answers 22

Mr Lansley: I am sure that my hon. Friend is aware of appeal for her, although she desperately needs this. the evidence—for example, in reports published by the What assurance can the Secretary of State give my London School of Economics and by Imperial college, constituent and her consultant? London—on this country’s experience of the Labour party’s implementation of choice in elective care and Mr Lansley: My hon. Friend is assiduous in representing the impact that had on the quality of services. What is her constituent, and I will gladly discuss this matter clear from that evidence is that where there was an NHS further with her to see what the situation is. I should, price—a tariff structure—the more competitive areas however, emphasise that these are decisions being made of the country secured greater improvements in quality. in the use of the resources to deliver access to new cancer medicines for patients by clinical panels in each Valerie Vaz (Walsall South) (Lab): I thank the Secretary region—in each strategic health authority. To that extent, of State for writing to me on 12 May about the listening I am not seeking to substitute my judgment for that of exercise and its cost, although he could not quantify the senior clinicians involved. None the less, if it would that. Now that the listening exercise is over, can he say help my hon. Friend I will also arrange for the national how much the cost to the public purse has been? clinical director for cancer services to have a discussion with her constituent’s consultant to examine this case.

Mr Lansley: I will, by all means, write again to the Mr David Ruffley (Bury St Edmunds) (Con): The hon. Lady. The cost is not dramatic. Many organisations Labour Government paid independent sector treatment and people across the NHS have participated, giving centres 11% more, on average, than they were prepared freely of their time. Some 8,000 people have participated to pay NHS hospitals. Will the Secretary of State confirm in the listening exercise events, of which there were that such a practice forms no part of his health reforms? more than 250. This has been immensely valuable; its value far exceeds any costs involved. The Minister of State, Department of Health (Mr Simon Burns): I share my hon. Friend’s concerns, and those of Pauline Latham (Mid Derbyshire) (Con): A constituent his constituents, about the appalling situation whereby of mine who suffers from bowel cancer has so far failed not only were ISTCs paid more than the NHS, but they to be funded for Avastin on the NHS via the east were paid considerable sums for doing no work at all. It midlands cancer drugs fund. She has already spent was a sham and a waste of money that could have been more than £40,000 of her own money. Her oncologist spent on front-line services, and I can give him the has written before on her behalf to appeal, but as not categorical assurance that it will not happen under this one of his appeals has been successful, for her or for any Government, or under my right hon. Friend the Secretary of his other patients, he is reluctant to write again to of State. 23 7 JUNE 2011 Winterbourne View Care Home 24

Winterbourne View Care Home should be needed to tell people that the behaviour experienced by the residents of Winterbourne View was nothing other than obscene and unacceptable. 3.33 pm In future, our proposed HealthWatch organisations Emily Thornberry (Islington South and Finsbury) will provide a valuable early warning and will be able to (Lab) (Urgent Question): To ask the Secretary of State ask the CQC to investigate where concerns exist. We for Health to make a statement on the Government’s intend to put safeguarding adults boards on a statutory decision not to hold an external independent inquiry footing, helping local authorities, the NHS and the into the abuse of vulnerable adults at Winterbourne police to work together to safeguard vulnerable adults. View. We will do everything in our power to prevent incidents such as those at Winterbourne View from happening The Minister of State, Department of Health (Paul again and to ensure that, if they do, the system responds Burstow): Nobody watching the BBC’s “Panorama” quickly and decisively to protect those at risk. programme last week could have been anything but Emily Thornberry: The Opposition agree entirely with shocked and appalled by the systematic abuse of residents the sentiments expressed by the hon. Gentleman. It was at Winterbourne View. May I, first, extend my deepest with great shock and sadness that we saw the terrible sympathies, and those of all of my colleagues in the events happening, before our eyes, on the television Government, to those so horribly mistreated and abused, screens. To see the abuse of the most vulnerable by and to their families and loved ones? For the avoidance those entrusted with their care was truly shocking and of doubt, I should say that we have not ruled out an sickening. In the wake of this tragedy, however, vital independent inquiry. A criminal investigation is under questions must, in our view, be answered fully and way and it is important that we do nothing that could impartially. prejudice it. Although internal investigations conducted by the In the coming weeks, the Care Quality Commission CQC and South Gloucestershire council, both of which will inspect the other 22 hospitals run by Castlebeck are directly connected with this failure, will be of some and the reports will then be publicly available on CQC’s value, they are nevertheless insufficient. We are asking website. The CQC is also starting a three-month inspection for an independent inquiry similar in nature to the of the 150 hospitals that care for people with learning well-respected “Healthcare for all” inquiry, which disabilities, and this will include unannounced inspections. Sir Jonathan Michael carried out in May 2007. The Where it identifies inadequate care, the CQC will require Government could include in that inquiry experts to the necessary improvements to be made immediately. work alongside Mark Goldring, such as Professor Jim South Gloucestershire council will also lead an Mansell, who has already conducted two reviews for the independently chaired serious case review. I have asked Department of Health into the structure of homes for the Department of Health to draw together the findings those with learning disabilities, because the issues raised of these various investigations and ensure that they are in his reports are still to be resolved, as this tragic case completed in a thorough and timely manner. I can also suggests. report that Mark Goldring, the chief executive of Mencap, will bring an independent voice and a depth and breadth We need full and frank answers. Was the CQC’s of knowledge of the needs of people with learning failure to monitor the treatment of residents due to the disabilities to the task of drawing conclusions and lack of resources? Was it due to the shortage of 300 staff, learning lessons. Once in possession of the full facts, as reported in the Financial Times last week? Does the and once the police investigation has concluded, we will CQC have adequate powers to act in cases such as that be in a position to decide what further action is required. of Winterbourne View and, if so, is it using its powers appropriately? If not, how must the CQC be strengthened Since being made aware of the abuse, our priority has to prevent a repeat of this failure and what actions will been ensuring the safety of patients at Winterbourne the Government take to ensure that staff working in View. Fifteen staff have been suspended by Castlebeck social care are better trained and regulated so that and no further patients will be accepted at Winterbourne events such as those at Winterbourne View can never be View. All residents now have a personal advocate and repeated? the CQC is working with all the agencies involved to Last week, the Minister created confusion with his find suitable alternative placements for them, taking response. On Tuesday, he seemed to imply that there into account their specialist needs and the wishes of would be an independent review of the case but by their families. I issued a full written ministerial statement Wednesday he seemed to have changed his mind. Does on these matters at 9.30 this morning. he now think that internal reviews will be sufficient to It is the right of every individual being cared for by answer the questions? I hear what he says about sub others to be treated with dignity and respect and it is the judice and the police inquiry, but we are not asking for responsibility of those trusted with their care to provide an inquiry into individual culpability. We are asking for it: a responsibility that weighs most heavily on those an independent inquiry into the failure of the system, who care for the most vulnerable, including those with for that inquiry to begin immediately and for there to be learning disabilities. This responsibility rests in four no delays. We need assurances that there will be a places: with the providers themselves, in this case Castlebeck; wide-ranging review, held in public, that will shine a with commissioners, both primary care trusts and local light on the terrible events at Winterbourne View. Only authorities; with the regulators, including both the Care an independent inquiry will do. Quality Commission and the professional regulators, and the CQC has acknowledged it should have acted Paul Burstow: Of course, we need to ensure a full and sooner and issued an unreserved apology; and, of course, thorough inquiry into all these matters, which is being with individuals. No training, guidance or management undertaken in the serious case review, which will be 25 Winterbourne View Care Home7 JUNE 2011 Winterbourne View Care Home 26 chaired independently, and in the work of the CQC. even more moves towards personalised and supported That will go on as the Department brings together all care close to the families and loved ones of people with the different reviews and that is why we are very pleased learning difficulties? that Mark Goldring will take part in the process. The hon. Lady suggests that there was confusion last Paul Burstow: My hon. Friend makes a very good week, but the confusion was only that which she sought point. The move towards personalisation and greater to spread. We were very clear from the outset that we supported living is undoubtedly the direction that we wanted to examine all the results from all the different wish to move in. That was started by the previous inquiries, and that is what we are doing. We are not Government and we have been continuing it. We have ruling out any further inquiries, but we want to ensure made a massive transfer of resources from the NHS to that the processes that are in hand are concluded and local authorities to support that very transfer of that we make judgments with the full facts available. responsibility, which is undoubtedly the way to deliver better results for individuals. Mr Stephen Dorrell (Charnwood) (Con): May I welcome my hon. Friend’s announcements to the House this Mr (Bolsover) (Lab): Is it not self-evident afternoon? Does he agree that although there has quite that if there were a full inquiry we would be able to hear properly been a lot of focus on the CQC—Dame about the owners and the people who make money out Jo Williams accepts that there have been quite clear of these business ventures—businesses such as Lydian failures in its supervision of the home—there are also Capital Partners, which owns Winterbourne View, and some difficult questions to be answered, particularly by people such as J. P. McManus and John Magnier, who the commissioners of the care? What were they doing have rubbed shoulders in royal circles? Is it not ironic paying for care that clearly was not to the required that those two billionaire Irishmen, at the same time as standard? Equally importantly, there are some important the British people are bailing out the Irish economy, are questions for the professional regulatory bodies to answer. making misery for disabled people by inflicting the Did no doctor ever go into the home? If they did, what damage they have caused and are making money in the conclusions did they draw? Where were the nursing process? regulators in this case? Dr (Totnes) (Con): Will the Minister Paul Burstow: My right hon. Friend poses a number address the question of how long these vulnerable people of questions that are at the heart of the various current were filmed being abused, because that simply would inquiries. He is right to say that to focus solely on the not have been tolerated if they were children? CQC is to miss the point, as the primary responsibility rests with the provider organisation to recruit, train and Paul Burstow: My hon. Friend makes an important supervise the right staff in the first place. He is also point. I do not know the answer to the question of how absolutely right to ask about the role of the commissioners long the people were filmed before the whistle was and the professional regulators. Those are the issues blown again by “Panorama”. However, it is an important that we are looking at and will examine, and I will come point that will undoubtedly become clearer as we come back to the House with answers in due course. on to the details of the inquiry.

Mr Michael Meacher (Oldham West and Royton) Glenda Jackson (Hampstead and Kilburn) (Lab): I (Lab): As the CQC has been forced, by Government endorse the Minister’s praise for the whistleblower in cuts, to reduce its inspections by no less than 70%, how this horrific case, but may I remind him that he blew the are the Government going to prevent similar abuses whistle three times to the Care Quality Commission, from occurring elsewhere and going uninspected and which did precisely nothing? What are the Government undiscovered unless someone happens to blow the whistle doing to ensure that such a situation can never arise or offer undercover photographic evidence? again?

Paul Burstow: Let me start by addressing the Paul Burstow: The local authority was notified in the whistleblowing issue. Terry Bryan, the whistleblower in same way, so there are a number of agencies at which we this case, is to be applauded for his tenacity in pursuing need to look carefully and critically, and that is what the it. The Government have been clear about the need to independently chaired serious case review will do. That strengthen the arrangements and safeguards for is what the review by the CQC is about, and we will pull whistleblowers, because that is an essential first way in all those reviews together. If there are any gaps in the which we can make sure that the system protects those information that comes from that process, we will make who are vulnerable. The right hon. Gentleman suggests sure that they are filled. However, the key thing is that that the Government have in some way cut the number lessons are learned along the way and changes are made of inspections, but he should reflect back to 2008 when straight away. his Government introduced the current mandate for the CQC and changed the basis on which it would inspect. (Harlow) (Con): Further to what the That is what led to the changed inspection system. hon. Member for Hampstead and Kilburn (Glenda Perhaps he should ask some questions about that as Jackson) said, given that the CQC clearly ignored the well. advice it was given, there should be resignations at the highest level—the buck has to stop somewhere. Mr Robert Buckland (South Swindon) (Con): Does my hon. Friend agree that the model of large-scale Paul Burstow: I am afraid that I am not going to institutionalised provision for people with learning agree with the hon. Gentleman today that we should difficulties is now broken and that we should support call for anyone’s head. I want the heads of that organisation 27 Winterbourne View Care Home7 JUNE 2011 Winterbourne View Care Home 28

[Paul Burstow] must therefore make sure that the systems in place are robust, and that organisations are recruiting the right to be relentless in pursuing the questions that hon. people and delivering the right training and supervision. Members have asked today and which I have asked However, the right hon. Gentleman’s point about the since this came to light about why failures occurred—not involvement of the community is spot-on. That is why just the CQC’s acknowledged failure but failures by we are proposing the establishment of HealthWatch others in allowing this to go on for the time it did. I am and why we see that as an opportunity for citizens to not calling for resignations, but I am calling for action become involved in the provision and scrutiny of health and resolution. Learning should take place, and there and social care in their communities. should be change as a result of that learning. Margot James (Stourbridge) (Con): Very often a Mark Durkan (Foyle) (SDLP): The Minister has whistleblower is the vital link that people in such vulnerable rightly addressed the issue of whistleblowers. Will he circumstances have with the outside world, so I am assure us that there will be protection for whistleblowers pleased to hear that that will be a big part of the review. in future, whether they are relatives or staff, so that they I have written to the chairman of the CQC to ask how have the confidence to act? In relation to staffing issues, many such whistleblower complaints were made in the are any of the inquiries making any assessment of past 12 months but not been followed up. The data are whether there is a correlation between shift lengths and essential. May I have the Minister’s assurance that the pay rates and the poor care in some of those institutions? review will find out that information? Paul Burstow: Again, those are all matters that need Paul Burstow: My hon. Friend draws attention to an to be properly considered and weighed up in the reviews area that we need to look at as part of the various and that the Department will want to make sure is part aspects of the work that I described to the House today. of the overall report. When that work concludes, we will Although I do not know the basis on which such data report to the House and make sure that the information are collected by the CQC, I undertake to look at what is available to all hon. Members so that they can assess data are available. it and make their own judgments. It is certainly the Government’s intention to strengthen the protections Ms Gisela Stuart (Birmingham, Edgbaston) (Lab): I on whistleblowing. We are consulting on how that might accept the Minister’s logic in not asking for heads to roll be given effect, and I urge the hon. Gentleman to ahead of the report of inquiry, but will contribute to the consultation. he give the House an undertaking that once he has asked the questions and received the answers, he will Duncan Hames (Chippenham) (LD): Does the Minister not shy away from allocating responsibility and will do envisage that putting safeguarding adults boards on a what the NHS is usually very bad at—allocating statutory footing would help care home residents, their responsibility at some stage and asking people to resign? families and all those concerned; and would bring these incidents to light and, indeed, to a halt sooner in future? Paul Burstow: I think I will say yes to that, but I want to make it clear that I am not answering in the context Paul Burstow: It is essential to establish a statutory of hypotheticals. I do not know the conclusions of the basis for safeguarding adults boards, but it is not sufficient, exercise, and Ministers who come to the Dispatch Box as other issues must be addressed in the review, which is and promise that things will never happen again are all why various aspects of the work are progressing. However, too often and too soon proven wrong. We must make it is right that we should respond quickly to the Law sure that we do everything we can to learn lessons from Commission, which recommends that we should put this to minimise the risks in the future, and we need to the boards on a statutory basis, and that is what we will make sure that responsibility and accountability are at do when legislation is introduced. the heart of the reforms that the Government are making to health and social care. Malcolm Wicks (Croydon North) (Lab): If, as is often said almost as a cliché, a test of a civilised society Fiona Mactaggart () (Lab): The Minister is is how we care for the most vulnerable—sadly, it is likely right to say that we need to learn lessons from this, but that Winterbourne is not an isolated example, and that how long will it take us? The CQC has admitted inspecting even today many frail elderly people, often with dementia, Winterbourne View three times in the past two years. and people with mental illnesses or learning difficulties The South Gloucestershire safeguarding board was are being abused and neglected—we must all think hard informed in October, but apparently took no action about how to move forward. Strong and unannounced before the programme was aired on television. This is inspections are clearly a significant part of the answer, not the first such scandal. When I was first elected, one but are there ways in which we can involve local of the first things I did was to persuade the Department communities and concerned citizens in safeguarding of Health to commission the Bergner report into the the well-being of people in homes—often private homes? Longcare home scandal on the borders of my constituency If around every home there were two or three citizens —a similar huge institution in which residents were who had rights to enter and could befriend some of the raped, abused and tortured by the people who were people there, that might be another way in which the given care of them. It seems to me that it is not just the community could add to the statutory services to try to individual institutions but Government who need to prevent occurrences in future. learn the lesson. How much money is the Minister putting into advocates and listeners of the volunteer Paul Burstow: I am grateful to the right hon. Gentleman kind mentioned by my right hon. Friend the Member for his question. We must acknowledge that there will for Croydon North (Malcolm Wicks), or of the professional never be a time when there is an inspector in every room kind, so that the voices of those who cannot always of every care home for every minute of every day. We speak for themselves are heard in the inspection process? 29 Winterbourne View Care Home7 JUNE 2011 Winterbourne View Care Home 30

Paul Burstow: I mentioned in my statement that each Diana Johnson (Kingston upon Hull North) (Lab): of the individuals who have been affected in this terrible Will the Minister also look at the vetting and barring way have advocates. The hon. Lady makes an important scheme in this country, and in particular have regard to point about the role that advocacy plays for those who the provisions in the Protection of Freedoms Bill, which lack capacity or the ability in certain circumstances to is going through the House at the moment, that will advocate on their own behalf. We are looking at that as remove millions of people who work with vulnerable part of the overall reforms of health and social care, but adults from the thorough background checks that the as for a precise sum of money, I do not have a figure in Independent Safeguarding Authority carries out at the my head that I can give her now. I will write to her on moment? that point. Paul Burstow: I will take away that point, reflect upon Kerry McCarthy (Bristol East) (Lab): My elderly it and write to the hon. Lady rather than give her an constituent, Mr Ivor Needs, has been looking after his off-the-cuff answer of any sort. vaccine-damaged son, Matthew, for many, many years. Ever since I became an MP, he has been expressing Dame Anne Begg (Aberdeen South) (Lab): Like my concern to me about what will eventually happen to right hon. Friend the Member for Croydon North (Malcolm Matthew when he is no longer able to look after him. Wicks), I too believe that we are kidding ourselves if we How can we reassure people such as Mr Needs that the think that this is a one-off and it is not happening day Government are pulling out all the stops and doing all in, day out. There will be vulnerable adults living in they can to ensure that care homes in the Bristol and their own homes today, behind locked doors, who are in south Gloucestershire area will be fit for purpose and a fear of the carers who are paid to look after them. fit place for him to entrust the care of his son? Might not another way of getting an eye into the locked environment be the use of telecare to make sure that Paul Burstow: I entirely understand that question. I someone outside is aware of what is happening in these suspect the hon. Lady speaks for many who saw the locked institutions? programme and therefore fear for their loved ones who may be in other institutions. That is why we have to act in a thorough and thoughtful way, why we have to act Paul Burstow: I would not want to give the impression quickly, and why the various processes that I described that we would see that as a substitute for any of the today are the best way to reach conclusions quickly. other points that have been made on this urgent question Because of the separate criminal inquiry, a separate today, but undoubtedly telecare, telemedicine and assisted independent inquiry would not be able to start until technologies have their part to play, both in improving those judicial processes had been completed. That is the quality of care and increasing independence for why we want the internal processes to go forward. We individuals. That is why the Government support that have provided external scrutiny to make sure that they as part of the way in which we see the future for social deliver what we all want—greater assurance that the care unfolding. system will deliver the best quality care for our loved ones. Catherine McKinnell (Newcastle upon Tyne North) (Lab): A recent Tyne Tees television report uncovered Fiona O’Donnell (East Lothian) (Lab): The Minister cases of appalling abuse and neglect in the north-east has stated that there cannot be an inspector in every that are now being investigated, and the staff in those bedroom, and that is why he and hon. Members across cases reported dreadful treatment from their employers, the House this afternoon have acknowledged the vital not just losing their jobs but having their professional role of whistleblowers in protecting vulnerable adults. reputation smeared. Will the Minister please elaborate Will he speak to colleagues in the Department for today as there will be workers who are aware of abuse Business, Innovation and Skills to ensure that any changes but are in fear of their jobs, who could report abuse if to employment law do not make it more difficult for they had some reassurance today of the changes that people to blow the whistle, especially new employees the Government are looking to make to protect vulnerable who often see a service through fresh eyes and therefore workers? see faults that others have grown used to? Paul Burstow: The first thing I would say is that if Paul Burstow: I will certainly have those discussions, anyone sees criminal activity of the sort that took place and I would add that there is another area that we need at Winterbourne View, they should blow the whistle on to focus on, and that is the training and development of it. There is no if or but about that. The Government the work force. That is why just two weeks ago I have consulted and we are looking at the responses to announced not just a work force development strategy, the consultation on whistleblowing. I am not in a position but additional new resources to underpin that strategy to elaborate further, but it is absolutely vital that people for all providers to enable them to ask Skills for Care for feel able and safe enough to come forward if they have the resources to develop their work force. concerns about neglect, abuse or poor-quality care. 31 7 JUNE 2011 Middle East and North Africa 32

Middle East and North Africa which is leading the international effort to plan detailed assistance for Libya when the conflict comes to an end, 3.59 pm ensuring that clear plans are in place for the international community to support. Separately, we are providing The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth additional communications equipment, uniforms and Affairs (Mr William Hague): With permission, Mr Speaker, bullet-proof vests to help the national transitional council I would like to make a statement on north Africa and develop responsible security forces and to protect civilians. the middle east. On Saturday I visited Benghazi with my In our meetings, we found the NTC focused on right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for International Libya’s future. It has published a road map for the Development. We went to show our support for the transition to democracy, with an interim Government people of Libya and their legitimate representatives, the including some technocratic members of the regime national transitional council. Our overriding impression and elections. We have advised the NTC to develop its was of a great sense of optimism among ordinary proposed transition in more detail to ensure that Libyans, who are hopeful that Gaddafi will leave and comprehensive plans are in place. deeply grateful for what the United Kingdom has done. I pay tribute to the brave men and women of our armed Any political settlement in Libya requires an end to forces and to our diplomats and aid workers in Benghazi violence and Gaddafi’s departure. At the G8 summit in for their courageous work. Deauville on 26 May, participants, including Russia, agreed that Gaddafi has lost all legitimacy and must go. Benghazi is functioning well under the circumstances, On 11 May, at the Foreign Affairs Council, the EU with police visible on the streets, many shops and restaurants agreed to intensify efforts to block the regime’s access to open and food staples in good supply. We also noted a resources, funding, military hardware and mercenaries. dramatic expansion of civil society groups, which rightly Today the EU has added six regime-controlled port see themselves as one of the key building blocks of a authorities in western Libya to the EU sanctions lists. free Libya. This will help prevent the regime acquiring military The UK’s approach is as I have set out many times resources and will support the protection of Libyan before. We continue to take robust action to implement civilians. UN Security Council resolution 1973, which authorises The next meeting of the Libya contact group will military action to put in place a no-fly zone to prevent take place on Thursday in the United Arab Emirates, air attacks on the Libyan people and all necessary where Britain will call for all this international pressure measures to stop attacks on civilians while ruling out an to be intensified and maintained. The House should be occupation force. The case for this action remains utterly in no doubt that the efforts of Britain and our partners compelling. are saving lives and enforcing UN resolutions. Had we Operating strictly within the limits of the UN resolution, not acted, the bloodshed would have been far greater we are steadily intensifying the military, economic and and the consequences for Libya’s neighbours and the diplomatic pressure on the Gaddafi regime. We have entire region would have been extremely serious. increased the tempo of air strikes against regime forces, The Gaddafi regime is not the only Government which are currently taking place at a rate of approximately seeking to suppress peaceful protest. Scores of people 50 strike missions per day and include the targeting of were killed in Syria over the weekend after demonstrations military command and control sites in Tripoli, regime involving tens of thousands of people. Members on tanks, artillery, rocket launchers and armoured fighting both sides of the House will have been horrified by the vehicles. Nearly 10,000 sorties have been carried out killing of many children and the death of 13-year-old since 31 March, including more than 3,700 strike sorties, Hamza al-Khateeb, who was allegedly tortured. The on top of operations to disrupt regime military activity regime is using live fire against protestors and blocking and arms shipments at sea. On 1 June the North Atlantic UN efforts to get help to those in need. There have been Council agreed unanimously to extend NATO’s operations reports overnight that a number of security force personnel for a further 90 days from 27 June. have been killed in the town of Jisr al-Shughour, close It is right that we ensure that our military operations to the Turkish border, and we call for restraint in are as effective as possible and that we adapt our tactics response to this incident. as the regime forces change theirs. Last week Britain Since my previous statement, our efforts to agree EU deployed Apache helicopters to operations in Libya, sanctions against President Assad and other individuals alongside French helicopters, which is enabling the precise responsible for the violence and repression in Syria have and potent targeting of regime forces. been successful. We are exploring with our European The Gaddafi regime is isolated and on the defensive. partners the potential for further sanctions if the violence Last week a number of senior military officers abandoned continues. it, including five generals. The head of the National Oil Britain has circulated a draft UN Security Council Corporation also recently fled Libya. On 17 May, Arabsat resolution condemning the repression in Syria and calling joined European satellite companies in suspending Libyan for the Syrian Government to meet their people’s legitimate state television broadcasts, a significant blow to Gaddafi’s demands, to release all prisoners of conscience, to lift ability to carry out psychological warfare, and we press restrictions on the media and internet and to co-operate all satellite companies to take similar action. with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. British humanitarian support has already played a The House will appreciate that a resolution is not in our vital role in Libya. My right hon. Friend the Secretary gift and needs the support of nine UN Security Council of State for International Development has announced members and no vetoes. We are working to persuade further assistance to protect 200,000 people in Misrata other countries that the Security Council has a responsibility and elsewhere from land mines. We have deployed an to speak out. President Assad is losing legitimacy and international stabilisation response team to Benghazi, should reform or step aside. 33 Middle East and North Africa7 JUNE 2011 Middle East and North Africa 34

We must show the same resolve and purpose in We are also concerned about developments in , supporting change and democratic development elsewhere particularly the arrest and trial of a large number of in the region, using, for example, the economic appeal politicians, doctors and nurses and the allegations of of the EU to act as a magnet for positive change in torture. I raised our concern and the need for the the region. We welcome the review of the European Bahraini Government to meet all their human rights neighbourhood policy, issued on 25 May. It includes obligations when I saw the Crown Prince of Bahrain many British proposals and follows weeks of intensive last month. I also emphasised the need for a long-term engagement by Ministers, including the Prime Minister political solution that builds bridges between the different and Deputy Prime Minister. It offers a new partnership religious communities. based on progressively greater economic integration, I welcome the lifting of the state of national safety on including trade, and increased funding for the southern 1 June and the announcement by the King of Bahrain neighbourhood of ¤750 million. It links EU support that a comprehensive and inclusive national dialogue with progress on political and economic reform, and it will start on 1 July. Urgent dialogue on genuine political includes a civil society facility and a European endowment reform is the only way to address the legitimate concerns for democracy to help fund new political parties and of the Bahraini people and to ensure long-term stability. small non-governmental organisations. With a month to go before South Sudanese independence The G8 summit agreed the Deauville partnership, on 9 July, we have made strong representations about which will provide more than $20 billion in vital assistance the violence in Abyei and southern Kordofan. I met the to Tunisia and Egypt and to countries that commit to Sudanese Foreign Minister yesterday and urged a peaceful more open and democratic government, and in February and durable solution for Abyei and agreement on I announced Britain’s new Arab partnership initiative outstanding areas of the comprehensive peace agreement. to support civil society and democratic development in This is only more urgent following the very worrying the region, with initial funding of £5 million. The Prime reports received just this morning of renewed fighting Minister announced at the G8 summit that we will in southern Kordofan. We are in touch with the UN increase that funding more than twentyfold, expanding mission in Sudan and monitoring these developments it to £110 million over four years. closely. I urge both sides to cease all hostilities immediately The fund will provide support for lasting political and to return to negotiations under the auspices of the and economic reform through the building blocks of African Union. democracy: independent institutions, political pluralism, The underlines the importance of a free media and economic opportunity. It includes up to breakthrough on the middle east peace process. This £40 million to work with Parliaments, civil society, long-standing conflict needs to be resolved, through human rights groups and reforming Governments, and negotiations, to give the Palestinian people the state up to £70 million to support growth and tackle the that they need and deserve and the Israeli people long-term fundamental problems that leave so many millions of security and peace. The status quo is not sustainable, young people throughout the region without a job. This nor will these populations be immune from the effects is in our vital national interest as well as true to our values. of change and instability elsewhere. We strongly support President Obama’s recent statement that negotiations Tunisia has made significant progress towards a more should be on the basis of 1967 lines with mutually democratic society, but there is a risk of political reform agreed land swaps and proper security arrangements, being destabilised by economic challenges. In Egypt and along with France and Germany we are pressing there have been further demonstrations calling for faster the parties to return to the table. political and economic reforms and a revised electoral timetable. We are concerned that planned parliamentary The new Palestinian Authority should be composed elections in September will be too early to allow political of independent figures on the basis that President Abbas parties to organise their activity and to contest the elections. set out on 4 May. As was the case with the outgoing The Prime Minister and I have pressed the Egyptian authority, it should uphold the principle of non-violence, authorities to ensure an open and plural election process. be committed to a negotiated two-state solution, and accept previous agreements of the Palestine Liberation The situation in Yemenis extremely uncertain following Organisation. Hamas will remain a proscribed terrorist President Saleh’s departure to Saudi Arabia to receive organisation unless and until it abandons violence and medical treatment and his transfer of authority to the commits to a two-state solution, and we call again for Vice-President. We urge the Vice-President to work the immediate release of Gilad Shalit. The UK will closely with all sides to implement the Gulf Co-operation judge a future Palestinian Government by their actions Council agreement and to begin political transition and their readiness to work for peace. We are also now. Yemen faces huge humanitarian and economic concerned by this weekend’s violence in the Golan challenges, and the YemeniGovernment need to dedicate heights, resulting in many deaths, and we continue to all their efforts to confront the impending crisis, with urge restraint and call for the avoidance of the lethal use international support. of force. Recent events have shown just how quickly the security There must also be no let-up in our efforts to prevent situation in Yemen can deteriorate into ferocious and nuclear proliferation in the middle east. Iran is combining unpredictable fighting. It is of the utmost importance brutal suppression of Opposition leaders at home with that all British nationals leave the country immediately the provision of equipment and technical advice to help by commercial means while it is still possible to do so, the Syrian regime to crush protests in Syria. This is as we have advised them to do since 12 March. I warn unacceptable, and compounds our concern about Iran’s again that it will be extremely unlikely that the British behaviour and its intentions over its nuclear programme. Government will be able to evacuate British nationals We support peaceful pressure on Iran to persuade it to from Yemen. negotiate, backed by the offer by the UK, the US, 35 Middle East and North Africa7 JUNE 2011 Middle East and North Africa 36

[Mr William Hague] Will the update the House on the regime’s efforts to shut down internet and mobile networks Russia, China, France and Germany to reach an agreement in parts of Syria? What work, if any, is under way in the through talks. That is why the UK has recently helped United Kingdom to support people in countries such as to extend Iran sanctions in the EU, with over 100 new Syria, whose freedom of expression is being restricted designations, while keeping the door open to further in that way? negotiations. Until Iran negotiates seriously, international Given the welcome work that is under way at the pressure against it will only increase. United Nations, will the Foreign Secretary provide the In all these countries, Britain’s approach in the coming House with an assessment of the prospects for securing months will be consistent and determined. We will support support among the P5 members for a resolution on greater economic and political freedom while anticipating Syria? What impact does he judge the action in Libya and addressing threats to our own security, and we will has had on those prospects? Will he tell the House work with our allies to protect our nation’s interests whether consideration is being given to referring Syria’s while standing up for the highest values of our society. leaders to the International Criminal Court? Does he agree that the European Union can further strengthen Mr (Paisley and Renfrewshire such pressure? The EU can and should be looking at South) (Lab): I thank the Foreign Secretary for his further sanctions on the regime, irrespective of what is statement and for advance sight of it. or is not agreed at the Security Council. What discussions Let me begin my remarks with Libya. The mission to have the Government held with the Arab League on enforce Security Council resolution 1973 continues to Syria, given its regrettable silence to date on that issue? have the support of the Opposition, but, as has been the The situation in Bahrain continues to be deeply case from the start, we will continue carefully to scrutinise concerning. I reiterate our belief that the legitimate the Government’s policy towards Libya. The brave and demands of protesters should be met with reform and professional work of our armed forces in Libya has not repression. Will the Foreign Secretary therefore give already helped to avert a slaughter in Benghazi and the House more details on the points that he and the continues to provide vital support to the Libyan people, Prime Minister made to the Crown Prince of Bahrain at and I am sure that I speak for the whole House in saying the end of his recent visit to London? Did they raise the that they continue to have the support of every Member issue of military courts continuing to dispense summary of this House. justice? Did they raise the cases of the hundreds of It has been clear from the outset that this conflict was protesters who have been jailed and the 90 or so who always going to be easier to start than to finish. I therefore have been killed or simply disappeared? If they did raise note all that the Foreign Secretary has said about post- those questions, what answers did they receive? What conflict planning and, in particular, the work of the answers did they receive on the sharpening polarisation transitional national council, which is now producing a between communities within Bahrain? road map towards a more democratic future post-Gaddafi. In that context, what discussions have taken place Could he give the House a sense of the time scale by between the Government and the governing body of which further documentation might be available and Formula 1, the FIA, about its recent decision to reinstate what assessment he has made of the TNC’s capability the Bahrain grand prix in October? Will the Foreign to meet the challenges set out in this plan? Can I take it Secretary confirm that now is not the time to decide on from his words this afternoon that in addition to our that event, especially given the need for restraint, reform significant military commitments, the United Kingdom, and reconciliation to be the focus in Bahrain in the in the form of the international stabilisation response months ahead? team, is now also in the lead in developing the international When I visited Tunisia recently, a number of senior community’s post-conflict planning? figures in the transitional Government and the fledgling On the Apaches, I think it is a matter of record that political parties felt that the European Union had not the French Defence Minister, Gérard Longuet, announced come up with an assistance package to match the scale the British deployment before it was confirmed to this of the task on which they have embarked. Will the House. Does the Foreign Secretary agree that it is a Foreign Secretary therefore update the House on what matter of regret when French Ministers seem better steps Britain is taking to ensure that more comprehensive informed about the deployment of British military personnel offers than those that have been outlined are made to than the British Parliament? Tunisia and Egypt to help them on the path to democracy I welcome what the Foreign Secretary has said about and to assist in their economic development? the increased pressure on the regime, but given I concur with the Foreign Secretary’s concern that the continuing limited capacity of the opposition forces September is too early to ensure that all political parties to make broader strategic gains within Libya, by what in Egypt have sufficient time to organise their activities means does he think the pressure can and will be and contest the elections. Following the work of my increased in the weeks ahead? right hon. Friend the shadow Secretary of State for Let me turn to events in Syria. I associate myself with International Development to highlight this issue, how the Foreign Secretary’s condemnation of the actions of confident is the Foreign Secretary that the place of the Assad regime thus far, and with what President women in Egyptian society will be advanced and not set Obama said recently: back by the constitutional settlement that is under construction? “The Syrian government must stop shooting demonstrators and allow peaceful protests; release political prisoners and stop Given our vital interest in the emergence of broader unjust arrests; allow human rights monitors to have access to based democratic, prosperous countries across the middle cities like Dara’a; and start a serious dialogue to advance a east, how does the Foreign Secretary respond to the democratic transition.” report by the Institute of International Finance, which 37 Middle East and North Africa7 JUNE 2011 Middle East and North Africa 38 predicts that Egypt’s economy will contract by 2.5%? The right hon. Gentleman is right in assuming that Inflation is now above 12% and unemployment is up the work done by the stabilisation response team, which this year. According to Reuters, the country’s foreign my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for International exchange reserves fell by as much as a third in the first Development and I visited in Benghazi on Saturday, three months of the year. Newspaper estimates suggest means that Britain is in the lead in post-conflict planning. that $30 billion have left Egypt since the start of the We met Italian and Turkish experts who are also working revolution. Given that the Deauville partnership of with the team there, but we are certainly playing a which he spoke applies not to one country but to the leading role. whole region, and given the scale of the capital flight, The right hon. Gentleman asked about the reference does he really feel that the World Bank’s package of by a French Minister to the deployment of our helicopters. $1 billion in each of the next two years and the International As my right hon. Friend the Defence Secretary would Monetary Fund’s loan of $3 billion are adequate? Can tell him, the decision had not been taken in the United he really assure the House that he is confident that the Kingdom at that time, although it was clearly assumed international community’s response is appropriate to in other capitals. That has been known to happen the opportunity and the risk of the present moment in before on other subjects, and I have no doubt it will the middle east? happen again. There have been significant developments in relation The increasing pressure on the regime comes in all to Israel and Palestine over the last few weeks, to which the ways that I set out in my statement. It is military, the Foreign Secretary alluded. I welcome the US President’s economic and diplomatic, and it is having its effect. decision to reaffirm his country’s long-standing support There is no doubt that the regime has lost the initiative for a two-state solution based on 1967 borders and both in the military campaign and on the political scene mutually agreed land swaps. Last week’s clashes on the in Libya in recent weeks, as a result of what we have Israel border and the Golan heights, in which a number been doing. of protestors were killed or injured, were deeply concerning. Israel of course has a right to protect its borders, but As for the right hon. Gentleman’s questions about can the Foreign Secretary tell the House what the Syria and internet use, this has been another unacceptable Foreign Office is doing to ensure that Governments on aspect of the Syrian Government’s behaviour in closing both sides of those borders do everything they can to down freedom of expression however they can. We will avoid provocations and escalations that make it harder always do what we can to protect people’s freedom of to find peace? After the President’s speech in the United expression, but of course we are not universally able to States and his speech to parliamentarians here in do so in every county of the world. In the P5 on the Westminster Hall, can the Foreign Secretary update us Security Council, Russia and China have strong reservations on any further discussions that he has had with Secretary about a UN Security Council resolution on Syria. Russia of State Clinton on how, in practical terms, the United in particular has expressed those reservations and some States and the UK will push for progress on the issue in hostility to a resolution. We continue to work on the the coming months? In addition— matter at the Security Council. The right hon. Gentleman asked about a possible Mr Speaker: Order. I think the shadow Secretary of reference to the International Criminal Court, but he State is approaching his last sentence. will be aware that in the case of a country that is not a Mr Alexander: I am indeed. party to the ICC, as with Syria, such a reference would require a UN Security Council resolution. As we are In addition, given the widespread discussion that the not able at the moment to pass a resolution on the terms Palestinians plan to argue for statehood at the United that I described, we are clearly also unable to pass a Nations later this year, can the Foreign Secretary give resolution on a reference to the ICC. The European his assessment of, first, where European Union allies Union is considering additional sanctions, as he called are on that issue and, secondly, when the UK Government for, and I discussed the position with the Arab League intend to come to a final view on the matter? when I was in Cairo a few weeks ago. However, Arab Mr Hague: I am grateful to the right hon. Gentleman nations have more divided loyalties than they had in the for that wide range of questions. There are many subjects case of Libya, so there is not the same degree of Arab within the topic of the middle east and north Africa. I League unity. We have to face up to that fact. am grateful to him, of course, for joining me in paying The Prime Minister and I raised with the Crown tribute to the work of our armed forces, diplomats and Prince of Bahrain all the subjects that the shadow aid workers, and for reaffirming what we said together Foreign Secretary asked about. For his part, the Crown in the House on 21 March—that we needed to avert Prince is very keen for a national dialogue to be resumed slaughter in Benghazi. The action that we took did so, and to mobilise moderate voices in Bahrain on both and that has been the foundation of the unity of this sides of what is, unfortunately, a very sharp sectarian House on the conflict in Libya. We continue to be divide. Formula 1 must take responsibility for its decisions, grateful for that. but if such an event is to take place, it should be a focus The right hon. Gentleman asked about the time scale for improvements in Bahrain, and provide an incentive for the national transitional council producing more for all in that country to work together on a national detail. I hope that it will do so at the contact group dialogue. However, Formula 1 must make its own decisions. meeting in Abu Dhabi this week, and that it will take The shadow Foreign Secretary asked about several every further opportunity to publicise a more detailed vital matters on Egypt and was quite right to draw programme for the process of transition in Libya. What attention to the very serious economic situation. In fact, it has already produced is absolutely sound, and we can the main conclusion that I drew from visiting Egypt a support it, but it needs the added credibility of detail to few weeks ago is that the economic challenge is, if be ready for Gaddafi’s departure. anything, even bigger than the political challenge. Although 39 Middle East and North Africa7 JUNE 2011 Middle East and North Africa 40

[Mr Hague] said in his statement that the “status quo is not sustainable”—I think the whole House will agree with the measures announced at the G8 and by the EU might that—but does he not acknowledge that the one person have to be revised and expanded over time, they are an who believes that the status quo is indeed sustainable is ambitious start. It is important that EU nation states Prime Minister Netanyahu? It is perfectly obvious from follow up with real determination what the Commission the rebarbative, obdurate speech that he made in has said. The risk of the policy that the EU has announced Washington straight after President Obama’s statement not being followed through is that nation states will say, that he has no intention whatever of making any “Well, market access for products from north Africa is constructive moves towards a settlement. That is clearly not so easy,” and will not follow through on the accepted in the States, as I recognised when I was there commitments. We must be a strong voice for following over the past two weeks. that up, for implementing the support for civil society, In that context, is it not time for the British Government human rights and the diversity of politics in those to abandon the approach of successive Governments, countries, and for helping the creation of liberal and which is to deal with Israel with kid gloves? Should we secular parties. Part and parcel of that is the great not make it clear to Israel that we will make decisions in importance of the strong participation of women in the interests of the Israeli people, of which the Israeli society and politics in Egypt and other north African Government now seem incapable, as well as the wider countries, to which the shadow Foreign Secretary drew Arab world? attention. On the middle east peace process, of course we are Mr Hague: Prime Minister Netanyahu is the elected active in urging all sides to avoid provocations. We are Prime Minister of Israel, and we must always bear that in constant touch with France, Germany and the US in in mind, but the right hon. Gentleman is right to say encouraging both sides back into negotiations on the that we should make a strong case, as we do, for an back of President Obama’s speech. In my view, the agreement based on the 1967 borders. Our Prime Minister strength of our case would be added to by a statement met Mr Netanyahu a few weeks ago and made that case by the Quartet to follow the US statement. We have very strongly, as I have done to him and to the Foreign asked the US in addition to support that. Minister, Mr Lieberman. We will continue to make that case based on diplomatic persuasion, but we will also Several hon. Members rose— vote in accordance with our convictions. In February, Mr Speaker: Order. A great many hon. and right hon. we voted in the Security Council for the Palestinian Members are seeking catch my eye, but I just remind the resolution on settlements. That was a clear indication of House that Members who entered the Chamber after the view in this country and in this House on those the Foreign Secretary began his statement should not matters and on the importance of taking forward the expect to be called. peace process. I would express this a bit more diplomatically than the right hon. Gentleman did, but it is incumbent (Croydon South) (Con): I welcome on me to do so, as it is no longer incumbent on him. the Foreign Secretary’s statement and congratulate him on his visit to Benghazi with the International Development Sir Menzies Campbell (North East Fife) (LD): In Secretary, which was right and timely. spite of my right hon. Friend’s understandably restrained There is a gap between the humanitarian nature of language in relation to Bahrain, does he understand resolution 1973 and the stated aim of removing Gaddafi. that many of us in the House and outside it think that Russia’s shift of position means that a further UN the decision to reinstate the grand prix is simply shameful, resolution on Libya is conceivable. Does the Foreign and that it does the sport of motor racing no favours Secretary believe that such a further resolution is necessary? whatever? If the dialogue that is to begin in July is to be given a good start, could that not involve the cancellation Mr Hague: The resolution on Libya is now nearly of the race and, equally importantly, the release of three months old, and circumstances have developed those doctors and nurses who have apparently been since then. My hon. Friend is right to point to the fact arrested for having the temerity to tend the wounded? that it has been hard to adapt the resolution because of a lack of agreement on the Security Council to do so. Mr Hague: It is very important that due process We will continue to search for agreement on, for instance, should be followed. One of the most alarming things is adapting the sanctions regime, which of course requires the use of military courts in such cases. That was one of unanimity in the sanctions committee, which is a bigger the issues that we took up with the Crown Prince, and hurdle than a resolution in the Security Council itself. on which we are looking for further assurances from Russia’s position at the G8 holds out some hope that the Bahraini Government. I am sure that my right hon. such agreements may be forthcoming, but I cannot yet and learned Friend is right to say that the sport of say to my hon. Friend that the Russian Federation’s Formula 1 has not done itself any good by that change of position at the G8 has been followed by a announcement. The important thing is to encourage all wider change of position at the Security Council and sides to get back into a real dialogue. There is no way elsewhere. for Bahrain to proceed into the future without a successful dialogue between the two communities; there is no Mr (Blackburn) (Lab): May I first express other way of resolving the situation in Bahrain. We my appreciation to the Foreign Secretary and his right must continue to be on the side of that dialogue while hon. Friend the Defence Secretary, and to their officials always taking up our very strong human rights concerns, and our armed forces, for the work that is being carried as we have done with the Crown Prince and as I have out, above all in Libya but across the middle east? May done in my telephone calls with the Foreign Minister. I ask the Foreign Secretary specifically about Israel? He We will continue to do that. 41 Middle East and North Africa7 JUNE 2011 Middle East and North Africa 42

Mr Bob Ainsworth (Coventry North East) (Lab): On in a closed court. It continued: post-conflict planning for Libya, the Foreign Secretary “The doctors and nurses did this, in reality, only by treating the is reported to have said at the weekend that although sick. Only the most paranoid of regimes could see treason in the such planning is vital, it is as yet in an “embryonic” Hippocratic oath.” state. I do not know whether that is true, but it is what I Instead of rolling out the red carpet at Downing street, read in the press. Surely there is now an urgency to is it not time that the Foreign Secretary got a little bit post-conflict planning. The Gaddafi regime could go more robust with this torturing regime? on for some time yet but, equally, it could be on the point of collapse. What is the hold-up? What urgency Mr Hague: It is often necessary to use the word can the Foreign Secretary bring to post-conflict planning “allegation” and I have used it in respect of certain for Libya, and what can he tell the House about the cases in Syria, which are as disturbing as some of the problems and plans involved? cases the right hon. Gentleman mentions in Bahrain. Mr Hague: The right hon. Gentleman is right to point He has been a journalist in his time, so he will know out the urgency of this situation. This is why we are that, based on what we read in newspapers, we sometimes taking the actions that we are. The main case that I have to refer to “allegations” rather than “established made to the national transitional council in Benghazi facts”. Of course, these things are a huge cause for was that it must step up its own planning for the day that concern. It is important, however, to maintain our own Gaddafi departs. In Libya, it will have prime responsibility contact with, and pressure on, those in Bahrain who are for proceeding into the future in a stable, democratic looking for a successful dialogue. One of those is the way. We are, however, at the forefront of the work being Crown Prince of Bahrain. It is important to maintain done. There is real urgency involved, which is why my contact both with him and with those on the Shia side right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for International in Bahrain. Simply not to talk to anybody in Bahrain Development has sent the stabilisation response team because terrible things have happened would not be the to Benghazi. It is undertaking its assessment there now correctly constructive position of this country. and will return within the next week or so to write its report. All its work has been accelerated—[Interruption.] Mr Edward Leigh (Gainsborough) (Con): Will the Well, it has to be a good report, as well as being done Foreign Secretary say a bit more about post-war planning? quickly. There is a balance to be struck between those As we saw in Iraq, getting rid of a bloody tyrant in the two things. The United Kingdom has taken a strong lead middle east is a lot easier than ensuring stability afterwards. in this, and we have shown the greatest sense of urgency Let me press him more particularly on these talks with of all the Governments that are engaged in the issue. Italian experts. What exactly does that mean? Benghazi and Tripoli were divided for centuries before the Italians Nicholas Soames (Mid Sussex) (Con): The Foreign imposed unity. What evidence is there that Tripoli will Secretary is clearly right to give priority to the need to co-operate with the national transitional council after get rid of Gaddafi in short order, and then to bring the fall of Gaddafi, if he does fall? what help we can to the transitional government, but does he agree that the linchpin of the whole of the Mr Hague: Of course these are valid questions from middle east is Egypt, and the encouragement of the my hon. Friend. We do not know what the exact values of human dignity, freedom and opportunity circumstances will be whenever it is that Colonel Gaddafi there? Will he quantify what further assistance the departs the scene. We do know that the national transitional British Government are giving to the Egyptian people council is preparing for that and we have advised it to to help them in their democratic process? prepare more intensively. Already included in the national transitional council are members representing the Tripoli Mr Hague: Clearly, Egypt, with its geographic position, area—in fact, I met those members on Saturday—so it its vast population and its history, is at the centre of so already has representation from all parts of Libya. Its much; my hon. Friend is quite right about its central stated goal is to include current members of the current importance. As I said earlier, the economic side of our regime—what one might call the more technocratic work with Egypt is of prime importance. To quantify it members of it—in an interim Government. The plans further, Egypt will or can benefit from the £110 million are there; they need fleshing out in more detail, but they Arab partnership fund, to which I referred earlier; from are more grounded in sensible reality than was the case the entire EU southern neighbourhood policy, with immediately after the fall of Saddam Hussein in Iraq. ¤750 million of additional funding; and, indeed, from the $20 billion of various forms of financing set out at Angus Robertson (Moray) (SNP): The Secretary of the G8 summit in Deauville. That is the quantification State has highlighted the pending independence of South of the available assistance, most of which, given the Sudan on 9 July, which no doubt we all welcome. Will distribution of the economies in north Africa, is available he confirm that this was accepted by the United Kingdom to Egypt. It is also necessary for Egypt to undertake its Government after the international norm of a single own economic reforms to give confidence to investors independence referendum? and the private sector so that the country can succeed; it cannot all be done by the international community. The Egyptians must have the right environment for economic Mr Hague: There was a single referendum, but there success set out by their own Government as well. was also a 99% vote in favour. Mr Denis MacShane (Rotherham) (Lab): Why did Mr Tobias Ellwood (Bournemouth East) (Con): I the Foreign Secretary use the term “allegations” of welcome the statement. I have just returned from a visit torture about what The Times reported as to Cairo. Whoever one speaks to there—the Muslim “47 health professionals… on trial, accused of seeking to overthrow Brotherhood, the military or, indeed, the youths in the Gulf state’s monarchy” Tahrir square—no one can predict where Egypt will be 43 Middle East and North Africa7 JUNE 2011 Middle East and North Africa 44

[Mr Tobias Ellwood] to distract the eyes of the international community from the regime’s own brutality against, and murder of, in 12 months’ time, but what is certain is the wish for a its own people within its own borders? delay in the elections, which my right hon. Friend mentioned. What encouragement is Egypt being given Mr Hague: My answer to my hon. Friend is in line to allow the newly formed parties time to establish their with my answer to the hon. Member for Walsall North democratic base, rather than allowing the old institutions (Mr Winnick). The area on the other side of the boundary to keep their momentum going? fence is under the control of the Syrian Government, and people are able to draw their own conclusions from Mr Hague: The case advanced by my hon. Friend is that. mounting all the time, as is apparent to many in Egypt and outside. We must respect the sovereignty of the (Islington North) (Lab): Can the Egyptians—it is their decision—but we will certainly be Foreign Secretary credibly continue to say that Britain making the case, as the United Kingdom, that they is not militarily involved in a war for regime change in would be wise to delay the parliamentary elections. In Libya? While there are enormous concerns about violations fact, there would be merit in their holding a presidential of human rights by the Gaddafi regime and its forces, election before the parliamentary elections, which I there are also reports of human rights violations by the believe would allow the most orderly transition to a forces opposing Gaddafi. Did the Foreign Secretary democratic system. We will make that case, while respecting raise those with the transitional council during his visit? the fact that the Egyptians must make their own decisions Is he at all concerned about the role that Saudi Arabia is in Cairo. playing across the region, and about its own human rights abuses? He did not mention Saudi Arabia once in Mr David Winnick (Walsall North) (Lab): Does the his statement. Foreign Secretary really believe that his remarks about the killing of Palestinian demonstrators by Israel—it Mr Hague: Let me answer some of those questions. was Israel, by the way, which was not mentioned by We did raise with the members of the national transitional him—were sufficient, and that remarks that he made council the need to uphold the very highest standards in urging restraint were enough? Would it not be far better their own behaviour and treatment of prisoners, for to condemn absolutely what happened over the weekend? instance. The report to which the hon. Gentleman I thoroughly agree with my right hon. Friend the Member referred said that the council was upholding the Geneva for Blackburn (Mr Straw) that it is time that the British conventions, unlike the Gaddafi regime. Government made it clear to Israel that certain actions, such as what happened over the weekend, are totally Can we still credibly argue—to put the hon. Gentleman’s unacceptable. question another way—that military action is within the terms of the United Nations Security Council Mr Hague: Obviously we condemn anything that resolutions? Yes, we can. If we were not taking the leads to unnecessary deaths, and I have made a strong action we are taking, there is no doubt that the regime appeal for avoidance of the use of lethal force. Israel’s forces would move back into the harassment, threatening response is certainly one that should be criticised, but and killing of the civilian population of Libya. Israel is not the only country that may be criticised in this regard. The area on the other side of the Golan Rory Stewart (Penrith and The Border) (Con): Given heights boundary is under the direct control of the that the Foreign Secretary has so eloquently pointed Syrian Government, and the access that people have out that Libya is just one, and perhaps not the most gained there leads one to speculate about the motives of important, part of the events happening in the middle the Syrian Government in this matter. So the responsibility east at present, will he please reassure the House that may not be all on one side, and trying to cross the nothing we do in Libya alienates the support of the borders is not the way to resolve the problems of the Arab world or the UN Security Council, on whom we middle east. depend, for solving the much bigger issues of a dozen countries over the next 20 years? I think we are all absolutely clear about the fact that the use of lethal force should be avoided whenever possible. Mr Hague: That question is about the importance of maintaining the international coalition and staying within Several hon. Members rose— the terms of the UN Security Council resolutions. My hon. Friend will be aware that there are Arab nations involved in this military action as well, and many more Mr Speaker: Order. There is intense interest, which is are giving it logistic and financial support, or support in reflected in the number of Members who are seeking to the form of overflight rights. We also expect more Arab catch my eye. I want to accommodate colleagues because nations than before to attend the contact group meeting these are very important matters, but there is now a in Abu Dhabi, so we are enlarging the coalition of premium on economy, a legendary example of which I support on Libya, including with many nations of the know will now be provided by Mr Mark Pritchard. middle east. We are also communicating with the people of the middle east in every possible way, such as through Mark Pritchard (The Wrekin) (Con): Thank you for satellite television channels, to explain what we are your generosity, Mr Speaker. No pressure! doing. Certainly if our visit to Benghazi was anything Does the Foreign Secretary agree that the recent to go by, there is very strong support for what we are violence on the Israeli-Syrian border may well be a doing among ordinary people, representatives of civil cynical strategy on the part of the Syrian regime to try society and the press. 45 Middle East and North Africa7 JUNE 2011 Middle East and North Africa 46

Sir Gerald Kaufman (Manchester, Gorton) (Lab): In Richard Fuller (Bedford) (Con): The good work of the light of the report in yesterday’s The New Yorker our armed forces, the Department for International that Barack Obama used his recent visit to canvass Development and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office western European Governments to vote against the in Libya depends on the support of the United States. recognition of a Palestinian state at the United Nations, Does the Foreign Secretary have any comment to make will the right hon. Gentleman affirm that this Government on moves in the US Congress to review President Obama’s will vote in favour of the recognition of a Palestinian decision on his commitment to our efforts in Libya? state at the United Nations General Assembly in September, since no decision could be more calculated to force the Mr Hague: This has been a long-running constitutional Israelis to come to their senses? issue in the United States of America between various Presidents and Congress, and I probably have enough Mr Hague: We have taken no decision about that, on without wading into American constitutional theory. and it would be premature to do so. This situation may We are assured by the US Administration that— arise in September. At the European Foreign Affairs [Interruption.] No, I really am not going to wade into Council, my advice to all my colleagues of the other that. We are assured by the US Administration that 26 European nations was that we should withhold our they are entirely satisfied with the powers they have to statements on that issue. The fact that we have done so, undertake the operations that they are undertaking and and that we will judge events over the coming months, that those operations will continue. may be one that encourages all parties to behave responsibly over those few months. (Rhondda) (Lab): In a year’s time, the barbarous regimes in Bahrain and Syria will probably Jo Swinson (East Dunbartonshire) (LD): Across the expect to send teams to the Olympics here in London, middle east and north Africa, appalling stories are along with a load of officials, who will doubtless stay in emerging of the torture and abuse of civilians during some very polite London hotels. Will that really be right this unrest. Last week, an Egyptian general admitted if the atrocities continue? that women protestors had been subjected to forced virginity tests, and in Misrata two Libyan soldiers told Mr Hague: It really is premature to consider that. I the BBC how they had been ordered to take part in the am not a regular fan of boycotts of the Olympic games, gang rape of young women. What can the UK and the which are brought up every time there is an Olympic international community do to ensure that the perpetrators games for one reason or another. We should be very of these abuses are brought to justice, and, in line with reluctant to advocate the boycotting— UN Security Council resolution 1325, how will women be properly engaged in the post-conflict reconstruction? Mr MacShane: Mrs Thatcher supported the boycott in 1980. Mr Hague: We can do many things, which we are doing. They include the following: in the case of the situation in Libya, reference to the International Criminal Mr Hague: Well maybe we should learn from what Court; in the case of many other countries, encouraging happened 30 years ago. We should be reluctant about their Governments and domestic legal systems to take advocating boycotts, but the question is premature in these problems seriously, and to bring about reconciliation any case. through facing up to what has happened over recent months; and in the cases of regimes that are not listening Bob Blackman (Harrow East) (Con): The reported to that, we are of course trying to intensify the pressure reopening of the border between Gaza and Egypt runs in other ways, as I have described. Our entire programme the risk of refuelling Hamas and Islamic Jihad. What of encouraging civil society, human rights and the steps is the Foreign Secretary taking to make sure that development of political parties is also in line with the the Egyptian Government stop assisting Hamas and strong participation of women in these societies. Islamic Jihad, so that pressure can be brought on all sides to return to the negotiating table? (Ilford South) (Lab/Co-op): How can there be a comprehensive, inclusive national dialogue in Mr Hague: Clearly, we do not want the Egyptian Bahrain when secular Opposition leader Ibrahim Sharif Government to do anything that will increase the risk of is on trial, and moderate Wafaq MPs Matar Ibrahim violence in Gaza or emanating from Gaza, but I must Matar and Jawad Fairoz have been arrested and detained? say that I do not think that the reopening of crossings Is it not time that they were released, so that they can necessarily leads to that. The closure of borders in Gaza take part in such a dialogue? has tended to strengthen Hamas, creating a corrupt economy on which it has been able to thrive and increasing Mr Hague: Certainly I agree with the hon. Gentleman the sense of grievance on which it is based. So I do not that a successful dialogue will have to be with senior think that Egypt’s announcement, in itself, represents a representatives of the Opposition and in different strengthening of Hamas, but of course we must be on circumstances, but that should not stop us trying to the alert for anything that would lead to more weapons encourage that dialogue. The alternative policy to the going into Gaza and to an increased risk of violence. one we are pursuing is to condemn all concerned and say there is no hope for dialogue. We have to encourage Richard Burden (Birmingham, Northfield) (Lab): Motor those on both sides of the divide in Bahrain who believe racing is a sport and an industry where Britain leads the in dialogue to undertake it. Clearly, however, they are world; the majority of Formula 1 teams are based here. not starting from an advantageous position given all the Does that not give us a special responsibility to make it things that have happened in recent months, including much clearer to the FIA that its decision to reinstate the the things to which the hon. Gentleman refers. Bahrain grand prix is wrong ethically and on safety 47 Middle East and North Africa7 JUNE 2011 Middle East and North Africa 48

[Richard Burden] Mr Hague: Yes. Such support predominantly comes from the Department for International Development or grounds, that its decision is bad for the long-term out of the reserve. The costs of the operations in Libya reputation of Formula 1 and that it is absolutely clear are being met from the reserve, as the Chancellor has that there is widespread opposition to the decision said, so they are not an additional burden on the among teams and among Formula 1 drivers? We should Ministry of Defence. be clearer in asking the FIA to think again. Heidi Alexander (Lewisham East) (Lab): What Mr Hague: Clearly there is widespread opposition of conditions, if any, have been placed on the Arab partnership the kind that the hon. Gentleman describes, and the fund to ensure women’s equal political participation—and FIA must take that into account as it considers the dare I say it?—representation in north Africa’s emerging decision it has made. It must make its own decisions—we democracies? should be clear about that—but the widespread opposition that he refers to is clear. Mr Hague: This is one of the objectives of the fund and £40 million of it is there to encourage political Christopher Pincher (Tamworth) (Con): In his statement reform. That is very much one of the objectives. As I my right hon. Friend rightly said that the national have said several times before, the encouragement of transitional council represents the legitimate aspirations civil society, human rights groups, NGOs, and training of the Libyan people. So does he believe that the for liberal and secular political parties is designed to $53 billion-worth of frozen Libyan assets, including the ensure, among other things, that women have a strong $182 million-worth allegedly held by the Royal Bank of role in the politics and society of these countries. We Scotland, will be released to the NTC for it to dispose of will strongly champion that. as it wishes? Robert Halfon (Harlow) (Con): Does my right hon. Friend agree that Israel has the right to defend its own Mr Hague: It is not possible to release those assets borders, given that the consequences of not doing so under the current UN resolutions—of course we have would be enormous? Does he agree that Iran is likely to looked at this matter, but all the advice that we have have had influence on recent events over the weekend been given is that it is not possible to do that. Other and has he made an assessment of Iranian influence in countries have received the same advice and, certainly, Syria? all other European countries are in the same position. It is very important that we stay within the UN resolutions and retain the moral authority of operating within Mr Hague: Israel does have the right to defend its international law, even though that is inconvenient in borders but it must do so in a sensible and proportionate some respects and requires us to do some things differently way; I think we should stress that. I have no direct from how we might wish. So that is a higher priority evidence of Iranian involvement in the events around than finding a way around the UN resolutions. If it is the borders of Israel but I have seen a good deal of possible to change them at any stage, we would be ready evidence of Iranian involvement in Syria in attempting to do so. to crush dissent, including in the provision of riot control equipment and of expertise in how to flood particular towns and cities with security forces for the Sammy Wilson (East Antrim) (DUP): Does the Foreign purposes of repression. Iran has a strong role in trying Secretary agree that events in Syria have the potential to to quell the views of the people of Syria and we should be even more destabilising than events in Libya given condemn it for doing so. the cynical attempt to stir up problems on the border with Israel? Will he therefore outline to us the additional Mark Durkan (Foyle) (SDLP): Although I acknowledge sanctions on Syria that he is considering with the EU the scope and energy of the Foreign Secretary’s personal partners mentioned in the statement? engagement on these issues, he must accept that there is some concern that he chooses to use language that is so Mr Hague: The sanctions so far cover President elliptical in relation to some clear-cut events in comparison Assad and 22 other individuals in terms of asset freezes with others. On the Syrian resolution that the Government and travel bans. Additional sanctions would involve the are seeking, does any of the resistance voiced include designation of further individuals involved in repression any reference to the possibility that the existing resolution and violence in Syria and of commercial organisations, on Libya is being exceeded? If so, how does he refute so the sanctions on Syria would be wider spread. I do that? not want to pretend to the hon. Gentleman that such sanctions will change the entire situation in Syria. They Mr Hague: I do not think that that is a major factor are a demonstration of our strong view rather than in this. As has been pointed out by hon. Members something that will transform the situation there. We earlier, Russia, which was not an enthusiast for the must recognise our limited leverage in Syria, but we are Security Council resolution on Libya, has conceded at exercising the leverage that we have. the G8 that Gaddafi has lost legitimacy and must go. When it comes to the resolution on Syria there are other Dan Byles (North Warwickshire) (Con): On the post- factors at work. Syria has stronger relationships with conflict phase, will the Foreign Secretary confirm that if various countries around the Arab world and with the UK were to give long-term assistance to Libyan Russia than Libya has had in recent years. There are police and security forces, that assistance would be paid more powerful factors at work in making countries for by the Department for International Development reluctant to condemn the Syrian Government, but if and not the Ministry of Defence? these events continue as they are, it must be acknowledged 49 Middle East and North Africa7 JUNE 2011 Middle East and North Africa 50 across capitals all over the world that the Syrian Bahrain. What evidence does he have that the Government’s behaviour is unacceptable and we will representations that he and the Prime Minister are make a renewed push at the United Nations on that making constantly, as he tells us, to the Bahraini basis. Government are having any effect at all?

Rehman Chishti (Gillingham and Rainham) (Con): Mr Hague: We will see over time the effect that we The Foreign Secretary will know that the United States have in Bahrain. It is important to have channels of previously appointed Jerry Bremer as the Governor and communication to the ruling family and the ruling administrator in Iraq to oversee the transition to democracy. group as well as to the opposition forces in Bahrain, Will the United Kingdom appoint someone to a similar and Britain is one of the few countries that has both position to oversee the transition to democracy in the those channels, which our embassy in has post-Gaddafi regime? built up over the years. We should use those channels constructively because there is no solution in Bahrain Mr Hague: I doubt it because we are not intending to other than one based on a successful dialogue between be an occupying power in Libya, where I hope that the both sides. We have to continue to encourage that. situation when Gaddafi goes will be radically different from the situation in Iraq after the fall of Saddam Mr Andy Slaughter (Hammersmith) (Lab): The Foreign Hussein. It will not be a situation in which armies have Secretary has consistently condemned the use of live come from outside to remove the system and to try to fire against unarmed protesters by murderous regimes construct something completely new; it will be about such as Assad’s and Gaddafi’s, so why does he find it the success of people inside Libya who have fought for difficult today to condemn exactly the same thing by the their freedom and are able to build a structure in Israeli regime? What protest is he making to the ambassador accordance with their own culture and society. I am not and to the Government of Israel and what sanctions anticipating there being anyone from Britain to oversee will he consider if there is a repetition of these events, that. which go on week by week on all of Israel’s illegal borders? Mr Dennis Skinner (Bolsover) (Lab): Would not a fair summary of the Foreign Secretary’s statement be that it suggests the halcyon days of the Arab spring are Mr Hague: I have pointed out that the responsibility fast moving towards a harsh winter and that all that will for the situation on the borders is not entirely on the remain is a big bill for the British people to pay? Israeli side. I have made very clear our opposition to the use of lethal force and that the defence of borders and Mr Hague: No; whatever happens with the Arab boundaries should be proportionate. Hon. Members spring, we should welcome people’s aspirations for freedom should make no mistake about that. That is the message and democracy anywhere in the world, including in the that we convey to the Israeli authorities. We should not Arab world. It is bound to cause many crises and be so short-sighted as to believe that in the case of Syria difficulties along the way, but if we did not handle these no one else is involved in trying to create those incidents things in a sensible way, the cost to this country in terms and putting people in a position in which they are of uncontrolled migration into Europe and new breeding caught up in violent incidents. grounds for terrorism would be enormous. I think that the hon. Gentleman’s view is a very blinkered one. Ian Paisley (North Antrim) (DUP): I thank the Foreign Secretary for his comprehensive statement. Will he be James Morris (Halesowen and Rowley Regis) (Con): specific about the number of British nationals who have Does the Foreign Secretary agree that given all that is fled Yemen since the statement in March? Will he give going on in the middle east, it is more vital than ever us his estimate of the number of British nationals who that the international community should take any means remain in Yemen and, finally, why are there 80 British necessary to prevent Iran from getting a viable nuclear marines off the coast of Yemen and what do they weapon? intend to do? In the statement, he said that it was “extremely unlikely that the British Government will be Mr Hague: The way I would put it is that it is able to evacuate any British nationals” left in Yemen. important to intensify the peaceful and legitimate pressure on Iran to turn it away from its nuclear programme. As Mr Hague: There is a good deal of evidence that I set out in my statement, we have secured in the past many British nationals have left Yemen in recent months two weeks the designation of more than 100 additional in response to our advice, although it is not always easy entities in Iran that are in various ways engaged or to track them all individually. Most British nationals associated with the nuclear programme. We are looking who remain appear to be dual nationals, so they may to other countries to intensify the pressure and we not intend to leave under any circumstances—they are discussed this a great deal with President Obama and Yemeni as well as British. The number of people holding Secretary Clinton on their visit here a couple of weeks only British nationality is certainly down to a few ago. We will continue to intensify that policy. This is of hundred as far as we can see—fewer than 300 would be prime concern to the security of the region and the a fair estimate. There are British military assets in the world. region, but I am not going into the operational tasking of those assets. I restate that, whatever the assets we Mr Ben Bradshaw (Exeter) (Lab): Given what the may have in the region, conducting a safe evacuation Foreign Secretary rightly says about the importance of from a place where it would be difficult for people even consistency, I am astonished that he thinks it could be to get to the airport if greater violence breaks out is not remotely acceptable for the grand prix to go ahead in something on which people can rely. 51 Middle East and North Africa 7 JUNE 2011 52

Ms Gisela Stuart (Birmingham, Edgbaston) (Lab): Prevent Strategy The Foreign Secretary suggested that one reason why we heard so little from the Arab League in recent weeks was the level of disagreement. Will he update the House 5.8 pm on where agreement may be reached, as the support of The Secretary of State for the Home Department the Arab League will be extremely important and vital (Mrs Theresa May): With permission, Mr Speaker, I to all of us? would like to make a statement on the review of the Government’s strategy to stop people becoming terrorists Mr Hague: On Libya, the Arab League has been very or supporting terrorism. clear and is very supportive of what we have done under Intelligence indicates that the UK faces a serious and the Security Council resolutions. I trust that it will be sustained threat from terrorism. Osama bin Laden may represented on the contact group in Abu Dhabi. This be dead, but the threat from al-Qaeda-inspired terrorism week, it is on Syria that Arab councils would be more is not. Indeed, the threat level from international terrorism divided, because the connections between some of their remains at “Severe”, meaning an attack is highly likely. Governments and the Syrian authorities are much closer That threat comes both from foreign nationals and than they were in the case of Colonel Gaddafi. There is from terrorists born and bred in Britain. no doubt that Arab nations individually are, in many cases, playing a role in encouraging President Assad To tackle that threat, as the Prime Minister made down a path of reform, although it may be too late for clear in his speech in Munich earlier this year, we must that. However, they are playing their role in doing so as not only arrest and prosecute those who breach the law, individual nationals, rather than through the Arab League. but we must stop people being drawn into terrorist-related activity in the first place. That will require a new approach Naomi Long (Belfast East) (Alliance): With respect to to integrating our divided communities, led by my right the planned national dialogue in Bahrain, what hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Communities and representations will the Secretary of State make to the Local Government, and delivered by Ministers across Bahraini authorities to ensure that that dialogue not the whole of Government. In counter-terrorism policy, only addresses the main sectarian tensions and political it will require an effective strategy to tackle radicalisation reform but wider issues of civil and religious for in this country and overseas. That is why, last year, I other minority groupings in Bahrain? launched a review of the existing counter-radicalisation strategy known as Prevent. That review found that the Mr Hague: The hon. Lady makes an important point. Prevent programme that we inherited from the previous For it to be a successful national dialogue, it will have to Government was flawed. It confused Government policy embrace all those concerns. In our next meetings with to promote integration with Government policy to prevent those authorities, I will certainly make the point that terrorism. It failed to tackle the extremist ideology that she has made in the House. not only undermines the cohesion of our society, but inspires would-be terrorists to seek to bring death and Mr Speaker: I am grateful to the Foreign Secretary destruction to our towns and cities. In trying to reach and colleagues for their co-operation. out to those at risk of radicalisation, funding sometimes even reached the very extremist organisations that Prevent should have been confronting. We will not make the same mistakes. Our new strategy is guided by a number of key principles. Prevent should remain an integral part of our counter-terrorism strategy, Contest, a full update of which we will publish later this summer. Its aim should be to stop people becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism. Prevent should address all forms of terrorism, including the extreme right wing. That is only right and proper and will also provide a more flexible basis to adapt to emerging threats in the future. In a world of scarce resources, it is clear that Prevent work must be targeted against those forms of terrorism that pose the greatest risk to our national security. Currently, the greatest threat comes from al-Qaeda and those it inspires. The majority of Prevent resources and efforts will therefore be devoted to stopping people joining or supporting al-Qaeda, its affiliates or like-minded groups. But Prevent must also recognise and tackle the insidious impact of non-violent extremism, which can create an atmosphere conducive to terrorism and can popularise views that terrorists exploit. Prevent depends on a successful integration strategy, but integration alone will not meet our counter-terrorism objectives, and our integration programme should go much wider than just security and counter-terrorism. This was a fundamental failing of the last Government’s approach. They failed to promote integration, and where 53 Prevent Strategy7 JUNE 2011 Prevent Strategy 54 they did promote it, they did so through the narrow This review has been independently overseen by Lord prism of counter-terrorism. So we will do more than Carlile of Berriew, and I pay tribute to him for his any Government before us to promote integration, including contribution. Lord Carlile has said that the new Prevent through teaching our history and values in our schools, strategy has his full support. He said that through the national citizen service, and through other “it provides a template for challenging the extremist ideas and policies, but we will do so separately and differently terrorist actions which seek to undermine the rule of law and from Prevent. The combined effect of this work and of fundamental British political values and institutions. Its tone is the new Prevent strategy will be an unyielding fight clear, and its policy compelling. It offers a positive message for against extremism, violent extremism and radicalisation. mutual respect, tolerance and liberty.” It is critical that agencies, Departments and local Prevent has not been without controversy. In the authorities work to a common set of Prevent objectives past, it received allegations that it was a cover for to deliver the outcomes that we want. Public funding spying. Those allegations have been found to be false, for Prevent must be rigorously prioritised and but now we will make sure that this is seen and known comprehensively audited. The previous Government to be the case. In the past, Prevent was muddled up with were far too lax in spending in this area, as they were in integration. It operated to confused and contradictory so many others. Let me reiterate that under this objectives—not any more. At times funding even found Government, public money will not be provided to its way to the sorts of extremist organisations that extremist organisations. If organisations do not support themselves pose a threat to our society and to our the values of democracy, human rights, equality before security—not under this Government. the law, participation in society—if they do not accept Let me be clear. We will not fund or work with these fundamental and universal values—we will not organisations that do not subscribe to the core values of work with them and we will not fund them. our society. Our new Prevent strategy will challenge the Within this overall framework, the new Prevent strategy extremist ideology, it will help protect sectors and institutions will have three objectives. First, Prevent will respond to from extremists, and it will stop the radicalisation of the ideological challenge and the threat from those who vulnerable people. Above all, it will tackle the threat promote it. As the Deputy Prime Minister said in his from home-grown terrorism. I commend this statement speech in Luton, we must be much more assertive about to the House. our values. Let me be clear: the ideology of extremism and terrorism is the problem; Islam emphatically is not. (Normanton, Pontefract and Castleford) Tackling that ideology will mean working with mainstream (Lab): We should take this opportunity to pay tribute to individuals and organisations to make sure moderate those who work so hard to protect our national security. voices are heard. It will mean robustly defending our Today we expected the to update the institutions and our way of life. So where propagandists Prevent strategy, but she has done nothing of the sort. break the law in encouraging or approving terrorism, it We support updating the Prevent strategy, but there is a will mean arrest and prosecution, and where people massive gap between her rhetoric today and the reality seek to enter this country from overseas to engage in of her policies. Where she should be building consensus activity in support of extremist or terrorist groups, we around counter-terrorism, instead she has been political will exclude them. Since coming to power, I have already point-scoring. She has set out no actual proposals on excluded 44 individuals from the UK either because of how she would deliver in such an important area. unacceptable behaviour or for national security reasons. Most of the work on the development of Prevent was Secondly, Prevent will stop individuals being drawn done after the 7/7 bombings and it was treading completely into terrorism and will ensure that they are given appropriate new ground. Urgent work was needed to disrupt the advice and support. Radicalisation is a process, not a process of radicalisation, but there was no experience to one-off event. During that process it is possible to draw on, and a range of different approaches was intervene to stop vulnerable people gravitating towards rightly tried. Much of that work was supported by the terrorism. We will do this by building on the successful Opposition at the time. Some like “Channel” were very multi-agency “Channel” programme, which identifies successful; some were not as effective. We were clear and provides support for people at risk of radicalisation. from the very beginning that it would need to be reviewed I want to use this opportunity to make one thing and evolve in the light of the evidence. The same is true clear—Prevent is not about spying on communities, as now. some have alleged. It is about acting on information The Home Secretary, however, has claimed with great from the police, the security and intelligence agencies, certainty that she will not make mistakes. If she believes local authorities and community organisations to help that she now knows all the answers on how to tackle those specifically at risk of turning towards terrorism. extremism and radicalisation, she is heading for a fall. It is incumbent on everyone in this country to play their In her desire to blame the previous Government for part in helping them do so. everything she is blinding herself and her Government Thirdly, we will work with sectors and institutions to the fact that this is difficult work. Some of what she where there are risks of radicalisation. It is right to would like to do will work, but some will not, and it will acknowledge that progress has been made in this area, need to be reviewed again, but that should be on the but that progress has been patchy and it must be improved. basis of evidence, not political positioning. So we will work with education and health care providers, The Home Secretary has not even told us what her universities, faith groups, charities, prisons and the wider new mistake-free strategy involves. We agree that some criminal justice system. We will also work to tackle the groups should not be funded because of their extremist particular challenge of radicalisation on the internet, views, but the review says that it found no evidence to and to make better use ourselves of social media and indicate widespread, systematic or deliberate funding of other modern communications technologies. extremist groups, either by the Home Office or by local 55 Prevent Strategy7 JUNE 2011 Prevent Strategy 56

[Yvette Cooper] I have identified a number of areas where I think not enough has been done to look at radicalisation. The authorities or police forces. She has told us nothing right hon. Lady said that Universities UK had rejected about the new framework that will somehow prevent it the review’s statements relating to universities, but I happening inadvertently with local decisions in place. have to say to her and to Universities UK that I consider She has said that there will be a new focus on integration one of the problems to have been a degree of complacency from the Department for Communities and Local in universities and their unwillingness to recognise the Government, but what is it, what will it do and how will radicalisation that can take place on their campuses and it be funded? She has already cut 40% from the Prevent do anything about it. We aim to work with universities funding for local councils this year alone and they have to ensure that in future, with regard to their pastoral major cuts still to come. duty of care to students, they take radicalisation seriously The Home Secretary has claimed that there will be and act accordingly. stronger work by universities and the NHS, but the There will be real differences in the approach we are Universities UK and the British Medical Association taking. It has been a problem in the past that, because have already rejected her views. How workable are these Prevent covered both integration and the counter-terrorism plans if such critical stakeholders are hostile from the aspects of the strategy, it was perceived to be the start? She has not set out different approaches for securitisation of integration, so it is right that the dealing with violent extremism, non-violent extremist Department for Communities and Local Government and integration and seems to be confusing all three. Is it will take on the integration aspect of our policy and not the truth that there is a massive gap between her work on aspects of community cohesion. rhetoric and reality? Finally, I think that it is absolutely right that the The Prime Minister has claimed that there will now Government should look very carefully at the groups be no more of the passive tolerance of recent years and that are being funded, analyse and evaluate them properly much more active, , but what will and carefully monitor how money is spent. The previous the Government actually do and how will they deliver? Government did not do that. Police counter-terrorism budgets are being cut in real terms, as are the Foreign Office’s counter-terrorism Mr David Davis (Haltemprice and Howden) (Con): I programmes, and later today the Home Secretary will welcome wholeheartedly my right hon. Friend’s statement introduce a Bill that will make it harder, not easier, to and comments, not least because a couple of weeks ago prevent terrorism attacks by watering down elements of I received a letter from a Muslim inmate of one of our control orders. Despite all the Prime Minister’s strong high-security prisons, in which he said: claims about getting tough on extremists, there is still ‘Last week our prison service imam told us ‘not to believe no sign that he will meet his pre-election promise to ban western media’ in relation to the death of Usama bin Laden. The the extremist group Hizb ut-Tahrir. week prior to that the imam celebrated the escape of hundreds of I know from previous experience of the Home Secretary’s Taliban prisoners from the Kabul jail.’ statements that if I give her a long list of questions, she He went on to list equally inappropriate teachings by will not answer them, so let me leave her with just one: prison imams in a total of five prisons. The Home will she confirm that the Government will not meet Secretary is right to draw attention to the previous their promise to ban Hizb ut-Tahrir and admit that Government’s complacency over the issue. Will she give sometimes is not as easy in practice to deliver counter- an undertaking that this will be put right and that we terrorism and work to prevent extremism as it is to will not be able to say those things next year? make grand political promises as she has done today? Mrs May: I thank my right hon. Friend for bringing Mrs May: I am rather disappointed in the tone that that letter to the attention of the House and, in doing the right hon. Lady has taken in her response. On the so, raising a very important aspect of the work on one hand she said that she recognised that the Prevent which we wish to focus. There is a great deal more to be strategy needed review, but on the other hand she has done in prisons, and a number of steps that we intend to completely rejected the review that has taken place. She take are set out in the Prevent strategy today. I should claims that no change is taking place, but clearly there be very happy to receive a copy of that letter, if he feels is. On Hizb ut-Tahrir, the Government are concerned able to share it with me, so that we can look at the about that group’s actions and keep it under constant specific allegations that have been made, but we intend review. She asked me to confirm that that is a very to work more carefully with prisons, prison staff, the difficult area in which to work, which I am happy to do. National Offender Management Service and those going It is difficult to make the proper judgments in this area. into prisons to deal with individual prisoners in order When we came into office we looked at the previous to try to ensure that we do not see the sort of activity Government’s approach and found that they had not taking place that he has identified. looked at the issue of extremism but focused instead on violent extremism. We believe that it is important to Mr David Blunkett (Sheffield, Brightside and look at extremism, because people involved in it can be Hillsborough) (Lab): Who could possibly disagree with led on to violent extremism and terrorist acts. We believe the three objectives that the Home Secretary has set that it is also important to look at extremism because it out? But she has not done herself or her Government can create an atmosphere in which people can more justice by seeking to make party political points about easily be radicalised towards terrorism. That is a key those who had to deal—I did not have to—with the change that we are bringing about. We are looking at all reality of post-7 July 2005. I just have one very simple forms of terrorism and have made that clear in what we question. How can she this afternoon talk about building are doing. on our institutions and on an understanding of our 57 Prevent Strategy7 JUNE 2011 Prevent Strategy 58 values and history while the Education Secretary is In relation to dealing with the wider aspects of proposing to withdraw citizenship from the school community participation and cohesion, however, including curriculum? looking at the involvement in society more generally, as we would like, of women from particular communities Mrs May: In relation to my comments on the previous who are often not able or encouraged to do so, the Government, we did a proper review of the Prevent Department for Communities and Local Government strategy to identify those areas where change was necessary. is looking at that issue in the integration strategy that it We have done that, and I have brought to the House a is developing. number of areas where we believe the previous We refer to RICU, which was set up under the last Government’s strategy was flawed and where it is necessary Government, in the strategy. I fully accept the right to make changes, which I have set out before the House hon. Lady’s point about communication, which is today. extremely important; that is why we are looking at the In relation to what is happening in education, my role that RICU plays in it. right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education is quite clear about the necessity of ensuring that values Tom Brake (Carshalton and Wallington) (LD): Does are indeed taught in our schools, but that that is done in the Home Secretary agree that a clear divide must exist a number of ways, including through the proper teaching between the measures designed to tackle violent of our history. extremism and those designed to promote community cohesion, that funding must be denied to organisations Dr Julian Lewis (New Forest East) (Con): During the that do not support our basic values in relation to cold war, Governments of Labour and Conservative respect for women and minorities, and that the most persuasions differentiated between communists who were effective way to confront radical non-violent groups is subversive and broke the law and communists who to tackle their beliefs in open debate? preached a totalitarian philosophy. Does my right hon. Friend agree that it is the job of the police and of the Mrs May: I certainly agree that we need to challenge Security Service to deal with those Islamists or, as I the ideology. I also agree that the means by which we prefer to call them, un-Islamic extremists who break the deal with violent extremism, or people who are vulnerable law, but that the job of Prevent must be to destroy the to radicalisation towards violent extremism, need to be philosophical basis of the perversion of the religion separated from the wider task of community cohesion that they seek to convey? and working towards greater participation in society. In the past, people came to look with some concern at Mrs May: I certainly agree with my hon. Friend that what was being done in the name of Prevent because it we need to ensure that those who break the law are dealt was trying to mix up those two aspects of work. It is with appropriately. We need to ensure also that we important that we separate out the community cohesion challenge the ideology—or, the perverse ideology—that work, which is overseen by the Department for people use to lure others down the road of radicalisation Communities and Local Government. and into violent acts and into terrorism. In terms of the Prevent point of view and the very clear counter-terrorism Mr George Howarth (Knowsley) (Lab): As somebody aspect of the strategy that we have identified, that work who has high regard for the Home Secretary, I, too, will be done in a number of ways. In the Prevent express regret that she has chosen to express some of strategy, we set out how we will deal with issues such as her views in such party political terms. Surely it is right the internet and the use of the internet to radicalise that we seek unity across the House on this issue. people, but it will also be done through work with Given that several thousand young Islamists in this individuals who are identified as vulnerable. country have been through training systems in Pakistan, can the Home Secretary give the House an assurance Hazel Blears (Salford and Eccles) (Lab): I am very that that will be borne in mind in future and that the disappointed at the tone that the Home Secretary has good work that has been carried out in Pakistan under adopted today. She has been extremely partisan in her Prevent and associated programmes will not be jettisoned, comments. It is very easy to talk tough on these issues, because it is important for the terrorist activities that but what practical support will she give to women and take place in this country? to young Muslims to develop the skills and confidence to tackle that pernicious ideology? In particular, what Mrs May: It is certainly the case that a strand of will she do about the £4.2 million that the research, Prevent work takes place overseas and is overseen by information and communications unit in the Home the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, and it is important Office spent last year? It is supposed to be developing a that that work is properly evaluated and evidence-based counter-narrative, but I for one have not seen one useful so that we ensure that the money is being spent where it piece or product of research and information that RICU can be seen to be properly working. We need to look has produced. At the same time, the money for communities very carefully at how the money is spent in that area of has been slashed, but we have a real responsibility to activity, but we also need to ensure that it continues to support people in our communities, so that they have take place, and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office the skills to tackle this pernicious, political ideology will be doing that. Separately from that, because the that is all too prevalent. Department for International Development does not fund Prevent-related work, the work that DFID does in Mrs May: The right hon. Lady is correct to say that it building up society has an impact in this area as well. is important to ensure that individuals are able to tackle this perverse ideology, and part of Prevent’s work with Patrick Mercer (Newark) (Con): The Home Secretary individuals will be precisely about that—about enabling talked about the dangers from Islamist fundamentalism people to understand the perversion of the ideology. but did not, I am sure for good reason, mention the 59 Prevent Strategy7 JUNE 2011 Prevent Strategy 60

[Patrick Mercer] becoming involved in terrorism and other policies that were more closely related to social cohesion measures. dangers from Irish republican terrorism. Could she Is the Home Secretary saying that the first of those account for the difficult nexus in terms of intelligence issues will be the responsibility of the Home Office and and prevention work on the mainland of the United the second the responsibility of the Department for Kingdom and how this policy will encompass it? Communities and Local Government? Will there be any links between the two? If there are, how will the policy Mrs May: I thank my hon. Friend for raising Northern differ from that of the previous Government? Ireland-related terrorism. The Prevent strategy that I have outlined specifically does not cover Northern Ireland- Mrs May: It is our intention that there will be different related terrorism because it is important that we work responsibilities for those matters. We will allow the through the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Department for Communities and Local Government and the Northern Ireland Assembly and Ministers there, to identify how it wishes to operate its integration in looking at these issues. There is a responsibility for strategy. I believe that hon. Members will hear more this in Northern Ireland, and it would not be right for from my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for us to bring Northern Ireland-related terrorism under Communities and Local Government on the wider issues the Prevent strategy that I have announced. However, of community cohesion, participation in society and certain aspects of the Prevent strategy have some integration in due course. We will bring together a joint commonality with themes in relation to Northern Ireland- board to ensure that all activity takes place against the related terrorism, and I am sure that others will draw on Government’s overall objectives in this area. I expect that. that that board will look at the interface between the Prevent strategy and the integration strategy of the Ian Paisley (North Antrim) (DUP): I thank the Home Department for Communities and Local Government. Secretary for her statement and for clarifying that point, We will not label the DCLG work as part of the Prevent but will she elaborate on it? Will she confirm that where strategy, and it will not be part of the counter-terrorism a republican suspect is found to be operational, strategy run by the Home Office. active and gathering intelligence here on the mainland, they will come under this policy and will be subject to Lorraine Fullbrook (South Ribble) (Con): Will my its restrictions, and, importantly, that they will not be right hon. Friend reassure my constituents in South sin-binned back to Northern Ireland but will be restrained Ribble that these reforms will ensure that the Prevent here, where they are trying to commit their crime? programme is properly focused and, above all, more effective than it has been? Mrs May: I assure the hon. Gentleman that anybody who is identified as being involved in acts of terrorism or Mrs May: I welcome my hon. Friend to the House preparatory acts of terrorism that are suitable for following her recent illness. It is good to see her back in prosecution under the law will be prosecuted under her seat. It is certainly our intention to monitor how the law. money is spent on Prevent to ensure that it is spent Nicola Blackwood (Oxford West and Abingdon) (Con): effectively. In looking at the programmes that work, we I welcome the Home Secretary’s statement. The strategy will ensure that the decisions that are made are fully highlights the targeting of university campuses by extremists evidence-based. for the purposes of radicalising vulnerable students. I noted her concern that some universities are complacent Pete Wishart (Perth and North Perthshire) (SNP): In about those risks. Will she give more detail on how the what new ways will the right hon. Lady promote integration? revised Prevent programme will better protect students What core values and whose history will now be taught while not overwhelming universities with excessive burdens? in schools?

Mrs May: I am happy to look at that issue. That work Mrs May: The last time I looked, there was a different has started in a number of ways. The National Union of education system in Scotland, and I reassure the hon. Students has done good work on the role that it can Gentleman that I am not suggesting that I will touch it. play to prevent radicalisation on campuses by considering However, I think that people across the United Kingdom issues such as who is speaking on campuses. We will share a belief in the values of democracy, human rights, continue to work with the NUS to develop its approach, equality and the rule of law, and those are the values including to other university societies. We will also that we are talking about. work with university vice-chancellors and staff on this issue. It is certainly not our intention suddenly to overburden Graham Evans (Weaver Vale) (Con): I welcome the universities with red tape. However, we hope that universities teaching of British history in our schools. Will my right are prepared to recognise the role that radicalisation on hon. Friend reassure the House that the police and campuses can play and accept that they have a responsibility security services are content with the new package of to look at what is happening on their campuses. proposals?

Mr Clive Betts (Sheffield South East) (Lab): In the Mrs May: I am very happy to give my hon. Friend last Parliament, the Communities and Local Government that confirmation. We have of course been talking to Committee did a report on the previous Government’s the police and the intelligence agencies about the issue, Prevent strategy. One criticism that was made to our and there will be particular interaction with the police inquiry, to which the Secretary of State has alluded, is because a significant part of the Prevent money is spent that there was confusion between a strand of the policy by them. I will write to chief constables and others that dealt with individuals who were felt to be at risk of today to set out the new strategy. 61 Prevent Strategy7 JUNE 2011 Prevent Strategy 62

Tristram Hunt (Stoke-on-Trent Central) (Lab): I am Mr Peter Bone (Wellingborough) (Con): I thank the glad that the Home Secretary mentioned the extreme Home Secretary for coming to the House again to keep right wing. In Stoke-on-Trent, we have dealt with alleged us informed. In Wellingborough prison, the imam is in terrorist conspiracies from both Islamic fundamentalists charge of all the religious affairs. I am sure he is very and far-right white fascists. I am also keen on her good, but what checks are made in prisons to ensure announcement of actions regarding the internet. Many that the imams there are not preaching extremism? young British Muslims are heading towards radicalisation via the teachings of Anwar al-Awlaki, gained over the Mrs May: My hon. Friend’s question refers back, in a internet. May I urge her to make the security services go sense, to that asked by my right hon. Friend the Member on the front foot against some of the stuff that is for Haltemprice and Howden (Mr Davis). In considering coming over the internet? how we deal with prisons, we will do much more work to examine exactly what is happening there. We will Finally, may I urge the Home Secretary to proceed work with prison governors and staff and with the with caution on defining British values? The history of National Offender Management Service to get better Britain also involves the denial of democracy, the denial information about what is happening in prisons, which of the rule of law and the denial of equal rights in many is a key aspect of the strategy. We recognise that more nations around the world, and for Home Secretaries to work needs to be done. define what is and is not Britishness is treacherous territory. Naomi Long (Belfast East) (Alliance): I thank the Home Secretary for her statement. In disentangling the Mr Speaker: I am very impressed that the hon. issues of trying to create more community cohesion and Gentleman is still breathing. at the same time trying to deal with terrorism and radicalisation, how can we ensure that there is not a gap Mrs May: I of course recognise the experience in through which radicalised young people can emerge? Stoke-on-Trent, particularly over the past year, in relation How can we ensure that the policies co-exist and are to both terrorist plots of an Islamic nature and the complementary to each other, not in conflict? influence and actions of the English Defence League. I would hope that everybody in the House believes in the Mrs May: As I indicated earlier, we will take steps to values to which I referred in my answer to the hon. ensure that our policies are complementary across the Member for Perth and North Perthshire (Pete Wishart), Government. Importantly, I hope that the integration namely democracy, the rule of law, equality and human and community cohesion strategies will encourage people rights. Those are the values that we wish to promote. to be willing to identify those young people who they consider to be vulnerable to radicalisation, and who they feel need the support and action of the programmes Mr Rob Wilson (Reading East) (Con): May I congratulate that are available, to ensure that they do not go down the Home Secretary on her statement, and say what a the route to terrorism. breath of fresh air it was to hear some of the things that she said? As she knows, much of the threat to the UK Mr David Burrowes (Enfield, Southgate) (Con): The comes via Pakistan. Can she explain how the Government Home Secretary spoke of the values of our country. It is are working with counter-terror agencies to deal with important to recognise the Christian heritage of those that specific threat? values, so will she recognise the failure of the previous strategy, which diminished the positive contribution of Mrs May: We work closely with the Government of faith-based organisations and distorted their relationships Pakistan on counter-terrorism matters, and I should with the Government? I welcome the announcement of put on record in the House, as I believe I have on the £5 million of near neighbours funding to enable previous occasions, that in fact the Pakistani people churches to be involved in reaching out to all communities. have suffered significant losses to terrorist attacks. Several That is a positive and welcome step. thousand people have died in Pakistan in recent years as a result of such attacks, and we should never forget Mrs May: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for making what is happening to people living there. Of course, the point that it is important that the Government are there are considerable links between this country and willing to work with groups from all faiths, to ensure Pakistan, and as I said, we work closely with the Pakistani that we use the expertise and ability that faith groups Government in examining counter-terrorism issues. have to reach out into their communities in a way that the Government cannot. As I said, it is important to do that across all faiths. Kate Hoey (Vauxhall) (Lab): I very much welcome the better targeting of our resources, but will the Home Mr Denis MacShane (Rotherham) (Lab): If I pointed Secretary ensure that projects and schemes that are out to the Home Secretary that before 1997, her doing extremely well in inner cities, such as some around Conservative predecessor, who was advised by the current the mosque in Lambeth, are protected or at least not Prime Minister, allowed into Britain no fewer than four arbitrarily thrown away just to save money? times Sheikh Qaradawi, the theologian and ideologue of suicide bombing, she would just dismiss it as a Mrs May: One aspect of the new strategy that we are political point. All Governments get some of their adopting is a much closer evaluation of the work that is policies on such things wrong, and she should not have done, so that we can identify precisely the projects that made such a partisan statement. are working well and should continue to be supported. On a specific point, the University and College Lecturers At the same time, we will also identify groups that we Union has just repudiated—at its congress last weekend— feel it is no longer right for the Government to fund. the EU’s definition of anti-Semitism. That is a highly 63 Prevent Strategy7 JUNE 2011 Prevent Strategy 64

[Mr Denis MacShane] that are put on the internet here, but one of the key things is to work internationally, particularly with the retrograde step, because that working definition is accepted US. Many internet providers are based there rather around the world. The union has given a green light to than here, and are therefore outside UK jurisdiction. all those who want to encourage anti-Semitic thinking. We are doing more to talk to the US, and indeed to Will the Home Secretary and the Education Secretary those companies directly about their responsibilities. look into that? Rehman Chishti (Gillingham and Rainham) (Con): Mrs May: As the right hon. Gentleman may have As somebody with an Islamic background, I very much seen, an Education Minister is sitting on the Treasury welcome the Secretary of State’s statement. She has Bench. He will have heard that point and I am sure he announced an excellent and proper way forward to deal will raise it with the Education Secretary. with that bizarre, distorted ideology and to promote community cohesion. What representations, if any, have (Bromsgrove) (Con): May I warmly welcome been made to the Governments of Afghanistan and the Home Secretary’s statement? Since the terrible bombings Pakistan on reforming the madrassahs—the religious of July 2005, it is clear that in some cases self-appointed schools—which have often been a breeding ground for Islamist groups have used public funds to poison young extremism? Muslim minds. Will my right hon. Friend therefore make it absolutely clear that this Government will only Mrs May: I am happy to say to my hon. Friend that work with and fund groups that accept the British way that was one of the issues that I discussed with the of life, our democracy and our values? Pakistan Interior Minister when I visited that country last October.

Mrs May: As I made clear in my statement, and as is Bob Blackman (Harrow East) (Con): One problem made clear in the strategy, the Government will not with the Prevent scheme funding under the previous work with or fund groups that hold extremist views. Administration was the lack of clarity on what the funding was for and which organisations would receive James Morris (Halesowen and Rowley Regis) (Con): it, and ensuring appropriate outcomes. Will my right Does the Home Secretary agree that one key to this hon. Friend ensure not only that a broad range of strategy is international co-operation with agencies in organisations receive funds, but that those organisations other countries, particularly in addressing the prevalence are outcome-based, so that we can clearly evaluate the of propaganda on the internet? Sharing intelligence success or otherwise of the funding? across agencies could well get to the source of that problem. Mrs May: My hon. Friend makes an important point. It is not good enough for Governments simply to give Mrs May: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for again money to organisations; we need to ensure that it is raising the internet, which was mentioned in an earlier being effectively used for the purpose for which it was question. It is important that we look at the use of the intended. That is why it is important that we establish internet, and we can do so in a number of ways. The much clearer evaluation and monitoring of the use of police could take action in relation to some of things that money. 65 7 JUNE 2011 Kinship Carers (Parental 66 Responsibility Agreements) Kinship Carers (Parental Responsibility I shall give the House a few examples. One grandmother Agreements) told me that when her grandson needed injections at the doctors, they were turned away. With a parental Motion for leave to bring in a Bill (Standing Order responsibility agreement in place, she would have been No. 23) in a position to sign for his injections there and then. Instead, they had the difficult job of trying to track 5.50 pm down the mum and getting her consent. Grandparents Kerry McCarthy (Bristol East) (Lab): I beg to move, who had raised their grandson from when he was a That leave be given to bring in a Bill to require the Secretary of toddler told us that they would not go to court to apply State to make provision to extend the system of parental responsibility for a residence or special guardianship order until the agreements to enable a kinship carer to obtain parental responsibility child was 10, because they feared that the court might for a child they are raising without having to bring a case to court; not support their application and that they would lose and for connected purposes. him, possibly to adoption. They therefore did not have There are an estimated 200,000 to 300,000 children in the legal authority to make key decisions—for example, the United Kingdom being raised by relatives or friends to sign for him to go on school trips. Another woman because their parents cannot look after them. Those has told me that she has looked after her six-year-old children have often experienced tragedy or trauma due nephew for the past three and half years. She has been to the death or imprisonment of a parent, or to a advised to go to court to apply for a legal order to get parent’s alcohol or drug misuse or mental health problems. parental rights, as his birth mother is unlikely ever to be Sometimes, the parent has simply walked out on them. able to look after him again, but she cannot afford to The Family Rights Group describes those carers and pay the court costs. She is in full-time work, so she can the children they care for as get no help with those costs. “the forgotten families of family policy—overlooked by service providers and government”. This week is European prisoners’ children week, which makes this a good time also to be talking about the Most of those children are being raised by grandparents, particular difficulties faced by families with a parent in but many are also being raised by older siblings, aunts prison. Every year, 160,000 children experience the and uncles, and even friends and neighbours or their imprisonment of a parent. Family carers play an important parents’ ex-partners. Those carers step in when there is role in helping prisoners and their children to stay in a crisis—an instinctive response to a vulnerable child touch during a sentence, which has been shown to be needing to be taken under someone’s wing. It is a critical in preventing reoffending. Children in those decision made without pausing to think about practical circumstances are also at higher risk of becoming offenders matters, such as what the legal arrangements will be or themselves, and kinship carers play a vital role in supporting what sort of support might be needed. The children those vulnerable and often traumatised children. The benefit hugely from remaining in family units. They feel problem is that, in those circumstances, carers are often loved, they maintain contact with family members and reluctant to seek the help that they need from children’s they have some much-needed stability in their lives. services. They are often scared of state involvement, The aim of the Bill is to extend the system of parental and especially fearful of social workers removing the responsibility agreements, which currently applies to children from them or criticising their ability to parent step-parents under section 4 of the Children Act 1989, the child, even if that fear is unwarranted, as it is in the to allow close relatives to obtain parental responsibility vast majority of cases. for a child they are raising, with the consent of the parents who have parental responsibility, without having I would like to share with the House a couple of the to go to court. It would apply only to those who are many stories from carers at whom the Bill is particularly defined as a relative under section 105 of the Act: targeted. Angie has looked after her granddaughter for grandparents, brothers, sisters, uncles or aunts, whether the past three years, since the child was just one year by full blood, half blood, marriage or civil partnership. old. Her granddaughter’s father is in prison, and the It would therefore not apply to friends or to wider child’s mother has just come through a home detox family carers such as cousins, to ensure that the from heroin; she is now completely clean. Prior to arrangements remain distinct from private fostering Angie’s full-time involvement with her granddaughter, arrangements, which require regular local authority she looked after her most weekends and on some week checks set up as a result of the Victoria Climbié inquiry. nights. She says: The aim is to assist with those private, temporary “I have strong views on parents and children remaining as a arrangements, which are currently completely under the family unit and if my daughter had lost control of her daughter, radar, and to enable kinship carers to be recognised by this would have had the reverse effect on her drug recovery and schools to authorise school trips; to register the child the bond between mum and daughter would simply have vanished. with a GP and to be entitled to make medical decisions The consequence of this would be long term for the child. I am on the child’s behalf; to apply for a passport; to assist delighted that my daughter has had regular supervised contact with demonstrating that they are the primary carers with her own daughter. It has meant a lot and I am sure that is why she was eventually able to detox from all drug use and see her with regard to accessing child benefit, child care vouchers, own daughter as needing a real mum”. and so on; and to qualify to apply for parental leave and the right to request flexible working arrangements. To Angie goes on to say: get parental responsibility, most kinship carers currently have to go to court to apply for special guardianship or “I think this Bill would have helped me enormously. I have considered special guardianship but the court process would be a residence order. My proposal would minimise the too much for my daughter who sees this as ‘taking her daughter huge disruption to family dynamics involved in bringing right from under her’. People in drug abuse situations do not have a case to court, enabling families to function during the foresight to see things clearly and this Act would have been an periods of crisis. enormous help to us if it had been in force three years ago”. 67 Kinship Carers (Parental 7 JUNE 2011 Kinship Carers (Parental 68 Responsibility Agreements) Responsibility Agreements) [Kerry McCarthy] policy in place by 30 September this year, addressing all children in family and friends care, not only those in the I have also been contacted by a woman who, for care system. obvious reasons, wishes to remain anonymous. Her The Bill is backed by the Family Rights Group, the sister has mental health problems and is an alcoholic. Fostering Network, the Grandparents’ Association, The children’s father did not want residence, so the Grandparents Plus, the National Children’s Bureau, grandparents went to court, gained a residence order Action for Prisoners’ Families, the Who Cares? Trust, and took on caring for the children, but the grandparents’ the Prison Advice and Care Trust, the Adolescent and health declined, and the children’s aunt and her partner Children’s Trust, and Mentor UK. I would particularly have unofficially taken on care of the children. They do like to thank Cathy Ashley of the Family Rights Group not have the money to go back through the courts to for all her work on the Bill. change the residence order arrangement. Also, they I would like to finish by thanking Paul, a young man want to ensure that the new living arrangements are who is bringing up his six younger siblings after his what the children want—a decision that they are unable mother walked out, and who had to battle the system to make until they have given it a go for a sustained for a year and see his brothers and sisters taken into period of time. I shall quote from the aunt’s e-mail: care and put into foster homes before the courts accepted “My parents live 70 miles away, so sorting all the consent that he was the best person to look after them. It was letters for school, activity clubs, etc., does become a pain. My hearing Paul recently on “Woman’s Hour”, speaking so nephew broke his leg recently and you can imagine the rigmarole articulately and passionately about his experience, that when he had to undergo emergency medical treatment and neither my partner nor I were officially able to sign for treatment. My inspired me to take up this issue. He is an excellent role partner even had to lie about being official next of kin to the ward model for his younger siblings, and I wish his family all staff, in order to sleep overnight in hospital with him. We weren’t the best for the future. prepared to leave him alone, but if we’d been honest, that’s exactly Question put and agreed to. what would have happened!” Ordered, My proposal does not involve any spending commitment. That Kerry McCarthy, Mr David Blunkett, Paul Goggins, In fact, it goes a little way towards supporting the carers Mrs Helen Grant, Kate Green, Andrew Gwynne, who save the state the estimated £12 billion that it Mrs Sharon Hodgson, , Mr , would cost if the children involved were in independent Lisa Nandy, and Mr Jamie Reed present the foster care. I am pleased that the last Labour Government Bill. produced draft family and friends care statutory guidance for local authorities just before the general election. Kerry McCarthy accordingly presented the Bill. That guidance has now been finalised, and requires that Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on local authorities must have a family and friends care Friday 21 October, and to be printed (Bill 198). 69 7 JUNE 2011 Terrorism Prevention and 70 Investigation Measures Bill Terrorism Prevention and Investigation Mrs May: I hope my hon. Friend is grateful for the Measures Bill opportunity I gave him to clarify that particular point. I simply say in response to that and his comments about Second Reading the judiciary that legislation is, of course, set by Parliament, but I believe that the relationship between politicians 6pm and the judiciary has changed as a result of the operation of the Human Rights Act. As a Government, we have The Secretary of State for the Home Department set up a commission, which will report in due course, to (Mrs Theresa May): I beg to move, That the Bill be now look at the Human Rights Act and the possibility of read a Second time. introducing a Bill of Rights. There is no greater task for any Government than to I said that I felt the Bill was necessary because public protect their citizens, to uphold their values and to safety is enhanced, not diminished, by appropriate and defend their way of life, but when we face such a proportionate powers. Protecting the British public will significant threat from terrorism over so great a period always be my top priority, but the current control orders it becomes even more important that the Government regime is neither perfect nor entirely effective. I believe ensure that the protection of our citizens does not that the Bill will give us appropriate, proportionate and overshadow the freedoms of us all. That is why we effective powers to deal with the risk posed by people reviewed counter-terrorism legislation and it is why we we believe are involved in terrorist-related activity whom need this Bill. Let me be clear: I will do nothing that we can neither prosecute nor deport. risks our national security or the safety of our citizens, Our approach is clear, consistent and coherent. We but this Bill is necessary precisely because public safety will repeal the control order regime and replace it with a is enhanced, not diminished, by appropriate and more focused and targeted regime of terrorism prevention proportionate powers. and investigation measures. We will then support the There is in this country a small number of people new measures with increased covert investigative resources. who pose a real threat to our citizens, but whom we So this Bill starts by repealing the Act that provides the cannot successfully prosecute or deport. Prosecution, power to impose control orders on individuals: the conviction and prison will always be our priority because Prevention of Terrorism Act 2005. the right place for a terrorist is in a prison cell. Where The Bill sets out the essential elements of the TPIM— successful prosecution or deportation is not possible, terrorism prevention and investigation measures—regime however, no responsible Government could allow dangerous that will replace control orders. It enables the Secretary individuals to go freely about their terrorist activities. of State to impose specified terrorism prevention and Since becoming Home Secretary, I have made use of the investigation measures on an individual by means of a control order powers available to me to stop terrorist TPIM notice. Unlike under the control order regime, activity and to place restrictions on such individuals on the detail of the measures that will be able to be a number of occasions. imposed will be specified in legislation and so will be specifically approved by the House. It is only right that Mr William Cash (Stone) (Con): I think that my right it is Parliament, and not the Executive, that decides hon. Friend may have anticipated that I would have what types of measures may be imposed. something to say. She refers to terrorists and I am sure The Bill establishes 12 types of measures that could she realises that what she is talking about in this context be imposed as part of a TPIM notice. It also provides is suspected terrorists. Does she recognise that it is the clear limits on the restrictions that may be imposed fault of the Government and Parliament if judges are under each measure. These measures include: an overnight given too much scope in human rights matters? Why residence measure; a travel measure, mainly to prevent produce a Bill here at Westminster that fails to provide travel outside the United Kingdom; an exclusion measure for due process and a fair trial according to the basic to prevent individuals entering specified areas or places; principles of British justice? The coalition is simply a financial services measure; an electronic communication giving in to Lib-Dem pressure for this Bill to comply device measure; an association measure; a reporting with the Human Rights Act and the European convention; measure and a monitoring measure. and it has not even provided for a derogation from The overnight residence measure is not the same as article 5. the control order curfew requirement. Under control orders, curfews could last up to 16 hours and apply at Mrs May: I did indeed expect that, as my hon. Friend any point in the day. Our intention is not to force was in the Chamber, he might wish to raise certain individuals to remain in their homes during the day, matters. I am aware of his private Member’s Bill on the when they might normally go out to work or study, but same issue. I have to tell him that I was not entirely clear to ensure they are in their homes overnight, as most from what he said whether he was in favour of more people normally would be. This will reduce the scope human rights or against more human rights. I see him for involvement in terrorism-related activity and reduce leaping to his feet. the risk of absconding. The travel measure will allow the banning of overseas Mr Cash: I am grateful to the Home Secretary for travel without permission. It will also allow the individual walking into that one. I am very much in favour of to be required to surrender their passport or travel human rights, but I am in favour of human rights documents. This measure is, I believe, absolutely vital to according to principles of British justice, not those stop travel for terrorist training, for example. devised through the European convention and applied through the Human Rights Act, which has led to so Yvette Cooper (Normanton, Pontefract and Castleford) many contradictions and inconsistencies and has raised (Lab): The Home Secretary has said that the overnight so much concern among the public at large. residence requirements are different from curfews and 71 Terrorism Prevention and 7 JUNE 2011 Terrorism Prevention and 72 Investigation Measures Bill Investigation Measures Bill [Yvette Cooper] co-operate with arrangements to monitor their movements, communications and other activities. That might include that she does not want to prevent people from going out a requirement to wear an electronic tag. in the evening. Why, then, did she apply for a control order that included a curfew between 5 pm in the The Bill places clear limits on each of the restrictions evening and 9 am in the morning—a total curfew of that can be imposed. For example, it clearly provides no 16 hours? power for individuals to be relocated to another part of the country without their consent. The exclusion measure will allow only tightly defined exclusion from particular Mrs May: We are currently operating—and have places such as named buildings and streets or defined been since the Government came to power—the control locations. It will not allow exclusion from wide geographical order regime that was put in place by the Prevention of areas. Exclusion will also be allowed from certain types Terrorism Act. That is the basis on which I am currently of locations such as airports, ports or international operating. The new regime that will be put in place—of railway stations. The need for such an exclusion should terrorism prevention and investigation measures—is a be obvious. As for restrictions involving electronic package that includes not just the measures in the Bill, communication devices, the Bill makes it clear that the but, as the right hon. Lady knows, the extra resources individual concerned must be allowed to own and use at for the security services and the police. least one fixed-line telephone, a computer and fixed-line internet connection and a mobile telephone. All that Yvette Cooper: But will the Home Secretary confirm must of course be subject to specific conditions, such as that she has the power to specify how many hours a the provision of passwords and phone numbers. curfew should be for and that she has chosen to specify a curfew for 16 hours rather than for fewer hours? The Bill also sets out the conditions that must be satisfied before the Secretary of State may impose a Mrs May: I will not comment on a particular case, TPIMs notice. A key change from the control order which the right hon. Lady appears to be trying to get regime is that the Secretary of State must now reasonably me to do. What I will say is that under the current believe, rather than reasonably suspect, that an individual control order regime it is possible to specify the length is or has been involved in terrorism-related activity. The of a curfew. As she will know, the length of curfew has Secretary of State must also reasonably consider that it been challenged—and challenged successfully—in the is necessary to impose particular measures on an individual courts. What we are doing with TPIMs is taking a to protect the public and to restrict the individual’s different approach to the issue. The TPIMs in the Bill involvement in terrorism-related activity. That means are intended to ensure that we allow prevention of that the package of measures will vary from case to terrorism activity for national security requirements, case, which is only right given that all cases will be while also ensuring that individuals can take part in different. what is regarded as normal activity, such as work or study. We are aware that TPIMs are a short-term tool to protect the public rather than a long-term solution. A person will be subject to a TPIMs notice for no more Pete Wishart (Perth and North Perthshire) (SNP): than two years in response to specific terrorist-related Will not the Home Secretary simply accept that these activity. The initial notice will be imposed for one year, TPIMs are nothing other than a repackaging and and can be extended once if that is necessary to protect rebranding of the old, discredited control orders regime? the public. If an individual engages in new terrorism-related Has she had a chance to look at the sheet produced by activity, of course a new notice and new measures can Liberty, which goes through measure by measure, showing be imposed with a further two-year time limit. A new how similar they are? Is it not the case that she is no notice could be imposed immediately if terrorism-related better than Lord Reid when it comes to control orders? activity had occurred during the life of the TPIM, and a new TPIMs notice could be imposed after the original Mrs May: We are introducing a new regime. We did one had expired. That is an essential safeguard for our what we undertook to do as a coalition Government national security, ensuring that appropriate disruptive when we came to power. Both parties were committed action can be taken if an individual re-engages in terrorism- to reviewing the control order regime. We did that, and related activity. what we have decided is that the right balance between civil liberties and national security is reflected in the As with the current regime, the courts will have to Bill. It will enable us to take action to prevent terrorist give permission for a TPIMs notice to be imposed. Only activity by that small number of people who, as I have in the most exceptional and urgent cases will court said, we are unable to prosecute or deport, while at the permission not have been obtained before the imposition same time re-striking the balance between national of a notice. If the court gives permission, a full review security and civil liberties. The financial services measures of the decision must begin automatically. There will be would allow individuals to be limited to one bank no requirement for the lodging of an appeal. The full account, for which they would have to provide statements. review will be heard by a High Court judge. If the judge Transfer of money and goods overseas without prior does not consider that the relevant conditions have been permission could also be prohibited. Under the association met, in relation to the notice as a whole or in relation to measure, a list of prohibited associates would be supplied specific measures within it, the judge may quash the to the individual in advance, with the possibility that whole notice or specific measures as appropriate. Individuals notice would be required of meetings with other individuals. will know enough of the case against them to enable The reporting measure would require individuals to them to instruct their own lawyer and the special advocate report to a particular police station at a particular time, who will have access to all material, including sensitive and the monitoring measure would require them to material. 73 Terrorism Prevention and 7 JUNE 2011 Terrorism Prevention and 74 Investigation Measures Bill Investigation Measures Bill Naomi Long (Belfast East) (Alliance): The power to those agreed in the spending review, to help with use control orders has always extended to Northern Ireland, investigation and prosecution. For security reasons I but has never been used. What discussions has the Home cannot give the House a full breakdown of the funds Secretary had about the availability of special advocates provided for specific security activities, but I can reassure in Northern Ireland? There are very few at present, and Members that this is new money that has not been the imposition of TPIMs could present a problem. taken from any existing counter-terrorism programmes. These additional investigative capabilities and resources Mrs May: One of the issues that we are examining is will help the police and MI5 to gather evidence with a the more general issue of special advocates and the view, as always, to prosecution. The commitment to information available to them, but I take the hon. prosecution is also reflected in clause 10, which requires Lady’s point. As she says, the current regime is not prior consultation with the police on whether evidence being used in Northern Ireland, but we will be very is available that could realistically be used for prosecution aware of the issue of special advocates and their availability in relation to a terrorist offence. It also requires the there. The Under-Secretary of State for the Home police to keep the individual’s conduct under review Department, my hon. Friend the Member for Old Bexley while a TPIMs notice is in force, and to report to the and Sidcup (James Brokenshire)—who is responsible Home Secretary on that review. for crime and security matters—is involved in wider I have discussed the new arrangements in detail with Government work in relation to the availability of sensitive Jonathan Evans, the director general of the Security information in cases relating to terrorist activity. Service. He has told me that he considers that the In practice, individuals subject to terrorism prevention changes provide an acceptable balance between the and investigation measures will know the key elements needs of security and those of civil liberties, and that of the case against them, even if it is not possible for the overall package mitigates risk. them to see all the underlying intelligence. Once a The Bill is a vital part of the Government’s new, TPIMs notice has been imposed, there will be a further more effective and more proportionate approach to right of appeal against subsequent decisions—for example, counter-terrorism. This afternoon I announced to the decisions to extend or vary the terms of the notice. The House a new and more effective strategy for countering package in the Bill will assure individuals subject to radicalisation; the Bill is, perhaps, as important as that TPIMs notices of a significant and appropriate level of new strategy in restoring trust in Britain’s approach to judicial oversight of their cases. As well as providing for counter-terrorism. The repeal of control orders, their rigorous consideration by the courts, the Bill contains a replacement with TPIMs, and extra resources for covert formal statutory requirement for the Secretary of State surveillance and investigation constitute the right approach. to keep under review whether a TPIMs notice, and all It is an approach that is necessary and proportionate, its restrictions, remains necessary to protect the public that will do a great deal to protect the public from the from a risk of terrorism. That will remove any doubt risk of terrorism, and that deserves support from all about whether such notices are assessed to ensure that parties. I commend the Bill to the House. they remain necessary at all times. The Bill provides a number of further safeguards. 6.18 pm The Secretary of State will be required to make a quarterly report to Parliament on the exercise of the Yvette Cooper (Normanton, Pontefract and Castleford) powers in the Bill. That mirrors the current practice in (Lab): The Home Secretary barely had time to draw relation to control orders, and will ensure appropriate breath between statement and debate, but that transition visibility, and public accountability, of the TPIMs regime. exposes again the gap between the Government’s rhetoric The Secretary of State must also appoint an independent and reality in regard to counter-terrorism. On a day on person to review the operation of the enacted legislation. which the Home Secretary has launched her review of That, too, mirrors the current control order regime. the strategy to prevent terrorism, with tough talk about clamping down, she is simultaneously watering down As the House will know, David Anderson QC recently measures proven to prevent terrorist activity. took on the role of independent reviewer of terrorism legislation, which was previously undertaken so effectively The fact is that, for the most part, the Bill is a and for so many years by Lord Carlile of Berriew. As confusion and a con. It does not do what it says on the independent reviewer, David Anderson would undertake tin, and it does not fulfil the grand promises made by the statutory reviews of the TPIMs legislation, just as the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats. In 27 clauses, he currently reviews control order powers. it takes us in a circle and—almost—back to where we started. However, in a few areas it does make changes, The final part of the Bill relates to enforcement. It and some of them are worrying. provides for a criminal offence of breaching measures specified in a TPIM notice without reasonable excuse. Dr Julian Huppert (Cambridge) (LD): Will the right The maximum penalty will be five years’ imprisonment. hon. Lady confirm that Labour party policy favours a The Bill also contains detailed provisions relating to more authoritarian version of this Bill? powers of search and entry, which build on the existing powers relating to control orders. There will be an Yvette Cooper: If the hon. Gentleman persists with explicit power for the police to undertake a search for such simplistic soundbites, he will misunderstand the compliance purposes—for example, to check that the nature of the terrorist threat to Britain, and also the individual has no prohibited communications devices—but nature of the Bill that he is supporting, because this Bill they will be required to obtain a warrant first. represents a complete reversal of the promises he and The final part of our approach is to combine the new his party made during the election, and does not abolish preventive measures with significantly increased resources the control orders regime but simply renames it with a for the police and the Security Service, over and above few minor amendments. 75 Terrorism Prevention and 7 JUNE 2011 Terrorism Prevention and 76 Investigation Measures Bill Investigation Measures Bill [Yvette Cooper] On clauses 12 to 15 and schedule 3, they say: “The clauses make provision—equivalent to that in the 2005 We on the Opposition Benches do not have access to Act in relation to control orders”. the latest security assessments from the experts. We On clauses 16 to 18 and schedule 4, they say: believe it is important to support the Government on “This provides similar rights of appeal to those that exist in counter-terrorism issues where we can, but in order to relation to control orders.” do so we will need more reassurances from the Home Secretary, and also some changes. The first duty of any They say that clauses 19 to 20 Government is the protection of the people and the “place requirements—equivalent to those contained in the 2005 safeguarding of national security, yet the Home Secretary’s Act in relation to control orders”. changes currently make it harder for the police and On clause 21, they say that security services to limit the actions of a small number “this effectively recreates the main offence of the 2005 Act of of dangerous people. We therefore need more reassurances contravening an obligation imposed under a control order”— on that. and they then add, in brackets— Ideally, we would not have control orders because, “(including the same maximum penalty)”. ideally, we would not need them, but the Labour This Bill is one big set of square brackets which reads: Government introduced them because we recognised insert control orders here. that we needed to deal with a very small number of difficult cases, where prosecution was not possible for a Pete Wishart: The right hon. Lady is absolutely right: range of reasons and where the public still needed to be there is almost no difference between TPIMs and the protected from terrorist activity. In opposition, the Liberal former control order regime. What is the Labour party’s Democrats and the Conservatives condemned control position on this? Would she amend control orders to orders, but now they are in government they have make them more in line with her party’s new view on changed their minds. Indeed, the Home Secretary has civil liberties? Indeed, what is the Labour party’s view introduced six new control orders since she came to on civil liberties? Were control orders a step too far? office, and renewed eight more, but rather than admit Will she now come on our side and start to take on the that, she is desperate to maintain the fiction that control anti-civil libertarian state that Labour created? orders need to be replaced by something fundamentally different and that this Bill does the trick. Yvette Cooper: As I said earlier, control orders are Most of the Bill is a fudge, drawn up to meet promises not ideal, and ideally we would not need them, but we made to the Deputy Prime Minister that control orders do. We need to continue with control orders and this would be abolished. Clause 1 does exactly that, but kind of protection. clauses 2 to 27 just reinstate most of the elements of I will set out my view of the Bill’s measures and where control orders. The Bill does not therefore meet the we think greater scrutiny is needed, and highlight the Liberal Democrats’ manifesto promise to scrap orders reduction in safeguards and checks and balances that that use evidence in closed sessions of court, nor does it the Home Secretary is introducing, because the point is meet the Conservative pledge of not simply that she is weakening the powers of the “eliminating the control order regime.”—[Official Report, House police and security forces in certain areas, but that she is of Lords, 3 March 2010; Vol. 717, c. 1530.] weakening the checks and balances, and in particular It certainly does not meet the grand claims of the the parliamentary checks and balances, on the system Deputy Prime Minister in January, when The Sunday that is in place. Those parliamentary checks and balances Times was briefed that he had are extremely important for safeguarding our civil liberties, as well as for protecting national security. “won his Cabinet fight to scrap control orders”, that suspects will no longer have to wear electronic tags Tom Brake (Carshalton and Wallington) (LD): I rise or have a home curfew, and that they in search of some clarity on where the right hon. Lady “will also be allowed to travel wherever they want in Britain”. stands. She seems to be saying on the one hand that As all Members now know, the Bill allows for tags, TPIMs are simply recreating what existed under control home curfews and restrictions on travel around Britain. orders, but on the other hand that what the Government Where control orders use closed proceedings and special are doing is making the situation much more dangerous, advocates, so too do TPIMs. Where control orders are but it cannot be both. instigated by the Home Secretary with the permission of the High Court, so too are TPIMs. Where control Yvette Cooper: I suggest that the hon. Gentleman orders are used when prosecution is not possible, so too listens more closely to what I am saying. The overall are TPIMs. Where control orders can restrict people’s approach of the Government’s Bill, which he should movements, communication, association, travel and bank read, is to reinstate most of the elements of control accounts, so too can TPIMs. orders. I agree however—and I have said this clearly—that the Home Secretary is changing control orders in a Let me read out some extracts from the Government’s series of ways, and I will address them shortly as they own explanatory notes to the Bill. Clause 1 abolishes are significant. Some of them are justified, but others control orders, and clauses 2 to 4 introduce TPIMs. On create risks, and changes will need to be made. clauses 6 to 9 and schedule 2, the notes say: Overall, the Government should admit what they are “This replicates the position in relation to control orders”. doing. This is a cut-and-paste job. In place of control On clause 10, they say: orders, all we have is “son of control orders”. It is “The clause maintains all the existing requirements contained irresponsible to maintain this pretence. That is not in the 2005 Act.” being straight with Parliament or the public on an issue 77 Terrorism Prevention and 7 JUNE 2011 Terrorism Prevention and 78 Investigation Measures Bill Investigation Measures Bill of grave importance: how we safeguard our national meetings or people going out after dark when surveillance security and our civil liberties. Debates on matters such is much more difficult, is she confident that this will not as these should be open, transparent and considered, increase the risks to the public, or make it harder for the not fudged, fraudulent and confused. This is an area security services and police to do their jobs? where Governments need to maintain the trust and I asked the Home Secretary this during her speech, confidence of the public, but we do not achieve that by but how does this fit with her own decisions? A number playing these kinds of political games. of the 14 orders she has made or renewed since she took This is also a very strange use of parliamentary time. office include curfews, several of more than 12 hours. A There are some limited and specific differences between recent one runs from 5 pm to 9 am—it is summer, so control orders and “son of control orders” that I am does that count as “overnight”? She can refuse to not concerned about, but, frankly, the Home Secretary answer all these questions, but if she does not answer could have achieved them with about four clauses amending them, the courts will. Her definition just invites legal the 2005 Act which could have been debated as part of challenge or judicial review and, for the sake of the the Protection of Freedoms Bill. She could have covered Government’s legal bill alone, she should tighten it up. the issues of relocation, the length of the curfew and Thirdly, the Home Secretary has replaced an inexhaustive access to phones through amendments to an existing list of restrictions with an exhaustive list to choose Act. She did not need an entirely new piece of legislation from. We will ask in Committee whether or not any to abolish control orders and then reintroduce them case, historical or current, would have been affected by under another name. this change. Fourthly, she and the Deputy Prime Minister Why are we not doing that? Why do we have an entire have said that the new Bill would prevent relocation. additional Bill with 27 more clauses, all redrafted, doing This matter does raise some significant concerns. Preventing the same thing? Why are we here today? The answer is people from entering an entire area, or requiring them because the Home Secretary has lost yet another battle to live somewhere else, is, in general, deeply undesirable. with her Cabinet colleagues on her policy areas, so she However, many experts have concluded that in certain is forced to go through this charade of entirely new limited circumstances it is extremely important and can legislation; and because, once again, the Government be justified. Indeed, police officers have told me that are putting politics before good policy. relocation can, in some exceptional circumstances, be As I have made clear, some of the changes to the the most effective way to disrupt terrorist activity and control orders are limited. We can support some of break someone out of a network of dangerous contacts them, but some are very troubling. The first change is to and associations. move the burden of proof from “reasonable suspicion” The Home Secretary must think that too, because in to “reasonable belief”. We understand that the view of February she imposed a control order on a suspect that the experts is that none of the control orders that have banned them from entering London and less than one been upheld would have failed that higher standard, month ago her lawyers defended those restrictions in and that this will not make a significant difference to the High Court. I have gone through the Court papers the serious cases they worry about. We believe it is right for this case, which, like so many, is extremely serious. to follow the evidence, and we are happy to support this The individual on the order, who is known as CD, was change on that basis. suspected of planning forthcoming attacks using firearms The second change is to alter the wording in respect in London. The Court was told that he was attending of the hours. That is a bit of a joke. In place of curfews, regular meetings with associates in this city to plan an we have a reference to overnight residence requirements, attack and had previously travelled to Syria for what but what is the difference? The online “Oxford English was alleged to be extremist training. The assessment of Dictionary” definition of a curfew is the security services and the Home Secretary was that it “a regulation requiring people to remain indoors during specified was necessary to relocate CD outside Greater London hours, typically at night.” to prevent him from having these meetings and It is, therefore, a requirement to stay in one’s residence co-ordinating an attack—that is what they argued in overnight, or, as one might say, an overnight residence Court just last month. The High Court judge concluded requirement. The Deputy Prime Minister made great that the relocation obligation is play of the fact that people would be restricted for fewer “a necessary and proportionate measure to protect the public hours under TPIMs than under control orders, but that from the risk of what is an immediate and real risk of a terrorist-related is not what the Bill actually says. In fact, there is no attack.” specified limit on the number of hours someone has to All this happened just last month, so the House needs stay at home. All the Bill says is “overnight”. to consider why we are seeking to introduce a change to Let us turn again to the OED for illumination about control orders that would remove a function that the what that should ordinarily mean. Overnight means Home Secretary believed, and the High Court agreed, was needed for national security only one month ago? “for the duration of a night”, Fifthly, the Home Secretary is restricting individual and night means TPIMs to two years. Control orders could be renewed “the period from sunset to sunrise.” repeatedly, and she has not explained what will happen So does the Home Secretary intend TPIMs to apply for to the two people currently on control orders for more the hours of darkness? Does she want them to be longer than two years once this Bill comes into force. Will they in winter than in summer, and longer in the north than transfer to TPIMs or will the Home Secretary have to in the south? Does she want them potentially to be used apply to the courts all over again? Sixthly, she is permitting to prevent evening activities and meetings, or only to access to phones and computers. She has assured the require people to sleep in their own beds? If she does House that that will be monitored, but we will seek not think TPIMs should be used to prevent evening assurances from the monitoring agencies as to whether 79 Terrorism Prevention and 7 JUNE 2011 Terrorism Prevention and 80 Investigation Measures Bill Investigation Measures Bill [Yvette Cooper] annually, as the control order regime does. This is therefore a serious downgrading of parliamentary oversight sufficient safeguards are in place and whether they have of a regime which is always supposed to be exceptional. the resources to manage the continued monitoring that She will know that serious concerns have been raised will be involved. about this by Liberty, Justice and others, who say that A wider question is being raised because these changes— far from representing a positive innovation, the TPIMs the potentially reduced hours for curfews; a potentially regime is, in one crucial respect, more offensive than the narrower list of restrictions; more association with others system it is designed to replace. who may be causing trouble; and the greater use of The Home Secretary is now in the astonishing situation phone and internet—all require greater surveillance of pleasing no one. She has a Bill that fudges the issue and resources to fill the gap. The Home Secretary has and does not fundamentally change the control order refused to confirm a figure, but the figure of £20 million regime in the way that she and others promised its has been routinely used in the newspapers and, presumably, critics. However, it does water down some measures, has been briefed from her Department. Yet the overall worrying those who monitor national security, and it police budget is being cut by £2 billion, the police waters down the checks and balances that allow Parliament counter-terrorism budget is still being cut in real terms to prevent abuse, and that should worry this House. and experienced counter-terrorism officers are being The Opposition have very serious reservations about laid off through the A19 process. this Bill. Where possible, we want to support the I am concerned that the Home Secretary knows that Government on counter-terrorism. That is made more there are troubling gaps in her plans. She has said that difficult when neither we nor the Intelligence and Security Committee have access to more detail about the risks in “in exceptional circumstances, faced with a very serious terrorist individual cases that would allow us to be reassured threat that we cannot manage by any other means, additional measures may be necessary…So we will publish, but not introduce, that the Home Secretary’s judgments are right. We legislation allowing more stringent measures, including curfews believe that it would have been better not to introduce and further restrictions on communications, association and this Bill at all. We believe that it is, in the main, unnecessary, movement…We will invite the Opposition to discuss this draft that it includes elements that take risks and that it legislation with us on Privy Council terms.”—[Official Report, reduces accountability to Parliament. Now that the 26 January 2011; Vol. 522, c. 309.] Government have introduced it, we believe that it needs What “additional measures” are these, given that control a serious rethink in Committee. We will not vote against orders are pretty far-reaching? Does this mean that she Second Reading tonight, but we will expect greater knows already that there is a potential gap in security as transparency on these measures, more answers to the a result of the new TPIMs? The Home Secretary has questions we have posed and significant changes to be said she would consult the Opposition about these made to the Bill to reassure us about our concerns. plans, but she has not yet done so. If new emergency Counter-terrorism is too important for us to take risks legislation is needed to fill the gaps her own Bill creates, for the sake of political expediency. The Home Secretary Parliament needs to know about this before we get to should forget deals done to save face for the Deputy the evidence and Committee stage; otherwise we will be Prime Minister—it is beyond saving—and she should debating the Bill under false pretences, legislating only ignore the demands for short-term headlines from the to legislate again. Prime Minister, as in the longer term she has to carry the can. This Bill is a con, recreating most of control orders while pretending not to do so, and it is risky, as some elements and changes water down the protection for 6.39 pm national security, but there is a third problem: the Bill Kris Hopkins (Keighley) (Con): I want to concentrate also reduces, rather than increases, parliamentary checks on the impact of terrorism and anti-terrorism law on and balances on the Home Secretary. As I have said, the the relationship between the Muslim community and right approach to take to ensure that we protect civil the non-Muslim community and between the Muslim liberties and national security together is to support community and the state. The Bill needs to be understood strong powers for the police and security services to act in the context of the Prevent agenda that was mentioned in difficult circumstances, and to make sure that there earlier, the relationship between the Muslim community are strong checks and balances to prevent abuse. and the police, the work of the security forces and The current checks and balances on control orders international events, interventions and identity. There are both judicial and parliamentary: the High Court must be a question about what incited young British has to approve every control order but Parliament has Muslim men to blow themselves up in British streets. to give its approval every year for the control order Perhaps it is right that we should look right at the regime to remain in place. Democratically elected MPs root of some of those issues and ask whether people have to decide every year whether the terrorism threat feel that they are British, whether we make them feel remains sufficiently severe, whether anyone has come British and what it is to be British. In July 2001, I up with a better alternative and whether to allow the watched out of the windows of Bradford city hall as Home Secretary to continue to use these exceptional hundreds of mainly young British Muslim men ran powers. That is an important parliamentary check on through the streets of Bradford while mounted police the exercise of Executive power which should continue and young, brave police officers fought to try to protect to be unusual, yet she is removing it in this Bill. The the city. More than 300 police officers were injured, power of the Home Secretary to impose TPIMs under £20 million-worth of damage was done to the city and this Bill is not a temporary one—it is permanent. TPIMs its reputation was severely damaged. That action was do not have to be renewed annually, as control orders undertaken by mindless idiots. It was not about race—it do, and the TPIMs regime does not have to be renewed was not a race riot—but about thuggery. 81 Terrorism Prevention and 7 JUNE 2011 Terrorism Prevention and 82 Investigation Measures Bill Investigation Measures Bill It was interesting—these events were appreciated and extremely critical of it, I take it in good faith that it had understood by the community—that a few days later to be started somewhere. The idea behind national indicator the local newspaper published the mugshots of some of 35, which planned to map a specific community, had a the participants and the parents and family members huge impact and was seen as a hugely derogatory gesture. brought those young men down to the police station I have seen reports in the paper that doctors will be and started the process of convicting them. That was a asked to report if they spot somebody who is acting harmonious event among all the destruction and upheaval suspiciously. My chief executive was brought to London that was running through the community. and was told that the binmen had to look out for bombs Later that year, in September, a meeting of the council’s and devices. Good-minded, good individuals, if they executive, of which I was a part at the time, was stopped spot a bomb, a device or something suspicious, do not and adjourned while we watched the second plane go need the Government to ask them to pick the phone up into the twin towers. Those shocking events made the and tell somebody. They do it because they are good city reel. Our city was already uneasy with itself and citizens of this country. braced itself for further fallout. The tension and suspicion In conclusion, any anti-terror law must protect its were evident in the pub and the street and when one citizens from ideological psychopaths who threaten to talked to friends; racists had a field day. What the destroy society and the values that define it. One terrorists wanted had happened and people were frightened. fundamental problem, as the Prime Minister has pointed After the Iraq invasion, seen by many in the district as out, is that there are differences in certain values to do illegal, the dividing line with the Muslim community with such issues as equality, human rights and corruption. appeared even greater, so the community, led by the The Government have the difficulty achieving a balance council and other agencies, set about mending bridges. between ensuring safety and not alienating communities Indeed, bridges were often created for the first time. For from one another. The aim of a coherent society cannot five years, there were school exchanges, people were be achieved to the detriment of one part of that society. brought together and cross-community sports were People can seek to integrate, respect each other and promoted. Areas were created where people could talk even to develop shared ownership of important laws openly, speak honestly and speak their mind about such as the one we are talking about today without issues, challenging each other. We were not naive about compromising their principles. I want the Muslim where we got to in that process, but it was important in community to feel safe, to be successful and to play a building relationships. full part in British society and this Bill must be made The day after it was announced that London had law to help and to enable and not to hamper that aim. won the Olympic games, four men, one originally from Bradford, blew themselves up and murdered many innocent 6.48 pm people. That evening, all the main agencies met at the university, which then and since has played a huge role Paul Goggins (Wythenshawe and Sale East) (Lab): It in promoting cohesion in the district. They were brought is a pleasure to follow the hon. Member for Keighley together to talk, to try and reassure each other and to (Kris Hopkins), who, early in his speech, mentioned the ensure that we resolved that individual psychopaths 9/11 attacks. In three months, we will mark 10 years would not damage our city further. Our resolve to work since those horrific attacks took place in America. At together was stronger than that. that time, I undertook the role that is now undertaken by the hon. Member for Crewe and Nantwich In the days that followed, time and time again Muslim (Mr Timpson); I was Parliamentary Private Secretary people came up to me and told me of their disgust at to the then Home Secretary, my right hon. Friend the what had happened. Let me exemplify the feeling of Member for Sheffield, Brightside and Hillsborough fear. A couple of days after 7/7, an elderly friend of my (Mr Blunkett). Over the following nine years, in that mother’s was crying as she got off the bus. A young role and as a Minister in the Home Office and then the Muslim man—completely innocent—was carrying a Northern Ireland Office, I worked closely with successive rucksack on the bus and she feared that she would die Home Secretaries and other Ministers who were seeking as a consequence. A whole set of tensions, fears, to deal with the deadly threat that was emerging from contradictions and events ran through the community international terrorism. There was no book on the as a consequence of those terrorist activities. bookshelf entitled, “Rules of Engagement with al-Qaeda”, We need strong anti-terror laws, but they need to be but I saw every one of those Ministers make every effort owned by all the community. Many innocent citizens to defend the people of this country against new forms feel that the existing laws are somebody else’s and we of international terrorism, including the dreadful prospect need to ensure that we do not make the same mistakes. referred to by the hon. Member for Keighley of the As I outlined in my introduction, communities respond, so-called home-grown terrorists who are prepared to adapt, learn and survive in the face of terrible events blow themselves up as well as their victims. and today the Muslim community in my town is not The debate that has gone on since 9/11 has created listening to this debate—those people are getting on great tensions in the Chamber and outside it as we have with their lives, like the rest of the community. tried to balance and rebalance the equation between When I talk to people from the Muslim community, I individual liberty and collective security. The previous hear that they feel battered. It is always the wider Government received much criticism for the measures Muslim community—I know that is a generic term to they brought forward but I believe that, without exception, use—that feels pursued. Good people who have no the Ministers who introduced those measures did so hatred in their hearts are looked on with suspicion by with total integrity. The current Home Secretary also others and have been subjected to some of the knee-jerk displays that integrity and she has my full support in reactions. I agree that it was difficult to start the Prevent taking the difficult decisions that she has to take about agenda with a blank piece of paper and although I was specific individuals. 83 Terrorism Prevention and 7 JUNE 2011 Terrorism Prevention and 84 Investigation Measures Bill Investigation Measures Bill Jeremy Corbyn (Islington North) (Lab): In my right Let me deal with the circumstances in which the hon. Friend’s years in the Home Office, in which he powers should be used. We are talking about a small must have been involved in many discussions about group of individuals who are suspected of involvement anti-terrorism legislation, how much consideration was in terrorist activities and who are either foreign nationals given to the implementation of the criminal law in open who cannot be deported because of a ruling of the court rather than the creation of a series of special European Court of Human Rights or they are individuals courts, special measures and all the suspicion that surrounds who cannot be prosecuted successfully because, as I them? said earlier, the compelling information about them is secret intelligence that could not alone sustain a successful Paul Goggins: Considerable consideration was always prosecution. Over the past six years, control orders have given to those issues. As the Home Secretary said earlier, been the best—some have used the expression “least prosecutions should always be brought where possible. worst”—set of powers to deal with that group of people. Those who engage in terrorist activity should feel the full force of the law and where possible—where the As I have said before, we should always seek to gain evidence is there—they should be convicted and go to consensus in the House on the important issue of counter- prison for a very long time. The problem is that sometimes terrorism. The formation of the new Government last the evidence and information that the Home Secretary year gave us all an opportunity to reflect on the previous and other Ministers have is not enough to secure a decade and see whether changes were required that prosecution because much of it is protected or secret would bring greater consensus and get an even better information that could not, of itself, sustain a successful balance between individual liberty and collective security. prosecution. That is the territory we are dealing with, I have changed my mind about pre-charge detention, but I assure my hon. Friend that that consideration was having previously voted for 28 days and, indeed, for always at the foremost of Minister’s minds at that time. 42 days. I agree that the normal maximum should now be 14 days, provided that in exceptional circumstances it Mr David Winnick (Walsall North) (Lab): I have the can be extended to 28 days. I am currently serving on highest respect for the work that my right hon. Friend the Joint Committee that is considering the emergency undertook during his time at the Home Office. I have legislation that the Government have brought forward tried to get a parliamentary answer to my question, but on this, and I have changed my mind on this issue. I did not get anywhere. I understand that no one who has been subject to a control order has later been Mr Winnick: Did I persuade you? charged with a terrorist offence. That seems rather odd and, if I may say so, rather disturbing. Paul Goggins: My hon. Friend is always very persuasive—one way or the other. Paul Goggins: My hon. Friend has well-known views on this issue and has expressed them frequently in the One area of policy on which I remain absolutely clear Chamber from both the Government and Opposition is the need to be able to control the activities of that sides over the years. He forms his own conclusions but small group of people who pose a serious threat and my conclusions about such individuals is that they are a who cannot be deported or imprisoned, and I am small group of people for whom it is necessary to have pleased that the Government appear to have come to some form of control outside the normal judicial process the same conclusion. We should seek consensus. There because of the risks that they pose. My hon. Friend has is much in the Bill that I can readily support. Conditions put forward his point of view on this before and he has A to E, which are set out in clause 3, are welcome. They strong views—I respect that. confirm the need for these TPIM notices to be focused on protection and prevention and they provide that the Naomi Long: The right hon. Gentleman’s experience terrorism-related activity must be new activity. However, in Northern Ireland will also colour his view on these it is important that when a first application for a issues. One of the experience that we had is that the use notice is made, that new activity can well predate the of unusual measures can often act as a rallying point for application. radicalising other young people, rallying them behind A general time limit of two years is not unreasonable the cause, because people are seen as being persecuted given the provisos that further notices can be made if rather than being tried under the law. Does he agree that there is new activity and that where a further notice is such experiences show that these measures should be made, the older activity can be taken into account in seen as unusual and that, for this reason, their ratification addition to the new activity of which the Home Secretary each year in Parliament is an important part of reinforcing has become aware. However, I caution her and her that? ministerial colleague against making that a general rule Paul Goggins: The hon. Lady speaks with great authority which can never be excepted. As I said about the on this issue and I agree with every word she says. These maximum pre-charge detention period of 14 days, there powers—whether the control order powers that have might be exceptional circumstances. I hope that the been in place up to now or the new powers that the Minister will be prepared, in Committee, to see whether Home Secretary is bringing forward—should be used some amendments can be framed to allow extensions absolutely exceptionally and we should always bear in beyond two years in specific and exceptional circumstances. mind the risk that the hon. Lady mentions that their use On making the powers permanent, I heard what my can become a rallying point and can assist in the right hon. Friend the Member for Normanton, Pontefract radicalisation of people whom we are trying desperately and Castleford (Yvette Cooper) said about that reducing to keep in the mainstream of society. That should parliamentary oversight, but we could also see it as a always be kept in mind. These powers should not be positive development if Parliament can reach a consensus used generally; they are very specific powers to be used and settled view. Given the constant arguing and bickering in very specific circumstances. on this issue year after year when we should be seeking 85 Terrorism Prevention and 7 JUNE 2011 Terrorism Prevention and 86 Investigation Measures Bill Investigation Measures Bill consensus in the face of the terrible threats that terrorists immediate and real risk of a terrorism-related attack. bring, there is some merit in Parliament’s reaching a The Bill as drafted would not allow the Home Secretary settled view. There is a balance to be struck. to force that individual to live outside London in the I agree strongly with condition A, that the Secretary west midlands, and the people of London and elsewhere of State must have a reasonable belief would be at much greater risk if she could not do so. “that the individual is…involved in terrorism-related activity”. My second concern relates to electronic communication, That is a higher threshold than the reasonable suspicion which is dealt with in paragraph 7. Sub-paragraph (1) threshold that has previously operated for control orders, sounds quite tough, as the Secretary of State may but in reaching my conclusion I have referred to the impose opinion of Lord Carlile in his most recent report that “restrictions on the individual’s possession or use of electronic the higher threshold of reasonable belief was, in practice, communication devices”. always achieved anyway for each control order that was However, under sub-paragraph (3), each suspect may taken out under the existing system. It is a standard that have was already being met, and I see no problem in including “a telephone operated by connection to a fixed line…a computer that formally in legislation. that provides access to the internet…a mobile telephone that does not provide access to the internet.” It is right, given that we have six years’ experience of operating control orders, to set out in more precise form To be honest, I am concerned that that demonstrates the measures that can be imposed as part of the new naivety about the sophisticated operations of international TPIM notices. Schedule 1 includes a list of measures, terrorists. They use multiple mobile phones, and will including accommodation, travel, communications, run rings round the measure, unless paragraph 7 is association and so on. I urge the Minister to see whether toughened up and made much more specific and much there ought not to be a catch-all power, because there less confusing. There is a real job of work to be done by may be a condition that is not caught by schedule 1. It the Committee. might be sensible to leave an opening so that the Home Secretary can impose such a condition if circumstances Dr Huppert: Does the right hon. Gentleman realise allow. It is not a power that I would expect to be used that one purpose of the measure is to enable more frequently, but if we do not have that power, and evidence to be gathered for prosecution? The point of unusual circumstances occur, there is nothing we can do allowing people to have that communication is partly about it. Perhaps that is something that could be considered. for the sake of civil liberties but partly because it can be monitored. What we want to see is prosecution, not I have four serious difficulties with the Bill and in indefinite or even two-year detentions. relation to other pertinent issues. The first was mentioned by my right hon. Friend—the overnight residence measure. Paul Goggins: If the hon. Gentleman thinks that an She was right to point out that in schedule 1, which says international terrorist is sitting there thinking, “Thank that the Secretary of State may impose a requirement goodness they have given me the internet so I can reveal “applicable overnight…for the individual to remain at a specified all my contacts and conspiracies,” he is quite naive. We residence”, are talking about highly sophisticated people, and I am there is no definition of “overnight”. It may be possible concerned that the provisions in paragraph 7(3) are not to go into that in Committee to see whether it is possible as sophisticated as they need to be to deal with the to include something a little clearer. threat. The really important issue is the specified residence Tom Brake: The right hon. Gentleman has said that itself. My right hon. Friend made a powerful argument international terrorists are not going to use their internet in relation to that. Paragraph 1(3) says that the specified access, because they will not want to reveal their deals, residence must be so what is the problem with providing internet access in “premises that are the individual’s own residence, or…other the first place? premises…that are situated in an appropriate locality or an agreed locality.” Paul Goggins: The hon. Member for Cambridge An appropriate locality is one in which the individual (Dr Huppert) was saying that international terrorists has a pre-existing connection. In the case of CD, which would rush off and use it and reveal all their sources my right hon. Friend mentioned, it would not be possible and contacts to the authorities monitoring the measure. under the new legislation for the Home Secretary to I shall make the point again: I do not think that the impose the conditions that she rightly imposed on the provisions as set out reflect the sophistication with control order governing that individual. If it is possible, which international terrorists operate. I would welcome an explanation on that from the My third difficulty relates not to the Bill but to a Minister in his winding-up speech. wider issue that is significant to the powers in the Let us reflect on who CD is: a leading figure in a close Bill—the whole business of rules on the disclosure of group of Islamist extremists based in north London. evidence. I welcome the fact that under the Bill there That conspiracy of individuals was planning attacks will still be closed hearings which can continue as before and seeking to acquire weapons. He was a real threat, and under control orders. That is needed, because if a judge the Home Secretary was quite right to take action, and is going to review the material or hear an appeal from a to insist that he live in the west midlands. It is not just particular individual, he must consider the information me who says so, as Mr Justice Simon supports her view. available to the Home Secretary when she made the My right hon. Friend made it perfectly clear when initial application. If some, if not all, of that information reading from paragraph 53 of Mr Justice Simon’s judgment has to be protected, that must be done in a closed that the relocation obligation is a necessary and hearing. Special advocates will still be needed. The gist proportionate measure to protect the public from an of the case must be provided to the individual. 87 Terrorism Prevention and 7 JUNE 2011 Terrorism Prevention and 88 Investigation Measures Bill Investigation Measures Bill [Paul Goggins] My final point is whether the whole new TPIM system represents the same level of risk as we had with As we recognise, however, the AF judgment makes it control orders or a greater level of risk. I can only increasingly difficult to protect what in the interests of assume that the Home Secretary believes there is an public safety and national security must remain secret increased risk from the new TPIM system, otherwise information. That issue caused problems for the previous why would she be committing a serious level of resource— Government, and it has caused problems for this whatever that level is—to the police and the Security Government. It has ramifications for our relations with Service to help them deal with the additional work and international partners with whom we share important the additional pressures that will result from the new information and intelligence. I applaud the fact that the system? Government are seeking to address that problem and I was somewhat concerned to hear the Home Secretary deal with it in the Green Paper. May I tell all Front quote Jonathan Evans as saying that the additional Benchers that we should do everything we can to resolve money would—I think she said—mitigate against the the issue, because if we do not do so the TPIM system additional risk. That is an interesting phrase worthy of will simply not work, as there will be an ever stronger further exploration. I am extremely concerned that new demand that information that should remain secret is gaps will open up. The question is whether there will be revealed in open court to the individual concerned? It is sufficient resource to fill those gaps and whether those important that we resolve that issue so that we know gaps will pose an additional risk. No one in the House what can be disclosed and what can be protected. should be complacent about the possibility of an increased risk. I know that the Intelligence and Security Committee Jeremy Corbyn: I thank my right hon. Friend for on which my right hon. Friend the Member for Salford giving way again. Does he not accept that there is a and Eccles (Hazel Blears) and I sit will take a very close major concern about anti-terrorism legislation with special interest in that. courts and special advocates, and in which information is withheld from the defendant? The barrister acting on I am sure that the last thing this Home Secretary behalf of the defendant is not allowed to reveal to them would want to do is increase the risk to public safety. I the nature of the evidence or the case against them. mean that genuinely and sincerely, but Parliament must Therein lies a road to something very, very dangerous in help her. One immediate way in which it can help is by a democracy that prides itself on open prosecutions and tightening up the Bill in the way that I have suggested open justice, and thereby a much wider acceptance of and as others will, I am sure, suggest, and then by the judicial system and the rule of law. monitoring closely what happens when the Bill and any amendments that are added to it are put into practice. Paul Goggins: My hon. Friend again makes his point with great care. Of course, these are exceptional powers 7.12 pm that should be used sparingly. We have all this apparatus in relation to control orders to ensure that the suspect’s Tom Brake (Carshalton and Wallington) (LD): It is interests can be protected. That is why we have special pleasure to follow the right hon. Member for Wythenshawe advocates who can consider the information and argue and Sale East (Paul Goggins), who drew on his experience on behalf of the suspect. [Interruption.] Does the hon. and made some sensible contributions to the debate. I Member for Cambridge wish to intervene? diverge from his view, however, on the point that my hon. Friend the Member for Cambridge (Dr Huppert) Dr Huppert: I should be delighted to do so, and I made about communications. The point about allowing thank the right hon. Gentleman for giving way. The people to have access to mobile phones, the internet or problem is that the special advocate is not allowed to fixed lines is that there are indeed some intelligent communicate the nature of that evidence to the person potential or actual terrorists, but equally there are some involved. That fundamentally means that they cannot rather stupid terrorists who may use those facilities and advocate fairly on behalf of their client. make the sort of connections that would facilitate a prosecution. That might be one of the purposes of Paul Goggins: It is true that special advocates cannot making communications available to them. share the intelligence directly, but they are there to The Bill is welcome. It starts to tackle some of the represent the interests of the individual. To the hon. grossest abuses of human rights that existed under the Gentleman, that might not be a perfect solution, but it control order system, but I would like it to go further. is better that the individual has somebody to speak for For instance, on prosecutions, the right hon. Member them than nobody to speak for them. That is why that for Wythenshawe and Sale East referred to the fact that system was introduced. there would be additional resources for covert surveillance I say again to my hon. Friend the Member for Islington and intelligence. My understanding is that that will be North (Jeremy Corbyn), who put his point very fairly, used to secure prosecutions, which is welcome. More that these are exceptional mechanisms to assist in making could be done to secure prosecutions, and we may want sure that the rights and interests of the individual are to return to that at a later date. I am pleased that the protected, but in the end, the entire Bill is designed to Government are not afraid of improving Bills where ensure that the rest of us are protected against the and when that is necessary. threats that those individuals pose. We must not forget I do not agree with Liberty’s contention that the Bill that. As we have these debates about the liberty of the is worse than the control order system that is currently individual, we must balance that against the need for in place. It is not; it is more targeted. Liberty’s argument the protection of the wider public. That is the dilemma seems to be centred on the fact that although control that goes right through the debate. We should never lose orders are continually on the political table because of sight of one or the other side of that argument. the sunset clause that calls for an annual review and the 89 Terrorism Prevention and 7 JUNE 2011 Terrorism Prevention and 90 Investigation Measures Bill Investigation Measures Bill associated parliamentary oversight, the effect of the Bill I acknowledge that TPIMs maintain a system of would be permanent. That is true. However, control Executive-imposed measures that do not lie comfortably orders have been debated annually and renewed year inside the judicial system. The Bill imposes measures after year, whereas TPIMs are limited to a maximum of that restrict freedom and human rights. As hon. Members two years, following an initial period of one year. know, those measures include but are not limited to The right hon. Member for Wythenshawe and Sale overnight curfews, restrictions on travel, exclusion from East argued that the Government should allow TPIMs certain places and buildings, and restrictions on electronic to go beyond a two-year period. My understanding of devices. It has been argued by the Opposition and by one of the arguments deployed in favour of control Liberty that these measures simply reflect the most orders is their ability to disrupt. One would expect that offensive aspects of the control order system, but I do after a two-year period of a lack of communication or not think that that is the case. Clearly, in relation to of controlled communication, the disruptive nature of relocation, internal exile, which the Soviet Union would control orders would have had an impact and broken have been very comfortable with, has gone. down those networks. The right hon. Gentleman may have been arguing for TPIMs to be applied indefinitely Jeremy Corbyn: Does the hon. Gentleman not have to ensure that that disruption was permanent and took some concerns about the successive non-debate of this place over a longer time scale. My view is that disruption issue by Parliament and the fact that a defendant with a would have taken place within the first two years and two-year TPIM might never know why it was imposed the links would have been broken. To suggest that and never have the evidence given to them? All they TPIMs should be extended beyond two years presents a know is that they have a barrister who does know but is threat from the civil liberties perspective. not allowed to tell them and that the judge knows but is not allowed to tell the barrister. Therefore, a circle of Mr (Bradford South) (Lab): There is a secrecy surrounds something that has a major impact case of somebody being subject to a control order that on a person’s life, is career-changing, and so on. Is that has been in effect for more than two years. If the advice really right in a liberal democracy? of the Security Service is that it should continue, what Tom Brake: The hon. Gentleman might not be surprised would the hon. Gentleman say? to know that I agree with much of what he says. If my Tom Brake: I thank the hon. Gentleman for his hon. Friend the Member for Cambridge (Dr Huppert) intervention. If there has been no evidence of any has an opportunity to speak, he might echo that very activity whatever during that period—TPIMs would same point. That is why the Bill is clearly an improvement allow for the measure to be imposed again if there was on what is in place now, but has scope for further some sign of activity—and if there has been no activity, improvement. I am sure that we will return to that in with the additional surveillance that will be provided, this place and perhaps in the other place. one must question the Security Service’s position. It Pete Wishart: Does not the hon. Gentleman understand might want to keep the person under a control order and appreciate that those of us who cannot stand these indefinitely, but if there is no evidence of activity surely things think that the Liberals have compromised too the hon. Gentleman would agree that a line must be cheaply on these issues? I remind him that his leader drawn. Given that the person had not undertaken any said: terrorist activities, the disruptive effect would have been “A battery of curfews and tags, imposed in a legal limbo at the felt and no further application of a control order would behest of politicians, is no surrogate for the aggressive use of the be appropriate. full force of the law.” As I said, control orders have been debated annually, Why have the Liberals caved in so cheaply on these and they have been renewed annually. issues?

Naomi Long: Control orders having to be debated Tom Brake: I hope to explain why I do not think we annually gives Parliament the opportunity to reconsider have caved in cheaply, as the hon. Gentleman stated. the situation before deciding whether to continue. The First, relocation has gone. I accept that on overnight fact that up to now the control order system has been curfews I would be much more comfortable with what renewed on each occasion does not mean that it would Liberal Democrats have referred to previously as residency be so indefinitely. Does it not make sense that we should requirements. An address would be identified at which continue to treat these measures as exceptional, rather the person would be expected to reside. I hope that the than routine? fact that there is no specific definition of overnight curfews will lead to a more flexible approach; that there Tom Brake: I thank the hon. Lady for her intervention, might be a spectrum according to which overnight which is a very sound one. I hope, and I am sure that the curfews may be imposed, going from what most would Minister will confirm this when he responds, that because regard as overnight—eight or 10 hours—through to counter-terrorism legislation is so essential, the Government something much closer to a residency requirement. If will want to keep it under review, and that if, in future overnight curfew was specified precisely, the risk is years, there is a need to adjust the measures, appropriate simply that that is what would be adopted in all cases, adjustments will be made. so there would not be the ability to consider each What are the other objections to TPIMs? There is the individual case in detail. In addition, the exclusions are question of whether there is any difference between specific, not geographic as previously, and there is access reasonable belief and reasonable suspicion. It is my to telephones, computers and the internet, a matter that view that the Bill presents a higher evidential hurdle. was raised by families in relation to their children and The courts are aware of that, and they know the difference their ability to use computers for schoolwork, and so between those two. That difference is significant. on. Those are real changes that are included in the Bill. 91 Terrorism Prevention and 7 JUNE 2011 Terrorism Prevention and 92 Investigation Measures Bill Investigation Measures Bill [Tom Brake] convention on torture, and that they should remain here until such time as that jurisdiction signs it, rather Another area of concern that has been flagged up than the unfortunate arrangements that were made with and to which the hon. Member for Islington North a number of countries in the past? (Jeremy Corbyn) referred is the extent to which the person subject to TPIMs will know what they have been Tom Brake: That is a difficult point to address. I accused of. The Home Secretary said that the individual know that there are concerns about how watertight will know enough about the key elements of their case memorandums of understanding are, if that is what the to enable them to act. That is worthy of further discussion hon. Gentleman is referring to. It is a tough call. I am at and elucidation. I see the Minister nods and perhaps risk of making policy on the hoof if I give an instant when he responds he will be able to say more about response. It is a difficult issue and the hon. Gentleman what this will mean in practice. Clearly, it is an ongoing is right to raise it. Perhaps when the Minister responds issue for Liberal Democrats, the hon. Gentleman and he will say whether the UK Government are making others to ensure that people who are subject to control progress in drawing up memorandums of understanding orders or will be subject to TPIMs know as much as with other countries where we believe that the safeguards possible about the allegations against them without are sufficient to allow that. revealing the confidential sources that could put at risk There are some issues around how people subject to people in the field. TPIMs are dealt with, and what sort of assessment is made, particularly of their mental health, and any Hazel Blears (Salford and Eccles) (Lab): Is the hon. torture that they may have experienced in the countries Gentleman aware that there have been a number of that they come from. legal decisions that now require the person subject to a control order to be informed of the substance of the I will support the Government on Second Reading. case against them? It is not something new; that is the The Bill is better than its predecessor. Its measures are legal position. more targeted, less damaging to individuals subject to TPIMs and more observant of human rights. But it is not perfect and can be improved, and I hope that it will Tom Brake: I am aware that there have been cases be during its passage here and in the other place. where that has been the outcome. I am sure that the Minister will want to pick up that matter when he replies. I also hope that this will give 7.29 pm him an opportunity to update us on intercept evidence. Hazel Blears (Salford and Eccles) (Lab): I am grateful I understand the difficulties in balancing the operational for the opportunity to contribute to the debate this requirements with the legal requirements and in balancing evening and I think that all the contributions made so the scale of benefits with the associated costs, but I far indicate how serious the issues we are dealing with hope that he will update the House. are and how difficult for everyone, whichever side of the I referred to prosecutions in relation to surveillance House they are on, because it is a case of trying to evidence. It might be helpful to specify a time frame weigh the balance and make some very difficult judgments. within which a prosecution must be brought. There may When dealing with matters of national security, it is be some scope for moving on that in future debates. important that we try as far as possible to reach a I come now to a couple of subjects that I suspect will consensus, because these matters are incredibly important not necessarily boost my popularity in certain quarters, for the country, and that we try to start from the but having advocated the importance of voting rights evidence base, which in my experience leads to better for some prisoners my popularity might not be in the decisions on where the balance of judgment should ascendant in any case. It is important to treat in a rightly lie. civilised way those who may wish to inflict death or I want to think about the evidence we face at the injury on us in order to expose their barbaric nature. moment. First, that concerns the nature of the threat. That is why we need clear safeguards for those who are Sometimes these issues are discussed in the abstract and extradited to the UK. If people have suffered torture are not necessarily rooted in the reality of the threat abroad and are subsequently moved to the UK, on their that the country faces. For some years the threat level arrival the UK Government have an important role in has been “severe”, which is only one step down from assessing any health or mental health implications that “imminent”. That means that this country faces a very should be taken on board. There is also the ongoing significant threat from al-Qaeda and al-Qaeda-inspired issue with regard to the role of the control order review terrorism, often originating abroad but also involving group, which the Government will ensure continues in people who were born and brought up in this country operation under TPIMs, in reviewing the mental health and are enmeshed in a series of worrying plots. It is of people subject to control orders and now to TPIMs. important to put on the record the nature of the threat It has that role at present, but from the discussions that that the country faces. I have had with those who have been subject to control Secondly, we should consider the extent of the problem. orders that have subsequently been quashed it does not People sometimes feel that, because we have been dealing seem to be working very effectively. with this threat for 10 years and have had the control order regime in place for the past six, the extent of that Jeremy Corbyn: The hon. Gentleman makes an threat has somehow reduced. At any one time, the important point about people who may have been subject security services are dealing with tens of plots, which to torture in other jurisdictions. This is a controversial are often very complex and interrelated, with a web of issue, but does he agree that we should not deport international and domestic actors and many technologies, people to a jurisdiction that has not signed the UN and involving incredibly complex organisations. Between 93 Terrorism Prevention and 7 JUNE 2011 Terrorism Prevention and 94 Investigation Measures Bill Investigation Measures Bill 1,600 and 2,000 known terrorist suspects are involved in Control orders have been used in a small number of these plots, and those are the ones we know about. cases and I think that we should get that number to its There may well be other organisations, other plots and irreducible minimum. We imposed only 48 control orders other individuals who, as we speak, are intent on organising in the six years that they have existed and there are only the kind of terror that can wreak mayhem and destruction eight or 10 now in place. It is a very tightly managed on our communities. The sustained nature of the threat and controlled regime, so those powers are not sprayed and its extent ought to be a backdrop to some of the around and used loosely as a way of rounding up the difficult decisions that we have to make with regard to usual suspects. That is absolutely not the intention. I am this legislation. afraid that the reality, which we should all be grown up There is therefore a clear need for surveillance and enough to acknowledge, is that the threat we face is the gathering of intelligence and evidence on the intentions such that we have to have a system that, however and actions of those involved in planning and conducting distasteful we as democrats find it, can protect the terrorist operations. It is of course right, as my hon. people for whom we are responsible. Friend the Member for Islington North (Jeremy Corbyn) It was for that reason that in 2005 the then Home and others point out in an eloquent and genuine way, Secretary and I, as the Minister responsible for policing that in a free democracy such as ours we should always and counter-terrorism, brought forward the original seek to bring those involved in terrorism before the control order legislation, which the Bill seeks to alter in criminal courts. That should be our starting point. We some significant respects. I will never forget bringing should bring prosecutions where the evidence can be forward that legislation. I remember being in this House adduced and tested, where witnesses can be cross-examined at 4 o’clock in the morning debating that hugely contested and where a jury can reach a verdict on whether the legislation. In some ways that was very difficult, but in accused is guilty or innocent. That must be the starting others it was very encouraging as it indicated the depth point in any democracy—that we have a criminal system of commitment on both sides of the House to a free that allows all that to be done as openly and transparently democracy in which people felt strongly about those as possible. issues. I was very glad when we finished at 10 o’clock One of the reasons we brought in some of the new that morning; nevertheless, it was an inspiring occasion offences now on the statute book, such as committing and a good one for the House. acts preparatory to terrorism, was to enable us to interrupt I want make it crystal clear to the House that, whatever plots at the earliest possible stage and still be able to some Members might say, that original legislation was bring a criminal prosecution and go through the not introduced in some kind of knee-jerk overreaction conventional criminal system and bring those people to to the events of 9/11 or 7/7. It was a genuine recognition justice. Those offences have been very useful in giving of the inability of the criminal justice system to the police powers to interrupt early and ensure that they accommodate the situation we faced. I am a lawyer and disrupt the plot and prevent any damage while still I have huge respect for the rule of law— using the conventional criminal justice system, which is obviously what we want to encourage. Paul Goggins: Steady. However, we must recognise that there are—and, Hazel Blears: Steady on, absolutely. unfortunately, likely to be for the foreseeable future—a small number of people involved in terrorism who pose I also know how important it is to have a practical a serious threat to the safety of our citizens and country and workable system in place. We must ensure that and who cannot be brought within the ambit of the those who pose a significant threat to ordinary people’s conventional criminal justice system. Much as we may safety can be tracked and prevented from pursuing their dislike it, that is the situation we face. For several years plans to cause death and serious harm in pursuit of there have been discussions, or attempts at discussions, their warped political ideology. between various Home Secretaries and Ministers and We all want to achieve consensus where we can, but I the judicial system, and in many cases the judiciary have have some serious concerns about some of the Bill’s been reluctant to engage in any discussions on whether proposals, with regard to their effectiveness, their ability the way the criminal justice system operate can be to disrupt those who will be subject to TPIMs, as they amended. I understand their reluctance because of the are so elegantly called, and whether they will provide us separation of the Executive and the judiciary, and they with a proper level of security. Lord Carlile is always want to avoid confusion, but I feel that the criminal called in aid in these debates, and I want to place on the justice system is not necessarily able to cope with the record my thanks to him for the fabulous job he has nature of the threat and the offences we face in the done over the years as the Government’s independent worldwenowlivein. reviewer of terrorism legislation. He said just last year: Many of the suspects cannot be subjected to the “In stark terms, the potential cost of losing control orders is traditional judicial system because to do so would mean that the UK would be more vulnerable to a successful terrorist bringing forward intelligence and evidence that could attack.” put at risk the lives of those who seek to protect us. We He does not say such things lightly.He has huge experience cannot allow that intelligence to be revealed as doing so in trying to weigh the balance and get the judgment would reveal those agents and their personal security right. He also said: would be jeopardised. Those people put their lives on “Unless control orders were replaced by some equally disruptive the line for the people of this country and we have a and practicable system… the repeal of control orders would duty to protect them. Bringing forward that intelligence create a worryingly higher level of public risk.” would also reveal the surveillance methods and techniques We ought to have serious and close regard to what Lord that the security services often use to gain it, which Carlile has said and test the Bill against the concerns he would also undermine their ability to keep us all safe. has expressed. 95 Terrorism Prevention and 7 JUNE 2011 Terrorism Prevention and 96 Investigation Measures Bill Investigation Measures Bill [Hazel Blears] reason for making the TPIM in the first place were of sufficient seriousness, I would be extremely concerned In a powerful contribution, my right hon. Friend the about our deciding simply to say that there is an arbitrary expressed her concerns about cut-off point, as the legislation does, irrespective of the some of those issues, so I will not speak about them at threat that the person poses. length. The relocation issue is a genuine concern. It may be characterised as internal exile or a soviet-style imposition, Tom Brake: What does the right hon. Lady think but if it is necessary for someone to be located away would be a reasonable period, if there had been no from the networks that they have established in order to activity whatever, for a TPIM to apply to somebody? improve the safety of ordinary citizens, I do not think it should simply be ruled out on principle. Hazel Blears: These are matters for careful and balanced We have discussed whether access to mobile phones judgment, which is why we have constant judicial oversight, and computers might enable us to obtain further evidence why we have to return to the courts to renew our orders for prosecution, but I am very doubtful that it will. I am and why we have a legal system in this country which is concerned that people will have access not simply to one capable of making such judgments. If we are in the mobile phone: once they have one, it will be very easy hands of a respected, experienced and knowledgeable indeed for experienced people not to dupe the security High Court judge, who has heard submissions on the services, as I hope they are not capable of being duped, issues, I should feel slightly more content than if an but to create the sense that it is normal to have access to order simply came to an arbitrary end as a result of a computer and a mobile phone. The prospect of a legislation passed in this House. security risk is therefore higher than I would feel comfortable with, so I seek reassurance from the Minister on access Pete Wishart: If that individual is so dangerous, why to electronic equipment. We know how much terrorist do we not just arrest him, charge him and throw the full business is done online and with technology. It is a force of the judicial system at him? massive issue for us, and this measure could present us with an increased risk. Hazel Blears: I am delighted that the hon. Gentleman has asked me that question, because this is where we Dr Huppert: Has the right hon. Lady spoken to the end up in a sort of tortuous circle. That individual has right hon. Member for Wythenshawe and Sale East not been charged because the intelligence against him (Paul Goggins)? He was concerned that those people does not comprise evidence, has been gained by covert simply would not use such equipment so we would not surveillance and cannot be revealed in court, as it will get any information. One cannot have it both ways. If put at risk either the lives of the agents or their techniques. those people are going to use such equipment and are We know that this person, as Mr Justice Wilkie said, capable of duping the security services, or whatever remains a trained and committed martyr to the cause term the right hon. Lady wishes to use, they might be and is prepared to carry out further attacks, but, because doing it now, just like those who abscond. Surely this is the individual cannot be prosecuted through the a more liberal measure that will also help with prosecutions. conventional criminal justice system, the hon. Gentleman’s decision would be to let him walk free. Hazel Blears: But that is no reason to relax the That is the judgment that has to be made, and that is powers. If there are fears that such activities could be why these issues weigh so heavily on the people who happening now, I should be very concerned indeed and have to make the decisions, people such as the Home certainly would not want to go down the path of having Secretary, who has to make those decisions in individual less control over access to electronic equipment. I require cases. They weigh incredibly heavily on all of us and are further reassurance, as do the citizens of this country, not lightly taken, and that is why we need a system of that we are not going to give people access to mobile checks and balances. An arbitrary limit of a two-year phones and computers so that they can maintain those TPIM in every single case would cause me concern if relationships and networks that are the very reason they the original threat still existed. are subject to a control order or, indeed, will be subject to a TPIM. We require further reassurance on that My final concern, on which I have not received issue. reassurance, is the extra costs of surveillance, because there will need to be greater surveillance if TPIMs I am very concerned about the inability to renew the conditions are substantially lighter and less invasive TPIM after two years. In the case of AM in 2007, the than those of control orders. Next year we have the control order lasted for more than two and a half years. Olympics, which will be a massive drain on the resources When it came up for renewal Mr Justice Wilkie, confirming of the security services. That is acknowledged throughout its renewal after two and a half years, said that AM was the system, so I want significant reassurance from the “highly intelligent, calm, cautious beyond his years. He has Minister about the ability of the security services to replied and maintains this degree of calmness and self-confidence, maintain the same assurance to the citizens of our which in my judgment is consistent with the view of the Security country through TPIMs as they have through the control Service that he is a disciplined, trained and committed person whose commitment remains unimpaired, despite the length of the orders system. I am not satisfied that that is the case. control order. He was and remains prepared to be a martyr in an The control order system had more measures to attack designed to take many lives. He remains highly trained, disrupt people’s ability to organise their networks. security conscious and committed.” Surveillance does not take the place of disruption, I am therefore concerned that if there is a blanket because it is a different technique of a different order, prohibition, in any circumstances and without the addition and, as Lord Carlile says, unless there is a system of of new evidence of involvement in terrorism such orders disruption as well as surveillance, he has concerns about will come to an end. I require further assurance. If the the effectiveness of the regime, as do I. The security 97 Terrorism Prevention and 7 JUNE 2011 Terrorism Prevention and 98 Investigation Measures Bill Investigation Measures Bill services say that the extra resources would mitigate the fighting men have been killed in Afghanistan, and it is risk, as my right hon. Friend the Member for Wythenshawe worth bearing in mind that a police officer was recently and Sale East (Paul Goggins), and it is incumbent on blown to pieces in Omagh. They died for two things: the Government to give us such reassurance. not only to guarantee our physical security and protection We must remind ourselves that the people who have but to guarantee that our liberties remain pre-eminent been the subject of control orders are not law-abiding, in our society. I would therefore, with the greatest of innocent citizens going freely about their business. By respect, ask that we all lift our sights a little—that we their very nature, they are dangerous people who pose a stop arguing about telephones, computers, curfews and real threat to our safety, and the measures must be other technical things and remember why we are here. sufficient to reassure people properly that the system is We are here to honour the memories of those young sufficient to control the movements of such individuals. men and young women who have died for us so that we Surveillance is not as effective as disruption, so we need can have a debate such as this in complete freedom and to do more to ensure that disruption takes place. comfort. The single most important freedom that I In all my years as a Home Office Minister, and would iterate on this occasion is the freedom for the through my work in the Communities and Local accused man or woman to be innocent until he or she is Government Department, control orders have represented proved guilty. Control orders do not do that. Control some of the most difficult decisions I have had to make, orders deny the very liberty, the very freedom, the very because they go to the heart of our democracy. Our values for which our young men are this evening facing freedoms are incredibly hard won, and none of us death and destruction in Afghanistan and Pakistan. wants to give them up lightly at all. I talked to a senior The right hon. Member for Wythenshawe and Sale member of the judiciary a few weeks ago, who said East (Paul Goggins) and I remember the difficult times passionately and in a very committed way, “Hazel, of the mid-2000s. I have jousted with him many times whenever there’s a decision to be made between liberty and always enjoy his contributions. He made a fascinating and security, I will always, always err on the side of point when he said that there was no rule book; I think liberty,” but it is more complicated than that. that “instruction book” was his precise phrase. Indeed We cannot simply say that we would always make the there was not, but there was a history book; in fact, decisions in that way. We might do in theory, in academic there were lots of history books. Over the past 60 years practice and, certainly, in terms of our values, but we or so, this country has allowed itself to make two grave are faced with making a decision that must balance errors at times of serious national emergency. On the security and liberty, the security of ordinary people first occasion, we were in a war of national survival, seeking to go about their daily lives, as against the when we banged up tens of thousands of people during liberty of people for whom there is a great deal of the period of wartime internment and assumed that intelligence to say that they are dangerous and dedicated, they were guilty without giving them any form of trial. because of their political ideology, to causing mass Because of the circumstances, that was not as serious a harm and death among the community at large. That is mistake as that which we made in the early 1970s when an incredibly difficult decision, but sometimes it is we interned hundreds of people in Ulster. I do not want portrayed as an easy one. to try to drag the argument into a simple, narrow one Of course, we do not want to restrict people’s civil about Irish republicanism. None the less, it is important liberties or to introduce a punitive, repressive or oppressive that we understand that control orders fly in the face of regime, but the alternative is to allow people who pose a every lesson that we learned in the ’70s, for which many severe and dangerous threat to our country to walk our of my comrades died and others, including me, shed our streets. Those decisions are hard to make, and I just ask blood. the Home Secretary and the Under-Secretary of State Internment was wrong for all sorts of reasons. It was for the Home Department, the hon. Member for Old a straightforward denial of liberty, but much more Bexley and Sidcup (James Brokenshire), who is on the importantly, it left behind a legacy of hatred that continues Treasury Bench tonight, to think really hard, as I know up until this day. I do not need to tell the hon. Member they will, about whether their proposed regime is sufficient for Belfast East (Naomi Long), who lives with this on a to give the people of this country the reassurance that minute-to-minute basis, that we are currently facing a they deserve, and to ensure that that tiny minority of threat in Ulster that is no less than that which we face people who are subject to a regime are not able to from Islamist fundamentalism on these shores. That is continue to pose the threat of damage, death and destruction because we got the issues and arguments that we are to the people of this country. I look forward in Committee discussing wrong decades ago, and we must now make to the Minister giving us a great deal more reassurance sure that we get them right. There is no place for control than I have had this evening. orders in a civilised society that wishes to counter terrorism intelligently, thoughtfully, and based on practice 7.49 pm from the past. I therefore say to the right hon. Member Patrick Mercer (Newark) (Con): It is a pleasure to for Wythenshawe and Sale East that we should have follow the right hon. Member for Salford and Eccles used the history books before we started to compose (Hazel Blears), who brings to this subject not only a these sorts of laws, which have done such damage and great deal of common sense but a great deal of experience. wasted so much time and so much life. We should have As she said, our liberties depend on our security. The looked more carefully at where we got it wrong in the two are inextricably linked; we cannot have one without past. the other. Let us stop arguing about telephones, computers and As the right hon. Lady also rightly said, we sometimes all the technical things and ask ourselves what we can lose the sense of why we are here having these debates in do to get rid of a pernicious system that denies the very the first place. Over the past few days, four of our thing in which we all believe—freedom and the ability 99 Terrorism Prevention and 7 JUNE 2011 Terrorism Prevention and 100 Investigation Measures Bill Investigation Measures Bill [Patrick Mercer] about the impact of internment in Northern Ireland in the 1970s, but to draw a direct parallel between that and to be innocent until proven guilty. Let us re-inject control orders and TPIMs is erroneous. The authorisation energy into our decision to negotiate memorandums of and oversight system is much more rigorous in relation understanding. Let us talk to foreign Governments in to control orders and TPIMs than ever it was for more detail. Let us re-approach the European courts internment. with greater energy. Let us try to insist that if an individual from another country commits a crime, or is Patrick Mercer: The right hon. Gentleman is absolutely thought to be about to commit a crime, or is even right and I accede to that point. I will go with him, sit thought to be guilty of a crime, although not proven to on a Committee and talk about all that good stuff. be so, he or she is sent back to the country from which However, that does not make a difference in the eyes of he or she originates. If it seems we cannot do that, let us the violent republican and the Islamist fundamentalist. then inject more energy into trying to do it—let us not They will make the parallels completely and perfectly, give up. At the same time, let us look at the techniques and they will use them to twist the mind and to suborn that we can apply to make sure that intelligence on these the innocent. That is exactly my point, and I am grateful individuals is turned into evidence that can be used in to him for making it, because we are in danger of court to convict them and to get them behind bars if becoming over-technical. they are guilty, or, if they are not, to give them their I will not extend the point much further. It is simple: liberty back. if we are not careful, we will impose on the very people I ask the Minister what has happened to the process whom we are trying to recruit and to persuade to come of intercept evidence. Even as early as 1977, we were to our side the same sort of measures that we imposed concerned about whether we could use that in court as on the Roman Catholic population in Northern Ireland evidence. To the best of my second lieutenant’s knowledge, in the 1970s. I will quote a song that summarises the it was being reviewed in the mid-’70s. Why can we still point: not use intercept evidence in court? I refuse to give in to “Being Irish means you’re guilty, so we’re guilty one and all.” the foot-dragging approach that the previous Government Irish republicans were able to write that line because of took on this issue. When I served on the Home Affairs internment. Irish republicans were able to write that Committee, we were told, “This is not a silver bullet, line because their society had been suborned by a but by golly it will help.” What about questioning after Government who were misguided. The parallels are not charge? I think we have made some progress on that; the exact, but they are there. This is illiberal, this is improper, Minister can tell me whether I am right or wrong. this is impractical, and this is wrong. We must get rid of Surely it is a tool that we can use, is it not? control orders as soon as we can. Lastly—I have told people not to be too technical, and here I am delving into all sorts of technical things— 8.2 pm there is plea bargaining, which the Americans and the Pete Wishart (Perth and North Perthshire) (SNP): I Canadians use very successfully. Where do we stand on know that in this House we often say that it is a pleasure that? Have we given it enough thought? Have we had a to follow the hon. Gentleman, but in this case I really refreshed insight and looked carefully at how we can use mean it. That was a thoughtful speech that got to the it? If we raise our eyes above the parapet of the specific heart of the matter. It showed the impact that control argument, there are devices that we can use to produce orders and TPIMs have on the wider community, and evidence to get people into court and put them on trial. the way in which they are seen by the communities that That has to be the aim rather than the current mish-mash are subjected to them. of illiberal nonsense that we have within the democracy When we make legislation that does not allow the that we sometimes pretend to be. defendant to see any of the evidence that is presented My heart bleeds less than most people’s, but the fact against them, we are getting into difficult and dangerous remains that we cannot deal with these individuals territory. I agree with the hon. Member for Newark improperly for two reasons: first, because of their basic (Patrick Mercer) that we have to tread carefully. There human rights, about which I feel strongly; and secondly, have been thoughtful speeches tonight and Members for practical reasons. If we continue to subject minorities have made their points well, but I think that we are in this country to measures such as control orders, all of being a little too cavalier when it comes to the civil which are being applied to a very small number of liberties of so many people in our nation. I know that people who come from a similar sort of background these measures apply to only a few people, but the and believe in a similar sort of cause, we are bound to problem is how they are perceived. That is what we disaffect the wider societies from which they hail. We should consider before going any further down the line need look no further than what we did to the Roman of introducing a new regime to replace control orders. Catholic population in Northern Ireland in the 1970s. Control orders have failed more than any other measure. We imposed not the same, but similar measures on They have not worked. They have led to no convictions those people—not entirely, but almost exclusively. The whatsoever. We must consider the fact that 15% of effect was that a military campaign by the Irish Republican those who have been subject to a control order are now Army that was pretty well over by the end of the at liberty and we do not know where they are. Control ’70s extended itself well into the ’90s and killed hundreds orders have failed, they do not work, and they have a more people than it needed to. disastrous impact on communities and individuals throughout this country. Paul Goggins: The hon. Gentleman has returned to I say to the Minister that I have been quite impressed the parallel between internment in the 1970s and control by the performance of the Conservative-led Government orders and TPIMs now. I acknowledge what he says over the past few months. They have been as good as 101 Terrorism Prevention and 7 JUNE 2011 Terrorism Prevention and 102 Investigation Measures Bill Investigation Measures Bill their word. They have helped to dismantle the rotten, the Home Secretary with the permission of the High anti-civil libertarian state bequeathed by the last Labour Court, except in urgent cases. TPIMs will be instigated Government. I cheered them to the rafters when they by the Home Secretary with the permission of the High introduced the Bill to get rid of the hated Labour ID Court, except in urgent cases. There are closed proceedings cards scheme. I wish I could have been there at the under control orders and special advocates examine bonfire of the equally detested national database, which secret evidence forming the basis of the order. Under Labour introduced. I welcome the progress that has TPIMs, there will be closed proceedings and special been made on pre-charge detention. It is not perfect, advocates will examine secret evidence forming the basis but there has been massive progress, particularly when of the order. There is no difference whatsoever. If there one considers that in the days of the right hon. Member is a breach, there is five years’ imprisonment under for Salford and Eccles (Hazel Blears), we were approaching control orders. Under TPIMs—surprise, surprise—it is 90 days’ pre-charge detention. Thank goodness those also five years. There is very little difference. days are gone. I also applaud the Conservative-led Under the Bill, individuals who are branded as terror Government on their progress on all the other surveillance suspects will still be left at large in the community, apparatus so cherished by the last Labour Government. unable to challenge the suspicion against them or prove Why stop at control orders? We could have got rid it to be wrong. They will be subject to electronic tagging of those too. This is the last remaining rotten piece of and curfews. Actually, they are not curfews, but overnight legislation from Labour’s anti-civil libertarian state. Of residence requirements. Who on earth made up that course, we saw this coming. We all heard the rumours of term? It sounds like a sleepover that kids would be disagreements in the Cabinet and between the Prime involved in, only it is a sleepover with police surveillance Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister. We did not and an electronic tag. It is no different from a curfew see the Bill for months, until a face-saving exercise was and it is a massive restriction on people’s liberty. There concocted to allow the Deputy Prime Minister a bit of will be restrictions on communication, movement and dignity on the issue. However, it is a rotten compromise. the ability to work or study. As before, individuals who It has done nothing. The only thing the Liberals have are subject to TPIMs will be prevented from leading got out of it is a renaming of control orders. It is just any kind of normal life. not good enough. They could have got the whole thing, The TPIMs regime will prove to be as ineffective as made progress and got shot of these odious practices, its predecessor in fighting terrorism. It will continue to such as people being subject to curfews without any tip off suspects and prevent evidence from being gathered, exposure to the evidence that is presented against them. while leaving potentially dangerous people at large in I am disappointed in the behaviour of this Government the community for extended periods. I have mentioned on control orders, and I expected better of the Home the fact that 15% of controlees have disappeared. That Secretary and her ministerial team. However, they are demonstrates that administrative community punishments subject to pressures too. I can just imagine all the fine that are used in the place of criminal prosecutions are representatives of the security and intelligence industry as dangerous to security as they are to liberty. wandering into No. 10 and telling them, “These measures Control orders were rushed through Parliament. After are absolutely essential and have to be done. Civil 10 years, I thought that we would come to this House, liberties are all right, but this is about national security.” consider the issue and see whether they were still required. I can just imagine the files being presented and the I have listened very carefully to all the speeches that Home Secretary being convinced that these measures have been made tonight, and I have heard no evidence are absolutely necessary. to suggest that these things are still required. I say to the Minister that when it comes to control In many ways the new orders are worse, because there orders, this Conservative Government are little better is permanence to them. The powers will no longer be than Lord Reid and the right hon. Member for Sheffield, reviewed every year, and the labelling of people as Brightside and Hillsborough (Mr Blunkett). It was new terrorists without any sight of the evidence against Labour that introduced these measures, and we have to them will now be made permanent. There is more, consider the journey that we have taken on this issue. because the Secretary of State could unleash all sorts of They were introduced in an absolute panic with emergency concessionary measures that could make the orders legislation, which was supposed to be temporary. They even more unpleasant. There could be further restrictions, were supposed to apply only to foreign nationals. There curfews and bans on communications and associations—it are now no foreign national controlees—they are all is all very subjective. I am implacably opposed to control UK residents. All the reasons why we had these things orders, and I have seen no evidence that they are required. in the first place have gone. Nobody who has been subject to a control order has been prosecuted. Control Steve Baker (Wycombe) (Con): I am very much inclined orders have failed in bringing people to justice, because to agree with all the hon. Gentleman’s remarks, but nobody has been brought to justice and there has been what would he say about the argument from those who no attempt to bring anybody to justice under control promote these measures that the people who will be orders. subject to them are terrorist suspects against whom Now we have TPIMs. What is the difference? There is prosecutions cannot be brought? not really any difference. I accept what Liberty says, although I know the Liberals do not. I believe that in Pete Wishart: That is exactly what is said, and we some respects, TPIMs are worse than control orders, have heard from a number of contributors this evening because they are permanent and will not be subject to that these are people against whom there is not sufficient yearly reviews. That is the great anti-civil libertarian evidence or evidence of good enough quality for a flaw at the heart of the TPIMs regime. In other respects, successful prosecution. We heard the example of an there is no difference. Control orders are instigated by individual who has had a control order against him for 103 Terrorism Prevention and 7 JUNE 2011 Terrorism Prevention and 104 Investigation Measures Bill Investigation Measures Bill [Pete Wishart] been very clear on the subject—but most of the speeches that we have heard from Labour Members make it clear two years. His liberty has been compromised for two that they would like a more authoritarian approach. years because he has not been able to prove his innocence That is one of the problems that the new Home Office in a court and the state has not been able to prove his Ministers have had to deal with. guilt. That is at the heart of the matter, which was why the hon. Member for Newark was spot on in his It is a shame that the shadow Home Secretary is not observations about how control orders are operating. in her place, because I wanted to thank her for giving an excellent example of somebody trying to have their cake Naomi Long: Does the hon. Gentleman agree that the and eat it. She said at one point that there was a debate has been framed in the context of whether we substantial difference between control orders and TPIMs, put security before liberty or liberty before security, but but then said they were essentially exactly the same. that in fact there is a fine balance between the two? By However, it was finally clear, although she would not denying liberty we not only radicalise young people into admit it when I asked her, that it seems to be Labour terrorism—we have seen that in Northern Ireland, although party policy to keep control orders, with all the bad I accept that the parallels are not perfect—but provide a things about them. We have heard the arguments for concession to terrorists, who are out to remove our liberty. relocation, secret evidence and further infringements of civil liberties. Pete Wishart: The hon. Lady is spot on. I know that I would like to go further in a liberal direction. As I every Government do their best to balance the security have said, the Bill is disappointing, but it is not a requirements of the nation and civil liberties. I think disaster and can perhaps be saved. I hope that the that most of what the Labour Government did on civil Committee will do that. There is a new Minister responsible liberties was totally wrong, and I opposed most of the for security, who sadly is not in his place, and I am sure measures that they took, but I believe that they acted in that he will be able to be very much more reasonable the best interests of security. However, with the invasion about issues such as this; he has been very reasonable of Iraq they radicalised a generation of international about drugs policy in previous discussions. Islamists and Muslims, and they took measures that seemed to be targeted against one specific community Some of the Bill is great. I like clause 1, which is a in the UK. They fostered resentment and created massive really fantastic clause and one that I fought an election community divisions. They got that utterly and totally to try to achieve. However, the Bill goes downhill a bit wrong. after that. It keeps extra-judicial processes, which we I thought that the new Government would come in should not wish to see. We have the rule of law for a with a new broom. They have done a lot of good things reason. The Bill also keeps secrecy, as has been mentioned, in dismantling the apparatus that Labour put in place, with special advocates and secret evidence so that people but I wish that they had spent a bit more time on this do not know what they are accused of and cannot subject. They still have the opportunity to improve the adequately brief a barrister to represent them. Bill, and I hope that they will do so in Committee. Ultimately, the problem is that the Bill relies entirely on the good judgment of the Home Secretary. It contains 8.12 pm a broad power allowing for anything that the Home Dr Julian Huppert (Cambridge) (LD): It is a great Secretary reasonably believes to be necessary, which pleasure to follow a number of today’s speeches, particularly could be any of a long list. I have no doubt that the the last two. I agree very much with what the hon. current Home Secretary is more liberal than some of Member for Perth and North Perthshire (Pete Wishart) the previous ones, but do we all have faith in all future said, and it is a particular pleasure to follow him because Home Secretaries of whatever party making the right I spent some of the recess cycling through his constituency. decisions? I am very concerned about that. It is great to find his countryside, as well as most of his opinions, agreeable. The hon. Member for Newark (Patrick We expected some good bits in the Bill, and in her Mercer) also made a fantastic speech. statement the Home Secretary talked about better focus and more targeted restrictions, which is a good step. She I am in sympathy with both hon. Members, because also talked about powers similar to those used in the this is a disappointing Bill. It does not live up to the civil justice system to prevent sexual offences and domestic aspirations that many of us had that this Government violence, for example, and I would have liked to see would come in and clear away much more of the those powers in the Bill. The Bill could have been much vestiges of what Labour had set up. There is of course a more like other parts of the law, but that opportunity balance to be struck, and nobody would dispute the was missed. fact that there is a real terrorist threat. The question is how best to deal with it. If we go the way Labour did, Another good part of the Bill that we expected to see we will make it much worse as well as sacrificing civil is the idea that police will have a greater duty to look liberties. That is why the balance needs to be struck. after prosecutions. One has to look carefully to find it: it The Bill is a step in the right direction, but it does not go is in clause 10(5)(a). However, the change is very little. as far as it should. We have heard that the police process has been very My interpretation is that Home Office Ministers did ineffective. Because the security services have looked not manage to stand up to officials who continued the after the case management of the people in question, groupthink that we saw for many long years under the efforts to prosecute have been extremely weak. I Labour and that we have heard in a number of speeches. have no faith that what is in the Bill at the moment will There are, of course, some honourable exceptions—the make a difference to that, so it absolutely must be hon. Member for Islington North (Jeremy Corbyn) has strengthened. 105 Terrorism Prevention and 7 JUNE 2011 Terrorism Prevention and 106 Investigation Measures Bill Investigation Measures Bill It is very good to know that there will not be relocation. In 2010, the Select Committee on Home Affairs I am pleased to see that in the Bill. The change from stated: curfews to an overnight residence requirement is a small “It is our considered view that it is fundamentally wrong to step in the right direction, but it does not go far enough. deprive individuals of their liberty without revealing why.” I should like a residency requirement that reflects the I hope all hon. Members agree with that. There should situation of most people. Most people—I realise that be more of a focus on prosecution. There are some MPs are not typical in this regard—have a home where measures on communications and extra money will be they normally reside overnight. That does not mean available for surveillance, but they are legislatively weak. that they are there every night, or that they are there for We know that control orders acted against the interests the same hours every night, but it provides a reasonable of prosecutions. The Home Office counter-terror report way to find somebody. That should be the standard stated that control orders can mean approach if we must have restrictions of any kind. “that prosecution and conviction…becomes less not more likely”. There is another improvement in the Bill, which is the Control orders make it harder to achieve what we want. move from “reasonable suspicion” to “reasonable belief”. If people have been involved in terrorist activities, we We have heard that it will probably have a minimal would like them to be convicted and put behind bars. effect, but it is a bit better. However, I say again what I The scheme is also expensive to run, because it interferes said in a debate earlier in the year about terrorist so badly with human rights and basic principles. Continuous asset-freezing: it still means that there is a threshold wrangling over that leads to very large legal costs—about below the balance of probabilities. We are not asking £13 million over a few years. for evidence to be demonstrated to a level at which we There are alternatives to control orders. Police bail, can have even a 50:50 belief that somebody is involved which has been discussed, is not a perfect system, but it in terrorist activity. Many of us would like a criminal fits much more with other measures that we use, which standard and a criminal conviction, but under the Bill makes it a more normal and sensible way of running the the evidence threshold is below the civil standard, which system. We need to use much more evidence. If we have very much concerns me. covert or intercept evidence, we should use it. We had I am also concerned that we are losing the annual an interesting discussion about people whom we know review. I agree with the comments that have been made are terrorists but whom we cannot convict, even if we about that. Control orders were introduced as emergency, have evidence. Instead, we put them in limbo for a long temporary legislation, and I believe we are now past period. The correct solution must be to change the that emergency, temporary period. I would like us not system so that we can convict them. to have an annual review, but only because we have got In his evidence to the Joint Committee on Human rid of control orders completely and their replacement Rights, on which I used to serve, Lord Macdonald of does not arouse our concerns. However, I am worried River Glaven, who has spent a long time analysing and about parliamentary scrutiny of the process. reviewing such matters, was absolutely clear that intercepts should be used. He pointed out that one frequently uses I am also concerned about schedule 1. I am grateful informers, bugs and probes in respect of criminal offences, to the Home Office for allowing me to have discussions and that there are ways of managing and using such about what might be in it, but it is much broader than I evidence. He said that he had had ever anticipated. It mentions exclusions from particular areas, and the explanatory notes highlight that that “never accepted the argument that its effect would be marginal.” could include a mosque. I hope the Minister will be able He continued: to tell me whether it could include an exclusion from all “You simply have to raise that argument in Washington and mosques, or from any other religious building for people see the reaction on people’s faces when you suggest that intercept from other backgrounds. It mentions association bans, would not be useful, or ask people in Canberra or Ottawa, or on which there are very few constraints. Could they anywhere else. They simply cannot believe that people are making involve banning somebody from associating with their this argument.” family? What safety is there in that measure? A long list I, too, cannot believe it. We should ensure that we use of measures—I shall follow the direction of the hon. intercept evidence. Member for Newark and not go through every single We should also look again at other options that Lord one of them—must be pulled out and dealt with in Macdonald has proposed, such as giving the Director Committee. of Public Prosecutions the power to say, “We can prosecute, but not yet. We must hold this person for a while first.” The Bill is simply not good enough. The details need That would give more control to the DPP. We should to change, but so do the principles. We can spend a lot also give more control to the High Court. We could of time haggling over phraseology, but the approach is make the Bill better in a number of different ways to wrong. Any alternative should be part of the normal make it more a part of the legal system. legal process, and we must find a way to make that normal process work. It has been said that the Government wish to have emergency legislation in case TPIMs are not enough. Effectively, there is a power for judicial review, but That worries me, because I think that TPIMs are too that is not the same as judicial oversight. That power much anyway. What is that emergency legislation, when relies on judges deciding that the Home Secretary has will we see it, and will it have pre-legislative scrutiny? I made obviously flawed decisions. That is quite a tough see no reason why the Opposition, whom we know are standard, and I would like the measures to be much keen on stronger measures, should be the only more in the control of the courts. They should make parliamentarians to see it. All Members of Parliament decisions rather than have a weak power if the Home should see it, so that it can be discussed. If there is ever Secretary behaves excessively. a need to use something stronger than a TPIM, we 107 Terrorism Prevention and 7 JUNE 2011 Terrorism Prevention and 108 Investigation Measures Bill Investigation Measures Bill [Dr Julian Huppert] I remember spending all night in the Chamber at that time discussing what we would do to up our should think about it carefully in advance, not at 4 o’clock counter-terrorism measures. At every stage, the argument in the morning in a panic. We should look at such a was to go further away from open criminal courts and measure very carefully. further in the direction of special courts and special I can tolerate the Bill on Second Reading—I like measures, with lower levels of evidence gathering. We clause 1 and am happy to live with it—and there is still have now ended up with the obnoxious silent court time to improve the Bill in Committee. We should not mentality. The barrister probably knows the nature of wait for the other place to go through the Bill properly: the case against the individual whom he is supposed to this House should make it work. We should improve the represent, and the judge and the prosecution certainly Bill in Committee and on Report, but I would be know, but the defendant is not allowed to know and his uncomfortable supporting the Bill on Third Reading barrister is not allowed to tell him. That is a dangerous unless there are changes and reassurances. road to go down. Anyone who has met someone who I shall end with some final words from Lord Macdonald. has been the subject of a control order or some kind of On control orders, he said: restriction will know that they are for ever changed by the experience. In some cases, they are subsequently “The reality is that controlees become warehoused far beyond prosecuted. In others, they are not: the control order is the harsh scrutiny of due process and, in consequence, some terrorist activity undoubtedly remains unpunished by the criminal lifted, they disappear, and that is that. The corrosive law. This is a serious and continuing failure of public policy.” effect on them, their families, their lives and their community He is absolutely right, and we should not let that is very serious, and we should be extremely careful situation continue. about introducing legislation that gives courts the power effectively to act in secret, and the security services the power to present evidence that is heard in secret and 8.25 pm used to punish people, when the security services are Jeremy Corbyn (Islington North) (Lab): I should first never publicly accountable for what they do. I understand apologise to the House for missing the Home Secretary’s that there are all kinds of dangers involved in all sorts introductory speech, but I have been present for the rest of things, but if we legislate to allow an arm of the state of the debate. I welcome this opportunity to discuss to operate covertly with no public accountability for anti-terrorism law. I think I am the only Member currently what it does, therein lies enormous danger. in the Chamber who has been here long enough to have The very least we can do is examine the Bill in great voted against the Prevention of Terrorism Act 2005, detail in Committee and, above all, ensure that the which was seen at the time as the low point in the attack legislation is subject to regular parliamentary review. It on civil liberties. Oh that we were only discussing such is our duty as elected Members of a free Parliament in a an Act these days! free society to hold the Government, and the agencies I pay tribute to the hon. Member for Newark (Patrick of the Government and the state, to account. It is not Mercer), who spoke of the effect of internment in good enough to pass this legislation saying that we will Ireland and other places. When a state decides to take return to it and debate the issue again as and when a away the liberties of large numbers of people, the future Government feel it appropriate to introduce another consequences are felt for a very long time. He talked form of counter-terrorism legislation. As well as the about what happened in Ireland in the 1970s and 1980s, obvious parliamentary scrutiny through Select Committees, but we can look back to the wholly irrational way in questions, Adjournment debates and all the other tools which British Jewish people were interned in 1940 at the that are available to us to hold the Government to start of the second world war. That was entirely counter- account, there ought to be a regular parliamentary productive and an idiotic thing to do. There were also debate and review of the whole arrangement on a long-term effects on the attitudes of Japanese Americans six-monthly or yearly basis. The PTA was renewed on a to US society from the disgusting way in which they six-monthly basis throughout its entire existence. were put in concentration camps in California in 1942 because they were automatically assumed to be supporters Steve Baker: I find myself agreeing with the vast of the Japanese in the war. If anyone had bothered to majority of the hon. Gentleman’s remarks. Looking think about that, they might have asked why those around the Chamber, I see that there is almost no one people were living in the USA in the first place. The here. Does he agree that in the status quo, given the level consequences of such actions go on for a very long time. of interest in this subject and the nature of the whipping I am not suggesting that the Bill is equivalent to those system, regular parliamentary scrutiny of this matter measures, because it is not. It is much smaller and would actually amount to very little? specifically targeted, but I have, nevertheless, some fundamental issues with it. Most states take unto themselves Jeremy Corbyn: I have always had an interesting a power to override the judicial system in some way—most relationship with the whipping system in Parliament. have some special security law or courts, or whatever. We are here as MPs to represent the constituents who Without going into the whole history of this matter in have been good enough to send us here, and we are here Britain, the introduction of the Prevention of Terrorism to answer for ourselves. We must be prepared to ask (Temporary Provisions) Act 1974 was a response to the these questions and to take part in these debates. Like Birmingham pub bombings. The first person arrested the hon. Gentleman, I am extremely disappointed that under the Act was one of the Guildford Four, who there are so few Members here tonight. I suspect that it spent 18 years proving his innocence and who was is because word has gone round, by text message from finally released as a result. That Act was repealed and the Whips on both sides, that there is not going to be a replaced by the Terrorism Act 2000, which preceded the vote. Most of our colleagues are probably either enjoying dreadful events of 2001. themselves on the Terrace or have gone home, when 109 Terrorism Prevention and 7 JUNE 2011 Terrorism Prevention and 110 Investigation Measures Bill Investigation Measures Bill they should be in here debating this Bill. We could say the norms of parliamentary democracy and open justice the same for almost any piece of legislation that goes will stop those things happening again. That whole through the House. process does not make us more safe; ultimately, it puts I mentioned in an intervention the fundamental question our society at greater risk and makes it more vulnerable. of international jurisdiction. If someone comes to this Although we are debating a change in the legislation country from a jurisdiction in which they have been and the Bill is presented as being the end of control tortured, irrationally imprisoned or abused, or if it is orders, the reality is that we are being presented with a likely that they would suffer such a fate if they went different form of control orders. I look forward to the back, we have a clear duty of protection to them under Committee asserting itself when the details of the Bill international law. Under the procedures of anti-terror are debated and improving it a great deal by removing legislation, someone who is suspected of terrorist activity the whole principle of control orders. or of harbouring plans for such activity can be detained Once we give away our powers to secret courts or give virtually indefinitely under immigration law. Under the away accountability to secret services—I accept that memorandums of understanding that were made between only 48 control orders have been put in place—we are the previous Prime Minister but one, Tony Blair, and a crossing a very big line. We should be very careful about number of Governments, such people can be returned doing that. Our job as Members of Parliament is to ask to jurisdictions that have not signed the United Nations the awkward question; our job as MPs is to put very convention on torture. awkward questions to those employed by the state to I have a real problem with that. If we support the look after law and order and protect us. Above all, our principles of international law and the international task is to ensure that our liberties are safe, our democracy jurisdiction of conventions such as that one, we should is safe and that individuals will not be detained irrationally carry them out to the fullest extent. We should not for a very long time on the basis of hearsay evidence deport people to places where there is no protection of that would simply not stand up in a criminal court. their rights under treaties that we have taken for ourselves. That is a bad thing for a democracy; it is a bad thing for Just as when someone goes to prison, when an individual us to do. is accused of being a terrorist or of planning a terrorist activity, they do not stop being an individual and they 8.37 pm do not lose all their rights. They do not stop being a citizen at that point. Mr Dominic Raab (Esher and Walton) (Con): Like others, I would like to commend some previous speakers, Richard Fuller (Bedford) (Con): I could not agree particularly the hon. Member for Islington North (Jeremy more with the hon. Gentleman’s point about our Corbyn), my hon. Friend the Member for Newark deportation of people to countries that could torture (Patrick Mercer) and the hon. Member for Cambridge them. Does he agree that it is a serious omission in the (Dr Huppert). Bill that the bail conditions imposed by the Special Confronted by the terrorist challenge, the previous Immigration Appeals Commission will be able to remain Government resorted to presenting a rather crude and at the levels set out in the control orders that are being blunt trade-off between freedom and security. Too often, lessened by the Bill? Should not that omission be corrected? it undermined Britain’s tradition of liberty without eliminating or even substantially reducing the threat to Jeremy Corbyn: Indeed so; the hon. Gentleman is this country. In that context, I welcome the huge strides absolutely right. That matter should be looked at in great the Home Secretary and fellow Home Office Ministers detail in Committee. I hope that the Bill will be greatly have taken to defend and restore our freedoms by changed in Committee and that we will hear about abolishing ID cards, halving pre-charge detention, tightening those changes on Report. I hope we will move away stop-and-search powers and the other measures they from the principle of control orders and the conditions have taken in protection of freedoms legislation. I believe that he rightly says are associated with them. I understand that Ministers have decisively reassessed how state power that Liberty, whose briefing on this matter I have neither is used to protect us. read nor seen, for which I apologise, describes these In many ways, if truth be told, the whole debate on measures as “low-fat” control orders that have been control orders has been allowed to obscure the substantial dressed up to resemble something that they are not. progress made by this coalition and this Home Office. I represent a mixed, inner-city community constituency, Nevertheless, the truth is that the control order regime as do many other colleagues, and I am very proud to presents a pernicious affront to our tradition of liberty. represent that area. The events of 2001, the invasion of It undermines the most basic principle of British justice—of Afghanistan, the invasion of Iraq, the Bush-led war on being innocent until proven guilty. Orders can be imposed terror, the axis of evil speech and similar things have on people who have not been found guilty of any criminal had an enormous effect on community relations. They offence. That is wrong in principle, and control orders have also generated a degree of Islamophobia within have proved to be an ineffective tool in practice. I shall our society and continue to do so, which is a very come on to explain why I believe that to be the case. serious matter. The anti-terrorism legislation and the In fairness, TPIMs are not as draconian as the old arguments surrounding the Prevent strategy, like so regime and again I want to recognise Ministers’ efforts many other things, play into that agenda. to improve the conditions imposed by the Bill. In truth, My borough suffered on 7/7: more people from my however, TPIMs are only marginally less draconian and borough died than from any other borough—it was a are certainly no more effective than their predecessor—and dreadful, awful, terrible day. I do not believe, however, that is not much of a trade-off either. Liberty notes in that counter-terrorism legislation that goes around the its briefing that TPIMs principle of the use of the criminal law or goes around “mirror the most offensive elements” 111 Terrorism Prevention and 7 JUNE 2011 Terrorism Prevention and 112 Investigation Measures Bill Investigation Measures Bill [Mr Dominic Raab] the last four years, despite all the legislative hyperactivity of the previous Government, despite all the hubris, and of control orders. Under clause 3, the Home Secretary despite the exponential rise in the terrorist threat, whose must demonstrate “reasonable belief” of involvement existence I think we all accept. Yet conviction in court in terrorism as opposed to the old standard of “reasonable and locking up terrorists constitute the only guaranteed suspicion’”, but a criminal sanction of this severity way of protecting the public. should require proof of criminal conduct—not hunches, I find it worrying that we have heard so little about not opinions, but proof. strengthening prosecution in real, core, concrete, tangible The potential restrictions on individuals set out in terms. We need a far more robust and proactive prosecution schedule 1 remain onerous—residency requirements, policy. We need to learn directly from experience abroad, curfews, restrictions on communication and association, particularly in Commonwealth countries such as the travel bans, electronic tagging and all the rest. Clause 5 United States, Australia and Canada. We need much appears to suggest a two-year limit for TPIMs, but they greater use of plea bargaining, although incidentally I can be renewed if new terrorist activity is alleged. That do not see why the discount should be increased. I is itself a worrying comment on the credibility of the believe that if plea-bargaining were deployed effectively, new order as a counter-terrorism measure. Clause 21 it would almost certainly increase, not reduce, the number retains the penalty of five years’ imprisonment for of dangerous people put behind bars. Indeed, that is the breach of an order. whole point of it. In one important respect, which has already been As others have said, we must also overcome entrenched mentioned today, the proposed regime is worse than bureaucratic inertia and lift the ban on the use of that its predecessor. Control orders had to be approved intercept evidence in court, thus ending Britain’s virtual annually by Parliament in recognition of their exceptional global isolation and giving prosecutors an invaluable nature and the urgency of the circumstances in which tool with which to secure convictions. I know from my they were introduced, which ensured regular parliamentary experience of working at the Foreign Office on information oversight, but TPIMs will not be subject to such co-operation with international war crimes tribunals, parliamentary reviews. A temporary emergency measure along with all the Departments and agencies in the will thus become permanent and entrenched, and we United Kingdom, what the limits are and how intercept will have crossed a line. It is worth our asking, with that evidence can be used discreetly, carefully and competently, in mind, what we will gain from such an affront to our and I am convinced that we can overcome the objections tradition of liberty and justice. What will be the security that have been presented. dividend from this trade-off of our freedoms? The hon. Member for Cambridge (Dr Huppert) said Of the 40 individuals formerly subject to control that if we were to ask anyone in the United States, such orders, seven absconded and five had their orders quashed as the FBI or the Deputy Attorney-General—I myself by the courts. In 2009, each order cost the Home Office have talked to the counter-terrorism adviser in the £135,000 to implement—quite apart from the costs of George Bush White House—they would be aghast at defending the orders from legal challenge and of policing. the idea that intercept evidence could not be used as a The number of control orders has halved in the last two powerful weapon to put more terrorists behind bars. It years, from 20 to 10. Some will say that that shows that is absolutely critical. It is a mystery to me that we in this they are used only as a last resort, but in fact it demonstrates country have allowed so much surveillance of the ordinary their irrelevance to the massive scale of the terrorist law-abiding citizen, yet we adamantly and trenchantly threat that we face. MI5 estimates that there are still oppose using intercept evidence to target prosecution about 4,000 terrorist suspects in the United Kingdom— against those engaged in terror. 10 controlees, 4,000 suspects. Let us not pretend that control orders have ever been anything more than the Lord Macdonald offered a very credible alternative most flimsy and feeble of security safety nets. to the control order regime, with restrictions linked to bail in the active pursuit of prosecution. I regret that his Control orders are not just of dwindling relevance; proposal was not taken up in place of the old regime, or, they constitute a distraction from robust law enforcement indeed, of the new one presented to us today. and are actually a negative. That is why I welcome the Home Secretary’s renewed focus on the Prevent strategy. I would welcome further still measures to strengthen 8.46 pm our deportation capacity, which has been undermined by judicial legislation resulting from article 8 of the Mr Tobias Ellwood (Bournemouth East) (Con): The European convention on human rights, via the Human war on terrorism has defined the current generation, as Rights Act 1998. The massively inflated rights to family the second world war did the generations of the ’30s and life now allow the majority of deportation orders to be ’40s, and as the cold war cast a shadow over those of the frustrated. That has nothing to do with article 3 torture ’60s and ’70s. Terrorism has existed before in all sorts of grounds, which I would stand up for. More specifically, forms, of course; in the ’70s and ’80s, there was IRA as Lord Macdonald stated in his report on the counter- terrorism, for example. The shadow of 9/11 still hangs terrorism review, control orders are an “impediment” to over the current generation, however. prosecution and conviction because The threat of terrorism affects every aspect of our “controls may be imposed that precisely prevent those very activities lives. Every time we step on a train, we are reminded to that are apt to result in the discovery of evidence fit for prosecution, be vigilant and watch out for suspicious bags. Every conviction and imprisonment”. time we enter a Government building, we are obliged to The wider evidence is stark and clear. This country have our bags—and, indeed, bodies—scanned. When now has a gaping prosecutorial deficit. The number of we switch on the news, there will often be a report of convictions for terrorist offences has fallen by 90% in another attack in one part of the world or another. It is 113 Terrorism Prevention and 7 JUNE 2011 Terrorism Prevention and 114 Investigation Measures Bill Investigation Measures Bill therefore no surprise that we debate this subject and such behaviour should not be tolerated. These are difficult pass laws in this House with a view to containing or questions, but if they are not posed in this House where eradicating terrorism and protecting the public. else can they be raised? Terrorism is not a cancer that we can surgically Developing a strategy to tackle this problem is remove, however, or a trend that can be outlawed. complicated and it requires contributions from across Terrorism is a violent form of communication, usually Departments: the Ministry of Defence is kinetic and its involving the killing of innocent people by a private contribution is about what we do in Afghanistan, first, group or individual in such a way as to create a media to eradicate the extremism there and then to help stable spectacle and pass a message or place pressure on a democracy; the Department for Communities and Local Government, while at the same time gaining publicity Government has a role to play in encouraging forms of for that terrorist group, cause or individual. We must cohesion; the Cabinet Office is now responsible for tackle the ideology behind terrorism, as well as prevent cyber-security; the overseas aid budget should be targeted the terrorist attack itself. to help countries to tackle these issues themselves; and the Home Office has a role in focusing on prevention Sadly, history has shown that Islamic radicalisation and security, which is what we are debating today. reached our shores a number of years ago. In 2002, the shoe bomber failed to bring down a transatlantic flight. Such a strategy involves understanding the motives In 2005, we had the 7/7 bombings, and just two weeks of terrorists, how they are trained, how they are recruited later there was a failed attempt to replicate that attack. and how they are identified as potential killers. It involves In 2006, a transatlantic terror plot, which attempted to providing better support to vulnerable groups, such as use 10 liquid explosives to blow up planes, was disrupted. those who are in prison, those who are unemployed and In 2007, we had the attack at Glasgow airport, when the youth. It also involves putting increased emphasis two men driving cars full of propane rammed the main on community cohesion and ensuring that funding goes terminal building. Also in that year, two car bombs to properly targeted groups, rather than to those very were discovered in the Haymarket, and, thankfully, groups that wish us harm. As a number of hon. Members disabled before they were detonated. In 2008, there was have said, such groups have been funded in the past and the Exeter café bombing by a radicalised 22-year-old, I am pleased that that has been brought to a stop. but, thankfully again, nobody was hurt. Terrorism has Such a strategy also involves the improved identification become part and parcel of our lives, therefore. What of those who might be targeted, which does require the links all these events—and these are only the events that assistance of universities and doctors. We need everybody’s are in the public domain—is the deeply distorted assistance; we have a collective responsibility in our interpretation of Islam that turns harmless citizens into community to look after each other. Such is the scale of radicalised recruits willing to cause other innocents the problem we face that some individuals, including harm. UK citizens, are successfully turned into potential terrorists. The Bill will play a small part in the wider strategy that It is important to ask why Britain is prone to this sort deals with individuals who are known to be involved in of attack. What makes the United Kingdom more of a terrorist activities but about whom the evidence is not target than, say, Austria or Germany? These are difficult, yet sufficient to warrant a full conviction. We are talking and perhaps controversial, questions, but they must be about a small group of people—fewer than 50 or so—who asked. We can ask: did our involvement in overseas cannot be deported but who are yet to be convicted. conflicts such as Iraq or Afghanistan increase the potential Our approach must be about making sure that we are for such Islamist attacks? Yes, it undoubtedly did. It has aware of their movements, their accommodation and made us more of a target. Whether we think that such their travel, so that they are “looked after” in a way that conflicts are right or wrong, that is a fact and we must means that they are unable to do harm in the future. come to terms with it. Many hon. Members have discussed the Bill in detail Having weak immigration controls also makes us so I will not repeat many of the comments that have more of a target. If our borders are porous in some way, been made, but it is worth saying in conclusion that just it makes it easier for those who wish us harm to get into as warfare has had to adapt to the changes in the this country to cause that harm. We also face a difficult battlefield, so must our counter-terrorism technology question about our tolerance towards different cultures. develop. I welcome the Bill, as it refines our ability to If there is a lack of cohesion between different cultures, combat terrorism. I have been told that I would be a failure of integration between those cultures in our delighted to serve on the Committee, should I be called, communities and a lack of understanding of what it so I recommend the Bill to the House and look forward means to be British, that failure to bring communities to serving, if possible, on the Committee. together can lead to hostility in its own right. Given that so many Muslims live in this country and in the United States, we must ask why we have not seen the same 8.54 pm radicalisation in the United States as we have seen in Stephen Phillips (Sleaford and North Hykeham) (Con): this country. It is an enormous pleasure, as always, to follow my hon. Controversially, one could also say that the way in and gallant Friend the Member for Bournemouth East which the pendulum of political correctness has swung (Mr Ellwood). It has also been an enormous pleasure to is involved here; we might ask whether we tackle these listen to the contributions from other right hon. and difficult events as harshly as we should. Demonstrations hon. Members on both sides of the House. have taken place in various mosques over a number of At the outset, I want to make it clear that the issues years, yet because we are cautious and do not want to with which the Bill grapples are not, as I suspect many make too much of a song and dance we have perhaps Members have found, necessarily easy. I have not found not been tough enough to send out the message that them easy. For my part, during my consideration of the 115 Terrorism Prevention and 7 JUNE 2011 Terrorism Prevention and 116 Investigation Measures Bill Investigation Measures Bill [Stephen Phillips] the shadow Home Secretary, acknowledged in her opening remarks in this debate. If one accepts, as I think one measures proposed by the Government I have from must, that that is the starting point, it must in my time to time changed my mind, or at least changed the judgment follow that if there are circumstances in which direction in which I thought I was travelling, before those who threaten the United Kingdom from within finally alighting on the position that I intend to set forth her own borders cannot, for whatever reasons, adequately this evening. be dealt with by a system of open criminal justice, What, then, is the dilemma for all Members? On the which I accept should remain the norm in the vast one hand, it seems plain from the responses to the majority of cases, their rights cannot override those of Government’s consultation that there is general agreement the majority to the safety of their existence, which the among the majority of those who offered their views Government are bound to protect. that in the case of a very few individuals there is a In one sense, of course, this is a question of degree. Is continuing need for the Government to have access to the derogation from the ordinary principles of the rule the sort of powers proposed in this Bill to protect the of law and the rights of the subject that this Bill entails public from potential harm. One simple reason for that, justified given the threat that we know we face at the as the responses make clear and as I, at least, am beginning of the 21st century? In my opinion—I stress persuaded, is that in the case of some of those very few again that it is my opinion and that others are driven to individuals prosecutions are impossible for either security a different view by their consciences—it is. We have or legal reasons. By the same token, not every threat to merely to look at some of the events that we have national security is or has yet become a criminal offence. witnessed during the past decade, such as the bombings Are such threats to be ignored, as some would urge us of 7 July 2005 in London, to know what may happen to do? I venture to suggest not. when the balance is poorly or inappropriately struck. On the other hand, the suggestion that the sort of Of course I do not for a moment suggest that the mere powers that we see in this Bill should exist at all—they existence of the measures in the Bill—of TPIMs—or effectively permit the Executive to detain individuals even of the existing regime of control orders can ensure without trial—is naturally abhorrent to Members of that such events will never happen. However, if one this House and is regarded as such on both sides, as it is wonders, as I do, whether future atrocities might be by all right-thinking people. It is said with force that we prevented by proportionate derogations from generally now have, and that within the memory of this House we accepted minimum standards regarding the rights of have always had, a system of open justice and it is the subject—derogations that can and must be kept to a legitimate to ask, as many Members have done, why in minimum, as I think all Members accept—it is my those circumstances we should make even one exception, belief that they might. It follows that the existence of a no matter how carefully hedged about with safeguards, regime that is necessary to protect the public, such as to the principles that have long underpinned our democracy that contained in the Bill, cannot be avoided given the and the rule of law in this country. world in which we live. The question, then, is how that dilemma is to be The matter can be viewed in this way: many Members resolved. That is essentially the question faced by the on both sides of the House will quite properly oppose House in deciding whether to give the Bill a Second the Bill’s Second Reading, or will at least have indicated Reading. Differing from hon. Members of all parties that they will not give it a Third Reading in its current and some people outside the House who advocate the form. However, let me posit an eventuality that I hope complete revocation of any system of civil measures will not occur—circumstances in which someone who that interferes with the rights of the individual, I have might have been subject to a TPIM is instrumental in a come to the view that what the Government propose, future atrocity that results in our fellow citizens being subject to the amendments that will no doubt be made maimed or killed. Would it, in those circumstances, be in Committee, strikes the right balance for reasons that right that the Bill fell today or in future? I suggest not, I shall come on to. That is, I accept, my judgment. It is for that would be to strike the wrong balance between my opinion, consistent with the position that my conscience the rule of law and the first duty of the Government, dictates, but that is not to say—and I do not say—that it which I have already outlined. is the only view that it is possible to take. This is very I accept that none of this is easy. My view, I am much one of those issues where reasonable people may perfectly prepared to accept, may be wrong. It may come to completely contrary conclusions and where even, as the courts will be able to inquire given that Members have come to contrary conclusions. My task, there will now be no possibility of derogation from the if I have one at all, is to explain in the course of this law relating to the rights of the subject, be unlawful, debate how I have come to my conclusion and my although I think not as the Bill has been carefully reasons for having done so. drawn. However, it is the view to which I am driven by a The starting point—I suspect that all Members would consideration of the issues I have outlined and by the agree that this should always be the starting point for horrendous possibility of being wrong and, in being any Government, but it is one which might perhaps wrong, of failing to prevent a potential terrorist outrage. have been lost sight of from time to time during the The second argument that drives me to support the course of the debate—is that the primary duty of the Government’s proposals and therefore to lend my support state to its citizens is to keep them safe. National to the Bill’s Second Reading is the very fact that there security and public safety are and must always remain are certain rights that I and the vast majority of people the first duty of the Government, as my right hon. consider to be inalienable, the most important of which Friend the Secretary of State made clear in her statement is the right to life. That this right is inalienable seems to on 23 May 2011 and as the right hon. Member for me naturally to entail the proposition that it should, by Normanton, Pontefract and Castleford (Yvette Cooper), the nature of the law as it should be framed, be protected—if 117 Terrorism Prevention and 7 JUNE 2011 Terrorism Prevention and 118 Investigation Measures Bill Investigation Measures Bill necessary at the expense of other lesser rights, which are must be protected, as it answers so well to the circumstances not necessarily inalienable. Schedule 1 identifies a series of existence that we must not seek to undermine it any of measures that the Secretary of State may take, should more than is necessary. Again, there is a balance to be the Bill become law, which would undoubtedly interfere struck—what is necessary is what is proportionate to with the second of those groups of rights. It enables the the circumstances, and in my view that is the regime state to obstruct the liberty of the citizen, to oblige him that the Bill seeks to create. The same cannot be said or her to comply with the directions of those who universally of the regime that will be repealed if and exercise its authority and to disturb the free enjoyment when clause 1 comes into force. While the Prevention of of property rights. However, not one of those rights is, Terrorism Act 2005 sought to strike a necessary balance, or at least should be, regarded as absolute and inalienable. in my judgment it struck it in the wrong balance, which The right to life and to security, in the sense of freedom is tacitly accepted by the Opposition Front-Bench team, from hurt or injury, is in a different category altogether. given their acceptance that the control order regime was As the Bill makes clear throughout, particularly from not necessarily the best way of dealing with the threat the safeguards with which it is hedged, it is that right that the legislation that they introduced sought to deal. that is being protected and the other, lesser rights that I know, as I have said before in the House, new as I are being obstructed. That cannot but indicate, as many am, that it is the Opposition’s duty to oppose, but for Members on both sides have noted, that a balance is those of us who have sat through this debate in its being struck. Whether it is the right balance will be a entirety it has been odd to note the opposition from question that future historians will no doubt assess. their Front-Bench team, but the consensus among Back Benchers on both sides of the House that the Bill Henry Smith (Crawley) (Con): My hon. and learned should at least complete its Second Reading. Friend is making a powerful argument about the balancing of rights. Does he feel that this consideration should be The previous regime of control orders permitted the reviewed regularly to ensure that the balance remains Government to derogate from the Human Rights Act 1998. correct in future? The Bill does not do so, which is progress. While I am no fan of the Human Rights Act, I accept that it Stephen Phillips: I can see that there is a powerful includes welcome protections that have existed in our case for amending the Bill in Committee to introduce law for generations, even if consistently misinterpreted some annual review by Parliament, but there are or over-interpreted by the Court in Strasbourg. The countervailing arguments, some of which have been previous regime of control orders likewise provided a alluded to during the debate. The first of those arguments, non-exhaustive list of the way in which the rights of the which was made by my hon. Friend the Member for subject could be hindered. The Bill, by contrast, tells Wycombe (Steve Baker), is that with the whipping the Home Secretary precisely what she may do, system being what it is, such an annual review may circumscribed by Parliament. I know which I prefer and prove pointless. The second is that if the House forms a which meets the need to tackle the mischief at which the view in relation to TPIMs, which are not control orders, Bill is directed. it will have reached a settled view, and that will not fade The previous regime of control orders likewise allowed from parliamentary memory. I think that everyone on the Home Secretary powers overly and unnecessarily in both sides of the House accepts that once the reasons effect to extinguish individual rights, the best example why TPIMs or control orders need to exist have disappeared, being the 16-hour curfew. The Bill, by contrast, limits this legislation should also disappear. In those circumstances, the Home Secretary’s powers—again, always subject to while I can see the case for an annual review, it is not review—to something which, to my mind, is more capable something on which I have a conclusive view, and I look of justification, even though overnight detention orders forward to debating it again in due course. require more definition. Most importantly, unlike the Returning to whether it is right in principle for the present regime, mere suspicion on the part of the state Bill to strike the balance that it seeks to strike, what will no longer be enough to trigger the powers in the finally has driven me to the view that the Bill must Bill—and rightly so. The Bill makes it clear that there continue its passage through the House is the fact that must be reasonable belief that individuals can no longer the arguments against the balance being struck at all be deprived of their rights merely on the basis of either misinterpret or only interpret semantically and suspicion. Lawyers other than I have suggested this without regard to its content what the rule of law afternoon that there is little difference, but I disagree. actually means. We have created for ourselves, as have Even if I am wrong, I am more content with a regime most other nations, a system of justice that involves the that requires some form of objective proof and justification open trial of individuals for those things that we characterise than one that can be triggered merely on the basis of as wrongs that deserve punishment. That system, however, vague, subjective assertion on the part of the state. is a fabrication of the society in which we live—no For these reasons, and many others which there is more, no less. It is not the only system that man could now insufficient time to develop further but which will devise, but it has been found over the years to be the undoubtedly be explored in Committee if the Bill goes best system, even though we must occasionally alter or forward tonight, it is my belief that this is the right Bill change it so that it meets the needs of the times in which to address the dilemma that I posed at the outset and we live. This is such a time, so the Bill seeks to fashion a which the Government face in striking a balance between different system from the ordinary criminal justice system, the rights of the individual and the obligation to protect and it does so because, in my judgment, it must, for all the citizens of this country. If the House divides reasons that I have given. tonight, the Government will therefore receive my support Is the system contrary to the rule of law because it is to give the Bill a Second Reading, as I believe they different? No. It is contrary to the rule of law, if in any should receive the support of the remainder of the sense, because we say it is, yet the rule of law as created House. 119 Terrorism Prevention and 7 JUNE 2011 Terrorism Prevention and 120 Investigation Measures Bill Investigation Measures Bill 9.10 pm words, hooray words, which unfortunately, as I have discovered in my political journey, are subject to Steve Baker (Wycombe) (Con): As I follow my hon. interpretation and political conflict. But our forebears and learned Friend the Member for Sleaford and North laid down their lives for liberty and justice. I was asked Hykeham (Stephen Phillips), I am reminded of something once on my journey here if there was one thing I could that I learned shortly after I arrived in the Chamber—that change about the state that Britain finds itself in, what is, that some of the finest and most informative speeches would it be? Before I was asked, I thought I would say are delivered after the glare of the media has departed we should leave the European Union, but on reflection from the Front Benches. I found his remarks very and having read the brilliant book by my hon. Friend interesting, although I have not agreed with all of them. the Member for Esher and Walton, “The Assault on I associate myself with the remarks of my hon. Liberty”, I found myself thinking briefly and saying, “I Friends the Members for Newark (Patrick Mercer) and would repeal control orders.” for Esher and Walton (Mr Raab). Listening to the Control orders disgust me. They represent the capitulation remarks of my hon. Friend the Member for Bournemouth of our highest values in the face of cowardly enemies. East (Mr Ellwood), I found myself disagreeing with We should not tolerate them, so like some of my hon. him somewhat. I hope he will forgive me if I say that I Friends, I welcome clause 1. Clause 1 is a glorious and think the threat that we face today is not the same as the joyful clause, perhaps the finest I have seen in the threat that we faced during the cold war. We do not face House. total nuclear war or mutually assured destruction. During the cold war we did not capitulate our highest values. We face, we are told, a serious and sustained threat. I Instead, we sought to emphasise them. As my hon. find myself returning to Pitt. We have come a long way Friend mentions the cold war, I hope the House will since 1783 when he said: forgive me if I quote Reagan in 1964: “Necessity is the plea for every infringement of human freedom. It is the argument of tyrants; it is the creed of slaves.” “You and I know and do not believe that life is so dear and peace so sweet as to be purchased at the price of chains and I might go less far, but I would say that the response to slavery. If nothing in life is worth dying for, when did this fear and to threat is not the abandonment of our begin—just in the face of this enemy?” highest values; it is courage. It is to reach deep within I could go on, and I am sure some Members would ourselves and to find the courage to face down cowards. enjoy it if I did. Just in the face of this enemy? No. That is what I wish the Government would do. Some values are higher than life itself. I meet clauses 2 to 27 and the eight schedules with I particularly associate myself with the remarks of profound misgivings, but I can hardly vote against them my hon. Friend the Member for Keighley (Kris Hopkins). as they represent a move in the right direction. The Like him, I have a large Muslim population in my shadow Home Secretary, although offering us a confused constituency and I have come to be very fond of those analysis of the Bill, has said that they water down fine people. I have found that we share a commitment to control orders, and I think that a good thing. Lord justice and to objective morality as the basis for our Macdonald said that this measure is liberty. It is true that a very small number of my “an unmistakeable rebalancing of public policy in favour of constituents have been convicted of terrorist atrocities, liberty”. so I approach this subject with considerable care. I welcome that, and I will be supporting the Government As a gallant Member of the House, Mr Deputy tonight, but with a very, very heavy heart. Speaker, you may recognise in me a sense of missing the Finally, I should like to quote Benjamin Franklin: clarity of serving in the armed forces. When I first “They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little considered the subject of the prevention of terrorism, I temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety.” had just come out of university and the law of armed I wish that we did not face such choices, but we do. We conflict in the UK and carrying firearms in the UK was should reach within ourselves for that courage to face being explained. It was made perfectly clear to us, fresh these fears, these threats, and move forward, keeping out of university, that the correct response to a terrorist our values. caught in the act of committing a terrorist atrocity was a bullet—a single aimed shot at the centre of the chest. We were shocked and appalled when that instructor 9.16 pm explained to us that he would be disappointed if any Richard Fuller (Bedford) (Con): It is a great pleasure member of the armed forces did not take the opportunity to follow my hon. Friend the Member for Wycombe offered by the rules of engagement to shoot a terrorist. (Steve Baker), who said that the best speeches tended to That is only the first category of ways we might deal come towards the end of a debate. As probably one of with terror. The second is that which we are all perhaps the last speakers I am about to show that that hypothesis more used to—investigation, arrest, charge, conviction, is not always correct. How can I possibly match up to a imprisonment. I think the mood of the House is that we Member who quoted not only Benjamin Franklin, but would all prefer that standard criminal process to be William Pitt and good old Ronald Reagan, in his speech followed. The final category seems to be the strange in defence of his views on control orders today? twilight which we have entered, the twilight of semi-guilt It was interesting earlier to hear the right hon. Member and shadow justice, where we cannot bring people to for Salford and Eccles (Hazel Blears) describe the original prosecution, yet we fear them. What has happened debates that went on until 4 am. I can imagine that at to us? that time the Benches here would have been full with Some words are so powerful and represent concepts Members debating this important issue of liberty. We so important that people will lay down their very lives look around today and we see a lot more green Benches for them—words like “liberty” and “justice”, inseparable than people. Perhaps that is because most hon. Members 121 Terrorism Prevention and 7 JUNE 2011 Terrorism Prevention and 122 Investigation Measures Bill Investigation Measures Bill are at ease with providing and continuing these regulations right hon. Friend the Home Secretary, I must ask: when and powers for the Executive, and perhaps that is to be did we shift away from fundamental challenge based on welcomed. But I think that ease comes largely because principle? When did our assertion of centuries-old principles of our fear of the worst if those powers were taken of English justice succumb to one more round of Executive away. I am not sure that that is the best way for us to set caution? For me, there must be good, specific reasons our laws, so I am not at ease with what is being proposed behind the rationale for each measure and specific here today. examples of their effectiveness. That will be the challenge We have heard today from people who are learned in in Committee and, if it is not met there, when the Bill law and people with experience of making these tough comes back on Report, because general statements will decisions in the Executive. I have neither of those not help. They will lead us to similar mistakes that we things, so I come from a simpler point of view, which is now see that the previous Government, even with the that in England we should not lock people up without best intentions, may have made in their legislation. telling them why. In supporting this legislation today, I have two concerns, one of which I will talk about for we are essentially denying that statement. It has been most of my speech and the other I will mention briefly. said that we should not trust all Home Secretaries—perhaps My main concern to address to the Minister is the not all Home Secretaries—but I certainly trust and have omission of the immigration bail conditions imposed faith in the current Home Secretary. She has brought a by the Special Immigration Appeals Commission. Control skill and effectiveness to an extremely difficult brief and orders were originally intended for UK citizens and has impressed Members on both sides of the House. As non-UK citizens, but now they are exclusively for UK many hon. Members have said, the Home Secretary citizens. At the end of 2006, 18 people were on control understands and bears the weight of more knowledge orders, nine of whom were non-UK citizens. At the end and has more access to knowledge and people with of 2010, 10 people were on control orders, all of whom knowledge than we do ourselves. were UK citizens. My question to the Minister is this: The context for what is being proposed essentially have SIAC bail conditions been used as a proxy for stems from the events of the last 10 years. The hon. control orders? Why are they not included in this review Member for Islington North (Jeremy Corbyn) recounted to bring those conditions to the same level as the some of those, from the rise of radical ideology, through Government now propose for control orders? SIAC bail the nurturing of terrorism, the convulsions after 9/11, conditions will still permit forced relocation, forced the invasions of Iraq and Afghanistan, the attacks here curfews, monitoring with the same level of secrecy and on UK soil and those attacks that have been prevented. the lack of access, all without any charges being brought. Those are indeed mighty issues for the state to handle, They belonged in the Bill, so I look forward to hearing and I do not doubt the sincerity of Governments of any from the Minister why they are not there. colour in how they wished to handle them. Those challenges I will bring an example to the attention of the House. certainly demanded a robust approach, but one that We have heard about CD and about AM, but I would should have preserved our core values and freedoms, like to talk about Y—Mustapha Taleb. I read about him because they are beacons for a wider world that yearns in the book “Ricin”. Ricin was one of those footnotes for the freedoms that we have. We have a responsibility in the approach to the Iraq war, with the “ricin plot”, beyond these shores to ensure that, in setting our laws, or, some would say, the “ricin plot that never was”. we set an example that we wish other countries to follow. Mustapha Taleb came to the UK in 2001, having That should be the highest of examples we can set. been tortured in his home country of Algeria. He was The previous Government’s response may now be judged arrested in 2003 as part of the “ricin plot”, taken to to have been overreach and their actions to have done court, tried and found not guilty of all charges. He was too much damage to our precious freedoms and to have arrested again in 2005, after the 7/7 attacks, and SIAC been in some respects ineffective or counter-productive. imposed immigration bail conditions on him. Those Those measures included detention without trial, secret conditions have been in place effectively for the six years courts, special attorneys, hidden evidence, the imposition subsequent to that point, so when people talk about one of high levels of restriction on people who were never year or two years, they ought to understand that people charged and did not know the case against them, forced in this country now have been living under conditions relocation, internal exile and the transfer of judicial as severe as control orders for the past six years—and authority to the Executive branch. We were told, “Don’t there is no relief for them in the Bill. worry, because they are all temporary emergency measures, What does that say about British justice—forced so they are okay.” Well, in my view they were never okay, relocation, imposed curfews, the monitoring of all and as the years passed they seemed less and less temporary. communications and a denial of freedom for six years? For this Government, the test for how to change the For what? We do not know. Mustapha does not know, legislation had to be set higher. The Bill before us he has not been charged; his lawyers do not know, they declares it as such: have not seen the evidence; and I do not know why those conditions are not being relieved in the Bill. I “A BILL TO Abolish control orders”. strongly urge the Home Secretary to accept, and hope As many hon. Members have said, it would have been that she will do so in Committee, an amendment to fine if it had stopped there, but it went on to state that it bring them into the same form as control orders. would also My second point, and quickly, is on temporary versus “make provision for the imposition of terrorism prevention and permanent. I mention it not only because I support the investigation measures.” notion of many hon. Members that a review each year There we get into the weighing up of the freedoms on would be helpful, but because, having listened to the one side and the prevention of harm on the other. The debate, it is quite clear that when someone goes from details do not live up to the billing. In the absence of my the Opposition Benches to the Government Front Bench 123 Terrorism Prevention and 7 JUNE 2011 Terrorism Prevention and 124 Investigation Measures Bill Investigation Measures Bill [Richard Fuller] Have control orders been too severe? Can their conditions be lessened without additional risk to the public, while the intention, the principle and the idealism are lessened— perhaps increasing assistance to the security forces who and lessened to the point of extinction. That position are trying to stop terrorist operations at the same time may well be right, but it is important that we challenge as making sure that our decent traditions are upheld? it every year here, where those voices of idealism can I quite like clause 2. Under clause 2, restrictions are still be heard, even if today they make up a minority of imposed à la carte. They are not blanket restrictions; the voices who were here six years ago. They still they are designed for particular instances. They are deserve to be heard every year on the matter. flexible and allow for more severe measures if necessary. I have great confidence in our Home Secretary and, The people in authority determine what those measures of course, understand that as a Back Bencher I have are in a balanced way because their primary duty is to only partial access to the information that she and keep society safe. They also have to maintain civil Ministers have. I do believe, however, that we have liberties. I am mindful that in the United Kingdom missed an opportunity with this Bill to restore English everyone is presumed innocent until they are proven liberty to its highest levels of respect. I urge the Government guilty. I like the idea that someone who is not yet proven to consider a sunset clause and to align immigration guilty can live as decent a life as is possible, but under bail conditions with the new control orders. control if we are worried about them. I like the idea that In the case of Mr Taleb, I just quote the members of they can continue to work or study, under control if the jury who acquitted him. When the SIAC conditions necessary. I am reminded, however, that seven out of were put in place, they subsequently said: 45 people on control orders have absconded—15%. We “As three ordinary members of the public we have had our eyes must not design a law that allows that percentage to increase. opened to such an unfair and unjust sequence of events orchestrated I think that what we call TPIMs are better—just. The by the authorities that we feel compelled to speak out. This is director general of the Security Service is apparently contrary to anything we thought could be possible in a democratic, content with the change, but I suspect that that is free society. Since January 2003, ‘Y’”— largely because he or she will get increased resources in Mustapha Taleb— order to carry out surveillance given that the aim is to “has been persecuted by our government beyond all realms of try to get these people into court as fast as possible so imagination.” that we can determine whether they are guilty or innocent, I urge the Minister to listen to that and to look for which is a principle of our law. I have been part of a further changes. surveillance operation in my time. Surveillance is very manpower intensive and costly. The operation that I 9.28 pm was involved in required 12 soldiers, and that is just the minimum. There have to be back-up people as well. Bob Stewart (Beckenham) (Con): May I first apologise That is just for the surveillance of one person. It is to the House? I was present for the opening speeches, therefore unsurprising that the Bill suggests that there but I have been chairing the first 1968 dinner of the will be more resources for surveillance. I am up for that. all-party armed forces group, 1968 being the only year Evidence is difficult to obtain. It is particularly difficult when a British soldier, sailor or airmen has not died in to obtain when one closely observes someone so that combat. I apologise to the House for not being present they cannot move. In a way, let them have enough rope for most of the debate. I apologise also if I repeat any to hang themselves. Let us watch what they do, make a arguments that my hon. Friends on both sides of the decision and get them into court, which is what we all House might have made while I have been absent. want. I was worried to learn that two terrorist suspects We are all aware of our first duty: to protect the were on control orders for four years and then let go. people of our country. Getting that right is not a matter That does not seem right to me. of politics—of one side of the House or the other. We I support the change from control orders to TPIMs—just. must have a bipartisan approach to something as important TPIMs have been called control orders-lite. People can as that, and it is our duty to get it right. Terrorists have call them what they like. I want us to have the most no such duty. They adhere to no rules or laws whatsoever. effective system to protect our society from people who I once spoke to a Mujahedeen terrorist and asked him want to do it harm. I want to ensure that the people what he was about. He said, “My aim is to frighten my investigating suspects have as many advantages as possible. enemies so much that they do whatever I want them to Of course, Members from all parts of the House want do.” We must bear in mind that that is a terrorist aim. to ensure that suspects have every opportunity to prove The old Stalinist maxim—I think it was Stalin who said their innocence. The Bill will provide more resources for it—is “Kill one, frighten 10,000.” Our laws are designed surveillance—great, I am up for that. The Bill, if and to stop this happening. The terrorists aim to kill. Our when it passes through this House and the other place, security forces, as many people in all parts of the House will have a duty to enhance public protection; to aid know, want to kill nobody. They do not want to those who are charged to put away terrorists who aim to inconvenience anyone, either. They have to act within do us, our families and our friends harm; and to maintain the law; terrorists do not. We all know that our security the rights of suspects under a decent, civilised and forces often operate in metaphorical handcuffs because democratic system. That is what this is all about and I they are tied by laws that do not apply to terrorists. In a hope that all parts of the House agree with that. way, terrorists operate freelance. It is our duty to make fair, democratic, decent law. We 9.38 pm need to balance the risks to the public, assistance to our security forces and, indeed, the human rights of terrorist Mr Gerry Sutcliffe (Bradford South) (Lab): This has suspects, because they are not guilty until they are been an important debate and I thank hon. Members proven to be guilty. This is the essence of today’s debate. on both sides of the House for the sincerity with which 125 Terrorism Prevention and 7 JUNE 2011 Terrorism Prevention and 126 Investigation Measures Bill Investigation Measures Bill they have delivered their speeches on this important the majority is difficult, but it is the duty of the Government issue. We have had contributions from the hon. Member to err on the side of caution. That was why we introduced for Keighley (Kris Hopkins), my right hon. Friend the the control order regime. Member for Wythenshawe and Sale East (Paul Goggins), We know that the Bill retains many items from the the hon. Member for Carshalton and Wallington (Tom old regime. It retains closed hearings, and sanctions will Brake), my right hon. Friend the Member for Salford still be imposed on terrorist suspects outside the criminal and Eccles (Hazel Blears), the hon. Members for Newark justice system. Groups such as Liberty are unhappy and (Patrick Mercer), for Perth and North Perthshire (Pete have called the new TPIMs regime control orders-lite. Wishart) and for Cambridge (Dr Huppert), my hon. We need to consider in great detail the issues that Friend the Member for Islington North (Jeremy Corbyn), hon. Members have raised. I was impressed by what the the hon. Members for Esher and Walton (Mr Raab) hon. Member for Keighley, who comes from the same and for Bournemouth East (Mr Ellwood), the hon. and area as me, said about the impact of 2001—not only the learned Member for Sleaford and North Hykeham atrocities that took place but their effect in our communities (Stephen Phillips), and the hon. Members for Wycombe in Bradford and Keighley. He was right that most (Steve Baker), for Bedford (Richard Fuller) and for right-minded people want the same things in life, but Beckenham (Bob Stewart). We heard a range of viewpoints, people felt threatened and frightened by different viewpoints from those who think that control orders have no place and different ways of doing things. The Home Secretary in our society to those who feel that we must have talked about the Prevent strategy, and I am concerned something in place to deal with the small number of about the different ideas about what Britishness is and people who cause the immense problems that we have. how people from different backgrounds in our communities As has been said, there have been 46 control orders over understand it. the six years in which they have been in place. The hon. Gentleman was right that in Bradford, I think all hon. Members agreed that the safety and particular attention was given to integration between security of our nation should be the priority for any the many communities, but there is anger among the Government, and that that should rise above party Muslim community about some of the things that we in political objectives, ambitions and gains. Perhaps, therefore, the west do. On a recent visit to Azerbaijan I heard I should get the nasty business of politics out of the way about the problem with the Nagorno-Karabakh territory, at this point. We know why this Bill is here: it is a on which there are outstanding UN resolutions that compromise between the two viewpoints that exist in need to be enforced. There are also outstanding resolutions the coalition. That is not just my point of view, because on Kashmir. Some of the Muslim community feel that the hon. Member for Cambridge said that unless the our way of dealing with things does not recognise their Bill changed substantially, he may not be able to vote interests elsewhere in the world. Rightly, people have for it on Third Reading. Clearly it is a compromise, but different viewpoints and disagreements. That does not putting the politics to one side, we have to consider the make them terrorists, and it is important to understand details. Our view is that the new TPIMs regime is very that people in our communities have different viewpoints. similar to the control order regime that has been in place. I know that in his response tonight, and in his busy time The hon. Members for Keighley and for Beckenham in Committee, the Minister will take on board a lot of said that the whole community needs to own this legislation. the viewpoints of hon. Members of all parties, and their We must take party politics out of this. The whole of concerns about the Bill’s various clauses. our community needs to understand why we need such regimes. Lord Carlile, the independent reviewer, said The core reason why we are discussing this matter is that control orders were a necessary evil. that terrorism affects our country not only here at home The hon. Member for Bedford said that the original but abroad, because unfortunately many of our citizens intention of control orders was to deal with foreign have been killed right across the world by terrorists who nationals who, for a variety of reasons, could not be do not respect or believe in the sanctity of life. We all deported, but that more UK citizens are now under agree that we must applaud and acknowledge the work control orders. However, the House should recognise of our security services in protecting us. They have what my right hon. Friend the Member for Wythenshawe prevented atrocities from taking place at a more alarming and Sale East said because of his experience as an rate. ex-Home Office Minister and an ex-Northern Ireland I do not wish to attack any hon. Member’s integrity Minister—he has great experience of listening to the or the views that they have expressed. Having served as security services. He said that there was no book on the a Home Office Minister, I know the pressure that the shelf to tell people what to do, and that the policy Home Secretary and her ministerial team are under evolved and developed. He also rightly acknowledged because of the information that they have and we do that the debate creates great tension between the rights not. I know that in taking their decisions, they have to of the individual and the rights of the majority. weigh up all the issues of which we cannot be aware . My hon. Friend the Member for Islington North has Vigilance is always required in our position on terrorism. been consistent in his view that the rule of law should My right hon. Friend the Member for Salford and apply all the way through, and nobody has scrutinised Eccles reminded us of the context of the current situation. counter-terrorism Acts more than he has. We still have a “severe” threat alert, which is one level It is perhaps right to review the situation after six down from an imminent attack, so the country has to years, but my right hon. Friend raised concerns about be vigilant. That is why the debate about the rights of the overnight residency measures. In Committee, the the individual compared with the security of the many Minister will have to come up with a definition of is important. She set out the background of why the “specified residence”. What do we mean by electronic control order regime was introduced. The debate about communications? What about the rules on disclosure of restoring the rights of the individual as against those of evidence? 127 Terrorism Prevention and 7 JUNE 2011 Terrorism Prevention and 128 Investigation Measures Bill Investigation Measures Bill [Mr Gerry Sutcliffe] the context of the comments made by my hon. Friend the Member for Newark (Patrick Mercer), which were The hon. Member for Carshalton and Wallington amplified by my hon. Friend the Member for Beckenham said that the Bill did not go far enough. His view is that (Bob Stewart), I also pay tribute to the work of our there needs to be greater freedom. He made the civil armed forces overseas to provide that safety and security liberties argument, and spoke of exclusions, disclosure and to uphold the values that we hold dear. and the time frame of prosecutions. We all believe that We all understand the importance of the issues, and we need prosecutions; the question is how to get them. know how corrosive the threat of terrorism can be. How do we use information that is otherwise unaccessible? Some hon. Members will have had more direct and, My right hon. Friend asked whether information from sadly, more personal experience of terrorism than others. other countries would dry up if those countries thought There is no doubt that all of us in the House are that it would come out in open court. That is a realistic steadfast in our condemnation of those who seek to possibility, and we must consider it. destroy our way of life through violence. In providing We must ensure that the control order review group is the police and others with the tools that they need to in place. We also need to consider mental health, torture deal with terrorism, we must take great care not to and so on. My right hon. Friend the Member for Salford throw away the civil liberties that are at the core of our and Eccles tried to put us on the right course when she society. The ancient values of the rule of law and spoke of the need for consensus based on evidence, and respect for individual liberties are the very things that put that in the context of the threats that we face. terrorists seek to destroy, and protecting them is at the None of us wants to be involved in such difficult core of the Government. decisions or in considering the threats that individuals This has been an interesting debate, in which a range pose, but the reality is that we must do so for the of issues has been discussed. There has also been a security and safety of our nation. The hon. Member for feeling that we wished we were not here, and that it was Newark, who is a long-standing supporter of civil liberties, not necessary to put in place measures such as these. set out what happens when the state gets involved in too Comments to that effect have been made on both sides much detail and used the example of internment in of the House. Difficult decisions must be taken, however, Northern Ireland. The hon. Member for Perth and as the contributions from the right hon. Member for North Perthshire was very clear that he thinks that Wythenshawe and Sale East (Paul Goggins) and my control orders have no place here and that the Bill is a hon. and learned Friend the Member for Sleaford and rotten compromise. North Hykeham (Stephen Phillips) underlined. We must The Opposition will ensure that we hold the Government also protect our principles and values, as my hon. to account in Committee. We will raise the issues of Friends the Members for Wycombe (Steve Baker), for funding and resources. Will the Minister tonight tell us Esher and Walton (Mr Raab), for Cambridge (Dr Huppert) whether the resources will be spent on surveillance or and for Bedford (Richard Fuller) pointed out. on prosecutions, which hon. Members raised earlier? The Government set up a comprehensive review of We will look at a great number of the measures in the the key counter-terrorism powers, the purpose of which Bill in Committee, but we want to support the Government. was to correct the imbalance between security powers The hon. Member for Beckenham was right about the and personal freedoms and to ensure that our main need to ensure consensus, but it is the job of the counter-terrorism powers were focused, necessary and Opposition to hold the Government to account. We will proportionate. It was from that review that the measures do so in Committee, and we look forward to that proposed in the Bill came about. Legislation, while process. important, is only part of our approach to terrorism, however. The threat from international and Northern 9.49 pm Ireland-related terrorism is serious and will not diminish any time soon. In responding to that threat, we cannot The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the take risks with public security.We must therefore continually Home Department (James Brokenshire): We have had a adapt our approach to the evolving threat that we face, constructive, serious and sober debate on this significant as my hon. Friend the Member for Bournemouth East issue, and I am grateful to hon. Members on both sides (Mr Ellwood) said. That is why the Bill needs to be seen of the House who have contributed to it. I apologise for in the context of the Government’s wider strategy on the fact that, in the nine minutes that I have left to terrorism and protecting the public. The strategy, known speak, I will not be able to respond in detail to all the as Contest, is being reviewed to ensure that it remains points that have been raised, but they have certainly effective and targeted against the threats that we face. A been listened to carefully. The debate has shown that key part of the strategy, Prevent, has been discussed in hon. Members are committed to ensuring that we have the House earlier today, and was relevant to the contribution the right legislation in place to deal with terrorism. We made by my hon. Friend the Member for Keighley might, of course, disagree on some of the details, but (Kris Hopkins). there is a great deal of common ground between us. Prevent is only one strand of the Government’s approach, It is clear that the threat from international and however. Strengthening aviation security and increasing domestic terrorism is as serious as any that we have our efforts to deport foreign terrorists under the deportation faced at any time, and that it is unlikely to diminish in with assurances programme will also pay dividends in the foreseeable future. The threat remains real and making this country safer. We have also ensured that severe, and it is the duty of the Government to deal with the UK retains its capability to tackle the terrorist it. It is essential that we look to the police and the threat in a tight financial climate by providing the police security services to assist us in that regard, and I pay and the security and intelligence agencies with significant tribute to their work in keeping us safe and secure. In resources over the next few years. 129 Terrorism Prevention and 7 JUNE 2011 Terrorism Prevention and 130 Investigation Measures Bill Investigation Measures Bill Jeremy Corbyn: Will the Minister give way? the changes as providing an acceptable balance between the needs of security and civil liberties, and that the James Brokenshire: I apologise, but I will not as I overall package mitigates risk. have a lot to get through in the five minutes remaining Difficult issues arise here, and we are very cognisant to me. of them, while remaining focused on the need to deal We are committed to prosecuting or deporting terrorists with the small number of people who pose a real threat wherever possible, and our starting point will always be to our security, yet who despite our best efforts cannot that terrorists should be behind bars; the rule of law be prosecuted. That is why I say, regrettably, that the and getting people to face criminal prosecution before measures in the Bill are required to deal with this the courts is where we want to be. That is very much our continuing threat in a more targeted and more tightly preferred option and I would certainly like to assure all defined way. That is what we believe is appropriate; that hon. Members of that. It is widely accepted across the is what we believe is necessary; that is what I think best House, however, that there are and will be for the reflects the needs of this country in giving that continued foreseeable future a very small number of highly dangerous assurance. This Bill gives effect to those objectives. I individuals whom we can neither successfully prosecute commend it to the House. nor deport. No responsible Government could allow Question put and agreed to. such individuals to go freely about their terrorist activity. Bill accordingly read a Second time. Other steps should be advanced and we need to take them forward. That is why the comment of my hon. TERRORISM PREVENTION AND Friend the Member for Newark about post-charge INVESTIGATION MEASURES BILL questioning is so relevant. That is why the Government (PROGRAMME) intend to make the necessary PACE—Police and Criminal Motion made, and Question put forthwith (Standing Evidence Act 1984—code changes after a statutory Order No. 83A(7)), consultation before the summer recess. That the following provisions shall apply to the Terrorism Points were made about plea bargaining, and the Prevention and Investigation Measures Bill: review of counter-terrorism powers said that further work would be undertaken to ensure that full use is made of Committal the provisions in the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 to increase the evidence and intelligence dividend 1. The Bill shall be committed to a Public Bill Committee. from defendants and prisoners in terrorism cases. Intercept evidence was also raised. The lawful interception Proceedings in Public Bill Committee of communications plays a critical role in tackling 2. Proceedings in the Public Bill Committee shall (so far as not serious crime and protecting the British public. Almost previously concluded) be brought to a conclusion on Tuesday all the highest priority counter-terrorist operations and 5July. many other serious crime investigations involve the use 3. The Public Bill Committee shall have leave to sit twice on the of intercept. Hon. Members will be aware from the first day on which it meets. written ministerial statement of 26 January of the ongoing work of the advisory group of Privy Councillors. We Consideration and Third Reading will report back on their work in due course. 4. Proceedings on Consideration shall (so far as not previously Mention was made of the special advocates and the concluded) be brought to a conclusion one hour before the disclosure of secret information. The Green Paper is moment of interruption on the day on which those proceedings being worked on and we are very cognisant of the issues are commenced. relevant to it as well as of the many cases relating to it. 5. Proceedings on Third Reading shall (so far as not previously My hon. Friend the Member for Bedford mentioned the concluded) be brought to a conclusion at the moment of interruption on that day. role of the Special Immigration Appeals Commission and the use of secret information in that context. We 6. Standing Order No. 83B (Programming committees) shall not apply to proceedings on Consideration and Third Reading. are considering these issues and the key concerns that 7. Any other proceedings on the Bill (including any proceedings have been flagged up, and we will come forward with on consideration of Lords Amendments or on any further messages the Green Paper in due course. I should add the assurance from the Lords) may be programmed.—(Jeremy Wright.) that we will continue to make progress on the issue of Question agreed to. deportation. The hon. Member for Islington North (Jeremy Corbyn) and my hon. Friend the Member for Carshalton and Wallington (Tom Brake) mentioned the TERRORISM PREVENTION AND assurances required on that issue, and we take our INVESTIGATION MEASURES BILL (MONEY) international obligations extremely seriously when it Queen’s recommendation signified. comes to assessing the pertinent issues. Motion made, and Question put forthwith (Standing Let me quickly address the point made about safety Order No. 52(1)(a)), and security by the right hon. Members for Salford and That, for the purposes of any Act resulting from the Terrorism Eccles (Hazel Blears) and for Wythenshawe and Sale Prevention and Investigation Measures Bill, it is expedient to East (Paul Goggins). The Government believe that the authorise the payment out of money provided by Parliament of— package of TPIM restrictions strikes the right balance (1) any expenditure incurred by a Minister of the Crown by between protecting the public and protecting the rights virtue of the Act, and of individuals who have not necessarily been charged (2) any increase attributable to the Act in the sums payable out with any offence. The director general of the Security of such money under any other Act.—(Jeremy Wright.) Service has told the Home Secretary that he considers Question agreed to. 131 7 JUNE 2011 132

Business without Debate Care Services (Older People) Motion made, and Question proposed, That this House DELEGATED LEGISLATION do now adjourn.—(Jeremy Wright.)

Mr Speaker: With the leave of the House, I will take 10.1 pm motions 5 to 7 together. Motion made, and Question put forthwith (Standing Stephen Lloyd (Eastbourne) (LD) rose— Order No. 118(6)), Mr Speaker: Order. Before the hon. Member for CUSTOMS Eastbourne (Stephen Lloyd) begins his speech, may I That the Export Control (Amendment) (No. 3) Order 2011 appeal to Members who are leaving the Chamber to do (S.I., 2011, No. 1127), dated 14 April 2011, a copy of which was so quickly and quietly? laid before this House on 15 April, be approved.

REPRESENTATION OF THE PEOPLE Stephen Lloyd: Thank you, Mr Speaker. That the draft Representation of the People (Electoral Registration As an officer in the all-party parliamentary group for Data Schemes) Regulations 2011, which were laid before this ageing and older people and an active member of the House on 26 April, be approved. all-party parliamentary group on dementia, and as the That the draft Electoral Registration Data Schemes Member of Parliament representing Eastbourne and Order 2011, which was laid before this House on 26 April, Willingdon, an area that contains nearly 25,000 people be approved. —(Jeremy Wright.) over the age of 65, I called for this debate because the Question agreed to. current system of care for older people is in crisis. The recent awful and shocking exposé by the “Panorama” EUROPEAN UNION DOCUMENTS programme is a desperate indictment of the worst in care provision, but it would be a naïve mistake to Motion made, and Question put forthwith (Standing believe that there are no other examples of bad practice Order No. 119(11)), out there. The growing age profile means that any Government will face difficult challenges for many years EUROPEAN CONTRACT LAW FOR CONSUMERS AND to come, and despite the growing demand, care provision BUSINESS has faced years of austerity with almost no net spending That this House takes note of European Union Document No. 11961/10, a Green Paper from the European Commission on increase. policy options for progress towards a European Contract Law for There are currently 291,000 people in residential and consumers and businesses; supports the Government’s response nursing homes in the United Kingdom, along with to the Green Paper, sent to the European Commission on 10 February 6 million carers who allow people to live in their own 2011; and agrees with the terms of that response.—(Jeremy homes. That means that an extremely large proportion Wright.) of the United Kingdom’s population is directly affected Question agreed to. by care service provision. Those who work in social care, or who care for someone on a voluntary basis, are Bob Russell (Colchester) (LD): On a point of order, the backbone of our society. They are the unsung Mr Speaker. I wonder whether you have received any heroes whose voices often go unheard, not least because requests from Defence Ministers to come to the House they are simply too preoccupied with the enormousness to try to clarify reports in the press of proposals to cut of the task in hand. the wages of members of 16 Air Assault Brigade and the Parachute Regiment in general. Today, 16 Air Assault A number of my colleagues who are present this Brigade had its welcome home parade through Colchester, evening will probably focus on several areas of care that and tomorrow, at Bury St Edmunds cathedral, there affect older people, but I will focus mainly on dementia will be a service of thanksgiving which will also be a and on care service provision for dementia sufferers. I memorial service for those who have just fallen in look forward to hearing the Minister’s response. Helmand province. Do you agree, Mr Speaker, that Defence Ministers should come and explain what is Penny Mordaunt (Portsmouth North) (Con): I going on? Are they seriously proposing to cut the wages congratulate my hon. Friend on securing the debate. He of members of the Parachute Regiment? mentions the increased demand resulting from an older population, but does he agree that we are starting from Mr Speaker: The hon. Gentleman asks me a a very low base? In Portsmouth there are 1,000 people straightforward question, to which the straightforward with dementia who have no access to services. It is answerisno. necessary not just to improve the quality of services that people are already receiving, but to give people access to services in the first place.

Stephen Lloyd: I agree. My hon. Friend’s important intervention is relevant to one of the key issues with which I shall deal in my speech. Not only have the dementia figures risen hugely over the past few years—and they will clearly continue to rise—but there are still many tens of thousands of people with dementia throughout the UK for whom there is no provision whatsoever. 133 Care Services (Older People)7 JUNE 2011 Care Services (Older People) 134

Let me put some of the figures into perspective. still have concerns about the pledges at the top not There are currently 750,000 people with dementia in the filtering down to the grass roots. Early diagnosis and UK, and the number is set to rise to over 1 million in intervention are essential to ensure taxpayers get the the next 15 years. One in three people in the UK over best value out of the substantial amounts the Government the age of 65 will die with dementia. People with are spending on health and social care, and that will dementia are significant users of both health and social guarantee the best quality of life for dementia sufferers. care services. For example, people over 65 with dementia This step will also reduce crisis admissions to hospital are currently using up to one quarter of hospital beds at and release significant cost savings. any one time. That is an enormous problem. My hon. Friend the Member for Chatham and Aylesford (Tracey Crouch) and I are members of the all-party Tracey Crouch (Chatham and Aylesford) (Con): I group on dementia, and the Alzheimer’s Society has congratulate the hon. Gentleman on securing this important been tremendously helpful in providing support to our debate. We have served together for some time now on group. Recent evidence collated by the Alzheimer’s Society the all-party group on dementia, and we have spoken shows that only 40% of people with dementia have been on many occasions about the impact of dementia patients given a formal diagnosis, and the figure varies considerably on primary health care. Does he agree that one way of across the UK. Where people do receive a diagnosis, it addressing the problems of dementia patients receiving often comes late on in their condition, limiting the care in hospitals is by making sure that the professionals choices that people with dementia and their carers can on the wards have mandatory training? make. In addition to being given a diagnosis of dementia, Stephen Lloyd: That is an important point. My partner people with the illness need to be able to access support is a community matron, and a wee while ago I made a and care early on in their condition, as my hon. Friend rather foolish comment by asking why, with all the skills the Member for Portsmouth North (Penny Mordaunt) she and her colleagues have, they do not cover dementia was saying. Services for people with dementia are skewed as well. She gave me very short shrift, and emphasised, towards those in crisis situations, and people in the in her splendid way, “Stephen, dementia care is a very acute and long-term care sectors. As I have indicated, specific need. We all need more and better training on there is a lack of provision of support and care for the it, and also, to be honest, we need more specialist people with dementia who live in their own homes. dementia nurses.” I certainly agree that it is essential that there is training for all professionals dealing with Despite the projection that more than 1 million people dementia. will have dementia by 2025, dementia research is severely underfunded in comparison with research into other The exponential growth of this debilitating condition major diseases such as heart disease or cancer. For is a result of the growing age profile. Today, we are example, the Government spend eight times less on dying in our 80s. That is a good thing of course, as dementia research than they do on cancer research. Not many older people lead full and productive lives, but it in a million years would I want to reduce the amount of also brings its own set of challenges, one of which is money spent on cancer research but, as we all know that one in six people over the age of 80 suffer from from our constituencies, dementia is a time bomb ready dementia. to explode. I know that the Government are investing I am grateful that the coalition Government have more on research but I want to hear some of the detail. stated their commitment to the national dementia strategy. Clearly more money must be spent on research into this I have had meetings on this issue with the Minister, so condition, as developing new treatments has the potential I am also grateful that he is present this evening. I to reduce significantly the number of people with dementia. also congratulate the Government on revising the For example, delaying the onset of dementia by five implementation plan. Under this revised plan, dementia years would halve the number of deaths from the condition, will be a major priority for the coalition, which I thus saving 30,000 lives a year. I therefore welcome the welcome, but I also look forward to hearing some of the coalition’s commitment—this was also a pledge in the specific detail. Liberal Democrat manifesto—to prioritise dementia I remain very concerned about provision on the ground. research within the health research and development In my constituency of Eastbourne, we are desperately budget, and I look forward to reading the Department’s short of specialised dementia day-respite provision, and plan to improve the volume, quality and impact of even more so of overnight and longer term respite. The dementia research. funding to my local county council has not kept up with The Dilnot commission, which is due to report next demand. That has been the case over the last 10 to month, provides an opportunity to resolve the historic 15 years, so it is not a recent phenomenon, but as a and unsolved question of whether, as a society, we are result of funding restrictions East Sussex county council able and willing to support people to live well in later has had to close a couple of respite care centres over the life. The Dilnot commission must propose a road map past few years, and I know that there are similar situations for the delivery of a long-term settlement on the question across the country. To put it bluntly, we in Eastbourne of who pays for care and one that delivers significant need at least three to four times more specialist dementia improvements in access and quality. The funding envelope respite care provision, and I suspect that, broadly, there for social care must be increased to meet the needs of is a similar shortage across England and Wales. our ageing population, including the increasing number This is not a new problem, and I am glad the coalition of people with dementia. is recognising it by pledging an additional £2 billion. It So what would I like to see happen? First, I wish to is very significant that that extra money is being made see a long-term settlement for social care that offers available, especially in the current difficult times, so I good quality care for people with dementia at a fair am grateful for that, but I also want the detail, because I price, along with a set of guarantees about what people 135 Care Services (Older People)7 JUNE 2011 Care Services (Older People) 136

[Stephen Lloyd] I suspect that we have all been touched personally by the impact of dementia on someone we love. In my can expect to receive. As a starting point, I challenge the family, two of my aunts had dementia and one still lives Minister by saying that the state should provide a with it every day. It is a desperate illness that affects minimum level of care and support for free. Guarantees hundreds of thousands of people and it has an impact about the care to be provided should include access to on millions. My aunt is an example: she is a lady who early intervention services, regular short breaks for rode a scooter from Nairobi to Johannesburg and climbed carers and a guarantee that the care will be of high Mount Kilimanjaro in the ’50s. She is an amazing, great quality. One of the things to come out of recent research woman who was a teacher for 50 years in east Africa. is that the earlier dementia is identified, and the earlier The dementia she has now is desperately sad—thankfully interventions are made and people with dementia are not so much for her, but for all the family around her. It supported in a respite care background, the more the is a desperate illness that affects many people and it is worse rate of dementia appears to be delayed—already not going away any time soon. As a nation, we need to we know that it is delayed by a good two or three years. move up a gear. We need to get better at providing care So this is one of those things that really would save for dementia sufferers and their families and we need to money in the long term. do it now. If we are to revisit the Health and Social Care Bill, as I believe we may well do very soon, I would also like to 10.17 pm see something else that is important. I know that the Minister feels passionately about this, so I am glad to be The Minister of State, Department of Health (Paul pushing at an open door. I am talking about better Burstow): Let me start by congratulating my hon. Friend joined-up working between health and social care. However the Member for Eastbourne (Stephen Lloyd)on securing many years ago it took place and for whatever reason, it the debate and setting out the issues so clearly, as well as was a catastrophe that we split social care from the for his work as an officer of the all-party group on NHS. That has been appalling because social care budgets dementia. I suspect that many of his colleagues in the have been trimmed repeatedly over the years. In Eastbourne, Chamber listening to the debate have been inspired to as in every constituency, the social care sector deals be here by their association with that group. with the respite care provision and the money has been Social care is seldom in the news for good reasons cut every year, whereas the NHS, where money has not and my hon. Friend was right to begin by referring to been cut—a lot of investment has gone into the NHS in some of the most recent scandals that the House discussed the past 15 to 17 years—is dealing with people with earlier today, not least the terrible abuse at Winterbourne dementia right at the crisis stage. It is an incredibly View. As I said earlier, the events that took place in that inefficient way of dealing with a desperate illness and it hospital were appalling and, as I explained, I am determined does not make financial sense. Better joined-up working to do everything I can to ensure that the lessons are between health and social care is essential for people learned, understood and acted on swiftly. with dementia. My hon. Friend has painted a fairly bleak picture of I believe that integration of care pathways across social care, and although I am not quite so gloomy I am health and social care services should also be considered not complacent about what needs to be done. The a duty, similar to effectiveness, safety and quality, and system of social care that the Government inherited last should be applicable to all health bodies from the year was and still is fragile. The legal framework that Secretary of State downwards. I recognise the important governs social care was written for a bygone era and is role that health and well-being boards could play in now so complex and byzantine as to leave people confused encouraging greater integration between health and and frustrated. The way that we pay for long-term care social care and I strongly endorse their inclusion in the is a classic wicked issue of politics—one that is occasionally Bill. Health and well-being boards can also provide a taken out of the “Too difficult to deal with” drawer, strategic oversight for the development of local health only to be looked at and shoved firmly back in again— and social care services and the proposed boards in the because most people in this country are blissfully unaware Bill must have a strong focus on dementia. of how social care is paid for. They are blissfully unaware of the fact that it is not free, that it never has been free Finally, we come to multi-disciplinary commissioning. and that many people face the potential of catastrophic Let me use my partner as an example again: she is a costs when they come into the social care system. community matron and her job is to go out into the community and to help people, mostly older people, to My hon. Friend has rehearsed his views about what retain their independence by living at home. A lot of her future funding arrangements might look like. I am clear work involves liaising with social services, the primary that there is no perfect solution—no solution that can care trusts and the acute trust and doing all the multi- possibly please and satisfy everyone—but we need to disciplinary co-ordination that is so necessary. We need strive to reach a settlement that requires trade-offs but to bring it into commissioning. I am concerned that also secures the necessary change and sustainability of most GPs might not necessarily know enough about a system for the future. That is why the Government dementia to commission effective services, so it would have been quick to put in place the building blocks of a be beneficial in my view if a range of health and social reform system—quickly establishing the Dilnot commission care professionals could also be involved. I am not to recommend reform of how we pay for care and against GP consortia in principle, but I merely want support, and securing the current system by committing more professionals from the different areas of health an extra £2 billion for social care by 2014. and social care to be involved in the commissioning My hon. Friend talked about the importance of process, such as nurses, occupational therapists and old integration. I can tell him that the unprecedented transfer age psychiatrists. of NHS resources to social care, which this year amounts 137 Care Services (Older People)7 JUNE 2011 Care Services (Older People) 138 to £650 million, is indeed fostering new relationships be guidance on offering better support for people at between local government and the NHS to allow the home and in care homes and on providing better care in greater integration and closer working that are essential hospitals, which means addressing issues of training to enable us to deliver better services for the public that have been mentioned. whom we are here to serve. He also talked about the schism between health and social care. It is worth Chris White (Warwick and Leamington) (Con): Does noting that that schism was set into the very foundations the Minister agree that excellent examples of charities of the NHS under the National Health Service Act 1946 and social enterprises such as Castel Froma in my and then the National Assistance Act 1948, so we have constituency that put social goals before short-term to look back a long way to see when that split occurred. profit provide some of the best models for the future of The main focus of my hon. Friend’s remarks has been care homes? Should the Government not do all that the challenge of dementia. Each year, about 65,000 they can to encourage the provision of services by those people are diagnosed with dementia, which touches the organisations to the sector? lives of many families, as he has demonstrated by relating his experience with his two aunts. The number Paul Burstow: I am grateful for that point. Part of the of dementia cases is set to rise by 38% over the next Government’s growth strategy is about recognising the 15 years. That rise reflects the fact that many more of us value that micro-enterprises and social enterprises can are living for longer, but we should not cast that in the offer in delivering good-quality social care. language of consternation. We should see it as a cause We are producing supporting guidance for commissioners for celebration that so many more people are living for on the reduction in the use of anti-psychotic medication, so much longer; the key is making sure that in those which is often overlooked by commissioners. Having extra years we have quality of life as well. That is why spent a decade campaigning for an end to the inappropriate we need the NHS, as well as social care and society, to and over-prescribing of anti-psychotics, I was delighted rise to the challenge. when the previous Government finally commissioned Let me offer some hope to my hon. Friend. We can an independent review that clearly revealed the cost of do much better for people with dementia and their the use of those drugs—lives shortened, lives dimmed, carers. In coming to office, I took the view that we and 1,800 deaths a year, which is truly shocking. That is should stick with the existing national dementia strategy why as a Minister I am determined to hold the system to and deliver it in full, because at our heart the coalition account to deliver a two-thirds reduction in the prescribing Government are committed to the notion of greater of those drugs by November this year. That ambitious personalisation so that people have real control over the target was set in 2009, and it requires action by a services that affect their lives and so that carers have a number of agencies and the provision of the alternatives much bigger stake in the system. As he has said, that my hon. Friend the Member for Eastbourne discussed. commissioning is key to delivering that vision and the To make that change, the Government need active objectives in the strategy. Good commissioning can support from the front line, the third sector and professional make a huge difference. bodies, and we have worked closely with Dementia Action Alliance and many other organisations to support Tracey Crouch: The Minister mentions carers, who a national call for action to reduce the use of anti-psychotics, have a very difficult job—none more so than those who which will be launched later this week. My hon. Friend care for people with dementia. Next week is carers discussed the variation in services across the country, week. Will he join me in congratulating those who care and it is worth saying that the NHS spends £8.2 billion for people with dementia, which is particularly challenging? a year on dementia. I do not think there is compelling Those people are often the unsung heroes of our society. evidence that it is all well used, which is why we are auditing service provision around the country to gauge Paul Burstow: I am very grateful to my hon. Friend progress, for example in the development of memory for making that very important point. The 6 million or services. Taken with clear requirements on primary care more carers in this country are undoubtedly the backbone trusts to publish their dementia plans and work with of our care system and save us a large sum of money—over their social care partners, there will be more transparency £100 billion according to the most recent estimate by than ever before, so commissioners will be held to Carers UK. I will go beyond thanking them and make account for delivery in that area. the point that the Government have committed £400 million My hon. Friend touched on a number of issues extra to supporting the extension of respite support for relating to NHS reforms, and discussed the need to carers. We are determined to make sure that that money improve research. I have the privilege of chairing the gets through to those who need it. ministerial advisory group on dementia research, and My hon. Friend the Member for Eastbourne’s remarks one of the key issues in delivering more investment in about commissioning and the need for it to be dementia research is securing more quality bids for multidisciplinary, involving social care and other expertise, research funds in the first place. I am delighted that is undoubtedly right. Indeed, my Department is in the more than 121 new bids have recently been made and process of developing a pack to support health and are being evaluated, making it very likely that I will be social care commissioners, particularly in relation to in a position later this year to announce good news dementia commissioning. It will offer guidance on key about our moving towards significantly increased investment aspects of dementia care and the need for early diagnosis in dementia research. The key is not just throwing and intervention. My hon. Friend was right to refer to money at the problem but making sure that the talents the under-diagnosis and late diagnosis of dementia and in scientific skills in this country are brought to bear on how that can reduce life chances and the opportunity to it, and that expertise is brought into this area to make plan for the progression of the disease. There will also sure that we solve the problems effectively. 139 Care Services (Older People)7 JUNE 2011 Care Services (Older People) 140

[Paul Burstow] the needs of dementia sufferers and their families, care and compassion will be built into the system, which will My hon. Friend made some important points about address many of the concerns that have rightly been NHS reforms. Having just concluded the listening exercise, rehearsed in the House over recent months. It will also we are waiting for Steve Field and the NHS Future enable us to get the very best out of the £8.2 billion that Forum to publish their conclusions next week. My hon. is already spent on dementia services, and ensure that Friend discussed the role that health and wellbeing the extra resources that this Government are putting boards can play in integrating services. That is something into the NHS over the next few years get to the front that was part of the original legislation and which, I am line and deliver the improvements that all Members pretty certain, will remain in the legislation. It is an want to see. essential building block in delivering more integration I am grateful to my hon. Friend the Member for of health and social care. Eastbourne for raising the subject this evening, and I In conclusion, health and social care reform is long look forward to continuing to work with him through overdue. My hon. Friend made a powerful case for his all-party group to make sure that we keep these acting swiftly on that reform. The Government have issues firmly in the spotlight, driving forward the acted in a determined fashion to put in place the building improvements that all our constituents expect. blocks to enable that reform to take place. We have Question put and agreed to. secured the funds to sustain the system while we put those reforms in place, and we are committed to delivering on dementia. I have no doubt that if we deliver good-quality 10.30 pm dementia care services and model our services around House adjourned. 1WH 7 JUNE 2011 Dairy Farming 2WH

Dr Poulter: My hon. Friend makes a good point. I Westminster Hall want to focus on milk, but others may wish to discuss other milk commodities and derivatives. Many retailers do not pay our dairy farmers a proper price for the Tuesday 7 June 2011 commodities that they produce, as she has said so eloquently, but I shall focus on milk because, for producers throughout the UK, milk is the main produce of the [MR PHILIP HOLLOBONE in the Chair] dairy farm. None the less, I accept that the price that those farmers receive for yoghurts, cheeses and other Dairy Farming milk-based products is a problem. There has been increasing coverage of dairy farming Motion made, and Question proposed, That the sitting issues over recent months, and I am sure that the be now adjourned.—(Bill Wiggin.) Minister is aware that a key problem is the contracts that dairy farmers are tied into with the retailers. Before 9.30 am going into that aspect, however, it is worth setting out Dr Daniel Poulter (Central Suffolk and North Ipswich) the background to the problem. (Con): I am pleased to see that, despite the recess, a There is increasing concern that the milk industry is number of colleagues are arriving, and more will join us in crisis. Milk is a perishable product, as we all know, later. and farmers have little choice but to enter into contracts It is important that we debate the future of British that often feature exploitative terms and conditions. dairy farming. It is an important matter throughout the These contracts contain no certainty about the price country, but especially so for East Anglia, and particularly that will be paid from month to month, and producers for Suffolk and south Norfolk and for Waveney valley are locked into contracts with notice periods of 12 or in my constituency. All Members here today would like 18 months and with penalty clauses from the moment to see the re-establishment of a thriving, profitable and that they announce that they wish to move to another sustainable sector in the United Kingdom. retailer. Such penalty clauses often include a section on About 15 or 17 years ago, the country produced 70% of price, which adversely affects the farmer. its own food, but we now produce only 40%. There is a strong case for supporting the development of much Stephen Phillips (Sleaford and North Hykeham) (Con): greater food security and food sustainability, and the I congratulate my hon. Friend on securing this debate. dairy sector has an important part to play in that. Both he and the Minister know that this matter is close to my heart, and I hope that my private Member’s Bill Milk prices affect dairy farmers from time to time, will receive his support on Friday—I am sure that it but the dairy industry has faced a particular crisis over will. the past few months and, as a result, at least eight farms in East Anglia close to my constituency are no longer in My hon. Friend has mentioned contracts. Does he business. The key factor is the price that dairy farmers agree that the major problem faced by the dairy industry receive for their milk. There is a tension between the is that retailers regard milk as a loss-leading product, price paid by the consumer, particularly given the current and that they use their superior position in the market economic climate, and the price that retailers pay milk to drive down the price in a way that has made dairy producers. Nevertheless, if we want to maintain a profitable farming unsustainable for many producers? The and thriving agricultural sector, we need to ensure that Government need to tackle that issue. milk producers receive a fair price. At the moment, Britain is third from bottom in the European league Dr Poulter: I thank my hon. and learned Friend for table for the price that our milk producers receive, his intervention. The point is that the framework around which is unacceptable. those contracts has helped to keep the market subdued. As I have indicated, Britain is third from bottom in the I know that the Minister is familiar with a number of league table of what farmers are paid for their milk in these factors as they affect Suffolk, having originally Europe. been with AtlasFram farmers, but the point of this debate is to focus on what the Government can do to The average European Union milk price in March support the British dairy industry over the next few 2011 was 29.72p per litre, but it was only 26.59p in the years, particularly in the current crisis. UK. For most farmers, over an average year that 1p a litre amounts to between £80,000 and £100,000. On Sarah Newton (Truro and Falmouth) (Con): I average, British farmers are being paid £300,000 less congratulate my hon. Friend on securing such an important than the European average, which is unacceptable if we debate. The future of dairy farming is important to wish to support a thriving dairy industry. We need to people throughout the country, as we need greater food drill down into why British farmers are not paid a fair security and must produce more of our own food. Does price for milk, whereas a much higher price is paid by he agree that it is about not only the supply of milk, but European retailers to their milk producers. the products that are made from it? Those products are Various narratives are put forward by retailers and important to the economy of Cornwall. They include suppliers on what they pay our dairy farmers. They say not only our famous clotted cream but our ice cream, that they pay a fair price, but according to the European cheese and yoghurt, which all depend on healthy supplies average they do not. They say that consumers are under of milk. Many dairy farmers in my constituency, like financial pressure and that they need to keep the cost of those in my hon. Friend’s, face the prospect of having to milk down, and there is some truth in that. Yes, we are give up that important part of their livelihood, along in difficult economic times, consumers are under financial with their farming traditions. pressure, and we want the cost for consumers to be as 3WH Dairy Farming7 JUNE 2011 Dairy Farming 4WH

[Dr Poulter] Unless we improve the current situation between milk producers, milk suppliers and retailers, more and more low as possible. However, although the price of milk in of our dairy farms will go out of business. the shops over the past few years has risen considerably—by It has been a pleasure to flag up these key issues, and 70% or 80%—the increase paid to the farmer has been I look forward to hearing from the Minister and my disproportionately lower. There has not been the necessary colleagues. knock-on for farmers, so although retailers and suppliers are benefiting from a rise in the price of milk in the Julian Smith (Skipton and Ripon) (Con): I thank my shops, our milk farmers are not. That is not fair, and it hon. Friend for giving way just as he is ending his is not beneficial to the dairy industry. If we do not speech. Is he convinced that Government-led contracts support our dairy producers, more farms will go out of are the way ahead, or does he see the potential for a business, which will be bad because it will impact adversely halfway house, where there is a greater focus on transparency on consumers given the perishable nature of milk. and a greater use of nudging for all parts of the industry? The other argument often put forward by retailers In other words, does he think that we need to legislate and suppliers is that milk must be resourced exclusively to address the contract issue? from the UK. We all want to see retailers supporting British farmers, backing honest food labelling and buying Dr Poulter: Instinctively, I do not like unnecessary from them whenever they can. However, given the perishable red tape. However, given that the National Farmers nature of the product, and given that unlike many Union has already been involved in some considerable European countries we have a particular market for nudging and given that there is a considerable imbalance fresh milk, British retailers and suppliers have no option between the power of the dairy producers and of the but to buy from British producers. That is another retailers, perhaps the Government have a role to play. I spurious argument put forward by many retailers and agree that it would be good to see a mutually agreed suppliers, and it is not a good reason for them not to solution that supports the code of conduct and the role pay our British farmers a fair price for their milk. of the ombudsman. However, if that does not work, I hope that the Government will intervene. To start with, I am pleased that the European Commission has I would like to see things being resolved without using identified the significant imbalance in bargaining power unnecessary red tape. Hopefully, we will see many between farmers and dairies and the lack of certainty organisations taking corporate responsibility and backing and control over the price that farmers receive for their British suppliers. We have seen that in the pork and milk. It has recognised that the problem lies with the meat sectors of the industry, with many British retailers contracts and has proposed a number of ways in which beginning to show greater corporate responsibility in national Governments can address it. buying British meat and putting it on their shelves. In As the Minister will be aware, the Commission’s the dairy industry, we need to see our retailers taking a proposals to improve the position of dairy farming similarly robust attitude and showing such corporate include allowing member states to introduce minimum responsibility as well. I want to see that first and then, if legal standards for milk contracts, which would include necessary, further action and intervention from the the price to be paid for the duration of the agreement Government. and a proper arrangement for the termination of those contracts. At the moment, when a farmer seeks to end a Caroline Nokes (Romsey and Southampton North) contract, they have to wait 12 or even 18 months before (Con): I thank my hon. Friend for giving way and for it can be terminated, but the penalty clause kicks in having secured this important debate. Does he not immediately, which means a lower price for the milk acknowledge that there are a number of retailers who that they produce. That does not seem to be a fair are showing greater corporate responsibility? Waitrose, contract, and it should be investigated. for example, operates a partnership of dairy farmers, The EU has talked about permitting producer one of which is based in Leckford in my constituency. organisations to be established, which would allow dairy Can we not encourage a greater use of that model in the farmers to come together to improve their negotiating rest of the country? power with dairy companies, and that would be a good thing. It has also discussed introducing greater market Dr Poulter: That is a good point. Marks and Spencer transparency into the dairy supply chain. provides us with another good example. Like Waitrose, it has already shown a high level of corporate responsibility. The EU has identified a number of issues with the Indeed, Waitrose has a good attitude to supporting contracts, which, as my hon. and learned Friend the British farming in general. My hon. Friend is right to Member for Sleaford and North Hykeham (Stephen say that there is a need for a number of companies to Phillips) has said, are at the crux of this matter. The support a profitable and sustainable agricultural sector. majority of milk contracts offer dairy farmers no certainty The crisis in the dairy industry at the moment highlights or clarity about the price they will be paid from month such a need. to month. They allow the milk buyer to make unilateral A number of dairy farms are being forced out of changes to milk prices, which often takes place at very business. The price of commodities and fuel are making short notice. Dairy farmers have great difficulty exiting it difficult for farms to be as successful as they once such contracts. All those issues imbalance the contractual were. My hon. Friend is right to say that retailers should relationship between the dairy farmer and the milk show some support, and we hope to see the model that buyer. she has mentioned rolled out across the country. However, I hope that the Minister will tell us that the Government it is important for us to trust the retailers to show that support a fair code of practice and that they will give us greater corporate responsibility before the Government a little more clarity over the role of the ombudsman. intervene. 5WH Dairy Farming7 JUNE 2011 Dairy Farming 6WH

In conclusion, the number of dairy producers in the appalling deaths as their lungs literally liquefy as a UK is plummeting, and the price paid for milk is result of being infected by TB—but the farming families consistently low. At the moment, we are 25th out of 27 and communities who daily have to endure the strain, in the EU league table. Input costs have soared for stress, upset and sheer unhappiness of watching their producers in recent years, especially over the past few herds being destroyed, their livelihoods threatened and months. In 2009-10, milk production was at an all-time their farms placed under the sterilising restrictions required low in the United Kingdom. by the bovine TB regulations. The crux of the matter lies in the fact that contracts I know that the Minister appreciates the situation between suppliers and producers are skewed against the because he has visited my constituency on many occasions. producer, so that prices can be changed arbitrarily while I have seen him sit down in farm kitchens and I have notice periods are often 18 months or more. Most seen him address larger audiences of farmers, doing so contracts are exclusive, which means that a producer with an empathy and instinctive understanding that can be tied to one supplier for a long period. The does him credit and wins the trust of those who listen to penalty clauses in many contracts are detrimental to the him. For the six years that I have been in the House, I producer and favour the retailer. have been intensely grateful to him—first while he was The Food Labelling Regulations (Amendment) Bill in opposition and now that he is in government—for will help to address some of the imbalances, and I am those visits to my constituency and for the words of sure that the Minister will discuss it. None the less, reassurance and the empathy that he has offered to the retailers need to show greater corporate responsibility. farming community that I have the privilege to represent. The Government must be prepared to intervene if retailers Nevertheless, the Minister knows what I am about to do not support the industry in such a way and if the say next; it is time to deliver. For six years, we have told current nudges in our regulations do not work. farming communities in the UK that if the Conservative I thank the Minister for attending the debate and party reached the corridors of Government we would look forward to hearing his remarks. Some colleagues take hold of the situation and tackle this dire emergency may wish to add some remarks on bovine TB. that, like a flame slow burning, is consuming farm upon farm throughout the south-west. We have told farmers that we would not fail to have the moral courage to 9.49 am bring the only solution that will deal with the problem Mr Geoffrey Cox (Torridge and West Devon) (Con): for the areas I represent. I congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Central The Minister knows what I mean. We cannot rule out Suffolk and North Ipswich (Dr Poulter) on his informed a policy of limited, targeted culling; indeed, we must and interesting presentation of the problems affecting urgently embrace such a policy. It is the only way to the dairy industry. I do not propose, as the Minister tackle the issue in Torridge and West Devon and it is would almost certainly have predicted when I rose to vital that the Government now firmly embrace that my feet, to tackle the problems, serious though they are policy, as it is the only one that will yield results. and requiring pressing and urgent attention as they do, As the Minister knows, I was a member of the of the unfairness of the contractual situation between Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee in the dairy producers and the processing and retail industry. last Parliament and consequently I do not propose for a It is manifest that the situation is crying out for action moment that we apply a simplistic solution; nor do I and I hope that after the 13 months of careful reflection suggest that culling alone is the only prescription that that the Minister, who has responsibility for agriculture, will bring success. As he also knows, I have long advocated, has given the problems, ably assisted by those who sit and I long criticised the last Government for not behind him, we will see a courageous and powerful implementing, a full package of measures on the cattle response from the Government to the legitimate interests side, biosecurity and all the areas of and concerns of the vital industry that those of us who that need to be improved, including vaccination when are in Westminster Hall today represent. we can see it. However, we cannot have a package of In standing up to speak today, I do so, as I have done measures that does not include culling where it is necessary, many times in the past six years, to raise the subject of such as those densely infected hot-spot areas where the bovine tuberculosis in the House. I represent Torridge risk assessment concludes that it is a necessary part of and West Devon, a constituency in the south-west that any prescription or solution. We cannot exclude a cull. is probably the area of the country most densely affected The Minister has sat with me and listened to farmers and infected by bovine TV; it is certainly one of the in Torridge and West Devon as they explained why they three worst affected areas. I do not propose that the feel so strongly that a cull is necessary, how they have solution that I have long advocated for my own constituency taken steps to prepare for it and how they feel it could should apply across the board to each area of the be carried out. I know that he has been looking at the country where bovine TB is found. Manifestly, a solution problem of bovine TB and that it has preoccupied him; that is appropriate to a densely infected hot-spot area it is probably one of the major priorities that he has will not be appropriate to an area where bovine TB is been dealing with. Consequently, I hope that he will only found in widely scattered parts. forgive me for expressing the real anxiety and apprehension However, the Minister will know that I rise to speak of farming communities in the south-west that the with a sense of real concern. He, probably more than Government may be losing their nerve. anybody else in the Government and possibly more I very much hope that that is not the case. I was at the than anybody else in the House, knows well the corrosive, Devon county show a couple of weeks ago, and, as ever, attritional, distressing and unhappy effects of bovine the exchange of views was frank and robust. The Minister TB. They not only affect the infected animals—the had recently appeared on television and had apparently cattle that are slaughtered and the badgers that die said that we may not even have a cull. I appreciate that 7WH Dairy Farming7 JUNE 2011 Dairy Farming 8WH

[Mr Geoffrey Cox] he has seen and the pride in the eyes of those who look after them, and to reach out to them and give them the at this stage he must be considering a policy that is courage and encouragement that it is our duty to permit based on evidence and that is carefully fashioned to the them—saying to them that the Government understand reflect the existing scientific knowledge of the subject, the problem and are coming forward with the solution but there is growing concern among the farming community that those families so fervently and expectantly await. that the Government may not be living up to the height of expectations on this question. 10.1 am I urge the Minister to take the opportunity this Mr William Bain (Glasgow North East) (Lab): I morning to deal with the subject by at least giving congratulate the hon. Member for Central Suffolk and encouragement to the people I represent and those who North Ipswich (Dr Poulter) on securing the debate and are listening to this debate that he fully appreciates the on articulating the concerns of many people in the importance of the problem, and that he understands dairy industry about the operation of the UK milk and the need to find a way to ensure that the policies that the dairy market sectors. I commend the interventions made Government implement to deal with this disease that is by hon. Members and the remarks of the hon. and raging throughout the countryside of the south-west learned Member for Torridge and West Devon (Mr Cox) will include all necessary instruments. who spoke very movingly about the impact of bovine Of course I understand that the Minister will have a TB on small farming communities in the south-west. judge looking over his shoulder and that any policy that In the past six months, we have had several debates is subsequently introduced will almost certainly be on this subject, both in this Chamber and in European challenged in the courts by those who wish to suggest Committee A. What has emerged from those debates that it offends judicial review principles. The Welsh and from the speeches this morning is the need for good case, which is the only example that we have to go on at intentions on the part of the Government to be turned the moment, demonstrated that if one did not attach quickly into firm action, and the Opposition believe great importance to fashioning a policy that would pass that such action is needed in three areas. First, the the test of administrative and legal scrutiny, matters Government need to signify their support for the EU’s could be delayed even further. I have spent the past adoption of standard contracts for the dairy sector—should 13 months patiently explaining to farmers down farm member states wish them to apply in their territories—to lanes and at cattle markets that that is so. After 13 months, ensure greater parity in bargaining power between it is to be hoped that the Minister is close to a solution. producers, processors and retailers. Secondly, there needs The Welsh case did not for a moment propose, nor to be a grocery code adjudicator with greater powers of did the judges ever say, that to make culling an instrument market intervention and greater independence from the of policy was unlawful. As the Minister knows well, the Executive than is proposed in the Dairy Farming Bill, Welsh case simply criticised a logical flaw in the way with the adjudicator being allowed to impose fines and that the Welsh Assembly and its Executive had gone other sanctions on those operating anti-competitively about consultation on that specific matter and that in dairy supply chains. Thirdly, further incentives in specific formation of policy. It would be relatively simply innovation and in research and development are needed avoided with care and preparation by this Government. to ensure that the British dairy industry has a financially I cannot be privy to the private discussions, the policy viable future in delivering the highest-quality products formations and the preparations that the Minister is both for domestic consumption and export, while cutting involved in. Perhaps all the things I have said today are its share of greenhouse gas emissions, as indicated in entirely redundant and superfluous—I very much hope the “Dairy Roadmap” report published this year. that they are—because the Minister is about to cause a There is evidence that dairy farmers in Britain face sigh of relief throughout the south-west by announcing problems because of the operation of milk supply contracts a new policy on the control and eradication of bovine in the marketplace. Current milk contracts deny milk TB. When he does so, the feeling across the countryside—in producers real stability in pricing and stifle competition Devonshire, in Cornwall and in all the parts so badly and innovation. The National Farmers Union has affected by this pernicious disease—will be of intense established that average EU milk prices this March were gratitude and admiration for the moral courage and 14% higher than they were a year ago, at 29.72p per consistency that the Minister will have shown. During litre, but in the UK the price was 26.59p per litre, which, my six years as an MP, the Minister has been a friend to at 10.2%, is the fourth-lowest increase among the five the farming communities that I have the privilege of highest EU milk-producing member states. representing, and by announcing the policy that I urgently The hon. Member for Central Suffolk and North press upon him, he will prove himself, once and for all, Ipswich has pointed out that the UK has the third-lowest to have been a friend who stood by them at a time of milk price per litre in the EU, beaten only by Slovenia crisis and emergency. and Romania. The “NFU Cost of Milk Production I hope that the Minister will rise to his feet to deal, of Report” states that the average cost of milk production course with the matters that my hon. Friends raise on was 29.1p per litre between April 2010 and March 2011, the importance of fair contracts, but with bovine TB, which represents a shortfall of 2.76p per litre between which is probably even more important to the dairy the cost of producing milk and the price that the farmer farmers listening this morning in the places that I receives. Added to that, dairy farmers in the UK face represent, waiting anxiously for what the Minister is to rising input prices, and the greater demand for dairy say. So deeply afflicted is the south-west—specifically products is leading to increased imports. the areas that I represent—that I urge him, when he The European Commission proposals to introduce rises this morning, to have in the front of his mind the standardised contracts for milk producers across the families he has met, the farms he has visited, the herds EU offer the opportunity for greater stability, alongside 9WH Dairy Farming7 JUNE 2011 Dairy Farming 10WH an equalising of contractual bargaining power for milk be the answer. There is a great deal more consensus producers. The plans would allow the establishment of across the House than might have been immediately collective producer organisations, which have proven apparent. successful in other parts of the world in securing fairer On the future of the dairy sector, we must sort out the farm-gate prices for milk, and member states could problem of contracts, because they are driving unfair create greater transparency in the terms of milk contracts prices. We must also continue to consider the environmental by regulating duration and price, as well as rights of impact of the dairy sector. Some people want far less termination should member states see fit. Importantly, meat and dairy to be consumed in this country. I believe the plans would also require milk processors to declare that one of the best ways to counter that argument is to information on milk deliveries. It is vital that the show and deepen the dairy sector’s environmental Government indicate—I hope, this morning—whether sustainability and reduce its greenhouse gas imprint. they will accept the Commission’s proposal to permit The Government should work hard with the industry national Governments to introduce contracts across all on that front. We must be aware of competition from milk supply and delivery chains and whether they will overseas. We hope that the Doha round of World Trade be prepared to enter into further collaborative work Organisation talks can be resuscitated to end damaging with the industry on the wider reform of contractual subsidies and open the issue of animal welfare standards, arrangements, including price variation and exclusivity to the benefit of milk producers in the United Kingdom of supply. and across the EU. Another important point to address is the competition If the Government take those three steps and make that the EU dairy industry faces from China and other great progress over the next four years, it will lead to a dairy producers in south-east Asia and from some of better, fairer and more financially viable dairy sector the developing economies, as that will become increasingly than we have at the moment. I hope that, in his remarks, important in the coming years. The annualised annual the Minister will outline how he will deliver that. growth in the Chinese dairy sector between 1998 and 2008 was 10%, and the increasing demand for dairy, specifically milk, products in south-east Asia will further 10.12 am drive global demand. The Minister of State, Department for Environment, On the environmental impacts of dairy farming, the Food and Rural Affairs (Mr James Paice): I congratulate Opposition’s view is that we need to further incentivise my hon. Friend the Member for Central Suffolk and farmers who are doing the right thing—for example, North Ipswich (Dr Poulter) on securing this debate. It recycling water from the milk cooling processes and was widely discussed when I was at the Suffolk show harvesting rainwater. We know from the Foresight report last week, so I was given plenty of notice that I would published earlier this year that an increase in sustainable be grilled on these issues. I also thank my hon. and food production to feed 9 billion people across the learned Friend the Member for Torridge and West world by 2050 will mean producing more food with less Devon (Mr Cox). I am not sure whether he was appearing water and making better use of soil, so we ought to give for the prosecution or the defence, but his speech not fiscal and other incentives to farmers in this country only contained the gravitas that we expect but correctly who already do the right thing and simply need additional conveyed the huge importance that the dairy and beef Government support to continue to do so. Energy sectors attach to the issue of bovine TB, to which I will efficiency across the dairy sector has increased by more refer in a few moments. Finally, I thank the hon. Member than 27% over the past decade, thus leading to a reduction for Glasgow North East (Mr Bain). As he has said, in emissions equivalent to 270,000 tonnes of CO2. there is probably agreement among the parties about We therefore face a number of challenges. First, on where we need to go. contracts, the retail sector might not be willing to make I will address some of the points made by my hon. changes to give farmers a fairer price. Friend the Member for Central Suffolk and North Ipswich. He said that our food production is 40% of our Julian Smith: May I ask for clarification about the total food supplies; it is actually well over 50%, and we Opposition policy? Is the shadow Minister saying that could produce more than 70% of our food indigenously. he now believes that we should have contracts in the I do not want him to think that things are worse than UK, or does he agree with me and my hon. Friend the they are, although I want to improve both positions. Member for Central Suffolk and North Ipswich (Dr Poulter) It is worth making the point that we are the EU’s that we should begin by exerting significant pressure third largest milk producer, well ahead of the only and by nudging the industry much more strongly in the country that we might reasonably say could do better first instance? than us, Ireland, which has the temperate climate and conditions to grow grass for more of the year and more Mr Bain: I am not a great fan of nudge theory, but I effectively. With the exception of Ireland, we should be believe that the Government could do a great deal by competing effectively with every other country in the indicating that they support the broad thrust of the EU. Commission’s recommendations. That could lead to My hon. Friend and others are entirely right that the changes in practice by the supermarket sector and other industry is under huge pressure. Members who watched processors. The Opposition’s position is one of agreement “” on Sunday evening will have seen yet between producers and retailers where possible and another auction of a large dairy herd by a farmer going regulation where necessary. If it is established that even out of business. However, we have a slight conundrum. the most profound of nudges from the Minister has not Although the number of dairy farmers is decreasing brought greater fairness in the prices that the retail significantly, by an average of 5% a year over the past sector offers our producers, regulation may well have to decade, there has been no such dramatic reduction in 11WH Dairy Farming7 JUNE 2011 Dairy Farming 12WH

[Mr James Paice] about the European package, particularly about contracts. The first thing to say in response to the hon. Member the number of cows or in the amount of milk that we for Glasgow North East is that we are a long way from produce. In fact, milk production in the UK increased any decision, because we do not have the European by 500 million litres last year, and it is now almost back Parliament’s decision yet. That is a post-Lisbon treaty to the level of three years ago. That is due to the event that involves the European Parliament. I will expansion of herds by many farmers, as well as to come back to the other points, but we support the issue genetics, better feed and so on, which cause individual of contracts as presented by the Commission. We support cows to produce more milk. From the Government’s the proposal that individual member states should be perspective, we are faced with a dilemma. Are we interested able to make contracts compulsory in their own country, in supporting individual dairy farmers or the industry if they so wish. As far as England is concerned, I have and this country’s ability—to return to the issue of already said publicly that, if that is what the end version self-sufficiency—to produce the milk that we need at looks like, we will consult the industry about whether to home? It is a conundrum, and I do not pretend to have have compulsory contracts, but I have not hidden my the answer. view that I do not think that they will achieve what The state of the UK market is easily clarified in some people believe they will. round figures. Roughly 50% of UK consumption of That is the point that I want to address, because my milk and dairy products is liquid milk, almost all of hon. Friend the Member for Central Suffolk and North which is domestically produced—as my hon. Friend has Ipswich paid great attention to the issue of contracts. said, carting liquid milk overseas is not common. Another Let me make it clear that, in the UK, virtually all 25% of the market is milk products such as cheese, farmers have contracts, which takes us back to what is yoghurt and so on processed from British milk. The in them. The main reason why this matter features so other 25% is processed products imported from abroad. highly in the European dairy package is that most dairy It is fairly easy to divide the market into those three. producers in other countries do not have contracts, so To return to my point about the European market for them it would be a great innovation. Although this and competition from elsewhere, there is no doubt in is a devolved issue, it is relevant to the UK and, as far as my mind that we should be able to compete much more England is concerned, it is clear that the proposal as it effectively with other countries, with the possible exception stands—we do not know how it will end up—does not of Ireland, in the 25% of the market that consists of allow individual member states to lay down minimum imported processed products. My hon. Friend made a standards or terms in the contract. It says that the great deal of the prices being paid by our supermarkets. contract must address the issue of price, either by I am not saying that supermarkets are without fault, setting a price or a formula, but it does not allow the but the real issue is the price being paid lower down the member state to set it. It will be open to negotiation chain at the processed end. between the producer and processor to decide the price The latest milk prices—they are published weekly, so or formula by which the price is arrived at. this is open information—say that the highest price Similarly, the contract must address the issue of duration, being paid for milk is 29.01p in the dedicated supply but it does not allow the member state to lay down a chain for Marks and Spencer through Dairycrest. The minimum duration. Some, including the National Farmers second highest is in another dedicated pool, for Sainsbury’s, Union, seem to think that the contract should include a through Arla. The lowest, at 23.8p, or more than 6p a lot more. We can argue about whether it should, but it litre less, is paid by North Milk Co-op. A little above does not. The proposition from the European Union that, the supplier First Milk pays 24.2p. The table that does not allow member states to lay down detail on appears in the farming press each week simplifies things standards, which some seem to believe that it should. slightly, but the top half of prices mainly go to the That is why I do not think that it is the panacea that liquid trade, while the bottom half go to the processed some have made it out to be. trade. There are exceptions, but that is a general point. Increasing the price paid for processed milk would improve the overall situation for everyone. Stephen Phillips: Given that, as the Minister has said, As my hon. Friend has said, the retail market is the package is not the solution to the problem, and important. The average farm-gate price in March was given that he has identified the discrepancy between 26.57p a litre, which is 10% higher than the year before, what is paid for liquid milk to, on the one hand, those although, as several people have said, costs have rocketed who supply it as liquid milk and, on the other, those proportionately or by even more. However, the retail who process it, is the solution not for the Government price of a 4-litre carton of milk is about 55p a litre, to bite the bullet and set a minimum price for dairy which means that the processor and retailer take 28.5p a products, at least in England? Will the Government litre—that is more than the dairy producer, the guy who therefore support my private Member’s Bill, which will keeps the cow for 365 days a year, takes—just to bottle, receive its Second Reading on Friday? distribute and retail the milk. There is no doubt, as the Dairy Council and others have shown, that the share of Mr Paice: My hon. and learned Friend must be aware the overall retail price taken by the farmer has stayed that it would be contrary to EU law for us to set a the same or even fallen, the share taken by the processor minimum price. The whole common agricultural policy has stayed roughly the same and the share taken by the has—with, I think, cross-party support—moved away retailer has rocketed. There are questions to be asked from the idea of Government setting prices, whether at about that, and I will come back to them in a moment. a member-state or EU level. That has been the big I will discuss the shape of the industry to demonstrate reform of the CAP over the past 15 to 20 years, and it is to my hon. Friends that the issue is not only about right that we move in that way. I do not think that the liquid milk or about supermarkets. Much has been said answer is to set a minimum price. The Government’s 13WH Dairy Farming7 JUNE 2011 Dairy Farming 14WH role—I will return to this in a moment—is to try to am not sure whether he or any other colleagues were make sure that the market is working properly. There is present when I launched the industry road map a few parity of power, wherever possible. weeks ago, but one of the most telling charts in the Let me turn to an issue raised by the hon. Member document—I do not take any credit for this, but it is for Glasgow North East. We fully support the proposition worth making the point—shows that the dairy producers in the European dairy package that producer organisations who had the highest margins also had the lowest carbon should be allowed, although we are concerned about a footprint. Fiscal incentive, to which the hon. Gentleman point of detail regarding how big they will be allowed to referred, is therefore built into the system. Of course, we get. However, the only two significant co-operatives in can provide fiscal incentives from the rural development this country—Milk Link has about 13% of the market plan for England, but the real incentive is that it is and First Milk has about 10%—are light years away profitable to conserve energy, which the report clearly from what we believe should be the maximum, namely shows 25%, or the EU proposal of 33%. To be honest, that We are putting in place other things and taking upper limit is relatively hypothetical at the moment, action on them. My hon. and learned Friend the Member because we are nowhere near it. Even if the two merged—it for Torridge and West Devon is looking at me with was once proposed that they should merge; the merger beady eyes—I have not forgotten his remarks. We hope was approved by the Office of Fair Trading; but they that the Government buying standards will be published decided not to—they would still not be up to the shortly. They will lay down particular criteria, so that maximum. I need to make it clear, therefore, that nothing the Government will lead by example. The Macdonald today prevents groups of dairy producers from getting taskforce on regulation made a number of proposals together to become a producer organisation. Indeed, about nitrate vulnerable zones, which are hugely important the Secretary of State, in her speech in Oxford, and I to the dairy sector. We are taking those forward as fast have frequently said that we strongly encourage them to as we can. Indeed, at the outset, I was able to announce do so. However, Government cannot force farmers to that we could accept one or two areas relating to NVZs work together, and it is for them to do so. immediately. I am looking across the whole of that issue The final point on the package concerns transparency, and am considering how we can reduce its impact and to which the hon. Gentleman referred. We strongly cost. support a transparent marketplace. Obviously, there is a limit in terms of regulation and bureaucracy on how I am trying to reinvigorate and revitalise the dairy much information it is sensible to demand, but we supply chain forum, which was set up by the previous support the principles of transparency in the package. Government. I want to ensure that the only people who come to that forum are chief executives or board member I am in the unusual position of having a bit of time to equivalents and that it has an important role because, at respond to the debate, so let me now address some other the end of the day, the real future of our dairy industry issues. The supermarket adjudicator takes us back to lies not in the hands of the Government, but in the my point about parity of power. The Government have hands of the industry. I am trying to ensure that the published their Bill, and I was interested to hear the retailers, the processors—whether they are bottlers or Opposition’s concerns. I am not too clear on all of processors into commodities—and the producers are all them, but one related to the adjudicator’s powers to around the table and that they are working together to impose fines and other sanctions, although I am not iron out the problems and take things forward. Price is sure what they are. Let us be clear that the Bill provides important and I wholly understand the dairy farmer the option for the Secretary of State to give the power who says, “I need more for my milk.” However, the to provide fines. In other words, if we find the adjudicator’s Government’s job is to ensure that the whole chain is initial power, which might be described as the name-and- working. If we can do things to take costs out of the shame approach, to be inadequate, the Secretary of system, it would be equivalent to a price rise, although it State can provide it with the power to impose fines. I do may not be so readily seen as that. not think that we in this Chamber necessarily understand the relative import of that. The big retailers assure us On income other than that derived from price, let me that that is totally unnecessary, that they do not break refer to the two big groups that I have mentioned, First the code, that there is no need for an adjudicator and Milk and Milk Link. They are nothing in European that they are all doing the job properly. I am sure that terms but, in UK terms, they are pretty substantial they have assured everyone present of that. They all pay producer-owned organisations. They got off to a rocky a huge amount of attention to their reputations. They start, and there were big problems with paying low want their good name to be known and seen. If we say, prices and members having to put up large sums of “We’re going to fine you instead,” what level of fine money. Of course, the third group—Dairy Farmers of would make any difference to one of our big retailers? Britain—fell by the wayside a couple of years ago. That is the question. The level would not be £10,000. I However, those two organisations are now making progress do not even want to guess what would actually influence and have chief executives who understand the new their behaviour, but it would be many times that. We world in which we are operating. For example, the chief therefore have to consider whether that is really a sensible executive of First Milk has opened up a global pool, way forward, commensurate with all the other issues of whereby when the price of skimmed milk powder on the fines, levels of fines and penalties throughout the country. world market is equivalent to 33p a litre, farmers can I think that we underestimate the power of damaging say, “Why aren’t we getting it?” They can get that price, somebody’s reputation in that way. although perhaps it will not be quite as much as that. The hon. Gentleman also referred to incentives for There will be a pool of milk targeted at global price innovation and development, particularly in relation to commodities. Of course, there is a downside, because if energy saving. He referred to the industry road map. I global commodities collapse—they have done so in the 15WH Dairy Farming7 JUNE 2011 Dairy Farming 16WH

[Mr Paice] TB. They should have grasped the issue by introducing a comprehensive package and used every available tool past—so will the pool price. However, such an initiative in the toolbox, as many people in the industry have said. allows that issue to be addressed and is an ingenious I can tell hon. Members—this is not what my hon. and innovative approach. and learned Friend wants to hear at this stage—that we hope to make a full announcement before the House Milk Link—I hope First Milk will follow—is paying rises in July. That will comprise a decision on the issue dividends to its farmer members, which is important. of badger culling as well as a wider package of measures. People who have invested in shares and through their He picked up the point that I have been reported as commitment to a farmer-owned business are entitled to implying that we might not be going ahead with a cull. receive a dividend—a share of the profit. That is just as As a lawyer, I am sure that he fully understands that if important to them as the price of their milk, and it is one has not made a decision, there has to be a question part of the return to their business. From what I have mark in both directions over what that decision might been saying, colleagues will not be surprised to learn be. I say to him and hon. Members that, as I expect is that I am an enthusiast for farmer-owned businesses blatantly obvious, that decision is not just for me, but and think that they are the way forward. However, there for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State and, is a limit to what the Government can do. We will indeed, the Cabinet to make. Such a major decision is exhort all we can, and if there are any barriers in the hugely important, and we must get it right. We need to way we will do our very best to lift them, but we cannot ensure that the whole Government support the final force farmers to work together. decision, whatever it may be. As I have said, I assure Finally, I come to the issue of tuberculosis. I am hon. Members that the decision will be announced grateful for the words of my hon. and learned Friend before the House rises in July. the Member for Torridge and West Devon about my As you have rightly said, Mr Hollobone, this has personal commitment to the matter, which is completely been a tremendously good and very important debate. I and utterly undiminished. However, as he has said, we am grateful for the opportunity to take a little longer must get things right. A number of his presumptions than usual to elaborate on some of the issues. I hope about why we have not yet been able to make any final that I have impressed on hon. Members the Government’s decision were accurate. We launched our consultation determination to tackle a number of these issues and to in September, and it concluded before Christmas. As I move forward. As I have said, it is not all in the have said repeatedly in public, that consultation threw Government’s hands, but what we can do, we will do. I up some serious issues that must be dealt with because, pay respect to my hon. Friends’ commitment—those as he rightly presumes, we would almost inevitably be who are here now and those who have been in and out faced with judicial review if we were to decide to go of this Chamber during the debate—and to that of my ahead with the badger cull. Several of those issues have hon. Friend the Member for Shrewsbury and Atcham taken some tackling. We are working with our own (Daniel Kawczynski), who is sitting behind me. He was lawyers, and we have retained QCs to advise us. As he the founding member of the all-party group on dairy will know from his own eminent career, they have raised farmers, but now he cannot discuss the matter, because all sorts of issues to which we must have answers in the he is acting in another guise. Many hon. Members courtroom if the situation arises. rightly feel very strongly about the importance of our dairy sector. It is the biggest sector of British agriculture I can tell hon. Members that we are getting to the and long may it remain so. position whereby a decision can be announced and, as my hon. and learned Friend has rightly said, there will Mr Philip Hollobone (in the Chair): I congratulate the be an overall package of measures. This has been a hon. Member for Central Suffolk and North Ipswich on good debate and I do not want to raise the politics of securing the debate and thank all those who have taken the matter too much but, apart from the issue of badgers, part. The sitting is suspended until 11 o’clock. my other big criticism of the previous Government is 10.37 am the piecemeal approach that they adopted to tackling Sitting suspended. 17WH 7 JUNE 2011 Heritage Assets 18WH

Heritage Assets restoring them to public use. The Heritage Lottery Fund has reported that, and it is not hard to see why. Countless surveys on the role of heritage in our cultural 11 am identity and sense of place reveal how important people Stella Creasy (Walthamstow) (Lab/Co-op): It is a believe those assets are. They help us to create a distinct pleasure to hold this debate under your chairmanship, sense of place and to know where we come from, and Mr Hollobone. perhaps also where we are going. Local communities throughout the country face the People’s vision of heritage is not narrow. It is not just challenge of joining up the powers that we give to them about buildings that are centuries old—75% of us believe to act in their local areas with their ambitions for those that the best of our post-war buildings should be preserved, areas. Many people are concerned about that situation, and that rises to nearly 95% of people aged 16 to 24. and many levels of frustration are experienced by a lot The concept of what is important, what markers help us of people—in particular, by those charged with protecting to define the areas that we live in and why they matter to our heritage, as they cannot do as much as they would us is not confined to a small number of buildings, but like to support communities. Today, I hope to interest includes a sense of place. When one talks to people the Minister in some possible courses of action that about heritage, they say that local buildings are equally would help to support the passion of such communities important as the grand sites that we might traditionally throughout the country. associate with heritage debates. A survey in 2000 found This debate is not about planning policy per se, but that, for most people, the concept of the historic about heritage and how we could revise the way in environment was the places where they live, not heritage which heritage is defined and enacted to better ensure sites such as castles, churches and stately homes, and that our nation is not simply preserving its heritage but that reflects current heritage policy. Two thirds of all can enjoy and experience it. We have a large amount of heritage assets are privately owned, which reflects the time, for which I am grateful, to talk about what we fact that they are often small houses and local sites, mean by heritage, what that means for policy at present, instead of just big public buildings. the difficulties facing some of those who seek to use We define buildings as our heritage, but turning our current powers and what can be done to address those ambitions for what happens to them has always been a difficulties. challenge. We make a comparison between campaigning It will not surprise any hon. Member in the Chamber, in poetry and governing in prose, and there is a comparison especially the hon. Member for Stoke-on-Trent Central between the poetry of our history—how we talk and (Tristram Hunt), that someone from Walthamstow is think about our environment, and the passions and concerned about heritage. My part of the country has a emotions that that evokes—and the practicality of how long tradition, especially with the influence of William we act to preserve those buildings and assets. Morris, who founded the Society for the Protection of At present, there are two ways of preserving our Ancient Buildings. Founder members back in the 1800s heritage through legislation—the element of prose rather were deeply concerned that well-meaning architects were than poetry. The primary way is through the planning scraping away the historic fabric of too many buildings process—30% of planning applications have heritage in their zealous restoration. Morris was worried about implications—particularly the role of development the danger of restoration. The Victorians plastered over frameworks. I shall return to that, but they were most beautiful interiors of mediaeval architecture, and he recently set out in planning policy statement 5 on wanted policies to repair, rather than to reproduce, that planning for the historic environment. That very good fabric. He might have approved of the flowery way that document has been helpful to many of us who campaign modern policy has defined the concept of heritage, on heritage in our local communities because of its because it speaks to the feeling that it is more than breadth and specificity about what heritage is. It states physical infrastructure. out that a heritage asset is a The Department for Culture, Media and Sport’s policy “building, monument, site, place, area or landscape positively paper on the listing process says: identified as having a degree of significance meriting consideration “In its broadest sense, the historic environment embraces all in planning decisions” those aspects of the country that reflect the shaping hand of and include human history. “valued components of the historic environment”. Today, I am concerned about the concept of heritage in The concept of value and significance gives strong that broader sense. We want a vision of heritage and powers to local authorities when determining planning history that is not just about the preservation and applications about the value of an asset to a community physical existence of buildings alone, but one that provides in that broader sense of heritage as not simply preservation, a progressive concept of heritage, involving the experience but enjoyment and experience. and enjoyment of all assets by all people. There is a lot of support for that vision of heritage among the British The second power is the listing process, and I want to public. talk about that today because it falls into the Minister’s purview. In this country, we differentiate types of buildings Interestingly, in an era when the public will not join and their status and stature through that process. The us in political parties, millions of them join organisations guidance states: that campaign and protect our heritage. The National Trust has a membership of nearly 3.8 million, and “Many buildings are interesting architecturally or historically, English Heritage has nearly 700,000 members. Many but, in order to be listed, a building must have ‘special’ interest”. organisations that work with communities to try to I call that the Marks and Spencer approach to buildings, protect heritage are reporting a stronger than ever passion which needs a voice-over saying that they are not just for involvement in the preservation of buildings and any old building; they have a special role in a community. 19WH Heritage Assets7 JUNE 2011 Heritage Assets 20WH

[Stella Creasy] our future is shaped, not just in Walthamstow but across the country. At present, Walthamstow dog track With my constituency hat on, I point out that the lies derelict. It is currently owned by London and listing process was introduced in the Town and Country Quadrant housing association, which bought it in a Planning Act 1947 under the auspices of one of my private sale in 2008, before the local community had predecessors. Clement Attlee, the former MP for time to offer an alternative plan when the site was put Walthamstow, found time to introduce some important up for sale. London and Quadrant wants to turn the measures that we still support today. Walthamstow has dog track into flats, and it has resisted proposals that a strong claim to being an area that promotes heritage have widespread community backing to sell back the in many different ways. The listing process has a range track so that it can be restored. The proposal currently of grades covering 374,000 buildings in the country, on the table, supported by a business man called Bob whether grade I, grade II* or grade II. Morton, would bring 500 jobs to the local area at the The variation in what is listed reflects the sense that London living wage. It would be run as a co-operative heritage is about more than simply the physical fabric of and the League Against Cruel Sports is working with a building and includes its interest and contribution to campaigners on the animal welfare principles that would our cultural identity and history. A wide variety of underpin the running of the track. That is the best buildings are therefore listed, including the Birmingham experience that a heritage building could provide, and it New Street signal box, the Park Hill flats in Sheffield, would not only celebrate the culture of Walthamstow in and even some toilets in north London and the Elephant the past, but that of Walthamstow in the future. It is an and Castle in south London. A wide variety of buildings area that desperately needs regeneration, investment and places are seen as significant, and we value them and local jobs. accordingly. What matters is not just the craftsmanship Although London and Quadrant clings to the land in the nave of a church or the detail on an architrave, and claims that it could develop the site in the face of but the way in which places have been a focus for local opposition, local people feel frustrated that they activity for citizens for decades, if not centuries. cannot make progress on the alternative proposal and It is important that listing does not mean, as Morris the good that would come from that. I secured this might have wished, that a building is set is stone—pardon debate because I wanted to look at ways in which we, as the pun; it is not a preservation order preventing change, national representatives, can make progress on such but an identification stage when buildings are marked issues, not only so that they involve people like Norman and celebrated as having exceptional architecture or who remember the good times, but so that local historic special interest before planning decides their communities can benefit from such heritage sites in the future. I strongly agree with that principle, and I want future. to make it clear that I am not talking about preventing progress and change in such buildings, particularly when There are countless examples of heritage assets that that might lead to a greater ability to achieve our vision have been a focus not only for the local community but of heritage—the experience and enjoyment of a building. for the regeneration of a wider area. Stockport Plaza That raises an interesting question about which other Trust has regenerated a listed cinema and been a motor areas of public policy have such wide potential to cover for regeneration in the Stockport area. The Phoenix such a range of buildings, institutions and ideals, as cinema in Finchley is another example of such an revealed in the mystery of the listing process. initiative. On a grander scale, many of us will have seen The criteria that can be used to make a claim include the developments at King’s Cross and the role played by not just the architectural interest of a building, but its English Heritage, which worked with the local council historical interest. A classic example is the Walthamstow and local developers to use heritage assets to drive the dog track in my constituency—a listed building that has regeneration of the local area. “special historic interest as the best surviving and most celebrated The idea that heritage is not simply about preservation inter-war greyhound stadium” but about the experience and the enjoyments of assets and is a can benefit local communities. Such benefits are not “nationally loved building type expressive of developments in simply about tourism, important though that is. The inter-war mass culture and entertainment.” heritage and tourism industry generates about £7.4 billion That building, and its place in Walthamstow’s history, in the country—not an inconsiderable sum—and 80% tells us everything about Walthamstow’s position in east of people who come to the country want to see British London. As the local MP, “What’s happening to the heritage. Heritage is also, however, about helping dog track?” is often the first question that I am asked communities to change their localities for the better, when I state which constituency I represent. People perhaps through sustainable development. William Morris often regale me with stories about nights out at the dog would find much in modern policy to commend; he track, or the things that they have heard about it such as understood the environmental implications of a heritage when Brad Pitt visited, or the time that policy and that it is better to repair than to rebuild. was heckled. The best stories that I have heard come from a gentleman named Norman Roach, who still lives There is a social impact in using heritage sites as in Walthamstow and is now 88. Norman went to the community anchors, and 90% of people who live in dog track as a young boy and attended the opening areas with historic environmental regeneration plans ceremony when Amy Johnson was there. He carried on say that such projects have fundamentally improved the working at the track and met Lana Turner and George quality of their lives, whether by creating jobs, or bringing Raft. pride back to the local area. Public support for assets For me, the dog track is not about heritage as nostalgia. being used in that way reflects a sense that heritage is The passion that I share with Norman comes from the about the experience as much as the physical appearance idea that such buildings can be anchors around which of the building. 21WH Heritage Assets7 JUNE 2011 Heritage Assets 22WH

Nevertheless, despite the best efforts of planners and of heritage, including rock music. The Who played at conservationists, such examples are often the exception the EMD when it was a centre for cultural activity in rather than the rule. I know that English Heritage and the local community. the Department for Culture, Media and Sport are keen The EMD was sold in 2003 to the United Church of to do more in the area, which is what I would like to test the Kingdom of God, and has been on the at-risk today. Too often, heritage is defined in a certain way register since 2004. Since then, the UCKG has sought and change is secured only through the planning process planning permission to convert the building—the only and formal applications. Although planning policy cinema operating in Waltham Forest, the home of Alfred statement 5 has many well thought-out powers and Hitchcock—into a church. Permission has been refused directions, the powers for intervention and what happens twice, including once by the Secretary of State. next need further work. In February this year, squatters gained access to the Currently, our only mechanism for intervention is for building for the second time since it closed. As the local buildings that are on the at-risk register because they MP, I spent a long, cold Saturday night trying to are in a poor condition or are not being made best use negotiate with them, asking them to leave the building of. We highlight those deteriorating sites through the and ensure that it was not damaged by any of their at-risk register, but as the law stands, and as the guidelines activities. During that process, I gained access to the are interpreted, there is no sense of escalation and the building, and to my horror I saw the condition it was in. register is not used as a stepping stone towards more The cinema had been flooded because the pump that intervention. There are just under 1,000 grade I and manages the underwater stream was not working properly. grade II* listed buildings on the at-risk register, half of The central heating system was broken and water was which have been on it since 1999. They represent about dripping down the walls and coming through the roof. 3% of all grade I and grade II* listed buildings, but Time and again, the UCKG has done the bare minimum about 45% of them could benefit their local communities. to protect the building while the question of its future About 80 buildings a year are added to the list, and a remains unresolved. Following the second planning slightly lower number are removed. There is, therefore, application, which was refused a few weeks ago, the stagnation regarding the at-risk register and what it UCKG told the local community that the building means. belonged to the Church, and that it would continue to Over the past 10 years, the powers available for the hold on to it until it gets its way. protection of heritage sites have been used on only two The Waltham Forest cinema trust is a community-led buildings on the at-risk register; the Minister will be project that seeks to bring the building back to its aware of my parliamentary questions on that matter. former glory. It hopes to ensure that we are able to An urgent works notice can be issued for emergency capitalise on Walthamstow’s heritage in the British film works to be carried out on a listed site, but it amounts industry, to bring the cinema back to Alfred Hitchcock’s to little more than forcing owners to put tarpaulin over borough, and provide a resource for the local community leaking roofs. An urgent repairs notice is often the first that will generate jobs, tourism and commerce for an step towards a compulsory purchase order. area of east London that desperately needs that support. Over the past 10 years, six urgent works notices have The example of the EMD cinema flags up the problems been issued, five of them for one building—Apethorpe with the listing and at-risk processes, because the rave Hall in Northamptonshire—and one for Harmondsworth there was not the first time that there had been concerns barn in Hillingdon. Over the same period, only one about the condition of the building and English Heritage urgent repairs notice has been issued, again on Apethorpe had been asked to visit. Each time, the Church puts up Hall. Crucially, both buildings remain on the at-risk tarpaulin, and that is enough; that is what it is currently register. Local authorities often try to prevent a building asked to do. Many of us in the local community, including getting to the stage at which an urgent repairs notice or Norman Roach, who was also a regular visitor to the an urgent works notice is required. Nevertheless, the cinema and has spoken to me at length of his concerns fact that those powers are enacted so rarely calls into about it, ask how much more damage must happen to question whether they are working properly and are the building before something can be done. appropriate. Determining what can be done is often a very difficult A second example from my constituency and a cause process for local authorities and English Heritage. Clearly, that is close to me concerns a building on the at-risk the financial risks associated with an urgent repairs register—the EMD cinema in Walthamstow. It is listed notice and possibly a compulsory purchase order make as the ABC cinema, but known locally as the EMD. It is councils wary of pursuing that course. In relation to the a grade II* listed building and use of powers at national level, we are also seeing “the oldest surviving of the cinemas designed by Komisarjevsky” hesitancy about whether powers can be justified, and in which conditions. in London. It is That shows the disconnect between some of the “one of the very few cinemas (in fact buildings of any type) ambitions set out in planning policy statement 5 and designed in the Moorish style in Britain.” broader heritage policy that we need to address. Planning It has a unique console; it contains the only organ policy calls on councils to consider viable alternatives outside Leicester square that is in situ in a cinema and when deciding whether to reject a planning application can be played. The cinema has played a tremendous at a heritage site. If an alternative is on offer that role in the history of Walthamstow. The Rolling Stones conforms more closely to the use for which a site was played there; again, we can lay claim to heritage because originally designed, that can be taken into consideration Keith Richard’s granny was the mayor of Waltham in rejecting an application. That is a very welcome step, Forest, and I am proud to say that I followed in her because it reflects the belief that heritage is about the footsteps. We in Walthamstow lay claim to many forms enjoyment and experience of a site as well. 23WH Heritage Assets7 JUNE 2011 Heritage Assets 24WH

[Stella Creasy] My concern is that if we do not act and nothing changes, there will be three consequences, not least of However, what we are seeing with the two examples which will be the loss of such gems as the Walthamstow that I have given, and, indeed, across the country, is that dog track; I think we all agree that that would be a even if an application for planning permission is rejected travesty. It will also give a green light to developers who because the heritage importance of an asset is upheld, think long term and buy heritage assets with a view to owners can hold on to a site in any case, which leads to waiting for them to decay so that they can be either stalemate and, ultimately, the deterioration of heritage demolished entirely or renovated in a way that destroys assets. The assize court in Devizes has been on the their original condition but ups the profit margin. at-risk register since the late 1990s, but its Dubai-based I certainly note with interest the suggestion that owners refuse to budge. As with the EMD cinema and London and Quadrant might be looking to knock perhaps the Walthamstow dog track, the property continues down the southern entrance to the Walthamstow dog to deteriorate. I note that planning policy statement 5 stadium. That is listed, but frankly, it is unclear to me talks about that problem. It recognises that the active what difference it would make if it was star listed or on deterioration of a site in order to challenge, perhaps, the at-risk register if the local community faced such a the listed status of a building should not be part of the threat. That is only a suggestion at the moment; it has consideration of planning permission. How we deal not been confirmed, as far as we know. with that in heritage policy is a key concern and an open question. More important, the potential of heritage assets to do more than be mothballed will be missed. The I suspect that at this point the Minister might point contribution that a restored dog track or EMD cinema me in the direction of the Localism Bill. However, I am could make to my community will be lost. The ambition slightly concerned that, if anything, some of the current that many in the heritage world have for those assets to proposals on planning guidance may inadvertently take form part of the future of a locality as well as its past away the existing protections set out in PPS5. I recognise will never be realised. that some of the earlier unintended consequences of the With that in mind, I have three suggestions for the Localism Bill in this area have been resolved, but there Minister about how policy could move forward. First, I is strong concern among heritage professionals about think that the current powers around preservation need national planning guidance proposals and the consolidation greater clarity. Planning offers a parallel process that is of guidance. I recognise that that is not necessarily about use, not preservation. The heritage policy context within the purview of the Minister, but I hope that he would benefit from that. The Government should set will take the opportunity of this debate to reassure us out clear guidelines for existing policies. They should about it and the need to retain the clarity of guidance in include a definition of heritage that can be tested in PPS5 in the streamlining process. That would be welcomed planning guidance, regeneration policy and the heritage by the National Trust, English Heritage and the Heritage world. They should encompass the concept of enjoyment Lottery Fund. and experience, as well as preservation. That might The Minister has written to me suggesting that the mean that fewer buildings pass the test, but it could be community right-to-buy provisions in the Localism Bill the foundation for being tougher about dealing with will allow local residents to act, but in situations such as those that are on the list—that are covered by those those that I have outlined, the deadlock whereby developers guidelines. It could provide the ability to join up the sit on a building means that we cannot use the community aspirations that many people have about heritage buildings right-to-buy provisions, because they exist only at the playing a role in regeneration, because grants and other point of sale or the potential point of sale. forms of support could be offered that were more As the Minister has raised the Localism Bill with me closely linked to such proposals, especially for tackling in relation to this issue before, I would welcome his the relationship between deprivation and the restoration thoughts on whether the community right to challenge of the buildings. That is not just about planning, but might be applicable in some of these circumstances. I about the role of development and the role that many am thinking not least of the conduct of a registered businesses want to play in using those assets positively. social landlord and whether, perhaps as in the case of Secondly, we need to tackle what “at risk” means. If the Walthamstow dog track, the community would have we need more clarity about what listing does for a the right to challenge its actions as a publicly funded building, we certainly need more explicit criteria for institution, given its behaviour towards our local heritage intervention when a building is at risk. I wrote to the assets. Minister about the cinema in Walthamstow, and he Above all, these instances suggest that we may be wrote back to say that he felt that there was not such a more dependent on case law and precedent than policy case at this point in time. I disagree very strongly, as do in order to make real our ambitions on heritage. I thousands of residents of Walthamstow, and I will recognise that there has been a discussion about reinstating continue to petition for stronger measures to be taken the measures that had cross-party support in the draft than accepting that tarpaulin is an adequate response to Heritage Protection Bill. I certainly agree that streamlining the fortunes of a grade II* listed building. As I have the process of listing will make it easier to start the said, the real concern for many of us in Walthamstow is process of protection and I await the Government’s what more the UCKG has to do to the EMD before next steps following the Penfold review. However, the English Heritage and the local authority have the confidence challenge is to ensure that that does not just mean more to intervene. buildings sitting on a list with no follow-up. It would be Many heritage groups want councils to have access to useful if the Minister outlined whether such proposals greater heritage expertise, which would give them the are being brought forward or, if they are not, what else confidence to pursue compulsory purchase order processes we could do. with less fear of financial or legal risk. Surely there is a 25WH Heritage Assets7 JUNE 2011 Heritage Assets 26WH case for English Heritage not only to provide that community-led bids if an asset was deemed to be expertise, but to be given more power to make these unoccupied and to require adjudication—perhaps at types of intervention. I hope, therefore, that the Minister Secretary of State level—as to whether the refusal to will commit to a review of the powers and to further accept a bid constituted intention to encourage disrepair. research on how and why local authorities have and At the very least, the Government could set out criteria have not used them and what lessons can be drawn from for offering a subsidy for a community right to compulsory that. The inequality in use, which reflects social deprivation, purchase in instances where heritage is a factor. They suggests that it is not just the quality of the guidance as could also use that possibility as a precursor to a interpreted by conservation officers that is at issue, but heritage partnership agreement between the owner and the support and many different types of resources needed the local community. to be able do this work so that poorer communities are Such measures may be difficult and sensitive, but if not at greater risk of losing heritage assets. listing can take place in the national interest, this cannot I also hope that the Minister will work with the be only at a single point in time. The Minister could Department for Communities and Local Government seek stronger powers to determine when such measures to publish criteria for intervention in cases when could be used in the public interest. Indeed, there is a communities either suspect deliberate damage or recognise parallel in the planning appeals process. When Ministers that stalemate over the future of a building would have are so minded, there could be provision in extreme such consequences, so that we can all have more confidence cases, such as those that I have set out, and when all that intervention will occur—and will mean more than other avenues have been exhausted, for the Secretary of tarpaulin. I hope that the Minister will commit to State to have a direct appeal and direct involvement. considering whether the proposal could include owners Furthermore, we could explore the guidelines on who damage the historical interest of a building, as well funding for heritage grants, which at present preclude as those who let the fabric of a building deteriorate. any activity until a building is definitely committed for I hope that the Minister will consider whether there sale, and the conditions under which such grants could are parallels in the power to call in a planning decision be used to further actions to restore buildings if there that could be reversed, so that on sites of special interest was substantial community support from thousands of the decision of a local authority not to issue an urgent local people. There is certainly public support for that, repairs notice could be contested. The Mayor of London and MORI found that 87% of people think that it is has told me of his concerns for the Walthamstow dog right that there should be public funding to preserve the track, but says that at present his powers to act are historic environment. limited. I know that he would certainly be interested in Of course, I recognise that the call for such changes looking at whether he could do more. would require heritage bodies that do not face substantial In addition to the question about current powers and cuts in their budgets. The mass disposal of heritage processes, there is one about whether further powers are assets may cause problems in terms of our ability to required. That is my third suggestion. The promises make real these proposals. The introduction of buildings- that Ministers have made about community empowerment at-risk officers in London has made a real difference to in local planning need to extend to heritage policy and dealing with some of the challenges, but it requires should not depend on a building being run down, or an funding. owner being generous enough to sell, in order to be Critically, if we are to help communities to access active. We know that people want access to heritage their local environment, they will need more resources sites and that planning has already identified the concept than just legal expertise. They will need financial support, of a viable alternative as a factor that can be brought and I pay tribute to the Heritage Lottery Fund, which is into play in the management of a decision about the use trying to help many communities, but it is hampered, as of a building. If the Government are serious about I explained, by some of the restrictions that it faces, localism and giving communities the ability not only to which are preventing it from making real some of its plan for but to actively achieve the locality that they ambitions. want, they should consider how that concept of viability Even if the existing powers were clearer, and the can be built into heritage policy. proposals being discussed in the Localism Bill were If we are not to have a heritage protection Bill, the enacted, the time they will take to have meaning will be Minister may face an uphill battle getting time for new a barrier. I therefore hope that the Minister will consider heritage protection powers. However, it is not too late to applying a schedule of escalation, including a much be creative about the Localism Bill and to make meaningful tighter time scale for the exercise of urgent repair notices the talk of community participation and the principle and for any community right to introduce a compulsory of listing buildings. Two thirds of heritage assets are purchase order. privately owned, but approximately half of those on the Not all those ideas require legislation, but they do at-risk register are publicly owned. If the Localism Bill require thought and, dare I say it, joined-up government. has teeth, there may be more opportunities for community I hope that I have convinced the Minister that we need ownership as local authorities seek to dispose of assets to turn warm words on preservation into something to balance their books. Such measures would, however, more meaningful for the benefit of our local communities. need to work for buildings that are not in the public We must have a heritage policy that is about not simply domain as well as for those that are. mothballing buildings for future generations, but ensuring It cannot be beyond the realms of possibility to that future generations can experience those buildings. explore the idea of a trigger process to extend a community Norman Roach is 88, and if we do not act to improve right to bid to all assets with a specific listed status. That the way the Government, English Heritage and local would force private owners to respond seriously to authorities can support communities that want to protect 27WH Heritage Assets7 JUNE 2011 Heritage Assets 28WH

[Stella Creasy] However, we are here to talk about heritage assets. As my hon. Friend beautifully explained, it is important to buildings, Norman will become the sole record of our recognise that buildings matter. There has been an local community’s heritage in Walthamstow, telling stories interesting shift in heritage thinking over the past 15 to of the old days and giving us just a glimpse of what 20 years, with an extraordinary opening-up of the heritage those assets could have offered our local area. vista and a reconceptualisation of what our past means, I refer again to our famous son, William Morris, who as we look beyond cathedrals, country houses and said: abbeys to the houses of the Beatles and even to public toilets in north London, although I might draw the line “I love art, and I love history, but it is living art and living there. history that I love. It is in the interest of living art and living history that I oppose so-called restoration. What history can As Britain has become a more complicated and diverse there be in a building bedaubed with ornament, which cannot at community, and with the success of television programmes the best be anything but a hopeless and lifeless imitation of the such as “Who Do You Think You Are?”, the compulsion hope and vigour of the earlier world?” to look into our genealogy has accelerated. We have People in Walthamstow share William Morris’s ambition. sought to explore ourselves, our histories and our identities. We want to live our history, not just to look at it, and we Although that is, in part, not connected to the built want our dog track and our cinema back. I hope that I environment, I would suggest that it is often best explained have convinced the Minister that he should help us to through it. realise that ambition, and I look forward to his response. As my hon. Friend said, the built environment is important for those of us on the left. We can point back 11.34 am to Hugh Dalton’s work with the national land fund, to the Town and Country Planning Act 1947 and, of Tristram Hunt (Stoke-on-Trent Central) (Lab): It is a course, to William Morris, who lived in my hon. Friend’s great pleasure to speak in the debate, and I congratulate constituency. As has been explained, he set up the my hon. Friend the Member for Walthamstow (Stella Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings in response Creasy) on securing it. We can all agree that we have to what happened to Tewkesbury abbey. heard a wonderful history of Walthamstow’s inter-war For Morris, as for John Ruskin, progress meant going cultural heritage, stretching from Clement Attlee to beyond the money-wage economy, spurning mass Keith Richards’s granny, via the dog track and the production and specialisation and rejecting some of the cinema. I can add to that oral history, because it is ethos of the . For Morris, old almost seven years to the day that I went to Walthamstow buildings—heritage—were signs of what freely given, dog track in celebration of my forthcoming nuptials. I unalienated labour could achieve. As Ruskin explained won successively and consecutively throughout the evening, in “The Stones of Venice”, his wonderful account of so it was a very happy event. the meaning of the buildings in Venice—you will remember, It is good to have the Minister here. Over the past Mr Hollobone, his description of St Mark’s palace, year, he has proved himself very open to the worlds of which he compared to the Book Of Common Prayer—he heritage and history. I pay tribute to the Government’s was exploring history through the stones. Buildings policy of returning to the lottery’s original causes and were celebrations of work, faith and meaning—the very increasing funding to the Heritage Lottery Fund. Sadly, antithesis of a modern commodity—and protection the Heritage Lottery Fund is now the only major funder was an act of defiance against commodification and in our heritage community, and although its resources capitalism; it was a defence of pleasure and humanity, a are increasing, other resources are being cut. The gesture of hope and possibly something of real, practical achievement of putting money into the Heritage Lottery value for generations to come. Fund is being undone by the terrible cuts to English The shadow Minister, my hon. Friend the Member Heritage, among others. for Ashfield (Gloria De Piero), will explain how, in our The Minister will travel south to Dover castle on socialist future, historic buildings will be the germs Thursday to see the brilliant new installation exploring from which socialist art will spring. In 1889, William its role in the evacuation of the British expeditionary Morris argued: force from Dunkirk. Having had the privilege of seeing “It is degradation and not progress to destroy and lose these the installation yesterday, I can tell hon. Members that powerful aids to the happiness of human life for the sake of a that work of scholarship, interaction and interpretation, whim or the greed of the passing hour.” which has been produced by Anna Keay and her team, All of which makes the defence of our heritage assets so is truly awe-inspiring. That shows what this country can important. You will know, Mr Hollobone, that that is do to manage its history and heritage. particularly the case in Stoke-on-Trent. However, English Heritage has had a 32% cut to its We have been greatly privileged to have had the grant, which is higher than the cuts imposed on UK publication of a wonderful book, which the Minister Sport, the Arts Council and Visit Britain. That leads has no doubt thumbed conscientiously, entitled “The Labour Members to question whether the Government Lost City of Stoke-on-Trent” by Matthew Rice, partner share the enthusiasm and admiration that the Labour of the celebrated potter, Emma Bridgewater, and owner party has always shown for heritage. The Heritage of the wonderful Meakin factory in Litchfield street, Lottery Fund thinks that if we combine the cuts to which, in case the Minister has forgotten, is in south English Heritage with the front-loaded cuts to local Hanley. As my hon. Friend the Member for Walthamstow authorities, which often trickle down to conservation explored, it is a celebration of the sense of place—what officers and heritage officers, we will see upwards of Matthew Rice calls “cultural anchors”—to defend the £600 million in funding extracted from the heritage urban environment and continue our connection with sector, which could be very damaging. place and history. The work brings to mind the history 29WH Heritage Assets7 JUNE 2011 Heritage Assets 30WH written in the 1960s and 1970s as the city of Bath was and lease it back to a functioning ceramics company, being destroyed. Even as the heritage of Bath was being Burleigh. That is a model of co-operation, local leadership knocked down, people were crying out that it was a and Government and quango action, all of which have destruction of our link to the past and to history. What come together to save an historic site. I am not enemy of has changed since then is the understanding of our quangos; indeed, I declare an interest as having served industrial heritage. Cities such as Manchester, Liverpool as a trustee of the Heritage Lottery Fund. The results and Birmingham have begun to lead the way. are absolutely vital for the economic regeneration of Our hope in Stoke-on-Trent is that, having seen a Stoke-on-Trent. As we build an economy based on our swathe of devastation in the pottery industry—the loss engineering businesses and ceramics sector, but also on of bottle kiln oven after bottle kiln oven—we are now tourism and heritage assets, having such cultural anchors beginning to think about the economic, social and and significant sites is important. cultural value of such heritage assets. If I may, I shall It would be remiss of me to stand here as an MP for take a little bit of time to explore a few buildings—heritage Stoke-on-Trent talking about heritage assets and not assets—that illustrate the argument. The old Goss bottle mention the threat posed to the extraordinary asset that ovens at the Falcon works are in Stoke town above the is the Wedgewood museum. A couple of weeks ago, it Portmeirion works, which now controls the Spode line was announced that the collection inside the building of pottery. They are also known as the eagle works and was now UNESCO designated and part of the Memory have beautiful bottle oven brick kilns in front of a huge of World register. That shows an understanding that pot bank, which are falling into an advanced state of the extraordinary collection is of world-class significance. disrepair. They were sold by Portmeirion to a company The Minister knows that the complicated issue of whether called Connexa—no doubt, we shall not get to the the collection is a permanent endowment held in trust bottom of how many companies are called Connex—in comes to court on 13 September. There remains intense Crewe, which seems to have little connection with the concern in north Staffordshire about its future. I hope commerce or history of Stoke-on-Trent or an understanding that his Department is working night and day to have of the value of the asset to the area. plans at the ready in case the judgment goes against us. I have been in touch with Stoke-on-Trent city council We need a sea change in thinking to begin to think to explore the possibility of an urgent repairs notice. As about heritage assets not as obstacles to economic my hon. Friend suggested, such developments are expensive, regeneration that need, in that great Glaswegian parlance, but luckily we have a very good English Heritage team “to go on fire”, but as cultural anchors, vehicles for in the west midlands and there is some suggestion that meaning and identity and economic assets for the the city council could apply for funding from English community, which is why Matthew Rice’s book is so Heritage to support an application for a notice, but it is important. I agree 100% with my brilliant hon. Friend wary of going down that road, which is why my hon. the Member for Walthamstow, who set out the policy Friend’s explanation of the reticence with which the options for the DCMS plan for the next four years on laws are used is important. We need the laws to be used improvements to the at-risk register, the community more regularly and more effectively, to make people right-to-challenge, local usage and restoration. unafraid of using them and to make them cheaper and I shall end with the point that taking action on more accessible, so that they become part of the armoury heritage assets should be more accessible and usable. of defence for our heritage assets. We have lost so many We need to change the culture of use of heritage assets kilns in Stoke-on-Trent; it would be a great crime to lose in the business world and in the community. We are more. I hope that there will be action on that front. enormously privileged to work in this environment. It is There are now trees growing out of them. a make-believe environment, with which William Morris The old Spode site, which the city council has bought, had certain problems because it was conjured up in the is also in Stoke town. You, Mr Hollobone, will know 1830s and 40s. Many of our constituents have had their the history of the kingdom of Spode and the great connection to history, the past and their local communities competition that it had with the Wedgwood family. Its taken away, sometimes for understandable reasons of huge, wonderful site, which went out of business only a economic growth, but we need to box slightly more few years ago, is in the middle of Stoke town. In one clever when considering the value of heritage assets and sense, it is not an at-risk site, in that to make such what Government, business and communities can do heritage assets work we must have a successful commercial collectively to preserve those things that matter to people. model. The challenge in Stoke-on-Trent now is not simply about enveloping the buildings for their protection, 11.49 am but about working out how to use them. We are hopeful that with innovative thinking we will develop an economic Gloria De Piero (Ashfield) (Lab): It is a pleasure, model for the site, which will involve artists’ workshops, Mr Hollobone, to respond for the Opposition under studios and second-hand shops. When the Minister your chairmanship. comes to see the site, which I am convinced is only a I congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for matter of time, he will be excited by its new prospects. Walthamstow (Stella Creasy) on securing this important What gives us hope is the recent success—we hope—of debate, and I commend the work that she is doing on the Middleport pottery works, which are north of the both fronts for her constituents in relation to heritage. city outside my constituency. If recent suggestions are My hon. Friend spoke passionately, and it is clear how to be believed, they may come within my constituency important the matter is for her constituents. It is obvious in future months, which would be a great boon, as we that I am not Brad Pitt, Winston Churchill or Norman can imagine. The Middleport pottery works have received Roche, but I once had an extremely good night at funding from the regional growth fund, the Prince’s Walthamstow dog track, and I can see how important it Trust and the Heritage Lottery Fund to revive the site is to the community that my hon. Friend represents. 31WH Heritage Assets7 JUNE 2011 Heritage Assets 32WH

[Gloria De Piero] has risen by a staggering 62%. The Minister has said in recent speeches that tourism is one of the nation’s The Labour party has a proud tradition of standing fastest growing industries. The sector is set to increase up for heritage, a tradition that I am determined to by 3.5% between 2009 and 2018. continue in my role as shadow Culture Minister. Since A central reason for tourists being attracted to the the end of world war two, Labour has recognised not British isles is our heritage sites. In Yorkshire, for example, only the historical importance of heritage sites, but the local councils were told a few years ago that they were economic benefits that such sites can yield. Heritage is taking a massive risk in pumping money into the tourism central for so many reasons. It goes beyond class boundaries. industry. However, they believed in the power of their From Giant’s Causeway to Canterbury cathedral, it is local history and their heritage sites—sites such as central to our local and national identity. It is crucial in Ripley castle and Harewood house, Roche abbey and regeneration projects in towns and cities across the the York cold war bunker. The “Welcome to Yorkshire” United Kingdom. television campaign has heritage at its very core, and The Town and Country Planning Act 1947 was the the county attracts more than 200 million visitors a first step on the road to establishing the system of year. In fact, a large percentage of heritage tourism in listing buildings. Now, 64 years on, we are continuing the UK is domestic, especially in recent years given the the debate to reform and refine it, and my hon. Friends rise of the staycation. the Members for Walthamstow and for Stoke-on-Trent Heritage is an industry, and Brits spend money on it Central (Tristram Hunt) have important contributions as much as people from overseas, especially outside to make to that debate. Labour then passed the National London. That is an important and positive aspect, Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949, which because Government investment in our heritage can helped to bring about the first 10 national parks. Our support other key agendas, such as quality of life, commitment to heritage continued in the late 1960s healthy living, lifelong learning and families spending with the Civic Amenities Act 1967, which introduced time together. I am minded to ask the Minister what conservation areas and allowed local authorities to impact the heritage industry had on the Prime Minister’s administer loans and grants for the restoration of historic inquiry into what makes the nation happy. I shall wait buildings and sites. Soon afterwards, Labour introduced eagerly to see whether it features in his closing remarks. legislation stipulating that anyone who is found to have Of course, there are more advantages to the staycation. destroyed a historic building can be imprisoned. If Brits are spending their money on domestic tourism I am proud of Labour’s history in standing up for and in shops and restaurants near heritage sites, rather heritage, and I want a new and reinvigorated debate on than abroad, that is of benefit to the Treasury. the subject. We have clearly made a good start today, and the contributions to this debate focused on the [MR MIKE HANCOCK in the Chair] ability of heritage to galvanise and organise local We learned over the weekend that leading economists communities. Its importance in defining our cultural, believe that we are on the road to ruin with the moral, political, theological and social values cannot be Government’s programme of cuts. Surely the Minister underestimated. It incorporates the most special and realises that schemes such as “Welcome to Yorkshire” valued remains and structures. These landscapes physically are vital for local economies across Britain. These initiatives mark moments in history. Most importantly, people can are having a positive impact on the region, but they are relive them on a day-to-day basis, and they help to at risk because of the 32% cut to English Heritage and shape our beliefs and our passions. They have lived the overall 25% cut to the Minister’s Department. My through the ages, and all elected to this place have an hon. Friend the Member for Stoke-on-Trent Central obligation to ensure that they are preserved for the next explained the consequences of such cuts in his wonderfully generation to be enjoyed and to be used as a tool for entertaining speech. He pointed out that without learning. professional staff to care for, to open and to interpret For each of us, there are treasured personal objects—a historic places, the huge rises in visitor numbers we have pair of spectacles or a particular chair—that instantly seen over recent years would fall. bring back the memory of a loved one. The physical I know all too well the dangers that these heritage remains from generations past—homes, schools, factories, sites face. Eastwood in my constituency is the birthplace and churches—are the equivalent for society, for entire of D.H. Lawrence, something of which we are very communities and for the nation. Historic places are the proud. However, the D.H. Lawrence heritage centre, repositories of our communal memory and identity, which contains exhibits of the life and times of Lawrence and as a result they are deserving of special respect and and the original court copies of Lawrence’s most care. A society that ignores its past cannot embrace the controversial novel, “Lady Chatterley’s Lover”, was future. We owe it to the next generation to preserve the under threat of closure earlier in the year as the local best achievements of past generations. council was seeking to make cuts. Looking through the A poll conducted last year revealed that 70% of visitor book, it is clear that the centre is a resource not Britons attend one or more UK heritage sites every only for the people of Eastwood but for people across year, many more than those who visit football games or the country and from all over the world—people who art galleries. The sector provides work for just less than otherwise might never come to our area. 500,000 paid staff and 500,000 volunteers. That is as It was vital to save the centre so that we could many staff as are employed in the NHS. preserve an essential source of tourist income for the In a recent speech to English Heritage, the Minister area. The campaign to save Durban house was backed, highlighted the fact that the industry has captured the at my suggestion, by a host of famous faces, including nation’s imagination. Membership of the National Trust Salman Rushdie, Martin Amis, the Nottinghamshire has risen by 33%, and membership of English Heritage writer Billy Ivory, Michael Parkinson, Lord Puttnam, 33WH Heritage Assets7 JUNE 2011 Heritage Assets 34WH

Glenda Jackson and Ken Russell, as well as countless support community groups that want to preserve their ordinary people. I am sure that the Minister will agree public services in the beautiful and historic buildings that celebrating local culture and heritage is a vital part that have served them well for centuries? of the regeneration of the ex-coalfields of north Nottinghamshire. I was thrilled that the centre was 12 noon saved thanks to an eleventh-hour agreement with Nottingham university. I suspect that that may be news The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture, to the Minister who, of course, rejected my invitation to Olympics, Media and Sport (John Penrose): Thank you, visit it. Mr Hancock, for taking over the Chair from Mr Hollobone in mid-debate. I am looking forward to completing this The cut to English Heritage funding equates to roughly debate under your chairmanship. £51 million over the next four years, but the true I congratulate the hon. Member for Walthamstow consequence of the loss is not yet calculable. Rolling the (Stella Creasy) on securing this vitally important debate. dice with the UK’s most special treasures is not the Although some hon. Members have been unable to action of a responsible Government. Thirteen years of resist making some party political points, there is, none Labour Governments saw an increase in the number of the less, a great degree of cross-party agreement on the visitors to historic sites, a broadening of knowledge importance of heritage and on the generalised approach about our heritage culture and an increase in profits. to it. The last Labour Government did some fantastic work, and although I accept that we may have done more, our The hon. Member for Walthamstow is right to say heritage sites were safe in our hands. that heritage amounts to a great deal more than just buildings. I can attest to that as I am the Minister who The Minister has said that we tend to underestimate has just listed, among other things, a zebra crossing in just how great the UK is. I disagree. Britons from across Abbey road. As she said, heritage goes far wider than the country and around the world are rightly proud of just structures. It encompasses all sorts of things from our heritage sites, and they show their support with pre-historic archaeological sites right the way through their feet and with their purses. It is the Government to bang up-to-date modern pieces of architecture, which who have underestimated the true value of such sites, are tomorrow’s heritage. and it seems that they are content to put the future of The hon. Lady is also right to say that heritage is such sites at risk. important not just for the undoubted tourism benefits What we know today is radically different from what that it brings, but for its own sake. It is about not just we knew a century ago. Britain’s fascination with what place making for those of us who are the current went before will long outlive this Government’s reckless occupants of each community and each built environment, cuts. There is a real risk that our historic public buildings— but a local and a national story. One reason why we built with taxpayer’s money with the sort of craftsmanship have a listing system is to ensure that the crucial marks, and materials that we cannot afford today—will simply illustrations or buildings along that national story are be sold to the highest bidder. That will have two results. preserved for current and future generations. That applies In prosperous areas, public buildings such as Victorian to not just the grand sweep of history—the national schools will become unaffordable, exclusive private story of kings and queens and grand social movements— apartments, yet in less well-off places such buildings but local communities. will sit derelict and empty, blighting the town centre or The hon. Lady was right to say that in any local the high street. community there are people who take huge pride in a Some aspects of the historic environment are already local building that may be listed at grade II or only worse off. The extent of Labour’s grant scheme to listed on a local scheme—if I can call a conservation return to congregations the VAT paid on the repair of area that—but which is, none the less, an important historic places of worship has been reduced under the piece of that local community’s past. Such a building coalition Government. What could be a better example can make a community feel special, and it explains to of the than congregations coming together people who live there where they came from and why to raise funds to restore their buildings and open them their surroundings are the way that they are. That is an to wider community use? Yet donations to these funds essential part of our understanding of our roots. Britain to pay for all church fittings and architects’ fees will is not a new country but an old one. We are a modern now go straight to the Treasury. country, but we have a history and a heritage to be Does the Minister truly appreciate his responsibility proud of and we lose that at our peril. Let me acknowledge to protect the heritage industry? Does he appreciate the in passing the point made by the hon. Member for strain that local authority cuts are putting on the authorities’ Ashfield (Gloria De Piero) that pride in one’s heritage is ability to protect heritage sites, to offer grants to historic an essential component of happiness—a nebulous but buildings at risk and to ensure that changes to listed very important concept that the Prime Minister is currently buildings take place with the advice of expert conservation trying to grapple with. staff? Given his recognition of how far the tourism Incidentally, for future speeches, I will plagiarise heavily industry is set to go in the next few years, why was there without apology the comment of the hon. Member for no mention of the heritage industry in the tourism Walthamstow about the Marks and Spencer approach strategy? to heritage. She is absolutely right to say that it is not Will the Government’s emphasis on localism undermine enough to recognise as historically important a building, our tried and tested ways of protecting our heritage at a structure or an archaeological remain; we need to have national level through organisations such as English an explanation and a narrative. We need to have an Heritage? As local authorities begin to sell off their exposition of why something is important. It is not historic buildings, libraries, schools, swimming baths enough to say, “This is an important building.”Explaining and town halls to make ends meet, how will the Government why it is important is an essential part of the heritage 35WH Heritage Assets7 JUNE 2011 Heritage Assets 36WH

[John Penrose] deal of time working on it. None the less, the poor thing led a rather peripatetic existence, wandering around story. She will see her words cropping up in various different parts of Whitehall desperately trying to find a speeches, but I am sure that she will claim credit for slot in the legislative timetable. As it did not manage to them whenever they do. find one before the end of the previous Government, it The hon. Lady mentioned a couple of points in fell without ever being debated in the House. There passing, which I shall try to deal with quickly before were some rather useful technical points in it which we moving on to the main meat of her comments. She shall try to take through. We are currently discussing mentioned that there is a degree of concern in the them with the Ministry of Justice to see whether they heritage world about the successor to planning policy might fit into the Repeals Bill that is coming up. Many statement 5. I have already made some comments about of them are entirely technical but worthy and sensible, that in public, but perhaps I can repeat them here just too. for the record. I am thinking of ideas such as trying to make sure A couple of amendments to the Localism Bill ensured that if we amended the Planning (Listed Buildings and that we kept the statutory protections for listing and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 to try to ensure that heritage preservation. However, the hon. Lady is right listings apply not just willy-nilly to the entire curtilage to say that that is only part of the story and that of a listed structure but to the bits that are genuinely heritage protection requires many of the other points, important and listable. Such a proposal will provide which were elaborated on in PPS5, to be included in the greater clarity to the current owners and potential future new revised planning guidelines. We are working closely developers about which parts of a site could be important. with the Department for Communities and Local Another of my favourite Acts is the Public Statues Government to ensure that that happens. In the same (Metropolis) Act 1854, which apparently requires the way that we have already come good on our promise to Secretary of State to assent to the erection of statues in maintain the statutory protections, we aim to ensure public places in London rather than that being done that they are read across into the new forms of planning through the planning appeals system. I am not quite guidance, too. The draft has not yet been published, but sure of the reason for that, but all such things are no doubt there will be plenty of comment from the sensible and worthy. many experts in the heritage world when it is. However, nothing is certain yet because we cannot We are trying to ensure that the heritage voice is find a slot in the current legislative timetable. As we are heard while the draft is being compiled, and there is a focused on dealing with the Localism Bill and all the great deal more to do to ensure that the details are done other factors related to the deficit, we will not be able to properly. I want to reassure both the hon. Lady and get a heritage protection Bill on to the statute book in those in the wider heritage world that that is an ongoing the short term, but we may be able to do one or two of process and that we are taking it very seriously indeed. those things if we can find other slots. We are working It is also true to say that there is a great deal of on that, but I can make no promises at this stage. admiration and affection for PPS5. It sounds rather I think that the meat of the hon. Lady’s comments strange to say that people like planning guidelines, but were about the heritage at-risk regulations and processes those are probably the only ones that people like. The are whether or not they are currently up to the task that heritage world feels that PPS5 contains some important has been set for them. It is worth pointing out that the protections and wants them preserved for the future. heritage at-risk register, which has now been in existence for more than a decade, has had quite a lot of success. Stella Creasy: Does the Minister see any reason why Various speakers in the debate have quoted figures the intentions behind PPS5 in their entirety might not about the number of heritage assets that are on that continue? There is talk today that an application might register and about how many of them have gone through come forward for the Walthamstow dog track. The the register. I think that it is true to say that a very large local community would welcome confirmation that, as number of the sites that are fairly difficult but not far as the Minister is concerned, regulations in PPS5 impossible to deal with have now been dealt with. A about taking into account any alternative viable option quite large proportion of sites have come on to the for a heritage site will be relevant to that decision. register and come off it again after three, four or five years; I think that the average length of time that such John Penrose: I need to tread a careful line here to sites are on the register is about five years. They come avoid prejudging the ongoing process to produce the off the register because they have been dealt with and a new guidance. There are important things that the new solution has been found for them. guidance will do to make the whole panoply of different The hon. Member for Stoke-on-Trent Central (Tristram planning guidelines—not just the ones for heritage—become Hunt) put it nicely when he said that we need a sensible shorter, simpler and generally less burdensome. Within commercial model for an at-risk heritage site for that that context, we absolutely want to make sure that the site to work. There is no point in simply transferring principles behind PPS5 are maintained and truly and ownership of the site or making a temporary fix. If we faithfully carried across. I do not want to comment on do not come up with a sustainable solution, within the detailed wording. As in all such things, the devil can 18 months, two years or a similar period, the site will be in the detail. I hope that I have given the hon. Lady a start to deteriorate again and pretty soon we will be direction of travel and a statement of principle that will back where we started. I think that it was the hon. be helpful to her at this point. Member for Walthamstow who quoted William Morris, The hon. Lady also mentioned some points about the who said that we need Heritage Protection Bill, which, as I understand it, the “living art and living history”. previous Government spent a great deal of time working It is vital that we all make that point as strongly as we on. Certainly, officials in my Department spent a great possibly can. 37WH Heritage Assets7 JUNE 2011 Heritage Assets 38WH

What has happened is that a large number of sites those local authorities where the use of a compulsory have come on to the heritage at-risk register, sustainable purchase order or an urgent works notice is viewed as a solutions have been found for them and then they have bit of a nuclear button—that is, as a last resort—there is come off the register after four or five years. However, nothing in between using those powers and having a we also have a hard core of sites that are much harder to nice chat over a cup of coffee with the owner of a site deal with, which have been on the at-risk register pretty who is not necessarily doing what needs to be done with much since it was started. Many of them have been on the site. Perhaps we need to consider whether there the register for well over 10 years, and either they are should be a collection of both carrots and sticks that very difficult to find an economically sustainable solution can be used between those two extremes. At the moment, for or they will always be at risk for other reasons—for such powers do not exist. We do not have them at example, they are coastal sites suffering from erosion. present, but we are considering whether it is possible to Forces of nature, such as coastal erosion, may be harder develop them. to deal with than economic difficulties, which may be Even if we can develop such powers, however, we solved by changing a site’s use. I think that the hon. would need to use them extremely carefully. If we just Member for Walthamstow also talked about sites that go for carrots—that is, incentives—for owners to plough have been on the at-risk register for a long time. more money into a heritage at-risk asset and that asset I completely agree with the hon. Lady that we have a gets to a certain state of disrepair, we run the very real series of powers that are being used spottily at the risk of creating a very sizeable moral hazard. We do not moment. She quoted some figures on how few times want to create a situation whereby the entire system is various powers have been used either by English Heritage set up to encourage people to allow the assets that they or by my own Department, the Department for Culture, own to fall into disrepair, until they reach a certain Media and Sport. As she rightly pointed out, that stage of advanced disrepair whereupon the state will number is in the single figures. However, I should point come galloping to the rescue with a large wodge of out for the record that that is only part of the story; public cash. Clearly, that would be an extremely perverse indeed, I think that she implicitly acknowledged that incentive, and it is not one that we want. However, we herself. There are many other occasions when such may want to have some incentives that are matched up powers are used around the country, particularly by with additional powers to push or prod owners who are local authorities. not doing the right thing. At the same time, we must be It is noticeable, however, that when we examine the very careful to ensure that we match those powers to figures for local authorities we find that some are much avoid creating the type of perverse incentive that I have more comfortable with applying such powers—urgent just described. works notices, compulsory purchase orders or whatever I must add a note of caution to my responses to the they may be—while others are much less comfortable hon. Member for Walthamstow. When an owner of a and much less confident about using them and use them heritage site wants to do something with it—say, x—and only rarely, if ever. As I say, there is a wide variety of there is a community that wants to do something else practice by local authorities in the heritage sector. It is with it—say, y—and those two things do not match and clear that some local authorities are comfortable about there is no overlap between them, it is very easy to end their ability to use such powers effectively to advance up with a degree of deadlock through the planning the cause of at-risk heritage assets and sites within their system. From what the hon. Lady has said this morning, area, whereas other local authorities are a great deal it sounds as though that has happened in at least one if more cautious or nervous about using them and are not both of the two heritage cases in her constituency much more worried about the cost and other implications that she referred to. However tempting it may appear, it of doing so. Given that some local authorities are using would be a mistake to try to cast the heritage industry such powers frequently while others are not, perhaps we and the heritage world as some kind of deus ex machina can start to consider the reasons why the powers are not that will turn up and solve such problems for the good being used effectively in some cases and try to understand of all concerned, by coming down either on the side of the issues involved. the owner or that of the community. It is not possible— I am happy to confirm to the hon. Lady that we are indeed, it is not even desirable—for the heritage world already addressing that issue and are trying to understand to try to act as the court of appeal between those two the reasons for that difference in the use of the powers parties, because coming to a conclusion that both the by local authorities. Inevitably, given the huge variety of owner and the community can live with must be achieved different heritage sites—all of which face an individual by dialogue through the normal democratic process. and entirely specific set of issues—and of political That is what the planning system is set up to do. situations in local authorities, there is an extremely complicated patchwork. Therefore, finding answers that The hon. Lady rightly said at the start of her remarks will raise the worst-performing authorities even to the that this debate today is not about planning policy. The standard of the average-performing authorities is not a heritage world must ensure that planning policy is applied trivial exercise. It is not easy to find answers that will where necessary in a heritage-sensitive and heritage- work across that very complicated patchwork, but we sympathetic way. However, the heritage world cannot are already looking at that issue. fix a fundamental democratic disagreement; such a I think that the hon. Lady and I have already made disagreement must be dealt with through the mechanisms the important point to each other—in earlier private of the planning system. Even if we can come up with conversations about the local heritage sites in her new and better powers and incentives, we would breach constituency that she has mentioned today—that it is that principle at our peril. important to start looking at having a rather more A conclusion may be reached about the best use for a nuanced and finer gradation of stepping stones or heritage asset, and that use might be the same type of escalation of powers. At the moment, particularly in use that the asset was originally designed for. The hon. 39WH Heritage Assets7 JUNE 2011 Heritage Assets 40WH

[John Penrose] the heritage and sustainability aspects cannot be taken in account and that when owners sit on assets and do Lady gave the example of a cinema, and a cinema might nothing, as they have in Walthamstow, we will not be be brought back into use as a cinema. However, the left waiting, hoping that a planning application—as the heritage world is not too precious about whether or not only mechanism for expressing our heritage concerns—will a cinema has to be brought back into use as a cinema, come forward? for the very reason that the hon. Member for Stoke-on-Trent Central gave earlier: it is more important to have a John Penrose: I understand the hon. Lady’s concerns, viable, sustainable and ongoing commercial use for a and I refer her to my earlier comments about the need building than that it should go back to its previous use. for some interim and escalation powers. From the list of It is far better for that heritage asset to have a future cases that have gone through and have come off the that is workable, even if it is being used for another heritage at risk register, we know that we have conversations, purpose than the one that it was originally designed for, discussions and expert advice at one end of the spectrum than that it should have no commercial future at all. of existing powers and the nuclear button—as we discussed Let me give an example. The hon. Member for earlier—at the other. We need some interim steps, which Walthamstow referred to some of the excellent work we just do not have at the moment. The letter that I that is happening in the area around King’s Cross. If wrote to the hon. Lady a couple of weeks ago, which one walks north of King’s Cross, it is possible to see a I think arrived just in time for her planning meeting, building that I believe is called the university of the made the point that there is no opportunity to use or creative arts in London. It is a wonderful combination impose the current legal powers from the centre here in of modern architecture and a couple of old train sheds Whitehall, but if we came up with some interim steps— that are being turned into a wonderful university campus. stepping stones—we could use some of them for an That building is an outstanding example of blending equivalent future case. A far better solution to the kind the old and the new—it is an absolutely gorgeous of problem that the hon. Lady is laying out would be to combination of the two—and it is something that I create those kinds of powers, with the right mix of think the country will be hugely proud of. If I can carrots and sticks to ensure that we did not create venture an opinion, it will definitely be a piece of perverse incentives. heritage of the future as well as a piece of heritage of the past, and it is being created right now. That, however, The hon. Lady mentioned that there is a solution on would be completely impossible if we were too precious the table that has the approval of many local people and and insisted that a railway shed had to be used as a an alternative investor waiting in the wings, but the railway shed. I do not think that anyone here would missing third party is the existing owners, who either argue that re-purposing the sheds and giving them a need to be convinced that the solution is in their interests new use is a bad thing. I accept that it is entirely or, with some interim or other stepping-stone powers, reasonable and sensible for there to be a local democratic be given some opportunities and incentives. As I think debate between residents and the owner of a site about the hon. Lady mentioned in her initial remarks, that is whether it carries on as a cinema, for example, or is used an aspect in which such policy crucially needs to develop, for something else, but from a heritage point of view and I hope that we can do so on a cross-party basis. that is not part of the solution. The heritage solution is Putting aside some of the comments about whether to achieve a sustainable answer that ensures that the individual quangos have done well, I hope that the fabric of the building and, if necessary, its cultural broader collection of approaches that we will be able to resonance—let us not forget that its use will have created take on heritage will have cross-party approval. Incidentally, cultural ripples in the local area—is preserved. and for the record, the overall funding for heritage as a whole is going down by only 2%, even though funding I am afraid, therefore, that I am going to slightly for individual heritage quangos is decreasing by a disappoint the hon. Lady by saying that it would be a substantially larger amount. If we can get to that position, mistake for heritage to intervene and say, “This is an perhaps Mr Norman Roach will be able to stop being unacceptable use”—within very wide boundaries. Heritage the only repository of knowledge, understanding and needs to say, “This is a sustainable use, which will memory in Walthamstow about one or two of the local preserve the heritage character and fabric of the building, heritage assets and instead be part of a much wider and and any further conversation about the suitability of better elucidated and enunciated set of heritage assets the use has to be expressed through the local planning and experience there. mechanism rather than through the heritage world.”

Stella Creasy: In the Walthamstow examples, there is Stella Creasy: I just hope that I can encourage the a viable, commercially backed and community backed Minister to commit to coming to Walthamstow, to see alternative for both buildings. The current planning the two sites and talk both to members of the local process allows that to be taken into consideration, and community and to the investors that we have for both the Minister has just very kindly confirmed that such an sites, so that he can understand some of the challenges alternative should be taken into account if a plan comes that we need to embrace in heritage policy. I would be forward for the dog track. What we do not see in very happy to show him the range of heritage that we heritage is a parallel ability to say that, if there is a have in Walthamstow. Perhaps he could even meet viable alternative that is in keeping with the heritage Norman, to understand how the examples in Walthamstow listed status, we can make progress, and I want to press reflect the wider problems with heritage policy. I hope the Minister a little more on that. I understand his that the Minister will make at least that commitment, so concern not to see a deus ex machina approach to that we can show him the work that we are doing in heritage policy, but what confidence can communities Walthamstow to try to make heritage not just preservation such as mine have that he will not stand by and say that but experience and enjoyment. 41WH Heritage Assets 7 JUNE 2011 42WH

Mr Mike Hancock (in the Chair): I am sure that you City Status (Reading) will find that invitation hard to resist, Minister. 12.27 pm John Penrose: I have had an invitation to Stoke and Alok Sharma (Reading West) (Con): It is a pleasure now to Walthamstow. I think that I did go to Walthamstow to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Hancock. I am dogs before it closed. I am afraid that I will, as the delighted that we are able to have this debate in the saying goes, have to look at my diary, but I appreciate week after Reading’s formal application for city status both invitations and hope that we can advance this was submitted. policy. I am sure that the Minister has seen the excellent bid There should be agreement on both sides of the document, which was put together jointly by the local House on this, but we have to tread very carefully council, representatives of business, our local papers—the because the devil will be in the detail and we must make Reading Post and the Reading Chronicle—Reading’s certain that, while enhancing opportunity for communities voluntary groups and other excellent local organisations. to ensure that their heritage is looked after, we do not The document encompasses the very heart and soul of traduce or ignore the very real and legitimate rights of Reading: an economic powerhouse with a distinguished owners. past, a vibrant present and a bright future. My hon. Friend the Member for Forest of Dean Mr Mike Hancock (in the Chair): It would be (Mr Harper)is not only a very able Minister but an inappropriate for me to suggest that, while the Minister extremely fair individual. I do not expect that in his is in travelling mood, he select Portsmouth as a possible response today he will suddenly announce that on the location, but we would welcome the opportunity to strength of this debate Reading has been awarded city meet him there. status. That would be nice, but I will not hold my breath. We all understand that Reading’s bid, along with all the others, will need to be properly evaluated. Nevertheless, I think that at the end of the evaluation process the Minister will find that if he takes the best bits from each bid—a long and varied history, deep links to royalty, excellent sporting, cultural and retail facilities, outstanding educational establishments, an active civic society and voluntary sector, economic leadership on an international scale and a self-confident people reflecting the cosmopolitan nature of 21st-century Britain—he will have Reading down to a tee. Reading represents not just cool Britannia but rule Britannia, when it comes to leading on international jobs, growth and economic activity. My home town of Reading, where I grew up and went to school, is a microcosm of all that is best, bold and bright about Britain today. I will take the rest of my time to spell out the detail of Reading’s pre-eminent bid, and our powerful and persuasive case for city status. Reading began life as a Saxon settlement in the early seventh century and was first mentioned in written history in the “Anglo-Saxon Chronicle”. In 1121, Henry I, the youngest son of William the Conqueror, laid the foundation stone for Reading abbey. Over time, Reading became one of the most important religious and political centres in Europe. Henry was buried at the abbey, making Reading one of only a handful of towns where British monarchs are buried. Reading’s association with royalty has continued through the ages. Reading abbey was consecrated in the presence of Henry II. Admittedly, Henry VIII put a damper on things by dissolving the abbey, and the last abbot, Hugh Cook Faringdon, suffered the occupational hazard of not recognising Henry as head of the Church and was duly executed outside the abbey gates. However, the outlook for Reading improved with Queen Elizabeth I’s ascent to the throne. She visited Reading on several occasions and granted the town borough status. Fast-forwarding to today, Reading is the county town of the royal county of Berkshire and is the birthplace of our future Queen, the Duchess of Cambridge. Interestingly, there are no cities in the royal county. It would therefore be fitting, in the year after a magnificent royal wedding—the year of Her Majesty the Queen’s diamond jubilee—for Reading to be granted city status. 43WH City Status (Reading)7 JUNE 2011 City Status (Reading) 44WH

[Alok Sharma] Parliament are extremely friendly—and we will certainly ensure that whatever Reading does in future is on a When it comes to sporting, cultural and retail facilities, co-operative and friendly basis. Reading leads the way. We have a premiership football Educationally, Reading offers a centre of excellence club in Reading FC, which temporarily finds itself in in many areas. We have a top-rated university that the championship. The club’s home, Madejski stadium, carries out internationally recognised work across various is a modern facility of which any city would be proud. departments including cybernetics, meteorology, engineering Reading football club is a beacon, a community-based and agriculture. The university’s Henley business school club that was named family club of the year in 2010. is an international leader. Some of our state schools, The stadium is also home to London Irish rugby club such as Kendrick school for girls and Reading school and was voted the best place to watch rugby in a 2010 for boys, consistently top the national league tables for survey. exam results, as do a number of our independent schools. The local council operates seven leisure centres. There is also the excellent Avenue school in the heart of Rivermead centre is home to the nationally successful my constituency, a special school for boys and girls Reading Rockets basketball team. The River Thames is between the ages of two and 19 who have complex the base for many rowing and canoeing clubs, and the special educational needs. I have seen at first hand the Redgrave Pinsent rowing lake, a purpose-built marina work that Avenue staff do with pupils, and it is truly at Caversham, will be the training base for Team GB outstanding. The school is a benchmark of excellence rowing before the 2012 Olympics. In addition, Reading for special schools throughout the country. has flourishing clubs and facilities for cricket, hockey, I am also pleased that some schools in Reading have athletics, swimming, golf and gymnastics. I am sure that already embraced the freedom that academy status the Minister will agree that that represents a wide range offers. Several have converted to academies, and others of facilities to satisfy the most demanding of sportsmen are considering conversion. One of the first free schools and women. in the country, All Saints junior school, backed by local To soothe the senses, Reading offers many parks and parents and the community, will open its door to pupils playgrounds spread across the borough, as well as riverside in my constituency in September. The setting up of the walks and beautiful vistas across the Thames. Reading school is a textbook case of go-getting, entrepreneurial is also a shoppers’ paradise. The town is one of the top Reading parents who want the best for all children in retail destinations in the UK, and the Oracle shopping the town. It reflects Reading’s positive, can-do attitude. centre on the banks of the River Kennet, with more The people of Reading are undoubtedly go-getting—I than 120 retail units, is the region’s premier retail and will talk shortly about the economic leadership that we leisure destination, offering restaurants and cinemas as provide—but ours is also a caring and compassionate well as shopping. Reading attracts shoppers from as far town. We have one of the most active voluntary and afield as Bracknell, Newbury, Royal Windsor and Henley. community sectors in the south-east. Reading has more In addition to the Oracle shopping complex, we have than 400 organisations that contribute to the town’s the popular Broad street mall and a large range of well-being, and many volunteers who put something major national and international brand stores, with back into the local community.Our Churches, in particular, Apple recently announced. Of course, in keeping with are the backbone of many community organisations tradition, Reading also operates a farmers’ market and and provide support to all those in need of help and a street market. advice. For the outside visitor, Reading offers a wide range of Some months ago, I was asked to address a conference accommodation, ranging from chic boutique hotels such organised by Reading Voluntary Action. The event was as the Forbury and Malmaison and luxury chains such billed as a cross-sector conference involving all agencies as Hilton and Crown Plaza to high-standard independent interested in growing a genuine big society in Reading. guest houses. If the Minister has not yet made plans for The event was extremely well attended by voluntary his summer holidays, may I recommend a few days in groups from across Reading. The big society is flourishing Reading? As well as enjoying our sporting, retail and in my home town. I hope that when all the bids for city leisure facilities, he and his family will be able to check status are evaluated, Ministers will reflect not just on out our various museums and enjoy a play or concert at the tangibles but on the intangibles, such as the generosity the famous Hexagon theatre. If he comes during the of spirit of a town and its people. I am confident that August bank holiday weekend, he will be able to visit on that measure alone, Reading will be seen to lead the the internationally renowned Reading festival, set on way. the banks of the Thames. I suspect that he is tempted by Reading’s offer. Perhaps he will tell me in his response On Reading’s economic prowess, thanks to the dire whether he would like me to reserve some accommodation financial legacy that the coalition Government inherited for him during August. from Labour, we must take action to eliminate Labour’s structural deficit. I do not want to turn this debate into an exposé of the previous Government’s mishandling of Mr John Redwood (Wokingham) (Con): I wish my the economy, but the context is important. Last year’s hon. Friend every success. He is making an elegant case emergency Budget was about rescuing the nation’s finances; for city status for Reading, but will he reassure Wokingham this year’s Budget was about doing what was possible to that no extraterritorial demands will be made if Reading help families with the cost of living and, importantly, gains the honour of being a city? reforming the economy to create jobs and growth for the future. The jobs and growth that will make our Alok Sharma: I thank my right hon. Friend for economy power ahead in the coming years will come raising that point. Our bid is clear. It is based on the from the private sector, and will be created in places document. Reading is a friendly town—its Members of such as Reading. 45WH City Status (Reading)7 JUNE 2011 City Status (Reading) 46WH

Reading is the commercial centre of the Thames Kenneth Branagh, Mike Oldfield, David Lean, Ross valley and has 1,000 years of trading history. Historically Brawn, John Kendrick, Alfred Waterhouse, Henry known as a traditional manufacturing centre, it became Addington, who was a former Prime Minister, and, famous internationally for its three Bs: biscuits, bulbs most recently, Sir John Madejski, who has given so and beer. Huntley and Palmers biscuits, Suttons Seeds much to the town. and, in its most recent guise, the Courage brewery all Reading is well represented in the current Parliament. operated in the town until fairly recently. Indeed, the At least eight Members were educated or grew up in brewery survived until last year. For some towns, the Reading. It is said that Charles Dickens was asked to demise of major traditional businesses can, sadly, spell stand as MP for Reading, but turned down the request. economic decline, but Reading has had a continued, Frankly, it was Dickens’s loss. We now have our own uninterrupted economic renaissance. Biscuits, bulbs and literary giant of an MP, my hon. Friend the Member for beer have given way to IT, industry and innovation. We Reading East (Mr Wilson), who will speak in this are an undoubted economic powerhouse. debate. If we as a country are to compete successfully in the In conclusion, Reading already has many of the coming years against the likes of China and India, our attributes of a city. We are the largest town that is not a knowledge-based companies and the value-added jobs city in the country. Indeed, Reading is larger than more that they create will be key. Reading is undoubtedly a than 40 cities in the UK, including your great city of leader in both home-grown and international knowledge- Portsmouth, Mr. Hancock. Reading is today a based companies. Yell, Premier Foods, National Grid, cosmopolitan place and our diversity is our strength. Prudential, BG Group, Logica, Procter and Gamble, We are a town at ease with ourselves, a town that knows Wipro, Cisco, Microsoft, Oracle, Verizon, Symantec, its time has arrived. We are the bookies’ favourite for Rockwell Collins and Thales are just some of the companies city status and I hope that, after this debate, although that consider Reading home. Leading-edge innovation he will not be able to say it, we will be the Minister’s and research and development are now part of the favourite as well. I thank him for listening so patiently, DNA of Reading’s business sector, and the university of and I look forward to his response. Reading works in close partnership with the business community. Reading is also a centre for finance, insurance Mr Mike Hancock (in the Chair): Thank you. I call and banking and provides many jobs in the town. Our Mr Rob Wilson. work force is one of the most highly skilled in the country. John Howell (Henley) (Con) rose— Earlier this year, the Centre for Cities, an independent, non-partisan research and policy institute, named Reading Mr Mike Hancock (in the Chair): Order. I shall try to as one of the five “cities to watch” in its annual index, get you both in. Bear in mind that the Minister has to “Cities Outlook 2011”. The report noted that Reading respond to the hon. Member for Reading West, so has high potential to create private sector jobs and one could you both take a maximum of four or five minutes? of the highest employment rates in the country. There was clear recognition of Reading’s economic strength and, interestingly, it referenced Reading as a city. 12.43 pm Reading clearly punches above its weight on the Mr Rob Wilson (Reading East) (Con): It is a pleasure international stage and, for many, is already regarded as to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Hancock. I will a city. The greater Reading economic area is home to do my best to fit my remarks into the five-minute limit about 2,000 foreign-owned businesses, employing about that you have suddenly imposed. 100,000 people, which reinforces our international position. I congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Reading Last year, Reading was named Europe’s top micro city West (Alok Sharma) on securing this debate. He has set for infrastructure, thanks to its strong road and rail out, with great passion and in a compelling way, why network and unrivalled access to markets. Moreover, Reading should become a city. He has covered an the foreign direct investment report ranked Reading enormous amount of ground and has done a thorough eighth in the overall list of Europe’s top micro cities, job in doing so, so I will limit my remarks. To both based on economic potential and quality of life. viewers who are watching the Parliament channel at the Certainly, Reading’s connectivity and closeness to moment, I say that my views on city status are set out London are key success factors in our economic dominance, elsewhere and have been aired in great detail. and continued investment in infrastructure has played As has been mentioned, this is Reading’s third attempt an important role. Recently, we have seen the remodelling at becoming a city. I know a bit about the previous and improvement of junction 11 on the M4, and we are attempts, because I was around at the time and served in the middle of an £860 million upgrade to Reading on the local borough council on one of those occasions. railway station, managed by Network Rail. Already the What is noticeable to me is that this attempt feels second biggest interchange outside London, Reading different. I do not say that because we are the bookies’ station’s redevelopment assumes a doubling of passengers favourite this time, as my hon. Friend has mentioned. In by 2035, from 14 million to 28 million. Reading is truly fact, I would rather that we were not the bookies’ a gateway to the rest of the country and we are open for favourite, because in politics the favourite has a knack business. of losing. The first two attempts to obtain city status Reading has also produced its fair share of authors, involved top-down decisions to mount bids, which, if I actors, musicians, entrepreneurs and scientists who have am honest, were not supported beyond the local ruling helped to put the town on the map. To name but a few: elite. Indeed, I found them slightly embarrassing in Jane Austen, Mary Mitford, Sam Mendes, Kate Winslet, some ways, as the local Reading public largely ridiculed Ricky Gervais, Jacqueline Bisset, Marianne Faithfull, them. The Reading public did not believe in the previous 47WH City Status (Reading)7 JUNE 2011 City Status (Reading) 48WH

[Mr Rob Wilson] Reading for a first-class university school, backed by world-class companies such as Microsoft, Cisco, BT bids, because they were not in any way part of them. and Blackberry, will be successful and lead to further What they actually saw, for example, was the local improvement in the quality of education in Reading. council putting up signs directing people to the city I also want to say a few words about Reading university. centre when they knew it was a town centre. The public thought that slightly crackers, and so did I. Mr Mike Hancock (in the Chair): Order. I urge the This time the bid feels very different. It has much hon. Gentleman to be fair to his colleague, otherwise he more of a grass roots and groundswell feel to it. My will not be called to speak. constituents feel involved in what is going on, believe that the time is right and are behind the bid. They Mr Wilson: I will sum up by saying that I am proud of understand that Reading has changed and developed the fact that Reading university, which plays such an radically over the years and is now ready for the next important role in Reading, is mainly in my constituency. step and for a new era. People who come to Reading As my hon. Friend the Member for Reading West has tend to stay for a long time, because of the quality of said, it has an international reputation. I have no time life and the good jobs on offer. My constituents have, to talk about the thriving social, cultural, artistic and therefore, seen Reading change from a rather sleepy creative communities in Reading, which I would have Berkshire market town to the capital city of the region. loved to have addressed, although my hon. Friend has My hon. Friend has already spoken about the strength given a flavour of them. and vibrancy of Reading’s economy. As he has mentioned, Our university, schools, transport and economy give numerous research organisations around the country Reading enormous strength, but it is the people of accept that Reading has huge economic significance. Reading who make the place what it is. It is they who The influential Centre for Cities regards Reading as a have prepared Reading for city status and it is they who “city to watch”, even though we are not yet a city, and now ask the Queen and Ministers to give them the one of six cities recognition that they deserve. “best placed to lead the UK’s recovery” Mr Mike Hancock (in the Chair): I am afraid that you from the economic crisis and recession. People in Reading have very little time, Mr Howell, and you have your know and understand the economic contribution that colleague to thank for that. they are making to the region and the national economy. They take pride in it and know that the town is ready to become a city. They are as confident and forward-looking 12.49 pm as the Centre for Cities study says. John Howell (Henley) (Con): It is a great pleasure to It is interesting to note what underpins Reading’s participate in this discussion under your chairmanship, economic success. There are many factors, but I want to Mr Hancock. I congratulate my hon. Friend the Member pick out two in particular. The first is transport. Reading for Reading West (Alok Sharma) on securing the debate. has a railway station that acts as a national hub with Reading is a neighbour to my constituency, but it is connections that run the length and breadth of the UK. more than that. I do not wish to take issue with my hon. During the previous Parliament, I campaigned for and Friend’s geography, but the Olympic rowing lake—the was pleased to secure, working with others, the £500 million Redgrave Pinsent rowing lake—is in my constituency, investment that the station required. That investment even though its waters practically lap over the rails as recognised Reading’s strategic importance as a transport the train comes into Reading. The town provides all of hub and reflects why it is a city in all but name. Reading the facilities that my hon. Friends have mentioned—both is close to Heathrow; the M4 runs past its front door; for their constituents and mine—so it would be churlish and it has fast train services to Paddington. Whether not to support this bid. However, my constituents and I travelling by road, rail or air, Reading has the connections need reassurance on some issues, to which my right required. hon. Friend the Member for Wokingham (Mr Redwood) The second factor is education, which creates the has already alluded. highly skilled work force. Education is a passion for me, How different would a city be from the current Reading so I want to say a few things before I finish, although I town in its territorial ambitions and in terms of building know that the Chair would like me to speed up. According into my constituency, because the town has always to Department for Education figures, Reading is the seemed to have a very aggressive approach? How different highest ranking authority for A-level and AS-level results. would a city be from the town in tackling major emotive Of course, that has nothing to do with the local education issues such as transport, including the long-running authority, which has continually been hopeless on possibility of a new bridge across the Thames, which educational matters. It has much to do with Reading’s would throw lots of traffic into south Oxfordshire? two state grammar schools—Kendrick school for girls Furthermore, how different would a city be from the and Reading school for boys. Both consistently lead the current town in engaging sensitively with constituents country in exam results. Reading school has been named on my side of the constituency border? the best state school in the country by The Times. I also I appreciate that, for much of my time in politics, have a fine crop of independent schools in my constituency Reading has not been under a Conservative Administration, in the Abbey school, Queen Anne’s and Leighton Park. but I hope that that will change, because I am sure it will Reading is also taking advantage of Government be to its advantage. I understand that the answers to the policy on education, with Highdown school in my questions that I have posed are not necessarily in the constituency becoming an academy and showing huge gift of my hon. Friends the Members for Reading West improvements. I am also hopeful that a bid in east and for Reading East (Mr Wilson) to answer, but answered 49WH City Status (Reading)7 JUNE 2011 City Status (Reading) 50WH they must be if they wish to have the unequivocal to ensure that city status continues to be a real honour support of surrounding MPs and their constituents for that is fairly bestowed and that the competition remains a city bid. As has already been said, Reading has fair. My hon. Friend recognised that fairness is important, already exhibited many of the characteristics of a city because there are no hard and fast criteria on becoming and is an important hub for the wider area. a city. City status continues to be an honour granted by the sovereign. Nowadays, it follows a competition and 12.51 pm is a rare mark of distinction bestowed on a town. Reasons for success or failure are not given in these The Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office (Mr Mark competitions and city status is not something that towns Harper): It is a great pleasure to serve under your can gain by ticking off a list of pre-set criteria. chairmanship, Mr Hancock. The reasons for that are obvious. Existing cities vary I congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Reading tremendously. As my hon. Friend has mentioned, some West (Alok Sharma) on securing the debate and on are large and some are small; some have wonderful setting out Reading’s case clearly. During the course of cathedrals, universities, airports, underground systems the debates on city status, I have had some interesting or trams; and some do not have those physical features, offers. My hon. Friend the Member for Southend West but boast a vibrant cultural life. We have set out some of (Mr Amess) urged me to be Southend’s valentine, because the qualities that we expect a city to have—a vibrant, we had the debate on Valentine’s day, and my hon. welcoming community with an interesting history and a Friend the Member for Reading West has urged me to distinct identity. My hon. Friends the Members for holiday in Reading during the summer. I fear that I may Reading West and for Reading East have eloquently set have to disappoint him in the same way I had to out Reading’s claim in those and other respects. I assure disappoint my hon. Friend the Member for Southend them and their constituents—the people of their town—that West. I have to remain impartial, and holidaying in Reading’s entry will receive a thorough and impartial Reading may demonstrate a lack of impartiality.Therefore, appraisal, together with the many other entries in the I fear that I must decline his very kind offer. competition. The process is just getting under way. My My hon. Friend the Member for Reading West joins hon. Friend the Member for Reading West has waved another of our colleagues, my hon. Friend the Member his bid at me to secure my interest, and the plan is that for Gillingham and Rainham (Rehman Chishti), who we will announce the result early in 2012. also secured a debate to set out the case for his area to On the point about territorial ambitions made by my become a city. As part of the bid, I have learned a large right hon. Friend the Member for Wokingham number of things of both of those areas and about the (Mr Redwood) and reinforced by my hon. Friend the constituency of my hon. Friend the Member for Reading Member for Henley (John Howell), let me reassure West and the town that he represents. Indeed, I suspect them and make the matter clear. The local authority is that other hon. Members whose areas are bidding for bidding for city status based on existing local authority city status will have detected a pattern and that you and boundaries. Nothing in what the Government will I, Mr Hancock—as well as your colleagues on the Panel recommend to Her Majesty about city status will affect of Chairs—will be treated to a continuing tour of our the powers that that town has. On that specific point, United Kingdom. I very much look forward to that. I hope that I have reassured by my hon. Friend the My hon. Friend set out Reading’s case very well and Member for Henley and my right hon. Friend the was joined by my hon. Friend the Member for Reading Member for Wokingham. I detected their qualified East (Mr Wilson). I confirm that Reading’s entry for support for the bid, which has clearly stirred up interest the diamond jubilee competition for city status has been not only in the town of Reading, but among its neighbours. safely received. It is one of 26 entries seeking city status, My hon. Friends the Members for Reading West and and 12 entries have also sought lord mayoralty status for Reading East have set out their case well. Ministers for existing cities. The level of interest and enthusiasm will asses that case along with the others in the process. that clearly came across from the speech of my hon. As I have said, we look forward to announcing the Friend the Member for Reading West shows how much results in early 2012 as we go into Her Majesty’s diamond the country is looking forward to celebrating Her Majesty’s jubilee year. diamond jubilee next year and how attractive such a civic honour is to local communities. Mr Mike Hancock (in the Chair): As a Member who My hon. Friend spotted that I will not be able to has the privilege to represent one of our cities, I know agree or disagree with him in my response and that I what it means to people, so I wish Reading all the very must remain neutral and fair. At this stage, I can no best. The Minister and Member are present for the next more endorse Reading’s aspirations than I can any debate, so we can move straight on. Will those Members other competition entrant. Ministers must remain impartial who are leaving do so quietly and quickly? 51WH 7 JUNE 2011 Emergency Life Skills 52WH

Emergency Life Skills Justin Tomlinson (North Swindon) (Con): I commend this fantastic speech. I raised the same subject in a Backbench Business debate recently, and I know at first 12.57 pm hand what a difference it can make. On the specific Julie Hilling (Bolton West) (Lab): It is not often that point about PE, the actual training required is the the Government get the chance to make a decision that equivalent of just one PE lesson. Therefore, while we could simply, easily, cheaply and immediately save lives, acknowledge that the Government are trying to streamline but this Government have the opportunity to do so the national curriculum, we are not asking for very right now. They have a chance to do something positive much, but it can make a real difference. and tangible for very little cost. Julie Hilling: I absolutely agree with the hon. Gentleman. Hon. Members know how it is. Someone collapses or He has had personal experience of the need for emergency has a road traffic accident and we all stand around in a life skills, and I am very pleased that we can work circle waiting for somebody else to act, because we are together to try to get this issue higher up the agenda. too frightened to intervene. Let us imagine what would Smithills school aims to widen the scheme so that, happen if every school leaver could save a life. Every during the school holidays, parents and siblings are able year, 150,000 people die in situations in which first aid to learn these vital skills, too. The teacher responsible, could have made a difference, and 30,000 people have a Adrian Hamilton, told me that learning how to save a cardiac arrest outside the hospital environment of whom life in an emergency really engages the kids. He believes less than 10% survive to be discharged from hospital. that ELS go a long way towards helping them become Emergency life support is a set of actions needed to better citizens, and that learning ELS should be an keep someone alive until professional help arrives. It expected part of what happens in schools. includes performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation, putting The Government talk about wanting to compare an unconscious person into the recovery position, dealing themselves internationally, but ELS are already a with choking and serious bleeding, and helping someone compulsory part of the curriculum in France, Denmark who may be having a heart attack. Those skills are and Norway. They are included in a number of states in particularly crucial at the time of cardiac arrest where Australia, and in the US they are part of the curriculum every second counts. Children are often present at accidents in 36 of the 50 states. Seattle is supposed to be the best and emergencies, and if they are properly trained, they place in the world to have a heart attack. It is impossible can be as effective as any adult in administering emergency to get a driving licence or graduate from school in first aid. Seattle without being able to do CPR. Imagine a situation Our curriculum states that children should be taught where one is rarely more than 12 feet away from somebody many things but, frankly, learning the names of the six who can save a life. I hear, though, that there is a down wives of Henry VIII is unlikely to save a person’s life, side, because it is a very bad place in which to just faint. whereas emergency life support can. We know that the Schools deliver ELS in a variety of ways and settings. Government want to slim down the national curriculum, Commonly, pupils enjoy the lessons, which increase but surely learning emergency life support skills should confidence and self-esteem, and which are particularly be as important as learning the times table. The Government important for children who have special educational have stated that they want the national curriculum to needs. Sheringham Woodfields, a school for children reflect, with complex needs, told the Education Public Bill “the essential knowledge and understanding that pupils should be Committee about the enormous sense of achievement expected to have to enable them to take their place as educated its pupils feel when they realise that they can save a life. members of society.” One of its pupils received a bravery award when he Surely knowing how to save the life of a family member saved somebody in the Norfolk broads. One of the most or a member of the public would enable children to telling submissions to the Public Bill Committee was have an impact on the health of society. Ensuring that from Archbishop Ilsley Catholic technology college in life-saving skills are taught in schools provides the chance Birmingham, which told us that it decided to teach ELS to instil in children how valuable life is and how important after a parent died from a heart attack in front of his it is to be a good citizen. The Government, by putting family. The school felt that something positive should emergency life skills into the curriculum, have an come from that tragedy. St Aidan’s primary school in opportunity to leave a real, lasting cultural heritage. St Helens told us about a year 6 child who was in a Since 1996, the British Heart Foundation has operated restaurant with her parents and 15 other adults when the Heartstart programme, which helps to train children her eight-year-old brother started to choke on his food. in emergency life skills. To date, it has successfully He went blue and virtually collapsed at the table. All the trained more than 2.6 million people in ELS, of which adults stood around not knowing what to do, but the more than 760,000 were children. The British Heart year 6 child jumped into action, put her training into Foundation has found that a significant number of use and saved her brother’s life. If she had not been children who have been taught life-saving skills have there, 15 adults might have stood by and watched a little had to use them in practice. Approximately one in five boy die in front of them. schools registered with Heartstart reported, in 2008, I do not have time to list all the things that people that students have used ELS in real life situations, with have told me, but a common theme is that children who an average of three students in each of those schools were taught ELS went on to practise them and either having done so. One of my local schools, Smithills, runs saved the lives of family members or helped in serious the British Heart Foundation Heartstart UK scheme situations. A couple of weeks ago, I was in a meeting with the full support of the head teacher, Chris Roberts. with Tabitha. When Tabitha was 17, a week before the At Smithills, ELS are taught in a variety of ways—for summer holidays, she ran to join her friends and teachers example, as part of physical education. during a fire drill. She does not remember anything else 53WH Emergency Life Skills7 JUNE 2011 Emergency Life Skills 54WH that happened, but apparently she collapsed with heart The firemen told me something that really made me failure. She had been born with a congenital heart think. One reason why we do not act when someone condition, but no one knew about it. Fortunately, her collapses is because we are scared of making things school secretary had been taught CPR, which they worse. Has their heart really stopped? Am I going to do administered until an emergency responder and then them damage? The firemen told me that if a casualty paramedics arrived. Tabitha made it to hospital with all stops breathing, “They are dead, and you can’t make of her facilities still intact. She had emergency surgery them any deader.” That phrase resonated with me. If we and made a full recovery. Tabitha is now a voluntary do something, we may be able to save that life; if we do emergency responder and is working hard to get ELS nothing, they are dead. taught in schools. As the hon. Member for North Swindon (Justin I also met Beth at the same meeting. Beth is the Tomlinson) has said, CPR can be taught in two hours. mother of Guy Evans, who sadly died at the age of 17 in That is the equivalent of one PE lesson—one cross-country 2008. Guy was riding his motorcycle when he had a run, or two hours a year. That is something like 0.2% of sudden cardiac arrhythmia. He fell off his motorbike national curriculum time. Surely we can afford that and laid there while his friends stood around not knowing amount of time to save lives. what to do. They were told by the 999 operator not to I will end with a statement from Abbey Hill primary touch him—people thought that he had had a motorbike and nursery school: accident. If only they had been taught emergency life skills, they would not have faced the trauma of watching “A lot of our children are brought up in an extremely deprived area and are not always adequately supervised. ELS gives them their friend die and experienced the trauma of living the confidence to deal with an emergency, should one arise, and their lives with the thought that maybe, if they had no adult was around...The silence in the room when the children known what to do, Guy would still be alive. Beth has are watching the DVD from the resource pack is remarkable! been campaigning ever since to get ELS into the school They watch it avidly and are always keen to take part in the curriculum and into driving tests. sessions. They are also very impressed when we get the dolls out Cardiac arrest does not discriminate between young to practise resuscitation and can’t believe they get to have a go on a ‘real live’ doll!” and old, or between gender and race—it can happen to the very fittest of us. On average, heart attacks are I could say a great deal more, but I will finish. I ask suffered by men in their 50s, and so should be of keen the Minister to put emergency life skills in the national interest to many MPs in this House. On average, it takes curriculum. If he will not, what will he do to promote approximately five to 10 minutes for an emergency the teaching of emergency life skills in schools and ambulance to arrive. For every minute that passes in throughout the whole of education, in youth centres, cardiac arrest, the chance of survival falls by 10%. CPR colleges and community colleges? Will he also encourage increases survival and prolongs the time a person remains the Government to think of other ways of embedding shockable. If a defibrillator is used to administer a such skills in society, perhaps as a compulsory part of shock, the survival rate increases to 50%. When we the driving test? watch “Casualty”, it looks as though CPR is actually It is frightening to think that something like 7% of the thing that makes people suddenly wake up—it is the population believe they could save a life. Many of us not. CPR keeps blood and oxygen pumping around the have done life-saving—I did it many years ago—but do body, which means that the heart can still be shocked not feel confident about using those skills. However, back into a rhythm. All the time that people are not having now had less than half an hour with a dummy breathing and their hearts are not pumping, parts of and looking at what to do, I now feel that I could do their body and brain are dying. CPR keeps people alive something—I could get that defibrillator off the wall, and keeps them going until they can be shocked, and because instructions on exactly how to use it are written until they can get to hospital. on the packet. I have been told about a mother who collapsed at the We need people in this country to feel confident school gates. Instead of everyone standing around not about being able to save a life. I ask the Minister to knowing what to do and watching her die, children consider that we could save 150,000 lives a year—just sprang into action and administered CPR. The school think how many lives that would add up to over anyone’s brought out their defibrillator, which they had purchased political career. I hope that the Government will do for £1,000, and saved the mother’s life. Just last week, something—they could go down in history as a Government 15-year-old Patrick Horrock had a heart attack in Hindley for saving people’s lives—and I urge them to do so. leisure centre, which is just next door to my constituency. A member of staff performed CPR and another used a defibrillator to restart his heart. Patrick is alive and well 1.11 pm because people knew what to do and had the tools The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education available to do it. (Tim Loughton): I congratulate the hon. Member for I had a meeting with some local firemen last week. Bolton West (Julie Hilling) on securing the debate. She They are Heartstart tutors and deliver classes to adults alluded to the recent Committee stage of the Education and young people in the fire station. They told me that Bill, and I have read her comments in Committee, as approximately 7% of people know any first aid. Together, well as in the early-day motion and at Education Question we are going to take ELS into local schools. They told Time. In today’s debate, she has again emphasised the me that two young people had been involved in saving a importance of teaching emergency life support skills to dog. As their reward, they were invited to the fire children. She has form, for which she is to be praised. station for the day. The thing that those kids enjoyed Likewise, the interventions in debate by my hon. Friend most during that day was learning how to do ELS. It is the Member for North Swindon (Justin Tomlinson) something that children enjoy doing—it enhances them have shown his great interest. I praise them both; the and gives them the confidence to save a life. subject is important. 55WH Emergency Life Skills7 JUNE 2011 Emergency Life Skills 56WH

[Tim Loughton] Whether we think about swimming and physical education, or more broadly about the curriculum, it is Last night, at the end of the annual general meeting important that we do everything we can to ensure that of my local hospital league of friends, we had a presentation life-saving and first aid skills are part of what is taught by one of the hospital heart specialists. He talked about in our schools. But, I fear, I must once more disappoint what a difference the hospital equipment financed by the hon. Lady and her supporters. I read about her the friends would make, and about the huge improvement proposed amendment to the Education Bill, in which in the survival rates of people who suffer a heart attack, she raised the issue; she alluded to the wives of Henry because of being to deal with them at the scene of their VIII then, too, and the Minister of State, my hon. heart attack and getting them to heart specialist hospitals Friend the Member for Bognor Regis and Littlehampton, much more quickly, with the availability of stents, clot- said in response that had Anne Boleyn known a little busting drugs and everything else. He recounted an more about her husband, she might not have lost her emergency case he had had just yesterday: the time own life—an interesting response. I will not go over that between someone coming through the hospital door debate again. and being given a stent was 14 minutes, fantastically We do not believe, however, that learning emergency within the golden hour that is so important. life skills has to be a statutory part of the national Survival rates have improved enormously, but the curriculum. We do not take issue with the principle or more we can do at every stage of the process—recognising with raising the profile, and we agree that awareness for the problem, getting someone to hospital and making more people, in particular children, is a good thing; our sure they get treatment straight away—is important in problem is making it a statutory part of the national achieving further improvements in the survival rates of curriculum. In recent years, the national curriculum has the many people who still have heart attacks. The subject been bent out of shape, as it has been overloaded with is important. too many subjects and too much content, often with the In the hon. Lady’s work with the Select Committee best of intentions but with damaging results. At the on Education, she has drawn attention to some of the same time, there has been too much prescription, not excellent work done by schools, such as Smithills in her only about what should be taught but how it should constituency, which she mentioned, and by programmes be taught. such as Heartstart, run by the British Heart Foundation, The Government want to restore the national curriculum and others run by organisations including the St John to its original purpose: a core base of essential knowledge Ambulance. I pay tribute to both those organisations. I that pupils need to succeed, and which stands comparison did an infant first aid course with St John Ambulance in with what pupils in various age groups learn in the my constituency some time ago, and it was an eye-opener, nations with the best-performing education systems in showing me how little I knew until I did it. The more the world. We want to ensure that schools have greater such courses are made available, and the more people freedom and flexibility to teach so as to encourage more take them, the better for everyone. The hon. Lady and innovation and inspire pupils. Those were the express others are raising their profile, which is important. aims of the national curriculum review, which we launched I was vice-chairman of the all-party parliamentary in January.The review team received almost 6,000 responses group for cardiac risk in the young, which is another to the call for evidence—the most for any education important subject that people know little about. Every consultation—including a number of representations week, several young, fit, healthy teenagers were dropping about the teaching of emergency life skills. I received a down dead for seemingly inexplicable reasons linked to number of letters from my constituents on the subject, a genetic heart condition about which they had no as I am sure the hon. Lady did. knowledge. The charity CRY successfully raised the profile of the problem, urging testing if relationship I cannot pre-empt the review itself, but one of the links increase the potential, and spreading the availability most important objectives set by Professor Tim Oates, of testing. That is another important way of preventing who is leading the review team, is to ensure that the such avoidable deaths, which cause great distress and, right balance can be struck between the core national out of the blue, completely disrupt families. curriculum and the wider school curriculum. In all Such initiatives not only enrich education but, as the likelihood, the smaller statutory content will take up hon. Lady said, help to engage pupils and equip them less teaching time, leaving more time for the activities, with the basic first aid skills of which all citizens should topics and subjects, including emergency life skills, that have knowledge. Regardless of whether someone is in we know are also important in preparing a student for school, there should be greater awareness and confidence, the wider world. As the hon. Lady mentioned, many such as she gained herself, in how to administer first aid schools already manage to deliver such things imaginatively at all sorts of levels, most importantly because it can and effectively, in a way that best engages their pupils. help to save lives. Things can happen anywhere, to Recent findings from the British Heart Foundation anyone, however fit they might appear. demonstrate that many parents, children and teachers The hon. Lady mentioned “Casualty”; no debate on want young people to learn life-saving skills at school. health seems to be complete without such a reference, The non-statutory programmes of study for personal, and people can actually learn quite a bit from it, as long social and health education already include teaching as they learn the right stuff. The hon. Lady is absolutely young people how to recognise and follow health and right to raise the profile of the issue, although I am not safety procedures, ways of reducing risk and minimising sure whether the Seattle tourist board will compliment harm in risky situations, and how to use emergency and her on marketing that fine American city as the best basic first aid. The internal review of PSHE that we will place to have a heart attack—but she did her bit. I undertake alongside the national curriculum review will applaud all those involved in this area, as well as the look carefully at how we can improve the quality of campaigning of the hon. Lady and others. teaching and at how external organisations such as the 57WH Emergency Life Skills7 JUNE 2011 Emergency Life Skills 58WH

British Heart Foundation can support schools to do so. Justin Tomlinson: I thank my hon. Friend for his That and other healthy-living issues may be delivered by positive comments. I have often been guilty of sending outside specialist bodies in a more imaginative way that in requests, and I understand what he said about being will engage kids in school so that they do not feel that it inundated, but surely there is no greater or more important is just another lesson. I am a big fan of bringing in skill to equip a young person with than the ability to outside bodies to teach in a different way—outside the save someone’s life. I am sure that replacing one cross- box and often outside the classroom. country run a year would be welcomed across the board. Equally, we know that it takes only a few hours every year for pupils to learn basic resuscitation skills. I do not know whether that is 0.2% of the national curriculum Tim Loughton: I sympathise with my hon. Friend’s time, as the hon. Member for Bolton West said, but I suggestion, and I want schools to implement it, but not acknowledge that it is a small part. There would thus be because an edict from Ministers says that it should be plenty of room in the school day for other important part of the national curriculum so that they think, subjects and activities, such as learning about healthy “Where can we fit that in?” I want them to do so eating, taking part in competitive team sport, and working because it is a good thing to do, and a good way of on projects with local businesses. Such things are important engaging young people who might be more difficult to and enjoyable for pupils but, most importantly, it is for engage. The subject might be a good way of enticing schools and teachers to decide what to teach and when their interest in the classroom. to teach it. The Government believe in the professional During the consultation, we received proposals that judgment of head teachers and teachers, and we are the compulsory part of the national curriculum should giving them the space to exercise that judgement, and to include chess, knitting and pet care, which I am sure are provide a broad and enriched curriculum for their pupils. all worth while. I am sure that my hon. Friend and the hon. Lady would argue that they should not have the same priority as life-saving skills, but people argue that Julie Hilling: I am not clear how much steer the a whole load of things should be a priority. I want Government are likely to give to head teachers and schools, and heads and teachers who know their children, schools about the importance of emergency life skills. to have the freedom to deliver the subjects that they As the Minister says, under PSHE, or whatever we want believe are most important and that children will most to call it, an enormous range of subjects may be taught— relate to and benefit from. That is what the Government drugs, alcohol, sex and so on. Emergency life skills are a are trying to do. fundamental issue of citizenship, and involve not just individuals, but society. Are the Government prepared to give head teachers a steer and to say that they should Julie Hilling: I thank the Minister for giving way yet consider teaching such skills? again. He is being very generous. The Government will prescribe some parts of the national curriculum. They will prescribe the core. The hon. Member for North Tim Loughton: I take the hon. Lady’s point, and I Swindon and I are saying that emergency life-support think she is hearing me loud and clear. My view, which skills should be part of that very small core, because is shared by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State, they are about the future, saving lives, and being a good is that it is good if more people and pupils learn about citizen, which are all crucial. Chess, knitting and so on health and life-saving skills. There are good examples of may be good subjects to teach, but life-saving skills are that happening in schools already, regardless of what is vital and could transform the United Kingdom. I do in the curriculum, and of schools engaging and training not understand why that cannot be one of the subjects their pupils. When that is done, pupils enjoy it, and it is in the small prescribed core. a good way of engaging them in something that is useful beyond the confines of the school. I praise all Tim Loughton: The hon. Lady has answered her own schools that are doing that, and encourage them to do question. I entirely agree about the importance of the more, but I also encourage more schools to take it up. subject, but we are trying to make the national curriculum We are trying to free up time in the curriculum to enable tighter and more concise with a smaller range of subjects, them to do what they think will most benefit their giving more freedom to teachers to take on that subject, pupils. Clearly, life-saving skills are way up at the top of which I agree is a priority. We want a slimmer curriculum, the priorities. and we do not want to add more subjects to it. However The hon. Lady knows from our previous conversations important the subject, it would add to the national that the Government’s approach is to be less prescriptive, curriculum. but to encourage schools to do such things because they There can be no more important training than that are right and will benefit their pupils, the community which allows someone to save the life of another who is and society at large. The problem is that in opposition injured, ill or otherwise in danger, and we must do all and now in government e-mails, letters or comments are we can to ensure that children learn the basic skills that sent to me every day saying that X, Y or Z should be a they might need in case of emergency. We all agree on statutory part of the national curriculum. If we took that, but the best way is not through the academic base just a fraction of those suggestions on board, something of knowledge that the national curriculum contains, would have to give. The national curriculum is already but through the broader curriculum. Just because the completely overloaded, and my response to all those skills are not specified in the national curriculum does suggestions, however worthwhile, as life-saving skills not mean they will not and should not be taught, or clearly are, is to ask what should be taken out of the that the Government are downplaying or undervaluing national curriculum or diluted to make space. That is them. The reverse is true. I implore all schools to ensure the problem. that their pupils develop the personal and social skills 59WH Emergency Life Skills 7 JUNE 2011 60WH

[Tim Loughton] Stonnall Road, Aldridge they need to become responsible citizens, and to lead healthy and safe lives, and that includes being able to 1.30 pm encourage and enable others to lead healthy and safe lives. Mr Richard Shepherd (Aldridge-Brownhills) (Con): First, I want to thank the Minister for meeting me Justin Tomlinson: On the specific point about outside yesterday, together with Mike Flower who is a local organisations, such as the British Heart Foundation, councillor from Aldridge and represents the views of surely the Government could play a role in providing councillors in that area. This debate is on a subject that information so that schools can access it. When I visit is uncomfortable for most elected Members of Parliament, my schools, they agree that it is a good scheme to take and for the public at large, who are the one ingredient up, but do not necessarily know how to do so. Perhaps that always seem to be overlooked in such discussions. the Government could be proactive in encouraging On Monday 4 March, a resident of what is still that. referred to as the bail hostel in Stonnall road came to my surgery. Although I had never met him, he was Tim Loughton: That is the point that I intended to known to me. A couple of years previously, his partner end on. It is a fair and practical solution. We are not had sought to have this individual moved from a distant proposing to make the subject, along with pet care, prison well outside the west midlands. He is a convicted knitting, chess and thousands of other helpful suggestions, paedophile, and as the single mother of a small child, part of the core national curriculum, but there are other she found it difficult to make arrangements for child things we can do. The hon. Member for Bolton West care to enable her to exercise her visiting rights. I wrote asked me to look at other ways of promoting the to the prison authorities, and the individual in question subject, and we will do so, for example, by asking was moved. individual MPs and Ministers to go into schools and ask what they are doing to teach first aid, and whether A while later in June 2009, his partner approached they are part of a local appeal to install a defibrillator in me again. It transpired that the prison authorities had the town centre, and are ensuring that their children withdrawn visiting rights for his very young daughter, know how to use it. We can also send strong messages in and subsequently stopped telephone calls. I had not our work on the PSHE review. understood that the partner wished to enable her daughter to have continuing visiting rights, and I was concerned. I think the hon. Lady suspected that we would not be My office spoke to the prison, which explained that it able to deliver her request today, but that in no way had withdrawn visits and telephone calls as they thought downplays the importance of the issue that she has that the man might possibly be grooming his child. The rightly and usefully raised. There are many other ways purpose of his visit to my surgery in March was to see of promoting the subject to ensure that we have a far whether I could help him re-establish contact with his better educated and engaged population in our schools daughter. I said that I could not, and the visit greatly who will take on those skills because they want to, disturbed me. because it is the right thing to do, and because they will all benefit. The probation service placed this man in a hostel less than two miles from the child whom the prison authorities suspected him of grooming—I have said, Mr Hancock, that this would be an uncomfortable debate. My anxieties about the case led me into correspondence with the Staffordshire and west midlands probation authorities. I also notified those councillors who were actively involved in managing the concerns of local people and trying to establish the closure, or removal, of the hostel. The site was originally a Barnardo’s children’s home that offered secure premises for children with difficulties. Councillors Anthony Harris, Keith Sears and Mike Flower have written a letter to the Minister, and I shall read a couple of passages: “The journey for the site currently designated as an Approved Premise on Stonnall Road has been a troubled one. The site has changed from being a Barnado’s Children’s Home caring for children to being an Approved Premise housing sex offenders. It is a journey of secrecy, deceit, judicial defeat and change of use by stealth. It stands as the polar opposite of the localism and transparency agenda being championed by the coalition Government. Now is the time for the new Government to re-evaluate the status of Stonnall Road Approved Premises and correct a long-standing historical wrong. The Approved Premise has never been through the democratic processes of planning consent and therefore does not have a democratic mandate. Originally, to change from being a Children’s Home to use as a Bail Hostel, it was deemed not to require change of use in planning terms as there was no material change in its use—” 61WH Stonnall Road, Aldridge7 JUNE 2011 Stonnall Road, Aldridge 62WH that dogs the history of those premises across the past They asked the Minister—as do I—to explain 20 years— “how the decision to designate Stonnall Road as an Approved “yet since that decision the building has moved from housing Premises met the principles of natural justice and the Wednesbury children in need to sexual offenders released on licence. This is principles? We would be grateful to see a copy of the paperwork unacceptable in a democracy and is a change of material use by that officially designated Stonnall Road as an Approved Premise. stealth, contradicting the very spirit of planning laws and local We’d also like to know what weight was given by Ministers to the engagement.” past planning and Court judgements as referred to above.” In January 1995, the extension application to add yet The councillors expressed their immediate concerns: more places to what was still a bail hostel was refused “Whilst elected councillors remain resolved in our aim to close by Walsall council on the grounds that Stonnall Road Approved Premises there are a number of practical “The residents of the area and adjoining properties now experience issues we also wish to raise on restricting the admissions policy severe problems and material problems and incidents arising from and in building trust and scrutiny with the community and their the existing use of the premises, which are incompatible with the democratically elected representatives.” surrounding residential area. The further expansion of a use They then go into the case of the individual under which, in the considered view of the local planning authority, is discussion, and want to know how many sexual offenders unsuitable for that area has the potential to further exacerbate are currently resident in the hostel. They asked: these problems, to the detriment of the amenities which local residents could reasonably be expected to enjoy.” “How many have been recalled to prison since the Hostel/Approved Premise were opened? How many offenders have been convicted The letter from the councillors continues: of crimes committed during their stay at Stonnall Road and what “At no point has the community ever had a say on what this crimes were they convicted of? building should be used for and people have watched powerlessly Regarding MAPPA”— as the use of the building has materially changed. This venture into the planning process proved on three levels—” the multi-agency public protection arrangements— “Who audits MAPPA to ensure the risks they are calculating and that refers to the High Court judgment and the defeat managing are reasonable?” of the probation service’s appeal against the planning application— Very importantly, the councillors ask: “that the Bail Hostel was having a detrimental impact on the local “Who are the lay assessors on MAPPA charged with representing community—the case paperwork proves this locality is inappropriate the views of the local community, how were they chosen and why despite denial from the Probation Service. Why have the Ministry are elected representatives not informed?” of Justice and West Midlands Probation Trust dismissed the view The councillors also want to know about the admissions that the facility has a detrimental impact on the local community? policy: If this wasn’t evidence enough, the sad cases of criminal “We request a copy of the admissions policy for Stonnall Road behaviour caused on occasion by residents of the Approved Approved Premises and ask that it be made public. Premises has further proven that it is a very real risk to the public it is meant to protect, and a problem for our community. Local There is a Ministerially imposed restriction on admission head teachers, who have experienced some residents engaging in policy at Bunbury House in Ellesmere port, Cheshire that excludes illegal activity around their primary schools (later convicted in the residence of offenders who have committed any sexual offence court), agree with us that this is inappropriately located and that against a child under 16. We request that Ministers consider and the type of offender placed in this location is unacceptable.” impose the same restriction on Stonnall Road”. They wrote to the Minister: They also request other things in their submission to “You will be aware that the Bail Hostel was turned into an the Minister. Approved Premises by decree of the Secretary of State under the I verify almost everything that the councillors say in last Labour Government. The Ministry of Justice has confirmed that letter. It has been a frustrating and long journey to in writing, in an email from Sean Langley to Councillor Mike try to wake up the probation service to a judgment that Flower, that no process was undertaken and that no process is it took by deceit—that is what the councillors call it. outlined by law. We believe that this is therefore a breach of natural justice on the following grounds.” The reason why I say “by deceit” in the end is the frustration of this. I raised a previous debate in the They gave three grounds. First: House of Commons on the nature of this hostel. I said “A person must be allowed an adequate opportunity to present that Miss Macdonald, who was the assistant chief probation their case where certain interests and rights may be adversely officer for properties—buildings—had made a statement affected by a decision-maker.” to the planning committees. I am not going to find the Secondly: quote immediately, but the substance of what she said “No one ought to be judge in his or her case. This is the was that the magistrates had supported the bail hostel requirement that the deciding authority must be unbiased when being placed in the former Dr Barnardo’s property. according the hearing or making the decision. This is what the then Home Secretary said: As the Ministry of Justice contracts the Probation Service to allow Approved Premises to house offenders released from prison, “My officials are unable to find any papers to support your is it not a conflict of interests if the same body decides where and comment that the West Midlands Probation Service ‘misinformed who these places are?” local Councillors and residents as to the specific support of the Aldridge Magistrates for the location of the hostel in Stonnall Thirdly: Road’”. “Administrative decision making must be based upon logical It was not the Aldridge magistrates; it was the Walsall proof or evidence material. Evidence presented by one party must be disclosed to the other party, who may then subject it to magistrates, and I had an exchange of correspondence scrutiny.” on that very subject. That question of scrutiny will return again and again. The Stonnall Road bail hostel came into being because “The Ministry of Justice does not have a process for approving the then acting head of residential services in west Approved Premises and therefore no proof or evidence has been midlands probation service assured elected members of considered. No evidence has ever been presented or disclosed to Walsall metropolitan borough council at a planning the community or their representatives for scrutiny.” meeting in September 1989 that 63WH Stonnall Road, Aldridge7 JUNE 2011 Stonnall Road, Aldridge 64WH

[Mr Richard Shepherd] The fear of the probation service is that the name of the man will leak. I have here letters that ask that the “Walsall and Aldridge Magistrates were in favour of the proposed name not be leaked. The first is from Dr Gerard Bates, bail hostel in Stonnall Road”. director of operations. He says: It subsequently transpired from my inquiries with the “If his surname enters the public domain, then the most likely clerk to the magistrates, Edward Jones, barrister, in consequence would be the identification of previous victims and the course of an application to increase the size of the other relatives including a young child and his very elderly and hostel in 1995, that the chairman of the magistrates had vulnerable mother. This would cause severe distress and could written that compromise safeguarding arrangements.” “it has never been the policy of the Bench to comment upon the I have no doubt that that is absolutely true, and no one location of the facilities required by the Walsall district Probation has put into the public domain this person’s name, but Service.” the very fact that people have to write that indicates to Mr Jones in his reply said: me the possible insecurity of the location in respect of this individual. Mr Maiden wrote to me on 3 June in “Once you have studied this correspondence you may be of the anticipation of this debate. He says: same opinion as I am that Mr. Baker’s response was misquoted by Miss Macdonald in the meeting before the Planning Committee.” “A primary concern of all involved is that the families”— That application was refused by the planning inspectorate, notice that it is families, plural— as I have said, and that decision was upheld by the “connected with the offender are not identified and, given his…name, judgment of the High Court. this is likely to occur should the information enter the public In the years since, the hostel has caused, as the domain.” councillors say, much concern to local residents, the Those people know that this name is such that that head teachers of two primary schools and their elected child was at risk, either through the man’s activities or representatives. We have come to believe that the bail proclivities or through the name leaking into the public hostel houses convicted offenders released on licence—a domain. fact that was finally confirmed by the probation service We can go round this again, as I have so many times in a letter to me dated April 1999. It stated: with the probation service, but at the heart of it is the “The Stonnall Road Hostel was opened and run as a provision continual denial in respect of a small unit that for bail residents only. Since 1995 however, it has been the policy accommodates 12 people, for which the probation service of the West Midlands Probation Committee that the hostel could sought an extension far beyond anything that people also be used for men subject to Probation Orders, or on Licence were told by Miss Macdonald. The planning authorities after a prison sentence. I apologise if that change was never communicated directly to you.” are alarmed and concerned that this could happen. However, we are also mindful of the fact that there are Despite my recent correspondence with the probation 2,100 such people in this country and that there are service, this latest case seems to me to fly in the face of inadequate places for them. That is why, having seized its assurances that the Stonnall Road approved premise on an opportunity 20 years ago, those involved have was the most suitable location for the sort of man now moved to create this nightmare in a local community whom I have brought to the attention both of the of small houses—that is described by the inspectorate director of social services in Walsall and, with much and understood by the community at large. We are difficulty, of the principal officers of the probation talking about open, vulnerable, small spaces, local schools service in the west midlands and Staffordshire. They with small children and a major secondary school. All have assured me that this man offends only against those children are under the age of 18, and if this man’s children he has groomed and within the family. It was proclivities and interests extend beyond just members on that point that the director of social services, whose of his family—who is god enough to say that that is his operation is of course part of MAPPA, wrote to the only interest?—every one of those children will be at west midlands probation service. MAPPA had conducted risk. two reviews, both confirming the original decision, in the knowledge that I was concerned and that the director of social services was also concerned. At the moment, 1.50 pm the man has been moved from the Stonnall Road bail hostel, but there is no agreement that he could not be The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice returned to those premises. (Mr Crispin Blunt): I thank my hon. Friend the Member The probation service wrote back to the director of for Aldridge-Brownhills (Mr Shepherd) for raising this social services. I understand from councillors that that important subject. The security of our citizens is the was not a very happy letter, and I understand that the first priority of any Government, and public protection Minister would use the phrase “outside the envelope”, is a central responsibility of the Ministry of Justice. yet these very probation officers have referred to councillors I hope that I can demonstrate to my hon. Friend and as part of the process—they are involved in it. Now, the House that we take our obligations in this respect there is rage. I would not want anything to happen to extremely seriously and that our arrangements for managing the director of our social services, who was also concerned dangerous offenders in the community are robust and as to why the case of a child who was possibly being effective. Approved premises, including Stonnall Road, groomed by an inmate of Stonnall Road should not be raise challenging questions about how the criminal examined with the closest possible attention to the justice system deals with its most serious offenders, but implications for that child. How is it that this organisation the view of successive Governments has been that such does not have to come back and justify why it is convinced premises are an important part of those arrangements that the most secure arrangements are within 1.8 miles and ultimately perform a critical role in keeping of the child? communities safe. 65WH Stonnall Road, Aldridge7 JUNE 2011 Stonnall Road, Aldridge 66WH

As my hon. Friend said, it was my pleasure to meet programmes designed to address their offending behaviour him and Councillor Mike Flower yesterday. If my remarks and to reduce reoffending. In addition, they are subject do not answer in full the letter that my hon. Friend drew to drug and alcohol testing and are monitored on the on in his speech, he will, of course, receive a full reply premises by CCTV. Where the risk assessment deems it later. necessary, offenders can be escorted by a member of I share my hon. Friend’s revulsion at the offences staff when they leave the approved premises. committed by the offender, whose case led my hon. The system is all about managing the risk posed by Friend to secure the debate. However, the offender has people who, having served their time in prison, are now served the custodial part of his sentence, and our being returned to the community. If they remain a priority, as with all offenders, must be appropriately to threat, approved premises are the best chance the system protect the public from future offences. That can mean has to pick up their offending behaviour and to subject difficult decisions being taken by the agencies involved them, if necessary, to recall to prison. Staff working in and overriding the wishes of those who have committed approved premises are trained in risk assessment and to no offence, and my hon. Friend alluded to that. Tragically, look for the telltale signs of risky behaviour. They work it is not possible to eliminate entirely the possibility that closely with offender managers and local police through a known offender will go on to commit further crimes—in MAPPA. They have daily contact with residents, so some cases, serious ones—but the Government are they are often the eyes and ears through which vital committed to doing all that we can to ensure that the intelligence can be passed to other agencies. The whole risk of an offender causing harm is managed effectively idea is to monitor certain high-risk offenders much and robustly in the wider interests of us all. more closely than would otherwise be possible precisely, The main topics that my hon. Friend raised were the so that action can be taken promptly without the need multi-agency public protection arrangements and the to wait for a fresh offence to be committed. approved premises in Stonnall road. MAPPA and approved Broadly speaking, the system is effective. Clearly, premises are two of the key measures that the statutory there will always be cases that slip through the net—risk agencies use effectively to manage offenders who are can never be eliminated entirely—and each such case is known on account of their previous offending to present one too many, but the available data show that offending an ongoing risk of harm. I was going to speak in some rates for those held in approved premises are much detail about MAPPA, but I suspect that my hon. Friend better than for those who are not. In the last full year would prefer me to address more directly the issues for which data are available, about 0.3% of residents raised by Stonnall Road in the time available. All that I were charged with a serious further offence. In addition, would say about MAPPA is that the arrangements are in many cases, prompt action is taken to recall offenders being validated by studies and are at the leading edge of to custody before they can commit further offences. international practice in managing serious offenders. We will continue to make sure that we improve and The challenge is that communities where approved develop our practices, but the United Kingdom is well premises are situated understandably have concerns served by the arrangements that we have. about being near offenders, especially those who have previously committed serious crimes and sexual offences. I turn now to the approved premises in Stonnall road, I hear and entirely understand my hon. Friend’s concerns in my hon. Friend’s constituency. I am aware, not least that people are unhappy when they find they are living as a result of yesterday’s meeting, that there has been near somewhere where those who have done dreadful some local opposition to the approved premises over things are temporarily housed. the years, and my hon. Friend laid out how long the issue has been around. However, those premises, along However, the alternative to offenders living in approved with others in England and Wales, must be understood premises is not that they stay in prison. These people in the context of a system-wide approach to the effective have been released from prison because they have served management of risk, so it might help if I explain briefly their custodial terms and they must be accommodated what approved premises do. somewhere in the community. If they were not in approved premises, they would be somewhere else—somewhere There are 100 approved premises in England and less controlled and less suitable. The result would not be Wales, with a total of about 2,200 beds. They are the that there were no sex offenders in the community. places that our most serious offenders go to when they Rather, there would still be sex offenders in the community, are released on licence from prison, having served the but not so obviously, so it would be much more difficult custodial part of their sentences. Approved premises to provide effective supervision for them. have 24-hour staffing and a structured regime, including overnight curfew. The principal aim of approved premises In the past, when we did not use approved premises is to ensure that offenders are effectively supervised and as we do now, serious offenders leaving jail were much monitored during the critical period immediately after less effectively supervised. Too often, that included them release. During that period, the supervising agencies being put in temporary accommodation, such as bed can best gauge how successful work in prison has been and breakfasts, alongside some of our most vulnerable in addressing the underlying causes of an offender’s families. Tackling that situation was the right thing to behaviour. do. For certain offenders, such as child sex offenders, My hon. Friend raised concerns about whether these compliance with the restrictions in their licences, such approved premises are in the right place and about its as daytime reporting and exclusion from places such as history, so let me say clearly that the safety of the public schools or parks, can be more closely monitored in is our first concern. Clearly, offenders returning to the approved premises than if they are dispersed into alternative community must go somewhere, but every offender is accommodation in the community. Residents in approved placed in every approved premises with a proper individual premises must take part in purposeful activity and in risk assessment. 67WH Stonnall Road, Aldridge7 JUNE 2011 Stonnall Road, Aldridge 68WH

[Mr Crispin Blunt] However, it is obviously of some satisfaction that necessary action was taken. The substantive result was that the Where any offender under statutory probation offender was moved to another approved premises in supervision, including one residing in an approved premises, the west midlands probation trust area, and no offence is charged with a serious further offence, the supervising has been committed. probation trust is required to undertake a rigorous My hon. Friend may believe that the MAPPA process review of the management of the case, but that was not must have fallen short if the director had to behave in the case in the circumstances that my hon. Friend that way— raised. He told us that Walsall children’s services, no doubt prompted by his inquiry, became concerned that Mr Mike Hancock (in the Chair): Order. I am sorry, an individual was at risk. The director of children’s Minister, but I have to interrupt you, because time has services wrote to the agencies involved and copied that caught up with us. letter to my hon. Friend and local councillors before there was a chance to review the case formally through MAPPA. She was clearly concerned that prompt action 2pm needed to be taken, and I am happy to look at the Sitting adjourned without Question put (Standing Order circumstances of the case to understand what happened. No. 10(11)). 1WS Written Ministerial Statements7 JUNE 2011 Written Ministerial Statements 2WS

shortly to ensure financial security for the ITER Written Ministerial (International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor) and JET (Joint European Torus) programmes in 2012. Statements Some delegations, including the UK, suggested that the presidency could aim for political agreement on the Tuesday 7 June 2011 Euratom decision at the extraordinary Competitiveness Council on 27 June. The Commissioner provided an update at the UK’s request on a separate proposal to BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS find an additional ¤1.3 billion from the EU budget for ITER in 2012-13. Negotiations continue in the Council EU Formal Competitiveness Council (30-31 May 2011) and European Parliament. Over lunch Ministers discussed links between the The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business, future structural and cohesion funds and the EU’s Innovation and Skills (Mr Edward Davey): The EU common strategic framework for research and innovation. Competitive Council took place in Brussels on 30-31 May All agreed that research and development funding under 2011. I represented the UK on EU internal market and the current structural and cohesion funds had a key role industry issues on 30 May and the Minister for Universities to play in building scientific capacity in Europe and it and Science represented the UK on research and space was generally acknowledged the successor to this issues. programme should have distinct but complementary policy objectives to the successor to the excellence-focused On the first day, the Council discussed several issues research framework programme. Ideally, management directly relevant to the Prime Minister’s EU growth processes between the two would be more closely aligned. initiative. It discussed the Commission’s Single Market Act and issued a set of conclusions. There was a robust The Council adopted conclusions on the Eurostars debate, in which a number of member states, including and ambient assisted living programmes which combine the UK, made the case for the conclusions to better EU and national funding to support R and D carried reflect spring European Council language on open trade, out by SMEs and R and D into technology for elderly services and reducing regulatory burden. Agreement people respectively, and on European research area was reached after the presidency tabled a number of governance. Under any other business the Commission compromise texts. supplied information on the European Research Council, Artemis and Eniac joint technology initiatives, the European The Council also agreed a position on a proposal to Institute of Innovation and Technology plus a follow revise the EU’s main accounting directive. The UK up to the Green Paper on the future of EU R and D welcomed the fact that this will lighten administrative funding. The presidency also reported on the recent burdens on small firms (those with less than 10 employees). informal Competitiveness Council in Godollo, Hungary. I believe this is a significant agreement, and perhaps the first example of ex-post exemption from existing EU On EU space policy the Council adopted conclusions regulation for very small companies. and agreed that Galileo satellite navigation and global monitoring for environment and security programmes An attempt to agree a proposal for a Council regulation (GMES) should remain priorities. The UK supported on a European private company was made but none the need to prioritise these programmes and welcomed was reached. The Council also discussed the unitary Commission efforts at containing costs on Galileo, calling patent (formerly known as the Community patent). An for cost effectiveness of new EU space situational awareness extra Council is now scheduled for 27 June to agree a programmes and saying the Ariane programmes should general approach on the regulations for establishing a remain projects developed by the European Space Agency European unitary patent. and not be funded by the EU. The UK also noted the Member states agreed the Council’s conclusions tabled potential of EU involvement in a Mars sample return on smart regulation. While the UK continues to believe mission for European science and industry. there is scope for much greater ambition in this area, we Council conclusions were adopted with minor changes welcomed developments to lighten smaller company to the presidency’s draft, such as amendments on GMES burdens and the Council commitment to conduct impact data policy calling for “free of charge access to certain assessments on its own amendments. At the ministerial public data and services” and removal of the Commission lunchtime discussion of administrative burdens, all member acknowledgement of the need for independent access to states supported the idea of exemptions for micro-entities space for Europe. and special treatment for small to medium enterprises (SMEs) in upcoming regulations. The Commission welcomed the fact that member TREASURY states have appointed so-called SME envoys to take forward national implementation of the to the EU’s Small Business Act. Points of any other business were a Money Laundering Regulations report held by Malta on the Euro-Med conference on 11 May and an outline by Poland on its presidency The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Mr Mark priorities. Hoban): Today the Government are publishing their On the second day of the Council, Ministers received response to the review of the money laundering regulations, updated progress on negotiations for the Euratom copies of which have been placed in the Libraries of (European Atomic Energy Framework Community) both Houses. This includes proposals for consultation framework programme 2012-13 legislation. The UK and a request for information on the costs and benefits supported the presidency’s work to date to reach agreement of these proposals to inform robust analysis and on the legislation, and noted agreement would be needed ensure they will make the regulations more effective 3WS Written Ministerial Statements7 JUNE 2011 Written Ministerial Statements 4WS and proportionate. This follows a review by the Regulatory ballistic missile programmes. Vessels of IRISL have Policy Committee and approval from the Cabinet Reducing transported goods for both Iran’s ballistic missile and Regulation sub-Committee. nuclear programmes. There has been an extensive period of engagement The order was approved by the House of Commons with industry, supervisors, law enforcement, business on 28 October 2009 and by the House of Lords on customers, private individuals and across Government. 2 November 2009. While I have concluded that the regulations and their implementation are broadly effective and proportionate The direction was in force for a period of 12 months in practice, more needs to be done. from the day on which the order was made, and expired Businesses are overly focused on process and I want on 9 October 2010, in accordance with paragraph 16 of to strengthen the risk-based approach provided for in schedule 7. A further direction was not given on its the regulations, in order to ensure they are as effective expiry because the European Council, in Decision 2010/ as they can be in helping to prevent and detect money 413/CFSP of 26 July 2010 (“the Council Decision”) had laundering and terrorist finance. imposed restrictive measures against Iran, including designating both Bank Mellat and IRISL (among other Through this response and the proposals for consultation entities) for an asset-freeze. it includes, I want to give businesses the confidence to adopt policies and procedures that reflect their own The asset-freezing provisions of the Council decision assessment of risk. To help achieve this, I am consulting were implemented by Council Implementing Regulation on removing the criminal penalties in the regulations. (EU) No 668/2010 on 26 July 2010. The effect of the Those responsible within businesses should not be applying designation is that all funds and economic resources the same requirements to all customers regardless of owned or controlled by Bank Mellat or IRISL in the the level of risk they present because of a fear of prison EU were frozen with immediate effect, and it is prohibited if they get it wrong. to make funds or economic resources available to either In addition to proposing changes to the regulations, entity. On 27 October 2010 Council Regulation (EU) my officials will be working to strengthen the risk-based 961/2010 came into force, implementing the additional approach in a number of other ways from the development financial restrictions contained in the Council decision, of global standards by the financial action taskforce to including a ban on providing insurance to Iranian persons. working with the supervisors and providing further Bank Mellat challenged the order in November 2009. support for industry guidance in the UK. The order was upheld by the High Court on 11 June The consultation closes on 30 August, after which 2010. Bank Mellat appealed to the Court of Appeal, changes to the regulations will be finalised and proposed which dismissed the appeal on 13 January 2011. Bank with a view to them taking effect during 2012. Mellat have been granted permission to appeal to the Supreme Court. Schedule 7 to Counter-Terrorism Act 2008 (Annual IRISL also challenged the order in early 2010. In Report to Parliament) March 2011 IRISL withdrew their challenge (which had been stayed pending the outcome of proceedings in the Commercial Court). The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Mr Mark Hoban): This report sets out details of the Treasury’s Licensing exercise during the calendar year 2010 of their functions Under paragraph 17 of schedule 7, the Treasury can under schedule 7 to the Counter-Terrorism Act 2008. exempt acts specified in a licence from the requirements Paragraph 38 of schedule 7 requires the Treasury to of a direction requiring the cessation or limiting of report to Parliament after each calendar year in which a transactions or business relations. direction under the powers is at any time in force. The schedule 7 powers In operating the licensing regime in respect of the Schedule 7 provides HM Treasury with powers to order, the Treasury’s aim was to minimise the impact of implement a graduated range of financial restrictions in the restrictions upon innocent third parties, without response to certain risks to the UK’s national interests. compromising the objective of the direction. Licences The risks it addresses are those posed by money laundering, were considered on a case-by-case basis. terrorist financing, and the proliferation of chemical, The Treasury issued three general licences: biological, radiological and nuclear weapons. General licence 1 concerned the holding of accounts and Direction given under the powers in schedule 7 funds of designated persons; The Iran (Financial Restrictions) Order 2009 (“the Order”) came into force on 12 October 2009. The order General licence 2 concerned payments to designated persons due under prior contracts; and contained a direction by HM Treasury requiring persons operating in the financial sector to cease business General licence 3 provided a seven-day grace period for the relationships and transactions with Bank Mellat and provision of insurance to designated persons, after which the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (“IRISL”). prohibitions would apply. The direction was given on the basis that activity in Applications were made to the Treasury on a case-by-case Iran that facilitates the development or production of basis for Acts not covered by any of the general licences. nuclear weapons poses a significant risk to the national Between 12 October 2009 and 9 October 2010, 135 interests of the UK. Bank Mellat had provided banking licence applications were received. Of these, 101 licences services to a UN proscribed organisation connected to were granted and five applications were refused. The Iran’s proliferation sensitive activities, and been involved other 29 applications were either duplicate applications in transactions related to financing Iran’s nuclear and or for acts that did not require a licence. 5WS Written Ministerial Statements7 JUNE 2011 Written Ministerial Statements 6WS

COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT The public sector owns 16,000 hectares of previously developed land. In the Chancellor’s “Plan for Growth” Department’s Work (Whitsun Recess 2011) published alongside Budget 2011, we committed to accelerate the release of this land to encourage development. Work undertaken since March shows that by pushing The Secretary of State for Communities and Local harder we can unlock land to deliver up to 100,000 Government (Mr Eric Pickles): I would like to update homes—and as many as 25,000 jobs by 2015. We are hon. Members on the main items of business undertaken publishing the Homes and Communities Agency’s land by my Department since the House rose on 24 May disposal strategy, and this will deliver over 11,000 housing 2011. starts over the spending review period—an increase of nearly 40% over what was previously planned. Accountability The Minister for Housing and Local Government In August 2010, I announced plans to disband the has set out how we can get this asset working harder for Audit Commission and refocus audit on helping local us—supporting local growth and the construction industry people hold their council to account. Since then we have and building more badly needed homes. And this autumn, been examining the most cost-effective option for Government Departments will publish plans to release disbanding the Audit Commission, transferring audit thousands of acres of land to house builders, so they into the private sector and allowing local authorities to can get on and build the homes the country needs and appoint their own auditors. raise revenue for the Exchequer. On 2 June 2011, we provided an update on plans to Power to communities secure a value-for-money transfer of the Audit Commission in-house practice into the private sector. In a letter from My Department believes that communities should the Department’s permanent secretary to councils, we have the power to shape their neighbourhoods. set out our initial view that outsourcing all the audits On 1 June, my colleague, the Minister with responsibility currently undertaken by the in-house practice to the for decentralisation and planning, my right hon. Friend private sector provides the best value-for-money option. the Member for Tunbridge Wells (Greg Clark) announced We have asked the Audit Commission to begin substantive a further 40 communities to join the 50 already taking preparatory work for outsourcing the 2012-13 audits part in trialling the neighbourhood planning rights and to design a procurement process that allows a range being introduced in the Localism Bill. Each of the 40 of firms to bid, including allowing for the possibility of neighbourhood planning front-runners will receive £20,000 an employee-owned mutual. These measures set in train towards developing their plans and will be led by local our goal to radically scale back centrally driven bureaucratic authorities, working with community groups and parish targets and costly inspection, saving the taxpayers money. councils to prepare draft plans and neighbourhood Transparency development orders. The Department is continuing its commitment to On 2 June, my colleague, the Minister for Housing deliver transparent and open Government, using and Local Government, launched new guidelines on the transparency to help reduce unnecessary spending and community right to build. The guidelines offer information help get more for less. On 1 June, we published historic to communities considering taking forward a community- details of the Department’s Government procurement led scheme using the new power being introduced in the card from 2008 to date, including all spending on the Localism Bill and encourage people to think about the corporate charge cards—not just over £500. A copy of development they would like to see in their area. the dataset is in the Library of the House. Auschwitz-Birkenau Foundation fund Promoting Growth Auschwitz-Birkenau is an important place of This Government want to create a new generation of remembrance; it is our collective responsibility to ensure enterprise zones across England that will encourage that it stands as a perpetual reminder of the pain and new business and stimulate growth. Following the destructive force of hate. On 26 May, together with the announcement of the first 11 vanguard enterprise zones, Foreign Secretary, we announced a £2.1 million Government on 27 May, I opened up the competition for the second contribution to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Foundation wave of applications. Criteria and application forms fund to help ensure the lessons of Auschwitz live on for have been issued to the 29 existing or prospective local generations to come. The money will be used to ensure enterprise partnerships that have expressed interest in the long-term preservation and restoration of the establishing one of the next 10 enterprise zones. Applications Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp and its important will be assessed against their ability to deliver growth, place in educating people of the horrors of the Holocaust. the value for money they deliver and the robustness of implementation plans to ensure that the best possible sites are selected. House building is a top priority for this Government CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT and we believe that bureaucratic regional strategies slowed down the planning system and acted as an unnecessary impediment to growth. On 27 May, CALA Horserace Totalisator Board (The Tote) Homes lost its second challenge against the Government’s intention to revoke regional strategies, first announced in July 2010. The Court of Appeal confirmed that The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture, planning authorities and inspectors can take our intention Olympics, Media and Sport (John Penrose): In my written to abolish regional strategies into consideration in deciding ministerial statement of 31 January 2011, Official Report, planning applications and appeals. column 28WS I said that the Government expected to 7WS Written Ministerial Statements7 JUNE 2011 Written Ministerial Statements 8WS be in a position to provide the House with a further advice on academies and free schools, contributing to update in the spring on the process for resolving the the success of these priority reforms for the coalition future of the Tote. Government. I am now able to inform the House that, after a I can also confirm that the post of chief executive of thorough, fair and open process, the Government entered the Education Funding Agency will be filled by Peter into a legally binding agreement to dispose of their Lauener, transferring from his current role as chief interest in the Tote’s successor company to on executive of the YoungPeople’s Learning Agency subject 3 June 2011 for a total consideration of £265 million. to the passage of the legislation necessary to dissolve This is an excellent price, and fulfils commitments made that organisation. The Education Funding Agency will in Budgets 2010 and 2011 to resolve the future of the take over responsibility from the YoungPeople’s Learning Tote by June 2011. The Government strongly believe Agency for the funding of young people’s education that the terms of the sale, which include important and training—including the increasing number of commitments by Betfred both to racing and to staff, academies. Peter’s leadership of the Young People’s provide an excellent outcome for the key stakeholders, Learning Agency, since its inception, has made an and also for the taxpayer. invaluable contribution to the success of that organisation As I said in my statement of 31 January the Government and I expect that he will make a similar contribution to will also honour the commitment of the previous the work of the Education Funding Agency. Government to share 50% of the net cash proceeds of the sale with racing. This amounts to over £90 million and will be made available over a number of years, reflecting the broader fiscal position and the need to Commercialisation and Sexualisation of Childhood spend the funds in a manner consistent with EU state (Independent Review) aid rules. The Government will pay interest on the outstanding balance, as appropriate, in the normal way. The Government now look forward to working closely The Minister of State, Department for Education with racing to discuss the detail and to design appropriate (Sarah Teather): It is natural for parents to want the arrangements. best for their children. It is just as natural for them to The Government expect to complete the sale after the want to do what they can to protect their children from conclusion of a four to eight-week TUPE consultation the potential risks to their health, happiness and safety. and wider information sharing process with employees Among the concerns that parents have is that their of the Tote. The final consideration will be subject to a children are under the twin pressures to grow up too technical, market standard adjustment (upwards or quickly and to become consumers or sexualised adults downwards) after completion to reflect the actual level earlier than is appropriate. These pressures on children of net debt and working capital on the Tote’s balance today are greater than they were for previous generations. sheet on the day the transaction completed. They reach children through all forms of popular culture, including television, film, magazines, newspapers, music and the internet. Children and young people encounter them in their homes, when they go shopping or out with EDUCATION friends and family, and on their mobile phones and games consoles. Arm’s Length Body Reform This Government share the concerns of parents about these pressures. On 6 December 2010 the Government asked Mr Reg Bailey, chief executive of the Mothers’ The Secretary of State for Education (Michael Gove): Union, to carry out an independent review of the I am committed to improving the transparency, commercialisation and sexualisation of childhood. His accountability and efficiency of the education system, review is the first step in fulfilling the commitment we including slimming down the number of arm’s length made to take action to protect children from excessive bodies. This will allow more resource to be directed to commercialisation and premature sexualisation. the front line, where it matters most, and enable people I am now pleased to announce that Mr Bailey’s to see more clearly who is accountable for what and to review, “Letting Children Be Children”, was published speak more directly to Government. yesterday. Copies will be placed in the Libraries of both Partnerships for Schools (PfS) will be wound up and Houses. its functions transferred to the Department for Education Mr Bailey has made a full and comprehensive report policy directorates and the new Education Funding and fulfilled the remit he was given. He has built on the Agency (EFA), an executive agency of the Department. important work of other reviewers in this area, notably My intention is that this will happen in April 2012. those of Professor David Buckingham and colleagues, Following Sebastian James’s proposals for a new and others by Professor Tanya Byron and Dr Linda system for managing capital expenditure and the wider Papadopoulos, and drawn on a review of more recent reform of arm’s length bodies, I have decided the time is literature on the topic carried out by Dr Ann Phoenix right to bring together, in a single agency, the allocation of the Childhood Wellbeing Research Centre. and management of revenue and capital funding, including Mr Bailey has been particularly interested in hearing the delivery of capital programmes. the views of the people most affected by the unwarranted I would like to take this opportunity to thank pressures to grow up too quickly: parents and children. Partnerships for Schools for its excellent work over the The review commissioned face-to-face surveys of the years. In particular, I am grateful for its support and views of parents and children and qualitative research 9WS Written Ministerial Statements7 JUNE 2011 Written Ministerial Statements 10WS with parents, undertook a call for evidence from parents, Act 1984 and 2010. The consultation will look at a and drew on the results of a survey of children and range of options including consideration of whether it young people carried out by the Children and Young would be appropriate for the exemption that music People’s Advisory Board of the office of the Children’s videos enjoy from this legislation to be removed, and Commissioner. call for evidence in support of the costs and benefits of In the course of his review Mr Bailey met representatives such a change. from retailing, advertising, marketing, broadcasting and This Government are committed to rolling back internet service providers, their trade associations and their unnecessary regulation, but we will regulate where necessary, regulators. The call for evidence from industry and and in particular to protect children. By placing the wider stakeholders drew 120 responses from businesses, responsibility for action on businesses themselves and, trade associations and voluntary organisations. Mr Bailey if necessary, their regulators, we believe that businesses also met experts in child protection, parenting champions will have the best opportunity and incentive to adopt and a range of academic and other experts in this field. policies and practices as proposed by Mr Bailey in ways The voices of parents and children come through which are efficient and indeed could provide new strongly in the four key themes identified in his report. opportunities through connecting strongly with parents Children and young people today are surrounded by and children. sexualised imagery that has become an all-pervasive, We will, as Mr Bailey recommends, take stock of ever-present backdrop to their lives, whether on television, progress in 18 months’ time and consider what further the internet, in shops or public spaces. Parents find that measures may need to be taken to achieve the recommended goods and services for children in reputable high street outcomes. shops are sometimes overly sexualised or needlessly gendered. Businesses in the children’s market too often treat children only as consumers and not as children. ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS Parents find it hard to voice their concerns or make a complaint and fear they will not be listened to if they Agriculture and Fisheries Council do. Mr Bailey has listened to the concerns of parents and takes them seriously. He understands that they want to The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and set the standards and values their children live by and Rural Affairs (Mrs Caroline Spelman): My noble Friend that they want support from businesses and others in Lord Henley represented the United Kingdom at the doing this. He believes that their views have a special Agriculture and Fisheries Council in Brussels on 17 May status as they speak for children, not just for themselves. The only item on the main agenda was the participation That is why, in making his recommendations, Mr Bailey of the EU in negotiations on a legally binding agreement is seeking ways to make businesses and regulators more (LBA) on forests in Europe at the ministerial meeting in responsive to the views of parents and to give parents Oslo on 14-16 June. The presidency urged the Council more direct influence on how the decisions affecting to reach consensus on the two decisions required: children are made. Mr Bailey’s view is that some businesses i) the Council decision on EU areas of competence; and and regulators behave in exemplary fashion in their ii) the member state decision on areas of national competence. dealings with parents and children, but that those that The Commission wanted the two decisions treated as do not need to step up and be as good as the best. a package and agreed by consensus and the Council Businesses of all kinds need to encourage feedback legal service’s opinion was that this mix of EU and MS from parents and, where necessary, take heed of their competence required a consensus agreement. Most member complaints. Nor is it enough for businesses simply to states supported the LBA; the UK, Sweden and the comply with the relevant regulatory systems for their Netherlands were opposed. The UK, while supporting industry which were established to protect children: the voluntary aspect of Forest Europe’s work, reiterated parents expect them to do their best for children, not its objections on the basis that an LBA would involve simply stick to the rules. Where regulation is less prescriptive, both financial and policy costs. Sweden made a robust businesses should play fair and not take advantage of intervention which defended its national interests in the children. And regulators too, need to connect with forest sector and rejected the LBA. However, there was parents and take more recognition of their views on general support for all decisions to be agreed by consensus what is appropriate for their children. and that further concessions might be required. The The Government welcome Mr Bailey’s analysis and presidency referred the draft decisions back to Coreper the thrust of all the recommendations he has made. We for further consideration before the Oslo conference. note that the majority of the recommendations are There were nine AoB points directed at industry and the regulators and we look to Welfare of animals during transport—Sweden called them to see that these recommendations are implemented on the Commission to consider reducing the maximum as fully as possible, while remaining open to industry journey time for animals going to slaughter to eight and regulators devising alternative or additional approaches hours. The Commission explained that its report, due to to delivering the outcomes that the recommendations be published in September, would be to provide an are aimed at achieving. overview of the implementation of the existing regulation. Two recommendations are directed to the Government The Commission would then consider what actions themselves. Mr Bailey has recommended that the were needed to address issues identified in that report. Government should consider strengthening the controls While a few other member states supported Sweden, the on music videos. The Department for Culture, Media UK and others emphasised that existing EU legislation and Sport will respond to this recommendation by should be better enforced and that sound scientific consulting on the operation of the Video Recordings evidence would be required to justify further legislation. 11WS Written Ministerial Statements7 JUNE 2011 Written Ministerial Statements 12WS

Animal Welfare in the Baltic Region—Lithuania explained offset shortfalls and high sugar prices on the EU market. that it had hosted a conference in to promote animal Germany, the UK and Portugal argued that balance welfare in the Baltic region through the concept of needed to be maintained on the EU market between responsible ownership. The Commission, a conference beet producers and cane refiners, in accordance with the co-organiser, added that the conference had highlighted 2006 sugar reforms. The Commission felt a longer-term the importance of education and information campaigns view should be maintained, noting the structural changes to promote animal welfare standards. that would occur. Codex alimentarius negotiations—The presidency highlighted the importance of these discussions. The Natural Environment White Paper (“The Natural Commission urged member states to provide an adequate Choice”) level of participation to ensure that the EU could maintain its leading role in setting international food standards. The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and G20 update—France updated the Council on the five Rural Affairs (Mrs Caroline Spelman): This is the first pillar action plan it had drawn up, to tackle the volatility Environment White Paper in years and sets out how we of agricultural commodity prices, for the June meeting will deliver the coalition’s commitment to protect the of G20 Agriculture Ministers. The Commission would environment for future generations, make our economy table specific proposals in reaction to the action plan more environmentally sustainable, and improve our quality which will be endorsed by the G20 Ministers in June. of life and well-being. The importance of boosting the transparency of the It follows a consultation which elicited a huge public agricultural commodity market and strengthening rules response of 15,000 submissions and I am extremely banning export restrictions was emphasised by the grateful to all those who took the time to respond and Commission. share their ideas. Current drought situation and advance of direct payments The White Paper also responds to two major independent —France, with the support from a number of member studies: the National Ecosystem Assessment and the states called for an advance of 8% of direct payments Lawton report, “Making Space for Nature”. and suckler cow premium to offset shortfalls in market receipts owing to recent droughts in northern Europe. The White Paper offers an ambitious vision for the The Commission observed that advances in direct payments next 50 years: to be the generation that leaves the were already permissible under the current rules and natural environment in a better state than we found it. would work with France for a solution on suckler cow Key aims of the paper are: premium. to protect and improve our natural environment; Conference on sustainable food consumption and to grow a greener economy; production—The presidency introduced its report of the to capture the benefits which nature has for our well-being; above conference, which had been based on the findings and of the Standing Committee on Agricultural Research to secure a healthy natural environment overseas. (SCAR). The presidency concluded that SCAR would The NEWP aims to better engage and connect local adopt a declaration on research applications for agricultural communities with their natural environments, making it sustainability in June, while the Commission noted that easier for them to get involved in protecting and enhancing the future CAP would also need instruments to address nature in their area. challenges identified by the SCAR. To that end, it Alongside the White Paper we have also published a would be establishing an innovation partnership on more detailed response to the “Making Space for Nature” agricultural research in due course. review, which is available on the DEFRA website. Conclusions of the enlarged advisory group on pigmeat— A copy of the White Paper is available at: www.defra. The Commission reprised the conclusions, noting in gov.uk/environment/natural/whitepaper/ particular that it would address the challenges faced by the pigmeat sector as part of the reform of the CAP. A large majority of member states intervened to lament the lack of immediate action. The presidency noted that FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE delegations could continue to raise similar points at the informal Council on 30 May, when the question of sustainable animal husbandry would be discussed by Civilian Service Medal (Afghanistan) Ministers. Poland’s request for a 30% increase in intervention The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth price for cereals—Poland justified this request on the Affairs (Mr William Hague): I am pleased to be able to basis of recent rises in input costs. The Commission inform the House that Her Majesty the Queen has rejected the call as cereals price were at record highs; graciously approved a proposal for the issue of a Civilian intervention prices were being maintained at current Service Medal (Afghanistan) to recognise service by levels during the CAP health check and it was important civilians employed by Her Majesty’s Government working that intervention functioned as a genuine safety net for towards a stable and secure Afghanistan. I am placing producers and not as a profitable alternative to market the Command Paper instituting the Civilian Service sales. Medal (Afghanistan) in the Library of the House. It Sugar production quota—Poland, with the support of will also be published on the Foreign and Commonwealth some member states, called for an increase in the sugar Office website (www.fco.gov.uk) and on the Governments production quota for all beet producing countries to UK and Afghanistan website (http://afghanistan.hmg. 13WS Written Ministerial Statements7 JUNE 2011 Written Ministerial Statements 14WS gov.uk/). Further information on the criteria for eligibility, CQC, has also written to the Department expressing along with details on how to nominate individuals for her regret for CQC’s failure to act in this case. She, and the medal, will also be available on the Foreign and CQC staff, are fully committed to learning the lessons Commonwealth Office website. from this tragic case and to making sure that when there are signs of poor care, CQC acts quickly to protect vulnerable people. In seeking to strengthen CQC as a HEALTH quality inspectorate, we will work closely with CQC to ensure it is able to carry out its functions effectively and Winterbourne View Private Hospital efficiently. In the light of incidents at Winterboume View, CQC The Minister of State, Department of Health (Paul has started an immediate responsive review of all services Burstow): This Government believe that people with a run by Castlebeck Care (a further 22 locations in England). learning disability have the right to lead their lives free Inspections will be completed within the next two to from fear and discrimination, to receive the care and three weeks. Reports on these individual services as well support they need, and to be treated with dignity and as a summary report will then be publicly available on respect. CQC’s website. The abuse at Winterbourne View exposed by In addition, CQC will begin a focused inspection whistleblower Terry Bryan and documented by the BBC programme which will review care provided by hospitals Panorama team, will be a cause of enormous concern for people with learning disabilities. The three-month not just to the families and patients affected but to all programme of reviews will involve unannounced inspections who are concerned about the care and support society at a sample of the 150 hospitals that provide care for provides to vulnerable people. The Department extends people with learning disabilities. Where CQC identifies its deepest sympathy to those who have suffered abuse care that is not meeting requirements, it will be able to and all those who love and support them. use its full range of enforcement powers to take immediate The responsibility for the quality and safety in care action to require hospitals to make necessary improvements. crucially depends on: providers, who have a duty of care to each individual they Each patient at Winterbourne View has been regularly are responsible for, ensuring that services meet individual reviewed by a multi-disciplinary clinical team on behalf needs and that there are systems and processes in place to of the primary care trust that commissioned their care. ensure there is effective, efficient and high-quality care; In many cases, this process has involved conversations commissioners (both primary care trusts and local authorities), with patients and relatives. All patients had been reviewed who are responsible for purchasing care which meets people’s in the last six months, most in the past three months. needs and ensuring that they are clear about the quality and Those primary care trusts who commissioned the care effectiveness of that care; and for the patients who were resident in Winterbourne the regulators (both the quality regulator and the professions’ View are carrying out an urgent review of the processes regulators), who are responsible for assuring the quality of care. used to commission and review patients in privately provided services. The outcome will be fed into the Following an approach from “Panorama” on Friday wider multi-agency safeguarding review. 13 May, the national and local agencies involved have acted promptly and decisively to resolve the situation. On 1 June 2011 South Gloucestershire council announced Their first priority was ensuring the safety of patients at that it will lead an independently chaired serious case Winterbourne View. review (involving all agencies) which will look in detail A criminal investigation is also under way and the at the specifics of this case and we will consider its House will understand that I am limited in what I can findings carefully. say about particular events to avoid compromising police I asked officials on 18 May to undertake an examination activities. of the roles of all of the agencies involved in this case The steps taken since 13 May include: drawing together the key lessons from the reviews being South Gloucestershire council called an immediate multi-agency undertaken by the CQC, the NHS and safeguarding adult safeguarding meeting. This meeting included the local boards. The Department will be assisted in that task by authority, the local NHS and the police, together with the Mark Goldring, the chief executive of Mencap, who Care Quality Commission (CQC) and Castlebeck Care (who will not only bring an independent perspective but also are the providers of services at Winterbourne View). Immediate action has been taken to assure the safety of current patients, a depth and breadth of knowledge of the needs of including the suspension of 15 staff and a decision not to people with learning disabilities. Ministers will then accept further patients at Winterbourne View. NHS report further to Parliament. commissioners have also put in place independent clinical The planned reforms for health and social care should and managerial supervision, and commissioned independent assessments of all current patients. All people in Winterbourne also increase our ability to drive up standards in services View now have a personal advocate; and to deliver joined-up services and optimal care to CQC is taking enforcement action; patients with highly specialised needs. Subject to the all admissions to the unit have been suspended; and NHS listening exercise and the passage of the Health CQC is working with others to vacate the unit and appropriately and Social Care Bill, the NHS commissioning board relocate the patients through a systematic search for suitable will commission specified specialised services, with alternative placements, taking into account the specialist commissioning consortia responsible for commissioning needs of the patients and the wishes of their families. other complex services. Through consortia, general CQC has acknowledged that there were indications practitioners and other clinicians will have new opportunities of problems at Winterboume View which should have to shape the way that health services are designed and led to it acting sooner. CQC has issued an unreserved delivered. Taking into account the increasing range of apology to those it has let down. Jo Williams, chair of NICE quality standards, consortia will work closely 15WS Written Ministerial Statements7 JUNE 2011 Written Ministerial Statements 16WS with secondary care and other health care and social members of the public. In addition, strategic health care professionals, and with community partners. authorities across the country supported the listening We will ensure that there is particular emphasis within exercise by encouraging staff, patients and communities the “pathfinder” programme on testing ways of ensuring to share their views both online and at their own that consortia quickly develop knowledge and expertise regional events. in relation to more complex and specialist services. This In addition to listening events, people were encouraged will include exploring joint commissioning with local to air their comments and concerns through digital authorities, for instance in relation to care and support channels. The modernisation of health and care website for people with long-term mental health conditions, recorded over 2,400 public posts alongside a further 970 and people with learning disabilities, allowing people to privately submitted comments. Feedback was also received remain in their local communities maintaining their through in excess of 500 engagement questionnaires. relationships with family and friends. The NHS Future Forum is reflecting on what they We will ensure that the NHS commissioning board have heard and will be reporting to the Government has a particular focus on promoting quality improvement shortly. The Government will then respond, setting out in relation to more complex or specialist services. the improvements they intend to make to the modernisation plans and the Health and Social Care Bill. The forum’s We have also announced our intention to make report will be placed in the Library. safeguarding adults boards a legal requirement. This will strengthen the local governance and accountability of safeguarding arrangements. It will enable local partners Southern Cross Healthcare in local authorities, the NHS and the police to work closely with their communities to safeguard vulnerable adults. Safeguarding adults boards currently exist in The Minister of State, Department of Health (Paul every local authority but are not mandatory. By legislating Burstow): The House will be aware of concerns over the we intend them to make them stronger in their efforts to future financial viability of the care home company prevent abuse and to respond unequivocally where it Southern Cross Healthcare. does occur. The Government understand that recent events and We will also take steps to support, and respond to, media speculation will have caused concern to residents whistleblowers. Our proposals for Health Watch mean in Southern Cross care homes, their relatives and families that local health watch organisations could ask CQC to and staff investigate services where they have concerns. In addition, proposals for local health watch to signpost people to The Government’s primary concern in this matter is information about services and help them if they want for the welfare of the residents living in Southern Cross to complain about NHS services would provide additional homes. That must be paramount. For that reason, it is “early warning” of problems with particular services. important that this matter is resolved in a measured and This could lead to Health Watch being able to “enter orderly manner. and view” services and make recommendations about Officials have been in frequent contact with Southern improvements. Cross’s senior management over the last three months and continue to be so. Ministers have been monitoring Every part of the system must be working to drive up the situation carefully. standards and take collective responsibility for minimising the chances of this series of events happening again. Through discussions with Southern Cross, its landlords and its lenders, we have ensured that everyone involved understands their responsibilities towards the residents. National Health Service Modernisation Listening Whatever the outcome of the restructuring by Southern Exercise Cross, no one will find themselves homeless or without care. The Government will not let that happen. The Department has been working with the Local Government The Secretary of State for Health (Mr Andrew Lansley): Association, the Association of Directors of Adult On 6 April the Government announced that they would Social Services and the Care Quality Commission, to take advantage of a natural break in the legislative ensure that all agencies are clear on our respective roles process to pause, listen and reflect on the national and responsibilities. health service modernisation plans and to make any It is for Southern Cross, its landlords and those with necessary improvements to the Health and Social Care an interest in the business, to put in place a plan that Bill. The NHS Future Forum, a group of 45 professionals stabilises the business and ensures continuity in the from across health and social care, was established to operation of the care homes. That process is in hand help drive the engagement process. The eight-week intensive and we must let it continue. We believe that the commercial listening period came to its conclusion on 31 May. difficulties that Southern Cross has encountered are capable of resolution within the sector. It is not the role In order to hear from as wide a range of people as of Government to interfere in these commercial possible throughout the pause, various methods of negotiations. engagement were employed. Some 250 events were held and over 8,000 people took part directly in providing All parties involved—including other Government their views. These meetings and events were attended by Departments, local authorities and the Care Quality Ministers and NHS Future Forum members and involved Commission—are ready to take decisive action if these over 250 stakeholder organisations, including patient plans do not create a viable platform for the future groups, professional bodies and unions, voluntary sector There are clear and effective protections in place that groups and local authorities, as well as patients and cover this situation. No resident—whether publicly or 17WS Written Ministerial Statements7 JUNE 2011 Written Ministerial Statements 18WS self-funded—would be left homeless or without care. In Department of Health, DEFRA and other key partners an emergency, a local authority can provide residential to maintain an up-to-date assessment of the risk to UK accommodation to anyone who has an urgent need for consumers. it. A local authority would continue to provide care for I should like to assure the House that immediate any self-funding resident who was unable to find or action would be taken to alert consumers, withdraw arrange care for themselves. food from shops, and ban imports should the Food The Government will continue to monitor the situation Standards Agency suspect that contaminated product closely and reiterate to all parties that they have a associated with this outbreak is in the UK or may be collective responsibility to resolve the situation in a way imported into the UK. In the meantime, the clear that does not put at risk the continuity or quality of advice to consumers is that they should follow the usual care of residents. best practice in preparing and consuming fruit and vegetables, peeling and cooking where this is appropriate or otherwise thoroughly washing fruit and vegetables E. coli Outbreak (Germany) where these are to be eaten raw. People should also be reminded that washing hands before eating and after handling raw food is always advisable. The Secretary of State for Health (Mr Andrew Lansley): I will give further updates to the House on this I wish to inform the House of how the Government are important issue as new information becomes available. taking all possible measures to monitor the serious E. coli 0104 outbreak that is centred in Germany and to assess and deal with any associated risks should any HOME DEPARTMENT arise for consumers in the UK. Over the weekend the German authorities indicated the potential source of the outbreak is thought to be a Prevention of Terrorism Act 2005 sprouted seed mix consisting of alfalfa seeds, fenugreek, lentil and azuki beans from a farm in northern Germany. This link has been identified through epidemiological The Secretary of State for the Home Department studies. However, initial test results reported yesterday (Mrs Theresa May): In accordance with section 14(3), (6 June) were negative. The German authorities are 14(4) and 14(5) of the Prevention of Terrorism Act 2005, carrying out further tests and investigations to try to Lord Carlile of Berriew QC prepared a report on the confirm the source of the outbreak. operation of the Act in 2010, which I laid before the House on 3 February 2011. I want to reassure the House that I am advised by the UK Food Standards Agency that there is no evidence I am grateful to Lord Carlile for this, his final report that any of these products are present in the UK food as independent reviewer of CT legislation, and more chain. Information received to date indicates that all of broadly for the valuable contribution that he has made the potentially affected produce was distributed locally to this important area of work. Following consultation in Germany and has been withdrawn from the German within my Department and with other relevant agencies, market. The 11 cases of illness we have in the UK I am today laying before the House my response to apparently linked to this outbreak are all in people with Lord Carlile’s recommendations. a history of recent travel from Germany, and no new I am also laying before the House my response to the cases in the UK have been identified since Friday. report on the renewal of the control order legislation by As soon as they heard of the outbreak in Germany, the Joint Committee on Human Rights (published on the Department of Health made sure that clinicians in 1 March 2011). the NHS were alerted to watch out for cases of this Copies of the Government responses will be available illness and the Health Protection Agency issued advice in the Vote Office and a copy of each will also be placed to people travelling to Germany. The Health Protection on the Home Office website. Agency is also liaising closely with the authorities in Germany and counterparts across Europe. In addition to the 11 people who have fallen ill in the INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT UK there have been 2,231 reported cases in Germany and 102 elsewhere in Europe, again associated with travel from Germany. The strain of E. coli associated CDC Group plc with this outbreak has the potential to cause life-threatening illness and, unfortunately, 21 people in Germany and one person in Sweden have died. My sympathy and The Secretary of State for International Development condolences go to all those who have suffered in this (Mr Andrew Mitchell): In October 2010 I informed the outbreak. House of the Government’s decision to reconfigure The Food Standards Agency is in daily contact with CDC in order radically to increase its development the European Commission to ensure that the Government impact. have the most up-to-date information on the ongoing In my previous statement I set out the objectives of investigations into the source of the outbreak. The this reform and announced a public consultation, as Food Standards Agency is also working closely with the well as the commissioning of a number of independent Health Protection Agency, which is reporting immediately studies. The results of that consultation and the four any cases of illness in the UK associated with this studies have been published on the DFID website. The outbreak. Both agencies are in regular contact with the International Development Committee of this House 19WS Written Ministerial Statements7 JUNE 2011 Written Ministerial Statements 20WS has since conducted an inquiry into the future of CDC. The remuneration framework agreed for CDC by the Its report was published on 3 March 2011, and the previous Government, which aimed to align CDC Government’s response was given on 4 May. remuneration with private equity fund of funds firms in I can now inform the House that the Government the City of London, has led to inflated remuneration. A and the CDC board have agreed a new high-level business study by independent consultants has indicated that in plan, published during the Whitsun recess on 31 May, comparison with other publicly owned development which sets out how CDC will carry through the reforms finance institutions, and with private foundations doing I proposed last October. similar work, CDC remuneration has risen far above the median levels elsewhere. CDC will be more focused on the poor than any other development finance institution, building further We must bring pay and bonuses down to a level that on its strong concentration on the poorer countries in is fair and appropriate, but not excessive, for a publicly south Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. In future, all CDC’s owned body whose very purpose is to reduce poverty. new investment commitments will be for the benefit of The CDC board will take immediate action to cut these two regions, where over 70% of the world’s poorest bonus levels by 50% for this year. Once a new CDC people live. In India, CDC will move to a concentration chief executive is in place, the Government will agree on the eight poorest Indian states. with CDC’s board how to restructure pay to attract, motivate and retain people with the attitude and skills CDC will not invest in regions or sectors which are necessary to take part in this exciting new phase of already well served by private investors, such as large-scale CDC’s existence. The new remuneration framework will mining in many countries. Otherwise, it will be responsible prioritise development results rather than profitability for selecting, on the basis of the strongest anticipated and any performance-related pay will be largely deferred development outcomes, investments from across a wide and based on long-term performance. range of sectors. CDC will aim to reduce the proportion of its portfolio In response to the public consultation on CDC, CDC held in other countries outside the new focus regions will publish a new disclosure policy aimed at making its over time, to 15-20% by 2015. It will not invest in the work as transparent as possible. While observing the better-off developing countries, unless for the benefit of constraints of commercial confidentiality and the Data poorer countries in the relevant region. Protection Act, CDC will publish more information on the businesses using its capital, the funds investing it, There will be a new performance framework for and the economic impact of investments; and on CDC’s CDC, focused on development impact rather than CDC’s remuneration and operating costs. More of CDC’s own profitability. It will be a development-maximising, evaluations will be conducted independently, going beyond not a profit-maximising, enterprise. CDC will measure the current 50%, and as much evaluation material as the impact of its investments on generation of incomes possible will be published that does not jeopardise and tax revenues, broader private sector development, commercial confidentiality. CDC’s investment policy, mobilising private capital, and improving socially and agreed with DFID, will also be published. environmentally responsible management in beneficiary companies. Stretching targets will be set for these indicators CDC will update its investment code to reflect the for CDC to meet and they will be reviewed annually. latest international standards and best practice and will continue to ensure, by means of independent external CDC will become bolder and more pioneering in its audit, that its compliance and implementation are properly approach to innovation and risk: being more creative monitored. and accepting higher financial risks where these are justified by greater development benefits. It will reach CDC has strengthened its policy on taxation: where the parts that other emerging market investors too often it is within CDC’s discretion as originating or sole do not. But it will still ensure that it remains sufficiently investor, CDC will not make new investments in or profitable to offset the cost of the taxpayers’ money through harmful tax regimes, or regimes which do not invested in it, as defined by Her Majesty’s Treasury. comply with international tax transparency and exchange While development impact will be the driver, CDC will of information standards (as defined by the OECD and also look to build the companies in which it invests into Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange of commercially sustainable enterprises. Information for Tax Purposes). Where CDC does not have such discretion, CDC will make a judgment on the CDC will no longer exclusively operate indirectly, merits of the proposed new investment against the through private equity funds managed by others, but nature of the tax regime—and be transparent about will work through a wider range of intermediaries—and that judgment. CDC will also be transparent in its importantly, build up its own direct investments. It will dealings from a tax perspective. Information will be do this gradually and initially only through co-financing published on taxes paid within CDC’s portfolio and, if with other lead investors, as it redevelops its capacity to specific information cannot be published, CDC will seek out and manage direct investments. Likewise, it explain why. will offer lending as well as equity financing, with the aim of increasing the share of loan instruments in its DFID will work more closely with CDC, both at portfolio. country level and at the centre. CDC’s business plan will CDC will continue to make new commitments to be reviewed annually and CDC will report annually to private equity fund managers, and to support and develop the Secretary of State on achievement against its targets, suitable local investment management firms, but with which we will publish. the aim of reducing the fund of funds share of its assets The board of CDC has responded willingly and to some 60% by 2015. In running down this part of its constructively to the recent scrutiny of its work and to portfolio, the realisation of full value for money for the the changes that the Government have proposed. There taxpayer will remain the primary consideration. is now the opportunity to strengthen CDC’s role as a 21WS Written Ministerial Statements7 JUNE 2011 Written Ministerial Statements 22WS leading instrument in the UK’s policy for accelerating hoc specific advice is needed, it could be sought by poverty reduction in the poorer countries through enterprise individual policy divisions from third party stakeholder and economic growth. groups, the transport industry, and experts. This would have minimal cost (although commissioned, consultancy advice could be expensive) but perhaps risks disability issues being overlooked. TRANSPORT Option 2—Establish a stakeholder forum, which could be convened and provide advice as and when issues Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee arose. Again this would have minimal cost, but could (Public Bodies Bill) again result in an increased consultancy bill. It might also be difficult to decide who to appoint to the forum. There are over 50 disability groups, and their interests The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport sometimes conflict (e.g. the interests of the visually (Norman Baker): The cross-Government review of non- impaired, and those using mobility scooters). Achieving departmental public bodies, responding to this House consensus could therefore be difficult. in October 2010, decided that the public bodies landscape Option 3—Rely on a cross-Government body to provide needed radical reform to increase accountability, cut transport advice—for example the existing (non statutory) out duplication of activity, increase transparency and Equality 2025, run by the Department of Work and discontinue activities that were no longer needed. Among Pensions. This option should ensure that disability issues the recommendations was that the Disabled Persons do not get overlooked. Equality 2025 is likely to be able Transport Advisory Committee (DPTAC) be abolished. to offer general advice—for example on transport access The Public Bodies Bill is currently before Parliament. to the Olympics by disabled people—but would not be The Bill as drafted, would allow the Government to in a position to offer more specialist advice, for example make an order abolishing DPTAC. If the Bill is passed the type of mobility scooter models suitable to be with this provision in it, I am minded to make such an carried on public transport. order. But before coming to a definite decision to do so, Option 4—Establish a non-statutory specialist body I intend to consult on the order and will make no final which would be flexible and accountable to Ministers. decision until I have taken into account the responses to This may cost more than the options above, but should that consultation. be less expensive than the current arrangements. However, In advance of this formal consultation I am inviting a smaller body because of its size, may not cover all views from all those with an interest on what successor disability areas, and therefore could reduce the opportunities arrangements should be put in place if DPTAC is to provide pan-disability advice. abolished. I am seeking to ensure that any successor Option 5—A wide-ranging panel of experts from arrangement will continue to provide my Department which members could be drawn, on an ad hoc basis, with consensual, pan-disability advice in a flexible way, when specific advice is needed. A once a year meeting of and that any arrangement represents value-for-money. all specified stakeholders could be held so that they all I propose to invite comments on the options listed have the opportunity of voicing wider concerns. below: My initial thinking is that option 5 would be the most Option 1—Rely on existing expertise in the Department appropriate path to take, but I would welcome views to for Transport policy divisions and agencies. Where ad inform my decision making in this area.

1W Written Answers7 JUNE 2011 Written Answers 2W

Hugh Bayley: To ask the hon. Member for Caithness, Written Answers to Sutherland and Easter Ross, representing the House of Commons Commission, how much was paid in total in Questions salaries to (a) House of Commons Service staff and (b) staff employed by contractors to provide services to the House of Commons, including the Police and Tuesday 7 June 2011 the Post Office (i) in cash terms and (ii) at constant prices in (A) 1987, (B) 1992, (C) 1997, (D) 2001, (E) 2005 and (F) 2010. [57337]

HOUSE OF COMMONS COMMISSION John Thurso: The total amounts paid in salaries to House of Commons staff in financial years 2001-02, 2005-06 and 2010-11 in cash terms and at constant Manpower prices are shown in the following table:

Hugh Bayley: To ask the hon. Member for Caithness, £ million Sutherland and Easter Ross, representing the House of 2001-02 2005-06 2010-11 Commons Commission, what the full-time equivalent number of staff (a) directly employed by the House of Pay364457 Commons Service and (b) employed by contractors to Pay (adjusted 46 52 57 provide services to the House of Commons including for RPI) the Police and the Post Office was in (i) 1987, (ii) 1992, Resource accounts showing salary related details were (iii) 1997, (iv) 2001, (v) 2005 and (vi) 2010. [57336] introduced in 2001-02. The previous cash accounts do not provide this detail. John Thurso: The numbers of full-time equivalent The information provided excludes the Parliamentary staff directly employed by the House of Commons in Information and Communication Technology (PICT) financial years 1992-93, 1997-98, 2001-02, 2005-06 and department which was created in 2006. 2010-11 are as follows. Data are not available for 1987-88.

Financial year FTEs 1992-93 1,285 PRIME MINISTER 1997-98 1,397 2001-02 1,399 Devolution: Wales 2005-06 1,428 2010-11 1,564 Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Prime Minister what The House does not hold information on the numbers requests he received from (a) members of the Welsh of full-time equivalent staff employed by contractors Government and (b) the Secretary of State for Wales that provide services to the House. between 6 and 20 May 2011 for a meeting to discuss issues relating to Wales. [57722] The information provided excludes the Parliamentary Information and Communication Technology (PICT) The Prime Minister: I spoke to the First Minister on department which was created in 2006. his appointment to congratulate him and commit to regular communication with the Welsh Government Pay about issues which affect the people of Wales. I will be discussing issues relating to Wales with the First Minister Hugh Bayley: To ask the hon. Member for Caithness, of Wales at the forthcoming Joint Ministerial Committee Sutherland and Easter Ross, representing the House of meeting. I have regular discussions with the Secretary of Commons Commission, how many members of staff State for Wales, my right hon. Friend the Member for (a) directly employed by the House of Commons Chesham and Amersham (Mrs Gillan), about issues Service and (b) employed by contractors to provide relating to Wales. services to the House of Commons, including the Police and the Post Office, were paid more in salaries, IRA overtime and performance awards than a backbench hon. Member in (i) 1987, (ii) 1992, (iii) 1997, (iv) 2001, Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Prime Minister if (v) 2005 and (vi) 2010. [57335] he will seek an expression of regret or apology from the Government of the Republic of Ireland for any part John Thurso: The number of staff that were paid played by the Republic of Ireland in the arming and more in salaries, overtime and performance awards financing of the Provisional IRA. [57069] than a backbench hon. Member was 79 in financial year 2005-06 and 87 in financial year 2010-11. Detailed The Prime Minister: It is for each state to account for records for earlier years are no longer held. The House its own actions. I and the Secretary of State for Northern does not hold the equivalent information on staff employed Ireland, my right hon. Friend the Member for North by contractors. Shropshire (Mr Paterson), continue to discuss with our The information provided excludes the Parliamentary Irish counterparts what positive role our Governments Information and Communication Technology (PICT) can play in dealing with Northern Ireland’s troubled department which was created in 2006. past. 3W Written Answers7 JUNE 2011 Written Answers 4W

DEFENCE Sport plays an important part in the development of the attributes required in service personnel and has a Afghanistan: Peacekeeping Operations significant effect upon morale. It provides an inducement to physical fitness and contributes to military effectiveness Lilian Greenwood: To ask the Secretary of State for by encouraging personal qualities such as courage, resilience Defence how many armed forces personnel were and esprit de corps. serving (a) abroad and (b) in Afghanistan on (i) Fulfilment of sporting expectations is also an important 6 May 2010 and (ii) 5 May 2011. [55971] retention and recruitment factor. All members of the armed forces are therefore encouraged to participate in Nick Harvey: The precise number of personnel overseas sport in the service. fluctuates on a daily basis for a variety of reasons, including mid-tour rest and recuperation, temporary Assistance to former members of the armed forces to absence for training, evacuation for medical reasons, enable them to qualify for the London 2012 Paralympics the roulement of forces, visits and a range of other is provided by their national governing body.This assistance factors. We do not, therefore, publish actual figures for can be supplemented by the Combined Services Adaptive personnel deployed. Sports Association (Battle Back—Sport) when required, primarily in the form of grants from non-public funds. On 6 May 2010, there were around 13,750 military posts established overseas on operations and in April 2010, there were 25,350 military posts established overseas Armed Forces: Absent Voting on other tasks. Therefore the total number of military posts established overseas was around 39,100, of which, Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for 9,500 were in Afghanistan. Defence what arrangements his Department put in On 5 May 2011, there were around 14,450 military place to enable members of the armed forces serving posts established overseas on operations and in April overseas to vote by post before the May 2011 elections 2011, there were 24,230 military posts established overseas and referendum on the voting system; and what on other standing tasks. Therefore the total number of assessment he has made of the effectiveness of those military posts established overseas was around 38,680, arrangements. [57561] of which, 9,500 were in Afghanistan. This figure excludes special forces. Mr Robathan: The Ministry of Defence (MOD) and the Cabinet Office worked with the Electoral Commission, Apache AH-64 Helicopter British Forces Post Office (BFPO) and to make specific provision for service personnel in Afghanistan Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for to register to vote and use proxy or postal votes, 281 service Defence whether he has plans to equip Apache personnel chose to use proxy votes, as recommended by helicopters with the Ground Fire Acquisition System. the Electoral Commission and MOD. There were 61 new [57875] applications made to vote by post through this initiative and 40 completed ballots were returned through the Peter Luff: There are no current plans to equip our dedicated system. No special services were provided for Apache helicopters with the US Ground Fire Acquisition British Forces in Germany because service personnel System. The UK’s need for such a system is being there receive a direct daily service. In Cyprus, special addressed as part of our wider defensive aids suite arrangements were put in place to return ballot papers programme. We do not routinely provide details about via RAF flights into Brize Norton and then subsequently the defensive aids used by the UK’s military aircraft, as as a priority despatch into the Royal Mail. For other its disclosure would, or would be likely to prejudice the overseas locations, BFPO identified and fast tracked capability, effectiveness or security of the armed forces. ballot papers when under their control. The Electoral Commission will be completing a report Armed Forces: 2012 Olympics on the conduct of the referendum and polls on 5 May 2011, and I understand the Commission plan to comment Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for on this initiative in that report. Defence (1) what assistance he is providing to members of the armed forces to qualify to compete in events in Armed Forces: Allowances the London 2012 Olympics; and if he will make a statement; [57705] Mr : To ask the Secretary of State for (2) what assistance he is providing to (a) current and Defence what criteria his Department uses to (b) former members of the armed forces to qualify to determine who is eligible for the operational allowance. compete in events in the London 2012 Paralympics; [57593] and if he will make a statement. [57706] Mr Robathan: I refer the right hon. Member to the Mr Robathan: In terms of participation in sporting answer I gave to the hon. Member for Bridgend (Mrs events, all service personnel are treated the same be they Moon) on 9 May 2011, Official Report, columns 968-69W. able-bodied or disabled, and policies are in place to aid them in volunteering for sporting events, including applications for special paid and/or unpaid leave and Armed Forces: Complaints taking part in representative sport. Financial assistance in the form of grants from non-public funds can also be Mr Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for awarded. A number of athletes are engaged in full-time Defence (1) whether he has considered the merits of training. introducing an Armed Forces Ombudsman; [57494] 5W Written Answers7 JUNE 2011 Written Answers 6W

(2) whether he has any plans to change the number eligible applicants in the first year, 165 of whom were of investigators in the Service Complaints System. financially assessed and actively sought properties. Of [57495] these 165, 83 have completed the purchase of a property.

Mr Robathan: Both of these ideas were raised in the Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for recently published third report of the Service Complaints Defence what budget has been set for the armed forces Commissioner, therefore, I refer the right hon. Member (a) HomeBuy Direct, (b) New Build HomeBuy and to the answer I gave on 5 May 2011, Official Report, (c) First Buy scheme for 2011-12; whether there is a column 869W. budget for service personnel under each scheme; and whether each such budget is additional to the budget Armed Forces: Dogs allocation for the Armed Forces Home Ownership Scheme. [57689] Simon Hart: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many (a) dogs and (b) horses are in the Mr Robathan: HomeBuy Direct, NewBuild HomeBuy service of the armed forces. [57873] and FirstBuy are demand-led schemes and as such there is no separate budget for armed forces personnel, but Mr Robathan: There are currently 610 military working they will receive the highest priority for the schemes. dogs and 485 horses in service with the armed forces. There are a further 419 dogs in service with the Ministry Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for of Defence Police and Guarding Agency and other Defence what guidance he plans to issue to local guarding organisations. authorities on ensuring priority access for service (a) (b) Armed Forces: Health Services personnel to First Buy, New Build HomeBuy and (c) HomeBuy Direct to service personnel. [57690]

Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Robathan: None. FirstBuy, shared ownership Defence how many military wards there are in NHS (NewBuild HomeBuy) and HomeBuy Direct are delivered hospitals; and in what year each opened. [57693] through the Homes and Communities Agency which is sponsored by the Department for Communities and Mr Robathan: There is one designated military ward Local Government. The schemes are offered through a for military casualties aero-medically evacuated back to network of 15 local HomeBuy agents who provide a the UK which is located in the Queen Elizabeth hospital one-stop-shop for purchasers. HomeBuy agents are tasked Birmingham (QEHB), opened in June 2010. with proactively targeting Government priority groups, We also have arrangements with five NHS trust hospitals including service personnel. for the hosting of Ministry of Defence hospital units (MDHUs) to facilitate continuing training, development Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for and maintenance of clinical skills of military medical Defence who is eligible for the armed forces (a) personnel. HomeBuy Direct, (b) New Build HomeBuy and (c) The locations of the MDHUs are as follows: First Buy scheme. [57691] Derriford hospital, Plymouth, opened in April 1995; Mr Robathan: All service personnel, bereaved spouses Frimley Park general hospital, opened in July 1999; within the first year of death and all service leavers Friarage hospital, Northallerton, opened in July 1999; within their first year of discharge are eligible for top Queen Alexandra hospital, Portsmouth, opened in April 2005; priority under the schemes. They must also meet the Peterborough city hospital, opened in February 1996. schemes1 general criteria, such that they have a household income of less than the current maximum threshold of Armed Forces: Housing £60,000 and cannot afford to purchase a home without assistance. Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) how many service personnel have Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for participated in the Armed Forces Home Ownership Defence what estimate he has made of the number of Scheme in each year since its introduction; [57588] service personnel who will participate in the (a) (2) what the budget for the Armed Forces Home HomeBuy Direct, (b) New Build HomeBuy and (c) Ownership Scheme (a) has been in each year since its First Buy scheme. [57692] introduction and (b) is for (i) 2011-12 and (ii) 2012-13. [57589] Mr Robathan: No estimate has been made, but we will encourage all eligible personnel to consider these Mr Robathan: In January 2010 the Ministry of Defence initiatives into home ownership. launched the Armed Forces Home Ownership Scheme (Pilot) after working with the Department for Communities Armed Forces: Ombudsman and Local Government and the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) to develop a pilot, bespoke, shared Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for equity scheme for the armed forces. Some £5 million per Defence what representations he has received on year has been allocated with the pilot running until introducing an armed forces ombudsman. [57594] 2013. The scheme has proved popular with the target range Mr Robathan: I have received no representations directly of more junior personnel (those serving at least four on introducing an armed forces ombudsman. However, years but no more than six). There have been over 1,000 this issue was raised in the recently published third 7W Written Answers7 JUNE 2011 Written Answers 8W report of the Service Complaints Commissioner. Our National Diploma, (e) a national vocational response to this will be placed in the Library of the qualification and (f) any other recognised qualification House in due course. while serving in the last five years’ [57451] (2) how many and what proportion of armed service Armed Forces: Schools personnel who were recruited before their 18th birthday were discharged from the armed services Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for having gained a recognised vocational qualification Defence how many (a) service children and (b) while serving in each of the last five years. [57481] children of reservists are being educated in state schools. [57591] Mr Robathan: This information is not held in the format requested and could be produced only at Mr Robathan: The annual schools census was conducted disproportionate cost. However, statistics are available on 20 January 2011. It identified that there are around on the number of personnel under 18 who registered for 36,000 service children currently recorded in England. an apprenticeship and, separately, on the total number There is no mechanism to identify how many children and range of qualifications achieved by armed forces of reservists are being educated in state schools. personnel generally in the last five years. This is shown in the following table: Armed Forces: Young People Number of personnel under 18 when registered for an apprenticeship 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 Cathy Jamieson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the answer of 27 April 2011, Naval 854 577 740 624 585 Services Official Report, column 417W, on armed forces: young Army 1,804 2,338 1,560 1,818 1,659 people (1) how many and what proportion of armed RAF 1,492 1,151 784 653 615 service personnel who were recruited before their 18th birthday and were discharged from the armed The qualifications presented in the following table services have gained (a) an AS or A Level, (b) a are expressed in accordance with the National Qualification BTEC, (c) a Higher National Certificate, (d) a Higher Credits Framework:

Financial year Type of qualification 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10

Military apprenticeships (Level (L) 2 and 3) 8,015 7,299 6,670 L2: 7,977 L2: 9,874 L3: 1,570 L3: 2,065 Stand alone NVQ and other L2 10,895 7,592 5,725 9,971 13,282 Stand alone NVQ and other L3 1,148 1,758 5,018 6,538 6,813 Stand alone NVQ and other L4 418 266 1,225 2,251 2,670 HND (L5) 140 238 185 14,517 14,774 Foundation degrees (L5) 541 502 435 1— 1— Other L5 337 436 1,772 1— 1— Honours degrees (L6) 81 185 146 11,163 1543 Other L6 — 27 123 1— 1— Postgraduate degrees/diploma and higher degrees 136 168 353 983 596 1 Indicates brace Note: The format for the collection of Accreditation Statistics was changed for FY 2008-09 onwards to show levels of accreditation only.

Cathy Jamieson: To ask the Secretary of State for national and international law. In addition to the Defence pursuant to the answer of 3 May 2011, comprehensive welfare system that is in place for all Official Report, column 675W, on armed forces: young service personnel, we remain fully committed to meeting people, (1) if his Department will commission (a) our obligations under the UN Convention on the Rights internal or (b) external legal advice on the recruitment of the Child Optional Protocol on the Involvement of of those under the age of 18 into the armed services in Children in Armed Conflict, and have taken steps to light of recent developments in child welfare and introduce special safeguards on young people under the protection; [57452] age of 18. An example is our recent announcement that (2) if he will commission advice on the legality of for those under the age of 18, the ability to be discharged recruitment of those under the age of 18 to the armed will in future be a right up to the age of 18, subject to an forces. [57729] appropriate period of consideration or cooling off.

Mr Robathan: The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has no need nor intention to commission external legal Cathy Jamieson: To ask the Secretary of State for advice on the recruitment of under-18s into the armed Defence pursuant to the answer of 3 May 2011, forces. The MOD takes advice from its own legal advisers Official Report, column 675W, on armed forces: young on issues relating to the recruitment of under-18s as the people, in what year his Department last received (a) requirement arises. That legal advice is confidential and internal and (b) external legal advice on the will not be disclosed. We are satisfied that our policies recruitment of those under the age of 18 years into the on under-18s in service are robust and comply with armed services. [57453] 9W Written Answers7 JUNE 2011 Written Answers 10W

Mr Robathan: I refer the hon. Member to the answer Other Ministers and/or senior officials from the Ministry of I gave on 3 May 2011, Official Report, column 675W. It Defence, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Home Office, and is not possible to ascertain without incurring the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills may attend as disproportionate costs what external legal advice was appropriate. ever received by the Ministry of Defence or its predecessors. The DESG will meet quarterly or as appropriate for However, internal legal advice on this issue constitutes business needs. part of normal policy development work within the The first meeting was attended by the Minister for Department, which is an ongoing process. International Security Strategy, Minister for Defence Equipment Support and Technology, Minister of State Ascension Island: Airports for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Minister of State for Business and Enterprise, and Head of UKTI Defence and Security Organisation. In addition to these Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for core members the Chief of Defence Material, Director Defence what recent assessment he has made of the General Defence Commercial and Director International contribution to British military interests of the airport Acquisition Policy attended from the Ministry of Defence. on Ascension Island; what assessment he has made of the potential for the provision of military support to Departmental Charitable Donations the South Atlantic from an airport on the island of St Helena; and if he will make a statement. [57351] Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Nick Harvey: The military airfield on Ascension Island Defence what steps he is taking to encourage charitable makes a vital contribution to the mission of British giving by Ministers in his Department. [57118] Forces South Atlantic Islands as the refuelling stop for the South Atlantic Airbridge and other RAF traffic Dr Fox: All Government Ministers have pledged to between the UK and Falkland Islands. undertake a ‘one day challenge’with a charity or community group of their choice. This is a clear and public commitment Ascension Island is approximately equidistant from by Ministers to give their time to help others. The the UK and the Falkland Islands, and the shortest pledge aims to inspire others to consider how they possible route by air; its runway is suitable for all might be able to support their communities to benefit military air traffic which can fly the required range. themselves, as well as their chosen organisations. Plans for an airport on St Helena do not alter these considerations. Departmental Data Protection

Ballistic Missile Defence Eric Ollerenshaw: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many contracts his Department holds Fabian Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for which allow contractors to store personal data of UK Defence whether RAF Menwith Hill is playing an citizens overseas; to which contracts this applies; in operational role in US ballistic missile defence. [57245] which countries the data for each such contract is held; and how many people have their data stored overseas Nick Harvey: The only role RAF Menwith Hill plays under each such contract. [55736] in US ballistic missile defence is to route satellite early warning data to the US ballistic missile defence command Peter Luff: The Ministry of Defence holds eight and control system. contracts where personal data of UK citizens is held overseas. The following table provides the name of the Defence Exports Support Group contract, the country in which the data are held and the approximate number of records stored.

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Approximate Defence pursuant to the answer of 1 December 2010, number of Official Report, column 817W, on the Defence Exports Country in which data personal Group, what the terms of reference are of the Defence Contract are held records held Exports Support Group; on which dates it has met; and Defence Travel Electronic France 180,000 who attended each meeting. [58076] Booking Information System USA 20,000 Dr Fox: The terms of reference for the Defence Defence Travel: Travel USA 310,000 Exports Support Group (DESG) were agreed at its first Management Contract meeting on 16 December 2010. They are: Royal Navy Community Website USA 18,000 e-bluey—hybrid system for the USA 33,962 Defence Exports Support Group (DESG): Terms of exchange of mail between Reference Service personnel and family and friends The DESG is the forum through which Ministers will Air Movements Information Germany 110,000 plan and focus their support to UK defence exports. System (AMIS) The core DESG membership is: Remote Access Movements USA23100,000 Portal (RAMP) Secretary of State for Defence iNCS (Interim New Clothing Canada 6,867 Minister for Defence Equipment, Support and Technology Solution) Minister for International Security Strategy 1 Per month. Records are deleted 24 hours plus one minute after final sector of flight is completed. Head, Defence and Security Organisation, UK Trade and 2 Department of Transport Investment (UKTI) 3 Per annum. Records are deleted after seven days 11W Written Answers7 JUNE 2011 Written Answers 12W

Fitlinxx, which provides fitness training programmes The DASA site also contains the civilian personnel for service personnel, also hold a contract that allows statistics quarterly return. Although this report does for personal data of UK citizens to be held in the US. I not currently contain all the information requested for will write to the hon. Member with details of the civilian employees, its content has recently been reviewed number of records held once this information is available, and changes will be introduced for future editions. and place a copy of the letter in the Library of the Those changes will include numbers leaving the civil House. service and the reasons for doing so. Substantive answer from Peter Luff to Eric Ollerenshaw: Departmental Official Visits Further to my answer to your Parliamentary Question on 24 May 2011 (Official Report, column 531W-532W), I am writing Mr : To ask the Secretary of State for to inform you the Fitlinxx contract involves the storage of 6,000 personal records in the USA. Defence what official visits Ministers in his Department have undertaken since their appointment; I hope this is helpful. and what the purpose was of each such visit. [56158] I have placed a copy of this letter in the Library of the House. Dr Fox: Ministers are routinely required to undertake Departmental Land formal visits, both in the UK and overseas, as part of their ministerial responsibilities. : To ask the Secretary of State for Accordingly, Ministers have undertaken formal visits Defence what land his Department proposes to sell in since their appointments, details of which have been (a) 2011-12, (b) 2012-13, (c) 2013-14 and (d) placed in the Library of the House. 2014-15. [57597] Departmental Public Expenditure Mr Robathan: The Ministry of Defence keeps its Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for estate under constant review to meet present and planned Defence what the result was of the inquiry into the future requirements, with a view to disposing of surplus unauthorised disclosure to the Prime Minister in assets as quickly as possible. A list of the sites in the September 2010 of his letter on reductions to his present programme and those earmarked for future Department’s budget; and if he will make a statement. disposal has been placed in the Library of the House. [57653] Work is under way to identify additional estate rationalisation opportunities in accordance with the Dr Fox: The investigation remains open. I am not Strategic Defence and Security Review. prepared to comment further.

Mary Creagh: To ask the Secretary of State for Departmental Responsibilities Defence pursuant to the answer of 28 April 2011, Official Report, column 568W, on departmental land, Gemma Doyle: To ask the Secretary of State for when he plans to place in the Library a copy of the list Defence what engagements he has undertaken in (a) of land sold by his Department in 2010-11. [57631] the UK and (b) overseas in the last three months. [40787] Mr Robathan: A copy of the list of land sold by this Department in 2010-11 has been placed in the Library Dr Fox: Details of my overseas travel, received hospitality of the House. and meetings with organisations external to the Ministry of Defence (MOD) are published on a quarterly basis on the MOD website as part of the Government’s Departmental Manpower Transparency Agenda, at the following address: http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/AboutDefence/ Mr Nicholas Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for CorporatePublications/FinancialReports/Expenses/ Defence if he will make it his policy to publish monthly MinistersHospitalityReceived.htm information on changes in the numbers of his The information regarding my engagements in the Department’s employees categorised by (a) seniority, UK for the last three months is currently being collated (b) number of employees taking voluntary and I will write to the hon. Member as soon as it is redundancy, (c) natural wastage and (d) involuntary available. redundancy. [57614] Substantive answer from Liam Fox to Gemma Doyle: I write in reply to your written parliamentary question: Mr Robathan: The Government are committed to To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what engagements transparency and the availability of data and is currently he has undertaken in (a) the UK and (b) overseas in the last exploring options for the more frequent publication of three months. this type of workforce management information across I answered at the time that details of my overseas travel, the civil service. received hospitality, and meetings with organisations external to Ministry of Defence (MOD) Defence Analytical Services the Ministry of Defence are published on a quarterly basis on the and Advice (DASA) already publish periodic reports on Ministry of Defence website as part of the Government’s Transparency MOD personnel numbers on its internet site at: Agenda, and that I would write to you with details of my UK engagements. www.dasa.mod.uk A full list of my UK engagements has now been collated and is The UK Armed Forces Quarterly Manning Report sets tabled as follows. out the number of personnel leaving the armed forces For the purposes of this question ’engagements in the UK’ has broken down by reason. A copy of the latest version of been defined as meetings outside of the Ministry of Defence not the report has been placed in the Library of the House. including dinners, speeches, or receptions. 13W Written Answers7 JUNE 2011 Written Answers 14W

Peter Luff: The Ministry of Defence will continue to Date Place Meeting require the maintenance, storage and distribution functions 2010 at Defence Munitions Beith in the near to medium November term, but is continuing to assess possible options for the 2 London UK/France Summit depot in the longer term. The future ownership of Beith 3 London UKTI Symposium will depend on the outcome of this work, which is 4 London SDSR Debate taking into account our strategic requirement, value for 8 London Defence oral questions money, and the linkage with associated industrial strategies, 8 London The British Torch of including the team complex weapons initiative. No decisions Remembrance Service have yet been taken. The trade unions will be consulted 9 RAF Cranwell Address to service personnel formally at the appropriate time. 9 London Address to the Spectator There are currently no plans to re-instate the apprentice Conference training scheme at Beith. Any re-instatement would 11 London Cenotaph Service of Remembrance depend on the Department’s business needs in the 11 London Royal British Legion Poppy longer term and would take account of the decisions on Ball the future operation of the depot. 16 London Address to the Rifles Club The Ministry of Defence’s Voluntary Early Release 17 Taunton 40 Commando Home Scheme (VERS) closed on 31 March 2011. Applications Coming parade under the scheme are still under consideration across 17 London Defence Council Reception the Department and, as a result, I cannot comment 28 to 29 HMNB Clyde, Scotland Operational briefing specifically on the position with respect to Beith. However, as my right hon. Friend the Minister for Defence Personnel December Welfare and Veterans (Mr Robathan) stated in the 1 HMS Collingwood Address to service personnel answer given on 26 April 2011, Official Report, column 6 York 4 Mechanised Brigade 70W, to the right hon. Member for East Renfrewshire Thanksgiving Service (Mr Murphy), when introducing the VERS we recognised 7 London Meeting with the Japanese the need to implement it in such a way as to retain Ambassador critical skills. Location is also a factor in selecting 8 RCDM Birmingham Meet injured service personnel and medical staff individuals for release. 9 London BBC Question Time 10 GCHQ Cheltenham Operational briefing HMS Ark Royal 13 London Defence oral questions 15 London HCDC Evidence Session Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for 15 London Sun Military Awards Defence what estimate he has made of the total cost to 16 London Nordic/Baltic Lunch his Department of the operation of HMS Ark Royal in 2010. [56772] 2011 January Nick Harvey: Operating costs are accounted for by 10 London CPS Policy Forum Speech financial year (FY). The operating costs for HMS Ark 10 London 2nd Reading Armed Forces Royal for FY 2010-11 totalled £35 million, this includes Bill pay and allowances, fuel, stock, and port fees. 12 London Armed Forces Pay Review Board 27 Salisbury 3 Commando Brigade Media Libya: Armed Conflict Day Heidi Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for February Defence (1) what the average weekly accommodation 1 London Meeting with US CentCom cost for personnel deployed in Italy to participate in Commander Operation Ellamy has been since the start of the 3 London House of Lords EU operation; [54501] Committee (2) what the average weekly cost for all UK armed forces operations from Gioia del Colle air base has been since the commencement of military operations; DM Beith and how much has been spent per week on (a) personnel accommodation, (b) personal allowances, Katy Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (c) fuel, (d) rent and (e) each other cost. [54502] (1) what plans his Department has for the future ownership of DM Beith; [56930] Nick Harvey: I expect the cost of the UK’s involvement in NATO operations over Libya to be modest in comparison (2) what assessment he has made of the long-term to other operations such as Afghanistan. While it is still strategic requirement for DM Beith; [56931] too early to give a robust estimate of the final costs, I (3) if he will reinstate a revised apprentice training can provide initial indications of average accommodation, programme at DM Beith; [56932] allowances, munitions and fuel costs. (4) if he will assess the likely effects on DM Beith of We maintain a small presence in Naples and Poggio his Department’s Voluntary Early Release Scheme. but the majority of the UK personnel in Italy are based [56933] at Gioia Del Colle air base and Trapani naval base. The 15W Written Answers7 JUNE 2011 Written Answers 16W average weekly total cost of accommodation at Gioia Military Alliances Del Colle, Trapani and Poggio is around £240,000, £33,000 and £12,000 respectively. Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for There are two types of personal allowance paid to Defence with which countries the UK has signed a (a) service personnel in Italy. Longer separation allowance defence treaty, (b) formal agreement, (c) (LSA) is paid on an accrual basis for military personnel Memorandum of Understanding and (d) Letter of separated from their families and will continue to be Intent in each of the last 10 years. [57710] paid for the duration of the operation. The total cost of Nick Harvey: The following lists set out countries LSA in Italy is around £120,000 per week. with which the UK has signed defence treaties, formal Local overseas allowance (LOA) is paid for personnel agreements and bilateral memorandums of understanding on operations before a complete welfare package has for each year from 2001 to 2010 inclusive: been set up as is currently the case in Poggio and Defence treaties and formal agreements Naples. The total cost of LOA in Italy is around £11,000 per week. 2001 Russian federation The gross book value (inclusive of VAT) of precision guided weapons fired in support of Operation Ellamy 2002 between 19 March and 8 May this year was around Japan £6 million per week. Where there is sufficient contingency Russian Federation within current stock holdings to meet anticipated United States of America requirements for current and contingent operations, the 2003 Ministry of Defence does not intend to replenish all France stocks of weapons deployed. We therefore cannot say at Germany this stage how much of this sum will contribute to the Russian Federation charge against the Government Special Reserve. 2004 Aviation fuel costs average around £300,000 per week, Russian Federation although they vary significantly week by week. United States of America 2005 Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether the Brimstone missiles used as part of Belgium Operation Ellamy are to be replaced. [57654] France Germany Peter Luff: The Ministry of Defence is planning to Italy replenish stocks of the dual mode seeker Brimstone United States of America missiles as a result of their use in Operation Ellamy. In 2006 the meantime, there are sufficient stockholdings to meet Canada anticipated demand for operations. The Netherlands Poland Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for 2007 Defence what the purchase cost of each Brimstone France missile is. [57655] The Netherlands Peter Luff: I refer the right hon. Member to the United States of America answer I gave on 17 May 2011, Official Report, 2008 columns 111-12W, to the hon. Member for Ochil and France South Perthshire (Gordon Banks). Japan 2009 Military Aircraft Iraq Japan Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Republic of Korea Defence what the mission accomplished rate was in Spain Afghanistan for the (a) Tornado GR4 and (b) Harrier GR9 in the latest period for which figures are available. 2010 [56689] Brazil France Nick Harvey: ’Mission accomplished’ is not a term No distinction is made between treaties and formal employed in mission reports as whether the desired agreements, which are both regarded as legally binding. effect of a given sortie has been achieved may not often Records of all treaties and formal agreements signed by be immediately apparent—for instance, if the aircraft the United Kingdom are held by the Foreign and had attacked a target, further analysis may be necessary Commonwealth Office Treaty section. to determine the extent of the resulting damage. Aircraft Signed bilateral Defence Memoranda of Understanding: may also fulfil other tasks, for instance reconnaissance 2001 or deterrence, and indeed conduct multiple tasks on the same mission, further complicating the assessment of Argentina the results of an individual sortie. Therefore there is no Australia common definition of a mission accomplished rate and Bulgaria this information is not held. Canada 17W Written Answers7 JUNE 2011 Written Answers 18W

Czech Republic Italy Denmark Jordan Egypt Kazakhstan Finland Lithuania France The Netherlands Germany New Zealand Greece Russian Federation India Serbia and Montenegro Italy Singapore Latvia Slovenia The Netherlands South Africa New Zealand Switzerland Nigeria United States of America Norway Uzbekistan Portugal 2004 Russian Federation Armenia Serbia and Montenegro Australia Sierra Leone Azerbaijan Slovenia Belize South Africa Bulgaria Spain Canada Switzerland Chile Ukraine Czech Republic United States of America Estonia 2002 France Australia Georgia Brunei Germany Canada Hungary Chile Italy Croatia Japan Czech Republic Kazakhstan Denmark Latvia Estonia Libya Germany Moldova Hungary The Netherlands Ireland New Zealand Jamaica Poland Jordan Romania The Netherlands Russian Federation Norway Serbia and Montenegro Poland Singapore Serbia and Montenegro Slovak Republic Sweden Slovenia Switzerland South Africa Thailand Sweden Turkmenistan Switzerland Ukraine Tajikistan United States of America Ukraine 2003 United States of America Albania Uzbekistan Australia 2005 Belgium Afghanistan Bosnia and Herzegovina Australia Canada Austria Chile Bulgaria People’s Republic of China Canada Denmark Czech Republic Georgia Denmark Germany Finland 19W Written Answers7 JUNE 2011 Written Answers 20W

Lithuania United States of America The Netherlands 2008 Norway Australia Pakistan Republic of Congo Qatar Denmark Romania Estonia Senegal Germany South Africa Italy Switzerland Jordan The Gambia The Netherlands Turkey Nigeria United States of America Norway 2006 Qatar Australia Rwanda Austria Senegal Brunei Slovenia Canada South Africa Croatia Sweden Denmark United States of America Estonia 2009 Israel Algeria Japan Australia Kazakhstan Bosnia and Herzegovina Kenya Brunei Lebanon Canada Lithuania Cape Verde Islands The Netherlands Croatia New Zealand Denmark Norway Egypt Qatar Estonia Singapore Ethiopia South Africa Germany Spain India Sweden Italy United States of America Japan 2007 Republic of Kosovo Albania Libya Australia Liechtenstein Bulgaria The Netherlands Canada New Zealand Colombia Romania Curacao Serbia Czech Republic Spain Egypt Turkey Finland Ukraine France United States of America Germany 2010 Hungary Canada Kuwait Ethiopia Lebanon Finland Libya Iraq Lithuania Japan Former Yugoslav Republic of Jordan Macedonia Kenya Malawi New Zealand The Netherlands The Netherlands Pakistan Portugal Saudi Arabia Qatar South Africa Tonga 21W Written Answers7 JUNE 2011 Written Answers 22W

Uganda 8. St Fergus Ukraine 9. Caledonia United States of America 10. Vulcan More than one Memorandum of Understanding was North-East signed with some countries in a year. 1. Alconbury Letters of Intent were signed with France in 2003, 2. Croughton 2007 and 2010. However, more complete records of 3. Fylingdales Letters of Intent signed by the UK with other countries 4. Menwith Hill in the last 10 years are not held centrally and could be 5. Mildenhall provided only at disproportionate cost. 6. Easington Military Bases 7. Bacton 8. MDPHQ Operational Detachment (Under Command of Operational Support MDPHQ) Fabian Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the answer of 15 November 2010, AWE Official Report, column 562W, on military bases, who 1. Aldermaston carried out the assessment of the local economic 2. Burghfield impact of RAF Menwith Hill; and what methodology 3. Special Escort Group was used. [57168] South-East 1. Beaconsfield Nick Harvey: The local economic impact assessment of RAF Menwith Hill was carried out by the US 2. Bicester authorities, and included the salaries of US and UK 3. Bordon personnel as well as the cost of construction projects, 4. Fort Halstead utilities, local supply purchases, and visitor lodging, 5. Fort Blockhouse meals and incidentals. 6. Gosport 7. Marchwood Military Police: Deployment 8. Oakhanger 9. Portsmouth Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for 10. Regents Park Defence at which sites Ministry of Defence Police are 11. Shrivenham deployed; and what the responsibilities are of the 12. Whitehall personnel at each site. [57590] Western Mr Robathan: The Ministry of Defence Police (MDP) 1. Abbey Wood are the UK’s only truly national police force, covering 2. Boscombe Down the four constituent parts of the country. The force’s 3. Corsham main responsibilities are to protect the personnel, resources 4. Culdrose and property of the Ministry of Defence (MOD) through the use of a variety of policing methods. These include 5. Dartmouth community policing, armed guarding, specialist firearms 6. Devonport units, nuclear escorts on land and sea, operational 7. Donnington support units, the UK’s largest marine policing capability, 8. Fairford public order policing, criminal investigation including 9. Hereford fraud and intelligence. 10. Kineton The use of the above functions varies from site to site 11. Llantrisant in accordance with local requirements and the associated 12. Porton Down risk/threat. Sites covered include selected naval bases, 13. Winterbourne Gunner garrisons, Atomic Weapons Establishments, US Visiting Forces sites, and non-MOD locations. 14. Yeovilton Criminal Investigation Departments (CID) MDP officers may also volunteer for overseas duties in support of UK missions. They provide specialist 1. Rosyth (based at HMS Caledonia) training, support, monitoring and mentoring to local 2. Glasgow law enforcement and government agencies. 3. Clyde Stations by Division (Excluding CID and Defence 4. Northern Ireland (Palace Barracks) Community Police Officers) 5. Catterick Garrison Scotland 6. York (Imphal Barracks) 1. Clyde 7. Stafford 2. Clyde Marine Unit 8. St. Athan 3. Coulport 9. Bicester 4. Beith 10. Northolt 5. Crombie 11. Aldermaston 6. Glen Douglas 12. Foxhill 7. Aberdeen Gas Compressor Site 13. Larkhill 23W Written Answers7 JUNE 2011 Written Answers 24W

14. Portsmouth 12. Larkhill 15. Gosport 13. Lichfield 16. Bordon 14. Lyneham 17. Devonport 15. Poole 18. Aldershot Garrison 16. Raleigh Defence Community Police Officers by Division 17. St. Athan Scotland 18. Salisbury Plain 1. Aldergrove 19. Stafford 2. Abercorn Barracks (Ballykinler) 20. Tidworth 3. Churchill Estate (Clyde) 21. Tern Hill 4. Condor 22. Yeovilton 5. Edinburgh 23. Valley 6. Inverness 24. Warminster 7. Glencorse Barracks 25. Wilton 8. Palace Barracks Military Targets North-East 1. Albemarle Barracks Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for 2. Bassingbourn Barracks Defence what definition of the words (a) 3. Chester infrastructure and (b) command and control his Department uses when using such terms to describe 4. Colchester military targets. [56720] 5. Coningsby 6. Croughton Nick Harvey: The Ministry of Defence does not use 7. Harrogate its own definition of ‘infrastructure’and ‘military command 8. Mildenhall and control’ to describe military targets. In both cases, The Oxford English Dictionary provides a reasonable 9. Leconfield definition for military purposes. 10. Leeming ‘Infrastructure’is ‘...the basic physical and organizational 11. Menwith Hill structures and facilities (e.g. buildings, roads, power 12. Preston supplies) needed for the operation of a(n) ... enterprise’. 13. Wattisham In this case, the ‘enterprise’ would be armed forces and 14. Wittering any building or facilities that are dedicated to their use, 15. York or otherwise involved in directly enabling their operations, South-East might be considered a legitimate target. 1. Aldershot ‘Command and control’ is defined as ‘...the running of an armed force or other organization’. Therefore any 2. Andover structure or capability that is involved in, or enables, the 3. Arborfield direction of armed forces might be considered as a 4. Benson command and control target. 5. Bicester 6. Brize Norton Navy: Catering 7. Chatham Simon Hart: To ask the Secretary of State for 8. Deepcut Defence what the average daily cost to the public purse 9. Halton for food and drink for serving members of the Royal 10. London Navy at each rank on active service was in the latest 11. Marchwood period for which figures are available. [58152] 12. Sandhurst Mr Robathan: For Royal Navy (RN), Royal Marines 13. Shorncliffe (RM) and Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) personnel deployed 14. Winchester at sea in the surface and sub-surface fleets, daily messing Western rates (DMR) are applied. DMRs are the cost of ingredients based upon bespoke ration scales; the rates are adjusted 1. Abbey Wood quarterly to reflect food cost inflation. DMRs cover the 2. Blandford cost of providing ingredients for three meals a day 3. Bovington including beverages, but exclude the cost of logistics or 4. Bramcote food preparation. 5. Brecon The current minimum DMR for personnel at sea is 6. Bulford £2.46. All ranks receive the same rate, but the DMR is adjusted according to the number of personnel in the 7. Corsham ship’s company, and its role, which can raise the total 8. Devonport DMR to a maximum of £3.36 per person per day. 9. Donnington The cost of food for RN, RM and RFA personnel 10. Hereford deployed at sea in financial year 2010-11 was £15.9 million, 11. Innsworth an average daily cost of £43,560. 25W Written Answers7 JUNE 2011 Written Answers 26W

Public Expenditure: DFID the construction of an airport on the island of St Helena to disembark on Ascension Island for Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for onward sea connection; and if he will make a Defence whether he plans to establish an inquiry into statement. [57352] the unauthorised disclosure of his letter to the Prime Minister concerning the budget for the Department for Nick Harvey: We make provision for civilian seating International Development; and if he will make a and freight capacity on the South Atlantic Airbridge statement. [57592] which operates from the UK, via Ascension Island, to the Falkland Islands in support of British Forces South Dr Fox: Internal action has been taken following Atlantic Islands. allegations in the media. I am not prepared to comment We would expect in due course to accommodate any further. requirement relating to the construction of an airport on St Helena within this provision. Space Technology: Surveillance Third Sector Fabian Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether the GEO-1 satellite will provide data to RAF Menwith Hill. [57166] Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much his Department provided to each Nick Harvey: RAF Menwith Hill acts purely as a charity it funds in each of the last five years; and how communications relay for GEO-1 satellite data. The much he has allocated for funding to each such charity data are not utilised on site. in each of the next five years. [48289] St Helena: Airports Mr Robathan: Funding provided through grants in aid to the voluntary, community and social enterprise Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for sector in each of the last five years for which figures are Defence if he will make arrangements to provide extra currently available is shown in the following table. A passenger capacity on military flights between the UK grant in aid is typically used to fund part or all of the and the Falkland Islands to assist personnel engaged in administration costs of the recipient body.

Grant in aid £ Body 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10

RAF Museum 7,104,192 6,774,110 7,019,000 7,989,309 7,367,000 RAF Sports Control Board 83,000 — 65,865 149,837 288,387 Air Training Corps 1— 33,005 34,000 34,850 35,721 RAF Sports Board 1— 165,923 — — — Royal British Legion Polish Ex-Servicemen 1— 81,567 141,000 120,000 110,181 Royal British Legion War Widows 1— 65,665 61,000 61,000 62,220 National Memorial Arboretum 1— 250,000 — 371,296 169,594 Skill Force 3,002,000 2,502,000 1,000,000 500,000 250,000 Victoria and George Cross Reunion Association 1— 30,000 — 40,000 — Commonwealth War Graves Commission 31,643,000 32,392,094 34,199,339 36,601,286 47,844,871 Scott Polar Research Institute 35,000 35,000 35,000 35,000 35,000 Armed Forces Memorial 1— — 189,220 — 290,469 National Army Museum 4,871,546 5,292,879 5,489,000 5,734,850 5,515,222 Army Sports Control Board 404,000 307,245 417,195 434,032 425,744 Council of Voluntary Welfare Work 1— 125,469 80,448 85,273 77,793 Gurkha Welfare Trust 1— 679,010 988,000 1,077,000 938,000 Army Families Federation 1— 291,444 293,190 300,093 332,100 Council of the Reserve Forces and Cadets Associations — — 57,489,076 59,369,448 63,490,300 Royal Irish Home Service Benevolent Fund — — — — 124,179 Royal Hospital Chelsea 9,207,000 9,232,000 9,554,000 10,487,000 10,824,000 Fleet Air Arm Museum 579,063 593,724 614,000 631,000 2— Royal Marine Museum 783,252 740,788 765,480 783,000 2— Royal Navy Museum 1,025,044 895,502 873,000 1,045,000 2— RN Submarine Museum 548,317 561,997 575,708 591,000 2— National Museum of the Royal Navy — — — — 3,237,466 Naval Families Federation 1— 149,220 92,620 185,000 223,000 Royal Navy Marine Society and Sea Cadets — 8,228,969 9,300,419 8,941,426 9,450,215 RN Sports Board 117,000 272,907 — — — 1 Not available. 2 Funded through the National Museum of the Royal Navy.

We also provide funding to charities through grants the expenditure incurred could be provided only at (for specific purposes) and commercial contractual disproportionate cost as these funding mechanisms are arrangements (for specific services). A breakdown of delegated locally and we do not currently identify discretely 27W Written Answers7 JUNE 2011 Written Answers 28W those grants and contracts which relate to charities. I apologise for the delay in answering this question. Details of all new central Government contracts are, Substantive answer from Andrew Robathan to Chris however, now available online at: Ruane: www.contractsfinder.businesslink.gov.uk I undertook to write to you in response to your Parliamentary Question (Official Report of 9 May 2011, columns 974 to 976W) I will write to the hon. Member to provide information to provide the balance of information on the funding of charities on grant in aid funding for 2010-11, and on currently by the Ministry of Defence (MOD). planned funding over the spending review period (up to The provisional outturn for 2010-11 and our current funding 2014-15), once the details have been finalised for all plans over the Spending Review period are shown for each body bodies, which should be before the Whitsun recess. in the following table:

Grant in aid (£) Body 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15

RAF Museum 7,552,000 7,700,000 7,900,000 8,100,000 8,300,00 Air Training Corps 36,614 37,155 38,083 39,036 40,012 RAF Sports Board 264,834 271,455 278,241 285,197 292,327 Royal British Legion Polish Ex-servicemen 80,000 150,000 154,000 158,000 162,000 Royal British Legion War Widows — — 16,000 18,000 18,000 National Memorial Arboretum 643,254 485,000 485,000 485,000 485,000 Victoria and George Cross Reunion Association 40,000 — 40,000 — — Commonwealth War Graves Commission 44,641,049 45,219,000 46,695,000 47,926,000 49,244,000 Scott Polar Research Institute 35,000 35,000 35,000 35,000 35,000 National Army Museum 6,312,403 5,600,000 5,700,000 5,900,000 6,000,000 Army Sports Control Board 458,960 481,000 481,000 481,000 481,000 Council of Voluntary Welfare Work 82,437 101,245 103,777 106,371 109,296 Gurkha Welfare Trust 1,421,000 1,172,000 1,190,000 1,208,000 1,226,000 Army Families Federation 366,558 350,000 355,000 360,000 365,000 Council of the Reserve Forces and Cadets Associations 62,758,836 63,820,000 65,398,000 67,050,000 68,894,188 Royal Irish Home Service Benevolent Fund 64,246 67,000 69,000 71,000 73,000 Royal Hospital Chelsea 10,838,000 11,109,175 11,386,579 11,671,369 11,992,332 National Museum of the Royal Navy1 2,797,046 3,454,843 3,309,825 3,409,365 3,235,178 Naval Families Federation 248,601 235,215 241,096 247,123 253,301 Royal Navy Society and Sea Cadets 9,224,094 9,214,527 9,444,890 9,681,012 9,947,240 1 The National Museum of the Royal Navy provides funding to the Fleet Air Museum, the Royal Marines Museum, the Royal Navy Museum and the Royal Navy Submarine Museum.

Trade Unions representatives and (ii) part-time on trade union activities; how many such staff are paid more than £25,900 annually; and what the cost to the public purse Mr Raab: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence of employing such staff on such duties was in the latest how many staff of (a) his Department, (b) the period for which figures are available. [56438] Defence Science and Technology Laboratory, (c) the Defence Storage and Distribution Agency, (d) the Mr Robathan: In common with many major employers Defence Support Group, (e) the Defence Vetting the Ministry of Defence (MOD) makes certain facilities Agency, (f) the Met Office, (g) the Ministry of available to civilian employees who are accredited Defence Police and Guarding Agency, (h) the People, representatives or members, but not paid officials of Pay and Pensions Agency, (i) Service Children’s trade unions (TUs). Education, (j) the Service Personnel and Veterans The information requested is provided in the following Agency and (k) the UK Hydrographic Office are table. It is not possible to give a breakdown of numbers entitled to work (i) full-time as trade union whose salaries are more than £25,900 annually.

Number of reps on 100% Number of reps on less than 100% Cost (£ million)

Department including: Defence Storage and 66 321 4.016 Distribution Agency Defence Vetting Agency Ministry of Defence Police and Guarding Agency People, Pay and Pensions Agency Service Children’s Education and Service Personnel and Veterans Agency Defence Science and Technology Laboratory 1 35 0.282 Defence Support Group 2 73 0.323 Met Office 1 11 0.073 UK Hydrographic Office 0 25 0.091

The figures for Defence Storage and Distribution Services Children’s Education and Service Personnel Agency, Defence Vetting Agency, MOD Police and and Veterans Agency cannot be broken down separately Guarding Agency, People, Pay and Pensions Agency, but are contained within the Department figure. 29W Written Answers7 JUNE 2011 Written Answers 30W

The figure for representatives on less than 100% Our messages reiterated the Government’s commitment includes individuals who may be on as low a figure as to advance lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality, 1% i.e. attends a routine management meeting or a both domestically and internationally, and set out the specific conference. Within the 321 figure shown against Government’s programme of work in this field. the Department, 151 of the individuals are on less than 10% facility time. WALES Charitable Donations

WOMEN AND EQUALITIES Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what steps she is taking to encourage charitable giving Departmental Legal Costs by Ministers in her Department. [57130] Mr David Jones: All Government Ministers have Mr Slaughter: To ask the Minister for Women and pledged to undertake a ‘one day challenge’ with a Equalities how much the Government Equalities Office charity or community group of their choice. This is a paid in (a) damages, (b) claimant costs and (c) clear and public commitment by Ministers to give their defendant costs in respect of all civil claims brought time to help others. The pledge aims to inspire others to against it in which the claimant was successful or the consider how they might be able to support their Office settled in each year since its inception. [54628] communities to benefit themselves, as well as their chosen organisations. Lynne Featherstone: The Government Equalities Office would show such payments as special payments in its Departmental Equality resource accounts. Figures for 2010-11 will be provided in the Government Equality Office’s 2010-11 resource Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales accounts to be published in July this year. what account she has taken of the effects of income inequality in the (a) formulation and (b) Government Equalities Office: Equality and Human implementation of policy. [57149] Rights Mr David Jones: The Government are committed to addressing income disparity between different parts of Mr Raab: To ask the Minister for Women and the United Kingdom. It is, however, for individual Equalities how many employees of (a) the Departments to undertake appropriate equality impact Government Equalities Office and (b) the Equality assessments for individual policies during development. and Human Rights Commission earn an annual salary of over (A) £142,500, (B) £65,738 and (C) £25,900. It is regrettable that so much of the pre-recession [56247] growth was focused on London and the South East leaving Wales with an average gross disposable household Lynne Featherstone [holding answer 18 May 2011]: income per head of £13,484, 22% lower than the South The figures requested for permanent employees of the East of England. Government Equalities Office (GEO) and the Equality Measures such as our national insurance holiday for and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) are in the new businesses, and the creation of enterprise zones in table. Additional salary data for these organisations will areas of high growth potential have the potential to be made available shortly on address this disparity. www.data.gov.uk The Wales Office will continue to work with other Government Departments and the Welsh Assembly Organisation Government to ensure Wales fully benefits from policies GEO EHRC that encourage growth.

Annual salary over £142,500 0 0 Departmental Research Annual salary over £65,738 10 15 Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales Annual salary over £25,900 87 322 what (a) longitudinal and (b) other (i) research and Homophobia: Transphobia (ii) collection of data her Department has (A) initiated, (B) terminated and (C) amended in the last 12 months; and what such research and data collection exercises : To ask the Minister for Women and undertaken by the Department have not been amended Equalities what steps Ministers in the Government in that period. [56768] Equalities Office took to mark International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia on 17 May Mr David Jones: Over the last 12 months the Department 2011. [57500] has initiated two pieces of research on the economic situation in Wales. Both pieces of research were delivered Lynne Featherstone: I delivered a video message of at no cost to the Department. support on International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia on 17 May 2011, along with the Wales Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Secretary of State for my hon. Friend the Member for Taunton Deane Wales how many requests she received between 6 May (Mr Browne). The messages are available on the and 20 May 2011 to meet members of the Welsh Government Equalities Office and Foreign and Government; and on what matters. [57468] Commonwealth Office websites and have been circulated to stakeholders. Mrs Gillan: No such representations have been received. 31W Written Answers7 JUNE 2011 Written Answers 32W

SCOTLAND An attempt to commit one of the above offences under the Criminal Attempts Act 1981 Departmental Equality Rape: SI Sexual Offences Act 2003 Rape of a child under 13: S5 Sexual Offences Act 2003 Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Sexual activity with a person with a mental disorder impeding Scotland what account he has taken of the effects of choice: S30(3) Sexual Offences Act 2003 income inequality in the (a) formulation and (b) An attempt to commit one of the above offences under the implementation of policy. [57150] Criminal Attempts Act 1981 David Mundell: The Scotland Office is responsible for Incitement or conspiracy to commit any of the above offences. the policy governing the devolution settlement in Scotland Where a case identified in CPS records as one of rape as provided for in the Scotland Act 1998. A regulatory results in conviction on a lesser charge, the outcome of impact assessment of the Scotland Bill currently before proceedings is still recorded as a conviction for rape. Parliament was undertaken prior to its introduction and is available on the Scotland Office website. Among Trade Unions other things it includes information on the likely costs, benefits and impact of the key proposals based on the available evidence. Mr Raab: To ask the Attorney-General how many staff of the Crown Prosecution Service were entitled to work (a) full-time as trade union representatives and (b) part-time on trade union activities in 2010-11; how NORTHERN IRELAND many such staff were paid more than £25,900 annually; and what the cost to the public purse was of employing Departmental Charitable Donations such staff on such duties. [58133]

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for The Solicitor-General: I refer the hon. Member to the Northern Ireland what steps he is taking to encourage answer I gave to his written question 56434 on 23 May charitable giving by Ministers in his Department. 2011, Official Report, columns 376-77W. [57129]

Mr Paterson: While I am happy to encourage charitable giving this is a matter of personal choice and I am DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER content to leave such issues to the individual. Electoral Systems

ATTORNEY-GENERAL Graeme Morrice: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister Prosecutions: Rape whether he plans to bring forward further proposals for changes to the electoral system for the House of Miss McIntosh: To ask the Attorney-General how Commons; and if he will make a statement. [57504] many successful prosecutions for rape there have been in each of the last three years; and if he will make a Mr Harper: The coalition’s programme for government statement. [57732] set out the Government’s intention to hold a referendum on whether to adopt the alternative vote for elections to The Solicitor-General: I am responding to this question the House of Commons. This commitment has been using the records maintained by the Crown Prosecution met with a referendum on the voting system on 5 May Service (CPS). The Ministry of Justice maintains separate 2011. The Government have no plans to bring forward data relating to rape prosecutions. further such proposals in this Parliament. The CPS records show that the number of defendants successfully prosecuted for offences of rape in each of Voting Rights: Prisoners the last three years was as follows: Priti Patel: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister Number whether he is preparing legislation or draft legislation 2008-09 2,018 on the extension of the franchise to prisoners; whether 2009-10 2,270 he plans to bring forward legislative proposals on such 2010-11 2,465 an extension within the next six months; and if he will make a statement. [57547] These figures represent the number of defendants prosecuted by the CPS for offences of rape whose case Mr Harper: The Government asked the European was completed in each of the last three years ending Court of Human Rights to reconsider its recent judgment March. on prisoner voting rights (known as “Greens and MT”)— Rape is defined by the CPS as any offence from the and was disappointed that the request was refused. The following list: UK has six months from the date of the judgment Rape: SI Sexual Offences Act 1956 becoming final to bring forward legislative proposals to Sexual intercourse with a girl under the age of 13: S5 Sexual amend the law on prisoner voting. The Government are Offences Act 1956 considering the next steps. 33W Written Answers7 JUNE 2011 Written Answers 34W

COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT Robert Neill: The details of GPC transactions for (i) 2008-09 and (ii) 2009-10 have been deposited in the Departmental Equality Library of the House. This includes (a) date of purchase, (b) amount and (c)supplier; (d) level 3 or enhanced Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for transaction details are not held centrally and could be Communities and Local Government what account he provided only at disproportionate cost. has taken of the effects of income inequality in the (a) Each transaction does have a merchant category which formulation and (b) implementation of policy. [57155] is a broad description of the type of goods purchased. Robert Neill: My Department follows Government This disclosure illustrates the need for greater guidance as set out in HM Treasury’s Green Book. This transparency and scrutiny of spending via the Government includes, where appropriate, assessing possible distributional Procurement Card. impacts of policies. Homelessness Energy Performance Certificates Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what mechanism Communities and Local Government whether the he plans to put in place to ensure that provision of moratorium on new regulation from April 2011 for services for homeless people remains a priority for local businesses with fewer than 10 people applies to the authorities under the provisions of the Localism Bill. proposed requirement for holiday lets to have energy [57717] performance certificates. [56942] Grant Shapps: The reforms in the Localism Bill will Andrew Stunell: The moratorium will not apply to the assist councils in providing a robust safety net for the requirements in respect of holiday lets and energy homeless. Local housing authorities will still be required performance certificates as this obligation flows from to secure suitable accommodation for households who the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive. Regulations are eligible for assistance, homeless through no fault of that implement European Union legislation are exempt their own and in ’priority need’ (eg families that include from the moratorium. a dependant child or pregnant woman and people who Fire Services: Trade Unions are vulnerable for some reason). The proposed homelessness provisions in the Localism Mr Raab: To ask the Secretary of State for Bill provide local authorities with additional flexibility Communities and Local Government how many staff so that they can also bring the duty to an end with an of each fire service are entitled to work (a) full-time as offer of accommodation in the private rented sector trade union representatives and (b) part-time on trade without requiring the applicant’s agreement. union activities; how many such staff are paid more We are putting additional protection in place for than £25,900 per annum; and what the cost to the those provided with private rented accommodation ensuring public purse of employing such staff was in the latest the tenancy must be for a fixed term of at least 12 months period for which figures are available. [56455] and the homelessness duty will recur if the applicant becomes homeless again within two years through no Robert Neill: Fire and rescue authorities, in their role fault of their own, regardless of whether they still have as employers, are responsible for the decisions about priority need. how to manage their work force, interact with local We have maintained the level of investment in trade unions and ensure value for money for the taxpayer. homelessness grant for local authorities and the voluntary However, I am aware of the public and parliamentary sector, with provision of £400 million in total over the concern expressed in recent weeks over trade union next four years. We have established a new cross- officials paid for from the public purse. Government working group on homelessness, bringing The coalition Government’s transparency agenda will together Ministers from eight Government Departments, help ensure that cash payments to trade unions and the working with Local Government Association as well as titles of staff posts in local government are open to voluntary sector partners to address the complex and public scrutiny. multiple causes of homelessness and rough sleeping. At a time when all local authorities need to make sensible savings to help pay off the budget deficit, Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for councillors will rightly wish to review the merits of Communities and Local Government what assessment (full-time) union officials funded by the taxpayer and the Cross-Departmental Homeless Working Group has the provision of the office facilities to trade unions. made of the effects of the big society initiative on the provision of local services for homeless people [57719] Government Procurement Card Grant Shapps: The most successful action to tackle Charlotte Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for homelessness is strongly rooted in local communities. Communities and Local Government what the (a) The voluntary and community sector is instrumental at date of purchase, (b) amount, (c) supplier and (d) local level in tackling rough sleeping, often in direct level 3 or enhanced transaction entry was of each response to local concerns about the visibility of the transaction undertaken by his Department using the problem. The best local authority homelessness prevention Government Procurement Card in (i) 2008-09 and (ii) services are shaped around local need. This is an example 2009-10. [57175] of big society in action. 35W Written Answers7 JUNE 2011 Written Answers 36W

The Ministerial Working Group on Homelessness Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for brings together eight Departments to address the complex Communities and Local Government how many local causes and improve support for homeless people. The authorities in England have responsibility for housing. Ministerial Working Group is working with local [57595] government and voluntary sector partners to remove bureaucratic barriers, giving communities greater freedom Andrew Stunell: All local housing authorities in England to do what works best in their areas. with a housing stock of 50 or more houses are required The Government have maintained Homelessness Grant, to keep a housing revenue account. There are currently investing £400 million over the next four years. £6.5 billion 170 local authorities with active housing revenue accounts. was allocated to Supporting People for the spending An authority with fewer than 50 dwellings is not review period, with councils facing a less than 1% average required to maintain a separate record and these are not cash reduction per year. tracked in official statistics; in addition any dwelling that is tied to a particular job, such as wardens or Housing: Construction keepers’ cottages are not included and may be provided by authorities that otherwise do not maintain housing Mr Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State stock. for Communities and Local Government how many (a) private sector and (b) public sector housing starts Mayors: Birmingham there were in the Peterborough city council area in the first quarter of 2011. [57334] Steve McCabe: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government (1) what estimate Andrew Stunell: There were 205 private sector housing he has made of the cost to the public purse of starts and nine public sector housing starts in the establishing arrangements for a shadow mayor in Peterborough city council area in the first quarter of Birmingham; and what proportion of the cost will be 2011. funded through council tax payments in Birmingham; The sources for these figures are the P2 local authority [57233] house building return and data from the National House- (2) if he will refund the costs associated with the Building Council (NHBC). These are collected as part creation of a shadow mayor in Birmingham in the case of the production of the Department for Communities where mayoral government arrangements are rejected and Local Government’s National Statistics on house in a referendum taking place after a period of mayoral building in England, which can be found at the following government. [57235] link: http://www.communities.gov.uk/housing/housingresearch/ Robert Neill: As the Impact Assessment ‘Creating housingstatistics/housingstatisticsby/housebuilding/ executive mayors in the 12 largest English cities’ published Landlords: Complaints on 17 January 2011 explains the cost to a local authority of moving to a shadow mayor is expected to be negligible. Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for The Under-Secretary of State for Communities and Communities and Local Government what Local Government, my hon. Friend the Member for information his Department holds on the number of Hazel Grove (Andrew Stunell), indicated to the House complaints about landlords made to local authorities at Report stage of the Localism Bill that we would listen in each of the last three years. [57583] carefully to the points made on such issues as shadow mayors and we are now reflecting on what we have Andrew Stunell: This information is not held centrally. heard and intend to come back to these matters when the Bill is considered in the Other Place. Landlords: Prosecutions I do not believe such a move would change the overall Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for administrative costs of the local authority. Communities and Local Government how many Sheltered Housing prosecutions there were of landlords for an offence under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 in (a) 2008, Neil Carmichael: To ask the Secretary of State for (b) 2009, (c) 2010 and (d) the latest period for which Communities and Local Government what figures are available. [57501] representations he has received on measures to enable Andrew Stunell: This information is not held by central residents in care villages or similarly-managed Government. properties to hold management companies to account; and if he will make a statement. [57022] Local Government Grant Shapps: We have received over 100 letters following Mike Weatherley: To ask the Secretary of State for a campaign led by the Campaign Against Residential Communities and Local Government what powers are Leasehold Exploitation (CarlEX) questioning the balance available to police in relation to disorder in public of rights between leaseholders and landlords. galleries at council meetings open to the public. [52301] Leaseholders have a number of rights which allow them to hold management companies and landlords to James Brokenshire: I have been asked to reply. account. These include the ability to challenge the The police have a number of powers that could be reasonableness of service charges and in some cases, used in relation to disorder in public galleries at council subject to certain criteria, seek the appointment of a meetings, including powers to prevent a breach of the new manager at a Leasehold Valuation Tribunal, or peace, and powers in the Public Order Act 1986. take over management and employ their own agent. 37W Written Answers7 JUNE 2011 Written Answers 38W

We recognise that where problems arise over leaseholders’ communication needs (SLCN). These materials were homes—especially about the actions of managing agents— updated earlier this year and made widely available to these can cause real inconvenience and, in some cases, local authorities and school through the distribution of lead to significant distress. We are therefore actively DVD training packages. thinking about the issue and do not rule out making On 9 March we published our Green Paper, ‘Support other changes. We have also asked senior officials to and Aspiration: A new approach to special educational meet as a priority with some representatives of the needs and disability’. The Green Paper proposes a CarlEX campaign to hear more about the issues highlighted package of reforms aimed to ensure children’s needs in the campaign. (including SLCN) are identified early and that the right support is put in place to help all children make progress at school and reach their full potential. There is now a EDUCATION period of consultation on the Green Paper, which closes on 30 June. We will be considering all responses received Arts: Education during the consultation period in determining how we take our proposals forward. Mrs Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what his policy is on the role of art as a subject in the (a) primary and (b) secondary Children: Hearing Impairment curriculum. [57572] Mr Gibb: We believe that the arts in general can play Valerie Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for an important part in raising standards, changing attitudes Education what financial support his Department (a) towards education, improving behaviour and the quality has provided in each of the last three years and (b) of teaching. Decisions about the status of art and plans to provide in 2011-12 and 2012-13 for social care design as a national curriculum subject will be made as services available to deaf children and their families in part of the review of the national curriculum. We have Walsall. [56360] recently completed a call for evidence which attracted a very high number of responses across the range of Sarah Teather [holding answer 19 May 2011]: Funding national curriculum subjects. We will be considering data specifically for social care services available to deaf those views, along with other evidence, before announcing children and their families are not collected by the our proposals early next year. Department. However, the available information on the net expenditure planned by Walsall local authority on Mrs Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for the provision of education for pupils with special Education what estimate he has made of demand for educational needs in the last three years is shown in the newly-qualified specialist art teachers in each of the following table: next three academic years. [57650] Planned (net) provision for pupils with SEN in Walsall Mr Gibb: The number of teachers that schools employ 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 in future years will, as now, be a matter for head Walsall 2,194,262 2,826,359 3,272,071 teachers and governing bodies of schools to decide, according to local needs and subject to statutory requirements on class sizes where appropriate. The Department is currently collecting the s251 Budget data for the 2011-12 financial year. The information It is our intention to ensure that enough suitably will not be publicly available until later in the year when qualified teachers are available to meet the needs of it will be published as Official Statistics. schools. The targets for recruitment to initial teacher training courses were calculated and issued on this Valerie Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for basis. Education what financial support his Department (a) The latest recruitment targets have been published in has provided in each of the last three years and (b) TableA3at: plans to provide in 2011-12 and 2012-13 for school http://www.education.gov.uk/rsgateway/DB/SFR/s000927/ transport services for children with special educational sfr11-2010ittv2.xls needs in Walsall. [56364] This shows that in 2011/12 there will be around 320 secondary initial teacher training places specialising in Mr Gibb [holding answer 19 May 2011]: The information art. requested is not available. Home to school transport, Recruitment targets beyond 2011/12 have not yet including transport for children with special educational been made. needs, is funded through a combination of Revenue Support Grant, paid by the Department for Communities Children: Communication Skills and Local Government, and locally determined council tax. Paul Maynard: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what assessment he has made of the merits The Secretary of State for Education, my right hon. of developing commissioning guidance for head Friend the Member for Surrey Heath (Michael Gove), teachers on support for children with speech, language recently allocated £38 million for 2011-12 and £47 million and communication needs. [56214] for 2012-13 for extended rights to transport for pupils from low income families. Walsall local authority received Sarah Teather: The Inclusion Development Programme, an allocation of £30,504 and £37,846. Pupils with special which provides in-service training for serving teachers, educational needs will be eligible to free school travel if includes a specific module on speech, language and they meet the criteria of the extended rights duty. 39W Written Answers7 JUNE 2011 Written Answers 40W

Commercialisation and Sexualisation of Children We published our social mobility strategy on 5 April Review 2011. “Opening Doors, Breaking Barriers” focuses on inter-generational social mobility; ensuring that everyone Mr : To ask the Secretary of State for has a fair chance to succeed, regardless of their background. Education when he plans to publish the Bailey Report It aims to tackle inequality of opportunity at every on the Commercialisation and Sexualisation of stage of life with measures to improve social mobility Childhood. [58166] from the foundation years to school, transition years and adulthood. Sarah Teather: The report by Reg Bailey following his The Government also published their child poverty independent review of the commercialisation and strategy on 5 April 2011. “Tackling the causes of sexualisation of childhood “Letting Children be Children” disadvantage and transforming families’ lives” sets out was published as a Command Paper on 6 June. The a new approach to tackling child poverty for this Parliament Government’s response will be made to Parliament as a and up to 2020. At its core is strengthening families, written ministerial statement today. Copies of the report encouraging responsibility, promoting work, guaranteeing have been placed in the House Libraries. fairness, and providing support to the most vulnerable. As requested, Mr Bailey has made a number of The Pupil Premium was introduced from 1 April robust and challenging recommendations designed to 2011 and is at the heart of the Government’s school address the problems of excessive commercialisation reform programme. It will enable pupils from low income and premature sexualisation in childhood. Implementation families to receive the support they need to reach their of his recommendations, which have been directed to full potential and to help schools reduce educational businesses, trade associations, regulators and Government, inequalities. Rising to £2.5 billion a year by 2014-15, the will reduce the pressure on children to grow up too fast. Pupil Premium is additional funding specifically designed The Government have accepted all his recommendations. to boost the attainment of poorer children. We will, as Mr Bailey also recommends, take stock of progress in 18 months time and consider what further Departmental Ministerial Policy Advisers measures may need to be taken to achieve the recommended outcomes. : To ask the Secretary of State for Education how much his Department spent on special Departmental Billing advisers’ travel by (a) Government car, (b) private hire car, (c) train, (d) bus, (e) commercial aircraft and (f) Gordon Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for private aircraft since May 2010. [56102] Education what mechanism his Department has established to ensure its payments are passed through Tim Loughton: The information is as follows: the supply chain to each tier in accordance with the last (a) Special advisers are not entitled to the use of a Government date for payment defined in the Government’s Fair car. However, there are occasions when it is necessary to travel in Payment guidance. [55893] one whilst accompanying a Minister on official business. (b&c)The total travel costs (excluding overseas travel) for Tim Loughton: The Department does not have any special advisers at the Department for Education since May 2010 construction contracts and has not implemented any is £2,393. Information detailing the separate cost of taxi and rail specific mechanisms to take account of the requirements travel by special advisers can be provided only at disproportionate of the Fair Payment guidance. However, for all contracts, cost. the Department has implemented a prompt payment (d) Special advisers at the Department for Education have not policy with a 10 day target for payment which is a travelled by bus whilst on official business. shorter time scale than the 14 days recommended in the (e) Special advisers at the Department for Education have Fair Payment guidance. For the period between 1 May travelled by commercial aircraft whilst on Government business with my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Education. 2010 and 1 April 2011, 94% of invoices were paid within The overall costs of all ministerial overseas visits for 2010-11 will the 10 day target. The Department’s contractual be published in due course. requirement is to pay invoices within 30 days and for the (f) Special advisers at the Department for Education have not period mentioned above 99% were paid within that travelled by private aircraft whilst on official business. deadline. The use of official cars and taxis by civil servants, A clause is included in all contracts requiring payment including special advisers, is governed by the requirements to be made of all sums due by a contractor to a of the Civil Service Management Code. sub-contractor within a specified period not exceeding 30 days from the receipt of a valid invoice. Departmental Public Appointments

Departmental Equality Fabian Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for Education pursuant to the answer of 16 March 2011, Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Official Report, columns 423-4W, on independent Education what account he has taken of the effects of review panels, on what basis his Department decides income inequality in the (a) formulation and (b) whether to pursue a very light-touch process or a more implementation of policy. [57154] formal application and selection process; and if he will make a statement. [57167] Mr Gibb: The Government have made a clear commitment to improving the achievement and life Tim Loughton: The Department follows the principles chances of children from deprived backgrounds via a and processes set out in the Commissioner for Public £7 billion Fairness Premium. This includes support for Appointments’ code of practice disadvantaged two year olds, a pupil premium to help http://www.publicappointmentscommissioner.org/ poorer pupils and reforms to higher education. codeofpractice/ 41W Written Answers7 JUNE 2011 Written Answers 42W

The code of practice does not require the Department published by the Office for National Statistics; the to apply the full process set out in the code to posts that Public Sector Employment Statistical Bulletin is available fall outside of the Commissioner’s remit, and where at the following link: this is the case a light touch process may be undertaken. http://www.statistics.gov.uk/statbase/ A more formal application and selection process product.asp?vlnk=13615&Pos=&ColRank+1&Rank+422 would be undertaken where the post is remunerated. Head count of regular teachers, teaching assistants, support staff, auxiliary staff and educational psychologists in service in local authority maintained schools in Discretionary Learner Support Fund: Cornwall each local authority, year: November 2010, coverage: England Local Teaching Support Auxiliary Educational authority Teachers1 assistants2 staff3 staff4 Psychologists Sarah Newton: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how much of the Discretionary Support Barking and 2,170 1,090 670 1,580 n/a Dagenham Fund will be allocated to Cornwall. [57253] Barnet 3,460 2,180 1,600 1,460 20 Mr Gibb: We are finalising details of the allocations Barnsley 1,850 1,440 790 1,730 10 Bath and 1,660 1,060 630 790 n/a for the 16-19 Bursary Fund following the consultation North East on the new arrangements, which closed on 20 May. The Somerset Young People’s Learning Agency will issue allocations Bedford 1,730 1,090 760 1,070 10 to schools, colleges and training providers in June. Borough Bexley 2,090 1,380 920 980 10 Education Maintenance Allowance Birmingham 11,160 6,940 4,160 9,040 60 Blackburn 1,580 1,420 1,210 480 10 with Darwen Kate Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Blackpool 1,250 850 840 410 10 Education what assessment he has made of the effects Bolton 2,570 1,830 920 940 10 of the withdrawal of education maintenance allowance Bournemouth 1,250 840 450 620 10 on young people from (a) ethnic minorities and (b) Bracknell 880 670 380 480 10 lone parent families; and if he will make a statement. Forest [56516] Bradford 5,150 4,270 2,110 2,570 n/a Brent 2,680 1,430 880 970 10 Mr Gibb: The equality impact assessment for the Brighton and 2,150 1,580 780 1,010 20 ending of education maintenance allowance and the Hove introduction of the 16-19 Bursary funding is available Bristol City of 2,850 1,740 1,310 1,260 n/a on the Department for Education website: Bromley 2,840 1,910 930 1,110 n/a Buckinghamshire 5,510 3,240 1,820 1,980 30 http://media.education.gov.uk/assets/files/pdf/1/ Bury 1,640 1,330 450 750 10 ema%20replacement%20scheme%20%20%20equality%20impact Calderdale 2,100 1,520 870 1,230 10 %20assessment.pdf Cambridgeshire 4,900 4,000 2,080 3,700 20 We will monitor and evaluate the impact of the introduction Camden 1,610 1,020 580 700 20 of the new fund, including with reference to levels of Central 3,050 1,680 1,240 1,550 10 support by disability, ethnicity, gender and other Bedfordshire characteristics. Cheshire East 3,080 1.930 880 1,900 10 Cheshire West 3,030 1,650 830 1,690 20 Education: Children’s Service and Chester City of 20 20 10 * * London Damian Hinds: To ask the Secretary of State for Cornwall 4,800 4,190 1,540 2,040 20 Education what information his Department holds on Coventry 3,250 1,790 1,330 2,120 10 the headcount of each local authority education and Croydon 2,900 2,100 1,010 1,600 20 children’s service; and under what categories such data Cumbria 4,250 2,230 1,370 1,660 20 is held. [56377] Darlington 830 570 270 380 10 Derby 2,000 1,560 680 1,020 * Mr Gibb: The Department does not collect information Derbyshire 6,720 4,720 2,430 5,460 30 on the overall number of staff employed by local authorities Devon 6,340 5,100 2,590 4,580 40 for the provision of education and children’s services. Doncaster 2,630 3,540 1,870 3,690 10 However, information on the number of school staff is Dorset 3,700 2,640 1,260 1,840 20 provided to the Department through the annual School Dudley 3,020 2,780 1,150 1,870 n/a Workforce Census (SWF) return. Durham 4,630 2,340 1,550 2,830 10 The table provides the head-count of staff employed Ealing 2,840 1,550 990 1,390 20 in local authority maintained schools and those staff East Riding 2,970 2,270 1,210 1,870 10 employed centrally by local authorities who spend the of Yorkshire majority of their time in schools, as of November 2010. East Sussex 4,140 3,280 1,680 2,180 20 Other staff who are employed centrally for the provision Enfield 2,970 1,990 1,070 870 20 of education and other children’s services are not included, Essex 11,650 8,810 5,120 7,330 40 except educational psychologists. The categories in the Gateshead 1,820 870 490 1,010 30 table may be disaggregated further into job roles where Gloucestershire 6,070 3,870 1,900 2,920 20 these have been provided. Greenwich 2,520 2,030 1,090 970 20 Further information on the overall number of staff Hackney 1,620 1,130 640 810 20 employed by local authorities in the education sector is Halton 1,140 630 360 920 10 43W Written Answers7 JUNE 2011 Written Answers 44W

Head count of regular teachers, teaching assistants, support staff, auxiliary staff Head count of regular teachers, teaching assistants, support staff, auxiliary staff and educational psychologists in service in local authority maintained schools in and educational psychologists in service in local authority maintained schools in each local authority, year: November 2010, coverage: England each local authority, year: November 2010, coverage: England Local Teaching Support Auxiliary Educational Local Teaching Support Auxiliary Educational authority Teachers1 assistants2 staff3 staff4 Psychologists authority Teachers1 assistants2 staff3 staff4 Psychologists

Hammersmith 1,230 610 510 290 10 Portsmouth 1,540 1,310 640 820 10 and Fulham Reading 1,090 880 530 570 10 Hampshire 10,810 6,980 3,670 5,990 70 Redbridge 3,100 1,670 1,120 1,100 10 Haringey 2,350 1,380 1,100 1,420 10 Redcar and 1,360 950 520 1,140 10 Harrow 2,030 1,280 790 1,170 10 Cleveland Hartlepool 940 800 320 790 10 Richmond 1,130 690 450 240 10 Havering 2,360 1,660 880 1,450 10 upon Thames Herefordshire 1,350 1,070 460 710 10 Rochdale 1,940 1,760 650 1,350 10 12,560 7,080 4,660 5,150 60 Rotherham 2,560 2,030 940 990 10 Hillingdon 2,710 1,900 1,070 1,300 20 Rutland 290 190 160 120 * Hounslow 2,320 1,090 780 1,090 10 Salford 1,360 140 110 30 n/a Isle of Wight 1,220 1,020 610 720 * Sandwell 2,770 2,380 820 2,240 20 Isles of Scilly 40 30 10 20 n/a Sefton 2,710 1,810 940 1,030 n/a Islington 1,470 990 720 600 20 Sheffield 4,380 2,950 1,580 2,060 20 Kensington 760 530 340 300 10 Shropshire 2,980 2,500 910 2,400 n/a and Chelsea Slough 1.570 1,030 710 560 10 Kent 13,230 9,860 4,520 5,570 50 Solihull 1,930 1,320 590 1,210 10 Kingston 2,150 1,860 680 930 n/a Somerset 4,320 4,080 1,830 2,700 30 Upon Hull South 2,350 1,370 690 1,590 10 City of Gloucestershire Kingston 1,590 850 660 580 n/a South 1,050 550 380 1,010 10 upon Thames Tyneside Kirklees 3,980 2,550 1,440 2,910 20 Southampton 1,670 1,320 600 870 10 Knowsley 1,410 1,080 500 400 10 Southend-on- 1,840 1,140 740 940 * Lambeth 2,170 1,550 760 470 20 Sea Lancashire 10,770 9,580 5,610 4,200 50 Southwark 1,630 1,570 590 920 20 Leeds 6,520 5,110 2,250 3,470 40 St Helens 1,340 960 340 460 n/a Leicester 3,050 2,430 1,090 1,890 20 Staffordshire 7,660 4,810 3,050 6,640 30 Leicestershire 6,200 4,410 3,000 3,640 20 Stockport 2,560 1,750 940 1,380 20 Lewisham 1,750 1,310 710 750 n/a Stockton-on- 1,710 1,130 420 1,360 10 Lincolnshire 5,710 4,620 2,230 3,200 30 Tees Liverpool 4,050 1,810 1,240 1,830 20 Stoke-on- 2,040 1,380 1,240 2,060 40 Trent Luton 1,880 1,780 910 1,590 10 Suffolk 6,850 4,750 2,750 4,850 30 Manchester 3,990 2,630 2,490 2,360 20 Sunderland 2,630 1,740 1,020 1,150 10 Medway 2,140 1,720 870 1,080 20 Surrey 9,160 7,160 3,920 4,480 50 Merton 1,390 920 630 540 10 Sutton 2,120 1,080 670 820 10 Middlesbrough 1,080 900 670 470 n/a Swindon 1,770 1,560 660 1,070 40 Tameside 1,850 1,110 830 1,410 10 Milton 2,630 2,020 1,010 1,450 20 Keynes Telford and 1,190 1,300 630 740 n/a Wrekin Newcastle 2,350 1,280 780 1,810 20 upon Tyne Thurrock 1,180 880 520 590 n/a Newham 3,100 2,220 1,120 1,890 10 Torbay 1,180 860 520 640 10 Tower 3,030 2,190 1,220 1,540 30 Norfolk 6,780 6,140 2,450 4,480 n/a Hamlets North East 960 1,030 380 820 10 Trafford 2,030 990 590 710 10 Lincolnshire Wakefield 2,840 2,320 1,270 2,490 n/a North 1,380 1,150 510 1,360 10 Lincolnshire Walsall 2,550 1,940 980 1,240 10 North 1,840 1,130 510 590 10 Waltham 2,360 1,450 920 1,380 20 Somerset Forest North 2,000 800 600 1,240 10 Wandsworth 2,220 1,750 920 650 20 Tyneside Warrington 2,020 1,240 620 1,380 10 North 4,840 3,130 2,070 4,310 30 Warwickshire 5,010 3,400 1,610 3,660 20 Yorkshire West 1,800 1,420 760 750 n/a Northamptonshire 6,360 5,410 3,230 3,210 30 Berkshire West Sussex 6,970 4,640 3,500 3,060 40 Northumberland 3,570 1,750 830 1,960 20 Westminster 1,210 720 350 340 10 3,150 3,340 980 330 10 Nottingham 2,160 1,660 710 1,030 n/a Wiltshire 4,240 3,100 1,720 1,990 30 Nottinghamshire 7,420 4,170 2,640 5,300 30 Windsor and 1,300 940 650 640 n/a Maidenhead Oldham 2,210 1,780 670 900 10 Wirral 3,310 1,760 1,080 1,350 n/a Oxfordshire 5,820 4,650 2,220 2,690 20 Wokingham 1,620 1,280 640 740 n/a Peterborough 1,520 1,460 600 1,120 10 Wolverhampton 2,420 1,340 960 1,850 20 Plymouth 2,360 2,030 1,030 1,570 20 Worcestershire 5,270 4,400 1,850 2,990 * Poole 1,130 780 540 640 n/a York 1,450 780 380 390 10 45W Written Answers7 JUNE 2011 Written Answers 46W

Head count of regular teachers, teaching assistants, support staff, auxiliary staff (IMD) and the Income Deprivation Affecting Children and educational psychologists in service in local authority maintained schools in each local authority, year: November 2010, coverage: England Index (IDACI), these indices were produced by the Local Teaching Support Auxiliary Educational Department for Communities and Local Government. authority Teachers1 assistants2 staff3 staff4 Psychologists The most recent version of the IMD was released by the Department for Communities and Local Government England 470,230 333,140 181,610 261,550 n/a in December 2010. n/a = Not available. * = Nil or negligible. IMD is a Lower layer Super Output Area (LSOA) 1 Includes full and part-time, qualified and unqualified teachers. level measure of multiple deprivation and is made up of 2 Includes higher level teaching assistants, nursery nurses, nursery assistants, literacy and numeracy support staff and any other non-teaching staff seven LSOA level domain indices. There are also two regularly employed to support teachers in the classroom, special needs support supplementary indices (Income Deprivation Affecting staff and minority ethnic pupil support staff. Children and Income Deprivation Affecting Older People). 3 Includes administrative staff (e.g. secretaries, bursars and other admin/ clerical staff), technicians (e.g. laboratory assistants, design technology LSOAs in England are ranked from one to 32,482 assistants, home economics and craft technicians and IT technicians), other where one is the most deprived. support staff (e.g. matrons/nurses/medical staff, child care staff and other education support staff). With the introduction of the Pupil Premium, for 4 These staff are employed in posts that were not previously collected. pupils known to be eligible for free school meals and for Examples of staff included are those employed in catering and school looked after children, the measure of deprivation is maintenance. Figures are rounded to the nearest 10. being extended to include both these groups of pupils. Source: School Workforce Census Free Schools Educational Visits Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Education pursuant to the answer of 9 May 2011, Damian Hinds: To ask the Secretary of State for Official Report, column 966W, on free schools, what Education what (a) time-series data and (b) school size or capacity has been specified in each information his Department holds on the number of (i) application to establish a free school submitted to his school trips which have taken place and (ii) children Department to date. [55969] who have participated in school trips. [56378] Mr Gibb: The Department had received over 300 Mr Gibb: The Department for Education neither applications at the close of the initial application round collects such data nor makes related estimates. in February 2011. The size of the proposed Free Schools First Aid: Curriculum varied substantially with the average number of pupil places being around 300.

Justin Tomlinson: To ask the Secretary of State for : To ask the Secretary of State for Education pursuant to the answer of 9 May 2011, Education how many free schools he expects to open in Official Report, column 968W, on secondary education: September 2011; how many applications are being first aid, whether his Department will bring forward processed; and how many further expressions of proposals to include training of pupils in interest have been registered with his Department. cardiopulmonary resuscitation in the national [57224] curriculum; and if he will make a statement. [57917] Mr Gibb [holding answer 24 May 2011]: To date, 32 Mr Gibb: The non-statutory framework for personal, proposals have been given approval to move to business social, health and economic (PSHE) education includes case and plan stage and beyond, of which a number of teaching young people to develop the skills to cope with schools will open in September 2011. The application emergency situations that require basic first aid procedures, process for proposed schools that hope to open in 2012 including, at key stage 4 (age 15 to 16), resuscitation is now open. We expect to receive a large number of techniques. high quality applications. The non-statutory elements of PSHE education are not covered by our review of the national curriculum. GCE A-level However, as signalled in the White Paper, we intend to conduct a separate, internal, review to determine how Elizabeth Truss: To ask the Secretary of State for we can support schools to improve the quality of PSHE Education (1) how many and what proportion of teaching, including giving teachers the flexibility to use A-level students were entered for A-level (a) their judgment about how best to deliver PSHE education. mathematics, (b) English literature, (c) further More details will be announced shortly. mathematics, (d) biological sciences, (e) physics, (f) chemistry, (g) geography, (h) history and (i) at least Free School Meals one modern foreign language in (i) modern schools and (ii) other further education sector colleges (A) Damian Hinds: To ask the Secretary of State for nationally and (B) in each local education authority Education what measures of deprivation his area in the last year for which figures are available; Department uses in its segmented analysis of [57303] achievement at school other than the proportion of (2) how many and what proportion of A-level children entitled to free school meals. [56386] students were entered for at least three A-levels from (a) mathematics, (b) English literature, (c) further Mr Gibb: The Department for Education uses two mathematics, (d) biological sciences, (e) physics, (f) indicators of deprivation in addition to free school chemistry, (g) geography, (h) history and (i) a meals. These are the Indices of Multiple Deprivation modern foreign language in (i) modern schools and (ii) 47W Written Answers7 JUNE 2011 Written Answers 48W other further education sector colleges (A) nationally In the White Paper we set out proposals to reform and (B) in each local education authority area in the initial teacher training so that it focuses on key teaching last year for which figures are available. [57305] skills including teaching early reading and mathematics, (3) how many and what proportion of GCE A-level managing behaviour and responding to pupils’ special students were entered for GCE A-level in (a) educational needs. In particular for primary schools, accounting, (b) art and design, (c) business studies, proposals to improve the initial training of teachers in (d) communication and culture, (e) dance, (f) design systematic synthetic phonics and develop more specialist and technology, (g) drama/theatre studies, (h) teachers of mathematics. electronics, (i) film studies, (j) home economics, (k) We have said that we will create a new national information and communication technology, (l) law, network of teaching schools, on the model of teaching (m) media studies, (n) music technology, (o) sports hospitals, giving outstanding schools the role of leading studies, (p) travel and tourism and (q) environmental the training and professional development of teachers studies in (i) modern schools and (ii) other further and head teachers so that all schools, including primary education sector colleges (A) nationally and (B) in each schools, have access to high quality professional and local education authority area in the last year for which leadership development. We are also introducing a figures are available. [57304] competitive national scholarship scheme to give teachers the opportunity to deepen their subject knowledge. Mr Gibb [holding answer 24 May 2011]: The information requested has been placed in the House Libraries. Pupils: Identification Grammar Schools Damian Hinds: To ask the Secretary of State for Michael Fallon: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what guidance his Department issues to Education how many grammar schools have (a) secondary schools on the wearing of identity badges by applied for, (b) converted to and (c) registered an pupils. [56376] interest in applying for academy status since 2005. [57231] Mr Gibb: The Department for Education does not issue formal guidance on the wearing of identity badges Mr Gibb [holding answer 24 May 2011]: Since the by pupils. It is for schools to take such measures as they Academies Act 2010 was passed, 116 grammar schools think are reasonable to keep the premises secure and the have applied to convert and 63 have converted to academy pupils and staff safe from intrusion. status. A list of all schools that have formally applied for academy status, as well as a list of academies that Reading: Teaching Methods have opened in the academic year 2010/11 can be found on the DfE academies website at: Fabian Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for http://www.education.gov.uk/academies/a0069811/schools- submitting-applications-and-academies-that-have-opened-in- Education pursuant to the written ministerial 201011 statement of 24 March 2011, Official Report, columns and this is updated monthly. The Department no longer 61-2WS, on the Year 1 phonics screening check, how publishes a list of mainstream schools that have expressed often his Department plans to update the list of an interest in converting to academy status. approved phonics products and training; and if he will make a statement. [57169] History and Geography: Secondary Education Mr Gibb: The process for reviewing publishers’ self- Nicola Blackwood: To ask the Secretary of State for assessments of phonics products against the Department’s Education whether he has assessed the merits of raising core criteria will continue until at least September 2011. to 16 years the compulsory age to which history and We will consider whether to extend this process further. geography must be taught. [58143] Separately, a catalogue containing an approved list of products and training will be available in September Mr Gibb: We are currently reviewing the national 2011 following a procurement exercise. We expect to re- curriculum in England, and as part of that will consider procure products and training for the catalogue by whether history and geography should be compulsory April 2012. subjects within the national curriculum and, if so, at which key stages. We will be announcing our proposals School Meals: Standards early next year. Primary Education: Training Frank Dobson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education for what reason academies and free schools Mr : To ask the Secretary of State for are to be exempted from the requirement to meet Education what his policy is on training and continuing nutritional standards for school meals. [55817] professional development for the primary school workforce. [56856] Mr Gibb: As part of the broader freedoms given to academies and free schools, we trust the professionals Mr Gibb: The Government’s policy on the training to act in the best interests of their pupils. I am not aware and continuing professional development of teachers is of any evidence that suggests that academies provide set out in the White Paper, “The Importance of Teaching” meals that are less nutritious than those provided in which was published on 24 November 2010. maintained schools. 49W Written Answers7 JUNE 2011 Written Answers 50W

Schools: Identification The Department collects information from each local authority on school capacity in maintained schools Damian Hinds: To ask the Secretary of State for through an annual survey, which includes local authorities’ Education what guidance his Department issues to own pupil forecasts. The most recent survey data relates schools on the deployment of in-school identification to the position at May 2010 and is available on the and payment systems. [56379] Department for Education’s website at: http://www.education.gov.uk/rsgateway/DB/STR/d000982/ Mr Gibb: The Department for Education has not index.shtml issued any specific advice about identification and payment The survey does not ask local authorities to report on systems. Schools are expected to comply with Data the number of children being taught in temporary Protection legislation and ensure the security of personal classrooms and this information is not held by the information. In 2008/09 Becta produced guidance on Department. data security for schools. In 2007 they also developed Schools: Nutrition guidance in liaison with the Information Commissioner’s Office, for those schools choosing to use biometric Grahame M. Morris: To ask the Secretary of State authentication systems. This guidance remains valid. for Education what the role of Ofsted will be in relation The coalition agreement of May 2010 promised to to the implementation of nutritional standards for outlaw the finger-printing of children at school without school food for (a) academies, (b) free schools and (c) parental permission. The Government have introduced other schools. [57270] new legislation in the Protection of Freedoms Bill, currently going through Parliament, to regulate the use Mr Gibb [holding answer 24 May 2011]: The of biometric recognition systems in schools and colleges. Government are committed to refocusing school inspection The purpose of these provisions is to ensure that no for maintained schools, academies and free schools, children’s biometric data are taken, in schools or colleges, around the core areas of pupil achievement, teaching, without parental permission. The provisions would also leadership and behaviour, and safety. We have no plans give children the right to refuse to use biometric systems to ask Ofsted to assess the implementation of nutritional and ensure that alternatives are provided for children or standards for school food as part of this new inspection their parents who opt out of using biometric technology. focus. Subject to the passage through Parliament, the Department Governing bodies of maintained schools and local for Education will issue advice to schools making their authorities are responsible for ensuring that school food duties under these provisions clear. meets the required standards. Parents are increasingly knowledgeable about the importance of healthy eating Schools: Information and Communications Technology and are well placed to hold schools to account for this. Free schools and academies, established since September Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State 2010, are not required to comply with the school food for Education what steps he is taking to ensure pupils standards, and are free to promote healthy eating and have access to high quality ICT education and training good nutrition as they see fit. in schools. [55968] Grahame M. Morris: To ask the Secretary of State Mr Gibb [holding answer 18 May 2011]: The for Education whether free schools will be required to Department has contracted with the Open University comply with nutritional standards for school food. to provide a regional network of support centres delivering [57330] continuing professional development to both specialist ICT teachers and teachers of other subjects who use Mr Gibb [holding answer 24 May 2011]: Free Schools ICT. Additionally, the Department has provided access will not be required to comply with the nutritional for schools to an online tool to guide their self-review standards for school food. They will be required to and development in the use of ICT and has contracted provide lunches where there is demand and free school with Naace, the professional association for ICT in meals to all pupils who are eligible and wish to take up schools, to continue delivery of ‘ICT Mark’ assessments their entitlement. We have no reason to believe that to recognise schools that demonstrate excellence. Free Schools will not provide healthy, balanced meals that meet the current nutritional standards. As part of Schools: Newham the broader freedoms available to Free Schools, we trust the professionals to act in the best interests of their Lyn Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for pupils. Education (1) what plans he has to ensure sufficient pupil places are available for residents of the London Schools: Repairs and Maintenance borough of Newham up to 2013; [53036] Mr Raab: To ask the Secretary of State for (2) how many children in (a) the London borough Education how much per capita his Department spent of Newham and (b) London are being taught in on maintaining and improving state school premises in temporary classrooms. [53037] each of the last five years. [56479] Mr Gibb: The Department has allocated £800 million Mr Gibb: The following table shows how much capital of capital funding to local authorities in England for funding the Department has spent per pupil in England 2011-12 to provide additional pupil places (basic need). since 2004-05. These figures are for all funded pupils This is twice the previous annual level of support. aged three to 19 and are in real terms. 51W Written Answers7 JUNE 2011 Written Answers 52W

Capital1, 2 only funding per maintained school pupil3, 2004-05 to 2010-11 (includes academies) Funding per maintained pupil (£) 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 Actual Actual Actual4 Actual Actual Actual Estimated outturn5

Real terms6 720 780 700 830 920 1,080 960 Real terms index7 100 108 97 115 128 150 133 1 Figures are rounded to nearest £10. 2 Includes capital budgets (drawn from annex C of 2009 departmental report) and PFI funding streams. 3 Calculations are based on maintained sector full-time equivalent pupils (including academy pupils) aged three to 19 in England. Taken from the schools census as at January 2010. Figures exclude pupils in PVIs and alternative provision. 4 The apparent drop in funding per pupil between 2005-06 and 2006-07 is caused by the transitional effect of a change in the funding mechanism for the Building Schools for the Future (BSF) programme. This involves the re-phasing of payments to local authorities to better reflect the actual pattern of deliveryonthe ground. Any unspent capital from 2006-07 will be rolled forward to be used in future years, thereby ensuring that the BSF programme is fully delivered. This also applies to unspent capital in 2008-09, where end-year flexibility funds can be brought forward to 2009-11. 5 Figures updated for PBR 2008 fiscal stimulus of £800 million capital funds moving from 2010-11 to 2009-10. 6 Real terms figures have been calculated using the December 2010 gross domestic product deflators with 2009-10 as the base year. 7 The real terms funding index has been based with 2004-05 as 100.

Secondary Education: Performance Standards The successful organisations were announced on 25 February 2011 and those that will receive dedicated Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for funding for relationship support (subject to negotiations) Education what plans he has for the future of the are listed as follows. The majority of the organisations C-grade threshold as used in performance measures for deliver a mix of preventative couple relationship support, secondary schools. [53007] relationship counselling for couples in difficulty and work with couples who are separating or separated: Mr Gibb: The 2011 secondary school performance Asian Family Counselling Service tables, to be published in January 2012, will be based on indicators which reflect the Government’s priorities as Care for the Family announced in the Schools White Paper “The Importance Centre for Separated Families of Teaching”. We want to discourage schools from Contact a Family focusing on pupils on the C/D borderline to improve Families Need Fathers the school’s standing in league tables. Performance Gingerbread tables will therefore include measures of pupil progress Marriage Care and average point scores which capture the full range of National Association of Child Contact Centres outcomes for all pupils. While we will continue to publish A-C indicators, we will also publish a wider One Plus One range of information, in a supporting dataset, such as PACE (Project for Advocacy, Counselling and Education) ″ the percentage of pupils achieving A*-G in the English Relate baccalaureate subjects and the percentage of pupils Tavistock Centre for Couple Relationships achieving 5+A*-G at GCSE or equivalent. Full details In addition, a number of organisations are funded to of the content of the 2011 performance tables will be provide a range of support for families which can also published, later this term, in our annual statement of include relationship support. intent. Reforming performance tables to increase flexibility and interrogative functions, is part of our ambition to Special Educational Needs improve accountability and increase transparency. The objective is to create a fully flexible dataset that will: Ian Swales: To ask the Secretary of State for allow parents, inspectors, governors, and the public to Education if he will bring forward legislative proposals challenge schools on their performance; support school to require schools to support the health and well-being improvement; and open up underlying data to allow of children with (a) medical needs and (b) myalgic users to create and compare the information of most encephalomyelitis. [56647] importance to them. Sarah Teather [holding answer 23 May 2011]: There Separation is already a legal duty on schools to promote the well-being of their pupils. Within that, it is for school Sheila Gilmore: To ask the Secretary of State for governing bodies and local authorities, rather than central (a) (b) Education to which geographical areas and Government, to determine their own policies on supporting organisations he plans to allocate the funding for pupils with medical needs. Good schools and local relationship support services with respect to family authorities will work with parents and local health separation in the next four years; and if he will make a services so that the medical needs of children, such as statement. [57633] those with myalgic encephalomyelitis, are met while Sarah Teather: In December 2010, the Prime Minister they are at school. announced a dedicated fund of £30 million over the As we said in the Schools White Paper, ‘The importance next four years to support couple relationships. The of Teaching’, good schools have a vital role as promoters majority of this funding will be allocated to the voluntary of health and well-being in the local community, and and community sector (VCS) via the Department for have always had good pastoral systems. They understand Education’s VCS Grants programme. To be considered well the connections between pupils’ physical and mental for grant funding, organisations had to carry out work health and their educational achievement. We believe of national significance. that the majority of the important work that schools do 53W Written Answers7 JUNE 2011 Written Answers 54W is not as a result of government prescription, and so the Teachers: Disciplinary Proceedings Department has no plans to change the existing arrangements or to bring forward new legislative proposals. David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for This Department, together with the Department of Education (1) how many teachers in each region of Health, produced guidance for schools in 2005, entitled England have been (a) disciplined and (b) dismissed ‘Managing Medicines in Schools and Early Years’. This for disciplinary offences related to inappropriate recommends, among other things, that there should be internet usage in each of the last three years; [57000] a clear policy in each school, an individual health care (2) how many teachers in each region of England plan for any child with medical needs, and training for have been dismissed on grounds of inefficiency in each staff. The guidance can be found at: of the last three years; [57006] www.education.gov.uk/publications/standard/ (3) how many teachers in each region of England publicationdetail/page1/DFES-1448-2005 have been (a) subject to disciplinary procedures on We encourage other organisations, such as employer health grounds and (b) dismissed on such grounds in and staff associations and charities such as the ME each of the last three years. [57007] Association, to play their part in supporting schools and parents and in sharing good practice. Mr Gibb: The responsibility for disciplinary procedures within schools in England, including those that result in Special Educational Needs: Autism dismissal, rests with school governing bodies and local authorities, who are the employers of teachers in schools. The information requested about the numbers of Julie Elliott: To ask the Secretary of State for teachers disciplined and dismissed is not held by the Education what financial support his Department Department. provided for children with autistic spectrum disorders in schools in Sunderland in each of the last three years. Teachers: Schoolmasters [57296] Gavin Williamson: To ask the Secretary of State for Sarah Teather: Funding data for special education Education what funding his Department has provided support for children with autistic spectrum disorders is to (a) the National Union of Teachers, (b) the not collected by the Department. National Association of Schoolmasters and Union of Women Teachers, (c) the Association of Teachers and It is for local authorities to take decisions on how to Lecturers, (d) the National Association of Head deploy the funding they receive from central Government. Teachers and (e) schemes run by those organisations In the last three financial years, Sunderland planned to in each year since 1997. [56406] spend £403,646 (2008-09), £397,881 (2009-10) and £397,011 (2010-11) on special educational needs provision, including Mr Gibb: The information requested is shown in the provision for children with autistic spectrum disorders. following table:

Union name Financial year Amount of payment (£) Reason for funding

National Union of Teachers (NUT) 1997 to April2002 1—— April 2002 to March 2003 0 — April 2003 to March 2004 0 — April 2004 to March 2005 465.00 Schools Web - Schools Channels April 2005 to March 2006 0 — April 2006 to March 2007 0 — April 2007 to March 2008 0 — April 2008 to March 2009 402.50 Young People Directorate—14-19 Public Awareness April 2009 to March 2010 4,482.50 Advertisement for First Post and Litigation April 2010 to March 2011 0 — April 2011 0 — Total 5,350.00 —

National Association of 1997 to April 2002 1—— Schoolmasters and Union of Women Teachers (NASUWT) April 2002 to March 2003 0 — April 2003 to March 2004 0 — April 2004 to March 2005 31,500.00 PE Sport Strategy for Young People— Paralympics Assoc April 2005 to March 2006 87,486.00 PE Sport Strategy for Young People— Paralympics Assoc/Teachers’ Performance Management 55W Written Answers7 JUNE 2011 Written Answers 56W

Union name Financial year Amount of payment (£) Reason for funding

April 2006 to March 2007 100,000.00 PE Sport Strategy for Young People— Paralympics Assoc April 2007 to March 2008 130,500.00 PE Sport Strategy for Young People— Paralympics Assoc April 2008 to March 2009 95,070.00 PE Sport Strategy for Young People— Paralympics Assoc April 2009 to March 2010 125,000.00 PE Sport Strategy for Young People— Paralympics Assoc April 2010 to March2011 100,000.00 PE Sport Strategy for Young People— Paralympics Assoc April 2011 0 — Total 669,556.00 —

Association of Teachers and 1997 to April 2002 1—— Lecturers(ATL) April 2002 to March 2003 0 — April 2003 to March 2004 0 — April 2004 to March 2005 0 — April 2005 to March 2006 0 — April 2006 to March 2007 0 — April 2007 to March 2008 0 — April 2008 to March 2009 230.00 Young People Directorate—14-19 Reform Local Delivery—Public Awareness April 2009 to March 2010 587.50 Stakeholder Engagement Conferences and Exhibitions April 2010 to March2011 0 — April 2011 0 — Total 817.50 —

National Association of Head 1997 to April 2002 1—— Teachers (NAHT) April 2002 to March 2003 13,883.82 Communications/Public Awareness/ Conferences/ Playing Fields April 2003 to March 2004 13,106.37 Playing Fields April 2004 to March 2005 24,266.77 Playing Fields/Conferences April 2005 to March 2006 10,950.63 Playing Fields/ Publicity/Training April 2006 to March 2007 8,212.92 Playing Fields/Gifted and Talented April 2007 to March 2008 8,596.91 Playing Fields April 2008 to March 2009 13,075.43 Playing Fields/Conferences April 2009 to March2010 9,442.84 Playing Fields/Conferences/Public Awareness April 2010 to March2011 0 — April 2011 0 — Total 88,840.46 — 1 No information available

University Technical Colleges Vocational Guidance: Finance

Kelvin Hopkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many statements of intent his Education whether his Department plans to provide Department received in relation to establishing a direct funding to the all-age careers service in academic university technical college by 1 April 2011; and if he year 2011-12. [54902] will publish each statement received. [56712]

Mr Gibb: The deadline for sending Statements of Mr Gibb [holding answer 9 May 2011]: Online and Intent for University Technical Colleges to the Department helpline service currently funded by the Department for was 15 April 2011. 51 were received by that date. Each Education for young people will, during the academic proposer now has the opportunity to develop a full year 2011-12, be integrated with those for adults as part application, in line with guidance we have published on of the establishment of a National Careers Service. The the Department’s website. We will announce, in due Department for Education is providing funding through course, which applications are approved. the Early Intervention Grant to support access to impartial 57W Written Answers7 JUNE 2011 Written Answers 58W careers guidance for young people in the academic year once, and there has not yet been any substantial discussion 2011-12. Subject to the passage of the Education Bill, of the division of funding between adaptation and schools will be responsible for securing independent mitigation. The coalition Government will aim to secure careers guidance for their pupils from September 2012. provisions for a balanced allocation when this matter is considered in the Transitional Committee.

Developing Countries: Roads INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT Departmental Charitable Donations Mr Raab: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what his policy is on the Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for provision by the Government of £1.5 million of grant International Development what steps he is taking to aid to promote global road safety through the UN encourage charitable giving by Ministers in his Global Road Safety Commission; and if he will make a Department. [57128] statement. [57676]

Mr Duncan: All Government Ministers have pledged Mr O’Brien: Road safety is an important issue for to undertake a ‘one day challenge’ with a charity or people in developing countries. While this project is not community group of their choice. This is a clear and part of our current programme, our core funding to public commitment by Ministers to give their time to multilateral agencies like the World Bank will save lives help others. The pledge aims to inspire others to consider by ensuring that road investments include road safety how they might be able to support their communities to provisions. benefit themselves, as well as their chosen organisations. Ecuador: Rain Forests Departmental Manpower Mark Lazarowicz: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Nicholas Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment he has International Development if he will make it his policy made of the proposals of the Government of Ecuador to publish monthly information on changes in the for the preservation of the Yasuni forest. [56936] numbers of his Department’s employees categorised by (a) seniority, (b) voluntary redundancy, (c) natural Mr O’Brien: The UK Government are aware of wastage and (d) involuntary redundancy. [57607] proposals relating to the Yasuni forest. Although at this early stage a number of important technical questions Mr Duncan: In response to the Government still need to be addressed, the UK Government recognise Transparency Initiative and in line with other Government the forward looking and innovative approach set out by Departments, the Department for International the Ecuadorian Government. Further attention needs Development publishes organograms for the entire to be devoted to developing environmental and social organisation and salary information for most of the safeguard policies to ensure that investments do not senior civil service. This data is refreshed every six have unintended harmful consequences, and to the months, details of which can be found on the Cabinet permanence of the arrangements to conserve the Yasuni Office website at: region. http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/transparency The UK Government recognise the importance of We also provide details of staff leaving DFID and forests in supporting livelihoods, protecting biodiversity their reason for doing so as part of an annual civil and mitigating climate change. Funding has been committed service employment survey return for the Office for over the next four years (2011-15) through the International National Statistics (ONS), details of which can be Climate Fund to help developing countries to respond found on the ONS website at: to climate change, and a substantial part of this funding http://www.statistics.gov.uk/default.asp is likely to be focused on forests. An independent review We have no plans to publish more frequent additional to inform options for UK support on forestry was data. published on 18 May, and its recommendations are now under consideration. Developing Countries: Climate Change Elections Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what discussions he has Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for had within the Transitional Committee on the Green International Development what arrangements his Climate Fund on the division of funding between Department put in place to enable its officials working climate change adaptation and mitigation measures; overseas to vote by post in the May 2011 elections and and if he will make a statement. [58069] referendum on the voting system. [57563]

Mr Andrew Mitchell: The coalition Government support Mr Duncan: In the briefing packs for officials who the decision of the 16th Conference of the Parties of the will be taking up an overseas posting we give them the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate ‘Electoral Registration form for a Crown Servant or Change, which tasks the Transitional Committee to British Council employee’. This tells them how to register design a Green Climate Fund with the objective of to vote in an election. It is up to the individual to decide achieving a balanced allocation between adaptation if they complete and return the form to their Electoral and mitigation. The Transitional Committee has met Registration Office. 59W Written Answers7 JUNE 2011 Written Answers 60W

Pakistan: Overseas Aid Yemen: International Assistance

Simon Danczuk: To ask the Secretary of State for Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what proportion of his International Development what funding his Department’s aid to Pakistan was spent in the Department has provided for the activities of UNICEF Pakistan-administered areas of Kashmir in the latest and the Office of the UN High Commissioner for period for which figures are available. [57313] Refugees in Yemen in 2011. [57244] Mr Andrew Mitchell: The UK supports national Mr Duncan: The Department for International programmes in Pakistan that work in, and benefit, Development (DFID) is providing the United Nations Pakistan-administered Kashmir including the National Children’s Fund (UNICEF) with £6 million of funding Maternal, Newborn and Child Health programme. The for work in Yemen in 2011. This funding will go towards proportion of this aid spent in Pakistan-administered addressing the basic humanitarian needs of the children Kashmir cannot be provided without incurring of Yemen,including preventing 11,000 under five-year-olds disproportionate cost. UK bilateral aid to Pakistan in dying from malnutrition; vaccinating 54,000 children 2009-10 totalled £140.4 million. for measles; and improving education for at least 200,000 The UK repaired 450,000 damaged houses and financed children. building 16 new schools and 40 bridges in Pakistan- We have not provided the United Nations High administered Kashmir as part of the Department for Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) funding for work International Development’s (DFID) earthquake in Yemen. In view of the current uncertainty in Yemen, reconstruction and rehabilitation programme. A number we are keeping all our commitments under continuous of these projects are now reaching completion, with the review. overall spend currently totalling £48,377,792, 58% of the £84 million committed. Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for In addition, DFID provides funding to the Conflict International Development what steps his Department Pool, which is a joint Foreign and Commonwealth is taking to ensure the accountability of UNICEF and Office, DFID and Ministry of Defence fund that runs a the office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees number of programmes in Pakistan. The value of these in Yemen for funding for his Department for activities programmes in Pakistan-administered Kashmir over in Yemen in 2011. [57247] the past five years was £1,108,256. Mr Duncan: The Department for International Tanzania: BAE Systems Development (DFID) has signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) with the United Nations Children’s Mr Gale: To ask the Secretary of State for Fund (UNICEF) and United Nations Office for the International Development for what reasons his Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) setting Department recommended that funds agreed with the out these agencies’ obligations in respect of humanitarian Serious Fraud Office should be paid by BAE to the funding provided by DFID in 2011. Under these MoUs Government of Tanzania rather than to Tanzanian both agencies will submit regular reports on progress, charities; and if he will make a statement. [56943] which will allow DFID to track project expenditure and Mr Andrew Mitchell: In February 2010, the Department progress against agreed targets. DFID will also monitor for International Development received a request for progress through our presence on the OCHA Emergency advice from the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) about how Relief Fund Advisory Board and meetings with agencies. to ensure that any money paid to Tanzania, as a result DFID has not provided the United Nations High of its settlement with BAE, would be given in a way that Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) funding for work would benefit the people of Tanzania, with propriety in Yemen. In view of the current uncertainty in Yemen, and transparency. we are keeping all our commitments under continuous In the course of discussions, DFID advised that a review. good approach, which would achieve value for money, developmental impact and the broadest benefit to the Tanzanian people would be to make a payment via ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS Government of Tanzania systems, with the funds ring- fenced for specific development results (in the education Air Pollution sector) and subject to independent, international-standard audit. Graeme Morrice: To ask the Secretary of State for In Tanzania, government systems reliably reach most Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps she is people. Donors, including the UK, already provide taking to reduce the effects on health of levels of air significant development assistance through Government quality. [57255] systems. This money is appropriated by the Tanzanian Richard Benyon: The Government take air quality Parliament and audited by the Controller and Auditor issues seriously and have committed to a number of General, and is subject to donor monitoring procedures. initiatives which will reduce air pollution (targeting Spending through non-government organisations or transport in the main), including: over £400 million for an entirely new mechanism were considered, but the use measures to promote the uptake of ultra-low carbon of Government systems was deemed to be a good vehicle technologies; a £560 million Local Sustainable method for achieving value for money and wide impact Transport Fund to provide funding for local authorities with minimal additional administration cost. to support sustainable travel; and a £45 million Green No proposals for making payments outside of Bus Fund to encourage the uptake of low-emission Government systems have been discussed with DFID. buses. 61W Written Answers7 JUNE 2011 Written Answers 62W

The Government also recently committed £5 million However, the Government continue to work for changed to fund a programme of localised measures designed to behaviour on littering, for instance through the work of reduce concentrations of particulate matter in London—the the Chewing Gum Action Group funded by gum only UK location assessed to have areas that do not manufacturers, and with Keep Britain Tidy through the comply with the European limit value for this pollutant. ‘Love Where You Live’ campaign funded by business. The Government are reviewing what further action can be taken to communicate the impacts of air pollution Circuses: Animal Welfare more effectively, and, through a partnership approach, establish stronger messages about tackling the health Mary Creagh: To ask the Secretary of State for impacts of air pollution and what action people can Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what contact take to reduce air pollution. Examples of such initiatives officials of her Department have had with legal include ‘active travel’, which promotes walking and representatives of the European Circus Association; cycling, leading to reduced health risks and improved and on what dates. [57420] air quality; and ‘smarter choices’ measures aimed at behaviour change. The Government will continue to investigate measures to improve air quality and will Mr Paice: We do not maintain a record of every shortly be consulting on their plans to achieve limit contact that organisations, such as the European Circus values for nitrogen dioxide. Association (ECA), has with officials, but it has had frequent contact with officials during the last five years. Bovine Tuberculosis: Vaccination Departmental Billing Charlotte Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) what recent Gordon Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for assessment her Department has made of the efficiency Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what mechanism and viability of inoculating badgers against bovine her Department has established to ensure its payments tuberculosis; and if she will make a statement; [56859] are passed through the supply chain to each tier in (2) what her policy is on the level of evidence accordance with the last date for payment defined in required in respect of the viability of inoculation of the Government’s Fair Payment guidance. [55891] badgers to establish that method as a means to prevent the spread of bovine tuberculosis. [56860] Richard Benyon: DEFRA and its Executive agencies request its suppliers to adopt and follow the Governments Mr Paice: A licensed injectable badger TB vaccine is Fair Payment guidance. already available for use on prescription. Experimental Most of the expenditure of the core Department is studies have demonstrated that vaccination is safe and on services, rather than goods. Much of the supplier effective in reducing the progression and spread of TB responsibility fails, therefore, on prompt and correct in badgers. DEFRA is funding a Badger Vaccine payment of supplier staff salaries. Where goods are Deployment Project to assess the practicality of vaccination concerned, the spread of Tier 2 and 3 suppliers can be in the field and to train lay vaccinators. However, while very wide and to collect data across such a wide range we would expect vaccination to result in reduced of organisations would not be efficient or effective and transmission of bovine TB to cattle, we currently have would incur additional cost. no hard evidence on this. Therefore, the precise contribution vaccination could make to reducing disease in cattle is Departmental Coordination: Communities and Local unknown. Government It is important to note that vaccines can never represent a single answer to the problem of bovine TB. Vaccination is a risk reduction measure, most likely to be successful Mary Creagh: To ask the Secretary of State for in controlling bovine TB when used alongside other Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on what dates disease control measures. (a) Ministers and (b) officials in her Department have met their counterparts in the Department for Despite the relative lack of scientific evidence, the Communities and Local Government in 2011 to date. public consultation document made clear that we do see a role for vaccination. We are carefully considering the [57019] large number of responses we received to the consultation. Richard Benyon: Ministers in my Department have met with Ministers in the Department for Communities Chewing Gum: Waste Disposal and Local Government on 2 February, 25 March, 28 March, 31 March, and 9 May on a bilateral basis. We Tom Blenkinsop: To ask the Secretary of State for also meet regularly with CLG Ministers at Cabinet, Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what her policy Home Affairs Committee, Economic Affairs is on requiring companies involved in the production of Committee, Sub-Committee on Efficiency and chewing gum to contribute towards the clean-up of Reform, Public Expenditure Committee, Sub-Committee discarded gum from streets. [56644] on Threats, Hazards, Resilience and Contingencies, Sub- Committee on Public Health and the ministerial Green Richard Benyon [holding answer 23 May 2011]: There Breakfast that my Department hosts. Officials in both are no plans at present to require companies involved in Departments have regular meetings and discussions the production of chewing gum to make a financial together most weekdays to discuss a range of issues of contribution towards the clean-up of discarded gum. mutual interest. 63W Written Answers7 JUNE 2011 Written Answers 64W

Departmental Legal Opinion exploring options for the more frequent publication of this type of work force management information across Mary Creagh: To ask the Secretary of State for the civil service. Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many Departmental Research prosecutions have been brought as a result of the work of her Department’s legal team in each of the last five Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for years for each type of offence; and how many Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what (a) convictions for each type of offence have resulted from longitudinal and (b) other (i) research and (ii) such prosecutions in each of the last five years. [55459] collection of data her Department has (A) initiated, (B) terminated and (C) amended in the last 12 months; and Richard Benyon [holding answer 13 May 2011]: The what such research and data collection exercises information requested could be provided only at undertaken by the Department have not been amended disproportionate cost. in that period. [56763] Richard Benyon: This information cannot be provided Departmental Manpower due to disproportionate costs. Departmental Travel Mr Nicholas Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for it her policy to publish monthly information on Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much each changes in the numbers of her Department’s employees executive agency of her Department has spent on travel categorised by (a) seniority, (b) number of employees by (a) private hire vehicles, (b) trains, (c) buses, (d) taking voluntary redundancy, (c) natural wastage and commercial aircraft and (e) private aircraft since May (d) involuntary redundancy. [57611] 2010. [56076] Richard Benyon: The Government are committed to Richard Benyon: The information requested is included transparency and the availability of data and are currently in the following table.

Executive Agencies £ RPA CEFAS FERA VMD AH VLA

(a) private hire vehicles (may include Taxis unless 67,587 63,754 23,432 7,568 50,259 75,060 stated) (b)trains 331,554 193,247 272,397 197,644 205,932 1110,981 (c) buses 1,151 4,921 not available 1— 4,032 1— (d) commercial aircraft 49,423 224,826 144,165 1— 95,768 150,484 (e) private aircraft 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 Indicates brace. Notes: 1. The VMD does not record the costs of public transport types (bus, train, etc) separately other than hire cars. Instead it records the “reason for travel”, which is a more useful measure for understanding and controlling travel costs. Assuming “since May” means from 1 May 2010 to 30 April 2011 2. VLA. Trains and buses are not recorded separately (they are both included in the public transport figure), any ‘private hire vehicles’ would be included in the taxi figure. All figures are for period 1 April 2010 to 31 March 2011 3. CEFAS. This expenditure covers the financial period of 2010-11 and includes journeys undertaken in the fulfilment of non-government customer contracts. The travel cost for these non-government contracts is reimbursed by the recipient of these services in the charges made and income received. 4. FERA The analysis is provided by the main travel provider, further travel costs for these areas will have been via expenses through GPC, expenses claims, and other organisations. We do not capture this level of detail within our Ledgers. Period is May2010 to March 2011. RPA Expenditure is for the period May 2010 to March 2011. The figure for Private Hire vehicles excludes taxis

The information is provided on the basis that the Fishery Agreements: Morocco final accounts for the year 2010-11 are still being audited by the NAO. Mr Mark Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much her answer of 4 May 2011, Official Report, column 785W, Department spent on special advisers’ travel by (a) on the EU-Morocco Fisheries Partnership Agreement, Government car, (b) private hire car, (c) train, (d) if she will oppose any extension to the agreement. bus, (e) commercial aircraft and (f) private aircraft [57418] since May 2010. [56104] Richard Benyon: DEFRA is waiting for the European Richard Benyon: Since May 2010, the Department Commission to come forward with the proposals which has spent £1,336.47 on travel for special advisers. This will formally put into effect the extension of the can be broken down into £739.08 on domestic rail travel EU-Morocco Fisheries Partnership Agreement up until and £597.39 on Eurostar. February 2012. Once the proposals have been received, 65W Written Answers7 JUNE 2011 Written Answers 66W

DEFRA will have to be convinced that there is enough Inland Waterways evidence that the population of the Western Sahara will benefit from the agreement before supporting any extension Tony Baldry: To ask the Secretary of State for to it. Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps she has taken to ensure that the Environment Agency Fishing Catches navigations can transfer to the proposed new waterways charity in 2015-16; and if she will make a Graeme Morrice: To ask the Secretary of State for statement. [58155] Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent discussions she has had with large retailers and food Richard Benyon: The Government are committed to delivering a national trust for the waterways over time, producers on fish discards. [57505] which includes both the British Waterways and Environment Agency navigations. Richard Benyon: As Minister for Fisheries, I have an open dialogue with large retailers and food producers There will be a phased approach to the delivery of on a number of key issues including fish discards. More this vision, so that assets and liabilities can be transferred recently, I have met with Sainsbury’s and Young’s who sustainably. Under this phased approach the Environment are active stakeholders promoting the consumption of Agency navigations, subject to the agreement of the underutilised fish species (like gurnard and red mullet) trustees of the new waterways charity, would transfer to which account for 54% of the fish currently being the new charity in the next spending review period discarded. (2015-16). Discussions take place at official level on a regular To ensure a smooth transition, a review will be basis with a number of large retailers and food producers undertaken in 2014 to assess the progress and achievements via stakeholder fora, such as the Discards Action Group of the new charity and to consider the options to enable established by Seafish. the transfer of the Environment Agency navigations. Motor Vehicles: Sales Forests: Ecuador Rebecca Harris: To ask the Secretary of State for Mark Lazarowicz: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment representations she has received on the operation of her Department has made of the proposals of the online car trading businesses from residential Government of Ecuador for the preservation of the properties; and if she will make a statement. [56302] Yasuni forest. [56935] Richard Benyon: Under the provisions of the Clean Mr Paice: DEFRA is aware of proposals relating to Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005 it is an the Yasuni forest. These proposals raise a number of offence to expose or advertise for sale two or more technical questions, including ones concerning motor vehicles parked on a road or roads within 500 metres environmental and social safeguard policies to ensure of each other. DEFRA has not received any recent that investments do not have unintended harmful representations on the operation of these provisions. consequences, and concerning the permanence of the River Rom: Pollution arrangements to conserve the Yasuni region. Funding has been committed over the next four years Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for (2011-15) through the International Climate Fund to Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent help developing countries respond to climate change, assessment she made of the effects on wildlife of levels and a substantial part of this funding is likely to be of pollution in the River Rom. [57034] focused on forests of Ecuador. Richard Benyon: The Environment Agency (EA) assesses Hares: Conservation the River Rom under the water framework directive. Since 2010 it has been carrying out investigations to Neil Parish: To ask the Secretary of State for identify issues, such as the impact of poor water quality Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether the aims on aquatic life. set out in the Biodiversity Action Plan in respect of the The EA is working with Thames Water to tackle poor brown hare population have been met. [58032] water quality by addressing misconnections and identifying improvements that are needed to its combined sewer Richard Benyon: The UK Biodiversity Action Plan overflows (CSOs) and surcharging sewers. (UKBAP) set many hundreds of targets including the The EA is aware that there are problems associated following targets for brown hares: to increase the population with urban diffuse pollution in this area and is identifying of brown hares to double the 1995 level by 2010; and to the source, where it does not relate to misconnections maintain the range of the brown hare at the 2006 level and CSOs. It is working with relevant local authorities (these targets did not apply to Northern Ireland). and other implicated parties towards addressing these We do not have data for the target concerning the issues. range of the brown hare but the data we have shows Long-term problems associated with the quality and that the population of brown hares in Great Britain has quantity of urban surface run-off entering the river put continued to increase since the 1980s although not at fish populations at risk. Silt deposits are often formed the rate needed to meet the target in the UKBAP. in the lower reaches of the River Rom because of the 67W Written Answers7 JUNE 2011 Written Answers 68W shallow gradient in the channel. Plant and invertebrate (2) how many weirs owned by the are communities show limited diversity as a result of these without fully functional all-fish species passes which silt deposits and elevated pollution levels. comply with the provision of the Water Framework Directive. [53630] River Thames: Standards Justine Greening: I have been asked to reply. Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for The Crown Estate grants agricultural tenancies on Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps her land which includes inland waterways. The lessees Department is taking to ensure the cleanliness and are responsible for maintenance. The Crown Estate is water quality of the River Thames. [57311] not aware of any waterways and weirs that it owns Richard Benyon: In 2009, the Environment Agency which do not comply with the Waterways Framework published the Thames River Basin Management Plan, Directive. which sets out the pressures on the River Thames and the actions needed to address them. The Environment Agency and its partners are now carrying out these HEALTH actions. Where the Environment Agency does not know the causes of water quality problems and the best Cancer Drugs Fund methods for tackling them it is carrying out a programme of investigations to inform its future approach. 20. Jeremy Lefroy: To ask the Secretary of State for A significant improvement to cleanliness and water Health what recent assessment he has made of the quality will be achieved through the London Tideway operation of the Cancer Drugs Fund; and if he will Improvements scheme, which will tackle pollution from make a statement. [57831] urban wastewater and ensure the Thames meets the requirements of the Urban Waste Water Treatment Mr Simon Burns: We have received representations Directive. from hon. Members, noble Lords, and members of the The scheme is being delivered by Thames Water and public on how the fund has been operating. This includes will: many welcoming the additional support we are giving (a) limit pollution from combined sewer overflows through the to cancer patients in need. addition of two new storage and transfer tunnels: the Lee Tunnel Over 2,400 patients have already benefitted from the and Thames Tunnel, which will intercept and transport storm additional funding provided up to the start of April sewage to the Beckton sewage treatment works; and 2011, and the additional £600 million we have committed (b) improve the treatment capacity and effluent quality at five over the next three years will improve the lives of sewage treatment works: Mogden, Crossness, Beckton, Long thousands more cancer sufferers. Reach and Riverside. NHS Financial Performance Sustainable Development 21. Mr Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of Mary Creagh: To ask the Secretary of State for State for Health what assessment he has made of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on what dates financial performance of the NHS in 2010-11; and if the (a) Sustainable Development Programme Board he will make a statement. [57832] and (b) Sustainable Development Policy Working Group have met since May 2010; and when their next Mr Simon Burns: The national health service is in a scheduled meetings are. [57074] strong financial position. At Quarter 3 of 2010-11; the Mr Paice [holding answer 23 May 2011]: The Sustainable strategic health authorities and primary care trusts were Development Programme met on 1 July, 28 September forecasting an overall surplus of £1,269 million, and the and 9 December 2010 and the Sustainable Development NHS trust sector was forecasting an overall surplus of Policy Working Group met on 3 June, 9 September and £132 million. We expect the 2010-11 final year end 4 November 2010. There were also interdepartmental surplus to be no less than this forecast. meetings on sustainable development, Greening Influenza Vaccine Government and the Greening Government commitments on the following dates: 14 July 2010, 5 October 2010, 22. Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for 8 February 2011 and 18 February 2011. Health what discussions he has had with the Scottish Apart from day to day discussions between officials, Executive on the availability of influenza vaccine for plans for standing engagement between DEFRA and winter 2011-12. [57833] other Departments on sustainable development are currently under review within our approach of mainstreaming Anne Milton: The Department has had an initial sustainable development across Government. exchange of views with the Scottish Executive on planning Water: EU Law for the seasonal flu vaccination programme for winter 2011-12. Mr Marcus Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Ordering of flu vaccine in England is the responsibility Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) what of general practitioner practices. Central Government proportion of waterways owned by the Crown Estate is will procure a small central strategic reserve to mitigate expected to achieve (a) good ecological status and (b) the risk of local shortages in England. good ecological potential under the Water Framework The Scottish Executive centrally procures seasonal Directive by 2015; [53629] flu vaccine for the Scottish health service. 69W Written Answers7 JUNE 2011 Written Answers 70W

NHS: Competition and Collaboration Care Quality Commission

23. Mrs Glindon: To ask the Secretary of State for John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the potential Health if he will estimate the average amount of Care role of (a) competition and (b) co-operation and Quality Commission staff time needed to conduct a collaboration in the NHS. [57834] service review for an (a) NHS trust, (b) independent hospital and (c) adult social care provider, broken Mr Simon Burns: Both co-operation and competition down by (i) time for site visit, (ii) review and assessment have important roles to play in improving services for of (A) information held by the Care Quality patients. We want to see better integration of services to Commission on the organisation and (B) completed improve quality and increased choice for patients. provider compliance assessments and (iii) completion This is a key theme of the current listening exercise and publication of a report. [58079] on national health service modernisation. The NHS Future Forum is seeking views on the development of Mr Simon Burns: In terms of delivering its regulatory choice and competition in the NHS and we look forward functions, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) is an to the forum’s report. independent body and is therefore responsible for determining the time needed to undertake reviews of GP Commissioning Consortia registered services in order to carry out its functions efficiently and effectively. Robert Flello: To ask the Secretary of State for The time taken to carry out a service review varies Health what estimate he has made of the redundancy enormously depending on the circumstances, size and costs of staff of primary care trusts and strategic nature of the service. We are advised by the CQC that health authorities eligible to be employed by GP the information requested is not gathered centrally. commissioning consortia. [57811] The CQC is, however, currently conducting an activity- based management review with a sample of compliance Mr Simon Burns: The impact assessment estimated staff to study the time demands of the different parts of that redundancies would cost £852 million for primary the regulatory process. Once complete, the findings will care trusts and strategic health authorities. It also explained be used to establish the value of activity-based information how our proposals for modernising the national health in carrying out the commission’s regulatory functions, service would save £1.7 billion a year in administration and will inform the CQC’s ongoing resource planning. spending by 2014-15, to reinvest in front-line patient care. John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Emergency Planning Health what training staff at the Care Quality Commission will receive on registration and inspection Simon Hughes: To ask the Secretary of State for of (a) dental services and (b) GP services. [58082] Health what plans he has for the future of the responsibilities of primary care trusts in emergency Mr Simon Burns: In terms of delivering its regulatory planning. [57820] functions, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) is an independent body and it is therefore for the CQC to Anne Milton: As the right hon. Member is aware, the determine the appropriate training staff require so that Government are at the end of the NHS Listening the CQC can carry out its functions efficiently and Exercise, during which we have heard a wide range of effectively. views. Future responsibility for emergency planning The following information has been provided by the will be made clear in the near future. CQC. The delivery of health care resilience is currently CQC staff have received specific training relating to through a combination of roles and responsibilities dentistry which includes: across a number of national health service organisations, a sector overview of primary dental care; and the Health Protection Agency. system training including the registration process for primary Health care resilience is part of much wider planning dental care providers; and for emergencies both at a local level, including local training on compliance monitoring of primary dental care authorities, ambulance trusts, fire brigades and police providers. forces and at a national level by Government Departments Specific training relating to general practitioners will and agencies. include (this has not been rolled out universally yet): Health and Social Care Bill sector overview of primary medical care; system training including the registration process for primary Lindsay Roy: To ask the Secretary of State for Health medical care providers; and when he expects to table amendments for consideration training on compliance monitoring of primary medical care during the Report stage of the Health and Social Care providers. Bill. [57835] John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Simon Burns: The NHS Future Forum are now Health what the maximum amount of time that can reflecting on what they have heard and will be publishing elapse is before a health or social care provider will their report shortly. We will then respond and set out receive a site inspection under the Care Quality the improvements to the Health and Social Care Bill. Commission’s regulation methodology. [58086] 71W Written Answers7 JUNE 2011 Written Answers 72W

Mr Simon Burns: Under the Care Quality Commission’s Mr Simon Burns: It is for the Care Quality Commission (CQC) current methodology, every provider should be (CQC) to determine the appropriate staffing complement reviewed at least every two years. However, in line with and qualifications in order to carry out its functions the principles of proportionate, risk-based regulation, efficiently and effectively. the CQC carries out site visits based on its judgment of The following information has been provided by the risk and where a site visit is the most effective way of CQC. gathering information about compliance. This enables As part of its recruitment process, the CQC does not the CQC to target its resources on providers where the specifically require inspectors and assessors to hold a risk is highest, while reducing the regulatory burden on nursing qualification, social work qualification, professional providers where the risk is low. Site visits will therefore qualification in regulation or another professional take place wherever necessary to gather information qualification relating to health or social care. Therefore, about compliance. the CQC does not have a record of these data. John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what consideration the Care Quality John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Commission gives to provider self-assessment in its Health how many and what proportion of the Care assessment of whether a health or social care provider Quality Commission’s assessors and inspectors are is compliant with its essential standards. [58088] registered with (a) the Nursing and Midwifery Council and (b) the General Social Care Council. [58091] Mr Simon Burns: The following information has been provided by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Mr Simon Burns: It is for the Care Quality Commission (CQC) to determine the appropriate staffing complement The CQC uses its quality and risk profiles (QRP) and and qualifications in order to carry out its functions its Outliers programme (which identifies services whose efficiently and effectively. performance lies outside the expected range) to identify the risk of non-compliance by registered providers with CQC has provided the following information. the safety and quality registration requirements. As part of its recruitment process, CQC does not Providers self assessments of compliance are not specifically require inspectors and assessors to be registered included in either the QRP or the Outliers programme. with the Nursing and Midwifery Council and the General The purpose of provider compliance assessments is to Social Care Council. Therefore, CQC does not hold help the provider itself in considering whether it is these data. compliant with the safety and quality requirements. Provider compliance assessments are not mandatory. Bowel Cancer: Older People When carrying out a review, the CQC may ask to see any provider compliance assessment that has been Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for undertaken and this information may add to the evidence Health if he will take steps to ensure that elderly base upon which the inspectors judgment is founded. patients are not underrepresented in clinical trials for However the provider compliance assessment will not bowel cancer therapies. [57064] form part of the decision to undertake a responsive review. Paul Burstow: The Government are committed to opening up information about clinical trials in all therapeutic John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for areas including bowel cancer, so that patients can find Health how many separate indicators are available out about trials that may be relevant to their condition. within the Care Quality Commission’s quality and risk The National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) is profiles for (a) NHS providers, (b) independent health developing a web-based UK Clinical Trials Gateway. It care providers and (c) adult social care providers. will present, in accessible form, information about trials [58089] conducted in the United Kingdom. By 2012, the Gateway will make it easy for patients, their doctors and carers, Mr Simon Burns: The following information has been friends and families to see what a trial is about, where it provided by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). is taking place, and who is running it. It will help The precise number of indicators used by CQC changes patients, including elderly patients to join in clinical over time as data sets become less timely or are superseded trials if they are suitable and choose to do so with full by better data. The number of indicators for each information and advice. provider is different as not all sources of data apply to The NIHR encourages patients and the public to be all providers, depending upon the precise mix of services actively involved in all NIHR-funded health and social they provide. However, at the last update (10 May 2011) care research. The NIHR funds INVOLVEwhich promotes of the Quality and Risk Profile, the average number of active public participation in national health service, separate indicators for each national health service provider public health and social care research to improve the was approximately 500 with approximately 50 indicators way that research is prioritised, commissioned, undertaken, for independent health care and adult social care providers. communicated and used. John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many and what proportion of the Cancer Care Quality Commission’s assessors and inspectors hold a (a) nursing qualification, (b) social work Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for qualification, (c) professional qualification in Health what steps his Department has taken to assess regulation and (d) another professional qualification the effects of lifestyle and behaviour on rates of cancer. relating to health or social care. [58090] [57067] 73W Written Answers7 JUNE 2011 Written Answers 74W

Paul Burstow: The Department draws on evidence data are by financial year and by current region under from a range of sources, including academic research, the Care Standards Act 2000 from 1 April 2002 to to assess links between lifestyles and rates of cancer; 30 September 2010. and this is kept under constant review. Evidence of the Information showing the compliance and non- link between lifestyle behaviours—such as tobacco use compliance of care homes in each region, and those in (including smoking), alcohol consumption, drug misuse, process of being assessed, has been placed in the Library. poor diet and nutrition, being overweight or obese and This covers the period 1 October 2010 onwards, by physically inactive—is well established. This research current region. shows that up to half of all cancers could be prevented by changes in lifestyle behaviours, so it is clear that Colorectal Cancer: Health Services these behaviours have an effect on cancer rates. “Healthy Lives, Healthy People: our strategy for public Frank Dobson: To ask the Secretary of State for health in England” sets out our strategy for improving Health what the 30-day mortality rate was for patients public health and reducing the risk factors associated with a diagnosis of bowel cancer who received a major with developing conditions such as cancer. surgical resection for bowel cancer for each stage of cancer in each (a) provider, (b) cancer network and Cancer: Medical Treatments (c) strategic health authority in the last 12 months for which figures are available. [55818] Mr Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment his Department has Paul Burstow: The information is not available in the made of the capability of the National Institute for format requested. However, in April 2011 the National Health and Clinical Excellence to carry out appraisals Cancer Intelligence Network (NCIN) published an eAtlas for innovative inhibitor therapies for rare cancers where following a study of the 30-day mortality rate for patients the target population is very small; and if he will make with a diagnosis of bowel cancer, who received a major a statement. [57488] surgical resection. Information on the number of surgical resections and proportion of deaths is provided at trust Mr Simon Burns: I refer the hon. Member to the and cancer network level for the period from 1998 to answer I gave the hon. Member for Wirral West (Esther 2006 and is available on the NCIN website at: McVey) on 23 May 2011, Official Report, column 426W. www.ncin.org.uk/cancer_type_and_topic_specific_work/ cancer_type_specific_work/postoperative_mortality.aspx. Cancer: Waiting Lists An eAtlas of preliminary information for trusts with significantly better or worse post- operative mortality Tom Blenkinsop: To ask the Secretary of State for rates than expected during 2002 to 2006 was also published. Health what the average waiting time for cancer This showed that the performance of trusts with worse patients in Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland than expected 30-day post-operative mortality rates in constituency to receive treatment (a) was in each year 2003 to 2006 had improved in 2007-08. The NCIN has from May 2005 to April 2010 and (b) has been in 2011 advised that information for 2007-08 will be updated in to date. [56751] due course when analysis is complete. Paul Burstow: Statistics on average waiting times A data briefing summarising some of the key findings between diagnosis and treatment for cancer are not in relation to year of diagnosis and stage of diagnosis is collected centrally. The cancer waiting time standard of also available on the NCIN website. a maximum wait of 31 days from diagnosis to first Dental Services: Equipment cancer treatment was introduced for all patients from December 2005. In the most recent period for which Natascha Engel: To ask the Secretary of State for statistics are available (quarter 3 2010-11), 98.7%, of Health what information his Department holds on the patients treated for cancer at South Tees Hospitals number of people who are offered a statement of NHS Foundation Trust began their treatment within manufacture with their dental device. [57208] 31 days. Care Homes Mr Simon Burns: This information is not collected centrally. Stephen Gilbert: To ask the Secretary of State for Departmental Charitable Donations Health what information his Department holds on the number of care homes in each region that were found Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Health not to be compliant with national minimum standard what steps he is taking to encourage charitable giving (a) 10.1 on privacy and dignity, (b) 9.6 on medicines by Ministers in his Department. [57119] management, (c) 12.2 and 15.4 on nutrition and (d) 18.1 on protection from abuse in each year since the Mr Simon Burns: I refer the hon. Member to the standards were established. [57671] written answer I gave him on 17 March 2011, Official Report, column 631W. Paul Burstow: The Care Quality Commission is the independent regulator of health and adult social care in Departmental Equality England and, as such, holds information on providers’ compliance. Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Information showing where compliance with the what account he has taken of the effects of income national minimum standards was designated ‘not met’ inequality in the (a) formulation and (b) or ‘almost met’ has been placed in the Library. The implementation of policy. [57153] 75W Written Answers7 JUNE 2011 Written Answers 76W

Anne Milton: “Healthy Lives, Healthy People”, the Enforcement Actions Public Health White Paper, accepted the analysis in the Marmot review on health inequalities (“Fair Society, John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Healthy Lives”, 2010) that emphasised the importance Health how many applications for registration have of social factors—including income inequalities—in shaping been refused for (a) NHS trusts, (b) independent inequalities in health and contributing to wider healthcare providers and (c) adult social care providers disadvantage. This approach will underpin our efforts in each of the last three years. [58094] to strengthen public health and narrow the health gap by improving the health of the poorest fastest. Mr Simon Burns: The following information has been Subject to the passage of the Health and Social Care provided by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Bill, from 2013-14, the Department will allocate a ring- Number of applications for registration refused fenced public health grant to local authorities, weighted Independent health care Adult social care for inequalities. A new health premium will reward providers providers communities for the improvements in health outcomes Financial NHS they achieve, and incentivise action to reduce health year trusts CSA HSCA CSA HSCA inequalities. Disadvantaged areas will see a greater premium 2010-11 0 35 1 0 2 if they make progress, recognising that they face the 2009-10 0 62 — 0 — greatest challenges. 2008-091 n/a 24 — 21 — n/a = Not applicable. NHS providers were not required to register prior to 1 Departmental Manpower April 2009. 1 These are applications for registration refused by CQC’s predecessor bodies, the Healthcare Commission and Commission for Social Care Inspection. Mr Nicholas Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for CSA = Applications where registration was refused under the Care Standards Health if he will make it his policy to publish monthly Act 2000. HSCA = Applications where registration was refused under the Health and information on changes in the numbers of his Social Care Act 2008. Department’s employees categorised by (a) seniority, (b) voluntary redundancy, (c) natural wastage and General Practitioners (d) involuntary redundancy. [57609] Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Mr Simon Burns: Cabinet Office has recently if he will prepare guidance to general practitioners on commissioned monthly workforce management reports the collection of psychosocial data to assist in the from Departments across Whitehall, which include numbers health care of patients. [57108] of, and expenditure on, permanent and non-permanent workers. This forms part of the Government’s cross- Mr Simon Burns: No. General practitioners already departmental transparency agenda. This information collect a range of personal information about patients will be made publicly available in due course. registered with them that is relevant to their health The Department already publishes its annual resource needs. In addition, guidance issued by the General accounts, which include workforce information. It also Medical Council, “Good Medical Practice”, states that: provides quarterly returns (Quarterly Public Sector “Good clinical care must include adequately assessing the Employment Surveys) to the Office of National Statistics patient’s conditions, taking account of the history (including the (ONS) and an annual return to ONS for their Annual symptoms, and psychological and social factors), the patient’s Civil Service Employment Survey. The Department also views, and where necessary examining the patient.” publishes, again, as part of the Government’s transparency agenda, organograms (organisational structure charts) Duncan Hames: To ask the Secretary of State for which include staffing structures, numbers and pay Health whether his Department has prepared guidance levels. on remuneration for board members of GP consortia. [57429] Drugs: Misuse Mr Simon Burns: Subject to the NHS Listening Exercise Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for and the passage of the Health and Social Care Bill, we Health how many heroin addicts were treated with propose that commissioning consortia must have a diamorphine in the latest period for which figures are constitution, which will specify the arrangements for available. [57338] how it will discharge its functions, including in relation to determining the remuneration and terms and conditions Anne Milton: A national survey of a one in four of its employees. The arrangements may also include sample of community pharmacies in England and Wales provision for the appointment of committees of a in 1995 reported that 64 people were receiving diamorphine consortium, and for such committees to include persons prescriptions for opiate addiction. (Published in “Drug other than members of employees of consortia. The and Alcohol Review”, Volume 16, Issue 1, pages 7-16. Department has not issued guidance on remuneration March 1997.) arrangements of consortia. In 2009 the Specialist Clinicians in Addiction Network and the Substance Misuse Management in General Haematological Cancer Practice network facilitated a survey by the National Treatment Agency. The numbers of respondents to this Sir Menzies Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State survey were too small for it to have independent validity, for Health (1) what steps he is taking to ensure that all but the results were of the same general order as the blood cancer patients have access to a clinical nurse 1995 data. specialist; [57239] 77W Written Answers7 JUNE 2011 Written Answers 78W

(2) what steps he is taking to improve blood cancer with a two-fold increased risk of coronary heart disease survival outcomes; and if he will make a statement; and unhealthy behaviour such as poor diet, less exercise, [57240] self-harm and significantly greater prevalence of smoking (3) what support the NHS provides to blood cancer and drug and alcohol misuse. patients who wish to remain in or return to the workforce. [57241] Health Services: Older People

Paul Burstow: “Improving Outcomes: A Strategy for Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Cancer”, published on 12 January, sets out a range of what documented procedures are in place for (a) GPs actions to improve survival outcomes for all cancers in and (b) hospitals to ensure thorough and proper care England, including haematological cancers. These actions of the elderly. [57487] include diagnosing symptomatic cancer earlier, helping people to live healthier lives to reduce the incidence of Paul Burstow: There are a number of indicators in preventable cancers, screening more people, introducing both the Quality and Outcomes Framework for General new screening programmes and ensuring that all patients Practitioners and the NHS Operating framework for have access to the best possible treatment, care and hospitals to support better care for older people around support. A copy of the strategy has already been placed dementia care, hospital acquired infections, readmission in the Library. rates and non-payment for emergency readmissions. In We know that cancer patients greatly value the care future, all licensed doctors will need to revalidate regularly, and support of clinical nurse specialists (CNSs). The if they wish to keep their license to practise up to date results of the 2010 Cancer Patient Experience Survey and fit to practise. However, the content and standard show that 81% of haematological cancer patients reported of health care training is the responsibility of the having a CNS. To support the national health service to independent regulatory bodies. develop the CNS work force, the strategy sets out our The Government are also funding several national intention to build the evidence base for the benefits and audits on continence, falls and bone health, hip fracture, costs savings that CNSs can offer. This follows an dementia care in general hospital through the Healthcare independent report we published in December 2010 Quality Improvement Partnership by involving all hospitals that showed that, in many scenarios, the costs of additional to promote transparent information about care gaps. support roles are likely to be outweighed by the savings There are National Institute for health and Clinical that can be achieved. Excellence (NICE) guidelines in place for a range of For many people with cancer, being supported to stay conditions and pathways affecting older people including in or return to work can provide a huge boost to continence, nutrition, delirium, dementia, falls and bone self-esteem, financial security and emotional wellbeing. health. Through the National Cancer Survivorship Initiative, In addition, local commissioning is also informed by we are working in partnership with Macmillan Cancer joint strategic needs assessments for the local population Support to ensure that cancer survivors receive the and the Care Quality Commission also has a regulation support they need to live as healthy and as active a and inspection function for primary care services. However lifestyle as possible. This work includes looking at models many of these solutions depend on high quality local of support to enable those cancer survivors who want clinical leadership and advocacy from professional bodies to, to get back to work. Seven vocation rehabilitation such as royal colleges and specialist societies. pilots were established in 2010 to take this work forward, and these are set to run until July this year. The evaluation Health Services: Learning Disability report on the pilots is due for publication in September 2011. Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Health (1) what steps he is taking to ensure that people with profound and multiple learning difficulties have access to personalised services; and if he will make a Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Health statement; [57236] if he will evaluate research into the recovery rates of patients who are (a) married or in long-term (2) what recent representations his Department has relationships and (b) not married or in long-term received on the personalisation of services for people relationships from (i) heart disease, (ii) cancer and (iii) with profound and multiple learning difficulties; and if mental health conditions. [57104] he will make a statement; [57237] (3) what steps his Department is taking to (a) Paul Burstow: Although the Department has not monitor and (b) assess the effectiveness of the formally evaluated any research specifically in these personalisation of services for people with profound areas it does aim to keep abreast of major developments and multiple learning difficulties; and if he will make a in research relevant to its responsibilities. However, we statement. [57238] do know that good social relationships and connectedness are associated with a range of positive outcomes, including Paul Burstow: The Department is not directly involved better physical and mental health. Reducing isolation in monitoring or assessing services. The Care Quality and building supportive social networks and relationships Commission is responsible for assessing and ensuring promotes good mental health and recovery as well as the quality of its inspection and monitoring of specific preventing mental health problems. providers on a day to day basis. Physical illness greatly increases the risk of mental We know that people with profound and multiple illness and mental illness can itself be a causal factor in learning disabilities and those whose behaviours are the onset of physical disease. Depression is associated viewed as challenging have not benefited from 79W Written Answers7 JUNE 2011 Written Answers 80W personalisation as much as they should have. The Kingdom in 2000-01. The MCS covers topics such as Government have encouraged a move away from out of parenting, child care, school choice, child behaviour area placement and the development of small-scale and cognitive development, child and parental health, services which are closer to home. parents’ employment and education, income and poverty, The Government are funding the Challenging Behaviour housing, neighbourhood and residential mobility, and Foundation and the National Strategy Group for social capital and ethnicity. Funding support for the Challenging Behaviour to: study is provided across Government, and the Department strengthen their national network; is contributing £1.1 million over the period from June 2001 to June 2014. The Department’s spend on the support best practice to drive improvements in services; and MCS in each of the last five years is shown in the develop a national care pathway with all key partners. following table: In addition, we have driven forward work to improve the way in which the national health service responds to £ the needs of all people with learning disabilities, including general practitioners offering all people with learning 2006-07 100,000 disabilities annual health checks. 2007-08 100,000 2008-09 82,000 The Department is working with strategic health 2009-10 97,000 authorities and primary care trusts to embed a health care self-assessment process which engages local decision 2010-11 121,000 makers, people with learning disabilities and their families to drive up quality of health care provision locally. The Heart Diseases: Children first section of standards explicitly refers to out of area placements and ensuring they are delivering for individuals. Mr Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for A number of representations have recently been made Health (1) what recent progress has been made on via parliamentary questions. I refer the hon. Member to proposals to re-locate children’s heart services in the written answer I gave the hon. Member for Arfon Hampshire to Bristol; [56928] (Hywel Williams) on 26 April 2011, Official Report, (2) for what reasons he proposes to re-locate columns 108-09W. children’s heart services in Hampshire to Bristol. [56929] Health Services: Transsexuality Mr Simon Burns: The “Safe and Sustainable” review Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for of children’s heart services in England is being conducted Health what steps his Department has taken to raise by the NHS Specialised Commissioning Team. We have awareness of the needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual and however been following its progress. transgender communities among health professionals. No decision has yet been made on the location of [57066] children’s heart surgery units. The proposed options for children’s congenital heart services are currently being Paul Burstow: The Department has published a series consulted on. Patients and the public have the opportunity of guidance documents on sexual orientation and gender to make their views known during the formal public identity for health and social care professionals, which consultation process which closes on 1 July. This is an are available on the Department’s website. open consultation and is not pre-determined. Alternative In March 2011 the Department supported Stonewall options may be proposed and will be considered. The to run a leadership programme for lesbian, gay and Joint Committee of Primary Care Trusts, overseeing the bisexual staff in the national health service. These staff consultation, will consider an independent analysis of will help form a key group of Champions to advance the consultation responses, reports from overview and Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender (LGB & T) scrutiny committees, and a health impact assessment. equality at local level. The Department has recently The Committee is expected to make a decision in confirmed that the National LGB&TPartnership will autumn 2011. join its Strategic Partnership Programme for 2011-12 providing strategic advice on LGB & T health and Jason McCartney: To ask the Secretary of State for social care issues. Health (1) what estimate he has made of the Health: Children proportion of the population of England which lives within an hour’s journey time of (a) the Freeman hospital, Newcastle and (b) Leeds general infirmary; Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Health [57341] which longitudinal studies monitoring the physical (2) on how many different sites at (a) the Freeman health and emotional well-being of children his hospital, Newcastle and (b) Leeds general infirmary Department has undertaken in each of the last five children’s services are provided; [57342] years; when each study commenced; what each was monitoring; what the budget of each was in each year; (3) whether post-operative care in the same unit is what plans there were for the future of each such study; provided for children who have undergone heart and what their budgets have been to date. [57107] surgery at (a) the Freeman hospital, Newcastle and (b) Leeds general infirmary; [57343] Mr Simon Burns: The Millennium Cohort Study (4) whether adult and children’s heart surgery is (MCS), commissioned by the Economic and Social carried out on the same site at (a) the Freeman Research Council, is a longitudinal study following the hospital, Newcastle and (b) Leeds general infirmary; lives of around 19,000 children born in the United [57344] 81W Written Answers7 JUNE 2011 Written Answers 82W

(5) whether the Safe and Sustainable Reviews of Mr Simon Burns: No representations have been received specialist paediatric services, or any committee in relation to the treatment of echinococcus multilocularis connected to the reviews, has engaged the services of a linked to the implementation of the European Directive public affairs company or consultancy; [57347] 2004/24/EC on traditional herbal medicinal products. (6) what evidence his Department has evaluated on the incidence of congenital heart disease among Inspections minority ethnic communities from the Indian sub- continent. [57382] John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what proportion of health and social care Mr Simon Burns: The Safe and Sustainable review of providers (a) will have received a site inspection in the children’s heart services in England is being conducted inspection year to October 2011 and (b) will receive a by the NHS Specialised Commissioning Team. However, site inspection in the year from October 2011 to we have been following its progress. October 2012. [58087] Details about the travel analysis is available in appendix S, page 208 of the pre-business consultation case. This is Mr Simon Burns: Under the Care Quality Commission’s available at: (CQC) current methodology, every provider should be www.specialisedservices.nhs.uk/document/meeting-joint- reviewed at least every two years. However, in line with committee-primary-care-trusts-jcpct-16th-february-2011- the principles of proportionate, risk-based regulation, agenda the CQC carries out site visits based on its judgment of We are informed that both the Freeman hospital and risk where a site visit is the most effective way of the Leeds general infirmary are single-site hospitals gathering information about compliance. This enables with children’s services provided at both hospitals. At the CQC to target its resources on providers where the both hospitals, children receive post-operative care at risk is highest, while reducing the regulatory burden on the same hospital that provides heart surgery. Both the providers where the risk is low. Site visits will therefore Freeman hospital and the Leeds general infirmary provide take place wherever necessary to gather information adult and children’s heart surgery. about compliance. The National Specialised Commissioning Team has The CQC cannot predict the number of site visits engaged a communications company to assist with the which will take place, or proportion of providers visited, production of public literature, the organisation of public since decisions about whether a site visit is required are events and media handling in relation to the Safe and based on judgment of risk. Sustainable review of children’s heart surgery services. The Department has made no evaluation of the Leicester City Primary Care Trust: Diabetes incidence of congenital heart disease among minority ethnic communities from the Indian sub-continent. As part of the work on the Safe and Sustainable review the Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Health National Specialised Commissioning Team have developed how much Leicester City Primary Care Trust spent on projections of future activity, including considering the diabetes in each category of expenditure in the last future needs of areas with high black and ethnic minority financial year for which figures are available. [57326] groups. This information is in annex 6 of the consultation document, which is available at: Paul Burstow: The information requested is not held www.specialisedservices.nhs.uk/safeandsustainable/ centrally. consultation_document Diabetes is a complex condition that can affect every Hospitals: Television part of the body, which means that it is difficult to calculate how much money has been spent on the treatment of diabetes. It is for national health service Catherine McKinnell: To ask the Secretary of State organisations to determine the needs of their local for Health what recent estimate he has made of the (a) population and to allocate resources appropriately to average daily charge and (b) total charges incurred by meet these needs. patients and their families for watching television in hospitals; and whether he plans to take steps to reduce Leucodepletion such charges. [57644]

Mr Simon Burns: The Department does not collect Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State the information requested. for Health what recent discussions he has had with the Charges for television services are agreed locally between National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence national health service trusts and their chosen suppliers. on the decision to implement leucodepletion. [57200] The Department has no authority to impose price changes on the suppliers of these services. Anne Milton: There have been no discussions with the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence Infectious Diseases: Herbal Medicine on the decision to implement leucodepletion. Leucodepletion, which removes the bulk of white cells Harriett Baldwin: To ask the Secretary of State for from donated blood, was introduced in the United Health what representations he has received on the Kingdom in October 1999. The process reduces the risk treatment of echinococcus multilocularis following the of cytomegalovirus transmission, variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob implementation of the EU Directive on Traditional disease transmission, transfusion related acute lung injury Herbal Medicinal Products. [57309] and transfusion-related fever. 83W Written Answers7 JUNE 2011 Written Answers 84W

Local Health Watch: Finance Number of occupied bed days spent by children on adult mental health wards in each region in 2010-11 Number Tony Baldry: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how Local Health Watch will be funded. [57716] Q33 East Midlands strategic health authority 553 Q34 West Midlands strategic health authority 577 Mr Simon Burns: Local HealthWatch organisations Q35 East of England strategic health 725 will be funded through the local authority formula-based authority grant. Q36 London strategic health authority 337 Q37 South East coast strategic health 356 London Ambulance Service: AssetCo authority Q38 South Central strategic health authority 493 Q39 South West strategic health authority 256 John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Notes: Health what contracts the London Ambulance Service 1. Number of occupied bed days spent by children on adult mental health wards holds with AssetCo plc. [57333] in each region in 2010-11 Vital Signs Monitoring Return—Provider Based (VSMR-P)—CAMHS Data—SHA and Self Trusts. Year: 2010-11 Mr Simon Burns: This information is not collected Period Name: MARCH centrally. The hon. Member may wish to approach VSMRType: CAMHS London Ambulance Service NHS Trust directly for the Extracted 25 May 2011 information requested. The figures include five bed days reported for under 16s on adult psychiatric wards. Two bed days were Medical Equipment reported in Q3 2010-11 and found to be a reporting error. Three bed days (at two locations) were reported in Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State Q4 2010-11. These cases are being investigated. The for Health whether (a) Ministers and (b) officials of Government believes that an adult psychiatric ward is his Department have had recent discussions on the not an acceptable place for an under 16 year old to be P-Capt filter. [57199] treated. There is a legislative requirement that hospital managers Anne Milton: Ministers and officials have had no must ensure that patients aged under 18 are treated in recent discussions on the P-Capt prion filter. an environment in hospital which is suitable having The recommendations of the Advisory Committee regard to their age (subject to their needs). There can be on the Safety of Blood, Tissues and Organs (SaBTO) circumstances where an adult psychiatric ward is an on the potential use of prion filters are dependant upon appropriate place for a 16 or 17 year old, e.g. overriding study results. Ministers and officials will consider SaBTO’s emergency, atypical case. recommendations and the evidence in early 2012. Multiple Sclerosis Medical Treatments Mr Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Derek Twigg: To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether his Department has made an Health what assessment he has made of the efficacy of assessment of the effectiveness of Sativex in alleviating the National Institute for Health and Clinical symptoms of spasticity in multiple sclerosis patients. Excellence topic selection procedure; and if he will [57493] make a statement. [57214] Paul Burstow: We have made no such assessment. Mr Simon Burns: The Department and the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) last The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence reviewed NICE’s topic selection processes for technology (NICE) has not issued any guidance to the national appraisals in 2008-09 and for clinical guidelines and health service on the use of Sativex. public health guidance in 2006. Both reviews incorporated In the absence of final NICE guidance on a particular a public consultation. treatment, it is for primary care trusts to decide whether to fund the use of such drugs and patients have a right Mental Health Services: Children under the NHS constitution to expect local funding decisions to be made rationally and after an assessment Mr Binley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health of the available evidence. how many days were spent by children on adult mental health wards in each region in 2010-11. [58044] National Clinical Directors

Paul Burstow: The number of days spent by children John Healey: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and young people aged under 19 on adult mental health whether he plans to make any national clinical wards in each region in 2010-11 was as follows: directors redundant under his plans for NHS Number of occupied bed days spent by children on adult mental health wards in reorganisation. [57556] each region in 2010-11 Number Mr Simon Burns: The Government continue to value Q00 England 5,166 the contribution made by national clinical directors. Q30 North East strategic health authority 200 The future provision of clinical and expert advice will Q31 North West strategic health authority 592 be considered as part of the response to the current Q32 strategic 1,077 listening exercise on planned national health service health authority reorganisation. 85W Written Answers7 JUNE 2011 Written Answers 86W

John Healey: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Mr Simon Burns: The Department currently has 15.15 what the (a) title and (b) post holder is of each whole time equivalent (WTE) national clinical directors national clinical director in his Department; and for (NCDs). The following table provides a breakdown of how many staff each director is responsible. [57557] their titles, the post holder and their WTE. The NCDs are not directly responsible for any Departmental staff.

Title Name WTE

National Clinical Director for Diagnostic Imaging Erika Denton 0.3 National Clinical Director for Endoscopy Roland Valori 0.3 National Clinical Director for Patient and Public Affairs Joan Saddler 0.7 National Clinical Director Medical Practitioners (Children, Young People and Maternity Services) Sheila Shribman 0.8 National Clinical Director (Diabetes) Rowan Hillson 0.6 National Clinical Director for Pathology Ian Barnes 0.6 National Clinical Director (Cardiology) Roger Boyle 1 National Clinical Director (Cancer) Mike Richards 1 National Clinical Director (Transplants) Chris Rudge 0.8 National Clinical Director (Respiratory) Robert Winter 0.25 National Clinical Director for Community Pharmacy Jonathan Mason 0.5 National Clinical Director for Hospitals Pharmacy Martin Stephens 0.5 National Clinical Director (Urgent and Emergency Care) Matthew Cooke 0.4 National Clinical Director for Informatics Charles Gutteridge 0.6 National Clinical Director (Liver) Martin Lombard 0.5 National Clinical Director (Renal) Donal O’Donoghue 0.6 Chief Scientific Officer and National Clinical Director (Respiratory) Sue Hill 1 National Clinical Director (Trauma) Keith Willett 0.6 National Clinical Director for Offender Health Louis Appleby 1 National Clinical Director (Dementia) Alistair Burns 0.5 National Clinical Director (Older People) David Oliver 0.5 National Clinical Director (Venous Thrombo-embolism VTE ) Anita Thomas 0.4 National Clinical Director for Mental Health Hugh Griffiths 0.7 National Clinical Director (Learning Disability) Anne Williams 0.5 National Clinical Director (Learning Disability) Scott Watkins 0.5 Total WTE — 15.15

National Health Service Litigation Authority NHS Trusts

Yvonne Fovargue: To ask the Secretary of State for Rehman Chishti: To ask the Secretary of State for Health in how many cases the National Health Service Health what plans he has to increase the accountability Litigation Authority was successful in defending a of NHS trusts to the public. [57868] claim of clinical negligence in each of the last three years; in how many such cases the authority recovered Mr Simon Burns: Foundation trusts are locally costs from the claimant or their insurers; and what the accountable to their governors, mostly members of the total costs recovered were, including disbursements and public, elected by the public. We intend all national solicitors’ costs. [57915] health service trusts to become, or be part of, a foundation trust by 2014. Part 4 of the Health and Social Care Bill Mr Simon Burns: The information is not available would clarify and strengthen the internal governance of and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. foundation trusts, further promoting transparency and accountability of foundation trusts to their governors, members and the public. Neuromuscular Services Rehman Chishti: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Alan Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent assessment has he made of the Health what progress has been made by the NHS process by which NHS trusts appoint (a) chairs, (b) North East Specialised Commissioning Group in directors and (c) non-executive directors. [57869] reviewing neuromuscular services in the region; and if he will make a statement. [57721] Mr Simon Burns: The Secretary of State for Health delegates powers to appoint chairs and non-executive Paul Burstow: This is a matter for the national health directors of national health service trusts to the service locally. Appointments Commission. The North East Specialised Commissioning Group is These appointments are regulated by the Office of due to complete its review of neuromuscular services in Commissioner for Public Appointments (OCPA). To the region in June 2011. We expect the findings of the ensure the Appointments Commission comply with the report to be published. Commissioner’s code of practice throughout the 87W Written Answers7 JUNE 2011 Written Answers 88W appointment process, they are regularly audited by OCPA Mr Simon Burns: Funding for health, alongside all and are required to submit an annual compliance statement other public services, was reviewed and set for the next to the Commissioner. four years as part of the comprehensive spending review, NHS trusts are expected to comply with existing published in October 2010. The majority of health employment legislation and good human resources practice funding is currently allocated to primary care trusts in the appointment of chief executives and executive (PCTs) and this was most recently reviewed and set for directors. In addition, they are expected to comply with the current financial year (2011-12) in December 2010. guidance sent from Sir David Nicholson, NHS Chief For next year (2012-13), the usual process for reviewing Executive, on 18 October 2006, ‘Appointments to the the allocations of national health service funding continues. most senior posts in Primary Care Trusts and NHS The Advisory Committee on Resource Allocation (ACRA) Trusts’. continually oversees the development of the weighted capitation formula which is used to allocate PCT funding. NHS: Databases It makes recommendations to the Secretary of State for Health on potential changes to the formula between Mr Gale: To ask the Secretary of State for Health PCT allocation rounds. what the name is of each (a) NHS Commissioner and (b) provider of NHS-commissioned care that is not yet NHS: Private Patients compliant with the IG toolkit requirement for the pseudonymisation of patient data and records. [57956] Bridget Phillipson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many cases were referred to the NHS from Mr Simon Burns: National health service commissioner private health providers after (a) operations and (b) and provider organisations publish on 31 March each other treatment which were considered unsatisfactory year an information governance assessment using the by (i) the patient and (ii) their doctor in the latest online Information Governance Toolkit. The published period for which figures are available; and what returns for the pseudonymisation requirement that represent estimate he has made of the cost of such referrals to the position at 31 March 2011, have been placed in the the NHS. [57106] Library. Mr Simon Burns: The information requested is not NHS organisations work continuously to maintain collected centrally. and improve performance in all aspects of information governance and those organisations that have not yet NHS: Reforms reached the required level of attainment are expected to have plans in place to do so during the course of this Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for year. Health what steps he plans to take to ensure that NHS: Disadvantaged national priorities and commitments are maintained and fulfilled at a local level following implementation of proposed reforms of the NHS. [57725] Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for Health by what means (a) Healthwatch, (b) health Mr Simon Burns: The Secretary of State remains and wellbeing boards and (c) Public Health England accountable for the national health service. Subject to will ensure that (i) homeless persons and (ii) other parliamentary approval for the Health and Social Care excluded and disadvantaged groups are treated as a Bill, the Government will set national objectives and priority in the NHS. [57724] requirements for the NHS Commissioning Board through a mandate, and will hold the Board to account for its Mr Simon Burns: The Government have made tackling performance. In turn, the Board will hold commissioning health inequalities a priority as part of their commitment consortia to account for the outcomes they achieve and to fairness and social justice. Subject to the parliamentary the NHS resources used to achieve those results. The process, Local HealthWatch organisations will be the Secretary of State will also make a limited number of local consumer voice for patients and the public. Local ‘standing rules’ setting requirements for the board and HealthWatch organisations will be inclusive and reflect consortia through regulations. the views and experiences of its diverse communities. For the local Health and Wellbeing Boards’ forthcoming NHS: Research guidance on the Joint Strategic Needs Assessments and Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategies, there will be an Graeme Morrice: To ask the Secretary of State for emphasis on the need to look at the health and care Health if he will bring forward amendments to the needs of the whole population, including vulnerable Health and Social Care Bill to establish a duty on the groups such as rough sleepers. In addition, the new Secretary of State and all relevant NHS bodies to Public Health England will have an important role in promote research. [57713] working with the national health service, local government and other agencies to reduce inequalities, enabling and Mr Simon Burns: The Government have used the supporting individuals and communities to improve natural break in the parliamentary timetable to take the their own health. opportunity to pause and listen to views on plans to modernise the national health service, including regarding NHS: Finance the role of NHS bodies in promoting research. The Government will consider comments regarding the need Miss McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for to establish a duty on all relevant NHS bodies to Health what his policy is on reviewing funding for the promote research during the current pause and as the NHS; and if he will make a statement. [57936] Bill progresses through Parliament. 89W Written Answers7 JUNE 2011 Written Answers 90W

NHS: Sick Leave The programme also includes the annual seasonal influenza vaccination programme which offers free flu Mark Simmonds: To ask the Secretary of State for jabs to people most at risk from potentially life-threatening Health what levels of staff sickness there were in the complications of flu. The Government also ran a new NHS in (a) 2008, (b) 2009 and (c) 2010 for each (i) website service, Winter Watch as well as its annual Keep hospital trust and (ii) primary care trust. [57103] Warm Keep Well Campaign for 2010-11 which provides advice on staying warm over the winter and staying in Mr Simon Burns: The NHS Information Centre (NHS touch with people who may be vulnerable during cold IC) has published monthly sickness absence rates in a weather, including the elderly, in order to reduce illness quarterly publication derived from the Electronic Staff and deaths. Record since April 2009. These can be found on their website at: As part of our further work on effective public health for winter, the Department has been working with the www.ic.nhs.uk/statistics-and-data-collections/workforce/ sickness-absence Met Office, other Government Departments and public health champions in a number of regions to improve Rates for individual hospital trusts and primary care the way we communicate with people in local settings to trusts can be found in Table 5 of the Excel tables. accurately predict cold weather and provide an appropriate There is no published sickness absence data for before and effective response. A pilot project has been run this April 2009 and the NHS IC does not publish annual past winter of a draft cold weather plan with a view to rates. having it in place for winter 2011-12. Older People: Domestic Accidents Orphan Drugs Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what steps he is taking to improve access to Derek Twigg: To ask the Secretary of State for fall prevention services for elderly people; [57062] Health (1) what steps he is taking to ensure that (2) what steps he is taking to encourage older people treatments for ultra orphan conditions are referred to at risk of falling to take part in evidence-based exercise the Advisory Group on National Specialised Services; programmes; [57063] and if he will make a statement; [57215] (3) what steps he is taking to encourage physical (2) what steps he is taking to implement the activity in older people. [57065] recommendations of the National Institute for Health Paul Burstow: The Prevention Package for Older and Clinical Excellence memorandum Appraising People comprises information for commissioners on Orphan Drugs; and if he will make a statement; several aspects of falls and falls prevention services, [57216] including “Effective Interventions in Health and Social (3) what discussions his Department has had with Care” that provides guidance on: improving patient the National Institute for Health and Clinical outcomes and efficiency of care after hip fractures Excellence on its memorandum Appraising Orphan through compliance with core standards; responding to Drugs; and if he will make a statement. [57217] a first fracture and preventing the second; early intervention to restore independence—through falls care pathways, Mr Simon Burns: We have no plans to ask the National linking acute and urgent care services to secondary Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) to prevention of further falls and injuries; and preventing establish a separate appraisal system for drugs for very frailty, promoting bone health and reducing accidents— rare conditions, nor have we had any recent discussions through encouraging physical activity and healthy lifestyle, with NICE on its 2006 report on this issue. and reducing unnecessary environmental hazards. The great majority of new drugs and significant The Prevention Package, and other resources such as licence extensions are considered through the topic NHS Choices and the “Be active, be healthy” initiative selection process for NICE’S technology appraisal all actively promote the value to people of all ages of a programme. If NICE considers that by undertaking an healthy lifestyle, including weight bearing exercise, exposure appraisal it would not be able to add value, then for to natural daylight and a balanced diet to promote high cost, low volume drugs for very rare conditions, increased bone mineral density and so reduce the risks NICE can send the technology to the Advisory Group of osteoporosis and frailty in later life. for National Specialised Services (AGNSS) for assessment Older People: Weather for possible inclusion in the arrangements for national specialised commissioning. Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for The requirements for entry into the AGNSS Health what steps his Department is taking to protect arrangements are set out in the statement of scope and vulnerable elderly people from the effects of cold the decision-making framework which are available on weather. [57060] the specialised services website at: www.specialisedservices.nhs.uk/info/new-technologies Anne Milton: There is substantial public health planning in England before and during the winter season. Paramedical Staff: Crimes of Violence Effective planning is dependent on joint partnerships with local government, the focal civil society and the national health service. The Department also has worked David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for with the Met Office on winter cold weather warning Health how many paramedics in each region have been systems and a respiratory disease warning system for injured as a result of assault while on duty in each of those working with vulnerable people. the last three years. [57005] 91W Written Answers7 JUNE 2011 Written Answers 92W

Mr Simon Burns: The information is not available in line with best practice guidelines. This process provides and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost. the means for addressing local needs within the health Information on the number of reported physical assaults community, including the provision of physiotherapy against National health service staff is contained in the services. ‘Tables showing number of reported physical assaults We have published proposals for consultation on on NHS staff from 2004-05 to 2007-08, broken down by extending patient choice in the NHS. A copy of the NHS trust/PCT’, ‘Tables showing number of reported consultation document, ‘Liberating the NHS: Greater physical assaults on NHS staff in 2008-09, broken Choice and Control’, has already been placed in the down by NHS trust/PCT’ and ‘Tables showing number Library. However, we have since agreed to defer our of reported physical assaults on NHS staff in 2009-10, response to this consultation in order to take account of broken down by NHS trust/PCT’ which have already the current listening exercise on NHS modernisation, been placed in the Library. including the report of the NHS Future Forum. The tables show the number of reported physical assaults, but do not specify professional categories, Prescriptions whether an injury was sustained, or whether the member of staff was on duty when the assault took place. Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Passive Smoking: Infants Health how many addresses for the writing and dispensation of prescriptions are registered in (a) in Bradford district and (b) England. [57404] Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will take steps to investigate the health Mr Simon Burns: In primary care, prescriptions are effects on infants of exposure to passive smoke in cars. generally written by prescribers within general practitioner [57472] (GP) practices. The following table provides information on numbers of GP practices for the latest available Anne Milton: The evidence of the potential for harm month. to children is already clearly proven and published worldwide so we have no further plans. Our focus now Numbers of GP practices—February 2011 Bradford and Airedale will be to determine the best way to change the behaviour Teaching Primary Care of smokers to stop them exposing children and infants Trust (PCT)1 England to the harm caused by second-hand smoke. GP practices This summer, the Department will publish a new marketing strategy for tobacco control. This will set out Actual practices 84 8,343 2 further plans to encourage people to recognise the risks ‘Dummy’ practices 60 2,257 of second-hand smoke and to make their homes and Total 144 10,600 1 NHS Prescription Services do not hold figures for ‘Bradford district’. Data private cars smokefree. are held by PCT boundary. Therefore data has been supplied for Bradford and Airedale PCT. Physiotherapy 2 GP dispensing practices are both prescribers and dispensers. Source: NHS Prescription Services Derek Twigg: To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what steps his Department plans to take to Prescriptions in primary care may be dispensed by ensure patients’ right to self-refer to NHS community pharmacies, dispensing doctors or appliance physiotherapy services is maintained under the any contractors. The number of each category of dispenser qualified provider model; [57218] is provided in the following table for the latest available month. (2) what assessment he has made of the compatibility of the any qualified provider model with Numbers of dispensers patient self-referral to physiotherapy; and if he will Bradford and Airedale Teaching PCT1 England make a statement; [57219] (3) what steps his Department plans to take to assess GP dispensing practices—February the adequacy of access to clinically appropriate 20112 physiotherapy services for patients with (a) Actual practices 2 1,106 Parkinson’s disease, (b) multiple sclerosis, (c) ’Dummy’ practices3 012 musculoskeletal conditions, (d) fragility fractures and (e) chronic obstructive pulmonary disease under the Other dispensers— any qualified provider model; [57220] March 20104 (4) what steps his Department plans to take to ensure Community 117 10,691 that patients (a) have access to physiotherapy services pharmacy contractors for as long as is clinically appropriate and (b) access to Appliance contractors 3 137 physiotherapy services is not restricted by reductions in Total 122 11,946 1 NHS Prescription Services do not hold figures for ‘Bradford district’. Data NHS expenditure under the any qualified provider are held by PCT boundary. Therefore data has been supplied for Bradford and model. [57221] Airedale PCT. 2 Dummy GP and dispensing practices are groups of prescribers set up by the PCTs, so that they can monitor the prescribing of contracted providers, such Mr Simon Burns: National health service physiotherapy as out of hours providers, deputising services and clinics. services are provided on the basis of assessed clinical 3 GP dispensing practices are both prescribers and dispensers. need. It is for local commissioners to decide how best to 4 Numbers of pharmacy and appliance contractors are accurate as at 31 March 2010. No reliable data are available for a later period. use their funds to meet national and local priorities for Source: improving health and to commission services accordingly, NHS Prescription Services, NHS Information Centre 93W Written Answers7 JUNE 2011 Written Answers 94W

Respite Care: Finance Smoking: Young People

Mr Tom Clarke: To ask the Secretary of State for Gordon Birtwistle: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much funding his Department allocated Health if he will bring forward proposals to prevent for respite care in each local authority area in each year youths harassing adults outside shops in order to since 2005; and if he will make a statement. [57399] encourage them to buy cigarettes for those youths. [57306] Paul Burstow: The Carers’ Grant was introduced in Anne Milton: As set out in “Healthy Lives, Healthy 1999 in recognition of carers need for support. Councils People, A Tobacco Control Plan for England”, published were able to use this money to support carers with on 9 March 2011, the Department has commissioned a breaks and other services. Between 2005-06 and 2010-11 review of the evidence about the sources of tobacco for the Carers Grant was worth £1.275 billion. Since 2008, children, which will report back later this year. Future the Grant has been paid to councils as part of the Area policy options will then be considered in light of the Based Grant. review’s findings. A copy of the plan has already been Detailed breakdown by local authority area are contained placed in the Library. in the following local authority social services letters Following the Home Office review of antisocial (LASSL): behaviour, it launched a consultation which outlines LASSL (2004)—26; proposals to reform the toolkit for dealing with antisocial LASSL (2005)—six; behaviour. Its aim is to reduce the bureaucracy, delay LASSL (2006)—one; and and cost that currently hampers the police and their LASSL—(DH) (2007)—two local partners. The consultation closed on 17 May 2011. Copies of the LASSLs have been placed in the Library Social Services and are available on the following Department’s websites at: Mr Tom Clarke: To ask the Secretary of State for 2005-06 Health (1) what the eligibility criteria were for Fair www.dh.gov.uk/prod_consum_dh/groups/dh_digitalassets/ Access to Care services for each local authority as at @dh/@en/documents/digitalasset/dh_4097307.pdf 1 April 2011; and if he will make a statement; [57400] 2006-07 (2) which local authorities changed their eligibility www.dh.gov.uk/prod_consum_dh/groups/dh_digitalassets/ criteria for Fair Access to Care services in 2010-11; and @dh/@en/documents/digitalasset/dh_4124138.pdf if he will make a statement. [57401] 2007-08 Paul Burstow: The Department does not hold this www.dh.gov.uk/prod_consum_dh/groups/dh_digitalassets/ information centrally. However, we are aware that councils @dh/@en/documents/digitalasset/dh_063042.pdf have been restricting eligibility criteria for a number of 2008-09, 2009-10 and 2010-11 years. www.dh.gov.uk/prod_consum_dh/groups/dh_digitalassets/ The recent Association of Directors for Adult Social @dh/@en/documents/digitalasset/dh_081124.pdf Services Survey, published on 12 May 2011, indicated The funding for all existing Department of Heath that 19 of the 150 councils that responded had changed revenue grants for adult social care continues and will their eligibility criteria between 2010-11 and 2011-12. rise in line with inflation during the current spending In recognition of the pressures on the social care review period. This includes funding for the Carers system in a challenging local government settlement, Grant. In order to allow councils to be as flexible as the spending review allocated an additional £2 billion possible and to reduce administrative burdens, this funding by 2014-15 to support the delivery of social care. This has been made available to councils through the local means, with an ambitious programme of efficiency, that government Revenue Support Grant. there is enough funding available to make it possible to Some £50 million was invested in primary care trusts’ protect people’s access to care, without tightening eligibility. baseline allocations in 2009-10 and £100 million in Ministers recognise that this is a challenging settlement 2010-11 for breaks for carers. We are providing for local government, but if authorities are prepared to additional funding of £400 million to the national reform their services and drive down costs, then we health service over the next four years (2011-12 to believe that the investment from the national health 2014-15) to enable more carers to take breaks from their service to social care, announced in the spending review, caring responsibilities. will enable them to protect the care that people receive. Some councils are making changes like sharing back School milk office services, and caring for people in their own homes instead of expensive residential care. By making these Martin Horwood: To ask the Secretary of State for types of changes, councils can protect other front-line Health whether he has assessed the merits of extending services. the availability of the free nursery milk scheme to all We know reform of the system is needed. That is why children in reception class rather than ending it at their we established an independent commission to consider fifth birthday. [57536] how we can ensure affordable and sustainable funding for care and support for all adults in England into the Anne Milton: The Department is not considering future. The commission will report to us in July and we extending the scheme to children who are five years old will set out our plans for further reform in a White and over. Paper later this year. 95W Written Answers7 JUNE 2011 Written Answers 96W

Social Services: Finance at work and perform to the best of their abilities. The support in place includes an Occupational Health Service, Mr Tom Clarke: To ask the Secretary of State for which has been designed specifically to meet the needs Health how much was allocated by his Department for of the Department’s employees. There is also a social care in each local authority area in each year comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme, offering since 2005; and if he will make a statement. [57398] a free counselling service on a 24 hours, seven day a week basis and a helpline for managers. Paul Burstow: The main source of Government funding Subarachnoid Haemorrhages for council services is formula grant which is distributed each year by the Department for Communities and David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Local Government. Formula grant is not allocated for Health what recent assessment the NHS has made of separate service areas such as social care but provides the long-term outcomes of coiling procedures for the general funding for all services. Details of all formula treatment of subarachnoid haemorrhages. [57003] grant settlements are available at: www.local.communities.gov.uk/finance/ssas.htm Mr Simon Burns: The Department has made no As well as formula grant, funding for social care assessment of the long-term outcomes of coiling procedures comes from specific grants allocated by the Department for the treatment of subarachnoid haemorrhages. of Health, council tax and fees and charges paid by The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence, social care clients. whose role it is to provide advice and guidance to the A table showing the total of all grants provided by national health service on clinical procedures, issued the Department for each local authority from 2005-06 guidance to the NHS on management of intercranial to 2011-12 has been placed in the Library. aneurysms in January 2005 (IPG106). This is available at: Southern Cross Healthcare: Older People www.nice.org.uk/ip_38

Tony Lloyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Sunderland Hospital: Manpower pursuant to the oral answer by the Leader of the House on 19 May 2011, Official Report, columns 509-10, what Julie Elliott: To ask the Secretary of State for Health discussions he has had with (a) the management of how many (a) doctors and (b) nurses were employed Southern Cross Care Homes and (b) local authorities at Sunderland City Hospital on 1 April (i) 1997 and (ii) on contingency plans to safeguard the care and shelter 2011. [57295] of the residents of Southern Cross Care Homes. [57281] Mr Simon Burns: Information is not available in the format requested. Information on the numbers of medical Paul Burstow: I refer the hon. Member to the reply I and dental staff and qualified nursing, midwifery and gave to the right hon. Member for Warley (Mr Spellar) health visiting staff employed at City Hospitals Sunderland on 19 May 2011, Official Report, column 306W. NHS Foundation Trust on 30 September 1997 and the same date in 2010 is shown in the following table. Stress Headcount Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 1997 2010 what steps his Department takes to assess levels of Medical and dental staff 333 571 stress of its officials during pregnancy. [57136] Qualified nursing, midwifery and 1,238 1,701 health visiting staff Mr Simon Burns: The Department adheres to the Notes: requirements of—and duties under—the Management 1. The new headcount methodology for 2010 data is not fully comparable with previous years’ data due to improvements that make it a more stringent count of of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999. The absolute staff numbers. Further information on the headcount methodology is Department, in conjunction with line management, available in the “NHS Workforce: Summary of staff in the NHS: Results from monitors the ability and capability of pregnant and September 2010 Census” publication that has been placed in the Library. 2. Data are from the annual September Census. April data are not available for expectant mothers. Assessments of the relevant facilities the requested years. in the workplace take place immediately, when notified. Source: New or expectant mothers complete an Initial Pregnancy The Information Centre for health and social care Non-Medical Workforce Risk Assessment, a Second Trimester Risk Assessment, Census a Third Trimester Risk Assessment and a Post-Natal Tobacco Risk Assessment. The Health and Safety Unit conduct the assessments of the relevant officers’ work environment, Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for as does the Department’s Occupational Health Service Health (1) what peer review was undertaken on (a) the Provider, where necessary calculations of the cost of treating smoking-related The Department provides guidance to all staff and illnesses contained in and (b) the research on the managers, including those who become pregnant, on economic burden of tobacco use on society cited in the stress recognition and stress management by way of the Tobacco Control Plan for England; [57511] departmental intranet. Specifically, the Department’s (2) pursuant to the answer of 10 May 2011, Official mental health policy covers prevention, early dialogue Report, columns 1158-59W, on tobacco, what criteria and identification, mutual understanding of issues and he uses to determine the admissibility of concerns together with setting out the support available representations on public policy from sectors with to individuals and managers to help employees remain commercial interests in the policy outcome; [57701] 97W Written Answers7 JUNE 2011 Written Answers 98W

(3) pursuant to the answer of 10 May 2011, Gregory Barker: The publication ‘UK and Global Official Report, columns 1158-59W, on tobacco, what Bioenergy Resource’ was an independent report by obligations the World Health Organisation’s AEA Technology plc, commissioned by DECC, to assess Framework Convention on Tobacco Control places on the potential supply of biomass in the UK from 2010-30. the Government to protect tobacco control from vested In order to do this, AEA used different price points—£4/GJ, interests of other industries. [57702] £6/GJ and £10/GJ—and different assumptions about how far non-financial constraints to the development of Anne Milton: “Healthy Lives, Healthy People: A Tobacco the market are overcome. Figure 3.2 in the report shows Control Plan for England”included an appendix providing the potential contribution that various feedstocks could resources for tobacco control (pages 48-53). The references make to biomass supply in the UK up to 2030, on the to the Policy Exchange’s “Cough Up” report and the basis of different combinations of the assumptions. The Action on Smoking and Health website provide further £6/GJ price point does not refer to a specific feedstock information on the costs of treating smoking related but is one of the sensitivities set out in the report. diseases and the economic burden on society of tobacco use, and the World Health Organisation Framework In estimating the price of UK wood feedstocks per Convention on Tobacco Control regarding the obligations GJ, the consultants used a conversion factor of 19 GJ/tonne that this treaty places on parties. Representations on for solid oven dried wood, as listed on page xii of the public policy issues, including in the area of tobacco report. control, are regularly received from a number of interested DECC will use the AEA report and other evidence to parties and are all considered with due diligence. For inform assumptions about the price of feedstocks for example, when the Department carries out public the large-scale electricity sector. We will publish these consultations on policy initiatives it adheres strictly to assumptions alongside the renewables obligation-banding the Cabinet Office guidance on representations from all review in the summer. parties. A copy of the plan has already been placed in the Cathy Jamieson: To ask the Secretary of State for Library. Energy and Climate Change what estimate his Walking Department has made of the average price of UK-sourced wood feedstocks for biomass energy Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Health generation. [57567] if he will publish a recommended average daily distance a healthy person should walk. [57135] Gregory Barker: DECC uses a range of assumptions for prices of biomass feedstocks given the range of Anne Milton: We are not intending to publish guidance current prices and uncertainty over future trends. Prices on the distance a person should walk daily to stay assumed in the heat sector were published alongside the healthy, as this depends on individual fitness and other details of the renewable heat incentive scheme in March forms of physical activity they may undertake. 2011 at: Brisk walking can contribute to achieving the http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/what_we_do/uk supply/ recommended levels of physical activity either in its energymix/renewable/policy/incentive/incentive.aspx own right or in combination with other physical activities. Assumptions for the large scale electricity sector will At a walking pace of three to four miles per hour be published alongside the renewables obligation banding (considered to represent moderate intensity activity), an review in the summer. adult might need to walk 1.5 to 2 miles on five days a week to meet the chief medical officer’s current guidelines Carbon Emissions for physical activity. For general health benefit, adults should do a total of Tristram Hunt: To ask the Secretary of State for at least 30 minutes a day of at least moderate intensity Energy and Climate Change if his Department will physical activity on five or more days of the week. undertake an impact assessment in respect of the effect of the Government’s energy policy on global carbon ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE emissions. [57053] Biofuels Gregory Barker: DECC looks at the impact of domestic climate change and energy policies on domestic carbon Cathy Jamieson: To ask the Secretary of State for emissions. DECC latest assessment of the impact of Energy and Climate Change (1) with reference to his policies on emissions can be found in the DECC emission Department’s publication, UK and Global Bioenergy projections document published in June 2010: Resource-Final Report, what conversion factor from http://www.decc.gov.uk/assets/decc/Statistics/Projections/67- oven-dry tonnes was used for estimating the price of updated-emissions-projections-june-2010.pdf UK wood feedstocks per gigajoule; [57478] DECC will published new emission projections by (2) with reference to his Department’s publication, the end of the year. It is important to note, that the UK and Global Bioenergy Resource-Final Report, analysis above doesn’t take into consideration the impact what estimate his Department made of the price per of UK International Climate Finance on emissions in oven-dry tonne of UK wood feedstocks for the developing countries. large-scale electricity sector; [57479] (3) with reference to page 7 of his Department’s Carbon Emissions: Academies publication UK and Global Bioenergy Resource-Final Report what feedstock is referred to as being likely to Joseph Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for reach six pounds per gigajoule in the short to medium Energy and Climate Change (1) what recent term. [57480] representations he has received from local authorities 99W Written Answers7 JUNE 2011 Written Answers 100W that have academy schools within their boundaries developed in partnership with leading organisations concerning proposals to fine councils for failing to including the Planning Advisory Service and the Town reduce carbon dioxide emissions across their estate; and Country Planning Association who. Like others, [57473] provide information and advice on connecting to district (2) what his policy is on imposing financial penalties heating networks. on local authorities in respect of carbon dioxide Electricity Generation emissions from academy schools. [57474] Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State Gregory Barker: The Government are not proposing for Energy and Climate Change what estimate he has any fines for local authorities in relation to carbon made of the generating costs of (a) solar power and reduction but under the provisions of the CRC Energy (b) other power generation technologies over the next Efficiency Scheme which started in April of this year 10 years. [57202] those local authorities which meet the scheme’s criteria will be required to purchase allowances reflecting the Gregory Barker: The information is as follows: carbon content of their fuel use. A number of local (a) Solar PV costs were estimated by Element Energy authorities have provided views on the treatment of in 2009. A more recent estimate by Mott Macdonald in academies as part of the coalition Government’s current 2011 for the Committee on Climate Change is also simplification review of the scheme set up by the previous provided in table 1 as follows. Administration, These representations are currently being analysed and will contribute to the simplification proposals Table 1: Solar photovoltaics Operating on which we will formally consult in due course. Capital expenditure Technology expenditure (£/kW/ Load factor Departmental Manpower (source) Year (£/kW) year) (percentage)

Solar 2009 4,000- 20-44 1~10 Mr Nicholas Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for photovoltaics up 5,300 Energy and Climate Change if he will make it his to5MWinsize (Element Energy, policy to publish monthly information on changes in 2009) the numbers of his Department’s employees 2020 1,765- 13-44 1— categorised by (a) seniority, (b) number of employees 2,787 taking voluntary redundancy, (c) natural wastage and (d) involuntary redundancy. [57612] Solar Current 2,600- n/a ~10 photovoltaics up 2,850 to 10 MW in size Gregory Barker: DECC will be complying with the (Mott new Cabinet Office requirement to publish details of Macdonald, numbers of employees by seniority on a monthly basis. 2011) 2020 1,226- n/a n/a DECC has no plans at present to publish details of 1,268 natural wastage or the numbers of employees taking n/a = Not available redundancy. 1 Indicates brace (b) The following table is taken from Mott Macdonald District Heating (2010) and gives levelised cost estimates (average generation cost per megawatt-hour) for new build plants in the Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for main large-scale electricity generation technologies in Energy and Climate Change if he will take steps to the UK, including both fossil fuel and low carbon encourage local authorities to require that new plant, at current engineering, procurement and construction buildings connect to existing district heating networks. (EPC) contract prices. It should be noted that these [56420] levelised cost figures are not directly comparable with the costs for Solar PV in part (a), which are expressed Gregory Barker: Local authorities are already able to in terms of cost per unit of capacity, not output. drive development of district heating systems in their It should be noted that for the purposes of presentation, areas, for example by setting out their support for the table only gives either ’FOAK’ (first-of-a-kind) prices district heating in local plans or by requiring that new or ’NOAK’ (nth-of-a-kind) prices for each technology. buildings connect to existing networks and co-locate NOAK for established technologies and FOAK for heat supply with heat demand. those technologies which are yet to be built in the UK In order to encourage action in this area, the Department or benefit from learning. These are appropriate comparators recently launched Community Energy Online, a web for current costs. portal which provides local authorities and their The full report including methodology and assumptions communities with information and advice about the can be accessed via this link: deployment of community scale energy infrastructure, http://www.decc.gov.uk/assets/decc/Statistics/Projections/71- including district heating networks. The web portal is uk-electricity-generation-costs-update-.pdf

Table 1: 10% discount rate, 2009 project start at today’s EPC prices, with mixed FOAK/NOAK

Gas CCGT ASC Coal Coal IGCC Offshore Offshore Nuclear Levelised Gas with CCS ASC with CCS Coal IGCC with CCS Onshore wind wind R3 PWR cost CCGT (FOAK) Coal (FOAK) (FOAK) (FOAK) wind (FOAK) (FOAK) (FOAK)

Capital 12.4 29.8 33.4 74.1 61.7 82.0 79.2 124.1 144.6 77.3 Costs 101W Written Answers7 JUNE 2011 Written Answers 102W

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

Fixed 3.7 7.7 8.6 18.6 9.7 17.7 14.6 36.7 45.8 12.2 operating costs Variable 2.3 3.6 2.2 4.7 3.4 4.6 — — — 2.1 operating costs Fuel Costs 46.9 65.0 19.9 28.7 20.3 28.3 — — — 5.3 Carbon 15.12.140.36.539.65.5———— Costs Decomm —————————2.1 and waste fund

CO2 —4.3—9.6—9.5———— transport and storage Steam —————————— Revenue Total 80.3 112.5 104.5 142.1 134.6 147.6 93.9 160.9 190.5 99.0 levelised cost Source: Mott Macdonald (2010), UK Electricity Generation Costs Update, available at: http://www.decc.gov.uk/assets/decc/Statistics/Projections/71-uk-electricity-generation-costs-update-.pdf

It should be noted that the estimates of levelised costs In the year 2017, assuming that all technologies have for different types of electricity generation are highly been built at least once in the UK, the following NOAK sensitive to the assumptions used for capital costs, fuel costs may apply to all technologies, however, it should and EU ETS allowance prices, operating costs, load be noted that these costs are not considered achievable factor, and other drivers. Meaning that there is significant today. uncertainty around these estimates.

Table 2: 10% discount rate, 2017 start at projected EPC prices, all NOAK Gas ASC Coal Levelised Gas CCGT ASC Coal with Coal IGCC Onshore Offshore Offshore Nuclear cost CCGT with CCS Coal CCS IGCC with CCS wind wind wind R3 PWR

Capital 11.2 20.7 28.7 47.8 33.7 46.5 71.7 89.4 97.0 49.6 Costs Fixed 3.7 6.0 8.6 13.8 8.0 12.3 — 23.0 30.9 9.1 operating costs Variable 2.3 3.6 2.2 3.7 2.7 3.6 — — — 1.8 operating costs Fuel Costs 49.8 64.7 19.9 27.6 19.6 27.2 — — — 5.2 Carbon 29.64.173.811.472.010.0———— Costs Decomm — ————————2.1 and waste fund

CO2 —3.5—7.6—7.5———— transport and storage Steam — ————————— Revenue Total 96.5 102.6 133.2 111.9 136.0 107.1 86.3 112.4 127.9 67.8 levelised cost Source: Mott Macdonald (2010), UK Electricity Generation Costs Update, available at: http://www.decc.gov.uk/assets/decc/Statistics/Projections/71-uk-electricity-generation-costs-update-.pdf

Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for http://www.decc.gov.uk/assets/decc/legislation/energybill/ Energy and Climate Change what cost-benefit analysis 1002-energy-bill-2011-ia-green-deal.pdf of demand-side energy market measures his A further cost-benefit analysis will be included in the Department has undertaken. [57321] impact assessment to be published at the start of the formal consultation on green deal secondary legislation in autumn 2011. Gregory Barker: The Government published an impact assessment of the green deal and energy company obligation The Government also published two impact assessments elements of the Energy Bill in December 2010. It can be of the smart meter rollout programme in March 2011. found here: The impact assessment for the domestic sector can be found here: 103W Written Answers7 JUNE 2011 Written Answers 104W

http://www.decc.gov.uk/assets/decc/consultations/smart- Charles Hendry: Negawatts is a term used to describe meter-imp-prospectus/1485-impact-assessment-smart- electricity saved through demand reduction measures; metering-implementation-p.pdf both the permanent energy efficiency savings secured The impact assessment for the non-domestic sector can by policies such as the Green Deal, and dynamic energy be found here: reductions through policies such as the Capacity http://www.decc.gov.uk/assets/decc/consultations/smart- Mechanism. meter-imp-prospectus/1484-impact-assessment-smart- metering-implementation-p.pdf Electricity: Prices The consultation on Electricity Market Reform (EMR), published in December 2010 recognised that demand : To ask the Secretary of State for side measures have an important contribution to make Energy and Climate Change whether he has received in supporting the transition to a low-carbon generating representations from the European Commission on mix and ensuring security of supply.An impact assessment potential non-compliance with state aid provisions of was published alongside that consultation, which included the treatment of the nuclear industry by his qualitative analysis of demand side response, can be Department’s proposals for (a) contract for difference found here: feed-in tariffs and (b) a floor price for carbon in its [57723] http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/consultations/emr/ consultation on electricity market reform. emr.aspx Charles Hendry: We have not received any formal DECC is currently developing a White Paper which communications to Ministers from the Commission on will set out proposals for EMR, a further impact assessment Electricity Market Reform in general or on state aids will be published alongside this document. specifically. Department officials are regularly in touch with the Commission. Discussions on EMR are in their Dr Whitehead: To ask the Secretary of State for infancy, and have focused on explaining the background Energy and Climate Change what representations he to, and the scope of the reforms. We expect discussions has received from the European Commission on the to continue following the publication of the White state aid implications of his proposals for electricity Paper. market reform. [58035] Energy Charles Hendry: We have not received any formal communications to Ministers from the Commission on Graeme Morrice: To ask the Secretary of State for Electricity Market Reform in general or on state aids Energy and Climate Change what representations he specifically. Department officials are regularly in touch has made to the World Bank on its draft energy with the Commission. Discussions on EMR are in their strategy. [58060] infancy, and have focussed on explaining the background to, and the scope of the reforms. We expect discussions Charles Hendry: The UK has engaged with the World to continue following the publication of the White Bank throughout the period of its energy strategy review. Paper. Most recently, the International Development Secretary spoke to the Development Committee1 at the Spring Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State Meetings where he stressed that the bank needs to for Energy and Climate Change when he expects to ensure that the Energy Strategy meets the twin goals of announce whether his proposals for electricity market sustainable energy production and increasing the access reform are to be subject to the control framework for of poor people to energy. The UK continues to support levy-funded expenditure by his Department; and what the inclusion in the strategy of a target to increase the discussions he has had with the Chancellor of the percentage of lending for clean energy and a shift away Exchequer on this matter. [58040] from lending for coal fired power stations toward cleaner energy sources as it is here that we believe the financing Charles Hendry: The decision on whether the electricity challenges to be greatest. market reform proposals will be subject to the control 1 Full text of the Secretary of State for International Development’s framework for DECC levy-funded spending will depend speech to the Development Committee on 16 April is available at: on whether the policies are classified by the Office for http://siteresources.worldbank.org/DEVCOMMINT/ National Statistics as tax and spend. Documentation/22891473/DCS2011-0035- The principles governing the inclusion of policies in UnitedKingdom.pdf the control framework are set out in the question and Energy Performance Certificates: Fines answer document available at: http://www.decc.gov.uk/assets/decc/What%20we%20do/ Mr Brady: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy UK%20energy%20supply/Energy%20mix/ and Climate Change how many fines have been levied Renewable%20energy/1691-qa-info-levy-funded-spending.pdf on landlords of (a) commercial and (b) residential properties for non-compliance with regulations on the Electricity: Foreign Investment in UK provision of energy performance certificates since the entry into force of such regulations. [57417] Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change pursuant to the answer of Andrew Stunell: I have been asked to reply. 28 February 2011, Official Report, column 234W, on The Department does not hold this information. electricity generation: foreign investment in the UK, Local authority weights and measures authorities have what definition of negawatts his Department uses. been given the responsibility for enforcing the duties [56198] relating to Energy Performance Certificates through 105W Written Answers7 JUNE 2011 Written Answers 106W

Regulation 38 of the Energy Performance of Buildings Energy: Housing (Certificates and Inspections) (England and Wales) Regulations 2007. Trading Standards Officers have Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for discretion to determine the appropriate action in each Energy and Climate Change what estimate he has made case. This will range between providing information of the likely average cost to the consumer of a Green and assistance to issuing warnings or a penalty charge Deal assessment. [57679] notice. Gregory Barker: The Green Deal is a market initiative, Energy: Billing therefore we expect the cost of the assessment to be determined by the market. We also anticipate that some Green Deal providers will provide assessments at no Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State upfront cost, as part of their broader Green Deal for Energy and Climate Change which of his ‘offer’. Our legislation allows for this approach. Department’s policies are subject to the control framework for levy-funded expenditure by his Energy: Prices Department. [58036] Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Gregory Barker: Three policies are subject to the Energy and Climate Change what discussions he has control framework for the levy funded expenditure. had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on These are Warm Home Discount, Renewables Obligation classification of expenditure on the Energy Company and Feed In Tariffs. Obligation as part of his Department’s levy control framework. [57687] Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what assessment he Charles Hendry: The Department is in regular discussion has made of the potential effects of classification of the with HM Treasury over the levy control framework, Energy Company Obligation as levy-funded and over issues relating to the future Energy Company expenditure. [58037] Obligation (ECO). ECO will fall within the control framework for levies-funded policies only if it is classified as a tax and spend policy. Classification decisions are Gregory Barker: How new policies that entail levy-funded made by the Office of National Statistics which has yet expenditure are accommodated within the control to consider the classification of ECO. framework will be determined on a case-by-case basis. If the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) is classified as tax and spend then the Government would expect to Energy: Wales make some increase to the levies cap to accommodate this. Controlling the impact of ECO on consumer bills Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Secretary of State for and ensuring its aims are met cost-effectively will be Energy and Climate Change whether he received a central to its design irrespective of whether it is classified request from (a) members of the Welsh Government as tax and spend and subject to the control framework, or (b) the Secretary of State for Wales between 6 May or as regulation. and 20 May 2011 to meet to discuss issues relating to energy in Wales and its territorial waters. [57471] Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State Gregory Barker: The Secretary of State and Ministers for Energy and Climate Change (1) what discussions at in his Department regularly receive requests from members (a) Ministerial and (b) official level were held within of the Welsh Government and the Secretary of State for his Department on the control framework for levy- Wales to discuss energy issues in relation to Wales. funded expenditure by his Department prior to the 2011 Budget; [58038] Fuel Poverty (2) whether there were discussions at (a) ministerial and (b) official level between his Department and the Guy Opperman: To ask the Secretary of State for Treasury on the control framework for levy-funded Energy and Climate Change what steps he is taking to expenditure by his Department prior to the 2011 alleviate fuel poverty in (a) the North East and (b) Budget. [58039] other rural areas. [57880]

Gregory Barker: DECC Ministers and officials have Gregory Barker: There are a number of policies designed frequent meetings with their ministerial colleagues and to help tackle fuel poverty across England. Examples of officials as part of the process of policy development these are: and delivery. Warm Front—has assisted 83,299 households in the North East, and 184,472 households in rural areas in England since Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State 2005. for Energy and Climate Change whether he has The Carbon Emissions Reduction Target—has assisted 137,000 rejected any policies considered unviable under the households in the North East through professionally installed control framework for levy-funded expenditure by his insulation measures (March 2008 to March 2010). Community Energy Savings Programme—there are a number Department since the 2011 Budget. [58050] of projects in the North East providing energy efficiency measures. Community Energy Solutions—a pilot scheme funded by DECC, Gregory Barker: No policies have been rejected on installed around 500 air source heat pumps to rural communities this basis. in the North East. 107W Written Answers7 JUNE 2011 Written Answers 108W

We are developing Green Deal, including a new Energy (2) what recent discussions he has had with his EU Company Obligation, which will provide all households, counterparts on the Convention and Brussels including those in rural areas, with access to energy Supplementary Convention on nuclear third party efficiency measures. liability, including on the level of cover from nuclear companies to be provided following the recent events in Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Fukushima. [57444] Energy and Climate Change if he will assess the potential of introducing rising block tariffs to reduce Charles Hendry: The discussions I have had so far household gas and electricity consumption alongside with my EU counterparts have largely related to ensuring mechanisms to protect fuel poor consumers from any the safety of nuclear installations and making sure that resulting disadvantage; and if he will make a statement. we, together with the international nuclear community, [58056] learn the lessons from Fukushima. These discussions continue to evolve and they may in the future cover Gregory Barker: Under present arrangements, suppliers issues around third party liability. are free to respond to consumer demand in their pricing Officials who are leading on the implementation of systems. The Government are keen to see a range of the changes to the Paris and Brussels conventions continue different tariff offers under these present arrangements to keep contact with their counterparts in the EU states rather than mandating any one particular pricing system that are signatories to the conventions. which could constrain innovation. In addition, we share the concern that fuel poor consumers and others living Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy in poorly insulated housing could be made worse off and Climate Change whether he has assessed the merits under a system of rising block tariffs. of re-consulting on his proposals for implementing the 2004 Protocols amending the Paris Convention on Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for nuclear third party liability and the Brussels Energy and Climate Change if he will assess the merits Supplementary Convention following the recent events of (a) levying charges on the basis of kilowatt-hours of in Fukushima. [57445] energy consumed to pay for the renewables obligation, feed-in tariffs, the warm homes discount and the energy Charles Hendry: The consultation on the implementation company obligation and (b) introducing mechanisms of the revised Paris and Brussels conventions closed on to protect fuel-poor consumers from any adverse 28 April and officials are now assessing the responses. effects of levying charges in this way; and if he will We considered the merits of extending the consultation make a statement. [58074] period following the events at Fukushima and concluded that it was in the best interest of the public to secure the Gregory Barker: The existing schemes mentioned have benefits of the proposed changes at the earliest opportunity. been established in law on the basis that they will be There are no plans to re-consult. funded by the energy companies. The Government do not specify the precise approach energy companies can The financial consequences of Fukushima will take take to charging consumers and currently has no plans some time to emerge and the right thing to do is to to revisit this principle. make improvements in the third party liability regime as soon as we can. Going ahead with our implementation The share that each relevant obligated company must of the revised Paris and Brussels conventions will contribute to the overall requirement is set in terms of significantly improve the current liability regime: it will share of overall customer numbers or, as is the case with increase the financial responsibility placed on operators the renewables obligation and feed-in tariffs, the volume and increase the scope of damage for which victims can of energy sold. The potential impacts of these approaches claim and the amount of compensation they can claim. on lower income and vulnerable households is assessed prior to legislation. We will consult on these issues Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy before secondary legislation for the new energy company and Climate Change what his policy is on the proposals obligation. for implementing the 2004 Protocols amending the Ministerial Duties Paris Convention on nuclear third party liability and the Brussels Supplementary Convention. [57446] Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what meetings he has Charles Hendry: The consultation on the implementation had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer since May of the changes to the Paris and Brussels conventions on 2010; and on what subjects in each case. [58041] nuclear third party liability ran from 24 January to 28 April 2011. The consultation set out the Government’s Gregory Barker: DECC Ministers and officials meet policy in the area of nuclear third party liability including regularly with their counterparts in HM Treasury and our clear commitment to implementing the changes to other Departments to discuss a range of issues. As has the conventions that bring about significant improvements been the case with successive administrations, it is not to the arrangements. the Government’s practice to provide details of all such My officials are currently reviewing all the responses meetings. to the consultation that the Department has received. Nuclear Power We intend to publish a summary of the responses and a Government response in due course. Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change (1) whether he plans to have Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy further discussions with his EU counterparts who are and Climate Change what recent representations he has signatories to the Paris and Brussels Conventions on received from commercial nuclear insurance companies third party nuclear liability following the recent events on the extent of insurance coverage in the event of a in Fukushima; [57442] nuclear accident in the UK. [57447] 109W Written Answers7 JUNE 2011 Written Answers 110W

Charles Hendry: The Government published on emergency to identify any lessons for public 24 January a consultation on their proposals to implement contingency planning for widespread nuclear the changes to the Paris and Brussels conventions on emergencies including evacuation planning and nuclear third party liability. The consultation closed on execution. [57439] 28 April. The consultation set out the Government’s understanding of the extent to which commercial nuclear Charles Hendry: In his interim report on the implications insurance would be available to cover the new liabilities, of the Japanese earthquake and tsunami for the UK introduced by the revisions to the conventions. Nuclear Industry, the chief inspector of nuclear installations, My officials are currently reviewing all the responses Mike Weightman, recommended that: to the consultation received by the Department, including “The Government should consider carrying out a review of the those from insurers. We intend to publish a summary of Japanese response to the emergency to identify any lessons for the responses and a Government response in due course. UK public contingency planning for widespread emergencies, taking account of any social, cultural and organisation differences.” Nuclear Power Stations: Safety The Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, my right hon. Friend the Member for Eastleigh (Chris Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Huhne) is currently considering the interim report’s Energy and Climate Change what assessment he has recommendations and will provide a formal response made of the proposal by the Chairperson of the within the one month timetable suggested in the report. European Nuclear Safety Regulators Group that the European Union-wide stress tests for EU nuclear Nuclear Power: Research plants should include the implications of aircraft crashes. [58051] Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change if he will list the research and Charles Hendry: Security arrangements at the UK’s development programmes on (a) reactor safety, (b) civil nuclear installations are kept under constant review Generation IV reactors and (c) radioactive waste as part of a continuous process to ensure existing management currently sponsored by his Department; arrangements are robust and effective. how much funding his Department has allocated in However, security is the primary responsibility of each such case to date; if he will list those nuclear member states and details of civil nuclear security fission research and development programmes overseas arrangements are highly sensitive and cannot be disclosed for which his Department has a watching brief; what widely or to an international audience. The UK the monetary cost to his Department is of maintaining Government therefore support the scope and modality such a watching brief in each such case; and what value of the EU stress test as proposed by ENSREG and for money assessment has been made of such (i) agreed by the European Commission and EU member research and development programmes and (ii) states which does not include security issues. watching briefs. [56816]

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Charles Hendry: The Department of Energy and Energy and Climate Change pursuant to the answer of Climate Change (DECC) does not directly sponsor 9 May 2011, Official Report, column 983W, on nuclear research programmes on nuclear power or radioactive safety, whether any changes have been made in security waste management. provisions at UK nuclear installations as a result of any However, nuclear-related analysis, research and internal review following the accident at Fukushima; development is conducted by Government organisations and what guidance was given to the chief nuclear and comprises: inspector in respect of the meeting of the European A study currently being undertaken for DECC under Nuclear Safety Regulators Group in relation to the contract by the National Nuclear Laboratory, which scope of the proposed EU-wide stress tests. [58052] aims to provide further analysis of the potential benefits of next generation reactor designs. The contract value Charles Hendry: Security arrangements at the UK’s of this work is £30,000. civil nuclear installations are kept under constant review as part of a continuous process to ensure existing The independent nuclear safety regulator, the Office arrangements are robust and effective. We do not comment for Nuclear Regulation (ONR), commissions nuclear on the detail of operational security matters at civil safety research across a wide range of areas associated nuclear sites. with its remit to protect people and society from the hazards of the nuclear industry. The UK Government fully respected the independence of the chief inspector of the Office for Nuclear Regulation The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) is a in discussions on the development of the scope and non-departmental public body sponsored by DECC. modality of the stress test criteria. However, security at The NDA is required to carry out research in support of nuclear facilities is outside of the scope of expertise of its functions through the 2004 Energy Act. The NDA’s the European Nuclear Safety Regulators Group research is essential to take forward the management of (ENSREG), so it is the UK view that security matters higher activity radioactive wastes. should not be dealt with in this forum. DECC maintains a watching brief on three international nuclear programmes, for which there are no membership Nuclear Power: Emergencies costs. The programmes are: Generation IV International Forum (GIF) which is looking to develop the next Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy generation of nuclear reactors through international and Climate Change if he will initiate a review of the collaboration; International Atomic Energy Agency’s Japanese response to the Fukushima nuclear International Project on Innovative Nuclear Reactors 111W Written Answers7 JUNE 2011 Written Answers 112W and Fuel Cycles (INPRO); International Framework In the UK, unlike the USA, there is no limit on for Nuclear Energy Co-operation (IFNEC), which was companies’ liability for clean-up and compensation. formerly the Global Nuclear Energy Partnership (GNEP). Operators on the UKCS maintain insurance or make Further research into nuclear energy is funded by the other provisions to cover drilling and other operational research councils. These activities receive funding through risks together with the legal liabilities associated with the science budget administered by the Department for clean-up or other remediation measures. For all new Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS). drilling operations, my Department requires confirmation that appropriate insurance cover is in place. Nuclear Reactors In addition, operators are parties to the Offshore Pollution Liability Association Ltd (OPOL). This requires Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy operators to demonstrate separate provision to meet and Climate Change whether any potential nuclear third party clean up costs and associated damages of up operators have made applications to establish a funded to $250 million in the event of a pollution incident. decommissioning programme for new nuclear reactors. OPOL members collectively also provide a back-up mechanism in the form of a guarantee in the event of [57443] operator default, to meet claims for clean up and associated Charles Hendry: The Energy Act 2008 requires any damages up to the same financial limits. The Department operator of a new nuclear power station to have a also carries out checks to confirm membership of OPOL. funded decommissioning programme, approved by the OSPRAG has also set-up a sub-group to review Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, my liability, indemnity and insurance provisions that would right hon. Friend the Member for Eastleigh (Chris be invoked in the event of a spill. This group are Huhne), in place before construction of a new nuclear currently undertaking a study to look at estimates of power station begins and to comply with this programme the cost of oil spill clean-up in the UK and whether the thereafter. OPOL limit is sufficient to cover these costs. DECC is No funded decommissioning programmes have yet participating in this work. been submitted by prospective new nuclear operators Professional Organisations: Subscriptions for approval by the Secretary of State. However DECC officials are in regular contact with prospective operators Eric Ollerenshaw: To ask the Secretary of State for regarding possible future submissions. Energy and Climate Change how many subscription or membership fees for (a) the Chartered Institute of Oil: Pollution Public Relations and (b) other professional organisations were paid from budgets of his Simon Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for Department in respect of its staff in each of the last Energy and Climate Change (1) what assessment he has three years. [57349] made of the capacity of oil companies to cap wells in UK deep waters; [57458] Gregory Barker: The Department of Energy and (2) what recent discussions he has had with the oil Climate (DECC) has not taken out any subscriptions or industry about the potential deployment of well memberships with the Chartered Institute of Public capping devices in the North Sea; [57459] Relations over the last three years. (3) what assessment he has made of the capacity of DECC records expenditure on subscriptions and the oil industry to fund clean up of oil spills from deep membership fees but does not specifically collect data sea rigs in the North Sea without public funds; and if on the number of subscriptions and memberships held. he will make a statement. [57460] It would incur disproportionate costs to investigate all payments to determine how many individual fees and Charles Hendry: Following the Macondo Incident, subscriptions were paid for. Membership fees and the UK’s Offshore Oil and Gas Industry established a subscriptions are taken out for a number of reasons. joint industry and Government Group—the Oil Spill DECC pays membership fees to secure UK representation Prevention and Response Advisory Group (OSPRAG)—to on eight international energy and climate change bodies. review the UK’s ability to prevent and respond to oil Where staff hold or are training for professional spills. This group, in which DECC participates, identified qualifications they are required to subscribe to professional the need for a dedicated UK capping device that could institutes, for example accountants, lawyers, economists. be used on a variety of wells, not just those in deepwater, DECC also takes out subscriptions to access a wide and industry is currently constructing a device for range of printed and electronic data required to deliver deployment in UK waters. This should be ready for use the Department’s objectives. by late summer. Radioactive Waste In addition, Chevron, who are currently drilling on the UK Continental Shelf (UKCS). Have developed a Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy capping stack for the Stena Carron deepwater drilling and Climate Change whether any potential nuclear operations, that is located in Stonehaven (near Aberdeen) operations in the UK have made applications for a and can be deployed within nine days of an incident. waste transfer price contract for wastes and spent fuels There are also other devices which are commercially for new nuclear reactors. [57441] available, that could be deployed to an incident worldwide, and one of the well control companies has decided to Charles Hendry: Several prospective operators have locate a device in Aberdeen to supplement the equipment expressed an interest in entering a waste transfer contract that is currently located in Houston. with Government as part of their possible future submission 113W Written Answers7 JUNE 2011 Written Answers 114W of a Funded Decommissioning Programme for a new Environment Agency, monitors air and rain at seven nuclear power station. EDF have requested an indicative locations around the UK. The analysis and reporting is ‘Expected Price’ in the context of their preparation of a mainly on a quarterly basis, with some variations and Funded Decommissioning Programme for Hinkley Point the analytical requirements are given in the table. Under C. this Euratom programme, analyses for uranium are not The Government have consulted on a proposed waste carried out at any location. Samples from Aberporth in transfer pricing methodology and are now considering Wales are analysed for certain isotopes of plutonium in responses to this consultation, but do not intend to both air and rainwater and the Environment Agency enter into any detailed negotiations of a waste transfer reports these annually. All the results are reported in the contract prior to issuing the consultation response. annual publication ‘Radioactivity in Food and the Environment’. The latest report (2009) is available on Radioactivity the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS) website. Mr Meacher: To ask the Secretary of State for The Environment Agency adjusted its programme Energy and Climate Change what measurements were slightly during March and April to check on radionuclides made of (a) concentrations and (b) activities of (i) arriving from the Fukushima accident in Japan. The plutonium and (ii) uranium in UK air in (A) March particular adjustments were to analyse filters that were and (B) April 2011. [57243] changed weekly before normal processing, to ensure that short half life radionuclides were analysed Richard Benyon: I have been asked to reply. appropriately. Results from this Fukushima-related The Environment Agency, working with Scottish monitoring have been placed on the Health Protection Environment Protection Agency and the Northern Ireland Agency’s website.

Analytical requirements for particulate and rainwater samples Rainwater concentrations and total deposition Location Particulate samples** (Bq kg-1 of air) samples (Bq-1 andBqm-2)

Aberporth 137Cs, 7Be* Quarterly 137Cs, 7Be* Monthly 238Pu, 239,240Pu, 241Am Annually 137Cs, 7Be* Quarterly 3H Quarterly 238Pu, 239,240Pu, 241Am Annually

Chilton*** 137Cs, 7Be* Monthly 137Cs, 7Be* Monthly 137Cs, 7Be* Quarterly Total alpha, Total beta Annually Gamma Spec Annually 90Sr Annually

Conlig 137Cs, 7Be* Quarterly 137Cs, 7Be* Quarterly

Dishforth 137Cs, 7Be* Quarterly 137Cs, 7Be* Quarterly

Eskdalemuir 137Cs, 7Be* Quarterly 137Cs, 7Be* Quarterly 3H Quarterly

Lerwick 137Cs, 7Be* Quarterly 137Cs, 7Be* Quarterly

Orfordness 137Cs, 7Be* Quarterly 137Cs, 7Be* Quarterly 3H Quarterly * Plus any other radionuclides detected by gamma spectrometry. ** Filters are changed weekly or monthly and collected and washed before analysis. *** The Chilton filter is taken off weekly and counted by gamma spectrometry before treatment to provide a quick screen for short half life and volatile radionuclides.

As part of the conditions of their permits, the made of the financial implications for businesses Environment Agency requires some nuclear sites to participating in the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme of sample air and specifically to analyse the samples for the decision to end revenue recycling; and if he will plutonium and uranium. The sites include Harwell, make a statement. [58132] Sellafield, LLWR, Springfields and AWE-Aldermaston.

Renewable Energy Gregory Barker: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave the hon. Member for Ogmore (Huw Nicky Morgan: To ask the Secretary of State for Irranca-Davies) on 4 February 2011, Official Report, Energy and Climate Change what assessment he has columns 1018-19W. 115W Written Answers7 JUNE 2011 Written Answers 116W

Renewable Energy: Heating Stephen Gilbert: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change if he will assess the Guy Opperman: To ask the Secretary of State for potential effects of the feed-in tariff review on the solar Energy and Climate Change what steps he plans to industry in Cornwall and the south-west; and what take to provide assistance in respect of initial capital funding mechanisms he is considering to provide future outlay for those converting domestic heating systems support for that sector. [57490] under the Renewable Heat Incentive. [57881] Gregory Barker: The recent consultation on the fast-track Gregory Barker: £15 million has been set aside under review of the Feed-in Tariffs scheme was accompanied the Renewable Heat Premium Payments scheme to help by an impact assessment which considered the effects of families with the initial capital outlay for the installation the consultation proposals. This is available on the of renewable heating systems in their homes. This will DECC website: help up to 25,000 residents with the upfront costs of www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/consultations/fit_review/ qualifying installations. fit_review.aspx Successful applicants to the Premium Payment scheme The Department did not produce a specific impact will then be eligible for the RHI domestic tariff scheme assessment for Cornwall and the south-west. which launches in October 2012, provided they meet the We received over 500 consultation responses which eligibility criteria for the tariff scheme. we are now considering. We will confirm the outcome Full details of how the Premium Payment scheme of the consultation shortly. will work are to be published very shortly and the scheme will launch this summer. Technical Advisory Panel Solar Power Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for and Climate Change who the members were of the Energy and Climate Change pursuant to the answer of Technical Advisory Panel set up by the Office for 5 April 2011, Official Report, column 888W, on solar Nuclear Regulation to assist the chief nuclear inspector power, what estimate he has made for international in his preparation of his interim report on the Japanese benchmarking purposes of the amount of solar power earthquake and tsunami: Implications for the UK generated in countries with large solar power sectors in Nuclear Industry; whether any other experts were the last year for which figures are available; and if he nominated to serve on the Technical Advisory Panel will make a statement. [58073] but not appointed; and what additional resources were provided to the Office for Nuclear Regulation to Gregory Barker: The International Energy Agency’s support the work of the chief inspector and the Photovoltaic Power Systems (PVPS) Implementing Technical Advisory Panel on the report. [57440] Agreement provides a country by country analysis of solar PV development, including installed capacity, for Charles Hendry: The Technical Advisory Panel was the 25 participating countries. The annual report for set up by the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) to 20101 which analyses 2009 data shows that installed provide independent technical advice to the chief inspector capacity for the 25 participating countries during 2009 on the emergent findings following the events at Fukushima. was 6.2 GW, which was about the same capacity as They were invited to focus on the technical evidence in 2008. and facts available at the time and provide contributions The greatest proportion (74%) of the 6.2 GW of to both the interim and final report. The Technical solar PV installed in 2009 was in Germany and Italy Advisory Panel members are shown in the following alone. By comparison, approximately 80 MWp was table. installed in the UK. 1 IEA PVPS Implementing Agreement Annual Report 2010 (p11) Member Nominated by http://www.iea-pvps.org/index.php?id=3 Robin Grimes Imperial College Joe McHugh The Environment Agency Solar Power: Feed-in Tariffs Jim Gemmill Scottish Environment Protection Agency Stephen Gilbert: To ask the Secretary of State for Paul Howarth National Nuclear Laboratory Energy and Climate Change what the total monetary Mark Gorry EDF Energy value is of feed-in tariff payments made for (a) solar Anastasios Zodaites Prospect photovoltaic schemes and (b) all permitted Edmund Booth Royal Academy of Engineering technologies in (i) Cornwall and (ii) the rest of the UK John Earp Nuclear Institute since April 2010. [57552] Kevin Horsburgh National Oceanographic Centre

Gregory Barker: This information is not yet available ONR sought representation from non-government in the form requested. However, Ofgem has published organisations and one nomination was proposed but data from the quarterly levelisation process which shows did not take up appointment. a total of £6,206,235 paid for all technologies up to 31 ONR set up a dedicated project support team to lead December 2010. Levelisation data can be viewed at: and support this work, including a technical support www.ofgem.gov.uk/Sustainability/Environment/fits/ team, covering aspects of the Fukushima accident that Levelisation/Pages/Levelisation.aspx are likely to be important in learning lessons. The Levelisation data for 1 January to 31 March 2011 will ONR’s costs in preparing this report were met from its be made available on Ofgem’s website soon. existing budget, which is largely recovered from industry. 117W Written Answers7 JUNE 2011 Written Answers 118W

Full information concerning the Technical Advisory sized enterprises (SMEs), extension of Right to Request Panel is publically available on the ONR website at: Flexible Working to parents of 17 year-olds, Dual http://www.hse.gov.uk/nuclear/fukushima/tap.htm Discrimination and Third Party harassment. Wind Power Right to request time to train For the right to request time to train, we are not able Ian Swales: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy to estimate the how many businesses will benefit on and Climate Change what assessment he has made of average as a result of this decision as costs are calculated the potential financial benefits to communities of on a per request basis not a per business basis. We offshore wind farms; and for how long he expects any estimated in the impact assessment (IA) we published in revenue stream to such communities from such farms January 2010 that the cost of dealing with a successful to last. [57428] request would be around £319. This covers an estimated procedural cost of £90 for dealing with the request and Charles Hendry: A number of developers have developed £229 for accommodating the request. community benefit packages for offshore wind farms Extension of right to request flexible working to parents and the precise detail of these packages will vary from of 17 years olds development to development. Offshore wind developers We also announced that we would no longer extend and communities are able to discuss and agree specific the right to request flexible working to parents of 17 years benefits packages between themselves in relation to olds to any business regardless of size. The published individual developments. IA does not break this down by business size for the Offshore wind will be critical to the UK in meeting same reason as the right to request time to train. The IA our renewable energy and carbon reduction targets and estimated that the cost of dealing with requests would development can bring financial benefits to communities be approximately £62 per initial request and £123 per from construction of the wind farm, from manufacturing appeal. For accepted request the costs of accommodating and assembly of components and from ongoing operation the requests are estimated at £241.24. and maintenance over the operational lifetime of the Dual Discrimination wind farm. The Government are also providing up to £60 million for offshore wind manufacturing infrastructure The £3 million set out in the Plan for Growth in at port sites in assisted areas in England. Attracting respect of dual discrimination is drawn from the assessment major wind manufacturing to the UK will enable us to by the Government Equalities Office of the costs and realise the maximum economic potential this sector benefits associated with the commencement of the dual offers. It will also generate high value opportunities in discrimination provisions. the supply chain, a significant proportion of which are Costs to private sector employers: It is estimated that likely to be located close to these manufacturing operations. there would have been a £15.1 million transitional costs to private sector employers. This can be further broken Wind Power: Greater London down to an equivalent annual figure with a cost to SMEs per annum of £1.6 million, and the cost to large Rehman Chishti: To ask the Secretary of State for employers of £0.02 million per annum. There would Energy and Climate Change what progress his also be costs as a result of dual discrimination cases Department has made on the tender for an offshore against private sector employers of £1.0 million per transmission owner for the London Array wind farm. annum. It is not possible to accurately state what proportion [57864] of this cost would fall on SMEs1 or large employers. Gregory Barker: Ofgem, the independent regulator, Third party harassment has responsibility for running the competitive tender The £0.3 million set out in the Plan for Growth in process to appoint offshore transmission owners to own respect of ‘third party harassment’ is drawn from the and operate offshore transmission assets. Ofgem impact assessment by the Government Equalities Office commenced the second transitional tender round, which on the Equality Act published at Royal Assent in April 2010. includes the London Array Phase 1 offshore wind farm, Costs to private sector employers: Annually Recurring on 17 November 2010, and announced shortlisted bidders (per year) Cost of additional cases (£80,093 - £323,573) for the projects in this round in April 2011. in 2009 prices—range low/high). HM Treasury used the high figure as the potential annual saving to business of removing this provision. TREASURY 1 SME 1-249 employees. Large is 250+ and figures do not include Business: Regulation the voluntary sector Carbon Emissions Matthew Hancock: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer with reference to the 2011 Budget, HC 836, Alex Cunningham: To ask the Chancellor of the page 3, what estimate he has made of the average Exchequer what methodology he used to determine the potential benefit to (a) all businesses and (b) small price levels of carbon price support in (a) his and medium-sized enterprises from discontinuing Department’s consultation on the carbon price floor existing proposals for specific regulations which would and (b) Schedule 20 of the Finance (No. 3) Bill; and have cost business over £350 million a year. [55709] what the reason is for the difference between those price levels. [57520] Mr Prisk: I have been asked to reply. The regulations that contribute to the £350 million Justine Greening: The consultation asked for views cost reduction for business include: extension of the on how best to implement a carbon price floor, including Right to Request Time to Train to small and medium how the Government should determine future market 119W Written Answers7 JUNE 2011 Written Answers 120W prices of carbon upon which to base carbon price Performance out-turn in relation to the timeliness of support rates. For illustrative purposes the consultation processing new child benefit claims in each month of used the Government’s long-term carbon price forecast 2006-07 to 2010-11 inclusive is shown in the following as modelled by DECC. tables: The Government response to the consultation on 2006-07 Wednesday 30 March 2011, confirmed that a market-based Aim approach would be used to determine carbon price To process 69% of To process 95% of support rates as this was the option preferred by claims in 5 working claims in 36 working respondents. The Finance Bill reflects this approach. days days The Government’s response is available online at: April 72.5 96.6 http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/d/ carbon_price_floor_consultation_govt_response.pdf May 66.9 94.3 June 68.3 94.7 Alex Cunningham: To ask the Chancellor of the July 70.3 94.8 Exchequer what impact assessment his Department has August 72.1 96.1 undertaken on the effects on energy-intensive industries of the introduction of carbon price support. September 66.5 94.2 [57632] October 65.3 94.0 November 66.3 94.2 Justine Greening: An assessment of the impacts of December 66.4 95.9 the carbon price floor is given in HMRC’s Tax Information and Impact Note published alongside the Budget. This January 70.1 94.9 is available online at: February 68.0 94.0 http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/budget2011/tiin6111.pdf March 66.8 95.2

Child Benefit 2007-08 Aim To process 69% of To process 95% of Mrs Hodgson: To ask the Chancellor of the claims in 5 working claims in 36 working Exchequer what estimate he has made of the likely days days change in the purchasing power of child benefit in the April 67.4 94.2 [57570] next three financial years. May 64.4 95.6 June 66.4 97.1 Mr Gauke: The following table shows the estimated July 61.2 94.7 average change per week per child as a result of comparing August 65.3 96.5 the rates of child benefit uprated by the retail prices September 63.1 94.2 index with freezing the rates for three years from April October 62.0 92.2 2011. November 64.1 93.3 December 65.4 91.9 £ January 71.9 93.9 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 February 62.6 93.4 Forecast change -0.55 -1.65 -2.40 March 60.4 90.7 first child Forecast change -0.35 -1.05 -1.55 2008-09 subsequent child Aim To process 69% of Pay new claims in an claims in 9 working average of 20 calendar Child Benefit: Applications days days

April 62.1 27.7 Dr Whiteford: To ask the Chancellor of the May 64.1 23.1 Exchequer (1) whether his Department has a target for June 59.4 29.0 the time taken to process applications for child benefit; July 62.3 29.2 [56742] August 62.3 26.6 (2) what the average time taken to process September 62.6 33.2 applications for child benefit was (a) in the latest period for which information is available and (b) in Aim each month of the last five years; [56743] To process 69% of Pay claims in an claims in 9 working average of 20 calendar (3) how many parents have waited more than one days days month for their child benefit application to be processed in each month of the last five years. [56744] October 63.8 27.7 November 65.2 29.6 December 70.7 29.3 Mr Gauke: In 2011-12, HM Revenue and Customs January 71.1 27.6 aim to pay new claims to child benefit in an average of February 67.2 31.4 23 calendar days with 70% of new claims paid in March 73.8 19.0 12 calendar days. 121W Written Answers7 JUNE 2011 Written Answers 122W

2009-10 Child Benefit Office received a total of 623 complaints Aim in 2006-07. No monthly breakdown of this figure is To pay 66% of claims Pay claims in an available. in 9 working days average of 20 calendar days Child Care Tax Credit: Barnsley

April 75.33 27.7 Michael Dugher: To ask the Chancellor of the May 74.04 24.19 Exchequer how many people in Barnsley East June 72.92 26.91 constituency are in receipt of childcare tax credit. July 69.13 32.70 [58013] August 70.33 31.72 September 68.15 38.46 Mr Gauke: As at April 2011 there were 800 families in October 68.52 27.7 Barnsley East constituency receiving the child care element November 69.67 30.61 of working tax credit. December 73.14 28.34 The information in this answer is based on HMRC’s January 74.53 22.21 tax credits snapshot interim data. More information February 74.43 27.16 can be found at the HMRC website. March 73.03 30.96 http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/stats/personal-tax-credits/cwtc-geog- apr11.pdf 2010-11 Aim Corporation Tax To pay 69% of claims Average number of in 9 working days calendar days to pay Ms : To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the likely April 72.91 29.82 effect of the reduction in the rate of corporation tax May 73.51 21.37 announced in the 2011 Budget on the level of growth in June 71.77 25.86 each year from 2011-12 to 2015-16. [52378] July 71.95 22.76 August 71.92 21.98 Mr Gauke: In their March 2011 Economic and Fiscal September 69.10 27.23 Outlook-the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) October 71.69 23.70 have forecast further increases in business investment November 72.65 23.36 from 2011 onwards. December 75.67 23.82 The OBR have stated that the cost of capital is the January 77.3 24.27 fundamental determinant of business investment in the February 76.03 20.46 long-run. The additional corporate tax measures announced March 74.64 25.93 at Budget 2011 provide further reductions in the cost of capital for firms and will promote higher levels of Information on the number of child benefit claimants business investment. who have waited for more than one month for their claim to be processed in each month of the last five The Government’s aim is to create the most competitive years is not maintained in the format requested. tax regime in the G20. The reductions in corporation tax rates announced by the Government will support Dr Whiteford: To ask the Chancellor of the this aim and, based on announced plans, in 2014-15 the Exchequer how many complaints his Department has UK will have the fifth lowest rate in the G20 and will received on the length of time taken to process a child continue to have the lowest rate in the G7. benefit application in each month of the last five years. [56745] : To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps his Department took to implement the Mr Gauke: Specific information on the numbers of recommendations of the Thirtieth Report of the complaints about the length of time taken to process a Committee of Public Accounts, Session 2007-08, child benefit application in each month of the last five Management of Large Business Corporation Tax, years is not available. Information on the number of HC 302, prior to May 2010. [57559] child benefit related complaints in the last four years is provided in the following table: Mr Gauke: The Committee of Public Accounts made 11 recommendations in its Thirtieth Report of the 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2007-08 Session.

April 53 210 164 245 Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs accepted eight May 56 158 199 182 of the Committee’s recommendations and has implemented June 69 169 257 174 these fully or partially. The Department has not July 68 207 311 245 implemented three of the Committee’s recommendations. August 67 166 224 237 Recommendations implemented: September 70 239 268 276 1. On publishing analysis showing distribution of Corporation October 78 230 419 239 Tax paid (published in 2009—to be updated). November 337 211 382 252 3. On publishing distribution of CT inquiries by value (published December 565 187 402 175 in 2009-to be updated). January 270 227 465 194 4. On completing 95% of inquiries within 18 months (partially February 671 186 474 164 implemented and ongoing: HMRC’s Large Business Service has a March 308 184 360 247 target for 2011-12 of 85%). Totals 2,612 2,374 3,925 2,630 5. On evaluating the effectiveness of the Customer Relationship Manager Role. 123W Written Answers7 JUNE 2011 Written Answers 124W

6. On developing and publishing a robust measure of the Departmental Data Protection Corporation Tax gap (partially implemented and ongoing—estimates for Large Business Service component published 2009 and 2010). Priti Patel: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 7. On sharing information with other tax authorities. how many (a) data protection breaches and (b) 10. On publicising the department’s approach to high and low confidentiality breaches were made by HM Revenue risk businesses and robustly applying the new penalty regime. and Customs in each of the last five years. [53859] 11. On assessing the numbers and skills of staff needed and developing a linked training programme (partially implemented Mr Gauke: HMRC has kept a central record of all and ongoing). security incidents reported by staff or members of the Recommendations not implemented: public since 2007. This central record was formed in 2. On publishing an annual analysis of the use of reliefs by support of the Cabinet Office reporting requirements industry sector. put in place following the Data Handling Review. HMRC 8. Government to consider whether to introduce consolidated was created in 2005 at which point security incidents CT returns. were managed locally within the legacy departments. 9. On indicators of tax avoidance. This approach continued until the central recording HMRC will publish a full update on the PAC method began in 2007. This central record includes all recommendations in its departmental report in July security incidents involving the unauthorised disclosure 2011, showing outstanding recommendations and progress of customer or protectively marked information. These towards them. records cover both unauthorised disclosures that were accidental and those that were deliberate. Corporation Tax: Tax Rates and Bands Security incidents that are data protection breaches are reported to the Information Commissioner’s Office Chris Ruane: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer in accordance with the guidelines. how many private sector enterprises he expects to benefit from the reduction in the main rate of ICO reported corporation tax to 26%. [57491] 2007-08 9 2008-09 6 Mr Gauke: Around 45,000 companies that pay tax at 2009-10 1 the main rate, and around 40,000 that are taxed at the 2010-11 0 main rate but who receive marginal relief will benefit from the reductions in the main rate of corporation tax Where staff are suspected of either accessing or announced in the last two Budgets. deliberately disclosing information without authorisation, While the majority of companies benefitting will be HMRC will investigate and oversee disciplinary proceedings in the private sector, exact information is not readily that may lead to dismissal. This process is continually available and could be obtained only at disproportionate being refined to improve the ability to identify these cost. types of occurrences. Depending on the nature of the incident it is also possible for staff to be prosecuted if Departmental Charitable Donations they have breached the Data Protection Act and/or the Commissioners for Revenue and Customs Act. Since 2007 HMRC have had 35 such cases where fraud has Chris Ruane: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer been investigated, i.e. staff suspected of deliberate what steps he is taking to encourage charitable giving unauthorised disclosure by Ministers in his Department. [57115] Investigations Justine Greening: All Government Ministers have pledged to spend time supporting a charity or community 2007-08 4 group of their choice. 2008-09 8 2009-10 14 Departmental Compensation 2010-11 19 1 April to September Priti Patel: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Departmental Mobile Phones how much HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) paid out in (a) compensation and (b) goodwill payments in Mike Freer: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer respect of mistakes and errors by HMRC in each of the what the name is of each contractor or supplier of (a) last five years. [53860] mobile telephone and (b) mobile data services to his Department. [56062] Mr Gauke: We do not distinguish payments as “compensation” and “goodwill”. Total payments made Justine Greening: Mobile telephone and mobile data under HMRC’s ex-gratia financial redress policy for services are provided to HM Treasury by Vodafone 2006-07; 2007-08; and 2008-09 are contained in the Corporate Ltd. HMRC Annual Reports. The information is available from the HMRC website: Departmental Research http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/about/reports.htm For 2009-10 the payments made totalled £3.74 million, Chris Ruane: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer including a single, exceptional payment of £1.2 million. what (a) longitudinal and (b) other (i) research and For 2010-11 payments totalled £1.41 million. (ii) collection of data his Department has (A) initiated, 125W Written Answers7 JUNE 2011 Written Answers 126W

(B) terminated and (C) amended in the last 12 months; Excise Duties: Fuels and what such research and data collection exercises undertaken by the Department have not been amended Caroline Lucas: To ask the Chancellor of the in that period. [56752] Exchequer what assessment he has made of the effects of extending the scope of excise duty on hydrocarbon Damian Green: This information could be provided oils to all forms of shipping and aviation for the only at disproportionate cost. purposes of raising finance for the Green Climate Fund; and if he will make a statement. [58068] Disadvantaged: Financial Services Justine Greening: The UK welcomes the UNFCCC Justin Tomlinson: To ask the Chancellor of the decision to set up the Green Climate Fund and will Exchequer what steps he is taking to ensure that money participate actively to ensure the fund can deliver results, and debt advice is available to people who do not have impact and value for money. Decisions on any UK access to the internet. [57909] contribution will be made when the fund’s capacity to deliver results, impact and value for money is clear. Mr Hoban: Advice on money and debt is available Furthermore, the UK has already announced in the from a wide range of sources and through various most recent spending review that £2.9 billion is to be channels, including the internet the telephone, and face- spent on international climate finance over the next to-face. The Money Advice Service, established in the four years. Financial Services Act 2010, is providing a national Financial Services Compensation Scheme money advice service, which is available via telephone and face-to-face channels for those for whom online advice is impractical or inappropriate. Publicly supported Craig Whittaker: To ask the Chancellor of the debt advice services are also available across a range of Exchequer (1) what his policy is on establishing a channels. sub-class for the general insurance broking sector within the revised Financial Services Compensation Scheme; [57482] Employment Agencies (2) what assessment his Department has made of recent trends in the levy on general insurance brokers Mike Freer: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer in respect of the Financial Services Compensation how much his Department spent on (a) recruitment Scheme; [57483] agency fees, (b) outplacement agency fees for displaced or redundant staff and (c) staff training in the last (3) what assessment he has made of the effect on costs for insurance brokers of the Financial Services year for which figures are available. [51396] Compensation Scheme. [57486] Justine Greening: The Treasury spent £59,000 on recruitment agency fees, £9,000 on outplacement fees Mr Hoban: The Government appreciate that the levies and £1,159,000 on staff training during 2010-11. The applied to some members of the broking industry have figures are provisional and subject to audit by the increased over the last financial year. National Audit Office as part of the annual audit of the The Financial Services Authority (FSA) is responsible Department’s resource accounts. for the funding arrangements for the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS), under powers in the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 and associated Enterprise Investment Scheme legislation. Furthermore, the FSCS is responsible for setting Mr Hanson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer levies on firms within the rules and limits set by the how much additional investment he expects to arise FSA. These rules specify the levies that may be collected from changes (1) to the enterprise investment scheme from each class of firm and the apportionment of levies announced in the 2011 Budget (a) for businesses between individual firms within each class. directly benefiting from the changes and (b) across the economy; [52533] Craig Whittaker: To ask the Chancellor of the (2) to venture capital trusts announced in the March Exchequer what assessment his Department has made 2011 Budget (a) for businesses directly benefiting from of the effect on consumers of reviewing the Financial the changes and (b) across the economy. [52537] Services Compensation Scheme. [57485]

Mr Gauke: Estimates of the Exchequer impact of the Mr Hoban: It is essential that the Financial Services proposed changes to the Enterprise Investment Scheme Compensation Scheme (FSCS) is able to pay out and Venture Capital Trusts Relief were published at compensation to all eligible policyholders. Without certainty Budget in the policy costings document available at: of payout, consumer protection is substantially weakened. http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/d/ It is therefore vital that the FSCS is able to raise 2011budget_policycostings.pdf. resources in a range of circumstances to compensate The post-behavioural costing takes into account a consumers effectively. net increase in annual investment in both schemes totalling The rules governing the FSCS are set by the Financial around £200 million resulting from the changes. The Services Authority (FSA), which has commenced a reduction in the rate of corporation tax will help to review of the funding model of the FSCS. They will support investment growth through reducing the cost of proceed to a formal consultation and cost benefit analysis capital. once discussions on European directives affecting 127W Written Answers7 JUNE 2011 Written Answers 128W compensation arrangements have been concluded and Mr Gauke: Personal allowances for those aged under the Government’s policy on the future role of the FSCS 65 have increased by £1,000 in 2011-12 to £7,475, and in the context of reform of the regulatory architecture will increase by £630 in 2012-13 to £8,105. for financial services has been settled. Reliable estimates are not available at the parliamentary constituency and local authority level, due to greater Gift Aid uncertainties in projections for small geographical areas and small sample sizes. Henry Smith: To ask the Chancellor of the In the North West and Merseyside Government Office Exchequer when he expects to introduce a mechanism Region, an estimated 100,000 are taken out of income to enable charities to claim back tax up to £5,000 per tax and 2.52 million basic rate taxpayers gain from the annum through the gift aid scheme; and what increase in the personal allowance in 2011-12, in 2012-13, mechanism he plans to establish. [57512] 28,000 will be taken out of income tax and 2.68 million taxpayers will gain from the increase in the personal Justine Greening: At Budget 2011 the Chancellor allowance. announced the introduction of the new Gift Aid Small These estimates are based on the 2007-08 Survey of Donations Scheme. The scheme will allow charities to Personal Incomes, projected using economic assumptions claim a Gift Aid style payment on up to £5,000 of small consistent with the Office for Budget Responsibility’s donations received each year without the need to collect March 2011 economic and fiscal outlook. Gift Aid declarations from donors. HMRC is consulting informally on the details of the Insurance: EU Law scheme over the summer, with the aim of publishing draft legislation for formal consultation later in the year. Craig Whittaker: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what discussions he has had at EU level on The scheme is planned to start from April 2013. the Insurance Guarantee Scheme Directive; and when he expects a final text to be drafted. [57484] Income Tax: Greater London Mr Hoban: The Treasury submitted a UK response, Mr Evennett: To ask the Chancellor of the with the FSA, to the European Commission’s White Exchequer what estimate he has made of the number of Paper on Insurance Guarantee Schemes in November pensioners in (a) Bexleyheath and Crayford 2010. The Treasury has regular discussions with European constituency and (b) London whose tax liability will stakeholders on a wide range of financial services dossiers, be reduced as a result of the increase in the income tax including the proposed Insurance Guarantee Scheme personal allowance in 2011-12 for those aged (i) 65 to Directive. It is not the Government’s practice to provide 74 and (ii) over 75. [57160] details of all such meetings. The Government expect the European Commission Mr Gauke: Personal allowances for those aged 65-74 to make a legislative proposal in the second half of 2011 and 75 and over rise from £9,490 and £9,640 respectively and negotiations will then commence on the dossier. in 2010-11, to £9,940 and £10,090 respectively in 2011-12. Personal allowances for individuals aged over 65 who Mortgages have incomes above £24,000 in 2011-12 are gradually reduced to the personal allowance for those aged under 65, which rises from £6,475 in 2010-11 to £7,475 in Tom Blenkinsop: To ask the Chancellor of the 2011-12. Exchequer what plans his Department has to make it easier for people who are not in a relationship to share In the London Government Office Region, an estimated the mortgage for a property. [57558] 257,000 individuals aged 65-74 and 183,000 individuals aged 75 and over are estimated to see a reduction in Danny Alexander: Decisions concerning the pricing their income tax liability as a result of the increases in and availability of mortgages are commercial decisions personal allowances described above. for individual banks and building societies. The Government These estimates are based on the 2007-08 Survey of do not seek to intervene in these decisions. Personal Incomes, projected using economic assumptions consistent with the Office for Budget Responsibility’s Northern Rock plc March 2011 economic and fiscal outlook. Reliable estimates are not available at the parliamentary Mr Umunna: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer constituency level, due to greater uncertainties in projections when he expects to receive recommendations from UK for small geographical areas and small sample sizes. Financial Investments Ltd in relation to the future of Northern Rock plc. [54872] Income Tax: Warrington Mr Hoban [holding answer 9 May 2011]: UKFI are David Mowat: To ask the Chancellor of the looking at the full range of alternatives for divestment, Exchequer what estimate he has made of the number of and are exploring options based on maximising value people who will (a) no longer pay income tax and (b) for the taxpayer, maintaining financial stability and have their income tax payments reduced in (i) paying due regard to promoting competition. All exit Warrington South constituency and (ii) the borough of strategies for Northern Rock plc will be considered with Warrington a result of the rise in the personal the final decision on the sale of Northern Rock made by allowance in (A) 2011-12 and (B) 2012-12. [57137] the Chancellor. 129W Written Answers7 JUNE 2011 Written Answers 130W

Public Expenditure Mr Gauke: The age-related allowances provide support for individuals on low and middle incomes aged 65 and over, and form part of the Government’s overall package Chris Ruane: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer of support for pensioners. what assessment he has made of the effects on each socio-economic group of the reductions in public The age-related allowances mean that those aged 65 expenditure announced in (a) the June 2010 Budget and over on the lowest incomes, up to around £10,000, and (b) the comprehensive spending review. [57163] are taken out of tax altogether and ensures that those with incomes up to around £29,000 pay less tax than individuals under 65. HMRC estimate that only 45% of Danny Alexander: At Budget 2011 the Government individuals aged 65 and over will be liable to income tax published detailed distributional analysis of the impacts in 2011-12. of its decisions. Looking at the cumulative impact of tax, tax credit and benefit reforms introduced at the last Tax Collection: Appeals Budget and previous fiscal events, the top decile sees the largest losses. This is the case across the income distribution, in both cash terms (Chart A.2) and , as a proportion of Tessa Munt: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer net income (Chart A.3). It is also the case across the on how many occasions individual tax codes were expenditure distribution, in cash terms (Chart A.4) and changed to recover tax arrears while appeals against as a proportion of expenditure (Chart A.5). recovery of underpayments were underway in 2010. [57450] Chart A.6 in the Budget document shows that, after combining the impact of tax, tax credit and benefit and Mr Gauke: The information is available only at a public service spending changes, the top 20% of households disproportionate cost. will make the greatest contribution towards reducing the deficit as a percentage of their income and benefits HMRC does not hold a central record of cases where in kind from public services. tax codes were changed to recover underpayments or details of how many of these involved ongoing ESC A19 claims at the time when the codes were changed. Revenue and Customs: Deloitte HMRC revise codes and change tax codes on a regular basis for its customers as part of our normal processing. Mr David Davis: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer in respect of how many cases involving the Tax Credit: Income settlement of tax liabilities of over £10 million HM Revenue and Customs has had discussions with Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Chancellor of the Deloitte in the last three years. [57560] Exchequer what analysis his Department has carried out of the effect on income levels in each income decile Mr Gauke: The requested information is not centrally of (a) reducing the second income threshold for tax held and could be provided only at disproportionate credits to £40,000, (b) increasing the first and second cost. withdrawal rates of tax credits to 41 per cent., (c) tapering the family element of the child tax credit Social Enterprises: Renewable Energy immediately after the child element, (d) removing the baby element of the child tax credit, (e) removing the 50 plus element of the working tax credit and (f) Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Chancellor of the removing the supplement for toddlers. [54199] Exchequer whether community renewable energy projects with social enterprise company structures Mr Gauke [holding answer 5 May 2011]: The measures whose electricity generation commences after 6 April to which the hon. Member refers are part of a range of 2012 will be eligible for the Enterprise Investment reforms to the tax credits system announced at the Scheme or venture capital trusts. [57454] emergency budget and spending review. Estimating the impact of an individual measure does Justine Greening: Legislation will be introduced in not give a clear indication of the full monetary impact Finance Bill 2012 providing that companies whose trade on an individual household. consists wholly or substantially in the receipt of feed-in The Government published estimates of the distributional tariffs will only be eligible for the Enterprise investment impact of the packages of announced tax and benefit Scheme or Venture Capital Trusts where commercial measures which can be found at: electricity generation commences before 6 April 2012. http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/d/junebudget_annexa.pdf The change will not apply to any shares issued before 23 March 2011. http://cdn.hm-treasury.gov.uk/sr2010_annexb.pdf The change is designed to improve the focus of the Taxation schemes on smaller, higher risk companies. Draft legislation will be published for consultation before it is implemented. Priti Patel: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) how many people have been issued with incorrect Tax Allowances: Age tax codes in each year since 1997; [53846] (2) in how many cases individuals have been issued Jo Swinson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer with an incorrect tax code owing to errors by (a) HM what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of Revenue and Customs and (b) the individual in each using age-related tax allowances. [53001] year since 1997. [53849] 131W Written Answers7 JUNE 2011 Written Answers 132W

Mr Gauke: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I In addition the Adjudicator provides a service to gave the hon. Member for East Dunbartonshire (Jo independently investigate complaints involving mistakes Swinson) on 3 May 2011, Official Report, column 684W. and other areas of reported poor service. The Adjudicator’s reports can be found on the internet Priti Patel: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer from the following link: (1) what estimate he has made of the amount of tax http://www.adjudicatorsoffice.gov.uk/ owed to HM Revenue and Customs by persons issued with incorrect tax codes in each of the last five years; in Mr Nicholas Brown: To ask the Chancellor of the how many cases HM Revenue and Customs charged Exchequer what assessment he has made of the effect interest to persons owing tax as a result of being issued on the overall tax base of tax increment financing with an incorrect tax code; what estimate he has made projects in England. [53991] of the administrative cost to HM Revenue and Customs of the issue of incorrect tax codes; and in how Mr Gauke: There are currently no tax increment many cases in each of the last five years HM Revenue financing projects in England. We are considering options and Customs has written off tax owed due to an for implementing Tax Increment Financing as part of incorrect tax code being issued; [53847] our work on the Local Government Resource Review. (2) how much tax is owed to HM Revenue and The review will cover a range of issues including the Customs due to the issue of incorrect tax codes that potential impact that tax increment financing could has been (a) written off or (b) left unrecovered in each have on public finances. of the last five years; and what the 10 largest amounts written off or left unrecovered are. [53848] Taxation: Construction

Mr Gauke: The information is available only at Mr Nuttall: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer disproportionate cost. (1) what the total amount of deductions was held by HM Revenue and Customs under the Construction Priti Patel: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Industry Scheme as at (a) 31 March 2008, (b) 31 how many notice to file a tax return forms were March 2009, (c) 31 March 2010 and (d) 31 March automatically sent out by HM Revenue and Customs 2011; [54817] in each of the last five years. [53856] (2) what assessment he has made of the effects on sub-contractors of their inability to obtain refunds for Mr Gauke: The numbers of self-assessment tax returns the deductions due to them from HM Revenue and issued by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) over the Customs under the Construction Industry Scheme past five years with a due date of 31 January are until after the end of each tax year. [54810] provided in the following table: Mr Gauke [holding answer 9 May 2011]: HMRC Tax return Due by Number issued does not hold the data requested about deductions held (million) under the Construction Industry Scheme. 2009-10 31 January 2011 10.0 No assessment has been made of the effect on sub- 2008-09 31 January 2010 9.7 contractors of not being able to obtain refunds of the 2007-08 31 January 2009 9.5 deductions until after the end of the tax year because 2006-07 31 January 2008 9.3 HMRC seeks to make a prompt payment of any refund 2005-06 31 January 2007 9.3 of deductions made under the Construction Industry Scheme due to sub-contractors entitled to receive them. Priti Patel: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer VAT how many notice to file a tax return forms were sent to people who had previously notified HM Revenue and Sir Peter Bottomley: To ask the Chancellor of the Customs that they no longer used self-assessment in Exchequer when he plans to review value added tax the last year for which figures are available. [53857] legislation; and whether the removal of exemptions will form part of that review. [56877] Mr Gauke: HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) does not hold this information. Mr Gauke: All taxes, including VAT and the scope of its exemptions, are kept under review. Priti Patel: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer VAT: Financial Services how many reportable errors were made by HM Revenue and Customs in each of the last five years. Conor Burns: To ask the Chancellor of the [53858] Exchequer what recent discussions he has had with his EU counterparts on the levying of value added tax on Mr Gauke: HMRC reports financial errors in the outsourced insurance-related services which are Department’s annual accounts as a note ‘Losses and currently exempt from value added tax in the UK. special payments’. These annual accounts are laid in [53360] Parliament but are also available on the internet via: http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/about/reports.htm Mr Gauke: Discussions concerning an EU Commission This publication also contains the report by the Comptroller Proposal that would modernise the VAT exemption for and Auditor General on specific areas of audit review financial and insurance services have taken place at the by the National Audit Office. Council of Ministers Working Party level for several 133W Written Answers7 JUNE 2011 Written Answers 134W years and are continuing under the Hungarian Creative England presidency. These have included the issue of the VAT treatment of outsourcing in the insurance sector. The Mr Ivan Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for matter was discussed by Ministers as part of an overall Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport when Creative orientation debate on the dossier at the November 2010 England’s long-term business plan will be published. ECOFIN. [58026] Mr Jeremy Hunt: Following a consultation period at the start of the year, Creative England intends to publish CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT their long-term business plan by September 2011. British Sky Broadcasting: News Corporation Mr Ivan Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what meetings he Mr Ivan Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for has had with the heads of the regional screening Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport (1) on what date agencies on the creation of Creative England. [58173] he last met with representatives of Ofcom to discuss News Corporation’s proposed acquisition of BSkyB; Mr Jeremy Hunt: I have not met with any of the [58027] heads of the regional screen agencies (RSA) to discuss (2) on what date he last met with representatives of the creation of Creative England; however my officials the Office of Fair Trading to discuss News have been involved in a number of discussions with the Corporation’s proposed acquisition of BSkyB; [58028] RSA on this subject. (3) on what date he last met with representatives of Departmental Manpower News Corporation to discuss their proposed acquisition of BSkyB. [58029] Mr Nicholas Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport if he will make it Mr Jeremy Hunt: I last met with the Office of Fair his policy to publish monthly information on changes Trading (OFT) and the Office of Communications (Ofcom) in the numbers of his Department’s employees on 24 March, and with News Corporation on 20 January categorised by (a) seniority, (b) number of employees to discuss News Corporation’s proposed acquisition of taking voluntary redundancy, (c) natural wastage and BSkyB. (d) involuntary redundancy. [57615] Broadband John Penrose: The Department provides regular updates on its headcount and natural wastage through its annual Mr Ivan Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for report and accounts, and monthly returns to the Office Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport pursuant to the for National Statistics. We have no plans to provide answer of 23 May 2011, Official Report, columns more regular updates given the administrative burden 346-47W, on broadband, when he intends to publish this entails. the high speed broadband balanced scorecard; and how often he plans to update it. [58130] Departmental Research

Mr Jeremy Hunt: We intend to publish the scorecard Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for during the summer. It will be updated annually. Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what (a) longitudinal and (b) other (i) research and (ii) Communications Bill collection of data his Department has (A) initiated, (B) terminated and (C) amended in the last 12 months; and Mr Ivan Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for what such research and data collection exercises Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport if he will publish undertaken by the Department have not been amended the responses he has received to his open letter on his in that period. [56765] proposed Communications Bill. [58172] John Penrose: The information you have requested Mr Jeremy Hunt: A summary of the responses to the can be found in the following table: open letter on the communications review will be published alongside the Green Paper at the end of 2011. Project type Research Data collections Construction: Standards Longitudinal Initiated Taking Part longitudinal panel Mr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what assessment his Terminated Licensing statistics Department has made of the compliance of its (moved to Home Office) Executive agency with OGC Common Minimum Standards for the Built Environment when Amended commissioning construction projects. [57026]

John Penrose: The Royal Parks is this Department’s Other only agency and it is currently working towards Initiated Creative Industry (CI) compliance with OGC Common Minimum Standards Small/Medium for the Built Environment when commissioning Enterprises access to finance construction projects. 135W Written Answers7 JUNE 2011 Written Answers 136W

Intellectual Property and Growth Project type Research Data collections

Digital Radio cost-benefit Mr Ivan Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for analysis Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport when he last met Volunteering analysis via Culture and Sport the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Evidence programme Skills to discuss the Hargreaves review of Intellectual (CASE) Property and Growth. [58168] CASE database update Philanthropy research via Mr Jeremy Hunt: I regularly meet with the Secretary CASE of State for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) to CASE local profile tool discuss a range of subjects and views. Although we have Analysis of Taking Part not met specifically to discuss the Hargreaves Review of data Intellectual Property, this has been a part of more Broadband impact general discussions. evaluation The Minister for Intellectual Property, Baroness Wilcox, together with Ian Hargreaves, and I have met representatives Terminated Free swimming data from the creative industries to discuss the Hargreaves Review. Amended CI outputs Taking Part survey There have also been regular meetings between Baroness Wilcox and the Minister for Culture, Communications Other data collections and research projects that and Creative Industries (Mr Vaizey); at which the Review remain unchanged are as follows: was one of the topics for discussion. Olympics meta-evaluation Music: Licensing Laws Country and Regional Analysis DCMS Sponsored Museum Monthly Visits Tessa Munt: To ask the Secretary of State for University Museum Visits Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what discussions Jobs, Skills, Futures Employment and Skills update he has had with Phonographic Performance Limited on licensing requirements for occupants of private Geographical distribution of contracts offices who listen to a radio owned by an individual Museum Key Performance Indicators where the public cannot hear the radio broadcast. Export of Objects of Cultural Interest [57105] Portable Antiquities and Treasure Mr Davey: I have been asked to reply. Whole of Government accounts (WGA) These issues are for the Secretary of State for Business, Laying of sponsored bodies annual reports and accounts Innovation and Skills, my right hon. Friend the Member Annual public bodies directory for Twickenham (Vince Cable), who has responsibility Broadband Rollout programme Monitoring data for intellectual property matters. However, neither the Finance statistics Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills HR statistics nor the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport, my right hon. Friend the Member for South Lottery grants database West Surrey (Mr Hunt), have had any specific discussions with Phonographic Performance Ltd on this point. Football Ofcom

Mr Ivan Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Ivan Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport (1) what recent Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport pursuant to the meetings he has had with the Football Association on answer of 3 May 2011, Official Report, column 632W, football governance; [58169] on the Digital Economy Act 2010, when he expects to receive the report from Ofcom on the technical (2) what recent meetings he has had with the workability of reserve site blocking provisions. [58128] Football League on football governance; [58170] (3) what recent meetings he has had with the FA Mr Jeremy Hunt: I have now received Ofcom’s report Premier League on football governance. [58171] on the workability of sections 17 and 18 of the Digital Economy Act. We will consider the report carefully and publish it and the Government’s response in due course. Mr Jeremy Hunt: Along with the Minister for Sport and the Olympics, I meet regularly with the Football Olympic Games 2012 Association, the Premier League and Football League, as we take forward our commitment to work with these Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, bodies to help reform football’s current governance Olympics, Media and Sport pursuant to the answer of arrangements and support the cooperative ownership 10 May 2011, Official Report, column 1059W, on the of football clubs by supporters. Olympic Games 2012, what criteria he plans to use to We look forward to receiving the report from the determine who would qualify as (a) a domestic Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee on football political leader and (b) dignitaries and others with a governance before setting out our intentions in this close connection to the Games for the purposes of area. allocation of tickets. [57905] 137W Written Answers7 JUNE 2011 Written Answers 138W

Hugh Robertson: The Olympic and Paralympic Games Olympic Games 2012, what criteria he plans to use to are a once in a generation opportunity for the UK to decide who is invited to use the 6,000 tickets not being showcase itself to a massive international audience, and made available to staff. [58108] the Government will use this unique opportunity for the benefit of the whole of the UK. Hugh Robertson: The bid for dignitary tickets covers The objective of Government’s Olympic and Paralympics Government Departments and some host venue towns Games Domestic Dignitary programme is to ensure and cities outside London. that dignitaries represent the UK at the full range of Government tickets will be used for a variety of sporting and cultural events in London; including purposes including inviting and accompanying a number supporting the teams and carrying out media duties. It of international and domestic political and business will provide opportunities for Government to represent leaders, as well as dignitaries and others with a close the UK with other international dignitaries and promote connection to the games and its legacy. the UK, as well as providing a memorable experience The venue towns and cities will buy their allocations for dignitaries who have made a significant contribution under their host county or borough agreements with to the Games, or whose organisation is operational at LOCOG and will offer tickets to civic leaders, local the Games. influencers, or other local causes at their discretion. The Government are in the process of assessing the allocation of tickets to support the dignitary management Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, programme. Olympics, Media and Sport pursuant to the answer of 10 May 2011, Official Report, column 1059W, on the Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympic Games 2012, what proportion of the 6,000 Olympics, Media and Sport pursuant to the answer of tickets will be used by the Government for liaison with 10 May 2011, Official Report, column 1059W, on the international and domestic political and business Olympic Games 2012, for which events the leaders, dignitaries and others with a close connection Government has applied for tickets; and what the basis to the games. [58109] is on which those events were chosen. [57964] Hugh Robertson: The Government have bid for a Hugh Robertson: The figures will change between selection of tickets at different price categories for a now and the Olympic games, but on current forecasts, wide range of events covering all days of the Olympics. we expect around two-thirds to be used by central The tickets will be used to support a domestic dignitary Government and around one-third to be used by venue management programme on behalf of central Government. towns and cities outside London. Where appropriate, we plan to charge for these tickets. In addition, some tickets will be used for international Mr Ivan Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for guests who are not accredited to the Games (only Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport (1) what recent sovereigns, head of state/Government and Sports Ministers assessment he has made of the likely effect on the are accredited) and for international business guests in economy of Northern Ireland of the London 2012 support of securing economic benefits. Olympics; [58112] (2) what recent assessment he has made of the likely Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, effect on the economy of Wales of the London 2012 Olympics, Media and Sport pursuant to the answer of Olympics; [58113] 10 May 2011, Official Report, column 1059W, on the (3) what recent assessment he has made of the likely Olympic Games 2012, what criteria he plans to use to effect on the economy of Scotland of the London 2012 determine which staff are eligible to apply for the 3,000 Olympics; [58114] tickets. [57965] (4) what recent assessment he has made of the likely Hugh Robertson: A ballot has been set up to allow a effect on the economy of London of the London 2012 range of public servants, who have worked closely on Olympics; [58115] the Games for over a year, the opportunity to purchase (5) what recent assessment he has made of the likely a pair of tickets at face value. effect on the economy of the North West of the London 2012 Olympics; [58116] Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport pursuant to the answer of (6) what recent assessment he has made of the likely 10 May 2011, Official Report, column 1059W, on the effect on the economy of the North East of the Olympic Games 2012, if he will publish a list of London 2012 Olympics; [58117] Olympic tickets the Government has obtained; to (7) what recent assessment he has made of the likely whom they were allocated; and the cost to the public effect on the economy of the West Midlands of the purse of such tickets when the information is available London 2012 Olympics; [58118] to his Department. [58107] (8) what recent assessment he has made of the likely effect on the economy of the East Midlands of the Hugh Robertson: After the Games, the Government London 2012 Olympics; [58119] will publish a list of those dignitaries to whom they allocated tickets, the cost to Government of those tickets, (9) what recent assessment he has made of the likely and the number of staff who purchased tickets. effect on the economy of the East of England of the London 2012 Olympics; [58120] Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, (10) what recent assessment he has made of the likely Olympics, Media and Sport pursuant to the answer of effect on the economy of the South East of the London 10 May 2011, Official Report, column 1059W, on the 2012 Olympics; [58121] 139W Written Answers7 JUNE 2011 Written Answers 140W

(11) what recent assessment he has made of the likely Nation or Number of companies Number of contracts effect on the economy of the South West of the region registered on CompeteFor awarded via CompeteFor London 2012 Olympics. [58122] N. Ireland 1,688 8 Mr Jeremy Hunt: The whole of the UK stands to Scotland 3,905 42 gain from the wide range of opportunities created by Wales 3,391 46 the 2012 games, through businesses winning Games-related work, increased tourism and cultural celebrations. London In addition, the London 2012 Organising Committee 2012 has already brought significant new opportunities (LOCOG) is now ramping up procurement for £700 for UK businesses especially small and medium-sized million worth of goods and services it requires to stage enterprises (SMEs). the games. The Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) is responsible Pre-games training camps will provide an opportunity for developing and building the venues and infrastructure to create further economic benefits, including inward for the London 2012 games. As of May 2011, 1500 investment, through the international attention that will businesses have supplied the ODA from across the UK. follow. Facilities across the nations and regions that met Thousands of businesses up and down the UK are the criteria to be world-class training venues are included working on the games through supplier contracts worth in the official London 2012 Pre-Games Training Camp in excess of £5 billion. Guide. The guide has been produced in an online form For the specific nations and regions you have requested, and is accessible at: the number and value of contracts awarded by the http://trainingcamps.london2012.com ODA can be found in the following table: Agreements are now in place in nations and regions for teams to use the facilities in preparation for the games. Committed spend to Nation or region Number of suppliers date (£) Further assessment of the growth being created in the UK because of the London 2012 games can be East Midlands 44 338,986,781 found in the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic East of England 138 830,382,444 Games Quarterly Report, the most recent of which was London 759 3,284,082,889 published in May and can be found at the following North East 22 11,863,982 link: North West 53 104,181,567 South East 233 1,005,464,742 http://www.culture.gov.uk/images/publications/ South West 67 11,490,188 DCMS_GOE_QR_May_2011.pdf West Midlands 60 450,045,065 N. Ireland 5 18,043,690 Pete Wishart: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland 25 24,476,220 Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport how many tickets Wales 10 417,415 for the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics have been allocated to schools in (a) London, (b) England, These figures do not include the value of contracts (c) Scotland, (d) Wales and (e) Northern Ireland. further down the supply chain, in tiers two, three and so [58131] on, which are awarded by the tier one contractors and not by the ODA. The ODA estimates that the total value of supply chain contracts to the regions runs into Hugh Robertson: The London 2012 Organising millions of pounds, but these are not public procurements Committee (LOCOG) has placed 6.6 million tickets for and so the full value of contracts won across the UK is the London 2012 Olympic games on sale to the UK not captured by the figures provided. The ODA estimates public, including special prices for young people in a that overall up to 50,000 contracts will be generated ‘Pay Your Age’ scheme for over 200 sessions. Further throughout its supply chains. tickets will go on sale for the Paralympic games in September, with prices for young people starting at £5. All companies in the UK have the opportunity to As the Paralympic games take place in term-time, LOCOG register an interest for London 2012 business opportunities will particularly encourage school groups to attend by on CompeteFor, the London 2012 supplier website. For providing group packages. the specific nations and regions you have requested, the number of companies who have registered and been In addition to the main ticketing process, LOCOG awarded contracts through CompeteFor can be found has also announced a scheme called Ticketshare. Through in the following table: a levy on those purchasing hospitality packages for the London 2012 games, Ticketshare will donate up to Nation or Number of companies Number of contracts 100,000 tickets for children and young people in schools region registered on CompeteFor awarded via CompeteFor and colleges across the UK. To be eligible, schools and East Midlands 7,691 89 colleges need to apply to join the Get Set Network, part East of 16,098 227 of LOCOG’s education progamme. 50,000 of these England tickets will go to schools and colleges in London, and London 41,275 783 50,000 will go to schools and colleges across the rest of North East 3,945 30 the UK. In addition, the Mayor of London has provided North West 8,315 103 75,000 additional tickets for London schools and colleges. South East 23,806 297 The tickets will be distributed through the Get Set South West 8,440 70 network, and therefore the numbers to each nation/region West 10,727 304 will depend on the number of schools and colleges that Midlands apply by the deadline of Friday, 16 December 2011. 141W Written Answers7 JUNE 2011 Written Answers 142W

Mr Ivan Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Hugh Robertson: The Olympic Delivery Authority Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what steps he is (ODA) is responsible for developing and building the taking to ensure (1) that (a) jobs and (b) growth in all venues and infrastructure for the London 2012 games. parts of the UK benefit from the London 2012 As of May 2011, 1,500 businesses, including those Olympics; [58175] directly involved in the construction programme, have (2) the legacy of the London 2012 Olympics will supplied the ODA from across all of the devolved benefit all parts of the UK. [58176] nations and English regions. The number of the ODA’s direct suppliers, by nation Mr Jeremy Hunt: The whole of the UK stands to and English region (according to their registered address), benefit from the London 2012 Games, including those can be found in the following table: through direct contracts and their supply chains; from tourism, the investment in sport and through the Regional development agency Number of suppliers opportunities for schools and young people. The Nations and Regions Group, established by the East Midlands 44 Government Olympic Executive (GOE) and the London East of England 138 2012 Organising Committee (LOCOG), works directly London 759 with each UK nation and region to help them realise North East 22 and maximise the benefits from the economic, sporting North West 53 and cultural opportunities offered by the games. South East 233 South West 67 The games will also provide a focus for the tourism West Midlands 60 industry. The Government’s Tourism Policy, published Yorkshire and Humber 43 in March, aims to help the tourism industry achieve its Northern Ireland 5 potential for growth through a range of measures. This Scotland 25 initiative aims to generate 4 million extra overseas visitors Wales 10 over the next four years bringing in an extra £2 billion Overseas 41 worth of visitor spend and helping to create 50,000 new Total 1,500 jobs across the country. The Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) and LOCOG These figures only account for the contracts awarded procurements continue to provide business opportunities by the ODA to its own top tier of contractors (tier one for companies across the UK, in particular the SMEs contractors). The figures do not include contracts further which benefit from supply chain opportunities. LOCOG down the supply chain, in tiers two, three and so on, is now accelerating its procurement programme. It is which are awarded by the tier one contractors and not procuring £700 million worth of contracts for goods by the ODA. The ODA estimates that tens of thousands and services across eight sectors—including performance of more contracts will be generated throughout its and events, security, sports and technology. It will require supply chains. More information on businesses that a workforce of around 200,000 people, including 6,000 have won games-related contracts can be found at the staff, up to 70,000 volunteers and up to 100,000 contractors. business section of the London 2012 website at the The procurement process for contractors was launched following link: at the end of 2009 and most of the contracts will be www.london2012.com/business awarded by the end of 2011. Please note the figure published for number of suppliers The games will also provide a sporting and cultural in December 2010 included one supplier of a small legacy across the UK. We are introducing the school contract that was incorrectly categorised as being from games, a new school sport competition which will provide Wales by the ODA. more opportunities for pupils to compete in sport through a vibrant programme of regular intra and inter-school Hywel Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for competitions. Through the Inspire Programme cultural Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what the and sporting projects can link their events and projects monetary value has been of London 2012 Olympics in an official capacity to London 2012. Get Set, the construction contracts awarded to companies London 2012 education programme, aims to enhance registered in (a) Wales, (b) each region of England, young people’s learning through sport, culture and (c) Scotland, (d) Northern Ireland and (e) elsewhere education and the Legacy Trust UK will help communities up to and including 1 May 2011. [57145] from across the UK build a lasting legacy from the games. Hugh Robertson: The Olympic Delivery Authority In addition, the ‘Places People Play’ programme has (ODA) is responsible for developing and building the been created to bring sporting legacy to life in communities venues and infrastructure for the London 2012 games. across the country. This will be achieved by transforming As of May 2011, 1,500 businesses, including those the places where people play sport, inspiring people to directly involved in the construction programme, have make sport happen at a local level and creating sporting supplied the ODA from across the devolved nations and opportunities that give everyone the chance to become the English regions. part of the mass participation legacy. The spend to date by the ODA, by Nation and English region (based on their registered address on the Hywel Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for supplier invoice), can be found in the tables. Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport how many contracts the Olympic Delivery Authority had awarded Nation Committed spend to date (£) (a) (b) to firms located in Wales, each region of Scotland 24,476,220 (c) (d) (e) England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales 417,415 elsewhere up to and including 30 April 2011. [57144] 143W Written Answers7 JUNE 2011 Written Answers 144W

discuss his Department’s tourism strategy in advance Nation Committed spend to date (£) of its publication. [57890] Northern Ireland 18,043,690 England 6,107,828,831 Mr Jeremy Hunt: The outbound market is an important Outside the UK 37,868,901 part of our tourism economy and in developing the Government’s new strategy for tourism, published in English region Committed spend to date (£) March, the Minister for Tourism (John Penrose), met with representatives of the outbound travel trade including London 3,284,082,889 the Association of British Travel Agents and the Association South East 1,005,464,742 of Independent Tour Operators. In creating a new four East of England 830,382,444 year international marketing fund for tourism, with West Midlands 450,045,065 support from major companies, the Minister and I also East Midlands 338,986,781 held discussions with a range of airline carriers and North West 104,181,567 ferry operators. Yorkshire and The Humber 71,331,173 North East 11,863,982 South West 11,490,188 Mr Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Total 6,188,635,057 Olympics, Media and Sport what assessment he has made of the contribution of (a) domestic and (b) These figures only account for the contracts awarded international golf tourism to the visitor economy. by the ODA to its own top tier of contractors (tier one [58048] contractors). The figures do not include the values of contracts further down the supply chain, in tiers two, John Penrose: In response to surveys undertaken by three and so on, which are awarded by the tier one VisitBritain, in 2007, 1.7% of holiday visitors, 0.6% of contractors and not by the ODA. For example, the steel business visitors and 2.2% visiting friends and relations reinforcements for the Olympic Stadium’s podium structure said that they had played golf during their visit to the came from Express Reinforcement in Neath, while UK. VisitEngland has not undertaken any specific research Bluebay Building Products, based in Cardiff provided about the value of golf to the visitor economy in reinforced concrete for the bridges and highways on the England. Olympic Park. The ODA estimates that the total value of supply Tourism: Diamond Jubilee 2012 chain contracts to the regions runs into hundreds of millions of pounds, but these are not public procurements and so the full value of contracts won across the UK is Mr Ivan Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for not captured by the figures provided. The ODA estimates Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport when he last met that overall up to 50,000 contracts will be generated the Mayor of London to discuss the potential effects throughout its supply chains. on tourism of the (a) Queen’s diamond jubilee and (b) London 2012 Olympics. [58174] Please note the figure published for committed spend to date in December 2010 included one supplier of a Mr Jeremy Hunt: I meet the Mayor of London small contract that was incorrectly categorised as being regularly to discuss issues relating to the London 2012 from Wales by the ODA. Olympic games and Paralympic games, and opportunities Sports like the Queen’s diamond jubilee for promoting the capital. The establishment of London & Partners as the promotional vehicle for the capital is to be welcomed Mr Ivan Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for and I understand that they will be working with VisitBritain Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what criteria his and VisitEngland on developing and growing the visitor Department applies when assessing the quality of the economy. governance of the sports it supports. [57891]

Mr Jeremy Hunt: We continue to challenge all sporting VAT: Sports bodies to create, improve and maintain the best possible governance structures. We believe that dedicated Mr Ward: To ask Secretary of State for Culture, professionals working within strong, independent, Olympics, Media and Sport if he will discuss with the transparent and accountable organisations are the best Chancellor of the Exchequer the potential effect on way of ensuring that sporting bodies are able to reflect the take up of and participation in league sport of the the identity and expectations of the whole community. decision to apply the standard rate of VAT to all sports Sport England and UK Sport specifically works to league payments. [57388] support core-funded sporting bodies through a formal governance assurance programme that includes an annual Mr Gauke [holding answer 24 May 2011]: Ihave self-assessment, supported by an onsite independent been asked to reply. audit every three to four years. HMRC’s view is that the provision of sports league services is liable to VAT at the standard rate. As a Tourism number of providers have been treating these supplies as exempt from VAT, HMRC issued further guidance in Mr Ivan Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for February 2011, confirming their view that the provision Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport whether Ministers of sports league services is liable to VAT. There has been in his Department met overseas travel companies to no change in policy. 145W Written Answers7 JUNE 2011 Written Answers 146W

JUSTICE Karl Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice with reference to his Department’s document, Civil Litigation: Legal Costs Reforming Civil Litigation Funding and Costs in England and Wales, how he expects claimants’ costs in appeal cases on significant points of law to be funded. Karl Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice [57599] with reference to his Department’s document, Reforming Civil Litigation Funding and Costs in Mr Djanogly: I refer the hon. Gentleman to the England and Wales, what reports he received during answer I gave to the hon. Member for Hammersmith the consultation period of the number and proportion (Mr Slaughter) on 26 April 2011, Official Report, column of meritorious cases in Scotland that are not pursued 135W. Claimants will be able to fund appeals in the as a consequence of funding arrangements. [57600] same way that they fund cases at first instance.

Mr Djanogly: “Reforming Civil Litigation Funding Karl Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice and Costs in England and Wales—Implementation of with reference to his Department’s document, Lord Justice Jackson’s Recommendations: The Government Reforming Civil Litigation Funding and Costs in Response” was published on 29 March 2011. It includes England and Wales, what reports he received during a summary of responses received during the consultation the consultation period on the number and proportion period. The views of respondents who referred to the of clinical negligence claims presented as meritorious civil litigation funding regime in Scotland were clearly but screened out by after the event insurers as split. For example, one respondent pointed to unmeritorious. [57601] Compensation Recovery Unit statistics suggesting a reduced recovery rate in Scotland than in England and Mr Djanogly: “Reforming Civil Litigation Funding Wales. Other respondents pointed to the Scottish system and Costs in England and Wales—Implementation of as an example of how conditional fee agreements can Lord Justice Jackson’s Recommendations: The Government work in providing access to justice without recoverable Response” was published on 29 March 2011. It includes success fees. a summary of responses received during the consultation period, including—at paragraph 166—that: Karl Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice “[After the event] ATE insurers and some lawyers, in particular, with reference to his proposals for qualified one way argued that ATE insurance providers currently risk assess claims costs shifting, what the minimum contribution is that a so that only stronger claims are brought”. losing claimant will be expected to pay towards a defendant’s costs. [57551] Convictions

Mr Djanogly: As was indicated in the “Reforming Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Civil Litigation Funding and Costs in England and how many persons convicted of offences of rape in Wales—Implementation of Lord Justice Jackson’s each of the last five years already had convictions for Recommendations: The Government Response”, published (a) another offence of rape, (b) another sexual on 29 March 2011, that the Government would discuss offence, (c) another violent offence and (d) any other with stakeholders how the rules on qualified one way offence. [57533] costs shifting should be drafted. This would include whether any minimum payment to a successful defendant’s Mr Blunt: Table 1 gives the numbers and proportions costs should be payable by a losing claimant. of offenders sentenced between 2006 and 2010 for an offence of rape in England and Wales, who at the time Karl Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice of their sentence had at least one previous conviction with reference to his Department’s document, for rape, for a sexual offence including rape, for an Reforming Civil Litigation Funding and Costs in offence of violence against the person, or for any other England and Wales, what the evidential basis is for his offence. assessment that claimant solicitors will adapt to These figures have been derived from the data used maximise profits under his proposals. [57598] for table A7.10 of ‘Criminal Statistics Quarterly Bulletin’ which was published by the Ministry of Justice on Mr Djanogly: “Reforming Civil Litigation Funding 26 May 2011. and Costs in England and Wales—Implementation of These figures have been drawn from the police’s Lord Justice Jackson’s Recommendations: The Government administrative IT system, the police national computer, Response” was published on 29 March. The impact which, as with any large scale recording system, is assessment published with the Government response subject to possible errors with data entry and processing. sets out a number of assumptions, including that the The figures are provisional and subject to change as legal sector will adapt to the changes. more information is recorded by the police.

Table 1: Number and proportion of offenders convicted of rape in England and Wales between 2006 and 2010, who had at least one previous conviction for a violent offence, a sexual offence, rape or any other offence1 Offenders who have been convicted previously for:2 Violence against the Rape Sexual offences3 person Any other offences No previous conviction All offenders2 (100%) No. % No. % No. % No. % No. %

2006 932 36 3.9 134 14.4 261 28.0 233 25.0 371 39.8 147W Written Answers7 JUNE 2011 Written Answers 148W

Table 1: Number and proportion of offenders convicted of rape in England and Wales between 2006 and 2010, who had at least one previous conviction for a violent offence, a sexual offence, rape or any other offence1 Offenders who have been convicted previously for:2 Violence against the Rape Sexual offences3 person Any other offences No previous conviction All offenders2 (100%) No. % No. % No. % No. % No. %

2007 936 33 3.5 109 11.6 226 24.1 287 30.7 368 39.3 2008 962 28 2.9 109 11.3 216 22.5 279 29.0 404 42.0 2009 1,048 31 3.0 110 10.5 239 22.8 309 29.5 439 41.9 2010 1,082 26 2.4 112 10.4 253 23.4 303 28.0 464 42.9 1 The figures are based on information drawn from the Police National Computer and may differ slightly from information recorded in the Crown Court. 2 The figures are based on counts of sentencing occasions where the primary offence was rape and where the offender had at least one previous conviction for one of the offence types specified. An offender may be counted more than once if he or she has been sentenced on more than occasion during the period or has both previous violent and previous sexual offences. Therefore the numbers in the table do not sum to the total number sentenced. 3 Including previous offences of rape.

Convictions: Hunting The Ministry of Justice Court Proceedings Database contains information on defendants proceeded against, Neil Parish: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice found guilty and sentenced for criminal offences in what proportion of convictions under the Hunting England and Wales. Other than where specified in a Act 2005 have related to hunts recognised and statute statistical information available centrally does regulated by the Council of Hunting Associations. not include the circumstances of each case. It is not [57580] possible to separately identify those specific cases proceeded against under the Hunting Act 2004 related to hunts Mr Blunt: The number of defendants proceeded against recognised and regulated by the Council of Hunting at magistrates courts and found guilty at all courts in Associations. England and Wales in 2010 (latest available) for offences under the Hunting Act 2004 can be viewed in the table.

Number of defendants proceeded against at magistrates courts and found guilty at all courts, for offences under the Hunting Act 2004, England and Wales, 20101, 2 Number/percentage

Proceeded against (number) 49 Found guilty (number) 36 Conviction ratio (percentage) 73 1 The figures given in the table on court proceedings relate to persons for whom these offences were the principal offences for which they were dealt with.Whena defendant has been found guilty of two or more offences it is the offence for which the heaviest penalty is imposed. Where the same disposal is imposed fortwoor more offences, the offence selected is the offence for which the statutory maximum penalty is the most severe. 2 Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extracted from large administrative data systems generated by the courts and police forces. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used. Source: Justice Statistics Analytical Services—Ministry of Justice.

Departmental Manpower In addition, the Ministry supports the coalition Government’s Transparency Agenda and discloses details of senior staff salaries and work force statistics. Mr Nicholas Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for The first round of this disclosure was published in Justice if he will make it his policy to publish monthly October 2010 and reflected the position within the information on changes in the numbers of his Ministry at 30 June 2010. The second round of disclosure Department’s employees categorised by (a) seniority, is due to be published shortly and will show the position (b) number of employees taking voluntary within the Ministry at 31 March 2011. redundancy, (c) natural wastage and (d) involuntary redundancy. [57606] Drugs: Prosecutions Mr Kenneth Clarke: At this stage there are no plans to publish a more detailed breakdown of departmental Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for work force statistics or to increase the current list of Justice pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for pre-announced publications. Bury St. Edmonds of 26 April 2011, Official Report, Under Cabinet Office guidelines the Office for columns 139-42W, on drugs: prosecutions, how many National Statistics collects employment figures from all and what proportion of those prosecuted for offences Departments quarterly and while decision making internally of (a) possession of and (b) dealing in (i) heroin, (ii) makes use of such figures, to ensure the best use of cocaine and (iii) amphetamines were (A) found not departmental resources, the required data cleansing exercises guilty, (B) fined and (C) imprisoned in each year since would not currently allow statistics to be presented that 2006. [57620] matched publication guidelines. If in the future there is an opportunity to increase the frequency and detail of Mr Blunt: The number of defendants proceeded against this published data we would revisit this publication at magistrates courts, for offences relating to the possession issue. and supply of cocaine, heroin and amphetamines, including 149W Written Answers7 JUNE 2011 Written Answers 150W the sentence received at all courts in England and or acquitted at the Crown Court in that year. It is Wales, 2006 to 2010 (latest available) can be viewed in therefore not possible to directly compare proceedings the table. in one year to the final outcome in that year. Defendants proceeded against, at magistrates court, in one year may not be the same individuals convicted

Defendants proceeded against at magistrates courts, acquitted and sentence breakdown for selected drug offences, England and Wales, 2006-101,2,3,4,5 Offence and outcome 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

Possession Heroin Proceeded against 4,184 4,857 5,010 5,028 4,852

Acquitted 57 60 31 45 39 As a percentage of those proceeded against (%) 11111

Total sentenced 3,939 4,628 4,870 4,885 4,732 Of which: Fine 1,159 1,335 1,478 1,699 1,705 As a percentage of total sentenced (%) 29 29 30 35 36 Immediate custody 370 416 451 323 407 As a percentage of total sentenced (%) 99979 Other sentences 2,410 2,877 2,941 2,863 2,620 As a percentage of total sentenced (%) 61 62 60 59 55

Possession Cocaine Proceeded against 4,190 5,156 6,051 5,808 5,165

Acquitted 98 92 69 84 102 As a percentage of those proceeded against (%) 22112

Total sentenced 3,981 4,882 5,825 5,578 4,928 Of which: Fine 2,055 2,307 2,839 2,941 2,710 As a percentage of total sentenced (%) 52 47 49 53 55 Immediate custody 187 213 249 240 188 As a percentage of total sentenced (%) 54444 Other sentences 1,739 2,362 2,737 2,397 2,030 As a percentage of total sentenced (%) 44 48 47 43 41

Possession Amphetamines Proceeded against 2,308 2,431 2,625 2,397 2,433

Acquitted 26 29 12 19 27 As a percentage of those proceeded against (%) 11011

Total sentenced 2,159 2,304 2,530 2,325 2,338 Of which: Fine 940 917 1,092 1,117 1,129 As a percentage of total sentenced (%) 44 40 43 48 48 Immediate custody 85 99 92 77 118 As a percentage of total sentenced (%) 44435 Other sentences 1,134 1,288 1,346 1,131 1,091 As a percentage of total sentenced (%) 53 56 53 49 47

Possession with intent to supply Heroin Proceeded against 1,391 1,571 1,514 1,512 1,567

Acquitted 175 130 132 141 121 As a percentage of those proceeded against (%) 13 8 9 9 8

Total sentenced 1,101 1,138 1,331 1,205 1,326 Of which: Fine 86311 151W Written Answers7 JUNE 2011 Written Answers 152W

Defendants proceeded against at magistrates courts, acquitted and sentence breakdown for selected drug offences, England and Wales, 2006-101,2,3,4,5 Offence and outcome 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

As a percentage of total sentenced (%) 11000 Immediate custody 847 877 1,020 953 1,025 As a percentage of total sentenced (%) 77 77 77 79 77 Other sentences 246 255 308 251 300 As a percentage of total sentenced (%) 22 22 23 21 23

Possession with intent to supply Cocaine Proceeded against 1,332 1,528 1,725 1,671 1,706

Acquitted 157 154 159 184 192 As a percentage of those proceeded against (%) 12 10 9 11 11

Total sentenced 986 1,165 1,530 1,670 1,640 Of which: Fine 9 19 11 7 9 As a percentage of total sentenced (%) 12101 Immediate custody 774 837 1,144 1,303 1,250 As a percentage of total sentenced (%) 78 72 75 78 76 Other sentences 203 309 375 360 381 As a percentage of total sentenced (%) 21 27 25 22 23

Possession with intent to supply Amphetamine Proceeded against 294 330 341 347 388

Acquitted 26 29 23 37 40 As a percentage of those proceeded against (%) 9 9 7 11 10

Total sentenced 262 283 320 291 322 Of which: Fine 16267 As a percentage of total sentenced (%) 02122 Immediate custody 109 125 156 129 140 As a percentage of total sentenced (%) 42 44 49 44 43 Other sentences 152 152 162 156 175 As a percentage of total sentenced (%) 58 54 51 54 54

Supplying or offering to supply Heroin Proceeded against 1,494 1,472 1,374 1,506 1,711

Acquitted 74 66 79 73 62 As a percentage of those proceeded against (%) 54654

Total sentenced 1,166 1,159 1,207 1,202 1,190 Of which: Fine — 4 3 — 2 As a percentage of total sentenced (%) — 0 0 — 0 Immediate custody 810 829 841 851 822 As a percentage of total sentenced (%) 69 72 70 71 69 Other sentences 356 326 363 351 366 As a percentage of total sentenced (%) 31 28 30 29 31

Supplying or offering to supply Cocaine Proceeded against 782 920 1,164 996 996

Acquitted 40 72 68 66 58 As a percentage of those proceeded against (%) 58676

Total sentenced 502 526 714 748 656 Of which: Fine 12 6 9 4 5 153W Written Answers7 JUNE 2011 Written Answers 154W

Defendants proceeded against at magistrates courts, acquitted and sentence breakdown for selected drug offences, England and Wales, 2006-101,2,3,4,5 Offence and outcome 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

As a percentage of total sentenced (%) 21111 Immediate custody 358 353 514 530 463 As a percentage of total sentenced (%) 71 67 72 71 71 Other sentences 132 167 191 214 188 As a percentage of total sentenced (%) 26 32 27 29 29

Supply or offering to supply Amphetamine Proceeded against 87 113 114 123 111

Acquitted 12 7 8 6 11 As a percentage of those proceeded against (%) 14 6 7 5 10

Total sentenced 89 75 79 102 85 Of which: Fine 24435 As a percentage of total sentenced (%) 25536 Immediate custody 54 23 38 59 42 As a percentage of total sentenced (%) 61 31 48 58 49 Other sentences 33 48 37 40 38 As a percentage of total sentenced (%) 37 64 47 39 45 1 The figures given in the table on court proceedings relate to persons for whom these offences were the principal offences for which they were dealt with. When a defendant has been found guilty of two or more offences it is the offence for which the heaviest penalty is imposed. Where the same disposal is imposed fortwoor more offences, the offence selected is the offence for which the statutory maximum penalty is the most severe. 2 Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extractedfrom large administrative data systems generated by the courts and police forces. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used. 3 Excludes data for Cardiff magistrates court for April, July and August 2008. 4 Acquitted includes: Discharged and Dismissed at magistrates courts and Acquitted at the Crown Court. 5 Other sentences include: Absolute and conditional discharge, community sentence, suspended sentence and otherwise dealt with. Source: Justice Statistics Analytical Services—Ministry of Justice

Employment Tribunals Service arising out of the same or very similar circumstances. As a multiple, the cases are processed, and judicially managed, together. Mr Denham: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Statistics published annually and quarterly by Her (1) what number and proportion of employment Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service provide a tribunal claims were multiple claims against private breakdown of claims received. In recent years this sector employers in each of the last five years; [58106] breakdown has included that between single and multiple (2) how many and what proportion of employment claims. The following table sets out the claims received tribunal claims were multiple claims against public by employment tribunals in each of the last five financial sector employers in each of the last five years. [58181] years for which data are available, including the proportion of multiples and single claims lodged. However, employment tribunals do not categorise claims as ‘private sector’ or Mr Djanogly: Claims to the employment tribunals ‘public sector’. Therefore, no statistics are collated centrally may be classified into two broad categories: singles and on this divide, whether in respect of multiple claims or multiples. Multiple cases are where two or more people more widely, and it is not possible to report on this bring cases, involving one or more jurisdiction(s) usually aspect. While a manual search of individual case records against a single employer but not necessarily so (for might give some indication, such work could only be instance in transfer of undertaking cases) and always undertaken at disproportionate cost.

Employment tribunal receipts 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 No. % No. % No. % No. % No. %

Singles 51,500 44.8 54,100 40.8 54,500 28.8 62,400 41.3 71,300 30.2 Multiples 63,500 55.2 78,600 59.2 134,800 71.2 88,700 58.7 164,800 69.8 Total 115,000 — 132,700 — 189,300 — 151,000 — 236,100 — Source: Tribunals Service Statistics

European Court of Human Rights Mr Kenneth Clarke: The costs are not recorded centrally and can vary considerably depending on the circumstances Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice of each case. As well as immediate expenses such as what the cost to the public purse was of cases in the staff time, legal fees, travel etc., costs could include European Court of Human Rights to which the UK those associated with wider changes to policy or legislation. was a party in the last 12 months. [57629] 155W Written Answers7 JUNE 2011 Written Answers 156W

An accurate total costing for the ECtHR cases to which Case1 Articles violated Individual measures2 the UK was a party in the last 12 months could not be provided without incurring disproportionate cost. 21. Woods A14+P1-1 Pecuniary damage, costs and expenses Chris Heaton-Harris: To ask the Secretary of State 22. Fallon A14+P1-1 Pecuniary damage, costs and expenses for Justice in which final judgements the European 23. Crilly A14+P1-1 Costs and expenses Court of Human Rights has found the UK to be in 24. Reavey A2 Non-pecuniary damage, breach of an obligation under the European costs and expenses Convention on Human Rights since 2006; which 25. Brecknell A2 Non-pecuniary damage, Convention right or rights the UK was found to have costs and expenses breached in each relevant judgement; which provision 26. O’Dowd A2 Non-pecuniary damage, of legislation in the UK was deemed to have breached a costs and expenses 27. McCartney A2 Non-pecuniary damage, Convention right or rights in each relevant judgement; costs and expenses and what the Government’s response was to each such 28. McGrath A2 Non-pecuniary damage, judgement. [58001] costs and expenses 29. Dickson A8 Non-pecuniary damage, Mr Kenneth Clarke: According to data published by costs and expenses the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR), there 30. Williams A14+P1-1 Violation have been 83 final judgments since 2006 in which the 31. Boyle A5-3 Violation Court found that the UK breached one or more Convention 32. Goodwin A14+P1-1 Violation rights. The following table sets out the name of the 33. Higham A14+P1-1 Violation cases and the articles of the Convention found to have 34. Saadi A5-2 Costs and expenses been violated, as well as any damages or costs award 35. McNamee A14+P1-1 Violation stipulated in the judgment. 36. Bond A14+P1-1 Violation An adverse judgment does not necessarily mean that 37. Cummins A14+P1-1 Violation the Court has found any legislation to be in breach of 38. Nelson A14+P1-1 Violation the Convention. For example, the common law or an 39. Szulc A14+P1-1 Violation 40. McCann A8 Non-pecuniary damage, administrative practice may be found to be in violation. costs and expenses Information on which provisions of UK legislation 41. Twizell A14+P1-1 Pecuniary damage have been deemed to have violated one or more Convention 42. Smith A14+P1-1 Violation right in each relevant judgment and the Government’s 43. Liberty and others A8 Costs and expenses response to each such judgment is not held centrally 44. Wakeling A14+P1-1 Costs and expenses and could not be provided without incurring 45. Hubley A14+P1-1 Costs and expenses disproportionate cost. 46. Wells A14+P1-1 Costs and expenses 47. NA A3 Costs and expenses Case1 Articles violated Individual measures2 48. O’Brien A14+P1-1 Costs and expenses 1. Yassar Hussain A6-2 Costs and expenses 49. Harrison A14+P1-1 Costs and expenses 2. Grant A8 Pecuniary damage and costs 50. Thomas A14+P1-1 Pecuniary damage, costs and and expenses expenses 3. Elahi A8 Covert listening devices 51. Ginnifer A14+P1-1 Costs and expenses Costs and expenses 52. Jackson A14+P1-1 Costs and expenses 4. Saadi A5-2 Costs and expenses 53. RK and AK A13 Non-pecuniary damage, 5. Keegan A8, A13 Non-pecuniary damage, costs and expenses costs and expenses 54. S and Marper A8 Costs and expenses 6. Wainwright A8, A13 Non-pecuniary damage, costs and expenses 55. Shireby A14+P1-1 Violation 7. Blake A6-1 Non-pecuniary damage, 56. Bullen and Soneji A6-1 Violation costs and expenses 57. Thorne A14+P1-1 Pecuniary damage, costs and 8. Martin A6-1 Costs and expenses expenses 9. Tsfayo A6-1 Non-pecuniary damage, 58. Al-Khawaja and A6-1, A6-3(d) Non-pecuniary damage, costs and expenses Tahery costs and expenses 10. Hobbs, Richard, A14, A1PF Costs and expenses (for some 59. Booth A14+P1-1 Violation Walsh and Geen applications) 60. Mitchard A14+P1-1 Violation 11. Bell A6-1 and 6-3 c Costs and expenses 61. Murray A14+P1-1 Violation 12. Young A6-1 and 6-3 c Costs and expenses 62. Turner A14+P1-1 Violation 13. Black A6-1 and 6-3 c Costs and expenses 63. Twomey A14+P1-1 Violation 14. Associated Society A11 Costs and expenses of Locomotive 64. A. and Others A5-1, 5-4, 5-5 Non-pecuniary damage, Engineers and costs and expenses Fireman (ASLEF) 65. Blackgrove A14+P1-1 Pecuniary damage, costs and 15. Copland A8 Non-pecuniary damage, expenses costs and expenses 66. Szuluk A8 Non-pecuniary damage, 16. Runkee and White A14+P1-1 Pecuniary damage, costs and costs and expenses expenses 67. Crompton A6 Violation 17. Bhandari A6-1 Non-pecuniary damage, 68. Omojudi A8 Non-pecuniary damage, costs and expenses costs and expenses 18. Cross A14+P1-1 Costs and expenses 69. Financial Times A10 Costs and expenses 19. Gault A5-3 Non-pecuniary damage, Ltd and Others costs and expenses 70. Gillan and A8 Costs and expenses 20. Anderson A14+P1-1 Violation Quinton 157W Written Answers7 JUNE 2011 Written Answers 158W

Legal Aid: Lone Parents Case1 Articles violated Individual measures2

71. Khan AW A8 Costs and expenses Kate Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice 72. Richard Anderson A6-1 Non-pecuniary damages, costs and expenses how many single parents were in receipt of legal aid for 73. Al Saadoon and A3, A13, A34 Violation, costs and expenses each category of justiciable matter in the latest year for Mufdhi which information is available; and what proportion of 74. AD and OD A8, A13+8 Non-pecuniary damage, all recipients this represented in each case. [57416] costs and expenses 75. MAK And RK A8, A13 Non-pecuniary damage, costs and expenses Mr Djanogly: Neither my Department nor the Legal 76. Allen A5-4 Non-pecuniary damage Services Commission holds data on whether applicants 77. SH A3 (in case of Violation (in case of for legal aid are single parents. expulsion) expulsion) 78. Clift A5+14 Non-pecuniary damage, costs and expenses Legal Aid: Young People 19. Kay and Others A8 Pecuniary damage, costs and expenses Dr Huppert: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice 80. JM A14+P1-1 Non-pecuniary damage, costs and expenses what the cost to the public purse of providing legal aid 81. Greens and MT P1-3 Costs and expenses to persons under the age of 18 years was in the latest 82. Mackay and BBC A13+10 Violation period for which figures are available. [57962] Scotland 83. O’Donaghue A12, A14+12, Non-pecuniary, pecuniary Mr Djanogly: The Legal Services Commission (LSC) A14+9 damage, costs and expenses is responsible for administering the legal aid scheme in 1 In “Deak”, proceedings were taken against Romania and the UK jointly. The judgment found Romania to have violated Article 6 but the UK was not found England and Wales. to have breached any Convention right. In “MGN”, the judgment is final although there has not been final agreement The following table outlines the total cost to the on the level of just satisfaction. public purse of providing legal aid to persons under the 2 Where the judgment said that the finding of a violation constituted adequate age of 18 years for the financial year 2009-10. just satisfaction and/or no damages or costs were awarded, the entry here will read as ’violation’. The LSC does not record this information in relation to the Crime Higher scheme which accounts for cases Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice if heard at the Crown court and higher criminal courts. he will estimate the cost to the public purse of complying with judgements of the European Court of Total (£) Human Rights against the UK in each of the last five Crime Lower 40,973,016 years. [57549] Legal Help 13,131,688 Civil Representation 133,459,162 Mr Kenneth Clarke: Such an estimate could not be Total 187,563,865 provided without disproportionate cost. Information on costs is not collected centrally. Implementation of Dr Huppert: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice judgments from the European Court of Human Rights whether his Department has undertaken an impact (ECtHR) is the responsibility of the Government assessment to ascertain the potential effect on children Department responsible for the policy area concerned and young people of the proposed changes to legal aid. and costs can vary considerably depending on the circumstances of the case. [57963] Mr Djanogly: The Impact Assessments published Isis Prison and Young Offender Institution alongside the consultation paper detailed the potential impacts of the proposals. The equalities impact assessments set out the potential impacts on people based on their Karl Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice sex, race and whether they are ill or disabled, however, whether he plans to make any changes to (a) the these did not consider impacts specifically on children physical fabric and (b) staffing levels at HM Prison and young people. and Young Offenders Institution Isis as a result of the decision to increase the number of over-21 year old Members: Correspondence offenders there. [57433] Sir Gerald Kaufman: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Blunt: HMP/YOI Isis was constructed to category Justice when he plans to reply to the letter from the B standard, which allows NOMS the opportunity to right hon. Member for Manchester, Gorton of determine the population strategy of offenders without 8 March 2011 with regard to Mr H. R. Chowdhury. the need for significant investment in the fabric when [57384] such changes occur. There are no planned changes to the physical fabric of the site as it is capable of holding Mr Kenneth Clarke: Unfortunately I have no record either young adult or category C offenders up to the age of having received this letter when originally sent. However, of 25, irrespective of the numbers in each category. I have now been provided with a copy and will ensure There are no plans to reduce staffing levels as a result the right hon. Member receives a reply as soon as of the change to the offender profile. possible. 159W Written Answers7 JUNE 2011 Written Answers 160W

Military Corrective Training Centre: Young People approved operational capacity at each prison is not normally exceeded other than on an exceptional basis Cathy Jamieson: To ask the Secretary of State for to accommodate pressing operational need. Justice whether he has had recent discussions with the Published data on the prison population is drawn Secretary of State for Defence on the detention of from administrative IT systems, which, as with any people under the age of 18 years at the Military large scale recording system, are subject to possible Correction Training Centre; and if he will make a errors with data entry and processing. statement. [57726] Centrally held records indicate that on 25 March 2011, HMP Lowdham Grange had a population of 935 Mr Blunt: There have been no recent discussions against an operational capacity of 930. This included between the Secretary of State for Justice and the 20 prisoners who were identified as an “authorised Secretary of State for Defence on the detention of absence”. An authorised absence from prison can be for people under the age of 18 years at the Military Corrective a number of reasons, such as release to outside hospital Training Centre. or for release on temporary licence to assist with prisoner resettlement. Release on temporary licence requires a Portland Young Offender Institution prisoner to be absent from prison for at least one night. These prisoners are required to return to prison after Karl Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice their temporary release has concluded and therefore whether he plans to make any changes to (a) the continue to form part of the overall population for physical fabric of and (b) staffing levels at HM Young which a prison place is required. Offenders Institution Portland as a result of the On further investigation Lowdham Grange has identified decision to begin to hold over-21 year old offenders that 15 of the 20 prisoners recorded as an authorised there. [57434] absence had not had their records updated and should have been recorded as fully discharged (for example Mr Blunt: There are no plans to make changes to the following final discharge or transfer to a mental health physical fabric of Portland or increase staffing levels as facility) with no expectation of return to the prison. a result of the change to the offender profile. Taking this in to account, on 25 March 2011 Lowdham Prison Accommodation Grange was operating within its operational capacity. Prisoner Escorts John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice pursuant to the answer of 10 May 2011, Official John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Report, column 1073W, on prisons: private sector, (1) Justice how many prison custody officers are certified under what circumstances a prison is permitted to to work in each of the prison and court escort operate with a population in excess of its operational contracts operated by the National Offender capacity; and if he will make a statement; [57406] Management System. [57408] (2) for what reasons HMP Lowdham Grange was operating with a population in excess of its operational Mr Blunt: The number of prisoner custody officers capacity; and if he will make a statement. [57407] (PCO) employed by the prisoner escort contractors varies month to month due to staff changes. The following Mr Blunt: Governing governors and controllers and table provides details on the number of PCOs employed directors of contracted out prisons must ensure that by each of the PECS contractors, within the last year.

2010 2011 May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr

G4S North 870 876 874 865 853 847 842 838 838 833 830 829 G4S East 929 923 911 903 894 886 883 873 873 868 863 860 Serco 1,249 1,239 1,230 1,223 1,225 1,218 1,213 1,204 1,197 1,209 1,202 1,197 Reliance 1,035 1,030 1,021 1,015 1,002 998 1,025 1,018 1,015 1,010 1,007 996 G4S IPT1 179 179 176 174 171 167 167 166 166 162 162 158 1 IPT = Inter prison transfers—a national contract held by G4S for the transfer of prisoners between prisons.

Prisons: Security examining and summarising each of the 249 incident reports which could be done only at disproportionate Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice cost. pursuant to the answer of 16 May 2011, Official Typically, though, incidents may involve unauthorised Report, columns 48-52W, on prisons: security, what the access to the prison by members of the public, such as nature of each security breach in each prison was in authorised visitors attempting to gain access to non- each of the last five years. [57461] authorised areas of the prison or intruders found in, or attempting to enter, the prison grounds. Some Mr Blunt: Security breaches are defined as any incident incidents may be connected with attempts to bring involving visitors or outsiders where the security or unauthorised articles into the prison, or damage to the control of the establishment has been breached, or physical security of the prison perimeter or other acts there has been an attempt to do so. To provide details of of vandalism. the nature of each security breach would involve locating, 161W Written Answers7 JUNE 2011 Written Answers 162W

Prisons: Television Receipts from prisoners from the in-cell TV programme, 2006-11 £000 Establishment Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice name 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 how much each prison establishment received from prisoners in respect of payments for in-cell televisions Ford 12 11 8 15 15 in each of the last five years. [57535] FostonHall89988 Frankland 24 29 25 25 26 FullSutton2323232323 Mr Blunt: In-cell television is available across the Garth 22 24 30 30 31 prison estate as a key earnable privilege under local Gartree 22 23 24 25 29 Incentive and Earned Privileges schemes. Eligible prisoners Glen Parva 15 15 15 15 16 are able to rent televisions from the Prison Service for a Gloucester 77887 weekly rental charge of £1 per set, per week or part Guys Marsh 20 20 20 21 17 week. The revenue raised is spent centrally to purchase Haverigg2222242524 new or replacement televisions and to fund the switchover Highdown 14 15 20 20 24 of the prison estate from analogue to digital TV following Highpoint 26 19 17 20 22 the decision to end analogue broadcasts in 2012. Hindley 16 19 18 12 12 The following table provides payments from prisoners Hollesley Bay 10 10 13 14 14 for in-cell televisions for each prison establishments in Holloway755712 each of the last five years: Holme House 22 23 24 25 28 Receipts from prisoners from the in-cell TV programme, 2006-11 Hull 2624272624 £000 Huntercombe 14 14 13 10 6 Establishment Isis ———— 4 name 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 Kennet —4777 Kingston 76668 Isle of Wight 43 50 52 51 50 Cluster Kirkham 20 23 25 25 25 Grendon and 14 13 14 14 17 Kirklevington 9911911 Springhill Grange Isle of Sheppey 52 57 61 64 83 Lancaster Castle 33444 Clustered Lancaster Farms 21 20 16 17 18 Services Latchmere House 4 2 — — 4 HewellCluster2921252724Leeds 24 21 21 24 25 Acklington 31 33 36 37 33 Leicester67765 Ashwell 23 22 22 7 5 Lewes 111016147 Askham Grange 22222Leyhill 17 14 20 16 23 Aylesbury1916141514Lincoln 10 14 13 14 12 Bedford 10 12 11 11 10 Lindholme 31 29 44 33 37 Belmarsh 22 21 20 19 18 Littlehey 20 21 19 16 17 Birmingham 30 31 28 21 30 Liverpool 32 32 39 30 32 Blantyre House 55555Long Lartin 16 16 17 24 25 Blundeston 14 14 14 17 16 LowNewton111213119 Brinsford1313171615Maidstone 24 21 18 21 18 Bristol 12 11 11 10 12 Manchester 23 22 22 21 24 Brixton 1916191916Moorland 33 32 31 33 30 Buckley Hall 14 15 14 15 15 MortonHall1415131511 Bullingdon 20 20 21 23 23 Mount (The) 27 31 32 32 30 BullwoodHall68775NewHall1114131413 Bure — — — 3 23 North Sea Camp 66665 Canterbury 66777Northallerton 55554 Cardiff 18 18 19 20 16 Norwich 19 16 16 19 23 Castington 15 15 14 15 8 Nottingham 9 11 11 12 23 Channings Wood 24 25 22 21 19 Onley 23 24 25 27 26 Chelmsford — 28 29 26 14 Pentonville 10 14 19 20 22 Coldingley 13 11 16 19 20 Portland 14 17 20 19 17 Cookham Wood 52234 Preston 1314151719 Dartmoor 25 26 26 27 18 Ranby 4539404037 Deerbolt 16 17 19 21 21 Reading 65544 Dorchester54444 Risley 38 39 42 39 41 Downview 12 9 11 12 11 Rochester 15 14 16 22 22 Drake Hall 9 10 9 10 9 Send 8 9 11 12 11 Durham 16 16 14 15 16 Eastwood Park 10 10 10 9 11 Shepton Mallet 6 7 7 11 11 Edmunds Hill 10 11 11 12 17 Shrewsbury98776 Erlestoke 17 17 18 18 16 Stafford 19 19 20 20 18 Everthorpe 25 26 25 26 25 Stocken 24 26 30 30 32 Exeter 10 8 9 10 11 Stoke Heath 20 19 18 15 11 Featherstone 22 25 25 21 6 Styal 69996 Feltham 20 20 20 25 13 Sudbury 14 13 14 15 14 163W Written Answers7 JUNE 2011 Written Answers 164W

Receipts from prisoners from the in-cell TV programme, 2006-11 Number of defendants proceeded against at magistrates courts for offences under £000 the Housing Act 2004 and the Protection from Eviction Act 1977, England and Wales, 2008-101, 2 Establishment name 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 Number proceeded against Statute 20083 2009 2010 Swansea88888 Swinfen Hall 25 26 25 25 23 Housing Act 193 234 355 2004 Thorn Cross 8 7 8 10 7 Protection from 34 49 37 Usk 1211121211Eviction Act Verne (The) 18 19 19 20 18 1977 Wakefield 30 28 30 30 29 1 The figures given in the table on court proceedings relate to persons for Wandsworth 19 26 27 32 29 whom these offences were the principal offences for which they were dealt with. When a defendant has been found guilty of two or more offences it is the Warren Hill 13 12 7 6 5 offence for which the heaviest penalty is imposed. Where the same disposal is Wayland 25 26 29 29 30 imposed for two or more offences, the offence selected is the offence for which Wealstun 27 24 20 19 25 the statutory maximum penalty is the most severe. 2 Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and Wellingborough 23 25 25 24 21 complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extracted Werrington 77663from large administrative data systems generated by the courts and police Wetherby 14 13 13 14 14 forces. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those Whatton1518242526data are used. Whitemoor 16 16 16 16 15 3 Excludes data for Cardiff magistrates court for April, July and August 2008. Source: Winchester 7 15 23 18 19 Justice Statistics Analytical Services—Ministry of Justice. Woodhill 11 13 13 17 17 Wormwood 617212432 Rape Scrubs Wymott 36 37 38 38 45 Notes: Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice 1. Figures for 2010-11 are provisional as the accounts have not been audited how many persons convicted of offences of rape were and may be subject to changes. released from custodial sentences before the end of the 2. Private run prisons are not included. 3. These figures have been drawn to the nearest £000 from account code sentence handed down in each of the last 10 years. entries in our central accounting systems. As with any large scale recording [57532] system, it is possible that errors in data entry and processing may have been made at account code level. 4. Financial payment data for Elmley, Standford Hill and Swaleside are Mr Blunt: The following table shows the number of reported under the Isle of Sheppey Cluster. Similarly, data for Parkhurst, prisoners serving determinate sentences for rape who Camphill and Albany are reported under the Isle of Wight cluster. 5. Hewell cluster (June 2008) includes Brockhill, Hewell Grange and were released from prison in each of the last 10 years. Blakenhurst. They were all released from custody before the end of 6. HMP Bure and HMP and YOI Isis are new prisons. their sentence as all offenders serving a determinate 7. Latchmere House—prior to 2010-11, when in-cell electricity was introduced, Latchmere had a battery operated system. For the years 2008-09 sentence serve part of their sentence in custody and part and 2009-10, no income was collected as the system did not support the full on licence in the community. use of TVs. 8. Receipts for TV in-cells may vary during the periods shown for various If the sentence was imposed under the provisions of reasons including: not all cells having electricity points; additional the Criminal Justice Act 2003 (for offences committed accommodation cells brought into use; charging mechanisms for double on or after 4 April 2005) the first half of the sentence is occupancy cells. served in custody and the second half is served on Prosecutions: Landlords release on licence in the community. If the sentence was imposed under the provisions of the Criminal Justice Act 1991 and is four years or Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice longer, release is determined on the basis of risk by the (1) how many prosecutions there were of landlords for Parole Board between the halfway and two-thirds point an offence under the Housing Act 2004 in (a) 2008, of the sentence. The offender is on licence from the (b) 2009, (c) 2010 and (d) the latest period for which point at which he is released until the three-quarter figures are available; [57502] point of sentence and then at risk for the final quarter. (2) how many prosecutions there were of landlords If a 1991 Act sentence is less than four years, the for an offence under the Protection from Eviction offender will be released at the half way point, on Act 1977 in (a) 2008, (b) 2009, (c) 2010 and (d) the licence to three quarter point and then at risk for the latest period for which figures are available. [57503] final quarter. These figures have been drawn from administrative Mr Blunt: The number of defendants proceeded against IT systems which, as with any large scale recording at magistrates courts in England and Wales for offences system, are subject to possible errors with data entry under the Housing Act 2004 and the Protection from and processing. Eviction Act 1977, from 2008 to 2010 (latest available) can be viewed in the following table. Determinate discharges for offences of rape in England and Wales, 2001-10 The Ministry of Justice Court Proceedings Database Number contains information on defendants proceeded against, 2001 490 found guilty and sentenced for criminal offences in 2002 532 England and Wales. Other than where specified in a 2003 517 statute statistical information available centrally does 2004 553 not include the circumstances of each case. It is not 2005 572 possible to separately identify those specific cases where 2006 515 the defendant was the landlord. 2007 609 165W Written Answers7 JUNE 2011 Written Answers 166W

Determinate discharges for offences of rape in England and Wales, 2001-10 pleaded guilty during the trial and (c) pleaded guilty 2008 656 upon being charged; [57582] 2009 623 (2) persons convicted of offences of rape in each of 2010 763 the last 10 years were sentenced to (a) non-custodial Note: sentences and (b) custodial sentences of (i) less than These figures have been drawn from administrative systems which, as with any one year, (ii) between one and two years, (iii) between large scale recording system, are subject to possible errors with data entry and processing. two and three years, (iv) between three and four years, Rape: Convictions (v) between four and five years, (vi) between five and six years, (vii) between six and seven years, (viii) between seven and eight years, (ix) between eight and Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice nine years, (x) between nine and 10 years, (xi) between what proportion of rape cases ended in a conviction in 10 and 11 years, (xii) between 11 and 12 years, (xiii) the latest period for which figures are available. [57299] between 12 and 15 years, (xiv) between 15 and 20 years and (xv) over 20 years. [57534] Mr Blunt: The proportion of findings of guilt based on the number of proceedings for offences of rape in 2009 (latest available) was 36%. This is based on 997 Mr Blunt: Table 1 shows the number of defendants findings of guilt from 2,796 defendants proceeded against found guilty at the Crown court of rape, by type of plea, for rape of a male or rape of a female. England and Wales, 2000 to 2010 (latest available). It is Court proceedings data for 2010 are planned for not possible to identify at which stage of criminal publication on 26 May. proceedings the defendant pleaded guilty. Table 2 shows the number of defendants found guilty Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice at all courts, sentenced to immediate custody, sentence how many (1) convictions there were for offences of length break down and the average custodial sentence rape in each of the last 10 years; and in how many such length for offences of rape, England and Wales, 2000 to cases the defendant was (a) found guilty by a jury, (b) 2010 (latest available).

Table 1: Number of defendants found guilty at the crown court and by plea for rape offences, England and Wales, 2000-101, 2, 3, 4

2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

Total found 593 569 651 671 748 787 854 860 913 984 1,037 guilty

Total sentenced 596 571 655 673 751 795 863 872 919 999 1,058

Defendants 215 214 258 259 310 361 395 387 406 445 466 pleading guilty

Defendants 378 356 393 412 438 426 459 475 507 541 571 pleading not guilty and found guilty)

Plea not 31423891061321 recorded and found guilty

1 The figures given in the table on court proceedings relate to persons for whom these offences were the principal offences for which they were dealt with. When a defendant has been found guilty of two or more offences it is the offence for which the heaviest penalty is imposed. Where the same disposal is imposed fortwoor more offences, the offence selected is the offence for which the statutory maximum penalty is the most severe. 2 Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extracted from large administrative data systems generated by the courts and police forces. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used. 3 Excludes data for Cardiff magistrates court for April, July and August 2008. 4 The sentenced column may exceed those found guilty as it may be the case that a defendant found guilty, and committed for sentence at the Crown court, may be sentenced in the following year. Source: Justice Statistics Analytical Services—Ministry of Justice.

Table 2: Defendants found guilty at all courts, sentence length break down and the average custodial sentence length for offences of rape, England and Wales, 2000-10 Total Other non- Total found Total custodial Immediate Up to 1 1 year up 2yearsup 3yearsup 4yearsup 5 years up guilty sentenced4 sentences custody year to2years to3years to4years to5years to6years

2000 598 596 23 573 4 1 15 33 53 67 2001 572 571 19 552 9 9 10 34 48 65 2002 655 655 23 632 8 10 10 30 60 76 2003 673 673 19 654 3 3 19 29 56 83 2004 751 751 32 719 11 6 19 49 63 82 2005 796 795 48 747 8 17 20 49 55 102 2006 863 863 59 804 6 13 20 45 56 96 2007 873 872 51 821 2 14 23 39 50 85 20083 922 919 54 865 3 8 27 36 76 82 2009 997 999 58 941 4 6 23 38 70 107 2010 1058 1058 74 984 1 4 24 60 73 86 167W Written Answers7 JUNE 2011 Written Answers 168W

Average custodial 6 years 7 years 8 years 9 years 10 years 11 years 12 years 15 years Indeterminate sentence up to 7 up to 8 up to 9 up to 10 up to 11 up to 12 up to 15 up to 20 Over 20 public protection length years years years years years years years years years sentence (months)5

2000 78 73 65 35 57 8 28 6 50 — 83.2 2001 78 68 48 39 39 6 31 8 60 — 81.1 2002 94 76 57 42 66 9 42 4 48 — 83.7 2003 85 70 94 46 54 11 36 12 53 — 86.4 2004 78 68 103 44 63 10 44 16 63 — 84.4 2005 84 66 105 42 60 14 43 8 59 15 81.7 2006 77 70 78 37 49 12 27 15 72 131 81.1 2007 88 68 81 38 41 14 36 25 46 171 85.4 20083 72 70 70 47 55 20 69 31 35 164 90.3 2009 82 69 83 46 56 26 87 61 20 163 95.7 2010 89 51 99 55 62 19 102 61 18 180 97.2 1 The figures given in the table on court proceedings relate to persons for whom these offences were the principal offences for which they were dealt with.Whena defendant has been found guilty of two or more offences it is the offence for which the heaviest penalty is imposed. Where the same disposal is imposed fortwoor more offences, the offence selected is the offence for which the statutory maximum penalty is the most severe. 2 Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extracted from large administrative data systems generated by the courts and police forces. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used. 3 Excludes data for Cardiff magistrates court for April, July and August 2008. 4 The sentenced column may exceed those found guilty as it may be the case that a defendant found guilty, and committed for sentence at the Crown court, may be sentenced in the following year. 5 Average custodial sentence excludes life and indeterminate sentences. Note: Information drawn from court systems may be different from the information recorded on the Police National Computer Source: Justice Statistics Analytical Services—Ministry of Justice.

Rape: Sentencing Mr Blunt: As of 31 March 2011, there were 954 offenders released on licence subsequently recalled and not returned to custody. 930 of these offenders were Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice originally sentenced to determinate sentences and 24 what the average length of a prison sentence served for were sentenced to indeterminate sentences. Indeterminate convicted rapists who entered a guilty plea was in the sentences include mandatory, discretionary and automatic latest period for which figures are available. [57300] life sentences, as well as HMP, IPP and DPP sentences. Statistics on licence recalls and returns to custody are Mr Blunt: In 2009 the average determinate custodial published quarterly in the Offender Management Statistics sentence length for offenders convicted of rape was quarterly bulletin on the Ministry of Justice website: 83 months for those who entered a guilty plea at the http://www.justice.gov.uk/publications/statistics-and-data/ Crown court and 105 months for those who entered a prisons-and-probation/oms-quartlery.htm not guilty plea at the Crown court. These figures have been drawn from administrative If the sentence was imposed under the provisions of IT systems which, as with any large scale recording the Criminal Justice Act 2003 (for offences committed system, are subject to possible errors with data entry on or after 4 April 2005) the first half of the sentence is and processing. served in custody and the second half is served on release on licence in the community. John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for If the sentence was imposed under the provisions of Justice how many warrants for recall to custody were the Criminal Justice Act 1991 and is four years or issued in England and Wales in 2010 in respect of longer, release is determined on the basis of risk by the persons originally given (a) a life sentence and (b) a Parole Board between the halfway and two-thirds point determinate sentence. [58150] of the sentence. The offender is on licence from the point at which he is released until the three quarter Mr Blunt: During 2010, 15,424 offenders were released point of sentence and then at risk for the final quarter. on licence and subsequently recalled to custody. 15,299 If a 1991 Act sentence is less than four years, the of these offenders were originally given determinate offender will be released at the half way point, on sentences and 125 were given indeterminate sentences. licence to three quarter point and then at risk for the Indeterminate sentences include mandatory, discretionary final quarter. and automatic life sentences, as well as HMP, IPP and DPP sentences. Statistics on licence recalls and returns to custody are Recall to Custody published quarterly in the Offender Management Statistics quarterly bulletin on the Ministry of Justice website: John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for http://www.justice.gov.uk/publications/statistics-and-data/ Justice how many individuals in England and Wales prisons-and-probation/oms-quartlery.htm released from custody on licence following (a) a These figures have been drawn from administrative determinate sentence and (b) a life sentence and IT systems which, as with any large scale recording subsequently recalled following a breach are not system, are subject to possible errors with data entry currently in custody. [58149] and processing. 169W Written Answers7 JUNE 2011 Written Answers 170W

Reoffenders Mr Blunt: The following table provides information on the number of adult offenders released from prison in the first quarter of each year after serving a sentence for rape, who went on to commit a re-offence1 in the Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice following 12 months by re-offence type and time to how many persons convicted of an offence of rape in re-offence. each of the last five years committed after release from The latest reconviction data provided are based on prison (a) another offence of rape, (b) another sexual offences committed within one year of an offender offence, (c) another violent offence and (d) any other being released from prison. Therefore data regarding offence (i) within one month, (ii) between one and two offences committed after the 12-month period cannot months, (iii) between two and three months, (iv) be provided. between three and six months, (v) between six and nine months, (vi) between nine and 12 months, (vii) between The original sentence handed down and data regarding 12 and 18 months, (viii) between 18 and 24 months, (ix) release conditions are not held in the re-convictions between two and three years, (x) between three and dataset therefore these data cannot be provided. four years and (xi) between four and five years of (A) For more detail on how reoffending is measured release from prison, (B) the end of any prison release please see the Ministry of Justice website: conditions and (C) the end of the sentence originally http://www.justice.gov.uk/publications/ handed down. [57531] reoffendingofadults.htm

Number of offenders discharged from prison following a conviction for rape in the 1st quarter of the last five years, who went on to be convicted of a re-offence1,by re-offence type and time to re-offence Time to re-offence—from release from prison to re-offence date Distinct More than 1 More than 2 More than 3 More than 6 More than 9 number of month to 2 months to 3 months to 6 months to 9 months to 12 Re-offence type Cohort year offenders2 0 to 1 month months months months months months

Rape Q1 2005 0000000 Q1 2006 0000000 Q1 2007 0000000 Q1 2008 0000000 Q1 2009 0000000

Sexual3 Q1 2005 4100021 Q1 2006 4100111 Q1 2007 1000100 Q1 2008 3000021 Q1 2009 4100201

Violence Q1 2005 2000200 Q1 2006 2000011 Q1 2007 4000212 Q1 2008 3000013 Q1 2009 2000011

Other re-offences Q1 2005 8120341 (excluding rape, sexual and violence) Q1 2006 7011204 Q1 2007 7110323 Q1 2008 9010323 Q1 2009 7010313 1 A re-offence is defined here as an offender being convicted at court for an offence committed within a 12-month follow-up period and is convicted either within the follow up period or a further six-month waiting period. 2 Rows may not sum to the distinct number of offenders as an offender may commit more than one offence. 3 Includes sexual (including rape) and sexual (child) offences.

Sentencing given in each type of court each figure represents. [57402] Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice on how many occasions a sentence (a) at and Mr Blunt: The only minimum sentences provided for (b) below the minimum tariff for an offence was in the sentencing framework are seven years for a third handed down in (i) the Crown court and (ii) Class A drug trafficking offence under section 111 of magistrates courts in the last 12 months for which the Powers of Criminal Courts (Sentencing) Act 2000, figures are available; and what proportion of sentences three years for a third time domestic burglary under 171W Written Answers7 JUNE 2011 Written Answers 172W section 111 of the 2000 Act, and five years for unauthorised Table 2b: Persons sentenced under the Powers of Criminal Courts (Sentencing) possession of certain firearms (three years if the offender Act 2000, 2000-09, England and Wales is aged under 18) and the Criminal Justice Act 2003, Number of persons unless the courts find exceptional circumstances or that Section 109 Section 110 Section 111 it would be unjust to impose the sentence in an individual Minimum 7 years for third class A Minimum 3 years case. In addition, there is the mandatory life sentence Life for second drug trafficking for third domestic for murder under the Offences Against the Persons serious offence offence burglary Act 1861. 2001 51 1 6 For information please see the following tables from Sentencing Statistics 2009, supplementary tables 2b and 2002 44 — 2 2c. 2003 48 3 13 2004 47 4 46 Table 2b: Persons sentenced under the Powers of Criminal Courts (Sentencing) 1 Act 2000, 2000-09, England and Wales 2005 43 3 89 Number of persons 2006 116 7 229 Section 109 Section 110 Section 111 2007 15 11 398 Minimum 7 years 2008 12 25 520 for third class A Minimum 3 years 2009 12 33 639 Life for second drug trafficking for third domestic serious offence offence burglary 1 Section 109 was replaced on 4 April 2005 by sentences of imprisonment for public protection. Figures therefore relate to offences committed prior to that 2000 57 2 — date.

Table 2c : Persons sentenced for firearms offences liable for mandatory minimum custodial sentence as prescribed by the Criminal Justice Act 20031, 2003-09, England and Wales Number of persons Age of offender 22003 22004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

16 to 17-year-olds Total sentenced 52 49 32 15 15 20 19 Total immediate custody 8 10 9 8 5 18 18 Received mandatory —54511313 minimum —at least 3 years3 % of offenders sentenced — 10.2 12.5 33.3 6.7 65.0 68.4 receiving mandatory minimum ACSL(6) 11.0 25.0 26.0 29.8 22.4 35.8 32.2

18 years and above Total sentenced 834 688 353 265 249 340 360 Total immediate custody 206 241 233 204 203 288 298 Received mandatory 34 76 142 136 141 220 208 minimum—at least 5 years4 % of offenders sentenced 54.1 11.0 40.2 51.3 56.6 64.7 57.8 receiving mandatory minimum ACSL6 28.1 35.9 48.1 52.4 54.1 57.1 55.8 1 Offences under Firearms Act 1968 of: Possessing or distributing prohibited weapons or ammunition, or Possessing or distributing firearm disguised as other object. 2 The mandatory is only applicable for offences that occurred on or after 26 January 2004. 3 Mandatory minimum for persons aged 16 or 17 at time of offence and for offences taking place after 26 January 2004 is three years. Not all of those in this age bracket would have been eligible for the mandatory minimum as they may have been under 16 at the time of the offence; it is the age at the point of sentence that is recorded on courts proceedings database. 4 Mandatory minimum for persons aged over 18 at time of offence and for offences taking place after 26 January 2004 is five years. Not all of those in this age bracket would have been eligible for the mandatory minimum as they may have been under 18 at the time of the offence; it is the age at the point of sentence that is recorded on courts proceedings database. 5 The mandatory minimum did not apply to anyone sentenced in 2003, these figures have been supplied for comparative purposes only. 6 Average custodial sentence length excludes life/indeterminate sentences.

Social Security Benefits: Appeals The information covers 1 April 2010 to 31 March 2011, the latest period for which figures are available. Anas Sarwar: To ask the Secretary of State for Average waiting times for employment support allowance and disability living Justice what the average time taken was from allowance appeals, 2010-11 submission of an appeal against a failed (a) Average time in weeks from: employment and support allowance and (b) disability Submission to DWP to Receipt at HMCTS to living allowance claim to its decision in the latest receipt at HMCTS1 issue of decision period for which figures are available. [57680] Employment support 7.99 19.38 Mr Djanogly: The following table shows the average allowance time taken from submission of an appeal to the Department Disability living 7.37 24.43 for Work and Pensions (DWP) until a decision is issued allowance by Her Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) 1 The data regarding the time from when an appeal is submitted to the DWP for employment and support allowance and disability until it is received by HMCTS is taken from HMCTS database and relies on living allowance appeals. the date of submission provided by DWP. 173W Written Answers7 JUNE 2011 Written Answers 174W

The Tribunals Service’s target in 2010-11 was to issue have been detained in designated young offender institutions a final decision for 75% of social security and child (YOIs), as required by section 98 of the Powers of the support (SSCS) appeals within 16 weeks of receipt from Criminal Courts (Sentencing) Act 2000. the DWP. Performance below target has resulted from Tables 1, 2 and 3 have been placed in the Library. an unexpectedly high level of appeals. In response, the Tribunals Service (and now HMCTS) has significantly Karl Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice increased its capacity and, nationally, 36% more SSCS what the average cost of the young offender institution appeals were cleared in 2010-11 compared to 2009-10. estate per young offender has been in each year since Further capacity increases are in hand. 2005. [57317]

Youth Custody Mr Blunt: The average cost of keeping a person in a young offender institution (YOI) for the year 2005-06 to 2009-10 is detailed in the following table. Karl Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice (1) what assessment he has made of recent trends in the All YOIs, age 15 to 21, average £ number of 18 to 20 year-olds in custody; [57288] Direct establishment Overall cost per (2) what his policy is on placing young adult cost per prisoner prisoner offenders in custody within the secure prison estate; 2009-10 36,928 53,198 [57290] 2008-09 36,532 52,783 (3) pursuant to his answer of 14 February 2011, 2007-08 34,896 49,419 Official Report, column 589W, on young offenders, 2006-07 33,406 — what the (a) capacity and (b) occupancy rate was of 2005-06 35,865 — each young offender institution holding 18 to 20 year old offenders in each month of the last three years; Figures for 2010-11 are not yet available as the accounts [57291] on which these are calculated have not yet been audited. (4) what proportion of young adult offenders in For the year 2007-08 to 2009-10, the data includes custody have been held in designated youth offender private and public sector prisons, for prior years, 2006-07 institutions in each month of each year since 2005. and 2005-06, the data is for only public sector prisons. [57327] The direct establishment cost includes expenditure met locally at each establishment, as published in the Mr Blunt: Table 1 shows the number of 18 to 20-year-olds annual report and accounts of Her Majesty’s Prison in custody each month since January 2008. The trend Service or for 2008-09 and 2009-10 in an addendum to has been of a steady decline since August 2009. the NOMS Agency annual report and accounts. Young adults sentenced to detention in a young In addition, an overall cost also including expenditure offender institution are detained in young offender met at regional and national level, is shown for the year institutions (YOIs) as required by section 98 of the 2007-08 to 2009-10. Powers of the Criminal Courts (Sentencing) Act 2000. The overall average cost comprises the direct local These are normally self contained but in some instances establishment costs of public and private prisons, increased are situated within an adult prison with which they by an apportionment of relevant costs borne centrally share the majority of their facilities. Whatever the location, and in the regions by NOMS. This involves some estimation. young adults detained in YOIs have separate sleeping The figures do not include the cost of prisoners held in accommodation and are always managed in accordance police or court cells under Operation Safeguard, or with the YOI rules. expenditure met by other Government Departments We are committed to retaining specific provision (e.g. Health and Education). Prisoner escort service within the secure estate for young adult offenders. Our costs are included. Expenditure recharged to the Youth “Breaking the Cycle” Green Paper sets out a broad Justice Board in respect of young people is included. reform agenda to drive improved results for all offenders Any expenditure met directly by the YouthJustice Board in the secure estate, including young adults. is not included. Table 2 shows the population, operational capacity The costs represent the cost per prisoner at each and occupancy rate of establishments whose predominant establishment where the majority use at the end of each function was a Young Offender Institution (excluding year was a YOI. There is no adjustment for prisons those YOIs where places are commissioned exclusively holding prisoners of more than one category. The costs by the Youth Justice Board) in England and Wales on cover YOI establishments for age 15 to 21 years. the last day in each month in each of the past three Due to changes in scope and accounting treatment years. over this period, the figures are not necessarily directly In reference to the answer I provided to question comparable. Figures are subject to rounding. 39586 on 14 February 2011, Official Report, column 590W, it has come to light that the population and operational capacity figures were incorrect in that they TRANSPORT did not include data for YOI Hindley for June 2008 and that the data used related to the last Friday of the June, Airlines rather than, as stated, the last day of the month. This has been amended and the correct information is set out Rehman Chishti: To ask the Secretary of State for in Table 3. Transport what recent assessment he has made of the Between 2005 and the present, all young adult offenders effects of the EU Emissions Trading Scheme on the sentenced to detention in a young offender institution competitiveness of airlines. [57865] 175W Written Answers7 JUNE 2011 Written Answers 176W

Mrs Villiers: The impact assessments of The Aviation Mrs Villiers: The European Commission wrote to the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) UK Government in January, expressing the view that Regulations 2011, The Aviation Greenhouse Gas Emissions the UK’s international air services agreements with the Trading Scheme Regulations 2010 and The Aviation Russian Federation were inconsistent with its obligations Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme Regulations under the treaties governing the European Union. The 2009 include assessments of the impact of these regulations Commission invited the Government to submit its views on competition between aircraft operators. in accordance with Article 258 of the Treaty on the These documents are available on the internet at the Functioning of the European Union. following addresses and are available in the Libraries of The Government responded to the Commission in the House. March pointing out certain misunderstandings in the http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2011/765/pdfs/ Commission’s assertions. In particular it was pointed uksiem_20110765_en.pdf out that there is no restriction on which airlines may be http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2010/1996/pdfs/ designated by the UK to operate under the agreement, uksiem_20101996_en.pdf whether on grounds of nationality or otherwise. The http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2009/2301/pdfs/ Government also questioned other assertions in the uksiem_20092301_en.pdf Commission’s letter and concluded that the UK has satisfied its obligations under European law. Aviation: Air Pollution While acknowledging the desirability of modernising Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State the current air services arrangements with Russia, the for Transport what steps his Department has taken to Government did not consider that the revocation of the mitigate the local environmental effects of aviation; bilateral Air Services Agreement would be a proportionate and what assessment he has made of the environmental response. effects of aviation on communities in the Midlands. [55463] Aviation: Security Mrs Villiers [holding answer 17 May 2011]: The local environmental impact of aircraft operations is a key Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for priority for Government. That is why we have cancelled Transport what progress has been made on his plans for a third runway at Heathrow and will not proposals to reform aviation security regulation. support proposals for additional runways at Gatwick [56113] and Stansted. Aviation must be able to grow to support the future Mrs Villiers: Officials have developed initial proposals prosperity of the UK but this has to be within the for an outcome focused risk based approach to aviation context of delivering environmental goals and protecting security regulation. As set out in the updated Department the quality of life of local communities. We are therefore for Transport Business Plan, published on 13 May, we currently consulting on principles that might underpin have launched a pre-consultation call for evidence with a sustainable framework for aviation. This consultation, industry stakeholders and will begin formal consultation which has a particular focus on the local environmental on the proposals in September. impacts, provides a key opportunity for all those affected by these impacts to contribute to the debate and offer Aviation: Snow and Ice views on the future direction of policy. Outside Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted airports Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for where statutory noise control measures apply, airports Transport (1) whether his Department plans to issue (including those situated in the Midlands) have been guidance to airport operators on the effects on the encouraged to engage constructively with local communities environment of extended use of de-icing products in through Joint Consultative Committees in developing periods of severe weather; [56019] and implementing noise control measures, appropriate (2) whether he has assessed the effects on the to local circumstances which can vary considerably environment of extended use of de-icing products on from airport to airport. Over 51 airports are statutorily airport runways during severe weather since December required to provide consultative facilities. The Government 2010. [56020] have issued guidance to assist airports and Joint Consultative Committees in developing effective local consultation. Mrs Villiers: Airport operators must comply with all Birmingham and East Midlands airports, in common relevant environmental regulations in respect of the use, with other major airports in England, have been required interception and appropriate disposal of the different to produce strategic Noise Action Plans for consideration types of chemical de-icer products used on airport for formal adoption under the European Environmental ground surfaces. Environmental regulations are put in Noise Directive. These plans are currently being reviewed place by the Department for Environment, Food and and a decision on formal adoption will be made shortly. Rural Affairs and enforced by the Environment Agency. Aviation: Russia Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether he has assessed the feasibility of Transport what progress he has made on his producing airline performance information during Department’s response to the European Commission severe weather conditions as recommended in the ruling that the UK must amend its bilateral air service Independent Review of Winter Resilience; and whether agreements with Russia; and if he will make a he has discussed such a proposal with the Civil statement. [56023] Aviation Authority. [56118] 177W Written Answers7 JUNE 2011 Written Answers 178W

Mrs Villiers: The Civil Aviation Authority has undertaken Gordon Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for market research to identify the information air passengers Transport what mechanism his Department has find most valuable. This covers a range of service quality established to ensure its payments are passed through measures, including airline punctuality. It will publish the supply chain to each Tier in accordance with the the results in the summer. last date for payment defined in the Government’s Fair Payment guidance. [55881] Biofuels Norman Baker: The Department for Transport ensures Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State that its contracts include a clause requiring its suppliers for Transport from which organisations his to pay promptly any sub-contractors they employ. Department has received representations on its Furthermore, any sub-contractors who are not being bioenergy strategy since May 2010; and if he will make paid within the 30 day period may raise their concern a statement. [55406] with the Department by sending an email to: Norman Baker [holding answer 17 May 2011]: [email protected] Department for Transport Ministers meet regularly with providing the title and reference number of the contract key UK and European organisations where they discuss and the nature of their complaint. Should this not be a range of transport issues including Government policy resolved to the supplier’s satisfaction, this can be escalated on the strategic use of biofuels. The Secretary of State to the Office of Government Commerce Supplier Feedback and I have met with ExxonMobil, Shell, Greenergy, The Service. Renewable Energy Association, British Sugar, Neste Oil, The Carbon Trust, The National Non Food Crops Departmental Buildings Centre, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, Greenpeace, World Wide Fund for Nature, the Canadian Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for high commission, ministerial colleagues in other Transport what the (a) name and (b) address is of Departments, other European countries, and Members each building owned by his Department; and what the of the European Parliament. estimated monetary value is of each such building. The Department is currently consulting on proposals [53802] to amend the Renewable Transport Fuels Obligation. The consultation period will run until 2 June 2011. Norman Baker: The Department for Transport is a Consultation documents can be found on the Department federated organisation comprising DFT (Central), the for Transport website. headquarters functions responsible mainly for policy issues, and seven executive agencies responsible for the Convention on International Civil Aviation delivery of various services. The estate comprises over 1,000 freehold and leasehold Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for buildings and includes offices, hangars, driving test Transport what his policy is on reform of the Chicago centres, depots, vehicle weighbridges and coastguard Convention on Civil Aviation of 1947; and what recent rescue stations. discussions he has had on any such reform. [57312] Information on buildings, including valuations, is not Mrs Villiers: The UK believes that there is value in centrally recorded. Producing the information requested exploring how the Chicago convention could be reformed. for such a diverse estate could be achieved only at The UK has, in the past, supported moves to amend the disproportionate cost. Chicago convention. However the 2007 ICAO Assembly Departmental CCTV and subsequent meetings of the ICAO Council decided not to initiate any action on this issue. Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Since there is currently no international consensus on Transport how many CCTV cameras are installed in reforming the Chicago convention, the UK will continue and around his Department’s premises; and how much to work through ICAO to achieve our objectives in such cameras (a) cost to install and (b) cost to operate alternative ways. In this regard, the UK has participated in the latest period for which figures are available. in ICAO meetings to ensure we influence discussions on a wide range of policies affecting international civil [56840] aviation. Norman Baker: I regret that the requested information Departmental Billing is not centrally recorded and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. Gordon Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for Departmental Redundancy Transport how many invoices his Department received in respect of goods or services supplied by tier 1 suppliers between 1 May 2010 and 1 April 2011; and John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for how many of those invoices were not paid within the Transport what criteria were used to determine whether period of time specified in the Government’s Fair Department for Transport Central staff in pay bands 6 Payment guidance. [55858] and 7 would be made surplus; what the cut-off score below which staff were deemed surplus was; and if he Norman Baker: The Department for Transport does will make a statement. [56490] not keep separate records for payment performance to construction industry suppliers, and the cost of preparing Norman Baker: As part of the re-structuring of the such information could be obtained only at disproportionate Department all staff were required to complete a self cost. assessment form. The criteria used for assessment were 179W Written Answers7 JUNE 2011 Written Answers 180W competencies, performance and professional expertise. John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Staff were considered for all posts in the new structure Transport what equality checks were in place to ensure and were only displaced if the moderation panel assessment that no bias occurred in the selection process when determined that they were not suitable for the available Department of Transport Central staff in pay bands 6 roles. The assessment of individuals was a relative and 7 were deemed surplus; and what his policy is on assessment based on the criteria and the requirements equality in redundancy selection processes within his of the available roles rather than a fixed ‘cut off point’. Department. [56495]

John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Norman Baker: The Department for Transport carried Transport how many compulsory redundancy notices out equality checks prior to each stage of the selection have been issued to Department for Transport Central and allocation process. These took the form of staff in (DfT(C)) staff since May 2010; how many such notices post and equality data analysis, by pay band, for each he expects to be issued to DfT(C) staff in each year to directorate group. April 2015; and what steps he is taking to avoid The Department will pay ‘due regard’ to equality, as compulsory redundancies among staff in his required in the Equality Act 2010 and the single equality Department. [56491] duty, if it were to proceed with redundancy processes in the future. Norman Baker: Department for Transport Central (DfT(c)) has not issued any compulsory redundancy notices since May 2010 and the Department is working John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for to avoid compulsory redundancies. Transport whether an equality impact assessment was conducted before the job design process for DfT(c) has established a redeployment and career Department of Transport central staff was completed. advice centre for staff who have been unsuccessful in [56496] obtaining a position in the restructured Department. This centre is looking to assist staff in finding suitable alternative work and to give information in order that Norman Baker: An equality impact assessment (EQIA) they can understand potential job and career options. screening on the design principles was completed in July In addition, staff who have been unsuccessful in securing 2010 and an initial impact assessment in October 2010 a position are able to apply to leave the Department before the completion of the final design, in accordance under a voluntary exit scheme. with our usual processes. The Department for Transport (DFT) Central pay band 1 to 7 Design Process Equality John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Impact Assessment Report, containing details of the Transport how many posts there were in each pay impact assessments, will be published shortly on the bargaining unit in his Department on 1 April (a) 2010 DFT website. and (b) 2011; and what he expects the equivalent figure to be on 1 April in each year to 2015. [56492] Departmental Research

Norman Baker: Information on posts is not available Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for for all pay bargaining units because management of Transport what (a) longitudinal and (b) other (i) posts is through local delegation and is monitored by research and (ii) collection of data his Department has paybill and full-time equivalents (FTE). These details (A) initiated, (B) terminated and (C) amended in the are available in the Department’s annual report and last 12 months; and what such research and data resource accounts available from the website at: collection exercises undertaken by the Department www.dft.gov.uk have not been amended in that period. [56762] The information requested could be provided only at disproportionate cost. Norman Baker: A list of longitudinal and non- longitudinal research and data collection that has been John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for initiated, terminated and/or amended by the Department Transport (1) what recent discussions he has had with in the last 12 months is provided in the following table. trade union representatives on the redundancy process Research initiated, amended or terminated in past 12 months for central Department staff; [56493] Initiated (I), amended (A), (2) what steps he has taken to reach an agreement Title terminated (T) with trade unions on the redundancy selection process Value of Prevented Fatalities and I used for Department of Transport Central staff. Injuries—Phase 1 [56494] Advanced Biofuels: the potential for I aUKindustry Scenarios for the cost-effective I Norman Baker: If the Department for Transport deployment of biofuel in the UK Central were to run a redundancy process, full consultation road transport sector in 2020 with the trade unions side would take place in accordance Amendments to the UK Renewable I with the Cabinet Office protocols. Energy Directive Art 19(2) report on emissions from cultivation of All consultation with the departmental trade unions biofuels feedstocks in the UK in respect of the recent selection process has been Child media consumption research I undertaken by the Department’s officials. Consultation Christmas 2010 THINK! road safety I on the change programme began in May 2010 and is drink drive campaign: post-activity tracking research still ongoing. 181W Written Answers7 JUNE 2011 Written Answers 182W

Research initiated, amended or terminated in past 12 months Bus fares survey Initiated (I), amended (A), Bus and light rail punctuality survey Title terminated (T) Concessionary fares survey Annual survey of attitudes to I THINK! campaign, road safety and Taxi survey driving behaviour Blue Badge survey Post campaign tracking research for I Survey of civil parking enforcement the THINK! road safety ‘Tales of the road’ campaign, for Children Manual and automatic traffic counts aged 6-11 R199b road lengths survey Evaluation of the ’Code of Everand’ I road safety online game, for children National rail travel survey aged 9-12 International road haulage survey Evaluation of THINK! road safety I education resources for early years Continuing survey of road goods transport and upper primary children Reported Road Casualties (STATS19) High Speed 2 Rail Omnibus Survey I (Pre consultation) Breath alcohol screening tests in England and Wales Station usage and demand I Seatbelt wearing rates and mobile phone use by drivers in forecasting at newly-opened railway England lines and stations Peak spreading fares study I Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of fatalities from reported road Network Modelling Framework I accidents Script Development Passenger counts data Strategic Fares Model Updating 2 I Continuing survey of road goods transport Responsiveness of rail demand I Comparing rail forecasting I International road haulage survey approaches CAA surveys Implementing the ″revisiting the I elasticity-based framework″ study Domestic waterborne freight survey

Van CO2 Database Matching Project I Roll-on/roll-off goods vehicles survey

GB Van CO2 Database I Sea passenger survey Freight route choice using GPS data I Maritime Statistics Data System Omnibus survey of public attitudes I to bus travel Port employment and accident rates survey 2009-10 Omnibus survey of public attitudes I to climate change and travel choices Departmental Travel Marginal Abatement Cost Curve I Project Market Maturity and Econometrics I Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Aviation Health Studies I Transport how much his Department has spent on Train Operating Company Cost A ministerial travel by (a) ministerial car, (b) train, (c) Model bus, (d) commercial aircraft and (e) private aircraft Emissions Model A since May 2010. [50217] Evidence Review of the Economics A of Shipping and UK Ports Greenhouse Gas Emissions from A Norman Baker: The Department for Transport has Shipping Services spent £155,617 on ministerial travel by ministerial car Value of Travel Time Savings T since May 2010. £7,958 has been spent on ministerial (VTTS) study—Phase 1 travel by train. Information regarding expenditure on National Transport Model Version 4 T Commissioning—Phase 4 bus journeys is not held in the format requested and can Validation of the NTM using ASHE T be provided only at disproportionate cost. Funding of the Transport Research T Details of all overseas travel is published on line and Centre can be found at Airport Development—Appraisal of T Sustainability Scoping Document http://www.dft.gov.uk/press/ministers/transparency/ Section 10 of the Ministerial Code provides guidance The following list contains information on ongoing on travel for Ministers and makes clear that Ministers data collection exercises not amended in that period. must ensure that they always make efficient and cost- Ongoing and completed research that has not been effective travel arrangements. amended in the last 12 months is available on the Department’s Research Management Database Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for http://www.dft.gov.uk/rmd/ Transport how much each executive agency of his Ongoing statistics/data collection Department has spent on travel by (a) private hire National Travel Survey vehicles, (b) trains, (c) buses, (d) commercial aircraft Roadside survey of registration marks and (e) private aircraft since May 2010. [56070] Carriageway work done Skidding resistance Norman Baker: The available information for each of the Department’s agencies is included in the following Survey of PSV bus and coach operators table. Blank fields indicate that the information is not Survey of light rail operators held centrally in the format requested, and could be Survey of bus reliability provided only at disproportionate cost. 183W Written Answers7 JUNE 2011 Written Answers 184W

help to inform the wider roll out of infrastructure £ across the country. We have been working closely with Private hire Commercial Private the new projects to ensure they learn from the experiences Agency vehicles Rail Buses air air of first round projects. They will move from detailed planning to implementation throughout the coming Highways Agency 567,964 1,301,494 3,751 36,075 0 year, with the East of England project the first to have Driving Standards 435,175 — — — — Agency installed charge points so far. Vehicle ——— — 0 Certification Exports: Livestock Agency Vehicle and ——— — — Laura Sandys: To ask the Secretary of State for Operator Services Transport what powers are available to local authorities Agency to prevent live animal exports from open ports. [57914] Maritime and 1418,953 161,740 1— 878,484 0 Coastguard Agency Mike Penning: Local authorities have no specific Driver and Vehicle 270,331 255,663 — 79,029 0 powers to prevent live animal exports, and commercial Licensing Agency ports (including municipal ports) are subject to a general Government Car ——— — —open port duty. However, such exports must meet any and Despatch applicable legal requirements about animal welfare during Agency transport, animal health and animal identification. 1 MCA does not account for private hire vehicles, buses and taxis separately. The figure given for private hire vehicles includes all three modes. Great Western Railway Line

Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Alok Sharma: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much has been spent on travel in respect Transport what steps he plans to take to ensure value of (a) each of his Department’s executive agencies and for money for passengers when negotiating the new (b) the chief executive of each such agency since May Reading to Paddington rail franchise. [57023] 2010. [56182] Mrs Villiers: In January 2011, the Government published Norman Baker: The information for each of the the document setting out how it would let future rail Department’s agencies is included in the following table. franchises. The details of this can be found at: Blank fields indicate that the information is not held http://www.dft.gov.uk/consultations/closed/2010-28/ centrally in the format requested, and could be provided govresponse.pdf. only at disproportionate cost. Great Western Railway: Franchises Chief executive travel Agency Total travel (£) (£) Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Secretary of State for Highways Agency 2,523,641 4,109 Transport what discussions he has had with Driving Standards 3,191,805 1,502 representatives of First Great Western on the future of Agency the Great Western franchise beyond 2013. [56140] Vehicle Certification 1,085,782 129,616 Agency Mrs Villiers: The Secretary of State and Department Vehicle and Operator — 6,400 for Transport officials meet with franchised train operators Services Agency and their owners regularly.These discussions have included Maritime and 1,812,447 1,350 First Great Western’s expected decision in relation to Coastguard Agency the termination date of the franchise should it pass the Driver and Vehicle 605,024 4,541 Licensing Agency franchise Continuation Review. Government Car and 2201,000 — Despatch Agency High Speed 2 Railway Line 1 Some of the cost for the VCA chief executive will have been incurred for GCDA, as they shared chief executive between May and October 2010. The Dan Byles: To ask the Secretary of State for figures are higher than for other agencies as VCA has overseas offices. Transport whether (a) (i) Ministers, (ii) officials and 2 The figure for GCDA includes subsistence, as the agency does not account for travel and subsistence separately. (iii) special advisers in his Department and (b) representatives of HS2 Ltd have discussed with (A) the Electric Vehicles Chinese Government, (B) a Chinese sovereign wealth fund and (C) any other Chinese organisation financing Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for or participating in the construction, operation or Transport what progress has been made on delivering maintenance of High Speed Two. [56934] the second round of funding to successful bidders to the Plugged-In Places pilot scheme for electric vehicles. Mr Philip Hammond: No such discussions have taken [56028] place. Norman Baker: We announced five successful second Highways Agency: Fees and Charges round Plugged-In Places pilot schemes in December 2010, for Northern Ireland, Central Scotland, Greater John Woodcock: To ask the Secretary of State for Manchester, the Midlands and the East of England. Transport whether (a) his Department and (b) the These projects will be receiving match funding to install Highways Agency has carried out any feasibility recharging infrastructure throughout financial years 2011-12 studies on allowing the Highways Agency to charge the and 2012-13. The new projects are testing a diverse cost of event traffic management to event organisers. range of technologies and operating models and will [56623] 185W Written Answers7 JUNE 2011 Written Answers 186W

Mike Penning: The Highways Agency is currently Network Rail: Repairs and Maintenance undertaking a project to assess the feasibility and benefits of charging for event traffic management. The project is Mr Crausby: To ask the Secretary of State for currently at outline business case stage. Transport (1) when he expects work on the drains under the West Coast main line in Euxton, Lancashire Highways Agency: Fuels to be completed; [57682] (2) for how long Euxton Lane, Lancashire has been John Woodcock: To ask the Secretary of State for closed due to drain failure on land owned by Network Transport whether (a) his Department and (b) the Rail; [57683] Highways Agency have carried out any feasibility studies on reducing the fuel costs of traffic officers (3) what steps Network Rail is taking to repair the through (i) the use of liquid petroleum gas and (ii) drains under the West Coast main line in Euxton, Lancashire. [57684] sharing of fuel depots with other contractors. [56622]

Mike Penning: For the traffic officer fleet the Highways Mrs Villiers: The repair of drains under railway lines Agency has carried out a feasibility study on the use of is an operational matter for Network Rail as the owner liquid petroleum gas but has ruled this out, as the cost and operator of the national rail network. The hon. to upgrade the current fleet would be prohibitive. Member should contact Network Rail’s chief executive The Highways Agency has not carried out a feasibility at the following address for a response to his questions. study on the sharing of fuel depots with other contractors. David Higgins Chief Executive Level Crossings: Accidents Network Rail Kings Place Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for 90 York Way Transport how many fatalities there have been on level London N1 9AG. crossings in the last five years. [55321] Oxford-Hereford Railway Line Mrs Villiers: There have been 47 fatalities at level crossings in the last five years. The latest data on annual level crossing fatalities can Harriett Baldwin: To ask the Secretary of State for be found at: Transport what long-term plans he has for the rail line [57329] http://www.rssb.co.uk/SiteCollectionDocuments/pdf/reports/ between Oxford and Hereford. Monthly%20Summary%20of%20Safety%20Performance% 20March%202011.pdf Mrs Villiers: We plan to improve both journey times and services between Oxford and Hereford. The Members: Correspondence redoubling of the route between Oxford and Evesham is nearly complete and additional train services are expected to operate from September. We expect the : To ask the Secretary of State for Intercity Express Programme to serve the route with Transport when he plans to reply to the letter from the faster trains by 2018, and Network Rail is reviewing hon. Member for Hastings and Rye of 24 March 2011 opportunities to upgrade the track to enable further on behalf of a constituent Mr Rhoderick Powrie, ref: journey time improvements. AR/JA/1530. [57435]

Mrs Villiers: I replied to the hon. Member for Hastings Piracy and Rye’s letter (ref: AR/JA/1530) on the 3 May 2011. The Department’s reference number for the reply is : To ask the Secretary of State for TV/010735/11. Transport what non-lethal equipment for protection from sea piracy his Department is evaluating. [58151] Motor Vehicles: Testing Mike Penning: The industry-developed document ‘Best Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Management Practices’ sets out a range of non-lethal Transport whether his Department has calculated the ship self-protection measures which can help avoid, potential change in revenue for the Vehicle and deter or delay acts of piracy off the coast of Somalia, in Operator Services Agency which would arise from the Gulf of Aden and throughout the Indian ocean. reducing the number of MoT tests a new vehicle would The recommendations included in BMP are wide ranging need to a test after four years and every two years and include the use of non-lethal equipment to inhibit thereafter. [56034] boarding by pirates, such as razor-wire, electrified barriers, anti-climb paint, and water sprays; and the use of Mike Penning: A small amount of the MOT test fee binoculars and night vision optics to assist in identifying goes to the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency to potential threats. cover its costs in administering the scheme. A review of The Department for Transport has previously evaluated the MOT scheme will consider the impacts to Vehicle a number of these measures as part of a research and and Operator Services Agency revenue of any changes development programme, and the results were to test frequency. communicated to industry. 187W Written Answers7 JUNE 2011 Written Answers 188W

Public Transport: Crimes of Violence Public Transport: Tickets

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) how many violent assaults against staff Transport by what date he expects the distribution of of public transport services have been recorded in each the second tranche of smartcard grants to deliver smart of the last five years; [55315] and integrated ticketing schemes in the 10 largest urban (2) how many violent assaults against passengers on areas in England to be complete. [56030] public transport services have been recorded in each of Norman Baker: The second tranche of grants was the last five years. [55316] allocated in 2010-11 and distribution of this money is now complete. This is reflected in the updated departmental Mrs Villiers: Information about assaults committed business plan, published on 13 May. against staff working in rail and in the tube is not held by the Department for Transport but by the British Transport Police who can be contacted at: Railways British Transport Police Tom Blenkinsop: To ask the Secretary of State for 25 Camden Road Transport what the average speed of passenger rail London NW1 9LN services was in each year since 1990. [57550] E-mail: [email protected] Mrs Villiers: The Department for Transport does not The Department for Transport does not hold any hold this information. However, as an exercise, we have information relating to bus crime. estimated the average timetabled speed of passenger trains on the British network to be 45 miles per hour (excluding station dwell times) based on the December Public Transport: Fares 2008 weekday timetable.

Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Railways: Cost Effectiveness Transport if he will estimate the change in greenhouse gas emissions as a result of introducing incrementally Stephen Hammond: To ask the Secretary of State for staggered fares for public transport. [56044] Transport if he will publish the cost-benefit analysis associated with his decision to proceed with the Norman Baker: A system of incrementally staggered Intercity Business Programme. [54432] fares already exists for passenger rail services. Analysis of the estimated change in greenhouse gas emissions Mrs Villiers: I believe that my hon. Friend is referring would be part of the analysis undertaken in any review to the Intercity Express Programme, the Department of the structure of passenger rail fares. for Transport’s project to procure new high-speed rolling The responsibility for setting fares on bus services lies stock on the Great Western and East Coast Main Lines. with the bus operator for commercial services and the We intend to publish the business case analysis associated relevant local authority for contracted services. The with this decision in due course, consistent with the setting of fares in London is devolved to Transport for transparency agenda that the Department has outlined London. recently. The timing will be dictated by progress on important commercial discussions with Agility Trains, Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for the preferred bidder, which are currently under way. Transport whether he has carried out a cost-benefit analysis on introducing public transport fares that are Railways: Passengers incrementally staggered according to the time of travel. [56045] Damian Hinds: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what recent assessment he has made of Norman Baker: No such specific cost-benefit analysis future demand for London to Alton passenger rail has been undertaken by the Department for Transport. services. [57585]

Public Transport: Fuels Mrs Villiers: The Department for Transport is currently working with Stagecoach South West Trains and Network Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Rail to assess future demand for London to Alton Transport what expenditure his Department incurred passenger rail services with a view to securing additional on the development of potential alternative fuels for passenger capacity. public transport in the latest period for which figures are available. [55320] Railways: Snow and Ice

Norman Baker: In the 2010-11 financial year my Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Department spent £4 million supporting the Carbon Transport what guidance his Department has provided Trust’s Algal Biofuel Challenge and Pryolysis Challenge. to (a) local authorities and (b) rail companies on who These programmes seek to develop sustainable advanced is responsible for clearing snow and ice from areas biofuels for the transport sector, including but not around railway stations, depots and maintenance and limited to public transport. operational facilities. [56021] 189W Written Answers7 JUNE 2011 Written Answers 190W

Norman Baker: The Department for Transport has standards for sustainability by awarding two Renewable not provided guidance to either local authorities or Transport Fuel Certificates to each litre of such fuel railway operators on who is responsible for clearing supplied. Crop-based biofuels will continue to get one snow and ice from areas around railway stations, depots certificate per litre, as long as they meet the mandatory and other rail facilities. sustainability standard. In this way the proposed change One of the recommendations from the Winter Resilience would give twice the financial support to biofuels derived Review Final Report, published in October 2010, was from waste as conventional biofuels, and no support to that Network Rail and individual rail companies should biofuels that do not meet required sustainability standards. make regular contact with local authorities during the Rescue Services winter planning process and season to ensure that the clearance of snow and ice is treated in a co-ordinated way across their respective boundaries. Bill Esterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport pursuant to the contribution of the We encourage all parties concerned to take forward Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport this recommendation as part of their preparations for of 24 March 2011, Official Report, column 343WH, on next winter. coastguard services, for what reason the Parliamentary Under-Secretary subsequently wrote to the Chair of Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for the Transport Select Committee on 10 May 2011 to Transport when he last met (a) Network Rail and (b) indicate that regular coastguards had been instructed representatives of train operating companies to discuss to decline the invitation from the Committee to give the implications of the Independent Review of Winter oral evidence to its inquiry into the future of the Resilience. [56022] Coastguard Service. [56469] Mrs Villiers: I regularly meet Network Rail, Mike Penning: The purpose of the correspondence representatives of train operators and other key industry with the Chair of the Transport Select Committee (TSC) bodies to discuss performance issues on the network, was to point out that regular Coastguards are civil including the independent review of winter resilience, servants and, as set out in the Civil Service Code, are and progress made on the recommendations it contained. accountable to Ministers, who in turn are accountable Further discussions will be held throughout the year in to Parliament. Where civil servants give evidence to preparation for next winter. Select Committees they are doing so, not in a personal capacity, but as representatives of their Ministers to Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for account for Government policy. Transport whether his Department has taken steps to (a) monitor and (b) advise rail operators on the However, many Coastguards have submitted their allocation of small quantities of salt to treat (i) written submissions on the proposals for the modernisation platforms, (ii) depots, (iii) signal boxes and (iv) car of Her Majesty’s Coastguard, either in response to the parks during severe weather conditions. [56119] consultation, or to the TSC, or to both. Additionally serving Coastguards were able to talk with the members Mrs Villiers: The safe and effective operation of rail of the TSC when the Committee visited three Maritime services during conditions of snow and ice is an operational Rescue Co-ordination Centres on 18/19 May. matter for Network Rail and train operating companies. Rescue Services: Scotland The procurement and allocation of materials to address such conditions is under the control of these companies. Ann McKechin: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport by what date he expects to make an Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation announcement on the future of coastguard stations in Scotland. [57897] Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will consider the merits of a Mike Penning: We expect to make an announcement minimum floor price for certificates for waste-derived about the modernisation of Her Majesty’s Coastguard biodiesel under the Renewable Transport Fuels before the House rises for summer recess on 19 July. Obligation. [56538] Roads: Accidents Norman Baker: As part of the Government’s measures to address climate change, the Renewable Transport Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for Fuel Obligation (RTFO) ensures a growing proportion Transport whether (a) he and (b) his ministerial of UK road transport fuels are from sustainable renewable colleagues have visited any accident and emergency sources. The RTFO includes a certificate trading mechanism departments of NHS hospitals to discuss with staff to increase the efficiency of compliance. The value of levels of medical attention required to deal with individual certificates is determined by the market. To casualties arising from road crashes involving drivers date the RTFO has met its objective of driving a market (i) exceeding speed limits and (ii) driving under the for renewable transport fuels in the UK. Therefore the influence of alcohol since May 2010. [53781] introduction of a minimum floor price is not considered necessary at this time. Mike Penning: Neither I nor other Transport Ministers We are currently consulting on proposals to amend have visited accident and emergency departments since the RTFO to implement the Renewable Energy Directive. May 2010 to discuss specifically the levels of medical These proposals include providing additional support attention associated with road casualties arising from for biofuels derived from waste that meet certain mandatory speeding and drink driving. 191W Written Answers7 JUNE 2011 Written Answers 192W

The Government plan to take further action on drink The following shows the validated data for the M1 driving as set out in its response to the North review between junctions 20 and 21 (main line carriageway about drink and drug driving, which has been published only) for 2009. on the Department for Transport website at: http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/roadsafety/drivinglaws/ 2009 govtresponse/ Fatal 0 Our approach to road safety more generally, including Serious 2 speeding, has been set out in a strategic framework for Slight 23 road safety, published on 11 May on the Department Damage 0 for Transport website at: Total 25 http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/roadsafety/strategicframework/ Roads: Hexham Jim Fitzpatrick: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport in what year his Department first established targets for reductions in the numbers killed or seriously Guy Opperman: To ask the Secretary of State for injured on roads. [55813] Transport what steps he plans to take to ensure that roads in (a) Hexham constituency and (b) other rural Mike Penning: In 1987 the then Department of Transport areas are cleared of snow and accessible in the event of set out the first road safety casualty target in the strategy severe weather. [57884] document “Road Safety: The Next Steps” which was to reduce the numbers of killed and seriously injured on Norman Baker: Local highway authorities, including our roads by one-third by 2000. Northumberland county council, have a duty under section 41 of the Highways Act 1980 to maintain the local highways which they are responsible for including Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for those in (a) Hexham constituency and (b) other rural Transport (1) whether his Department has made an areas. In relation to snow, a local authority’s duty estimate of the change in annual road fatalities that includes the requirement “to ensure, so far as is reasonably would arise from reducing the number of MoT tests a practicable, that safe passage along a highway is not new vehicle would require to a test after four years and endangered by snow or ice”. every two years thereafter; [56033] Central Government have no powers to intervene in (2) whether he has carried out an impact assessment these matters in relation to local authority roads. Therefore on his proposals to reduce the number of tests required winter service planning and salt stock supplies are the under the MoT testing regime. [56043] responsibility of the respective highway authorities. The Department for Transport endorses Well-Maintained Mike Penning: The Department has recently Highways, the code of practice for highway maintenance commissioned independent research to examine how published by the UK Roads Liaison Group (UKRLG). vehicle defects affect accident rates, and to consider the The section on winter service recommends that local potential road safety impact of changing the frequency highway authorities should draw up a winter service of the MOT. The ‘Effect of Vehicle Defects in Road plan, which should determine how snow and ice on the Accidents’ report can be found at: roads will be tackled. It also recommends that highway http://www.trl.co.uk/online_store/reports_publications/ authorities should review their winter service plans trl_reports/cat_road_user_safety/ annually in consultation with a range of stakeholders. report_effect_of_vehicle_defects_in_road_accidents.htm The guidance recognises that authorities may need to This research will be a useful addition to other information prioritise which roads need to be cleared of snow and we will be gathering through the review process, including ice and recommends that they include arrangements for on the impacts on garages and MOT stations. keeping road users informed of their winter service plans. Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the effects Roads: Repairs and Maintenance of a driver (a) being uninsured, (b) driving a vehicle without a valid MoT and (c) both on the propensity of that driver to be involved in an accident that involves (i) Mr Reed: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the reasons are for the time taken to complete the death and (ii) serious injury. [57114] one-year post-opening project evaluation of the A595 Parton to Lillyhall improvement scheme; when he Mike Penning: No assessment has been made. expects the evaluation to be (a) undertaken and (b) completed; and what plans he has to publish the results Chris Heaton-Harris: To ask the Secretary of State of the evaluation. [57657] for Transport how many road traffic accidents have been reported on the M1 between junctions 20 and 21 Mike Penning: This scheme was in an area affected by in each of the last 15 months. [57530] severe flooding in November 2009, which had a long lasting impact on traffic patterns due to the collapse Mike Penning: Accidents are recorded using police and closure of a number of bridges. A review undertaken data and include all collisions where injuries are reported. in September 2010, recommended that a one-year after Validated data are only available up to December 2009. Post Opening Project Evaluation (POPE) study should Therefore there are no validated data for the requested not be undertaken. However, the need for post-opening period. evaluation will be reassessed in 2012 when consideration 193W Written Answers7 JUNE 2011 Written Answers 194W will be given as to whether a ‘three-year after’ evaluation Rolling Stock: Procurement would be worth undertaking, or to wait until the scheduled five-years after study. Mrs Ellman: To ask the Secretary of State for All POPE reports are published on the Highways Transport how many additional vehicles were planned Agency website, and are available via: to enter service by each train operating company by www.highways.gov.uk/evaluation March 2014 under the 2008 rolling stock plan; and how many such vehicles (a) were in service, (b) were Roads: Snow and Ice subject to contracts signed between his Department and the train operating companies but where the vehicles were not yet in service and (c) were planned Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for but contracts for which had not yet been signed on the Transport whether his Department has taken steps to latest date for which information is available. [56714] commission research on methods of reducing the volume of salt utilised for clearing ice from roads. Mrs Villiers: Appendix B of the 2008 Rolling Stock [56037] Plan set out indicative numbers of additional vehicles Norman Baker [holding answer 17 May 2011]: The by train operating company. Department for Transport has worked with the UK The appendix can be found here; Roads Liaison Group (UKRLG) and published guidance http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/rail/pi/rollingstock/ on the range of actions that can be taken in order to rollingstockplan?page=6#a1016 reduce the volume of salt required for preventing snow The following table shows (a) the number of additional and ice forming on roads. This guidance is available on vehicles in service on 19 May 2011 and (b) the number the following website: of additional vehicles currently contracted by the http://www.ukroadsliaisongroup.org/pdfs/ Department. Winter%20Service%20for%20Local%20Authority%20 Practitioners%20v7.pdf Train operating In service on 19 May Contracted on 19 In addition, on 24 December 2010, the Department company 2011 May 2011 for Transport issued simplified spread rate guidance to One (NXEA) 80 188 local highway authority practitioners titled ‘Winter Service First Capital Connect 153 153 Guidance for Local Authority Practitioners— East Midlands Trains — 8 Recommended Precautionary Treatments and Post London Midland 28 28 Treatments Including Revised Salt Spread Rates’. This Intercity West Coast — 106 guidance is available on the following website link: Chiltern — 8 http://www.ukroadsliaisongroup.org/pdfs/ First Great Western 30 30 DfT%20Simplified%20Guidance%20for%20Local%20 Authority%20Practitioners.pdf South Central — 60 South Eastern 48 48 Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern 10 38 Transport what assistance his Department has England—total 349 667 provided to (a) local authorities and (b) the Highways Agency on preparations for the clearance of trunk and The Department for Transport has re-started discussions local roads providing access to airports during times of with five train operating companies (First Great Western, severe weather conditions. [56117] London Midland, South West Trains, Northern and Trans Pennine Express) about plans to provide additional Norman Baker: For those access roads to airports carriages. The companies are currently developing updated which are the responsibility of the relevant local highway proposals for consideration by the Department, and authority, such authorities have a duty under section 41 until these have been evaluated and commercial negotiations of the Highways Act 1980 “to ensure, so far as is have concluded, it is not possible to be certain as to reasonably practicable, that safe passage along a highway which rolling stock will eventually be used in each is not endangered by snow or ice”. franchise. However, the Department for Transport encourages local authorities to have a robust winter service plan in Southeastern Trains place and expects authorities to communicate on a regular basis with the local community, including businesses Mr Gale: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport and other key stakeholders within their respective areas, what estimate he has made of the potential effect that including airport operators. the change in journey times for trains running between With respect to the strategic road network, every year London Cannon Street and East Kent to be introduced the Highways Agency produces detailed winter service from 22 May 2011 will have on the performance targets plans setting out all aspects of the winter service to be needed to be achieved by Southeastern Trains in order delivered across its network during the forthcoming to avoid the payment of compensation. [57377] winter season, to keep the network safe and available for use through severe weather conditions. These winter Mrs Villiers [holding answer 24 May 2011]: The service plans, which build on lessons learned from the Department for Transport has not carried out an assessment previous winter season, are shared with key stakeholders into the potential impact on performance from the and, together with more direct consultation, help to extended journey times as no approval has been given ensure that access to critical national infrastructure to amend the Service Level Commitment under the such as airports is maintained. franchise agreement. 195W Written Answers7 JUNE 2011 Written Answers 196W

Southeastern recently brought to our attention that Norman Baker: We are strongly committed to ensuring errors had been identified in how it had timetabled that the carbon consequences of transport projects are certain services from 22 May 2011. They advised that properly considered. they had taken action which has resolved the problem ‘The Transport Business Case’ for the majority of these services, including those with http://www.dft.gov.uk/about/howthedftworks/ the largest increases in journey time. transportbusinesscase/ However, there remain a number of services in the published on 27 April sets out the Department’s approach timetable that have seen small increases in journey times to producing business cases that support ministerial which the operator will not be able to resolve until the decisions, where the impact of a scheme on greenhouse next change in December 2011. gas emissions is an important element. Southeastern’s train performance will be monitored Guidance on the appraisal of transport projects in against the timetable implemented from 22 May 2011. respect of their greenhouse gas emissions is published I have asked my officials to investigate this matter in the Department’s appraisal guidance (’webTAG’). and to seek assurances from Southeastern on the changes The latest guidance is published at they plan to implement in their management processes http://www.dft.gov.uk/webtag/documents/expert/ to ensure that this sort of error is not repeated. unit3.3.5.php The guidance is kept under constant review, and is Speed Limits updated annually. The latest update was published as definitive at the end of April 2011. Teresa Pearce: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he plans to publish the outcome of his West Coast Railway Line Department’s speed limit review. [43289] : To ask the Secretary of State for Mike Penning: The review of speed limits was established Transport pursuant to the contribution by the Minister by the previous administration. Coalition Ministers are of State, Official Report, 31 March 2011, column currently considering their own approach to speed limits 156WH, on high speed rail, what (a) assessment he has policy. made and (b) evidence he holds on the levels of disruption to the West Coast Mainline arising from (i) Jim Fitzpatrick: To ask the Secretary of State for previous upgrades and (ii) potential future upgrades. Transport (1) whether his Department has concluded [55575] collecting information on 20 mph speed limit zones from local authorities; and when he plans to publish Mrs Villiers [holding answer 13 May 2011]: A summary any conclusions arising from that exercise; [57455] of the planned implementation arrangements (which (2) when he plans to publish information from local includes details of planned possessions and diversions) authorities on the effects of the introduction of 20 mph for the West Coast Main Line (WCML) modernisation speed limit zones. [57457] programme were made available in the Strategic Rail Authority’s June 2003 ‘West Coast Main Line Strategy’ Mike Penning: The Department for Transport has (section 6.3 and appendix D), a copy of which can be funded a review of the area-wide 20 mph speed limit accessed through the Department’s and National Archives’ scheme implemented in Portsmouth. A report assessing website: the impact of the scheme was published in October http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/+/http:// 2010. www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/rail/pi/wcml/ The Department has no plans to collect further westcoastmainlinestrategy.pdf information on 20 mph schemes. Possessions included a nine-day closure and 16 In our Strategic Framework for Road Safety, published consecutive weekend possessions at the southern end of on 11 May, the Department undertook to provide local the route, and disruption was exacerbated by project authorities with an economic tool to help them assess overruns. For information on actual possessions and the full costs and benefits of any proposed scheme. This disruption my hon. Friend should contact Network will be available in the coming year. Rail’s chief executive at the following address: David Higgins Transport: Exhaust Emissions Chief Executive Network Rail Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Kings Place Transport (1) what process his Department has put in 90 York Way place to assess transport schemes on which ministerial London N1 9AG decisions are required in respect of their greenhouse The number of passengers using the WCML today is gas emissions; and when his Department next plans to double that at the time of the WCML route modernisation, review and revise its process; [56031] so the impact of similarly disruptive works would be (2) what guidance his Department issues on the proportionately greater. Any upgrade to Euston within appraisal of transport projects in respect of their the confines of the existing station would be particularly greenhouse gas emissions; and when his Department disruptive, and far more so than the phased station next plans to review and revise such guidance; [56032] redevelopment proposed for HS2. However, as there are (3) when his Department plans to implement its no plans for further major infrastructure upgrades on proposals that the benefits of low carbon proposals in the WCML, neither we nor Network Rail have made an transport projects should be fully recognised. [56116] assessment of the disruption associated with such work. 197W Written Answers7 JUNE 2011 Written Answers 198W

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE with Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Fu Ying when she visited London on 12 May 2011. Afghanistan: Armed Forces During my recent visit to China I wrote an article published in the South China Morning Post on 3 June Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State expressing concern about the recent detention of activists for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent including Mr Ai and called again for his release. assessment he has made of the ethnic balance of the We will continue to monitor closely developments in (a) Afghan National Army and (b) Afghan police Mr Ai’s case and look for further opportunities to raise force. [56405] our concerns. Mr Hague: The ethnic composition of the Afghan Bahrain: Foreign Relations National Security Forces is broadly consistent with the Afghan population demographic, including in terms of Pashtun personnel. Southern Pashtuns are under- Mr Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for represented in the army and the Afghan Ministry of Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent Defence has developed a recruitment campaign intended discussions he has had with to address this. The situation in the police is similar but figures. [57209] Tajiks are statistically over-represented. Alistair Burt: Our ambassador in Bahrain has regular Afghanistan: Peace Negotiations discussions with a range of political figures, including from the main opposition societies. These communications Graeme Morrice: To ask the Secretary of State for are ongoing. We will continue to engage, including at Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent ministerial level as appropriate, to build support for progress has been made in the peace and reconciliation dialogue and to encourage leaders of both communities to show real leadership by promoting tolerance and process in Afghanistan. [57506] demonstrating a shared commitment to the future of Alistair Burt: In October last year, the Afghan Bahrain. Government established the High Peace Council to lead the Afghan-led peace and reconciliation process. The Bahrain: Politics and Government Council has convened Governors’ Roadshows in provinces across Afghanistan to take forward the reintegration of Mr Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for former fighters into mainstream communities. It has Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent also undertaken outreach visits to Pakistan, Turkey and assessment he has made of the political situation in Turkmenistan. Most recently, the Afghan Peace and Bahrain; and if he will make a statement. [57210] Reintegration Programme Conference took place in Kabul on 10-11 May, supported by the UK and Japan. Alistair Burt: We remain concerned at events in Bahrain. This provided an opportunity to review lessons learned Although the immediate situation appears calmer, there so far and to build momentum as the Afghan Government continue to be credible reports of human rights abuses. consolidate the Reintegration Programme’s implementation We urge the Government of Bahrain to meet all its at the provincial level. human rights obligations and uphold political freedoms, equal access to justice and the rule of law. These do not Ai Weiwei run contrary to security, but are integral to longer term stability. Katy Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign The Prime Minister met the Bahraini Crown and Commonwealth Affairs (1) if he will make Prince on 19 May 2011 and made clear that events representations to the Chinese Government for the across the middle east have shown that Governments release of Ai Weiwei; [57521] need to respond with reform and not repression if they (2) what discussions he has had with the Chinese are to enhance the long-term stability and prosperity of government on the detention of Ai Weiwei. [57522] their countries. The Government have encouraged the Bahraini Government and leaders of both communities Mr Jeremy Browne: On 4 April 2011 the Secretary of to show real leadership by promoting tolerance and State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right demonstrating a shared commitment to the future of hon. Friend the Member for Richmond (Yorks) Bahrain. (Mr Hague), made a public statement outlining our We believe that dialogue is the way to fulfil the concerns: aspirations of all Bahrainis. We urge the Bahraini http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/news/latest-news/ Government to create the environment in which a dialogue ?view=News&id=579056182 can happen and at that point we urge all sides, including His statement called on the Chinese Government to opposition groupings, to engage. clarify Mr Ai’s situation and expressed the hope that he would be released immediately. BBC World Service On 11 April 2011 the Deputy Prime Minister raised Mr Ai’s case when he met Shanghai Party Secretary Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State and Politburo Standing Committee member, Yu for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what estimate Zhengsheng. I wrote to the Chinese ambassador regarding he has made of the number of people in (a) Brazil, (b) Ai’s case and other human rights issues on 3 May 2011. the Russian Federation, (c) India and (d) China The Foreign Secretary and I also raised Mr. Ai’s case reached by BBC World Service broadcasts. [56332] 199W Written Answers7 JUNE 2011 Written Answers 200W

Mr Hague: According to the British Broadcasting The Moscow Mechanism allows for the deployment of Corporation (BBC) World Service, the weekly audiences an independent, impartial fact-finding mission if one across all platforms, including online are: state, supported by at least nine others, “considers that Brazil: 1.4 million a particularly serious threat to the fulfilment of the Russia: 830,000 provisions of the OSCE human dimension has arisen in another participating state”. India: 11.5 million China: 1.4 million. The group appointed Emmanuel Decaux, Professor of International Law at the University of Paris, as its BBC World Service: Internet rapporteur. He began work on 6 May 2011. His report should be presented to the OSCE Permanent Council in Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State mid June 2011. for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what estimate Bosnia and Herzegovina: Politics and Government he has made of the proportion of the activities of the BBC World Service undertaken via online media. [56315] Eric Ollerenshaw: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what progress he Mr Hague: Online services are provided in all the has made in seeking agreement at EU level for action languages in which the British Broadcasting Corporation against those in contravention of the Dayton World Service (BBCWS) broadcasts, including all radio Agreement. [57393] output being available in audio. Mr Lidington: The Government have consistently The proportion of the activities of the BBCWS argued for an active and engaged European Union undertaken via online media varies from service to approach towards Bosnia and Herzegovina. The UK service and language to language. Journalists in most therefore welcomed the agreement reached at the March services work across multiple media. The proportion of EU Foreign Affairs Council on a strategy that will activity directed at online provision within multimedia reinvigorate the EU’s presence in Bosnia and Herzegovina, services varies from service to service according to the while maintaining the safeguards provided by the High importance of the internet and mobile services as a Representative and the EU military mission, European means of news consumption in the countries and media Union Force (EUFOR). Under its new strategy the EU markets each service serves. will be able to deploy restrictive measures (asset freezes Belarus: Internet and travel bans) to protect against challenges to Dayton and stability. The UK will continue to work with EU partners towards the effective implementation of this Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State strategy. for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the government of Belarus Bosnia and Herzegovnia: Politics and Government on the treatment of dissident bloggers. [56325] Eric Ollerenshaw: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Hague: I am aware of the pressure being put on Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent dissident bloggers and other elements in civil society discussions he has had with his EU counterparts on the and the independent media in Belarus. political situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina. [57348] I and the Minister for Europe, my right hon. Friend the Member for Aylesbury (Mr Lidington), have released Mr Lidington: EU Foreign Ministers discussed Bosnia six statements since the December 2010 presidential and Herzegovina at the Foreign Affairs Council on election condemning the increase in human rights violations 23 May 2011. I outlined the Government’s concern that, in Belarus. We have been active within the EU and in seven months after elections, there has been little progress other international forums to put pressure on the Belarusian towards the formation of a state-level government, that authorities to respect basic international standards of rhetoric and actions challenging the state continue, and justice and human rights, which include freedom of that reform progress has halted. The Government have speech. consistently argued for an active EU approach to these and other challenges. We therefore welcomed the agreement Belarus: Organisation for Security and Cooperation in reached at the March Foreign Affairs Council on a Europe strategy that will reinvigorate the EU’s presence in Bosnia and Herzegovina, while maintaining the safeguards Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State provided by the high representative and the EU military for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps his mission, European Union Force (EUFOR). Department is taking to ensure that the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe is able to Eric Ollerenshaw: To ask the Secretary of State for conduct an independent fact-finding mission to Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent Belarus. [56310] assessment he has made of the political situation in Bosnia. [57356] Mr Hague: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has worked actively as part of a group of 14 Organisation Mr Lidington: The Government are very concerned for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) about the political situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina. participating states to invoke the OSCE’s Moscow Seven months after elections, there has been little progress Mechanism following the crack-down on the opposition towards the formation of a new state-level government, in Belarus during and after the December 2010 elections. rhetoric and actions challenging the state continue, and 201W Written Answers7 JUNE 2011 Written Answers 202W reform progress has halted. We are active on the ground away from its goal of future EU and North Atlantic in Bosnia and Herzegovina and in all relevant international Treaty Organisation (NATO) membership. The UK fora emphasising the need for rapid formation of a new Government, Peace Implementation Council, and EU state-level government, a responsible political focus on made clear that this resolution was unacceptable and necessary and overdue reforms, and strict compliance should be repealed by the RSNA, as did Baroness with the Dayton agreement. Ashton in a meeting with Republika Srpska President Dodik on 13 May 2011. Republika Srpska President Eric Ollerenshaw: To ask the Secretary of State for Dodik’s commitment to do so must now be implemented Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment swiftly and in full by the Republika Srpska authorities. he has made of the implications for his Department’s policies of the position adopted by Milorad Dodik on BRIC Summit the Dayton agreement. [57357] Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State Mr Lidington: The Conclusions adopted by the for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what Republika Srpska National Assembly on 13 April 2011 assessment he has made of the implications for his represented a serious challenge to the Dayton agreement Department’s policies of the outcome of the Brazil- in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Government are fully Russia-India-China summit held on 14 April 2011. committed to the territorial integrity of Bosnia and [56328] Herzegovina and have repeatedly made clear that challenges to the structure of the state established by the Dayton Mr Hague: The scope and conclusions of the summit peace agreement are unacceptable. The Government provide further evidence of the place and role of these fully support the ongoing role of the High Representative countries in the 21st century. and the use of his Executive ’Bonn’ Powers when he The Government launched their Emerging Powers judges this necessary. Initiative, designed to elevate the UK’s relations with the emerging powers. Eric Ollerenshaw: To ask the Secretary of State for As I announced to the House on 11 May 2011, the Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will take Foreign and Commonwealth Office will shift its resource steps to maintain the operation of (a) the Dayton to the Emerging Powers, in particular with an increase agreement and (b) the rule of law in Bosnia and of our frontline staff in China, by up to 50 officials and Herzegovina. [57358] in India by 30, and with an expansion of our diplomatic strength in a number of other emerging powers, notably Mr Lidington: The Government have made clear that in Brazil, Turkey, Mexico and Indonesia. the UK will not tolerate attempts to undermine the Dayton agreement or the rule of law in Bosnia and British Council: Internet Herzegovina. We are active on the ground in Bosnia and Herzegovina and in all relevant international for a Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State emphasising the need for strict compliance with the for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what work the Dayton agreement and a responsible political focus on British Council is undertaking online to promote all activities and reforms necessary for the country to British values. [56316] function properly and move forward. Mr Hague: The British Council’s online work reached Eric Ollerenshaw: To ask the Secretary of State for 46.1 million people last year and is a major part of its Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will take activity in education, the arts and English language steps to maintain the territorial integrity of Bosnia and teaching to create and build trust and understanding of the UK. They have a portfolio of online programmes Herzegovina. [57359] serving global audiences. For example they offer online Mr Lidington: The Government unequivocally support materials to help both children and adults to learn the territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina. English, and materials that help teachers of English Attempts to undermine the territorial integrity and around the world with their work in classrooms. As structure of the state as established by the Dayton peace with their face-to-face work, their online programmes agreement are unacceptable and will be resisted. seek to demonstrate the values for which the UK is recognised and respected. We are active on the ground in Bosnia and Herzegovina and in all relevant international fora to ensure that this British Indian Ocean Territory is the case. Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Eric Ollerenshaw: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much his Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment Department has spent on legal advice in respect of the he has made of the implications for his Department’s Chagos Islands in each of the last five years. [55807] policies of the resolution on a referendum adopted by the Republika Srpska National Assembly on 13 April Alistair Burt: Total spending on legal advice on the 2011. [57360] following cases: 2004-08: Bancoult 2—Judicial Review into British Indian Ocean Mr Lidington: The resolution adopted by the Republika Territory (BIOT) 2004 Orders in Council Srpska National Assembly (RSNA) on 13 April 2011 2009-present: Chagos Islanders v. UK at the European Court represented a serious challenge to the rule of law and to of Human Rights the Dayton agreement in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and 2010-present: Application for Judicial Review of the BIOT threatened to take Bosnia and Herzegovina further Marine Protected Area 203W Written Answers7 JUNE 2011 Written Answers 204W

Was as follows: to force the Shan State Army North to join a national border guard force. Our ambassador raised the issue of £ the ongoing conflict with the Burmese Government on 10 May underlining the importance of a political solution. 2010-11 23,555 The UK also highlighted our serious concern during a 2009-10 36,486 meeting with other EU member states on 25 May and 2008-09 204,693 underlined the importance for the EU to monitor the 2007-08 114,853 situation. 2006-07 203,300 Andrew Miller: To ask the Secretary of State for Total spending on legal advice for the BIOT Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent Administration was as follows: reports he has received of the treatment of civilians by the Burmese army in Shan state, Burma. [56941] £ Mr Jeremy Browne: The Government are deeply 2010-11 47,663 concerned that the reported breakdown of a ceasefire 2009-10 29,088 agreement with the Shan State Army North has led to 2008-09 19,174 renewed conflict in Shan state. We have received reports 2007-08 15,177 which allege that the Burmese army has attacked local 2006-07 16,977 communities, whom they suspect of assisting the armed groups, and perpetuated human rights abuses. We British Indian Ocean Territory: Environment Protection understand that the fighting is taking place in the north-central area of Shan state, which is difficult to Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for access and as such the information is hard to verify. In a Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much his Security Council debate on 10 May, we called upon all Department has spent on the maintenance of the armed actors including the Burmese army and ethnic Marine Protected Area around the British Indian militia to protect the civilian population. The Government Overseas Territory in the last 12 month period for secured a strongly worded human rights resolution at which figures are available. [55805] the March UN Human Rights Council which called on the Burmese Government to end continuing grave violations Mr Bellingham: In the twelve months up to 31 March of international human rights and humanitarian law, 2011 the total was £2,049,616. including the targeting of civilians in conflict areas. The UK also highlighted our serious concern during a meeting British Nationals Abroad: Prisoners with other EU member states on 25 May and underlined the importance for the EU to monitor the situation. : To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what eligibility Burma: Drugs criteria apply to financial aid for legal costs for British citizens imprisoned overseas. [58004] Andrew Miller: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he Mr Jeremy Browne: The Government does not provide has received on involvement of the President of Burma financial aid for legal costs for British citizens imprisoned with drug-related activities in Shan state, Burma. overseas. As set out in our publication ‘Support for [56939] British nationals abroad: a Guide’, consular staff cannot give legal advice, start legal proceedings or investigate a Mr Jeremy Browne: We have received no reports to crime. However we do offer information about the local suggest that the President of Burma is involved in drug legal system, including whether a legal aid scheme is related activities. available. We can provide a list of local interpreters and lawyers, although we cannot pay for either. And we will Charitable Donations put British citizens in touch with the charity Prisoners Abroad, with whom we work closely on prisoners’ Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for welfare issues. Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is taking to encourage charitable giving by Ministers in Burma: Armed Conflict his Department. [57117] Andrew Miller: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Lidington: Ministers carry out their duties in Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent accordance with the Ministerial Code. Any charitable reports he has received on the ceasefire between activities in a personal capacity are a private matter for Burmese government forces and the Shan State them. Relevant interests are published by the Cabinet Army-North in Shan state, Burma. [56940] Office in the List of Ministers’ Interests at: http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/resource-library/list- Mr Jeremy Browne: The Government are deeply ministers-interests concerned by the reported breakdown of a ceasefire agreement with the Shan State Army North that has led China: Internet to renewed conflict in Shan state. We understand that the fighting is taking place in the north-central area of Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State Shan state, which is difficult to access and as such the for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports information is hard to verify. We believe that the recent he has received on the recently-introduced restrictions fighting was caused by the Burmese army’s failed attempt on the access to online media in China. [56327] 205W Written Answers7 JUNE 2011 Written Answers 206W

Mr Hague: I am aware of ongoing reports of actions Diplomatic Service by the Chinese authorities to censor and manipulate online content in China, as well as reports of restricted Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State access to social networking sites and microblogs. for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many (a) Senior officials raised this issue with the Chinese consular and (b) non-consular staff of his Department delegation at the last round of the UK-China human were allocated to each overseas country on the most rights dialogue in January, following reports of censorship recent date for which figures are available. [56318] targeting certain international websites. Our embassy in Beijing have reported on the creation Mr Hague: I refer the right hon. Member to the reply this month of the new ’State Internet Information I gave him on 17 February 2011, Official Report, columns Office’, and are seeking to engage this body to ascertain 993-97W. Those figures include consular staff but for further information on its roles and responsibilities. operational and security reasons we cannot provide a more detailed breakdown. They do not reflect recent changes in deployment in Libya. Cyprus: Politics and Government Diplomatic Service: Internet

Mr Love: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State and Commonwealth Affairs what reports his for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps his Department has received regarding the arrest and Department is taking to encourage the use of social detention of persons demonstrating at the treatment of media in an official capacity by staff of his Department staff at Cyprus Turkish airlines. [58010] posted overseas. [56320]

Mr Lidington: We are aware from media reports that Mr Hague: The Digital Diplomacy department in the the demonstration took place on 18 May 2011 and that Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) encourages 11 Cyprus Turkish Airline staff were arrested. the use of social media to deliver the FCO’s foreign policy priorities. All senior diplomats are given digital Mr Love: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign training before heading out to post, including on social and Commonwealth Affairs what reports his media. The digital unit is in constant touch with diplomats Department has received on (a) the recent at post, working with them to increase their use of demonstrations in northern Cyprus concerning social media for use in communications, engagement economic measures and (b) the activities of the and in monitoring, in order to gain a wider picture of Turkish Cypriot police; and if he will make a events. Our social media presence is strong, and growing, statement. [58011] allowing us to respond to foreign policy challenges in a new way. FCO missions and staff currently engage Mr Lidington: Staff at our High Commission in through Facebook and Twitter with over 300,000 followers Nicosia attended the demonstration on 7 April 2011 across the two, and with a growing number of local- and reported that there were in the region of one to language social media in key countries (e.g. Sina.com in three thousand protestors. There was a large police China). A significant, and growing, number FCO staff presence in attendance but staff left before the atmosphere also write blogs, often in local languages, many of deteriorated. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office which are picked up by online publications in their host has received no official reporting on the activities of the countries. We also make significant use of social media Turkish Cypriot police. to get messages to British nationals in consular crisis situations and are working with social media partners to increase the reach of our presence on such platforms. Departmental CCTV Elections

Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many CCTV Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what cameras are installed in and around his Department’s arrangements his Department put in place to enable its premises; and how much such cameras cost to (a) officials working overseas to vote by post in the May install and (b) operate in the latest period for which 2011 elections and referendum on the voting system. figures are available. [56836] [57562]

Mr Lidington: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office Mr Bellingham: The Foreign and Commonwealth (FCO) does not comment on specific details relating to Office provides guidance to its officials working overseas the physical security of our sites. on how they can register to vote in all UK elections. For the period 2010-11 the FCO spent £143,931 on This guidance was applicable to the May 2011 elections the installation of new CCTV cameras and associated and referendum on the voting system. equipment in the UK. This figure includes a one off Embassies upgrade of our systems amounting to £141,000. The operating costs for the UK amount to £57,769. Pete Wishart: To ask the Secretary of State for Information for the FCO’s global network could be Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what overseas provided only at disproportionate cost so the data relates properties his Department shares with (a) other only to FCO buildings in the UK. Government Departments and agencies and (b) 207W Written Answers7 JUNE 2011 Written Answers 208W foreign governments; with which foreign countries each Mr Hague: If an item is subject to control, as with all such overseas property is shared; and what the location export licence applications, it is considered on a case-by-case is of each such property. [56569] basis against the Consolidated EU and UK Export Licensing Criteria, in light of prevailing circumstances Mr Lidington [holding answer 19 May 2011]: I refer and paying particular attention to allegations of human the hon. Member to the response given by the Parliamentary rights abuses. The UK will not issue licences where we Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth judge there is a clear risk that the proposed export Affairs, my hon. Friend the Member for North East might be used to facilitate internal repression. Bedfordshire (Alistair Burt) to the hon. Member for Software for limiting access to the internet is not Moray (Angus Robertson) on 7 September 2010, Official subject to strategic export controls. However should Report, columns 466-70W. such software contain a cryptographic capability then EU External Relations export controls might apply, depending on the details of the specific software and their full technical specifications. Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will seek Kazakhstan: Elections a review of EU expenditure on external relations in the light of recent developments in the Middle East and Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State North Africa. [56311] for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the implications for his Mr Hague: The negotiations for the EU’s annual Department’s policies of the outcome of the recent external budget for 2012, as well as the discussions on presidential election in Kazakhstan. [56331] the EU’s multi-annual financial framework 2014-2020, are due to begin in June 2011. In these negotiations the Mr Hague: The United Kingdom values its strong, Government will press the EU institutions to ensure growing relationship with Kazakhstan, where we are that funding for external action adds value and has a among the largest investors. We want to deepen that positive impact. The European Neighbourhood Policy relationship. is also currently being reviewed by the European We welcomed the decision by Kazakhstan’s Commission and External Action Service. The Government Constitutional Council to step back from moves earlier are pressing for EU spending on its Neighbourhood this year to extend the President’s term until 2020 Policy to be more targeted and effective with a view to without further elections, and President Nazarbayev’s incentivising and supporting reform in the EU’s decision to renew his mandate through the presidential Neighbourhood. election on 3 April. The Organisation for Security and Foreign Relations Co-operation in Europe (OSCE)’s Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights and the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly noted, however, that the conduct Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State of that election could and should have been better. We for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent and international partners will therefore continue to research his Department has undertaken on encourage Kazakhstan to make real progress with its perceptions of the UK amongst the population of (a) reform agenda. Brazil, (b) the Russian Federation, (c) India and (d) China. [56396] Libya: Armed Conflict Mr Hague: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has not conducted or commissioned any research Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign on perceptions of the UK in Brazil, the Russian Federation, and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has India and China. The FCO subscribes to research on had with ministerial colleagues on post-conflict global perceptions of the UK, including in these countries, reconstruction in Libya. [56955] conducted by companies such as GfK and Gallup. Alistair Burt [holding answer 23 May 2011]: Ihave Internet discussed post-conflict reconstruction extensively with ministerial colleagues, in particular with the Prime Minister, Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State my right hon. Friend the Member for Witney for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs with which of (Mr Cameron), the Secretary of State for Defence, my his international counterparts he has raised the issue of right hon. Friend the Member for North Somerset restricted access to online media in the last 12 months (Dr Fox), and the Secretary of State for International for which figures are available. [56390] Development, my right hon. Friend the Member for Sutton Coldfield (Mr Mitchell). Mr Hague: I raise this issue regularly in meetings with my international colleagues. I raised these issues most recently with the Egyptian Government during Libya: Oil my visit on 2 May. Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his policy estimate he has made of the proportion of oil is on the licensing for export to foreign governments of production capacity in Libya controlled by (a) the software that can be used for the purposes of Gaddafi Government and (b) opponents of that censorship and limiting access to the internet. [56395] Government. [56306] 209W Written Answers7 JUNE 2011 Written Answers 210W

Mr Hague: There are oil production facilities both in unfolded. On 12 March 2011, the Arab League became those parts of Libya still controlled by the Gaddafi the first organisation to call for the establishment of a regime and those controlled by the opposition. However, no-fly zone over Libya. It has continued to take an due to the disruption to the Libyan oil sector caused by active role in international efforts including as a member the conflict and shining areas of Regime and opposition of the Libya Contact Group. Several members of the control, it is not possible to give an accurate estimate as Arab League have committed military assets to international to the balance of control of these facilities. Against this action in Libya, as well as humanitarian aid such as background, Government analysis indicates that at present repatriation flights, medicine and supplies. the Regime has effective control over about 75 to 80% Middle East of Libya’s oil production capacity. Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State Libya: Politics and Government for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what information his Department holds on (a) the rate of Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign unemployment, (b) the proportion of the population and Commonwealth Affairs whether he has had recent in poverty and (c) the proportion of the population discussions with the Arab League on the political with access to the internet in (i) Morocco, (ii) Algeria, situation in Libya; what representations the Arab (iii) Tunisia, (iv) Libya, (v) Egypt, (vi) Jordan, (vii) the League has made on operations undertaken in that Occupied Palestinian Territories, (viii) Israel, (ix) country; and if he will make a statement. [R] [55250] Lebanon, (x) Syria, (xi) Iraq, (xii) Saudi Arabia, (xiii) Iran, (xiv) Yemen, (xv) Kuwait, (xvi) Bahrain, (xvii) the Alistair Burt: The Secretary of State for Foreign and United Arab Emirates, (xviii) Oman and (xix) Qatar. Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member [56398] for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague), discussed the situation in Libya with the Secretary-General of the Arab League, Mr Hague: The following table shows the data the Amr Moussa, during his visit to Egypt at the beginning Foreign and Commonwealth Office holds for the countries of May. The Secretary of State for Foreign and listed on the rate of unemployment, the proportion of Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member the population in poverty, and the proportion of the for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague), was also in regular population with access to the internet, where such data contact with the Secretary-General in March during the is available. Further information on the primary sources early stages of the crisis in Libya. Officials at our of this data, predominantly the World Bank and United embassy in Cairo have been in regular contact with the Nations Development Programmes, is provided as follows Secretary-General and the Arab League as the crisis has and is publicly available.

Proportion of population earning Proportion of population below Rate of unemployment (World less than $2 a day1, 1990-20053 the National Poverty Line2, 1990- Proportion of population with Bank data unless otherwise (UNDP unless otherwise 20043 (UNDP unless otherwise access to the internet (World Country specified) specified) specified) Bank data)

Algeria 11.3% (2008) 15.1% 22.6% 11.9% (2008) Bahrain 15% (IMF, 2010) — — 51.9% (2008) Egypt 9.4% (2009) 43.9% 16.7% 16.6% (2010) Iran 10.5% (2008) — — 32% (2008) Iraq 17.5% (2006) 25.3% (World Bank, 2007) 22.9% (World Bank, 2007) 1% (2008) Jordan 12.9% (2009) 7% 14.2% 27.4% (2010) Kuwait 1.6% (CIA Factbook, 2010) — — 36.7% (2010) Lebanon 9% (2007) — — 22.5% (2008) Libya 30% (IMF, 2004) — — 5.1% (2010) Mauritania 7.3% (2008) 63.1% 46.3% 1.9% (2008) Morocco 10% (2009) 14.3% 19% 33% (2008) Oman 15% (CIA Factbook, 2010 — — 27.4% (2008) Occupied 26% (UN, 2008) — 21.9% (World Bank, 2009) 9% (2008) Palestinian Territories Qatar 0.5% (2007) — — 34% (2008) Saudi Arabia 5.4% (2009) — — 58.5% (2008) Syria 8.4% (2007) — — 17.3% (2008) Tunisia 14.2% (2008) 6.6% 7.6% 27.1% (2008) UAE 4% (2008) — — 65.2% (2008) Yemen 15% (2008) 45.2% 41.8% 1.6% (2009) 1 US$2 a day—at 1985 international prices (equivalent to US$2.15 at 1993 international prices), adjusted for purchasing power parity. 2 National poverty line—the poverty line deemed appropriate for a country by its authorities. National estimates are based on population-weighted subgroup estimates from household surveys. 3 Data refer to the most recent year available during the period specified. Poverty data: UNDP, Human Development Report, 2007/08, Table 3: p238-240. World Bank: http://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SI.POV.NAHC http://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SI.POV.2DAY 211W Written Answers7 JUNE 2011 Written Answers 212W

John Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for countries in the territory of which undercover police Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many (a) officers have been deployed from domestic extremism UK-based and (b) UK-affiliated private military units since October 2010. [57436] contractors operate in (i) the United Arab Emirates, (ii) Saudi Arabia and (iii) Bahrain. [57366] Alistair Burt: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has not been involved in any specific discussions taking Alistair Burt: We do not keep lists of UK-based or place with the governments of countries where undercover UK-affiliated private military security companies (PMSC) police officers have been deployed from domestic extremism, working abroad because there is no requirement for since October 2010. However we are aware that our them to register with us. Home Office colleagues have had discussions with the The UK is a world leader in the PMSC industry. 36% German authorities to clarify legislation governing the of the 125 companies who have now signed the International use of undercover police officers during this time. Code of Conduct for Private Security Providers (initiated Population in November 2010) are UK-based—by far the largest national contingent. The code is based on principles of human rights and international humanitarian law, and Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State sets out broad guidelines for the organisation and operation for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what estimate of the industry worldwide. he has made of the likely population of (a) Brazil, (b) the Russian Federation, (c) India and (d) China in (i) North Korea: Burma 2015, (ii) 2025 and (iii) 2050. [56401]

Andrew Miller: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Hague: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has not made an estimate of population trends in these has received on North Korean assistance to Burma in countries between 2015 and 2050. relation to the development of long range missiles. UN projections from the World Population Prospects [56938] 2010 Revision are as follows: (a) Brazil: 203 million in 2015, rising to 216 million in 2025 Mr Jeremy Browne: We are aware of reports alleging and 222 million in 2050; that the Government of Burma is attempting to (b) The Russian Federation: 142 million for 2015, falling to manufacture a range of weapons, including various 139 million in 2025 and 126 million in 2050; types of missiles, under its memorandum of understanding (c) India: 1.3 billion for 2015, 1.4 billion in 2025 and 1.7 billion with North Korea. Our ambassador to Rangoon raised in 2050; concerns about these reports when he met the Burmese (d) The People’s Republic of China (excluding Hong Kong, Defence Minister on 10 May. The Government takes all Macao and Taiwan) 1.4 billion in 2015, 1.4 billion in 2025 and such allegations seriously and reminds all states to 1.3 billion in 2050. adhere to their obligations under relevant UN sanctions. We continue to monitor the situation closely. Sri Lanka: Politics and Government Palestinians: Politics and Government Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he last discussed Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State with his counterpart in the Russian Federation the for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what policy of the Russian Federation on Sri Lanka and the discussions he has had with the Palestinian authorities position of Tamils in that country. [57325] since the date of the recent agreement between Fatah and Hamas; [56335] Mr Lidington: The Secretary of State for Foreign and (2) what discussions he has had with his Israeli Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member counterpart on the recent agreement between Fatah for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague) has not held such and Hamas. [56419] discussions with Foreign Minister Lavrov nor have there been any recent discussions with the Government of the Mr Hague: While I have not spoken directly to President Russia Federation on the position of the Tamils in Sri Abbas or Prime Minister Fayyad since the agreement Lanka. Ministers and officials regularly engage with the was announced, my officials have had regular dialogue government of Sri Lanka and international partners with their Palestinian and Israeli counterparts. about supporting reconciliation between Sri Lanka’s We renew our calls on both sides to commit to peace communities. talks, leading to a Palestinian state that exists in peace and security alongside Israel. Britain hopes that the Swaziland: Human Rights announcement of reconciliation between Fatah and Hamas will lead to the formation of a government that Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for rejects violence and pursues a negotiated peace, and we Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent will judge a future Palestinian Government by its actions representations he has made to the Government of and its readiness to work for peace. Swaziland on human rights. [57287]

Police: Deployment Alistair Burt: The Government are deeply concerned at the human rights and governance situation in Swaziland, Katy Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign including restrictions on political parties, trade union and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions his rights, freedom of association, independence of the Department has undertaken with the governments of judicial and penal systems, gender equality and, most 213W Written Answers7 JUNE 2011 Written Answers 214W recently, application of the Suppression of Terrorism Trade Union representatives are as follows: Act and violence perpetrated by state actors, including (a) FCO—six full-time officers and one part-time (50%) officer harm wrought against those in detention. We have (b) FCO Services—one full-time officer and one full-time regularly raised these issues, in robust terms, with the vacancy Government of Swaziland. (c) Wilton Park staff are nominally also represented by (a) Following the anti government protests in Swaziland To avoid individuals being identified we are unable to on 12 April 2011, the UK took the initiative in drafting provide further details about how many of these staff and issuing an EU statement expressing concern at the are paid more than £25,900 annually nor the cost to the actions of the Government of Swaziland. Our non-resident public purse of their salaries. deputy high commissioner directly raised our concerns on human rights with the Swazi Foreign Minister on 13 This response corrects the information given in the April. Our non-resident high commissioner, with her previous answer of 6 September 2010, Official Report, EU colleagues, met with King Mswati III on 10 March, column 228W, by the Under-Secretary of State for during which human rights and governance issues were Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my hon. Friend raised. the Member for North East Bedfordshire (Alistair Burt), to my hon. Friend the Member for Witham (Priti Patel). Trade Promotion Tunisia: Politics and Government Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many UK David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for businesses his Department supported in conducting Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what contact the business in (a) Brazil, (b) the Russian Federation, (c) Government is maintaining with emergent political India and (d) China in the most recent 12 months for groups in Tunisia. [57001] which figures are available. [56319] Alistair Burt: Officials in Tunisia and London are Mr Prisk: I have been asked to reply. meeting a range of party representatives. UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) is the Government Department that helps UK-based companies succeed in Since legislation was agreed to enable new political the global economy. parties to be registered in Tunisia, a total of 67 have been established and we are looking to ensure that we We estimate the following number of UK businesses are in contact with key parties despite the difficulties in were supported by UKTI in BRIC markets. predicting which parties will emerge as serious contenders in the elections. Estimated number of UK businesses Market supported1 Uganda: Homosexuality Brazil 1,149 Russia 609 India 1,219 Mr Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for China2 1,852 Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent BRIC total3 4,642 representations he has made to the Ugandan 1 All data covers firms supported between October 2009 and September 2010 government on the Anti-Homosexuality Bill; and if he (PIMS 19-22). All figures exclude website premium contents ER events. will make a statement. [56429] 2 Statistics for China are for mainland China only. These statistics also include companies supported by the China-Britain Business Council, UKTI’s trade services delivery partner for the mainland China market. Alistair Burt: The Anti-Homosexuality Bill, introduced 3 BRIC total adds up to less than total of individual markets as some firms are in the Ugandan Parliament by a Private Member, was supported in more than one of these markets. not passed during the parliamentary term which has These figures are based on UKTI client records and just concluded. It remains to be seen whether the Private validation through UKTI’s performance and impact Member will introduce the Bill in the next Ugandan monitoring survey (PIMS)—an independently administered Parliament. survey of some 4,000 of the 23,400 clients that received UKTI services over a 12-month period. The Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my hon. Friend the Member Trade Unions for North West Norfolk (Mr Bellingham), called Foreign Minister Sam Kutesa on 11 May 2011 to raise our Mr Raab: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign strong concerns about the contents of this Private Member’s and Commonwealth Affairs how many staff of (a) his Bill. In its most recent form, the Bill would have further Department, (b) FCO Services and (c) Wilton Park criminalised homosexuality in Uganda by introducing are entitled to work (i) full-time as trade union new criminal sanctions for members of sexual minorities representatives and (ii) part-time on trade union and those who promote their rights. This in turn would activities; how many such staff are paid more than have a broader, negative impact on the human rights of £25,900 annually; and what the cost to the public purse all Ugandans. of employing such staff on such duties was in the latest Along with international partners, our high commission period for which figures are available. [56443] in Kampala has lobbied senior Ministers in the Ugandan Government (including the Prime Minister) over a long Mr Bellingham: The Foreign and Commonwealth period of time to make our position clear on the importance Office (FCO) follows the Advisory, Conciliation and of respect for the rights of sexual minorities worldwide, Arbitration Service (ACAS) Code of Practice “Time and in doing so we have made clear that we will not Off for Trades Union Duties and Activities”. deviate from this position. 215W Written Answers7 JUNE 2011 Written Answers 216W

Unemployment Adult Education: Fees and Charges

Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what Business, Innovation and Skills how many and what information his Department holds on the rate of proportion of adults will be required to pay a fee for a unemployment in (a) Brazil, (b) the Russian course to achieve their first qualification at level 3 in Federation, (c) India and (d) China. [56400] (a) 2011, (b) 2012 and (c) 2013. [58124] Mr Hague: Official reports of unemployment at the Mr Hayes: In November 2010 the coalition Government end of the first quarter of 2011 were: Brazil 6.5%, published “Investing in Skills for Sustainable Growth” Russia 7.1%, India 7.7% and China 4.1%. which set out the planned changes to the entitlements to Young People full funding Further Education and Skills for adults in England. Learners aged 19 up to 24 will be entitled to Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State full fee remission for their first qualification at level 3. for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what Outside of this entitlement, there is an expectation that information his Department holds on the proportion the learner will share the costs with the Government; of the population of (a) Brazil, (b) the Russian with co-funding in the 2011/12 and 2012/13 academic Federation, (c) India and (d) China which is under the years, and the introduction of Government-backed loans age of 30 years. [56399] from 2013/14. The Statistical First Release1 provides the latest data Mr Hague: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office on the proportion of starts and completions for learners does not routinely collect or hold information on the at Level 3. Based on historical data we estimate that proportion of the populations of Brazil, Russia, India 3,000 learner places at level 3 could become co-funded or China who are under 30 years of age. rather than fully-funded in 2011/12. However, as the further education funding system is demand led it is not possible to predict the number or proportion of adults BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS that will be required to pay a fee for a first level 3 qualification beyond 2011. Adult Education 1 Note: http://www.education.gov.uk/rsgateway/DB/SFR/index.shtml Mr Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how many adults over Apprentices the age of 24 years undertook a (a) full Level 3 qualification and (b) further education qualification Robert Halfon: To ask the Secretary of State for above Level 3 in each of the last five years. [56701] Business, Innovation and Skills how many applicants for an apprenticeship aged (a) between 16 and 18, (b) Mr Hayes [holding answer 23 May 2011]: Table 1 between 19 and 24 and (c) 25 years or over are shows the number of learners aged 24 years and over awaiting an employer place on the National participating on a Government funded Full Level 3 Apprenticeship Service matching service. [57960] qualification or a qualification above Level 3 in 2005/06 to 2009/10, the latest year for which final data are Mr Hayes: Apprenticeship vacancies data do not available. show the number of individuals waiting for an employer Table 1: FE participation by learners aged 24 years and over by level, 2005/06 to place. However, they do show the number of individuals 2009/10 who have activated their account on the system and the 1 1 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10 overall number of applications submitted. Full 125,700 127,260 177,050 264,640 295,680 Data relating to candidates securing an Apprenticeship Level 3 through the online system are not sufficiently robust to Above 59,340 52,030 45,960 50,560 42,420 Level 3 publish. 1 Figures for 2008/09 onwards are not directly comparable to earlier years as Table 1 shows the number of individuals who have the introduction of demand led funding has changed how data is collected and activated their account on the system between August how funded learners are defined from 2008/09 onwards. More information on demand led funding is available at: 2010 and April 2011. Table 2 shows the overall number http://www.thedataservice.org.uk/datadictionary/businessdefinitions/ of applications submitted between August 2010 and Demand+Led+Funding.htm April 2011. Notes: 1. These tables include Apprenticeships, Train to Gain, University for Table 1: Total number of individuals activating their account on apprenticeship Industry, Adult Safeguarded Learning and Further Education/Learner vacancies, August 2010 to April 2011 Responsive Provision which includes General Further Education Colleges Number including Tertiary, Sixth Form Colleges, Special College—Agricultural and Horticultural Colleges and Art and Design Colleges, Specialist Colleges and 16-18 161,160 External Institutions. 2. Figures are rounded to the nearest 10. 19-24 103,120 3. Age is based on age at the start of the academic year. 25+ 44,640 Source: Total 308,920 Individualised Learner Record Information on Further Education and Skills participation and achievement by level is published in a Table 2: Total number of programme applications made by age group, August quarterly statistical first release (SFR). The latest SFR 2010 to April 2011 was published on 31 March 2011: Number http://www.thedataservice.org.uk/statistics/ 16-18 265,950 statisticalfirstrelease/sfr_current 19-24 131,000 217W Written Answers7 JUNE 2011 Written Answers 218W

Table 2: Total number of programme applications made by age group, August The commitment to lend to SMEs is linked to the 2010 to April 2011 remuneration of the banks’ chief executives and senior Number managers responsible for business lending, but the 25+ 21,110 Government are clear that, if the banks fail to meet Total 418,060 their commitments, the Government reserves the right Notes: to return to the matter and take further measures. 1. Figures for programme applications do not indicate individuals who have made applications, they are the total number of applications made and it is We will therefore monitor the banks’ performance important to note that any one individual can make more than one application extremely closely and if they fail to meet the commitments, at any given time. we will examine options for further action. 2. Figures in table 1 are the latest year to date data, from 1 August 2010 up to 30 April 2011. 3. All figures have been rounded to the nearest 10. Beauty Products: Channel Islands Source: Apprenticeship Vacancy Reports Mr MacShane: To ask the Secretary of State for Apprenticeship vacancy reports are updated on a Business, Innovation and Skills what recent monthly basis and published on the fourth day of each representations he has received on the effects on the calendar month available at the following link: viability of small shops selling beauty products of http://mireportslibrary.thedataservice.org.uk/apprenticeships/ competition from internet sales of such products apprenticeship_vacancy_reports/ supplied from the Channel Islands. [56925] Apprentices: Barnsley East Mr Prisk: We have received no such representations. Michael Dugher: To ask the Secretary of State for Business: Regulation Business, Innovation and Skills how much he has allocated for level 2 apprenticeships in Barnsley East Fiona Mactaggart: To ask the Secretary of State for constituency in 2011-12. [58139] Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment he has Mr Hayes: The total funding available for apprenticeships made of the potential effect on continued is over £1.4 billion in the 2011-12 financial year. In implementation of the regulations and legislation listed support of the coalition Government’s principle of greater on the Red Tape Challenge website. [56912] freedom, “Skills for Sustainable Growth1” and “Investing in Skills for Sustainable Growth” set out the abolition Mr Prisk: The Red Tape Challenge aims to take a of central targets and increased freedom and flexibility comprehensive approach, looking widely at regulation, for further education colleges and training organisations whether introduced through primary or secondary to respond effectively to the needs of employers, learners legislation or other means. It seeks views on where and their communities. It is for individual colleges and regulations are working well, as well as where they are training organisations, working directly with their local imposing unnecessary burdens on businesses, members partners, to determine the offer that best meets the of the public or voluntary organisations or restricting needs of their communities. personal freedoms. Ministers will then make decisions Accordingly, take-up of apprenticeships by level and about which regulations to remove, improve or keep by region follows employer demand and we are not able and they will follow the appropriate legal and parliamentary to provide estimates of the geographical distribution of process. Listing a regulation on the website does not funding for level 2 apprenticeships as these would be have any impact on its implementation. either too broad to be of use or would be potentially Closed Circuit Television misleading. 1 Skills for Sustainable Growth published by BIS Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for http://www.bis.gov.uk/news/topstories/2010/Nov/skills-for- Business, Innovation and Skills how many CCTV sustainable-growth cameras are installed in and around his Department’s Banks: Regulation premises; and how much such cameras cost to (a) install and (b) operate in the latest period for which Esther McVey: To ask the Secretary of State for figures are available. [56830] Business, Innovation and Skills what steps he has taken to ensure that the small business lending targets set out Mr Davey: The Department has the following CCTV in are met by the banks who are parties cameras installed around its estate: to the agreement. [58158] Number Mr Prisk: The Merlin Agreement set out the commitment of five major UK banks to increase the capacity of 1 Victoria street, London 59 lending available to UK businesses this year. The Westfield house, London 14 commitment to make available £190 billion of new Kingsgate house, London 27 lending to businesses is up from £179 billion last year. 10 Victoria street, London 9 151 Buckingham Palace road, 16 £76 billion of this will be allocated to small and medium London enterprises (SMEs), a 15% increase on 2010. St Mary’s house, Sheffield 6 The Bank of England reported the banks’ first quarter performance against the Merlin Agreement on 23 May. The CCTV cameras have been upgraded at the following Lending to SMEs in the first quarter was £16.8 billion. buildings: This is disappointing and, although lending is not linear, 1 Victoria street in 2011 at a cost of £130,700.00 excluding the banks must do more to ensure that they meet their VAT and commitment over the next few months. Kingsgate house in 2007 at a cost of £271,587.23. 219W Written Answers7 JUNE 2011 Written Answers 220W

CCTV cameras at other buildings have been installed believe may promote a fraud, they should draw their for a number of years and obtaining the cost of installation concerns to the attention of the appropriate authorities would only be at disproportionate cost. to allow them to take any necessary action. Scams can The operation and monitoring of the CCTV cameras be easily reported to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or across the estate is undertaken by the Department’s by completing an online fraud report via: security contractor and the costs are included within www.actionfraud.org.uk/ this contract. For advice on scams, people can contact Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06 or visit: Consumers: Protection www.direct.gov.uk/scams Graeme Morrice: To ask the Secretary of State for Creative Industries Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the consumer protection for Mr Ivan Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for private buyers of wheelchair accessible vehicles. [57257] Business, Innovation and Skills what support the Government provides to promote the UK’s creative Mr Davey: Under the Sale of Goods Act 1979, goods industries abroad. [57892] (including vehicles) must be fit for their intended purpose. If vehicles are purchased with wheelchair access in Mr Prisk: UK Trade and Investment (UKTI), working mind, they must be fit for that purpose whether that in partnership with the Department for Culture, Media purpose is made known expressly or impliedly. If this and Sport and industry partners, aims to promote the requirement is not satisfied, the seller is in breach of UK’s creative offer abroad by maximising its export contract and the consumer will have a range of remedies. and investment potential. An online toolkit supports The Government have no plans to change this level of UK businesses looking to expand internationally and protection. UKTI develops and delivers international strategies alongside tailored missions and showcasing activities to Copyright: Internet promote the UK and our creative industries. Defence and Security Equipment International: Tony Baldry: To ask the Secretary of State for Exhibitions Business, Innovation and Skills what steps his Department is taking to enforce the online copyright infringement sections of the Digital Economy Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for Act 2010. [56616] Business, Innovation and Skills which countries have been sent invitations from the Government to the Mr Davey: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer the Defence and Security Equipment International Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and exhibition at the ExCel Centre between 13 and 16 Sport, my right hon. Friend the Member for South September 2011. [57715] West Surrey (Mr Hunt), gave the hon. Member for Banbury, on 24 May 2011, Official Report, column 507W. Mr Prisk: The following countries have been invited to send official government defence and security delegations During a recent machinery of government change, to Defence and Security Equipment International 2011 responsibility for this policy area transferred to DCMS. (DSEi11): Correspondence: Fraud Australia Austria Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State Botswana for Business, Innovation and Skills what steps his Brazil Department is taking to protect vulnerable individuals Brunei from receiving fraudulent mail. [57280] Bulgaria Canada Mr Prisk [holding answer 24 May 2011]: The Chile Government fully appreciates the damage and harm that scams can have on their victims and families and Czech Republic recognises the need for a concerted effort to stop scams, Denmark which includes fraudulent mail. Estonia The National Fraud Agency (which runs Action Fraud) Finland and the Metropolitan Police are taking forward a strategy France that will deal with mass marketing fraud holistically Germany and they are engaging with partners and building a Ghana joined-up approach to tackle postal scams. This includes Greece engagement with the Department for Business, Innovation Hong Kong and Skills and Royal Mail who has been working closely with the appropriate bodies to stop scam mail from India getting into the postal system in the first place. Indonesia Government strongly advises people to be very wary Italy of unsolicited offers which sound too good to be true, Japan as they often are. And in those cases where people Netherlands receive material through the postal system which they New Zealand 221W Written Answers7 JUNE 2011 Written Answers 222W

Norway Speakers of Other Languages provision in (a) the UK, Pakistan (b) London and (c) the London borough of Newham Peru in 2012. [57170] Poland Republic of Korea Joan Ruddock: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills if he will (a) prepare Romania and (b) publish an equalities impact assessment prior South Africa to implementing his proposed changes to funding for Spain English for Speakers of Other Languages. [57294] Sweden Switzerland Mr Hayes: An assessment of how the changes announced Trinidad and Tobago in Skills for Sustainable Growth may affect English for Turkey Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) learners is currently being carried out by this Department. I expect to be Ukraine able to publish this before summer recess. UN USA Mrs Ellman: To ask the Secretary of State for NATO Business, Innovation and Skills on what date he Departmental Responsibilities commissioned an equality impact assessment of the proposed changes to funding for English for speakers of other languages courses; and when he expects to Mr Nicholas Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for publish this assessment. [57943] Business, Innovation and Skills whether his Department plans to cease to fund any of its functions Mr Hayes: An assessment of how the changes announced over the period of the comprehensive spending review. in Skills for Sustainable Growth may affect ESOL learners [55194] was agreed in principle in November 2010 and formally commissioned in February 2011 and is currently being Mr Davey: Over the course of the spending review, carried out by the Department. I expect to be able to the Department continues to focus on driving long-term, publish this before summer recess. sustainable growth while finding efficiencies and reducing levels of spending to meet the target savings. Around 10% of resource savings will be made by cancelling Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, lower priority activities, for instance through ending Innovation and Skills (1) if he will take steps to ensure Train to Gain and replacing it with small and medium that those on income support but not active benefits enterprise (SME)-focused training programme, and through are able to afford to remain enrolled on courses of abolishing the regional development agencies in 2012. English for speakers of other languages from August Reforms to further and higher education funding will 2011; [58153] deliver 60% of the total savings target, and the remainder (2) if he will take steps to ensure that persons on of savings will largely be delivered through driving English for speakers of other languages courses funded efficiencies. by the Government and not on active benefits are able to afford to continue their studies from August 2011. Departmental Work Experience [58154]

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Hayes: As part of the spending review tough Business, Innovation and Skills what advice his decisions about departmental budgets have been taken Department provides to those wishing to (a) work as and, like all other areas, further education has made its an intern, (b) undertake a work experience placement contribution. This has included reviewing the extent to and (c) work as a volunteer in his Department. [52809] which automatic fee remission for adult skills is provided, and in this context we have prioritised English for Mr Davey: For undergraduates, we currently offer speakers of other languages (ESOL) funding to unemployed two or three Summer Diversity Internships a year, people in receipt of jobseekers allowance or in the further information about the scheme is available at: employment and support allowance (work-related activity) www.civilservice.gov.uk/faststream group, where English language skills have been identified In addition we advertise a number of opportunities as a barrier to entering employment. We will continue under the Graduate Internship Scheme for students. to pay 50% of ESOL course fees for other people who Opportunities are advertised through the Graduate Talent are settled here. We will no longer fund ESOL courses Pool website, hosted by the Department for Business, delivered in the workplace. Increased freedoms and Innovation and Skills. flexibilities for providers will allow them to respond to the needs to their communities and determine within The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills their funding where this is prioritised. does not offer formal opportunities to undertake work experience or volunteer in the Department. As set out by the Skills Funding Agency in Guidance Note 6 English Language: Education http://readingroom.skillsfundingagency.bis.gov.uk/sfa/ skills_funding_agency_-_guidance_note_6_final_-v2_.pdf Lyn Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for any changes to funding eligibility and fee remission will Business, Innovation and Skills how many women he be applied only to new learners. That means learners estimates will be affected by the changes to English for already in learning and continuing into another funding 223W Written Answers7 JUNE 2011 Written Answers 224W year will not become ineligible as a consequence of Higher Education: Regulation these policy changes and are encouraged to successfully complete and achieve their learning aims. Mr Evennett: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what steps he is taking Equality Act 2010 to enable (a) further education colleges, (b) universities and (c) independent training providers to Mr Lammy: To ask the Secretary of State for contribute to the Red Tape Challenge initiative. [57159] Business, Innovation and Skills how many responses relating to the Equality Act 2010 his Department has Mr Prisk: The Red Tape Challenge website invites received as part of the Red Tape Challenge to date; and comments from all those affected by regulation including how many such responses he plans to consider. [57328] further education colleges, universities and independent training providers at Mr Prisk: Red Tape Challenge is a website which http://www.redtapechallenge.cabinetoffice.gov.uk gives members of the public, businesses and voluntary and community organisations the opportunity to comment It aims to take a comprehensive look at regulation on a on the entire range of regulation that might have an rolling, sector by sector basis. Regulations specific to impact on them. the education sector will be published on the website later this year. As of the 20 of May 2011 the Red Tape Challenge site has received 5,078 responses relating to the Equality Industry: Food Act 2010. All responses received through the Red Tape Challenge site will be considered by the relevant Secretary John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for of State in this case, the Secretary of State for the Home Business, Innovation and Skills what proportion of Department and Minister for Women and Equalities, businesses in the food production industry are small my right hon. Friend the Member for Maidenhead and medium-sized enterprises. [58148] (Mrs May). Mr Prisk: At the start of 2010, it is estimated that Fossil Fuels 98.3% of private sector businesses in the manufacture of food products industry in the UK were small and Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for medium-sized enterprises. Business, Innovation and Skills what steps UK Trade and Investment is taking to end support for dirty fossil Insurance Guarantee Scheme Directive fuel projects. [56289] Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Prisk: In line with the Department for Business Business, Innovation and Skills when he expects Innovation and Skills’ definition of the phrase “dirty agreement to be reached on the text of the EU fossil-fuel energy production”, in point 18 of the coalition Insurance Guarantee Scheme Directive. [58140] agreement, to mean unabated coal-fired power generation, UK Trade and Investment will not assist UK equipment Danny Alexander: I have been asked to reply. or service providers to win international work on such I refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer given today projects. to the hon. Member for Calder Valley (Craig Whittaker) (57484). Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what consideration he Intellectual Property gave to seeking the inclusion of measures to end UK Trade and Investment support for dirty fossil fuel Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for projects in its corporate strategy Britain open for Business, Innovation and Skills what his policy is on business. [57362] (a) maintaining the intellectual property in corporate brands owned by shareholders and (b) the role of Mr Prisk: Careful consideration has been and is brands in consumer competition and choice. [57573] being given to the implementation of article 18 of the coalition agreement. The Secretary of State for Business, Mr Davey: It is the responsibility of the owners of Innovation and Skills, my right hon. Friend the Member any intellectual property (IP) to maintain and exploit for Twickenham (Vince Cable), is involved fully in the the right in the way they believe most appropriate to ongoing discussions across Whitehall on how the fullest their needs. It is, however, for the Government to provide possible implementation can be achieved. Within the a framework suitable for enabling such exploitation, framework of its corporate strategy—Britain Open for balancing the interests of the IP owner against the Business—UK Trade and Investment is also playing its public interest. The Government recognise that for many part, including by strongly promoting exports of green products and services, brands play an important role in equipment and services. facilitating competition and choice. They allow consumers to readily identify and purchase products and services Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for they are seeking which offer the qualities that they Business, Innovation and Skills what definition of dirty associate with a particular brand. fossil fuel energy production UK Trade and Investment uses. [57363] Jewellery

Mr Prisk: UK Trade and Investment uses the same Paul Uppal: To ask the Secretary of State for definition as the Department for Business, Innovation Business, Innovation and Skills what regulations and Skills: ‘dirty’ fossil fuel power generation means govern the sale and purchase of (a) precious metals unabated coal-fired power stations. and (b) gold and silver jewellery. [56715] 225W Written Answers7 JUNE 2011 Written Answers 226W

Mr Willetts: The Hallmarking Act 1973 makes it Mr Denham: To ask the Secretary of State for illegal to sell or describe any item as being made wholly Business, Innovation and Skills what the costs were of or partly of gold, silver, platinum or palladium unless it moving the functions of the Joint International Unit has been independently assayed and hallmarked in the into his Department. [58103] UK by one of the four UK Assay Offices or, alternatively, bears a hallmark struck under the International Mr Hayes: Not all the functions of the Joint International Hallmarking Convention. In addition subordinate Unit were moved to the Department for Business, legislation has, at various times, been made under the Act. Innovation and Skills (BIS); only the activities for which BIS Ministers were responsible were transferred across Joint International Unit to BIS. The Department for Education’s (DfE) international work has moved to DfE and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has retained its own international Mr Denham: To ask the Secretary of State for responsibilities. Budget transfers between the Departments Business, Innovation and Skills for what reason he are being made to reflect these changes. The costs of the decided to close the Joint International Unit between physical move of nine members of staff from DWP to his Department, the Department for Education and the BIS premises has not been calculated, but is estimated Department for Work and Pensions. [58100] to be less than £1,000.

Mr Hayes: The Secretary of State for Business, Members: Correspondence Innovation and Skills, my right hon. Friend the Member for Twickenham (Vince Cable), did not take the decision Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for for the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills Business, Innovation and Skills when he plans to (BIS) to withdraw from the Joint International Unit. respond to the letter sent to him by the hon. Member The Joint International Unit was an administrative for Witham of 7 April 2011 regarding Ms Amelia arrangement between the relevant Departments. The Rope; what representations he has made to the banks decision to change this arrangement was taken by the regarding Ms Rope; and whether he plans to make BIS management board in December 2010 as part of a further such representations. [57275] wider review aiming at improving the efficiency of BIS’s international policy functions. Mr Davey [holding answer 24 May 2011]: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation Mr Denham: To ask the Secretary of State for and Skills, will respond shortly. He has raised the matter Business, Innovation and Skills what functions the of fair access to credit for Small and Medium Enterprises successor body to the Joint International Unit in his (SMEs) such as Ms Rope’s business via correspondence; however, it would be inappropriate for Government to Department will perform. [58101] urge banks to offer finance to specific businesses contrary to their own risk assessment procedures. However, we Mr Hayes: The functions previously performed by continue to robustly support the case for the UK’s Joint International Unit (JIU) officials reporting to BIS SMEs in our discussions with the banks. Ministers will now be carried out by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) (with the exception National Apprenticeship Service of the European Social Fund which remains entirely within the Department for Work and Pensions—DWP). Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for This is mainly policy and programme activity in the Business, Innovation and Skills for how many days per area of international higher and further education. The week the chief executive of the National relevant staff and budgets are being transferred to BIS Apprenticeship Service is employed; and what his from DWP. BIS will continue to co-ordinate closely pro-rata salary is. [56457] with the Department for Education and DWP where necessary, for example where there is a single education Mr Hayes: The chief executive of the National input to a bilateral relationship or in one of the international Apprenticeship Service is currently employed to work organisations. three days per week and his pro-rata salary is £96,000. The chief executive’s salary position is currently available Mr Denham: To ask the Secretary of State for on the Skills Funding Agency website: Business, Innovation and Skills what the (a) staff http://skillsfundingagency.bis.gov.uk/aboutus/ grading is and (b) overall salary costs are for the transparencyingovernment/salary/index.htm successor body of the Joint International Unit in his As part of the Government’s transparency agenda, Department. [58102] the salaries of all senior civil servants below director level will also be made publicly available. The publication Mr Hayes: In total nine posts were transferred from date for Agencies is 31 May. the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS)—65 National Vocational Qualifications posts remain in DWP and 16 move to the Department for Education. The staff grading for the posts moved to Mr Denham: To ask the Secretary of State for BIS is as follows: two posts at Grade 7 level, two Senior Business, Innovation and Skills (1) how much funding Executive Officers, two Higher Executive Officers and was provided by his Department to each industrial three Executive Officers. The salary costs are approximately sector in each of the last five years; and how many £440 000, which is being transferred from the DWP to NVQs were awarded by each of those sectors in each of the BIS budget. those years; [58104] 227W Written Answers7 JUNE 2011 Written Answers 228W

(2) how many NVQs have been started in each Table 1: Further Education starts and achievements in Further Education by Sector Skills Council Qualification Footprint1, 2009/10 industrial sector in each of the last five years. [58178] Total FE & Skills Sector Skills Council Starts Achievements

Mr Hayes: Information is not collected on how much Languages & Intercultural Working 49,830 35,660 funding was provided to each industrial sector. Lifelong Learning 49,770 42,800 Local Government — — Table 1 shows the total number of learners participating Management & Leadership (including HR & 56,720 42,590 on National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) in England Recruitment) between 2005/06 to 2009/10. It is not possible to disaggregate Maritime 3,990 3,390 this information across industrial sectors. Marketing & Sales 4,060 2,520 However, Table 2 shows the number of further education Paralegal 240 100 starts and achievements by Sector Skills Council in Parking 130 140 2009/10. These have been categorised based upon the Passenger Transport 46,670 48,080 qualifications that a Sector Skills Council have formally Process & Manufacturing 59,160 54,830 agreed sit within their sector. The qualification footprint Purchasing & Supply 70 20 includes both NVQs and a range of other vocational Retail 57,860 42,790 Science, Engineering & Manufacturing 106,890 84,810 qualifications. Technologies Table 1: Further Education starts and achievements in Further Education by Security Industry 27,920 24,330 1 Sector Skills Council Qualification Footprint , 2009/10 Supporting Teaching & Learning in Schools 33,270 28,010 Total FE & Skills Not Applicable 5,702,840 4,411,020 Sector Skills Council Starts Achievements Voluntary Sector 380 160 Active Leisure, Learning & Well-being 136,980 110,240 Total 8,260,970 6,426,790 1 Adult Social Care 12,520 13,330 SSC qualification footprint includes all qualifications have formally agreed sit within their sector. This will include both NVQs, and other vocational Adult Social Care/Healthcare 152,430 119,570 qualifications. Automotive Industries 47,010 35,890 Notes: Automotive Industries/Customer Service & 10 0 1. All figures are rounded to the nearest 10. Contact Centre 2. ‘—’ indicates a base figure of less than 5. 3. Figures include Apprenticeships, Train to Gain, University for Industry, Building Services Engineering 64,990 50,280 Adult Safeguarded Learning, Further Education/Learner Responsive Business Information Technology & 224,970 153,020 Provision which includes General Further Education Colleges including Telecommunication Tertiary, Sixth Form Colleges, Special Colleges—Agricultural and Business Information Technology & —10Horticultural and Art and Design Colleges, Specialist Colleges and External Telecommunication/Business, Administration & Institutions. Governance 4. NVQ/GNVQ includes Additional NVQ/GNVQ, GNVQ precursor and NVQ. Business Information Technology & ——Source: Telecommunication/Creative Media Individualised Learner Record Business, Administration & Governance 101,010 73,450 Central Government including Armed Forces 33,380 24,410 Table 2: National Vocation Qualifications (NVQ) participation and achievement, 2005/06 to 2009/10 Chemicals, Life sciences, Pharmaceuticals, 1,590 1,070 Nuclear, Oil, Gas, Petroleum, Polymer 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10 Children & Young People 93,220 72,760 NVQ/ Participation 511,770 670,030 1,122,210 1,291,440 1,130,020 Construction 158,090 128,870 GNVQ Construction/Process & Manufacturing — — Achievement 290,880 359,690 494,340 719,020 721,850 Creative & Cultural 134,040 108,160 Notes: Creative & Cultural/Creative Media 2,180 1,680 1. All figures are rounded to the nearest 10. Creative Media 30,810 22,190 2. ‘—’ indicates a base figure of less than 5. 3. Figures include Apprenticeships, Train to Gain, University for Industry, Customer Service & Contact Centre 97,500 76,660 Adult Safeguarded Learning, Further Education/Learner Responsive Provision Employability 124,830 84,830 which includes General Further Education Colleges including Tertiary, Sixth Energy & Utility 9,650 9,620 Form Colleges, Special Colleges—Agricultural and Horticultural and Art and Design Colleges, Specialist Colleges and External Institutions. Engineering Construction Industry 1,080 1,020 4. NVQ/GNVQ includes Additional NVQ/GNVQ, GNVQ precursor and NVQ Enterprise & Small Business 9,920 7,440 but does not include non-vocational qualifications. Source: Facilities Management, Housing, Property, 29,570 25,500 Planning & Cleaning Individualised Learner Record Facilities Management, Housing, Property, —— Planning & Cleaning/Construction Nuclear Energy: Government Assistance Fashion & Textiles 4,790 3,740 Finance, Accountancy & Financial Services 66,470 47,650 : To ask the Secretary of State for Food & Drink 14,370 13,100 Business, Innovation and Skills what funding his Freight Logistics & Wholesale 56,580 47,730 Department provides to assist businesses in the nuclear Hair & Beauty 123,730 96,860 energy sector. [57320] Health & Safety 33,900 32,720 Healthcare 93,010 85,680 Hospitality, Leisure, Travel & Tourism 140,150 111,340 Mr Prisk: The Department seeks to enable UK Hospitality, Leisure, Travel & Tourism/Active 600 440 businesses, particularly manufacturers, to benefit from Leisure, Learning & Well-being opportunities resulting from the growing global civil Hospitality, Leisure, Travel & Tourism/Retail 780 660 nuclear market. This has been mainly in the form of Industrial Relations — — providing market information, helping to develop capability Justice & Community Safety 5,040 5,390 and competitiveness, and support for research and Land-Based & Environmental Industries 59,510 44,420 innovation. 229W Written Answers7 JUNE 2011 Written Answers 230W

The provision of such support has been made primarily Latent Ltd via the Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Leighs Paints Centre (NAMRC), for which this Department provided McLaren Software a £30 million capital and start-up grant, and via the low Monitor Management Control Systems carbon and advanced manufacturing elements of the Neftemer Ltd Manufacturing Advisory Service, which has included assistance on civil nuclear new build and decommissioning OPS Group Ltd opportunities. Poyry Energy (Aberdeen) Ltd In addition, a grant for business investment has been R & A Energy Ltd provided to Rolls-Royce towards the development of a Rawell Environmental Ltd new civil nuclear facility in an assisted area. This was RBG Ltd part of a £45 million package deal that will also see the Scopus Engineering Ltd company build new aerospace facilities in the UK. STATS (UK) Ltd Direct and indirect support is also provided to various Surface Active Solutions Ltd companies through the activities of the BIS funded Technor research councils and Technology Strategy Board (TSB). The Fifth Business Ltd This includes: funding for research and training provided Thomas Broadbent & Sons Ltd to universities, which often collaborate with business; through research council funded activities; recent funding Tracerco of £2 million for business-led feasibility projects via the TUV NEL Ltd TSB, and further funding for NAMRC which will be Walker Technical Resources Ltd supported as one of the seven partners that will come Wessington Cryogenics Ltd together to form the first Technology and Innovation Centre, focused on high value manufacturing. Overseas Companies: Japan

Oil Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment he Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for has made of the effect of the Japanese earthquake on Business, Innovation and Skills which UK-based British businesses working in that country; and what companies which develop and export tar sands oil support his Department has provided to such extraction technologies were in receipt of support from companies. [56397] UK Trade and Investment on the latest date for which information is available. [56287] Mr Prisk: Most British companies with significant interests in Japan have returned to normal business. Mr Prisk: The technology used to extract oil sands One or two, with assets in the affected Tohoku region, has not been seen as sufficiently distinct from more suffered direct damage and are working on repair and mainstream oil and gas technology to warrant a separate recovery. classification in UK Trade and Investment’s Customer A poll of foreign companies conducted by the Foreign Relationship Management system. It is therefore not a Chambers in Japan found uncertainty about the economic straightforward matter to identify companies with situation, and sales forecasts in the short-term. But 65% specifically oil sands-related equipment and services of the companies polled were looking for further growth, that have made use of UKTI services. with only 1% considering withdrawing. Researching a comprehensive list would incur a The Japanese suppliers of some British companies disproportionate cost. However, in recent years the have been badly affected by loss of production facilities, companies on the following list have all taken part in damage to supply chain partners or the disruption to UKTI missions, or other initiatives, related to Canadian energy supply. But many are now returning to normal oil sands developments. operations, although we expect the longer term impact 4Projects Ltd will be felt for some time, in supply chains globally. Argon (Isotank) Ltd Our UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) teams, based in Aubin Ltd Tokyo and Osaka, have been in close touch with British B2M Ltd business in Japan throughout the crisis. As concerns over the Fukushima nuclear crisis grew, British firms Caledonian Flow Systems Ltd participated in telephone calls with Government chief Caledyne Ltd scientific adviser, Sir John Beddington, who explained Centrifuges Unlimited the situation and took questions. Transcripts were made CiTECH Energy Recovery Systems Ltd available via our embassy website and through social CMP Products media. We also assisted some British companies with DNV Energy the process of importing iodine tablets for their staff, Fircroft Engineering Services Ltd and also provided iodine as a precaution to British nationals and their dependents. FTV Proclad International Ltd Global Data We continue to provide British companies with accurate and up-to-date information on doing business in Japan, Hydro Group plc which remains the world’s third largest economy and a Hydrobolt Ltd significant market for UK exporters. We are advising on IMV Projects (Wood Group) current business opportunities in a range of sectors, JAB Recruitment including some arising from the reconstruction and 231W Written Answers7 JUNE 2011 Written Answers 232W recovery programme. Our UKTI team is ready to assist Mr Denham: To ask the Secretary of State for any UK business considering their next steps in the Business, Innovation and Skills if he will publish the country, as well as any UK company in Japan in need of process by which responses to the Red Tape Challenge assistance or advice. will be assessed. [58098] Finally, I am very grateful to those British businesses Mr Prisk: All responses to the Red Tape Challenge who generously supported Her Majesty’s Government site will be considered by the relevant Secretary of State. own consular relief effort, for example by making cars Any proposals for change to existing regulation will or hotel rooms available for our use. Others took their receive full consideration as to whether they are own initiatives to provide goods and assistance to the proportionate, practical, beneficial and in keeping with stricken area for Japanese nationals. The UKTI team our wider commitments and legal obligations such as worked closely with the British Chamber to match European legislation. This will of course include appropriate requests for emergency supplies to what companies public consultation and parliamentary scrutiny. could offer. Research Prisoners: Education Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what (a) longitudinal Business, Innovation and Skills what steps he plans to and (b) other (i) research and (ii) collection of data his take to provide relevant skills to offenders to enable Department has (A) initiated, (B) terminated and (C) them to find work when they leave HM Prison amended in the last 12 months; and what such research Latchmere House. [57322] and data collection exercises undertaken by the Department have not been amended in that period. Mr Hayes: ‘Making Prisons Work: Skills for Rehabilitation’, published on 18 May 2011, sets out our [56756] reform programme for offender learning, marking a Mr Davey: This information cannot be provided due departure from existing practice. to disproportionate costs. We will make prisons places where people learn skills to build lives beyond crime, placing a much greater Science and Innovation Network focus on developing the vocational skills demanded by employers in the areas to which prisoners are to be Mr Denham: To ask the Secretary of State for released. We will put in place new learning delivery Business, Innovation and Skills pursuant to the answer contracts that focus on clusters of prisons between of 4 May 2011, Official Report, column 777W, on the which prisoners tend to move, putting a new emphasis Science and Innovation Network, what assessment he on decentralised control and accountability. has made of the effects on the Science and Innovation Network of reductions in expenditure on overseas That means prisoners preparing for release from HMP diplomatic missions by the Foreign and Latchmere House will, as our reform programme takes Commonwealth Office. [58180] effect, benefit increasingly from a co-ordinated programme of vocational activity. That activity will be delivered in a Mr Willetts: As part of the 2010 spending review coherent way across the establishments from which outcome the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) HMP Latchmere House receives prisoners, focusing on and this Department agreed to continue to fund the the vocational skills demanded by London’s employers. Science & Innovation Network (SIN) direct costs on a To bolster this, we will reflect the Government’s focus 50/50 basis with a flat cash budget from 2011-12 to on payment by results by introducing outcome incentive 2014-15. This positive outcome from a challenging spending payments: learning providers’ payments will be based, review recognises the value of the BIS/FCO Science and in part, on their success in helping get people into jobs. Innovation Network in promoting UK prosperity and growth and will enable it to continue to play an important Regulation role in promoting and supporting UK science and innovation internationally. Mr Denham: To ask the Secretary of State for The agreement enables SIN to maintain a strong Business, Innovation and Skills how many officials in presence in the highest priority countries as well as his Department are working on the Red Tape extend its coverage. In particular it will strengthen its Challenge; what the grade is of each such staff teams in Brazil and Russia and create new teams in the member; and what the salary costs are for those middle east and Africa. This strategic reorganisation officials. [58097] will improve alignment with HM Government’s priorities and maximise value for money. Mr Prisk: There are four members of staff assigned on a full-time basis to the Red Tape Challenge. One Space Technology grade 6; one grade 7 and two HEO(D)’s. The total average pay cost for these grades which include average Adam Afriyie: To ask the Secretary of State for salary, ERNIC and superannuation costs are £81,671.00; Business, Innovation and Skills what steps his £65,645.00 and £36,205.00 respectively. The total cost Department is taking to support the UK space for the team are therefore £219,706.00. There are a industry. [57957] number of other officials throughout the Department who have contributed to the Red Tape Challenge. The Mr Willetts: In the spending review settlement, the time spent by these officials on the project is not held Department allocated around £850 million to space centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate activities in the European Space Agency (ESA) and at a cost. national level. This ensures the continued UK involvement 233W Written Answers7 JUNE 2011 Written Answers 234W in key programmes, and the UK Space Agency works number of people who take up smoking and in supporting with ESA to ensure the UK industrial return from these adult smokers who want to quit. The Government will programmes. In addition, as part of the 2011 budget, undertake a full public consultation on options to reduce £10 million was provided to enhance the National the promotional impact of tobacco packaging, including Technology Programme and to accelerate the development plain packaging, before the end of 2011. The Government of the International Space Innovation Centre in Harwell. have no preferred options at this time. We have also implemented the creation of the UK Space Agency in April this year. The Government are UK Trade and Investment Defence and Security also continuing to work closely with industry to implement Organisation the growth recommendations set out in the industry-led Space Innovation and Growth Strategy published in Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for 2010. Business, Innovation and Skills what priority markets the UK Trade and Investment Defence and Security Supermarkets: Prices Organisation has identified for 2011-12. [57714]

Katy Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Prisk: UK Trade & Investment Defence and Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment he has Security Organisation (UKTI DSO) has not published made of the effects of sales in supermarkets of bread at a list of priority markets for 2011/12, as this is under a retail price below the cost of production on (a) review, but plans to do so later in the year. While UKTI employment conditions of workers and (b) DSO will focus resources for priority markets, it will not competition in the food industry. [58177] ignore opportunities in other markets. Mr Davey: None. Matters relating to the impact of Video Games: Overseas Trade below cost selling on competition in markets fall within the remit of the Office of Fair Trading. Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Tobacco: Packaging Business, Innovation and Skills how much UK Trade and Investment spent through the Tradeshow Access Programme to enable UK video game developers to Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for attend overseas trade shows in (a) 2009-10 and (b) Business, Innovation and Skills if he will ensure that no 2010-11. [57405] regulation is introduced requiring the plain packaging of tobacco products which would remove the ability of Mr Prisk: Through UK Trade and Investment’s manufacturers to distinguish their products through Tradeshow Access Programme (TAP), £55,000 was spent branding. [57510] in financial year 2009-10 and £56,000 was spent in financial year 2010-11 on assisting UK video games Mr Prisk: In March the Government published “Healthy businesses exhibit at overseas trade shows. Lives, Healthy People: A Tobacco Control Plan for England”. Within this plan, the Government have committed to look at whether the plain packaging of [Continued in Column 235W] tobacco products could be effective in reducing the

1MC Ministerial Corrections7 JUNE 2011 Ministerial Corrections 2MC

Prisoners on the enhanced level of the IEPS are Ministerial Correction allowed to have certain games consoles in possession if they pay for them themselves. The National Offender Tuesday 7 June 2011 Management Service does not collect centrally the numbers of prisoners who choose to do this and there would be disproportionate cost in obtaining this number. In addition, a very small number of consoles have been purchased for shared use in association by prisoners on the enhanced JUSTICE level of the IEPS at the following establishments: Askham Grange, Downview, Eastwood Park, New Hall and Prisoners: Females Styal. At Bronzefield, there is a games console in the Healthcare Centre. Mrs Grant: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice The correct answer should have been: how many female inmates on the prison estate have access to (a) games consoles and (b) television; and if Mr Blunt: It is not possible to the give exact number he will make a statement. [52217] of prisoners who have access to televisions and games consoles, as this changes constantly. There are currently [Official Report, 26 April 2011, Vol. 527, c. 170-71W.] 4,241 (at 8 April 2011) women in prison in England and Letter of correction from Mr Crispin Blunt: Wales, and most of them have access to television. Her An error has been identified in the written answer Majesty’s Prisons Askham Grange, Bronzefield, Eastwood given to the hon. Member for Maidstone and The Park, Holloway, Low Newton and New Hall do not Weald (Mrs Grant) on 26 April 2011. The list of prisons allow access to television where prisoners have been that provide games consoles for shared use in women’s placed on the basic level of the Incentives and Earned prisons omitted one establishment. The full answer Privileges scheme (IEPS). given was as follows: Prisoners on the enhanced level of the IEPS are allowed to have certain games consoles in possession if Mr Blunt: It is not possible to the give exact number they pay for them themselves. The National Offender of prisoners who have access to televisions and games Management Service does not collect centrally the numbers consoles, as this changes constantly. There are currently of prisoners who choose to do this and there would be 4,241 (at 8 April 2011) women in prison in England and disproportionate cost in obtaining this number. In addition, Wales, and most of them have access to television. Her a very small number of consoles have been purchased Majesty’s Prisons Askham Grange, Bronzefield, Eastwood for shared use in association by prisoners on the enhanced Park, Holloway, Low Newton and New Hall do not level of the IEPS at the following establishments: Askham allow access to television where prisoners have been Grange, Downview, East Sutton Park, Eastwood Park, placed on the basic level of the Incentives and Earned New Hall and Styal. At Bronzefield, there is a games Privileges scheme (IEPS). console in the Healthcare Centre.

ORAL ANSWERS

Tuesday 7 June 2011

Col. No. Col. No. HEALTH...... 1 HEALTH—continued Breast Screening Programme ...... 13 NHS Blood and Transplant ...... 9 Cancer Drugs Fund ...... 10 NHS (Competition and Co-operation) ...... 15 Foundation Trusts...... 11 NHS Financial Performance...... 1 Foundation Trusts...... 13 Patient Outcomes...... 8 GP Pathfinder Consortia ...... 12 Southern Cross Healthcare ...... 5 Integrated Cancer Services...... 4 Speech Therapy Services ...... 9 Mental Health Services ...... 14 Topical Questions ...... 16 Mental Health Services ...... 16 WRITTEN MINISTERIAL STATEMENTS

Tuesday 7 June 2011

Col. No. Col. No. BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS ...... 1WS HEALTH...... 13WS EU Formal Competitiveness Council (30-31 May E. coli Outbreak (Germany)...... 17WS 2011)...... 1WS National Health Service Modernisation Listening Exercise...... 15WS COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT.. 5WS Southern Cross Healthcare ...... 16WS Department’s Work (Whitsun Recess 2011) ...... 5WS Winterbourne View Private Hospital ...... 13WS

CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT ...... 6WS HOME DEPARTMENT...... 18WS Horserace Totalisator Board (The Tote)...... 6WS Prevention of Terrorism Act 2005...... 18WS EDUCATION...... 7WS Arm’s Length Body Reform...... 7WS INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT...... 18WS Commercialisation and Sexualisation of CDC Group plc ...... 18WS Childhood (Independent Review) ...... 8WS TRANSPORT ...... 21WS ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee AFFAIRS...... 10WS (Public Bodies Bill) ...... 21WS Agriculture and Fisheries Council...... 10WS Natural Environment White Paper (“The Natural Choice”)...... 12WS TREASURY ...... 2WS Money Laundering Regulations...... 2WS FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE..... 12WS Schedule 7 to Counter-Terrorism Act 2008 Civilian Service Medal (Afghanistan) ...... 12WS (Annual Report to Parliament) ...... 3WS WRITTEN ANSWERS

Tuesday 7 June 2011

Col. No. Col. No. ATTORNEY-GENERAL ...... 31W BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS—continued Prosecutions: Rape...... 31W Departmental Work Experience...... 221W Trade Unions ...... 32W English Language: Education ...... 221W Equality Act 2010 ...... 223W BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS ...... 215W Fossil Fuels ...... 223W Adult Education ...... 215W Higher Education: Regulation ...... 224W Adult Education: Fees and Charges ...... 216W Industry: Food...... 224W Apprentices...... 216W Insurance Guarantee Scheme Directive...... 224W Apprentices: Barnsley East ...... 217W Intellectual Property ...... 224W Banks: Regulation...... 217W Jewellery...... 224W Beauty Products: Channel Islands...... 218W Joint International Unit ...... 225W Business: Regulation ...... 218W Members: Correspondence ...... 226W Closed Circuit Television ...... 218W National Apprenticeship Service...... 226W Consumers: Protection...... 219W National Vocational Qualifications ...... 226W Copyright: Internet ...... 219W Nuclear Energy: Government Assistance ...... 228W Correspondence: Fraud...... 219W Oil...... 229W Creative Industries ...... 220W Overseas Companies: Japan ...... 230W Defence and Security Equipment International: Prisoners: Education...... 231W Exhibitions ...... 220W Regulation ...... 231W Departmental Responsibilities ...... 221W Research ...... 232W Col. No. Col. No. BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS—continued DEFENCE—continued Science and Innovation Network ...... 232W Navy: Catering...... 24W Space Technology ...... 232W Public Expenditure: DFID...... 25W Supermarkets: Prices...... 233W Space Technology: Surveillance ...... 25W Tobacco: Packaging ...... 233W St Helena: Airports ...... 25W UK Trade and Investment Defence and Security Third Sector...... 26W Organisation ...... 234W Trade Unions ...... 27W Video Games: Overseas Trade...... 234W DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER ...... 32W COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT.. 33W Electoral Systems...... 32W Departmental Equality ...... 33W Voting Rights: Prisoners ...... 32W Energy Performance Certificates...... 33W Fire Services: Trade Unions ...... 33W EDUCATION...... 37W Government Procurement Card ...... 33W Arts: Education...... 37W Homelessness...... 34W Children: Communication Skills ...... 37W Housing: Construction...... 35W Children: Hearing Impairment ...... 38W Landlords: Complaints ...... 35W Commercialisation and Sexualisation of Children Landlords: Prosecutions...... 35W Review ...... 39W Local Government ...... 35W Departmental Billing ...... 39W Mayors: Birmingham ...... 36W Departmental Equality ...... 39W Sheltered Housing...... 36W Departmental Ministerial Policy Advisers...... 40W Departmental Public Appointments...... 40W CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT ...... 133W Discretionary Learner Support Fund: Cornwall .... 41W British Sky Broadcasting: News Corporation...... 133W Education: Children’s Service ...... 41W Broadband ...... 133W Education Maintenance Allowance...... 41W Communications Bill ...... 133W Educational Visits ...... 45W Construction: Standards ...... 133W First Aid: Curriculum ...... 45W Creative England ...... 134W Free School Meals...... 45W Departmental Manpower...... 134W Free Schools...... 46W Departmental Research...... 134W GCE A-level...... 46W Football ...... 135W Grammar Schools...... 47W Intellectual Property and Growth ...... 136W History and Geography: Secondary Education ...... 47W Music: Licensing Laws...... 136W Primary Education: Training...... 47W Ofcom...... 136W Pupils: Identification...... 48W Olympic Games 2012 ...... 136W Reading: Teaching Methods...... 48W Sports ...... 143W School Meals: Standards...... 48W Tourism...... 143W Schools: Identification ...... 49W Tourism: Diamond Jubilee 2012...... 144W Schools: Information and Communications VAT: Sports...... 144W Technology ...... 49W Schools: Newham ...... 49W DEFENCE...... 3W Schools: Nutrition...... 50W Afghanistan: Peacekeeping Operations...... 3W Schools: Repairs and Maintenance ...... 50W Apache AH-64 Helicopter ...... 3W Secondary Education: Performance Standards ...... 51W Armed Forces: 2012 Olympics...... 3W Separation...... 51W Armed Forces: Absent Voting...... 4W Special Educational Needs...... 52W Armed Forces: Allowances...... 4W Special Educational Needs: Autism...... 53W Armed Forces: Complaints ...... 4W Teachers: Disciplinary Proceedings ...... 54W Armed Forces: Dogs ...... 5W Teachers: Schoolmasters ...... 54W Armed Forces: Health Services ...... 5W University Technical Colleges ...... 55W Armed Forces: Housing ...... 5W Vocational Guidance: Finance ...... 56W Armed Forces: Ombudsman ...... 6W Armed Forces: Schools ...... 7W ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE ...... 97W Armed Forces: Young People...... 7W Biofuels...... 97W Ascension Island: Airports...... 9W Carbon Emissions...... 98W Ballistic Missile Defence ...... 9W Carbon Emissions: Academies...... 98W Defence Exports Support Group ...... 9W Departmental Manpower...... 99W Departmental Charitable Donations...... 10W District Heating ...... 99W Departmental Data Protection...... 10W Electricity: Foreign Investment in UK ...... 103W Departmental Land ...... 11W Electricity Generation...... 100W Departmental Manpower...... 11W Electricity: Prices ...... 104W Departmental Official Visits...... 12W Energy...... 104W Departmental Public Expenditure...... 12W Energy: Billing ...... 105W Departmental Responsibilities ...... 12W Energy: Housing ...... 106W DM Beith...... 13W Energy Performance Certificates: Fines ...... 104W HMS Ark Royal...... 14W Energy: Prices ...... 106W Libya: Armed Conflict...... 14W Energy: Wales ...... 106W Military Aircraft ...... 15W Fuel Poverty...... 106W Military Alliances ...... 16W Ministerial Duties ...... 107W Military Bases...... 21W Nuclear Power...... 107W Military Police: Deployment ...... 21W Nuclear Power: Emergencies ...... 109W Military Targets ...... 24W Nuclear Power: Research ...... 110W Col. No. Col. No. ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE—continued FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE— Nuclear Power Stations: Safety ...... 109W continued Nuclear Reactors ...... 111W Foreign Relations...... 207W Oil: Pollution ...... 111W Internet ...... 207W Professional Organisations: Subscriptions...... 112W Kazakhstan: Elections ...... 208W Radioactive Waste...... 112W Libya: Armed Conflict...... 208W Radioactivity ...... 113W Libya: Oil...... 208W Renewable Energy...... 113W Libya: Politics and Government...... 209W Renewable Energy: Heating ...... 115W Middle East ...... 210W Solar Power...... 115W North Korea: Burma...... 211W Solar Power: Feed-in Tariffs...... 115W Palestinians: Politics and Government ...... 211W Technical Advisory Panel...... 116W Police: Deployment ...... 211W Wind Power ...... 117W Population ...... 212W Wind Power: Greater London...... 117W Sri Lanka: Politics and Government ...... 212W Swaziland: Human Rights ...... 212W ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL Trade Promotion...... 213W AFFAIRS...... 60W Trade Unions ...... 213W Air Pollution ...... 60W Tunisia: Politics and Government ...... 214W Bovine Tuberculosis: Vaccination...... 61W Uganda: Homosexuality ...... 214W Chewing Gum: Waste Disposal...... 61W Unemployment ...... 215W Circuses: Animal Welfare...... 62W Young People ...... 215W Departmental Billing ...... 62W Departmental Coordination: Communities and HEALTH...... 68W Local Government...... 62W Bowel Cancer: Older People...... 72W Departmental Legal Opinion ...... 63W Cancer ...... 72W Departmental Manpower...... 63W Cancer Drugs Fund ...... 68W Departmental Research...... 64W Cancer: Medical Treatments ...... 73W Departmental Travel ...... 64W Cancer: Waiting Lists...... 73W Fishery Agreements: Morocco ...... 64W Care Homes ...... 73W Fishing Catches...... 65W Care Quality Commission...... 70W Forests: Ecuador ...... 65W Colorectal Cancer: Health Services...... 74W Hares: Conservation ...... 65W Dental Services: Equipment...... 74W Inland Waterways ...... 66W Departmental Charitable Donations...... 74W Motor Vehicles: Sales...... 66W Departmental Equality ...... 74W River Rom: Pollution ...... 66W Departmental Manpower...... 75W River Thames: Standards...... 67W Drugs: Misuse...... 75W Sustainable Development...... 67W Emergency Planning ...... 69W Water: EU Law ...... 67W Enforcement Actions ...... 76W General Practitioners ...... 76W FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE..... 197W GP Commissioning Consortia ...... 69W Afghanistan: Armed Forces ...... 197W Haematological Cancer...... 76W Afghanistan: Peace Negotiations ...... 197W Health...... 77W Ai Weiwei...... 197W Health and Social Care Bill...... 69W Bahrain: Foreign Relations ...... 198W Health: Children ...... 79W Bahrain: Politics and Government ...... 198W Health Services: Learning Disability ...... 78W BBC World Service ...... 198W Health Services: Older People ...... 78W BBC World Service: Internet...... 199W Health Services: Transsexuality...... 79W Belarus: Internet ...... 199W Heart Diseases: Children...... 80W Belarus: Organisation for Security and Hospitals: Television ...... 81W Cooperation in Europe ...... 199W Infectious Diseases: Herbal Medicine ...... 81W Bosnia and Herzegovina: Politics and Influenza Vaccine...... 68W Government...... 200W Inspections...... 82W Bosnia and Herzegovnia: Politics and Leicester City Primary Care Trust: Diabetes ...... 82W Government...... 200W Leucodepletion ...... 82W BRIC Summit...... 202W Local Health Watch: Finance...... 83W British Council: Internet ...... 202W London Ambulance Service: AssetCo...... 83W British Indian Ocean Territory...... 202W Medical Equipment ...... 83W British Indian Ocean Territory: Environment Medical Treatments...... 83W Protection ...... 203W Mental Health Services: Children ...... 83W British Nationals Abroad: Prisoners ...... 203W Multiple Sclerosis...... 84W Burma: Armed Conflict ...... 203W National Clinical Directors ...... 84W Burma: Drugs ...... 204W National Health Service Litigation Authority ...... 85W Charitable Donations...... 204W Neuromuscular Services...... 85W China: Internet...... 204W NHS: Competition and Collaboration ...... 69W Cyprus: Politics and Government ...... 205W NHS: Databases...... 87W Departmental CCTV ...... 205W NHS: Disadvantaged ...... 87W Diplomatic Service...... 206W NHS: Finance ...... 87W Diplomatic Service: Internet ...... 206W NHS Financial Performance...... 68W Elections ...... 206W NHS: Private Patients ...... 88W Embassies ...... 206W NHS: Reforms ...... 88W EU External Relations ...... 207W NHS: Research ...... 88W Col. No. Col. No. HEALTH—continued PRIME MINISTER—continued NHS: Sick Leave...... 89W IRA...... 2W NHS Trusts...... 86W Older People: Domestic Accidents ...... 89W SCOTLAND...... 31W Older People: Weather ...... 89W Departmental Equality ...... 31W Orphan Drugs...... 90W Paramedical Staff: Crimes of Violence...... 90W TRANSPORT ...... 174W Passive Smoking: Infants ...... 91W Airlines ...... 174W Physiotherapy ...... 91W Aviation: Air Pollution...... 175W Prescriptions ...... 92W Aviation: Russia ...... 175W Respite Care: Finance ...... 93W Aviation: Security...... 176W School milk...... 93W Aviation: Snow and Ice ...... 176W Smoking: Young People ...... 94W Biofuels...... 177W Social Services...... 94W Convention on International Civil Aviation ...... 177W Social Services: Finance ...... 95W Departmental Billing ...... 177W Southern Cross Healthcare: Older People ...... 95W Departmental Buildings...... 178W Stress...... 95W Departmental CCTV ...... 178W Subarachnoid Haemorrhages...... 96W Departmental Redundancy ...... 178W Sunderland Hospital: Manpower...... 96W Departmental Research...... 180W Tobacco ...... 96W Departmental Travel ...... 182W Walking...... 97W Electric Vehicles ...... 183W Exports: Livestock ...... 184W HOUSE OF COMMONS COMMISSION ...... 1W Great Western Railway: Franchises...... 184W Manpower...... 1W Great Western Railway Line...... 184W Pay...... 1W High Speed 2 Railway Line ...... 184W Highways Agency: Fees and Charges ...... 184W INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT...... 57W Highways Agency: Fuels ...... 185W Departmental Charitable Donations...... 57W Level Crossings: Accidents...... 185W Departmental Manpower...... 57W Members: Correspondence ...... 185W Developing Countries: Climate Change ...... 57W Motor Vehicles: Testing ...... 185W Developing Countries: Roads...... 58W Network Rail: Repairs and Maintenance ...... 186W Ecuador: Rain Forests...... 58W Oxford-Hereford Railway Line ...... 186W Elections ...... 58W Piracy...... 186W Pakistan: Overseas Aid ...... 59W Public Transport: Crimes of Violence ...... 187W Tanzania: BAE Systems ...... 59W Public Transport: Fares...... 187W Yemen: International Assistance ...... 60W Public Transport: Fuels...... 187W Public Transport: Tickets ...... 188W JUSTICE...... 145W Railways...... 188W Civil Litigation: Legal Costs ...... 145W Railways: Cost Effectiveness ...... 188W Convictions...... 146W Railways: Passengers...... 188W Convictions: Hunting...... 147W Railways: Snow and Ice...... 188W Departmental Manpower...... 147W Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation...... 189W Drugs: Prosecutions ...... 148W Rescue Services ...... 190W Employment Tribunals Service...... 153W Rescue Services: Scotland ...... 190W European Court of Human Rights ...... 153W Roads: Accidents ...... 190W Isis Prison and Young Offender Institution...... 157W Roads: Hexham...... 192W Legal Aid: Lone Parents ...... 158W Roads: Repairs and Maintenance...... 192W Legal Aid: Young People ...... 158W Roads: Snow and Ice...... 193W Members: Correspondence ...... 158W Rolling Stock: Procurement ...... 194W Military Corrective Training Centre: Young Southeastern Trains ...... 194W People ...... 159W Speed Limits ...... 195W Portland Young Offender Institution ...... 159W Transport: Exhaust Emissions...... 195W Prison Accommodation ...... 159W West Coast Railway Line ...... 196W Prisoner Escorts...... 160W Prisons: Security ...... 159W TREASURY ...... 117W Prisons: Television ...... 161W Business: Regulation ...... 117W Prosecutions: Landlords...... 163W Carbon Emissions...... 118W Rape...... 164W Child Benefit...... 119W Rape: Convictions...... 165W Child Benefit: Applications...... 119W Rape: Sentencing...... 167W Child Care Tax Credit: Barnsley ...... 122W Recall to Custody...... 167W Corporation Tax ...... 122W Reoffenders...... 169W Corporation Tax: Tax Rates and Bands ...... 123W Sentencing...... 169W Departmental Charitable Donations...... 123W Social Security Benefits: Appeals ...... 171W Departmental Compensation...... 123W Youth Custody...... 173W Departmental Data Protection...... 124W Departmental Mobile Phones ...... 124W NORTHERN IRELAND ...... 31W Departmental Research...... 124W Departmental Charitable Donations...... 31W Disadvantaged: Financial Services...... 125W Employment Agencies...... 125W PRIME MINISTER ...... 2W Enterprise Investment Scheme ...... 125W Devolution: Wales...... 2W Excise Duties: Fuels ...... 126W Col. No. Col. No. TREASURY—continued TREASURY—continued Financial Services Compensation Scheme...... 126W Taxation: Construction ...... 132W Gift Aid ...... 127W VAT ...... 132W Income Tax: Greater London...... 127W VAT: Financial Services ...... 132W Income Tax: Warrington...... 127W Insurance: EU Law ...... 128W WALES...... 30W Mortgages...... 128W Charitable Donations...... 30W Northern Rock plc ...... 128W Departmental Equality ...... 30W Public Expenditure...... 129W Departmental Research...... 30W Revenue and Customs: Deloitte ...... 129W Wales ...... 30W Social Enterprises: Renewable Energy...... 129W WOMEN AND EQUALITIES...... 29W Tax Allowances: Age...... 129W Departmental Legal Costs ...... 29W Tax Collection: Appeals...... 130W Government Equalities Office: Equality and Tax Credit: Income ...... 130W Human Rights ...... 29W Taxation...... 130W Homophobia: Transphobia...... 29W MINISTERIAL CORRECTION

Tuesday 7 June 2011

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CONTENTS

Tuesday 7 June 2011

List of Government and Principal Officers and Officials of the House

Oral Answers to Questions [Col. 1] [see index inside back page] Secretary of State for Health

Winterbourne View Care Home [Col. 23] Answer to urgent question—(Mr Burstow)

Middle East and North Africa [Col. 31] Statement—(Mr Hague)

Prevent Strategy [Col. 52] Statement—(Mrs May)

Kinship Carers (Parental Responsibility Agreements) [Col. 65] Motion for leave to bring in Bill—(Kerry McCarthy)—agreed to Bill presented, and read the First time

Terrorism Prevention and Investigation Measures Bill [Col. 69] Motion for Second Reading—(Mrs May)—agreed to

Care Services (Older People) [Col. 132] Debate on motion for Adjournment

Westminster Hall Dairy Farming [Col. 1WH] Heritage Assets [Col. 17WH] City Status (Reading) [Col. 42WH] Emergency Life Skills [Col. 51WH] Stonnall Road, Aldridge [Col. 60WH] Debates on motion for Adjournment

Written Ministerial Statements [Col. 1WS]

Written Answers to Questions [Col. 1W] [see index inside back page]

Ministerial Correction [Col. 1MC]