Monday Volume 494 15 June 2009 No. 91

HOUSE OF COMMONS OFFICIAL REPORT

PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES (HANSARD)

Monday 15 June 2009

£5·00 © Parliamentary Copyright House of Commons 2009 This publication may be reproduced under the terms of the Parliamentary Click-Use Licence, available online through the Office of Public Sector Information website at www.opsi.gov.uk/click-use/ Enquiries to the Office of Public Sector Information, Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 4DU; Tel: 0044 (0) 208876344; e-mail: [email protected] HER MAJESTY’S GOVERNMENT

MEMBERS OF THE CABINET

(FORMED BY THE RT.HON.,MP,JUNE 2007)

PRIME MINISTER,FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY AND MINISTER FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE—The Rt. Hon. Gordon Brown, MP LEADER OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS,LORD PRIVY SEAL AND MINISTER FOR WOMEN AND EQUALITY—The Rt. Hon. , QC, MP FIRST SECRETARY OF STATE,SECRETARY OF STATE FOR BUSINESS,INNOVATION AND SKILLS AND LORD PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL—The Rt. Hon. The Lord Mandelson CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER—The Rt. Hon. , MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS—The Rt. Hon. , MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR JUSTICE AND LORD CHANCELLOR—The Rt. Hon. , MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENT—The Rt. Hon. , MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR ENVIRONMENT,FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS—The Rt. Hon. , MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT—The Rt. Hon. , MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT—The Rt. Hon. , MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR CHILDREN,SCHOOLS AND FAMILIES—The Rt. Hon. , MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE—The Rt. Hon. Edward Miliband, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR HEALTH—The Rt. Hon. , MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR NORTHERN IRELAND—The Rt. Hon. , MP LEADER OF THE HOUSE OF LORDS AND CHANCELLOR OF THE DUCHY OF LANCASTER —The Rt. Hon. The Baroness Royall of Blaisdon MINISTER FOR THE CABINET OFFICE AND FOR THE OLYMPICS, AND —The Rt. Hon. , MP (Minister for )* SECRETARY OF STATE FOR SCOTLAND—The Rt. Hon. , MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WORK AND PENSIONS—The Rt. Hon. , MP CHIEF SECRETARY TO THE TREASURY—The Rt. Hon. , MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WALES—The Rt. Hon. , MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DEFENCE—The Rt. Hon. , MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR TRANSPORT—The Rt. Hon The Lord Adonis SECRETARY OF STATE FOR CULTURE,MEDIA AND SPORT—The Rt. Hon. , MP DEPARTMENTS OF STATE AND MINISTERS Business, Innovation and Skills— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt. Hon. The Lord Mandelson § MINISTERS OF STATE— Minister for Business, Innovation and Skills—The Rt. Hon. Pat McFadden, MP Minister for Science and Innovation—The Rt. Hon. The Lord Drayson § Minister for Regional Economic Development and Co-ordination—The Rt. Hon. , MP (Minister for Yorkshire and the Humber)* § Minister for Trade and Investment—The Lord Davies of Abersoch, CBE § Minister for Higher Education and Intellectual Property—The Rt. Hon. David Lammy, MP Minister for Further Education, Skills, Apprenticeships and Consumer Affairs—Kevin Brennan, MP § PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE— The Baroness Vadera § The Lord Carter of Barnes, CBE § The Lord Young of Norwood Green Ian Lucas, MP Cabinet Office— MINISTER FOR THE CABINET OFFICE AND FOR THE OLYMPICS, AND PAYMASTER GENERAL —The Rt. Hon. Tessa Jowell, MP (Minister for London)* MINISTER OF STATE—The Rt. Hon. Angela E Smith, MP PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY— The Baroness Vadera § Children, Schools and Families— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt. Hon. Ed Balls, MP MINISTERS OF STATE— The Rt. Hon. Dawn Primarolo, MP Vernon Coaker, MP Kevin Brennan, MP § PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE— Iain Wright, MP The Baroness Morgan of Drefelin Diana R Johnson, MP ii HER MAJESTY’S GOVERNMENT—cont.

Communities and Local Government— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt. Hon. John Denham, MP MINISTERS OF STATE— Minister for Regional Economic Development and Co-ordination—The Rt. Hon. Rosie Winterton, MP (Minister for Yorkshire and the Humber)* § Minister for Housing—The Rt. Hon. , MP PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE— Shahid Malik, MP Sarah McCarthy-Fry, MP , MP (Minister for the West Midlands)* The Lord McKenzie of Luton § Culture, Media and Sport— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt. Hon. Ben Bradshaw, MP PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE— Barbara Follett, MP (Minister for the East of England)* Gerry Sutcliffe, MP The Lord Carter of Barnes, CBE § Siôn Simon, MP Defence— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt. Hon. Bob Ainsworth, MP MINISTERS OF STATE— Minister for the Armed Forces—Bill Rammell, MP The Rt. Hon. The Lord Drayson § PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE— The Rt. Hon. The Baroness Taylor of Bolton § Quentin Davies, MP Kevan Jones, MP Duchy of Lancaster— CHANCELLOR OF THE DUCHY OF LANCASTER AND LEADER OF THE HOUSE OF LORDS—The Rt. Hon. The Baroness Royall of Blaisdon Energy and Climate Change— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt. Hon. Edward Miliband, MP MINISTERS OF STATE— The Lord Hunt of Kings Heath, OBE Joan Ruddock, MP PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE— David Kidney, MP Environment, Food and Rural Affairs— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt. Hon. Hilary Benn, MP MINISTER OF STATE— Jim Fitzpatrick, MP PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE— Huw Irranca-Davies, MP Dan Norris, MP Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt. Hon. David Miliband, MP MINISTERS OF STATE— Minister for Africa, Asia and the UN—The Rt. Hon. The Lord Malloch-Brown, KCMG Minister for Europe—Glenys Kinnock Minister for Trade and Investment—The Lord Davies of Abersoch, CBE § Ivan Lewis, MP PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE— Chris Bryant, MP The Rt. Hon. The Baroness Taylor of Bolton § Government Equalities Office— MINISTER FOR WOMEN AND EQUALITY—The Rt. Hon. Harriet Harman, QC, MP § MINISTER OF STATE—Maria Eagle, MP § PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY—Michael Jabez Foster, MP (Hastings and Rye) Health— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt. Hon. Andy Burnham, MP MINISTERS OF STATE— The Rt. Hon. Mike O’Brien, QC, MP Phil Hope, MP (Minister for the East Midlands)* , MP HER MAJESTY’S GOVERNMENT—cont. iii

PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE— The Lord Darzi of Denham, KBE Ann Keen, MP Home Office— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt. Hon. Alan Johnson, MP MINISTERS OF STATE— Minister for Borders and Immigration—Phil Woolas, MP (Minister for the North West)* § Minister for Security, Counter-Terrorism, Crime and Policing—The Rt. Hon. David Hanson, MP PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE— Admiral The Lord West of Spithead, GCB DSC Meg Hillier, MP Alan Campbell, MP International Development— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt. Hon. Douglas Alexander, MP MINISTER OF STATE—Gareth Thomas, MP PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE— Michael Foster, MP (Worcester) Justice— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt. Hon. Jack Straw, MP MINISTERS OF STATE— The Rt. Hon. Michael Wills, MP Maria Eagle, MP § PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE— Bridget Prentice, MP The Lord Bach Claire Ward, MP Law Officers’ Department— ATTORNEY-GENERAL—The Rt. Hon. The Baroness Scotland of Asthal, QC SOLICITOR-GENERAL—Vera Baird, QC, MP ADVOCATE-GENERAL FOR SCOTLAND—The Lord Davidson of Glen Clova, QC Leader of the House of Commons— LEADER OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS,LORD PRIVY SEAL AND MINISTER FOR WOMEN AND EQUALITY—The Rt. Hon. Harriet Harman, QC, MP § PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY,OFFICE OF THE LEADER OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS—Barbara Keeley, MP Northern Ireland— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt. Hon. Shaun Woodward, MP MINISTER OF STATE— The Rt. Hon. Paul Goggins, MP Privy Council Office— LORD PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL,FIRST SECRETARY OF STATE AND SECRETARY OF STATE FOR BUSINESS,INNOVATION AND SKILLS—The Rt. Hon. The Lord Mandelson § Scotland Office— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt. Hon. Jim Murphy, MP PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE— Ann McKechin, MP Transport— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt. Hon. The Lord Adonis MINISTER OF STATE—The Rt. Hon. , MP PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE— Paul Clark, MP Chris Mole, MP Treasury— PRIME MINISTER,FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY AND MINISTER FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE—The Rt. Hon. Gordon Brown, MP CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER—The Rt. Hon. Alistair Darling, MP CHIEF SECRETARY—The Rt. Hon. Liam Byrne, MP FINANCIAL SECRETARY—The Rt. Hon. , MP MINISTER OF STATE—Phil Woolas, MP (Minister for the North West)* § ECONOMIC SECRETARY—, MP EXCHEQUER SECRETARY—Kitty Ussher, MP PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY—The Rt. Hon. Nicholas Brown, MP (Minister for the North East)* FINANCIAL SERVICES SECRETARY—The Lord Myners, CBE iv HER MAJESTY’S GOVERNMENT—cont.

LORDS COMMISSIONERS— Frank Roy, MP Steve McCabe, MP Dave Watts, MP Tony Cunningham, MP Bob Blizzard, MP ASSISTANT WHIPS— , MP Dawn Butler, MP George Mudie, MP John Heppell, MP Lyn Brown, MP Mary Creagh, MP , MP Kerry McCarthy, MP David Wright, MP Wales Office— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt. Hon. Peter Hain, MP PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE— Wayne David, MP Work and Pensions— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt. Hon. Yvette Cooper, MP MINISTERS OF STATE— Minister for Employment and Welfare Reform—The Rt. Hon. , MP (Minister for the South West)* Minister for Pensions and the Ageing Society—, MP PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE— Jonathan Shaw, MP (Minister for the South East)* , MP The Lord McKenzie of Luton § Her Majesty’s Household— LORD CHAMBERLAIN—The Rt. Hon. The Earl Peel, GCVO, DL LORD STEWARD—The Duke of Abercorn, KG MASTER OF THE HORSE—The Rt. Hon. The Lord Vestey, KCVO TREASURER—The Rt. Hon. Thomas McAvoy, MP COMPTROLLER—The Rt. Hon. John Spellar, MP VICE-CHAMBERLAIN— , MP CAPTAIN OF THE HONOURABLE CORPS OF GENTLEMEN-AT-ARMS—The Lord Bassam of Brighton CAPTAIN OF THE QUEEN’S BODYGUARD OF THE YEOMEN OF THE GUARD—The Rt. Hon. The Lord Davies of Oldham LORDS IN WAITING—The Lord Tunnicliffe, The Lord Young of Norwood Green, The Lord Brett, The Lord Faulkner of Worcester BARONESSES IN WAITING—The Baroness Farrington of Ribbleton, The Baroness Thornton, The Baroness

§ Ministers with responsibilities in more than one Department * Regional Ministers (in addition to other ministerial responsibilities) Full list: Ministers for the English Regions— Ian Austin, MP (Minister for the West Midlands) The Rt. Hon. Nicholas Brown, MP (Minister for the North East) Barbara Follett, MP (Minister for the East of England) Phil Hope, MP (Minister for the East Midlands) The Rt. Hon. Tessa Jowell, MP (Minister for London) The Rt. Hon. Jim Knight, MP (Minister for the South West) Jonathan Shaw, MP (Minister for the South East) The Rt. Hon. Rosie Winterton, MP (Minister for Yorkshire and the Humber) Phil Woolas, MP (Minister for the North West)

SECOND CHURCH ESTATES COMMISSIONER,REPRESENTING CHURCH COMMISSIONERS—Sir Stuart Bell, MP HOUSE OF COMMONS

THE SPEAKER—The Rt. Hon. Michael J. Martin, MP

CHAIRMAN OF WAYS AND MEANS—The Rt. Hon. Sir Alan Haselhurst, MP FIRST DEPUTY CHAIRMAN OF WAYS AND MEANS—Sylvia Heal, MP SECOND DEPUTY CHAIRMAN OF WAYS AND MEANS—Sir , MP CHAIRMEN’S PANEL Mr. David Amess, MP, Janet Anderson, MP, Mr. Peter Atkinson, MP, Hugh Bayley, MP, Miss Anne Begg, MP, Mr. Joe Benton, MP, , MP, Mr. Clive Betts, MP, Sir John Butterfill, MP, Mr. Martin Caton, MP, Mr. Christopher Chope, MP,Frank Cook, MP,John Cummings, MP,Mrs. Janet Dean, MP,Christopher Fraser,MP, Mr. Roger Gale, MP,Mr. Mike Hancock, MP,Mr. Jim Hood, MP,Mrs. Joan Humble, MP,Mr. Eric Illsley,MP, Mr. Martyn Jones, MP,RobertKey,MP,Dr. William McCrea, MP,Mr. Eric Martlew,MP,Mr. Edward O’Hara, MP, Mr. Bill Olner, MP, Mr. Greg Pope, MP, Bob Russell, MP, Jim Sheridan, MP, Mr. Gary Streeter, MP, David Taylor, MP, Joan Walley, MP, Mr. Mike Weir, MP, Hywel Williams, MP, Mr. David Wilshire, MP, Ann Winterton, MP, Sir Nicholas Winterton, MP HOUSE OF COMMONS COMMISSION The Rt. Hon. The Speaker (Chairman), Sir Stuart Bell, MP, Alan Duncan, MP, The Rt. Hon. Harriet Harman, QC, MP, Nick Harvey, MP, The Rt. Hon. David Maclean, MP, SECRETARY OF THE COMMISSION—Dorian Gerhold ASSISTANT SECRETARY—Robert Cope ADMINISTRATION ESTIMATE AUDIT COMMITTEE Alan Duncan, MP (Chairman), Clive Betts, MP, Nick Harvey, MP, Alex Jablonowski, Sir Thomas Legg, KCB, QC, David Taylor, FCA SECRETARY OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE—Hannah Weston, PhD MANAGEMENT BOARD Malcolm Jack, PhD (Chief Executive), Douglas Millar, CB (Director General, Chamber and Committee Services), John Pullinger (Director General, Information Services), Andrew Walker (Director General, Resources), John Borley, CB (Director General, Facilities), Joan Miller (Director of Parliamentary ICT) (External Member), Alex Jablonowski (External Member) SECRETARY OF THE MANAGEMENT BOARD—Philippa Helme SPEAKER’S SECRETARY—Angus Sinclair SPEAKER’S COUNSEL—Michael Carpenter SPEAKER’S CHAPLAIN—Rev. Canon Robert Wright MEDICAL ADVISER TO THE SPEAKER—Dr. Ron Zeegen, OBE, FRCP, MRCS, DObst, RCOG PARLIAMENTARY COMMISSIONER FOR STANDARDS—John Lyon, CB PARLIAMENTARY SECURITY CO-ORDINATOR—Peter Mason

15 June 2009

THE PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES OFFICIAL REPORT

IN THE FOURTH SESSION OF THE FIFTY-FOURTH PARLIAMENT OF THE OF GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND [WHICH OPENED 11 MAY 2005]

FIFTY-EIGHTH YEAR OF THE REIGN OF HER MAJESTY QUEEN ELIZABETH II

SIXTH SERIES VOLUME 494 TENTH VOLUME OF SESSION 2008-2009

House that I have today approved seven new national House of Commons challenge trusts to raise school standards in Birmingham, Torbay, Nottingham, Rochdale, Staffordshire, Chester Monday 15 June 2009 and the Medway. In recent weeks, we have approved four new academies to replace national challenge schools The House met at half-past Two o’clock in Bradford, Bournemouth and East Sussex. Sir Nicholas Winterton: I visited a secondary school PRAYERS in my constituency—Tytherington high school—last Friday and it is doing an excellent job. The Secretary of [MR.SPEAKER in the Chair] State will know that the well known independent education foundation, Edge, recently stated in a report that one in four pupils is being failed by their secondary school and Oral Answers to Questions that a quarter of parents are also deeply concerned that their child is being let down and believe that the education system needs an overhaul. That is slightly different from CHILDREN, SCHOOLS AND FAMILIES the response that the Secretary of State has given. Is there not a problem? Will the right hon. Gentleman give The Secretary of State was asked— the matter serious consideration, as it is an issue of concern to a lot of parents? Secondary Schools Ed Balls: I repeat what I just said. In 1997, more than half of our secondary schools were below our basic 1. Sir Nicholas Winterton (Macclesfield) (Con): What benchmark. That number is now down to one in seven— recent assessment he has made of educational from more than 1,600 to just 440 today. We have further standards in secondary schools; and if he will make a to go, and that is why we are taking forward our statement. [279159] national challenge reforms. I would encourage the hon. The Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Gentleman to praise the children in Macclesfield, who Families (Ed Balls): Let me take this opportunity to have seen a 17.9 percentage point increase in their welcome the new schools Ministers, Mr. Vernon Coaker GCSE results since 1997. That is ahead of the Cheshire and Diana Johnson, the new Children’s Minister, Dawn average. He should be congratulating pupils in his Primarolo, and the new 14 to 19 and apprenticeships constituency on their efforts rather than running down Ministers, Mr. Kevin Brennan and Mr. Iain Wright. the state school system. May I also thank Jim Knight, Bev Hughes and Sarah Mr. Barry Sheerman (Huddersfield) (Lab/Co-op): Does McCarthy-Fry for all that they did to improve the lives my right hon. Friend agree that standards have improved of children and young people in our country, and quite dramatically in our secondary schools? If he had a congratulate them on that? As a result of their efforts, priority list, would it include improving the quality of standards in school have risen. In 1997, more than half teachers—that is vital—improving transition from primary of all secondary schools were below our benchmark of to secondary and looking again at the national curriculum? at least 30 per cent. of pupils getting five good GCSEs. When we launched our national challenge a year ago, Ed Balls: We are always looking at that curriculum. that number of schools had fallen to 631. Today it is In fact, we have made important reforms to the key down to 440 and we are on track to meet our goal of stage 3 national curriculum. I am very proud of the fact zero by 2011. To help ensure that we do, I can tell the that, according to Ofsted, we have the best generation 3 Oral Answers15 JUNE 2009 Oral Answers 4 of teachers that we have ever had in our country. Ed Balls: It is very revealing that the NUT executive However, there is more to do to ensure that we get more leadership should be making Conservative party policy. people to join the teaching profession. The transition I can assure the hon. Gentleman that that does not from primary to secondary school is crucial to ensuring happen on the Labour Benches. I have looked very that children flourish in secondary school, so I was very closely at the arguments, and the conclusion that I have concerned to see Sir Jim Rose’s comments yesterday reached on the basis of the expert group report is that that the Opposition’s proposals to shift testing to year 7 objective measurement of the performance of primary would set back that vital transition, to the detriment of school pupils is vital if we are to keep raising standards. children’s learning across our country. As for the Opposition’s proposals, they were roundly criticised yesterday by teaching unions and experts alike Mr. David Laws (Yeovil) (LD): May I also welcome because they would lead to less accountability and a the new ministerial team and, of course, congratulate poorer quality of marking, with parents being denied the Secretary of State on managing to keep his position the information that they need to track the progress of in the Department? The Government used to say that their child. If I were the hon. Member for Surrey Heath they would help to improve standards in secondary (Michael Gove), I would not be bowing to pressure schools through the Building Schools for the Future from some unions. I would be doing the right thing by programme. Given that the Government are planning a the children of our country—which is what I, unlike 50 per cent. cut in real capital spending after 2011, will him, am determined to do. the Secretary of State tell us how much of that programme will survive the Government’s axe? Rob Marris (Wolverhampton, South-West) (Lab): On the quality of teaching, the Secretary of State was Ed Balls: If I remember the content of a private unable to tell me in a written answer what proportion of conversation involving the leader of the Liberal party lessons in state secondary schools are taken by people that was overheard on an aeroplane, I think that the who are not qualified teachers. Why is that? Does he not hon. Gentleman’s job was rather more insecure than care who is teaching our kids? mine. As for Building Schools for the Future, I think that he has got the parties confused; it is the Opposition Ed Balls: I care very much about who is teaching our who are proposing a £4.5 billion cut in that programme. kids, which is why I am proud that, as I said earlier, we We are determined to ensure that we keep our school have the best generation of teachers that we have ever building programme moving forward. I wish the Liberals had. If the old schools Minister did not provide a would support investment in our schools rather than proper answer to my hon. Friend’s question, I will make choosing to cut it. sure that the new one does so forthwith. Kelvin Hopkins (Luton, North) (Lab): May I first Michael Gove (Surrey Heath) (Con): May I join the congratulate my right hon. and hon. Friends on their hon. Member for Yeovil (Mr. Laws), and indeed the new appointments? My right hon. Friend the Secretary Secretary of State, in wishing well all those Ministers of State will be aware that different high schools and from the Department who have gone on to higher secondary schools with identical pupil intakes perform things? May I also commiserate with the right hon. very differently, which in my view is overwhelmingly Gentleman on remaining in his current post? I assure due to teaching methods and classroom regimes. Has he him that that is not a commentary on his Department’s made specific comparisons and will he ensure that in Aimhigher programme. future schools adopt the best forms of teaching and the I also congratulate the Minister of State, the hon. best forms of classroom culture? Member for Gedling (Mr. Coaker), on being appointed Ed Balls: A very important report from Ofsted published Minister for schools and learners. He is a member of just a few weeks ago considered the 12 top performing the NUT, and I am delighted that his union endorsed secondary schools in the most disadvantaged areas and our proposals yesterday, calling them “imaginative” showed that the vital factors were the quality of their and in the interests of pupils. It is good to have his leadership, their commitment to consistency, the quality support, and I look forward to more of it. The Minister of their teaching and the high expectations that they is also a member of the Socialist Education Association, had of every child in their schools. The fact is that many which is committed to equality. Like me, he will be schools in challenging circumstances are delivering brilliant disturbed by the fact that barely 2 per cent. of pupils results. We want to make sure that that happens everywhere, eligible for free school meals sit physics or chemistry at all times. That is why we are the party that is taking GCSE, with under 4 per cent. sitting biology. Such forward the expansion of trusts, academies and specialisms, pupils are 25 times less likely to sit any of those subjects to make sure that the best leadership is put to work in than their wealthier peers. schools right across the country. While the numbers of poor children getting competitive qualifications are declining, so are standards. This will Mr. Philip Dunne (Ludlow) (Con): The Secretary of be of interest to the Secretary of State: in the latest State seems to have dismissed out of hand the innovative GCSE biology paper, students are asked if we sweat proposals from my hon. Friend the Member for Surrey through our kidneys, liver, lungs or skin. Was not the Heath (Michael Gove) for ascertaining the quality of Royal Society of Chemistry right to suggest that children leaving primary school and entering secondary Government changes to the science curriculum had schools. Should he not listen to his friends in the National been “a catastrophe”? Is it not true that the poorest Union of Teachers, or his friends who are heads of pupils are being hit hardest? secondary schools up and down this country? They will tell him about the need to understand the capabilities of Ed Balls: The fact is that it is our national challenge children when they enter schools—information that programme and our approach to school improvement standard assessment tests simply cannot provide. that will drive up standards in schools across the country, 5 Oral Answers15 JUNE 2009 Oral Answers 6 including in the most disadvantaged areas. It is hugely The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Children, disappointing that the hon. Gentleman refuses to support Schools and Families (Ms Diana R. Johnson): Sir Alasdair the school improvement steps that we are taking. He is Macdonald’s review was published on 27 April. My the shadow schools Minister, and it is a great relief that right hon. Friend the Secretary of State’s statement of he is finally willing, for the first time in five months, to the same day welcomed the report, and particularly its ask me a question. The actions that we are taking to recommendation that personal, social and health education drive up standards in all schools, including those in the should become part of the national curriculum at both most disadvantaged communities, are consistently opposed primary and secondary level. We are consulting on that by the Opposition. and on other recommendations that would require legislation; we are also taking forward action on those Michael Gove: Actually, I asked the Secretary of recommendations that do not require it. State questions on “The World at One” just 90 minutes ago, and I am surprised that that experience has been Mr. Allen: May I welcome my hon. Friend to the wiped clean from his memory, because once again his Dispatch Box, and to a well-deserved promotion? May figures and arguments were utterly discredited. Will he I also congratulate Jim Rose and Alasdair Macdonald answer the questions that I asked, which were about the on their excellent reports, and the Government on their science curriculum? The people who work for the right response to them? Both reports underline the fact that a hon. Gentleman point out that, under him, that curriculum whole package of early intervention measures must be has, I am afraid, deteriorated. Ofqual, the exams watchdog, introduced to help young people to attain in the way has said that there has been a fall in the quality and that we would like. Will my hon. Friend follow some of rigour of science exams since 2006. Sir Peter Williams, the examples of our practice in Nottingham, where we who chaired the Government’s maths reviews, has said: have 11-to-16 life skills lessons starting this September “I don’t think there’s any doubt whatsoever that absolute in every secondary school that wants them? Will she A-level standards have fallen”. please make sure that we call the subject “life skills”, Sir Adrian Smith was No. 2 at DIUS—remember that?— which people on estates in my constituency will understand, and he has said that the Government’s plans for science rather than PSHE or any other of the obscure acronyms diplomas are wrong, that they simply have not got their in which we delight in education? GCSE and A-levels right, and that their whole approach to science is poorly thought through. Until recently, Ms Johnson: First, may I thank my hon. Friend for Ralph Tabberer was the man responsible for schools in his kind remarks and welcome? I pay tribute to his the Department, but now he has blown the whistle by chairmanship of One Nottingham, which has at its saying that current education policies fail to emphasise heart early intervention strategies to make a real difference scholarship and high-quality study, and that the Secretary to the life chances of children and young people in of State is simply going in the wrong direction. Nottingham. I think that the Department for Children, All those experts have worked up close and personal Schools and Families will watch very carefully what with the Secretary of State. Are they all wrong? happens with the life skills programme from September onwards, and I am sure that there will be lots of lessons Ed Balls: I was very pleased that the hon. Gentleman that we can learn. The issue of PHSE is out for consultation was willing to go on “The World at One”, and the fact at the moment. One particular question is what the that he has matched that with asking questions in the lessons will be called, and I would urge anyone who has House of Commons is a real step forward. a strong view about that to make sure that they take part in that consultation, which runs until the end I have written to the hon. Gentleman seven times of July. asking for a commitment to match our September guarantee to young people in our country, and seven Mr. David Evennett (Bexleyheath and Crayford) (Con): times there has been no reply to my letter. On the issue I noted the Minister’s answer to the last question, but of science, the fact is that the number of children doing will schools have to pay from their own budgets for the single, double and triple science exams in state schools new training and necessary specialist staff to deliver the has risen year on year in recent years. As he knows, new, improved personal, social and health education? Ofqual had some concerns about the quality of the new science exam, and they are being addressed, but the fact is that across English, maths and many of the single Ms Johnson: I understand that there is money available—I sciences, we are maintaining standards as take-up increases. think that it is £2 million—for the change to be He is wrong to spend the whole time running down the implemented, and resources will of course be made achievements of pupils in our state schools, who achieved available. half of the increase in three A-level passes in recent years. The fact is that we are investing and raising Tim Loughton (East Worthing and Shoreham) (Con): standards through policies that are consistently opposed May I add my welcome for the hon. Lady’s addition to by the Conservative party. The fact that he will not reply the Secretary of State’s burgeoning team, and the addition to my letters is very revealing indeed. of the right hon. Member for , South (Dawn Primarolo), who will be the third Minister for Children that I have faced in recent years? Can the Parliamentary Macdonald Review Under-Secretary tell me why, after 12 years of Labour Government and all the changes made to PSHE, we still 2. Mr. Graham Allen (Nottingham, North) (Lab): have the highest teenage pregnancy rate in Europe, and When his Department will respond to the Macdonald still have a soaring rate of chlamydia and other sexually review of personal, health and social education; and if transmitted infections? Why do we have an under-age he will make a statement. [279160] drinking problem that is among the worst in the world, 7 Oral Answers15 JUNE 2009 Oral Answers 8 according to the World Health Organisation, and why 18-year-olds and 16-year-olds is much more effective are the Government falling woefully short of providing and committed. I ask her to look at such projects to see the promised number of school nurses to work with how sexual health could be better handled by young clusters of schools as a major means of promoting people speaking to young people. better children’s health? Dawn Primarolo: I agree with the sentiments expressed Ms Johnson: Of course the hon. Gentleman will by my hon. Friend about the importance of such know that there has been a reduction in teenage pregnancies conversations—for instance, very young mothers who in recent years. The reason why we are consulting on enjoy being parents, but are prepared to talk to much making PSHE statutory in schools is to make sure that younger women about the importance of choosing to there is a step change in that important area, so that be a parent at the right time. Discussions in the school, young people and children have access to good information properly structured and led by qualified personnel, about the life skills that they will need. There is also an especially health personnel, with young people as advocates issue about making sure that resources are devoted to can go a great deal further than we have been able to go that, but his party’s planned cuts would mean not to date in making sure that young people have the right dealing with some of the real issues with which we are information to make the right choices for them personally, trying to deal. and to resist the pressures that they often feel.

Sexually Transmitted Infections Mr. Nick Gibb (Bognor Regis and Littlehampton) (Con): I welcome the right hon. Lady to her new 3. Ann Winterton (Congleton) (Con): What recent position. In her discussions with the Secretary of State discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for for Health about the spread of infectious diseases in Health on provision of health services in schools for schools, what discussions has she had or will she have, children with sexually transmitted infections. [279161] following the chief medical officer’s prediction last week of a huge surge in the number of cases of swine flu The Minister for Children (Dawn Primarolo): We are when children go back to school in the autumn? What is working with the Department of Health to improve her assessment of the likely number of schools that will young people’s access to contraceptive and sexual health be required to close, and is she confident that adequate advice services, to help them avoid unplanned pregnancies contingency plans are in place to provide education to and sexually transmitted infections. This includes support children whose schools are closed? to develop services in settings that young people can access more easily, such as schools and further education Dawn Primarolo: The hon. Gentleman raises a very colleges. important question about ensuring that the Government at all times take the very best advice from the chief Ann Winterton: The number of under-16s having medical officer on the potential for infections in our contracted sexually transmitted diseases in the past four schools; that we clearly follow the expert advice of the years, on the Government’s watch, has risen by a mammoth Health Protection Agency; and that my right hon. 58 per cent., but I am sure the right hon. Lady will agree Friend the Secretary of State for Health, in taking part that prevention is better than treatment or cure. Will she in those discussions in Cobra and other forums, will ensure that in future, parents and responsible families ensure at every opportunity that our children are protected are encouraged to work with good quality relationship and that the right steps are taken for staff and young education to try to reduce under-age and unprotected people. I am sure that the hon. Gentleman would welcome intercourse, which has such adverse effects, both physical being kept informed of developments as they progress, and emotional, on our young people? because all parts of the House, not just individuals, will share that concern, so I undertake to ensure that he and Dawn Primarolo: As the hon. Lady knows, screening the Liberal Democrat spokesman, the hon. Member for for STIs and chlamydia in particular, which is being Yeovil (Mr. Laws), are kept fully informed. extended all the time, is giving clear indications of the number of young people who may be infected. She is David Taylor (North-West Leicestershire) (Lab/Co-op): right that we need decent sex and relationship education The increasing prevalence of syphilis, gonorrhoea and for young people that enables them, with their parents—but chlamydia is not necessarily entirely due to increasing young people in particular—to resist the pressures when promiscuity or to a lack of safe sex among teenagers; they do not want to be sexually active. Regrettably, a improved diagnostic techniques in the main can also quarter to a third of under-16s choose to be sexually produce apparently higher infection levels in the population. active, and we must ensure that services are rapidly Does my right hon. Friend recall that the only period available to them to enable them to be safe and to when the figures headed downwards was many years protect their health. I am sure she would welcome ago—at the time of the major national publicity campaign proper directed advice being made available to young on AIDS? Are not the figures now so worrying that that people, through work with schools, parents and the type of national approach and national advertising health service. ought to be considered? We cannot continue on our current way. Ms Dari Taylor (Stockton, South) (Lab): May I ask my right hon. Friend to consider a project that is Dawn Primarolo: My hon. Friend is absolutely correct already assessed as valuable, whereby 18 and 19-year-olds when he points to the improvements in the diagnostics are speaking to young people about their sexual health? of STIs. I hear his point about the importance of a We can say all we want, but often there are blocks to national, high-level campaign, but, looking in partnership young people hearing us, whereas a conversation between with the Minister for public health at all the available 9 Oral Answers15 JUNE 2009 Oral Answers 10 research, I must say that it is quite clear that targeted Mr. Wright: I thank my hon. Friend for those kind and specific information for young people produces the words. I shall miss debating the merits of council houses best results. We will continue to follow that strategy, but and other housing matters with him. I shall reflect on my hon. Friend’s comments and certainly My hon. Friend is absolutely right. His key point is bear them in mind. about child care places and the wider provision of child care in local areas. As I mentioned in an earlier answer, Child Care (Summer Holidays) local councils have a statutory duty to assess and identify what is needed. What my hon. Friend has mentioned certainly is needed, as there could be a spike in the 4. Annette Brooke (Mid-Dorset and North Poole) summer holidays. I shall consider the issue and am (LD): What recent representations he has received on willing to talk to my hon. Friend about it to see what is the adequacy of child care provision in summer available in his area. holidays. [279162] Bob Spink (Castle Point) (Ind): Child care is also a The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Children, problem for working mums of rising fives, who in the Schools and Families (Mr. Iain Wright): Ministers receive first term of their schooling sometimes attend part time representations on a wide range of child care issues. and have to go home at 12 o’clock. Working mums, who Local authorities have a statutory duty to ensure that in this economic climate must work to fund the family there is sufficient child care in their area to meet the budget, find it difficult to manage that. Montgomery needs of working parents at all times of the year, school in my constituency, for example, takes children including over the summer holidays. only part time for that first term. Will the Minister do more to encourage schools to be flexible and find ways Annette Brooke: I thank the Minister for his answer. around the problem, so that mums can continue to Does he share my concern that, with the rapid fall in the work? number of child minders over the past five years, there are additional pressures on working parents either to Mr. Wright: I certainly share the hon. Gentleman’s give up their jobs in the summer months or, even, to concerns. I also declare an interest: my four-year-old leave their child home alone? Furthermore, given the son is going through exactly the same stage of life at the Government’s welfare programme, will he assure the moment, and he goes home at midday. As the hon. House that there is close working between Departments Gentleman pointed out, the key point is flexibility. to ensure truly appropriate, affordable and quality child Close relationships between child minders, nurseries, care for all those working parents who need it during schools and parents are absolutely key in respect of the summer months? providing information to make sure that the circumstances of each individual household are addressed when taking Mr. Wright: I certainly agree with those last comments, child care places into account. the importance of which are absolutely crucial: we must ensure that adequate, safe and high-quality child care Mrs. Maria Miller (Basingstoke) (Con): I welcome provision is provided to reassure parents at all times, the hon. Member for Hartlepool (Mr. Wright) to his including during the summer months. I concede to the new position and look forward to debating the issues hon. Lady the point about the number of child minders with him. Hopefully, when he has had time to reflect a having fallen over the past two quarterly returns, but I little more on his brief, he will find out that although he must tell her that the number of places that have been would like to assert that the child care element of the offered has risen slightly, thus providing a greater supply is a success, in fact only 20 per cent. of child care through child minders. On her point about of those eligible actually receive it. I am sure that he is cross-governmental working to ensure that work pays finding out that his brief is very difficult in respect of under the welfare system, I must point out to her that child care. the tax credit system has been a huge success and As the hon. Member for Mid-Dorset and North parents can get substantial help towards the cost of Poole (Annette Brooke) pointed out, there are now registered child care. Working families can claim up to 10,000 fewer registered child minders, and that affects 80 per cent. of their child care costs through the tax summer child care. Nationwide, however, more child credit system, and that equates to £150 a week for one care places are being shut down than new places are child and up to £240 a week for two or more children. opening. Is the new Minister taking a fresh look at why Government policy is squeezing so many trusted child Mr. Lindsay Hoyle (Chorley) (Lab): I welcome my care providers out of the market? Furthermore, will he hon. Friend to his new position and hope that he will be listen to the findings of the Federation of Small Businesses as enthusiastic as he was in his previous one. Of course, report, which says that another 200 nurseries could shut it is quite right that we support parents who need child before the end of the year? care. The issue, however, is not only about having enough child minders, but about the persistent and extra help Mr. Wright: I thank the hon. Lady for her kind words that we can give to parents through the summer months, of welcome to the Dispatch Box, but I disagree when they are under pressure at work. Is my hon. fundamentally with what she has said. We have seen a Friend in contact with the education authorities to see revolution in the flexibility and increased supply of whether nurseries can open for extra hours and to early-years provision. In the five years to 2009, there ensure that there is extra provision, and will he make was a 48 per cent. increase in the numbers benefiting sure that, if there is a shortage of funding, he tries to from the child care element of the working tax credit. ease that pressure, too? We are providing real help now to hard-working families. 11 Oral Answers15 JUNE 2009 Oral Answers 12

Over the past 12 years, the Government’s real commitment They make a fantastic contribution to the life of the and dedication, matched by unprecedented sums of school and broaden the experience of young people, money, have stood in stark contrast to the proposals often in ways that they would not otherwise have the from the Conservative party, which would cut tax credits, opportunity to undertake. cut provision and cut chances for hard-working families. David T.C. Davies (Monmouth) (Con): The Minister Family Holidays (School Terms) may well remember from his previous position that it is likely that some of these children are being taken out of school to undergo forced marriages in other countries 5. Mr. Philip Hollobone (Kettering) (Con): If he will across the world. Will he take more steps than his take steps to reduce levels of pupil absence as a result predecessor did to look into this problem, which affects of families taking holidays during school terms. thousands of young girls in this country, and to try to [279163] ensure that it is stamped out?

The Minister of State, Department for Children, Schools Mr. Coaker: The hon. Gentleman raises an extremely and Families (Mr. Vernon Coaker): Under the Government’s serious point with regard to young people who go attendance drive, head teachers are taking a tougher missing in certain circumstances. I know that my hon. line on unnecessary time away from school. Many are Friend the Minister for Further Education, Skills, refusing permission for term-time holidays in all but the Apprenticeships and Consumer Affairs has looked into most exceptional circumstances. Furthermore, head teachers this issue. None of us can be complacent about forced are increasingly marking pupils’ absence as unauthorised marriage and the apparent disappearance of some young when term-time holidays are taken without permission. people from certain communities to be taken back The overall absence rate due to holidays has decreased home and entered into forced marriage. I take this issue from 0.7 per cent. in 2006-07 to 0.66 per cent. in extremely seriously, and the hon. Gentleman is right to 2007-08, a reduction of 0.04 percentage points. mention it. Mr. Hollobone: The vast majority of pupils holiday School Buildings (Expenditure) during the summer holidays. However, some parents in Kettering constituency find it difficult to go away then 6. Mr. Ian Cawsey (Brigg and Goole) (Lab): What because of their work patterns, family commitments arrangements he has made to bring forward spending and other difficulties. Are the Government doing anything on school buildings to 2009-10. [279164] across the ambit of their responsibility to tackle the premium pricing that holiday tour operators impose on The Secretary of State for Children, Schools and family holidays? If the premium pricing issue were dealt Families (Ed Balls): A total of £939 million in school with, far more families would be able to take their capital funding allocations to schools and to 121 local holidays during the summer holidays. authorities is being brought forward from 2010-11 to 2009-10 to be spent on school buildings, information Mr. Coaker: It is for local authorities to determine and communications technology and other capital items, the best holiday pattern in their own areas; no doubt the and to get contracts for local small businesses. It is very local authority in Kettering will have heard what the disappointing that 27 local authorities chose not to take hon. Gentleman has said and will reflect on the various up that offer, which could have meant a further £183 million points that people have made, to see whether its holiday in contracts for small businesses in those areas. pattern is best. However, it is very difficult for the national Government to say what the best holiday pattern Mr. Cawsey: I thank my right hon. Friend for that is in every area across the country. But let us be clear. reply and encourage him to do more of the same. Last We expect our young people to go to school during week, I visited Scawby primary in my constituency with term time; we do not expect them to miss lessons some local council officers to look at temporary and unnecessarily—and that includes when their parents mobile classrooms that have been there for 30 to 40 years unnecessarily take them away from school to go on and are literally falling to bits. The council is trying to holiday. put together a strategy to replace them, not just at that school but across all its schools, but it finds that the Mr. Robert Goodwill (Scarborough and Whitby) (Con): money that is being brought forward can be allocated Are not some schools guilty of sending mixed messages only to schemes and projects that have been previously to parents when, on the one hand, they caution against approved. If my local council officers are successful in taking holidays during term time but, on the other, having a replacement strategy, will my right hon. Friend organise ski trips to countries whose language is not agree to meet a delegation to see how we can secure being taught at that school? That does not take only some capital funding to get rid of these dreadful classrooms children out of education but key members of staff at once and for all? the same time. Would not such trips be better taken during the holidays? Ed Balls: The money was partly for individual schools and partly for local authorities, and they need to have a Mr. Coaker: Again, that is a matter for the individual meeting with my hon. Friend to see whether there is school. I do not think that any mixed messages are more that we can do about that issue. However, there being sent out by schools or, indeed, by the Government. would have been school money going through to deal The Government expect young people to attend school, with it. I am also pleased to say that his area was not and we do not expect lessons to be missed unnecessarily. one of the 27 areas that did not bring forward capital Many of the trips that schools take, whether ski trips or money—although that is quite surprising, because the other trips, are a fundamental part of the school curriculum. vast majority had Conservative councils. 13 Oral Answers15 JUNE 2009 Oral Answers 14

Bob Russell (Colchester) (LD): Will the Secretary of Judy Mallaber: I welcome my right hon. Friend to her State encourage his officials, and education authorities, new position and invite her to visit one of the six to concentrate on remodelling and refurbishment ahead excellent children’s centres in my constituency, which of demolition and rebuild in order that more projects provide a wonderful range of activities for children and that can be undertaken, with value for money? support for families and mothers, and which have been shown to have improved the development of young Ed Balls: I will always encourage them to do so. children thanks to the work of our excellent former Building Schools for the Future is a great opportunity Labour county council. for school improvement, but it is also an opportunity to What assurances can my right hon. Friend give me ensure that we reconfigure and are more efficient. I about the future sustainability of those centres, and that know that the hon. Gentleman has concerns about the phase 3 will go ahead, in light of the fact that a new process that is being followed by his local council—a administration has been elected that does not have the Conservative council, I believe. I am sure that he will same commitment to the wonderful children’s centres raise those issues with local councillors, and he will do that have done so much to help our children? so with my full support for greater efficiency.

Jim Dobbin (Heywood and Middleton) (Lab/Co-op): Dawn Primarolo: The Derbyshire experience so far The funds spent on new schools can provide futuristic shows an excellent record, as my hon. Friend says. buildings such as Woodland primary school in Heywood, Youngchildren are achieving good levels of development, which replaces three local primary schools and a special and there has been considerable progress—above the feature of which is extended community provision with national average—on narrowing the gap between the a management structure to suit the local community. lowest-achieving and the rest. Funding from the Department Will the Secretary of State encourage other primary is in place not only for the existing centres but to schools to support their local communities? complete the roll-out of the further nine in Derbyshire by March 2010. I have absolutely no reason to believe Ed Balls: I will do so, and in fact we announced last that that will not happen. The Sure Start funding is week more than 100 different projects totalling £200 million, ring-fenced, and the Government will watch closely. in order to invest in the co-location of services on Should the local authority decide to follow the Opposition’s school sites, which often include health services and pleas and cut Sure Start, it can be sure that it will face wider support for parents. That vision of the 21st century opposition from both the Government and, I am sure, school, with services coming together, is a vital part of local parents. our vision for the future of schools. We want to ensure that every parent and child gets the help that they need, Mr. Graham Stuart (Beverley and Holderness) (Con): so that children can then learn when they get to school. Sure Start centres will each, I believe, have a health visitor based at them in future. That is welcome, but Christopher Fraser (South-West Norfolk) (Con): What does the Minister accept that the universal health visitor assurance can the Secretary of State give to projects service, which provides absolutely vital assessment and such as Thetford college, in my constituency, that they support to families throughout the country, has been will not be jeopardised because millions of pounds are undermined by this Labour Government? The Minister—a being spent on consultants? new, fresh, Minister in a fresh team—can announce today that they will commit themselves to the universal Ed Balls: If I heard the question right, the hon. health visitor scheme that this country had, and to Gentleman asked whether spending on consultants will which its people wish to return. jeopardise investment. It is vital to ensure that we get the financing right and that the configuration works, which is why there is a charge for consultants as part of Dawn Primarolo: I say to the hon. Gentleman that the Building Schools for the Future programme. The £1 billion is being invested directly into support services hon. Gentleman is absolutely right that we should keep in children’s centres, which his party will not match. The that to a minimum to ensure that the money goes national health service is funding Sure Start children’s directly into schools, but the greater jeopardy comes services and maternity services, which his party will not from the £4.5 billion of cuts that his party’s Front match. We see in Sure Start children’s centres work by Benchers propose, which would mean that a number of Jobcentre Plus on employment, training and skills for schools in his constituency would not be rebuilt or parents, which his party will not match. I can also say to refurbished. That is the real threat to his constituents. him, having just arrived in the Department after being a Minister in the Department of Health, that discussions Sure Start between both Departments about expanding and developing the role of health visitors are under way. His party would not answer the plea that he makes to me. 7. Judy Mallaber (Amber Valley) (Lab): What his most recent assessment is of progress in the establishment of Sure Start children’s centres. [279165] Mr. Dennis Skinner (Bolsover) (Lab): When my right hon. Friend has been to Amber Valley and visited the The Minister for Children (Dawn Primarolo): There Sure Start centre there, will she continue to Creswell were 3,018 Sure Start children’s centres designated by and Langwith? There, she will see two more Sure Start the end of April, offering access to services to almost success stories. We have got not only health visitors but 2.4 million children under five and their families. We are national health service dentists in both places. We want on track to reach the Government’s target of 3,500 to ensure that that is replicated throughout the country, centres by March 2010, one for every community. so let’s keep out the Tories with their cuts. 15 Oral Answers15 JUNE 2009 Oral Answers 16

Dawn Primarolo: As my hon. Friend rightly points T3. [279186] Bob Russell (Colchester) (LD): On 19 May out, Sure Start children’s centres give children the best 2008, I asked the Secretary of State about the future of start in life in education and health. The Government the Thomas Lord Audley and Alderman Blaxill have invested massively in those services, and all would schools in my constituency. In good faith, he replied: be put in jeopardy by the policies that the Conservative “Essex county council has explained that its preferred approach party espouses. It wishes to make more than £200 million is to build on the existing partnership with Stanway school and to of cuts to Sure Start centres. I am delighted to accept pursue a trust.”—[Official Report, 19 May 2008; Vol. 476, c. 3.] the offer to visit my hon. Friend’s Sure Start centres. Regrettably, Tory-controlled Essex county council had When parents understand how damaged their children’s deceived the Department and the Secretary of State. education would be by the Conservative party, they will Under those circumstances, will the right hon. Gentleman be clear that Sure Start centres are safe in the Government’s agree to meet me and other representatives of the hands. Colchester community to discuss the future of the two schools, which the dastardly Tories want to shut? Topical Questions Ed Balls: A new Minister with responsibility for schools offers the opportunity for a new meeting. I T2. [279185] Mr. Andrew Love (Edmonton) (Lab/Co-op): If he will make a statement on his departmental remember the remarks that I made. Those plans are, of responsibilities. course, a matter for local decision making, and it is the Conservative authority that is taking them forward. As we have said before, I wish—and I am sure that the hon. The Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Gentleman does, too—that the whole community could Families (Ed Balls): I am sure that the whole House will be taken forward in consensus. I support the expansion join me in sending condolences to the family and friends of academies, but the individual decision is a matter for of Jacqueline Fleming, who sadly died yesterday in local decision making. The Minister with responsibility Scotland after contracting the swine flu virus. for schools would be delighted to have a meeting to Nine schools in England are currently closed. Seventeen ensure that the hon. Gentleman fully understands all schools and two nurseries that were closed have now the issues as he takes forward his case with his Conservative reopened. I assure parents that, as the Children’s Minister opponents in his county. said, we will act at all times on the basis of the best possible medical advice to ensure that children’s safety Mrs. Joan Humble (Blackpool, North and Fleetwood) is put first. (Lab): Is the Secretary of State aware that Blackpool In the Budget, we announced additional investment primary schools very much welcome the injection of of £655 million in the next two years so that every capital funding, so that Anchorsholme primary school 16 and 17-year-old who wants to study or take up a can be rebuilt? On a recent visit to Norbreck primary training place can do so this September. I am today school, I was shown exciting plans to remodel the 1930s announcing the regional breakdown of the extra funding premises in which the infant children are educated. Will that we are providing to ensure that September guarantee. he or perhaps one of his new and expanded ministerial I would like a consensus between hon. Members of all team take the time to visit Blackpool and see the parties about the need to ensure that all young people exciting developments that will bring our schools into have the skills and qualifications that they need. It is the 21st century and help better educate our young therefore a matter of great disappointment to me that a children? consensus on funding the September guarantee is proving so elusive. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families (Ms Diana R. Johnson): I would be Mr. Love: I welcome the Secretary of State’s statement delighted to go to Blackpool to see for myself the on the September guarantee and the £1.5 billion that investment in primary schools. It is worth pointing out will come to London in the next year for academic and that there is an additional £3 million in 2009-10 and vocational education for our young people. Does he £5.38 million in 2010-11 for the primary capital programme agree that the investment is particularly important now, in Blackpool, and I look forward to visiting and seeing at a time of recession? Is it not outrageous that that it for myself. contrasts starkly with the cuts that the Conservative party would introduce? T4. [279188] Annette Brooke (Mid-Dorset and North Poole) (LD): The Government’s target to halve teenage Ed Balls: I was pleased to confirm the funding for pregnancies by 2010 will clearly not be met. Indeed, I London and all regions today and show that, with the have heard dates such as 2039 mentioned at the extra funding that we have agreed with the Treasury, we earliest. Notwithstanding that, what action will the can now make the guarantee. I assumed that we would Government take to extend and modify the teenage get a consensus on the matter. I have now written seven pregnancy strategy beyond 2010 to support all those times, as has the Schools Minister, to the Conservative working on this vital issue up and down the country? spokesman and received no reply. In the interests of That should be done sooner rather than later. efficiency, we may have to call a halt to the letter writing, but I emphasise that the Labour party will The Minister for Children (Dawn Primarolo): Iam guarantee a place in school or college, or an apprenticeship sure that the hon. Lady would agree that, while recognising for every young person aged 16 this September and the that it will be difficult to reach the 2010 target, it is Conservative party will not. That says everything one important that we should none the less continue to needs to know about the difference in priorities between work with local authorities and primary care trusts to the two parties. deliver the very best services in both health and education. 17 Oral Answers15 JUNE 2009 Oral Answers 18

Conversations and discussions have already started with burden of pupil exclusions, but that is unlikely to happen PCTs and local authorities. I myself was speaking at a under these Conservative councils. How will the conference only last week on how we can continue to Government enforce that policy? see a reduction in teenage pregnancies and births as we progress to 2010, and on what we need to do after then Mr. Coaker: My hon. Friend will know that, in a to continue building on that good work and the recent Ofsted inspection of 18 local authorities, eight achievements that have been made. were found not to be complying with their legal requirement to provide alternative provision for young people who Mrs. Ann Cryer (Keighley) (Lab): Does my right hon. have been permanently excluded from school, six days Friend remember visiting my constituency a few months after that exclusion. We will write to every director of ago, when we had an interesting discussion about the children’s services to remind them of their legal problems of children entering school at four with not a responsibility, and we are putting together an action word of English? At three schools in my constituency, plan to ensure that the entitlement of young people who 95 per cent. of the children enter with no English. We have been permanently excluded from school is met, had discussions about the possibility of making funding and that the provision is of the right quality. I can also available to help young mothers who have entered as assure my hon. Friend that, in addition to receiving that wives to learn English, in order to help them use it at letter, which I intend to write in the near future, those home, so that their children could start school with at authorities can expect me to check on the progress that least a little English. they have made in a few months’ time. It is wrong that pupils who have been permanently excluded from school Ed Balls: The visits that we had were very interesting are not being given the entitlement to education that and important, and I am determined to do what more I they deserve, and we are determined to do something can to support my hon. Friend in her campaign. I was about that. in Peterborough just a few weeks ago and saw in a local Sure Start centre how the combination of free nursery T6. [279191] Ann Winterton (Congleton) (Con): Is the care for two-year-olds and Every Child a Talker was Minister aware of the increased difficulties being faced making huge strides in helping the speaking of children by smaller charities that deal with children and young for whom English was not a first language at the age of people? An example is Visyon, which is based in two. If we can do more in our Sure Start centres to help Congleton but which provides support throughout those young children and their parents, we should definitely Cheshire. It provides valuable quality counselling and do so. I would be very happy to discuss that further with support to young people, which in many cases prevents my hon. Friend. their having to be referred to the child and adolescent mental health services. What advice can be given to T5.[279189]SirNicholasWinterton(Macclesfield)(Con): ensure that these charities can continue to do their The Macclesfield and Bollington education proven good work in the future? improvement partnership, under the excellent chairmanship of headmaster Andy Robinson, Ed Balls: It is vital that charities work together with comprises four high schools, 28 feeder primary schools, local authorities to provide the support that children a further education college and a special school, and it need, especially those with a special educational need. I has established a strong reputation as a model for do not know the details of the charity that the hon. collaborative work—so much so that Ofsted has Lady has mentioned, but if she writes to me, I will be described the work of one of the schools as beyond happy to take the matter forward. outstanding. EIPs can do a lot to ensure justice and Ms Dari Taylor (Stockton, South) (Lab): Will my fairness in the allocation of resources, so would the right hon. Friend confirm that the education maintenance Secretary of State encourage their work? allowance will continue into the long-term future? They The Minister of State, Department for Children, Schools have persuaded many young people from low income and Families (Mr. Vernon Coaker): We would certainly families in my constituency to stay on at school post-16, be willing to encourage the kind of examples of educational and we all want to hear that there is no question mark collaboration that the hon. Gentleman refers to. Such over this policy. collaboration represents an important step forward, Ed Balls: The expansion of funding for the September and education partnerships demonstrate the ways in guarantee includes extra funding for EMAs, to ensure which schools can work together to extend their curriculum that young people can stay on in education. This is a and to deal with difficult behavioural issues. They provide vital part of our September guarantee, and of our a whole range of different ways of offering opportunities extension of opportunity in education. I can assure my that simply would not be possible in one school operating hon. Friend that this party will stand by our investment on its own. The hon. Gentleman was right to say that in EMAs and by our September guarantee, but I cannot secondary and primary schools were co-operating in give her the full reassurance that she wants, because the this way; that kind of collaboration across the age Leader of the Opposition refuses to endorse or support ranges makes a significant difference. It is much better the continued existence of EMAs, and his shadow to have collaboration than to set school against school, education spokesman refuses to back our September which is something that his party sometimes advocates. guarantee. This tells us everything we need to know about the difference between the two parties and their Harry Cohen (Leyton and Wanstead) (Lab): Sadly, priorities. there are now more Conservative councils, and they are relaxed about pupil exclusions. That means that there Tony Baldry (Banbury) (Con): Last week, I asked will be more exclusions and more kids loitering on Ministers in the Department for Culture, Media and street corners and estates. The Government’s policy is Sport why so few secondary schools were able to play that the schools in a particular area should share the cricket using cricket balls, and now I should like to ask 19 Oral Answers15 JUNE 2009 Oral Answers 20 the Secretary of State a question about balls. Wasim “Hear, hear.”] Before I went there, I presented a prize Khan, who runs the excellent Chance to Shine programme, to schools that had demonstrated how they were using explained on the “Today” programme that this was cricket as a means of taking forward the curriculum because so many secondary schools now no longer have and providing opportunity. One school in north access to their own school playing fields. Does not the Yorkshire was using cricket to learn about science. Secretary of State think that it is rather sad that schools The other case was a consortium of schools from cannot play competitive cricket using cricket balls because Tower Hamlets, whose young people were going over to they do not have access to their own school playing Blackheath to play cricket. The competition, sponsored fields? by the English Cricket Board, is an important part of our ambition to ensure both that more young people Ed Balls: I attended the Twenty20 match at Lords can play cricket and that England continues to do as last night and saw England win. [HON.MEMBERS: well in future Twenty20s as we did last night. 21 15 JUNE 2009 Iraq 22

Iraq community has rehabilitated more than 5,000 schools, as well as constructing entirely new schools and new classrooms in existing schools. Despite high unemployment 3.31 pm and the scale of the global recession, economic growth The Prime Minister (Mr. Gordon Brown): With in Iraq this year is predicted to be nearly 7 per cent. permission, Mr. Speaker. The whole House will want to Significant challenges remain, including that of finding join me in expressing condolences to the family and a fair and sustainable solution to the sharing of Iraq’s friends of the two soldiers who recently lost their lives oil reserves, but Iraq’s future is now in its own hands, in serving in Afghanistan: Lieutenant Paul Mervis of 2nd the hands of its people and its politicians. We must pay Battalion the Rifles; and Private Robert McLaren of tribute to the endurance of the Iraqi people; we will 3rd Battalion the Royal Regiment of Scotland—the pledge to them our continuing support. However, it will Black Watch. Their lives, their service and their contribution be support very different from the kind that we have will not be forgotten. Their sacrifice reminds us of the provided for the last six years. As the House knows, our dangers our serving armed forces confront every day military mission ended with the last combat patrol in and of why we must continue to give them all our Basra on 30 April. As of today, there are fewer than support. 500 British troops in Iraq, with more returning home Our troops first went into Iraq in March 2003 and each week. now they are coming home. In total, 120,000 men and On the day of that last combat patrol in April, I women have served in Iraq during the last six years, so it welcomed Prime Minister Maliki and most of his Cabinet is fitting that I should now come to the House to talk of to London. We signed together a declaration of friendship, their achievements through difficult times; to chart the partnership and co-operation defining the new relationship new relationship we are building with Iraq; and to set between our two countries for the future. At the request out our plans for an inquiry into the conflict. of the Iraqi Government, a small number of British As always, we can be supremely proud of the way our Navy personnel—no more than 100—will remain in armed forces carried out their mission—proud of their Iraq for long-term training of the Iraqi Army. Royal valour in the heat of combat, which is recognised in Navy ships will continue to protect the oil platforms on many citations for awards and decorations; and proud which Iraq’s exports depend, and we will continue to of their vigilance and resolution amid the most difficult offer training to the Iraqi army as part of a wider imaginable conditions and the ever-present risk of attack NATO mission. We will also offer training opportunities by an unseen enemy. Today we continue to mourn and at Sandhurst and elsewhere in the United Kingdom for to remember the 179 men and women who gave their Iraqi officers of high potential. At the core of our new lives in Iraq in the service of our country. relationship, however, will be the diplomatic, trading and cultural links that we are building with the Iraqi In my statement to the House last December, I set out people, supporting British and other foreign investors the remaining tasks in southern Iraq for our mission: who want to play a role in the reconstruction of southern first, to entrench improvements in security by putting Iraq. Iraqis in charge of their own defence and policing; I have discussed with Prime Minister Maliki a plan secondly, to support Iraq’s emerging democracy particularly for British companies to supply expertise to the Iraqi through the provincial elections; and, thirdly, to promote Oil Ministry.Earlier this year, the Mesopotamia Petroleum the reconstruction of the country, economic growth Company signed a joint venture worth $400 million. and basic services like power and water in order to give Shell is working with the Southern Oil Company to the Iraqi people what matters most for their livelihoods bring to market some of the 700 million cu ft of gas that in years to come—that is, a full stake in their economic is currently lost each day by flaring. British companies future. I can report that those three objectives are being are now competing for further contracts, and Rolls-Royce achieved, and that, thanks to our efforts and those of and Parsons are currently discussing with the Iraqi our allies over six difficult years, a young democracy Ministry of Electricity proposals for a new power generation has replaced a vicious 30-year dictatorship. infrastructure worth an initial $200 million. In recent months, we have completed the training of British funding will support lending to 1,000 businesses the 9,000 troops in 14 division of the Iraqi army, who in southern Iraq, and a youth employment programme are now fully in charge of the security of Basra. It was that should give training and work permanently to 14 division who, with our and the Americans’ help, took young Basrawis could be rolled out across the whole of on the militia in the crucial Operation Charge of the Iraq as a result of its success. We are supporting the Knights in spring last year. Since then, violence and Iraqi Transport Ministry in the resumption of civilian crime in the Basra region have continued to fall, while flights; the Department for International Development levels of violence across Iraq as a whole are at their and the British Council are working on a major education lowest since 2003. Provincial elections were held peacefully programme; and Iraq has already identified its first on 31 January with 7 million Iraqis turning out to vote 250 students, an early initiative in Britain’s contribution for 440 different political groupings. The Iraqis ran the to Iraq’s plans for 10,000 overseas scholarships for Iraqi elections themselves with only three violent incidents students. across the entire country, and preparations are now Issues in the region still confront us. Iran is an under way for national elections on 31 January 2010. independent nation that deserves our respect, and the Since 2003, the UK has spent more than £500 million Iranian people are a proud people who deserve democracy. in Iraq—for humanitarian assistance, infrastructure and That is why the regime must address the serious questions promoting economic growth. Support to the health that have been asked about the conduct of the elections. sector has included 189 projects in Basra, including the The way in which the regime responds to legitimate refurbishment of Basra general hospital and the building protests will have implications for Iran’s relationships of the Basra children’s hospital. As a whole, the international with the rest of the world in future. 23 Iraq15 JUNE 2009 Iraq 24

[The Prime Minister] In order that the committee is as objective and non- partisan as possible, the membership of the committee The House will note the speech made by Prime will consist entirely of non-partisan public figures Minister Netanyahu, in which for the first time he acknowledged to be experts and leaders in their fields. endorsed a two-state solution. His speech was an important There will be no representatives of political parties step forward, but there remains a long road ahead of us. from either side of this House. I can announce that the I will speak to him again later today to impress on him committee of inquiry will be chaired by Sir John Chilcot the importance of freezing settlements. and it will include Baroness Usha Prashar, Sir Roderick Lyne, Sir Lawrence Freedman and Sir Martin Gilbert. With the last British combat troops about to return All are, or will become, Privy Counsellors. home from Iraq, now is the right time to ensure that we have a proper process in place to enable us to learn the The committee will start work as soon as possible lessons of the complex and often controversial events of after the end of July. Given the complexity of the issues the last six years. I am today announcing the establishment it will address, I am advised that it will take a year. As I of an independent Privy Counsellor committee of inquiry have made clear, the primary objective of the committee which will consider the period from summer 2001, will be to identify lessons learned. The committee will before military operations began in March 2003, and not set out to apportion blame or consider issues of our subsequent involvement in Iraq right up to the end civil or criminal liability. of July this year. The inquiry is essential because it will Finally, I am sure the whole House will join me in ensure that, by learning lessons, we strengthen the health paying tribute to the courage and dedication of every of our democracy, our diplomacy and our military. one of our armed forces, and also our civilian personnel, The inquiry will, I stress, be fully independent of who have served our country with such distinction in Government. Its scope is unprecedented. It covers an Iraq over six years, and who will continue to do so in eight-year period, including the run-up to the conflict Afghanistan and on peacekeeping missions around the and the full period of conflict and reconstruction. The world. committee of inquiry will have access to the fullest At its peak, a force of 46,000 served tours of duty in range of information, including secret information. In support of operations in Iraq. In total, 120,000 men other words, its investigation can range across all papers, and women served over the period of the entire conflict: all documents and all material. It can ask for any 179 Britons died and 222 were seriously or very seriously British document to be brought before it, and for any injured, and we remember them all today. British citizen to appear. No British document and no I said in my statement in December that the memorial British witness will be beyond the scope of the inquiry. I wall in Basra would be brought home. I can now have asked the members of the committee to ensure confirm that it will form part of a new memorial wall to that the final report will be able to disclose all but the be built at the national arboretum in Staffordshire, and most sensitive information—that is, all information except just as it is right that we should pay tribute to the that which is essential to our national security. memory of those who have fallen, and to the wounded, The inquiry will receive the full co-operation of the so it is right to give thanks for the safe return of their Government. It will have access to all Government comrades, to show our gratitude to all those who have papers, and the ability to call any witnesses. The objective served, and for us as a nation to celebrate the enduring is to learn the lessons from the events surrounding achievements of all our armed forces. So I can also tell the conflict. It is on that basis that I have accepted the the House that in the autumn of this year a service of Cabinet Secretary’s advice that the Franks inquiry is the thanksgiving and commemoration will be held in best precedent. Like the Franks inquiry, this inquiry Westminster abbey. will take account of national security considerations—for We salute our forces today. Through their work, the example, what might damage or reduce our military work of their American and coalition comrades and of capability in the future—and evidence will be heard in the Iraqi security forces, and supported by the courage private. I believe that that will also ensure that evidence and vision of those within Iraq led by Prime Minister given by serving and former ministers, military officers Maliki, Iraq is emerging from the shadow of 30 years of and officials is as full and candid as possible. The brutal dictatorship and then conflict. Today, Prime committee will publish its findings in as full a form as Minister Maliki and his Government can work together possible. These findings will then be debated in the for a peaceful and prosperous future. That they can now House of Commons and the House of Lords. It is in do so is the ultimate tribute to all who served in Iraq: these debates, as well as from the report itself, that we to their skills, commitment and sheer professionalism; can draw fully upon the lessons learned in Iraq. So to their great and enduring courage in conflict; and to while the format is the same as that of the Franks their immeasurable contribution to reconstruction and inquiry, we have gone much further in the scope of the to peace. inquiry. No inquiry has looked at such a long period, I commend this statement to the House. and no inquiry has the powers to look in so much breadth, for while Franks looked only at the run-up to the Falklands conflict, the Iraq inquiry will look at the Mr. David Cameron (Witney) (Con): I join the Prime run-up to conflict, the conflict itself and the reconstruction, Minister in paying tribute to Lieutenant Paul Mervis so that we can learn lessons in each and every area. The and Private Robert McLaren, who have been killed in inquiry will take into account evidence submitted to Afghanistan in the last few days. previous inquiries, and I am asking members of the In the course of the Iraq conflict, 179 British servicemen committee to explain the scope, width and breadth of and women lost their lives. They came from all three its work to Opposition leaders and the Chairs of the services: the Army, the Navy and the Air Force, and relevant parliamentary Committees. their number also included one Ministry of Defence 25 Iraq15 JUNE 2009 Iraq 26 civilian. Of course, the Iraq conflict caused great division the inquiry to an arbitrary period of time? Should it not in our politics, our Parliament and our country, but we be free to pursue any points that it judges to be relevant? can all unite over the professionalism and bravery of On the specific issue of the terms of reference, is it not our armed forces, the service they gave to our country, extraordinary that the Prime Minister said that it should and the debt we owe to all those who lost their lives. try to avoid apportioning blame? Should not the inquiry have the ability to apportion blame? If mistakes were I start with some of the things we agree about in the made, we need to know who made them and why they statement. Yes, we agree about the need for a strong were made. The Prime Minister was very clear that the relationship between democratic Iraq and Britain. We inquiry would have access to all British documents and absolutely agree about the need for a two-state solution all British witnesses. Does that mean that the inquiry between Israel and Palestine and welcome what Prime may not have access to documents from the USA, the Minister Netanyahu has said. Yes, we need answers coalition provisional authority or the Iraqi Government, about the conduct of those Iranian elections. But I want even if they are kept in the British archive? That is an to focus my questions on the inquiry announced by the important specific question and one to which we need Prime Minister. an answer. Will the inquiry be free to invite foreign We welcome an inquiry—indeed, we have been calling witnesses to give evidence—written and oral? for it for many months—but I have to say that I am far On the scope of the inquiry, will the Prime Minister from convinced that the Prime Minister has got it right. confirm that it will cover relations with the United The whole point of having an inquiry is that it has to be States; the use of intelligence information; the function able to make clear recommendations, to go wherever of the machinery of government; post-conflict planning; the evidence leads, to establish the full truth and to and how the Department for International Development, ensure that the right lessons are learned, and it has to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the armed do so in a way that builds public confidence. Is there not forces work together? a danger that what the Prime Minister has announced today will not achieve those objectives? The membership I turn now to the issue of openness and transparency. looks quite limited, the terms of reference seem restrictive, Given that this inquiry is of interest not only to us the inquiry is not specifically tasked with making politicians but to the public and the families of servicemen recommendations and none of it will be held in public. and women who gave their lives, should there not be So will the Prime Minister answer questions about the some proper public sessions? Is that not what many will following four areas: the timing; the membership; the want and many will expect, and is it not part of the coverage and content; and the openness? building of public confidence that is absolutely necessary? Finally, are not the limitations of this inquiry reflected First, on the timing, this inquiry should have started in the way the House of Commons is being treated by earlier. How can anyone argue that an inquiry starting the Government over this issue? Before the Franks six months ago, for example, would somehow have inquiry—we are told that this is a Franks-style inquiry— undermined British troops? Indeed, the argument there was a proper debate on the terms of reference of that we cannot have any inquiry while troops are still in the inquiry on a substantive motion in the House of Iraq has been blown away today by the Prime Minister’s Commons. This time—[Interruption.] The Prime Minister saying that some troops will be staying there even as the laughs, but this time there is just a statement and no inquiry gets under way. As for how long the inquiry debate, even though last Wednesday he promised us a takes, the Franks inquiry reported in just six months, new era of parliamentary accountability and democratic yet this inquiry is due to take—surprise, surprise—until renewal. What happened to that? It has not lasted even July or August 2010. Will delaying the start of the a week. inquiry and prolonging the publication until after the next election not lead everyone to conclude that this A proper inquiry must include a range of members, inquiry has been fixed to make sure that the including senior politicians. It needs to have the freedom Government avoid having to face up to any inconvenient to range widely and to speak frankly, and its terms of conclusions? At the very least, will the Prime Minister reference must be debated properly in a democracy such look at the possibility of having an interim report early as ours. So when the Prime Minister responds, will he next year? put those failings right? Secondly, on the people conducting the inquiry, what The Prime Minister: I thank the right hon. Gentleman is required for an inquiry such as this is a mixture of for his comments about our soldiers who have died in diplomatic, military and political experience. We welcome Afghanistan and the contribution they have made. I am the diplomatic experience, but there must be a question glad that he also agrees with what I have said about Iran mark over the military experience—there are no former and the behaviour of the Iranian regime, including the chiefs of staff or people with that sort of expertise. In need for it to stop any violence against people who are addition, is it not necessary to include, as the Franks protesting against the election result peacefully. I also inquiry did, senior politicians from all sides of the agree with him about the support that we want to give political divide to look at the political judgments? The to our troops and the need to take into account at all inquiry needs to be, and needs to be seen to be, truly times, especially as we consider this inquiry, the wishes, independent and not an establishment stitch-up, so will views and sensitivities of the families of the people who the Prime Minister look at widening the membership in have died or been injured in the fighting in Iraq. the way that we have suggested? Almost all the points that the right hon. Gentleman The third area is the coverage and the content of raised are dealt with by the remit and scope—the breadth the inquiry. It is welcome that the inquiry will cover the and depth—of the inquiry. The shadow Foreign Secretary whole period in the run-up to the war, as well as the and he spent a great deal of time calling for a Franks-style conduct of the war, but is it not wrong to try to confine inquiry, and that is exactly what we have—[Interruption.] 27 Iraq15 JUNE 2009 Iraq 28

[The Prime Minister] Mr. Nick Clegg (Sheffield, Hallam) (LD): I should like to add my expressions of sympathy and condolence There are repeated references in Hansard to the shadow to the family and friends of Lieutenant Paul Mervis Foreign Secretary and the Leader of the Opposition and Private Robert McLaren, who tragically lost their saying that what they wanted was a Franks-style inquiry, lives in Afghanistan in this last week. Of course I join which is what we have got. the Prime Minister in paying tribute to our brave servicemen and women, who have served our country so courageously The right hon. Gentleman says that the remit of the in Iraq over the past six years. In particular, I pay inquiry is restricted, but I cannot think of an inquiry tribute to the 179 who have lost their lives. They and with a more comprehensive, wider or broader remit their families are in our thoughts today. than the one that I have just announced. Far from being restricted, it will cover eight years, from 2001 to 2009. I passionately believe that we were wrong to invade Far from being restricted, it will have access to any Iraq, but I am second to none in my admiration for the documents that are available, and that will include bravery and dedication of our servicemen and women. foreign documents that are available in British archives. Everyone knows that the invasion of Iraq was the As far as we are concerned, it may interview any witnesses, biggest foreign policy mistake that this country has including British witnesses and witnesses it wants to made in generations—the single most controversial decision invite, if necessary, from abroad. I do not think there is taken by Government since Suez—so I am staggered any fundamental disagreement between us on the nature that the Prime Minister is seeking to compound that of the inquiry, its scope and its comprehensiveness. error, which was fatal for so many of Britain’s sons and daughters, by covering up the path that led to it. I remind the right hon. Gentleman about the timing. The Franks inquiry looked only at the run-up to the The Liberal Democrats have called for an inquiry Falklands war. Incidentally, it was announced in a into the build-up and conduct of the for many written answer to the House of Commons, not in an years. I suppose we can be grateful that, finally, the oral statement. This inquiry will deal with the run-up to Prime Minister has acceded to that demand. However, the conflict, the conflict itself and all issues of reconstruction as is so often the case, he has taken a step in the right after the conflict. With such a broad remit, I cannot direction but missed the fundamental point. A secret think of any set of events that can be excluded that are inquiry, conducted by a clutch of grandees hand-picked of importance to Iraq and the future of our relationship by the Prime Minister, is not what Britain needs. Does with Iraq. It is hardly surprising that if we are dealing the Prime Minister not understand that the purpose of with that eight-year period—the run-up to the war, the an inquiry is not just to produce a set of conclusions but conflict itself and the aftermath—the inquiry will take to allow the people of Britain to come to terms with a time to interview witnesses and take evidence. Its report mistake made in their name? will be detailed. I have met the families of the soldiers who have lost their lives in Iraq and just an hour ago they asked me to I have said that the report should be as comprehensive speak in their name and to tell the Prime Minister that as possible, given the issues of national security that are nothing short of a fully public inquiry, held in the open, involved. In other words, all but the most sensitive of will satisfy them. Will he at least listen to what those information should be reported to the House of Commons. grieving families need? The lessons that will be learned from the Iraq events will be learned not just from the investigation, but from The Prime Minister says that the inquiry has to be the debates that will take place in this House when we held in private to protect national security, but it looks receive the full report from the inquiry. to me suspiciously as though he wants to protect his reputation and that of his predecessor instead. Why else As for the membership, I think that there is a difference would he want the inquiry to report after the general between now and the Franks inquiry. For eight years, election when we could have at least interim reports we have had politicians commenting on Iraq one way or before then? It is perfectly possible to have a limited another in this House and elsewhere. We would do number of sensitive sessions in camera while retaining better in these circumstances to draw on the professional the fundamental principle that the vast bulk of the and expert advice of people who have not been involved inquiry—not just a few public sessions, as recommended in commenting on this issue over the last few years. by the Conservative leader—should be open to all. That is why we have what I believe can be regarded as a I am grateful that the Prime Minister has listened to committee of people who can be regarded as both my representations and has extended the inquiry to knowledgeable and expert in their field. I defy the cover the full origins of the war and given it full access Opposition to criticise the individuals who are named in to the documents and files that it will need. However, I this inquiry as people who are not capable of carrying am disappointed that he made such a feeble attempt to out an important piece of work. They are suited for that secure consensus on the panel that will conduct the task, and they will do a good job. I hope that people will inquiry.The experience of successfully established inquiries, recognise that they are respected in their own fields and such as the one now being held in the Netherlands, have a great deal to offer in this inquiry. shows that consensus can be secured only if the Government The events in Iraq are controversial. They have led to conduct painstaking consultation over a prolonged period heated debate in this House and across the country, but of time. Why did the Prime Minister not even attempt it is possible for us to work together to learn the lessons that sort of constructive discussion with other parties? of this inquiry. I hope that it will not become the subject The Government must not be allowed to close the of partisan in-fighting. It will be carried out by a book on this war as they opened it—in secrecy. Last respectable group of people who have great reputations week, the Prime Minister stood at the Dispatch Box and throughout our country and I hope that it will receive spoke eloquently about the need for more public the support of as many hon. Members as possible. accountability and transparency. This was his first test. 29 Iraq15 JUNE 2009 Iraq 30

He has failed. He has chosen secrecy instead. For six would want assurances from the inquiry as to why, prior years, we have watched our brave servicemen and women the war, this country failed to indict leading members of putting their lives on the line for a war that we did not the Iraqi regime when we had the legal evidence to support and could not understand. To rebuild public enableustodoso. trust, the inquiry must be held in public. Will the Prime Minister, even now, reconsider? Will he make this inquiry The Prime Minister: I am grateful for the work that a healing process for the nation, or will he turn his back my right hon. Friend has done in Iraq, especially with on the legitimate demands of the British people once the Kurdish population. She is regarded very highly by again? all those whom I meet when I go to Iraq, in particular for the way she has protected the interests of the Kurdish The Prime Minister: Every Member has the greatest population in that country, who were facing very difficult respect for every family that is grieving as a result of times under Saddam Hussein. She is party to binding what has happened in Iraq. Nothing that anybody says that group together with the rest of the country to make today takes away from our concern about the needs of for a stronger future. those families and our respect for them. I want to Obviously, the inquiry will look at the events from answer the right hon. Gentleman’s specific points about 2001 onwards. However, if it feels that it is necessary to the inquiry, however. look behind that and before that, it will of course do so. The inquiry is to learn the lessons of what has happened. The inquiry will cover the run-up to the war, the conflict Mr. Iain Duncan Smith (Chingford and Woodford itself and reconstruction after the conflict. I can think Green) (Con): As someone who supported the war, I of no remit that could be broader than that—to cover unashamedly continue to believe that history will record the events leading up to the conflict, and the reconstruction that what was done at that time will turn out to be a after it. The inquiry will cover eight years of our history, cause for good, and that a stable and democratic Iraq and will be a very detailed piece of work that has to be will be a force for good in the region. On that basis, I done. hope that the Prime Minister will consider some slight The inquiry will be able to call any witness, and for adjustments to this welcome inquiry. The first is that it any evidence. The report will be published and debated could have a slightly wider membership and include in this House. That is exactly how the Franks inquiry some ex-military members. To give it a little more went about its work. To be fair to the right hon. cutting edge, it could also include some senior politicians. Gentleman, he disagrees with using Franks as a model, I recommend that only because I think that a committee although the main Opposition party has always wanted without that edge would be a little less credible. that. However, we must take into account national Further, because I believe that there is ultimately security considerations, and what is known about the nothing to hide, the reality is that some hearings must capability of our armed forces and security services, be held in public. I urge the Prime Minister to think and the missions they are undertaking at the moment. again about that. We also have to take into account what serving officers will want to say to the inquiry. I think that the right The Prime Minister: First, all the military personnel hon. Gentleman will come to recognise that all those at a senior level who are either retired or serving officers things involve a degree of confidentiality that would will be in a position to give evidence to the inquiry. I not suit a public inquiry, where all witnesses give evidence think it important that they are given the chance to do in public. The lesson of public inquiries is that they take so, and that they can speak frankly. That means that the many, many years, because everybody who comes before sessions will be better held in private than in public. I one wants to be represented by a lawyer. We know that hope that the right hon. Gentleman will agree that the from other public inquiries that are taking place at the military voice will be listened to as we try to learn the moment, one of which has already taken eight years lessons of the war. and is no nearer to completion now than it was a year ago. As far as serving politicians are concerned, it is probable that, over this eight-year period, there is no I also ask the right hon. Gentleman to bear it in mind one in this House who has not commented in detail that the matter will come back to the House. It is up to about the Iraqi situation. I think that it is better to look the inquiry to decide how long it will take to do its for people outside this House who can take an objective work. I think that the best way for it to report to the view of the circumstances and who are also seen as House is with a comprehensive piece of work, rather politically impartial. I hope that, on reflection, the right than through piecemeal reports. In the end, the members hon. Gentleman will understand that the difference of the inquiry team will decide how long it will take between the membership of the Franks inquiry and the them to do the work, but I think the right hon. Gentleman membership of this inquiry is because of these reasons. will agree that it will take some time to cover eight years of history in the most detailed way. All witnesses and all As far as public sessions are concerned, the Opposition evidence can come before the inquiry. I hope that he will called for a Franks-style inquiry; they knew perfectly agree, on reflection, that those who have been selected well, when they did so, that Franks was held in private. and asked to take part in the inquiry are people of high The essence of Franks was that it was held in private. If reputations who can do a very good job of work for this people on the Opposition Benches want to change their country. mind, it is their right to do so, but what they say is completely inconsistent with what they have said previously. (Cynon Valley) (Lab): As one who supported the Iraq war, I did so on human rights grounds. I saw no Mike Gapes (Ilford, South) (Lab/Co-op): I, too, welcome secret material and had no private briefing, but I had a the removal of the brutal, fascist regime of Saddam, 30-year involvement with the Iraqi opposition. I personally and I think that Iraq is a much better country today 31 Iraq15 JUNE 2009 Iraq 32

[Mike Gapes] possibility of a viable state to the Palestinians, an announcement about stopping the growth of settlements, than it could ever have been while the regime continued. and indeed halting settlements, is important to move However, it is important that the inquiry also look at the peace process forward. the origins of the conflict, which did not start in 2001. As far as the inquiry is concerned, I just beg to We were bombing Iraq in 1998. Saddam was gassing the disagree. I feel that the people who have been selected Kurds in 1988. There is a context and a history. I hope for the inquiry have very respected positions in the that the inquiry will look at the context and the history, public life of this country. I think that when people look and not just start events at 9/11. at what they have achieved, they will see that they have a The Prime Minister: I do agree that there was a whole great deal to offer. I just repeat this: are there Members series of events leading up to what happened when the of this House who, in the last eight years, have said conflict broke out in 2003. No doubt the inquiry will be absolutely nothing, or not been involved in any vote, on free to take some of those events into consideration, but Iraq? It is far better to have a non-partisan and impartial it must focus itself on a period, which is the immediate group looking at the issues. run-up to the conflict, the conflict itself and the reconstruction afterwards. I have also to remind the Mr. Denis MacShane (Rotherham) (Lab): I welcome House that we have had four separate inquiries already the inquiry, and may I say to the Prime Minister that I into some of the events surrounding Iraq: we have had am surprised that the leaders of the two main Opposition the Foreign Affairs Committee inquiry, the Intelligence parties are insisting that their political placemen be put and Security Committee inquiry, the Butler inquiry and on the inquiry? Now is the time, when Parliament is not the Hutton inquiry. It is not as if many of the issues held in high esteem, to have an independent inquiry. have not been addressed; they have been addressed, but Anyone who has heard Sir Roderick Lyne comment on it is important to look at the matter in the round. What British foreign policy will know that at times, he is no we want to do—I think that sometimes we forget this—is friend to this Government. learn the lessons, so that they can be applied for the Will the Prime Minister extend the inquiry to take future. evidence from people in Iraq? People suffered under Saddam’s dictatorship and were freed from it, and then Clare Short (Birmingham, Ladywood) (Ind Lab): We had to accept an onslaught from jihadi Islamist extremists, all welcome the demise of the Saddam Hussein regime, Iranians, al-Qaeda and Syria, which our troops helped but the important question is: could it have been done to resist. Those groups are responsible for the death of differently? Could Saddam Hussein have been indicted, people in Iraq, and we should not let the lie go out that and could a lot of Iraqis have not lost their lives? We all their evil is in any way attributable to the decisions of agree that we mourn the loss of our soldiers, their this Government and the other democratic Governments injuries and the number of soldiers who are mentally ill, of the world. but should we not regret the death of hundreds of thousands of Iraqis and the displacement of millions? The Prime Minister: I am grateful to my right hon. Also, when the Prime Minister rings Prime Minister Friend, and for the interest that he has taken in these Netanyahu, could he point out to him that it is not just issues over many, many years. Sometimes we in the the expansion of the settlements that is not good House should have the humility to accept that there are enough? The settlements are illegal, and there will be no people outside the House who can contribute, perhaps two-state solution unless the settlements are closed more than we can, to an objective and impartial review down. That is something that no one is talking about, of what has happened in Iraq, both in the run-up to the but we will not get peace without a willingness to move conflict and in the reconstruction that has taken place on the settlements. there afterwards. When people reflect on the list of Lastly, I agree with those who say that the membership names before them, I think they will take the view that of the inquiry is rather feeble. We need senior politicians this is not only a very responsible group of people, but a who understand political decision making, and senior group of people who can conduct the review with great military people who can understand the decisions that efficiency and great care. I agree that the review must were made. The inquiry is welcome, but surely it have the power to listen to all voices that may have should be allowed to have hearings in private or in something to say them, but that will be a matter for the public as it sees fit, rather than having them kept review itself. completely secret. Sir Peter Tapsell (Louth and Horncastle) (Con): As a The Prime Minister: First, I do regret the loss of lives declared sceptic as early as November 1992 of the of all those who suffered, and the loss of life among any existence of the weapons of mass destruction, and as a community and any nation. We regret the loss of Iraqi subsequent opponent of the invasion of Iraq, may I put lives, but we cannot deny that the responsibility for it to the Prime Minister that the disastrous effect of the what has happened in Iraq lay at the hands of Saddam war has been to make Iran the dominant power in the Hussein. Both the right hon. Lady and I, who served in whole of the middle east? What the British people well the Government, knew exactly what Saddam Hussein understand is that after the capture of Baghdad, the was trying to do and how he had broken every single political management of the occupation was extremely United Nations resolution that he said that he would incompetent, as is recognised now in both America and uphold. As far as Israel is concerned, I agree with her Europe. What the British people want is an explanation, that the settlements must be stopped. I agree that this is well before the general election 11 months from now, of the advice that we should give to the new Israeli how it came about that Mr. Blair was able to persuade Government: that in addition to embracing a two-state Parliament to vote in favour of the war on facts which solution that will give security to Israel, as well as the he knew would not stand up to proper examination. 33 Iraq15 JUNE 2009 Iraq 34

The Prime Minister: I disagree with the hon. Gentleman, Andrew Mackinlay (Thurrock) (Lab): The Prime Minister but surely the point of an inquiry is to look at all those did not answer the key question, which is, will evidence issues, and that is exactly what will happen. It will look be given under oath? In this matter, there is a history of also at whether there were failures in the reconstruction, obfuscation and deliberate deceit by some agencies and as well as before that, and it will report on these issues. individuals—proven deceit, now. Nothing short of people What happened after the fall of Baghdad will be as giving evidence under oath will be sufficient to give the much a subject of the report as what happened before. inquiry veracity and integrity, so I ask the Prime Minister So I hope he will agree that all these issues—that now, will he assure us that evidence will be under oath? seven-year period—will be looked at by the inquiry, and If not, why not? looked at very fully indeed. The Prime Minister: The terms under which evidence Mr. Robert Marshall-Andrews (Medway) (Lab): In will be given is a matter on which we will comment and the history of the conflict, two political matters cry out report later, but I am absolutely sure that everybody for explanation more than any other. The first is why who gives evidence will have to tell the truth to the the House was never informed of the contents of the committee. They are under an obligation to do so by the Downing street minute that revealed knowledge six committee’s terms of reference. months before the conflict that the Bush Administration had decided on the inevitability of war, whatever the Mr. David Heathcoat-Amory (Wells) (Con): The delay concessions that were made. The second matter that in the announcement by the Prime Minister and the requires explanation is why the Attorney-General’s opinion details of the scope of the inquiry have plainly been on the legality of the war was never shown to the designed so that it reports the other side of a general Cabinet before the decision to go to war was made. election. Given that—[Interruption.] I wonder whether Neither of those matters—neither of them—affects state I might have the Prime Minister’s attention for a moment; security. Neither of them requires phalanxes of lawyers. I am trying to ask him a question. Given that Parliament Why cannot they be ventilated and canvassed in public, and the people were misled about the causes of and and without delay? reasons for the war, will the Prime Minister answer the point made by the Leader of the Opposition about the The Prime Minister: My hon. and learned Friend has need for an interim report, so that we can learn some deeply held views on the issues that he has just raised. lessons about this Government before they have their No doubt he, also, will be able to give vent to those date with the British electorate? views in the course of the inquiry. Perhaps he may wish to offer evidence to the inquiry. The Prime Minister: The Franks inquiry was done without an interim report. The Opposition ask for a Sir Menzies Campbell (North-East Fife) (LD): May I Franks-style inquiry, and the Franks-style inquiry that say to the Prime Minister that I profoundly regret the we are having will look at the run-up to the conflict, the nature of the inquiry that he has announced? It is a conflict itself, the reconstruction and the issues about disappointing response to what is, by common consent, reconstruction afterwards. I think that that is a pretty regarded as a catastrophic foreign policy decision. On comprehensive remit—that will take time but must be the form of inquiry that he proposes, can he tell us done in the best possible way. The right hon. Gentleman whether it will have the power not to ask for witnesses, will accept that if the committee needs the time to do but to compel witnesses to attend and to put them on that, it should have the time to do that. It will be a full oath so that their evidence may be verified against that report from which we want to learn lessons for the background? Let me ask him, finally, how he thinks the future. That is the issue: what lessons we can learn for kind of inquiry that he proposes will satisfy the millions our military, for our diplomacy, for our security and, of of Britons who marched against the war, when the course, for our country’s reputation abroad for the inquiry will meet in private even when the national future. That is the essence of what we are doing. interest will not require it? Ms Gisela Stuart (Birmingham, Edgbaston) (Lab): The Prime Minister: I sometimes think the Liberal This inquiry is part of a process of holding the Executive party forgets, first, that the inquiry is independent of to account, but this House has mechanisms for holding Government. Secondly, its remit covers eight years—the the Executive to account: they are called Select Committees. build-up to war and the reconstruction afterwards. With Any member of the Select Committee on Foreign Affairs reference to witnesses, I cannot think of the inquiry will have first-hand experience of the limitations of a being satisfied if people whom they want to interview Select Committee’s ability to hold the Executive to refuse to be interviewed, and I expect that everybody account. I, as a Member of Parliament, find it extremely who is asked to give evidence will give evidence. I difficult to accept that we are giving privileges to people believe that is exactly what will happen. For the Liberal outside this House, under the guise of independence, party or anybody in the House to jump to the conclusion when we could have an inquiry that gave Members and that the inquiry is in some way not independent is Select Committees access to the kind of documents that completely wrong. It is an independent inquiry, independent we are giving to those people; when we could have of Government, able to take all papers and able to hearings in public and in private; and when we could interview any witnesses. I know that the Liberal party come to a view. wanted it to be held in public, but I think they know also what happens when there are public inquiries. That The Prime Minister: I understand that my hon. Friend means lawyers, lawyers and lawyers, whereas people can feels strongly about this matter, but she must know that feel free to give evidence and give it frankly about what there has been a foreign affairs inquiry by a Select we want to hear—that is, the lessons that we can learn Committee of this House and an intelligence and security from the war. inquiry by a Committee of this House. There has also 35 Iraq15 JUNE 2009 Iraq 36

[The Prime Minister] evidence to the inquiry in public; I think that that person would respect the fact that a degree of confidentiality been the Butler inquiry and the Hutton inquiry, and we is necessary. They would also understand, on reflection, now have an inquiry to look at all the events of the past that if people are going to be frank with the inquiry eight years: the run-up to the war, the conflict itself and about the lessons to be learned, those people will want reconstruction after the conflict. I cannot think of a to be able to give their evidence in private. Just look at wider remit than that, and I do believe that, given that the alternative. The alternative would mean a long the House has looked at the issue many times, it is right inquiry, lasting years, in which everybody would be that the Privy Council inquiry get on with the job. It will represented by a lawyer rather than by themselves. That be able to interview witnesses—either Members or other is not the way to learn the best lessons from this people—take evidence from anybody it wishes and receive conflict. all papers from the Government, and nothing will be kept secret from it. That is the model of the Franks Mr. Speaker: I call Patrick Mercer. inquiry, and that is what we are following. Patrick Mercer (Newark) (Con): Thank you, Stewart Hosie (Dundee, East) (SNP): May I add my Mr. Speaker; I am most grateful. The events of the condolences regarding the loss of Lieutenant Mervis Iranian elections at the weekend will demonstrate just and Private McLaren in Afghanistan? The Iraqi conflict how unstable the region is likely to become. Will the has led to the loss of 179 UK service personnel, 4,600 Prime Minister assure the House that plans and resources coalition personnel and about 150,000 Iraqi civilians. exist for a British military re-engagement should the Their loved ones want to know the cause of the war and Iraqi Government ask for it, and that things will not why their loved ones fell. If every evidence session is just be left up to the Americans? held in private, that may not be possible, so will the The Prime Minister: The hon. Gentleman, who takes Prime Minister think again about holding a secret inquiry? a great interest in these matters, will know that we have It is the wrong thing to do. signed a new agreement with the Iraqi Government about what support we can give them in training, what The Prime Minister: I disagree with the hon. Gentleman. naval support we can give them and what help we can The inquiry has to take into account the interests of our give them in the short term, medium term and long national security and to look at the issues that reflect on term. Obviously, there is a very significant reduction in the capability and deployment of our troops, and it may troops; there will be very few British soldiers on the soil not be best that that is made public. It also has to get of Iraq, but there will be very close co-operation between people to talk frankly about what they believe are the our two countries. The arrangements that we have with lessons to be learned from the inquiry. If the inquiry the Iraqi Government will be similar to the bilateral were surrounded by lawyers and everybody else in a relationships that are very strong in other parts of the public arena, that would be more difficult, as the hon. region. Gentleman would have to acknowledge. I believe that the inquiry will be thorough and Nia Griffith (Llanelli) (Lab): I fully understand that it independent, and I believe that the results of the inquiry would be inappropriate for my right hon. Friend the will be reported to this House. For weeks and months, Prime Minister to go into detail; I would not wish him people have been calling for a Franks-style inquiry; it is to do anything that would compromise the safety of the quite extraordinary that now that they have a Franks-style hostages. Can he give me assurances that, in spite of our inquiry, they are trying to oppose it on cynical grounds. withdrawal, our Ministers will still be fully involved in making every effort to secure the release of the five Mr. Gordon Prentice (Pendle) (Lab): Franks was 25 hostages—the computer expert and the four bodyguards? years ago, and the whole climate of opinion has changed since that secret inquiry. I want the Prime Minister to The Prime Minister: I understand the concerns that understand that. I had hoped for a new politics of my hon. Friend has expressed. She has been very vigilant openness after last week. I am not prepared to accept a in asking about the welfare of the five hostages. That is secret inquiry into Iraq, and I want the Prime Minister something that I have talked about to Prime Minister to think again. Maliki on a number of different occasions. I have May I ask the Prime Minister this? After everything pressed him to take an interest in the matter directly, that he has been saying, why on earth did he not consult and he has done so. We are determined to secure the the official Opposition, the Liberal Democrats and the safe release of the hostages. Some progress has been other political parties on the inquiry’s terms of reference, made, but a great deal is still to be done. The issue is its membership and how long it would take? Why did he permanently on our desk as something that has to be take it upon himself again to tell the House what was in dealt with. For the safety of those five people, we are its best interests? doing everything in our power to ensure that they can come home. The Prime Minister: The Cabinet Secretary did discuss with the official Opposition and the Liberal party issues Mr. Crispin Blunt (Reigate) (Con): May I remind the relating to this inquiry, so my hon. Friend is wrong on Prime Minister that he has yet to answer the question his final point. As far as the wisdom of how we do this about evidence on oath? inquiry is concerned, let us remember that there are In listening to the Prime Minister’s presentation of issues of national security, issues related to our military, Operation Charge of the Knights, one could be forgiven serving officers who may wish to give evidence and for believing that we had something to do with its people who are working in other arenas at the moment. preparation and planning, when the truth of the matter I do not think that any person who looked at this in is that it took place in a British area of responsibility detail would say that all these people should give their without notice to us, and it was the most graphic 37 Iraq15 JUNE 2009 Iraq 38 demonstration of the fact that our troops had been understand that it is the British people who require invited to take a role way in advance of the political these answers, and that what they require is the truth of influence of their leaders, and way in advance of the what led up to this war? Will he ensure that, if possible, resources that the nation was willing or able to devote to any of the taped conversations between the then Prime supporting them in the role they were asked to undertake. Minister, , and the then President of the Sadly, the number of fatalities in Afghanistan looks as United States are made available to the inquiry? Will he though it is about to overtake the number of fatalities in also ensure that all the recorded telephone calls between Iraq. There are important lessons here regarding what is the then Prime Minister and President Bush over that happening in Afghanistan. Will the committee have the period are made available? Can I ask him again not to opportunity to report emerging conclusions on such think about what he wants to hear from the inquiry but issues in advance of its final report? to consider what the British people want to hear? What they do not want to hear is that the inquiry is being held The Prime Minister: I know that the hon. Gentleman in secret. Everyone can accept that part of the inquiry is an expert on many of these matters and talks a great would, for security reasons, necessarily have to address deal about them. However, he should take care not to that fact, but most of it— talk down the contribution of our military forces. In the episode in Basra where he says that the British military Mr. Speaker: Order. were not consulted and involved, I do not think he is telling the full truth about what happened in that exercise. The Prime Minister: The hon. Gentleman asks that We need to have all the facts put out there, and of the inquiry deal with issues surrounding the run-up to course that is what the inquiry will do. the conflict. That is exactly what the inquiry is going to do—it is going to start in 2001. He wants to be sure that Dr. Tony Wright (Cannock Chase) (Lab): I very much it will look at the issues surrounding the decision that welcome my right hon. Friend’s announcement of an was made to go into conflict. That is what the inquiry inquiry. However, will he revisit the advice that he has will do—it will look at all those issues. The disagreement been given by the Cabinet Secretary—I can understand between him and us is about whether we have a Franks-style why that advice was given—in two respects in particular? inquiry, which both the main parties have asked for, or a First, the central purpose of the inquiry is surely not fully public inquiry. I have given him the reasons why a just to learn the lessons, although that clearly is an fully public inquiry does not seem to me to be appropriate objective, but to establish the truth of what happened. when we are dealing with issues of national security and Secondly, the Public Administration Committee, which issues affecting the military. I chair, has been taking an interest in the form that any inquiry into Iraq should take. Last week, we held a Mr. David Hamilton (Midlothian) (Lab): May I say private seminar of very distinguished people, and we to my right hon. Friend that the most important decision are about to issue a report. I have to say that those that any MP makes when coming here is one such as the people felt that the Franks inquiry was appropriate decision that we took to send our troops into Iraq? I 25 years ago, but a private Privy Counsellor inquiry have felt that way ever since I came here, and I have would not be thought appropriate now. The worst thing never once asked a question that would embarrass our of all, surely, would be to replicate all the arguments we troops or the Government during that period. I have have had about Iraq with similar arguments about the always waited, in the knowledge that there would be a form that an inquiry would take. As I say, I welcome my public inquiry at the end. I am therefore extremely right hon. Friend’s statement, but could he regard it as disappointed that we are talking about an inquiry that the beginning of a short process of consultation, so that will be limited in its remit. he can carry the whole House with him? At the end of the day, I have always said to my The Prime Minister: I have read the letter that my constituents that we need an inquiry for two reasons. hon. Friend has written to me, and I appreciate what he One is that we must learn the lessons of the mistakes has said about his views and those of other people on that were made. The second is that the truth must come this. However, his point is answered by the fact that the out, and the general public need to know the truth. It is range of this inquiry goes through eight years—from important for people to understand that when they 2001 to 2009. What he wanted to be sure of was that all give advice to Prime Ministers, there will be a day of the issues relating to Iraq would be discussed. We could reckoning. A public inquiry is the only way forward to have had an inquiry like Franks only into the run-up to deal with that. the war; we could have had an inquiry about the conflict itself; we could have had an inquiry about reconstruction. The Prime Minister: I am grateful to my hon. Friend. Those are all big issues, and we have an inquiry that He has always stood by the armed forces of this country covers them all. The range of the inquiry is as big as it when they have been in conflict, and I appreciate that he could be, as a result of the decision that we have made. holds strong views about the issue. I just say to him that Some of the points that my hon. Friend’s Committee, while the inquiry will be done in private, the report will or he, wanted to make to me concerned being sure that be fully published for people to debate in this House. the range of the inquiry was sufficiently wide so that all People will be able to see for themselves what conclusions these issues can be dealt with, and that is the case. are drawn by the inquiry. At the same time, as I said to the House earlier, I have asked the inquiry to publish all Mr. Mike Hancock (Portsmouth, South) (LD): In the the information other than the most sensitive military Prime Minister’s answer to my right hon. Friend the and security information. The House will therefore have Member for Sheffield, Hallam (Mr. Clegg), he suggested a chance to debate a fully comprehensive report that that having this inquiry in secret would mean that he, or covers eight years and covers all issues in the run-up to, we, would get the answers that we required. Does he not and aftermath of, the conflict. 39 15 JUNE 2009 40 Point of Order Opposition Day 4.31 pm [13TH ALLOTTED DAY] Damian Green (Ashford) (Con): On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. On the Order Paper last Thursday, it was Rural Communities (Recession) announced that the Third Delegated Legislation Committee would discuss three statutory instruments implementing Mr. Speaker: I inform the House that I have selected the identity card scheme. In yesterday’s Sunday Times the amendment in the name of the Prime Minister. we read that those debates had been postponed until next month because the Home Secretary had launched 4.32 pm an urgent review of identity cards, paving the way for Nick Herbert (Arundel and South Downs) (Con): I “a possible U-turn on one of Labour’s flagship policies.” beg to move, Have you been given any indication that Ministers are That this House recognises the serious impact that the economic downturn is having across the country; notes the specific impact preparing to come to the House to make a statement of the recession on rural communities, with recent job losses about the scrapping of the ID card scheme? If they are, affecting key rural industries; further notes with concern that it would be extremely welcome on these Benches. levels of economic inactivity are higher in rural areas and believes that increased redundancies will fall particularly hard on small Mr. Speaker: I have had no indication, because it is rural communities; further notes that rural communities, already not a matter for me. It is a matter for Ministers as to suffering from the closure of key services and the Government’s when they come to the House. failure to provide affordable rural housing, are finding it harder to cope with rising unemployment, with those out of work lacking adequate support; is concerned that the recession is exacerbated by the burden of regulation, increased payroll costs and problems accessing credit for small businesses; believes that too little say has been given to people in rural areas with decisions taken centrally; and calls on the Government to show more respect to rural communities and return power to local people. We have called this debate because we want to draw attention to the impact that the recession is having on rural communities. In many ways, those communities are already fragile and when faced with economic difficulties, they can be left even more exposed. We also want to ensure that the economic potential of rural areas is harnessed, so that they can emerge stronger from the recession and help contribute to the UK’s recovery by driving sustainable growth. I am disappointed that the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs is not here in person to put the Government’s case, particularly as only last week the Prime Minister said that he wanted to make the Executive more accountable to Parliament and the people. So much for the latest relaunch. Perhaps we should not be surprised. The word is getting around in the countryside that the Secretary of State is not really interested in the rural aspect of his brief, and today he has proved the point. In his place we have the junior Minister, the Minister of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. I mean no personal disrespect, and I genuinely congratulate him on his appointment, but he is the fifth Minister of State in five years. What signal does that send to rural communities about the priority that this Government give to farming, rural people and the countryside? Mr. Tobias Ellwood (Bournemouth, East) (Con): My hon. Friend makes an important point about the signal that the Government are conveying to the nation. What signal does it send when we look at the Labour Benches and see only one Back Bencher present in the important debate? Rob Marris (Wolverhampton, South-West) (Lab): Quality, not quantity. Mr. Ellwood: Perhaps we should ask the House authorities to check whether the Annunciators are working in the offices of Labour Members—perhaps they are not aware that the debate is taking place. 41 Rural Communities (Recession)15 JUNE 2009 Rural Communities (Recession) 42

Nick Herbert: I agree with my hon. Friend. Despite my hon. Friend the Member for South-East Cambridgeshire the high quality of the one Labour Back Bencher who is (Mr. Paice) will consider it in the debate on farming and present, the fact that Labour Members simply have not agricultural matters on Thursday. bothered to turn up for the debate says something The economic downturn affects every community, about their concern for rural issues. Despite their frequent but the impact on rural areas can all too easily be claims that several Labour Members represent rural overlooked. There is a myth that rural Britain is wholly seats, when it comes to a debate, they do not think the affluent, but 1.6 million people in rural areas live in subject sufficiently important for them to be here. poverty. One in five households in the most rural areas live in fuel poverty—double the proportion of fuel-poor The Minister of State, Department for Environment, households in urban areas. Around one in six people Food and Rural Affairs (Jim Fitzpatrick): I bring apologies who suffer from deprivation are found in rural areas. from the Secretary of State. We take exception to the It would also be a mistake to believe that a slightly accusation that he is not committed to the countryside—he more rosy scenario for some sectors in farming after is. As the hon. Gentleman knows, we have scheduled a real difficulties in recent years means that we do not debate on Thursday to discuss those matters. need to worry about the countryside compared with the rest of the economy. Farming may have had a slightly Nick Herbert: Perhaps the Minister would like to easier time recently, with increased incomes and intervene again and tell me whether the Secretary of strengthened exports, but there are continuing difficulties State will lead that debate. We would welcome that. It and underlying fragility. Hon. Members of all parties will be the first agricultural debate in Government time will know about the recent collapse of Dairy Farmers of under the Labour Government. Britain, which highlights the serious problems that our I was reporting not my view, but the widespread view dairy industry faces. in the countryside about the Government’s interest in rural people. I am afraid that the Secretary of State’s Mr. Ben Wallace (Lancaster and Wyre) (Con): Does absence will serve only to reinforce it, and the Minister my hon. Friend agree that, when an employer or business should take that message back to him. goes bust in an urban area, the Government fight tooth and nail to try to show that they are doing something, Mr. Michael Ancram (Devizes) (Con): Is not part of but when Dairy Farmers of Britain went into the problem the Government’s perception in the past administration, threatening the livelihoods of some of 12 years of rural areas and the countryside as a theme my dairy farmers in Lancaster and Wyre, the silence park rather than a living, breathing economic organism? from the Department was deafening? That is why, when things get hard, they have not a single answertogive. Nick Herbert: My hon. Friend makes a strong point. There is enormous concern in the agricultural community Nick Herbert: I agree with my right hon. and learned about the collapse of the co-operative and the impact Friend. It is important to remember that rural areas are on producers, who may be unable to sell their milk to not a theme park. We cannot allow rural communities alternative sources. We look forward to hearing what to be dormitories, where people only live, then go to the Government say about that on Thursday. It is work somewhere else. We must have sustainable, vibrant particularly important that the banks should have regard communities and remember the importance of farming to the continuing viability of many of the businesses and agriculture in those communities to manage the affected while they make short-term arrangements to land. Farmers need to be allowed to get on with their change their purchasers and that they should regard businesses. those businesses with sympathy. My hon. Friend raises an important issue about the distinction between how Rob Marris: Will the hon. Gentleman give way? the Government responded to the banking collapse and the collapse in the car industry and how their stance Nick Herbert: I will happily give way to the quality does not seem to be as high profile when it comes to an Labour Member. important sector of the agricultural industry, and one that puts food on our tables. Rob Marris: I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for being so generous. I agree with him about the importance Julia Goldsworthy (Falmouth and Camborne) (LD): of farming and farming communities. I am a little The hon. Gentleman has just referred to the impact of disappointed that neither the motion nor the amendment the collapse of the car market on urban areas, but does says anything about food security, which is vital for our he accept that it can also have an effect on the supply country as well as rural communities, for example, to chain in more rural areas? One of the businesses in my ensure employment and housing so that agricultural constituency manufactures high-quality tools. Its business workers can live and work in those communities. Will is being severely affected by the downturn in the car the hon. Gentleman say something about food security market, but it does not qualify for any support. Do the for our country? Government not need to ensure that the supply chain receives the same support from which larger employers Nick Herbert: I agree with the hon. Gentleman about in more urban areas seem to benefit? the importance of food security. He knows that we had an Opposition day debate on it last year. My right hon. Nick Herbert: The hon. Lady makes an interesting Friend the Member for Witney (Mr. Cameron) spoke at point, which is a reflection of what I want to say about the National Farmers Union conference last year, when the potential of rural areas to foster such businesses. he led the debate about the subject and I talked about it She mentioned a small manufacturing business. With to the NFU conference this year. Conservative Members the right policies and support, rural areas offer huge have been drawing attention to food security—indeed, untapped potential for such businesses. We must have 43 Rural Communities (Recession)15 JUNE 2009 Rural Communities (Recession) 44

[Nick Herbert] last year, insolvencies and bankruptcies were higher in regions with predominantly rural populations. The Country regard to the fact that the countryside is home to many Land and Business Association’s latest rural economy small manufacturing businesses, as well as farming and index survey has found that confidence is improving, the more conventional rural businesses that we all tend but half of the respondents still lacked confidence in to think of. the outlook for the rural economy. Although a vital industry, farming accounts for only In the Secretary of State’s response to the rural a small part of the rural economy. As the House will advocate’s report on the economic potential of the rural have an opportunity to debate agricultural issues on economy, he said that there was Thursday, I want to focus today on the wider rural economy and the effect of the recession on it. Although “no such thing as a separate ‘rural economy’”. rural areas have lower rates of unemployment overall, Of course I understand his point, and there are links in the year to April, the average annual increase in between the urban and rural economies, but the danger jobseeker’s allowance claimants across rural districts of such remarks is that they suggest that Ministers do was 131 per cent. Some of the steepest rises in the not appreciate the realities of rural life. The simple fact unemployment rate have been in sparsely populated is that, in a rural area, people’s work and services are and peripheral rural districts. The number of people often further away from where they live. Government chasing every unfilled vacancy in many peripheral rural measures such as increasing fuel duty and the tax on districts is far higher than the average across Britain, 4x4 vehicles can therefore hit rural workers, particularly and in the worst cases—Restormel in Cornwall and the low paid, disproportionately hard. The Commission Staffordshire Moorlands, for instance—it is actually for Rural Communities has noted that fewer than half higher than in major urban unemployment blackspots. the residents in villages and hamlets live within 13 minutes of a bus stop with a service at least once an hour, Mr. William Cash (Stone) (Con): My hon. Friend just compared with 95 per cent. of urban residents. said that farming forms a relatively small part of the rural economy, but with respect to the part of my For rural small businesses and people working from constituency that lies in Staffordshire Moorlands, as home, access to the internet is crucial. We are told that well as the rest of the rural area of my constituency, the vast majority of the population can get some form does he acknowledge that some of us would disagree? of broadband, with 97.9 per cent. of households currently Dairy farmers in Staffordshire are having an extremely getting a speed of at least 1 megabyte a second. That difficult time, which is very much to do with how the sounds good, but the truth is that half a million households legislation and regulations from the European Community cannot obtain those speeds, and more than half of and elsewhere operate against them. those get no acceptable level of internet connection at all, as I know from my rural constituency and I am sure Nick Herbert: I urge my hon. Friend not to many of my hon. Friends will know from theirs. misunderstand what I said about farming. I said that farming was a vital industry. It is factually correct that Only last week, at the South of England show, one of it accounts for only a relatively small part of the economy; my constituents in the south downs area—which is less nevertheless, it is a primary industry and a significant than 50 miles from London—told me that he had been employer. It also manages the land, and it is vital that paying £11,000 a year for a 2 megabyte connection to we should have a viable, successful and competitive his converted farm buildings. Such costs for a poor farming industry. The Conservative party has been connection, which would be cheaply available in an robust in making that case, and that applies as much to urban area, are undermining farm diversification and Staffordshire, as an important farming county, as it the potential for rural development. For businesses in does to other parts of the country. the future, broadband speed will really matter, so the Government’s commitment to making 2 megabyte Stewart Hosie (Dundee, East) (SNP): The hon. broadband available to “virtually everyone” is welcome. Gentleman spoke about the rise in unemployment in However, we will await Lord Carter’s final report later rural areas. He will be aware that many small rural this week to find out what “virtually everyone” really towns have already lost staffed jobcentre offices. Does means. There is a risk that the digital divide between he see the loss of such offices in those communities as cities and rural areas will grow wider still, when super-fast creating a problem in offering jobs to people in rural fibre-optic broadband is rolled out to cities and large areas when the upturn comes? towns, but not to rural areas. Nick Herbert: The hon. Gentleman must have extraordinary prescience, because I was about to come Mr. Jamie Reed (Copeland) (Lab): I am grateful to to that very point. Support for jobless people in remote the hon. Gentleman for giving way, and I apologise to areas is crucial, yet nearly one fifth of rural jobcentres all Opposition Members who have been waiting with were closed in the past two years, when the number bated breath for my contribution to the debate; I have nationally has been increasing. I wonder whether the been making my way here from a rural constituency. Minister would like to say something about that or The hon. Gentleman is making some very good points, about its impact on people in the countryside who have but before he goes too much further, will he proffer a lost their jobs and are now seeking work. definition of “rural community” and “rural people”? I Citizens Advice reports that the increase in debt cases genuinely think that we could work together on trying among people living in rural areas in the second half of to understand that, for the benefit of everyone. Does he last year was more than twice the increase in urban also agree that, in addition to a rural-urban divide, areas, with a 20 per cent. rise in cases among people in there is also a divide between rural areas in the north sparsely populated rural villages. In the final quarter of and the south of England? 45 Rural Communities (Recession)15 JUNE 2009 Rural Communities (Recession) 46

Nick Herbert: The Commission for Rural Communities broadband? We must not see a two-tier system in this mentions two definitions of rural communities. The country, with communities that are already geographically standard one, the DEFRA definition, relates to isolated now becoming digitally isolated. communities of fewer than 10,000 people. In my constituency, for example, all the villages and small Nick Herbert: I agree with my right hon. Friend. As I towns have fewer than 10,000 people, so it amounts to a said, there is a danger of a growing digital divide—we genuinely rural constituency. There is another definition, already have a digital divide—and the challenge for the which relates to the rural nature of local authorities. Government is how higher-speed broadband can be The hon. Gentleman mentioned discrepancies between financed. We hope to hear more about that from the the north and the south, but it is possible to find rural Government this week, including whether there is any deprivation in the rural south as well—certainly in the potential to lever in substantial private finance to ensure south-west. The discrepancies between the rural deprived wider access to high-speed broadband. Another crucial and the more affluent are more important than a north- issue for the long-term potential of economic growth in south geographical divide, in my view. rural areas in the digital age is having a decent broadband Such disparities are not only about fairness. If rural link, which many rural areas are simply lacking at the businesses are disadvantaged, we waste huge potential. moment. This should be regarded as an infrastructure Rural areas are home to a quarter of all England’s challenge, which must be discussed further, but no one businesses, employing 5.5 million people and with a should underestimate the huge sums of money that total turnover of £300 billion. There are higher rates of would be involved. self-employment and new business start-ups in rural The untapped potential of rural businesses could be areas, and more businesses per capita than in urban key to driving the recovery of the UK economy and areas. helping to create sustainable growth for the long term. Stuart Burgess, the Rural Advocate and chairman of Mr. Henry Bellingham (North-West Norfolk) (Con): the Commission for Rural Communities, said that My hon. Friend is making an excellent speech, and I am “our rural communities have much unfulfilled potential… The sorry to interrupt him. He mentioned small businesses challenge is to extend growth and productivity across more firms, and farm diversification. Does he agree that such businesses employees and communities in rural England.” are often critically dependent on banking finance and In the short term, however, we need to help rural credit, which, at the moment, are becoming more and businesses weather the downturn. As the Government more difficult for them to obtain? That should be an have admitted, absolute priority for the Government. There are many “rural economies are heavily dependent on small and medium-sized things over which they have no control, and many businesses and this is one of the sectors thought to be most under things that are going to cost money, but using their threat” influence over, and shareholding in, the major banks from the downturn. We have thus proposed a range of would help to solve that problem. positive measures to get the economy moving again that will also help businesses in rural areas. Nick Herbert: Iamalwayshappytogivewaytomy hon. Friend, and I strongly agree with him. Access to We have called for a reduction in corporation tax credit is vital for the small businesses that are the rates on small companies from 22p to 20p by reducing lifeblood of rural areas. I will deal directly with that complex reliefs and allowances. The majority of rural point shortly. enterprises employ fewer than 10 people and many employ fewer than five. In order to help with payroll Mr. Ellwood: Will my hon. Friend join me in paying costs, so that rural businesses can keep staff on and tribute to an important part of rural business—the employ new staff that are looking for work, we have tourism industry? It is our fifth biggest industry and it argued for cuts of 1p for at least six months in national does well in this country in spite of, not because of, insurance contributions for businesses with fewer than Government. Tourism has been pushed out to the RDAs, five employees. We would give smaller businesses greater which do not provide the level of support that our access to the £125 billion Government procurement businesses need. One example is the £35 million put budget by cutting red tape, advertising online all contracts through by DEFRA, which has not reached the farms worth more than £10,000 and simplifying the pre- that want to diversify into tourism during these difficult qualification process. times; instead, it has gone to the regional development We would help thousands of small rural firms by agencies and got sucked into the bureaucratic system, making business rate relief automatic for eligible small never to be seen on the front line of tourism. businesses in England, and we would reduce the burden of regulation to give businesses more freedom and Nick Herbert: I agree with my hon. Friend about the greater flexibility. The problems of steep increases in importance of tourism as a major rural industry. It is the costs of loans and overdrafts for otherwise successful particularly susceptible to regulation, so we should have businesses during seasonally quiet periods is a particular regard to the regulatory burden on, for example, farm challenge for tourism and other businesses prevalent in businesses that want to diversify into tourism. I shall rural areas. come to the role of the RDAs, and particularly the Of the 25 local authorities with the highest unmet question of whether that role is right for rural businesses. demand for affordable credit, four are classified as rural and eight have significant rural populations. Our proposed Mr. Greg Knight (East Yorkshire) (Con): May I take £50 billion national loan guarantee scheme to get credit my hon. Friend back to what he said a few moments flowing again would also help, as my hon. Friend the ago? Does he not accept that it is of the greatest Member for North-West Norfolk (Mr. Bellingham) argued. importance that rural areas have access to high-speed As the Commission for Rural Communities has argued, 47 Rural Communities (Recession)15 JUNE 2009 Rural Communities (Recession) 48

[Nick Herbert] The beer duty increase in the Budget has further damaged a fragile sector and we are seeing rural pubs businesses need more flexibility for paying VAT, so we closing at the rate of two a day. The average annual would allow small and medium-sized enterprises to wage in the most rural areas is £7,000 lower than it is in defer their VAT bills for up to six months, potentially the most urban areas, but the average price of a home meaning the difference between survival and failure. for first-time buyers is £16,000 more. There is clearly an Those are all practical measures to help the rural economy urgent need for affordable rural housing, but Labour’s in the current downturn. top-down housing targets have failed to deliver. We need to reverse the trend of centralisation and end the Dr. Andrew Murrison (Westbury) (Con): Does my years of thoughtless Whitehall diktat so that the needs hon. Friend agree that another practical measure that of rural communities are respected. We will allow towns the Government could take is to ensure that food is and villages to create local housing trusts to build new properly labelled, so that consumers can determine housing to benefit their communities. Provided that what is British and what is not, and, in particular, what there is strong local support, those bodies will have the is produced to our extremely high standards of animal power to develop new homes without the burdens of welfare and what is not? That is a simple measure that the regional planning system. the Government could take immediately to help the Three years ago, Members on both of the House rural economy. supported the Bill that became the Sustainable Communities Act 2007, which requires central Government to make Nick Herbert: I strongly agree with my hon. Friend. clear how much money they spend on local services in As he will know, we have been running an “honest each area and gives councils and communities a far food” campaign with the support of the farming industry greater say in how that money is spent. The Government and the animal welfare organisations, arguing for agreed that reports on public spending under the Act compulsory country-of-origin labelling so that people would include quangos, but Ministers are now backtracking know where their meat and meat products come from on that pledge, which is unacceptable. The public want and we do not unfairly disadvantage our own producers. more influence over decision-making, and that means Our simple proposition is that food labelled “British” more information. should come from animals born and bred in Britain. The campaign has widespread public support. We continue It is time to go further and return real power and to look to the Government to act on our proposals in decision-making to individuals and communities wherever the European Commission and, if necessary, to introduce possible, so that people have a genuine say in the matters a scheme of their own. I hope that the Minister will that affect them locally. This Government have been recognise the importance of that issue to the farming obsessed with regional government, and a plethora of industry. quangos are now ruling rural areas and disbursing funds without local accountability. We will allow councils Mr. Jamie Reed: I am extremely grateful to the hon. to establish their own local enterprise partnerships to Gentleman for giving way. He is being very generous take over the economic development functions and with his time in allowing as many Members as possible funding of the regional development agencies. If power to intervene. Does he agree that in many parts of this is devolved and decisions are taken as close as possible country, particularly rural areas, the recession is not a to the people they affect, the social value of rural new phenomenon? Many parts of rural England have services, as well as their economic value, will be appreciated. been in recession for 40 years. Might not the answer to Above all, people in rural communities would be what is often predominantly market failure be fewer reconnected with decision making at a time when politics market solutions and more state interventions? in Westminster has never been more remote from the people. Nick Herbert: There has certainly been significant This Government have presided over a decade of rural deprivation in many parts of England for some disrespect for rural communities. They have ignored time, and I want to refer to some of the ways in which I local concerns and imposed national policies regardless think that it can be addressed without state intervention. of their impact. It is time for a different approach. Of Indeed, I would argue that the form of state intervention course rural areas deserve fair treatment, but it is not that we have experienced has been largely ineffective. just a question of fairness. All parts of the country are suffering in the recession, and the rural economy could Rob Marris: Will the hon. Gentleman give way? be a great national resource for the future. It could help to deliver jobs from growth in small businesses and new Nick Herbert: I shall make some progress, if the hon. sustainable forms of working, but making that happen Gentleman does not mind. will require a Government who understand rural areas In the long term, we need to ensure that rural and are willing to listen, and a Government who respect communities are vibrant and viable. That means ensuring rural communities and are ready to trust and empower that there is access to local services, and providing them. As I am afraid the Secretary of State has affordable housing. The present Government’s record demonstrated by his absence from this debate today, on rural services is lamentable. Hundreds of small rural that leadership will not come from this tired and discredited schools have closed over the past decade, despite Labour’s Government. promise to keep them open. As the Minister knows only too well, 1,400 rural communities have lost their post 5.1 pm offices since 2000. Two thousand local shops are closing The Minister of State, Department for Environment, every year, and, according to one estimate, 42 per cent. Food and Rural Affairs (Jim Fitzpatrick): I beg to move of small English towns and villages no longer have a an amendment, to leave out from “House” to the end of shop of any kind. the Question and add: 49 Rural Communities (Recession)15 JUNE 2009 Rural Communities (Recession) 50

“recognises the serious impact that the economic downturn is Mr. Wallace: I am grateful to the Minister for making having across the country and the support the Government is the point about fairness and justice for all. Does he providing to people, communities and businesses to come out therefore think it is fair that a ghillie or shepherd who stronger and build Britain’s future; notes that the Government checks their sheep in a 4x4 up in the hills has to pay the has introduced new measures to increase financial aid for rural businesses through the Rural Development Programme for England same amount of punitive vehicle excise duty as someone as a response to the economic downturn; welcomes the Taylor driving a Range Rover in Chelsea? Report’s work on making sure rural communities have affordable housing and sustainable economic opportunities; commends the Jim Fitzpatrick: I acknowledge the issue raised by the work of the Homes and Communities Agency to build 10,300 hon. Gentleman. These are choices that individuals rural affordable homes between 2008 and 2011; applauds the make. I recognise the need for 4x4s in rural areas. We Government’s commitment to connect communities and support local businesses with a minimum guarantee of 2MB broadband try to make sure that tax arrangements are as equitable for virtually everyone in the country; notes that unemployment as possible, but there are inequalities all around the levels in rural areas remain below those in urban areas and is system. committed to helping maintain high levels of employment in As I have said, there are more businesses for every rural areas; expresses serious concern about the impact on rural 10,000 people in rural areas than there are in urban communities of the Opposition’s promised 10 per cent. cut to the budgets of most Government departments that assist people in areas. They have a combined turnover of more than rural areas; and supports the Government’s commitment to continue £300 billion per year. Of course, rural England is not a to work with the Commission for Rural Communities, Regional single, homogenous entity; it takes many forms. Going Development Agencies and local communities and businesses to by a wide range of social and economic indicators, rural help people through these difficult economic times.” areas are performing well; their performance is usually First, I would like to take this opportunity to say how on a par with, or better than, urban areas, and that may pleased I am to be taking up my new post at the surprise many. The evidence suggests that most of rural Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs— England is well connected, with strong links to nearby and I am grateful to the hon. Member for Arundel and towns and cities and good access to local markets and South Downs (Nick Herbert) for his words of welcome. job opportunities. That is why our rural areas have been I pay tribute to my predecessor, my right hon. Friend performing well in both social and economic terms. the Member for Liverpool, Wavertree (Jane Kennedy). She is held in great affection by the agriculture industry, Mr. Bellingham: The Minister mentioned employment and I will have a difficult job in following her. prospects and getting advice on employment. Does he I greatly welcome this opportunity to focus on the share my concern that the Department for Work and challenges faced by people who live and work in rural Pensions—I know it is not his Department—has closed areas. two jobcentres in west Norfolk? That basically breaks Mr. Cash: Will the Minister give way? the link involving advisers and those in jobcentres who can give immediate input to people who are trying to Jim Fitzpatrick: I have not said anything yet, but I find or move jobs. Such people now have to travel a am very happy to give way to the hon. Gentleman. great deal further to get that advice, and if someone Mr. Cash: With respect, the Minister has already said does not have a car in a place such as Norfolk, they very something about his predecessor, and I rise to make a often do not have a job, and vice versa. simple point. I wrote to DEFRA on 1 April with a detailed request for certain pieces of information that Jim Fitzpatrick: I understand that the DWP has are highly relevant to this debate. I still have not received suspended any further closures, particularly in these a reply, and on behalf of my farmers, who have been difficult economic times, but I recognise that there has having a very difficult time, I ask the Minister to make been a rationalisation of jobcentres and benefits agencies, sure that I receive one as soon as possible. the creation of Jobcentre Plus and an attempt to ensure Jim Fitzpatrick: I am only too pleased to apologise to that appropriate and necessary assistance was provided the hon. Gentleman on behalf of the Department, and as efficiently as possible. I will endeavour to look up his correspondence and Economic development in a rural context needs to be respond at my earliest opportunity. based on a 21st-century understanding of businesses The rural White Paper in 2000 set out for the first in rural areas—one that is not constrained by a nostalgia but time a full rural affairs agenda. DEFRA, the first that recognises the dynamism, diversity, interconnectedness Department with an explicit remit for rural affairs, was and value of our rural businesses and communities. In created in 2001. Having reviewed the White Paper in many respects, rural communities are no different from early 2004, we followed up with the rural strategy later any other; people there want not only well-paid and that year. It was far-reaching, and aimed to build on the secure employment and somewhere decent to live, but economic success of the majority of rural areas, while long and healthy lives and a good education for their tackling those that were felt to be at either economic or children. It is therefore perhaps no surprise that the social disadvantage. That strategy still underpins the impacts of the current recession on rural areas are very Government’s approach to rural affairs; it is one of similar to those in urban areas. More specifically, when equity and fairness. the comparison is made with urban areas the emerging As we now know, one in five people in England lives picture in rural England is one of lower risk, higher in a settlement of fewer than 10,000 inhabitants—that resilience and higher recovery prospects. So it is worth is about 10 million people in all. Our rural communities pausing for a minute to examine what is really happening are home to about 1 million businesses, providing more in rural areas. than 5.5 million jobs. There are more businesses for In April 2009, 2.5 per cent. of the working-age population every 10,000 people in rural areas than there are in in rural England were claiming unemployment-related urban areas. benefits, compared with a figure of 4.6 per cent. in 51 Rural Communities (Recession)15 JUNE 2009 Rural Communities (Recession) 52

[Jim Fitzpatrick] represents the south-west. I will ensure that she gets a copy of the information that the Department receives urban areas. The labour force survey for the first quarter from the research that it is undertaking. of 2009 showed that 18.5 per cent. of the 254,000 As I was saying, this is all being kept under regular people made redundant in the previous three months review by the National Economic Council, with reports came from rural areas—the percentage roughly corresponds from the Commission for Rural Communities—as to the 19.3 per cent. of the population who live in rural mentioned by the hon. Member for South-East areas. The agriculture industry is specifically helped by Cambridgeshire (Mr. Paice)—and the regional development the stability of demand for its produce, compared with agencies, as other hon. Members have mentioned. At other sectors of the economy. New tractor registrations— the risk of being accused of being in denial, I should say not a statistic that I have cited much in my political that none of this says that rural areas or rural communities past, but one that I shall be looking at in future—which are immune from the effects of recession, and no one are traditionally regarded as a bellwether of the industry’s would claim that—especially me. It is easy to talk about confidence, increased by more than 6 per cent. in the averages, because that is what we can measure and first four months of 2009 compared with the same compare, but the simple fact is that for an individual period in 2008. who has lost his or her job, and who fears losing a home Rob Marris: On that point, is my hon. Friend aware as well, the effects are devastating. that in detailing the litany of wonderful policies that Much of the action that the Government have been they have rolled out today the Tory Front-Bench team taking is intended to prevent those job losses in the first fail to mention that their policy is to cut capital allowances? place, to put the right conditions in place for recovery, That would cut the number of tractor registrations and and to help prevent homes from being lost. Nevertheless, harm rural areas. the available indicators appear to show that rural areas Jim Fitzpatrick: My hon. Friend makes a very interesting are holding up well so far, and in most cases have not point about what was omitted from the speech made by suffered as much as urban areas. Across the UK, there the hon. Member for Arundel and South Downs from have been some encouraging signs that confidence is the Front Bench. I also noted that some of the Conservative improving, although we remain cautious. There is no commitments contained heavy qualifications about whether reason to be complacent and it is legitimate to ask what they would be affordable, were the Opposition ever to we are doing to tackle the recession in rural areas. form a Government. Our analysis of a range of indicators associated with Mr. Ellwood: I also welcome the Minister to his post. downturn risks, resilience and potential for recovery—that I invite him to seek out an organisation called Farm is still at an early stage—indicates that rural areas are Stay UK, which helps farms to diversify into tourism. I faring well when compared with urban areas. That is attended its annual general meeting last year and listened not to say that there are not challenges, especially in to its frustration that it is not getting the necessary relation to falling vacancies, earnings, house prices and support from the Government. I mentioned to my hon. negative equity, but rural areas score well against recovery Friend the Member for Arundel and South Downs indicators: they have good employment opportunities, (Nick Herbert) that the £35 million is getting lost in the good enterprise and business prospects, high skills and regional development agencies. Perhaps the Minister good quality of life. could look at that to ensure that the money gets to the front line, where it is so needed. Mr. James Paice (South-East Cambridgeshire) (Con): I congratulate the Minister on his appointment. Before Jim Fitzpatrick: I took note of the hon. Gentleman’s he finishes his catalogue of what he thinks is going right comment about rural businesses looking to diversify, in rural areas, will he address the issue of poverty, and especially farming, and the assistance that has been the fact that it is higher in rural areas than in urban given to the RDAs. I will look into the matter and, if areas? Indeed, according to the Commission for Rural appropriate, I will write to him. I am not saying that Communities, it is rising faster in rural areas. that will be necessary, but I am sure that we will have a Jim Fitzpatrick: I am not ignoring the issue of poverty discussion in due course on the interesting point that he in rural areas and, of course, I acknowledge that it raises. exists. I look to the CRC for advice and I am only too happy to look at the information and research that it Mr. Robert Walter (North Dorset) (Con): The Minister provides to the Department. I am grateful to the hon. said that he thought that rural areas were holding up Gentleman for his kind remarks of welcome, and I look well. How does that translate into the 212 per cent. forward to working with him and the hon. Member for increase in male unemployment in North Dorset in the Arundel and South Downs in the months ahead. past 12 months, or does the Minister think that all those people are registering new tractors? Julia Goldsworthy: The causes of poverty in rural areas may vary from place to place. In the south-west, water poverty is a real issue, but it is not being appropriately Jim Fitzpatrick: No, I would not for a second question addressed. Will the Minister undertake to look into that the statistics that the hon. Gentleman cites about his area to ensure that households do not spend a constituency, any more than he would question mine. disproportionate amount of their income just on paying He has much greater familiarity with the area. I said their water bills? earlier that the rural community was not homogenous, and that there were differences in many areas. I hope Jim Fitzpatrick: The hon. Lady says that water poverty that that qualifies my comments about the rural community is not being appropriately addressed, and I am sure that doing well. It was a qualified observation, as the hon. she is more familiar with the issue than I am, as she Gentleman will be able to read in due course. 53 Rural Communities (Recession)15 JUNE 2009 Rural Communities (Recession) 54

The intention, of course, is to avoid any systematic highlighted by my hon. Friend the Member for Copeland disadvantage based on geography, but in effect the (Mr. Reed). They then come forward with this nonsense measures taken by Government more generally to stimulate about letting local people decide, and we on the Government the economy and to get us all out of recession are just as Benches all know what happens then: Conservative important to rural communities and businesses as to councillors in rural areas oppose all new housing. The elsewhere. Given the many similarities between rural Opposition Front Benchers in the House say, “Let’s and urban economies, we believe that that is the right have affordable housing in rural areas.” What do approach, rather than establishing a number of separate Conservatives do on the ground? They oppose it all. It smaller rural schemes that would only add to the costs is nonsense. Let us have much more affordable housing of administration. in rural areas.

Dr. Murrison: The Minister is trying to conflate the Jim Fitzpatrick: Again, my hon. Friend makes a experience of the recession in urban and rural areas. telling point and observes the weaknesses of the Does he agree with me, however, that the thing that Opposition’s policies. I acknowledge his suggestion that defines rural areas is the fact that people are poor and we should go further with affordable housing. That is a have appalling access to services? What precisely have debate that we have been having and the Prime Minister his Government been doing since 1997 to improve has pushed the policy further forward than it has been transport in rural areas? for many years. Clearly, it will continue to move in that direction. Jim Fitzpatrick: We have given a commitment that In addition, the Government have developed policies there will be no further rail closures until 2013 and we that recognise local authorities as “leaders of place”, have been subsidising rural bus routes to the tune of responsible for identifying and responding to the needs some £400 million to try to ensure that the rural community of their communities. That approach is appropriate to can keep going via public transport as well as via other all communities, including those in rural areas. Local means. area agreements are also part of that approach. At local As I said, the Government are delivering support for council level—that is, in town and parish councils—new people and businesses in all communities. We are cutting powers are available to those councils that meet certain taxes, with a cut in VAT worth more than £20 a month quality standards. That will enable those local bodies to on average for households for the whole of 2009. A do more for their communities, and the policy has been range of tax cuts and increases for tax credits and widely welcomed by the sector. benefits introduced on 6 April are already putting money in people’s pockets. Mr. Bellingham: The Minister is incredibly generous For businesses, we are keeping lending flowing by in giving way. I agree that local councils should spearhead securing billions of pounds of additional finance with the recovery from recessions. However, does he agree legally binding agreements with banks to increase lending that this is not the time for the Government to push for business on commercial terms—£11 billion from ahead with a review of local government? Does he Lloyds TSB and £16 billion from RBS. We are freeing accept that it would be a great mistake to push through up capital by signing £1 billion-worth of guarantees unitary proposals for Norfolk, given the almost universal through the working capital scheme and backing bank opposition in the county? Does he agree that district lending to viable businesses that cannot get commercial and borough councils have a very important role to play loans with the enterprise finance guarantee. More than in ensuring that businesses have a chance to survive into £400 million-worth of eligible applications from over the future? 3,600 small businesses have been assessed and are being processed or have been granted. More than 2,500 businesses Jim Fitzpatrick: The Government are trying to provide have been offered loans totalling more than £231 million. the best local government framework that we can. We We are supporting cash flow by agreeing deferred payment have consulted widely, and that consultation process of more than £2.5 billion in tax by 145,000-plus businesses began when I was in the Office of the Deputy Prime since November, as well as enabling companies to spread Minister. The hon. Gentleman and local councils will the increases in business rates over the next three years. have their own views as to whether we have got the A business paying a rates bill on a typical property that policy right. will see a £600 rise in its rates liability in 2009-10 will be I was saying that we have taken specific actions to able to defer £360 of that increase to future years. address some of the challenges in rural areas. For We are also providing real help to keep people in example, to tackle the housing challenge in rural areas work and delivering support, as I have just described, we have set the Homes and Communities Agency a for thousands of businesses. We are investing in the target to deliver 10,300 affordable homes between 2008 future so that the economy is well placed to benefit and 2011 in settlements of fewer than 3,000. from the recovery. For example, we are bringing forward As I mentioned a moment ago, and in respect of the £3 billion-worth of capital projects and providing a distances involved in getting to major centres, we made £600 million fund to kick-start house building. a commitment that no rural railway lines would be closed before 2013. Moreover, special rural bus grants Rob Marris: The Homes and Communities Agency of more than £400 million form part of the more plans to build 10,300 rural homes in three years, and general bus services operators grants, and there is a that is a woefully low figure. I wish it were far higher. I presumption against the closure of village schools, especially urge my hon. Friend not to accept the nonsense from primary schools. However, such decisions are very much the Opposition, who will not properly address market in the hands of local authorities, which will be best failure in terms of affordable rural housing, as was placed to consider the implications. 55 Rural Communities (Recession)15 JUNE 2009 Rural Communities (Recession) 56

Mr. Jamie Reed: My hon. Friend mentioned delivering its members’ council, which assisted in the process, the 10,300 more affordable rural homes, but that will not be receiver and other dairy processors, all of whom have enough. I hope that he will meet me and other Back worked together to ensure that the impact of Dairy Benchers to pursue an increase in that number. However, Farmers of Britain’s financial collapse are minimised. he spoke about market failure in rural areas and the The receiver stated on Friday 12 June that on their policy initiatives taken to combat it. Does he agree that appointment 400 farmer members, from a total of about many rural economies are kept alive by public spending? 1,800 farmer suppliers, had yet to find alternative buyers. A cut of 10 per cent. across the board would do more to I understand from contacts made over the weekend that hurt rural communities than it would to help them. the number has fallen further, and DEFRA officials will meet the receiver on 17 June to review progress. Jim Fitzpatrick: My hon. Friend the Member for Wolverhampton, South-West (Rob Marris) paid me a Rob Marris: My hon. Friend has dealt with milk; may compliment and gave me an opportunity to ask questions I congratulate him on honey, too? With colony collapse of the Opposition, but my hon. Friend the Member for disorder among honey bees, the Government have rightly Copeland (Mr. Reed) gives me a slap and says that we increased fivefold their spending on research for honey are not doing enough in terms of affordable housing. I bees, which are vital pollinators in rural areas. The hear what Labour Back Benchers say, and I hear the Government have matched that with funding from, I silence from the Opposition Benches. This issue is not think, the Wellcome Trust, so the annual research budget going away, as it will continue to be pressed by many in the next five years will go up from £200,000 a year to honourable colleagues. £2 million a year, and I congratulate the Government I said that rural communities are very much like any on that. other, but there is one very important aspect that we cannot ignore: the extent to which they are engaged in Jim Fitzpatrick: On behalf of the Department, I am land-based activities that remain vital for environmental grateful for the appreciation expressed by my hon. protection and enhancement. DEFRA is putting £3.9 billion Friend. If my memory serves me correctly, the number into the rural economy between 2007 and 2013 via the of inspectors has also increased to help the industry. rural development programme for England. More than As I was saying, the farmers affected will have lost double the size of its predecessor, the RDPE will both their investment in Dairy Farmers of Britain and their help farmers and support other rural businesses. Around May milk cheques. We have worked closely with the £550 million of the total sum will go to support small regional development agencies, the National Farmers businesses, including farmers, and improve the quality Union and the receiver to ensure that farmers facing of life for rural communities. cash-flow difficulties are aware of business advice and At a regional level, the RDAs have been delivering support services available through Business Link, and packages of measures tailored to the needs of the so have access to relevant Government schemes, such as individual regions. For example, Advantage West Midlands the enterprise finance guarantee scheme and the business is investing an extra £3 million to help community payment support service run by Her Majesty’s Revenue development finance institutions and other alternative and Customs. That goes some way in rebutting the finance providers to meet additional demand from new allegation made earlier that we are not doing anything and existing business and social enterprises. In addition, for dairy farmers. the East of England Development Agency is running a three-year campaign, offering free business IT support Mr. Peter Atkinson (Hexham) (Con): On the subject and advice. I am sure that the work done through of Dairy Farmers of Britain, it is good news that most Business Link East to put together an “open for business” of the suppliers, particularly in north-east England, are package for rural pubs will receive the wide support of finding new contracts, but could the Minister say anything the House. about the future of the processing plant in Blaydon, Earlier, Opposition Members raised the question of near Newcastle? That is the only processing plant in the Dairy Farmers of Britain, and asked whether north-east region, and if it closes, dairy farmers in the the Government were doing enough to support region will face very high transport costs to move their that organisation. The appointment on 3 June of milk to areas where it can be processed. PricewaterhouseCoopers as receivers and managers of Dairy Farmers of Britain, a farmer-owned dairy Jim Fitzpatrick: My apologies to the hon. Gentleman, co-operative with a turnover of approximately £500 million but I am not in a position to respond to that point a year, was disappointing to all those interested in the directly. The Under-Secretary of State for Environment, dairy industry, and distressing to employees, the farmer Food and Rural Affairs, my hon. Friend the Member members, dependent businesses and customers. for Wansdyke (Dan Norris), may be able to do so when A written statement, laid before the House on 9 June, winding up the debate. If he is not in a position to do so, set out the position. Since then, more farmer members I will certainly write to the hon. Gentleman tomorrow of Dairy Farmers of Britain have found alternative with the latest position regarding the plant that he buyers for their milk, and while we do not yet have firm mentions. figures, we estimate that about 90 per cent. of milk by The issue of broadband was raised. The Government volume of the Dairy Farmers of Britain’s original farm are aware that in many rural areas there are significant supplies has now found a buyer. In such a short space of barriers in terms of access, speed, cost and quality to time, that is a tremendous achievement by the industry broadband provision that still need to be overcome. We as a whole, and on behalf of the Department for want to ensure that rural areas are not left behind as Environment, Food and Rural Affairs I pay tribute to next-generation networks and other digital platforms the hard work of the Dairy Farmers of Britain’s employees, develop. The European economic recovery package, 57 Rural Communities (Recession)15 JUNE 2009 Rural Communities (Recession) 58 agreed in March, allocated ¤1.02 billion to the rural 400 businesses in a dozen towns and villages around my development programme at EU level. The UK’s share very rural constituency, and I got a range of messages. of that is approximately £12 million. Final decisions on There is a mixed picture out there. Clearly, there were how funding should be allocated are being taken now, some good news stories and some exceptionally bad and rural broadband is one of the issues being considered. news stories, but the modal response was something In addition, Lord Stephen Carter in the other place has like, “Things are about where they were a year ago, but asked the Commission for Rural Communities to produce we have had to work twice as hard and think twice as a report examining the impact of digital technology on hard to make sure that they stayed that way.” rural economies, and the potential barriers. Thomas Jefferson was once accused by a rival of being lucky. His response to that charge was, “It’s Mr. David Heath (Somerton and Frome) (LD): The interesting. The harder I work, the luckier I get.”Speaking hon. Gentleman must realise that the Carter review’s for my communities, I would say that although the interim report is hopelessly inadequate on providing the downturn is a reality, there is also a strong sense of level of internet connection that we need. The matter is defiance and of being determined to make their own absolutely crucial to the future economy of areas such luck. The problem remains that the rural community is as that which I represent. If we cannot attract the nevertheless in a vulnerable position, largely because of high-value industries to areas where they have the chance Government failure over the past three decades to support to grow because those areas cannot make those connections, our communities. the future for our economy is bleak. He must do better; the Government must do better. That is reflected by the closure of 8,000 post offices under the Conservatives first and now under Labour, with the biggest impact falling upon the countryside; Jim Fitzpatrick: I hear what the hon. Gentleman the reckless and irresponsible selling-off of the majority says. As I mentioned, Lord Carter has asked the of rural affordable housing under the Conservatives, Commission for Rural Communities to produce a report, followed by the Labour Government’s abject failure to so there will be more information coming forward. The address the crisis that that created; the loss of community, spend from the euro budget will be determined shortly. owing to the unsustainable growth in second home We understand that there is an awful lot more to do and ownership in many villages in rural Britain; the loss of we will continue to try to do that, and I am sure the hon. hospital services under Labour; the increased exploitation Gentleman will do all he can to press us, to make sure of our farmers by the supermarkets and the processors; that we keep improving. and the way in which decisions that affect us in rural Food labelling was raised earlier in the debate; the Britain appear to be taken by Labour Ministers cloistered hon. Member for Arundel and South Downs responded in Whitehall, with little or no regard for the impact of to an intervention from one of his colleagues. We recognise those decisions on the communities that they affect. the significance of food labelling. As an example of the fact that the Department is very engaged, I chaired the The Conservative motion contains nothing with which pigmeat taskforce last week. It was clear that progress I would disagree, but it is laced with irony. I wonder who was being made, with the sub-groups looking into the sold off all the affordable rural housing. I wonder who issue engaging with retailers and with animal welfare encouraged the unsustainable growth in second home groups. There is probably consensus across the House ownership. I wonder who were the high priests of the that more can be done to support the industry. free market fundamentalism that led to the banking collapse and the recession in the first place. Given that In conclusion, there is no doubt that there is a recession Members have become rather adept at contrition recently, in rural areas, as there is in our towns and cities, but I I wonder whether anyone on the Conservative Benches have been impressed by the resilience shown by rural might consider disarming those of us who are a tiny bit communities and I look forward to working with and sceptical by saying sorry. There is nothing wrong with for them in the months ahead. For many years the irony so long as one understands that it is irony, and as Government have taken a considerable interest in the such we support the motion. We are concerned about well-being of rural communities, and will continue to the lack of any solutions presented within, however, do so in a way that is effective and allows for the and that is why we tabled an amendment in an attempt maximum input into the decision-making process from to provide some substance and to strengthen the hand those who are most affected. I look forward to listening of farmers and growers, who are so often forced to take to right hon. and hon. Members during the debate. poverty rates for their produce by much more powerful operators in the food market—chiefly, those on the 5.31 pm retail side. Tim Farron (Westmorland and Lonsdale) (LD): I, Following the tragic collapse of Dairy Farmers of too, would like to express my disappointment at the Britain, to which many Members have already referred, absence from the debate of the Secretary of State. That many stricken farmers have been exploited by buyers reflects rather poorly, perhaps, on the Government’s offering, in some cases, as little as 10p a litre—14p commitment to these issues. However, I would not want below the cost price—for their milk. Almost 1 billion that to detract from my warm welcome to the Minister litres of milk production capacity has been lost over the to his new job. I look forward to being able to nobble past three years, and it is immoral and counter-productive him on hill farm allowance, dairy farming and rural to treat dairy farmers in that way. A food market housing issues in the lift in Norman Shaw, to which I regulator would give farmers a champion who would am sure he equally looks forward. intervene and ensure that they were not exploited. I spent—profitably, I hope—much of the recent recess Is it not ironic also that so many people wander down calling on businesses in my constituency unannounced. one aisle in the supermarket and buy fair trade coffee, I am sure they were exceptionally grateful. I spoke to but wander down the next aisle and buy to put in that 59 Rural Communities (Recession)15 JUNE 2009 Rural Communities (Recession) 60

[Tim Farron] In my constituency, and in many others no doubt, too, the number of people registering for jobseeker’s coffee milk that was taken from an exploited local dairy allowance has risen significantly. It has tripled in the farmer at below cost price? Our amendment sought to past year. We do not have many huge employers in our ensure fair trade for farmers and growers in Colombia area; our eggs are in many baskets. I would say that that and Cumbria. The loss of production capacity in many is a blessing, but some of those baskets have come areas of British farming is a clear example, as other crashing down, bringing heartache and hardship to Members have noted, of the failure of the unfettered decent local business people, their employees and their and unfair market. families. The impact of the recession has become tangible. John Maynard Keynes— Like many hon. Members, I am seeing in constituency surgeries a huge increase in the number of families in Mr. Jamie Reed: Will the hon. Gentleman give way? danger of defaulting on their mortgages or private Tim Farron: Yes, I shall give way. rental agreements, an increase in demand for social rented housing and a rocketing in the number of families Mr. Reed: I am very grateful to the hon. Gentleman being squeezed into inadequate hostel accommodation. for giving way. We share the fantastic county of Cumbria, There is rising unemployment and the hours or wages and, on the issues that he is discussing today, he is of workers in employment are being cut; the downturn without doubt one of the best advocates in the House. has begun to take effect. That is beyond question and recognised as such in our county. Does he agree that we need to do an awful lot Two weeks ago, a young mum came to see me in my more in this country to ensure that supermarkets exercise surgery. That weekend, she had to make the choice a much greater duty of care towards our farmers? between paying her electricity bill and feeding her family. It is against that backdrop that the scandal of MPs’ Tim Farron: I agree very much with the hon. Gentleman, allowances has been played out; it has been juxtaposed who is my constituency neighbour. My great concern is with rising hardship, so no wonder there is such visceral that, although we do not want to burden the industry anger out there, especially in impoverished rural with excessive regulation, we have very powerful players communities. That economic hardship, coupled with on the retailing and processing sides, but a range of the discrediting of the political class, is a toxic cocktail; relatively powerless people—farmers and growers—who I hardly need to remind hon. Members that such a by and large do the real work. They need protecting, cocktail brought Hitler to power in the 1930s. Shamefully, and we need to ensure that markets are fair more the same toxic cocktail led to the election of two Nazis than free. to the European Parliament last week. Julia Goldsworthy: Do we not also need to ensure The answer to the crisis is not to wring our hands or that consumers are properly educated about what happens chuck eggs at people, but to offer real, tangible hope. To and are not misled? Often, they are told that they have do that, we need to give rural Britain a new deal. We the opportunity to, for example, buy cabbage locally, need to invest in our countryside and ensure sustainable without knowing that, although it has been cut locally, communities. Let us start with housing. it has been sent hundreds of miles away to be wrapped in plastic and then sent back to their area. People need to be fully aware of the situation’s true carbon impact. Mr. Atkinson: The hon. Gentleman has been talking about investing in sustainable and rural communities. Tim Farron: I could not agree more with my hon. Northumberland county council, which covers one of Friend. Honesty in presentation, packaging and labelling the most sparse rural counties in England, is now run of food stuffs is absolutely crucial in terms of both by the Liberal Democrats. Can the hon. Gentleman educating people to allow them to make choices so that explain why it is closing all old people’s day centres we do not incur excessive and unnecessary food miles, there? and recognising that, in this country, we have the highest environmental and animal welfare standards in the world. Those standards cost, and it is wrong that our Tim Farron: I am not directly familiar with the case, farmers should be at a disadvantage to competitors who but I am sure that like all local authorities, Northumberland can sometimes claim that their produce is British, just county council has to make difficult choices because of because it is processed here, and therefore sell it at a a variety of things such as the decline in return on cheaper rate. investments and the reduction in local government funds. Returning to John Maynard Keynes, if I could, I The hon. Gentleman will have to forgive me, however, should say that he, a great Liberal, of course, was as I do not know the detail of the issue; I promise to unfashionable for many years but has now been proved find out. comprehensively right. He once said, among many other If we are to try to solve the problems faced by rural words of wisdom, that communities, we have to start with housing. According “the market can remain illogical for longer than you can remain to the Government’s own Commission for Rural solvent.” Communities, 100,000 young people are set to leave Those words ring painfully true for dairy farmers right such areas in the next three years, principally because of now. They ring true for every rural community that has a lack of affordable housing. There is therefore a desperate lost its post office; for every community that has seen its need to create homes that will enable those young permanent population disappear due to the loss of people to stay and their communities to thrive. We must social rented properties and excessive second-home scrap the Government’s remote, counter-productive and ownership; and for every rural community that is isolated undemocratic regional spatial strategy and instead empower and cut off thanks to the deregulation of public transport local communities to build homes with community and the subsequent loss of vital bus and rail links. backing. 61 Rural Communities (Recession)15 JUNE 2009 Rural Communities (Recession) 62

Michael Heseltine once referred to the planning and of “Breed for Cornwall”. Joking aside, there is a great development policy of the 1980s as DADA—“decide, need to breed for rural Britain. My wife and I are doing announce, defend, abandon”. The regional spatial strategy our bit, but there is a limit. is clearly a recipe for more DADA. Let us give communities the power to create the homes that they need in the Mr. Jamie Reed rose— places where they are needed. Why not follow in the Tim Farron: As is the hon. Gentleman. footsteps of the Liberal Democrat-controlled South Lakeland district council, which has adopted the home Mr. Reed: I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman, and on the farm initiative? That could see hundreds of how dare he? unused or underused farm buildings converted into Does the hon. Gentleman agree that the real and affordable homes for local families. Homes could be pressing problems of rural Britain are mirrored in the built in the back yards of people who actually want problems facing urban Britain, and that the exodus of them there. people from rural communities only exacerbates those problems in urban communities? Dan Rogerson (North Cornwall) (LD): I am grateful to my hon. Friend for his exposition of the problems Tim Farron: The hon. Gentleman is absolutely right. that all our rural communities are facing. Does he agree I look at my own constituency as a microcosm. Rising that the Department for Environment, Food and Rural prices eject people from the Lake district and dales Affairs needs to co-ordinate with the rest of the Government parts of my constituency, so they move to Kendal, then across the whole range of policy initiatives? That could that becomes unaffordable, so they move to Milnthorpe ensure, for example, that the banks that are now effectively and Flookburgh, and then they become unaffordable, publicly owned supported housing initiatives. In my so they move even further away. The impact on housing constituency, there is a community land trust, but people and other parts of the economy is palpable and seriously hoping to buy the homes are facing difficulties because damaging. the banks are being obstructive. Does my hon. Friend Let us have a renewal in agriculture, too. With farm feel that Ministers across all Government Departments incomes under threat like never before, and with the should play their part in resolving such issues? challenge of climate change facing every one of us, we must ensure that the new deal for the countryside has an Tim Farron: My hon. Friend has made an excellent unmistakably green tinge. We could extend carbon trading and incredibly important point. Another issue in my to enable large corporations to offset their carbon emissions constituency and other rural areas is how partially by paying our farmers for work further to extend carbon publicly owned banks have pulled the plug on providing sequestration in the countryside. In the uplands, especially, mortgages for affordable homes. Tragically, in my that could mean that our hill farmers finally get the constituency—and others too, no doubt—homes are rewards they deserve for their role as the stewards of standing empty because people are asked to come up our environment and our landscapes. with 30 per cent. deposits. People with such deposits would not be in the market for an affordable home. The Let us be ambitious about fusing the environmental banks need to play ball. In many respects, it seems that imperative with the fightback against recession. For we have the worst of both worlds: we spend money on example, there should be a far-reaching scheme to ensure the banks, but we appear to have little control over how that farmers can choose to host anaerobic digesters they relate to our rural economy and other parts of the with Government start-up funding to enable whole economy. communities to recycle organic waste and to create renewable energy. The lack of affordable housing in rural areas is only half of the problem: the other half is a lack of well-paid Christopher Fraser (South-West Norfolk) (Con): As work. The Government need to look to rural Britain as in “The Archers”. an engine room of creativity on many fronts. The former Minister with responsibility for renewable energy, Tim Farron: Indeed, “The Archers” is doing a great the right hon. and learned Member for North Warwickshire job in popularising that technology. However, this country (Mr. O’Brien), kindly met me and representatives of the is way behind in deploying it—for example, about 70 times business community in Cumbria to discuss our attempt more anaerobic digesters exist in Germany—despite the to create a new business park for the renewable energy clear engagement of the farming community and their sector, which will create 900 jobs in south Cumbria if willingness to lead the way. we are successful. The Government need to get behind On rural services, let us give a commitment that we such schemes across the country and to be imaginative will not see the provision of key services—especially about the ways in which we can support hydro-energy, health services—as “one size fits all”. Let us acknowledge for example, in our rural areas. We can protect our that whatever rules apply to the provision of hospital environment and create well-paid jobs through the same services in urban areas, there are overriding concerns in action. rural areas. It cannot be right for heart and stroke The drain of young people from our communities is services at rural hospitals such as Westmorland general crippling rural Britain. As they leave to seek affordable hospital to be removed to places such as Lancaster, homes and decent work, they leave behind them leaving patients in emergency need up to an hour and a communities who desperately need them and families half away from their nearest acute hospital. Neither can who are unnecessarily separated from them, and they it be right to force cancer patients in rural areas to make take with them their energy and creativity—and, of daily three-hour round trips for life-saving treatment. course, their fertility. My hon. Friend the Member for That is why we are committed to returning acute services South-East Cornwall (Mr. Breed), who was in his place and to creating new cancer services at our rural hospitals. a moment or two ago, once stood on an election slogan That is right not only because people in rural communities 63 Rural Communities (Recession)15 JUNE 2009 Rural Communities (Recession) 64

[Tim Farron] Mr. Eric Martlew (Carlisle) (Lab): Sometime, when the hon. Gentleman has time, I will tell him the history deserve the same standards of health care as those in of Kendal general hospital. urban communities but because the development of, for The reality is that we cannot get consultants with the example, a new £15 million cancer treatment unit at my necessary skills to come to many of our small hospitals. local hospital in Kendal, and at others, would be a My hon. Friend the Member for Copeland (Mr. Reed) significant economic driver. knows that to some extent. Without the size, we will not Tourism is central to the economies of many rural get the skilled consultants. We can build a hospital, but areas. The Cumbrian tourism economy alone is worth we will not get people to work there. £1.2 billion each year. This year, there are some signs, in the lakes and dales at least, that businesses in the Tim Farron: I appreciate that in many rural areas it is tourism industry are faring better than expected. I more difficult to attract a certain number of applicants suspect that the weakness of the pound and the strength for positions, but at Westmorland general hospital there of the product have helped us, but times are still challenging. were consultants available and the unit was operating. Although much of tourism’s revenue goes back to the It was a life-saving service, and many hundreds of Exchequer, there is little attempt by the Government to people owe their lives to it. It would have continued nurture that investment. Small bed and breakfast had the trust allowed it to do so, and had the trust establishments are forced to abide by the same regulations been accountable it would never have got away with and rules as huge hotel chains. They are hampered by closing it. ridiculous cut-off rules on VAT, which limit their ability to grow and take custom. Julia Goldsworthy: To give a perspective from the The support for marketing of our tourism industry is other end of the country, upper gastrointestinal dismal. We have a premier league tourism product in cancer services have been transferred out of Treliske, this country, but especially in England we have non-league and the surgeon now has to travel up to Derriford to levels of marketing funding. The Government must undertake surgery. Although it might be necessary to acknowledge the importance of our tourism industry if centralise services, in Cornwall we are seeing the salami- they are to help the rural economy fight its way out of slicing of services that are going up the line. Why recession. cannot rural areas have a centre of excellence too? That In all of that, it is essential that local communities are is the frustration. in control of their own destiny. As we have seen from the loss of post offices, the decline of many communities Tim Farron: My hon. Friend makes a tremendous and the cuts to rural health services, there is an point. Surely the point is that we have put an awful lot overwhelming sense of anger at things being done to us of money into the NHS in recent years. This party without our consent. We are sometimes offered supported the Government on that, but we want to get consultations, but that has become a meaningless word something for that money. It is galling for people in under this Labour Government. Never have we been rural areas who see more money going to the NHS but more consulted and less listened to. The top-down then see the closure of heart units, stroke units and decisions to close jobcentres in rural areas, rob our rural other services. We are paying consultants a lot of money, communities of post offices, take away rural tax offices, and we should be able to determine where they practise. force through the reduction in social housing stock and That must be within the competence of the Government. remove acute hospital services have all damaged our To strengthen rural communities, we should start by rural communities, but we were given no say in them. using the Sustainable Communities Act 2007, which was mentioned earlier, to give them the right to preserve Mr. Heath: Does that not bespeak a complete failure key services. We need elected local health boards, so of the principle of rural proofing, which the Government that those who threaten to close key services such as the enunciated clearly a few years ago when they set up the ones that we have been talking about can be directly new Department? It was supposed to ensure that every held to account. We need to ensure also that the boards policy that flowed from the Government was examined of the national parks that do so much good for our for its effect on rural communities and amended to national environmental heritage, which are largely ensure that it was either positive or, at worst, neutral for unaccountable to the communities that live within them, them. In fact, we have had policy after policy that has contain directly elected members. done damage to the fabric of rural society. We in Cumbria pride ourselves on being a microclimate meteorologically, politically and economically. The ability Tim Farron: My hon. Friend is absolutely right. I of the rural communities of Britain to be economic referred earlier to acute hospital services, which are microclimates, and in turn to be an engine room for probably one of the best—or rather worst—examples economic recovery, is clear. We are determined to make of that failure. We are told that we need all bells and our own luck. The strength of our rural economy whistles when it comes to new heart services, for example. centres on the creativity and resourcefulness of our Absolutely—I want the best possible health care available communities. I look at ways in which communities have to my constituents and those of all the Members who fought back in my area, such as the Witherslack community are present. But what is the point of a state-of-the-art, shop, the Storth community co-op post office and the cutting-edge, all-bells-and-whistles heart unit to someone Greyhound community-run pub at Grizebeck. Those who is dead on arrival because it took them an hour are wonderful examples of communities providing social and a half to get there? Rural proofing appears to mean glue and economic impetus in defiance of economic absolutely nothing in practice, and that failure must hardship. All those things, I should add, have been done come to an end. despite Government policy. 65 Rural Communities (Recession)15 JUNE 2009 Rural Communities (Recession) 66

So let us have a new deal for rural Britain that will I shall start with unemployment. In my constituency, ensure sustainable, vibrant communities and a countryside the number of jobseeker’s allowance claimants is up a for everyone, young and old, irrespective of financial staggering 187 per cent. in the past 12 months. Even background, that is equipped not just to beat the recession from a low base, that is some increase. Men in North but to be renewed and to prosper in the decades ahead. Dorset are the hardest hit, with an increase in unemployment of 211 per cent. in the past 12 months. 5.55 pm In the first few months of this year, that figure is up Mr. Robert Walter (North Dorset) (Con): I am grateful some 60 per cent. to you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, for calling me early in this There is also a worrying trend towards people claiming debate. I have some regret, however, that that is as a for longer. In April last year, only 25 people in my consequence of not a single Labour Back Bencher constituency had been claiming jobseeker’s allowance rising to make a substantial contribution. That is for between six and 12 months. The figure is now symptomatic of this Government’s attitude to rural 120 and growing. Compared with many constituencies, communities and the effects of the recession on them. it will appear small, but the rapid increase worries me. I That may be the reason why, after the European elections am also worried about those who will go into the in the south-west of England, Labour now has no 12 months or longer category, without access to appropriate representation among the six Members of the European training for the skills that today’s job market demands. Parliament, and why after the elections to Dorset county We all know that those who reach that 12-month threshold council there is now not a single Labour county councillor, without appropriate intervention risk staying economically despite the fact that Labour still holds one parliamentary inactive for much longer. There is therefore a huge seat in the county, South Dorset—for the time being. increase in men claiming jobseeker’s allowance and in Mr. Deputy Speaker, you and many other Members people generally claiming jobseeker’s allowance for a will be aware that I have a picturesque constituency that long time. offers some of the best rural land in Britain. We have Another trend worries me, and that is that the number some of the best dairy farmers in the country, and each of young adults forced into unemployment has increased year the area offers visitors great hospitality. We have by 222 per cent. I make no apology for using statistics— many small and medium-sized businesses that keep the indeed, the Minister used them in his opening remarks. economy afloat. Having a constituency of 350 square miles, with no large towns or cities, gives me the ability to speak about rural communities. Mr. Martlew: I am listening carefully to the hon. Gentleman. What percentage of his work force is claiming The statistics show that across the country an average jobseeker’s allowance? of 10 per cent. of non-agricultural employees are in manufacturing, but in my constituency that figure is 17.5 per cent. according to the latest business inquiry. In Mr. Walter: I do not have those figures immediately fact, this morning I visited one manufacturing business to hand, but I will come back to the hon. Gentleman. there. It is an international company, and I suspect that The percentage is relatively low—probably just over during the day virtually all Members have sat on one of 2 per cent., but the trend and the effect of the increases its products. It makes the springs that go in the seats of on the community are worrying. All those people have most cars manufactured in Europe, among a number of lost their jobs, with little prospect of getting new ones in other spring-like products. The company is called William the short term. Hughes and it is in Stallbridge, a small town in my My constituency has a high proportion of retired constituency. people, but it is disheartening for those of working age, Later this week I will be visiting another business in particularly those who are just starting out on their my constituency, a big international business that is one working lives, to struggle to find employment. To make of the FTSE 100 companies. It is Cobham plc, which matters worse, in the past 18 months, despite protests will be exhibiting at the Paris air show. It makes the fuel from me and others in the constituency, the Government systems and antennae that go on most aircraft produced have closed two of our three jobcentres. Those in Wimborne in the world, whether by Airbus, Boeing or a number of and Shaftesbury have been closed, leaving only one in other manufacturers. There are a multitude of other the constituency, in Blandford. It is open only two days businesses in my constituency, including a leading paint a week, by appointment. That means that those who maker, a company that makes probably the majority of are unemployed cannot just walk into a jobcentre but trolleys and cabinets found in hospitals and health have to get on the telephone or use the internet to centres across the country and many companies that are make initial contact. They are then sent not to the involved in food manufacturing. jobcentre in Blandford, but either to Yeovil, which is However, my constituency is not the industrial heartland 20 miles away even from the closest point in my of Britain, or one of the great metropolitan areas, as the constituency, or to Poole, which is 25 miles away from Government see it. It is a local economy that is under those who live in the northern part of my constituency, unbearable strain. It is squeezed by the recession and for the initial interview. That is disheartening for anyone unsupported through Government action. who loses a job. I want to discuss three main subjects: unemployment It is unfair that my constituents do not get the as it affects my constituency and the impact on it of the opportunity to access vital Government services. In closure of jobcentres; the closure of post offices and its May 2007, I told the Government that the closure of detrimental effect, along with the absence of broadband the two jobcentres would hit my constituents hard when in many areas of my constituency, when people need they needed a jobcentre the most. Having to travel long access to services, and the closure of rural businesses, distances when there is little public transport puts an particularly rural pubs. intolerable burden on an increasing number of people. 67 Rural Communities (Recession)15 JUNE 2009 Rural Communities (Recession) 68

[Mr. Walter] In many villages in my constituency, the only retail business left is the village pub. In the past couple of An unfortunate consequence of the jobcentre closures weeks, I have received nearly 100 representations from is the withdrawal of essential assistance and advice. constituents about the increased duty on alcohol and Local citizens advice bureaux have reported to me a the impact on their local pubs. I am sure the House ballooning number of people seeking their advice and agrees that the village pub is an integral part of any assistance on matters that Jobcentre Plus should be rural community. Since 2005, the rural county of Dorset tackling. It was disappointing that the Department for has lost some 36 pubs—nine in my North Dorset Work and Pensions turned down an offer from North constituency. That has inevitably had a detrimental Dorset citizens advice bureau to make its facilities effect on community spirit and rural life. available to Jobcentre Plus and host its employees free The Government have penalised the millions of people—I of charge. include city dwellers in this—who enjoy a pint after I want next to consider communications, post offices work or on a Sunday afternoon. The tax regime ought and the broadband connection. I know that the Minister to work against those who consume excessive amounts knows a little about such things. The Government of drinks with a high alcohol content on Friday and insisted—perhaps it was the Minister himself who did Saturday nights, not against the beer drinker. Binge so—on eight post office closures in my constituency. drinking is obviously a problem in our cities and large That had a huge impact on the availability of services towns, although Dorset police tell me that binge drinkers and on rural businesses, including vital village shops. cause a nuisance in some towns in my constituency as There has been a drop in the footfall and therefore in well. However, the Government appear to be intent on the trade in those shops because of the closure of the penalising sensible drinkers, together with the less than post office counter. sensible. I cannot stress enough how important local pubs are to rural and semi-rural life, not just economically The Government have withdrawn important services— but in terms of their effects on the community. The simple things, such as the renewal of car tax, access to closure of our village pubs—forced to close because savings accounts and obtaining passport forms—that people cannot afford to visit them as once they did—is residents in rural areas had much more difficulty in painful for local communities. I urge the Government getting anyway. The Minister might say that the services to think carefully about how attempts to deal with are available online—they are. However, many of my binge drinking will affect those important amenities. constituents are older and do not have access to or struggle to use the internet. In some parts of my We will discuss business rates later this evening, so I constituency, broadband access is woefully slower than will not speak about them, other than to say that they in towns and cities. In some areas, there is no broadband are also a particular concern to rural businesses in my connection. constituency. Last month, South Tarrant Valley parish council The rural economy is not just about agriculture and contacted me with concerns about the inconsistency tourism; it is manufacturing, as in my constituency, and and deficiency of broadband coverage in the four villages often high-tech, state-of-the-art manufacturing, at the for which it is responsible. According to the parish forefront of technology. If the Government are to address council, internet service providers have no plans to the recession and the effect that the economic downturn upgrade lines to the affected areas as there is insufficient and the unemployment that is its consequence are having commercial demand in less populated districts. The on ordinary people’s lives, they must be even-handed. absence of high-speed broadband connections has far- They must focus not just on their heartland, but on the reaching consequences for entrepreneurs and local rural areas of Britain. businesses trying to operate in rural and semi-rural Dorset. 6.11 pm Promises of universal broadband access were welcomed, Christopher Fraser (South-West Norfolk) (Con): I but there are serious concerns. The Minister said earlier apologise for not being in the Chamber at the beginning that from a European Union fund the entire United of the debate, but I was chairing a Statutory Instrument Kingdom would get £12 million. That is a drop in the Committee. Fortunately, however, I arrived to hear my ocean given what is required to invest in necessary rural hon. Friend the Member for Arundel and South Downs broadband services, which the Government claim they (Nick Herbert) speak eloquently about the problems will deliver. Perhaps in his winding-up speech, the Minister faced by rural communities. will tell us what else the Government plan to do to ensure that all households have access to good internet It is a great pleasure to follow my hon. Friend the connections. That affects not only access to Government Member for North Dorset (Mr. Walter), who articulated services but businesses’ ability to carry on with their the problems of large rural constituencies extremely work from rural areas. well. I have the same problem in my constituency, which, for the record, is approximately 1,200 square I have long campaigned for the post office to be more miles. It contains 47 villages and five towns, with quite a than the place where people send their mail or buy disparate community spread out between Thetford forest stamps. Post offices could be the hub for local people to and the fenlands. As such, those who live in my constituency access Government services—a one-stop shop for local feel that the Government’s one-size-fits-all urban agenda government and central Government, accessible to a of the past few years is just not for them. They feel that huge proportion of the population. As well as providing they are not listened to. However, also for the record, layers of government in one place, it would increase the the results of the local elections in Norfolk last week all-important footfall that the Government claim is too spoke volumes about how people feel that the Conservative low to make rural post offices sustainable. party in Norfolk represents and can articulate their 69 Rural Communities (Recession)15 JUNE 2009 Rural Communities (Recession) 70 point of view. It is a great pity that the Government even more difficult when they have to go so much have not woken up to the challenges that Norfolk faces further than their cousins, brothers, sisters or other in the current climate. family members who live elsewhere. The number of JSA claimants in my constituency has We have also seen the closure of local jobcentres. increased by 92 per cent. in the Breckland area and by How can closing the focal point for retraining and 82 per cent. in the King’s Lynn and west Norfolk area. getting back into the work force help rural communities They are shocking figures. We have cited various figures to survive? I am afraid that that speaks volumes about this evening and asked the Government to look into the Government’s attitude towards constituents such as what is happening. However, the truth is that the evidence mine. We also have deprivation in Norfolk—social, shows not just that local people are disheartened, but economic and geographical. We have vast amounts of that they are losing their jobs and cannot cope. The fenland, which needs not only to be policed but looked demand in rural areas for financial services such as debt after in terms of the Government’s commitment. What advice far outstrips supply. For someone who has lost advice would the Minister give to people in the 1,200 square their job and cannot cope, that is a profound thing to miles that I represent? It is terribly important for me deal with. In a large rural area, it is difficult for someone that I be able to return with a positive message, which I to access the services that they might get in an urban hope my hon. Friend the Member for South-East area. The Government need to consider that very carefully. Cambridgeshire (Mr. Paice) can give me from the I have had dealings with the Minister over the years, Opposition Front Bench, even if the Government cannot. and he is a reasonable man, but does he accept that that I have received many letters from constituents who combination is particularly worrying for people living have lost their jobs and are desperate to retrain. However, in constituencies such as mine? they are prevented from taking up full-time courses for For many people in South-West Norfolk who have up to 18 months. Therefore, they live in communities lost their jobs or whose jobs are under threat, the that do not have services, in areas that do not have internet, which colleagues have already spoken about adequate public transport systems. They want desperately this evening, is a vital tool for accessing banking and to get out there and get a job, but every time they take financial services. However, in some rural areas broadband one step forward, they take two steps back. That is access is still well behind that in other parts of the killing our communities and killing a lot of people’s will country—I stick my hand up and say that Norfolk is no to get back into the work force, which we desperately exception. I ask the Government: what is being done to need them to do if enterprise and initiative are again to ensure that the countryside has adequate access to be the backbone of our economic success. Does the broadband? I am not sure that the assistance the Minister Minister accept that many people in rural areas who spoke about earlier is enough, either in how it is applied have lost their jobs and who want to reskill are penalised or how much money is being put in, to alleviate the twofold, owing to Government-imposed restrictions and problems in constituencies such as mine. I ask him to the long distances to training centres, coupled with look at that carefully, and I would be very grateful if he poor public transport? came back to me about the issue in my constituency. I want to talk briefly about small businesses, which It is vital that those living in rural areas should feel are an enormously important source of employment in able to live and work in an area that is equal to other our communities. I have already mentioned Thetford, areas in terms of help and access to services. For too where small businesses have been hit particularly hard. long, Norfolk has played second fiddle to other parts of We have a first-class manufacturing base and a need for the country. For too long, constituents of mine have felt apprenticeships. We also have a need for investment in like second-class citizens. That is a great shame. For too Thetford. We have growth point status, so we are getting long, Norfolk, and in particular Thetford in my the houses, but we need the infrastructure that goes constituency, has been seen by many people in the with them and—dare I say it?—the roads infrastructure. House as a problem, rather than as the opportunity that Let us not forget that Norfolk is the only county in it is and always will be, because of the people of England without a dual carriageway linking it to a Norfolk’s dedication and their desire to get on, make a national trunk road network. Although there have been contribution and live in vibrant communities in the good indications from various Ministers that such a areas where they work. That desire has always been scheme will be unlocked, Norfolk has for too long been there and it always will be there, but the area needs a lot unable to play its true part in the economic success of of help from the Government. our nation. Every time we go forward, another barrier is put in the way to prevent us from making the contribution The current imbalance has not gone unnoticed by the that most, if not all, of my constituents desperately Commission for Rural Communities. A recent CRC want to make, for their own well-being and for that of report states: the nation. “Some rural local authorities and Job Centre Plus offices are We have high transport costs and—dare I say it?—high struggling to…support their unemployed because of distances to energy costs. The price of fuel in rural areas is training and support centres and the lower numbers involved.” disproportionate, because vehicle use in those areas is a Does the Minister agree that those in rural areas are necessity, not a luxury. People, such as pensioners, on suffering particularly as a result of the economic crisis, fixed incomes and farmers are unable to cope. I regret and because we have an extremely poor public transport to say that the Government have adopted a one-size-fits-all system? The problem is acute in South-West Norfolk. urban agenda, and it just does not work. In Norfolk, Bus operators have to try to work across a large, disparate that agenda also applies to local government reorganisation. county, and a lot of people obviously encounter long To suggest that what someone in the middle of Norwich distances between villages and towns. When someone is needs is the same as what people in the fenlands need is on a fixed income or has no income, things are made a complete insult to the people in my constituency. 71 Rural Communities (Recession)15 JUNE 2009 Rural Communities (Recession) 72

[Christopher Fraser] Minister expect the Government’s decision to end transitional relief to have on firms in rural areas? That Their aspirations might be the same, but their needs are is a simple question. As I said earlier, I am very fond of different and they need to be treated with individual the Minister, but I am not so sure that either he or the care and respect. They also need to know that someone Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and is going to look out for them, and if this Government Rural Affairs, the hon. Member for Wansdyke (Dan will not do so, the next one will. Norris) will be able to answer it. I do not believe that the Government have a coherent plan for the rural economy. James Duddridge (Rochford and Southend, East) (Con): I come back to the point that my hon. Friend the My hon. Friend is making some fascinating points, Member for Rochford and Southend, East (James particularly about the rural economy.He has just mentioned Duddridge) has just made about Norwich. It has been Norwich. To what degree does he think the Government’s proved time and again that the Government do not failure in this recession impacts differentially between need votes in rural areas to win elections. In my opinion, constituents in seats such as Norwich seats, and the however, that should not influence the way in which slightly more rural seats that he is describing? they govern the country. I hope that the electorate will Christopher Fraser: I do not want to get diverted on remind themselves of that point, come the general to by-election issues, but I will say that it is no coincidence election. that the accounts of Norwich city council have not been Many rural constituencies, including my own, have written and agreed for many years, because of the way suffered jobcentre and post office closures. We have had in which they have been put together. In my constituency, a disproportionate amount of post office closures in my where we have two Conservative councils, we have proved, constituency, which is very sad. One or two of my year in, year out that Conservative councils in Norfolk constituents have taken it upon themselves to restart deliver for the people because they listen to the people their post offices with the support of the community, and develop services for the people. It will be interesting but it has been extremely difficult. As my hon. Friend to see how the people of Norwich take up that issue in the Member for North Dorset said, the post offices the coming weeks leading up to the by-election. should become one-stop shops and the beacon of the I now have more companies writing to me to say that local community, so that the local community can survive. they cannot get business loans than to say, “Thank you very much indeed. The bank has come to my rescue My grandmother, who died just after Christmas at and I have got my loan.” That is just not happening, the age of 99, lived in my constituency. She would not and companies are going under. They are good third have found it easy to go online to get her pension. That and fourth generation owner-managed companies that is an absolute, straightforward fact. She was a lovely have invested in their business and spent every moment woman, but she could not manage technology. So, when of every day trying to build up the well-being of their the local post office could not help her, what was she to work force and produce products that are in many cases do? That example from my own family is being echoed world-beating. They are run by dedicated people who across the country, and it is a crying shame that, while are not profligate and who do not drive big cars or go post office closures are happening, the Government are on swanky holidays. sitting on their hands and saying, “It will work. It can work.” That is okay for people who are aged 18 to 21 or Those people work every day of the year for the from 25 to 30, but when people who are over 30 start well-being of their organisation and the people they wearing glasses and finding the digits difficult, these employ, but the banks are not helping them. They are things are not so easy. People in that older age group pulling the rug from beneath them, and it is quite just cannot manage, and retired people on fixed incomes sickening to hear that bank profits are at their present are being disproportionately penalised. levels. The fact that they are also paying such large bonuses against the will of the Government and of the How does the Minister respond to my constituents people is quite extraordinary. It saddens me to think who believe that, for the past decade, this Government that the Government are not confronting this issue and have presided over the erosion of rural services, the true dealing with it head on. Small businesses and enterprises effects of which are now being felt as a result of the in constituencies such as mine are desperate for a hand recession? The recession has hit them in the face. The up, not a handout. This is not a question of the state Commission for Rural Communities has called on coming to the rescue. the Government to expand the financial services offered I will pass on to the Minister some of the stories of by the post office network, so that rural communities the people in my constituency, because they are doing do not sink into financial exclusion, but I cannot see more than their best, but they are not being paid. They much action being taken by the Government to deal are trying to re-mortgage their houses in order to put with that issue. The Conservative party has been calling money into their businesses, but the mortgage companies for that action for some time. As I would say anyway: are not interested. Those people are in a Catch-22 bring on the election, so that we can test the arguments situation. They take one step forward—and then have with the electorate and allow a Conservative Government to take two steps back. That will not get us out of the to come in and stand up for the rural economy in a way recession or help those people in the future. It is a very that this Government have not done. I am sure that the sad day when I have to say these things, but they are Minister will agree that, at times like these, post offices true. This saddens me and all my colleagues. I would are a vital resource for people living in rural areas. Does much prefer to fly the flag for our local businesses and he now see that the closure programme was woefully tell the House how good things are for them, but I am misguided? afraid that that is not the case. One of the groups being hardest hit is pensioners. A At a time when we are looking to small businesses to significant proportion of my electorate are pensioners, lead us out of the recession, what impact does the and they are struggling because of very high fuel costs, 73 Rural Communities (Recession)15 JUNE 2009 Rural Communities (Recession) 74 for example. At least 50 per cent. of those living in my Christopher Fraser: The hon. Gentleman misunderstands constituency have no access to the gas network and what this debate is about. If he looked at the monitor, must therefore rely on heating oil, which is expensive. he would see that it is about rural communities in Every time I have spoken to a Minister, written to a recession—a recession caused by the lack of attention Minister or put a question to a Minister across the by this Government to the infrastructure that communities Chamber to point out that those people have no alternative, such as Norfolk, and South-West Norfolk in particular, I have been told, “It’s okay. We have a plan in place for need. As such, it is the responsibility of this Government— people to have underground heating.” The Government [Interruption.] The hon. Gentleman sits on the Chairmen’s have all these new-fangled ideas for supplying something Panel, so he knows perfectly well how to conduct a that people just cannot get. If there is no possibility of debate. If he wants to make sedentary points, fine, but getting a mains gas service to a house in the first place, he should write to me; if he wants to intervene again, he and if people live in a terraced house in the middle of should do so. The fact is that we are suffering from nowhere with a postage-stamp back garden, for example, years of lack of investment by this Government, and it will be impossible to lay half a mile of cabling to get others should not be blamed for it. them an alternative energy source. David Taylor rose— Mr. Atkinson: Does my hon. Friend agree that one of the things that annoys people in rural areas is the Christopher Fraser: I am not taking another intervention cheaper rate offered by the utility companies for customers from the hon. Gentleman, but I will allow him to write on a dual fuel tariff? If only one fuel—electricity—is to me, as I first suggested. [Interruption.] No, he has available in a rural area, the people who live there had his chance; I am not giving way to him again. cannot benefit from those discounts. Finally, I want to deal with the effect of rural crime. Christopher Fraser: I agree wholeheartedly with my My constituency suffers from many farm thefts. There hon. Friend. Many of my constituents ask why they are opportunists coming into the area from far and cannot get those benefits. They simply cannot get them. wide, who think that they can easily take something It might well be that the infrastructure just does not from a farmyard in a rural area because they will not be exist across the country, but this goes back to my detected. They think that no one will catch up with original point that there are two classes of citizen in this them, but why? As a large, disparate county, we have a country: those in urban areas who have access to services, first-class police force that is centred mostly around and those in rural areas who feel hard done by because urban centres and does not have the capacity to get into they cannot get the services they desperately need. rural areas as quickly and effectively as it would wish. There have been many Government schemes to bring Mr. Graham Stuart (Beverley and Holderness) (Con): in what I would describe as alternative police officers. Holderness has the most enormous gas infrastructure, That is fine; I am very pleased that some towns in my with Langeled, the world’s longest pipeline, coming into constituency have benefited from such people doing my constituency. There are gas storage sites as well as their job. When it comes to crimes in rural areas, farms pipelines, so there cannot be a more gas-centred place in are already suffering because, for reasons I have already the country than Holderness, yet many of my constituents explained, they cannot manage within their budgets. living in the villages cannot get gas into their homes. When someone steals all their oil or takes a truck or They are suffering from all the disruption, but not other machinery, it has a disproportionately negative gaining access to the gas. For reasons that my hon. effect on what can be done. Friends have powerfully put forward in the debate, if This Government must understand and accept that the Government were committed to equality, they would policing requirements are quite different in rural areas take forward an ambitious programme to ensure that as from those in the centre of Norwich. On a Saturday many people as possible had access to gas. night in the city centre, people duff each other up Christopher Fraser: I am enormously grateful to my because they are drunk; the police can come to the hon. Friend, who makes a valid point. On occasions, rescue because they are only three or four minutes away. there is more gas in this place than we in Norfolk are If someone calls a police officer to come to a farm in the able to secure! Households face a double blow: they middle of the fens on a Saturday night when there is an face higher household costs, while having no proper event going on in Norwich, it is awful to say it, but the infrastructure for services. The local community is police may not get there for some time. sometimes literally dying on its feet: young people cannot I see that the Minister has probably just been handed get jobs and business people cannot secure the loans some information about rural crime in my constituency. they need, so people are moving away. It is a crying Yes, relatively speaking, it is low; but if something has shame for a proud county such as Norfolk—proud in been stolen from people or their property has been what it does and proud in what it wants to do—to be violated, statistics matter not. What matters is effectiveness hampered in every which way it tries to move forward. and how long it takes to get the problem dealt with. The Government should look further into the problem. Time after time I hear stories about what happens. If it David Taylor (North-West Leicestershire) (Lab/Co-op): is not as bad in Norfolk as in other parts of the country, The hon. Gentleman will have been a student of post-war I am awfully sorry but that does not matter for a victim politics, so he will know that about 25 years ago, the of crime. What matters is the attention people are given supply of gas was privatised into a commercial market. and how their problem is dealt with. The police in Is he now regretting that development, as a result of Norfolk do a brilliant job in difficult circumstances, but which companies take commercial decisions to deny or this recession has made the position even more profound. to supply only at great cost to those communities with I leave this issue with the Minister. Will he give due relatively small numbers of consumers? Is that not how consideration to all the points raised by my colleagues—dare the market works, or have I missed something? I say it, by Opposition Members, not Government 75 Rural Communities (Recession)15 JUNE 2009 Rural Communities (Recession) 76

[Christopher Fraser] Mr. Graham Stuart: Because of the dairy in his constituency, my hon. Friend is well aware of the impact Members?—this evening? At this 11th hour of a Labour on its employees. At my last Beverley street surgery, I Administration, will he seriously consider making a met a couple who, because of the recent devastating gesture towards the rural economy in the light of the recession in the industry, are among the last remaining recession it is facing across the country? Will he deal dairy farmers in the constituency. They are both at risk with the problems of the recession in rural areas, in the of losing a month’s milk payment, while facing the same way that the Government have done through all additional risk of losing their investment in the company. sorts of initiatives in areas where seats may be marginal This is an extremely frightening time, so it would be and they think it might make a difference? If the good to hear from the Minister what support the Government can help, I can tell the Minister that although Government might be able to provide to dairy farmers people may not vote Labour, they will once and for all to help them through it. appreciate that their voice has been listened to in this Chamber—and for that I would be most grateful. Mr. Timpson: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for raising that point. It is true that farmers who were part of a co-operative and invested in it lost their May 6.36 pm payments for the supply of milk that they provided, and Mr. Edward Timpson (Crewe and Nantwich) (Con): I there is also concern about their future investment. wish to make a short contribution to today’s timely and Fortunately for many farmers in the Crewe and Nantwich welcome debate. In doing so, I am wearing two hats. I area, they had managed to opt out of the co-operative wear my first hat as the MP representing Stapeley, before the state of affairs had worsened to the extent of where the farmers’ milk co-operative Dairy Farmers of receivership, but nevertheless many farmers who rely on Britain is based; sadly, the company went into receivership a certain level of cash to keep themselves going now on 3 June this year. I wear my second hat as the find themselves with a great black hole in their finances secretary of the all-party parliamentary group on dairy and very little support to see them through the crisis. farmers, who make up a sector of British agriculture Some of what we have heard from the Government that is very important not only to my constituency and today is welcome, but it is still a case of shifting sands. the rural areas of Cheshire, but to the United Kingdom We need more concrete answers to give farmers who as a whole. find themselves in such difficulty. Let me deal first with Dairy Farmers of Britain. I If I had one word of advice for the official receivers, thank the Minister for the update he gave us earlier it would be to liaise with Members whose constituencies about the circumstances in which the company finds contain affected sites and to keep them abreast of the itself. It is one of the dairy flagships of Crewe and position so that they can support their constituents as Nantwich and it deserves as much support as possible, much as possible as and when such support is required. and I shall explain what exactly needs to happen in that Let me say something about the members and regard. The fact that it has hit upon such hard times has ex-members of the co-operative. As I have said, in sent shockwaves through my constituency’s agricultural Crewe and Nantwich many left when they saw that the community and provides no relief to the people working writing was on the wall, and they did that in order to there. We must remember that the community affected maintain a regular income from their milk. However, is made up of not just farmers, but non-agricultural their investment in the co-operative has not been returned, staff as well. and they are listed simply as unsecured creditors under You may be aware, Mr. Deputy Speaker, that the the Insolvency Act 1986. I ask the Minister to look at agricultural community in Cheshire and across the whole the position as a matter of urgency. We understand that of the UK relies heavily on the dairy industry to remain talks will resume on Wednesday in an attempt to find a healthy through very difficult times. The DFOB’s Stapeley solution. I believe that assistance may be available from headquarters employs some 40 permanent staff, plus organisations such as the Royal Agricultural Benevolent field-based staff outside the Stapeley offices. These staff Institution, but it will be no substitute for the tens of have no representative body to speak of, and a number thousands of pounds invested by farmers in DFOB. To of them have contacted me personally to express their many of them, that money represents their pension concerns about how long they are going to hold on to pots. My hon. Friend the Member for South-West their jobs and how much information they are going to Norfolk (Christopher Fraser) raised the issue of pensioners receive through the process. I hope that the Minister earlier. will take that into account when he goes back to the I welcome the update from the Minister. I too have Secretary of State and explains the position of my liaised with the receivers this week, and I shall be constituents who are suffering as a result of the current meeting the president of the National Farmers Union. I recession. am also grateful to the Secretary of State, who, although On the basis of discussions from my office, the receivers, he did not have time to come to the Chamber today, has PricewaterhouseCoopers, seem to be following correctly found time to meet me on Wednesday to discuss the laid down procedures, but that does not necessarily help future of DFOB. those going home on Friday who do not know whether What am I asking for on behalf of DFOB and all they will still have a job to come back to on Monday, who have been affected by its current crisis? I simply ask particularly when they have seen the DFOB dairies at the Government to take a considered and detailed view Bridgend and Blaydon simply closed, rather than sold of how they can best help non-agricultural staff and on as an alternative. We hope that the position will be farmers in my constituency, and the others who have looked at further, but that is the current state of affairs been mentioned. What financial assistance can the and it is extremely worrying. Government provide to alleviate the anguish caused by 77 Rural Communities (Recession)15 JUNE 2009 Rural Communities (Recession) 78 lost investments and pensions? What assistance can the sector of the economy receives so little attention in this Minister provide through Jobcentre Plus for those who place. Part of the attention that it does receive, along lose their non-agricultural jobs at such short notice? with the focus of Government efforts to help the rural Can he ask his Cabinet colleague in the Department for economy, is strongly driven by a perception that rural Work and Pensions to ensure that these hard-working areas serve as the playground of the nation. However, people are assessed immediately for entitlements and although tourism is an increasingly important diversification retraining when that is required? for those who have engaged in more traditional primary As my hon. Friend the Member for South-East activities in rural areas, it is not the be-all and end-all. It Cambridgeshire (Mr. Paice) will know all too well, is not the only activity that Government should seek to having kindly visited and spoken to dairy farmers in my encourage. constituency twice in the past 12 months, between 2001 and Many areas of active industry in the rural economy 2006 48 dairy farms closed in the Crewe and Nantwich are now perceived by Government as there to provide area. According to the Royal Association of British entertainment for the masses. Forestry is an example. Dairy Farmers, whose representatives I met last week, The second largest landowner—after Her Majesty the the number of dairy farmers in England and Wales fell Queen—is the Forestry Commission, which under the from 28,000 in 1995 to 11,700 this year. That is a drastic current Government has been transformed from a primary fall. More recently, despite the uplift in milk prices in producer of timber products whose purpose was to 2008, the average cost of production has reached 26.93p per provide construction materials and other building products litre, while the average price is 24.37p. Those figures for the nation to, essentially, a playground. There has speak for themselves. We can see how desperate the been an appalling failure to accept that responsibility situation is for dairy farmers and the industry, and why for the nation’s forests lies with the Government. The the Government should act as soon as possible. forests owned by the Government are seen as being That leads me to my final, and brief, point about the there purely to divert the people. That is all very well in need to support British agriculture and—unsurprisingly— one sense: we should be encouraging access to our the need to support the British dairy industry. I asked forests. However, if we do so at the expense of the what three things a local farmer would say to Parliament industry itself, in a few decades’ time we will no longer if given the chance. The answer was “Give us a fair have forests. Instead, we will have scrubland areas which price, assist us with nitrate vulnerable zones by not will not be attractive places to visit, and which will not gold-plating the legislation, and cull the badgers. I’m provide the biodiversity that is at the heart of the surprised I haven’t seen more suicides.” DEFRA knows Government’s argument for allowing forestry to regenerate those issues, and knows them well. It is time for DEFRA naturally rather than being planted. to act. David Taylor: I think that the hon. Gentleman would 6.45 pm generously acknowledge that in the Government’s forestry policies the national forest is an exception. That project Mr. Philip Dunne (Ludlow) (Con): I am grateful to was started in the early ’90s under a Conservative have been called slightly earlier than I expected. It is a Government, and it has been tremendously successful. pleasure to participate in such an important debate. As It covers 200 square miles and straddles three counties others have said this evening, it is a long time since we and two regions, and it has been very helpful to economic have had the opportunity to discuss the impact of the development, environmental restoration and sustaining recession on the rural economy, and I am pleased that the communities that lie within it, many of which are my colleagues selected the topic for an Opposition day rural. The Government have supported that project debate. over a 12-year period, as the hon. Gentleman’s party I think that one of the reasons why we have so little supported it at its inception. opportunity to discuss such issues in Government time is that the Government simply do not get it. That is not entirely their fault. Although there are far more Labour Mr. Dunne: I look forward to learning more about than Conservative Members, very few of them represent the national forest to which the hon. Gentleman refers. rural constituencies. The hon. Member for North-West I wish now to touch on certain Government measures Leicestershire (David Taylor) is a regular Labour champion that are having unintended consequences—at least I of rural affairs, but he is a pretty lonely voice. As for hope they are unintended—for many of the businesses local government, following last week’s election results that are so vital in maintaining a vibrant economy in there is not a single Labour-controlled rural shire authority. rural areas. As other Members who represent constituencies Indeed, many such authorities have no Labour with small towns and villages have said, many such representative. In a number of our constituencies, Labour settlements are at present experiencing the loss of some representation has been all but blown away at local of their last public, and indeed private, services. Members level: my constituency has only one Labour councillor. have mentioned that jobcentres, pubs and shops are It is therefore not surprising that Labour representatives closing throughout the country as a direct result of the are not willing to put rural affairs at the top of their recession, but they are not closing only as a result of the agenda. recession; they are closing partly as a result of Government I represent one of the most sparsely populated rural policy. areas. I should add that I have the pleasure of chairing We face the prospect of a tobacco display ban in the all-party parliamentary group on rural services, shops. Many of us—myself included—are not keen on which exists to champion, in particular, the least well- encouraging smoking, but that proposal is based on populated parts of the country, where the cost of supplying poor research from international comparisons and a services—whether in the public or the private sector—is poor level of evidence, and its effect will be to put at risk highest. I find it very depressing that such an important the survival of many of the small convenience stores 79 Rural Communities (Recession)15 JUNE 2009 Rural Communities (Recession) 80

[Mr. Dunne] 6.56 pm Mr. Peter Atkinson (Hexham) (Con): First, may I and corner shops which, in many villages in my constituency congratulate the Minister of State on his appointment and elsewhere, are the only retail outlets left. Such to his new job? We have over the years come across each shops rely for their footfall on the many people who go other from time to time in this House, and normally our there to buy tobacco. The National Federation of Retail encounters have been good-humoured, and I hope that Newsagents predicts that some 2,500 such shops will continues. His predecessor the right hon. Member for close. If that is the case, their closure will be a direct Liverpool, Wavertree (Jane Kennedy) has just left the consequence not of the recession but of a Government Chamber, but I want to thank her as well. She managed measure. It is intended to achieve a desirable public finally to solve one of the most complex problems health aim, but it will have the unintended consequence arising from the single farm payment. Almost the last of depriving communities of their main source of thing that she did was sign off that problem and as a purchasing other goods, as such shops are often also the result a farmer in my constituency has been promised convenience store where people can buy their food. the money under the single farm payment. I suspect Let me offer another modest example from my that the right hon. Lady will get into trouble from constituency.Over the past year, I have been besieged—that Europe as a consequence, but I would like to place on is not too strong a word—by operators of small bed-and- record my gratitude to her for doing that. breakfasts. Many former farmers or people whose houses I am also grateful for the update on Dairy Farmers of have spare rooms choose to diversify their income by Britain. The processing plant in Blaydon has closed, opening their home to visitors who love the beautiful leaving a considerable problem for the few remaining scenery of south Shropshire. Bed-and-breakfasts are dairy farmers in the north-east of England. Most of now subject to the same fire regulation inspection regime them have now found contracts, but there is a long-term that applies to much larger commercial institutions problem: because the processing plants for milk are now such as hotels, yet the proprietors of bed-and-breakfasts so distant from the north-east, longer transportation typically do not have the available capital to meet the distances of milk will lead to higher costs, which will standards that might be imposed on them by fire officers. increasingly affect the viability of the few remaining If they cannot meet the standard imposed on them, dairy farmers in that region. they have no option but to close. No appeal mechanism is available to these people, who might have been operating That brings me to the problem of the beef industry as a bed-and-breakfast for 10 or 20 years. They cannot a whole. I appreciate that we will have a debate on explain that, for instance, there have been no fires agriculture on Thursday, but the recession has touched and that there is limited fire risk, yet regulation imposed this industry as much as any other, and, of course, a by central Government tells them that such steps are recession in the dairy industry also affects the amount necessary. of beef that is available for consumption. That will mean that our degree of self-sufficiency in beef will decline even further than it already has—from more Mr. Roger Williams (Brecon and Radnorshire) (LD) than 100 per cent. in 1997 to only 80 per cent. currently. rose— We have to import the rest, often from countries whose welfare standards are far less reliable than those of the Mr. Dunne: I am sorry, but I will not take an intervention, United Kingdom. as I am conscious that another Member wishes to I wish also to pick up on a point that my hon. Friend speak, and he has been present for the entire debate. the Member for Arundel and South Downs (Nick Herbert) That is just another small example of the pernicious made in his opening speech. The most important lesson consequences of Government direction. They believe to come out of this debate is that we must devolve that businesses are capable of absorbing that considerable power as far as possible. It is very difficult to pin down added burden, but there is no benefit to the business in exactly what a rural community is. A rural community that. Consequently, the local economy can suffer. in my Northumberland constituency is very different My final example, which is very much a live issue in from one in Suffolk or Surrey, or one in Sussex, where my constituency at present, is the scrapping of the my hon. Friend’s constituency is. Each has its own set of empty property rates relief. Again, this affects people problems, and each requires individual attention and who have been encouraged to diversify their activities, local determination in order to solve them. such as farmers who have developed workshops out of The housing issue provides an example of that. In redundant barns, or, especially in my area, people who rural Surrey, huge housing demand is what causes real have developed their garage premises into light industrial problems, but in parts of Northumberland, particularly premises but find that there are not any light industrial those rural areas which were formerly coalfield areas, users. There are now increasing numbers of empty local people want more properties to be built, because premises. It is almost impossible to secure the granting that makes their communities more sustainable. Such of a change of use from the planning authorities despite communities have declined because the coal industry the current housing crisis. As a result of the reduction in left the area, and new houses and people, often coming rate relief, owners must suffer significant tax on empty from the towns, bring life back to them. We therefore properties, and it would not surprise me if a number of want more properties in those areas, yet we live under them were to decide to make their premises uninhabitable the dread hand of the regional spatial strategy, which in order to avoid the tax. That is, I think, an unintended imposes things from above. For instance, in the part of consequence; I am sure the Government do not want Northumberland that I represent, we can build only properties that could be put to economic use to be 157 new houses over the next five years, which is ridiculous. pulled down, but that will, I fear, be the direct result of According to the spatial strategy, we should all move a Government measure. into the city of Newcastle, and not live in the rural 81 Rural Communities (Recession)15 JUNE 2009 Rural Communities (Recession) 82 communities, which is what we want. The main lesson, who winds up will address poverty issues and the therefore, is that we should devolve decision making to spending plans of the Department for Environment, its lowest possible level, and deregulate and decentralise. Food and Rural Affairs. I was astonished to find that That is how rural communities will be able to fight the last year DEFRA actually cut spending on “strong recession. rural communities” by 35 per cent. The Government have also failed to mention the real-terms cut in DEFRA’s 6.59 pm budget. It has been cut by £200 million since last autumn’s pre-Budget report, yet they have the nerve to Mr. James Paice (South-East Cambridgeshire) (Con): criticise our proposals in their amendment to our motion. May I start by properly welcoming both new Ministers to the Department? The hon. Member for Poplar and A number of hon. Members rightly referred to the Canning Town (Jim Fitzpatrick) has a hard act to catastrophe of the demise of Dairy Farmers of Britain, follow. The right hon. Member for Liverpool, Wavertree in particular my hon. Friend the Member for Crewe (Jane Kennedy) was in the Chamber a few minutes ago and Nantwich (Mr. Timpson), in whose constituency it but, sadly, she has left her place. I wanted to commend is based. Of course I welcome the measures being taken her because despite the fact that, like the new Minister, by the receivers and by other milk buyers, and I am she came into the Department with a self-confessed pleased that DEFRA officials have been involved in complete lack of knowledge of the issues she was negotiations to try to find other buyers. However, it is facing, she applied herself willingly to a steep learning very important that the banks, and indeed the merchant curve and in a short space of time persuaded the trade, take a generous approach to those farmers who farming industry and the rest of the rural community have lost a month’s milk cheque. Very few businesses in that she was very much aware of their issues and very any sector of life could withstand losing one twelfth of much on their side. Nevertheless, I wish the new Ministers their income unexpectedly, just like that, with no time in well in their posts. which to plan. If the Government had introduced the national loan guarantee scheme proposed by my In his response to my hon. Friend the Member for Conservative colleagues, there would be some opportunity Arundel and South Downs (Nick Herbert), the Minister to assist. I am anxious to ensure that some of the made a great deal of the rural development programme smaller and more remote producers find outlets for for England. I must say, as an aside, that his words rang their milk, because they are the ones who will find it truer when he moved off his script and said what he hardest to survive. really felt, rather than what he had been told to say. When he has had a chance to travel the length and I hope that Ministers will also agree that what has breadth of England—it is not his fault that he has not gone wrong at DFOB—its previous and present yet had the chance to do so—to talk to farmers and to management both have many questions to answer—does rural communities, he will not find much support for not relate to the fact that it is, or was, a co-operative. I the way in which the regional development agencies was pleased that in the same week, Milk Link, another have operated in the rural sphere. They have contributed co-operative, reported increased profits—that is good far more sums of more than £1 million than smaller news. What happened at DFOB was about business sums of £100,000 or less, which would be much more management and control, rather than simply about the relevant to small businesses wishing to improve their fact that it was a co-operative, although I have no doubt productivity, to diversify and so on. that there will be those who will try to paint this as an inevitable problem that one gets with co-operatives. Everywhere I am told about this, I find that the schemes devised—they are all different—by each RDA Some hon. Members mentioned a number of other are bureaucratic and very difficult to access. At last agricultural issues, but I shall resist the temptation to week’s cereals event—I went the day after the Minister—I launch into those, because we can do so at great length went to the RDA stand, where an official told me, with during Thursday’s debate. In passing, I should point some apology, about a farmer who had just been in out that the hon. Member for Westmorland and Lonsdale wanting to see whether he could apply for a grant of (Tim Farron) trotted out almost everything he could about £40,000 for a meat-cutting plant, only to be told think of on this subject—that may or may not mean that he was not eligible. That had nothing to do with the that the House is relieved of the task of listening to him rights and wrongs of the scheme. I have no idea whether again on Thursday. it was a good or bad scheme, but he was told that there This evening, we have heard a wealth of experience was no scheme that suited his needs—that is laughable, from a number of hon. Members—sadly, it has come because that is precisely what the rural development only from those on the Conservative Benches—who programme for England was designed to produce. I have spoken about the importance of the rural economy. hope that when the Minister has had the opportunity They have spoken of its huge breadth, covering not that I mentioned, he will look again at the way in which only farming and the food industry, but manufacturing— that programme is working. traditional craft manufacturing right through to high-tech The Minister also trotted out a litany of statistics. I manufacturing—a lot of research, small businesses, intervened on him on the issue of poverty, which is a telecommunications and so on. huge issue in rural areas, not least because it is less A number of my Conservative colleagues have discussed obvious there than in big urban areas, where often specific issues. My hon. Friend the Member for North whole blocks of flats or areas of communities all live in Dorset (Mr. Walter) referred to the Government’s failure poverty. In rural areas, because of the lower population to understand the scale of issues in rural areas. It would density, one often finds only one or two people living in be completely wrong to suggest that losing one’s job is poverty and they may live next door to someone who is not a crisis for any individual, but, as he said, whereas it clearly quite affluent, so this is a much more hidden is bad news when half a dozen jobs go when a business form of poverty, but it is there. I hope that the Minister closes in a large urban area, when a business loses the 83 Rural Communities (Recession)15 JUNE 2009 Rural Communities (Recession) 84

[Mr. James Paice] Rural transport has also been mentioned several times. The Minister waxed lyrical about how much money the same amount of jobs in rural area that can be a complete Government have poured into bus services, but let me catastrophe for the village in which it happens. It can quote from the Commission for Integrated Transport—the wipe out the employment prospects for a large proportion Government’s own body. It says: of the people in the area. “Rural bus provision has declined steadily over the past twenty My hon. Friend also raised issues relating to the years as bus operators focus on more lucrative urban markets. village pub—and not only alcohol duty, on which we Combined with this has been a move away from local service provision—the closure of post offices, shops and garages in have our own proposals. Like my hon. Friend the Member particular—resulting in poor access to many facilities”. for South-West Norfolk (Christopher Fraser) and others, That underlines the Government’s failure to understand he rightly referred to other issues relating to business the importance of access to services. It is often very rates. I know that a debate is taking place later on that difficult for people in a rural community to gain access matter, but I wish to mention something that, unusually, to services. The bus service is at best sporadic, and is I had raised in my constituency. As a result of the recent completely absent in many areas. When schools, post rate revaluation, the business rates of someone from a offices, pubs, village shops, police stations and dispensaries village pub had rocketed up by £4,000—that is a lot of in GPs’ surgeries close—as many have in recent years—it money for a small village pub. He could not understand not only disfranchises the community, but makes it the situation until we looked into it. He had been on a much harder to recover from any pressures put on it. transitional process since the previous revaluation. The trouble is that the Government had designed a transitional My hon. Friends the Members for Ludlow (Mr. Dunne) process that did not get him to where he should have and for Hexham (Mr. Atkinson) also made pertinent been at the previous revaluation, so he lost out there points, especially on the issue of empty properties rate and then had to go to the new revaluation, which meant relief, which has hit a huge number of rural businesses a substantial percentage increase in his rates. and farms that have invested in property—as the Government and all politicians encouraged them to do My hon. Friend the Member for South-West Norfolk to benefit the local economy—and have, with difficulty, also referred to the reality on the ground of businesses persuaded the planners to agree, only to find that they trying to get loans to see them through the current cannot let that property because of the recession and crisis. He motioned rural crime, but he did not mention—so are stuck having to pay rates on them. I am sure that the I shall do so now—that violent crime has increased by Government did not intend the measure to hit such some 20 per cent. in rural areas since the recession set businesses, but that is the law of unintended consequences. in. A number of hon. Members have referred to housing, as my hon. Friend the Member for Arundel and South There is no list of figures or litany of all the things Downs did in his opening remarks. Even Labour Members that the Government have done that will persuade have said, in interventions, that a figure of only 10,000 people who live in rural communities that all is well planned homes in rural areas is wholly inadequate. I there. People who live in those areas and understand the stress the need to address what has gone wrong. It is realities cannot be convinced by listening to a Minister not, despite what the hon. Member for Westmorland trotting them out. I would have hoped that the Minister and Lonsdale suggested, all the fault of the Conservative would not have followed the practice of the Prime Governments who sold all the council houses. The Minister, who seems to respond to any challenge by problem was that the money raised stopped being recycled. trotting out another litany of statistics, but the fact is Part of the big advantage of selling council houses was that the Conservatives—as displayed in the debate and that that money would be recycled to build new social in our motion—know that there are real examples of housing in those areas. It was the present Government difficulty. We have real knowledge of the problems of who stopped that and confiscated the money to give to rural areas. I am proud to have been born and brought other local authorities. up—and now to represent—a rural area. That is my history and I am passionately proud of it. We have not We need to get rid of the ridiculous top-down planning had a single speech from a Government Back Bencher strategy—we will abolish the regional spatial strategies—and in support of their amendment, and there can be no give power to local communities to decide what low-cost better testament to the veracity of our motion, which I housing they need and where to put it. We will also use commend to the House. the exception site policy, introduced by the Government of which I was proud to be a member— 7.14 pm Tim Farron: Will the hon. Gentleman give way? The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Dan Norris): I Mr. Paice: No, I apologise— thank the hon. Member for South-East Cambridgeshire (Mr. Paice) for his kind welcome to my colleague and Tim Farron: Does he remember the 1980s? me, and especially for his kind words for our predecessor, my right hon. Friend the Member for Liverpool, Wavertree Mr. Paice: The 1980s are a subject for another day, (Jane Kennedy), which are much appreciated. but I assure the hon. Gentleman that I probably have a I am a new Minister, with less than a week’s experience. much better recollection of them than he has, as I I can honestly say that it is a steep learning curve, but I presume he was doing his GCSEs at the time. cannot think of a better debate to start with, especially The point is that if local decision making is given to as I represent the semi-rural constituency of north-east local communities, they will be much more amenable to Somerset, or Wansdyke as it is known. allowing houses to be built in their communities, instead In the best traditions of the House, this debate has of having them imposed from the top down and being been informative. I have heard some genuinely interesting told that they must have a lot of extra houses. things, some of them new to me. I have also seen the 85 Rural Communities (Recession)15 JUNE 2009 Rural Communities (Recession) 86 passion with which many hon. Members have spoken. I The hon. Gentleman also mentioned Jobcentre Plus, do not necessarily agree with everything that has been and a modernised service is needed to reach those who said, but I recognise that passion. cannot get across such large geographic areas. Although I appreciate that it is sometimes difficult for older Christopher Fraser: Does the Minister agree that it is people, in particular—I was moved to hear about his a great pity that no Labour Back Bencher has contributed grandmother’s situation—the truth is that telephones to the debate? are often very helpful in rural communities in making first contact and in responding to the difficulties that Dan Norris: I thank the hon. Gentleman for that are raised. I hope he will appreciate that, in the end, helpful intervention. It is up to hon. Members to decide geography is a huge challenge and we cannot always whether they want to contribute to the debate and, cover or compensate for that difficulty. With an intelligent having heard some of the contributions from the application of technology, we can perhaps make a significant Conservatives, I can see why my hon. Friends might difference, and I hope that we can talk about that when have been dumbfounded and stuck in their seats. I will he comes to see me. leave it at that. The hon. Member for Falmouth and Camborne (Julia The hon. Member for Hexham (Mr. Atkinson) asked Goldsworthy)—who I saw in her seat a moment ago, about milk supplies, especially with regard to the problems but who has now left the Chamber—raised some important with Dairy Farmers of Britain. That is a serious problem, issues about the difficulty of accessing NHS provision and the Government are greatly concerned about it, in her constituency. Obviously, I share those concerns, especially its impact in the north-east—the area that the but although the NHS is a national system its services hon. Gentleman represents. I do not think I can add are delivered locally. Each primary care trust has to much more to what my hon. Friend the Minister of work out carefully what is needed to meet local need. I State has said, but I hope that the hon. Gentleman will hope that she will make a point of coming to see me, be reassured that the Government are taking this seriously. too, to discuss her local concerns. I invite all right hon. I will be involved in a series of meetings in the coming and hon. Members to do the same if they have concerns days and weeks to look specifically at the issues that about NHS delivery in their constituencies. have been raised. It is difficult to provide any further I want to move on, if I may, to talk about some of the information at this point, because the situation is very general points that were raised in today’s debate. I think fluid. It is hard to comment now other than to say that my hon. Friend the Minister of State was right, in his it is a tough challenge, but the Government will rise to it opening remarks, to point out the difficulties with average and find a way forward. I agree with those hon. Members statistics. They sometimes hide significant needs. I know who say that it is not because the organisation is a that from my constituency. Wansdyke had the lowest co-operative, but because of other factors. unemployment level in the UK about five years ago, yet The hon. Member for Westmorland and Lonsdale I know that behind that prosperous headline lie real (Tim Farron) raised concerns about milk prices, which deprivation and poverty, albeit in small pockets. That is my colleagues and I share. The hon. Gentleman might a genuinely despicable situation that one would not be interested to know what my officials have been able knowingly want or choose. I hope that people to tell me so far. The Competition Commission is now understand—as I hope I do, given that I represent a consulting publicly on draft undertakings to establish semi-rural seat—that poverty, wherever it exists, is clearly an ombudsman to arbitrate in disputes between retailers a bad and difficult thing but, in some ways, rural and suppliers, and to investigate complaints under the poverty brings additional burdens because of the isolation new grocery supply code of practice. The deadline for that people also experience. Help and assistance are not those responses was 28 May. If retailers do not sign up always easily available as people do not have the support to the undertakings, the Competition Commission will of neighbours or friends that they might get in an recommend to the Department for Business, Innovation urban area. and Skills that it take steps to establish the ombudsman instead. In that eventuality, DEFRA will be one of a The important thing to stress is that wherever people number of Departments invited to comment. I hope live—in rural or urban communities—the problems that the hon. Gentleman will be pleased to hear that. that they face are pretty similar, despite the unique Obviously, the Government would like any assessment circumstances that arise in some rural communities. to be based primarily on what would be in consumers’ Most people want improved education, a better health best interest—we must never forget that they are the service, affordable homes to buy and rent and a range of important individuals in this matter—but we cannot other important things, not least low crime figures. comment until the issues have formally come back to Although rural areas have many challenges, I do not Government. I cannot risk prejudicing the consultation, accept that they are notably different from the rest of but I thank the hon. Gentleman for his contribution. our society. The hon. Member for South-West Norfolk (Christopher I want to touch on some of the key points that came Fraser) made some interesting points, and I invite him up in today’s debate. The first is broadband. The to come and see me to talk a little more about them. I Government are acutely aware of the vital importance certainly share some of his concerns, not least those to of good communications for individuals and small do with his having a very large constituency. I think he businesses in rural areas. After all, a greater proportion said that his constituency covered 1,200 square miles, of home workers can be found in rural areas than which is very large. That is four times the size of my anywhere else. That is why in the Budget we committed constituency, which is considered large in my area. I ourselves to a universal broadband standard of 2 MB a hope that he will come and see me to talk a bit further second, wherever reasonably possible and wherever anyone about that. lives, by 2012. More details will be given in the “Digital 87 Rural Communities (Recession)15 JUNE 2009 Rural Communities (Recession) 88

[Dan Norris] Access is an important issue with Jobcentre Plus, but that will mean that more than 50 per cent. of people Britain” report, which is due out soon. I know that right living in rural communities will live within 5 miles of hon. and hon. Members will be keen to know about their Jobcentre Plus centre. That is important, given the that in more detail. large areas covered by some rural constituencies, as we The Government are also mindful of new emerging have heard. technologies. We have jointly commissioned research to The Government recognise the serious impact that help to ensure that any benefits that might be forthcoming the world economic downturn is having across the from new technology can be shared across all communities country and on rural communities too, of course. I in the years ahead. That is vital. It is terribly important must say that there is no real evidence—I have sifted to the Government that the dynamism in rural communities through much of the evidence in the past few days—to is not lost as regards national wealth creation. It is vital show that rural communities are having a more difficult that communications should be as good there as anywhere time than anywhere else. If anything, they are doing else. I hope that hon. Members will raise any questions slightly better in some key areas. about that with me in the future. Many of the points raised in today’s debate have been Secondly, the Government recognise the great importance informed and informative, and I have found them of the post office network while also recognising the interesting. However, many of the questions from the need for taxpayers to spend their money wisely and Opposition have suggested that additional funding is efficiently, particularly as we face the consequences of the answer to the problems caused by the economic the worldwide economic downturn. That is why we are downturn and being experienced in rural communities. providing a subsidy to the post office network of £1.7 billion. I shall simply close by saying that, if the Opposition feel I will say that again, as it is such a large sum: we are that extra resources are what is needed, it is very hard to providing £1,700 million to secure the future of the post understand how they can advocate cuts of 10 per cent. office network, with £150 million a year targeted at the across the board and think that that will deal with the 7,500 loss-making post offices, the vast majority of difficulties faced by people in rural communities or which are in rural communities. Of course, that action elsewhere in the UK. is in stark contrast to the proposals of the two main Question put (Standing Order No. 31(2)), That the Opposition parties. The Conservative party would not original words stand part of the Question. subsidise loss-making post offices at all, but would allow them to go to the wall as it did when that party The House proceeded to a Division. was previously in government, when some 8,000 post offices went to the wall. The Lib Dems take the line that Madam Deputy Speaker: I ask the Serjeant at Arms they would not let any loss-making post offices close to investigate the delay in the Aye Lobby. and would write a blank cheque. The sensible thing to The House having divided: Ayes 205, Noes 280. do, I think, is to take the middle way and to recognise Division No. 149] [7.28 pm the importance of the taxpayer while also recognising the importance of rural post offices in their communities— AYES [Interruption.] Afriyie, Adam Campbell, rh Sir Thirdly, Jobcentre—[Interruption.] Ainsworth, Mr. Peter Menzies Alexander, Danny Carswell, Mr. Douglas Madam Deputy Speaker (Sylvia Heal): Order. May I Amess, Mr. David Cash, Mr. William ask hon. Members who have just come into the Chamber Ancram, rh Mr. Michael Chope, Mr. Christopher and who are conducting private conversations to show Arbuthnot, rh Mr. James Clappison, Mr. James some respect for those who have participated in this Atkinson, Mr. Peter Clark, Greg debate and to allow them to hear the Minister’s response? Bacon, Mr. Richard Clarke, rh Mr. Kenneth Baldry, Tony Clifton-Brown, Mr. Geoffrey Cormack, Sir Patrick Dan Norris: Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. Barker, Gregory Cox, Mr. Geoffrey Barrett, John Crabb, Mr. Stephen Mr. Robert Goodwill (Scarborough and Whitby) (Con): Beith, rh Sir Alan Davey, Mr. Edward On the closing down of post offices, perhaps the Minister Bellingham, Mr. Henry could have a word with the Minister of State, who is Davies, David T.C. Benyon, Mr. Richard (Monmouth) sitting next to him, who closed the post office in our Bercow, John village and many others around the country. Davies, Philip Beresford, Sir Paul Djanogly, Mr. Jonathan Binley, Mr. Brian Dorrell, rh Mr. Stephen Dan Norris: I was very kind to give way to the hon. Blunt, Mr. Crispin Gentleman, since he had only just walked into the Dorries, Nadine Bone, Mr. Peter Duddridge, James Chamber, so I shall treat his comments with the contempt Boswell, Mr. Tim that they perhaps deserve. Duncan, Alan Brady, Mr. Graham Duncan Smith, rh Mr. Thirdly, on Jobcentre Plus, the worldwide recession Brazier, Mr. Julian Iain means that support and help for those suffering in the Brokenshire, James Ellwood, Mr. Tobias UK are vital. This is not a time to do nothing. That is Brooke, Annette Evans, Mr. Nigel why we are injecting £1.7 billion to ensure that people Browne, Mr. Jeremy Evennett, Mr. David get the support they need now to weather the storm and Browning, Angela Fabricant, Michael quickly take advantage of the upturn when it comes. Burns, Mr. Simon Fallon, Mr. Michael That is why we will not close the 25 Jobcentre Plus Burt, Alistair Farron, Tim offices whose closure was previously announced, and Butterfill, Sir John Featherstone, Lynne there will be a moratorium on any further closures. Cable, Dr. Vincent Field, Mr. Mark 89 Rural Communities (Recession)15 JUNE 2009 Rural Communities (Recession) 90

Fraser, Christopher Mercer, Patrick Winterton, Sir Nicholas Tellers for the Ayes: Gale, Mr. Roger Miller, Mrs. Maria Wright, Jeremy Mr. John Baron and Garnier, Mr. Edward Milton, Anne Yeo, Mr. Tim Mr. Philip Dunne Gauke, Mr. David Mitchell, Mr. Andrew Young, rh Sir George Gibb, Mr. Nick Moore, Mr. Michael Gidley, Sandra Moss, Mr. Malcolm NOES Gillan, Mrs. Cheryl Mundell, David Goldsworthy, Julia Murrison, Dr. Andrew Abbott, Ms Diane Davies, Mr. Dai Goodman, Mr. Paul Neill, Robert Ainger, Nick Dean, Mrs. Janet Goodwill, Mr. Robert Newmark, Mr. Brooks Ainsworth, rh Mr. Bob Denham, rh Mr. John Gove, Michael O’Brien, Mr. Stephen Alexander, rh Mr. Douglas Devine, Mr. Jim Gray, Mr. James Ottaway, Richard Allen, Mr. Graham Dhanda, Mr. Parmjit Grayling, Chris Paice, Mr. James Anderson, Mr. David Dobbin, Jim Green, Damian Paterson, Mr. Owen Anderson, Janet Dobson, rh Frank Greening, Justine Penning, Mike Armstrong, rh Hilary Donohoe, Mr. Brian H. Greenway, Mr. John Penrose, John Atkins, Charlotte Dowd, Jim Grieve, Mr. Dominic Pickles, Mr. Eric Austin, Mr. Ian Eagle, Angela Gummer, rh Mr. John Prisk, Mr. Mark Bailey, Mr. Adrian Eagle, Maria Hague, rh Mr. William Pugh, Dr. John Baird, Vera Efford, Clive Hammond, Mr. Philip Randall, Mr. John Balls, rh Ed Ellman, Mrs. Louise Hammond, Stephen Redwood, rh Mr. John Banks, Gordon Engel, Natascha Hancock, Mr. Mike Rennie, Willie Barlow, Ms Celia Etherington, Bill Hands, Mr. Greg Robathan, Mr. Andrew Barron, rh Mr. Kevin Farrelly, Paul Harper, Mr. Mark Robertson, Hugh Battle, rh John Field, rh Mr. Frank Harvey, Nick Robertson, Mr. Laurence Beckett, rh Margaret Fisher, Mark Hayes, Mr. John Rogerson, Dan Begg, Miss Anne Fitzpatrick, Jim Heald, Mr. Oliver Ruffley, Mr. David Bell, Sir Stuart Flello, Mr. Robert Heath, Mr. David Russell, Bob Benton, Mr. Joe Flint, rh Caroline Heathcoat-Amory, rh Sanders, Mr. Adrian Berry, Roger Flynn, Paul Mr. David Scott, Mr. Lee Betts, Mr. Clive Follett, Barbara Hemming, John Selous, Andrew Blackman, Liz Foster, Mr. Michael Hendry, Charles Shapps, Grant Blunkett, rh Mr. David (Worcester) Herbert, Nick Shepherd, Mr. Richard Bradshaw, rh Mr. Ben Foster, Michael Jabez Hoban, Mr. Mark Simmonds, Mark Brennan, Kevin (Hastings and Rye) Hollobone, Mr. Philip Simpson, Mr. Keith Brown, Lyn Gapes, Mike Holloway, Mr. Adam Smith, Sir Robert Brown, rh Mr. Nicholas Gardiner, Barry Holmes, Paul Soames, Mr. Nicholas Brown, Mr. Russell George, rh Mr. Bruce Howard, rh Mr. Michael Spelman, Mrs. Caroline Browne, rh Des Gerrard, Mr. Neil Howarth, Mr. Gerald Spicer, Sir Michael Bryant, Chris Gilroy, Linda Howell, John Spink, Bob Burden, Richard Godsiff, Mr. Roger Hunt, Mr. Jeremy Stanley, rh Sir John Burgon, Colin Goodman, Helen Hunter, Mark Streeter, Mr. Gary Burnham, rh Andy Griffith, Nia Hurd, Mr. Nick Stuart, Mr. Graham Butler, Ms Dawn Griffiths, Nigel Jack, rh Mr. Michael Swayne, Mr. Desmond Byrne, rh Mr. Liam Grogan, Mr. John Jackson, Mr. Stewart Swire, Mr. Hugo Caborn, rh Mr. Richard Gwynne, Andrew Jenkin, Mr. Bernard Syms, Mr. Robert Campbell, Mr. Alan Hain, rh Mr. Peter Kawczynski, Daniel Tapsell, Sir Peter Caton, Mr. Martin Hall, Mr. Mike Key, Robert Taylor, Mr. Ian Cawsey, Mr. Ian Hall, Patrick Kirkbride, Miss Julie Taylor, Dr. Richard Challen, Colin Hamilton, Mr. David Laing, Mrs. Eleanor Timpson, Mr. Edward Chapman, Ben Hamilton, Mr. Fabian Lait, Mrs. Jacqui Turner, Mr. Andrew Clapham, Mr. Michael Hanson, rh Mr. David Lamb, Norman Tyrie, Mr. Andrew Clark, Paul Harman, rh Ms Harriet Lancaster, Mr. Mark Vaizey, Mr. Edward Clarke, rh Mr. Charles Harris, Mr. Tom Lansley, Mr. Andrew Vara, Mr. Shailesh Clarke,rhMr.Tom Havard, Mr. Dai Leech, Mr. John Viggers, Sir Peter Clelland, Mr. David Healey, rh John Leigh, Mr. Edward Villiers, Mrs. Theresa Clwyd, rh Ann Hendrick, Mr. Mark Letwin, rh Mr. Oliver Walker, Mr. Charles Coaker, Mr. Vernon Heppell, Mr. John Lewis, Dr. Julian Wallace, Mr. Ben Coffey, Ann Hesford, Stephen Liddell-Grainger, Mr. Ian Walter, Mr. Robert Cohen, Harry Heyes, David Lidington, Mr. David Waterson, Mr. Nigel Cook, Frank Hodgson, Mrs. Sharon Lilley, rh Mr. Peter Watkinson, Angela Cooper, Rosie Hoon, rh Mr. Geoffrey Loughton, Tim Webb, Steve Cooper, rh Yvette Hope, Phil Luff, Peter Whittingdale, Mr. John Corbyn, Jeremy Hopkins, Kelvin Mackay, rh Mr. Andrew Widdecombe, rh Miss Ann Crausby, Mr. David Howarth, rh Mr. George Maclean, rh David Wiggin, Bill Creagh, Mary Howells, rh Dr. Kim Main, Anne Willetts, Mr. David Cruddas, Jon Hoyle, Mr. Lindsay Malins, Mr. Humfrey Williams, Mr. Roger Cryer, Mrs. Ann Hughes, rh Beverley Mates, rh Mr. Michael Williams, Stephen Cummings, John Humble, Mrs. Joan Maude, rh Mr. Francis Willott, Jenny Cunningham, Mr. Jim Iddon, Dr. Brian May, rh Mrs. Theresa Wilshire, Mr. David Cunningham, Tony Illsley, Mr. Eric McCrea, Dr. William Wilson, Mr. Rob David, Mr. Wayne Irranca-Davies, Huw McLoughlin, rh Mr. Patrick Winterton, Ann Davidson, Mr. Ian Jenkins, Mr. Brian 91 Rural Communities (Recession)15 JUNE 2009 Rural Communities (Recession) 92

Johnson, rh Alan Moffat, Anne Soulsby, Sir Peter Walley, Joan Johnson, Ms Diana R. Mole, Chris Southworth, Helen Waltho, Lynda Jones, Helen Morgan, Julie Spellar, rh Mr. John Ward, Claire Jones, Mr. Kevan Morley, rh Mr. Elliot Starkey, Dr. Phyllis Wareing, Mr. Robert N. Jones, Lynne Mudie, Mr. George Stewart, Ian Watson, Mr. Tom Jones, Mr. Martyn Mullin, Mr. Chris Straw, rh Mr. Jack Watts, Mr. Dave Joyce, Mr. Eric Munn, Meg Stringer, Graham Whitehead, Dr. Alan Keeble, Ms Sally Murphy, Mr. Denis Stuart, Ms Gisela Wicks, rh Malcolm Keeley, Barbara Murphy, rh Mr. Jim Sutcliffe, Mr. Gerry Williams, rh Mr. Alan Keen, Alan Murphy, rh Mr. Paul Tami, Mark Williams, Mrs. Betty Keen, Ann Naysmith, Dr. Doug Taylor, Ms Dari Wills, rh Mr. Michael Kelly, rh Ruth Norris, Dan Taylor, David Wilson, Phil Kemp, Mr. Fraser O’Brien, rh Mr. Mike Thornberry, Emily Winnick, Mr. David Kennedy, rh Jane O’Hara, Mr. Edward Timms, rh Mr. Stephen Winterton, rh Ms Rosie Khan, rh Mr. Sadiq Olner, Mr. Bill Tipping, Paddy Woolas, Mr. Phil Kidney, Mr. David Osborne, Sandra Todd, Mr. Mark Wright, Mr. Anthony Kilfoyle, Mr. Peter Palmer, Dr. Nick Touhig, rh Mr. Don Wright, David Knight, rh Jim Pearson, Ian Trickett, Jon Wright, Mr. Iain Kumar, Dr. Ashok Pelling, Mr. Andrew Turner, Dr. Desmond Wright, Dr. Tony Ladyman, Dr. Stephen Plaskitt, Mr. James Twigg, Derek Laxton, Mr. Bob Pope, Mr. Greg Ussher, Kitty Tellers for the Noes: Lazarowicz, Mark Pound, Stephen Vaz, rh Keith Steve McCabe and Lepper, David Prentice, Bridget Vis, Dr. Rudi Mr. Bob Blizzard Levitt, Tom Prentice, Mr. Gordon Linton, Martin Primarolo, rh Dawn Question accordingly negatived. Lloyd, Tony Prosser, Gwyn Love, Mr. Andrew Purchase, Mr. Ken Question put forthwith (Standing Order No. 31(2)), Lucas, Ian Purnell, rh James That the proposed words be there added. Mackinlay, Andrew Raynsford, rh Mr. Question agreed to. Malik, Mr. Shahid Nick Mallaber, Judy Reed, Mr. Jamie The Deputy Speaker declared the main Question, as Mann, John Reid, rh John amended, to be agreed to (Standing Order No. 31(2)). Marris, Rob Riordan, Mrs. Linda Resolved, Marsden, Mr. Gordon Robertson, John That this House recognises the serious impact that the economic Marshall-Andrews, Mr. Robert Robinson, Mr. Geoffrey downturn is having across the country and the support the Martlew, Mr. Eric Rooney, Mr. Terry Government is providing to people, communities and businesses McAvoy, rh Mr. Thomas Roy, Mr. Frank to come out stronger and build Britain’s future; notes that the McCafferty, Chris Roy, Lindsay Government has introduced new measures to increase financial McCarthy, Kerry Ruane, Chris aid for rural businesses through the Rural Development Programme McCarthy-Fry, Sarah Ruddock, Joan for England as a response to the economic downturn; welcomes McDonagh, Siobhain Russell, Christine the Taylor Report’s work on making sure rural communities have McDonnell, John Salter, Martin affordable housing and sustainable economic opportunities; commends McFadden, rh Mr. Pat Sarwar, Mr. Mohammad the work of the Homes and Communities Agency to build McFall, rh John Seabeck, Alison 10,300 rural affordable homes between 2008 and 2011; applauds McGovern, Mr. Jim Shaw, Jonathan the Government’s commitment to connect communities and support McGuire, rh Mrs. Anne Sheerman, Mr. Barry local businesses with a minimum guarantee of 2MB broadband McIsaac, Shona Sheridan, Jim for virtually everyone in the country; notes that unemployment McKechin, Ann Simon, Mr. Siôn levels in rural areas remain below those in urban areas and is committed to helping maintain high levels of employment in McNulty, rh Mr. Tony Skinner, Mr. Dennis rural areas; expresses serious concern about the impact on rural Meacher, rh Mr. Michael Slaughter, Mr. Andy communities of the Opposition’s promised 10 per cent. cut to the Meale, Mr. Alan Smith, rh Mr. Andrew budgets of most Government departments that assist people in Merron, Gillian Smith, Ms Angela C. rural areas; and supports the Government’s commitment to continue Michael, rh Alun (Sheffield, Hillsborough) to work with the Commission for Rural Communities, Regional Miliband, rh Edward Smith, Geraldine Development Agencies and local communities and businesses to Miller, Andrew Smith, rh Jacqui help people through these difficult economic times. Mitchell, Mr. Austin Snelgrove, Anne 93 15 JUNE 2009 Business Rates 94

Business Rates Justine Greening: I am grateful for the right hon. Gentleman’s intervention. Much as I respect him, I Madam Deputy Speaker (Sylvia Heal): I must inform think that people in businesses listening to that will find the House that Mr. Speaker has selected the it a classic “computer says no” attitude to getting through amendment in the name of the Prime Minister. this recession. We have heard about the do-nothing party; I think we have suddenly found which is the do-nothing party in this Chamber tonight. 7.45 pm Justine Greening (Putney) (Con): I beg to move, Dr. Alan Whitehead (Southampton, Test) (Lab) rose— That this House expresses concern over the above-inflation rises in business rates since April 2009 and plans for the 2010 Justine Greening: I will make a little more progress, business rates revaluation; notes that all rate-paying businesses but I will give way shortly. have already been hit by five per cent. above inflation rises and Ministers are refusing to reconsider their decision, as that the withdrawal of transitional relief has disproportionately we have heard. In fact, they soldiered on for months hurt small businesses already struggling to cope with the recession; further notes that regulations relating to the business rate partial with their heads in the sand. That was bad enough for deferral scheme are yet to be placed before the House; observes businesses that were trying to cope with the recession, that the additional burden of empty property rates further undermines but Ministers did not stop there: next down the track struggling businesses; expresses disappointment at the failure in came the withdrawal of transitional relief. From what the Budget to help businesses and local authorities by making data there are, it is clear that some businesses were hit small business rate relief automatic as in Wales; believes that far more severely than people expected by the withdrawal councils should have the power to levy local business revenue rate of transitional relief, which had cushioned the impact discounts and be rewarded for local regeneration and business of the 2005 rates revaluation for many businesses, but rate growth; and further notes that the retrospective business rates being imposed on firms in ports, many involved in the car Ministers should have known about the impact that industry, will hit firms with a £124 million increase in taxes, that would have. At a time when so many businesses risking insolvency and job losses. were on their knees, Ministers again kicked away what Today’s debate is of real importance to businesses could have been a final, extra year of transitional relief, across Britain, because the problem relating to business and the impact has been huge. The FSB surveyed rates and business rate rises is so acute. This country has members in London and found that of those paying been in recession since last year, and the impact on business rates, nearly two thirds faced rises of 6 per businesses and employment has been dramatic. In fact, cent. or more, and nearly one in 10 faced a rise of over the most recent figures from the Federation of Small 20 per cent. That masks the fact that a minority in that Businesses show that 120 small businesses close down group faces much bigger rises. I shall come to that every day. Above all, in the credit crunch even firms shortly. with perfectly good business models are going bust, not because they are loss-making, but just because they Mr. Clive Betts (Sheffield, Attercliffe) (Lab): Can the cannot get the liquidity that is needed. We recognise the hon. Lady explain her party’s policy on transitional problems with cash flow, which is why we have been relief? By definition, at some point that comes to an pressing Ministers to go for our bigger and bolder end. Is she saying that it should always last for five national loan guarantee scheme to help provide certainty years, instead of four? Does she accept that, given the for businesses that are lending credit to one another. ability to defer part of the rate increase, 60 per cent. of the transitional relief, which ends in the fifth year, can Members would have thought that Ministers in the be deferred to the next two years? Department for Communities and Local Government who look after business rates would have taken particular care in their decisions that affect businesses, but they Justine Greening: It is interesting that the last time would have been wrong. In the past few months, when it the revaluation took place, in 2000, the hon. Gentleman’s comes to business rates, struggling businesses across party chose to adopt a five-year transitional relief. The Britain have seen Ministers press ahead with decision option to do that again was dismissed by his Government. after decision that can only make their liquidity situation I have asked the Government what they plan to do in worse. First, at the end of last year, Ministers confirmed the 2010 revaluation, and we still have no response from that all companies paying business rates would see a them. Part of the problem is bad information. I am 5 per cent. inflation-busting rise. By the time it was due happy to send to him parliamentary question after to hit businesses and our economy, economists were parliamentary question in which I asked how many discussing whether deflation was a concern, and the companies were affected by transitional relief, to which was embarking on its quantitative there was no answer. easing. However, Ministers refused to reconsider their The last time any assessment seems to have been done decision. In fact, they even refused to prepare an impact on the impact on businesses of the withdrawal of statement that considered how such massive, inflation- transitional relief was in 2004. At that time there was no busting rises would hurt businesses, employment and recession. Now we have a recession, but Ministers have the economy. not been prepared to revisit any of their decisions. Again, we hear their defeatist attitude—“We cannot do Mr. Nick Raynsford (Greenwich and Woolwich) (Lab): anything to help small businesses. Let’s just push on Will the hon. Lady please tell the House how Ministers with the plan that we already have.” could have changed the formula, which her party introduced when in government, given that on revaluation, it requires Dr. Whitehead: Is the hon. Lady saying, as her initial the yield to be maintained, with no discretion for the remarks suggested, that she would change the legislation Government to take a different decision? on the basis on which the business rate is determined, 95 Business Rates15 JUNE 2009 Business Rates 96

[Dr. Whitehead] Justine Greening: I am pleased the right hon. Gentleman is giving me the opportunity to make sure that the with reference to the retail prices index; that contrary to House is aware of our policy of letting councils that can everything that has happened since 1990, she would raise business rate take over the next few years keep that change the arrangements relating to transitional relief; increase. That is how we can incentivise local communities and that she would change the arrangements relating to and local authorities. [Interruption.] The right hon. the raising of the business rate itself? Can she confirm Gentleman says that that is not the question. He asked that that is her party’s policy from now on? me what we can do to make sure there is more local impact on business rates and more incentive for local Justine Greening: I am pleased that the hon. Gentleman councils. [Interruption.] If he would let me finish— is talking to me as though I am already the Minister looking after this brief. We should look at those aspects Madam Deputy Speaker: Order. The hon. Lady is to see what we can do to help business. He seems responding to an intervention. already to have gone into Opposition MP mode. There is no doubt that for smaller, more marginal Justine Greening: Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. companies business rates are one of the largest parts of It is hard to explain to Government Members when their cost base, and they are levied whether or not those they constantly shout. Had the right hon. Member for companies are making profits. We know that more than Greenwich and Woolwich (Mr. Raynsford) not shouted, other businesses, small businesses are prone to be hit I would already have been able to tell him that our other proportionally hardest by Government decisions on proposal is that we should give local authorities the business rates. One would have thought that that mattered chance to levy a business rate discount. I hope he will be to Ministers, but it did not. Given that they were happy with that, and perhaps intervene again to deciding to put through massive business rate hikes in congratulate my party on what will no doubt be an the teeth of a recession, one would have thought that excellent policy. Ministers might take the time to understand the impact Christopher Fraser (South-West Norfolk) (Con): I am of business rates on more marginal businesses, but they sure my hon. Friend agrees that small business and did not. They made no effort to understand how their enterprise was the backbone of our economic success as decision to raise business rates would hurt communities, a nation in the 1980s and 1990s, and will continue to be hurt businesses and cost jobs. so in this new century. The fact remains that businesses, On the withdrawal of transitional relief, Ministers not Government, create jobs. It is the job of a Government have known of the pressure of rates on many thousands to create the environment in which business can thrive. of businesses since 2004. As I said earlier, in their own This Government have singularly failed to recognise the consultation paper they even identified the problem. needs of businesses in the economy when the chips are The paper states that at the time, Ministers said that down. they had been warned that: “There are some groups representing rate payers who expect Justine Greening: My hon. Friend is right. The backbone significant rises in their rate bills and who are pressing for a of our economy has been our small businesses. We have five-year scheme”. been described as a nation of shopkeepers. There is a Ministers ignored those concerns. reason for that: our economy has been based on and has Businesses are therefore concerned about business thrived on small businesses. Many of those businesses rates rising at the end of transitional relief. Those provide vital services to the community. A little anecdote, concerns were raised even before the recession, but even which Members may laugh at, says it all. I was at a when the situation has got worse and we are in a meeting with some of my elderly constituents. One lady recession, it does not seem to occur to Ministers to mentioned that a laundrette had shut down. She lived reassess their approach. Who is penalised for the on the 14th floor of a tower block and did not have Government’s incompetence? Small businesses, which room for a washer in her flat. She would have to take are worst hit because of their size. That often means two buses to get to the laundrette. that they are far more vulnerable to a recession and, as I Those are vital facilities for people. When I spoke to said, to Ministers raising business rates. the owner of my laundrette on Danebury avenue in Many of those small businesses are local shops, and Roehampton, he told me his business rates would be often parades of shops, which provide employment and more than his takings every month. That is what the support communities. They include the newsagent, the Government are doing to businesses. It is untenable to laundrette and the corner shop. They are all fighting to say that we cannot reconsider business rates because the stay in business and they are put under more pressure legislation and the regulations are already in place. by Government decisions to hike up business rates. Surely the harshest aspect of the withdrawal of transitional Rob Marris (Wolverhampton, South-West) (Lab): Will relief was its impact on businesses that had played their the hon. Lady give way? role in regenerating their communities. They were doing Justine Greening: I shall make some more progress. I exactly what the Government asked of them. They took want to make sure that others have a chance to contribute risks and set up their businesses in areas that desperately to the debate. needed better facilities and shops. I was speaking about a group of businesses that have Mr. Raynsford: The hon. Lady clearly believes that been badly hit, which I hope matters to all hon. Members. the root of the problem is the Government. Given that Those businesses have gone into areas and tried to help she and her party seem to be espousing localist principles, them regenerate by setting up there and encouraging will she now declare whether or not she will return other businesses to do the same. They have done exactly decision making on business rates to local authorities what we all want them to do, which is to get in and and give them the discretion to set the rate? provide jobs and facilities in areas that do not have 97 Business Rates15 JUNE 2009 Business Rates 98 them. Many of those companies have been successful talked about the problems and the business rates rises and other shops have opened. What has been their facing small businesses throughout Britain is really reward? Their rateable value has gone up so they have beyond the pale. lost their reliefs, especially in London, as we have heard from the Federation of Small Businesses. What has then Rob Marris: Will the hon. Lady give way? happened to them? They face eye-watering business rate hikes. Justine Greening: No, I am not going to give way. We I am sure we can all quote examples. Here are a few have had enough from the hon. Gentleman tonight. from my London borough, Wandsworth. Shops on the In the Chamber, we all had a chance to support the Old York road in central Wandsworth have had massive private Member’s Bill from my hon. Friend the Member hikes. The newsagent Masumin’s business rates last year for Mid-Worcestershire, but that chance was thrown were £260 a month. This year they have shot up to away by the Minister. In explaining why he would not £1,006 a month. The motorcycle business just down the support the Bill, he said that road saw bills rise from £280 a month to £914 a month. “we are not in a position to be certain that this choice”— The florist’s business rate bills went up from £477 a the private Member’s Bill— month to £715 a month. The Northcote road, another well known Wandsworth community built around its “would deliver the highest and/or fastest benefit to small businesses from the package of wider options on the business rate.”—[Official shopping areas, is full of independent stores such as the Report, 6 March 2009; Vol. 488, c. 1145.] Bolingbroke bookshop. Its rates have gone up from £570 a month to £875 a month. That was after all that time—all those months and almost a year after the recession began. The Government It is as if Ministers were looking for a way to hurt could have headed off the problem months ago. Ministers regenerating areas most. Surely these are the businesses threw out that option, and instead the Chancellor finally creating jobs and providing facilities in areas that need announced the business rate deferral scheme to help them. We should be applauding and supporting them, businesses on 31 March—the week after local authorities but not this Government and not these Ministers. had issued new annual business rate bills to companies Ministers seem to have had an awareness bypass throughout the country. when it comes to helping companies, especially the smallest and most vulnerable, to survive the recession. Peter Luff (Mid-Worcestershire) (Con): My hon. Friend We have had the withdrawal of transitional relief, the is making a very fine speech and I am sorry to interrupt, lumping of inflation-busting rises on businesses and no but she gives me the chance to give notice to the assessment of how either will affect businesses and jobs Minister that I intend to press her on that point. I throughout Britain. It took a chorus of voices, from the withdrew my Bill in the face of Government opposition Opposition, the Federation of Small Businesses and because of clear assurances that they would take on local authorities, to puncture Ministers’ obliviousness significant elements of it, at least. That has not happened, to what was going on. and I am very disappointed. That is why my hon. Friend the Member for Mid- Worcestershire (Peter Luff) introduced his private Member’s Justine Greening: I could not agree more. We all Bill in March—to give the existing 50 per cent. rate hoped that the Budget would contain some genuine relief for the smallest, most vulnerable companies measures to help businesses immediately, and the fact automatically. Currently, they have to fill in a form to that it did not, in spite of the indications that the claim it, but only about half of eligible businesses do so Minister provided on the day, was very disappointing—more and local authorities have to put resources into processing so for businesses than for MPs. their request and doing outreach work to business Ministers were clear about the objective of the business communities to improve the take-up of the relief. We rate deferral scheme. In their press release, they said: supported that Bill, along with the Federation of Small “The Government announced today…that it will bring forward Businesses and many local authorities, which knew that regulations to enable businesses to defer payment of 60 per cent. they would save administration costs and be able to put of the increase in their 2009-10 business rate bills until 2010-11 them into helping businesses to develop. When it came and 2011-12.” to the debate, however, the Minister opposed the Bill. However, that scheme is already unravelling, because one thing that we can assess is that the promise to be Rob Marris: I am grateful to the hon. Lady for her able to defer 60 per cent. of the rise in business rates— generosity in giving way, but her tone of wounded Ministers’ key claim—is not likely to be kept. Until the outrage lacks credibility, given that her party’s policy is scheme is operational, businesses have to pay the full to remove £3.7 billion a year of relief on capital allowances rise, and those that have already forfeited the right to for business. That is a huge take, and it would adversely pay in instalments cannot take part in the scheme at all. affect, for example, Laundromats trying to replace their Businesses that have already struggled most with paying washing machines. the higher rates and need most help to improve cash flow will have no access to the scheme. The logic is Justine Greening: We do not need to take any lectures completely flawed. We do not know how things stand on supporting small businesses from a Government for businesses that are already subject to recovery action; who upped their corporation tax rate and had to be perhaps the Minister can tell us whether those businesses almost shamed into deferring—only deferring, mind will be eligible to participate in the scheme. you—the final 1 per cent. of a 3 per cent. rise on small As I am sure Members are aware, business rates are businesses’ corporation tax. I am sorry if I do not paid in 10 instalments, so businesses will have already sound very sympathetic to the hon. Gentleman’s point, paid 40 per cent. of their rise by July’s payment this but to make a party political point when I have just year, but Ministers have admitted in answers to my 99 Business Rates15 JUNE 2009 Business Rates 100

[Justine Greening] “The figures cited…setting out the Departmental Expenditure Limits for Communities and Local Government cover costs associated parliamentary questions that their regulations will not with implementing deferral of business rate payments.”—[Official even be in place until the end of July. So, how long after Report, 8 June 2009; Vol. 493, c. 755W.] that will it take local authorities to issue business rate Which answer is the right one? Is there an estimate or bills with deferred rises? The local authority representatives not? Why cannot the Government be transparent for to whom I have spoken tell me that it is unlikely that once? If there is an estimate, why cannot Ministers just they will be able to go through that process in anything be open about it—whatever the cost? If it is in the less than five to six weeks, and that is the most optimistic region of what it cost local authorities to administer the timetable. They need time to write to businesses; businesses last-minute requirement—another one by Ministers—to need time to decide what to do, to get financial advice, put efficiency savings information on council tax bills, it to fill in the relevant form and send it back to the local will be about £4 million to £5 million. Surely, that authority; and local authority and billing agencies need money would be better spent on supporting businesses time to change the details on their billing system and directly. Instead, it will be spent on dealing with another then to reissue their bills. Government cock-up that undermines businesses throughout Britain. What about the liability of businesses By the time all that has taken place, we will almost that defer rises and then go out of business or move to a certainly have passed the August payment date, so different location? Will they still be liable for payment businesses will have already paid 50 per cent. of the rise of the deferred rise? I shall be interested to hear whether and there will be no 60 per cent. left to defer. All that Ministers have reached a conclusion on that one. work, which we expect local authorities to do at the last Above all, will Ministers admit that the initiative was minute, will take place in August, when most people are really a last-minute decision made to give the impression on annual leave. Again, the Minister might like to of doing something and that, in reality, it has achieved confirm our presumption that, as businesses gradually nothing of substance months later? Will they admit that get around to claiming their deferrals, local authorities they had no consultation with the business community will end up with different businesses deferring different or local government until after the initiative was announced? proportions, which will in turn lead to real complexity Ultimately, the scheme is too little, too late. It will not in billing, because the situation will depend on how help the worst affected businesses and it is still not in quickly the business fills in the form and has it processed. place. On what basis can Ministers possibly think that Some will be able to claim 50 per cent. deferral, some the business rate deferral scheme is a better option than 40 per cent., some 30 per cent. and so on. Ministers the Bill introduced by my hon. Friend the Member for have met local authority representatives, so they must Mid-Worcestershire? know that. All that is bad enough, but businesses that thought Will Ministers therefore today finally say that they that some of the rises suffered this year were crippling will bring forward their business rate deferral scheme should know that Ministers have even more lined up for regulations faster, so that they can really deliver on their them next year. The 2010 revaluation will be based on 60 per cent. deferral promise? Will they promise all rateable values in April 2008—the very time when values businesses that they will be able to defer 60 per cent. of were at their peak. Given the bust that we are now in, do their business rate rise? Even now, more than two months Ministers really think that taking rateable values from after the scheme was announced, we have very few the peak of the boom will lead to a sensible, fair details of how Ministers expect their scheme to work. conclusion on business rates? Do they still plan to go For example, rebilling by local authorities for a second ahead with the revaluation? It is costing the Valuation time will cost millions of pounds of taxpayers’ money, Office Agency alone £51 million. Ministers may not but Ministers say that they do not know how much have done an impact assessment for ending transitional taxpayers’ money will be spent on it. On 1 June, in a relief, but have they made any assessment of where the parliamentary question, I asked what I thought was a worst 2010 revaluation rises will hit businesses and by pretty straightforward question of the then Secretary of how much? Alternatively, will we see another rerun of State for Communities and Local Government. I asked the dangerous shambles that we have had this year, with what estimate her Department had made of the cost to the transitional relief and the inflation-busting business central Government and to local authorities in rates rise? implementing the business rate deferral scheme, but I did not get a straightforward answer. I got a load of Mr. Betts: Surely the hon. Lady recognises that, at gobbledegook, telling me that I would have to wait until the end of the day, the effect of the revaluation is the impact statement had been prepared and the regulations neutral. It is simply a matter of distributing the total laid, and that I would then get to see the impact business rate to be collected between the various properties. statement. It did not answer the question at all. The fact that the revaluation was carried out during an economic boom will not lead to more money being collected in rates. Rob Marris: That was not gobbledegook. Justine Greening: Try telling that to some of the Justine Greening: It was gobbledegook, because on 8 businesses that end up paying more. The hon. Gentleman June I then asked whether any provision had been made seems to be living in a dream world. He should go and in the 2009-10 departmental budget, as outlined in the talk to some of the businesses across London that face Red Book, to fund local authorities’ administration of huge rises. Ministers have to be careful. He may think the scheme, and I was given a completely different that the revaluation should take place, but he surely answer about whether an estimate had been made of agrees that that has to be done on the basis of knowledge costs. In that case, the answer was: of how it will impact on businesses. He is right to say 101 Business Rates15 JUNE 2009 Business Rates 102 that the revaluation is not intended to raise business often built up over years, whose failure has a catastrophic rates, but if it is badly implemented, with no understanding effect on household income and worklessness. They are of how it will work in practice, the danger is that it all paying the price for the Government’s utter incompetence could do just that. It could put companies out of and inward-looking myopia on business rates. The business, and then they will not pay business rates at all. Government have turned their back on businesses’ cry Dare I say it, but Labour Members are showing their for help, but we will not. Businesses may not have a lack of knowledge about how business rates actually vote, but if they did, they would surely vote to consign work. the Government and their shambolic attitude towards small businesses to history. Julia Goldsworthy (Falmouth and Camborne) (LD): Some information might help the hon. Lady as she 8.16 pm makes her argument. I am not sure whether she is The Minister for Regional Economic Development and taking the same approach as she does to council tax—that Co-ordination (Ms Rosie Winterton): I beg to move an is, to say that the system is rubbish, but it should be amendment, to leave out from “House” to the end of based on a series of valuations that are decades out of the Question and add: date. According to the information provided to businesses, they will be sent draft rateable values in October. Does “notes that the Government is providing real help to businesses, with targeted support through the £20 billion working capital she not feel that that will give them the opportunity to scheme, the Enterprise Finance Guarantee Scheme making available make representations and understand perfectly the impact £1.3 billion of Government-guaranteed lending, an aim to pay that the revaluation will have? Difficult though the issue Government suppliers within 10 days, a cut in the main rate of may be, it is a fair way of going forward. value added tax to 15 per cent., a deferral in the increase in the small companies’ rate of corporation tax, free business health Justine Greening: I take the hon. Lady’s point on checks, over £100 million towards debt advice, the HM Revenue board. My question is not to businesses; I have no and Customs Business Payment Support Service benefiting over doubt that they will make their representations. I am 100,000 firms by spreading a total of £2.5 billion of tax payments, asking Ministers whether they will do the work beforehand and the extended rate relief for empty properties; recognises the Government’s commitment to the annual Retail Price Index cap and understand whether the proposal is good or bad. means there has been no real terms increase in business rates since All the evidence from transitional relief is that no work 1990; welcomes the Small Business Rate Relief scheme providing will be done to understand the impact on businesses. £260 million of support in 2007-08; supports the fairness achieved Ministers will simply say, “Here’s your new rateable by revaluing properties every five years with transitional arrangements value—do you like it or not?” Lo and behold, companies to phase in significant changes in rates bills; welcomes the deferral seeing a benefit from the revaluation will say that it is scheme enabling payment of 2009-10 rates increases to be spread fine and the many companies with an increase will have over three years to be brought into force by regulations in July; further notes the Local Authority Business Growth Incentive real concerns. I presume that they will all be ignored Scheme has provided funding of almost £1 billion since 2005-06; once again. welcomes support for businesses, including in ports, receiving I could have spent time on the retrospective ports tax, unexpected and significant backdated rates bills by the introduction but we will have time in the House later this week to of an unprecedented eight years to pay; and believes these measures discuss that. That tax has put our nation’s ports and provide certainty, fairness and appropriate relief for businesses.” many businesses involved with the car industry under I ask the House to support the Government amendment, pressure. Yet Ministers are pushing on, with their heads because the Opposition motion and the speech made by in the sand. The inflation-busting rises, the early withdrawal the hon. Member for Putney (Justine Greening) show of transitional relief, the pressing ahead with a 2010 scant regard for the facts of how the business rates revaluation that will raise bills further for many businesses system operates and breathtaking ignorance of the and the carrying on with a retrospective port tax that actions that we are taking to help small businesses—actions puts more pressure on the car industry and our ports that, on many occasions, the Conservative party has businesses are all happening because Ministers have opposed. been asleep on the job, oblivious to how their business The Government are taking real action to help businesses rate hike would kill businesses. through the current economic downturn—and often in the teeth of Conservative opposition, as I said. The Mrs. Louise Ellman (Liverpool, Riverside) (Lab/Co-op): Government have recognised the effect that the downturn Will the hon. Lady give way? can have on small and medium-sized businesses, as well as on large businesses. We are taking action at international, Justine Greening: I will not. national, regional and local levels. The Government The now-departed Secretary of State was, to use a have put in place a mechanism through which businesses phrase, too busy rocking the boat and deciding how to can defer tax payments. We have introduced the enterprise knife her incompetent Prime Minister. She is off the finance guarantee and additional funding for SMEs playing field now, but has since admitted that she could through the European Investment Bank, and are providing not even get that decision right. Businesses all over support for small businesses during the economic downturn. Britain are going bust every day and thousands of We continue to take measures. For example, in the people are losing their jobs, but the right hon. Lady Local Democracy, Economic Development and disgracefully and perversely prioritised her own political Construction Bill, which is being discussed in Committee, interest above her vital Government role on business we are considering giving local authorities specific powers rates. to help local businesses in the economic downturn. In conclusion, many businesses are fighting for their Every clause, however, has been opposed by the lives, yet the Government have sleepwalked into a business Conservative party, as my right hon. Friend the Member rates fiasco that has tipped many businesses over the for Greenwich and Woolwich (Mr. Raynsford) will edge into insolvency.I am thinking of family-run businesses, acknowledge. 103 Business Rates15 JUNE 2009 Business Rates 104

Mr. Brian Binley (Northampton, South) (Con): The Bob Spink (Castle Point) (Ind): I am grateful to the Government raised great expectations for small businesses Government for their recognition of the importance of through all the schemes that they broadcast left, right SMEs. Can the Minister please find a way to ensure that and centre, but they forgot to manage the process itself. the 2010 revaluation will shift the burden of business In so doing, they did not provide the support in the sort rates away from small businesses on our high streets and of time required by small businesses. Many such businesses trading estates and towards much larger businesses, for went to the wall because the Government did not which business rates are a much smaller proportion of understand management. Does the Minister recognise turnover, and often profits? that fact? Ms Winterton: I assure the hon. Gentleman that I will address some of those issues later in my remarks. I Ms Winterton: I am surprised that the hon. Gentleman think that he needs to separate out the process of says that, particularly when so much of what we have revaluation and some of the different types of reliefs tried to achieve has been opposed by Conservative that can be made available to small businesses, but I Members. hope that all will become clear as I move through my Let me give some facts. Her Majesty’s Revenue and speech. Customs has agreed with 100,000 businesses the deferral of more than £2.5 billion in business taxes. The enterprise Mr. Brooks Newmark (Braintree) (Con): The Minister finance guarantee has provided an initial £1.3 billion of was kind enough to offer—I am not sure whether it was bank lending to SMEs. So far, 26 lenders, representing just for the constituency of my hon. Friend the Member 90 per cent. of SME lending, are signed up. Eligible for South-West Norfolk (Christopher Fraser) or on a applications from more than 3,600 small businesses, constituency-by-constituency basis—as much information totalling more than £400 million, have been assessed, as possible about how many businesses, not necessarily are being processed or have been granted. That does not which businesses, have been helped. Rather than just seem to be an indication of a lack of action, as opposed writing to my hon. Friend, could she put that information to the do nothing attitude of the Conservatives. in the Library so that it is available to all Members?

Christopher Fraser: The right hon. Lady talks about Ms Winterton: As I said, I am more than happy to help for businesses. Will she, through her Department, take away requests that have been made for that information, give a breakdown, constituency by constituency, of how because it is important that we are able to show the help many businesses have benefited from any or all of the that has been available. Perhaps Conservative Members schemes to which she refers? I cannot see where that would like to make a guesstimate of how many businesses help is coming from, and nor can companies in my would have been helped by opposing all the measures constituency. We need the reassurance of seeing the that we tried to take. It would be interesting to see if statistics that she has given broken down by every they were content to admit that if one says that one is constituency, so that we can go back to our constituents going to do nothing, that is what happens to businesses. and tell them where the money is coming from. I think that the current business rates system is a fair way of ensuring that the burden of tax is fairly distributed across all businesses. Before 1990, as several of my right Ms Winterton: I would be extremely surprised if hon. and hon. Friends have said, rates were set and businesses in the hon. Gentleman’s constituency did not collected locally. The problem that was seen with that have, for example, access to free business health checks approach was that many businesses felt that they had or the ability to apply for many of the schemes that I little or no certainty over their business rate bills: they have outlined. However, I am more than happy to take complained that they might be paying different rates in away his request and to come back to him with information different areas, and that they might be told of their about the schemes that are available, which will be liability only a few days before the start of the financial helped by local authorities or the regional development year. The system that came into effect in 1990, which agencies. In so far as I can, I will also look to get specific was enshrined in legislation introduced in 1988 by the information about businesses themselves. previous Administration, changed the way that business rates were collected, bringing greater certainty, not least Christopher Fraser: The Minister has given us some because businesses know that between revaluations the figures about what is happening. In a genuine bid to be multiplier will not change by more than inflation. Many helpful, I again ask her to break those down for all of of the issues that we are debating are an integral part of us, constituency by constituency, and to give information, that system. which I cannot get, on the companies that have actually In 1990, we saw the first business rates revaluation of received benefits from the schemes that she has mentioned. property since 1973. Before that time, values had become hopelessly out of date; that is why the new system Ms Winterton: The hon. Gentleman needs to bear requires revaluations every five years. The point of that, one or two things in mind when he makes that sort of for a business, is that rateable values and therefore rates request. We would not always give the individual names bills are based on up-to-date information, so the yield of companies, because they do not necessarily want that from the rates is spread fairly across different ratepayers. information published, but we can look at the statistics in terms of numbers of companies. As for going right Mrs. Theresa Villiers (Chipping Barnet) (Con): The down to individual companies, I will see whether that is Minister is speaking at great length about how she possible, probably working through the regional thinks that the re-rating system is a fair one. Does she development agency. I do not know whether it will be think it is fair that so many businesses in ports have possible for every constituency, but I will certainly take been landed with a huge retrospective rates bill because away his request and write to him about it. of Government incompetence? 105 Business Rates15 JUNE 2009 Business Rates 106

Ms Winterton: I will come later to the fact that we Julia Goldsworthy: Does the Minister think that it have listened to what the ports have said. My predecessor, might be worth considering the inflation measures that my right hon. Friend the Member for Wentworth (John the Government use? They have a whole series of measures Healey), listened to what was said about the liability of inflation, and in this case we had spot inflation in and changed the system so that the payment back is September, which is what has caused the difficulty. now spread over something like eight years. I do not know whether the hon. Lady is committing her party’s Ms Winterton: As the hon. Lady will know, there are Front Benchers to completely abolishing any responsibility different methods of calculating what the increases will for liability, and I do not know how that would be paid be in pensions and other areas. As she knows, under for, but I shall come to the changes that we have made. existing legislation business rates are adjusted every On top of what happened in 1990, since 1997 we have April in line with the retail prices index for the previous introduced measures to improve the system further, September, but I should point out that in the Budget the including the small business rate relief scheme, which Chancellor forecast that RPI inflation would fall to provided more than £260 million a year of help by minus 3 per cent. by September 2009. The impact of 2007-08. There has been some mandatory relief, particularly uprating if RPI is negative will obviously be to reduce for community amateur sports clubs, and the business total business rates in cash terms in 2010-11. rates deferral scheme will allow 1.6 million businesses to defer liabilities totalling about £600 million this year. We must understand all the implications of linking to RPI. However, that is the point at which we can consider Mrs. Ellman: I acknowledge that the Government action that Government could take—as we did—in have tried to address the major problem imposed on recognition of the spike in inflation that occurred in businesses in ports because of the retrospective, backdated September. That is exactly why we introduced the deferral rates, but does my right hon. Friend agree that that is scheme, which will allow business rate payers in England still a major problem for those businesses? Will she to defer around £600 million for 1.6 million properties agree to re-examine that important matter? and around 3 per cent. of the 5 per cent. increase in 2010-11 and 2011-12. Ms Winterton: I will come later to some of the facts The Opposition also referred to the plans for the about how businesses are settling their liabilities and the 2010 business rates revaluation. As I said earlier, regular evidence that we have so far. revaluations are an important part of the ratings system because they maintain fairness between all taxpayers. Mr. David Lidington (Aylesbury) (Con): May I press Rental values provide the basis of rateable value, so the right hon. Lady a little more on the deferral scheme? revaluation ensures that each business contributes, based Surely, as my hon. Friend the Member for Putney on up-to-date information. The current rating list dates (Justine Greening) pointed out, as the Government’s from 1 April 2005, based on the property market at amendment mentions the introduction of the implementing 1 April 2003. The next revaluation will take place from regulations only this July, the reality is that small businesses April 2010, based on rental values at 1 April 2008. will be able to defer less even than the 60 per cent. of However, although the property market has changed business rates that the Government have been talking since 1 April 2008, the important protection for business about. is that the revaluation is not intended to raise extra Ms Winterton: I will come in due course to the details revenue because the overall national multiplier is set to that the hon. Gentleman refers to. He is leaping ahead ensure that the average business rate stays the same, of me. allowing change only for inflation. I think that the hon. Member for North Cornwall (Dan Rogerson), whose I return to the comments that have been made about attention I am trying to get—he is ignoring me; okay, the current system, which, as I have said, was introduced fine—asked about that. by the previous Administration. It was subject to a thorough review by Sir Michael Lyons, which reported Some rate bills rise and some fall after revaluation, in March 2007. Sir Michael concluded that business but the average national bill changes only with the rate rates were a of inflation. That is how the revaluation would work. “successful and stable property tax”. He felt that there was no case for changing the retail Mrs. Caroline Spelman (Meriden) (Con): It is kind of prices index cap on annual charges in the national rate the Minister to allow me to intervene. Does she understand of tax. that the Valuation Office Agency legislation in 1998 led It is widely accepted—except, it appears, by Opposition to desktop revaluations? The hon. Member for Liverpool, Front Benchers—that the business rates system that the Riverside (Mrs. Ellman) made a good point. One of the Conservative party introduced is an effective, fair form major problems underlying retrospective revaluation of taxation, and I have to say that it has been improved for ports is that it is a desktop revaluation and, although by the Labour Government since 1997. If the hon. all the ports have been encouraged to appeal, it will Member for Putney and the Opposition believe that the cause untold damage to business because that revaluation system needs changing, it is important for them to process is theoretical. When revaluation took place in explain not only the proposed structure but how any Wales—a pilot that was not followed through—it was changes would be made. I remind the House that the not budget neutral and more revaluation led to more current system raises £20 billion a year, which goes people having their tax increased than those benefiting towards services from which businesses benefit at local from a reduction. government level. If the system is to be done away with, it would be interesting to know the costings for the Ms Winterton: I will deal with revaluation and its suggested changes. effects on ports shortly. 107 Business Rates15 JUNE 2009 Business Rates 108

Mr. Chris Mullin (Sunderland, South) (Lab): I know to businesses when they faced increases, and that is why that my right hon. Friend has been in her post for only a we introduced the deferral scheme. With respect to the few days— ending of the transitional relief scheme, we listened to people, and that is why we introduced the transitional Ms Winterton: Does it show? relief scheme for the increases for 2005 to 2009. Mr. Mullin: No, not at all. Has she had an opportunity With respect to the laying of regulations for the to assess the impact of the empty properties rate on business rates deferral scheme, I can assure the House businesses? Several companies in Sunderland face ruin that we are working on introducing the necessary legislation as a result of it. I know that the Government have for the scheme by the end of July, as we explained on introduced a concession for properties with rateable 31 March, when it was first announced. Those regulations values of less than £15,000. However, for example, two will cover the deferral of the 5 per cent. retail prices business men came to my office last week who employ index increase and the deferral of increases faced by 80 people and have just been faced with a bill of those businesses losing transitional relief from 1 April £130,000 on a property that is empty and unlettable. 2009. The business has been running for 50 years and they My hon. Friend the Member for Sunderland, South will have to close it unless some way can be found (Mr. Mullin) and others have raised the question of around the problem. empty property reliefs. I am sure that hon. Members will recognise that, previously, landlords had no incentive Ms Winterton: I can assure my hon. Friend that I will to find tenants for their empty properties. As a result, come to the issue of empty property rates. rents in UK cities ended up being higher than they To return to the new valuations—this also picks up might otherwise have been. That is why we removed on the point that the hon. Member for North Cornwall many of the exemptions and reliefs for empty properties. made—they were completed at the beginning of this To reintroduce such a relief would cost as much £950 million month. We are looking at the results, and I hope to be a year, which would have to be found from other areas able to say a little more in the next few weeks. However, of taxation or through public spending cuts. we can expect those sectors and locations that have done well in recent years to see increases in bills, whereas Mr. Mullin: I do hope that my right hon. Friend will those that have not fared as well are likely to see have a look at this, because this is a much more serious reductions. That addresses some of the points that the problem than the little note that she has just received hon. Gentleman made. from the Box makes out. The Pallion engineering company All the rateable values will be published at the end of in my constituency is the last surviving shipyard on the September. At the same time, we will provide a business Wear, and its rates are going up from £55,000 a year to rates calculator to help ratepayers estimate their rates £234,000. The Treasury will not get that £234,000, bills for 2010. That is something that we introduced in however, because that rates bill will put the company 2005, and it has been helpful to businesses that wish to out of business, along with the 200 people who work plan ahead. Under the previous system—this relates to there. I appreciate that my right hon. Friend has not my earlier point—there was a problem, because people had much time to get to grips with these issues, but I do did not know what their rates were likely to be, sometimes hope that she will talk to her opposite numbers in the until the last few weeks of the financial year. However, Treasury about the folly of what is happening. the excellent business rates calculator will help people to plan ahead. We introduced it because we know how Ms Winterton: We have tried to listen to the concerns important it is to businesses to plan ahead. that have been expressed by property owners. That is We will make even more improvements to the business why, for 2010, all empty properties with rateable values rates calculator, so that by October, business rate payers of up to £15,000 will be exempt from rates. Of course I will be able to estimate their 2010 rates by using their understand the concern that my hon. Friend has expressed, 2010 rateable values. In addition, for those ratepayers however, and I know that he tries to reflect in the House who face increases in the 2010 revaluation, we will the concerns of businesses in his area. introduce transitional arrangements to phase in those increases. Again, although not resiling from the system Mike Penning (Hemel Hempstead) (Con): I thank the that was introduced, we are looking at ways of helping Minister for giving way; she has been exceptionally people where specific problems have arisen, first, from generous, and I am sure that the House will understand the 5 per cent. increase and, secondly, from some of the if her speech goes on a little longer because of all the revaluations, and as I have said, we will consult on interventions she has taken. The matter of empty property those. rates is a very serious one, especially for businesses that At the last revaluation, in 2005, we introduced a have no choice but to get out of their premises. In my transitional arrangement scheme, which lasted for the constituency, for example, the Buncefield oil depot exploded first four years of the five-year rating list. The idea was in 2005, and some of the damaged buildings are still to ensure that all ratepayers paid their normal rates bills unsafe for people to go back to work in, yet the companies for at least one year of the rating list. Those ratepayers concerned are being charged the full rate for buildings affected will have had four years to plan for their that they cannot go back into. Surely that is a ludicrous 2009-10 rates bills. The hon. Member for Putney said anomaly in the legislation. that the Government had ignored the responses to the 2004 consultation paper. There were 66 responses, and Ms Winterton: I think that I have addressed a number although nine favoured a five-year scheme, 44 favoured of issues on this subject. I shall briefly move on to talk a four-year scheme ending on 1 April 2009, so we did about the small business rate relief scheme that was listen to the responses in 2004. We also listened, again, introduced in 2005. One of the issues relating to 109 Business Rates15 JUNE 2009 Business Rates 110 automaticity is that, because a local authority does not based on more than 300,000 actual rents collected by necessarily know which businesses occupy multiple the Valuation Office Agency and analysed for the properties, the ratepayer is asked to apply to confirm revaluation. I wanted to clarify that point. that they meet the criteria for the relief. I know that my Finally, it is the Government’s package of measures—the right hon. Friend the Minister for Housing was sympathetic introduction of the business rates deferral scheme, the to the points raised by the hon. Member for Mid- small business rate relief scheme, a fairer revaluation Worcestershire (Peter Luff), but, under his proposal, it scheme and so forth—combined with the real help would be difficult to avoid placing a considerable burden offered to businesses through structured support at on local authorities, which would need to establish local, regional and national levels that will make the whether a ratepayer was occupying more than one difference. In contrast, the Opposition offer nothing but property. However, we are looking into what more we ill thought out ideas and empty promises. That is why I can do to improve the take-up of small business rates urge the House to reject the Opposition motion and relief and we have already taken steps to amend legislation support the Government amendment. for 2009-10, so that all eligible businesses in new properties can receive rate relief from their first date of occupation. 8.53 pm Julia Goldsworthy (Falmouth and Camborne) (LD): Peter Luff rose— I think that hon. Members of all parties would agree that we are living in unprecedented economic times and Ms Winterton: I am sure that that will not entirely that many small businesses probably feel as if they are satisfy the hon. Gentleman. I will give way to him, but I facing an onslaught from all sides. We have already then want to make some progress. heard that an accountancy firm has predicted that nearly 34,000 small businesses—120 a day—will close Peter Luff: As John Cleese remarks in “Clockwise”, in 2009 and that difficulties paying their business rates “I can take the despair. It’s the hope I can’t stand.” may well be a factor for some of them. However, it may The Government keep on holding out a tantalising be that businesses have suffered from falling incomes, fraction of hope. I must tell the Minister that if she is unaffordable rents, delayed payments from suppliers or looking for an excuse not to act, that is a pretty pathetic trouble paying their tax liabilities. Their difficulties might one. There are some very good and compelling reasons be compounded by personal economic problems, too. for taking action and there are perfectly practical solutions If Back Benchers get the opportunity to contribute to all the objections raised by the Treasury. I urge the to the debate—if I carry on for as long as the two Minister to be utterly robust in her discussions with the previous speakers, we will move straight into the concluding Treasury. The time has come for this measure, and her speeches—I am sure we will hear about similar experiences Department—both her Departments—know it. She should from businesses all over the country. The motion at not be cluttering us up with excuses, but looking for least provides us with an opportunity to raise constituency solutions. experiences. I find it slightly odd that the Conservatives’ motion is Ms Winterton: Let me briefly address the issue of drafted so narrowly. It deals specifically with business levying local—[Interruption.] Well, I think I have rates, rather than with all the other issues that might addressed the hon. Gentleman’s points and the real interact to cause difficulty to businesses. What I also issues around them. I do not see the point of repeating find rather bizarre is the similarity of the wording of it all again. I have been pretty clear about where we this motion to that of a motion that was debated on a believe the difficulties lie. Conservative Opposition day on 25 March this year. As regards councils having the power to levy local That motion also referred to the rate of inflation based business rate discounts, I have said that we already have on business rate rises, the ending of transitional rate several rate relief schemes targeted at businesses, amounting relief, support for a move to automatic business rate to something in the region of £900 million in 2008-09. relief, and the 2010 revaluation. It condemned the ending Further discounts—this is a point that the Opposition of empty property rate relief, and highlighted the issue need to answer—would mean that the amount collected of the ports. would be smaller, so we would have to ask local authorities I think that there can be only two reasons for that. It to contribute more, which would have an effect on is possible that the Conservatives’ current spokesperson council tax payers. was not in her post on the earlier occasion, and has This Government have a great track record in delivering either been doing her homework very assiduously or funding and policies that will play a major part in did not realise how similar this motion was to the earlier regenerating our cities and supporting our local authorities one. Alternatively, it may well be that the Conservatives to ensure regeneration and economic renewal. It is have so little positive policy that they have to rotate it, absolutely clear that we understand the impact of the so that it comes around every couple of months on their business rates system on businesses and that, particularly Opposition days. because of the international credit crunch and economic This is clearly a significant issue, but it would be more slowdown, we are looking at the effects on people and helpful if Conservative policy had moved on since that businesses. debate at the end of March. That leads me to wonder I shall very briefly touch on the issue of businesses in whether the Conservatives considered the issue to be ports. As I have said, my right hon. and noble Friend the main factor affecting businesses, or whether they the Secretary of State has already taken action. As to simply have nothing to say about anything else. I am not the allegation that the revaluation was somehow a entirely sure of the answer to that question. Judging by desk-top exercise—it was made by the hon. Member for the last Opposition day debate that I sat through—on Meriden (Mrs. Spelman), who I see is not listening to a housing—I suggest that the Conservatives simply have word I am saying, but there we are—it was, in fact, nothing to say. 111 Business Rates15 JUNE 2009 Business Rates 112

[Julia Goldsworthy] Julia Goldsworthy: May I finish what I am saying? Later we will discuss the business rate supplement What the Conservatives have to learn is that if they scheme. The Conservatives have sought to prevent any want to say with credibility that they can form the next local authority from participating in it. The Liberal Government, they cannot just oppose things; they must Democrats have said that they are more than welcome propose things as well. It is clear that the motion will to do so, provided that there is proper consultation with not take the debate about local government finance any businesses and that businesses have a say in the further forward. I think that, if anything, it will increase improvements that they want to see. I am sure that confusion rather than providing clarity. It is a critique many businesses would like to see reductions, but businesses of the Government’s failure to address problems relating must also be allowed to have the opportunity to support to business rates, but it also criticises measures that the improvements. The Conservatives appear to be offering Government have tried to take to address those problems. only a one-way street. For example, the Minister described the deferral scheme that the Government want to introduce. What the Mr. Newmark: Will the hon. Lady give way? Government had not realised was that the problem had been caused by a double whammy: the very high increases Julia Goldsworthy: No; instead I will try to make in inflation combined with the end of the transitional swift progress so as to give the hon. Gentleman a scheme. I did not catch what the Conservatives said that chance to make his own contribution. they would do differently. They attacked the ending of We think that the automated business rate relief is a empty property rate relief, but they did not say what sensible idea, but it is not an entirely original idea they would do themselves. because it has already been achieved in Wales. I was Another issue was not raised. In some areas, the disappointed by the Government’s justifications for not problem is not just that businesses are in accommodation introducing it. The reality is that half of all eligible that will be very expensive if the empty property rates businesses do not claim the relief, and automating it will continue. In my constituency, the problem is risk aversion. therefore make the whole process more efficient, not A massive regeneration scheme is taking place there, more costly. part of which involves new accommodation for businesses. Although there is, perhaps, consensus on this issue, I What investors will take the risk if they think that a am not entirely sure what the hon. Member for Putney property will be left empty, and that that will cost them (Justine Greening) committed her party to. The Leader a huge amount? of the Opposition continually calls on people to vote What we also heard from the Conservatives was an for change, but the evidence at present suggests that it interesting critique of how the port rating process had would be a vote merely to change the labels on the same gone wrong. Again, however, we gained no clear sense tin. There is no radical rethink. If we really want to of what they would have done differently, or of how understand what is going on in this regard, the name of they planned to put the wrongs right. the party gives the game away: the fact that they are called the “Conservatives” means that they generally Christopher Fraser: In the four or five minutes for want to change things back to the way they were which the hon. Lady has been speaking, we have not before—and therefore they do not want to revalue, nor heard a word about what the Liberal Democrats will do. to set business rates according to inflation, nor to May I ask her to address that point, so that we can at change anything with regard to the way business rates least have a proper debate? work. We heard nothing about anything they would do differently. As I have said, their approach is intellectually Julia Goldsworthy: I fully intend to do so. However, incoherent. It is consistent only with the way they look we must debate the Conservative motion and the alternative at another aspect of local government finance: council tax. presented by the Opposition. [HON.MEMBERS: “The Their approach is that the system is broken and Government.”] I mean the Government. unaffordable, but the way to solve that is, apparently, We have been debating the motion for about an hour not by revaluing, and we will therefore end up having a or so, and I have been speaking for four minutes. I think system of local taxation based on property values that the hon. Gentleman should give me a chance to get my are decades out of date. They either need to say the points across. system of council tax is bust and that they will replace it with something else, or they need to defend the council What we did hear from Conservative Members was tax system and offer a revaluation. [Interruption.] The the new thinking about flexibility for councillors to hon. Member for Putney asks from a sedentary position reduce business rates, and to allow areas to benefit from about my party’s position. Our position is very clear. It economic growth. That is similar to the approach that involves changing the balance of funding so that more the Conservatives have taken to council tax. It is clear that is spent locally is raised locally. That will partly be that very few of the Conservative-run councils that have achieved through localising business rates entirely and come forward would benefit from their council tax moving to a system of local taxation based on the freeze proposal. The fact is that, at a time of huge ability to pay. We are very clear about that, and we are economic pressures, every council will find it incredibly very happy to explain how we will achieve it. The difficult to deliver. If the Conservatives had real confidence Conservatives, however, have not said what they would do. in local authorities, they would give them the discretion to consult their businesses, and I am sure that, in some Mr. Betts: Will the hon. Lady give way? areas there would be a possibility of the improvements that businesses want. Julia Goldsworthy: No: I wish to make progress as I am aware that there is very little time for Back Benchers Mr. Newmark: Will the hon. Lady give way? to speak. 113 Business Rates15 JUNE 2009 Business Rates 114

The Government’s response to the Opposition motion system fairer and to support businesses, we are seeing a is equally inadequate. The exchange this evening echoes deferral of more pain later and billions of pounds being one outside the Chamber in which the Conservatives wasted on something that most businesses say has not and Labour try to blow chunks out of each other’s benefited them or has actually cost them money. spending plans. Instead of having a debate about what If the Conservatives’ approach is to say as little as the level of future funding should be and what difficult possible, the Labour approach is to produce as long a decisions need to be taken, we have two parties arguing list as possible, irrespective of how effective any of the at cross-purposes. While the Conservative motion is so measures have been on the ground. I wonder whether narrowly drawn as to be highly limiting, the Government there is a parallel with the First Secretary of State, response is merely to produce as long a list as possible Baron Mandelson of Foy in the County of Herefordshire of all the things they have done or have said they might and Hartlepool in the County of Durham, in that the do at some point in the future. What we did not hear longer and grander his title and the more Ministers from the Minister is whether these measures and serving beneath him, the more effective he thinks he is. pronouncements have been effective. That is unsurprising Such an approach has also been taken in this Government as, to put it charitably, the results have been patchy. amendment but it fools nobody. They praise themselves for righting wrongs that were their responsibility in the first place. They also praise This argument at cross-purposes has missed the themselves for extending the relief for empty properties, fundamental point: local authorities are already doing a but fail to point out that they did so only in response to huge amount on the ground to support businesses, they extreme pressure, and that at the end of the day that is understand what the problems are and they are best only deferring pain for another year. Moreover, in terms placed to tackle them. I could cite examples of how of their proposals to defer payment for some of this local authorities have been examining their procurement year’s inflation-busting 5 per cent. increases in business of services and instead of just setting an arbitrary rates, they have not acknowledged that the whole process figure of 10 days in which to pay their bills, which of trying to address this is still causing pain for businesses, probably would not be hit, as is the case with the which are having to make those payments as we speak. Departments, they are trying to create a level playing The Government motion says that their behaviour has field for contracts that allows consortiums of local provided “certainty” and “fairness”, but it is very difficult businesses to get together to make their bids. It is that to see how either has been delivered. kind of thing that will make the real difference, not press releases. The Government praise themselves for policy proposals that have had a limited impact. They say that they More should be done to push down the budgets of regional development agencies to make decisions on “aim to pay Government suppliers within 10 days”. spending more accountable, and we should be freeing I am not entirely sure what that has to do with business up councils to reinvest in housing. These are all things rates, but their performance in that regard is patchy that would help not only to tackle this country’s affordable even within Government Departments. Whereas the housing crisis, but to support the economy and jobs. Department for Communities and Local Government What both the Conservatives and Labour have failed to has managed to hit 88 per cent. of payments, the Home realise is that what is needed is not tinkering around the Office figure is just 50 per cent. They therefore have a edges or a long list of initiatives; what is needed is a lot to do to improve their own record. fundamental change in the relationship between central The amendment praises the regional development and local government, because that is needed if people’s agencies for being at the cutting edge of supporting confidence in those institutions is to be restored. businesses. Again, that is nothing to do with business Lots of politicians have been keen to jump on this rates, and the reality is far from what is claimed. particular bandwagon and to make the connection between The Minister will know from our discussions in the MPs’ expenses and the need for constitutional reform, Local Democracy, Economic Development and but people have not realised that if businesses’ and Construction Bill Committee, that the South West of individuals’ trust in all levels of government is to be England development agency has unilaterally decided restored, there needs to be a clear statement of the to cut more than £50 million of projects, which are in terms of the relationship and work at the grass-roots place to support and create jobs in the region, including level to rebuild that relationship. At the national level in my constituency. The RDA has done that without that might mean constitutional reform, but change any consultation, yet the Government’s amendment needs to take place at the bottom too. That is not only contains praise for some of the activities that are going on. about ensuring that there is proper participation and Many have reported that they think the benefits of that decisions about how public money is spent are the enterprise finance guarantee scheme and the working accountable, but about making a much clearer link capital scheme have been limited. Nine out of 10 of between the local taxes that people and businesses pay more than 2,000 entrepreneurs and business owners and the services that they receive in return. surveyed stated that the Government are not supporting That link does not exist at the moment. On average, small and medium-sized enterprises sufficiently, and the council tax funds about 25 per cent. of the services that majority of respondents were not even aware of the are provided locally, and although business rates are schemes that were designed to support them. More than collected locally they remain centrally distributed despite half of all SMEs have never heard of any of the the fact that most businesses think their taxes are directly schemes, and eligibility, red tape and issues relating to paying for the services that they receive locally. Both efficiency are creating an insurmountable barrier for aspects of taxation need to be fundamentally changed many, yet the Government’s amendment has the audacity to make the relationship clearer and to ensure that there to claim that the VAT cut has helped people. Once is a much stronger link between what is raised and spent again, instead of permanent solutions to make the tax locally. As I have said, that means moving away from a 115 Business Rates15 JUNE 2009 Business Rates 116

[Julia Goldsworthy] abilities to raise money and differing needs. The estimate is that the Government need to control about 30 per regressive council tax system to one based on the ability cent. of the money spent at local level to do that, not the to pay. Alongside that, business rates must also be 75 per cent. of money that they control now. Transferring localised. Only if those changes are taken together will business rates would actually give local authorities the that stronger link be made clear and people will be able right to raise about 50 per cent. of their own resources to see what they are getting and how they are paying directly, and that would be a significant change, which I for it. would commend. I know that the Lyons report looked The last thing that we need are the temporary measures at that, but did not recommend it. The report did that the Government have announced—deferring recommend the supplementary business rate, and the corporation tax increases, deferring empty property Government have introduced that in principle, although rates, deferring business rate increases and introducing they have not gone as far as Lyons wanted. I know that temporary VAT cuts—which provide no certainty and the Government are also looking at measures such as will do nothing to give people confidence. Instead we the community infrastructure levy, which will provide need permanent changes to make the system fairer and some powers at local level to raise the additional resources clearer to everyone, individuals and businesses alike. for councils to spend. But neither Labour nor the Conservatives are prepared There is a fundamental problem, however: not merely to face up to that fact, let alone engage in the debate. with the gearing of council services, because local authorities That is the biggest disappointment of all. raise so little of the total money that they spend at local level—only a quarter—but with the disconnect between Several hon. Members rose— development, the costs it brings and the extra resources that are provided for an area. This country differs from Mr. Deputy Speaker (Sir Alan Haselhurst): Thirty many others in the EU, such as Germany, which has a minutes remain before the winding-up speeches and six much bigger incentive to look positively at development hon. Members wish to contribute. I leave it to them to because the benefits of the taxes generated by it come see how equitably they can share out that time between back to the community in which it takes place. That is a them. big issue that needs addressing. 9.10 pm My right hon. Friend dealt adequately with the other Mr. Clive Betts (Sheffield, Attercliffe) (Lab): When I issues. Yes, 5 per cent. inflation looks like a large increase, saw that the Opposition had raised the question of but there is the possibility next year of a minus 3 per business rates, I thought we would be having a cent. figure for the retail prices index, which shows that thoroughgoing, wide-ranging debate on the principles the linkage right. Over the years, businesses have had a behind business rates and how we might do better. good deal. Since the council tax was introduced, the Instead, we had a niggardly and rather empty proposal amount that it contributes to local authority resources criticising various aspects of the mechanics of the current has risen from 21 to 26 per cent. At the same time, the system. I was surprised that the party that is now amount contributed by the business rate has fallen from supposed to believe in localism did not go for something 28 to 20 per cent. Over the long term, council services, a bit more radical. even with efficiency savings, are always likely to need more money spent on them year on year than RPI, I am also disappointed that the Minister for Regional because wages at local council level are likely to go up Economic Development and Co-ordination, my right faster than RPI. If the business rate is held down at hon. Friend the Member for Doncaster, Central RPI, it is likely to contribute a smaller and smaller (Ms Winterton), with whom I agree on most issues, was amount towards the payment of council services. That not prepared to be more radical. I agree that we need is why, over time, businesses have not done too badly. constitutional reform in this country, and one of the most important aspects of that is to improve the balance Finally— of power and responsibilities between central and local government. We need to ensure that there are more Sir Nicholas Winterton (Macclesfield) (Con): Will the powers and responsibilities at local level, and I commend hon. Gentleman give way? to the House the report recently produced by the Communities and Local Government Committee, on Mr. Betts: I am sorry, but I have not got time to give the balance of power between central and local government. way. I normally would, but I had only five minutes and If we are to get the balance of power right and push have only one minute to go. out more responsibilities and powers locally, we have to Revaluation is just another red herring. The hon. ensure that we get the balance of funding right and give Member for Putney (Justine Greening) simply does not local councils more responsibility for raising the funding understand. Revaluation is not a way of raising in total that pays for their services. I noticed that the words additional money for Government or anyone else. It is “local income tax” did not pass the lips of the hon. simply a way of ensuring that, in light of current Member for Falmouth and Camborne (Julia Goldsworthy). circumstances, the amount that is going to be raised is I wonder whether there is a shift in policy coming from properly raised and spread between the various businesses the Liberal Democrats. The easiest way to transfer more in the country. That is all that it does. Once a Government powers for raising money to local government would be fall behind with revaluation, postpone it and put it off, to localise the business rate and put it back to where it that simply means that the next time they do it, the was before the poll tax led to the changes. dislocation is even greater. I have to say to the Government Of course, the Government need sufficient resources that that is exactly the problem that we now have with so that they can equalise the situation, on the basis of council tax revaluation. It has been postponed and resources and need, between councils with different postponed, and we have got ourselves in a real mess. 117 Business Rates15 JUNE 2009 Business Rates 118

The system of property tax will have credibility only control that small businesses have to pay out. That is when it is based on current values, not on historical the truth of the matter. They need the cash. How much values that people simply do not understand. cash? They need £1,200, but it would mean a great deal I have tried to keep to the five-minute limit and to to the many hundreds of thousands of very small deal with some of the important points in this debate, businesses up and down the country if that could be but I think that the Opposition missed a big opportunity. given automatically. Their commitment to localism is obviously very thin Why is not given automatically? Simply, it depends indeed. on how the local authority treats the issue. Businesses benefit when they are in local authorities that take an interest in the matter and advertise the availability of 9.15 pm rate relief, but those elsewhere do not get the chance to Mr. Brian Binley (Northampton, South) (Con): May claim. [Interruption.] I see the Minister turning up her I welcome the Minister for Regional Economic rather pretty nose—I am sorry, Mr. Deputy Speaker, I Development and Co-ordination to her position tonight? hope that that was not too personal—so I shall give her It is good to see her here. I was hoping that we might some figures by way of explanation. hear from her about a change of Government direction In Essex, only 27.1 per cent. of businesses in the regarding the issue on which I want to spend my time Thurrock unitary authority claim small business rate this evening: automatic rate relief for small business. relief, whereas the figure in Tendring district council is The Minister disappointed me enormously, but there is 72.7 per cent. That is a massive difference between still time. She is new to the job and therefore prepared, I councils that are very close geographically, and it is due hope, to listen to argument. If so, I hope that by the end to the fact that one makes an effort and the other does of this evening the Government will change their mind. not. It is very simple: 52 per cent. of small businesses Let us see. across the country do not claim the relief to which they The Minister will know that I was a sponsor of the would be entitled if they knew about it. Bill on this matter promoted by my hon. Friend the So why should the relief be given automatically? The Member for Mid-Worcestershire (Peter Luff). Indeed, Minister said that that did not happen because it was the Government seemed to support the main thrust of too difficult to put into effect—what nonsense! It has the Bill on Second Reading. We were very optimistic. been put into effect in Wales with no problems whatsoever, The then Minister, the right hon. Member for Tooting and local authority treasurers have told me that they (Mr. Khan), said that although he was not privy to would rather the relief was a right than to have to get what his people to apply for it. With respect to the Minister, her “right hon. Friend the Chancellor may put in the Budget report…I response was nonsense. do know that robust consideration is being given to what is the I therefore urge the right hon. Lady—in the nicest best method of support for businesses, and the private Member’s Bill of the hon. Member for Mid-Worcestershire has, no doubt, possible way, as I was rather rude to her earlier—to driven the matter even further up the agenda.” look at the matter again. Making the relief automatic would save money for local authorities, and it could He went on to say that allow very small businesses still to be here this time next “I must emphasise that we have not ruled this out as an option for year. That is their objective. the future…Clearly, Government should support the aims put forward today by the hon. Gentleman with the support of the FSB”, 9.21 pm the Federation of Small Businesses. He concluded: Mr. (Coventry, North-West) (Lab): “Between them, they have come up with a proposal in which I suggest that there is probably a lot of support for what there may well be merit.”—[Official Report, 6 March 2009; Vol. 488, the hon. Member for Northampton, South (Mr. Binley) c. 1144-45.] has just said and that making the relief automatic Those were the remarks made by the then Minister in would help in several ways. However, time is brief and I the last debate we had on this subject. want to put to Ministers a specific proposal for saving We had every reason to be hopeful that that Minister some money for small companies in the city of Coventry would therefore urge the Chancellor to put automatic at this difficult time. payment of rate relief to small businesses in the Budget. Coventry’s Business Improvement District company We listened to the Budget with great dismay, and heard has been referred to already today. It is full of good not a word—not a mention. After all those fine words, intentions, but unfortunately it has proved to be inadequate after all that encouragement and after all those intimations and delinquent in its duties. Electoral reform is much in that the Government might well accept the Bill—on the the air at present, and all forms of voting are subject to basis of which my hon. Friend the Member for Mid- review, so I put it to my right hon. Friend the Minister Worcestershire withdrew the Bill on Second Reading, for Regional Economic Development and Co-ordination and did not push it any further because he was so that she could have another look at the requisite level of encouraged—sadly, they did not act. We found that approval from small companies that these BID projects very disappointing. need. The one in Coventry was passed with just 18 per No provision was made in the Budget and no proposal cent. of the companies being taxed actually voting in has appeared since then. I do not need to go into the favour, and that is a very low figure indeed. reasons why small businesses are in the plight that they A lot of false promises and representations were are, other than to say that cash is king—I keep on made by the BID company that have simply not been saying that. Small businesses are fighting on every front met—in respect of security and CCTV cameras, and of to remain viable, and the payment of rates represents broadband, to which the Government and all businesses the third largest payment to a given area of budgetary are very committed. The provision of broadband is 119 Business Rates15 JUNE 2009 Business Rates 120

[Mr. Geoffrey Robinson] Nothing will be built on them until after the civil case before the High Court is heard, and until the criminal running over a year late already, while the CCTV system— prosecution has taken place. I will not talk about that, which was promised with back-up policemen and all because those matters are sub judice. that sort of thing—covers only a small percentage of The premises of businesses that do not have the the premises that are paying for it. money, or whose insurance companies have not paid The local authority supports the BID project, but it out, are sitting there, derelict. 3Com is a good example; has been mooted that some rebate would be in order. its premises are in the middle of my constituency, right This is a terrible time for small companies in the city of next to Buncefield, and they are completely derelict. Coventry, and the payments are still strongly resisted, as The company is liable, believe it or not, for business I shall describe in a moment. I put it to my right hon. rates. The disaster took place in 2005; we are now Friend the Minister that both a rebate and a deferral entering the summer of 2009 and it is not the companies’ could be used to gear the payments, and that that would fault that they cannot return to their premises. It is not be absolutely in order and very necessary. the fault of my local authority, which has done a The extra tax, of course, is levied on charities, but fantastic job in helping businesses to get back into some supermarkets and leisure centres are exempt. That makes of the premises. It is the fault of some of the insurance no sense at all. The charities affected include the British companies, which were, frankly, slow or belligerent in Heart Foundation and Coventry’s Ring and Ride project, paying out. However, the biggest problem is that we still both of which are being made to pay the tax. I think have two huge court cases going on—one for compensation, that the bailiffs are being sent in to the 140 companies and one a criminal prosecution. The businesses are that are unable to pay, so the full force and rigour of the stuck; they are in limbo; they cannot move back into law are being brought to bear for no better purpose that their premises. I can see than to expose the inadequacies of the BID Obviously, some businesses are paying business rates, company. rent, and mortgages on new properties. The insurance In addition, rates are being levied on small companies companies have helped out with the new capital costs, to fund CV One, which is a Coventry city council but the businesses are liable to pay business rates on initiative—a very admirable initiative, I am sure—to premises that are derelict, and they cannot move back boost the image of Coventry. In many respects, the city into them. Some of them are not willing to move back suffers from a relatively poor image, despite its many into their premises simply because they have a duty of advantages. A select group of companies have been care to their employees, and they are not happy about picked out for the privilege of paying £400,000 a year, moving back in until the Government have made decisions when the whole of Coventry is meant to benefit from about the safety of premises that surround oil depots the initiative. such as Buncefield—the recommendations are yet to be made—and until the two court cases are concluded. I ask my right hon. Friend the Minister and the Government please to get in touch with the BID company. Surely, in such a debate, the Minister could have said, I beg her to ask the company to answer my questions, when I intervened, that it was difficult to answer my which it refuses to do with an arrogance that one cannot question straight from the Dispatch Box. Instead of believe. Please may we push through a deferral—that is ignoring my intervention, she should have done me the very much at the heart of the Government’s rates courtesy of saying, “I will write to you about the proposals—and a rebate to the companies in question? matter; it is a very specific issue.” Instead, very unusually for the Minister—I have worked with her before—she completely ignored my intervention, which was on an 9.25 pm issue that means a huge amount to my community and Mike Penning (Hemel Hempstead) (Con): I ask the for business confidence in my constituency. Our enormous new Minister for Regional Economic Development and plight cannot be ignored. There is a recession going on, Co-ordination to listen carefully to the points that I will and there is a blight on my local business park. That is make. In an intervention, I tried to raise a very serious not our fault; it was the fault of the oil companies, from issue that has a massive effect on the business community whom we are trying to get compensation. In the meantime, in my constituency. It has to do with empty property I would have thought that a little help from the Government rates, which have changed so that the exemption from would not have gone amiss. them drops after six months. It is absolutely ludicrous, if not immoral, that businesses that have no choice—none 9.29 pm at all—but to be outside their premises should be caught Dr. Alan Whitehead (Southampton, Test) (Lab): We by the rates on empty properties. In my constituency, are addressing a serious issue this evening—how businesses the main reason for that happening was the Buncefield may get the best help possible through the recession, disaster that took place in November 2005. which has been sudden and in many instances relates to Lord Newton, who did the best that he could in the circumstances that changed rapidly last year. We should inquiry undertaken on behalf of the Government and consider various types of help, a number of which have the Health and Safety Executive, said in his conclusions been mentioned. However, as hon. Members have pointed that there needed to be a special economic status for out, the Opposition chose to address not that wider places such as Hemel Hempstead, which was badly issue, but the specific and narrow topic of business damaged by a disaster that was not its fault. Through rates, which is one of the issues, but by no means the no fault of their own, businesses were literally blown only aspect of support for businesses in a recession. out of their premises. Some of the businesses have The motion, concentrating on the business rate, states that actually demolished their premises—levelled them off—so “businesses have already been hit by five per cent. above inflation that no business rates are due. The sites are lying fallow. rises”. 121 Business Rates15 JUNE 2009 Business Rates 122

If one chooses to make the focus of the debate so There are real issues with the business rate, and I have specific, it is essential to have some answers to the concerns about port rates and empty property rates, questions that arise from such statements so that the too. I am very concerned about help for businesses in debate can be taken seriously. If one says that businesses the recession, but an Opposition party that wishes to be have been hit by above-inflation increases, one presumably the Government at some stage is misleading businesses has to say that it would be a much better idea if and is not being straight with them if it purports to help businesses were not hit by above-inflation increases, in businesses in the recession, but does not provide them which case one must presumably refer to the original with basic information about what it will do to stabilise legislation on business rates passed by the then Conservative their arrangements. Government, which stated that an retail prices index Tonight has been a shocking missed opportunity to indicator should be put in place to determine business discuss the real issues. Instead, some Members have rate increases each year. discussed a number of peripheral issues that, although The question then arises whether the solution is to important, not only do not constitute the whole issue of change or abolish that legislation. Should there be no how we help businesses but serve to obscure the true increases in business rates, or smaller increases? Both of lack of substance in Conservative policies on local those would require the original legislation to be changed. government. If one goes for no increases, one must answer a further question. Each year that formula raises about £1.3 billion 9.37 pm in business rates, which goes towards the local government Mr. Brooks Newmark (Braintree) (Con): We have pot, so to speak. If that element is removed, one has to heard much about the challenges that many of us have decide how the pot is to be replenished. Will the general seen in our surgeries when representatives of small taxpayer have to pay an additional grant towards the business have chatted to us. I had a meeting with people local government settlement, or if no one is to pay, will from the Essex branch of the Federation of Small there be a cut of £1.3 billion in local government Businesses who told me about the challenges that their spending? One ought to be straight about that, if that is members face, with margins being squeezed, banks not what is proposed. supporting them and so on. They raised the issue of I have attempted to find some answers, and not just rates: rates seem to be rising above inflation, which for the purposes of the debate. I listened carefully to the brings challenges, and the organisation has expectations presentation from the hon. Member for Putney (Justine of how local councils can help its members. Greening), but I got no answers from that at all. Indeed, There are three issues to do with local business rates. there was obfuscation about the proposals. I read an One that has been highlighted for me was the difficulty impressive-looking document entitled “Control shift— that small businesses have in paying them. The Local returning power to local communities”, the Conservative Government Association has warned that, as it is, policy on local government. It is a long document, “More than half of all councils (56 per cent.) are reporting 23 pages in 10-point type. In it there is not a word about that firms in their areas are having difficulty paying business rates business rate construction, how business rates might to local authorities”. work in the future, whether the RPI formula would be It has also warned: adhered to or whether changes would be made to it. “Eight out of ten councils are reporting an increase, or anticipated There is not a word about revaluation or how it might increase, in businesses requiring support.” be changed. Revaluation has taken place every five Businesses are being driven away. A business in Witham years since 1990 and each time transitional arrangements in my constituency is being charged £200,000. It can have been put in place. There is one line about discretionary move its whole operation to China, and is doing so—with power to levy business rate discounts, and the document the loss of 100 jobs. With that £200,000, it can have the states that that can be given to local authorities whole businesses run elsewhere. That is a great shame; “as long as they can fund them from other local income or our towns are being gutted and businesses are being avoided costs”— driven to close down. Councillor Margaret Eaton, the chair of the Local Government Association, said: that is, can they find the money from somewhere else, “The recession is claiming around 85 small businesses every perhaps the council tax payer, or perhaps by cutting day and many need every single last bit of help and support to get services? The document contains no answers. through tough times. There are examples where businesses are If it is decided not to change the legislation, deferring going to see their rates bills double or even triple—this just isn’t business rate increases is a logical step to take. Next acceptable.” year’s RPI is likely to be negative, and businesses that I totally agree. know that will be able to decide whether they wish to What are the solutions? We heard one today from my smooth the increase out over a couple of years, take a hon. Friend the Member for Mid-Worcestershire (Peter greater discount now and a lesser discount later on, or Luff), who proposed his own private Member’s Bill, the go for no discount now and therefore receive a substantial Small Business Rate Relief (Automatic Payment) Bill, decrease in their business rates for the following year. which would have rendered the relief automatically Businesses will make that logical move if they have the payable to eligible businesses, as it is in Wales. In answers to the basic questions. If one does not know another example, Braintree district council has proposed what is happening to the basic nature of business rates, spreading rate payments over 10 points in a 12-month and one appears to be unaware that the increase period, and breaking it up into 10 per cent. pieces over arrangements and transitional arrangements are enshrined 12 months is a good solution. There is also the flexible in legislation and if one is unaware that revaluation is rates solution, whereby local councils have discretionary the basis on which one redistributes—and not increases— powers. That idea does not mean that they have to make the pot, businesses will say other things. That is essentially up the money from elsewhere, and allowing for some what has happened tonight. flexibility on rates will help draw in new businesses. 123 Business Rates15 JUNE 2009 Business Rates 124

[Mr. Brooks Newmark] (Mrs. Spelman) put forward empirical evidence about the impact of the relevant legislation in respect of the As the hon. Members for Sheffield, Attercliffe (Mr. Betts) Valuation Office Agency, particularly in Wales. and for Falmouth and Camborne (Julia Goldsworthy) said, we want local businesses to have a say. I chaired A game effort was made by the Minister for Regional a meeting in Braintree to make sure that local Economic Development and Co-ordination, new to the businesses there had a say; local business people met team. She did well in trying to persuade us that this local council representatives to say what they wanted to zombie Government are still alive and making a be done, and that was important. I also want to mention difference. Many of her remarks, however, were clichéd the Essex bank, which will support local businesses. It is platitudes based on discredited dividing lines—the facile, a creative solution from Essex county council, whose do nothing schtick that we expect from the Labour work I applaud. party. There was no recognition of the gravity of the recession, which is the worst since the second world In the last 10 seconds, I should like to make one final war. In particular, and in stark contrast to the hon. plea, which echoes the words of my hon. Friend the Members for Liverpool, Riverside (Mrs. Ellman) and Member for Hemel Hempstead (Mike Penning) and the for Great Grimsby (Mr. Mitchell), the Minister hon. Member for Sunderland, South (Mr. Mullin). I showed a complacent attitude to the ports tax. We knew ask the Government to review the pernicious charging that she was in trouble, because she was citing the of rates on empty properties; that has led to properties predictions of the Chancellor of the Exchequer, and being destroyed up and down the country. people are always struggling when they have recourse to that resource. 9.40 pm We heard a number of key points from hon. Members Mr. Stewart Jackson (Peterborough) (Con): The fact from across the Chamber. The Minister failed to convince that this subject has been chosen by Her Majesty’s the hon. Member for Sunderland, South (Mr. Mullin) Opposition for our allotted half day demonstrates how about empty property rates and failed to persuade the important to our economy we consider the business House about the business rates deferral scheme. sector, particularly small businesses and their providing Furthermore, she failed to persuade my hon. Friend the a path out of recession. No Labour Member has mentioned Member for South-West Norfolk (Christopher Fraser) that business rates are a fixed cost, the pain of which that she can provide any meaningful, demonstrable data has a bigger impact in a recession. We Conservatives about the help that the Government schemes have given believe that the Government’s policies—especially those to individual businesses. I would be interested if the on business rates—are inflicting significant damage on Under-Secretary could shed some light on that. the business sector. The strength of feeling across the My hon. Friend the Member for Mid-Worcestershire House reflects the fact that many of the 4.7 million prayed in aid John Cleese and “Clockwise”, but this small businesses in our constituencies are experiencing Government are clearly more akin to Monty Python’s unprecedented grim times. dead parrot, as we are well aware as each month goes on. We began with an excellent speech from my hon. Friend the Member for Putney (Justine Greening); it The speech by the hon. Member for Falmouth and was a polished and forensic demolition of the Government’s Camborne (Julia Goldsworthy) was proof positive, if it lamentable record. I am sorry that the right hon. Member were needed, that the Liberals remain at best a wholly for Greenwich and Woolwich (Mr. Raynsford) was not owned subsidiary of the Labour party, and at worst a able to make a speech. However, he made an intervention complete irrelevance. She avoided a straightforward that showed a “computer says no” and a “It’s not me, commitment to local income tax, and effectively spent guv, it’s the formula” approach to the policy. We heard 17 minutes saying not very much. about the impact of above-inflation rate rises. The The hon. Member for Sheffield, Attercliffe (Mr. Betts) ending of transitional relief was also mentioned; Ministers gently chided the timidity of his Front Benchers, but disregard the impact of that on local small businesses. himself took a rather nonchalant approach to how My hon. Friend talked about the impact on sustainability local businesses across the country are struggling in this and on small businesses such as the launderette, post recession. We heard an excellent and knowledgeable offices and small shops in her constituency. contribution by my hon. Friend the Member for We heard an intervention about uniform business Northampton, South (Mr. Binley), and a rather esoteric rates, but although the Government have been in power for discussion of business improvement districts by the 12 years they have not altered the system that obtained hon. Member for Coventry, North-West (Mr. Robinson). when they were elected. Mention was made about the That doughty champion of his constituents, my hon. failure of the Government to honour their clear objectives Friend the Member for Hemel Hempstead (Mike Penning), and undertakings to my hon. Friend the Member for raised a vital point about the impact of empty property Mid-Worcestershire (Peter Luff) on the automatic payment rates on involuntarily empty properties, at Buncefield in of small business rate relief; I hope that the Minister particular. We had a rather, if I may say so, tedious will touch on that issue in her response. parody of a party political speech from the hon. Member We also heard about Government incompetence and for Southampton, Test (Dr. Whitehead); I am glad that the over-complex and bureaucratic system of business I never had to suffer in his university lectures. Finally, rate deferral schemes, particularly for marginal businesses. we heard an interesting speech by my hon. Friend the The Government’s complete inability to come up with a Member for Braintree (Mr. Newmark), who talked clear answer about the estimated cost was also discussed. about businesses’ practical experience in his constituency There was an interesting discussion on the rate revaluation and the fact that this Government’s policies are losing in April 2010. My hon. Friend the Member for Meriden businesses to overseas locations. 125 Business Rates15 JUNE 2009 Business Rates 126

My party has responded intelligently and sympathetically (Mr. Jackson), it is only too clear that only this Government to the plight of businesses struggling through the recession. have been helping businesses through the current economic Less than three months ago, we initiated a debate that recession, and only this Government are prepared to focused on the key issues affecting entrepreneurs and take action now. In her opening remarks, my right hon. small and medium-sized enterprises: the poor take-up Friend the Minister for Regional Economic Development of small business rates relief; empty property rates; the and Co-ordination eloquently made the point that we failure of the local authority business growth incentives fully recognise the impact of the current economic scheme effectively to promote business growth; the need climate on businesses across the country. That is why we to allow local authorities devolved autonomy to apply have taken real action now to help business through this local business rate discounts; and, most importantly, economic downturn. the rise of 5 per cent. in business rates and the end of The hon. Member for Falmouth and Camborne (Julia the transitional rate relief scheme. My party has outlined Goldsworthy) took us through her contribution at detailed and fully costed proposals designed to assist breakneck speed. I appreciate why she did that, but it businesses in the current climate, not least a national was sometimes difficult to keep up. I agreed with her loan guarantee scheme, a cut in corporation tax and critique of the Opposition motion, and I, too, noticed payroll taxes for small companies, and deferred VAT for the striking similarity with the motion tabled on 25 March. small businesses. I am sure that we all accept the importance of business Given the time, I probably will not be able to discuss rates, but I agree that the motion is narrow and ignores those matters in detail, so it might be appropriate to other issues about help for businesses. deal with the desperate spin of this Government in I am afraid that that is as far as I can go in agreeing claiming that the Conservatives have no policies to deal with the hon. Lady. I do not accept that our actions are with the recession. That comes from a party that secured tinkering at the edges, because I believe that they are the support of 15.7 per cent. of the electorate less than giving real help to businesses now. I was disappointed two weeks ago. Indeed, the conceit that the Labour that she mentioned our VAT cut, because despite the party was pro-business was never supported by any complaints from both Opposition parties, which did demonstrable evidence. For Labour, business has always not believe that it would be effective, Office for National been a milch cow to fund its hare-brained schemes, Statistics data show that the cut has been passed on to fiscal mismanagement, bureaucracy and debt boom. consumers in around two thirds of prices and has Last week, the Prime Minister appointed Sir Alan Sugar, contributed to recent falls in inflation. In January, the the born-again Labour supporter, as the enterprise tsar, Institute for Fiscal Studies said that the VAT cut had but a poll in The Independent found that 81 per cent. of had the same effect as a 1 per cent. cut in interest rates, business leaders believed that that was and in February Goldman Sachs said: “a desperate attempt by Gordon Brown to boost his public “The VAT cut appears to have had a clear positive impact.” popularity”. As we know, the words “Gordon Brown” and “public My hon. Friend the Member for Sheffield, Attercliffe popularity” are oxymoronic. (Mr. Betts) made a thoughtful and knowledgeable contribution, and I particularly welcome his comments It is no wonder that the Labour party cannot even about revaluation, which put the record straight after give away tickets for its business fundraisers. The business the opening contribution by the hon. Member for Putney community has lost what little faith and trust it had in (Justine Greening). this tired, discredited, washed-up Government, who have always governed in their own interests, not those of The hon. Member for Northampton, South (Mr. Binley) the people of this country. They cannot even get their made his contribution in his inimitable way, and he spin right, as we saw today in the spat between the Chief confined his remarks to small business rate relief. This Secretary and the surrogate Chancellor of the Exchequer, Government introduced the scheme in the Local the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families. Government Act 2003, because we recognised the The Government’s public expenditure and taxation plans disproportionate burden that rates can have on small are incoherent and incredible, just at a time when business businesses. I am disappointed that the Opposition did desires clarity and leadership. not support that Bill on either Second or Third Reading. This Government have never understood that without The hon. Gentleman made a point about making a thriving business sector based on sound Government small business rate relief automatic, which was suggested finances, lower taxes and falling public debt, we cannot in a private Member’s Bill introduced by the hon. deliver real long-term improvements in our public Member for Mid-Worcestershire (Peter Luff). It would services. They have had 12 years to harness the talent, present considerable challenges for local authorities, as flair and genius of our wealth creators, but they have they would themselves need to establish whether a comprehensively failed, leaving the ambitions of thousands ratepayer occupied more than one property. I cannot in tatters. Once again, as in 1979, it will fall to a see how local authorities could do that if the ratepayer’s Conservative Government to rescue our economy, restore property crossed local authority boundaries. There are our mercantile spirit and repair the calamity of Labour’s difficulties with transferring that responsibility from dozen wasted years. businesses to local authorities, and we must consider whether it would be an administrative burden. 9.50 pm The hon. Member for Northampton, South also mentioned Wales, but the system is not totally automatic The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for there. It is only partly automatic, and the scheme is Communities and Local Government (Sarah McCarthy-Fry): different from ours. However, we are sympathetic to the It is with enormous pleasure that I wind up the debate. aim of finding ways to support small businesses through In response to the hon. Member for Peterborough the economic downturn, and we have been considering 127 Business Rates15 JUNE 2009 Business Rates 128

[Sarah McCarthy-Fry] My hon. Friend the Member for Sheffield, Attercliffe mentioned revaluation. Regular revaluations are an what more we can do to improve the take-up of small important part of the rating system as they maintain business rate relief. We have already taken steps to fairness between all ratepayers. Revaluation ensures amend legislation for 2009-10, so that all eligible businesses that each business contributes, based on up-to-date in new properties can receive rate relief from their first information. As my right hon. Friend the Minister said, date of occupation. We are discussing with the Local all rateable values will be published at the end of September. Government Association the practical concerns—they At the same time, we will provide the business rates are genuine practical concerns—to avoid an automatic calculator to help ratepayers estimate their rates bill for scheme, which would award relief to businesses that are 2010. By October, ratepayers will be able to estimate ineligible because they occupy multiple properties. I am their 2010 rates bill, using their actual 2010 rateable happy to meet the hon. Member for Mid-Worcestershire value. [Interruption.] to explain the position further. I believe that there is an outstanding meeting, at which he was due to meet my Mr. Deputy Speaker: Order. I am sorry to interrupt predecessor, and I am more than happy to take that up. the hon. Lady, but far too many conversations are going My hon. Friend the Member for Coventry, North-West on in the Chamber. We must hear the end of the debate. (Mr. Robinson) spoke about a business improvement district project in his constituency. I do not have the Sarah McCarthy-Fry: For ratepayers who face increases details, but I am happy to discuss it with him further at the 2010 revaluation, we will introduce transitional outside the debate. arrangements to phase them in and consult during the I assure the hon. Member for Hemel Hempstead summer about the shape of those arrangements, which (Mike Penning) that his concerns were certainly not will benefit businesses in 2010-11. ignored. There was a concern that not all Back Benchers The Government have recognised the problems that would have the opportunity to speak, and I am glad many businesses face. We are committed to doing all we that the hon. Gentleman had the opportunity to make can to help businesses through the testing times. We are his point. To respond to it, it is generally the case that providing targeted, short-term support to aid business property must be capable of beneficial occupation before cash flow. We will continue to support businesses through it can be brought into the rating list and be liable for the difficult economic times, and I commend our empty property rates. The issue is obviously so important amendment to he House. that the hon. Gentleman is not even listening. There are Question put (Standing Order No. 31(2)), That the some exceptions to what I outlined. When the property original words stand part of the Question. is close to being complete and building work has stopped, The House proceeded to a Division. the general rule is that property not capable of beneficial occupation is not rateable. I am more than happy to Mr. Deputy Speaker: I ask the Serjeant at Arms to meet the hon. Gentleman and discuss his concerns investigate the delay in the Lobby of her choice. further. However, I repeat that the general principle is that, if the property is not capable of beneficial occupation, The House having divided: Ayes 207, Noes 269. it is not rateable. Division No. 150] [9.59 pm I am grateful for the considerable knowledge and expertise of my hon. Friend the Member for Southampton, AYES Test (Dr. Whitehead) on local government finance. I Afriyie, Adam Campbell, rh Sir Menzies was heartened by his exposing the holes in the highly Ainsworth, Mr. Peter Carswell, Mr. Douglas selective Opposition argument. Amess, Mr. David Cash, Mr. William The hon. Member for Braintree (Mr. Newmark) raised Ancram, rh Mr. Michael Chope, Mr. Christopher concerns about businesses’ ability to pay their business Arbuthnot, rh Mr. James Clappison, Mr. James Atkinson, Mr. Peter Clark, Greg rates. That is precisely why we have introduced the help Bacon, Mr. Richard Clarke, rh Mr. Kenneth with cash flow. Baldry, Tony Clifton-Brown, Mr. Geoffrey Many hon. Members mentioned the deferral scheme. Barker, Gregory Cormack, Sir Patrick We recognise that businesses need help now to ease their Barrett, John Cox, Mr. Geoffrey cash flow when money is tight. That is why we introduced Bellingham, Mr. Henry Crabb, Mr. Stephen the deferral scheme for business rates. It is designed to Benyon, Mr. Richard Davies, Mr. Dai smooth the effects of the inflation spike of 5 per cent. in Bercow, John Davies, David T.C. September 2008, which would have meant an impact on Beresford, Sir Paul (Monmouth) businesses’cash flow this year. In the Budget, the Chancellor Binley, Mr. Brian Davies, Philip Blunt, Mr. Crispin Djanogly, Mr. Jonathan forecast that RPI inflation would fall to minus 3 per Bone, Mr. Peter Dorrell, rh Mr. Stephen cent. by September 2009. The impact of uprating if RPI Boswell, Mr. Tim Dorries, Nadine is negative would be to reduce total business rates in Brady, Mr. Graham Duddridge, James cash terms in 2010-11. Brazier, Mr. Julian Duncan, Alan The hon. Member for Putney asked how the full Brokenshire, James Duncan Smith, rh Mr. Iain deferral of 60 per cent. could be delivered if the scheme Brooke, Annette Ellwood, Mr. Tobias is introduced halfway through the year. The deferral Browne, Mr. Jeremy Evans, Mr. Nigel scheme will come into force at the end of July—that was Browning, Angela Evennett, Mr. David made clear when it was announced. The scheme will Burns, Mr. Simon Fabricant, Michael offer the full deferral of 60 per cent. of the increase due Burrowes, Mr. David Fallon, Mr. Michael to inflation and transitional relief by adjusting the Burt, Alistair Farron, Tim instalments of business rates that remain outstanding. Butterfill, Sir John Field, Mr. Mark 129 Business Rates15 JUNE 2009 Business Rates 130

Francois, Mr. Mark Mates, rh Mr. Michael Williams, Stephen Wright, Jeremy Fraser, Christopher Maude, rh Mr. Francis Willott, Jenny Yeo, Mr. Tim Gale, Mr. Roger May, rh Mrs. Theresa Wilshire, Mr. David Young, rh Sir George Garnier, Mr. Edward McCrea, Dr. William Wilson, Mr. Rob Tellers for the Ayes: Gauke, Mr. David McLoughlin, rh Mr. Patrick Winterton, Ann Mr. John Baron and George, Andrew Mercer, Patrick Winterton, Sir Nicholas Mr. Philip Dunne Gibb, Mr. Nick Miller, Mrs. Maria Gidley, Sandra Milton, Anne Gillan, Mrs. Cheryl Mitchell, Mr. Andrew NOES Goldsworthy, Julia Moore, Mr. Michael Ainger, Nick Dean, Mrs. Janet Goodman, Mr. Paul Moss, Mr. Malcolm Ainsworth, rh Mr. Bob Denham, rh Mr. John Goodwill, Mr. Robert Mundell, David Alexander, rh Mr. Douglas Dobbin, Jim Gove, Michael Murrison, Dr. Andrew Allen, Mr. Graham Dobson, rh Frank Gray, Mr. James Newmark, Mr. Brooks Anderson, Mr. David Donohoe, Mr. Brian H. Green, Damian O’Brien, Mr. Stephen Anderson, Janet Dowd, Jim Greening, Justine Öpik, Lembit Atkins, Charlotte Drew, Mr. David Greenway, Mr. John Ottaway, Richard Austin, Mr. Ian Eagle, Angela Grieve, Mr. Dominic Paice, Mr. James Bailey, Mr. Adrian Eagle, Maria Gummer, rh Mr. John Paterson, Mr. Owen Balls, rh Ed Efford, Clive Hague, rh Mr. William Pelling, Mr. Andrew Banks, Gordon Ellman, Mrs. Louise Hammond, Mr. Philip Penning, Mike Barlow, Ms Celia Engel, Natascha Hammond, Stephen Penrose, John Barron, rh Mr. Kevin Etherington, Bill Hancock, Mr. Mike Pickles, Mr. Eric Battle, rh John Farrelly, Paul Hands, Mr. Greg Prisk, Mr. Mark Beckett, rh Margaret Field, rh Mr. Frank Harper, Mr. Mark Pugh, Dr. John Begg, Miss Anne Fisher, Mark Harvey, Nick Randall, Mr. John Bell, Sir Stuart Fitzpatrick, Jim Hayes, Mr. John Redwood, rh Mr. John Benn, rh Hilary Flello, Mr. Robert Heald, Mr. Oliver Rennie, Willie Benton, Mr. Joe Flint, rh Caroline Heath, Mr. David Rifkind, rh Sir Malcolm Berry, Roger Flynn, Paul Heathcoat-Amory, rh Robathan, Mr. Andrew Betts, Mr. Clive Follett, Barbara Mr. David Robertson, Mr. Laurence Blackman, Liz Foster, Mr. Michael Hemming, John Rogerson, Dan Blizzard, Mr. Bob (Worcester) Hendry, Charles Rosindell, Andrew Blunkett, rh Mr. David Foster, Michael Jabez Herbert, Nick Ruffley, Mr. David Bradshaw, rh Mr. Ben (Hastings and Rye) Hoban, Mr. Mark Russell, Bob Brennan, Kevin Gapes, Mike Hollobone, Mr. Philip Sanders, Mr. Adrian Brown, Lyn Gardiner, Barry Holloway, Mr. Adam Selous, Andrew Brown, rh Mr. Nicholas George, rh Mr. Bruce Holmes, Paul Shapps, Grant Brown, Mr. Russell Gerrard, Mr. Neil Howard, rh Mr. Michael Simmonds, Mark Browne, rh Des Gilroy, Linda Howarth, Mr. Gerald Simpson, Mr. Keith Bryant, Chris Godsiff, Mr. Roger Howell, John Smith, Sir Robert Buck, Ms Karen Goodman, Helen Huhne, Chris Soames, Mr. Nicholas Burden, Richard Griffith, Nia Hunt, Mr. Jeremy Spelman, Mrs. Caroline Burgon, Colin Griffiths, Nigel Hunter, Mark Spicer, Sir Michael Burnham, rh Andy Grogan, Mr. John Hurd, Mr. Nick Spink, Bob Butler, Ms Dawn Gwynne, Andrew Jack, rh Mr. Michael Stanley, rh Sir John Caborn, rh Mr. Richard Hain, rh Mr. Peter Jackson, Mr. Stewart Streeter, Mr. Gary Campbell, Mr. Alan Hall, Mr. Mike Jenkin, Mr. Bernard Stuart, Mr. Graham Caton, Mr. Martin Hall, Patrick Kawczynski, Daniel Swayne, Mr. Desmond Challen, Colin Hamilton, Mr. David Key, Robert Swire, Mr. Hugo Chapman, Ben Hamilton, Mr. Fabian Kirkbride, Miss Julie Syms, Mr. Robert Clapham, Mr. Michael Hanson, rh Mr. David Knight, rh Mr. Greg Tapsell, Sir Peter Clark, Paul Harman, rh Ms Harriet Laing, Mrs. Eleanor Taylor, Mr. Ian Clarke, rh Mr. Charles Harris, Mr. Tom Lait, Mrs. Jacqui Taylor, Dr. Richard Clarke,rhMr.Tom Havard, Mr. Dai Lamb, Norman Timpson, Mr. Edward Clelland, Mr. David Healey, rh John Lancaster, Mr. Mark Tredinnick, David Clwyd, rh Ann Hendrick, Mr. Mark Lansley, Mr. Andrew Turner, Mr. Andrew Coaker, Mr. Vernon Heppell, Mr. John Laws, Mr. David Tyrie, Mr. Andrew Coffey, Ann Hesford, Stephen Leech, Mr. John Vaizey, Mr. Edward Cohen, Harry Heyes, David Leigh, Mr. Edward Vara, Mr. Shailesh Cook, Frank Hoon, rh Mr. Geoffrey Letwin, rh Mr. Oliver Viggers, Sir Peter Cooper, Rosie Hope, Phil Lewis, Dr. Julian Villiers, Mrs. Theresa Cooper, rh Yvette Hopkins, Kelvin Liddell-Grainger, Mr. Ian Walker, Mr. Charles Corbyn, Jeremy Howarth, rh Mr. George Lidington, Mr. David Wallace, Mr. Ben Crausby, Mr. David Howells, rh Dr. Kim Lilley, rh Mr. Peter Walter, Mr. Robert Creagh, Mary Hoyle, Mr. Lindsay Llwyd, Mr. Elfyn Waterson, Mr. Nigel Cruddas, Jon Hughes, rh Beverley Loughton, Tim Watkinson, Angela Cryer, Mrs. Ann Humble, Mrs. Joan Luff, Peter Webb, Steve Cummings, John Hutton, rh Mr. John Mackay, rh Mr. Andrew Whittingdale, Mr. John Cunningham, Mr. Jim Iddon, Dr. Brian Maclean, rh David Wiggin, Bill Cunningham, Tony Illsley, Mr. Eric Main, Anne Willetts, Mr. David David, Mr. Wayne Irranca-Davies, Huw Malins, Mr. Humfrey Williams, Mr. Roger Davidson, Mr. Ian Jenkins, Mr. Brian 131 Business Rates 15 JUNE 2009 132

Johnson, rh Alan Mole, Chris Spellar, rh Mr. John Walley, Joan Johnson, Ms Diana Morgan, Julie Starkey, Dr. Phyllis Waltho, Lynda R. Morley, rh Mr. Elliot Stewart, Ian Watson, Mr. Tom Jones, Mr. Kevan Mudie, Mr. George Strang, rh Dr. Gavin Watts, Mr. Dave Jones, Lynne Mullin, Mr. Chris Stringer, Graham Whitehead, Dr. Alan Jones, Mr. Martyn Munn, Meg Stuart, Ms Gisela Wicks, rh Malcolm Joyce, Mr. Eric Murphy, Mr. Denis Sutcliffe, Mr. Gerry Williams, rh Mr. Alan Keeble, Ms Sally Murphy, rh Mr. Jim Tami, Mark Williams, Mrs. Betty Keeley, Barbara Murphy, rh Mr. Paul Taylor, Ms Dari Wilson, Phil Keen, Alan Naysmith, Dr. Doug Taylor, David Winnick, Mr. David Keen, Ann Norris, Dan Thornberry, Emily Winterton, rh Ms Rosie Kelly, rh Ruth O’Brien, rh Mr. Mike Timms, rh Mr. Stephen Woolas, Mr. Phil Kemp, Mr. Fraser O’Hara, Mr. Edward Tipping, Paddy Wright, Mr. Anthony Kennedy, rh Jane Olner, Mr. Bill Todd, Mr. Mark Wright, David Khan, rh Mr. Sadiq Osborne, Sandra Trickett, Jon Wright, Mr. Iain Kidney, Mr. David Palmer, Dr. Nick Turner, Dr. Desmond Wright, Dr. Tony Kilfoyle, Mr. Peter Pearson, Ian Twigg, Derek Tellers for the Noes: Knight, rh Jim Plaskitt, Mr. James Ussher, Kitty Helen Jones and Kumar, Dr. Ashok Pope, Mr. Greg Vis, Dr. Rudi Mrs. Sharon Hodgson Ladyman, Dr. Stephen Pound, Stephen Laxton, Mr. Bob Prentice, Bridget Lazarowicz, Mark Prentice, Mr. Gordon Question accordingly negatived. Lepper, David Primarolo, rh Dawn Levitt, Tom Prosser, Gwyn Question put forthwith (Standing Order No. 31(2)), Linton, Martin Purchase, Mr. Ken That the proposed words be there added. Lloyd, Tony Purnell, rh James Love, Mr. Andrew Raynsford, rh Mr. Nick Question agreed to. Lucas, Ian Reed, Mr. Jamie Mackinlay, Andrew Reid, rh John The Deputy Speaker declared the main Question, as MacShane, rh Mr. Denis Riordan, Mrs. Linda amended, to be agreed to (Standing Order No. 31(2)). Malik, Mr. Shahid Robertson, John Resolved, Mallaber, Judy Robinson, Mr. Geoffrey That this House notes that the Government is providing real Mann, John Rooney, Mr. Terry help to businesses, with targeted support through the £20 billion Marris, Rob Roy, Mr. Frank working capital scheme, the Enterprise Finance Guarantee Scheme Marsden, Mr. Gordon Roy, Lindsay making available £1.3 billion of Government-guaranteed lending, Martlew, Mr. Eric Ruane, Chris an aim to pay Government suppliers within 10 days, a cut in the McAvoy, rh Mr. Thomas Ruddock, Joan main rate of value added tax to 15 per cent., a deferral in the McCabe, Steve Russell, Christine increase in the small companies’ rate of corporation tax, free McCafferty, Chris Salter, Martin business health checks, over £100 million towards debt advice, the McCarthy, Kerry Sarwar, Mr. Mohammad HM Revenue and Customs Business Payment Support Service McCarthy-Fry, Sarah Seabeck, Alison benefiting over 100,000 firms by spreading a total of £2.5 billion McDonagh, Siobhain Shaw, Jonathan of tax payments, and the extended rate relief for empty properties; McDonnell, John Sheerman, Mr. Barry recognises the Government’s commitment to the annual Retail McFadden, rh Mr. Pat Sheridan, Jim Price Index cap means there has been no real terms increase in McFall, rh John Simon, Mr. Siôn business rates since 1990; welcomes the Small Business Rate McGovern, Mr. Jim Simpson, Alan Relief scheme providing £260 million of support in 2007-08; McGuire, rh Mrs. Anne Skinner, Mr. Dennis supports the fairness achieved by revaluing properties every five McKechin, Ann Slaughter, Mr. Andy years with transitional arrangements to phase in significant changes McKenna, Rosemary Smith, rh Mr. Andrew in rates bills; welcomes the deferral scheme enabling payment of 2009-10 rates increases to be spread over three years to be Meacher, rh Mr. Michael Smith, Ms Angela C. brought into force by regulations in July; further notes the Local Meale, Mr. Alan (Sheffield, Hillsborough) Authority Business Growth Incentive Scheme has provided funding Merron, Gillian Smith, Geraldine of almost £1 billion since 2005-06; welcomes support for businesses, Michael, rh Alun Smith, rh Jacqui including in ports, receiving unexpected and significant backdated Miller, Andrew Snelgrove, Anne rates bills by the introduction of an unprecedented eight years to Mitchell, Mr. Austin Soulsby, Sir Peter pay; and believes these measures provide certainty, fairness and Moffat, Anne Southworth, Helen appropriate relief for businesses. 133 Driving Instruction (Suspension and 15 JUNE 2009 Driving Instruction (Suspension and 134 Exemption Powers) Bill [Money] Exemption Powers) Bill [Money] DRIVING INSTRUCTION (SUSPENSION AND Labour party. In fact, if anything the advantage would EXEMPTION POWERS) BILL [MONEY] be with the Liberal Democrats in a marginal seat. I also Queen’s recommendation signified. thank my colleagues on the Tory Back Benches, and some on the Labour Benches, who, as the perennial 10.16 pm awkward squad, can often be relied on to block any private Member’s legislation, for seeing that this is what The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for is termed a no-brainer as it involves realistic and sensible Transport (Paul Clark): I beg to move, measures, and who therefore made sure we got to this That, for the purposes of any Act resulting from the Driving stage today. We will be able to address the details in Instruction (Suspension and Exemption Powers) Bill, it is expedient Committee on Wednesday, but the Bill closes an important to authorise the payment out of money provided by Parliament loophole and means that a balance can be struck between of any expenditure incurred by the Secretary of State in consequence the rights of approved driving instructors convicted of of the Act. an offence and whether they can be considered a “fit That also covers any increase attributable to the Act and proper” person to be alone with a young learner, in the sums payable under any other Act out of money and our obligation to protect these young people. so provided. On Second Reading, it was the will of the House that Mr. Deputy Speaker (Sir Alan Haselhurst): Order. I the Bill—introduced by the hon. Member for Dunfermline think that I am obliged to say to the hon. Gentleman and West Fife (Willie Rennie)—be discussed in Committee. and the House in general that we are discussing the It will introduce a power for the suspension of driving money resolution and we must not get into a debate instructors who pose a threat to members of the public. about the substance of the Bill itself. The Bill will have expenditure implications for the public purse, which will relate to compensation payable Mr. Goodwill: Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker. to driving instructors who have been suspended but The provision for compensation for those who are whose permission to give paid driving instruction is not suspended and then subsequently cleared will probably subsequently revoked, or whose permission is reinstated be in the region of £60,000 per annum, given that on appeal. The level of expenditure is unlikely to be maybe five or six people a year will be in such a significant, as it is expected that very few cases will situation. Consideration has been given to others such result in the awarding of compensation. However, approval as school bus drivers, where the balance to be struck for a money resolution is needed before the Committee must be different. A person who has even just been can debate the issue fully. The hon. Member for arrested for an offence is to be immediately suspended. Dunfermline and West Fife has previously explained to While I can see why the measure under discussion might the House that he has a particular interest in the issue as have been taken a step further, given that we are not a consequence of concerns raised by one of his constituents. talking about vulnerable children or vulnerable adults The overwhelming majority of driving instructors, with problems such as those we often encounter in care having satisfied the registrar that they are “fit and homes I think we have got the balance right. In cases proper” persons, remain so throughout their careers. where people are arrested as a result of investigations Unfortunately, a small number do not. Hon. Members such as Operation Orr, the forensic examination of will be rightly anxious for adequate safeguards to cover computers often takes many months, and in such cases circumstances in which persons are prevented from the appeal would be much more expensive. I am very following their profession. To that end, I wish to reassure pleased that we have managed to reach this stage, and I the House that the Bill provides for a satisfactory statutory look forward to debating the matter further in Committee compensation scheme for the reimbursement of losses on Wednesday. suffered by a suspended instructor whose suspension is subsequently lifted, and who is permitted to resume 10.22 pm giving paid instruction. That is why we need the money resolution, and on that basis I commend it to the Willie Rennie (Dunfermline and West Fife) (LD): I House. am grateful to the Minister for bringing the money resolution before the House this evening. I shall keep my remarks brief, as it is 10.20 pm already, which is well 10.19 pm past my bedtime. This issue arose from the case of Mr. Robert Goodwill (Scarborough and Whitby) (Con): Lesley Anne Steele in my constituency. She was sexually We are experiencing a rare moment of genuine cross-party assaulted by a driving instructor, but the very next day consensus. I will therefore keep my comments brief, not after he was convicted he was out teaching another least because I do not wish to delay those who are young girl to drive in the very same community. She waiting to hear the Adjournment debate, which will be came to me and we worked together to try to find out opened by my hon. Friend the Member for Mid- how this could possibly have happened. We discovered Bedfordshire (Nadine Dorries). that there was a loophole in the law that allowed I commend the hon. Member for Dunfermline and driving instructors to continue to operate for a further West Fife (Willie Rennie) for his tenacity. I also commend 45 days. his constituent Lesley Anne Steele, who brought the If we gain the power to suspend, this money resolution issue to his attention and who played a pivotal role in funds a compensation package so that on the rare bringing the Bill to this stage. I thank the Under-Secretary occasion we get things wrong, compensation will be and his Department for bringing the Department’s resources available. That is not unreasonable, as some people will into play in sorting out the complex legalities and lose in terms of both reputation and finance, as this financial instruments that we need to discuss, particularly might be their only source of earnings. We must have a as the measure offers no real political advantage to the compensation scheme to support those people who are 135 Driving Instruction (Suspension and 15 JUNE 2009 136 Exemption Powers) Bill [Money] [Willie Rennie] DRIVING INSTRUCTION (SUSPENSION AND EXEMPTION POWERS) BILL wrongly suspended or who successfully appeal against [WAYS AND MEANS] their suspension. I am grateful to the Minister for bringing this measure before the House. The Bill is 10.24 pm important, and I hope we can discuss its measures in more detail in Committee on Wednesday. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport Question put and agreed to. (Paul Clark): I beg to move, That, for the purposes of any Act resulting from the Driving Instruction (Suspension and Exemption Powers) Bill, it is expedient to authorise— (1) the imposition of fees in connection with exemptions from prohibitions concerning registration, and (2) payments into the Consolidated Fund. I kept my remarks on the money resolution brief, but may I also put on record our thanks to the constituent of the hon. Member for Dunfermline and West Fife (Willie Rennie), Lesley Anne Steele, in coming forward in what must have been difficult circumstances, and thereby bringing this matter forward to where we have reached today? For the purposes of any Act resulting from the Driving Instruction (Suspension and Exemption Powers) Bill, it is expedient to provide a power in uncommenced provisions in the Road Safety Act 2006 to charge a fee for the costs incurred as a result of the exemption arrangements that enable partially qualified driving instructors to provide instruction for payment. The Bill amends uncommenced provisions in the 2006 Act, in particular those affecting sections 124 and 129 of the Road Traffic Act 1988. Section 129 enables trainee driving instructors to apply for a licence that permits them to offer instruction for payment. The registrar of approved driving instructors, who is an employee of the Driving Standards Agency, may charge a fee in connection with such an application— that fee currently stands at £140 per licence granted. The existing trainee licence scheme is quite rigid in terms of its entry requirements. Applicants must have passed the first two of the three approved driving instructor qualifying tests. However, the 2006 Act envisaged more flexible qualifying arrangements for trainee instructors. Trainee instructors will obtain practical experience of providing tuition through the granting of exemptions from the requirement to be registered, as provided for in the uncommenced provisions of the 2006 Act. Unfortunately, that Act does not provide for a fee to be charged in connection with these exemption arrangements. The DSA needs to be able to continue charging trainee driving instructors a fee in connection with applications to give paid instruction while working towards admittance to the register of qualified instructors. If the DSA were unable to pass on to applicants its costs for processing those exemption requests, they would fall on the agency’s other customers and I am sure that the House would agree that that would be unfair. Alternatively, the DSA would not commence the new provisions and would continue to rely on the existing trainee licence regime. That would deny trainee driving instructors the more flexible qualifying arrangements envisaged in the 2006 Act. We shall be introducing an amendment to the Bill to provide for the charging of fees in connection with the exemption from this registration. It is intended to replace the fee-charging provision that supports the existing trainee licence scheme. It is for this reason that the Ways And Means resolution is being introduced and, on that basis, I commend the resolution to the House. 137 Driving Instruction (Suspension and 15 JUNE 2009 138 Exemption Powers) Bill 10.27 pm Vehicle Scrappage Scheme Willie Rennie (Dunfermline and West Fife) (LD): Motion made, and Question proposed, That this House This Ways and Means resolution is eminently sensible. do now adjourn.—(Ms Butler.) We need an arrangement in place whereby we can assess the trainee driving instructors as well as the registered ones, because it is pointless to do one part of this 10.30 pm without addressing the full picture. I am grateful to the Nadine Dorries (Mid-Bedfordshire) (Con): The vehicle Minister for introducing the resolution, because it will scrappage scheme was launched on 18 May and is allow us to have a much more comprehensive package therefore less than a month old. In a press release today, of registration arrangements to ensure that people are after just 28 days, Lord Mandelson declared that the fit and proper to be driving instructors in one way or scheme was a success and had given the car-making another. industry the boost that it needed. It is slightly premature Question put and agreed to. to issue such a press release after such a short time. The new car industry may consider the scheme a success, but it has actually failed in several areas and could be PETITION improved. I shall highlight some of the many ways in which that might be done. Schools (Manchester) The Department says that there will be a compliance review in two months’ time. Given the statement today 10.28 pm by Lord Mandelson, I wonder whether the Minister can Mr. John Leech (Manchester, Withington) (LD): I confirm whether it will still take place. If the press wish to submit a petition on behalf of PACE—Parents statement today is a premature finding for that review, it Against the Closure of Ewing school—which has been leaves no room for debate or suggested improvements. signed by some 10,576 people from south Manchester and from across the rest of Greater Manchester who Dr. Stephen Ladyman (South Thanet) (Lab): I are, like me, opposed to closure of Ewing school. congratulate the hon. Lady on obtaining this debate. I have a big facility in my constituency, run by a company The petition states: called Copart, which is very interested in the scrappage The Petition of persons concerned at Manchester City Council’s scheme. Does she agree that getting the scrappage scheme proposals to close Ewing School in Didsbury, Manchester. up and running so quickly was a great achievement, but Declares that Manchester City Council is currently considering that there are bound to be things that can be done proposals to close Ewing School in Didsbury, Manchester; notes better? The two-month review must be a real review, in that Ewing School is a specialist school that teaches children with speech, language and social communication disorders, from the which stakeholders can provide information to the ages of 5 to 16 years; further notes that Ewing’s pupils are among Government about what could be done better, and the the 1 per cent. of children with more severe and complex speech, Government can then react to that positively and language and social communication needs; further notes that incorporate it into the scheme. In other words, the many of the pupils have specific problems with understanding two-month review must be a real review, open to full and the use of the spoken word and have further difficulties with consultation. social interaction; recognises that Ewing School has a high teacher to pupil ratio, which enables the school to provide an intensive Teach and Learn environment. Nadine Dorries: The hon. Gentleman has pre-empted part of what I was going to say. I also have a Copart Believes that Manchester City Council’s proposals to close Ewing School and relocate the pupils to mainstream schools are division in my constituency, in Stewartby. I agree that misguided; further notes that many of Ewing’s pupils have previously when the compliance review takes place, consumers, been excluded from mainstream schools; further believes that members of the scrappage industry and other interested Ewing School offers a safe and secure learning environment that parties should have the opportunity to contribute to the is more conducive to their pupils’ complex needs, which gives review. them the chance to achieve a high standard of education Problems with the scheme are evident after only a The Petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons month of its operation. For example, there is limited urges the Government to do all in its power to persuade Manchester consumer choice. There is also a focus on new car sales, City Council to rethink its plans to close Ewing School and to permit the school to remain open and free from the threat of instead of the entire motor trade. Of course, the scheme closure was introduced, practically the night before the Budget And the Petitioners remain, etc. and released the next day, as an emergency measure to boost the flagging car industry. One cannot say that it [P000382] has failed in that—today’s figures show sales of 60,000 cars in a month—but other parts of the motor industry are as important. Organisations such as Copart are suffering, but there is a way to improve the scheme in all its aspects without having a detrimental effect on new car sales. In his initial press release, the Secretary of State said that the scrappage scheme was intended to stimulate car sales across the whole motor trade and that the benefits of the scheme would be balanced with the needs of other sectors of the car industry, such as the second-hand car market. However, we know that that has not been the case. In Britain, the only way in which to secure the 139 Vehicle Scrappage Scheme15 JUNE 2009 Vehicle Scrappage Scheme 140

[Nadine Dorries] solely through their local dealership, which will have arrangements with other scrappage dealers, that does £2,000 support is for a motorist to acquire a new car or not give the consumer power over where they can take a new van by visiting a dealer. The dealers are generally their cars. They are tied in to the dealer—not only by tied to one manufacturer, as most new car dealers are. the finance available from the Department and the Obviously, documentation checks take place through dealer, but on the scrappage side, too. the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency database. There are effects on the scrappage trade, too. We Manufacturers will invoice the Department for £1,000 would be foolish to sit here and think that 60,000 new and provide match funding. Some manufacturers offer car sales and the scrapping of 60,000 cars this month, in additional incentive finance, whereas others drive a addition to what already takes place, will not cause a hard bargain, particularly with the smaller new cars, spike in the scrappage trade that, in turn, will cause a which elderly people tend to go for. Those manufacturers downturn in prices. That is happening and as a result are driving a much harder bargain, with fewer incentives. the scheme is suffering. The consequence is that there is no benefit for the The Department has not had time to make appropriate modern second-hand market for people who might due-diligence checks on the organisations that will be wish to trade up rather than commit the larger net intimately involved in delivering the scrappage element amount to an entirely new vehicle. Some consumers of the scheme. Copart in my constituency is a subsidiary who do not normally make new purchases will also be of an American organisation and is one of the largest unfamiliar with the credit risk arising from the expensive scrappage organisations in the UK where there are capital purchase. I believe that some people from lower- 1.5 million scrap vehicles every year. It would be good if income groups and the elderly are disadvantaged as a the experts on this part of the scheme could be brought result. Many people who have a 10-year-old car have a in for discussion, with due diligence being paid to how 10-year-old car because they cannot afford to trade up they deal with their scrappage and the effects that the to a new car. The difference between the 10-year-old car scheme is having on their businesses. and the new purchase is pretty huge. The scrap industry is suffering from cash-flow problems A £2,000 saving from £8,000 or £10,000 is not that at present, as the price of scrap metal has fallen by much for a retired couple in their mid-70s to 80s who 20 per cent. There was great anticipation of the scheme have had their car for a long time—probably since just before it was launched and, although I have not had before they retired. They do not have much capital, so time to check today, I imagine that the fact that there that reduction in price does not really help. If we had a have been more than 60,000 car sales this month means way of helping such a couple access second-hand cars that the price of scrap has fallen even further. that were more reliable—after all, one of the reasons The capacity to deal with the volume of scrappage why the scheme was introduced is that 10-year-old cars safely and in a sustainable way needs to be assessed. are not as safe—I could definitely see that as an Nobody wants too few vehicles to be processed, but improvement in the scheme. It would boost the automotive equally no one wants a car mountain. In the present industry as a whole rather than just the new car sector. state of the scheme, there is no strong commercial There is no portable voucher. In Germany and California, incentive for parties with large-scale capacity in vehicle they have a portable voucher scheme, whereby people scrappage to enter the trade chain. That is another good can take their voucher wherever they wish to buy their reason why the organisations to which I have referred car. They have much greater access to the market and to should be brought into the review process. what is available. That empowers the people who hold Another element is the EU’s end-of-life vehicles directive, the vouchers. They are not then subjected to one particular whose aim is to achieve a greening of the auto industry. dealer, or to one particular type of car or manufacturer. The Department has said that the “green side of things” They have the buying power because they have a voucher is secondary to the boost that the scrappage scheme will in their hand. We know that that system has been give the car industry, but I reject that. I am a member of incredibly successful in California and Germany. Perhaps the Energy and Climate Change Committee, and I we do not have a portable voucher scheme because our believe that green considerations are equally important, scheme was brought in so quickly and hurriedly due to as they have their own effect on the economy. The green the circumstances that we faced at the time. Does the side of the scrappage scheme needs to be given an Minister believe, now that we have had more time to importance equal to that of boosting the car industry, reflect on the matter, that he will consider the portable and we must make sure that people using the scheme voucher scheme in the review that will take place after are aware of it. two months? The Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory I recognise that the strongest driving force behind the Reform says that it has urged car manufacturers to new scheme is car sales. My constituency is near Luton, review their vehicle disposal arrangements to accommodate where LDV is suffering its own problems and uncertainties, demand, but manufacturers and most dealers are locked so I do not want to sound as though I am diminishing into sole-source agreements with particular vehicle takeaway the importance of boosting new car sales. I am not. I companies for the first stage in the vehicle disposal believe, however, that the portable voucher, by enabling sequence. As a result, any difficulties that arise can be people to trade up, will provide a longer-term stimulus resolved only when there has been a contractual failure to the automotive industry and new car sales. and there are vehicle takeaway problems. That is too There are also valuation problems. People receive late, because by then the companies will already have £2,000, and it does not matter whether the car is worth failed to meet the criteria laid down for them. Making more or less in individual part sales. It seems as though sure that that aspect of the matter is given full consideration there could be some room for work there, too. If consumers is another reason why it is important that we have a are channelled into making scrapping arrangements review at the end of two months. Compliance with the 141 Vehicle Scrappage Scheme15 JUNE 2009 Vehicle Scrappage Scheme 142

EU’s end-of-life vehicles directive may be harder to of the sectors worst affected by the current global achieve if the scheme eventually achieves its target of economic downturn, so let me begin by reaffirming the 300,000 vehicles, with the bulk of vehicles being dealt Government’s absolute commitment to safeguarding with in a shorter space of time and causing the spikes in the industry’s future and providing support in these scrap management that I have described. difficult times. I shall summarise my argument in three minutes. We The scheme was brought in at the request of the need to make the scheme fully successful during the motor industry, which pressed hard for a scrappage 10 months, for the benefit of the economy. No one scheme; it was in answer to representations that the doubts or disputes that—least of all me, given that my scheme was introduced. The Government responded constituency is next door to Luton. As the scheme is because the automotive industry employs nearly 1 million constructed and operating, it may not deliver strong people in manufacturing and retailing, and it contributes benefits for any part of the automotive industry over £10 billion annually to the economy. It is a major the longer period. contributor to research and development, and supports It is clearly important that the scheme deliver good many highly skilled workers and a wide supply chain. results for new sales, as that is how part-funding from manufacturers is being leveraged. However, its design In the United Kingdom, the sector has been under has built-in disincentives for consumers to achieve maximum great pressure in recent months, but the Government personal choice, and an example of that is the lack of a are determined to ensure that it remains one of the portable voucher that I mentioned earlier. I hope that central pillars of British manufacturing. The vehicle the Minister, when he responds to the debate will say scrappage scheme, which, as the hon. Lady said, was something about portable vouchers: has the Department announced in the Budget and introduced on 18 May, is begun to look at them, and does it think that there is one of the mechanisms that we are using to achieve that any point in making them available? Will they be part of objective and stimulate demand. I emphasise that it is what is assessed in the review? one of a number of different methods. It has its own The requirement that arrangements for vehicle scrappage particular purpose and remit. can be made only through dealerships also limits consumer The decision to implement a scrappage scheme was flexibility, and distorts business volumes in the scrappage taken after careful consideration of a wide range of industry.The scheme’s focus on new sales also disadvantages evidence, including the lessons learned from other European other parts of the total automotive economy. schemes and evidence on the possible impact of such a The Department has stated that the scrappage industry scheme on other sectors of the economy. We have and green aspects are secondary—an unfortunate and endeavoured to introduce the most effective scheme for indefensible statement. The scrappage industry has already the sector, while ensuring that we look after taxpayers’ experienced some economic loss, and it would be wrong interests properly and minimise the possible effects elsewhere to raise environmental risks. Britain should take the in the economy. opportunity of the compliance review that will be undertaken after the second month of the scheme to The Government have ensured that advice about put in place new arrangements that open up consumer support on offer specifically tailored to the needs of the choice and spread the economic and green benefits automotive sector has been distributed to the UK across the whole of the automotive economy. automotive supply chain through the manufacturers. In addition to that support, which is available today, there Finally, it is worth considering whether there could are a number of other sources of support. The new be a longer-term scheme. The Government have recognised automotive innovation and growth team—a Government- that the scrappage programme is important to stimulating facilitated, industry-led, independent group of experts— the car industry. The present scheme may or may not published a report on 6 May. It rightly emphasised the end before a general election is called, but there may be scale and continuing importance of the automotive scope for a longer-term arrangement, particularly one industry to the United Kingdom’s manufacturing sector based on greater consumer choice and with clearer and wider economy. However, the NAIGT recognises environmental credentials. So my main points are about: that to secure that position for the long term the United the portable voucher that people are given; the fact that Kingdom needs to become a leading global player in environmental considerations are as important as the the development of low-carbon road transport. Its work stimulation to the car industry; and consumers being is particularly timely in view of the announcement on given greater access, particularly in terms of the scrappage 16 April of the Government’s vision to develop ultra element of the scheme. low-carbon transport over the next five years.

10.45 pm Let me touch on the legitimate points that the hon. Lady raised about the green aspect of the scrappage The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business, scheme. It is especially important to observe that the Innovation and Skills (Ian Lucas): I congratulate the scrappage scheme is a particular proposal for a particular hon. Member for Mid-Bedfordshire (Nadine Dorries) time. It was introduced in response to demands made on securing this timely debate. She made a stimulating by the motor industry, which requested a stimulant in contribution, giving many ideas concerning an interesting the market at a particular time. It is for that reason that and, to date, successful scheme. Of course, the scrappage the Government decided to introduce a scheme that was scheme was brought in because of a crisis in one of our time-limited and budget-limited. It has been extremely most important industries. Manufacturing in general, successful to date. As the hon. Lady said, some 60,000 and the automotive industry in particular, are of key vehicles have been sold under the scheme; that is about importance to the United Kingdom’s economy. However, 10,000 or 12,000 vehicles a week. That is a direct in recent months the automotive industry has been one stimulant to the economy. 143 Vehicle Scrappage Scheme15 JUNE 2009 Vehicle Scrappage Scheme 144

[Ian Lucas] clear. Representations may be made to me on the budget in due course, but the scheme is either time limited or However, in order to observe the requirement for budget limited, and the indications to date are that the low-carbon transport, the Government have made it budget will be used up within the time frame that was clear that the scheme will be time limited. Our calculations set when the scheme was announced. indicate that the scheme as a whole will be carbon-neutral, On the issue of whether purchasers have been able to because there is evidence that newer cars use less fuel afford a new car, early indications show that the people than older cars. Vehicles over 10 years old are being who are using the scheme include the elderly. One group taken off the roads and replaced by vehicles new to the who are most likely to take advantage of the scheme are roads, which use lower amounts of fuel and emit less those who—obviously—have had a car for more than carbon into the atmosphere. They therefore make a 10 years and who directly respond to the scheme’s large positive green contribution. incentives. It is important to realise that the scrappage scheme is Of course, the incentives can amount to more than only one of the schemes that the Government are £2,000. I remember hearing on the first day that the introducing in the automotive sector. The automotive scheme was introduced, I think, advertisements for assistance programme is another device instigated by offers of £3,000 and even more for particular vehicles. It the Government to assist the industry. That has particular appears that such offers have been very successful in environmental aspects which require the manufacturers encouraging cash buyers to purchase vehicles. The evidence to take environmental steps in order to qualify for does not indicate that elderly people are being deterred assistance. The Government recognise the importance by the scrappage scheme; if anything, the initial evidence of offering specific incentives in order to address the appears to be the contrary. needs of the environment. Before the scheme was introduced, the Government Let me deal with some of the specific issues raised by looked at the issue of second-hand cars, but we excluded the hon. Lady. She referred to the compliance review. them because of the experience of other member states, That is an audit of compliance with the scheme which which suggested that the inclusion of used cars would will take place at the two-month point, as promised. It distort prices in the market. Having considered the is not a review of the scheme. It looks at the way the situation, the Government decided that the available scheme is working and how it is affecting the industry as funds would be most effectively used in the new car a whole, to see whether the systems in place are working market. properly, not incorrectly or fraudulently. On the question of the car mountain and whether the number of vehicles going to scrappage will cause a Nadine Dorries: If the compliance review looks at the difficulty in the scrappage market, I should say that way the scheme is working and finds areas in which it is consultation again took place and car scrappage operators failing, would the review take account of proposals to gave assurances that there would be capacity in the improve the scheme not just to meet the present criteria, market to handle the scrappage of all 300,000 cars. To but to an enhanced level for the remaining 10 months? date, we have had no indication that that is not the case, but I should be interested to hear representations from Ian Lucas: Proper compliance with the scheme is that area of the manufacturing market. There appears, important. We need to ensure that the taxpayer is however, to be overall satisfaction with the capacity of protected. I am keen to see the proper operation of the the scrappage system in the current market. scheme. All the evidence so far indicates that it is successful. With 60,000 vehicles sold under the scheme I actually have evidence myself of the scheme’s success, since 18 May, there is no evidence that it is unsuccessful. because, strangely this week, having been newly appointed All the evidence indicates the contrary, which is why the as the Minister responsible for the scheme, I received a Secretary of State spoke in the terms that he did. In the letter from my local Toyota garage, which sold me my interests of the taxpayer, we have to ensure proper car some years ago. My vehicle is just over 10 years old compliance with the rules of the scheme. and therefore eligible for the scrappage scheme, and in the letter’s PS the garage told me: Dr. Ladyman: I understand what my hon. Friend is “As demand has vastly exceeded our expectations—most Toyota saying—that the compliance review must make sure new car models are now in short supply.” that the rules are being followed, that nobody is cheating That is evidence from Wrexham, and I hope that it is an and that the right things are being done. I accept that indication that the scheme will be successful, and that the scheme has been a great success, but under different its good start will continue. rules perhaps 70,000 cars would have been sold, instead I am very grateful to the hon. Lady for raising the of 60,000. Is there no mechanism whereby we can offer debate, and I am anxious to listen to observations that my hon. Friend constructive suggestions for making the hon. Members from all parts of the House make about scheme even more successful, so that he can consider the scheme. Clearly, it affects not just the new car changing the scheme? market, but the used car market. As I said earlier, the industry is important not only to the new car sector but Ian Lucas: In addition to the compliance review, I am to the used car sector and the retail sector. For all those always ready to hear ideas for improvement of the reasons, it is very important that, at this very difficult scheme. I add the caveat that the scheme is time limited time, we support the industry as much as we can. and budget limited. It has been very successful thus far, Question put and agreed to. and if it was even more successful, the budget may be used up even more quickly than at present. It is a 10.59 pm budget-limited scheme; I just want to make that absolutely House adjourned. 1WS Written Ministerial Statements15 JUNE 2009 Written Ministerial Statements 2WS

We know that the recession will continue to have an Written Ministerial impact on the choices being made by young people over the summer and may increase demand further for learning Statements and training places. I have therefore asked the Association of School and College Leadership, the Association of Colleges and the LSC to monitor the situation and to Monday 15 June 2009 report to me after the bulk of the recruitment for the 2009-10 academic year has taken place this September. This will also inform our plans for the 2010-11 academic year and will be crucial as we make the transition from CHILDREN, SCHOOLS AND FAMILIES the LSC to local authority led commissioning. I will then make a further assessment of the situation, with my Cabinet colleagues, to ensure all young people who 16-19 Funding want one can have a suitable place at school, college or training provider. Regional Analysis of 16-18 Allocation to Schools, Colleges and other The Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Providers—Excluding Apprenticeships and Entry to Employment Families (Ed Balls): Budget 2009 announced an additional Provision (2009-10) investment of £655 million over the next two years to Post-Budget 09 Allocation Allocation Allocation of extra of extra ensure that every young person aged 16 and 17 who (excludes E2E and 22,540 22,540 wants to study or take up a training place will have their Region apprenticeships) places places place guaranteed by the Government under the September Guarantee. £25l million of this investment is being used East of England £313.9m £9.3m 2,766 to fund 54,500 places and additional support for young East Midlands £204.3m £4.9m 1,464 people from this September, bringing our total investment London £l,479.5m £6.8m 1,841 in the education and training of young people to North East £572.7m £5.4m 1,780 £6.8 billion in 2009-10. North West £914.0m £13.8m 4,199 In March, schools, colleges and other training providers South East £762.0m £11.3m 3,144 told us that the allocations they had received would not South West £365.5m £7.8m 2,281 meet the increase in local demand they were already West Midlands £462. lm £5.8m 1,532 experiencing or were expecting from September 2009. Yorkshire and the £529.6m £8.2m 2,570 Budget 2009 now allows us to provide funding for the Humber additional 32,000 learner places schools and colleges other £ 17.2m £3.7m 963 notified us of earlier in the spring, and to make provision SEN £193.0m n/a for a further 22,500 learners who we expect will want a TPG £74.0m n/a place in learning later this year. This is necessary for us Academies £112.0m n/a to meet the September Guarantee. Grand Total £5,999.7m £77m 22,540 I am today announcing the regional breakdown of Notes to table: the £77 million investment which is funding the further 1. The matching to Local Authority and hence to Region is done on 22,500 places. The Learning and Skills Council (LSC) best fit and derived from post code of the head office of the has recently notified schools, colleges and training providers providers to whom the allocation is made. It is possible for these providers to operate across more than one authority area, although of these allocations, which are focused on supporting there is no double counting of the funding allocations. young people who would otherwise be at risk of becoming 2. The figures by region do not include allocations for Entry to NEET (not in employment, education or training). Employment provision or apprenticeships. 3. The figures by region do not include any allocations for Our investment means we have increased the number Academies, SEN, or Teacher Pay Grant. of places available this September and next by 54,500 to 4. The total figures shown for SEN and Teachers Pay Grant are for an all time high of more than 1.55 million. Together the 2009-10 Financial Year as this is how this funding is allocated. with the 17,500 apprenticeships places for young people As such they are not directly comparable to the other funding announced by the Prime Minister, that is 72,000 young figures which are all 2009-10 Academic Year based. people more than were first set out in the LSC’s annual statement of priorities in November 2008. This funding means that we can make sure that young people who are especially vulnerable have a suitable offer of a place by HEALTH expanding the Entry to Employment programme by 13,000 places in 2009-10. This is a huge investment in the skills of our young people to ensure that they can gain the skills and Written Answer (Correction) confidence to put them on the path to economic prosperity and to prepare the country so it is well placed for economic recovery with young people having the skills The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health base it needs. We must make sure that every young (Ann Keen): I regret that the information given in my person knows the wide range of education and training written answer to the hon. Member for South options open to them under the September Guarantee. Cambridgeshire (Mr. Lansley) on11 May 2009, Official We expect the Connexions service, schools, colleges and Report, column 627, was incorrect. other providers to work with the local authorities to Details of consultant-led and midwife-led maternity deliver the Guarantee. units have been placed in the Library. 3WS Written Ministerial Statements15 JUNE 2009 Written Ministerial Statements 4WS

HOME DEPARTMENT against an individual was revoked prior to being quashed by the court. One further control order has been revoked on direction from the court. Two non-derogating control Language Analysis orders made but not served in the previous quarter have also been revoked and one control order made but not The Minister for Borders and Immigration (Mr. Phil served in a previous quarter has expired. Woolas): I have made an authorisation under section 19D In total, twenty control orders are currently in force, of the Race Relations Act 1976 as amended, to enable ten of which are in respect of British citizens. Six the Secretary of State to request that asylum applicants individuals subject to a control order live in the claiming to be nationals of Palestine or Kuwait submit Metropolitan Police Service area; the remaining individuals to language analysis. live in other police force areas. All of these control Language analysis carried out for some Somali asylum orders are non-derogating. No prosecutions for breaching applicants demonstrates that significant proportions of a control order were completed during this reporting those tested have claimed to be of a nationality, or from period. a region or grouping, that is not their own in order to During this reporting period, 108 modifications of try to gain residence in this country. We are aware that a control order obligations were made. Twenty-four requests significant proportion of Palestinian and Kuwaiti claims to modify control order obligations were refused. A also are from other nationalities. This new authorisation right of appeal is provided for by section 10(1) of the will assist the Secretary of State to make decisions in 2005 Act against a decision by the Secretary of State to individual Palestinian and Kuwaiti cases, and to ascertain renew a non-derogating control order or to modify an the extent of abuse within these nationalities. obligation imposed by a non-derogating control order The Secretary of State may take a refusal to submit without consent. Six appeals have been lodged with the to testing into account when determining whether an High Court by controlled persons in relation to the applicant has assisted in establishing the facts of his renewal of control orders during this reporting period. case or her case. Three appeals have been lodged against decisions by the The authorisation will remain in place for 11 months Secretary of State to modify obligations imposed by (until April 2010), at which point we will review whether non-derogating control orders without consent. A right it is still necessary and appropriate. of appeal is also provided for by section 10(3) of the 2005 Act against decisions by the Secretary of State to I am placing a copy of the authorisation in the refuse a request by a controlled person to revoke their Libraries of both Houses of Parliament. order and/or to modify any obligation under the order. Two appeals have been lodged with the High Court Control Order Powers (11 March 2009 - 10 June 2009) by controlled persons relating to refusal to modify a control order. The Minister of State, Home Department (Mr. David Two judgments have been handed down by the High Hanson): Section 14(1) of the Prevention of Terrorism Court in control order cases during this reporting period Act 2005 (the 2005 Act) requires the Secretary of State in relation to substantive reviews of the individual to report to Parliament as soon as reasonably practicable control orders under section 3(10) of the 2005 Act. In after the end of every relevant three-month period on Secretary of State for the Home Department v. AT and the exercise of control order powers during that period. AW a judgment was handed down on 20 March 2009. The level of information provided will always be The court ruled that the control order imposed on AT subject to slight variations based on operational advice. remains necessary and proportionate but quashed one Control orders continue to be an essential tool to obligation and directed the Secretary of State to amend protect the public from terrorism, particularly where it another. In the case of AW, the court quashed the is not possible to prosecute individuals for terrorism-related control order on the grounds that the decision to make activity and, in the case of foreign nationals, where they the control order was made on a materially erroneous cannot be removed from the UK. basis. A judgment was handed down in the case of As stated in previous quarterly statements on control Secretary of State for the Home Department v. AV on orders, control order obligations are tailored to the 30 April 2009. The court directed the Secretary of State individual concerned and are based on the terrorism-related to revoke the order on the basis that recent events risk that each individual poses. Each control order is pertinent to the case meant the order was no longer kept under regular review to ensure that obligations necessary, although the High Court was satisfied that remain necessary and proportionate. The Home Office that the decisions to make the original control order continues to hold Control Order Review Groups (CORGs) and the renewed control order were necessary and not every quarter, with representation from law enforcement flawed. and intelligence agencies, to keep the obligations in One judgment was handed down by the High Court every control order under regular and formal review during this reporting period in relation to a modification and to facilitate a review of appropriate exit strategies. appeal under section 10(3) of the 2005 Act. In Secretary During this reporting period, three CORGs were held of State for the Home Department v. AM, judgment was in relation to the orders currently in force. In addition, handed down on 23 March 2009. The court dismissed further meetings were held on an ad hoc basis as specific the appeal and upheld all obligations as necessary and issues arose. proportionate. During the period 11 March 2009 to 10 June 2009, One judgment was handed down by the High Court five non-derogating control orders were made and served. during this reporting period in relation to an application Six control orders have been renewed in accordance for interim relief pursuant to an application for judicial with section 2(6) of the 2005 Act. One control order review, the purpose of which was to prevent the Secretary 5WS Written Ministerial Statements15 JUNE 2009 Written Ministerial Statements 6WS of State from acting on a modification to a control The Commission was set up by the Scottish Parliament order. In Secretary of State for the Home Department v. and supported by the UK Government. The Commission’s BM, the judgment handed down on 22 May 2009 remit was: refused injunctive relief and gave directions for the section 10(1) appeal against the modification. “to review the provisions of the Scotland Act 1998 in the light of experience and to recommend any changes to the present Two controlled persons have applied for, and been constitutional arrangements that would enable the Scottish granted, permission to appeal to the Court of Appeal Parliament to serve the people of Scotland better, improve the against High Court judgments in this reporting period. financial accountability of the Scottish Parliament, and continue The Secretary of State has also applied for, and been to secure the position of Scotland within the United Kingdom.” granted, permission to appeal to the Court of Appeal in The Commission, under the chairmanship of Professor relation to two control order cases. Sir Kenneth Calman, have produced a detailed report, As reported in the last written ministerial statement, based on sound analysis, a robust evidence base and the House of Lords heard the appeals in the cases of extensive engagement with people in Scotland. I welcome AE, AF and AN between 3 and 9 March 2009. The in particular the efforts the Commission made to engage judgments, handed down on 10 June 2009, held that for as widely as possible, through public events across the control order proceedings to be compatible with article country, through oral and written evidence, a public 6 of the ECHR, a controlled person must be given questionnaire and through their website. sufficient information about the allegations against him to allow him to give effective instructions in relation to I welcome their conclusion that the devolution settlement those allegations. Provided that this requirement is satisfied in Scotland has been “a remarkable and substantial there can be a fair trial notwithstanding that the controlled success”. We are approaching the 10th anniversary of person is not provided with the detail or the sources of the Scottish Parliament receiving full legislative competence, the evidence forming the basis of the allegations. Where, and there is broad support in Scotland and across the however, the open material consists purely of general UK for the devolution settlement. The Scottish Parliament assertions and the case against the individual is based has established itself firmly in public life, bringing greater solely or to a decisive degree on closed materials the accountability to the people of Scotland, and innovation requirements of a fair trial will not be satisfied, however in both policy and working methods. cogent the case based on the closed materials may be. The Government agree with the Commission’s conclusion All three appeals were allowed and the cases will now that, in order to serve the people of Scotland better, and be remitted to the High Court for this disclosure test to to secure the position of Scotland within the United be applied. Kingdom, the institutions of the United Kingdom and Full judgments are available at: http://www.bailii.org/ Scotland must be able to work together effectively. The Government have already taken steps to reinvigorate the Joint Ministerial Committee and to ensure close JUSTICE working with the Scottish Government, in particular in the face of the global economic downturn. We will consider the Commission’s recommendations in this Ministry of Justice (Annual Report 2008-09) area carefully. Ten years on, the Scottish Parliament needs to have The Secretary of State for Justice and Lord Chancellor the financial responsibilities to match its ambitions for (Mr. Jack Straw): I have today published, and laid Scotland. We asked the Commission to examine the before Parliament, the “Ministry of Justice Annual options for improving financial accountability. The Report for 2008-09” (Cm 7600). Commission outlines a new financial model that would The report sets out the good progress we have made give significantly more responsibility to the Scottish this year in meeting our mission of creating a just, safe Parliament for decisions on tax and spending in Scotland. and democratic society. It provides the first full year The Commission’s model empowers and requires the reporting of progress against our 2007 Public Service Scottish Parliament to make a decision on the balance Agreement (deliver a more effective, transparent and between taxes and public spending. Their recommendations responsive criminal justice system for victims and the draw from the work of Professor Anton Muscatelli’s public) and our departmental strategic objectives, and group of independent financial experts. reports against targets set in the 2004 spending review that are still current. The report also includes our The Government agree that financial accountability progress on implementing outstanding Public Accounts could be achieved by moving to a system where a Committee recommendations. greater proportion of the Scottish Parliament’s budget comes from their own decisions. We welcome the Commission’s model which provides a promising and well-evidenced basis on which we can work with the SCOTLAND Scottish Parliament and others to bring forward practical proposals. The suggested changes are complex, and Commission on Scottish Devolution require detailed and careful consideration. The Government will assess, and explore how to implement, these proposals. We agree with the Commission’s recommendation that The Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. Jim Murphy): any change should be introduced in a phased way to On behalf of the Government I welcome the publication manage the risks of instability in public finances and of today of the final report from the Commission on windfall gains or shocks and will take this into account Scottish Devolution. in developing proposals. 7WS Written Ministerial Statements15 JUNE 2009 Written Ministerial Statements 8WS

The Commission proposes further changes to the WORK AND PENSIONS powers and functions of the Scottish Parliament, based on the work of a task group led by Sir David Edward. I Social Security (Industrial Injuries) (Prescribed am grateful for their careful consideration of this important Diseases) Amendment Regulations 2009 area. Their work highlights the range and depth of responsibilities which the Scottish Parliament already The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Work has. They broadly endorse the existing settlement, but and Pensions (Helen Goodman): The Social Security recommend adjustments. The Government are willing (Industrial Injuries) (Prescribed Diseases) Amendment to adjust the devolution settlement, where there is benefit Regulations 2009 have today been laid before Parliament. to the people of Scotland and where it will strengthen The regulations implement, from 13 July 2009, the Scotland’s place within the Union. recommendation set out in the Industrial Injuries Advisory A steering group comprising parties involved in the Council’s report—“Osteoarthritis of the knee in coal Calman Commission process, chaired by myself, will miners”. The Command Paper (Cm 7440) was published help the UK Government and the Scottish Parliament in August 2008. plan how to take forward the Calman recommendations The recommendation made in the report was to add and deliver stronger devolution within a stronger United the disease osteoarthritis of the knee to the schedule of Kingdom. prescribed diseases. These regulations implement that recommendation. The Government warmly welcome this report, copies This means that all coal miners who worked underground of which have been placed in the Libraries of both in coal mines for an aggregate of 10 years or more Houses and the Vote Office. I am grateful to Sir Kenneth before 1986 can claim industrial injuries disablement and the members of his Commission for their work. benefit if they suffer from osteoarthritis of the knee. I look forward to working with colleagues, partners and Work from 1986 onwards as a coal face worker at a stakeholders here and in Scotland to take forward the non-mechanised coal face, and for certain other categories report. of work, can be included in the 10 years’ qualifying period. 1W Written Answers15 JUNE 2009 Written Answers 2W Written Answers to DEFENCE Afghanistan: Peacekeeping Operations Questions Mr. Lancaster: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether the pre-deployment urgent operational Monday 15 June 2009 requirements planned for the Tornado GR4s due to be deployed to Afghanistan have been completed. [279736]

Bill Rammell: Yes. And I plan on making a written INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT statement to the House shortly. Developing Countries: Malaria Air Force: Manpower Mr. Stephen O’Brien: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what ring-fenced uplift Dr. Fox: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence in resources each of his Departments in-country what the (a) required and (b) actual number of pilots programmes has received to fund the procurement of for each aircraft type in the RAF is. [279958] bed-nets in each of the next three years. [279197] Bill Rammell: The information requested is provided Mr. Thomas: As stated in the answer of 24 March in the following table: 2009, Official Report, column 264W,the costs of supplying 20 million bed nets for Africa are being drawn from our Aircraft type Required Actual country programme budget allocations for the period C130J 133 130 2008-09 to 2010-11. No additional resources have been C130K 73 79 specifically ring-fenced for this purpose. VC10 64 51 Liberia: Corruption TriStar 48 46 C17A 53 46 Mr. Oaten: To ask the Secretary of State for HS125 17 16 International Development what aid the UK has given BAel46 10 7 to Liberia to tackle corruption in the last three years; GR4 134 129 and what his most recent assessment is of levels of Typhoon 60 68 corruption in Liberia. [279376] F3 23 30 Harrier 48 48 Mr. Thomas: Since 2005 the Department for International Nimrod MR2 58 46 Development (DFID) has contributed approximately Nimrod R1 10 10 £150,000 in supporting the Government of Liberia in Sentinel R1 21 14 its efforts to establish the Liberian Anti-Corruption E3D 32 28 Commission (LACC) and to develop and finalise its KingAir 32 27 National Anti-Corruption Strategy. In 2008, DFID also Dominie 15 9 paid off outstanding arrears owed by the Liberian Tutor 31 46 General Auditing Commission (GAC), which amounted Tucano 50 47 to a total of $43,145, allowing the Auditor General and Hawk 97 84 his staff to attend specialised training courses to enable Puma 96 85 them to undertake more comprehensive and detailed Chinook 101 93 audits of government finances. Merlin 75 64 The Government of Liberia is firmly committed to Squirrel 18 16 tackling corruption and prosecuting those involved. SeaKing 89 74 Though challenges still remain, significant progress has Griffin 22 23 been made to improve financial checks and balances, to Augusta 109 5 5 improve the capacity of the Liberian General Auditing Predator 8 8 Commission and in sending for prosecution any individuals Reaper 14 11 (government or otherwise) accused of corruption. Islander 7 7 United Nations: Females Total 1,348 1,347

Mr. Moore: To ask the Secretary of State for Armed Forces: Deployment International Development what steps he is taking to support the creation of a United Nations Agency for Dr. Fox: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence Women; and if he will make a statement. [279076] how many and what percentage of pinch point trades are in breach of their (a) tour interval guidelines and Mr. Thomas: The UK Government’s policy is to (b) individual separated service guidelines. [279955] support the establishment of a single United Nations (UN) agency for women. The UK Government are Bill Rammell: I refer the hon. Member to the answer working closely with other UN member states to get my predecessor gave on 23 February 2009, Official agreement through the General Assembly to establish Report, column 19W. The position remains the same such an agency. and there is nothing further I can add. 3W Written Answers15 JUNE 2009 Written Answers 4W

Armed Forces: Pensions service across the whole of defence. The associated software functionality is being delivered in stages, called Mr. Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence Releases, but I can confirm there is no Release called if he will estimate the cost of paying pensions at an “2C”. The costs of software releases are not held separately equivalent level for UK service people to (a) as they are an intrinsic part of the wider delivery nor are Commonwealth soldiers and (b) soldiers of other they associated with desktop terminal numbers. nationalities who served in the British armed forces The current contract will run until 2015 and is let on between 1947 and 2004. [278716] an incremental basis. It includes Increment 1, Increment 2a and 2b, which provide office, mobile and deployable Mr. Kevan Jones: All non-British personnel serving capabilities, and in January 2009 we signed a contract now in the armed forces have exactly the same pension extension for Increment 2c, to provide new operational arrangements as the wider armed forces. It has long capability in the Top Secret domain. The approved been Government policy not to implement improvements programme costs for Increment 2c are £257 million; the to pensions and similar benefits retrospectively, a policy contract element is £191 million at 2008 prices. that has been applied across the public sector in the The whole DII Programme has to date delivered United Kingdom. Information of the full cost of doing 75,000 terminals, with 190,000 users now live on the so is not available, however, it has been estimated that to system. pay retrospective pensions to Gurkhas would cost MOD £1.5 billion. Defence: Procurement Armoured Fighting Vehicles Mr. Bruce George: To ask the Secretary of State for Ann Winterton: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many of the recommendations contained Defence how many Panther vehicles are being upgraded in the National Audit Office report on the Risk of as part of the recently announced £20 million improvement Fraud in Defence Procurement, Session 1994-5, HC package. [279553] 258, have been (a) fully and (b) partially implemented. [278799] Mr. Quentin Davies: 67 Panther Command and Liaison vehicles are being modified to a Theatre Entry Standard. Mr. Quentin Davies: The conclusions made by the National Audit Office Report on the Risk of Fraud in Mr. Gerald Howarth: To ask the Secretary of State Defence Procurement reflect the progress made by the for Defence what plans his Department has for the role Ministry of Defence and have been implemented in full of the Vector vehicle fleet following its withdrawal or in part. from operations; and whether planned upgrades to the The report concluded overall that the Department fleet suspension system and wheel hubs will continue. had made good progress in implementing actions on [279647] those areas of procurement most at risk and recognised that a plan was in place to strengthen existing measures Mr. Quentin Davies: The future role of the Vector and introduce new fraud deterrence and detection initiatives. Light Protected Patrol Vehicle when it is withdrawn In 1999, the Department created the Defence Fraud from operations in Afghanistan is under review. The Analysis Unit (DFAU), and in 2006 established the current programme to upgrade the suspension and wheel Defence Irregularity Reporting Cell to act as the central hubs of the fleet of Vector will continue. point for the reporting of all suspicions of irregularity, including fraud, theft and corruption. Defence Equipment Army: Training and Support, which was formed in 2007, has created a Defence Crime Forum to address the risk of fraud and Dr. Fox: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence corruption in the procurement environment. how many infantry combatants’ courses at Catterick Infantry Training Centre have been cancelled in the last Departmental Billing 12 months. [279939]

Bill Rammell: Between 1 April 2008 and 31 March Mr. Oaten: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence 2009, the last full year for which records are available, what the average number of days taken to pay an two Combat Infantryman Courses for the Parachute invoice by (a) his Department and (b) each of its Regiment and one for the Guards were cancelled. executive agencies was in each month since November 2008. [279523] Defence Infrastructure Information Project Mr. Kevan Jones [holding answer 12 June 2009]: The Dr. Murrison: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence Department does not keep statistics on the average what the cost of the Release 2C stage of the Defence number of days taken to pay suppliers’ invoices. This Infrastructure Information Project has been, broken information could be provided only at disproportionate down by budgetary heading; how many desktop terminals cost. have been delivered under the project; and if he will The Department is working towards payment make a statement. [278985] performance within a target date of 10 working days in accordance with the Government’s Prompt Payment Mr. Bob Ainsworth: The Defence Information Initiative. Information currently available for the Infrastructure (DII) programme will deliver a single, Department, its agencies and trading funds since November secure, coherent and high quality computer infrastructure 2008 is as follows: 5W Written Answers15 JUNE 2009 Written Answers 6W

Percentage paid within 10 days Total number MOD Newspaper Frequency of copies and agencies UKHO Met Office DSTL Evening Standard 1st Monday to Friday 2 Edition November 2008 72.3 — — 19.7 The Scotsman Monday to Friday 1 December 2008 85.0 — — 26.0 The Observer Weekly 1 January 2009 80.0 — 55.5 46.0 Scotland on Sunday Weekly 1 February 2009 85.0 — 82.5 19.9 Private Eye Twice monthly 2 March 2009 90.7 94.7 86.2 38.3 April 2009 92.8 97.6 81.3 — Departmental Responsibilities May 2009 98.4 98.1 77.5 —

We are working with the Defence Support Group Mr. Gerald Howarth: To ask the Secretary of State towards a target to pay trade creditors’ invoices within for Defence how he plans to allocate responsibility for 10 days of receipt. defence procurement matters to his Ministers. [279986]

Departmental Press Mr. Bob Ainsworth: The right hon. Lord Drayson will be Minister of State for Strategic Defence Acquisition Reform, leading on the reform of Defence acquisition, Mr. Philip Hammond: To ask the Secretary of State Defence Research and Development, and championing for Defence what (a) newspapers and (b) periodicals new technologies in Defence. As the architect of the are delivered to the private office of each Minister in Defence Industrial Strategy he will lead work on the his Department; and at what cost in the latest period next version of the strategy.He will also have responsibilities for which figures are available. [279418] as Minister of State, Department of Business Innovation and Skills, for Government policy on science and Mr. Kevan Jones: A list of newspapers and periodicals innovation. centrally contracted for delivery to the private offices of Ministers in the Department is provided in the table. Quentin Davies MP will remain as Parliamentary The total cost for these newspapers and periodicals for Under-Secretary of State and Minister for Defence March 2009 was £729.41. Equipment and Support, with his existing responsibilities for the Defence Equipment Programme through life, Total number performance management of Defence Equipment and Newspaper Frequency of copies Support and its agencies, and the MOD interest in Defence exports. He will work with Lord Drayson on Daily Express Monday to Friday 3 acquisition reform. He will also assume the UK lead Saturday 1 responsibility for the High Level Working Group with Daily Mail Monday to Friday 4 the French Government on equipment cooperation. Saturday 1 Daily Mirror Monday to Friday 3 Heroes Return 2 Scheme Daily Record Daily 1 Daily Telegraph Monday to Friday 4 David Davis: To ask the Secretary of State for Saturday 1 Defence how much funding had been allocated to Sunday Telegraph Weekly 1 veterans under the Heroes Return 2 scheme on the Monday to Friday 4 latest date for which figures are available. [278308] Saturday 1 Glasgow Herald Daily 1 Mr. Kevan Jones [holding answer 8 June 2009]: The Saturday 1 Ministry of Defence has allocated no funding for veterans Guardian Monday to Friday 4 under the Heroes Return 2 scheme, which is being Saturday 1 funded by the Big Lottery Fund. The Heroes Return 2 scheme will provide funding to help World War II Independent Monday to Friday 4 veterans resident in the UK or the Republic of Ireland Independent on Sunday Weekly 1 to participate in commemorative visits, both within the Independent on Saturday Weekly 1 UK and overseas, to mark the 65th and other anniversary International Herald Monday to Friday 1 events that led to the end of WWII. Tribune International Herald Saturday 1 The scheme opened on 1 April 2009 and up to Tribune 29 May it had received 1,115 applications and made 599 Tribune Monthly 1 awards with a total of £920,275. The Sun Monday to Friday 3 MOD Ministers and Chiefs of Staff participated in Saturday 1 the 65th anniversary events in Normandy at the invitation Monday to Friday 4 of the Royal British Legion and Normandy Veterans’ Sunday Times Weekly 1 Association. There was significant representation by Times Saturday Weekly 1 our armed forces with over 1,000 participating in events The Economist Weekly 3 across Normandy and standing alongside veterans. MOD The New Statesman Weekly 4 is also discussing with Westminster Abbey the possibility of a commemoration service in the autumn as requested The Spectator Weekly 3 by the Normandy Veterans Association. 7W Written Answers15 JUNE 2009 Written Answers 8W

Korean War: Anniversaries 2008-09

Actual 8,952 Mr. Gray: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many veterans he expects to attend the commemoration of the sixtieth anniversary of the Navistar Defence Husky ceasefire in the Korean War on 27 July 2010; and if he will make arrangements to facilitate their attendance Mr. Gerald Howarth: To ask the Secretary of State through (a) financial support and (b) other means. for Defence for what reason the Navistar Defence [279656] Husky was selected for the Tactical Support Vehicle: Medium requirement; and what other tenders for the Mr. Kevan Jones: The end of the Korean war is due to contract for that requirement were received. [279646] be commemorated in 2013, the 60th anniversary of the armistice. It is too early to say how this anniversary Mr. Quentin Davies: The Navistar Defence vehicle might be officially marked or indeed how many might which forms the base for Husky was selected for the attend. My officials have been in contact with the Tactical Support Vehicle (TSV) Medium requirement Korean Veterans Association who are content that the because it met or exceeded all of the key user requirements, commemorations should take place in 2013. and the very demanding delivery schedule, while also providing the best overall value for money. Members: Correspondence 11 companies returned expressions of interest, of which six were within the scope of the TSV Medium. Sir Michael Spicer: To ask the Secretary of State for The six expressions of interest were from Iveco, Mercedes- Defence when he plans to reply to the letter from the Benz, Navistar Defence, Krauss-Maffei Wegmann, Renault hon. Member for West Worcestershire of 14 April 2009 Trucks Defense and Penman Engineering Ltd. on Trident (reference: MC01616/2009). [279917] Navy: Gibraltar Bill Rammell: My predecessor replied to the hon. Member on 8 May 2009. Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many Royal Navy warships are based in Military Aircraft UK waters off Gibraltar. [279046]

Mr. Gerald Howarth: To ask the Secretary of State Bill Rammell: Two Royal Navy warships, HMS Sabre for Defence how many (a) planned and (b) actual and HMS Scimitar, are based in Gibraltar. These are usage hours for (i) TriStar and (ii) VC10 aircraft there 16-metre fast patrol launches and form the Gibraltar were in each year since 2003. [280067] Squadron.

Mr. Quentin Davies: For figures covering financial years 2003-04 to 2007-08 I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend, the then Minister NORTHERN IRELAND of State for the Armed Forces, on the 10 July 2008, Departmental Billing Official Report, column 1748W, to the hon. Member for Woodspring (Dr. Fox). The planned and actual flying hours for 2008-09 are shown in the following table: Mr. Oaten: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many days on average (a) his 2008-09 Department and (b) each of its executive agencies took to pay an invoice in each month since November Tristar 2008. [279787] Planned 11,561 Actual 8,966 Paul Goggins: The following table shows the average number of working days taken to pay an invoice by the VC10 Northern Ireland Office, including the Public Prosecution Planned 9,254 Service Northern Ireland (PPS), and its agencies in each month since November 2008.

Average number of working days taken to pay an invoice NIO Core Compensation Youth Justice (inc. PPS) NI Prison Service Forensic Science NI Agency Agency

November 2008 11.5 14.2 22 9 10.5 December 2008 10.0 10.9 20 7 10.1 January 2009 12.2 11.2 18 7 12.4 February 2009 9.8 10.0 13 6 9.3 March 2009 9.7 13.6 13 5 11.6 April 2009 8.8 11.4 15 6 11.5 May 2009 8.2 9.9 15 7 9.7 9W Written Answers15 JUNE 2009 Written Answers 10W

Police Service of Northern Ireland Prisoners: Basic Skills

Mr. Donaldson: To ask the Secretary of State for Lady Hermon: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many officers who (a) retired Northern Ireland what the estimated (a) numeracy and (b) resigned from the Police Service of Northern and (b) literacy rate was among prisoners in Northern Ireland in each of the last three years retained a Ireland in each of the last five years. [277259] personal protection weapon. [280027] Paul Goggins: The following tables provide a breakdown Paul Goggins: That is an operational matter for the of the assessed levels of numeracy and literacy rates Chief Constable. I have asked him to reply directly to among prisoners in Northern Ireland in each of the last the right hon. Member, and a copy of his letter will be five financial years and the current financial year up to placed in the Library of the House. 31 May.

Numeracy Level 1 plus Total number of Financial year Below entry level Entry Level 1 Entry level 2 Entry level 3 above assessments

2004-05 110 118 331 475 389 1,423 2005-06 112 131 352 513 378 1,486 2006-07 118 73 273 588 460 1,512 2007-08 118 74 285 581 508 1,566 2008-09 118 96 278 607 514 1,613 1 April 2009-31 29 31 95 199 229 583 May 2009

Literacy Level 1 plus Total number of Financial year Below entry level Entry Level 1 Entry level 2 Entry level 3 above assessments

2004-05 76 97 236 523 489 1,421 2005-06 90 75 235 590 490 1,480 2006-07 116 49 202 621 520 1,508 2007-08 103 44 200 602 609 1,558 2008-09 102 61 228 614 614 1,619 1 April 2009-31 21 26 77 179 274 577 May 2009

SCOTLAND The limiting factors for the transmission of flight data recordings are the technical and financial challenge Departmental Plants of fitting appropriate equipment to the aircraft and the development of the necessary satellite bandwidth. Grant Shapps: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how much his Department spent on pot Aviation: Safety plants in (a) 2007-08 and (b) 2008-09. [280021]

Ann McKechin: The Scotland Office have incurred no Mrs. Villiers: To ask the Minister of State, Department expenditure on pot plants in either 2007-08 or 2008-09. for Transport whether his Department issued any guidance in relation to A330 aircraft following the warning by the US Federal Aviation Administration in 2001 that unreliable air speed may be caused by a random destruction or TRANSPORT obstructed pitots in relation to that aircraft. [279135]

Aviation Paul Clark: Civil aviation safety in the UK is regulated by independent aviation safety regulators: the European Mr. Dai Davies: To ask the Minister of State, Department Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the UK Civil for Transport for what reasons data collected in in-flight Aviation Authority (CAA). As such the Department for flight recorders are not transmitted in real time to (a) Transport does not itself issue guidance. In July 2001, the Civil Aviation Authority and (b) air traffic control the Federal Aviation Administration issued an regulators; and what research has been undertaken into Airworthiness Directive (AD) related to a potential encryption of such data. [279352] unsafe condition associated with unreliable airspeed indication. The AD was issued in order to mandate Paul Clark: Cockpit voice recordings are not transmitted action for Airbus A330 aircraft registered in the US, in real time because of the need to ensure data security. which had already been taken in Europe by France as There is a potential for unscrupulous surveillance and the State of Design for that aircraft. The French Directorate interventions, which are capable of compromising the General of Civil Aviation recognised a potential safety data. There is currently no internationally accepted problem and issued two ADs on the Airbus A330 in method available for the encryption of these recordings, February 2001 The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) although industry-led research is under way. made the ADs mandatory in the UK at that time. 11W Written Answers15 JUNE 2009 Written Answers 12W

Bus Services: Standards The figures are calculated from Sustainable Operations on the Government Estate (SOGE) returns. SOGE for John McDonnell: To ask the Minister of State, 2008-09 is due for completion by 31 July 2009, so Department for Transport how many bus drivers were carbon emission figures for that year will be calculated examined under the driver quality monitoring scheme by September. in 2008-09; and how many of them were found to be Departmental Taxis unacceptable with (a) serious faults and (b) dangerous faults. [279529] Mrs. Villiers: To ask the Minister of State, Department Paul Clark [holding answer 12 June 2009]: The following for Transport what expenditure his Department incurred table shows the number of driver quality monitoring on taxis in each of the last two years. [278229] (DQM) assessments conducted by the Driving Standards Agency in 2008-09. Chris Mole: The Department for Transport (central) and three of its agencies, Driving Standards Agency, 2008-09 Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency and Vehicle Number Certification Agency spent the amounts in the following Total DQM assessments 9,876 table on taxis in the last two years. Unacceptable serious faults 2,382 £ Unacceptable dangerous faults 85 2007-08 2008-09

Assessment data is reported back to the client on the DfT(c) 143,796 137,968 next day for potential remedial action. For assessments DSA 20,556 26,686 recording dangerous faults, the bus company is notified on the day of the assessment. In all cases, the client is DVLA 47,196 52,041 responsible for any further action. VCA 2,078 3,562 The Department’s other four agencies, Government Departmental Data Protection Car and Despatch Agency, Highways Agency, Maritime and Coastguard Agency and Vehicle Operator Services James Brokenshire: To ask the Minister of State, Agency do not record taxi fares separately from other Department for Transport how many officials in (a) his travel costs and could provide the information only at Department and (b) its agencies have been (i) disciplined disproportionate cost. and (ii) dismissed for (A) breaches of data protection requirements and (B) inappropriate use of personal or Driving Tests: Motorcycles sensitive data in the last 12 months. [278750] Mrs. Ellman: To ask the Minister of State, Chris Mole: There have been fewer than five occurrences Department for Transport what assessment he has of (i) disciplinary action or (ii) dismissal for (A) breaches made of the adequacy of provision of sites for Module of data protection requirements and (B) inappropriate One motorcycle tests; and if he will make a statement. use of personal or sensitive data during the last 12 months. [279300] As there have been less than five such occurrences, further information is withheld on grounds of confidentiality. Paul Clark [holding answer 12 June 2009]: The number Information is a key asset to government, and its of sites providing the Module One (Off Road) Motorcycle correct handling is vital to the delivery of public services Test is detailed in the following table: and to the integrity of Her Majesty’s Government. The Security Policy Framework and the Data Handling Site Category Number of Sites Report produced by the Cabinet Office provide a strategic Multi-Purpose Test Centres (MPTC) 44 framework for protecting information that government Vehicle and Operator Services 16 handles and put in place a set of mandatory measures Agency sites (weekend testing only) which Departments must adhere to. Casual hire sites 6 Total 66 Departmental Exhaust Emissions This means that 88 per cent. of the population are Mrs. Villiers: To ask the Minister of State, within 45 minutes travelling time or 20 miles of an Department for Transport what estimate he has made off-road facility. The Driving Standards Agency is of the volume of carbon dioxide emissions arising from continuing to search for additional sites to further official journeys made by his Department’s employees improve coverage. in the last five years. [279580] Driving: Licensing Chris Mole: The Department for Transport has collected data on carbon dioxide emissions resulting from road, Mr. Goodwill: To ask the Minister of State, Department rail and air travel since 2005. for Transport on how many occasions in each of the last three years for which information is available GPs or The volume of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions arising other medical practitioners have disclosed information from official journeys is estimated as follows: to the medical adviser of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing 2005-06: 11.6 million tonnes of CO2 Agency about licence holders of (a) passenger service 2006-07: 11.2 million tonnes of CO2 vehicles, (b) large goods vehicles and (c) cars and

2007-08: 11.1 million tonnes of CO2 other light vehicles. [279292] 13W Written Answers15 JUNE 2009 Written Answers 14W

Paul Clark [holding answer 12 June 2009]: The Driver Chris Mole: A benefit cost ratio (BCR) of monetised and Vehicle Licensing Agency seeks disclosure of medical impacts was determined for each of the two widening reports from GPs and consultants where a driver has schemes (between Junctions 16 to 23, and Junctions 27 notified a medical condition that may affect their ability to 30) included within the M25 design, build, finance to drive. The number of such reports received during and operate contract. the last year are shown as follows categorised as ordinary The following table summarises the BCR figures at (car/bike) and vocational (lorry/bus) entitlement. each ministerial approval stage. The method for calculating the BCR figures changed for scheme appraisals carried Number out since 2005-06 and the targeted programme of Ordinary 110,232 improvements figures are therefore not directly comparable Vocational 18,661 with the later approvals. Heathrow Airport Benefit cost ratio Junction Junction Justine Greening: To ask the Minister of State, 16 to 23 27 to 30 Department for Transport with reference to the Project Ministerial approval at TPI entry in 2004 5.5 2.4 Heathrow project delivery and risk reports, what level Ministerial approval to increased costs 4.2 2.4 of probability his Department assigns to (a) low, (b) for widening—27 July 2007 medium and (c) high risk classifications in respect of Ministerial approval to maximum 3.5 2.0 (i) inherent and (ii) residual risk likelihood assessments; expected cost for M25 DBFO and if he will make a statement. [278974] contract—1 April 2009

Paul Clark: The probability of the risks, both inherent Norman Baker: To ask the Minister of State, and residual, identified in the Heathrow Project risk Department for Transport what estimate was made of registers was a matter of judgment for the project the cost of the proposed M25 widening scheme when manager, subject to review by the Project Board. It does (a) the decision was made to let the contract for that not relate to a specific, quantifiable probability. scheme through a private finance initiative scheme and A risk register represents a snapshot of a project at a (b) the contract for the widening scheme was signed given point through the eyes of one of its members and off. [279348] is only one of a number of tools used to assist effective project management. Chris Mole [holding answer 12 June 2009]: The approved estimate for widening the M25 between Junctions 16 and Local Government: Parking 23, and between Junctions 27 and 30 was £0.90 billion at the time these projects entered the Targeted Programme Mrs. Spelman: To ask the Minister of State, of Improvements in 2004. Department for Transport which local authorities have The capital cost of these widening schemes was expressed an interest in levying workplace parking re-estimated and approved at £1.28 billion in July 2007. charges to date. [278365] At this stage it had been agreed that the widening of the M25 between Junctions 16-23 and Junctions 27-30 schemes Mr. Khan: The Transport Committee Report on Urban would be procured through the M25 design, build, Charging Schemes in 2003—ISBN 0215008081: finance and operate (DBFO) contract. The estimates http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200203/ did not include the cost of financing via the private cmselect/cmtran/390/39005.htm finance initiative route. listed the 35 local authorities who initially expressed an The contract was awarded to Connect Plus on 20 May interest in using powers under the Transport Act 2000 2009 with total capital costs for the two widening sections to introduce road user charging or workplace parking of £1.02 billion. This represents the fixed price from levy. Since then, only one local authority, Nottingham Connect Plus for development and construction of the city council, has approached the Department for Transport two sections being widened but excludes the cost of with proposals for a scheme. financing. A scheme was considered for the northern fringe of Bristol by the West of England local authorities as part Railways: Finance of their TIF proposals, but they decided not to pursue it. Devon county council has expressed an interest in Mr. Hepburn: To ask the Minister of State, considering a workplace parking levy in the context of Department for Transport how much capital funding its Local Transport Plan and as part of a bid to the the Government has allocated to rail travel in (a) the Department for funding to investigate the possibility of North East and (b) England in each year since 1997. introducing demand management measures. They have [279308] not yet provided developed proposals. Chris Mole: The information is not available in the M25 form requested. A breakdown of annual expenditure by mode and region is available in the Department for Norman Baker: To ask the Minister of State, Transport Annual Report. Details of total historic Department for Transport what change was made to expenditure are available in National Rail Trends which the cost-benefit ratio for the M25 design, build, finance is published by the Office of Rail Regulation. Copies of and operate widening project following each increase in these documents are available in the Libraries of the the cost of the project. [278625] House. 15W Written Answers15 JUNE 2009 Written Answers 16W

Roads: Accidents COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT Audit Commission: Bank Services Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Transport how many road traffic Robert Neill: To ask the Secretary of State for accident fatalities there have been in (a) Tameside and Communities and Local Government how much the (b) Stockport in each of the last 10 years. [279757] Audit Commission had on deposit in each Icelandic bank when each account was frozen; and how much of Paul Clark: The number of fatalities resulting from each deposit remains unrecovered. [279848] reported personal injury road accidents in (a) Tameside and (b) Stockport in each of the last 10 years is given in Sarah McCarthy-Fry: This is an operational matter the following table. for the Audit Commission and I will ask the chief executive of the Audit Commission to respond to the Number of fatalities hon. Member direct. Tameside Stockport Letter from Steve Bundred, 15 June 2009: 1998 4 14 The Audit Commission had deposits with two Icelandic banks, 1999 6 9 £5m with Heritable and £5m with Landsbanki when each account 2000 5 5 was frozen. As at 11 June 2009, no monies have been recovered 2001 5 9 from either bank. 2002 4 6 A copy of this letter will be placed in Hansard. 2003 11 11 Business Improvement Districts 2004 2 3 2005 6 9 2006 4 4 Robert Neill: To ask the Secretary of State for 2007 11 9 Communities and Local Government whether an impact assessment has been commissioned in respect of the proposed extension to property owners of the scope The 2008 road casualty statistics will be available on of business improvement districts. [280037] 25 June 2009. Sarah McCarthy-Fry: Subject to the Business Rate Supplements (BRS) Bill receiving Royal Assent, the Royal Family: Travel Government intend to conduct an impact assessment of the inclusion of property owners in Business Improvement Norman Baker: To ask the Minister of State, Districts (BIDs) in those areas where a BRS is introduced Department for Transport pursuant to the answer of or already in place. It is envisaged that the assessment 20 April 2009, Official Report, column 396W, on will be published alongside a consultation paper on the transport: Royal Family, if he will specify that (a) detailed arrangements needed for BRS-BIDs that will scheduled flights and (b) timetabled railway services be set out in secondary legislation. should be used for journeys by members of the Royal Commission on Architecture and the Built Environment Family funded from his Department’s budget. [279648] Robert Neill: To ask the Secretary of State for Paul Clark [holding answer 12 June 2009]: Decisions Communities and Local Government what funding the on air and rail travel arrangements for Members of the Housing Corporation provided to the Commission on Royal Family are taken by the Royal Travel Office and Architecture and the Built Environment in the last Royal Household on a case-by-case basis as they must 24 months before the corporation’s merger with be judged on consideration of safety and security English Partnerships; for what purposes; and at what requirements, obtaining the best value for money, time- cost. [280031] efficiency, the visit requirements, the avoidance of disruption to the public, the environment, and the appropriateness Mr. Ian Austin: I refer the hon. Member to the answer for the visit in question. given to the hon. Member for Welwyn Hatfield (Grant Shapps) on 14 May 2009, Official Report, columns 1000-01W. Speed Limits: Chideock Council Housing: Rents Mr. Swire: To ask the Minister of State, Department Mr. Swire: To ask the Secretary of State for for Transport when he expects to announce his Communities and Local Government what recent steps Department’s decision on the cases of people wrongly he has taken to assist local councils to reduce the levels notified of speeding offences as a result of the of rent charged to their tenants. [278227] malfunctioning of the speed camera on the westbound A35 at Chideock, Dorset. [278226] Mr. Ian Austin: Following the written statement made by my right hon. Friend the Member for Derby, South Chris Mole: I refer the hon. Member to the reply () on 6 March 2009, Official Report, given to the hon. Member for Plymouth, Devonport columns 71-72WS, we have consulted on and issued (Alison Seabeck) on 3 June 2009, Official Report, column an Amending Housing Revenue Account Subsidy 486W. Determination for 2009-10 on 20 May. This will provide 17W Written Answers15 JUNE 2009 Written Answers 18W additional subsidy of around £175 million to compensate Departmental Film those councils in England that reduce their rent increases in accordance the Government’s decision to offer local Robert Neill: To ask the Secretary of State for authorities a reduction in the 2009-10 national average Communities and Local Government how many videos guideline rent increase from 6.2 per cent. to 3.1 per cent. his Department has uploaded to YouTube since July Local authorities are responsible for making decisions 2007; and what policy his Department has on the use of on the rent levels they apply to their social home tenancies. (a) YouTube and (b) other online media. [279943]

Council Housing: Waiting Lists Sarah McCarthy-Fry: Communities and Local Government has published 52 videos on its YouTube Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for channel since July 2008, when the channel launched. Communities and Local Government how many The Department decides on a case by case basis whether people are on a local authority housing waiting list in YouTube or other online media channels are used for Stockport; and how many were on such a list in (a) communications purposes. 2004 and (b) 1999. [279755] Departmental Procurement Mr. Ian Austin: Information is available on numbers of households rather than people. The number of Robert Neill: To ask the Secretary of State for households registered on local authority housing waiting Communities and Local Government with reference to lists in each local authority, as at 1 April each year from the answer to the hon. Member for Brentwood and 1997 to 2008, is published on the Communities and Ongar, of 23 June 2008, Official Report, column 24W, Local Government website in Table 600. The link for on departmental procurement, if he will place in the this table is as follows: Library a copy of the list of names and addresses of each organisation that supplied goods or services to his http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/housing/xls/ table600.xls Department in 2008-09. [279798] Sarah McCarthy-Fry: The information that has been Councillors requested has been deposited in the Library of the House. Robert Neill: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government pursuant to the Departmental Training answer of 20 April 2009, Official Report, column 423-4W, on councillors, for what reasons the Audit Mr. Philip Hammond: To ask the Secretary of State Commission decided to collect data on all local for Communities and Local Government what training councillors during its next scheduled exercise; and what courses have been attended by special advisers in his assessment the Audit Commission made of the level of Department in the last 12 months; and at what cost. risk of fraud involving elected members prior to that [279404] decision. [280013] Sarah McCarthy-Fry: None. Sarah McCarthy-Fry: This is an operational matter for the Audit Commission, and I will ask the chief Energy Performance Certificates executive of the Audit Commission to write to the hon. Member direct. Robert Neill: To ask the Secretary of State for Letter from Steve Bundred, dated 15 June 2009: Communities and Local Government what guidance Your Parliamentary Question has been passed to me for reply. his Department has issued on the provision of energy Data on local councillors has been collected since 1998. During performance certificates in (a) hard and (b) electronic each cycle of the National Fraud Initiative, local authorities have copy. [277033] been required to submit payroll data that includes salaries, wages and members allowances. Mr. Ian Austin: The principal guidance on the provision Prior to 1998 and based on known frauds reported by audited of energy performance certificates published by my bodies, pilot exercises were run to determine the value of data Department is as follows: matching payroll within NFI. The pilot data was used to provide Improving the energy efficiency of our buildings: A guide to anomalies to audited bodies and as a result of their investigations energy performance certificates for the construction, sale and let they detected significant numbers of payroll and housing benefit of non-dwellings; frauds by public sector employees and elected members. Consequently payroll became a core element of the data used in NFI. The long Improving the energy efficiency of our buildings, Local weights standing principle of running pilots to assess the fraud risk in a and measures guidance for Energy Certificates and air-conditioning dataset is enshrined in the Commission’s Code of Data Matching inspections for buildings; Practice laid before Parliament in July 2008. Improving the energy efficiency of our buildings, A guide to Individual case studies and the total of frauds detected have Display Energy Certificates and advisory reports for public buildings; been reported in the NFI national reports published at the end of Improving the energy efficiency of our buildings, an overview each exercise and many have been covered by local and national of Energy Certificates and Air Conditioning inspections for media particularly where custodial sentences have resulted. Many buildings; local authorities have rightly adopted a zero tolerance approach Energy performance certificates for dwellings in the social and to fraud and it is important that this is as robust with staff and private rented sectors; elected members as it is with members of the public. Energy performance certificates for dwellings in the social and A copy of this letter will be placed in Hansard. private rented sectors, A guide for landlords. 19W Written Answers15 JUNE 2009 Written Answers 20W

All of these publications are only available online. Housing There is a considerable list of supporting guidance and other documentation that have been published by my Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Department in support of energy performance certificates Communities and Local Government how many local and related documents. A copy of this list has been authorities operate choice-based housing allocation placed in the Library of the House. schemes. [278674]

Homebuy Scheme Mr. Ian Austin: As at April 2009 the Choice Based Lettings housing allocations schemes were being operated Grant Shapps: To ask the Secretary of State for in 211 local authorities in England. Communities and Local Government whether Homebuy Housing Revenue Accounts agents are permitted to bring forward expected funding from one financial year into another under the terms of Grant Shapps: To ask the Secretary of State for their contracts with his Department. [276739] Communities and Local Government how much each local authority allocated for its Housing Revenue Account Mr. Ian Austin: Homebuy Agents cannot bring forward for (a) maintenance, (b) management, (c) Decent funding from one financial year to another under the Homes, (d) major repairs, (e) arms’ length management terms of their contract with the Homes and Communities organisations, (f) private sector renewal and (g) subsidy Agency. payments in each of the last five years. [278607]

Grant Shapps: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr. Ian Austin: Communities and Local Government Communities and Local Government how many does not hold information about allocations made by registered Homebuy agents there are in each region. local authorities for the categories requested. [276746] Housing: Carbon Emissions Mr. Ian Austin: The Homebuy Agents operating in each region are as follows: Robert Neill: To ask the Secretary of State for North East—Time2Buy, Isos Group Communities and Local Government what discussions North West—HomesHub, Riverside, Plumlife he has had with the Secretary of State for Energy and Yorkshire and Humberside—My4walls, Plumlife Climate Change on the definition of zero carbon for West Midlands—Orbit homes and non-domestic properties; and if he will make a statement. [277014] East Midlands—East Midlands Housing East—Orbit, Moat, Lea Valley Homes Mr. Ian Austin: The Department is working closely South East—Moat, Catalyst, Swaythling Housing with the Department of Energy and Climate Change South West—Home2own (DECC) on the development of our policies on zero London—Metropolitan Housing Group/Housing Options, Tower carbon homes and non-domestic buildings. DECC is Homes. represented at ministerial level on the 2016 task force, which is jointly chaired by the Minister for Housing and Homes and Communities Agency: Olympic Games 2012 Planning and the Executive Chairman of the Home Builders Federation and which brings together key stakeholders at senior level to oversee development and Robert Neill: To ask the Secretary of State for implementation of the zero carbon homes policy. Communities and Local Government what funds the Homes and Communities Agency has allocated to the Housing: Low Incomes development of the Olympic village for the London 2012 Olympic Games; and whether the sums allocated Grant Shapps: To ask the Secretary of State for have been amended since the agency first agreed to Communities and Local Government how many Homebuy provide funding for the village. [276914] homes designated in each Homebuy scheme were available in (a) Welwyn Hatfield and (b) Hertfordshire in each Mr. Ian Austin: In April 2008 an allocation for the of the last 12 months. [276376] Olympic Village site of £85.9 million funding was agreed by the Department. Mr. Ian Austin: We do not hold centrally the number In February 2009 the London Board of the Homes of homes available for Open Market Homebuy in Welwyn and Communities Agency agreed additional funding Hatfield and Hertfordshire in each of the last 12 months. for affordable housing up to a total cap of £110 million This scheme enables purchasers to buy any property on and provided that the total amount of affordable housing the open market with the help of an equity loan. was no more than 50 per cent. of the residential on the Ownhome and My Choice Homebuy are subsets of Olympic Village. Open Market Homebuy. Following the finalisation of the negotiation of the Again for Homebuy Direct we do not centrally collect additional affordable housing units and a change in the the number of homes available to purchase at local mix of units agreed in the original proposal through the authority level. planning obligation, a total of £110 million in social The number of completed homes each month for housing grant was agreed. (£85.8 million for the units New Build Homebuy for Welwyn Hatfield and originally proposed plus £24.2 million for the additional Hertfordshire has been provided in the following table. units). The total for Hertfordshire includes those homes completed 21W Written Answers15 JUNE 2009 Written Answers 22W within Welwyn Hatfield. In each month there are likely 8usb May 2009, Official Report, columns 448-9W, on to be more homes available than just those newly completed, housing: low incomes, how many households have as some homes can take a few months to sell and others moved into dwellings under the New Build Homebuy come back on the market as occupants change. Scheme to date. [276924]

Welwyn Hatfield Hertfordshire total Mr. Ian Austin: The following table shows the number 2008 of initial sales recorded through the New Build Homebuy scheme since 1997-98, the earliest date for which New April 0 0 Build Homebuy is separately identified. May 0 1 June 6 6 New Build Homebuy initial sales July 0 12 August 0 0 1997-98 4,020 September 0 21 1998-99 4,270 October 0 7 1999-2000 3,740 November 0 2 2000-01 3,190 December 28 39 2001-02 3,370 2002-03 3,780 2009 2003-04 4,200 2004-05 5,820 January 0 0 2005-06 7,540 February 0 9 2006-07 10,340 March 5 31 2007-08 11,490 Total 39 128 Source: Source: Continuous Recording (CORE) returns to the Tenant Services Authority Homes and Communities Agency. (TSA) from registered social landlords For Rent to Homebuy the following table shows the It has been assumed that households responsible for number of completions in each month for Welwyn initial sales of New Build Homebuy will take up residence. Hatfield and Hertfordshire. The total for Hertfordshire includes those homes completed within Welwyn Hatfield. The figures cover the number of initial sales recorded In each month there are likely to be more homes available on CORE, which is assumed to be the same number as than just those newly completed, as some homes can the number of households moving into dwellings. take a short time to rent. CORE sales figures are only provided by RSLs with at least 250 units or bedspaces. RSLs with less units can Welwyn Hatfield Hertfordshire total complete the form, but it is not compulsory, so these figures may be under recording the number of New 2008 Build Homebuy sales. April 0 0 May 0 0 Grant Shapps: To ask the Secretary of State for June 0 0 Communities and Local Government pursuant to the July 0 0 answer of 8 June 2009, Official Report, column 749W, August 0 0 on Homebuy schemes, what the cost of services related September 0 0 to the design of Homebuy brand logos was in each of October 0 0 the last three years. [279783] November 0 0 December 0 0 John Healey: The cost of services related to the design of the Homebuy brand logo in the last financial 2009 year was £21,090 excluding VAT.The Department incurred January 0 0 no such costs in the previous years requested. February 0 0 March 0 28 Local Government Finance Total 0 28 Source: Homes and Communities Agency. Robert Neill: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government pursuant to the We do not hold centrally data on the number of answer to the hon. Member for Meriden of 27 April properties on which Social Homebuy is offered by landlords 2009, Official Report, column 1119W,on local government participating in the scheme. finance, for what reasons some local authorities received Throughout this answer Hertfordshire has been no funding in the most recent round of the local authority interpreted as covering the following local authorities: business growth incentive scheme. [279890] Broxbourne, Dacorum, East Hertfordshire, Hertsmere, North Hertfordshire, St. Albans, Stevenage, Three Rivers, Sarah McCarthy-Fry: Local authorities qualified for Watford and Welwyn Hatfield. funding under the local authorities business growth incentives (LABGI) scheme when their business growth Robert Neill: To ask the Secretary of State for exceeded historic growth levels. When business growth Communities and Local Government pursuant to the did not exceed these levels, local authorities received no answer to the hon. Member for Welwyn, Hatfield of funding. 23W Written Answers15 JUNE 2009 Written Answers 24W

Non-Domestic Rates (2) how many parks are receiving funding from his Department in (a) Mid Bedfordshire and (b) the East Justine Greening: To ask the Secretary of State for of England in 2009-10. [278592] Communities and Local Government how many (a) large and (b) small properties were assessed as having Sarah McCarthy-Fry: Public parks and green spaces capped rises in business rates bills under a fifth year of are primarily funded through revenue support grant transitional relief in 2009-10 as part of the analysis provided by Communities and Local Government. Central undertaken for Department’s August 2004 National Government does not prescribe how much should be Non-Domestic Rates Transitional Arrangements spent by each local authority on their open spaces; this Consultation; and what estimate was made under that is a matter for them to determine in line with local analysis of the external revenue implications of a fifth priorities. year of transition. [279782] Information is not collected by central Government on the number of parks in a local authority area or Sarah McCarthy-Fry: The consultation ‘NNDR region. transitional arrangements’ did not include options for a five-year scheme and therefore no such assessment was Regeneration: Coastal Areas made. Parks: Finance Mark Simmonds: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for Vale of Clwyd of 9 Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for December 2008, Official Report, columns 56-7W, on Communities and Local Government how much the coastal town network, on what dates the coastal funding his Department has allocated for parks in (a) towns network has met since October 2008. [279915] Essex and (b) Castle Point in each year since 1997. [279286] Ms Rosie Winterton: The Coastal Towns Network, which is led by the South East England Development Sarah McCarthy-Fry: Public parks and green spaces Agency, has met twice since October 2008, on 22 January are primarily funded through revenue support grant 2009 and 2 April 2009, with the next meeting planned provided to local authorities by Communities and Local for 28 July 2009. Government. Central Government does not prescribe how much should be spent by each local authority on their open spaces; this is a matter for them to determine Sheltered Housing in line with local priorities. Information is not collected by central Government Mr. Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for on the number of parks in a local authority area or Communities and Local Government what research he region. has (a) commissioned and (b) evaluated on the operation of (i) full-time and (ii) floating support Parks: Merseyside managers in sheltered housing schemes. [279606]

Mrs. Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State Mr. Ian Austin: The Department has not commissioned for Communities and Local Government (1) how much any research specific to the operation of full-time and funding his Department allocated for parks in (a) floating support managers in sheltered housing schemes. Crosby and (b) Merseyside in each year since 1997; However, in September 2006 Civis consultants were [278896] commissioned to undertake a literature and current (2) how many parks in (a) Crosby and (b) practice review of floating support to better understand Merseyside are receiving funding from his Department the effectiveness of floating support services, and the in 2009-10. [278897] balance needed between floating support and accommodation-based services in order to improve service Sarah McCarthy-Fry: Public parks and green spaces delivery and choice and control for service users. are primarily funded through revenue support grant provided to local authorities by Communities and Local Town and Planning Association: Eco-Towns Government. Central Government does not prescribe how much should be spent by each local authority on Robert Neill: To ask the Secretary of State for their open spaces; this is a matter for them to determine Communities and Local Government what payments in line with local priorities. his Department has made to the Town and Planning Information is not collected by central Government Association for work on eco-towns. [276919] on the number of parks in a local authority area or region. Mr. Ian Austin: The details of payments and committed funding to the Town and Country Planning Association Recreation Spaces: East of England (TCPA) in relation to their work on eco-towns was set out in my answer to the hon. Member for Welwyn Nadine Dorries: To ask the Secretary of State for Hatfield (Grant Shapps) on 23 February 2009, Official Communities and Local Government (1) how much Report, column 108W.I can now confirm that payments funding his Department allocated for parks in (a) Mid to the TCPA in 2008-09 totalled £203,500. Funding to Bedfordshire and (b) the East of England in each year support the TCPA’s work on eco-towns for 2009-10 is since 1997; [278590] currently being agreed. 25W Written Answers15 JUNE 2009 Written Answers 26W

Trees implement more effective and economic operational structures to support the Olympic Board, and ensure that the necessary assurance process are in place; Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities develop the essential cross-cutting work-streams to ensure that and Local Government how much funding his Department all elements of the programme are properly integrated so has allocated for the preservation of trees in (a) Essex avoiding duplication of effort, late and costly changes to the and (b) Castle Point in each year since 1997. [279285] design and construction of facilities and services; and undertake essential tracking research on public attitudes to the Mr. Ian Austin: Local planning authorities are responsible Olympics which has informed the legacy ambitions; added to for making and administering tree preservation orders. our understanding of people’s priorities around London 2012 Funding for this function is contained in the revenue and shown us how people are becoming involved in the numerous support grant and is not ring-fenced. The information opportunities for London and the UK. requested is not held centrally and could be provided Government Olympic Executive: Employment Tribunals only at disproportionate cost. Service World Heritage Sites: Planning Permission Grant Shapps: To ask the Minister for the Olympics how many actions under employment law have been Richard Younger-Ross: To ask the Secretary of State brought against the Government Olympic Executive in for Communities and Local Government when he each of the last three years; how many such actions plans to publish the results of the consultation on the were brought under each category of action; and how Planning Circular on the Protection of World Heritage many such actions were contested by the Government Sites. [279115] Olympic Executive at an employment tribunal. [277422]

Mr. Ian Austin: We are aiming to publish both the Tessa Jowell: No actions under employment law have summary of consultation responses, and the new Planning been brought against the Government Olympic Executive Circular, in July 2009. in the last three years. Olympic Games 2012: Construction OLYMPICS Mr. Laxton: To ask the Minister for the Olympics Government Olympic Executive: Consultants whether the Olympic Delivery Authority requires contractors to use water-borne means of transport to Hugh Robertson: To ask the Minister for the Olympics transport material to and from the Olympic site; and if how much the Government Olympic Executive spent on she will make a statement. [277987] consultants in each year since 2005. [277101] Tessa Jowell: While there is no specific requirement in Tessa Jowell [holding answer 1 June 2009]: The place, the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) is Government Olympic Executive’s (GOE) expenditure encouraging all contractors to use the waterways to on consultancy costs for the financial years since 2005-06 is: transport materials. The ODA’s work to open up navigable waterways will actively encourage contractors to employ £000 sustainable transport methods at every opportunity. 2005-06 666 Contractors are embracing this challenge; for example, 2006-07 721 Team Stadium (the consortium constructing the Olympic 2007-08 432 Stadium) are building offloading facilities near the stadium 2008-091 331 to enable movement of materials by water. Two of the 1 Provisional outturn. ODA’s other tier one contractors, Veolia and Aggregate Industries, have also committed to using the waterways These figures include expenditure by the GOE’s to transport materials in and waste out. Veolia, the site predecessor, the Olympic Games Unit. All figures include waste management contractor, is expected to have the VAT (where appropriate). first barge carrying waste out of the park at the end of GOE is the only organisation overseeing the entire June 2009, following the opening of Three Mills Lock Olympic project, integrating the work of multiple delivery (formerly known as Prescott Lock) this month. bodies, and ensuring the Games is delivered within the £9.3 billion public sector funding provision. GOE’s Mr. Laxton: To ask the Minister for the Olympics purchase of consultancy services is a planned response what contracts have been signed with the Olympic to the need to deliver the Government’s commitments Delivery Authority to enable water-borne freight to be and guarantees. The consultants have provided valuable transported to and from the Olympic site. [277988] short-term support, skills and expertise which has enabled GOE to, among other things: Tessa Jowell: Water-borne freight can access the Olympic identify how the Games will act as a catalyst for the regeneration Park via several of the waterways which run next to and of the East End with investment in Stratford and the Lower through the Olympic Park. Lea Valley, building on the investment in neighbourhood renewal already being delivered by the Government, Mayor of The Lea Navigation canal, which runs along the London and the host boroughs themselves; western perimeter of the site, already enables 100 tonne develop and publish a clear Legacy Action Plan; barges to access the park. Access to Waterworks River develop and implement the most effective governance structures (which runs through the centre of the Park) has been and organisations, such as the Olympic Park Legacy Company, facilitated by investment in a new lock at Three Mills to ensure that physical and sporting legacy is delivered; (formerly known as Prescott Lock). This lock will enable 27W Written Answers15 JUNE 2009 Written Answers 28W the passage of 350 tonne barges to the Olympic Park costs have not yet been identified separately for individual wharf—located opposite the aquatics centre. Dredging venues, but they will form part of the overall security has been undertaken along Waterworks River to ensure and transport budgets. barges can reach the new wharf. The construction of Three Mills lock was managed Olympic Games 2012: Finance by British Waterways with funding contributions from the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA), Transport for Hugh Robertson: To ask the Minister for the Olympics London, Department for Transport, London Development for what reasons the cost of the other Olympic Park Agency and the London Thames Gateway Development venues has fallen from £446 million to £337 million in Corporation. Dredging was undertaken by British her May 2009 London 2012 Quarterly Economic Report Waterways. The new wharf along Waterworks River compared with the previous report. [279838] has been constructed by the ODA’s tier one contractor, Volker Highways. Tessa Jowell: The main reason for the reduction of £109 million is that £94 million, relating to the Velopark Miss McIntosh: To ask the Minister for the Olympics project budget, has been moved from the ‘other Olympic what criteria will apply to the award of contracts for Park Venues’ grouping and reported as a separate item. landscaping of the London 2012 Olympic main site; Showing project budgets separately, once they are not and if she will make a statement. [279309] commercially sensitive, is part of our commitment to transparent reporting of costs relating to the Olympic Tessa Jowell: Contracts for landscaping of the London Programme. 2012 Olympic Park are the responsibility of the Olympic The remainder of this reduction is the result of Delivery Authority (ODA) and are awarded following a savings achieved on the programme through a combination competitive tendering process. The authority is a public of procurement, VAT and inflation savings. body whose procurements are subject to the public contracts regulations. Hugh Robertson: To ask the Minister for the Olympics The ODA, in support of its overarching commitment for what reasons Stratford City Land and Infrastructure to value and quality, sets a number of requirements, and Stratford City Receipt are show as separate entries including demonstration of quality and functionality, in her May 2009 London 2012 Quarterly Economic equality and diversity, design and accessibility, and Report. [279839] sustainability, as part of the evaluation criteria used to award contracts. In addition to this core criteria, bespoke Tessa Jowell: Prior to the publication of the London commercial and technical conditions are set as appropriate 2012 Quarterly Economic Report, the budgets for the for each of the individual contracts within the Landscape Olympic Village and IBC/MPC had been reported as a and Public Realm project. single aggregate figure. However, with the reduction in commercial sensitivities following the award of contract Further detail on ODA procurement policy and principles for the IBC/MPC, coupled with the resolution of funding can be found in the ODA Procurement Policy (published issues for the Olympic Village, this figure has now been March 2007) and the ODA Supplier Guide (published broken down to reflect the budget for each individual June 2008). project. Over the next three years, there will be a number of Where possible—as with the separate entries for Stratford opportunities available to landscaping contractors to City Land and Infrastructure and Stratford City Receipts— supply the thousands of young woodland trees, shrubs budget breakdowns will be provided, wherever commercial and other plants needed to complement those trees and sensitivities allow, as part of our commitment to open plants already secured for a spectacular and sustainable and transparent reporting. Olympic Park in both games-time and legacy.

Olympic Games 2012: Facilities CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT Bob Spink: To ask the Minister for the Olympics what her most recent estimate is of the cost of hosting the Culture and Sport Evidence Programme London 2012 Olympics (a) cross country, (b) equestrian and (c) modern pentathlon events at Greenwich Park. Mr. Hunt: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, [278654] Media and Sport how much of the budget for the Culture and Sport Evidence Programme has been Tessa Jowell: The London Organising Committee of spent. [279846] the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) has responsibility for staging the Olympic and Paralympic Mr. Sutcliffe: Up to the end of May 2009, £351,000 games at existing venues. The direct costs associated of the budget for the Culture and Sport Evidence with staging the events at existing venues come from Programme had been spent. This represents 20 per cent. LOCOG’s revenues which are primarily derived from of the total budget for this three-year programme. commercial sponsorship, broadcast rights, ticket sales and merchandising/licensing—not from the public purse. Mr. Hunt: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, There will be attributable costs to the public purse, Media and Sport what assessment he has made of for example, in respect of the security and transport progress on the Culture and Sport Evidence Programme; functions associated with the venue. However, these and if he will make a statement. [279847] 29W Written Answers15 JUNE 2009 Written Answers 30W

Mr. Sutcliffe: The Culture and Sport Evidence which has many links to British Waterways’ leisure site: Programme (CASE) is progressing well. We have undertaken www.waterscape.com (i) a fundamental review of published research and data and narrow boating is part of a new VisitEngland on engagement in culture and sport, (ii) an assessment advertising campaign called, “enjoy every minute; enjoy of research needs at a regional and local level and England”, this includes a television advertisement which completed (iii) a review of asset data across the CASE- started airing on 18 May 2009 on ITV1. member bodies and (iv) developed shortened ‘Taking Part’-style questions for the ‘Understanding Society’ longitudinal study all within the first six months of CASE activity. HOME DEPARTMENT Departmental Reviews Asylum: Democratic Republic of Congo

Mr. Vara: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Mr. Goodwill: To ask the Secretary of State for the Media and Sport how many (a) review and (b) Home Department what measures are in place to taskforce projects his Department has commissioned in monitor the safety of asylum seekers returned to the each of the last five years; what the purpose of each Democratic Republic of Congo. [278005] such project is; when each such project (i) began and (ii) was completed; what the cost of each such project Mr. Woolas [holding answer 4 June 2009]: The UK was; and if he will make a statement. [275983] Border Agency only enforces the return of individuals to the Democratic Republic of Congo whom we, and Mr. Sutcliffe: Summary information on taskforces the courts, are satisfied are not in need of protection and other standing bodies is available in the annual and who do not elect to leave voluntarily. Cabinet Office publication Public Bodies. Copies of The Court of Appeal’s decision in December 2008 Public Bodies 2008 are available in the Libraries of the upheld the Asylum and Immigration Tribunal’s finding House. Detailed information on ad hoc advisory bodies that failed asylum seekers are not at risk on return to is available in the Department’s own ‘Public Bodies the Democratic Republic of Congo simply because they 2008’ Report, which is available on our website: have claimed asylum. www.culture.gov.uk The returns policy is kept under review for countries Information about reviews commissioned over the last where we make returns. The UK Border Agency does five years and their costs is not held centrally and could not routinely monitor the treatment of individual be obtained only at disproportionate cost. unsuccessful asylum seekers once they are removed from the UK. However, we investigate, in partnership Gaming Machines: Taxation with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, if specific allegations are made that any returnee, to any country, Mr. Moss: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, has experienced ill-treatment on return from the UK. Media and Sport what assessment his Department has made of the effect that the introduction of a gross Climate Change profit tax to replace the amusement machine licence duty system would have on implementation of new Miss McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for the stakes and prize levels for Category C and D machines. Home Department what steps his Department has [279744] taken to adapt its activities to climate change in the last two years. [277639] Mr. Sutcliffe: New stake and prize levels for category C and D gaming machines were implemented on 10 Mr. Woolas: All Departments are actively involved in June 2009. The Government are yet to consult on any the cross-Government Adapting to Climate Change proposals regarding the future of gaming machine taxation Programme, which aims to help society adapt to climate and will take into account all the views expressed by the change. The role of the programme is to develop and industry during the consultation before deciding how to provide a comprehensive evidence base including adaptation proceed. tools, to raise awareness of the need to adapt, to measure success and to work across Government at all levels to Tourism: Inland Waterways embed adaptation. Further details about the Programme’s work can be found at: Charlotte Atkins: To ask the Secretary of State for www.defra.gov/adaptation Culture, Media and Sport if he will encourage English As well as working together to tackle issues that tourism leaders to promote holidaying on waterways; affect all departments and their work, each Government and if he will make a statement. [276525] Department is adapting to climate change in its own operations and policies. Barbara Follett: VisitEngland is England’s new tourism Home Office has carried out a preliminary assessment body, which works with key stakeholders at national, of the business areas that may be affected by climate regional and local levels to create and lead on the change. Initial findings are that migration, and crime delivery of a national tourism strategy, optimising marketing and policing are the more likely areas of Home Office investment and developing the visitor experience across business to be affected. Home Office estates may also be England. affected. Our next step is to carry out more detailed VisitEngland is promoting waterways on their website: assessments in each area, based on different climate www.enjoyengland.com change scenarios. 31W Written Answers15 JUNE 2009 Written Answers 32W

Miss McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for the The Home Office is directly represented on the CIO/CTO Home Department what estimate he has made of his Council Green ICT Delivery Unit and is responsible for Department’s potential gross (a) costs and (b) savings providing support to the development of the pan- arising from its climate change adaptation measures in government Greening Government ICT Strategy and the next three years. [277721] leadership. A full report of the CIO Council Green ICT Roadmaps Mr. Woolas: It is not currently possible to provide will be made available and will feature the action plans estimates of the potential costs and savings over the of all Departments involved in the Council against the next three years. It has, however, been shown in the 18 steps. This will be included in a ″one year on″ Green Stern Review on the Economics of Climate Change that ICT CIO report which will be issued by the Cabinet timely and well-targeted climate adaptation measures Office in July. The CIO/CTO Council Green ICT Delivery will yield benefits in excess of their costs. The main Unit will refresh its annual CIO key objectives against rationale for investment to address climate risk will be the latest developments in technology and advances in to reduce the UK’s vulnerability to longer-term climate carbon measurement which will be circulated for comment change impacts. to all CIOs and relevant Departments this summer. The Government are undertaking a Climate Change As already reported to the Cabinet Office in the CIO Risk Assessment and Economic Analysis, which will Green ICT roadmap Home Office businesses are currently provide estimates of the costs and benefits of adaptation analysing, planning and implementing (where appropriate) to the UK. This analysis will be presented to Parliament the actions laid out in the Greening Government ICT within three years of the Climate Change Act coming in Strategy. Our main ICT suppliers are being asked to to force. provide low power consumption devices wherever applicable. We have initiated projects to configure our workstations Departmental Buildings to automatically power down after hours, to virtualise a significant proportion of our server estate and to implement Mrs. Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for the thin client technology. We have reduced the amount of Home Department on what date the property searches ICT devices and we are extending ″smart working″ in the home information pack procured in respect of which will also contribute to reduce the amount of ICT the sale of 62 South Eaton Place were undertaken; and equipment on Home Office estate. for how long that property has been on the market. [278360] Departmental Manpower Mr. Woolas: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 23 February 2008, Official Report, column 160W. Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for the The local authority searches were dated 18 April 2008 Home Department what (a) vetting and (b) security and the water/drainage search was dated 16 April 2008. checks are undertaken in respect of staff working at the Abu Dhabi hub (i) prior to and (ii) during employment Departmental Drinking Water at the hub. [272748]

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Alan Johnson: All entry clearance managers, entry the Home Department how much her Department has clearance officers and other UK based staff are subjected spent on water coolers in each year of the last five to vetting before undertaking employment at the Abu years. [278230] Dhabi hub, this includes security checks. Mr. Woolas: The requested information cannot be Some locally employed staff of certain nationalities obtained, without incurring disproportionate cost. (British, EU and Australian) are vetted if they are working in sensitive (non decision making) areas of our Departmental ICT business (e.g. visa embossing). All locally employed staff are subject to local police and reference checks. Integrity and business assurance checks (including audits John Thurso: To ask the Secretary of State for the of IT access and usage) are carried out by the Integrity Home Department what steps he has taken to reduce Manager based in Abu Dhabi. the level of carbon dioxide emissions arising from the operation of ICT systems in his Department under the Greening Government ICT Strategy. [273555] Deportation: Children

Mr. Woolas: The Home Office operates a large scale, Mr. Andrew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for multi vendor, supply chain delivering a wide range of the Home Department what estimate he has made of ICT categories. the cost to the public purse of accommodating British The Home Office CIO, in line with all other Chief citizen children accompanying a foreign parent subject Information Officers (CIOs) on the CIO Council, has to a removal enforcement process in immigration produced a “CIO Green ICT Roadmap” which we will removal centres in each of the last three years. [278388] be following to deliver against the 18 target improvement areas outlined in the Greening Government ICT Strategy Mr. Woolas: The information is not held centrally including those aimed at reducing carbon emissions. and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. The CIOs and Chief Technology Officers (CTO) Council of the Cabinet Office have completed the CIO Mr. Andrew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Green ICT Roadmap baselines for all of its CIOs the Home Department pursuant to the answer of 6 May including local government representatives and agencies. 2009, Official Report, column 275W, on deportation: 33W Written Answers15 JUNE 2009 Written Answers 34W children, whether a race impact study has been undertaken UK. We are committed to processing all visa applications of the expulsion from the UK of British citizen children in line with our Customers Service Standards, published accompanying a foreign parent subject to a removal on our website at: enforcement process. [278387] www.ukvisas.gov.uk and which provide a prompt service. Mr. Woolas: The UK Border Agency does not expel, remove or deport people who hold British citizenship, Firearms including the British citizen children of foreign nationals subject to the removal process; consequently no race Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for the impact study has been conducted. Home Department how many illegal firearms were Arrangements can be made for a child with British seized as a result of operations by the Serious and citizenship to accompany a foreign national parent who Organised Crime Agency in 2008-09. [278432] is to be removed. However, this is strictly voluntary and dependent on the consent of all parties. Alan Johnson: In 2008-09, 72 illicit firearms were UK-born children who are not British citizens can be seized in the UK and 110 seized overseas as a result of detained and removed under Immigration Act powers. operations by the Serious Organised Crime Agency. Drugs: Crime Identity and Passport Service: Disciplinary Proceedings

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for the Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what his most recent estimate is of Home Department how many staff of the Identity and the average street price of (a) cocaine and (b) heroin Passport Service were (a) investigated, (b) disciplined per gramme. [278428] and (c) dismissed for (i) making procedural errors and (ii) attempted fraud in the issuing of passports in each Alan Johnson: At 31 May 2009, the street prices were of the last five years. [276831] as follows: (a) Cocaine: range of £20 to £80 per gram, most common price Alan Johnson: The information requested is given in £40 the tables. (b) Heroin: range £25 to £100 per gram, most common prices £40 These figures do not constitute part of National and £50. Statistics as they are based on internal management information. The information has not been quality Entry Clearances assured under National Statistics protocols, should be treated as provisional and is subject to change. Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for the Part I Home Department when he expects UK Border Agency Sponsor Licence application reference SPL336000079X Procedural errors to be determined. [278416] of passports Investigated Disciplined1 Dismissed Mr. Woolas: The UK Border Agency wrote to the 2008-09 11 8 1 hon. Member on 8 June 2009 providing an update. 2007-08 4 5 1 2006-07 2 2 0 Entry Clearances: Overseas Students 2005-06 1 1 1 2004-05 0 1 0 Mr. Oaten: To ask the Secretary of State for the 1 Indicates an action other than a dismissal. Home Department pursuant to the answer of 19 May IPS interprets ’procedural errors’ as any situation 2009, Official Report, column 1293W,on entry clearances: where the designated policies and procedures involved overseas students, whether the stipulated accreditation in the issuing, examining, interviewing etc of passports entities define the (a) method and (b) frequency with are not followed, regardless of the intent, i.e. honest which assessments are undertaken. [277885] mistake (human error) or with a criminal intent. Mr. Woolas [holding answer 3 June 2009]: The definition Even if a an officer makes an honest mistake a of the method and frequency of educational institutions’ sanction will be applied i.e. further training, work under assessment of students is not the responsibility of the supervision etc. Consistent thwarting of policies and UK Border Agency’s approved accreditation bodies. procedures would involve dismissal as the ultimate sanction. The awarding bodies responsible for each recognised Part II qualification set out the standards required to achieve The following figures relate to investigations undertaken the qualification, as well as the assessment methods that by the IPS Internal Investigations Team, into allegations are appropriate for each particular qualification. or suspicions of fraud in the issuing of passports, in the last five financial years: Mr. Gibb: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he is taking to expedite the Investigated Disciplined Dismissed issuing of visas for schoolchildren from overseas who wish to attend independent schools in the UK from 2004-05 23 7 4 September 2009. [278677] 2005-06 17 6 4 2006-07 14 5 0 Mr. Woolas: There are no special arrangements to 2007-08 14 3 1 expedite the issuing of visas for schoolchildren from 2008-09 16 1 1 overseas who wish to attend independent schools in the 1 A further 12 investigations are ongoing. 35W Written Answers15 JUNE 2009 Written Answers 36W

Immigration Controls: Fees and Charges Mr. Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimate he has made of the number of (a) former Gurkha soldiers and (b) dependants of Mr. Oaten: To ask the Secretary of State for the such soldiers eligible for residency in the UK following Home Department pursuant to the answer of 19 May the recent change in policy, broken down by period of 2009, Official Report, column 1295W, on immigration service during (a) 1947 to 1952, (b) 1953 to 1958, (c) controls, whether the charge for each certificate of 1959 to 1964, (d) 1965 to 1969, (e) 1970 to 1974, (f) 1975 sponsorship will be made in advance of a submission to 1979, (g) 1980 to 1984, (h) 1985 to 1989, (i) 1990 to of a certificate. [277883] 1994, (j) 1995 to 1999 and (k) 2000 to 2004. [278660]

Mr. Woolas [holding answer 3 June 2009]: The payment Mr. Woolas: The estimate of the number of former for each certificate of sponsorship is taken before it can Gurkha soldiers and the dependants of such soldiers be released to a migrant to enable them to apply for a eligible for residency in the UK following the recent visa or further leave. change in policy was not broken down by the period of service of the former Gurkha soldiers. Immigration: Gurkhas The estimates were based on the known age profile of former Gurkha soldiers and the estimated age profile of Damian Green: To ask the Secretary of State for the their spouses and dependants. Home Department what recent discussions he has had Immigration: Health Professions with Ministerial colleagues on Government policy in respect of Gurkha settlement rights. [274005] Mr. Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Mr. Woolas: We were determined to get the guidance Department how many foreign-born (a) doctors and right to ensure that it is fair to all Gurkhas. Officials in (b) nurses have achieved residency requirements in the the UK Border Agency consulted across Government. UK in each of the last three years by country of origin. [276890] The consultation process and the issues involved were complex. There was a need to consider issues such as Mr. Woolas: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer how many former Gurkhas would want to settle, the given on 2 June 2009, Official Report, columns 362-63W. impact on communities and affordability. Internet: Privacy Damian Green: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimate he has made of the Peter Luff: To ask the Secretary of State for the number of retired Gurkhas expected to settle in the Home Department if he will make an assessment of the UK following the High Court decision of 30 likely effects on the privacy of individuals of (a) Google’s September 2008. [274006] use of personal information in its online advertising and search functions and (b) the model for targeted Mr. Woolas: As a result of the High Court decision of online advertising used by Phorm and other companies. 30 September 2008 the UK Border Agency issued revised [276980] guidance on 24 April 2009 for considering settlement applications from former Gurkhas. We estimated that Mr. McFadden: I have been asked to reply. approximately 10,000 former Gurkhas and their families All providers of behavioural advertising have to comply would benefit from the new guidance and would be with UK laws. entitled to settle in the United Kingdom should they The Internet Advertising Bureau (the IAB), the UK choose to do so. These estimates were based on an trade association, has developed with Members a set of analysis of records held by the Ministry of Defence. principles on the use of data to provide online behavioural On 21 May 2009 the Home Secretary announced that advertising (OBA) to safeguard individual privacy. They any former Gurkha with more than four years service are public commitments of good practice made by the who had been discharged from the Brigade of Gurkhas signatory Members to users. before 1 July 1997 would be eligible for settlement in the They are based on three core Principles—notice about UK. We estimate that 36,000 former Gurkhas are now data collection, user choice as to whether to participate eligible to apply to come to the United Kingdom although and education about behavioural advertising and its we believe that not all of those would want to settle benefits—with the goal of building trust and understanding here. in OBA and enhancing users’ ability to control the use of information for these purposes. Damian Green: To ask the Secretary of State for the The Principles address a broader scope than required Home Department (1) how many legacy cases under existing law, by covering the use of all information involving Gurkhas the UK Border Agency has; used for OBA—both anonymous information and personal [275905] data (in the United Kingdom, the latter is primarily (2) how many Gurkha legacy cases had been addressed by the Data Protection Act 1998, as amended, concluded by 31 May 2009. [278549] and the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations 2003). They also consider where special Mr. Woolas: Legacy cases are recorded by nationality. care is needed for certain categories of data, such as It is not possible to disaggregate the number of Nepalese personally identifiable information or sensitive data. cases that may involve Gurkhas without the examination Signatories of the Good Practice Principles include of individual cases at disproportionate cost. Google and Phorm. 37W Written Answers15 JUNE 2009 Written Answers 38W

Members: Correspondence (2) when he plans to provide a substitution answer to question 265788, on European arrest warrants, tabled Sir Gerald Kaufman: To ask the Secretary of State for on 18 March 2009 for answer on 24 March. [268903] the Home Department when he plans to reply to the letter of 11 November 2008 from the right hon. Alan Johnson [holding answer 21 April 2009]: I replied Member for Manchester, Gorton with regard to Ms to the hon. Member on 9 June 2009, Official Report, column 814W. Safia Sher Wali Mamakhel. [250863] Chris Huhne: To ask the Secretary of State for the Alan Johnson: My right hon. Friend the former Home Home Department (1) when he plans to provide a Secretary (), wrote to the right hon. Member substitution answer to question 265789, on European on 19 January 2009. arrest warrants, tabled on 18 March 2009 for answer on 24 March; [268904] Sir Gerald Kaufman: To ask the Secretary of State for (2) when he plans to provide a substitution answer to the Home Department when he plans to reply to the question 265787, on European arrest warrants and letter of 12 February 2009 from the right hon. Member convictions, tabled on 18 March 2009 for answer on 24 for Manchester, Gorton, with regard to Mr. A Ur March. [268906] Rehman. [266363] Alan Johnson [holding answer 21 April 2009]: I replied Alan Johnson: My right hon. Friend the former Home to the hon. Member on 9 June 2009, Official Report, Secretary (Jacqui Smith) wrote to the right hon. Member column 815W. on 6 April 2009. Mr. Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for the Mr. Baron: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he plans to answer Question Home Department when he plans to reply to the letter 270715 tabled on 20 April 2009, on the hon. Member of 21 April 2009 from the hon. Member for Billericay for Ashford; and if he will make a statement. [275604] on his constituents Mr and Mrs Adedoyin (case Mr. Hanson: My hon. Friend, the previous Minister reference M9615/9). [277870] for Policing, Crime and Security (Vernon Coaker), replied to the hon. Member on 8 June 2009, Official Report, Mr. Woolas [holding answer 3 June 2009]: The UK column 713W. Border Agency replied to the hon. Member on 3 June Passports 2009. Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Parliamentary Questions: Government Responses the Home Department how many new passport applications his Department has (a) received and (b) refused in the last 12 months. [278111] Chris Huhne: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department ((1) when he plans to provide a Mr. Woolas: The following table shows total intake substitution answer to question 265844, on European and volumes of applications that were failed on nationality arrest warrants and prison escapes, tabled on 18 March grounds and volumes that were withdrawn from the 2009 for answer on 24 March; [268902] application process for other reasons.

Intake Failed Withdrawn Total

June 2008 588,697 593 2,042 2,635 July 2008 544,341 494 1,964 2,458 August 2008 363,529 460 1,678 2,138 September 2008 337,024 502 1,934 2,436 October 2008 292,713 469 1,716 2,185 November 2008 249,265 400 1,550 1,950 December 2008 187,357 312 1,271 1,583 January 2009 426,357 361 1,421 1,782 February 2009 458,970 410 1,166 1,576 March 2009 579,526 526 1,288 1,814 April 2009 537,777 481 1,210 1,691 May 2009 537,753 444 1,219 1,663 Total 5,103,309 5,452 18,459 23,911

Police Reform Act 2002 reform Act 2002 establishing a new system for handling complaints against the police. Mr. Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what files his Department holds on Police: Procurement Part 2 of the Police Reform Act 2002; and if he will make a statement. [279138] Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department pursuant to the answer of 12 May Mr. Hanson: The Home Office holds a range of 2009, Official Report, column 669W,on police: procurement, papers relating to the provisions in part 2 of the Police what the findings were of the review of police service 39W Written Answers15 JUNE 2009 Written Answers 40W spending on goods and services; and whether he plans As at 31 March each year Full-time equivalent staff to publish the review. [278429] 2007 4040.92 Alan Johnson: The Association of Chief Police Officers 2008 3973.45 (ACPO) Procurement Portfolio Group, on behalf of 2009 3997.41 the 43 police forces in England and Wales, have now agreed that during 2009-10 the National Policing Serious Organised Crime Agency: Resignations Improvement Agency (NPIA) will co-ordinate, facilitate and deliver a national approach to managing the top 10 categories of goods and services and top 10 suppliers Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for the identified as highest spend. Savings from employing this Home Department how many members of staff national approach will be realised within police force resigned from the Serious and Organised Crime budgets over a two-year rolling programme. Agency in each of the last four quarters. [278443] Due to the sensitive commercial nature of data relating to expenditure with suppliers and the fact that negotiations Alan Johnson: The numbers of staff resigning from are currently in progress, the financial content of the the Serious Organised Crime Agency in the last four review cannot be made publicly available at this time. quarters was as follows: Each police force will make the decision together with First quarter 2008-09: 75 their own police authority as to whether their own Second quarter 2008-09: 52 savings are made publicly available either by police Third quarter 2008-09: 38 force or by region. Fourth quarter 2008-09: 38 Serious Organised Crime Agency Terrorism Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department with reference to the Serious and Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for the Organised Crime Agency Annual Report 2008-09, Home Department which groups have been identified what the offences were for which the 266 convictions by the National Extremism Tactical Co-ordination were secured by the Serious and Organised Crime Unit as domestic extremist campaigns or threats. Agency in 2008-09. [278439] [277687]

Alan Johnson: The 266 UK convictions referred to in Alan Johnson: NETCU (the National Extremism Tactical the Serious Organised Crime Agency’s annual report Coordination Unit) has a long history of supporting occurred as a result of operations as follows: the police service in England and Wales to facilitate lawful and peaceful public protest. Only a very small Number of UK convictions number of individuals are prepared to use criminality and disorder in the belief that it will further their cause, Criminals and their businesses 25 whether that cause is aligned to a campaign group or (criminal finances and profits) not. The police do not publicly announce the identity of Drugs 197 individuals who they regard as a threat or an operational Organised Immigration Crime 15 priority as this would be likely to compromise police Fraud 20 operations and investigations. Cross-cutting (firearms, UK 9 Borders, other threats) Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for the Serious Organised Crime Agency: Manpower Home Department pursuant to the answer of 7 May 2009, Official Report, column 373W, on terrorism, whether counter-terrorism security advisers maintain a Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for the record of the names and contact details of those that Home Department how many people are employed in have received project Argus training. [278445] the E-Crime Unit of the Serious and Organised Crime Agency. [278433] Alan Johnson: Delegates at each event are invited to complete feedback forms which request them to provide Alan Johnson: At 1 June 2009, 40 staff were employed their names and other contact details. This information in SOCA’s e-crime department, with other staff employed may be used to undertake necessary follow-up action on by Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre protective security and to improve future Argus events. working on offences of alleged child abuse where technology However, in general, police counter-terrorism security may be a factor. advisers maintain records on a long-term basis only of the names of the businesses (not persons) attending Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for the project Argus events. Home Department how many full-time equivalent staff were directly employed by the Serious and Organised Crime Agency on 31 March (a) 2007, (b) 2008 and UK Border Agency: Correspondence (c) 2009. [278435] Mr. Winnick: To ask the Secretary of State for the Alan Johnson: The number of full-time equivalent Home Department when the UK Border Agency plans staff (budgeted) employed by the Serious Organised to reply to the letter from the hon. Member for Walsall Crime Agency (SOCA) which includes seconded officers North of 29 April 2009 on a constituent, references was as follows: M1100646 and B14708/9. [278497] 41W Written Answers15 JUNE 2009 Written Answers 42W

Mr. Woolas [holding answer 8 June 2009]: The UK Jonathan Shaw [holding answer 8 June 2009]: The Border Agency wrote to the hon. Member on 28 May Child Maintenance and Enforcement Commission is 2009. responsible for the child maintenance system. I have therefore asked the Child Maintenance Commissioner UK Border Agency: Manpower to write to the hon. Member with the information requested. Damian Green: To ask the Secretary of State for the Letter from Stephen Geraghty: Home Department how many airport liaison officers In reply to your recent Parliamentary Question, the Secretary are employed by the UK Border Agency; and what of State promised a substantive reply from the Child Maintenance their average annual salary is. [278706] Commissioner. You asked the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions by Mr. Woolas: The available data is set out in the what date he expects all child maintenance cases to have been following table: transferred to the Child Maintenance and Enforcement Commission. [278467] 1 Airport liaison officer function The Child Maintenance and Enforcement Commission took Annualised responsibility for the Child Support Agency from 1 November national pay 2008. The CSA continues to operate and improve performance of 2 3 Grade Head count amount (£) the current statuary schemes on behalf of the Commission. CIO Chief Immigration 48 30,403 The Commission plans to introduce the new statutory maintenance Officer scheme set out in the Child Maintenance and other Payments HM Inspector of 6 35,774 Act 2008, in 2011. At that time existing clients of the CSA will, if Immigration they choose to, be supported through an application to this new Immigration Officer 27 24,014 scheme. The Commission expects the transition process to take around 3 years after which both CSA Schemes will close. Average overall 87 28,620 I hope you find this answer helpful. 1 Information is only available, at this level, on employees presently held on the central UK Border Agency computerised personnel system ADELPHI. Council Tax Benefits: Scotland 2 Other grades comprising less than five members of staff have been excluded. Malcolm Bruce: To ask the Secretary of State for 3 National pay excluding allowances. Average annualised figure based on actual May 2009 pay. Work and Pensions how many people are in receipt of council tax benefit in each constituency in Scotland. Airport liaison officer is not a specific UK Border [279575] Agency grade but a function. 87 individuals are presently employed by the Risk and Liaison Overseas Network Jonathan Shaw: Housing benefit, including council which is the unit responsible for this function, in the tax benefit, information is not available at constituency above grades. level. Any other UK Border Agency employees still held as on loan to Foreign and Commonwealth Office, or other Demos F&CO managed staff who became part of UK Border Force in the machinery of Government changes cannot Mr. Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work be differentiated by function except at disproportionate and Pensions whether her Department has any cost. contracts with the think-tank Demos. [279487]

Jonathan Shaw: DWP has no contracts with the think-tank Demos. WORK AND PENSIONS Departmental Billing Change AGEnts Mr. Prisk: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Mrs. Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many and what proportion of and Pensions if her Department will provide funding invoices her Department and its agencies paid within for the new organisation Change AGEnts for its work 10 days of receipt in each of the last 12 months; and if on behalf of older people. [277294] she will make a statement. [278821]

Angela Eagle: I can confirm that the Department has Jonathan Shaw: Data on the number and proportion offered funding to Change AGEnts. Details for ensuring of invoices paid within 10 days have been recorded since a one-off payment to Change Agents GB Limited for November 2008. The percentage and number of invoices the purpose of developing and promoting the engagement paid by the Department for Work and Pensions within of older people with Government at all levels, are 10 days of receipt in each of the last seven months is currently being finalised. shown in the following table.

Percentage of all Children: Maintenance invoices paid within Number of invoices Mr. Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for 10 days paid within 10 days Work and Pensions when she expects all child maintenance November 2008 70 44,457 cases to have been transferred to the Child Maintenance December 2008 64 45,505 and Enforcement Commission. [278467] 43W Written Answers15 JUNE 2009 Written Answers 44W

New Deal 50 Plus Percentage of all Number of invoices paid Employment people gaining within Number of invoices credit starts to a job from April Total job 10 days paid within 10 days Location March 2003 2003 gains January 2009 73 43,915 Denton and 170 110 280 February 2009 86 58,281 Reddish March 2009 92 61,768 constituency April 2009 94 46,657 Stockport 390 210 600 May 2009 96 48,367 metropolitan borough Tameside 340 260 600 Departmental Responsibilities metropolitan borough Notes: Mrs. May: To ask the Secretary of State for Work 1. New Deal 50 plus was introduced in April 2000. and Pensions (1) how many programmes centres her 2. Available statistics on the New Deal 50+ programme prior to Department had in each of the last 10 years for which March 2003 comprised the number of people receiving the New information is available; [271625] Deal 50+ employment credit; an employment credit is paid to individuals during their first year back at work on a full-time basis. (2) how many programme centres have reported 3. Latest data is to August 2008. capacity problems to her Department in the last six 4. Jobs gained from April 2006 are identified mainly from the Work months. [271626] and Pensions Longitudinal Study. Care should be taken when comparing jobs gained before and after April 2006. 5. Figures are rounded to the nearest 10 and therefore may not sum Jim Knight: The information requested is not available to total due to rounding. in full; the following table shows what is available. Source: Department for Work and Pensions Information Directorate. Number of programme centres 2008-09 78 Future Jobs Fund 2007-08 118 2006-07 118 Mrs. May: To ask the Secretary of State for Work There have been no capacity issues reported by a and Pensions how much of the money assigned to the programme centre in the last six months. Future Jobs Fund in Budget 2009 is classified as (a) Jobcentre Plus and (b) employment programme spending Any short-term capacity issues raised by programme for the purpose of his Department’s three-year business centres are immediately dealt with by Contract Managers plan. [278261] and Jobcentre Plus locally. Jim Knight [holding answer 8 June 2009]: In the Departmental Reviews Department’s three year plan, £1.1 billion is assigned to the Future Jobs Fund. Of this, £20 million is allocated Mr. Harper: To ask the Secretary of State for Work to Jobcentre Plus and £1.08 billion is allocated to the and Pensions if she will place in the Library a copy of employment programmes. the independent review of Star Rating carried out for her Department by ATOS Consulting. [277221] Incapacity Benefit Jonathan Shaw [holding answer 1 June 2009]: An independent review of the Department’s prototype Star Mr. Spring: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Rating model was commissioned by the Department and Pensions how many people in (a) the East of and undertaken by Atos Consulting. I have arranged England and (b) Suffolk claiming incapacity benefits for a copy of Atos Consulting’s report to be placed in had drug or drink dependency listed as their primary the Library. medical condition in each of the last five years. [273248]

Employment Schemes: Greater Manchester Jonathan Shaw: Causes of incapacity are based on the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for published by the World Health Organisation. To qualify Work and Pensions how many unemployed people aged for incapacity benefit/severe disablement allowance, over 50 years have been assisted back to work by her claimants have to undertake a medical assessment of Department in (a) Denton and Reddish constituency, incapacity for work which is called the Personal Capability (b) Stockport metropolitan borough and (c) Tameside Assessment. Therefore, the medical condition recorded metropolitan borough in each year since 1997. [277505] on the incapacity benefit/severe disablement allowance claim form does not itself confer entitlement to incapacity Jim Knight: Information on the number of people benefits. For example, the decision for a customer claiming aged 50 and over in the specified areas who have been incapacity benefit on the grounds of alcohol and/or helped into work through all sources is not available. drug related conditions would be based on their ability Information on the number of people aged 50 and over to carry out the range of activities in the Personal who have been helped into work though the New Deal Capability Assessment. 50 plus programme is in the table. The available information is in the following table. 45W Written Answers15 JUNE 2009 Written Answers 46W

The number of incapacity benefit/severe disablement allowance claimants who have alcoholism or drug abuse recorded as their main disabling condition Suffolk East of England As at August each year All Alcoholism Drug abuse All Alcoholism Drug abuse

2004 21,370 180 190 180,870 2,110 2,470 2005 21,380 200 200 180,250 2,170 2,560 2006 21,280 220 200 178,890 2,280 2,590 2007 21,420 240 240 180,620 2,450 2,710 2008 21,440 260 290 181,040 2,610 2,870 Notes: 1. Figures are rounded to the nearest 10. 2. Data for Suffolk refers to the county of Suffolk. Source: Department for Work and Pensions Information Directorate: Work and Pensions Longitudinal Study

Simon Hughes: To ask the Secretary of State for Jonathan Shaw: The Health and Safety Executive Work and Pensions how many new claims for incapacity have taken and concluded 836 prosecutions as a result benefit have been made in each year since 1997; and of 665 work-related deaths that occurred between 1 April what the average time taken between the date of a first 1999 and 31 March 2008. claim for incapacity benefit and the date of first payment 635 prosecutions were concluded within three years of the of that benefit has been in each such year. [278046] incident date of the work-related death. 176 prosecutions were not concluded within three years of the Jonathan Shaw [holding answer 8 June 2009]: The incident date of the work-related death. administration of Jobcentre Plus is a matter for the 25 prosecutions were not concluded within five years of the acting chief executive of Jobcentre Plus, Mel Groves. I incident date of the work-related death. have asked him to provide the hon. Member with the A further 78 prosecutions following work-related deaths information requested. were taken and concluded in the period from 1 April Letter from Mel Groves: 1999 to 31 March 2008, but these prosecution records The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question do not identify the dates of the fatal incidents concerned. asking how many new claims for Incapacity Benefit have been The time taken to complete these prosecutions can made in each year since 1997; and what the average time taken therefore not be readily determined. between the date of a first claim for Incapacity Benefit and the date of first payment of that benefit has been in each year since Mr. Heath: To ask the Secretary of State for Work 1997. This is something which falls within the responsibilities delegated to me as Acting Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus. and Pensions how many work-related deaths since 1999 have resulted in prosecutions by the Health and Safety Please find attached at Annex 1 the number of Incapacity [278659] Benefit new claims made in each year since 2003. This is the date Executive. from which records are held. We do not hold management information relating to the period between the date of claim and payment. Jonathan Shaw: The Health and Safety Executive However, Jobcentre Plus’s Average Actual Clearance Time (AACT) have taken prosecutions as a result of 665 work-related Target measures the average number of working days taken to deaths that occurred between 1 April 1999 and 31 process a claim for Incapacity Benefit. Incapacity Benefit AACT March 2008. is calculated from the date a properly completed claim form is received by Jobcentre Plus to the date a decision is made. This The above number of deaths, which have resulted in a information is also provided at Annex 1. prosecution, is likely to increase because investigation and enforcement activity on some more recent deaths Annex A: Average actual clearance times (AACT) for incapacity benefit claims has not yet concluded. Number of days A further 78 prosecutions following work related Incapacity deaths were taken and concluded in the period from 1 benefit claims Incapacity April 1999 to 31 March 2008, but these prosecution received benefit AACT Target records do not identify the dates of the fatal incidents concerned. Some of these may therefore have occurred 2003-04 777,455 16.0 22 before the 1 April 1999. 2004-05 730,590 17.0 22 2005-06 671,385 16.3 19 Jobcentre Plus 2006-07 692,802 15.9 18 2007-08 676,715 13.1 18 Mrs. May: To ask the Secretary of State for Work 2008-09 481,076 13.3 15 and Pensions (1) if she will place in the Library a copy of the Jobcentre Plus National Workload Projection Industrial Accidents update from Quarter (a) one and (b) two 2009; [276440] Mr. Heath: To ask the Secretary of State for Work (2) if she will place in the Library a copy of each and Pensions on how many occasions since 1999 court Jobcentre Plus National Workload Projection update proceedings as a consequence of a prosecution by the used as assumptions for the Budget 2009. [276442] Health and Safety Executive relating to a work-related death were not concluded within (a) five and (b) three Jim Knight [holding answer 19 May 2009]: Available years following the incident. [278658] information has been placed in the Library. 47W Written Answers15 JUNE 2009 Written Answers 48W

Only the quarter one 2009 national workload projection Jobseeker’s Allowance update is available. The Jobcentre Plus National Workload Projection Mr. Vara: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and update used as assumptions for the Budget 2009 is Pensions what the percentage change in the number of informing the flexible new deal bids and is commercially people claiming jobseeker’s allowance in each local sensitive. authority area in England and Wales was over the last 12 months. [275233] Jobcentre Plus: Civil Proceedings Jim Knight: The information requested has been placed in the Library. Steve Webb: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Local Housing Allowance and Pensions pursuant to the answer of 2 March 2009, Official Report, column 1302W, on Jobcentre Plus: civil Mrs. Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for Work proceedings, how many times legal action has been and Pensions what the reason was for the decision in taken against (a) Jobcentre Plus and (b) individual Budget 2009 not to pay tenants the local housing allowance Jobcentre staff in each region since 2002; on what basis rate when their actual rent is less. [279562] such action was taken in respect of each case in which legal proceedings have been concluded; and what Jonathan Shaw: The Government are committed to estimate she has made of the cost to her Department of help people keep a decent roof over their heads but such action. [269291] cannot afford in the current climate to pay people more than they need to do that. In the interests of fairness Mr. McNulty: The information requested is not collated our priority is to target benefits where they are needed centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate most. The removal of the £15 excess will mean that cost. some people will receive less benefit but, importantly, this should not affect their ability to meet their rent. Jobcentre Plus: Manpower Mrs. Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what estimate has been made of the Mr. Maude: To ask the Secretary of State for Work number of landlords who have not accepted potential and Pensions what her most recent estimate is of the tenants who are on local housing allowance housing number of permanent Jobcentre Plus staff who (a) are benefit on the grounds that the benefit is not paid classified as without a permanent post and (b) have directly to the landlord. [279563] been classified as without a permanent post for more Jonathan Shaw: This information is not available. than 12 months. [271958] New Deal Schemes Jim Knight: The administration of Jobcentre Plus is a matter for the acting chief executive of Jobcentre Plus, Stephen Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Mel Groves. I have asked him to provide the right hon. Work and Pensions how much was spent on benefits Member with the information requested. for New Deal participants in the latest year for which figures are available. [247549] Letter from Mel Groves: The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question Jim Knight: The information could be provided only asking for a recent estimate of the number of permanent Jobcentre at disproportionate cost. Plus staff who a) are classified as without a permanent post and b) have been classified as without a permanent post for more than Mrs. May: To ask the Secretary of State for Work 12 months. This is something that falls within the responsibilities and Pensions whether participants who have not delegated to me as Acting Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus. finished their existing New Deal programme by the end In Jobcentre Plus, anyone who is formally recognised as not of September 2009 will be referred to the flexible New having a sustainable posting is classified as surplus. This provides Deal in those areas covered by phase 1 Flexible New such individuals with priority status when seeking a permanent Deal contracts. [271716] post in Jobcentre Plus or elsewhere in Whitehall. As at April 2009, there were 155 surplus staff in Jobcentre Plus. Of that number, 81 Mr. McNulty: In the 28 districts where Flexible New people have been surplus for more than 12 months. Deal is due to start from October 2009, DWP has Naturally, in a large customer service organisation structural agreed contractual changes with New Deal providers, change is often required in order to meet changing customer including those in private sector-led New Deal areas needs. Of the 155 cases we are reporting, 125 are Band As. The Band A position was subject to structural change in parts of the and Employment Zones, to ensure that customers who Jobcentre Plus operation during 2007/08 and resulted in 550 Band are referred after April 2009 will be able to complete As being declared surplus. We have been successful in reducing their provision by the end of September 2009. that number to the current level. Surplus staff are actively engaged Where it has not been possible for a jobseeker to in delivering a range of Jobcentre Plus projects and duties while complete existing New Deal provision by September seeking a new permanent position. 2009, provided there is no break in their Jobseeker’s Line managers are responsible for supporting individuals who Allowance claim, the customer will enter the supported are declared surplus. We manage such impacts of workforce job-search stage of the new Jobseekers Regime to receive reductions on our people, through a framework agreed with our additional support from Jobcentre Plus personal advisers. Trade Unions and these are operated within a set of Cabinet Office protocols that apply across the Civil Service. These require The supported job-search stage usually lasts for six us to take all reasonable steps to minimise compulsory redundancies. months, although in this instance the time spent with an To date no members of staff have been made redundant against existing New Deal provider would be taken into account. their will. Should the jobseeker remain unemployed after the 49W Written Answers15 JUNE 2009 Written Answers 50W supported job-search stage, they will be referred to the Jonathan Shaw: Social Fund administrators do not Flexible New Deal for up to 12 months of specialist, routinely refer customers to other potential sources of individually-tailored support. assistance. In October 2008 Jobcentre Plus introduced a policy to signpost those customers who were not eligible Mr. Harper: To ask the Secretary of State for Work to receive support from the Social Fund to money and Pensions (1) what assessment she has made of the advice. Having been successfully piloted in a number of effect on the New Deal programme of the time taken to areas the initiative is being implemented nationally this announce the preferred bidders for Flexible New Deal year. contracts; and if she will make a statement; [277074] (2) how many preferred bidders for Phase 1 Flexible New Deal contracts had been notified of the fact as at Social Security Benefits (a) 27 April, (b) 4May,(c) 11 May and (d) 18 May 2009; and when she expects to notify the remaining Lynne Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Work preferred bidders. [277203] and Pensions what steps she takes to ensure that the typical characteristics of benefit claimants are portrayed Jim Knight [holding answer 1 June 2009]: Jobcentre accurately in official publications and statements. Plus introduced the refreshed Jobseekers Regime and a [279643] range of additional support measures for jobseekers from 6 April 2009. The New Deal contracts take account Jonathan Shaw: In addition to information gathered of these changes, with referrals continuing until the end as part of our ongoing contacts with our customers, of June 2009, thereby enabling providers to support DWP already carries out extensive research and testing customers until the end of September, with the Flexible exercises to ensure that our customers and their needs New Deal contracts due to start in October 2009. are fully understood, and to make sure that they are Between July and September, any customer who has portrayed accurately and sensitively in our communications. received jobseeker’s allowance for six months will have access to additional support and enter the supported Vocational Training Job Search stage of the refreshed regime, with referral to the Flexible New Deal provider six months later if they remain in receipt of jobseeker’s allowance. Mr. Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) what recent steps have been Preferred bidders were notified of results of the Flexible taken to assist young people in finding work; [268058] New Deal competition on 29 May and we expect to award contracts in good time to begin delivery in October (2) what recent steps have been taken to assist older 2009. people in finding work. [268059] Jim Knight: The Budget has made an additional £2.8 Parliamentary Questions: Government Responses billion available to DWP, on top of the £1.3 billion announced in the pre-Budget report, which will ensure Andrew Selous: To ask the Secretary of State for that over the next two years we can continue to expand Work and Pensions when she plans to answer Question our support to jobseekers through the economic downturn. 271324, tabled on 22 April 2009, on 0845 telephone Among other initiatives, this extra funding will enable numbers. [275954] us to guarantee a job or other meaningful activity to young people and certain disadvantaged groups from Jonathan Shaw [holding answer 15 May 2009]: The the 12-month point of their claim. hon. Member’s question was answered on 4 June 2009. In addition, we are investing £0.5 billion over two Official Report, columns 621-22W. years to support all jobseekers through an expanded range of work and training options to provide jobs Lynne Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Work through recruitment subsidies, support to start a business, and Pensions pursuant to the answers of (a) 20 April work-related training and volunteering opportunities. 2009, Official Report, column 117W, on incapacity This extra help was introduced on 6 April and is available benefit: voluntary work and (b) 5 May 2009, Official to all those who have been out of work and claiming Report, column 124W, on pathways to work, what the jobseeker’s allowance for six months or more. reasons were for the time taken to respond in each case; The introduction of the Flexible New Deal in phase and if she will make a statement. [276053] one areas from October will establish a new, unified approach for longer-term jobseekers, whatever their Jim Knight: We need to ensure that answers given to age, skills or barriers to work. The Flexible New Deal Parliament are accurate and robust, and we endeavour will deliver work-focused support, tailored to each to answer all questions as quickly as possible. I would individual’s needs and local labour market requirements. like to apologise to my hon. Friend for the delay in answering her questions in these instances. Welfare to Work: Standards Social Fund Mrs. May: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Mr. Donohoe: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if she will place in the Library a copy of and Pensions what guidance Social Fund administrators each edition of her Department’s monthly report offer to potential recipients of assistance from the fund summarising the performance of all welfare-to-work on other potential sources of assistance. [268702] providers against agreed targets. [271688] 51W Written Answers15 JUNE 2009 Written Answers 52W

Jim Knight: A copy of the most recent report, which World War II: Anniversaries includes the cumulative performance of contracted provision up to the end of February 2009, has been placed in the Andrew Mackinlay: To ask the Prime Minister (1) Library as requested. what representations he has made to the French authorities The DWP is developing plans to make this information on the representatives of the UK Government to be available on a monthly basis from later in 2009 via the invited to the 65th anniversary commemorations of DWP website. D-Day and the Normandy Campaign; and if he will make a statement; [279130] Written Questions: Government Responses (2) what representations the Government received on the level of official representation of the UK at the Andrew Selous: To ask the Secretary of State for 65th anniversary commemoration of D-Day and the Work and Pensions when she plans to answer Question Normandy Campaign organised by the French 274722, tabled on 12 May 2009, on child maintenance government; when such representations were received; arrears. [278039] and if he will make a statement; [279131] (3) on what date the Government was first invited to Jonathan Shaw [holding answer 4 June 2009]: I replied send representatives to the 65th anniversary to the hon. Member’s question on 3 June 2009, Official commemorations of D-Day and the Normandy Report, columns 535-36W. Campaign organised by the French authorities; and what response was made; [279132] (4) on what date the Government was first informed PRIME MINISTER by the French authorities of the proposed programme of events to commemorate the 65th anniversary of Departmental Responsibilities D-Day and the Normandy Campaign. [279133]

Mr. Burstow: To ask the Prime Minister if he will The Prime Minister: I attended the 65th anniversary estimate the cost to the public purse of the recent (a) of the D-day celebrations on 6 June, including a memorial Ministerial reshuffle and (b) changes to the machinery service at Bayeux cathedral, and a ceremony with President of government; and if he will make a statement. Sarkozy, President Obama and Prime Minister Harper [279843] at the Colleville cemetery overlooking Omaha Beach. Prince Charles attended on behalf of the royal family. The Prime Minister: The numbers of salaried Ministers The palace have made clear that they were content with is governed by the Ministerial and Other Salaries Act these arrangements. 1975. The cost of machinery of government changes will be met by relevant Departments within existing departmental budgets. TREASURY Intelligence Services: Publications Child Trust Fund: Cleethorpes Andrew Mackinlay: To ask the Prime Minister pursuant to the answer of 11 May 2009, Official Report, column Shona McIsaac: To ask the Chancellor of the 495W,on intelligence services: publication, what facilities Exchequer how many child trust fund vouchers have the security and intelligence agencies are authorised to been issued to residents of Cleethorpes constituency in afford to persons undertaking research for publications each year since their introduction; and how many which are not official publications; at what level, and in accounts have been opened as a result. [279272] what circumstances, members of the security and intelligence services are authorised to grant (a) interviews Ian Pearson: HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and (b) other assistance to such persons; and if he will latest available estimates are that 940 child trust fund make a statement. [279129] vouchers were issued in Cleethorpes to children born between 6 April 2006 and 5 April 2007 and that 670 The Prime Minister: Arrangements governing the child trust fund accounts were subsequently opened by release of information into the public domain by the the parents or guardians of those children. HMRC security and intelligence services are in accordance with opens accounts on behalf of children if the parents or the requirements of the Security Service Act 1989 and guardian do not. the Intelligence Services Act 1994. Copies are available HMRC does not hold constituency level data for in the Libraries of the House. previous years. Prime Minister: Official Engagements Data Protection

Sir Robert Smith: To ask the Prime Minister what his James Brokenshire: To ask the Chancellor of the engagements were between 3pm and 8pm on Exchequer how many notifications his Department Wednesday 10 June. [279913] made to the Information Commissioner in the year ended 30 April 2009 in respect of the loss or The Prime Minister: I refer the hon. Member to the mishandling of personal information or data; what was answer I gave the hon. Member for South-West Bedfordshire notified in each such case; and how many individuals (Andrew Selous) at Prime Minister’s questions on 10 were the subjects of personal information or data in June 2009, Official Report, column 784W. respect of which such notifications were made. [278733] 53W Written Answers15 JUNE 2009 Written Answers 54W

Kitty Ussher: The Treasury reported no cases of loss Kitty Ussher: The intermediaries legislation, commonly or mishandling of personal information or data to the known as “IR35”, was introduced with effect from 6 Information Commissioner during the year ended 30 April 2000 to counter the avoidance of employed levels April 2009. of tax and national insurance by individuals providing their services through intermediaries. Demos Disclosure of HM Revenue and Customs’ compliance data relating to the legislation would result in a risk of Mr. Watson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer non- compliance with the legislation. Accordingly I am what (a) private meetings and (b) public engagements not able to provide the data requested. Ministers in his Department have attended at which representatives from the think-tank Demos were Taxation present in the last 12 months; and if he will make a statement. [279484] Mr. Mark Field: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what his most recent assessment is of the application of Kitty Ussher: Treasury Ministers and officials have the Rees Rules on the introduction of retrospective meetings with a wide variety of organisations in the legislation in light of HM Revenue and Customs’ public and private sectors as part of the process of announcement of 1 April 2009 on employment loss policy development and delivery. As was the case with planning; and if he will make a statement. [277696] previous Administrations, it is not the Government’s practice to provide details of all such meetings. Mr. Timms: The Rees Rules continue to provide a Departmental Training useful guide when Ministers consider retrospective legislation and were considered in connection with the announcement I made on 1 April 2009. Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much his Department spent on health Taxation: Business and safety training for its staff in each of the last two years. [278144] Mr. Austin Mitchell: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the cost to the Kitty Ussher: Estimated external expenditure on health Exchequer of granting 100 per cent. capital allowances and safety training was £36,500 in 2007-08 and £40,000 to all business enterprises. [260262] in 2008-09. Other information and training for officials is provided by our in-house health and safety team and Mr. Timms: The Annual Investment Allowance provides costs cannot be identified separately from their other 100 per cent. relief on capital expenditure on all plant duties. and machinery (apart from cars) up to £50,000 a year, Members: Correspondence covering the capital expenditure of nearly 95 per cent. of UK businesses at a cost of £1.56 billion in 2008-09. Sir Michael Spicer: To ask the Chancellor of the It would cost the Exchequer an estimated additional Exchequer (1) when he plans to reply to the letter from £5 billion in 2009-10 to provide 100 per cent. relief for the hon. Member for West Worcestershire of 12 May all new capital expenditure on all plant and machinery 2009 on National Savings, PO reference: 1/72186/2009; (apart from cars). [279916] Taxation: Gaming Machines (2) when he plans to reply to the email from the hon. Member for West Worcestershire of 7 May 2009 on Mr. Moss: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer interest rate reductions, PO reference: 1/71848/2009. (1) what assessment he has made of the compatibility [279918] of the introduction of a gross profit tax to replace amusement machine licence duty with the Hampton Ian Pearson: I have replied to the hon. Member. principles of better regulation; and if he will make a Public Expenditure statement; [279741] (2) what regulatory impact assessment he plans to Mr. Philip Hammond: To ask the Chancellor of the publish as part of the consultation on the introduction Exchequer pursuant to the answer of 11 May 2009, of a gross profit tax to replace amusement machine Official Report, column 539W, on public expenditure, if licence duty. [279742] he will publish the forthcoming factual paper on the Barnett Formula before the summer adjournment. Kitty Ussher: An impact assessment, including an [279568] assessment of compatibility with Hampton principles, will be published alongside the consultation document Mr. Byrne [holding answer 12 June 2009]: No decision on moving gaming machines taxation to a gross profits has yet been made regarding the publication date of the regime. We expect to publish these before the summer factual paper on the Barnett Formula. recess. Tax Avoidance Taxation: Housing

Mr. Rooney: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Grant Shapps: To ask the Chancellor of the how many investigations concerning IR35 were Exchequer (1) whether each of the banks in which the launched in each of the last five years; and how many Government has a shareholding makes it their policy of them resulted in (a) prosecution, (b) an increase in to offer mortgages to buyers seeking to participate in tax due and (c) no further action. [273420] shared (a) equity and (b) ownership schemes; [275662] 55W Written Answers15 JUNE 2009 Written Answers 56W

(2) which of the banks in which the Government Provider owns a shareholding offer mortgages for purchases of properties under shared ownership schemes. [277997] Creating Accessible PDF’s PWS Ltd. Domestic Energy Assessor BRE Ian Pearson: Decisions concerning whether to engage Dragon Naturally Speaking Software E-Voice Speech in lending to support shared equity of shared ownership Training Recognition Ltd. remain commercial decisions for firms. Where there is ERM Practitioner Training Class AIIM International public sector investment in banks these stakes are managed Essential Commercialisation Skills Kaplan Financial Ltd. on an arm’s length and independent basis by UK Course Financial Investments Ltd. Expert Witness Bond Solon Training The Government remain committed to the delivery Expert Witness and Advocacy RICS of affordable housing, including through both shared Roadshow equity and shared ownership schemes. The Homebuy Fundamentals of Governance Quorum Training Direct scheme, introduced in 2008, offers households Fundamentals of Marketing for CIM Holdings Ltd. equity loans of up to 30 per cent. of market value, and Public Sector and Not for Profit co-funded by Government and developers, to buy a new Future Housing Govnet Communications build property. Illustrator CSS Masterclass Academy Class Ltd. Introduction to Business Analysis Learning Tree At present Homebuy Direct is supported by a number International of banks in which the Government have made investments: Lead On Masterclass Cazbah Limited including Halifax (as part of Lloyds Banking Group), Lean in Local Government Workshop Ad Esse and RBS. Northern Rock is discussing participation Learning Design and Web 2.0 British Institute for with the HCA. Learning Lease Matters Contract Property Valuation Office: Training Services Leasehold Update Seminar 2008 Jordan Publishing Limited Mrs. Spelman: To ask the Chancellor of the Level 4 Diploma in Non Domestic Building Research Exchequer what external training courses Valuation Energy Assessment Establishment Ltd. Office Agency officials have undertaken in the last 12 Major Developments in Southampton RICS months for which figures are available. [275768] Making a Case for e-Learning The e-Learning Network PCPF Seminar Primary Care Premises Mr. Timms: Valuation Office Agency staff have attended Forum the following centrally recorded external training events. Presenting with Impact Leadership Skills Training Provider names are included for completeness. Details Ltd. of attendance at local events run by professional partner Presenting Yourself—for Top Women Solace Enterprises bodies are not recorded centrally. The events listed Managers Limited represent a total of approximately 200 training days. PRINCE2 Practitioner Course Focus on Training Principles Project Management WPM Training Ltd. Programme and Project Support National School of Provider Office—PSOI Government Mediation Event Conflict Management Project Management Essentials— National School of Plus PMIN Government Accessibility for e-Learning Bizmedia Ltd. RICS Expert Witness and Advocacy RICS Roadshow Accreditation Scheme for Commercial Building Research Building Energy Assessors Establishment Ltd. RICS Public Sector Asset RICS Management Roadshow Accreditation Scheme for Display Building Research Energy Certificates Establishment Ltd. RICS Red Book Workshop RICS Affordable Housing Delivery London Development RICS Rural Mid Session RICS Events RICS Telelcoms Forum Annual RICS Agricultural Landlord and Tenant Harper Adams University RICS Valuers’ Roadshow RICS College RICS Wales Housing Briefing RICS Agricultural Law 2009 Lexis Nexis (aka Butterworths) SAS Essentials—Introduction to SAS SAS UK Programming Assertiveness Course Impact Factory Selling to Local Government BIP Solutions Ltd. Basic Book-keeping and Accounts Haysden Training Ltd. Roadshow course Senior Leaders Programme Whitehall and Industry Building Cost Effective ERDM Ark Group Group Strategies Sharpen your Writing Skills Henshall Centre Ltd. Business Disturbance Claims Seminar Contact Property Training Ltd. Situational Leadership Accreditation Leadership (Day 3) Development—Situation Business Tenancies and Commercial CPT Events Solutions Property Management City of London: Beyond the Credit CMPI Limited SPA Core and Quarry Renewal Trainow Associates Crunch SPA Core and Quarry Safety Passport NLT Training Services Coaching Sessions Active Learning Course Partnership Limited SPA Core and Quarry Safety Passport GSS Training Ltd. Collaborative Approaches to WIG Course Resolving Complex Challenges SQL Processing with SAS (SQL9) SAS UK 57W Written Answers15 JUNE 2009 Written Answers 58W

BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS Provider

Staff Inspection Techniques National School of Climate Change Government Supporting the Business with HR Society Effective HR Strategy Miss McIntosh: To ask the Minister of State, Surveyor as Expert Witness RICS Department for Business, Innovation and Skills what estimate he has made of his Department’s potential “Surveyors Facing the Expert Witness RICS Challenge” gross (a) costs and (b) savings arising from its climate TACSTALK TACS Talk change adaptation measures in the next three years. The Greenhouse and Reporting on Contract Property [277714] Health and Safety Risks in Homes Training Ltd. Train the Trainer Training and Mr. McFadden: It is not currently possible to provide Development Solutions estimates of the potential costs and savings over the Tutor Training Programme Suzy Lamplugh Trust next three years. It has, however, been shown in the Understanding Change Management Govnet Communications Stern Review on the Economics of Climate Change that Understanding Residential and Contact Property Training timely and well-targeted climate adaptation measures Commercial Property Taxes (CPT Events) will yield benefits in excess of their costs. The main Viability and Revising s106 London Development rationale for investment to address climate risk will be requirements Events to reduce the UK’s vulnerability to longer-term climate Welsh Language Course—Foundation Nant Gwrtheyrn change impacts. Welsh Language Course—Intensive Nant Gwrtheyrn The Government are undertaking a climate change (Pilot) Course risk assessment and economic analysis, which will provide Welsh Language Course— Nant Gwrtheyrn estimates of the costs and benefits of adaptation to the Intermediate UK. This analysis will be presented to Parliament within three years of the Climate Change Act coming into force. Welfare Tax Credits Departmental Air Conditioning Dr. Kumar: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will exclude households with an income of over Grant Shapps: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills how much has been £50,000 from eligibility for tax credits. [278015] spent by his Department on carrying out inspections of air conditioning systems within departmental buildings Mr. Timms: Nine out of 10 families are entitled to tax in accordance with the Energy Performance of Buildings credits. This near-universal provision has helped reverse (Certificates and Inspections) (England and Wales) decades of stigma attached to financial support that Regulations 2007 since the Regulations entered into prevented the very poorest taking up the help they force. [272131] needed. Take-up of tax credits is now the highest ever for an income-related system of financial support, at 81 Mr. McFadden: BIS will spend £5,574 on carrying per cent. overall and 92 per cent. for the poorest fifth of out the inspection of its air conditioning system at its families. Tax credits are carefully targeted so that the Headquarters building at 1 Victoria Street in accordance greatest support goes to the poorest families. Only a with the Energy Performance of Buildings (Certificates tiny proportion of tax credits spending goes to those and Inspections) (England and Wales) Regulations 2007, earning more than £50,000—just 0.2 per cent. of overall this being the only building on its HQ Estate with a entitlement in 2007-08. rating of over 250kW.

Departmental Buildings Welfare Tax Credits: Education Maintenance Allowance Bob Spink: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills how much his Mr. MacNeil: To ask the Chancellor of the Department spent on building maintenance in each of Exchequer if he will bring forward proposals to extend the last five years; and if he will make a statement. entitlement to tax credits to people with children under [274551] the age of 25 who receive education maintenance grant on the basis of parental income. [279866] Mr. McFadden: In the last five financial years, BIS has spent the following on building maintenance on its Mr. Timms: The Government do not provide financial HQ Estate: support to parents of young people who are taking advanced courses. In these cases, young people are £ million entitled to a separate stream of support. This reflects 2004-05 1.47 that the move into work or advanced education is seen 2005-06 1.28 as the point at which young people become independent. 2006-07 1.75 It is the Government’s view that the student support 2007-08 1.70 mechanism is the most appropriate way of providing 2008-09 2.10 support. 59W Written Answers15 JUNE 2009 Written Answers 60W

South West Regional Development Agency Crimes of Violence: Young Offenders

Mr. Harper: To ask the Minister of State, Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Department for Business, Innovation and Skills what what recent assessment he has made of the effect of assessment he has made of the effect of the recession subsection 3 of section 91 of the Powers of Criminal on the (a) spending plans, (b) income and (c) capital Courts (Sentencing) Act 2000 on custodial sentencing receipts of the South West of England Regional for serious violent crimes committed by those aged Development Agency of the recession. [268640] under 21 years; and if he will make a statement. [278922] Mr. McFadden [holding answer 20 April 2009]: RDAs are required to produce spending plans showing how Claire Ward: Custody for young people under 18 is they will use their resources to deliver their priorities. the last resort. Where a person under 18 has committed The Department has asked the RDAs to review those a very serious offence (generally one for which a person plans in the light of changes to their budgets and the aged 21 years or over could be sentenced to a term of changed economic conditions. imprisonment of 14 years or more), section 91 of the On an ongoing basis BIS monitors the Agencies use Powers of Criminal Court (Sentencing) Act 2000 enables of resource budgets including the RDA’s projected the court to impose a term of detention not exceeding income for the year and the total value of write downs the maximum term of imprisonment that a person aged in relation to the RDA’s capital assets. 21 or over could receive for the same offence. Before the court may decide to impose a sentence of detention under section 91, subsection 3 requires it to consider all other possible disposals, including a shorter period of JUSTICE custody under a detention and training order. Data provided by the Youth Justice Board indicates Antisocial Behaviour: Fixed Penalties that at the end of March 2009 there were 2,036 young people under 18 serving custodial sentences, including Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for 349 serving a sentence imposed under section 91. Of Justice pursuant to the answer of 21 April 2009, those, 150 had received a section 91 sentence principally Official Report, column 616W, on antisocial behaviour: for an offence of violence against the person. fixed penalties, how many penalty notices for disorder were issued (a) in a police station and (b) on the street Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice in (i) 2002, (ii) 2003, (iii) 2004, (iv) 2005 and (v) 2006. how many people aged under 18 years were convicted [278426] of (a) grievous bodily harm and (b) violent disorder in each year since 2000; and what the average length Mr. Straw: Information available to the Ministry of custodial sentence was in each case. [278924] Justice on the number of persons aged 16 and over issued with a penalty notice for disorder (PND) in (a) a Claire Ward: The number of persons aged 10 to 17 police station and (b) on the street, in England and years who were found guilty at all courts for grievous Wales, 2004 to 2006 is shown in the following table. bodily harm and violent disorder in England and Wales PNDs were introduced under the Criminal Justice from 2000 to 2007 (latest available) is shown in table 1; and Police Act 2001 to provide the police with a simple with information on the average custodial sentence financial punishment to deal with minor antisocial and being in table 2. nuisance offending either at a police station or on the These data are on the principal offence basis. The street. Operational guidance to forces issued by the figures given in the table on court proceedings relate to Secretary of State for Justice sets out the criteria which persons for whom these offences were the principal should be considered by officers in deciding where to offence for which they were dealt with. When a defendant issue a PND. has been found guilty of two or more offences, the The PND was made available to all forces from April offence selected is the one for which the heaviest penalty 2004. is imposed. Where the same disposal is imposed for two or more offences, the offence selected is the offence for Number of persons aged 16 and over issued with a penalty notice for which the statutory maximum penalty is the most severe. disorder in a police station and on the street in England and Wales, Court proceedings data for 2008 will be available in 2004 to 20061 the autumn of 2009. Police station Street Table 1: Number of persons aged 10 to 17 years who were found guilty 20042 55,219 6,901 at all courts for offences relating to grievous bodily harm1 and violent 2 3,4 2005 110,432 34,845 disorder , in England and Wales, 2000-07 2006 125,122 75,634 Found guilty 1 Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate Grievous bodily harm Violent disorder and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have 20005 901 173 been extracted from large administrative data systems generated by police forces. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data 2001 844 155 collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into 2002 904 182 account when those data are used. 2003 818 194 2 The penalty notice for disorder scheme commenced in 2004. 2004 884 211 Source: OCJR E and A (Office for Criminal Justice Reform, Evidence and 2005 831 181 Analysis Unit), Ministry of Justice 2006 820 143 61W Written Answers15 JUNE 2009 Written Answers 62W

Table 1: Number of persons aged 10 to 17 years who were found guilty Departmental Billing at all courts for offences relating to grievous bodily harm1 and violent disorder2, in England and Wales, 2000-073,4 Mr. Philip Hammond: To ask the Secretary of State Found guilty for Justice how much (a) his Department and its predecessor and (b) its agencies paid in interest to Grievous bodily harm Violent disorder suppliers under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998 in the last three years for 2007 902 172 which figures are available. [275197]

1 Grievous bodily harm includes the following statutes and offence descriptions: Maria Eagle: Information for 2008-09 is currently Offences against the Person Act 1861 Sec 18. being compiled and audited and will be published in the Wounding with intent to do grievous bodily harm. Ministry’s 2008-09 resource accounts which are expected Offences against the Person Act 1861 Sec 29. to be laid before Parliament in July 2009. Causing explosion or casting corrosive fluids with intent to do grievous bodily harm. The Ministry of Justice and its agencies paid the Offences against the Person Act 1861 Sec 20. following interest to suppliers under the Late Payment Malicious wounding: wounding or inflicting grievous bodily harm. of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998 in the last Offences against the Person Act 1861 Sec 20 as amended by Crime & three years for which published data is currently available: Disorder Act 1998 Sec. 29(l)(a),(2). Racially aggravated malicious wounding or inflicting grievous bodily harm. Financial period £ Offences Against the Person Act 1861 S20 as amended by the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 S29(l)(a) and (2). 2007-08 Religiously aggravated malicious wounding of GBH The Ministry of Justice HQ 28,000 Offences Against the Person Act 1861 S20 as amended by the Crime HM Prison Service 198,145 and Disorder Act 1998 S29(l)(a) 8i (2). Racially or religiously aggravated malicious wounding or GBH HM Courts Service 44,211 2 Violent disorder includes the following statute and offence description: Tribunals Service 0 Public Order Act 1986 Sec 2. Office of the Public Guardian 0 Violent Disorder. 3 The figures given in the table on court proceedings relate to persons for whom these offences were the principal offences for which they 2006-07 were dealt with. When a defendant has been found guilty of two or Department for Constitutional 29,030 more offences it Is the offence for which the heaviest penalty is Affairs Imposed. Where the same disposal is imposed for two or more HM Courts Service 43,376 offences, the offence selected is the offence for which the statutory maximum penalty is the most severe. Tribunals Service 2,278 4 Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate Public Guardianship Office 0 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 2005-06 collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into Department for Constitutional 16,773 account when those data are used. Affairs (including Tribunals) 5 Staffordshire Police Force were only able to supply a sample of data HM Courts Service 24,683 for magistrates’ courts proceedings covering one full week in each quarter for 2000. Public Guardianship Office 0 Estimates based on this sample are Included in the figures, as they are considered sufficiently robust at this high level of analysis. The National Probation Service, which was part of Source: the Ministry of Justice from 2007-08, is not included as OCJR-EandA:Office for Criminal Justice Reform - Evidence and Analysis Unit, Ministry of Justice information is held locally by 42 local probation boards or trusts and can be collated only at disproportionate Table 2: Average custodial sentence length (months)1 for grievous cost. bodily harm and violent disorder, offenders aged 10 to 17, 2000-07 The Ministry of Justice is fully committed to achieving GBH Violent disorder compliance with the Prime Minister’s target of paying 2000 18.0 7.6 suppliers within 10 days and is a signatory to the 2001 17.6 9.1 Prompt Payment Code. During May 2009, the Ministry 2002 18.7 9.5 of Justice and its agencies paid 92 per cent. of invoices 2003 20.5 10.1 received within the 10-day target. This level of performance 2004 21.1 8.8 should ensure that interest to suppliers under the Late 2005 19.9 8.8 Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998 is 2006 19.7 10.5 greatly reduced for the current financial year. 2007 20.4 11.1 1 ACSL excludes life/indeterminate sentences Source: Departmental Drinking Water OMS Analytical Services, Ministry of Justice. Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for These figures have been drawn from administrative Justice how much his Department has spent on water data systems. coolers in each of the last two years. [278148] Although care is taken when processing and analysing the returns, the detail collected is subject to the inaccuracies Mr. Straw: The expenditure on water coolers by the inherent in any large scale recording system. Ministry is stated in the following table: 63W Written Answers15 JUNE 2009 Written Answers 64W

National Offender Management Service: Training £

2008-09 Mr. Gerrard: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice (1) what training is provided for first line managers in Ministry of Justice HQ 1,382 the National Offender Management Service; [278557] Office of the Public Guardian 6,000 (2) how many first line managers in the National Total 7,382 Offender Management Service have been offered 2007-08 1,364 appropriate training; and how many and what proportion Ministry of Justice HQ 6,000 of first line managers in the National Offender Management Office of the Public Guardian 7,364 Service have undertaken this training; [278558] HM Courts Service data is not held centrally and can (3) what plans for further training the National be collated only on a regional basis at disproportionate Offender Management Service has for first line cost. management. [278559] Data on water cooler expenditure by the National Maria Eagle: National Offender Management Service Offender Management Service is held locally by prisons (NOMS) probation leadership and management and probation boards/trusts and can be collated only at development at first line manager level has to date disproportionate cost. largely been delivered at a local level in areas and trusts, The accounting records of the Tribunals Service do through training consortia or areas and according to not allow for the separate identification of expenditure local need. A full audit and review of management on water coolers except at disproportionate cost. development on the probation side is currently being undertaken through NOMS headquarters to inform planning for future delivery. In the interim, all NOMS Departmental Official Hospitality managers (probation and prisons) have access to the NOMS tool, “My Leadership Potential”, a new e-learning Mr. Grieve: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice management development package launched in April how much his Department has spent on (a) conference 2009. This provides an opportunity for managers to services and (b) banqueting services in each of the last develop their skills and knowledge on a self-managed three years. [278665] learning basis. In addition, first line management development activities are run locally by some probation Mr. Straw: Expenditure on conference services by the areas and trusts according to need. Ministry of Justice, comprising headquarters and executive Data on how many and what proportion of probation agencies (the National Offender Management Service first line managers have undertaken training has not (NOMS), Her Majesty’s Courts Service, the Tribunals historically been collected centrally, as first line management Service and the Office of the Public Guardian), since its development has largely been organised and delivered inception is as follows: locally. The current audit and review will provide information on which to base decisions on future Financial period £ interventions. 2008-09 5,875,035 On the prisons side, the standard offering is the level 2007-08 4,256,611 3 award in first line management, the introductory certificate in management, which has been offered to all The amounts above exclude expenditure by the 42 first line managers since 2005. Until April 2009, all first local probation boards and trusts within NOMS as this time, first line managers with line manager support information is held locally and could be collated only at were eligible for this programme. In the region of 500-600 disproportionate cost. have participated annually during this time. This represents The Ministry’s predecessor Department, the Department on average approximately 45 per cent. of the total for Constitutional Affairs (DCA), incurred the following number of newly promoted first line managers on an expenditure on conference services: annual basis and 12-14 per cent. of the total number of 2006-07: £3,119,893. first line managers. In April 2009, the programme was temporarily closed pending review of continuing fitness The DCA was a smaller department which did not for purpose and an updated version or a comparable include the National Offender Management Service or level 3 nationally accredited programme will be re-launched the Office for Criminal Justice Reform which were part in October 2009. of the Home Office prior to 2007-08. With regard to plans for further training and The growth in expenditure on conferences reflects the development, on the probation side, the audit and review increasingly cross-cutting nature of government policy. will provide information on which decisions will be Conferences represent an effective mechanism for bringing made about future interventions. For prisons, the together stakeholders in the Government, private and appropriate level 3 programme will be launched in voluntary sectors to promote a joined up approach to October 2009. the delivery of front-line services. Prisons: Mental Health Services Bookings for conferences and related expenditure must be made through designated contractors employed Chris Huhne: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice by the Ministry of Justice to identify venues and what evaluation has been made of the (a) effectiveness accommodation that offers best value for money. and (b) cost-effectiveness of the Dangerous and Severe The Ministry of Justice and the Department for Personality Disorder Programme in (i) enhancing Constitutional Affairs have no record of any expenditure public safety and (ii) improving the health of people on banqueting services in the last three years. subject to it. [279063] 65W Written Answers15 JUNE 2009 Written Answers 66W

Maria Eagle: The Dangerous and Severe Personality the Mental Health Act. Prisoners assessed and treated Disorder (DSPD) programme has two linked evaluations. in the units at Frankland, Whitemoor and Low Newton The first, focusing on treatment offered and responses prisons are serving sentences of imprisonment. to treatment, is being carried out by the University of Oxford. It is due to report to the stakeholder Departments, Chris Huhne: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice the Ministry of Justice and the Department of Health, how many people have been treated under the Dangerous by the end of this year. The second, concerned with and Severe Personality Disorder Programme in each staffing and organisation, is by Imperial College. It is year since 2001 in (a) Broadmoor Hospital, (b) Rampton due to report in the first quarter of 2010. These two Hospital, (c) HMP Whitemoor, (d) HMP Frankland studies will provide a preliminary assessment of effectiveness and (e) HMP/HMYOI Low Newton; and how long the and cost-effectiveness of the DSPD programme, including average length of stay in each of those units was. the health of those subject to the programme and the [279065] potential implications for public safety.

Chris Huhne: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Maria Eagle: Table 1 shows the average number of what recent assessment he has made of the merits of offenders subject to the Dangerous and Severe Personality putting the Dangerous and Severe Personality Disorder Disorder programme per financial year. Programme on a statutory footing. [279064] Table 2 shows the average length of stay as of 31 March 2009. The figures for Low Newton may be Maria Eagle: There are no plans to change the statutory unrepresentative as the unit has only been open since basis of the Dangerous and Severe Personality Disorder September 2007. These data were also available for the programme. Patients assessed and treated in the units at four male sites for the previous year (31 March 2008), as Broadmoor and Rampton hospitals are detained under shown in Table 3, but not for any site for earlier years.

Table 1. Average number of offenders subject to the DSPD programme per financial year April to March 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09

Broadmoor 8.5 9.7 13.8 23.7 30 37.8 Rampton — 17.2 32.8 38.8 48 51 HMP Whitemoor 32.8 45.3 58.6 62 62 61.3 HMP Frankland — 139.1 58.6 66.6 74 73.8 HMP Low Newton — — ———10 1 As the Frankland unit did not open until June 2004, this average only represents the final 10 months of the financial year. Note: The Low Newton DSPD unit opened in 2007, however the occupancy data were only available from April 2008 onwards. Data were not available for Rampton or Frankland DSPD units in the earliest financial years as these units were not yet open. The figures for the first four financial years were calculated on the basis of monthly figures. However, from April 2007 onwards data have been collected on a quarterly basis.

Table 2. Average length of stay for those accepted on the DSPD units as at 31 and SIM cards were analysed. This figure includes March 2009 items discovered within prison perimeters and on entry Unit Mean stay (days) Mean stay (years) to establishments. Broadmoor 734 2.0 We believe that this figure may understate the actual Rampton 910 2.5 number of finds because it does not include items HMP Frankland 830 2.3 retained by the police for evidential purposes, and because HMP Whitemoor 1,527 4.2 in some instances prisons have not sent items for analysis. HMP Low Newton 597 1.6 NOMS is putting in place new procedures to ensure Table 3. Average length of stay for those accepted on the DSPD units as at 31 that we have a more comprehensive picture in future. March 2009 While the numbers of phones found indicates the scale Unit Mean stay (days) Mean stay (years) of the challenge in tackling illicit mobile phones, it is also a reflection of prisons’ increasing success in finding Broadmoor 539 1.5 them and better reporting. Rampton 750 2.1 HMP Frankland 729 2.0 NOMS is implementing a strategy to minimise the HMP Whitemoor 1,307 3.6 number of phones entering prisons, and to find or HMP Low Newton — — disrupt those that do enter. As part of the strategy, prisons are being provided with technologies to strengthen local security and searching strategies, in line with the recommendations in the Blakey report, “Disrupting the Prisons: Mobile Phones Supply of Illicit Drugs into Prisons”, published in July 2008. This includes the roll out of ″BOSS″ chairs to all Mr. Hollobone: To ask the Secretary of State for prisons, and the deployment of other detection and Justice how many mobile telephones were found as a disruption technologies, including mobile phone signal result of searches in prisons in England and Wales in blockers. 2008. [279842] We have also strengthened the law, through the Offender Management Act 2007 (implemented in April 2008), Maria Eagle: Prisons in England and Wales are asked which makes it a criminal offence with a punishment of to send mobile phones and SIM cards they find to a up to two years’ imprisonment to bring an unauthorised central unit for analysis. In 2008, 8,062 mobile phones mobile phone or component part into a prison. 67W Written Answers15 JUNE 2009 Written Answers 68W

Probation Officers: Redundancy and (b) removal from association recorded in respect of those of each (i) sex, (ii) age group and (iii) ethnic group Mr. Hoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice (A) with and (B) without a disability held in each what estimate he has made of the number of Probation institution in the juvenile secure estate were carried out Service (a) officers and (b) other staff in Lancashire (1) for purposes of ensuring good order and discipline, who will be made redundant in (i) 2009-10, (ii) 2010-11 (2) to prevent escape from custody, (3) to prevent a child and (iii) 2011-12. [280029] or young person from injuring him or herself or others, (4) to prevent a child or young person from damaging Maria Eagle: Lancashire Probation was awarded trust property and (5) to prevent a child or young person status with effect from 1 April 2009 and have no plans from inciting others to break orders, escape, injure to make any employees redundant in the current financial themselves or damage property in each month between year. In terms of future staffing levels the trust will January 2007 and the latest month for which figures are make decisions about both the size and mix of the available. [278457] workforce once budgets are allocated for the financial years 2010-11 and 2011-12. Maria Eagle: Restraint is only ever to be used by staff as a last resort, when all other approaches have either Young Offenders not succeeded or would not be appropriate. The data provided in the following tables, for the Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice period April 2008 to March 2009, have been supplied by how many people under the age of 21 years were charged the Youth Justice Board (YJB) and relate to use of with offences after having served a sentence restricted restraint in secure training centres. Central collection of by section 91 of the Powers of Criminal Courts (Sentencing) information about the reasons for each restraint began Act 2000 in each year since 2000. [278923] in April 2008. Details of the age, sex and ethnic group of the young person restrained were also collected from Claire Ward: The requested information is not available. that point, but it is not possible to provide a further The data sets compiled by the Ministry of Justice to breakdown, by those categories, of the reasons for analyse reoffending by juveniles do not allow for the restraint, as the Youth Justice Board does not receive identification of offenders sentenced to terms of detention the data in that format. Statistics relating to young under section 91 of the Powers of Criminal Court offender institutions and secure children’s homes are (Sentencing) Act 2000. Reoffending data for these offenders not collected in the format requested and obtaining cannot therefore be produced. them would require a search through individual records, which could not be carried out without disproportionate Young Offenders: Restraint Techniques cost. The YJB does not collect data on whether or not a young person restrained has a disability, or the requested David Howarth: To ask the Secretary of State for information about removal from association, and these Justice how many acts of (a) restrictive physical intervention could not be provided without disproportionate cost.

Use of restraint for the purpose of ensuring good order and discipline Rainsbrook Oakhill Medway Hassockfield STC total

April 2008 20204 May 2008 00000 June 2008 03003 July 2008 00189 August 2008 00000 September 2008 00000 October 2008 00000 November 2008 00000 December 2008 00000

January 2009 00000 February 2009 00000 March 2009 00000 Note: In July 2008, the Court of Appeal ruled that restraint could not be used in secure training centres for the purpose of ensuring good order and discipline (Re C v Secretary of State for Justice (2008) EWCA Civ 882) Use of restraint for the purpose of preventing escape from custody Rainsbrook Oakhill Medway Hassockfield STC total

April 2008 00000 May2008 00000 June 2008 01001 July 2008 01001 August 2008 00000 September 2008 00000 October 2008 00000 November 2008 00000 December 2008 00000 69W Written Answers15 JUNE 2009 Written Answers 70W

Use of restraint for the purpose of preventing escape from custody Rainsbrook Oakhill Medway Hassockfield STC total

January 2009 00000 February 2009 00000 March 2009 00000

Use of restraint for the purpose of preventing injury Rainsbrook Oakhill Medway Hassockfield STC total

April 2008 24 58 24 31 137 May 2008 23 20 21 31 95 June 2008 29 25 33 32 119 July 2008 21 68 39 42 170 August 2008 38 44 25 43 150 September 2008 44 27 30 24 125 October 2008 37 36 34 36 143 November 2008 29 23 20 31 103 December 2008 35 27 24 42 128

January 2009 52 45 12 29 138 February 2009 14 26 40 47 127 March 2009 19 26 61 53 159

Use of restraint for the purpose of preventing damage to property Rainsbrook Oakhill Medway Hassockfield STC total

April 2008 11147 May 2008 124714 June 2008 126413 July 2008 00347 August 2008 044715 September 2008 0 7 3 16 26 October 2008 126615 November 2008 00134 December 2008 242614

January 2009 00145 February 2009 0 0 2 15 17 March 2009 1 2 8 18 29

Use of restraint for the purpose of preventing incitement to cause harm or damage property Rainsbrook Oakhill Medway Hassockfield STC total

April 2008 02002 May 2008 00101 June 2008 00000 July 2008 02204 August 2008 01102 September 2008 00101 October 2008 00101 November 2008 00000 December 2008 00000

January 2009 00000 February 2009 00101 March 2009 00202

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE Mr. Ivan Lewis: We have regularly called for the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners, including Aung San Suu Kyi, through direct Aung San Suu Kyi contacts with the regime. Most recently, our ambassador in Rangoon conveyed Mr. Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State to the Burmese authorities our deep concern on receiving for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent news of the arrest of Aung San Suu Kyi on 14 May discussions he has had with the Government of Burma 2009. Whenever possible, he has attended the trial. In on Aung San Suu Kyi. [279194] addition, my hon. Friend the Member for Harlow (Bill 71W Written Answers15 JUNE 2009 Written Answers 72W

Rammell), the then Minister of State, raised recent This information was not collected before November developments in Burma with EU and Asian participants 2008. at the EU-Association of South East Asian Nations The FCO is aware of the importance of paying (ASEAN) Summit and Asia-Europe meeting in the suppliers promptly, and makes every effort to pay invoices region at the end of May. He spoke directly to Burmese as quickly as possible. foreign ministers to call for her release, and the release of all other political prisoners in Burma. Departmental Gifts and Endowments Burma: Politics and Government Mr. Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Mr. Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State and Commonwealth Affairs what gifts his Department for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent has given to members of EU institutions since 2005. discussions he has had with the Government of Burma [277110] on the pro-democracy movement in that country. [279195] Chris Bryant: None. It is not official policy to give gifts to members of EU institutions and we are not Mr.IvanLewis:Through the EU and United Nations, aware of any official gifts being given since 2005. and directly with the regime, the UK has regularly called for the elections proposed to be held in Burma to Departmental Public Expenditure be free and fair. We have made clear our views that unless all political prisoners are released, and democratic opposition and ethnic groups can participate freely in Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for the 2010 elections, they will have no validity or international Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the credibility. answer to the hon. Member for Richmond (Yorks) of Most recently, my hon. Friend the member for Harlow 15 May 2009, Official Report, column 1061W, on (Bill Rammell), the then Minister of State, spoke directly departmental public expenditure, for what reason the with the Burmese Deputy Foreign Minister at the administration allocation for the Basra post was reduced EU-Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) from £6,800,947 in 2007-08 to £1,426,582 in 2008-09; Summit in Phnom Penh on 27-28 May 2009. He called what categories of cost are now incurred at this post; for the release of Aung San Suu Kyi and other political and how much staff security at the post cost in the latest prisoners, and for the start of a genuinely inclusive period for which figures are available. [276798] political process. Mr. Ivan Lewis: Since 1 April 2008 funds for major Colombia: Foreign Relations contracts in Iraq have been managed from London as this is more cost-effective. The funds managed at Post Mr. Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for are for local running costs. Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he next The total allocations for London and Posts in Iraq expects to meet his Colombian counterpart to discuss Directorate for financial year (FY) 2007-08 were UK-Colombian relations. [279359] £39.2 million. In FY 2008-09 total allocations reduced Chris Bryant: My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary to £36.1 million. The decrease in allocation was because has no meetings with the Colombian Foreign Minister of the renegotiation of major contracts, which led to scheduled. Our ambassador in Bogota maintains regular lower costs while maintaining appropriate levels of security contact with senior Colombian Government officials, for our staff. including the Foreign Minister, to discuss bilateral relations Costs incurred at Basra include those for security, and broader global issues. transport, medical, catering and other life support costs. The value of the contracts for security at Basra in Departmental Billing 2008-09 was £4.2 million. Mr. Prisk: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many and what Election observers proportion of invoices his Department and its agencies paid within 10 days of receipt in each of the last 12 Mr. Bruce George: To ask the Secretary of State for months; and if he will make a statement. [278830] Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many and what proportion of (a) short-term and (b) long-term Chris Bryant: The figures for the Foreign and observers the UK will provide for the Organisation for Commonwealth Office (FCO) are as follows: Security and Co-operation in Europe’s Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights election Invoices paid within 10 days observation mission to the Albanian parliamentary Number Percentage elections. [278795] November 2008 3,517 70.2 December 2008 2,693 76.3 Mr. Ivan Lewis: The UK will send two long-term January 2009 3,797 73.2 observers (7 per cent.) and 20 short-term observers February 2009 3,068 83.1 (5 per cent.) to the election observation mission of the March 2009 5,585 84.8 Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe April 2009 4,080 78.6 Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights for the Albanian parliamentary elections which will be May 2009 2,879 79.6 held on Saturday 28 June 2009. 73W Written Answers15 JUNE 2009 Written Answers 74W

Election Observers Chris Bryant: Under Commission Decision 2009/95 EC, Spain has put forward a Site of Community Mr. Bruce George: To ask the Secretary of State for Importance under the habitats directive which encompasses Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the British Gibraltar Territorial Waters (BGTW). As the answer of 1 April 2009, Official Report, column UK is the only member state competent to propose a 1196W, on elections: monitoring, if he will make it his site covering BGTW, we do not recognise the validity of policy that the Government provide no less than 10 per the adopted site and do not consider that the decision cent. of observers to all election observation missions allows Spain any rights in BGTW, nor would we accept undertaken by the Organisation for Security and that it would have any effects in BGTW. The UK is Co-operation in Europe. [279142] deeply concerned that Spain should seek to designate an area of BGTW and that the UK was not formally Chris Bryant: Our policy on OSCE election observation consulted. The UK has made written and oral missions will continue to be to provide up to 10 per representations to Spain (and to the Commission) at cent. of observers to all election observation missions, ministerial and official level on this issue and will continue on an ad hoc basis. to do so until such time as the issue is resolved. India: Tourism Mr. Bruce George: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what proportion Mr. Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for of (a) short-term and (b) long-term observers the Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent Government plans to contribute to the election reports he has received of the behaviour of British observation mission to the Albanian parliamentary tourists in Goa. [278606] elections organised by the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights of the Organisation for Mr. Ivan Lewis: We have received no reports about Security and Co-operation in Europe. [279143] the behaviour of British tourists from the Goan authorities. However, last year 131 British nationals required consular Chris Bryant: The UK will send two long-term observers assistance while in Goa. (7 per cent.) and 20 short-term observers (5 per cent.) to the election observation mission of the Organisation for In response to this, our high commission distributed Security and Co-operation in Europe Office for Democratic over 18,000 information booklets direct to British tourists Institutions and Human Rights for the Albanian in Goa during the main six-month tourist season last parliamentary elections which will be held on 28 June year. They plan a further distribution this year and are 2009. hoping to open up further distribution channels to increase this amount. Gibraltar Iran: Baha’i Faith

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the he has had with the European Commission on the answer of 5 May 2009, Official Report, column 45W, designation by the Spanish Government of a maritime on Iran: Baha’i faith, what representations he has made conservation area encompassing British Gibraltar to the Iranian government on the detention of seven territorial waters; under what authority that Baha’i leaders in Iran since his public statement on 16 designation was made; and if he will make a statement. February 2009. [279323] [279059] Mr. Ivan Lewis: We continue to express our concerns Chris Bryant: The UK has made written and oral to the Iranian Government regarding the treatment and representations at ministerial and official level to the continued detention of the seven Baha’i leaders. European Commission regarding Commission Decision 14 May 2009 marked the one-year anniversary of 2009/95 EC. As the UK is the only member state their arrest and on this date my predecessor as Minister competent to propose a site covering British Gibraltar of State, Bill Rammell, issued a press statement in Territorial Waters (BGTW), we do not recognise the which he urged the Iranian Government to ensure that validity of the adopted site. The UK is deeply concerned their lives and rights are protected in accordance with that Spain should seek to designate an area of BGTW international law. and that the UK was not formally consulted. In our The EU, with strong UK support, issued a declaration view, the adoption procedures were deficient, and there on 25 May 2009 on behalf of all member states, reaffirming was a clear lack of transparency and effective consultation our concern for the Baha’i leaders and expressing wider involved. We continue to press the Commission to concerns about the increasing violation of religious rectify this matter urgently. freedom in Iran.

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Iran: Nuclear power Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with the Spanish Government Mrs. Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State on its designation of waters off Gibraltar as a marine for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent conservation area; what assessment he has made of the discussions he has had with his counterparts in the effect of the designation on (a) fishing rights, (b) EU3+3 on Iran’s nuclear programme; what reports he allocation of airspace and (c) development rights; and has received on the number of centrifuges in Iran; and if he will make a statement. [279060] if he will make a statement. [278684] 75W Written Answers15 JUNE 2009 Written Answers 76W

Mr. Ivan Lewis: My right hon. Friend the Foreign the reinforcement of Palestinian Authority security forces Secretary’s most recent conversation with US Secretary in the main urban centres of the West Bank—including of State Clinton took place on 3 June 2009 and they Jenin, Nablus and Hebron—has meant that those cities discussed Iran, as well as a range of other matters. The are much safer today than they were a year ago. We Foreign Secretary keeps in regular contact with counterparts support fully the Palestinian Authority’s determination from the rest of the E3+3, and the development of the to uphold the principle of the legitimate law enforcement Iranian nuclear programme remains an issue of serious agencies having a monopoly on the use of force and its and shared concern. Senior officials from the E3+3 last subsequent attempts to control armed militias operating met on 8 April 2009 and also keep in regular contact. in the West Bank. On the Palestinian side, building a The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) fully effective criminal justice system remains an immediate Director General’s Iran report of 19 February 2009 challenge. On the Israeli side, it is imperative that the states that Iran had 5,537 centrifuges installed, of which Israeli defence forces (IDF) give the Palestinian security almost 4,000 were enriching uranium hexafluoride (UF6). forces the space to take full responsibility for the security We anticipate that the Director- General’s next report, situation in area A and increasing responsibility for the which will be discussed at the IAEA Board of Governors security situation in area B. meeting on 15 June 2009, will show that Iran has continued to develop its enrichment programme, despite Sri Lanka: Arms trade five UN Security Council Resolutions requiring it to stop. Mr. Keith Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he North Africa: al-Qaeda has received on alleged sales of military equipment to the Sri Lankan Government since 2006 by the UK and Mr. Oaten: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign other EU countries in contravention of the 1998 EU and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment his Code of Conduct on Arms Exports; and if he will Department has made of the strength of al-Qaeda in make a statement. [278682] North Africa. [279373] Mr. Ivan Lewis: All UK export licensing decisions Mr. Ivan Lewis: Al-Qaeda in the Maghreb (AQ-M) relating to Sri Lanka have been consistent with the represents a significant terrorist threat in north Africa Consolidated Export Licensing Criteria, and the EU and the Sahara. Exact numbers are unclear, but estimates Code of Conduct. All UK licence applications for suggest a strength of around a thousand. AQ-M has the exports to Sri Lanka have been carefully assessed against intent and capability to carry out terrorist attacks, the criteria on a case-by-case basis, taking into account including suicide bombings and kidnappings, against the nature of the goods, the end use, and end users, and both regional and western, including British, interests. with full consideration of the prevailing situation. In AQ-M claimed responsibility for the murder of a British line with these criteria, any export licence applications citizen, Edwin Dyer, around 1 June 2009. that would provoke or prolong the internal conflict or be used for internal repression have been refused. North Korea We cannot comment on exports or licensing decisions made by other countries, including our EU partners. Mr. Hague: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign However COARM, the EU Working Group on and Commonwealth Affairs how many North Korean Conventional Arms in Brussels, provides a forum for officials are subject to a travel ban and assets freeze discussion of any issues relating to the Code of Conduct. under the provisions of United Nations Security There was such a discussion in June 2008, when an Council Resolution 1718 (2006). [278635] export to Sri Lanka was involved. As a result of these discussions the exporting state revoked a licence that David Miliband: Three North Korean organisations had previously been approved. with links to their country’s ballistic missile programme are subject to asset freezes under the provisions of UN West Bank Security Council Resolution 1718, following North Korea’s satellite launch on 5 April 2009. No individual officials Mr. Sharma: To ask the Secretary of State for are currently subject to travel bans or asset freezes. The Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent new UN Security Council Resolution 1874, passed on assessment he has made of the security situation in the 12 June 2009 tasks the UN Sanctions Committee to West Bank; and if he will make a statement. [278639] designate further organisations and individuals for travel bans and asset freezes. Mr. Ivan Lewis: The Palestinian Authority is making very significant progress in developing the capability Palestinians and professionalism of its security forces. In particular the reinforcement of Palestinian Authority security forces Mr. Sharma: To ask the Secretary of State for in the main urban centres of the west bank—including Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent Jenin, Nablus, and Hebron—has meant that those cities assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the are much safer today than they were a year ago. We Palestinian Authority security forces in creating support fully the Palestinian Authority’s determination stability in Nablus, Jenin and Hebron. [278688] to uphold the principle of the legitimate law enforcement agencies having a monopoly on the use of force and its Mr. Ivan Lewis: The Palestinian Authority is making subsequent attempts to control armed militias operating very significant progress in developing the capability in the west bank. On the Palestinian side, building a and professionalism of its security forces. In particular, fully effective criminal justice system remains an immediate 77W Written Answers15 JUNE 2009 Written Answers 78W challenge. On the Israeli side, it is imperative that the These figures should also be read with caution because Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) give the Palestinian security of the uncertainty about how many registrations will be forces the space to take full responsibility for the security made over the next nine years. It is not possible to situation in Area A and increasing responsibility for the estimate how many tests might take place in the United security situation in Area B. Kingdom as there are no restrictions on where any individual company may choose to commission any Zimbabwe: Embassies procedures it needs.

Mrs. Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs with reference to Climate Change the answer to the hon. Member for Brentwood and Ongar of 15 September 2008, Official Report, columns Miss McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for 2201-02W, on Zimbabwe: embassies, how much the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate he embassy of Zimbabwe owed in business rates on the has made of his Department’s potential gross (a) costs latest date for which figures are available; and what and (b) savings arising from its climate change steps are being taken to ensure that payment of adaptation measures in the next three years. [277724] outstanding business rates is made. [279326]

Chris Bryant: The Valuation Agency (VOA) of HM Dan Norris: It is not currently possible to provide Revenue and Customs is responsible for billing and estimates of the potential costs and savings over the collection of national non-domestic rates (NNDR). next three years. It has, however, been shown in the VOA send quarterly statements to all missions, and we Stern review on the economics of climate change that continue to work with the VOA to press all diplomatic timely and well-targeted climate adaptation measures missions to pay their NNDR bills. will yield benefits in excess of their costs. Some of these benefits will accrue to Departments as cost-savings over The embassy of Zimbabwe has not made any NNDR the next three years, with further more significant gains payments in the last five years. to be made in future years. The main rationale for At the end of the financial year 2008-09, the embassy investment to address climate risk will be to reduce the of Zimbabwe owed a total of £79,883 in national non- UK’s vulnerability to longer-term climate change impacts. domestic rates (NNDR). The embassy’s NNDR bill for The Government are undertaking a climate change 2009-10 is £13,531.50. We wrote to the embassy of risk assessment and economic analysis, which will provide Zimbabwe in March to highlight their outstanding debts estimates of the costs and benefits of adaptation to the and to remind them of their obligation to pay NNDR. UK. This analysis will be presented to Parliament in We will continue to press them to settle their debts. 2011. As you are aware, the Government will also be publishing supplementary appraisal guidance this summer. This ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS will help to ensure that adaptation measures are designed and implemented in a cost-effective manner. Animal Experiments

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Dairy Farming Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate he has made of the potential effects of the REACH Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for regulations on the numbers of animals required for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if he will bring scientific procedures in the United Kingdom. [278114] forward proposals for the Government to underwrite the payments that Dairy Farmers of Britain were due Dan Norris: REACH (Registration, Evaluation, to make to dairy farmers for milk supplied in May Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) aims to 2009. [279908] minimise animal testing, and actively promotes the development and use of non-animal alternative test methods. However, it is inevitable that some further Jim Fitzpatrick: I am deeply concerned and saddened animal testing will be necessary in order to fill the many by the situation facing farming members and other gaps which currently exist in our knowledge of the way employees of Dairy Farmers of Britain, following chemicals impact on human health and the environment. the announcement to call in the receivers Animal testing is only allowed as a last resort where no (PricewaterhouseCoopers) on 3 June. suitable non-animal alternatives exist. REACH prohibits Publicly-funded schemes such as those available through repetition of animal tests once they are completed, and Business Link are available to assist SMEs that find requires the data from them to be shared between themselves in difficulties. Farmers who are in need of everyone wanting to register the same substance. business advice should contact Business Link in their In October 2006, the European Commission estimated region. HMRC’s Business Payment Support Service is that in the region of between 8 and 13 million additional also available for businesses which are finding it difficult animals might be used across Europe over the entire to meet their tax commitments for the sorts of reasons REACH registration period. However, we expect that faced by the farmers of Dairy Farmers of Britain. number to be significantly reduced as a result of the Ministers have been in discussions with senior industry additional drivers to reduce the amount of animal leaders and officials remain in close contact with the testing that were incorporated into the final agreed receivers to ensure that those who might need to access REACH text in December 2006. these schemes know how to do so. 79W Written Answers15 JUNE 2009 Written Answers 80W

Departmental Air Conditioning tonnes and 0.98 metric kg respectively. Information for the period 2006-07 is not held centrally and could be Grant Shapps: To ask the Secretary of State for provided only at disproportionate cost. Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much has been spent by his Department on carrying out inspections Mr. Paice: To ask the Secretary of State for of air conditioning systems within departmental buildings Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate he in accordance with the Energy Performance of Buildings has made of the levels of carbon dioxide emissions (Certificates and Inspections) (England and Wales) arising from air travel by staff in his Department (a) in Regulations 2007. [272117] total and (b) per full-time equivalent member of staff in (i) 2006-07 and (ii) 2007-08. [276137] Dan Norris: The Department has spent £4,715 on inspection reports required under the Energy Performance Dan Norris: From information held centrally, the of Buildings (Certificates and Inspections) (England estimate made of the levels of carbon dioxide emissions and Wales) Regulations 2007. arising from air travel by staff in the Department (a) in total and (b) per full-time equivalent member of staff Grant Shapps: To ask the Secretary of State for were: Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many of his Department’s buildings are equipped with air conditioning (b)Full-time (a)Total equivalent systems with greater than 250kW of output; how many (metric tonnes) (metric kg) of these systems have been inspected under the Energy Performance of Buildings (Certificates and Inspections) 2006-07 3,077 0.127 (England and Wales) Regulations 2007; and if he will 2007-08 2,549 0.114 place in the Library a copy of each inspection report. [272143] DEFRA in partnership with other Government Departments offset the emissions for official and ministerial Dan Norris: Four of the Department’s buildings are air and rail travel through the Government Carbon equipped with air conditioning systems with greater Offset Fund. than 250kW of output. All four have been inspected under the Energy Performance of Buildings (Certificates Departmental Contracts for Services and Inspections) (England and Wales) Regulations 2007. A copy of the inspection reports will be placed in the Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Library. Environment, Food and Rural Affairs which services Departmental Billing his Department has outsourced in each of the last five years; and if he will make a statement. [274449] Mr. Philip Hammond: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much Dan Norris: From information held centrally, the (a) his Department and (b) its agencies paid in interest core-Department has outsourced in: to suppliers under the Late Payment of Commercial 2004: IT service provision; Debts (Interest) Act 1998 in the last three years for 2005: Photo Library and, Landscape editorial and print; which figures are available. [275203] 2006: Recruitment and Statutory Notice Advertising and, Shared Central Stakeholder Database; Dan Norris: These figures are shown in the Department’s 2007: Print Services; and resource accounts, under the heading ‘Payment of Suppliers’ 2009: Sustainable Built Environment and Workplace Solutions. in the management report section of the accounts. The Outsourcing is one means of maximising value for accounts, including prior year accounts, can be found money as a major business objective of all Government on line at: Departments. Best practice procurement in outsourcing www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/finance/resource-accounts/ is a central element in achieving this objective. index.htm Figures for the financial year 2008-09 are being compiled Departmental Data Protection currently. Departmental Carbon Emissions James Brokenshire: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many Mr. Paice: To ask the Secretary of State for notifications his Department made to the Information Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate he Commissioner in the year ended 30 April 2009 in respect has made of the amount of carbon dioxide emissions of the loss or mishandling of personal information or arising from road-based transport for his Department’s data; what was notified in each such case; and how administrative operations (a) in total and (b) per many individuals were the subjects of personal information full-time equivalent member of staff in (i) 2006-07 and or data in respect of which such notifications were (ii) 2007-08. [276136] made. [278743]

Dan Norris: From information held centrally, the Dan Norris: Under the mandatory requirements of estimate made of the amount of carbon dioxide emissions the Data Handling Report published on 25 June 2008, arising from road-based transport for the Department’s DEFRA is required to give a summary report on data administrative operations (a) in total and (b) per full-time breaches reported to the Information Commissioner in equivalent member of staff in 2007-08 was 21,978 metric our annual resource accounts. 81W Written Answers15 JUNE 2009 Written Answers 82W

DEFRA has reported on personal data breaches in (a) Details of the spend on salaries for press/communications 2007-08 in our 2008 Departmental Report and this can officers in DEFRA (including Executive Agencies) over be found at: the last five years: http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/deprep/2008/index.htm We will be publishing information on personal data £000 security breaches reported to the Information Commissioner Department/Agency 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 for the 2008-09 reporting year before Parliament rises in 1 July. The information is currently being compiled and is Core-DEFRA 1,230 1,616 1,436 1,256 892 to be audited and verified before it is laid before Parliament. Animal Health ————— (AH)2 Marine and ———3642 James Brokenshire: To ask the Secretary of State for Fisheries Agency Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many officials (MFA)3 in (a) his Department and (b) its agencies have been (i) Veterinary ————— disciplined and (ii) dismissed for (A) breaches of data Medicines protection requirements and (B) inappropriate use of Directorate (VMD)4 personal or sensitive data in the last 12 months. [278744] Rural Payments — — 506 1,039 818 Agency (RPA)5 Veterinary 21 24 25 26 56 Dan Norris: There have been no staff in the Department Laboratories Agency for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), or (VLA) its agencies, who have been disciplined or dismissed for Centre for Fisheries, 27 28 31 32 34 (A) breaches of data protection requirements or (B) Aquaculture and inappropriate use of personal or sensitive data in the Science (CEFAS) last 12 months from 1 June 2009. The Food and ————— Environment Information is a key asset to Government and its Research Agency correct handling is vital to the delivery of public services (FERA)6 and to the integrity of HMG. The Security Policy 1 The figures for Core-DEFRA, exclude costs relating to agency Framework and the Data Handling Report produced staff, contractors and consultants. 2 by the Cabinet Office provide a strategic framework for Details are not held centrally and Animal Health have indicated could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. protecting information that Government handles and 3 The Marine and Fisheries Agency was created on 1 October 2005. put in place a set of mandatory measures which No information is available for 2004-05 at all, as there was no Departments must adhere to. communications/press officer provision in the Agency or for 2005-06 and 2006-07. A dedicated senior information officer joined MFA on The Civil Service Management Code sets out the 12 May 2007. requirements for Departments to have procedures in 4 The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) do not have any place to deal with conduct and disciplinary issues. DEFRA’s dedicated communications or press staff. Any comms work is carried procedures are laid down in the staff handbook which out on behalf of VMD, by Core-DEFRA’s press office, on an ad-hoc all staff can access via the Department’s intranet. Before basis. 5 The Communications Directorate in the Rural Payments Agency being permitted to access DEFRA’s IT systems all was only set up in November 2006, a fact that is reflected in the users are required to read and agree to a personal figures. Figures for earlier years are not held in a form that is readily commitment statement. This outlines the requirements accessible and consequently, could be obtained only at to follow the Department’s security policies which are disproportionate cost. The figures quoted include both the costs of held on the intranet, including those which relate to the employing both permanent staff and contractor/consultancy staff over the respective periods. use of e-mail and the internet. 6 The new Food and Environment Research Agency, which was If staff are found to have been responsible for a created on 1 April 2009, does not specifically employ press or serious breach of data security procedures, dependent communications officers. Instead they route all of the press queries upon the circumstances, a range of sanctions are available that they receive through the Core-DEFRA press office. including disciplinary or administrative action, and in extreme or persistent cases, termination of employment/ (b) Details of the spend on salaries for press/communications services and, if appropriate, criminal proceedings. officers in DEFRA’s NDPBs: This information is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. Departmental Information Officers

Mr. Paice: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Departmental Marketing Food and Rural Affairs how much was spent on salaries for communications and press officers by (a) his Department and (b) each of its non-departmental public Ann Coffey: To ask the Secretary of State for bodies in each of the last five years. [276272] Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much has been spent by his Department on advertising in weekly Dan Norris: Details of how much the Department and regional newspapers in each of the last five years. (including Executive Agencies) spent on salaries for [277157] communications and press officers, for where information is available, is illustrated in the table at (a). Dan Norris: The following table shows how much The position in relation to the Department’s non- DEFRA has spent on advertising in weekly and regional departmental public bodies is outlined at (b). newspapers in the last five years. 83W Written Answers15 JUNE 2009 Written Answers 84W

£ April 2004 to April 2005 to April 2006 to April 2007 to April 2008 to Type March 2005 March 2006 March 2007 March 2008 March 2009 Total

Dailies 28,076 — — — 139,392 167,468 Weeklies 7,984 — — — 24,431 32,415 Total 36,060 0 0 0 163,823 199,883

The increase in spend in the last financial year (April Departmental Pay 2008 to March 2009) correlated with the start of our major consumer-facing campaign, Act on CO2. John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many staff Departmental Official Hospitality employed in London on work contracted out by his Department earn less than £7.45 per hour. [274948] Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Dan Norris [holding answer 12 May 2009]: From Food and Rural Affairs how much his Department has information held centrally, there are no staff employed spent on (a) conference services and (b) banqueting in London on work contracted out by the Department services in each of the last five years. [274506] earning less than £7.45 per hour. Mr. Paice: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Dan Norris: The core-Department’s financial system Food and Rural Affairs how many bonuses were paid to category codes record the following expenditure on staff in (a) his Department and (b) each of its non- conferences and events services. departmental public bodies in each of the last five years; and how much was paid in each case. [276271] £ Dan Norris: The following table shows the figures 2008-09 2,216,948.09 requested for DEFRA and its Executive Agencies. Due 2007-08 2,237,045.29 to system changes, data prior to 2005-06 for Core DEFRA is available only at disproportionate cost. Data Information before this date could be provided only for non departmental public bodies is not held centrally at disproportionate cost. The core-Department’s financial and also can only be made available at disproportionate system has no category code for banqueting services. cost.

DEFRA VLA CEFAS RPA

2004-05 Total value (£) — 30,777 321,000 323,567 Number of bonuses — 133 490 525

2005-06 Total value (£) 3,361,065 35,034 482,000 249,025 Number of bonuses 4,368 148 479 541

2006-07 Total value (£) 3,171,792 39,120 566,766 243,072 Number of bonuses 2,569 162 543 480

2007-08 Total value (£) 3,235,664 45,327 610,125 425,417 Number of bonuses 2,100 180 567 812

2008-09 Total value (£) 3,036,270 47,409 773,747 542,289 Number of bonuses 2,014 195 410 1,125

For DEFRA, the data covers staff in the core For the SCS: Department and those Executive Agencies covered by DEFRA terms and conditions at that time, as well as Non-consolidated performance related variable pay rewards staff who transferred to DECC on 3 October 2008. in-year performances in relation to agreed objectives, or short term personal contribution to wider organisational objectives. Non-consolidated performance related variable pay Such payments are paid in addition to base pay increases and do is used to reward excellent performance during the year not count towards pension. and is based on a judgment of how well an individual Performance related variable pay is allocated by Departments has performed relative to their peers. Performance related from a ‘pot’ expressed as a percentage of the SCS salary bill, pay schemes encourage high attainment because bonuses which is agreed centrally each year following the Senior Salaries have to be earned each year. They help drive high Review Body recommendations. The intention is that such payment performance in Departments and agencies and support decisions should be differentiated in order to recognise the most better public service delivery. significant deliverers of in-year performance. 85W Written Answers15 JUNE 2009 Written Answers 86W

For staff at Grade 6 and below: Mr. Greg Knight: To ask the Secretary of State for The performance related variable pay scheme introduced in Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much (a) April 2005 provides staff in DEFRA and those Agencies covered his Department and (b) its agencies paid in end-of- by the core- Department’s reward arrangements, with recognition year performance bonuses to (i) all staff and (ii) senior and reward for delivery of an outstanding outcome or performance Civil Service staff in 2008-09; and how many such that significantly exceeds normal expectations. The process should payments were made. [277358] provide staff at all grades with an opportunity to earn such an award, and ensure that achievements in operational, policy and corporate services areas are recognised as being of equal esteem. Mr. Philip Hammond: To ask the Secretary of State Such payments are paid in addition to base pay increases and do for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much not count towards pension. (a) his Department and (b) its agencies paid in There are two types of award: end-of-year performance bonuses to (i) all staff and (ii) In-year payments, paid to individuals or teams in recognition senior Civil Service staff in 2008-09; and how many of one-off achievements during the year; and such payments were made. [275256] Annual payments that, in 2007 and 2008, were paid to the top 10 per cent. of performers for delivery of an outstanding outcome Dan Norris: The following table summarises the requested or performance sustained throughout the whole year. figures for DEFRA and its Executive agencies.

DEFRA RPA VLA CEFAS

Amount spent on end-year non-consolidated 2,433,775 475,721 84,069 773,747 performance payments (£) Amount spent on non-consolidated 1,300,592 34,371 36,660 32,500 performance payments for the SCS only (£) Number of staff (grade 6 and below) who 490 565 195 4 received an end-of-year non-consolidated performance payment Number of SCS staff who received a non- 134 2 3 494 consolidated performance payment

The data for DEFRA covers staff in the core Department For the SCS and those organisations under DEFRA terms and Non-consolidated performance related variable pay conditions, including Animal Health, the Marine Fisheries rewards in-year performance in relation to agreed objectives, Agency, the Veterinary Medicines Directorate and those or short term personal contribution to wider organisational staff who transferred to DECC on 3 October 2008. objectives. Such payments are paid in addition to base pay increases and do not count towards pension. The total pay bill for DEFRA was £194.147 million, of which 1.25 per cent. was used for end-on-year non- Performance related variable pay is allocated by consolidated performance payments to staff (including Departments from a ‘pot’ expressed as a percentage of the SCS). The median payments were £8,500 for SCS the SCS salary bill, which is agreed centrally each and £2,056 for non-SCS staff. year following the Senior Salaries Review Body recommendations. The intention is that such payment The total pay bill for the Rural Payments Agency decisions should be differentiated in order to recognise (RPA) was £98.8 million, of which 0.48 per cent. was the most significant deliverers of in-year performance. used for end-on-year non-consolidated performance Departmental Responsibilities payments to staff (including the SCS). Miss McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for The total pay bill for the Veterinary Laboratories Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what progress Agencies (VLA) was £40.363 million, of which 0.21 per his Department has made in establishing a natural cent. was used for end-on-year non-consolidated hazards team; and if he will make a statement. [278293] performance payments to staff (including the SCS). The median payments were £12,000 for SCS and £207.99 Dan Norris: I refer the hon. Member to the reply for non-SCS staff. given by my hon. Friend the Minister for Marine and Natural Environment (Huw Irranca-Davies) on 2 June The total pay bill for the Centre for Environment, 2009, Official Report, column 335W. Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS) was £15.547 Departmental Security million, of which 4.8 per cent. was used for end-on-year non-consolidated performance payments to staff (including Danny Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for the SCS). The mean payments were £8,125 for SCS and Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many breaches £1,500 for non-SCS staff. of security have been reported at (a) Animal Health, (b) the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Non-consolidated performance related variable pay Science, (c) the Central Science Laboratory, (d) the is used to reward excellent performance during the year Government Decontamination Service, (e) the Marine and are based on a judgment of how well an individual and Fisheries Agency, (f) the Rural Payments Agency, has performed relative to their peers. Performance related (g) the Veterinary Laboratories Agency and (h) the pay schemes encourage high attainment because bonuses Veterinary Medicines Directorate in the last five years; have to be earned each year. They help drive high and what procedures each agency follows when a breach performance in Departments and agencies and support of security involves the disclosure of personal data. better public service delivery. [276956] 87W Written Answers15 JUNE 2009 Written Answers 88W

Dan Norris: In the last five years, the DEFRA agencies recycled products in the latest period for which figures listed have reported a total of 104 separate breaches are available. [275346] related to losses of electronic equipment and security passes. They did not involve the loss of any personal or Dan Norris: The only data available centrally for protectively marked data. expenditure on recycled office supplies are for paper My Department and its Executive agencies are required products inclusive of office paper, envelopes and card. to report all significant personal data security breaches Core-DEFRA spent the following amounts on 100 per to the Cabinet Office and the ICO. Information on cent. recycled paper products: personal data security breaches is published on an annual basis in the Department’s annual resource accounts £ as was announced in the Data Handling Review published 2006-07 114,000 on 25 June 2008. 2007-08 99,500 Additionally, all significant control weaknesses including 2008-09 92,200 other significant security breaches are included in the Statement of Internal Control which is published within In comparison, expenditure on virgin paper products the annual resource accounts. for these financial years was £9,000, £7,500 and £3,800 respectively. Departmental Stationery Departmental Training Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much his Department spent on the purchase of (a) recycled Mr. Philip Hammond: To ask the Secretary of State office supplies in the last 12 months and (b) printer ink for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what training courses have been attended by special advisers in his cartridges in each of the last five years. [274202] Department in the last 12 months; and at what cost. Dan Norris: The information is as follows: [279400] (a) The only data available for expenditure on recycled Dan Norris: Special advisers receive training as office supplies is for paper products inclusive of office appropriate to enable them to fulfil their duties and paper, envelopes and card. Core-DEFRA spent the responsibilities as set out in the “Model Contract for following amounts on 100 per cent. recycled paper. Special Advisers”.

£ Departmental Work Experience 2006-07 114,000 2007-08 99,500 Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for 2008-09 92,200 Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many work placements his Department offered to (a) school In comparison, expenditure on virgin paper products pupils, (b) university students and (c) graduates in for these financial years was £9,000, £7,500 and £3,800 each of the last five years. [274486] respectively. Data from 2005-06 and 2004-05 could be provided Dan Norris: DEFRA has offered 45 university students only at disproportionate cost. and 105 graduates work placements over the last five (b) DEFRA outsourced IT service provision to IBM years. We do not keep data on any work placements in 2004. Due to the way in which this contract is offered to students between 14-18 years old. structured, the figures provided as follows (based on The following table provides the breakdown of the paid invoices) include toner cartridge expenditure for numbers over this period. the core-Department as well as the following Executive agencies and NDPBs which receive services from IBM Type of candidate under the e-nabling contract (core-DEFRA, Marine University students Graduates Fisheries Agency, Natural England, Animal Health Agency, Government Decontamination Service, Gangmasters 2005 13 23 Licensing Authority, Commission for Rural Communities, 2006 12 17 Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution). 2007 10 28 Toner spend 2008 5 22 £ 2009 5 15 Total 45 105 2005-06 724,023.82 2006-07 653,354.08 Domestic Waste: Recycling 2007-08 826,387.29 2008-09 594,313.55 Chris McCafferty: To ask the Secretary of State for Data for 2004-05 could be provided only at Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to the disproportionate cost. answer of 30 March 2009, Official Report, column 841W, on domestic waste: recycling, for what reason (a) recycling Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for credits relate only to waste collected in the local authority Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what proportion area and (b) landfill credits may relate to waste collected of office supplies purchased by his Department were in other local authority areas. [270193] 89W Written Answers15 JUNE 2009 Written Answers 90W

Dan Norris [holding answer 23 April 2009]: The John Nichols - Fisherman and Member of the New Under purpose of the recycling credits scheme is to pass on to Tens Fisherman’s Association (NUTFA) recyclers the savings their recycling made in disposal Phil Walsh- NUTFA and collection costs that would have been incurred by Gary Hodgson - Fisherman the authority. This means the party doing the recycling Alison Austin - Head of Environmental Affairs, Sainsburys is paid by the authority where the waste originated. Cindy Cahill - Deloitte Consulting The Landfill Tax Credit Scheme is now called the Steve Colclough - Environment Agency Landfill Communities Fund. It is a voluntary scheme Giles Bartlett-World Wildlife Fund whereby landfill site operators can only claim tax (landfill tax) credits for 90 per cent. of contributions (up to 6 per Alan McCulla - Anglo North Irish Fish Producers Association cent. of their annual landfill tax liability) they make to Stefan Glinski - Fisherman environmental organisations in support of environmental Tom Pickerell - National Shellfish Association of Great Britain and community projects. One of the aims of the scheme Tim Dapling - Sussex Sea Fisheries Committee is to redress some of the disadvantages for those living Hazel Curtis - Chief Economist, Seafish Industry Authority within close vicinity of a landfill site. The scheme is (SEAFISH) regulated by Entrust and overseen by HM Revenue and Spike Searle - South West Food and Drink Federation Customs. David Stevens - Fisherman The first meeting of the group will take place on 16 Fisheries: Environment Protection June. I look forward to working closely with the group and the project’s wide range of stakeholders over the Mr. Benyon: To ask the Secretary of State for coming months. Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the locations are of the six environmentally responsible fishing schemes; Mr. Benyon: To ask the Secretary of State for and when he expects to publish the results of the pilot Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the terms scheme. [278889] of reference of the Sustainable Access to Inshore Fisheries project are. [278891] Huw Irranca-Davies: The Environmentally Responsible Fishing pilot scheme is running in three locations: Huw Irranca-Davies: The Sustainable Access to Inshore Hartlepool, Lowestoft and the Thames Estuary, with a Fisheries (SAIF) Project has been established to develop total of 31 participating vessels. They are operating a strategy for long-term economic, social and environmental under an EC derogation from quota rules for fishing sustainability in the English inshore fishing fleet. The vessels engaging in scientific research (Article 2.2 of project has three phases, expected to run over the next Council Regulation No 40/2008). 12-18 months: The pilot scheme is due to finish collecting data in Phase 1—bringing together existing ongoing research into the August 2009. It has generated a considerable amount of economic, environmental and social impacts of the fleet. New important data which is being processed and analysed research will also be commissioned to fill evidence gaps. by our project partners Cefas (Centre for the Environment, Phase 2—development and appraisal of policy options based Fisheries and Aquaculture Science) and Seafish. Following upon the findings of commissioned research and input from the completion of this process we anticipate a review will be advisory group and other stakeholders. published towards the end of the year. Phase 3—selecting preferred policy options and working closely with delivery partners to refine and implement our policies. Mr. Benyon: To ask the Secretary of State for The project is supported by an advisory group which Environment, Food and Rural Affairs which individuals will feed into the policy development process, supporting and organisations are participating in the Sustainable the Minister and officials over the coming months. The Access to Inshore Fisheries project. [278890] group will consider the evidence base and provide views and perspectives on policy proposals as they develop Huw Irranca-Davies: DEFRA has recently established and evolve, particularly with regard to their practical/delivery the Sustainable Access to Inshore Fisheries (SAIF) dimension. Their knowledge and experience will be key Project. The project aims to develop a strategy for to enabling them to provide innovative ideas to tackle long-term economic, social and environmental sustainability the problems facing the fleet, and inform long-term in the English inshore fishing fleet. There are a wide decisions. range of stakeholders involved in the project, including The first meeting of the advisory group will be held individual fishermen using small vessels, those involved on 16 June 2009. in larger under 10 metre commercial operations and others with an interest in fisheries and community Fishing Vessels regeneration issues. An advisory group has been established to support Mr. Benyon: To ask the Secretary of State for the work of the project, chaired by Alan Riddell, a Environment, Food and Rural Affairs who the members former Director for the Department for Communities are of each Under 10-Metre Fleet Regional Advisory and Local Government. Alan brings considerable experience Council. [278888] of leading regional development and community sustainability. These are issues which are inextricably Huw Irranca-Davies: There are seven regional advisory linked to what we are trying to achieve through SAIF—a councils (RACs) that cover all sea areas of the EU and thriving and sustainable fishing industry in the future. the activities of those vessels that fish outside EU I am delighted that the following individuals have waters. The purpose of the RACs is to provide stakeholders’ agreed to sit on the panel: advice to the Commission and member states on any 91W Written Answers15 JUNE 2009 Written Answers 92W aspect of fisheries management under the common The Environment Agency is currently discussing with fisheries policy (CFP). Representatives of the under 10 Rhodia what would be required if the company were to metre fleet are free to attend meetings of RACs and are surrender the licence. eligible to apply to become members of the councils themselves. Hogweed

Fly Tipping Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if he will bring Robert Neill: To ask the Secretary of State for forward proposals to classify hogweed as a notifiable Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many weed. [279295] prosecutions for fly-tipping were (a) brought and (b) successful in 2007-08; and what proportion of reported Huw Irranca-Davies [holding answer 12 June 2009]: fly-tipping incidents in that year this represented in We have no plans to make either the native hogweed or each case. [279874] the invasive non-native giant hogweed “notifiable” weeds. The Weeds Act 1959 is a consolidation of earlier Dan Norris: In 2007-08, English local authorities and legislation concerned with commercial food production. the Environment Agency reported 1,285,300 fly-tipping The five weeds covered by the 1959 Act are common incidents on the Flycapture system ranging from single ragwort, spear thistle, creeping or field thistle, curled black bags to “significant multiple loads”. dock and broad-leaved dock. Common ragwort is 1,966 prosecutions were taken against fly-tippers in poisonous to animals, in particular horses. The others, 2007-08 which represents 0.15 per cent. of the incidents if allowed to spread, compete with and suppress grass reported. 1,863 (95 per cent.) of these prosecutions were and crop plants. successful. The five weeds covered by the 1959 Act are not Prosecution figures are only for cases taken through “notifiable” as such and there is no obligation to report the court system and do not reflect the full range of their presence to anyone. Complaints about the spread enforcement actions available to local authorities. of any of the five weeds will only be investigated on In 2007-08 local authorities took an additional 179,122 receipt of a properly completed complaint form in enforcement actions against fly-tippers, consisting of accordance with the procedures set out on DEFRA’s warning letters, statutory notices, fixed penalty notices, website. formal cautions and injunctions. The giant hogweed is listed in schedule 9 to the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and it is therefore an Hazardous Substances: Oldbury offence to introduce it to the wild without a licence.

Mr. Bailey: To ask the Secretary of State for Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment Rattlechain chemical waste lagoon in Oldbury was last he has made of the effect of the spread of hogweed on inspected by the Environment Agency; and what soil fertility. [279296] percentage of the waste in the lagoon was identified as yellow phosphorus in that inspection. [R] [278063] Huw Irranca-Davies [holding answer 12 June 2009]: No assessments have been made for either the native Dan Norris: The Environment Agency last inspected hogweed or the invasive non-native giant hogweed. the Rattlechain chemical waste lagoon in Oldbury on 7 While some invasive non-native species are known to April 2009. affect soil chemistry to prejudice any competing plants, It is not possible to determine during an inspection giant hogweed is not believed to have such properties. the percentage of yellow phosphorus in the deposited waste. Much of the deposits are historic and underwater. Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps his The site closed in March 2006. Analysis indicates a Department has taken to inform the public about the level of phosphorus in deposited calcium phosphate potential health hazards of coming into contact with sludge to be in the order of 0.01 per cent. hogweed. [279297] Mr. Bailey: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what discussions Huw Irranca-Davies [holding answer 12 June 2009]: have taken place between the Environment Agency and As part of implementing the Invasive Non-native Species representatives of Rhodia, Oldbury on the future of Framework Strategy for Great Britain, we have been wildlife at the Rattlechain chemical waste lagoon. producing a suite of identification sheets on key invasive [278064] non-native species. These are published on the GB Non-Native Species Secretariat website at: Dan Norris: The Environment Agency has had ongoing www.nonnativespecies.org discussions with representatives of Rhodia on the future The sheet on giant hogweed clearly advises of the of the Rattlechain chemical waste lagoon and its associated health hazard from contact with its sap. DEFRA also wildlife since closure as an operational site in March supported the development of the recent CIRIA 2006. The waste management licence for the site is, (construction industry research and information association) however, still in force and therefore Rhodia is still guide ‘Invasive species management for infrastructure required to monitor and secure it. managers and the construction industry’ which advises 93W Written Answers15 JUNE 2009 Written Answers 94W of the hazard associated with giant hogweed. There are Applicants must provide their personal details, their numerous other publications and sources of advice that county parish holding number (if applicable), the number identify this hazard. and species of poultry that are usually on the premises, the type of housing provided for the birds and the Litter: Smoking purpose for which the birds are being reared. Applicants are also asked for some essential information that can Miss McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for assist risk assessment, for example, whether the poultry Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent have access to the open air or whether there are bodies steps his Department has taken to reduce smoking- of water close by that attract wild birds. related litter. [277809] Applicants must also provide information regarding the number of workers in day to day contact with birds. Jim Fitzpatrick: DEFRA funds Keep Britain Tidy This information is used by the Health Protection Agency (formerly known as ENCAMS) to carry out the annual to provide vaccination to workers in the event of an Local Environment Quality Survey of England. The Avian Influenza outbreak. results for the seventh survey were published in March 2009 and are available on the Keep Britain Tidy website Pets: Vaccination at: www.keepbritaintidy.org Mr. Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Smokers’ materials remain, by far, the most prevalent Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what his item, being present on 78 per cent. of all sites visited. Department’s policy is on the vaccination of animals (The survey records only the incidence—that is to say kept as pets. [278267] the percentage of sites—where each type of litter occurs; it does not attempt to record the volume.) Jim Fitzpatrick: Under the Pet Travel Scheme, pets Dropping any smoking-related litter is an offence (principally dogs and cats) from certain ‘listed countries’ under section 87 of the Environmental Protection Act can enter the UK without spending time in quarantine 1990. A person found guilty of the litter offence may be if they have been identified using a microchip, vaccinated fined up to £2,500 in a magistrates court, or, as an against rabies and blood tested to ensure that the vaccination alternative to prosecution, issued with an on the spot has been effective. Pets from ‘listed countries’ can enter fixed penalty notice of between £50 and £80. Litter can and move freely within the UK six months after a blight neighbourhoods and the minority who choose to successful blood test, as long as they meet certain other drop it on the ground, rather than put it in a bin, have tick and tapeworm-treatment requirements. no excuse for their behaviour. Similarly, UK pets can travel to member states of the Through its funding of Keep Britain Tidy, the EU and return to the UK provided they have received Government support behavioural change and awareness appropriate rabies vaccination and have met the other changing campaigns, as well as providing guidance to requirements of the Pet Travel Scheme. local authorities. There are no other statutory requirements for owners Marine Management Organisation: Manpower to vaccinate their pets in the UK. However, under the Animal Welfare Act, all pet owners have a responsibility in relation to the health of their pets and we endorse the Mr. Benyon: To ask the Secretary of State for recommendations of the British Veterinary Association Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many (BVA) for an appropriate vaccination programme to members of staff of the Marine and Fisheries Agency protect pets in the UK from a range of diseases. We have agreed to transfer to the Marine Management strongly encourage anyone responsible for a pet to Organisation headquarters in Tyneside. [278885] discuss their pet’s necessary vaccinations and other health needs with their veterinary surgeon. Huw Irranca-Davies: We will expect to know final numbers of MFA staff moving to the new headquarters A BVA guide, “Best of Care”, is available free of once the relocation decision making exercise is completed. charge for people looking to take on the responsibility There will be a recruitment exercise to fill any vacancies of pet ownership. This guide can be downloaded on the created by the MFA headquarters relocation. BVA website. Subject to the passage of the Marine and Coastal Access Bill the new HQ will then form the headquarters Poaching of the Marine Management Organisation. Miss McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for National Poultry Register Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many instances of poaching in (a) North Yorkshire and (b) Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for England have been reported to his Department in each Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what of the last five years. [278323] information is stored on the national poultry register. [279084] Jim Fitzpatrick: DEFRA does not record this information. However, partly in response to reports of Jim Fitzpatrick: The Great Britain Poultry Register poaching received by the National Wildlife Crime Unit continues to take and update registrations of premises through police forces, poaching is one of the UK wildlife with 50 birds or over. We encourage premises with less crime priorities for 2009 and measures to tackle it have than 50 birds to register on a voluntary basis. been stepped up. If DEFRA received reports of poaching, 95W Written Answers15 JUNE 2009 Written Answers 96W either the information would be passed to the police, or DEFRA has also met with supermarkets to discuss the person reporting the activity would be advised to recycling in general on two occasions over the last 12 contact the police. months. Rabbits Renewable Energy: Waste

Mr. Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr. Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) what recent Food and Rural Affairs what assessment he has made of assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the merits of amending section 1.1 of the Environmental regulations governing the welfare of farmed rabbits; Permitting Regulations 2007 to (a) take into account and if he will make a statement; [278065] the Court of Appeal ruling in the OSS Group v Environment Agency case and (b) to ensure that used (a) (2) what recent research his Department has cooking oil that has obtained an End of Waste classification (b) conducted and evaluated on the rabbit farming from the Environment Agency is treated as a virgin oil; industry; [278066] and if he will make a statement. [276189] (3) if he will bring forward proposals to increase the minimum requirements for space allowed to farmed Dan Norris: The question of whether any particular rabbits. [278067] waste has been fully recovered and has ceased to be waste must be determined on the facts of the case and Jim Fitzpatrick: The welfare of farmed rabbits is taking into account relevant case law on the definition adequately provided for by way of the general provisions of waste. The Environment Agency is responsible for of the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and the Welfare of the implementation of waste management controls in Farmed Animals (England) Regulations 2007, which England and Wales. However, schedule 1, part 2, section has a specific schedule relating to rabbit welfare. DEFRA 1.1 of the Environmental Permitting (England and also has a welfare code for rabbits which provides good Wales) Regulations 2007 applies to fuel manufactured husbandry advice, which producers have by law to be from waste regardless of whether the waste from which familiar with and have access to. it has been manufactured has been fully recovered and DEFRA has not carried out any recent research on has ceased to be waste. what is a relatively small rabbit farming industry. This section was contained in predecessor regulations The Council of Europe’s Convention on the Protection dating back to the last decade. No assessment of its of Animals Kept for Farming Purposes is currently impact specifically on used cooking oil has been carried developing recommendations for the welfare of farmed out. DEFRA has no plans to change this section of the rabbits, which will include provision for space allowances. regulations. Recycling: Drinks Sheep

Miss McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate he he has made of the merits of introducing a national has made of the number of sheep in England in each deposit and return scheme for drinks containers. year since 1997. [279294] [277808] Jim Fitzpatrick [holding answer 12 June 2009]: The Dan Norris: I refer the hon. Member to the answer number of sheep (including lambs) in England since my right hon. Friend the Member for Liverpool, Wavertree 1997 can be found in the following table. (Jane Kennedy) gave to the hon. Member for Stroud (Mr. Drew) on 13 May 2009, Official Report, column Total sheep and lambs 759W. 1997 19,464,635 Recycling: Supermarkets 1998 20,175,458 1999 20,273,586 2000 19,144,345 Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for 2001 16,139,534 Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many meetings 2002 15,396,793 representatives from his Department have had with 2003 15,704,438 supermarkets to discuss recycling in the last 12 months. 2004 15,872,915 [279907] 2005 15,877,451 Dan Norris: DEFRA has met with a number of 2006 15,673,409 supermarkets over the past 12 months to discuss the 2007 15,436,577 recycling of packaging. As part of the development of 2008 15,535,215 the packaging strategy, DEFRA held two stakeholder Source: workshops last year which were attended by supermarkets June 2008 Agricultural and Horticultural Survey as well as other industries involved in the packaging Trapping chain. In addition to this, supermarkets are represented on both the Advisory Committee on Packaging and the Mr. Evennett: To ask the Secretary of State for Packaging Recycling Action Group, which discuss a Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what his policy range of issues concerning packaging and packaging is on the practice of snaring; and if he will make a waste. statement. [277991] 97W Written Answers15 JUNE 2009 Written Answers 98W

Jim Fitzpatrick: The Government consider that where efficiency under the Act on CO2 banner. In addition, there is a need for wildlife management then the proper DEFRA has funded research to support the aims of the use of snares is one of a range of control methods. Used Water Saving Group, including work on developing the according to best practice, snares can be an effective evidence base for water efficiency projects, improving and practical means of wildlife management and are water efficiency in new buildings, and introducing water needed where other forms of pest control are ineffective efficiency targets. To encourage resource efficiency in or impractical. Self-locking snares have been banned business, DEFRA jointly runs the enhanced capital for over 20 years and continue to be so. allowance (ECA) scheme for water efficient technologies The Animal Welfare Act 2006 contains strong protection which provides accelerated tax relief to businesses investing for animals under the control of man to help prevent in designated water saving technologies. unnecessary suffering including any animal held in a snare. World Oceans Day The “Defra Code of Good Practice on the use of Snares in Fox and Rabbit Control in England”, published Mr. Dai Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for in 2005 details the legal obligations for people using Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what events his snares in England and provides guidance on responsible Department (a) supported and (b) participated in use. relating to World Oceans Day on 8 June 2009. [279468] DEFRA commissioned a research project, beginning Huw Irranca-Davies: On World Oceans Day, the Marine on 1 February 2008, to determine the extent of use and and Coastal Access Bill had its Third Reading in the humaneness of snares in England and Wales. The project House of Lords. This Bill is a ground-breaking piece of aims to provide a more informed basis for future discussions legislation that aims to deliver a change in the way the and policy decisions on snares. UK manages its marine resources, and sets an excellent Trees: Merseyside example to other nations. The Department also supports numerous events relating to our seas throughout the year. Mrs. Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much funding his Department allocated for the preservation of trees in (a) Crosby and (b) Merseyside in each year LEADER OF THE HOUSE since 1997. [278901] Members: Allowances Mr. Ian Austin: I have been asked to reply. Local planning authorities are responsible for making Roger Berry: To ask the Leader of the House what and administering tree preservation orders. Funding for external (a) legal and (b) accountancy advice her this function is contained in the revenue support grant Office has sought on the operation of the Members’ and is not ring-fenced. The information requested is not Allowances scheme in the last six years. [278994] held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. Barbara Keeley: The Office of the Leader of the House has taken no external legal or accountancy advice Water Charges: Voluntary Organisations on this subject and has no plans to do so.

Paul Rowen: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr. Amess: To ask the Leader of the House how Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what guidance many (a) debates and (b) votes there have been in the he has issued to Ofwat on surface water drainage House on the subject of hon. Members’ allowances charges for (a) voluntary, (b) religious, (c) sporting since 1983. [279139] and (d) not-for-profit organisations. [280023] Barbara Keeley: It is not possible to provide an answer Huw Irranca-Davies: The Government issued guidance without incurring a disproportionate cost. to Ofwat in 2000 on delivering the Government’s objectives in the Water Industry Act 1999. This included guidance Parliamentary Procedure on surface water drainage charges. A copy is available in the Library of the House. Mr. Amess: To ask the Leader of the House what the (a) date, (b) time and (c) number voting in each lobby Water: East of England was in each division which took place after 11pm in each Session (i) from 1983-84 to 1997-98 and (ii) since Nadine Dorries: To ask the Secretary of State for 1999-2000. [279127] Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much funding his Department has allocated to reducing Barbara Keeley: It is not possible to provide an answer water consumption in (a) Mid Bedfordshire without incurring a disproportionate cost. constituency and (b) the East of England in each year since 1997; and if he will make a statement. [278847] Mr. Amess: To ask the Leader of the House how many speeches were given by each of the 30 hon. and Huw Irranca-Davies: DEFRA does not provide direct right hon. Members who delivered the most speeches in funding to reduce water consumption in specific areas. the Chamber in Session (a) 1983-84, (b) 1987-88, (c) However, the Department is supporting a media campaign 1991-92, (d) 1997-98, (e) 2001-02, (f) 2005-06 and to be launched this summer that will encourage water (g) 2008-09. [279137] 99W Written Answers15 JUNE 2009 Written Answers 100W

Barbara Keeley: It is not possible to provide an answer instruments (1) debated in Standing Committee and (2) without incurring a disproportionate cost. debated on the Floor of the House, (f) number of Opposition days and (g) number of Bills guillotined or programmed was in the first 100 sitting days of Session Mr. Amess: To ask the Leader of the House what the (u) 1983-84, (v) 1984-85, (w) 1997-98, (x) 1998-99, (y) (a) average hour of rising of the House, (b) number of 2005-06 and (z) 2006-07. [279140] divisions, (c) number of public bills (i) passed and (ii) reported from Standing or Public Bill Committee, (d) Barbara Keeley: It has not been possible to source all number of affirmative statutory instruments (A) debated of the information requested as this would incur in Standing Committee and (B) debated on the Floor of disproportionate cost. However I am able to provide the the House, (e) number of prayers against statutory following information:

1983-84 1984-85 1997-98 1998-99 2005-06 2006-07

(a) Average hour of rising of the House n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a (b) Number of divisions n/a 307 380 323 343 221

(c) Number of public Bills 178 153 209 144 174 129 (c) (i) Number of public Bills passed 73 75 62 99 57 33 (c) (ii) Number of public Bills reported from n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a Standing or Public Bill Committee

(d) Number of affirmative SIs n/a n/a 225 178 271 223 (d) (A) Number of affirmative SIs debated in n/a n/a 168 149 241 186 Standing Committee (d) (B) Number of affirmative SIs debated on the n/a n/a 30 21 19 10 floor of the House

(e) Number of prayers against SIs n/a n/a 300 51 41 17 (e) (1) Number of prayers against SIs debated in n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a Standing Committee (e) (2) Number of prayers against SIs debated on n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a the floor of the House

(f) Number of opposition days 23 28 20 21 20 20 (g) Number of Bills guillotined or programmed 0142n/an/a within first 100 days of Session

Private Members Bills Ireland, (c) the State of Israel, (d) Malta and (e) Poland in 2008. [279044] Mr. Amess: To ask the Leader of the House which Private Members’ Bills have been referred to a Second Gillian Merron: Information can be found in ‘Abortion Reading Committee in each Session since 1988-89. Statistics, England and Wales, 2008’, in Table 12a. The. [279141] document has been placed in the Library. In England and Wales, in 2008, there were 1,173 abortions for Barbara Keeley: The Raoul Wallenberg (Memorial) residents of Northern Ireland, 4,600 for residents of the Bill in the 1989-90 Session is the only example of a Republic of Ireland, 38 for residents of Malta and 30 Private Members’ Bill which has been referred to a for residents of Poland. There were less than five (between second Reading Committee since the 1988-89 Session. 0 and four) abortions for residents of Israel. Mr. Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many abortions have been performed under the HEALTH Abortion Act 1967 in each year since 1991; and how many and what percentage were performed (a) to save Abortion the life of the mother and (b) where the child would have been seriously disabled in each such year. [279069] Mr. Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many women seeking an abortion in England gave Gillian Merron: The information is shown in the addresses in (a) Northern Ireland, (b) the Republic of following table.

Abortions by grounds1, residents, England and Wales, 1991-2008 Section 1(4) Section 1(1)(c) Section 1(1)(d) Total Total Percentage Total Percentage Total all abortions

1991 5 375 0.2 1,710 1.0 167,376 1992 2 254 0.2 1,802 1.1 160,501 1993 3 163 0.1 1,935 1.2 157,846 1994 1 146 0.1 1,796 1.1 156,539 101W Written Answers15 JUNE 2009 Written Answers 102W

Abortions by grounds1, residents, England and Wales, 1991-2008 Section 1(4) Section 1(1)(c) Section 1(1)(d) Total Total Percentage Total Percentage Total all abortions

1995 0 126 0.1 1,823 1.2 154,315 1996 3 128 0.1 1,929 1.1 167,916 1997 4 117 0.1 1,853 1.1 170,145 1998 2 106 0.1 1,830 1.0 177,871 1999 1 94 0.1 1,813 1.0 173,701 2000 3 134 0.1 1,833 1.0 175,542 2001 0 61 0.0 1,722 1.0 176,364 2002 1 116 0.1 1,894 1.1 175,932 2003 2— 3137 0.1 1,941 1.1 181,582 2004 2— 3128 0.1 1,894 1.0 185,415 2005 2— 3128 0.1 1,916 1.0 186,416 2006 2— 149 0.1 32,036 1.1 193,737 2007 2— 112 0.1 31,939 1.0 198,499 2008 2—510.031,988 1.0 195,296 Total 25 32,525 0.1 333,654 1.1 3,154,993 1 Grounds under the Abortion Act 1967: Section 1(4) that the termination is immediately necessary to save the life or to prevent grave permanent injury to the physical or mental health of the pregnant woman. Section 1(1)(c) that the continuance of the pregnancy would involve risk to the life of the pregnant woman, greater than if the pregnancy were terminated; or Section 1(1)(d): that there is a substantial risk that if the child were born it would suffer from such physical or mental abnormalities as to be seriously handicapped 2 Suppressed value less than 10 (0 to 9 cases). Data suppressed for reasons of confidentiality, in line with the Office for National Statistics’ guidance on the disclosure of abortion statistics (2005). 3 Total includes very small numbers less than 10 (0 to 9) where suppressed elsewhere.

Mr. Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Highest and lowest abortion rates by primary care organisation and age, what the abortion rate per 1,000 women aged (a) 19, England, 2008 Primary care (b) 18, (c) 17, (d) 16, (e) 15, (f) 14 and (g) under 14 Age rate organisation Rate per 1,000 women years was in 2007-08; and what forecast he has made of the rate in each of the next 10 years. [279070] Under 161 England 4 Lowest rates Kingston 2— Gillian Merron: The information is shown in the Tower Hamlets 2— following table. Richmond and 2— Twickenham The reasons women seek an abortion are complex Harrow 2— and may be subject to a number of different factors. The 2008 abortion statistics show a decrease in the West Hertfordshire 2 number of abortions performed in younger women. North Yorkshire and 2 The Government invested £26.8 million in 2008-09 and Yo rk will be investing £20.5 million in 2009-10 to improve Devon 2 women’s access to contraception and help reduce the Berkshire West 2 number of abortions, repeat abortions and teenage Cambridgeshire 2 pregnancies. Somerset 2 Abortion rates by age under 20, England and Wales, residents, 2007 and 2008 Abortion rate per 1,000 women Highest rates Age 2007 2008 Torbay 8 19 36 36 Barnsley 8 18 32 33 Lambeth 8 17 27 27 16 19 18 Lewisham 8 15 9 9 Darlington 8 14 3 3 Islington 8 under 14 n/a n/a Rotherham 8 Manchester 9 Mr. Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Greenwich Teaching 11 which 10 primary care organisations had the (a) Southwark 11 highest and (b) lowest abortion rates in England per 1,000 women aged (i) under 16, (ii) 17, (iii) 18, (iv) 19, 16 years England 18 (v) 20 and (vi) 21 years in 2008. [279078] Lowest rates North Somerset 9 Gillian Merron: The information is shown in the Berkshire West 9 following table. Lincolnshire 9 103W Written Answers15 JUNE 2009 Written Answers 104W

Highest and lowest abortion rates by primary care organisation and age, Highest and lowest abortion rates by primary care organisation and age, England, 2008 England, 2008 Primary care Primary care Age rate organisation Rate per 1,000 women Age rate organisation Rate per 1,000 women

Harrow 10 Dorset 21 Cambridgeshire 10 Worcestershire 22 Mid Essex 10 Gloucestershire 22 Berkshire East 10 Bath and North East 22 Somerset Redcar and Cleveland 11 Northumberland 23 Derbyshire County 11 Wiltshire 23 West Hertfordshire 11

Highest rates Highest rates Croydon 52 Darlington 30 Coventry Teaching 54 Havering 31 Waltham Forest 58 Islington 31 Enfield 58 Coventry Teaching 31 Haringey Teaching 63 City and Hackney 32 Teaching Lambeth 65 Southwark 34 Greenwich Teaching 68 Camden 36 Lewisham 69 Torbay 37 Barking and Dagenham 71 Lambeth 37 Southwark 89 Lewisham 40 19 years England 34 17 years England 27 Lowest rates Lowest rates Bath and North East 16 Somerset Isle of Wight NHS 12 Oxfordshire 19 Cambridgeshire 14 County Durham 19 Suffolk 15 Cambridgeshire 19 Surrey 16 Nottingham City 21 Oxfordshire 17 North Lancashire 21 West Hertfordshire 18 Teaching North Somerset 18 Devon 21 North Lincolnshire 18 East Riding of Yorkshire 22 Bath and North East 18 Newcastle 23 Somerset Plymouth Teaching 24 Buckinghamshire 18

Highest rates Highest rates Newham 57 Croydon 47 Havering 61 City and Hackney 47 Teaching Enfield 64 Barking and Dagenham 47 Greenwich Teaching 67 Torbay 49 Croydon 68 Waltham Forest 50 Lewisham 70 Haringey Teaching 50 Barking and Dagenham 72 Coventry Teaching 51 Southwark 72 Lewisham 53 Waltham Forest 73 Southwark 53 Lambeth 90 Lambeth 54

20 years England 36 18 years England 33 Lowest rates Lowest rates Cambridgeshire 17 Oxfordshire 18 South Tyneside 18 Redcar and Cleveland 19 County Durham 18 North Lancashire 19 Teaching Nottingham City 19 Isle of Wight NHS 21 Newcastle 20 105W Written Answers15 JUNE 2009 Written Answers 106W

Highest and lowest abortion rates by primary care organisation and age, Highest and lowest abortion rates by primary care organisation and age, England, 2008 England, 2008 Primary care Primary care Age rate organisation Rate per 1,000 women Age rate organisation Rate per 1,000 women

Plymouth Teaching 20 Devon 18 Bath and North East 20 North Lancashire 18 Somerset Teaching North Lancashire 21 Norfolk 19 Teaching North East Essex 20 Devon 22 County Durham 20 North Staffordshire 22

Highest rates Highest rates Croydon 63 Lewisham 63 Brent Teaching 63 Southwark 63 Lewisham 63 Waltham Forest 66 Enfield 64 Croydon 67 Waltham Forest 68 Haringey Teaching 67 Southwark 72 Enfield 67 City and Hackney 73 Brent Teaching 69 Teaching Hammersmith and 70 Haringey Teaching 74 Fulham Barking and Dagenham 78 Barking and Dagenham 79 Lambeth 86 Lambeth 91 1 Rates for under 16s are based on populations aged 13-15. 2 Suppressed value where rate is based on a total less than 10 21 years England 34 Note: Rates for PCOs are based on 2007 mid year population estimates. Lowest rates Oxfordshire 14 Mr. Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Health South Tyneside 15 which 10 primary care organisations had the (a) highest and (b) lowest abortion rates in England per Bath and North East 16 Somerset 1,000 women aged 15 to 44 years in 2007. [279079] Bristol 17 Gillian Merron: Information for 2007 is shown in the Cambridgeshire 18 following table.

Highest and lowest abortion rates by primary care organisation, England, 2007 Age standardised rate per 1,000 women resident, aged 15-441

England 18.8

Lowest rates 5PP Cambridgeshire 11 5ND County Durham 12 5NF North Lancashire Teaching 12 5FL Bath and North East Somerset 13 5PW North East Essex 13 5QE Oxfordshire 13 5NW East Riding of Yorkshire 13 5PT Suffolk 13 5NV North Yorkshire and York 13 5PH North Staffordshire 13

Highest rates 5C9 Haringey Teaching 32 5K9 Croydon 33 5K5 Brent Teaching 35 5A8 Greenwich Teaching 35 5NC Waltham Forest 36 5C3 City and Hackney Teaching 36 5LF Lewisham 37 5LD Lambeth 39 5C2 Barking and Dagenham 40 5LE Southwark 41 1 Rates for PCOs are based on 2006 mid-year population estimates. 107W Written Answers15 JUNE 2009 Written Answers 108W

Mr. Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Health pregnancy, (iv) the number of previous children borne pursuant to the answer of 23 April 2009, Official Report, by the woman, (v) the number of previous abortions columns 830-32W, on abortion, what the characteristics undergone by the woman and (vi) the legal grounds were of the statistically most likely candidate in (a) under which the abortion was performed. [279122] England and (b) each health authority for an abortion in 2008 in terms of (i) the marital status of the woman, Gillian Merron: The information is shown in the (ii) the age of the woman, (iii) the gestation of the following table.

Most common1 conditions for women having abortions in 2008, by strategic health authority of residence Number of Gestation Number of previous Marital status Age (weeks) previous children abortions Ground

England Single with partner 20 7 0 0 C

East Midlands Single with partner 20 8 0 0 C East of England Single with partner 18 8 0 0 C London Single with partner 24 7 0 0 C North East Single with partner 19 7 0 0 C North West Single no partner 20 6 0 0 C South Central Single with partner 20 7 0 0 C South East Coast Single with partner 19 7 0 0 C South West Single with partner 20 8 0 0 C West Midlands Single no partner 21 7 0 0 C Yorkshire and Humber Single with partner 20 8 0 0 C 1 Statistical mode (highest frequency). Note: Ground C: that the pregnancy has not exceeded its 24th week and that the continuance of the pregnancy would involve risk, greater than if the pregnancy were terminated, of injury to the physical or mental health of the pregnant woman.

Abortion: Essex women, (ii) grounds of the abortion and (iii) gestation of the pregnancy. [279045] Mr. Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many abortions were performed in (a) Southend Gillian Merron: The information is shown in the and (b) Essex in 2008, broken down by (i) age of the following tables.

Abortions for residents of Essex primary care trusts (PCTs)1 by age, ground and gestation, 2008 Age South East Essex North East Essex Mid Essex South West Essex West Essex Total Essex PCTs

Under 16 24 16 19 36 15 110 16 37 25 24 54 34 174 17 53 38 55 60 45 251 18 61 57 70 95 79 362 19 71 54 57 103 72 357 20 68 56 52 83 58 317 21 66 45 49 107 71 338 22 59 46 43 102 47 297 23 55 39 46 89 48 277 24 43 40 54 79 54 270 25 50 34 37 65 40 226 26 38 35 24 70 39 206 27 40 25 45 77 46 233 28 41 28 29 74 46 218 29 33 18 27 61 33 172 30 37 20 26 61 38 182 31 28 21 35 33 34 151 32 28 18 22 44 32 144 33 25 26 25 57 33 166 34 38 17 26 42 21 144 35 36 23 29 34 29 151 36 22 14 26 32 37 131 37 24 17 19 30 29 119 38 and over 71 48 93 123 107 442 Total 1,048 760 932 1,611 1,087 5,438

Grounds2 South East Essex North East Essex Mid Essex South West Essex West Essex Total Essex PCTs

Section 1(1)(a) 1,038 3— 903 3— 890 5,188 109W Written Answers15 JUNE 2009 Written Answers 110W

Grounds2 South East Essex North East Essex Mid Essex South West Essex West Essex Total Essex PCTs

Section 1(1)(d) 3— 3— 3— 3— 3—42 Other grounds 3— 3— 3— 3— 3— 208 Total 1,048 760 932 1,611 1,087 5,438

Gestation weeks South East Essex North East Essex Mid Essex South West Essex West Essex Total Essex PCTs

Under 6 120 35 130 223 187 695 6 186 55 170 293 211 915 7 237 127 164 363 204 1095 8 171 181 183 253 116 904 9 107 128 83 159 114 591 10 74 78 76 112 90 430 11 46 49 32 49 39 215 12 34 22 20 36 33 145 13 15 19 15 36 29 114 14 and over 58 66 59 87 64 334 Total 1,048 760 932 1,611 1,087 5,438 1 Information about residents of Southend is contained within South East Essex PCT and is not collected separately. 2 Section 1(1)(a): that the pregnancy has not exceeded its 24th week and that the continuance of the pregnancy would involve risk, greater than if the pregnancy were terminated, of injury to the physical or mental health of the pregnant woman or any existing children of her family, Section 1(1)(d): that there is a substantial risk that if the child were born it would suffer from such physical or mental abnormalities as to be seriously handicapped. Other grounds: Section 1(1)(b): that the termination is necessary to prevent grave permanent injury to the physical or mental health of the pregnant woman, Section 1(1)(c): that the continuance of the pregnancy would involve risk to the life of the pregnant woman, greater than if the pregnancy were terminated, Section 1(4): that the termination is immediately necessary to save the life or to prevent grave permanent injury to the physical or mental health of the pregnant woman. 3 Suppressed total less than 10 (between 0 and 9) or where a presented total would reveal a suppressed value.

Alcoholic Drinks: Misuse There are two columns for each year—admissions with a primary alcohol-related diagnosis and all alcohol- Mr. Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health related admissions. The information is normally published how many people in each strategic health authority in this way. The information in the second column is area were admitted to hospital with (a) primary and intended as a meaningful estimate of the total impact (b) secondary diagnosis of alcohol-related disease in on hospital admissions from alcohol consumption. each year from 1997-98 to 2007-08. [278486] Because of a change of methodology, information is Gillian Merron: The number in the following tables only available from 2002-03 to 2007-08. relate to admissions, rather than people.

Number of finished admissions of patients with an alcohol-related condition 2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 With alcohol- Total (with primary With alcohol- Total (with primary With alcohol- Total (with primary related primary or secondary related primary or secondary related primary or secondary Residents in England diagnosis diagnosis) diagnosis diagnosis) diagnosis diagnosis)

North East 9,559 34,013 10,086 38,284 10,491 43,919 Northwest 23,731 9239 25,331 102,841 26,329 114,946 Yorkshire and The 15,236 56,131 15,759 61,421 16,057 66,684 Humber East Midlands 12,081 47,789 12,767 51,871 13,467 56,928 West Midlands 15,896 46,610 17,392 53,562 19,113 63,692 East of England 12,496 49,754 13,596 56,430 14,538 63,472 London 18,298 56,852 19,616 64,140 21,162 74,522 South East Coast 10,197 38,509 10,269 41,722 11,303 46,802 SHA South Central SHA 8,352 27,338 8,898 31,513 9,732 36,032 Southwest 13,943 55,559 15,043 62,269 15,736 70,278 No fixed abode/ 1,930 5,279 1,823 5,364 2,314 6,908 unknown Total 141,718 510,173 150,580 569,417 160,241 644,185

2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 With alcohol- Total (with primary With alcohol- Total (with primary With alcohol- Total (with primary related primary or secondary related primary or secondary related primary or secondary Residents in England diagnosis diagnosis) diagnosis diagnosis) diagnosis diagnosis)

North East 10,731 50,579 10,983 55,510 10,674 60,755 111W Written Answers15 JUNE 2009 Written Answers 112W

2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 With alcohol- Total (with primary With alcohol- Total (with primary With alcohol- Total (with primary related primary or secondary related primary or secondary related primary or secondary Residents in England diagnosis diagnosis) diagnosis diagnosis) diagnosis diagnosis)

Northwest 29,172 129,919 30,376 141,493 31,335 151,428 Yorkshire and The 17,255 72,870 17,271 77,454 17,987 83,443 Humber East Midlands 14,800 62,722 15,451 67,710 15,390 74,340 West Midlands 20,645 76,778 22,590 88,490 20,101 91,537 East of England 15,530 72,622 15,836 77,808 16,435 84,712 London 23,050 87,428 24,154 96,194 23,836 102,029 South East Coast 12,022 54,833 12,603 60,074 13,274 66,025 SHA South Central SHA 10,S03 41,219 9,972 41,889 10,588 48,201 Southwest 16,851 77,755 17,384 83,415 17,920 88,394 No fixed abode/ 3,074 8,787 3,062 9,082 3,805 12,400 unknown Total 173,633 735.S12 179,681 799,120 181,345 863,264 Notes: Includes activity in English NHS Hospitals and English NHS commissioned activity in the independent sector. Small numbers To protect patient confidentiality, figures between 1 and 5 have been suppressed and replaced with “*” (an asterisk). Where it was possible to identify numbers from the total due to a single suppressed number in a row or column, an additional number (the next smallest) has been suppressed. Alcohol-related admissions The number of alcohol-related admissions is based on the methodology developed by the North West Public Health Observatory. Figures for under 16s only include admissions where one or more of the following alcohol-specific conditions were listed: Alcoholic cardiomyopathy (142.6) Alcoholic gastritis (K29.2) Alcoholic liver disease (K70) Alcoholic myopathy (G72.1) Alcoholic polyneuropathy (G62.1) Alcohol-induced pseudo-Cushing’s syndrome (E24.4) Chronic pancreatitis (alcohol induced) (K86.0) Degeneration of nervous system due to alcohol (G31.2) Mental and behavioural disorders due to use of alcohol (F10) Accidental poisoning by and exposure to alcohol (X45) Ethanol poisoning (T51.0) Methanol poisoning (T51.1) Toxic effect of alcohol, unspecified (T51.9) Number of episodes in which the patient had an alcohol-related primary or secondary diagnosis These figures represent the number of episodes where an alcohol-related diagnosis was recorded in any of the 20 (14 from 2002-03 to 2006-07 and seven prior to 2002-03) primary and secondary diagnosis fields in a Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) record. Each episode is only counted once in each count, even ifan alcohol-related diagnosis is recorded in more than one diagnosis field of the record. Ungrossed data Figures have not been adjusted for shortfalls in data (i.e. the data are ungrossed). Finished admission episodes A finished admission episode is the first period of in-patient care under one consultant within one healthcare provider. Finished admission episodes are counted against the year in which the admission episode finishes. Admissions do not represent the number of in-patients, as a person may have more than one admission within the year. Primary diagnosis The primary diagnosis is the first of up to 20 (14 from 2002-03 to 2006-07 and seven prior to 2002-03) diagnosis fields in the (HES) data set and provides the main reason why the patient was admitted to hospital. Secondary diagnosis As well as the primary diagnosis, there are up to 19 (13 from 2002-03 to 2007-08 and six prior to 2002-03) secondary diagnosis fields in HES that show other diagnoses relevant to the episode of care. Data quality HES are compiled from data sent by more than 300 NHS trusts and primary care trusts in England. Data is also received from a number of independent sector organisations for activity commissioned by the English NHS. The NHS Information Centre for health and social care liaises closely with these organisations to encourage submission of complete and valid data and seeks to minimise inaccuracies and the effect of missing and invalid data via HES processes. While this brings about improvement over time, some shortcomings remain. Assessing growth through time HES figures are available from 1989-90 onwards. The quality and coverage of the data have improved over time. These improvements in information submitted by the NHS have been particularly marked in the earlier years and need to be borne in mind when analysing time series. Some of the increase in figures for later years (particularly 2006-07 onwards) may be due to the improvement in the coverage of independent sector activity. Changes in NHS practice also need to be borne in mind when analysing time series. For example, a number of procedures may now be undertaken in out-patient settings and may no longer be accounted for in the HES data. This may account for any reductions in activity over time. Assignment of Episodes to Years Years are assigned by the end of the first period of care in a patient’s hospital stay. Source: Hospital Episode Statistics (HES), The NHS Information Centre for health and social care.

Barking Havering and Redbridge Hospitals NHS Trust wish to raise this directly with Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust. Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much has been spent by the Barking, Havering and Redbridge NHS Trust on debt collection Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for agencies in each of the last five years; and if he will Health how many foreign nationals who have not provided payment to the NHS towards the cost of their make a statement. [279081] treatment have had children treated in (a) NHS trusts Mr. Mike O’Brien: The information requested is not in England and (b) Barking, Havering and Redbridge collected centrally. The hon. Member may therefore NHS Trust in each of the last five years. [279082] 113W Written Answers15 JUNE 2009 Written Answers 114W

Ann Keen: It is not possible to provide the information This measure counted the number of NHS dentists requested. Successive governments have not required recorded on PCT lists as at 31 March each year. This the national health service to provide statistics on the information is based on the old contractual arrangements, number of foreign nationals seen, treated or charged which were in place up to and including 31 March 2006. under the provisions of the NHS (Charges to Overseas This report, published on 23 August 2006, has already Visitors) Regulations 1989, as amended, nor any costs been placed in the Library and is also available on the involved. NHS Information Centre website at: The hon. Member may therefore wish to raise this www.ic.nhs.uk/pubs/dwfactivity directly with Barking, Havering and Redbridge University The numbers of dentists with NHS activity during Hospitals NHS Trust to obtain data from that trust. the years ending 31 March, 2007 and 2008 are available in Table G1 of Annex 3 of the NHS Dental Statistics Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for for England: 2007-08 report. Information is provided Health if he will hold discussions with representatives by SHA and by PCT but is not available by constituency. from the Barking, Havering and Redbridge NHS Trust This information is based on the new dental contractual on payments owed to the Trust by foreign nationals. arrangements, introduced on 1 April 2006. This report, [279083] published on 21 August 2008, has already been placed in the Library and is also available on the NHS Information Ann Keen: The recovery of payment owed to national Centre website at: health service trusts by foreign nationals for treatment www.ic.nhs.uk/pubs/dental0708 provided to them is a matter for the individual trust. Following a recent consultation exercise, this measure The National Health Service (Charges to Overseas Visitors) is based on a revised methodology and therefore supersedes Regulations 1989, as amended, set out the criteria for previously published workforce figures relating to the eligibility for free NHS hospital care. It is the legal new dental contractual arrangements. It is not comparable responsibility of all hospital trusts to ensure that the to the information collected under the old contractual eligibility of all patients seeking treatment is confirmed arrangements. This revised methodology counted the and, if they are not eligible for free healthcare, that the number of dental performers with NHS activity recorded appropriate charges for treatment are levied and via FP17 claim forms in each year ending 31 March. subsequently recovered. The Department has provided comprehensive guidance on implementation of the charging Further work is currently being undertaken to determine regulations to help the NHS to discharge their whether the new definition used under the new dental responsibilities. contractual arrangements can be applied to the years under the old contractual arrangements to produce a Blood: Contamination consistent time series. Both sets of published figures relate to headcounts Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and do not differentiate between full-time and part-time how many people have (a) died and (b) contracted dentists, nor do they account for the fact that some sepsis as a result of receiving bacterially contaminated dentists may do more NHS work than others. transfused blood products in the last five years. [277379] Hospitals: Admissions Gillian Merron: Data on adverse reactions from blood products are collected by the Medicines and Healthcare Norman Lamb: To ask the Secretary of State for products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), as for any medicinal Health how many patients were treated at Class 1 product. MHRA has received no reports of infection accident and emergency units in each of the last 10 arising from bacterial contamination of transfused blood years. [278678] products during the past five years. Mr. Mike O’Brien: Information is not collected on the number of patients treated at accident and emergency Christie Hospital Manchester: Bank Services (A&E) departments. However, data on the number of attendances at A&E type 1 departments is available and Mr. Stephen O’Brien: To ask the Secretary of State published quarterly via the Department of Health’s for Health what recent representations he has made to Quarterly Monitoring Accident and Emergency Services the Financial Services Compensation scheme on behalf dataset. This includes patients who attended A&E but of the Christie Hospital. [279266] who were not subsequently treated and counts each attendance by the same patient separately. Mr. Mike O’Brien: None. Hospitals: Learning Disability Dental Services: Essex Mr. Stephen O’Brien: To ask the Secretary of State Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Health for Health how many people with a learning disability how many NHS dentists there were in (a) Essex and were (a) admitted to hospital and (b) treated by hospital (b) Castle Point in each of the last five years. [279061] out-patient services in each of the last five years. [279208] Ann Keen: The numbers of national health service dentists, as at 31 March, 1997 to 2006 are available in Phil Hope: The Department does not hold these data Annex E of the NHS Dental Activity and Workforce centrally. However, the Government have given priority Report England: 31 March 2006. Information is available to access to health care for those with learning disabilities by strategic health authority (SHA) and by primary as stated in “Valuing People Now”, which was published care trust (PCT). Annex G contains information by in January 2009. A copy has already been placed in the parliamentary constituency. Library. 115W Written Answers15 JUNE 2009 Written Answers 116W

Medical Treatments allowing the use of a range of therapies for psychotherapy treatments for depression; and for what reasons guidelines Frank Cook: To ask the Secretary of State for Health from the National Institute for Health and Clinical what discussions he has had with the National Institute Excellence restrict such treatments to cognitive behavioural for Health and Clinical Excellence on its proposed therapy; [279836] review of guidance No. 152 on drug-eluting coronary (2) what forms of psychotherapy treatment for stents; and if he will make a statement. [279443] depression were considered by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence as baselines to its Gillian Merron: No such discussions have taken place. guidance in psychotherapy treatments other than The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence randomised controlled trials. [279837] (NICE) has recently consulted on its plans to review its guidance on drug eluting stents for the treatment of Phil Hope: The Department has made no such coronary artery disease. As a stakeholder, the Department assessment. The National Institute for Health and Clinical has responded to that consultation. It is understood Excellence (NICE) clinical guideline “Depression: that NICE is considering the responses to its consultation Management of Depression in Primary and Secondary exercise and will make a decision on the proposed Care”, published in 2004, identifies cognitive behavioural review in due course. therapy as one of the principal treatments for depression but also recommends a number of other therapies for Mental Health Services use alongside it, including counselling, interpersonal therapy and couples or family therapy. Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for Health NICE is currently reviewing this guidance and expects (1) what proportion of personality disorder placements to publish an updated version in September 2009. made in 2008-09 were (a) private and (b) public sector NICE’S guidance is based on a thorough assessment placements; and what the cost was of each category of of the available evidence and is subject to public consultation placement; [278942] during its development. Full information on this clinical (2) what the process is for monitoring the guideline is available on the NICE website at: effectiveness of personality disorder placements in the http://guidance.nice.org.uk/CG23 (a) private and (b) public sector; what his most recent assessment is of that effectiveness in each case; and on what evidence he bases that assessment. [278943] Mental Health Services: Hospital Beds Phil Hope: Information is not collected by the Department on the proportion or cost of personality Anne Milton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health disorder placements made in the private sector. Decisions pursuant to the answer of 3 June 2009, Official Report, on funding these clinical treatments are made by local column 505W, on mental health services, whether the and regional specialised commissioning groups and all 3,159 average daily number of available beds in secure placements and local service provision is funded through units in England includes privately provided beds. the patient’s primary care trust (PCT). [280069] Information is not collected centrally on the effectiveness of personality disorder placements commissioned by Phil Hope: The data on average number of available PCTs from the private sector. The national Dangerous beds in secure units in England are for beds in national and Severe Personality Disorder (DSPD) programme is health service units only and do not include beds provided currently developing models of intervention in the national by the independent sector. health service and National Offender Management Service. This programme is undertaking several research and Anne Milton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health evaluation projects, two of which are expected to deliver pursuant to the answer of 3 June 2009, Official Report, their results at the end of 2009. column 505W,on mental health services, what the average Earlier evaluations in respect of other personality daily number of available beds in all secure units in disorder/DSPD service developments were set out in England was in each of the last five years. [280070] the Department’s 2003 guidance for NHS trusts, “Personality Disorder—No Longer a Diagnosis of Phil Hope: Data on the average daily number of Exclusion”. This guidance has been placed in the Library. mental health secure unit beds, and learning disability secure unit beds in national health service units in Mr. Oaten: To ask the Secretary of State for Health England over the last five years are set out in the (1) what assessment he has made of the potential for following table.

Average daily number of mental health and learning disability secure unit beds in NHS units

2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07

Available mental illness 2,064 2,569 2,696 2,807 2,993

Occupancy mental illness 1,867 2,378 2,472 2,545 2,722

Available learning disability 508 514 503 526 516

Occupancy learning disability 482 470 484 502 489 117W Written Answers15 JUNE 2009 Written Answers 118W

Note: The definitions of mental health and learning disability secure unit beds, for the purposes of the KH03 annual beds collection, are: Mental illness—Other ages, secure unit an Age Group Intended of National Code 8 “Any age”, a Broad Patient Group Code of National Code 5 “Patients with mental illness” and a Clinical Care Intensity of National Code 51 “for intensive care: specially designated ward for patients needing containment and more intensive management. This is not to be confused with intensive nursing where a patient may require one to one nursing while on a standard ward”. Learning disabilities—Other ages, secure unit an Age Group Intended of National Code 8 “Any age”, a Broad Patient Group Code of National Code 6 “Patients with learning difficulties” and a Clinical Care Intensity of National Code 61 “designated or interim secure unit”. Source: Department of Health Dataset KH03(1).

These figures do not represent the full level of secure ″ ″ Number of Operating expenses: services available to the NHS. Some low secure mental foundation trusts bad debt (£ million) health services are not consistently defined and may well fall outside the definitions used for this data collection. 2007-08 89 17.4 These figures also show only NHS beds in NHS units Total — 75.9 and not those commissioned by the NHS and provided by independent sector providers. Mr. Stephen O’Brien: To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what requirements there are upon (a) his Anne Milton: To ask the Secretary of State for Department and (b) the Government to hold equity Health pursuant to the answer of 3 June 2009, Official equivalent to the debt of NHS trusts; [279201] Report, column 505W, on mental health services, which 10 mental health hospitals had the highest average bed (2) what methodology his Department uses to occupancy levels. [280071] account for the (a) actual and (b) potential debt of NHS trusts and foundation trusts. [279481] Phil Hope: This information is not collected centrally. Information is collected by the Department on average Mr. Mike O’Brien: All debt owed to the Department daily bed numbers within individual national health by a national health service trust or NHS foundation service trusts, but not on average bed occupancy levels trust is recorded as assets on the Department’s balance within trusts. sheet equal to the liability in the NHS trust accounts. Where the debt owed to the Department is in the Mental Health Services: Males form of a loan this is further disclosed in notes to the Department’s accounts. Mr. Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make it his policy to prepare and publish a Primary Care Trusts strategy for male mental health. [279971] Mr. Graham Stuart: To ask the Secretary of State for Phil Hope: The Government are fully committed to Health how much funding has been allocated to improving men’s mental health services through the primary care trusts under his Department’s Express Gender Equality and Women’sMental Health Programme, Local Improvement Finance Trust programme; and if within the National Mental Health Development Unit he will make a statement. [279932] (NMHDU). NMHDU has commissioned a scoping exercise to Mr. Mike O’Brien: No specific additional funding identify the specific mental health needs of men. From has been allocated to primary care trusts under the this a new programme will emerge, addressing men’s Department’s Express Local Improvement Finance Trust mental health issues and the direction for further work. (LIFT) programme. The Department invested £210 million of enabling NHS: Debts capital funding in the first four waves of the original LIFT programme to assist primary care trusts and local Mr. Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health authorities with the costs of appointing long-term partners how much bad debt has cost NHS foundation trusts in from the private sector. each year since 2004-05. [278487] The Express LIFT framework has been designed, through the careful pre-selection and approval of the Mr. Mike O’Brien: We are advised by the chairman Express LIFT framework partners, to reduce the time of Monitor, the independent regulator of NHS foundation and cost for primary care trusts in appointing LIFT trusts, that bad debt as an operating expense is reported partners. This has eliminated the need for any further in the Consolidated Accounts for NHS Foundation allocation of enabling funds for the formation of any Trusts. This report is produced annually by Monitor future LIFT partnerships. and laid before Parliament. Copies of each report are available from Monitor’s website: Social Services: Illegal Immigrants www.monitor-nhsft.gov.uk/ A summary of available figures on bad debt is set out Mr. Stephen O’Brien: To ask the Secretary of State in the following table. for Health how many reports of care providers employing illegal immigrants have been received by the (a) Number of Operating expenses: Commission for Social Care Inspection and (b) Care foundation trusts bad debt (£ million) Quality Commission in each year since its establishment; 2004-05 25 8.9 how many such reports have been investigated; and how 2005-06 32 28.1 many illegal immigrants have been found to be working 2006-07 59 21.5 in the care sector by each commission as a result of such investigations to date. [279215] 119W Written Answers15 JUNE 2009 Written Answers 120W

Phil Hope: We are informed by the Care Quality to and (b) uptake by children of reduced sugar Commission (CQC) that it does not routinely collect versions of beverages and foods. [278946] information about the number of illegal workers in care services and that no estimates of the numbers of such Gillian Merron: The most recent data in the Health workers have been made. Survey for England showed that the estimated prevalence CQC is responsible for regulating and inspecting care of obesity among children 2-10 years was 15.4 per cent. services against statutory regulations and national minimum in 2007. The NHS Information Centre have indicated standards—as was its predecessor, the Commission for that the trend in the prevalence of childhood obesity Social Care Inspection (CSCI), until 1 April 2009. If may have begun to level out over the last two to three care services are not meeting these requirements, including years. Confirmation of this change will require at least those in relation to recruitment and staffing, CQC may one more year’s data. take enforcement action against them. The Food Standards Agency’s Saturated Fat and However, CQC has no specific responsibilities regarding Energy Intake Programme encompasses work to reduce immigration and is not responsible for prosecuting consumption of, and levels of, sugar in food and drink. employers in relation to immigration offences. This is As part of this, the agency will shortly consult on the responsibility of the United Kingdom Border Agency voluntary recommendations for action by the industry (UKBA). to reduce added sugar in soft drinks. CSCI agreed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) The Government have also launched the Change4Life with the UKBA in December 2008. The purpose of the campaign which provides messages on reducing intake MoU was to facilitate co-operation, communication of added sugar. and co-ordination between CSCI and UKBA, to help Further work to limit sugar intake in children is being ensure regulated adult social care services comply with taken forward by the School Food Trust, e.g. providing immigration law and best recruitment practice to safeguard healthier foods in vending machines and the introduction the best interests of people who use care services. of nutrient based standards for school lunches. In addition, Discussions to develop a MoU between the UKBA Ofcom has restricted the broadcast advertising of foods and CQC are ongoing. The working arrangements set high in fat, salt, and sugar during children’s programmes out in the existing MoU will continue until this is and programmes of particular appeal to children up to agreed. the age of 16. Sugar Tobacco Mike Penning: To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what assessment he has made of the contribution John Cummings: To ask the Secretary of State for that can be made to public health by reducing the Health what guidance his Department has provided to amount of extrinsic sugars in foods and beverages; and other Government Departments on their dealings with if he will make a statement; [278944] the tobacco industry under the guidelines of Article 5.3 (2) when he expects the Food Standards Agency to of the World Health Organisation’s Framework consult the public on the next steps in the Saturated Fat Convention on Tobacco Control. [278993] and Energy Intake Programme; and whether that consultation will include options for reducing the amount Gillian Merron: The Secretary of State for Health of extrinsic sugar in food and beverages. [278945] wrote to the Prime Minster on 1 May 2009, to draw the attention of all Government Departments to the set of Gillian Merron: The Food Standards Agency has lead guidelines under article 5.3, which concerns Government responsibility for taking forward the work with industry engagement with the tobacco industry. to reduce consumption of, and levels of, sugar in food, Article 5.3 states that: including drinks with added sugar. “In setting and implementing their public health policies with This work supports the cross-Government obesity respect to tobacco control, Parties shall act to protect these strategy—Healthy Weight Healthy Lives—which policies from commercial and other vested interests of the tobacco encourages industry to reduce the level of sugar in industry in accordance with national law.” foods to help consumers balance the calories they consume A copy of the letter has been placed in the Library. with their needs. The agency will be publishing its consultation on Tobacco: Sales voluntary recommendations for action by the food industry to reduce levels of saturated fat, added sugar and portion Dr. Ladyman: To ask the Secretary of State for size for key foods and drink within the next couple of Health if he will consult the National Federation of months. These recommendations include sugar reductions Retail Newsagents on the provisions contained in Part for soft drinks, which have been part of discussions with 3 of the Health Bill [Lords]. [278303] the soft drinks industry. A Cabinet Office report on food, published in January 2008, estimated that a reduction Gillian Merron: The Department’s policy has always in calories from added sugar to within public health been to consult interested stakeholders. This includes recommendations could potentially avert 3,500 deaths consultation on tobacco policy and legislation. per year. The National Federation of Retail Newsagents provided Mike Penning: To ask the Secretary of State for a consultation response to the ‘Consultation on the Health what progress has been made in achieving future of tobacco control’ which was reflected in the targets for reducing the incidence of childhood obesity; report on that consultation, which considered the legislation and what steps he is taking to increase (a) availability on prohibiting tobacco displays. 121W Written Answers15 JUNE 2009 Written Answers 122W

The National Federation of Retail Newsagents met Joan Ruddock: The Energy Saving Trust proposes an Baroness Thornton during the passage of the Health annual programme of work aimed at reducing domestic Bill through the House of Lords and are setting a date CO2 emissions, which is grant funded by DECC. The to meet departmental officials during the passage of the trust reports to DECC on a quarterly basis on the Bill through the House of Commons. progress of the work, including achievements against a number of key performance indicators. The Energy Saving Trust undertakes evaluations to assess impact across the range of activities for its main ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE audiences. The evaluations employ rigorous methodologies involving both quantitative and qualitative surveys of Carbon Emissions: Electronic Equipment target audiences (e.g. consumers), developed with independent evaluation consultancies to determine influence Mr. Dai Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for on annual and lifetime CO2 emissions. Energy and Climate Change if he will estimate the Quantitative evaluation activity takes the form of carbon dioxide emissions arising from the continuous impact assessments that aim to identify the CO2 savings operation of (a) televisions and (b) other electrical attributable to Energy Saving Trust activity and the cost goods in electrical goods outlets. [279043] of these savings. Impact assessments are undertaken through specifically designed evaluation surveys of a Dan Norris: I have been asked to reply. representative sample of audience members to identify No such estimate has been made by DEFRA. The actions that have been undertaken as a result of the Department holds no information on carbon dioxide trust’s programme activities. The assessments of CO2 emissions from televisions and other electrical goods savings are aligned with values used for Government displayed in shops. policies (e.g. CERT for energy efficiency measures) wherever possible. Carbon Emissions: Housing The above evaluation is supported by qualitative evaluation, the objective of which is to ensure that the Grant Shapps: To ask the Secretary of State for trust understands how impacts have been achieved. Energy and Climate Change what assessment he has Lessons learned are then fed into the planning and made of implications for his Department’s policies of development of any future activity. the definition of zero-carbon used in proposed new buildings standards approved by the European Energy: Prices Parliament. [278279]

Joan Ruddock [holding answer 8 June 2009]: An Alan Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for assessment has not been made of the amendments Energy and Climate Change what estimate he has made recently proposed by the European Parliament to the of the effect on the average annual household energy recast of the energy performance of buildings directive. bill of the operation of (a) the climate change levy and The European Commission is considering the amendments climate change agreements, (b) the renewables obligation, and will adopt a position on them shortly. We will assess (c) the energy efficiency commitment/carbon emissions the implications of the position adopted by the Commission reduction target, (d) the EU emissions trading scheme at that stage. and (e) other environmental mechanisms in each of the We are currently preparing a consultation document last three years. [278404] on the recast of the energy performance of buildings directive which is scheduled for publication in July Joan Ruddock: DECC’s analysis estimates that the 2009. benefits to the UK of our main measures to help avert climate change could outweigh the costs by more than Eaga 10 times. Where these measures lead to an international climate agreement consistent with delivering a 450ppm stabilisation of greenhouse gas atmospheric concentrations, Greg Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy we estimate the total benefits at £241.9 billion. This and Climate Change what payments his Department compares with total costs of £20.6 billion. The Impact and its predecessors have made to Eaga for providing Assessment can be found at: benefits advice in each of the last five years. [256919] www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/what_we_do/lc_uk/ Joan Ruddock: Payments for this provision form part carbon_budgets/carbon_budgets.aspx of the contract between the Department and Eaga and, Of current average electricity bills for medium-sized as such, are commercially sensitive. household consumers, approximately 12 to 14 per cent. is attributable to climate change legislation (the Renewables Energy Saving Trust Obligation, the EU Emissions Trading Scheme and the Carbon Emissions Reduction Target). Mr. Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy For domestic gas consumers, DECC estimates costs and Climate Change pursuant to the answer of 11 of the Carbon Emissions Reduction Target on average March 2009, Official Report, column 523W, on the gas bills at approximately 2 per cent. However the Energy Saving Trust, how his Department monitors the Carbon Emissions Reduction Target supports energy annual performance of the Energy Saving Trust; and efficiency measures for households and so will deliver on what basis the Trust’s estimates of annual and over time an overall saving greater than its total cost to lifetime carbon dioxide savings are calculated. [264844] consumers. 123W Written Answers15 JUNE 2009 Written Answers 124W

The Climate Change Levy and Climate Change year since its inception; and what categories of information Agreements apply to businesses, not to households. his Department collects on successful applicants to the An energy and climate change strategy setting out the scheme. [265727] proposals and policies for meeting carbon budgets will be laid before Parliament in the summer. This report Joan Ruddock [holding answer 23 March 2009]: The will put the Government’s carbon reduction strategy in following table details the number of households assisted the context of the overall programme for delivering by the Warm Front scheme in each year since its inception: secure and low-carbon energy, transport and housing, in a way which benefits the UK economy into the Number future. An estimate of the cost of the proposed financial 2000-01 97,616 mechanism for carbon capture and storage demonstration 2001-02 307,678 will also be published as part of the Impact Assessment 2002-03 219,328 alongside the consultation in the summer. 2003-04 188,974 Fossil Fuels: Subsidies 2004-05 208,084 2005-06 173,184 Gregory Barker: To ask the Secretary of State for 2006-07 253,079 Energy and Climate Change what steps he is taking to 2007-08 268,900 ensure that global fossil fuel subsidies are reduced as 2008-09 233,594 part of a post-2012 agreement at the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change conference of parties To determine their eligibility for Warm Front, the to the Kyoto Protocol in Copenhagen in December scheme manager collects the following information from all applicants to the scheme: name, date of birth, ethnicity, 2009. [265219] address and telephone number; evidence of tenure (and Joan Ruddock: We recognise that fossil fuel subsidies landlord information if a rented property); and evidence form a barrier to the development, deployment and of receipt of benefit. When benefits are related to other diffusion of low carbon technologies. members of the household these details are also required. For successful applicants, additional information is Each country will have different strategies for reducing also collected on the property, including the name of its greenhouse gas emissions. Where countries have the energy supplier, number of residents and property absolute emissions reduction targets, it is clear that the data required to complete the Reduced Data Standard removal of subsidies is one way in which they could Assessment Procedure which enables the scheme manager meet such targets. to determine the increase in the energy efficiency of a For developing countries that do not have absolute household as an outcome of the measures installed. emissions reduction targets, the EU has proposed that All data are handled fully in accordance with the “low carbon development strategies” be prepared, to Data Protection Act. enable these countries to take action to reduce their emissions. Efforts to remove subsidies could be part of John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy these plans, and support could be provided by the and Climate Change how many complaints have been international community to enable this to occur. received by his Department regarding the quality of Members: Correspondence Warm Front heating installations in the last 12 months. [265990] Steve Webb: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Joan Ruddock: The Department has only recently and Climate Change when he will reply to the letter begun to record the number of complaints received in from the hon. Member for Northavon of 21 November respect of Warm Front heating installations. As such, 2008, regarding Warm Front grants, sent on behalf of we cannot provide consolidated data for this period. Mr. Hussey. [260111] John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Joan Ruddock: I replied to the hon. Member for and Climate Change what cash in bank requirement Northavon on 30 March 2009 and apologise for the there is for Warm Front contractors. [265992] long delay, which was due to departmental reorganisation. Joan Ruddock: All registered installers are required Sir Michael Spicer: To ask the Secretary of State for to provide a performance bond of £25,000 to cover Energy and Climate Change when the Parliamentary remedial work and other potential liabilities for up to Under-Secretary of State plans to reply to the email two years after they cease to be on the scheme. from the hon. Member for West Worcestershire of 19 John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy February 2009 on Warm Front. [270835] and Climate Change what the average Warm Front grant per heating installation has been for each Joan Ruddock [holding answer 24 April 2009]: I sub-contractor under the scheme. [265993] responded to the hon. Member’s letter on 30 April 2009, with apologies for the delay. Joan Ruddock: A copy of this information has been placed in the Library of the House. Warm Front Scheme John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Greg Mulholland: To ask the Secretary of State for and Climate Change what payments have been made Energy and Climate Change how many people have by his Department to (a) Eaga and (b) its associated received grants under the Warm Front scheme in each companies in each of the last eight years. [265994] 125W Written Answers15 JUNE 2009 Written Answers 126W

Joan Ruddock: The following table shows the payments Joan Ruddock: No assumptions are made in this made by DECC and its predecessor Department to respect. Under the terms of the Warm Front contract, Eaga since the beginning of this phase of the Warm Eaga is required to calculate the standard assessment Front scheme in 2005, alongside the total grant spend procedure (SAP) ratings using SAP2001 (the industry for this year. All payments to installers and suppliers standard software). working on Warm Front are made through Eaga. This software does not recognise any contribution by The final column shows the total value of these compact fluorescent light bulbs to carbon savings. We payments that are retained by Eaga in scheme management are unable to comment on the assumptions on which fees and their subsidiary organisations that work on this software makes calculations as the Department is Warm Front. The amount paid to the subsidiary not the writer of the software. organisations does not exceed 30 per cent. of the work available in any period. Mr. Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change how many boilers installed under £000 the Warm Front scheme in (a) Sutton and Cheam Warm Front Payments constituency and (b) England have required repair on budget-allocated Sum of retained by Eaga Scheme year spend payments1 or subsidiaries (i) one, (ii) two, (iii) three and (iv) four or more occasions; and if he will make a statement. [267226] 2005-06 187,286 171,928 45,070 2006-07 315,000 317,111 101,654 Joan Ruddock: The latest period for which figures are 2007-08 350,000 377,509 127,020 available is 1 September 2007 to 25 March 2009. The 2008-092 377,562 385,125 135,052 following data show system repairs (including although 1 Warm Front has generated income through trading energy savings to energy not exclusively pertaining to boiler repairs) in Sutton suppliers to help them meet their Energy Efficiency Commitment/Carbon Emissions Reduction Target obligations. This income is then used to provide and Cheam and England respectively. more measures through Warm Front. Therefore the sum of monies paid by the Department to Eaga exceeds the budget allocation in some years. Sutton and Cheam England 2 The data for the 2008-09 financial year run to 28 February 2009. 1 visit 93 66,436 John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy 2 visits 40 20,384 and Climate Change how many former officials of his 3 visits 7 6,227 Department and its predecessors now work for Eaga 4 visits 2 2,967 and its associated companies. [265995] Total properties covered 519 372,775 Total properties visited 142 96,014 Joan Ruddock: Two former officials of predecessor Departments are currently employed by the Eaga group of companies. Mr. Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change how many domestic properties John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy have received insulation improvements under the Warm and Climate Change how many Warm Front heating Front scheme since its inception. [271333] installations have been inspected by his Department’s officials. [265997] Joan Ruddock [holding answer 27 April 2009]: During the contracted period, June 2005 to end of scheme year Joan Ruddock: DECC has appointed an independent 2008-09 (31 March), the Warm Front scheme has installed quality assessor, White Young Green, to carry out such insulation in 337,084 households across England. inspections on its behalf. These inspections, carried out on a random sample of jobs, assess the quality of the David Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for installation in terms of workmanship, health and safety, Energy and Climate Change how many companies and adherence to scheme specifications. White Young Eaga plc have removed from the approved supplier list Green reports back to the Department on its findings for the Warm Front scheme in (a) the East Midlands through bi-yearly audit reports and other ad hoc audits and (b) England since the scheme’s introduction. requested by the Department. [274366]

John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Joan Ruddock: Eaga has managed Warm Front in the and Climate Change how many visits Ministers in his East Midlands since 2005, and cannot provide information Department and its predecessor have made to properties on installers prior to that date. Since 2005, no installer where Warm Front heating has been installed in the last in the East Midlands or nationally has been removed 12 months. [266088] from the scheme by Eaga.

Joan Ruddock: Three such visits have taken place in Mr. Vara: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy the last 12 months. and Climate Change which companies Eaga plc has removed from the approved supplier list for the Warm Greg Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Front scheme in (a) North West Cambridgeshire and Climate Change pursuant to the answer of 5 March constituency, (b) Cambridgeshire, (c) the East of England 2009, Official Report, column 1807W, on Warm Front and (d) the UK since the introduction of the scheme. scheme: lighting, on what assumptions calculations using [275238] the industry standard software of the carbon abatement accruing from the Warm Front scheme are based. Joan Ruddock: Since the start of the current phase of [267005] the Warm Front scheme in 2005, no installer in (a) North 127W Written Answers15 JUNE 2009 Written Answers 128W

West Cambridgeshire constituency, (b) Cambridgeshire, Warm Front Scheme: Cornwall (c) the East of England or (d) nationally has been removed from the scheme by Eaga, but eight have left Matthew Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for the scheme. Energy and Climate Change how many pensioners resident in Cornwall have (a) been eligible for and (b) Grant Shapps: To ask the Secretary of State for received a grant from the Warm Front scheme in each Energy and Climate Change how many (a) lofts and year since it was launched. [259615] (b) cavities were insulated through the Warm Front programme in each of the last three years. [277822] Joan Ruddock: While we cannot estimate the number of people who may have been eligible for Warm Front assistance in each year of the scheme, the following Joan Ruddock: The following tables show the number table details the number of applicants over 60 who have of (a) lofts and (b) cavities insulated through the received a Warm Front grant in Cornwall since the Warm Front programme in each of the last three years, scheme’s inception. and in the current year to date. Scheme year Households assisted Current year to 2000-01 443 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 date1 2001-02 1,214 2002-03 944 (a) Lofts 61,368 60,652 57,104 13,360 2003-04 1,522 (b) Cavities 36,237 31,227 27,100 6,871 2004-05 1,784 1 29 March 2009 to 30 May 2009. 2005-06 1,423 2006-07 1,529 Warm Front Scheme: Contracts 2007-08 1,822 2008-09 to 25 January 1,383 Total 12,064 John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change how many Warm Front Warm Front Scheme: Winchester contractors have declared themselves bankrupt; and on what date each did so. [266004] Mr. Oaten: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change how many pensioners resident in Joan Ruddock [holding answer 24 March 2009]: Winchester constituency (a) were eligible for and (b) Contractors cannot work on the scheme while bankrupt have received a grant from the Warm Front scheme in but one contractor has declared itself to be in voluntary each year since its inception. [260716] liquidation. Heating Efficiency Systems Ltd. declared its voluntary liquidation status on 3 March 2009, and, Joan Ruddock: Eaga does not record or estimate the as such is no longer registered on the Warm Front number of eligible households at any given time. scheme. The following table presents the total number of households assisted in this constituency in each year since the scheme’s inception in 2000. It also provides John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy details of the number of households assisted with a and Climate Change what percentage of work under resident over 60 years of age. Warm Front heating installation contracts has been directly delivered by Eaga under each company brand Total number of name which it uses. [266005] Scheme year Over 60 households assisted

2000-01 26 42 Joan Ruddock [holding answer 24 March 2009]: I can 2001-02 71 122 confirm that between 1 June 2005 and 20 March 2009, 2002-03 81 112 Eaga’s installers were given 29 per cent. of allocations 2003-04 38 59 under the scheme to date. A breakdown of the allocation 2004-05 64 97 to Eaga’s in-house installers is provided in the following 2005-06 47 73 table. This breakdown is based on a restriction DECC has agreed with Eaga: that Eaga’s in-house installers 2006-07 53 85 are restricted to carrying out no more than an allocated 2007-08 75 105 30 per cent. of the work available under Warm Front 2008-09 113 164 during the lifetime of the scheme. Breakdown of 29 per cent. allocation to Eaga in-house installers Percentage CHILDREN, SCHOOLS AND FAMILIES

1 Iguana 14.6 School Playing Fields Eaga Home Services Ltd. 13.2 Eaga Scotland Ltd. 0.6 8. Tony Baldry: To ask the Secretary of State for Eaga Social Housing 0.6 Children, Schools and Families what recent estimate he Total 29 has made of the number of secondary schools that do 1 Trading as Eagaheat since 2 March 2009. not have their own sports playing fields. [279166] 129W Written Answers15 JUNE 2009 Written Answers 130W

Mr. Iain Wright: The Department does not hold an report commissioned by DCSF found eight of 18 local estimate of the number of secondary schools that do authorities surveyed did not fully comply with the legal not have their own playing fields. requirements. We accept Ofsted’s recommendations and Whether or not schools have their own playing fields, will work with them and with the National Strategies to which may not be possible in urban settings, they are provide support and challenge in improving access to required to have access to team game playing fields alternative provision. proportionate to their pupil numbers and type. Primary Capital Programme Secondary Schools

9. Mrs. Humble: To ask the Secretary of State for 14. Mr. Rob Wilson: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families how much he has Children, Schools and Families what recent assessment allocated to the Primary Capital Programme in he has made of educational standards in secondary Blackpool for the next three years. [279167] schools; and if he will make a statement. [279172]

Ms Diana R. Johnson: Following approval to Blackpool’s Ed Balls: In 2008, 129,000 more pupils achieved 5+ revised Primary Strategy for Change, my officials wrote A*-C GCSEs than in 1997, an increase of 19.7 percentage to the authority on 13 May confirming additional funding points; the corresponding figure including English and allocations of £3 million for 2009-10 and £5.38 million maths is 76,500 pupils—an increase of 12 percentage in 2010-11 to support local delivery of the Primary points. Capital Programme. Decisions about funding for future years will be taken in the context of the next spending Careers Advice review. Literacy Teaching 15. John Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what steps he plans to 11. David T.C. Davies: To ask the Secretary of State take to improve careers advice for school pupils; and if for Children, Schools and Families what steps he is he will make a statement. [279173] taking to improve the teaching of literacy in schools. [279169] Mr. Iain Wright: Through the Education and Skills Ms Diana R. Johnson: Primary literacy standards are Act 2008 statutory duty on schools to deliver careers the highest levels ever, and GCSE English pass rates are education impartially and the statutory guidance to be rising. The National Strategies support schools across published this autumn, we are placing clear expectations England to strengthen the quality of literacy teaching, on schools for the provision of high quality information including phonics, and disseminate good practice. In on all 14-19 learning options. We also have a clause particular, the ‘Every Child a Reader’ and ‘Every Child governing advice on apprenticeships in the Apprenticeships, a Writer’ programmes support the neediest pupils’ literacy Skills, Children and Learning Bill and we will set out development. We work closely with the Training and further measures in our information, advice and guidance Development Agency to ensure that Initial Teacher strategy later this year. Training providers offer the best possible training. Autism School Buildings: Expenditure

12. John Barrett: To ask the Secretary of State for 17. Linda Gilroy: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what steps his Department Children, Schools and Families what plans he has to is taking to ensure that children diagnosed with autism bring forward spending on school buildings to 2009-10. are not excluded from mainstream education. [279170] [279175]

Ed Balls: I have made it clear that schools should Ed Balls: £939 million of school capital funding actively avoid permanently excluding children with SEN allocations to schools and to 121 local authorities are other than in the most exceptional circumstances. This being brought forward from 2010-11 to 2009-10. These includes children with autism whose disability often will be spent on school buildings, ICT and other capital results in challenging behaviour. We have reduced exclusions items. of children with SEN because schools are intervening It is disappointing that 27 local authorities did not early and providing targeted support and we have accepted take up the offer of bringing forward a possible £183 million. all Sir Alan Steer’s recent recommendations to support and challenge local authorities with disproportionate high exclusions of children with SEN including those Children’s Social Care with autism. Permanent Exclusions 18. Mr. Newmark: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what steps he is taking 13. Harry Cohen: To ask the Secretary of State for to improve standards of children’s social care; and if he Children, Schools and Families how many children of will make a statement. [279176] school age who have been permanently excluded from school are without schooling. [279171] Dawn Primarolo: We are taking a number of steps to improve children’s social care. We are improving the Mr. Coaker: Local authorities have a statutory duty skills and capacity of the work force, supported by an to provide suitable full-time education from the sixth extra £73 million and have set up the Social Work Task school day of a permanent exclusion. A recent Ofsted Force. 131W Written Answers15 JUNE 2009 Written Answers 132W

We have accepted all the recommendations in Lord Dawn Primarolo: Local authority expenditure on services Laming report on safeguarding and have published a for looked after children has increased from £1.3 billion detailed action plan to implement these. to approximately £2.2 billion in 2007-08. In addition, We are also implementing our “Care Matters” for 2007-08 and through the spending review period, programme to improve the support given to children in almost £300 million extra has been provided by Government care. to help Care Matters reforms. It is essential that the residential sector provides good Schools: Halifax quality care. As part of this aim we are piloting social pedagogy and working with the Children’s Workforce 19. Mrs. Riordan: To ask the Secretary of State for Development Council to improve standards. Children, Schools and Families what plans there are to renew and refurbish the fabric of schools in Halifax. CRB Checks: Teachers [279178] 23. Mr. Whittingdale: To ask the Secretary of State Mr. Coaker: Decisions on which schools to invest in for Children, Schools and Families what recent are a matter for the local authority. Halifax primary representations he has received on the retention of schools will benefit from Calderdale’s Primary Capital information on the outcomes of Criminal Records Bureau Programme allocation of £8.67 million over the next checks on teachers. [279182] two years. Halifax secondary schools will be renewed and refurbished when Calderdale joins the BSF programme. Mr. Coaker: I am aware of representations made to I am aware that the hon. Member met the former the CRB in January 2009 by Southend-on-Sea borough Schools Minister to discuss Halifax’s BSF project. I am council. The question concerned the retention of risk considering the matters that were raised. assessment information made by recruiting managers, including cases where an individual is appointed to a Language Teaching: Secondary Schools post after a CRB disclosure has been provided which includes relevant information. The CRB responded to 20. Michael Fabricant: To ask the Secretary of State the question, and DCSF officials undertook to consider for Children, Schools and Families what recent assessment the issue in the context of planned revisions to the he has made of the effectiveness of language teaching in Department’s “Safeguarding Children and Safer secondary schools; and if he will make a statement. Recruitment” guidance. [279179] Standard Assessment Tests Ms Diana R. Johnson: Ofsted’s languages report published in July 2008 found that a third of schools Paul Rowen: To ask the Secretary of State for surveyed showed considerable strengths in languages Children, Schools and Families what steps he is taking teaching. Teaching observed was rated satisfactory in a to ensure the timely marking of standard assessment further 50 per cent. of schools. Strengths included tests in 2009; and if he will make a statement. [279168] thorough planning, a variety of activities and good questioning of students to ensure comprehension. Weaker Mr. Coaker: Marking of this year’s National Curriculum features included insufficient practice in the language Key Stage 2 tests in 2009 is well under way and the and over-reliance on course books and memorisation of Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) advise words and phrases. that they are currently on schedule to deliver results to schools by 7 July. Primary Schools The Department is monitoring delivery closely, and Ministers are receiving regular updates on progress. 21. Mr. Dunne: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what recent assessment Apprentices he has made of standards of educational achievement in primary schools. [279180] Tom Levitt: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families how much funding his Ms Diana R. Johnson: Standards in primary schools Department has allocated to apprenticeships for young have never been higher. In 2008 Key Stage 2 results people aged 16 to 18 years in 2010-11. [279183] show 81 per cent. of 11-year-olds achieved level 4 or above in English and 79 per cent. achieved level 4 or Mr. Iain Wright: Planned national expenditure on 16 above in mathematics. to 18 Apprenticeships for 2010-11 will be published in There have been consistent and significant improvements the LSC’s Annual Statement of Priorities in autumn in our primary schools over the past decade. Compared 2009, and confirmed in March 2010. to 1997, over 113,000 more 11-year-olds achieved the target level for their age in reading, writing and mathematics Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, in 2008. Schools and Families what (a) assistance and (b) funding his Department provides to people under 18 years old Care Homes undertaking an apprenticeship. [279788]

22. Mr. Steen: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr. Iain Wright: The Department, with the Department Children, Schools and Families if he will increase his for Business, Innovation and Skills, created the National Department’s funding for local authority provision for Apprenticeship Service (NAS) which has end-to-end vulnerable children in care homes. [279181] responsibility for apprenticeships and has been fully 133W Written Answers15 JUNE 2009 Written Answers 134W operational since April this year. Supporting 16 to The Security Policy Framework and the Data Handling 18-year-olds is one of the NAS’s key priorities for Report produced by the Cabinet Office provide a strategic 2009/10. The NAS works with employers across the framework for protecting information that Government country to develop Apprenticeship opportunities, and handle and put in place a set of mandatory measures works with Connexions and other agencies to ensure which Departments must adhere to. that young people have the information and support DCSF has clear guidance for all staff about their they need to access them. From the beginning of this responsibilities in relation to information handling and year the on-line apprenticeship vacancy system has data security, which is regularly reinforced. In addition been operating, providing a free service for employers all staff must complete online protecting information and providers to advertise apprenticeship vacancies, training by 31 August 2009. The Department will take and allowing potential apprentices to register and apply robust action against any member of staff who fails to for vacancies. Youngpeople can also access apprenticeship take reasonable steps to safeguard the information and opportunities through their local 14-19 Prospectus, a data for which they or their staff are responsible, and user-friendly, fully searchable directory of education this may include dismissal and criminal proceedings and training available in their area at entry level through where appropriate. to NVQ level 3. In DCSF there have been less than five such breaches The Department fully funds the training element of where disciplinary action has been appropriate in the 12 apprenticeships for 16 to 18-year-olds. The apprenticeships months to 31 May 2009 and individual detail is suppressed budget for 16 to 18-year-olds is £628 million for 2008-09 on grounds of confidentiality. and £675 million for 2009-10. In addition, earlier in the year my right hon. Friend Departmental Dismissal the Prime Minister announced a £140 million package to provide 35,000 extra apprenticeship places in the Chris Huhne: To ask the Secretary of State for coming year. Children, Schools and Families how many members of Apprenticeship starts increased from 65,000 in 1996/97 staff in his Department and its predecessor and their to 225,000 in 2007/08, up 22 per cent. on the year agencies were dismissed (a) for under-performance before. Since 1996/97 over 2 million people have started and (b) in total in each of the last 10 years. [278393] an apprenticeship. Ms Diana R. Johnson: The Department was established Departmental Data Protection on 28 June 2007. Less than five staff were dismissed by the Department in the financial year 2007-08, and seven James Brokenshire: To ask the Secretary of State for during 2008-09. During each of these periods there Children, Schools and Families how many notifications have been less than five dismissals for failure to consistently his Department made to the Information Commissioner meet performance standards. Information about totals in the year ended 30 April 2009 in respect of the loss or of less than five is suppressed on grounds of confidentiality. mishandling of personal information or data; what was The Department has no agencies. notified in each such case; and how many individuals Information for preceding years could be obtained were the subjects of personal information or data in only at disproportionate cost. respect of which such notifications were made. [278751] Education Maintenance Allowance Ms Diana R. Johnson: Under the mandatory requirements of the Data Handling Report published Paul Rowen: To ask the Secretary of State for on 25 June 2008, the Department for Children, Schools Children, Schools and Families how many people have and Families is required to give a summary report on received the education maintenance allowance since the data breaches reported to the Information Commissioner inception of the scheme. [279987] in its annual resource accounts. Mr. Iain Wright: This is a matter for the Learning and The Department for Children, Schools and Families Skills Council (LSC) who operate the education has reported on personal data breaches in the 2007-08 maintenance allowance (EMA) for the Department for annual resource account and this can be found at: Children, Schools and Families. Geoffrey Russell the www.dcsf.gov.uk/aboutus/reports/ LSC’s Acting Chief Executive, will write to the hon. We will be publishing information on personal data Member with the information requested and a copy of security breaches reported to the Information Commissioner his reply will be placed in the House Library. for the 2008-09 reporting year before Parliament rises in July. The information is currently being compiled and is History: Primary Education to be audited and verified before it is laid before Parliament. Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, James Brokenshire: To ask the Secretary of State for Schools and Families what estimate he has made of the Children, Schools and Families how many officials in percentage of children in each school year from 7 to 11 his Department have been (a) disciplined and (b) who are being taught British history. [278150] dismissed for (i) breaches of data protection requirements and (ii) inappropriate use of personal or sensitive data Ms Diana R. Johnson: History is a statutory subject in the last 12 months. [278752] for all pupils to the end of key stage 3, normally school year 9. British history is a compulsory element of the Ms Diana R. Johnson: Information is a key asset to National Curriculum at all key stages. It is therefore Government and its correct handling is vital to the expected that all children will be taught British history delivery of public services and to the integrity of HMG. at least to the age of 14. 135W Written Answers15 JUNE 2009 Written Answers 136W

History is not compulsory at key stage 4, normally Special Educational Needs years 10 and 11, but students are entitled to follow a humanities course (comprising geography and history). Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Citizenship, which is statutory at key stages 3 and 4, Children, Schools and Families what the average cost also provides opportunities for pupils to explore what it of placing a child with a statement of special means to be British as part of a wider discussion of educational needs for behavioural, emotional and their identities. GCSE history remains a popular choice social difficulties in a special school was in the last year for young people and must contain at least 25 per cent. for which figures are available. [279912] British history. Pupils: Disadvantaged Ms Diana R. Johnson: During the 2008-09 financial year, we estimate that the average funding for a maintained Ms Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, special school place was £17,633. However, from Schools and Families what proportion of children are information held centrally it is not possible to estimate entitled to free school meals in each local authority this figure for children with behavioural, emotional and area; and what the percentage change in such social difficulties in particular. proportions was in each area between 1997 and 2008. In estimating this figure we have included all children [276184] attending maintained special schools. We have not included related costs often incurred by local authorities, such as Dawn Primarolo: The information requested has been home to school transport, or the capital costs associated placed in the House Libraries. with building or refurbishing maintained special schools. We have also not included the cost of places in independent Schools: Romford sector and non-maintained special schools.

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Special Educational Needs: General Certificate of Children, Schools and Families whether he has plans to Secondary Education visit schools in Romford in 2009-10. [272900]

Ms Diana R. Johnson: My right hon. Friend the Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families Children, Schools and Families pursuant to the answer Official Report does not have any current plans to visit schools in of 20 April 2009, , column 279W, on Romford. special educational needs: general certificate of secondary education, at how many mainstream schools Schools: Transport which had between one and nine pupils with statements of special educational needs no such pupils achieved five A* to C grades at GCSE in 2008. [279910] Mr. Crausby: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families how much was spent on school transport in (a) Greater Manchester and Ms Diana R. Johnson: Statistical disclosure rules are (b) England in the latest period for which figures are operated to protect the inadvertent disclosure of personal available. [270660] information about an individual pupil. For achievement data, the recognised approach is to suppress school Ms Diana R. Johnson: The available information on level performance information where there are 10 or how much was spent on school transport in Greater fewer pupils at the end of key stage 4 in the school. Manchester and England for 2007-08 is contained in That is accepted practice in the published Achievement the table: and Attainment Tables. Following that approach, it would not normally be possible to give school level Net current expenditure on performance information for schools with 10 or fewer Local authority home to school transport (£) pupils at the end of key stage 4 with statements of England 890,257,904 special educational needs. While naming individual schools would potentially Greater Manchester 34,963,146 disclose personal information about individual pupils, Bolton 3,278,553 simply stating the number of schools does not. Bury 2,075,000 Additionally, in the previous answer, the approach Manchester 10,162,745 was relaxed slightly to fewer than 10 pupils (rather than Oldham 2,056,754 10 or fewer) at the end of key stage 4 with statements of Rochdale 2,275,858 special educational needs. Salford 2,976,705 There are 26 maintained mainstream schools with Stockport 3,115,984 more than 10 pupils with statements of SEN at the end Tameside 1,420,000 of key stage 4, where no pupils with statements of SEN Trafford 3,430,994 achieved five or more GCSEs at grades A*-C or the Wigan 4,170,554 equivalent in 2008. Notes: There are 43 maintained mainstream schools with 10 1. 2007-08 data are subject to change by local authority. or more pupils with statements of SEN at the end of 2. Cash terms figures as reported by local authorities as at 21 April 2009. key stage 4, where no pupils with statements of SEN 3. The data are drawn from the local authorities section 52 outturn achieved five or more GCSEs at grades A*-C or the statements (table A). equivalent in 2008. 137W Written Answers15 JUNE 2009 Written Answers 138W

As the number of pupils was over the 10 pupils stage 4 had statements of special educational needs and threshold for those schools, they were named in previous where no such pupils achieved five or more GCSEs at answers. grade A* to C or the equivalent, in 2008. There were 2,542 maintained mainstream schools at To prevent inadvertent disclosure of personal which between one and nine pupils at the end of key information, it will not be possible to name those schools stage 4 had statements of special educational needs in in subsequent answers. 2008. There were 1,279 maintained mainstream schools at The source of this data is the Achievement and which between one and nine pupils at the end of key Attainment Tables’ database.

ORAL ANSWERS

Monday 15 June 2009

Col. No. Col. No. CHILDREN, SCHOOLS AND FAMILIES...... 1 CHILDREN, SCHOOLS AND FAMILIES—continued Child Care (Summer Holidays)...... 9 Sexually Transmitted Infections ...... 7 Family Holidays (School Terms)...... 11 Sure Start...... 13 Macdonald Review ...... 5 Topical Questions ...... 15 School Buildings (Expenditure) ...... 12 Schools (Manchester)...... 137 Secondary Schools...... 1 WRITTEN MINISTERIAL STATEMENTS

Monday 15 June 2009

Col. No. Col. No. CHILDREN, SCHOOLS AND FAMILIES...... 1WS JUSTICE...... 5WS 16-19 Funding ...... 1WS Ministry of Justice (Annual Report 2008-09) ...... 5WS

HEALTH...... 2WS SCOTLAND...... 5WS Written Answer (Correction)...... 2WS Commission on Scottish Devolution...... 5WS HOME DEPARTMENT...... 3WS Control Order Powers (11 March 2009 - 10 June WORK AND PENSIONS ...... 8WS 2009)...... 3WS Social Security (Industrial Injuries) (Prescribed Language Analysis...... 3WS Diseases) Amendment Regulations 2009...... 8WS WRITTEN ANSWERS

Monday 15 June 2009

Col. No. Col. No. BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS ...... 58W COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT— Climate Change ...... 58W continued Departmental Air Conditioning...... 58W Business Improvement Districts ...... 16W Departmental Buildings...... 58W Commission on Architecture and the Built South West Regional Development Agency ...... 59W Environment ...... 16W Council Housing: Rents ...... 16W CHILDREN, SCHOOLS AND FAMILIES ...... 128W Council Housing: Waiting Lists ...... 17W Apprentices...... 132W Councillors ...... 17W Autism ...... 129W Departmental Film ...... 18W Care Homes ...... 131W Departmental Procurement...... 18W Careers Advice...... 130W Departmental Training ...... 18W Children’s Social Care...... 130W Energy Performance Certificates...... 18W CRB Checks: Teachers...... 132W Homebuy Scheme ...... 19W Departmental Data Protection...... 133W Homes and Communities Agency: Olympic Departmental Dismissal...... 134W Games 2012 ...... 19W Education Maintenance Allowance...... 134W Housing ...... 20W History: Primary Education...... 134W Housing: Carbon Emissions...... 20W Language Teaching: Secondary Schools...... 131W Housing: Low Incomes ...... 20W Literacy Teaching...... 129W Housing Revenue Accounts ...... 20W Permanent Exclusions...... 129W Local Government Finance ...... 22W Primary Capital Programme ...... 129W Non-Domestic Rates...... 23W Primary Schools...... 131W Parks: Finance ...... 23W Pupils: Disadvantaged...... 135W Parks: Merseyside ...... 23W School Buildings: Expenditure...... 130W Recreation Spaces: East of England...... 23W School Playing Fields...... 128W Regeneration: Coastal Areas...... 24W Schools: Halifax...... 131W Sheltered Housing...... 24W Schools: Romford ...... 135W Town and Planning Association: Eco-Towns ...... 24W Schools: Transport ...... 135W Trees ...... 25W Secondary Schools ...... 130W World Heritage Sites: Planning Permission ...... 25W Special Educational Needs...... 136W Special Educational Needs: General Certificate of Secondary Education...... 136W CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT ...... 28W Standard Assessment Tests ...... 132W Culture and Sport Evidence Programme...... 28W Departmental Reviews ...... 29W COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT . 16W Gaming Machines: Taxation...... 29W Audit Commission: Bank Services...... 16W Tourism: Inland Waterways ...... 29W Col. No. Col. No. DEFENCE...... 2W ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS— Afghanistan: Peacekeeping Operations ...... 2W continued Air Force: Manpower...... 2W World Oceans Day ...... 98W Armed Forces: Deployment ...... 2W Armed Forces: Pensions...... 3W FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE..... 69W Armoured Fighting Vehicles ...... 3W Aung San Suu Kyi...... 69W Army: Training ...... 3W Burma: Politics and Government ...... 71W Defence Infrastructure Information Project ...... 3W Colombia: Foreign Relations ...... 71W Defence: Procurement...... 4W Departmental Billing ...... 71W Departmental Billing ...... 4W Departmental Gifts and Endowments...... 72W Departmental Press...... 5W Departmental Public Expenditure...... 72W Departmental Responsibilities ...... 6W Election observers...... 72W Heroes Return 2 Scheme ...... 6W Election Observers ...... 73W Korean War: Anniversaries ...... 7W Gibraltar...... 73W Members: Correspondence ...... 7W India: Tourism ...... 74W Military Aircraft ...... 7W Iran: Baha’i Faith...... 74W Navistar Defence Husky ...... 8W Iran: Nuclear power...... 74W Navy: Gibraltar...... 8W North Africa: al-Qaeda...... 75W North Korea ...... 75W ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE...... 121W Palestinians ...... 75W Carbon Emissions: Electronic Equipment...... 121W Sri Lanka: Arms trade ...... 76W Carbon Emissions: Housing...... 121W West Bank...... 76W Eaga...... 121W Zimbabwe: Embassies ...... 77W Energy: Prices ...... 122W Energy Saving Trust ...... 121W HEALTH...... 99W Fossil Fuels: Subsidies...... 123W Abortion ...... 99W Members: Correspondence ...... 123W Abortion: Essex ...... 107W Warm Front Scheme ...... 123W Alcoholic Drinks: Misuse...... 109W Warm Front Scheme: Contracts...... 127W Barking Havering and Redbridge Hospitals NHS Warm Front Scheme: Cornwall...... 128W Trust ...... 111W Warm Front Scheme: Winchester...... 128W Blood: Contamination ...... 113W Christie Hospital Manchester: Bank Services...... 113W ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL Dental Services: Essex...... 113W AFFAIRS...... 77W Hospitals: Admissions ...... 114W Animal Experiments ...... 77W Hospitals: Learning Disability ...... 114W Climate Change ...... 78W Medical Treatments...... 115W Dairy Farming ...... 78W Mental Health Services ...... 115W Departmental Air Conditioning...... 79W Mental Health Services: Hospital Beds ...... 116W Departmental Billing ...... 79W Mental Health Services: Males...... 117W Departmental Carbon Emissions ...... 79W NHS: Debts ...... 117W Departmental Contracts for Services ...... 80W Primary Care Trusts...... 118W Departmental Data Protection...... 80W Social Services: Illegal Immigrants...... 118W Departmental Information Officers ...... 81W Sugar ...... 119W Departmental Marketing ...... 82W Tobacco ...... 120W Departmental Official Hospitality...... 83W Tobacco: Sales...... 120W Departmental Pay ...... 84W Departmental Responsibilities ...... 86W HOME DEPARTMENT...... 30W Departmental Security ...... 86W Asylum: Democratic Republic of Congo ...... 30W Departmental Stationery...... 87W Climate Change ...... 30W Departmental Training ...... 88W Departmental Buildings...... 31W Departmental Work Experience...... 88W Departmental Drinking Water ...... 31W Domestic Waste: Recycling ...... 88W Departmental ICT ...... 31W Fisheries: Environment Protection ...... 89W Departmental Manpower...... 32W Fishing Vessels ...... 90W Deportation: Children...... 32W Fly Tipping ...... 91W Drugs: Crime ...... 33W Hazardous Substances: Oldbury ...... 91W Entry Clearances...... 33W Hogweed...... 92W Entry Clearances: Overseas Students ...... 33W Litter: Smoking...... 93W Firearms ...... 34W Marine Management Organisation: Manpower ..... 93W Identity and Passport Service: Disciplinary National Poultry Register ...... 93W Proceedings...... 34W Pets: Vaccination...... 94W Immigration Controls: Fees and Charges...... 35W Poaching ...... 94W Immigration: Gurkhas ...... 35W Rabbits...... 95W Immigration: Health Professions...... 36W Recycling: Drinks...... 95W Internet: Privacy ...... 36W Recycling: Supermarkets...... 95W Members: Correspondence ...... 37W Renewable Energy: Waste ...... 96W Parliamentary Questions: Government Responses. 37W Sheep ...... 96W Passports...... 38W Trapping ...... 96W Police: Procurement ...... 38W Trees: Merseyside...... 97W Police Reform Act 2002...... 37W Water Charges: Voluntary Organisations ...... 97W Serious Organised Crime Agency...... 39W Water: East of England...... 97W Serious Organised Crime Agency: Manpower...... 39W Col. No. Col. No. HOME DEPARTMENT—continued TRANSPORT—continued Serious Organised Crime Agency: Resignations..... 40W Departmental Data Protection...... 11W Terrorism ...... 40W Departmental Exhaust Emissions ...... 11W UK Border Agency: Correspondence...... 40W Departmental Taxis ...... 12W UK Border Agency: Manpower...... 41W Driving: Licensing...... 12W Driving Tests: Motorcycles ...... 12W INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT...... 1W Heathrow Airport ...... 13W Developing Countries: Malaria ...... 1W Local Government: Parking...... 13W Liberia: Corruption ...... 1W M25 ...... 13W United Nations: Females ...... 1W Railways: Finance ...... 14W Roads: Accidents ...... 15W JUSTICE...... 59W Royal Family: Travel ...... 15W Antisocial Behaviour: Fixed Penalties ...... 59W Speed Limits: Chideock ...... 15W Crimes of Violence: Young Offenders ...... 60W Departmental Billing ...... 62W TREASURY ...... 52W Departmental Drinking Water ...... 62W Child Trust Fund: Cleethorpes...... 52W Departmental Official Hospitality...... 63W Data Protection...... 52W National Offender Management Service: Training. 64W Demos...... 53W Prisons: Mental Health Services...... 64W Departmental Training ...... 53W Prisons: Mobile Phones...... 65W Members: Correspondence ...... 53W Probation Officers: Redundancy ...... 67W Public Expenditure...... 53W Young Offenders ...... 67W Tax Avoidance ...... 53W Young Offenders: Restraint Techniques ...... 67W Taxation...... 54W Taxation: Business ...... 54W LEADER OF THE HOUSE ...... 98W Taxation: Gaming Machines...... 54W Members: Allowances ...... 98W Taxation: Housing ...... 54W Parliamentary Procedure...... 98W Valuation Office: Training...... 55W Private Members Bills ...... 99W Welfare Tax Credits...... 57W Welfare Tax Credits: Education Maintenance NORTHERN IRELAND ...... 8W Allowance ...... 57W Departmental Billing ...... 8W Police Service of Northern Ireland...... 9W WORK AND PENSIONS ...... 41W Prisoners: Basic Skills ...... 10W Change AGEnts...... 41W Children: Maintenance ...... 41W OLYMPICS ...... 25W Council Tax Benefits: Scotland ...... 42W Government Olympic Executive: Consultants ...... 25W Demos...... 42W Government Olympic Executive: Employment Departmental Billing ...... 42W Tribunals Service...... 26W Departmental Responsibilities ...... 43W Olympic Games 2012: Construction ...... 26W Departmental Reviews ...... 43W Olympic Games 2012: Facilities ...... 27W Employment Schemes: Greater Manchester...... 43W Olympic Games 2012: Finance...... 28W Future Jobs Fund...... 44W Incapacity Benefit ...... 44W PRIME MINISTER...... 51W Industrial Accidents...... 45W Departmental Responsibilities ...... 51W Jobcentre Plus ...... 46W Intelligence Services: Publications...... 51W Jobcentre Plus: Civil Proceedings ...... 47W Prime Minister: Official Engagements...... 51W Jobcentre Plus: Manpower ...... 47W World War II: Anniversaries ...... 52W Jobseeker’s Allowance ...... 48W Local Housing Allowance...... 48W SCOTLAND...... 9W New Deal Schemes...... 48W Departmental Plants ...... 9W Parliamentary Questions: Government Responses. 49W Social Fund...... 49W TRANSPORT ...... 9W Social Security Benefits...... 50W Aviation ...... 9W Vocational Training...... 50W Aviation: Safety...... 10W Welfare to Work: Standards ...... 50W Bus Services: Standards ...... 11W Written Questions: Government Responses ...... 51W Members who wish to have the Daily Report of the Debates forwarded to them should give notice at the Vote Office. 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not later than Monday 22 June 2009

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CONTENTS

Monday 15 June 2009

List of Government and Principal Officers of the House

Oral Answers to Questions [Col. 1] [see index inside back page] Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families

Iraq [Col. 21] Statement—(Prime Minister)

Opposition Day [13th allotted day] Rural Communities (Recession) [Col. 40] Motion—(Nick Herbert)—on a Division, negatived Amendment—(Jim Fitzpatrick)—agreed to Motion, as amended, agreed to

Business Rates [Col. 93] Motion—(Justine Greening)—on a Division, negatived Amendment—(Ms Rosie Winterton)—agreed to Motion, as amended, agreed to

Driving Instruction (Suspension and Exemption Powers) Bill [Col. 133] Money resolution—(Paul Clark)—agreed to Ways and Means motion—(Paul Clark)—agreed to

Petition [Col. 137]

Vehicle Scrappage Scheme [Col. 138] Debate on motion for Adjournment

Written Ministerial Statements [Col. 1WS]

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