Monday Volume 585 1 September 2014 No. 29

HOUSE OF COMMONS OFFICIAL REPORT

PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES (HANSARD)

Monday 1 September 2014

£5·00 © Parliamentary Copyright House of Commons 2014 This publication may be reproduced under the terms of the Open Parliament licence, which is published at www.parliament.uk/site-information/copyright/. HER MAJESTY’S GOVERNMENT

MEMBERS OF THE CABINET

(FORMED BY THE RT HON.DAVID CAMERON,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. Nick Clegg, MP FIRST SECRETARY OF STATE AND LEADER OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS—The Rt Hon. William Hague CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER—The Rt Hon. George Osborne, MP CHIEF SECRETARY TO THE TREASURY—The Rt Hon. Danny Alexander, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS—The Rt Hon. Philip Hammond, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENT—The Rt Hon. Theresa May, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DEFENCE—The Rt Hon. Michael Fallon, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR BUSINESS,INNOVATION AND SKILLS AND PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF TRADE—The Rt Hon. Vince Cable, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WORK AND PENSIONS—The Rt Hon. Iain Duncan Smith, MP LORD CHANCELLOR AND SECRETARY OF STATE FOR JUSTICE—The Rt Hon. Chris Grayling, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR EDUCATION AND MINISTER FOR WOMEN AND EQUALITIES—The Rt Hon. Nicky Morgan, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT—The Rt Hon. Eric Pickles, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR HEALTH—The Rt Hon. Jeremy Hunt, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR ENVIRONMENT,FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS—The Rt Hon. Elizabeth Truss, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT—The Rt Hon. Justine Greening, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR SCOTLAND—The Rt Hon. Alistair Carmichael, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE—The Rt Hon. Edward Davey, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR TRANSPORT—The Rt Hon. Patrick McLoughlin, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR CULTURE,MEDIA AND SPORT—The Rt Hon. Sajid Javid, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR NORTHERN IRELAND—The Rt Hon. Theresa Villiers, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WALES—The Rt Hon. Stephen Crabb, MP

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. Greg Clark, MP (Minister for Universities, Science and Cities) § Nick Boles, MP (Minister for Skills and Equalities) § The Rt Hon. Matthew Hancock, MP (Minister for Business and Enterprise) § Edward Vaizey, MP (Minister for Culture and the Digital Economy)§ Lord Livingston of Parkhead (Minister for Trade and Investment) § PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE— George Freeman § Jo Swinson, MP § Baroness Neville-Rolfe, DBE, CMG Cabinet Office— MINISTER FOR THE CABINET OFFICE AND PAYMASTER GENERAL—The Rt Hon. Francis Maude, MP MINISTER FOR GOVERNMENT POLICY AND CHANCELLOR OF THE DUCHY OF LANCASTER—The Rt Hon. Oliver Letwin, MP MINISTERS OF STATE— The Rt Hon. David Laws, MP § The Rt Hon. Greg Clark, MP § Joseph Johnson, MP PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY— Brooks Newmark, MP (Minister for Civil Society) Sam Gyimah, MP § MINISTER WITHOUT PORTFOLIO—The Rt Hon. Grant Shapps, MP Communities and Local Government— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Eric Pickles, MP MINISTER OF STATE—Brandon Lewis, MP PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE— Stephen Williams, MP Kris Hopkins, MP Penny Mordaunt, MP Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon ii HER MAJESTY’S GOVERNMENT—cont.

Culture, Media and Sport— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Sajid Javid, MP MINISTER FOR CULTURE AND THE DIGITAL ECONOMY—Edward Vaizey, MP § PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE—Helen Grant, MP Defence— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Michael Fallon, MP MINISTERS OF STATE— The Rt Hon. Mark Francois, MP (Minister for the Armed Forces) Anna Soubry, MP PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE— Philip Dunne, MP Julian Brazier, MP Lord Astor of Hever, DL Education— SECRETARY OF STATE AND MINISTER FOR WOMEN AND EQUALITIES—The Rt Hon. Nicky Morgan, MP MINISTERS OF STATE— The Rt Hon. David Laws, MP (Minister for Schools) § Nick Gibb, MP Nick Boles, MP (Minister for Skills and Equalities) § PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE— Edward Timpson, MP Sam Gyimah, MP § Lord Nash PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WOMEN AND EQUALITIES—Jo Swinson, MP § Energy and Climate Change— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Edward Davey, MP MINISTER OF STATE— The Rt Hon. Matthew Hancock, MP § PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE— Amber Rudd, MP Baroness Verma Environment, Food and Rural Affairs— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Elizabeth Truss, MP PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE— George Eustice, MP Dan Rogerson, MP Lord de Mauley, TD Foreign and Commonwealth Office— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Philip Hammond, MP MINISTERS OF STATE— The Rt Hon. David Lidington, MP (Minister for Europe) The Rt Hon. Hugo Swire, MP Lord Livingston of Parkhead § Baroness Anelay of St Johns, DBE PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE— James Duddridge, MP Tobias Ellwood, MP Health— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Jeremy Hunt, MP MINISTER OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Norman Lamb, MP PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE— Daniel Poulter, MP George Freeman § Jane Ellison, MP The Rt Hon. Earl Howe Home Office— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Theresa May, MP MINISTERS OF STATE— The Rt Hon. Norman Baker, MP (Minister for Crime Prevention) James Brokenshire (Minister for Security and Immigration) The Rt Hon. Mike Penning, MP (Minister for Policing, Criminal Justice and Victims) § PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE— Karen Bradley, MP Lord Bates HER MAJESTY’S GOVERNMENT—cont. iii

International Development— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Justine Greening, MP MINISTER OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Desmond Swayne, MP PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE— The Rt Hon. Lynne Featherstone, MP Justice— LORD CHANCELLOR AND SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Chris Grayling, MP MINISTERS OF STATE— The Rt Hon. Simon Hughes, MP The Rt Hon. Mike Penning, MP (Minister for Policing, Criminal Justice and Victims) § Lord Faulks PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE— Shailesh Vara, MP Andrew Selous, MP § Law Officers— ATTORNEY-GENERAL—The Rt Hon. Jeremy Wright, QC, MP SOLICITOR-GENERAL—Robert Buckland, QC, MP ADVOCATE-GENERAL FOR SCOTLAND—The Rt Hon. Lord Wallace of Tankerness, QC § Leader of the House of Commons— FIRST SECRETARY OF STATE AND LEADER OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS—The Rt Hon. William Hague, MP DEPUTY LEADER OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS—The Rt Hon. Tom Brake, MP Northern Ireland— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Theresa Villiers, MP PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE—Andrew Murrison, 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. Alistair Carmichael, MP PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. David Mundell, MP Transport— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Patrick McLoughlin, MP MINISTERS OF STATE— Baroness Kramer The Rt Hon. John Hayes, MP PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE— Robert Goodwill, MP Claire Perry, 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—David Gauke, MP EXCHEQUER SECRETARY—Priti Patel, MP ECONOMIC SECRETARY—Andrea Leadsom, MP COMMERCIAL SECRETARY—Lord Deighton, KBE PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY—The Rt Hon. Michael Gove, MP LORDS COMMISSIONERS— Mark Lancaster, MP David Evennett, MP John Penrose, MP Gavin Barwell, MP Harriet Baldwin, MP Alun Cairns, MP § ASSISTANT WHIPS— Andrew Selous, MP § Thérèse Coffey, MP Mel Stride, MP Ben Wallace, MP Damian Hinds, MP Mark Hunter, MP Jenny Willott, MP iv HER MAJESTY’S GOVERNMENT—cont.

Wales Office— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Stephen Crabb, MP PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE Alun Cairns, MP § Baroness Randerson Work and Pensions— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Iain Duncan Smith, MP MINISTERS OF STATE— The Rt Hon. Esther McVey, MP (Minister for Employment) The Rt Hon. Steve Webb, MP (Minister for Pensions) Mark Harper, MP PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE— Lord Freud Office of the Leader of the House of Lords— LEADER OF THE HOUSE OF LORDS AND LORD PRIVY SEAL—Baroness Stowell of Beeston, MBE DEPUTY LEADER OF THE HOUSE OF LORDS—The Rt. Hon. Lord Wallace of Tankerness § 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. Greg Hands, MP COMPTROLLER—The Rt Hon. Don Foster, MP VICE-CHAMBERLAIN—Anne Milton, MP CAPTAIN OF THE HONOURABLE CORPS OF GENTLEMEN-AT-ARMS—Lord Taylor of Holbeach, CBE CAPTAIN OF THE QUEEN’S BODYGUARD OF THE YEOMEN OF THE GUARD—The Rt Hon. Lord Newby, OBE BARONESSES IN WAITING—Baroness Northover, Baroness Jolly, Baroness Williams of Trafford LORDS IN WAITING—Lord Gardiner of Kimble, The Rt Hon. Lord Wallace of Saltaire, Lord Popat, Lord Ashton of Hyde, Lord Bourne § Members of the Government listed under more than one Department

SECOND CHURCH ESTATES COMMISSIONER, REPRESENTING CHURCH COMMISSIONERS—The Rt Hon. Sir Tony Baldry, MP HOUSE OF COMMONS THE SPEAKER—The Rt Hon. John Bercow, MP CHAIRMAN OF WAYS AND MEANS—The Rt Hon. Lindsay Hoyle, MP FIRST DEPUTY CHAIRMAN OF WAYS AND MEANS—Mrs Eleanor Laing, 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, The Rt Hon.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, Sir Roger Gale, MP, Mr James Gray, MP, Mr Dai Havard, MP, Mr Philip Hollobone, MP, Mr Jim Hood, MP, The Rt Hon. George Howarth, MP, Sir Edward Leigh, MP, Dr William McCrea, MP, Miss Anne McIntosh, MP, Mrs Anne Main, MP, Sir Alan Meale, MP, Sandra Osborne, MP, Albert Owen, MP, Mark Pritchard, MP, Mrs Linda Riordan, MP, John Robertson, MP, Andrew Rosindell, MP, Mr Adrian Sanders, MP, Jim Sheridan, MP, Mr Gary Streeter, MP, Mr Andrew Turner, MP, Mr Charles Walker, MP, Mr Mike Weir, MP, Hywel Williams, MP SECRETARY—Matthew Hamlyn HOUSE OF COMMONS COMMISSION The Rt Hon. The Speaker (Chairman), Sir Paul Beresford, MP, Mr Frank Doran, MP, Ms Angela Eagle, MP, The Rt Hon. William Hague, MP, The Rt Hon. John Thurso, MP SECRETARY OF THE COMMISSION—Robert Twigger ASSISTANT SECRETARY—Sarah Heath ADMINISTRATION ESTIMATE AUDIT COMMITTEE Dame Janet Gaymer, DBE (Chair), Ms Angela Eagle, MP, The Rt Hon. Sir Alan Haselhurst, MP, The Rt Hon. John Thurso, MP, Stephen Brooker, Barbara Scott SECRETARY OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE—Ben Williams LIAISON COMMITTEE The Rt Hon. Sir Alan Beith, MP (Chair), Mr Graham Allen, MP, Mr Adrian Bailey, MP, The Rt Hon. Kevin Barron, MP, Dame Anne Begg, MP, Mr Clive Betts, MP, The Rt Hon. Sir Malcolm Bruce, MP, Mr William Cash, MP, Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, MP, Mr Ian Davidson, MP, DavidTCDavies, MP, James Duddridge, MP, Mrs Louise Ellman, MP, Natascha Engel, MP, Dr Hywel Francis, MP, The Rt Hon. Sir Alan Haselhurst, MP, The Rt Hon. Margaret Hodge, MP, Mr Bernard Jenkin, MP, Miss Anne McIntosh, MP, Andrew Miller, MP, Mr George Mudie, MP, Sir Richard Ottaway, MP, Mr Laurence Robertson, MP, Rory Stewart, MP, Mr Graham Stuart, MP, The Rt Hon. John Thurso, MP, Mr Andrew Tyrie, MP, The Rt Hon. Keith Vaz, MP, Mr Charles Walker, MP, Joan Walley, MP, Mr John Whittingdale, MP, Mr Tim Yeo, MP CLERKS—Andrew Kennon, Philippa Helme MANAGEMENT BOARD David Natzler (Clerk Assistant and Director General, Chamber and Committee 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), Dame Janet Gaymer, DBE (External Member), Barbara Scott (External Member) SECRETARY OF THE MANAGEMENT BOARD—Tom Goldsmith SPEAKER’S SECRETARY—Peter Barratt SPEAKER’S COUNSEL—Michael Carpenter, CB SPEAKER’S CHAPLAIN—Rev. Rose Hudson-Wilkin PARLIAMENTARY COMMISSIONER FOR STANDARDS—Kathryn Hudson PARLIAMENTARY SECURITY DIRECTOR—Paul Martin, CBE

1 September 2014

THE PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES OFFICIAL REPORT

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

SIXTY-THIRD YEAR OF THE REIGN OF HER MAJESTY QUEEN ELIZABETH II

SIXTH SERIES VOLUME 585 FOURTH VOLUME OF SESSION 2014-2015

without prior legislation. As I have said, there is a House of Commons compelling case for such a separation, but any change would, of course, require the support of the House. Monday 1 September 2014 The second concern is for pre-appointment scrutiny, and was initially put forward by the hon. Member for The House met at half-past Two o’clock North East Somerset (Jacob Rees-Mogg). A strong case can be made for it and, on this point also, I wish to hear colleagues’ views. PRAYERS In the circumstances, and having discussed the matter with the Leader and shadow Leader of the House, I [MR SPEAKER in the Chair] believe that a modest pause in the recruitment process is desirable while such issues are explored and the views of Speaker’s Statement Members solicited in detail. In the meantime, the functions of the Clerk and 2.33 pm Chief Executive will be distributed among members of the Management Board. I am sure that the whole Mr Speaker: I wish to make a statement concerning House will wish them well in the discharge of these the Clerk and Chief Executive of the House. Currently, important duties, while the matter is resolved with good these two roles are combined in a single post, despite will and by consensus. their very different nature. Over the years, Parliament’s affairs have become more complex, its budget has ordinarily risen and decisions—such as on a potential refurbishment of the House—have become unavoidable. Thus, highly Oral Answers to Questions skilled management is now vital, as much as expertise in procedure. Yet my preference for separating the two aspects of the post did not meet with sufficient support before the recruitment process started and, in consequence, WORK AND PENSIONS the combined position of Clerk and Chief Executive was openly advertised. The Secretary of State was asked— A range of candidates was considered by an interview Benefit Assessment (Charges) panel consisting of five hon. Members and a lay member, Dame Julie Mellor. Two rounds of interviews were 1. Andrew Griffiths (Burton) (Con): What assessment conducted and at each stage the panel sought to select he has made of the level of charges levied by doctors one person who could meet the demanding twin roles for completing benefit assessment information. [905098] both of procedural adviser to the House and of its Chief Executive Officer. The Minister of State, Department for Work and The panel reached its decision on 30 July. However, a Pensions (Mr Mark Harper): The Department is able to number of colleagues have since expressed disquiet. request medical information from doctors as part of the Their concerns fall into two broad categories. The first, process of assessing an individual’s entitlement to benefit; helpfully raised by the right hon. Member for Rutland for example, doctors have to complete the fit note and and Melton (Sir Alan Duncan), is whether the panel the ESA113 forms and they have also to complete, should have recommended separating the roles. I was where we pay them, forms related to the application for advised that the panel could not adopt this approach the personal independence payment. 3 Oral Answers1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Oral Answers 4

Andrew Griffiths: I thank the Minister for that answer, recruiting doctors to submit the medical information. but East Staffordshire citizens advice bureau has raised Will the Minister examine this situation urgently, because with me concerns that GPs are charging vulnerable it is obviously causing huge distress to people who are constituents of mine up to £135 to provide information having to wait well over a year for their claims to be requested as part of the work capability assessment. looked at? Although his Department is not responsible for those charges, does he share my concern that vulnerable people Mr Harper: I am not quite sure whether when the on benefits are being charged this amount of money hon. Lady talks about Atos she is referring to the work and may actually not be able to access benefits to which capability assessment— they are entitled? Kerry McCarthy indicated assent. Mr Harper: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for Mr Harper: She nods to say that she is. We have made raising that point. Certainly as far as the WCA for the inroads into the backlog of claims, and it is worth employment and support allowance is concerned, GPs remembering that ESA claimants will normally be in are contractually required to provide a fit note and to receipt of benefit while they are waiting for the work provide the ESA113 form, so perhaps if he and I speak capability assessment to be looked at. afterwards I can get further details of the specific case he mentions, because it may raise some issues that need Pensions (Auto-enrolment) to be drawn to my attention. 2. David Mowat (Warrington South) (Con): What Mr Frank Field (Birkenhead) (Lab): Might the Minister steps he is taking to ensure that employees will not be extend that invitation to other Members of the House auto-enrolled into high-cost pension schemes. [905099] who are equally concerned about the charges made on The Minister for Pensions (Steve Webb): As part of our poorer constituents so that they can make benefits our strategy to ensure value for money in pension appeals? I am talking about ESA. Can he justify a savings, we announced earlier this year that we would group who are among the top 1% of salary earners in protect members of pension schemes used for automatic this country charging our constituents these extraordinary enrolment by introducing a default fund cap of 0.75% rates, in order that our constituents may try to establish from April 2015. We will shortly publish more details their right, for example, to ESA? on the implementation of the charges measures. Mr Harper: As I said in answer to my hon. Friend the David Mowat: I thank the Pensions Minister for that Member for Burton (Andrew Griffiths), when people answer, and I congratulate him on introducing that cap, are applying for ESA in the first place the Department which is half the level of the one introduced by the obviously asks them to provide any medical information previous Government for stakeholder pensions. Over they think will be helpful, and as part of that process time, our cap will save pensioners £1 billion a year. Can GPs are required contractually to fill in a specific form. he confirm, for the avoidance of doubt, that the cap will Constituents should not be charged for extra information also apply to older, legacy pension schemes, some of provided on top of that as part of their application. If which currently charge up to 2% per annum? the right hon. Gentleman wants to give me the information, I will be very happy to look into the specific case he Steve Webb: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for his mentions. supportive comments. Focusing on automatic enrolment, I am pleased to tell him that we aim to protect as many Paul Maynard (Blackpool North and Cleveleys) (Con): members of automatic enrolment qualifying schemes as Does the Minister share my concern that one major possible, regardless of when they started contributing. reason for inappropriate decisions is a complete lack of From April 2015, the cap will therefore apply both to evidence submitted by general practitioners and hospital members of schemes newly set up for automatic enrolment doctors, without whom no appropriate decision can be and existing qualifying schemes for auto-enrolment. made? What views does he have on trying to encourage hospital doctors also to provide this information, to Barry Gardiner (Brent North) (Lab): How concerned allow the right decision to be made first time around? is the Minister about savers who want to take advantage of new pension flexibilities being subject to huge penalties Mr Harper: Again, the rules are very clear: under a in exiting their scheme? What action is he taking to long-standing agreement, NHS hospitals and trusts are ensure that that cannot happen? obliged to provide the relevant information free of Steve Webb: The hon. Gentleman raises an important charge and within 10 working days. However, from point. A review of legacy pension schemes is under way, listening to my hon. Friend’s question it sounds as if he under the auspices of the Association of British Insurers, may have encountered at least one case where that has and the issue of excessive exit fees is part of it. In most not happened. I will speak to him afterwards to see cases, the terms of schemes will allow people to access whether that raises any issues about whether this policy, their budget flexibilities, but there may be some where which is clear, is actually being implemented by NHS the contract and scheme rules impose a charge, and that organisations. is a contract that people have entered into. Kerry McCarthy (Bristol East) (Lab): When people in Miss Anne McIntosh (Thirsk and Malton) (Con): my office were chasing up Atos the other day, they were Locally, auto-enrolment seems to be working smoothly told that it is still dealing with ESA claims from the for those on monthly salaries, but it is incredibly difficult beginning of 2013, and that one reason for not being for those on weekly wages. Are the Government familiar able to process claims more quickly was a difficulty in with that? Is the Minister able to assist in that regard? 5 Oral Answers1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Oral Answers 6

Steve Webb: We have made a number of changes to publish in future. We will pre-announce that publication make sure that auto-enrolment works as smoothly as in due course, in line with the UK Statistics Authority’s possible for the whole diversity of employment scenarios, code of practice. such as the one to which my hon. Friend refers. The point about automatic enrolment is that where someone Nick Smith: How much has the Department for who is paid weekly exceeds the threshold once, they Work and Pensions returned to the Treasury because of should be automatically enrolled. If in a subsequent the delayed implementation of the PIP? week they earn below the threshold, nothing happens—no payment is due and no payment is made. If they go Mr Harper: The Department has not returned any above the threshold again, payment is made, but there is money to the Treasury as a result of the delays. There no re-enrolment, disenrolment or leaving of the scheme. have been delays in processing these payments. I know The complexity is often in perception, rather than in they cause issues for constituents, which is why my right reality. If she is aware of individual employers who have hon. Friend the Secretary of State made a clear commitment particular problems, I would be pleased, as always, to to reduce the waiting times by the autumn and then receive details. again by the end of the year. One of my top priorities, having started this job in July, is to get that reform Gregg McClymont (Cumbernauld, Kilsyth and process under way so that we can deliver that improved Kirkintilloch East) (Lab): May I press the Minister performance to benefit all our constituents. further on the question asked by my hon. Friend the Member for Brent North (Barry Gardiner)? The Heidi Alexander: One of my constituents, a single Government have changed the rules on pension flexibility mum who has been undergoing chemotherapy for breast at retirement, or are in the course of changing them, yet cancer, waited over nine months for her PIP claim to be there are members of pension schemes who will face processed. It was sorted out only after my intervention. huge exit penalties if they wish to take advantage of When will the Minister admit that it is not just how long those flexibilities. Does he think pension savers in that the claims are taking to process but the fact that the situation will be comforted by his saying today, “Well, system is utterly shambolic that is causing untold hardship they entered into a contract and they have to put up to many people who are already living in very difficult with it”? The Government are changing the rules, so circumstances? surely those savers deserve to be able to take advantage of the flexibilities just as much as anyone else. Mr Harper: I would say two things. Clearly, I am Steve Webb: I do not think that the hon. Gentleman disappointed to hear about the circumstances that the in his heart of hearts really wants these flexibilities. We hon. Lady’s constituent has faced, which is why we are announced in the Budget the flexibility for people to focusing on improving the system. My predecessor, my access their money at 55, in full and in cash if they want right hon. Friend the Member for Hemel Hempstead to do so. Clearly a minority of schemes—it is important (Mike Penning), put a lot of work into improving the not to exaggerate the scale of this—have contractual position for constituents who have terminal illnesses. terms that relate to the basis on which money can be We have made significant strides there, reducing processing withdrawn. We are not overwriting the rules of existing times almost to the level we would expect, which is a schemes, but we are talking to the industry to ensure matter of days. We are now focusing on other claims, so that as many people as possible can access their cash. that constituents such as those of the hon. Lady will not have to wait for that length of time in the future. Personal Independence Payment Bridget Phillipson: In his earlier response, the Minister said that claimants are having to wait too long, but is it 3. Nick Smith (Blaenau Gwent) (Lab): How long the not the case, as Atos acknowledged in an e-mail to me, average wait for an assessment for a personal that that is on average 26 weeks? Surely it is wholly independence payment was on the latest date for which unacceptable to leave people in hardship and distress figures are available. [905100] while they wait. What will the Minister do to sort out that chaos? 4. Heidi Alexander (Lewisham East) (Lab): How long the average wait for an assessment for a personal Mr Harper: First, I agree that the wait is too long. independence payment was on the latest date for which My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has made it figures are available. [905101] clear that no one should be waiting longer than 26 weeks by the autumn, and 16 weeks by the end of the year, and 13. Bridget Phillipson (Houghton and Sunderland we will make sure that that happens. As regards hardship, South) (Lab): How long the average wait for an PIP is not an income-replacement benefit for those out assessment for a personal independence payment was of work. It is paid in work and out of work. There are on the latest date for which figures are available. other benefits available such as employment and support [905111] allowance, which can help those people who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own. The Minister of State, Department for Work and Pensions (Mr Mark Harper): The straightforward answer Nigel Mills (Amber Valley) (Con): What scope is is that claimants have to wait for too long. We are there for increasing the number of people who can get committed to putting that right by clearing backlogs PIP without having to go through the medical assessment? and improving processing time. Analysts in the Department If written evidence is clear that they are entitled to it, are currently considering what information we should why waste everyone’s time by going through an assessment? 7 Oral Answers1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Oral Answers 8

Mr Harper: I agree with my hon. Friend. It is a Older Workers relatively new benefit, and what we are trying to ensure is that in cases where there is clear medical evidence for 5. Mr David Amess (Southend West) (Con): What the impact of someone’s disability, the decision can be recent steps his Department has taken to support older made without their having to come in for a face-to-face workers. [905102] assessment. That was not happening enough in the earlier stages; it is one of the improvements that we are making. The Minister for Pensions (Steve Webb): The Government have abolished the default retirement age, extended the right to request flexible working and given people more Charles Hendry (Wealden) (Con): A constituent has freedom in how they draw their pension pots to smooth contacted me to tell me that when he turned up for his the transition to retirement. We recently published “Fuller assessment he was told that it had been cancelled because Working Lives: a framework for action”, which sets out there were too many people waiting, so he was sent the business case for employing older workers, and we home. He then missed two further appointments, arguably have appointed Dr Ros Altmann as the Government’s through no fault of his own, and has now been refused business champion for older workers. a further assessment. Will the Minister intervene to ensure that, as the first one was cancelled through no Mr Amess: Does the Minister agree that with changing fault of his own and was a result of a mistake by the demographics—for instance, on Sunday 5 October in assessors, a new assessment can be booked for him as Southend there will be the largest gathering of centenarians soon as possible? in the world ever—employers should recognise the experience that an ageing population has to offer? Mr Harper: Clearly, I do not know the facts of the case. If my hon. Friend contacts my office after questions, Steve Webb: My hon. Friend is quite right that older I will of course consider it and see what we can do to workers have valuable knowledge and experience and ensure that his constituent gets an assessment and that that employers who fail to retain their older workers are if he is entitled to the benefit, he can receive it. losing important skills from their work force. However, I can assure my hon. Friend and the centenarians who will be attending his event in Southend that we do not Stephen Mosley (City of Chester) (Con): May I first require them actively to seek work. welcome the Minister’s refreshingly clear and straightforward response to the initial question? To get things right, we must first admit that things are not Mr Gerry Sutcliffe (Bradford South) (Lab):What will working perfectly. To that end, has he been able to the Government do to support those workers who, assess how different assessment centres compare against owing to the raising of the pension age in some key one another and whether any good practice from one public services, might not be physically active enough to can be carried over to the others? do their current jobs?

Mr Harper: My hon. Friend makes a very good Steve Webb: The hon. Gentleman raises an important point. He will know that we have committed to two point. In a world where people will be of working age independent reviews of the PIP assessment, the first of for potentially 50 years, assuming that they will do a which will report to Parliament at the end of this year. single job for their whole life is increasingly unrealistic. Last week I had the opportunity to meet Paul Gray, We need to do a great deal more to enable people to who is carrying out that review, and I am confident that transition into less physically demanding jobs. We have his report will give us lots of useful things that we can recently piloted something called the mid-life career do to improve matters on top of the things that we review, which starts people thinking much earlier about already do. what they might be able to do later in life and other courses of action that might be open to them. We also need to challenge employer attitudes, which we are Dame Anne Begg (Aberdeen South) (Lab): Delays in doing. getting a decision are causing other problems which I hope the Minister will look into. First, people are Nick de Bois (Enfield North) (Con): Although waiting so long that the sum they eventually get from unemployment in my constituency is down a welcome the DWP puts them above the capital limits, which can 35% and youth unemployment is down by 40%, affect their income-related benefits and cause problems unemployment among those over 50 has stubbornly not with their housing benefit. Secondly, there seems to be reduced by the same rate. Will the Minister therefore some sort of computer glitch that means that when endorse and welcome Enfield North’s first online older somebody is on ESA and is then awarded PIP the ESA employees forum, which we have set up, along with our stops and it takes some time for them to get that older employees forum and jobs fair on 26 October? payment. Will the Minister consider both problems? Steve Webb: I am very pleased to hear about the Mr Harper: I will certainly consider the points that activity in which my hon. Friend is engaged. We are not the hon. Lady makes. I am due before her Select Committee asking for charity as regards employing older workers, a week Thursday for an extensive session on the personal and we often find when we talk to employers that many independence payment. I am sure that she will ask me of them get it already. They realise that recruiting and that question then and I hope that I will have a detailed retaining older workers benefits both young and old in answer prepared for her in advance. the work force, and we want to see a lot more of that. 9 Oral Answers1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Oral Answers 10

Fiona Mactaggart (Slough) (Lab): Why does “Fuller Mr Harper: I thank the hon. Lady for welcoming me Working Lives”not recognise the difference in the experience to my post. I agree with her. She is absolutely right—I of older women workers and older men workers? Older have said that we want to drive down the length of time women are about four times as likely to be carers and that people are waiting. My priority is, first, to ensure the biggest pay gap is between women and men over 50. that Atos performs against its commitments to the end What are the Government doing about that, apart from of its contract in February, that we get a new contract appointing Ros Altmann? awarded to a new provider, and that the new provider picks up the reins smoothly from Atos and continues to Steve Webb: I wonder whether the hon. Lady has drive down the backlog, so that our constituents wait as read the document, given that one of the key groups on little time as possible. Those are the things I shall be which we focus is carers. We specifically state in the focused on between now and the election. document that carers face particular barriers in the labour market and that is why we need more flexible Pensions Advice employment, such as our extension of the right to request flexible employment to all workers as of this 7. Robert Flello (Stoke-on-Trent South) (Lab): What year. progress he has made on the introduction of face-to- face pensions advice. [905104] Work Capability Assessment The Minister for Pensions (Steve Webb): Our summer response to the consultation “Freedom and choice in 6. Nia Griffith (Llanelli) (Lab): How many people pensions” outlined the policy and legislative details were awaiting a work capability assessment on the underpinning the implementation of the guidance latest date for which figures are available. [905103] guarantee. We will bring forward amendments to the Pensions Schemes Bill to introduce the guidance guarantee, The Minister of State, Department for Work and and the Treasury implementation team continues its Pensions (Mr Mark Harper): Between April and the end extensive service design work. We will publish an update of July, the number of people awaiting an employment note on the project in the autumn. and support allowance work capability assessment fell by 75,000 to 637,000. It is worth saying, as I have said in Robert Flello: Despite the announcements made in answer to the hon. Member for Bristol East (Kerry the summer, I understand that the pensions industry McCarthy), that claimants will normally be in receipt of continues to express considerable concern about funding benefit while they wait for an assessment, and that any the guarantee levy, whether the service will be ready in arrears due are paid once a decision is made. time and how the scheme will operate. I understand that there is also widespread concern among consumers Nia Griffith: The Work and Pensions Committee said about how the scheme will operate and whether it will in its recent report that the flaws in the system were so be ready in time. Given that this is perhaps the most grave that simply rebranding the work capability assessment important decision that people will face in their lives—it for eligibility for employment and support allowance by is certainly one of the most important decisions—and giving it a new contractor would simply not solve the that there is concern that people will receive guidance problem. Does the Minister agree, and what changes and think it is advice, or that the guidance will not be will he make to the new contract? comprehensive enough, what will the Minister do to ensure that the proposal works properly and quickly? Mr Harper: I am not going to prejudge at the Dispatch Box the detailed response I shall give to the Work and Steve Webb: We are actively engaged in making those Pensions Committee’s detailed look at the work capability preparations, but we entirely accept that the time scale assessment, but clearly one of our key priorities is to is tight. I contrast our proposals with the current situation, continue Atos’s work to the end of its contract, get the in which hundreds of thousands of people reach an age new provider in place and ensure that the process is at which they choose whether or not to buy an annuity working. The Select Committee made some thoughtful and get no guidance, advice or help whatever. This will remarks about steps for the future. We shall respond to be free. The guidance will be independent and will be them in due course, when I respond to its report. face to face if people want that. It will be a vast improvement on what currently happens.

Kate Green (Stretford and Urmston) (Lab): I am Paul Burstow (Sutton and Cheam) (LD): Given that delighted to congratulate the Minister on his new this decision is one of the most important that people appointment. make, and that one point they will consider is how they Last month, it emerged that some people have been might meet the costs of their long-term care later in waiting a year and more for a work capability their old age, will the Minister take the necessary steps assessment—we heard that again from my hon. Friend to ensure that this advice covers how to make the right the Member for Bristol East (Kerry McCarthy) this decisions on paying for long-term care? afternoon. The Minister is right that many of those people will receive some benefit while waiting for their Steve Webb: My right hon. Friend has a strong track claim to be processed, but they may also be subject to record on long-term care and making it affordable—he inappropriate conditionality and a deep sense of uncertainty and our right hon. Friend the Minister of State, Department and insecurity. What action is he taking to ensure that of Health, have introduced legislation on that. On the assessments and claims are finalised within 13 weeks, as guidance guarantee, I have to be slightly wary of trying the Government intended? to jemmy in large numbers of different topics, but it is 11 Oral Answers1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Oral Answers 12 clear, as my right hon. Friend says, that retirees need to Commission interpretation of people’s right to access think about financial liabilities later in retirement. The benefits in a country where they do not have residency. guidance conversation offers an opportunity to start Recently, the Germans have tightened up in almost that process and to signpost people to places where they exactly the same way as we have done. We had all those can find further information. people saying that what we were doing was terrible, but now that the Germans are doing it, those people have EU Migrants (Benefits) gone quite quiet.

8. Stephen Metcalfe (South Basildon and East Thurrock) Mr John Redwood (Wokingham) (Con): Is not the (Con): What steps he is taking to limit the availability question of who gets a benefit from this country, or of benefits to migrants from other EU member states. who comes to stay in this country, a matter for this Parliament, not for the EU? [905105] Mr Duncan Smith: That is exactly the point that I The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (Mr Iain have been making from the beginning. We have always Duncan Smith): Since January, EU jobseekers have not said to the European Commission that this matter lay been able to claim jobseeker’s allowance until they have outside the treaties. It is a national Government been in the country for at least three months and can responsibility, and it is national Governments who should then claim for only a maximum of six months. Shortly, take that responsibility. The Opposition did very little we will further limit the claim time from six months to about organising this so that they would be able to three months. In addition, EU jobseekers cannot now stand against the EU Commission on that basis. claim housing benefit. Benefits (Expenditure) Stephen Metcalfe: Will my right hon. Friend join me in welcoming the recent fall in non-UK nationals claiming 9. Mr Philip Hollobone (Kettering) (Con): How much working age benefits, and will he do all he can to ensure his Department spent on benefits in 2010; and what that that trend continues? estimate he has made of such spending in 2015. [905107] Mr Duncan Smith: My hon. Friend raises an interesting point. Overall the total number of national insurance The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (Mr Iain number registrations to adult overseas nationals is down Duncan Smith): In 2010-11, the Department for Work by more than 7,000 on the year, or 1%. NINo registrations and Pensions spent £54 billion on working age claimants from outside the EU are down by 30,000 on the year, or and children at today’s prices, and £106 billion on 17%, and outside the EU annual registrations to all pensioners. Total expenditure was 9.8% of GDP. In world areas have fallen to the lowest level since records 2015-16, as a result of our changes, the Department will began in 2002. spend £54 billion on working age claimants and children at today’s prices, and £116 billion on pensioners. Therefore, Ian Lucas (Wrexham) (Lab): Will the Secretary of total expenditure is expected to be £170 billion, which is State confirm that when the Prime Minister finally 9.6% of GDP. In this Parliament, we will therefore have reveals the shopping list for presentation to the European saved cumulatively £50 billion, the equivalent of £1,900 Union on renegotiation, it will include renegotiation of for every household in the UK. the position relating to benefits? Will he now specify which particular benefits he has in mind? Mr Hollobone: Will my right hon. Friend confirm that for the first time in 16 years, thanks to his stewardship, Mr Duncan Smith: I am not in a position to pre-guess the relentless annual increases in welfare spending have what the Prime Minister will decide in his negotiations—he at last been brought under control, so that the proportion will make it altogether clear. But I hope that both sides of our national output that goes on welfare spending of the House, including the hon. Gentleman, will recognise has finally been controlled, allowing our economy more that a negotiation followed by trusting the people to room to grow and more spending on important areas vote on whether they wish to stay in the EU is a good such as health and education? plan rather than a bad plan. Mr Duncan Smith: My hon. Friend is right. Last year, 21. [905120] Tim Loughton (East Worthing and Shoreham) welfare spending fell in real terms for the first time in (Con): I congratulate the Secretary of State on the 16 years as a share of GDP, and will continue to do so. introduction of a much more robust test before people In 2010, spending was at 12.5%, and next year it will be qualify for benefit, but what discussions has he had at 11.9%. By 2015-16, the out-of-work benefit bill will with his European partners on further steps to prevent fall back to pre-recession levels, down to 2.3% of GDP. benefit tourism and to get the message across that the It peaked under the last Government at nearly 3% of UK is a place where people come to work, not to GDP. claim? Mrs Emma Lewell-Buck (South Shields) (Lab): The Mr Duncan Smith: I have visited and talked to a Government claim that they are tackling what they call number of my colleagues across Europe—in Germany, dependency on welfare. In the north-east, the number Holland, Spain and France—and I have also talked to of working households claiming housing benefit has the Danish Minister. Everyone to whom I have spoken shot up by two thirds because wages are failing to keep so far and many more—I see that the Poles have also up with rent. Will the Secretary of State admit that come to the same conclusion—have decided that there without action to tackle low pay or deal with soaring is something fundamentally wrong with the European rents, the welfare bill will continue to rise? 13 Oral Answers1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Oral Answers 14

Mr Duncan Smith: The figure the hon. Lady did not bankrupting local authorities up and down the country give is that out-of-work housing benefit claims are and should not make the excuse that this particular falling, and that is because people who were claiming it benefit is being funded. are now going into work. That means that they are earning more money, which means that the likelihood Mr Harper: I agree that local authorities have had of their being in poverty is far less. I wonder whether some funding challenges due to the appalling budget the hon. Lady would like to get up sometime and deficit we inherited from the Labour party.Local authorities congratulate us on getting more people back to work can set priorities. When my own local authority in and spending less on housing benefit as a result. Gloucestershire was making its difficult spending decisions, it rightly put adult social care and child protection at Independent Living Fund the top of that list of priorities and I am very grateful that it did so.

10. Nic Dakin (Scunthorpe) (Lab): What recent Universal Credit discussions he has had with representatives of local authorities on transition plans relating to the closure of 11. Mr Nicholas Brown (Newcastle upon Tyne East) the independent living fund. [905108] (Lab): When he expects the business case for universal credit to be fully signed off. [905109] The Minister of State, Department for Work and Pensions (Mr Mark Harper): The Department continues The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (Mr Iain to work closely with the independent living fund, and Duncan Smith): I announced in December that Her just last week I met the chief executive and chairman of Majesty’s Treasury has approved funding for the universal the board of trustees. The independent living fund credit programme in 2013-14 and 2014-15. The final continues to work closely with all local authorities in stage in Treasury approvals is sign-off of the full business England and the devolved Administrations in Scotland case, which covers the full lifetime of the programme. and Wales. We expect to agree that very shortly.

Nic Dakin: North Lincolnshire council tells me that it Mr Brown: The answer to a similar question two has insufficient information about the transfer to engage months ago was “very shortly”, but it is taking rather properly with recipients of the ILF to give them a better longer than the Secretary of State intended. What are sense of their future. The Government have consistently the major outstanding issues between his Department failed to give assurances that the changes will not mean and the Treasury, and where does universal credit now that recipients lose their independence. Will the Minister stand in the Cabinet Office’s traffic light system? give that assurance today? Mr Duncan Smith: Let me explain to the right hon. Mr Harper: I am surprised by the hon. Gentleman’s Gentleman that the reality is that we have agreed—I can comments about his local authority, because the information run through the list for him—all the spending that is provided to me is that local authorities actively engage relevant to the plan that we set out at the end of last with the ILF: they have attended more than 90% of the year. The final point relates to the full lifetime of that meetings with users. The hon. Gentleman will also programme, which will take it all the way through, know that the Government are fully funding local probably beyond all the years that anybody present will authorities and the Scottish and Welsh Administrations be in government. [HON.MEMBERS: “Certainly you!”] To for the amount of money that would be provided to be fair, I do not think Labour will be in government people under the ILF. If he has specific concerns, he given the way its Members behave. That is now being and I should have a conversation. agreed and the reality is that it has to be done very carefully. I genuinely believe, from my discussions, that Duncan Hames (Chippenham) (LD): As the Government it will be signed off very shortly. The result will be that are fully funding local authorities for this obligation, the programme will be seen for what it is: a programme can there be any possible justification for councils removing that will deliver hugely to those who have the toughest support from current recipients of the independent lives and need the most support and help. living fund? 22. [905121] Sir Tony Baldry (Banbury) (Con): One can see the advantages of the introduction of universal Mr Harper: My hon. Friend will know that local credit to those whose lives are toughest, but will my authorities have a statutory duty to make sure that they right hon. Friend tell the House what the benefits to properly support those who require social care. A third both employers and businesses might be once universal of the 1.3 million people who already get social care— credit is fully implemented? 444,000 people—are of working age, compared with 17,000 who are beneficiaries of the ILF, so I think local Mr Duncan Smith: I invite anybody in the House to authorities are well practised at this and should have no visit areas where universal credit is rolling out—across excuse for not doing the job properly. the north-west, and even here in London—not to talk to the likes of myself but to the staff who operate the Mr Barry Sheerman (Huddersfield) (Lab/Co-op): May jobcentres, who will say that it has allowed them to get I remind the Minister that while local authorities may people started into work far quicker, so that they are be well practised, they are certainly used to the fact that taking work earlier and staying in work longer. It means more and more aspects of social care are heaped on that businesses on the high street can afford to take them without their having the ability to pay? He is people on, to begin with for lower hours than they 15 Oral Answers1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Oral Answers 16 might otherwise have been able to do—in other words, Paul Uppal: Since 2010, more than 2,660 people have not creating a job—and then expand it into a much started an apprenticeship in my constituency. Will the fuller-time job, so improving the economy and improving Minister elaborate on further Government initiatives to lives. make sure that young people in particular receive invaluable work experience? 20. [905119] Andrew Gwynne (Denton and Reddish) (Lab): The Secretary of State has merely repeated what Esther McVey: I thank my hon. Friend for the work his Employment Minister has already said—that the he is doing in his constituency by helping to set up the strategic outline business case is approved until the end Wolverhampton employment network, bringing employers of the Parliament—but of course, in parting, the and the local college together. We are doing many more previous head of the civil service said that things: not only are there over 1 million more young “we should not beat around the bush. It has not been signed off”, people on apprenticeships now, but we have had 150,000 and the National Audit Office has slammed universal on work experience placements since 2012, and 60,000 credit for in sector-based work academies. In his constituency, we “weak management, ineffective control and poor governance.” have had 370 on work experience, and 120 in sector-based When are the Government going to get a grip of this work academies. chaotic shambles? Stephen Timms (East Ham) (Lab): Youth Contract Mr Duncan Smith: It is always nice to live in the past, wage subsidies were an attempt, albeit half-baked, to but the reality is that if the hon. Gentleman waits he tackle youth unemployment, but they were abruptly will see that this programme is running well and will be scrapped just before the summer recess, despite an delivering, that this programme of universal credit will official promise that they would be available for people benefit everybody who needs the support they most applying up until next April. Why have they been scrapped? need, and all the nonsense he is talking about will all go Has the Minister seen that the CBI is pointing out that away. “young people are struggling”, and that the biggest Chris Bryant (Rhondda) (Lab): But the truth of the single cause of long-term disadvantage is “unemployment matter is that this programme—the Secretary of State’s early on”? pet project—is being kept on a life-support system, and all he can say is that the Treasury has guaranteed Esther McVey: It seems that only the Labour party is another 247 days of funding, with nothing beyond the still calling for incentive schemes and guarantee schemes. end of this Parliament. He comes here again and says Even Europe is now saying what a good job the UK is exactly what he said on 9 July, which was that this was doing on youth unemployment and looking at how we going to be approved “very soon”. What has gone are moving forward. We had a wage incentive scheme, wrong? Did the Chief Secretary to the Treasury and the but that has stopped because we are moving the money Secretary of State take two months going on holiday, or into other areas where it is needed more. That is the are there real sticking points in the programme because, right thing to do—spending the money where it will be frankly, the sums do not add up? used most effectively and efficiently. As I said, we have had the greatest annual number of young people going Mr Duncan Smith: There are no sticking points, but into work since records began. these matters need to be agreed carefully. This test-first- and-then-implement process is the way all future Disability Confident Campaign programmes will be implemented. I just want to quote Mr Manzoni, the new chief executive of the Major Projects Authority, who made it clear to the Public 14. Sarah Newton (Truro and Falmouth) (Con): What Accounts Committee in June that universal credit is progress his Department has made on its Disability stable and on track with the reset plan. [Interruption.] Confident campaign. [905112] He said that it is stable and on track with the reset plan, so whatever the hon. Gentleman wants to say, when this The Minister of State, Department for Work and is signed off, I hope that he will come to the Dispatch Pensions (Mr Mark Harper): In July last year, the Prime Box and say that Labour Members fully support it and Minister launched the Disability Confident campaign, they will get on with it. which sought to encourage employers to become more Youth Employment (Support) confident about employing disabled people. We have reached over 1,100 local and national employers throughout 12. Paul Uppal (Wolverhampton South West) (Con): Great Britain, and have received more than 200 pledges What support his Department is providing for young from companies in their quest to have better employment outcomes for disabled people. My predecessor wrote to people seeking employment. [905110] colleagues and I encourage them to hold Disability The Minister for Employment (Esther McVey): Young Confident events in their constituencies. people are offered extra support through the Youth Contract and the Work programme. I am pleased to be Sarah Newton: I thank the Minister for his response. able to say that we have seen the largest annual fall in May I convey to him how positive the Disability Confident youth unemployment since records began, and the youth events are, having joined one in my constituency this claimant count is nearly 188,000 lower than at the 2010 summer? Will he congratulate Pluss, a great social enterprise general election. However, we are not complacent. There in my constituency that has worked with more than is more we can do, and we are piloting new schemes for 500 Cornish businesses to enable more than 800 people additional support for 18 to 21-year-olds. to get into work? 17 Oral Answers1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Oral Answers 18

Mr Harper: I am grateful for my hon. Friend’s question that is delivered locally and that offers tailored help to and for the work that she is doing. I am pleased to be get online and budget effectively as individuals progress able to congratulate Pluss. I think that I am right in into sustainable work. remembering that I visited it when I shadowed this brief in opposition. The work that it does and the success of Mr Bellingham: Is the Secretary of State aware that the event are testimony to its efforts to get more disabled since July last year, unemployment in my constituency people into work. has fallen by a very welcome 689 people? That means that nearly 700 more families have a new wage earner Ian Lavery (Wansbeck) (Lab): The outcomes for people and hope for the future. That is surely a clear vindication on the Work programme who are unemployed on health of his reforms and our long-term economic plan. grounds are simply abysmal. What will the Minister do about that? The Minister for Employment (Esther McVey): I welcome everything that my hon. Friend has said about what is Mr Harper: The important thing is to see whether happening in his constituency. Such things are happening people who have health conditions are able to work. If right across the country. The coalition Government— we put people through a work capability assessment Conservative and Lib Dem colleagues—are developing and they are clearly not able to work at all, we want to a better Britain for all of us. ensure that they get the appropriate help, but if people can work, we want to ensure that they do. That is why Rachel Reeves (Leeds West) (Lab): Two thirds of we have the Work programme and other schemes that children in poverty now live in families in which somebody give people proper support to get them into work. is working, and a record 5 million people are earning less than a living wage. In-work poverty is an injustice Employment (Lincolnshire) and an indignity to those who suffer it, but it also costs the taxpayer through the benefit system. Will the Secretary 15. Martin Vickers (Cleethorpes) (Con): What of State tell us by how much the spending on housing assessment he has made of recent trends in benefit for people in work is expected to increase between employment in (a) North Lincolnshire and (b) North 2010 and 2018? East Lincolnshire local authority areas. [905113] Mr Duncan Smith: I wish the hon. Lady had been The Minister for Employment (Esther McVey): Simply listening to my answer to an earlier question— put, the trends for employment are up. In North [Interruption.] No, the reality is that the number of Lincolnshire, employment is up by 2,400 over the year people who are out of work and on housing benefit is and in North East Lincolnshire, employment is up by falling. The number of those who are in work is rising. 600. Just like in the rest of the country, employment is Under the last Government, we saw a rise in the number up. of people who were out of work and having to claim housing benefit. Let me also remind the hon. Lady, who has voted against every single measure we have taken, Martin Vickers: I thank the Minister for her reply that our housing benefit reforms were set to reduce the and for her visit to my constituency a few weeks ago. amount of money. When the Labour Government left Does she agree that it is not just Government policy office, housing benefit was likely to rise to £26 billion. It that is leading to the fall in unemployment, but the will now rise at a far slower rate than that, because of excellent work that is done at jobcentres, such as the the reforms that we have made to housing benefit. work that she witnessed at Immingham a few weeks ago? Rachel Reeves: The reality is that housing benefit overall is going to go up in real terms from £23 billion at Esther McVey: I thank my hon. Friend for inviting the beginning of this Parliament to £24.6 billion at the me up there to see the good work that is done on the end of it. Housing benefit for people in work is forecast ground at his local Jobcentre Plus, including the initiatives to rise by a staggering £12.9 billion between 2010 and that are happening through the flexible fund and the 2018. Does that not show that taking action to make work that is relevant to that specific area. I had a long work pay would be a much more effective way of conversation with Stuart Griffiths, the area manager, controlling housing benefit than the unfair and unworkable who explained how they are helping young people and bedroom tax, which I and many of my colleagues will how they are helping more and more people into work. be voting to change this Friday, and which we need a Labour Government to repeal after the general election Topical Questions next year?

T1. [905088] Mr Henry Bellingham (North West Norfolk) Mr Duncan Smith: The hon. Lady is in a hole and she (Con): If he will make a statement on his departmental really should stop digging. Let me remind her of what responsibilities. we had to take over when we came into government. Left unreformed, the bill that Labour left us with would The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (Mr Iain have exceeded £26 billion in 2014-15. Instead, today, it Duncan Smith): Today, I welcome an important step in is £24 billion—£2 billion less. Under Labour, in-work our new test and learn approach to delivering universal and out-of-work housing benefit claimant numbers credit, with the launch of 11 robust evaluation trials to increased, and those who were in more despair, being test support for vulnerable households. We are working out of work, had to claim higher payments. Under us, with local authorities in a way that has not been done homelessness is down 7%, half the peak that occurred before to make available a system of universal support under the last Government, and rent collection is currently 19 Oral Answers1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Oral Answers 20

98% higher than under the last Government. Also, T5. [905093] Steve McCabe (Birmingham, Selly Oak) housing association arrears fell during the last two (Lab): Despite the Minister’s earlier optimism, is it not quarters. All of that is better than anything that the last clear that it has all gone badly wrong when the Government left us as a result of their record on spending. Government can organise to pay disability benefits to an on-the-run convicted killer such as David Richards, T2. [905089] Caroline Dinenage (Gosport) (Con): A who as I understand it just walked out of jail, but number of my constituents have experienced lengthy cannot organise for some of the poorest disabled people delays while waiting for a decision on a review of their in my constituency even to have their applications assessed personal independence payment application. That is a within six months? time of great uncertainty and stress for all concerned. In addition to the efforts that the Minister has already Mr Harper: I am not familiar with the case that the outlined, will he tell us what steps he will take to speed hon. Gentleman raises, although I know he has written up the application, review and appeal processes? to me to raise some PIP cases. I have not yet confirmed this to him, so I confirm now at the Dispatch Box that I The Minister of State, Department for Work and will be happy to meet him to discuss those cases. Pensions (Mr Mark Harper): My hon. Friend will know from earlier answers the priority that we attach to this. T7. [905096] Mr Rob Wilson (Reading East) (Con): In As well as ensuring that the assessment can take place a few weeks, I will hold my eighth Reading jobs fair. At faster, we are also ensuring that the DWP decision the previous seven, 20,000 jobseekers and 300 local makers will be able to cope with the increased number businesses have already been welcomed. Will my right of cases as those cases move through the system, so hon. Friend the Secretary of State join me in thanking that, once we have got the assessment process sorted all the businesses and partner organisations that have out, those decisions will be made in a timely way which made that possible, and in welcoming the impact that it will benefit her constituents and mine. has had on reducing unemployment in the Reading area? T4. [905092] Barbara Keeley (Worsley and Eccles South) (Lab): Ministers have talked about bedroom tax Mr Duncan Smith: I congratulate my hon. Friend on exemptions, but in reality these do not protect unpaid working closely with businesses to get people back to family carers. In fact, 60,000 carers are hit by the tax, work. Will he also pass on our congratulations to the and Carers UK has found that 75% of the carers it businesses, small and large, that have done their level surveyed were cutting back on food and heating to best to help deliver 1.7 million new jobs since the make up the shortfall. Will the Minister now accept Government came to power and to turn the economy how cruel and unfair it is to make unpaid family carers around so that it is the best-performing economy in the pay the bedroom tax? whole of Europe?

Mr Harper: The hon. Lady will know that the spare T6. [905094] Mr John Spellar (Warley) (Lab): With the room subsidy is about making sure that people have the lamentable record of the failures of Atos, the shocking size of home that they are entitled to, and that if people delays in assessments, the injustice of the bedroom tax regularly need carers to stay overnight, that is considered and the continuing scandal of the IT system for an acceptable reason for having an extra bedroom. She universal credit, why does the Secretary of State stay in will also know that we have made considerable funds the job? available to local authorities through the discretionary housing payments, many of which have not even been spent. Mr Duncan Smith: I remind the right hon. Gentleman that this Government have got more people back to work, that we now have record levels of employment, T3. [905091] Richard Graham (Gloucester) (Con): I that we have cut the deficit and that we are getting the welcome the Minister’s commitment to reducing the cost of delivering welfare down. We inherited a shambles, waiting times for processing benefit applications. At a and we have turned that around. That is the purpose of recent meeting that I organised for Atos, the DWP, government. citizens advice bureaux and MPs’ caseworkers in Gloucestershire, representatives of the CABs expressed their suspicion that DWP contractors were paid Jake Berry (Rossendale and Darwen) (Con): Will my according to how many people they could take off right hon. Friend join me in congratulating Rossendale benefits. Will my hon. Friend confirm that that is jobcentre, which has just signed up nearly 45 people to absolutely not the case? Will he also encourage CABs its work experience programme, including me and my to work closely with MPs’ offices so that we can office? The first young person to come through my intervene sooner to help our constituents who have office on work experience, Liam, has just secured a job problems? because of that work experience.

Mr Harper: I can confirm to my hon. Friend and Esther McVey: First off, three cheers for Liam for constituency neighbour that contractors are not paid getting his job through work experience, as many other based on any sort of incentive arrangement to get people are doing across the UK. Nearly 200,000 people people off benefits. They are paid to make an accurate have been on work experience since 2011, more than assessment, which they then provide to departmental 40% of whom have got a job. That just shows that decision makers. Citizens advice bureaux should continue people can have a positive future when they have a their work with MPs’ offices, which is incredibly helpful. Government like this in charge. 21 Oral Answers1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Oral Answers 22

T8. [905097] John Robertson (Glasgow North West) have been going on the Work programme just then. We (Lab): My hon. Friend the Member for Worsley and have a flexible fund to support people, and we are doing Eccles South (Barbara Keeley) mentioned the carers more to help people, extending their working lives. caught up in the bedroom tax. How many of them are still caught up in it? Nigel Adams (Selby and Ainsty) (Con): I know that Labour Members do not like encouraging news, but Mr Harper: The hon. Gentleman knows that, as I youth unemployment in Selby and Ainsty is down by have just said, if someone has an overnight carer, that is more than a third since the last election, and much of a perfectly acceptable reason for having a room. He will that is down to apprenticeships. Will the Minister join also know that local authorities have been given significant me in thanking the employers who are taking on those sums in discretionary housing payments to deal with youngsters, and encourage them to turn up at my jobs difficult cases that do not clearly fit the rules. Most local fair—the fourth one in Selby—on 9 October? authorities are not spending the money that the Government have allocated to them. Esther McVey: I certainly will—if you are an employer and have a job, please get down to the Selby jobs fair. Dr Julian Huppert (Cambridge) (LD): On 11 March That is absolutely right. That is what we are doing: we last year, I asked the Secretary of State about under- are getting the country back on its feet and helping occupancy. I said: young people as best we can—hence, we have more “Does the Secretary of State agree that no benefit reduction young people in work than since records began. I should take place until people have at least been offered somewhere congratulate my hon. Friend on all the work he does on appropriately sized and located?”—[Official Report, 11 March 2013; the ground. Vol. 560, c. 22.] The Secretary of State said, “I agree”. What has he Ian Paisley (North Antrim) (DUP): Is the Secretary done to deliver that? of State aware of the impending crisis to the stability of institutions in Northern Ireland as a result of the failure Mr Duncan Smith: I remind my hon. Friend that we to implement significant reforms to the welfare system have given local authorities more than £300 million in there? If he is aware of those threats, what message has discretionary housing payments. What they are meant he for Sinn Fein, which has failed to introduce those to be doing right now—many of them are doing it, by changes and appears to be more interested in the need the way—is finding people the accommodation that of residents in Monaghan than those in Northern Ireland? they require and supporting them through discretionary payments while they are looking for it. That is why we Mr Duncan Smith: Sinn Fein needs to face up to its are saving £1 million a day and £500 million a year. responsibilities and cannot have it all ways. If it gets the welfare Bill through, it will benefit from the support Alison McGovern (Wirral South) (Lab): A constituent that it will get, but it cannot sit in limbo land. I support of mine, an older, experienced woman, recently told me what the hon. Gentleman has just said—it is time for that when she was made redundant she got barely any Sinn Fein to get on and do what an elected Government help from our local jobcentre. It was therefore no surprise need to do. to me to see recent figures showing that the Work programme is getting a job for only one in eight workers Stephen Lloyd (Eastbourne) (LD): Will the Minister over 50. Who is going to fix that—those who are provide an update on when the decision on the moratorium running the Work programme or Ministers? on funding for deaf interpreters for Access to Work will be announced, because we have been waiting for a Esther McVey: The Work programme has proved to report from the DWP? be very successful. Some 1.5 million people who are long-term unemployed have been on it, and more than Mr Duncan Smith: Let me undertake to write to my 500,000 of those have got a job. However, if that lady hon. Friend as soon as I leave the House and give him was only recently made unemployed, she would not the full details. 23 1 SEPTEMBER 2014 EU Council, Security and 24 Middle East EU Council, Security and Middle East west bank near Bethlehem is utterly deplorable. Settlements are illegal under international law and will do nothing 3.31 pm to create the kind of peace process we all want, and we urge the Israeli Government to reverse this decision. The Prime Minister (Mr David Cameron): With While I understand the many strong emotions around permission, Mr Speaker, I would like to make a statement this tragic conflict, I am deeply concerned by growing on this weekend’s European Council, and on the measures reports of anti-Semitism on our streets in Britain. Let we are taking to defeat extremism and keep our country me be clear: we must not tolerate this in our country. safe. There can never be any excuse for anti-Semitism, and First, on the Council, we agreed that Poland’s Prime no disagreements on politics or policy should ever be Minister, Donald Tusk, should serve as the next Council allowed to justify racism, prejudice or extremism in any President, and Italian Foreign Minister, Federica Mogherini, form. should become the next High Representative for foreign On the terrorist threat that we face in the UK, we and security policy. Donald Tusk made clear in his have all been shocked and sickened by the barbarism acceptance speech that he places a high priority on that has been witnessed in Iraq this summer: the widespread addressing Britain’s concerns over the EU, and I look slaughter of Muslims by fellow Muslims; the vicious forward to working with him in his new role. persecution of religious minorities, such as Christians The Council spent most of its time focusing on the and Yazidis; the enslavement and raping of women; big international issues that have concerned us all this and, of course, the beheading of American journalist summer—the situations in Ukraine, Gaza, and the growing James Foley, with the voice of what seems to be a threat of ISIL in Iraq and Syria. I want to discuss each. British terrorist recorded on that video. The presence of Russian soldiers on Ukrainian soil is The European Council conclusions could not be completely unjustified and unacceptable. I met President clearer: Poroshenko before the Council on Saturday, and with our support he was invited to address the Council. The “The European Council believes that the creation of an Islamic Caliphate in Iraq and Syria and the Islamist-extremist export of real cause of this conflict is Russia’s refusal to recognise terrorism on which it is based, is a direct threat to” Ukraine’s independence and sovereignty. Decisions on Ukraine’s political and economic relationships should every European country. On Friday, the independent be for the people of Ukraine and no one else, but Russia joint terrorism analysis centre increased the threat level appears to be trying to force Ukraine to abandon its in the UK from substantial to severe, and we now democratic choices at the barrel of a gun. In the last two believe that at least 500 people have travelled from weeks we have seen a dramatic stepping up of Russian Britain to fight in the region, in addition to 700 from military support to the separatists in eastern Ukraine, France, 400 from Germany and hundreds more from including Russian troops fighting on the ground. We countries including America, Canada, Austria, Denmark, know from European history the grave danger of a Spain, Sweden, Belgium, the Netherlands and Australia. nation state being threatened and undermined in that The Council agreed to co-ordinate action in cracking way, so the European Council agreed that the economic down on those travelling to fight in Syria and Iraq and costs it has already imposed on Russia must be stepped ensuring that all European countries are taking the up if Moscow persists with those indefensible actions. necessary steps to tackle this problem of radicalisation. The Council was clear that new sanctions measures We should be clear about the root cause of this threat: a will be drawn up within a week. I do not accept the poisonous ideology of Islamist extremism that believes suggestion that sanctions are not having an impact. in using the most brutal forms of terrorism to force Capital has flown out of Russia, banks are short of people to accept a warped world view and to live in a finance, and the Russian stock market and rouble have mediaeval state. And we should be clear that this has fallen significantly. We have to show real resilience and nothing to do with Islam, which is a religion observed resolve. Russia needs to understand that if it continues peacefully and devoutly by more than a billion people on the current path, its relationship with the rest of the and one that inspires countless acts of kindness every world will be radically different in the future. day. On Israel and Gaza, we have all been deeply saddened To confront the threat of Islamist extremism, we by the violence there and the dreadful civilian suffering need a tough, intelligent, patient and comprehensive it has caused, particularly to innocent children. The approach to defeat the terrorist threat at source. We Government have worked hard with our international must use all the resources at our disposal—our aid, partners to help bring about a sustainable ceasefire, and diplomacy and military—and we need a firm security we warmly welcome the agreement reached in Cairo. response, whether that means military action to go after The loss of life this summer has been truly appalling the terrorists, international co-operation on intelligence and the number of civilian casualties completely or uncompromising action against terrorists at home. unacceptable—the life of a Palestinian child is worth Britain is already providing equipment directly to the the same as that of a child of any one of our nations—but Kurdish forces. We support US military air strikes against support for a lasting settlement that includes a Palestinian ISIL in Iraq, and we have secured a United Nations state does not mean we should ever support the terrorist Security Council resolution to disrupt the flows of tactics of Hamas, which has rained down rockets on finance to ISIL, to sanction those seeking to recruit to Israel and continually refused to accept ceasefires. ISIL and to encourage countries to do all they can to We will continue to support Israel and Israel’s right prevent foreign fighters from joining the extremist cause. to defend itself, but that does not mean we support Alongside a tough security response, however, there every decision the Israeli Government take. Most recently, must also be the right political response. We know that the appropriation of nearly 1,000 acres of land in the terrorist organisations thrive where there is political 25 EU Council, Security and 1 SEPTEMBER 2014 EU Council, Security and 26 Middle East Middle East instability and weak or dysfunctional institutions, so we As well as stopping people going, we must also keep must support the building blocks of free and open out foreign fighters who would pose a threat to the UK. societies. In Syria, that means a political transition and We already have important powers to block return: we an end to Assad’s brutality, which has allowed ISIL to can deprive dual nationals of their citizenship to stop flourish. In Iraq, that must begin with a new and them returning; we can bar foreign nationals on the genuinely inclusive Government capable of uniting all basis of the threat they pose; and we legislated, in the Iraqis—Sunni, Shi’a, Kurd, Christian and others—against Immigration Act 2014, to allow stronger powers to strip the shared threat. citizenship from naturalised Britons. But, of course, these powers do not apply to those who are solely The NATO summit in Wales this week will provide British nationals, who could be rendered stateless if an opportunity for us to review the effectiveness of the deprived of citizenship. international response so far and to discuss what more we should do to help the region overcome the ISIL Some have said that we should deal with this gap by threat. Britain will continue to consider what further criminalising travel to certain individual countries or role is in our national interests, including any further fundamentally changing our criminal burden of proof. diplomatic, humanitarian or, indeed, military measures The Government are clear that it would be wrong to we might take. deal with the gap by fundamentally changing core principles Let me turn to how we address the terrorist threat at of our criminal justice system. But it is abhorrent that home. We have already taken a wide range of measures, people who declare their allegiance elsewhere can return including stopping suspects from travelling to the region to the United Kingdom and pose a threat to our national by seizing passports, barring foreign nationals from security. We are clear in principle that what we need is a re-entering the United Kingdom, legislating so that we targeted, discretionary power to allow us to exclude can prosecute people for all terrorist activity, even where British nationals from the UK. We will work up proposals that activity takes place overseas, and bringing forward on this basis with our agencies, in line with our international emergency legislation, for instance to safeguard our use obligations, and discuss the details on a cross-party of communications data. We have also stepped up our basis. We are also putting our long-standing arrangements operational response, with a fivefold increase in Syria-related on aviation security around the world on a statutory arrests and the removal of 28,000 pieces of extremist footing. Airlines will have to comply with our no-fly list material from the internet this year alone, including 46 ISIL- arrangements, give us information on passenger lists related videos. and comply with our security screening requirements. If they do not do so, their flights will not be able to land in But I have said all along that there should not be a Britain. knee-jerk reaction or the introduction of sweeping new blanket powers that would ultimately be ineffective. Secondly, we need stronger powers to manage the That is not what those who work so hard to keep us safe risk posed by suspected extremists who are already in actually want. They want a targeted approach that the United Kingdom. The Home Secretary can already reflects a forensic focus on the threat we face and that impose terrorism prevention and investigation measures protects their operational independence and decision on security grounds, including overnight residence making. To achieve this, there are two key areas where requirements and internet restrictions, but the intelligence we need to strengthen our powers to fill specific gaps in agencies and the police believe they need stronger powers our armoury: preventing suspects from travelling; and to impose further restrictions, and the independent dealing decisively with those already here who pose a reviewer of counter-terrorism legislation, David Anderson, risk. I want to mention both briefly. agrees. So we will introduce new powers to add to our existing terrorism prevention and investigation measures, First, on stopping people travelling in the first place, including stronger locational constraints on suspects passports are not an automatic right. The Home Secretary under TPIMs, either through enhanced use of exclusion already has the discretion to issue, revoke and refuse zones or though relocation powers. passports under the royal prerogative if there is reason to believe that people are planning to take part in Dealing with the terrorist threat is about not just new terrorist-related activity. When police suspect a traveller powers but how we combat extremism in all its forms. at the border, however, they are not currently able to That is why we have a new approach to tackling apply for the royal prerogative and so have only limited radicalisation, focusing on all types of extremism, not stop-and-search powers. To fill that gap, we will introduce just violent extremism. This has included stopping the specific and targeted legislation providing the police funding of organisations that promote extremism, banning with a temporary power to seize a passport at the hate preachers and ensuring that every part of government, border, during which time they will be able to investigate from schools and universities to prisons, is focused on the individual concerned. This power will include beating the scourge of extremism. As part of this, we appropriate safeguards and, of course, oversight are now putting our de-radicalisation programme, Channel, arrangements. on a statutory footing. Anyone subject to our strengthened terrorism prevention and investigation measures will be The House should also be aware that our current required to engage with the Prevent programme. royal prerogative powers are being challenged in the courts. I want to be clear: if there is any judgment that We are proud to be an open, free and tolerant nation, threatens the operation of our existing powers, we will but that tolerance must never be confused with a passive introduce primary legislation immediately so that acceptance of cultures living separate lives or of people Parliament, not the courts, can determine whether it is behaving in ways that run completely counter to our right that we have this power. I can announce today that values. Adhering to British values is not an option or a we will start preparing the primary legislation and choice; it is a duty for all those who live in these islands. consult Parliament on the draft clauses. So we will stand up for our values; we will, in the end, 27 EU Council, Security and 1 SEPTEMBER 2014 EU Council, Security and 28 Middle East Middle East [The Prime Minister] to achieve them, and always being conscious of the need to build legitimacy and alliances well beyond defeat this extremism; and we will secure our way of life Britain and the United States. We support the US for generations to come. I commend this statement to airstrikes that are protecting innocent people at risk the House. from ISIL, and we believe it is right to provide crucial support to the Kurds’ military effort. However, as President 3.45 pm Obama has said, defeating ISIL cannot be achieved by military means alone, so may I ask the Prime Minister Edward Miliband (Doncaster North) (Lab): I thank some questions about that? the Prime Minister for his statement. First, I agree with the Prime Minister that there can This summer of international instability has be no defeat of ISIL without tackling the sources of its demonstrated the need for Britain to be engaged and support in Iraq. Therefore, what role is the EU playing build alliances across continents to tackle the problems in ensuring that the new Iraqi Government promote a that the world is facing, learning lessons from the past. new settlement that does indeed end the years of exclusion On the EU summit, let me take the opportunity of Sunni minorities? provided by the appointment of a new High Representative Secondly, ISIL would not be the force it is if other and Council President, which we welcome, to commend countries in the region had not overtly and covertly the excellent work of Cathy Ashton over the last five provided succour for its ideology, as well as financial years, particularly in helping to mediate an inclusive and other support. Therefore, what discussions has the settlement in Kosovo and in leading the efforts to Prime Minister had, or will he have, with countries in persuade Iran to abandon its nuclear programme. She the region, including our traditional allies, to make has served with distinction. clear the stand that needs to be taken against ISIL and On Ukraine, before the summer we were all appalled its ideology. What further steps does he think can be by the shooting down of Malaysian airliner MH17, and taken to encourage neighbouring countries, including we need to face the reality that we have seen no let-up in Turkey, to tighten their borders to slow the flow of arms Russian aggression and incursions into Ukrainian territory. and fighters to Syria and Iraq? If anything, the situation has got worse, not better. This Thirdly, does the Prime Minister agree that any strategy continued Russian aggression must be met with a robust to tackle ISIL needs the active engagement of neighbouring co-ordinated and united international response, which countries, including Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Iran? I sends a clear signal to President Putin. Does the Prime agree with what he says about the need for a political Minister agree that now is the time for the EU to transition in Syria. Can he say how he believes that can consider further sectoral sanctions, including in key be achieved? Given the need for the multilateral approach areas such as defence, energy and financial services? I have talked about, can he say how he plans to use our Will he also tell us what plans will be put forward at the chairmanship of the UN Security Council to build the NATO summit to provide support to Ukraine? alliances that are necessary? On the situation in Gaza, we deeply regret the appalling Our approach to defeating ISIL at home must have loss of life of more than 2,000 Palestinians, including the same determination as we show overseas and proceed many children, and of Israeli soldiers and civilians. We on the basis of the evidence. Just as we were shocked by unequivocally condemn Hamas’s dreadful and murderous the actions of ISIL, so people throughout Britain are rocket attacks and defend Israel’s right to defend itself. appalled that British citizens are part of ISIL’s murderous In our view, however, the nature of Israel’s response in activity. Our country’s streets have seen before the horror this crisis cannot be justified, and I agree that today’s that happens when extremist ideology turns to acts of annexation of Palestinian land is, in the words of the violence. I welcome the Prime Minister’s commitment Prime Minister, “deplorable”. The truth is that history to make it easier for police and border authorities to tells us that this appalling cycle of violence will continue seize the passports of those participating in the conflict, unless there are meaningful negotiations towards a two-state and we will study and scrutinise his proposals. On his solution. Will the Prime Minister tell us what steps he discretionary powers to exclude British nationals from and the EU will be taking to be an insistent advocate for the country, it is unclear what he is proposing. I am those negotiations? I join the Prime Minister, too, in happy to engage in cross-party conversations but can he saying that whatever our views on this conflict, nothing give the House a bit more information at this stage can excuse anti-Semitism wherever we find it, at home about what his proposals might consist of? and abroad. With regard to the most serious, high-risk cases—where On Iraq and Syria, ISIL’s campaign of terror against convictions in the courts cannot be achieved—I welcome the innocent, including Yazidi and Christian minorities, the Prime Minister’s recognition that the independent and its grotesque acts of violence have shocked people reviewer on terrorism has made clear the inadequacies across the country. ISIL presents a particular type of of TPIMs, in particular, the inability to relocate suspects threat that cannot be ignored because of our sense of away from their communities. Relocation was indeed a conscience in relation to those who immediately face its central part of control orders, and it was a mistake to terror; because it threatens the democratic Iraqi state get rid of them in the first place. Does the Prime and seeks to redraw borders to establish a repressive Minister also agree that we need a mandatory and and brutal state of its own; and because of the danger comprehensive programme of deradicalisation not just of the export of this ideology. for those who will be under TPIMs but for those who At the same time, we must learn lessons from the have been on the fringes of extremism in Iraq and events of the past decade, including the 2003 war in Syria? Further, does he agree that we need to stop Iraq, and proceed with the requisite humility. That young people being recruited to ISIL in the first place? means being clear about our objectives and the means Can I therefore urge him to overhaul the Prevent 29 EU Council, Security and 1 SEPTEMBER 2014 EU Council, Security and 30 Middle East Middle East programme, which has become over-focused on the discuss that on an all-party basis as we introduce this police response to extremism and needs to do far more legislation. Again, I welcome what he says about all-party with parents and communities? discussions on other discretionary powers to make sure As we tackle the domestic consequences of ISIL, we that we correct the problems that we have in a proper will work with the Government to tackle the threat we way. face here at home. The events of the summer have On the right hon. Gentleman’s last two points, it is underlined how turning our back on the complexities important that Prevent is focused on counter-radicalisation. and instability of our world is not an option. We must In the past, some money was spent on organisations also show that Britain has learnt the lessons of our that were perhaps part of the problem rather than part history with an approach based on genuine multilateralism. of the solution. I believe it is very important that we In responding in that way, the Government will have target not just violent extremism but the extremist narrative our full support. from which the men and women of violence draw succour. I think that is important. The Prime Minister: I thank the Leader of the Opposition Finally, on terrorism prevention orders and control for the points he made and the tone in which he made orders, let me quote to the right hon. Gentleman what them. There is widespread, all-party support for most David Anderson, our terrorism adviser, who he quoted, of the issues that we are discussing today. He is right to said in his most recent report: praise Cathy Ashton. Let me add my voice to his. She “There is no need to put the clock back. The majority of the has done an excellent job. Of course, that job is not yet changes introduced by the TPIMs Act have civilised the control complete: she is still involved in some important order system without making it less effective.” negotiations, not least with Iran, and we wish her well. That is why we should take TPIMs as the basis and On Ukraine and sanctions, the right hon. Gentleman amend them as necessary. asked whether we were looking at further sectoral sanctions. Yes we are. The conclusions of the EU Council set that Sir Peter Tapsell (Louth and Horncastle) (Con): Does out. It is important that we fill in some of the gaps that the Prime Minister recognise that one of the reasons have been left. For example, on financial sanctions, we why there are misguided British jihadists fighting in need to ensure that we press home on things such as Arabia is the folly of those in the Gulf and in the west syndicated loans, which others have opposed and we who first encouraged and then supported a Sunni rebellion have been prepared to support. against the Syrian Alawites? We must avoid, under the We give financial and technical support to Ukraine. banner of democracy, intervening in a religious civil There is obviously a partnership between Ukraine and war that has already lasted for 1,300 years. NATO, and NATO will undertake some exercises in the western part of Ukraine. I do not believe, however, that The Prime Minister: I always listen very carefully to the right approach would be to arm the Ukrainian the Father of the House but on this occasion I am not rebels. We should focus the support in the areas that I sure I agree with him. I would argue that the rise of have identified. The best thing we can do to help Ukraine Islamic State—of ISIS—has had two principal causes: is to build the alliance across Europe and America for one is the brutality that Assad has shown to his own strong sanctions to demonstrate to Russia that the people, and the second is the failure of the Government relationship with the rest of the world will be fundamentally in Iraq to represent all of its people. We need to recognise changed. that it is those two issues that have been the principal cause of this problem, together with, as I have said, the On Gaza, the right hon. Gentleman asked what we real problem, which is the Islamist extremist narrative were doing to get meaningful negotiations under way. that finds any broken state, any source of conflict, any Let me mention one of the things we do: we are one of sign of weakness, and exploits it. the most important funders of the Palestinian Authority. We want to encourage them to restore their authority in Gaza and that could be a stepping stone towards further Mr Jack Straw (Blackburn) (Lab): In an article that negotiations. the Prime Minister wrote in The Daily Telegraph on 16 August, he spoke about the need to build alliances in On ISIS, I agree with what the right hon. Gentleman the region, including, he said, perhaps even with Iran. says—there is no military solution. We should work Does he agree that, yes, while there is a negotiation to with partners and countries in the region. We should be had with Iran over the nuclear dossier, frankly, as he learn the lessons from the past. I welcome his backing indicated, we need Iranian co-operation more than ever, for what we are doing to help resupply and support the as it is one of the few stable states in the region? Given Kurds. We should continue to do that. He then asked a that, could he say therefore what action he is taking to series of questions. In terms of pressure on the Iraqi lead the full establishment of diplomatic relations with Government to reach out to all parts of Iraq, we are Iran, because the embassies have still not been fully part of the solid international pressure to ensure that reopened? that happens. On talking to powers in the region to ensure that financial support is cut off for extremism, The Prime Minister: I greatly respect the right hon. those are conversations I have had with many over the Gentleman, and I know he has considerable experience summer and will continue to have. On Turkey, we are of dealing with Iran, not least from when he was working more closely with Turkey than perhaps ever Foreign Secretary. As I have said here before, we are before on security, intelligence and other co-operation. cautiously re-engaging with Iran—he knows about the On measures at home, I am delighted that the right steps already taken—and that will lead over time, I am hon. Gentleman is going to support our measures for sure, to the reopening of embassies and all the rest of it, seizing passports, although of course we are happy to but we should do so very cautiously, knowing Iran’s 31 EU Council, Security and 1 SEPTEMBER 2014 EU Council, Security and 32 Middle East Middle East [The Prime Minister] catastrophes and to make sure that Islamic State is properly addressed in Iraq? We should be asking how history and what it has done, including support for we can help, rather than thinking the west can somehow terrorist organisations. Clearly, what is most required in lead and overtake an intervention, but I agree with the Iraq is an Iraqi Government who represent all of its right hon. Gentleman that there should be no question people, and those that have been most excluded recently of British combat troops on the ground. have been the Sunni population, but we need, of course, the assistance of Iraq and other countries in making Sir Richard Ottaway (Croydon South) (Con): I very sure this comes about. much agree with the Prime Minister over the nature of the extremist threat we face, but during the summer Sir Menzies Campbell (North East Fife) (LD): May I recess there have been repeated calls for a coalition of welcome the fact that my right hon. Friend’s statement the willing. He will have seen reports that Egypt and the was rather more nuanced than some of the reports have United Arab Emirates carried out air attacks on the suggested over the weekend? May I take him directly to militia in Libya. Is there any sign that Arab states and the question of the exclusion of United Kingdom nationals the west will join together militarily to co-operate in from the United Kingdom? Is he aware that there is combating ISIS? very substantial doubt as to whether that would be legal, not least, of course, because of our international The Prime Minister: My right hon. Friend’s contribution obligations in treaties and conventions? In addition, is along the same lines as that of the right hon. Member hardly anything has been said about the practicality of for Neath (Mr Hain): that we should be there to help such a proposal. Who would decide, would any such those on the ground who want to get the right outcome, suspension be without limit of time, and, indeed, would rather than thinking that we can magic a solution on any appeal be appropriate? In those circumstances, a our own. When we look at the attitude of the Jordanians great deal of work needs to be done on the proposal he and others, we see that they recognise the huge threat has outlined. that Islamic State poses to them, but it also threatens us. Therefore, I think our approach should be about helping The Prime Minister: I respect the right hon. and the Kurds, helping the Jordanians, helping the Iraqi learned Gentleman and the point he makes, and he is Government—helping all those who, working together, absolutely right: we should not be tearing up international can address this threat. obligations in order to bring this about. The point I am making is that, as we stand today, we are able to deal Hazel Blears (Salford and Eccles) (Lab): Last July the with foreign nationals who want to return to Britain—they hon. Member for New Forest East (Dr Lewis) and I can be excluded—and we can deal with dual-nationals came to the Prime Minister’s tackling radicalisation because we can take away their British passport without taskforce and we asked for two things: first, for further rendering them stateless, but we have the example, for action to expose the poisonous ideology of these extremists; instance, of someone today, a British citizen, who says secondly, for more support for Muslim communities that he wants to come back to Britain in order to wreak themselves to be able to challenge these messages so the havoc in our country and who has pledged allegiance to next generation of young people does not end up in the another state. So therefore there is a gap that needs to hands of the extremists. I am disappointed that today’s be properly discussed, properly identified and properly statement has very little to say about either of those dealt with. issues. I am sure the Prime Minister has further proposals— practical, concrete, patient, measured and effective—and Mr Peter Hain (Neath) (Lab): I support air strikes on I would very much like to see them, as I am sure would ISIS to stop its genocidal attacks in the region, particularly most Members of this House. against Shi’a Muslims and Kurds and minorities, but there should be no question of British troops on the The Prime Minister: I am disappointed that the right ground. However, we do need to support the Kurds hon. Lady is disappointed, because when it comes to particularly, in providing the equipment they need. In the issue of countering the extremist narrative, there are addition, neighbouring nations need to take ownership few people in any part of the House with whom I agree of this fight and the solution to it. Could the Prime more. When we look at what the extremism taskforce Minister, therefore, press our close ally, the Saudis, to achieved in terms of countering radicalisation in prisons, stop funding mediaeval barbarism by ISIS, and could on campuses, in schools and, indeed, by working with he get Iran and Turkey to engage as well? Finally, could Muslim organisations that want to deal with this he schedule a full day’s debate in prime Government problem—for instance by giving them legal assistance time on foreign policy? The world is a very dangerous in throwing the extremists out of mosques or community place at the moment, including between Russia and centres—we see all those things are happening, but I Ukraine, and we need to have a proper debate, welcome will look to see what more can be done. though statements are. Mr Dominic Grieve (Beaconsfield) (Con): May I The Prime Minister: On the right hon. Gentleman’s congratulate my right hon. Friend on the broad thrust point about a fuller debate, we are looking at that: the of his statement? But I have to say that I share the House authorities are looking at it and I think it would concern that has been expressed about the suggestion be extremely worth while if time can be found. I very that British nationals, however horribly they may be much agree with the tenor of what he says, which is that alleged to have behaved, should be prevented from we should be looking to ask how we can best help those returning to this country. That would offend not only on the ground—the Iraqi Government, the Kurdish principles of international law, but basic principles of forces—who are doing their best to prevent humanitarian our own common law. I recommend to him that the best 33 EU Council, Security and 1 SEPTEMBER 2014 EU Council, Security and 34 Middle East Middle East course must be to bring these individuals to justice, and our national interest—keeping our country safe—and he may wish to confirm to the House that we have help those people on the ground who are doing the actually been quite successful in doing just that over the most to combat ISIL? past nine months. Caroline Lucas (Brighton, Pavilion) (Green): The Prime The Prime Minister: My right hon. and learned Friend Minister has pledged that we will stand up for our is absolutely right to say that our first approach should values, and I hope we will. So can he explain how it is be trying to prosecute and convict people in our country. compatible with our values, and indeed how it helps As he says, the courts—and the police and intelligence tackle Islamist extremism, to continue to sell arms to services—have been successful on that. The most important countries such as Saudi Arabia, which regularly beheads thing is to make sure, in listening to the intelligence its own people and which is one of the most significant services and the police, that any gaps in the armoury are sources of funding to extremist groups worldwide? properly addressed. That is why we are looking at the terrorism prevention and investigation measures and The Prime Minister: We have some of the toughest introducing this passport confiscation measure, but it is rules on arms exports of any country anywhere in the important that we discuss the issue of returnees as well. world. Those rules are subject to the rule of law, and we have to make sure that they are. We would of course take a very different view on many of the domestic rules Mr Elfyn Llwyd (Dwyfor Meirionnydd) (PC): If the and regulations in Saudi Arabia, but I think it is true to current UK security profile is as dire as we are led to say that the Saudi authorities have changed their approach believe by the Government, will the Prime Minister on radicalisation around the world, and it is worth today give us all some comfort by reversing the 4,500 job while that they do so. cut plan in the Border Agency? Sir William Cash (Stone) (Con): On the matter of The Prime Minister: This Government have prioritised statelessness and preventing British terrorist jihadists resources into those agencies most at risk when it comes from returning to the United Kingdom, has my right to combating terrorism; the funding settlement for the hon. Friend been briefed that, under article 8 of the security agencies has been generous compared with that United Nations convention on statelessness, domestic for other organisations. I am very happy, with the legislation in certain countries may render a person pressures we face, to look again at the resources, and if stateless where he has acted inconsistently with his duty more is needed, I am sure that more can be found, of loyalty, has behaved in a way prejudicial to the because nothing matters more than this. But let me say interests of the state or has declared allegiance to another to the right hon. Gentleman that I know there are state and shown evidence of repudiation of allegiance? always suspicions when politicians stand up and talk Does he not accept that that is exactly where we are about the threats we face to our nation. The joint now, and that it would be extremely important to get terrorism analysis centre is the body that independently that right so that the Leader of the Opposition understands decides the level of threat facing this country. It decided, that the matter can be made clear? because of what is happening in Iraq and Syria—not just ISIL, but the other al-Qaeda offshoots—and because The Prime Minister: My hon. Friend makes a good of the number of people travelling to that region from point, which shows exactly why we need to discuss and Britain and elsewhere, that it was right to raise the level examine this issue further. The reason why everyone will from substantial to severe. It is its decision, not mine. want us to examine this is that it absolutely sticks in the craw that someone can go from this country to Syria, Dr Liam Fox (North Somerset) (Con): What discussions declare jihad, make all sorts of plans to start doing us has my right hon. Friend had with other leaders about damage and then contemplate returning to Britain having stopping the sale and purchase of ISIL oil on the black declared their allegiance to another state. That is the market, which is one means by which ISIL sustains problem that we need to address, and my hon. Friend itself? What discussions has he had about stopping will be useful in doing so. financial flows through the international banking system to ISIL? In what circumstances would the United Kingdom Sir Gerald Kaufman (Manchester, Gorton) (Lab): decide to join, rather than simply support, US air Does the right hon. Gentleman recall that when he strikes on ISIL military positions? made his previous statement on Gaza, I said that the Israelis could kill but they could not win. Seven weeks The Prime Minister: On my right hon. Friend’s first later, 2,000 Palestinians, including 500 children, have points, he is absolutely right to say that those are things been killed by the Israelis and an enormous amount of we should pursue. I also believe we should publicise physical damage has been inflicted that makes life in the more the fact that ISIL makes a lot of money from Gaza strip next to impossible. What will the Government selling oil to President Assad—that demonstrates the do to prevent another such attack, which will come at character of these people. On our engagement in the some time or another if not stopped, and will he now efforts that are being made, we have brought to bear impose an arms ban on Israel? diplomatic, political and other tools in our armoury. We have also used our military. They have been delivering The Prime Minister: What we must do is convince aid in Iraq, and providing surveillance and other capabilities everyone that it is worth while getting round the table to that are helping the Americans. We support the American find a negotiated solution to the fundamental underlying air strikes; we think they are right. That has been our issue of the need for a Palestinian state. To do that, we approach to date, and I think it is right, as I say, to keep must persuade the Israelis to make it a greater priority asking the question: how can we, in Britain, best pursue and to understand that that would be the true route to 35 EU Council, Security and 1 SEPTEMBER 2014 EU Council, Security and 36 Middle East Middle East [The Prime Minister] greater effect—as I said in my statement, they are having an effect and have brought pressure to bear—we security. We also need to persuade the Palestinians and need to signal not when more Russians appear on those who have supported Hamas that terrorist attacks Ukrainian soil that we will somehow back off or give and rocket attacks on Israel will not bring Palestinian up, but that we will turn the ratchet and that Russia will statehood closer. suffer permanently from the increasing economic isolation that follows. Alistair Burt (North East Bedfordshire) (Con): My right hon. Friend is absolutely right to protect the Stephen Doughty (Cardiff South and Penarth) (Lab/ United Kingdom against the threat that it faces, but the Co-op): The Prime Minister will be aware that a number most immediate threat in the region is faced by those of individuals from Cardiff, including two from my states around ISIS which find their borders being dissolved constituency, have travelled to join and fight with IS in and which first bear the brunt of the need to protect Iraq and Syria. Will he explain to me how a young man innocent civilians. We can help, and there are those who believed to be at risk has apparently been able to obtain are bearing a burden even now. Has my right hon. and use a UK passport to travel using commercial Friend received a specific request for arms from the means from the UK through the EU to fight for IS? Kurdish Peshmerga, either directly or through the EU? Does the Prime Minister have full confidence in Her If he has, how are we responding? If he has not yet Majesty’s Passport Office and the UK Border Force received that request, how will the Government respond? and will he assure us that there have been no serious lapses in their existing checking procedures, particularly The Prime Minister: I am grateful to my right hon. given the numbers that we have seen going to fight? Friend for his question. So far we have received requests from the Kurds to facilitate the transfer and transport of arms and ammunition from Jordan and Albania to The Prime Minister: I will certainly look at the individual the Kurdish regional authorities. We have done that, case that the hon. Gentleman produces. We could not and it is absolutely right that we have. I am not aware of have given clearer instructions to the agencies concerned a specific request directly from the Kurdish regional about confiscating passports and preventing travel. A authorities for arms and military support, but as I have number of passports have been confiscated and a number said before, we would look very favourably on such a of people have been prosecuted, but we obviously need request. They are our allies and friends, and we believe to do all we can and more to stop this happening. that they are helping to put the pressure on ISIL and to defend communities. We very much want them to be Rory Stewart (Penrith and The Border) (Con): Given part of a future Iraq rather than anything else. With the situation in Ukraine, when will the Prime Minister those provisos, we take a very positive view. investigate committing towards pre-positioning equipment in the Baltic and ensuring that there is a British battalion Ms Gisela Stuart (Birmingham, Edgbaston) (Lab): under the command of the Supreme Allied Commander Further to the previous question, German Chancellor Europe to be deployed in rapid reaction and that we Merkel has decided that it is in Germany’s national make a binding, statutory, long-term commitment to interest to provide the Kurds with arms. Will the Prime 2% of GDP for defence? Minister tell me when he thinks that it would not be in Britain’s national interest to do so, or what he would The Prime Minister: I welcome this question and require to make him change his mind? congratulate my hon. Friend on his election to head up the important Select Committee on Defence in this The Prime Minister: With respect, I do not think that House. Many of his suggestions will be directly addressed there is any difference in what the German Chancellor at the NATO conference. I think it is very important is saying and what I am saying about this. If the Kurds that when Russia looks at countries like Estonia, Latvia were to make a specific request, we would look on it or Poland, it sees not just Estonian, Latvian and Polish very favourably because we think that they should be soldiers but French, German and British soldiers, too. properly armed and equipped to deal with the threat We need to make real our article 5 commitments, and that they face. that is very important. We have already taken steps to help with Baltic air patrolling, for instance, which has Martin Horwood (Cheltenham) (LD): Is not the truth been gratefully received by the countries concerned. that the European Union has so far failed adequately to respond to Russia’s increasingly flagrant aggression in As for defence spending, I am proud of the fact that Ukraine, not even stopping the imminent delivery of we are one of the very few countries in Europe—two at French amphibious assault ships to Russia? Does not the last count, I think—to meet the 2% figure for next week’s NATO summit need to send a much stronger defence spending, and we should use the conference in signal and perhaps even offer to buy those amphibious Cardiff to urge others to do the same. assault ships for NATO not Russia? Mr Dennis Skinner (Bolsover) (Lab): Is the Prime The Prime Minister: That is a very interesting suggestion Minister aware that his words would be much more that I can take on board. It is not easy to get to credible if his view and reading of history were as good 28 countries around a table to agree on sanctions and as all the stuff—the garbage—he trots out? Namely, to try to do that at the same time as the United States of 12 months ago this Prime Minister stood at that Dispatch America, but I would argue that by and large in recent Box and tried to get the House of Commons to join him weeks and months that is what we have done. Although to help and arm the ISIL guerrillas against Assad. Had of course I want sanctions to go further and to have a it not been for the Labour party, he would have been 37 EU Council, Security and 1 SEPTEMBER 2014 EU Council, Security and 38 Middle East Middle East trapped on this hook. He wants to get on his hands and The Prime Minister: Of course, we are not members knees and thank the Labour party for not taking Britain of Schengen, so we are able to police our borders down that route. independently, which we do. Indeed, it is at our borders that we can restrict people coming in, and after the The Prime Minister: My memory of the discussions legislation, as well as the royal prerogative of taking we had a year ago is that they were about the use of away people’s passports, we will be able to take them chemical weapons. My reading of history is that the use away at the border too. of chemical weapons is wrong and we should not turn away from it. Frank Dobson (Holborn and St Pancras) (Lab): I hope the Prime Minister accepts that no one in the House is more opposed to terrorism than I am—my Sir Gerald Howarth (Aldershot) (Con): I join my constituency was subject to the Tavistock Square and right hon. and hon. Friends in congratulating the Prime Russell Square bombings. Does he agree that to be a Minister on his robust stance in pointing out the poisonous British citizen is very precious, and that we need to be nature of the IS ideology, but will he go further, in very careful about interfering with the rights of British accordance with a suggestion from my right hon. Friend citizens? If the security services know enough to finger the Member for North Somerset (Dr Fox)? ISIL represents people and say that they cannot come into the country, a substantial threat to the continued integrity of Iraq, why can we not arrest and prosecute them and subject and American airstrikes have been successful in halting them to our general laws? If we do not subject all its further advance. Would it not be better for the Royal British citizens to our general laws, is there not a possibility Air Force to join in that measure? As far as Ukraine is that other countries may not attach enough significance concerned, may I repeat my plea for the Prime Minister to British citizenship? to use this weekend’s NATO conference to get a NATO maritime force to position itself in the Black sea to The Prime Minister: I very much respect the right deter Putin from engaging in an attack on Odessa? hon. Gentleman’s views. Of course I agree with him that the best outcome when we are faced with a terrorist The Prime Minister: First, we support the action the threat is to ensure that we can gather evidence, prosecute Americans have taken to assist the Iraqi authorities and and convict those who threaten our country. That is the Kurdish authorities in beating back ISIL; that has been first option, but successive Governments have found the right approach. We have also assisted in our own that, when we are facing an existential terrorist threat, way through the humanitarian aid we have delivered that is not enough. That is why, in the past, we had and the intelligence and other support that we have control orders, and why we now have terrorism prevention given to the Americans. That is the position. and investigation measures. It is why, sometimes, we On Ukraine, I do not think that the approach my have to take extraordinary measures, such as using the hon. Friend suggests is the right one. We should be royal prerogative to take passports away. I would argue demonstrating that NATO stands behind all its members, that stripping someone of their nationality is not as I have just said. We should be demonstrating that sacrosanct—that is what we do in the case of dual NATO has important partnerships with countries such nationals today. That is why we must address any potential as Ukraine. Indeed, that should not stop us having gap in our armoury so that we can keep our country exercises in Ukraine, as we will do later this year. safe. However, I do not believe that the solution to the problems in Ukraine is a military solution. We want a Nadhim Zahawi (Stratford-on-Avon) (Con): I commend de-escalation of the military situation and an escalation the Prime Minister for his diplomatic, security and of the political solution, recognising that, at heart, the humanitarian efforts to help the people of Kurdistan Ukrainian people must be able to choose their future. It against the threat of ISIL. When I was there, I was told is that that Russia is trying to deny. that ISIL was issuing passports and visas. We should recommend that any British citizen who pledges allegiance to ISIL should get that passport, not a British one, and Derek Twigg (Halton) (Lab): When did the Prime that the British one should be withdrawn immediately. Minister realise that the Iraqi army could not deal with ISIL, and does he believe the Iraqi army will be in any position soon to defeat ISIL? The Prime Minister: It is worth listening to my hon. Friend. I am grateful for the travel he undertook to the Kurdish regional authority, and for the work he is doing The Prime Minister: The weakness of the Iraqi army to build our relationship with President Barzani. It is was based not on its equipment or even on its training, hugely helpful. I listened carefully to the other point he but on the fact that it was seen as a force that represented has made. only one part of Iraq. That demonstrates the importance of focusing on politics as well as on military issues. Jeremy Corbyn (Islington North) (Lab): Will the What is required—I think the Iraqi army will not succeed Prime Minister explain why the British Government did until this happens—is a Government of Iraq who represent not support the call made by the United Nations High all of Iraq, and Iraqi security forces that can make the Commissioner for Human Rights for an investigation same claim. of war crimes in Gaza, and why Britain and the other European nations abstained on that vote? Of course, Mr John Redwood (Wokingham) (Con): Do not recent the inquiry is going ahead. In the meantime, the Prime events show the need for us to control our own borders? Minister has continued an armed relationship with Should not that be central to our new relationship with Israel, despite 2,000 people dying in Gaza. Does he not the EU, so that its weakest border is not our border? think it is time to suspend arms deals with Israel because 39 EU Council, Security and 1 SEPTEMBER 2014 EU Council, Security and 40 Middle East Middle East [Jeremy Corbyn] Sir Edward Garnier (Harborough) (Con): I thank my right hon. Friend for not urging upon us, despite of the appalling loss of civilian life in Gaza, the continued provocations—no doubt from many—a slew of new occupation of the west bank, and the continued theft of legislation, and not taking up a desire to re-write old Palestinian land by the Israeli occupying forces? legislation as though it were new legislation, but targeting his thoughts on one or two specific areas. Will he make The Prime Minister: It is right that these claims and sure that the deliberations on the new legislation that he points are properly investigated. The reason for not is suggesting are as wide as possible and that we take voting for the specific motion was that it was unbalanced, time to get it right rather than rush it through to achieve and that was the view that many other countries took. a quick result? With regard to arms exports, the Government have reviewed all existing export licences to Israel. The vast The Prime Minister: I heard my hon. and learned majority were not for items that could in any way be Friend’s calming tones on the radio this morning, which used by Israeli forces in operations in Gaza. Twelve set the tone for my whole mood today. He is right. I do licences were identified for components that could be not believe in knee-jerk responses. We are a country part of equipment used by the Israeli defence force in under the law, we have very firm rules in this area and Gaza, and no new licences for military equipment were what are required are some changes at the margin to fill issued for use by the Israeli defence force during that in the gaps that we have identified. We should not spend review period. That is the approach that we have taken, too long debating and discussing those gaps, because if which has been sensible and balanced. there are gaps they need to be filled quite urgently.

Sir Tony Baldry (Banbury) (Con): Donald Tusk has Mr Ben Bradshaw (Exeter) (Lab): Why is the Prime indicated that he is ready to support my right hon. Minister still sending weapons to the Netanyahu Friend’s plans to introduce new limits on welfare payments Government in Israel while being so slow to arm the to migrant workers from other EU states, and has made Kurds and refusing to arm the legitimate Government it clear that the European Union needs to find solutions of Ukraine? to meet the UK’s legitimate concerns about EU membership. Does not that demonstrate that it is possible The Prime Minister: We are operating the legislation for the UK, under my right hon. Friend’s leadership, to that in part was put forward by the Government of negotiate real and positive changes in our relationship whom he was a member. with the EU? Dr Julian Lewis (New Forest East) (Con): Does the The Prime Minister: I very much agree with my right Prime Minister agree that one of the main reasons why hon. Friend. May I say, in respect of his announcement NATO successfully deterred and contained the then today that he will not be standing at the next election, Soviet Union from 1949 to 1989 was that the rulers in how much his wise counsel will be missed in the House the Kremlin were in no doubt at all that an attack on and in our party? one NATO country would inevitably mean war with all Donald Tusk said: the rest? For that reason, at the NATO summit will he bear in mind the fact that NATO membership, however “The European Union and I personally will surely respond to concerns signalled by Great Britain…I talked about it to David hard-hearted this may seem, must never be offered to a Cameron and I also understand many of his attempts and proposals country unless we are prepared to go to war to defend of reforms and I think that they can be accepted by sensible that country? politicians in Europe…also regarding the search for a compromise aiming to eliminate abuses in the free flow of labour.” The Prime Minister: My hon. Friend speaks very This is a positive statement, and as I said, I am looking good sense about this. Article 5 obligations are deadly forward to working with him in the future. serious and we would have to meet them if a NATO member was invaded by another country, so the point Chris Bryant (Rhondda) (Lab): The Prime Minister he makes is a good one. has said that there are Russian troops on the ground in Ukraine, which gives the lie to what President Putin has Hugh Bayley (York Central) (Lab): In Kiev over the been saying for the last week. Since President Putin’s summer the Ukrainian Prime Minister said forcefully to Russia is behaving like an international terrorist organisation me that, whereas the pro-Russian rebels in eastern in itself, following the question that I asked the Prime Ukraine are fully and adequately armed by Russia, his Minister in July on the Magnitsky case, on the basis of own state Ukrainian forces do not have all the matériel which he sent me a letter over the summer, can he not they need. Will the Prime Minister tell the House what now, unambiguously, finally say, without any element military advice and assistance we are giving to the of uncertainty, that those who were involved in the Government of Ukraine? murder of Sergei Magnitsky and in the corruption that he unveiled are not welcome in this country? Just a The Prime Minister: As I have said, the assistance we straightforward “They are not welcome”—end of story. have given Ukraine to date has been in technical, financial and governmental areas. We stand open, of course, to The Prime Minister: I am afraid that I do not have the having discussions with it on a military-to-military basis, letter in front of me, but I do not really have anything to but providing arms has not been part of our plans. add to the letter I sent to the hon. Gentleman. But he is absolutely right that it is quite clear that the Russian Mr John Baron (Basildon and Billericay) (Con): The authorities have not told the truth about the situation in policy of talking loudly but carrying a small stick is Ukraine. often found wanting quite quickly. Does the Prime 41 EU Council, Security and 1 SEPTEMBER 2014 EU Council, Security and 42 Middle East Middle East Minister concede that cutting 20,000 front-line troops states to co-operate? That means that Iran, Turkey, risks sending the wrong message not only to our potential Saudi Arabia and Russia are going to have to be got in a adversaries, but to our NATO partners as he rightly place where they can co-operate with the United States prepares to encourage them to increase their defence and the European Union. It will involve ugly ethical spending? compromises, which we have already made over Egypt. Will the Prime Minister set his Government the policy The Prime Minister: I am afraid I do not agree with objective of getting those nations in the same place to my hon. Friend, for this reason: we have had to make have a policy that can begin to address this disaster? difficult decisions in order to deal with the deficit, but no one can describe a £33 billion defence budget—one The Prime Minister: I agree with what my hon. Friend of the top five budgets anywhere in the world—as a says about the importance of getting nations that have small stick. Because we have taken difficult decisions, not previously co-operated to co-operate with each we have got a new aircraft carrier, with another to other. I agree that we should get them to step up to the follow, the Type 45 destroyers, the Astute submarines, plate and do more to deal with the problems in their the best-equipped Army that I think we have had for own area. However, as the former Labour Cabinet many years and, of course, a whole new range of Minister, the right hon. Member for Wolverhampton aircraft for the RAF. You can only have that size and South East (Mr McFadden), has just said, there are also sort of stick if you take the difficult decisions elsewhere times when we have to look to our responsibilities, and in your budgets. we should do that at the same time. Mr Pat McFadden (Wolverhampton South East) (Lab): The decision to water down control orders was the Keith Vaz (Leicester East) (Lab): May I welcome the wrong policy taken for the wrong reasons, and I welcome Prime Minister’s decision to place the Channel programme the Prime Minister’s at least partial U-turn today on the on a statutory footing, which is a long-standing relocation element. recommendation of the Home Affairs Committee? He is right to focus on the obligation to return. The obligation On the international dimension, it is right to learn the to return resulted in Mohammed Ahmed Mohamed lessons from the past, but it is wrong to be imprisoned coming back from Somalia—he is now, of course, at by the past, particularly by the decision on the Iraq war large—and in Michael Adebolajo being brought back or last year’s decision on military intervention in Syria. from Kenya, with tragic consequences. The details may In the light of what has happened in recent months, will therefore have to be worked out, but the principle of the Prime Minister consider seeking a new mandate looking at this is extremely important. May I urge the from Parliament which begins not by ruling options out Prime Minister to please make sure that there is engagement or by looking over our shoulders, but by exercising with the community itself on domestic terrorism—not leadership and confronting the threat we face here and just the mosques and organisations, but a direct approach now? to the communities? The Prime Minister: I very much agree with the right hon. Gentleman that we of course need to learn the The Prime Minister: I very much agree with both lessons of the past but must not be imprisoned by points made by the right hon. Gentleman. It has been decisions that were taken in the past. I think the whole very noticeable in recent days how many in the British tone of the debate today is that, yes, it is for those in the Muslim communities have come forward to condemn region—principally the Iraqi Government and the Kurds ISIL in incredibly strong terms, and that is hugely and neighbours—to lead the charge against squeezing welcome. I also take the point about the Home Affairs this appalling organisation ISIL, but Britain, America, Committee recommendation about the Channel programme France and others should use all the tools in our toolkit that we are putting in place. to help them to do that. We have to make a judgment about how we best help those on the ground, and to Sir Edward Leigh (Gainsborough) (Con): If Islamic date that judgment has been to provide aid and political terrorism is the greatest threat we face, as we must all support and to help with certain military aspects. The accept, surely our best policy is to maximise the coalition Americans have gone further and provided air strikes. I of the willing in the world, not to fight a two-front war. think that is the right way to approach this problem. Given that Islamic terrorism is also an existential threat On the issue of control orders, let me quote again to the Russian state in Chechnya, does my right hon. what the independent reviewer of terrorist legislation Friend think there is a role for a British Prime Minister said: who is not parti pris in the ancient disputes in this area “There is no need to put the clock back. The majority of to try to broker a deal based on any move of Ukraine to changes introduced by the TPIMs Act have civilised the control the EU or NATO being balanced by similar moves to order system without making it less effective.” Russia and a federal solution for eastern Ukraine? We have to understand that control orders were permanently being run ragged in the courts. We needed a new system The Prime Minister: I do not agree with my hon. and now we can improve it. Friend about that. Where he is right is of course that Russia faces a threat from Islamist extremism, but so Crispin Blunt (Reigate) (Con): Does the Prime Minister far I have seen insufficient evidence that it wants to share Henry Kissinger’s analysis that to address the work with international partners to follow that through utterly appalling consequences of the collapse of central in other theatres—most recently in Syria, where it is state authority in much of the middle east and north perfectly obvious to me that Assad’s brutality and the Africa, we are going to have to get competing nation lack of support for the responsible opposition has 43 EU Council, Security and 1 SEPTEMBER 2014 EU Council, Security and 44 Middle East Middle East [The Prime Minister] The Prime Minister: On the issue of the debate, I am sure that the authorities will have listened to the hon. helped foment the ISIL problem, which is something on Gentleman and that we can find a way to have a proper which Vladimir Putin and I would take completely debate, whether this week or next week. I am sure that different sides. that would be worth while. On Putin and Russia, as I have said before, what we Mr George Howarth (Knowsley) (Lab): Does the have to do is to make the fact that Russia needs Europe Prime Minister accept that young Muslims are increasingly and America more than Europe and America need radicalised not in the mosque or the madrassah, but Russia count. I am not promising that a set of sanctions online in their own bedrooms? I welcome his commitment will suddenly lead to a radical change of mind in the to revisit the communications data legislation, but does Kremlin, but if the Russians see that they are opting for he agree that we need to go even further with close a completely different and much, much colder relationship international partners in bringing communications service between the west and Russia, it might make them pause providers to a realisation that they bear a responsibility to think that they are making the wrong decision in not for their platforms being used for illegal purposes? allowing the Ukrainians to make their own decisions about their own country. The Prime Minister: The right hon. Gentleman is absolutely right about that. There is no doubt that a lot Heather Wheeler (South Derbyshire) (Con): Does the of radicalisation is taking place online—by people watching Prime Minister agree that removing passports from videos or watching preachers, or what have you—often terrorists who return from Syria and Iraq, barring on the other side of the world. We have worked very dangerous foreign nationals from Britain and legislating closely with internet service providers on the issue of to prosecute all types of terrorist activity are not a child pornography, and they have agreed in that theatre, knee-jerk response, but a sensible and prudent approach as it were, to take some pretty radical action, including to keep Britain safe? banning altogether particular search terms. They are taking some action in terms of extremism and the The Prime Minister: I am grateful to my hon. Friend material we are taking down, but I think that there is for her question. The first response should be to gather probably more we can do by working with them and evidence, prosecute and convict. However, we have learned saying, “This is not a threat to free speech, but it is in this age of the appalling threat of Islamist extremist appalling to have some of the videos that are now violence, which is different from some of the treats that shown on the internet.” we have faced in the past, not least because the people who carry it out not only do not care whether they Dame Angela Watkinson (Hornchurch and Upminster) survive, but seek what they see as martyrdom, that we (Con): What recent discussions have the Prime Minister have to up our response. We have lots of very effective and his Ministers had with the leaders of mainstream laws and rules. We do not need to overhaul them, but we Muslim organisations in this country to ensure that do, in some circumstances, need to enhance them. they are taking as robust a stance as possible in combating radicalisation and extremism? Stewart Hosie (Dundee East) (SNP): I welcome what the Prime Minister said, particularly about blocking foreign fighters entering the UK. However, as he pointed The Prime Minister: I am grateful to my hon. Friend out, there have been 700 from France, 400 from Germany for asking that question. The Secretary of State for and hundreds more from other European and western Communities and Local Government has taken a lead countries, many of them travelling on EU passports. Is on that issue. Along with others and with the support of he confident that the data and intelligence sharing Members from all parts of the House, he has encouraged arrangements that are in place are comprehensive and faith leaders of all faiths to condemn the outrages that robust, so that such people can be identified as they we have seen. I think that the difference can be seen. travel to the UK or to anywhere else? The response of the community to the appalling murder of Drummer Lee Rigby spoke volumes about how the The Prime Minister: The hon. Gentleman makes an overwhelming majority of British Asians and British extremely sensible point. The data sharing is good, but Muslims abhor such appalling behaviour. it could be a lot better. At the European Council, we looked specifically at the issue of passenger name records. Mr Barry Sheerman (Huddersfield) (Lab/Co-op): Is The directive on that issue has so far been held up by a the Prime Minister aware that it would be inconceivable number of countries, including Germany. We need to for us not to have an early debate on this subject, given make progress on that because the sharing of passenger the interest that has been shown in the House today? names and records is vital in keeping us safe. Perhaps next Monday would be an appropriate day. Is he also aware that much of the discontent among young Angie Bray (Ealing Central and Acton) (Con): I Asians in my constituency is due to our perceived recently organised a meeting between local Somali weakness over Gaza and our reluctance to distance community representatives and Home Office officials to ourselves from Israel? discuss their deep concerns about the potential radicalisation Will the Prime Minister think again about how we of their young people. Does my right hon. Friend agree combat this dreadful bully from Russia? Our country’s that more can and must be done to support, engage and history reminds us that if bullies are not faced up to, work with local communities, such as the Somalis, so they continue to bully. If President Putin looks at our that they can be part of the battle against extremism? remarks and the remarks of the Prime Minister today, After all, they know their young people far better than he will not exactly be terrified, will he? anyone else. 45 EU Council, Security and 1 SEPTEMBER 2014 EU Council, Security and 46 Middle East Middle East The Prime Minister: My hon. Friend puts it very well. changing the size and laydown of our armed forces, but I believe that the cause of what we face is the cancer of unless we make those decisions, we will not have the Islamist extremism, but we should use everything that assets that we need in conflicts such as these. we have, including the many interventions that we make in the world, to help predominantly Muslim societies to Paul Flynn (Newport West) (Lab): Will the Newport demonstrate what a compassionate, tolerant, open and declaration that follows the Wales NATO summit contain generous country Britain is. Britain has done a huge strengthened guarantees to the other small nations of amount to help mend Somalia. Britain is one of the Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, to protect them from principal aid donors to people in Syria. We need to Putin land grabs? ensure that in all the communities of this country, those facts and figures and the outlook of successive British The Prime Minister: May I first say how delighted I Governments are properly understood. am that the NATO conference is coming to Newport? I know that the hon. Gentleman and others in Newport Ann Clwyd (Cynon Valley) (Lab): A few weeks ago, will give the many different delegations and world leaders the Prime Minister and the Government hosted an a warm welcome. One of the most important things at important conference on the sexual exploitation of women the NATO conference will be to send a clear signal that in war. Will he now tell me exactly what we are doing as we take our article V obligations very seriously; all far as the Yazidi women are concerned? More than NATO members should be aware of that. As I said in 3,000 of them are being treated abominably by ISIS; answer to earlier questions, we should see more troops they are being sold as sex slaves to the brothels of the from the different nations in the countries of NATO to middle east. What exactly are we doing to help those demonstrate that. women? There was rightly a big public outcry over the 700 Nigerian schoolgirls, but what about the 3,000-plus Sir James Paice (South East Cambridgeshire) (Con): Yazidi women who are being treated in that way? If they I strongly welcome my right hon. Friend’s commitment are released, they will find it very difficult to return to to article V, but I am unclear as to whether he feels that their own communities because of their experiences. that extends to the situation in Ukraine. I hear what he Will the Prime Minister consider offering asylum to says about sanctions, but he will understand that many some of them, as France has done? people question their value. Is it not therefore essential that NATO should make it absolutely clear to President The Prime Minister: The right hon. Lady is absolutely Putin this weekend that Ukraine must not fall under his right to raise the case of the Yazidi people, who are dominion, that this is down to the Ukrainian people being persecuted by these dreadful, barbaric thugs from and that NATO is prepared to ensure that this is the ISIL. We have helped directly by funding some of the case? refugee camps and making sure that they are properly built and prepared in northern Iraq. We were also The Prime Minister: I agree with my right hon. Friend prepared, over the summer, to take part if necessary in a that we should make it absolutely clear that it is unacceptable huge humanitarian airlift operation, which was ready to for Russia to behave in this way, but we should also be go when those people were stuck on Mount Sinjar. clear about how we are going to respond. I do not Fundamentally, the best way to help the Yazidi people believe that we are contemplating—or would contemplate will be to ensure that there is an Iraqi Government who —a military response to the situation in Ukraine, so it are able to confront ISIL and to restore to that country would be wrong to threaten that. Instead, we should be a sense that minorities are to be looked after and not threatening something that we can and, in my view, will persecuted. do, which is to impose a permanent sanctions regime that gets tighter all the time if Russia continues down Sir Bob Russell (Colchester) (LD): Today is the this path. That would totally reset the relationship that 50th anniversary of the establishment of the Royal Russia has with the rest of the world. Anglian Regiment. At that time, it had four regular battalions and three territorial ones. Now, it has only Richard Burden (Birmingham, Northfield) (Lab): I two regular battalions and just one reserve battalion. agree with the Prime Minister that it is important that Does the Prime Minister accept that, in an increasingly our responses to international crises should be based on dangerous world, both here and overseas, it is not in clear values. May I invite him to agree with me that Britain’s defence interests to cut the size of the British those values should be applied consistently? He said Army to what it was at the time of Waterloo 200 years that the biggest land grab in the west bank in the past ago? 30 years is “utterly deplorable”, and I agree with him. He also said that what appears to be a land grab by The Prime Minister: I do not agree with my hon. President Putin in Ukraine must be met with “economic Friend, for this reason: it is in Britain’s interests to make costs” on Russia being “stepped up”. He said that sure that we spend our £33 billion defence budget on sanctions work, which is particularly important when a the assets that we actually need when facing the conflicts small nation is threatened or undermined by a more that we face today. So we have state-of-the-art Tornadoes powerful one. May I invite him to apply that same logic that are able to fly over Iraq and Syria to gather to Israel’s actions in the west bank? intelligence, and we have brand-new Rivet Joint aircraft that can do similar things. The investment in those The Prime Minister: We can draw these parallels, but platforms, and in the brand-new class of submarines of course there are differences between the circumstances that are able to do similar things, is absolutely vital for of Israel and Palestine and what is happening in Ukraine, our country. Yes, there are difficult decisions involved in not least because Ukraine is an independent, sovereign, 47 EU Council, Security and 1 SEPTEMBER 2014 EU Council, Security and 48 Middle East Middle East [The Prime Minister] for asking what more is required is that sometimes, these cases do not come up to a level of criminal proof, recognised country today. But I do think we should yet these people threaten our country. That is why there make very clear our reaction to this totally unacceptable were control orders in the past and there are now land grab by Israel. terrorism prevention and investigation measures, and that is why we are taking steps to strip people of Jason McCartney (Colne Valley) (Con): Having served passports or prevent people from coming into our country. in Operation Warden in the 1990s—the no-fly zone over Where there are gaps, it is worth asking whether they northern Iraq—and having met Kurdish students at can be addressed. Huddersfield university during the summer, I support targeted air strikes by the UK to support the US in John Woodcock (Barrow and Furness) (Lab/Co-op): checking the advance of the evil ISIL. Will the Prime The Prime Minister’s responses to previous questions Minister take account of the comments of those Kurdish imply that he is open to the idea of direct military students that the UK taking part in those air strikes participation in the current air strikes to protect the would be not only militarily expedient but symbolic of Kurds. If that is the case, will he just say so clearly now? our support for the Kurdish people? The Prime Minister: I have described the approach we The Prime Minister: I think we should listen very have taken to date, and said that we support American carefully to our Kurdish friends and allies, because they air strikes. I do not think that we should rule anything are in the front line against this ISIL monster. The out. We should act, and a British Government should action that they have taken has been effective and brave, act, to promote the British national interest and to help and we support the air strikes that the Americans have keep our people safe. We should consider everything in undertaken. So far, our action has been about supplying the light of that. In particular, as I have said, we should them with weapons, support, non-lethal equipment, ask ourselves how we best help those people on the body armour and suchlike, and as I have said, we are ground who are doing vital work in countering ISIL. prepared to go further. On these issues, I always believe that it is vital to consult, talk with and listen to the House of Commons Mike Gapes (Ilford South) (Lab/Co-op): The Prime at every stage. Minister talked about learning the lessons of history. A The House will be reassured to know, however, that if previous Conservative Prime Minister, 23 years ago, there was a direct threat to British national interests, or was prepared to use British air power in a military if, as in the case of Libya, we had to act very rapidly to exercise to save the Kurds. Why should we just leave it to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe, the British Government the United States, particularly when the Kurdistan regional must reserve the right to act immediately and inform government have called for the whole of NATO to the House of Commons afterwards. It is important to express solidarity and provide weaponry to them and set that out, but the House has seen what the British air power to fight this genocidal caliphate? Government have done to date, and I am listening carefully to the views of hon. Members in this debate. The Prime Minister: The hon. Gentleman makes a good point. As I have said, the question we should be asking ourselves in this House—I am interested in the Bob Stewart (Beckenham) (Con): Tragically, the only reactions of colleagues today—is what we can best do way to defeat people who are determined to carry out to help those on the ground who are doing the vital appalling acts, despite reason, politics, economic sanctions work in combating ISIL. Up to now our approach has or whatever, is to defeat them on the battlefield. The been some military support, some support through only way that can be done against ISIS is for someone intelligence and weaponry and some support through to go in there and do it. It does not look as if it will be humanitarian aid, but we should continually ask ourselves us or the Americans, and it will probably not be the how we can assist them in a way that also helps to keep Kurds; the people who seem most likely to be able to do us safe back here in the UK. it are the Iraqi Government and their armed forces. Despite it being somewhat distasteful, can we give as Steve Baker (Wycombe) (Con): I was appalled to much support as possible to the Iraqi armed forces so learn that the British terrorist interviewed on “Newsnight” that they can do the job that no one else seems able to came from Wycombe. Does my right hon. Friend agree do? that this man has disgracefully betrayed the community that I represent? Given what was said, can he reassure The Prime Minister: My hon. Friend is fundamentally me that if that man presents in the UK, he will face the right that, at the end of the day, responsibility for a full force of the law? unified Iraq without the presence of ISIL, and without this extremism and terrorism, is with the Iraqi Government. The Prime Minister: I very much agree with what my To do that, an Iraqi Government is needed that includes hon. Friend says. This individual is in no way representative Sunni, Shi’a and Kurd. We should not see support for of the many hard-working British Asians who live in his the Kurds and support for the Iraqi Government as constituency and contribute enormously to our country. alternatives. To get rid of the cancer in their midst, we It is shocking to read someone born and raised in need an Iraqi Government who work with the Kurds. Britain, and schooled in our country, saying, “The only reason I want to come back to Britain is to bomb, maim Grahame M. Morris (Easington) (Lab): The Prime and kill”. Of course we should ensure that we have Minister has set out his arguments for the withdrawal of laws—we do have such laws—so that people who say UK passports. Given the strong evidence of Israeli war and do these things can be prosecuted, but the reason crimes in Gaza—we have heard about 500 children 49 EU Council, Security and 1 SEPTEMBER 2014 EU Council, Security and 50 Middle East Middle East being killed under a terrible bombardment—will British Mr Michael McCann (East Kilbride, Strathaven and citizens fighting in the Israel defence forces be treated in Lesmahagow) (Lab): Will the Prime Minister condemn the same way as those returning from Syria and Iraq? Hamas for violating and rejecting 11 ceasefires? If those ceasefires had taken place, the deaths of hundreds, and The Prime Minister: I really do not think that is a fair potentially thousands, of people could have been prevented. or reasonable way of describing the situation. As I said, Does he agree that the only way to secure peace between the loss of civilian life was unacceptable, and it is right the Israelis and Palestinians is first to ensure that Hamas that these matters are properly investigated. We must accepts Israel’s right to exist? remember, however, that the conflict was started by Hamas rockets raining down on Israel, and Israel has a The Prime Minister: The hon. Gentleman is absolutely right to defend itself. I think that the hon. Gentleman, right. On several occasions during this conflict, a ceasefire when he looks at his words, will come to regret drawing was either agreed or implemented, but Hamas broke it a comparison between a soldier fighting in the Israel with unilateral rocket attacks into Israel. These were defence forces and a terrorist returning from Syria. attacks directed, we believe, by the leader of Hamas, Mr Philip Hollobone (Kettering) (Con): In the 50-day who of course was nowhere near Gaza at the time. I conflict between Israel and Hamas, 70% of the Israeli believe that Hamas bears primary responsibility for population lived within range of the 4,500 rockets fired what has happened. from Gaza, and 2,000 Palestinians were killed in response. Given that Britain is one of the biggest donors to the Mark Pritchard (The Wrekin) (Con): I welcome the United Nations Relief and Works Agency in the Gaza fact that the Prime Minister has not ruled out air strikes strip, will the Prime Minister work with others such as against ISIL positions, but may I ask him what needs to the United States, Egypt and the Arab League, to happen that has not happened thus far before he approves demilitarise the Gaza strip so that construction materials such targeted air strikes with the Americans? and steel can be imported into it and used to rebuild the civilian infrastructure, rather than being ploughed by The Prime Minister: So far, the Americans have been Hamas into developing a new terror tunnel network? leading on the air strikes and have not requested assistance from us, while we have been focused on those areas—aid, The Prime Minister: I very much agree with my hon. diplomacy, military assistance to some of the parties—where Friend. In short, we need to see the rockets out, the we can most add value, but, as I say, we should continually Palestinian Authority in, and the borders and posts ask ourselves: what is in the national interest, how can open so that that part of Palestine can be properly we best help those on the ground and how can we not regenerated. just work with our partners such as America, but help Sammy Wilson (East Antrim) (DUP): Many of the ensure that the Iraqi Government, the Kurdish Regional controls being proposed will be effective only if they Government and neighbouring countries take the lead, also apply to the Republic of Ireland, because of course rather than the west feeling it has to impose a solution. people could enter the United Kingdom by coming in through ports of entry in the Republic of Ireland and Mr Gerry Sutcliffe (Bradford South) (Lab): I was the across the land boundary into Northern Ireland. What Opposition spokesperson on the Terrorism Prevention discussions has the Prime Minister had with the and Investigation Measures Bill. The Government’s two Government of the Irish Republic on the proposals? Is principal objections to control orders concerned the use it intended that intelligence will be shared with the of exclusion zones and relocation powers—the two authorities in the Republic, or will the proposals apply things the Prime Minister now says that the security only to ports of entry in Great Britain, hence creating bodies need. To be fair to him, the deal on TPIMs was a travel restrictions between Northern Ireland and the sop to the Liberal Democrats, but will he ensure that rest of the United Kingdom? the security bodies get the powers they require? The Prime Minister: The hon. Gentleman makes an The Prime Minister: Although the hon. Gentleman important point. The relationship, including on policing, clearly spent a lot of time on the Bill, he seems to have security and borders, between the British and Irish ignored one crucial point, which is that TPIMs include Governments is probably stronger than it has been for exclusion zones; I think it is the relocation powers he is many years, and we should build on that by discussing referring to. these measures with them and working together. Dr Matthew Offord (Hendon) (Con): On three different Henry Smith (Crawley) (Con): I commend the Prime occasions and in three separate locations, weapons and Minister on his statement. Will he give a little more rockets belonging to Hamas were found in UNRWA information on when airlines will be required to introduce schools in Gaza. Given that siting missiles and rockets more stringent checks on suspects and foreign terrorists amid a civilian population is a war crime in itself and to block them from entering ports such as Gatwick and will inevitably lead to the loss of civilian lives, and given others around the UK? that lobbing those same rockets into Israel, killing other civilians, is also a war crime, does the Prime Minister The Prime Minister: I can quite understand, given agree that Hamas is now guilty of two war crimes? my hon. Friend’s constituency interest, why he asks this question. At the moment, we have good security The Prime Minister: There can be little doubt that co-operation, but on a non-statutory basis, with countries Hamas uses people to try and protect its rockets, which flying into the UK. These measures will put it on a is absolutely despicable. As I have said, we need an end statutory basis that if they do not have proper passenger to the rocket attacks, a continuation of the ceasefire and checks, share information in a timely way or have political talks that could lead to a better solution. proper security checks, we can legally prevent a plane 51 EU Council, Security and 1 SEPTEMBER 2014 EU Council, Security and 52 Middle East Middle East [The Prime Minister] humanitarian efforts in and around Syria. How will the Prime Minister ensure that innocent British nationals from taking off from or landing in the UK. These are returning to the UK are not labelled as suspected terrorists? the sorts of arrangements that the Americans already have in place. It is time for us to have them too. The Prime Minister: My hon. Friend makes an important point, but I have to say that I think the first piece of Mark Hendrick (Preston) (Lab/Co-op): Russia is invading advice we should give to any British national thinking Ukraine by stealth. I accept that EU sanctions will bite of travelling to Syria to help on a humanitarian basis is in the mid term and longer term, but in the meantime that there is an enormous amount of good humanitarian Putin is quite happy to let his troops carry on and take work being done that they can help to support and fund eastern Ukraine. Will the Prime Minister look seriously without leaving the United Kingdom. I think that should at arming the Ukrainians, because otherwise the state be the first port of call. Obviously, in terms of returnees, will not exist as we know it today? we need to make sure that what we do is targeted at those who are intent on causing trouble. The Prime Minister: As I said, I think what is required is a military de-escalation, rather than a military escalation. Mrs Madeleine Moon (Bridgend) (Lab): Murder, rape What we saw, if we go back over recent weeks, was huge and abduction have been used against women in Iraq by advances by the Ukrainian military, almost closing out ISIS and across Syria. Britain hosted a conference on the rebels from some of the cities in eastern Ukraine, ending sexual violence against women. We have also and now we have seen this military response. That only signed UN resolution 1325. What women need is a goes to demonstrate that more military assets being place at the table when discussions take place about provided in either case will simply lead to an escalation, peace and the resolution of conflict. Will the Prime rather than what is required, which is a proper political Minister commit to ensuring that Britain does its utmost discussion about how to have a permanent ceasefire and to make sure that women have a place at the conference a peaceful resolution that allows the Ukrainian people table, that women are represented and that women are to make their own choices. part of the British delegation to the UN conference in Newport? Mr David Nuttall (Bury North) (Con): Church leaders and others in my constituency have raised with me the The Prime Minister: Leading the delegation from plight of the Christian Church in many parts of the Britain will be the former Foreign Secretary, my right middle east. Will the Prime Minister reassure them that hon. Friend the Member for Richmond (Yorks) the Government are doing all that can be done to help (Mr Hague), who has probably done more than anyone those persecuted Christians? else to put this whole agenda on the table, not just by raising its profile but, as the hon. Lady says, making The Prime Minister: My hon. Friend makes an important sure there are actual measures that can be taken, in point. We should of course ensure that we protect terms of prosecuting those responsible and keeping Christians, but we should also ensure that we protect proper records of what is now a war crime. She is right other minorities. The Yazidi people—where we were about the other points that she makes. prepared to undertake a substantial airlift operation—is a case in point. This is absolutely at the heart of our Mr Jonathan Djanogly (Huntingdon) (Con): Will my foreign policy—protecting minorities, protecting religious right hon. Friend please confirm the exact steps that freedom and protecting the rights of Christians and Russia needs to take over the next week in order to others to practise their faiths. avoid further sanctions? If sanctions are required, will he please confirm that they will be tough and substantial Mr Jamie Reed (Copeland) (Lab): The Prime Minister and that Mr Putin will notice this time? is absolutely right: de-radicalisation is critical, but so too is community cohesion. What specific proposals The Prime Minister: The steps that need to be taken does he have to ensure that no community in our are to stop supporting the separatists in eastern Ukraine country feels that it is being marginalised or brutalised, with men and material, and also to release hostages and or under attack or constant suspicion? get out of the border posts that are part of Ukraine’s sovereign territory. Those steps, I think, would signal a The Prime Minister: The hon. Gentleman puts it well. change of heart from Russia and would result in an We need to be intolerant of intolerance and very clear easing rather than a growing of the pressure. I do not that supporting extremism that falls short of violence, accept that what has been done so far has not been as well as supporting violence, is not acceptable. At the noticed, but we have to show resolve in permanently same time, we need to take people with us, because turning up the dial if Russia continues in the wrong among the most effective groups, organisations and direction. people are those from Muslim communities themselves who want to confront the problems—perhaps in a local Fiona Mactaggart (Slough) (Lab): The Prime Minister mosque or a community centre, but more commonly knows—indeed, he has acknowledged in response to online or in other forums. We need them to help us do my hon. Friends—that young Muslims at risk of this job. radicalisation are more likely to listen to peers and people in their own community than they are to police Mr John Leech (Manchester, Withington) (LD): A officers or representatives of the Government who they number of innocent British nationals of Syrian descent believe has failed to protect the people of Gaza. Why, have already faced problems, including frozen and then, has he cut £15 million from the Prevent communities closed bank accounts, when returning from supporting budget and will he take the opportunity today to say 53 EU Council, Security and 1 SEPTEMBER 2014 EU Council, Security and 54 Middle East Middle East that he will put that money back into that sort of national interest or to prevent some humanitarian voluntary community-based action that will persuade catastrophe, it might be necessary to act and then come these young people away from radicalisation? to Parliament. I have said nothing new in that, but it is important for people to understand the situations we The Prime Minister: We do work through Muslim face. and other organisations, and we should do so. We did make changes to Prevent, not least because, when we Susan Elan Jones (Clwyd South) (Lab): I very much reviewed it, we believed that some of the funded welcome what the Prime Minister said about the importance organisations were not confronting the problems of of tackling the extremist narrative. Is he aware, however, extremism. That needed to change. that his parliamentary candidate in Dudley North told The Independent on Sunday: James Wharton (Stockton South) (Con): I was in “Jihadist narrative answers the questions that these young Kiev on Saturday and heard at first hand about some of people ask”, the challenges that Ukraine faces. Villagers there are and that banding together to buy body armour and helmets for “IS provides an opportunity to do something real, exciting and soldiers going east. I ask the Prime Minister to look spiritually nourishing.”? again at whether we can supply equipment to the Those comments are preposterous; what does the Prime Government of Ukraine and, specifically and urgently, Minister propose to do about them? to look at what we can do to help by sharing military intelligence data, which I am told is so badly needed in The Prime Minister: I will check the context of those the fight for democracy on Europe’s borders. comments, as I expect the candidate went on to say how wrong that is, which I know is his view. It is unreasonable The Prime Minister: Let me reassure my hon. Friend, to cite what I suspect is a partial quote rather than the who makes a very good point—I am glad that he was whole thing. able to travel to Kiev to listen to the views of people there—that we are supplying non-lethal equipment. Rehman Chishti (Gillingham and Rainham) (Con): Body armour and things like that will help the Ukrainian On tackling extremism and radicalisation, I welcome army, and I think it is right to give those things, but as I the fact that more than 1,000 individuals have been said and for the reasons I gave, I do not think we should diverted from entering extremism and jihadism through supply it with arms. the Government Channel programme. As someone from the Muslim community whose father was an imam, I Mr Khalid Mahmood (Birmingham, Perry Barr) (Lab): would like to ask what further steps the Government Instead of having an intimate weekend meeting with the are taking to engage with the Muslim community to Deputy Prime Minister, who I see is not in his place, tackle the evil of radicalisation and extremism affecting would it not have been more productive for the Prime some young Muslim men in our society. Linked to that, Minister to see the Home Secretary and speak to her I note that the extremism taskforce has made its about replacing the lost passport control officers’ jobs recommendations. Will the Government be appointing and to work with the security services to ensure that a specific individual to monitor the implementation of they have control over those leaving and returning, those recommendations across Government Departments which would enable us to gather real intelligence about and to recommend further specific action? what is going on and how we can stop some of the radicalisation that is taking place? The Prime Minister: On my hon. Friend’s latter point, the extremism taskforce came up with a number of The Prime Minister: Let me first reassure the hon. recommendations, most of which have been put in place Gentleman that I had a very good meeting with the or are being put in place. They concern banning hate Home Secretary on Friday, when we discussed these preachers and ensuring that we confront extremism and issues. On checks for those applying for passports, there root it out at places such as universities and, I am has not been a reduction in the level of scrutiny. In all ashamed to say, our prisons, where there have been these organisations, of course, we have to seek efficiency problems. On his questions about what more we can do, and make sure that we use all the modern technology to the Channel programme is successful. There is a programme get the job done. of engagement to divert young people from this cancerous organisation. As I said earlier, one element of that is to Michael Ellis (Northampton North) (Con): If at demonstrate some of the things that the British Government some date in the future my right hon. Friend were do throughout the world to support minorities, stand minded to engage in military action—punitive military up for human rights and help Muslims in a variety of action—against what we know to be the mediaeval ways in a variety of countries. barbarism of ISIL, would he be minded to consult this House? Mr David Anderson (Blaydon) (Lab): At the end of this summer we are seeing relations between the west The Prime Minister: I always believe in consulting and Russia at their worst level for three decades, this House. I did so over Syria and over Libya. What 2,000 innocent people killed in Gaza and genocide in I—as well as the Foreign Secretary and Defence Kurdistan. The Prime Minister said this is the most Secretary—will try to do is to keep the House permanently serious threat that we have ever faced, yet he chose not updated. As I said in answer to a previous question, to recall Parliament. Can he explain why he thought we that is the right approach and it has been taken by should not have our say in a proper debate so that hon. successive Governments. If, however, something needed Members on both sides of the House could make their to be done urgently to protect a particular British comments? Last year, it was decided within 48 hours to 55 EU Council, Security and 1 SEPTEMBER 2014 EU Council, Security and 56 Middle East Middle East [Mr David Anderson] The Prime Minister: I think it is important that we meet the 2% figure. Greece is the only other European recall the House to pay tribute to Margaret Thatcher, member state to meet that figure. What matters even who presided over a Government who watched Saddam more than that is the capability of what we are buying. Hussein kill innocent Iraqis by the thousands. We have made some very difficult decisions, including the reduction in the size of the regular Army, but that is The Prime Minister: Last year we recalled Parliament so that we can invest in the modern equipment and because there was a particular issue that needed to be modern capabilities that our armed forces need. When addressed: the role that Britain would or would not play we consider that it is one of the top five military in combating the use of chemical weapons in Syria. budgets anywhere in the world, with some staggeringly This year I do not think that it was necessary to recall good equipment being produced even as we speak, I Parliament. To have done so at certain stages might think that we get very good value for money. have almost shown that somehow we were reacting to individual terrorist events, ghastly as they were. Now Parliament is back, there is plenty of opportunity to ask Andy McDonald (Middlesbrough) (Lab): Over and questions and have debates. above the Prime Minister’s very welcome words of condemnation regarding the annexation of yet more Robert Halfon (Harlow) (Con): I thank my right hon. lands around Bethlehem, what practical steps does he Friend for his statement that Israel was right to defend intend to take so that Israel reverses this latest, and itself against the missile barrage from Hamas. Does he counter-productive, land grab and commits properly to agree that the difference between Hamas and ISIS is a two-state solution? one of degrees? Does he also agree that Iran remains a serious security threat and that our enemy’s enemy is not our friend? The Prime Minister: We will continue to work with our allies to condemn this action and to make that clear The Prime Minister: My hon. Friend makes an important in international forums. We will continue with our point. If one saw the shocking pictures of Hamas lining action to support and fund the Palestinian Authority. people up and shooting them in a firing squad, one But at the end of the day, we need talks between the could see the nature of the organisation with which one Palestinians and the Israelis. We cannot decide these is dealing. It is an important issue. I support a Palestinian issues for them; they need to sit down and talk with state. I want the Palestinians to achieve that goal, but each other. Hamas is a terrorist organisation. It believes in targeting innocent people and murdering them to pursue its objectives. It does not even recognise the right of the Richard Graham (Gloucester) (Con): The Prime Minister state of Israel to exist. Therefore, we have to start our rightly said that ISIL activities are deplored by the vast discussions with a recognition of the true nature of the majority of British Muslims, but, none the less, various organisation that we are dealing with. He is right about events and reports this summer have led to a growing that. unease about the role of Islam in our country. The battle that is harder than the one for air supremacy on Toby Perkins (Chesterfield) (Lab): People throughout the Iraqi border is therefore the one for community Britain have been absolutely appalled by the scenes in cohesion here in the UK. I believe the time has come for Gaza, Iraq and Syria this summer. What impact have all a charter, which would be a public commitment by the Foreign Office resignations and the removal of the community and faith leaders, especially including mosque Foreign Secretary, at an incredibly difficult time for the committees, against extremism and for our values to Foreign Office, had on the British Government’s capacity help to prevent citizens from acting against our country. to respond? This could be done locally—I would happily lead on it Gloucester—but does my right hon. Friend agree that a The Prime Minister: The new Foreign Secretary has single national charter implemented across the country had a full in-tray but he has handled these issues and could have the real benefit of bringing our communities discussions with huge calmness and ability. People have together, which is our best defence against extremism of seen that over the summer. Obviously, it is a matter of all kinds? regret that Baroness Warsi decided to resign. On the other change in the Foreign Office, we have a new Minister for Africa, who I know will bring a lot to that The Prime Minister: I think my hon. Friend makes an job. Overall, we have a very strong team of Ministers interesting suggestion. I would say that these initiatives who are more than capable of tackling these issues. have far greater power if they are generated by the communities themselves. It has been noticeable how Richard Drax (South Dorset) (Con): Thank you, many leaders of Britain’s Muslim communities—mosques, Mr Speaker. I apologise for leaving the Chamber; I had community groups and others—have come out and to go to a statutory instrument Committee. I heard a condemned what ISIL stands for and the other things question earlier about how much money we are spending that we have seen. So if there was going to be such a on defence. Will the Prime Minister consider, bearing in charter, I would want to see it generated from within mind what is going on in the world, that 2% is simply that community rather than imposed on it. not enough? Mr Speaker: Order. It is very candid of the hon. Nia Griffith (Llanelli) (Lab): The Prime Minister has Gentleman to inform me, and some hundreds of other made very brief reference to the sanctions against Russia. people, that he absented himself from the Chamber for Will he give us more detail on what additional sanctions a period. It was a fact of which I was unaware, but full he pushed for and what additional sanctions have been marks for 100% candour. agreed by the EU states? 57 EU Council, Security and 1 SEPTEMBER 2014 EU Council, Security and 58 Middle East Middle East The Prime Minister: What I pushed for was further Jeremy Lefroy (Stafford) (Con): The people of Jordan so-called tier 3 sanctions, which are real economic sanctions and Lebanon have shown immense hospitality to refugees in the areas of finance, energy and defence. We have from Syria and elsewhere and yet are under incredible tasked the European Commission, within a week, to pressure from the crimes perpetrated by President Assad, come up with a set of new proposals. What I pushed for ISIL and others in that region. What support is the specifically was to make sure that we start filling in United Kingdom Government giving to those two countries some of the gaps that have been left in previous financial which find themselves in this position? energy and defence sanctions. I mentioned the case of syndicated loans, where the action that has been taken The Prime Minister: Perhaps the best assistance we on the financial front has seen the Russian stock market can give, which we have been giving, is assistance with fall and the rouble fall, and Russia’s growth rate has their humanitarian aid programmes for the refugees now been downgraded to, I think, zero or below. So who are inside the borders of Lebanon and Jordan, and further measures on that level—which will affect Britain, I have seen some of that work at first hand. We should but we should be prepared to take that pain—would be also continue to think about what else we can do, in good. terms not just of humanitarian aid, but also political, diplomatic and even potentially some military support, Mr David Burrowes (Enfield, Southgate) (Con): The to help those countries. Prime Minister spoke of a humanitarian catastrophe prompting further military action, so how would he Andrew Gwynne (Denton and Reddish) (Lab): On the describe what has happened to the Syrian Christians deteriorating situation in Ukraine, can the Prime Minister and the Yazidis facing genocide? How much worse can set out what he believes to be achievable at the meeting it get for mothers who have been forced to throw their of the contact group that is taking place in Belarus children off a mountainside rather than have them literally as we speak? Will he also set out to the House suffer at the hands of jihadists—suffer a fate worse than some of the actions he will be prepared to countenance— death? Will he justify why we are not using all necessary we have heard plenty of what he is not prepared to military action, including air strikes, to repel genocide? countenance—should there not be adequate progress towards a ceasefire? The Prime Minister: Let me take, for instance, the case of the Yazidi people, where there was military The Prime Minister: First, in terms of what Britain action by the Kurds, supported by us, and, indeed, some has been prepared to do, I would say that at the last military action contemplated by the Americans that few European Councils Britain has been perhaps the would have been supported, and potentially facilitated, leading voice for taking tough sanctions measures. That by us. Of course, the role we were prepared to play was has been something Donald Tusk, the Polish Prime to take part in a humanitarian evacuation. That would Minister, and I have worked on very closely with our have involved British transport planes and helicopters colleagues from the Baltic states. Britain, which frankly and, indeed, British troops in the Kurdish areas of Iraq has quite a lot to lose in terms of financial services, has to support, maintain and look after those helicopters. been at the absolute front end of arguing for those So I do not accept that we will not intervene where there changes, of which I am proud, and we will continue to is a potential humanitarian crisis; we would, we will, we do that. In terms of the steps that need to be taken, have in the past, but we should, as I say, ask ourselves President Poroshenko has set out a peace plan that the question, “What is in our national interest, what is involves respecting the rights of Russians and other the best way to proceed?” minorities, and what we need is for the Russians to go along with that peace plan and to start to de-escalate Kate Green (Stretford and Urmston) (Lab): The suffering the situation. of the Palestinians in Gaza, not just in this most recent conflict but over many years, continues to be a source of great distress and concern in my constituency, and this Stephen Metcalfe (South Basildon and East Thurrock) latest land grab will of course have further infected the (Con): Will my right hon. Friend tell the House how far situation. What recent—very recent—discussions has he and the Government are willing to go to protect the the Prime Minister had with the Americans in relation Christians in northern Iraq, as there are many who to this matter, since it is widely perceived that any believe that the very existence of Christianity in the lasting solution will depend on their influence with middle east is under threat? Israel and there is real concern that, with so many other international conflicts, their eye, and our eye, may be The Prime Minister: With others, we should be working taken off the ball in Gaza as we deal with other threats? to protect these minorities, including the Christians in northern Iraq, and I set out to my hon. Friend the The Prime Minister: I did discuss this issue with Member for Enfield, Southgate (Mr Burrowes) the sort President Obama when we spoke during August, and to of steps we would be prepared to contemplate. We be fair to him he has taken a tough line over the need for should not rule out future measures; we should use all a ceasefire and was very clear with the Israeli Prime those things that we have at our disposal, while recognising Minister, as was I, about the need for a ceasefire and that there is not some unique military solution that can about the frankly unacceptable level of civilian casualties. be put in place. Now we have the ceasefire, it should be about trying to get Gaza up and running again. That means the Palestinian Paul Blomfield (Sheffield Central) (Lab): On a Authority taking control, the rockets being taken out number of occasions this afternoon the Prime Minister and the important restrictions being lifted so that that has repeated his welcome condemnation of the Israeli place can function properly. appropriation of Palestinian land, but does he 59 EU Council, Security and 1 SEPTEMBER 2014 EU Council, Security and 60 Middle East Middle East [Paul Blomfield] Mr Rob Wilson (Reading East) (Con): I welcome the ramping up of sanctions by the European Union, but recognise that over many years words alone have failed does the Prime Minister agree that what is happening to move the Israeli policy of illegal occupation and that in Ukraine is naked Russian aggression? Is it not time now is the time for concerted action to force the Israeli for the west, led by NATO and the US, to honour its Government to shift their policy? obligations to Ukraine and face down this threat?

The Prime Minister: To be fair, the reason I have The Prime Minister: I absolutely agree with my hon. repeated myself is that I have been on my feet for about Friend that it is relatively clear what is happening: two hours so there is bound to be some repetition—and Russian troops with Russian equipment are on Ukrainian even hesitation and deviation at moments. The point soil. The evidence for that now is overwhelming, and I I make is that we have in the past been prepared to think our response should be very clear about how back up our actions, as we did with other EU partners unacceptable that is. We should be making use of the over the issue of research grants to Israel. However, as great strength we have, which is that Russia needs I said, the first step is to make absolutely clear our America and Europe more than America and Europe condemnation of this, and I will work with others to need Russia. We need to make that relationship pay and make sure it is reversed. play so that the Russians change their approach, but it will not be an easy step to take. I do not think it would be right to try to find some military response to this, but Paul Uppal (Wolverhampton South West) (Con): if we make our influence and our power felt, Russia will One reason why so many young people of a south see the consequences. Asian heritage, be they men or women, are put on the conveyor belt towards extremism is that they often have the baggage of a dual cultural heritage. I have been on Ian Paisley (North Antrim) (DUP): Those of us who this journey so I know that the pressures placed on have lived under the actual activity of terrorism for them by extended family and their own community most of our adult lives will welcome any statement or groups are acute and powerful, but within the vacuum action by this Government, or indeed any Government, there is often a lack of British identity. May I impress to protect citizens, our citizenship and our land and on my right hon. Friend the fact that it is crucial we property. I therefore welcome the steps that have been have a debate that propagates the view that someone outlined today by the Prime Minister, but could he go can have a traditional view of Islam, which stresses further? If a person arrives at a British port internally justice, faith and truth, but within that they can with their passport and the officer decides to hold that essentially be British, and that to do that in a pragmatic passport, will the individual also be detained? If not, way is quintessentially British? would the Prime Minister consider detaining those heading to the airport who are going to have their passports seized or those returning, in an internment- The Prime Minister: My hon. Friend has put it like situation? extremely well. It is perfectly possible for people to come to this country and integrate in our way of life The Prime Minister: The point of taking away the while maintaining their own religion and faith and the passport at the border post as we are proposing is that traditions that go with them. Over the years, Muslims, we are then able to investigate the individual and to Hindus and Jews have all managed to do that in give ourselves some time to do that, but I will look at Britain, but perhaps we need to do more to help it to the other suggestions that the hon. Gentleman makes. happen. That is where the debate goes into how we teach in schools, how we try to integrate communities Dr Julian Huppert (Cambridge) (LD): The Prime and how we promote the use of English. All those Minister presented two options for terrorism prevention things are important steps on that journey. and investigation measures. May I strongly urge him not to go down the route of internal exile without trial, Debbie Abrahams (Oldham East and Saddleworth) which is not consistent with the British values we are (Lab): Four weeks ago, I led a multi-faith delegation trying to defend, but to make use of exclusion measures from Oldham in presenting a petition to the Prime that are already in the legislation? Minister asking for Parliament to be recalled in order to have a debate on how we can support sustainable The Prime Minister: Of course I listen carefully to peace in Gaza and Israel. Two weeks later, I wrote the hon. Gentleman, but I also listen carefully to the asking what progress had been made on the recall and police, the intelligence services and those who whether we could also debate the ongoing crisis in Iraq. work around the clock to keep us safe. Their point of I am not still clear why the Prime Minister decided not view is not that we need some wide-ranging piece of to recall Parliament, as surely these matters deserved legislation, but that they have identified some specific our attention during recess. problems that need to be dealt with. My responsibility as Prime Minister whose most important task is to do The Prime Minister: I always look at the arguments everything possible to keep our people safe is to listen people make for the recall of Parliament and think to them, to bring the ideas based on those concerns to about it carefully. What I said while Parliament was in this Parliament, to debate them and then to put them recess was that I did not rule it out and we should keep in place. it under review, but I did not think it was necessary, because there was not a specific decision that Mark Durkan (Foyle) (SDLP): The Prime Minister Parliament was being asked to make. It is good that we has stressed the need to counter the extremist narrative. are now back and we can debate these issues. Clearly, he recognises that there are those who are 61 EU Council, Security and 1 SEPTEMBER 2014 62 Middle East sowing alienation, radicalisation, extremism and subversion, Points of Order but does he also recognise the danger of helping to fertilise what they are trying to propagate? I am talking about when Governments appear to adopt double standards 5.36 pm and inconsistency in relation to clear violations of international Jesse Norman (Hereford and South Herefordshire) law, not least in respect of Gaza, and then in domestic (Con): On a point of order, Mr Speaker. I welcome the law appear to create a twilight zone around the very remarks that you made in your statement earlier about basic concept of citizenship. the need for a pause for consultation and for good will and consensus on the appointment of Ms Carol Mills. The Prime Minister: I do not accept that we are Do you agree that, at least as regards the procedural operating any sort of double standards. I have set out and constitutional aspects of the Clerkship, she is not the situation very clearly with respect to Israel and qualified for the role? If so, is it your intention to Gaza, and also the problems that we face with ISIL. It withdraw the letter of recommendation, at least for the will be for hon. Members to decide whether or not they period of the pause and consultation? want to support that. Mr Speaker: I thank the hon. Gentleman for his point of order and the terms in which he expressed it. I say to him that it is not for me to withdraw a name. A decision was reached by a panel. I hope that hon. and right hon. Members will accept that it would not be seemly to comment on the characteristics of, or performance by, individuals participating in a still ongoing process. I referred to the need for a pause and I meant it. I talked about hearing the views of colleagues and I meant it. I also talked about the need to proceed with good will and by consensus. I stand by that and I hope that is regarded as helpful.

Mr Peter Hain (Neath) (Lab): Further to that point of order, Mr Speaker. Will you advise me and Members of this House how we can support your proposal to separate the functions of the Clerk of the House and the chief executive? I came to the view when I was Leader of the House in 2003-05 that that was essential. The Clerk needs to be an experienced and specialist expert in parliamentary procedure. The chief executive, however, has a different function. Managing a £200 million budget and 1,500 staff requires very different skills. As Leader of the House at a time of serious security breaches, I recall having to overcome serious resistance among vested interests and fiefdoms in this House, some of which are still here, against the appointment of an independent, professional head of security. Nobody today thinks that that was anything other than absolutely necessary. I urge you, Mr Speaker, to stick to your guns on this separation of the functions.

Mr Speaker: I am grateful to the right hon. Gentleman who speaks with the experience of a former Leader of the House. People can express their views on the Floor of the Chamber, in letters to me or to the Leader of the House or the shadow Leader of the House or in the form of one-to-one conversations. I want to hear what people have to say. The right hon. Gentleman has started that process, but it is open to others to continue it. Let me repeat that I wish to hear all views from all Members from all parts of the House.

Sir Alan Duncan (Rutland and Melton) (Con): Further to that point of order, Mr Speaker. Will you confirm that the advisory panel constituted for the purposes of this appointment is now defunct and that inasmuch as you intend to go back to the House and its representatives, you will do so only to the House of Commons Commission?

Mr Speaker: I am grateful to the right hon. Gentleman for that point of order. I do not know whether it is technically correct to say that the panel is, as he puts it, 63 Points of Order1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Points of Order 64

[Mr Speaker] Mr Speaker: I thank the right hon. Lady warmly for what she has said and she will know that I concur with defunct, but I offer him the assurance I think he seeks those sentiments. that of course matters must proceed by reference to the House of Commons Commission, which meets on Monday Crispin Blunt (Reigate) (Con): Further to that point 8 September and on the agenda of which there is, of of order, Mr Speaker. In the generally successful history course, an update on this matter. of the British Army, some of the most celebrated actions from Corunna to Gallipoli to Dunkirk have involved Keith Vaz (Leicester East) (Lab): Further to that evacuations from hopeless positions. May I congratulate point of order, Mr Speaker. I join other colleagues in you on successful disengagement from the opposition welcoming what you said at the start of the sitting forces you have run across? To complete a successful today. Do you envisage this pause lasting any particular evacuation of your position, I urge you to remember period of time, and will it include any examination of that there are very many of us who do not take the same the candidates by the relevant Select Committee? view as the former Leader of the House, the right hon. Member for Neath (Mr Hain), and that to cover the evacuation it will not be necessary for there to be an Mr Speaker: I am grateful to the right hon. Gentleman. unnecessary reorganisation of the affairs of the House. I think that it is sensible to proceed in a timely way and I look forward to your taking views on this matter that is why I referred to a modest pause although, of during the course of the process. course, I am in the hands of and ready to be guided by the House. With reference to the possibility of pre- appointment scrutiny, to which, I think, the right hon. Mr Speaker: I appreciate what the hon. Gentleman Gentleman refers, if that is what the House wants that is has said and the good humour with which it has been what the House should have, a point that I think I said. I first met him, if memory serves me correctly, conveyed with a modicum of clarity in my statement 25 years and two months ago in Bristol and I have the earlier this afternoon. greatest respect for him. Yes, of course I am aware that there are different views. My responsibility is to hear and seek to heed them. That is what I propose to do. Mr Andrew Lansley (South Cambridgeshire) (Con): Further to that point of order, Mr Speaker. The efficient Debbie Abrahams (Oldham East and Saddleworth) conduct of House business requires the House to know (Lab): On a point of order, Mr Speaker. I seek your to whom the House service is accountable at any given guidance, if I may. On the day Parliament rose for the time. Will you confirm to the House—I hope you summer, the Government published the Oakley report will—that when there is a vacancy for the office of the on the communication and understanding of jobseeker’s Clerk the Clerk Assistant leads the House service for allowance sanctions. This is the first opportunity I have this purpose and, under the Parliamentary Corporate had to raise the matter. How can the House scrutinise Bodies Act 1992, may exercise the functions of corporate the Government when they behave in such an undemocratic officer and accounting officer for these purposes and is way? When can we expect a statement from the Government therefore both the leader of the service and the corporate on the inquiry, which is of immense importance to officer for the time being? hundreds of thousands of people throughout the country?

Mr Speaker: The short answer is yes. The right hon. Mr Speaker: The short answer is that, at the moment, Gentleman is a wily enough hand to know that it is a I do not know. I hope that the hon. Lady will be good idea to be aware of the answer to a question satisfied—it is perhaps helpful to her cause—that the before posing it. He has proved that he meets that test. Leader of the House, who is the ultimate parliamentarian, is in his place. He will have heard what she had to say, Hazel Blears (Salford and Eccles) (Lab): Further to and no doubt she will have an opportunity to repeat it that point of order, Mr Speaker. Clearly, the House has at business questions. She will find other occasions on changed even during the 16 or 17 years I have been a which she can air her concerns. Member and it is now a complex and in many ways a very professional organisation that has responsibilities Mr Nigel Evans (Ribble Valley) (Con): On a point for human resources, corporate finance and a series of of order, Mr Deputy Speaker—[Laughter.] I meant other issues that might not have been so important 20, Mr Speaker. I am looking forward to this response. 30 or 40 years ago. Many of the changes you have Mr Speaker—I say that so that it can be cut properly—I overseen with colleagues on the House of Commons am grateful for your statement at 2.30 pm. I understand Commission have made this place more efficient and the personal trauma and uncertainty that Carol Mills more professional in my view, but it is important when must now face. The fact is that she does not know we are appointing a person of such seniority in this whether she has or does not have a job. Can you assure House that we should take a very clear look at the the House that she will be kept fully informed about responsibilities of the role. The managerial and professional what is going on, and that she will know exactly where responsibilities are very different, in my view, to the she stands? constitutional and historical responsibilities of a Clerk. I am delighted that we are having a pause, but I would Mr Speaker: The hon. Gentleman served in that say to the House that we should not simply go back to capacity as Deputy Speaker and did so with great what we have always known because today the House of distinction and loyalty, which is appreciated in all parts Commons is a very different place from in days gone by, of the House and certainly by me. Yes, he has made a and this is a real opportunity to do something that takes very human point, and people will empathise with it. I the House forward in a very positive way. am in touch with the person to whom he refers, and 65 Points of Order1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Points of Order 66 others are. It is important that clarity is established as anxious to seize from you the poison chalice of this soon as is compatible with the rights and responsibilities decision, you should give it to them with maximum of the House being met and discharged. rapidity?

Mr Rob Wilson (Reading East) (Con): Further to that Mr Speaker: The hon. Gentleman has been wisely point of order, Mr Speaker. Following your statement advising me on all sorts of matters since I first came to at 2.30 pm today, it may be helpful if you could confirm know him in October 1983. I have very rarely regretted to the House the mechanisms by which the House can taking his advice, and very much doubt that I would do hold your decisions and your office to account on a so on this occasion either. regular basis. In the light of the current difficulties that we face over the employment of a senior Clerk, could Christopher Pincher (Tamworth) (Con): Further to you also confirm whether any of the participants are that point of order, Mr Speaker. I am grateful for your taking legal action? statement earlier in which you made it clear that you believe that the role of the Clerk should be split and the Mr Speaker: I am very grateful to the hon. Gentleman role of the chief executive should be created. Has any for his point of order. The short answer to him is that I estimate been made of the cost of that additional role, am of course accountable to the House. I chair the and when might that be made clear? House of Commons Commission and hear what it has to say—that is a perfectly proper state of affairs. My Mr Speaker: I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman. understanding is that no legal action has been taken Two points: first, I said what I did not in any mission to against the House. browbeat the House, which it is not for the Speaker to do, but simply because I think that there is something Dan Byles (North Warwickshire) (Con): Further to to be said for having a view and being prepared, honestly that point of order, Mr Speaker. Having been involved and openly, to express it, and that is what I have done. with organising significant organisational change in Secondly, on the subject of costs, there has been to my other organisations—in the military, and in the NHS as knowledge no particular assessment of that. There is a a non-executive director of a trust—I know that it is consideration of cost; there is also a consideration, often rife with unintended consequences. The decision resulting from efficient management and strategic direction, to split the Clerk’s role into two is a significant change. of potential savings to the House. If those issues are to Can you assure the House that the decision will not be be explored, they need, again, to be explored rationally taken lightly, and that it will be looked at rigorously and and in the round. robustly, recognising the significant piece of organisational I am extremely grateful to colleagues for the points of change that it is? order, for the terms in which they have been expressed, and for the opportunity for this issue to be aired. Mr Speaker: Yes, I think I can offer the hon. Gentleman I am very conscious that 35 hon. and right hon. the assurance he seeks. It would be a significant change, Members seek to contribute to the three debates to take and would have to be decided upon by this House. I place under the auspices of the Backbench Business have sufficient respect for the self-respect and rigorous Committee, with which, I hope, we can shortly proceed. approach to their duties of colleagues to realise that, of course, they will want to go about their scrutiny seriously before taking any such step. BILL PRESENTED Dr Julian Lewis (New Forest East) (Con): Further to FREEDOM OF INFORMATION (AMENDMENT)BILL that point of order, Mr Speaker. It is usually unwise for a politician to admit total ignorance, but I have done it Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57) before and I intend to do it again. I have to confess that, Grahame M. Morris, supported by Greg Mulholland, until this dispute about the Clerk arose, I had not the John Cryer, Valerie Vaz, Paul Blomfield, Kevin Barron, faintest idea, despite being a Member of this House Ian Mearns, Andrew George, Charlotte Leslie, Caroline since 1997, that the Clerk of the House, an expert in Lucas, Rosie Cooper and Ian Lavery, presented a Bill to procedure, was, by default, also the chief executive of amend the Freedom of Information Act 2000 to apply the House. Now that you have sufficiently educated its provisions to private healthcare companies and other ignorant hon. Members like me about that important bodies seeking health service contracts; and for connected distinction, and perhaps about the need to look at the purposes. matter rather more rationally than in the past, may I Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on suggest that, as so many other people and bodies are so Friday 5 December, and to be printed (Bill 84). 67 1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Hospital Car Parking Charges 68

rather than the patients. We must remember that the Backbench Business NHS should serve the interests of patients, not the providers of any contracts or services within it. I Hospital Car Parking Charges wholeheartedly agree with my hon. Friend and I hope that the Minister will consider what more can be done 5.51 pm to challenge some of the contracts. Jackie Doyle-Price (Thurrock) (Con): I beg to move, Mr Geoffrey Robinson (Coventry North West) (Lab): That this House welcomes the Government’s guidance that I congratulate the hon. Lady and the hon. Member for hospital car parking charges should be fair and proportionate; Harlow (Robert Halfon) on securing the debate. I think notes that some hospitals are still charging patients and their that my hon. Friend the Member for Coventry South visitors excessive fees of up to £500 per week; further notes that the charity Bliss has said that parents with premature babies are (Mr Cunningham) was also involved in that. having to pay on average £32 per week; further notes that for The hon. Member for Hereford and South Herefordshire many patients it is essential that they travel to hospital by car; (Jesse Norman) touched on the heart of the problem. I believes that such charges affect vulnerable patients at a very was an ex-Paymaster General when the Coventry bid difficult time; and urges the Government to consider ways in was pushed through as a PFI project. We have a magnificent which hospital car parking fees can be reduced. new hospital, but people’s impression of it is not how I am extremely pleased to be able to open the debate good the facility is, but how high the car parking charges and I am grateful to the Backbench Business Committee are, necessitated, unfortunately, by the PFI contract. for making time to discuss this important issue, which Does the hon. Lady agree that the key point to put to has been impacting on so many constituents up and the Treasury is that these PFI contracts are often too down the country. Before I go into my arguments, I onerous to be sustained by the normal income that the must pay tribute to the work of my hon. Friend the NHS can expect a hospital to generate, and, in particular, Member for Harlow (Robert Halfon), who has done so the car parking fees built into that are too high? much to highlight this issue and many others that directly impact on ordinary hard-working people. It is Madam Deputy Speaker (Dame Dawn Primarolo): incumbent on all of us in the House, when people’s Order. I remind Members that about 37 Back Benchers loved ones are ill or they themselves require hospital want to speak in three debates that must finish at treatment, to ensure that the national health service 10 o’clock, and we must also take the Front-Bench makes the conditions appropriate for them to access the speakers and the proposers. We need interventions to treatment that they need, and car parking charges get be short, pithy and to the point, and Members must be very much in the way of that. I reiterate that I thank my disciplined if everybody who wishes to speak is to be hon. Friend for his efforts to push this matter up the able to do so. Time is of the essence. political agenda. Hospital car parking charges have largely been abolished Jackie Doyle-Price: The hon. Gentleman reiterates in Scotland and Wales, but that is not the case in the point made by my hon. Friend the Member for England where 79% of hospitals continue to charge, Hereford and South Herefordshire (Jesse Norman). We often at punitive rates. For so many of our constituents have all learned a lot of lessons from poorly negotiated driving to hospital is not a choice; it is essential. Many PFI contracts. It is worth noting that in Scotland and of them are undergoing treatment which means that Wales, the movement to get rid of NHS car parking travel by public transport is simply not an option, charges has not been limited by those contracts, and particularly when they have to be accompanied by there are ways to see those contracts through. members of their family. Members of their family will also wish to visit them if they have a prolonged stay, and they, too, should not be faced with punitive car Bill Wiggin (North Herefordshire) (Con): My friend parking charges. To put it simply, hospital car parking and neighbour, the hon. Member for Hereford and charges are a tax on NHS treatment. South Herefordshire (Jesse Norman), has already touched on the shocking situation that we have in Herefordshire, but it is made worse by the county council putting Jesse Norman (Hereford and South Herefordshire) double yellow lines almost everywhere in the city. (Con): I congratulate my hon. Friend on procuring this Ambulances do have to get through, but could not more debate, and I congratulate my hon. Friend the Member be done by local authorities to ease the burden on for Harlow (Robert Halfon) on his leadership of the patients? campaign. Does my hon. Friend the Member for Thurrock (Jackie Doyle-Price) agree that at the root of this—I come from Hereford, where hospital parking charges Jackie Doyle-Price: Absolutely. It is always a good are reportedly some of the highest in the country—is a idea for public bodies to be more co-ordinated in how private finance initiative contract in many cases, which they approach such matters. No hospital acts in isolation, it is often almost impossible for the hospital in question and car parking charges are often a function of how to control? Therefore, there must be wider action to expensive local car parking is. control PFI costs alongside hospitals to support the I welcome the recent announcement by the Department people whom we are trying to help. of Health to strengthen the guidelines given to NHS trusts on the implementation of car parking charges. Jackie Doyle-Price: My hon. Friend is quite right. He They include the important provision that relatives of has done much to highlight some of the PFI contracts, people who are seriously ill or in hospital for a long the long-term consequences of which we are now having period should also be entitled to discounted or free to deal with, where the contractors may have been parking. The guidelines are clear and welcome, but they rather more savvy in negotiating a deal that suits them do not go far enough. It is important that the House 69 Hospital Car Parking Charges1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Hospital Car Parking Charges 70 sends a clear message to the management of NHS trusts Lorely Burt (Solihull) (LD): On the ability of trusts throughout the country that punitive car parking charges to make their own concessions, I want to shed a glimmer are wrong and will not be tolerated. of light on an example in my own Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust. It is possible for relatives to Mr Jim Cunningham (Coventry South) (Lab): I buy 20 visit passes for £10, no matter how long they congratulate the hon. Member for Harlow (Robert Halfon) stay. All they need to do is obtain a signature from the on securing the debate; I assisted—if that is the right ward sister. There are compassionate ways of treating word—him in that. Does the hon. Lady agree that families who need to make regular and sometimes long although car parking charges are far too high for a visits to hospital. number of groups of people—my hon. Friend the Member for Coventry North West (Mr Robinson) and I have Jackie Doyle-Price: My hon. Friend highlights exactly been campaigning for years in Coventry to get them the kind of initiative that we in this House would expect reduced—it would take the muscle of the Secretary of the local management of trusts to undertake. On having State to help here, because not all car parking charges a fair charging policy, we should not have simple flat are based on PFI. There are hospitals that do not have a fees and expect all patients and visitors to pay them. We PFI, but those charges are built into their budgets. should be thinking about the best possible opportunities to enable patients to get better when they are being Jackie Doyle-Price: The hon. Gentleman makes a visited by their families and to access treatment without good point. It is crucial for the Secretary of State to give being worried about parking charges. clear and robust messages about what he expects from NHS trusts. This Secretary of State has probably done Karen Lumley (Redditch) (Con): Does my hon. Friend more in his period of office to put the patients at the agree that NHS managers could learn from private heart of the NHS. We are talking about a rebalancing providers, which in my constituency of Redditch provide of the relationship between the patient and the provider. two hours’ parking for £1.20, whereas my local hospital It is simply not appropriate for NHS trusts to decide trust charges £3? their car parking charges without considering the impact that those will have on the welfare of patients. Jackie Doyle-Price: My hon. Friend has put a very important point on the record. It illustrates again that Mr Frank Field (Birkenhead) (Lab): This debate has when management thinks about patients rather than been part of a campaign initiated by the Opposition on managing the accounts, it can come up with solutions rip-off Britain, and I congratulate the hon. Lady and that are good for the patient. the hon. Member for Harlow (Robert Halfon) on getting We have all had many representations from individual a debate on one aspect of that. I totally welcome the patients about the costs they have incurred personally. Secretary of State’s guidance on this matter, but we We have also heard from pressure groups. In particular, know from our local areas that some hospital trusts will Macmillan has highlighted that cancer sufferers have gently put two fingers up to what the Secretary of State found parking charges to be a very costly element of says. I very much hope that when the Minister replies he their treatment, adding significantly to the financial will say what plan B is for those hospitals that continue strain for people who are going through prolonged to charge excessively those who need to continue to visit periods of treatment. As I have said, some of them are their relatives in hospital. losing considerable amounts of earnings during that process. We need to be making it easier for them to get Jackie Doyle-Price: I humbly suggest to the right better and overcome their debilitating illness. hon. Gentleman, who is not backward in coming forward in expressing his views, that it is up to us in this House Guy Opperman (Hexham) (Con): I congratulate my to challenge the leadership of our trusts where we think hon. Friends the Members for Thurrock (Jackie Doyle- they are being unfair with their car parking charges. Price) and for Harlow (Robert Halfon) on securing this Quite frankly, we should be prepared to make lots of debate. Of course, it is patients and their families who noise about that when it occurs. are the main people affected by this particular issue, but does my hon. Friend the Member for Thurrock agree that surely it is wrong that NHS staff, who do such an Several hon. Members rose— amazing job in all our hospitals, are in many cases, particularly in my area, required to pay for the parking Jackie Doyle-Price: I would like to make a little more in the area where they work, thereby reducing their own progress. salary? The guidance confirms that it is up to local trusts to decide how much and whether they charge for parking Jackie Doyle-Price: My hon. Friend raises a very but that charges should be proportionate and concessions important point. One objection to our campaign on available. I think we have all seen many examples where parking charges is that somehow the money would be charging policy could in no way be described as fair or taken away from health care, but I do not believe that is proportionate. I make particular reference to London the case at all. He mentions staff. In order to get the best hospitals. The Royal Free hospital charges a staggering conditions for care, we need to make it easier for people £72 a day. My constituency is just outside London, but to go out and work, and access to cheap parking is very when some of my constituents need to access specialist much a part of that. treatment they are sent to London hospitals. They travel some distance and the fact that they then have to Alison Seabeck (Plymouth, Moor View) (Lab) rose— pay punitive charges to access treatment is simply not acceptable. Stephen Lloyd (Eastbourne) (LD) rose— 71 Hospital Car Parking Charges1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Hospital Car Parking Charges 72

Jackie Doyle-Price: I would like to make a little more of reducing car parking charges—not least, I might progress. add, through some patients getting better quicker because These charges are a tax on the sick. They hit patients they will get more visits from their families. That makes and their families when they are at their most vulnerable. perfect sense to me. It is incumbent on hospital trusts and us in this House to make sure that we create the conditions for patients Stephen Lloyd: I thank my hon. Friend for giving way to have the support to aid their recovery. Simply levying and for facilitating this very important debate. One area high parking charges will not aid their recovery. We all she has not yet touched on is the impact on built-up know that receiving visitors will help. We should be areas such as the one surrounding Eastbourne district making it easier for them to visit their loved ones. general hospital. The car parking charges at the DGH are really quite high, so instead of using the car park Alison Seabeck: Will the hon. Lady give way? people are parking around and about, which is making it very difficult for residents. If it is done badly, it is bad Jackie Doyle-Price: I will—persistence pays! for residents—

Alison Seabeck: I appreciate the hon. Lady’s giving Madam Deputy Speaker (Dame Dawn Primarolo): way in this very interesting and extremely worthwhile Order. Short means not many words. A large number of debate. Does she share my concern that, in seeking to Members are waiting to speak. The hon. Member for get profits from car parks, the issue raised by the hon. Thurrock (Jackie Doyle-Price) has now been on her feet Member for Hexham (Guy Opperman) about staff for 17 minutes. This is going to be a severely curtailed being sidelined or being asked to pay more is a problem? debate and Members will get only a minute or two We certainly have that problem in Derriford, where staff unless we can start making some progress. Remember are now finding it very difficult to park anywhere, if that interventions must be short if there are to be any at all. more. I wonder whether the hon. Lady would consider, in respect to her colleagues who wish to speak, drawing her remarks to a close. Jackie Doyle-Price: Absolutely. This comes back to the issue of challenging trusts as to whether the car Jackie Doyle-Price: Thank you, Madam Deputy parking charges are fair. We have had push-back from a Speaker—I certainly will. My hon. Friend the Member number of trust managers who say that it costs money for Eastbourne (Stephen Lloyd) makes a very good to operate and maintain the car parks, partly because of point. I would also add that money could still be made some of the PFI contracts that have been mentioned. It by reducing car parking charges but enforcing action is simply not good enough, however, for hospital trusts against those who should not be using the car park. to pass on costs to staff and vulnerable patients when they need to be more challenging about how they manage In deference to you, Madam Deputy Speaker, I shall their finances and not simply take from the patients. make my comments briefer and move to a close so that Nor is it enough for trusts to argue that charges are other Members can speak, but I just want to reiterate reasonable for their area. That is like writing an open this final point. The NHS is supposed to be free at the cheque and allowing London hospitals to levy extremely point of use, but it is not when patients who have to high charges. It simply is not good enough. There is, in drive are paying through the nose. Hospital car parking effect, a parking lottery in the NHS, with some patients charges are a tax on the sick. We should send a strong able to access health care without any charge for parking message to the managers of all hospitals that we expect their car, while others pay extremely handsomely for the them to take steps to reduce this financial penalty on privilege. I find that scenario completely incompatible the most vulnerable in our society. with an NHS that should be free at the point of use. Several hon. Members rose— I was shocked to discover that 74% of hospitals make more than £500,000 a year from their car parks, and Madam Deputy Speaker (Dame Dawn Primarolo): even more shocked that more than 40% raise more than Order. I will start with a time limit of five minutes. £1 million. I recognise that there are many reservations Because we need to get through two other debates, the about the removal of car parking charges because of five-minute limit will apply to all the debates and it may the amount of revenue received, but I do not buy it: I be necessary to reduce it further in fairness to Members think there is lots more that hospital trusts can do to who are still waiting to participate in the remaining replenish any gaps that might occur in their revenue as a debates. From now on, you have five minutes maximum result of removing car parking charges. on the clock for speeches in this debate. I want to refer to my own local trust of Basildon in that regard. Some will know that Basildon has a very troubled history. It was one of the hospitals that went 6.10 pm into special measures following the inquiry into Mid Yasmin Qureshi (Bolton South East) (Lab): I congratulate Staffordshire and it has had very high death rates. In the the hon. Member for Thurrock (Jackie Doyle-Price) on past year, however, since a change of leadership in the securing this debate. I start with the point on which she hospital trust, it has made massive advances, and it was finished, which is that the NHS is supposed to be free at the first to come out of special measures. the point of use. When we set sometimes exorbitant One of the things that the new chief executive has charges at different hospitals, we are effectively taxing done is to recruit 200 new nurses, and in doing so she the ill and their families. has managed to cut the pay bill because she is no longer Members have talked about the families of patients relying on agency staff. We can all find other ways of in hospital for the long term, with all the costs involved replenishing the money that might be lost as a result for relatives who visit them. This is honestly not a party 73 Hospital Car Parking Charges1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Hospital Car Parking Charges 74 political point, but in 2009, when my right hon. Friend however, it is worth thinking about having legislation or the Member for Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath (Mr Brown) a directive with the even more novel approach of abolishing was Prime Minister, the Labour party suggested that such charges altogether. At the end of the day, nobody those who had family members in hospital for a long goes to hospital for pleasure; they go out of necessity time should get special permits to enable them to visit and because they are unwell. Therefore, a hospital that without having to pay each time, but that was scrapped raises £500,000 or £1 million, with all the budget it in 2010 when the current Government came in. I ask them has— to reconsider that proposal. One way in which they could act very positively would be to have a similar Madam Deputy Speaker (Dame Dawn Primarolo): provision such that the family of those in hospital for Order. the long term can get and use special permits. That would certainly deal with the problem of the long-term ill. 6.16 pm There is another group of people whom we have not Paul Burstow (Sutton and Cheam) (LD): To pick up mentioned. We now have an elderly population and the last point made by the hon. Member for Bolton most older people have not just one health issue, but South East (Yasmin Qureshi) about perhaps abolishing several health complications, so they often end up having such charges outright, later this week the King’s Fund to go to hospital to see consultants and doctors for six, will publish the conclusions of the Barker commission. eight or nine different illnesses or health issues. Each It is looking at several questions about the future of our time they go, they or the person accompanying them health and social care system, and I am sure that it will has to pay hospital parking charges. say things about charging issues and how we pay for I give the example of my mother, who is 82 years of parking. It seems to me that such questions must be age. She has several different health issues, and every looked at in the round, and in the context of the overall time I take her to my local hospital—I am her carer—it resources available to the NHS, by asking how to make costs £3, just for five or 10 minutes. I am in the privileged the best use of those resources to deliver the best position of being able to afford that, but there are many possible outcome for patients. people in my constituency, who have caring responsibilities I congratulate the hon. Member for Thurrock (Jackie for adult and often elderly family members, who may Doyle-Price) on bringing this matter to the House, as only be on the minimum wage. she is absolutely right to do. Hard-working families face difficulties because of the inconsistent way in which Lilian Greenwood (Nottingham South) (Lab): Does different NHS trusts go about applying their policies, my hon. Friend agree that for the many elderly people and it is right to highlight those that chose to see car who do not drive, public transport is a really important parking as another cash cow at the expense of their issue, just like parking charges? Is she aware that Queen’s patients. Hon. Members have spoken about the issue of medical centre in Nottingham is soon to have the first the PFI and how it further complicates the picture—indeed, dedicated hospital tram stop, which will improve access it ties the hands of NHS trusts—which is an incredibly for older and disabled people in particular? important point. The Government need to do more to deal with the mess around PFI so that these things can Yasmin Qureshi: I did not know about the Nottingham be sorted out. tram, but I am pleased that people there will have a Roger Williams (Brecon and Radnorshire) (LD): My tram stop to deal with the problem. Something like that right hon. Friend will know that hospital parking in would be brilliant in my constituency. There is a bus Wales is free, but many of my constituents go to Hereford that goes to my hospital, the Royal Bolton, but because county hospital, which is a PFI hospital. A radiotherapy of its location the service is not frequent, so getting facility has just been opened there, but that fact is there is quite difficult. Such public transport solutions dampened by my constituents having to pay large parking can help people as well. My hon. Friend is absolutely fees. right that many older people cannot drive, so they also have that challenge. Paul Burstow: Other Members have already quite Perhaps we do not think enough about the number of rightly intervened to point out how exceptionally high appointments most older patients have, as do those who and punitive car parking charges are in that area. If this are generally ill and have to go in and out of hospital for debate does nothing else, I hope that it make that trust appointments numerous times. The way forward may be understand that it needs to look to its laurels, review its to abolish car park charging full stop, so that a scheme parking policies and perhaps introduce fairer charging can be applied nationally. The minute we have a for the future. discretionary system and leave each hospital trust to That matter relates to why I wanted to talk about decide for itself, some—perhaps because where they are what has been going on in my own patch. Back in 2010, located means they have a large parking space—can the consumer organisation Which? published a study charge a small amount, such as 50p, while other hospitals highlighting my local trust as a particularly bad one, that lack space because of where they are must charge a including as one that was quite willing to use clamping bit more. Leaving things to discretion means having, as regularly as a way to enforce its charging policies. I am everyone says, a postcode lottery. A better solution pleased to tell the House—this is a model of what might be to make special dispensation, across the whole others could and should be doing—that the work by country, for those going to hospital appointments or Which? spurred my Epsom and St Helier University those who are in hospital for some days. Hospitals NHS Trust into action: it undertook a review, Although I have a legal background, I am not normally which involved its patients and carers, and its policy an advocate for a lot more law, because it is not always a now reflects much of the good practice that we have good idea to have loads of legislation. In this case, already heard about in this debate. There is a discounted 75 Hospital Car Parking Charges1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Hospital Car Parking Charges 76

[Paul Burstow] ahead. At the time, the Secretary of State advised me that every trust has the autonomy to make decisions rate of £5 a week for out-patients who visit three or locally and that the provision of car parking for patients, more times a week, those who are going in for dialysis, visitors and staff should reflect the local situation. I am cancer patients who visit two or more times a week, pleased that he has now gone further in the guidance cardiac rehabilitation patients and immediate family that he has issued, which I hope will help people such as members of patients receiving intensive care or high my constituents, who are taxed for being ill or for dependency coronary or neonatal care. In other words, visiting the hospital. As the hon. Member for Eastbourne there is an effective policy that makes it affordable for (Stephen Lloyd) pointed out, the impact on parking in people to visit their loved ones or to get the treatment the local area is also a problem for local residents. For that they need. More parking for disabled people also those two strong reasons, it is important that the movement came out of the process. There is also a recognition that on this issue is welcomed and that it goes even further. some people do not want to stay for long, but want to drop someone off or pick someone up. The trust has David Wright (Telford) (Lab): I believe that hospital therefore introduced more short-stay dropping-off places. parking charges should be abolished. The car parks in If the trust delivers an appointment an hour or more Telford and Shrewsbury could easily be managed without late, the parking fee is refunded. Those are the sorts of charges. Some people have expressed the concern that policies that other trusts could copy. people will overflow- park in hospital parking areas. It is clear from the work published by Macmillan and Tickets could still be issued to ensure that parking others that too many trusts are not even following the spaces are controlled, but it could be made free. The guidance, let alone striving to be leaders in the field or House should push the Government and the Opposition to follow best practice. As the Care Quality Commission to make a commitment to abolish parking charges at rolls out and refines its inspection regime for hospitals, hospitals in the medium to long term. it could do more in this area. Perhaps the Minister could ask the chief inspector of hospitals to ensure that Nic Dakin: I very much agree with my hon. Friend’s car park charging policies are examined. For hospitals point. That has been the thrust of the contributions to that are striving not just to pass muster in inspections, the debate. I hope the Minister and the shadow Minister but to be leaders in their field, this is another area in are listening to the voice of the House, which reflects which they could do so. the voice of our constituents as patients and residents who live close to hospitals. Hospital car parking charges Finally, concessions and discounts are only part of should be got rid of in the interests of better, more open the solution. They are only as good as the publicity and fairer access to health care. The hon. Member for about them and the public awareness of their existence. Thurrock (Jackie Doyle-Price) made the point well that It is difficult for people to access something that they do increasing the number of visitors increases the speed of not know exists. It is therefore important to ensure that recovery. It should therefore be welcomed and facilitated there is information at the point of use so that people as part of the healing process. do not wind up paying more than they need to. Will the Minister look at the idea that I and others have put forward recently of a carer’s passport? Some hospital Martin Vickers (Cleethorpes) (Con): As the hon. trusts already have it. It is about actively identifying Gentleman knows, we share the same hospital trust. more carers so that they and their families can benefit Patients are prepared to accept that more services are from concession and discount rates, as well as other being shared between our two hospitals at Scunthorpe facilities to support and ease the burden on family and Grimsby, but does he agree that patients face the carers. double whammy of increased travelling costs and car parking charges at the other end? The hon. Member for Thurrock and her colleagues who secured this debate are absolutely right that punitive Nic Dakin: The hon. Gentleman and I work well car parking charges and car parking being seen as a together on local issues such as health care. He makes cash cow within the NHS cannot be acceptable, as the sound point that as we rationalise the way in which Members on both sides of the House—judging by what hospitals perform to maximise health outcomes, there has been said so far—are clearly indicating. I hope that will be more travelling by patients. Why should there be in responding to the debate, the Minister will ensure an added barrier to that travelling and to access? People that the NHS gets that message and changes in the ways should not have to focus on things like that, rather than that hon. Members are suggesting. on better health care, when there have to be discussions about where services will be delivered, as there have to 6.22 pm be in north Lincolnshire. That is a sound and positive point that supports the point that was made by my hon. Nic Dakin (Scunthorpe) (Lab): I rise to make a brief Friends the Members for Bolton South East (Yasmin contribution to the debate. I congratulate the hon. Qureshi) and for Telford (David Wright), which is that Members who secured the debate. Already, we can see the best way forward would be to have free car parking the value of it, not least from the way in which the last at every hospital as standard. speaker drew attention to the sort of best practice that should be considered by trusts up and down the land. David Wright: My hon. Friend makes a sound point In my patch, I have been very concerned about the about rural areas, but it is often difficult for people in rise in car park charges at Scunthorpe general hospital. urban areas to use public transport as well. Sometimes, I presented a petition to the House on behalf of local people have to change buses several times to get to a residents and patients in September 2013, which argued hospital. If people in Telford want to go to Shrewsbury, that the rises in car parking charges should not go they have to change buses multiple times. 77 Hospital Car Parking Charges1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Hospital Car Parking Charges 78

Nic Dakin: My hon. Friend makes a sound point. Robert Halfon: My hon. Friend highlights the problem The hon. Member for Cleethorpes (Martin Vickers) exactly. It applies not only to the parents of premature and I represent rural areas as well, so the point is well babies but to people with cancer. Indeed, 10% of hospitals made and well received. do not give people with cancer any kind of concession at all. Rosie Cooper (West Lancashire) (Lab): Everybody in There is also a problem of transparency. No one the House wants free car parking at hospitals now, knows why such huge increases in charges are taking but what does my hon. Friend think we can do in the place, and no one knows exactly what the money is interim to ensure that hospitals stop private car parking being spent on. Southend hospital, in Essex, charges companies targeting the disabled and those who arrive £2.50 for the first hour’s parking. It was highlighted on in emergency situations? None of that will stop now BBC Essex recently that the hospital had spent more without proper enforcement. than £7 million on a new multi-storey car park. Even Harrods and Selfridges would not spend £7 million on a Nic Dakin: I very much agree with my hon. Friend. I car park. The hospital increased its charges in 2011 and am sure that the Minister and the shadow Minister will raked in nearly £1.4 million in parking fees alone. It was take that point on board and listen to the other points never envisaged that hospital parking should become a that have been made in the debate. That will put pressure cash cow or a tax on the vulnerable and the sick. on hospital trusts to respond positively to the point that We should also remember that it is not only the she has made. patients, the vulnerable and those who are visiting them in hospital who face this stealth tax. It is also a tax on 6.28 pm nurses, who are paying an average of £200 a month just to park their cars so that they can do their job. If we Robert Halfon (Harlow) (Con): I congratulate my had to pay that amount to park our cars here at the hon. Friend the Member for Thurrock (Jackie Doyle-Price), House of Commons, I am sure that the practice would who has worked with me from the beginning on this be stopped immediately. I also want to mention the debate on hospital car parking, and the many other concessions for people with disabilities. We often need a Members who have been involved, including Opposition PhD to understand all the different rules and regulations Members. involved. We need clear guidelines, and I welcome what We face three problems on hospital car parking. the Government have said about this over the past First, it has become a stealth tax on the most vulnerable. week. It has hit parents who cannot afford to visit their premature baby in hospital. The charity Bliss states Steve Baker (Wycombe) (Con): I want to set in context that about 30% of parents of premature babies are what my hon. Friend has just said about the scale of unable to visit their baby because they cannot afford the these charges. I have just checked the cost of parking at hospital car parking charges. Those who can pay an Chiltern Railways’ new multi-storey car park in Wycombe, average of £32 a week to visit their sick child. I do not and it is only £7.50 a day. I say “only” because that want to live in a country where parents cannot afford to seems quite good value given that some people are visit their sick children. It was never envisaged that paying £500 a week for hospital parking. Does he share people with cars would subsidise the national health my amazement that hospitals manage to provide so service. little parking for so much expense? My hon. Friend the Member for Thurrock set out some hospital car parking charges. The most shocking Robert Halfon: My hon. Friend hits the nail on the are those at the Royal Free hospital in London, which I head. As I have said, this has become an easy way for know because, sadly, both my grandparents passed hospital bosses to raise money, and there has been no away in that hospital. It costs £500 a week to park a car dialogue with the public about it. at that hospital. If there was ever an example of how People say that the money could be spent elsewhere, hospital bosses have used car parking charges as a stealth but I believe that hospital parking is as much a front-line tax, the Royal Free hospital provides it. service as anything else. It is as important as how many People say that we have to have these charges, but nurses and doctors there are. I am glad that the Government why is there such a wide range of charges across the have spent an extra £12.5 billion and that there are country? Why do 25% of hospitals not charge at all? I 3,000 extra nurses since the coalition came to power, but am ashamed to say that my own county of Essex is one hospital parking is as much a front-line issue as those of the most expensive areas outside London for hospital things and it should be put into the general pot of NHS parking charges. Why do so many hospitals in the north spending. It should be taken into account in the same of England not charge at all? way as spending on nurses and doctors and on machinery. That is often forgotten. Tim Loughton (East Worthing and Shoreham) (Con): The hon. Member for Bolton South East (Yasmin My hon. Friend has done a fantastic job of leading this Qureshi) said that no one goes to hospital out of choice; campaign. On the subject of neonatal intensive care, people go because they have to, or because they have to there is an added problem. Because of the shortage of visit relatives or friends. They should not suffer in the facilities, parents often have to travel long distances and way that they do. They should not have to face the stress pay for accommodation in order to stay near their involved. Many of my constituents have contacted me children overnight. It adds insult to injury that they to tell me of the stress they face when, having paid at have to pay hospital parking charges as well. This is a the car park machine, they have to wait for a doctor’s treble whammy, and the charges are particularly unjustified appointment that should have been at, say, 11 but does in such cases. not take place until 1 o’clock. Through no fault of their 79 Hospital Car Parking Charges1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Hospital Car Parking Charges 80

[Robert Halfon] We should look to the Treasury to provide the health service with the necessary funds to enable this initiative own, they have to pay extra car parking charges as a to take place. result. How can that be right? Again, I welcome what the Government have said about that. Mr Marcus Jones (Nuneaton) (Con): I completely We need to look at this as part of the front-line agree with my hon. Friend that hospital parking charges spending on the NHS. Estimates suggest that it would should be scrapped. In the meantime, however, does he cost between £200 million and £250 million to scrap agree that when a hospital is at fault for delaying or hospital parking charges. I believe that the Government cancelling an appointment, the patient should not have should set up a special fund, possibly paid for by using to pay more for their parking as a result? more generic drugs, and I urge the Under-Secretary of State for Health, my hon. Friend the Member for Central Bob Blackman: I thank my hon. Friend for that Suffolk and North Ipswich (Dr Poulter) to look at that intervention. proposal. I welcome the fact that he has listened, and I was just coming on to the specifics of my area. My that the Government have published some really tough constituency and others now have centres of medical guidelines for hospitals. I recognise that they are not the excellence, which means that people have to travel long ten commandments; they are not written down on distances for the treatment that they need. Many of tablets of stone, and we cannot force hospitals to comply them have to use their cars, because public transport is with them. They are the next best thing, however. not an option. Over the past 18 months, I have witnessed I put it to my hon. Friend the Minister that if hospitals people suffering when their appointment was delayed do not comply with the guidelines, and that if they and they had to rush out to the car park to pay more at continue to fail to offer proper concessions to people the pay and display machine. Such an encumbrance is with disabilities, to use hospital parking as a stealth tax unfair on people who need to receive important medical on the vulnerable, to charge their staff for parking and treatment, and it should without doubt be scrapped. to perpetuate the lack of transparency which means The guidelines should also stress strict adherence to a that no one can understand what the revenue is being policy of paying on exit for the appropriate length of spent on, we should scrap hospital parking charges time spent in the car park, as opposed to using pay and completely, as Opposition Members have suggested. display arrangements that involve people guessing how I hope that we are already moving in that direction. long they are going to spend in the hospital. I have witnessed at first hand people having to guess in that 6.35 pm way and then finding that they do not need all the time they have paid for. Bob Blackman (Harrow East) (Con): It is an honour to follow my hon. Friend the Member for Harlow In my own area there is Northwick Park hospital, (Robert Halfon), who has been at the forefront of this which is the centre at which many people from north-west campaign. I trust that, now that he has the ear of the London are treated, and Central Middlesex hospital, Chancellor, he will use that power to persuade our right which is in the middle of an industrial estate and almost hon. Friend of what needs to be done. Earlier this year, inaccessible by public transport, so anyone going there I went to see the Chancellor with a delegation led by my has to drive. There is no pay-on-exit facility available. In hon. Friend the Member for Shrewsbury and Atcham fact, the trust took away that facility and insisted that (Daniel Kawczynski), and we put it to him that hospital the parking area that was built for it be replaced with parking charges should be scrapped altogether. I note pay-and-display parking. It was a nonsensical decision, that it is now estimated that the cost of doing so would and I trust that the trust will review it and revise it be £200 million. At the time, it was £90 million. accordingly. We also have Ealing hospital, which has a similar problem of not being anywhere near any public We should look at this matter strategically and say transport facilities. The tube lines run into the centre of that anyone who is going to hospital for treatment or to London rather than radiating around the outside, so visit people who are suffering in hospital and who need people travelling locally have to drive and use the car to be there for an extended period of time should be parking facilities. exempt from all charges. It is difficult to introduce such a policy across the country for the simple reason that I wish to touch on a specific case that I came across hospitals are in different locations. Some are co-located recently, that of Mr Francis Bacon, a registered disabled with stations, for example, and have decent public transport driver who suffered a serious puncture while driving to links. Others do not, however. We need a policy whose a hospital appointment. He was unable to move his car, presumption is that anyone using the hospital car park which some good samaritans pushed on to the pavement because they are using the hospital services as I have while he went to get help to change his tyre. He got his described should be able to do so free of charge. tyre changed by some good people who came and helped him and put him on his way. Sadly, a parking Such a policy could be implemented by requiring operative from Ealing council had come along and put people to pay on exit. They could obtain a ticket on a penalty notice sticker on the car, because Mr Bacon entry and have it stamped by a ward sister or a similarly had had the temerity to park on the pavement. He could appropriate medical person in order to exempt them not move his car—his car was disabled, and he was from paying the charge. That would prevent commuters disabled—yet he still got a parking ticket. Despite and others from abusing free hospital parking places. protestations from everyone concerned, Ealing council I trust that we can look at this matter as a sensible refused to cancel the ticket, which is typical of the investment. We clearly cannot expect the Department wrong attitude of both local government and hospital of Health to find the money itself. We expect it to trusts themselves. We need them to work in harmony to provide the funding for treating people who are sick. promote parking arrangements that suit and protect 81 Hospital Car Parking Charges1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Hospital Car Parking Charges 82 everyone. I trust that we can use this opportunity to mentioned. It should not just be through freedom of encourage the Chancellor to provide extra funds so that information requests by my hon. Friend the Member wecandoawaywithcarparkingchargesonceandforall. for Harlow that we get the relevant data before us. Incidentally, my local trust substantially increased its parking revenue from £1.56 million to £1.71 million in 6.42 pm one fiscal year. Transparency throws up some perverse Mr Stewart Jackson (Peterborough) (Con): I join in practices, such as the fact that at Stamford hospital, in the congratulations to my hon. Friends the Members the constituency of my hon. Friend the Member for for Thurrock (Jackie Doyle-Price) and for Harlow (Robert Grantham and Stamford (Nick Boles), a small community Halfon). This is precisely the type of issue for which the hospital, there is no requirement to pay for parking, but Backbench Business Committee was established, so that people have to pay at Peterborough hospital, which we can try to alleviate the problems of people who feel serves virtually all my constituents. I do not think that their voice is rarely heard when set against a big bureaucracy. is right. Parking charges are an important issue because there I believe that there is a direct correlation between a are both philosophical and practical problems with wider lack of NHS transparency and high car parking them. Philosophically, it was never the intention that charges. I cannot prove that, but it is my instinct. I say patients should be forced into a back-door stealth tax that having found out only a few weeks ago that the by virtue of the fact that they drive a car and need to interim chief executive of the Peterborough trust was park at a hospital. Health care has always been funded paid more than £400,000 a year for a four-day week. He through general taxation, not patient charges, and that did a good job, but at some cost to the taxpayer. principle has been established by all parties. Also, surplus Parking charges fall within that narrative, because patients income has been ring-fenced for NHS activities. We run should be allowed to know the costs of parking and the the risk of undermining the philosophical underpinning income received from it. As my hon. Friends have said, of the NHS. I accept that this is a cross-party matter, people parking at hospitals are vulnerable, stressed and because Labour also sought to deal with it when it was upset, and things outside their control—bureaucracy, in government. delay, getting the wrong treatment or whatever—can In practical terms, parking charges cause real hardship mean that they have to stay at a health care facility, such for the simple reason that they are a regressive type of as a big acute district hospital, for longer than they taxation that hits the elderly, the poorest and the sickest would otherwise have to. at the most vulnerable times in their lives. We have My hon. Friend the Member for Harrow East (Bob heard about various cases today. There are bigger issues Blackman) made a good point about centres of excellence. involved in the debate, too, including our friends the In my area, the eastern region, people have to travel West Lothian question and the Barnett formula. There 30 or 40 miles. Someone with a child who has a poorly is a question of fairness and equity, because people in heart might have to travel from south Lincolnshire to Wales and Scotland do not suffer a similar encumbrance. Addenbrooke’s hospital or other places, which is difficult. Effectively, my constituents in England make a capital It would be churlish not to mention the Government’s payment for free parking at health care facilities in guidelines. I welcome them, but we need to be tougher Wales and Scotland, which cannot be right. and we need a fiscal incentive for trusts to do the right As my hon. Friend the Member for Hereford and thing—hopefully, abolishing parking charges. We need South Herefordshire (Jesse Norman) said, there is a to punish trusts if they arbitrarily disregard the bigger strategic financial issue to consider—the impact Government’s guidelines. Hopefully my hon. Friend of the private finance initiative, particularly schemes the Member for Harlow, with his legendary powers of such as that in my local trust, the Peterborough and persuasion that we have seen in the past four years, will Stamford Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, which ask the Chancellor to take the appropriate action. incidentally has a structural annual deficit of £40 million Ultimately, we should work to abolish parking charges and so finds it difficult to deal with such matters. Both completely, because they are an insidious, pernicious the Treasury and the Department of Health should tax on the most vulnerable people in our society. consider the irreducibility and intractability of the debt encumbrance on such trusts, which forces them to seek 6.48 pm finance in that way. I hope that Ministers will think in such wider strategic terms. Heather Wheeler (South Derbyshire) (Con): Some of my colleagues have talked about parking arrangements David Wright: I agree with pretty much everything needing to change so that instead of getting a ticket at that the hon. Gentleman has said. One big problem is the beginning of their stay, people pay at the end. South that many hospital trusts have gone into fairly long-term Derbyshire has free car parking for everything, but it contractual arrangements with private sector car parking does not have a hospital, so my constituents have to providers. Alongside the broader points that he makes travel to Burton, to Glenfield in Leicester or to the about hospital funding and PFI, the Government should Queen’s medical centre in Nottingham, and they have to examine the structure of the parking contracts that pay. Burton hospital has changed its arrangements, hospital trusts have put in place. One of the few ways in along with a company called ParkingEye, and there has which they can help in that regard is through national been a huge outcry. Part of the arrangement is that guidance. The Government should take a lead and say people have to remember when they came in, and when to hospital trusts, “You must review this.” they go out they pay according to when they came in. They do not get a card that tells them when they came Mr Jackson: The hon. Gentleman is absolutely right, in. They might be rushing to take a child into A and E, and he touches obliquely on another issue—that of or they might be a bit elderly and have eyesight that is transparency, which some of my hon. Friends have not so good—I am coming and going with my glasses 83 Hospital Car Parking Charges1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Hospital Car Parking Charges 84

[Heather Wheeler] makes more than £400,000 profit on its parking overall, and by contrast with the new guidelines there is no these days, so I feel their pain. A number of constituents difference in charges for the disabled and other users of have come to me in absolute outrage, because when they parking spaces. There are some reserved bays, but 52 bays get it wrong they get a £70 fine. I am delighted that on out of 1,543 does not seem enough to me or most of my every occasion I have been able to appeal to the chief constituents. executive and get that fine removed, but what an incredible As I said, parking capacity is a massive problem for waste of her time and mine, let alone the angst and staff, and it is about to become much worse because the anger of constituents. park and ride used by many staff was, until recently, We love our local hospitals. Burton hospital has been subsidised by the county council. It has had to reduce going through tough times, but it is our hospital. This that subsidy, and the hospital trust has agreed to take it system has been imposed on my constituents, and I am over, but only temporarily. This is an urgent time for the not happy about it. Fortunately, I have a good working Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust to review its relationship with Helen Ashley, the chief executive, and approach to charging staff and the public. she is trying her best for our local hospital. She has reviewed the arrangements for ParkingEye and got it to Fiona Mactaggart (Slough) (Lab): May I reinforce make the press button keyboards and wording on the the hon. Gentleman’s point about staff? Enabling nurses signs bigger, and to put more signs all the way round, in particular to park near where they work means that but still the principle applies—what a daft system! I hospitals can recruit nurses. In my constituency, if nurses cannot believe the hospital has ended up going down live within five miles of the hospital, they are not able to that route and think that national guidelines would be get a parking space and have to pay high charges. In excellent. Like everybody else, I congratulate my hon. practice, most of them get on the train to St Mary’s in Friends on securing this debate and the Minister on Paddington and work there rather than in Slough. That setting out guidelines over the past few days. That is a means that my constituents get a less good quality of major step forward, but I implore hospitals, who are care. there to serve the public—just as we are in this Chamber— for goodness’ sake to put the patient first. Mr Walker: The hon. Lady makes an excellent point, and I welcome the fact that the Government’s new 6.51 pm guidelines suggest a concession for staff who may not Mr Robin Walker (Worcester) (Con): I congratulate be able to get to work by public transport. That is my hon. Friend the Member for Thurrock (Jackie Doyle- important, but it would be so much better if the charges Price) on introducing the debate, and my hon. Friend were not there in the first place. the Member for Harlow (Robert Halfon) on his excellent Concessions for patients at Worcestershire Acute speech and championing of this cause. Hospitals NHS Trust are largely good. There are £1 tickets This is a huge issue in Worcester and has been for the for a day, including for terminally ill patients, people eight years I have been banging on doors in the area. It undergoing coronary care and those in an intensive came up regularly over the summer recess, so I apologise therapy unit or in oncology and paediatrics, but not for to the House if I am a little parochial in my arguments. those who may have suffered a premature birth, for As my hon. Friend the Member for Hereford and South example, or have complexities during maternity leave—my Herefordshire (Jesse Norman) pointed out, the private hon. Friend the Member for Harlow was right to raise finance initiative is a big part of this. In Worcester it is a those issues. The concessions are also for relatives attending big part of the problem with capacity rather than just the bereavement office but not for other relatives. An cost, and a lot of the land that was originally intended £8 weekly ticket is available for next of kin, which most for parking was sold off because of the appallingly bad people do not know about, and there are £1 weekly negotiations over PFI by the previous Labour Government. tickets for renal patients and people undergoing Parking is not just a problem for patients, as the radiotherapy, but they still have to be applied for on the motion states, but for family visiting and—as my hon. wards, and only after people have paid £3 for parking in Friend the Member for Hexham (Guy Opperman) pointed the hospital in the first place. That is one of the absurdities out—for staff. On top of that, it is a massive problem of the current system of charging on entry, rather than for people who live in the local area around the hospital on exit as the Government suggest. when staff are effectively encouraged to park for free in I would like much better advertising of concessions, residential streets. I have had complaints over the years and I think a simpler system would be good as it would from residents of Leopard rise, Aconbury close, Darwin be easier for people to understand. As many colleagues avenue and Linksview crescent, which are all close to have said, getting rid of parking charges altogether Worcestershire Royal hospital, about people not being would put us in a better place. My only worry about able to park outside their homes. that would be if it disincentivised hospitals from investing Charges at Worcestershire Royal hospital are not in capacity, because in hospitals like mine there is a quite as high as those mentioned in the motion, but as clear need for new capacity. Lack of parking capacity at my hon. Friend the Member for Redditch (Karen Lumley) Worcester has been made worse by temporary disruption pointed out, they still start at £3 for two hours, which is from the construction of a new radiotherapy unit— more than people are charged for parking in Worcester something I strongly support. Other hospitals, however, city centre. For many people, costs can swiftly mount such as that in the constituency of my hon. Friend the up. Someone visiting for one hour each day for a week Member for Harrogate and Knaresborough (Andrew could end up paying at least £21, and information about Jones), have delivered multi-storey car parks in time concessions, which is badly needed, does not always for such upgrades to their hospital, and I wish that reach those who need it most. The hospital trust currently Worcestershire Royal hospital had been able to do that. 85 Hospital Car Parking Charges1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Hospital Car Parking Charges 86

I welcome the fact that the planned breast unit at the where it is free to park in the town, but expensive to hospital will come with its own parking, which I hope park at the hospital. The Network Rail station, Marks will contribute to addressing overall demand. I have & Spencer and the hospital are the only three organisations raised the concerns of my constituents about hospital charging for parking in the local area, whereas in the parking time and again, but it is right to show leadership town it is now free. in the House and for the Government to address the Sadly, the trust is not prepared to reduce or cancel the matter properly. parking charges. We can all understand why parking My final point is about accessibility and ease of charges should be imposed where a hospital is in a town payment. Asking people to pay in cash up front is centre and where, sadly, members of the public would unacceptable in this day and age. Worcester city centre use free parking to avoid a Northumberland county has schemes where people can pay for parking by card council car park or alternative private cark park—there or with their phone. People use those schemes; they are is ample evidence for that—but we need to balance the popular, and I urge Worcestershire Acute Hospitals two arguments to ensure a flexible approach. Then we NHS Trust to consider how it can implement such a can have an individual policy for the town. scheme to make it easier for people who do not have In rural Northumberland, well over 90% of journeys ready cash to hand. If I take one thing from this debate to the hospital are made by car. Mr Deputy Speaker, it is that I hope my trust acts like that of the right hon. you have kindly granted me a debate on rural transport Member for Sutton and Cheam (Paul Burstow), and in Northumberland, so you know that I shall be raising reviews its policies on these issues immediately, taking a the absence of bus, train and alternative provision to lead from the guidance the Government have set and Northumberland town centres this Wednesday evening the arguments made in the House. at 7.15 pm. Currently, however, the harsh fact is that those journeys have to be made by car. As I have 6.57 pm indicated, we have received many complaints from members Guy Opperman (Hexham) (Con): Like my hon. Friend of staff and constituents, and I endorse the favourable the Member for Worcester (Mr Walker), I would like comments about the Macmillan report on the treatment my trust to review its approach to parking charges at of cancer patients and the findings of the charity Bliss Hexham hospital and in the region. which my hon. Friend the Member for Harlow outlined so eloquently. I will start my short speech by pointing out that I have probably spent more time in hospitals as an acute There is a cost to this process, but if we all stopped patient than virtually any other Member of the House, using hospital car parks, hospitals would not benefit and I have certainly had my life saved on two separate from the charges, so, bizarrely, unless the trusts act, all occasions. More particularly, I have seen on the many of us will attempt to boycott them and use alternative occasions that I was visited by family and friends the means, in which case they will be the ones facing the degree of worry in the wards that I was in, whether with costs. Trusts need to review this policy in the light of a brain tumour or as an injured jockey. The last thing their individual circumstances—town centre parking people need at such times is to worry about parking and and other parking facilities in their areas—and ultimately similar matters. That is not the right approach, and it is change it, because this policy is wrong. wonderful that the House is debating the issue today—as always, full praise is due to my hon. Friends the Members 7.2 pm for Harlow (Robert Halfon) and for Thurrock (Jackie Andrew Gwynne (Denton and Reddish) (Lab): It is a Doyle-Price). pleasure to follow the hon. Member for Hexham (Guy The direction of travel is clearly good, with the Opperman). I also thank the hon. Member for Thurrock Secretary of State’s announcements over the summer, (Jackie Doyle-Price) for opening the debate in a very today’s discussion, and the sharing of innovative ideas. thorough and meaningful way. There has been a large The hon. Member for Solihull (Lorely Burt) made a fair degree of consensus across the Chamber on this important point about the alternative ways that such issues can be issue. approached, and we all agree that at times our trusts The Opposition welcome any move that could help to seem not to talk to each other to develop an alternative ease the financial burden on those suffering from illness. way forward. As said, when people go to hospital, the last thing they Northumbria NHS Trust is an outstanding trust with want to worry about is keeping the car parking ticket up exemplary staff and quality service, and Hexham hospital to date. For some patients and their families, the costs charges are well below those of many trusts. There is can really rack up, and we have seen big increases in free disabled parking and concessions for some patients charges in recent years, adding to the cost of living crisis and visitors. It has got rid of the dreaded ParkingEye facing people up and down the country. In the past four that so many people complained about, but problems years, more than a quarter of hospital trusts have still remain and there are complaints not only from increased their charges, some of them substantially, as individual constituents but from the staff who are effectively we have heard today, and it cannot be right either if required to use the hospital car park if they wish to get some people do not get visitors because they cannot to their job. That cannot be right. I endorse all the afford the parking fees. We know that having friends comments about how we need to review that and change and families around helps patients to get better quicker, the system. which can save the public purse—the NHS—money down In Northumberland, we have managed to remove the line, as several hon. Members have pointed out. local authority parking charges, so a visitor to Hexham As we have also heard, the problem extends to staff, is entitled to free parking. As a consequence, the one too. In my role as a shadow Minister, I get to visit argument the town centre hospital had for charging has hospitals around the country.A nurse working in Liverpool disappeared. We therefore have the bizarre situation told me fairly recently how unfair it was that she had to 87 Hospital Car Parking Charges1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Hospital Car Parking Charges 88

[Andrew Gwynne] More broadly, will the Minister confirm that there is no new money attached to the implementation of any pay for parking, even when her shift ended past 10 pm. of these guidelines? When money is tight, is there not a She said she often felt vulnerable when using public huge danger that some trusts will be left with the choice transport at night, yet she had to pay extra for the of either implementing the principles, which we all privilege of using her own method of transport. Even support, or threatening to cut back on services? That when public transport is still running, it is not unreasonable point started to come out in the arguments put by to expect better treatment when working late hours. Members. Indeed, that is exactly what one hospital has It is right that we debate this issue today, and I pay already warned about. A governor at Dorset county tribute to the Members who secured this debate and to hospital said: the Backbench Business Committee for finding the time “When the government makes announcements like this, it has to have it in the main Chamber. I also pay tribute to an effect right the way along the line. The money has to come Members on both sides of the House, particularly the from somewhere.” hon. Member for Harlow (Robert Halfon), who has That was why I was interested in the special fund idea pushed this subject on to the Minister’s desk. Despite suggested by the hon. Member for Harlow. It needs the consensual nature of Backbench Business Committee proper consideration by the Treasury and the Government. debates, it would be wrong of me not to point out that Is there anything to prevent trusts from no longer this issue was on Ministers’ desks back in May 2010, offering parking as part of their hospital provision and when the previous Labour Government left fully costed selling off any car parks they might have developed— plans to phase out charges for in-patients—to be fair, particularly multi-storey car parks—with capital costs the hon. Member for Peterborough (Mr Jackson) to a private operator? If we are not careful, that could mentioned that. Our plans would have seen patients be one of these unforeseen consequences. Forgive my given a permit to cover the length of their stay that scepticism, Mr Deputy Speaker, but the problem is that visitors could also use to park for free. the Government are trying to use the carrot-and-stick The hon. Gentleman also touched on the important approach without either a carrot or a stick. It reminds issue of information. I do not wish to enter into a game me of when a public health Minister told a crowd that of hospital top trumps with the hon. Member for the Health and Social Care Act 2012 had pretty much Hexham, but in 2010 I also spent an awful lot of time in given away the Government’s control of the NHS. That my local hospital through illness. Three weeks into an is the real reason why I fear those headlines possibly will eight-week stay—my first of two long stays in hospital—my not match the reality, because the Government have wife was told that she could apply for a parking permit. given away so much day-to-day control that I fear they It was not advertised; somebody mentioned it in passing are powerless to do anything about ever-increasing car when she was visiting me in the high-dependency unit. parking charges, particularly if no funding follows that. Frankly, that is not on. If there are permit schemes, it The former Health Secretary would be more than entitled should be advertised to all patients and their visitors. to ask the current Health Secretary, “Whatever happened to operational independence?” The guidelines are not We were also consulting on extending free parking to mandatory on hospitals, so what confidence can we out-patients, and I want briefly to pay tribute to Macmillan have that trusts will pay even a blind bit of notice to the Cancer Support for its campaign on this, but for whatever new regulations? reasons, Health Ministers shelved our plans soon after the election. At the time, they said there were better uses Members are right to raise this issue and to push the of public money. I am pleased that there has been an Government further on it. The aims are laudable, and apparent change of heart. Members can imagine my anything that helps people with the squeeze on living delight in the summer recess when, reading the news, I standards, especially at a time of need, when somebody learned that Ministers had changed their minds. “Victory is in hospital, has to be welcome. The challenge for the over parking cowboys” and “End of the hospital parking Government now is actually making it happen. rip off”, the headlines read. I think we know it is probably not quite as simple as that. Perhaps the Minister 7.10 pm will admit that, despite their good intentions, the The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health Government have no power to force hospitals to follow (Dr Daniel Poulter): I would like to begin by congratulating these laudable principles and that trusts are under no my hon. Friend the Member for Harlow (Robert Halfon) such obligation. Is it not the case that all the Secretary on securing this debate and my hon. Friend the Member of State has done is effectively to amend existing guidelines for Thurrock (Jackie Doyle-Price) on her opening speech, to suggest that some people should not have to pay to which outlined a number of the key issues, about which park? we are all concerned and to which a number of Members One of the few changes to the guidelines is the have referred. I understand and have listened to the addition of pay-on-exit schemes, which is something concerns expressed, both in this House and by the that we have discussed tonight and which I fully support. public more generally, about car parking in our NHS, As we have heard, appointments often take longer than especially where the cost is high and can be considered a planned. However, these schemes come with their own rip-off for patients, their families and, sometimes, NHS additional costs, which was why I was interested in the staff. That is why we published the new NHS patient, suggestion from the hon. Member for Harlow of a visitor and staff car parking principles last month, special fund. Is the Department of Health considering which will lead to new guidelines at the beginning of that and will it be contributing towards the purchase next year. and installation of the new equipment and software, Before I address those principles and respond in not to mention the lost revenue from people paying less more detail to some of the points raised, it is important across the board? to pick up on the key issue that has been outlined—my 89 Hospital Car Parking Charges1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Hospital Car Parking Charges 90 hon. Friend the Member for Thurrock raised it in her disabled people, frequent out-patient attenders, visitors opening remarks—which is that, for a patient, driving with relatives who are gravely ill, visitors to relatives to hospital is not a choice; it is essential in order to who have an extended stay in hospital, and staff working receive important and, often, life-saving treatment. It is shifts that mean that public transport cannot be used. also important for relatives and those wishing to support Other concessions—for example, for volunteers or staff and look after friends and others who may be admitted who car share—should be considered locally. The list I to hospital through no fault of their own. It is right to have given is not exhaustive—we will return to it as part say, as my hon. Friend did, that Basildon was a challenged of the guidance we produce early next year—but it is trust, but addressing the challenges of that trust, both important that we have much greater consistency and financial and in terms of patient care, should not come clarity from all hospitals about which groups should at the expense of short-changing patients. There are receive parking concessions and free parking when that many other measures that trusts need to look to—such is appropriate. as improving their procurement practices, better managing the NHS estate and, in the long term, lowering costs by Mr Frank Field: It is quite clear that the Government reducing their dependence on temporary staffing—to have a model in mind of the minimum standards that balance their books and ensure that as much money as hospitals should subscribe to, which is welcome. Will possible is directed to front-line patient care. the next round of consultations that the Government My right hon. Friend the Member for Sutton and undertake with hospital trusts outline what will happen Cheam (Paul Burstow) made a number of important to those that pay scant regard to what the Government points, including the key one that car parking should are suggesting? not be a cash cow and needs to be seen in the context of the wider sustainability challenge of the NHS, and that Dr Poulter: It is exactly because a small minority of many trusts are still paying the price for poor PFI deals hospital sites have no concessions at the moment, which that they signed up to under the previous Government. is unacceptable and not fair to patients—I outlined He also asked what role the CQC could play in addressing 40 such sites that I am aware of in acute and mental the issue if parking charges were prohibitive. Of course health trusts—that we brought forward the principles there is a role for the CQC. If concerns were raised and are refreshing the guidance. We need to see hospitals about patients being prevented from accessing the NHS respond to that guidance. Powers are already available care they needed as a result of prohibitive car parking to the CQC and the chief inspector of hospitals for the charges, the CQC could of course make recommendations CQC to take action, if appropriate, if there is behaviour and raise that with the trust as part of its inspection in a hospital that makes it prohibitive for patients to regime. The power for the CQC to do that exists at the receive treatment. However, we also need to look at moment, and I am sure the chief inspector of hospitals what other measures we can introduce against trusts will be mindful of that as part of the inspection regime. that still show disregard for the guidelines, to make it clear that doing so is no longer acceptable. For example, We had many other good and important contributions, mechanisms are available to us when we give finance to including from my hon. Friends the Members for Harrow trusts to ensure greater conditionality on that finance in East (Bob Blackman) and for Harlow, who spoke very future. eloquently and outlined clearly the reasons for calling this debate. We also heard from my hon. Friends the That is something we would certainly look at seriously Members for Peterborough (Mr Jackson), for South as a mechanism for enforcing better behaviour, but I am Derbyshire (Heather Wheeler), for Worcester (Mr Walker) hopeful, thanks to the fact that we will have refreshed and for Hexham (Guy Opperman), all of whom spoke guidance and that many patient groups are championing eloquently. In the time available to me, I will do my best this issue at the local level. My right hon. Friend the to pick up on some of their points in my broader Member for Sutton and Cheam made the point articulately remarks. that patient action locally meant that St Helier hospital, which was one of the worst offenders for car parking We talk about the fact that there are many examples charges and disregarding the rights of patients and of unacceptable practice in hospital car parking, but it staff, has reformed its ways. Patient action has led to is important to highlight the fact that 40% of hospitals improvements. A number of mechanisms are already in that provide car parking do not charge and of those place and, with the guidelines, I am sure we will get to a that do, 88% provide concessions to patients. However, much better place across all trusts. However, if necessary, I am aware that there are 40 hospital sites—which is we have other measures, when we are giving finance to 3.6% of hospitals in acute and mental health trusts—that trusts, to put levers in place. have charges and do not allow concessions to patients who need to access services. As a Government, we want Mr Frank Field: Does the inspector have powers to to see greater clarity and consistency for patients and instruct the groups that will probably pay scant attention their friends and relatives about which groups of patients to the guidelines to make the changes that the whole and members of staff should receive concessions and House wants? get a fairer deal when it comes to car parking. It is exactly for those reasons that we published the principles Dr Poulter: If concerns are raised as part of a care that will underpin the guidance that will be published in quality inspection that patients are receiving sub-standard February or March next year about how we deliver care or not receiving the quality of care that they should fairer car parking charges, of which all trusts will be be as a result of being unable to access services, there expected to be mindful. would of course be a role for the chief inspector of I want briefly to outline some of the key points in hospitals and the CQC to raise that as part of their that guidance. We want to see concessions, including inspection report. I am sure that is something the chief free or reduced charges or caps for the following groups: inspector will bear in mind for the 40 hospital sites that 91 Hospital Car Parking Charges1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Hospital Car Parking Charges 92

[Dr Poulter] of practice, where applicable. Contracts should not be let out on any basis that incentivises fines—for example, at the moment do not have concessions for those who income from penalties only. This Government expect are very unwell or who are disabled. I am that those hospitals to take action against contractors who behave trusts, which will be listening keenly to this debate, will irresponsibly, short-change people and behave badly bear that in mind and will want to take action, hopefully towards patients, their relatives and staff. before the refreshed guidance is produced. I hope that I have reassured the House, particularly I know that time is pressing and I do not wish to those who brought this debate before us today, that this detain the House much further, but I want quickly to Government take the issue very seriously and believe outline a few of the other measures that are in place as that unacceptable behaviour by hospitals and unacceptable part of the principles that will underpin the guidance, hospital car parking charges will become things of the which hopefully will reassure right hon. and hon. Members past. that the Government have taken appropriate steps to address these issues. 7.22 pm Staff parking is an important issue. I probably speak Jackie Doyle-Price: I thank all Members who have as the only Member—currently, at least—who, as a participated in this debate, which, in displaying zero practising hospital doctor, has genuine, first-hand experience tolerance for punitive car parking charges, has been a of this issue. It is important to look after our front-line rare show of unanimity. When the House reaches a staff. Car parking in hospitals should not be allocated consensus on such issues, it is all the more powerful. according to staff seniority or because someone happens I would like the Minister to take away the message to be a senior manager; it should be allocated according that some examples of very bad practice have been to the needs of staff and the type of care and shift highlighted, as well as some examples of good practice. patterns they provide. That is made very clear in the That must be disseminated, to show exactly what we principles underpinning the guidance to be published. will not tolerate. Perhaps we should look more at On payments for hospital parking, our principles say naming and shaming trusts that are not stepping up to that trusts should consider pay-on-exit or similar schemes, the plate and not doing the best for their patients. At its whereby drivers pay only for the time they have used, heart, this issue is about the relationship between and fines should be imposed only where they are reasonable patients and providers, and whether the latter are doing and should be waived when overstaying is beyond the everything they can to put the interests of patients first. driver’s control. Details of charges, concessions and We must continue to apply pressure to ensure that they penalties should be well publicised, including at car do exactly that. park entrances, wherever payment is made, including Question put and agreed to. inside the hospital. The issue has been raised of the Resolved, sharp practice sometimes carried out by the management That this House welcomes the Government’s guidance that of car parks in hospitals, and we have made it clear in hospital car parking charges should be fair and proportionate; the principles underpinning the guidance that those notes that some hospitals are still charging patients and their practices are unacceptable. visitors excessive fees of up to £500 per week; further notes that Finally, on contracted-out car parking—another issue the charity Bliss has said that parents with premature babies are raised in the debate—NHS organisations remain responsible having to pay on average £32 per week; further notes that for many patients it is essential that they travel to hospital by car; for the actions of private contractors who run car parks believes that such charges affect vulnerable patients at a very on their behalf. NHS organisations are expected to act difficult time; and urges the Government to consider ways in against rogue contractors in line with the relevant codes which hospital car parking fees can be reduced. 93 1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Mitochondrial Replacement (Public 94 Safety) Mitochondrial Replacement (Public Deputy Speaker, said as the responsible Minister that Safety) the safety of such techniques needed to be established before we could proceed.

7.23 pm Fiona Bruce: Absolutely. I thank my hon. Friend for Fiona Bruce (Congleton) (Con): I beg to move, his intervention. That this House takes note of the Human Fertilisation and The HFEA has repeatedly told the Government that Embryology Authority’s most recent scientific review into the further research is required before we can proceed. safety and efficacy of mitochondrial replacement techniques which highlights concerns for subsequent generations of children born Andrew Miller (Ellesmere Port and Neston) (Lab) through maternal spindle transfer and pronuclear transfer; welcomes rose— the recent comments of scientists including Professor Lord Winston that, prior to the introduction of such techniques, more research ought to be undertaken and a full assessment conducted of the Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Lindsay Hoyle): Order. Nineteen potential risk to children born as a result; and calls upon the Members wish to speak and other Members are trying Government, in light of these public safety concerns, to delay to catch my eye to intervene. It is an important debate bringing forward regulations on mitochondrial replacement. and we need to allow the allotted speakers in, so Members I am pleased to move this motion and to have gained should think very hard before trying to intervene. support from so many Members from across the House, and I thank the Backbench Business Committee for Fiona Bruce: Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. allowing us the time to debate it. Parliament should be allowed to deliberate on and It is in our interest as a nation to be at the cutting debate this issue at length, but that might not happen. I edge of technological progress. However, in striving for understand that the Government propose to lay regulations such progress, we cannot afford to cut corners when it permitting PNT and MST before the end of this year. comes to public safety. Surely this can nowhere be more Sir John Tooke, president of the Academy of Medical true than in relation to the proposal that pronuclear Sciences has said: transfer or PNT and maternal spindle transfer or MST “Introducing regulations now will ensure that there is no be permitted in an attempt to create children who do avoidable delay in these treatments reaching affected families not inherit mitochondrial disease. In 2011, 2013 and once there is sufficient evidence of safety and efficacy.” 2014, the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority In other words, Parliament should vote blind and sign or HFEA assessed the safety of the procedures, and on off legislation permitting these procedures before the every occasion it reported that further research was recommended experiments—some of them critical, required before the public could be satisfactorily reassured regarding safety—have been completed. regarding them. It described experiments as “critical”, with some not even having started in June 2014. It Sir William Cash (Stone) (Con): As a veteran of these stated that debates, going right back to 1985, I wish to commend “there are still experiments that need to be completed before my hon. Friend enormously for what she is saying and clinical treatment should be offered. The panel considers that doing. There has been a history of manipulation, involving some of these experiments are critical and others desirable.” packing of committees, for example, over an extremely Even more concerning, it stated, was that long period. My hon. Friend is right to take the line she “the process cannot be expected to guarantee safety or efficacy is taking: it is not just about health and safety, but about when applied for the first time in a clinic.” the whole question of the ethical and moral values that In other words, to allow these procedures at present lie behind attempts to manipulate genes. We all want to would be tantamount to experimentation. help people; the question is whether this is the right way to do it. I emphatically believe that it is not. Dr Julian Huppert (Cambridge) (LD): Does the hon. Lady accept that when anything is tried on a human for Fiona Bruce: I thank my hon. Friend for that intervention. the first time, we cannot be absolutely certain what will Even more worrying than the quotes I have cited happen? Is she really saying that we should not do from the HFEA is the fact that many scientists, national anything—no cancer treatment, nothing—until we are and international, have gone further in publicly stating absolutely 100% certain that there are no side effects? that these procedures should not be authorised at all—and Does she not accept that we are trying to treat hideous not necessarily because they are against them in principle, diseases? as some are not against them. Stuart A. Newman, professor of cell biology and anatomy at New York Fiona Bruce: I accept that in no case can one be 100% medical college has described these proposals as “inherently sure that a technique will be safe. However, we are very unsafe”. Paul Knoepfler, an associate professor in the far from that in this case. This is a case of genetic department of cell biology at the UC Davis school of engineering; it is the alteration of a potential human medicine recently wrote that a process of this kind being—the removal of certain genes and their replacement “could trigger all kinds of devastating problems that…might not with others, to create children. Surely, in such cases, we manifest until you try to make a human being out of it. Then it’s should be very careful over safety before we proceed. too late.”

Mr David Burrowes (Enfield, Southgate) (Con): I am Tim Loughton (East Worthing and Shoreham) (Con): grateful to my hon. Friend for securing this debate. It is I am grateful to my hon. Friend and respect what she is not just her who has concerns about safety. When saying. Safety is paramount, but for every year we delay legislation was scrutinised in 2008, the right hon. Member bringing this science and technology forward, 6,500 children for Bristol South (Dame Dawn Primarolo), now Madam will pick up these horrible inherited diseases, and many 95 Mitochondrial Replacement (Public 1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Mitochondrial Replacement (Public 96 Safety) Safety) [Tim Loughton] Huw Irranca-Davies (Ogmore) (Lab): Will the hon. Lady give way? of them will die. At what stage would my hon. Friend say that the risks of mitochondrial donation become Fiona Bruce: I will not give way again, as I said. proportionate to the severity of mitochondrial disease Mr Deputy Speaker has asked me to limit my time quite to which many of our constituents are subjected? severely in order that many other Members may contribute to this important debate. Fiona Bruce: I can respond in this way. In the general It is vital that, taking advice from scientists, the science, concerns have been referred to. A mismatch decision about whether to proceed down this road is between nuclear and the mitochondrial DNA could made by this House and is seen to be made by the cause severe health problems in children conceived with public. It would be wrong for Parliament to pre-emptively this technique: problems such as infertility, reduced sign off the legislation even if there were a provision in growth, impaired learning, faster ageing and early death. the regulations saying that the Government would not Are those not sufficiently serious for us to be extremely move to implementation until such time as the HFEA concerned? said it was content with the outcome of the pre-clinical report. That would be to outsource the final decision to Guy Opperman (Hexham) (Con): I support the work technocrats, possibly behind closed doors, rather than to combat this terrible disease, some of which is being in the transparent environment of this Chamber, in full pioneered by my local university, Newcastle, and I will public view. Parliament cannot be seen to provide pre- be urging the Government to proceed with the trials, emptive mandates in relation to a subject on which but the question is this. The new IVF technique that has there are such significant public safety concerns. We been pioneered at Newcastle has proved to be successful need scientists and experts to conduct the research but in the laboratory, but the current law prevents it from we must make the final decision. being tested in a clinical trial or used in clinical practice. I realise that you would like me to conclude, Mr Deputy That is what we need to change. Without those clinical Speaker. I will now do so with regret, because I would trials, we cannot progress and deal with this terrible have liked to say a great deal more, particularly regarding disease. the public concerns relating to the proposals. According to a ComRes poll, a limited number—only 18%—of the Fiona Bruce: That is very interesting but the point I public are in favour of the proposals. am making is that at the moment such clinical trials would involve children. Two peer-reviewed articles in Several hon. Members rose— Nature have suggested that mitochondrial transfer is inherently risky, one of them citing a figure of 52% of embryos created through MST having chromosomal Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Lindsay Hoyle): Order. I will abnormalities. bring a four-minute limit in to give us a chance to maximise the number of speakers. If Members can cut the length of their speech, all the better. Jacob Rees-Mogg (North East Somerset) (Con): There has been reference to the curing of disease but is that not a misleading way of putting it? What is happening is 7.33 pm the creation of different people from those who would have been born suffering from the disease. Therefore, Mrs Mary Glindon (North Tyneside) (Lab): I congratulate this is not curing an existing condition. It is stopping the hon. Member for Congleton (Fiona Bruce) on someone being born who would otherwise have been securing the debate. born. Members may not have heard of ovarian hyper- stimulation syndrome, or OHSS, as it receives little Fiona Bruce: That is absolutely right. This technique coverage in the media, but it is one of the most serious will not provide a cure of mitochondrial disorders at all. complications associated with the use of certain fertility Indeed, concern has been expressed that even where a drugs during the procedure known as controlled ovarian female child born through the process appears not to hyper-stimulation, which is a part of fertility treatment suffer from the disease she could still be a carrier. used to ensure that the number of eggs collected is as high as possible. OHSS is not uncommon—research suggests that as many as a third of women who undergo Several hon. Members rose— controlled hyper-stimulation experience some symptoms, although serious cases are relatively rare. Youngerwomen, Fiona Bruce: I am beginning to think there may be a women with certain pre-existing health problems such point at which I must not take any more interventions, as polycystic ovaries, and women who have had OHSS simply because I know how many other Members wish before, are particularly at risk. Severe cases of OHSS to speak. I will not give way from now on. I would be can be very dangerous and even life-threatening, with delighted to, but I am aware that almost 20 Members painful and debilitating symptoms. However, monitoring have asked to speak in the debate. of cases of OHSS is far from adequate. In answer to a Professor Lord Winston, who supports the regulations parliamentary question, the Under-Secretary of State in principle, has recently expressed concerns over public for Health, the hon. Member for Battersea (Jane Ellison), safety: stated that “I don’t believe there has been enough work done to make sure “The HFEA does not…hold definitive data on the number of mitochondrial replacement is truly safe. There probably needs to women admitted to hospital with OHSS, including non-patient be a great deal more research in as many animal models as egg donors and egg-share donors.”—[Official Report, 9 July 2014; possible before it’s done.” Vol. 584, c. 313W.] 97 Mitochondrial Replacement (Public 1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Mitochondrial Replacement (Public 98 Safety) Safety) Mr Jim Cunningham (Coventry South) (Lab): Does Huw Irranca-Davies: Will the right hon. Gentleman my hon. Friend agree that it is probably necessary for give way? the Government to bring proposals to the House for us to consider? There is not a lot of understanding about Mr Willetts: I will give way once. the disease outside the House and the public could be better informed, whichever way the decision goes. Huw Irranca-Davies: I thank the right hon. Gentleman for kindly giving way and for his expertise in this area. It Mrs Glindon: I agree. There is probably not enough is of particular interest to my constituents Val Thomas understanding within the House, either. of Cefn Cribwr and her sister Mrs Pitt, whose family The Minister had previously said: have conditions that stem from mitochondrial deficiency. “licensed fertility clinics are only required to report instances of Does he agree that it is important to get accuracy in the OHSS to the authority that require a hospital admission with a record when we quote scientists, not least the correction severe grading, although in practice clinics often report moderate that has been made by Lord Winston? He said this week OHSS as well.”—[Official Report, 24 June 2014; Vol. 583, c. 157W.] to The Times: The figures that do exist indicate there has been a small “This is a marvellous thing for people with diseases that are recent increase both in the total number of recorded incredibly rare and that have terrible consequences. cases and in those cases categorised as “severe” rather I am perfectly supportive of the regulations and I would vote than “moderate”. About 50,000 women go through for them.” IVF in the UK each year. The fact that we do not collect proper data on a potentially life-threatening condition Mr Willetts: I confirm that my understanding is also that may affect a third of them, seems an astonishing that Lord Winston supports the advances in this area. oversight in the collection of official health statistics. The evidence is pretty clear that this could alleviate Mandatory reporting of all cases is an essential first human suffering, but I am not a simple-minded believer step in this process, but should only be the start of more that the consequences justify whatever we do. Looking effective and careful collection of statistics. at my hon. Friends assembled in the Chamber today, This issue has a particular pertinence at present because many may say, “All right, this alleviates mitochondrial of proposed changes to the law on mitochondrial transfer disease, but the price—the threat to human dignity or and the Government’s stated intention to allow the integrity—is too great.” I should like briefly to touch on creation of three-parent embryos. I am sure that many those types of objection. Members may be struggling to get to grips with the First, I do not agree with my hon. Friend the Member details of this procedure, but simply put both of the for North East Somerset (Jacob Rees-Mogg) that this techniques used in mitochondrial transfer require a somehow creates different people. We are not talking significant supply of donor eggs. Any such eggs will have about the nuclear DNA that makes us who we are—the to come from women who have been through controlled characteristics of our character or appearance. This is ovarian hyper-stimulation, with all the attendant risks. about a very distinctive part of DNA that has been called, for us laymen, a battery part of the cell, not the Martin Horwood (Cheltenham) (LD): Will the hon. nuclear DNA, so it does not affect identity. Lady give way? Jacob Rees-Mogg: Will my right hon. Friend give Mrs Glindon: I will not. Sorry. There is not time. way? It appears that very little consideration has been given to this fact in any of the various consultations and Mr Willetts: I believe I can give way a second time. Government position papers that have emerged over the past two or three years. No in-depth questions about Jacob Rees-Mogg: It changes 0.1%. If 0.1% is not a the physical health of women donating eggs were addressed change, what percentage does my right hon. Friend in the HFEA’s own briefings. Will the Minister assure think is a change? the House that she will take the matter back to her Department for consideration? In the light of the safety concerns we have heard today associated with the proposed Mr Willetts: It is a difference between quality and techniques, such action would appear to be urgent, for quantity. It is a change of 0% of the nuclear DNA that the sake of the vulnerable women involved. gives us our characteristics. It is a change in the membrane of the cell so that the battery function continues, but it does not affect human identity even by 0.1%. That is 7.38 pm why I do not believe that there is an issue of dignity or Mr David Willetts (Havant) (Con): I appreciate this integrity of the individual. opportunity to speak from the Back Benches, perhaps There is an argument that this is an engagement with for the first time in 20 years, so I apologise if I am a bit people’s ability to produce children that is reminiscent rusty. This is an important debate and I would like to of some of the worst features of eugenics. In fact, in comment briefly on the issue, drawing on my experience many respects it is the opposite of eugenics. Eugenics as Minister with responsibility for science. was about forced sterilisation. It was about saying to To put my cards on the table, I think that this is a people who were thought to carry some disease, “We’re great piece of British scientific advance. We should not going to allow you to have children.” This is the congratulate the scientists at Newcastle university who opposite. It is about saying to people, “We want you to have been in the lead in the research. My view is that be able to have children and to be able to do so free from provided it meets stringent safety requirements this is the anxiety that they will be bearing some disease.” It is something that should go ahead because it will alleviate exactly the opposite of the parallel with eugenics that the suffering of constituents whom we represent. is sometimes claimed. 99 Mitochondrial Replacement (Public 1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Mitochondrial Replacement (Public 100 Safety) Safety) [Mr Willetts] must wait for these results and examine them in detail. After all, we are talking about the possibility of permitting That leads me on to the next objection. We are techniques which could be—I repeat, could be—disabling sometimes told, “Life is a vale of tears. There are to the children who are created through them. As Members sorrows and burdens that people have to bear, they of Parliament elected by the people, we should be made should bear them with dignity, and this disease is part fully aware of the risks and safety concerns surrounding of that.” I have two responses to that argument. First, these new techniques before voting on whether they we have not run out of human frailties and problems should be allowed. yet. The problem facing our society is not yet that we There are three camps in this debate. There are those have all started to lead lives of bland satisfaction. who oppose mitochondrial transfer for ethical reasons It is also important to recognise that these scientific and those who are strongly in favour, but there is advances create a new problem. For the first time, a another group: those who are in favour but are concerned parent—a mother—could know that she could transmit about safety. The votes of this third group will be this disease to her child. We have learned something determined by the available evidence. That evidence has that we did not know before. If we allow people to have not yet been produced. I am not talking about the more this knowledge but do not permit a medical intervention stringent evidence asked for by the world-renowned US that will tackle the problem, we have created a new Food and Drug Administration in its recent report on source of human suffering that did not exist before this the subject, but the few tests that the Human Fertilisation scientific understanding came about. Now that this and Embryology Authority—a clear and obvious supporter knowledge is available, failing to permit families to act of the techniques—recommended as the critical bare on it would be an unacceptable addition of a new minimum to be completed before progressing. We do cruelty to what is already a very distressing condition. not have the results of those tests. Does the Minister Therefore, in terms of our respect for human integrity agree that it would be a subversion of due process to and dignity, it is right to intervene. ask Parliament to vote pre-emptively on them? Then there is the argument that we are on a slippery slope. However, the framework set out in the Human Martin Horwood: Does the hon. Gentleman appreciate, Fertilisation and Embryology Act 2008 is very clear though, that the HFEA’s expert panel is commending that we are not allowed to intervene in the nuclear DNA these techniques, and that if the regulations are passed, that shapes a child’s identity. That is recognised specifically the responsibility for safely licensing each application as an exemption in the 2008 legislation. will still rest with the HFEA, so the safety process will still be in place? This is a permissive step. This is a scientific advance that does not affect human identity, that is the opposite of eugenics, that enables Jim Dobbin: I understand the hon. Gentleman’s point, people to escape a potential new cruelty if we do not act but may I refer him to Dr David King, director of on this knowledge, and that is not a slippery slope. This Human Genetics Alert? He is sympathetic to this process is not just my view. We conducted a structured dialogue but fears that science is racing ahead of ethics. He says to consult members of the public on what they thought. that we are in danger of creating designer eugenic When they understand that this is not to do with babies, and we do not know where we are going in hereditary characteristics being affected by an arrogant future. intervention to create a designer baby, they support these interventions. If they support them, then so should Denying Parliament the opportunity to examine these we, in all parts of the House. results seems difficult to defend. In effect, it would be asking the House to vote blind on the safety of techniques that the House might reject outright on the basis of the 7.44 pm results. Let us be clear and honest about this: the results could not be published and peer reviewed in time for the Jim Dobbin (Heywood and Middleton) (Lab/Co-op): rumoured vote in the autumn. I end with a clear and As a former NHS scientist, I would like to speak in simple question to the Minister: do the Government support of the motion proposed by the hon. Member intend to ask Parliament to vote on these regulations for Congleton (Fiona Bruce). Whatever our personal before the HFEA’s suggested critical tests are performed, views on the ethics of mitochondrial transfer, it is written up and peer reviewed; and if so, why? remarkable from a procedural point of view that the Government are considering putting these regulations before the House before the critical pre-clinical tests by 7.48 pm their own body, the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Tim Loughton (East Worthing and Shoreham) (Con): Authority, have been performed, written up and peer I congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Congleton reviewed. I am not against research. I support scientific (Fiona Bruce) on introducing this debate. it is absolutely research, but scientific research that is safe. That is the essential that Parliament has the opportunity to talk situation in America, where this was put on the back through these important details at greater length. burner basically because of the issue of safety. As my hon. Friend knows, I am usually very conservative In my humble opinion, it is scientific practice to on ethical matters such as this. I do not usually advocate presume that tests will yield positive results. That has anything that might be seen as playing God. I have had the whiff of manipulating the evidence to fit the severe reservations about euthanasia. I have always hypothesis. In this case, however, it is even worse, as opposed and will always oppose anything that would the necessary evidence has yet to be produced. Such modify human characteristics and be seen as creating a methodology would not stand up in the scientific some form of designer baby. However, there are times community, and if it is not good enough for the scientific when one has to be pragmatic. I have met families of the community, it is not good enough for this House. We victims of these terrible, deforming, disfiguring and 101 Mitochondrial Replacement (Public 1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Mitochondrial Replacement (Public 102 Safety) Safety) life-shortening diseases. It is right that we should use us getting on with this science, with the assurances that our human knowledge for the good of fellow mankind. there will be strict licensing conditions based on strong It is great that, as my right hon. Friend the Member for scientific evidence and that this in no way can lead to Havant (Mr Willetts) has said, British science is leading anything that can be remotely construed as designer the way. babies, which I find completely and utterly abhorrent. Science is about finding cures and solutions, and this We should get on with it. Mankind has used its is just a different way of preventing horrible things from knowledge and skill to invent some pretty devastating happening to our children. It is fundamentally a human and ghastly ways of disfiguring, maiming, neutering intervention and it should be judged purely on the basis and killing human kind. We should celebrate this remarkable of whether we are doing more good than bad. I believe advance in using our scientific knowledge—our human that we are when one in 6,500 of our constituents each skills—for good, and potentially for the good of generations year contract, without any choice, these horrible inherited to come in the families afflicted with these terrible diseases. The longer we say, “We need more checks, illnesses. more safety, more testing”, the longer we are delaying a cure. 7.54 pm We need to get on with it. It has been widely consulted on. I have received virtually no letters on this matter Frank Dobson (Holborn and St Pancras) (Lab): and we need to take a balanced judgment on when the Mitochondrial disease is horrible. It has dreadful effects risks of mitochondrial donation become proportionate on children and shortens their lives and there is no cure. to the severity of the diseases that are affecting our The scientists at Newcastle university have been trying constituents now. As colleagues have said, it will be to improve the inadequate treatment services that are licensed by the HFEA based on the safety and efficacy presently available and one of the reasons why they got of the evidence, and those licences can be withdrawn at involved in this research is that they do not see very any time. much progress there. The replacement technique does “Mitochondrial donation only allows for unaltered nuclear not provide a cure; it prevents the condition from DNA to be transferred to an egg or embryo that has unaltered arising in the first place, and generally speaking we all healthy mitochondria. These techniques only replace, rather than believe prevention is better than cure. alter, a small number of unhealthy genes in the ‘battery pack’ of There is no other option for these families and children. the cells with healthy ones. Mitochondrial donation does not alter What is proposed would not be permitted under the law personal characteristics and traits of the person.” passed in 1990 and there has been consultation since That is an important consideration, because: 2003 about changes to the law, which led to the law “Mitochondrial donation will enable mothers to choose to being revised in 2008. That permitted progress to be have children who are genetically related to them, with a natural made on this issue by regulation when the House decides combination of nuclear genes from both parents while being free that that should happen. from a potentially devastating disease. Nuclear DNA is not altered and so mitochondrial donation Some people have fixed views and are totally against will not affect the child’s appearance, personality or any other any embryo research and any changes to human fertility, features that make a person unique—it will simply allow the and some other people want a total free-for-all. By and mitochondria to function normally and the child to be free of large, most of us do not want either of those things. The mitochondrial DNA disease. The healthy mitochondria will also practical measures that were put in place through the be passed on to any children of women born using the technique”— HFEA have worked very well. They provide protection so we are doing good for generations to come as well. against the unprincipled and dangerous use of genetic science, and everything is subject to strict regulation. Steve Brine (Winchester) (Con): I agree with what my People are rightly concerned about the idea of designer hon. Friend is saying, and I do not agree with the babies and super-babies and the creation of a master motion of my hon. Friend the Member for Congleton race, but mitochondrial DNA replacement does not do (Fiona Bruce), although I have great respect for her, as a that. All it does is eliminate one horrible life-threatening fellow Christian in this House. The work at Newcastle defect. It does not change personalities, and the baby university is being funded by the Muscular Dystrophy we hope will be born will have a usual father and a usual Campaign and by the families and the people it supports mother—one mother and one father—and the idea that and works with. Does my hon. Friend the Member for they will have three parents is ridiculous. East Worthing and Shoreham (Tim Loughton) agree Will it work? We do not know. There is a risk that it that the fact that they are putting money behind this, will not work. That is in the nature of science. In the speaks volumes about the motives behind the work and earth-shattering paper produced by Crick and Watson about not letting the bad be the enemy of the good? in 1953, they were tentative and were not very sure about DNA, but they pressed on. Tim Loughton: My hon. Friend is absolutely right Will it be safe? We cannot say for certain that it will and I think it is a great triumph that it is a British be safe. There is always risk, but the risk will be taken university that is doing this important work. To those only with the informed consent of the parents, and if who say, “No other country allows this sort of thing,” I people had always avoided risk in this sphere and if in say, “Well, great; we are pioneering here, as British 1968 at Oldham general hospital Robert Edwards, Patrick science has done in so many different areas.” Steptoe and Jean Purdy had not taken risks with the We need to be honest. We can raise a question about agreement of Mr and Mrs Brown, the first test-tube the ethics of it, but we should not hide behind safety baby in the world would not have been born and the whole considerations when certain people really oppose it for world would be worse off as a result. If the scientists are ethical reasons. Let us have that honest debate. I am willing to take the risks and keep them to a minimum prepared to give my support to these regulations and to and the parents are willing to take the risks and take the 103 Mitochondrial Replacement (Public 1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Mitochondrial Replacement (Public 104 Safety) Safety) [Frank Dobson] know, because with the most modern treatments we have not waited 15 years to find out. But I do not think advice, we should put the HFEA in a position to any of us would say that we should not use any single regulate and permit this technique so that it can be used cancer treatment that has been used this century because when it and it alone, is convinced that it is safe. That is we do not know whether someone will live for 15 years why I oppose tonight’s motion. after having it.

7.57 pm Graham Stringer (Blackley and Broughton) (Lab): I agree completely with what the hon. Gentleman is Dr Julian Huppert (Cambridge) (LD): It is pleasure saying. Does he agree that the motion would be better if to speak in this debate, and I pay tribute to the work of it was asking for these enabling regulations to be hurried so many, but particularly the Lily Foundation and the up? They will take into account, as much as one can, all Wellcome Trust who have done a huge amount to the safety issues, and by delaying them we may be prepare for this debate, to educate the public, to support condemning more children to horrible diseases that Members of Parliament and to support some of the could be prevented if we hurried this process up. research. I do not know, Mr Deputy Speaker, if you or others in this House have met people with serious mitochondrial Dr Huppert: The hon. Gentleman is absolutely right, disorders, but those disorders are absolutely awful. Cells but I would improve the motion in a number of ways. I fail to function, and people can get seizures, strokes, would not try to characterise Lord Winston’s position blindness, deafness, heart failure, lung failure and liver as being fundamentally different from what it is. I failure. Most of the people afflicted will not survive to would also say that we need to have these regulations so adulthood. There is no treatment and no cure, and that the tests can be done and so that we can go ahead about 1 in 6,500 babies born will suffer from something with clinical trials and find out what happens in humans. like this. That is something I would hope everybody in I hope that the Government will introduce the regulations this House would want to stop, and I simply do not promptly. It has been useful to have this airing of views, understand how opponents of this can argue that they but it will be helpful when we have the regulations want to continue to inflict that sort of suffering on so before us to have that debate. This House will then be many children, because that is the consequence of not able to vote on whether or not to adopt the regulations. finding a way to treat these disorders. The hon. Member for Congleton (Fiona Bruce) expressed Lady Hermon (North Down) (Ind): May I assume—I concern that there may be consequences for people who am sure I am right in doing so—that this technique has are helped in this way. Her first example was, I think—I already been trialled on mice and that the hon. Gentleman am sure she will correct me if I am wrong—lower will know whether those trials have been successful? It fertility. Now, that is possible—we will not know until would help the House if he could enlighten us about the we try it on people—but if I had a choice between a success or otherwise of using this technique on mice. hideous disease that was likely to kill me before adulthood or the possibility of lower fertility, I know which one Dr Huppert: I do not have a list of the organisms it I would choose. has been tested on, but it has been widely tested on a We also heard the comparison to eugenics. This is number of organisms—I assume that mice are one, but fundamentally different. Mitochondrial DNA is very I could not be absolutely certain—and has been successful. different from nuclear DNA. It has a very different Obviously, if it was not successful on any other organism, history, and it is a fascinating history—I used to work on it would be perverse to want to go ahead with it. mitochondrial DNA and other nucleic acids so I have However, I do not have details on the experiments with some interest in this. This is not the same as eugenics, as me. the right hon. Member for Havant (Mr Willetts) explained well—it is good to have him in the Chamber, even if he I understand and appreciate that some people have is not in his former place. genuine religious or ethical objections about interfering with an embryo. They are entirely welcome to make that We have heard arguments about multiple parents and case, but they should not claim other reasons as a cover the idea that this approach means that somehow there for that. People are welcome to their ethical opinions—that are three parents, but there are clearly two parents. I is fine—but to say that we should not do this because have not heard people say that if someone is given an we should wait indefinitely for more and more tests, so organ donation and they have someone else’s organ that we can be more and more sure before we ever try it inside them, they then have four parents because they in a human is simply to condemn more children to more have a lot of different DNA inside them which could pain and more anguish. That is not the right way to go. interact. I think—I would hope—that all of us support We do need to do more tests; there is much more to do organ donation, because it has saved many, many lives. before this will become a regular thing on the NHS and Why should we not allow what is, in effect, mitochondrial people can be saved—there is no doubt about that. But donation? for that to happen, it has to be tested in humans—it has We have heard the view that we should wait for there to be tested in children. We will help at that point, and I to be much greater safety. My mother had breast cancer hope we will have children who do not have the sort of a couple of years ago and she wanted to choose which hideous problems we see now. I urge the Government to of the two most modern treatments she should have. get on with this. We have to reduce the number of She wanted to know what the life expectancy was and children who have these hideous conditions. The whether she would live for 15 more years with either Government have the chance to reduce it and they treatment. The answer was, of course, that we do not should act promptly. 105 Mitochondrial Replacement (Public 1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Mitochondrial Replacement (Public 106 Safety) Safety) 8.3 pm Steve Brine: I am listening carefully to what the hon. Gentleman says, and the way in which this debate is Robert Flello (Stoke-on-Trent South) (Lab): I thank being conducted shows the House of Commons at its the hon. Member for Congleton (Fiona Bruce) for best. He is one of the co-sponsors of this debate and he securing this important debate. Some in this House are is speaking out of a great deal of fear about what might in favour of the treatment and oppose the motion, happen. Is his wish, in supporting the motion, to kick whereas others, like me, support the motion and oppose this into the longest of long grass or to see it stopped the procedure. The important thing is to have the debate dead in its tracks? Will he be clear about that? and to put down a marker, and I hope that the Government do not try to rush these things through, as I believe they Robert Flello: I can be even clearer than that, because originally intended. it is neither of those things. I want further research done on the safety implications and I want the consultation Frank Dobson: Consultation on this started in 2003. to which my right hon. Friend the Member for Holborn If this is a rush, how would my hon. Friend describe and St Pancras (Frank Dobson) referred a while ago something that was slow? actually to be taken forward. Let us consider the polling the Government did. Their response to the consultation Robert Flello: I am grateful to my right hon. Friend on mitochondrial transfer, published the day before the for that. I have been in this House since 2005 and this is summer recess, tells us that the first debate I have had here on this matter, even “700 expressed general support for the regulations and 1,152 opposed though the consultation may have started in 2003. I will the introduction of the regulations with the remainder not expressing return to the issue of the consultation shortly, if I am a view either way.” able to do so in the four minutes and 10 seconds Yet the same day the BBC quoted the Department of remaining to me. Health as saying: There is no doubt that this disease affects many “A public review into the three person IVF technique has been children—I believe the figure is one in 6,500—and has broadly supportive”. some horrendous and devastating consequences. However, That in turn enabled Dr Jeremy Farrar, director of the the chief medical officer seems to believe that perhaps Wellcome Trust, to say: 10 lives a year might be changed as a result of this “As the Government’s latest consultation has again shown, treatment. That is absolutely important for the 10 people there is broad public support for making mitochondrial replacement involved and their families, but my understanding of therapy available to patients”. the science is that it is very hard for the researchers to That raises the question: in which world does 1,152 against know who those 10 people might be and how to decide and 700 in favour equate to “broadly supportive”? Does which children might benefit and which might not. the Minister support her Department’s briefing that the consultation responses were “broadly supportive”? What I agree with a number of speakers who say that two further action does she intend to take to correct the issues are involved here. I have grave concerns about highly misleading statement? Someone may think that this from not only a moral, ethical point of view, but a the public were misinformed or that only a small group public safety point of view. Whatever someone’s position of people were responding and the responses were thus on mitochondrial transfer, I am sure we must all agree disrupted, but what is the point of having that consultation that we cannot authorise new research techniques that if no notice is going to be taken of it? are unsafe or might be unsafe. In this context “unsafe” does not only mean that procedures may not work; it At the end of the day, there is concern about this means that they may result in disabilities and illnesses. matter. I have a concern—perhaps I am the only Member To put it crudely, there is every possibility that we could in this House who does—but if, as I fear, this legislation be legislating to allow techniques that could cause damaged goes ahead in the autumn, I do not want to have to embryos, resulting in further damaged children. That is come back to this House to say to future generations, not spin; it is a reasonable assumption based on the “Look what we did.” Once we go down this route and available data. Newcastle university’s own paper concluded children start being born, there will be no turning that, compared with control experiments, 50% fewer back—[Interruption.] Yes, it is the power sell of the eggs fertilised through pronuclear transfer reached the cell. There is not enough research on what the mitochondrial blastocyst stage—in other words, pronuclear transfer is part does. Is it just a battery pack, or is it more? We just twice as likely to cause the embryos to fail. No further do not know. I do not want to have to stand up in this work was conducted on why so many of these embryos House and explain to generations of future children developed abnormally, despite consistent calls from why we let them down. concerned scientists. 8.10 pm Based on the available data, therefore, we cannot rule out the possibility that these techniques could cause the Sir Paul Beresford (Mole Valley) (Con): Perhaps I people born as a result to have illnesses or disabilities. could turn the last comment the other way round. I do The Government have a responsibility, as we all do, to not want to be standing here, or sitting at home in my avoid such eventualities, and we cannot take that lightly. dotage, saying, “Why didn’t we do something when we We might not know the result for many generations. We could have?” That is what we are looking at. We have might not know whether some damaged has been caused the same problems with many issues relating to human until three, four or five generations later. We simply fertilisation and embryos. We have heard these arguments cannot know that. Indeed, in a conversation I had with in the House before. We have heard the speculation and an hon. Friend in this House not a few hours ago there the unsupported fears. Although I congratulate my was talk of how science is about probabilities and risk; hon. Friend the Member for Congleton (Fiona Bruce) it is not fact but about what may or may not happen. on raising this debate, the scares that she raised are as 107 Mitochondrial Replacement (Public 1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Mitochondrial Replacement (Public 108 Safety) Safety) [Sir Paul Beresford] to continue to lead for the benefit of those many children. It will enable us carefully to continue with the research unsupported as anything we have ever heard. I also with the appropriate safety factors built in, so I am congratulate my right hon. Friend the Member for adamantly opposed to the motion. Havant (Mr Willetts) on his contribution. He saved us an enormous amount of time because he covered the Several hon. Members rose— key points and nailed them to the floor. The right hon. Member for Holborn and St Pancras (Frank Dobson) Madam Deputy Speaker (Mrs Eleanor Laing): Order. reminded us just how long we have been examining this Before I call the next Member to speak, I should point issue. Action is now overdue. I will now completely ruin out that although we have a four-minute time limit, it the political career of the hon. Member for Cambridge has been a lively debate with many interventions, so (Dr Huppert) and say that I support him. most people have taken five or six minutes. I will now Today, we are talking about a real opportunity to have to reduce the time limit to three minutes. help thousands of children by taking out of the system, over time, an inherited condition. We are talking about a gene transfer through nuclei, and the 0.1% that was 8.15 pm mentioned is motor functional; it is not inherited genes. Alex Cunningham (Stockton North) (Lab): I want to It is an opportunity to have two parents and not, as the tell the story of a Stockton family with a vested interest media would have it, three parents. in what happens in this Chamber today. The media has to take some of the blame. We have Baby Jessica Newall was carried into my advice surgery discussed these complex issues of fertilisation and embryos by my constituent and her uncle, Martin Holliday. He and so on, and the scaremongering has been appalling. put her pram seat on the table and we were introduced. There is scaremongering not only by individuals—I am Jessica looked like any other young baby: pretty in pink not necessarily talking about the ones who write in and seemingly content. If it had not been for the green ink—but by the media. I was shocked to hear this feeding tube disappearing into her nose, I would never nonsense about three-parent babies, on which the hon. have known that there was anything amiss. She brought Member for Cambridge touched. We are not talking her mum, Victoria, and her grandparents. They were about three-parent babies. This is an opportunity to put there to win my support for mitochondrial replacement through these regulations. We are a bit early because we technique, which would help ensure that everything have not yet seen them or the results of the consultation. possible was done to minimise the possibility of a baby We have not even seen the Government’s reaction to being born with faulty mitochondria and having to suffer them. None of us here—not even the hon. Member as I am sure Jessica does. for Heywood and Middleton (Jim Dobbin) who spoke I listened carefully to Jessica’s mum who very calmly about the American situation—knows what will happen and with great personal strength told me Jessica’s story. or is an expert on the matter. None the less there are Jessica will not live much longer—perhaps only a year experts who are reviewing this and coming forward with or two. She cannot be fed naturally and relies on a recommendations. They know and understand the subject feeding tube. Her body will not develop, which means a lot better than we do. We have to take their guidance that she will not grow and her internal organs will and expertise. By the way, a comment was made about deteriorate. She cannot communicate like other babies. the Americans putting this matter on the backburner, Perhaps worst of all, Jessica often wakes up screaming but that was a different situation from what is under in terror and there is nothing her parents can do but hug discussion now. her and comfort her. Victoria told me that there is no cure or treatment. Steve Baker (Wycombe) (Con): My hon. Friend is She went on to tell me about what she saw as the answer making his argument with characteristic force. I am just for giving women like her a chance to have a baby mindful that when I read the Library brief, there was a without the substantial risk of that baby suffering from particular insight from an evolutionary biologist suggesting the disease. I know that we cannot make decisions on that there was a real danger of DNA mismatching the basis of emotion, and yes, Jessica’s story is heartbreaking between the mitochondrial DNA and the nuclear DNA. and charged with emotion that would affect any caring Is he satisfied that the insights of evolutionary biology person, but it is also an accurate factual story demonstrating have been fully and adequately taken into account in the devastation that mitochondrial DNA diseases can this area? cause. That demands action from Ministers and this House of Commons. Sir Paul Beresford: If my hon. Friend looks at the We also need that positive action for many other research, I think he will find that that will have been reasons too. Even in less severe cases, mitochondrial looked at. From my limited knowledge—my knowledge disease can have an overwhelming impact on families, is limited but it may be slightly greater than that of my and the Government’s consultation recognises the hon. Friend—I suspect that such a mismatch would “painful, debilitating and disabling suffering, long-term ill-health mean that the nucleus and the cytoplasm with the and low quality of life” mitochondria would fail and an ovum would not be produced from it, but I could be wrong. I am speculating that all too often result. in the same way as my hon. Friend did. At the end of The north-east England Stem Cell Institute described the day, we have an opportunity to change the rules to these disorders as allow this research to progress. We must recognise that “a cruel class of inherited disease, because serious, even life we have some of the best teams in this field in the world. threatening conditions are coupled with great unpredictability We lead the field, and this provides us with an opportunity about how future children will be affected.” 109 Mitochondrial Replacement (Public 1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Mitochondrial Replacement (Public 110 Safety) Safety) There is no cure, but there has been lots of research and dealing with the legitimate concerns of all the parents we have seen some progress in this area. It is an inescapable of children who are suffering greatly, we risk creating fact that medical advances such as these will trigger even worse conditions in future generations. ethical conundrums and challenge us actively to consider how we perceive the sanctity of life. I agree that there Mr Burrowes: My hon. Friend makes an important are safety issues. This is not without risk, but if we are point. We recognise that this is not an uncontroversial to avoid this horrific suffering in the future, we need the technique similar to blood transfusion. It is controversial, regulations now to make the necessary progress and and we must recognise that if we want to bring the help ensure that we do not have more babies like Jessica. public along with us. We must also recognise that, as my right hon. Friend the Member for Havant (Mr Willetts) said, we would be leading the way in scientific advancement, 8.18 pm but we would be leading the way not just because of Mr David Burrowes (Enfield, Southgate) (Con): It is a scientific development but because other countries had pleasure to follow the hon. Member for Stockton North considered the ethics, complications and risks and said (Alex Cunningham) who gave us that moving account that they were not going to go down that route. Some of Jessica. That account has also raised other matters in might say that we are out there at the forefront, but relation to the principles and the ethics of the issues others might say that we are out there on a limb. with which we are dealing. In 2008, I was involved in the On 22 July, the Minister responded to the consultation scrutiny of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology by saying: Bill and the Joint Committee and I still bear the scars. “We wanted everybody with a view on the regulations to We are focusing here on public safety. We are not doing comment and the majority of people were positive.” that as a guise, as some hon. Members have wrongly We have heard from the hon. Member for Stoke-on-Trent suggested. The focus is on safety, because that is what South (Robert Flello) that there is another view. The Parliament intended to be the case. We need to be Minister went on: absolutely satisfied about the safety of the process. Concerns “We will now progress with our plans.” over the painful, debilitating, serious mitochondrial diseases have been well made, but we must consider Given that I was present during the scrutiny of the safety. Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill, I would suggest that the then Government—I had much against The hon. Member for Cambridge (Dr Huppert) says them as regards the Bill—clearly intended that safety that we need an honest debate. He quoted Lord Winston, must come first. The issue is not whether the majority who said—the Government need to take heed of want it or who has the loudest voice—scientific or this when they seek to make some redefinitions—that otherwise—but about safety. We need to be convinced mitochondrial transfer is genetic modification, and that so we must take heed of the HFEA, which says that modification is handed down the generations. Lord although we have had the detailed submissions: Winston said that it was totally wrong to compare it “Let us be clear: safety is and will always be of paramount with a blood transfusion or a transplant and that an importance...progress being made towards safety in this area”. honest statement might be more sensible and encourage Progress is being made towards safety, but we are not public trust. there yet. The HFEA agrees that further research is The point is that Parliament intended to proceed needed. Pre-clinical data and research need to be considered, cautiously and not in the permissive way suggested by and that must all happen before we progress further. I some in 2008 who said that we did not need regulations urge the Minister to take heed of the concerns and to and should just let the HFEA get on with it. The idea proceed only after we are clear about safety. We are not was that the question needed to be explored carefully. there yet. The Minister at the time, the right hon. Member for Bristol South (Dame Dawn Primarolo), said: 8.22 pm “there are so many questions that we cannot yet answer, the Bill provides for the principle…They can be drafted only when the Ian Paisley (North Antrim) (DUP): Those who have research is at a more advanced stage.” spoken against the motion have said that they want That deals with why this has taken so long, as the people to be honest and that they want the truth, but research was not at a stage to allow the regulations even when they have bandied around quotations from Lord to be drafted. We must also take heed of the fact that Winston they have obscured the truth. Lord Winston’s the then Minister also said: position is clear, and he is for this type of research, but he made one thing abundantly plain. He said that this “The Bill provides the flexibility for further consideration by the public and Parliament, and for the specific details of the “is genetic modification and is handed down the generations.” techniques to be specified in regulations.” He was honest and called it what it is. He went on to say: That is where we supposedly are now. She went on: “It is totally wrong to compare it with a blood transfusion or a “More importantly, the Bill allows that once the safety of the transplant and an honest statement might be more sensible and technique is established and not before.”––[Official Report, Human encourage public trust.” Fertilisation and Embryology Public Bill Committee, 3 June 2008; We have such anger and confusion about the issue c. 25.] because of that deliberate deceit and dishonesty, and That was the intention of the Minister at the time and the House should take cognisance of that. I hope that it is the Minister’s intention now. The other tactic that has been deployed is to felon set, to emotionally blackmail and to say to people such as John Glen (Salisbury) (Con): My hon. Friend is making the hon. Member for Congleton (Fiona Bruce), “You a thoughtful and powerful case. My concern is that if have inflicted”—these are the words used about her by the implications are not fully understood, instead of the hon. Member for Cambridge (Dr Huppert)— 111 Mitochondrial Replacement (Public 1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Mitochondrial Replacement (Public 112 Safety) Safety) Dr Huppert indicated dissent. but I am sure that all Members will agree that we are dealing with entirely separate issues when we talk about Ian Paisley: Yes, you did. Check Hansard. You said, genetically modified food and what we are dealing with “You have inflicted this disease on people.” now, which is genetically modified people. We have only The debate has got very personal—it has gone into in the past 100 years come to terms with the debilitating, that realm—and people are trying to felon set, to restrictive and oppressive results of centuries of racism emotionally blackmail, to emotionally charge the debate buttressed by pseudo-scientific notions that have since and to say that people are, to quote another Member, been proved entirely false. How much more of a problem scaring us into opposing this. We must be abundantly will we be confronted with when humanity is divided clear that such emotional blackmail should be removed between the modified and the unmodified? from the debate. There should be an honest debate and I say to my right hon. Friend the Member for Havant we should be allowed to discuss the ethics and to put on (Mr Willetts) that mitochondria contain DNA. They the table our views, including our moral views. are present in every cell in the body and just because they are not nuclear does not mean that they are any Ms Margaret Ritchie (South Down) (SDLP): Does less an integral part of a human being. The mitochondria the hon. Gentleman agree that the complete lack of that contain DNA interact with the nucleus and many evidence on the possible outcomes as these children scientists therefore believe that they contribute material grow up and have their own children, with females to the identity of an individual. Bioethicists have up passing on their genetic code to children, means that the until this point expressed almost universal consensus on technique should not be proceeded with at this stage? germ-line genetic modification of our fellow humans, rejecting it as grievously immoral and completely unethical. Ian Paisley: Some of the pre-clinical tests were completed The consensus is worth pointing out as we must know only in June. It is impossible even to read the detail of what the proponents of mitochondrial transfer are asking them, yet we have a mad rush from some people to us to dissent from. They are asking us to dissent from proceed. I am not standing in the way of that, but opinion in every other country in the world. In this age saying that we should do so on the basis of solid, sure of globalisation, we will be divorcing ourselves from the and grounded evidence, not emotional blackmail and entire community of nations in terms of bioethics. Do emotionally charged arguments. The evidence therefore we really want to become a rogue state in terms of becomes critical. We should be allowed to consider it bioethics? and we should allow the evidence to emerge post-pre-clinical No one can deny the debilitations and hardships that testing and examination. these diseases cause. No one is seeking to downplay that There have been two public consultations and I heard suffering, but this is not about a cure. This will neither one Member dismissing them, saying that all the letters heal nor cure a single human being suffering from these were the same. I can tell the House this: if the letters diseases. What is worse, when we talk about pronuclear had all been the same and the majority view had been transfer, is that that effectively requires the creation of the other way, the same Member would not have been human beings for the sole purpose of harvesting their saying that tonight. He would be saying, “Oh look, useful parts. Is that really the sort of society in which we the public are with us. The consultation’s there.” The wish to live, in which persons—individuals—are created, Department of Health consultation is against this proposal their parts harvested and then destroyed, merely to and so is the consultation by the HFEA. The ComRes provide for other human beings? There is no way that polling moved dramatically between February and August that can be considered ethical, whether in terms of from a wafer-thin majority of 35% of people in favour purely rational deductive natural law, or by the system of the proposal to an overwhelming majority of 55% or of Christian ethics on which we in this country have so opposed to it. That is a huge landslide. traditionally relied. I hope hon. Members on both sides of the House, and from every part of the spectrum from Honesty should return into the centre of the debate right to left, can unite on that point. I support the motion. and we should have a full, frank discussion. Let me be clear about my position, as people will ask about the 8.30 pm ethical position. I come from a moral stance. I share the Chi Onwurah (Newcastle upon Tyne Central) (Lab): I psalmist’s view that we are “fearfully and wonderfully am proud that in Newcastle upon Tyne Central, my made”. We should stand in awe of that and praise the constituency, Newcastle university has pioneered research great creator for it, but that should not preclude us from into variations on IVF treatments and procedures that having a proper debate. Other Members have mentioned can prevent the transmission of the genetic mutations colleagues or constituents who have had children brought that cause those devastating disorders. We also have in front of them and I, too, have a constituent who victims of that devastating disease in Newcastle, such as wheeled a little child in front of me. Her words ring in Lily Cass, who is in her 70s. Some days she can hardly my ears today. Despite all the hurt, all the heartache move due to a lack of energy caused by her faulty and all the pressure, tears and anguish for that family, mitochondria. It takes all her strength away. She has the words of the mother were very clear, “Ian, I would four children, including a daughter, who is likely to pass not change this for one moment.” the disease on to her children. She worries about that all the time. For those women and their families, the most 8.27 pm important help we can offer are those potential treatments. Sir Edward Leigh (Gainsborough) (Con): There has I want to focus on the so-called three parents issue. been a great deal of controversy over the past few The embryo would carry just 13 out of 23,000, or decades about genetically modified plants and crops. 0.056%, of the genetic material from the mitochondrial Through the march of applied sciences and advances in donor. As the right hon. Member for Havant (Mr Willetts) agriculture we have managed to feed billions of people, said, it is not the nuclear DNA, so the child’s appearance, 113 Mitochondrial Replacement (Public 1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Mitochondrial Replacement (Public 114 Safety) Safety) personality and other features are not affected. In Britain, it is legitimate to explore the ethical issues, one should the egg donation and surrogacy principle, whereby more do so without misusing the scientific evidence. I fear than two parents can contribute biologically to the that that is what is happening. birth of a child, is already recognised. Medical procedures It is clear that safety is at the heart of the proposals. that introduce a donor’s biological material are also The hon. Member for Congleton (Fiona Bruce) referred long accepted. The headlines, such as the BBC’s recent to the HFEA. When we pass the regulations, safety will “Mum plus dad plus mum”, are not only sloppy and remain of paramount importance, as it always has sensational, but unscientific. I would like the BBC’s been. The technique has received unprecedented scrutiny other programme, “More or Less”, to comment on by the HFEA’s specially convened expert review panel. whether giving 0.056% of genetic material and 0% of Never before has a new medical technology been subjected nuclear DNA really constitutes being called “mum”. to such thorough investigation—my right hon. Friend The UK is carrying out pioneering research on the Member for Holborn and St Pancras (Frank Dobson) mitochondrial diseases. This country has the opportunity described the history. to be at the leading edge of the world in preventing such It is clear that, if Parliament passes the regulations, it terrible diseases. It has taken us years to get to this will not immediately become possible for clinics to treat point. Never before has a technique had such rigorous patients using those techniques. When the regulations investigation, and ethical and scientific analysis. It is are passed, responsibility will pass to the HFEA, which therefore incredibly important that progress does not will decide, based on safety and efficacy evidence, whether stall. or not to license individual applications for use. That tried and tested process has been used over a number of 8.33 pm years. My point is that we decide the ethics, and the HFEA determines the specific use. Heather Wheeler (South Derbyshire) (Con): Like other hon. Members, a constituent, Clare Exton from Newhall, Nothing is being rushed. We have been going on for came to talk to me about this issue. She is a vibrant lady such a long time, but time is precious—it is precious to and was on a mission. As a listening, caring MP, I was those potential parents. Let us not waste time today, happy to listen to her story. She spoke to me about the and let us reject the motion. charity work she does, the self-help group people have built up together, and the social functions they perform 8.38 pm in giving one another support at such a difficult time. Dr Sarah Wollaston (Totnes) (Con): I rise to urge the She was the one who first told me about how tantalisingly Minister not to delay bringing forward the regulations, close the opportunities for the new science were. and I urge the House not to lose sight of the children I admire my hon. Friend the Member for Congleton and their families who are devastated by mitochondrial (Fiona Bruce) so much—she is a lady of such high diseases. Of course it is absolutely right that the House moral standards and ethics that it almost pains me to debates the ethics, as so many Members have pointed tell her that I cannot support her motion—but the big out, but at times the language used has clouded those prize is the new science we have heard about. The arguments. We have heard terms such as “eugenics”, arrangements that the HFEA will put in place so that “three-parent babies”, “designer babies”. This is not there will be no doubt whatever that the science is about wanting to create a child who is more beautiful or telling us the truth are massively and incredibly important. more intelligent. This is about wanting to spare families I believe that this is a time in science and in the and children from a lifetime of devastating medical Chamber at which we ought to do the right thing. I have problems. We have the potential to do that. I fully absolutely no desire to annoy any of my friends who respect those who oppose this on ethical grounds—they have truly, deeply held religious feelings, because I think are entirely consistent in their view—but I am concerned that, if they were shown this in black and white, they that there has been selective misquoting from the scientific would still not agree. That is fine—of course it is—but evidence. The House is not really qualified to examine we are making our constituents suffer, and it carries on the evidence in detail, and that is why we have expert year after year. It does not need to be like that. I am sure panels, and bodies such as the HFEA, to advise and the Minister will describe the safeguards. That is all I regulate this, and they do so with a great deal of want to say. I believe that our constituents deserve this thoughtfulness and expertise. chance. We have to be clear that the third scientific review, the expert panel, which I regret has been selectively misquoted, 8.35 pm has looked at that evidence and has concluded that it does not show that the technique is unsafe. We will not Andrew Miller (Ellesmere Port and Neston) (Lab): know whether the technique is effective until we allow This is a fascinating debate. I should like to place on the trials in a human context—it may be that there are record a definition that has not been used: complications; we have to be honest about that, and we “Mitochondrial donation is a fundamentally humanitarian have to be honest that this is not the same as a blood intervention designed to help people affected by a devastating transfusion—but we do know absolutely for certain disease to fulfil one of the most basic human aspirations: to have that families and children are suffering now from these a healthy family.” diseases. That is why, on the balance of the safety issues Regrettably, I cannot claim copyright on that, because and the advice from the expert panels, we should not it belongs to the Wellcome Trust, so one of the pre-eminent reject this on safety grounds. organisations on scientific research in this country very The point made by the hon. Member for North much supports the regulations that will come into force. Antrim (Ian Paisley) about the child sitting in front of It is a pity that the debate is polarised because of the him in his surgery whose parents would not change that different views on the ethics of intervention. Although child was particularly powerful. No one is asking to 115 Mitochondrial Replacement (Public 1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Mitochondrial Replacement (Public 116 Safety) Safety) [Dr Sarah Wollaston] safety of the techniques were explored. Some even consider the lack of international consensus as a sign change a child. What we are asking is for future generations that the UK is moving too quickly, and I must admit of children to be spared that part of them that creates that I, along with many others, share that view. the suffering, but to keep within them all the personality The Government have sought to justify ignoring the and everything else in their genetic make-up that makes clear majority against the techniques on the basis that them who they are. respondents to public consultations are from self-selecting I am also concerned to point out that if I were to audiences, but I say to the Government, “Ignore them donate my mitochondrial— at your peril.” It would be foolish to dismiss responses to public consultations on any subject in such a cavalier Madam Deputy Speaker (Mrs Eleanor Laing): Order. manner, but when we are dealing with concerns regarding 8.41 pm the public safety of what is in effect a new biotechnology, and when the memory of the GM food debacle is still Mrs Madeleine Moon (Bridgend) (Lab): I rise to fresh in the public memory, the strategy is exceptionally speak only on behalf of my constituent Margaret Evans. foolish. Margaret was unfortunately forced to move into Picton It is important that we consider these matters in their Court care home in my constituency. I was contacted full detail. It is in this regard—mindful of the need to by her sisters, Val Thomas and Mrs Pitt, who live in avoid at all costs any sense of rushing and of ignoring the constituency of my hon. Friend the Member for public opinion post the GM food saga—that difficulties Ogmore (Huw Irranca-Davies), who asked me to meet surrounding the approach of the Department of Health Margaret to see how mitochondrial disease affects are thrown into particularly sharp relief. their family. They talked to me about four generations of women who have suffered massive disfigurements. According to a poll conducted by ComRes in February, Often they are unable to move their heads because of 35% supported the technique and 34% were against it, huge growths in their necks, which require surgery to but in a matter of six months those figures changed to remove them. Often they are unable to move limbs 18% in support and 46% against. That extraordinary because the limbs give way and the energy is not there to loss of support in a very short period highlights that the do so. Breathing can be difficult. The human cost, the cavalier approach of the Department of Health is very human suffering, the disfigurement they experience is risky and dangerous. horrific. At the very least, the Government should reassure What affected me most was Margaret Evans telling the public by making it absolutely plain that they will me that her young daughter, aged seven, is already not rush into laying any regulations before this House saying, “Mum, will I end up like that? Am I going to or anywhere else until all the pre-clinical experiments have to suffer this? Will this happen to me?” No child recommended by the HFEA in its three safety reports should have to ask such questions when we in this to the Secretary of State have been concluded. Only House have the opportunity to change their future to then will we be able to move forward. one that will not include suffering, pain and disfigurement. I urge that we move this forward. Let us make a decision. 8.47 pm Let us be brave. Let us give an opportunity, a chance of Andrew Gwynne (Denton and Reddish) (Lab): May I hope, to these families. first place on the record my thanks to the hon. Member for Congleton (Fiona Bruce) and the other sponsors of 8.43 pm this debate for securing the time from the Backbench Jim Shannon (Strangford) (DUP): We have heard Business Committee to ensure that the House can discuss many stories today about the potential of mitochondrial such an important issue? I also hope that my hon. replacement for women with mitochondrial conditions, Friend the Member for Liverpool, Wavertree (Luciana possibly allowing them to have children without these Berger) will get well soon: she should have been closing conditions. But the hon. Member for Congleton (Fiona this debate on behalf of the Opposition, but unfortunately Bruce) and others have put forward the safety issue and she is not well today. Some people have greatness thrust the need to make sure that there has been a full investigation. upon them and I have had to do two Back-Bench This might seem like fantastic news, but just because the business debates this afternoon. HFEA expert panel has not found evidence to say that I also thank all hon. and right hon. Members for mitochondrial transfer is unsafe does not amount to their contributions throughout the 90 minutes that we saying that the evidence proves it is safe either, as the have had to discuss this very important issue. We have potential risks of the techniques required are not yet had no fewer than 19 Back-Bench contributions, which fully understood. have all been of incredible quality. The impassioned The controversy surrounding genetically modified and thoughtful considerations we have heard are a food comes to mind: it teaches us a number of important testament to what a sensitive and complex matter this is. lessons. In a paper submitted to the “Science as Culture” As my hon. Friend the Member for Stoke-on-Trent conference in 2008, several academics asserted that South (Robert Flello) said, it is important that we have “the GM experience represents a warning, a cautionary tale of this debate, wherever one comes from and wherever one how not to assess an emerging technology and allay public arrives at, and that the House of Commons discusses concern.” these issues. Clearly, there is some evidence to show that we need to On the one hand, we have celebrated the triumph of look at this again. science that these new techniques represent. As my hon. The UK is the only country that is considering permitting Friend the Member for Newcastle upon Tyne Central these techniques. In the USA, the Food and Drug (Chi Onwurah), the hon. Member for Hexham (Guy Administration held hearings where concerns about the Opperman) and the right hon. Member for Havant 117 Mitochondrial Replacement (Public 1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Mitochondrial Replacement (Public 118 Safety) Safety) (Mr Willetts) have said, it is thanks to years of pioneering to be used. As we have heard, expert scientific review research at the university of Newcastle into how we can panels in April 2011, March 2013 and June 2014 found prevent the transmission of genetic mutations that we no evidence to suggest that the techniques are unsafe are finally reaching the point at which we can consider for clinical use. using these transformative techniques in humans. We If Parliament passes the regulations, specialist clinicians have within our reach the possibility of eradicating will have to obtain a licence from the HFEA to use the mitochondrial disease from families who have been techniques. A licence will be granted only once the blighted by it for generations—families who have endured HFEA, operating case by case, is satisfied that any risk a disease for which there is no cure, who have suffered of using the techniques is low. I hope that the Minister daily battles with painfully debilitating symptoms and will provide the House with more detail on the robust who have lost their children prematurely. process that has been followed for us to reach this point. I ask her to set out the further safeguards built into the Glyn Davies (Montgomeryshire) (Con): Does the hon. regulations to guarantee that the decision to use these Gentleman accept that those of us who remain uncertain techniques cannot be taken lightly. about the proposals share the exact same concern as We have heard concerns that allowing mitochondrial those who support them about those who suffer from donation is a dangerous road to start down, and might mitochondrial disease? That should never be forgotten: lead to designer babies and parents being able to select the concern of those of us who are uncertain about the the physical characteristics of their children, which I proposals is every bit as great. would find absolutely abhorrent. However, we have also heard that those fears do not take into account that the Andrew Gwynne: I absolutely agree. I have to say that regulations are very specific and cover only mitochondrial I do not often agree with the hon. Member for Cambridge DNA, not the nuclear DNA that determines our physical (Dr Huppert), but he made the very important point—one characteristics, as was so eloquently outlined by the of many in his speech—that whether people are coming right hon. Member for Havant. We are talking about from a scientific perspective or a religious one, their the use of these techniques only in the clearly defined views are equally important in this debate. I am very situation of incurable mitochondrial disorders. glad that both sides of this debate have been able to air The fact that the techniques apply only to the their views. mitochondrial DNA and not to nuclear DNA should Of course, families have had to face up to the risk— provide further reassurance to hon. Members who are perhaps the certainty—that to be a parent will come at concerned that the process will result in three-parent the expense of a difficult and, in too many cases, painful babies, as my right hon. Friend the Member for Holborn life for their children. On the other hand, we have and St Pancras said. As we have heard, mitochondrial grappled with the undoubted ethical and moral questions DNA controls only mitochondrial function and energy raised by the proposed introduction of such techniques. production; it is important to point out, as many hon. Some hon. Members have shared their anxiety about Members have done, that nuclear DNA, which makes the uncharted territory we are now in, but that has been us who we are and determines appearance and personality, good for the public debate. Indeed, the proposed regulations is not altered by the proposed techniques. The Nuffield would make Britain the first country to legalise Council on Bioethics conducted an ethical review, which mitochondrial transfer, and scientists have acknowledged concluded that by “societal norms”, mitochondrial DNA that there will always have to be a leap of faith when the “does not confer genetic identity.” technique is first used. Again, it would be helpful if the Minister put it on the It is important that all these arguments are debated at record that children who are born from mitochondrial length and given full and proper consideration, but it is donation will have two biological parents and one also critical for the integrity of the eventual decision mitochondria donor. that the debate should be based on the facts. When Finally, I come to the issue of safety. There have been debating such matters, we will naturally hear a number questions about the safety of the techniques. Again, we of contradictory assertions. I hope that the Minister must be sure that we base our arguments on facts. can reassure the House about some of those issues we Comparisons have been made with the cytoplasmic have discussed. transfer techniques that were used by a private fertility The first concern raised is that the process has been clinic in the United States in 2002 and the current rushed through. Anybody involved in the development investigation into the health of the children born from of the techniques would disagree that this has moved that process. However, this is a fundamentally different quickly. Indeed, my right hon. Friend the Member for technique, as the hon. Member for Mole Valley (Sir Paul Holborn and St Pancras (Frank Dobson) pointed out Beresford) suggested. that the consultation on the process began in 2003. It There are other safety concerns that apply directly to was more than six years ago—back in 2008—that the mitochondrial donation techniques, and those must be Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990 was examined in detail. As we have heard, the technique has amended to introduce powers to allow regulations to be received unprecedented scrutiny by the HFEA’s specially brought forward to enable mitochondria replacement convened expert scientific review panel. The question to take place. It was back in 2010 that researchers at the for us is whether the benefits of preventing the transmission university of Newcastle developed the techniques to of mitochondrial disease and the likelihood that children avoid diseased mitochondria being passed from a mother will continue to be born who will die in infancy outweigh to her children, and it was not until after another three the risks of the techniques. The scientific community years of consultation and review processes that the and the families experiencing mitochondrial disease Government announced in July that they would introduce say that they do. It is now up to Parliament to decide regulations to enable mitochondrial donation techniques whether it agrees. 119 Mitochondrial Replacement (Public 1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Mitochondrial Replacement (Public 120 Safety) Safety) [Andrew Gwynne] unqualified statement that a procedure is safe. Instead, they proceed by hypothesis, evidence and risk analysis. We are approaching the final stage in what has been a Indeed, no medical procedure is without risk, from a long and considered process, and we cannot delay it any cataract removal to a triple heart bypass. further. Time is precious for the parents who are at risk There have been calls today for more research into of passing on mitochondrial inherited disease to their mitochondrial donation, but research cannot be expected children. The research has been done, the reviews have to answer every question. All that we can ask is that it been carried out, and the experts and the public have adds to our knowledge and highlights areas that need to been consulted. The arguments have been made and the be looked into further and monitored more closely. We families are waiting. It is time for us to make a decision. are currently considering the most recent report of the expert panel, the assurances that have been given on the 8.56 pm safety and efficacy of the techniques involved and the recommendation of further experiments to confirm The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health earlier findings. (Jane Ellison): I congratulate my hon. Friend the Member The draft regulations to allow mitochondrial donation, for Congleton (Fiona Bruce) on securing this debate at on which we consulted, would also bring into place the Backbench Business Committee and all the right important safeguards, as others have said, through the hon. and hon. Members who have contributed. It has HFEA’s strict licensing procedures. For a licence to be been an extremely thought-provoking debate. Inevitably, issued to a provider of mitochondrial donation, they in the time available to me, which I believe is 10 minutes, would first have to demonstrate that they could carry I will not be able to do justice to every point, but I hope out the procedure safely and effectively. that Members know that if there is a point that I am unable to cover in my remarks, I will follow it up Sir Edward Leigh: Will my hon. Friend give way? afterwards and attempt to respond to them. I welcome this opportunity to discuss mitochondrial Jane Ellison: I will take only one intervention, if the donation and to reflect on the scientific and policy House will allow me. journey that has brought us to this point. As many Members have said, children are being born with and Sir Edward Leigh: It has been said in the debate that are dying from devastating conditions that are caused we are not creating three or four-parent families, but by mitochondrial disease. Scientists and clinicians have given that the cells of a second mother will be used, will developed a treatment to tackle it but, rightly, Parliament a child have a legal right to know the identity of the will need to approve new regulations for it to be used. three or four people who contributed to their creation? As Members have said, this is not a new subject for Parliament to be debating. In 2008, Parliament agreed Jane Ellison: That was one area of detail covered in amendments to the Human Fertilisation and Embryology the draft regulations and the responses to the consultation Act in anticipation of these groundbreaking developments. on it, and I will write to my hon. Friend with a detailed That provided a power to introduce regulations that response. A wider point is that we should surely not would allow mitochondrial donations. It is that next reduce the notion of parenthood to genes. Many Members stage that is the focus of our deliberations. who have spoken in the debate, particularly my hon. I will explain the thorough and open approach that Friend the Member for Congleton, who moved the has been used to assess the safety and efficacy of the motion, have often spoken in other contexts about proposed donation techniques, and to gauge the public’s parenthood being more about loving, nurturing and so views. This has not been a rushed process and I do not on. It cannot be reduced simply to the donation of agree that Parliament is being asked to vote blind, as genes—I worry that that, in itself, would be a slippery some have said—far from it, as others who have been in slope. this House for longer than I have testified. We have Mitochondrial donation is supported by both the asked the HFEA to convene a panel of experts three chief medical officer, Professor Dame Sally Davies, and times since 2011 to review the scientific evidence on the many clinicians and IVF experts, including, I am pleased safety and efficacy of the proposed donation techniques. to say, Professor Lord Winston, who has been quoted a All three reviews have indicated that the donation number of times in the debate. Among other comments, techniques—maternal spindle transfer and pronuclear he has made it clear that he supports the draft regulations transfer—would be effective, and all three reviews have and would vote for them. found no evidence to indicate that either technique would be unsafe. To quote the chair of the expert panel, This is undoubtedly a really difficult area in which to Professor Andy Greenfield, whom I have met to discuss gauge public opinion, because it is complex and technical the reports: and a lot of people know nothing about it. Some Members who have seen e-mails going around the House “In three years’ study the expert panel has seen no evidence asking them to attend this debate have told me that they which suggests that these new mitochondrial replacement therapies are unsafe.” did not know what it was about. That means that the exercise of engaging the public needs to be carried out However, I appreciate that some Members have expressed in a thoughtful and comprehensive way. That was exactly concerns. Some are opposed in principle and some have what the Government did—we tested the public practical concerns about whether we have looked at all acceptability of introducing these techniques through a the important details. comprehensive dialogue process commissioned by the The decision on whether a new treatment can be HFEA and led by external experts. It included events described as safe is never absolute, as Members have such as workshops and focus groups, and it showed that said. Doctors and scientists rarely, if ever, make an when the process of mitochondrial donation was fully 121 Mitochondrial Replacement (Public 1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Mitochondrial Replacement (Public 122 Safety) Safety) explained to them, the majority of people supported its and how that influences regulations before they are use provided that it was carefully regulated. The Department brought before Parliament for further debate. We believe of Health’s consultation was on the draft regulations, that this is an important scientific advance that holds and those who commented on them broadly supported out great hope for families in this country and around them. I urge people to be mindful of the way to go the world. about testing public opinion on the matter. We have to ensure that it is done on the basis of facts. 9.6 pm Fiona Bruce: I thank all hon. Members who have Lady Hermon rose— contributed to this debate. The number who have contributed and the serious intent and concerns expressed Jane Ellison: I am really sorry, I just do not have the highlight the grave concern that Members feel about time to give way. I am not being discourteous. this issue, which I believe reflects public concern. That Successive Governments have responded to advances is why it is so important that the final decision on this in science that were controversial in their day. Time issue is brought back to the House. Full debate and does not permit me to go into them in as much detail as consideration should be available to us after the critical I would have liked, but many Members will cast their research recommended by the Human Fertilisation and mind back to the debates about IVF. I suspect that there Embryology Authority has been conducted, published are Members in the Chamber today who were extremely and peer reviewed. wary of IVF techniques but who have written to me in My hon. Friend the Member for South Derbyshire the past year asking me to help infertile couples in their (Heather Wheeler) said that we should listen to the constituency. We were told in the debates on IVF that science, and that is precisely my point. It is said that the the proposal for limited research on embryos, up to a Government intend to lay regulations this autumn, maximum of 14 days’ development, was a slippery before the pre-clinical research recommended by the slope and that the 14-day rule would become 20 days, HFEA in its three reports has been concluded, written 50 days or even six months. Today, 25 years on, the up and assessed in peer reviewed journals. I simply say Rubicon remains uncrossed and the important provision that it cannot be right to ask the House to make such a that research cannot take place on embryos more than decision before the tests have been concluded. As my hon. 14 days old, which Parliament put in place, remains Friend the Member for Enfield, Southgate (Mr Burrowes) firmly in place. I hope that that gives Members some said, there has always been an understanding that we reassurance. must proceed only when the safety of these issues has Mitochondrial donation will enable people to have been properly assessed. their own, genetically related children, free of serious As a mother, I know that no mother would want to mitochondrial disease. The proposed donation techniques conceive a child with mitochondrial disease, but neither will allow unaltered nuclear DNA to be transferred would they want to conceive a child with potential only to an egg or embryo that has unaltered healthy genetic abnormalities because adequate safety tests on mitochondria. I could not have put it more eloquently maternal spindle transfer and pro-nuclear transfer were than my right hon. Friend the Member for Havant not carried out. (Mr Willetts) did when he talked about the difference Question put and agreed to. between nuclear and mitochondrial DNA. Resolved, On the issue of three parents, I mentioned—as have That this House takes note of the Human Fertilisation and others—that we cannot reduce parenthood to a matter Embryology Authority’s most recent scientific review into the of 37 genes from a donor. It is about so much more than safety and efficacy of mitochondrial replacement techniques which that, and our draft regulations refer to some of the highlights concerns for subsequent generations of children born safeguards in place. through maternal spindle transfer and pronuclear transfer; welcomes the recent comments of scientists including Professor Lord Winston There is no cure for mitochondrial disease, nor is that, prior to the introduction of such techniques, more research there one on the horizon. The families of children born ought to be undertaken and a full assessment conducted of the with severe mitochondrial disease face the prospect of potential risk to children born as a result; and calls upon the having to watch their child suffer dreadfully, and in Government, in light of these public safety concerns, to delay many cases die at an early age. Many Members have bringing forward regulations on mitochondrial replacement. met constituents in recent months—as have I—who are facing that heartbreaking situation, and I pay tribute to Dr Sarah Wollaston (Totnes) (Con): On a point of the Lily Foundation for its work in helping us all to order, Madam Deputy Speaker. Is it in order to ask connect with those constituents. whether Professor Lord Winston was consulted before his name was added to the motion on the Order Paper? This has been a thoughtful debate, and it is vital that Parliament discusses such matters openly and considers Madam Deputy Speaker (Mrs Eleanor Laing): It is in all the issues. For those who are not opposed in principle, order to ask the question. I cannot give the hon. Lady we must consider all the evidence alongside the benefits an answer, but I have heard what she said, and I am sure that this treatment can bring, and make that consideration that those who were involved in that have heard what in a rational way. The Government will, of course, she said. If the noble Gentleman was not consulted, continue to consider the expert advice we have received I would consider that to be most discourteous. 123 1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Hazaras (Afghanistan and Pakistan) 124

Hazaras (Afghanistan and Pakistan) Shockingly, in the past 16 years, not one person has been brought successfully to justice. The al-Qaeda-affiliated organisation Lashkar-e-Jhangvi has openly claimed 9.9 pm responsibility for the killings, while leading members Mr John Denham (Southampton, Itchen) (Lab): I beg have been seen associating with public figures and politicians to move, in Pakistan. A few people have been arrested, but have That this House has considered the position of Hazaras in then been released or able to escape or cases have been Afghanistan and Pakistan. dismissed. It is clear that the Pakistan authorities have I am grateful for this debate, and I speak as an MP failed to act with any effectiveness to protect the Hazara and as chair of the Hazara all-party parliamentary community, with attacks taking place close to the presence group. In recent weeks, we have seen ethnic and religious of security forces. minorities face appalling violence at the hands of the Mr Andrew Smith (Oxford East) (Lab): I congratulate Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant in Iraq and Syria. my right hon. Friend and the others who have secured This debate is about another community that has suffered this debate, and I agree with everything in his very at the hands of very similar ideologues for far too long. powerful speech. Does he agree that given the inability I knew little of the Hazara until I met constituents or unwillingness to bring people to justice for these who were part of the Hazara diaspora and who had horrors in Pakistan and Afghanistan, and given the been forced to flee violence. I believe that might be true hideous murders that have taken place, it is high time of other right hon. and hon. Members who want to that the United Nations referred Lashkar-e-Jhangvi speak in this debate. The Hazara are an indigenous and other groups alleged to be responsible to the people of Afghanistan, predominantly but not exclusively International Criminal Court in order to send the most Shi’a Muslims. The community in Quetta in Pakistan’s powerful signal possible that this is utterly unacceptable Balochistan province was established in the late 19th to the international community? century by Hazaras fleeing religious persecution in Afghanistan. It largely prospered, providing education Mr Denham: I think there is indeed a strong case for for men and women and showing a deep-seated and that, and I will come in a moment to the responsibility industrious work ethic, until it became the target of of the international community. terrorist attacks from about 1999. In other parts of Pakistan, the Pakistan state has Hazaras comprise between 10% and 20% of the made significant efforts against, for example, the Pakistan population of Afghanistan. Persecution continued into Taliban, that have not been made in Quetta. The Pakistan the Taliban era, with thousands killed in massacres Government are clearly in breach of their international during the civil war and under the Taliban Government. obligation to protect their people. We should call tonight In part, the Hazara are victims of the violence against for effective action by the Pakistan state, but those Shi’a Muslims and other religious minorities that is demands must be consistently reinforced by the international endemic in Pakistan and has featured strongly in the community, by individual Governments, including our history of Afghanistan. I do not want to underplay the own, and by international institutions, including the common features shared with the wider violence against United Nations and its agencies, and that must be done the Shi’a community, but Hazaras have suffered in every relationship—political, military, development disproportionately, in part because their distinct ethnic and human rights. identity makes them easily identifiable and targets for Demands for change must be central to our relationship prejudice and discrimination. with Pakistan, not just raised occasionally or at a junior There is little doubt that sectarian groups have received level. Last year, the then Foreign Office Minister Baroness finance from states and individuals in the Gulf. Today, Warsi did raise those issues with Prime Minister Sharif they might be recognising just what they have created in and he denounced sectarian killings. What we now need Iraq and Syria, but we and other western countries have to see is visible action to investigate those killings and been silent for far too long on their role. Just occasionally, prosecute those, particularly the LEJ leadership, who the violence in Quetta makes the international news: in have claimed responsibility. Militant groups should be June 2012, when a university bus was bombed, killing disbanded and those such as the political wing of the four and injuring 72; and in early 2013, when two LEJ, which in March this year celebrated killings and bombings killed 180 Hazaras. Continuing violence has pledged to eliminate Hazaras from Balochistan, must been well documented in the recent Human Rights be brought under control. Watch report “We are the Walking Dead”, published in We need the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and June 2014. the Department for International Development to recognise The community in Quetta comprises about 500,000 the roots of the problems faced by the Hazaras. I would people, yet nearly 1,500 people have been killed since like to see DFID develop assistance programmes to 1999 and more than 3,500 injured. The attacks have address the immediate needs of the community in Quetta. targeted breadwinners and forced businesses to close, I would also like to see the conflict pool—the UK fund promoting economic deprivation, while some recent for conflict prevention, which already operates in other attacks have directly targeted women and children. Perhaps parts of Pakistan—extended to Balochistan. Big efforts 55,000 people have fled to Australia or Europe—of must be made to engage the UN system, as my right course, not all survived the journey—and following hon. Friend the Member for Oxford East (Mr Smith) attacks on transports, students no longer attend university. said. The UN system has strong policies on human In Quetta, the community is restricted to two enclaves rights, preventing genocide and the protection of indigenous with a total area of just 4 square miles. The community peoples, all of which should apply to the Hazara. While is isolated, with travel restrictions imposed by the Pakistani some recent and welcome progress has been made, Government. much more could be done. 125 Hazaras (Afghanistan and Pakistan)1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Hazaras (Afghanistan and Pakistan) 126

Mr David Burrowes (Enfield, Southgate) (Con): Will Mr Denham: It is a real issue that the Hazaras have the right hon. Gentleman give way? often not been given a voice in international conferences and also, I have to say, in relation to our Government Mr Denham: I will take one more intervention. and their aid programme. That voice must be found. My final point is this. The international community Mr Burrowes: I thank the right hon. Gentleman and now generally recognises that talks between the Afghan congratulate him on securing this debate. In 2012 there Government and the Taliban are both unavoidable and was an international conference on the genocide of necessary, but it has to be made clear that such talks Hazaras—indeed, the new Minister, whom I welcome cannot be allowed to exclude the protection of minority to his post, was present. I notice that at that time not a rights as part of any long-term solution. Even after the single perpetrator had been arrested or brought to withdrawal of international troops, I still think we justice. Has there been any change in that regard? should be in a position to ensure that those issues remain on the agenda. Mr Denham: There have been some arrests, as I understand it, but nobody has yet been successfully Several hon. Members rose— brought to justice. That is a matter of grave concern. As I said, the UN has strong policies, but we have to Madam Deputy Speaker (Mrs Eleanor Laing): Order. make much more progress at the international level. Let Unfortunately, because there has been a surge in demand me turn briefly to Afghanistan. The fall of the Taliban to speak in this debate, I shall have to maintain the brought representation in the political system and support three-minute limit of the previous debate. I call Jeremy for the Hazaras’ long-standing commitment to educate Lefroy. girls as well as boys, though widespread discrimination continued. There have, of course, been atrocities, notably the killing of more than 60 people, mostly Hazaras, in 9.20 pm Ashura in December 2011. However, fears are now Jeremy Lefroy (Stafford) (Con): Thank you, Madam rising of what might happen after the withdrawal of Deputy Speaker, and I congratulate the right hon. Member international troops. Secure and stable government is for Southampton, Itchen (Mr Denham) and indeed the by no means assured, and the current political stalemate Backbench Business Committee on bringing this debate following the elections is hardly encouraging. forward. You will be glad to hear, Madam Deputy The security situation is becoming increasingly volatile, Speaker, that because the right hon. Gentleman has and Taliban forces are increasing their control of territory. eloquently outlined the situation that the Hazaras face, We have seen the killing and forced displacement I intend to make just one point. of Hazaras from Khas Uruzgan and killings and I wish to say that it is the responsibility of every disappearances along the roads from Kabul to Bamiyan, Government on this planet to look after their minorities— Ghazni and Heart, with 30 Hazaras killed in three whatever they think of them, whatever the background separate attacks on those highways in July 2014 alone. or history. Governments have the responsibility to protect It is understandable that Hazaras fear a return to the their minorities. We are not necessarily here to dictate scale of abuses they experienced under the Taliban political systems or say whether minorities such as the regime. It is hardly encouraging that two of the Taliban Hazaras should have this or that kind of democracy, released by the US in a recent prisoner exchange were but it is a fundamental role of any state to protect and Mullah Fazl and Mullah Norullah Noori, who both to provide safety and security for all its people, and not participated in the massacre of thousands of Hazaras to discriminate against any one people because of their in the late 1990s and early 2000s. That does not show a faith, creed, colour or whatever else. sensitivity to the history or the future dangers. That leads precisely on to the point made by the right The message that we want to convey from tonight’s hon. Member for Southampton, Itchen: it is up to the debate—happening as it is just a few days before the UK Government, in whatever way they interact with NATO summit—is that even as troops are withdrawn, another Government, in Pakistan, Afghanistan or elsewhere the international community cannot afford to lose interest around the world, to oppose any discrimination against in what happens in Afghanistan. The international and persecution of minorities simply because of who community needs a clear agenda for its continuing aid they are, and wherever that discrimination and persecution and political relationship with the Afghan Government, are taking place. It is for the UK Government at each which should include pressure to address the continuing and every opportunity, whether it be through development, discrimination and under-representation of Hazaras military, diplomatic or even economic relations, to make within the Afghan Government and state, and to assist that point. As I say, this does not apply only to Pakistan the Afghan Government in ensuring the protection of and Afghanistan, as we could think of dozens of other ethnic and religious minorities following troop withdrawal. places where it is happening. It is a duty to protect minority citizens and give them equal rights with others. Stella Creasy (Walthamstow) (Lab/Co-op): Will my right hon. Friend give way? In my work on the International Development Committee, I sometimes feel that we do not take up this Mr Denham: I will give way one last time. challenge enough. Let us not forget that Pakistan is the single biggest bilateral recipient of UK aid. We have Stella Creasy: I thank my right hon. Friend for giving clout there. When our Committee visited Pakistan a way. I wonder whether he believes it would also be couple of years ago, we could not go anywhere near helpful to have direct Hazara representation in discussions Quetta or to Balochistan because of the situation there. at the NATO summit as a result of the points he is We could go to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab and making so eloquently. we saw some excellent work being done there, but we 127 Hazaras (Afghanistan and Pakistan)1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Hazaras (Afghanistan and Pakistan) 128

[Jeremy Lefroy] brought to my attention by Luci Woodland, who is part of the APPG and who told me that no one knows this is could not go to a place where all these things were going happening. We have heard about what is going on. We on at the time. I believe that it is for our Ministers in the have heard the numbers. Amnesty International says Department for International Development and for that the targeting of Hazaras is increasing. That must parliamentarians on the International Development frighten all of us. It is incumbent on all Members to Committee to raise those matters whenever we have the spread the word. That is what we need to do. We need opportunity. We may be ignored and there may be no to ensure that people know what is going on. The press action, but we could be listened to and it is our responsibility do not report it. The BBC does not report it. Sky News to act as I have suggested. does not report it. We must persuade people to let everyone know what is happening. 9.22 pm Many years ago, people of my generation used to Dr Alan Whitehead (Southampton, Test) (Lab): As write postcards to Amnesty International about prisoners my right hon. Friend the Member for Southampton, of conscience because we knew that, once the dictators Itchen (Mr Denham) eloquently put it in his introduction knew that we knew what was going on, they would start to the debate, this Hazara community does not have a to change their behaviour. It is the same when it comes nation; it has parts of a nation and has had a substantial to the Hazaras. Governments have been pursuing those diaspora across the world, with perhaps a million Hazaras kind, decent, gentle people, who educate all their children, in Iran, more than half a million in Pakistan and male and female, and are renowned for their music and between 1 million and 2 million in Afghanistan. These poetry, not violence and intolerance. The only way we people have suffered historically from enormous can get Governments to listen and people to pay attention persecution, which in many ways continues today. is if people know what is going on. If enough people start making a noise, things will change. Therefore, I If I have time, I would like briefly to read out a letter ask everyone in the Chamber and anyone out there who that was circulated in Quetta at the time of the arrest of happens to be listening to the debate to make the a leader of the Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, a body that continues situation known, to listen and to write to the newspapers openly to pursue attacks against Hazaras in Quetta and to ensure that people hear what is going on in Pakistan around. The letter says: and Afghanistan. “All Shi’ites are worthy of killing. We will rid Pakistan of unclean people. Pakistan means land of the pure and the Shi’ites Martin Horwood (Cheltenham) (LD): My hon. Friend have no right to live in this country. We have the edict and signatures of revered scholars, declaring Shi’ites infidels. Just as is speaking eloquently. He is calling for a public outcry. our fighters have waged a successful jihad against the Shi’ite Will he also press the Government to ensure that the Hazaras in Afghanistan, our mission in Pakistan is the abolition £0.5 million or so that we are spending on the Afghanistan of this impure sect and its followers from every city, every village, Independent Human Rights Commission is reflected in and every nook and corner of Pakistan. the concern for the Hazara community, too? As in the past, our successful jihad against the Hazaras in Pakistan and, in particular, in Quetta, is ongoing and will continue Mike Thornton: I thank my hon. Friend for that in the future. We will make Pakistan the graveyard of the Shi’ite intervention. It is vital that we do that. It is important Hazaras and their houses will be destroyed by bombs and suicide that we use the money, the influence and the power we bombers. We will only rest when we are able to fly the flag of true have to ensure that things start to change. I have been Islam on this land of the pure. Jihad against the Shi’ite Hazaras horrified by what I have found out. I was almost moved has now become our duty.” to tears in talking to Hazaras who have been exiled That organisation is dedicated to eradicating an entire from their homeland by intolerance and violence. I ethnic group from the face of the earth. Those are the knew nothing about it before I turned up at the first circumstances under which the Pakistani Hazaras live APPG, which the right hon. Member for Southampton, daily, with the results that my right hon. Friend the Itchen chaired. We have heard the figures. There is no Member for Southampton, Itchen described. point in me repeating what I have written down and There have been atrocities—for example, when a number what everyone else has said. I ask Members to pay of people were blown up on a bus while on a pilgrimage. attention and to think what it would be like to live in a When asked how he intended to “stem the tears” of the situation where one is persecuted not just because of Hazara community, the then Chief Minister of Balochistan one’s religion but because one looks different from one’s said: neighbours. Hazaras look different from other Pakistanis “Of the millions who live in Balochistan, 40 dead in Mastung and Afghans because they have a Mongolian ancestry, is not a big deal. I will send a truckload of tissue papers to the so they are being persecuted for racial as well as religious bereaved families.” reasons. It is shocking and horrifying, and we must That is the reality of life for Hazaras in Pakistan and in spread the word to make sure that things change. I ask other places. It is incumbent on us to raise the issue all Members to do everything they can to ask for that internationally and to call on the Pakistan Government change. and international agencies to ensure that the rights that any of us would expect are protected, including the 9.29 pm rights of this vibrant community, part of which I am delighted to say is resident in my constituency. Mrs Madeleine Moon (Bridgend) (Lab): As we have heard, the Hazaras are Persian-speaking people who live mainly in central Afghanistan. They are overwhelmingly 9.26 pm Shi’a Muslims and make up the third largest ethnic Mike Thornton (Eastleigh) (LD): I pay tribute to the group in Afghanistan, forming about 9% of the population. right hon. Member for Southampton, Itchen (Mr Denham) Their distinctive facial features in comparison with the for his sterling work on the issue. The subject was Pashtuns, who make up 42% of the Afghan population, 129 Hazaras (Afghanistan and Pakistan)1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Hazaras (Afghanistan and Pakistan) 130 makes them easy to identify, marginalise and persecute. The other thing that came up in the discussions with During the Taliban rule, the Hazaras suffered a repeated the group was their anxiety that the perpetrators of this and systematic campaign of violence. Wholesale persecution violence against them, particularly in Pakistan, were of the people dates back to fatwas issued against them operating with virtual impunity, with no action taken in the 1890s. Despite the genocidal campaigns, the against them or only tokenistic arrests. Then there was Hazaras are still the third largest ethnic group in the the bizarre element that some of those who had been country. Approximately 4.8 million live in Afghanistan, arrested were allowed to escape, with clear collusion on 1 million in Iran, and 550,000 in Pakistan. Despite their the part of the authorities. numbers, however, the Karzai Government had no Hazara I told my constituents that I would do everything Ministers, only 5% of Government officials are Hazara, I possibly could to support the all-party group—I and none of the 10 candidates in April’s presidential congratulate my right hon. Friend the Member for election was Hazara. Southampton, Itchen (Mr Denham) on establishing One of the main achievements in Afghanistan has it—and also to look at how we systematically approach been to bring a measure of democracy and representative this so that we have a method of working in which, as government to the people of that country, but many my hon. Friend the Member for Bridgend (Mrs Moon) obstacles still exist. All of us know all too well that said, we bring attention to the issue and do not allow it there is more to democracy than voting and more to ever to be dropped again. democratic government than representing the views of I want to thank Baroness Warsi for the work she did the majority. A true democracy is one where not only and the commitment she undertook on this issue, but are the views and wishes of the majority represented may I make a suggestion to the Minister? I know he has but the needs of the minority are given protection and offered to meet the all-party group, but a systematic respect. report from Government on how we are going to approach Jim Shannon (Strangford) (DUP): There seems to be this issue on a whole range of levels would be helpful. an attitude permeating through the Pakistani Government Obviously, there is an element of carrot and stick. In that picks on small ethnic groups and religious groups, terms of positive assistance through DFID, there is a and does so purposely because they are small. Does the question as to how we target resources with regard to hon. Lady think that we should take the action suggested the Hazara community in Pakistan and Afghanistan, by other Members and try to redirect DFID money to and what support we can concretely give them, because those who need it most rather than to the Government they are suffering economically as a result of the oppression who are taking it out on people in minorities? they are facing. The second point is to do with the conflict pool and conflict prevention and resolution. Mrs Moon: The hon. Gentleman, as always, is trying We have looked at proposals in other areas where we to steal my best lines. I ask him to wait until my conclusion. support Human Rights Watch and other human rights If Afghanistan is going to survive, the rights of organisations to put people on the ground, including groups such as the Hazara need not only to be tolerated supporting the Hazaras in terms of the legal representation but fully accepted and incorporated into the workings they need on individual cases. of the state. This is no small task or easy feat even in the Thirdly, there is an element of stick. As has been said, best of circumstances, but many of the ingredients are Pakistan receives a significant amount of aid from this there. Article 2 of the constitution guarantees freedom country. It is also a significant trading partner with us. of worship and article 22 clearly states the equal rights All of those trading agreements now have a commitment of all Afghan citizens before the law. The most difficult to human rights embodied in them, but that is not being tasks that Afghanistan has to meet are freedom of fulfilled. We must explain to the Pakistani Government worship and equal rights. At the end of the day, this will in particular that if they want this relationship with us, be the only way of ensuring the well-being of minorities they have to start delivering by addressing human rights and the stability of the whole country. abuses in this particular instance, and we should invite The British Government have committed to provide them to bring forward their programme of work for ongoing financial support for Afghanistan and Pakistan. tackling this disgraceful abuse of the Hazaras. This House must make it very clear today that we will I want the Minister to meet the all-party group, but be watching to see how all minority groups are protected also to prepare a systematic report on how we can and engaged with, and that when considering our financial bring forward this issue so that we can protect this support we will be looking for freedom of worship and community. equal rights for all minorities.

9.33 pm 9.37 pm John McDonnell (Hayes and Harlington) (Lab): Like Mike Gapes (Ilford South) (Lab/Co-op): In recent everybody else in the Commons today, I knew nothing weeks we have been commemorating events relating to about Hazaras until a small group of my constituents the first world war. One thing we have been commemorating turned up in my constituency office and took me through is the contribution of the British Indian army and those their experience, which was horrendous. The group people who came out of the colonial past of 100 years travelled as pilgrims and on the coach they were divided ago and gave their lives for our country. Many of them on ethnic lines, taken off, and a number of them murdered were Hazaras. on the spot. That was just one experience. When I Hazara groups were part of the British Indian army witnessed the photographs and the reports, I felt, like from the early years of the last century. They were everyone else, lacking because I did not know about this involved in many parts of the world, including the and a sense of a sin of omission in not doing anything middle east, as part of a group of Hazara Pioneers who about it. came out of Quetta. 131 Hazaras (Afghanistan and Pakistan)1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Hazaras (Afghanistan and Pakistan) 132

[Mike Gapes] Mr Spellar: I thank the hon. Gentleman for his intervention. I am sure it has been noted by the Foreign At that time, the colonial civil service was also staffed Office Minister. Part of the effectiveness of this debate by many Hazaras. Their commitment to education and is in raising this in the order of priorities of not only the the role of women in society has been mentioned, and Foreign Office, but the Department for International that is an important reason why they were used by the Development, which has been mentioned by a number British colonial authorities. As a result of that, however, of hon. Members. there is discrimination against and hostility to this The only redeeming feature at the moment of this minority from some other groups. The Hazaras face not situation is the much greater level of public awareness just the problem that they are Shi’a predominantly, but and debate on these issues, and the welcome attention also the problem that their commitment to girls’ education in the political world. Today’s debate is one example of draws hostility from adherents to the more virulent forms that. In this House there has been a growing interest in of misogyny and hatred of education of girls that comes the persecution of not only the Hazaras, but of Rohingya out of the Taliban, as we have seen in recent years. Muslims in Burma, of Baha’is in Iran and of the The Hazaras come from Bamyan province in Ahmadiyya community in a number of Muslim countries. Afghanistan, which is where the Taliban destroyed the Increasingly, we have also seen persecution of various ancient Buddhas of another religious minority that Christian groups in a variety of countries across the were part of the history of that country. As my hon. world, particularly in the middle east and Indian Friend the Member for Bridgend (Mrs Moon) said, we subcontinent, including Pakistan, to which I will return need to be very vigilant about what happens in Afghanistan in a moment. For many people, campaigning on their over the next two or three years. Whoever eventually behalf often seems a lonely road to be travelling, as they becomes President—if anybody ever does and they ever try to get a message across about the horrors to a world do finish the process of election verification and counting— that is unaware, as many colleagues have rightly indicated. must be held to account. Therefore, this level of interest from Parliament and We will need to make sure that the Afghan Government Government is particularly welcome. As we are seeing speak for, and represent, all of the communities in tonight and in other debates, these issues unite those on Afghanistan, and we must also use our diplomatic both sides of the House—Government and Opposition channels and our aid programme in a targeted way to alike. assist minorities within Pakistan. Britain has a great In early July, the shadow Foreign Secretary, my right relationship with Pakistan and that must continue, but hon. Friend the Member for Paisley and Renfrewshire we also need to speak up for minorities there. South (Mr Alexander), rightly said in a speech to Christians on the Left that 9.40 pm “The first centuries of Christianity are often described as being Mr John Spellar (Warley) (Lab): First, I congratulate scarred by blood, violence and brutality. And yet the plight of my right hon. Friend the Member for Southampton, Christians today could go down in history as one of the most Itchen (Mr Denham) on securing this short but significant brutal periods of our common history.” debate. He has had a long history of campaigning for That is being borne out on a daily basis on our television the Hazara community during his time in Parliament, screens. He also rightly stressed that and they will greatly miss his voice when he retires at the “wherever Christians are persecuted, the right to religious freedom next general election, as indeed will his wider constituency for all is jeopardized.” in Southampton. There have been particular concerns about the failure of As hon. Members will be very much aware, the the state—and even its involvement and that of its persecution of the Hazaras is part of a greater tide of institutions—to protect those who practise Christianity religious and ethnic intolerance and persecution around in Pakistan. As my hon. Friend the Member for Bridgend the world, and of appalling brutalities perpetrated on (Mrs Moon) rightly said, we will be watching carefully those of a different faith or community. The barbarities for any failure of the state to protect minorities, including of ISIS are the most recent, graphic and disgusting the Hazara. We will be watching for any failure of the examples, but, unfortunately, they are by no means state in Pakistan, and indeed in Afghanistan, in its duty unique. Equally reprehensible is the acquiescence, even to provide that protection: where it is failing to protect complicity, of state bodies in actions against minority them from other groups, leaving aside what it is doing in groups, particularly faith groups, and hon. Members its own right. We also need to be clear that the right to have given examples of that. My right hon. Friend and freedom of religion includes the right to change one’s his parliamentary neighbour, my hon. Friend the Member religion, as well as the right not to believe. Those rights for Southampton, Test (Dr Whitehead), drew attention are enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human to some of those, particularly the failure to take action Rights, which was agreed in 1948 after the horrors of against Lashkar-e-Jhangvi. That organisation has proudly world war two. In ringing tones, it declared: claimed responsibility for some of the attacks, yet many of its leaders continue to play command and leadership “Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or roles, they avoid prosecution, they escape and they belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and evade accountability. Some of them, having been arrested, in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, have even escaped from military and civil detention in practice, worship and observance.” circumstances the authorities have found hard to explain. The international community should be working, striving Bob Stewart (Beckenham) (Con): The International and insisting on those rights. Criminal Court is the court of next resort which may well It is good to see this issue being dealt with in the prosecute such people, and we should make much greater broader context, but we must also focus on the particular, use of it when states refuse to prosecute individuals. so that the voices of the persecuted are heard. That is 133 Hazaras (Afghanistan and Pakistan)1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Hazaras (Afghanistan and Pakistan) 134 why today’s debate is so welcome. As my right hon. issues. It is good to see that the second assistant President Friend the Member for Southampton, Itchen (Mr Denham) is a Hazara and that one fifth of MPs in the Afghan said, the position of Hazaras in both Afghanistan and Parliament are Hazaras, too. Unfortunately, the same Pakistan is especially hazardous, particularly with the cannot be said in Pakistan. uncertainties that we are anticipating with the end of The hon. Member for Hayes and Harlington (John the NATO military drawdown. There are also continuing McDonnell) spoke about a report on tackling these uncertainties over the outcome of the presidential election issues. This is now the third such debate in as many and whether there will be an inclusive Government in years and I hope that it will become an annual event. Afghanistan. That inclusivity needs to draw in not just The FCO’s annual human right report and quarterly all the major actors but all the communities in the updates comprehensively cover persecutions faced by country. As I have repeatedly said, it is also vital that all, including the Hazaras, so perhaps we should have a there is early involvement by the neighbouring countries, debate on the report itself to highlight that point. all of which have an interest in stability in Afghanistan, but all of which could lose out if they try to play for The hon. Member for Ilford South (Mike Gapes) sectional advantage, which will contribute to breakdown. spoke about the future of the Afghan Government. He Minorities such as the Hazara, which is probably one of is perhaps better aware than most that we are in a bit of the worst treated groups in the region, need to have a stagnation period at the moment and are waiting for their rights protected. an outcome and for votes to be counted. Once that happens and there is agreement about what Britain’s It is clear that many extremist groups are still receiving and the international community’s role can be, we can protection from the authorities. Although a ban has step forward and start addressing some of the other been in place since 2002, it has not stopped them from issues. carrying out attacks across Pakistan. Civilian and military security forces deployed in Balochistan have done little The right hon. Member for Warley (Mr Spellar) to investigate the attacks on the Hazara or to take steps spoke about LEJ, the prime persecutor of the Hazaras. to prevent the next attacks. The head of LEJ has been We should bear it in mind that it is not the only one, but prosecuted for alleged involvement, but has not been it is obviously the focus of our attention. convicted. Now we are seeing some of those who have The conflict pool was mentioned by a number of been involved in the atrocities against the Hazara being right hon. and hon. Members and has now been replaced released from prison. by the conflict, security and stability fund, which is a Tonight, all parts of the House are calling not only much longer phrase for us to get our heads around. for greater public awareness but for the Foreign Office There certainly needs to be more focus on what we can and Department for International Development and do using that fund. The forthcoming NATO summit international forums to make the persecution of Hazaras was mentioned and I will certainly do my best to have a a priority in their discussions with the Governments of number of bilaterals on this subject. I had the fortune Pakistan and Afghanistan. Such a call is not only in our of speaking to our high commissioner in Pakistan on interests but a matter of decency. the matter this evening. This is an area with which I am familiar. I congratulate 9.48 pm the right hon. Member for Southampton, Itchen, who is The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign a bonus to this House, on showing how a constituency and Commonwealth Affairs (Mr Tobias Ellwood): Iam matter can be moved forward. He has become very grateful to the right hon. Member for Southampton, much an expert in the matter and I think the whole Itchen (Mr Denham) for calling for this debate and for House is grateful to him. I was the former co-chair of ensuring that it took place on such a busy day in the the all-party group on Afghanistan and I visited the Chamber. Important contributions have been made by country and the region a number of times, so I am Members from all parts of the House. I will try to touch pleased to be able to take on the portfolio and move the on some of them, but if I do not get through them all, agenda forward. I will write to hon. Members. As I have said, this is the third debate since 2012 on My hon. Friend the Member for Stafford (Jeremy the position of the Hazaras and it remains an issue of Lefroy) mentioned the important role of the International grave concern for Her Majesty’s Government. Sadly, Development Committee and the work of DFID. I the difficulties faced by the Hazara community, which hope that they will continue their studies in this area. the right hon. Member for Southampton, Itchen raised Britain is committed to providing £70 million for a in this House last year, remain in 2014 and it is a tragedy number of years in Afghanistan, and we are one of the that people from minority communities across Pakistan major donors in Pakistan as well. and Afghanistan, including the Hazaras, suffer the scourge of sectarian violence, a scourge that should not have a The hon. Member for Southampton, Test place anywhere in the world in the 21st century. (Dr Whitehead) spoke about the role of Iran and the responsibility of the Pakistani Government to do more The appalling acts of sectarian violence are well- and not turn a blind eye to the various incidents taking documented by human rights groups and the FCO’s place. own quarterly human rights report on Pakistan, which I My hon. Friend the Member for Eastleigh (Mike have mentioned, highlighted that the first three months Thornton) spoke about improving knowledge of what of 2014 saw no substantial improvements. Our human is happening with the Hazaras not just in this place but rights report on Afghanistan continues to view the in Britain as a whole. The hon. Member for Bridgend situation as poor. (Mrs Moon) said how easy it is to identify the Hazaras In Pakistan and Afghanistan, sectarian violence is because of their make up and also spoke about the role not isolated to the Hazara community. We must remember of the Afghan Government in addressing some of the that the former senior Minister of State at the Foreign 135 Hazaras (Afghanistan and Pakistan)1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Hazaras (Afghanistan and Pakistan) 136

[Mr Tobias Ellwood] I am conscious of the time and wish to allow the right hon. Member for Southampton, Itchen the opportunity Office, the right hon. Baroness Warsi, who has already to give us his final thoughts on the subject, so I conclude been mentioned in the debate, highlighted on many my remarks by reiterating that the UK is committed to occasions how ethnicity, religion, the freedom to have a the enduring relationship with Pakistan and Afghanistan religion and the right to believe what one chooses to and all their peoples, regardless of faith or ethnicity. We believe extend across sectarian lines. Both Pakistan and will continue to work with the leaders of Pakistan and Afghanistan have laws and constitutional protections Afghanistan to address ethnic and religious persecution. for the rights of citizens and minorities, but turning We will remain unwavering in our commitment to frank those words and genuine commitment from the discussion with them as our friends. We will not shy Governments into action is where much of the challenge away from tough messages on the rights of minorities. lies. We recognise that Afghanistan and Pakistan face Having recently taken the responsibility for Afghanistan significant internal security challenges that have seen and Pakistan within the Foreign Office, I am committed thousands of their citizens of all faiths killed in terrorist to ensuring that those issues receive the attention they and other violence, which is why Her Majesty’s Government deserve. I look forward to meeting members of the are committed to ensuring that both countries understand all-party parliamentary group in due course to ensure the need for urgent resolution to the violence faced by that I understand the issues fully. Once again, I thank the Hazaras as well as by other minority groups facing the right hon. Gentleman and others for ensuring that persecution. this important issue receives the attention it deserves. We do not underestimate the difficulty of that challenge, but we will not shy away from urging real commitment 9.57 pm to progress. We remain unequivocal in our call for the Mr Denham: I thank the Minister. I know that his Governments of Pakistan and Afghanistan to address interest in these matters predates his appointment to the the concerns of all their citizens, regardless of ethnicity, Front Bench, on which I congratulate him. I hope that religion or gender, and we continue to raise the issue at we can develop the same relationship we had with his both ministerial and senior ministerial level, including predecessor, who personally went further than other Baroness Warsi’s visit to Pakistan last year following Ministers had done to raise the issue with the Pakistan her meeting with representatives of the all-party authorities. parliamentary group on the Hazara. We will monitor I want to say three things. First, I want to put on and shine a spotlight on the plight of the Hazara and record my tribute to the Hazara community in this other minorities in Afghanistan and Pakistan, including country. A group of people, most of whom came here through the Foreign and Commonwealth Office human as refugees and asylum seekers, have managed to use rights report. the system of parliamentary democracy by talking to Our relationship with Afghanistan and Pakistan on hon. Members individually as constituency MPs to aid remains significant. Of course, we do not make our have the affairs of their communities in Pakistan and aid conditional on specific issues, which will remain the Afghanistan, many of which have personal links—personal case, but UK aid to any country is based on three sufferings connect them—raised in the House. That is a shared commitments with partner Governments: first, significant achievement. poverty reduction and meeting the millennium development Secondly, beneath the points of principle on action goals; secondly, respecting human rights and other raised in the debate, policies that could be changed and international obligations; and thirdly, strengthening financial reports that could be made, there is a great deal of management and accountability. In Pakistan, our aid detail that we would like to discuss with the Government helps the authorities to make progress in those areas, about how they could develop relationships with including concrete measures to improve the economy, Afghanistan and Pakistan, and develop the aid programme. reform education and devote proper attention to human I look forward to the opportunity of doing so. rights. Thirdly, our country has been tied up with the histories of both Afghanistan and Pakistan for many years, Mr Spellar: But many of those objectives are undermined including recent years. People, including many of our by the uncertainty and the terrorism being inflicted on constituents, are tired of our involvement. I hope that, the Hazara and other communities, particularly those tonight, we have made the simple point that we cannot who are among the most commercially productive and walk away. We have responsibilities for the position entrepreneurial. Is there not therefore a direct link faced by the Hazara community and others in Afghanistan between the objectives and getting change in behaviour? and Pakistan, and we must ensure that we do not allow them to slip. Mr Ellwood: The right hon. Gentleman is right to Question put and agreed to. highlight that. That is why we are focusing on those Resolved, three areas of education, tackling poverty and confronting That this House has considered the position of Hazaras in the extremist narrative. Afghanistan and Pakistan. 137 1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Clinical Technology Appraisals 138 (NICE) Clinical Technology Appraisals (NICE) There is another level of uncertainty. Drugs on the CDF can be de-listed at any time. The failure of NICE Motion made, and Question proposed, That this House to approve treatments means that the fund has been do now adjourn.—(Dr Thérèse Coffey.) working at or above its planned financial capacity. Again, I am grateful that the Government have recognised 10 pm that with the announcement last week, but the chair of the fund seemed to hint last week that time may be Eric Ollerenshaw (Lancaster and Fleetwood) (Con): I called on some of the drugs on the list very soon. That welcome the Minister to his place. I hope that he does would be a disaster for possibly thousands of patients not feel that he has drawn the short straw by having the and their families around the country. I understand that 10 o’clock slot. I am pleased to be here to have the these things need to be considered in detail, but I would opportunity to raise an issue of growing concern to be very grateful if the Minister could address this NHS patients throughout the country, particularly those specific issue in his response. In particular, will he suffering from cancer. It will be a debate about how clarify the process and likely time scale for any de-listing new drugs and treatments are approved, or not, by the of drugs? National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. That organisation’s acronym spells NICE, but, sadly, for What does this mean in practice? The Minister knows many patients the decisions it makes often seem anything that I have a particular concern for improved treatments but. for pancreatic cancer patients. He may remember an Adjournment debate back in March when we discussed Tonight’s debate is particularly timely given the the new drug Abraxane. When used in combination announcement last week about the expansion of the with standard chemotherapy, it has been shown in trials cancer drugs fund. That is of course welcome, but it to extend eligible patients’ lives by an average of just does serve to highlight the ongoing problem. That over two months, although in some cases it is significantly announcement comes on the back of a number of more. recent decisions by NICE not to fund important new At the time of the debate in March, I expressed my cancer drugs. Both Kadcyla for metastatic breast cancer support for Pancreatic Cancer UK’s “Two More Months” and Abiraterone for routine use in prostate cancer are campaign, which gave a number of examples of what high- profile examples, so the whole issue of the affordability two more months in life would have achieved for various of the drugs bill is back in the news, and especially how people, and asked Ministers for the drug to be added to NICE carries out its cost-benefit analysis and comes to the CDF. Imagine my delight when that happened. As I its decisions. understand it, between the end of March and the end of My original reason for raising this issue was the June this year, 118 patients have accessed Abraxane current review of NICE’s technical appraisals, the on the NHS. That would not be happening if CDF did consultation on which closed earlier in the summer. I not exist. will make some specific points on that, but first I want Abraxane is currently under consideration by NICE to set out the problem as I see it and give some wider for routine use for eligible metastatic pancreatic cancer context. Put simply, I do not believe that the appraisal patients on the NHS—a move that would make it easier system is fit for purpose, at least not for cancer drugs. In for patients to access the drug. I believe that a decision 2011-12, NICE rejected 60% of the cancer medicines on whether to approve Abraxane for use will be made in that it assessed. What makes it worse is that the rate at the next few weeks. However, if we use the quality-adjusted which they have been turned down has actually increased life-year system, the price of an additional two months since 2010. That is largely because the methods used to of life looks set to be deemed too costly. Most drugs are work out the cost-benefits of each drug are too restrictive. capped at £30,000 a year, and Abraxane is estimated at The use of what are called “quality of adjusted life slightly above £50,000. years” does not take into account many potential benefits Although NICE allows a higher cost threshold of for patients and their families. The appraisal process is about £50,000, that is only for drugs that meet its also far too long—it can take a year to conclude that a current end-of-life criteria, which demand that a new new drug priced by a company at X is not cost-effective. drug provide at least three months’ extra survival on Subsequent resubmissions by a company, based on a average. The evidence so far does not show that Abraxane new price or new clinical data, can then take just as does that. However, if we consider that the average long. survival time for a pancreatic cancer patient from diagnosis Most of these drugs are already licensed for use in the is just two to six months, we can imagine that an extra UK but can be obtained only through private health two months’ survival is massively significant. Instead of care. It was that repeated failure to give patients on the having arbitrary targets in terms of months, why do we NHS the same access to cancer drugs that led to the not look at percentages of the average survival rate as a creation of the cancer drugs fund. That was a hugely means of dealing with these more difficult cancers and welcome move, and I commend the Government for it. diagnoses? Because of the fund, 55,000 patients have since 2010 If Abraxane is rejected by NICE, as I fear it might be, been able to access drugs that they would not otherwise we will be back to relying on the cancer drugs fund to have had. But we have to admit that the CDF is, in a provide it. It will end up like other treatments that are sense, a sticking plaster. It was only ever envisaged as an available for pancreatic cancers, only one of which has interim measure until NICE got its act together and been approved by NICE. Non-drug alternatives such as became more user-friendly. Even with the welcome new NanoKnife and CyberKnife, which have been discussed boost to its total funds, the CDF is scheduled to expire in this Chamber, are in use in private practice but have in 2016. That expiry date is fast approaching and many, not been approved by NICE for clinical use on the particularly amongst the charities, are worried about NHS. Patients are forced to spend tens of thousands of what will happen after that date. pounds of their savings to access those treatments privately. 139 Clinical Technology Appraisals 1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Clinical Technology Appraisals 140 (NICE) (NICE) [Eric Ollerenshaw] Scottish Medicines Consortium has just changed its system along those lines, and that might be a good We are in a position where new treatments might model to consider. start to make a small difference in survival rates for Lastly, a specific end-of-life weighting really must be pancreatic cancer—there have been no improvements in maintained in the new system. It cannot, however, be so those rates over the past 40 years—but such improvements prescriptive that it excludes new treatments for cancers will have been despite, not because of, NICE. That must with extremely poor prognoses, such as pancreatic cancer. change. NICE’s current three-month rule makes that a specific Indeed, change is now in prospect. NICE is currently problem that the new system must tackle. looking at introducing a new way of assessing drugs, To sum up, of course the NHS does not have an called value-based assessment. The consultation on it unlimited budget—we all understand that—and it is closed in June and I understand that some next steps are right to seek value for money for taxpayers. Drug due to be announced very soon. companies must also be realistic when pricing their I have looked at the proposals, but I must say to the drugs, but as I have said, the current system provides Minister that there are worries that the new system will incentives for them to pitch high. This review of appraisals not improve the current situation. Briefly, my concerns gives us an opportunity to make them work better. We are these. First, the proposals maintain a quality-adjusted urgently need reform because for too many cancer life-years system as the basis of an appraisal. That will sufferers NICE simply is not working. still mean that many benefits to patients and their loved Until that improved system is in place, the cancer ones highlighted by patient groups might not be taken drugs fund will remain vital, and the extra money will into account. Secondly, it is proposed that specific be well spent. I hope that it will be extended beyond end-of-life criteria be removed and incorporated in a 2016 to make sure there is at least one fast and effective wider “burden of illness” measure. There is no guarantee route for cancer drug approvals. However, that can only that this measure will capture the unique requirements ever be a temporary fix. There must be a more reliable of end-of-life drugs. Thirdly, the way the proposals are long-term system to get cancer patients the treatments framed could well mean that the age of patients with a that they so desperately need. Such decisions can literally particular condition could count against the drugs, be life-and-death ones, and too often we are not getting which is a particular concern given, as everybody knows, them right. Cancer need not be a death sentence, but the that the likelihood of getting cancer increases with age. rejection of a drug based on a flawed assessment might Perhaps more importantly, I see nothing in the proposals be one. that suggests that the new appraisal process will be any For many patients, extra days and months are not quicker than the current one, and time is one thing that just numbers in a cost-benefit equation, but precious many cancer patients do not have. moments with loved ones. NICE must recognise that I have serious reservations about the proposals. The the timeline is arbitrary, and it must start to build on the crucial question is this: will the new system make more success of the cancer drugs fund. cancer treatments available or fewer? If there were confidence that the new set of criteria would solve the 10.13 pm problem, we might not be facing the need for extra funds, but as things stand, the extra CDF money remains The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business, the lifeline. If the new system does not solve the problem Innovation and Skills (George Freeman): MayIsaywhat and the CDF ends in 2016, we will be back to square a pleasure it is to start my role on the Front Bench one, with thousands of patients not getting the drugs under your careful guidance tonight, Mr Speaker? they need and deserve—drugs which over the past four I pay tribute to my hon. Friend the Member for years have been proved to make an immense difference Lancaster and Fleetwood (Eric Ollerenshaw) for his to patients’ and their families’ and friends’ lives. tireless campaigning on this subject, his leadership in These fears are shared by many cancer charities and the House and his work on the all-party group on patients groups. I hope that their responses to the pancreatic cancer. He has been a tireless campaigner on consultation will be given the consideration they deserve. behalf of patients affected by pancreatic cancer, which If they are, it should be possible to devise a system that is a terrible disease. I know that the subject is very close genuinely works. That means a system that works faster. to his heart, having been affected by the tragic loss of The NICE process is extensive, but it takes too long. Why his partner from pancreatic cancer. I applaud him and on earth when a drug is rejected at one price does the pay tribute to him for the work he has done. I pay whole elongated process that I have mentioned have to tribute to all the patients and charities who are so active start again when it is resubmitted at a new price? There in this area, and I assure him and all those affected that is an argument that that simply encourages companies we want to see the best possible outcomes for all NHS to pitch a high price to begin with, and therefore creates patients and loved ones, including those with pancreatic further delays as the argument goes on to get the price cancer. As is so often the case, the impassioned advocacy down. Why can we not have a system where there are of patients and their loved ones forces the system to sensible negotiations between NICE and the drug companies address the priorities of the patients whom we are all immediately after a drug is licensed, along the lines of here to serve. systems used in many continental countries? It is vital for people, especially those affected by The system should also give more weight to patients’ long-term and life-threatening conditions, to have access and carers’ needs and experiences. At the moment, the to new and promising treatments. That is one of my key process is almost exclusively focused around clinical priorities in my new role. I well understand how effectiveness—that is understandable—and value for disappointing it is for patients and carers when NICE money. Patient engagement is ostensibly taken into does not recommend a particular drug or treatment for account, but it needs to be given a higher priority. The which they have held out such hope. A central part of 141 Clinical Technology Appraisals 1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Clinical Technology Appraisals 142 (NICE) (NICE) my mission as the UK’s first Minister for life sciences—an people in England have, as a result, benefited from the opportunity that reflects the Government’s commitment treatments that are recommended by NICE, including and the Prime Minister’s personal commitment to this for cancer. I am pleased to note that so far this year, agenda—is to accelerate the discovery, design and adoption NICE has recommended five new cancer drugs on the of new drugs in the NHS, making the UK the best place basis that they are clinically effective and cost effective. in the world to discover and design 21st-century health However, the rapid development of breakthroughs in care technologies. genomics, informatics and new diagnostics means that My hon. Friend raised a number of important points NICE’s processes will have to adapt. Since it was established that I want to address. In particular, he asked whether in 1999, NICE’s internationally renowned technology the appraisal process of the National Institute for Health appraisal process has evolved constantly to meet new and Care Excellence is fit for purpose and spoke about challenges. I am confident that it will continue to do the time that is taken over the approval of new drugs so—it will need to if it is to keep its place at the and the importance of the cancer drugs fund. He made a vanguard of international health technology assessment. number of specific references to treatments, not least to The UK and NICE led the world in the late 20th century Abraxane. I will reflect on those references and write in pioneering the health economics of drug discovery. to him so that I have time to address his substantive points. However, the breakthroughs in genomics and clinical I will start by taking a step back to reflect on the informatics are transforming the way in which drugs are context in which NICE works, including the pressures discovered and are allowing us increasingly to design and opportunities that the extraordinary pace of biomedical drugs around patients and their tissues, data and genomic discovery is unlocking. In an age when so many new and phenotypic history. That is unlocking a new era of drugs and treatments are being discovered because of targeted and, ultimately, personalised medicine. Drugs the extraordinary success of our scientists and our life may be designed for patients in whom we know they sciences industry in bringing innovation to the market, will work. That will allow us to change the way in which and in a world in which more people are living longer we procure and provide reimbursement for drugs—from and in which our resources are under ever more sustained payment on performance to outcome-based payments. pressure, it is no surprise that we hear with increasing We are at the dawn of an exciting new age of more frequency stories of new drugs and of NICE’s decisions accurate, effective, specific and targeted medicines. We to restrict their use to smaller groups of patients. no longer expect to give every drug to every patient. We As my hon. Friend is all too aware, we, like other do not expect the industry to bring drugs to us that can Governments across the globe, face a great challenge to be proven to work in every single patient. We will be ensure that every pound of health service money is well able to unlock huge efficiencies in the NHS’s £12 billion spent on effective treatments. The NHS does not have drugs budget through a much more targeted model of an infinite budget. As we make significant advances in medicine, and it will mean a radically different mission these areas, which in turn will bring more treatment for NICE in the coming years. Accelerating this country’s options, the demands on those resources will increase. leadership in that area is central to my appointment, The discovery of new treatment options is great news, and I am delighted to be able to take the opportunity to but it brings new challenges. That is particularly relevant spell that out. to cancer, for which a number of new high-cost drugs I note my hon. Friend’s concerns about the length of have arrived in recent years. Some of those, despite their time that it can take for new drugs to be made available. cost, offer only marginal improvements in quality and I very much recognise that as both a core barrier to length of life. I recognise, as my hon. Friend pointed making the UK the best place in the world to develop out, that for patients who are dying, a few extra months new medicines and a great opportunity. I should like to provide precious extra time for them and their loved speak a little about a particular case that illustrates the ones. The challenges is to find an equitable way of importance of early access. dealing with the difficult ethical, medical and economic I recently met, and got to know, a leukaemia and judgments that we have to make. That is where NICE lymphoma patient who was diagnosed 10 years ago fits in. with chronic myeloid leukaemia. He was in his early 40s Over the years, this country has, through NICE, led and had a young family, and he was given about three the way in developing an evidence-based assessment years to live—10 years ago. He is alive today because he system to determine how drugs and treatments are best was one of just three patients placed on a clinical trial used in the NHS. Initially set up in 1999, NICE has by his oncologist at the university of Birmingham hospital played an invaluable role in providing internationally back in 2001. The trial, of Glivec, now one of the most respected guidance to the NHS on the clinical and cost commonly used CML drugs, was his lucky break. He effectiveness of drugs and treatments. Those are difficult was one of the first patients to receive a groundbreaking decisions to make. NICE reaches its final decision on new treatment, giving him an extra decade with his the use of a particular technology only after careful and young family and now a clean bill of health and a life thorough consideration of all the available evidence that he is using as a pioneering campaigner for the and following extensive consultation with stakeholders. revolution of targeted medicine. The Government firmly believe that cost-effective, Of course, it is important that any new medicine is clinically appropriate drugs and devices should be routinely shown to be effective and safe before it is used routinely available to NHS patients. That is why NHS commissioners within the NHS, but I believe that we need to do much are legally required to fund treatments that are more to help the patients in the direst need to access recommended by NICE’s appraisals, why the right of pioneering drugs more quickly so that luck does not patients to NICE-recommended drugs and treatments come in to it. That is why the Prime Minister and I have is enshrined in the new NHS constitution, and why we committed to the early access to medicine scheme, are acting to promote the rapid uptake of NICE- which we launched earlier this year. That UK-only recommended drugs in the NHS. Many thousands of scheme addresses unmet need on an unlicensed or off-label 143 Clinical Technology Appraisals 1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Clinical Technology Appraisals 144 (NICE) (NICE) [George Freeman] benefited from the fund since October 2010, and I am delighted to be able to confirm that the Prime Minister, basis for patients with life-threatening or seriously the Secretary of State for Health and I are all committed debilitating conditions who do not have adequate alternative to the renewal of the fund. Indeed, we announced last treatments, by supporting access to very promising new week that an additional £160 million would be made treatments long before we would normally expect to available to the fund through to March 2016, which will receive them through the usual approval process. We allow patients to continue to receive the extra drugs that have much more work to do, but I am pleased to see are right for them. that the UK medicines regulator, the Medicines and We also announced plans for NHS England, NICE, Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, is now starting charities and industry to work together to improve the to receive applications for the scheme. I am also pleased way cancer drugs are commissioned. We must make to say that pioneering life science companies have pledged better use of the cancer drugs fund to generate better their support and made applications to the European data on new drugs, so that we can address the uncertainties Medicines Agency’s adaptive licensing pilot. NICE has that so often affect early clinical trial evidence, and help also been involved in discussions on both those initiatives, NHS patients and clinicians to understand the real along with NHS England, to ensure that licensing decisions world value of those drugs—indeed, today I met Harpal translate into patient access. The central aim of the Kumar from Cancer Research UK to discuss that point. early access to medicines scheme is to create a new I note my hon. Friend’s concerns about future access to fast-track runway to get a new generation of innovative cancer drugs, and will carefully consider with NHS medicines to the patients for whom there is no alternative England what arrangements should be put in place for treatment, to give them a chance and some hope that the fund in the longer term. their suffering might help to prevent suffering for future Central to this quiet revolution is patient empowerment, generations. and 21st-century health care will move from being My hon. Friend also raised the important issue of the something in the 20th century that was done to patients length of the NICE appraisal process. I appreciate how by the Government when they deemed it appropriate, to important it is, when new drugs are licensed, that the something that 21st-century citizens will be entitled to NHS has good guidance on their use as quickly as and empowered to take more responsibility for themselves. possible so that clinicians can make the best possible In access to research and drugs, access to outcomes use of them. In drug discovery, time is money, and data, and people’s ability to shape their health choices, accelerating assessment and approval is the single most we are committed to accelerating that quiet revolution. important reform that we have to make. I am absolutely committed to it. In fact, I met NICE’s chief executive Ensuring patients have more say in how their care is and chair today to highlight that point. For me, tonight’s delivered and embedding choice are key themes in the debate marks the beginning of a conversation about the Health and Social Care Act 2012, and I intend to new model for NICE and our work with it on that accelerate that in the field of health care technology. model. NICE is an independent organisation, and it is This quiet revolution is what the Government’s life not for me to second-guess what its final proposals will science strategy set out to frame and accelerate. That is look like, but we have made it clear in the terms of why we have created a new Office for Life Sciences, reference that the end of life will continue to be given bringing together officials from the Department of Health, important consideration. There will certainly be no the Treasury, and the Department for Business, Innovation unlawful discrimination. and Skills. There is a new directorate in the Department of Health to accelerate innovation, and a new ministerial I mentioned genomics. Genomic technologies are post, which it is my honour to hold. A package of other allowing us to make groundbreaking discoveries about measures will help to make the UK in the 21st century how disease works, how different patients become once again what we were in the early 20th century—the susceptible to different diseases and how we can diagnose world leader in medicines discovery. disease earlier, treat it and ultimately prevent it. That is why the Prime Minister and I recently announced a Twenty-first century health care is being utterly £300 million investment to make the UK the world transformed by breakthroughs in genetics, informatics, leader in genomic medicine. For the first time in the diagnostics and the new field of targeted medicine. It world, 100,000 full human genomes from volunteers will transform the way we design and procure new will be sequenced by 2017. It is the most ambitious medicines, and the way that NICE assesses their costs project in biomedicine in the world, and it is a world and benefits. I intend to ensure that this country seizes first. The development of genomically informed medicine the opportunity for the benefits of our children, so that will lead to faster diagnosis, with knowledge based on Britain is once again the best place in the world to genomic technologies being used to better target treatments discover new medicines and to be treated by them. and get the right patients the right treatment faster than I congratulate my hon. Friend again on his advocacy is possible today. I do not think it is an exaggeration to and the important issues he has raised tonight, and I say that it has the potential to transform how we will write to address his specific points in detail. I look evaluate medicines, the benefits they deliver, who they forward to working with him and the many other groups deliver them to and how effectively. It will help bring to in Parliament and outside who are increasingly active in an end the averaging of outcomes, which sits at the that space, to ensure that his partner, and many hundreds heart of the current NICE model, allowing us to work of thousands of others like him, have not died in vain. out how to give the right drugs to the right patients Question put and agreed to. much quicker than is currently possible. My hon. Friend mentioned the cancer drugs fund and the benefits that it has brought to many patients 10.27 pm and their loved ones. More than 55,000 patients have House adjourned. 1WS Written Statements1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Written Statements 2WS

will help local authorities drive forward development, Written Statements co-ordinate investment and solve the issues that held the regeneration of Ebbsfleet back under the last Labour Monday 1 September 2014 Government. On 13 August, my Department launched a £200 million fund that will help create 10 housing zones on brownfield land where it will be easier to build new homes quickly. COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT The new zones, which will be outside London, should be large enough to deliver 750 to 2,000 properties, and will complement plans for 20 new housing zones in the Summer Recess (DCLG Work) capital. On 15 August, we announced the first wave of projects The Secretary of State for Communities and Local which could benefit from a £1 billion scheme to create Government (Mr Eric Pickles): I would like to update 200,000 new homes across the country in locally-led, hon. Members on the main items of business undertaken large scale sites. My Department published a shortlist by my Department since the House rose for the summer of 36 large-scale housing projects in line to receive a recess. share of £850 million of funding to get work going onsite and house building started. Sites include the Helping people move up and up the housing ladder continued development of the Greenwich peninsula in As part of our long-term economic plan, the coalition south-east London, which will help provide nearly 10,000 Government are working to increase housing supply, new homes; and the redevelopment of the former Rugby build more affordable homes, support the private rented radio station site, to help provide 6,200 homes. sector and champion home ownership. Our housing policies are assisted by our planning On 26 July, new departmental figures showed almost reforms, scrapping top-down targets, and giving people 40,000 households have bought a new home through a greater say over planning decisions that them. On the Help To Buy schemes. More than 32,500 new homes 31 July, my Department published a technical consultation have been bought through the Equity Loan and NewBuy paper on a range of proposals to build on the improvements options, with a further 7,300 sales so far through the we have already made. These will make it easier for Mortgage Guarantee scheme (which commenced at the communities to devise neighbourhood plans, get empty end of last year). More than eight out of 10 sales have and redundant buildings back into productive use, remove gone to first-time buyers and have been for new build gold-plating of EU directives, help builders get onto homes. The Help to Buy is creating a new generation of sites with planning permission without delay and reduce affordable homeowners, and boosting house building to bureaucracy and red tape. the highest level seen since 2007. The latest sales figures In addition to these planning changes, the Government will be published tomorrow. are taking more steps to unlock stalled sites and get On 21 August, my Department published new figures Britain building again. My Department launched a which show work began on 36,230 new homes in England £3 million fund on 30 July to enable work to get started between April and June. This is an increase of 18% on more quickly on up to 85 new housing sites where the same quarter last year. This brings the total number development has been agreed. The funding is available of starts over the last 12 months to 137,780 and is to councils across the country to tackle planning issues further proof that the Government’s long-term economic that can cause delay and prevent builders getting on site plan to improve the housing market is working, building and starting work quickly. 0.5 million homes that have already been delivered since My Department published the progress update on 2010. the review of local authorities’ role in housing supply On 5 August, we announced that hardworking council from Natalie Elphicke and Keith House on 31 July. house tenants who want to own their own home will They highlighted how innovative councils are already now benefit from higher right to buy discounts, and be levering private finance to help deliver the homes their guided through the homebuying process by a new team communities need—and how more could follow in their of experts. My Department’s team of right to buy footsteps. The review argues that many councils could advisers will be on hand to offer free advice, support significantly boost their house building plans by using and information for any tenant who dreams of becoming more private sector investment. a homeowner, while the maximum discounts available On 12 August, my Department introduced a new law now stand at £102,700 in London and £77,000 outside which caps the amount councils can charge leaseholders the capital. Councils that bring forward brownfield for repairs to their homes. This Government are acting land for development could benefit from a share of not least because of the tragic case of my constituent, £5 million to get work started on the new homes, under Florence Bourne, a 93-year-old who was landed with a plans announced by my Department on 7 August. This £50,000 bill by her local authority for roof repairs. She fund will help unlock up to 100 brownfield sites and suffered a fatal heart attack and her family claim she could pave the way for planning permissions on up to “died of shame” because she had never been in debt in 200,000 new homes. her life and could not afford to pay for the work on her On 7 August, we set out plans that put people at the Brentwood home. “Florrie’s law” will limit the amount heart of shaping the future development of the Ebbsfleet councils and housing associations can charge for major garden city. My Department is consulting on plans to repair, maintenance, or improvement works when they create a development corporation that will work with are wholly or partly funded by the Government. The local residents and businesses to grow the garden city in maximum charge outside London is £10,000 in any the way that is right for the local area. The corporation five-year period, with a cap of £15,000 for the capital. 3WS Written Statements1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Written Statements 4WS

We have also ensured that protections for leaseholders country. The Government also announced £2 million of are embedded in the renovation programmes being support to help Eastbourne’s tourist industry following supported by our 2015-16 Decent Homes Backlog fund. the tragic blaze on the pier, which damaged around a We will examine what further support can be offered to third of the structure and an extra £3 million for the other leaseholders. Already, plans are in place to require Government’s Coastal Communities Fund to encourage managing agents to belong to a redress scheme so growth and create jobs in coastal towns. leaseholders have somewhere to go if they get a raw As part of our wider consultation on technical changes deal. We will also look to address: to planning, we announced proposals to enable British providing access to summaries of the determination of tribunal high streets to adapt to meet the changing needs of cases so people have a better understanding of the outcome; today’s modern consumer, by freeing retailers to make making it easier to get recognition of a tenants’ association; changes to their premises so they can offer “click and increasing awareness of what being a leaseholder means collect” services without making a planning application. before people buy leasehold properties; This will ensure the rise of internet shopping supports gaining information on absentee leaseholders, especially where local shops, rather than competing with town centres. owners wish to buy the freehold; On 30 August, as part of the implementation of our ensuring landlords provide a realistic valuation of the price a policies on reining in over-zealous parking enforcement, leaseholder would have to pay to buy the freehold or extend we announced details of the new community powers their lease; which will allow local residents and businesses to challenge the specific issue of transfer (exit) fee covenants particularly the use of unfair yellow lines and parking changes. found in the retirement leasehold sector by referring the Should campaigners secure a minimum of 50 council matter to the Law Commission. taxpayers’ signatures, or 10% of local residents and A triennial review of the functions and form of the businesses in an affected area, this will require the Leasehold Advisory Service (LEASE) started over the council to review their parking policy in a specific summer. The review will examine whether there is a location, and elected councillors then to vote on the continuing need for it. Should it conclude there is it will issue. We have invited representations on the proposed go on to assess the body’s capacity for delivering more thresholds and associated technical details. This new effectively and efficiently, and examine whether its control community right combines direct democracy and and governance arrangements continue to meet the representative democracy. recognised principles of good corporate governance. The technical consultation paper on planning also Supporting local firms and local jobs proposed further action to ensure more parking spaces are provided alongside new homes to end a “vicious On 29 July, the Future High Street Forum—which cycle” where clogged up streets leave drivers to run a my Department created—published an in-depth study gauntlet of congestion, unfair fines and restrictions. into the state of British high streets revealing resurgent This is a different approach from the last Labour high streets are adapting to meet the changing demands Government who imposed Whitehall restrictions on of the nation’s consumers. new parking spaces, leading to more parking difficulties, The university of Southampton report revealed how higher parking charges and more parking fines. My fundamental changes to Britain’s convenience culture Department is consulting on new planning guidance are transforming the way we shop and bringing new which seeks councils’ support to improve the quality business into town. This coincided with the launch of and quantity of parking as part of our long-term the Great British High Street competition to celebrate economic plan. the nation’s best high streets. We have received over On 6 August, we announced a £15 million Government 130 entries under seven separate categories: city centres, grant to help the Humber become a world-class centre town centres, market towns, coastal communities, villages, for offshore renewable energy industries that employs parades and London. Colleagues should get behind this thousands of people. The money will support the Able initiative and champion their own high streets. Marine Energy Park based on the Humber Enterprise The winners will receive a share of £50,000 worth of Zone, which will provide a facility for the manufacture, prize money and dedicated support from industry experts, storage, assembly and deployment of the next generation as part of the Government’s commitment to high streets of offshore wind turbines. This project will create more and its long-term economic plan. It is supporting local than 4,100 direct jobs and will let the Humber grow as a shops and businesses with a billion pound package of leading centre for renewable energy. Building work on investment that includes targeted business rate discounts, the site will create around 350 full-time construction sensible planning changes and action that reins in over- jobs. zealous parking practices. Improving front-line public services Seaside towns have untapped potential to create vibrant On 28 July, my Department teamed up with the economies and are an important part of the Government’s Hollywood animation studio, DreamWorks, to launch long-term economic plan to boost jobs and businesses an innovative partnership between the award-winning around the country. On 1 August, my Department Fire Kills campaign and the new “How To Train Your announced £8.5 million of funding would go to projects Dragon 2”movie. The collaboration resulted in a powerful in 10 coastal towns to help create and safeguard nearly campaign using characters from the well known family 1,400 jobs, while supporting essential repairs in areas film to encourage families to test their smoke alarm on affected by the winter storms. The Coastal Communities the first of every month. This is an innovative example Fund is already making a real difference to our coastal of collaborative marketing, and how the public sector towns and helping communities regenerate their local can work with the private sector to support behavioural economy. So far the scheme has already supported over change at minimal cost. This is part of our wider, 7,500 jobs and 1,400 training places up and down the award-winning Fire Kills campaign. 5WS Written Statements1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Written Statements 6WS

On 7 August, my Department launched an independent honour, during the first world war. On the date review to ensure the conditions of service that firefighters corresponding to when they were awarded the Victoria enjoy continue to support their frontline work of preventing Cross, commemorative a paving stone will be laid in fire and protecting the public for years to come. The their place of birth or where they lived following the review will be led by human resources expert Adrian war. The stones will provide a lasting legacy to their Thomas who will consult with fire and rescue authorities, gallantry in towns and cities across the United Kingdom firefighters, representative bodies before reporting back and will enable residents to gain a greater understanding in 2015. The Government are clear that the public of how their area fitted into the history of the first rightly expects fire and rescue authorities to continue to world war. strive for excellence and to demonstrate the best possible The programme will also see 35 Victoria Cross recipients value for money without compromising the quality of commemorated in the Republic of Ireland. All Victoria front-line services. Cross recipients that were born overseas will be On 19 August, we announced the expansion of the commemorated with a paving stone in the National Government’s Troubled Families programme, to help Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire. The Foreign and vulnerable younger children from struggling homes to Commonwealth Office will also place commemorative get a better chance in life. Work will begin this year in 51 plaques in countries around the world for men from of the best performing areas, ahead of a national five-year overseas who received the Victoria Cross for service in programme from 2015 to help more troubled families the first world war. who cost the taxpayer tens of thousands of pounds per On 28 July, Ministers gave their best wishes to Muslims year without intervention. Recent research shows that in the UK and across the world for Eid, which marks troubled families that have been worked with so far have the end of the Ramadan a period of fast and peaceful an average of nine serious problems such as truancy, prayer. Then on 13 August, Ministers met the Jewish crime, anti-social behaviour, worklessness and domestic organisation, Community Security Trust, to hear about violence. As well as expanding from working with school-age the rise in anti-Semitism as a consequence of recent children to those under five, the wider programme will events in the middle east, and to listen to the concerns also have a particular focus on improving poor health. of the British Jewish community. The group recorded The scheme builds on the success of the current programme more than 200 incidents in July, the second highest run by councils, which new figures show is now helping monthly total since the organisation started recording over 110,000 of the most troubled families in England. incidents in 1984. Britain has a long standing reputation Of these nearly 53,000 have had their lives turned for freedom of speech and freedom of religion, within around thanks to the intensive and practical approach, the law. Whatever one’s views about the politics of which works with the whole family on all of its problems. Israel and Gaza, there is absolutely no place in our A new law came into force on 6 August allowing the country for anti-Semitic attacks. Those who commit independent free press and local citizens to film and hate crimes should expect to be punished with the full digitally report from all public meetings of local government force of the law. Everyone who believes in British liberties bodies. The Openness of Local Government Regulations should condemn anti-Semitism and stand up for the 2014 builds on Margaret Thatcher’s successful Private Jewish community’s right to practice their faith without Members’ Bill from 1960 which allowed for the written fear or intimidation. reporting of council meetings by the press. The new This Government are championing local communities “right to report” goes hand-in-hand with our work to continuing to cherish and celebrate traditional ties and stop unfair state competition from municipal newspapers— community spirit, including flag-flying. On 23 July, my together defending the independent free press. Department raised the flag of Cumberland to celebrate We announced a new fund on 29 August to help Historic County Flags day and on 1 August, my families recycle, without facing the threat of unfair bin Department raised the flag of Yorkshire to celebrate fines or cuts to their bin collection services. The £5 million Yorkshire day. My Department also flew the St Anne’s extra funding will help councils with weekly collections on the Sea flag (26 July), the North Riding flag (22 August) increase their recycling rates, by giving incentives—such and the East Riding flag (24 August). as shopping vouchers and loyalty rewards—to households The St Anne’s flag is an example of our work with the who recycle. This follows a commitment in the coalition Flag institute to help local communities to produce agreement to help support such schemes. The scheme their own local flag where they do not have an historic builds on the success of around 40 projects already flag. St Anne’s on the Sea town council worked with its backed by the weekly collections support scheme to local civic society and the Flag institute on the design of trial and pilot reward programme. Again, this illustrates its flag which was first raised in the town last year. We how behavioural insight can drive change by working are encouraging other areas across the country to come with consumers, without a bullying, taxing or nanny together and design their own flags to celebrate their state approach. The approach of this Government in local identity and community spirit. supporting weekly collections is in contrast to the Welsh Saving taxpayers’ money and rolling back the state Government which are backing fortnightly and monthly bin collections. On 4 August, my Department officially relocated from Eland house, Victoria to share offices with the Championing united communities and British values Home Office in Marsham street, Westminster. The move Over the August bank holiday weekend (23 and will help reduce the size of the public estate, saving 24 August), Ministers led tributes to the bravery of taxpayers an estimated £220 million over the lifetime of world war one heroes at the first ceremonies to mark the the expensive private finance initiative contract signed laying of commemorative Victoria Cross paving stones. under the last Labour Government. Our move is a case This is a nationwide campaign to honour those who study in how local authorities can save taxpayers’ money received the Victoria Cross, Britain’s highest military by sharing services and streamlining property assets. 7WS Written Statements1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Written Statements 8WS

Marsham street was once the home of DCLG’s between the European communities and their member states, predecessor, the Department of the Environment, so in of the one part, and the Republic of Tunisia, of the other many senses, the Department is returning home. Eland part, on a framework agreement between the European house is being redeveloped into extensive shops and Union and the Republic of Tunisia on the general principles for the participation of the Republic of Tunisia in Union offices as part of the ongoing regeneration of the Victoria programmes. area of London. The pot plants purchased by the then Office of the Deputy Prime Minister have been auctioned (ii) Proposal for a Council decision on the conclusion of the off, whilst the luxury, designer Parisian sofas bought by protocol to the Euro-Mediterranean agreement establishing an association between the European communities and their the Labour Government in 2009 as part of an “efficiency member states, of the one part, and the Republic of Tunisia, initiative” will be reused elsewhere in Government. of the other part, on a framework agreement between the However, Members should rest assured that we have European Union and the Republic of Tunisia on the general not off-loaded the entire Department of its fixtures and principles for the participation of the Republic of Tunisia in fittings: our portrait of Her Majesty the Queen is now Union programmes. proudly displayed in our shared reception in Marsham (iii) Council decision on the signing and provisional application, street. on behalf of the Union, of a protocol to the Euro-Mediterranean I am placing in the Library of the House copies of agreement establishing an association between the European the press notices and documents associated with these Community and its member states, of the one part, and the announcements. Republic of Lebanon, of the other part, on a framework agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Lebanon on the general principles for the participation of DEFENCE the Republic of Lebanon in Union programmes. (iv) Council decision on the conclusion of a protocol to the Armed Forces Pay Review Body (Appointments) Euro-Mediterranean agreement establishing an association between the European Community and its member states, of The Secretary of State for Defence (Michael Fallon): I the one part, and the Republic of Lebanon, of the other part, on a framework agreement between the European am pleased to announce that I have appointed Professor Union and the Republic of Lebanon on the general principles Kenneth Mayhew and Rear Admiral (Ret’d) Jonathan for the participation of the Republic of Lebanon in Union Westbrook as members of the armed forces pay review programmes. body. The appointments will last until 28 February 2018 and the process has been conducted in accordance with The UK welcomes allowing Lebanon and Tunisia to the guidance of the Office of the Commissioner for participate in Union programmes which will help familiarise Public Appointments. them with EU policies and working methods, and allow for progressive integration into EU networks. There are Recruit Trainee Survey also several programmes around modernising and developing their economy. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence Tunisia is the region’s post-revolution success story (Mr Julian Brazier): Today I am publishing the 2013 and is establishing itself as a model for peaceful democratic recruit trainee survey annual report. All recruits and transition. A new progressive constitution and electoral trainees passing through phase 1 and 2 training are law have been approved in 2014, and plans are under offered the opportunity to participate in the survey way to hold elections this year, in accordance with the which is anonymous and administered independently constitution. Tunisia’s involvement in Union programmes on behalf of the services by an external provider. following signature of the protocol will further support its reform process and will help bring it into line with The annual report contains the views of recruits and international standards. This ties in with our policy trainees about topics such as the preparation for joining, objectives and would be a positive next step in the their treatment during phase 1 and 2 training, food, maturing EU-Tunisia bilateral relationship. accommodation, access to instructional and welfare staff and complaints procedures. Overall the results are Lebanon needs to become a stronger independent positive and importantly the findings are used by service country less susceptible to the impact of regional events. training headquarters and units to monitor the training Allowing Lebanon to become involved in European environment and make improvements. Union programmes will help it do this. The UK is A version of the full “Recruit Trainee Survey 2013 strongly committed to supporting Lebanon’s stability, Annual Report” has been placed in the Library of the security and prosperity.Future involvement from Lebanon House. in Union programmes will help the UK meet these objectives. The country is currently facing many pressing FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE challenges including the hosting of over 1 million Syrian refugees and security challenges. Lebanon would welcome Tunisia and Lebanon (Participation in Union additional EU support and closer ties. Programmes) These Council decisions relate in part to the Republic of Tunisia’s and Republic of Lebanon’s eligibility to The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign participate in the Fiscalis 2020 Union action programme and Commonwealth Affairs (Mr Tobias Ellwood): I wish and the Customs 2020 Union action programme, thus to inform the House that the Government have opted in triggering the UK justice and home affairs opt-in. I to the following measures: believe it is in the UK’s interest to opt in to these (i) Proposal for a Council decision on the signing and measures, as we have already opted in to the internal provisional application, on behalf of the Union, of a protocol EU instruments establishing the Fiscalis and Customs to the Euro-Mediterranean agreement establishing an association 2020 Union action programmes. 9WS Written Statements1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Written Statements 10WS

HOME DEPARTMENT criminal proceedings, proposal for a directive on procedural safeguards for children suspected or accused in criminal proceedings, proposal for a directive on provisional legal aid for suspects or UK Criminal Records (Interoperability) accused persons deprived of liberty and legal aid in European arrest warrant proceedings, which were all published by the European Commission (“the Commission”) at the same time. The Minister for Security and Immigration (James These decisions were debated in the other place on 18 March 2014. Explanatory memoranda for each proposal have previously been Brokenshire): Today we have completed work to connect deposited in Parliament. Northern Ireland criminal records to those of the rest The Commission produced a legislative proposal on the of the UK. For the first time, this will provide strengthening of certain aspects of the presumption of innocence interoperability through an automated link between the and of the right to be present at trial in criminal proceedings Police Service of Northern Ireland and all other UK which aims to establish common rules in matters it has identified police forces. This will allow the searching of all criminal as relevant to “the presumption of innocence”. It is proposed records and associated fingerprints via a national system. under article 82(2)(b) of the treaty on the functioning of the This will improve public protection, enhance counter European Union. Accordingly, the UK’s title V opt-in applies. terrorism capability, assist crime solving (including The Commission’s accompanying explanatory memorandum previously unsolved cases) and further strengthen the (EM) explains that it considers that the issue of the presumption of innocence may have a bearing on the mutual trust between protection of the UK borders. member states and therefore on the effective application of mutual This work delivers against key recommendations made recognition measures. However, the Government do not believe on criminality information management by Lord Bichard, that the case has been at all made to demonstrate the need for EU Sir Ian Magee and Mrs Sunita Mason, CBE. action in this area. Indeed the Commission’s own EM suggests that there is limited evidence to suggest there is a demonstrable problem with the current arrangements. This House, on the recommendation of the European Scrutiny Committee, had expressed JUSTICE similar misgiving about the need for the proposed legislative instrument and issued a reasoned opinion to the Commission “Contempt of Court: Juror Misconduct and Internet indicating that it had failed to satisfy the subsidiarity principle. Publication” The proposal would require some significant changes to UK laws and practice if it were accepted in its current form. For example the very limited circumstances in which adverse inferences The Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice can be drawn from a defendant’s silence or refusal to co-operate (Chris Grayling): My noble Friend the Minister for civil would likely have to be changed. Of course the presumption of justice and legal policy, Lord Faulks QC, made the innocence is a long-standing principle of the common law and following written ministerial statement on 30 July 2014: UK laws that place exceptions upon this principle have been found to be compliant with the European convention on human I wish to make the following statement to the House announcing rights. the Government’s response to the Law Commission’s report “Contempt of Court: Juror Misconduct and Internet Publication” The Government therefore consider the proposal to be unnecessary which was published on 19 December 2013. and unwelcome and have concluded that the UK should not opt in to the proposal. UK will therefore not be bound by the The Government broadly accept the Law Commission’s outcome. recommendations concerning juror misconduct and have introduced provisions in the Criminal Justice and Courts Bill that would The Commission’s also proposed a directive on procedural implement recommendations to create new offences and provide safeguards for children suspected or accused in criminal proceedings. powers for judges to require jurors to surrender electronic This aims to establish common rules regarding the treatment of communications devices. The Government also accept that the children suspected or accused of a criminal offence or the subject Law Commission’s recommendations concerning strict liability of a European arrest warrant (EAW). It is proposed under article contempt represent a balanced and measured proposal and two 82(2)(b) of the treaty on the functioning of the European Union. clauses were included in the Bill at introduction to implement the Accordingly, the UK’s title V opt-in applies. measure. However, as announced in the former Attorney-General’s The Commission’s EM accompanying this proposal explains written statement of 30 June to the House, the Government have that in the Commission’s view a lack of common rules at a decided not to pursue the measure and have introduced amendments European level leads to a lack of mutual trust and recognition to omit the clauses from the Bill. across the Union. As children are regarded as vulnerable, it The Government do not intend to take forward the argues, they require elevated and specific safeguards. recommendations concerning a specific defence for disclosure of Of course the Government support the principle that children juror deliberations to the Criminal Cases Review Commission or that become engaged with the law enforcement agencies and the an exception to the disclosure offence allowing approved academic criminal justice systems are vulnerable and need special protection. research. Decisions on whether to accept the recommendations UK laws and practice reflect this and there are a raft of protective concerning juror information and education will be deferred until measures in place to help and support these children. For example, after enactment of the Bill so that they can be considered alongside the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (“PACE”) and associated implementation of measures in the Bill. PACE codes set out the rules for the treatment of children accused or suspected of a criminal offence. This framework EU: Criminal Proceedings provides actions to protect children being held by the police and other judicial authorities. However, the proposed directive would establish different rules. The Government are not convinced those The Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice rules would represent an improvement in the support and protection (Chris Grayling): My noble friend the Minister for civil of young people in the UK from those that already exist here. Some aspects of the proposed rules would require some significant justice and legal policy, Lord Faulks QC, made the changes to UK arrangements to no obvious benefit. For example, following written ministerial statement on 30 July 2014: UK laws are nuanced and recognise that children of different ages The Government on 18 March 2014 decided not to opt in to may require different levels of protection. By establishing the any of the three EU criminal procedural rights proposals—proposal definition of a child at one level the proposal would change that. for a directive on the strengthening of certain aspects of the The laws of the UK also recognise that in certain limited circumstances presumption of innocence and of the right to be present at trial in it is necessary to detain children for a period of time, for example 11WS Written Statements1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Written Statements 12WS if it is necessary to secure or preserve evidence relating to an Inheritance and Trustees’ Powers Act 2014 offence or to obtain evidence via questioning. The proposal (Commencement) would seem to seek to alter those arrangements. Further, the proposal suggests some new arrangements which the Government consider to be disproportionate if applied to all cases, for example the requirement to audio-visually record almost all interviews. The Minister of State, Ministry of Justice (Simon This is not common practice in the UK; all interviews are Hughes): My noble friend the Minister for civil justice audio recorded but there is very little routine use of audio-visual and legal policy, Lord Faulks QC, made the following recordings. written ministerial statement on 30 July 2014: The Government have therefore decided that the UK will not I am pleased to announce that I have made a commencement be opting in to this directive and the UK will not be bound by the order, the Inheritance and Trustees’Powers Act 2014 (Commencement) outcome. That position can of course be reconsidered at the Order 2014, bringing the provisions of the Inheritance and Trustees’ conclusion of the instrument if there have been changes which Powers Act 2014 into force on 1 October 2014. address the above concerns. The Commission also published a proposal for a directive on provisional legal aid for suspects or accused persons deprived of liberty and legal aid in European arrest warrant (EAW) proceedings. TRANSPORT This aims to establish common rules about access to provisional legal aid for suspected or accused persons in certain circumstances and in relation to or persons subject to an EAW. The directive is Parliamentary Written Answer (Correction) proposed under article 82(2)(b) of the treaty on the functioning of the European Union. Accordingly, the UK’s title V opt-in applies. The Commission’s accompanying EM suggests that a lack of The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport common rules at a European level leads at present leads to a (Claire Perry): I regret to inform the House that there deficit of mutual trust and recognition across the Union. It was an inaccuracy in the answer given by the then suggests that common minimum standards on provision of criminal Under-Secretary of State for Transport, my hon. Friend legal aid are necessary to improve mutual trust between judicial the Member for Wimbledon (Stephen Hammond) to authorities. parliamentary question 195584 on 10 April 2014, Official The Government consider the proposal to be unnecessary and Report, column 338W, about spend on consultancy unwelcome. It considers that the UK’s current system for the services by the Department for Transport. Unfortunately provision of criminal legal aid is one of which we can be proud. there were coding errors in the classification of the Access to criminal legal aid in the UK is already of a high standard. The right to criminal legal aid is already guaranteed by spend data used to identify consultancy services, resulting article 6 of the European convention on human rights, and of in Thompsons Solicitors being named as a consultant. course UK laws and practice are compliant with that. The UK They do not provide consultancy services to the criminal legal aid regime delivers legal aid to those that need it Department. Corrections have been made to the coding when they need it. The Government consider that the rules on and the table supplied should now read: legal aid are most appropriately determined by member states themselves rather than at the EU level. The Government have Spend for Financial Year therefore concluded that the UK will not opt in to this proposal Company Name 2013-14 and the UK will therefore not be bound by the final directive. Eversheds LLP 3,609,885 Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer 3,274,577 Guardianship of Property and Affairs of Capita Property & Infrastructure Ltd 965,305 Missing Persons Systems Up Ltd 834,360 BJSS Ltd 622,303 PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP 479,611 The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice (Mr Shailesh Vara): On 8 April 2014, I made a written Ove Arup & Partners Ltd 472,308 ministerial statement reporting the statement of the DTZ 414,077 same date made by my noble Friend, the Minister for Rowsell Wright Ltd 384,159 civil justice and legal policy, Lord Faulks QC, announcing Emergn Ltd 354,249 that the Ministry of Justice was continuing to prepare a consultation paper on the possible creation of a status of guardian of the property and affairs of missing Heavy Goods Vehicles (National Speed Limits) persons and that it intended to publish the paper as soon as possible and in any event by the end of August— The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport Official Report, 8 April 2014, column WS126. (Claire Perry): My noble Friend, the Minister for Transport, I am pleased to announce that the consultation paper Baroness Kramer, made the following ministerial statement “Guardianship of the Property and Affairs of Missing on Thursday 24 July: Persons” was published on 27 August and that the The Under-Secretary of State for Transport, my hon. Friend consultation period will close on 18 November. The the Member for Devizes (Claire Perry), has today announced that consultation paper is aimed at anyone with an interest the Government are proposing, following a public consultation, in the property and affairs of those who go missing and to increase the national speed limit for heavy goods vehicles of I should like to encourage anyone with such an interest more than 7.5t on single carriageways from 40 mph to 50 mph. to respond. This change will be implemented via a change in the law to be The Government will decide whether to create a put to Parliament during the next few months, with implementation scheduled for early 2015. The existing 40 mph limit continues to status of guardian of the property and affairs of missing apply until the change has been put into effect. The amended persons once they have considered the responses to the speed limit will cover single carriageway roads outside built-up consultation. My noble Friend, Lord Faulks QC, will areas in England and Wales, unless specific lower local speed make a further statement at that time. limits are in effect. 13WS Written Statements1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Written Statements 14WS

The Government are also announcing: Transport Infrastructure (Network Rail) the start of a six-week consultation closing 5 September to seek views and evidence about increasing the national speed limit for HGVs on all purpose (non-motorway) dual carriageways from 50 mph to 60 mph. The intention would be to implement The Secretary of State for Transport (Mr Patrick this at the same time; McLoughlin): In December 2013, the Office for National encouragement to English local authorities to take up the Statistics (ONS) announced that, due to a change in flexibility and policies contained in the speed limit circular European reporting rules, Network Rail Ltd with all of issued last year related to local 40 mph speed limits in its subsidiaries would be reclassified as a central Government particular; body. 1That decision takes effect today, and Network our intention to encourage and increase the greater use of Rail is now a public sector arm’s length body of the vocational driver conduct hearings, with new guidance from Department for Transport. the senior traffic commissioner likely for consultation later this year; and The Government have approached their response to the ONS decision in partnership with Network Rail, our intention to specify and then procure a major study with an emphasis firmly on the preservation of Network about rural road safety. Rail’s ability to continue to manage its business with The change to the national speed limit on single carriageway appropriate commercial freedom, within effective regulatory roads will modernise an antiquated restriction, which is not matched in most other European countries, including some of the and control frameworks appropriate for a company in other leaders alongside the UK for road safety (e.g. the Netherlands the public sector. and Norway). The current speed limit just does not work—it is Today, I am publishing a framework agreement between broken by about three quarters of HGV drivers at any particular the Department for Transport and Network Rail which time when they are not constrained by other traffic or the road layout. It is implausible that it could readily be made to work sets out how both bodies will interact in terms of without a disproportionate effort. corporate governance and financial management. By working closely with Network Rail, my Department This package allows our roads to be used better and more effectively. It will reduce delays and congestion, particularly on has delivered a framework that provides appropriate busy single carriageway A roads. It will remove a 20 mph differential accountability to Parliament and the taxpayer while between the lorry and car speed limits on single carriageway preserving Network Rail’s operational independence. roads, cutting dangerous overtaking and bringing permitted lorry This both keeps clear Network Rail’s accountability for speeds into line with other large vehicles like coaches and caravans. its performance and maintains the regulatory process Assessed benefits to business are £11.8 million per year. managed by the Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) to The Government are determined that any potential risks higher give industry the confidence to plan for the long term. speeds bring will be managed effectively. This change will reduce speed differences between different types of traffic which is likely Given that Network Rail is now part of the public to reduce risks. The Government are also bringing forward associated sector and Government’s accounts, I will fulfil an enhanced measures so we continue to improve safety. role in overseeing the company. The framework agreement For example the change to the HGV speed limit will allow us sets out how I and my officials will take on new to set up tougher procedures and sanctions for lorry drivers responsibilities: caught exceeding the new speed limits. It will also reinforce the I will appoint future chairs of Network Rail and approve or credibility and importance of other safety-critical laws with similar be consulted on other key governance changes. sanctions, including the prohibition on hand held mobile phones and the 30 mph limit in towns and cities. I will approve Network Rail’s remuneration policy and pay for executive directors. This change is founded on a long-standing trend of improving road safety, which we have committed to build on. So we will be These changes have been reflected in Network Rail’s introducing a new offence of driving with a drug in the body over articles of association and agreed by Network Rail specified limits and tightening up drink-drive enforcement early members on 29 August 2014. next year. Last year we increased by two thirds the fixed penalties for many traffic offences and we are consulting on changes to My Department will also ensure that Network Rail improve enforcement against tired HGV drivers, including those complies with parliamentary reporting requirements, based abroad. managing public money and other relevant public sector- We will be supporting the speed limit increase by promoting wide rules. the advice we updated last year to highway authorities about local speed limits. Local authorities can restrict all traffic to 30, 40 or I am also publishing a memorandum of understanding 50 mph where this is needed because of the use of roads by between the Department for Transport and the Scottish pedestrians and cyclists, settlements on roads, high-air pollution Ministers, setting out how they will be involved in or safety risks. Finally all drivers, but particularly the professional future decisions on Network Rail’s governance and drivers of HGVs, need to be aware that the speed limit is a financial management, and a loan facility agreement maximum not a guideline. entered into between me and Network Rail Infrastructure The Department for Transport is publishing the summary of Ltd. single carriageway HGV speed limit consultation responses, the consultation document for dual carriageways and impact assessments Copies of both documents have been placed in the for both measures. Libraries of both Houses of Parliament. Copies of these documents will be placed in the Libraries of 1https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/network-rail- both Houses. reclassification-memorandum-of-understanding.

1P Petitions1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Petitions 2P Petitions JUSTICE Freezing of Bank Accounts Monday 1 September 2014 The Petition of Miss Enid L. Gibson, living in England a woman of 94 years of age who worked as a midwife and every branch of nursing, OBSERVATIONS Declares that her bank accounts have been frozen and money taken by Redbridge London Borough and she is not being allowed to publicly complain. Furthermore she has not been allowed to address the court and local authority are trying to stop her visiting Parliament. COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT The Petitioner therefore requests that the House of Commons Justice Committee and the Government change Development Proposals for 34 Hatton Avenue, the law to stop this happening. Wellingborough And the Petitioner remains, etc.—[Presented by John Hemming, Official Report, 19 March 2014; Vol. 577, The Humble Petition of residents of Hatton Park, c. 5P .] Northamptonshire and the surrounding areas, [P001335] Sheweth, Observations from the Secretary of State for Justice, That the Petitioners believe that the proposed change received 22 August 2014: of use of 34 Hatton Avenue, Wellingborough into a behavioural management home (application number The Mental Capacity Act 2005 empowers individuals WP/14/00385/COU) is unacceptable as the location of to make their own decisions or to maximise their the development is unsuitable both for the proposed participation in any decision-making process. The residents of the home and for the local residents. underlying philosophy of the Act is to make sure that any decision made or action taken on behalf of someone Wherefore your Petitioners pray that your Honourable who lacks capacity to act for themselves is made in their House urges the Department for Communities and best interests. But the Act also aims to balance an Local Government, and the Borough Council of individual’s right to make a decision for themselves with Wellingborough to work together to reject the current their right to be protected from harm if they lack application and relocate it to a more suitable site. capacity to make a decision to protect themselves. And your Petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever The Government cannot comment on the individual pray, &c.—[Presented by Mr Peter Bone, Official Report, circumstances of the Petitioner’s case, the questions 22 July 2014; Vol. 584, c. 1357 .] raised and the actions taken by the Local Authority [P001381] which have been subject to court proceedings and where Observations from the Secretary of State for Communities judgments have been delivered. These decisions are for and Local Government, received 6 August 2014: independent judges to make, on the basis of the facts in The Borough Council of Wellingborough is responsible each particular case. for the day-to-day planning of their area. The Government’s The Government endorse the position that parties policy is not to interfere with the jurisdiction of a local should be able to assert their rights to the full extent of planning authority unless it is necessary to do so. In their capacity, whether in public or by engaging with determining a planning application a local planning elected representatives, subject always to any directions authority is required to have regard to all material of the courts. Furthermore, if a party does in fact lack considerations including the development plan, national capacity to make certain decisions, it is important that policies and views expressed by third parties. they are able to continue asserting their rights through The Government are committed to giving more power the courts (or indeed defending their position) and do to councils and communities to make their own decisions not lose that opportunity through the lack of capacity. on planning issues, and believe that planning decisions should be made at the local level wherever possible. Calling-in a planning application removes councils from the decision-making process. We, therefore, exercise the TREASURY power sparingly, with only 12 applications called in during 2013. Bingo Duty The Secretary of State has carefully considered this The Petition of the people of Suffolk Coastal, case against call-in policy, as set out in the Written Ministerial Statement by the Minister for Skills and Declares that the bingo industry is currently subjected Enterprise, the hon. Member for Grantham and Stamford to bingo duty at 20% whereas most other forms of (Nick Boles) on 26 October 2012. The policy makes it gambling are taxed at 15% and further that the Petitioners clear that the power to call in a planning application believe that bingo venues offer a pleasant and safe will only be used very selectively. While the Secretary of environment for people to come together and enjoy State recognises that there is local concern about the themselves. proposal, he has decided having had regard to this The Petitioners therefore request that the House of policy, that taking the decision away from the council is Commons urges the Government to reduce bingo duty not justified. He is satisfied that the application should from 20% to 15% so investment can take place in the be determined at a local level. bingo industry modernising premises and creating jobs. 3P Petitions1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Petitions 4P

And the Petitioners remain, etc.—[Presented by customers can withdraw money, deposit cash and cheques Dr Thérèse Coffey, Official Report, 17 March 2014; and check balances at all 11,500 Post Office branches in Vol. 577, c. 614 .] the UK. [P001332] It is vitally important that the banking sector serves Observations from the Chancellor of the Exchequer, the wider economy, and the Government are committed Treasury, received 25 July 2014: to increasing competition to deliver innovation, and good financial products and services for all banking The petitioners have requested that the House of customers. Commons urges the Government to reduce bingo duty from 20% to 15% so investment can take place in the bingo industry modernising premises and creating jobs. Rural Fuel Rebate in Cornwall [HMRC observes that] the Chancellor made an The Petition of residents of the UK, announcement in his Budget speech to reduce the rate Declares that there are currently proposals to extend to 10%. the rural fuel rebate scheme to Cornwall, initially by In his speech the Chancellor said: five pence per litre. “While betting machines have grown, the number of bingo The Petitioners therefore request that the House of halls has plummeted by three quarters over the last thirty years. Commons urges the Government and the European Yet bingo duty has been set at the high rate of 20%. Commission to fully back the plan and to introduce it Now fuel duty is frozen, my Honourable Friend for Harlow as soon as they can. has turned his energy and talent into a vigorous campaign to cut And the Petitioners remain, etc.—[Presented by Andrew bingo duty—ably assisted by my Honourable Friend for Waveney. George, Official Report, 4 December 2013; Vol. 571, They want the rate cut to 15%. c. 1050 .] I can go further. [P001307] Bingo duty will be halved to 10% to protect jobs and protect Observations from the Chancellor of the Exchequer, communities.” Treasury, received 15 August 2014: The rate of bingo duty was reduced to 10% for bingo The Government thank the Member for St Ives (Andrew duty accounting periods beginning on or 30 June 2014. George) for his petition regarding the rural fuel duty rebate scheme, and apologises for the administrative errors which have led to this extremely delayed response. Proposed Closure of the NatWest Branch on Splott Road, Cardiff In August 201 3, the Government announced their intention to seek permission from the European The Petition of residents of the UK, Commission to extend the island rural fuel rebate scheme Declares that the Petitioners wish to protest against to remote rural areas of the UK mainland. Following the closure of the NatWest branch on Splott Road, this announcement, the Government launched a Call Cardiff, in the constituency of Cardiff South and Penarth for Information inviting remote rural service stations in and further that a local Petition on this subject has a number of areas across the UK to submit data on received nearly 300 signatures. their pump prices. However, as not all retailers were able to provide this information in the time available, The Petitioners therefore request that the House of the Government launched a supplementary Call for Commons notes the Petition and urges the Government Information in November 201 3, which closed in December. to hold talks with representatives of NatWest to consider the impacts of the branch closure on the local community. The Government used the data received through both Calls for Information, as well as data previously And the Petitioners remain, etc.—[Presented by Stephen held by HMRC, to determine the list of areas to be Doughty, Official Report, 14 May 2014; Vol. 580, c. 858.] included in the application to the European Commission, [P001354] which was submitted in January 2014. Observations from the Chancellor of the Exchequer, In order to make the strongest possible case to the Treasury, received 25 July 2014: European Commission, the Government considered that The Government thank the Member for Cardiff South the areas selected should experience similar characteristics and Penarth (Stephen Doughty) for his petition on the to the islands in the current rural fuel rebate scheme. In closure of the NatWest bank branch on Splott Road, particular, the Government considered it was necessary Cardiff. to demonstrate that high prices in the areas selected are due to objective factors such as remoteness and transport The Government are sorry to hear about the costs. The selection criteria used are set out below: disappointment of the residents of Cardiff South and 1. Pump Price Threshold: Pump prices in selected areas are Penarth at the closure of this NatWest branch. Although consistently more expensive than the lowest pump price on we can understand their concerns, decisions on opening the islands in the existing scheme. and closing branches are taken by the management 2. Cost of Transporting Fuel: Shortlisted areas are over team of each bank on a commercial basis. As with other 100 miles by road from the nearest refinery, so transport banking service providers, NatWest will need to balance costs are likely to be substantially above average in these customer interests, market competition, and other areas. commercial factors when considering its strategy, and 3. Population Density: The population density of included the Government do not seek to intervene in these decisions. areas is no higher than any island in the current scheme. It may be useful to note that many bank account The Government are aware that you will be disappointed providers already have an arrangement with the Post that areas in West Cornwall did not make the final list, Office to provide access to their bank accounts, where but would like to reassure you of their commitment to 5P Petitions1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Petitions 6P support rural areas with the price of fuel. At Autumn Observations from the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Statement 2013, the Government cancelled the fuel Treasury, received 25 July 2014: duty increase that was planned for 1 September 2014, The Government thank the Member for Leicester freezing fuel duty for the remainder of parliament. As a East (Keith Vaz) for his petition on the closure of the result of this Government’s action on fuel duty since Santander agency on Downing Drive, Evington. 2011, pump prices are currently 16ppl (pence per litre) The Government are sorry to hear about the lower than under the previous Government’s fuel duty disappointment of the residents of Leicester East at the plans, and will be nearly 20ppl lower by the end of the closure of this Santander agency. Although we can Parliament. understand their concerns, decisions on opening and closing agencies are taken by the management team of each bank on a commercial basis. As with other banking The Proposed Closure of the Santander Branch on service providers, Santander will need to balance customer Downing Drive (Evington, Leicester) interests, market competition, and other commercial The Petition of residents of Leicester East, factors when considering its strategy and the Government do not seek to intervene in these decisions. Declares that the proposed closure of the Santander Branch on Downing Drive in Evington will have an It may be useful to note that many bank account extremely negative impact on elderly residents in the providers already have an arrangement with the Post area who use the branch. Office to provide access to their bank accounts, where customers can withdraw money, deposit cash and cheques The Petitioners therefore request that the House of and check balances at all 11,500 Post Office branches in Commons urges the Department for Business, Innovation the UK. and Skills to meet with representatives of Santander to examine the impact of branch closures on local residents. It is vitally important that the banking sector serves the wider economy, and the Government are committed And the Petitioners remain, etc.—[Presented by Keith to increasing competition to deliver innovation, and Vaz, Official Report, 6 May 2014; Vol. 580, c. 122 .] good financial products and services for all banking [P001347] customers.

1W Written Answers1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Written Answers 2W

The Government’s affordable housing programme Written Answers to for 2015 to 2018 aims to deliver 165,000 new affordable homes, and lever in a further £23 billion of public and Questions private investment in affordable housing. Alcoholic Drinks Monday 1 September 2014 Mr Slaughter: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what his Department’s policy is on alcohol consumption on the PRIME MINISTER premises (a) in general and (b) during parties in his Private Office. [205321] Intelligence Services Kris Hopkins: This Government has stopped Paul Flynn: To ask the Prime Minister if he will make departmental spending of taxpayers’ money on alcohol. it his policy to answer parliamentary questions on We have closed and called time on the secret nationalised bar in our Department’s basement (coined by some intelligence matters. [206949] wags as “the Prezza Arms”). The Prime Minister: Parliamentary questions are Yet Ministers in this Department are not killjoys. As answered by the relevant Minister. was the case under the last Administration, there is no prohibition on alcohol consumption (funded privately), Military Medals Review and we recognise that there may be occasions when it is not inappropriate for a few drinks after work to mark a colleague leaving or note a particular milestone achieved, Jim Dowd: To ask the Prime Minister when he expects provided staff exercise personal responsibility, observe (a) to have concluded consideration of the report of the standard of behaviour required by the Civil Service the Honours and Decorations Committee’s Medal Review Code, and follow the law on drinking and driving. This and (b) to publish the Government’s response to that is common practice in other workplaces across the land. report. [207055] This Department champions common sense, not the nanny state. The Prime Minister: I refer the hon. Member to the Written Statement made by the Leader of the House of Also, as the lead Department for community pubs, Lords and Lord Privy Seal, my noble Friend the right we would encourage staff to continue any celebrations hon. Baroness Stowell of Beeston on 29 July 2014, in a nearby licensed premises to do their bit to support Official Report, column WS147. Britain’s pub trade and benefit from this Government’s cuts in beer duty and scrapping of Labour’s beer duty escalator.

Buildings COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Affordable Housing: Greater London Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government if he will review his departmental estate in order to reduce costs; and if Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for he will make a statement. [206683] Communities and Local Government how many affordable homes were built in each London Borough in each year Kris Hopkins: Since 2010, the Department has had since 2010. [206261] considerable success in reducing the cost of its wider estate through the rationalisation of retained office Brandon Lewis: Statistics on delivery of affordable space and targeted building disposals. This has seen the housing by local authority area are published in the Department surrender six leasehold office properties Department’s live table 1008, which is available at: through a combination of lease breaks and expiries, www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/live-tables-on- generating net savings in the period of around £7 million affordable-housing-supply per annum. The Department has also successfully sub-let These statistics include both newly built housing and surplus space across its leasehold office estate during acquisitions, and include figures for 2010-11, 2011-12 the same period, reducing the overall property costs by and 2012-13. Further statistics will be published in due around £6.5 million per annum. course. Building on this success, in 2013-14, we have secured My Department holds some statistics for 2013-14, for further savings of £4.6 million by subletting further affordable housing delivery through programmes reported space in Eland House in London ahead of vacating the by the Homes and Communities Agency and the Greater building in September 2014. The move from Eland London Authority (but not through other sources). House to 2 Marsham Street will reduce my department’s In total, the combined figures show that almost 200,000 running costs by £9 million a year from 2015-16. Overall, affordable homes have been delivered in England from these changes will save taxpayers a total of £220 million 2010-11 to 2013-14, of which almost 49,000 are in over the lifetime of the building’s lease commitments. London. We expect these figures to be revised upwards This illustrates the scope for local government and, when full affordable housing supply statistics are published indeed, the public sector as a whole to make sensible in due course. savings through better property management. 3W Written Answers1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Written Answers 4W

In June 2013, supporting the Prime Minister’s Richmond Upon Thames commitment to support the development of small and Rhondda Cynon Taf medium enterprises, the Department agreed terms with Sedgemoor business incubator providers to take vacant space at 2 Sevenoaks Rivergate House in Bristol and Bridge House, Guildford. Surrey Heath This is an important part of the Government’s drive to assist the start-up and small and medium enterprises Tandridge business and we are also working with the Government Teignbridge Property Unit on potential Government Space for Growth West Berkshire opportunities in other properties held by DCLG. West Lancashire Woking Children: Protection The following 45 authorities are currently charging the Community Infrastructure Levy, having passed the Andy Sawford: To ask the Secretary of State for independent examination. Communities and Local Government (1) what assessment Barnet he has made of the effectiveness of his Department’s Bassetlaw Information Sharing Guidelines on providing professionals with information about sharing data in the interests of Bedford child protection; and if he will make a statement; Brent [206971] Bristol (2) when he will update his Department’s Broadland Information Sharing Guidance; [206970] Caerphilly (3) what discussions (a) Ministers and (b) officials Chelmsford in his Department have had with counterparts in the Chorley Department for Education on his Department’s City of London Information Sharing Guidelines and child protection. Croydon [206972] Dartford Kris Hopkins: The Government is committed to East Cambridgeshire improving information sharing, for the benefit of vulnerable Elmbridge children and adults, and all members of society. The Epsom and Ewell statutory guidance, ‘Working Together to Safeguarding Exeter Children’ requires all organisations to have arrangements Fareham in place which enable the effective sharing of information. Government Departments have been working to review Greater London Authority procedures to identify children and adults at risk of Harrow abuse and the outcome of this review was published on Havant 29 July and can be found at: Huntingdonshire https://www.gov.uk/government/news/working-together-to- Merthyr Tydfil safeguard-children-multi-agency-safeguarding-hubs Merton The Government is reviewing the guidance for practitioners and managers to dispel mistaken beliefs Newark and Sherwood which prevent information being shared appropriately Newham and effectively. Norwich Oxford Community Infrastructure Levy Plymouth Poole Mr Betts: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities Portsmouth and Local Government which local authorities have a Community Infrastructure Levy (a) approved and (b) Preston in operation. [206860] Purbeck Redbridge Brandon Lewis: The following 18 authorities in England Shropshire and Wales have had their Community Infrastructure Southampton Levy Charging Schedules approved at examination but South Norfolk are yet to either formerly adopt, or to start charging, the levy: South Ribble Barking and Dagenham Sutton Haringey Taunton Deane Hertsmere Trafford Hillingdon Waltham Forest Islington Wandsworth Lambeth Waveney Lewisham Winchester New Forest Wycombe 5W Written Answers1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Written Answers 6W

In addition to the 63 authorities listed above, a further Families: Disadvantaged 116 authorities have made significant progress towards adopting the levy. Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Of the 116, 21 authorities have either submitted their Communities and Local Government how many officials levy charging schedules for examination or been scheduled of his Department work on the Troubled Families for examination, a further 25 have published a draft programme; and what their grade and pay scale is. charging schedule for consultation and a further 70 [204874] have published a preliminary draft charging schedule for consultation. Kris Hopkins [holding answer 14 July 2014]: The Troubled Families team, based in DCLG, was established in 2011 to join up efforts across the whole of government Correspondence and to provide expert help to local authorities to drive forward the programme of turning around the lives of troubled families. Government data collected in 2011 Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for estimated that £9 billion is spent annually on troubled Communities and Local Government if he will estimate families—an average of £75,000 per family each year. the annual cost to his Department of (a) stationery and Of this, an estimated £8 billion is spent reacting to the (b) postage incurred when sending a ministerial reply problems these families have and cause with just £1 billion to hon. Members; and if he will make a statement. being spent on helping families to solve and prevent [206143] problems in the longer term. As of the end of June 2014, my Department had the Kris Hopkins: We do not specifically hold information following number of officials working on Troubled on costs of replies to hon. Members, however we can Families programme: estimate a cost based on use of paper, envelopes, postage and ink cartridges on annual inquiries ranging between four executive officers (and equivalents); 10,000 to 12,000, of which 95% are postal replies. The three higher executive officers; cost ranges between £6,500 and £7,500 depending on seven senior executive officers, reply volume per annum. three grade 7; Most correspondence from hon. Members continues five grade 6; to be received as letters and is replied to in the same two deputy directors; format. Ministers do, however, reply by e-mail when one director; and they consider it appropriate to do so. one director general. The latter two senior salaries are published as part of our transparency agenda, and are respectively (a) within Council Housing the range of £110,000 to £114,999 and (b) within the range of £130,000 to £134,999. Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for More generally, civil servants are paid within a grade Communities and Local Government what recent estimate pay scale. These ranges are: he has made of the number of council-owned homes in executive officer (£22,279 to £31,225); England which are affected by damp; and if he will higher executive officer (£26,058 to £39,513); make a statement. [205010] senior executive officer (£32,311 to £45,985); grade 7 (£40,852 to £57,110); Brandon Lewis: According to the English Housing grade 6 (£50,203 to £70,375); and Survey, in 2012 there were around 116,000 (7%) local authority homes affected by damp, down from 214,000 deputy director (£62,000 to £117,800). (12%) in 2009. The Department for Communities and Fire Services: Pensions Local Government have allocated £2.26 billion of decent homes funding for 2011-16 to further reduce this number. Lyn Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what assessment Council Housing: Greater London he has made of the potential liability to Government should the take-up rate in the proposed 2015 firefighters’ pension scheme be lower than anticipated. [206187] Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many council Penny Mordaunt: The Government is committed to homes were built in each London Borough in each year providing good quality public service pension schemes since 2010. [206262] and encouraging saving for retirement. Firefighters will continue to get one of the most generous public service Brandon Lewis: More new council housing was started pensions available—over £19,000 at age 60 after a full in London last year than in all the 13 years of the last career (based on a firefighters’ salary of £29,000). Many Labour Government combined. Statistics on local authority firefighters who transfer to the firefighters’ pension scheme (council) house building by local authority area are 2015 will see a reduction in their employee contribution published in the Department’s live table 253, which is rate of around 2 percentage points in 2015-16. available at: If a firefighter opts out of the pension scheme, this https://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/live- reduces the long term liability for the taxpayer but increases tables-on-house-building the short term top-up grant paid by the Department to 7W Written Answers1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Written Answers 8W fund the shortfall in scheme income. Overall, this would More new council housing was started in London be likely to result in a long-term net saving for taxpayers, last year than in all the 13 years for the last Labour but we have not undertaken the actuarial work to Government combined. calculate a precise assessment. This is because we would 1 encourage firefighters to remain in the scheme, given it Source: NHBC remains an extremely good defined benefit scheme—an equivalent private pension pot would need over half a Local Government Finance million pounds of funding and require firefighters to contribute twice as much. Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government if he will provide Housing: Construction a list of the amount and proportion by which central government funding to each local authority in England, Mr Betts: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities ranked in order by percentage, has been reduced in each and Local Government how many houses have been year since 2010. [206420] completed in each local authority area in each of the last five years; how many such houses are affordable Kris Hopkins: The information is not held centrally in houses built under a section 106 agreement; and what the form requested. proportion of the total number of houses on each Figures showing local authority income from central scheme built in that time are houses built under section Government grants are collected on the Revenue Outturn 106 agreements. [206859] forms, and are published by individual local authority on the DCLG website at: Brandon Lewis: Statistics on house building completions by tenure in each local authority district are published 2010-11 in the Department’s live tables 253 (annual) and 253a https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/local-authority- (quarterly), which are available at the following link. revenue-expenditure-and-financing-england-2010-to-2011- individual-local-authority-data--5 http://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/live-tables- on-house-building 2011-12 Statistics on the numbers of affordable homes built https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/local-authority- through section 106 agreements and without Government revenue-expenditure-and-financing-england-2011-to-2012- grant funding are published in Live Table 1000, which is individual-local-authority-data--2 available at the following link. 2012-13 http://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/live-tables- https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/local-authority- on-affordable-housing-supply revenue-expenditure-and-financing-england-2012-to-2013- The estimates exclude affordable homes built through individual-local-authority-data-outturn section 106 supported with grant funding. However, meaningful, like-for-like comparisons for The proportion of the total number of houses on individual local authorities cannot be made over more each scheme built that are houses built under section 106 than one financial year owing to changes in local authority agreements is not centrally collected. responsibility and function, as for instance due to the transfer of responsibility for concessionary travel and Housing: Greater London due to the introduction of academy schools.

Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Local Government Finance: York Communities and Local Government what recent estimate his Department has made of the number of new homes Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for needed annually to meet London’s housing needs into Communities and Local Government how much funding 2020. [206259] his Department allocated to City of York Council for (a) local authority supported capital expenditure in Brandon Lewis: From the 1 April 2012, the Mayor of housing stock and (b) major repairs allowance in each London has had strategic oversight of housing, regeneration year since 2009-10. [202842] and economic development in London. The Department does not estimate demand for housing. Brandon Lewis: The information requested is as follows: However, the Department publishes household projections, which are a trend-based view of the number of households Major Repairs Allowance (£) that would form given projected population and previous demographic trends. 2009-10 5,127,440 The most recent household projections are 2011-based. 2010-11 5,242,423 The projected household numbers are disaggregated by 2011-12 5,185,387 household type and are published at: 2012-13 5,266,485 http://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for- communities-and-local-government/series/household- The local authority received £1 million in Supported projections Capital Expenditure (Revenue) in both 2009-10 and I would observe that new home registrations rose by 2010-11. 30% in 2013 in England, the highest since 2007; and are Following our reform and decentralisation of the up 60% in London, the highest for over two decades, Housing Revenue Account in April 2012, the system this is in contrast to Wales which has a Labour has fundamentally changed and no longer operates in Administration, where new home registrations are falling1. that manner outlined in the hon. Member’s question. 9W Written Answers1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Written Answers 10W

Councils now manage their housing stock without annual Labour Government’s 2004 Planning Act, by May 2010, payments to or from central Government. They now only one in six local planning authorities had an adopted keep their rental income and use it to fund their housing Core Strategy. stock (called ‘self-financing’). Morecambe In 2012, the move to self-financing included a one-off settlement payment to, or from, each council, giving each a level of debt it can support, based on a valuation David Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for of its council housing stock. Where the valuation was Communities and Local Government if he will estimate lower than the amount of housing debt supported how much money his Department has spent in Morecambe through the Housing Revenue Account subsidy system, and Lunesdale constituency since May 2010. [204771] the Government paid off the difference. Where the valuation was higher than the debt supported by the Housing Kris Hopkins: The information is not centrally held in Revenue Account subsidy, the council paid the difference the form requested and could be provided only at to the Government. disproportionate cost. Funding is generally not allocated by parliamentary constituency. These payments were based on a valuation of each council’s stock, using a 30-year discounted cash flow Parking model of income and expenditure. The costs in the model assumed that councils will need to spend on Hilary Benn: To ask the Secretary of State for average 15% more on managing, maintaining and repairing Communities and Local Government if he will place in their stock than was assumed under the subsidy system. the Library all responses to his Department’s The self-financing settlement took into account an consultation on local authority parking. [202289] assessment of local authorities’ needs, including major repairs. Penny Mordaunt: We have placed in the Library of These reforms have given councils the resources, incentives the House a copy of the detailed summary of the 800 and flexibility they need to manage their own housing responses to the consultation. stock for the long term and to improve quality and efficiency, and they have also provided a clearer relationship Pay between the rent a landlord collects and the services they provide. Mr Bradshaw: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many officials in his Department, of each grade, have remained at that Local Plans grade since 2010 but received a pay rise; and how much of a rise each such person at each such grade has Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for received. [204764] Communities and Local Government what steps he is taking to ensure that local authorities complete and Kris Hopkins: The information requested has been publish local development plans as soon as possible; placed in the Library of the House. The figures reflect and if he will make a statement. [205022] the historic regime of contractual binding pay progression; we intend to end this by December 2014 and replace it Brandon Lewis: The Localism Act enabled the abolition with a fairer system which allows greater control over of the Labour Government’s top-down Regional Strategies future pay awards. and strengthened the role of Local Plans (complemented More broadly, our departmental audited annual accounts by neighbourhood planning) in determining where new for the core Department show that staff costs fell from development should and should not go. However, a £216 million in 2009-10 to £95 million in 2013-14, a locally-led planning system needs councils to have up-to- reduction of 56% in cash terms, or a saving of £121 million date plans in place, and requires elected councillors to a year. take decisions, sometimes challenging, in consultation with local residents. Poultry: Farms We have provided support for all local authorities in plan-making, both directly and in conjunction with the Roger Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Planning Inspectorate and Planning Advisory Service. Communities and Local Government what guidance This includes engagement from expert officials to support his Department gives planning authorities on the authorities in resolving challenging issues and preparing extent to which they should assess the cumulative effect effectively for examination, and by providing direct of intensive chicken units on the environment and local support on technical matters via the Planning Advisory communities in determining planning applications Service. relating to such units. [206643] The National Planning Policy Framework strongly Brandon Lewis: Local authorities across England must encourages all areas to get Local Plans in place quickly have regard to the National Planning Policy Framework. as the best way of determining what development is This asks local authorities to assess the needs of the appropriate and where; councils with a Local Plan are food production industry and resolve any associated in a strong position to stop unwanted speculative planning barriers, but also to recognise the character development. and beauty of the countryside and prevent unacceptable Plan production has increased significantly in the last levels of pollution. Local authorities have to assess each few years: 79% of local authorities have now published proposal on its facts and merits in the light of the Local a Local Plan. To place this in context, six years after the Plan, of national planning policies, and all other material 11W Written Answers1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Written Answers 12W considerations, including the views expressed by local Brandon Lewis: This information is not held centrally. people. They can also assess the cumulative impact of Notwithstanding, I also refer the right hon. Member to numbers of such premises on the area. the answer to him of 14 May 2014, Official Report, column 638W. Procurement Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what the average Communities and Local Government how many contracts sector rent was in each London Borough in each year (a) let since 2010 and (b) about to be let by his since 2010. [206263] Department and its agencies are worth (i) between £1 million and £3 million and (ii) over £3 million; how Brandon Lewis: Information on average rents in the much has been spent on monitoring each contract let by local authority sector for 2011-12 and 2012-13 can be his Department since 2010; and how many officials in found in section H of the datasets on the Department’s his Department monitor each contract let since 2010. website at: [205197] https://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/local- authority-housing-statistics-data-returns-for-2011-to-2012 Kris Hopkins: The following table sets out the number and of contracts that has been let by the core Department since 2009-10, as shown on our procurement and financial https://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/local- authority-housing-statistics-data-returns-for-2012-to-2013 systems. Information on average rents in the private sector can Number of contracts be found on the Valuation Office’s website at: Contract value between Contract value over http://www.voa.gov.uk/corporate/statisticalReleases/ £1 million and £3 million £3 million 140610_Private_Rental_Market.html

2009-10 2 9 Information on average social rents Private Registered 2010-11 1 1 Providers can be found on the Department’s website at: 2011-12 5 2 https://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/live- 2012-13 10 3 tables-on-rents-lettings-and-tenancies 2013-14 4 2 The following tables show how rents have fallen in real terms. For contracts that are about to be let there are none within the values requested. We have not included those England contracts that are about to be extended nor those about Annual Annual Percentage Percentage to be let through a framework agreement as we do not Rental Rental Change Change yet know the value of the framework contract. Index Index Nominal (Real) Information relating to the expenditure and the number (Nominal) (Real) (%) (%) of officials involved in monitoring contracts is not held May 2010 99.6 87.0 — — centrally. May 2011 100.3 83.9 0.8 -3.5 Regeneration: Thames Gateway May 2012 101.8 82.9 1.5 -1.3 May 2013 103.1 81.7 1.3 -1.4 Sir Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State May 2014 104.1 81.3 1.0 -0.5 for Communities and Local Government (1) how much London each local authority in the Thames Gateway spent on Annual Annual regeneration activities in the last 15 years for which Percentage Percentage figures are available; [201950] Rental Rental Change Change Index Index Nominal (Real) (2) how much each local authority in the Thames (Nominal) (Real) (%) (%) Gateway spent on economic development activities in each of the last 15 years for which figures are available. May 2010 100.0 85.5 — — [201953] May 2011 100.5 84.1 0.5 -1.7 May 2012 102.9 83.8 2.4 -0.4 Penny Mordaunt: The information is not centrally May 2013 105.1 83.3 2.2 -0.5 held in the form requested and could be provided only May 2014 106.5 83.2 1.4 -0.1 at disproportionate cost. I would note that many of the local authorities in the Travellers: Caravan Sites Thames Gateway cover an area larger than just the Thames Gateway, and do not split their published expenditure Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for between inside and outside the Thames Gateway. Communities and Local Government if he will bring forward proposals to introduce mandatory eviction orders Rented Housing: Greater London to be used by local authorities when unauthorised Traveller encampments take place in public parks; and if he will Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for make a statement. [206617] Communities and Local Government what proportion of new affordable homes in each London Borough Brandon Lewis: Our expectation is that local authorities were rented at below (a) 70 per cent, (b) 60 per cent will be proactive in their use of the existing strong and (c) 50 per cent of market rent in each year since enforcement powers that are available to deal with 2010. [206260] unauthorised encampments and development. 13W Written Answers1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Written Answers 14W

A possession order under Part 55 of the Civil Procedure WALES Rules can be obtained by both local authorities and private landowners who require the removal of trespassers Buildings from property including land. A local authority can use its powers under sections Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales 77-78 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act if he will review his departmental estate in order to 1994 to direct individuals to remove their vehicles and reduce costs; and if he will make a statement. [206697] belongings, and to leave highway land, or any land occupied without the consent of the landowner. Stephen Crabb: The Wales Office takes every opportunity We have lifted the previous Administration’s restrictions to maximise the use of the estate and reduce running on the use of temporary stop notices, which give councils costs. We lease office space in Cardiff in a modern more freedom to take early and decisive action against energy efficient building, and starting in 2013-14 we unauthorised sites and encampments. Councils can issue leased space in our London office to provide us with an such a notice on both private and public sector land. income which reduces our running costs. In August last year we sent all council leaders a Motor Sports summary of the powers available to them to remove illegal and unauthorised sites; at the same time we Andrew Bridgen: To ask the Secretary of State for reminded them of the need to act swiftly, working with Wales what discussions his Department has had with other local agencies, including the police. the Welsh Government on State Aid rules and the Circuit of Wales. [206857]

Stephen Crabb: The Wales Office has not had any NORTHERN IRELAND discussions with the Welsh Government on State Aid rules and the Circuit of Wales. As a devolved matter it is Buildings for the Welsh Government to decide how to allocate funding for economic development/leisure projects within Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for their own capital budgets and to ensure that any support Northern Ireland if she will review her departmental is compliant with State Aid rules. estate in order to reduce costs; and if she will make a statement. [206693] SCOTLAND Mrs Villiers: My Department has accommodation at three locations: Buildings 1 Horse Guards Road, London, Hillsborough Castle (Co. Down), and Stormont House, Belfast. Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for The London office relocated from 11 Millbank to Scotland if he will review his departmental estate in 1 Horse Guards Road in February 2013. This move order to reduce costs; and if he will make a statement. enabled the Department to secure significant savings of [206694] just under £1m per annum. In July 2014, the Northern Ireland Office’s (NIO) footprint within 1 Horse Guards David Mundell: The Scotland Office estate comprises was further reduced which will create an additional two leased buildings: one in London and one in Edinburgh. annual saving of approximately £58,000. The Scotland Office takes every opportunity to maximise On 1 April 2014, my Department transferred the use of the estate and to reduce running costs. responsibility for the management and day to day running of Hillsborough Castle, whilst retaining accommodation and an office for Ministers, to the charity Historic Royal Palaces. This new arrangement will achieve significant TREASURY savings for the NIO, with the added benefit of enabling the Castle to become fully open to the people of Northern Block Grant: Northern Ireland Ireland and visitors from abroad. My Department will continue to keep under review Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Chancellor of the potential options to make further savings at all three of Exchequer what estimate he has made of the likely its locations. reduction to the block grant for Northern Ireland in the current financial year arising from lack of progress on welfare reform difficulties. [206837] Correspondence Danny Alexander: I refer the hon. Member to the Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern answer I gave him on 8 April 2014, Official Report, Ireland if she will estimate the annual cost to her column 228W. Department of (a) stationery and (b) postage incurred when sending a ministerial reply to hon. Members; and Buildings if she will make a statement. [206152] Simon Kirby: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Mrs Villiers: My Department does not hold the specific if he will review his departmental estate in order to information requested. reduce costs; and if he will make a statement. [206696] 15W Written Answers1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Written Answers 16W

Andrea Leadsom: HM Treasury occupies a small Guidance on handling correspondence from Members estate the core of which is the building at 1 Horse of Parliament, peers, MEPs and Members of devolved Guards Road. Space rationalisation since May 2010 in Administrations will be updated in due course. this building has allowed the Cabinet Office, the Northern https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ Ireland Office, the Office of Parliamentary Counsel and attachment_data/file/61196/guide-handling-gov- UK Export Finance to be accommodated, generating correspondence.pdf £12 million pa in rental income. Inline with business planning HM Treasury regularly reviews its accommodation Credit: Interest Rates needs.

Business: Capital Allowances Mr Dodds: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps his Department is taking to address concerns that payday loan companies are exploiting Adam Afriyie: To ask the Chancellor of the vulnerable people. [206553] Exchequer how many businesses received the annual investment allowance in (a) 2010-11, (b) 2011-12 and Andrea Leadsom: The Government has fundamentally (c) 2012-13. [205500] reformed regulation of the payday market, transferring regulatory responsibility for consumer credit regulation Mr Gauke: Annual Investment Allowance (AIA) has from the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) to the Financial been used to encourage investment in plant and machinery Conduct Authority (FCA) from 1 April 2014. The FCA by all businesses. The number of unincorporated businesses has a statutory objective to protect consumers. and companies that received AIA is presented in the following table, and has been rounded to the nearest It is important that consumers are protected from 1,000. The latest year for which figures are available is unfair costs. The Government has therefore legislated 2011-12. to require the FCA to introduce a cap on the cost of payday loans, and the FCA is currently consulting on 2010-11 2011-12 its cap proposals. The Government also strongly welcomes the FCA’s Number Of AIA Claims 1,203,000 1,222,000 new rules for regulating payday lending, including action on rollovers and continuous payment authorities (CPAs). Consultants Payday lenders are also required to adhere to the FCA’s high level principles of business, including that of “treating Keith Vaz: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer customers fairly”. what the cost to the public purse was of external The FCA has also introduced affordability rules to consultants employed by his Department in (a) 2010, strengthen consumer protection, based on the principle (b) 2011, (c) 2012, (d) 2013 and (e) 2014 to date. that money should only be lent to a consumer if they [206287] can afford it.

Andrea Leadsom: Spend on external consultants and EU Grants and Loans other professional services is published annually in the Department’s annual report and accounts. These can be found at: Mr Ivan Lewis: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/hmt-annual- under what circumstances the use of European Investment report Bank loans by the Northern Ireland Executive would lead to a reduction in the block grant from his Department. Correspondence [205168]

Simon Kirby: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Danny Alexander: The Northern Ireland Executive’s if he will estimate the annual cost to his Department of spending is funded from a variety of sources, including (a) stationery and (b) postage incurred when sending a the ‘block grant’ allocation from the UK Government, ministerial reply to hon. Members; and if he will make borrowing, and locally raised revenue. The Northern a statement. [206155] Ireland Executive can currently borrow up to £200 million per year, up to a total of £3 billion, from the UK’s Andrea Leadsom: Information relating to costs of National Loans Fund (NLF), through the Reinvestment stationery and postage incurred when sending a ministerial and Reform Initiative (RRI). reply to hon. Members is not recorded and could be Any loans from the European Investment Bank which obtained only at disproportionate cost. were additional to the NLF borrowing would, like the existing facility, count towards the UK’s overall Public Simon Kirby: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Sector Net Cash Requirement (PSNCR) and would whether he has any plans to increase the number of have the effect of increasing the overall level of public replies within his Department’s working day standard; spending. For this reason, any Northern Ireland Executive and if he will make a statement. [206483] borrowing needs to be within the £200 million per year limits which are provided for within the devolved Andrea Leadsom: The handling of correspondence is Administration’s total budgets each year. Any increases given the highest priority by my Department and we in borrowing beyond the agreed limits must be offset by aim to respond to all correspondence within 15 working reductions in other spending to avoid adding to the days. overall limits on public spending set out by the Government. 17W Written Answers1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Written Answers 18W

Such reductions could be enforced by cuts to the ‘block investment projects in the UK had risen by 15% in the grant’ portion of NI budgets if the Northern Ireland past year, against the background of a European market Executive did not make other offsetting savings. that grew by just 4%. It is important to recognise that bodies other than the As noted above, it is difficult to isolate the impact of Northern Ireland Executive can bid for EIB loans in tax policy on these trends, and UKTI does not have Northern Ireland. In January 2014, the University of estimates of how much of the new investment has been Ulster secured a £150 million loan to help build its new a direct result of the lower rate of corporation tax. But Belfast campus, and the Northern Ireland Finance Minister it is clear that the corporation tax reforms have changed has been encouraging councils within the new local perceptions of the UK competitiveness. For the past authority structures in Northern Ireland to consider the two years, the UK has ranked highest in the KPMG EIB as a source of finance for infrastructure investment. survey on international tax competitiveness, ahead of countries including the US, the Netherlands and EU Law Switzerland. Income Tax Mr Redwood: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many times the UK has lost EU infraction proceedings Andrew Jones: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer since May 2010 which relate to matters that fall within how many people in (a) the UK and (b) North Yorkshire his Department’s responsibility. [206663] no longer pay income tax as a result of changes in the personal income tax threshold introduced since 2010. Andrea Leadsom: Since May 2010 the UK has not [206808] lost any EU infraction proceedings falling within the responsibility of HM Treasury. The UK has never been Mr Gauke: By April this year this Government’s fined for an infraction. increases in the personal allowance (for those born after 5 April 1948) are estimated to have taken over 3 million Foreign Investment in UK individuals out of the income tax system altogether. 266,000 of these individuals live in the Yorkshire and the Humber region, which includes North Yorkshire. Adam Afriyie: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer These estimates are based on the 2011-12 Survey of what estimate he has made of the amount of foreign Personal Incomes, projected to 2014-15 using economic direct investment generated since 2010 as a direct result assumptions consistent with the Office for Budget of the lower rate of corporation tax. [206722] Responsibility’s March 2014 economic and fiscal outlook. HM Treasury does not publish this information at Mr Gauke: Since 2010, the Government has cut the constituency level. main rate of corporation tax from 28% to 21%. It will fall further next year, to 20%, giving the UK the joint Mapeley lowest rate of corporation tax in the G20. The Small Profits Rate has also been cut to 20%. Ian Lavery: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer These cuts are a central part of the Government’s with regard to the Mapeley-Salisbury STEPS contract long-term economic plan. They are intended to make for cleaning services in Northern Ireland, how much the UK more competitive, supporting business investment HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has paid towards and job creation. the Mapeley-Salisbury STEPS contract for cleaning Government modeling suggests that the corporation services in Northern Ireland; what arrangements HMRC tax cuts introduced in this parliament will: and Mapeley have in place to monitor the STEPS contract with staff representatives; for what reasons increase business investment by between 2.5% and 4.5% (£3.6bn former civil servants employed by ISS on the Mapeley to £6bn in today’s prices) in the long term STEPS contract have not received a pay award in 2013 increase GDP by between 0.6% and 0.8% (£9.6bn to £12.2bn in in line with the terms of the contract; and if he will today’s prices) in the long term make a statement. [206334] Foreign direct investment decisions are influenced by a range of factors including skills, market access, and Mr Gauke: HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) are infrastructure. Consequently, it is difficult to isolate the unable to provide a breakdown of payments by service exact impact of the corporation tax cuts from reform in as this information is commercially sensitive. HMRC other areas. But recently published data on inward monitors the performance of its contractor regularly investment has been very encouraging. under a range of provisions. HMRC are unable to In their 2013/2014 Inward Investment Report, UKTI comment on the terms and conditions of ISS employees said ONS data showed the value of FDI stock increased as this information is commercially sensitive. from £725.6 billion in 2010, to £936.5 billion in 2012. Mass Media: Subscriptions UKTI also reported that the UK attracted more inward investment projects last year than in any year Mr Slaughter: To ask the Chancellor of the since records began in the 1980s. UKTI recorded 1,773 Exchequer what subscriptions to (a) magazines and projects, creating 66,390 new jobs. (b) television channels his Department funds. [205348] This is supported by analysis from Ernst and Young, who use their own independent database to assess inward Andrea Leadsom: HM Treasury subscribes to the investment. Ernst and Young’s Annual Attractiveness following magazines: Survey, published in June, showed the number of inward AGRA Facts 19W Written Answers1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Written Answers 20W

Banker Ministers: Official Cars Commercial Motor Thu Bloomberg Business Week Lyn Brown: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Commercial Motor Thu how many journeys Ministers of his Department have Farmers Weekly Fri made using the Government Car Service; and how many such journeys were for the transportation of a Local Government Chron Fri red box. [204946] Motor Transport Thu New Statesman Thu Andrea Leadsom: HM Treasury does not keep a record of Ministers’ individual car journeys. Private Eye Wed F/N Prospect Mortgages: Government Assistance Spectator Jim Shannon: To ask the Chancellor of the Taxation Thu Exchequer whether the Government plans to provide Times Education Supp Fri help for mortgage holders in the event of an increase in HMT does not subscribe to any subscription based interest rates. [206796] TV channels. Andrea Leadsom: The Government has taken a number In 2009-10 HM Treasury was spending £189,561.41 of measures aimed at helping people to avoid mortgage on periodicals and newspapers. In 2013-14, this was repayment difficulties. The Money Advice Service has down by 66%. been set up by Government to promote understanding of the financial system and raise levels of financial Minimum Wage capability across the UK. The Support for Mortgage Interest scheme helps pensioners and those out of work Emily Thornberry: To ask the Chancellor of the to meet their mortgage payments. Furthermore, all Exchequer (1) what steps HM Revenue and Customs borrowers can seek protection in the courts using the takes when an employer whom it has deemed to have Pre-Action Protocol, which makes it clear that repossession underpaid the minimum wage absconds without must always be the last resort for lenders. repaying the money owed; [205524] Motor Sports: Wales (2) what outstanding total of minimum wage arrears were unpaid because the employer had absconded in Andrew Bridgen: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer each of the last five years; [205525] whether his Department has received any requests from (3) how many times HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) the Welsh Government for loans or grants for the has encountered employers suspected of underpaying construction of the Circuit of Wales. [206834] the minimum wage who (a) falsified documents, (b) Danny Alexander: The Treasury has not received any obstructed the investigation and (c) had previously requests for loans or grants from the Welsh Government been found on previous occasions by HMRC or by an in relation to the construction of the Circuit of Wales. employment tribunal, to have underpaid on a previous occasion in each of the last five financial years. [205612] Personal Pensions

Mr Gauke: The Government takes the enforcement Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Chancellor of the of the national minimum wage (NMW) very seriously. Exchequer if he will hold discussions with the Financial HMRC review every complaint that is referred to them Conduct Authority on addressing the challenges faced by the Pay and Work Rights Helpline. In addition, by by people who are not yet retired who hold personal collating and analysing data received from various sources, pensions which commenced between 1970 and 2000, HMRC ensure targeted enforcement through robust and who are no longer contributing, but are being risk assessment processes to identify employers across charged annual fees which reduce the amount in their the United Kingdom who are more likely to be not pensions. [206726] paying NMW. Mr Gauke: As a conduct of business regulator, the The majority of employers identified as paying below Financial Conduct Authority’s role is to promote effective national minimum wage will pay arrears on receipt of a competition in the interests of consumers, secure an formal notice of underpayment. Where they don’t, we appropriate degree of protection for consumers, and to will pursue recovery through the civil courts. protect and enhance the integrity of the UK financial For deliberate non-compliance or obstructive behaviour, system. The Government works closely with the FCA. we investigate at a criminal level. This could include It is, however, important that the FCA, as an independent employers who abscond. regulatory authority, has the ability to develop rules The statistics requested on absconded employers are without undue fear of direct intervention by Government. not available, and HMRC does not routinely collect Public Expenditure statistics on falsification and obstruction of investigation. Of those employers prosecuted within the last five James Duddridge: To ask the Chancellor of the financial years, there were no incidences of previous Exchequer if he will place in the Library the underlying underpayment of the national minimum wage. Employment data to Chart B.5 on page 97 of the Budget 2014 Red tribunals are the responsibility of HM Courts & Tribunals Book in (a) percentage of gross domestic product and Service. (b) £ million. [201381] 21W Written Answers1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Written Answers 22W

Priti Patel: The data (the Office for Budget A recognition bonus scheme for delegated grades which recognises Responsibility’s forecast for debt in 2015-16 and HM exceptional in year performance. This scheme is not open to Treasury projections for debt in 2035-36 under different members of the SCS. policy assumptions with and without illustrative shocks) All payments are non-consolidated and non-pensionable. has been placed in the Library of the House. The All information has been previously disclosed in HMRC forecast and projections have been provided both as a accounts and transparency declarations which can be percentage of GDP and in £ million in today’s terms. found through the following links; Transparency returns Revenue and Customs https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/non- consolidated-performance-related-payments Ian Lavery: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Annual accounts how many call attempts were made to HM Revenue 2013-14 and Customs contact centres on each working day https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/hmrc-annual- between 16 June and 4 July 2014; how many such calls report-and-accounts-2013-to-2014 were answered; and how many answered calls led to a request for a needs enhanced support face-to-face 2012-13 meeting. [206218] https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/annual-report- and-accounts-2012-13--3 Mr Gauke: During this period industrial action taken Prior to 2012 by Public and Commercial Services Union members in http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/+/http:// HMRC, led to reduced staffing between 23 and 27 June www.hmrc.gov.uk/about/reports.htm 2014, with increased demand therefore impacting later Performance awards are paid in the financial year weeks. following the performance (i.e. payments in 2009-10 HM Revenue and Customs Contact Centres received relate to performance in 2008-09). and answered the calls tabled below during the period requested. Shabana Mahmood: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many and what proportion of telephone Day Call Attempts Made Call Attempts Handled calls were answered by HM Revenue and Customs in less than (a) five minutes, (b) 10 minutes, (c) 15 16 June 2014 391,004 261,395 minutes and (d) 20 minutes in each quarter of the last 17 June 2014 319,565 228,150 three years; and how many and what proportion of 18 June 2014 309,711 214,686 telephone calls to HM Revenue and Customs went 19 June 2014 297,266 210,399 unanswered in each quarter of the last three years. 20 June 2014 292,331 193,136 [206498] 21 June 2014 62,369 49,090 22 June 2014 Closed Closed Mr Gauke: HMRC publishes regular updates on its 23 June 2014 405,879 159,432 performance. The latest publication is available here: 24 June 2014 315,448 223,670 25 June 2014 285,142 207,709 https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/business-plan- indicators 26 June 2014 261,284 194,392 27 June 2014 262,061 171,436 28 June 2014 72,209 49,662 Sanitary Protection: VAT 29 June 2014 Closed Closed 30 June 2014 421,030 257,619 Sir Bob Russell: To ask the Chancellor of the 1 July 2014 332,910 231,533 Exchequer what recent representations he has made to 2 July 2014 290,915 226,957 the European Commission on the removal of VAT on 3 July 2014 273,627 218,206 sanitary products; and if he will make a statement. 4 July 2014 270,626 194,765 [206878]

During this period there were 6410 telephone requests Mr Gauke: The Government has frequent discussions to our telephony teams for customers to receive extra with the European Commission on a wide range of help resulting in 1706 face to face meetings being arranged. issues. The remaining (4704) callers received the help they Since 2001, the UK has applied a 5% reduced rate of needed from telephone advisers. VAT, the lowest permissible under EU law, to the supply of sanitary products. Shabana Mahmood: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much was paid to officials in HM Revenue and Customs in bonuses and other payments Self-employed: Preston in addition to salary in each of the last five years; how many officials received such payments; and what the Mark Hendrick: To ask the Chancellor of the monetary value was of the 20 largest payments made in Exchequer how many people in Preston constituency each year. [206497] were self-employed and in receipt of working tax credit in each year since 2009-10. [206321] Mr Gauke: HMRC operates two non-consolidated award arrangements: Priti Patel: The following table is based on finalised Performance awards tied to the annual performance for delegated tax credits administrative data for each financial year. grades (AA – grade 6) and senior civil servants; and The latest data available are 2012-13. 23W Written Answers1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Written Answers 24W

Preston constituency Tax Evasion Thousand Number of families in receipt of Shabana Mahmood: To ask the Chancellor of the tax credits containing at least one member identified as self- Exchequer pursuant to the answer of 10 February Tax year employed 2014, Official Report, column 438W, on tax evasion, what recent progress has been made by HM Revenue 2009-10 1.4 and Customs (HMRC) in initiating proceedings against 2010-11 1.3 all current HMRC fugitives; and if he will make a 2011-12 1.4 statement. [206010] 2012-13 1.3 Mr Gauke: HMRC continues to work towards bringing Shipping: Pay all current HMRC Fugitives facing legal proceedings before the UK Courts. They use all available systems and resources to locate and trace individuals. This Catherine McKinnell: To ask the Chancellor of the includes working closely with HMRC’s Fiscal Liaison Exchequer (1) what estimate he has made of the Officers based overseas, Crown Prosecution Service, additional annual cost to the public purse resulting National Crime Agency, Interpol and other International from the extension of seafarers’ earnings deduction to Partners. all EU and European Economic Area seafarers in HMRC will publish an update in due course. 2011; [206601] (2) what estimate he has made of the (a) number of Tobacco: Smuggling seafarers claiming the seafarers’ earnings deduction (SED) and (b) the cost to the public purse of SED in Luciana Berger: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (i) 2009-10, (ii) 2010-11, (iii) 2011-12, (iv) 2012-13 and (1) what the cost in salaries was for those officials in his (v) 2013-14; [206602] Department employed in tackling tobacco smuggling (3) what estimate he has made of the proportion of (a) in total, (b) in detection, (c) in investigations and seafarers claiming seafarers’ earnings deduction who (d) on intelligence matters in each year since 2010-11; were (a) basic, (b) higher and (c) additional rate [206015] income taxpayers in (i) 2009-10, (ii) 2010-11, (iii) (2) what expenditure HM Revenue and Customs has 2011-12, (iv) 2012-13 and (v) 2013-14. [206603] incurred in operating x-ray scanners to tackle tobacco smuggling in each year since 2010-11; [206016] Mr Gauke: Budget 2010 published the estimated annual (3) how much HM Revenue and Customs has spent Exchequer cost of £5 million resulting from the extension on Tackling Tobacco Smuggling strategy in each year of Seafarers’ Earnings Deduction (SED) to EU and since 2010-11; how many of his Department’s staff European Economic Area seafarers from 2011. worked on implementing that strategy in each such HMRC publishes the estimated cost of SED each year; and how many such staff were engaged in (a) December. This can be found at: detection, (b) intelligence-gathering and analysis, (c) https://www.gov.uk/ investigations and (d) the provision of legal advice. search?q=main+tax+expenditures+and+structural+reliefs [206017]

Catherine McKinnell: To ask the Chancellor of the Priti Patel: It is not possible to provide the requested Exchequer what estimate he has made of the (a) breakdown of the total HM Revenue and Customs number and (b) cost to the public purse of fraudulent spent on salaries for staff employed on tackling tobacco claims for seafarers’ earnings deduction in (i) 2009-10, smuggling in the way requested. The total costs for each (ii) 2010-11, (iii) 2011-12, (iv) 2012-13 and (v) 2013-14. year are as follows: [206619] Salary cost £ million

Mr Gauke: No estimate has been made. 2010-11 37.044 To minimise any potential for fraud, a valid claim to 2011-12 36.882 seafarers’ earnings deduction requires the individual to 2012-13 35.734 supply verifiable information and claims are handled by 2013-14 37.731 specialist HMRC staff in a single office. HM Revenue and Customs does not operate any Catherine McKinnell: To ask the Chancellor of the x-ray scanners. Border Force has responsibility for the Exchequer with reference to the Office of Tax Simplification operation of x-ray scanners as part of the joint strategy Review of Tax Reliefs: Final Report, paragraphs J.38-J.41, to tackle tobacco smuggling. whether he plans to accept the report’s recommendation HM Revenue and Customs total expenditure on tobacco that proposals should be brought forward to update work since 2010-11 is detailed in the following table. seafarers’ earnings deduction legislation in order to This includes administration and policy, as well as target better that relief. [206630] enforcement. HMRC activity Mr Gauke: The Government considers recommendations Total expenditure on tobacco made by the Office of Tax Simplification carefully and work (£ million) keeps income tax policy, including seafarers’ earnings 2010-11 65.750 deduction, under constant review. 25W Written Answers1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Written Answers 26W

HMRC activity Cabinet: Aberdeen Total expenditure on tobacco work (£ million) Karen Lumley: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet 2011-12 68.918 Office what the estimated cost to the public purse was 2012-13 67.641 of holding a Cabinet meeting in Aberdeen on 24 2013-14 76.000 February 2014. [206772]

It is not possible to provide the staff information in Mr Maude: The central cost of holding Cabinet in the format requested. However, the total figures are set Aberdeen was £1,800. This is a considerable reduction out as follows: on regional Cabinet meetings under the previous HMRC activity Administration, which cost between £50,000 and £100,000. Full-time equivalent Departments and agencies will also have incurred costs in terms of travel, staff time and other support. The 2010-11 758 cost of any security provided by the police is a matter 2011-12 777 for the relevant police force. 2012-13 777 Holding Cabinet meetings in different parts of the 2013-14 832 UK allows Ministers to hear at first hand the views of For the year 2012-13, the UK cigarette illicit market people in different areas, and Ministers visited various was reported at 9%, which is half the level seen a decade locations in the region following the meeting. ago. The illicit market share for hand-rolling tobacco is Correspondence 36%, lower than in 2010-11 and significantly lower than the level seen in 2008-09, when it was 50%. Simon Kirby: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet VAT Office if he will estimate the annual cost to his Department of (a) stationery and (b) postage incurred when sending Dr Offord: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer a ministerial reply to hon. Members; and if he will what estimate his Department has made of the money make a statement. [206142] annually raised through VAT on the restoration of heritage buildings. [206441] Mr Maude: Ministerial replies to letters from hon. Members are hand delivered to Parliament so there is Mr Gauke: No estimate has been made. no delivery cost to the Department. The stationery used is recycled paper supplied to the Cabinet Office by Dr Phillip Lee: To ask the Chancellor of the Banner Business Services on a closed loop arrangement, Exchequer if he will bring forward legislative proposals whereby our paper waste is fully recycled and returned to remove VAT from death notices. [206631] to us to use as copy paper. Each sheet costs 0.004 pence. Corruption Mr Gauke: This is not possible under current EU VAT l aw. Catherine McKinnell: To ask the Minister for the Although EU law allows a VAT exemption for certain Cabinet Office (1) when the Government’s review of costs charged by an undertaker or crematorium, this enforcement of anti-corruption legislation will begin; does not extend to such things as death notices, newspaper how long that review is expected to last; and in what format announcements, announcement cards, flowers or wreaths, the results of the review will be published; [206604] all of which are standard rated. (2) which Government Departments will be involved in the Government’s review of enforcement of anti- corruption legislation; [206605] CABINET OFFICE (3) what steps the Government is taking to ensure the continuity of its anti-corruption work across each Buildings relevant Department following the change in post of the Government’s anti-corruption champion. [206642] Simon Kirby: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if he will review his departmental estate in order Mr Maude: The Government is reviewing the to reduce costs; and if he will make a statement. coordination and effectiveness of the UK’s enforcement [206682] response to cases of bribery and corruption. The review has commenced and is expected to conclude by the end Mr Maude: Since 2010 the number of Cabinet Office of the year. The Home Office is leading the review buildings has reduced from 14 to six with an annual supported by the Cabinet Office, Department for saving of around £10 million. Further reductions are International Development, the Attorney-General’s Office, planned until 2016, to a total of three occupied properties, Crown Prosecution Service, Serious Fraud Office and with a further £2 million annual saving. National Crime Agency. Ministers will consider the The State of the Estate Report (SofTE) provides recommendations in due course. annual progress updates on our work improving the The Government has established a ministerial group efficiency of the Government’s Civil Estate. The on anti-corruption, attended by Ministers and officials Government estate is currently 2 million sq. m. smaller from relevant Departments and agencies. Its work continues since January 2010. More information is available at: and is supported by officials in the Cabinet Office as https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/state-of-the-estate well as the Home Office which leads on the co-ordination 27W Written Answers1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Written Answers 28W of domestic and international anti-corruption work Mr Maude: Sir John Holmes’ further work to implement across Departments. The Government is also working the recommendations set out in his Military Medals on, and will publish, a cross-departmental anti-corruption Review included a review of the case for some form of plan, setting out activity currently underway and future National Defence Medal, to recognise all military service. policy directions. As Sir John noted in his report of July 2012, the National Defence Medal is an issue of national significance Debts which would require a broad political and public consensus and consideration by the government as a whole, in consultation with other political parties and concerned Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Minister for the organisations. Cabinet Office what change there has been in household debt between 6 May 2010 and 27 June 2014. [206725] Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome

Mr Newmark: The information requested falls within Fiona Bruce: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have Office how many women are known to have died of asked the authority to reply. ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome in each year since Letter from Glen Watson, dated July 2014: 2000. [206969] As Director General for the Office for National Statistics (ONS), I have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Mr Newmark: The information requested falls within Question asking the Minister for the Cabinet Office what change the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have there has been in household debt between 6 May 2010 and 27 asked the authority to reply. June 2014. (206725) The Office for National Statistics publishes details of the Letter from Glen Watson dated September 2014: combined financial liabilities of households and non-profit institutions As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I serving households (NPISH). NPISH is a relatively small contributor have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question to the sector. The most recent analyses can be found in table A64 asking the Secretary of State for Health how many women are of the United Kingdom Economic Accounts (UKEA) 2014 Q1, known to have died of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome in published on 27 June 2014. The UKEA is available on the each year since 2000. (206969) National Statistics web site at: ONS holds mortality data for England and Wales based on the http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/naa1-rd/united-kingdom- information provided at death registration. All conditions mentioned economic-accounts/q1-2014/index.html on the medical certificate of cause of death are coded according The latest data is only available for the 3 month period January- to the International Classification of Diseases (ICD). Since 2001, March 2014 and doesn’t yet cover June as per your question. the ICD, Tenth Revision has been used to code deaths in which code N98.1 specifically identifies hyperstimulation of ovaries. Household ’debt’ can be interpreted as the accumulated Total Specific codes to identify this condition were not available in financial liabilities’ of the household and NPISH sector. These earlier revisions of the ICD. are predominantly made up of short and long term loans. The UKEA shows that for households and NPISH, the combined Between 2001 and 2013 (the latest year available), two deaths Total financial liabilities’ in 2014 Q1 was £1,557.6 billion. This have been registered in England and Wales where hyperstimulation compares with a 2010 Q2 figure of £1,530.8 billion. Household of ovaries was recorded as the underlying cause of death (one in and NPISH Total financial liabilities’ have, therefore, risen £26.8 billion 2005 and one in 2006). In addition, one death was registered in between 2010 Q2 and 2014 Q1. 2008 which had hyperstimulation of ovaries mentioned on the death certificate, but this was not the underlying cause of death. All values are current price series (also known as nominal, cash or value series)-these are expressed in terms of the prices of the The number of deaths registered in England and Wales each time period being estimated. In other words, they describe the year by sex, age and underlying cause, are published annually on actual price charged or paid for the goods or services at time of the ONS website at: production or consumption. http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/vsob1/mortality-statistics-- deaths-registered-in-england-and-wales--series-dr-/index.html Government Departments: Pay Pay: Brigg

Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Minister for the Andrew Percy: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Cabinet Office which government departments do not Office what estimate he has made of the number of pay all employees the living wage as defined by the people in Brigg and Goole constituency who are paid Living Wage Foundation; and how much less than the at a rate below the living wage as defined by the Living living wage those departments pay. [206840] Wage Foundation. [207032]

Mr Maude: The information requested is not held Mr Newmark: The information requested falls within centrally. the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have For staff outside the Senior Civil Service, individual asked the authority to reply. Departments have delegated authority to set their own Letter from Glen Watson, dated July 2014: pay levels, based on their own recruitment and retention As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I needs. have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking the Minister for the Cabinet Office what estimate he has Military Decorations made of the number of people in Brigg and Goole constituency who are paid at a rate below the living wage as defined by the Living Wage Foundation (207032). Sir Bob Russell: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet The Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE), carried Office when he plans to make an announcement on out in April each year, is the most comprehensive source of recommendations relating to the award of the National earnings information in the United Kingdom. Hourly levels of Defence Medal. [206314] earnings are estimated from ASHE and are provided for employees 29W Written Answers1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Written Answers 30W on adult rates of pay, whose earnings for the survey pay period Pay were not affected by absence. It is not possible to estimate the number of people with earnings below specified thresholds, though it is possible to estimate the corresponding proportion of employee Mr Bradshaw: To ask the hon. Member for South jobs. Figures relate to employee jobs, which are defined as those West Devon, representing the Speaker’s Committee on held by employees and not the self-employed. the Electoral Commission, how many employees of the In April 2013, the latest period for which results are available, Commission, of each grade, have remained at the same the Living Wage rate suggested by the Living Wage Foundation grade since 2010 and in that period received pay rises. was £7.45 per hour for employees who did not work in London. [205747] The proportion of employee jobs below this rate in Brigg and Goole in April 2013 was 27.0%. ** Mr Streeter: The Commission’s staff are not members Guide to quality: of the civil service. It does not apply a civil service The Coefficient of Variation (CV) indicates the quality of a grading structure with incremental scales and so cannot figure, the smaller the CV value the higher the quality. The true provide the information as requested. value is likely to lie within +/- twice the CV. For example, for an estimate of 50% with a CV of 5%, we would expect the population In 2010-11 and 2011-12 there were no pay awards average to be within the range 45% to 55%. This is given by 50% given to its staff. In subsequent years the 1% public +/- ({2*0.05}*50). sector pay cap has been applied to all of its staff. Key: ** CV > 10% and <= 20%

Voluntary Work ATTORNEY-GENERAL

Mr Slaughter: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Buildings Office what research he has commissioned on the number of people who volunteer and the reasons for Simon Kirby: To ask the Attorney-General if he will people not volunteering since May 2010. [206707] review the Law Officers’ Departments departmental estate in order to reduce costs; and if he will make a Mr Newmark: The Cabinet Office has commissioned statement. [206681] the Community Life Survey which provides official statistics on volunteering, giving and community The Solicitor-General: The Crown Prosecution Service engagement. Latest data shows that in 2013-14 74% of (CPS) has been engaged in a programme of estate people volunteered (either informally or formally), an reduction since 2010 which has reduced the annual increase from 65% in 2010-11. running cost of its estate by £9.32 million. This has The survey also captures why people do not volunteer. been achieved by reducing the size of the estate from More information can be found at: 95 buildings in 2010 to 59 sites, 15 of which are currently https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/community-life- vacant or being used as storage and business continuity survey sites. The CPS Estate Rationalisation Programme will continue into 2016 and by the end of 2016 the department ELECTORAL COMMISSION COMMITTEE expects to reduce the size of the estate to approximately Electoral Systems 35 occupied buildings and 10 vacant sites with leases due to expire, reducing running costs by a further Chris Ruane: To ask the hon. Member for South West £10 million per annum. Devon, representing the Speaker’s Committee on the The other Law Officers’ Departments do not have Electoral Commission, what proportion of the public sizable estates but have made significant efforts to reduce were (a) satisfied and (b) dissatisfied with the process their estate running costs since 2010, including initiatives of voting in Great Britain and Northern Ireland in the such as relocation to more cost effective properties and most recent year for which data is available. [205495] sharing premises with other organisations. The departmental estate costs of all departments are continually kept Mr Streeter: The Electoral Commission informs me under review. that its 2013 winter tracker survey provides the most Full details on the size of the Government estate- recent public opinion data on satisfaction with the including the Law Officers’ Departments-can be found process of voting in Great Britain and Northern Ireland. in the latest State of the Estate Report (SofTE) which This research found that nearly three in four (72%) were reports annually on progress made during the year in very or fairly satisfied with the process of voting. Seven improving the efficiency of the Government’s Civil Estate. per cent were very or fairly dissatisfied. The remainder This is available online at: said that they were ‘Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied’ (18%) or ‘Didn’t know’ (2%). https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/state-of-the-estate The full topline findings are available on the Commission’s website at: Consultants http://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/our-work/our- research/public-opinion-surveys Keith Vaz: To ask the Attorney-General pursuant to The Commission’s May 2014 post-election public the answer of 8 July 2014, Official Report, column 184W, opinion survey, which contains a question on satisfaction on consultants, who the consultants were; what they with the procedure for voting, will also be published on were contracted to do; and how much each was paid. the same section of the website shortly. [206676] 31W Written Answers1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Written Answers 32W

The Solicitor-General: The information requested in management in the Law Officer’s Departments, and respect of the Crown Prosecution Service was contained every effort is being made to ensure that levels of in an answer given to the right hon. Member by the performance are maintained or improved upon. Attorney-General on 16 July 2014, Official Report, column 678W. Simon Kirby: To ask the Attorney-General if he will The following table contains details on the consultants estimate the annual cost to the Law Officers’ Departments used by the SFO since 2010-11. of (a) stationery and (b) postage incurred when sending a ministerial reply to hon. Members; and if he will Amount make a statement. [206141] Contractor Work type (£000) The Attorney-General: The stationery and postage 2010-11 PA Support work for senior 986 Consultancy management costs incurred when sending a ministerial reply to hon. Corven Development work relating to 480 Members are not separately identifiable from general Deferred Prosecution Agreements: office stationery and postage costs. coaching Court Orders SCC IT consultancy 60 DTZ Preparation of Business case for 24 relocation and satellite offices Emily Thornberry: To ask the Attorney-General Morland Research & Support Strategic Risk 10 what proportion of judicial orders and instructions Consulting Assessment were complied with by the Crown Prosecution Service Processflows IT consultancy 1 (a) on time, (b) late and (c) not at all in each of the Ltd last 15 years. [205093] Ravn IT consultancy 7 Systems The Solicitor-General: The Crown Prosecution Service Ltd (CPS) has maintained a central record of the number of, and compliance with, judicial directions since April 2011-12 PA Support work for senior 208 2012. Consultancy management Corven Consultancy work relating to 542 Current CPS data on the number and proportion of Deferred Prosecution Agreements judicial directions complied with by the CPS (and timeliness) BNP Lease surrender 61 is set out in the following table: Paribas Ravn IT consultancy 44 (a) Timely (b) Late (c) Not Total Systems Compliance Compliance Complied With Hill and Communication advice 1 No. % No. % No. % No. Knowlton 2012-13 44,006 54.8 25,186 31.4 11,090 13.8 80,282 2012-13 PA Late invoice for work in 2011-12 (as 31 2013-14 89,955 74.0 21,977 18.1 9,575 7.9 121,507 Consultancy above) Source: CPS Case Management Information System The CPS is evaluating its compliance with Judge’s 2013-14 SCC IT consultancy 32 directions, including its processes for recording such CIO Preparation of specialist IT 2 Partners specification data. Others1 Data management reviews 14 No central record of judicial directions was maintained 1 Two individuals carried out some work relating to an incident of data loss. prior to April 2012. Obtaining the above information Notes: for periods prior to April 2012 would involve a review 1. Records for this type of expenditure were not properly documented prior to of individual case files incurring a disproportionate April 2012. Available records are summarised above: 2. The combined total of costs for the year 2010/11 does not match SFO’s cost. previously published figures. The previous figure was understated by £10k because of credits for late invoices relating to 2009/10 which had been incorrectly Crown Courts categorised as consultancy expenditure. Philip Davies: To ask the Attorney-General pursuant Correspondence to the answer of 16 July 2014, Official Report, column 678W, on Crown courts, what the number of Simon Kirby: To ask the Attorney-General if he will defendants was in each category for each type of take steps to increase the number of replies within the offence in 2013-14. [206588] Law Officers’ Departments’ working day standard; and if he will make a statement. [206130] The Attorney-General: Further to the answer provided on 16 July 2014, the number of defendants in each The Solicitor-General: Performance in meeting targets category for each type of offence in 2013-14 is shown in is kept under regular review by Ministers and senior the following table:

(i) Offer no (ii) Judge ordered (iii) Judge directed (iv) Acquittal after Total evindence1 acquittal acquittal trial Prosecuted Number

A Homicide 26 37 10 125 910 B Offences Against The Person 2,322 3,048 176 1,633 21,223 C Sexual Offences 663 870 72 1,685 8,755 D Burglary 806 1,192 48 278 11,471 33W Written Answers1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Written Answers 34W

(i) Offer no (ii) Judge ordered (iii) Judge directed (iv) Acquittal after Total evindence1 acquittal acquittal trial Prosecuted Number

E Robbery 716 943 65 307 6,810 F Theft And Handling 619 913 52 239 6,854 G Fraud And Forgery 371 498 37 238 5,433 H Criminal Damage 70 114 4 25 1,160 I Drugs Offences 565 823 32 307 15,567 J Public Order Offences 438 628 24 233 5,164 K All Other Offences (excluding 586 835 40 265 5,895 Motoring) L Motoring Offences 109 148 15 69 2,233 Total Principal Offence Categories 7,291 10,049 575 5,404 91,475 Principal Offence Category Not Allocated 504 665 45 180 1,971 Total 7,795 10,714 620 5,584 93,446 1 Offered no evidence is a subset of Judge ordered acquittals. Data Source: CPS Case Management Information System

Crown Prosecution Service since May 2010 which relate to matters that fall within the Law Officers’ Departments’ responsibility. [206649] Emily Thornberry: To ask the Attorney-General what steps he plans to take in response to the finding of The Attorney-General: None. The UK has not been HM Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) Inspector in his subject to infraction proceedings, during this period, Annual Report 2013-14, page 12, that there was a which relate directly to matters within the Law Officers’ considerable decline in performance of the CPS in that Departments’ areas of responsibility. year in relation to how it handled its disclosure Law Officers’ Departments obligations. [205209] Mr Slaughter: To ask the Attorney-General which The Solicitor-General: The CPS is committed to the regulations of the Law Officers’ Departments are proper application of the disclosure provisions in the under review; and if he will make a statement. [206416] Criminal Procedure and Investigations Act 1996 and is already engaged in a range of activities that will improve The Attorney-General: No regulations are currently performance in this area: under review. A disclosure assurance regime is in place for Crown Court Procurement disclosure; The CPS contributed to the Kinch/Riddle review into disclosure Sadiq Khan: To ask the Attorney-General how much in the magistrates courts and is implementing the recommendations and what proportion of the Law Officers’ Departments’ as part of the cross-CJS efforts to transform summary justice. budget was spent on activities which were contracted This will mean more targeted and effective disclosure at first out in (a) 2009-10, (b) 2010-11, (c) 2011-12, (d) hearing in magistrates courts; and 2012-13 and (e) 2013-14; and how much and what CPS has addressed the recommendations of the Gross reviews proportion of the Law Officers’ Department’s budget and the HMCPSI review of disclosure in R v. Mouncher to he expects to be contracted out in 2014-15. [204893] further improve performance. The CPS continues to look at how compliance with The Attorney-General: Tables showing the information the disclosure regime can be improved and will actively requested for the Crown Prosecution Service and the consider further initiatives as necessary. Serious Fraud Office have been placed in the Library of the House. EU Law The remaining Law Officers’ Departments are unable to provide any reliable estimates of the amount spent Mr Redwood: To ask the Attorney-General how annually on contracted out services since 2009-10 without many times the UK has lost EU infraction proceedings incurring a disproportionate cost.

Expenditure on contracted out activities in the CPS and SFO 2009-2014 Expenditure on contracted out services in the Serious Fraud Office between 2009/10 and 2004/15 Contracted out activities Counsel and other legal fees Accountancy fees

2009/10 Expenditure (£000) 5,929 4,354 2,036 Proportion of total budget (%) 14 11 5

2010/11 Expenditure (£000) 4,522 4,524 1,008 Proportion of total budget (%) 12 12 3

2011/12 Expenditure (£000) 3,934 4,822 823 Proportion of total budget (%) 12 15 2 35W Written Answers1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Written Answers 36W

Expenditure on contracted out activities in the CPS and SFO 2009-2014 Expenditure on contracted out services in the Serious Fraud Office between 2009/10 and 2004/15 Contracted out activities Counsel and other legal fees Accountancy fees

2012/13 Expenditure (£000) 2,870 5,957 1,357 Proportion of total budget (%) 6 13 3

2013/14 Expenditure (£000) 2,681 19,078 2,020 Proportion of total budget (%) 5 36 4

2014/15 Estimated expenditure 2,989 7,449 1,360 Proportion of total budget 8 21 4 Notes: 1. The table shows expenditure as a proportion of the NET total budget. 2. The increase in expenditure in 2013/14 is from ‘blockbuster’ cases and civil litigation. The estimated expenditure for 2014/15 does not include expenditure on these matters as funding for this is subject to agreement as part of the supplementary estimates procedure.

Expenditure on contracted out services in the Crown Prosecution Service between 2009/10 and 2004/15 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 As a proportion of As a proportion of As a proportion of Outturn (£000) the budget (%) Outturn (£000) the budget (%) Outturn (£000) the budget (%)

Contracted out services 79,431 11.53 75,354 11.72 69,990 11.26 Advocate fees 135,296 19.63 134,195 20.87 111,041 17.86 Total 214,727 31.16 209,549 32.59 181,031 29.11

2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 As a proportion of As a proportion of As a proportion of Outturn (£000) the budget (%) Outturn (£000) the budget (%) Forecast (£000) the budget (%)

Contracted out services 57,358 9.69 57,112 10.15 50,848 9.81 Advocate fees 110,609 18.69 114,607 20.37 108,110 20.86 Total 167,967 28.38 171,718 30.52 158,958 30.67 Notes: 1. The budget for 2014/15 is taken from the Crown Prosecutions Service’s Main Estimate. 2. The forecast outturn figures for 2014/15 have been calculated as a linear extrapolation based on expenditure in prior years.

Prosecutions Crown Court Advocacy (13 Area position)—Self-employed advocates % of prosecutions by GFS value Emily Thornberry: To ask the Attorney-General how 2013-14 71 many and what proportion of all (a) Crown Prosecution Service and (b) Serious Fraud Office cases The cost to the CPS of fees paid to self-employed were prosecuted by external counsel in 2013-14 and advocates in relation to Crown court and Higher Court each of the five preceding years; and what the cost to advice, preparation and advocacy for each of the last each agency was of such counsel in each such year. six years is: [205096] £ The Attorney-General: Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) cases are not prosecuted exclusively by self-employed 2013-14 114,606,541 advocates or in-house advocates. Many cases are transferred 2012-13 110,608,524 between self-employed and in-house advocates and therefore 2011-12 111,041,044 it is not possible to report on the number or proportion 2010-11 134,194,869 of cases prosecuted solely by one type of advocate or 2009-10 135,296,368 the other. 2008-09 127,132,677 Note: However, the CPS does record the proportion of Figures include VAT and are all fees paid to self-employed advocates not just work undertaken across the 13 CPS Areas in the Crown those paid under the graduated fee scheme. court by self-employed advocates by value, in accordance All of the cases prosecuted by the Serious Fraud with the graduated fee scheme (GFS). CPS records Office in the Crown court are prosecuted by external show: counsel. Costs associated with this are detailed in the Crown Court Advocacy (13 Area position)—Self-employed advocates following table. % of prosecutions by GFS value Fees to counsel relating to prosecution work (£000) 2008-09 78 2009-10 75 2008-09 3,146 2010-11 72 2009-10 2,313 2011-12 69 2010-11 3,651 2012-13 70 2011-12 4,008 37W Written Answers1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Written Answers 38W

The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) investigates and, Fees to counsel relating to prosecution work (£000) where appropriate, prosecutes cases of serious or complex 2012-13 3,548 fraud (including cases of domestic or overseas bribery 2013-14 4,167 and corruption) which, in the opinion of the Director of the SFO, call for the multi-disciplinary approach and Serious Fraud Office legislative powers available to the SFO. Since April 2012, the SFO’s caseload has been recalibrated so that it Emily Thornberry: To ask the Attorney-General (1) is taking on fewer and more complex cases, as envisaged how many (a) investigations were carried out, (b) by the Roskill model. individuals were charged, (c) corporates were charged, The SFO’s Intelligence Unit will assess all matters (d) criminal prosecutions were launched and (e) referred to the SFO whether by the public, the police or criminal convictions were secured by the Serious Fraud other agencies or organisations and refer those considered Office in (i) 2012-13 and (ii) each of the five preceding suitable for acceptance to a Case Evaluation Board years; [201977] before submission to the Director for his decision to (2) how many people have been convicted by the open a criminal investigation under the Criminal Justice Serious Fraud Office in 2013-14 and each of the Act 1987. previous five years; [205065] SFO investigations are complex, and this can sometimes (3) how many prosecutions have been completed by lead to investigations merging or splitting into different the Serious Fraud Office in 2013-14 and each of the parts. For instance, the Libor investigation is into numerous previous five years. [205092] financial institutions, and there are other large investigations which have been subdivided. The Solicitor-General: 11 convictions were secured in 2013-14 and 16 prosecutions were completed in 2013-14 The information requested for earlier years is contained (including those with convictions). in the following table.

2012-13 2011-12 2010-11 2009-10 2008-09 2007-08

Number of investigations opened 8 10 13 17 20 18 Number of individuals charged 18 24 25 57 31 20 Number of corporates charged 0 0 1201 Number of convictions secured 14 39 23 24 33 17 Number of prosecutions completed by defendant (including those 20 54 28 26 54 25 convicted) Notes: 1. Two cases have been opened, closed, and then re-opened. These have been counted only once in the data above. 2. Prior to April 2012 the SFO did not collate all of its casework data centrally and it is therefore possible that some records form this period may not have been identified. The SFO is currently carrying out a project to ensure that its reporting systems are more robust in the future.

Emily Thornberry: To ask the Attorney-General how Mark Hendrick: To ask the Secretary of State for much the Serious Fraud Office spent on civil claims in International Development how many UK aid agencies which it was the respondent in 2013-14. [205095] are currently operating in Rakine State, Burma. [206735] The Solicitor-General: The Serious Fraud Office spent £10,833k on civil claims in which it was the respondent Mr Swayne: The UN managed Myanmar Information in 2013-14, including legal costs and other payments. Management Unit (MIMU) lists international NGOs working in Rakhine State. MIMU’s information is available on the internet. The choice of where individual UK INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT agencies operate is a matter for those agencies. Burma Correspondence Mark Hendrick: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much the UK gave in Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for aid to Burma in (a) 2010, (b) 2011, (c) 2012 and (d) International Development if she will estimate the 2013; and how much aid it plans to give to Burma in annual cost to her Department of (a) stationery and 2014; and what pre-conditions have been applied to (b) postage incurred when sending a ministerial reply such aid donations for Burma receiving aid. [206734] to hon. Members; and if she will make a statement. [206150] Mr Swayne: The latest version of Statistics for International Development was published in October Mr Swayne: Based on approximately 3,500 replies a 2013 and contains the following UK Official Development year we estimate the annual cost of replying to hon. Assistance outturn figures for Burma: 2010, £29 million; members as: (a) £525, (b) £1,650. 2011, £39 million; 2012, £30 million. In June 2013 DFID published a revised Operational Plan for Burma, Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for which contains projected figures for DFID spend in: International Development whether she has any plans 2012-13, £32 million; 2013-14, £56 million; 2014-15, £60 to increase the number of replies within her Department’s million. No UK aid goes directly to the Government of working day standard; and if she will make a statement. Burma, as programme or budget support. [206479] 39W Written Answers1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Written Answers 40W

Mr Swayne: The handling of correspondence is given Palestinians the highest priority by my Department and we aim to respond to all correspondence within 15 working days. Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what funding her Department allocates to Palestine; and if she will Democratic Republic of Congo commission a review of how effective that funding is in serving her Department’s objectives in Palestine. Mr Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for [206381] International Development what steps she is taking to ensure that UK assistance to the Democratic Republic Mr Swayne: DFID will provide nearly £350 million in of Congo is not misused or misappropriated. [206221] support of Palestinian development from 2011-15. In addition, we have also provided £17 million of emergency Justine Greening: DFID takes seriously tackling the aid since the current conflict began. We regularly review misuse or misappropriation of UK Aid, and has a progress and assess that UK aid is on track to deliver range of robust controls and measures in place to key results as set out in our Operational Plan. safeguard the UK taxpayers’ money. Additionally, the International Development Committee’s In the DRC this includes regular rigorous risk assessments recent report was supportive of the work that we are of the fiduciary environment to determine the way in doing in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, while which UK Aid is provided. Currently this means DFID noting the need for political progress. funds in DRC are channelled through United Nations Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State agencies and NGOs, rather than provided directly to for International Development what funding her the Government. All partners selected are subject to Department has allocated to aid Palestinian citizens pre-funding due diligence checks and regular scrutiny who have been injured, orphaned, made homeless and during implementation. lost their livelihoods as a result of Israel’s recent air strikes; and whether she plans to keep the level of such funding under review in the light of future developments Developing Countries: Schools in that conflict. [206382]

Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State Mr Swayne: DFID is one of the biggest donors to the for International Development how the £1 million Gaza crisis, providing over £17 million of emergency pledged by the UK to the UN’s Safe Schools Initiative aid since the current conflict began. The level of funding is being used to ensure that children are being is being kept under constant review. protected. [206373] Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State Lynne Featherstone: DFID is providing technical support for International Development whether she will make to the design and development of the Safe Schools any changes to aid allocations as a result of the Initiative, as well as working through our existing education violence in Gaza. [206838] programmes in northern Nigeria to ensure safe access Mr Swayne: DFID is providing nearly £350 million to learning. The Safe Schools Initiative was launched in from 2011-15 to address a broad range of Palestinian May. The Government of Nigeria are leading on development and humanitarian needs, including relieving implementation. The aim is to provide a response for the humanitarian impact of the occupation of Gaza. the protection of schools and the prevention of future We have provided over £17 million of emergency aid attacks on schools. It will include a combination of since the current conflict began. We keep the level of school-based and community interventions to create our funding under constant review. safer environments in which schools can operate, improve school security measures and support provision of safe Papua New Guinea opportunities for learning. Mr Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how many programmes Middle East based in Papua New Guinea have been considered for funding since April 2004; and how many have received Katy Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for funding. [206185] International Development what steps the UK is Mr Swayne: DFID does not have a bilateral programme taking to ensure that all Palestinian civilians made with Papua New Guinea. DFID has funded proposals homeless during Operation Protective Edge will have through challenge fund procedures like the Civil Society their homes rebuilt as swiftly as possible. [206227] Challenge Fund (CSCF) which can be viewed on the Development Tracker: Mr Swayne: This conflict has taken a terrible toll. http://devtracker.dfid.gov.uk/location/country/ Initial damage assessments point to destruction on an unprecedented scale, with more than 100,000 Gazans St Helena left homeless. Reconstruction will require a durable ceasefire, an agreed approach on security, predictable Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for International and sustained access for people and goods in and out of Development if she will place in the Library a copy of Gaza, and good governance arrangements. The UK the audit of the accounts of the St Helena airport continues to work with international partners to this construction project in each of the last three years. end. [206523] 41W Written Answers1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Written Answers 42W

Mr Swayne: The St Helena airport project is monitored Under-occupancy Penalty on a regular basis by its project board and is also subject to additional scrutiny by the Major Projects 19. Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for Authority (MPA). Work and Pensions if he will bring forward legislative proposals to amend the operation of the under- Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for occupancy penalty so that it applies only when suitable International Development how much energy prices on alternative accommodation is readily available. [905118] St Helena have increased in each of the last four years; and what estimate she has made of the likely change in Esther McVey: The removal of the spare room subsidy such prices in each of the next three years. [206990] remains government policy. There are no plans to amend this. Mr Swayne: From April 2010 to April 2014 the unit price of electricity per kilowatt hour in St Helena increased Personal Independence Payment by 2.5p, 1.75p, 1.9p and 0.8p in each respective financial year, increasing the unit price for median consumption rates over this period from 15p to 22p per kilowatt hour. Meg Hillier: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how long the average wait for an assessment Future energy prices on St Helena will be decided by for a personal independence payment was on the latest the island’s private utility company and regulator. date for which figures are available. [905122]

Mr Harper: The wait for an assessment faced by some claimants is unacceptable. We are committed to WORK AND PENSIONS putting that right by clearing backlogs and improving processing times. Universal Jobmatch We intend to publish statistics on the time taken to clear cases in the near future and my analysts are 16. Valerie Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for considering what information the publication will include. Work and Pensions what recent assessment he has We will pre-announce the publication in due course, in made of the performance of his Department’s line with the UK Statistics Authority code of practice. universal jobmatch website. [905114] Asbestos Esther McVey: Recent assessments of Universal Jobmatch confirm that the service continues to play an Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for important role in the way jobseekers look for work. Work and Pensions what recent steps his Department This is endorsed by the National Audit Office’s recent has taken to publicise the risks associated with asbestos. informal review. This concluded they were satisfied with [206769] the ongoing approach to ensuring Universal Jobmatch continues to remain accessible and dynamic for jobseekers. Mr Harper: The Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE) Universal Jobmatch has already helped many jobseekers recent efforts on publicising the risks associated with find the jobs they want through the millions of vacancies asbestos has been through its general operational and posted since 2012, and delivers a successful transformation other activities with at-risk groups as appropriate, backed in the way benefit claimants look for work. by a comprehensive package of advice and guidance on the dedicated asbestos web pages of the HSE’s website. A revised Approved Code of Practice to support the Benefit Cap Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 has also been produced. 17. Andrew Bridgen: To ask the Secretary of State for HSE will also launch a bespoke asbestos behaviour Work and Pensions what recent assessment he has change campaign in autumn 2014. This will target those made of the employment outcomes of people affected workers most at risk and aims to get them to recognise by the benefit cap. [905116] that asbestos is relevant to them and their work place, and encourage them to seek reliable information about Esther McVey: The latest official statistics, which are how they can protect themselves, so reducing needless available at: deaths. www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ attachment_data/file/341890/benefit-cap-may-2014.pdf Buildings show that by May 2014, 39% of those no longer subject to the cap, 7,400 households, have moved into work, as Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for Work shown by them having an open working tax credit and Pensions if he will review his departmental estate claim. In addition to this there may be a small number in order to reduce costs; and if he will make a of cases who have moved into work with sufficiently statement. [206698] high salaries that they are not entitled to working tax credit. Steve Webb: DWP undertakes regular reviews of its The DWP will be evaluating the policy and, where estate to ensure it delivers the best service for claimants possible, its impacts on employment later this year and and employers while delivering best value for money for expect to publish these findings in autumn 2014. the taxpayer. 43W Written Answers1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Written Answers 44W

Conditions of Employment Universal Credit automatically adjusts benefit payments depending on the number of hours a person works— Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for Work whatever the type of contract. Where Universal Credit and Pensions pursuant to the answer of 2 April 2014, claimants refuse to apply for a role, including a Zero Official Report, column 722W, what information his Hours Contract role when mandated to do so or refuse Department (a) holds and (b) has commissioned on to accept a job offer, they can be sanctioned. People on the number of jobseekers moving into zero-hours Universal Credit will not be required to sign up to zero contract jobs. [206778] hours contracts which require exclusivity, so they will always have the opportunity to gain more hours elsewhere. Esther McVey: Information on jobseekers moving into zero-hours contract jobs is not held nor has it been Employment and Support Allowance commissioned. Information published by the Office for National Statistics suggests zero-hours contracts make Glenda Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for up a relatively small part of the overall labour market, Work and Pensions how many employment and accounting for about 2% of all people in work. support allowance claimants with (a) cystic fibrosis, Jobseekers claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance are not (b) rheumatoid arthritis, (c) motor neurone disease, required to apply for zero-hours contract vacancies, (d) multiple sclerosis and (e) Parkinson’s disease have they will not be sanctioned as a result of not applying. been (i) placed in the support group, (ii) placed in the UC claimants who refuse to accept a zero hours contract work-related activity group and (iii) found fit for work job offer, without good reason, can be subject to a since 2008; and if he will make a statement. [206428] sanction. However a UC claimant will not be sanctioned for refusing to take a zero hours contract with an Mr Harper: The information requested is shown in exclusivity clause. the table.

Outcomes of initial and repeat Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) functional assessments and Incapacity Benefits Reassessments (IBR) by disease code: October 2008-September 2013 Spinal Muscular Other Rheumatoid Cystic Fibrosis Atrophy Parkinson’s Disease Multiple Sclerosis Arthritis

Initial claim SG 600 900 1,100 5,200 2,100 WRAG 100 100 700 2,500 3,100 FFW 100 - 500 1,600 3,500 Repeat claim SG 400 200 900 5,700 3,200 WRAG 100 - 500 2,100 3,600 FFW - - 100 300 1,000 IBR claim SG 500 200 1,100 13,400 5,000 WRAG 100 - 300 2,500 4,900 FFW - - - 300 1,100 Notes: 1. Figures are rounded to the nearest 100. “-” denotes nil or under 50. 2. SG-Support Group WRAG-Work Related Activity Group FFW-Fit For Work 3. The outcome recorded is the final DWP Decision Maker’s decision or the recommendation made by the Atos Healthcare Professional where the Decision Maker’s decision is not yet available. 4. Motor neurone disease is shown in the table as ’Spinal muscular atrophy’. 5. The data presented above comes from benefit claims data held by the Department for Work and Pensions. In October 2008, ESA replaced IB for new claims. Starting with a trial in October 2010, and reaching a full scale national roll-out in April 2011, existing IB claims began to be phased out, with claimants reassessed to see if they qualify for ESA instead. 6. The reassessment of existing incapacity benefits claimants was rolled out nationally from April 2011. Source: Data in the table above is derived from administrative data held by the DWP and assessment data provided by Atos Healthcare.

Employment Services: Disability ABM FTE disability employment adviser function figures, 2009/10 to 2104/15 ABM ABM 2009/10 FTE 2010/11 FTE 2011/12 ABM FTE Kate Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many disability employment advisers May-09 431.11 May-10 498.74 May-11 583.20 were employed by his Department and its executive Jun-09 417.78 Jun-10 490.63 Jun-11 586.62 agencies in each of the last 60 months; and what his Jul-09 416.37 Jul-10 491.24 Jul-11 579.83 future policy is on the number of advisers employed. Aug-09 420.70 Aug-10 488.76 Aug-11 570.24 [206577] Sep-09 441.73 Sep-10 490.79 Sep-11 557.13 Esther McVey [holding answer 22 July 2014]: The Oct-09 460.50 Oct-10 500.23 Oct-11 552.32 information is as follows. Nov-09 471.50 Nov-10 516.62 Nov-11 546.90 ABM FTE disability employment adviser function figures, 2009/10 to 2104/15 Dec-09 478.65 Dec-10 503.00 Dec-11 538.82 ABM ABM Jan-10 475.18 Jan-11 501.00 Jan-12 528.10 2009/10 FTE 2010/11 FTE 2011/12 ABM FTE Feb-10 481.02 Feb-11 510.77 Feb-12 527.35 Apr-09 430.24 Apr-10 490.90 Apr-11 572.80 Mar-10 487.83 Mar-11 523.26 Mar-12 526.39 45W Written Answers1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Written Answers 46W

EU Law ABM ABM 2012/13 FTE 2013/14 FTE 2014/15 ABM FTE Mr Redwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Apr-12 531.45 Apr-13 490.99 Apr-14 413.28 and Pensions how many times the UK has lost EU May-12 528.66 May-13 484.30 May-14 408.75 infraction proceedings since May 2010 which relate to Jun-12 527.11 Jun-13 471.13 — — matters that fall within his Department’s responsibility. Jul-12 524.98 Jul-13 458.84 — — [206664] Aug-12 523.61 Aug-13 447.90 — — Sep-12 520.50 Sep-13 439.40 — — Oct-12 519.39 Oct-13 437.78 — — Esther McVey: The UK has never been fined for an Nov-12 517.53 Nov-13 432.26 — — infraction. Dec-12 507.97 Dec-13 425.84 — — Jan-13 506.38 Jan-14 418.09 — — Funeral Payments Feb-13 512.69 Feb-14 413.61 — — Mar-13 516.56 Mar-14 402.75 — — Mark Lazarowicz: To ask the Secretary of State for Key: Work and Pensions how many current applications for ABM = Activity Based Management System funeral expenses from the Social Fund have been FTE = Full Time Equivalent staff resource Note: outstanding for longer than (a) 16 days, (b) 18 days Includes all advisory activity conducted by the Disability Employment Adviser and (c) 21 days. [206106] function regardless of client group or interview type. Figures do not include any Management, Operational Support or Business Support apportionment. Steve Webb: This information is not held in the The table provided is a snapshot of the number of format requested and can be provided only at full time equivalent staff deployed in the disability disproportionate cost. employment adviser function. District Managers ensure these staff are deployed to meet local requirements. Health and Safety Executive DEA numbers increased in 2010 to support the implementation of the ‘Work Choice’ programme as Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for the DEA was the main referral route way. The numbers Work and Pensions when he estimates he will (a) continued to rise as the flow onto the programme receive and (b) publish the findings of the Health and increased. Once the demand slowed, DEA numbers Safety Executive Review Panel on Fee for Intervention. were reduced accordingly. During this period, the Work Programme was also launched which provided dedicated [207024] specialist support for customers. Mr Harper: The independent review of the ’fee for In addition the training for DWP mainstream advisers intervention’ scheme operated by the Health and Safety has been enhanced to better equip them to meet the Executive (HSE) has completed and I am considering requirements of customers with complex needs. its recommendations. The report will be published later We recognise the value this role brings in working this year. with claimants with a range of disabilities, and ill health conditions, as well as linking up with local provision of Independent Living Fund services. Future policy on how many disability employment advisers are employed is being considered as part of the Mr Godsiff: To ask the Secretary of State for Work future Disability and Health Employment Strategy. and Pensions pursuant to answer of 24 June 2014, Official Report, column 176W,on the Independent Living Mr Tom Clarke: To ask the Secretary of State for Fund, whether funding provided to local authorities Work and Pensions (1) whether disability employment and devolved administrations in 2015-16 to meet their advisers will remain part of the support offered to additional responsibilities to former Independent Living claimants under universal credit; [207052] Fund users will be ring-fenced for that purpose. [206813] (2) what his policy is on retaining disability employment advisors as part of the support offered to Mr Harper: The Government’s position on how local clients by jobcentre plus. [207053] authorities manage their finances is clear; local authorities need to be allowed to meet their statutory responsibilities Esther McVey: The Disability and Health Employment in a flexible and responsive way and the ring-fencing of Strategy published in December 2013 sets out our funding prevents this. Allowing local authorities the expectation that the work carried out by DEAs in flexibility to manage their budgets locally means they jobcentres will continue. can respond to local priorities to deliver more efficient services and better outcomes. Employment: Males Jobseeker’s Allowance: Disqualification Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what assessment he has made of the Mr Godsiff: To ask the Secretary of State for Work effectiveness of the Men’s Sheds movement in building and Pensions (1) how long it takes for (a) successful confidence and skills to help people back into work. and (b) unsuccessful challenges to jobseeker’s [206874] allowance sanctions to be processed; [207020] (2) what guidance he issues to his departmental staff Esther McVey: No formal assessment of the effectiveness on how long it should take to process a challenge to of the Men’s Sheds movement has been made to date. jobseeker’s allowance. [207019] 47W Written Answers1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Written Answers 48W

Esther McVey: Cases are dealt with individually therefore Amount (£ million) there is not set length. All claims are processed as quickly and efficiently as possible. There is no statutory 2012-13 0 time limit. We deliberately do not have one because 2013-14 76.0 each case will be considered on its merits. Some will require just days, others longer. Senior Civil Servants Jobseeker’s Allowance: Older People Chris Bryant: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for and Pensions how many senior civil servants in his Work and Pensions what average length of time Department can authorise the purchase of alcohol for claimants over 50 spent on jobseeker’s allowance in official purposes. [206710] each year since 2009. [206770] Steve Webb: There are currently six senior civil servants Esther McVey: Information we have for the number in the Department for Work and Pensions who can of jobseeker’s allowance (JSA) claimants, aged 50 and authorise the purchase of alcohol for official purposes. over, by median duration of a completed spell of unemployment, in each year since 2009 is available at: Chris Bryant: To ask the Secretary of State for Work https://www.nomisweb.co.uk/Default.asp and Pensions (1) under what circumstances senior civil Guidance for users can be found at: servants are required to give express prior written https://www.nomisweb.co.uk/home/newuser.asp permission for expenses; and what such expenses are; Note: [206711] Median is a better measure of “average” than arithmetic mean for (2) pursuant to the answer of 14 July 2014, Official skewed distributions such as duration of claim. Report, columns 587-8W, on public expenditure, how many times and for what occasions senior civil servants Occupational Health had given express prior written permission for expenses to be claimed in the last year. [206709] Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the budget of the Health and Steve Webb: Personal expense claims are authorised Work Service will be in (a) 2014-15 and (b) 2015-16. in business areas across all the DWP operational and [207021] corporate units. This information could therefore be provided only at disproportionate cost to the Department. Mr Harper: There is an available budget for the Health and Work Service across Great Britain of £38.4 Social Security Benefits: Disqualification million in 2014-15 to cover set-up and live running, and £38.4 million in 2015-16 to cover live running. Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what progress he is making on Work and Pensions what companies have expressed an reducing the number of incorrectly completed sanction interest to his Department in tendering for the Health referral forms submitted by Work Programme providers; and Work Service. [207023] and if he will make a statement. [206768]

Mr Harper: The Health and Work Service procurement Esther McVey: The vast majority of referrals are (which followed an Open procurement route) has now correct, however the Department is committed to driving concluded. We received four expressions of interest. best practice therefore in January 2014 the Department These were from Health Management Ltd, Ingeus UK introduced a Provider Quality Assurance Framework Ltd, OPTUM and SOMA. to support providers in the completion of high quality The successful organisation was Health Management and appropriate sanction referrals. To back this up in Ltd. the autumn of 2014 the Department is starting a pilot in which Jobcentre Plus labour market decision makers The winning tender and contract was published on will work directly with providers and provide on site Contracts Finder on 21 August 2014. coaching to help them eradicate inappropriate sanction Public Expenditure referrals.

Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security Benefits: Fraud Work and Pensions how much was transferred from his Department to HM Treasury as part of the Budget Sir Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for Exchange scheme in each financial year since 2010-11. Work and Pensions how many outstanding investigations [206767] for benefit fraud there were of over (a) three, (b) six or (c) 12 months duration in each region and constituent Steve Webb: The information is as follows. part of the UK on the latest date for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement. [206784] Amount (£ million) Mr Harper: This information can be provided only 2010-11 3.2 by examining individual investigation files at 2011-12 82.9 disproportionate time and cost. 49W Written Answers1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Written Answers 50W

Sir Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for gave on 14 July 2014, Official Report, column 589W, to Work and Pensions when he last met Jobcentre Plus to the hon. Member for East Lothian (Fiona O’Donnell). discuss investigations into benefit fraud. [206789] John Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Harper: It would not be appropriate for the Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the Secretary of State to discuss individual operational average amount of time it takes for terminally ill people investigations. He has had several meetings to discuss to receive a decision on their benefits claim. [206941] the Department’s approach to targeting fraud and error. His last meeting was on 12 May 2014. Mr Harper: We have taken your question to refer to personal independence payment. Statistics on clearance Social Security Benefits: Medical Examinations times for personal independence payment are intended for future publication and the Department’s analysts Mr Godsiff: To ask the Secretary of State for Work are currently considering what information will be included and Pensions what criteria he uses to decide whether in the release. people who have to wait more than a certain time for the medical assessment for access to benefits should be Unemployment Benefits eligible for compensation. [207004] Joan Walley: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Mr Harper: The Department operates a discretionary and Pensions pursuant to the answer of 7 July 2014, special payment scheme. The policy and guiding principles Official Report, column 113W, on unemployment of the scheme are described in “Financial Redress for benefits, what differentiation is made between paid Maladministration” which is available on Gov.UK. part-time work and registered and declared voluntary Employment and support allowance claimants will work when assessing eligibility for out of work benefits. normally be in receipt of benefit while they wait for [206641] their assessment and any arrears due are paid once a decision is made. Esther McVey: For most benefits, any earnings received are deducted from entitlement, subject to a disregard. By the autumn, we expect no one to be waiting for a This disregard may vary depending on the claimant’s personal independence payment assessment for longer circumstances, the type of occupation and the benefit in than 26 weeks. By the end of the year, we expect no one payment. Claimants are usually excluded from benefit if will be waiting longer than 16 weeks. they work more than 16 hours per week. Any delays experienced in the personal independence Voluntary work is defined for social security purposes payment new claims process will not affect the date as work for which the claimant receives no payment from which claimants are paid–all successful claims will other than in respect of expenses reasonably incurred be paid from the date the claim was initially made. by the volunteer. It must be reasonable for the claimant to be providing services without pay. Voluntary work Mr Godsiff: To ask the Secretary of State for Work does not affect entitlement to benefit and any expenses and Pensions (1) if he will make it his policy to compensate paid are disregarded. people who wait more than a certain amount of time for assessments for personal independence payment or Whether working part-time or doing voluntary work, other benefits to be carried out by Atos or Capita; the claimant must continue to meet other relevant benefit [207006] conditions. For example, in order to be entitled to Jobseeker’s Allowance they must be available for and (2) if he will make it his policy to compensate people actively seeking full-time work. whose assessment appointments for personal independence payment or other benefits are cancelled more than a Work Capability Assessment certain number of times by Atos or Capita. [207007] Glenda Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Harper: DWP does not operate a blanket approach Work and Pensions how many employment and to compensation. Claimants who consider their assessment support allowance claimants with (a) rheumatoid has been delayed by Atos or Capita should in the first arthritis, (b) cystic fibrosis, (c) multiple sclerosis, (d) instance take this up with the relevant company, who motor neurone disease and (e) Parkinson’s disease each have their own complaints process. If the complaint have undergone multiple work capability assessments cannot be resolved, complainants will be signposted to on a single claim; and what proportion each of these DWP’s independent complaint tier, the Independent comprise of the claimant total. [206412] Case Examiner (ICE). If the ICE upholds the complaint, they will recommend redress for any impact on the Mr Harper: The information requested is shown in complainant, in line with DWP policy on: the table. Financial Redress for Maladministration Number and proportion of repeat functional assessments for Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) claimants by disease code: October 2008-September Social Security Benefits: Terminal Illnesses 2013 Spinal Other John Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Cystic Muscular Parkinson’s Multiple Rheumatoid Work and Pensions what his policy is on fast-tracking Fibrosis Atrophy Disease Sclerosis Arthritis benefits for terminally ill people. [206932] Number of repeat 500 200 1,500 8,200 7,800 claims where functional Mr Harper: I refer the hon. Member to the written assessment has answer that the previous Minister for Disabled People been completed 51W Written Answers1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Written Answers 52W

Number and proportion of repeat functional assessments for Employment and Biodiversity implementation is a devolved matter and Support Allowance (ESA) claimants by disease code: October 2008-September 2013 for England the Government published Biodiversity Spinal Other 2020: A strategy for England’s wildlife and ecosystem Cystic Muscular Parkinson’s Multiple Rheumatoid services in 2011. This sets out the strategic direction for Fibrosis Atrophy Disease Sclerosis Arthritis biodiversity policy for the next decade on land and at Proportion of 0.04 0.02 0.13 0.68 0.65 sea. It builds on the successful work that went before, claimant total; but also seeks to deliver a real step change by responding where functional to Sir John Lawton’s landmark Making Space for Nature assessment has been completed report, and the Convention on Biological Diversity’s (percentage) international Aichi targets, setting ambitious outcomes Notes: to be achieved by 2020. 1. Figures are rounded to the nearest 100. Proportions are shown to 2 decimal places. Natural England and the Terrestrial Biodiversity Group 2. Motor neurone disease is shown in the table as ’Spinal muscular atrophy’. are undertaking a delivery review of the Strategy’s 3. The data presented above comes from benefit claims data held by the outcomes and the initial findings indicate that they are Department for Work and Pensions. In October 2008, ESA replaced IB for new claims. Starting with a trial in October 2010, and reaching a full scale achievable if additional effort is demonstrated right national roll-out in April 2011, existing IB claims began to be phased out, with across the biodiversity partnership. As Biodiversity 2020 claimants reassessed to see if they qualify for ESA instead. makes clear, Government will play an important role Source: Data in the table above is derived from administrative data held by the DWP but cannot deliver the strategy alone. Our conservation and assessment data provided by Atos Healthcare. charities, supported by millions of members of the public and volunteers, already make a vital contribution Work Programme in protecting biodiversity. Equally, farmers, landowners and local authorities have a central role to play as the Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for stewards of England’s countryside. The Government Work and Pensions what assessment he has made of will continue to work with these partners to ensure their the effectiveness of the market shift mechanism in the efforts combine with those of public sector organisations Work Programme. [207025] to achieve the Biodiversity 2020 outcomes. Bovine Tuberculosis Esther McVey: In order to drive good performance and thereby support as many people into sustained work as possible, the Department reviewed the market Mrs Main: To ask the Secretary of State for shares of Work programme providers, based on Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the UK’s performance delivered during the 12 months ending 31 obligations are in respect of badger culling under the March 2013, and adjusted shares accordingly from Bern Convention. [206439] August 2013. George Eustice: The Bern Convention requires The Department is reviewing the performance of its appropriate and necessary legislative measures to be Work programme prime providers in the 12 months to taken to ensure the protection of badgers, the regulation the end of March 2014 and will advise the House where of their exploitation, eg by imposing close seasons, and prevailing market shares are to change. the prohibition of certain means of capture and killing. Exceptions can be made for a number of purposes including the protection of livestock, provided the exception is not detrimental to the survival of the population ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS concerned and there is no other satisfactory solution. We have considered the provisions of the Bern Biodiversity Convention and our policy complies with the requirements.

Mrs Main: To ask the Secretary of State for Mrs Main: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment Food and Rural Affairs whether she will assess more than she has made of the reasons for the UK missing the six species of wildlife as potential carriers of bovine TB biodiversity targets in 2010; and what assessment she and in relation to tackling that disease. [206461] has made of the likelihood of the 2020 biodiversity target being met. [206440] George Eustice: Mycobacterium bovis (the bovine TB bacterium) has a wide range of hosts and can infect (and cause TB in) virtually all mammalian species, George Eustice: The UK’s Fourth National report to including farmed animals other than cattle, companion the Convention on Biodiversity (CBD) was submitted animals and wildlife. While M. bovis has been found in a in 2009 and can be viewed on the CBD website number of different British wild mammals, evidence http://www.cbd.int/reports/nr4/default.shtml from previous wildlife surveys, risk assessments and Although no country met the Biodiversity 2010 target modelling studies indicates that the badger remains the in full, it drove significant delivery to address the threats principal and possibly the only significant wildlife to biodiversity. It did this through protected sites, more maintenance host of the bacterium in the West of sustainable use of farmland, forestry and fisheries, controls England and parts of Wales. Consequently, DEFRA is on air pollution and improved water quality. However, not currently planning to test further wildlife species for the report also said that threats from invasive species TB (apart from the statutory notifications of deer carcasses had increased in marine and terrestrial ecosystems and with suspect TB lesions), although we will keep under that climate change impacts on biodiversity were being review the potential role of other wildlife, especially observed. deer, in the epidemiology of this disease. 53W Written Answers1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Written Answers 54W

Mrs Main: To ask the Secretary of State for Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether future Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent badger culls will be independently monitored. [206519] representations her Department has received about the reduction of the number of puppy litters permitted George Eustice: Monitoring will continue to be carried during any 12 month period before a dog breeding out on both effectiveness and humaneness during the licence is required; and if she will make a statement. second year of the badger culls. As during the pilot culls [206460] last year, trained staff from Animal Health Veterinary Laboratory Agency and Natural England will be carrying George Eustice: This is a recommendation made by a out the monitoring. The monitoring will be focused on number of key stakeholders. However, the existing addressing the issues identified in the Independent Expert legislation does not set a minimum threshold for numbers Panel’s report on last year’s pilot culls. Both field of litters born in a 12 month period. Instead, the observations of controlled shooting and post-mortem legislation determines anyone who is in the business of examinations will continue to be carried out. The results breeding and selling dogs needs to be licensed. The of the monitoring will be made publicly available. legislation also sets a threshold of five litters born in a 12 month period at which everyone needs a licence, Buildings regardless of whether they are considered as being in the business. Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will review Dredging her departmental estate in order to reduce costs; and if she will make a statement. [206688] Rosie Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will task Dan Rogerson: DEFRA has rationalised its estate the Environment Agency to produce a prioritised list of significantly since 2010 realising baseline property cost locations where dredging would improve conveyance savings of £51 million per annum up to June 2014. and reduce flood risk. [206754] DEFRA has a property review and estates rationalisation programme to identify and deliver new opportunities to Dan Rogerson: The Environment Agency undertakes increase efficiency and reduce property costs. dredging where the evidence demonstrates that it is a cost-effective way of managing flood risk, taking account Common Agricultural Policy of the other options available. DEFRA has asked the Environment Agency to gather evidence on locations Miss McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for on main rivers where dredging and associated vegetation Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent control could cost-effectively reduce flood risk, in discussion representations she has received on the implementation with expert stakeholders. The evidence gathered will of the Common Agricultural Policy on 1 January 2015 help to identify the likely benefits, costs and environmental in England; and if she will make a statement. [206402] impacts of any such work, and ensure that the available funding is prioritised effectively as part of the Environment George Eustice: I have received the Committee’s letter Agency’s routine programme of annual maintenance. of 16 July 2014 and I intend to engage widely with agricultural, environmental and other interested groups. EU Law

Dairy Farming Mr Redwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many times Simon Hart: To ask the Secretary of State for the UK has lost EU infraction proceedings since May Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to the 2010 which relate to matters that fall within her answer of 8 July 2014, Official Report, column 178W, Department’s responsibility. [206656] on dairy farming, how many complaints her Department has received on the Dairy Code of Conduct. [206975] Dan Rogerson: The Court of Justice of the European Union ruled, on 18 October 2012, that by failing to George Eustice: I refer the hon. Member to my previous ensure appropriate collection and associated treatment answer of 8 July 2014, Official Report, column 178W. of urban waste water at London and Whitburn, the United Kingdom had failed to fulfil its obligations Dogs: Animal Breeding under the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (Case C-301/10). The Department is currently in discussion Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for with the European Commission on how to give effect to Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent the Court’s judgment. Since May 2010, no other infraction representations her Department has received on the cases in respect of matters for which my Department is checks by a vet on dogs for possible hereditary diseases responsible have resulted in adverse judgments against before being used for breeding; and if she will make a the UK by the European Court. statement. [206418] Fly-grazing George Eustice: We have not received any recent representations on this particular issue. However, I am Mrs Main: To ask the Secretary of State for aware that it is one of the recommendations in the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate report by the Advisory Council on the Welfare Issues of she has made of the amount spent by her Department Dog Breeding. on tackling fly-grazing. [206470] 55W Written Answers1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Written Answers 56W

George Eustice: No such estimate has been made. study was; and for what reason the findings of that DEFRA encourages local authorities to use a co-ordinated study have not been published. [206013] approach with the police, landowners, farmers and animal welfare charities to identify owners of fly-grazing horses George Eustice: The study commissioned by DEFRA and to use the available legislation to tackle the issue. to provide scientific evidence on whether cage-based breeding for pheasants and partridges can fully meet Forests birds’ needs has been completed and is now being peer-reviewed. The study was commissioned in 2009 Mr Nicholas Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for and was due to cost approximately £800,000. In 2010 Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what her policy is Ministers reduced the cost to £426,000. The study will in relation to the public forest estate; and what assessment be published once the peer review is complete, later this she has made of the implications for that policy of the year. recommendations of the 2012 Independent Panel on Forestry. [206518] Local Nature Partnerships

Dan Rogerson: The Government’s policy on the future Joan Walley: To ask the Secretary of State for of the public forest estate is set out in its Forestry and Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what funding Woodlands Policy Statement of January 2013. The her Department allocated to local nature partnerships Government is committed to maintaining the public in 2013-14 and to which projects. [206616] forest estate in public ownership and to establishing a new operationally-independent public body to manage George Eustice: DEFRA did not allocate any funding the estate for the long-term benefit of people, nature to Local Nature Partnerships (LNPs) in 2013-14. In and the economy. 2011-13 DEFRA, together with Natural England, provided The Forestry and Woodlands Policy Statement was a one-off £1 million capacity building fund for LNPs. firmly based on the Independent Panel on Forestry’s Ongoing funding was not part of the envisaged model recommendations, including those in relation to the for LNPs. In 2013-14 the Environment Agency funded public forest estate. a small number of LNPs, the details of which are listed in the following table. The Environment Agency has Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for also contributed to other partnership projects where the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment LNP is a partner but not the direct recipient of its her Department has made of the annual cost of funding. These are not included in the table. invasive species to the forestry industry. [206543] Direct funding the Environment Agency provided to LNPs in 2013-14 Local Nature Funding Dan Rogerson: A 2010 report entitled “The Economic Partnership Project (£) Notes Cost of Invasive Non-Native Species on Great Britain”, based on research commissioned jointly by the GB 5 LNPs in the North Technical assistance 20,000 Neighbouring West (Greater programme to LNPs Administrations, estimated that the annual cost of invasive Manchester Natural support the LNPs (Morecambe non-native species to forestry was £109,396,000. The Capital Group; by: helping the LNPs Bay, South following table provides a breakdown of this figure. Nature Connected understand and Pennines, (Liverpool City engage with Local Northern The types of impact costs taken into account are Region); Cheshire Enterprise Upland Chain) Region; Lancashire; Partnerships to were engaged provided in the report, which is available on the website Cumbria) strengthen the nature with the project of the GB Non-native Species Secretariat at conservation aspects but not directly http://www.nonnativespecies.org/ of their EU funded. Structural and downloadDocument.cfm?id=487 Investment Fund Strategies; providing £ guidance on the Great Duty to co-operate; England Scotland Wales Britain supporting a LNP engagement event and more general Rabbit 24,352,000 37,899,000 7,766,000 70,017,000 communications Deer 10,886,000 3,866,000 2,626,000 17,378,000 activities. Edible Dormouse 250,000 0 0 250,000 Grey Squirrel 3,963,000 1,219,000 915,000 6,097,000 Humber Supported Humber 12,278 We provided Rhododendron 2,874,000 2,874,000 2,873,000 8,621,000 Management the funding to Insects 612,000 2,603,000 517,000 3,732,000 Scheme’s (HMS) the INCA and work in the Humber HMS – groups Plant Pathogens 1,195,000 8,000 153,000 1,356,000 European Marine which have now Quarantine and 1,648,000 197,000 100,000 1,945,000 Site to bring the become the research estuary into Humber LNP. Total 45,780,000 48,666,000 14,950,000 109,396,000 ’favourable condition’ and achieve Habitats Game: Birds Regulations and Water Framework Directive objectives. Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State The funding also covers membership for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what of the Humber progress her Department’s study to determine whether Industrial Nature cage-based breeding can meet the needs of game birds, Conservation Association (INCA). reference AW1303 has made; what the cost of that 57W Written Answers1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Written Answers 58W

Direct funding the Environment Agency provided to LNPs in 2013-14 Government assessed LEP Strategic Economic Plans Local Nature Funding against the published assessment criteria including Partnership Project (£) Notes value for money and deliverability. The funding for Hertfordshire Contribution to a 10,000 Funding to the these deals will be in place for all LEPs by April 2015. Heritage Lottery Nature Fund bid called Improvement “Breathing Life into Area the River Lee partnership Catchment”. The bid rather than identified a number directly to the BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS of projects LNP. throughout Apprentices Hertfordshire which fit within the LNP’s remit. Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what recent assessment Greater Lincolnshire Memorandum of 7,440 — he has made of the number of roles advertised through Agreement for the Lincolnshire the National Apprenticeship Service which pay below Environmental the apprentice national minimum wage. [206269] Records Centre and Local Sites. Nick Boles: All vacancies that are advertised on the apprenticeship vacancy website by training providers Hull and East Contribution to 4,500 We entered into and employers are quality checked by the Skills Funding Riding provide technical a Partnership support on agreement with Agency to ensure that employers are paying at least the ecosystem benefits East Riding of apprenticeship national minimum wage (NMW) of £2.68 valuation as part of Yorkshire on per hour. Any vacancies that are found to be paying the Humber Strategy behalf of the update, to develop a Hull and East below this rate are not advertised until they can meet green infrastructure Riding LNP. the NMW requirements. strategy and to foster liaison with economic partners. Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what proportion of

Natural Contribution to 616.50 — apprentices are working less than 16 hours per week as Cambridgeshire Natural part of their apprenticeship. [206277] Cambridgeshire’s “A Call to Action” conference in Nick Boles: Apprenticeships are a full-time job; therefore September 2013. it is a condition that apprentices are employed for at least 30 hours per week. In exceptional circumstances, Devon Contribution to 250 — such as where the apprentice has caring responsibilities, venue hire for the a minimum of 16 hours per week may be agreed. Where launch event of the employment is for less than 30 hours per week, the Devon LNP. duration of an apprenticeship must be extended in Total — 55,085 — proportion so that the minimum requirements on duration are still met. Sewers Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what proportion of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent apprentices are not currently receiving (a) on the job discussions her Department has had with manufacturers and (b) off the job training as part of their of sanitary and cosmetic products on (a) the provision apprenticeship. [206278] of clear advice on disposal to avoid blockages in drainage systems and (b) research into improving the Nick Boles: 77% of apprentices reported receiving biodegradeability of sanitary products in the sewerage formal training sessions, either at a college or training system. [206750] provider or by the employer, away from their usually work activities. Dan Rogerson: We are unaware of any such discussions. A further 17% only received informal, on the job training. 6% of apprentices reported neither of these types of DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER training. Source: Local Growth Fund Apprenticeship Evaluation: Learner survey 2013 BIS research report 124: Mr Umunna: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/apprenticeship- when (a) due diligence will be completed and (b) survey-learners funds will be drawn down by winning bidders under the Local Growth Fund. [206011] Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what proportion of Greg Clark: Growth Deals were announced with all apprentices are not (a) contractually entitled to be 39 Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) on 7 July. This paid and (b) receiving the apprentice national followed a highly competitive process in which the minimum wage. [206281] 59W Written Answers1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Written Answers 60W

Nick Boles: All apprentices are legally entitled to be Catherine McKinnell: To ask the Secretary of State paid for their apprenticeship at (or above) the appropriate for Business, Innovation and Skills (1) what estimate he national minimum wage rate. has made of the number of (a) intermediate, (b) advanced and (c) higher level apprenticeships taken up As shown in Table 1, in 2011 it was found that 20% of by people aged (i) under 19, (ii) between 19 and 25 and UK apprentices were not receiving at least the national (iii) 25 and over in each year since 2009-10; [206597] minimum wage for apprentices. (2) what estimate he has made of the proportion of There is no UK estimate from the latest edition of the (a) intermediate, (b) advanced and (c) higher level survey, conducted in 2012, because Scotland did not apprenticeships starts taken up by people aged 25 and participate. However, as the vast majority of UK apprentices under in (i) 2009-10, (ii) 2010-11, (iii) 2011-12 and (iv) are based in England, 29% is a reasonable estimate. 2012-13. [206598] There were some methodological problems with the 2012 survey. The contract to undertake the 2014 Nick Boles: Information on the number of apprenticeship Apprenticeship Pay Survey was awarded in May 2014 starts by level and age group is published in Table 6.1 of and has directly addressed these problems. Fieldwork a Statistical First Release (SFR): for the survey began in July 2014 and is taking place in https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/learner- England, Scotland and Wales, but not Northern Ireland. participation-outcomes-and-level-of-highest-qualification-held Results are due for publication in November 2014. Table 1: Proportion of apprentices who were not receiving the national Buildings minimum wage for apprentices according to the 2011 and 2012 Apprenticeship Pay Surveys Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for On or above Below Business, Innovation and Skills if he will review his apprentice apprentice departmental estate in order to reduce costs; and if he NMW (%) NMW (%) will make a statement. [206680] 2012 UK n/a n/a England 71 29 Jo Swinson: There has been, and continues to be, Scotland n/a n/a substantial investment in reviewing BIS Departmental Estates in order to reduce costs. We have made substantial Wales 82 18 investment which has proven most successful in delivering NI 59 41 an Estates Transition Programme.

2011 UK 80 20 Business: Ashfield England 79 20 Scotland 77 22 Gloria De Piero: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales 84 15 Business, Innovation and Skills how many small and NI 80 18 medium-sized enterprises have been started in Ashfield constituency in each of the last five years; and what Notes: [205156] 1. Figures may not sum due to rounding proportion of such businesses are still trading. 2. Scotland did not participate in the 2012 Apprenticeship Pay Survey 3. It should be noted that concerns have been raised with the accuracy Matthew Hancock: There is no single data source that of the 2012 figures. The survey took place in October 2012, very comprehensively measures all business start-ups within shortly after an increase in the apprentice National Minimum Wage the UK. However, as a near proxy BankSearch collates rates. It has been suggested that the reported levels of apprentices receiving less than the minimum wage may be due to an unintentional data on the number of new business bank accounts delay in employers increasing their apprentices’ wages, or apprentices opened in Great Britain. This can be used as an indicative not realising their pay had increased and therefore reporting outdated measure of business start-up activity and is the most figures. These potential sources of error have been addressed for the comprehensive source available to BIS. Data goes as far 2014 Apprenticeship Pay Survey which is due for publication in back as 2008 and does not include information on November 2014. whether the business is trading or not. Sources: 2012 Apprenticeship Pay Survey: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/apprenticeship-pay- Total estimated number of survey-2012 business start-ups Ashfield 2011 Apprenticeship Pay Survey: constituency https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/apprenticeship-pay- survey-2011 2009 429 2010 514 2011 517 Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for 2012 453 Business, Innovation and Skills when he plans to (a) 2013 456 start and (b) publish the apprenticeship pay survey. Source: [206282] BankSearch, number of new business bank accounts opened Business: Cybercrime Nick Boles: The contract to undertake the 2014 Apprenticeship Pay Survey was awarded in May 2014, Mike Weatherley: To ask the Secretary of State for following which work on the survey began immediately. Business, Innovation and Skills what steps his The results from the 2014 Apprenticeship Pay Survey Department is taking to ensure that UK businesses are are due for publication in November 2014. protected from cyber-crime. [205271] 61W Written Answers1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Written Answers 62W

Mr Vaizey: The Department for Business, Innovation For the calendar year ending 31 December 2013, the and Skills (BIS) is playing a key role in the delivery of latest period for which figures are available, 93% of the National Cyber Security Strategy, a five-year programme responses to MPs and Peers were answered within our to transform the UK’s approach to cyber security, backed target of 15 working days. This represents an increase up with £860 million of investment. of 9% over the previous year’s performance. BIS leads on the “making it safer to do business in Guidance on handling correspondence from Members cyber space” objective and has delivered a range of of Parliament, Peers, MEPs and Members of devolved measures to help protect UK business from cyber crime, Administrations will be updated in due course. including: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ publishing a range of good practice cyber security guidance attachment_data/file/61196/guide-handling-gov- aimed at large and small businesses; correspondence.pdf delivering the ‘Cyber Streetwise’ campaign with the Home Office to help businesses and consumers protect themselves Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for against online crime; Business, Innovation and Skills if he will estimate the launching the industry approved “Cyber Essentials” scheme annual cost to his Department of (a) stationery and which enables businesses to implement a good basic level of (b) postage incurred when sending a ministerial reply cyber hygiene against cyber threats; to hon. Members; and if he will make a statement. making over £1 million of cyber security innovation vouchers [206140] available to UK SMEs to help them improve their cyber security, and Jo Swinson: Every effort is made to ensure that Support for industry initiatives such as Nominet’s ‘Cyber departmental correspondence is dealt with in an efficient Assist’ pilot service for small and medium-sized enterprises and cost-effective manner. experiencing cyber attacks. Letters are sent on stationery printed in-house. If BIS also works with other Government Departments sending a ministerial reply to hon. Members at the and the security and intelligence agencies to deliver House of Commons or House of Lords then no postage further measures to help protect UK business from is incurred as mail is delivered twice a day from the cyber crime, including: Department, 1 Victoria Street on our van service. Creating a national Computer Emergency Response Team, During recess, letters are sent via first class mail—the CERT UK, which works closely with industry, Government and academia to enhance UK cyber resilience. It provides support to cost of stationery and postage during the most recent Critical National Infrastructure companies to handle cyber security summer recess period is estimated at around £200. incidents. Figures for earlier time periods are not readily available Setting up the Cyber Security Information Sharing Partnership and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. (CISP), part of CERT UK, which enables companies to share information and intelligence on cyber security threats; Disabled Students’ Allowances The creation of a Government approved list of Cyber Incident ‘Clean Up’ companies which can help companies respond effectively Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, to incidents and get them up and running as soon as possible. Innovation and Skills pursuant to the Answer of 7 July 2014, Official Report, column 128W,on disabled students’ Business: Email allowances, (1) whether his Department will provide supplemental funding to higher education institutions Andrew Bingham: To ask the Secretary of State for to support students likely to require extra reasonable Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment his adjustments as a result of changes to disabled students Department has made of the financial advantages enjoyed allowance; [205046] by larger companies in preventing their marketing and (2) how much money his Department will save as a promotional emails from being blocked by servers. result of the proposed changes to the disabled students’ [205876] allowance. [205028]

Mr Vaizey: The Department has not made an assessment Greg Clark: The Government is consulting stakeholders regarding this issue. about the proposed changes. These consultations will If there is evidence that treating emails in this manner help inform the Equality Analysis, which will include an is driving anti-competitive behaviour by companies, estimate of the savings that might be expected from the this should be referred to the Competition and Markets proposals, once agreed. Authority (CMA), the UK’s independent competition authority, for consideration. Exports

Correspondence Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how many firms have Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for taken part in the Passport to Export scheme in each Business, Innovation and Skills if he will take steps to year of its operation. [206267] increase the number of replies within his Department’s working day standard; and if he will make a statement. Matthew Hancock: Passport to Export has been running [206131] for over 10 years and in most years around 1,200 companies have been signed to the scheme. That number Jo Swinson: The handling of correspondence is given was increased in 2013/14. Since 2010 for which data are the highest priority by the Department and we aim to readily available, the number of companies signed to respond to all correspondence within 15 working days. the scheme is as follows: 63W Written Answers1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Written Answers 64W

Passport to Export scheme sign-ups Number of companies 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15

2010/11 1,114 April 150 325 245 2011/12 1,215 May 173 262 255 2012/13 1,336 June 136 214 248 2013/14 2,686 July 135 240 208 1 2014/15 956 August 101 192 — 1 April to July September 164 233 — October 132 232 — Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for November 140 208 — Business, Innovation and Skills how much match December 106 154 — funding has been allocated to firms under the Passport January 129 269 — to Export Scheme; and what proportion of these funds February 191 319 — have been withdrawn. [206271] March 144 38 — Total 1701 2686 956 Matthew Hancock: Since 2010 for which data are readily available, the level of expenditure on match No data is retained on the numbers of companies funding has been as follows: which applied but were not approved to take part in the Passport to Export scheme. £ Exports: Middle East 2010/11 1.1 million 2011/12 907,000 2012/13 774,000 Katy Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for 2013/14 2.1 million Business, Innovation and Skills if he will suspend all 2014/15 11.9 million standard individual export licence and open individual 1 April to July. export licences to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories until at least such time as a ceasefire in the No companies with an offer of matched funding have present conflict in that region has been established. had that offer of funding withdrawn. [206224]

Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for Matthew Hancock: A ceasefire was announced on 26 Business, Innovation and Skills how many firms have August 2014 and remains in force. The Government been allocated funds which have subsequently been continues to monitor the situation closely. withdrawn with the removal of match funding under the Passport to Export scheme. [206272] Graduates

Matthew Hancock: No companies offered matched Mr Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, funding under UK Trade & Investment’s Passport to Innovation and Skills what steps he is taking to Export Scheme have had that offer of funding removed. increase opportunities for university leavers and to ensure that university leavers in all regions and Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for constituent parts of the UK benefit from his efforts. Business, Innovation and Skills how many firms are [206222] participating in the Passport to Export scheme. [206275] Greg Clark: The Government is rebuilding, rebalancing and growing the economy to ensure that all university Matthew Hancock: I refer the hon. Member to leavers in all parts of the country are given the opportunity parliamentary question 206276 that I have answered to achieve their potential. today. This indicates the numbers of companies signed The economic plan is working, with over two million to the Passport to Export scheme in recent years. Companies more private sector jobs and 400,000 more businesses. are signed up to the scheme over the course of each To enable students to take advantage of these financial year and stay on the programme for a period opportunities we are increasing the information available of up to 12 months. to them through the Key Information Set. This provides comparable information on over 37,000 undergraduate Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, courses at universities and colleges across the country. Innovation and Skills how many firms (a) applied and Our Graduate Talent Pool programme has played a (b) were approved to take part in the Passport to valuable role in stimulating the UK graduate internship Export scheme in each month of its operation. [206276] market, helping graduates to gain relevant work experience and improving their employment prospects. Matthew Hancock: Monthly data for companies signing Latest data, from the Destinations of Leavers of up to the Passport scheme is not available for the full Higher Education survey, show that these policies are length of time Passport has been running. However, working. 88% of full-time first degree leavers who graduated monthly data is available since April 2012, and this is set from UK universities in 2012/13 were in employment or out in the following table. further study 6 months after graduation. 65W Written Answers1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Written Answers 66W

New Businesses: Northern Ireland Property: Greater London

Mr Ivan Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what proportion of the Business, Innovation and Skills how many and what monies made available for the Government’s Start-Up proportion of properties in each London borough sold Loans scheme has been allocated to businesses in in each year since 2010 were sold to foreign buyers. Northern Ireland since the scheme began. [205566] [206265] Matthew Hancock: The funding government has allocated to the Start-Up Loan scheme is not segregated Matthew Hancock: The information requested has by region therefore when a Start-Up Loan delivery been placed in the Libraries of the House. partner approves a Start-Up Loan for a business in Northern Ireland the funds are derived from the overall Royal Mail Start-Up Loan budget. The scheme was extended to Northern Ireland June 13 and there have been 126 loans Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for with a value of £591,610. Business, Innovation and Skills what agreement was sought from priority investors on the long-term New Businesses: Westmorland holding of shares in Royal Mail. [206020]

Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Matthew Hancock: No agreement was sought from Innovation and Skills how many new businesses (a) the priority investors ahead of the sale of shares in have been registered in Westmorland and Lonsdale Royal Mail on the long term holding of shares. constituency since 2010 and (b) were registered between Any mechanism which requires a buyer to give up the 2005 and 2010. [205053] rights normally associated with shares, such as a restriction on the right to sell those shares for a period of time, Matthew Hancock: There is no single data source that would be reflected in the price investors would be comprehensively measures all business start-ups within prepared to pay for those shares. the UK. However, as a near proxy BankSearch collates data on the number of new business bank accounts opened in Great Britain. This can be used as an indicative Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, measure of business start-up activity and is the most Innovation and Skills what discussions took place between comprehensive source available to BIS. Data goes as far (a) Ministers in his Department, (b) officials, (c) the back as 2008. Financial Adviser to HM Government and (d) the banking syndicate working on the privatisation of Royal Between the start of 2010 and May 2014 there were Mail with priority investors on the length of time shares an estimated 2,610 start-ups in the Westmorland and in the privatised business would continue to be held. Lonsdale constituency. Between the start of 2008 and [206035] the end of 2009 there were an estimated 1,265 start-ups in this constituency. Matthew Hancock: We did not seek assurances from priority investors on the length of time that they would Pay: Ethnic Groups hold the Royal Mail shares that they bought. Mr Crausby: To ask the Secretary of State for Our intention was to ensure that RM started out with Business, Innovation and Skills if he will take steps to a core of long-term, stable investors who understood increase the number of workers from ethnic minority the business, along with some hedge fund participation backgrounds who are paid the living wage as defined to ensure liquidity in the aftermarket. We achieved that. by the Living Wage Foundation. [206515] We did not expect the shareholder register to remain static. Some investors have sold their shares, presumably Jo Swinson: The Government encourages employers because the share price reached their target price. Others to pay the Living Wage when it is affordable and not at have bought shares. There is still a wide range of views the expense of jobs. However our primary policy for on the value of this company. supporting the low paid is the National Minimum Wage (NMW) which is carefully set by the independent Low Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for Pay Commission at a level that maximises their wages Business, Innovation and Skills pursuant to the answer without damaging employment by setting it too high. to the hon. Member for Edinburgh South of 24 June The NWW has benefitted all low paid workers across 2014, Official Report, column 167W, on Royal Mail, the UK, not just those from ethnic minority backgrounds. what correspondence his Department has had with the Since its introduction in 1999 it has increased faster syndicate of banks involved in the initial public than average earnings and inflation without an adverse offering on (a) the payment of the discretionary fee impact on employment. and (b) the length of the stabilisation period set out in In addition to the NMW we are increasing the personal the engagement letter. [206040] allowance for income tax, allowing workers to take home more of what they earn. From April 2015 changes Matthew Hancock: The Department has not had any to income tax will provide the average worker with an correspondence with the syndicate of banks about the additional £800 to their pay packet and by then will payment of the discretionary fee and the length of the have taken 3.2 million people out of tax altogether. stabilisation period. 67W Written Answers1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Written Answers 68W

Dr Alasdair McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State Jim Dobbin: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, for Business, Innovation and Skills (1) on what date the Innovation and Skills with reference to the answer of decision was taken to set the limit the public offering of 11 December 2013, Official Report, column 247W, on Royal Mail shares to those applying for shares of a students: loans, how many complaints (a) he and (b) value of less than £10,000; [206646] the Office of Fair Trading has received about changes (2) on what date banks were informed of the decision to the conditions of student loans sold to Erudio Student to limit Royal Mail shares to people applying for shares Loans Limited for loan holders (i) nationally and (ii) in of a value less than £10,000. [206647] Greater Manchester; what steps he has taken to remind Erudio of its responsibility to uphold the original conditions Matthew Hancock: The decision to limit the allocation of the loan; what guidance he has issued to purchasers of shares under the Royal Mail Retail Offer to those of the student loan book on how student loans impact applying for less than £10,000 was taken by Ministers credit ratings; and if he will place in the Library a copy on 9 October 2013. of that guidance. [206948] The banks involved in the sale of Royal Mail shares Greg Clark: The Department for Business, Innovation were informed on the same day as the decision was and Skills had received complaints about Erudio Student made. Loans Limited from 38 loan holders (or their elected representatives) as at 31 July 2014: Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills with reference to his 12 of these did not specify their location. Department’s Major Projects Portfolio September of the remaining 26, 15 were from (or about) loan holders in 2013, published on 23 May 2014, if he will place in the England, of which one was in Greater Manchester. Library the lessons learned document in respect of the The Office of Fair Trading was closed on 1 April 2014 Royal Mail sale of shares. [206815] and its responsibilities in relation to consumer credit passed to the Financial Conduct Authority. The Financial Matthew Hancock: The lessons learned document Conduct Authority does not investigate individual was prepared for internal use by the Department. complaints. The Financial Ombudsman Service is a The Department does not intend to give this document free, independent service for settling disputes between wider circulation as producing such documents is important financial services firms and their customers, which can part of the decision making process and to release it deal with complaints about a wide range of financial would have an inhibiting effect on future Government matters. decision making processes (including the identification Erudio has been notified of five complaints received of ways to improve those processes). by the Financial Ombudsman Service as at 31 July 2014. None of these was from loan holders in Greater Students: Disadvantaged Manchester. Mortgage style student loans are regulated loans under the Consumer Credit Act 1974 (as amended). Sir Nick Harvey: To ask the Secretary of State for Terms and conditions are specified in the Education Business, Innovation and Skills what allowance his (Student Loans) Regulations 1998 and in borrowers’ Department makes for the proportion of mature, loan credit agreements. Erudio Student Loans Limited disadvantaged and harder to reach students any college is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority for has on its student rolls when assessing the adequacy of accounts formed under the Consumer Credit Act 1974 the college’s student attendance rates. [207046] (as amended) and must act in compliance with the terms and conditions of the loans, relevant regulatory Nick Boles: The Department for Business, Innovation requirements, industry guidance and all applicable laws. and Skills (BIS) has no role in assessing the adequacy of student attendance rates in further education (FE) colleges. The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills has not issued guidance to Erudio Student Loans Limited The Government’s school and college inspection body, in relation to how mortgage style student loans impact Ofsted, in their judgment on a college’s outcome from on borrowers’ credit scores, as the Department has no learners may comment on low attendance and punctuality involvement in the credit scoring process. as an area for improvement and will look at how a college’s achievement gaps are narrowing between different The leaflet ‘Credit explained’ published by the groups of learners. Information Commissioner’s Office explains this in more detail and is available at: Where Ofsted rate a college inadequate, BIS will take http://ico.org.uk/for_the_public/topic_specific_guides/~/ intervention action. media/documents/library/Data_Protection/ Practical_application/credit-explained-dp-guidance.pdf Students: Loans

Mr Byrne: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, UK Export Finance Innovation and Skills when his Department plans next to update the RAB charge on student loans. [205774] Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment he has Greg Clark: The next update of the RAB charge will made of the potential effect of his proposals to extend happen when the Student Loans Company provides the the powers of UK Export Finance on (a) the commitment Department with updated loans data. This typically on the Coalition Agreement for UK Trade and Investment takes place in early autumn each year. and the Export Credits Guarantee Department to become 69W Written Answers1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Written Answers 70W champions for British companies that develop and export Mr Ellwood: We remain concerned about the significant innovative green technologies around the world and (b) number of UK nationals becoming involved in terrorist human rights; and if he will make a statement. [206521] groups. Since the conflict in Syria began, over 500 individuals have travelled to fight from the UK. Our Matthew Hancock [holding answer 22 July 2014]: priority is to dissuade people from travelling to areas of The proposals to extend the powers of UK Export conflict in the first place, and to identify and dissuade Finance (UKEF) should be helpful to exporters operating individuals at risk of radicalisation. in all sectors. We are working closely with allies, partners in the Video Games: Cybercrime region and through the UN and EU on counter-terrorism priorities. We have had extensive discussions with the Mike Weatherley: To ask the Secretary of State for opposition Syrian National Coalition on the threat of Business, Innovation and Skills whether his Department extremism, including the role of UK nationals. We has taken steps to protect from cyber-crime attacks welcome their rejection of terrorism and their consistent videogame developers and publishers who have products condemnation of terrorist acts, as well as their commitment that are specifically based online. [205270] to upholding international human rights and humanitarian law. We are supporting the moderate opposition in Mr Vaizey [holding answer 16 July 2014]: The Syria who are leading the fight against both the regime Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) is and wider extremism, including ISIL. playing a key role in the Government’s five-year, £860 The Prime Minister called the Iraq Prime Minister million National Cyber Security Programme and has PM Designate, Dr Haidar al-Abadi, and President Massoud delivered a range of measures to help protect all UK Barzani of the Kurdistan Regional Government on businesses from cyber crime attacks. The Government 13 August to show UK support for Dr al-Abadi’s has regular discussions with the videogames industry, efforts to form a new government and encourage for example through the work of the Creative Industries cooperation between Baghdad and Erbil. Parliamentary Council. Companies can draw upon various forms of Under-Secretary of State Tobias Ellwood and Secretary Government help and support, such as the range of of State for International Development Justine Greening good practice guidance and the £5,000 cyber security visited Baghdad and Erbil on 26-27 August. In Baghdad innovation vouchers aimed at small businesses and start-ups. they met President Fuad Masoum, Prime Minister- BIS continues to work with Government and industry designate al-Abadi and Speaker Salman al-Jibouri, all partners to raise awareness of cyber threats and encourage of whom were clear that early progress on the formation businesses to take action to protect themselves. of a new government is critical to progress in tackling the challenge Iraq faces from ISIL, and all of whom welcomed UK support. FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE The Foreign Secretary discussed the issue of foreign fighters with the Egyptian Foreign Minister in Cairo on Ascension Island 24 July, and Mr Ellwood discussed the regional security situation, including Iraq and Syria, with the Secretary Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for General of the Arab League and the Egyptian Assistant Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is Minister for Europe in Cairo on 25 August. taking to ensure that West Nile virus is not introduced from the US to Ascension Island. [206997] Burma James Duddridge: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given by the then Parliamentary under Secretary of State, my hon. Friend the Member for Boston and Mark Hendrick: To ask the Secretary of State for Skegness (Mark Simmonds) on 21 July 2014, Official Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations Report, column 870W. he has made to his counterpart in Burma on the recent violence against Muslims in Mandalay and the growth British Indian Ocean Territory of Buddhist extremism in that country. [206733] Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if his Department Mr Swire: On 3 July, I expressed my concern about will place in the Library a copy of the commercial the violence which took place in Mandalay, and called tuna-fishing licences sold by the British Indian Ocean for restraint. The British embassy in Rangoon has Territory Government in 2010. [206998] discussed the incident with the Government of Burma and we continue to monitor the situation. More broadly, James Duddridge: Copies of the commercial tuna-fishing we remain deeply concerned by the violence directed licenses from 2010 were deposited in the Library of the against Muslim and other minority groups in Burma House on 21 July 2014. and have been consistently clear that we look to the Government to ensure the security of all communities. British Nationals Abroad: Terrorism Through the EU the UK is supporting a project to develop the capacity of the Burmese police force, including Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for in Mandalay, so they are better trained to respond to Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions such incidents in line with international standards. We he has had with his (a) Egyptian, (b) Syrian and (c) are also providing funding to support organisations Iraqi counterparts on preventing UK nationals that run interfaith dialogue, which will be important in becoming involved in terrorist groups. [206805] bringing communities together. 71W Written Answers1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Written Answers 72W

Central African Republic who compiled the Children in Military Custody report to make a return visit to Israel and the Occupied Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Palestinian Territories in the near future. Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what support the Government is giving to the European Union Force’s Colombia presence in the Central African Republic. [206841] Mark Hendrick: To ask the Secretary of State for James Duddridge: We remain greatly concerned by Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the the situation in the Central African Republic (CAR). answers to the hon. Member for Stoke-on-Trent South The UK has supported the planning and logistics for of 30 June 2014, Official Report, column 453W, on the European Union Force (EUFOR) in CAR, including Colombia, for what reasons the Minister of State did by providing a military officer to the Operation not meet representatives of trades unions during his Headquarters. We provided practical support to speed visit to Bogota; and if he will instruct the British up the operation’s deployment by flying equipment and Embassy in Bogota to monitor (a) the progress made personnel to CAR. The UK also supports the ongoing by the Colombian authorities in bringing the perpetrators EUFOR Operation by paying a proportion (14.82%) of of assassinations of representatives of trades unions the operation’s estimated ¤31.2 million common costs. and (b) the efficacy of the Colombian Republic’s Further to our support to the EUFOR mission we have commitment to ending the culture of impunity. [206566] provided £2 million for the African-led International Support Mission to CAR (MISCA), and provided logistical support to the French (Sangaris) mission. The Department Mr Swire: I met human rights groups before and for International Development have also provided £23 during my visit to Colombia last month, and one of million in humanitarian aid since mid-2013. these groups was specifically focused on trade unions. The British embassy does a lot of excellent work on Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for human rights with Colombian authorities, not least on Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps the specific cases related to trades unions and on the issue Government has taken to ensure that the UN-led of impunity, and it will continue to do so. The embassy MINUSCA peacekeeping mission in the Central African has, for example, raised the murders of FENSUAGRO Republic is well-resourced and fully deployed with the and Patriotic March members with the Vice-President’s UN authorised number of troops by September 2014. office. Following this, on 26 June, the Vice-President’s [206850] Office stated that they were following up these cases with the Ministry of Defence, the Army, the Attorney- James Duddridge: We remain deeply concerned about General’s Office, the Inspector-General’s Office and the the situation in the Central African Republic and have National Protection Unit. The Vice President’s Office is been working closely with the United Nations and also in direct communication with FENSUAGRO. other partners to ensure MINUSCA deploys with the expertise and resources it needs to carry out its mandate EU External Trade (UNSCR2149, April 2014). We are supporting close consultation with the African Union, to ensure a smooth transition from the African led International Support Jim Sheridan: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Mission to CAR (MISCA) to MINUSCA on 15 and Commonwealth Affairs in how many meetings in September, and we will continue to support UN efforts the last year between financial sector professionals and to bring MINUSCA to full strength as soon as possible. Ministers or senior officials in his Department the Trans-Atlantic Trade and Investment Partnership has Children: Detainees been discussed. [206902]

Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Mr Swire: Details of meetings held by Ministers and and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment he Permanent Secretaries with external organisations are has made of the implementation of each of the published quarterly and can be found at Gov.uk. recommendations in the report, Children in Military Information requested in respect of other officials’ Custody, published in June 2012. [206208] meetings is not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate costs. Mr Ellwood: The UK has made repeated representations to Israel on their treatment of Palestinian prisoners, Jim Sheridan: To ask the Secretary of State for including child detainees. Since the Foreign and Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs in how many Commonwealth Office-funded independent report on meetings in the last year between agricultural sector Children in Military Custody, there has been some professionals and Ministers or senior officials in his limited progress. This includes a pilot to use summons Department the Trans-Atlantic Trade and Investment instead of night-time arrests, and steps to reduce the Partnership has been discussed. [206903] amount of time a child can be detained before seeing a judge. My predecessor wrote to the Israeli Attorney-General on 31 March 2014 to welcome the steps taken to date Mr Swire: Details of meetings held by Ministers and and to call for further measures, including the mandatory Permanent Secretaries with external organisations are use of audio-visual recording of interrogations, investigation published quarterly and can be found at Gov.uk. into continued reports of single hand ties being used, Information requested in respect of other officials’ and an end to solitary confinement for children. The meetings is not held centrally and could be obtained British Government has been working with the delegation only at disproportionate costs. 73W Written Answers1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Written Answers 74W

Jim Sheridan: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign 2010 which relate to matters that fall within his and Commonwealth Affairs in how many meetings in Department’s responsibility. [206657] the last year between pharmaceutical sector professionals and Ministers or senior officials in his Department the Mr Lidington: Since May 2010 the UK has lost no Trans-Atlantic Trade and Investment Partnership has infraction proceedings in which the Foreign and been discussed. [206904] Commonwealth office was the lead Department.

Mr Swire: Details of meetings held by Ministers and Iran Permanent Secretaries with external organisations are published quarterly and can be found at Gov.uk. Mark Durkan: To ask the Secretary of State for Information requested in respect of other officials’ Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent meetings is not held centrally and could be obtained reports he has received on the treatment of the Bahá’í only at disproportionate costs. community in Iran. [206751]

Jim Sheridan: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Mr Ellwood: It was reported in May 2014 that a and Commonwealth Affairs in how many meetings in Bahai’i cemetery in Shiraz, where over 950 Baha’is are the last year between chemical sector professionals and buried, was destroyed – there have been a number of Ministers or senior officials in his Department the similar such incidents in recent years. As well as the Trans-Atlantic Trade and Investment Partnership has threat of imprisonment, Baha’is continue to face ongoing been discussed. [206905] harassment and discrimination. The UK works closely with the UN Special Rapporteur Mr Swire: Details of meetings held by Ministers and on Human Rights in Iran, Dr Ahmed Shaheed, who’s Permanent Secretaries with external organisations are most recent report of March 2014 addressed the plight published quarterly and can be found at Gov.uk. of Baha’is and other religious minorities in the country. Information requested in respect of other officials’ The UK’s non-resident Chargé d’Affaires to Iran discussed meetings is not held centrally and could be obtained freedom of religion and other Human Rights issues only at disproportionate costs. with the Iranian authorities during his visit to Iran in March 2014. My hon. Friend the then Minister of State Jim Sheridan: To ask the Secretary of State for for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (Hugh Robertson), Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) in how many issued a public statement on 14 May 2014 calling for meetings in the last year between manufacturing sector Iran to abide by its international commitments to ensure professionals and Ministers or Senior officials in his all Iranians are free to practice their religion without Department the Trans-Atlantic Trade and Investment fear of persecution. Partnership has been discussed; [206906] Iraq (2) in how many meetings in the last year between insurance sector professionals and Ministers or senior officials of his Department the Trans-Atlantic Trade Jim Dobbin: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Investment Partnership has been discussed. and Commonwealth Affairs if he will take steps to [206879] ensure that British Embassy staff in Iraq make contact with Danny Fitzsimon, who is held prisoner in that Mr Swire: Details of meetings held by Ministers and country. [207002] permanent secretaries with external organisations are published quarterly and can be found at gov.uk. Mr Ellwood: Embassy staff have visited Mr Fitzsimons and continue to attempt to do so despite the security Information requested in respect of other officials’ situation in the area of Iraq where Mr Fitzsimons is meetings is not held centrally and could be obtained detained. When they have been unable to visit, staff only at disproportionate costs. have had contact by phone or in writing. We will continue to provide consular support, taking into account Jim Sheridan: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign the local conditions. The British Government remains and Commonwealth Affairs in how many meetings in in regular discussions with the Iraqi Authorities about the last year between energy sector professionals and Mr Fitzsimons’ case. Ministers or Senior officials in his Department the Trans-Atlantic Trade and Investment Partnership has Kazakhstan been discussed. [206907] Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Mr Swire: Details of meetings held by Ministers and and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions permanent secretaries with external organisations are Ministers in his Department have had with the Government published quarterly and can be found at gov.uk. Information of Kazakstan on human rights, freedom of expression, requested in respect of other officials’ meetings is not freedom of assembly and freedom of religion. [206426] held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate costs. Mr Ellwood: The Prime Minister visited Kazakhstan last year and had a wide-ranging discussion on human EU Law rights with President Nazarbayev. The former Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my Mr Redwood: To ask the Secretary of State for right hon. Friend the Member for Richmond (Yorks) Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many times (Mr Hague), raised human rights concerns with the the UK has lost EU infraction proceedings since May Kazakhstani Foreign Minister during the latter’s visit to 75W Written Answers1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Written Answers 76W

London in November last year. My right hon. noble connect businesses directly with Macedonian institutions, Friend the former Senior Minister of State Baroness resulting in closer co-operation and opportunities for Warsi visited Kazakhstan in April and discussed a companies to raise concerns directly with the Macedonian number of human rights issues with Kazakhstani Government. interlocutors, building on previous visits and conversations. The embassy has also conducted targeted interventions We continue to raise our concerns about human in support of British business. For example we have rights, freedoms of expression, assembly and religion tackled corruption/bureaucracy that was blocking a directly with the Government of Kazakhstan, and in major British company from accessing the market, and relevant international fora, at every appropriate opportunity. have successfully lobbied against protectionist legislation that prevented another British company from repatriating Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign its revenue. and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions Ministers in his Department have had with the Government Middle East of Kazakstan on violation of fundamental labour rights and exploitation of child labour. [206427] Simon Danczuk: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is Mr Ellwood: We were deeply concerned by the labour taking to de-escalate the situation in Gaza. [206289] clashes in western Kazakhstan in December 2011. Mr Ellwood: The Secretary of State for Foreign and In November 2013 in a meeting with the Foreign Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member Minister of Kazakhstan, the then Secretary of State for for Runnymede and Weybridge (Mr Hammond) has Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. spoken to Israeli and Palestinian counterparts as well as Friend the Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague), key international partners about the present crisis in encouraged Kazakhstan to sign up to the Voluntary Gaza on numerous occasions in recent weeks, urging an Principles on Business and Human Rights, which aim end to violence, a durable ceasefire and successful to reduce the risk of human rights abuses connected to negotiations in Cairo which lead to a sustainable solution the extractives industry. to the current crisis, tackling its underlying causes. He We are funding a project to promote the implementation has visited Ramallah, Jerusalem and Cairo for talks and of the United Nations “Protect, Respect and Remedy” attended the Foreign Affairs Council on 15 August Framework and guiding principles on business and 2014. He most recently spoke to the Egyptian Foreign human rights in Kazakhstan. Minister about the ceasefire talks on 20 August 2014. Finally, we welcome and support Kazakhstan’s efforts to implement its 2012 to 2014 Joint Action Plan and Stephen Doughty: To ask the Secretary of State for Joint Work Plan for the Elimination of the Worst Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment Forms of Child Labour, and meet its international his Department has made of recent Israeli actions in obligations in this field. Gaza and that country’s compliance with international law and its obligations under the Geneva Conventions. Kenya [206812] Mr Ellwood: The Prime Minister has been clear that Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Israel has a right to self-defence but that everything Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions must be done to minimise civilian casualties. he has had with his Kenyan counterpart on the safety An assessment of whether Israeli actions in Gaza of UK tourists to that country. [206803] comply with international law and its obligations under the Geneva Conventions requires an investigation on James Duddridge: The former Minister for Africa, the ground. To that end the United Nations Human my hon. Friend the Member for Boston and Skegness Rights Council has set up a Commission of Inquiry to (Mark Simmonds), had regular discussions on security investigate purported violations of international in Kenya with the Kenyan Cabinet Secretary for Foreign humanitarian and human rights laws in the Occupied Affairs and International Trade, Amina Mohamed, and Palestinian Territory, including the Gaza Strip since the wrote to Ms Mohamed on the subject in May. The conflict began on 13 June 2014. The UK supports this British high commissioner to Kenya discussed the safety inquiry, which must be balanced and independent. of British nationals with Ms Mohamed, when he informed her of the latest change to FCO travel advice for Kenya Stephen Doughty: To ask the Secretary of State for in July 2014. I will be continuing this dialogue. Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the legality under international law and Macedonia the Geneva Conventions of Israel’s current actions in Gaza. [206816] Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps the Mr Ellwood: We have been clear that Israel has a right Government is taking to improve trade relations with to defend itself. The UN Human Rights Council has set the Republic of Macedonia. [206950] up a Commission of Inquiry to investigate purported violations of international humanitarian and human Mr Lidington: We provide policy advice and political rights laws in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including support for UK businesses operating, or seeking to in the Gaza Strip since the conflict began there on operate, in Macedonia, and enjoy good co-operation 13 June. We are calling on both sides to co-operate with with the Macedonian Government on this front. For the Commission of Inquiry, which must itself be example, we run periodic ‘British Business Forums’ that independent and balanced in its approach. 77W Written Answers1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Written Answers 78W

Sarah Champion: To ask the Secretary of State for Committee of the Red Cross to help them repair water Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is infrastructure, deliver emergency medical services and taking to resolve the situation in Gaza and the West protect the civilian population. Bank. [206861] But we are clear that a political solution is required to the current crisis in Gaza if we are to avoid this suffering Mr Ellwood: The Secretary of State for Foreign and happening again. All UK effort is focused to that end. Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Runnymede and Weybridge (Mr Hammond), has Nigeria spoken to Israeli and Palestinian counterparts as well as key international partners about the present crisis in Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State Gaza on numerous occasions in recent weeks, urging an for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what further end to violence, a durable ceasefire and successful assistance is being offered to the Nigerian authorities negotiations in Cairo which lead to a sustainable solution following the latest reported Boko Haram massacre in to the current crisis, tackling its underlying causes. The Damboa township. [206727] Foreign Secretary also visited Ramallah, Jerusalem and Cairo for talks. He most recently spoke to the Egyptian James Duddridge: I condemn all acts of terrorism in Foreign Minister about the ceasefire talks on 20 August. Nigeria. The attack on Damboa further demonstrates The UK has provided £19.1 million in UK aid in the need for the United Kingdom and others to support response to this crisis. Nigeria as it confronts Boko Haram and other terrorist groups. On 12 June 2014 the Government announced a substantial new package of UK military, intelligence Sarah Champion: To ask the Secretary of State for and development support to Nigeria. This package Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent steps includes training and advice to Nigerian units deployed he has taken to publicise internationally the UK’s against Boko Haram; support to Nigeria in bringing position on the conflict in Gaza. [206865] increased development and prosperity to its north east; and a commitment to draw 1 million more children into Mr Ellwood: The Secretary of State for Foreign and education in Northern Nigeria by 2020. Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Runnymede and Weybridge (Mr Hammond) has Palestinians had numerous bilateral contacts with the Israelis, Palestinians, US and other international partners on the Gaza conflict in recent weeks, including during Sarah Champion: To ask the Secretary of State for visits to Egypt, Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent Territories. He has also attended multilateral events representations he has received on the right to self- such as the EU Foreign Affairs Council on 15 August. determination of Palestinian people; and if he will He has given press interviews and issued many statements make a statement. [206864] on developments. On each occasion he has made the UK’s position on the Gaza conflict clear. Mr Ellwood: We receive regular representations on the right to self-determination of the Palestinian people, including from governments, NGOs, and members of Sarah Champion: To ask the Secretary of State for the public. The UK Government’s long-standing position Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent steps is that we support a negotiated settlement leading to a he has taken to protect residents of Gaza and the West safe and secure Israel living alongside a viable and Bank. [206866] sovereign Palestinian state, based on 1967 borders with agreed land swaps, Jerusalem as the shared capital of Mr Ellwood: The UK has provided £19.1 million in both states, and a just, fair and agreed settlement for UK aid in response to this crisis. On 8 August DIFD refugees. The UK will continue to do all it can to announced they would be providing an additional £2 million support and advance efforts to resolve the conflict. to the Disasters Emergency Committee and on 4 August the Secretary of State for International Development Russia announced £2 million in new funding for the UN Relief and Works Agency’s Flash Appeal. This will help the Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign UN provide a package of essential goods to the thousands and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the occasions of families sheltering in schools. In total, we have now on which Russian state servants or military personnel pledged £6 million to UNRWA’s appeal. are believed to have committed offences against national Furthermore, on 1 August DFID activated the Rapid security in the UK, or to have infringed UK airspace, Response Facility for Gaza. This means pre-approved territorial waters, land or cyberspace without the legal partners with a proven ability to operate in Gaza will right to do so, or otherwise to have challenged or now have access to a total of £3 million in new funding threatened UK sovereign interests in the last five years; to provide rapid and direct emergency humanitarian on what date each such event occurred; what the nature assistance. We are providing £3 million to the World of each such event was; and if he will make a statement. Food Programme to provide food vouchers. This boost [206777] will provide emergency food vouchers for more than 300,000 people for one month, and we are also providing Mr Ellwood: It is the long standing policy of successive £2 million in medical aid. Finally, we have brought Governments not to comment on intelligence matters forward £3 million in funding to the International including matters related to national security. 79W Written Answers1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Written Answers 80W

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Ellwood: In line with the UK’s wider Objective on Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his policy is increased collaboration to counter the global threat on imposing sanctions against Russia in relation to that from terrorism, the Government is already working country’s response to the crash of the Malaysian closely with allies, partners in the region and through Airlines flight MH17 in Ukraine. [206986] the UN and EU on counter-terrorism priorities. That includes working closely with European partners to Mr Lidington: The tragic loss of life on Malaysian tackle the shared threat from foreign fighters travelling Airlines flight MH17 has brought into sharp focus the to Syria and the region. The UK is regularly exchanging consequences of Russia’s destabilisation of eastern Ukraine. information with European partners at an operational EU sanctions are in direct response to Russia’s illegal and policy level to ensure co-ordination of efforts in annexation of Crimea, with the option of increasingly tackling the threat. severe restrictive measures if Russia does not desist from its policies to destabilise Ukraine and support Ukraine separatists in the east. By imposing sanctions, we have demonstrated our willingness to use economic levers to Ms Ritchie: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign influence Russia’s behaviour. We have no wish to isolate and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has Russia, nor to see the Russian people suffer as a result had with his Russian counterpart on the crash of flight of the unlawful actions of their leaders. The international MH17 in Ukraine. [206730] community cannot stand by, however, and ignore attacks upon Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Mr Lidington: The Prime Minister spoke to President Putin on 20 July regarding flight MH17. He made clear St Helena that the shooting down of MH17 was totally unacceptable and that our priority was to get experts to the crash site Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign so they could recover and repatriate the victims and and Commonwealth Affairs how many St Helenians collect any evidence necessary for the investigation. are in fuel poverty. [206522] The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Runnymede James Duddridge: The St Helena Government is and Weybridge (Mr Hammond), remains in regular reviewing how it might appropriately analyse and report contact with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. fuel poverty statistics on the island, but currently it does not record this information. The FCO and DFID do Dr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign not record this information. and Commonwealth Affairs what representations his DFID assists by contributing to efforts to alleviate Department has made to the Ukrainian government on the effect of the operating loss of the utilities company assisting Ukrainian nationals to obtain external and to ensure that user tariffs are maintained. passports. [207039] Mr Lidington: This is not an issue which we have Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign raised with the Ukrainian Government. It would be and Commonwealth Affairs how many St Helenians inappropriate for Her Majesty’s Government to lobby have emigrated since November 2011. [206524] over who should be eligible for Ukrainian national passports. James Duddridge: St Helena Government’s (SHG) Statistics Office has confirmed 148 St Helenians have Wines emigrated since November 2011.

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Chris Bryant: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what estimate she Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what value of has made of the number of residents of St Helena in wine from the Government’s wine cellar was consumed by each Government Department in (a) 2010-11, (b) fuel poverty. [206991] 2011-12, (c) 2012-13, (d) 2013-14 and (e) the first quarter of 2014-15. [206705] James Duddridge: The St Helena Government is reviewing how it might appropriately analyse and report James Duddridge: I refer the hon. Member to the fuel poverty statistics on the island, but currently it does written statement made by my hon. Friend the former not record this information. The FCO and DFID do Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign not record this information. and Commonwealth Affairs (Mark Simmonds), on 17 July DFID assists by contributing to efforts to alleviate 2014, Official Report, columns 86-87WS, the Annual the effect of the operating loss of the utilities company Statement on the Government Hospitality Wine Cellar, and to ensure that user tariffs are maintained. covering consumption, stock purchases and costs. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office does not record the Terrorism values of wines consumed on a Department by Department basis for official Government events, as to do so would incur disproportionate costs. The overall value of wines Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for consumed since 2011 was as follows: Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will share information with other European countries to prevent 2011-12: £55,679 people becoming involved in terrorist groups in Syria, 2012-13: £65,623 Egypt and Iraq. [206806] 2013-14: £55,805. 81W Written Answers1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Written Answers 82W

CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT Football: Insolvency

British Film Institute Mr Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport with reference to Lord Justice Sir Roger Gale: To ask the Secretary of State for Hickinbottom’s judgement in Sisu v. Coventry City Culture, Media and Sport when he expects that the Council, if he will bring forward legislative proposals to Triennial Review of the British Film Institute will be reform the Football Creditors’ Rule. [206702] published. [206926] Mrs Grant: The football authorities have made significant Mr Vaizey: The BFI Triennial Review Report is being moves over recent years to get clubs on a stronger prepared for publication and will be published shortly. financial footing, principally through the introduction The House will be informed of the publication through of financial fair play rules, minimising the need for a Written Ministerial Statement. football to rely on the Football Creditors Rule in cases of club insolvencies. The Government keeps the situation Cleaning Services under review. Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport whether his Department Mr Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for pays the London living wage to cleaners working in its Culture, Media and Sport what assessment he has made of the implications of Lord Justice Hickinbottom’s London office. [206771] judgement in Sisu v. Coventry City Council and others for football governance in the UK; and if he will make a Mrs Grant: DCMS does not have any direct employees statement. [206703] who are paid less than the rate defined by the Living Wage Foundation as a living wage. DCMS is not responsible for setting pay levels for contracted workers. This is a Mrs Grant: Following the judgment, I would urge all matter for the organisations who employ them. However, parties to focus on the most important issue of getting we actively encourage employers to ensure that the Coventry City back to playing it’s home matches in living wage is paid and we would monitor these when Coventry within the timescale set out in the Club’s contracts are being negotiated. membership agreement.

Copyright: Internet Gaming Machines

Mike Weatherley: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Lammy: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what his policy is on the Culture, Media and Sport whether the research being development by ISPs and copyright owners of Creative conducted by Lincoln University on fixed odds betting Content UK, a programme of education about legal terminals will assess the potentially addictive nature of entertainment services, and alerts to subscribers found those machines. [207030] to have been uploading content illegally online; and what effects he expects the development to have on the implementation of the Digital Economy Act 2010. Mr Vaizey: The Responsible Gambling Trust (RGT) [206927] has commissioned a wide-ranging research programme into category B2 gaming machines which is due to be Mr Vaizey: The Government warmly welcomed the published in the autumn. This research will seek to initiative by copyright owners and ISPs of setting up understand what measures might limit harmful play Creative Content UK, and has pledged £3.5 million without impacting on those who do not exhibit harmful over three years to support the educational campaign behaviours and the RGT has commissioned the University that will complement the process. An industry-led solution of Lincoln to determine whether gambling at higher has always been our preferred approach, and so stakes is a risk factor for gambling-related harm and to Government will not progress the relevant provisions explore the impact of higher stakes and prizes on players. within the Digital Economy Act 2010 at this time. However, they will remain available if a legislative solution Mr Lammy: To ask the Secretary of State for becomes necessary. Culture, Media and Sport whether the research being conducted by Lincoln University on fixed odds betting Coventry City Football Club terminals will help determine an appropriate stake level for those machines. [207031] Mr Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what recent discussions he Mr Vaizey: The Responsible Gambling Trust (RGT) has had with the Football League on Coventry City has commissioned a wide-ranging research programme Football Club returning to play in Coventry. [206700] into category B2 gaming machines which is due to be published in the autumn. This research will seek to Mrs Grant: I meet regularly with the Football League understand what measures might limit harmful play to discuss a range of issues. I have met with the Members without impacting on those who do not exhibit harmful for Coventry North East, Coventry South and Kenilworth behaviours and the RGT has commissioned the University & Southam to learn more about the situation faced by of Lincoln to determine whether gambling at higher Coventry FC, and have raised their specific concerns stakes is a risk factor for gambling-related harm and to with the Football League in writing. explore the impact of higher stakes and prizes on players. 83W Written Answers1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Written Answers 84W

Mobile Phones: Radio Frequencies DCMS’s Creative Industries Economic Estimates, based on data from the Office of National Statistics available on a consistent basis since 2008, show the following Sir Peter Luff: To ask the Secretary of State for contribution to the UK economy from Music and Visual Culture, Media and Sport (1) if he will request Ofcom and Performing Arts (including theatre) in Gross Value to undertake an independent analysis of (a) the need of Added (GVA) terms: mobile network operators to be granted access to additional radio spectrum and (b) the quantity of spectrum currently GVA (£ million) allocated to mobile network operators of which they are not making use to provide mobile connectivity for 2008 3,740 consumers; and if he will make a statement; [206819] 2009 3,779 (2) what assessment he has made of the validity of 2010 3,434 mobile network operators’ requirement for access to an 2011 4,039 increased quantity of radio spectrum; and if he will 2012 4,574 make a statement; [206820] (3) what recent assessment he has made of the Radio Frequencies efficiency with which mobile companies make use of the radio spectrum to which they currently have access; Mike Weatherley: To ask the Secretary of State for and if he will make a statement. [206817] Culture, Media and Sport (1) what assessment he has made of the potential effect on the UK’s ability to host Mr Vaizey: The 4G auction in 2013 has increased the future major sporting or cultural events of a loss of amount of spectrum available to the mobile network access by programme making and special events users operators (MNOs) for delivering next generation mobile to the 700 MHz band of radio spectrum; and if he will services. The 4G rollout is under way and will ensure the make a statement; [206946] UK continues to have some of the best mobile services (2) what assessment he has made of the potential in Europe. effect on (a) places of worship and (b) community The Department has not made any direct assessment centres of loss of access by wireless microphone users of mobile network operators’ (MNOs) spectrum to the 700 MHz band of radio spectrum; and if he will requirements or the technical characteristics of their make a statement; [206934] network deployments. Ofcom published their Mobile (3) what assessment she has made of the potential Data Strategy consultation on 21 November 2013, which safety and security risks at major national events arising examines consumer demand for mobile data services from a loss of access by wireless microphone users to and how this could be met, including MNOs’ spectrum the 700 MHz band of radio spectrum; and if she will requirements. The consultation document and responses make a statement; [206933] can be found on Ofcom’s website: (4) what assessment he has made of the potential http://stakeholders.ofcom.org.uk/consultations/mobile-data- effect on the (a) film industry and (b) television production strategy/ industry of a loss of access by wireless microphone Ofcom has since published a further statement on users to the 700 MHz band of radio spectrum; and if he their Mobile Data Strategy: will make a statement. [206945] http://stakeholders.ofcom.org.uk/consultations/mobile-data- Mr Vaizey: PMSE users currently have dedicated strategy/statement/ access to spectrum in channel 38 (between 606MHz and The Department does not directly monitor the operations 614MHz) as well as access to interleaved spectrum for of the MNOs or the technical characteristics of their which no new equipment is required. Ofcom published network deployments. Ofcom does however undertake a consultation on 24 April 2013 on the future use of the certain monitoring functions including monitoring of 700MHz band, and will ensure the views and spectrum coverage, service quality and ensuring MNOs comply requirements of the PMSE community and any other with any obligations included in their spectrum licences. wireless microphone users are taken into account when advising on any decision. The consultation document and responses can be found on Ofcom’s website: Performing Arts http://stakeholders.ofcom.org.uk/consultations/700mhz-cfi/ There are also currently discussions in Europe on Mike Weatherley: To ask the Secretary of State for future spectrum provision for PMSE users and the Culture, Media and Sport what assessment he has made potential requirement for further dedicated spectrum of the economic contribution to the UK economy of for these purposes. (a) West End theatres, (b) the UK theatre industry and (c) the Programme Making and Special Events sector in Mike Weatherley: To ask the Secretary of State for each year since 2004; and if he will make a statement. Culture, Media and Sport (1) what assessment he has [206937] made of the potential effect on the programme making and special events (PMSE) sector of a loss of access by Mr Vaizey: Independent sector bodies have carried PMSE users to the 700 MHz band of radio spectrum; out assessments of the economic contribution of the and if he will make a statement; [206947] arts to the UK economy. A report by the Society of (2) what assessment he has made of the potential London Theatre in 2013 showed that London Theatres effect on the continuation to the UK economy by (a) grossed £0.53 billion in sales generating VAT receipts of West End theatres, (b) the UK theatre industry and (c) £88 million. the Programme Making and Special Events (PMSE) 85W Written Answers1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Written Answers 86W sector of a loss of access by the PMSE sector to the 700 Mr Dunne: The £1.1 billion package has been funded MHz band of radio spectrum; and if he will make a predominantly by carrying over resources from 2012-13 statement; [206936] and 2013-14. It has also been funded by drawing down (3) what assessment he has made of the potential some of the Ministry of Defence’s unallocated financial effect on small and medium-sized enterprises operating provision to the appropriate level in the context of the within the (a) programme making and special events most recent financial planning cycle, and by reprioritising sector and (b) creative industries of reallocation of the some existing expenditure within the Defence programme. 700 MHz band of radio spectrum to use by mobile network operators; and if he will make a statement; Armed Forces: Cadets [206943] (4) what assessment he has made of the potential Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for effect on the corporate events and conference industry Defence what proportion of the budget for the Cadet of a loss of access by wireless microphone users to the Expansion Programme has been spent to date. [205048] 700 MHz band of radio spectrum; and if he will make a statement. [206944] Anna Soubry: To date, £4.3 million of the £10.85 million Cadet Expansion Programme budget has been Sir Peter Luff: To ask the Secretary of State for spent. This represents 40% of the total budget. Culture, Media and Sport (1) for what reason his Department did not identify an alternative spectrum Armed Forces: Criminal Investigation for use by the programme making and special events sector before the proposals to withdraw this sector’s access to the 700 MHz band of radio spectrum; and if Mike Wood: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the average time taken was by each arm of the he will make a statement; [206821] Armed Forces to make serving personnel available to (2) what assessment he has made of the potential the civilian police in connection with criminal investigations effects of international harmonisation of the 700 MHz in the most recent period for which figures are available; band of radio spectrum on domestic small and and how many approaches the civilian police have made medium-sized enterprises operating within (a) the to the Armed Forces for access to serving personnel in programme making and special events sector and (b) relation to indictable offences. [205983] the creative industries; and if he will make a statement; [206818] Anna Soubry: This information is not held in the (3) what estimate he has made of the costs likely to format requested. The civil police are not required to be incurred by the programme making and special seek the assistance or permission of relevant arms of effects sector through having to complete research and the armed forces in relation to serving personnel being development into new equipment of the re-allocation made available in connection with criminal investigations. of the 700 MHz band; and if he will make a statement. However, if such an approach is made, then the service [206823] authorities will attempt to assist as far as they are able so to do. Mr Vaizey: Ofcom published a consultation on the future use of the 700 MHz band on 28 May 2014. This Armed Forces: Grace and Favour Housing consultation assesses the impact any loss of access to the 700 MHz band would have on the PMSE community. Ofcom will ensure the views and spectrum requirements Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for of the PMSE community are taken into account when Defence what the cost to the public purse was of running making any final decisions on the use of the band. The and maintaining each grace and favour residence provided consultation document and responses can be found on by his Department to senior figures from the armed Ofcom’s website: forces in each year since 2010. [205237] http://stakeholders.ofcom.org.uk/consultations/700MHz/ Anna Soubry: Under previous arrangements, Official Ofcom is working with the PMSE community of Service Residences (OSRs, colloquially known as ‘grace users and manufacturers to mitigate the impact of any and favour’ residencies) were provided for senior officers change of use of the 700 MHz band; and discussing in certain posts which required them to undertake official with the regulatory authorities in other countries their hospitality for Defence purposes. As announced by the approach to this issue. A key focus of their work in this then Minister for Personnel, Welfare and Veterans, my area is seeking to identify and make available alternative right hon. Friend the Member for South Leicestershire spectrum for the PMSE community. (Mr Robathan), on 12 December 2011, Official Report, column 63WS, these arrangements have been discontinued. Properties which were formerly categorised as OSRs are DEFENCE being phased out on a rolling basis as personnel retire or move on to other posts. However, senior officers Armed Forces remain entitled to Service Family Accommodation (Type 1 or Type 2). In addition, the Department is undertaking Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for an ongoing review into domestic assistance policy to Defence with reference to the press release from the ensure that the level of support provided to senior Prime Minister’s Office of 14 July 2014, entitled PM entitled officers is appropriate and driven by a clear announces £1.1 billion investment in capabilities for the business need. Information is available for financial armed forces, whether this amount will be sourced years 2009-10 and 2010-11 and is presented in the from departmental underspends. [206098] following tables: 87W Written Answers1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Written Answers 88W

OSRs 2009-10 location and occupancy Residence Occupant Rank

1 London First Sea Lord Admiral 2 Portsmouth Second Sea Lord Vice Admiral 3 Dartmouth Cdre Britannia Royal Naval College Commodore 4 Northwood Commander in Chief (CinC) Fleet Admiral 5 Portsmouth Deputy CinC Fleet Admiral 6 Devonport Flag Officer Sea Training Rear Admiral 7 Helensburgh Flag Officer Scotland & Northern Ireland Rear Admiral 8 Kensington Palace, London1 Chief of the General Staff General 9 Camberley Commandant Royal Military Academy Sandhurst Major General 10 Bulford CinC Land Forces General 11 Edinburgh General Officer Commanding 2 Division Major General 12 London General Officer Commanding London District Major General 13 High Wycombe CinC Air Command Air Chief Marshall 14 London Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshall 15 High Wycombe Deputy CinC Personnel Air Marshall 16 Cranwell Commandant RAF College Air Cdre 17 London Vice Chief of the Defence Staff General 18 London Chief of the Defence Staff Air Chief Marshall 19 Northwood Chief of Joint Operations Air Marshall 1 This property is part of The Crown Estate and a Grant in Aid is payable. OSR expenditure 2009-10 less utilities, staff and official entertainment £ DE furniture and Furniture and Residence Rent Planned maintenance Unplanned maintenance Improvements equipment equipment

1 London 18,145 520 322 — 1,887 2,537 2 Portsmouth — 190 38,289 — 434 7,176 3 Dartmouth — 335 3,311 — — — 4 Northwood 7,124 4,800 14,656 — — 3,801 5 Portsmouth — 107,131 18,728 — 366 — 6 Devonport — 1,423 2,346 — — 294 7 Helensburgh — 9,201 1,949 — — — 8 Kensington Palace 108,408 — — — — 2,959 9 Camberley — 436 12,546 — — — 10 Bulford 17,640 436 15,881 — 2,399 4,765 11 Edinburgh — 10,982 5,815 — 5,265 760 12 London 16,115 136,200 3,966 — — 3,548 13 High Wycombe 19,350 393 7,461 — 405 — 14 London 49,140 247 7,083 — 404 817 15 High Wycombe 19,350 7,065 2,510 3,021 — — 16 Cranwell 9,551 228 4,880 — — 793 17 London 19,715 1,219 3,744 — — 5,202 18 London 19,957 450 979 — — 523 19 Northwood 30,240 5,359 1,921 — — 2,746

OSR expenditure 2009-10 utilities, staff and official entertainment £ Residence Utilities Household staff Ents expenditure

1 London — 161,000 2,305 2 Portsmouth 2,646 126,008 8,122 3 Dartmouth — 58,810 5,999 4 Northwood — 160,584 6,320 5 Portsmouth 1,395 74,074 1,291 6 Devonport — 104,076 6,874 7 Helensburgh 8,181 139,735 681 8 Kensington Palace — 124,000 2,823 9 Camberley — 89,437 5,568 10 Bulford — 112,469 2,371 11 Edinburgh — 95,847 3,857 12 London — 101,591 836 13 High Wycombe 4,354 56,111 1,585 14 London — 112,000 6,641 15 High Wycombe 4,364 50,805 2,953 16 Cranwell 7,271 121,076 8,848 89W Written Answers1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Written Answers 90W

OSR expenditure 2009-10 utilities, staff and official entertainment £ Residence Utilities Household staff Ents expenditure

17 London — 44,406 2,439 18 London — 107,000 1,959 19 Northwood 1,815 78,269 614

OSRs 2010-11 location and occupancy Residence Occupant Rank

1 London First Sea Lord Admiral 2 Portsmouth Second Sea Lord Vice Admiral 3 Dartmouth Commodore Britannia Royal Naval College Commodore 4 Northwood Commander in Chief (CinC) Fleet Admiral 5 Portsmouth Deputy CinC Fleet Admiral 6 Devonport Flag Officer Sea Training Rear Admiral 7 Helensburgh Flag Officer Scotland & Northern Ireland Rear Admiral 8 Kensington Palace Chief of the General Staff General 9 Camberley Commandant Royal Military Academy Sandhurst Major General 10 Bulford CinC Land Forces General 11 Edinburgh General Officer Commanding 2 Division Major General 12 London General Officer Commanding London District Major General 13 High Wycombe CinC Air Command Air Chief Marshall 14 London Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshall 15 High Wycombe Deputy CinC Personnel Air Marshall 16 Cranwell Commandant RAF College Air Commodore 17 London Vice Chief of the Defence Staff General 18 London Chief of the Defence Staff Air Chief Marshall 19 Northwood Chief of Joint Operations Lieutenant General

OSR Expenditure 2010-11 less utilities, staff and official entertainment £ Planned Unplanned DE furniture Furniture and Residence Rent maintenance maintenance Improvements and equipment equipment

1 London 18,145 63 614 — — — 2 Portsmouth — 148 18,195 — 178 — 3 Dartmouth — 6,317 1,741 1,510 — — 4 Northwood 47,124 47,074 26,691 24,584 2,965 706 5 Portsmouth — 481 4,920 — — 80 6 Devonport — — — — — 992 7 Helensburgh — 1,961 4,083 — — — 8 Kensington Palace 112,200 — — — 3,363 — 9 Camberley — 164 3,427 4,218 150 — 10 Bulford 17,640 1,698 23,240 285 27 — 11 Edinburgh — 1,703 9,831 — 49 — 12 London 16,115 321 1,417 246 2,073 — 13 High Wycombe 19,350 3,241 9,658 3,086 3,574 1,535 14 London — 179 4,919 — 493 — 15 High Wycombe 19,350 2,918 3,961 221 720 435 16 Cranwell 9,551 80 2,036 — — 476 17 London 19,715 424 190 1,051 2,434 — 18 London 19,717 297 1,006 532 108 — 19 Northwood 30,240 164 3,427 4,218 178 —

Expenditure 2010-11 utilities, staff and official entertainment £ Residence Utilities Household staff Ents Expenditure

1 London — 155,000 1,550 2 Portsmouth 1,777 130,561 5,313 3 Dartmouth — 58,810 2,581 4 Northwood — 154,637 3,233 5 Portsmouth 1,207 79,669 313 6 Devonport — 109,466 3,986 7 Helensburgh 10,292 125,405 242 8 Kensington Palace — 91,000 1,823 9 Camberley — — — 10 Bulford — — — 91W Written Answers1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Written Answers 92W

Expenditure 2010-11 utilities, staff and official entertainment £ Residence Utilities Household staff Ents Expenditure

11 Edinburgh 17,871 97,987 887 12 London — 140,035 — 13 High Wycombe 3,557 65,140 2,540 14 London 2,385 116,000 6,369 15 High Wycombe 3,119 50,014 376 16 Cranwell 7,450 124,104 5,098 17 London — 46,000 629 18 London — 114,000 34 19 Northwood 1,888 77,294 1,411

Armed Forces: Injuries Number

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for 2012-13 16,350 Defence (1) how many compensation pay outs of what 2013-14 16,715 value have been issued by his Department on the grounds of personnel sustaining injuries through In line with Defence statistics rounding policy all training in each year since 2010; [206065] figures have been rounded to the nearest 5. (2) what the value of payouts has been in each year since 2010 to forces personnel and veterans on the Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for grounds of physical injuries. [206070] Defence what the average length of time taken to process settlements for the Armed Forces Pension Anna Soubry: Claims for damages brought against Scheme has been in each year since 2010. [206083] the Ministry of Defence (MOD) are not recorded in a manner that enables us to identify those for injuries received specifically in the course of training without Anna Soubry: The key performance indicator for the incurring disproportionate cost. Armed Forces Pensions Scheme is to make 99.3% of all service pension payments (including new awards) by the Armed Forces: Pensions due date. This has been achieved in each year since 2010. Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many claims have been brought forward Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for under the (a) Armed Forces Pension Scheme and (b) Defence when designing the application process for the War Pensions Scheme in each year since 2010. [206074] armed forces pension, what weight his Department gave to the ease of use of the system. [207036] Anna Soubry: There were no claims brought forward under the Armed Forces Pension Scheme in each year since 2010. The number of outstanding claims under Anna Soubry: The Armed Forces Pension Scheme is the War Pensions Scheme in each year since 2010 is: an occupational pension scheme whereby the recipient has entitlement based on their reckonable service in Number HM Forces. Every effort is made to make the Armed Forces Pension Scheme application form (Pen1) as simple 2010-11 3,695 as possible while ensuring that all salient points are 2011-12 5,775 included, particularly for legal reasons. 2012-13 9,210 There is an online version of the application form 2013-14 7,645 which pre-fills several boxes using data taken directly In line with Defence statistics rounding policy all from the Service person’s record. Current statistics on figures have been rounded to the nearest 5. its use against paper applications are below which demonstrates its success.

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for January-June 2014 Defence how many claims have been submitted to the Armed Forces Pension Scheme in each year since 2010. Electronic Hard Copy Total [206080] January 1,352 242 1,594 February 1,174 193 1,367 Anna Soubry: The number of members whose pensions March 1,131 256 1,387 became payable in each year under the Armed Forces April 1,081 148 1,229 Pension Scheme since 2010 are: May 1,166 167 1,333 June 1,493 200 1,693 Number Total 7,397 1,206 8,603

2010-11 14,160 Average (percentage) 86 14 100 2011-12 15,330 93W Written Answers1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Written Answers 94W

Billing £ Loss of Livestock Amount paid Highest payment Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence 2010-11 114,000 23,000 what the value is of duplicate supplier payments identified 2011-12 443,000 23,000 by his Department since 2010; and what proportion of 2012-13 290,000 15,000 such payments have since been recovered in each of the 2013-14 521,000 15,000 last two financial years. [205969] These amounts do not include payments made by the Mr Dunne: The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has Area Claims Office in Afghanistan, which are not recorded been able to distinguish between duplicate payments in a manner that can distinguish without incurring and other types of overpayment made to suppliers from disproportionate cost between those claims relating to financial year 2013-14. In that year, the total value of structural damage to private property and those relating duplicate payments identified was £4.1 million, 100% of to loss of livestock. The overall payments for damage to which has been recovered. Over the first quarter of property, including legal costs, made over the periods in 2014-15, we have identified duplicate payments to the question in Afghanistan were as follows: value of £0.5 million of which 60% has so far been recovered. Prior to 2013-14 we were unable to distinguish £ duplicate supplier payments from other types of Amount paid Highest payment overpayments. However all overpayments have been recovered since 2010. 2010-11 1,200,000 143,000 2011-12 436,000 15,000 The MOD processes over 4 million invoices a year 2012-13 677,000 9,000 totalling some £26 billion. We review our bill payment 2013-14 230,000 20,000 processes and controls periodically to ensure that we achieve the required high standards of performance and governance and seek to recover overpayments made Correspondence to suppliers as quickly as possible. Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence Buildings if he will estimate the annual cost to his Department of (a) stationery and (b) postage incurred when sending a ministerial reply to hon. Members; and if he will make Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for a statement. [206144] Defence if he will review his departmental estate in order to reduce costs; and if he will make a statement. Anna Soubry: The Ministry of Defence (MOD) estimates [206685] a cost of 18.9p for each Ministerial reply based on stationery costs. Anna Soubry: The Department continues to make In 2013, MOD Ministers responded to 4,853 letters good progress on rationalising the defence estate. In from hon. Members and Peers, the cost of which would financial year 2013-14 the Ministry of Defence (MOD) have been just under £920. generated £123 million of receipts from sales of estate As replies to parliamentarians are delivered by hand that was surplus to Defence requirements. to Parliament, there is no cost incurred for postage. The MOD’s target is to generate gross receipts of £1.9 billion through the disposal of property assets by Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for financial year 2022-23. Defence whether he has any plans to increase the number of replies within his Department’s working day standard; and if he will make a statement. [206476] Compensation Anna Soubry: The handling of correspondence is Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for given the highest priority by the Ministry of Defence Defence what the value is of compensation payouts and we aim to respond to all correspondence within 20 issued by his Department on the grounds of (a) working days. structural damage to private property and (b) loss of Defence Equipment livestock in each year since 2010; and what the highest such payment in each case has been. [206066] Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on how many occasions since 2010 product Anna Soubry: The amounts paid in the UK and recall notices have been issued for equipment being abroad in regard to the two categories in question, used by the armed forces. [206183] including legal costs, were as follows: Mr Dunne: The information is not held centrally and £ could be provided only at disproportionate cost. Structural/Property damage Amount paid Highest payment EU Law

2010-11 185,000 125,000 Mr Redwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence 2011-12 42,000 6,000 how many times the UK has lost EU infraction proceedings 2012-13 122,000 7,000 since May 2010 which relate to matters that fall within 2013-14 202,000 15,000 his Department’s responsibility. [206653] 95W Written Answers1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Written Answers 96W

Mr Brazier: The UK has never been fined for an Mr Dunne: The Heavy and Light Future Anti-Surface infraction for matters within the Ministry of Defence’s Guided Weapon systems will be introduced to Wildcat responsibility. maritime helicopters with a planned in-service date of 2020. European Fighter Aircraft HMS Illustrious

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State Defence when the E-Scan radar for the Eurofighter for Defence (1) what plans the Government has to Typhoon aircraft (a) was originally expected to come preserve HMS Illustrious when she is withdrawn from into use and (b) is now expected to come into use. service in December 2014; and if he will make a [206090] statement; [206370] (2) if the Government will investigate the tourism Mr Dunne: The E-Scan Radar Development Programme potential of preserving HMS Illustrious. [206371] for Typhoon is currently still within the Assessment Phase, prior to its main investment decision. Once this Mr Dunne: HMS Illustrious, the last of three Invincible decision has been made an in-service date on UK class aircraft carriers, will retire from the Royal Navy on aircraft will be determined. 1 August 2014. As I informed the House on 10 September 2012, Official Report, column 1WS, in recognition of the service given by these ships in protecting the UK Freedom of Information over the last 30 years, it is our preference to see HMS Illustrious preserved intact as a lasting tribute to the John Woodcock: To ask the Secretary of State for service personnel who served on all three of the carriers. Defence how much his Department spent on legal fees In October 2013 the Ministry of Defence’s Disposal in cases relating to the release of information requested Services Authority launched a competition to seek under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 in each of innovative reuse bids to retain HMS Illustrious in the the last five years. [204273] UK, with part or all of it developed for heritage purposes, which could include tourism. The competition is ongoing Anna Soubry: The Ministry of Defence engages the and therefore no final decisions have been made on the Treasury Solicitor to provide legal advice and advise ship’s future. counsel in cases that have been appealed to the Information Tribunal under the Freedom of Information Act. Kenya Departmental spend for this work is detailed in the Mr Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence following table: what his objectives are in negotiations with the Kenyan government on a memorandum of understanding for Financial year Total costs (£) Number of appeals continued use of the Nanyuki training facility. [205893] 2013-14 48,849.06 6 2012-13 11,524.17 9 Mr Francois: The current memorandum of 2011-12 108,825.94 12 understanding concerning UK and Kenyan military 2010-11 49,450.45 5 co-operation includes UK use of training facilities in Kenya. This covers all activities until April 2015, when Figures for earlier years are not readily available. a new memorandum of understanding (MOU) is due to Figures provided are for the number of appeals for be signed. Constructive dialogue on the MOU continues, which MOD was billed in each financial year. and we anticipate a successful outcome which will reflect the positions and requirements of the Kenyan and UK Governments, and permit continued military training Guided Weapons in Kenya.

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Lockheed Martin Defence if he will estimate the cost to the public purse of the integration of the Storm Shadow missile on the Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Typhoon aircraft. [206989] Defence (1) what hospitality the Chief of Defence Materiel has received from Lockheed Martin in each year since 2010; [206330] Mr Dunne: The NATO Eurofighter Tornado Management Agency has awarded a contract valued at (2) what meetings have been held between the Chief approximately £120 million to Eurofighter GmbH for of Defence Materiel and representatives from the integration of Storm Shadow onto Typhoon. Lockheed Martin in each year since 2010; and what was discussed at each. [206331] The full UK costs of the integration project are still being finalised but will be published in the National Mr Dunne: Details of all meetings between the Chief Audit Office Major Projects Report later in 2014. of Defence Materiel (CDM) and external organisations are published online as part of the Government’s Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Transparency Agenda. Information covering the period Defence what his policy is on the introduction of the from October 2010 until the end of December 2013 is (a) Heavy and (b) Light Future Anti-Surface Guided available at the following link: Weapon Systems on AW159 Wildcat Helicopters; and http://data.gov.uk/dataset/senior-staff-meetings-with-external- if he will make a statement. [206994] organisations-ministry-of-defence 97W Written Answers1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Written Answers 98W

Details of hospitality received by CDM is also published Star details are also published. Information covering under Transparency and this can be viewed at the the period from May 2010 until the end of December following link: 2013 is available at the following link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/senior-staff- https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ministers-gifts- hospitality-received hospitality-travel-and-meetings Information covering the period from January 2014 Information relating to meetings from January 2014 to date will be published in due course. to date will be published in due course. Details of direct meetings between MOD 3 Star Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for senior officials and Lockheed Martin (LM) since April Defence (1) what meetings (a) Ministers and (b) senior 2010 are shown in the table. The list includes MOD officials in his Department have held with representatives 3 Star attendance at events hosted by LM, but does not of Lockheed Martin in each year since 2010; and what include wider industry events, conferences or seminars was discussed at each such meeting; [206335] at which LM may have been represented. It should be (2) what events were hosted by Lockheed Martin noted that this information is unlikely to be comprehensive which (a) Ministers in and (b) senior officials of his as some details, particularly for earlier years, are no Department attended in an official capacity in each longer held. Information relating to senior officials below year since 2010; and what was discussed at each. 3 Star level could only be provided at disproportionate cost. [206332] Representatives from LM also attend a number of senior level forums/working groups, including the Defence Mr Dunne: Details of meetings that Ministers and Suppliers Forum (DSF), DSF sub-groups covering Single Ministry of Defence (MOD) 4 Star senior officials hold Source Procurement Reform and exports, and Materiel with external organisations are published online as part Strategy industry briefings. These groups have all met of the Government’s Transparency Agenda. Selected 3 regularly since 2011.

Position Date of meeting Title of meeting/events

MOD Chief Information Officer 29 July 2014 Overview of current activity and future plans

Deputy Chief of Defence Staff (Military March 2013 Visit programme Capability)1,2. 11/12 September 2013 Update on current/emerging projects at Defence Security and Equipment International (DSEI)

Director General Exports 24 January 2014 General catch-up 26 February 2014 Introduction call 04 June 2014 Military Flying Training System and Ascent 11 July 2014 Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) Gala Dinner (co-sponsored by LM and BAE Systems)

Director General Finance1. 10 December 2012 Routine catch-up with Chief Executive (CE) LM UK 26 March 2012 Routine catch-up with CE LM UK 4 April 2013 Routine catch-up with CE LM UK 3 July 2013 Routine catch-up with CE LM UK 22 October 2013 Routine catch-up with CE LM UK

Commander Force Development and Training 12 November 2012 VIP dinner hosted by LM 15 July 2014 Visit to LM Intelligence Centre

Deputy Commander Capability and Air 19 September 2011 Office call Member for Personnel and Capability 14 November 2011 Office call 12 April 2012 Office call 23 April 2012 Update meeting 24 September 2012 Meeting regarding Lightning II and Military Flying Training System 4 October 2012 LM Technology Conference 31 January 2013 Joint Strike Fighter Programme 23 July 2013 Guild of Aviation Artists Cocktail Party hosted by LM 7 August 2013 Dinner. Six-monthly update 20 August 2013 Visit to LM, Virginia, USA. F35 Lightning II/C130 Hercules 17 December 2013 Office call 15 January 2014 Meeting regarding Military Flying Training System 3 February 2014 Update meeting 99W Written Answers1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Written Answers 100W

Position Date of meeting Title of meeting/events

16 July 2014 Visit to VIP Chalet at Farnborough Airshow

Deputy Commander Operations and Air 12 September 2013 Visit to LM stand at DSEI Member for Operations 19 February 2014 Office call

Surgeon General 11 July 2014 RIAT Gala Dinner (co-sponsored by LM and BAE Systems)

Chief of Defence Intelligence 23 July 2010 Invite to Farnborough 4 October 2012 Lockheed Martin UK conference 3 April 2014 DI50 dinner. Lockheed Martin was one of four sponsors for the dinner

DE&S Chief of Materiel Land1,3 09 May 2012 Board to Board dinner 19 June 2012 Working dinner prior to DVD 2012 11 November 2012 Routine Meeting 11 July 2013 Warrior Capability Sustainment Programme (WCSP) update 11 September 2013 WCSP and Joint Asset Management Engineering Solution (JAMES) update 11 September 2013 Drinks reception during DSEI 2013 06 December 2013 SCOUT Specialist Vehicle update 18 December 2013 WCSP Meeting 08 January 2014 WCSP Meeting

DE&S Chief of Materiel Fleet1 12 June 2012 General discussion 31 October 2012 General discussion 29 January 2014 General discussion

DE&S Chief of Materiel Air1 7 July 2011 Future Brize discussions 25 August 2011 Sustainment wargames 10 October 2011 Working dinner with LM Business Development Director 8 December 2011 Joint Combat Aircraft Safety Case 17 January 2013 Supporting Min (DEST) at introductory call 11 February 2013 Discussions on C130 and F-35 23 February 2014 F-35 program 24 February 2014 F-35 sustainment 27 May 2014 F-35 11 July 2014 Discussion on F-35 at RIAT 15 July 2014 Discussion on F-35 and C130 at Farnborough Airshow

DE&S Chief of Materiel Joint Enablers1 14 April 2010 Dinner 26 April 2010 General catch-up 11 May 2010 Dinner 19 May 2010 Dinner 25 May 2010 Dinner 4 June 2010 Working lunch 29 March 2011 Reception 13 April 2011 US visit 20 July 2011 Land Environment Air Picture Provision (LEAPP) Review 8 September 2011 General catch-up 15 September 2011 DSEI chalet visit 22 September 2011 General catch-up 24 October 2011 LEAPP Review 7 December 2011 LEAPP Review 24 January 2012 LEAPP Review 22 March 2012 LEAPP Review 11 April 2012 Visit LM Cyber Division 101W Written Answers1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Written Answers 102W

Position Date of meeting Title of meeting/events

31 May 2012 General catch-up 15 August 2012 LEAPP Review 18 October 2012 General catch-up 20 November 2012 LEAPP Review 4 April 2013 LEAPP Review 10 July 2013 LEAPP Review 20 July 2013 RIAT chalet visit 28 August 2013 LEAPP Review 12 September 2013 DSEI chalet visit 27 January 2014 General catch-up 27 March 2014 LEAPP Review 4 April 2014 General catch-up 3 June 2014 LEAPP Review 12 July 2014 RIAT chalet visit

Chief Scientific Adviser1. 14 December 2010 Meeting with Serco and Chief Operating Officer, LM 14 April 2011 Office call with LM Non-Executive Director c. 29 October 2013 Office call with LM Space Systems 30 January 2014 Office call with LM Space Systems

Director General Military Aviation Authority 30 August 2011 Working dinner 13 September 2011 Visit to LM stand at DSEI 5 January 2012 Routine discussion 7 February 2012 ADS dinner at LM table 11 June 2012 Routine discussion 12 September 2012 Routine discussion 8 November 2012 Routine discussion 21 January 2013 Routine discussion 3 July 2013 Routine discussion 20 January 2014 Routine discussion 4 August 2014 Routine discussion

Defence Senior Advisor to the Middle East 3 July 2012 Meeting with KBR (LM part of consortium) regarding Libyan Border Project 25 September 2012 Middle East activities 10 October 2012 Call at LM offices 8 February 2013 Middle East activities 12 July 2013 Middle East activities 1 October 2013 Middle East activities 10 February 2014 Lunch meeting. Middle East activities. 1 Limited information about meetings with external organisations published online under the Transparency Agenda 2 Information prior to August 2011 not held. 3 Information prior to May 2012 not held. 1 Limited information about meetings with external organisations published online under the Transparency Agenda 2 Information prior to August 2011 not held. 3 Information prior to May 2012 not held.

Military Aircraft Financial Year £ million

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence 2016-17 54.644 how much will it cost his Department to keep Sentinel 2017-18 45.054 aircraft in service in each year until 2018 [206089] 2018-19 35.158 Total 198.398 Mr Dunne: The cost to keep Sentinel aircraft in service in each year until 2018 is shown in the table: Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when it was decided that his Department Financial Year £ million would maintain the use of the Sentinel aircraft until 2015-16 63.541 2018; and what the reasons were for this decision. [206091] 103W Written Answers1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Written Answers 104W

Mr Dunne: The decision to extend the Sentinel long-range Mr Dunne: The fees charged at RAF Northolt are in airborne surveillance aircraft until 2018 was made in excess of the amount required by the Ministry of Defence the Department’s most recent financial planning cycle. (MOD) to cover its costs in the provision of commercial The decision was taken to preserve a capability to services and are calculated to be at market rate. The conduct wide area surveillance of operational environments MOD is therefore obtaining market value for the in the short term, and to allow the longer-term requirement commercial services that it provides and so it does not to be considered during the next Strategic Defence and constitute state aid. Security Review. Stephen Pound: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate he has made of the cost to the Defence when the new contract to extend the life of the public purse of (a) attendance by RAF Northolt personnel Sentinel aircraft until 2018 will be signed. [206329] and (b) related marketing materials at the European Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition on 20 to Mr Dunne: The Sentinel aircraft fleet is supported by 22 May 2014; and if he will make a statement. [206197] a number of logistic support contracts, each of which has a different expiry date. Defence Equipment and Mr Dunne: The cost to the public purse for attendance Support is currently working to extend all contracts and related marketing material was around £5,500. before their respective expiry dates. Roads: Accidents Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate he has made of the cost to the Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for public purse of expanding the capabilities of the Defence how much his Department has paid in Sentinel R.1. [206985] compensation to victims of road traffic accidents in each year since 2010. [206069] Mr Dunne: Enhancements to the Sentinel R1 aircraft are currently the subject of commercial negotiations. I Anna Soubry: Claims for damages brought against am therefore withholding details of the potential costs, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) specifically by victims as the disclosure of this information would be prejudicial of road traffic accidents are not recorded in a manner to the commercial interests of the Ministry of Defence. that enables us to identify them without incurring disproportionate cost. The amounts paid as a result of Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for claims brought by third parties against the MOD arising Defence what communication (a) he and (b) officials out of road traffic accidents, including legal costs, since in his Department have had with the Boeing Company 2010 were as follows: regarding the lease of four P-8A aircraft. [206988] Amount paid (£ million) Mr Dunne: I am withholding the information requested, as disclosure would be likely to prejudice the formulation 2010-11 6 or development of Government policy. 2011-12 5 2012-13 4 Procurement 2013-14 3

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Service Personnel Defence how much his Department has paid in compensation as a result of contractual disputes with Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for suppliers in each year since 2010. [206068] Defence (1) how many service personnel of each rank there were in the Royal Air Force in each year since Mr Dunne: The information is not held centrally and 2010; [206086] could be provided only at disproportionate cost. (2) how many service personnel of each rank there RAF Northolt were in the Army in each year since 2010; [206087] (3) how many service personnel of each rank there Stephen Pound: To ask the Secretary of State for were in the Royal Navy in each year since 2010. Defence on what grounds he has concluded that the use [206088] of RAF Northolt for commercial flights does not constitute state aid; and if he will make a statement. Anna Soubry: The information requested is provided [206188] in the following tables:

UK Regular Royal Navy/Royal Marines personnel, by rank as at 1 April each year 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

Total 38,730 37,660 35,540 33,960 33,330

Officers 7,460 7,410 7,190 6,940 6,800 Admiral (RN)/General (RM) 2 2 2 2 1 Vice Admiral (RN)/Lt General (RM) 9 7 8 9 8 Rear Admiral (RN)/Major General (RM) 29 33 31 30 29 Commodore (RN)/Brigadier (RM) 80 80 80 80 80 105W Written Answers1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Written Answers 106W

UK Regular Royal Navy/Royal Marines personnel, by rank as at 1 April each year 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

Captain (RN)/Colonel (RM) 290 300 300 280 260 Commander (RN)/Lt Colonel (RM) 1,140 1,130 1,060 1,020 1,030 Lt Commander (RN)/Major (RM) 2,260 2,210 2,100 2,040 2,000 Lieutenant (RN) or Captain (RM) 2,890 2,860 2,870 2,770 2,670 Sub-Lt/Midshipman (RN) or Lieutenant/2nd Lieutenant (RM) 750 800 740 710 720

Other Ranks 31,270 30,240 28,350 27,020 26,530 Warrant Officer 1 770 740 690 640 660 Warrant Officer 2 790 800 770 730 670 Chief Petty Officer (RN) / Colour Sergeant (RM) 3,940 3,800 3,530 3,300 3,090 Petty Officer (RN) / Sergeant (RM) 4,600 4,460 4,200 3,880 3,650 Leading Rate (RN) / Corporal (RM) 6,220 6,270 6,020 5,750 5,650 Lance Corporal (RM) 570 530 610 590 660 Able Rate (RN) 14,380 13,640 12,560 12,120 12,140

UK Regular Army personnel, by rank as at 1 April each year UK Regular RAF personnel, by rank as at 1 April each year 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

Total 108,920 106,240 104,250 99,730 91,070 Corporal 8,440 8,250 7,880 7,370 7,000 Lance Corporal * 150 210 220 200 Officers 14,640 14,760 14,480 13,890 13,200 Senior Aircraftman/ 15,080 14,020 13,150 12,010 11,470 woman/Leading General 5 6 5 5 5 Aircraftman/woman/ Lt General 14 9 9 10 11 Aircraftman/woman Major General 40 43 42 44 39 Notes: 1. UK Regular Forces includes trained and untrained personnel and excludes Brigadier 180 170 170 150 160 Gurkhas, Full Time Reserve personnel, and mobilised reservists. Colonel 600 580 530 530 520 2. When rounding, totals and sub-totals have been rounded separately and so Lt Colonel 1,770 1,780 1,760 1,690 1,670 may not equal the sums of their rounded parts. When rounding to the nearest 10, numbers ending in “5” have been rounded to the nearest multiple of 20 to Major 4,700 4,700 4,520 4,340 4,150 prevent systematic bias. ″*″ denotes not applicable. Captain 4 940 5 040 5 030 4 770 4 490 Source: All data provided by Defence Statistics Lieutenant/2nd Lieutenant/ 2,390 2,440 2,410 2,340 2,160 Officer Cadet Service Personnel and Veterans Agency Other Ranks 94,280 91,480 89,780 85,840 77,860 Warrant Officer 1 1,700 1,620 1,490 1,390 1,340 Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Warrant Officer 2 4,790 4,500 4,320 3,990 3,730 Defence how many (a) compulsory and (b) voluntary Staff Sergeant 6,030 5,950 5,790 5,700 5,280 redundancies have been issued to employees of the Sergeant 10,170 10,090 9,760 9,270 8,230 Service Personnel and Veterans Agency in each year Corporal 15,450 15,330 14,990 14,420 13,520 since 2010. [206075] Lance Corporal 15,960 16,200 16,050 15,190 14,030 Private 40,180 37,800 37,380 35,880 31,730 Anna Soubry: The total number of compulsory and voluntary redundancies that have been issued to employees UK Regular RAF personnel, by rank as at 1 April each year of the Service Personnel and Veterans Agency in each 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 year since 2010 is set out in the table. Total 44,050 42,460 40,000 37,030 35,230 Number1 of redundancies from SPVA

Officers 9,820 9,660 9,030 8,230 7,850 Compulsory Voluntary Total Air Chief Marshal 3 3 3 2 2 2010 * 9 12 Air Marshal 8 8 8 9 8 2011 - - 0 Air Vice-Marshal 26 26 28 23 27 2012 * - * Air Commodore 90 90 80 80 80 2013 * - * Group Captain 330 330 310 300 300 2014 - - 0 Wing Commander 1,210 1,180 1,100 1,040 1,020 Total 8 9 17 Squadron Leader 2,570 2,540 2,430 2,260 2,200 1 In line with departmental policy * Represents 5 or fewer Flight Lieutenant 4,080 4,180 4,130 3,890 3,560 Flying Officer/Pilot 1,510 1,300 940 630 650 Officer/Acting Pilot Officer Social Networking

Other Ranks 34,230 32,810 30,970 28,790 27,380 Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Master Aircrew 1 200 1 130 1 060 980 970 Defence how many Twitter accounts are run by his Warrant Officer * * * * * Department; how much his Department spends annually Flight Sergeant/Chief 3,200 3,130 2,910 2,720 2,540 on (a) Twitter accounts and (b) all social media; and Technician how many people in his Department are employed to Sergeant 6,310 6,140 5,760 5,500 5,210 work on social media. [206050] 107W Written Answers1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Written Answers 108W

Anna Soubry: A Twitter account run by the Department Spending on all social media includes money paid to is a Twitter account that has been registered either by other social media channels directly during FY 2013-14. the Ministry of Defence (MOD) or one of the single The MOD spent £87,206 on Twitter in FY 2013-14 and services (either corporate or sponsored accounts). The £767,981.89 on all social media. See table. MOD currently runs 109 Twitter accounts. Spending on Twitter accounts includes money paid to Twitter in financial year (FY) 2013-14. See table.

£ Department Twitter Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Flickr Blogs Other Total

MOD — — — — 14.61 148.78 — — Royal Navy 175,000 1223,000 137,000 1204,000 235.53 — — — British Army 3 12,206 4 105,737.48 ———40459— Royal Air Force — 530,200 — 535,000———— Dstl — —40,000————— UKHydrographicOffice— ——————6 5,140.49 1 Recruitment. 2 Covers two years. 3 @armyjobs 4 Army Jobs. 5 Careers. 6 Figures not split by channel.

Submarines Anna Soubry: Veterans UK was formed on 1 April 2014 as part of the merger of the Service Personnel and Karl McCartney: To ask the Secretary of State for Veterans Agency into Defence Business Services. Defence how many medical downgrades there have Veterans UK has received a total of 122 complaints been in the Submarine Service since the removal of since April 2014. These are broken down into 25 Armed retention and recruitment pay, in each month for which Forces Pension Scheme, and 97 War Pension and Armed figures are available. [207018] Forces Compensation Scheme complaints.

Anna Soubry: Recruitment and retention payments for the Submarine Service have not been removed. Veterans: Advisory Services

Tornado Aircraft Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he intends to lay before the House a Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Statutory Instrument to reflect the establishment of the Defence what estimate he has made of the cost of the Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committees; and if he new common jamming pod for the Tornado aircraft; will make statement. [205921] and when the requirement for that pod was first identified. [206987] Anna Soubry: It is our intention to change legislation to reflect the establishment of the Veterans Advisory Mr Dunne: A requirement for a new common jamming and Pensions Committees. The Armed Forces Bill 2015 pod was first identified in 2012. The total approved represents the most likely opportunity to make the value of the project is £50.9 million. change through primary legislation. Unmanned Air Vehicles War Pensions Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence with reference to the press release from the Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Prime Minister’s Office of 14 July 2014, entitled PM Defence how many claims have been submitted to the announces £1.1 billion investment in capabilities for the War Pensions Scheme in each year since 2010. [206081] armed forces, how much he plans to invest in unmanned future combat air systems. [206101] Anna Soubry: The total number of claims submitted under the War Pensions Scheme in each year since 2010 Mr Dunne: The Ministry of Defence is investing over are: £100 million in future combat air systems as part of the £1.1 billion investment in capabilities for the armed Number forces. 2010-11 24,345 Veterans UK 2011-12 22,520 2012-13 21,865 Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for 2013-14 21,460 Defence how many complaints Veterans UK has received since its creation; and whether those complaints have In line with Defence statistics rounding policy all been categorised. [207034] figures have been rounded to the nearest 5. 109W Written Answers1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Written Answers 110W

ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE In home displays allow consumers and their family members to see immediately their current and historic Buildings energy use and its cost in near-real time and do not rely on consumers having internet access or smart phones. Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for Current evidence shows higher energy savings from Energy and Climate Change if he will review his those with a smart meter and IHD compared to those departmental estate in order to reduce costs; and if he with a smart meter only. will make a statement. [206687] Energy suppliers are free to offer additional means for their customers to engage with their energy usage, Amber Rudd: The Department of Energy and Climate which may be available online and offer different forms Change currently occupies four buildings in London of analysis to the IHD. We expect that some consumers and one in Aberdeen. DECC’s current occupation is in will want different information but believe that all should line with the Cabinet Office directives of fewer desks have the information provided by IHDs readily available. than staff (Full-Time Equivalent—FTE) and within 8-10m2 per FTE (by December 2015). We will continue to monitor the evidence in this area and emerging technical developments to ensure that our The lease in Aberdeen is due to expire in May 2016 policy remains appropriate. and alternative accommodation will be sought with value for money as one of the key objectives. EU Law London accommodation is being reviewed with a view to reducing the existing four buildings to two in 2015, and therefore reducing the overall cost of the Mr Redwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy estate. In order to achieve this, alterations will be required and Climate Change how many times the UK has lost to the two remaining buildings. These changes will be in EU infraction proceedings since May 2010 which relate line with the Cabinet Office directives listed above as to matters that fall within his Department’s responsibility. well as the Civil Service Reform Plan. [206655]

Energy: Consumption Amber Rudd: The Government has not lost any EU infraction proceedings brought against the UK since Kelvin Hopkins: To ask the Secretary of State for 2010 relating to matters falling within the Department’s Energy and Climate Change with reference to the responsibility. energy savings opportunity scheme proposed in his consultation document of July 2013, what estimate he Green Deal Scheme made at the time of publication of that document of the maximum potential value of savings to the UK economy arising from that scheme by 2020; and what Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for his current estimate is of such savings. [206766] Energy and Climate Change pursuant to the answer of 9 July 2014, Official Report, column 304W, on the Amber Rudd: At the time of publication of the Energy Green Deal Scheme, whether the £450 million of financial Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS) consultation support for domestic installation of energy efficiency document, the Government estimated that ESOS would measures announced in the Autumn Statement in December have a net present value ranging from £900 million to 2013 is in addition to (a) the £125 million allocated to £3 billion, with a central estimate of £1.9 billion, measured the Green Deal Cashback Scheme announced in January over the period 2015 to 2030. The Final Stage Impact 2013 and (b) the £200 million allocated to the Green Assessment, published alongside the Government’s Deal Programme in November 2011. [205957] Response to the ESOS Consultation, took account of new evidence which led to it revising down the estimated Amber Rudd: The funds announced in the autumn net present value, to between £600 million and £2.7 billion, statement in December 2013 are additional to the others with a central estimate of £1.6 billion. The reasons for mentioned, and cover difficult financial periods. this change are set out on pages 17-19 of the Final Stage Impact Assessment, which can be found at the following Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for link: Energy and Climate Change pursuant to the answer of https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ 9 July 2014, Official Report, column 304W, on the attachment_data/file/323116/ Green Deal Scheme, if he will make it his policy that no ESOS_Impact_Assessment_FINAL.pdf household receives more in money back under the Energy: Meters Green Deal Home Improvements Fund than the cost of the installation of the energy efficiency measures. [205958] Adam Afriyie: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what assessment he has Amber Rudd: The Green Deal Home Improvement made of whether the accessibility online of energy Fund rules state that households are not able to receive usage and efficiency data means that in-home energy more money back than the cost of the installation of displays are no longer needed. [206721] the energy efficiency measures. Amber Rudd: The Government recognises that online The full rules are set out in the Customer Terms and sources of energy usage information can be useful but Conditions which are available at: does not believe that these can substitute for in-home https://www.gov.uk/green-deal-energy-saving-measures/get- displays in delivering the benefits of smart meters. money-back-from-the-green-deal-home-improvement-fund 111W Written Answers1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Written Answers 112W

Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change pursuant to the answer of Energy and Climate Change pursuant to the answer of 18 March 2014, Official Report, column 536W, on the 9 July 2014, Official Report, column 305W, on housing: Green Deal Scheme, how much of the £200 million energy, how much of the financial support allocated to announced in November 2011 has (a) been spent, (b) the Green Deal Programme in (a) 2011-12, (b) been allocated for expenditure and (c) not yet been 2012-13 and (c) 2013-14 was spent in each year. allocated for expenditure. [205959] [205961]

Amber Rudd: Of the £200 million announced in Amber Rudd: As of the end of March 2014, £186.7 November 2011, as of the end of March 2014, £142.98 million had been spent by DECC; £9.3 million in 2011-12, million had been spent by DECC. £62.6 million in 2012-13 and £114.8 million in 2013-14. The figure given for spend in 2013-14 includes the There was also a small amount of Green Deal policy recently launched Green Deal Communities programme development prior to April 2011. —an £88 million fund to support 24 local authority In addition to implementing the core Green Deal consortia (covering c100 local authorities in total) to framework, the figure given for total spend includes for deliver Green Deal street by street. In addition, as part instance that for the recently launched Green Deal of the autumn statement, the Government announced Communities programme-an £88 million fund to support that £450 million will be made available to support 24 local authority consortia (covering c100 local authorities household energy efficiency incentives over the next in total) to deliver Green Deal on a street by street basis. three years. It also comprises other schemes relating to wider energy efficiency work including the Energy Technologies List Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for (ETL), Community Energy Saving Programme (CESP), Energy and Climate Change pursuant to the answer of Home Energy Efficiency Database (HEED). 9 July 2014, Official Report, column 305W, on housing energy, what programmes, projects and policies were Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for funded under the financial support allocated to the Energy and Climate Change pursuant to the answer of Green Deal Programme in (a) 2011-12, (b) 2012-13 9 July 2014, Official Report, column 304W, on the and (c) 2013-14. [205960] Green Deal Scheme, (1) how many households have received money from the Green Deal Home Improvements Amber Rudd: Financial support allocated to the Green Fund to date; [205962] Deal Programme has chiefly funded the following projects (2) what the average amount paid has been to households and policies: under the Green Deal Home Improvements Fund to Delivery of these schemes was, or is, funded by the date. [205963] obligated energy companies, not Government, and Amber Rudd: As at 14 July 2014, 6,607 vouchers have administration is undertaken by Ofgem. Ofgem is funded been issued under the Green Deal Home Improvement by DECC for the administration of CESP and ECO. Fund with a maximum potential value of £36,484,100. Delivery of the Energy Saving Advice Service-a telephone Data on numbers of vouchers issued is currently response service taking calls from the public and the published weekly on the Gov.Uk website at: industry, providing advice to people enquiring about https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/energy-savings- information on the Green Deal or household energy advice-service-esas-calls-and-green-deal-webpage-views efficiency measures. This service remains in operation. Funding for the Green Deal Oversight and Registration Mr Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for Body-the independent governance body for the Green Energy and Climate Change how much funding from Deal supply chain. This remains in operation. the Green Deal has (a) Tivium Limited, (b) Green Deal DECC’s investment in The Green Deal Finance Marketing Services Limited, (c) Tivium Green Deal Company. Installers Limited and (d) Nationwide Green Deal Installers Limited received; and whether the actions of Core Cities-a project to enable bids from Local the directors of each company are under investigation. Authorities of the Core Cities to install energy-saving [206961] measures in their housing stock, mostly in 2012/13. This has been completed. Amber Rudd: The Green Deal does not offer funding Green Deal Cashback-a scheme to provide grant to companies participating in the scheme. funding to support households in the installation of energy-saving measures. The scheme opened in January Jim Dobbin: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy 2013 and closed to new applicants on 30 June 2014. and Climate Change what steps he is taking to ensure that Green Deal companies employed by the Green Deal Communities-a scheme to provide funding Government are not making nuisance calls under the for Local Authorities to implement energy-saving measures contract. [206980] in their housing stock. Funding was available in 2013/14. Supporting IT development and systems-the Amber Rudd: The Government does not employ Green procurement, supervision and control of IT systems to Deal companies. enable Energy Performance Certificates, Green Deal Assessments and Green Deal financing to be delivered Housing: Energy to applicants. Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for Funding the administration by Ofgem of: Energy and Climate Change pursuant to the answer of Community Energy Saving Programme (CESP)-closed. 9 July 2014, Official Report, column 304W, on the Energy Company Obligation (ECO)-open. green deal scheme, what estimate his Department has 113W Written Answers1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Written Answers 114W made of the average cost of energy efficiency duration specified in the Renewables Obligation order; improvements for households that have received money and what the Government’s policy is on (a) back under the green deal home improvements fund. Renewables Obligation scheme and (b) solar PV. [206000] [205820]

Amber Rudd: As at 14 July 2014, 6,607 vouchers have Amber Rudd: The Government has no plans to change been issued under the Green Deal Home Improvement the 20-year duration of support under the renewables Fund with a maximum potential value of £36,484,100. obligation (RO) for accredited solar PV stations. DECC has recently consulted on proposals to control the Data on numbers of vouchers issued is currently deployment of new solar PV capacity above 5 MW published weekly on the gov.uk website at: under the RO. A copy of the consultation document is https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/energy-savings- available on DECC’s web page: advice-service-esas-calls-and-green-deal-webpage-views https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/consultation- on-changes-to-financial-support-for-solar-pv Renewables Obligation With regard to our policy on the RO scheme, DECC has laid draft regulations before Parliament which will Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for bring about the closure of the RO to new capacity on 31 Energy and Climate Change what estimate he has made March 2017 as planned, subject to parliamentary approval. of the annual saving to the Levy Control Framework The Government has proposed closing the RO to new budget from closure of the Renewables Obligation to solar capacity above 5 MW two years earlier, from 31 large-scale solar from April 2015; what that saving is as March 2015. We consider this to be necessary because a proportion of that budget in (a) 2016, (b) 2017, (c) large-scale solar PV is deploying more rapidly than 2018, (d) 2019 and (e) 2020; and if he will make a expected. This poses a substantial risk to our ability to statement. [205849] manage the levy control framework budget, and therefore our ability to minimise costs of renewables deployment Amber Rudd: In its consultation issued on 13 May for consumers. The consultation closed on 7 July and 2014, DECC has proposed closing the Renewables consultation responses are being considered. We will Obligation (RO) to new solar PV capacity above 5MW publish a Government Response setting out our decision from 31 March 2015. We consider this to be necessary as soon as possible. because large-scale solar PV is deploying more rapidly The UK has seen a remarkable transformation in than expected. This poses a substantial risk to our solar PV deployment under the coalition Government: ability to manage the levy control framework budget, solar capacity stood at 3.5 GW at the end of the first and therefore our ability to minimise costs of renewables quarter of 2014, increasing its share to 17% of all deployment for consumers. renewables capacity. The Government remains committed The impact assessment published alongside the to solar PV, and the measures that we set out in our UK consultation set out the projected impact of proposed Solar PV Strategy will ensure that solar PV continues to intervention on deployment and spend. Option 1 below be a vital part of the UK’s renewable energy mix for assumes no action; option 2 is the proposed intervention: many years to come. A copy of the Strategy is available https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/consultation- on DECC’s web page: on-changes-to-financial-support-for-solar-pv https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-solar-pv- strategy-part-1-roadmap-to-a-brighter-future Solar Power Staff

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what estimate his Department Energy and Climate Change what the total staff cost has made of the additional solar PV expected to be has been of (a) the Office of Unconventional Oil and deployed to 2020-21 as a result of the measures proposed Gas, (b) the Office of Carbon Capture and Storage, in the latest feed-in tariff consultation. [205721] (c) his Department’s human resources services, (d) the EMR delivery unit and (e) his Department’s press Amber Rudd: We have used scenario-based analysis office in each year since June 2010. [206298] to illustrate a range of potential outcomes under each policy. For the changes to the FITs degression mechanism Amber Rudd: The information is as follows: to support midscale building-mounted solar, the scenarios for deployment in 2020-21 are set out in Table 5 here: £ thousand https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ Business Area 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 attachment_data/file/310432/2014-05-13_- Unconventional Oil & Gas — — — 448 _FITs_solar_consultation_IA_-_FOR_PUBLICATION.pdf OCCS 1,419 1,762 2,515 2,570 For increasing the maximum capacity ceiling to 10 HR 1,385 1,614 1,968 2,044 MW for community projects, the range of deployment EMR Delivery Unit — — — 4,299 under the scenarios is set out in Table 3 here: Communications (incl. Press 1,764 1,408 1,643 2,384 https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ Office) attachment_data/file/310416/impact_assessment.pdf Kelvin Hopkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Grahame M. Morris: To ask the Secretary of State Energy and Climate Change how many officials in his for Energy and Climate Change what recent assessment Department are employed full-time in connection with he has made of whether support levels for accredited implementing the Eco Design of Energy Related solar PV plants will be maintained for the 20 year Products Directive, 2009/125/EC. [206765] 115W Written Answers1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Written Answers 116W

Amber Rudd: Following remaining recruitment, the year, depends on many factors. These factors include: Department will have five full-time officials working on investment in fundamental biological research; strategic Eco Design and Energy Labelling Directives. decisions taken by funding bodies; global economic ICF International are contracted by the team to trends; scientific innovation; and, the development and provide technical advice and this is supplemented by uptake of validated alternative technologies. support from analysts across DECC’s Energy Efficiency Deployment Office. Henry Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for the DECC have appointed the National Measurement Home Department (1) with reference to the Annual Office to monitor compliance and enforce the Eco Statistics of Scientific Procedures on Living Animals Design and Energy Labelling implementing measures Great Britain 2013, what assessment she has made of within the UK. the reasons for the large number of procedures in the direct diagnosis category; [206312] (2) with reference to the Annual Statistics of Scientific Procedures on Living Animals Great Britain HOME DEPARTMENT 2013, what procedures are included in the direct Alcoholic Drinks diagnosis category. [206313]

Mr Slaughter: To ask the Secretary of State for the Norman Baker: The Annual Statistics of Scientific Home Department what her Department’s policy is on Procedures on Living Animals in Great Britain 2013 alcohol consumption on the premises (a) in general report a total of 52,444 procedures were conducted on and (b) during parties in her Private Office. [205327] 6,725 animals with “Direct diagnosis” as the primary purpose. This represents a 3% increase on the total Karen Bradley: There is no prohibition of alcohol in number of procedures, in this category, in 2012 and a the Department. This includes ministerial and official 1% increase on the number of animals, in this category, private offices. in 2012. Most procedures reported under the category “Direct diagnosis” involve the collection of blood or Animal Experiments blood products from either non-immunised animals or animals immunised against various antigens. The procedure Henry Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for the of blood collection is classified as being of low severity Home Department what the longest period between and, with appropriate licence authority, may be repeated inspection visits made to any UK establishment many times in the same animal. The products from licensed under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act these procedures, including whole blood and antisera, 1986 (as amended 2012) currently is for establishments are used in diagnostic tests. deemed by the Animals in Science Regulation Unit to be of (a) high, (b) medium and (c) low risk. [206182] Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department with reference to the publication of Norman Baker: To identify the longest period between Statistics of Scientific Procedures on Living Animals, inspection visits made to any UK establishment licensed Great Britain 2013, what assessment she has made of under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (as the reasons for the increase in the number of guinea amended 2012) can be established only at disproportionate pigs used in scientific procedures; and how many of cost. those guinea pigs were used by DSTL Porton Down. The Home Office Inspectorate follows a risk-based [206618] approach in deciding how often to visit an establishment. The risk assessment is specific to each establishment Norman Baker: The increase in the number of guinea taking account of the factors as published in the 2012 pigs used in scientific procedures during 2013 is largely Animals in Science Regulation annual report. Visiting due to a change from tissue (mainly blood) collection frequency varies from at least once per year for a low post-mortem to collecting it ante-mortem. Collecting risk establishment carrying out little or no research, tissues post mortem is not a regulated procedure and through to some 40 times per year for large, high risk therefore is not reported in the statistics. establishments. In real terms, the number of guinea pigs needed for Henry Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for the the collection of a specified volume of blood is fewer by Home Department with reference to the Annual the ante-mortem method than by the post-mortem method Statistics of Scientific Procedures on Living Animals previously used. The blood collection is carried out on Great Britain 2013, what assessment she has made of terminally anaesthetised guinea pigs, such that there is the reasons for the changes in the number of no actual additional suffering for the individual animals, procedures in the fundamental biological research compared with the post mortem method. Guinea pig category. [206311] blood and its components are used widely in biomedical research as reagents for non-animal research methods. Norman Baker: The Annual Statistics of Scientific The number of guinea pigs used by DSTL Porton Procedures on Living Animals in Great Britain 2013 Down cannot be given as Section 24 of the Animals report a total of 1.16 million procedures were conducted (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 prevents the Home on animals with ‘Fundamental biological research’ as Office from releasing statistics for individual establishments. the primary purpose. This is a reduction of 11% over It is a decision for the Ministry of Defence to decide the figure for 2012. The change in the number of what information to release in regards to animals used procedures carried out in this category, in any particular under their individual certificates. 117W Written Answers1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Written Answers 118W

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for the Personal licence holders are also required to undertake Home Department with reference to her Department’s practical training under supervision until confirmed as publication, Statistics of Scientific Procedures on competent in each technique at their place(s) of work. Living Animals, Great Britain 2013, what assessment They should review their training and supervision needs she has made of the reasons for the increase in the regularly with their NTCO as a minimum every five number of procedures involving genetically-modified years but generally more frequently. and harmful mutant animals; and what steps her Training for project licence holders includes the formal Department is taking to reduce the numbers of such module training required and applicants will need to procedures. [206626] demonstrate the necessary scientific expertise and knowledge to direct and manage the programme of work applied Norman Baker: The increase in the number of procedures for. involving genetically-modified and harmful mutant animals Establishment licence holders and Named Persons is mainly in support of breeding for non-regulatory Responsible for Compliance are expected to understand research. Such animals are only used for breeding with the relevant legal and ethical issues relating to the use of no subsequent procedures performed. animals under the 1986 Act. They are expected to I have already asked officials to examine options to undertake accredited training in the relevant module(s) drive down the number of procedures for breeding to provide this understanding. genetically altered animals. Records of training, supervision and competence are required to be kept by the Establishment and are open to inspection. Graeme Morrice: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps she is taking to Graeme Morrice: To ask the Secretary of State for provide for whistle-blowers to report concerns over the Home Department what assessment she has made breaches of animal experimentation licences. [206756] of the implications for the regulatory regime for animal experimentation of the findings of the Animals in Norman Baker: The Animals in Science Committee Science Committee report into Imperial College, report on ″Lessons to be Learnt″ recommended that published in July 2014. [206758] Establishment Licence holders should ensure that all those involved with work under the Animals (Scientific Norman Baker: The Animals in Science Committee Procedures) Act 1986 have a readily accessible means of found no evidence of omission on the part of the raising ‘causes for concern’ with the management of Animals in Science Regulation Unit and its inspectors their establishment. The Government response confirmed in their oversight of Imperial College London. I welcome that we will take this forward. and endorse their confidence in the work of inspectors. Mechanisms for raising causes of concerns should be Nevertheless, the ASC report makes several sensible an integral component of a good culture of care and recommendations to support inspectors in achieving therefore bought into the remit of the Home Office improvement in establishments where a pattern of low-level Inspectorate. The Inspectorate has already worked with concerns is apparent. The outcome of all the ASC’s several organisations to develop guidance for interested recommendations should be to drive better practice parties. across all licensed establishments and I intend to ensure these improvements are made. I have fully accepted all Establishment licence holders should have systems in the recommendations. place to facilitate reporting of concerns as part of the requirement of the Animal Welfare & Ethical Review Graeme Morrice: To ask the Secretary of State for the Body to establish and review management and operational Home Department what research her Department has processes for monitoring, reporting and follow up in conducted or assessed on the level of comprehension relation to the welfare of animals housed or used in the among research scientists conducting animal experiments licensed establishment. about the terms of animal experimentation licences The processes put in place are monitored as part of which they hold. [206759] the inspection regime. Norman Baker: Licence applicants are required to Graeme Morrice: To ask the Secretary of State for undergo formal training prior to obtaining licence which the Home Department what steps she is taking to includes a requirement to understand the legislation ensure that research scientists are given appropriate and detailed information about their roles and training to understand the terms of their animal responsibilities. Establishments are also required to continue experimentation licences. [206757] to assess the competency of those holding licences, including their understanding of roles and responsibilities. These records of training, supervision and competence Norman Baker: The training requirements for all are available for formal inspection. licence holders under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) As part of the inspection process, Home Office inspectors Act 1986 are set out in section 9 of the Guidance on the regularly monitor licence holders’ understanding of their Operation of the 1986 Act. licences. The licensed establishments Named Training & Competency Officer (NTCO) has to confirm the suitability Mr Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for the of applicants for personal licences and applicants are Home Department with reference to her Department’s required to satisfactorily complete the relevant formal publication Statistics of Scientific Procedures on module training provided by Accredited Training Bodies. Living Animals, Great Britain 2013, published on 119W Written Answers1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Written Answers 120W

10 July 2014, what assessment she has made of the The Secretary of State must give consent to the re-use reasons for the large number of procedures involving of an animal in scientific procedures and specifically (a) sheep and (b) mice relative to the number of other authorise the re-use in the project licence. Details of the animals used. [206786] specific conditions are in Section 5:19 of the Guidance on the Operation of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Norman Baker: Mice are the most commonly used Act 1986. species due to long-standing use in research, meaning Home Office inspectors will assess all project licence that there is considerable existing data on the use of this applications and this will include a rigorous harm/benefit species, their small size makes them convenient laboratory analysis to ensure that the likely benefits of the work species, and most importantly now is the availability of justify the expected harms that will be experienced by many genetically altered strains. the animals. Work will only be authorised if it is for one The vast majority of sheep are used for production of of the permissible purposes outlined in section 5.3 (C) blood products, including normal blood and antisera. of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 and if Their large size and ease of housing and handling make the harms have been minimised. them ideal animals for the large scale production of During the lifetime of the licence the harms and these products (other species also used for this purpose, benefits are continually reviewed by the Inspectorate as but to a much lesser extent, are rabbits, horses and part of the inspection regime and also by the licence rodents). Repeated blood sampling is often counted as a holder and other named officials within the establishment. separate use, hence the large number of re-uses for this This is to ensure that harms are always minimised while species. delivering benefits. The majority of re-use is where animals have been Graeme Morrice: To ask the Secretary of State for subject to mild procedures such as dosing and sampling the Home Department what assessment she has made procedures in the testing of novel treatments, or blood of the adequacy of the numbers of inspectors in post collection for diagnostic purposes or for further laboratory to monitor animal experiments. [206930] tests not involving the use of live animals.

Norman Baker: The Animals in Science Regulation Animal Experiments: Scotland Unit Inspectorate plays a key role in the implementation of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986. Graeme Morrice: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what proportion of I am committed to maintaining a strong and properly regulated procedures conducted in Scotland under the resourced inspectorate, and a full, risk-based programme Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 in 2013 were of inspections. The relationship between inspectors, carried out for (a) fundamental and applied studies licence holders and animal care staff is crucial to the other than toxicity and (b) toxicity tests or other safety effective implementation of the regulatory framework. I and efficacy evaluation; [206621] will not jeopardise that relationship. (2) what proportion of procedures regulated under In June 2014 I agreed that the current number of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 which inspectors was sufficient to meet the requirements of were carried out in Scotland was conducted without the 1986 Act following the implementation of European anaesthesia in 2013; [206622] Directive 2010/63/EU. There are three key factors to be achieved from an effective risk-based inspection regime, (3) how many (a) genetically-modified animals and monitoring compliance, intelligence gathering and an (b) animals with a harmful genetic defect were used in educational role. The Inspectorate implements a risk-based regulated procedures conducted in Scotland under the approach to inspection and the effectiveness of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 in 2013; risk-based approach continues to be monitored. [206624] I commissioned the Animals in Science Committee to (4) how many animals were used in regulated provide me with an independent report to consider procedures under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) lessons to be learnt from reviews and investigations into Act 1986 in Scotland in 2013; [206634] non-compliance stemming from allegations of non- (5) how many regulated procedures were carried out compliance at Imperial College London. The ASC report under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 in was published on 2 July 2014 and it found no evidence Scotland in 2013; [206635] of omission on the part of the Home Office Inspectorate (6) how many regulated procedures conducted in in their oversight of ICL. I welcome and endorse its Scotland under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act confidence in the work of inspectors. 1986 involved (a) mice, (b) rats, (c) guinea pigs, (d) hamsters, (e) rabbits, (f) horses and other equids, (g) Jim Dowd: To ask the Secretary of State for the sheep, (h) pigs, (i) birds, (j) amphibians, (k) reptiles, Home Department how many animals were used in (a) (l) fish, (m) cats, (n) dogs, (o) New World primates between two and five, (b) between six and 10, (c) and (p) Old World primates in 2013; and how many between 11 and 15, (d) between 16 and 19 and (e) such procedures involved (i) genetically modified animals more than 20 scientific procedures in 2013; and what and (ii) animals with harmful genetic defects; [206637] assessment she has made of the reasons for increases in (7) what proportion of regulated procedures conducted the number of animals being used in more than one in Scotland under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) scientific procedure. [206983] Act 1986 in 2013 were performed in (a) public health laboratories, (b) universities and medical schools, (c) Norman Baker: The Home Office does not hold the NHS hospitals, (d) government departments, (e) other information asked for, as it does not form part of the public bodies, (f) non-profit making organisations and regular data collection. (g) commercial organisations. [206638] 121W Written Answers1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Written Answers 122W

Norman Baker: During 2013 in Scotland, regarding (ii) none involved animals with a harmful genetic defect the proportion of regulated procedures under the Animals (o) none involved new world primates (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (ASPA): (p) 702 involved old world primates, of which: (a) 90% (568,135) were carried out for fundamental and applied (i) none involved genetically-modified animals studies other than toxicity (ii) none involved animals with a harmful genetic defect (b) 10% (63,273) were carried out for toxicity tests or other During 2013 in Scotland, regarding the proportion of safety and efficacy evaluation regulated procedures under ASPA in different types of During 2013 in Scotland, 62.2% (392,894) of regulated designated establishment: procedures under ASPA were undertaken without (a) none was performed in public health laboratories anaesthesia. (b) 79.6% (502,460) were performed in universities and medical In 2013 in Scotland, regarding the number of animals schools used in regulated procedures under ASPA: (c) none was performed in NHS hospitals (a) 335,116 genetically modified animals were used (d) 2.4% (14,822) were performed in Government Departments (b) 21,435 animals with a harmful genetic defect were used (e) 9% (57,018) were performed in other public bodies During 2013 in Scotland, 619,798 animals were used (f) none were performed in non-profit making organisations in regulated procedures under ASPA. (g) 9% (57,108) were performed in commercial organisations During 2013 in Scotland, 631,408 regulated procedures under ASPA were conducted. Graeme Morrice: To ask the Secretary of State for During 2013 in Scotland, regarding the number of the Home Department how many project licences were regulated procedures under the Animals (Scientific granted under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act Procedures) Act 1986 (ASPA): 1986 in Scotland in 2013; and how many such licences (a) 406,502 involved mice, of which: were in force at the end of 2013 in respect of work to be carried out in Scotland. [206623] (i) 272,311 involved genetically-modified animals (ii) 18,467 involved animals with a harmful genetic defect Norman Baker: The number of project licences granted, (b) 29,693 involved rats, of which: under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 in (i) 1,659 involved genetically-modified animals Scotland in 2013 was 107. The numbers of project (ii) 1,034 involved animals with a harmful genetic defect licences in force in Scotland at the end of 2013 was 441. (c) 1,390 involved guinea pigs, of which: (i) none involved genetically-modified animals Graeme Morrice: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proportion of project licences (ii) none involved animals with a harmful genetic defect granted under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act (d) 663 involved hamsters, of which: 1986 in Scotland was in the (a) mild, (b) moderate, (c) (i) none involved genetically-modified animals substantial and (d) unclassified severity banding at the (ii) none involved animals with a harmful genetic defect end of 2013. [206632] (e) 3,701 involved rabbits, of which: (i) none involved genetically-modified animals Norman Baker: The Animals (Scientific Procedures) (ii) none involved animals with a harmful genetic defect Act 1986, was amended following the transposition of European Directive 2010/63EU, which came into force (f) 1,887 involved horses and other equids, of which: on 1 January 2013. Project licences are no longer accorded (i) none involved genetically-modified animals a severity banding and accordingly it is not possible to (ii) none involved animals with a harmful genetic defect provide the information required as it is no longer (g) 6,873 involved sheep, of which: collected. (i) 6 involved genetically-modified animals (ii) none involved animals with a harmful genetic defect Graeme Morrice: To ask the Secretary of State for the (h) 597 involved pigs, of which: Home Department how many places in Scotland were designated as a (a) supplying establishment, (b) breeding (i) 11 involved genetically-modified animals establishment and (c) scientific procedure establishment (ii) none involved animals with a harmful genetic defect under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 at (i) 17,224 involved birds, of which: the end of 2013. [206633] (i) 585 involved genetically-modified animals (ii) 306 involved animals with a harmful genetic defect Norman Baker: The total number of establishment (j) 937 involved amphibians, of which: licences, provided under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) (i) none involved genetically-modified animals Act 1986, in force in Scotland at the end of 2013 was 27. (ii) none involved animals with a harmful genetic defect All 27 establishments were licensed to apply regulated procedures to protected animals. Eight of the 27 (k) none involved reptiles establishments were licensed for the keeping of protected (l) 157,871 involved fish, of which: animals for supply elsewhere and 14 were licensed for (i) 61,950 involved genetically-modified animals the breeding of protected animals. Some establishments (ii) 1,628 involved animals with a harmful genetic defect are users, breeders and suppliers. (m) 11 involved cats, of which: Graeme Morrice: To ask the Secretary of State for the (i) none involved genetically-modified animals Home Department how many infringements of the (ii) none involved animals with a harmful genetic defect Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 were recorded (n) 936 involved dogs, of which: in Scotland in 2013; and how many such infringements (i) none involved genetically-modified animals led to a prosecution. [206636] 123W Written Answers1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Written Answers 124W

James Brokenshire: There were two cases of non- (3) what proportion of regulated procedures conducted compliance with the Animals (Scientific Procedures) in Wales under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act Act 1986 recorded in Scotland in 2013. Neither led to a 1986 in 2013 were carried out for (a) fundamental and prosecution. applied studies other than toxicity and (b) toxicity tests or other safety and efficacy evaluation; [205737] Graeme Morrice: To ask the Secretary of State for (4) how many (a) genetically-modified animals and the Home Department how many (a) mice, (b) rats, (b) animals with a harmful genetic defect were used in (c) guinea pigs, (d) hamsters, (e) rabbits, (f) horses regulated procedures conducted in Wales under the and other equids, (g) sheep, (h) pigs, (i) birds, (j) Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 in 2013; amphibians, (k) reptiles, (l) fish, (m) cats, (n) dogs, [205738] (o) New World primates and (p) Old World primates (5) what proportion of procedures regulated under were used in regulated procedures conducted in the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986, which Scotland under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act were carried out in Wales, was conducted without 1986 in 2013. [206674] anaesthesia in 2013; [205741] Norman Baker: In 2013 in Scotland, regarding the (6) how many animals were used in regulated number of animals used in regulated procedures conducted procedures under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986: Act 1986 in Wales in 2013; [205743] (a) 404,777 mice (7) how many regulated procedures were carried out (b) 29,693 rats under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 in Wales in 2013. [205744] (c) 1,390 guinea pigs (d) 663 hamsters Norman Baker: During 2013 in Wales, regarding the (e) 1,764 rabbits number of regulated procedures under the Animals (f) 45 horses and other equids (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (ASPA): (g) 3,694 sheep (a) 36,010 involved mice, of which: (h) 587 pigs (i) 18,886 involved genetically-modified animals (i) 17,173 birds (ii) 7,206 involved animals with a harmful genetic defect (j) 69 amphibians (b) 3,345 involved rats, of which: (k) No reptiles (i) 10 involved genetically-modified animals (l) 156,692 fish (ii) none involved animals with a harmful genetic defect (m) 11 cats (c) 24 involved guinea pigs, of which: (n) 833 dogs (i) none involved genetically-modified animals (o) No new world primates (ii) none involved animals with a harmful genetic defect (p) 638 old world primates (d) none involved hamsters Animal Experiments: Wales (e) three involved rabbits, of which: (i) none involved genetically-modified animals Jonathan Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for the (ii) none involved animals with a harmful genetic defect Home Department how many infringements of the (f) none involved horses and other equids Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 were recorded in Wales in 2013; and how many such infringements led (g) 396 involved sheep, of which: to a prosecution. [205734] (i) none involved genetically-modified animals (ii) none involved animals with a harmful genetic defect Norman Baker: There were no cases of non-compliance (h) none involved pigs with the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 recorded (i) 643 involved birds, of which in Wales in 2013. (i) none involved genetically-modified animals Jonathan Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for the (ii) none involved animals with a harmful genetic defect Home Department (1) how many regulated procedures (j) 165 involved amphibians, of which conducted in Wales under the Animals (Scientific (i) nine involved genetically-modified animals Procedures) Act 1986 involved (a) mice, (b) rats, (c) (ii) none involved animals with a harmful genetic defect guinea pigs, (d) hamsters, (e) rabbits, (f) horses and (k) none involved reptiles other equids, (g) sheep, (h) pigs, (i) birds, (j) amphibians, (k) reptiles, (l) fish, (m) cats, (n) dogs, (o) New (l) 11,927 involved fish, of which: World primates and (p) Old World primates in 2013; (i) none involved genetically-modified animals and how many such procedures involved (i) genetically (ii) none involved animals with a harmful genetic defect modified animals and (ii) animals with harmful genetic (m) none involved cats defects; [205735] (n) none involved dogs (2) what proportion of regulated procedures conducted (o) none involved new world primates in Wales under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act (p) none involved old world primates 1986 in 2013 were performed in (a) public health laboratories, (b) universities and medical schools, (c) During 2013 in Wales, regarding the proportion of NHS hospitals, (d) government departments, (e) other regulated procedures under ASPA in different types of public bodies, (f) non-profit making organisations and designated establishment: (g) commercial organisations; [205736] (a) 2.8% (1,462) were performed in public health laboratories 125W Written Answers1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Written Answers 126W

(b) 96.7% (50,826) were performed in universities and medical protected animals for supply elsewhere. Three of the six schools establishments were also licensed for the breeding of (c) none were performed in NHS hospitals protected animals. (d) none were performed in Government Departments Armed Forces: Arrests (e) none were performed in other public bodies (f) none were performed in non-profit making organisations Mike Wood: To ask the Secretary of State for the (g) 0.5% (251) were performed in commercial organisations Home Department what process the civilian police During 2013 in Wales, regarding the proportion of must follow when attempting to arrest, summons or regulated procedures under ASPA: charge a serving member of the armed forces in (a) all (52,539) were carried out for fundamental and applied connection with indictable offences. [205902] studies other than toxicity. Mike Penning: If a member of the UK armed forces (b) none were carried out for toxicity tests or other safety and efficacy evaluation. is arrested and detained in police custody for a recordable offence, the custody sergeant is responsible for notifying In 2013 in Wales, regarding the number of animals the circumstances of arrest, detention and offence to used in regulated procedures under ASPA: the relevant service authorities. (a) 18,707 genetically modified animals were used Civilian criminal courts and service tribunals have (b) 7,206 animals with a harmful genetic defect were used concurrent jurisdiction to deal with accused persons During 2013 in Wales, 59.3% (31,202) of regulated who are subject to military law. The decision on which procedures under ASPA were undertaken without jurisdiction prosecutes a person subject to military law anaesthesia. is a matter of consultation between all police agencies During 2013 in Wales, 51,576 animals were used in involved in the investigation in consultation with the regulated procedures under ASPA. Crown Prosecution Service and Service Prosecutions During 2013 in Wales, 52,539 regulated procedures Authority. under ASPA were conducted. Mike Wood: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many serving military personnel Jonathan Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for the have been arrested and charged with indictable offences Home Department what proportion of project licences by civilian police forces in each of the last five years. granted under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act [205984] 1986 in Wales was in the (a) mild, (b) moderate, (c) substantial and (d) unclassified severity banding at the Mike Penning: The information requested is not collected end of 2013. [205739] centrally by the Home Office. Aggregated data on arrests supplied to the Home Office do not include information Norman Baker: The Animals (Scientific Procedures) about whether persons arrested were serving military Act 1986, was amended following the transposition of personnel. European Directive 2010/63EU, which came into force on 1 January 2013. Project licences are no longer accorded Asylum a severity banding and accordingly it is not possible to provide the information required as it is no longer Teresa Pearce: To ask the Secretary of State for the collected. Home Department how many asylum seekers had been waiting for an initial decision on their asylum Jonathan Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for the application for more than one year at the end of (a) Home Department how many project licences were 2011, (b) 2012 and (c) 2013. [203287] granted under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act James Brokenshire: At the end of December 2011, 1986 in Wales in 2013; and how many such licences 1,897 asylum applications from main applicants were were in force at the end of 2013 in respect of work to be pending an initial decision after 12 months, 2,561 at the carried out in Wales. [205740] end of December 2012 and 3,773 at the end of December 2013. Norman Baker: The number of project licences granted, The figures provided are a subset of latest published under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986, in statistics for applications received for asylum since April Wales in 2013 was 18. The numbers of project licences 2006 which are published by the Home Office on a in force in Wales at the end of 2013 was 65. monthly and quarterly basis. Jonathan Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for the The latest release Immigration Statistics January to Home Department how many places in Wales were March 2014 is available from: designated as a (a) supplying establishment, (b) breeding https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/immigration- establishment and (c) scientific procedure establishment statistics-january-to-march-2014 under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 at and from the Library of the House. Asylum data tables the end of 2013. [205742] (volume 1) are available from: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ Norman Baker: The total number of establishment attachment_data/file/311790/asylum1-q1-2014-tabs.ods licences, provided under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Our aim this year is to ensure all claims made before Act 1986, in force in Wales at the end of 2013 was six. April 2014 have an asylum decision by 31 March 2015. All six establishments were licensed to apply regulated Furthermore, we are endeavouring to ensure all new procedures to protected animals. One of the six claims received since 1 April 2014 get a decision within establishments was also licensed for the keeping of the six months service standard. 127W Written Answers1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Written Answers 128W

We are raising our decision-maker productivity targets Number in order to deal with rising intake, and we are continually People who have claimed recruiting new caseworkers to maintain appropriate asylum after detention in an staffing levels and to support our aim to get within Immigration Removal Claimants that have used the service standards by the end of the 2014-15 period. Centre and subsequently Assisted Voluntary Return exited using the Assisted scheme, while in the Voluntary Return scheme Detained Fast Track process Sarah Teather: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people who used the Total 179 2,954 Assisted Voluntary Returns scheme (a) submitted their 1 2014 is up to and including 31 March 2014. first asylum claim after being detained in an Asylum: Detainees immigration removal and (b) had their asylum case decided within the Detained Fast Track in each of the last five years for which records are available. [205783] Mr Hanson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the outcomes of detention by James Brokenshire: The information requested is shown length of detention for women asylum seekers detained in the following table. by her Department were in each of the last three years. The figures quoted have been derived from management [205112] information and are therefore provisional and subject to change. This information has not been quality assured James Brokenshire: Published figures on people detained under National Statistics protocols; as such it should be in the United Kingdom solely under Immigration Act treated as provisional and subject to change. powers include those held in short term holding facilities, pre-departure accommodation and immigration removal centres. Figures exclude those held in police cells, Prison Service establishments, short term holding rooms at Number ports and airports (for less than 24 hours), and those People who have claimed recorded as detained under both criminal and immigration asylum after detention in an powers and their dependants. The following table shows Immigration Removal Claimants that have used the Centre and subsequently Assisted Voluntary Return the number of female detainees who had claimed asylum exited using the Assisted scheme, while in the at some point, by reason for leaving detention and by Voluntary Return scheme Detained Fast Track process length of detention for each of the last three years. 2009 3 37 The Home Office publishes quarterly and annual 2010 19 230 statistics on the number of people detained in the 2011 39 534 United Kingdom for immigration purposes, within 2012 74 569 Immigration Statistics: January to March 2014, from 2013 39 1,234 the GOV.UK website: 1 2014 5 350 https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/home-office/ series/immigration-statistics-quarterly-release

Female asylum detainees leaving detention by reason and length of detention, 2011 - 2013 Granted temporary Removed from Granted leave admission/ Length of detention Total detainees the UK to enter/ remain release Bailed Other

2011 Total 1,675 714 4 834 108 15 2011 A: 3 days or less 219 67 1 141 2 8 2011 B: 4 to 7 days 216 80 2 134 0 0 2011 C: 8 to 14 days 248 76 0 154 17 1 2011 D: 15 to 28 days 277 84 1 169 22 1 2011 E: 29 days to less than 2 347 172 0 132 41 2 months 2011 F: 2 months to less than 3 161 104 0 49 8 0 months 2011 G: 3 months to less than 4 73 49 0 17 6 1 months 2011 H: 4 months to less than 6 79 54 0 22 2 1 months 2011 I: 6 months to less than 12 46 24 0 15 6 1 months 2011 J: 12 months to less than 18 430100 months 2011 K: 18 months to less than 300030 24 months 2011 L: 24 months to less than 100010 36 months 2011 M: 36 months to less than 110000 48 months 2011 N: 48 months or more 000000

2012 Total 1,867 674 5 1,058 127 3 129W Written Answers1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Written Answers 130W

Female asylum detainees leaving detention by reason and length of detention, 2011 - 2013 Granted temporary Removed from Granted leave admission/ Length of detention Total detainees the UK to enter/ remain release Bailed Other

2012 A: 3 days or less 333 88 2 241 0 2 2012 B: 4 to 7 days 274 66 0 206 2 0 2012 C: 8 to 14 days 250 68 2 165 14 1 2012 D: 15 to 28 days 275 83 1 158 33 0 2012 E: 29 days to less than 2 381 166 0 165 50 0 months 2012 F: 2 months to less than 3 164 103 0 47 14 0 months 2012 G: 3 months to less than 4 77 38 0 33 6 0 months 2012 H: 4 months to less than 6 67 37 0 26 4 0 months 2012 I: 6 months to less than 12 37 18 0 17 2 0 months 2012 J: 12 months to less than 18 640020 months 2012 K: 18 months to less than 110000 24 months 2012 L: 24 months to less than 220000 36 months 2012 M: 36 months to less than 000000 48 months 2012 N: 48 months or more 000000

2013 Total 2,012 632 23 1,245 93 19 2013 A: 3 days or less 353 53 2 289 1 8 2013 B: 4 to 7 days 292 42 0 248 1 1 2013 C: 8 to 14 days 219 43 6 158 11 1 2013 D: 15 to 28 days 291 46 5 211 22 7 2013 E: 29 days to less than 2 430 184 9 205 31 1 months 2013 F: 2 months to less than 3 214 138 1 68 7 0 months 2013 G: 3 months to less than 4 99 64 0 26 9 0 months 2013 H: 4 months to less than 6 75 46 0 23 6 0 months 2013 I: 6 months to less than 12 34 16 0 14 3 1 months 2013 J: 12 months to less than 18 300120 months 2013 K: 18 months to less than 100100 24 months 2013 L: 24 months to less than 100100 36 months 2013 M: 36 months to less than 000000 48 months 2013 N: 48 months or more 000000 Notes: 1. Data from Q1 2012 onwards are provisional. 2. Asylum detainees: People detained solely under Immigration Act powers who are recorded as having sought asylum at some stage and may under record dueto instances of detainees claiming asylum after the data extract date. 3. Length of detention definitions: 2 months, 61 days; 3 months, 91 days; 4 months, 122 days; 6 months, 182 days; 18 months, 547 days.

Asylum: Housing Disclosure will prejudice the commercial interests of the Department and its suppliers. Mr Hanson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the (a) budgeted and (b) Mr Hanson: To ask the Secretary of State for the actual per place unit cost estimated by her Department Home Department what representations she has is for the COMPASS asylum housing contracts received from local authorities within Compass asylum allocated to (i) G4S and (ii) Serco for the period of the contract areas on the (a) suitability of accommodation contract. [205544] for asylum seekers provided by Compass, (b) overcrowding in that accommodation, (c) the need for James Brokenshire: The budgeted cost of COMPASS local authorities to be notified when asylum seekers contracts was determined using actual per place unit became resident there and (d) additional services costs derived through the competitive procurement process. required from local authorities when large numbers of The actual per place unit rates are commercially sensitive. asylum seekers move to an area. [206305] 131W Written Answers1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Written Answers 132W

James Brokenshire: COMPASS accommodation supplier payments identified by her Department since providers must abide by specific standards, including 2010; and what proportion of such payments have rules on shared dwellings. The Home Office monitors since been recovered in each of the last two financial the performance of the providers against quality and years. [205974] safety standards to ensure the suitability of accommodation provided for asylum seekers and works with providers Karen Bradley: The information requested is shown to improve these where necessary. Poor performance by in the following table. the providers can also have financial ramifications if The volume and value of duplicate supplier payments they are found to be non-compliant. The Home Office identified since the 2010-11 financial year up to June has established working arrangements with all local 2014 is 54 payments for a total value of £2,495,793.63. authorities to consider the placement of asylum seekers We have recovered 53 payments totalling £2,494,661.63; in each area to ensure minimal impact on services and the remaining payment was partially recovered and the community cohesion. Local authorities are notified of company went into liquidation with the balance all asylum seekers moving into their area, and they have outstanding. an obligation to perform a duty of care for all their residents regarding health, social services and schooling In the last two financial years the proportion of for minors. In addition Home Office has appointed duplicate payments recovered by value was: three service delivery managers (SDM) to work in partnership with the COMPASS providers and external Percentage stakeholders, principally local authorities. The role of 2013-14 100 the SDM is to arbitrate in difficulties between providers 2012-13 199.53 and local authorities. 1 Amount outstanding is for a company that went into liquidation Billing after partial payment. The volume and value of duplicate payments since Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for the 2010 have decreased significantly compared to the financial Home Department what the value is of duplicate years prior to 2010-11.

Duplicate payments Recovered Recovered percentage Outstanding Financial year Volume Value (£) Volume Value (£) Volume Value amount (£)

2014-151 3 17,782.42 3 17,782.42 100.00 100.00 0.00 2013-14 2 3,388.25 2 3,388.25 100.00 100.00 0.00 2012-13 13 242,854.79 12 241,722.79 92.31 99.53 1,132.00 2011-12 11 1,512,091.68 11 1,512,091.68 100.00 100.00 0.00 2010-11 25 719,676.49 25 719,676.49 100.00 100.00 0.00

Total 54 2,495,793.63 53 2,494,661.63 1,132.00 1 Up to June 2014. Note: Value outstanding is a partial payment. The company have gone into liquidation with this amount outstanding.

Buildings 1988 entitled, Action Taken Following the Report of the Judicial Inquiry into Child Abuse in Cleveland may Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for the be found; if she will place a copy of this document in Home Department if she will review her departmental the Library; and if she will make a statement. [205539] estate in order to reduce costs; and if she will make a statement. [206690] Norman Baker: The information requested relates to a former national health service organisation. The Karen Bradley: By September 2014 following relocation Department of Health has confirmed that this information of the Department for Communities and Local is not available. Government to 2 Marsham Street the size of the non- operational administrative estate occupied by the Children: Abuse Department will have reduced by 22% to 315,000 sq m since May 2010. Annual savings will be in excess of £50 Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for the million. Home Department if she will publish (a) all submissions Further information on the performance of the and memos to Ministers and (b) correspondence with Government’s Civil Estate can be found at other government departments relating to the review by http://www.gist.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/qds/2012-13/ho/spend- officials of the Geoffrey Dickens dossiers. [203924] by-type-of-internal-operation/cost-of-running-the-estate/ Norman Baker: The Home Secretary has appointed Child Abuse in Cleveland Judicial Inquiry Peter Wanless-the Chief Executive of NSPCC, and Richard Whittam QC to undertake a review of the Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for the investigation commissioned by the Permanent Secretary Home Department where in the public domain the in response to allegations raised about the handling of Northern Regional Health Authority report of October information from Geoffrey Dickens by the Home Office. 133W Written Answers1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Written Answers 134W

Terms of reference of this review were placed in the Norman Baker: The Permanent Secretary commissioned House Library on 7 July and make clear that the review an Independent Investigation to determine what material will consider the information that was available to the the Department had received in respect of child sexual investigator, as well as any further information they feel abuse, including any from Geoffrey Dickens. Copies of is relevant. We expect that they will report in 8-10 weeks the Executive Summary of that review and the Terms of and will publish this report in full. Reference were deposited in the House Library on 31 July 2013. On 7 July the Home Secretary announced Cathy Jamieson: To ask the Secretary of State for the that Peter Wanless would lead a review into this investigation Home Department what discussions she had with the under the Terms of Reference that have been agreed, a Scottish Government on the Butler-Sloss inquiry into copy of which is available in the House Library. The child abuse. [204699] review is expected to conclude within 8-10 weeks and a full report of the review report will be published. Naomi Long: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if she will include Kincora Boys Clothing: Islam Home in East Belfast in the scope of the Butler-Sloss child abuse inquiry. [204811] Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for the Mr Ivan Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what her policy is on the wearing of Home Department whether the Butler-Sloss Inquiry (a) the niqab and (b) the burka by individuals during into child abuse will have scope to include public any official interaction with (i) police officers and (ii) bodies and non-state institutions based in Northern immigration officers. [205063] Ireland. [204875] Mike Penning: The information is as follows: Norman Baker: On 7 July the Home Secretary announced (i) Police officers must observe the requirements of the Codes an independent inquiry into child sexual abuse. The of Practice under the Police & Criminal Evidence Act 1984 inquiry will consider whether public bodies-and other governing the removal of headgear. A copy of which is available in the House of Commons Library. non-state institutions-have taken seriously their duty of care to protect children from sexual abuse. The Inquiry (ii) All passengers wearing a veil or face covering on arrival in the United Kingdom will be asked to remove their veil so that will co-operate fully with Devolved Administrations. their appearance can be compared with the photograph in their However all relevant issues in Scotland and Northern passport, in order that the Border Force officer can be satisfied as Ireland are now devolved and will be a matter for those to their identity and nationality. administrations to consider. In Wales the inquiry will cover those institutions which concern non-devolved Common Travel Area: Ireland matters. The Home Secretary has made clear that the Home Office will talk to the Devolved Administrations and work with them on this Inquiry. Naomi Long: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what discussions (a) Ministers and John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for the (b) officials in her Department have had with their Home Department whether any files on child abuse Irish counterparts on the Common Travel Area since have been passed to her Department by (a) other parts May 2010. [206665] of the Government or (b) hon. Members; and in what year such files were so passed. [205428] James Brokenshire: Home Office Ministers and officials have regular discussions with their Irish counterparts Norman Baker: The Independent investigation on a range of subjects, including the Common Travel commissioned by the Permanent Secretary considered Area. what material this Department had received in respect of child sexual abuse. Copies of the Executive Summary Community Relations: Islam of that review and the Terms of Reference were deposited in the House Library on 31 July 2013. On 7 July the Home Secretary announced that Peter Wanless would Greg Mulholland: To ask the Secretary of State for lead a review into this investigation. Terms of Reference the Home Department what assessment she has made for this review have been placed in the House and we of levels of trust held by the British Muslim expect the work to conclude within eight to 10 weeks. community in the Prevent strategy. [204223] Any files passed to the Home Office, whether by hon. Members or otherwise, which suggest criminal activity James Brokenshire: Prevent aims to stop people becoming has occurred, are passed to the police. terrorists or supporting terrorism. The revised Prevent strategy published in June 2011 has three key objectives. John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for the These are to: Home Department (1) if she will ensure that the review respond to the ideological challenge of terrorism and the by Peter Wanless will include any actions or discussions threat we face from those who promote it; of government departments other than the Home prevent people from being drawn into terrorism and ensure Office in respect of the handling of the Geoffrey that they are given appropriate advice and support; and Dickens files; [205645] work with sectors and institutions where there are risks of (2) whether her Department holds any information radicalisation which we need to address. indicating that the Geoffrey Dickens files were shared The delivery of Prevent requires strong partnerships with or seen by any other government department. with a range of local groups in the community, including [205646] British Muslims among others. 135W Written Answers1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Written Answers 136W

The Prevent strategy we inherited from the last Norman Baker: The UK takes the funding of terrorist Government was flawed. It confused the delivery of organisations through any means very seriously. This Government policy to promote integration with Government endorsed guidelines on countering trafficking Government policy to prevent terrorism, which was a in cultural property and related offences at the UN source of mistrust. That is why we refocused the Prevent Office on Drugs and Crime Commission on Crime strategy in 2011, to separate Prevent from broader Prevention and Criminal Justice at its twenty-third session integration work. in May 2014. Local Prevent co-ordinators across the country work with local services, partners such as the police, Charity Disclosure and Barring Service Commission and members of local faith communities, to understand local risks and needs, and deliver targeted Diana Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for the projects and outreach work. We fund 30 Prevent priority Home Department what the annual salary is of the areas to work on the frontline and with those vulnerable Chief Executive of the Disclosure and Barring Service; to extremism, including funding projects tailored to what element of that salary is performance-related; and local needs. Prevent co-ordinators provide regular feedback what assessment she has made of the performance of to the Home Office, which helps shape the future the management team at the disclosure and barring development and implementation of the Prevent strategy. service in the last three years. [205540] Preventing terrorism means challenging extremist (and non-violent) ideas that are also part of a terrorist ideology. Karen Bradley [holding answer 17 July 2014]: The The Prevent strategy focuses on all forms of terrorism, Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) was launched in but is clear that the most serious risk to our national December 2012. The annual salary of the chief executive security comes from al-Qaeda, its affiliates and like-minded is £124,230, which is not performance-related. Performance organisations. For this reason, the report of the Prime of the management team is a matter for the DBS board. Minister’s Extremism Task Force (ETF), published last Operational performance is considered by Ministers on December, set out a definition of Islamist extremism. It a regular basis. noted that this ideology should not be confused with traditional religious practice. It is based on a distorted DNA: Databases interpretation of Islam, which betrays Islam’s peaceful principles and also includes the uncompromising belief Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for the that people cannot be Muslim and British, and insists Home Department if she will take steps to access DNA that those who do not agree with them are not true databases from other European countries to aid with Muslims. crime detection in the UK. [206804] Crime: Lancashire James Brokenshire: It is possible for police forces to request checks to be made via Interpol of the DNA Mark Hendrick: To ask the Secretary of State for the databases of other European countries. Routine access Home Department what assessment her Department to European Union databases would require the UK to has made of trends in the level of crime in (a) Preston implement the Prüm Council Decisions 2008/615/JHA constituency, (b) Preston City Council area and (c) and 2008/616/JHA. Lancashire in each of the last five years. [205623] The Home Secretary outlined the Government’s position on Prüm in the House of Commons on 10 July 2014, Norman Baker: The Home Office does not collect Official Report, column 492. data at Parliamentary Constituency Level or at City Council level. Data are provided in Table A for Preston Community Safety Partnership and Lancashire police Dogs: Noise force area. Table A-Police recorded crime (excluding fraud) in Preston Local Authority and Graeme Morrice: To ask the Secretary of State for Lancashire police force area, 2009/10 to 2013/14 the Home Department whether her Department grants Numbers permission to laboratories to cut the vocal cords of Year dogs in order to reduce noise. [206627] Area 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13 2013/14 Norman Baker: The Home Office would not authorise Preston Local 13,485 12,867 11,044 11,161 11,310 Authority the cutting of vocal cords of dogs under the Animals Lancashire 105,920 101,074 97,696 92,357 95,372 (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986. We cannot envisage Police any scenario where that would be acceptable unless it 1. Source-Police recorded crime, Home Office were for the health and well-being of the individual 2. Police recorded crime data are not designated as National Statistics. animal with the procedure conducted under Veterinary 3. Action Fraud have taken over the recording of fraud offences on behalf of individual police forces. This process began in April 2011 and was rolled out to Surgeons Act. all police forces by March 2013. To enable comparison of data across the five year period, fraud data have been excluded. Electronic Surveillance Cultural Heritage: Theft Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State Mark Pritchard: To ask the Secretary of State for the for the Home Department whether she authorised the Home Department if she will hold discussions with the UK’s classification of (a) Google, (b) Facebook, (c) UN Office on Drugs and Crime on a global response to webmail services and (d) other companies that operate the sale of stolen antiquities to fund terrorism. [205748] in the UK as external communications. [201104] 137W Written Answers1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Written Answers 138W

James Brokenshire: External Communication is defined Mike Wood: To ask the Secretary of State for the within the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA) Home Department whether she plans to introduce 2000 and the statutory Interception of Communications service standards and set processing time limits for visa Code of Practice which was approved by Parliament applications made at overseas posts. [205901] and came into force on 1 July 2002. The Government has no present plans to amend the definition of external James Brokenshire: Service Standards are in place for communication. the processing of visa applications submitted overseas. Under RIPA, interception warrants are issued by the Entry Clearances: Indian Subcontinent Secretary of State.

Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State Mike Wood: To ask the Secretary of State for the for the Home Department whether the Government Home Department what the average time taken was plans to bring forward legislative proposals to change from a visa appeal being granted at tribunal to the post (a) the classification of external communications for issuing the visa in (a) Mumbai and (b) Islamabad in the purposes of interception and (b) other aspects of the most recent period for which figures are available. [205899] UK surveillance law. [201105]

James Brokenshire [holding answer 23 June 2014]: James Brokenshire: From 1 January to 31 March External Communication is defined within the Regulation 2014, it took on average 34 days in Mumbai and 31 days of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA) 2000 and the statutory in Islamabad to issue a visa after the tribunal decision Interception of Communications Code of Practice which was received in the respective post. was approved by Parliament and came into force on 1 Entry Clearances: Ireland July 2002. The Government has no present plans to amend the definition of external communication. Naomi Long: To ask the Secretary of State for the Entry Clearances Home Department what progress she has made on the detailed implementation of the proposed British-Irish visa scheme. [206666] Mike Wood: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many visa applications are James Brokenshire: On 16 June 2014 the Home Secretary presently deferred or on hold awaiting the outcome of announced the introduction of the British-Irish visa the legal action in respect of the financial requirement scheme. From autumn 2014, Chinese and Indian nationals that is presently before the courts. [205896] with a visit visa issued in China and India respectively will be able to use an Irish visa to travel to the UK and a James Brokenshire: According to Home Office British visa to travel to Ireland without the need for a management information, as at 31 March 2014, 3,134 separate visa. This is underpinned by a range of detailed family visa applications were on hold following the July implementation activity. 2013 High Court judgment in MM & Others. Following the Court of Appeal ruling in favour of the Home Naomi Long: To ask the Secretary of State for the Secretary which confirmed the lawfulness of the income Home Department what (a) primary and (b) secondary threshold policy, as a rational and reasonable means of legislative provision is required for the implementation achieving the legitimate aims of reducing taxpayer burdens of the proposed British-Irish visa scheme; and if she and promoting integration, from 28 July, the individuals will make a statement. [206667] whose applications were on hold, pending this judgment, will now receive a decision. Decisions will take account James Brokenshire: No changes to primary legislation of all the information presented. Any application which are required. Amendments will be made to the Immigration met all the requirements apart from the minimum income (Control of Entry through Republic of Ireland) Order threshold now stands to be refused. The applications 1972. which have been subject to the hold will be decided as soon as possible. It is likely to take several weeks to EU Law complete this work. Overseas our regions are rebalancing resources to ensure decisions are made as quickly as Mr Redwood: To ask the Secretary of State for the they reasonably can be, allowing full consideration of Home Department how many times the UK has lost the facts of the cases. This is with the aim of resolving EU infraction proceedings since May 2010 which relate all applications within three months in line with service to matters that fall within her Department’s responsibility. standards for settlement applications. [206659]

Mike Wood: To ask the Secretary of State for the Karen Bradley: Since May 2010 the UK has not lost Home Department how much has been spent by her any EU infraction proceedings which relate to matters Department on legal representation and court costs in that fall within the Home Office’s responsibility. respect of action over the financial requirement. [205900] Euthanasia

James Brokenshire: In the case of MM & Others Jim Dobbin: To ask the Secretary of State for the concerning the minimum income threshold under the Home Department if she will make it her policy to family Immigration Rules, the costs incurred by the routinely refuse visas to foreign nationals who enter the Home Office as at 3 July 2014 were approximately UK with the aim of encouraging or assisting suicide. £163,000. [206107] 139W Written Answers1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Written Answers 140W

James Brokenshire: A foreign national may be refused Human Trafficking entry clearance or leave to enter the UK if, from information available, the person’s exclusion is considered to be Mr Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for the conducive to the public good. This could include Home Department if she will take additional steps to information indicating that the person may be intending tackle human trafficking within the UK’s borders. to commit an offence while in the UK. Each decision is [205994] made on a case by case basis taking into account all the relevant factors. Karen Bradley: This Government is determined to stamp out all forms of modern slavery and human Jim Dobbin: To ask the Secretary of State for the trafficking, regardless of whether these crimes have Home Department what reports she has received on involved cross-border movement. The Modern Slavery the time taken for the Metropolitan Police to act in the Bill will give law enforcement the tools to tackle modern case of a foreign national conducting a seminar which slavery and enhance support and protection for victims. is alleged to have encouraged assistance with suicide in The Scottish Government and Northern Ireland Executive London, June 2013; and what steps she is taking to are both bringing forward their own legislation to tackle ensure that the case is now properly investigated. this terrible crime and we are working with them closely [206115] to ensure a coordinated approach across the UK. We are also undertaking a comprehensive programme of Mike Penning: No such reports have been received. activity which includes awareness-raising for front-line The investigation of criminal offences is an operational professionals, to ensure that they can spot the signs of matter for the police. It would therefore not be appropriate modern slavery, including human trafficking, and know for the Government to interfere in police investigations. what to do.

Female Genital Mutilation Illegal Immigrants: Employment

Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for the Mr Crausby: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations she has received Home Department what assessment she has made of from Sussex police on enforcement of laws preventing the reasons for the reduction in businesses fined for female genital mutilation; and if she will make a statement. employing illegal immigrants since 2010. [199441] [205281] James Brokenshire: Since 2010 there has been a 13% Norman Baker: Female genital mutilation is an extremely increase in the number of civil penalties issued to businesses harmful practice which the coalition Government is employing illegal migrant workers with 2,149 penalties committed to tackling. Neither the Secretary of State issued in 2013-14 compared with 1,899 in 2010-11.An for the Home Department, the right hon. Member for assessment of enforcement activity and operating Maidenhead (Mrs May), nor I have received any procedures in relation to illegal working visits led to representations from Sussex police on enforcement of increased deployment and a renewed focus on illegal laws preventing female genital mutilation. working in 2013. This resulted in 8,573 illegal working visits in 2013-14 compared with 5,441 in 2012-13. Additionally the target of issuing 2,500 Notices of HM Passport Office Potential Liability (NOPL) for a civil penalty was exceeded with 3,562 NOPLs being issued in 2013-14 compared Mark Hendrick: To ask the Secretary of State for the with 1,659 in 2012-13 equating to a 70% increase. We Home Department how many enquiries HM Passport are committed to tackling illegal working and we are Office has received from hon. Members in each of the increasing our multi-agency operations to step up previous 18 months. [205653] enforcement action against businesses. Through the Immigration Act and secondary legislations, we are James Brokenshire: In 2013, Her Majesty’s Passport getting tougher with non-compliant employers by increasing Office (HMPO) received 1,123 written inquiries from the maximum financial penalty from £10,000 to £20,000 Members of both Houses and 813 telephone enquiries per illegal worker; making it easier to enforce payment via the ’MP’s hotline’ service. In the first six months of in the civil courts; and simplifying right-to-work checks 2014, HMPO has received 1,394 written enquiries and for legitimate employers. 13, 906 telephone inquiries. Immigrants: Detainees Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimate she has made of the Andy Sawford: To ask the Secretary of State for the amount to be paid in additional payments to staff at Home Department what proportion of detainees who HM Passport Office who committed to work a set have escaped from detention or from escort in each of number of overtime hours between 5 July and 31 August the last four years have been returned to detention. 2014. [206344] [202823]

James Brokenshire [holding answer 21 July 2014]: James Brokenshire: The proportion of detainees who Overtime is a matter of choice for each member of staff. have escaped from detention or from escort in each of The determination of those who qualify for the additional the last four years who have been returned to detention payment and therefore the cost of additional payments is 37% (7) of 19 detainees. One detainee was not returned will be on the basis of the actual overtime hours worked to detention but located overseas. Major changes to the during the period 5 July and 31 August 2014. estate since 2010 have included the closure of the lower 141W Written Answers1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Written Answers 142W security site at Oakington Reception Centre in November incidents. This entails a detailed risk-assessment exercise 2010 and increased capacity at the higher security centre to determine the impact on the data subject together at Harmondsworth in July 2010. The management with actions designed to reduce the level of exposure information above has been reached by the examination wherever it is practical to do so. of individual records. It does not form part of published Subject to the outcome of the risk assessment the statistics and is not subject to the detailed checks that Department may choose to inform the data subjects apply for National Statistics publications. It is provisional and the primary factor in this decision is the personal and subject to change. safety and security of those concerned. Regardless of whether the decision is taken to inform data subjects or Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for the not, every effort is made to remove the material in Home Department how many places are currently question from all platforms visible to the public. available for immigration detainees; how many such places are currently occupied; what assessment she has Immigration: Kenya made of the effect of fraud in English language tests on the number of immigration detainee places needed; and if she will make a statement. [204643] Catherine McKinnell: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether Joshua Kulei of James Brokenshire: As of August 2014, the Home Kenya has ever been banned from entering the UK. Office has the capacity to detain 3690 immigration [206645] detainees in the immigration detention estate. On 18 August 2014, 2941 of the 3690 spaces were occupied. James Brokenshire: The Home Office does not routinely comment on individual cases. This is because the Home In addition to this Home Office Immigration Office has obligations in law to protect this information. Enforcement and the National Offender Management Service (NOMS) have a Service Level Agreement (SLA) I can confirm that any visa application from Mr which provides for immigration detainees to be held in Kulei would be considered on its individual merits and prisons. As of the week beginning 18 August 2014 794 in accordance with the Immigration Rules. immigration detainees were held in prison, of which 214 were held in HMP Verne. Islam: Marriage Capacity and use of the detention estate is reviewed regularly at a strategic level to allow Immigration Mrs Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Enforcement to plan operational activity. The Educational Home Department what recent discussions she has had Testing Services operations followed this process, which with (a) ministerial colleagues in the Ministry of Justice, included the use of detention alongside other activity to (b) the Muslim Institute, (c) the Muslim Council of address any abuse or criminality. Great Britain and (d) the Muslim Parliament of Great As stated to the House on 24 June, the Home Office Britain on the legal status of Islamic marriages in will provide regular updates to the House on the ETS-related England and Wales. [201472] activity. These updates will be provided as part of the regular publication of data on the department’s work James Brokenshire: Home Office Ministers and officials on borders and immigration. have meetings with a wide variety of international partners, as well as organisations and individuals in the Immigration: Appeals public and private sectors, as part of the process of policy development and operational delivery. Details of Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for the ministerial meetings with external organisations and Home Department on how many occasions a Home individuals are passed to the Cabinet Office on a quarterly Office immigration refusal decision was withdrawn by basis and are subsequently published on the Cabinet the Home Office on or immediately prior to an appeal Office website, which is available here: hearing date in the First-tier Tribunal (Immigration https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/home-office- and Asylum chamber) in (a) 2010, (b) 2011, (c) 2012, mnisters-hospitality-data (d) 2013 and (e) 2014 to date. [203351] There are no plans to change the law to recognise in English law Muslim marriages and divorces which do James Brokenshire: A complete set of data relating to not conform to the Marriage Act 1949. decisions withdrawn by the Home Office on or immediately prior to the appeal hearing date in the First-tier Tribunal for all appeal types is not held centrally and can be Mass Media: Subscriptions obtained only at disproportionate cost. Mr Slaughter: To ask the Secretary of State for the Immigration: Disclosure of Information Home Department what subscriptions to (a) magazines and (b) television channels her Department Jim Dobbin: To ask the Secretary of State for the funds. [205343] Home Department what steps she is taking to reduce the effect of data breaches of sensitive immigration Karen Bradley: The information is as follows. information on people whose details have been (a) The Library Service subscribe to 117 journals using the accidentally published online. [207005] SwetsWise pan-government contract. This is the only centrally held information on journal or magazine subscriptions. James Brokenshire: The Home Office takes data breaches (b) The Home Office pays for a monthly rental for Parliament of any type extremely seriously and they will be subject TV Services in Millbank. This TV services carries live and archived to our established procedure for managing data-related coverage of all UK Parliament proceedings taking place in public, 143W Written Answers1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Written Answers 144W including debates and committee meetings of both Houses. The remit of the inquiry into child abuse recently monthly amount for line rental is £1275.00 and the yearly amount announced by her Department. [207059] for TV provision and maintenance is £1880.96 all figures excl VAT. Norman Baker: Work continues to identify and appoint In addition, there are Sky boxes in 2 Marsham Street a suitable chairman for the inquiry. It is important that which only transmit free to air channels (so no subscription) the chairman has the right blend of experience, expertise such as Sky News, BBC News, Al Jazeera, Russia Today, and authority to lead the Inquiry. Terms of reference France 24, BBC1,2, ITV, CH4, CH5 etc. Again, these for the Inquiry will be agreed with the chairman and channels are distributed to TVs within the building. panel, when appointed. A formal reply to the letter in question will be sent as soon as possible. Members: Correspondence Mental Illness: Homicide

Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for the Austin Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when a reply will be sent to the hon. Home Department how many people were murdered Member for Harrow West’s letter of 15 July 2014 by people classified as severely mentally ill in each of regarding Mr and Mrs Patil of Harrow; and if she will the last 15 years. [206742] make a statement. [206571] Norman Baker: The Home Office Homicide Index James Brokenshire [holding answer 22 July 2014]: A collects information on whether the homicide was linked response was sent by Her Majesty’s Passport Office on to the mental state of the suspect but does not contain 21 July 2014. information on whether the suspect was ‘severely’ mentally ill. Information on whether the homicide was linked to Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for the the mental state of the suspect for 2007-08 onwards (the Home Department when she plans to respond to the first year these data were collected) is given in the recent letter from the hon. Member for Wigan on the following table.

Table 1: Offences currently recorded as homicide1 by mental health of principal suspect, 2007-08 to 2012-13, England and Wales Number 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13

Homicide linked to mental state of suspect2 Yes 687060976165 No 554 481 477 480 424 434 Unknown 111 89 59 57 45 52

Total offences currently 733 640 596 634 530 551 recorded as homicide1 1 As at 8 November 2013; figures are subject to revision as cases are dealt with by the police and by the courts, or as further information becomes available. 2 Including cases where there is no suspect. Source: Homicide Index, Home Office

Passports Average processing times Straightforward Non-straightforward Week ending Total Total Mr Hanson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the Passport Agency’s average 20/04/2014 9.7 14.2 process time for applications was in each month since 13/04/2014 9.9 14.3 January 2010. [199385] 06/04/2014 9.3 13.5 30/03/2014 8.6 11.9 James Brokenshire: The following table shows the 23/03/2014 8.1 12.1 average passport processing times in days for each week. 16/03/2014 7.2 11.4 09/03/2014 6.9 11.3 The data is not stored in a way that enables us to provide monthly averages. 02/03/2014 7.1 10.8 23/02/2014 7.0 10.6 We do not hold data on non-straightforward average 16/02/2014 6.6 9.7 processing times prior to April 2012. 09/02/2014 6.4 9.2 Average processing times 02/02/2014 5.3 8.0 Straightforward Non-straightforward 26/01/2014 4.7 8.0 Week ending Total Total 19/01/2014 3.6 7.2 12/01/2014 2.9 8.2 15/06/2014 13.3 18.0 08/06/2014 13.6 17.5 05/01/2014 3.4 9.3 01/06/2014 12.9 17.3 29/12/2013 3.3 9.7 25/05/2014 12.0 16.8 22/12/2013 2.0 8.7 18/05/2014 10.5 15.8 15/12/2013 1.8 7.5 11/05/2014 9.3 15.4 08/12/2013 1.9 7.6 04/05/2014 8.7 15.3 01/12/2013 1.9 7.3 27/04/2014 8.5 14.7 24/11/2013 1.9 7.3 145W Written Answers1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Written Answers 146W

Average processing times Average processing times Straightforward Non-straightforward Straightforward Non-straightforward Week ending Total Total Week ending Total Total

17/11/2013 2.1 7.5 02/09/2012 10.9 15.43 10/11/2013 2.4 8.2 26/08/2012 12.0 16.4 03/11/2013 2.2 8.2 19/08/2012 12.4 16.33 27/10/2013 1.8 7.9 12/08/2012 12.4 16.25 20/10/2013 1.6 7.5 05/08/2012 12.1 16.2 13/10/2013 1.8 6.8 29/07/2012 11.6 15.48 06/10/2013 1.7 7.0 22/07/2012 11.0 14.88 29/09/2013 2.0 6.9 15/07/2012 10.4 14.9 22/09/2013 2.3 7.1 08/07/2012 10.0 13.94 15/09/2013 3.2 7.8 01/07/2012 9.4 12.99 08/09/2013 3.2 8.1 24/06/2012 8.6 12.7 01/09/2013 3.4 8.4 17/06/2012 7.9 12.47 25/08/2013 3.9 8.5 10/06/2012 8.0 11.87 18/08/2013 5.0 8.9 03/06/2012 8.8 12.9 11/08/2013 5.2 9.5 27/05/2012 8.2 11.99 04/08/2013 5.9 9.9 20/05/2012 7.0 11.54 28/07/2013 6.5 10.5 13/05/2012 6.3 10.5 21/07/2013 6.0 10.1 06/05/2012 6.8 11.04 14/07/2013 6.2 10.3 29/04/2012 7.0 11.38 07/07/2013 5.6 9.6 22/04/2012 6.7 11.3 30/06/2013 5.5 9.3 15/04/2012 8.1 11.16 23/06/2013 5.3 9.1 08/04/2012 5.2 10.39 16/06/2013 5.1 8.8 01/04/2012 5.0 10.9 09/06/2013 5.2 8.8 25/03/2012 5.5 - 02/06/2013 5.7 8.8 18/03/2012 5.1 - 26/05/2013 5.8 9.3 11/03/2012 5.0 - 19/05/2013 4.5 8.4 04/03/2012 4.0 - 12/05/2013 3.8 7.2 26/02/2012 3.7 - 05/05/2013 4.6 8.0 19/02/2012 4.5 - 28/04/2013 4.9 8.6 12/02/2012 5.1 - 21/04/2013 4.7 8.0 05/02/2012 5.0 - 14/04/2013 4.9 8.7 29/01/2012 4.9 - 07/04/2013 4.7 8.5 22/01/2012 3.9 - 31/03/2013 3.2 7.1 15/01/2012 3.2 - 24/03/2013 2.2 5.65 08/01/2012 4.7 - 17/03/2013 3.1 5.9 01/01/2012 4.8 - 10/03/2013 3.5 6.2 25/12/2011 4.6 - 03/03/2013 3.1 5.72 18/12/2011 5.6 - 24/02/2013 2.7 5.9 11/12/2011 6.4 - 17/02/2013 2.5 6.1 04/12/2011 6.4 - 10/02/2013 2.2 5.81 27/11/2011 6.7 - 03/02/2013 1.7 5.7 20/11/2011 7.8 - 27/01/2013 1.7 5.6 13/11/2011 8.3 - 20/01/2013 1.5 5.36 06/11/2011 7.6 - 13/01/2013 1.5 6.0 30/10/2011 7.2 - 06/01/2013 2.0 8.2 23/10/2011 6.0 - 30/12/2012 2.2 9.09 16/10/2011 5.8 - 23/12/2012 1.8 8.0 09/10/2011 5.0 - 16/12/2012 1.9 7.5 02/10/2011 4.0 - 09/12/2012 2.1 7.70 25/09/2011 3.4 - 02/12/2012 1.9 7.4 18/09/2011 2.9 - 25/11/2012 2.1 7.5 11/09/2011 2.2 - 18/11/2012 2.1 7.55 04/09/2011 3.1 - 11/11/2012 2.1 7.5 28/08/2011 3.5 - 04/11/2012 2.3 8.0 21/08/2011 5.7 - 28/10/2012 2.6 8.2 14/08/2011 7.3 - 21/10/2012 3.4 8.98 07/08/2011 6.7 - 14/10/2012 4.8 9.69 31/07/2011 6.5 - 07/10/2012 6.1 10.9 24/07/2011 6.5 - 30/09/2012 7.0 11.45 17/07/2011 6.7 - 23/09/2012 7.5 12.24 10/07/2011 6.5 - 16/09/2012 8.1 13.4 03/07/2011 5.1 - 09/09/2012 9.7 14.87 26/06/2011 5.1 - 147W Written Answers1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Written Answers 148W

Average processing times Average processing times Straightforward Non-straightforward Straightforward Non-straightforward Week ending Total Total Week ending Total Total

19/06/2011 4.9 - 25/07/2010 3.4 - 12/06/2011 4.3 - 18/07/2010 3.2 - 05/06/2011 3.7 - 11/07/2010 3.1 - 29/05/2011 3.6 - 04/07/2010 3.4 - 22/05/2011 3.6 - 27/06/2010 4.0 - 15/05/2011 3.1 - 20/06/2010 4.3 - 08/05/2011 2.4 - 13/06/2010 4.5 - 01/05/2011 1.8 - 06/06/2010 4.6 - 24/04/2011 2.0 - 30/05/2010 5.1 - 17/04/2011 1.9 - 23/05/2010 5.3 - 10/04/2011 2.1 - 16/05/2010 5.1 - 03/04/2011 2.1 - 09/05/2010 5.1 - 27/03/2011 2.2 - 02/05/2010 5.3 - 20/03/2011 2.1 - 25/04/2010 5.6 - 13/03/2011 2.3 - 18/04/2010 5.8 - 06/03/2011 2.3 - 11/04/2010 5.3 - 27/02/2011 2.5 - 04/04/2010 4.8 - 20/02/2011 2.7 - 28/03/2010 4.3 - 13/02/2011 2.8 - 21/03/2010 4.2 - 06/02/2011 2.8 - 14/03/2010 2.5 - 30/01/2011 3.4 - 07/03/2010 2.5 - 23/01/2011 2.8 - 28/02/2010 2.4 - 16/01/2011 1.8 - 21/02/2010 2.6 - 09/01/2011 1.8 - 14/02/2010 2.4 - 02/01/2011 2.2 - 07/02/2010 2.1 - 26/12/2010 3.4 - 31/01/2010 2.0 - 19/12/2010 2.8 - 24/01/2010 1.7 - 12/12/2010 1.7 - 17/01/2010 1.4 - 05/12/2010 1.5 - 10/01/2010 1.9 - 28/11/2010 2.3 - 03/01/2010 1.7 - 21/11/2010 2.1 - 14/11/2010 2.2 - Meg Hillier: To ask the Secretary of State for the 07/11/2010 2.5 - Home Department how many of (a) new passport 31/10/2010 2.2 - applications and (b) passport renewal applications were 24/10/2010 1.9 - received by HM Passport Office in each week since 17/10/2010 2.0 - 6 January 2014; and what proportion of those applications 10/10/2010 2.1 - (i) were completed in three weeks, (ii) were completed in 03/10/2010 1.8 - four weeks and (iii) remain outstanding for each of 26/09/2010 1.7 - these weeks. [200466] 19/09/2010 1.9 - 12/09/2010 2.0 - James Brokenshire: Table 1 sets out the volume of 05/09/2010 1.7 - new and renewal passports on a weekly basis since 29/08/2010 1.7 - 5 January 2014. 22/08/2010 1.7 - 15/08/2010 1.9 - Table 2 provides the proportion of straightforward 08/08/2010 2.4 - cases dealt with within three weeks, four weeks and over four weeks. The information is not available by breakdown 01/08/2010 2.8 - of application type.

Table 1: Intake by week 5 January 2014 to 29 June 20141 Week ending New adult New child Renewal adult Renewal child All other types Total

05/01/2014 3,030 4,328 29,941 5,144 4,266 46,709 12/01/2014 5,736 9,855 73,261 14,077 9,046 111,975 19/01/2014 7,078 12,305 80,996 17,394 9,943 127,716 26/01/2014 8,244 14,557 94,380 19,750 10,668 147,599 02/02/2014 7,531 14,030 90,090 19,672 10,091 141,414 09/02/2014 9,230 17,631 103,116 23,789 12,375 166,141 16/02/2014 8,974 17,636 97,358 22,858 11,657 158,483 23/02/2014 8,357 16,867 87,888 21,586 10,919 145,617 02/03/2014 8,524 18,510 95,083 25,727 11,549 159,393 09/03/2014 9,089 20,876 99,389 29,262 13,278 171,894 16/03/2014 8,596 20,372 95,061 27,928 12,522 164,479 23/03/2014 8,825 22,016 97,372 28,108 12,814 169,135 149W Written Answers1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Written Answers 150W

Table 1: Intake by week 5 January 2014 to 29 June 20141 Week ending New adult New child Renewal adult Renewal child All other types Total

30/03/2014 8,432 20,681 94,469 26,664 12,607 162,853 06/04/2014 8,209 20,074 90,163 25,349 12,405 156,200 13/04/2014 8,890 22,059 96,146 26,741 13,965 167,801 20/04/2014 7,179 18,273 81,373 22,714 11,688 141,227 27/04/2014 6,778 18,034 82,594 25,028 11,896 144,330 04/05/2014 8,484 22,954 103,206 34,520 15,072 184,236 11/05/2014 7,452 18,530 84,286 27,987 12,129 150,384 18/05/2014 8,785 23,128 103,417 36,282 15,432 187,044 25/05/2014 8,953 21,945 92,824 33,656 14,841 172,219 01/06/2014 6,581 16,893 76,042 27,496 12,053 139,065 08/06/2014 8,268 22,067 97,236 37,055 15,464 180,090 15/06/2014 7,930 22,205 96,068 39,380 15,475 181,058 22/06/2014 7,594 26,073 107,228 46,954 15,951 203,800 29/06/2014 7,975 24,801 93,394 36,679 14,899 177,748 Total 204,724 486,700 2,342,381 701,800 323,005 4,058,610 1 To provide the data in the format requested we have used a dataset that includes a small number of, for example, duplicate applications where the applicant has upgraded from a standard application to a fast track or premium. Accordingly there is an immaterial difference (less than 5,000) between this data and other published data on passport demand. The figures are weekly and comparison to monthly data is inappropriate.

Table 2: Proportion of straightforward applications where the passports is issued within three weeks, proportion of passports issued in the 4th week and proportion £ million over four weeks. Standard Fast-track Premium % within three %afterfour Week ending weeks % in 4th week weeks 1 January to 31 May 2012 173.9 7.4 14.9 1 January to 31 May 2013 170.9 9.9 17.2 05/01/2014 100.00 0.00 0.00 1 January to 31 May 2014 202.3 12.4 13.8 12/01/2014 100.00 0.00 0.00 Note: 19/01/2014 99.99 0.01 0.00 Figures are based on cashiered income, without any accounting adjustments. 26/01/2014 100.00 0.00 0.00 02/02/2014 99.98 0.02 0.00 Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State 09/02/2014 99.96 0.04 0.00 for the Home Department what assessment she has 16/02/2014 99.97 0.02 0.01 made of the viability of civil servants from other 23/02/2014 99.98 0.01 0.01 Departments being deployed to assist in the processing of outstanding passport applications. [205644] 02/03/2014 99.98 0.02 0.00 09/03/2014 99.96 0.02 0.02 James Brokenshire: To date all but one additional 16/03/2014 99.96 0.01 0.03 member of staff has been redeployed from within Her 23/03/2014 99.96 0.01 0.02 Majesty’s (HMPO) Passport Office and the wider Home 30/03/2014 99.92 0.02 0.06 Office. Over 650 staff have been redeployed to HMPO 06/04/2014 98.85 1.09 0.06 frontline services since January 2014. 13/04/2014 99.85 0.11 0.04 20/04/2014 99.92 0.07 0.01 Wayne David: To ask the Secretary of State for the 27/04/2014 99.71 0.26 0.03 Home Department pursuant to the answer of 8 July 04/05/2014 99.48 0.50 0.02 2014, Official Report, column 200W, on passports, 11/05/2014 97.64 2.35 0.00 when she expects to publish a reliable estimate of the 18/05/2014 95.09 4.89 0.02 additional costs arising from staff temporarily working 25/05/2014 87.44 11.42 1.14 away from their normal workplace and from overtime 01/06/2014 87.38 8.45 4.17 to deal with delays at the Passport Office. [206495] 08/06/2014 88.62 7.58 3.80 15/06/2014 85.08 9.29 5.64 James Brokenshire [holding answer 22 July 2014]: We 22/06/2014 72.28 21.20 6.52 will provide the actual costs incurred in redeploying 29/06/2014 57.13 36.45 6.42 staff to meet the exceptional levels of passport demand this year when that redeployment ends. Redeployed staff will continue to support Her Majesty’s Passport Office frontline services until further notice. Jessica Morden: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what revenue has been received by Police: Databases the Passport Office for (a) standard passport applications, (b) fast-track applications and (c) premium service Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for the applications in (i) 1 January 2012 to 31 May 2012, (ii) 1 Home Department what assessment she has made of January 2013 to 31 May 2013 and (iii) 1 January 2014 to the feasibility and potential benefits of introducing real 31 May 2014. [200525] time information onto the police National Mobile Property Register. [206589]

James Brokenshire: The following table sets out the Mike Penning: The National Mobile Property Register requested information: (NMPR) helps reduce the theft of mobile devices. There 151W Written Answers1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Written Answers 152W are clear benefits in ensuring that information entered terrorism, prosecuting the perpetrators of hate crime on to the system is as timely as is practicable, however I and excluding preachers of hate from the UK. We also am not aware of any assessment made as to the additional remain committed to protecting fundamental freedoms, benefits of introducing real time information. including the freedom of speech. That is why it is vital The existing Home Office held contract with the that we challenge those extremist ideas that also form provider of NMPR is due to come to an end early next part of a terrorist ideology, and threaten these freedoms. year, and we are working with Police and Crime Central to this is challenging those behaviours and Commissioners (PCCs), police forces and others to views which run counter to our shared values, which agree the successor arrangements. As part of this process, include freedom of speech, democracy, the rule of law, it is anticipated that a review of benefits to date will be equality of opportunity and treatment, and the rights undertaken to inform any future requirements and business of all men and women to live free from persecution of case. This will ultimately be for PCCs to determine. any kind.

Police: Global Positioning System Recycling: Codes of Practice

John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for the the Home Department if she will commission an Home Department what representations she has independent evaluation of the use of GPS tracking by received on changes to the Recyclers’ Code of Practice police services in England and Wales. [206139] in the last six months. [206590]

Mike Penning: The Home Office has no plans to Norman Baker: The Home Office has received one commission an independent evaluation. letter from a member of the public relating to the Police: St Helena Recyclers’ Code of Practice in the last six months. Home Office officials regularly discuss the code of practice with representatives from the mobile phone John Hemming: To ask the Secretary of State for the industry and law enforcement agencies. Home Department what visits by UK police officers in an official capacity to St Helena have taken place since May 2010; what the purpose and cost was of each such Research Councils: Finance visit; and whether the full costs of each visit were met by her Department. [205833] Martin Horwood: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what funding her Mike Penning: Under Section 26 of the Police Act Department gives to research councils for the purpose (1996), the Home Office has authorised three deployments of conducting non-animal tests or research; [206207] of UK police officers to St Helena to provide advice to (2) how much her Department gives to research councils the St Helena Police: two in 2010 and a third in 2013. to fund tests or research involving animals. [206210] The Home Office does not hold details on the costs of these deployments which are a matter for the relevant Norman Baker [holding answer 21 July 2014]: The UK police force facilitating the visit, the Foreign and Home Office does not provide any direct funding to Commonwealth Office, and the authorities in St Helena. Research Councils for the purposes of non-animal tests or research, or tests or research involving animals as it Procurement performs predominately a regulatory function. Significant Government funding is deployed to encourage the Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for the development and uptake of non-animal tests, largely Home Department how much her Department paid to through the Department for Business, Innovation and (a) G4S, (b) Serco, (c) Sodexo, (d) GEOAmey, (e) Science. Capita, (f) Atos, (g) Mitie, (h) Working Links, (i) The Home Office does however provide £250,000 per A4E, (j) MTC Amey, (k) GEO Group and (l) year to the National Centre for the Replacement, Carillion in (i) 2010-11, (ii) 2011-12, (iii) 2012-13 and Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research (iv) 2013-14. [205684] (NC3Rs) to fund its activities, which include developing and promoting alternatives to the use of animals in Karen Bradley: As part of the Home Office transparency research. Some research into non-animal methods requires programme, any spend over £25,000 is available on the the use of animals for validation and other purposes. It Department’s website. Since January 2011, all contracts is therefore not possible to state definitively how much over £10,000 in value are published on Contracts Finder: of this contribution has been used for the purpose of http://www.contractsfinder.co.uk/ conducting non-animal tests or research, to fund tests Radicalism or research involving animals, or for the purpose of promoting the uptake of alternatives. Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps she is taking to Sexual Offences protect civil liberties whilst tackling Islamic extremism across the UK. [205912] Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps are taken to ensure James Brokenshire: The Government is committed to adults living with children are made aware of convicted disrupting extremism and we use the full force of the sex offenders moving within a close proximity to their law to do so, including proscribing groups concerned in residence. [205904] 153W Written Answers1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Written Answers 154W

Norman Baker: The coalition Government is committed Stakeholders, including NGOs, have been engaged in to ensuring we have the best arrangements in place to the communications and marketing campaign which protect children and families from harm. underpins the helpline. Under the Child Sex Offender Disclosure Scheme, The NSPCC is ideally placed to deliver what we need members of the public are able to make an application given their existing infrastructure and expertise in for information to the police about a particular individual safeguarding issues. The NSPCC runs a number of who has contact with a child, or children, in order to helplines, including Childline, FGM helpline and the prevent harm. Child Trafficking Advice Centre (CTAC) line. We have Slavery engaged NSPCC by means of a formal Grant Agreement, not a Contract, which will be managed using standard Home Office grant terms and conditions in accordance Graham Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for the with the principles of Managing Public Money. Home Department (1) what provisions are being made by her Department in conjunction with the NSPCC to ensure that calls from (a) professionals, (b) volunteers, Tobacco: Smuggling (c) members of the public and (d) victims of modern slavery and human trafficking to the modern slavery helpline can be dealt with effectively; and when the Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for the modern slavery helpline will go live; [205863] Home Department how much her Department spent (2) what discussions she has had with the NSPCC on its tackling tobacco smuggling strategy in (a) about its current and future plans to train staff to run 2011-12 and (b) 2012-13. [206014] her planned modern slavery helpline; what that training will include; what the estimated cost is of such training; and which body will provide the training; [205949] James Brokenshire: The Tackling Tobacco Strategy in (3) to whom the NSPCC will refer cases of people its current form came into force in April 2011. Customs (a) from EU countries and (b) who are not EU operations target a range of commodities, including nationals, who call her planned modern slavery helpline those covered by this strategy, and our officers and and are identified as victims of modern slavery; equipment are deployed to cover a range of activities. [205950] We do not therefore hold information relating specifically to tobacco. (4) what consultation she undertook with (a) non-governmental organisations, (b) civil society, (c) church organisations, (d) front-line professionals, (e) social workers and (f) local authority and Health Training Service staff on the creation of a modern slavery helpline prior to her announcement that such a helpline Mr Slaughter: To ask the Secretary of State for the was being set up; [205951] Home Department how much has been spent on what (5) what expertise the NSPCC has in dealing with (a) media training and (b) social media training for (i) victims of slavery; and what criteria were set by her her and (ii) Ministers in her Department since May Department for the securing of the contract to run the 2010. [205311] modern slavery helpline. [205956]

Karen Bradley [holding answer 22 July 2014]: We are Karen Bradley: Departmental spend on media and working closely with the NSPCC to pilot a Modern social media training for Ministers and the Home Secretary Slavery Helpline as part of a wider communications since 2010 can be found in the following table. and marketing campaign, to raise awareness of modern slavery. The helpline will be established by the end of £ July 2014. We are working with a number of non- Home Secretary Ministers governmental organisations and law enforcement agencies to ensure that all callers to the helpline can access any Media Training 0 703 additional help, advice and support they need. Social Media Training 0 0 Training will be provided to all call handlers working on the helpline, which will be delivered by the NSPCC Vetting Child Trafficking Advice Centre and the Metropolitan Police Service, building on their specific expertise and knowledge in this area. The training will include the Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for the nature of modern slavery, the information to be obtained Home Department what proportion of applications to from individuals who call the helpline as well as the Disclosure and Barring service in each police organisations that can provide further support and authority in England were approved within (a) 14, (b) guidance. There are no specific costs to the Home 18 and (c) 25 days in 2013. [205941] Office associated with providing this training. Each call to the helpline will be considered on a case-by-case basis and, where an individual requires Karen Bradley: The following table contains figures further information or advice, the helpline call handlers relating to the number and percentage of Disclosure will provide the details of other organisations for the and Barring Service Certificates issued within 14, 18, caller to contact, as appropriate. This is regardless of and 25 days by police force area in England during whether the caller is from an EU or non-EU country. financial year 2013-14. 155W Written Answers1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Written Answers 156W

Completed within 14 days Completed within 18 days Completed within 25 days Force name Number closed Percentage closed Number closed Percentage closed Number closed Percentage closed

Avon and Somerset 34,051 82 36,427 88 38,821 94 Bedfordshire 16,471 98 16,633 99 16,709 100 Cambridgeshire 24,067 100 24,084 100 24,108 100 Cheshire 20,347 60 26,022 77 31,663 94 City of London 6,660 97 6,841 99 6,865 100 Cleveland 16,942 82 17,681 86 18,246 89 Cumbria 13,200 97 13,372 98 13,517 99 Derbyshire 25,594 83 27,425 89 28,387 92 Devon and Cornwall 43,035 90 45,547 95 46,377 97 Dorset 11,842 62 13,175 69 15,118 79 Durham 15,459 92 16,150 96 16,674 99 Essex 23,154 45 26,420 51 32,968 64 Gloucester 10,327 80 12,172 94 12,808 99 Greater Manchester 69,031 80 78,215 91 83,212 97 Hampshire 49,483 76 51,629 80 58,082 90 Hertfordshire 61,000 95 62,296 97 63,652 99 Humberside 14,262 53 17,168 64 20,147 75 Kent 38,402 63 45,244 75 50,840 84 Lancashire 59,501 81 65,529 89 70,265 95 Leicestershire 25,308 86 27,933 95 29,034 99 Lincolnshire 11,511 96 11,688 98 11,809 99 Merseyside 44,075 71 51,603 83 59,996 96 Metropolitan 43,192 17 59,781 24 98,768 40 Norfolk 11,284 52 13,308 61 18,124 83 North Yorkshire 2,666 9 3,053 10 3,796 13 Northamptonshire 33,759 83 37,291 92 39,666 98 Northumbria 35,101 67 39,505 75 47,379 91 Nottinghamshire 24,371 94 25,160 97 25,575 98 South Yorkshire 30,082 45 36,079 53 44,998 67 Staffordshire 29,661 93 31,470 99 31,686 99 Suffolk 9,820 67 11,987 82 13,800 95 Surrey 13,669 44 16,265 53 22,073 71 Sussex 13,480 49 15,824 57 19,219 69 Thames Valley 21,060 42 24,379 49 29,748 59 Warwickshire 5,782 60 5,844 60 6,008 62 West Mercia 58,110 83 62,988 90 68,187 97 West Midlands 29,436 28 35,214 34 51,768 50 West Yorkshire 30,964 39 41,184 51 55,141 69 Wiltshire 10,500 49 11,911 56 15,214 71 Total 1,036,659 59 1,164,497 67 1,340,448 77

Diana Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for the The Independent Safeguarding Authority did not Home Department how many people have been placed have the power to automatically place individuals on under a discretionary bar from working with (a) the adults barred list where their convictions predated children and (b) adults in each of the last five years; 20 January 2009, when automatic barring on the adults and for what (i) reasons and (ii) harm type each person list became available. These cases were considered under was so placed. [205989] the discretionary barring route. The ISA continued to receive notification of these convictions in 2009 and did Norman Baker: The following table sets out the number not conclude all of these cases until 2010-11. This of people that have been placed under a discretionary means that the figures for discretionary bars were higher bar from working with (a) children and (b) adults in in 2009 and 2010. After 2010, the number of such cases each of the last five years. Information relating to the decreased and the number of discretionary bars reduced reasons and the harm type under which each person in line with that change. was so placed cannot be provided without incurring disproportionate cost. Diana Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for the

Discretionary Barred Discretionary Barred Home Department how many discretionary referrals Calendar Year Children’s Adults have been made from the National Crime Agency Child Exploitation and Online Protection unit to the 2009 26 2121 Disclosure and Barring Service in each of the last five 2010 152 1022 years. [206296] 2011 163 503 2012 157 391 2013 165 441 Norman Baker [holding answer 21 July 2014]: Child Exploitation and Online Protection unit (CEOP) Command 157W Written Answers1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Written Answers 158W works with the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Government policy to promote integration with to check the details of individuals against CEOP records Government policy to prevent terrorism, which was a when requested to do so, however they do not make source of mistrust. That is why we refocused the Prevent discretionary referrals. Like its predecessor (the Criminal strategy in 2011, to separate Prevent from broader Records Bureau), the Disclosure and Barring Service integration work. (DBS) has access to Police National Computer (PNC) Local Prevent co-ordinators across the country work records which includes details of those who have been with local services partners such as the police, Charity charged or convicted in connection with CEOP Command Commission and members of local faith communities, investigations. This allows the DBS to undertake checks to understand local risks and needs, and deliver targeted when criminal records certificates are applied for or projects and outreach work. We fund 30 Prevent priority referrals are received from employers or others. areas to work on the frontline and with those vulnerable Written Questions: Government Responses to extremism, including funding projects tailored to local needs. Prevent co-ordinators provide regular feedback to the Home Office, which helps shape the future Greg Mulholland: To ask the Secretary of State for development and implementation of the Prevent strategy. the Home Department when she intends to provide a substantive answer to question number 204223, tabled Preventing terrorism means challenging extremist (and non-violent) ideas that are also part of a terrorist ideology. for answer on 14 July 2014. [206963] The Prevent strategy focuses on all forms of terrorism, but is clear that the most serious risk to our national James Brokenshire: Prevent aims to stop people becoming security comes from al-Qaeda, its affiliates and like-minded terrorists or supporting terrorism. The revised Prevent organisations. For this reason, the report of the Prime strategy published in June 2011 has three key objectives. Minister’s Extremism Task Force (ETF), published last These are to: December, set out a definition of Islamist extremism. It respond to the ideological challenge of terrorism and the noted that this ideology should not be confused with threat we face from those who promote it; traditional religious practice. prevent people from being drawn into terrorism and ensure that they are given appropriate advice and support; and It is based on a distorted interpretation of Islam, work with sectors and institutions where there are risks of which betrays Islam’s peaceful principles and also includes radicalisation which we need to address. the uncompromising belief that people cannot be Muslim and British, and insists that those who do not agree The delivery of Prevent requires strong partnerships with them are not true Muslims. with a range of local groups in the community, including British Muslims among others. The Prevent strategy we inherited from the last [Continued in Column 159W] Government was flawed. It confused the delivery of

1MC Ministerial Corrections1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Ministerial Corrections 2MC Ministerial Corrections ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS Genetically Modified Organisms: Labelling

Monday 1 September 2014 Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the Government’s position is in the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership negotiations on labelling DEFENCE of products containing GM in the UK food chain; and if she will make a statement. [205728] Army: Recruitment [Official Report, 22 July 2014, Vol. 584, c. 1063W.] Letter of correction from George Eustice: Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for An error has been identified in the written answer Defence if he will estimate the (a) monthly and (b) given to the hon. Member for Ogmore (Huw Irranca- total additional cost to date for paying Capita as if Davies) on 22 July 2014. it was meeting quantity and quality standards for The full answer given was as follows: recruitments in the Recruiting Partnering Project. [200381] George Eustice: This issue has yet to be discussed in [Official Report, 23 June 2014, Vol. 583, c. 86W.] detail within the framework of the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) negotiations. The Letter of correction from Anna Soubry: Government will consider its negotiation position based An error has been identified in the written answer on a range of factors including the environmental impact given to the hon. Member for Moray (Angus Robertson) and public health benefit of such anti-microbial treatments on 23 June 2014. that can reduce potential for foodborne illness. The full answer given was as follows: The correct answer should have been:

Anna Soubry: Between its launch in March 2012 to George Eustice: The existing EU rules which require 31 March 2014, the Army has paid Capita £100.380 GM-derived food to be labelled are not expected to be million for the Recruiting Partnering Project. The Recruiting discussed or reviewed as part of the negotiations on the Partnering Project remains within the overall agreed Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership. cost of £1.360 million. The Secretary of State for Defence, my right hon. Friend the Member for Runnymede and Weybridge JUSTICE (Mr Hammond), set out on 14 January 2014, Official Report, column 716, the cost of Capita providing a new Police Cautions Information Technology platform as part of the Recruiting Partnering Project. At the time, these costs were expected Jenny Chapman: To ask the Secretary of State for to be around £47.7 million directly linked to the change Justice how many cautions have been issued for of hosting provision. Since this statement, these costs offences of (a) murder, (b) rape, (c) sexual assault, have reduced to around £42.9 million. (d) robbery and (e) burglary in (i) each year between As previously stated by the Secretary of State on 2010 and 2013 and (ii) each month since January 2013. 14 January, there has been an additional cost of around [203136] £1 million per month to run the Capita system. This [Official Report, 9 July 2014, Vol. 584, c. 321-24W.] includes costs for additional manpower. Letter of correction from Damian Green: An error has been identified in the written answer The correct answer should have been: given to the hon. Member for Darlington (Jenny Chapman) on 9 July 2014. Anna Soubry: Between its launch in March 2012 to The full answer given was as follows: 31 March 2014, the Army has paid Capita £100.380 million for the Recruiting Partnering Project. The Recruiting Damian Green: The number of offenders (including Partnering Project remains within the overall agreed young people) cautioned, for offences of rape, sexual cost of £1.360 billion. assault, robbery and burglary, by months in England The Secretary of State for Defence, my right hon. and Wales from 2010 to 2013 (latest available) can be Friend the Member for Runnymede and Weybridge viewed in the table. There were no cautions administered (Mr Hammond), set out on 14 January 2014, Official for murder. Report, column 716, the cost of Capita providing a new Simple cautions (previously police cautions) are a Information Technology platform as part of the Recruiting non-statutory disposal available to the police to dispose Partnering Project. At the time, these costs were expected of any offence committed by an adult and designed for to be around £47.7 million directly linked to the change dealing with low level, mainly first time offending. The of hosting provision. Since this statement, these costs Government does not believe that cautions are appropriate have reduced to around £42.9 million. for serious offences. We issued new guidelines on As previously stated by the Secretary of State on 14 November 2014 following a detailed review of how 14 January, there has been an additional cost of around cautions were being used by police forces, and are £1 million per month to run the Capita system. This strengthening the law to prevent cautions being used for includes costs for additional manpower. serious offences. 3MC Ministerial Corrections1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Ministerial Corrections 4MC

The Ministry of Justice issues guidance on the process The Government is clear that serious offences should to be followed by the police and the CPS when they are always be brought to court and to ensure that there is administering simple cautions for adult offenders. This increased public confidence in the justice system last guidance states that the use of a simple caution for year announced limits on the use of simple cautions. indictable only offences, such as rape, should only be These changes restrict the use of cautions for indictable given following authorisation by the CPS. These will be only offences and certain serious either way offences cases where there were exceptional circumstances which unless there are exceptional circumstances and a senior would mean that it was not in the public interest to police officer, as well as the CPS for certain cases, has prosecute. agreed that a caution should be administered. The overall number of simple cautions issued has The MOJ guidance on Adult Simple Cautions was halved since 2007. The cautioning rate, that is, the amended in November last year to reflect these changes, number of offenders cautioned as a percentage of offenders and we are currently legislating in the Criminal Justice who were either cautioned or convicted, in 2013 was and Courts Bill to place statutory restrictions around 20%; this has declined from a peak of 31% in 2007. their use.

Offenders cautioned1,2 for selected offences, by month, England and Wales, 2010-20133 Offences Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Total

2010Murder———— ———————— — Sexual 53 31 38 40 54 58 46 57 51 46 49 24 547 assault4 Rape5 3—4—36425251 35 Burglary6 253 245 271 278 321 332 358 297 348 290 301 190 3,484 Robbery7 6 4 24 19 23 27 27 13 18 14 19 13 207 Total (all) 315 280 337 337 401 423 435 369 422 352 374 228 4,273

2011Murder———— ———————— — Sexual 41 56 60 53 54 55 64 52 44 42 49 42 612 assault4 Rape5 1141 2222—12119 Burglary6 237 229 290 268 — 339 340 303 311 286 259 212 3,359 Robbery7 14 28 35 31 29 21 20 17 27 21 15 11 269 Total (all) 293 314 389 353 370 417 426 374 382 350 325 266 4,259

2012Murder———— ———————— — Sexual 44 34 46 35 55 38 46 50 60 38 56 50 552 assault4 Rape5 122—11—4—11316 Burglary 221 187 205 197 224 218 282 259 218 195 189 136 2,531 (6) Robbery7 12 20 18 13 11 17 11 18 23 16 19 10 188 Total (all) 278 243 271 245 291 274 339 331 301 250 265 199 3,287

2013Murder———— ———————— — Sexual 58 49 47 46 36 41 59 53 55 34 45 45 568 assault4 Rape5 1—53——1243—120 Burglary6 167 153 152 145 208 196 185 175 177 153 143 119 1,973 Robbery7 10 10 13 13 13 8 19 5 10 4 3 11 119 Total (all) 236 212 217 207 257 245 264 235 246 194 191 176 2,680 1 The cautions statistics relate to persons for whom these offences were the principal offences for which they were dealt with. When an offender has been cautioned for two or more offences at the same time the principal offence is the more serious offence. 2 From 1 June 2000 the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 came into force nationally and removed the use of cautions for persons under 18 and replaced them with reprimands and warnings. These figures have been included in the totals. 3 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 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. 4 Sexual Offences Act 2003, s2, s3, s6, s7 5 Sexual Offences Act 2003, s1, s5 6 Theft Act 1968, s.9, S.9(1)(a), S.9(1)(b), S.9 (1)(a) or (b), S.10 7 Theft Act 1968, S.8 Source: Justice Statistics Analytical Services—Ministry of Justice 5MC Ministerial Corrections1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Ministerial Corrections 6MC

The correct answer should have been: number of offenders cautioned as a percentage of offenders who were either cautioned or convicted, in 2013 was Damian Green: The number of offenders (including 20%; this has declined from a peak of 31% in 2007. young people) cautioned, for offences of rape, sexual assault, robbery and burglary, by months in England The Government is clear that serious offences should and Wales from 2010 to 2013 (latest available) can be always be brought to court and to ensure that there is viewed in the table. There were no cautions administered increased public confidence in the justice system last for murder. year announced limits on the use of simple cautions. These changes restrict the use of cautions for The Ministry of Justice issues guidance on the process indictable only offences and certain serious either way to be followed by the police and the CPS when they are offences unless there are exceptional circumstances administering simple cautions for adult offenders. This and a senior police officer, as well as the CPS for guidance states that the use of a simple caution for certain cases, has agreed that a caution should be indictable only offences, such as rape, should only be administered. given following authorisation by the CPS. These will be cases where there were exceptional circumstances which The MOJ guidance on Adult Simple Cautions was would mean that it was not in the public interest to amended in November last year to reflect these changes, prosecute. and we are currently legislating in the Criminal Justice The overall number of simple cautions issued has and Courts Bill to place statutory restrictions around halved since 2007. The cautioning rate, that is, the their use.

Offenders cautioned1,2 for selected offences, by month, England and Wales, 2010-20133 Offences Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Total

2010Murder———— ———————— — Sexual 53 31 38 40 54 58 46 57 51 46 49 24 547 assault4 Rape5 3—4—36425251 35

Burglary6 253 245 271 278 321 332 358 297 348 290 301 190 3,484

Robbery7 6 4 24 19 23 27 27 13 18 14 19 13 207

Total (all) 315 280 337 337 401 423 435 369 422 352 374 228 4,273

2011Murder———— ———————— — Sexual 41 56 60 53 54 55 64 52 44 42 49 42 612 assault4 Rape5 1141 2222—12119

Burglary6 237 229 290 268 — 339 340 303 311 286 259 212 3,359

Robbery7 14 28 35 31 29 21 20 17 27 21 15 11 269

Total (all) 293 314 389 353 370 417 426 374 382 350 325 266 4,259

2012Murder———— ———————— — Sexual 44 34 46 35 55 38 46 50 60 38 56 50 552 assault4 Rape5 122—11—4—11316

Burglary 221 187 205 197 224 218 282 259 218 195 189 136 2,531 (6) Robbery7 12 20 18 13 11 17 11 18 23 16 19 10 188

Total (all) 278 243 271 245 291 274 339 331 301 250 265 199 3,287

2013Murder———— ———————— — Sexual 58 49 47 46 36 41 59 53 55 34 45 45 568 assault4 Rape5 1—53——1243—120

Burglary6 167 153 152 145 208 196 185 175 177 153 143 119 1,973

Robbery7 10 10 13 13 13 8 19 5 10 4 3 11 119 7MC Ministerial Corrections1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Ministerial Corrections 8MC

Offenders cautioned1,2 for selected offences, by month, England and Wales, 2010-20133 Offences Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Total

Total (all) 236 212 217 207 257 245 264 235 246 194 191 176 2,680 1 The cautions statistics relate to persons for whom these offences were the principal offences for which they were dealt with. When an offender has been cautioned for two or more offences at the same time the principal offence is the more serious offence. 2 From 1 June 2000 the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 came into force nationally and removed the use of cautions for persons under 18 and replaced them with reprimands and warnings. These figures have been included in the totals. 3 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 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. 4 Sexual Offences Act 2003, s2, s3, s6, s7 5 Sexual Offences Act 2003, s1, s5 6 Theft Act 1968, s.9, S.9(1)(a), S.9(1)(b), S.9 (1)(a) or (b), S.10 7 Theft Act 1968, S.8 Source: Justice Statistics Analytical Services—Ministry of Justice

HOME DEPARTMENT The full answer given was as follows:

Passports Karen Bradley: The first category relates to searches carried out against the National DNA Database (NDNAD) of DNA profiles from outstanding serious crimes or for Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for the the identification of an unknown deceased person believed Home Department how many applications for (a) new to be a UK national. The following figures are for passports and (b) passport renewals there have been in requested searches undertaken on the basis of a direct the last year; and what the annual change in such request from the National Crime Agency (NCA) formerly figures has been. [200217] Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA), with the [Official Report, 8 July 2014, Vol. 584, c. 200W.] report as to the outcome of each profile search being Letter of correction from James Brokenshire: issued directly to the United Kingdom National Central Bureau for Interpol (UK NCB). An error has been identified in the written answer given to the hon. Member for Dudley North (Ian Austin) on 8 July 2014. Number of searched profile responses 1,2,3 The full answer given was as follows: provided to NCA/SOCA 2009-104 5377 James Brokenshire: During the period between 1 June 2010-11 548 2013 and 31 May 2014, Her Majesty’s Passport Office 2011-12 469 received 1,446,983 first time passport applications and 2012-13 443 4,528,751 passport renewal applications. 2013-14 4,094 This compares with 1,346,246 first time applications and 4,036,267 passport renewal applications during the 1 The data have been extracted from logs produced by NDNAD period between 1 June 2012 and 31 May 2013. (validated as the only source of this information) by the application of the specified criteria (requests directly received from The correct answer should have been: NCA/SOCA). The data were extracted by the manual filtering of Excel Spreadsheets. James Brokenshire: During the period between 1 June 2 The UK NCB is not currently able to provide data on the number of 2013 and 31 May 2014, Her Majesty’s Passport Office requests received from other countries so these data relate solely to received 1,425,885 first time passport applications and information supplied by the National DNA Database Delivery Unit 4,461,343 passport renewal applications. (NDU). This compares with 1,346,246 first time applications 3 The data were extracted on 17 June. and 4,036,267 passport renewal applications during the 4 Data are not available for the period October 2009 to January period between 1 June 2012 and 31 May 2013. 2010. 5 These figures have been verified on a 1:1 comparison basis.

DNA: Databases The second category includes requests for the DNA profile held for a subject on the NDNAD, where fingerprints Mr Ruffley: To ask the Secretary of State for the have been provided to the country that the individual Home Department how many requests for information currently resides in. Again this is information provided held on the National DNA Database were received by to NCA/ SOCA. her Department from other countries in each of the last five years. [200768] Number of requests for subject profiles [Official Report, 15 July 2014, Vol. 584, c. 636-37W.] release to NCA/SOCA1,2,3

Letter of correction from Karen Bradley: 2009-10 1,384 An error has been identified in the written answer 2010-11 85 given to the hon. Member for Bury St Edmunds 2011-12 19 (Mr Ruffley) on 15 July 2014. 2012-13 14 9MC Ministerial Corrections1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Ministerial Corrections 10MC

Number of requests for subject profiles Number of requests for subject release to NCA/SOCA1,2,3 profiles release to NCA/SOCA1,2,3

2013-14 3 2011-12 19 1 The data have been extracted from logs produced by NDNAD 2012-13 14 (validated as the only source of this information) by the application of 2013-14 3 the specified criteria (requests directly received from NCA/SOCA). 1 The data have been extracted from logs produced by NDNAD The data were extracted by the manual filtering of Excel Spreadsheets. (validated as the only source of this information) by the application of 2 The UK NCB is not currently able to provide data on the number of the specified criteria (requests directly received from NCA/SOCA). requests received from other countries so these data relate solely to The data were extracted by the manual filtering of Excel Spreadsheets. information supplied by the National DNA Database Delivery Unit 2 The UK NCB is not currently able to provide data on the number of (NDU). requests received from other countries so these data relate solely to 3 The data were extracted on 17 June. information supplied by the National DNA Database Delivery Unit The third category relates to database management (NDU). information. This provides the number of subject and 3 The data were extracted on 17 June. crime scene DNA profile records held on the database 4 These figures have been verified on a 1:1 comparison basis. and the number of match reports generated. Countries The third category relates to database management which do not have a DNA database use this information information. This provides the number of subject and to demonstrate the success of the UK Database to crime scene DNA profile records held on the database support their case for legislation in their own country and the number of match reports generated. Countries for a DNA database. which do not have a DNA database use this information Requestors are directed to the most recent published to demonstrate the success of the UK Database to statistics on the Home Office NDNAD website, at: support their case for legislation in their own country https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-dna- for a DNA database. database-statistics Requestors are directed to the most recent published thus no figures are kept for the numbers of such requests. statistics on the Home Office NDNAD website, at: The correct answer should have been: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-dna- database-statistics Karen Bradley: The first category relates to searches thus no figures are kept for the numbers of such requests. carried out against the National DNA Database (NDNAD) of DNA profiles from outstanding serious crimes or for Passports the identification of an unknown deceased person believed to be a UK national. The following figures are for requested searches undertaken on the basis of a direct Katy Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for request from the National Crime Agency (NCA) formerly the Home Department how many passport (a) Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA), with the applications and (b) renewal applications were report as to the outcome of each profile search being received by the Passport Office in each (i) month and issued directly to the United Kingdom National Central (ii) year of the last five years. [199406] Bureau for Interpol (UK NCB). [Official Report, 30 June 2014, Vol. 583, c. 378W.] Letter of correction from James Brokenshire: Number of searched profile responses provided to NCA/ An error has been identified in the written answer SOCA1,2,3 given to the hon. Member for North Ayrshire and 2009-104 5377 Arran (Katy Clark) on 30 June 2014. 2010-11 548 The full answer given was as follows: 2011-12 469 2012-13 443 James Brokenshire: The following table provides the 2013-14 409 requested information. 1 The data have been extracted from logs produced by NDNAD Applications for passports and renewals 2010 to May 2014 (validated as the only source of this information) by the application of Number of passport Total number of the specified criteria (requests directly received from NCA/SOCA). renewals applications The data were extracted by the manual filtering of Excel Spreadsheets. 2 The UK NCB is not currently able to provide data on the number of January 2010 332,546 429,010 requests received from other countries so these data relate solely to information supplied by the National DNA Database Delivery Unit February 2010 409,434 538,099 (NDU). March 2010 491,887 662,570 3 The data were extracted on 17 June. April 2010 424,877 579,053 4 Data are not available for the period October 2009 to January 2010. May 2010 437,406 590,496 5 These figures have been verified on a 1:1 comparison basis. June 2010 497,764 665,118 The second category includes requests for the DNA July 2010 403,901 560,475 profile held for a subject on the NDNAD, where fingerprints August 2010 295,810 422,438 have been provided to the country that the individual currently resides in. Again this is information provided September 2010 245,652 350,492 to NCA/ SOCA. October 2010 203,107 289,121 November 2010 206,803 288,285 Number of requests for subject December 2010 124,975 180,609 profiles release to NCA/SOCA1,2,3 January 2011 373,010 483,502 February 2011 403,128 536,090 2009-10 4138 March 2011 477,062 648,103 2010-11 85 11MC Ministerial Corrections1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Ministerial Corrections 12MC

Applications for passports and renewals 2010 to May 2014 Applications for passports and renewals 2010 to May 2014 Number of passport Total number of Number of passport Total number of renewals applications renewals applications

April 2011 363,562 502,243 April 2010 424,877 579,053 May 2011 460,205 623,727 May 2010 418,582 570,299 June 2011 492,401 656,060 June 2010 460,425 623,198 July 2011 376,455 524,602 July 2010 403,901 560,475 August 2011 292,986 423,661 August 2010 273,655 396,703 September 2011 235,191 336,945 September 2010 245,652 350,492 October 2011 192,653 274,813 October 2010 203,107 289,121 November 2011 197,884 279,982 November 2010 206,803 288,285 December 2011 130,674 191,188 December 2010 124,975 180,609 January 2012 368,969 483,275 January 2011 373,010 483,502 February 2012 430,084 573,659 February 2011 403,128 536,090 March 2012 433,458 594,051 March 2011 477,062 648,103 April 2012 404,293 554,373 April 2011 363,562 502,243 May 2012 466,807 636,952 May 2011 460,205 623,727 June 2012 401,849 546,067 June 2011 452,997 615,168 July 2012 400,366 557,708 July 2011 376,455 524,602 August 2012 266,719 390,507 August 2011 276,088 402,132 September 2012 235,049 333,657 September 2011 235,191 336,945 October 2012 228,216 322,989 October 2011 192,653 274,813 November 2012 194,846 276,642 November 2011 197,884 279,982 December 2012 132,867 193,010 December 2011 130,674 191,188 January 2013 365,980 482,356 January 2012 368,969 483,275 February 2013 433,754 580,431 February 2012 391,094 524,517 March 2013 413,887 570,393 March 2012 433,458 594,051 April 2013 474,055 653,767 April 2012 404,293 554,373 May 2013 488,679 669,404 May 2012 466,807 636,952 June 2013 449,916 615,691 June 2012 401,849 546,067 July 2013 408,667 576,261 July 2012 400,366 557,708 August 2013 275,759 399,665 August 2012 266,719 390,507 September 2013 245,211 347,045 September 2012 235,049 333,657 October 2013 241,364 338,840 October 2012 228,216 322,989 November 2013 210,083 296,202 November 2012 194,846 276,642 December 2013 227,003 320,174 December 2012 132,867 193,010 January 2014 427,652 552,192 January 2013 365,980 482,356 February 2014 472,436 622,727 February 2013 433,754 580,431 March 2014 525,820 705,850 March 2013 413,887 570,393 April 2014 504,769 681,509 April 2013 474,055 653,767 May 2014 540,071 727,087 May 2013 488,679 669,404 June 2013 449,916 615,691 July 2013 408,667 576,261 The correct answer should have been: August 2013 275,759 399,665 September 2013 245,211 347,045 James Brokenshire: The following table provides the October 2013 241,364 338,840 requested information. November 2013 210,083 296,202 Applications for passports and renewals 2010 to May 2014 December 2013 159,595 228,195 Number of passport Total number of January 2014 427,652 552,192 renewals applications February 2014 472,436 622,727 March 2014 525,820 705,850 January 2010 332,546 429,010 April 2014 504,769 681,509 February 2010 409,434 538,099 May 2014 540,071 727,087 March 2010 491,887 662,570 ORAL ANSWERS

Monday 1 September 2014

Col. No. Col. No. WORK AND PENSIONS ...... 2 WORK AND PENSIONS—continued Benefit Assessment (Charges) ...... 2 Pensions Advice ...... 10 Benefits (Expenditure) ...... 12 Pensions (Auto-enrolment) ...... 4 Disability Confident Campaign ...... 16 Personal Independence Payment...... 5 Employment (Lincolnshire) ...... 17 Topical Questions ...... 17 EU Migrants (Benefits)...... 11 Universal Credit...... 14 Independent Living Fund ...... 13 Work Capability Assessment...... 9 Older Workers...... 8 Youth Employment (Support)...... 15 WRITTEN STATEMENTS

Monday 1 September 2014

Col. No. Col. No. COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT .1WS JUSTICE...... 9WS Summer Recess (DCLG Work)...... 1WS “Contempt of Court: Juror Misconduct and Internet Publication” ...... 9WS DEFENCE...... 7WS EU: Criminal Proceedings...... 9WS Armed Forces Pay Review Body (Appointments)... 7WS Guardianship of Property and Affairs of Recruit Trainee Survey...... 7WS Missing Persons ...... 11WS Inheritance and Trustees’ Powers Act 2014 FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE..... 7WS (Commencement)...... 12WS Tunisia and Lebanon (Participation in Union Programmes)...... 7WS TRANSPORT ...... 12WS Heavy Goods Vehicles (National Speed Limits) ..... 12WS HOME DEPARTMENT...... 9WS Parliamentary Written Answer (Correction) ...... 12WS UK Criminal Records (Interoperability) ...... 9WS Transport Infrastructure (Network Rail)...... 14WS PETITIONS

Monday 1 September 2014

Col. No. Col. No. COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT.. 1P TREASURY ...... 2P Development Proposals for 34 Hatton Avenue, Bingo Duty ...... 2P Wellingborough ...... 1P Proposed Closure of the NatWest Branch on Splott Road, Cardiff ...... 3P Rural Fuel Rebate in Cornwall...... 4P JUSTICE...... 2P The Proposed Closure of the Santander Branch Freezing of Bank Accounts...... 2P on Downing Drive (Evington, Leicester) ...... 5P WRITTEN ANSWERS

Monday 1 September 2014

Col. No. Col. No. ATTORNEY-GENERAL ...... 30W BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS—continued Buildings...... 30W Business: Ashfield ...... 60W Consultants...... 30W Business: Cybercrime ...... 60W Correspondence ...... 31W Business: Email...... 61W Court Orders...... 32W Correspondence ...... 61W Crown Courts ...... 32W Disabled Students’ Allowances ...... 62W Crown Prosecution Service...... 33W Exports ...... 62W EU Law...... 33W Exports: Middle East ...... 64W Law Officers’ Departments ...... 34W Graduates ...... 64W Procurement...... 34W New Businesses: Northern Ireland ...... 65W Prosecutions...... 35W New Businesses: Westmorland ...... 65W Serious Fraud Office ...... 37W Pay: Ethnic Groups...... 65W Property: Greater London ...... 66W BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS...... 58W Royal Mail ...... 66W Apprentices...... 58W Students: Disadvantaged...... 67W Buildings...... 60W Students: Loans ...... 67W Col. No. Col. No. BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS—continued DEFENCE—continued UK Export Finance ...... 68W Military Aircraft ...... 101W Video Games: Cybercrime ...... 69W Procurement...... 103W RAF Northolt...... 103W CABINET OFFICE...... 25W Roads: Accidents ...... 104W Buildings...... 25W Service Personnel ...... 104W Cabinet: Aberdeen ...... 26W Service Personnel and Veterans Agency ...... 106W Correspondence ...... 26W Social Networking ...... 106W Corruption...... 26W Submarines ...... 107W Debts ...... 27W Tornado Aircraft...... 107W Government Departments: Pay...... 27W Unmanned Air Vehicles ...... 107W Military Decorations...... 27W Veterans: Advisory Services ...... 108W Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome ...... 28W Veterans UK ...... 107W Pay: Brigg ...... 28W War Pensions ...... 108W Voluntary Work ...... 29W DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER ...... 57W COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT.. 1W Local Growth Fund...... 57W Affordable Housing: Greater London ...... 1W Alcoholic Drinks...... 2W ELECTORAL COMMISSION COMMITTEE ...... 29W Buildings...... 2W Electoral Systems...... 29W Children: Protection...... 3W Pay...... 30W Community Infrastructure Levy ...... 3W Correspondence ...... 5W ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE ...... 109W Council Housing...... 5W Buildings...... 109W Council Housing: Greater London ...... 5W Energy: Consumption ...... 109W Families: Disadvantaged ...... 6W Energy: Meters...... 109W Fire Services: Pensions ...... 6W EU Law...... 110W Housing: Construction...... 7W Green Deal Scheme...... 110W Housing: Greater London...... 7W Housing: Energy ...... 112W Local Government Finance ...... 8W Renewables Obligation...... 113W Local Government Finance: York...... 8W Solar Power...... 113W Local Plans ...... 9W Staff ...... 114W Morecambe...... 10W Parking ...... 10W ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL Pay...... 10W AFFAIRS...... 51W Poultry: Farms ...... 10W Biodiversity...... 51W Procurement...... 11W Bovine Tuberculosis ...... 52W Regeneration: Thames Gateway...... 11W Buildings...... 53W Rented Housing: Greater London...... 11W Common Agricultural Policy ...... 53W Travellers: Caravan Sites ...... 12W Dairy Farming ...... 53W Dogs: Animal Breeding...... 53W CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT...... 81W Dredging...... 54W British Film Institute ...... 81W EU Law...... 54W Cleaning Services ...... 81W Fly-grazing...... 54W Copyright: Internet ...... 81W Forests ...... 55W Coventry City Football Club...... 81W Game: Birds...... 55W Football: Insolvency...... 82W Local Nature Partnerships ...... 56W Gaming Machines...... 82W Sewers ...... 57W Mobile Phones: Radio Frequencies...... 83W Performing Arts ...... 83W FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE..... 69W Radio Frequencies ...... 84W Ascension Island...... 69W British Indian Ocean Territory...... 69W DEFENCE...... 85W British Nationals Abroad: Terrorism ...... 69W Armed Forces ...... 85W Burma...... 70W Armed Forces: Cadets...... 86W Central African Republic ...... 71W Armed Forces: Criminal Investigation ...... 86W Children: Detainees...... 71W Armed Forces: Grace and Favour Housing...... 86W Colombia ...... 72W Armed Forces: Injuries...... 91W EU External Trade...... 72W Armed Forces: Pensions...... 91W EU Law...... 73W Billing ...... 93W Iran...... 74W Buildings...... 93W Iraq...... 74W Compensation...... 93W Kazakhstan...... 74W Correspondence ...... 94W Kenya...... 75W Defence Equipment ...... 94W Macedonia...... 75W EU Law...... 94W Middle East ...... 76W European Fighter Aircraft ...... 95W Nigeria...... 78W Freedom of Information ...... 95W Palestinians ...... 78W Guided Weapons...... 95W Russia ...... 78W HMS Illustrious ...... 96W St Helena ...... 79W Kenya...... 96W Terrorism ...... 79W Lockheed Martin ...... 96W Ukraine...... 80W Col. No. Col. No. FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE— NORTHERN IRELAND ...... 13W continued Buildings...... 13W Wines ...... 80W Correspondence ...... 13W

PRIME MINISTER...... 1W HOME DEPARTMENT...... 115W Intelligence Services ...... 1W Alcoholic Drinks...... 115W Military Medals Review...... 1W Animal Experiments ...... 115W Animal Experiments: Scotland ...... 120W SCOTLAND...... 14W Animal Experiments: Wales ...... 123W Buildings...... 14W Armed Forces: Arrests ...... 126W Asylum ...... 126W TREASURY ...... 14W Asylum: Detainees ...... 128W Block Grant: Northern Ireland ...... 14W Asylum: Housing ...... 129W Buildings...... 14W Billing ...... 131W Business: Capital Allowances...... 15W Buildings...... 131W Consultants...... 15W Child Abuse in Cleveland Judicial Inquiry ...... 131W Correspondence ...... 15W Children: Abuse ...... 132W Credit: Interest Rates ...... 16W Clothing: Islam ...... 134W EU Grants and Loans...... 16W Common Travel Area: Ireland...... 134W EU Law...... 17W Community Relations: Islam...... 134W Foreign Investment in UK ...... 17W Crime: Lancashire...... 135W Income Tax ...... 18W Cultural Heritage: Theft...... 135W Mapeley ...... 18W Disclosure and Barring Service ...... 136W Mass Media: Subscriptions ...... 18W DNA: Databases...... 136W Minimum Wage ...... 19W Dogs: Noise ...... 136W Ministers: Official Cars ...... 20W Electronic Surveillance...... 136W Mortgages: Government Assistance...... 20W Entry Clearances...... 137W Motor Sports: Wales...... 20W Entry Clearances: Indian Subcontinent...... 138W Personal Pensions ...... 20W Entry Clearances: Ireland ...... 138W Public Expenditure...... 20W EU Law...... 138W Revenue and Customs...... 21W Euthanasia...... 138W Sanitary Protection: VAT ...... 22W Female Genital Mutilation...... 139W Self-employed: Preston...... 22W HM Passport Office ...... 139W Shipping: Pay...... 23W Human Trafficking ...... 140W Tax Evasion ...... 24W Illegal Immigrants: Employment...... 140W Tobacco: Smuggling...... 24W Immigrants: Detainees ...... 140W VAT ...... 25W Immigration: Appeals ...... 141W Immigration: Disclosure of Information...... 141W WALES...... 14W Immigration: Kenya...... 142W Buildings...... 14W Islam: Marriage ...... 142W Motor Sports ...... 14W Mass Media: Subscriptions ...... 142W WORK AND PENSIONS ...... 41W Members: Correspondence ...... 143W Asbestos...... 42W Mental Illness: Homicide ...... 144W Benefit Cap ...... 41W Passports...... 143W Buildings...... 42W Police: Databases ...... 150W Conditions of Employment...... 43W Police: Global Positioning System...... 151W Employment and Support Allowance ...... 44W Police: St Helena ...... 151W Employment: Males ...... 45W Procurement...... 151W Employment Services: Disability...... 43W Radicalism ...... 151W EU Law...... 46W Recycling: Codes of Practice...... 152W Funeral Payments ...... 46W Research Councils: Finance ...... 152W Health and Safety Executive ...... 46W Sexual Offences...... 152W Independent Living Fund ...... 46W Slavery ...... 153W Jobseeker’s Allowance: Older People...... 47W Tobacco: Smuggling...... 154W Jobseeker’s Allowance: Disqualification...... 46W Training ...... 154W Occupational Health...... 47W Vetting ...... 154W Personal Independence Payment...... 42W Written Questions: Government Responses ...... 157W Public Expenditure...... 47W Senior Civil Servants...... 48W INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT...... 37W Social Security Benefits: Disqualification...... 48W Burma...... 37W Social Security Benefits: Fraud ...... 48W Correspondence ...... 38W Social Security Benefits: Medical Examinations..... 49W Democratic Republic of Congo ...... 39W Social Security Benefits: Terminal Illnesses...... 49W Developing Countries: Schools ...... 39W Under-occupancy Penalty ...... 42W Middle East ...... 39W Unemployment Benefits...... 50W Palestinians ...... 40W Universal Jobmatch ...... 41W Papua New Guinea ...... 40W Work Capability Assessment...... 50W St Helena ...... 40W Work Programme...... 51W MINISTERIAL CORRECTIONS

Monday 1 September 2014

Col. No. Col. No. DEFENCE...... 1MC HOME DEPARTMENT...... 7MC Army: Recruitment...... 1MC DNA: Databases...... 7MC Passports...... 7MC Passports...... 10MC ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS...... 2MC JUSTICE...... 2MC Genetically Modified Organisms: Labelling ...... 2MC Police Cautions ...... 2MC Members who wish to have the Daily Report of the Debates forwarded to them should give notice at the Vote Office. No proofs of the Daily Reports can be supplied. Corrections which Members suggest for the Bound Volume should be clearly marked in the Daily Report, but not telephoned, and the copy containing the Corrections must be received at the Editor’s Room, House of Commons,

not later than Monday 8 September 2014

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CONTENTS

Monday 1 September 2014

List of Government and Principal Officers of the House

Speaker’s Statement [Col. 1]

Oral Answers to Questions [Col. 2] [see index inside back page] Secretary of State for Work and Pensions

EU Council, Security and Middle East [Col. 23] Statement—(Prime Minister)

Freedom of Information (Amendment) [Col. 66] Bill presented, and read the First time

Backbench Business Hospital Car Parking Charges [Col. 67] Motion—(Jackie Doyle-Price)—agreed to Mitochondrial Replacement (Public Safety) [Col. 93] Motion—(Fiona Bruce)—agreed to Hazaras (Afghanistan and Pakistan) [Col. 123] Motion—(Mr Denham)—agreed to

Clinical Technology Appraisals (NICE) [Col. 137] Debate on motion for Adjournment

Written Statements [Col. 1WS]

Petitions [Col. 1P] Observations

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

Ministerial Corrections [Col. 1MC]